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At the foot of Mount Tento in Hokkaido stands the Abashiri Prison Museum, a place where Japans harsh penal past is preserved in timber and iron. The open-air museumonce an actual prisonnow houses the original cell blocks, administration offices, and chapel, all of which were relocated and restored to show what life was like behind its cold wooden walls.

Wandering through its dim corridors, visitors often stop short at a startling sight: a life-size mannequin dangling overhead, seemingly caught in the act of wriggling to freedom through the rafters. Clad in nothing but a white loincloth, the figure portrays Yoshie Shiratori, a prisoner no jail could hold. Between 1936 and 1947, the man known as the Harry Houdini of Japan pulled off four daring prison escapes, earning a legends status among escape artists.



A mannequin replicating Shiratori's escape from Abashiri Prison. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Yoshie Shiratori was born in 1907 in Aomori Prefecture. The middle child of three, his father died when he was very young, and soon after, his mother abandoned him and his sister, taking only the eldest son to live with a farmer in Akita. The two younger children were left in the care of an aunt who ran a tofu shop, where Shiratori grew up helping with deliveries and other shop duties. Restless and burdened by his late fathers debts, Shiratori left his aunts home at eighteen to work on a Russian crab-fishing vessel. With steady work and income, Shiratori married a few years later and had a child. But soon he was plunged into financial trouble.

Desperation drove him into gambling and then into theft. In 1933, he joined a small gang that broke into a merchants storehouse in Higashitsugaru. The heist went horribly wrong. The merchants adopted son gave chase and was fatally stabbed. Two years later, when one of his accomplices was caught, Shiratori turned himself in. Though he denied committing the murder, police interrogators reportedly beat and tortured him to get him to confess.

In 1936, Shiratori was sent to Aomori Prison, where the conditions were brutal and the guards even worse. When he protested the filth and cruelty, his punishments only grew harsher. Shiratori began watching the guards, studying their movement and memorizing their routines. He noticed that in the morning there was always a fifteen-minute lull between patrols. It was a small window, but enough.

In June that year, he made his move. Using a thin piece of wire stripped from a bathing bucket, Shiratori picked the lock of his cell. He then slipped through a cracked skylight, leaving behind a decoy of floorboards arranged under his blanket to resemble a sleeping body. When guards passed, they assumed he was still in bed. By the time they realized, he was gone.



Yoshie Shiratori

Shiratoris freedom lasted only three days. He was caught stealing supplies from a hospital and was dragged back in chains. This time, the court gave him a life sentence for escaping and attempted theft. In 1941, he was transferred to Akita Prison, a place even harsher than the last.

Shiratori was treated even worse than before. He was kept handcuffed day and night in a cell built specifically to deter escape artists with high ceilings and a small skylight. Every night, Shiratori would wriggle his hands out of the cuffs, scale the smooth copper walls of his cell and work on the rotting wooden framing of the skylight. After months of effort, he finally pried it open. He waited for a stormy night, when wind and rain would drown out the sound of his footsteps on the roof, and vanished once more into the darkness.

Three months later, he made the mistake of showing up at the house of head guard Kobayashi to ask for help, as he was one of the only people who had shown kindness and respect to Shiratori during his stay in the Akita prison. However, Kobayashi called the police and Shiratori was arrested and sent back to prison. This time Shiratori was sent to Hokkaidos notorious Abashiri Prison, a place no inmate had ever escaped from.

At Abashiri, the prison that prided itself on being escape-proof, the guards made sure Yoshie Shiratori would never see daylight again. He was thrown into an open cell, where he was left to endure Hokkaidos brutal winters in nothing more than thin summer clothes. When officials learned how he had once slipped out of his handcuffs, they ordered a custom-made pair that was heavy and supposedly impossible to remove.

But they underestimated his resourcefulness. Each morning, Shiratori spat some of his miso soup onto the metal cuffs and the metal frame of the narrow food slot on his cell door. The salt in the soup slowly ate into the iron, corroding it day by day. Then, on the night of August 26, 1944, under the cover of a wartime blackout, he made his move. According to legend, he dislocated his shoulders to squeeze his body through the tiny food slot and disappeared once again into the frozen wilderness.



Abashiri Prison Museum. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Like much of Shiratoris legend, the exact details are shrouded in folklore, embellished over time by storytellers and admirers. Whats certain is that he survived in the mountains, finding refuge in an abandoned mine. For nearly two years, he lived like a ghost, subsisting on nuts, berries, and whatever game he could catch.

When the war finally ended, Shiratori descended from the mountains and wandered into a nearby village, where he learned of Japans surrender. Hungry and weak, he stole a few tomatoes from a field, but the theft was discovered and a confrontation with the farmer ensued. Shiratori later claimed he acted in self-defence when the man attacked him. The farmer was fatally wounded and Shiratori was captured once again. This time he was sentenced to death and sent to Sapporo Prison to await execution.

At Sapporo Prison, Yoshie Shiratori was placed in a cell designed to deter escape. The ceiling was high and the windows no larger than his head. Convinced that no one could break free from such a fortress, the guards grew complacent. They didnt even bother to keep him handcuffed.

But while the prisons designers had obsessed over the walls and the ceiling, they had overlooked the ground beneath their feet. With nothing but a few soup bowls, Shiratori began to dig. Night after night, he quietly chipped away at the packed earth beneath the floorboards, hiding the evidence so well that even today, no one knows where the dirt went. Sometime in 1947, after months of patient work, he slipped through the tunnel and vanished once more.

After a year on the run, however, Shiratori did something unexpected: he turned himself in and confessed to being an escaped convict. The Sapporo High Court, however, overturned his death sentence, accepting that the farmers killing had been in self-defence. His punishment was reduced to twenty years, of which he served fourteen before being released for good behaviour.

Shiratori eventually returned to Aomori, to reconnect with his daughter. His wife had died while he was imprisoned. In the years that followed, he lived modestly, taking odd jobs to survive. Yoshie Shiratori, the man no prison could hold, died of a heart attack in 1979 at the age of seventy-one.

Shiratori came to be regarded as a kind of antiheroa symbol of defiance against injustice. His remarkable escapes captured the public imagination, and in 1983, acclaimed author Akira Yoshimura immortalized his story in Hagoku (Prison Break), a novel inspired by his life.
Google is finally rolling out its Gemini AI into the heart of the smart home, moving beyond the older, more rigid Google Assistant. Users who opted into the early access program are now seeing the upgrade. The change means much more than just a new voice. The new Gemini for Home AI is smarter, more conversational, and apparently, a little bit ruthlessespecially when it comes to keeping secrets.

Google Gemini for Home rollout starts for some lucky users

Early reports from users confirm that the AI is quickly becoming a high-tech tattletale. In fact, Gemini can highlight exactly what happens when the human residents are away. One user on Reddit famously asked Gemini, Was my dog doing anything bad? The AI quickly responded with a detailed answer, confirming that a black dog had jumped up on the kitchen counter at a specific time.

This level of detail stems from Geminis significantly improved language model. Instead of rigid, sequential commands, users can now pose complex, natural language questions to their devices. You dont need to ask for a specific video time stamp. You can ask a high-level question, and the AI processes the query, digging into device data to provide a summarized, intelligent answer.

A system that truly observes

This intelligence isnt limited to pet monitoring. The system incorporates a powerful new Ask Home feature that actively observes and analyzes video feeds from connected doorbells and cameras. The AI identifies specifics that previous systems often failed to register.

Early adopters report that Gemini accurately recognizes and distinguishes between different vehicles (like school buses versus FedEx trucks), individual people, and even wildlife. This observational capability feeds into the new Home Briefing feature. This allows the AI to provide contextual conclusions. For instance, the system may note that since the school bus just passed, it must be school pick-up time.

The initial rollout is currently invite-only and strategically focused on core compatible devices like cameras and doorbells in a handful of countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK. While the core intelligence upgrade is free, Google has tied some of the most advanced features to its Home Premium and Advanced subscription tiers. The list includes custom automations and detailed AI-driven descriptions, among others.

As usual in a first, limited launch, the system isnt perfect yet. Users have reported some bugs in certain situations. However, the core capability to summarize, identify, and report on specific home events represents a major leap forward for the entire smart home category. Were witnessing the transformation from a platform that merely followed commands to a truly observant one you can even talk to.
Earlier this year, a team-up of some of the most infamous hacking groups claimed to have conducted a Salesforce data breach, stealing nearly 1 billion records from major global companies. The group, known as Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters, has now launched a website to ransom victims of the data breach. Some of these victims are major tech firms, like Cloudflare, Zscaler, Google, and Workday.

Threat actors have launched a website to extort Salesforce data breach victims

The loosely organized group, known as Lapsus$, Scattered Spider, and ShinyHunters, has published a Salesforce data breach site on the dark web. The website seeks to pressure victims of the data breach into paying the attackers to prevent the exposure of their sensitive data online. Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters website mentions several alleged victims, such as FedEx, Hulu, and Toyota Motors.

Notably, some of the largest firms, including Google, Allianz Life, Kering, Qantas, Stellantis, TransUnion, and Workday, have confirmed that hackers stole sensitive information during the Salesforce data breach. Currently, no information has emerged about whether the companies listed on the website have paid a ransom to the attackers to prevent the publication of their data online.

Contact us to regain control of data governance and prevent public disclosure of your data, reads the site. Do not be the next headline. All communications demand strict verification and will be handled with discretion.

Salesforce says its platform remains uncompromised

Salesforce states that the data breach didnt happen from a compromise of its platform. It was due to social engineering attacks targeting Salesforce users. Salesforce further stated that this data leak isnt related to any known vulnerability. The firm declined to confirm whether ransom talks had taken place with the threat actors.

The incident primarily originated from a compromise of a third-party application, Saleslofts Drift integration. Attackers successfully breached this integration to steal OAuth and refresh tokens. Attackers used these API access-granting tokens to target the users of the customized application.

That said, these hackers have published a list of 39 companies on their site that the data breach has impacted. They have given a deadline of October 10 to the victims of the breach to reach out to prevent public disclosure of their data.
Samsung is gearing up for a major software refresh with the upcoming One UI 8.5 update. Now, recent findings suggest the company is ready to introduce a critical feature that will look very familiar to Google Pixel users. It seems that Samsung is ready to bring a powerful automatic call screening feature with One UI 8.5. This move signals Samsungs intention to move beyond its existing manual call-screening tools, such as Bixby Text Call, and directly compete with the sophisticated AI features offered by its rival.

AI automatic call screening is coming to Samsung Galaxy phones with One UI 8.5

Code strings in early One UI 8.5 builds reveal that Samsung is developing an automatic tool designed to detect and answer suspicious calls autonomously (spotted by Android Authority). Operating much like Googles popular Pixel Call Screen, the system will display a real-time text transcription of the conversation without requiring the user to engage directly. This shift from a manual process to an automated, intelligent one greatly enhances the daily experience for Galaxy owners.

Crucially, Samsung appears focused on giving users extensive control over when the system activates. The code indicates that users will be able to customize the feature across multiple screening levels, allowing them to choose how aggressive the AI should be.

For those seeking basic protection, the Low setting will limit screening only to known spam and scam numbers. Moving up, the Medium level expands screening to include not just spam and scam calls but also international calls and those with blocked caller IDs. The High setting provides an even stricter approach, screening all unknown numbers. Finally, a potential fourth option would screen All Numbers, offering the most comprehensive protection possible.

Similar to Google Pixel devices

These layered protections are similar to the options currently available on Google Pixel phones. However, Samsung may include an option to call screen all numbers. This approach could provide a valuable advantage for those who want to avoid answering a call but still need to ensure they dont miss anything important. The code also suggests Samsung is working to enable the upgraded call screening to function even when Do Not Disturb is active.

Its noteworthy that the leaked strings suggesting the four-level screening option were found in Korean. For now, it remains unclear if this comprehensive control will be exclusive for the South Korean market initially. Hopefully the company is also working on a global implementation, or at least support for the English language.
The legal drama surrounding the Google Play Store has reached a critical phase. The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a major blow to Google this week, denying the companys request for a partial stay on the antitrust injunction won by Epic Games. This ruling means the final clock is ticking. Now, Google must now implement the court-mandated changes to the Android app ecosystem starting October 22nd.

The Supreme Courts denial solidifies the victory Epic Games secured in the 2023 antitrust jury trial. The latter found Google had illegally monopolized the Android app market. Despite Googles ongoing appeal to the highest court, the company no longer has the legal cover to delay the initial changes imposed by the district court judge.

The changes slated for implementation on October 22nd focus heavily on breaking Googles monopoly over payment processing. After the deadline, Google must immediately do several key things:

Allow Outside Payments: Google can no longer force app developers to use Google Play Billing for in-app purchases.

External Linking: Developers can now directly link users from within the Play Store to outside payment methods, allowing them to bypass Googles standard fees.

Pricing Freedom: Developers gain the right to set their own prices for digital goods and services without interference.

Stop Exclusivity Deals: Google must stop offering incentives and perks to phone makers, carriers, and developers in exchange for Play Store exclusivity or pre-installation.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney quickly cheered the decision. He stated that developers will finally be legally entitled to steer US Google Play users to out-of-app payments without fees, scare screens, and friction. This shift represents a major financial win for developers, potentially saving them significant revenue previously lost to the Google Tax.

Googles disappointment and security concerns

Google acknowledged the decision, stating that it will comply with its legal obligations. However, the company also states that it is disappointed the order isnt stayed. Google continues to allege that the changesparticularly allowing alternative payment methodsjeopardize the security of their platform. Google also claims that they will make users more vulnerable to malicious attacks.

The company plans to file its full appeal to the Supreme Court later this month. But that action will come after the October 22nd compliance deadline has passed.

While the immediate changes focus on payment and steering, the most dramatic structural reform is scheduled for mid-2026. At that point, Google must allow users to download third-party app stores directly through the Google Play Store. It also should share its app catalog with competitors. For now, however, all eyes are on the October 22nd deadline. Developers and users prepare for the most significant restructuring of the Android app market since its inception.
The battle for wireless subscribers has shifted from who has the best 5G map to who offers the best value. Verizon, long known for its top-tier network quality paired with premium pricing, is attempting to shake its expensive reputation by employing a new weapon: AI. Instead of simply slashing prices across the board, Verizon is deploying an artificial intelligence-powered Verizon Bring your bill promo designed to poach subscribers directly from AT&T and T-Mobile using price matching.

Verizons new Bring your bill promo is a highly targeted AI-based maneuver. It does not resort to human agents to manually compare endless pages of plan details, credits, and promotions from competing carriers. Instead, the AI tool analyzes a rivals bill, scanning every discount and promotional credit currently applied to a customers account.

Verizons AI is scanning AT&T and T-Mobile bills to match prices

This sophisticated analysis is the key to the promo. The tool aims to detect that a customers low price relies heavily on existing promotional credits from AT&T or T-Mobile. If so, it calculates a comparable Verizon plan. Crucially, the system then applies equivalent, often hidden, Verizon discounts and incentives. It tries to automatically match or even beat the competitors final price. Essentially, the AI wants to replicate a rivals promotional structure within Verizons own framework.

The strategy is a necessary response to the complex loyalty tools used by carriers today. Many longtime customers enjoy artificially low rates through grandfathered plans or stacked promotional offers. Standard price-matching would fail to account for this complexity. However, by using AI to deconstruct a competitors bill, Verizon can confidently offer an equivalent deal. This will entice users who previously thought their cheap rate was impossible to duplicate.

This value proposition is not a permanent discount but a short-term offer. Once a customer accepts the AI-generated quote, Verizon locks that newly discounted rate for 36 months. While prices will probably increase once the three-year term expires, the offer provides a long window of savings.

Verizon is actively encouraging unsatisfied AT&T and T-Mobile customers to walk into a store with their latest bill and simply ask for a quote. This move is a strategic effort to overcome the carriers price image. We will have to see how the market responds to it.
Child migrants have been rescued from boats heading for Spain - Gelmert Finol/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

African parents are abandoning their children in Spain so they can be taken into care as refugees, officials have said.

In one reported case, two children aged 11 and 16 were left at a bus station in Menorca before their parents flew home.

Elsewhere, two children were left on Ibiza by their parents and given instructions to go to a police station.

Officials described the abandonment as a new phenomenon and warned that it could have a knock-on effect.

Privately, they are not ruling out the possibility that the children could try to bring other family members to live with them in Europe once they turn 18.

Carolina Escandell, Ibiza councils welfare minister, said: This is child abandonment and, if they were Spanish, the parents would be reported.

Carmen Reynes, her counterpart in Menorca, said on Monday night: We have expressed our concern because, as well as having to cope with migrants arriving by sea, this new phenomenon now has to be taken into account. It could have a knock-on effect.

All four children are now in the care of the authorities on the islands they were allegedly abandoned.

The two children said to have been left in Ibiza are understood to be from North Africa.

Of the two children reportedly left in Menorca, the 11-year-old is from Morocco and 16-year-old is from Senegal.

The Senegalese boy, said to have flown to the island with his father, reportedly walked into a police station in the capital Mahon after spending several days on the streets.

Record numbers of undocumented migrants have reached the Balearic Islands (Majorca, Formentera, Menorca and Ibiza) already this year by boat.

Most risked their lives by making the crossing from Algeria on wooden boats called pateras.

A patera with 27 sub-Saharan Africans on board was intercepted off one of the islands on Sunday.

In an earlier example of the new phenomenon, a 10-year-old boy was abandoned by his West African-born parents in July at Barcelonas El Prat airport.

The immigration issue has led to tension in regions of Spain such as the Balearic Islands, where the Right-wing governs regionally and is at loggerheads with the central Left-wing coalition government.

In June, Spanish police confirmed they had launched an investigation after the bodies of five migrants were found in the sea off the Balearic Islands with their hands and feet bound.

Initial speculation centred on the possibility they could have been murdered and thrown overboard.

The families of the men who died, all Somalians, later revealed they were shackled in a death ritual after they perished from starvation as they tried to reach Europe.

They had been on a boat that was rescued on May 8 by Spanish coastguards 62 miles from Alicante, with 16 male survivors suffering dehydration and other health problems and a dead man on board.

The vessel had left Algeria a fortnight earlier before it was left adrift following engine problems.

During their trip they survived eating one date a day and by drinking their own urine, with the men whose bodies were recovered from the Mediterranean said to have opted to drink sea water.

One of the people rescued had eaten toothpaste because it was the only thing he had, Red Cross chiefs said. He didnt want to let go of the tube when he reached dry land.

On Monday, it emerged an undocumented migrant had become the first person to reach Spains North African enclave of Ceuta by paragliding across its heavily fortified border fence from Morocco.
Julia Wandelt was described by the prosecution as a manipulative conspiracy theorist. Photograph: Go Get Funding

A woman on trial for allegedly stalking the parents of Madeleine McCann claiming to be their missing daughter sent them a letter signed Madeleine x and said she remembered being abducted from their holiday apartment in Portugal.

Julia Wandelt, from Poland, is accused of stalking Kate and Gerry McCann over a period of two and a half years by contacting them hundreds of times and accosting them at their home, leaving them upset and worried about their safety.

The prosecutor outlined how Wandelt also turned up at a Leicester police station and erroneously claimed to remember being abducted from the apartment in Praia da Luz in 2007, having described being abused by a man, adding: Someone injected me with something that made me feel paralysed.

The details were put forward during the second day of the opening of the trial, in which the jury were previously told that Wandelt was definitively not Madeleine and was instead a manipulative conspiracy theorist who understood the upset she was causing to the family.

Leicester crown court was played an audio recording on Tuesday of a visit by Wandelt, 24, and her co-defendant Karen Spragg, 61, to the McCanns house in December last year, in which Kate McCann appeared to plead with the pair to leave, saying: Youre causing us a lot of distress, now stop it.

In the recording, made by Wandelt herself and later collected as evidence by the police, Wandelt and Spragg could be heard shouting at Madeleines mother as she attempted to enter her home. When Kate went inside, they then banged on the door, the court was told.

In a transcript of a second recording read to the jury, the defendants confronted Gerry as he returned home shortly after. He was recorded as saying: You are not Madeleine  I dont want this, please do not hassle us and leave the premises.

After Spragg, who is from Cardiff, shouted demands for a DNA test, Gerry said: The police are well aware of Julia and her situation. We are not having a discussion. Please leave, you are not welcome.

The following day, the defendants returned to their address to post a letter through the door, addressed to Mum (Kate) and signed Madeleine x, which the prosecutor, Michael Duck KC, described as a final, cruel signature.

She also wrote Kate a message that she wanted to hug her and the McCanns two adult children, Duck told the jury, adding: It would be difficult to think of anything the McCann family would like less.

Messages sent by Spragg in the aftermath of the confrontation showed not one ounce of regret, he said, reading a text in which Spragg told a friend Kate cried and Gerry was horrible and another she sent to Wandelt as the pair made further plans to harass the family, which read lol we do our stakeout again.

The prosecution also explained how the pair made increasingly bizarre plans to collect Kates DNA, which included going through the McCanns bins and taking forks from restaurants that they had eaten in.

They were arrested at Bristol airport on 19 February, as Wandelt made a follow-up visit to the UK and Spragg waited in the car. Both defendants deny a count of stalking causing serious alarm and distress.

The trial continues.
The secrets behind an incredible 4,000-year-old temple known as one of the defining institutions of Ancient Egypt have been uncovered by new research.

Millions of tourists flock to the Karnak Temple near Luxor every year to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, which is one of the ancient worlds largest temple complexes.

A holy ground for Ancient Egyptians, the temple was believed to be linked to the civilisations creation myth which saw sun-god Ra emerge from the waters of chaos. The island-based complex was built in dedication to the supreme king of the gods Amun-Ra.

A new study by teams at the University of Southampton and Uppsala University has now revealed new evidence on the age and origins of the temple, giving archaeologists unprecedented detail into the complexs secrets.

Researchers analysed 61 sediment cores from within and around the temple site, allowing them to map how the landscape of the site has evolved since ancient times.

Teams from the University of Southampton and Uppsala University carried out the survey at the Karnak Temple (Dr Ben Pennington)

Their findings, published in the journal Antiquity, show the earliest date the site could have been occupied was between 25912152 BC - around 4,500 years ago. Experts have previously argued the site could date back to as early as around 3000 BC, while others suggested a later date - a theory supported by the new research.

The team said their research showed any earlier date was not viable because prior to about 2520 BCE, the site was regularly flooded by fast-flowing water from the Nile.

Dr Kristian Strutt, a co-author of the paper from the University of Southampton, said the research offered vital new information about the hotly contested age of the site.

The age of Karnak Temple has been hotly contested in archaeological circles, he explained. Our new evidence places a temporal constraint on its earliest occupation and construction.

Researchers were also able to reveal how ancient Egyptians had shaped the river around the temple themselves, dumping sand into channels to expand the island and build new parts of the site.

Dominic Barker, another co-author added: The river channels surrounding the site shaped how the temple could develop and where, with new construction taking place on top of old rivers as they silted up.

Teams extracted sediment from the site (Dr Ben Pennington)

We also see how Ancient Egyptians shaped the river itself, through the dumping of sands from the desert into channels, possibly to provide new land for building, for example.

Their study also shed new light on why the Egyptians may have chosen to build the temple on the island. Archaeologists said their new understanding of the area showed how the site of worship would have looked like high ground emerging from water during the areas annual floods - an image taken from Egyptian mythology.

Millions of tourists visit the Temple of Karnak every year (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This new research provides unprecedented detail on the evolution of Karnak Temple, from a small island to one of the defining institutions of Ancient Egypt, said Dr Ben Pennington, lead author of the paper and a Visiting Fellow in Geoarchaeology at the University of Southampton.

Its tempting to suggest the Theban elites chose Karnaks location for the dwelling place of a new form of the creator god, Ra-Amun, as it fitted the cosmogonical scene of high ground emerging from surrounding water, says Dr Pennington.

Later texts of the Middle Kingdom (c.19801760 BC) develop this idea, with the primeval mound rising from the Waters of Chaos. During this period, the abating of the annual flood would have echoed this scene, with the mound on which Karnak was built appearing to rise and grow from the receding floodwaters.
Attacks on migrants will not return the Tories to power, Lord Heseltine warns Badenoch

Tory grandee Michael Heseltine has warned Kemi Badenoch that the partys attacks on migrants are not the Conservative way to rebuild power.

In a damning attack on her leadership, the former deputy prime minister has used a speech at the conference in Manchester to blast the rhetoric of the current leadership, warning that the inflammatory language encourages the worst sort of prejudice.

In his speech at a European Movement event at the Conservative Party conference, Lord Heseltine suggested that taking such a hard right approach to politics is unconservative.

His speech comes amid a growing row over comments made by shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, who said he had not seen another white face while filming a video in the Handsworth area of Birmingham. He later doubled down on his remarks, saying the UKs second city did look like a slum.

Lord Heseltine warned that instead of aping Reform UK, the Tories must make clear that we will never have any part in the populist extremism of Nigel Farage.

Michael Heseltine has been a strong critic of the Tories lurch to the right in recent years (PA)

We have to deal with President Trump for the next three years, he said. We don't need his mouthpiece anywhere near No 10.

To describe (immigrants) them as thieves or rapists is not just dishonest but encourages the worst sort of prejudice in our communities.

If not one single boat reached these shores it would hardly touch the underlying problems facing our workforce and the demand for a constant supply of overseas workers.

Lord Heseltine noted that the atmosphere in British politics had uncomfortable echoes of one of the darkest chapters in modern history.

There are other uncomfortable memories from the end of the 1930s. The rise of fascism found its followers from the top to the bottom of European society in Germany, Italy and Spain, whilst Mosley marched his followers through Londons East End.

Heseltines speech comes as Robert Jenrick doubled down on slum comments about Birmingham (Getty)

It required Churchills iron determination to stop his Conservative colleagues seeking peace with Hitler.

He also bemoaned the partys support for Brexit, which he still maintains is harming the UK more than anything else.

Lord Heseltine said: The latest polls tell us that 56 per cent now believe it was a mistake to leave (the EU). Only 31 per cent believe it was right. The tide is turning.

But he expressed genuine fears about the direction of politics in Western democracies.

I am dismayed by the drift of events in world politics. The economic collapse of 2008 and the Covid crisis have seriously contributed to the lack of confidence in governments and the right-wing equivalents to the fascists of the Thirties are back on the march: Le Pen in France, AfD in Germany, Fratelli dItalia in Italy, Vox in Spain and conspicuously Reform in this country.

Much of President Trumps language in America coincides with words here in Europe. The immigrant has replaced the Jew as the problem which needs a solution although recent events here have cast a dark shadow.

But at a conference which has made the Tories look as though they might be a dying party, he laid out a winning formula which he believes will see them regain power.

I want to see the election of another Tory government. I believe there are five broad issues that they must address: the defence of the realm; the restoration of strength and confidence in our economy; the rule of law; the threat to our environment from pollution, global warming and climate change; and the restoration of British influence in the world.

This is an agenda that should appeal to the younger electorate that will be in place by the next election.
This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Arabia

On the 26th of August, I resolved to spend the day with my family, having so often been consumed by work during the war. It is not easy to juggle being a father and a journalist in a war zone. As I joked with my daughter and nudged her to get ready to venture out amid the rubble, hoping that we might find a place where the air was not laced with the smell of gunpowder, the first call came through: Maryam Abu Daqqa had been killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis.

I stood frozen for a few seconds, struggling to absorb the news of the death of Independent Arabias photographer Maryam Abu Daqqa. Without thinking, I scooped up my daughter, showered her with kisses and held her tightly, as if in farewell, before rushing from Gaza City to the south of the Strip to reach Maryams family home. As I left, my daughters gentle voice called after me: Daddy  have you forgotten the promise you made me? When will we go out? I stood silent in the face of a childhood that deserved living in peace, safety and joy.

No Red Lines

The Israeli war on Gaza has brought countless moments of hardship, made even harsher when you are a journalist living in a community that is hungry, exhausted and impoverished, documenting bombardment, military incursions and dangers that could end your life at any moment. Yet the most painful moment in this inferno was bidding farewell to my dear colleague, Maryam Abu Daqqa, may she rest in peace.

Independent Arabias Maryam Abu Daqqa was killed on Monday, August 25, 2025, in an Israeli strike on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, Gaza. (Independent Arabia)

From the outset of the war in Gaza, it was clear that there were no red lines. It was as if a quake and a volcano would mercilessly ravage the Strip. I was certain that a ruthless conflict was coming, one that would claim countless lives. Years of reporting in Gaza had given me a keen sense of how military operations unfold.

However, I never imagined the war would drag on for so many long, exhausting months. Today, two years since the fighting began, the guns have never fallen silent. The land has been drenched in blood, stomachs have ached from hunger to the point of death, and the wounded have endured agony without any relief. Yet despite it all, the conflict  at this point seemingly one-sided  continues, taking more lives and adding to the suffering.

Seizing the Soul

Early on in the war as I was about to leave home for the hospital  the place where journalists in Gaza preferred to work in order to document casualties and speak with medical officials as well as having ready access to electricity and internet connection  my wife stopped me and begged me to give up journalism. I felt as though she were seizing my very soul, and I asked her: How could I live without writing?

The days of war moved heavily, painfully, unbearably, carrying with them suffering beyond description and trials I did not have the strength to endure. Yet my work as Gaza correspondent for Independent Arabia placed me at a very difficult crossroads.

As journalists, we gather information from sources, and in Gaza those sources are doctors, faction leaders, government officials, ordinary citizens, eyewitnesses and international organisations. But reaching them in wartime has been no simple task: the bombardment targeted them all, driving many into hiding from death. Gaining access to sources has proven very difficult, even with strong social networks.

Maryams Efforts

At Independent Arabia, I made a point of ensuring my articles and reports had perspectives from all sides, which required conducting interviews with faction leaders in Gaza. Their absence from the scene has been a constant concern  without them, how could we obtain information and produce reports rich with exclusive insights, rather than just field observations and narration?

Smoke rises following explosions during the Israeli military offensive in Gaza City (REUTERS)

My dear late colleague, Maryam Abu Daqqa, went the extra mile to interview political analysts and medical personnel, and she would always assist me in securing statements from faction leaders. Her loss has had a profound impact on the quality and substance of the reports I wrote after her passing.

For the past 24 months, since October 7, I have lived without electricity at both my home and my place of refuge. For a journalist, life without power is a daily struggle: each morning at seven, I would wake up to recharge my phone, laptop and camera  a time-consuming process that became essential in order to deliver the information our readers rely on.

The Role of a Father

At the same time, I live the role of a father, responsible for providing water, flour and the few food provisions that remain available in the market. I carry these supplies to my children. But I cannot deny the fact that my children, like all the children of Gaza, are starving. Their thoughts linger on the foods they dream of eating. This situation did not arise from any personal incapacity, it is a grim reality imposed upon on all of us in Gaza.

Once I would finish recharging my journalistic equipment, I would set out to coordinate with Maryam Abu Daqqa, discussing the story we would photograph and write. It was always a daunting task: how do we choose a single idea from a thousand pitches and stories, all of them vital, all of them steeped in Gazas suffering?

Every report we produce is accompanied by photographs we would take ourselves, imbued with grief over the state we have reached during a war that has now surpassed two years, witnessed by the world as human and urban destruction unfolds, leaving the lives of civilians and journalists alike under the constant threat of death.

Maryam Abu Daqqa would capture daily life in Gaza through her images (Independent Arabia/Maryam Abu Daqqa)

Survivor and Witness

In this extraordinarily complex landscape, my colleagues and I struggle through our coverage, caught between being survivors, witnesses and narrators of events through live images and sound. I stood beside our late photographer, Maryam Abu Daqqa, and dozens of journalists as someone who never hesitated to report on a story.

Maryam used her camera to document events on the frontlines, transmitting them to the world. When on the field, we constantly think of simple but vital concerns  our survival, our families safety  alongside the imperative to document the mass atrocities inflicted on my people in Gaza, while contending with the severe limitations of our resources.

We operate in what the United Nations has described as the most dangerous place in the world for journalists and their families. For me, practising journalism in Gaza is not merely a profession; it is a daily confrontation with immense obstacles that demand steel-like resolve and a determination to convey the truth to the world, whatever the cost.

Rapid Decisions

Every assignment begins in an environment fraught with dangers and challenges, from preparing to cover an event to ensuring that all equipment is ready and functional. Personal safety remains the top priority. Despite the bombardment and destruction, we strive to report events accurately, honestly and transparently, which demands intense focus and high technical skill.

The war forces us to move between locations quickly and cautiously, navigating conditions that can damage or destroy our equipment. Despite taking every care, I lost my laptop, which forced me to write reports on my phone for a while due to the lack of available equipment.

There are always barriers or hazardous areas that cannot be crossed because of ongoing fighting, putting me in situations that require swift decisions: risk advancing or retreat. We also face challenges such as having scarce fuel for transport and limited internet access, obstacles that inevitably slow our ability to respond to unfolding events and deliver reports and images promptly.

Unforgettable Moments

Sometimes we go 24 hours without sleep to submit materials on time. Even though we go out wearing our press vests and helmets  something I insisted my colleague Maryam Abu Daqqa always do as well  Israel has targeted dozens of journalists. Each time we hear of a colleague being killed and their camera silenced, I feel immense grief and frustration.

There have been times I have considered stopping my coverage and staying with my family, but I always go back, aware that the Israeli army seeks precisely this: a media blackout. I do not give in to the weight of the harrowing scenes that remain etched in my memory.

Some moments are impossible to forget, and some images never fade. I will never forget the time I encountered a grieving Gazan mother whose children had been killed as she screamed, My children died of hunger!

On another occasion, I was interviewing survivors in northern Gaza, one of whom told me he had been tortured, humiliated and threatened by Israeli soldiers with the rape of his wife and daughters. I broke down in tears. A journalist is a human too.

Israel may have destroyed the Gaza Strip and rendered it nearly uninhabitable, but it has not extinguished the Gazans love for their land. Life under war has regressed us to a primitive state, like life before electricity and oil: cooking on firewood that we must buy, washing by hand and baking bread in clay ovens.

A Palestinian woman cooks next to children in front of a tent at a camp for displaced people in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, on 29 September 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Endless Queues

As a journalist in Gaza, I have recorded the suffering of people without shoes on my feet and have become all too accustomed to seeing individuals barefoot or in worn-out footwear. Over the prolonged period of war, with repeated displacements, soaring prices, salary cuts and bank closures, I have observed people living in extreme poverty, relying on aid and assistance, with rich and poor alike waiting in line for help.

Money is of little use in Gaza. Many salaries cannot cover basic necessities, leaving citizens with a deep sense of frustration and humiliation. On top of this, patients in Gaza endure dire conditions due to the collapse of the healthcare system, the destruction of hospitals and the lack of available medicines for chronic and epidemic diseases.

In most cases, I join the queues like everyone else, standing for hours, enduring quarrels and scuffles as each person strives to maintain their place to obtain water. All Gazans share in these water lines. No one is exempt, and no one receives water without carrying the gallons themselves. Even a doctor waits in line like anyone else before heading to work at the hospital.

Families, including my own, spend their days doing exhausting chores that, before the war, would have taken no more than fifteen minutes. Now these tasks consume the entire day, and entail standing in multiple queues: for fresh water, for non-potable water, for aid, for access to toilets and showers, for bread, and outside community kitchens.

Repeated displacement is another story altogether, a hardship beyond words. Each move costs exorbitant sums, often exceeding $1,300 for a distance of less than ten kilometres. The spectre of displacement haunts me daily.

Two brutal years have passed under conditions so harsh they are almost unbearable, amid insecurity, the absence of basic services, and lack of shelter. In this dire situation, I have even had to sleep without a roof over my head. I write this report while enduring both physical and psychological strain, yet there remains hope that this inferno will end, and that I, along with all my fellow journalists and our families, will survive.

Translated by Dalia Mohamed; Reviewed by Tooba Khokhar and Celine Assaf
From left: Shir Matias, Nir Sultan and Lior Klajman; centre: a sign in Hebrew for the Holit kibbutz. Composite: Quique Kierszenbaum and Jude Turgeman/Guardian

Shir Matias wants to move back to the Holit kibbutz but doesnt know if she will be able to bear it. Now 23, she grew up in this tiny community in Israels farthest south-west tip, and its flower-lined paths hold some of her happiest memories.

It is also the place where her parents were murdered by Hamas gunmen on 7 October 2023, and her brother Rotem was badly injured. Their mother, Shachar, used her own body to shield him from the bullets, saving his life in a last act of love.

I do miss Holit. Its a big question that I ask myself every day, whether I can go back to live there. It seems like I dont have an answer, and I dont think I will be able to get one until I try, she said.

The kibbutz residents were a small, close knit group of about 230 people, ripped apart by the massacre two years ago. Fifteen were killed, including two Thai farm workers, and another six taken hostage. Survivors were all evacuated that same day, when the army arrived in the afternoon.

Barred from returning to their homes for nearly two years, most have since been living in hotels and temporary houses. More than 1,000 cows in the kibbutz dairy are the only permanent residents of a place now given over to ghosts and memories, its entrance guarded by a single bored soldier.

The playground is covered with two years of dust, paths and patios are overgrown, and the quiet that originally drew residents here is eerily absolute, apart from when Israel bombs Gaza. It is so close, little more than 1 mile away, that big explosions have enough force to crack the ceiling plaster and shake the wires loose in the empty homes.

Now the government has authorised the communitys return, and together they have set a date of next July, after the Israeli school year ends. For Nir Sultan, whose parents-in-law were also killed here, that feels both too soon and too far away.

The attack was the deadliest since Israel was founded, killing 1,200 people, most of them civilians, including  according to Israeli government data  39 children. Another 251 were taken hostage, the youngest a nine-month-old baby.

It seems like a brave thing to do, to return, Sultan said. On the one hand I dont know if its enough time, on the other hand I want to come back today, I want to be home.

Holit is starting construction of a new kindergarten, intended as a bold vote of confidence that life can return and a tool particularly to draw young families.

They are advertising for new residents, and have already had some interest from people willing to consider moving in despite the tragedy and the terror, or perhaps because of it. Maybe they understand that if we arent here, it will be a problem for Israel, said Sultan.

Originally established in the 1970s as a settlement in the Sinai peninsula when the area was under Israeli occupation, Holit moved to its current location after a peace deal that restored Egyptian control of the Sinai.

It is part of a string of communities along the edge of what Israel calls the Gaza envelope  because of the way it wraps around the thin strip of Palestinian territory along the coast  that are now grappling with how to rebuild and whether to come home.

Founded as part of a state-building project that aimed to contain Gaza by populating its borders, many were rooted in secular, leftwing Zionist tradition. Victims of the 7 October attacks included a large number of peace activists working for coexistence and a Palestinian state.

Matiass parents were among the founders of a bilingual school that taught children in Hebrew and Arabic under the slogan Jewish-Arab education for equality.

Their neighbour Hayim Katsman, killed protecting another resident, was an academic and activist who spent weekends trying to protect Palestinians in the occupied West Bank from violent settlers.

His sibling Noy Katsman has repeatedly pleaded that his brothers violent death should not eclipse his lifes work, and the familys grief should not be used to justify inflicting pain on Palestinians.

Over the last two years in Gaza, Israeli attacks have killed more than 67,000 people, the vast majority of them civilians, and its blockade created a famine. Genocide scholars, rights groups and a UN commission of inquiry say Israel is committing genocide.

The attack had a different impact on Sultan, a mother of three who thinks Israels war is necessary. She still sometimes feels astonished that her family escaped alive after hours hiding in a room without a lock. Her husband held the door shut as gunmen repeatedly tried to force their way in, and she tried to keep their young boys quiet.

My dream was that Gaza would open up, and there would be peace, she said. Now I think only for myself, that I need to save myself and my kids. If I want my kids to grow up properly, I cant let it happen again. And they (Hamas) said it will happen again.

Chaim [Hayim] Katsman believed in coexistence, and what did it get him? she added. So its hard to think differently right now.

The trauma of Holit and other communities attacked on 7 October holds a grim fascination for some Israelis who were isolated from the direct horrors of that day.

Sometimes unannounced visitors turn up at the community dairy and ask manager Lior Klajman: Tell us how you survived, a brutally casual request to relive a day of intense fear and losses that he finds infuriating and disrespectful.

Others have come to wander through survivors temporary housing in a nearby kibbutz, treating their upended lives like a visitor attraction, just walking there with their dog in the afternoon, to look at us like we are in a zoo, he said.

Sultan once snapped at people gathered to watch her do laundry, letting out a loud mock lions roar and telling the stunned group: If you look at me like I am in the zoo, Ill act like an animal.

Visitors who travelled to this area in order to remember 7 October can do it at the site of the Nova rave, where there is a new access road through land that two years ago was scattered with cars and belongings abandoned in terror, and a parking lot for a steady stream of visitors.

Holits residents dont need a memorial to fix their memories. Walking around with Nir is to see a litany of atrocities. Here is the house where a seven-year-old girl, hiding in a cupboard after her parents were shot, rang neighbours begging to be saved. They risked their own lives to go out and collect her.

Here is the house where Nirs parents-in-law lived and were killed. Ronit was a 55-year-old who brought the colours and glamour of Buenos Aires to Israel, and never stopped studying. She was awarded her doctorate posthumously.

Roland, 68, was gentle and playful, a talented cook and actor who loved clowning around with his grandchildren. A memorial poster shows him smiling under a crown of flowers.

Some of the most badly damaged houses have been pulled down, including Shir Matiass family home, and she has not yet been able to spend the night in Holit. She feels calm when she visits during the day but as night falls it pulls her back towards the horrors of 7 October.

So she understands why some residents will never return. Its very reasonable to not want to go back to the place where your friends and family and neighbours were slaughtered.

But she misses the greenness, the amazing sunsets and the tranquility of a place so quiet that the only sound was often children running around as they played, like the soundtrack of a movie, and is not ready to say goodbye to the familys home.

I really feel my parents presence there, and I wont go down without a fight. I will give my everything to getting back to Holit and trying to be able to live there.
Spying charges against Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 32, were unexpectedly dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service last month. Composite: Jeff Moore/PA

Charges against two men accused of spying for China were suddenly dropped last month because prosecutors could not obtain critical evidence from the government that Beijing represented a threat to the national security of the UK.

Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, wrote to two select committee chairs to explain that despite trying over many months, the sought-after statements were not forthcoming from ministers and officials.

The chief prosecutor did not name any individual as responsible for a decision that will raise questions about Britains willingness to confront China. Over the weekend the national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, was accused of preventing the evidence coming forward, but Downing Street has denied this.

Spying charges against Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 32, were unexpectedly dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service last month, which initially only said that the evidential standard was no longer met a month before a high-profile trial had been due to start.

Cash and Berry denied the charges. At the time of the alleged offences Cash was a researcher specialising in China working for the Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, and Berry, a friend, was a researcher based in China. They were accused of passing on information about Westminster that was ultimately sent to Cai Qi, a member of Chinas ruling politburo.

Related: The aide, the associate, the Chinese agent  and the collapse of a long-awaited UK spy trial

The requirement to describe China as a threat to national security emerged during a separate spying case of a six Bulgarians who had been found guilty of conducting espionage for Russia earlier this year under the 1911 Official Secrets Act, the same legislation under which Cash and Berry were charged.

The 1911 act said that a person was guilty of espionage if they acted in a manner prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state and passed on information that might be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy.

According to Parkinson, the court clarified that an enemy for the purposes of the 1911 act includes a country which represents at the time of the offence, a threat to the national security of the UK  a decision that was made some weeks after Cash and Berry were charged with spying in April 2024.

In the light of that ruling, Parkinson said it was considered that further evidence should be obtained from the government. In this case, Matthew Collins, a deputy national security adviser, was providing evidence on behalf of the government to explain the wider geopolitical context behind the spying charges.

Efforts were made over many months, Parkinson continued but notwithstanding the fact that further witness statements were provided, none of these stated at the time of the offence China represented a threat to national security, and by late August 2025 it was realised that this evidence would not be forthcoming.

When this became apparent, the case could not succeed, Parkinson wrote, in a letter sent to Karen Bradley, the chair of the home affairs select committee, and to Andy Slaughter, the chair of the justice committee.

The 1911 Official Secrets Act has now been repealed and has been replaced by 2023 National Security Act, which has replaced the term enemy with the broader term foreign power. It came into force in December 2023.

It is understood that government lawyers believe that it would not have been possible to designate China as a threat to national security to accommodate the new case law, because the UK has never formally done so.

China was described a systemic competitor in the governments integrated review of 2021, when Boris Johnson was prime minister, and as an epoch-defining and systemic challenge under Rishi Sunak, when that was refreshed in 2023.

Keir Starmer said the evidence had to be provided on the basis of government policy at the time the offences were allegedly committed  from 2021 to early 2023, when the Conservatives were in power and before the National Security Act came into effect.

All I can say with great certainty is if youre prosecuting someone on the basis of what the situation was in 2023, you have to prosecute them on the basis of what the situation was in 2023, the prime minister said.

Thats why the witness statement was prepared in 2023, about what the state was in 2023. And any other approach would mean you wouldnt be able to prosecute the case. You have to prosecute people on the basis on what was the state of affairs at the time of the offence. Nothing changes that fundamental, whoever is in government, he added.
Two years into one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time, negotiators representing Israel and Hamas sat down for a second day of indirect peace talks in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Both sides are scrutinising a 20-point peace plan proposed by US president Donald Trump, as they take part in talks that senior officials briefed on the discussions told The Independent are the closest weve ever been to the end of the war.

The deal  originally 21 points long  was first presented to leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority countries in New York last month. It was changed at the 11th hour, which initially caused confusion and concern in some quarters that the process might collapse before it had started.

In the days before the plan was announced at a joint press conference held by Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister attended a lengthy meeting with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner in Washington DC, where he reportedly had the opportunity to weigh in and make changes.

Last-minute changes to Trumps plan

The Independent understands that the biggest alteration made was the removal of a point demanding that Israel agree not to bomb or attack Doha again. It was decided that the peace deal should focus on Gaza, and Trump insisted that Netanyahu participate in a trilateral call with Doha in which he would apologise to the Qatari leadership.

Changes were also made to ensure that the disarmament of Hamas was a key condition, and that the deal directly linked the staged withdrawal of Israeli forces to the demilitarisation of the strip, it is understood.

But despite these unexpected amendments, talks began in the resort city at 6pm Egyptian time on Monday evening, kicking off with four hours of meetings with a break for dinner. The talks continued on Tuesday morning.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu announced the plan at a joint press conference in Washington last month (AP)

It was a tentative start, but described as positive by those who were briefed on the goings-on, with both sides negotiating in good faith.

Interestingly, the highest level delegates from each side, along with representatives of mediating countries including Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, were not present.

Some of those slated to attend, including Witkoff, Kushner and Ron Dermer, Israels head of negotiations and minister of strategic affairs, were apparently in Egypt but not yet in the negotiating rooms. That was because, at least on the Israeli side, there is caution, with one official voicing concern about whether Hamas was serious or not.

Instead, the technical teams got to grips with the nuts and bolts of the plan.

Timeline of delivery

Trump has been overtly positive about the talks, suggesting that tremendous progress has been made and that a deal is imminent. On the ground there has been optimism, but checked by the reality that delivering a deal this complicated will take more than just a few days.

Right now, the specifics in terms of where and when is being battled out, one official briefed on the talks told The Independent.

Both Hamas and Israel agree on the fundamentals of the 20-point plan. The current round of talks is focused on tackling the specific details, which has been a lengthy process in the past, the official warned.

Trumps plan is being treated like a guidebook of ideas rather than the finished product. And so, like the last ceasefire deal in January, the new deal will include least three phases  but with one critical difference.

Januarys agreement only laid out the solid details of phase one, with an understanding that the specifics of the next phases would be negotiated as soon as the first stage was in progress. But that ceasefire never got beyond the first phase, collapsing in March. At the time, Israel and Hamas blamed each other, and Middle East diplomats told The Independent that Israel simply never showed up to discuss how to move it forward.

Perhaps the bitterest sticking point is the pathway to a Palestinian state (AP)

To avoid this happening again, negotiators want to hammer out all the timelines and action plans ahead of time.

The difference from previous rounds is that the objective is to have something comprehensive that includes pre-agreed phases prior to its implementation, rather than prolonged negotiations for phase two during phase one, like we had in the January deal, said one official with knowledge of the talks.

This deal is designed to give reassurances to both sides that it is comprehensive. And once we enter phase one and both sides commit to whats required from them, we move on to phase two.

Phase one: Hostage-prisoner release and partial Israeli withdrawal

The Independent understands that the talks opened with discussions on what is being referred to as the trigger for the deal: an immediate ceasefire, then Hamas militants releasing the remaining 48 hostages, dead and alive, which in turn, according to the latest draft, will result in the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinians serving life terms along with people detained since October 2023. During that period, the remains of more than 700 deceased Palestinians from Gaza, currently being held by Israel, could also be returned.

This will happen in tandem with another key part of phase one: an initial withdrawal of Israeli troops to what the US secretary of state Marco Rubio has referred to publicly as the yellow line.

Israeli media has described the yellow line, at some points, as being a good 6km inside Gaza, which would mean that Israels troops would still occupy cities such as Rafah along the border with Egypt, and in the north  areas such as Beit Lahia.

But officials briefed on the talks said that the map has yet to be finalised, as have the timeline and the practical aspects of that withdrawal  a topic that was on the negotiating table today.

Egyptian officials told the Al-Akhbar newspaper that one of the main concerns among Israeli officials is the question of who would administer Gaza during the initial days of their troops moving out of areas of the strip: Israel has refused to allow Hamas to have any on-the-ground responsibility, even temporarily.

Phase two: The handover of governance

Phase Two would see the full handover of governance, so the start of an interim body of Palestinian technocrats tasked with managing the day-to-day running of the territory, overseen by what Trump has called a board of peace, headed up by the US president himself and former British prime minister Tony Blair.

Palestinian officials have voiced concerns about the make-up of this transitional body, and who else would sit on the board of peace.

Phase two would also see the initial deployment of the international stabilisation force, as outlined in Trumps plan  a group that would comprise foreign and likely Arab personnel who would train up a vetted Palestinian police force.

The focus of discussions on phase two will be the composition of the technocratic government. Officials from the Middle East region made it clear that there is agreement across the board that the Palestinians should be governed by Palestinians themselves. They also believe that this should pave the way for a handover to a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA), the internationally recognised body that is anchored in the occupied West Bank.

Phase three: Palestinian statehood?

But perhaps the bitterest sticking point is the pathway to a Palestinian state, which Palestinians want to be part of the final phase. It is supported by key Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including mediators Egypt and Qatar. The UK and other European countries have recently recognised Palestine.

But statehood is only referred to vaguely in Trumps plan  not as an aim or a promise, but as something that may be explored if the PA reforms.

Netanyahu, during the press conference to announce the plan, made it abundantly clear that Israel does not support a Palestinian state. He also spoke of Israel retaining security responsibility over the territory. That was at odds with Hamass own statement, in which the militant group nominally accepted parts of the deal and declared it a pathway to Palestinian self-determination.

As the talks grind on, there is a long way to go, but there is certainly hope, the official said.

Given the discussions that are taking place and the detailed and lengthy proposal, they added, I think now theres a good sense within the building that this is the closest weve ever been, and both parties are now negotiating in good faith.
Republican Senators Ted Cruz and John Kennedy found time for humor during Tuesdays lengthy Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to laugh about the Louisiana congressmans new book, and the Texan lawmakers alleged Backstreet Boys back tattoo.

In the middle of Attorney General Pam Bondis tense hearing, Cruz took a moment to promote Kennedys upcoming book, How to Test Negative for Stupid.

Ill point out, Senator Kennedy has a new book about testing negative for stupid, so I hope I test negative for stupid, Cruz joked. I hope I meet the threshold.

You do meet it, and I talk, in the book, about the tattoo of the Backstreet Boys on your back, Kennedy responded, reviving a joke hes made multiple times over the years to mess with colleagues.

Cruz played into Kennedys joke, sarcastically claiming the tattoo was a way to reach young people.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas took a moment during Bondis tense testimony to promote Senator John Kennedys new book, How to Test Negative for Stupid (AP)

Bondi then jumped into the fun, joking that Vice President JD Vance listens to the 90s boy band.

That would be on Vice President Vances playlist, I heard, that got hacked, Bondi joked, referencing a July report in which a hacker claimed to have uncovered some administration officials playlists. Among the songs on Vances alleged playlist was Backstreet Boys classic, I Want It That Way.

After the brief interlude, the lawmakers returned to official business and continued to question Bondi about her oversight at the Department of Justice.

Like previous Trump officials testimonies, Bondis hearing was filled with contentious moments. The attorney general became defensive of her leadership at the DOJ, at times refusing to answer questions about investigations and launching personal attacks on Democratic senators.

Sen John Kennedy revived a joke hes made multiple times over the years to mess with colleagues about Cruzs back tattoo (AP)

Its the first time that the attorney general has appeared before the Senate committee since being appointed to lead the DOJ. Over the last nine months, Bondi has dramatically reshaped the Justice Department, filling it with loyalists and launching investigations into Trumps enemies.

Kennedy, 73, is known for his bizarre and at times crude humor, and often uses his TV appearance to elaborately insult Democrats, and other opponents.

He went viral earlier this year for using a strange analogy about omelettes and sex while explaining what it feels like to have Donald Trump back in the White House.

Its kind of cool having a president again. Let me try to put all this in context for you. I like omelettes. I mean, I really like omelettes. I could eat an omelette at every meal. I like omelette better than sex. Not really, but you get the point. I like omelette. You cant make an omelette without breaking some eggs, Kennedy told Fox News.

He also has a history of using the popular 90s boy band as a jibe.

During Paul Atkinss Senate nomination hearing, to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission, Kennedy asked Atkins if his college roommate, Senator Bill Hagerty, has a tattoo of the Backstreet Boys on his lower back?

In an interview with Fox News last year, Kennedy said California Gavin Newsom reminded him of the kind of people that would have a picture of Backstreet Boys tattooed on their lower back.
New figures suggest that one in four people in the UK fear that a partner, relative or friend drinks too much. (Getty Images) (Alexander Spatari via Getty Images)

Whether its cracking a cold can of pale ale after a long day at work or enjoying a few pints with friends in the pub at the weekend, alcohol is a regular part of many peoples downtime routines.

And while your younger days of binge drinking round after round in a nightclub might be a distant memory, many of us regularly drink more than we realise  putting ourselves at higher risk of major health issues like heart disease, certain cancers and mental health disorders.

In fact, almost half of adults drink alcohol at least once per week, with 32% of men and 15% of women supping on more than 14 units.

But when it comes to casual beer drinking, how much really is too much, and how do you know when a few weekly tipples are tipping you over into poor health?

With a recent survey from The Priory Group finding that one in four people fear that a partner, relative or friend drinks too much, some experts are warning of a growing addiction epidemic in the UK.

To help you determine whether your post-work pint habit warrants concern, we consulted an addiction expert to clarify the facts.

How many pints of beer is safe to drink weekly?

In the UK, the NHS advises drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over three or more days.

Thats roughly the same as six pints of regular-strength 4 to 5% ABV beer, such as lagers, bitters or stouts.

Trendy craft ales and IPAs tend to be much stronger, ranging from 5.5% to 7% ABV or more, meaning you may hit your weekly limit much faster than you think if youre opting for these brews.

However, when it comes to safeguarding your health, Dr Victoria Chamorro, a Priory consultant psychiatrist specialising in addiction treatment, advises that 14 units should be viewed as an absolute maximum, rather than a target to aim for.

"The latest guidance is that all alcohol is harmful and there is no safe level of drinking," she notes. "We know that the more you drink the more harm you cause, so its not that drinking below 14 units wont have an impact on you  any alcohol increases your risk of cancer, liver disease, heart disease and mental health disorders."

In fact, a recent study led by researchers from the University of Oxford concluded that imbibing even the smallest amounts of booze can raise your risk of dementia, while The World Health Organization has, in recent years, published a statement confirming that any level of alcohol consumption carries health risks.

What about taking a month off from drinking beer?

Thousands of people are participating in Sober October this month, the annual challenge where individuals abstain from alcohol to raise money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support.

While Dr Chamorro says that any break from drinking is good news for our health, it doesnt counteract the effects of indulging during the boozy festive period.

"The idea that you have units you can save up and spend all at once doesnt correlate with how your liver works, she explains.

"Your body has compensatory mechanisms that help metabolise the alcohol that are overwhelmed when youre drinking lots in one sitting. So binge drinking is actually more neurotoxic and more likely to have adverse effects on your mental health and liver than if you were to space the same amount of drinks throughout the week."

Doctify-rated GP Dr Suhail Hussain agrees: "When people drink heavily in a short space of time, blood alcohol concentration can reach dangerous levels.

"Thats when we see severe impairment, with people losing coordination, their pain response is reduced, and theres a much higher risk of blackouts, choking and alcohol poisoning," he warns.

So, spacing drinks out is definitely safer than bingeing, but the reality is that alcohol itself offers no health benefits either way.

Many people are taking part in Sober October this year, a worldwide movement that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. (Getty Images) (ozgurcankaya via Getty Images)

4 effective ways to cut back on regular beer drinking

Fan of the frothy stuff? From getting organised to being strategic with your bar order, Dr Chamorro shares her tips and hacks for shaving down your weekly units.

Track your intake: "You only change what you track," she notes. "People often underestimate how much they drink  in my experience, around half of people believe they drink less than they do. Handy apps like MyDrinkaware can help you keep a running tally of your intake.

Plan alcohol-free days: "You should plan for at least three alcohol-free days per week," suggests Dr Chamorro. "That doesnt mean that youve banked extra days to drink, but it just gives your liver some time to recover."

Notice your triggers: Are you bored, stressed or feeling anxious? "Often theres an underlying need behind drinking that we need to address," Dr Chamorro adds. Your environment can also play a big role, so if you find the lure of the pub too tempting, it might be worth skipping post-work drinks while you adjust.

Zebra stripe your bar order: These days, there are plenty of convincing alcohol-free options that taste almost identical to the real thing. "Ordering a non-alcoholic beer or water between drinks will not only keep you hydrated, but it will slow down how much youre able to drink in one evening," Dr Charmorro adds.

Help for drinking too much alcohol

Finally, if youre concerned that your drinking might be becoming an issue, Dr Chamorro suggests speaking to your GP and exploring local support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

"The AA is a safe and non-judgemental environment thats free to access," she notes. "You dont need to talk in your first meeting either - you can sit at the back and listen if that feels more comfortable for you."

Read more about health:
Emma Raducanu exited the Wuhan Open after retiring due to illness in her first-round match against Ann Li.

Raducanu had won the pairs only previous encounter on the Eastbourne grass in June and she began with a break of serve in the Chinese city, but that was as good as it got for the British number one.

She lost the next six games in a row, appearing devoid of energy, and after a similarly uncompetitive second set, Raducanu shook hands with Li following a medical timeout when trailing 6-1 4-1.

Sadly Emma Raducanu has had to retire from her match against Ann Li in Wuhan Get well soon, @EmmaRaducanu #BackTheBrits  pic.twitter.com/nIYAYoSR5i  LTA (@the_LTA) October 7, 2025

Dizziness was given as the reason for Raducanus retirement, and American Li said: I hope she feels better. I dont know what happened, but you could tell towards the end she was maybe not moving as much. But, for me, it was good match.

It has been a tough past few weeks for Raducanu, the world number 30 who spurned match points against both Barbora Krejcikova and Jessica Pegula to lose in the Korea Open and China Open respectively.

The 2021 US Open champion insisted she was staying upbeat despite the twin setbacks and she made a bright start in Wuhan after breaking her American opponent in the opening game.

But Li hit straight back, held to love then broke Raducanu again after a couple of errors from the 22-year-old, who was already showing signs of feeling unwell, failing to chase down manageable returns.

She soldiered on to no avail, with a wild backhand wide handing Li the first set after 28 minutes although Raducanu held serve to start the second set despite making four double faults.

Emma Raducanu retires from her match against Ann Li. pic.twitter.com/jlBPZyo6Rn  Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) October 7, 2025

Raducanu had two break points but her unforced errors were piling up  there were 29 in total with just nine winners  and Li was able to hold before breaking twice more to establish a 4-1 lead.

With just over an hour on the clock, Raducanu called for the doctor and had her temperature and blood pressure taken before ruefully shaking her head, clearly out-of-sorts, as she pulled the plug on the contest.

Li, ranked 16 places below Raducanu at 46 in the world, will take on ninth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the second round.

The hot and humid conditions in China have caused problems for a number of players but 11th seed Naomi Osaka battled through a long match, defeating Leylah Fernandez 4-6 7-5 6-3.
Wonderkid: Estevao Willian (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Estevao Willian said he felt indescribable emotion after scoring a last-minute winner for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The 18-year-old arrived at Chelsea to much fanfare this summer, and scored his first competitive goal for the club in emphatic fashion, tapping home at the back post in the 95th minute to secure the Blues a 2-1 win over Liverpool.

The goal sent Stamford Bridge into rapture, with Enzo Maresca sent off for his own Jose Mourinho-esque role in the fracas. Estevao made sure to soak up plenty of the crowds adulation before jetting off to join up with the Brazil national team for upcoming friendlies away to South Korea and Japan.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil from the Selecao camp, he said he was proud to have finally scored his first goal in royal blue.

"I can't describe it," he said of his emotions after scoring.

"It's incredible, indescribable. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge is something I've always seen on television and wanted to experience, and I can experience it today.

Estevao celebrates with the Chelsea fans (Getty Images)

Estevao added that he hoped to continue repaying the Chelsea fans support with goals.

"I hope it's the first of many to bring a lot of joy to these fans. And God willing, Chelsea will always come out on top."

He continued, saying he wanted to dedicate the goal to those who helped him get to this stage of his career.

"The first thing I did was thank God. Only He knows how hard I fought and worked to be here today and make my family proud. I dedicate this goal to God and my family.
Local media reported the blaze was contained to a van (AFP via Getty)

Explosions were heard in Paris before a van caught on fire near the French prime ministers Office, just a day after his resignation.

Witnesses reported hearing three explosions near the Hotel Matignon, where Sebastien Lecornu had been due to hold meetings after his resignation, Le Parisien reported.

Pictures from the scene show a van in flames as emergency services seek to contain the blaze. Local media have reported that the fire was contained to the van and has not spread to any surrounding buildings.

It is not clear what caused the explosions or fire. A firefighter said to reporters that the blaze was caused by a mechanical fault in the companys equipment.

Images shared on social media appear to show the van belongs to a public lighting company. The road, Rue de Varenne, has been cordoned off with officers stationed to prevent entry.

Mr Lecornus resignation came just a day after naming his ministers, and after only 27 days in the role. The former defence minister, was due to deliver his general policy statement to the National Assembly on Tuesday.

His resignation makes it the shortest-lived government of the Fifth Republic. He is the fifth prime minister to resign from the role in two years.

The explosion came a day after the resignation of PM Sebastien Lecornu (AFP via Getty)

The conditions were no longer met for me to be able to exercise my functions and allow the government to go before the National Assembly tomorrow, he said in a statement on Monday.

He continued that these political parties sometimes pretended not to see the change, the profound rupture, not to use Article 49.3. There was no longer any pretext for parliamentarians to refuse to do their job.

Article 49.3 gives the government the power to pass bills without a vote from parliament.

President Emmanuel Macron has asked Mr Lecornu to renew negotiations with opposition parties to find a way out of the instability the country is facing, according to Reuters.
Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to answer whether Donald Trump directed prosecutions of his enemies and seemed unable to answer how many undocumented immigrants are in Chicago or whether it is a sanctuary city during her first oversight hearing since taking office as the nations top law enforcement official.

A combative Bondi repeatedly refused to answer Senate Judiciary Committee questions throughout the hearing including her decision to drop an investigation into Trumps border czar Tom Homan and the forced resignation of the U.S. attorney in Virginia, where former FBI director James Comey became one of the latest targets of Trumps retribution campaign.

Bondi also defended her refusal to publicly release case files involving former Trump ally and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein  and declined to answer whether the FBI discovered photographs of Trump with half-naked women, allegations that Bondi called salacious and designed to slander the president.

The attorney general repeatedly leaned into personal attacks of Democratic senators during Tuesdays testimony, from accusing one member of lying about his military history to suggesting another could be a member of Antifa.

Asked by the committees top Democrat Dick Durbin whether the White House consulted with her before the president deployed National Guard troops to American cities, Bondi twice said she would not discuss any such conversations with the panel.

As you shut down the government, and youre sitting here, our law enforcement officers arent being paid  theyre out there to protect you, she replied. I wish you loved Chicago as much as you hate President Trump. And currently, the National Guard are on the way to Chicago. If youre not going to protect your citizens, President Trump will.

Attorney General Pam Bondi made her first appearance for a Senate oversight hearing October 7 in the wake of Donald Trumps commands to prosecute his enemies and the deployment of National Guard troops to American cities. (Getty Images)

National Guard troops and FBI director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche are on the way right now as we speak, Bondi said.

Youre sitting here grilling me and theyre on the way to Chicago, she said.

Its my job to grill you, Durbin said. Investigating your agency is part of my responsibility on this committee. You may not like the experience, but others have weathered the storm, and they answered questions in a respectful manner.

Bondis first appearance at the committee since taking office follows her appointment to a radically reshaped Department of Justice, filled with loyalists and attorneys to dominate agencies that the president claims have been weaponized against him.

The hearing was scheduled weeks ago, but her testimony follows Trumps public demands to prosecute his perceived enemies whether evidence exists or not while federal immigration officers surge into American cities under her watch.

The Justice Department has also come under fierce scrutiny after officials this summer declared there was no basis to release any more Epstein-related documents, sparking allegations of a government-wide cover up to protect powerful public figures who exploited and abused young girls. Despite Trumps pledges to release the so-called Epstein files, the Justice Department determined further disclosures would not be appropriate or warranted.

On Tuesday, Bondi defended the Justice Departments refusal to release additional Epstein materials, after she stated in February that the files were sitting on my desk.

I said it was sitting on my desk, along with JFK and Martin Luther King files, Bondi said. And I said I had not yet reviewed it. ... Our memo on Epstein clearly points out there was no client list.

Durbin also asked about reports that the FBI was ordered to flag any Epstein-related records in which Trumps name was included.

Im not going to discuss anything about that with you, senator, Bondi fired back.

Bondi defended her offices refusal to release additional materials in the case of Jeffrey Epstein as the Trump administration comes under fire for backtracking on public disclosures (AP)

Asked by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham how many illegal immigrants are in Chicago, Bondi paused to flip through paperwork before saying countless.

What I just want to know is there, like, 10, or 100,000? Does anybody know? Graham asked.

We have made multiple arrests, she replied.

Asked if Chicago is a sanctuary city with policies to prevent collaboration with federal immigration authorities, Bondi responded by claiming they are not cooperating and once again criticized Durbin, calling on him to condemn Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Senator Richard Blumenthal and other Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee pressed Bondi on whether Trump directed her to prosecute his enemies, including James Comey, who was indicted days after the presidents Truth Social post called on Bondi to do so (Getty Images)

During her contentious confirmation hearing in January, Bondi promised to end what she has called the partisan weaponization of the agency against perceived political enemies  echoing claims from Trump and his allies who have characterized the presidents federal indictments as a politically motivated conspiracy.

In that hearing, she did not explicitly rule out prosecuting Trumps targets and said that she would not have accepted the nomination if she thought Trump would command her to drop the cases against him. Asked again Tuesday whether she had any instruction from the White House to investigate anyone, Bondi refused to answer.

Im not going to discuss any conversations, she said.

On his Truth Social last month, the president directed Bondi to prosecute former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James  as well as Senator Adam Schiff, who also sits on the Senate Judiciary committee.

Do you consider that a directive to the Justice Department? Senator Amy Klobuchar asked about the post.

President Trump is the most transparent president in American history, Bondi replied. And I don't think he said anything that he hasn't said for years.

Asked by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal if Trump and Bondi discussed the Comey case at a dinner before the indictment against him, she said she is not going to discuss any conversations I did or not have before accusing Blumenthal of lying about his military service

Im not going to be lectured about integrity by someone who lied about being in the military, she said. How dare you? Im a career prosecutor. Dont you ever challenge my integrity. Do not question my ability to be fair and impartial.
Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and US President Donald Trump are very different people with very different ideas  and yet they managed to look like old football buddies today as they sat before reporters in the White House.

Trump called Carney a world-class leader, a good man, and added finally that the PM is a nice man but he can be nasty (which was clearly also intended as a compliment.) Carney rolled out a long list of flatteries, claimed that Trump had brought peace to the world, and thanked him for overhauling immigration.

It was a weirdly jovial display, considering that the US president not long ago floated the idea of invading Canada and turning it into Americas 51st state. Not long after doing so, he ended their last press conference in May by claiming that he would make sure Canada was driven out of all car manufacturing. It was awkward, and Carney responded by simply staring into the middle distance.

A lot of people thought that next time they met, the Canadian prime minister might up his game a little. Well, so much for that.

This was mostly a classic Trumpian piece of diplomacy  in other words, a political rally disguised as a routine press availability. The most we were told about a possible trade deal was that the two men admire each other and love each others countries and will probably work things out.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS)

The problem is that they want a car company and I want a car company, and they want steel and I want steel, said Trump. A number of times, he added, We have a natural conflict. That statement underlines exactly how incompatible a business mindset is for international diplomacy, but the president doesnt seem to think so, so I guess then maybe it doesnt.

Because whose reality matters more than Trumps reality anyway? The election, the Democrats and Joe Biden took up an inordinate amount of time once again in his answers to reporters questions. At one point, he turned to Carney and assured him that he could now take his family out to dinner in DC, but before he became president, the city was a raging hellhole.

He talked about transgender for everybody and windmills all over the place. He threatened Chicago with military rule, while taking his time over insulting the governor and the mayor. He claimed that after the so-called Big Beautiful Bill, we dont need any more bills  ever.

As Trump detailed how illegal immigrants from prisons and mental institutions in South America had supposedly poured over the southern border during Bidens presidency and then made their way into Canada, Carney kept nodding along. Because sure, windmills are evil and DC was on fire until very recently and the Democrats are basically insurrectionists and they were going to take away your child and change its sex because of woke, right? Why not?

One wonders how it must feel to watch your leader nod along to all of that.

We all understand that the stakes are high in this meeting. More than 77% of Canadas exports go to the US, and 36 states export predominantly to Canada. A key trade agreement between Canada, the US and Mexico comes up for review next year, and could have serious consequences for all of those countries economies if Trump capriciously decides to tear it up or rewrite the terms. Meanwhile, Canadian aluminum and steel remain heavily tariffed by the US, even though Canada dropped most of its own retaliatory tariffs on the US a few weeks ago.

Carney knows he has a responsibility to work this out for Canada. But its also worth noting that Canadian sentiment toward the US is at an extreme low. Canadian rates of tourism to their southern neighbor have dropped sharply throughout 2025, underlining how unamused Americas neighbors over the northern border are by the US presidents politics. They were likely hoping for a bit more pushback from their leader at the White House today, as compared to the capitulation of last time. And needless to say, thats not what they got.

So many before Carney have tried to play this role: sensible appeaser and diplomat, hoping that most of the world will see the contrast and understand that what they offer is within the bounds of normalcy while what Trump offers is an increasingly erratic list of the first three things that popped into his head.

But we shouldve all realized by now that it doesnt work that way. There are handshakes and jokes, there are backslaps and bitten tongues. And then one person can tell themselves that they managed to navigate Trump, and that thats a huge diplomatic win  while the rest of their country sees weakness, and Trump proclaims total victory.

A deal will most likely be done today. Itll probably be very similar to deals done between the two countries in the past. That was certainly the case between the US and the UK earlier in the year, when Keir Starmer echoed Trumps claims about a historic trade deal that was really anything but.

The Canadian prime minister swallowed a lot today in order not to implode next years North American deal. It played well with Trump, but how it plays with the Canadian people is another story.

As for the rest of us: Once again, we are left to wonder why the main players in international diplomacy still havent realized that Donald Trump actually isnt very good at making deals at all  and maybe we should stop handing him participation trophies and letting him tell all the other kids he won.
Sebastien Lecornus resignation has created another headache for Emmanuel Macron (right), the French president - Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

Another week, another administration in France. As you can imagine, the financial markets havent taken too kindly to all this political volatility.

Sebastien Lecornu was only a month into the job  and as one French investor noted, he was the only prime minister of the Fifth Republic whose government never saw the light of day.

As I write, the leading French stock market index, known as the Cac 40, is falling  but it is likely to be only the beginning of a bout of nervousness about what might come next.

Not unsurprisingly given the difficult fiscal situation a new administration faces, yields on long French 10-year bonds are rising again and the gap in yields between German Bunds and French bonds is widening, reaching a recent high of 86 basis points.

Before we succumb to our inevitable historical sense of schadenfreude, its worth pondering whether French stocks are such a bad investment and whether the European mainland more broadly deserves its reputation for gloom and despair.

Lets start with the French market as captured by the Cac 40 index, which comprises blue-chip French companies listed on the Euronext Paris exchange. This contains the 40 largest and most liquid companies, boasting a stellar cast of global market-leading stocks.

As disloyal as it may sound, if Im honest, Id much prefer the French index over our FTSE All-Share index.

France has global market leaders in the sectors that I like, namely industrials (especially power equipment via Schneider Electric), luxury goods (LVMH and Essilor) and defence and aerospace (Airbus, Safran).

Industrials are booming at the moment as the world prepares for the advent of AI, as well as the electrification of transport systems. As a sector, industrials comprise 30pc of the French index compared to just 13pc in the UK.

Meanwhile, luxury goods companies are having a tough time but in a globalised marketplace, glamour and cachet never fall out of favour for very long, and outfits like Essilor are already repositioning themselves for an AI-enhanced world.

By most reckonings, the 40 global businesses in the Cac 40 only derive around 30pc of their revenues from France  a level similar to the FTSE 100 but with a far superior mix of stocks in the right sectors in my view.

The index is also relatively inexpensive, trading at 10 times earnings compared to a bit under 20 times for the UK.

There are shockingly few Cac 40 funds that can be easily invested in but exchange-traded fund issuer XTrackers does offer one with dollar and euro classes which is listed on the Continent and should still be accessible to UK investors via most investment platforms.

Amundi also has an ETF which costs slightly more.

One last point about French stocks is performance.

French stocks have outperformed their UK counterparts over the past decade with a total return (including dividends) of 136pc compared to 120pc for the FTSE 100 index.

To be fair to the FTSE 100, it has outperformed the Cac 40 this year and pays a higher dividend at 3.34pc. However, its not hard to see why US investors have been heavily investing in not only the French market but also the broader European continental markets.

The standout star across mainland Europe is the Spanish market, tracked by the IBEX 35 index. This is up 106pc over the last three years (more than the US S&P 500 index) and 32pc in the previous 12 months (far more than the S&P 500).

The Italian MIB index isnt far behind though and neither is the German Dax index.

One area where US and global investors have been allocating significant funds is the European defence and aerospace sector  which France is particularly strong in, owing to Safran, Airbus, Dassault, Thales and many others.

The share price of German armaments supplier Rheinmetall, for instance, has increased by an astonishing 1,200pc over the last three years while Safrans share price has risen by 203pc. Thales is up 134pc and BAE is up 147pc. In my personal view, the European rearmament story has much longer to run.

But Europe also has three other trump cards, three core growth sectors. The first is that Europe generally is a powerhouse in healthcare revolution  think genomics and obesity drugs  with France (10pc of the Cac 40) not far behind the UK (at 12pc for the FTSE 100) in terms of its exposure.

The next is the industrials theme Ive already mentioned. If the push is to electrify everything that moves then outfits like Schneider in France and Prysmian in Italy will be ideally positioned.

Then theres the great untold story, namely European tech businesses (yes, there are some).

The technology sector now represents approximately 17 to 18pc of the Eurozone-wide benchmark, the Euro Stoxx 50, making it the largest super sector in the index. This is up from nearly 8pc at the indexs inception and from just over 1pc in 2008. European markets are no match for the US but they are also far from being tech Neanderthals.

Add it all up and the mainland of Europe is still worth a closer look with France arguably the most affordable option at a national market level. Corporate earnings are growing across the Continent, despite concerns about low national productivity and anaemic GDP growth.

American private investors are snapping up assets and theres even some meme-like stock action in the defence sector  and of course, valuations are much lower than in the US.

This positive vibe is even making its way into the deeply unloved European small-cap segment  as tracked by investment trusts such as the Montanaro European Smaller Companies Trust, which is up 21pc for the year to date.

Small-cap stocks have had a terrible few years, but since the beginning of 2025 small caps have dramatically outperformed with small-cap value stocks leading the way.

Navigated with care, European volatility can be an opportunity.
Doctors shield Iris Stalzer as she is airlifted to hospital following the attack in Herdecke - Alex Talash

A German mayor is in a critical condition after being stabbed 13 times near her home, according to reports.

Iris Stalzer, 57, a member of the centre-Left Social Democrats party, was found with multiple stab wounds by her adopted son at her flat in Herdecke on Tuesday.

The son, aged 15, was taken away in a forensic suit to preserve evidence, reports said.

Ms Stalzer, who was airlifted to hospital following the attack, is receiving emergency treatment. According to German media, the incident is being investigated as an attempted murder.

She was found wounded at around lunchtime on Tuesday, having reportedly dragged herself back inside her home, where she also lives with her 17-year-old daughter.

The attack on Iris Stalzer is being investigated as an attempted murder

It was reported that her son had called the police, telling officers that she was attacked outside the apartment by a gang of men who stabbed her in the back and stomach.

Police began a manhunt for the alleged attackers, and the children were removed from the residence.

Ms Stalzer was elected as the mayor of Herdecke, near the city of Dortmund, on Sept 28. She is a former labour lawyer who has worked for many years in local politics in Herdecke, which has a population of 20,000.



Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, wrote on social media: We have received news of a terrible deed in Herdecke. It must be swiftly investigated. We fear for the life of the mayor-designate, and hope for her full recovery.



Local and regional authorities were not immediately available to comment.
Gisele Pelicot leaving court on Tuesday alongside her son, Florian Pelicot. Photograph: Alexandre Dimou/Reuters

Dominique Pelicot, who drugged his ex-wife Gisele Pelicot and invited dozens of strangers to rape her over almost a decade, has told a court that a man who is appealing against his rape conviction knew she was sedated and came to their home deliberately to abuse her.

Husamettin Dogan, 44, a married father, is seeking to overturn his conviction for raping Gisele Pelicot while she was unconscious in her own bed in June 2019. Dogan is being tried on appeal in Nimes in southern France.

Pelicot said he met Dogan, an unemployed builder, on a chatroom called against her knowledge and told him clearly that he drugged his then wife and was seeking men to come to rape her.

He had that information from the start, Pelicot said, adding that he told Dogan by phone: Im looking for someone to abuse my wife after Ive put her to sleep without her knowledge. Pelicot said he had admitted drugging his wife, raping her himself and inviting men to rape her. They all knew, they all came with the same intention, he said. I always said she was sedated.

Pelicot, a 73-year-old former electrician and estate agent, is one of the worst sex offenders in modern French history. He is serving a 20-year prison sentence after crushing sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety medication into his then wifes food and inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious in their bedroom in the Provence village of Mazan between 2011 and 2020.

For Tuesdays hearing he was transported from his high-security prison in southern France, where he is in solitary confinement, to the Nimes appeals court to give evidence as a witness in a secure witness box, flanked by four police officers.

Gisele Pelicot, 72, who became an international feminist hero after she waived her right to anonymity in the trial last year, sat calmly in court with her youngest son, Florian.

Related: Who are the men convicted over rape and assault of Gisele Pelicot?

Dogan, 44, was one of 51 men convicted. He was sentenced to nine years in prison for raping Gisele Pelicot. He is the only man to contest his conviction, telling the appeal trial: I never intended to rape that lady.

Dominique Pelicot told the court he had given Dogan specific instructions because Gisele Pelicot was drugged and was not to be woken. I said precisely on the phone there was to be no tobacco, no scent, he was to wash his hands, no violence, it would be filmed. All these things left him in no doubt of her state. He had to get undressed at the entrance to the kitchen on the patio because if there was a problem, I didnt want him to stay, he said.

He said Dogan, who had driven about an hour from another village after telling his wife he was going out, arrived around midnight. Pelicot said he at first got lost and he went out on foot to guide him to the house.

Asked if Dogan was upset to see Gisele Pelicot lying unconscious on her bed, Dominique Pelicot replied: No, it suited him.

He said there was a camera on a tripod in the room, so there would have been no doubt the rape would be filmed. He said Dogan stayed for about two hours. He said Dogan even asked for his help in the rapes that night. He asked me to lift my wifes leg and wanted to put her head in a certain position because she couldnt do it, Pelicot said.

He said Dogan took pleasure in the situation.

Asked about Dogans assertion that Pelicot told him it was a game, he replied: No, I never said that.

Pelicot said of Dogans appeal: I think it is indecent.

The trial continues until Thursday.
The Government is in discussions with the European Union over a steel tariff hike, the Prime Minister has said, as UK industry figures warned of an existential threat.

The European Commission has disclosed plans to impose 50% tariffs on steel, double the current level of 25%, while cutting tariff-free import volumes to 18.3 million tons a year  a 47% reduction.

It would effectively match the levy US President Donald Trump previously imposed on the EU.

The move will come as a further blow to British industry, which has already been hit by levies on steel into the American market.

As he travelled to India on a trade mission, Sir Keir Starmer was asked if he believed the EU would move forward with its plans to match Mr Trumps steel levies.

Sir Keir replied: I think our position in relation to our steel industry is one of strong support as you saw from Scunthorpe and Port Talbot.

In relation to the question of tariffs or other measures, as youd expect, we are in discussions with the EU about this, as were in discussions with the US about it.

So Ill be able to tell you more in due course but we are in discussions, as youd expect.

Pressed on whether the UK was seeking exemptions, the Prime Minister said he would not go into details but that discussions were taking place with the EU and the US.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said global overcapacity is damaging industry, adding that officials need to act now.

The commission has been under pressure from some member states which have struggled to compete with cheap imports from countries such as China.

The plan, which was presented to the European Parliament on Tuesday, is also intended to strengthen the traceability of steel.

It would replace the current steel safeguard measure, which is due to expire in June 2026.

The UK Steel trade association warned that access to Britains most important export market, which is currently the destination for 78% of British steel, could be severely curtailed by the move.

It called for the Government to negotiate preferential treatment for the UK and for Britain to have its own import quotas.

Steel is crucial for the EU economy. To protect the sector from unfair global overcapacity and to ensure its long-term viability, we propose: Limiting tariff-free import volumesDoubling the level of out-of-quota duty to 50%Strengthening steel market traceability   European Commission (@EU_Commission) October 7, 2025

Gareth Stace, director-general at UK Steel, said: This is perhaps the biggest crisis the UK steel industry has ever faced.

Government must go all out to leverage our trading relationship with the European Union to secure UK country quotas or potentially face disaster.

The UK Government must now recognise the urgent need to put in place its own measures to defend against a flood of imports.

The probability of the EUs measures redirecting millions of tonnes of steel towards the UK could be terminal for many of our remaining steel companies.

Alasdair McDiarmid, assistant general secretary at the Community trade union, said: Given that around 80% of the UKs steel exports go to Europe, the new measures proposed by the EU represent an existential threat to our industry, as well as the thousands of jobs and communities it supports right across the country.

This UK Government has consistently shown that it values and backs our steel industry, and we know that ministers will be acutely aware of the grave risks the EUs proposal poses.

BREAKING: The EUs announcement on steel tariffs represents an existential threat to our steel industry. We urge the UK and EU to begin urgent negotiations. See our full response below and hear from our AGS, @AliMcDiarmid. https://t.co/gO5g9qbZa0  Community Union (@CommunityUnion) October 7, 2025

He said the Government must move swiftly to negotiate preferential treatment for the UK and tighten trade defence measures.

Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB union national officer, called the measures a hammer blow to the UK steel industry.

She said: This could be the end of steel-making in the UK if proper safeguards arent secured.

Industry minister Chris McDonald said: We will always defend our critical steel industry, which is why we are pushing the European Commission for urgent clarification of the impact of this move on the UK.

Its vital we protect trade flows between the UK and EU and we will work with our closest allies to address global challenges rather than adding to our industries woes.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has reportedly been deluged with dubious disability claims, including tens of millions of dollars worth of fraud, as claims for easily treated ailments have skyrocketed.

Claims across a variety of categories have increased sharply in the past two-and-a-half decades, according to government data obtained by The Washington Post, even as the overall population of veterans has declined by nearly 10 million during that time period.

About 556,000 ex-service members get disability benefits for eczema, 332,000 get payments for hemorrhoids, 110,000 are eligible thanks to benign skin growths, while 81,000 get payments for acne, according to the investigation.

Last year, 659,335 got payments for sleep apnea, a commonly treated condition, about 11 times the figure who did so in 2009. The agency now typically pays more to vets with this condition than those who have had leg amputations below the knee due to combat, per the outlet.

These numbers dwarf the number of payments going out to veterans for more clearly combat related injuries, including the roughly 11,000 getting benefits for severe or penetrating brain injuries, or the fewer than 1,700 getting benefits for losing limbs during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Veterans Affairs department has been saddled with thousands of dubious claims and tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent benefits requests, investigation finds (Getty)

In veterans circles, according to the investigation, its not uncommon for people to be encouraged to claim as many disabilities as possible, and the department pays for thousands of former soldiers jock itch, toe nail fungus, hair loss treatments, and other issues that dont clearly hinder employment.

Since 2001, the number of disabilities claimed per injured veteran has doubled, as has the number of veterans claiming a 100 percent disabled rating.

In that period, the number of veterans claiming payments for tinnitus has risen by more than 20 times, while those getting checks for hay fever increased by a factor of 22.

Beyond just claims for common ailments, some veterans have engaged in brazen attempts at fraud, including an Army vet who was indicted last year for conspiring to defraud the government out of $1.1 million by pretending to be paralyzed, only to spend some of the funds on Caribbean vacations and gambling in Las Vegas.

The VA has uncovered at least 70 such fraud schemes since 2017.

Since 2001, injured veterans are claiming vastly more conditions per person and requesting more payments for common ailments, an analysis found (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

All told, the VA is on track to spend $193 billion this year on disability claims, the Washington Post found, greater than the cost of running the entire Army.

Observers say factors influencing the spiking number of claims include laws such as the 2022 Pact Act, which made it easier to get both legitimate benefits linked to exposure to toxic hazards, as well as to make fraudulent clients.

Despite estimates like a 2018 Congressional Budget Finding that ending disability payments for ordinary diseases could save $33 billion over a decade, attempts to do anything resembling cuts to benefits for veterans has often proved a political non-starter.

Political leaders have been wary to make cuts to Veterans Affairs operations, and in July the Trump administration abandoned a plan to cut thousands of workers (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

In July, the Trump administration backed away from a previous plan to cut 83,000 workers at the agency amid outcry from veterans groups.

Our message to the out-of-touch liberal activists peddling this garbage story is simple: Americas Veterans earned their VA benefits, and it should be easier  not harder  to get them, a spokesperson for the VA said in response to the reporting.

Under President Trump, we are improving VA so its faster and more convenient for Veterans to get what our nation owes them.
Hundreds of students stage pro-Palestinian rallies on anniversary of Hamas deadly attack on Israel

Hundreds of students staged pro-Palestinian protests around the UK on the second anniversary of Hamass deadly raids on Israel and days after two people were killed at a synagogue in Manchester.

Demonstrators in London, Sheffield and Edinburgh defied calls to call off their action out of respect for the Jewish community following Thursdays knife attack.

They rejected the prime ministers claim that holding demonstrations so soon was un-British, instead chanting slogans of solidarity with Palestinians. Sir Keir Starmer had said the timing of the protests showed little respect for others.

Students chose the 7 October anniversary to stage protests despite calls not to join (Getty)

Hundreds of students gathered outside Kings College London near the Strand, where demonstrators wearing keffiyeh scarves and face masks unfurled a banner with the names of Palestinians killed in the conflict.

Outside the London School of Economics chants of Palestine will be free and the political slogan From the river to the sea were heard.

Haya Adam, president of the Palestine Society, told crowds: We will continue to honour each and every one of our martyrs. Students are rising up for Palestine.

Thousands of people joined the protests on Tuesday (Getty Images)

Organiser Anton Parocki, of the Revolutionary Communist Party, said: "Are all these people here anti-British? Are all the millions of people that come out for Palestinian protests anti-British?

On a makeshift stage outside the Kings College London Strand campus, one protester said: This did not start on 7 October. Generations have been born under siege and displacement, entire families have been wiped off.

Freedom is a fallen word to them, they have known nothing but torture, humiliation and grief.

But Emily Schrader, 34, who was visiting the UK from Israel and was holding an Israeli flag as part of a counterprotest, condemned the days action.

She said: Its a sign of support for Hamas and the actions that happened that day, and its wildly offensive and irresponsible, both for Israelis, of course, but even more than that, also for Palestinians who have been suffering under Hamas, who are also victims of the terror group  the UK-designated terrorist organisation.

Pro-Israeli Emily Schrader protested outside Kings College London (The Independent)

Around 100 people also turned out to protest at Sheffield University and hundreds of students and staff gathered outside Edinburgh University's library, carrying flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans.

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, had urged students and staff protesting to remember that 7 October was the anniversary of an atrocious attack on innocent people, and that expressing support for a terrorist organisation is a criminal offence.

Last week, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, knifeman Jihad Al-Shamie attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed  Daulby by a stray bullet fired by police and Cravitz while defending the synagogue.

Sir Keir said: This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson urged students set to join protests to pause and show some humanity.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the demonstrations showed the same hatred that fuelled [the Hamas attacks] still festers today.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick branded plans for protests on the anniversary of the attacks a f****** disgrace.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Tuesdays protests were completely wrong.

The protests also came amid indirect talks in Egypt between representatives of Hamas and Israel, with hopes a deal put forward by US president Donald Trump will secure peace in the region, and see the return of hostages.
Hunting was driven by the collapse of the communist governments state distribution system in the late 1990, according to researchers - KIM WON-JIN/AFP

North Korea is exploiting endangered animals to fuel an illicit wildlife trade and prop up its faltering economy, new research has revealed.

The study, conducted by a team of British and Norwegian scientists, uncovered how the North Korean state and individual hunters are harvesting and trading protected species  including tigers, leopards, bears and lynx  in direct violation of domestic wildlife laws.

Animals are being exploited for their meat, fur, and skin, while body parts, including bones, paws and organs, are traded for use in traditional medicines.

According to the report, some of this trade has also crossed into China, potentially breaching international agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites), which regulates the international trade of threatened animals.

The research, published in the journal Biological Conservation, offers a rare insight into how economic collapse and prolonged hardship in North Korea triggered widespread and unsustainable exploitation of wildlife.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, which shattered North Koreas economy, a thriving black market of wildlife products emerged as people were no longer able to rely on the state for food, medicine or other basic needs.

North Korea borders an area of China where Siberian tigers are returning and some animals are believed to have crossed the border, while others are suspected of being illegally traded.

North Korea borders an area of China where Siberian tigers are returning - Chi Shiyong/VCG/Getty Images

Joshua Elves-Powell, the co-author of the four-year study from University College London, said: Almost every mammal species in North Korea larger than a hedgehog is opportunistically captured for consumptive use or trade. Even highly protected species are being traded, sometimes across the border to China.

North Korea is one of the worlds most repressive and isolated states, making it nearly impossible to conduct research there. Instead, researchers interviewed 42 defectors, or refugees, in South Korea and Britain, including former soldiers, hunters, merchants and consumers of wild animal products.

They said the increase in hunting was driven by the collapse of the communist governments state distribution system in the late 1990s, which plunged the country into a famine that killed between 600,000 and one million people.

Mr Elves-Powell said: As well as a domestic market in wild meat and animal body parts, an international trade developed in which smugglers would try to sell North Korean wildlife products across the border into China.

Plans to restore Siberian tiger at risk

Interviewees said the endangered Siberian tiger and Amur leopard, which can also be found in north-east China and Siberia, were among the hunted animals.

North Korea is one of the few countries in the world that is not a signatory to Cites, which regulates the international trade of threatened animals.

Researchers warned that the situation in North Korea threatened to undermine Chinas efforts to restore the Siberian tiger in its northeastern provinces, leading Beijing to breach its Cites commitments.

North Korea, ruled by Kim Jong Un, is one of the few countries not signed up to an international convention on endangered species - STR/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP

Our investigation shows that tigers which disperse into North Korea are at risk of being killed for their body parts, which may negatively impact the regions recovering tiger population, they said.

Other animals consumed in North Korea include bears, otters, deer and the long-tailed goral, a species of wild goat listed as one of the most strictly protected species by Cites.

Deer antlers were one of the most commonly mentioned items used in traditional Korean medicine, along with the organs, paws and bile of bears.

Interviewees also reported the existence of state-run wildlife farms, created to breed bears, deer, otters and pheasants before trafficking their body parts for illicit trade.

The researchers concluded: There is clearly a serious risk that the unsustainable exploitation of wildlife in North Korea has severe consequences, including the extirpation of key species and potential defaunation of North Korean landscapes.
If youre in the southeastern U.S. right now, you may have noticed swarms of fuzzy, white specks sticking to your cars windshield or covering nearby trees.

While the specks might look like dust, pollen or lint, theyre probably not. Chances are, theyre actually small insects called woolly aphids. While the pests cant harm humans, theyre certainly a nuisance for people and plants alike in the region.

Some types of woolly aphids are even invasive and can cause long-term stress for the plants they feed on, experts say.

Heres what you need to know about these fuzzy creatures:

What are woolly aphids?

Woolly aphids are small insects that are covered in a white, fuzzy-looking wax. They feed on leaves and excrete copious amounts of honeydew, which can, in turn, cause black sooty mold to accumulate, according to Protect Tennessee Forests, a program associated with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

Woolly hackberry aphids pictured crawling on a branch. These pests are invasive creatures that leave behind a white, waxy substance (AFP via Getty Images)

There are several types of woolly aphids, and some are even invasive, Midhula Gireesh, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, told the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

"Woolly aphid is a common name for several species, and their impact and invasiveness depend on the specific species," Gireesh said. "For instance, the woolly apple aphid is native to eastern North America, but the woolly hackberry aphid is an introduced species originally from Asia."

If youre in Tennessee or Alabama, youre likely seeing woolly hackberry aphids in particular. Other types of woolly aphids include the woolly elm aphid, the woolly alder aphid and the beech blight aphid, according to the University of Maryland.

Why are there so many woolly aphids in the Southeast right now?

Jason Oliver, a research professor at the Tennessee State University, told local outlet WKRN that woolly aphids are thriving right now because the region is going through a long period of warm weather. This means the bugs can reproduce for longer.

The number of woolly aphids will likely decrease as temperatures drop in the coming months.

Are woolly aphids dangerous to people or pets?

No, woolly aphids are not dangerous to people or pets. They do not bite or sting, and they dont infest homes, the Montgomery Advertiser reports.

However, the pests can be annoying, as they often stick to windshields and can leave behind mold on cars and other objects.

Sooty mold also gets accumulated on the leaves of the host trees, other small plants, as well as on vehicles and patio furniture located beneath infested trees, Gireesh told the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Woolly hackberry aphids pictured on a leaf. These creatures aren't harmful to people or pets, but they can be a nuisance (Tennessee Department of Agriculture)

Residents have taken to social media to complain about the pests.

I thought it was snow when I looked out my windows, one Facebook user commented underneath a local news report about the phenomenon.

They are a nuisance! another user wrote underneath a post from Protect Tennessee Forests.

Do woolly aphids harm the ecosystem?

Woolly hackberry aphids, which like to hang out on hackberry trees, can cause the plants stress over time, Oliver told WKRN.

The adults feed on the sap in the leaves, Oliver explained. If you hit a branch with a stick, youll see a cloud of them fly off  thats what they feed on.

The mold that grows from the woolly aphids honeydew excrement can also make the trees unsightly, Gireesh told the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

"Woolly hackberry aphids are mostly nuisance pests and do not necessarily kill the tree," she said. "However, due to their excess honeydew production, sooty mold  a black, powdery fungus that grows on plants  gets accumulated, and the trees become unsightly.

What can residents do to avoid the pests?

While some pesticides are effective, that might not be an option for every resident impacted by the swarms.

Residents can also reduce the growth of sooty mold by removing personal property from beneath infested trees or cleaning items that are covered in honeydew, according to Protect Tennessee Forests.
Officials investigating the cause of the huge blaze that reduced the $1.5 million beachfront home of a South Carolina judge to smouldering embers on Saturday morning have said they do not believe arson played a part.

At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Chief Mark Keel said in a statement about the fire at the home of Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein in the luxury Jeremy Cay gated community at Edisto Beach.

SLED agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion, Keel added, suggesting his team believe the fire was the result of a domestic accident.

The remains of Judge Diane Goodsteins beachfront home as seen in aerial footage broadcast on local news (WCBD NEWS 2)

The chief said his investigation is still ongoing and urged the public to exercise good judgement and not share information that has not been verified.

Goodstein, 69, was out walking her dogs when the disaster unfolded, but her husband, former Democratic State Sen. Arnold Goldstein, 81, their son and another person were at home and had to escape the flames via an upstairs window and balcony.

The trio were subsequently rescued from a marshy area nearby by emergency services personnel in kayaks, who took them to hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained. One of the party had to be air-lifted due to the extent of their wounds.

The justice told reporters on Monday she was alright but otherwise said only that she was happy to direct you to a court administrator for further questions about the fire.

Her colleague, South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge, had told local media over the weekend that the blaze began with an apparent explosion.

The $1.5 million Edisto Beach property ablaze on Saturday morning (St. Pauls Fire District/Facebook)

The incident quickly attracted unfounded speculation that it might have been set deliberately by someone with a political motive, given that Judge Goodstein issued a controversial ruling against Donald Trumps administration last month.

New York Democratic Congressman Daniel Goldman, for one, raised that concern in a post on X/Twitter in which he tagged White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and warned: MAGA-world have been doxxing and threatening judges who rule against Trump, including Judge Goodstein Will Trump speak out against the extreme right that did this??

Miller responded angrily to the post, calling it deeply warped and vile and libelous madness.

The case presided over by Judge Goodstein in September concerned whether or not her state should hand over sensitive voter registration documents to the federal government.

The Department of Justice had requested that South Carolina officials turn over the personal data of more than 3.3 million voters, revealing their names, addresses, birthdates, drivers license numbers and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers.

Circuit Court Judge Goodstein recently ruled against the Trump administration, provoking unfounded speculation that the disaster might have been caused by arson (South Caroline Courts)

The administration was seeking to compare the information with a separate database in order to root out alleged illegal immigrants it suspected were being unlawfully permitted to cast votes in state elections.

Judge Goodstein reportedly received multiple death threats after ruling in favor of the plaintiff  local voting rights activist Anne Crook  a decision that put her at odds with Trump and her states Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who said the circuit court was wrong to place itself in the way of the government and filed an emergency petition to overturn the verdict.

The South Carolina Supreme Court duly sided with McMaster, dropping Goodsteins temporary restraining order in a six-page opinion on September 11.
Israeli hostages to be released from Gaza  who are they and how many are still alive?

Hamas has agreed to release all of the remaining living hostages taken from Israel during the October 7 attacks as part of a peace deal - over two years after the attacks took place.

A total of 251 Israeli and foreign nationals were taken hostage when Hamas militants stormed across the border. The majority were returned alive during two temporary ceasefire agreements in autumn 2023 and between January and March 2025, but dozens of others have been killed while in captivity.

Forty-eight hostages remained with Hamas in Gaza. Israel believe that 20 of those are still alive.

Under the first phase of the peace plan, all remaining living hostages will be released on Sunday or Monday. President Trump has called for their release within 72 hours of the signing of the first phase of the agreement. The deceased will be returned at a later stage.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum have called for Donald Trump to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

The peace deal proposed by President Trump saw negotiators from Hamas and Israel discuss the details of the 20-point plan in Egypt through the week. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Israel would finish the job if the Palestinian militants did not agree to the deal.

In response to the ultimatum, Hamas agreed "to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal" - but it sought further negotiations on other issues regarding Gazas future.

Female Israeli soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag were released as part of the first stage (AFP via Getty Images)

Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, is reunited with her parents following her release (via REUTERS)

Trumps 20-point proposal envisions the release of all of the remaining Israeli hostages in return for the release of Palestinian detainees from Israeli jails, before a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

It would mark the end of two years in captivity for the hostages, during which a brutal Israeli military campaign has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Blockades of aid have also triggered a humanitarian crisis, with famine and extreme hunger widespread.

When did the first hostage release take place?

It is also nearly two years since the first hostages were released in November 2023, when the two sides agreed a temporary pause in fighting to allow for the release of dozens of hostages.

A total of 81 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals were released between 24-30 November, during an agreement which initially stipulated a four-day break in fighting, before three days were added on. More than 200 Palestinian detainees were released in response.

Protesters calling for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip react after a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached on Wednesday (Getty Images)

A long period without a cessation in fighting followed, lasting until Donald Trump took office and demanded a rapid ceasefire deal.

On 15 January 2025, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement in which Hamas would release hostages in exchange for more Palestinian detainees and militants in Israeli prisons.

The second ceasefire began days later, but was fraught with accusations of repeated breaches. After 21 hostages were released in the first weeks - including British citizen Emily Damari - Hamas announced an indefinite halt to hostage releases due to alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

In total, 30 hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners were released over seven phases of the deal, before Israel definitively ended the ceasefire with the resumption of heavy air strikes in Gaza on 18 March.

Release of hostages as part of a ceasefire and a hostages-prisoners swap deal between Hamas and Israel (Reuters)

Who are the 20 hostages still thought to be alive?

Matan Angrest (22)

The 21-year-old Israeli soldier was on duty on 7 October. It is assumed that he is still in Gaza.

Ariel Cunio (28)

Taken hostage from Nir Oz with his girlfriend, Arbel Yehud, who was released in January.

David Cunio (34)

The 34-year-old is another of Ariels brothers and was also abducted from Nir Oz. His wife Sharon Aloni Cunio was released in November 2023, along with their twin daughters Ema and Yuly, three. Meanwhile, Sharons sister Daniele Aloni and her six-year-old daughter Emilia were also both freed then.

Galia David, mother of Evyatar David, Viki Cohen, mother of Nimrod Cohen, Silvia Cunio, mother of David and Ariel, and Merav Gilboa-Dalal, mother of Guy Gilboa-Dalal, hold pictures of their sons who are hostages in Gaza (REUTERS)

Gali and Ziv Berman (27)

The 27-year-old twins were abducted from Kfar Aza, with Ziv messaging a friend during Hamas attack. The brothers family said they had been told by the Israeli military that the pair are being held in Gaza.

Elkana Bohbot (36)

Bohbot was abducted from the Nova music festival, and his family first received sign of life during a ceasefire earlier this year.

Rom Braslavski (21)

Rom was working on security for the festival during a break in army service. According to an account published by Hostages and Missing Families Forum, he was trying to rescue an injured person in the attack when he was caught in a volley of fire.

Hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023 (Bring Them Home)

Nimrod Cohen (20)

Cohen was captured from a tank near the Gaza border.

Evyatar David (24)

Taken hostage at Nova music festival alongside best friend Guy Gilboa-Dalal.

Guy Gilboa-Dalal (24)

He appeared alongside David in the video released by Hamas of the pair watching other hostages be released and realising that they would not be.

Maxim Herkin (37)

Abducted from Nova music festival one week after visiting his native Ukraine. He was born in the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine and has a daughter living in Russia.

Eitan Horn (38)

Abducted while visiting older brother Yair, who was released in the first phase of the deal.

A picture of hostage Eitan Horn, held in Hamas captive in the Gaza Strip, hangs on a barbed wire during a protest by families at the plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 2 (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Bar Kupershtein (23)

Bars family say they identified him in a video of Israeli prisoners, posted by Hamas.

Omri Miran (48)

Taken hostage in his own car in front of his wife and young children.

Eitan Mor (25)

Abducted while working as a security guard at the Nova music festival.

Segev Kalfon (27)

Kalfon was taken hostage from the Nova music festival.

Yosef-Haim Ohana (24)

Reportedly taken hostage while aiding festival-goers who had been attacked at the Nova music festival.

Alon Ohel (24)

One of four festival-goers at Nova to emerge alive from a shelter where 16 people were killed, according to reports.

Ditza Or, mother of Avinatan Or, at the Israeli embassy in London (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire)

Avinatan Or (32)

Avinatan was kidnapped along with his girlfriend, Noa Argamani. She was rescued from central Gaza in June, and revealed that they had been separated.

Matan Zangauker (25)

Abducted with his partner from their Nir Oz home. His partner was released in November 2023.

Who are the 28 hostages believed to be dead?

Bipin Joshi (24)

Tamir Nimrodi (20)

Itay Chen (19)

Eliyahu Margalit (75)

Eitan Levi (52)

A woman visits an installation honouring those who were killed and kidnapped in the Supernova music festival (AFP/Getty)

Sahar Baruch (24)

Joshua Luito Mollel (21)

Tal Haimi (41)

Arie Zalmanowicz (85)

Ran Gvili (24)

Dror Or (48)

Tamir Adar (38)

Ronen Engel (54)

Israeli captive, Eli Sharabi, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, stands on a stage escorted by Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday Feb. 8 (AP)

Inbar Hayman (27)

Guy Iluz (26)

Asaf Hamami (41)

Lior Rudaeff (61)

Muhammad Al-Atarash (39)

Meny Godard (73)

Omer Neutra (21)

Yossi Sharabi (53)

Daniel Oz (19)

Soldiers carry the coffin of Noa Marciano (Getty Images)

Daniel Perez (22)

Uriel Baruch (35)

Sontia OkKrasari (30)

Sontisek Rintalk (43)

Amiram Cooper (85)

Hadar Goldin (23) - captured in 2014
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced efforts to help its supply chain and a partial restart of operations following August's crippling cyber attack.

The company said "qualifying" supplier companies would be eligible for early payments due to the disruption caused by the temporary shutdown of its factories over a month ago.

At the same time, it said the phased restart of its manufacturing sites would begin at its Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre and its Battery Assembly Centre in the West Midlands from Wednesday.

Money latest: Biggest pension regrets of retirees revealed

"JLR colleagues will also begin to return on Wednesday to the company's stamping operations in Castle Bromwich, Halewood and Solihull, UK, and other key areas of its Solihull vehicle production plant, such as its body shop, paint shop and its Logistics Operations Centre, which feeds parts to JLR's global manufacturing sites," a statement said.

The prospect of production staff getting back to work will come as a huge relief to workers and suppliers alike. The shutdown is currently into its sixth week, costing JLR at least 5m a day.

Companies which supply JLR both directly and indirectly have suffered, though the carmaker is understood to have met its financial commitments to all partners it deals with.

Firms further down the chain complained last week that they were yet to receive any support, despite the offer of a 1.5bn loan guarantee by the government.

JLR is believed to have not signed up to it on the grounds it has had sufficient funds to pay its way to date.

The new early payments scheme is only open to its main, so-called tier one, suppliers.

It is hoped that money will trickle down from them to their own customers who have, in many cases, laid off staff.

The carmaker said of the help now on offer to suppliers: "Qualifying JLR suppliers will be paid much faster than under their standard payment terms, aiding their cashflow in the near term.

"Following an initial phase with qualifying JLR suppliers critical to the restart of production, the scheme will be expanded, including to some nonproduction suppliers.

"Working with a banking partner, this shortterm financing scheme means qualifying JLR suppliers will receive a majority prepayment shortly after the point of order and a final trueup payment on receipt of invoice.

"JLR's typical supplier payment terms are 60 days post invoice, so this scheme accelerates payments by as much as 120 days. JLR will reimburse the financing costs for those JLR suppliers who use the scheme during the restart phase, as the company returns to full production."

JLR said that the non-production suppliers who could be offered help later included caterers and consultants.

JLR chief executive, Adrian Mardell, said: "This week marks an important moment for JLR and all our stakeholders as we now restart our manufacturing operations following the cyber incident.

"From tomorrow, we will welcome back our colleagues at our engine production plant in Wolverhampton, shortly followed by our colleagues making our world-class cars at Nitra and Solihull.

"Our suppliers are central to our success, and today we are launching a new financing arrangement that will enable us to pay our suppliers early, using the strength of our balance sheet to support their cashflows.

"I would like to thank everyone connected to JLR for their commitment, hard work and endeavour in recent weeks to bring us to this moment. We know there is much more to do but our recovery is firmly underway."

The extent of the hit to sales was partly revealed in figures released by the company later in the day.

They showed a 24% decline in wholesale volumes during the three months to 30 September compared to the previous three months, and a 17% year on year decline in retail sales volumes.

Also knocking sales this year has been challenges from US tariffs and the planned wind down of legacy Jaguar models ahead of the launch of new vehicles under the marque's rebrand.

Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said of the company's status update: "This is very welcome news for workers and suppliers, but I know many are still under pressure, particularly further down the supply chain.

"My focus will remain on helping JLR resolve this cyber incident, making further progress towards restarting production, and supporting the long-term health of our automotive supply chain."
Jane Goodalls biting Last Words wish before dying would send Musk, Trump and Netanyahu on a SpaceX flight out of here

Before her death, chimpanzee expert and conservationist Jane Goodall revealed her wish to send tech billionaire Elon Musk, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a SpaceX flight out of Earth.

Goodall died at the age of 91 last Wednesday. As the world mourned her death, Netflix debuted a new documentary series titled Famous Last Words, featuring an interview with Goodall from March, which she understood would only be released after her death.

One rather frank part of Goodalls interview that made headlines involved her listing several world leaders shed like off the planet.

There are people I dont like, Goodall told TV writer Brad Falchuk. And I would like to put them on one of [Elon] Musks spaceships and send them all off to the planet hes sure hes going to discover.

Before her death, chimpanzee expert and conservationist Jane Goodall revealed her wish to send tech billionaire Elon Musk, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a SpaceX flight out of Earth (Joel Saget/AFP via Getty Images)

Musk, the CEO of rocket producer SpaceX, has shared his ambitions to send humans to Mars as early as 2029. He was close to Trump during the start of the presidents second term as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, but they later had a public falling out.

Along with Musk, would be Trump, and some of Trumps real supporters. And then I would put [Russian President Vladimir] Putin in there, and I would put President Xi [Jinping of China]. Id certainly put [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu in there and his far-right government, Goodall said.

Goodall, who was a United Nations Messenger of Peace, spoke about the many conflicts plaguing the world, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war, in a statement for the International Day of Peace in September 2024.

Let us pray for the end of conflict, especially the genocide of the people of Gaza. And for those risking their lives to help the wounded and feed the hungry and care for the animals suffering as a result of human violence, cruelty and war, she said.

Israel has vehemently denied that it is carrying out a genocide in Gaza.

Musk was close to Trump during the start of the presidents second term as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, but they later had a public falling out (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Goodall had previously compared Trump to the chimpanzees she is known for observing.

In many ways the performances of Donald Trump remind me of male chimpanzees and their dominance rituals, Goodall told The Atlantic in 2016.

She continued: In order to impress rivals, males seeking to rise in the dominance hierarchy perform spectacular displays: stamping, slapping the ground, dragging branches, throwing rocks. The more vigorous and imaginative the display, the faster the individual is likely to rise in the hierarchy, and the longer he is likely to maintain that position.

The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment on Goodalls interview.

Goodall, from London, began studying chimpanzees in Africa in 1960, at the age of 26. She established the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to promote wildlife and environmental conservation. From the Jane Goodall Institute came the Roots & Shoots program, which empowers young people to make change within their communities.
Robert Jenrick swerved between saccharine and Star Wars at the Tory party conference - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Rob Jenrick is the Duracell Bunny of this conference, banging his little drum from fringe to fringe, so ubiquitous that they advertise when he wont be speaking.

He was at the GB News party, of course, where we sang Land of Hope and Glory (no one knew the words) and waved Union flags. As a camera passed by, I screamed: Hello Mum!, because she has it on 24/7.

Rob cracked a joke about Sky News that only made sense the next morning, for hed had a slippy interview about visiting Birmingham and not seeing any white faces. Well, he mustve felt much more comfortable speaking to the conference hall at 11.40am, where my pint of Irish blood was the closest thing to ethnic vibrancy.

His wife was there, a lady so formidable that one half expects her to walk him to the podium on a leash  a joke that the couple gamely own.

Michael Heseltine, he said, used to go to bed every night and ask Mrs Heseltine what he should do to fight, fight, fight the Labour Party. I obviously dont say that to my wife, he confessed, but I do think it. One can imagine Mrs Jenrick, covered in face cream, muttering in the dark: Robert, if you must think, do it quietly.

He had a box on stage and pulled out not a rabbit, a la Paul Daniels, but a wig, a la RuPaul.

Cameras flashed: if the Tories get a photo in the newspapers, that will be it. The point: judges must be independent, ours are biased, so lets sack em.

He announced this with a hand in his pocket, the delivery relaxed and funny, swerving between saccharine (our love of pubs, our love of animals) and Star Wars (the collapse of the old order is in sight, a new one is coming). Rob went to Endor and found an Ewok ghetto.

Later, I tried to interrogate him on the white face comment at a Daily T conference event, and failed miserably. Hes a clever man, playing on home ground.

If the issue is a lack of racial mixing, I asked, does it bother him that Tunbridge Wells is all white? I forgot that the entire audience was from Tunbridge Wells, and they rushed to tell me that the Chang family moved into the area in 1996.

Have the Conservatives apologised enough for their time in office, asked a Conservative? I dont believe in self-flagellation for too long, he replied, a point on which we were in full agreement. Fifteen minutes with a belt is usually enough.

He was more sensitive on the question of whether or not he wants to be leader, a tricky one because every morning he wakes up in bed and Mrs Jenrick says: I want you to be leader.

He acts as though the job were already his, churning out videos while in increasing states of undress, showing off a slimmed-down body, in which he expresses anger at the state of Britain. It will culminate, someday, in a video of Rob in a steamy shower, whispering to the camera: Id send them all back to France Finger to the lips. Flirty wink.
Senior Tory Robert Jenrick has been accused of stirring up division as he defended comments about not seeing another white face while visiting an area of Birmingham, insisting it did look like a slum.

In a race row that overshadowed his Tory conference speech  in which he attacked judges, accusing them of fighting to keep illegal migrants in the UK  the shadow justice secretary defended his remarks on what he claims is a lack of integration in some parts of Britain.

He insisted he wont shy away from such issues and said his comments, reportedly made during a visit to Handsworth in March, were simply an observation.

Party leader Kemi Badenoch defended her former leadership rival, insisting there was nothing wrong with what he said.

But local leaders condemned his comments as divisive and entirely wrong.

It comes as Tory grandee Michael Heseltine warned Ms Badenoch the partys attacks on migrants are not the Conservative way to rebuild power.

In a damning attack on her leadership, the former deputy prime minister used a speech at the conference in Manchester to blast the rhetoric of the current leadership, warning that the inflammatory language encourages the worst sort of prejudice.

Robert Jenrick has faced criticism for his remarks about Handsworth in Birmingham (PA)

Lord Heseltine warned that instead of aping Reform UK, the Tories must make clear that we will never have any part in the populist extremism of Nigel Farage.

Defending his comments on The Telegraphs Daily T podcast at the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday, Mr Jenrick said there are pockets of towns and cities that are largely segregated and people should not be stopped from talking about it out of a "misplaced fear of being called racist".

He said: "It did look like a slum, adding: "I didn't see a mix of people on the streets. It was an observation."

Asked if Mr Jenrick's comments were racist, Richard Parker, the Labour mayor of the West Midlands, replied: "I do. Because hes set out intentionally to draw on a particular issue - peoples colour - to identify the point he wanted to make."

No other politician that I know in the West Midlands of a mainstream party would seek to do that explicitly and with the intent that he did, he told BBC Radio WM.

The Bishop of Birmingham, Right Reverend Michael Volland, branded the remarks entirely wrong and said he had been dismayed and disappointed to hear them.

In a letter to Mr Jenrick he said: Comments like those you have made have the potential to generate anxiety and stir up division. They can feed into a harmful narrative that provides fuel for a fire of toxic nationalism.

It is deeply unhelpful for politicians to make such comments and I encourage you to think about how your rhetoric might contribute towards unity rather than stoking division.

And shadow cabinet colleagues of Mr Jenrick have warned that he has gone too far with his latest comments. One said: I spoke to a party donor who told me Robert is going to burst with ambition, I have told him he needs to wind his neck in a bit and get on with fighting Labour.

Another said: The thing is we would all like the real Robert Jenrick to show himself. When it suited him he was a centrist and now we have this very rightwing act. People just dont think it is authentic. If he had been authentic he might have won the leadership contest last year.

Andy Street, former mayor of the West Midlands, said Jenrick is wrong (PA)

Labour Party chair Anna Turley criticised Mr Jenrick for judging his own level of comfort by whether there are other white faces around.

The MP for Redcar said: This weekend, Kemi Badenoch said she stood against a politics that reduces people to categories and then pits them against each other.

People of colour should not have to justify their Englishness or their Britishness, or their presence in this country to Robert Jenrick or anyone else.

Asked about his remarks on Tuesday, Ms Badenoch said: In and of itself, its a factual statement. If he said he didnt see another white face, he might have been making an observation. Theres nothing wrong with making observations.

I wasnt there, so I cant say how many faces he saw, but the point is that there are many people in our country who are not integrating. I heard that one of the MPs of that area was accusing him of racism. I completely disagree with that. I want to make that very clear.

The criticism came as Mr Jenrick used his Tory party speech to launch an unprecedented assault on Britains judiciary, vowing to scrap the independent sentencing council and sack dozens of judges he accused of open borders activism.

Brandishing a judges wig, he said tens of judges have spent their careers fighting to keep illegal migrants in this country, adding that some even continue to do so, whilst, astonishingly, serving as judges.

They dishonour generations of independent jurists who came before them, and they undermine the peoples trust in the law itself, he said, adding that judges who blur the line between adjudication and activism can have no place in our justice system.
A Jewish organisation has called for the cancellation of a Bob Vylan gig in Manchester, saying a lack of response from the concert venue following last weeks synagogue attack is utterly unforgiveable.

The outspoken punk duo caused controversy in chanting death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) at the Glastonbury music festival in June, which was livestreamed by the BBC.

The corporations director-general Tim Davie subsequently said the decision to broadcast the set live was a very significant mistake, and branded the performance antisemitic and deeply disturbing.

The music act is due to play the Manchester Academy on November 5.

The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region had already demanded urgent action last month on a performance it said would cause significant concern in the community.

In an updated statement, published on Monday, the JRC said the performance  by an artist it deemed as having repeatedly engaged in rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate political discourse into antisemitism and incitement  must be cancelled.

The statement read: There is a vital distinction between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and speech that veers into antisemitism..

The council said while freedom of expression must be protected an artist who has consistently been condemned as hateful should not be given such a platform.

The JRC said the statement is supported by a number of the regions MPs including Labours Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell, Paul Waugh for Rochdale and the Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, Tom Morrison.

The organisation, which said it had initially contacted the venue three weeks ago, described booking such an act at one of our citys most iconic venues as shameful.

The scene near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two people died in a terror attack (Peter Byrne/PA)

The council, which describes itself as responsible for representing, protecting, uniting, defending and serving the local Jewish community, added: The fact we have not received a response, even after British Jews were murdered in cold blood is utterly unforgiveable.

Last Thursday, knife-wielding terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, killed two men at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both died in the attack, which unfolded on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council and Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central and the Labour Party deputy leadership candidate, have been approached for comment.

The University of Manchester directed media calls about the matter to the Students Union.

The University of Manchester Students Union, which manages the Manchester Academy venue, declined to comment on the JRC statement.
A judge in Albania was shot dead after a man on trial opened fire during a hearing over a property dispute, according to local police.

Judge Astrit Kalaja was presiding over a hearing at the Court of Appeal in Tirana on Monday afternoon when the defendant shot him with a pistol, authorities said.

The veteran judge later died on the way to hospital, local officials said.

A father and son involved in the hearing were also reportedly shot, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

The scene was closed off and three people were arrested in connection to the shooting on Monday (AFP via Getty Images)

Police arrested a 30-year-old man identified by the initials E Sh who was later named in Albanian media as Elvis Shkembi. The suspect is said to have opened fire because he expected to lose the case, according to local media.

The suspects uncle and a security guard at the court were also arrested, police said.

Shkodra police said that arrest was made as the uncle had made comments to Albanian media threatening other judges.

Brunilda Lika, a lawyer at the courthouse on Monday, told reporters during a vigil on Tuesday: For a judge to lose his life while giving a decision for the Republic of Albania is an unprecedented act. I saw the panic that occurred in the courtroom.

She said she was not present in the courtroom at the time of the shooting.

Judge Kalaja had been a lawyer for more than 30 years. Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party in Albania, said it was the first time in 35 years a sitting judge had been killed while doing his duty.

Astrit Kalaja was presiding over the man's case when he opened fire, police said, adding that the man was promptly arrested (AFP via Getty Images)

Prime minister Edi Rama said on Monday it was a tragic event and called for tougher sentencing on gun crimes.

"The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly demands the most extreme legal response against the aggressor," he wrote on X.

President Bajram Begaj said the attack was a terrible attack against the entire justice system.

The British embassy in Tirana said: We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Astrit Kalaja.

Our condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.

We strongly condemn the violence and call for urgent measures to ensure the safety and security of judicial officers and the integrity of courts.
Jenrisk with wig

As reported last night by the Telegraph, Robert Jenrick used his speech today at the Conservative party conference in Manchester to promise that a future Tory government would dismiss activist judges with a known pro-migration bias. Jenrick has identified thirty five judges who have advised, or acted pro bono for, groups like Bail for Immigration Detainees, which campaigned against the Tories Rwanda scheme, and Asylum Support Appeals Project which regularly challenges the Home Office in court. Jenrick has reported eleven of those judges to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, because of apparently activist content they have posted online.

Jenrick is right when he says that these judges dishonour generations of independent jurists who came before them and undermine the peoples trust in the law itself. His plan to abolish the immigration tribunals is welcome, and he is also right to say that judges who blur the line between adjudication and activism can have no place in our justice system. As we have seen with the Labour governments recent legal battles to deport a handful of migrants to France, human rights lawyers and judges have made it impossible for the state to control its borders or even decide who should live here.

But the Shadow Justice Secretary has not gone far enough. The rot in our judiciary, and our legal system is not confined to migration. We have developed a system which makes Britain impossible to govern.

At the end of July, Mr Justice Chamberlain allowed Palestine Action to challenge its proscription as a terrorist organisation on the grounds that its rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association had been violated, and because the Home Office should have consulted the group before banning them. This is despite the Home Secretary placing the proscription order before Parliament, who voted for it.

There are other signs that much of the judiciary dislikes political interference and democratic oversight. Earlier this year, during the two-tier sentencing debate, the Sentencing Councils chair, Lord Justice William Davis, advanced an astonishing and revolutionary doctrine in his letters to the Lord Chancellor. Davis claimed that the Council had a right to amend sentencing guidelines as it saw fit, and that Ministers of the Crown had no right to determine sentencing rules at all. This was no doubt encouraged by the existence of the Judicial Appointments Commission, a Blair-era invention which has, for the past two decades, controlled who can become a judge with very little democratic oversight.

To be fair to Robert Jenrick, he, more than any other Tory politician, seems to understand the world we now inhabit. For the truth is that, as Jenrick said today, the old, Blairite order is collapsing, and he is right that we must undo three decades of constitutional vandalism, restore the primacy of Parliament and the status of the Lord Chancellor. But it will not be enough to merely ensure that in the future political activists will not be permitted to become judges.

If an incoming government really wishes to save Britain, restore its constitution and make justice blind again, then there will need to be widespread removals of judges. One of the first acts of a new government must be to pass a vote in Parliament which will petition the King to remove all members of the judiciary whose political beliefs and prejudices mean they can not be trusted to deliver fair justice, and those whose politics might cause them to frustrate the democratic and popular will.

There is nothing revolutionary in this idea. Parliaments power to remove judges was codified in the 1701 Act of Settlement. For centuries that weapon has rested unused, unneeded, because our judiciary were fair and unpolitical. Now, after thirty years of Blairite destruction, it has become necessary for Parliament to wield its power. Jenrick should be bolder. He has centuries of law, and tradition on his side. If Britain is to be restored then it must first be made governable.
A Kentucky man was arrested Saturday for Halloween decorations in his front yard that resembled body bags and were labeled with the titles of local officials.

Stephan Marcum, 58, of Stanton, was charged with intimidating a witness and third-degree terroristic threatening after police responded just after 2 p.m. to a call about a "potential witness/terroristic threat" at his home.

Upon arrival, officers said they saw five bodies, all wrapped in black trash bags, and labeled as different officials. A photo shared by Lex18 shows the bodies, four of which were mounted on stakes, with signs on them with titles such as Mayor, SIS, C.A., and zoning mgr.

The one hanging was labeled district judge. There was a rope around the neck of the body, police wrote in the arrest citation, obtained by the outlet.

Stephan Marcum, 58, of Stanton, was charged with intimidating a witness and third-degree terroristic threatening (Powell County Detention Center)

Marcum reportedly refused to speak with officers or remove the decorations, which led to his arrest. He is being held at the Powell County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond.

Kentucky State Police took the decorations to their Post 8 office in Morehead, WKYT reports.

The Independent has contacted KSP for comment.

This is something you just dont see every day, Powell County Judge Executive Eddie Barnes, who was not named in the display, told WKYT.

At first I didnt know what to think about it because I actually drove by and [saw] it in his yard and Im thinking you know, wow, you know, thats kinda harsh, he said.

Barnes says he has known Marcum for decades and believes he can be a good person, but disagrees with the way he chose to express himself.

Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, told WKYT that while the First Amendment protects free speech, it does not cover terrorizing threats.

Last month, a Halloween display in Houston's predominantly Hispanic Second Ward neighborhood sparked controversy.

The installation featured mannequins dressed in red hats resembling Trump supporters "Make America Great Again" caps, black shirts, khaki pants, and black masks, hanging from gallows beneath a Mexican flag. Nearby, a third mannequin in a poncho and straw hat stood over a fourth figure tied to the ground, flanked by two coffins.

The figures also had stacks of zip ties in their pockets, reminiscent of those used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Let me tell you one story about my political party. It might not seem like a big one. But it is part of a wider story that should be taken seriously. I am currently a Conservative whip on North Yorkshire council, and we have lost one of our colleagues to Reform. Karl Arthur has been a member for 33 years  longer than I have been alive  and it grieves me to see him leave. Because we lose not only a fantastic councillor and colleague, but someone who kept us honest to the Right, and whose input into our party I shall miss very much.

Now let me tell you another story. When Keith Prince, a member of the London Assembly, defected last week, the former Tory minister Conor Burns responded on Twitter with one word: Who?

Prince had been a member of the party for nearly 50 years, led Redbridge council for 5, has been on the London Assembly for nearly a decade, and has been a councillor since 1990.

Which leads me to a question that has been asked ad nauseam: what is driving Reform UKs rise? Ask many centrist commentators or Left-wing politicians and they will tell you its the algorithm of social media: the partys mastery over a medium that rewards outrage over insight, they argue, has seen Nigel Farage propelled ever further ahead in the polls by pedalling a fantasy vision of a Broken Britain that simply isnt true. The Yookay, they argue, isnt real life.

But this is a comforting lie, told to help them cope with the fact that Farage is the most effective conventional politician in Britain. His announcement on indefinite leave to remain successfully set the tone for each and every one of the party conferences in turn: Lib Dems waved Union Jacks in an attempt to take back the flag (rather than any real sense of patriotism); the only part of Green leader Zack Polanskis speech that reached the mainstream was an attempt to repudiate Farage; and Starmers speech mentioned Farage more times than his fact his father was a tool-maker.

As for us Tories, Farage doesnt just have us on the ropes; were nearly out for the count. Today he has unveiled a slew of councillor defections  another 20, from right across the country.

This blows the Tories out of their own conference cycle  the one time of the year that even opposition parties are supposed to be able to set the narrative. On the back of the defection of Danny Kruger and a consistent slide in the polls, down to fourth in some, it seems like a leadership challenge to Kemi Badenoch in November is inevitable  as does the fact she will lose.

But whoever the next leader is, they are unlikely to stop the slide of defections in the short term  nor, in fact, can that task rest solely on their shoulders. A party is a communal endeavour, its burdens shared between its members. Rebuilding trust and restoring unity is our collective responsibility, and it starts with treating those who choose to leave with honesty and respect.

When long-term members defect, asking who they are is an egregious insult, not only to them or the efforts they have made for an ever-ungrateful party, but to the thousands of voters who are making a similar journey  and for whom that journey is much easier.

A party survives only through the commitment of its members. With the Tory Party in such a perilous position, we can no longer afford indifference to those who choose to walk away.

The political strategy at the heart of Tory survival has always been to maintain a hegemony over Right-wing voters whilst coalescing enough voters from the centre to win; as that unravels, our answer cannot become shrugging off years of service with flippancy.

The loss of every veteran is a moment to ask how we got here, and it is up to us to ask how we can fix their loyalty, not simply demand it from them. With Farage in front, those days where we can take our members for granted are over.
Macron was re-elected in April 2022 for a five-year term, but since snap legislative elections in 2024 his appointees as PM have been unable to summon a parliamentary majority to pass a budget. Photograph: Heiko Becker/Reuters

Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, is under intense pressure to call snap parliamentary elections or resign as former allies join his opponents in demanding he act to end a spiralling political crisis in the EUs second biggest economy.

Macrons first prime minister on Tuesday urged the president to step down amid mounting frustration even within the presidents own camp over one of the worst spells of political chaos in France since the foundation of its Fifth Republic in 1958.

Edouard Philippe, prime minister from 2017 to 2020 and now leader of a Macron-allied party, said he should announce an early presidential election once a budget for next year was adopted. Macron was re-elected in April 2022 for a five-year term, but since snap legislative elections in 2024 his appointees as prime minister have been unable to summon a parliamentary majority to pass a budget.

Time is of the essence, Philippe said. We are not going to prolong what we have been experiencing for the past six months. Another 18 months is far too long and it is damaging France. The political game we are playing today is distressing.

Philippe, who polls suggest is the best-placed candidate to lead the political centre in the next presidential elections, was not alone among Macrons former prime ministers in distancing himself from the beleaguered head of state.

Gabriel Attal  whose brief tenure as Frances youngest-ever prime minister ended last year when Macron called the snap vote that produced Frances present hung parliament  said he no longer understood the presidents decisions.

Attal, who now leads the main pro-Macron party, told French media that after burning through five prime ministers in under two years it was time to try something else, criticising what he called Macrons determination to keep control.

The calls came after the outgoing prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, who was appointed only 28 days ago, resigned with his 14-hour-old cabinet on Monday but was asked by Macron to hold last-ditch talks with party leaders to try to rally support.

Macron gave Lecornu until Wednesday evening to try to define a platform for action and stability. However, in a sign of the difficulties he faces, the far-right National Rally (RN), the largest single party in parliament, refused to attend.

These umpteenth negotiations no longer aim to protect the interests of the French people, but those of the president himself, said the party, which polls suggest would finish first in an eventual parliamentary election but is unlikely to secure a majority.

In a scathing editorial, Le Monde said the crisis was a tragic farce and yet another demonstration of the unravelling of Macrons second mandate since his re-election in 2022. The president finds himself in a major crisis, it said.

The newspaper castigated Frances entire political class, which it said was incapable of rising to the challenge, preferring to posture in the run-up to the presidential ballot due in 2027 rather than build a compromise essential for the months to come.

France has been in political crisis for more than a year since the 2024 election  called in response to far-right successes in the European parliamentary elections that year  produced a parliament divided between three more or less equal blocs: the left, far right and Macrons own centre-right alliance, with no majority.

Among other options, Macron could reappoint Lecornu, select another new prime minister  possibly a non-party-political technocrat  who would become his eighth, or dissolve parliament again and hold new legislative elections.

He has long said he is reluctant hold fresh legislative elections, which polls suggest would probably return another divided parliament, but on Monday hinted he may be prepared to do so if Lecornu fails in his last-chance mission.

Macron has also repeatedly insisted he will not resign before the end of his mandate in 2027.

The calls from Macrons allies echoed similar demands from the presidents opponents on both the left and far right, including the far-right RN president, Jordan Bardella, who on Tuesday said he, too, backed fresh parliamentary elections or an early presidential ballot.

I call on the president of the republic to hear the suffering in the country, to come out of his isolation, and to dissolve the national assembly, Bardella said. We must go back to the French people so they can choose a majority for themselves.

Related: What happened on a chaotic day in French politics  and what next?

Lecornu met on Tuesday with the leaders of Macrons centrist alliance and the conservative Les Republicains (LR), with the parties reportedly agreeing that finding a deal to urgently pass next years planned austerity budget must be the top priority.

The political crisis is being played out against the backdrop of Frances deepening financial woes: its debt-to-GDP ratio is the EUs third-highest and almost twice the ceiling permitted under EU rules, as is its projected budget deficit of nearly 6%.

Lecornu will need the support of others, however, including the centre-left Socialist party (PS), to have any hope of a majority in parliament to approve the legislation. The PS has called for a change of course under a new leftwing government.

Lecornu became the shortest-lived prime minister in modern French history when he resigned, the countrys fifth prime minister since Macrons re-election in 2022 and the third since the parliamentary dissolution of last year.
Myleene Klass arriving at court (PA)

A 61-year-old man has been found guilty of stalking Myleene Klass by posting her an air pistol, handcuffs, a police uniform and disturbing unwanted letters.

Jurors also convicted Peter Windsor of stalking Klasss Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick by sending her details of a DIY will-writing kit and other raving and unhinged mail.

Klass, a TV and radio star, told Birmingham Crown Court last week how she felt sheer terror after being sent items by Windsor, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and claimed to be not guilty by reason of insanity.

Windsor, from Stechford, Birmingham, had denied stalking both Klass and Breathwick by sending items to Classic FMs central London studios between March 2020 and August 2024.

Court artist drawing of Peter Windsor (PA)

Jurors reached their unanimous guilty verdicts on Tuesday after deliberating for four hours and eight minutes over two days.

Windsor, wearing a grey sweatshirt, sighed and pursed his lips in the dock as the verdicts were announced.

Judge Tom Rochford told Windsor, who has been on remand throughout his trial, that the options for his sentencing next month include prison or two types of hospital orders.
The Kido nursery chain told parents criminals accessed their data hosted by a software service widely used by nurseries. Photograph: Isabel Infantes/Reuters

Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with an alleged cyber-attack on a set of nurseries in Greater London.

The two boys, both aged 17, were arrested on suspicion of computer misuse and blackmail at residential properties in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire on Tuesday and remain in custody for questioning.

In September, the names, pictures and addresses of about 8,000 children were stolen from the Kido nursery chain. The profiles of 10 children were posted online and the hackers threatened to publish more material unless they were paid.

Announcing the arrests, Will Lyne, the Mets head of economic and cybercrime, said: Since these attacks took place, specialist Met investigators have been working at pace to identify those responsible.

We understand reports of this nature can cause considerable concern, especially to those parents and carers who may be worried about the impact of such an incident on them and their families.

We want to reassure the community and anyone affected that this matter continues to be taken extremely seriously. These arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, but our work continues, alongside our partners, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The Mets inquiries continue.

Kido, which has 18 sites around London, told parents the breach happened when criminals accessed their data hosted by a software service called Famly, which is widely used by nurseries to share photos and information with parents.

Anders Laustsen, the chief executive of Famly, said: We have conducted a thorough investigation of the incident and can confirm that there has been no breach of Famlys security or infrastructure in any way and no other customers have been affected. We of course take data security and privacy extremely seriously at Famly.

 The headline and text of this article were amended on 8 October 2025. Owing to supplied information, an earlier version said one of the people arrested was a 22-year-old man; however, a police update has given the age as being 17.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgie, during a news conference outside the US Capitol on 3 September 2025. Photograph: Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has indicated she is willing to negotiate with Democrats over healthcare insurance costs  the central political issue that has kept the US government shut down since 1 October.

Indicating that she is willing to stand against her party on the issue, Greene said Monday night in a post on the social platform X that shes absolutely disgusted insurance premiums could double if a system of tax credits dating back to Barack Obamas presidency is allowed to expire at the end of the year.

But the US House member from Georgia, who has previously criticized her fellow Republicans on several key issues, including funding for Ukraine and the war in Gaza, did not have kind words of the Affordable Care Act itself  which took 427 days to pass during Obamas first term and stands as his signature legislation.

Lets just say as nicely as possible, Im not a fan, she wrote. But Im going to go against everyone on this issue because when the tax credits expire this year my own adult childrens insurance premiums for 2026 are going to DOUBLE, along with all the wonderful families and hard-working people in my district.

I was not in Congress when all this Obamacare, Affordable Care Act bullshit started, Greene wrote. I got here in 2021. As a matter of fact, the ACA made health insurance UNAFFORDABLE for my family after it was passed, with skyrocketing premiums higher than our house payment.

Greene, an adherent to the Make America great again (Maga) movement that has resulted in two presidencies for Donald Trump, said she was prepared to stand against her party on the issue. Republicans maintain that Democrats must allow the government to re-open before they will discuss healthcare concessions.

Greene made it a point to say that she has not changed her mind about opposing free healthcare to immigrants in the US without legal status  although, as Democratic House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries said recently in an interview with ABC News, federal law prohibits the use of Medicare, Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program and the Affordable Care Act to provide health insurance in any way, shape or form to undocumented immigrants.

The one big beautiful act passed earlier during Trumps second presidency, meanwhile, ended the eligibility of many types of lawfully present immigrants to access federally funded health coverage for private health insurance.

Im not towing the party line on this, or playing loyalty games, Greene said. Im a Republican and wont vote for illegals to have any tax payer funded healthcare or benefits. Im AMERICA ONLY!!!

Greene also criticized members of her party for failing to find a solution or prioritize that issue over funding for the Ukraine-Russia war as well as Israels war in Gaza.

All our country does is fund foreign countries and foreign wars, and never does anything to help the American people!!! she added. It is absolutely shameful, disgusting, and traitorous, that our laws and policies screw the American people so much that the government is shut down right now fighting over basic issues like this.

Greenes turn comes as Trump signaled a possible opening for a deal with Democrats, before appearing to walk it back.

If we made the right deal, Id make a deal  sure, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. But Trump later posted on social media that he is happy to work with Democrats on any issue but first they must allow our government to re-open.
Angela Merkel at the Meseberg Palace near Berlin, Germany in 2014 - AP Photo/Michael Sohn

Were Poland and the Baltic States at least partly to blame for Putins invasion of Ukraine in 2022? According to some angry headlines, Angela Merkel appeared to make that explosive accusation in a recent interview with the Hungarian newspaper Partizan.

Speaking of her efforts to negotiate with Putin in the summer of 2021, Merkel recalled that she and Emmanuel Macron had pushed for a new format where we would speak directly with Putin as the European Union. But that initiative was scuppered by the opposition of primarily the Baltic States and Poland was also against it. Rather than speak to the Kremlin with a united voice, it was left to individual EU leaders to try to talk a belligerent Putin back from the brink of war. And that, Merkel seems to imply, betrayed a fatal European disunity that encouraged the Russian leader to invade.

Merkels critics have been quick to point out that if there is blame to be handed out, she herself bears much of the responsibility. In 2008 Merkel took a strong stand against extending Nato membership to Georgia and Ukraine. Despite Putins invasion of Georgia later that year and his annexation of Crimea in 2014, Merkel remained a supporter of both the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines that linked Germany and the rest of Europe to cheap Gazprom gas  and helped fill the Kremlins war chest. Instead of threatening retaliation or sanctions against Russia for its aggressions, Merkel instead backed conciliation and peacemaking processes such as the Minsk Accords. She also opposed arming Ukraine, preferring to believe that Putin could be persuaded to back down.

As Merkel herself said in her controversial interview, we wont be able to clarify today what would have happened if, for instance, Europe had spoken with a single voice in the months before Putins fateful decision to invade Ukraine. But in the big picture history has proven that the Baltic States, with their shrill warnings of coming Russian aggression, were right and Merkel was wrong.

Merkel, like her predecessor Gerhard Schroeder, believed that integrating Russias economy with Europes through energy sales would dissuade the Kremlin from making war. In the event, she was mistaken. Putin cared more about neutralising Ukraine as a strategic threat than he cared about the terrible cost to his countrys economy. Merkel believed that Putin was a rational, good-faith negotiator who was genuinely concerned by the fate of the Russian-speaking population of Donbas. In reality, it was Putins proxies who covertly provoked the 2014 Donbas rebellion in the first place. And far from being a rational actor, Putin was prey to eccentric world-historical theories about his own messianic role as Russias saviour. He also lived in a closed bubble of bad information that led him to believe that the Russian speakers of Ukraine were waiting to be liberated, and that the Kyiv government would be easily toppled.

Why does all this ancient history remain so controversial today? Because the basic fault lines in the Wests position before the war remain, and they are playing a key role in the endgame of the Ukraine war. During the build-up to Putins invasion, the Biden White House was cautious about supplying Ukraine with offensive weapons for fear of provoking an escalation.

Now, the Trump administration has washed its hands of funding Ukraines war effort and has handed the problem to Europe to sort out. But Europe remains as disunited as it was before the war. Friedrich Merz, Merkels successor, has not joined a coalition of the willing led by Macron and Sir Keir Starmer that proposes a European peacekeeping force on the ground. The Baltics remain as resolutely Russophobia as ever, but Polands new president Karol Nawrocki has spoken against Ukraine joining the EU and Nato and scrapped benefits for Ukrainian refugees. Hungary and Slovakia oppose EU military aid to Kyiv and continue to import Russian oil and gas. The newly-elected parliament of the Czech Republic is dominated by a Ukraine-sceptic party.

Historians will doubtless debate for years whether Europe provoked Putins aggression or, conversely, did too little to deter and prevent it. But one thing is clear after three and a half years of war, and that is that Europe still has no united position on how to face down Putin, and its Ukraine that is paying the price.
Ministers have welcomed plans by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) for a new type of loan for high-growth businesses, saying it will help kickstart business innovation in Scotland.

From next year, Scottish firms will be able to secure borrowing against the value of their intellectual property (IP), instead of traditional assets such as buildings and machinery.

This will see businesses in areas including gaming and health technology able to borrow sums ranging from 250,000 to 10 million  something that has often been difficult in the past because of their lack of tangible assets.

The move has been made possible by a change in Scottish law which came into effect earlier this year, giving lenders the ability to accept IP as security for loans.

Judith Cruickshank is Scotland board chairwoman of RBS parent NatWest Group.

She said the new loan showed the bank was supporting innovation and businesses who are seeking investment at home and abroad, whatever stage they are at in their lifecycle.

She said: As more companies invest in AI and digital capabilities, we expect to see an increased demand for technology-driven services which may not have the same tangible assets as more traditional businesses.

Our IP-backed loan offering is a key example of how NatWest is supporting Scotlands digital economy, helping IP-rich firms to accelerate investment and facilitate growth without diluting ownership.

NatWest Group launched IP-backed loans south of the border in 2024, and said more than 22 million had already been loaned to high-growth businesses.

These include Bristol-based prosthetics firm Open Bionics, which secured 600,000 to open six new clinics in the US, and Liverpool gaming company Ripstone, which secured 600,000 to develop a new range of gaming projects.

RBS said the new loan had great potential for boosting industries across Scotland, in areas such as gaming, health technology, life sciences, fintech, green technology and robotics.

The decision to make the loans available in Scotland has been welcomed by ministers, with Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander saying it will help remove traditional barriers to finance for innovative companies.

This is welcome news from RBS that will widen the market that helps innovative companies unlock Scotlands extraordinary potential in technology and life sciences, he said.

Enabling Scottish businesses to leverage their intellectual property as collateral can remove the traditional barriers to finance which have held back some of our most innovative companies.

This new funding source could help these IP-rich businesses scale up and compete on the global stage.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the loans would help kickstart business innovation in Scotland (Lesley Martin/PA)

This was echoed by deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who said the loans would help kickstart business innovation in Scotland.

Scotland has an incredibly strong track record of invention and innovation and it must be a shared endeavour to support our business founders start and scale up, she said.

Access to capital is, of course, fundamental to businesses growth and the Scottish Government brought forward new legislation in 2023 to enable businesses to use their IP to raise finance in the same way as they use physical assets.

It is welcome and exciting to see the Royal Bank of Scotlands plans for an IP-backed loan and I look forward to it providing invaluable support to help kickstart the countrys greatest ideas and business innovation.

Martin Brassell, chief executive of Inngot, which provides tools for valuing businesses IP, said he was delighted Scottish companies will be able to benefit from the loans.

IP has been called the currency of the knowledge economy  its that important, he said.

However, for a currency, its not been very liquid in the past.

This initiative improves liquidity by enabling businesses to borrow cost-effectively against the value of the intangible assets they own, and fund their creation of new ones to boost growth and competitiveness.

The news was announced as RBS hosts global leaders and experts at the Scottish Global Investment Summit at its Edinburgh Gogaburn headquarters on October 6-7.

The annual summit aims to connect international investors with future investment opportunities, and recognises the countrys historical achievements.
Ann Cleeves on the beach at Taftend on Westray. Photograph: Stewart Bain

Fifty years ago, I headed north for the first time. Id dropped out of my university literature course  with the arrogance of youth, I thought I could read books anywhere. After a chance meeting in a Putney pub, I got a job as assistant cook in the Bird Observatory in Fair Isle. At that point, I didnt even know where Fair Isle was. I came from Devon and hadnt made it farther north than Durham. Scotland was unknown territory.

Of course, Fair Isle is part of the Shetland group and lies halfway between Shetland mainland and Orkney. That summer, I fell in love with the Northern Isles, with the romance of the isolation, the bleak beauty and the stories. Over the summer, I worked in the observatory with Alison, an Orcadian lass, who was there for her college holidays. When youve finished your contract, she said with the easy hospitality of islanders everywhere, why dont you come and stay? Its kind of on your way home.

It kind of was, and so I did. Alison lived with her parents in a solid house on the outskirts of Kirkwall. After my nine-month stay on Fair Isle  three miles long and a mile and a half wide, a scattering of crofts, 50 people and a lot of sheep and seabirds  Kirkwall felt like civilisation. There was a beautiful cathedral, a street of shops and bars, schools and a hospital. What struck me most, though, were the views. Much of Orkney mainland is low and green, and there are lochs so big that a stranger might think they were looking at the sea. So, there are long vistas from land to water and then land again. And more water. All under a huge sky.

At that time, Alison was more into partying than history, so I didnt do a lot of sightseeing. We went to a dance at the Harray community hall, and I drank too much. There was little communication with the locals there. Id become used to a Shetland voice, but an Orkney accent is quite different, lilting, musical, almost Welsh. I missed much of what was said to me.

Later, I got the plane to London, on my way home. If Kirkwall had seemed big, London with its towering buildings was overwhelming, and I scuttled west on the train to be on the coast again.

Over the years, Ive come to know Orkney better. My husband and I went to Alisons wedding in the cathedral. She was magnificent in a grand white dress, and she sailed up the aisle to Chariots of Fire. That evening there was another party, only a little more sedate than the Harray dance. Drink was passed round in the traditional Orkney way, in a wooden bowl, known as the cog, created for the purpose. Im not sure what was in it, but it was warm, and it packed a punch.

At other times, we stayed with friends who lived in a converted chapel, looking down to the Stones of Stenness. Just as theres always a view of water in Orkney, theres always a reminder of its neolithic past, and I would come to explore the islands history more deeply when I was researching my latest novel, The Killing Stones.

On Orkney, there are long vistas from land to water and then land again. And more water. All under a huge sky

Over time, we explored some of the smaller islands: Hoy with its dramatic cliffs, the tiny island of Papa Westray, home to the Knap of Howar, the oldest domestic stone dwelling in Northern Europe, and North Ronaldsay, where we stayed in the Bird Observatorys accommodation, a reminder of the work that first took me north. North Ronaldsay is surrounded by a stone dyke, not to keep animals in, but to keep them out on the shore. The island sheep have adapted to living on seaweed, and perhaps because of that the meat is delicious.

For years though, Shetland was the focus of my trips north. One of my best friends lives there, and I was still writing the Jimmy Perez books, adapted for television as Shetland. In 2018, I decided to finish the series with the novel Wild Fire. I didnt think I could find anything fresh to say about a community of only 23,000 people. Id already killed too many of them.

The book ends with Perez and his partner moving south to Orkney. Perhaps I was influenced by a real police inspector, who covered both sets of islands and made the move. Certainly, I had no intention of writing about Perez again.

More recently, I felt a longing to go north again in my fiction, a kind of homesickness for the islands, for the dark winters and the bright, light summers. For the dramatic contrast between long, clear horizons and secrets hidden in small communities. I remembered that first image of Orkney, the stretches of land and water, and I realised it was time to go back. After all, to explore Perezs new life, Id have to stay there. Its small details that bring a book to life, and Google research cant help with that.

I stayed with my friend Stewart in his rather grand house on Orkney mainland. He became my driver, fixer and human research. Id met him first when he worked for Orkney libraries. Wed had book-related adventures together  flying into North Ronaldsay in the eight-seater plane to celebrate the anniversary of a scheme that brought book boxes to islanders, and a crazy attempt to set a record by doing 24 events on 24 of the Northern Isles in 24 hours. We met the challenge, but only with the support of library staff in Orkney and Shetland, and the help of other writers.

I felt a longing to go north again in my fiction, a kind of homesickness for the islands, for the dark winters and the bright, light summers

My research visit took place in December 2023. It was clear, still and very cold. The frost didnt melt all day. Stewart took me to the island of Westray, where he grew up and his family still farms. We stayed in the Pierowall Hotel, which features in the novel, and explored the site of the abandoned Noltland dig near Grobust Bay. I talked to his parents and to volunteers in the Heritage Centre. The book wouldnt have been written without their help.

Back on Orkney mainland, we explored Kirkwall and Stromness and drove south across the Churchill Barriers, the causeways built between islands after a German U-boat entered Scapa Flow in 1939 and sank HMS Royal Oak. I was met everywhere with kindness and the most useful information. The pattern of the book was starting to take shape.

I ended my stay with an almost mystical experience. Maeshowe is a neolithic burial chamber. Entry is through a low, narrow tunnel positioned so that at the winter solstice, as the sun sets behind the hills of Hoy, the light floods in. There arent many entirely cloudless winter dusks in Orkney, but we were lucky enough to experience the magic. In the chamber, first a trickle of apparently liquid gold ran across the floor, then it grew wider and wider until it flooded the entire space with light. As the sun set, all was dark again.

I believe that setting is more than a pretty backdrop to the action. It informs character and moves the action of the plot. The Killing Stones couldnt have been set anywhere other than Orkney, and I couldnt have written it without spending time there with Orcadians.

The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves is published by Pan Macmillan at 22. To support the Guardian, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
A Nebraska woman has sued a popular Missouri haunted house, claiming to have broken both her ankles, and shes not the only patron to legally challenge the safety of the companys spooky attractions.

Leslie Blake of Lincoln filed a lawsuit last Tuesday against Full Moon Productions, which owns The Beast Haunted House and other attractions in the West Bottoms neighborhood of Kansas City, claiming the company was negligent and reckless during her 2021 visit, The Kansas City Star reported.

On October 30, 2021, Blake did the Beast Jump from the haunted houses second-story window and broke several bones in her ankles after landing on an inflatable pad, the lawsuit claims. Her injuries required surgery and extensive therapy, according to the suit.

Blake insists she followed all the safety instructions and claims the landing pad was under-inflated and not properly positioned or supervised.

Full Moon Productions told The Kansas City Star the Beast Jump is no longer a feature at the attraction. A company representative said Blake did not, in fact, follow directions, and she signed a waiver that informed her of the risks.

A Nebraska woman has sued a popular Missouri haunted house, not pictured, claiming to have broken both her ankles (Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images)

According to The Beasts website, anyone who enters the haunted house or Full Moon Productions' other attractions, such as The Edge of Hell and The Macabre Cinema, needs to sign a waiver of liability.

The waiver acknowledges the attractions have certain, inherent, known and unknown, obvious or non-obvious risks, which may cause serious physical injury or even death.

Blake tried to sue Full Moon Productions over her injuries in 2023 but the case was dismissed. In that case, the company claimed Blake signed the liability waiver, where she had no issues with reading or reviewing it, according to court documents reviewed by The Kansas City Star.

The company claimed attraction staff told her to land bottom first, but she landed feet first, like a pencil.

Full Moon Productions said in response to the new lawsuit, in which Blake is seeking more than $75,000, that it anticipates that the case will once again be dismissed.

The Independent has reached out to Full Moon Productions for comment.

But the companys legal troubles dont end with Blake.

Blakes new lawsuit says Full Moon Productions should have known about the dangerous conditions of the facility because of multiple injury lawsuits filed against the company.

One pending lawsuit also mentioned The Beasts inflatable pad, according to The Kansas City Star, which cited court documents. Another ongoing suit stems from a claim of an injury on a slide attraction at The Edge of Hell Haunted House.
Netanyahu enrages families after using incorrect hostages figure as poll shows most Israelis want him to quit

The families of Israeli hostages demanded an explanation from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he got the number of captives still held in Gaza wrong.

Netanyahu spoke to American conservative commentator Ben Shapiro in an interview published on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas cross-border incursion into Israel.

At the beginning of the interview, he listed Israels victories over Iran and its proxies, adding that we still have things to do to complete the victory.

What started in Gaza will end in Gaza with the release of 40 of our hostages, 46 actually, 20 are alive, and the end of Hamas rule  in Gaza, he said.

Netanyahu has faced criticism from the families of the hostages (AP)

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum corrected Netanyahu that there were 48 hostages still in Gaza, not 40, and not 46.

They were all kidnapped on your watch, the group said in a post on X. So, we will update you There are 48 hostages, men and women, in Gaza.

The post continued: It is time to reach an agreement that will end the longest war in our history and bring all 48 hostages, men and women, back for rehabilitation and burial. 48. Not 40, not 46. All of them, now.

People gather at the former site of the Nova music festival in Israel on Tuesday. On October 7, 2023, festival-goers were massacred during the Hamas-led incursion, which saw 251 people taken back into Gaza (Getty)

The group said they had demanded an explanation and clarification from Netanyahu over the incorrect number of hostages.

Two years ago today, 251 hostages, men and women, were kidnapped in their pajamas from their beds, their bases, and a music festival, taken into hellish captivity in Gaza. Four additional hostages had already been in Gaza for many years. They were all kidnapped on your watch, they posted on Tuesday.

In August, when there were 50 hostages still in Gaza, Netanyahu also faced criticism after committing to the release of all 20 of our hostages.

Some 251 people were taken captive during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 cross-border attack into southern Israel. Around 1,200 people were killed.

Netanyahus government faces growing criticism at home and abroad over the failure to end the war and return the hostages, and over Israels conduct in military operations.

A survey published by the Israel Democracy Institute ahead of the second anniversary of the attacks, on 30 September, found that 66 per cent of Israelis now say it is time for the war to end, up 13 percentage points since this time last year.

Ninety-three per cent of Arabs surveyed said that they believed it was time for the war to end, compared to 60 per cent of Jews.

While there was already a consensus among Arabs in last years survey that the war should be ended, among Jews there has been a reversal in opinionlast year less than half thought the war should be ended, while today there is a solid majority who think the time has come, the corresponding report notes.

A banner in Jerusalem on Tuesday shows photographs of hostages who were kidnapped and held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Seventy-three per cent of the 800 respondents thought that Israels standing in the international arena was worse than it was before October 7.

The majority of participants said the main goal of the war today should be bringing the hostages home.

Sixty-four per cent of Israelis said they thought Netanyahu should take responsibility for October 7 and resign, either now (45 per cent) or after the war (19 per cent), the survey recorded.
The mayor of a western German town is fighting for her life a day after she was stabbed 13 times in an abhorrent attack, according to reports.

Iris Stalzer, 57, was found with serious injuries and several stab wounds in her apartment in Herdecke in North Rhine-Westphalia on Monday, German media reported. The attack came days after she was elected.

Her son was led away in handcuffs to preserve evidence, police told the German newspaper Bild. Her daughter, 17, was also reportedly in the house at the time.

Initial reports said that the son called police to report that she had been attacked by several men outside the property.

But a later statement from police and prosecutors said that, as things stand, there are no indications of a politically motivated act, adding that a family connection cannot be ruled out at present.

It did not elaborate but said that Ms Stalzers children were still with police to clear up what happened.

The crime scene is located at the politicians home. Extensive evidence is being secured. The Herdecker womans minor children are still with the police as they investigate further, investigators said, according to Westfalenpost.

Iris Stalzers children are still with the police as they investigate further (www.irisstalzer-herdecke.de)

A neighbour told Bild: Half an hour before the rescue helicopter landed, I heard the boy and his mother arguing. They were literally screaming at each other.

Ms Stalzer was elected mayor of Herdecke, a town of nearly 23,000, on 28 September, as a member of the centre-left Social Democrats. She is due to take office on 1 November.

Conservative chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the terrible deed on social media. It must be swiftly investigated. We fear for the life of the mayor-designate and hope for her full recovery, he added.

Emergency services and a rescue helicopter seen after the incident (dpa/AP)

The leader of the Social Democrats parliamentary group in Berlin, Matthias Miersch, told reporters that we heard a few minutes ago that newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed in Herdecke.

We hope that she survives this terrible act. We cant say anything at the moment about the background, he added.

Ms Stalzer beat a candidate from Mr Merzs centre-right Christian Democrats in a runoff election.

The vote came after a regional campaign that politicians in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germanys largest state, said was distinguished by a particularly vicious tone.

Ambulances stationed on the street (dpa/AP)

Ms Stalzers website says she is married with two teenage children, and has spent almost her whole life in Herdecke. She has worked as a lawyer specialising in labour law.

In Germany, a recent study found that 60 per cent of politicians had experienced violence at least once. One in five said it had made them more reluctant to appear in public.

In 2019, conservative local government president Walter Luebcke, a supporter of the then chancellor Angela Merkels refugee policy, was shot dead by a far-right activist on his terrace at home.

Henriette Reker was stabbed by a right-wing extremist in 2015, the day before being elected mayor of Cologne. She made a full recovery and is still in office.
Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee spent the traditional Chuseok festival without receiving any of the traditional special meals that have long been a customary offering to inmates on national holidays, officials confirmed.

The mid-autumn festival of Chuseok is one of the nations most important holidays, and many South Koreans gather with family, visit ancestral graves, and share elaborate ritual meals. This year, Chuseok fell on 6 October, marking the start of a three-day national holiday that will run until 8 October.

Previously, prisons would provide holiday menus to mark Chuseok and the Lunar New Year, under provisions in the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Treatment of Inmates.

However, the Ministry of Justice has now discontinued the practice of special holiday meals citing budget constraints, a Korea Times report stated. The ministry said in a statement that while donated items such as rice cakes and fruit may be accepted, the state will no longer provide festive menus on Chuseok or Lunar New Year.

In place of upgraded fare, both Seoul Detention Centre, where Mr Yoon is held, and Seoul Southern Detention Centre, where Ms Kim is confined, are serving what officials have described as regular menus.

Yoon was arrested in July on allegations including insurrection after attempting to declare martial law in December (Yonhap)

At Seoul Detention Centre, Mr Yoons Chuseok breakfast included a mini cheese bun, boiled egg, mixed nuts and soy milk; lunch was tofu udon soup, braised pork ribs, and napa cabbage kimchi; dinner will comprise beef-and-radish soup, braised mackerel kimchi, seasoned seaweed, and fermented milk.

Meanwhile at the Southern Detention Centre, Ms Kims breakfast was tofu kimchi soup with assorted side dishes, lunch was cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew), fried eggs, and bibimbap (rice with vegetables, meat, and assorted sauces), and dinner included spicy beef soup, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables), braised radish, and kimchi.

Former presidents detained over holidays have received more elaborate menus. Lee Myung Bak, convicted of bribery and embezzlement in 2018, was reported to have been served mango juice, yakgwa (honey cookies), and assorted snacks at Anyang Prison and Park Geun Hye, impeached in 2017 for corruption, also received holiday offerings while in custody at Seoul Detention Centre.

Mr Yoon and Ms Kim, both under trial on multiple charges, are the first former presidential couple in South Koreas constitutional history to be undergoing legal proceedings while in detention.

Mr Yoon was arrested in July on allegations including insurrection after attempting to declare martial law in December, and Ms Kim was arrested in August on charges including bribery, stock manipulation, and political fund violations.

File photo. Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol sits with his wife Kim Keon Hee, during a visit to the Palace of Westminster on a 2023 state visit (Getty Images)

Justice minister Jung Sung Ho, speaking a day before the Chuseok holiday, sharply criticised the former presidents earlier comments about prison conditions, saying: It is difficult to survive in the detention centre, and the lawyers are complaining about meals at the detention centre.

He added that it was a very brazen and arrogant attitude to ask the detention centre to set up a two-room allocation and delivery app soon, according to a Maeil Business Paper report.

Mr Jung was referring to Mr Yoons remarks during a court bail hearing on 26 September, when the former president complained that it is difficult to survive in 1.8 pyeong (5.9sqm) of solitary confinement.

Kim Byung Ki, the floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea, accused Mr Yoon of pretending to be an unfair victim and said it was brazen for someone whose rebellion turned the country upside down to complain about detention meals.

He added that public anger was growing over what he called the rebellion monsters complaints about rice, saying, Even cup noodles and hard bread are luxuries to such a man.

Outside the prisons, detention centres are attempting to ameliorate the change by accepting charitable donations. At Seoul Detention Centre, rice cakes donated by non-governmental organisations were distributed, and apples, bananas and rice cakes are expected to be offered later in the week at the Southern Detention Centre.

Legal advocates for Ms Kim have issued a message via her lawyers: Without your letters and support, I could not have endured this long, dark tunnelI hope you have a happy Chuseok holiday. I will always pray for you.
Lawyers for technology giant Qualcomm have described its supply policy as innocuous and lawful as they opened their submissions at a competition tribunal.

A class action against Qualcomm that, if successful, could result in payouts for UK smartphone users, entered its second day of an expected five-week duration at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London.

Consumer group Which? has brought the claim on behalf of around 29 million UK Apple and Samsung smartphone users.

It will focus on whether Qualcomm held market power and, if so, whether it abused its position as a dominant company.

Which? alleges Qualcomm breached UK competition law by taking advantage of its dominance in the patent-licencing and chipset markets.

It claims that this resulted in Qualcomm being able to charge manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung inflated fees for technology licences, which have then been passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices or lower-quality smartphones.

Daniel Jowell KC, for Qualcomm, told the tribunal: Youll recall that in the run up to this trial, on multiple occasions we have sought to tease out of the claimant what actually is the precise conduct that is said to constitute the alleged abuse.

He added: What turns this innocuous and lawful chipset supply policy into the abusive and unlawful NLNC (No Licence No Chips). We got to the stage where it became very puzzling because no one has ever contested that Qualcomm cant maintain both a patent licencing business and a chipset supply business. Indeed any such suggestion would be rather absurd.

He went on: That left it very unclear to us what alternative conduct or business model the CR (class representative) proposed that Qualcomm could and would have adopted instead of the CSP (Chipset Supply Practice) in order for Qualcomm to comply with competition law.

And he told the tribunal: If the essence, or if you like the hallmark, of the abusive conduct is the effective dictation of terms, you just dont find it in the evidence.

On Monday, Philip Moser KC, for Which?, told the hearing: The nature of the abuse, where the abuse manifests itself, is in the area of negotiation of the royalty.

And Qualcomm, instead of competitive negotiation, uses the inherent risk, or sometimes explicitly stated threat, of chipset supply disruption, software delay, to foreclose a normal discussion of royalties, and conditions for the licences.

Instead, its unless you take our package of licences at Qualcomms rate and on our terms, unless you do that there are no chips.

And Qualcomms terms include a royalty at a rate which we say is likely to be inflated. And thats payable on every phone whether it uses Qualcomms chips or not.

If Which?s first trial is successful, there will then be a second trial focusing on Qualcomms conduct and the damage suffered by the class, that Which? has calculated at around 480 million.

Which? is seeking damages for all affected Apple and Samsung smartphones purchased between October 1 2015 and January 9 2024.

It estimates that individual consumers could be due an average of around 17 per phone if the action is successful.

Which? said the action was vital to obtain redress for consumers and to send a clear message to powerful companies like Qualcomm that if they engage in harmful, anticompetitive practices, Which? stands ready to take action.

Which? chief executive Anabel Hoult said: This trial is a huge moment. It shows how the power of consumers  backed by Which?  can be used to hold the biggest companies to account if they abuse their dominant position.

Without Which? bringing this claim on behalf of millions of affected UK consumers, it would simply not be realistic for people to seek damages from the company on an individual basis  thats why its so important that consumers can come together and claim the redress they are entitled to.
The world may be reaching a crucial turning point in the shift towards clean power, a think tank said as its analysis showed renewable generation overtook coal globally for the first time on record.

Solar and wind outpaced the growth in global electricity demand in the first half of 2025, according to Ember, a global energy research organisation.

The team analysed monthly electricity data from 88 countries, representing 93% of global demand, and then estimated changes in the remaining generation to form a worldwide picture.

A general view of the Viking windfarm SSE Renewables at Voe in Shetland (Andrew Milligan/PA)

It found that renewables generated more power than coal for the first time, and that overall both coal and gas generation saw a slight decline globally, compared to the first six months of 2024.

Magorzata Wiatros-Motyka, senior electricity analyst at Ember, said: We are seeing the first signs of a crucial turning point.

Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the worlds growing appetite for electricity.

This marks the beginning of a shift where clean power is keeping pace with demand growth.

The findings indicate that global electricity demand rose 2.6% in the first half of 2025  up 369 terawatt hours (TWh) compared to the first half of last year.

But in terms of supply, renewables generated 5,072 TWh of global electricity  which marked an increase of 4,709 TWh from the first six month of 2024, Ember said.

This means renewables were found to have overtaken coal generation at 4,896 TWh, which was down by 0.3% or 31 TWh year-on-year.

The analysis also suggests that solar and wind together grew quickly enough that they can now meet total demand growth in some circumstances, while fossil fuels saw a global decline.

Solar met 83% of the rise because of a record growth in generation in absolute terms, equating to 306 terawatt hours and a 31% year-on-year rise, Ember said.

Meanwhile, the total decline in fossil fuel generation was found to be 0.3%  a reduction of 27 TWh.

As a result, Ember estimates that global power sector emissions fell by 0.2% in the first six months of 2025.

The researchers said the drop is modest but significant and that the rise of renewables will likely outstrip demand growth for longer and longer periods.

In terms of the four biggest economies, China and India both saw fossil generation fall in the first half of 2025 as clean power growth outpaced demand.

By contrast, fossil generation rose in the US and the EU, with the formers demand growth outpacing clean power and the latter seeing weaker wind and hyrdo output.

Sonia Dunlop, chief executive of Global Solar Council, said: This analysis confirms what we are witnessing on the ground: solar and wind are no longer marginal technologies  they are driving the global power system forward.

The fact that renewables have overtaken coal for the first time marks a historic shift.

Ratcliffe on Soar power station near Nottingham, the UKs last coal-fired power station which has now shut down (David Jones/PA)

But to lock in this progress, governments and industry must accelerate investment in solar, wind, and battery storage, ensuring that clean, affordable, and reliable electricity reaches communities everywhere.

Julia Skorupska, head of secretariat at the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), said: Renewables overtaking coal for the very first time is a sign of how the economics of power generation have been transformed.

There is a clear economic case for replacing coal with renewables, which are now the cheapest forms of energy in most of the world.

The transition from coal to renewables underpins competitiveness, enables energy security, creates good jobs and lowers electricity prices and air pollution risks for citizens.

With COP30 around the corner, countries have the opportunity to work together to accelerate this shift.

Minister for Climate Katie White said: The world is moving on clean energy and climate action, because countries can see it is in their national interests and the route to energy security.

Thats why in Britain were getting on with delivering our clean energy mission  it is securing billions of pounds in investment for local communities, supporting skilled jobs and creating economic growth across the country.
Robert Jenrick said on Tuesday it would be wrong to shut down an important debate that we have to have as a country about integration. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Robert Jenrick has been accused of fuelling a fire of toxic nationalism after he doubled down on his complaint about not seeing another white face in part of Birmingham.

The shadow justice secretary was criticised by politicians across the parties, local leaders and the bishop of Birmingham after the Guardian published his remarks from March.

At a Conservative dinner, Jenrick had complained of not seeing another white face in the neighbourhood of Handsworth and said it was not the kind of country he wanted to live in due to a lack of integration  before saying it was not about skin colour or faith.

David Lammy, the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, suggested Jenrick was judging people based on the colour of their skin, while Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, broke ranks by saying the remarks were not words that I would have used. Zack Polanski, the Green party leader, said it was racism.

The Right Rev Dr Michael Volland, the bishop of Birmingham, said the comments have the potential to generate anxiety and stir up division and  can feed into a harmful narrative that provides fuel for a fire of toxic nationalism.

Andy Street, the Conservative former mayor of the West Midlands, said Jenrick was wrong in saying the multi-ethnic neighbourhood of Handsworth was not integrated, while Labours Richard Parker, who succeeded Street as mayor, said he was incredibly sad but also very angry.

Birmingham is a proud, diverse city built by generations from every background. We dont separate people by the colour of their skin  and thats what Jenrick has done here with his comments, Parker said. What also concerns me is that there were Conservative politicians in that room, from our region, and they didnt speak up. Silence in the face of this kind of rhetoric is not leadership.

Jenrick was repeatedly pressed over the comments on the day of his speech to the Conservative party conference.

In the remarks in March, Jenrick was recorded as saying: I went to Handsworth in Birmingham the other day to do a video on litter and it was absolutely appalling. Its as close as Ive come to a slum in this country. But the other thing I noticed there was that it was one of the worst integrated places Ive ever been to. In fact, in the hour and a half I was filming news there I didnt see another white face.

Related: The irony of Robert Jenricks white face remarks about Handsworth | Letters

Thats not the kind of country I want to live in. I want to live in a country where people are properly integrated. Its not about the colour of your skin or your faith  of course it isnt. But I want people to be living alongside each other, not parallel lives. Thats not the right way we want to live as a country.

On Tuesday he repeatedly told interviewers that he stood by the comments and did not resile from them as it would be wrong to shut down an important debate that we have to have as a country about integration.

When a Sky News journalist put it to him that his remarks could embolden far-right groups who did not want to see black and brown people living in the UK, Jenrick said it was an absolutely disgraceful and ridiculous question and accused the journalist of trying to silence debate about integration, which he said in itself could fuel extremism.

In an interview for the Telegraphs Daily T podcast, Jenrick was pressed on whether he would complain that an all-white area was too monocultural, if he really was making a point about how society should be integrated and reflect the makeup of the country.

Jenrick replied: The left do. Decolonise the countryside, decolonise the National Trust. The left do make those arguments  What I said is that its not about the colour of your skin or your faith. My point is that we have communities that do not reflect the breadth of the people who live in our country. That is self-evidently true.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, defended Jenrick, saying he had made a factual statement and that there was nothing wrong with making observations. But she also told BBC Breakfast: I dont think this is where the debate should be, about how many faces people see on the street and what they look like.

Jenricks comments about Handsworth related to a video about litter and fly-tipping that he recorded for GB News. In the footage, he talks about being in Handsworth but is actually pictured walking down a street in nearby Aston. There are no interviews with any local people. A clip of flytipping in Aston put on Facebook by a Liberal Democrat councillor, Mumtaz Hussain, is also shown. Jenrick later went to interview residents in the Conservative area of Sutton Coldfield about flytipping.

Responding to Jenrick on Tuesday, Lammy said: Unlike Robert Jenrick, the public knows Britishness isnt about retreating into suspicion or judging people by the colour of their skin. Its about pride in what we build and contribute together. While the Conservative party feeds off division and decline, Labour is delivering the patriotic renewal our country needs.

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, told LBC that Jenrick has a lot of explaining to do. She asked: Is he suggesting that the colour of your skin makes you less British than someone else?

Polanski, the Green party leader, went further, saying: Jenrick could have visited Handsworth to listen to residents; he chose to pass through and judge them based on the colour of their skin. Instead of getting to know our nation of neighbours, he chose racism. The Tories, Reform and Labour want to divide us. The Greens say: enough.
Glenn Medical Center in Willows, California. Photograph: Courtesy Glenn Medical Center

For the better part of a century, Glenn Medical center dealt with all kinds of injuries, ailments and emergencies in the far northern reaches of Californias Sacramento valley  heart attacks, car collisions and even plane crashes.

The only hospital in this agricultural county, not far from the rice fields and almond orchards, many of the areas 28,000 residents have a story about how the hospital saved them, or a loved one, said Lauren Still, the medical centers chief administrative officer.

But at 7pm on 30 September the hospital closed after 75 years.

Glenn Medical center could not keep its doors open after the federal government moved this year to eliminate its critical access designation, a special status for hospitals that helps ensure access to emergency health care in rural communities, officials said.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determined that the hospital no longer met the distance requirement for the designation  critical access facilities must be more than 35 miles from the nearest hospital.

The decision means that tens of thousands of people will have to travel more than 30 miles for emergency medical care, driving on sometimes winding country roads, behind the tractors and heavy equipment used in area agriculture or, if theyre lucky, in one of the countys two ambulances.

Its a tragedy that youre gonna leave 30,000 people without readily access to an emergency room, said Rick Thomas, the vice-mayor of Willows, the Glenn county city where the hospital is located.

Rural hospitals across the US are under threat. Nearly 200 rural hospitals have closed since 2005, and one-third, more than 700 hospitals, are at risk of shutting their doors. Such hospitals serve smaller populations, meaning there are fewer dollars coming in, and often lose money providing patient services because of the greater costs associated with providing care in rural communities and insurance reimbursement rates that do not cover costs, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform.

Meanwhile, experts warn that the budget signed by Donald Trump, with its massive cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, over the summer will have devastating effects on rural hospitals, which rely more on federal funding from the USs largest public health insurance programs.

Glenn county is now trying to fill the gap with expanded fire department services, and studying how it can improve emergency services delivery while the community grapples with a difficult new reality.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services did not respond to a request for comment. Andrew Nixon, the communications director for the US Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees CMS, said in a statement after publication: The responsibility for the closure of critical access hospitals like Glenn medical center lies with congress which sets the statutory requirements for critical access hospitals in America.

***

Located more than an hour from the state capitol in Sacramento, Glenn Medical center opened in 1950 in Willows, a city that Thomas, who previously served on the hospital board, described as a classic American small town in a heavily agricultural region.

Were the folks that grow and produce the food that everybody eats, said Still, the hospital administrator. Being right on I-5, we get a lot of travelers that come through. And despite not having an active labor and delivery unit, weve had two or three [births] here in the last year.

The center used to be far larger, with a full geriatric wing, an obstetrics and gynecology department and a psychiatric hospital. Over the years, with changes in funding models, it gradually shrank and nearly closed more than once. But in 2001 it received the critical access designation from CMS, granting Glenn Medical center greater reimbursements from Medicare and allowances for certain staffing requirements.

That enabled the hospital to remain open. While the facility had its challenges, owing to the age of the infrastructure and difficulty bringing staff to the area, it served some 8,000 people a year with about 225 staff, Still said.

Capped at 25 beds as a critical access hospital, its capabilities were limited compared with more advanced facilities in Sacramento or Chico, but it was a lifeline for patients, the majority of whom are on Medicare or Medicaid, said Still and local officials.

Ive always said if youre bleeding, broken and stroking, you need that hospital there to take care of you, Thomas said.

Many of the centers patient population doesnt have gas money or transportation to get to larger hospitals, Still said.

Were the front door to our entire healthcare system, Still said. If you show up on our front door and youre having a real serious situation, we can ship you out to UC Davis in 30 minutes. You cant drive that.

We take pride in the folks that we keep alive and we bring back from the dead, and it happens more often than youd like to believe, she added, pointing to a man who recently came into the ER with a core body temperature of 89F. We brought him back. He wouldnt have survived the ambulance ride.

The hospital sees a large portion of patients with chronic illness, including diabetes, COPD, asthma, as well as cancer  Glenn county has some of the highest lung and colorectal cancer rates in the state. Funding was always a challenge, which was why the critical access status, and the regulatory relief it provided, was so crucial, Still said.

Earlier this year, Still learned CMS was pulling the hospitals critical access certification because the federal agency had erroneously determined that Glenn county was no longer rural, she said. Still believed it was a mistake that the agency would correct. But CMS then told the hospital it had found that Glenn Medical center was ineligible for the designation because it was too close to the nearest hospital, according to Still.

Doug LaMalfa, the areas congressman, said in a statement that CMS began calculating the distance between hospitals with a different route that uses a rural cut-through, decreasing the distance between Glenn Medical center and the nearest hospital from 35.7 miles to 32.5, putting the facility out of compliance.

Hospital and county officials argued that ambulances and residents typically take a different route, that spans more than 35 miles, to avoid the winter flooding that is common in this area, to no avail.

I am deeply frustrated about this decision, as the hospital has maintained its CAH status since 2001, and no new roads have been built, nor have the hospitals picked up and moved three miles closer during this time frame, LaMalfa said in his statement.

CMS moved to revoke the critical access status in April. Hospital leadership and local officials advocated for months to preserve the certification, including a trip to Washington, and residents sent nearly 2,000 letters. But CMS said it had determined that the hospital never should have received the designation in the first place.

In a statement, Nixon, the HHS spokesperson, pointed to a change made under Barack Obamas administration.

Distance-based checks on these hospitals began under President Obama after an OIG report on the subject in 2013. While critical access hospital recertification work was paused under President Trump during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was restarted under President Biden in May 2023, Nixon said.

CMS denied requests for reconsideration late this summer, LaMalfa said in his statement, meaning Glenn Medical center would lose reimbursement rates associated with the status in spring 2026.

Were hung out on a technicality, Thomas said.

Still said she pointed out to CMS that some 500 critical access hospitals across the US dont meet the distance requirement, and that the agency suggested it planned to decertify all of them. Such a move would have enormous ripple effects, said Lisa Pruitt, a professor and rural law expert at the UC Davis School of Law.

The funding for lots of hospitals is pretty fragile, but with rural hospitals, its kind of like a house of cards in that all these different funding streams that are not local, Pruitt said. If youve already got a fragile house of cards, then you take away one of the cards, it means that the facility is lost.

LaMalfa said that he had urged CMS and its administrator, Dr Mehmet Oz, to reconsider without success.

This is not how government is supposed to operate  its unfair and just plain wrong, LaMalfa said. I refuse to believe CMSs hands are tied, and I will do everything in my power to fix this situation for Glenn county.

He said he has asked the administration to set aside funds from the $50bn Rural Health Transformation Program, which will cover only just more than one-third of the expected losses to rural hospitals from Medicaid.

***

Once Glenn Medical center learned of the decision, it announced plans to shut down in October, but as staff in some departments scrambled to find new jobs elsewhere, the hospital had to close earlier.

The halls at the sprawling one-story facility were quiet on the hospitals last day. Outside, a staffer stood smiling with a man in a wheelchair and a woman walked toward the hospital parking lot saying: I should have told them that without this hospital, I probably would have died.

Lisa Hill, who lives just down the street, has a similar story. She has used the hospital countless times over the years, and last month inside her Willows home, Hill suddenly couldnt breathe. Her lips were turning purple and she knew she needed to get to Glenn Medical center.

The 64-year-old thought she would pass out as she walked the two blocks to the emergency. She nearly collapsed upon entering and staff quickly admitted her.

If Glenn Medical hadnt been there I would have died. I would not have made it another 32 miles, she said of the incident. Several years back, when her grandson was in a bad car crash that broke his neck, the hospital had him sent on a helicopter to a larger facility farther south.

Im more than disappointed. Every time I think about it, I want to cry my eyeballs out. They are shanking our community, our friends, our family. How much more are they going to strip us down?

The county is racing to provide more services. The Willows fire department recently obtained an EKG machine, and plans to offer an advanced life support program next year, Thomas said.

Glenn Medical center plans to keep some of its clinics open and will advocate for funding from the rural health fund to build a proper emergency hospital that can meet the communitys needs, including behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, Still said.

This fight is much bigger than any one person or any one hospital or community, Still said.

Its not over yet. I know this is scary. I know this is frustrating. We havent given up.
The 64-year-old was backpacking with his wife when the Nobel committee tried to call him - Fred Ramsdell

A scientist missed his Nobel Prize win while living his best life on a digital detox in the mountains.

Fred Ramsdell, an American immunologist, was backpacking with his wife in North Americas bear-infested Rocky Mountains when the award for medicine was announced.

The scientist, 64, missed the phone call from the Nobel committee and 200 messages from friends and family congratulating him on his win.

Some 12 hours after the announcement, Dr Ramsdells wife regained signal, her phone flooding with news that he had won the 2025 prize for medicine.

You just won the Nobel Prize! shouted Laura ONeill, according to an interview in The New York Times. No, I didnt, Dr Ramsdell, whose phone had been on aeroplane mode, replied.

Dr Ramsdells phone had been on aeroplane mode when the award for medicine was announced - Narciso Contreras/Anadolu via Getty Images

Sonoma Biotherapeutics, where Dr Ramsdell works, said he was living his best life and was off the grid on a hiking trip.

Dr Ramsdell shared the prize with two other colleagues, Mary Brunkow, an American scientist, and Shimon Sakaguchi, a Japanese researcher, for their research on how the immune system spares healthy cells.

They were joined on Tuesday by three researchers from the University of California, who were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for their work in quantum mechanics and electric circuits.

Among them was John Clarke, the British physicist, who said he was completely stunned that his 1980s research on a phenomenon called quantum tunnelling might be the basis of a Nobel Prize.

Nobel announcements continue with the literature prize on Thursday.

Shimon Sakaguchi, a Japanese researcher, shares the prize with Dr Ramsdell - Shohei Miyano/Kyodo News via AP

Six Nobel Prizes are awarded every year, each recognising an individual or an organisations groundbreaking contribution in a specific field.

The Nobel Peace Prize, which will be announced on Friday, often draws the most attention because of the fame of the people and groups nominated.

Previous winners include Martin Luther King Jr (1984), the US civil rights activist, Malala Yousafza (2014), for her work to secure education rights for children and controversially, Barack Obama, the former US president (2009).

Last year, the peace prize was given to Nihon Hidankyo, an organisation in Japan that has worked for more than 50 years to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

Trumps goal to win Nobel Peace Prize

US President Donald Trump has made no secret that he is gunning for the accolade, after his relentless claims of ending seven wars  six in his first term and one in his first.

Mr Trump has received backing from the families of the living and dead Israeli hostages still held in Gaza as his peace deal to end the war with Hamas teeters on the brink of success.

In this past year, no leader or organisation has contributed more to peace around the world than President Trump, a submission from the hostage families reads.

While many have spoken eloquently about peace, he has achieved it, they added.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, formally nominated Mr Trump for the award in July, writing in the letter that he had a significant role in bringing about dramatic change in the Middle East.

He credited the US president with brokering the 2020 Abraham Accords, establishing formal diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.

These breakthroughs reshaped the Middle East and marked a historic advance toward peace, security and regional stability, he wrote in a letter to the award committee in Norway.

The science, literature and economics prizes will be presented to the laureates by the Swedish king at a ceremony in Stockholm on Dec 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of Alfred Nobel, the wealthy Swedish chemist and inventor of dynamite who founded the prizes.

The peace prize is awarded in a separate ceremony in Oslo.

The prizes carry priceless prestige and a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (more than 871,000).
John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the Nobel Prize for Physics because of their quantum mechanics discovery (AP)

The Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to a team of scientists based in the U.S. for their landmark discovery in quantum mechanics.

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis were handed 11 million Swedish Kronor ($1.17 million) for their work.

The trios experiments demonstrated that the strange laws and properties of the quantum world can have measurable effects in everyday science.

Quantum mechanics is the study of how light and matter behave on an atomic and subatomic scale.

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis won the Nobel Prize for Physics (AFP via Getty Images)

The teams discoveries included developing a superconducting electrical system that could tunnel from one physical state to another. Tunnelling is a process which mimics a ball passing through a wall instead of bouncing back after impact.

Martinis, based at University of California Santa Barbara, and his colleagues originally conducted the experiments in the 1980s, with their work still being used in research today.

Both he and Devoret, a French physicist at Yale University, have previously worked for Google Quantum AI to develop supercomputers for the company.

During Martinis time at Google Quantam AI, the company reported that it achieved quantum supremacy in 2019. Quantum supremacy means that a supercomputer has solved a problem that no classical computer could solve in a realistic period of time.

This illustration demonstrates how the team's discovery works (Johan Jarnestad/The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences)

Clarke, their colleague on their Nobel Prize winning discovery, is a British scientist based at the University of California at Berkeley. He described the win as the surprise of my life.

According to him, the three men found out about their win via a phone call. I am completely stunned. It had never occurred to me that this might be the basis of a Nobel prize, he said.

"I'm speaking on my cellphone, and I suspect that you are too, and one of the underlying reasons that the cell phone works is because of all this work," Clarke added. Our discovery, in some ways, is the basis of quantum computing.

The winners of this years Nobel Prize in Physics were revealed at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Each of the men will be handed a medal by the king of Sweden.

Clarke said that he discovered that he won the prize via a phone call (AP)

"There is no advanced technology used today that does not rely on quantum mechanics, including mobile phones, cameras...and fibre optic cables," the Nobel committee said when revealing the winners.

It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises, added Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics.

It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology.
Sir Keir Starmer has embarked on the largest-ever British trade mission to India, where he is promoting the recently signed deal with the country as a launchpad for growth.

The Prime Minister is joined by 125 chief executives, university leaders and representatives from British cultural institutions during the trip to Mumbai.

The UK-India trade deal, signed by the PM and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in July at Chequers, has reduced tariffs on British businesses from 15% to 3% on average.

During his visit to the south Asian country, Sir Keir wants to promote the business opportunities opened up to British brands as a result of the agreement.

As he set off, Sir Keir said: We signed a major trade deal with India in July  the best secured by any country  but the story doesnt stop there.

Its not just a piece of paper, its a launchpad for growth. With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled.

Business chiefs joining Sir Keir include representatives from Rolls-Royce, British Telecom, Diageo, London Stock Exchange and British Airways.

The Prime Minister added: Thats why Ill be flying the flag for British business alongside 125 of our biggest household names in Mumbai this week  because growth in India for them means more choice, opportunity and jobs at home for the British people.

As Sir Keir left the UK, he was asked by journalists travelling with him about Mr Modis close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

India continues to buy oil from Moscow, despite western nations efforts to boycott Russias war machine.

Sir Keir Starmer with Narendra Modi (Kin Cheung/PA)

Mr Modi also wished the Russian leader happy birthday in a post on social media on Tuesday.

Sir Keir told journalists: Just for the record, I havent sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to do so.

I dont suppose that comes as a surprise, in relation to energy, and clamping down on Russian energy. Our focus as the UK, and weve been leading on this, is on the shadow fleet, because we think thats the most effective way.

Weve been one of the lead countries in relation to the shadow fleet, working with other countries.

The UK-India trade deal is expected to be worth 4.8 billion each year to the UKs economy, and could add 2.2 billion collectively to wages.

Among those set to benefit most from the deal are Scottish whisky producers, who will see tariffs drop from 150% to 75%, and then even further to 40% over the next 10 years.

New air links between the UK and India have been announced ahead of the trip.

British Airways has revealed it will run a third daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow from 2026.

Elsewhere, Manchester Airport will launch a direct route to Delhi operated by IndiGo, adding to its existing Mumbai service.

The new service will make Manchester the only UK airport outside London with connections to both cities.

The expansion is estimated to be worth 50 million in annual exports, 25 million in tourism income, and could create 450 jobs in Britain.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who is travelling to India with the delegation, said: Weve shown there is no limit on our ambition to grow trade with India  in less than a year weve gone from restarting talks on a deal to bringing 125 brilliant business leaders to its commercial capital.

Our deal is the best any country has ever secured with India and places British businesses at the front of the queue to access a huge and ever-growing market.

Now we are hitting the ground running and using every means necessary to ready businesses to take full advantage of the massive wins weve secured once the deal comes into force so we can deliver growth, jobs, and prosperity at home.

Among those in the delegation are 14 university vice-chancellors and representatives, who will promote UK universities amid the growing demand for higher education in India.

Cultural institutions including the British Film Institute and the National Theatre will also attend, with the aim of opening the door for new UK-India media and cultural exchanges.

The Prime Minister is also facing calls to raise the case of a British national detained abroad with his Indian counterpart Mr Modi during the visit.

Jagtar Singh Johal, 38, a Sikh activist from Dumbarton near Glasgow, has been detained by the Indian authorities since November 2017.

Jagtar Singh Johal is being held in India (Family/PA)

The British Sikh has claimed to be subject to torture, and his imprisonment was recognised by a UN panel as arbitrary detention in 2022.

He was acquitted earlier this year in a case in which he was accused of financially supporting a terror group, but he still faces federal charges from the Indian authorities.

The PM should press for Mr Johals release in the wake of a series of similar high-profile cases, his older brother said.

Gurpreet Singh Johal told the PA news agency: I think the Prime Minister is the best-placed person to strongly advocate for Jagtars release given, in eight years, no evidence has been produced.

He added: Keir Starmer should be saying enough is enough, and bringing Jagtar back home.

The PM last raised Mr Johals case with his Indian counterpart when Mr Modi visited the UK in July.

Dan Dolan, deputy director of legal action campaign group Reprieve, which is supporting Mr Johals family, said diplomacy at the very highest level could make a difference to his case.
The teacher worked at St Marks Church of England Academy in Mitcham (Google Maps )

A South London teacher has been banned from the classroom for life after a disciplinary panel heard he made sexually explicit and flirtatious remarks to a teenage pupil.

The comments by Amrinder Singh Pannu including saying youre one horny girl and discussing having sex with her after she turned 18.

Mr Pannu, 38, formerly Head of Science at St Marks Church of England Academy in Mitcham, was recorded making a series of inappropriate comments to the pupil, referred to as Pupil A, during a private conversation. The remarks included use of the phrase a nice arse and asking: So you could do me round the corner?

In a decision published on September 26, 2025, the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) found that the comments were not only sexual in nature but sexually motivated, constituting serious misconduct and a breach of professional standards. The panel ruled that Mr Pannu, who had worked at the school since September 2015, had failed to uphold basic safeguarding responsibilities and had brought the teaching profession into disrepute.

The recordings of Mr Pannu was made by Pupil A in a classroom during a free period. Pupil A described her relationship with Mr Pannu as mutually flirtatious and said she recorded their conversations after a friend, who doubted her account of the situation, asked her to provide proof.

Mr Pannu was also recorded saying just have it, just have it init, just the way you have your t**s in reference to his penis. He also said if you were in a different school then it would have been a different story and agreed to have sexual intercourse with Pupil A a few months in after she turned 18.

In 2018 three members of staff at the school received an anonymous whistleblowing email containing three voice recordings of a conversation between Mr Pannu and Pupil A. The email alleged that the exchange was sexually explicit and, following this, Mr Pannu was suspended while the school launched a formal investigation.

He admitted to some of the comments, including agreeing to have sex with the pupil once she reached 18, but claimed they were not sexually motivated. The panel disagreed, describing his behaviour as a pattern of flirtatious and inappropriate conversation.

In its written decision, the TRA panel said: Mr Pannus comments went far beyond any acceptable boundaries between teacher and pupil. His actions were not accidental or isolated, they were deliberate and deeply inappropriate.

Mr Pannu apologised for the comments and said he recognised how badly he handled the situation. He said he had spent many hours and days since the incident replaying the moments.

However, the panel stated: Mr Pannu demonstrated the beginnings of remorse but not meaningful remorse.

While Mr Pannu insisted he didnt want to blame the pupil, he also claimed she had deliberately targeted him, alleging she was the one who started the sexual conversations in an attempt to fabricate a relationship.

The panel recommended a prohibition order with no opportunity for review, a decision that was upheld by the Secretary of State for Education. This means Mr Pannu is permanently banned from teaching in England.

He does, however, have the right to appeal the order to the High Court within 28 days of receiving formal notice. St Marks Academy did not want to comment on the incident.

A spokesperson for Anthem Schools Trust, which runs St Marks, said: The teacher in question was suspended and dismissed seven years ago as soon as this incident came to light. This is a case from 2018 which occurred under historic leadership and no current student at the school was taught by the individual concerned.

St Marks is committed to the wellbeing and success of all its students and this is why the school has been rated by Ofsted as Outstanding in all areas, following its recent inspection in 2024.
Sir Keir Starmer will resist growing demands from British business leaders to provide more UK visas for highly skilled workers from India.

While flying to Mumbai for a two-day trade visit with more than 100 business chiefs, the prime minister said opening up visas for Indian workers to come to the UK isn't part of the plan, he added.

India reportedly pushed for far more visa access to the UK when the two countries were finalising their trade deal earlier this year.

But while heading on his first major trade mission to India, which comes after a UK-India trade deal was struck earlier this year, the prime minister told journalists: The issue is not about visas. It's about  engagement and investment and jobs and prosperity coming into the United Kingdom.

Sir Keir also reiterated that, when it comes to visas, ministers were considering whether to punish countries who refuse to take back people deported from the UK.

The government is looking at whether there should be a link between visas and returns agreements, he said, though he added this would not apply to India, with which the UK has a successful returns agreement.

The PM has pledged to cut net migration to the UK and has come under intense pressure to cut both legal and illegal immigration from Nigel Farages Reform UK party and Kemi Badenochs Conservatives.

But he is also under pressure to find some economic good news on his whirlwind trade visit, following warnings of a 50bn black hole in the governments finances and widespread forecasts Rachel Reeves will have to raise taxes in Novembers Budget.

Keir Starmer with the huge trade delegation at Heathrow (Reuters)

Sir Keir hailed the UK-India trade agreement brokered this summer as a launchpad for growth on his first major trade visit since becoming prime minister.

Coming with him to India are more than 100 top business leaders from the UK, including the Bend it Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha.

Also included are bosses from British Airways, which confirmed it will introduce a third daily flight between Delhi and Heathrow next year, and Manchester airport, which will launch a new direct route to Delhi operated by IndiGo.

But the PM is also under pressure to say "enough is enough" and call for the end of the eight-year detention of British citizen Jagtar Singh Johal, a Sikh activist, when he meets his counterpart Narendra Modi.

His meeting with PM Modi could also be difficult for other reasons. He joked he had not sent birthday congratulations to Putin, nor am I going to do so, after Mr Modi wished the Russian leader happy birthday just hours before the PM left London.

The trade deal with the south Asian nation, signed this summer after three long years of negotiations, is said to be worth 4.8bn a year to Britain.

Sir Keir said the deal was the best secured by any country but added the story doesnt stop there as he hailed the agreement as a launchpad for growth.

With India set to be the third biggest economy in the world by 2028, and trade with them about to become quicker and cheaper, the opportunities waiting to be seized are unparalleled, he said.

Thats why Ill be flying the flag for British business alongside 125 of our biggest household names in Mumbai this week, because growth in India for them means more choice, opportunity and jobs at home for the British people.

Keir Starmer with Narendra Modi when the Indian PM visited the UK earlier this year (PA)

Business secretary Peter Kyle, who is also on the trip, said the deal places British businesses at the front of the queue to access a huge and ever-growing market.

Now we are hitting the ground running and using every means necessary to ready businesses to take full advantage of the massive wins weve secured once the deal comes into force so we can deliver growth, jobs, and prosperity at home.

The UK government said the agreement also focuses on whisky, gin, cars and cosmetics and will boost the economy and cut prices for consumers.

Indian temporary workers and their employers in the UK will also get a three-year exemption from national insurance contributions.

The trade deal is expected to raise bilateral trade by 25.5bn per year, with UK exports to India projected to grow by nearly 60 per cent.

India is currently the fourth largest economy globally and is projected to become the third largest by 2028.

Britain is also hoping to capitalise on a boom in demand for higher education in India, where an estimated 70 million places will be needed by 2035, creating an opportunity for UK universities.
Stephen Lawrences killer has said he is deeply sorry to the teenagers family for his part in the racist murder  but has insisted he cannot name his accomplices.

David Norris told a Parole Board hearing he was disgusted and ashamed with himself for taking part in the 1993 stabbing, but said he and his family would be at risk if he divulged details of the others involved.

Speaking publicly for the first time about his role in the notorious murder, he said he was caught up in a gang mentality as he described punching the aspiring architect, 18, as he was crouched on the ground.

Questioned if any of the group had a weapon, he told the parole hearing: I am not here to discuss other people, I am here to take responsibility for my part in what happened, my actions.

Norris told the hearing there were five individuals involved in the murder, but claimed he did not see the 22cm blade which inflicted the fatal blows until they fled the scene.

The group never spoke about the incident except to say be careful of what you say from here on in, and it was never spoken about again, Norris told the hearing.

He insisted there is no group loyalty or criminal code preventing him from naming his accomplices, adding: There is one reason and one reason only, because Im worried about the safety of my family.

Only two of Mr Lawrences five or six alleged attackers have ever faced justice after Norris was jailed for life with a minimum of 14 years, along with Gary Dobson, who must serve a minimum of 15 years, in a trial that hinged on tiny traces of forensic evidence in 2012.

A panel of experts from the Parole Board must now decide whether he is safe to be released or moved to an open prison.

David Norris, a member of the racist gang which killed Stephen Lawrence, has refused to name his accomplices (PA Media)

In a prepared statement at the start of his evidence, Norris, now 49, apologised to the Lawrence family and the entire black community.

The guilt I have carried around all these years has been a very heavy burden upon my shoulders, he said, adding Mr Lawrence was completely innocent.

He admitted he was a horrible, violent, racist 16-year-old who was fixated on becoming a gangster when the group targeted Mr Lawrence and his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham, southeast London, in 1993.

It also affected the wider community as well, especially the black community, he said.

It must have made some, if not all, not feel safe walking around the streets of London and I want to sincerely apologise to the whole black and ethnic community for the fear I have caused.

However, Mr Lawrences grieving mother told the panel he was an obvious danger to society and should not be released.

In a statement read by her lawyer, Imran Khan, Baroness Doreen Lawrence said: I am of the view that this person is a risk to society and dangerous.

I simply cant see him walking the streets of our diverse country without thinking that he would harm someone like me  a black person  someone he described as wanting to kill and torture.

Stephen Lawrence, 18, was killed by a group of racist thugs in 1993 (PA Media)

She reminded the hearing of a shocking covert police recording of Norris and Dobson from 1994, known as the Footscray tapes, in which Norris discussed how he would kill every black c*** he knows.

He later discussed taking two submachine guns to Catford, a diverse area of southeast London.

Any person who expresses views like this and doesnt recant is an obvious danger to society and must remain in custody, Baroness Lawrence added.

She said Norris forced her to listen to denial after denial during his 2012 trial, adding he did not show a hint of empathy or feeling for me or what my family had gone through.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice (Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

Mr Lawrences father agreed his sons killer has not shown genuine remorse, adding that justice has not been done if Norris is released without naming the other members of the gang.

Dr Lawrence said at times he did not think he would survive during the 18-year battle for justice, during which time his marriage to Baroness Lawrence broke down.

In her opening remarks, the panel chair, Cassie Williams, said Mr Lawrences murder was an awful crime which had a profound impact on society.

Referring to the judges sentencing remarks when Norris was jailed in 2012, she said the judge noted he had not shown the slightest regret and had lied to the court.

Gary Dobson (left) and David Norris were convicted in 2012 under joint enterprise for the 1993 murder of Stephen Lawrence (PA Media)

Norris, who had always denied involvement, finally admitted he was at the scene of the murder in prison. He told the hearing he was inspired to take responsibility for actions after he watched a documentary featuring Mr Lawrences father, which touched him deeply.

The next day I thought I have got to do the right thing for my soul and hopefully it will give the family some peace, he said.

The prisoner, who was wearing a dark T-shirt, glasses and has short, greying hair, was only visible from behind as the prison hearing was streamed to the Royal Courts of Justice.

He claimed he hopes to one day remarry and live a crime-free life in a new area, away from his old criminal associates. He told the panel he stopped socialising with the other group members in 2002 or 2003.

Despite his apparent contrition, he admitted he would not have handed himself in, and justice would not have been served if he had not been convicte,d because he did not want to leave his children.

His prison offender manager (POM) said she could not rule out that the father of five had changed his stance in order to aid his release efforts. She told the panel that she does not believe Norris is ready for release or to be moved to open conditions.

The panel heard he has completed courses relating to racism and violence in custody, but prison records allege he used a racial slur as recently as October 2022, which he denies.

Prison officers found a mobile phone and a sharpened screwdriver in his cell in 2022, and he last failed a drug test in June 2023, the hearing was told.

Norris also rejected prison intelligence reports that suggested he and two other inmates were English Defence League supporters.

Asked if he was worried he would be a poster boy for the far right on his release because of his crime, he replied: Of course.

He claimed he would reject any attempts to persuade him to join far-right groups and that he does not hold those beliefs.

Stephen Lawrences father, Neville Lawrence, has called for one of his sons killers to name the other members of the gang (PA Archive)

A bungled police investigation led to the landmark MacPherson Inquiry, which concluded that the Metropolitan Polices probe into the murder was marred by institutional racism. However, Norris told the panel he had never sat down to read the inquirys findings.

Ahead of the hearing, Mr Lawrences father said Norris should not be considered for parole until he names the other members of the racist gang.

Its important for me because of what these people have done, Dr Lawrence said.

They ruined my life. Theyve caused me not to be able to live in this country. Theyve robbed me of the chance of seeing my son getting married, of having (his) grandchildren.

This man has robbed me of so much that there is no way I can even start to think that he should be allowed to walk free.

The hearing continues.
Steve Coogan played Jimmy Savile in the 2023 BBC drama The Reckoning. (ITV Studios/Matt Squire) (BBC/ITV Studios/Matt Squire)

What did you miss?

Steve Coogan has revealed that he wore Jimmy Savile's actual shoes to get into character for BBC drama The Reckoning, but said that playing the abusive late presenter "got inside my head" and left him feeling depressed.

Coogan, best known for his comic character Alan Partridge, played Savile in a 2023 BBC drama. Although Savile never faced trial for his crimes, after his death in 2011, hundreds of allegations of sexual assault were made against him, and he was acknowledged as a prolific sex offender who had preyed on vulnerable children as well as elderly victims.

Speaking to Louis Theroux, who had made a documentary with Savile, Coogan explained in the podcast interview why he felt he had needed to "humanise" Savile and admitted the toll the job had taken on him.

What, how and why?

Jimmy Savile in his flat overlooking Roundhay Park, Leeds, 1987. (PA) (Homer Sykes)

Asked about the experience of playing Savile, Coogan said: "When we did it, we met the survivors... we did it in a very grown-up way with proper, diligent application. There was humour on set, certainly, but I had to be careful; I couldn't start goofing about because it's a very serious subject. Sometimes there was a gallows humour, not to do with what he did, but I'd do it on set because it was so heavy and we were doing it for months.

"I'd shave my head twice a week so that I had a bald head because I put all these wigs on. It was a very strange, intense period. I even - this is something I haven't said before - I wore his shoes. His actual shoes. So I was walking literally in his actual shoes."

Theroux asked him: "Why would you do that?" and he replied: "It was there, they said, 'how do you feel about this?' I paused and I thought, well, if I'm going to go there, I'm going to go there. In for a penny. I dived into it without thinking about it too much.

Steve Coogan filming The Reckoning. (PA Images) (Welsh Snapper)

"People say, you're very brave, and I think it's just a job. My job is to execute this character in as accurate a way as possible, to help tell a drama that is truthful, and not do a caricature because that ultimately is a disservice to those who survived his abuse. If you do some sort of pantomime villain that's also not very responsible, so you had to, to some extent, humanise him, because bad people are human beings and that's the unpalatable truth."

Read more: Steve Coogan

But Coogan confessed that getting into character had eventually become too much for him, especially because of a strange coincidence that at the time he was living in a flat in the old BBC building where Savile had committed some of his assaults.

Steve Coogan in 2025. (Lucy North/PA Images via Getty Images) (Lucy North - PA Images via Getty Images)

The Reckoning used an old courthouse in Manchester as a set for the BBC building, which by then had been converted into the flats where Coogan lived. He said: "I'd walk along a fake BBC corridor in filming... then go home to my London flat and walk along a real BBC corridor where he's perpetrated some of his crimes, and I was just going to the gym.

"That weird flip... got inside my head a bit. I do remember at the end of the process just wanting it to finish. All the way through, I was like, this doesn't bother me, I'm just doing a job, I'm dispassionate about it. I didn't have my lunch as Jimmy Savile, I'm not a method actor."

"Towards the end, I went to the trailer one morning and I was shocked because I felt like I wanted to burst into tears," he continued. "I felt very sad and like I had this huge blanket, this cloak on me."

As the BBC was keen to ensure no photos were taken of Coogan in character as Savile, he had to enter the old courthouse for filming every day with a blanket over his head, through the entrance and staircase that defendants would have used.

Coogan said: "Every day I would do this weird ritual as if  as Jimmy Savile  I'd been arrested for those crimes when he was alive."

He admitted, "I remember being very glad when I took those shoes off. I felt the unbearable lightness of being after it stopped because I was shocked that just before the end of those four months (of filming), it started to be depressing."

How Steve Coogan got into character as Jimmy Savile

Steve Coogan talked about creating his version of Jimmy Savile for The Reckoning. (BBC) (BBC/ITV Studios/Matt Squire)

Coogan spoke more about how he transformed himself into Savile for the drama, opening up on the discomfort he felt as he studied old footage of the star, including Theroux's documentaries.

He said, "I studied him physically. When I do a character, I use the physicality to somehow get inside the head... If you look in the mirror and start to physically behave like someone, it starts to give you a key to something inside. The superficial stuff, weirdly, can connect you with who that person is.

"What I realised was that he used his hands like a kind of magician. He'd wave his hands around in the air so that you couldn't see what was going on. Your eyes start darting and looking at his hands, like that classic thing a magician does where you can't see what he's doing with his other hand."

The Louis Theroux Podcast, Season 6, is now streaming with new episodes released every Tuesday.
Hamas and Israel will begin discussions on a long-term peace deal this week, after agreeing in principle to Donald Trumps 20-point plan for war-torn Gaza.

Egypt is hosting negotiations between both sides beginning on Monday, after the US president presented the peace plan alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas responded with a carefully-worded statement which agreed to the outline of the deal but suggested it wanted to negotiate on certain topics.

Major sticking points remain in their vision of peace - and Trump has warned Hamas that it will face complete obliteration if they do not accept.

The Independent takes a look at the issues which could bring the deal to collapse.

Ilana Gritsevsky (R), former Israeli hostage and girlfriend of current hostage Matan Zangauker, speak during a protest at "Hostages' Square" in Tel Aviv (AFP via Getty Images)

Hostage releases

The release of the remaining Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 terror attack two years ago will be a central component of any finalised deal.

Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned, reads Trumps 20-point plan. There are believed to be 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, with 20 still alive.

At face value, it appears to be the element of the deal where Hamas seems to be most ready to comply with Trumps initiative.

But the hostages are the only remaining bargaining chip for Hamas, so it may seek to impose strict conditions on their full release - and in its response hinted that it was seeking certain conditions.

The movement announces its agreement to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trumps proposal, provided the field conditions for the exchange are met, Hamas said in its response.

The statement leaveof questions open, such as what the field conditions are.

Hamas has previously said it will not lay down its arms (AFP/Getty)

Disarmament

Hamas disarmament is likely to be one of the most stubborn sticking points.

The move has been demanded by Israel and its western allies as a non-negotiable step after Israels military campaign ends, and for any future two-state solution.

Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty, reads Trumps plan. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

The plan goes on to state that all military infrastructure will be destroyed, including Hamas underground tunnels and weapon production facilities, as part of a process of demilitarisation.

But Hamas has previously refused to lay down its arms, and in its written response it made no specific mention of disarmament.

Instead, it said issues regarding the future of the Gaza strip will be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework.

Governance of Gaza

Hamas had previously agreed to proposals by the West that it hand over governance of Gaza to a group of technocrats.

Trumps plan calls for a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee which would be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts.

This would be overseen by the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump himself, and with potential involvement by former UK prime minister Sir Tony Blair. Governance would eventually be handed over the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs less than half of the occupied West Bank.

Trumps plan promises a rebuild of Gaza (REUTERS)

The movement also renews its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats), based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support, Hamas said.

But Netanyahu could face hefty opposition from the far-right members of his coalition government, who are pushing for Israel to permanently occupy Gaza and begin rebuilding Jewish settlements.

And as it turned to Gazas future, Hamas said in its response that it will be part of it and will contribute to it with full responsibility - something which may well be a red line for Trump and Israel.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday in a closely-watched test case on whether existing bans on so-called conversion therapy for children, already in place in almost half of U.S. states, are constitutional.

Conversion therapy  a practice promoted by some religious conservatives  attempts to pressure gay and lesbian children to identify as heterosexual and transgender youths to conform to the gender assigned at birth. It has long been condemned by major medical groups as harmful and discredited.

This weeks case focuses on a 2019 Colorado law which bars licensed therapists from attempting to change a childs sexual orientation or gender identity, but does not extend to religious groups or family members.

The challenge comes from Kaley Chiles, a Christian counselor who argues the measure violates her First Amendment rights by preventing her from offering voluntary, faithbased counseling.

The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority and therefore often backs conservative free speech claims. Chiles has also won the backing of President Donald Trumps Republican administration and several conservative allies.

The Supreme Court will decide on a case relating to a 2019 Colorado law which bars licensed therapists from attempting to change a childs sexual orientation or gender identity (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Chiles has said she believes people flourish when they live consistently with Gods design, including their biological sex, according to an AP report, and she is set to argue that evidence of harm from her approach is lacking.

The State of Colorado contends that the law regulates health care, not speech, and says this law is designed to protect children from a practice known to be linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

The only thing that the law prohibits therapists from doing is performing a treatment that seeks the predetermined outcome of changing a minors sexual orientation or gender identity because that treatment is unsafe and ineffective, state attorneys wrote.

Colorado has not sanctioned anyone under the law since it was brought in, and which exempts religious ministries.

State attorneys contend that in the laws existing form it still allows any therapist to have wide-ranging, faith-based conversations with young patients about gender and sexuality.

Nonetheless violations do carry potential fines of up to $5,000 and the risk of license suspension or revocation.

The case, Chiles v. Salazar, comes just months after the Courts conservative majority upheld state bans on transitionrelated health care for transgender youths, a ruling seen as a major setback for LGBTQ rights.

Later this term the Supreme Court is also expected to hear a case on transgender athletes participation in school sports.

For families, the stakes are deeply personal. Linda Robertson, a Christian mother from Washington state, recalled how her son Ryan was subjected to conversion therapy after coming out at age 12, AP reports. When the treatment failed, he blamed himself, spiraled into shame and depression, and died in 2009 at age 20 after multiple suicide attempts and a drug overdose.

What happened in conversion therapy, it devastated Ryans bond with me and my husband, she said. And it absolutely destroyed his confidence he could ever be loved or accepted by God.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat, warned in court filings that striking down the states law could undermine not only bans on conversion therapy but also broader efforts to regulate medical treatments deemed unsafe or ineffective by experts.

"For centuries, states have regulated professional healthcare to protect patients from substandard treatment. Throughout that time, the First Amendment has never barred states ability to prohibit substandard care, regardless of whether it is carried out through words," he wrote.

Chiles, represented by the conservative Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in her court filings that counseling amounts to vital speech that helps young people better understand themselves.
Harry Pitman, 16, was fatally stabbed in north-west London (Family handout/Metropolitan Police/PA) (PA Media)

A 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the neck and died in the blink of an eye as he enjoyed the New Year fireworks with friends on a crowded Primrose Hill, a court has heard.

Harry Pitman died almost immediately after he was stabbed at the popular event at the London beauty spot on December 31 2023.

Areece Lloyd-Hall, 18, is now on trial, accused of murdering Harry in the midst of a large group of fellow New Year revellers.

Every year, large numbers of members of the public gather on Primrose Hill to celebrate the turning of the New Year, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC told the opening of the Old Bailey trial.

Police carry out a search on Primrose Hill in Camden, north London, after 16-year-old Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed (PA Archive)

But on New Years Eve, 31 December 2023, revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye.

Harry Pitman, aged 16, was stabbed once to the neck. He died almost immediately as a result of that single but deadly injury.

Jurors heard the fatal injury was inflicted by a knife that Lloyd-Hall had brought to the scene, when he too was aged 16.

Ms Ledward told jurors that Harry and Lloyd-Hall were strangers to each other and had gone to Primrose Hill with separate groups of friends.

Before the defendant arrived, Harry had chatted with a special constable who noted that he physically bounced over and seemed overall positive in his attitude towards police.

When Harrys friend became involved in an altercation, Harry was seen on police body-worn video trying to calm him down, jurors heard.

He went on to engage in a friendly conversation with a man watching the fireworks and gave him a fist bump, the court was told.

The fatal incident allegedly arose after Harry accidentally bumped into another boy while play-fighting and practising high kicks.

During the confrontation, Harry told the boy: Dont touch me because I didnt touch you.

Ms Ledward showed jurors mobile phone video clips of the fast-paced events, saying the stabbing happened in the space of 20 seconds.

As Lloyd-Hall approached Harry, he was allegedly holding his trousers and saying what what what what what.

Amid the scuffle, Lloyd-Hall appeared to swing his right hand down on Harrys shoulder, the court was told.

A knife glinted in the light and the sheaf flew off into the air, capturing the moment of the fatal stab wound.

Just before, a female voice was heard to shout mindi  the Somali word for knife.

After being stabbed, Harry pushed his way out of the crowd towards police officers standing nearby, his T-shirt covered in blood.

Police and paramedics administered first aid but the bleeding from Harrys neck wound was catastrophic and proved fatal, Ms Ledward said.

Lloyd-Hall, from Westminster, denies murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Police officers on Primrose Hill in Camden, north London, where 16-year-old Harry Pitman died after being stabbed just before midnight on New Years Eve (PA Archive)

Mr Justice Cavanagh told jurors that this is a retrial, and Lloyd-Halls defence is likely to be that he thought the knife was covered by a sheaf when he struck Harry and that he acted in self-defence or defence of others.

The retrial continues.
Members of the Texas national guard assemble in Elwood, Illinois, on Tuesday. Photograph: Brian Cassella/TNS/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Texas national guard troops have arrived in the Chicago area, marking an escalation of Donald Trumps crackdown on the city.

Chicago has already seen a ramping up of immigration enforcement in the past few weeks, as well as increasingly violent altercations in the suburb of Broadview, where law enforcement has been filmed deploying tear gas and pepper gas against protestors.

The latest military presence comes after April Perry, a US district judge, declined to immediately block troops from entering the city amid a pending lawsuit from the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago against the Trump administrations actions.

Kwame Raoul, the Illinois attorney general, had filed the lawsuit on Monday in order to stop Trump from enlisting the states national guard or sending in troops from other states such as Texas immediately and permanently.

But after Perrys ruling, the troops were mobilized on Monday, and multiple outlets, including the Chicago Tribune and New York Times confirmed they were remaining in the Chicago area on Tuesday.

Brandon Johnson, Chicagos mayor, also signed an executive order banning Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agents from operating on city-owned properties, the third executive order attempting to limit the power of Ice agents in the city since Trump first signaled the deployment.

City property and unwilling private businesses will no longer serve as staging grounds for these raids, said Johnson during the orders signing on Monday. The fact is, we cannot allow them to rampage throughout our city with no checks or balances. Nobody is above the law  if Congress will not check this administration, then Chicago will.

The White House accused the mayor of aiding and abetting criminal illegal immigrant killers, rapists, traffickers, and gang bangers, Newsweek reported.

Illinois officials have long condemned the Trump administrations plans for a federal takeover. Pritzker previously called on all to stand up to Trump in the face of the intervention during an interview with CBS News in September.

Any kind of troops on the streets of an American city dont belong unless there is an insurrection, unless there is truly an emergency, said Pritzker, adding: Im going to do everything I can to stop him from taking away peoples rights and from using the military to invade states.

Johnson has also vociferously condemned the planned intervention since it was first signaled. During a Labor Day rally, he said: Were going to defend our democracy in the city of Chicago. Were going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago.

Illinois senator Dick Durbin condemned the move in a statement issued as troops arrived in the state.

Deploying the Texas national guard, over the objections of Illinois elected officials, is not only unnecessary, but it is also unlawful, he said. National guard personnel do not deserve to be used as political pawns in President Trumps political theater.

Trump had been signaling the federal intervention in Chicago, amid his targeting of Democratic-led cities for expanded federal enforcement of immigration laws.

Trump has repeatedly attempted to deploy federal troops to Portland, but a federal judge blocked his latest efforts on Sunday. Tina Kotek, Oregons governor, has denounced any military intervention in the state as a threat to our democracy as well as a wake-up call for other state officials, in recent comments to NPR.

In June, the Trump administration deployed national guard troops in Los Angeles, where Ice agents conducted large-scale raids. Trump also deployed thousands of national guard troops and sent federal agents to Washington DC in August, as part of his unprecedented law enforcement takeover of the nations capital.

Trump has said the moves are necessary to help with immigration enforcement and fight crime. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders locally and around the country have pointed out that crime levels are generally falling.

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Three people were critically injured after a helicopter providing air medical services crashed on Sacramentos Highway 50 in northern California, on Monday evening, officials said.

The helicopter, run by REACH Air Medical Services, crashed shortly after 7pm on the eastbound lanes of Highway 50 near Howe Avenue, the Sacramento Fire Department said.

Three crew members who were on board were taken to hospitals for treatment, said SFD spokesperson Captain Justin Sylvia.

The helicopter had just delivered a patient to a nearby hospital and was returning to base when it experienced an in-air emergency, Sylvia said.

Those involved in the crash were a pilot, a nurse and a paramedic.

No vehicles on the freeway were involved in the crash, Sylvia said, calling that fact mind-blowing given that the helicopter crashed in the centre of a busy highway.

People reported that they basically saw the helicopter kind of going down quickly, he said. So all the traffic slowed down.

The destroyed helicopter after crashing on Highway 50 in Sacramento, California, on Monday (AP)

Pictures showed the craft lying on its side with debris strewn across the highway as responders worked on the scene.

Images from Highway 50 showed a long line of cars backed up just behind the crash site.

A female crew member was found trapped under the helicopter and two others were located in the roadway when the first unit of responders arrived from the fire department, Sylvia added.

The aircraft had to be lifted up with the help of a fire captain and around 15 bystanders to remove the trapped person before more units arrived at the scene.

One crew member was found trapped under the helicopter, while two others were found in the road (AP)

REACH said it was working to confirm the condition of the crew.

We are in the process of determining the details of this situation, as well as the condition of the REACH crew involved, who were all taken to area hospitals, the operator said in a statement. We will continue to provide information as it becomes available.

Sacramento mayor Kevin McCarty described the crash as harrowing and said the cause of the crash remains under investigation and has yet to be determined.

City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan said she was on a ride-along with law enforcement responding to the crash and said there were plumes of white smoke coming out of the crashed helicopter.

Emergency personnel surround the wreckage (AP)

Its really sombering and sobering. I am up flying with sheriff pilots that do this day in and day out. And it really makes you grateful for every day and grateful for our officers and our medical pilots, she said.

The eastbound lanes of Highway 50 were shut down, according to officer Mike Carrillo, a spokesperson for the Valley Division of California Highway Patrol. Carrillo said residents should expect delays and use alternate routes.

We ask the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to work safely, he said.

One lane of eastbound Highway 50 has been reopened at 59th Street to allow for traffic to pass through, the California Highway Patrol said.
Tiny Caribbean island accuses Netherlands of failing to protect it from climate change

Residents from the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire have launched legal action against the Netherlands, accusing the nation of failing to adequately protect them from the escalating impacts of climate change.

A farmer, a prison guard, and a teacher were among those who testified in a Hague courtroom on Tuesday, in a case supported by environmental group Greenpeace.

This legal challenge follows a series of international landmark rulings that have established governments' broad obligations to safeguard citizens from increasing temperatures and rising sea levels.

Farmer Onnie Emerenciana travelled 4,000 miles to detail how warmer conditions and drought have devastated his crops and livelihood.

The 62-year-old said that for those unable to afford air conditioning, summers have transformed their homes into "prisons of concrete", urging the Dutch government to provide greater assistance to the self-governing island, a former Dutch colony.

Bonaire, alongside St. Eustatius and Saba, became a special Dutch municipality in 2010, with its 20,000 inhabitants holding Dutch citizenship.

Michael Bacon, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs, told the court: "The Netherlands presents itself internationally as a champion of ambitious climate policy. The problem is that the state is not putting its words into action."

Bonaire, alongside St. Eustatius and Saba, became a special Dutch municipality in 2010, with its 20,000 inhabitants holding Dutch citizenship (Stephan Kogelman)

The plaintiffs are demanding concrete action from the Dutch state to address the climate crisis affecting their island.

Lawyers for the government say the country is making strides to combat climate change, citing greenhouse gas reductions and mitigation efforts. Ultimately, the state argues, addressing the problem is a matter for the government, not courts.

The problem is complex, lawyer Edward Brans told judges, and can only be solved by political decisions.

The case is being heard at the District Court of The Hague, where the landmark Urgenda proceedings began more than a decade ago, and in 2019, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled in favor of climate activists and ordered the government to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Plaintiffs Jackie Bernabela and Angelo Vrolijk in the court (REUTERS)

The Urgenda decision featured prominently in recent climate change decisions from the European Court of Human Rights and the United Nations highest court, the International Court of Justice.

Both courts found that failing to combat climate change violated international law.

In the decade up to 2023, sea levels rose by a global average of around 4.3 centimetres (1.7 inches), with parts of the Pacific rising higher still.

The world has also warmed 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 Fahrenheit) since preindustrial times because of the burning of fossil fuels.

The hearings will continue on Wednesday.
Donald Trump accused Democrats of being insurrectionists during a meeting with Mark Carney.

The president placed sole blame for the federal governments shutdown on the Democratic party while speaking with the Canadian prime minister at the White House on Tuesday (7 October).

These Democrats are like insurrectionists. They're so bad for our country, he said during a long, rambling answer about the government shutdown which veered into discussion of the lefts opposition to the GOPs big, beautiful bill which was passed earlier this year.
Federal agents keep protestors back from an immigration facility in Portland, Oregon - MATHIEU LEWIS-ROLLAND

Donald Trump has refused to rule out invoking the Insurrection Act as court challenges restricted his deployment of National Guard troops to American cities.

The US president is facing a series of legal battles in response to his attempts to deploy soldiers to Democrat-led cities. On Sunday, an Oregon judge blocked the Guards deployment to Portland.

Officials in Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit against the administration in a bid to stop troops arriving in their state on Tuesday, but failed to halt units already en route.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Mr Trump declined to say whether he was going to invoke the Insurrection Act to overcome the legal challenges, but pointed out that it has been invoked before.

The Insurrection Act, enacted more than two centuries ago, would allow Mr Trump to sidestep court rulings restricting his orders to send Guard troops into cities over the objections of local and state officials.

Well, its been invoked before. As you know, if you look at Chicago, Chicago is a great city where theres a lot of crime, and if the governor cant do the job, well do the job, Mr Trump said.

Violent protests against ICE raids have broken out in Chicago - Anthony Vazquez

Mr Trump has insisted the deployment is necessary in Chicago to quell violent protests against military-style immigration raids in the city.

In Portland, the US president claimed an insurrection is taking place in an interview with NewsMax.

Invoking the act would allow troops to directly participate in civilian law enforcement, for which there is little recent precedent.

Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and John F Kennedy sent troops to the South to desegregate schools under the legislation.

More recently, president George HW Bush sent troops to Los Angeles in 1992 to put down riots following the death of Rodney King.

Military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch were seen at the Army Reserve Center in Elwood, 55 miles south-west of Chicago on Tuesday.

Donald Trump has threatened to use emergency powers to deploy more troops to quell unrest - MATHIEU LEWIS-ROLLAND

JB Pritzker, the Illinois governor who spearheaded the lawsuit against the Trump administration, did not immediately comment on the developments.

The Democrat had predicted that Illinois National Guard troops would be activated, along with 400 from Texas.

Mr Pritzker accused Trump of using troops as political props and pawns. Brandon Johnson, the mayor of Chicago, told reporters that the administration is not sharing much information with the city.

That is what is so difficult about this moment: You have an administration that is refusing to cooperate with a local authority, Mr Johnson said Tuesday.

A federal judge gave the Trump administration two days to respond to the lawsuit filed Monday by Illinois and Chicago challenging the plan.

The lawsuit says, these advances in President Trumps long-declared war on Chicago and Illinois are unlawful and dangerous. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Trump labels Democrats insurrectionists as he threatens Grim Reaper Vought to start cutting American jobs in 4 to 5 days

President Donald Trump hit out at Democrats with a rabidly partisan attack during a meeting with a foreign leader on Tuesday, dubbing the opposition party as insurrectionists and threatening to give his budget director free rein to slash government jobs and programs as he answered questions alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office.

Trump was in the middle of a long-winded soliloquy about the benefits of his Big Beautiful Bill tax cut and spending package when he laid into Democrats for having opposed the legislation.

I was greatly helped by our speaker, Mike Johnson and by the Senate. I'll tell you what, John Thune has been  both of those guys have been incredible ... because these Democrats are like insurrectionists ... they're so bad for our country, so their policy is so bad for our country, he said.

Trump was also asked whether his administration intends to honor a law he signed during his first term, the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which requires furloughed workers to be paid at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends.

Although the law is clear on the subject, the Office of Management and Budget recently rewrote their shutdown guidance to cast doubt on whether workers will be made whole after going without pay since last Tuesday.

President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein (REUTERS)

Trump replied that it would depend on who were talking about and blamed Democrats for having put a lot of people in great risk and jeopardy while suggesting that some workers dont deserve back pay.

For the most part, we're going to take care of our people. There are some people that really don't deserve to be taken care of, and we'll take care of them in a different way, he ominously said.

Trumps implicit threat not to pay federal workers despite the clearly written law enacted during his first four years in the White House is consistent with a long history of failing to pay contractors and vendors during his many years as a businessman and hotel/casino operator.

In 2016, USA Today reported that hed stiffed hundreds of people including carpenters, painters, dishwashers, and even attorneys who worked for him.

He told the newspaper at the time that hed routinely deduct from what he owed vendors if he disliked their work.

Lets say that they do a job thats not good, or a job that they didnt finish, or a job that was way late. Ill deduct from their contract, absolutely, Trump said.

Pressed further on whether federal workers will be paid as the law requires, Trump later told reporters: I follow the law and what the law says is correct.

The presidents comments came on the seventh day of the first government shutdown since a 35-day lapse in appropriations during his first term.

Hundreds of thousands of workers were furloughed or forced to work without pay starting one week ago when legislators failed to advance a Republican-authored temporary funding bill, with most Democratic senators stating that they wont vote for any legislation that doesnt extend tax credits that help approximately 10 million Americans purchase health insurance.

Trump has threatened to use the temporary shutdown to permanently gut programs favored by Democrats and fire federal workers who his supporters view as deep state members opposed to him and his administration.

During his sit-down with Carney, he threatened to allow Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to begin slashing things pretty soon when asked if he has a list of programs to eliminate.

We have a lot of things that we're going to eliminate and permanently eliminate, he said.

The president described Vought, a longtime GOP activist who was depicted as the Grim Reaper in an AI-generated video he posted over the weekend, as a very serious person who is currently sitting there and getting ready to cut things.

When pressed further on whether theres a list of programs to cut, he said hed be able to reveal it in four or five days if the shutdown continues.

If this keeps going on, it'll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back, he said.
Trump team defend his appearance on proposed $1 coin despite being in violation of 1866 law

President Donald Trumps administration has defended his proposal to mint a $1 coin boasting his face  despite a federal law that prohibits it.

In honor of Americas 250th anniversary, the U.S. Treasury unveiled a draft of the $1 coin last week, with both the heads and tails sides featuring images of Trump.

The announcement raised concerns that the plan violated a federal law from 1886, which states that only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities.

Still, the Treasury Department defended the plan on Monday.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to exercise authorities under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which was passed during the first Trump administration, the department wrote on X. That measure allows the Treasury Secretary to mint $1 coins with designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial.

The Treasury Department is defending a proposed coin bearing President Donald Trump's image to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, despite a 1886 law that prohibits living presidents from appearing on currency. (U.S. Treasury)

On this momentous anniversary, there is no profile more emblematic for the front of this coin than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump, the department wrote.

Under the law, the coin could be issued in 2026.

However, the Trump administrations proposal may still run into a similar restriction under this legislation, which states no head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, and no portrait of a living person may be included in the design on the reverse of specific coins.

According to the draft, one side of the coin features Trumps profile while the other shows the president raising his fist in front of an American flag, surrounded by the words Fight, Fight, Fight, resembling the moment he stood up after being shot at in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July.

The courts may eventually have to settle whether the coins are minted.

There have been workarounds in the past. For instance, former President Calvin Coolidges portrait appeared on a half dollar in 1926 to commemorate the countrys 150th anniversary. The coin marked the first time a U.S. President's portrait appeared on a coin during his lifetime, according to the U.S. Mint's website.

The 1886 law came about after an uproar over the actions of the Chief of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Spencer Clark, who put himself on a five cent note and had a large quantity of them printed before it was noticed, according to a Treasury Department page, which has since been removed.

Next year, the U.S. could see several new coins. The 2020 law also permits the Treasury to mint quarter dollars in 2026 with up to five different designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial.

One of the designs must be emblematic of a womans or womens contribution to the birth of the Nation, the Declaration of Independence or any other monumental moments in American history, the law says.
A nursery chain in London was targeted by a ransomware attack (Getty Images)

Two arrests have been made after a cyber attack on a chain of nurseries in London.

Specialist officers from Met Police raided a number of residential properties in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, where two people were arrested on suspicion of computer misuse as well as blackmail.

The Met Police arrested two men, aged 17 and 22, at the scene and took them in to custody where they remain for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.

It comes as the force received a referral from Action Fraud on 25 September detailing a ransomware attack on a set of pre-schools in Greater London. Cyberhackers allegedly used pictures, along with the names of around 8,000 children from the Kido nursery chain, to demand ransom money.

Will Lyne, Mets Head of Economic and Cybercrime, said: Since these attacks took place, specialist Met investigators have been working at pace to identify those responsible.

We understand reports of this nature can cause considerable concern, especially to those parents and carers who may be worried about the impact of such an incident on them and their families.

We want to reassure the community and anyone affected that this matter continues to be taken extremely seriously.

These arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, but our work continues, alongside our partners, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
Two years of unprecedented bloodshed in Gaza: Our greatest hope is that this nightmare will end

For two years, the people of Gaza have endured one of the most devastating bombardments and humanitarian catastrophes of our time.

Israels offensive and siege of the enclave, launched in the bloody aftermath of Hamass October 7 attacks, has killed more than 67,000 people, including at least 19,000 children, according to local officials.

A United Nations-backed global hunger monitor has concluded that the bombing and blockade have led to famine spreading across the strip.

Nearly the entire population of 2.3 million have been forced to flee  often multiple times  and more than 90 per cent of Gazas homes have been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

The situation is so dire that a UN commission of inquiry concluded last month that Israel has committed, and continues to commit, genocide in Gaza  a charge the Israeli government vehemently denies.

Palestinians gather to receive cooked meals from a food distribution centre in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip in August (AFP/Getty)

On the two-year anniversary of the start of this unprecedented bloodshed, families in Gaza describe a glimmer of hope as negotiators from Hamas and Israel meet in Egypt to try and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal, off the back of US president Donald Trumps 20-point peace plan.

As Basel al-Saqa, 32 a father of two, tells The Independent from his tent in southern Gaza: A ceasefire means that the land that has burned for so long can breathe again.

As the world hopes for a breakthrough, families describe their struggle over the last two years and their desperation for an end to the nightmare.

A mother carries her child into a patient treatment tent outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City in July (AP)

Running a hospital under siege, missiles and disappearances

Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza.

Dr Abu Salmiya not only manages one of the most important hospitals in Gaza, which Israeli forces have repeatedly bombed, besieged and raided, but he says he has been arrested, detained and abused by Israel for months. His staff members and colleagues, like Dr Adnan al-Bursh, the celebrated head of orthopaedics, died in Israeli detention in 2024, reportedly from torture.

But despite this, after being released back into Gaza last year, Dr Abu Salmiya has remained at the helm of al-Shifa, rebuilding it from the ashes in Gaza City, which has become the epicentre of Benjamin Netanyahus widely condemned new offensive.

Israel has repeatedly denied targeting Gazas medical facilities. But Israeli attacks on Gazas hospitals and medics are so acute that a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded at the end of 2024 that Israel has committed war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination as it pursued a concerted policy to destroy Gazas healthcare system.

Al-Shifa first became the focus of ferocious assault early on in the war, after Israel accused Hamas of using it as a main military command and control centre despite providing little credible evidence.

It was raided, besieged and then emptied by the end of 2023. Dr Abu Salmiya was arrested alongside other doctors and detained for seven months. When released, he spoke of torture and abuse behind bars.

When we returned there was nothing recognisable. But we restored the emergency department, the dialysis department, and opened 300 beds, a 13-bed intensive care unit, and operating room, he says.

Since then he describes ferrying premature newborns around the complex as it was bombed and as they were chased by quadcopters. Now he worries about the future as the violence has not abated despite talks for a truce underway in Egypt.

During the last four days it has been impossible. We found no food, no drink, no bread. We survived on a few dates  staff and patient, he adds.

After Israel invaded Gaza City recently we were shocked. Now, our fears are that the occupation will come and destroy the hospital again.

Giving birth during famine and a bombing raid

Buthaina al-Attar, 26, is a mother of four children, displaced from northern Gaza.

Buthaina lived through the unimaginable horror of being pregnant during a UN-declared famine and giving birth in a hospital as it was bombed. The danger was so acute that the day after her emergency C-section in May, the starved mother was stitched up and forced to flee the hospital on foot, with only limited pain relief.

The United Nations has reported that due to Israels repeated bombardment and full blockades on Gaza that spark widespread famine, a quarter of all pregnant women are acutely malnourished, with risk of miscarriages. Images of emaciated babies and children, their bones cutting through their skin, have been shared, shocking the world.

The UN has reported that due to Israels blockades on Gaza a quarter of all pregnant women are acutely malnourished (AP)

Buthaina says she survived on a single plate of rice and scraps of pasta she shared with her children, but hunger devastated her health and stunted the growth of her baby. When he was born, he weighed just 2kg, less than half the average weight of a newborn in the UK.

It was a moment filled with fear, terror, and anxiety, she recalls, describing giving birth under fire. As her baby was delivered by emergency C-section at Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, an Israeli tank shell struck the obstetrics and gynaecology department. Minutes later, a four-storey building next to the hospital was also targeted.

Glass and rubble from the blast fell onto the hospital, she says. At that point, the doctor told us we had to leave because the situation was too dangerous. The ambulances were overwhelmed.

Barely recovered from major surgery, she had to leave on foot: I walked like a toddler taking her first steps, suffering from severe pain.

Buthaina spent days on the move, trying to find a tent or any kind of shelter. Sick with a severe infection from surgery and malnourished, she couldnt breastfeed and had no access to baby formula.

Twenty days after her son was born, her mother  who had been helping with the children  returned to northern Gaza to try to find food. She never came back. The family still doesnt know what happened; whether she was taken or killed.

Now, Buthaina is desperate for a ceasefire: We need a ceasefire as soon as possible. So that we can return to normal life and raise our children away from war, hunger and thirst.

Reporting and living in a war zone

Fatima Abu Nadi, 35, is a journalist working for the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Mujtama.

For nearly two years, Fatima has not only reported on the war in Gaza, but lived it  suffering multiple losses, including the killing of her father.

According to Amnesty International, Israeli strikes have killed more than 240 journalists and media workers since Israel launched its heaviest-ever bombardment of Gaza in October 2023, following Hamas militants deadly attacks in southern Israel.

The global rights group added that no conflict in modern history has seen a higher number of journalists killed, making Gaza the deadliest place on earth for reporters.

Fatima, who was a journalist before the devastating war, has now been displaced multiple times (Fatima Abu Nadi/The Independent)

Fatima began the war working for a French news agency, which abruptly dropped her and cut communication while she was reporting on rising malnutrition in Nasser Hospital in central Gaza in November 2023, amid growing chaos and an unfolding famine.

With no salary and no severance, she struggled to support 15 family members. Basic necessities, like baby nappies for her nephew, were costing $100 (74.50).

The job loss came just a month after her father was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip. At the time, Fatima and her family had been displaced to Rafah. Her father had insisted on staying behind to protect their property.

She said his body was so badly mutilated by the strike that medics shielded the family from seeing the photos.

He was a part of my soul, and I lost it, she says. He supported me in my masters, my education, and in the beginning of my journalism career.

Despite the difficulties, she remains a journalist: honouring his last request to her, made in their final phone call days before his death, to continue her work and to help others.

But after surviving so many displacements, one night recently she collapsed. She sobbed uncontrollably until her mother found her and tried to calm her down.

These moments are beyond capacity, energy, and patience, she says. Ive stopped crying, but my heart still aches.

Now we are on the second anniversary of the war. Our greatest hope is that it will end, she says.
There has been a nine per cent increase in homelessness deaths year-on-year, with 1,474 deaths recorded in 2023, and 1,313 in 2022. (PA)

A record 1,611 homeless people, including 11 children, died in 2024, according to new figures, which lay bare the shocking impact of the UKs housing crisis.

Four of the children were babies under the age of one and came as homelessness deaths rose 9 per cent on the year before  up from 1,474 deaths in 2023, and 1,313 in 2022, the research from The Museum of Homelessness revealed.

Homelessness has been on the rise in recent years, with the 178,560 households assessed as homeless by councils in 2023-24, a 12.3 per cent increase on the previous year.

Over half of the deaths recorded last year were classed as deaths of despair, meaning the person died by suicide or the deaths were drug or alcohol-related.

In one case, a man died within weeks of being released from an NHS mental health centre without a community treatment order that would have seen him supervised by doctors. Barnaby Spicer, who had a history of psychosis, died in November 2024 after he was released from Redwoods Centre in Shrewsbury.

His family said that they wrote to the mental health trust over concerns for Mr Spicers safety before his death. The NHS trust that runs the centre has reportedly launched an internal inquiry into Mr Spicers care.

Deaths among homeless people in the UK have risen by 9 per cent in a year and included 11 children in 2024, according to a group monitoring the issue. (PA)

In another case, an unnamed man was found dead inside a tent pitched outside an Asda supermarket in Leicester in early December, with police deeming the death not suspicious.

In August last year, a 46-year-old man, Alexander Colman, was also discovered dead inside the tent that he had made his home. He was found by a walker in the Fletchers Hill Inclosure, Rhinefield.

In another horrifying case, a homeless man reportedly starved to death in July 2024 after he trapped his arm trying to enter a house through a skylight.

Khaled Aribi, an Algerian asylum seeker from Camden, London, was discovered by an estate agent when she arrived to view the property, according to local newspaper Ham&High. The paper reported that he had been on a waiting list for counselling at the time of his death and was considered a very vulnerable adult. His death was ruled an accident by a coroner.

In the past three years, the proportion of those dying in temporary accommodation, including hotels, or supported accommodation has increased. The rise, which includes deaths in B&Bs and hostels, has outstripped the increase in the number of households in this type of accommodation, researchers found.

There were 11 children included in the data for last year, of which four were babies who had not yet reached their first birthday. Four others were aged between one and nine years old, and two children were aged between 15 and 17, while another's age was unknown.

Researchers said it is likely the figures are lower than the true scale of the issue, but the 2024 figure was up from four in 2023. The Dying Homeless Project started recording deaths in 2017 in the absence of data from the Office for National Statistics.

The most recent government figures, published in July, showed the number of households in temporary accommodation in England had climbed to a new record high of 131,140 at the end of March 2025.

The number of children in temporary accommodation stood at 169,050 in March, up year-on-year from 151,540. It the highest figure since records began in 1998.

In January, a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Households in Temporary Accommodation said 74 children, mostly babies, had died in recent years in England, with temporary accommodation recorded as a possible contributory factor.

Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, called the spike in the number of people dying while homeless tragic and unacceptable, saying it was a stark signal of the homelessness crisis we are facing.

He added: Not only are more people losing their home, but a growing number of these people are already facing unmet health and social care needs, which only worsen once homeless.

Project director Matthew Turtle called for urgent action from the government and said the data shows how homeless people continue to be deeply failed.

Francesca Albanese, from charity Crisis, said more social housing was needed to ensure that people have access to affordable, settled homes, and urged the government to unfreeze housing benefit to stop people being pushed into poverty. She added: We are talking here about real people, including children  not just numbers. These are lives cut short and potential unrealised. In many cases, these deaths will have been avoidable.

Minister for homelessness Alison McGovern called the figures heartbreaking, adding: We simply cannot accept this as normal. Every person deserves a safe place to call home, which is why we are accelerating efforts to tackle the root causes of homelessness, expanding access to safe accommodation whilst also strengthening support services.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington on Monday. Photograph: Andrew Leyden/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

The US government shutdown entered its second week as the Senate again rejected rival bills to restart funding and Donald Trump suggested he might be open to negotiating with Democrats over the healthcare subsidies they have put at the heart of the stalemate.

A fifth Senate vote to advance a Republican-written bill that would reopen the government failed on a 52-42 tally  well below the 60-vote threshold needed for advancement. The Democrats proposal was defeated in a 50-45 party-line vote. No lawmakers changed their votes from recent days, though there were a handful of absences.

Many agencies and departments closed their doors and told employees to stay home last Wednesday, after Congress failed to approve legislation to continue the governments authority to spend money. The Trump administration warned it was prepared to move forward with plans to slash the federal workforce.

After five failed votes, Republicans should understand that they cannot go forward unless we come to a bipartisan agreement to address the healthcare crisis, Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said in a statement after the afternoon votes.

Democrats have refused to back any bill that does not include an array of healthcare-centered concessions, among them, an extension of premium tax credits for people covered by Affordable Care Act health insurance. So far, Congresss Republican leaders have refused to negotiate over their demands until government funding is restored.

But Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on Monday, said he might be willing to strike a deal with Democrats on the ACA subsidies, though he also echoed the conservative claim that billions and billions of dollars are being wasted.

We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things, Trump told reporters. And Im talking about good things with regard to health care.

Schumer denied any outreach from the president, and the top House Democrat, Hakeem Jeffries, said the White House has been radio silent since a meeting with the president last week.

Trumps claim isnt true  but if hes finally ready to work with Democrats, well be at the table, Schumer said in a statement. For months, Democrats have been calling on Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to come to the table and work with us to deliver lower costs and better healthcare for the American people.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that if the shutdown stretched on, a program thats pays for food for low-income mothers and children would exhaust its funding, while government employees would miss a paycheck, though federal law entitles them to back pay. She also reiterated the Trump administrations threats to fire federal workers.

We dont want to see people laid off. But, unfortunately, if this shutdown continues, layoffs are going to be an unfortunate consequence of that, Leavitt said.

In the days since the shut down began, Russ Vought, the director of the White House office of management and budget, has cancelled funding for energy projects in several states, as well as transportations developments in Chicago and New York  all of which are areas governed by Democrats.

But though he warned before funding lapsed that he would use it as an opportunity to deepen cuts to the federal workforce, those have largely not yet taken place.

Asked about when layoffs may be announced, Leavitt replied: Well see how the vote goes tonight.

Democratic and Republican leaders in Congress have shown no signs of budging from their demands in the days since the shutdown began. Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the House on recess for a second straight week, in a bid to pressure Senate Democrats to provide the roughly eight votes the Republican funding bill is expected to need to advance in the upper chamber.

The ball is in the court of the Senate Democrats. Theres only a handful of people in the country who can solve this problem, Johnson told a press conference.

The Democratic minority has largely stuck to their demands that any legislation to fund the government includes an extension of the ACA tax credits. Created under Joe Biden, the credits are set to expire at the end of the year, and costs for 20 million enrollees of the plans will rise if they are not extended.

The party has also included in their funding bill a reversal of the Republican cuts to Medicaid, which provides health insurance to the poor and disabled, as well as a restoration of funding for public media outlets like PBS and NPR, and a prohibition on Donald Trumps use of a pocket rescission to undo congressional appropriations.

Senates Republican majority leader John Thune has vowed to continue holding votes on the parties bills. No Republicans have supported the Democratic proposal, while only three members of the minority  John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Angus King of Maine  have backed the GOP bill.

Several recent polls have shown Democrats with a narrow edge in the publics opinion of a shutdown. A Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll found that 53% of respondents held the GOP responsible for the shutdown, as opposed to 47% who blamed the Democrats. Seventy percent of those surveyed opposed the shutdown overall.

Johnson reiterated that he would not call the chamber back into session until government funding is restored. He has also said he will only swear in newly elected Democratic representative Adelita Grijalva once the House returns to work.

Grijalva is set to be the 218th lawmaker to sign a petition that will force a vote on a bill to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Johnson and Trump oppose releasing the files, and Thomas Massie, an iconoclastic Republican representative who has led the charge to make the documents public, accused Johnson of keeping the House out of session to delay that vote.

Why are we in recess? Because the day we go back into session, I have 218 votes for the discharge petition to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files, Massie said, adding that Johnson doesnt want that to be the news.

Joseph Gedeon contributed reporting
North Koreas Kim Jong Un oversaw a large military parade displaying its new intercontinental ballistic missile in front of visiting international dignitaries, the state media said.

Kim Jong Uns show of force celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Workers Party of Korea comes at a time of growing strategic allegiance with China and Russia, and follows another massive military parade in Beijing last month, where Mr Kim, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met as a trio for the first time.

In the parade, nuclear-armed North Korea displayed its most advanced Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, described by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as the country's "strongest nuclear strategic weapon system".

The Hwasong series of ICBMs has given North Korea the capacity to target anywhere on the US mainland, but questions remain over the sophistication of its guidance system to reach a target, and the ability of a warhead it carries to withstand atmospheric re-entry.

Photos and videos from North Korean and Russian state media showed thousands of spectators packing the brightly lit square.

KCNA said the columns of soldiers who marched during the parade included "the invincible overseas operations unit that fully demonstrated the spirit of the Korean people," suggesting they were troops Kim had sent to Russia to join the war effort against Ukraine.The Hwasong-20 is the latest addition to Kim's growing list of ICBMs

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, a delegation from Russia led by former President Dmitry Medvedev, as well as Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam were among the foreign dignitaries in Pyongyang for the anniversary.

North Korea in recent years has flight-tested a variety of ICBMs, including missiles with built-in solid propellants that are easier to move and conceal and can be prepared for launch more quickly than the North's previous liquid-fuelled missiles.

The parade saw the debut of the massive Hwasong-20 mounted on an 11-axle launcher truck. The new missile's existence was first revealed in recent weeks as North Korea tested a new solid-fuel rocket engine that it said was intended for future ICBMs.

State media said the engine, built with carbon fibre, is more powerful than past models.Kim has called for the development of multi-warhead systems that would improve the chances of penetrating missile defences, and some experts say the Hwasong-20 could be designed for that purpose.

Other weapons on display included shorter range ballistic, cruise and supersonic missiles, which the North previously described as capable of delivering nuclear strikes against targets in rival South Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the opening ceremony of the Defence Development 2025 military exhibition in Pyongyang (AFP via Getty)

"The Hwasong-20 represents, for the moment, the apotheosis of North Korea's ambitions for long-range nuclear delivery capabilities. We should expect to see the system tested before the end of this year," said Ankit Panda of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"The system is likely designed for the delivery of multiple warheads... Multiple warheads will increase stresses on existing US missile defence systems and augment what Kim sees as necessary to achieve meaningful deterrence effects against Washington.

There are signs of North Korea preparing for a military parade involving tens of thousands of people, which our military is closely monitoring, Colonel Lee Sung Jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said earlier in a regular press briefing.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff also said they had observed the movement of vehicles and certain military equipment, though they did not disclose further details.

North Koreas military parades are as much a global muscle-flex as they are a celebration for domestic consumption. This year, Pyongyang is also expected to showcase a series of hypersonic weapons designed to threaten US naval forces in the region, analysts cited by South Koreas Yonhap news agency said.

A test-firing of the new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile takes place at an undisclosed location in North Korea on 31 October 2024 (KCNA via KNS/AFP/Getty)

North Korean hawks and analysts widely expect Mr Kim to unveil the next-generation Hwasong-20, which would be powered by a new solid-fuel rocket.

It was on 2 September this year that North Korea revealed the first information about the Hwasong-20. Days later, Mr Kim personally supervised a high-thrust solid-fuel rocket engine test, describing it as a significant change in the modernisation of North Koreas strategic nuclear forces.

According to state media, it was the ninth and final test in the missiles development cycle. Photographs released by North Korean outlets showed what appeared to be the warhead of the Hwasong-20. While the engine tests were reported to have been successful, the new missile has yet to be tested operationally.

North Koreas Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile passes through Pyongyang during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War (KCNA via KNS)

North Korea opened an arms exhibition in Pyongyang this weekend and Mr Kim issued a direct warning to the US, saying that North Korea will allocate special assets to key targets in direct response to the buildup of US forces in South Korea.

I believe our enemies should be concerned about the direction [in which] their security environment is evolving, Mr Kim said. North Korea will undoubtedly develop additional military measures to respond to the US military buildup, he added, without elaborating further.

North Koreas Hwasong-11Ma and Hwasong-16B missiles  both shown at its latest defence expo  are also likely to be displayed at the parade.

Kim visits the Choe Hyon destroyer at an undisclosed location on 5 October (AP)

The Hwasong-11Ma is a variant of the Hwasong-11 short-range ballistic missile. It is designed to be launched from a 10-wheeled transporter-erector-launcher that can carry two missiles simultaneously.

It is unclear whether the Hwasong-11Ma is fully operational, tested, or still in its development phase. The demonstrations so far are from exhibitions.

The Hwasong-16B is a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide warhead. North Korea conducted the third test-launch of the missile in January this year.

Mr Kim last month attended the Victory Parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat at the end of WW2. Mr Kim arrived in Beijing with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and rubbed shoulders with Mr Xi, Putin and other world leaders.

From right, Kim, Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on 3 September (KCNA via KNS)

The visit was significant as the reclusive leader rarely travels abroad, and it was the first time he had attended a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule.

The parade comes as US president Donald Trump and new liberal South Korean president Lee Jae Myung have repeatedly expressed their hopes of restarting denuclearisation talks with North Korea. North Korea has shunned diplomacy with the US and South Korea since Mr Kims earlier round of talks with Mr Trump collapsed in 2019.

(With additional inputs from agencies)
A senior citizen is suing the U.S. Marshals Service, claiming a group of armed officers in Arizona falsely arrested her without checking her identity, despite her repeated pleas they accept proof they had the wrong person.

Im very fearful all the time and very paranoid, Penny McCarthy, 68, told ABC 15 this week.

"It's so unbelievably wrong, she added. And I am not the only person this happens to.

She has since moved out of state because she doesnt feel safe in her previous home of Phoenix, where the arrest took place.

In body camera footage of the incident, officers with rifles can be seen jumping out of vans and ordering McCarthy to put her hands up.

Arizona womans false 2023 arrest by US Marshals made her flee state out of fear, lawsuit claims (US Marshal Service)

As McCarthy asks questions about why the arrest was taking place and who it was officers were targeting, a voice can be heard ordering the woman to turn away or risk being hit.

As officers eventually load the handcuffed woman into a van, she asks, Do you know who I am?

They respond that McCarthy is a woman named Carole Rozak, who it was later revealed was wanted on a two-decade old probation violation after being released from prison in Texas.

I've never been Carole Rozak, McCarthy says in the clip. I can prove who I am.

Officers failed to check Penny McCarthys ID and lacked a warrant during March 2023 arrest, according to a civil rights complaint (US Marshal Service)

During the encounter, officers claimed to have a warrant for her arrest but actually lacked one, according to the civil rights suit, which was filed in June. They also failed to check her drivers license or run basic steps to confirm they had the right suspect.

After her arrest, McCarthy was repeatedly strip searched and spent the night in jail before being released. The Marshals later admitted they had mistakenly arrested her.

McCarthys suit names the Marshals, the U.S. government, and the unnamed officers involved in the arrest, claiming the 68-year-olds Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights were violated.

It also alleges none of the officers involved faced discipline and no policies were changed after the arrest.

The Marshals Service has blamed a fingerprinting glitch for McCarthys mistaken arrest (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

The Marshals Service has said it is aware of the suit but does not comment on pending litigation.

In August, the government moved to dismiss itself from the suit, arguing McCarthy failed to properly state a claim. It also claimed the Marshals employees might be exempt from prosecution, describing the officers as federal employees acting in the scope of their employment.

The Department of Justice began a review of the arrest late last year, though results are not expected for months.

Members of Congress have also spoken out about the arrest, calling it an example of excessive force.

We are very concerned at both the [Marshals Service] carelessness and the excessive force during this encounter, a group of House members wrote in a letter to the DOJ last year. The USMSs lack of regard for Ms. McCarthys due process rights is very troubling and oversight is necessary to ensure similar abuses do not happen in the future.

The Marshals have said a fingerprinting glitch matched McCarthy to Rozak, admitting they had the wrong person after local media attention into the arrest surged.
Angry bystanders confronted a woman cutting down yellow ribbons for Israeli hostages from a fence in north London.

The young female, named in reports as artist Nadia Yahlom, was filmed with a pair of scissors which she uses to brazenly snip the memorial bands that the Jewish community have tied to railings.

Wearing a navy blue bomber jacket, and clutching a green, white, and purple striped tote bag under her arm, she declares that they are condoning genocide.

The symbol denotes the Bring Them Home campaign for the 251 hostages snatched and held captive in Gaza by Hamas terrorists after the group murdered 1,200 revellers in southern Isreal on October 7, 2023.

Furious locals approached her in Muswell Hill outside The Pocket Park on Fortis Green Road, just metres from a synagogue.

During the exchange, the woman carries on cutting the ribbons down as a female asks her for her name.

No, you are not going to doing this, she snaps, before adding: Because Im not committing a crime.

Woman seen in Muswell Hill on October 6 (@mirandalevycopy/Instagram)

When passers-by tell her shes breaking the law, the woman tells them to call the police and then let them know that you have an issue with this.

A male voice is then heard calling her a disgusting little human being.

She replies: I think condoning genocide is disgusting... yeah because thats what this is while holding on to the bunch of ribbons she removed.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said:  Officers have stepped up reassurance patrols in the Muswell Hill area, following reports that yellow ribbons were removed from fence poles.

At approximately 4.25pm on Monday, October 6, officers were made aware of a video circulating online which appears to show a woman removing the ribbons in Muswell Hill, Haringey.

Officers attended the location and are reviewing the footage to determine whether any offences, including hate crime or criminal damage, have been committed.

Enquiries remain ongoing.

Female cuts down yellow ribbons meant to remember the Israeli hostages in north London (@mirandalevycopy/Instagram)

Ms Yahlom, firt named by the Daily Mail, is currently an Arts Council-funded PhD student at the Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (Cream), at the University of Westminster, exploring the topic of haunting and the supernatural in Palestinian territories., the Telegraph reported.

According to Cream, Ms Yahlom is a "Palestinian-Jewish and British artist and visual anthropologist, looking at hauntedness, supernatural life and the bio/necropolitical between Palestine and the UKs."

"She has worked with Battersea Arts Centre, Rich Mix, ICA, Open City Docs, Tate Britain, Southbank Centre and many others.

"Nadia is the co-founder of Sarha Collective, an artists collective for experimental art forms from Palestine and the broader SWANA region."

On Monday, mourners at the funeral of one of the two men killed in the Manchester synagogue terror attack heard he was a quiet man who became a hero.

Adrian Daulby, 53, leaped from his seat to block the doors of the Jewish holy place as knife-wielding Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, tried to get in to attack worshippers, last Thursday morning.

Mr Daulby was killed along with Melvin Cravitz, 66, as the attack unfolded on Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish calendar with many worshippers inside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall.

Anyone with information on the Muswell Hill incident is urged to contact police via 101, quoting reference CAD 4948/06OCT25, or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters described the attack on his home as gutless Photograph: Hagen Hopkins/The Guardian

A man who allegedly used a crowbar to smash in a window at the home of New Zealands foreign minister during a protest has been charged, police confirmed on Tuesday.

Winston Peters posted to social media on Monday evening saying a disgusting coward had smashed a window in his Auckland home and left a sign on the door.

Glass was shattered all over our dog. He also left a sign on the front door. I wasnt home. But my partner and guest were. This is truly gutless, Peters said. Peters told media on Tuesday the note said welcome to the real world.

Related: Pacific must not become a military zone amid rise of China, New Zealands deputy PM warns

Supt Sunny Patel said a man believed to be responsible for the damage on Monday evening had handed himself into police, and will appear in Auckland district court on Friday, charged with burglary.

Police have charged a person following an incident where a window was smashed during a protest last night, Patel said.

Police recognise the right to lawful protest, but did not condone protest action where property is damaged, he said. The police did not specify the nature of the protest.

New Zealand enjoys relatively open access to its politicians and violence directed towards lawmakers is fairly rare, however some politicians  particularly women  have faced increasing threats and harassment in recent years. During the 2023 election campaign multiple candidates reported experiencing attacks, break-ins and abuse.

Peters said New Zealanders need to be deeply concerned about where our country is going and see who are the perpetrators of this divisive and violent behaviour.

Opposition politicians, Labours Chris Hipkins, and Green party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick condemned the vandalism.

Winston Peters home should not have been the target for the protest and political violence is never okay, Hipkins told broadcaster RNZ.

Speaking to the NZ Herald, Swarbrick said the party had always explicitly condemned attacks on peoples homes.

This crosses a threshold and goes well beyond peoples right to protest, she said.

Peters has faced pressure from protest groups in recent weeks, after he announced New Zealand would not recognise Palestinian statehood  a stance that opposition parties, academics and members of the public have criticised as being out of step with the countries traditional allies, Australia, the UK and Canada.

Last week, dozens of Pro-Palestine protesters set up outside Peters home.

On Monday, the Green party and the families of three New Zealand activists detained in Israel after they were removed from vessels carrying aid to Gaza, called on Peters and the government to secure their safe return and to take a stronger stance against Israel.




British owners of holiday homes risk being thrown out of the European Union (EU) amid a border crackdown that comes into force this weekend.

The EUs entry and exit system (EES) will be switched on from Sunday, meaning thousands of British holidaymakers and second home owners alike will face new border checks.

Unlike the current process, in which date stamps are made in passports by border control officers, a computer system will now automatically calculate whether British passport holders have complied with the 90/180-day rule.

The rule says that, within any rolling six-month period, a British citizen on holiday can only stay in an EU country for a maximum of 90 days.

Those exceeding the permitted three-month stay now risk fines, being asked to leave or even deportation with a no-return ban lasting for years.

Increased queues and waiting times at airports are widely expected as British travellers grapple with fingerprint-scanning technology  being introduced for the first time under the new EU rules  and US border control-style questions about return tickets, health insurance and whether travellers have enough funds to support themselves during their planned stay.

British passport holders face a host of new checks when travelling to and from the EU - JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

Neil Hesketh, the secretary of Support in Spain, a British charity, warned that enforcement of the new rules could catch out hundreds of thousands of people.

There are some 350,000 Britons here, many of whom dont speak brilliant Spanish, he said. Its worrying and concerning for a lot of people, not least because its not terribly clear yet exactly what the process will be.

He explained that although the 90/180-day rule had existed ever since Brexit came into force, enforcement by the Spanish authorities had been patchy.

Detailing the green card system used to date by the Spanish authorities to register British permanent residents in their country, Mr Hesketh said: Anyone whos got these green cards who try to leave the country now or tries to come back in again, and theyre British  you know, no one knows whats going to happen.

This is Spain, and things are sometimes different depending on the day of the week and who you speak to.

Mr Hesketh, whose charity specialises in Britons older than 50 who need extra help to navigate life in Spain, said theres loads of people living here that never registered as residents, because no one knows.

He added: When we went through Brexit, lots of people had to get these green certificates because theyd never bothered, because theyve just flown under the radar and stayed when they shouldnt.

Its never clear

Spain is now replacing the green card system with a new item known as a TIE card, issued to foreigners living in the Iberian nation. If you havent got yourself a TIE, youre in trouble, said Mr Hesketh.

Referring to the British Embassys Facebook page for expats in Spain, which has been used to share messages warning people of the need to update their residency paperwork and apply for a TIE card, he added: That assumes that people have got social media and income.

Some of our people are a bit elderly, dont use social media, and maybe with bad coverage in the country area might not be getting those messages.

When asked what happens when British expats in Spain break the residency rules at present, Mr Hesketh said: No one really knows. Some people get told off at the airport. Some people get a month to leave if theyre caught. But its never clear.

Now enforcement is expected to be much stricter, a Government source told The Times, adding: Governments on both sides of the Channel are aware that some people have been breaching the time limits.

We have been told that, because the system will automatically flag people, the enforcement is going to be much stricter. For people who cant, for whatever reason, get residency, its going to be a big wake-up.

Under EU laws, the penalties for overstaying include fines of up to 10,000 (8,700), being asked to leave at the border or deportation, although the bloc says the latter only applies if the obligation to return has not been complied with.
Two people wearing balaclavas reportedly poured accelerant on the steps of the mosque before setting it alight - Sussex Police/PA

A man has been arrested after a suspected arson attack at a mosque.

Sussex Police previously released images of two balaclava-clad people approaching the building in Peacehaven, East Sussex, at around 9.50pm on Saturday.

The pair are seen in footage appearing to spray accelerant on the entrance and igniting a fire.

A 46-year-old man remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life on Monday afternoon.

Nobody was hurt in the blaze, but significant damage was caused to the mosque and a nearby vehicle.

Credit: Sussex News and Pictures

Supt Rachel Swinney said patrols would be stepped up around places of worship in Sussex.

She said: We acknowledge the serious distress and concern this has caused in our communities.

There is an increased police presence at the scene and additional patrols taking place at places of worship across Sussex to provide visibility and reassurance.

We will continue to engage with our religious communities to support them and ensure their concerns are heard and acted upon.

Det Chief Insp Mark Cullimore appealed for information, urging the public to quote Operation Spey when relaying any knowledge they might have.

He added: The investigation is progressing at pace, and we are pursuing all lines of inquiry to identify those responsible for this appalling and reckless attack.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, said the suspected arson was deeply concerning and urged the country to stand united.

She added: This countrys greatest strength has been its ability to build one nation from many communities. Attacks against Britains Muslims are attacks against all Britons and this country itself.

Political figures urged people to stand united after the attack, which is being treated as a hate crime - Jamie Lashmar/PA

Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Green Party, urged police to seek clarity on the motives of this attack.

People were inside the mosque when it was firebombed and people in this community will be feeling frightened and targeted for their faith, he said.

Chris Ward, the Labour MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, said in a post on X that he was appalled by the disgusting arson attack.

That there were no injuries is purely by chance, he said.

This violence and hatred has no place in our peaceful, tolerant local community. We will root it out, and we stand in solidarity with all affected.

A spokesman for the mosque said the community was deeply saddened by the attack.

He added: This hateful act does not represent our community or our town. Peacehaven has always been a place of kindness, respect and mutual support, and we will continue to embody those values. We ask everyone to reject division and respond to hate with unity and compassion.
Dr Rahmeh Aladwan has marked the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack with more social media posts - Jake Lindley

An NHS doctor who escaped suspension despite allegedly denying the Holocaust has celebrated the Oct 7 massacre.

Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, a junior medic training to be a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, marked the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel with social media posts including glory to the breaking of the 17 year long illegal siege and saying it was officially 2 years of a holocaust.

In one of a series of posts on Tuesday, she wrote: The day Israel was humiliated. Their supremacy shattered at the hands of the children they forced out of their homes.

The children who watched foreign Jews execute their loved ones, rape their land, and live on their stolen soil.

A screenshot of a tweet from Dr Rahmeh Aladwan saying 'Glory to the breaking of the 17-year illegal siege, Glory to the Palestinian resistance. Glory to our martyrs.

The doctor has been allowed to continue working in the NHS after a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) panel said she had a right to freedom of expression.

The ruling came after she had described two Palestinian gunmen who carried out a fatal bus shooting as martyrs. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, responded by saying he had no confidence in our regulation system.

The MPTS, which assesses cases sent to it by the General Medical Council (GMC), the medical regulator, said its duty to protect members of the public must be balanced with the doctors right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The GMC is conducting a fitness to practice investigation into Dr Aladwan, but asked the tribunal to implement a 12-month interim restriction on her ability to practise in the meantime following her comments.

On July 30, Dr Aladwan claimed that the Royal Free Hospital in north London, which serves a large Jewish community, was a Jewish supremacy cesspit.

The Royal Free Hospital in London is a Jewish supremacy cesspit. https://t.co/V6sxzWdthS  Dr Rahmeh Aladwan (@doctor_rahmeh) July 30, 2025

She has also said she would never condemn the 7th of October, in reference to the massacre of almost 1,200 Jews by Hamas, and that the number of proven rapes on October 7 is zero.

Evidence suggests rapes and gang rape also took place at the Nova music festival site. A UN report found that Hamas attackers raped womens corpses.

Dr Aladwan, who is of British-Palestinian heritage, told the MPTS hearing last month that all the social media posts were legitimate and can be defended and reasoned.

She spoke through tears as she said that more than 50 of her friends had died during the conflict in Gaza, which she described as a genocide and a holocaust.

The number of proven rapes on

October 7 is ZERO.



What has been proven, however, is the systematic sexual violence against Palestinian men, women, & childrenincluding rape and sodomy to the point of literal deathcommitted by 'israeli' Jews.



Your atrocity propaganda has failed. https://t.co/gWSqHmhrY8  Dr Rahmeh Aladwan (@doctor_rahmeh) July 8, 2025

Such hearings are usually held in private, but Dr Aladwan requested that it be held in public.

Hours before the hearing began, dozens of activists draped in Palestine flags and keffiyehs gathered outside the tribunal building.

They were not allowed to bring their flags and signs into the public gallery but made their presence felt, laughing and applauding throughout the hearing to the point that Ali Sarwar, the legally qualified chairman, reprimanded them for inappropriate behaviour.

The tribunal ruled there was not sufficient evidence to establish that Dr Aladwan posed a real risk to patients, and that allowing her to continue practising would not undermine public confidence in the medical profession.

In response, Mr Streeting wrote on X: The racist language of Jewish supremacy reflects the values of Nazis, not the NHS. I fail to see how medics using such language with impunity doesnt undermine confidence in the medical profession. I have no confidence in our regulation system.

Meanwhile, the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CAA) has announced that it will launch a judicial review of the decision not to impose conditions on Dr Aladwan while she is under investigation for misconduct.

In a statement, the CAA said the tribunal panels conclusion that the public would not be alarmed or concerned about their decision, was one of the most egregious examples we have encountered of a regulator failing in its duty to protect the public.

It is inconceivable that a Jewish person would feel safe receiving treatment from this doctor, it said. The steps we have taken today are further evidence of our commitment to protect the Jewish community as the UKs institutions continue to fail it.
From left: Joseph Blakeley, 21, Jess Tulley, 22, Noah, 16, and Cole McAvoy, 15, Alex Roberts, 18, and Matthew Lamb, 18, outside the Soundwave music charity they attend weekly in Whitehaven Photograph: Polly Braden/The Guardian

It is a rainy Thursday in Whitehaven on the north-west coast of England, but the seafront is buzzing with activity. This Saturday is Harbour Fest, a day of music, performance and activities. An array of colourful street food vendors are already setting up.

Its unusual to see such excitement on the seafront, says 18-year-old Lacey Ritson. Growing up, Lacey and her friends would gravitate to picturesque Saint Bees along the coast or the nearby Lake District if they wanted to spend time by the water. And sometimes, she says, wed sit by the river and look at people, guessing who worked at Sellafield  like, theyve got a nice car  theyre from Sellafield.

Sellafield, Europes largest nuclear site, looms large in Whitehaven at the centre of Britains nuclear coast. While it has not generated energy since 2003, decommissioning is expected to take until at least 2125. Between Sellafield Ltd and its wider supply chain, the site employs about 60,000 workers, more than 80% from Cumbria.

The result is that everybody either works at Sellafield or knows people who do, says Lacey, whose mum, aunt and cousins all work on the site. Whitehavens young people have their own group speak: Sellafield traffic for the tailbacks on surrounding roads at home time each weekday; Sellafield payday as shorthand in hospitality for a busy weekend. Teenagers talk casually about going into nuclear.

The nuclear sectors influence is also felt economically: each year, Sellafield Ltd, its supply chain and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), which owns the site, provide millions of pounds worth of funding for local projects, from the redevelopment of Whitehavens former bus station to the creation of a new digital and gaming hub, and the cleanup of local rivers. This summer, the main stage at Pride was sponsored by engineering firm Mott MacDonald.

Id say round here you are helped a lot more than other coastal towns just because of Sellafield and the companies that supply them, Lacey says.

Just over half of the population of Whitehaven (and neighbouring town Workington) are in work, a figure slightly below the England average, but there are notably more in apprenticeships than the country average.

For those who want to work at the nuclear plant, the career path can be lucrative, with apprentices earning up to about 30,000 at Sellafield Ltd. But those who want something different can find themselves feeling cut off.

At Soundwave, a music charity in Whitehaven town centre, 15-year-old Cole McAvoy is one of those forging a different path. He also attends art sessions at the LGBTQ+ cafe Colours, run by Proud and Diverse Cumbria whose sponsors include Morgan Sindall and engineering consultancy firm Arup. But he feels there is little else in Whitehaven for creative young people.

We had a career day at school with people from different workplaces and 99% of them were from Sellafield. It kind of makes you feel like theres just Sellafield or nothing, he says.

Over the next year, the Against the Tide project from the Guardians Seascape team will be reporting on the lives of young people in coastal communities across England and Wales.

Young people in many of England's coastal towns are disproportionately likely to face poverty, poor housing, lower educational attainment and employment opportunities than their peers in equivalent inland areas. In the most deprived coastal towns they can be left to struggle with crumbling and stripped-back public services and transport that limit their life choices.

For the next 12 months, accompanied by the documentary photographer Polly Braden, we will travel up and down the country to port towns, seaside resorts and former fishing villages to ask 16- to 25-year-olds to tell us about their lives and how they feel about the places they live.

By putting their voices at the front and centre of our reporting, we want to examine what kind of changes they need to build the futures they want for themselves.

As soon as you get into GCSEs it feels as if theyre pushing you to do triple science and engineering. Those subjects go on trips, theyve got all this equipment, but if you study art youre just in a tiny classroom and the teachers and students are bringing in the equipment themselves.

There is also a high turnover in school staff, Cole says, with many teachers leaving for higher-paying careers in the nuclear sector.

In the town centre, at the Whitehaven Foyer, which provides temporary accommodation for young people, Sellafield is far from residents minds, despite Arup renting office space here. Many of those living here are care-experienced or have experienced poor mental health; the number of young people in care and the number of mental health hospital admissions in the area are higher here than nationally.

This town would fall apart without Sellafield  other communities mirror ours but they just dont have this level of investment Emma Williamson, Cumberland council

James, 19, has a Jobcentre appointment this afternoon but isnt optimistic; he has been trying unsuccessfully to get construction work for months in order to support his partner and two-year-old son. Mason, 17, is due to begin a college course next week but hasnt been able to get the art supplies he needs, because he cant afford the train fare to Carlisle. Nuclear isnt really a thing for us, he says. Were just thinking about how were going to get money for what we need.

Emma Williamson, deputy leader of Cumberland council, and portfolio holder for childrens services, says that, for her, the nuclear sectors impact is clear. This town would fall apart without Sellafield, she says. I go to other communities that mirror ours but they just dont have this level of investment.

But, she says, that doesnt make it a solution for everybody. We know that for those that are going to achieve, the opportunities are there, she says. But we need to be picking up all our young people and making sure there is a place for all kinds of jobs and opportunities.

Last month, the government announced that parts of South Whitehaven would receive 20m of investment over the next decade from its Pride in Place programme for overlooked communities. A residents survey about how the money should be spent has already highlighted the need for better youth facilities and opportunities for young people, says Williamson.

Suzanne Wilson, a research fellow at the University of Lancashire who works with communities in Whitehaven, says that despite the towns connection to a leading employer, many of its young people face a lot of the same issues as they do in more deprived coastal places. We are quite remote and public transport is unreliable, she says. And that affects what opportunities feel accessible to them.

She previously worked alongside the council on the universitys Connected Communities project, in which a group of girls from Whitehaven carried out their own community research and projects, including setting up a dementia cafe when they found that older people were more likely to experience loneliness. It showed the passion and empathy young people have for their local community, and how important it is to recognise their insight, skill and compassion and work with them to create opportunities.

Despite its sizable impact on their lives, Sellafield remains mysterious and inaccessible to many of Whitehavens young people, most of whom have never visited. One told of her excitement about an upcoming apprenticeship on site, but withdrew her contribution when she began work and was told she could not be quoted for confidentiality reasons. (The press office of the company  a contractor working on the Sellafield site  told the Guardian that they ask colleagues to inform them before any media engagement and prefer to review quotes before publication.)

Related: I say where Im from and they tell me theyre sorry: growing up in the most deprived place in England

Jamie Reed, director of socio-economics at the NDA, was unable to meet the Guardian and local young people. In response to questions about whether all of Whitehavens young people were benefiting equally from Sellafields impact, Reed wrote in a statement: One of our areas of focus is investing in developing Stem skills in young people so we have a pipeline of talent, but its important to us that we fund a diverse range of projects.

Across West Cumbria and the UK these include projects which provide mental health support, tackle issues around poverty and social inclusion, support innovation in the supply chain, and improve and protect the environment.

For Lacey, who attended Energy Coast University Technical College, which is funded in part by the NDA and heavily invested in by the construction firm Morgan Sindall, a career in nuclear was always a consideration. And yet, she says, I didnt want to go and work there just because its what so many other people do. Instead, she will soon begin an architecture degree at Newcastle University, one of only two peers going into higher education, most of the rest applying for nuclear apprenticeships.

At home, as she packs her belongings ready to leave, Lacey is contemplative. Ive never really thought much before about how Sellafield affects people, because its just something that has always been there, she says, shrugging. Its just part of growing up in Whitehaven.

Callout

The Against the tide series is a collaboration between the Guardian and the documentary photographer Polly Braden

 This article was amended on 7 October 2025 to clarify that a reference to an apprenticeship at a company based at the Sellafield site was not to Sellafield Ltd.
The new ad campaign for Spanish holidays has been accused of flirting with hypocrisy

Spanish tourism bosses want only rich holidaymakers visiting their country, Jet2s chief executive has claimed.

Steve Heapy criticised socialist utopia Spain after its tourism agency launched an advertising campaign urging Britons to shun popular resorts such as Benidorm and Magaluf, and instead explore more of the country.

He said at the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) annual conference - held on the Spanish island of Mallorca - that Spains Left-wing government was flirting with hypocrisy with the Think you know Spain? Think again ads.

Mr Heapy said: When you boil down what theyve said, we want a different type of customer. They basically want rich people, which doesnt fit given Spain is supposed to be a socialist utopia.

I dont think its very fair. I dont think holidays should be something for the rich and privileged. I think holidays should be something for everyone. And if a prerequisite to going on holidays is being rich, I think thats absolutely disgraceful.

Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy says holidays in Spain should be for all - not just the wealthy - Simon Wohlfahrt/ Bloomberg Finance LP

The adverts follow protests in Spain at the number of tourists visiting the countrys beach resorts. In June, 8,000 Mallorcans demonstrated against what is seen by locals as over-tourism.

Graffiti in Spanish cities and resort towns over the past year has urged tourists to go home, and protesters have been seen waving banners with slogans such as Enough mass tourism.

Mr Heapy, whose company is Britains biggest package-holiday airline, carrying nearly 18 million passengers last year, also called for stricter regulation of hotel lets rented through Airbnb and direct from individual owners.

He said: I think it should be incumbent on the people that own the properties, A, to get a tourism licence, B, to get a full health and safety check of the property, and C, to be registered for tax.

All it needs is just one person to book an Airbnb... Hi, Im from the government, can I see your tourism licence, your health and safety certificate? Oh, any tax returns? And if they cant provide them, fine them.

He continued: People should take individual responsibility, get registered, get it done. If you dont, you go to jail. Obviously, thats a very extreme thing... but thats how you get people to comply with rules.

Also at the Abta conference, the trade organisation published research showing that the proportion of people using AI to get ideas for their next holiday had doubled in the past year, from 4pc to 8pc.

Graeme Buck, Abtas director of communications, said the findings suggested a potential for this acceleration, adding: I wouldnt be surprised if that eight per cent becomes 16 per cent next year.

The poll, based on responses from 2,001 UK adults, indicated that people aged 25 to 34 were most likely to use AI to stimulate new holiday ideas, with 18pc saying they did so. The figure was 14pc in the 35 to 44 age range, and just 1pc for respondents aged 65 and over.

But less than half - 43 per cent - of respondents said they would have some level of confidence in using AI to plan a holiday, with that figure dropping to 38 per cent for going one step further and making a booking.
The Whos Edinburgh Castle gig in 2023 was attended for free by 20 quango staff - Ian Jacobs/Alamy Stock Photo

Staff at the scandal-hit quango that oversees Edinburgh Castle have been accused of breaking hospitality rules with work junkets to pop and classical concerts.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) receives free tickets for summer concerts staged at the Castle Esplanade, and they are intended to be used to primarily entertain business contacts and for business promotion.

Official guidance states that a good balance when handing out the tickets is to have two HES staff to every eight non-HES guests, and public funds must not be used for social gatherings or office parties.

But documents obtained by the Telegraph show that all 20 free tickets for the first of two sold-out concerts by The Who in July 2023 went to HES staff, with no one present from any other organisation.

They also show that Hugh Hall, the quangos then chairman, hosted 10 people at a Marti Pellow concert in July this year. Mr Hall and three other guests were HES board members and three were agency staff. Another three were from other organisations, but none was listed as a business contacts. A total of 990 of public money was spent on food and drink.

HES said tickets could be offered to employees to acknowledge remarkable staff contributions, or when business invitees are unable to attend at short notice.



In a statement, the agency said the 990 bill also covered a second group that night that did include corporate guests from the travel trade and most of the spending related to business development.

Quango staff got to see Marti Pellows Edinburgh Castle without buying tickets - Ian Jacobs/Alamy Stock Photo

There are also question marks over whether the rules were breached for concerts by alternative folk band The Lumineers, boy band JLS and Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi. Out of 20 free tickets for a Lumineers concert in July 2023, 14 went to HES staff. In July 2024, 10 out of 20 tickets to JLS went to HES employers. And when Einaudi played at the castle in July this year, 14 out of 20 free tickets went to HES staff.

The latest revelations come weeks after The Telegraph disclosed allegations that Stephen Duncan, HESs marketing and engagement director, paid 25 for the dinner with his wife in the Queen Anne Building during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The agency neither confirmed nor denied the amount.

And it emerged last month that Mr Hall had departed as HES chairman. He has since been replaced by Sir Mark Jones, who was previously director of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Museums of Scotland.

Stephen Kerr, a Scottish Tory MSP, said: The stench of scandal and cover up at Historic Environment Scotland gets worse by the day. Given the serious allegations the directors and senior managers of the organisation are already facing, it should come as little surprise that they have been treating themselves to free concert tickets.

This years Ludovico Einaudi concert at the castle was attended by 14 HES staff for free - Pako Mera/Alamy Stock Photo

HES receives around 70 million of public money annually to oversee more than 300 historic locations across Scotland, including Stirling and Edinburgh castles.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said it takes its responsibilities around the use of public funds and adherence to internal policies seriously and giving some to staff helped internal morale.

She continued: While the guidance recommends a balance of two HES staff to every eight external guests, there are occasions, particularly where business invitees are unable to attend at short notice or where tickets are used for staff recognition, where this ratio may vary.

In such cases, decisions are made with consideration of the broader context, including the value of staff and volunteer engagement, and are subject to internal approval processes.

She said the 990 bill for catering covered a total of 22 guests, eight of whom were hosted by two HES employees inside the castle, with the majority of the expenditure attributable to the business development element of the evening.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The Culture Secretary recently welcomed the appointment of Sir Mark Jones as Historic Environment Scotlands new Chair and looks forward to working with him to ensure the organisation has the trust of the public and its partners.

Sir Mark has said his priority was to retain the trust of the public and our partners after it emerged Angus Robertson, the SNP Culture Secretary, had concerns about the agency.
Credit: @mirandalevycopy/Instagram

A woman has been caught cutting down yellow ribbons remembering those taken hostage in Gaza.

The unidentified woman was filmed vandalising the memorial with scissors in Muswell Hill before she was confronted by passers-by.

Noticing the camera, she said: Youre not going to do this. Im not committing a crime. If I am, call the police and you let them know that you have an issue with this.

The woman told passers-by: Im not committing a crime

After being reprimanded for her disgusting defacing of the display, she responded: I think condoning genocide is disgusting. Thats what this is.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said its officers were reviewing the footage to determine whether any offence, including a hate crime or criminal damage, had been committed.

The yellow ribbon has come to represent the plight of those taken captive since its adoption during the 1979 US-Iranian hostage crisis.

Penne Laingen, the wife of US hostage Bruce Laingen, had suggested those wishing to show support for the hostages should tie a ribbon around a tree in a reference to the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree by Tony Orlando and Dawn.

The song tells the story of a prisoner of war returning home from a confederate camp in Georgia, asking his lover to tie a yellow ribbon around a tree if she still wishes to be with him.

People called the act repulsive and insensitive

The ribbon has since been used in cases of missing people such as Madeleine McCann, in democracy protest movements and as a symbol of support for soldiers fighting overseas.

Miranda Levy, an author and freelance journalist, recorded the woman as she dismantled the tributes on Fortis Green Road, north London.

She told The Telegraph: I was walking to get a coffee, it was a lovely sunny day, and there was a woman very mechanically snipping away with a pair of scissors.

Ms Levy, who is Jewish and has lived in north London for 20 years, confronted the woman by the railings at Princes Avenue Park at 10am on Monday, asking her what she was doing.

I was angry, it is so insensitive, she said, particularly with the terror attack that unfolded at the Manchester synagogue last week and tomorrows anniversary of the Oct 7 marauding rampage in Israel.

These ribbons are to remember people captured. Put up your own stuff but dont take ours down.

Ms Levy said the north London suburb had a large Jewish population but it was not the first time such defacing had happened.

Repulsive act

Heidi Bachram, whose husbands relatives were murdered and taken hostage on Oct 7, described the cutting down of the ribbons as repulsive.

She said: Pro-Pal cut down yellow ribbons in London and justified her repulsive act by saying they condone genocide.

This is where lies lead. To dehumanise innocent hostages who are being starved and tortured in terror tunnels. Manchester didnt make them pause at all.

Heidi Bachram, who had family members murdered and taken hostage by Hamas during the Oct 7 attacks - Jamie Lorriman

Hamas murdered more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostages during the Oct 7 attacks in 2023. The terror group is believed to be holding 48 hostages, though only 20 are thought to be alive.
Police are probing the disturbing death of a 1-year-old baby boy inside a Brooklyn affordable housing complex  with the tragic case now ruled a homicide, according to authorities.

Cops discovered little Anthony Casey unconscious and unresponsive after her mom failed to revive him and called 911, police officials said Monday.

The mom, clutching her dying baby, met EMTs as they arrived at the 175-unit complex at Thatford Avenue and Newport Street in Brownsville shortly before 5 p.m. Friday.

NYPD officers discovered Anthony Casey unconscious and unresponsive inside a Brownsville complex after a 911 call just before 5 p.m. Friday. NYC Housing Connect

One EMT snatched little Anthony and rushed him to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, cops said.

I was coming in, I saw the baby, one neighbor, a mother of two, told The Post on Tuesday, There was a man carrying the baby. The baby didnt look like [he was] awake.

They said, Watch out, watch out! The ambulance was there. They were moving quickly, she said. I was shocked. As you can see, I am shaking. I got two babies.

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Caseys death a homicide, authorities said.

The 1-year-old suffered blunt force injuries to his torso, according to the medical examiner.

There have been no arrests, cops said.

EMS transported the tot to One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, cops said. Christopher Sadowski

The incident remains under investigation.

 Additional reporting by Amanda Woods
Courtesy Of Netflix Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein and Suzanna Son as Adelina in "Monster: The Ed Gein Story"

NEED TO KNOW

The latest season of Netflix's Monster anthology series is based on Ed Gein, known as "The Butcher of Plainfield"

Ed Gein's gruesome murders are depicted on-screen, but some details of his life were left out of the show

Monster: The Ed Gein Story premiered Oct. 3 on Netflix

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Monster: The Ed Gein Story!

Monster: The Ed Gein Story depicts the life of Ed Gein (Charlie Hunnam), a farmer whose story inspired the on-screen murderers in Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Silence of the Lambs.

The eight-episode series, from executive producer Ryan Murphy, is filled with disturbing images and scenes from Ed's life, but some details of his story were left out of the new Netflix original.

In addition to confessing to killing two women, he was a grave robber who was obsessed with his mother. Over time, he turned his house into a macabre collection of items made out of body parts and human skin.

"Ed Geins fairly obscure," Ian Brennan, who wrote all eight episodes, told Tudum. "You take the facts and the things that happened and then just try to get in the guys head and try to figure out, 'OK, if that is true, what else is true? What does this world look like?' "

The Netflix series is based on a true story, but not everything from Ed's life is included. Here are five details left out of Monster: The Ed Gein Story.

01 of 05

Ed's father died from heart failure in 1940

Netflix Charlie Hunnam in "Monster: The Ed Gein Story"

The Netflix series shows the death of Ed's brother, Henry (Hudson Oz) and his mother, Augusta (Laurie Metcalf).

Before his brother and mother, Ed's father, George Gein, died of heart failure in 1940. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Ed later told investigators that his father had abused both him and his older sibling.

Per The Hollywood Reporter  and a newspaper date glimpsed in the first episode  Monster: The Ed Gein Story starts in 1944, four years after the death of George.

02 of 05

Adeline Watkins claimed she was romantically involved with Ed Gein before retracting her statements

Courtesy Of Netflix Suzanna Son in "Monster: The Ed Gein Story"

In Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Adeline Watkins (Suzanna Son) is a major character and love interest for Ed.

After Ed's arrest in 1957, Adeline told The Minneapolis Tribune (via the Wisconsin State Journal) that she had a 20-year romance with the murderer. She revealed that he proposed to her in 1955, but she turned him down.

Two weeks later, Adeline gave another interview, saying their relationship was "exaggerated."

According to the Stevens Point Journal, Arlene thought the Tribune story was blown up out of proportion to its importance and containing untrue statements.

She clarified that she had known Ed for 20 years, but starting in 1954, he "had called on her for only seven months, and then only intermittently."

There was no 20-year romance, she told The Plainfield Sun.



03 of 05

Henry Gein's official cause of death was heart failure from asphyxiation

Courtesy of Netflix Hudson Oz as Henry Gein and Charlie Hunnam as Ed Gein in 'Monster: The Ed Gein Story'

In the first episode of Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Ed kills his older brother, Henry, by hitting him on the head with a piece of wood.

Ed later drags his brother's body out to the field and stages a fire to cover it up. In real life, Henry's body was found after a brush fire was put out on the farm, but the official cause of death was "asphyxiation leading to heart failure," per the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal.

After Ed's arrest in 1957, suspicions arose that he could have played a role in his brother's death years earlier, but he wasn't officially connected.

04 of 05

Ed kept his mothers room as an untouched shrine to her

Netflix Laurie Metcalf in "Monster: The Ed Gein Story"

Monster: The Ed Gein Story features multiple scenes where Ed visits the body of his dead mother, Augusta, who has been propped up in her rocking chair looking out the window in her bedroom.

In one scene, Adeline runs screaming from the Gein house after she discovers the body of Augusta, who she thought was still alive  albeit quiet  the whole time.

According to the Stevens Point Journal, Adeline said she was never inside the Gein house and would not have been in Augusta's room. Ed boarded up that section of the home, keeping it as an untouched shrine to his mother, per Investigation Discovery.

05 of 05

Eds burial plot eventually became an unmarked grave

Netflix Charlie Hunnam in "Monster: The Ed Gein Story"

In the final episode of Monster: The Ed Gein Story, a group of teenagers has a Halloween party in a cemetery. They tie a rope around the headstone of Ed's grave and use a pickup truck to dislodge it from the ground.

The United Press International reported that he was buried in his family's plot in the Plainfield Cemetery. In the years after his death, Ed's grave became something of a tourist attraction.

Per the New York Post, visitors would take pieces of his headstone, and in 2000, it was stolen entirely.

Read the original article on People
Flight delays were reported across the country for a second straight day Tuesday as the Federal Aviation Administration braced for more airport staffing shortages as the government shutdown continues.

Delays due to air traffic controller staffing shortages were reported at airports in Boston; Philadelphia; Nashville, Tennessee; Houston; Chicago; and Las Vegas, the FAA said.

The delays came on the heels of slowdowns at airports in Denver; Phoenix; Burbank, California; and Newark, New Jersey, that the FAA reported during the first 24 hours that air traffic controllers began working without pay because of the shutdown.

Meanwhile, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association reminded members it does not "endorse, support, or condone" federal employees' participating in coordinated activities that could affect flight safety or cause delays.

"Participating in a job action could result in removal from federal service," the union posted on its website. "It is not only illegal, but it also undermines NATCAs credibility and severely weakens our ability to effectively advocate for you and your families."

Despite the delays, the FAA had not issued a "staffing trigger" Tuesday that would reduce the number of flights in and out of airports that don't have enough controllers to handle the traffic safely.

But the number of domestic and international flight delays has been surging in recent days, with more than 6,000 reported Monday, compared with roughly 3,000 delays Saturday, according to the flight tracker website FlightAware. There were just over 1,000 delays within, into, or out of the United States as of Tuesday morning, according to the site.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday at Newark International Airport that there had been a slight increase in sick calls since the government shutdown began nearly a week ago.

"Our priorities are safety," Duffy said. "And so, if we have additional sick calls, we will reduce the flow consistent with a rate thats safe for the American people."

An arrivals board at Hollywood Burbank Airport on Monday. (Mario Tama / Getty Images)

Duffy said the government shutdown is most likely taking a toll on already overburdened controllers.

"Now what they think about as theyre controlling our airspace is: How am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? I have a couple kids at home, how do I put food on the table?'" Duffy said. "'Im working six days a week, so I have to take a second job and drive Uber when Im already exhausted from doing a job thats already stressful, to think about how I can make extra money because the government may not provide me a paycheck?'"

NATCA President Nick Daniels also called for an end to the shutdown.

"We do not have the luxury of time," he said at a news conference in Newark. "We do not have time to waste on the unnecessary distractions created by this shutdown."

"Our message is clear: End the shutdown," he added.

On Tuesday evening, Nashville International Airport was experiencing delays that averaged around two hours because of staffing issues, the FAA said on its website.

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority said the FAA notified it at 1:25 p.m. that arriving and departing traffic at the airport would be reduced because of a shortage of air traffic controllers.

At O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, the FAA said, delays averaged 41 minutes Tuesday because of staffing.

O'Hare International Airport, Chicago. (John McAdorey / Shutterstock file)

Flights at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport faced delays of around 30 minutes late Tuesday afternoon, but the delay times were decreasing, the FAA said.

On Monday, staffing issues left Hollywood Burbank Airport in the Los Angeles area with no air traffic controllers. Another agency handled the workload. The airport, which is a smaller one, said Monday evening on X that it was still operational.

Eric Everts, a spokesperson for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, said in a statement that the airport "does not anticipate many visible impacts to operations in the short term due to the federal government shutdown, as most essential workers are required to continue working without pay."

Everts encouraged passengers to confirm their flight statuses and arrive early before their flights, especially "during this busy fall break period."

The Senate again failed to pass legislation Monday night that would reopen the government, and there are no signs of a deal between Democrats and Republicans in the immediate future.
Amid its second bankruptcy within the last year, Spirit Airlines recently disclosed that it has negotiated to receive up to $475 million in funding to maintain its operations.

Spirit Aviation Holdings, Inc., the carriers parent company, announced the news in a press release dated September 30. The organization disclosed that existing bondholders will provide the funding, subject to court approval. Should the latter occur on October 10, the day the hearing is scheduled, Spirit expects to get $200 million immediately.

Spirit explained that the funding will provide it with wiggle room as it navigates its latest financial restructuring. In August, the carrier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Notably, it also filed for financial restructuring in November 2024 and emerged from it in March 2025.

An August 2025 quarterly earnings report notified Spirits investors that the airlines financial stability through the following year was uncertain. The company attributed its struggles to the challenging pricing environment within the current airline industry.

What Else Is There To Know About Spirit Airlines Bankruptcy And Finances?

In the September press release, Spirit noted that it obtained immediate interim access to $120 million of liquidity. Additionally, the October 10 hearing is scheduled to determine whether the companys agreement with AerCap can proceed. The latter company is the carriers largest aircraft lessor. The deal between the two would see Spirit reject the leases on 27 aircraft from AerCap. Meanwhile, the lessor would pay the airline $150 million.

Spirits President and Chief Executive Officer, Dave Davis, commented on Spirits updates in the press release.

These are significant steps forward in a short period of time to build a stronger Spirit and secure a future with high-value travel options for American consumers, said Davis. While theres more work to be done, were grateful to our stakeholders who have stepped up to support us during the restructuring. We remain focused on delivering a safe, reliable operation, and Im incredibly proud of our team members for continuing to rise to the occasion and take great care of our guests.







The post Amid Another Bankruptcy, Spirit Airlines May Receive $475 Million Lifeline appeared first on Travel Noire.
Jaycee Quinn Photography Drew Brown and Kaytlin O'Neall

NEED TO KNOW

Kaytlin O'Neall and Drew Brown waited until marriage to have their first kiss

After nearly five years together, the couple finally locked lips at their Oct. 5 wedding in Texas

Now, the pair are sharing why they believe it is "so worth the wait"

A bride and groom shared their first kiss at the altar, and they say the moment was worth the wait.

Kaytlin O'Neall and Drew Brown have tuned out countless critiques aimed at their no premarital kissing rule since they started dating nearly five years ago. When their wedding day finally came on Sunday, Oct. 5, at The Milestone Denton Mansion in Krum, Texas, their patience was rewarded.

"This was truly so worth the wait," Brown tells PEOPLE.

Jaycee Quinn Photography Drew Brown and Kaytlin O'Neall on their wedding day

The bride and groom say that "the anticipation and pure excitement" leading up to the ceremony was "unmatched." They hoped their first kiss would be everything they dreamed it'd be, but were admittedly "a little nervous" about locking lips for the first time in front of their 160 closest friends and family members.

"Truly it was just pure giddy excitement knowing this was the moment we had been waiting for  through all the years of knowing each other and dating," O'Neall says, continuing, "The moment that will live in my head forever is the doors opening and walking down the aisle  seeing Drew, the person Im going to spend the rest of my life with, and feeling so ready for that moment."

"Once I saw her, I was in shambles," Brown adds. "I just couldnt believe the moment we had been waiting for had finally come."

Jaycee Quinn Photography Drew Brown and Kaytlin O'Neall on their wedding day

O'Neall and Brown, who are both non-denominational Christians, incorporated "worship, prayer, and communion" into their ceremony to highlight the "goodness of God" in their relationship. After the pair exchanged personal vows and were proclaimed husband and wife, the officiant finally said the five words they'd long been waiting to hear: "You may kiss the bride."

"The moment of the kiss was absolutely magical, the most surreal experience!" O'Neall says. "It felt so natural, so right, and everything we had been waiting for."

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.

Brown was equally wowed by the smooch.

Jaycee Quinn Photography Drew Brown and Kaytlin O'Neall on their wedding day

"Actually kissing her wow. So natural, so special, and so unifying. It was just awesome," he shares. "Shes perfect, and waiting for that kiss was so beyond worth it ... Truly, waiting for that gift of marriage  and for our first kiss  was more rewarding than words can express."



The couple's loved ones "went absolutely crazy" during the kiss, filling the room with cheers and applause. "So many people said they had never heard a room roar like that before!" O'Neall notes, adding that many guests said they "cried all the way through" the "holy" ceremony.

Speaking to PEOPLE last year after their Oct. 5, 2024, engagement, O'Neall and Brown explained that they set their strict physical boundaries because they wanted to save physical intimacy for their future spouse. While they were not "brainwashed" nor "forced" into their boundaries from anyone in their religious circle, like some social media users have speculated, the duo said they "felt this conviction from the Lord."

Jaycee Quinn Photography Drew Brown and Kaytlin O'Neall on their wedding day

"All weve ever wanted is to honor each other and the Lord through our boundaries," O'Neall told PEOPLE. "When you love someone deeply and have built a strong emotional connection by truly knowing them, the physical aspect of the relationship is a natural, added blessing.

"We didnt want any regrets from crossing physical lines prematurely," she added.

While O'Neall and Brown "stand firm" in their "convictions of purity," they said at the time that they don't shame anyone or expect unrealistic standards from others. Instead, they encourage people to look beyond the body and into the heart.

Naysayers argue that there's nothing wrong with showing physical affection to partners before marriage, reasoning that it strengthens emotional bonds and tests physical compatibility.

Jaycee Quinn Photography Drew Brown and Kaytlin O'Neall on their wedding day

O'Neall and Brown  who met in seventh grade at their small, private Christian school and officially started dating years later in January 2021  are now sharing what they've learned from waiting to kiss until marriage, and why they think more people should do the same.

"Now, standing on the other side of marriage and having waited to kiss and give that gift only to my husband  I can say it couldnt be more worth the wait," O'Neall says.

According to O'Neall, it's "never too late" to find God and self-control.

Jaycee Quinn Photography Drew Brown and Kaytlin O'Neall on their wedding day

"I know everyones story is different, but no matter whats in your past, you have a new opportunity every day to save those special moments for your future husband or wife," she says.

Brown agrees, sharing, "If theres anyone wondering whether they should wait for some of those physical elements or not, I would really encourage you to wait if you want to. Its so rewarding when you can give those things to one person youre in covenant with. The peace, joy, and completeness you feel are just really special."



Read the original article on People
Hollywood Burbank Airport's air traffic control tower was temporarily unstaffed Monday. (Alex Horvath / Los Angeles Times)

Flights resumed at Hollywood Burbank Airport Tuesday after its air traffic control tower was temporarily unstaffed and dozens of flights were delayed or canceled a week into the federal government shutdown.

"Things are back to normal," airport spokesperson Mike Christensen said Tuesday morning, noting that there were no lengthy delays to departures or arrivals.

On Monday, air traffic control staffing shortages caused delays at multiple airports across the country, including Newark Liberty International Airport, Denver International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

But even as Burbank returned to normal operations, the Federal Aviation Administration warned of more disruption at airports due to staff shortages as a result of the government shutdown.

By Tuesday, the agency's operations plan expanded the list of airports experiencing "staffing triggers." Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Nashville International Airport, it said, were experiencing staff shortages at their air traffic control towers. Houstons two major commercial airports  William P. Hobby and George Bush Intercontinental  were also expected to see ground stops.

Even during a government shutdown, air traffic controllers are required to work unpaid and do not obtain retroactive pay until it ends. Over the last few days, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, the FAA had seen a slight tick-up in staffers calling out sick.

Is our airspace unsafe? No, Duffy told reporters Monday at a news conference at Newark Liberty International Airport. If we think theres issues in the airspace, we will shut it down. ... We will delay.

Tuesday marked almost a week since the government shutdown, during which hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed or are working without pay, and many agency operations have been suspended or scaled back.

Air traffic controllers, however, have yet to miss a paycheck, Duffy said. But as politicians in Washington, D.C., seem deadlocked, many worry about the weeks ahead.

"They're not just now thinking about the airspace and the jobs they have to do in these towers ... or centers across the country," Duffy said. "They're thinking about, 'Am I going to get a paycheck?' And their paychecks should come a week from tomorrow, and so now what they think about, as they're controlling our airspace, is, 'How am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? I have a couple kids at home. How do I put food on the table?' "

Nick Daniels  president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Assn., which represents nearly 20,000 air traffic controllers and aviation safety workers  joined Duffy Monday at Newark to call for an end to the shutdown.

We need to bring this shutdown to a close, so that the Federal Aviation Administration and the committed aviation safety professionals can put this distraction behind us and completely focus on their vital work, Daniels said, noting that the agency had been trying to accelerate the hiring of air traffic control workers and modernize its air traffic control system.

Both initiatives are long overdue and require our immediate and our full attention, he said. We do not have the luxury of time.

The last time there were significant disruptions to flights during a federal shutdown was in January 2019.

About 35 days into that shutdown, which began in December 2018, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted flights into LaGuardia Airport in New York City after a large number of air traffic controllers called in sick.

The abrupt stop of flights landing at LaGuardia only lasted 82 minutes, but it upped pressure on politicians to come to a deal. Hours later, President Trump announced that he and congressional leaders had agreed to temporarily end the shutdown.

Read more:Here's how the U.S. government shutdown will impact California

On Monday, outgoing flights at Hollywood Burbank Airport were delayed an average of two hours and 31 minutes around 5 p.m. due to staffing shortages and runway construction, according to the FAA. At that time, the longest delay reported was three hours and 55 minutes.

In total, 56 flights arriving to and departing from Burbank were delayed and 12 flights were canceled after 4 p.m. Monday, Christensen said.

FAA spokesperson Kristen Alsop said that staffing shortages were the main issue contributing to the delays.

Although the air traffic control tower was unstaffed, Southern California TRACON controls air traffic in the airport's airspace, Alsop said. The San Diego-based organization is operated by the FAA and uses radar technology to ensure the safe flow of planes through airspace surrounding dozens of airports across Southern California.

Donald Lewis, a retired air traffic controller from Van Nuys Airport, told LAists "AirTalk" Tuesday that smaller airports typically have about nine to 15 controllers on staff for the whole day. Massive facilities like Los Angeles International Airport would have double or triple that or more.

"I think if 10 controllers called out today for this upcoming shift at LAX, we will see an immediate slowdown at LAX," he said. "They need every controller there."

Gov. Gavin Newsom was quick to point blame at Trump for the staffing challenges.

"Thanks,@realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown," he said Monday in a statement on X.

The National Air Traffic Controllers Assn. called the ongoing issues at Hollywood Burbank Airport "the latest example of how fragile our aviation system is in the midst of a national shortage of these critical safety professionals."

"NATCA has consistently warned that the controller staffing shortage leaves the system vulnerable, and todays events underscore the urgent need to accelerate training and hiring," the union said in a statement to The Times.

The union said that nearly 11,000 air traffic controllers were continuing to work without pay during the shutdown, many of them for 10-hour shifts up to six days a week. NATCA said it was working with the FAA to mitigate disruptions for travelers and would continue to fight to increase hiring rates of air traffic controllers.

Jeffrey Price, professor of aviation at Metropolitan State University of Denver, said staff shortages combined with diminished staff concentration during the government shutdown would undoubtedly impact aviation safety and security.

It's definitely a concern for both aviation safety and security when you've got the TSA screeners who will start experiencing higher absenteeism call offs and possibly even shutting down screening checkpoints because they won't have staff for those areas, Price said.

The longer this goes on, the worse it's going to get  and frankly, the less safe and secure our aviation industry will be."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Actor Cheryl Hines may be best known for her role alongside Larry David on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," but these days, she's navigating a very different kind of spotlight  as the wife of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to being a political spouse. A Cabinet spouse," Hines told CBS News' Natalie Morales.

She's speaking about it in her new memoir, "Unscripted," where she reflects on her unexpected journey from Hollywood to Washington politics.

Hines moved to Washington earlier this year after Kennedy joined President Trump's Cabinet as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. It was David, her longtime co-star, who introduced her to Kennedy. The couple married in 2014.

In 2023, Hines supported her husband's presidential campaign, but the experience brought deep anxiety and growing concerns for his safety. She said Kennedy did not receive United States Secret Service protection after launching his 2024 campaign in April of that year.

Hines said she often is worried about his safety given the Kennedy family's history. Kennedy's father, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968 during his own presidential campaign  just five years after his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, was killed in Dallas while riding in a motorcade.

Navigating the vaccine debate

Those fears intensified as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. became a prominent critic of COVID and vaccines, though Hines said their conflicting views haven't strained their relationship.

"I'm definitely the one that has all the feelings and he's the one that wants to talk about the facts and the studies, and so sometimes we really have a hard time communicating," Hines said. "Bobby and I, we're able to disagree on things. I mean, sometimes we have heated discussions, but we always come back around to, 'I hear what you're saying.'"

When asked about her stance on vaccines, Hines didn't say where she stands on the debate, but said she sees both sides of the issue.

"I understand how people feel like, 'We have to do it. Do not question it. If that's what's coming down from the government, let's trust that.' I understand that," she said. "And then I also understand the mothers, the parents who talk to me personally and say, 'My child was different after they got vaccinated.' Let's listen to people. Let's listen to parents. Let's listen to doctors, to science."

Kennedy has clashed with some doctors and scientists who work for him, as well as members of his own family. His cousin Caroline Kennedy has publicly called his views on vaccines "dangerous" and "disqualifying."

"It was hard. I found it to be hard," Hines said of the family rift. "I always thought the Kennedy family, one of their virtues was that family came first, and I admired that. So when some of his family decided to attack him publicly, it was disappointing."

Finding humor in politics

Hines said she relies on humor to cope with her new role.

"I'll just act like I know what I'm doing until someone says, 'Don't curtsy. A curtsy is not needed in this moment,'" she joked.

The political arena has also affected Hines' personal relationships in Hollywood.

"I have a few friends, when Bobby stepped into the political arena, it became too difficult emotionally for them to stay close, just a few friends," she said. "And I understand it."

When asked what David thought about Kennedy joining the Trump Cabinet, Hines said that'll be a question for David.

"But let's be honest: He can't love it," she said.

Hines said she is making friends in Washington, including with several spouses of other Cabinet members, and recalled that Kennedy once proposed staging a separation to protect her from public criticism.

"I didn't understand what, how that was gonna help," Hines said. "But I understood what he was talking about. I appreciated it."

Their blended families  her daughter Cat and his six children from two previous marriages  have provided support through difficult times, including a public feud with some of Kennedy's siblings who opposed his presidential platform.

Hines said even Kennedy's mother, Ethel Kennedy, was surprised by the family division.

"Bobby told her that he was running for president, and she told him she was proud of him and then asked, 'Who of the siblings are working on your campaign?'" Hines recounted. "And he said that they're not working on it and some are opposing him. And she was very surprised."

Political Violence and Moving Forward

Hines and Kennedy attended the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his assassination, and she said the dangerous political climate frightens her most.

When asked what needs to be done to lower the political temperature, Hines said: "I think everyone needs to take a step back, listen to each other and find that place where it is OK to disagree with somebody. It's good to surround yourself with people who don't think exactly like you. But instead of hating somebody for that, maybe taking a minute to understand why they think like that."

That philosophy has helped even in her own marriage.

"We are really close. I like spending time with him. I love him. I love our family and our kids. It's not always gonna be easy, but we also know not everybody's gonna like what you're saying, what you're doing, and that's OK, too. It just is OK. That's life,'" she said.

"Unscripted" is available for pre-order and will be released Nov. 11.

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Christina Haack/Instagram Christina Haack and boyfriend Chris Larocca

NEED TO KNOW

Christina Haack penned a sweet tribute to her boyfriend Chris Larocca in honor of their one-year anniversary

While news of their relationship went public in January, they privately started dating in October 2024

To mark the milestone, Haack shared the first photo they ever took together

Christina Haack is celebrating a major milestone with her boyfriend Chris Larocca.

The HGTV star and Cle Cachee founder, 42, penned a heartfelt tribute to Larocca in honor of their one-year anniversary. Along with the sweet caption, she also included the first photo they ever took together in the Oct. 6 Instagram post.

Our first photo together, over a year ago. Thank you Chris for always dating me and spoiling me and showing me true respect, she begins. In the selfie snap, both Haack and Larocca can be seen beaming as they pose next to each other.

Haack admits that while they do get into arguments like any couple does, theyre always able to work it out and keep their relationship strong.

Its been a year of learning and growing and communicating and defending and sometimes fighting but always making up, she continues. Thank you, thank you, thank you for walking into my life in that random Mexican restaurant in Newport.

Christina Haack/Instagram Christina Haack and Chris Larocca

During an interview for PEOPLEs cover story published last week, Haack opened up about how she and Larocca actually met long before their relationship news went public in January 2025.

We met the old-fashioned way. We met at a restaurant in Newport Beach, she told PEOPLE. I was there with a girlfriend. He was there with some guy friends. One of his friends started talking to us and he was super funny. They were all funny.

She recalled how it was just a really easy, fun day and how she remembered laughing the entire time with Larocca. She also noted how he didnt seem like any of the Newport Beach-type people shes met before, and she later learned it's because hes originally from Long Island, N.Y.

However, it was when Larocca invited her on a trip to Italy later that fall that their relationship really started to grow, Haack says.

We were dating, and he invited me on this trip to Italy, Haack recalls. How could you say no? It was an incredible trip. We were gone for a week, we went to Paris, and thats when we really got to know each other and really bonded. Since then, our relationship has just grown.

Christina Haack/Instagram Christina Haack and Chris Larocca in Paris together

PEOPLE confirmed the pair were in a relationship on Jan. 11, months after Haack and Larocca first started dating in secret.

The Flip Off star told PEOPLE that she was grateful to have had a few months together to spend with Larocca privately before the news went public. They later made their relationship Instagram official in February 2025 when Haack shared a snap of them cozying up together on a private jet.

Christina Haack/Instagram Christina Haack and Chris Larocca when they went Instagram official

Before Larocca, Haack was first married to her Flip or Flop costar Tarek El Moussa  with whom she shares daughter Taylor, 15, and son Brayden, 10  from 2009 to 2016. She was then married to her second husband Ant Anstead from 2018 to 2020, during which the now-exes welcomed their son Hudson, 6, together.

Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic ; VALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty ; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Tarek El Moussa and Christina El Moussa attend the press room for the 44th annual Daytime Emmy Awards on April 30, 2017 in Pasadena, California. ; Ant Anstead and Christina Anstead attend the Los Angeles Special Screening of Discovery's series "Serengeti" in Beverly Hills, California, on July 23, 2019. ; Josh Hall and Christina Hall attend the World Premiere of "Barbie" at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on July 09, 2023.

Her third marriage to ex Josh Hall ended with a tumultuous split in July 2024 after less than three years. In August 2025, a California judge officially granted the dissolution of their marriage.

On whether wedding bells are on the horizon for her and Larocca, Haack told PEOPLE shes in no rush to take that next step any time soon.

Christina Haack/Instagram Christina Haack and boyfriend Chris Larocca enjoying her new champagne brand

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Were not even discussing getting married. Were not discussing getting engaged, she said. Were taking things slow. I promise. We're not having children together. We're not in a rush. We don't have a timeline. He's a super busy man. He has his own life, his own friends, his own career, and he's pragmatic."



Read the original article on People
A Connecticut woman was arrested last week and is charged with attempted murder after she admitted having poisoned her estranged husbands wine with the active ingredient in automobile antifreeze, police said.

Kristen Hogan, 33, who was arrested Friday, told police she poured an unknown amount of ethylene glycol into her estranged husbands wine bottle, which he drank from on Aug. 10, and he became critically ill that night, according to an arrest warrant affidavit filed in Connecticut Superior Court.

Hogans lawyer, Mark Sherman, told NBC News on Monday Hogan plans to plead not guilty.

While it is premature to comment on case specifics, the charges are wildly inconsistent with Kristens reputation as a loving and caring mother, Sherman said. These are just accusations and we will take the time needed to diligently investigate and defend Kristen against these claims.

In an interview with Connecticut State Police on Sept. 12, the victim  whom police did not name  told authorities that on Aug. 5, he hosted his family for dinner and received an unopened bottle of wine from his stepmother, the affidavit said. He and his family drank some of the wine, and the leftover wine was corked and put in his refrigerator that night.

The victim told detectives that on Aug. 7, he appeared at Danbury Superior Court in response to a complaint filed by Hogan, who was supposed to appear at court that day, too, but never showed up, according to the affidavit. Police did not specify the nature of the complaint.

As the victim was waiting for Hogans arrival at court, the affidavit says, he got a notification on his phone that Hogans cellphone was uploading data to the Wi-Fi router at his residence, which she had full access to, the victim told authorities. The victim returned home, and Hogan was not there, the affidavit says.

On Aug. 10, the victim said, he consumed a small portion of the remaining wine that his stepmother had brought over a few days before, the affidavit says. He went to bed after he drank the wine and became increasingly ill throughout the night, prompting him to call his mother, who lives nearby, it says.

The victims mother went to her sons residence to find him slurring his words, staggering and vomiting, according to the affidavit. She took him to the hospital, where he was treated for symptoms that doctors said were consistent with ethylene glycol poisoning, it says.

The victim told detectives that he believed Hogan poisoned the wine, proposing the possible motive that Hogan would become the full owner of the residence and would gain full time custody of their child, as written in the affidavit.

On Wednesday, a detective discovered searches alleged to have been made on Hogans cellphone on July 28, including how much monoethylene glycol would kill you, the affidavit says.

On Thursday, detectives interviewed Hogan about their findings throughout the investigation, the affidavit says. Hogan confessed to having dumped an unknown amount of ethylene glycol into the victims wine bottle, saying she never intended to kill him, but just wanted to make him sick as payback for him being mentally abusive, it says.

Hogan was arrested the next day and is being held on a $1 million bond, police said in release Sunday.

The victim told police that Hogan had been coming over to his primary residence more often and offered to cook him dinner which is highly odd, the affidavit says. He also said that Hogan had been bringing their child over more often and that the interior cameras that were re-installed within the residence recently went missing, it says.
President Donald Trump's tightening grip over the Justice Department to target his political opponents and lawmakers' increasing calls for the release of more files from federal investigations into deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein took center stage at a contentious Senate hearing Tuesday for Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee is the first time since July that Bondi has faced questions from lawmakers and follows a tumultuous summer for the department that included deployments of federal law enforcement to Democratic-run cities, a growing number of investigations announced into Trump's political foes and the controversial indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.

Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi arrives to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill, October 7, 2025 in Washington.

Democratic, Republican leaders differ on hearing focus

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley kicked off the hearing with extensive remarks seeking to highlight instances of what Republicans have labeled "weaponization" of the Justice Department under the Biden Administration, citing selective disclosures by FBI Director Kash Patel of the investigation into President Trump's attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss.

"These are indefensible acts," Grassley said. "This was a political fishing expedition to get Trump at all costs."

Specifically, Grassley singled out a timely disclosure by the FBI on Monday that showed former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigators at one point sought limited phone toll records of several Republican senators around the time of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

As part of his investigation, Smith extensively investigated Trump and his allies' pressure campaign on lawmakers to block the certification of former President Joe Biden's election win -- including calls that were made to senators after the Capitol was breached by the pro-Trump mob.

There's no indication that Republican senators were a target of Smith's investigation, and the toll records sought by investigators would not include any information about the content of conversations they may have had.

"We're pointing this all out because we can't have this repeated in the United States," Grassley said. "We want to end it right now, whether we have Republican or Democrat administrations."

Kent Nishimura/Reuters - PHOTO: Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Senator Dick Durbin speak with each other, as they attend an oversight hearing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 7, 2025.

Grassley made no mention of recent directives from Trump to have the Justice Department act "now" to carry out prosecutions of his political foes, or other instances of alleged politicization during Bondi's tenure that have led to scores of departures of longtime career officials who have sounded alarm about the department being used as a tool to enact political retribution.

Ranking Democratic member Dick Durbin said in his opening statement assailed the Trump administration for the conduct in Chicago, a city in which Durbin represents.

"As President Trump turns the full force of the federal government on Chicago and other American cities, the assault on the city I am proud to represent is just one example of how President Trump and Attorney General Bondi shut down justice at the Department of Justice, even before the president's party controlling the white House, Senate and House of Representatives shut down the government," Durbin said.

"The attorney general has systematically weaponized our nation's leading law enforcement agency to protect President Trump and his allies and attack his opponents. And sadly, the American people. You have purged hundreds of senior career officials since you first appeared before us," he added.

Durbin listed various controversies for critics of Bondi's Justice Department, the closed investigation into Border Czar Tom Homan, the Eric Adams case being dropped, the hiring of a Jan. 6 defendant who attacked MPD officers, the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and the case against James Comey.

"What has taken place since Jan. 20, 2025, would make even President Nixon recoil. This is your legacy," Durbin said.

Senators grill Bondi on closed Homan investigation

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, also pressed Bondi on Tuesday over whether Bondi personally approved closing the investigation into Homan.

"Miss Bondi, did you approve closing the Homan investigation? Bribery investigation?" Hirono said.

"Senator Hirono, as I stated earlier, the Department of Justice and the FBI conducted a thorough review, and they found no credible evidence of any wrongdoing," Bondi responded.

Hirono then pressed Bondi over the department's removal of dozens of prosecutors who worked on investigations involving President Trump and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Bondi shot back, "I'm not going to discuss personnel matters with you."

Hirono concluded her questioning by accusing Bondi of deliberately politicizing the department, turning it from the Department of Justice into the "Department of revenge and corruption."

In another heated exchanges at the hearing, Bondi reacted with outrage as she accused Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., of suggesting she was lying as she evaded questions about the investigation into Homan.

"First of all, is there a tape that has audio and video of the transfer the $50,000?" Welch asked.

"You would have to talk to Director Patel about that," Bondi replied.

"No, I'm talking to you," Welch said.

"I don't know the answer --" Bondi said before Welch interjected, "You do know the answer."

"Don't call me a liar!" Bondi shot back. "I didn't call you a liar," Welch responded.

Bondi pushes back against Democrats

Bondi pushed back against her critics and Democrats during the hearing. In her opening statement, she framed her tenure as the "end" of weaponization of law enforcement, while reinforcing her extensive efforts to enact President Trump's agenda.

"We will work to earn that back every single day. We are returning to our core mission of fighting real crime. While there is more work to do, I believe in eight short months we have made tremendous progress towards those ends," she said.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi takes notes as she testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the Department of Justice, Capitol Hill in Washington, October 7, 2025.

She also railed against judges who have ruled against the administration in the months since Trump took office, while highlighting the Justice Department's string of victories at the Supreme Court.

"My attorneys have done incredible work advancing President Trump's agenda and protecting the Executive Branch from judicial overreach," she said.

Bondi continued to hit back at Durbin, who questioned her about the federal deployment to Illinois.

The attorney general taunted the senator about Chicago's crime rate. Bondi said that Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche were on their way to the city.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Capitol Hill, October 7, 2025 in Washington.

"Chairman, as you shut down the government, you voted to shut down the government and you're sitting here as law enforcement officers aren't being paid. They're out there working to protect you. I wish you love Chicago as much as you hate President Trump," she said.

Durbin was taken aback by Bondi's responses.

"Madam attorney general, it's my job to grill you. Investigation of your agency is part of my responsibility. And this - this committee, you mean. I'd like the experience, but others have weathered the storm and answered questions in a respectful manner," he said.

Bondi in the hot seat over Epstein files

Bondi faced heavy scrutiny over conflicting statements out of the administration on the Epstein files, after the Justice Department and FBI said in a July letter that no further releases were warranted and that there was no evidence suggesting others participated or enabled Epstein's abuse of minor girls.

Democrats have accused the administration of seeking to cover up any mentions of Trump or high-profile appointees who had past associations with Epstein, which the administration has denied.

Trump was told by Bondi his name appeared multiple times in Epstein files: Report

Trump and Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking young girls and women, were friends in the 1990s but the president said the relationship soured after Epstein poached some employees from Trump's Florida club after he explicitly warned him not to do so.

When asked on Fox News about the alleged Epstein client list, the attorney general told Fox News in February, "It's sitting on my desk right now to review."

She refused to elaborate about those past comments or the growing calls for the Epstein files while testifying.

Kent Nishimura/Reuters - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Capitol Hill, October 7, 2025 in Washington.

Bondi responded to individual Democrats who sought more details by surfacing donations they allegedly may have received from Reid Hoffman -- an entrepreneur and founder of LinkedIn who is known to have past associations with Epstein.

She again surfaced Hoffman's alleged donations in an exchange with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, in which she again refused to answer his direct questions about the Epstein files.

Political targeting questioned

Trump has recently ordered the department to ramp up investigations into so-called "radical left" organizations that he and other senior White House officials have alleged, without providing evidence, as helping to fund perpetrators who have attacked federal law enforcement officials dispatched around the country.

Just days after Trump's comments, a senior official in the Justice Department ordered several U.S. Attorney's offices around the country to prepare to open sweeping criminal investigations in to the Open Society Foundations founded by billionaire George Soros, naming criminal statutes ranging from robbery, material support for terrorism and racketeering, ABC News previously confirmed.

In a statement, the Open Society Foundations called the accusations "politically motivated attacks on civil society, meant to silence speech the administration disagrees with and undermine the First Amendment right to free speech."

Bondi sought to brush off pointed questions from Democrats by repeatedly deflecting to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants in their states and districts that were among the briefing materials she brought with her to the hearings.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi attends a oversight hearing of Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 7, 2025.

She has also dismissed any characterization of the Justice Department appearing to work in lockstep with the White House as "politicization" of law enforcement. Bondi and other senior DOJ officials have instead argued that the two federal cases brought against Trump by a special counsel under the Biden Administration represented a far more egregious example of weaponization, echoing grievances leveled at the department by Trump.

DOJ under scrutiny amid growing controversies

As ABC News first reported, the move to seek Comey's indictment came over the objections of career prosecutors and followed Trump's removal of his appointee to lead the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, who expressed reservations about pursuing charges against Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, sources told ABC News.

Bondi faces criticism for saying DOJ will 'target' anyone who engages in 'hate speech'

Trump eventually installed a White House aide and former personal attorney Lindsey Halligan to lead the office and move forward with the case against Comey, and a grand jury narrowly voted to indict him on two counts of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional investigation -- while declining to indict on a third false statements charge. Comey has denied wrongdoing and is set to appear Thursday in federal court for his arraignment.

Alex Brandon/AP - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi listens as President Donald Trump signs a presidential memorandum on the death penalty in the District of Columbia in the Oval Office at the White House, Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington.

While sources told ABC News that leadership at the DOJ expressed reservations about pursuing the case, Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel went on to publicly cheer news of Comey's indictment in news interviews and social media posts.

The next week, the administration moved to fire a top national security prosecutor in the office, Michael Ben'Ary, over a misleading social media post that falsely suggested he was among the prosecutors who resisted charging Comey.

Ben'Ary was leading a major case against one of the alleged plotters of the Abbey Gate bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. In a scathing departure letter, Ben'Ary set his sights squarely on the Justice Department's leadership and labeled his removal as just one in a series of recent moves taken to root out career officials for political reasons at the expense of the nation's security.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Capitol Hill, October 7, 2025 in Washington.

"This example highlights the most troubling aspect of the current operations of the Department of Justice: the leadership is more concerned with punishing the President's perceived enemies than they are with protecting our national security," Ben'Ary wrote. "Justice for Americans killed and injured by our enemies should not be contingent on what someone in the Department of Justice sees in their social media feed that day."

The DOJ declined to comment when asked about Ben'Ary's letter.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal pressed Bondi repeatedly on Tuesday over instances of pressure on the department by Trump and what conversations she may have had with him in the days leading up to the indictment of Comey.

"I'd like to know from you what conversations you had with President Trump about the indictment of James Comey," Blumenthal said.

"Senator, I am not going to discuss any conversations I have or have not had with the President of the United States. You're an attorney, you have a law degree, and you know that I'm not going to do that," Bondi said on Tuesday.

DOJ drops charges against another client of AG Pam Bondi's brother Brad

Those actions have caused unprecedented turmoil at the Eastern District, which oversees some of the nation's most sensitive national security, terrorism and espionage investigations.

Current and former officials say that turmoil has reverberated further across the Justice Department's workforce around the country, with attorneys concerned they'll face professional repercussions if they resist taking part in politicized investigations or prosecutions.

On Monday, nearly 300 DOJ employees who left the department since Trump's inauguration released a letter on the eve of Bondi's hearing describing her leadership as "appalling" in its treatment of the career workforce and the elimination of longstanding norms of independence from the White House.

"We call on Congress to exercise its oversight responsibilities far more vigorously," the former employees said. "Members in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle must provide a meaningful check on the abuses we're witnessing. And we call on all Americans -- whose safety, prosperity, and rights depend on a strong DOJ -- to speak out against its destruction."

The DOJ declined to comment on the letter.
The Federal Triangle metro station in Washington, DC, on October 2. President Donald Trump is weighing slashing "thousands" of federal jobs as the White House looks to ratchet up pressure on Democrats to end a government shutdown. - Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Audrey Murray is losing sleep over the government shutdown that could soon derail her paychecks.

Murray, 65, has worked as a cleaner at the Smithsonian Museum of American History for nearly three decades. Now she is among the hundreds of thousands of federal government contractors whose livelihoods are being threatened by the political dysfunction in Washington, DC.

Its so sad that they think they can play with peoples lives, Murray told CNN while fighting back tears. Stop this. Stop messing with people. We have families who depend on us.

Unlike federal employees, contractors typically dont receive backpay when the government reopens from a shutdown. Low-wage service workers, including cleaners, janitors, security guards, cafeteria workers and other staffers who keep buildings operating, are often out of luck.

The Smithsonian Institution, which includes all the Smithsonian museums, plans to go dark after Saturday if the government shutdown continues beyond then, according to its website.

If that happens, Murray worries how she will provide for her three children and grandchildren in Capitol Heights, Maryland.

I dont know how Im going to feed my kids or pay my mortgage. Its not about me. I dont care if I dont eat, but I want them to, said Murray. I pay my bills and do everything Im supposed to. But Im worried and I cant sleep.

Why contractors arent paid

Government shutdowns can create hardships for Americans who rely on government services and for those who work in the federal government.

During a shutdown, federal employees are not paid  even if they are deemed essential  and are required to report to work. Essential workers include those at the Transportation Security Administration who screen passengers and baggage at airports.

A Transportation Security Administration agent monitors travelers at the Dallas Love Field Airport on August 28, 2025. TSA agents, like other federal employees, are not paid during a government shutdown. - Shelby Tauber/Bloomberg/Getty Images

However, those federal workers get backpay once the lapse in funding is over. But there is no such obligation for government contract workers, according to legal experts.

Not only are they not guaranteed backpay, they rarely  if ever  get it, said Judy Conti, government affairs director at the National Employment Law Project (NELP), a nonprofit advocating for an inclusive economy and worker rights.

The problem is that contractors are paid by the federal government for the services they provide, whether thats security work, meal prep or cleaning office buildings. But if there are no services because buildings are shut down, the contractor doesnt get paid.

The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History was open during the first day of a partial government shutdown in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2025. - Annabelle Gordon/Reuters

This is especially painful for lower-wage workers, who often live paycheck-to-paycheck and may have minimal savings for emergencies. Union officials say this problem has an even greater impact on women and people of color, who make up a bigger proportion of the low-wage workforce and often have fewer financial resources to bridge the gap.

Tiara Roberts, a single mom in Maryland with three children, is concerned about how she will get by if her contract job providing security at a Smithsonian museum is derailed by the shutdown.

This affects me to the extreme. It really triggers me, said Roberts, whose children include a six-month-old and a 3-year-old. I have a lot on my plate already, and this is just an added-on stressor.

Roberts hopes to make ends meet by working as an Uber driver or an Instacart delivery worker.

Filing for unemployment

Nichole Atallah, a partner who specializes in labor and government contracting at the law firm PilieroMazza, said the general rule is that contract workers arent made whole after a shutdown.

If youre a cafeteria worker or a janitor, you cant make up that time. Its lost, Atallah told CNN in a phone interview.

Although employers can decide to pay contract workers despite the shutdown, experts say thats rare when it comes to hourly workers in blue-collar jobs.

The US Capitol Visitor Center is closed on the first day of the government shutdown in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2025. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Atallah said contract employers will sometimes work to compensate workers in highly skilled positions who are hurt by the shutdown.

If I have a more highly skilled person working on contract, Im more likely to bend over backwards to make sure someone doesnt find another job than I am with a janitor, Atallah said.

Although there is often a waiting period before someone can apply for unemployment benefits, Atallah urged impacted contract workers who get furloughed to immediately apply because some unemployment systems in the DC area are already strained by federal layoffs.

They should apply for unemployment as soon as possible so theyre first in line if the shutdown lasts, Atallah said.

Shutdown blame game

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) estimates that more than half a million employees of federal contractors were without work and not provided backpay during the record-long shutdown of 2018-2019.

A campaign to get backpay for contract workers failed to make headway during that shutdown, which lasted 35 days.

Last week, Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota and Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts introduced legislation to provide backpay for federal workers who face furloughs and lose income during a shutdown. The bill, called the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act, would provide backpay for contract workers, including low-wage service workers for an amount equal to their weekly compensation up to $1,442.

This is about fairnesscontract workers and their families should not miss a paycheck because of a government shutdown they did nothing to cause, Smith said in a statement about the legislation.

The US Capitol seen in Washington, DC, on October 1, 2025, the first day of the US federal government shutdown. - Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

Jamie Contreras, executive vice president at 32BJ SEIU, which represents about 2,400 federally contracted security officers, office cleaners and food service workers, urged the Trump administration and Republicans to avoid punishing working-class families in this shutdown.

For decades, 32BJs federally contracted janitors and security officers have done the hard and important work to keep key federal government buildings safe and clean, Contreras said. Many are single mothers and the sole providers for their families who were forced to rely on public assistance to survive and fell further behind on bills during previous shutdowns.

White House spokesman Kush Desai declined to say whether the Trump administration supports paying federal contract workers who get furloughed during the shutdown.

American contract workers are another casualty of the Democrats needless and destructive government shutdown, Desai said in a statement to CNN.

Not fair

Maria Madonado, a single mother of three who lives in New Carrolton, Maryland, told CNN through a translator that her work as a contracted cleaner at the IRS headquarters is being impacted by the shutdown. She fears she wont be able to pay her bills.

She said her supervisor told her and her colleagues not to come into work last Thursday due to the shutdown. Then the cleaners were asked to return on Friday because the building was a mess.

Madonados status this week is unclear.

Madonado, who is from El Salvador and has lived in the United States for 26 years, said its not fair that she wont get paid because its not that were not working because we dont want to.

Due to the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, Madonado  who holds a green card  is reluctant to go on unemployment or apply for other aid out of fear it will hurt her chances of eventually becoming a US citizen.

Its really strange because you think youre more secure in a government job than in a regular job, she said. And today I realized thats not the case.

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FILE PHOTO: Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa looks on during a joint press statement with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (not pictured) at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil August 18, 2025. REUTERS/Adriano Machado/File Photo

By Alexandra Valencia

QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa's car was surrounded by a group of around 500 people throwing rocks as he approached an event in Canar province, a top minister said, adding that "signs of bullet damage" were found on the president's vehicle.

Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano spoke on Tuesday after formally filing a report of an assassination attempt against Noboa. The president was not hurt and five people have been detained, the minister said.

"Shooting at the president's car, throwing stones, damaging state property - that's just criminal," Manzano said. "We will not allow this."

Noboa's office said all those arrested would be processed under charges of terrorism and attempted assassination.

Reuters could not independently verify whether a bullet was fired.

The national Indigenous federation CONAIE said orchestrated violence had broken out against the people who mobilized for Noboa's arrival, saying that elderly women were among those attacked in a "brutal police and military action."

"At least five of us have been arbitrarily detained," it said in a post on X, which included a video of a woman in traditional dress being marched off by four police officers in body armor, their faces covered by black bandanas.

CONAIE launched a strike action 16 days ago, organizing marches and blockading some roads, in a protest against the government ending diesel subsidies. Critics say further dialogue is needed and that the measure will increase the cost of living particularly for small-scale farmers and Indigenous communities.

Noboa signed the executive decree eliminating subsidies in mid-September, and his government declared emergency measures in several provinces to maintain order.

The government has defended ending the subsidy, which it said will free up some $1.1 billion a year that it has already begun to redistribute in compensation payments to small-scale farmers and people working in the transport sector.

Noboa, who was reelected in April, has frequently granted emergency powers to armed forces and police as part of his tough-on-crime approach to security.

Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo shared a photo of 37-year-old Noboa standing outside the damaged car in sunglasses.

"Nothing stops this president, which is the best sign that the country won't be stopped either," he said.

A video from inside a car published by the presidency showed people throwing rocks on the side of the road and cracks on the car's window. A separate image published by the presidency showed a car with smashed windows and a badly cracked windscreen.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Alexander Villegas, Kylie Madry and Bill Berkrot)
Emma Watson sparked engagement rumors after showing off a diamond ring on that finger at Paris Fashion Week.

The Harry Potter star, who recently described the societal pressure for women to get married by a certain age as violent, drew attention to the vintage-style ring while waving to photographers at the fashion event.

Emma took a break from studying for her masters degree at Oxford to attend the Miu Miu show at the Palais dlena.

Emma Watson may soon be walking down the aisle



Image credits: Jay Shetty Podcast

Image credits: Jay Shetty Podcast

For the fashion show, she wore a brown suede jacket over a nude-colored shift dress and accessorized with a black bag, with the glittering ring clearly on display.

Known for keeping her love life private, the 35-year-old actress is reportedly dating Kieran Brown, whom she met while studying for her masters degree in creative writing at Oxford University, as per The Daily Mail.

The Harry Potter actress showed off a diamond ring on her ring finger during Paris Fashion Week

Image credits: Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images

Fans are convinced Emma has finally found The One and believe the two students may soon tie the knot.

It comes after Emma voiced concern over the societal pressure still placed on women to marry, calling it a form of violence and cruelty.

Speaking on Jay Shettys On Purpose podcast last month, the former child star also said its a miracle that shes not divorced at the age of 35.

Image credits: Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images

Im just so happy not to be divorced yet, she admitted. Like that sounds like a really negative answer, but I think that were being pressured and forced into this thing that I believe is a kind of miracle.

Emma said the expectation to get married is the least romantic thing she could possibly imagine. Had she tried to marry a year ago, she added, it would have been carnage.

This, she explained, is because she didnt know herself well enough and didnt have a clear sense of her purpose and vision in life.

Emma said last month that she hoped to get married

Image credits: Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images

Emma, a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, also pushed back against the idea that someones self-worth is determined by their marital status, a notion she believes affects women more than men.

I think its such a violence, and its such a cruelty on people  especially young people, I think, and especially women  to make them feel like they have no worth or like they havent succeeded yet in life because they havent forced to its culmination something that I just dont think can or should ever be forced.

Image credits: Emma Watson/Instagram

The British actress also said she didnt feel entitled to marriage, expressing, I hope it happens to me. It will either be part of my purpose here and my destiny, or it wont.

Rushing into marriage, Emma added, can interfere with the process of building a healthy and lasting relationship.

The 35-year-old also expressed concern over the pressure placed on women to marry, calling it violent and cruel

Image credits: Jay Shetty Podcast

She also recalled something her mother told her: that you should be with someone because you want them, not because you need them.

Emma hinted at the possibility of walking down the aisle in the future, sharing that she has learned to embrace her mothers words rather than feeling like marriage was an inescapable fate she wasnt sure she wanted.

And I think now I have a life thats whole and complete as it is, and I would be making a choice from a place of, I just want you, and I dont need you, but I just want you. And I dont think I was that woman five years ago.

Image credits: Jay Shetty Podcast

Emma was most recently linked to fellow Oxford student Kieran Brown in July 2024, a year after breaking up with her previous boyfriend, Brandon Green.

The Sun reported that Kieran is pursuing a PhD in 19th century literature and economics.

An insider claimed to the outlet, Emma is studying creative writing, and his thesis is all about literary theoryso they have a lot to talk about. She looks so loved up with Kieran.

Image credits: Emma Watson/Instagram

HARRY Potter star Emma Watson has found love again  with an academic wizard she met at Oxford University. The actress, studying for a Masters degree, is dating Kieran Brown, who is doing a PhD in 19th century literature and economics. pic.twitter.com/6Ico2zAyaS  Aise06 (@aise06) July 9, 2024

However, almost a year after she was seen kissing Kieran, Emma was spotted in an Oxford park with a rumored new love interest, Elle magazine reported.

A local student who saw the pair told The Daily Mail that she and the man were making each other laugh during the cute date. The duo were also painting together and shared a meal, according to the student.

Its unclear whether or not Emma is still seeing Kieran or if they have broken up.



Let people do whatever is best for themselves, one fan said, as others debated whether theres still pressure to get married
The family of an engineer found dead with no neck in a quaint Connecticut cottage he shared with his girlfriend is still searching for answers two years after his death.

Shane DeJongh, 53, was found dead in his Cheshire home on Oct. 6, 2023, from what investigators initially believed was brought on by a heart attack, the Hartford Courant reported.

However, when his sister Robyn van Ekelenburg and other family members flew out from his home state of California to view his body, they immediately knew something was wrong.

Shane DeJongh was found dead with no neck in a quaint Connecticut cottage he shared with his girlfriend in October 2023. Ever Loved

He didnt look like he had had a neck, van Ekelenburg told the outlet. And we didnt know at that point, but we knew enough to know theres something wrong with his neck. It was like he had no neck. I cant even explain it.

The grieving sister  who was named the administrator of her brothers estate  suspected foul play was involved and started gathering evidence to prove DeJongh did not die of natural causes like authorities had said.

After DeJonghs autopsy results were submitted, the familys suspicions were confirmed.

DeJonghs official cause of death was listed as cardiac arrhythmia following physical altercation with blunt injuries of head and neck, complicating hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed, according to the Hartford Courant.

DeJongh also suffered bruising, a left ear abrasion, and a brain bleed, along with a neck hemorrhage and a perimortem fracture on his left superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage, according to the autopsy.

Two years after DeJongh was found dead, his family is still searching for answers. Facebook

A spokesperson for the office then ruled his death a homicide.

However, since his death, the engineering managers family still has not gotten any answers to what happened.

We knew at that point something really did happen that night, van Ekelenburg told the outlet.

In March, the family sued DeJonghs girlfriend, Natasha Vadasz, but withdrew the case last week to revise the complaint and add an additional defendant and plaintiff.

According to the withdrawn lawsuit, Vadasz, 51, listed her three-bedroom Cheshire home  located about 30 miles south of Hartford  for sale shortly before DeJonghs death. The couple had been preparing to relocate to Georgia after he accepted a new job offer, according to the Hartford Courant.

The night DeJongh died, the couple went out to celebrate with their realtor before relocating. He would be found dead in his bed the next morning in the same clothes he had on the night before.

DeJongh with his girlfriend Natasha Vadasz. Facebook

Cheshire Police Chief Frederick J. Jortner said officers responded to a report of an untimely death, after which detectives took over the case with help from state police major crimes investigators and the medical examiner.

Jortner revealed that the investigation has included multiple interviews and extensive forensic work and is being led under the direction of the New Haven States Attorneys Office, but declined to release any additional details to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

Van Ekelenburg said the family has received few updates from investigators and has only pieced together limited information from Vadasz before she sold the cottage in March and relocated to North Carolina with her son.

DeJonghs sister claims that the family has their suspicions of who was behind his death, but didnt explicitly name the person.

In March, the family sued Vadasz, but withdrew the case last week to revise the complaint and add an additional defendant and plaintiff. Facebook

We dont know what really happened that night, van Ekelenburg told the outlet. Its like trying to put a puzzle together without all the pieces. But whatever the case is, Shane was the only one with injuries that night.

The DeJongh family attorney, Kenneth Krayeske, confirmed that the suit was withdrawn so that DeJonghs daughter, Zoey, could be added as a plaintiff. Another defendant was added to the suit, but Krayeske didnt share their name.

As of late 2025, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active under the supervision of the New Haven States Attorneys Office.

DeJongh grew up in San Jose and moved to Connecticut in 2020 after accepting a position with APCT, Inc., a circuit board manufacturer based in Wallingford.

He is remembered as having a strong work ethic and as an accomplished musician, writing and composing many of his own songs of several different genres, and playing for many fundraiser events for the benefit of others, according to an online obituary.
Food & Wine / Getty Images

Whether its through premium spirits that you sip on special occasions or limited-edition collaborations with established brands, you may have briefly come across celebrity endeavors in the food world before. But for one star youre almost certainly familiar with, expanding into the food space is more about becoming a regular part of home cooks daily cooking routines.

When Glen Powell launched Smash Kitchen this April, he introduced a line of condiments  including organic yellow mustard and organic hot honey ketchup  that reflect the brands ethos: to provide products made with organic ingredients, free of unnecessary additives and artificial ingredients, and sold at an accessible price.

Related: The 100+ Best October Amazon Prime Day Kitchen Deals to Shop Now: Le Creuset, Breville, and More, From $5

From the beginning, the Chad Powers and The Running Man star made it clear that Smash Kitchens long-term goal was to become a staple in pantries nationwide, and now the brand is taking its next step toward that goal. Today, Smash Kitchen announced plans to launch its own line of cooking oils and sprays, offering a selection of oils that will cover just about every cooking scenario youll encounter.

Powells brand will debut a collection of various cooking oils and sprays, including 100% Pure Avocado Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (available in two varieties: organic and organic robust olive oil), and cooking sprays made with avocado oil, organic olive oil, or organic coconut oil.

All of the oils are single-sourced, and the olive oils are harvested early and cold-pressed to ensure a fresh flavor profile. Just like with Smash Kitchens previous condiment line, a primary focus for the cooking oils is a streamlined ingredient list with no fillers, additives, or chemical propellants. (The latter is a notable distinction for oil-based cooking sprays, which often contain added emulsifiers.)

Smash Kitchen Oils Collection:

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

16.9 oz ($8.97) and 33.8 oz ($13.97)

Organic Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil:

16.9 oz ($8.97) and 33.8 oz ($13.97)

100% Pure Avocado Oil:

16.9 oz ($10.97) and 25.4 oz ($15.97)

Cooking Sprays (4.7 oz):

100% Pure Avocado ($5.47)

Organic Olive Oil ($4.97)

Organic Coconut Oil ($5.97)

The three oils chosen by the brand, along with the two styles of olive oil, are intended to cater to a wide range of home cooks needs. Powell tells Food & Wine that, I think it really comes down to function and taste. I like putting coconut oil on things because I love coconut, and I like the taste of it.

And then if you're cooking meat or steaks or something like that, the smoke point of avocado oil is different. If you're trying to sear things, avocado oil is a much more dynamic oil that doesn't change the taste or integrity of the meat.

(If you want an insider tip on how to use the coconut oil spray, Powell notes that I love putting coconut oil on sweet potato fries because it adds this different dynamic, and people go wild for it.)

Courtesy of Smash Kitchen The four oils chosen are intended to offer home cooks versatile options.

The two olive oils are also intended to offer versatility. While the straightforward, classic Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil is the kind of ingredient youll use for sauteing, tossing with pasta, and other common cooking tasks, the Robust Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil is more of a finishing oil. Powell explains that the latter is something hed drizzle on salads or dunk bread into, saying, It just has a different boldness to it. It's got a little bit of a kick.

Related: Glen Powells 3 Golden Rules of Entertaining

Since first launching Smash Kitchen with co-founders and entrepreneurs Sameer Mehta and Sean Kane, Powell has made it clear that becoming a recognizable part of consumer kitchens is the brands end game, so its no surprise that this latest product launch targets some of the most common, versatile cooking oils you might need.

As the Texas-born star tells Food & Wine, "The idea is taking over the pantry and giving people bang for their buck and something that they want to buy over and over and over again.

Smash Kitchens new lineup of cooking oils will be available at Walmart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com beginning on October 20.

Read the original article on Food & Wine
Luis Barrera  GoFundMe

A Virginia family is heartbroken after a fatal crash claimed the life of Luis Barrera  a devoted husband, father, and friend described by loved ones as gone far too soon.

Relatives said Barrera died following a car accident on Carrico Mills Road in Brandy Station, leaving behind his wife, Natalie, and their two young children, Julian and Kimmy.

Luis Barrera  GoFundMe

The tragedy has rippled through both Virginia and Guatemala, where Barreras family is now working to raise money to bring him home.

He was a beloved father, son, and cousin  gone far too soon, wrote Barreras cousin, Ever, who organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and transport costs. He will now rest in peace alongside his beloved mother and his twin daughters in heaven.

The fundraiser  titled Luis Barrera  had raised more than $2,300 of its $3,500 goal as of Monday afternoon. Ever said every dollar helps bring closure to a family now struggling with unimaginable loss.

Barreras death has left friends and relatives across the community reeling.

Dozens have shared memories and prayers on social media, remembering him as a loving father and gentle soul devoted to his family.

Please say a prayer for my friend and her children, one friend, Jenifer Worth, posted. I love you Natalie and Luis Barrera.

Another relative, Maria Andreita, described the familys heartbreak in a public tribute:

With great sorrow we share that my cousin Luis died in an accident. Today he is resting in heaven with his mommy and twin daughters He leaves his wife Natalie and children Julian and Kimmy. Any help will be very supportive at this very difficult time.

Family photos shared with the GoFundMe show Barrera smiling beside his children  at home, at restaurants, and outdoors  the kind of everyday snapshots that now carry immeasurable weight.

Luis Barrera  GoFundMe

Loved ones said Barrera will be remembered as a family man whose laughter filled every room, a devoted father who worked hard to provide for his children and cherished time with them above all else.

Luis Barrera  GoFundMe

As relatives continue to mourn, they are asking for donations or prayers to help bring him home to Guatemala, where he will be laid to rest surrounded by loved ones.

Thank you to everyone who shares, donates, or keeps our family in your prayers, Ever wrote. "Any contribution, no matter how small, will mean the world to us during this unimaginable time."
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump continued to up the stakes in his battle with congressional Democrats over the ongoing shutdown, saying some furloughed federal workers dont deserve back pay once the government reopens its doors.

With no funding deal in sight, a new draft memo circulating in the White House says furloughed workers are not entitled to recoup their missed paychecks, according to an administration official.

Thats despite Trump signing a 2019 law to provide back pay for furloughed workers after shutdowns, and earlier guidance sent out by his own administration saying the pay would be provided.

The White House legal analysis is emerging as another point of leverage as Trump and congressional Republicans try to force Democrats to agree to their government funding plan, which is expected to face additional Senate votes after failing five times.

Trump also has threatened mass layoffs and widespread cuts to government programs. His administration is freezing or cutting roughly $26 billion in federal projects for blue states and cities. Layoffs have yet to occur. Trump said Tuesday that they could happen by the end of the week.

Trump promotes crime-fighting as fatal shootings continue

Trump promoted the reduction in crime as he met Tuesday with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, but the DC police blotter tells a different story.

There's no crime in DC, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, after he deployed the National Guard to help patrol the city. Nobody's being shot.

But DCs Metropolitan Police Department is investigating at least three fatal shootings since the federal government shut down Oct. 1, amid other shootings and carjackings. The incidents include:

A shooting Oct. 5 at a home along Minnesota Avenue, where officers found a 33-year-old woman shot dead.

An Oct. 4 shooting along Clifton Street, where officers found a 26-year-old man who suffered a gunshot wound not breathing. A 35-year-old suspect was charged with murder.

An Oct. 3 shooting along Rhode Island Avenue, where police found a 17-year-old boy suffering a gunshot wound and not breathing.

See the impact of the government shutdown as agencies shutter or fight to stay open Travelers wait in line at a security checkpoint at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois on November 7 2025. Hundreds of flights were canceled across the United States on Friday after the Trump administration ordered reductions to ease strain on air traffic controllers who are working without pay amid congressional paralysis on funding the US budget. Forty airports were due to slow down, including the giant hubs in Atlanta, Newark, Denver, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles.

Virginia candidate rips Trump over withholding back pay threat

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger pounced on Trumps threat to withhold back pay from federal workers amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Spangberger, who previously represented a northern Virginia district in the House, said federal workers in the state have devoted their careers to caring for seniors, supporting military veterans and keeping Americans safe.

President Trump is punishing Virginians for his own refusal to work in good faith to end this shutdown, she said. Withholding backpay would do nothing to strengthen our country  and would be a further attack on Virginians livelihoods.

Virginia is one of the top states in terms of federal workers, with about 10% of residents employed by the federal government, and that issue has become a hot topic in the race for governor.

Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, the states lieutenant governor, has defended reducing the federal workforce in the past, but she dodged discussing the shutdown's ramifications during a Sept. 30 interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" before Trump and the Democrats failed to reach a deal.

White House shifts tariff funds to extend low-income food program: What to know about WIC

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on social media on Tuesday that tariff funds would be used to continue paying for a food-assistance program for low-income families.

The Women, Infants and Children program was projected to run out of money this week because of the government shutdown, Leavitt said. The program provided about $7.2 billion in aid last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

But the administration identified funds from the tariffs on steel and aluminum to keep the resource funded.The Trump White House will not allow impoverished mothers and their babies to go hungry because of the Democrats' political games, Leavitt said.

Trump says some furloughed federal workers dont deserve back pay

Trump said some furloughed federal workers dont deserve to receive back pay during the federal government shutdown.

It depends on who were talking about, Trump said Tuesday in response to a question from a reporter on back pay. I can tell you this, the Democrats have put a lot of people in great risk and jeopardy, but it really depends on who you're talking about.

Trump added: For the most part, we're going to take care of our people. There are some people that really don't deserve to be taken care of, and we'll take care of them in a different way."

The president's remarks come as a new legal analysis from the White House says the 750,000 employees furloughed during the shutdown are not entitled to back pay when they return, an administration official told USA TODAY.

If the administration chooses to deny federal workers their pay, the White House could use the move as additional pressure for Democrats in Congress to join Republicans to fund the government. Democrats have been withholding their support as they seek policy demands related to health care.

Jeffries: 1-year extension of Obamacare subsidies is 'nonstarter'

A one-year extension of Obamacare subsidies is not a viable shutdown off-ramp for Democrats, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, said Tuesday.

"It's a nonstarter," he said.

Democrats have repeatedly pushed for a permanent extension of improved health insurance subsidies for low-income families through the Affordable Care Act. The tax credits, which Congress enhanced amid the pandemic, are set to expire at the end of the year.

"That Democrats are going to go along with a one-year extension from a group of people that just extended permanent tax breaks from their billionaire donors is a laughable proposition," Jeffries said. "Permanent extension, and let's go from there in terms of a negotiation."

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney (not pictured) meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Johnson questions legality of back pay, but stresses workers should get it

Citing a new legal analysis, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday that some legal analysts believe furloughed federal workers arent entitled to back pay.

If that is true, that should turn up the urgency and the necessity of the Democrats doing the right thing here, he said.

He didnt specifically say what legal opinion he was referencing, but it came after similar arguments were made in a draft memo from the White Houses Office of Management and Budget.

Johnson stressed he hopes federal workers get back pay, and President Trump has told him he feels the same way.

White House memo says furloughed workers not entitled to back pay

As the federal government furloughs thousands of workers amid the government shutdown, a draft memo from the White House says the employees are not entitled to back pay when they return, according to an administration official.

The threat of withholding pay from federal workers ups the stakes in the showdown between congressional Democrats and the White House and congressional Republicans over funding the government, although its not clear if the Trump administration would follow through. Axios first reported on the White House draft memo.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed in the shutdown. Their total daily compensation is around $400 million.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management released a memo in September on shutdown furloughs stating workers would get paid.

After the lapse in appropriations has ended, employees who were required to perform excepted work during the lapse will receive retroactive pay for those work periods, the OPM memo states.

A 2019 law signed by Trump states that federal workers who are furloughed during a lapse in government funding shall be paid for the period of the lapse. The law states that it applies to any government funding lapse after Dec. 22, 2018.

A child walks past the closed National Gallery of Art during the fifth day of a partial government shutdown in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 5, 2025.

The shutdown is playing out in the Virginia governors race

Trumps moves to slash the size of the federal government earlier this year were already a focal point of Virginias gubernatorial contest.

The Old Dominion State has more federal workers than most and Democrats believe those simmering frustrations coupled with the ongoing government shutdown that began Oct. 1 will boil over in their favor as thousands more are now furloughed, which could slow critical services or result in mass firings.

Our money's kind of on hold. Its painful, Chris Witter, 54, a stay-at-home father of two 16-year-old girls whose wife works for the federal government.

He blamed the shutdown on Republicans, and polling shows most Americans agree.

The race between Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears was already an election many view as the first national referendum on Trump's agenda, but the shutdown has sent the race into overdrive.

MTG, not a fan of Obamacare, calls for extension of subsidies

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump supporter who calls herself not a fan of Obamacare, but she joined Democrats in calling for an extension of federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to keep health insurance costs down.Greene, R-Georgia, said in a social media post Monday that her adult childrens insurance premiums for 2026 are poised to DOUBLE, along with all the wonderful families and hard-working people in my district, if the tax credits expire.

Senate Democrats have refused to reopen the government since Oct. 1 by arguing that Medicaid funding cuts should be restored and subsidies for Obamacare extended. Republicans who control Congress contend the Medicaid cuts remove undocumented immigrants and force able-bodied citizens to work for Medicaid benefits. Greene doesn't seek to restore Medicaid cuts.

Trump and GOP congressional leaders say they can negotiate Obamacare subsidies after the government reopens and before the funding expires Dec. 31.

Im carving my own lane, said Greene, who joined Congress in 2021 a decade after lawmakers created Obamacare. And Im absolutely disgusted that health insurance premiums will DOUBLE if the tax credits expire this year.

Schumer disputes Trump's claims about negotiations

Trump did not identify the Democrats who are part of the discussions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer rejected Trumps claims that negotiations over health care are taking place between the president and Democrats.

More: Trump says he's open to striking deal with Democrats on extending health care subsidies

Trumps claim isnt true  but if hes finally ready to work with Democrats, well be at the table, Schumer said in a statement.

The senator added: If President Trump and Republicans are finally ready to sit down and get something done on healthcare for American families, Democrats will be there  ready to make it happen.

President Donald Trump delivers remarks in the Oval Office of the White House on October 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump spoke on an executive order to increase the development and production of Alaska's natural resources.

Trump hasn't followed through on threats of mass firings

Although about 750,000 federal workers have been placed on furloughs during the shutdown, Trump hasn't followed though on his warnings of mass layoffs across the federal workforce.

The White House last week said layoffs were "imminent." Russell Vought, the White House director of Management and Budget, told Republican lawmakers last Wednesday on Oct. 1 that reductions in force would begin in "a day or two."

But so far, its been all threats and no action.

Trump on Monday said mass layoffs remain on the table. It could, Trump said when asked whether another defeat in the Senate of Republicans' funding bill could lead to layoffs. At some point it will.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Government shutdown updates; Will furloughed workers get back pay?
Congress failed to reach a funding deal by Wednesday morning's deadline, leading to a government shutdown that will force active-duty service members to continue to serve without pay until a deal is made.

During a government shutdown, all active-duty personnel, as well as National Guard who are currently deployed, must carry out their assigned duties with their pay delayed until the shutdown is over. Civilian personnel whose work the Defense Department considers essential, or "excepted," will also continue to work, while other civilians are furloughed for the duration of the shutdown.

"After the government shutdown, all government employees will automatically receive back pay, based on the terms of the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019," said Seamus Daniels, a fellow for Defense Budget Analysis at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Active-duty service members won't get paid on time unless Congress passes a separate piece of legislation, as it did in 2013 with the "Pay Our Military Act," which ensured military pay and allowances continued during a government shutdown.

Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia introduced a bill earlier this month with bipartisan support, the "Pay Our Troops Act of 2026," which would keep members of the military and Coast Guard paid during a shutdown, but it did not pass in time because the House is out of session until Oct 7.

During the last shutdown in 2019, the Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA offered special loans to members of the military, and they plan to do so again if there's a shutdown in October. The Navy Federal Credit Union said in a press release it would "offer 0% APR loans to eligible members whose pay may be affected, continuing a tradition of assistance seen during previous shutdowns in 2011, 2013 and 2018-2019, when nearly 20,000 members received support." USAA plans to offer eligible members who have accounts with the bank a "no-interest loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck."

The Defense Department published contingency guidance on Friday, outlining its priority missions and stating that unused funds passed in the reconciliation bill over the summer could be considered to support them. The list includes, in order: operations to secure the U.S. Southern Border, Middle East operations, the U.S. missile defense project Golden Dome for America, depot maintenance, shipbuilding and critical munitions.

The guidance estimates about 406,000 of the department's 741,000 civilian employees will be required to work in the event of a shutdown because their mission is critical and not easily carried out by any U.S. service member.

While a memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget said some civilians could be laid off during the shutdown, the guidance released by the Defense Department outlines furloughs but no cuts to the civilian workforce.

During the shutdown, medical care and dental care will be excepted, according to the contingency guidance, but elective surgeries and other elective procedures would be delayed unless they're necessary for military readiness. Private health care using the Defense Department's TRICARE medical insurance would continue uninterrupted.

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Hamas says it has handed over all hostage remains it can recover amid destruction in Gaza
Greta Thunberg and activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla hold a press conference arranged by the Global Movement to Gaza Sweden in connection with the arrival of the released Swedish participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla, in central Stockholm, Sweden October 7, 2025. TT News Agency/Caisa Rasmussen via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. SWEDEN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN SWEDEN. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Swedish activist Greta Thunberg alleged on Tuesday that she and other detainees of the Gaza flotilla were subjected to torture in the Israeli prison they were held.

Thunberg told a news conference in Stockholm that she and others were "kidnapped and tortured" by the Israeli military.

She declined to elaborate, adding when pressed that she didn't get clean water and that other detainees were deprived of critical medication.

"Personally, I don't want to share what I was subjected to because I don't want it to make headlines and 'Greta has been tortured', because that's not the story here," she said, adding that what they were subjected to paled in comparison to what people in Gaza experienced daily.

Israel's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment but has repeatedly denied mistreating the detainees.

"All detainees ... were given access to water, food, and restrooms; they were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights were fully upheld," a foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters last week.

Thunberg was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of vessels that tried to reach Gaza to bring aid supplies and draw attention to the plight of the enclave, where most of the 2.2 million residents have been driven from their homes and the United Nations says hunger is rampant.

Thunberg was detained along with 478 people in the flotilla and expelled from Israel on Monday.

Israel, which says reports of hunger in Gaza are exaggerated, has dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt benefiting Palestinian militant group Hamas. It had previously detained Thunberg at sea in a similar attempt to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza in June.

Swedish activists said on Saturday that Thunberg was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag during her detention, but Thunberg made no mention of it during Tuesday's press conference.

Thunberg and other participants also complained that the Swedish government had not given them sufficient help while detained.

The government said in a statement on Tuesday that it had repeatedly advised against all travel to Gaza but that it had nevertheless provided consular support to the activists and stressed to Israel the importance of treating Swedish citizens well.

(Reporting by Johan Ahlander, Ilze Filks and Tom Little in Stockholm; additional reporting by Pesha Magid in Jersualem; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
An Israeli military vehicles manoeuvre on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -Hamas said on Tuesday it wants to reach a deal to end the war in Gaza based on U.S. President Trump's plan but still has a set of demands, a statement signalling that indirect talks with Israel in Egypt could be difficult and lengthy.

Senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum set out Hamas' position on the second anniversary of the Palestinian militant group's attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, and one day after the indirect negotiations began in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The talks appear the most promising yet for ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken back to Gaza as hostages.

But officials on all sides urged caution over the prospects for a rapid agreement, as Israelis remembered the bloodiest single day for Jews since the Holocaust and Gazans voiced hope for an end to the suffering brought by two years of war.

HAMAS SETS OUT CONDITIONS

"The (Hamas) movements delegation participating in the current negotiations in Egypt is working to overcome all obstacles to reaching an agreement that meets the aspirations of our people in Gaza," Barhoum said in a televised statement.

He said a deal must ensure an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip - conditions that Israel has never accepted. Israel, for its part wants Hamas to disarm, something the group rejects.

Hamas wants a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire, a complete pullout of Israeli forces and the immediate start of a comprehensive reconstruction process under the supervision of a Palestinian "national technocratic body", he said.

Underlining the obstacles lying ahead at talks, an umbrella of Palestinian factions including Hamas issued a statement vowing a "resistance stance by all means" and saying "no one has the right to cede the weapons of the Palestinian people".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately comment on the status of the talks.

U.S. officials have suggested they want to initially focus talks on a halt to the fighting and the logistics of how the hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israel would be freed. But Qatar, one of the mediators, said many details had to be worked out, indicating that any agreement was not imminent.

In the absence of a ceasefire, Israel has pressed on with its offensive in Gaza, increasing its international isolation.

Opponents of Israel's actions in Gaza held protests in Sydney, Australia and a handful of European cities on the anniversary of Hamas' attack, despite denunciations by politicians who said such marches risked glorifying violence.

The rallies reflect a shift in global sentiment, with sympathy that initially flowed to Israel after the October 7 attack now increasingly directed towards Palestinians.

HOPES OF A BREAKTHROUGH BY CIVILIANS ON BOTH SIDES

On the anniversary, some Israelis visited the places that were hit hardest that day.

Orit Baron stood at the site of the Nova music festival in southern Israel beside a photo of her daughter Yuval, who was killed with her fiance Moshe Shuva. They were among 364 people who were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death there.

"They were supposed to get married on February 14th, Valentines Day. And both of the families decided because actually they were found (dead) together and they brought them to us together (that) the funeral will be together," said Baron.

"They are buried next to each other because they were never separated."

Israelis are hoping the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh will soon lead to the release of all the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.

"It's like an open wound, the hostages, I can't believe it's been two years and they are still not home," said Hilda Weisthal, 43.

In Gaza, 49-year-old Palestinian Mohammed Dib hoped for the end of a conflict that has caused a humanitarian disaster, displaced many Palestinians multiple times and killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

"It's been two years that we are living in fear, horror, displacement and destruction," he said.

NO CEASEFIRE AFTER TWO YEARS OF WAR

In the latest violence, residents of Khan Younis in southern Gaza and Gaza City in the north reported new attacks by Israeli tanks, planes and boats in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Israeli military said militants in Gaza fired rockets into Israel, setting off air raid sirens at Israeli kibbutz Netiv Haasara, and that Israeli troops continued to tackle gunmen inside the enclave.

Israel and Hamas have endorsed the overall principles behind Trump's plan, under which fighting would cease, hostages go free and aid pour into Gaza. It also has the backing of Arab and Western states.

But an official involved in ceasefire planning and a Palestinian source said Trump's 72-hour deadline for the hostages' return may be unachievable for dead hostages as their remains may need to be located and recovered.

Even if a deal is clinched, questions will linger over who will govern Gaza and rebuild it, and who will finance the huge cost of reconstruction. Trump and Netanyahu have ruled out any role for Hamas.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Maayan Luubell in Jerusalem, Reuters television in Sharm el-Sheikh and Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amseterdam; writing by Michael Georgy; editing by Timothy Heritage and Mark Heinrich)
An Israeli military vehicles manoeuvre on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -Hamas said on Tuesday it wants to reach a deal to end the war in Gaza based on U.S. President Trump's plan but still has a set of demands, a statement signalling that indirect talks with Israel in Egypt could be difficult and lengthy.

Trump, however, expressed optimism on Tuesday about progress toward a Gaza deal and said a U.S. team had just left to take part in the negotiations.

"I think there's a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East" beyond just Gaza, he told reporters in the Oval Office.

Senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum set out Hamas' position on the second anniversary of the Palestinian militant group's attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, and one day after the indirect negotiations began in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

The talks appear the most promising yet for ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken back to Gaza as hostages.

But officials on all sides urged caution over the prospects for a rapid agreement, as Israelis remembered the bloodiest single day for Jews since the Holocaust and Gazans voiced hope for an end to the suffering brought by two years of war.

HAMAS SETS OUT CONDITIONS

"The (Hamas) movements delegation participating in the current negotiations in Egypt is working to overcome all obstacles to reaching an agreement that meets the aspirations of our people in Gaza," Barhoum said in a televised statement.

He said a deal must ensure an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip - conditions that Israel has never accepted. Israel, for its part wants Hamas to disarm, something the group rejects.

Hamas wants a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire, a complete pullout of Israeli forces and the immediate start of a comprehensive reconstruction process under the supervision of a Palestinian "national technocratic body", he said.

Underlining the obstacles lying ahead at talks, an umbrella of Palestinian factions including Hamas issued a statement vowing a "resistance stance by all means" and saying "no one has the right to cede the weapons of the Palestinian people".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately comment on the status of the talks.

U.S. officials have suggested they want to initially focus talks on a halt to the fighting and the logistics of how the hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israel would be freed. But Qatar, one of the mediators, said many details had to be worked out, indicating that any agreement was not imminent.

In the absence of a ceasefire, Israel has pressed on with its offensive in Gaza, increasing its international isolation.

Opponents of Israel's actions in Gaza held protests in Sydney, Australia and a handful of European cities on the anniversary of Hamas' attack, despite denunciations by politicians who said such marches risked glorifying violence.

HOPES OF A BREAKTHROUGH BY CIVILIANS ON BOTH SIDES

On the anniversary, some Israelis visited the places that were hit hardest that day.

Orit Baron stood at the site of the Nova music festival in southern Israel beside a photo of her daughter Yuval, who was killed with her fiance Moshe Shuva. They were among 364 people who were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death there.

"They were supposed to get married on February 14th, Valentines Day. And both of the families decided because actually they were found (dead) together and they brought them to us together (that) the funeral will be together," said Baron.

"They are buried next to each other because they were never separated."

Israelis are hoping the talks in Sharm el-Sheikh will soon lead to the release of all the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.

"It's like an open wound, the hostages, I can't believe it's been two years and they are still not home," said Hilda Weisthal, 43.

In Gaza, 49-year-old Palestinian Mohammed Dib hoped for the end of a conflict that has caused a humanitarian disaster, displaced many Palestinians multiple times and killed more than 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

"It's been two years that we are living in fear, horror, displacement and destruction," he said.

NO CEASEFIRE AFTER TWO YEARS OF WAR

In the latest violence, residents of Khan Younis in southern Gaza and Gaza City in the north reported new attacks by Israeli tanks, planes and boats in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Israeli military said militants in Gaza fired rockets into Israel, setting off air raid sirens at Israeli kibbutz Netiv Haasara, and that Israeli troops continued to tackle gunmen inside the enclave.

Israel and Hamas have endorsed the overall principles behind Trump's plan, under which fighting would cease, hostages go free and aid pour into Gaza. It also has the backing of Arab and Western states.

But an official involved in ceasefire planning and a Palestinian source said Trump's 72-hour deadline for the hostages' return may be unachievable for dead hostages as their remains may need to be located and recovered.

Even if a deal is clinched, questions will linger over who will govern Gaza and rebuild it, and who will finance the huge cost of reconstruction. Trump and Netanyahu have ruled out any role for Hamas.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Maayan Luubell in Jerusalem, Reuters television in Sharm el-Sheikh and Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amseterdam; writing by Michael Georgy; editing by Timothy Heritage and Mark Heinrich)
FILE PHOTO: A flag hangs on campus at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., September 4, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo

By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -Harvard University can be sued by families alleging it mishandled the bodies of loved ones donated to its medical school and whose parts were then sold on the black market by the former manager of its morgue, Massachusetts' top court ruled on Monday.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that a trial court judge wrongly dismissed lawsuits seeking to hold Harvard responsible for ex-morgue manager Cedric Lodge's "macabre scheme" to dissect, steal and sell parts of cadavers used by the medical school for research.

Justice Scott Kafker, writing for a unanimous court, said the plaintiffs sufficiently alleged Harvard failed to act in good faith in handling the bodies, whose "horrific and undignified treatment continued for years."

"It had a legal obligation to provide for the dignified treatment and disposal of the donated human remains, and failed miserably in this regard, as Harvard itself recognized," Kafker wrote.

The court also revived claims against the managing director of Harvard's anatomical gift program.

Harvard Medical School said in a statement Lodge's actions were "abhorrent and inconsistent with the standards and values that Harvard, our anatomical donors, and their loved ones expect and deserve."

Lodge is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in May to transporting stolen goods across state lines.

Prosecutors said he began his scheme in 2018, stealing parts from cadavers including heads, brains, skin and organs and transporting them from Harvard's morgue in Boston to his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife sold them.

In 12 lawsuits, 47 relatives of individuals whose bodies were donated to Harvard accused the school of negligence, contending it turned a blind eye to Lodge's years-long misconduct until he was indicted in 2023.

A judge last year concluded Harvard enjoyed broad immunity from liability so long as it attempted in good faith to comply with the state's Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, which governs the donation of human bodies for research and education.

But Kafker said the lawsuits adequately alleged Harvard did not comply with the law, citing a failure to put systems in place that could have prevented Lodge from dismembering donated bodies; bringing people into the morgue to buy body parts; and taking out cadaver parts.

Jeffrey Catalano, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, saying his clients "feel that their right to get additional answers as to how and why this happened on Harvard's property for so long has been vindicated."

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Richard Chang and Bill Berkrot)
Unlawful crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2025 plummeted to the lowest annual level since the early 1970s, amid the Trump administration's sweeping clampdown on illegal immigration, internal federal statistics obtained by CBS News show.

U.S. Border Patrol agents recorded nearly 238,000 apprehensions of migrants crossing the southern border illegally in fiscal year 2025, which began in October of last year and ended on Sept. 30, according to the preliminary Department of Homeland Security data, which has not been previously reported.

The number is the lowest annual tally recorded by Border Patrol since fiscal year 1970, when the agency reported roughly 202,000 apprehensions along the U.S.-Mexico border, historical figures indicate.

It also represents a seismic change from the record-high levels of Border Patrol apprehensions recorded under the Biden administration, which faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. In fiscal year 2022, Border Patrol made 2.2 million apprehensions there  a record, and almost 10 times the levels recorded in 2025.

More than 60% of the apprehensions made by Border Patrol in fiscal year 2025 along the U.S.-Mexico border were recorded in the last full three months of the Biden administration, the preliminary data shows. Government fiscal years start in October and end in September, and some of them encompass different administrations.

Over President Trump's first full eight months in office, Border Patrol agents assigned to the southern border have recorded fewer than 9,000 apprehensions each month  a number that the agency recorded in 24-hour periods during some days under former President Joe Biden.

The internal DHS figures show Border Patrol made nearly 8,400 apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border in September, an increase from 6,300 in August and 4,600 in July, a monthly record low.

Border Patrol apprehensions denote the number of times agents intercepted and processed migrants entering the country between official ports of entry, which is illegal. Some migrants can be counted multiple times, if they attempt to enter the U.S. more than once after being turned back to Mexico.

In a statement, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said, "President Trump has overwhelmingly delivered on his promise to secure our Southern Border."

"As a result, Americans are safer  unvetted criminal illegal aliens and dangerous drugs are no longer pouring over our border unchecked," Jackson added. "And for all the Democrats who claimed it was impossible to secure the border or that they needed new policy, turns out all we needed was a new President."

Illegal crossings along U.S.-Mexico border (Line chart)

"A new normal"

Ariel Ruiz Soto, an analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington, noted that illegal border crossings began to fall sharply in the summer of 2024, after the Biden administration enacted strict limits on asylum. But he said the Trump administration had set "a new normal" for migration flows in just a few months.

Ruiz Soto said the Trump administration's stringent policies  at the border and inside the U.S.  "have had a significant effect on people being deterred from coming illegally to the United States."

Soon after Mr. Trump took office for a second time, his administration moved to seal and militarize the southern border, closing down the American asylum system using emergency powers, dispatching thousands of soldiers to repel illegal crossings and shutting down Biden-era programs that allowed some migrants to enter the U.S. legally.

While parts of the asylum ban have been curtailed and declared illegal by courts, the Trump administration has virtually ended the practice of releasing migrants who cross into the U.S. illegally, deporting them quickly or holding them in detention while their cases are reviewed.

Beyond the border, the Trump administration has staged highly publicized operations targeting those living in the U.S. illegally, dispatching teams of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents across the country with the objective of overseeing a deportation campaign of unprecedented proportions.

The crackdown has not been without controversy. The administration's border policies have been denounced as inhumane, draconian and illegal by groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, which has challenged them in federal court on the grounds that they are at odds with U.S. and international asylum law as well as the Constitution.

The federal immigration raids well beyond the border have also triggered significant backlash, particularly in major American cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, where large-scale protests have erupted. National and local Democrats have decried the raids as indiscriminate and overly harsh, accusing the Trump administration of not solely focusing on deporting violent offenders.

Citing confrontations and instances of violence, Mr. Trump in recent days has ordered National Guard troops to deploy to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, to protect immigration agents and facilities there. A federal judge has so far blocked the plan to send National Guard units to Portland.

Amid the national debate over immigration enforcement, those living along the southern border say there's no denying the reality on the ground has changed markedly.

John Martin said his network of shelters in the Texas border city of El Paso housed hundreds of migrants during spikes in illegal crossings during the Biden administration. On Monday, he said his organization was not housing a single migrant, saying he's received "little to no" new arrivals who are not local homeless residents in recent months. He attributed it to Mr. Trump's crackdown.

"If the goal is to decrease the number of individuals, I would say that appears to have been successful, without getting into the politics about whether or not I like it or dislike it," Martin said. "We're just simply not seeing the people."

Texas National Guard troops arrive in Illinois ahead of expected Chicago deployment

Utah lawmakers push through new congressional maps favoring GOP

Behind the invention of the service dog concept 50 years ago
Military personnel in uniform, with the Texas National Guard patch on, are seen at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Elwood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

ELWOOD, Ill. (AP)  National Guard members from Texas were getting settled at an Army Reserve center in Illinois on Tuesday, the most visible sign yet of the Trump administration's plan to send troops to the Chicago area despite a lawsuit and vigorous opposition from Democratic elected leaders.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has accused President Donald Trump of using troops as political props and pawns, said he didn't get a heads-up from Washington.

The Associated Press saw military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, 55 miles (89 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. Trucks marked Emergency Disaster Services pulled in and out, dropping off portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in rows. Extra fencing was spread across the perimeter.

The Guard's exact mission was not immediately clear, though the Trump administration has an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the nations third-largest city, and protesters have frequently rallied at an immigration building outside Chicago in Broadview. The president repeatedly has described Chicago in hostile terms, calling it a hell hole of crime, although police statistics show significant drops in most crimes, including homicides.

Trumps bid to deploy the military on U.S. soil over local opposition has triggered a conflict with blue state governors. Illinois and Chicago are urging a federal judge to intervene and stop Trumps long-declared War on the state. A court hearing on their lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday. In Oregon, a judge over the weekend blocked the Guards deployment to Portland, Oregon.

Illinois: We don't need troops

Pritzker had predicted Monday that Illinois National Guard troops would be activated, along with 400 from Texas. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott posted a picture on social media showing troops boarding a plane and declared, ever ready.

Pritzker said he literally canceled everything Saturday in anticipation of a call from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"They have not picked up the phone and called me. Not once, Pritzker said Tuesday at a gathering of business, cultural and political leaders in Minneapolis.

The nearly 150-year-old Posse Comitatus Act limits the militarys role in enforcing domestic laws. However, Trump has said he would be willing to invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows a president to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to put down an insurrection or are defying federal law.

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered flight restrictions over the Army Reserve Center for security reasons until Dec. 6.

Robert Hartley, 62, who works at Raceway Pizza & More near the site, said he has doubts about putting the Guard on duty.

I think the president might be overstepping his boundaries," Hartley said.

Months of tension

The sight of armed Border Patrol agents making arrests near famous landmarks has amplified concerns from Chicagoans already uneasy after an immigration crackdown that began last month. Agents have targeted immigrant-heavy and largely Latino areas.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Monday barring federal immigration agents and others from using city-owned property, such as parking lots, garages and vacant lots, as staging areas for enforcement operations.

In Memphis, Tennessee, meanwhile, police Chief Cerelyn Davis said Guard troops could arrive by Friday. She said a small group of commanders were already in the city, working on planning and logistics.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who supports the effort, has said the troops will be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service to play a critical support role for local law enforcement, though that role hasnt been precisely defined yet.

A broad military strategy

Since starting his second term, Trump has sent or talked about sending troops to 10 cities, including Baltimore; Memphis; the District of Columbia; New Orleans; and the California cities of Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Most violent crime around the U.S. has declined in recent years. In Chicago, homicides were down 31% to 278 through August, police data shows. Portland's homicides from January through June decreased by 51% to 17 this year compared with the same period in 2024.

In Portland, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has been the site of nightly protests for months, peaking in June when local police declared a riot, with smaller clashes occurring since then. Over the weekend, larger crowds gathered outside the facility, and federal agents fired tear gas.

An appeals court has scheduled arguments for Thursday in the government's bid to overcome a lower court's rulings and deploy the Guard in Portland.

Oregon Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek said she met Tuesday with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and told her theres no insurrection in the state.

Oregon is united against military policing in our communities, Kotek said.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day said Tuesday that the department needs to work more closely with federal agents as it looks put more officers at the ICE facility.

Weve been trying to coordinate that with the federal response because we have differing policies, differing expectations around procedures," he said.

Noem told Fox News on Tuesday that she told Portland Mayor Keith Wilson that if the city did not boost security at the ICE building, get backup from local law enforcement, and take other safety measures then we were going to send four-times the amount of federal officers here."

A federal judge in September said the administration willfully broke federal law by putting Guard troops in Los Angeles over protests about immigration raids.

___

Fernando reported from Chicago. Associated Press reporters Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, Sarah Raza in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Ed White in Detroit contributed to this story.
An ICE officer coordinates with officials during an enforcement operation in San Antonio on Feb. 5, 2025. Photo: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Flickr / PDM 1.0

Man charged with soliciting murder of ICE official

A ranking member of a Chicago street gang has been charged with soliciting murder of a senior immigration enforcement official involved in Operation Midway Blitz, federal prosecutors said Monday.

Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, stated in a Snapchat message 2k on information when you get him and 10k if you take him down, prosecutors allege. Martinez was arrested Monday morning.

Two cases of Legionnaires' disease in Bloomingdale

The Illinois Department of Public Health and the DuPage County Health Department are investigating two cases of Legionnaires' disease linked to a skilled nursing facility in Bloomingdale.

IDPH said both individuals have recovered. Illinois has reported 287 cases of Legionnaires disease statewide. IDPH says cases must be reported to health departments within three days.

Conservation officers recognized

Numerous Illinois conservation police officers and civilians are being recognized for their service to the people of Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the Officer of the Year is Austin Priest, who conducted 50 major investigations including fraud, baiting and poaching cases.

Jeffery Holt got the Civilian Hero Award for saving someone who fell into ice back in February in Winnebago County.

###
An Israeli military vehicles manoeuvre on the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -Israeli tanks, boats and jets pounded parts of Gaza on Tuesday, giving Palestinians no respite on the anniversary of the Hamas attack that led to two years of war and underlining the challenges at talks on Donald Trump's plan to halt the conflict.

With no ceasefire in place, Israel pressed on with its offensive, residents said, after Hamas and Israel began indirect negotiations on Monday in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on sensitive issues such as Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas' disarmament.

The talks on the U.S. president's plan are widely seen as the most promising yet for ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which killed 1,200 people.

MILITANT GROUPS MARK ANNIVERSARY WITH STATEMENT

Residents in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and Gaza City in the north reported heavy bombing from tanks and planes in the early hours on Tuesday, witnesses said. Israeli forces pounded several districts from the air, sea and ground, they said.

Gaza militants fired rockets across the border early on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens at Israeli kibbutz Netiv Haasara, and Israeli troops continued to tackle gunmen inside the enclave, the Israeli military said.

Marking the anniversary of the Hamas attack, an umbrella of Palestinian factions including Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and smaller militant groups vowed "the choice of resistance by all means is the sole and only way to confront the Zionist enemy."

"No one has the right to cede the weapons of the Palestinian people. This legitimate weapon... will be passed through the Palestinian generations until their land and sacred sites are liberated," said the statement, issued in the name of "Factions of the Palestinian Resistance".

Israelis marking the anniversary of the Hamas attack - in which 251 people were taken to Gaza as hostages - gathered at some of the worst-hit sites of that day, including the Nova music festival where 364 people were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death, and at Tel Aviv's so-called Hostages Square.

All places are reminders of the bloodiest single day for Jews since the Holocaust.

"It's like an open wound, the hostages, I can't believe it's been two years and they are still not home," said Hilda Weisthal, 43. "I really hope that all the leaders will make a push and that this war will end."

TWO YEARS 'LIVING IN FEAR'

In Gaza, Mohammed Dib, 49, voiced similar hopes of an end to the conflict.

"It's been two years that we are living in fear, horror, displacement and destruction," he said.

Since the war began, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with nearly a third of those under 18, according to Gaza health authorities.

The Gaza Health Ministry tally does not distinguish between civilians and militants. Israel has said at least 20,000 were militants.

Israel says its offensive is aimed against Hamas and that it tries to avoid killing civilians, but that the group hides among the population, an assertion that Hamas denies.

A U.N. commission of inquiry last month assessed that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel called the finding biased and "scandalous".

Israel responded to the 2023 attack by launching its offensive in Gaza, while also assassinating the group's leaders outside the Strip and other Iranian-backed groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah, and pounding Yemen's Houthis.

It killed Iran's top military commanders and attacked Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day war joined by the United States.

The offensive in Gaza has largely flattened the enclave, and left Israel increasingly isolated on the world stage. Some Western leaders have recognised Palestinian statehood and pro-Palestinian protests have erupted around the world.

TRUMP SEEKS MAJOR FOREIGN POLICY TRIUMPH

Israel and Hamas have endorsed the overall principles behind Trump's plan, under which fighting would cease, hostages go free and aid pour into Gaza.

It also has backing from Arab and Western states. Trump has called for negotiations to take place swiftly towards a final deal.

Even if a deal is clinched during talks in Egypt, questions will linger over who will rule Gaza and rebuild it. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ruled out any role for Hamas.

A Hamas source familiar with the talks said the group had requested a clear timeline of an Israeli pullout and guarantees the war will end.

An official briefed on the negotiations said he expected the round of talks that started on Monday would require at least a few days.

An official involved in ceasefire planning and a Palestinian source said Trump's 72-hour deadline for the hostages' return could be unachievable for dead hostages. Their remains may need to be located and recovered from scattered sites.

Israel's chief negotiator, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, was expected to join the Israeli delegation later this week, pending developments in the negotiations, three Israeli officials said.

The Hamas delegation is led by its exiled Gaza leader, Khalil Al-Hayya, who survived an Israeli airstrike in the Qatari capital a month ago.

The U.S. has sent special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law, the White House said.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Maayan Luubell in Jerusalem and Reuters television in Sharm el-Sheikh and Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amseterdam; Writing by Michael Georgy, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Re'im, southern Israel  The people of Israel were marking a grim milestone on Tuesday, mourning their dead two years after the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led terrorist attack. Some 1,200 people were killed that day, most of them civilians, and 251 others taken hostage. Israeli officials believe 48 people are still being held captive in Gaza, only 20 of them believed to be alive.

Their families are desperate for a deal to end the war and bring their loved ones home.

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel were entering a second day in Egypt, spurred by President Trump's calls for both sides to agree to a ceasefire based on his recently announced 20-point peace proposal.

Pressure has been mounting on Israel and Hamas not only from the White House but from around the world, with many of Israel's Arab neighbors pushing Hamas to accept a peace agreement and backing Mr. Trump's proposal.

People walk past portraits of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip since 2023, during a rally in Tel Aviv marking two years since the Hamas terrorist attack, Oct. 7, 2025. / Credit: AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP/Getty

In a message marking what he called "the most brutal terrorist attack in Israel's history," Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the U.S. government's "unwavering support for Israel's right to exist, to defend itself, and to ensure the safety of its people."

Rubio said the Trump administration was "leading the effort to secure the release of all hostages, end Hamas's rule in Gaza, and advance a durable peace that ensures not only Israel's security, but generational peace and prosperity for the region."

"I have said it time and again, and I am repeating it today with even greater urgency: Release the hostages, unconditionally and immediately," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. "Put an end to the hostilities in Gaza, Israel and the region now. Stop making civilians pay with their lives and their futures."

The main Oct. 7 memorial event, in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, was organized by the bereaved families  not the government, reflecting deep divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership since the attack.

Many Israelis blame him for failing to bring all the hostages home.

"We can't move on, we can't," said Eden Ganam, whose cousin, Yosef Ohana, is still in captivity in Gaza. "This is not the same life that we had before October 7. "We thought it would be maybe a month, a couple of days, but two years?"

The Hamas attack sparked Israel's ongoing, devastating war in the Gaza Strip. More than 67,000 people have been killed, according to the Palestinian territory's Hamas-run Ministry of Health. Huge swaths of the coastal enclave, home to more than 2 million people, have been destroyed.

On Monday, the community of Nir Oz  where more than 400 residents were either killed or abducted  came together in song and prayer.

Irit Lahav was hiding with her daughter in their safe room on that day two years ago. "We were holding hands, and we thought, 'That's it. These are our last minutes,'" she said. "We just said loving words to each other. Goodbye words."

Another memorial was set up Tuesday at the site of the Nova music festival, close to the Gaza border in the southern Israeli desert. It was overrun by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 two years ago, and almost 380 people were killed.

Visitors at the Nova music festival memorial site are seen two years after the Hamas terror attack, near Kibbutz Re'im, in southern Israel, Oct. 7, 2025. / Credit: Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg/Getty

Orit Baron, whose daughter Yuval was among the festival goers killed that day, along with her fiance Moshe Shuva, told the French news agency AFP that she came to the site "to be with her, because this is the last time that she was alive."

Baron was among dozens of friends and relatives of those killed, and others just wishing to pay their respects. Many lit candles and stood for one minute in silence, remembering those lost to terrorism.

As they did, the sounds of the war in Gaza, just a few miles away, continued reverberating through the air.

Texas National Guard troops arrive in Illinois ahead of expected Chicago deployment

Utah lawmakers push through new congressional maps favoring GOP

Behind the invention of the service dog concept 50 years ago
James Comey before testifying on Capitol Hill in December 2018. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to two charges brought by Lindsey Halligan, President Trumps new handpicked prosecutor in Virginia  one count of making false statements to Congress and one count of obstruction of justice.

Comey appeared in federal court in Alexandria, Va., before U.S. District Judge Michael Nachmanoff for his arraignment on the charges. He waived a reading of the indictment in court.

When asked by Nachmanoff if he understood the charges against him, Comey replied, "I do, your honor. Thank you very much." Patrick Fitzgerald, Comeys lawyer, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

A trial date was tentatively set for Jan. 5.

But Fitzgerald said that the defense team plans to file motions to dismiss the case before trial, accusing the government of "malicious and selective prosecution" based on Trump's pressure campaign. The defense also plans to challenge what Fitzgerald called Trump's "unlawful" appointment of Halligan to prosecute Comey.

Prosecutors did not request pretrial detention for the former FBI director, and he was not taken into custody.

Some of Comey's family members were seen entering the federal courthouse before the arraignment. They included his daughter Maurene Comey, who was abruptly fired from her position as a federal prosecutor by the Justice Department earlier this year, and his son-in-law Troy Edwards Jr., who resigned from his job as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia  the office that brought the charges  minutes after Comey was charged.

How we got here

After his indictment by a federal grand jury on Sept. 25, Comey responded by proclaiming his innocence in a video posted to Instagram.

"My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump," Comey said. "But we couldn't imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees. And you shouldn't, either."

Comey said, "fear is the tool of a tyrant," and that he is "not afraid."

"My heart is broken for the Department of Justice," he added. "But I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I'm innocent. So, let's have a trial and keep the faith."

Trump celebrated Comey's indictment in a post on Truth Social.

"JUSTICE IN AMERICA!" the president wrote, referring to Comey as "one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed."

"He has been so bad for our Country, for so long," Trump added, "and is now at the beginning of being held responsible for his crimes against our Nation.

'We can't delay any longer'

Lindsey Halligan outside the White House. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Halligan  who was sworn in last month as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia  asked the grand jury to indict Comey just days after Trump publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute him and other perceived political adversaries, including Sen. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, and New York Attorney General Letitia James.

We cant delay any longer, Trump wrote in a Sept. 20 post addressed to Pam." They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!

Asked later about his message for Bondi, Trump said, They have to act. They have to act fast.

Trumps appeal came after Halligans predecessor, Erik Siebert, resigned in response to pressure from the president to bring charges against Comey and James. Trump then nominated Halligan  a White House aide who had served as his personal lawyer and has no prosecutorial experience  to replace Siebert and get things moving, in his words.

On Sept. 24, the New York Times reported that Halligan was racing to present a case against Comey even though career prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to indict him.

The two-page indictment was signed only by Halligan. It accused Comey of lying to Congress on Sept. 30, 2020  the day he denied, under oath, that he was involved in leaking information from the FBIs Trump-Russia investigation.

The five-year statute of limitations for any charges out of that hearing was set to lapse at the end of September.

Why does Trump want to prosecute Comey?

President Trump and Comey in 2017. (Andrew Harrer, Pool/Getty Images) (Andrew Harrer-Pool/Getty Images)

Trump has long framed his contentious relationship with the former FBI director as one-sided, with Comey out to get him. But its far more complicated than that.

A lifelong Republican turned independent, Comey was tapped in 2013 by then-President Barack Obama to lead the FBI. He upset Democrats in 2016 by reopening the investigation into Hillary Clintons emails two weeks before Election Day  and upset Republicans in early 2017 for leading an investigation to determine whether Trump associates coordinated with Russia during the previous years campaign.

Neither investigation led to charges.

Trump fired Comey on May 9, 2017. In leaked memos and in his testimony before Congress, Comey alleged that Trump had pressured him to end investigations, which some interpreted as obstruction of justice. An FBI inspector general eventually criticized how Comey had handled these controversies but also found that neither Comey nor the broader FBI harbored a political bias against Trump. In 2019, Trumps Justice Department declined to prosecute Comey.

Regardless, Trump has long referred to Comey on social media as a DIRTY COP and Leakin Lyin James B. Comey.

In 2019, the president went so far as to accuse Comey of treason  a crime punishable by death in the United States.

In May of this year, Trump and other administration figures alleged, without evidence, that Comey was threatening the presidents life with an Instagram photo of seashells.

The shells, which Comey spotted during a walk on the beach, spelled out 86 47  online slang for opposition to Trump.

He did it for a reason, Trump said at the time. Hes calling for the assassination of the president.

Trump then said it was going to be up to Pam  his attorney general  to decide whether to prosecute Comey for the photo. No charges were ever brought.

What happened with the alleged leaks?

Former FBI Director James Comey is sworn via videoconference before testifying during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Sept. 30, 2020. (Ken Cedeno/Pool via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

On Sept. 30, 2020, Comey testified before Congress that he did not leak classified information about Russian election interference to the New York Times in 2016 or 2017. He also denied authorizing such leaks.

When asked by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the panel chairman, whether he had been aware of an investigative referral that went to FBI leaders on Sept. 7, 2016, regarding U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clintons approval of a plan concerning U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russian hackers hampering U.S. elections, Comey responded that the referral doesnt ring any bells with me.

Later in the same hearing, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas asked Comey whether he had ever authorized leaks regarding the Trump-Russia investigation or the Clinton email probe. Comey stood by congressional testimony from 2017 in which he stated that he had not.

But last month, current FBI Director Kash Patel claimed on X that newly declassified memos reveal former FBI leadership authorized classified leaks while misleading Congress when he shared a link to a related story on the right-leaning website Just the News.

The story quoted previously redacted portions of the memos alleging that a lawyer working under Comey at the time disclosed USG [U.S. government] classified information to the NYT under the belief he was ultimately instructed and authorized to do so by then FBI Director James Comey via an intermediary.

The cover-up is finally being exposed, Patel declared. Accountability must follow.

But Just the News also reported that the memos in question were previously investigated by multiple prosecutors, including the U.S. attorneys office in Washington, D.C., under Trumps first administration and by future-special prosecutor John Durham, and all declined to bring criminal charges.

In recent weeks, career prosecutors in the U.S. attorneys office again examined the memos, according to ABC News  and they were again unable to find evidence to prove that Comey likely committed either perjury or obstruction during his testimony.

In a memo provided to Halligan, these prosecutors argued that charging Comey with lying to Congress would not only fail in securing a conviction, which requires proving the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, ABC reported, but also fall short of the much lower probable cause standard for an indictment.

They ultimately told Halligan that seeking the charges would violate DOJ policy, raise serious ethical issues, and risk being rejected by the grand jury, according to ABC.

But Halligan pursued the indictment anyway.

A broader pressure campaign

President Trump speaks to reporters as he departs the White House on Sept. 26, the day after Comey's indictment. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) (Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images)

Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has also pushed Bondi repeatedly in private in recent days to bring charges against Comey, even as she has expressed reservations about the case.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department is now moving forward with the mortgage fraud case against James that Siebert declined to pursue, according to Bloomberg.

The New York Times reported that administration officials have also ramped up pressure on Kelly Hayes, the U.S. attorney in Maryland, who is leading inquiries into two other vocal Trump critics: Schiff, who has been accused of mortgage fraud by the presidents allies, and John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser, who has been accused of mishandling classified information.

In addition, more than a half dozen U.S. attorneys offices are reportedly drafting plans to investigate a group funded by George Soros  the billionaire Democratic donor  in response to a new directive from the office of the deputy attorney general, according to the Times.

Taken as a whole, Trumps public push to indict his perceived enemies amounts to an extraordinary breach of prosecutorial protocols that reach back to the days following the Watergate scandal, as the Times recently put it  and a departure from the traditional norms that seek to prevent the White House from weaponizing the Justice Department for political purposes.

Weve never seen anything even approaching this level of interference with the day-to-day job of prosecutors, Carol Lam, a former U.S. attorney in California who served during the administration of President George W. Bush, told the Washington Post. Having personal vindictiveness steer prosecutions, you see that seeping down the ranks [of the Justice Department]. And there appears to be no bottom.

When asked by reporters who is next on his "retribution list," Trump replied: "It's not a list, but I think there'll be others."
Getty Images Kim Kardashian attends the BoF500 Gala during Paris Fashion Week on October 4

The Gist

Kim Kardashian swapped out her Kris Jenner-coded pixie cut for a retro hair transformation on October 7.

In a post shared by Hulu's All Fair on Tuesday, the Skims founder showed off a vintage-inspired lob.

Kardashian posed with co-stars Naomi Watts and Niecy Nash.

Just days after breaking the internet with a Momager-coded pixie cut straight out of Kris Jenners playbook, Kim Kardashian is back to her hair chameleon experimentation once again. While the Skims founder posed at three different Paris Fashion Week events on Saturday, October 4 in a face-framing cropped style with micro French girl bangs, Kardashians dark locks got the retro treatment in another hair transformation.

In a promo for her upcoming Hulu series Alls Fair shared on Instagram on October 7, the reality star showed off her version of power dressing. In contrast to her delicate pixie cut, Kardashian showed off a side-parted shoulder-length cut with flipped-up curls at the ends and a single lock curled across her forehead. Sporting a pair of simple diamond stud earrings and a mauve-hued beauty look with sculpted cheeks and smoky eyeshadow, Kardashian also channeled her inner office siren with the surprisingly NSFW officewear ensemble.

Getty Images Kim Kardashian at Paris Fashion Week on October 4

Her long-sleeved maroon suit jacket featured an ultra-plunging neckline framed by lapels. A corset-style bodice cinched in her hourglass waist, adding a lingerie-inspired detail to the skirt suit. Her matching knee-length pencil skirt took the slit trend to new heights, showing off her bare look all the way up to her left hip. A pair of pointy-toed nude heels finished off Kardashians outfit as she posed with co-stars Naomi Watts and Niecy Nash.

Getty Images Kim Kardashian with Kylie Jenner at Paris Fashion Week on October 4

Kardashian will be playing Allura Grant, a powerhouse divorce lawyer, in the Ryan Murphy-created legal drama series opposite Teyana Taylor, Sarah Paulson, and Glenn Close. The star, whos also working on becoming a lawyer in real life, leaves a male-dominated company to lead an all-female law firm in the show, which is set for release in November this year.

Getty Images Kim Kardashian with All's Fair co-stars Sarah Paulson and Niecy Nash-Betts on March 2

While Kardashian might be bringing her love of dramatic slits and corsetry to her lawyer wardrobe on the show, it looks like her short-haired love affair might have been a short-lived era. After stepping out in a nipple-baring sheer Maison Margiela crop top and skirt set from the 90s on Monday night, the star shared photos from different fashion fittings on Tuesday with her long black hair on display.

Read the original article on InStyle
Getty Images (4)

Everybody loves a classic, pared-back outerwear look. From camel-colored trench coats to preppy peacoats, a timeless topper is always a good wardrobe decision. That said, sometimes we all find ourselves craving just a little more drama, a bit of something special to take a cool weather outfit to new heights. Enter: the cape coat.

With a bit of extra swing and an ample does of, well, extra, the cape coat offers that bit of excitement your fall wardrobe may be looking forwithout going so far into statement territory that it could feel dated or over the top. Need proof? The cape coat has been a staple of royal closets for decades, putting in the work to elevate the styles of some of the most fashionable royal ladies, come rain or shine. From the late Queen Elizabeth, who regularly relied on the look, to Kate Middleton, who has made some standout appearances in the staple, take a bit of outerwear inspiration from these royal ladiesjust in time for the temps to drop.





October 4, 2025

Meghan Markle leaned into the draped drama with a white jacket with a floor-skimming capelet at the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week.

Arnold Jerocki - Getty Images





November 21, 2023

Kate opted for this striking red cape coat with an oversized bow embellishment for a state visit from the President of the Republic of Korea.

Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images





November 21, 2024

Queen Letizia of Spain put a more modern spin on the classic cape shape with this oversized cape coat, which she sported for a ceremony at Senate Palace in 2024.

Paolo Blocco - Getty Images





June 28, 2010

The late Queen Elizabeth loved a raincoat cape. She chose this khaki version for a drizzly day in Canada, where she matched her hat to her umbrella.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images





December 8, 2021

To attend Kate Middleton's community carol service at Westminster Abbey, Princess Eugenie looked festively chic in an evergreen cape coat with gold buttons, paired with black leggings and boots.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images





February 28, 2019

Kate sported a modern take on the style, in choosing this structured coat with cape detailing on the shoulders. The powder blue color made it the perfect winter-to-spring transition piece.

Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images





January 1985

Princess Diana, always a picture of elegance, wore a cape coat during a visit to the National Railway Museum in York. She paired the coat with a black, structured hat.

Science & Society Picture Library - Getty Images





February 16, 2024

A waist belt added a touch of structure to this swingy camel cape coat that Meghan Markle wore to a wheelchair curling demonstration ahead of the Invictus Games.

Karwai Tang - Getty Images





June 1983

Queen Elizabeth dressed up the cape with this royal blue, draped version. She finished off the look with a delicate brooch.

David Levenson - Getty Images





March 12, 2018

Capes aren't just for the Brits. Queen Mathilde of Belgium stood out in a bright red version (with a matching hat, of course) while visiting Ottawa, Canada.

LARS HAGBERG - Getty Images





December 16, 2015

Princess Charlene of Monaco gave us Charlie's Angels vibes in this sleek outfit. She paired her waist-length cream, zip-up cape with over-the-knee boots.

Pascal Le Segretain - Getty Images





May 1979

Queen Elizabeth bundled up in a pink version of the cape coat, paired with a matching silk scarf. The monarch sported the unique style for the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Tim Graham - Getty Images





April 30, 2013

Capes for one and all at King Willem Alexander's inauguration! Queen Maxima of the Netherlands wore a beige, shawl-like cape, while her three daughters looked adorable in matching camel-colored capes.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images





April 30, 2013

Sheikha Moza bint Nasser al-Misned of Qatar also chose a cape for King Willem Alexander's inauguration. Hers looked quite different from those worn by the Dutch royals, with its deep navy shade and matching full length skirt.

Julian Parker - Getty Images





May 6, 1981

The cape coat's loose silhouette also makes it an ideal option for pregnancy. Princess Anne glowed in her cream version, just weeks before the birth of her daughter, Zara.

Tim Graham - Getty Images





April 5, 2023

Queen Camilla wore this mini version of the cape coat over her skirt suit for a visit to Talbot Yard Food Court in Malton.

Chris Jackson - Getty Images





November 1, 2012

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked cozy and autumnal in her taupe cape with a belted waist. The Queen spiced up the look by accenting the neutral outerwear with a vibrant blue dress, earrings, and clutch.

Michel Porro - Getty Images





March 7, 2003

This cape was one of the Queen's favorites. She sported it again back in 2003, while attending the Grand Military Race Meeting.

Tim Graham - Getty Images





May 18, 1981

Princess Anne welcomed her daughter, Zara Phillips, in a hunter green cape while leaving St. Mary's Hospital.

Keystone - Getty Images





July 23, 1976

Queen Elizabeth's cape provided both fashion and function, as she wore it during a rainy day at the Summer Olympics where she, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward watched Princess Anne compete in the equestrian event at the Montreal games.

Anwar Hussein - Getty Images





May 22, 1975

Cape coats are clearly a royal horse show staple. Princess Margaret wore her olive green version at the Windsor Horse Show in 1975.

Tim Graham - Getty Images

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Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo. (Photo: Richard Bednarski/Nevada Current)

Gov. Joe Lombardo on Monday announced he plans to call the Nevada State Legislature into a special session at some point over the next few months.

His two-sentence statement did not include a timeline beyond that, nor did it identify what topics would be considered during the special session.

The goal will be to finish what the Legislature left unfinished  plain and simple, Lombardos statement read.

Governors in recent years have not provided much advance notice of special sessions, often officially announcing them just days in advance after weeks of rumors and speculation. But two recent vacancies in the Nevada State Assembly may have forced the early public acknowledgement.

Republican Assemblymember Toby Yurek, who represents part of Clark County, resigned last week, saying in a statement he will instead serve the state in a new role. Lombardo in the same announcement said Yurek would serve as policy advisor and as a member of a statewide finance committee.

Republican Assemblymember Ken Gray, who represents part of Douglas and Lyon counties, resigned in August to accept an appointment to the National Cemetery Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

In Nevada, vacancies in the state Legislature are filled by county commissions, but only if the Legislature is expected to convene before the next public election.

Both vacant Assembly seats will be on the ballot next year. The next regular legislative session isnt until 2027.

By publicly announcing there will be a special session, Lombardo has effectively triggered commissions to fill the vacancies. The Clark County Commission will now need to appoint someone to fill Yureks Assembly District 19 vacancy.. Grays Assembly District 39 vacancy will be filled by an appointment jointly made by the Douglas and Lyon county commissions.

By state law, their replacements must be members of the same political party.

Special sessions are limited by law to issues included in its proclamation.

Lombardo has previously said the failed film tax credit expansion bill and his crime bill from the regular session earlier this year may reemerge in a special session. Democratic legislative leaders have publicly stated they want to address the financial impact of Trump policies, specifically on programs like Medicaid, as well as issues like the recent cyberattack on the state government.

Jokes about an inevitable special session were commonplace in the waning days of this years regular session. November has been the rumored month, though the governors office and legislative leaders have only confirmed that discussions are ongoing.

Legislators and statewide elected officials like the governor and attorney general are prohibited from soliciting or accepting campaign contributions in the 15 days before and the 15 days after a special session. If a special session proclamation is issued with less than 15 days notice, the ban on soliciting donations begins immediately.
New York Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani speaks at the Resist Fascism Rally in Bryant Park in New York City, Oct. 27, 2024. Photo: Bingjiefu He / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Cropped from Original

(The Center Square)  New York City mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani accused the Israeli government of "genocide" in a scathing statement Tuesday to mark the two-year anniversary of Hamas' Oct. 7 terrorist attack.

"Two years ago, Hamas carried out a horrific war crime, killing more than 1,100 Israelis and kidnapping 250 more," Mamdani said "In the aftermath of that day, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli government launched a genocidal war: a death toll that now far exceeds 67,000; with the Israeli military bombing homes, hospitals, and schools into rubble."

Mamdani, a Queens Assemblyman and front-runner in the mayoral race, described Hamas' attack as "horrific" and said "I mourn these lives and pray for the safe return of every hostage still held and for every family whose lives were torn apart by these atrocities." He called for an end to Israel's war in Gaza.

"This must end. The occupation and apartheid must end," he said. "Peace must be pursued through diplomacy, not war crimes, and our government must act to end these atrocities and hold those responsible to account."

But Mamdani's statement didn't recant his previous support for the phrase "globalize the intifada" which his chief rival in the mayor's race, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and other top Democrats had demanded of him ahead of the anniversary of Hamas' attack.

Over the weekend, Cuomo called on Mamdani to publicly condemn his previous support for the expression ahead of planned protests Tuesday, acknowledging the massacre and Israels years-long bombing campaign thats left roughly 64,000 Palestinians dead, according to the Hamas-controlled Public Health Ministry.

Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, refused to condemn the slogan during the 2025 primary election, sparking a backlash from Jewish leaders and community members. As a mayoral candidate, he has pledged not to support the phrase, but has declined to condemn it.

Pro-Palestinian groups have used it as a slogan  which means to "shake-off" in Arabic  to resist the Israeli government, but Jewish groups say it fuels antisemitic violence and hate speech.

Mamdanis latest comments are likely to provoke strong reactions in New York City, which is the worlds second-largest home to Jews behind only the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. He has also been criticized for saying he backs the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting the Israeli government, and has promised if elected to arrest Israeli President Netanyahu if he visits New York City, calling him a "war criminal."

"What we see is a war crime being answered with war crimes. And what we see is, every single hour, the Israeli military killing a Palestinian child for close to two years," Mamdani told the popular daytime talk show "The View" during an appearance last Wednesday. "I cant stop that as the mayor of this city. I can make clear my own values, my own commitments."

The latest polls showed Mamdani leading Cuomo by a commanding 15 percentage points, with less than two months to go until the mayoral election. He also faces Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels. Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, dropped out of the race last week.
by wildestanimal/Getty Bronze whaler shark (stock image)

NEED TO KNOW

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, a man in his 50s was attacked by a shark at D'Estrees Bay, Kangaroo Island, in Australia

According to local reports, he was bitten on the leg when a seal used him "as a decoy" to escape a bronze whaler shark

The incident comes less than five years after a 29-year-old surfer was rushed to the hospital after being bitten by a shark at D'Estrees Bay

A man is undergoing surgery after repeatedly being bitten by a shark at one of Australias popular surfing spots, according to local reports.

Shortly after 1 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Oct. 7, a man in his 50s drove himself to the hospital after being bitten on the leg by a shark at D'Estrees Bay, Kangaroo Island, the South Australia Police confirmed to PEOPLE.

The man  who has not been publicly identified  sustained two shark bites that are believed to be from a large bronze whaler shark, said Shark Watch South Australia, an online community dedicated to sharing shark incidents, citing a public report.

According to the report, a Bronze Whaler was chasing a seal around the bay when the seal used the surfer as a decoy and the victim was bitten twice by the shark, South Watch SA said in a Facebook post.

steve waters/Alamy Stock Photo D'Estrees Bay, Kangaroo Island, South Australia (stock image)

Locals were reportedly notified about the shark attack and urged to take caution, according to the online page.

South Australia Police confirmed to PEOPLE that the mans injuries are not life-threatening.

However, he is undergoing emergency surgery in Kingscote, according to local news outlets ABC News and News.com.

Following reports that the man is believed to have been bitten by a large bronze whaler shark, local outlet 7 News reported that the animals are generally not aggressive towards humans.

It isnt uncommon to find the species, also known as copper sharks, in southern Australian waters and they can grow up to 3.3m in length, per the outlet.

Tuesdays incident comes less than five years after a 29-year-old surfer was attacked at D'Estrees Bay, which is approximately 40 minutes away from the town of Kingscote.

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.

Kathi Hinz/Getty Bronze whaler shark (stock image)

The victim recalled the scary incident in a letter written while still in his hospital bed, saying that he was sitting on his surfboard "when I felt a hit on my left side - it was like being hit by a truck."

"It bit me around my back, buttock and elbow, and took a chunk out of my board," the shark attack survivor wrote, per The Advertiser. "I got a glimpse of the shark as it let go and disappeared."

Having managed to paddle back to the beach, he was driven to Kingscote for treatment but eventually had to be airlifted to Flinders Medical Centre.

"I want to thank all those involved in getting me to the hospital, the awesome emergency services and medical staff, and my family and friends for all their love and support," the shark attack victim wrote in his letter, per The Advertiser.

Shark Watch South Australia did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Tuesday, Oct. 7.



Read the original article on People
Serhat Gumrukcu/Instagram Serhat Gumrukcu

NEED TO KNOW

Serhat Gumrukcu and three other men have been sentenced in the murder-for-hire of Gumrukcu's former business partner-turned-rival Gregory Davis

Davis was shot and killed in January 2018 after threatening to reveal Gumrukcu's past fraudulent business dealings

Gumrukcu was convicted in April for hiring three men to help him kill Davis in order to protect a multimillion-dollar business deal he was negotiating at the time

Serhat Gumrukcu had seemingly made plenty of moves as he climbed his way up through the world: Once a magician, the Turkish national purchased a medical degree from a Russian university, moved to Hollywood and began negotiating multimillion-dollar deals with biotech companies claiming he had found a cure for HIV.

But Gumrukcu, 42, failed to pull off his most dastardly trick.

In April, Gumrukcus lavish life came crashing back to reality when he was found guilty of orchestrating a deadly hit on a former business partner who threatened to unveil the slippery Los Angeles businessmans fraudulent past. Gumrukcu was sentenced to life in prison over what federal authorities called a murder-for-hire conspiracy that resulted in his former business partner Gregory Davis, a married father of six with another baby on the way, being left for dead in a snowy ditch in early January 2018.

The magician-turned-businessman  who reportedly partied with Oscar-winning actors and other celebrities at his Hollywood home, according to The Wall Street Journal  had been convicted of three felonies. According to the local VTDigger in Vermont, Gumrukcu was convicted of one felony for orchestrating a murder-for-hire, another for conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and a third felony for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice announced in a news release that authorities had finally wrapped up the years-long criminal case surrounding Gumrukcu when the three other men involved in Davis death were sentenced to prison.

Serhat Gumrukcu/Instagram Serhat Gumrukcu

Berk Eratay, Gumrukcus close friend, was sentenced to 110 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in receiving directions from Gumrukcu and reaching out to another friend, Aron Ethridge, to find a hitman. Ethridge was sentenced to 140 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for hiring Jerry Banks to travel to Vermont, where Davis lived, to kill the 49-year-old businessman.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

According to VTDigger, Banks told the court during his trial that he posed as a U.S. Marshall and parked a car outside Davis home with flashing red and blue lights to mimic a police vehicle. Banks said he told Davis he was under arrest for racketeering, placed him in handcuffs, and then drove him 10 miles away from his familys home to a pull-off along the road where he then shot Davis in the back and the head, killing him, and leaving him in the snow where his body was discovered the next day.

Federal officials said in their release last week that investigators quickly uncovered the connection between Davis and Gumrukcu after reviewing emails and messages between the two former business partners, which indicated there was a growing tension between the two men over a failed oil deal they worked on in the past. He was arrested in May 2022, VTDigger reported.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Gumrukcu solicited the murder of Gregory Davis due to Daviss threats of legal action related to Gumrukcus role in a failed oil commodities transaction, federal authorities said. Gumrukcus conviction for wire fraud stemmed from his fraudulent activities in relation to this failed oil deal. Gumrukcu was particularly motivated to silence Davis due to his negotiations of a multimillion-dollar biotech merger involving Gumrukcus alleged discovery of a cure for HIV.

Serhat Gumrukcu/Instagram Serhat Gumrukcu

Gumrukcu told the court during his trial that he told so many lies over his years in business that he could not remember them all, according to VTDigger.

In court, Gumrukcu was also forced to face Davis wife Melissa, who gave birth to their seventh child shortly after her husbands murder.

I stand here today not only as a widow, but as the mother of seven children whose lives were shattered the night Greg was taken from us, she told Gumrukcu, according to VTDigger. You thought you could silence my husband, but your lies die here in this courtroom.

Read the original article on People
A police officer works at the scene after Herdecke's newly elected Mayor Iris Stalzer was found seriously injured in a stabbing incident, in Herdecke, Germany, October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler

A police officer works at the scene after Herdecke's newly elected Mayor Iris Stalzer was found seriously injured in a stabbing incident, in Herdecke, Germany, October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler

By Leon Kuegeler and Matthias Inverardi

HERDECKE, Germany (Reuters) -The newly elected mayor of a town in western Germany was in a critical condition after being found with multiple stab wounds on Tuesday, authorities said.

Iris Stalzer, 57, dragged herself back into her house after being stabbed around midday, broadcaster WDR reported. Bild newspaper said she had stab wounds to her neck and abdomen.

Prosecutors and police said in a joint statement their inquiry was looking into every possibility and said: "Close family involvement cannot be ruled out at the present time."

DPA news agency reported that her son and daughter, aged 15 and 17, had been taken in for questioning. Stalzer was airlifted to hospital and was still in intensive care, the authorities' statement said.

POLICE SEAL OFF ROAD

Bild cited investigators saying her son had told police his mother had been attacked by several men.

The police and prosecution statement did not address the content of the media reports.

The attack comes after a region-wide election campaign that politicians in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest state, said was distinguished by the viciousness and rawness of its tone.

Stalzer, a Social Democrat, is due to take office in November after being elected mayor of Herdecke in the Ruhr region.

Police searching for evidence sealed off the road around the house of the labour lawyer, who has for years been a fixture of local politics in Herdecke, a historic town of 20,000 people. She ousted a conservative mayor with the backing of the Greens.

Conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a swift investigation.

CASE STIRS MEMORIES OF OTHER ATTACKS ON POLITICIANS

A study published in May found 60% of politicians in Germany had experienced violence at least once, with one in five saying it had made them more reluctant to appear in public.

Even though the motive was unclear, the case raised memories of the 2019 murder of conservative local government president Walter Luebcke, a supporter of then chancellor Angela Merkel's refugee policy, who was shot by a far-right activist as he smoked a late-night cigarette on his terrace at home.

Four years before that, Henriette Reker was stabbed by a right-wing extremist the day before she was elected mayor of Cologne. She made a full recovery and is due to leave office later this year.

(Reporting by Matthias Inverardi; Writing by Thomas Escritt; Editing by Sabine Wollrab, Madeline Chambers, Hugh Lawson and Alison Williams)
A medical helicopter is shown after it crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento on Monday. - Scott Marshall/AP

Three people were transported to hospital in critical condition after a medical helicopter crashed on a California highway Monday evening, according to fire officials.

The three injured, two women and a man, were on board the helicopter before it went down around 7 p.m. on eastbound Highway 50 near 59th Street in Sacramento, according to the Sacramento Fire Department.

One of the victims was rescued after being trapped underneath the helicopter, Sacramento Fire Capt. Justin Sylvia told reporters from the scene.

The captain immediately sequestered the help of just civilians that were standing around. They were able to lift part of that helicopter out and get that victim out, Sylvia said.

FAA records show the helicopter was registered to REACH Air Medical Services. There was no patient on board, but a pilot, nurse and paramedic were on board, Sylvia told reporters, adding that no cars were involved in the crash.

In a statement on social media, REACH said it was aware of the accident involving its helicopter.

We are in the process of determining the details of this situation, as well as the condition of the REACH crew involved, who were all taken to area hospitals, it said. We appreciate the concern and support from our community and will share updates when appropriate.

Davyd Bychkoviak told CNN he was caught in heavy traffic on the highway when he spotted the helicopter approaching and decided to start filming a video. But he soon realized the aircraft was too low.

My first thought was that it was going to fly into me, Bychkoviak said. But there was a bad traffic jam so I couldnt move  I couldnt do anything. I thought it was going to explode, so I wanted to get away from it.

Bychkoviaks video shows the helicopter on its side immediately after it hit the ground, with the rotor blades still moving and smoke billowing up.

Aerial video of the aftermath also showed a red helicopter on its side with a smashed cockpit window and debris scattered over the highway surface.

Theres a pretty large debris field, Sylvia said, calling it extremely lucky that there werent more victims.

A medical helicopter is shown after it crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento on Monday. - Scott Marshall/AP

Fire officials and an ambulance were dispatched to the site around 7:08 p.m. local time, the department said.

The crash affected traffic with eastbound lanes completely blocked temporarily, Officer Michael Harper, a California Highway Patrol spokesman, told reporters, warning the road would be shut for an extended period of time.

CNN has reached out to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office, Sacramento Police, the Federal Aviation Administration, California Highway Patrol and REACH Air Medical Services for additional information.

According to flight tracking site Flightradar24, the helicopter had taken off from University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento and was heading north moments before the crash.

Weather in the area was clear and calm at the time of the crash, according to CNN Weather.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNNs Aaron Cooper and CNN meteorologist Briana Waxman contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Osher Joshua Pittman

NEED TO KNOW

Osher Pittman, 21, is facing multiple charges including sexual battery on a minor

Police allegedly discovered a video of him abusing an infant in his bedroom

They also allegedly found numerous child sex abuse materials on his phone as well as bestiality material

A Florida man is accused of sexually abusing an infant and multiple other related crimes.

Osher Pittman, 21, is facing multiple charges that include sexual battery on a minor by an adult, molestation, possession of sexual performance by a child and engaging in sexual conduct with animals/images.

Police began investigating the case on May 19, 2025, when an 8-year-old girl disclosed that Pittman allegedly inappropriately touched her while at Pittmans home in Miami on Oct. 1, 2024, per a Miami Police Department press release.

He was arrested on May 27.

In August, detectives received a cyber tip regarding the online upload of child sexual abuse material, per the release.

Police served a search warrant on Pittmans home where they allegedly found electronic devices  a cellphone and a laptop  containing child sexual abuse material, including photos of children between the ages of 2 and 12 being sexually assaulted. He had been uploading child sex abuse material on Discord, Miami Police Officer Kiara Delva said.

More than 100 child sexual abuse material images were found in the defendants phone extraction, including bestiality pornography, reads an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

Authorities also looked through Pittmans cellphone and discovered four self-recorded videos, filmed in a bedroom like his, sexually abusing a two to three month old baby girl, according to the latest arrest affidavit.

The videos were allegedly taken between Feb. 27 and March 7, 2025.

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Detectives interviewed the infants mother who said she left the baby in the care of Pittmans mother from time to time when she had to go to work.

She identified her daughter in the videos and recognized Pittmans voice on the recording and his bedroom, per the affidavit.

Authorities said the baby and Pittman are not related.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact the departments Special Victims Unit.



Read the original article on People
Montana Sen. Steve Daines recently opined that he believes the drug mifepristone is not safe, while providing nothing but a debunked study.

On Sept. 23, the Helena Independent Record published an opinion piece by Montanas Republican Sen. Steve Daines, The abortion pill is harmful to women.

Mifepristone, nicknamed the abortion pill, is the medicine that Daines is attacking. In the United States and globally, mifepristone is widely used, particularly for medication abortions. Its use has increased steadily through the years, though access and usage statistics differ by country and region. Mifepristone is also used for other medical conditions, like managing miscarriages and treating Cushings syndrome. Mifepristone has been approved for use in nearly 100 countries as of mid-2023.

Correction

The author information about Jim Smith has been updated. There are three different Jim Smiths who submit columns. The incorrect biographical information was included on the original post. The correct one now appears.

On several points Daines is wrong and giving incorrect information about the drug. First, he states, In 2000, the FDA required three in-person doctor appointments for mifepristone. Today none are required. Pills can be dispensed by mail and sold at drugstores lie Walgreens and CVS without any medical oversight. This is blatantly not true. Mifepristone cannot be purchased without a prescription because it is a restricted medication under the FDAs Mifepristone REMS Program, requiring a prescription from a certified healthcare provider or a certified pharmacy to dispense. Although telemedicine and mail-order options are available in some states, a valid prescription is still necessary to obtain the medication safely and legally from these certified providers or pharmacies.

Daines cites a study created by the Ethics and Public Policy Center as the basis of his criticism of the use of the drug. The studys authors, Jamie Bryan Hall, EPPCs director of data analysis, and Ryan Anderson, the organizations president, are not health experts, and neither seems to have a record of publishing scientific research through peer review. Their methods deviated wildly from what is standard in the world of health research, and so, predictably, did their conclusions: In sharp contrast to dozens of trials conducted around the globe over decades, the EPPC report determined that mifepristone is a danger to women.

The study lacks basic transparency about how that assessment was made. The authors relied on data from an insurance database that, according to the report, included more than 800,000 mifepristone abortions from 2017 to 2023. But the authors dont actually say which database they used, so theres no way for anybody to try to re-create their analysis to see if they receive the same results. The report also took some peculiar methodological steps to arrive at its conclusions.

The authors counted episodes in which a surgical procedure was required to complete the abortion after mifepristonepatients require additional treatment in about 1-in-20 cases, so the FDA considers this a recognized outcome rather than an adverse effect. They counted other life-threatening adverse events, including heart problems and mental-health concerns, that women in the study experienced in the weeks after the abortionwhich may have had nothing to do with mifepristone. The authors did not effectively distinguish between the outcomes of abortions and of miscarriages treated with mifepristone, or between normal amounts of post-abortion bleeding and severe hemorrhage.

In short, the report is not a study in the traditional sense and not conclusive proof of anything. Daines is following the lead of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., in using pseudo-scientific studies and their bogus conclusions to further a political agenda. Once again, the so called smaller government Republican Senator wants to have the government intrude into womens personal moral and medical decisions, to create a situation where, as he puts it, abortion is unthinkable. He also states that he will continue to work with the administration to protect women and fight for the most vulnerable in our society. If youre pre-natal, hes your protector. If youre pre-school, youre on your own.

Sen. Daines, please explain to us how interfering in the very personal medical and moral decisions that women may have to make protects them? From whom are you protecting them? Big Pharma? Or themselves?

Meanwhile, Daines regularly votes against any legislation that would bring expanded aid or relief to people who are struggling to survive on incomes below the poverty level or expand medical insurance or coverage. He has consistently voted against legislation like the Womens Health Protection Act, and for tax breaks for Big Pharma and other corporations who benefit from our current dysfunctional health system. So much for being a champion of the poor and oppressed, women and children.

Smith is the author of the book, American Insomniac: Reflections on the future of a dying democracy.
Gofundme Lincoln Button

NEED TO KNOW

A British mother is on trial for the alleged murder of her 5-year-old son last December

Prosecutors claim Claire Button, who denied the murder charge, suffocated her son and then tried to kill herself via an overdose

A prosecutor alleged in court Monday, Oct. 6, that "the challenges of caring for an autistic child had caused the defendant to become depressed," so Button "chose to murder her child"

A British court heard from prosecutors this week that the mother of a non-verbal boy with autism allegedly smothered her son to death and then tried to kill herself after they say the challenges of caring for an autistic child" had become too overbearing.

Claire Button, 35, is on trial this week in the Basildon Crown Court where she faces a murder charge in connection with the death of her 5-year-old son Lincoln at their familys home last year, according to Essex Live and the Manchester Evening News. BBC previously reported earlier this year that the mother denied intentionally murdering her son, though Essex Live and Manchester Evening News reported this week that she has since admitted to manslaughter.

Buttons husband Nicky came home after work the evening of Dec. 15, 2024 and discovered their son dead. His wife was apparently in need of medical help and taken to a local hospital.

Prosecutors alleged that Button strangled her son to death and left a note next to his body that read DNR - do not resuscitate, according to Essex Live, before writing another note that read: He [Lincoln] does not fit in the world and where he doesnt fit I dont either.

"An ambulance was called, paramedics arrived but despite all efforts, Lincoln passed away," Coroner Officer Linsey Chaffe previously told BBC.

Prosecutor Andrew Jackson claimed in court on Monday, Oct. 6, that "what happened that day was a deliberate and unlawful act plainly done with the intention of killing Lincoln, per the Manchester Evening News.

It appears that the challenges of caring for an autistic child had caused the defendant to become depressed and she chose to murder her child, Jackson also alleged, according to the outlet.

The outlet reported that Buttons mother had admitted her into a mental health facility at their local hospital during the summer of 2024. There, according to Essex Live, Button was diagnosed with depression and prescribed medication that appeared to be helping at first. But by October, Jackson alleged, Button had marked a return to the problems she was having with depression.

Earlier in the morning on the day of his death, Button had taken Lincoln to visit her mother, who lived nearby and helped the family take care of her grandson, Essex Live reported.

According to the outlet, Button later made an emergency 999 call around 11:25 a.m. local time and told an operator that she planned to kill herself via an overdose.

The operator reportedly told Button that an ambulance wouldnt be able to get to her house for 10 hours, according to Essex Live and the Manchester Evening News.



The outlets reported that Buttons husband Nicky arrived home around 3 p.m. that day.

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Family members mourned Lincolns death in the weeks following the alleged murder.

Jamie Warren, who is Nickys cousin, told BBC that Lincoln was an all-round happy kid, who loved his toys as well as trains and rainbows. Warren said Lincolns death 10 days before Christmas was a horrible situation for their family.

"It's sad for me but seeing Nicky and Lincoln's grandma, seeing how broken they are as a family, is awful," Warren explained. "Seeing them, and how quiet and broken they are, it's so horrible, you wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy. It's all you're thinking about really. Especially as he had his whole life ahead of him."

Read the original article on People
Sarah Hartsfield; Joseph Hartsfield. (Obtained by NBC News; KPRC)

The alleged arson of a family home. Allegations of a murder plot involving an ex-husbands new wife. The fatal shooting of a fiance in self-defense.

None of those events is central to the question of whether Sarah Hartsfield killed her most recent husband with a fatal dose of insulin in 2023. But at her murder trial in Texas Chambers County, east of Houston, prosecutors have focused almost as much on allegations from Sarah Hartsfields past as they have on the death of Joseph Hartsfield, 46.

In the week since the proceedings began, a series of witnesses have been called to the stand to recount a relationship history marked by death and conflict.

You can just look at her overall history and you can tell that theres a very evil side to her, Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne told reporters outside the courthouse last week.

Sarah Hartsfield, a former Army sergeant, has denied that she killed Joseph Hartsfield, her fifth husband, or that she asked her fourth husband to kill her third husbands new partner. She has described the 2018 shooting of her fiance as self-defense, and she denied that she played a role in a fire that destroyed the Missouri home that used to belong to her grandmother.

More on Sarah Hartsfield

But her brother, Cody Smith, testified that he told her he believed shed torched the house.

He testified last week that he most likely hadnt seen his sister in more than a decade  since the death of their grandmother in 2014. The siblings had been cleaning out her Missouri home, which the grandmother left to Smith, and he testified that hed given his sister whatever she wanted.

That night, Smith testified, he awoke to haze and smoke and got on his knees to crawl but passed out. He eventually made it out of the house, as did a nephew whod fallen asleep on the couch and was hospitalized with fire-related injuries.

The house was gone, Smith testified, as was the family dog  Fluff  and the will that left him the house.

Smith said he called his sister afterward and told her: Im still here. Whatever you tried didnt work.

Sarah Hartsfield, 50, denied that she had anything to do with the fire, Smith testified. And he said a fire investigator told him there were too many hot spots around the house to determine whether the blaze was intentionally set.

Sarah Hartsfield was never charged with any crimes in connection with the fire.

Another witness testified that Sarah Hartsfield told her not only that she set the fire, but also that shed burned the house down to keep her brother from having it.

I called the county law enforcement and told them, and they told me we already closed that case, said the witness, Doris Jean Swart, whose son, David Bragg, was engaged to marry Sarah Hartsfield before she fatally shot him at their home in Minnesota on May 9, 2018.

Sarah Hartsfield has previously testified that she shot Bragg during a heated argument over her third husbands decision to visit their children outside of normal visitation. She has said she fired at him only after he tried to shoot her. After an investigation, the Douglas County attorney in Minnesota concluded that the fatal shooting was justified because Sarah Hartsfield had no reasonable possibility of retreating.

After Sarah Hartsfields indictment in the death of her most recent husband, County Attorney Chad Larson said the Minnesota case was active again  a status that hasnt changed in the two years since, according to a Douglas County Sheriffs Office detective who testified at the Texas murder trial last week.

The detective, Brandon Kruse, described aspects of the shooting as strange. For example, Kruse testified that it was abnormal that the gun Bragg was alleged to have fired was found with no clip, NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston reported. Kruse used a similar word to describe Sarah Hartsfields account of what preceded the gunfire.

According to that account, she told investigators that shed gone into her home with two guns  one in her pocket, the other in the small of her back  to grab clothes for her son after having gotten into the argument with Bragg, Kruse said.

Bragg came after her, Kruse said, and she tried to shoot him, but the gun didnt go off. Bragg took the weapon from her and fired, hitting the ceiling, according to her account. She returned fire, fatally striking him, Kruse said.

It was odd, Kruse said, that she armed herself with two guns and went back inside instead of just leaving. On cross-examination, Kruse said there are no pending charges against Sarah Hartsfield.

The jury also heard from Hartsfields family  and the FBI  about an alleged murder plot involving Sarah Hartsfields third and fourth husbands that unfolded three years after Braggs death.

One of her daughters, Hannah Donohue, testified that she was talking with the fourth husband, David George, when he began detailing the plot: He was supposed to drive an old Honda from their home in Texas to the home of her father  Sarah Hartsfields third husband, Christopher Donohue  in Arizona.

He was to deliver flowers to their home, Hannah Donohue testified, and kill her fathers new wife.

Christopher Donohue testified that George told him why his ex-wife wanted him to carry out the plot: So Id be too distracted to see my children.

At one point, George drove to Arizona and delivered the flowers to Christopher Donohue, but he didnt identify himself or say why he was there, according to an affidavit in support of a protection order that Christopher Donohue filed for in connection with the allegations.

During the trial, prosecutors played a security video from Christopher Donohues home that captured the exchange.

Christopher Donohue testified that he learned of the plot from another daughter and contacted the FBI. The special agent who investigated the allegations said he was able to corroborate them, but federal prosecutors rejected the case after George recanted and said Sarah Hartsfield had played no role in the plot.

Asked whether George appeared to be heavily influenced by Sarah Hartsfield, the FBI agent, John Anderson, said: He appeared to be petrified.

George has been subpoenaed to testify at Hartsfields murder trial, but he hasnt been called as a witness. He previously told Dateline that he didnt have a gun with him when he went to Arizona and that he had no intention of killing Christopher Donohues wife.

Sarah Hartsfield has denied playing a role in the plot and previously told Dateline that she never gave George any kind of gun ever.
The grassroots political movement known as No Kings will bring its message to downtown Ashland on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a rally scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. at Corner Park.

Organizers say the gathering is part of a series of events across Northeast Ohio aimed at encouraging community-led government, citizen participation, and opposition to what they see as overreach by elected leaders.

A participant holds a No Kings sign during the Labor Day Workers over Billionaires Rally and March on Monday, September 1, 2025 at Emmet Park in Savannah.

What to expect

Organizers describe No Kings as an opportunity for everyday people to voice concerns about local and national leadership, while emphasizing their belief in citizen-driven government. The event will feature speakers, handmade signs, and opportunities for attendees to connect with like-minded residents.

The rally typically attracts a mix of longtime advocates and first-time participants. In past years, signs have carried messages about limited government, constitutional freedoms, and frustrations with policies that residents feel limit their voice.

Why it matters locally

For Ashland, the event highlights how national conversations about governance and freedom are resonating at the local level. Corner Park was chosen for its central visibility and role as a downtown community gathering space. Visitors on Oct. 18 can expect crowds, speeches, and a noticeable presence of participants during the two-hour event.

Safety and accessibility

Organizers encourage attendees to come prepared for the weather and bring water, comfortable shoes, and clear signage if they wish to take part. The event is open to all ages, and no registration is required.

Local officials typically monitor public demonstrations to ensure safety and access for all downtown visitors. Attendees should be mindful of traffic and parking restrictions around Corner Park during the rally.

Looking ahead

The Ashland rally is one of several No Kings events planned across Ohio this fall. Supporters say they see it as a way to keep conversations alive about citizen leadership and accountability. For many, it is also an occasion to connect, share concerns, and show solidarity with neighbors who feel the same.

Event details

When: Saturday, Oct. 18, noon2 p.m.

Where: Corner Park, Ashland, OH 44805

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: No Kings rally set for Oct. 18 at Corner Park in Ashland
Many eastern and central parts of the United States have been dealing with persistent drought, with dry conditions dominating much of the Northeast starting in August. Vermont is experiencing its worst drought conditions since the U.S. Drought Monitor began in 2000. Chicago measured only about 15% of its typical total rainfall in September. The result has been a widespread expansion of drought across both regions.

Like most droughts, these regions are facing degraded water quality, dwindling supplies, and heightened risks of wildfires. However, as dryness deepens across the Northeast and parts of the mid-Atlantic, its effects are beginning to stretch far beyond the usual concerns, killing Christmas trees in Vermont's Green Mountains and devastating Maine's pumpkin crop.

Even when tropical moisture has teased relief, it hasn't delivered. At the start of October when former Hurricane Imelda sent high clouds over parts of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, no rain fell anywhere north of Washington, D.C. Here are a few of the impacts to watch:

Christmas trees dying in New Hampshire

Every year, major cities like New York receive Christmas trees from their northern neighbors. But now, because of the protracted stretch of dry weather, New Hampshire's Christmas tree farms are losing large numbers of young trees. This past summer was the 11th driest on record in parts of the state, with some farms receiving barely half their usual rainfall. At Noel's Tree Farm in Litchfield, saplings just five years old and recently transplanted trees from Canada are struggling the most. Mature trees are under stress as well.

Even when rain inevitably starts to fall in good quantities again, the impact of the past year won't be confined to this holiday season. Because Christmas trees take around 13 years to reach a marketable height, the die-off happening now could leave lasting gaps in supply for years.

This is a dead Christmas tree seedling in a field of dead seedlings at Smolak Farms in North Andover, Mass., that died during drought, Aug. 18, 2016. (Photo by Dina Rudick/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Farmers are scrambling to adapt to the conditions. Some have started grouping smaller trees beside larger ones in hopes that shared root zones and shade will help conserve moisture. Others are experimenting with limited irrigation where possible or adjusting planting schedules. Still, with groundwater reserves low and no guarantee of a wet rebound this fall, the long-term outlook for the industry - and for the trees that line living rooms and city plazas each winter - remains uncertain.

Pumpkin crops decimated in Maine

Pumpkin farms in Maine are facing one of their worst seasons in recent memory as drought wipes out fields that typically supply both locals and tourists each fall. For Country Pumpkins owner Tim Chesley in Corinth, it's the most devastating year he's seen. Despite planting 40 acres, his farm received barely half its normal rainfall, and most of the crop failed outright. The loss is so severe that Chesley has had to purchase pumpkins from growers farther north, where conditions were slightly less harsh, just to meet basic demand.

Volunteer Teena Larson works in a church pumpkin patch, Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, in San Antonio. Drought in some areas have resulted in higher prices for pumpkins at the grocery store or pumpkin patch. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Normally, these farms are a fall hotbed for u-pick outings, grocery stores and local events. However, with fields sitting nearly barren, communities are facing the ripple effects at the height of the fall season. What's more, a single wet season won't quickly undo the damage from this year's drought.

Honey production dropping in Maine

Not everyone loves bees, but most people love honey. Beekeepers across Maine are warning of reduced honey yields as drought sharply limits nectar production. With flowering plants producing less, bees have fewer resources to sustain hives and create surplus honey. Some producers say they're already holding back on harvesting to ensure colonies survive the winter, raising concerns about supplies and prices in the months ahead.

Water buffalo trailers in West Virginia

In Randolph County, West Virginia, drinking water shortages have become so severe that officials are rolling out "water buffalo" trailers-large portable tanks used to supply communities whose wells and local systems are running on empty. The county acquired several of the trailers through a federal surplus program and is using them to provide temporary relief in the hardest-hit areas.

Vermont wells running dry

Homeowners in Vermont are increasingly being forced to replace shallow or spring-fed wells that have dried up under worsening drought conditions. Some residents have gone weeks without running water before installing new drilled wells, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The problem is becoming more extensive as groundwater levels continue to fall heading into the colder months.
Jewish immigrants from Europe disembark from an airplane upon their arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Lod, Israel, on June 25, 2025. - Tomer Neuberg/Reuters

On November 22, 2023, Chantal and Nicky Young closed their front door in London for the final time and boarded a flight to Israel.

Family members were waiting at arrivals in Tel Aviv with a sign saying, Welcome home Grandma and Grandpa. One person who wasnt there, however, was the youngest of their five children: Nathanel.

The 20-year-old was murdered by Hamas on October 7. Two years previously hed made Aliyah  the term for Jewish immigration to Israel, which translates as ascendance  and was serving with the Israel Defense Forces on the Gaza border.

Nathanels dream had been for us to make Aliyah. Hed been looking for a property for us, his French-born mother Chantal told CNN.

The Youngs were planning their move when Nathanel was killed. We were in shock, said 62-year-old Chantal, who oversaw catering at a Jewish school before she emigrated. For a long time, I wouldnt say that my son passed away, Id say hes gone on a trip, because it was very difficult for me to accept.

Nathanels grieving parents soon decided to realize his dream by bringing their move date forward, despite the war.

Nicky and Chantal Young (center) surrounded by their family. Their youngest child, Nathanel (pictured in a white t-shirt at the front), was killed by Hamas on October 7, 2003. - Young Family

The Youngs are among thousands of Jewish people who have made Aliyah in the two years since the brutal Hamas-led attacks. Some have been motivated by a need to stand in solidarity with Israel, others by a desire to find a refuge from rising antisemitism in their home countries.

But the flow is not just in one direction. As Jews from around the world have moved to Israel, many Israelis have left the country to settle elsewhere, finding themselves unable to live amid the ongoing conflict, economic challenges and in an increasingly polarized society.

The result, according to Sergio DellaPergola, a demographer and emeritus professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem who has spent his career studying migration to and from Israel, is a net migration deficit that speaks to a wider disorientation in the wake of the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Israel has always been fundamentally an immigration country, he told CNN. But in 2023, official statistics revealed a rarely seen negative migration balance, he said of the data from the countrys Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). About 80,000 Israelis left, with that October alone accounting for 15,000. Around 25,000 have since returned to Israel, while the country welcomed 30,000 new immigrants. The result is a net deficit of 25,000, said DellaPergola.

While these may not sound like huge numbers, Israel is a small country with an overall population of just over 10 million, 7.2 million of whom are Jewish, according to DellaPergola.

The CBS has just released further data relating to migration to and from Israel up to September 2025, which he says paints a similar picture to 2024.

We feel its our country

The worst that could have happened had already happened so I wasnt scared, said Chantal of leaving life in Britain for a country at war nearly two years ago. Every country has its problems and its not the perfect country but we feel its our country.

Nicky, 65, who worked in customer services for many years, admitted he had been more apprehensive, but added: Its incredible the support weve had as a bereaved family in Israel and we still get right up to now.

Yocheved Ruttenberg, 24, was living in Texas and working in construction sales on October 7 when she heard the news of the attacks. I just couldnt function, she told CNN. I was like, I need to be in Israel.

She flew to Israel two weeks later with 23 huge duffel bags of supplies for those affected by the attacks, bought with funds she and a friend had raised.

Yocheved Ruttenberg arriving in Israel in October 2023 with duffel bags filled with donated goods for those affected by the attacks. - Yocheved Ruttenberg

Three days before my return flight, I called my job and quit, she said. I had a whole life in Texas but I couldnt leave. I saw this huge need to match volunteer opportunities to people around the world. Everybody wanted to help and nobody knew what to do.

Today, Ruttenberg lives in Tel Aviv and runs a thriving organization that has a community of 45,000 people interested in volunteering opportunities in Israel. She still travels back to the United States but says she has noticed a shift in the mood there.

I was very aware that the atmosphere has changed drastically getting off the flight, she said of a recent trip. I was wearing a big Star of David on my sweater and was suddenly very aware I wasnt surrounded by people who support Israel.

Impossible political situation

Over the centuries, there have been waves of Jewish migration, largely driven by persecution. While the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 might have been regarded as an end to the wandering, some there are now questioning whether the Jewish homeland is the best place for them.

In the past two years, thousands of Israelis have opted to relocate to places where air raid sirens, terrorist attacks, mandatory military service and anti-government protests no longer feature in their daily lives.

But while many Israeli emigrants have embarked on new lives in Cyprus, Canada and Thailand, according to DellaPergolas analysis, few are prepared to speak publicly, citing a mistrust of the media and fear of anti-Israel sentiment.

An exception, however, was Noy Katsman, an Israeli student who was on an internship in Leipzig, Germany, when Hamas attacked. Among those killed was Katsmans brother Hayim, an academic and peace activist murdered on kibbutz Holit, near Gaza.

Hayim Katsman (R) was murdered by Hamas on October 7. His sibling Noy, pictured on the left with their mother, now lives in Germany. - Noy Katsman

Katsman, 29, who is nonbinary, has now applied for citizenship in Germany - a country their grandmother fled in the 1930s.

I didnt want to leave but the political situation is impossible and theres more and more discrimination against leftists, activists and of course Palestinians, Katsman told CNN.

There were a lot of articles about my brother being a peace activist and then all of the comments were very nasty, saying he deserved it and was naive, said Katsman, who has repeatedly spoken out against the war in the international media, including on CNN.

Its obvious that the Israeli state is using our grief to create more grief and I dont want this. I think its terrible. Someone wrote to me saying you dont sound like someone whose brother was killed on October 7. They want to own our narrative.

Nonetheless, Katsmans ties with home endure, as they regularly visit and are studying for a masters in culture and gender studies at Israels Open University.

If theres peace Id go back tomorrow, said Katsman. If theres an end to the conflict and people get justice and human rights, of course Id love to go back. I love the land, I love the people, I love the culture  but I dont love the state.

Seeking safety in Israel

For others, seeing incidents of antisemitism on the rise in Europe and elsewhere, Israel feels like a safe haven. German Jewish journalist and writer Mirna Funk, 44, applied to make Aliyah with her daughter two months after October 7. She told CNN shed long been warning about rising antisemitism in the German media, but things dramatically worsened.

I had been observing this shift and monitoring it for about 10 years so I understood immediately after October 7 what I had witnessed and that things would only get worse, she said.

Journalist and writer Mirna Funk moved to Israel with her daughter months after October 7 because she no longer felt safe in her native Germany. - Mirna Funk

I was getting death threats on a weekly level and did not feel safe. I didnt want (my daughter) to be isolated in a Jewish school but it had become clear that she could not go to public school anymore.

While she still works in the German media, Funk now lives in Jaffa, a city with a mixed Jewish and Arab population, and her daughter studies at a coexistence school, where children from both backgrounds study alongside each other. Life is much freer, she said.

Speaking to CNN, DellaPergola, the Hebrew University demographer, stressed that the situation is very complicated, not least because Israel was riven by social divisions prior to October 7, as illustrated by months of massive protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, the most right-wing in Israels history, and its policies.

You need to look at the present in a longer-term vision and understand migration movements to and from Israel, he said.

The general image is that Aliyah is fundamentally an ideological choice  people wishing to rejoin their people, their religion and thinking of the future of their children, as well as the pressure of antisemitism.

While this is true in some cases, he said, his studies have led him to conclude that economic considerations are usually more important. The dominant engine of migration to Israel has been shown to be the economic situation in the countries of origin. If the situation in Israel is better, Israel is more attractive. If not, its less attractive, he said.

Yigal Palmor, head of international relations at the Jewish Agency for Israel, which facilitates Aliyah, told CNN: People have many motivations for coming to Israel. Antisemitism is one of them, but its certainly not the only motivation. Palmor confirmed the drop in Aliyah but said he had expected it to be more marked.

Many people are reluctant to come at this time, but others feel the need to stand by us, become Israelis and contribute to the country when it needs it most.

DellaPergola sees the changing migration picture as part of a wider uncertainty being felt by Jewish people around the world.

Everybodys unsatisfied and fearful and thinks theres a better pasture somewhere else but its not true. Theres no reserve duty in the West, no missiles, no alarms. On the other hand, you read about unbelievable antisemitic aggressions in Western countries, he said.

Jewish people are feeling very disorientated.

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The former Ohio middle school teacher who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing her daughters teenage babysitter in August has been sentenced for her heinous crimes.

Stefanie Erin Kellenberger, 41, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars for having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old, the Richland Source reported.

Kellenberger, an ex-sixth-grade English instructor at Shelby Middle School, had pleaded guilty to four counts of third-degree felony sexual battery and 17 counts of third-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a minor on Aug. 1.

Stefanie Erin Kellenberger was sentenced to 15 years behind bars for having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old. Jason J. Molyet/News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Prior to pleading guilty, she was presented with two options by prosecutors for her crimes: either 12 years flat prison time or 15 years with the possibility of judicial release after 10 years. She opted for the second option.

The sicko ex-teacher will also be required to register as a Tier III sex offender and re-register every 90 days for the rest of her life when she is released from prison.

Judge Brent Robinson assured the court that the 15-year sentence may be served in its entirety.

Dont let anybody be confused, this is a 15-year prison sentence with the hope that you (Kellenberger) come back in 10 years and youve been a model inmate  youve done everything you were supposed to do (and) you havent got in any trouble at all, Robinson said, according to the Richland Source.

Kellenberger also agreed to permanently surrender her teaching license, refrain from having any future contact with the victim, and spend five years on parole upon her release from prison.

Kellenberger, a former sixth-grade English teacher, pleaded guilty on Aug. 1 to multiple counts of sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Richland County Jail

At the time the abuse started in February 2020, Kellenbergers victim was just 13 years old, with the teacher starting to have sex with the girl after she turned 14 and continuing until she turned 16.

Kellenberger was put on paid administrative leave in February 2024 after her abuse came to light.

During her sentencing, she apologized to her victim, who also worked as a babysitter for her daughter.

I know that during this time, you were just a child and I was an adult in a position of trust. Im responsible for everything that happened between us, Kellenberger said.

I put you in a position that no 14- or 15-year-old should ever have to be in. Im so sorry for all of the emotional pain and hurt that Ive caused you. I hope that my guilty pleas and this sentence will provide some degree of closure for you as you move on with your life.

She also took the time to apologize to her young daughter.

Kellenberger also agreed to permanently surrender her teaching license, refrain from having any future contact with the victim, and spend five years on parole upon her release from prison. Shelby City School District

I deeply regret the position that I have put all of them in and the impact that this will have on my child, Kellenberger said.

I fully accept the consequences of my actions and the sentence that I will be receiving today.
Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Olivia Jade Giannulli.

NEED TO KNOW

Olivia Jade was spotted out in Paris attending the Coperni Fashion Week Show, after the news of her parents', Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli, separation

PEOPLE confirmed news that the couple  who are parents to Olivia Jade and Isabella Rose Giannulli  had split on Oct. 2

"They are living apart and taking a break from their marriage. There are no legal proceedings at this time," according to Loughlin's representative, Elizabeth Much.

Olivia Jade Giannulli is stepping out for the first time since news of her parents' separation broke.



On Oct. 2, PEOPLE confirmed that influencer's parents, Lori Loughlin and Massimo Giannulli  who are also parents to daughter Isabella Rose Giannulli  separated after nearly 28 years of marriage.



The influencer, 26, was spotted out in Paris, attending the Coperni Paris Fashion Week show. She sported a pair of black sunglasses and a black purse, as well as a light, white mini dress and black heels.



Last week, a representative for Loughlin, Elizabeth Much, told PEOPLE that the two "are living apart and taking a break from their marriage. There are no legal proceedings at this time."

Olivia Jade/ Instagram Olivia Jade, Lori Loughlin, Isabella Rose and Mossimo Giannulli.

News of the couple's split comes after Loughlin and her estranged husband listed their 11,800-square-foot mansion in Hidden Hills for $16.5 million in February, which the pair had purchased in 2020 for $9.5 million, PEOPLE previously confirmed.

In May 2020, Loughlin and Mossimo pleaded guilty to wire and mail fraud after they were accused of paying $500,000 for their daughters Olivia Jade Giannulli and Isabella Rose Giannulli's admission into the University of Southern California.



The two were falsely designated as recruits to the university's crew team even though neither ever participated in the sport.

In April 2024, Giannulli's mother gave her first major interview since the scandal.

While she did not address the scandal directly during her conversation with First for Women Magazine, she opened up about forgiveness and learning to move forward.

"I try to be a forgiving person. Im not one to hold onto stuff. Stuff happens to everyone. Weve all been in positions to ask for forgiveness but to ask for it, you have to learn and know how to give forgiveness, too," she said at the time.

"My family wasnt one to hold grudges. I didnt grow up in a household where if you made a mistake, you werent forgiven," she continued. "No one is perfect, we all make mistakes. So I was always told to let stuff go. And I think for your own health, you have to let things go because you cant hang on to negativity. Lifes too short."

Donato Sardella/Getty Mossimo Giannulli and Lori Loughlin.

News of the couple's separation also comes just months after their daughter's reported split from actor Jacob Elordi, which PEOPLE confirmed on Aug. 7.



However, just a month after news of their breakup was reported, sources told PEOPLE that the pair had, in fact, rekindled their relationship.

A source told PEOPLE exclusively on Sept. 15 that Giannulli and the Euphoria star, 28, were "seeing each other again."

Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Olivia Jade Gianulli.

"Even though theyve been on and off, they still talk all the time and remained close friends," the insider said of Elordi and Giannulli, who had been in an on-and-off-again relationship since 2021.



"Her family really likes him and they have the same circle of friends, the source added.



News of their rekindled romance comes one week after Giannulli showed up to support Elordi at the Toronto International Film Festival. The YouTube star was spotted by the actor's side on Sept. 8, at the premiere of his movie Frankenstein.

Read the original article on People
What options do you have if your WIC benefits are cut?

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  The government shutdown persists and the status of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, better known as WIC, has not yet been decided.

However, if these benefits are lost, what options are out there for the people who rely on them?

Governor Morrisey announces West Virginia receives signed agreement to reopen national parks during government shutdown

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, which funds the WIC Program, more than 30,000 West Virginians use WIC benefits to get food and necessities for themselves and their children.

But where can they go if the funds are cut?

Trena Dacal, Executive Director of United Way of Southern West Virginia, said you can always come to them for help.

They can reach out to 2-1-1. We can let them know about where local food pantries are located, where they can potentially find formula or other things at local baby needs pantries, and connect them with those resources that are closest to them, said Dacal.

The West Virginia 2-1-1 website said you can call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to be connected to someone who can point you in the right direction.

United Way of Southern WV is based out of Beckley, in Raleigh County, and Dacal added some resources she can recommend locally.

In Raleigh County, the Beckley Dream Center operates a baby pantry, so as far as equipment is concerned, formula, diapers, baby wipes, they can call there. Beckley Dream Center is associated with Family Worship Center. Also, Food for Body and Soul is a local food pantry. Its associated with Heart of God Ministries, its on Kanawha Street, and they do food distributions once a month, said Dacal.

U.S. Marine Band cancels Woodrow Wilson High performance due to government shutdown

Dacal said United Way of Southern West Virginia can recommend places like these in each of the seven counties they serve.

She said no matter what the outcome for WIC benefits, United Way will always be there to help.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Its tempting to flip to the end of Last Rites to read some of Ozzy Osbournes final thoughts written down mere weeks before his death.

But that would deny the pleasure of reading 345 pages of Osbournes plainspoken, expletive-peppered wit and negate the point of him sharing blunt descriptions of the physical agony he experienced his last several years.

Osbourne wrote Last Rites (Hachette Book Group, out now) with Chris Ayres, an author and contributing editor at British GQ who also cowrote Osbournes 2010 bestselling memoir, I Am Ozzy.

That book delved into Osbournes childhood in Birmingham, England; his evolution as the frontman for Black Sabbath and as a solo star; meeting Sharon, his manager and wife of 43 years at the time of his July death; and frightening substance indulgences.

Ozzy Osbourne's "Last Rites" was in the works for several years before his July 2025 death.

While there are still callbacks to some of the most famous myths and realities that followed his career  yes, he did bite the head off a dove in a record label meeting while 36 hours into a 72-hour bender, and yes, he did nip the neck of a bat thrown onstage at an Iowa concert and realized very quickly it wasnt made of rubber  this book focuses on the heartbreaking physical deterioration of the Prince of Darkness.

Its terrain also covered in the heartfelt new Paramount+ documentary, Ozzy: No Escape From Now. But in written form, Osbournes recollections about his numerous spinal surgeries that started after he misjudged the location of the bed after getting up for a nighttime bathroom visit and cracking his head on the floor rivet with conversational detail.

Much sadness is reported as Osbourne navigated not only surgeries, but staph infections, bouts of pneumonia, sepsis and blood clots, which all led to the end of a still-flourishing touring career. But there is also much love.

Osbourne frequently cites his adoration of Sharon (they agreed to be buried together years before his death), his children and the music that he says kept him alive.

At the end of the book, which son Jack says Osbourne finished days before his death at age 76, the rock icon is almost eerily contemplative.

I used to worry more about my mortality when I was younger, Osbourne writes. Its weird. You get closer to the end  the very thing you were scared of your whole life  and suddenly the weights lifted off you. Not that Im ready to go. But Ive had a good run. I think I made a mark on the world. And Im glad I didnt check out early, like so many others.

Here are some other revelations in Last Rites.

Ozzy Osbourne in the hospital when he first got a staph infection in his thumb.

Why Ozzy Osbourne thought Van Halen finished off Black Sabbath

After being upstaged years earlier by a nascent KISS as Black Sabbaths opening act, Osbourne and the band wanted a solid supporting act but you didnt want to upstage yourselves.

For Sabbaths 1978 Never Say Die! tour, a young little bar band in L.A. unknown at the time was tapped as openers. At the first date, Osbourne and his Sabbath mates watched from behind the stage as a 23-year-old Eddie Van Halen sank to his knees to play the revolutionary instrumental, Eruption.

Eddie is under the spotlight, his hands in places on the fretboard that shouldnt be possible, his fingers seeming to move faster than the speed of light, Osbourne recalls.

At that moment, Osbourne knew Sabbath was plodding where Van Halen was soaring. Metal was evolving and it felt like we werent keeping up, he says.

Ozzy Osbourne was unimpressed with Peter Jacksons Beatles documentary

After learning in 2021 that he needed another round of corrective surgeries to fix his disintegrating vertebrae  and again postpone a European tour  Osbourne says his hope of performing again was fading by the day.

But in the midst of his depression, he clung to the anticipation of watching Peter Jacksons The Beatles: Get Back released that holiday season, eager to see the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes footage of the band.

The documentary ended up being another disappointment in Osbournes life at the time, especially watching the dynamic among the band with Yoko Ono sitting in the studio.

Youre not seriously telling me that in the 60 hours of footage the director had, they were all happy and friendly? If wed had someone in Sabbath say, OK, my girlfriends gonna be here from now on, thered have been blood on the studio floor, Osbourne says. I thought it was gonna be one of those fly-on-the-wall things. But the fly on the wall must have been deaf and blind, cos it didnt see or hear anything interesting at all.

Ozzy Osbournes final show overwhelmed him with emotion

Two months before July's Back to the Beginning, the final concert Sharon had orchestrated in England for Osbourne to say goodbye to fans with a Black Sabbath reunion and a parade of hard rockers (Metallica, Steven Tyler, Tom Morello) paying tribute, Osbournes health nosedived. More vertebrae issues arose, followed by another bout with pneumonia and then, after another surgery to fill the cracks in my dodgy vertebra with human cement stuff, sepsis.

In late May, the Osbournes departed Los Angeles International Airport with most of their valuable possessions packed because Sharon was worried their home might get robbed since it was public knowledge that the family would be in England.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne (center) with daughter Kelly (left), son Jack (right) and their respective partners and children.

The day of the show, July 5, Osbourne became understandably nostalgic, thinking how his childhood home was a quarter of a mile away from Villa Park stadium now holding 42,000 fans chanting his name.

Apprehension set in as he was positioned on a throne that would rise from under the stage, but as soon as the curtain went up, I forgot about my nerves. Osbourne recalls choking up when he started Mama, Im Coming Home (Its Sharons song, yknow?) and then becoming overwhelmed by the emotion of the event.

Someone said in the papers it was like I was attending my own wake, which would be a very metal thing to do, Ozzy says. But it didnt feel like a funeral. It felt like a celebration.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ozzy Osbourne 'Last Rites' book shows a man who didn't fear death
Edwards Funeral Service, Hughes-Allen Chapel Royal Bates

NEED TO KNOW

Blake Bates pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday, Oct. 2 after his six-month-old son was mauled to death by his dog

The attack occurred on April 28, 2028 at their Marion, Ohio home

"The dog essentially crushed the child's skull," prosecutor Ray Grogan tells PEOPLE

An Ohio man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday, Oct. 2 after his 6-month-old son was mauled to death by his dog.

The Marion County prosecutor's office said Blake Bates dog mauled the infant on April 28, 2024, at his home in the City of Marion.



Prosecutors said Bates had been previously charged and warned a year earlier after the pit bull mix named Kilo tried to bite a neighborhood child.

On the day of the attack, April 28, 2024, Bates and his partner, Alyssa Smith, allowed the dog near the infant unsupervised with another young child, prosecutors said.

The dog attacked the infant, tearing into the baby's skull.

"The dog essentially crushed the child's skull," prosecutor Ray Grogan tells PEOPLE. "And as a result of that, the child's brain was severely damaged."

The boy was taken to Marion General Hospital and pronounced dead.

WBNS 10TV/YouTube Alyssa Smith and Blake Bates

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The dog was immediately seized and euthanized.



This guilty plea holds Bates accountable for a preventable horror that stole an innocent baby's life, Grogan said in a press release. Bates knew his pit bull was dangerous, yet he gambled with this baby's safety  recklessness that demands severe consequences.

According to prosecutors, Smith pleaded guilty to child endangering. She has yet to be sentenced, prosecutors said.

Bates faces up to three years in prison, according to prosecutors.

He also faces sentencing for other crimes including fourth-degree felony strangulation and third-degree felony escape attempt.



Everyone is responsible for the dogs they own, and  for aggressive dogs  those owners must take extra precautions, especially around kids, Grogan said, per the release.

Bates is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 27 in common pleas court.

Read the original article on People
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP)  Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday his first foreign trip, to Turkey and Lebanon next month, would provide a historic opportunity to promote Christian unity while bringing a message of peace and hope to Lebanon's long-suffering people and the broader Middle East.

Leo outlined the trip, announced by the Vatican Tuesday on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel, during an encounter with reporters as he left the papal country estate south of Rome.

Leo will travel first to Turkey from Nov. 27-30, then Lebanon from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. The trip to Turkey will include a pilgrimage to Iznik to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, Christianity's first ecumenical council.

The anniversary is an important moment in Catholic-Orthodox relations, since the 325 A.D. Nicea meeting predates the schisms that divided Christianitys East from West and is accepted by Catholic and Orthodox churches alike.

Leo told reporters as he left the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday that the anniversary offered a moment of authentic unity in the faith with Orthodox Christians, a historic moment not to look back but to look forward.

Francis had planned to mark it with his own trip to Turkey in May at the invitation of Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians. Francis died in April, and Leo said from the start of his pontificate that he intended to fulfill Francis' plans.

Christian community in Lebanon

The trip will give the first American pope a chance to speak in broad terms about peace in the Middle East and the plight of Christians there.

Leo told reporters he was also fulfilling a wish of Francis to go to Lebanon to embrace its people and bring a message of hope and peace in the Middle East, and in a country that has suffered so much.

Francis had long hoped to visit Lebanon, but the countrys political and economic instability prevented a visit during his lifetime. The Mediterranean nation of around 6 million, including more than 1 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees, has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East and is the only Arab country with a Christian head of state.

However, the Vatican fears the countrys instability has been particularly dangerous for the continued presence of its Christian community, a bulwark for the church in the Mideast.

Lebanon is currently struggling to recover after years of economic crisis and a bruising war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that ended with a U.S. and France-brokered ceasefire in November. Formation of a new, reformist government ended a two-year political vacuum and brought hopes of recovery but the situation remains tense.

Israel has continued to occupy five strategic points on the Lebanese side of the border and carry out near-daily airstrikes that it says aim to stop Hezbollah from regrouping. Hezbollah is under increasing domestic and international pressure to give up its remaining arsenal but has refused to do so until Israel withdraws and halts its strikes. There are fears of civil conflict if Lebanese authorities attempt to forcibly disarm the group.

'A sign of unity for all'

Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai, leader of Lebanons Maronite Church, said Lebanon awaited the pope's visit with great joy and renewed hope.

We hope that this apostolic visit to Lebanon will bring peace and stability and be a sign of unity for all Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike, at this critical stage in our nations history, he said in a statement.

The last pope to visit Lebanon was Pope Benedict XVI in September 2012 on what was the last foreign trip of his papacy.

About one-third of Lebanons population is believed to be Christian, though there is no official number since there hasnt been an official census since 1932. The Maronites are the largest and most powerful sect and, by convention, Lebanons president is always a Maronite Christian.

Tightrope over Mideast issues

The pope's trip was announced as Israel marked the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks and criticized the Vatican for what it considered to be problematic comments about the anniversary by the Vaticans top diplomat.

In an interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Pietro Parolin had condemned the inhuman massacre of innocent people in Israel by Hamas and the rise of antisemitism. But he also said Israels razing of Gaza was itself a disproportionate massacre, and called on countries to stop supplying Israel weapons to wage the war.

In a statement Tuesday on X, the Israeli Embassy to the Holy See said Parolins interview, though surely well-intentioned, risks undermining efforts to both end the war in Gaza and counter rising antisemitism.

It criticized his problematic use of moral equivalence by referring to massacres on both sides.

Leo declined to enter into the dispute on Tuesday. He has consistently called for peace and dialogue in the Middle East, especially as Israels offensive rages on in Gaza, and repeated that on Tuesday. He condemned the Oct. 7 attacks as terrorism and said terrorist groups were unacceptable.

But he also cited the 67,000 Palestinians killed in Israel's war in Gaza as evidence of how much hatred exists in the world."

It makes you think about how much violence and evil humans are capable of," he said. "We must reduce hatred, we must return to the ability to dialogue, to seek peaceful solutions.

___

Winfield contributed from Rome.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Procter & Gamble will halt business operations in Pakistan as part of its two-year restructuring plan, according to a news report.

The Cincinnati-based consumer products giant has disclosed it plans to wind down its manufacturing and commercial activities in Pakistan and rely on third-party distributors to continue to serve customers in the country, according to Reuters.

The Procter & Gamble world headquarters in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

P&G exit part of restructuring

The move comes after P&G said it would pull out of Bangladesh as part of its plans to cut 7,000 nonmanufacturing jobs, announced in summer. By mid-2027, the maker of Tide detergent and Gillette razors said it would cut 6.4% of its 109,000 employees worldwide to free up money to reinvest into its business.

P&Gs plans to slim down weigh heavily on its hometown where the company employs around 10,000 mostly office workers.

Procter & Gamble restructuring plans: Buyouts, brand sales and a CEO shakeup

International sales part of sluggish performance

P&Gs cuts come after its 2024 organic sales growth (which excludes the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures) slowed to a seven-year low. The company vowed to review its operations, including sluggish international markets.

In July, P&G revealed its core markets of the U.S., China, Japan, Canada and Western Europe saw organic sales growth of 2% last year versus enterprise markets lagged growing just 1%. P&G has exited whole countries before: last year it shut down operations in Argentina and Nigeria in 2023.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Procter & Gamble cuts operations in Pakistan amid restructuring
One of the most iconic symbols in Miami Beach is gone after crews with the Florida Department of Transportation removed the rainbow crosswalk from Ocean Drive on Sunday night.

The removal comes just days after the city lost its appeal to keep the crosswalk, following an order from FDOT to remove pavement art used for social, political or ideological messages or lose state funding.

Now, all of the colorful bricks are gone, covered by black pavement.

To many, including Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the walkway was a symbol of pride and resilience.

This is the story of peoples lives. Whove suffered decades of injustice, of inequality of discrimination. Then we overcame that, Fernandez said. That was the story being told by these bricks. We cant lose that.

The intersection on Monday. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

Fernandez joined more than a dozen people who held signs across the street chanting: Miami Beach, forever proud. Miami Beach, forever proud.

He said the removal came without warning.

All of a sudden all these FDOT trucks showed up, an army of workers, heavy machinery. No notice to our city, the commissioner said.

FDOT ordered cities to remove pavement art in August, saying the decision was about safety and having consistent roadways. Crosswalks in other Florida cities, like in Orlando outside the site of the Pulse night club massacre, have also been painted over to protests. Officials did not reply to a request for a statement.

Large crowds gathered around the intersection as the word continued, some angry and others hurt.

This represents blood, sweat and tears. I literally worked so hard on this sidewalk for so many years and struggled to come here and perform and share my art and craft, performer T.P. Lords said. It tears my heart to see it go away.

Resident Henry Stolar also had strong words for the removal.

The gay and lesbian community has contributed so much to Miami Beach over so many years. This is a terrible abuse of power, Stolar said.

The crosswalk in September. (Jen Golbeck / Sipa USA via AP file)

Jaminha Piazzetta has lived in Miami Beach for 35 years and works as a tour guide. She said she was giving a tour at the crosswalk when crews showed up.

We were like, No, no, no, she said. It hurts... I was with four people. I was telling the history and suddenly the trucks arrived.

Rainbow flags were hung above the crosswalk hours before the removal began in protest.

Miami Beach will forever be proud, Fernandez said. You can strip away the crosswalk, you wont strip away the values that run in the people of Miami Beach.

Fernandez said the city is hoping to collect the bricks that have been removed so that they can be repurposed.

This story originally appeared on NBC South Florida.
WASHINGTON  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., broke with her party Monday evening by calling for action on expiring Obamacare subsidies to avoid premium hikes, adding a prominent MAGA voice to the cause led by Democrats.

In a long post on X, Greene, the far-right MAGA firebrand, made it clear she was not in Congress when the 2010 law passed.

Lets just say as nicely as possible, Im not a fan, she wrote. But Im going to go against everyone on this issue because when the tax credits expire this year my own adult childrens insurance premiums for 2026 are going to DOUBLE, along with all the wonderful families and hard-working people in my district.

No Im not towing the party line on this, or playing loyalty games. Im a Republican and wont vote for illegals to have any tax payer funded healthcare or benefits. Im AMERICA ONLY!!! Greene added.

Wed like to hear from you about how youre experiencing the government shutdown, whether youre a federal employee who cant work right now or someone who is feeling the effects of shuttered services in your everyday life. Please contact us at tips@nbcuni.com or reach out to us here.

Extending expiring Obamacare funding is the top demand of Democrats during the government shutdown. The money expires at the end of this year.

Republicans are divided over the issue, with more than a dozen swing-district House members and some senators calling for an extension of the funds. But many conservatives in the party want the money to expire on schedule, and party leaders are noncommittal about whether they will extend it.

Asked about her position, Greene told NBC News, Its important to know that I am fighting this issue because all health insurance premiums are already extremely expensive and increasing health insurance premiums is going to crush people.

Its one of the top issues I hear about in my district, she said. Im conservative and obviously want to do everything I can to reduce spending and the overall national debt... However, I am unapologetically America-first to the point of being America-only and would rather spend money on Americans, helping Americans, rather than fund foreign wars and foreign countries.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., have insisted the health care funding issue will not be discussed until Democrats cave in on their present stance and reopen the government first.

On X, Greene said GOP leaders have not addressed the issue with the conference.

Im carving my own lane, she wrote. And Im absolutely disgusted that health insurance premiums will DOUBLE if the tax credits expire this year. Also, I think health insurance and all insurance is a scam, just be clear! Not a single Republican in leadership talked to us about this or has given us a plan to help Americans deal with their health insurance premiums DOUBLING!!!

Her post caught the eyes of at least one Democrat in Congress.

Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, the chair of the Progressive Caucus, wrote on X: I dont quote MTG often, but... Not a single Republican in leadership has given us a plan to help Americans deal with their health insurance premiums DOUBLING!!!
A screen capture from video shows trekkers leaving their campsite, as unusually heavy snow and rainfall pummeled the Himalayas, in the Tibet Region, China, October 5, 2025. Geshuang Chen/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT

A screen capture from video shows trekkers leaving their campsite, as unusually heavy snow and rainfall pummeled the Himalayas, in the Tibet Region, China, October 5, 2025. Geshuang Chen/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT

By Ryan Woo

BEIJING (Reuters) -More than 200 trekkers still stranded in freezing temperatures near the eastern face of Everest in Tibet are expected to be evacuated by Tuesday, a source familiar with the situation said, after unexpectedly strong snowstorms tore across western China.

Outdoor enthusiasts have flocked to China's rugged interior since an eight-day holiday began on October 1, but a sudden blizzard over the weekend caught off guard hundreds of hikers hoping to catch a glimpse of Everest's Kangshung face.

Their evacuation, which began on Monday, should be completed by Tuesday, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity in the absence of authorisation to speak to media on the matter. Tibet's regional government had no immediate comment.

FOLLOWING FOOTPRINTS IN HEAVY SNOW

Snow fell through Saturday in Tibet's remote Karma valley, at an average altitude of 4,200 m (13,800 ft). On Sunday, rescuers had guided about 350 stranded hikers to safety.

"Thankfully, some people ahead of us were breaking trail, leaving footprints we could follow - that made it a little easier," said Eric Wen, 41, adding that he trudged through 19 km (12 miles), most of it heavy snow, to leave the valley.

"Otherwise, it would've been impossible for us to make it out on our own."

There had been no official word on the condition of the remaining trekkers as of Tuesday evening, even though Chinese state media reported that communication with them had been established.

"If there is bad weather coming in, trekkers and climbers should alert local authorities exactly where they are and should stay in a safe place - either a shelter, lodge, or tent that is clear of avalanche zones or far from the riverbed or somehow sheltered," British mountaineer Adriana Brownlee told Reuters.

"All trekkers and climbers should always carry at least one satellite phone or tracking device."

First explored by Western travellers a century ago, the Karma valley is relatively pristine. But it is less visited compared to the north face of Everest, where there is road access. More than 540,000 tourists visited the Everest region last year, a new record.

'METRE OF SNOW'

The snowstorm also thwarted the plans of climbers guided by U.S.-based Madison Mountaineering to summit Cho Oyu, a 8,188-m (26,864-ft) peak on China's border with Nepal that is the world's sixth highest.

"A major storm suddenly developed and dumped over a metre of snow on Everest and the surrounding Himalayan peaks," expedition leader Garrett Madison told Reuters in a text message on Tuesday.

When the weather improves, they aim to resume their ascent.

North of Tibet, one trekker died of hypothermia and acute mountain sickness after being stranded by snowstorms on Sunday in a gully in the Qilian Mountains on the border of the western provinces of Qinghai and Gansu.

By Tuesday, all of the 251 hikers in the Qilian area who survived the snowstorms had been pulled to safety, China Central Television (CCTV) said.

Authorities further west in the region of Xinjiang suspended hiking and camping in the lake district of Kanas in the Altai mountains. Police have so far convinced more than 300 hikers heading for the area to turn back, the broadcaster said.

Police patrolling the area on Sunday had encountered a group of 16 hikers, one of whom, showing symptoms of hypothermia and unable to move, was taken to hospital and is now in stable condition, according to CCTV.

Highways in the area that had been covered by dangerous ice and snow, paralyzing road traffic including tourist buses, have since been cleared.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo and Beijing Newsroom, Joyce Zhou in Hong Kong and Gopal Sharma in Kathmandu; Editing by Kate Mayberry, Clarence Fernandez and Gareth Jones)
Lutsen Mountains Fall foliage views from the Lutsen Mountains gondola.

To see fall colors from the window of a car is lovely, but when youre suspended above the treetops, gliding through a sea of crimson and gold in a glass-walled gondola, things just feel different, and a bit more magical. Thankfully, you can experience that fall feeling and more at Lutsen Mountains.

The ski area located in northern Minnesota is known for its fall colors as much as it is for its snow. Each autumn, the resorts aerial Summit Express Gondola provides 365-degree views of the colors, along with sights of the Sawtooth Mountains and the dramatic coastline of Lake Superior. Occasional sightings of eagles, bears, pine martens, moose, and timber wolves from above add to the fun.

Related: 148 Best Travel Gear and Accessory Deals to Shop for Amazon Prime DayApple, Samsonite, and More, Up to 76% Off

The gondola drops off travelers at the top of Moose Mountain, where there is an expansive observation deck overlooking the lake, mountains, and rolling colors. From there, there is plenty of on-mountain hiking, and you can grab food and drinks at the Summit Chalet.

New this year is the Signature Gondola Experience, which is designed to make an outing at the resort even more seamless. Guests receive priority boarding, a private cabin to themselves, and a few small luxuriesa complimentary drink, house-baked cookies tucked into a goodie bag, and a coupon for a free appetizer at the newly opened Charlies Alpine Bistro, which has a lovely outdoor patio set below the gondola line.

The fall colors tend to arrive at Lutsen between mid-September and early October. The interactive Fall Color Map from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is a great way to determine when the fall colors will peak at Lutsen this year.

A round-trip ride on the Summit Express Gondola is $35 for adults, while the new Signature Gondola Experience starts at $120 for two people and is $250 for five or more guests (each gondola car can hold seven people). The gondola runs daily through October 19, with extended hours during three of the peak fall foliage weekends (Sept. 2728, Oct. 45, Oct. 1112).

Travelers who want to extend their fall visit to Lutsen will find plenty of on-mountain lodging, including the new Sunset Studios, which are just steps from the gondola and Charlies Alpine Bistro. Other Lutsen Mountains activities include hiking, biking, and a kid-approved alpine slideall with views of the mountains, lake, and fall foliage.



Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Justin Fuller, who died when a tandem jump went wrong, is believed to have taken part in more than 5,000 jumps - Facebook/Justin Fuller

A skydiving instructor was killed during a tandem jump after falling without a parachute in Nashville, Tennessee.

Justin Fuller, 35, became separated from his student during the skydive on Saturday afternoon.

The experienced instructor fell to his death after the two jumpers became stuck on the side of the plane in a tandem rig, police said.

His students reserve parachute deployed, saving his life. He was found by the Nashville fire department in a wooded area and freed from tree canopies by crews using ladders after he was suspended for hours.

It is not yet clear how Fuller was separated from his student and the safety equipment.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

Justin Fullers student was rescued after hours dangling from a tree in his emergency parachute

Three other skydivers, who had jumped before Fuller, landed safely with no difficulties.

Fuller is reported to have taken part in more than 5,000 jumps. Luke Goodgion, his friend, paid tribute to Fuller, who had earned the Spidey nickname. It has been difficult, he was the epitome of a friend, he told Fox Nashville.

Tributes were paid to Fuller, who was nicknamed Spidey - facebook.com/justin.fuller

Nashville Police said in a statement: Fuller and a 46-year-old student became stuck on the side of the plane in a tandem rig. Fuller became separated from the rig and fell from the sky.

The students emergency parachute deployed and he became lodged in a tree. A helicopter crew spotted him and he was rescued by the Nashville Fire Department. A separate MNPD helicopter crew located Fuller later Saturday.

Referring to the survivor, Nashville fire department said: NFD rescuer safely reached the parachute jumper, freed him from the harness and assisted him down the ladder using a pulley system.

Patient is awake, alert and in stable condition after being suspended for hours. Patient will be transported to the hospital as a precaution.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Ivy C. / Yelp

Move over, pumpkin spice, because Starbucks is already gearing up for the winter holidays. The coffee chain just announced its winter menu, and we cant wait to get into the holiday spirit with a hot eggnog latte  sipped from a new dual-branded Starbucks Hello Kitty mug. Here are the details on Starbucks holiday menu, which drops on November 6.

Starbucks Holiday Drinks

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha: Espresso with steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint-flavored syrup, topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls, and served hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino

Caramel Brulee Latte: Espresso with steamed milk and caramel brulee sauce, topped with whipped cream and caramel brulee topping and served hot, iced or as a Frappuccino

Iced Sugar Cookie Latte: Sugar cookie-flavored syrup with blonde espresso, ice, and milk, topped with red and green sprinkles and served hot, iced or as a Frappuccino

Iced Gingerbread Chai: Chai spices, creamy oat milk, and ice, topped with nondairy gingerbread-flavored cold foam and spice topping

Chestnut Praline Latte: Espresso, steamed mil,k and flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices, topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs and served hot, iced, or as a Frappuccino

Eggnog Latte: Espresso, steamed eggnog, a splash of milk, and a topping of nutmeg

Starbucks Holiday Food

Mountain_sky20/Reddit.com

Snowman Cookie

Cranberry Bliss Bar

Sugar Plum Cheese Danish

Polar Bear Cake Pop

Cinnamon Pull-Apart Bread

The Starbucks and Hello Kitty Collaboration

Starbucks

Were guessing theres a pretty big overlap of Starbucks and Hello Kitty fans, and now theyll be able to get some co-branded merch. Along with the holiday fare, the company is releasing the Hello Kitty merch on November 6 so theres plenty of time before Christmas gift giving starts.

Theres a ceramic mug complete with red bow-festooned lid, stainless steel or plastic cold cups, a water bottle, a stainless steel tumbler, and our favorite, a Hello Kitty plush wearing a green Starbucks apron. Theyve all got the totally kawaii together in fun forever saying on them.

Starbucks Red Cup Day 2025

artulus/Reddit.com

Red Cup Day is an unofficial holiday for Starbucks super fans. It marks the start of the holiday drinks season, and anyone who orders select holiday drinks on that day gets a festive, free reusable cup.



Although Starbucks has announced that Red Cup Day will take place in 2025, it has remained silent on the exact date. If the pattern of past years holds, you should probably mark your calendar for Thursday, November 13, 2025.

More Fast-Food News From Cheapism
Andrew Caballero-reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A group of students walk past the US Supreme Court, October 7, 2025, in Washington.

In a case at the heart of debate over how best to care for young people struggling with their sexuality or gender identity, the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday signaled that state restrictions on what licensed counselors can say in conversations with adolescents might run afoul of the First Amendment.

The justices heard oral arguments in a dispute from Colorado over the state's 2019 law banning so-called "conversion therapy" for minors -- or, efforts to change an individuals sexual orientation or gender identity during talk therapy treatment.

The law says therapists licensed by the state are not allowed to try to "change behaviors or gender expressions" or try to "eliminate or reduce" same-sex attraction, but they are allowed to provide "acceptance, support, and understanding" as a child develops.

Violators face up to a $5000 fine and potential loss of license.

Twenty-seven states, including Colorado, have restricted the practice -- often on a bipartisan basis -- because of the medical and mental health professionals consensus view that it is ineffective and potentially harmful.

ABC News - PHOTO: Kayley Chiles of Colorado Springs, Colo., has been a licensed therapist for 10 years offering faith-informed counseling services.

A Christian licensed therapist from Colorado Springs, Kaley Chiles, brought the legal challenge, alleging the law violates her free speech rights and prevents her from openly talking with clients about their desire to rid themselves of same-sex attractions or better align with their biological sex.

The case also implicates the rights of parents in search of mental health care for children during puberty, and protections for LGBTQ young people in search of greater societal acceptance.

"This court has recognized many times," said Chiles attorney James Campbell during oral arguments, "that a one-on-one conversation is a form of speech. And that's exactly what's going on with Ms. Chiles and her clients."

Over the six years during which the law has been in effect, no counselor has been disciplined or fined by the state for allegedly engaging in prohibited treatment practices. Chiles alleges it has had a chilling effect.

Colorado argues the law is a legitimate regulation of medical treatment in line with a widely recognized standard of care and that any infringement on a licensed counselors speech is merely incidental.

"This has been an area that has been heavily regulated from the beginning of our country. And no one has ever suggested that a doctor has a First Amendment defense to say the wrong advice to their patient," Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson told the justices.

ABC News - PHOTO: Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaks with ABC News correspondent Devin Dwyer about a state ban on conversion therapy for minors.

Several of the courts conservative members appeared troubled by the states argument, suggesting they see a distinction between the practice of medicine -- which can be regulated as professional conduct -- and talk therapy conversation -- which is professional speech.

In a 2018 decision, the court narrowly ruled that any content-based regulations of professional speech run the risk of government censorship.

"I don't really see a difference between the argument that you're making now and the argument that I thought we rejected in [2018]," Justice Samuel Alito told Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson.

The justices also wrestled with the role of science in the debate, with several conservatives questioning whether there was, in fact, sufficient evidence that talk therapy aimed at helping a child change his or her identity was harmful.

"The medical consensus is usually very reasonable and its very important. But have there been times when the medical consensus has been politicized, has been taken over by ideology? Isnt it a fact that its happened in the past?" said Alito.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson appeared most supportive of Colorados law and invoked the courts June decision upholding Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

"In Skrmetti," Jackson said of the case, "we had a state that wanted to prohibit certain medical treatment, gender-affirming care, being given to minors in the form of medication. And we said that was okay.

"Here, we have a state that wants to prohibit gender-related medical treatment in the form of talk therapy, but we now have the First Amendment that is inhibiting the state's ability to do that," Jackson said. "Im just, from a very, very broad perspective, concerned about making sure that we have equivalence with respect to these things."

If a majority of the justices believe the First Amendment applies to talk therapy, they could return the Colorado case to a lower court for further consideration of whether there is sufficient evidence to still support the states goal of protecting kids by restricting "conversion therapy."

Andrew Caballero-reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Demonstrators pose for a photo as they protest against conversion therapy outside the US Supreme Court as the Court hears oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a landmark case on conversion therapy, on October 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

The court could alternatively answer that question itself and resolve the case one way or the other.

"All remand would do in this case is continue to prolong the ongoing harm that's happening not only to my client but, more importantly, the kids who are struggling with gender dysphoria," Chiles attorney Campbell told the justices.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the justice most frequently in the courts majority in recent years, remained silent for the duration of the argument and did not ask any questions.

"No court has ever held a law like this implicates the First Amendment," concluded Stevenson. "The law applies only to treatments, that is, only when a licensed professional is delivering clinical care to an individual patient  A state cannot lose its power to regulate the very professionals that it licenses just because they are using words."

The court is expected to issue a decision in the case -- Chiles v. Salazar -- by the end of June 2026.
Washington  The Supreme Court on Tuesday grappled with a Colorado counselor's challenge to the state's ban on "conversion therapy" for minors.

The case was brought by Kaley Chiles, who argued the state's restriction unconstitutionally censors conversations about gender dysphoria and sexual orientation that she seeks to have with young patients. Chiles, who is Christian, said she wants to engage in talk therapy with minor clients who want to "reduce or eliminate unwanted sexual attractions, change sexual behaviors, or grow in the experience of harmony with [their] physical body."

But she said she fears that having those conversations with young patients puts her at risk of violating Colorado's law. Lower courts ruled against Chiles, finding Colorado's law regulates professional conduct.

An issue at the center of the dispute, known as Chiles v. Salazar, is whether Colorado's ban regulates Chiles' professional conduct or her speech. Shannon Stevenson, Colorado's solicitor general, told the justices its law only regulates medical treatments and practices provided by a counselors licensed by the state. Jim Campbell, who argued on behalf of Chiles, told the court that the law seeks to transform therapists into "mouthpieces for the government."

Colorado's conversion therapy ban

Called the Minor Conversion Therapy Law, Colorado's ban was enacted in 2019 and prohibits mental health professionals from engaging in any practice or treatment, including talk therapy, that attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to "change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attraction or feelings toward individuals of the same sex."

Violators face fines of up to $5,000 and risk being suspended from practicing or stripped of their license. Colorado is one of more than 20 states that have enacted bans on "conversion therapy."

Several years after Colorado's law took effect, Chiles sued state licensing officials, arguing that the ban violates her free speech rights by censoring her conversations with patients based on viewpoint and the content of those discussions.

Colorado has not taken any disciplinary action against Chiles or any other licensed therapist for violating the ban, it said in court papers, and the state asserts that the talk therapy Chiles' aims to provide wouldn't defy its law because she expressly doesn't seek to change a patient's gender identity or sexual orientation.

"The only thing that the law prohibits therapists from doing is performing a treatment that seeks the predetermined outcome of changing a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity because that treatment is unsafe and ineffective," they wrote in a filing with the Supreme Court.

But Campbell told the court that anonymous complaints have been filed against Chiles in recent weeks that the state is now investigating. He argued that there remains a "credible threat of enforcement" against her.

At least two of the justices appeared skeptical of Colorado's interpretation of the law and its claim that Chiles would not be violating it with the types of discussions she wants to have with patients. Justice Neil Gorsuch called the state's reading of the law "peculiar," while Justice Samuel Alito questioned how Stevenson "can square your interpretation" of the law with its plain meaning.

Campbell argued that Colorado's ban forbids licensed counselors from helping minors pursue "state disfavored goals" on issues of gender and sexuality. The law prevents families and teens who want to address gender dysphoria by aligning identity and sex from working with a licensed counselor to help reach that goal. But practices that provide assistance to patients undergoing gender transition are allowed under the law, he said.

The law "undermines the well-being" of children struggling with gender dysphoria by restricting their access to certain kinds of talk therapy, Campbell said, and he argued Chiles is being "silenced" every day that Colorado's ban can be enforced against her.

"The Free Speech Clause forbids the State from censoring mutual conversations on important topics. This includes discussions between counselors and clients on deeply personal issues," lawyers with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal advocacy group that is representing Chiles, wrote in filings. "Colorado's viewpoint-based intrusion into the counseling room is unconstitutional."

Campbell argued that the high court "has recognized many times" that one-on-one conversation, which is Chiles' method of treatment, is a form of speech.

"She's encouraging them to achieve their goals," he said of Chiles' discussions with clients, adding that "this is an ongoing active dialogue" that "absolutely has to be protected" by the First Amendment.

But state officials said there is a long history of states regulating the health care profession to protect patients from harmful practices, and the First Amendment has never barred states from doing that. Colorado pointed to medical malpractice laws and other licensing regimes, which lawyers said have long covered mental health and other treatments performed with words.

Stevenson, who argued on behalf of Colorado, said its law is a "reasonable regulation" of professional conduct. She told the justices that therapists have a fiduciary duty to protect their clients from substandard care.

Additionally, they have argued conversion therapy is ineffective and associated with depression, anxiety, loss of faith and suicidality, regardless of how it is performed. Major medical associations have warned that efforts to change a patient's sexual orientation or gender identity are potentially harmful to young people and not supported by credible scientific evidence.

Colorado officials also refuted Chiles' claim that the state is trying to tamp down on certain speech  discouraging gender transition  that it disfavors.

"At no time has the First Amendment been understood to confer on professionals a constitutional right to use words to deliver treatment that violates the standard of care," they argued.

During the arguments, Alito asked Stevenson if a post-adolescent male is attracted to other males and wants a therapist's help in ending or lessening that attraction, would that be banned under Colorado's statute?

Stevenson said it turns on whether the purpose of the treatment is to change the individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. If the patient wanted a counselor's help to become straight, that would be banned, she acknowledged, but if the patient were being advised on how to cope with his sexuality, that would be allowed.

She argued that there are harms that result from conversion therapy, which posits that "you can change this innate thing about yourself."

Both Alito and Justice Elena Kagan raised the possibility that applying the statute could result in viewpoint discrimination. Kagan said that if we're in "normal free speech-land  rather than in this kind of doctor-land," if the male in Alito's example identifies as gay and is told by a therapist that he'll be helped to accept that, that is acceptable. But if the male is told we're "going to help you change," that is not.

"One of those is permissible and the other is not, that seems like viewpoint discrimination in the way we would normally understand viewpoint discrimination," she said.

Stevenson said she agreed, but said it underscored why medical treatment has to be treated differently.

Colorado lawyers and those backing the state have also warned that if Chiles' prevails, it would destabilize longstanding health care regulation and gut states' power to ensure mental health professionals adhere to the standard of care.

The Trump administration is backing Chiles in the case, but told the Supreme Court in a filing that it should send the case back to lower courts to take another look at the law.

"Colorado is muzzling one side of an ongoing debate in the mental-health community about how to discuss questions of gender and sexuality with children," Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in a filing. "Under the First Amendment, the State bears a heavy burden to justify that content-based restriction on protected speech."

A few justices, including Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson, raised the idea of sending the case back to the lower courts to review the Colorado law under strict scrutiny, the most demanding level of judicial review. Why wouldn't we do that? Jackson asked Campbell.

He responded that Chiles continues to suffer irreparable harm and "is being silenced" because of concerns she could violate Colorado's ban, while children who need help are "being left without support."

A decision from the Supreme Court is expected by the end of June or early July.

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WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court is diving back into the culture wars, debating whether states can block licensed therapists from attempting to change a young person's sexuality or gender identity.

In Oct. 7 oral arguments, the conservative court sounded sympathetic to a Christian counselor's claim that Colorado's ban on "conversion therapy" violates her free speech rights.

Colorado officials argued the state's 2019 law  which is similar to restrictions in about half the states  is needed because of overwhelming evidence that conversion therapy harms young people, including by increasing the risk of depression and suicide.

Miley Cyrus and other celebs shun conversion therapy as Supreme Court decides

Demonstrators gather outside Supreme Court over conversion therapy case Demonstrators protest against conversion therapy outside the Supreme Court as the Court hears oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a landmark case on conversion therapy, on Oct. 7, 2025, in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court will hear a challenge today by a Christian therapist to a Colorado law that bans "conversion therapy" for minors who are questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. The case was brought by Kaley Chiles, a licensed mental health counselor who argues that the prohibition from holding such conversations with minors is a violation of her First Amendment free speech rights.

A lawyer for counselor Kaley Chiles argued the Colorado law infringes on her free speech rights because Chiles' treatment of patients only involves talking. Colorado's solicitor general, citing studies that show conversion therapy to be harmful, told the justices the law is about standards of professional care  not Chiles' speech.

"Medical professionals should not be given a First Amendment right to harm patients with substandard care," Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said on social media after the arguments concluded.

The case comes months after the high court ruled in June that states can ban gender affirming care for minors. And the justices will consider later this term whether states can prevent transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams.

These celebrities spoke out on conversion therapy

Hollywood celebrities have long been outspoken about conversion therapy, a controversial approach that has triggered support and widespread backlash.

Miley Cyrus - pictured here after winning the Record of the Year at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 4, 2024 - has said she stopped going to her church after her gay friends were sent to conversion therapy.

SNL star Bowen Yang - pictured at the 97th Oscars in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025 - has said his parents sent him to conversion therapy, creating "very dangerous situations."

From Bowen Yang to Miley Cyrus and a "Mean Girls" funnyman, here are some of the big names who have been open about their own experiences with conversion therapy.

In 2020, actress and pop superstar Miley Cyrus said she stopped going to her church after her gay friends were sent to conversion therapy."The reason why I left my church is that they werent being accepted," Cyrus reportedly told told beauty mogul Hailey Bieber. "They were being sent to conversion therapies."

"Saturday Night Live" star and "Wicked" franchise actor Bowen Yang told People in 2021 he was sent to gay conversion therapy by his parents when he was a teenager. " There was a huge chasm of misunderstanding," Yang told the outlet. "Neither side really understood where the other was coming from, and it led to very dangerous situations overall."

Beloved "Mean Girls" star Daniel Franzese  who plays Janet Ian's gay best friend in the 2004 comedy  told Page Six in 2022 that he was "brainwashed" into an estrangement with his mother during conversion therapy when he was 21. "I went to one-on-one therapy sessions with a person who was trying to change me straight and make me pray the gay away and alienate all my allies."

Trans and non-binary star Indya Moore, who uses she/they pronouns, recounted their experiences with conversion therapy in 2019. "I went to my junior prom and the next day my parents took me to a psychiatrist to cure me. Thankfully, I had a really good shrink, who at the end of our several sessions called my parents in and said, 'You have a choice here: You can try and change him and lose him, or you can accept him and love him,'" Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter in 2020. "I was very blessed."

--Jay Stahl

Police make gun arrest near Supreme Court

United States Capitol Police detain a man across the street from the Supreme Court, where protesters rally over Colorado's ban on providing conversion therapy to LGBTQ+ children.

Across the street from the Supreme Court, where a group of demonstrators rallied in support of Colorados conversion therapy ban, U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man on a firearm charge.

Police handcuffed the man and put him in a squad car as a crowd of onlookers watched. A sizable police presence responded and officers closed off a portion of First Street Northeast.

Capitol Police said in a statement the man was working as private security in the area and has been arrested on a charge of carrying a pistol without a license.

--Chris Cann

Therapist's lawyer says law harms children struggling with gender identity

Jim Campbell, the lawyer for the therapist challenging Colorado's law, wrapped up his arguments by saying the evidence is on his client's side when it comes to children struggling with gender identity.

That issue is in dispute among medical bodies. Major American medical organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics support gender-affirming medical care for minors.

Protesters rally outside the Supreme Court as the justices hears oral arguments on whether Colorado's ban on providing conversion therapy to LGBTQ+ children violates a private therapist's rights to free speech, in Washington, D.C., on October 7, 2025.

However, some European countries have increased restrictions in recent years. That includes England's National Health Service following the so-called "Cass report," a review that questioned the degree of evidence for certain treatments.

Campbell argued that there are statistics to support the conclusion that the vast majority of young people struggling with gender identity before puberty "work their way through it and realign their identity with their sex."

"But if one of those children go to a counselor and they specifically say, 'That is the help I want, realigning my identity with their sex,' they cannot receive that help from someone like my client," Campbell said.

"Once they start down the path of social transition, it will lead to the route of medicalized transition, which the Cass report tells us comes with a lot of harm and devastation," Campbell added.

--Aysha Bagchi

Conversion therapy has no record of success, lawyer tells justices

Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked for a summary of the alleged harm from conversion therapy and Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson said 100 years of research found no support for it.

Supreme Court weighs conversion therapy: Whats at stake for kids

A man wears a shirt reading "conversion therapy dropout" gathers with demonstrators outside the Supreme Court as the justices hear oral arguements in Chiles v. Salazar, a landmark case on conversion therapy, on October 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Stevenson cited a study of 34,000 people who were 13 to 25 years old who had gone through conversion therapy and found twice the rate of suicide attempts. She cited another study of 27,000 people considering changing their gender identity and found association with suicide attempts.

People have been trying to do conversion therapy for 100 years with no record of success, Stevenson said. The harm from it comes not from the aversive practice, it comes from telling someone there is something innate about yourself you can change, and then you spend all kinds of time an effort to do that and you fail.

--Bart Jansen

Colorado seeks 'narrow' carve-out for First Amendment protections for professionals

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson gave Colorado an opportunity to say how the court could uphold the states ban while being consistent with a previous Supreme Court ruling about professional speech.

In that 2018 case, the court said speech from professionals still has First Amendment protections.

Shannon Stevenson, Colorados solicitor general, said the state is focused on the very narrow context when a healthcare provider has a fiduciary responsibility to act in a patients best interest.

Jackson reiterated that Colorado is pushing a very narrow carve-out for professional speech.

--Maureen Groppe

Kagan concerned Colorado law could violate free speech

Justice Elena Kagan, one of the court's three liberals, expressed some concern over whether the Colorado ban improperly regulates speech. She asked Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson to assume the case is being evaluated as a free speech case, rather than as a case about a doctor's treatment.

Kagan noted that the Supreme Court has interpreted the First Amendment to provide protections against laws that target speech based on the viewpoint being expressed.

"If a doctor says, 'I know you identify as gay, and I'm going to help you accept that,' and another doctor says, 'I know you identify as gay, and I'm going to help you to change that,' and one of those is permissible, and the other is not, that seems like viewpoint discrimination," Kagan said.

Stevenson agreed with Kagan's reasoning but disagreed with the premise. She said Colorado's law is targeting medical treatment, and the law is driven by an assessment that the medical treatment is harmful.

People gather in prayer outside the Supreme Court as the justices hears oral arguments on whether Colorado's ban on providing conversion therapy to LGBTQ+ children violates a private therapist's rights to free speech in Washington, D.C., on October 7, 2025.

"That's the driving force behind regulating the particular practice," Stevenson said.

--Aysha Bagchi

Barrett asked how high court should resolve treatment dispute

Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked how the justices should rule if they find a dispute between how Colorado and Tennessee, for example, regulate conversion therapy differently.

But Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson said there is no dispute about the standard of care because no medical experts had stepped forward in the case to support conversion therapy.

The state can show were regulating a treatment and were regulating consistent with the standard of care, Stevenson said. There is a confirmation, a security that the court can have that there is no other motive going on to suppress viewpoints or expression.

A man wears a shirt reading "conversion therapy sucks" outside the US Supreme Court as the Court hears oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a landmark case on "conversion therapy," on Oct. 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Barrett said there could be a dispute about treatment.

I think you could have that, Barrett said. In my hypothetical, Im saying there might be a dispute in the medical community.

But Stevenson said if there were multiple treatments possible, the choice could be litigated between competing experts, like in a malpractice case. Stevenson said there was no dispute.

If Chiles could put on an expert to show that conversion therapy is inside the standard of care, I think we wouldnt be here, Stevenson said.

--Bart Jansen

Alito cites 'plain meaning' of Colorado law

Justice Samuel Alito raised the example of a young male telling a therapist hes attracted to other men and wants to lessen that attraction. Can the therapist help, Alito asked Colorados attorney.

Shannon Stevenson said the therapist cant help if the adolescent said he wants to become straight. But she can help him cope with his feelings about it.

Alito said that explanation does not make sense under the plain meaning of Colorados law.

--Maureen Groppe

Jackson compares Colorado law with Tennessee ban on transgender care for minors

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson questioned DOJ lawyer Hashim Mooppan about whether the Colorado law banning conversion therapy is similar to a Tennessee ban on transgender-affirming medical care for minors. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court ruled that the Tennessee ban is constitutional.

"The regulations work in basically the same way, and the question of scrutiny applies in both contexts," Jackson said. "So it just seems odd to me that we might have a different result here."

A woman demonstrating in support of conversion therapy wears shoes reading "Make America Great Again" outside the Supreme Court during oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a landmark case on conversion therapy, on October 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

"I'm just, from a very, very broad perspective, concerned about making sure that we have equivalence with respect to these things," Jackson added.

Mooppan said the difference comes down to talk therapy involving speech, which has First Amendment protections.

"Well, from a very broad perspective, there shouldn't be equivalence, because obviously we have a First Amendment," Mooppan said.

--Aysha Bagchi

Colorado lawyer calls conversion therapy ineffective, harmful

Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson said courts have long upheld the governments power to regulate healthcare, particularly against ineffective, harmful treatment at stake in the conversion therapy case.

Colorado licensed counselor Kaley Chiles

Colorados law lies at the bulls-eye center of this protection, Stevenson said. This treatment does not work and carries great risk of harm.

Stevenson said Chiles provided no expert, no studies and no medical health professional endorsing conversion therapy. Stevenson said the treatment isn't protected by the First Amendment just because the therapy was talking.

A healthcare provider cannot be free to violate the standard of care just because they are using words, Stevenson said. A state cannot be required to let its vulnerable young people to waste their time and money on an ineffective, harmful treatment because that treatment is delivered through words.

--Bart Jansen

Thomas asks about states exception for non-licensed counselors

Justice Clarence Thomas asked Colorados lawyer about the laws exception for non-licensed therapists. Why is the counseling different if its provided by a minister who is not covered by the law, he asked.

Shannon Stevenson, Colorados solicitor general, said patients have a different expectation when theyre seeing a therapist licensed by the state.

Youre expecting information that is complying with the standard of care, she said.

--Maureen Groppe

DOJ: Malpractice laws are different from Colorados conversion therapy ban

Hashim Mooppan, the attorney for the Justice Department, said malpractice laws function differently than the kind of regulation Colorado has imposed on therapists.

Under the First Amendment, he said, its very important to let someone speak first before challenging what theyve said, rather than categorically banning certain speech.

--Maureen Groppe

Barrett asks whether Supreme Court should resolve case itself

Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked a Justice Department lawyer whether the high court should resolve the case itself or send it back to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for more review.

Demonstrators protest in favor of a ban on conversion therapy outside the US Supreme Court on October 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Hashim Mooppan, the principal deputy solicitor general, said the Supreme Court should resolve the case itself because the evidence is clear that the Colorado law cant satisfy the courts review.

There is ongoing irreparable harm to Chiles, Mooppan said.

--Bart Jansen

Justice Department lawyer urges justices to scrutinize Colorado law

Hashim Mooppan, a lawyer at the Justice Department, argued in an opening statement for the U.S. government that the Colorado law is restricting speech based on the content of the speech and the viewpoint of the speaker. Mooppan said that means the Colorado law should face a high constitutional hurdle.

His argument echoes the argument the DOJ made in a brief it submitted to the Supreme Court ahead of oral arguments.

"Colorado is muzzling one side of an ongoing debate in the mental-health community about how to discuss questions of gender and sexuality with children," the Justice Department said. "Under the First Amendment, the State bears a heavy burden to justify that content-based restriction on protected speech."

--Aysha Bagchi

DOJ points to past consensus that homosexuality was a mental illness

One problem with Colorados position, an attorney for the Justice Department argued, is that the medical community has changed its position on homosexuality.

As recently as the 1970s, it was the professional consensus that being gay was a mental illness, said Hashim Mooppan, principal deputy solicitor general.

Under Colorados logic, Mooppan said, states in the 1970s could have made it illegal to counsel someone that it was OK to be gay.

The American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental illness in 1973.

--Maureen Groppe

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asks how case fits under First Amendment

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked how Chiles, who simply talks to clients, was different from medical professionals who might prescribe medicine and whom the state regulates.

Demonstrators protest outside the US Supreme Court as the Court hears oral arguments in a landmark case on conversion therapy, on October 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Its just a little puzzling to me that she would stand in a different position than a medical professional who has exactly the same goals and exactly the same interests and would be prescribing medication for that rather than her talking with the client, Jackson said.

Jim Campbell, who represents Chiles, said one-on-one conversation counts as speech protected under the First Amendment.

This is an ongoing, active dialogue, Campbell said. That absolutely has to be protected by the First Amendment.

--Bart Jansen

Sotomayor probes what proof of harm Colorado must show

Justice Sonia Sotomayor questioned whether Colorado has to prove that talk therapy is harmful.

The state, she said, wouldnt have to produce a study to back up the fact that anorexics shouldnt be encouraged to restrict their food.

Jim Campbell, the attorney for the therapist, said thats a different situation. While encouraging an anorexic to eat less is clearly harmful, he said, there is debated science about how best to help people with gender dysphoria, he said.

--Maureen Groppe

Sotomayor considers pathway to avoid free speech ruling

Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the state of Colorado has disavowed prosecuting Chiles, and that may mean Chiles isn't injured in the type of way that legally allows her to sue. If that were the case, the Supreme Court could decide to dismiss the case without ruling on whether Colorado's law is constitutional.

Sotomayor highlighted that Chiles' therapy doesn't involve encouraging a client to vomit or to undergo electric shock treatment in order to change sexual orientation or gender identity. The justice characterized those tactics as the typical types of conversion treatments that, under the Colorado law, are banned.

"The state is actively investigating our client," Jim Campbell, Chiles' lawyer, responded. He suggested that shows Chiles could be prosecuted, and that the language of Colorado's ban applies to the type of therapy Chiles performs.

--Aysha Bagchi

Barrett asks if therapist is vulnerable to malpractice lawsuit

Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked Chiles lawyer whether she would be vulnerable to a malpractice lawsuit.

A man outside the Supreme Court carries a sign in support of a landmark challenge to a Colorado law banning "conversion therapy" for minors, on October 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

She would have the protection of the rigorous elements of malpractice, Campbell said. She would be able to show that she is not violating the standard of care, he added. She would be able to show that there is no harm and no causation.

Barrett said that could lead to a battle of experts over the appropriate standard of care for Chiles patients. Campbell said a malpractice lawsuit would generally protect Chiles First Amendment right to free speech, which is what shes arguing for in the Supreme Court case.

The elements of malpractice are generally sufficient to protect free speech, Campbell said.

--Bart Jansen

Freedom of speech and religious liberty top of mind for opponents of Colorado law

Several people who waited in line to hear oral arguments in person opposed Colorados ban and similar measures in others states.

Kevin Watchman, 23, said Colorados conversion therapy ban is one sided and infringes on religious freedom. As a Christian, this is concerning for me, he said.

Demonstrators pose for a photo as they protest against conversion therapy outside the US Supreme Court as the Court hears oral arguments in Chiles v. Salazar, a landmark case on conversion therapy, on October 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Nate Oyloe, who filed an amicus brief in support of Chiles, said the case is about freedom of speech and religious liberty. The church should have the freedom to speak what they believe to be true, he said.

Oyloe said he struggled with his sexuality as a teenager and was helped by conversion therapy.

I wanted my sexuality to be in agreement with my faith, he said. Thirty years later Im married and I have three kids  all through the help of qualified mental health caregivers.

--Christopher Cann

Chief Justice Roberts asks about treatments that go beyond talk

Chief Justice John Roberts asked the therapists lawyer if he would still have a challenge if the treatment involved something in addition to speech, such as administering medication.

The attorney, Jim Campbell, responded that the analysis changes when speech is incidental  not central  to the treatment. And it depends how closely the two are connected.

Here, were just in First Amendment land where there is full, robust protection, he said.

--Maureen Groppe

Therapists lawyer says Colorado is censoring speech it opposes

Members of the group "Concerned Women for America" pray outside the Supreme Court as it hears oral arguments in a landmark case on "conversion therapy," on October 7, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Colorado is trying to ban voluntary conversations censoring widely held views on debated moral, religious and scientific questions, the lawyer representing counselor Kaley Chiles said in his opening argument.

States cant transform counselors into mouthpieces for the government, attorney Jim Campbell said.

And he told the justices that Colorado hasnt proven the type of talk therapy that Chiles wants to engage in is harmful.

--Maureen Groppe

Clash of visions over what's right for young patients

Colorado argues that states have long had the ability to protect patients by regulating health care professionals. State officials also say the evidence shows trying to change someones sexual orientation or gender identity doesnt work and can lead to depression, anxiety, loss of faith and suicidal thoughts.

Kaley Chiles, the counselor challenging the ban said shes engaging in voluntary conversations with clients and theres no evidence that her approach is harmful.

Chiles says that current Colorado law allows her to support an adolescent who wants to transition to another gender but bars her from helping them to accept their assigned sex at birth.

--Maureen Groppe

Supporters of 'conversion therapy' ban rally at Supreme Court

Outside the Supreme Court, groups of LGBTQ+ advocates demonstrated against conversion therapy.Some held signs that said the practice hurts kids, hurts family, hurts faith.

Mathew Shurka, 37, said the outcome of the case is life and death.

The founder of Born Perfect  an organization that advocates for conversion therapy bans  said he was subjected to conversion therapy when he was a teenager and that it led him to contemplate suicide.

He said he founded the group to ensure no other LGBTQ+ children experience what he did.

The stakes couldnt be higher for kids, he said.

Colorado law signed by nations first openly gay elected governor

The state regulation being challenged was signed into law in 2019 by Gov. Jared Polis, the country's first openly gay elected governor.

From 'hate state' to pioneer: Colorado has another LGBTQ+ case at Supreme Court

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis meets with people who were present at an attack against a group people holding a vigil for kidnapped Israeli citizens in Gaza in Boulder, Colorado, June 4, 2025.

In just 27 years, weve had a remarkable transformation from what was derogatorily called the hate state to a place where the rights of all Coloradans are respected, Polis said, according to NPR.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who is defending the law, is among the candidates running in next years election to succeed Polis.

Past decisions on speech and health care could influence conversion therapy ruling

Previous high court decisions about free speech in the health care context could come up in the conversion therapy debate.

In 2018, the court said a California law requiring anti-abortion pregnancy centers to inform women about publicly funded abortion and contraception services had First Amendment issues.

Speech is not unprotected merely because it is uttered by professionals, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra.

But the court acknowledged that states can regulate professional conduct even it if incidentally involves speech.

Thomas pointed to the courts 1992 decision upholding a Pennsylvania law requiring doctors to provide certain information to patients before they could perform an abortion.

--Maureen Groppe

Court sidestepped issue two years ago

People wait in line to enter the Supreme Court to attend oral arguments in a landmark case on "conversion therapy," on Oct. 7, 2025, in Washington, DC. The court will hear a challenge by a Christian therapist to a Colorado law banning "conversion therapy" for minors.

In 2023, the Supreme Court rejected a similar challenge to Washington states law brought by a Christian marriage and family counselor.

Three conservative justices  Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Brett Kavanaugh  said they would have granted that appeal. It takes four justices to agree to hear a case.

Thomas said the Washington law was "is viewpoint-based and content-based discrimination in its purest form."

Who is defending Colorado's `conversion therapy' ban?

Shannon W. Stevenson, Colorado's chief appellate lawyer, is defending the state's ban.

She was appointed solicitor general in 2023 by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who is running for governor.

More: The future of LGBTQ+ conversion therapy may depend on this Supreme Court case. What to know

Who is arguing against Colorado's `conversion therapy' ban?

Jim Campbell, the chief legal counsel with the Alliance Defending Freedom, is representing Kaley Chiles, the Colorado counselor challenging the state's conversion therapy ban.

Alliance Defending Freedom is a conservative legal organization that has appeared frequently at the court in recent years in cases involving high-profile social issues. Those included a successful 2023 case brought by a Colorado web designer who said having to create websites for same-sex weddings would violate her free speech rights.

Is the Trump administration involved in the case?

Although the case is about a state  not federal  law, President Donald Trump's Justice Department has gotten involved. At the departments request, Justice Department attorney Hashim M. Mooppan will get time during oral arguments to support the counselors challenge.

The Justice Department has already told the justices that Colorado is muzzling one side of an ongoing debate in the mental-health community about how to discuss questions of gender and sexuality with children.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court weighs Colorados ban on conversion therapy: Recap
Iowa Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks speaks during the House GOP news conference on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. - Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/AP

Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks told Johnson County Republicans in an August meeting that shell hold town hall meetings when hell freezes over.

The Republican, who represents one of the nations most competitive House districts in southeastern Iowa, has faced questions for months over when shell hold a public town hall after promising to do so in April.

And in the meeting with the Johnson County Republicans of Iowa  which was later posted on YouTube by the county party, where it went largely unnoticed at the time  she was blunt, saying shes already being hounded over Medicaid cuts in the GOPs massive government funding and policy bill.

You know, I dont have to hold a town hall so you can come and yell at me, said Miller-Meeks, who won by 799 votes in 2024 and faces a likely rematch next year with Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan.

You can yell at me at the county fair  and you did! And you did. They did, she said. You know, you yell at me in church, you yell at me at the county fair, Im out in public all the damn time. Someone yelled at me at the speedway.

Miller-Meeks added: You have plenty of opportunities to yell at me and tell me I should be ashamed of myself, and by the way, I am not.

Miller-Meeks comments came amid scrutiny over her and many other House Republicans refusing to hold public, in-person town halls. Party leaders, including the National Republican Congressional Committee chairman, Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, have advised against town halls after strong opposition to the GOPs spending cuts burst into view at some town halls this spring.

Miller-Meeks pointed to independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticizing her and other swing district Republicans over their votes for President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

We took the hard votes on reconciliation. Weve been beat to crap over what we did on Medicaid. You know because you all have seen it, she said.

Miller-Meeks told the Johnson County Republicans that she was being pressed on when shed hold a town hall by Tom Barton, a politics reporter for The Gazette newspaper in Cedar Rapids. When hell freezes over, she said.

Miller-Meeks did not immediately respond to CNNs request for comment on her August remarks to Johnson County Republicans. But she did defend herself last week, telling the Gazettes Barton, Every time I walk around Iowa  every meeting that I go to, every rotary I attend, every county fair I go to  I am out in the public. I am out in the open, and I can answer anyones questions they have, Miller-Meeks said.

She told Barton that Democrats pressing GOP incumbents to hold town halls just want other people like-minded to scream and yell at people so they can videotape screaming and yelling at people.

And even when we were doing our press conference at the State Fair, people screamed and yelled and videotaped their screaming and yelling, she told the newspaper. And then other people had, you know, reasonable questions that they wanted answers to, and we were able to do that. So more than happy to meet with individuals, as I do always when Im in district.

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Tesla (TSLA) finally revealed a stripped-down version of its Model Y, dubbed the Standard, and in a surprise move announced the Model 3 Standard as well.

The two cars are now available for order on Tesla's US website. The Model Y Standard is rear-wheel drive, will start at $39,990, and has an estimated range of 321 miles with standard 18-inch wheels. The Model 3 Standard comes in even cheaper, at $36,990, and has the same range. While the Model Y Standard is available for November/December delivery, the Model 3 Standard arrives a little later, with a December/January delivery range.

Appearance-wise, the Standard trim omits the front and rear light bars on the Model Y and comes in only three colors: Stealth Grey, white, and Diamond Black. The only interior color available is black.

Tesla's new Model Y Standard. (tesla.com)

Tesla stock gained more than 5% on Monday after the EV maker posted gifs on Sunday of a spinning company logo with the date "10/7" and what appeared to be car headlights shining through smoke. Shares pulled back nearly 4% on Tuesday following the update to Tesla's website.

Inside, both Standard trims feature the same 15.4-inch infotainment screen as the more expensive models. However, there's no second-row screen, the ambient lighting has been removed, and cheaper cloth seating inserts surround vegan leather, per Tesla's website. Interestingly, Tesla removed the AM/FM radio tuners from the Standard trim, and the Standard models can only perform "traffic aware cruise control," Tesla's version of adaptive cruise control, and are unable to perform "autosteer" functions like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD).

It is also likely that Tesla has wrung out costs from its batteries and electric motors to make the vehicles cheaper.

The Model Y and Model 3 Standard versions come after the federal EV tax credit expired in the US on Sept. 30. CEO Elon Musk said in the company's second quarter earnings call that the cheaper Model Y would come out after the tax credit expires.

Read more: How to avoid the sticker shock on Tesla car insurance

Tesla said following Q2 earnings that the first builds of a more affordable model occurred in June, with volume production planned for the second half of 2025.

Tesla's release of these cheaper vehicles is expected to help grow volume for the automaker, which has seen sales dip in recent quarters, although Q3 sales jumped as buyers bought EVs ahead of the tax credit expiration.

Tesla's new, cheaper Model 3 Standard sedan. (Tesla.com)

Last quarter, Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja said he expected a pull forward of sales in Q3 because of the tax credit expiration, and the numbers back up that claim.

Tesla reported Q3 deliveries came in at 497,099, easily topping Bloomberg consensus estimates of around 439,800 and the 462,890 units delivered a year ago. Tesla said Q3's total was a new quarterly record for the company.

Tesla is set to report full Q3 results on Oct. 22 after the closing bell, with the company's annual shareholder meeting to follow on Nov. 6.

StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market.

Pras Subramanian is the lead auto reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram.

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President Donald Trump said Monday that he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act if it was necessary, particularly if the courts or state and local officials delay his plans to deploy the National Guard.

"Id do it if it was necessary. So far it hasnt been necessary. But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when he was asked under what conditions he would consider the rarely used 19th century law.

"If I had to enact it, I'd do that. If people were being killed and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I'd do that. I mean, I want to make sure that people aren't killed. We have to make sure that our cities are safe," he added.

The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows the president to mobilize the U.S. military to conduct civilian law enforcement activities under certain circumstances. It was last used during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Trump was speaking about his efforts to federalize troops and crack down on crime in Democratic-run cities.

Trump doubled down on his comments during a Newsmax interview that aired Monday night when asked if he would invoke the law.

"If we dont have to use it, I wouldnt use it," Trump said before adding, "If you take a look at whats been going on in Portland, its been going on for a long time, and thats insurrection. I mean, thats pure insurrection."

A federal judge in Oregon on Sunday blocked the Trump administration from deploying federalized National Guard members from California or other states to Portlands streets.

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, had also blocked the administration from deploying Oregon National Guard troops in Portland.

"Portland's been on fire for years, and not so much saving it," Trump told reporters Monday. "We have to save something else, because I think that's all insurrection. I really think that's really criminal insurrection."

Trump and his allies similarly referred to protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles as insurrectionists, and Trump offered a similar answer in June when he was asked about any plans to invoke the Insurrection Act. Depends on whether or not theres an insurrection, he said at the time, without ruling out the possibility of using it in the future.

A key Trump ally argued earlier Monday that such action is needed now.

In a text message to NBC News before Trumps Oval Office remarks, former White House strategist Steve Bannon said Trump needs to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 immediately and deploy active duty U.S. Army personnel and assets to Portland and Chicago  he needs to put Pritzker and Newsom in their place.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have opposed Trump's National Guard efforts in their states.

At a news conference earlier Monday, Pritzker suggested that Trump is trying to sow unrest so he can invoke the Insurrection Act.

"The Trump administration is following a playbook: Cause chaos, create fear and confusion, make it seem like peaceful protesters are a mob by firing gas pellets and tear gas canisters at them," Pritzker said. "Why? To create the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act so that he can send military troops to our city."

Illinois sued Monday to block the Trump administration from deploying federalized National Guard troops to Chicago. A judge declined to immediately block the administration's move and instead scheduled a hearing for Thursday.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement that Pritzker had failed to address violence in his state.

Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders like Pritzker have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets," Jackson said. "President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities.

During his first term, despite nudging from allies, Trump ultimately did not invoke the Insurrection Act, which the White House said was a possibility in response to demonstrations stemming from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney react as they meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

By Maria Cheng, Andrea Shalal and David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday promised to treat Canada fairly in talks over painful U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, but was less committed about a continental trade deal that also includes Mexico.

"I think they're going to walk away very happy," Trump said, referring to Canada, in Oval Office remarks ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. "We're going to treat people fairly. We're going to especially treat Canada fairly."

The Canadian minister in charge of bilateral trade later said the two sides had made progress during what he called a successful, positive, and substantive conversation with Trump, while making clear any potential deals were not close.

"I'm happy and content because I think we have a momentum now that we did not have when we woke up this morning ... but we have not yet finished our work," Dominic LeBlanc told reporters.

LeBlanc said officials could meet again as soon as Tuesday evening.

Carney, who made his second visit to the White House in five months, this time at Trump's request, faces increasing pressure to address U.S. tariffs on steel, autos, and other goods.

"(The talks) left us very much with the sense that there is a desire to see how we can, starting with the steel and aluminum sectors, structure something that would be in the economic and security interests of both countries," said LeBlanc, who had said beforehand that a breakthrough was unlikely.

Trump, complaining "we're the king of being screwed" by trading partners, said Washington would continue to target some Canadian exports.

USMCA RENEGOTIATION OR BILATERAL DEALS

Carney initially responded to tariffs by pushing for a separate trade and security deal with the United States, but as talks stalled, he focused on a review of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico free trade deal scheduled for 2026.

"We can renegotiate it, and that would be good, or we could just do different deals," said Trump. "We might make deals that are better for the individual countries."

Asked for his preference, he replied: "I don't care. I want to make whatever the best deal is for this country, and also very much with Canada in mind."

In March, Carney took over as prime minister from Justin Trudeau, who had famously bad relations with Trump.

Carney and Trump have since underlined how well they get on.

"From the beginning, I liked him, and we've had a good relationship," Trump said.

"We have natural conflict. We also have mutual love ... you know we have great love for each other," he added.

In response, Carney called Trump a transformative president. Trump interrupted Carney as he listed the president's accomplishments to add: "the merger of Canada and the United States," drawing laughter from reporters before adding, "I'm only kidding." Carney, also laughing, responded: "That wasn't where I was going."

Canada sends 75% of all exports to the United States and is vulnerable to U.S. trade action. Trump said the two countries had agreed to work together on a missile defense shield dubbed Golden Dome.

"There are areas where we compete, and it's in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works. But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and that's what we're focused on," said Carney.

The prime minister last visited the Oval Office in May, when he bluntly said Canada would never be for sale in response to Trump's repeated threat to purchase or annex Canada.

Since then, he has made numerous concessions, including dropping some counter-tariffs and scrapping a digital services tax aimed at U.S. tech companies.

CANADA STEEL, AUTO INDUSTRIES BEAR BRUNT

While most Canadian exports enter the United States duty-free under the USMCA, tariffs have pummeled the steel, aluminum, and auto sectors and a number of small businesses.

Doug Ford, premier of the Canadian industrial province of Ontario, reiterated calls for Carney to be prepared to be tougher with Trump.

"We seem to be weakening our case by continuously pulling off tariffs. I'd take a different approach - try to get a deal. If you can't, we got to hit him back hard and never stop hitting him back hard," he told reporters.

Canada's main opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, criticizes Carney's approach, noting the prime minister's earlier pledge to "negotiate a win" by July 21. He said on Monday it did not look like Carney would accomplish much.

The trade war is straining bilateral ties. Ford in March threatened to cut off electricity exports to New York state and has ordered provincial liquor stores to boycott U.S. alcohol.

Canadians are also shunning travel to the United States. Trump, though, seemed unconcerned.

"I think the people of Canada, they will love us again. Most of them still do," he said.

(Additional reporting by Steve Holland and Katharine Jackson in Washington and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Caroline Stauffer, Franklin Paul, Rod Nickel)
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during an event to sign an executive order authorizing the construction an access road to the Ambler mining district in Alaska, at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two years after the Gaza conflict erupted, President Donald Trump on Tuesday pledged U.S. support for Gaza security guarantees and said he believes a deal is close to being completed for the remaining hostages.

Talking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, "I think there's a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East" beyond just Gaza. He said he would discuss Gaza with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

A U.S. official said U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who was Trump's Middle East envoy during his first term, were headed to Egypt on Tuesday to join the negotiations there.

The talks seem to represent the most promising negotiations yet for ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken back to Gaza as hostages.

"We are very close to making a deal on the Middle East that will bring peace to the Middle East after all of these years," Trump said at the start of an Oval Office meeting with Carney.

Asked what security guarantees the United States was willing to offer, Trump pledged help without offering specifics.

"We are going to do everything possible - we have a lot of power - and we're going to do everything possible to make sure everybody adheres to the deal," he said.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Steve Holland, Editing by Franklin Paul and Rod Nickel)
SMiZE & DREAM/TikTok Tyra Banks' Hot Mama Hot Ice Cream

NEED TO KNOW

Tyra Banks took to social media to talk about her ice cream brand's latest venture: Hot Ice Cream

TikTok followers were baffled by the viral videos, joking that her idea sounded like melted ice cream

She dropped the first flavor of the sippable sweet at her Australian ice cream shop, SMiZE and DREAM



Tyra Banks has the internet heating up with her latest confectionary concept.

The supermodel and businesswoman, 51, has puzzled followers with frenzied TikToks about her dreams to serve Hot Ice Cream at her Australian ice cream shop, SMiZE and Dream.

The videos kicked off on Sept. 25, with the former host of Americas Next Top Model posted that she felt like she was going crazy with her dreams of making ice cream that you can drink. She continued, And no, Im not talking about a latte. Im not talking about hot chocolate that has flavors.

The product took over a year to get right, Banks explained in the video before revealing her brick and mortar Sydney shops first Hot Ice Cream flavor, Hot Mama. Her next video described the flavor, toasted pecans and caramel butter, and showing the final product: a hot chocolate-looking drink with whipped cream, caramel and nuts on top.

The treat was only available for a week, from Sept. 26 through Oct. 3, according to her videos. But considering her emphasis on this being the first flavor, fans could guess that there are more Hot Ice Cream options to come.

Despite Banks enthusiasm, commenters were left baffled.

Many joked that her idea sounded like preexisting concepts. One person suggested it was melted ice cream and another wrote that it was flavored creme anglaise. Ice cream that you can drink milkshake lol another person commented.

Shes just saying words, someone joked.

Banks revealed to PEOPLE back in 2024 that she moved to Australia with her partner Louis Belanger-Martin and son York Banks Asla, 9, whom she shares with ex Erik Asla.

Earlier this year, Banks, who introduced SMiZE Cream in 2021, told Jenna Bush Hager about why she made the move across the world. Ive been going to Australia a lot because we were making a lot of our ice cream there in this big facility, doing our recipes.

She continued, I just fell in love with it. Every time I went back, and went back  and the three countries that eat the most ice cream: America, New Zealand and Australia. So I was like, 'Im happy here and they love to eat some ice cream, so, are we going to do this family? And we did.

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Its not uncommon for breast cancer patients in the rural South to travel hundreds of miles to reach the medical practice run by Dr. Phillip Ley, a cancer surgeon in Jackson, Mississippi.

For those who are good candidates, Ley recommends a therapy that delivers a single, targeted radiation dose to a patients breast tissue immediately after surgery to remove a tumor. Known as intraoperative radiation therapy, or IORT, it costs patients less in both time and money than traditional radiation treatments, and it is far less grueling.

For our patient population here, [IORT] has been such a boon because we have so many rural patients, said Ley, who is the director of oncology services at Merit Health Surgical Oncology. I have patients that dont have enough gas money to go to radiation every day.

But the treatment is not as widely available in the United States as it once was, according to interviews with a dozen breast surgeons. They contend that is because it cuts into the revenue of doctors and hospitals that rely on the far larger sums of money generated by traditional radiation treatments.

Radiation oncologists who perform IORT receive about $525 per treatment, Medicare estimates from 2022 show, far less than the $1,300 they receive performing whole breast radiation with five sessions and the $1,730 generated by 15 sessions. Hospitals also benefit from repeated radiation sessions, which generate facility fees every time a patient returns for care.

Breast cancer surgeons receive the same amount regardless of whether a patient gets IORT, whole breast irradiation or partial breast irradiation.

Dr. Alice Police, a breast surgeon, has set up three IORT programs in U.S. hospitals. (Courtesy Dr. Alice Police)

This is about money and greed, Ley said.

IORT, which the Food and Drug Administration approved in 1999, is not for every breast cancer patient. Ideal candidates are postmenopausal women with early-stage, very small tumors and no evidence of lymph node involvement.

In the decades since IORT was introduced, it has been the subject of extensive research showing slightly higher cancer recurrence rates than for whole breast irradiation. In addition, roughly 1 in 5 IORT patients wind up having to supplant the treatment with whole breast irradiation after subsequent pathology reports show cancer in their lymph nodes or near the removed tumors.

But IORT has similar long-term survival outcomes and lower mortality rates from other cancers, and it eliminates the potential for burns on the skin and life-threatening radiation damage to the lungs and heart, according to research studies and breast cancer surgeons.

The American Society for Radiation Oncology, or ASTRO, the medical society for professionals performing radiation therapy to treat cancer and other diseases, does not recommend IORT for patients outside of clinical trials, citing its higher recurrence rate.

Dr. Catheryn Yashar, the health policy chair and president-elect of ASTRO, said money is not a factor in its stance on IORT.

ASTROs job is to evaluate the data objectively and give both physicians and patients a framework for decision-making, said Yashar, who is chief medical officer of the University of California San Diego Health System. We dont make the decision for the patients.

Dr. Alice Police. (Courtesy Dr. Alice Police)

Dr. Alice Police, a breast surgeon who has set up three IORT programs in U.S. hospitals, says she believes ASTROs position on the innovative treatment reflects the view among many radiation oncologists that IORT is a disruptive technology whose lower costs and high levels of patient satisfaction threaten their revenues.

Radiation oncologists are very powerful  they make so much money for the hospitals, Police said. Even though the [IORT] data is awesome and the benefit to the patient is just enormous, they call it experimental.

The problem with that, Police said, is insurance companies are not going to pay for it.

Amy Slaton, 59, of Louisiana, discovered her breast cancer early and opted to receive IORT. Her employers insurance plan would not cover it, she told NBC News, so she and her husband decided to pay for the treatment out of pocket.

After the surgery, she said, she was back at work within two months  a feat that would not have occurred with whole breast irradiation.

My employer got me back about five weeks to two months earlier than they would have, Slaton said in an interview. Thats why I do not understand why my insurance company would not cover it.

Medicare and Medicaid do cover it, however.

NBC News asked AHIP, the lobbying organization representing U.S. health insurers, why some, including Medicare Advantage plans, deny coverage for IORT.

A spokesman said: Health plans work to connect patients with safe, clinically appropriate care while promoting affordability for consumers and sustainability within our health care system.

A valuable option

Heidi Toplansky. (Stella Kalinina for NBC News)

Heidi Toplansky, 72, was diagnosed with two different cancers  one in each breast  in 2012. A mother of two living in California, Toplansky received traditional radiation to treat the tumor in one of her breasts because it was not a candidate for IORT. The tumor in the other one was, and she jumped at the chance to get the alternative treatment.

Even though her surgeon ended up detecting cancer cells near where her tumor had been, forcing her to undergo repeated bouts of whole breast radiation after the IORT, she is a huge proponent of the treatment.

With IORT its 30 minutes with that device in the breast cavity, Toplansky said. With traditional radiation, this machine travels over your body 20 to 30 minutes every day for two months and youre burning like a piece of meat on a barbecue grill.

Traditional radiation treatment has left Heidi Toplansky's left breast with scarring that she has since had reduced with laser treatments. (Stella Kalinina for NBC News)

The treatment has been widely available overseas  in Europe, South America and Asia  for more than two decades.

The use of IORT grew significantly in the United States after ASTRO issued its first guideline on the treatment in 2009, studies show. While for select patients the technology might demonstrate long term effectiveness and safety comparable to whole breast irradiation, ASTRO said, those choosing IORT should be told that the traditional radiation treatment has a much longer track record for safety and efficacy.

As IORT gained acceptance in the 2010s, a worrisome trend was forming among radiation oncologists  their supply was growing faster than patient demand for their services, according to 2016 research in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.

Last year, ASTRO issued a new, more emphatic IORT guideline to reflect recent developments in the management of patients.

It said IORT alone is not recommended as treatment for early-stage invasive breast cancer but may be reasonable to perform on a prospective clinical trial or multi-institutional registry.

Surgeons who spoke with NBC News said they noticed a decline in IORTs availability following the updated ASTRO guidance.

Dr. Frederick Barker, a surgeon in Bluefield, Virginia, with privileges at Princeton Community Hospital/WVU Medicine, is a big believer in IORT.

The bottom line on this is women, through what are professed to be the best intentions of the medical community, are being denied a valuable option that theyre not being denied in countries other than the U.S., he said. I think we have scientists with an agenda.

As U.S. health care costs spiral higher, IORTs savings and convenience have become more compelling, proponents and patients say. An IORT treatment costs $8,000 to $10,000, breast surgeons say, compared with $30,000 and upward for whole breast irradiation. A 2018 article in Frontiers in Oncology cited research showing IORT could save $1.2 billion in the U.S. health care system over five years.

Dr. Sheldon Feldman, a breast surgeon who performs IORT at Montefiore Einstein Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, said he thinks patients need to get involved in pushing for IORT.

It really requires advocacy, just like a lot of advances in breast cancer treatment, Feldman said. Thats what going to be required to make sure this is available.
Barren County Detention Center Krystal Sims

NEED TO KNOW

Krystal Sims, 30, allegedly tried to arrange a time for her and an underage student to have sex

The underage student recorded a call with Sims on Aug. 22  but not an alleged subsequent video chat, during which the teacher allegedly spoke to the boy naked in the shower with her breasts exposed, according to the students' statement to authorities

Sims claims that she spoke with the boy to arrange a time to meet so he could apologize for his behavior, and that the two never actually met up

A teacher in Kentucky is facing criminal charges after allegedly calling an underage student to plan a sexual encounter.

Krystal Sims, 30, is charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor for sexual activity by electronic means following the alleged incident, which occurred in August, according to a copy of the uniform citation obtained by PEOPLE.

According to the citation, the male student recorded the phone call between the two  but didn't record a subsequent video chat during which Sims allegedly called him while naked in the shower.

A detective with the Barren County Sheriff's Office wrote in the citation that he met with the student on Oct. 2, one day after receiving information that Sims "communicated with an underage male juvenile for the purpose of meeting to have sex."

The boy told the detective that he and Sims met when she was his substitute teacher, and that they stayed in touch after that by communicating on Snapchat.

The citation alleged that shortly after Sims accepted the boy's Snapchat request, the two began planning to meet up for sex in Cave City, which is approximately 90 miles north of Nashville, Tenn.

On Aug. 22, the student allegedly taped his conversation with Sims, and during his meeting with the detective, he played the recording.

"A female is heard on the call asking if the juvenile is coming to meet with her when the call begins," the detective wrote in the citation.

At some point, that call ended and the two then had a separate video call, the student claimed.

"The juvenile stated that in the video call he was able to see her exposed breast as she was nude in the shower," the detective wrote.

He continued: "I also learned there were others present when this call was made and they also stated they could see the above females breast in the call."

On that same day, the detective also spoke with Sims about her alleged conversation with the student.

Sims said that while working as a substitute teacher at the school, "several boys in the class tried to add her on social media but she never [accepted] any of them."

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She was then informed that the student had taped their phone call, and confirmed to police that it was her voice in the recording.

However, she allegedly told police she had only agreed to meet with the boy "so that he could apologize for the way he had acted in class," the detective wrote.

She also said that the two never did meet outside of class and nothing physical ever transpired between the pair.

Deputies with the Barron County Sheriff's Office arrested Sims later that same day, and she is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 6.

If convicted, Sims could face a prison sentence of up to five years.

He lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy listens to an announcement of actions against states for failing to enforce English language requirements for commercial drivers, during a press conference at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 26, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Air traffic control staffing issues are delaying flights for a second straight day at numerous U.S. airports as the government shutdown reaches its seventh day, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a notice on Tuesday.

The FAA said many flights were being delayed at Nashville and Newark airports, among others. Arriving flights were being held for up to 30 minutes at Newark due to the staffing issues.

Nashville air traffic control is facing significant staffing issues and will curtail operations later on Tuesday, the FAA said. Approach control will be taken over later by Memphis Center, it added.

The FAA is reducing the number of arriving flights per hour at Chicago O'Hare, citing staffing, with average delays of 41 minutes.

The FAA also reported staffing issues at Atlanta Air Route Traffic Control Center.

Severe weather is also impacting flights across the country.

Some 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers must still turn up for work during the government shutdown, but they are not being paid. Controllers are set to receive a partial paycheck on October 14 for work performed before the shutdown.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Monday the FAA had seen a slight increase in controllers taking sick leave and air traffic staffing has been cut by 50% in some areas since the shutdown started last week.

"If we don't have controllers, we're going to make sure the airspace is safe. So what we do is we'll slow traffic," Duffy said on Tuesday on Fox News' "Fox and Friends."

FlightAware, a flight tracking website, said more than 2,500 flights had been delayed on Tuesday, including about 200 at Nashville, or 20% of its flights, and nearly 500 flights at Chicago O'Hare, or more than 15% of flights.

In 2019, during a 35-day shutdown, the number of absences by controllers and TSA officers rose as workers missed paychecks, extending checkpoint wait times at some airports. Authorities were forced to slow air traffic in New York, which put pressure on lawmakers to quickly end the standoff.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Sanders and Jamie Freed)
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the renowned actor best known for his role as Theo on "The Cosby Show," will make his final television appearance on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

He will guest-star on Fox's mystery drama Season 2 of "Murder in a Small Town" in the third episode titled "Mother Love."

In the episode, Warner portrays a "protective" father named Richard Buscombe. The actor's character becomes a top suspect in the murder probe of his ex-wife, who was killed after coming back to the town.

"Still heartbroken years after the split, Richard wears his anger and pain on his sleeves, but his only goal in life is to keep his daughter safe," the episode description states.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner will make a guest appearance in Season 2, Episode 3.

Warner passed away after drowning in Costa Rica in July. In a recent interview with People, the showrunner and executive producer gave insight into Warner's work on the show.

"His performance  as a struggling single dad, fiercely protective of his daughter  just glows with integrity. He found levels that I hadn't imagined," Ian Weir told the outlet.

How to watch Malcolm-Jamal Warner's final tv appearance

The episode featuring Malcolm-Jamal Warner airs on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. It will also be available the next day, Wednesday, Oct. 8, on Hulu at 3 a.m. ET.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner: Late actor's mom reflects on his death: 'Pain'

Season 2 of 'Murder In a Small Town'

"Murder in a Small Town" premiered on Fox on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The second season will have 10 episodes.

In the show, Rossif Sutherland's Karl Alberg will grapple with "an increased caseload and limited resources," according to Fox.

Sutherland and Kristin Kreuk, who plays Cassandra Lee, expressed excitement for fans to see the upcoming storylines.

"Because the characters are established, we get to delve into some of the characters in the town," Kreuk told WTVO. "We get to go deeper into the relationship between Karl and Cassandra. Seeing these two navigate their way through a relationship at the ages that they are at is really lovely."

The other two episodes that have already aired are episode one, "Acts of Murder", and episode two, "Blood Wedding".

'Murder in a Small Town' Season 2 cast

Marcia Gay Harden and Rossif Sutherland in the Acts of Murder Season Two premiere episode

Rossif Sutherland as Karl Alberg

Mya Lowe as Edwina Yen

Kristin Kreuk as Cassandra Lee

Aaron Douglas as Sid Sokolowski

Savonna Spracklin as Isabella Harbud

Fritzy-Klevans Destine as Andy Kendrick

Marcia Gay Harden as Mayor Christie Holman

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Malcolm-Jamal Warner's will appear on 'Murder In A Small Town'
Valerie Niemiec/Tiktok; Courtesy of Valerie Niemiec Valerie Niemiec

NEED TO KNOW

Valerie Niemiec had to climb 53 flights of stairs to reach her apartment in her luxury high rise building during an elevator outage

Once she reached her apartment, she realized she dropped the key card to her unit somewhere along the way

Her TikTok talking about the moment went viral

In New York City, bad days are common. But few compare to carrying your dog up 53 flights of stairs in a luxury high-rise during a rainstorm only to realize youve lost your key card somewhere along the way  an experience Valerie Niemiec knows firsthand.

This wasnt like the StairMaster, Niemiec tells PEOPLE, recalling the viral TikTok moment that captured her breathless, rain-soaked ascent with her dog in tow, only to discover shed lost her key card somewhere along the way.

Niemiec lives at the W Residences, a 57-story doorman building connected to the W Hotel and affiliated with Marriott International. When she first toured the apartment, the view of the Statue of Liberty was breathtaking, and the broker was honest about elevator delays  but nothing prepared her for what followed.

I didnt know that it was possible for both elevators to go down at the same time, she shares. And further upon that, I didnt know it was possible for them to not care.

Niemiec, who works in New York City construction, claims the problems began roughly three weeks ago, with both residential elevators repeatedly failing for hours or days at a time. What initially seemed like a fluke has turned into a near-daily crisis, upending life for residents on every floor.

She recalls coming home from an event one night with her phone nearly dead and her body running on fumes. I didnt eat dinner, didnt even have lunch, she says. I ran to the lobby and they said both elevators are out  what does that even mean?

Courtesy of Valerie Niemiec Valerie on one of her journeys up to her apartment

Attempting to climb 53 flights, she called her boyfriend to meet her halfway in the stairwell, but misinformation from hotel staff caused confusion, she alleges. The general manager told me there was only one staircase in the building, Niemiec says. That was a lie  there are two.

What followed was chaos: she climbed all the way up, her boyfriend went all the way down, and they passed each other unknowingly in separate stairwells. It was 12:30 in the morning, I was lightheaded, my phone was dead, and the staff gave me false directions, she says.

Back in her apartment, out of breath and shaken, she remembers how physically grueling the experience was. My boyfriend is 29, fit, no health issues, and even he said his chest was pounding, Niemiec tells PEOPLE. It is physically painful.

The viral TikTok stemmed from another exhausting night when Niemiec returned home in the rain with her dog. She made the 53-floor climb only to realize shed lost her key card somewhere on the way up.

I slipped and fell, I dont even know where  maybe the 40th floor, she says. I got to my door and realized my key card was gone.

With no way in and her phone barely alive, she reached out to her boyfriend, who offered the doormen $200 to help. They said, Were so sorry, we cant help you,  Niemiec tells PEOPLE.  Its not that we didnt want to. Its that we cant. 

The buildings staff, she claims, have been instructed not to assist tenants in any capacity, even in emergencies. You pay extra for a doorman building because you think someone will help you  but really, theres nothing that anybodys going to help you with here.

That lack of support extends far beyond inconvenience. Niemiec describes elderly residents and a pregnant neighbor living on the 40th floor, whose mother had to cancel her trip because she physically couldnt make the climb.

There are many people who are not able-bodied, she says. And the worst part of it all is that some of us tenants are trying to band together to help each other  but weve been told were not allowed to.

In one case, Niemiec says she tried to bring up a grocery delivery for the pregnant woman, but staff stopped her. They said its not my delivery, so I cant help, she claims.

Courtesy of Valerie Niemiec When Valerie made it to the 51st floor

Meanwhile, hotel staff have refused to let residents use service elevators  even though they reach up to the 30th floor. The new hotel manager said, This is business and ultimately we have to look out for ourselves,  Niemiec tells PEOPLE. So now, even though their elevators could literally save lives, were banned from using them.

The buildings communication, Niemiec says, has been just as frustrating. I think the lack of information is the biggest concern, she says. Like, my elevators are down right now, and I couldnt tell you if the tech is on site or not.

With a background in electrical construction, Niemiec says she understands the process  and believes its being mishandled. Theyre not making progress, she says. Theyre sending out emails asking if any residents know a good electrician.

Despite there being consistent building issues, she says management continues renting units for up to $7,000 a month. Theyre actively renting out units knowing they have life safety issues here, she alleges.

Her lease ends this month, and although she once planned to stay, everything has changed. We were gonna resign until we realized this was a pattern, she says. My mom said, You dont have to be stranded anywhere. 

Courtesy of Valerie Niemiec Valerie on her way down the stairs to meet her mother for Mother's Day

Now, she faces the added challenge of moving out without knowing if an elevator will even be available. I asked them, If my movers show up and the elevator is down, will you cover the charge? They said, Of course not. 

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She hopes her story raises awareness about the gap between luxury branding and lived experience. I feel like people have a false sense of security in these buildings, she tells PEOPLE. But really, its all about the money.

Her final advice to anyone considering a high-rise apartment in New York: Do your research, she says. When I looked this place up, I saw the elevator was always down  I should have known that was just the beginning.

Marriott did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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The notorious Ed Gein. (Bettmann Archive via Getty Images) (Bettmann Archive)

Ed Gein, a grave-robbing serial killer, is the latest subject of a Netflix true crime series.

Ryan Murphy's new show, Monster: The Ed Gein Story, stars Charlie Hunnam as the titular serial killer and delves into the mind of the man who went on to loosely inspire a handful of Hollywoods most horrific films. But while Murphys series makes for an entertaining interpretation, it has been criticized for sensationalizing Geins life and crimes  and butchering the real story.

So, who was Gein, the quiet farmer from rural Wisconsin, infamous for robbing graves and skinning corpses in the 1950s, and what inspired his nightmarish pastime?

Ed Gein, aka the 'Butcher of Plainfield'

Gein was born on Aug. 27, 1906, in La Crosse County, Wis., to Augusta and George Gein. Gein had an older brother, Henry. George was an alcoholic, and Augusta, a devout Christian, often warned her sons of the evils of the world, including the belief that women were promiscuous instruments of the devil, according to the Los Angeles Times. Gein idolized his mother nonetheless, which had apparently concerned Henry. The Gein family moved to a quiet farm in Plainfield, Wis., and Ed and Henry would only ever leave the property to attend school.

George passed away from heart failure in 1940, and four years later, Henry mysteriously died in a fire near the family farm. Gein, who had reported Henry as missing to the police, was able to lead them directly to his body upon their arrival, which led to questions surrounding his involvement. While bruises discovered on Henrys head pointed to the possibility of foul play, the death was ruled an accident, according to Britannica. Augusta died a year later, in 1945, due to health complications following a second stroke.

Geins attachment to his mother and isolation from the outside world would ultimately shape his life in disturbing ways. Hed later become infamous for skinning human corpses and stitching together a woman suit from the skin of exhumed graveyard corpses, in order to become his late mother, according to A&E.

The crimes Gein committed, and how he got caught

Gein, 51, was first arrested in 1957, when authorities were investigating the disappearance of a 58-year-old hardware store owner named Bernice Worden, per Britannica. Searching Gein's farm, they found Wordens mutilated body hanging in a shed with her head severed.

The funeral of Bernice Worden. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) (Bettmann via Getty Images)

A search of Geins home revealed his grisly pastime of robbing graves and collecting female body parts, which hed use to create clothing and household items. According to USA Today, included in the slew of gruesome findings was a chair upholstered in human skin, a lampshade made from human skin, a wearable corset made from a female torso and over half a dozen masks made from the flesh of female faces. Gein later admitted to robbing nine graves. Investigators also found the head of Mary Hogan, a 54-year-old tavern operator who disappeared in 1954.

Geins nightmarish crimes inspired some of Hollywoods grisliest fictional villains, like Norman Bates in Psycho. Novelist Robert Bloch, who penned the 1959 horror novel Psycho, on which the film of the same name is based, lived about 50 miles from Gein's farmhouse, according to a 1984 obituary published by the Associated Press. Gein's story reportedly served as the model for Hitchcock's horror movie.

Gein is also believed to have inspired Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs and Leatherface in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

A plea of not guilty  and a schizophrenia diagnosis

Gein admitted to killing Worden and Hogan, but he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, according to Britannica. He was deemed unfit for trial in 1957 and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, leading to his subsequent confinement to a psychiatric facility for more than a decade.

Gein and his attorney, William Belter, at the Wabsara County Court. (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) (Bettmann via Getty Images)

Gein was put on trial in 1968 after it was determined that he was competent to participate in his own defense. He was found guilty of murdering Worden, but was deemed insane at the time of the crime. Due to reported financial reasons, prosecutors tried Gein for only one murder, according to Britannica. Gein was never tried for Hogans death or the nine grave robberies he confessed to.

Gein returned to the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Wisconsin, where he died in 1984 due to respiratory failure related to lung cancer. He was 77.

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Wild horses graze along the eastern shores of Mono Lake, famed for limestone columns called tufa.

Several dozen horses calmly graze along the shores of Mono Lake, a sparkling saline expanse spread out before the jagged Sierra Nevada. The September sun is blazing. A pair of brown horses come up side by side and stare intensely at an approaching visitor.

These wild equines soon may disappear from beside the ancient lake. The prospect is stirring emotional disagreement over the future of the herd, which has surged to more than three times what federal officials say the land can support.

These horses deserve a place to roam and be free, but around Mono Lake is not the place, said Bartshe Miller of the Mono Lake Committee, an environmental nonprofit.

Bartshe Miller, Eastern Sierra policy director for the Mono Lake Committee, looks out onto the landscape at Warm Springs, a remote area on the east side of Mono Lake.

This year, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management approved a plan to round up and remove hundreds of wild horses roaming beyond the roughly 200,000 acres designated for them along the California and Nevada border. No date has been set, but it could be as soon as this fall.

It would be a relief for some. Environmentalists say the horses are degrading the otherworldly landscape at Mono Lake, including bird habitat and its famed tufa  textured rock columns that would look at home on Mars. Ranchers say the animals are gobbling down plants needed to sustain their cattle. Federal officials highlight the safety hazard posed by horses that have wandered onto highways.

Others see the move as a travesty. One method to oust the horses would use helicopters to drive them into a trap, which animal welfare groups say creates dangerous, even deadly, situations for horses. A pending federal bill would ban the practice.

Local tribes and nonprofits have partnered to fight the roundup plan, arguing that the Indigenous community should be tapped to manage the animals that roam their ancestral lands. A separate group of plaintiffs has sued the government, claiming its reneging on its duty to protect the horses.

A group of horses roams near the community of Benton, Calif., not far from the Nevada border.

Ronda Kauk, of the Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a tribe, stands near wild horses.

We're all living spirits, said Ronda Kauk, a member of the Mono Lake Kootzaduka'a tribe. And it's sad that people just don't care about another living thing because they think it doesn't belong there."

Unseen evolution

For 36 years, Dave Marquart was part of a small team that monitored wetlands rimming Mono Lake, places so inaccessible even four-wheel drives can get stuck. Flung out far on the landscape, only wildlife could enjoy them. The area was a major nesting site for yellow-headed black birds, red-winged black birds, marsh wrens, soras and Virginia rails.

There weren't a lot of people that saw the transition that I saw, from healthy wetlands to completely trampled and devastated wetlands, said Marquart, who was an interpretive naturalist for the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve until he retired in 2019. It was quite a drastic change.

Marquart recalled a time when hed encounter fewer than 50 horses. Theyd bolt when they saw his vehicle coming. That fear faded and their ranks grew. Over time, he said, they stamped ponds and urinated and defecated in the water. The birds stopped showing up.

Bartshe Miller holds grass he said was pulled up by the roots by wild horses roaming near Mono Lake. According to Miller, horses started arriving near the lake around 2015.

Before retiring, Marquart said, he helped organize a field trip involving the Forest Service, BLM and State Parks to showcase the impacts.

"Everybody saw that it was an issue and felt that something needed to be done," he said.

Today, sizable mounds of horse manure dot Warm Springs, a remote area along the eastern edge of Mono Lake that Marquart had raised the alarm about during his tenure. White bones of fallen equines rest in the alkaline meadows. Chestnut fur gleamed on a hoof attached to a leg bone.

Miller, the Mono Lake Committees Eastern Sierra policy director, and Geoff McQuilkin, its executive director, led the way to a burbling spring rimmed by innumerable hoof prints. Surrounding vegetation was nibbled to nubs. Wildlife compete for the limited water here.

The bleached bones of a wild horse lie in vegetation near the shores of Mono Lake.

"The birds that would have a safe haven in that spring or be hidden away from raptors and predators overhead don't have that opportunity anymore," McQuilkin said.

The pair first remembered the horses showing up in remote areas around the lake in 2015, as the state was gripped by drought. By 2021, as they pushed west, they landed at South Tufa , where tourists congregate to gaze at the limestone columns. In the spring of 2023, horse carcasses emerged along the shores of South Tufa and nearby Navy Beach as the snow from a winter of biblical proportions melted.

The recent deaths of these horses provide further evidence that the size of this herd cannot be supported by the landscape which they are expanding onto, Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the Inyo National Forest, said at the time.

'Theyre medicine'

Rana Saulque, vice chairwoman of the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute tribe, walks near a natural spring in an area where wild horses gather near the community of Benton, Calif.

On a pleasantly cool day in September, Rana Saulque stared transfixed at a group of roughly 50 wild horses in the River Spring Lakes Ecological Reserve, not far from her tribes reservation near the town of Benton.

Saulque, vice chairwoman for the Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute tribe, draws a parallel between ousting the horses and the historical persecution of her people by the government.

They're going to run them down with helicopters and genocide them, just like they ran down us, she said through tears.

A striking cremello horse stood out from the rest  a beloved subject for photographers who sojourn here. A brown foal with a white stripe on its muzzle teetered on toothpick legs. Several babies hugged close to their moms.

Mostly, the horses peacefully graze, but two rear up momentarily. Thats horsing around, Saulque said. Then they begin galloping and suddenly they look powerful and sleek. Epic, like a poster for a classic western film.

Dozens of wild horses graze on the River Spring Lakes Ecological Reserve.

They're so magical, the vice chairwoman said. They're medicine for people.

Federal officials stress that they have precautions in place to ensure safety during helicopter roundups. That includes avoiding peak foaling periods and hot weather that would stress the horses.

The Utu Utu Gwaitu Paiute are among a coalition that wants to pause the planned roundups for two years and ultimately secure land back to set aside a sanctuary for the horses to roam. As envisioned, local tribes would help manage the herd, including darting horses with a birth control vaccine to limit population growth. Horses could be put to work at pack stations, equine therapy and rodeo schools for kids, the group says.

The proposal could also help revive horse culture that runs deep in the tribal communities, Saulque said. Jim Walker, her great-great-grandfather and a respected medicine man, rode mustangs all the way to Florida, visiting tribes along the way to exchange medicine and horses.

Maya Jamal Kasberg, founder of nonprofit Made by Mother Earth, is part of the coalition that wants to scrap the current plan to round up Montgomery Pass horses.

Kauk's tribe historically rode the horses from Lee Vining into Yosemite to gather basket-making materials, among other activities. Mustangs were tapped for Native American rodeos and relay races, she added.

According to the coalition that includes the nonprofit American Wild Horse Conservation, federal officials and groups like the Mono Lake Committee have the science all wrong. The herbivores chomp down invasive cheatgrass that poses wildfire risk, and their poop  maligned by many  actually spreads native seeds, they say.

Wild and free  for now

At the heart of the emotional battle playing out in the Eastern Sierra is the Montgomery Pass wild horse herd. According to the U.S. Forest Service, its origin is unknown. But theres speculation that it's linked to mustang drives between the Owens Valley and Nevada.

A 1971 law declared wild horses and burros living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West, and made it illegal to harass, capture or kill them on public lands. But the Forest Service and BLM, which became responsible for managing them, can remove excess animals to preserve the health of the range.

The way this often plays out is that horses are rounded up and offered for adoption or sale. Those that arent taken in by a private owner are shipped to pastures where they often live out their remaining days.

A census last year found that there are now about 700 horses in the Montgomery Pass herd.

Federal officials designated the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory, a remote area spanning sagebrush steppe and pinyon pine forest east of Mono Lake. They say the land can sustainably support 138 to 230 horses.

As of last year, nearly 700 were documented in an aerial survey, with most ranging outside the territory, according to the agencies.

Now under a plan approved in March, up to 500 horses could be ousted, with the Forest Service leading the effort and BLM assisting.

Both agencies declined requests for interviews for this article, citing pending litigation. In August, a documentary filmmaker, primary care physician and wildlife ecologist sued the government authorities overseeing the agencies, claiming the roundups will decimate the herd to the point where long-term survival is unlikely.

"This case represents yet another attempt by the agencies to evade their statutory duties to protect, preserve and manage the herd," the suit reads.

The government has agreed not to round up horses before Oct. 20, according to court documents.

When multiple uses collide

Rancher Leslie Hunewill looks at calves and their moms at her family's historic ranch in Bridgeport.

Leslie Hunewill's cattle ranching family sees quite a bit of "horse activity" on grazing lands in an area called the Mono Sand Flats, to the east and north of the lake. Since purchasing the right to use the public land, her outfit has been able to graze there for only about five weeks in the last two years  and not consecutively. The culprit? A huge number of horses, she said.

Our cattle have not been out there, she said. There's nothing for them to eat.

Cows arent allowed on the roughly 50,000-acre expanse during the growing season. But the horses, facing no fences, go for whats green and pushing up, she said.

It doesn't make sense for us to overuse or overgraze the land when we need to come back to it, she said. So when we are doing our part to manage the portion of it that we can, which is, say, our use of the cattle on that land, that's all well and good. But who is taking charge of the horses and saying, this is too heavy use?

The Hunewills, who have deep roots in the Eastern Sierra, operate a guest ranch in Bridgeport.

The law directs agencies to manage horse populations to maintain a thriving natural ecological balance. BLM and the Forest Service have to consider mustangs alongside grazing, wildlife and what's good for the land. Some say the agencies have kicked the can down the road on management of the Montgomery Pass herd.

Hunewills family has deep roots in the Eastern Sierra. Her great-great-great-grandfather came to California in the 1860s as a gold miner. He struck it rich and got into the lumber business. When that stopped paying out, he used his oxen to feed the town of Bodie.

Her family is still in the beef business, with the meat generally staying on the West Coast.

They employ quite a few mustangs at their guest ranch operation in the town of Bridgeport, including Jethro, a friendly brown fella with a splash of white on his forehead. Theyre hardy horses and can be enlisted as pack animals high up in the mountains. Some dont need shoes because of their "great feet."

But their robustness means "everybodys already got their mustang," she said, stymieing the prospect of mass adoptions.

Shifting dynamics

A bird perches in vegetation near Mono Lake.

Wild horse populations can increase as much as 20% a year. Montgomery Pass horses used to summer in the high country and were once kept in check by mountain lions that preyed on foals, according to John Turner, a professor at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, who studied the herd for decades.

That changed around 2008 or 2009, when the horses began lingering at lower elevations, where the open country makes it difficult for lions to hunt.

The herds population surged.

Turner sees the governments current system of rounding up horses and holding them as unsustainable. And costly.

"The gathers are successful at that time, but the reproductive rate of the animals is greater than the capacity to remove them," he said.



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
At least one hiker died as rescuers raced against time to evacuate more than 200 others stranded at Mount Everests eastern face after being trapped by a heavy snowstorm during China's most popular holiday weekend.

Some 350 others have been rescued and escorted to the small town of Qudang, located about 48km from the base camp on Everests Tibetan side, the Chinese authorities who control the Tibetan Autonomous Region said.

Hundreds of hikers were trapped at an elevation of more than 4,900m after the region was hit by heavy snowfall on Friday and Saturday. Mount Everest stands about 8,850m tall.

More than 200 remaining trekkers are being evacuated, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters on Tuesday. The evacuation began on Monday and should be completed by Tuesday, said the source, who asked to remain unidentified.

Rescuers, including Chinese officials and villagers, have been battling deep snow and limited visibility to save the stranded trekkers. A video shot by a villager showed a long line of people with horses and oxen moving up a winding path in the snow.

A young hiker, nicknamed FeiFei, said she was on a multi-day trek with three friends and a local guide in the Karma Valley when heavy snow buried their camp on Saturday night. We had to constantly clear the snow from the tents, but I collapsed from exhaustion and my tent got buried, she told AFP news agency after being brought to safety on Monday.

Firefighters in Tingri rescue trekkers from Everest after they were stranded by a blizzard (Tibet Firefighting Department)

She added that after two days of walking, during which firefighters cleared the path using yaks and horses to clear the snow, the group returned to the rescue centre. On her way down, FeiFei saw dozens of hikers along the way, weakened by hunger or altitude.

However, she noted that none appeared to be in critical condition.

A 46-year-old South Korean national died while ascending Mera Peak in the eastern side of Nepal, about 31km south of Mount Everest, according to reports.

The trekkers body was retrieved by a rescue helicopter, while the sherpa, who was climbing with the Korean national, was rescued from an elevation of 5,800m, said Tul Singh Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guides Association.

The climber likely died after being exposed to extreme cold for an extended period, Mr Gurung was quoted by The Chosun Daily as saying.

Other trekkers described suffering from hypothermia after being buried in the dense snow. Hiker Eric Wen told Reuters that three people in his group got hypothermia even with sufficient attire.

Villagers ascend the mountain with their oxen and horses to help out with rescue efforts (AP)

He said the group had to clear the snow every 10 minutes at night, otherwise our tents would have collapsed.

Chen Geshuang, who was part of an 18-strong team that was evacuated safely, said: It happened all too suddenly.

All of us are experienced hikers, Ms Chen, 29, told BBC News. But this blizzard was still extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out.

Many people come here to hike during the Golden Week, but this years snow was exceptional, she said. Their guide also said such weather on the eastern slope of Everest was highly unusual, she added.

In the Qilian Mountains on the border straddling western Qinghai and Gansu provinces, at least one trekker who was stranded in a gully by the snowstorms died, while 137 others were evacuated, state-run Beijing News reported.

Video footage shows trekkers leaving their campsite as unusually heavy snow and rainfall pummeled the Himalayas (Reuters)

Trekkers to the Karma valley that leads to the eastern face of Everest, Kangshung, swelled to the hundreds in recent days, spurred by the eight-day National Day holiday in China.

The Karma valley, first explored by Western travellers a century ago, is a relatively pristine part of the Everest region. Unlike the peaks arid north face, it boasts lush vegetation and untouched alpine forests, fed by meltwaters from the Kangshung glacier at the foot of the worlds highest mountain.

Mount Everest, known as Mount Qomolangma in Chinese, straddles the border between China and Nepal, where recent heavy rains have left more than 40 people dead.

Climbers attempt to scale the worlds tallest peak from base camps in both countries. The base camp for climbers is separate from the tourist camp where hikers were trapped by the snowfall.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks with reporters at the White House on Monday. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

President Trump rocked American politics at the outset of his first campaign when he first labeled his rivals as enemies of the American people. But the rhetoric of his top confidantes has grown more extreme in recent days.

Stephen Miller, the president's deputy chief of staff, declared over the weekend that "a large and growing movement of leftwing terrorism in this country" is fueling a historic national schism, "shielded by far-left Democrat judges, prosecutors and attorneys general."

"The only remedy," Miller said, "is to use legitimate state power to dismantle terrorism and terror networks."

It was a maxim from an unelected presidential advisor who is already unleashing the federal government in unprecedented ways, overseeing the federalization of police forces and a sweeping deportation campaign challenging basic tenets of civil liberty.

Miller's rhetoric comes amid a federal crackdown on Portland, Ore., where he says the president has unchecked authority to protect federal lives and property  and as another controversial Trump advisor harnesses an ongoing government shutdown as pretext for the mass firing of federal workers.

Russ Vought, the president's director of the Office of Management and Budget, plays the grim reaper in an AI video shared by the president, featuring him roving Washington for bureaucrats to cut from the deep state during the shutdown.

His goal, Trump has said, is to specifically target Democrats.

As of Monday afternoon, it was unclear exactly how many federal workers or what federal agencies would be targeted.

"We don't want to see people laid off, but unfortunately, if this shutdown continues layoffs are going to be an unfortunate consequence of that," White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt said during a news briefing.

'A nation of Constitutional law'

Karin Immergut, a federal judge appointed by Trump, said this weekend that the administration's justification for deploying California National Guard troops in Portland was "simply untethered to the facts."

"This country has a longstanding and foundational tradition of resistance to government overreach, especially in the form of military intrusion into civil affairs," Immergut wrote, chiding the Trump administration for attempting to circumvent a prior order from her against a federal deployment to the city.

Read more:In Trump's 'domestic terrorism' memo, some see blueprint for vengeance that echoes history

"This historical tradition boils down to a simple proposition," she added: "This is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law."

The administration is expected to appeal the judge's decision, Leavitt said, while calling the judge's ruling "untethered in reality and in the law."

"We're very confident in the president's legal authority to do this, and we are very confident we will win on the merits of the law," Leavitt said.

If the courts were to side with the administration, Leavitt said local leaders  most of whom are Democrats  should not be concerned about the possibility of long-term plans to have their cities occupied by the military.

Why should they be concerned about the federal government offering help to make their cities a safer place? Leavitt said. They should be concerned about the fact that people in their cities right now are being gunned down every single night and the president, all he is trying to do, is fix it.

Moments later, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that though he does not believe it is necessary yet, he would be willing to invoke the Insurrection Act "if courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up."

"Sure, I'd do that," Trump said. "We have to make sure that our cities are safe."

The Insurrection Act gives the president sweeping emergency power to deploy military forces within the United States if the president deems it is needed to quell civil unrest. The last time this occurred was in 1992, when California Gov. Pete Wilson asked President George H.W. Bush to send federal troops to help stop the Los Angeles riots that occurred after police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King.

Subsequent posts from Miller on social media over the weekend escalated the stakes to existential heights, accusing Democrats of allying themselves with "domestic terrorists" seeking to overturn the will of the people reflected in Trump's election win last year.

On Monday, in an interview with CNN, Miller suggested that the administration would continue working to sidestep Immergut's orders.

"The administration will abide by the ruling insofar as it affects the covered parties," he said, "but there are also many options the president has to deploy federal resources under the U.S. military to Portland."

Other Republicans have used similar rhetoric since the slaying of Charlie Kirk, a conservative youth activist, in Utah last month.

Read more:Stephen Miller finally gets his revenge on L.A.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) wrote that posts from California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office have reached "the threshold of domestic terrorism," after the Democratic governor referred to Miller on social media as a fascist. And Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) said Monday that Democrats demanding an extension of healthcare benefits as a condition for reopening the government were equivalent to terrorists.

"I don't negotiate with terrorists," Fine told Newsmax, "and what we've learned in whether it's dealing with Muslim terrorists or Democrats, you've gotta stand and you've gotta do the right thing."

Investigating donor networks

Republicans keenness to label Democrats as terrorists comes two weeks after Trump signed an executive order declaring a left-wing antifascist movement, known as antifa, as a domestic terrorist organization  a designation that does not exist under U.S. law.

The order, which opened a new front in Trumps battle against his political foes, also threatened to investigate and prosecute individuals who funded any and all illegal operations  especially those involving terrorist actions  conducted by antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of antifa.

Leavitt told reporters Monday that the administration is "aggressively" looking into who is financially backing these operations.

Trump has floated the possibility of going after people such as George Soros, a billionaire who has supported many left-leaning causes around the world.

"If you look at Soros, he is at the top of everything," Trump said during an Oval Office appearance last month.

The White House has not yet made public any details about a formal investigation into donors, but Leavitt said the administration's efforts are underway.

We will continue to get to the bottom of who is funding these organizations and this organized anarchy against our country and our government, Leavitt said. We are committed to uncovering it.

Get the L.A. Times California Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
President Donald Trump, joined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and other administration officials, speaks in the Oval Office on October 6, 2025. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

In a nation founded on a revolt against tyranny, the notion of American troops being sent onto domestic streets has always evoked a specter of liberty in peril.

This is why most presidents resisted such a step and why President Donald Trumps insatiable zeal for doing so may be so consequential.

His attempts to send National Guard reservists into Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, Illinois, against the wishes of city and state authorities, has the potential to finally create the constitutional crisis his critics have feared for eight months.

It is testing how far Trump can push his Make America Great Again philosophy and his strongman I alone can fix it mantra. Originally unveiled at his first GOP convention in 2016, it runs like a spine through his two presidencies.

The transfer of reserve troops from red states such as Texas to Democratic cities will also deepen the chasm and the hostility between conservative rural and liberal urban areas that is an increasingly potent dynamic in Americas divided politics.

Ultimately, a cascade of administration threats and power moves by the White House; fierce pushback from Democratic mayors; and a thicket of legal challenges will show how far the law and the Constitution can contain a president who epitomizes many of the anxieties of the founders about how a politicized executive with a lust for power could threaten their republic.

As so often with the great controversies of the Trump era, the facts are obscured in misinformation, false claims, cumbersome legal arguments and the ambitions of big political players on each side.

But the core issue is quite simple.

In the latest round of its crime and immigration crackdown, the administration chose two Democratic cities, Chicago and Portland, to which it wants to send troops even though the legal and constitutional conditions that might permit the use of the military in law enforcement are far from met.

In the latest developments, Trump on Monday formally authorized the deployment of at least 300 members of the Illinois National Guard to Chicago for 60 days.

Hundreds more reservists are headed from Texas to Chicago after being placed under federal control. City and state authorities sued the administration to stop the deployment.

A Trump-appointed judge, meanwhile, has temporarily blocked his bid to take control of reservists in Oregon or to ship reservists to Portland from California.

Court action is frustrating the president. He warned Monday hed invoke the rarely used Insurrection Act to bypass judges thwarting his ambitions if needed. If I had to do that, I would do that, he said from the Oval Office.

Whats behind Trumps war zone rhetoric?

Trump has claimed for months that Portland is on fire and that it, Chicago and other American cities are lawless danger zones on a par with Afghanistan.

Just because thats hyperbole doesnt mean there arent problems.

The record of Democratic mayors and governors is questionable in some cities that have been plagued by crime and homelessness. While crime data might be falling, not all citizens feel safe. Many would prefer more law enforcement. And the Biden administrations failure to secure the southern border led many voters last year to feel the situation was out of control. The oversight was more surprising since it was obvious that Trump would run on a hardline message on his top issue in the 2024 election.

Rep. Pat Harrigan, a North Carolina Republican and former Green Beret, told Audie Cornish on CNN This Morning that claims Trump was overreaching were overblown. He said, Authorities under which these troops are being deployed are limited to protecting ICE facilities and other federal facilities within these cities.

But Trumps summoning an inaccurate picture of cities that are like a war zone. Officials seem to compete with one another in conjuring new nightmares of urban dystopia based on conservative media doom loops.

Top White House adviser Stephen Miller on Monday used extremely evocative language when arguing that local law enforcement officials are failing to protect federal immigration agents and therefore need military help. He told CNNs Boris Sanchez that in Portland, ICE officers have been subjected to over 100 nights of terrorist assault, doxxing, murder threats, violent attack, and every other means imaginable to try to overturn the results of the last election through violence.

Millers depiction of the citys public order situation differed from that of local officials, who argued protests were sporadic around an ICE facility and restricted to a city block. Oregon Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley told CNNs Jake Tapper that incidents of unrest usually occurred when federal forces confronted protesters. He warned that Trump wanted to create the impression of chaos to build a legal justification for extreme measures. Merkley urged protesters not to take the bait.

In Broadview, a Chicago suburb that has seen protests against ICE operations that have rounded up undocumented migrants and caught some US citizens in the net, Mayor Katrina Thompson limited protests to daylight hours. Federal officials reported several incidents in which vehicles belong to federal agents were rammed in Chicago. But Thompson accused federal agents of creating chaos by needlessly deploying tear gas, pepper spray, mace and rubber bullets at individuals and reporters.

Political leaders arent alone in debunking Trumps claims of cities aflame. An Oregon federal judge appointed by the president called his alarmist declarations of an emergency in Portland untethered to the facts.

But why would the White House be exaggerating?

Trumps critics believe that the president is building a case to militarize US cities in the most overt expression yet of his belief that he has ultimate power and that he is unconstrained by the law. The words of his subordinates only fuel those fears.

Police and federal officers throw gas canisters to disperse protesters near a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland on October 5, 2025. - Ethan Swope/AP

How might Trump use the Insurrection Act

Top administration officials believe that the president was elected because of his pledge to launch the biggest mass deportation campaign in US history. They argue any attempts to thwart that priority, by protesters or by state or local officials, represent an abrogation of the will of voters. They also take the questionable stance that Trumps victory in an election hands him ultimate power that the courts or Congress are powerless to impede. In fact, an election win gives a president control of a single branch of government that is constitutionally checked and balanced by the other two branches and is still subject to the law.

But its a short leap from such sweeping interpretations of presidential authority to arguing that the most draconian measures are now needed.

This is where the Insurrection Act comes in. In most circumstances, a president is barred by law from using troops on domestic soil for law enforcement purposes. But the Insurrection Act, which has rarely been invoked, would allow the president to put aside those limitations to put down a rebellion against the government.

The act was used by President Dwight Eisenhower to implement civil rights laws. It was also invoked by President George H.W. Bush to put down riots in Los Angeles  but only after the request of the states governor.

No such circumstances apply currently

We dont have a rebellion here in Oregon, we dont have an insurrection, we dont have an invasion, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, a Democrat, told CNNs Erin Burnett. We certainly dont have a place where the president cannot execute the laws of the United States.

Yet its clear Miller is building a rationale in which such insubordination against federal authority does exist. This, for now, seems more of a political than a legal rationale. But Miller told CNNs Sanchez that protesters opposing ICE operations in Portland were trying to overthrow the core law enforcement function of the federal government.

Miller added, This is the textbook definition of domestic terrorism, using the actual and imminent threat of violence to keep federal officials from doing their jobs  its absurd, its unconstitutional and must be put down.

The administration has many potential motivations.

The deployment of troops alongside immigration officers might fast-track a mass deportation drive that has so far fallen short of the hopes of some MAGA voters. Imagery of khaki-clad soldiers on the streets might be sinister in a democracy, but would fulfill Trumps cravings to be viewed as a strongman leader. An aura of toughness unconstrained by the law has long been a feature of the personality cult that he cultivated in business. Now hes just operating on a broader canvas.

Police and federal officers stand guard at a US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland on Sunday, October 5, 2025. - Ethan Swope/AP

And there is an undeniable streak of extremism that goes beyond Miller. The Department of Homeland Security, for instance, has transformed its social media feeds into an extraordinary outpouring of hard right-wing propaganda. In a recruiting drive posted Monday on X, it claimed the arrest of hundreds of criminal illegal aliens, terrorists, and terrorist sympathizers in Portland and Chicago. It called upon job applicants to block communists, terrorists, and globalists from ever entering our country.

Politics is also always at play. In nearly five cumulative years in the White House, Trump has always played to his base, never paying much attention to governing for the entire nation. The creation of public order crises and hardline responses could keep GOP voters motivated a year ahead of midterm elections, which typically attract lower turnout than presidential races. In a CBS News poll at the weekend, support for deploying troops to more cities was concentrated among Republicans who felt such policies reduce crime and make them feel safer  even if they dont live in those cities. But the tactics could backfire, since 58% of all Americans opposed Trumps plans to involve the military in law enforcement.

Of course, Trump is not alone in playing to the political gallery. Governors like JB Pritzker of Illinois  a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate  are establishing themselves as resistance figures with Democratic voters despite for someone to right Trump. Largely unknown local officials are getting to play on a national stage.

But deepening political battles are a sideshow to a more profound constitutional issue.

Will Trump succeed in overturning a taboo on the use of the military in American streets in the ultimate vindication of his MAGA creed?

And if he does, where will that lead?

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AWS premier consulting partner, Cevo has appointed Damian Coyne as its new CEO following James Lewis transition to lead its public sector business.

With more than 15 years experience driving growth across technology organisations, Coyne will lead Cevos business strategy, drive new customer engagements and further strengthen its strategic partnership with AWS.

He brings deep expertise in cloud, data and digital transformation, alongside a strong track record in scaling technology businesses.

Prior to joining Cevo, Coyne held senior roles at Microsoft, Kloud Solutions, Contino and Versent. Most recently, he was the Vice President of Growth at CGI Australia, following the acquisition of BJSS.

Cevo has an incredible foundation, a passionate team and a strong reputation in the market, Coyne said.

Im looking forward to working with the team to build on that success and take the business to its next stage of growth. Together, we will continue to deliver cloud, data and digital transformation outcomes for our customers, and further strengthen our collaboration with AWS.
In northern Syria, the first elections since the fall of Assad were followed by renewed violence. Kurdish authorities say that government troops have imposed a siege, while attacks on checkpoints were reported in Damascus. A witness in Aleppo spoke to AsiaNews about a terrible night with people holed up in their homes. The understanding for the control of Rojava is at an impasse, while voting was not held in Kurdish areas and Suwayda governorate.

Aleppo (AsiaNews)  Syrias first elections since the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad ended in violence last night in Aleppo, in the north of the country. Armed clashes broke out between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)[*] and security forces loyal to the government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Syrias state news agency SANA reported that three security personnel and several civilians were wounded after the SDF attacked checkpoints in the neighbourhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and al-Ashrafieh.

An SDF spokesman, Farhad Shami, denied that the SDF targeted checkpoints, explaining instead that violence broke out after government-affiliated militias attempted to enter Kurdish-administered areas with tanks.

What is happening in Aleppo is the direct result of provocations by factions linked to the interim government and their attempts to move in with tanks, reads the official statement in Arabic from the administration in Rojava, in Kurdish-controlled northeast of Syria.

Some media outlets are reporting false allegations that the Syrian Democratic Forces targeted checkpoints belonging to militants linked to the government in the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhoods of Aleppo city, the statement goes on to read.

We categorically affirm that these allegations are absolutely untrue, as our forces have not had a presence in the region since their withdrawal under the April 1 understanding, it adds.

The latter is a reference to an agreement between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government according to which SDF-controlled border crossings, an airport, and Rojava's oil and gas fields would come under the control of the central government.

However, implementation of the agreement has encountered increasing difficulties in recent months, despite pressure from the United States and Turkey for a rapid resolution to the issue.

Yesterday's clashes, the Kurds note, turned into a siege of the city of Aleppo.

What is happening in the neighbourhoods of Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud is the result of a series of repeated attacks carried out by the factions of the Damascus government against the civilian population, where they imposed a suffocating security and humanitarian siege, cut off relief and medical supplies, kidnapped many residents, continued the daily provocation of the residents at checkpoints and in the vicinity of the neighbourhoods, and recently raised flags near the neighbourhoods and imposed a siege.

It was a terrible night, said Jean-Francois Thiry, project manager for the NGO ATS Pro Terra Sancta in northern Syria, speaking to AsiaNews. There were artillery explosions from 10 pm to 1 am. We spent the night sitting in the corridor to protect ourselves from possible bullets and shrapnel," the aid worker added. "This morning everything is quiet. The city is under lockdown, people are holed up in their homes, and the governor granted a day off after a truce was reached, but the problem is not resolved."

Although anti-Assad militias, led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, took over the country with the capture of Damascus on 8 December 2024, Rojava remains under the control of a separate Kurdish administration.

The SDF and the Sharaa administration (backed by Turkey, which has persecuted Kurds for years) have been unable to reach a compromise despite several rounds of talks.

The government is calling for the integration of Kurdish armed forces into the Syrian army, while the Rojava administration is demanding some form of autonomy to protect its population, an issue on which Sharaa has been categorical from the outset, emphasising in a draft constitution that the government will not allow any form of decentralisation.

The latest violence comes on top of the massacres perpetrated against Alawis in March, during which nearly 1,500 people were killed, and the clashes that erupted in July involving Druze militias in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda, which resulted in thousands more deaths.

While the government had announced an agreement with various Druze tribes in the southern areas bordering Israel, the situation has not yet been restored to normal.

This is why the recent election was not held in either Suwayda or Rojava.

The election held in the rest of the country cannot be said to have been democratic, i.e. free and fair for the entire population. Some 6,000 people, chosen to form local electoral colleges, selected candidates from lists pre-approved by the government, while a third of the parliamentary members (70) will be appointed directly by Sharaa.

In the weeks leading up to the vote, analysts and many ordinary Syrians expressed concern about the extremely centralised management of the entire process, while the suspension of voting in areas outside of government control, which left 21 seats vacant, was criticised.

The first results were published yesterday. The electoral committee reported that 119 out of 140 lawmakers had been selected, but did not say how many votes each received.

According to available information, most elected MPs are Sunni men, while those representing minorities (Alawites, Kurds, and Christians, to name the main groups) received no more than 10 seats in total, a serious underrepresentation compared to the countrys makeup.

In Damascus government authorities explained that they opted for an indirect electoral system rather than universal suffrage due to the lack of reliable demographic data following the war; according to estimates by various humanitarian groups, at least 600,000 people died in 14 years of conflict, while millions of Syrians fled abroad with many still unsure whether to return, waiting hopefully for the war to be truly over and the situation stabilised.

GATEWAY TO THE EAST IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO THE MIDDLE EAST. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY TUESDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.

[*] The SDF, a predominantly Kurdish militia, fought the Islamic State during the civil war with the support of the United States.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The head of India's highest judicial body was targeted with a shocking gesture by a lawyer from a Brahmin family for comments he made during a hearing regarding a temple in Madhya Pradesh that Hindutva nationalists deemed offensive. The judicial community was outraged by a casteist attack that cannot be tolerated.

Delhi (AsiaNews)  A sensational and furious protest staged yesterday by a lawyer close to right-wing Hindu nationalist groups at the Supreme Court of India has sparked a bitter controversy in India.

Rakesh Kishore, 71, threw a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, an act of contempt tinged with caste-related hostility, since the judge in question belongs to the Dalit community.

The chief justice came under fire for an incident that occurred a few days ago during a hearing on a petition calling for the reconstruction and consecration of a seven-foot-tall statue of the deity Vishnu at the Javari Temple in Khajuraho, in the State of Madhya Pradesh, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Rejecting the petition, Gavai responded to the proponent's insistence: 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.

This comment sparked a wave of criticism on social media from far right and Hindu extremists, who saw it as insensitivity towards their religious sentiments and a sign of the loss of prominence of religion in public life in India.

Gavai later clarified that his words had been widely misunderstood, reiterating his unconditional respect for all religions. These words, however, were not enough for lawyer Rakesh Kishore.

According to eyewitnesses, as security personnel escorted him out of the courtroom after throwing the shoe, he shouted, India won't tolerate an insult to the ancient (way).

Maintaining his composure, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court continued the hearing without interruption, urging the other lawyers present to maintain their dignity: Dont get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me.

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising harshly condemned the incident, calling it a "blatant casteist attack on the Supreme Court of India," alluding to the fact that Kishore comes from an "upper caste" family. She also urged the authorities to take legal action, stressing that "ideological attacks on the judiciary cannot be tolerated.

Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan joined Jaising in slamming Kishores action, calling it a dastardly attempt" that stemmed from a Brahminical mindset.

According to Delhi Police, Kishore was released after the Supreme Court bench declined to file charges.

Another commentator complained about the incident, writing on social media: An upper-caste Hindu throws a shoe at the Dalit Chief Justice, police does not file a case and even returns his shoe. A Muslim holds a I love Muhammad placard and his house is bulldozed.
The Vatican announced the visit for 27 November to 2 December. Together with Patriarch Bartholomew, Leo will commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which formulated the profession of faith that still unites Christians. The trip to Lebanon, which the late Francis wanted to visit, will take on particular significance given ongoing wars in the region. Cardinal Parolin speaks on the second anniversary of Hamass attacks on 7 October.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  Pope Leo XIVs long-awaited first apostolic trip will take him to Turkey and Lebanon from 27 November to 2 December, carrying out what the late Pope Francis already had on his agenda.

The first stage is linked to an important ecumenical anniversary, i.e. the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which took place in the year AD 325 in what is now the Turkish city of Iznik. It was here that the profession of faith in which all Christian Churches still recognise themselves was first elaborated.

Accepting the invitation of the Head of State and Ecclesiastical Authorities of the country, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will make an Apostolic Journey to Turkiye from 27 to 30 November 2025, which will include a pilgrimage to Iznik on the occasion of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, reads a statement released by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni.

In response to the invitation of the Head of State and Ecclesiastical Authorities of Lebanon, the Holy Father subsequently will undertake an Apostolic Journey in that country from 30 November to 2 December 2025, the press release went on to say.

Leo XIVs first international apostolic journey takes on particular significance, especially considering the extremely delicate moment the Middle East is experiencing.

Lebanon is directly affected by the wounds of a war that has now ravaged the region for exactly two years, while the Turkish government is among those directly engaged in negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza.

The Holy Father will be the fifth pontiff to visit Turkey. The first was Paul VI in July 1967, on the historic pilgrimage that followed his embrace with Orthodox Patriarch Athenagoras in Jerusalem. After him came John Paul II in 1979, Benedict XVI in 2006, and Francis in 2014.

Like Leos, three of these visits fell on 30 November, the day when the Orthodox Church of Constantinople celebrates the feast of its patron saint, the Apostle Andrew.

Two other popes have also visited Lebanon: John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The first came in 1997, and referred to the country as a message" for the entire Middle East given its diverse communities and faiths, now called to find new common ground. The second, who chose Lebanon for his final international apostolic journey in 2012, promulgated the apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente at the shrine of Harissa, the fruit of the special synod that the Church, with prophetic vision, had already dedicated to this troubled corner of the world in 2010.

Regarding the general context in which this trip is taking place, Vatican Secretary of State Card Piero Parolin gave a long, important interview carried by Vatican media, summarising the Holy See's position on the ongoing conflicts.

In it, the prelate notes that the Holy See is calling for the immediate release of the hostages and for an end to the spiral of hatred and violence, highlighting the "inhuman" consequences in Gaza of Israeli military action.

Addressing the international community, his reproach is that Its not enough to say that what is happening is unacceptable and then continue to allow it to happen.

At the same time, the cardinal said he was "struck" by the large-scale participation in peace rallies, also noting that anti-Semitism is a cancer that must be eradicated.
by Shafique Khokhar

The CCIDE and NCJP Pakistan are behind the initiative that brought together students, activists, as well as Muslim, Christian, Hindus, Sikh, and Parsi leaders. The nation's founder and the values of tolerance and freedom of worship were stressed. True change lies in translating the values of understanding, love, respect, and peace into concrete action.

Karachi (AsiaNews)  One Land, Shared Responsibility regardless of faith or ethnicity was the central theme of an interfaith meeting held recently at St Patrick's College in Karachi, organised by the Catholic Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism (CCIDE) and the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) of the Church of Pakistan. The Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) association also contributed to the event.

The meeting brought together religious leaders, students, peace activists, and representatives of civil society groups. People from various faiths attended, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Bahais, Nizari Ismailis, Bohris, Parsis, and Hindus, united in the need for mutual respect, compassion, and understanding.

Father Shakeel Gulzar, CCIDE director for the Archdiocese of Karachi, stated in his opening remarks that the purpose of the meeting was to promote peace, tolerance, and harmony among people of different religions in Pakistan, as well as to encourage Pakistanis to remain united as one nation and one human community regardless of faith or background.

The clergyman noted that all religions emphasise and convey messages of peace, and interfaith dialogue is key to overcoming divisions and conflicts.

From South Korea, HWPL representative Kyle shared the insights behind her groups global peace initiatives and presented their peace education programme.

For CCIDE Secretary Kashif Anthony, today we gather here not only as representatives of our respective faith, but as fellow human beings united by the common desire to build bridges of understanding, respect, and peace.

Mansoor Jack, a member of the Bohra community and chairman of the Karachi Business Community, began his speech by saying, We do not believe in the concept of minority or majority. We are one nation. When we come together as one, it shows our unity, love, and respect for each other.

He added that we must motivate and sensitise young people about building peace and mutual understanding, because some of them will become the leaders of the nation, and therefore must be properly educated.

Fr Shakeel Gulzar noted that the various scriptures, be they the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, or other sacred texts, teach us the same values of care, compassion, and responsibility. They remind people to protect the environment, help others, and work for justice and peace.

So today, as we share ideas and build relationships, I hope we can also remind ourselves that it's not just about talking. It's about what we do when we leave this room. True change happens when we bring these values into our daily lives.

Khan Ahsan Imam, of the Bahai community, said we must boost peace-building efforts to create a system that supports every culture, religion, and language in the country, which too often is the scene of sectarian violence and abuse.

For Vijay Maharaj, a Hindu religious leader, the words spoken by the founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, in his address to the Constituent Assembly, should be included in the constitution so that they can truly guide the nation.

Fozia Hameed, a member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly, highlighted the great efforts made to uphold the founder's vision, according to which everyone should have the freedom to profess and follow their faith.

NCJP director Father Shahzad Arshad reminded everyone that this potential means little if we do not transform it into action. In his words, It is only when we live these values (understanding, love, respect, peace-building) in our everyday lives, as true ambassadors of peace, that real change will happen.
What did the prime minister of Armenia get [in Washington on August 8?] he told a news conference. He got a picture with President Trump's signature and a piece of paper with no legal force which gives him an opportunity to deceive the Armenian people once again.

A joint declaration signed by Trump, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the White House says, among other things, that Armenia will ensure unhindered communication between the Nakhichevan exclave and the rest of Azerbaijan through its Syunik province. It will also give the United States exclusive rights to that transit corridor that will be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) and run along the Armenian-Iranian border.

Kocharian claimed that the TRIPP would allow the U.S. to have de facto control of the vital border while giving Azerbaijan an extraterritorial corridor to Nakhichevan demanded by Aliyev since the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Pashinian maintains that the TRIPP will not compromise Armenian sovereignty over the strategic area. But he has made ambiguous statements about border crossing procedures that are due to be put in place for Azerbaijani travelers and cargo.

Speaking during the August 8 signing ceremony, Trump appeared to confirm reports that the U.S. government will secure a long-term lease on the transit route. According to unnamed U.S. officials quoted by Western media, Washington will then sublease the land to a consortium of private companies.

Armenian officials have implicitly denied this. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said last week that the TRIPP will be built and operated by a U.S.-Armenian consortium.

Kocharian insisted that the consortium or any other entity managing the corridor would not be controlled by the Armenian government.

Do you think that Armenia will be able to dictate anything on a road that the U.S. will be standing behind? Are we really that naive? he asked.

The Washington talks also resulted in the initialing of an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. Although Aliyev continues to make its signing conditional on a change of Armenias constitution, Pashinian has repeatedly declared since August 8 that peace has been established between the two South Caucasus nations.

Kocharian dismissed those claims. He said what Armenia and Azerbaijan have now is a ceasefire, not peace, which Aliyev could violate at any moment.

The 71-year-old ex-president, who ruled Armenia from 1998-2008, is the top leader of the main opposition Hayastan alliance that finished second in the last general elections held in 2021. He reaffirmed on Tuesday his intention to participate in the next elections due in June 2026. He insisted that Pashinian stands no chance of winning them.

Kocharian would not say who will be part of his political team this time around. He said this should be clear by next January or February.
Aliyev again described it as the Zangezur corridor, ignoring Pashinians objections repeated at their fresh meeting held last week.

Another important outcome of the summit held in Washington last August is the opening of the Zangezur corridor, he said during a summit of the leaders of Turkic states held in the Azerbaijani town of Gabala.

Pashinian publicly complained about the Azerbaijani term late last month, saying that it runs counter to the agreement brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on August 8 and is perceived as a territorial claim in Armenia.

A joint declaration signed by the three leaders at the White House does not specify practical modalities of a transit corridor that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave through Armenias Syunik province. It says that Yerevan will give the U.S. exclusive rights to what will be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).

Pashinians domestic critics say the TRIPP amounts to the kind of an extraterritorial corridor that has been demanded by Aliyev ever since the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Statements by Aliyev as well as Turkish officials have only given them more ammunition.

Responding to Aliyevs latest statement, Pashinians press secretary, Nazeli Baghdasarian, revealed that the Armenian premier raised the matter with the Azerbaijani president when they met in Copenhagen on October 2 on the sidelines of a European Political Community summit.

The issue, yes, was discussed during the Copenhagen meeting, and we reaffirm that the statement made by the Azerbaijani president cannot in any way apply to the territory of the Republic of Armenia, Baghdasarian told the Armenpress news agency.

She said it is obvious from their joint readout of that meeting that only the TRIPP project concerns the territory of Armenia.

Yerevans objections again fell on deaf ears, with a joint declaration adopted by the participants of the Turkic summit later in the day stressing the importance of the Zangezur corridor.
7 October 2025 20:55 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The East has long been the cradle of civilization. It is a region of immense potential, steeped in culture, history, and innovation. For centuries, it was the worlds locomotive, a hub of economic growth, scientific discovery, and cultural development. Yet, in the past few centuries, the East has come to symbolize stagnation, a place left behind by modernity, struggling to reclaim the dynamism it once possessed. Among these nations, Irans decline is particularly stark.

There are many reasons for this regression, but one of the most significant, in my view, is the persistent refusal to take responsibility. The Mullah regime has repeatedly failed to acknowledge its own mistakes, preferring instead to shift the blame outward. Every social, economic, and political problem becomes the fault of external actorswhether the United States, Israel, or now, even Azerbaijan. This culture of scapegoating is both self-destructive and dangerous.

Iran was once the most dynamic country in its region. Its annual GDP growth reached 30 to 40 percent, and its economy outperformed its neighbors before the Islamic revolution. Yet following the Islamic Revolution, the countrys fortunes reversed dramatically. Today, Irans economic performance is comparable to African nations, and in per capita GDP. For examples, in the 1990s, as the Soviet Union disintegrated, Irans per capita GDP far exceeded that of these emerging nations; today, it falls short by more than twofold.

Where does the blame lie? According to Tehrans ruling clerics, the answer is never Iran itself. Low per-capita income? The United States and Israel. High child mortality? Again, foreign interference. A faltering education system? External enemies. Even internal security failuressuch as the assassination of a high-ranking Iranian general in their bedroom in the heart of Tehranare attributed to other nations. However, the most ironic is Iranian parliamentarian Kamran Ghazanfaris recent accusation against Azerbaijan. Indirectly he claimed that Azerbaijan bears responsibility for the death of the Iranian late president. This is both absurd and revealing: a regime that cannot protect its own leadership assigns blame to its neighbor, as if Azerbaijan were tasked with guarding Tehran.

The consequences of this mentality extend far beyond rhetoric. Irans failure to take responsibility endangers both its own citizens and its neighbors. A sudden and tectonic collapse, whether economic, political, or social, would likely trigger massive migration. For Azerbaijan, a nation of just ten million, even a fraction of the displaced population from Iran would be catastrophic. There are more than thirty million ethnic Azerbaijanis in Iran alone, not to mention other ethnic groups such as the Talysh, Kurds, and various Turkic peoples. Conservative estimates suggest that even five million refugees would overwhelm Azerbaijans infrastructure and economy. The reality is that no country can absorb a refugee wave equal to or exceeding its own population without facing devastating consequences.

Yet Irans clerical leadership seems indifferent to such risks. The regime refuses accountability and shields itself from criticism, even as tectonic shiftsboth literal and metaphoricalshape its society. Problems that could be addressed through reform are ignored. Social crises, economic stagnation, and political unrest persist because admitting failure is seen as unacceptable. Instead, the blame is projected outward, creating a culture in which no internal problem is ever resolved.

This avoidance of responsibility has tangible consequences. Iran is not merely stagnating in comparison with Europe or developed nations; it is increasingly competing with countries such as North Korea or Afghanistan in terms of development and social outcomes. Its failure to modernize and reform leaves it vulnerable to both internal crises and external manipulation. Meanwhile, the scapegoating of Azerbaijan illustrates the regimes willingness to exploit neighboring countries as convenient distractions from its own failures.

The question is whether Iran can change. History suggests that regimes unwilling to accept responsibility either reform or fade into irrelevance. The clerical establishment faces a choice: either confront the countrys systemic failures or follow the path of Syrias Baathist regime, consigned to the margins of history. Yet, for Irans neighbors, particularly Azerbaijan, the stakes are immediate. Stability in Iran is in Azerbaijans interest because any significant upheaval would have profound humanitarian and economic repercussions.

The lesson is clear. Societies that refuse to take responsibility for their own mistakesthose that externalize blame for every failurecannot hope to develop sustainably. They risk stagnation, decline, and in the most extreme cases, collapse. Irans leadership must recognize that scapegoating external actors will not reverse its decline. Without accountability, the country is trapped in a cycle of self-inflicted crises, while the broader region braces for the consequences.

Irans potential is immense, but it cannot be realized under a regime that refuses to admit mistakes. History rewards those willing to confront their failures and learn from them; it punishes those who externalize blame. For Iran, the time to take responsibility is now, before the tectonic shocksboth literal and politicalbecome unmanageable. For its neighbors and for the millions of people who depend on its stability, the consequences of continued denial could be catastrophic.
7 October 2025 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in GabalaThe meeting underscored the evolution of the OTS from a platform for cultural collaboration into a significant geopolitical and economic actor. Leaders emphasized that shared historical roots, languages, and cultural values provide a strong foundation for coordinated action, fostering stability and growth across member states.

During his opening remarks, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Gabalas historical significance, noting that it served as the capital of Caucasian Albania from the 4th century BC to the 8th century AD. Aliyev also expressed gratitude to the Kyrgyz Republic for its leadership in presiding over the OTS and acknowledged Azerbaijans contribution of 2 million U.S. dollars to the OTS Secretariat to support its initiatives.

The President underscored the Organizations transformation from a cultural platform into a geopolitical center of influence, emphasizing that shared history, language, and values unite the member states as a regional family. He stressed that peace and security are the foundations of development, recalling the Nakhchivan Agreement and the recent Garabagh Declaration as key instruments guiding the Organizations mission.

Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijans military and defense cooperation within the OTS, including over 25 bilateral and multinational exercises with Turkiye in the past year. He proposed hosting joint military exercises in Azerbaijan in 2026 for member states, emphasizing that military strength safeguards independence and territorial integrity.

Reflecting on Azerbaijans recent historical achievements, Aliyev reiterated the significance of the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 and the 2023 counter-terrorism operations that ended decades of occupation, restoring the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also highlighted the peace agreement with Armenia, initialed in Washington, framing it as a turning point for the South Caucasus toward lasting stability.

Discussions at the summit highlighted regional connectivity and transport projects as central to the OTSs agenda. Azerbaijans strategic location, along with infrastructure such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the International Trade Port of Alat, and the Middle Corridor, positions the Turkic states to strengthen trade links between Central Asia, Turkiye, and Europe. The opening of the Zangazur Corridor further enhances this regional connectivity, serving as a second artery within both the North-South and East-West transport corridors. Since 2022, cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor has risen significantly, and the recent opening of the Zangazur Corridor adds a new artery for regional trade.

In addition to logistics, energy security remains a cornerstone of Azerbaijans regional strategy. The President outlined the countrys role in supplying natural gas to 14 countries, its position as a strategic link between the Caspian region and international markets, and ongoing investments in renewable energy, aiming for around 40% of energy production from renewables by 2030. Azerbaijan has also established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, collectively facilitating projects across the Turkic world totaling over 20 billion U.S. dollars.

Beyond politics and economics, the summit emphasized cultural and educational cooperation. Aliyev proposed marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress in 1926, highlighting the historical continuity and identity shared across Turkic nations. He also acknowledged the contributions of member states to the reconstruction of liberated territories in Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, citing schools, mosques, and infrastructure projects built with the support of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Turkmenistan, and Turkiye.

In a broader perspective, the OTS is evolving as a model of regional integration. From coordinated infrastructure projects to joint diplomatic initiatives, the Organization is steadily asserting its presence on the global stage, leveraging the diverse strengths of its member states: Kazakhstans energy resources, Uzbekistans industrial potential, Turkiyes geopolitical influence, and Azerbaijans strategic location and economic dynamism. The Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, in particular, exemplifies the OTSs commitment to economic sovereignty and logistical independence, reducing reliance on external powers.

The summit reaffirmed that the strength of the Turkic States Organization lies in unity, shared identity, and actionable cooperation. Under Azerbaijans chairmanship, the focus has been on economic integration, security collaboration, cultural exchange, and sustainable development, highlighting the countrys leadership role in shaping the organizations trajectory.

In conclusion, the 12th OTS Summit showcased the Organization as a dynamic regional force, strengthening bonds among Turkic nations, promoting peace and security, and advancing initiatives that have both local and global impact. United, the Turkic world rises!
7 October 2025 15:20 (UTC+04:00)

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Germany has expressed its intention to further expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of renewable energy, emphasizing the countrys growing role as a strategic energy partner, Azernews reports.

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7 October 2025 18:26 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The economic cooperation agreement between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to be ratified by the end of 2025, paving the way for strengthened bilateral relations, Azernews reports.

This was highlighted by Sanan Nasibli, representative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, during his speech at the seminar Development of the Textile Sector and Promotion of Global Integration.

Nasibli noted that the UAE has concluded comprehensive economic cooperation agreements with 27 countries, nine of which have already been ratified. Azerbaijan is among them. The agreement with Azerbaijan is expected to be ratified by the end of this year. This also gives impetus to more dynamic and expanded cooperation between our countries, he said.

The ratification is anticipated to further boost trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration between Azerbaijan and the UAE, creating new opportunities for businesses in both nations.
7 October 2025 12:24 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

During the plenary session of the 222nd meeting of UNESCO's Executive Board at the organization's headquarters, Elman Abdullayev, Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, presented the country's statement, Azernews reports.

The statement provided information on Azerbaijan's active participation during its four-year membership on the Executive Board. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue to engage actively within the UNESCO platform and contribute to the organizations mandate.

Elman Abdullayev stressed the significance of international solidarity and multilateral cooperation on the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter and the UNESCO Constitution. In this context, he drew attention to Azerbaijan's efforts for peace, security, and cooperation in the region, as well as the steps taken to advance the peace process with Armenia. He particularly noted the historic meeting held on August 8, 2025, in Washington between the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia, which led to the initial signing of the peace agreement text.

Referring to Azerbaijan-UNESCO cooperation, the Permanent Representative underscored the importance of projects in quality education, initiatives in science and artificial intelligence, strengthening the role of women and youth in science, and promoting intercultural dialogue within the framework of the "Baku Process."

He also expressed the necessity of joint efforts under UNESCO to combat all forms and manifestations of racism.

It was declared that Azerbaijan, in full alignment with UNESCO's values, would resolutely continue its work to strengthen international peace.

Since its inception, the Azerbaijan National Committee t UNESCO has made significant contributions t various UNESCO programs and projects.

These include efforts t safeguard and promote Azerbaijan's cultural sites, support educational initiatives, and foster international cooperation n the fields f science and technology.

Azerbaijan National Committee t UNESCO continues t be committed t its mission f promoting peace and cooperation through education, culture, and science.

In 2003, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List, including Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah's Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc. In 2021, Lankaran District was included n the UNESCO list "Network f Creative Cities".

UNESCO also honors Azerbaijan's outstanding personalities like the poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi, Fikrat Amirov, great philanthropist and oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, etc.
7 October 2025 15:31 (UTC+04:00)

On October 7, 2025, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened in Gabala, Azerbaijan, ahead of the 12th Summit of the OTS Heads of State, Azernews reports.

The meeting brought together Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, Kazakhstans Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev, Kyrgyzstans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubayev, Turkiyes Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, and Hungarys Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. Also in attendance were OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, representatives of member governments, and heads of international organizations.

Among the distinguished participants was Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, who addressed the gathering.

Ms. Raimkulova expressed her gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for its warm hospitality and for hosting the Summit at such a high level. She emphasized that peace and security remain key priorities for strengthening cooperation among Turkic states and for preserving the regions shared cultural heritage for future generations.

In her detailed presentation, Ms. Raimkulova reviewed the Foundations activities during 2025.

This year, we have implemented 65 projects covering restoration, museification, digitization, and cultural exchange programs. Across all our initiatives, we prioritize integration, cooperation, and unity. In line with the Vision of the Turkic World  2040 document and the Astana Charter, we published the first Multilingual Catalogue of Turkic World Cultural Heritage. This publication will serve as the foundation for the upcoming digital platform Turkic Heritage, she noted.

She went on to highlight several key achievements, including the multi-volume Anthology of Turkic Folklore Heritage, implemented under the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and with the support of Turkic leaders.

The Foundation also organized an international conference at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to mark the 950th anniversary of Divani Lughat at-Turk, the monumental lexicon of Turkic languages.

Ms. Raimkulova noted that the Foundation continues to strengthen its partnerships with UNESCO, ICESCO, and other Turkic cooperation organizations, guided by the Vision of the Turkic World  2040 and TURKTIME documents.

She further underlined that at the informal OTS Summit held in Budapest in May, a historic decision was made to admit Uzbekistan as a full member of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundationa development that has further enriched the Turkic family.

The Foundations head also welcomed Turkmenistans intention to join as an observer, describing it as an important step and expressing hope that the country would soon become a full member of the organization.

Ms. Raimkulova concluded her address with a call for greater cultural solidarity and unity among Turkic states, underscoring that shared heritage remains the cornerstone of the Turkic worlds collective identity and future.
7 October 2025 09:57 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), founded on shared language, history, and traditions and rooted in the Nakhchivan Agreement, has developed cooperation in more than 35 areas, including political, economic, and cultural sectors.

Azernews reports that Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov made the remarks at a meeting of the OTS Council of Foreign Ministers in Gabala.

Bayramov emphasized that in a time when confidence in international institutions is shaken, the dynamic cooperation within the OTSbuilt on brotherhood and mutual trustis not only a source of pride but also a solid foundation for hope in the future. He stated: Today, we will hear proposals from member states on further strengthening our organization. On the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, the number of annual OTS Summit meetings has been increased to two, creating an opportunity for flexible, in-depth, and comprehensive discussions on our cooperation potential.
7 October 2025 12:45 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan have entered a new stage of dynamic development, according to German Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ralf Horlemann, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the High-Level German-Azerbaijani Conference on Export Financing titled Innovations and Technologies at the Financial Crossroads, Horlemann noted that there has been a noticeable intensification of political dialogue and mutual engagement between Brussels and Baku.

Currently, numerous reciprocal visits are being made from Brussels to Baku and from Baku to Brussels. This is a positive development, as the European Union is Azerbaijans largest trade and investment partner and demonstrates its readiness to actively participate in the development of the region, the ambassador stated.

He highlighted that German-Azerbaijani economic and trade ties have also strengthened, particularly following the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Azerbaijan in April.

A roadmap defining the perspective directions of cooperation was recently signed, and we already see German companies taking concrete steps. For instance, the agreement reached between SEFE and SOCAR in the gas sector, or the interest of German manufacturer MAN in assembling electric buses in Azerbaijan, clearly illustrate this growing partnership, Horlemann emphasized.

The ambassador underlined that such initiatives demonstrate both countries commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and deeper economic collaboration within the broader EU-Azerbaijan partnership framework.
7 October 2025 13:29 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A number of significant documents were approved during the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Gabala on October 7, Azernews reports.

The adopted decisions aim to further strengthen the institutional foundations of the OTS and expand cooperation between member and observer states.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of several key resolutions, including:

Amendments to Articles 1 and 4 of the Rules of Procedure of the Turkic Academy;

Granting Turkmenistan observer status at the Turkic Academy;

Granting Turkmenistan observer status at the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation;

Approval of the OTS Secretariat budget for 2026;

Approval of the OTS Secretariat financial report for 2024;

Approval of the Turkic Academy budget for 2026;

Approval of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation budget for 2026.

The decisions underscore the organizations continued efforts to enhance integration among Turkic states and foster cooperation across cultural, educational, and economic dimensions.
7 October 2025 12:52 (UTC+04:00)

The heads of state and government posed for a group photograph.

On October 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed the heads of state and government participating in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Gabala, Azernews reports.

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7 October 2025 13:29 (UTC+04:00)

The 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) got underway in Gabala, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

Distinguished heads of state and government,

Dear friends,

Welcome to Gabala, the ancient city of Azerbaijan. Gabala served as the capital of Caucasian Albania, spanning a vast geographical area, which was established in the 4th century BC and thrived until the 8th century AD.

At the outset, I extend my gratitude to the Kyrgyz Republic for its successful leadership in presiding over the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Today, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers. It is gratifying to see our Organizations prestige grow on the international stage. Our shared historical and ethnic roots, along with common national and spiritual values, bring us together as a family.

To support the work of the Organization, our country has contributed 2 million U.S. dollars to the account of the OTS Secretariat.

Internal political and economic stability, a strategic geographical location, positive demographics with a young population, vast potential in transport and logistics, rich natural resources, and growing capabilities in the military and defense technology sectors position the OTS as a significant actor on the global stage.

It is gratifying that the Organization of Turkic States has established the practice of holding informal summits alongside official ones. Last years inaugural informal summit in Shusha, as well as our meeting in Budapest this year, are both remembered for the significant decisions.

Dear colleagues,

Today, peace and security are essential foundations for the development of any country.

The Nakhchivan Agreement, the founding document of our Organization, highlights the safeguarding of peace and security as primary goals. Given the current geopolitical and security challenges worldwide, it is crucial that the Turkic states unite as a single center of power, in line with the Garabagh Declaration adopted at last years informal summit in Shusha and following the Regional peace and security theme of todays summit.

It is well understood that development cannot be achieved without ensuring security. In a time when the norms and principles of international law are being gravely violated, cooperation among our countries in military and defense-technical fields becomes one of the crucial factors. In this regard, we maintain strong cooperation with our ally, Turkiye. Just in the past year, over 25 bilateral and multinational military exercises have been carried out jointly with Turkiye.

Considering the extensive cooperation between our countries in military, defense, and security areas, we propose holding joint military exercises for the member states of the Organization of Turkic States in Azerbaijan in 2026.

In todays world, military strength is a crucial element in safeguarding the independence and territorial integrity of any country.

Our historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, along with resolute counter-terrorism measures in 2023, ended the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijans territories. This restored our countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty over our ancient lands. This historical achievement represents not only the triumph of Azerbaijans national will and determined struggle but also a vital contribution to the establishment of justice, peace, and stability in the region.

The initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia two months ago at the White House in Washington is set to transform the South Caucasus into a region of peace. Following the joint call to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures during the Washington summit, the decision made by the OSCE on 1 September also ended these remnants of the former conflict.

Accordingly, these steps have reconfirmed the peace agenda championed by Azerbaijan.

We will never forget the occupation by Armenia. We will forever hold the memory of our Martyrs close to our hearts. We avenged their blood on the battlefield. We expelled the occupiers from our ancestral lands, achieved a brilliant victory, and secured a just peace.

Dear friends!

Transport and communication links hold strategic significance within the Organization of Turkic States. Efforts to harness the potential of the Turkic world in transport, communication, transit, and related fields have resulted in the realization of projects with global impact.

Azerbaijan is an active player in the East-West and North-South transport corridors, serving as a vital bridge between Turkiye and Central Asia across geographic, economic, transport, and other domains.

Since 2022, cargo traffic through the Middle Corridor has increased by approximately 90%. Transit time along the route has significantly decreased. Assets such as the Caspian Seas largest trade fleet, the International Trade Port of Alat, which is expected to reach a capacity of 25 million tons per year in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, 9 international airports, the regions largest cargo airline, and other factors have contributed to establishing Azerbaijan as a major international transport hub.

In this context, one of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangazur Corridor. This corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor.

Another key area closely tied to peace, regional connectivity, and economic development is energy security. Our country plays an active and strategic role in advancing these objectives on a global scale. Azerbaijan has proven itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in ensuring the energy security of many countries.

We serve as a strategic link between the Caspian region and international markets through a network of diversified oil and gas pipelines. At present, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 14 countries. In terms of geographic coverage, Azerbaijan ranks first among nations exporting natural gas via pipeline.

Azerbaijan is also attracting significant investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower. By 2030, approximately 40% of our energy production is expected to come from renewables.

Currently, we are developing a green energy corridor connecting Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Europe.

Azerbaijan and the member states of the OTS have carried out numerous significant investment projects. To date, over 20 billion U.S. dollars have been invested in the economies of our fraternal countries. The majority of these investments have been made in the Turkish economy. Additionally, Azerbaijan has established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Through these funds, many future projects will be realized.

Overall, these initiatives serve to deepen economic integration within the Turkic world, strengthening cooperation among our friendly and brotherly nations in energy and transport, and sustainable development of our region.

As I mentioned, our common history and ethnic roots, our languages unite us like one family. Hereby, I would like to emphasize the historic significance of the First Turkological Congress organized in Baku in 1926.

I propose that the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress next year be solemnly organized within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.

I am confident that our Summit will further strengthen the position of the Organization of Turkic States through the decisions we make, contributing even more to the well-being and security of our peoples.

At the end of my speech, I would like to once again express my gratitude to our fraternal countries for their support in the restoration of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. School named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the Kurmangazy Childrens Creativity Center in Fuzuli, and the school named after Manas in Aghdam are already operational. These are gifts from our Uzbek, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz brothers. A school built in Jabrayil is a gift of our Hungarian brothers. Fuzuli Mosque, the foundation of which is laid today, is a gift from our Turkmen brothers. Brotherly Turkish companies are constructing numerous tunnels, bridges, and roads. Azerbaijanis will never forget this brotherly support.

Thank you!

X X X

The Summit continued with speeches by other heads of state and government.

X X X

Concluding the Summit, President Ilham Aliyev said:

Distinguished colleagues,

Dear friends,

I sincerely thank each of you for your valuable contributions to todays discussions. The statements and insights shared have outlined important directions for the future work of the Organization of Turkic States.

I also express my deep gratitude to the Secretariat of our Organization and the Council of Elders for their dedicated efforts toward our common goals. I am confident that todays Summit will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among us.

Thank you!

X X X

This was followed by the signing ceremony of the Declaration of the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States.

X X X

Later, President Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants again:

- Dear friends,

My dear brother, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, proposed the construction of a mosque in Fuzuli during his visit to Garabagh in July. We express our gratitude to brotherly Turkmenistan for this present.

Within the framework of this Summit, we plan to hold the groundbreaking ceremony of this mosque.

Now, I invite the leaders of all our brotherly countries to the groundbreaking ceremony.

X X X

The groundbreaking ceremony of the mosque then took place.
7 October 2025 13:49 (UTC+04:00)

Today, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, Azernews reports.

The head of state expressed his satisfaction with the growing prestige of the Organization on the international stage, saying: Our shared historical and ethnic roots, along with common national and spiritual values, bring us together as a family.
7 October 2025 18:55 (UTC+04:00)

On October 7, an official luncheon was hosted in Gabala on behalf of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in honor of the heads of state and government participating in the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports.

Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.

Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.

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Thank you!
7 October 2025 20:06 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan has completed his visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A guard of honor was lined up for the Turkish President at Gabala International Airport.

President Erdogan was seen off by Azerbaijans Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev and other officials.
7 October 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The Paris prosecutors office has launched an investigation into the American tech giant Apple over issues related to its Siri voice assistant, Azernews reports.

The inquiry has been assigned to the Department for Combating Cybercrime (OFAC) and focuses on the potential illegal collection of thousands of user conversation recordings via Siri. The investigation was triggered following a complaint based on testimony from a former Apple contractors employee, according to reports.

An Apple spokesperson in France told Politico, Apple has never used Siri data for marketing profiling, shared it with advertising services, or sold it to third parties.

This investigation highlights growing global concerns about privacy and data security in the era of voice-activated assistants. Similar probes into tech companies have emerged worldwide, reflecting increasing scrutiny of how personal data is collected and managed by AI-powered devices.
N. Oregon Coast Group Holds Sunset Walk at Netarts Bay

Published 10/05/25 at 6:45 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Netarts, Oregon) - Midway through fall brings some serious beauty to the Oregon coast, and the north coast group Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS will host a relaxing, educational evening stroll along the shores of Netarts Bay and the adjacent beach on Saturday, October 18th. (Photo WEBS)

The in-person walk is intended to help participants unwind after a long day while enjoying coastal scenery and learning about local natural history, and the program has limited capacity so advance registration is required.

Marine biologist and photographer Jim Young will lead the walk, pointing out interesting beach finds and explaining bay ecology while offering basic photography tips for anyone hoping to capture the sunset. He will take the group to some engaging sights, explain bay ecology and shoreline processes as the walk progresses, along with his invaluable technical knowledge.

What should you bring?



Photo WEBS

Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for sandy and uneven shoreline terrain. WEBS also said you should bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the walk. It's a good idea to bring snacks if you wish to have a small bite during or after the stroll.

Participants are strongly encouraged to bring binoculars for bird and bay viewing; a few binoculars will be available to borrow and share during the walk.





Also, keep in mind it is the Oregon coast: participants should bring layered clothing and windproof outerwear because the coastal moods can shift quickly from warm to cool and breezy. Don't just dress for the weather: dress for various kinds of conditions.

There is no charge to attend this program, but donations to Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS are appreciated to help underwrite future workshops, classes, and community events because the organization relies on donations and grants to keep its programs free and accessible.

Registration is required and additional event details and the registration form are available at https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/events. For questions or to notify organizers of a cancellation, email info@netartsbaywebs.org.

Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS and partner organizations are presenting this walk as part of the Explore Nature series of hikes, walks, paddles, and outdoor adventures; these nature-based experiences are led by a consortium of volunteer community and non-profit groups and are designed to highlight the unique beauty of Tillamook County while showcasing work to preserve and conserve the areas natural resources and natural-resource based economy. Learn more about the Explore Nature series at https://www.explorenaturetillamookcoast.com.

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The growing problem of illegal aliens working as truck drivers of 18 wheelers on our highways just took another dimension. It has become clear that Communist China is actively trying to put Red Chinese illegal aliens into truck drivers jobs here in the US. This is not only a safety issue, but a national security issue.

During the Biden years, Communist China actively moved many thousands of military aged men into the US across our southern border. They even had a well developed route across the Pacific and up through Central America and Mexico.

Now an organization with ties to the Red Chinese government, called the Chinese American Truckers Association USA, is working to get Chinese illegal aliens commercial drivers licenses so they can drive trucks on our highways. They say they have already secured CDL's for 1,000 Chinese illegal aliens. This is done mostly through Democrat states like New York, Illinois, and California. That is just the start.

https://redstate.com/beckynoble/2025/10/06/here-comes-the-next-wave-of-illegal-immigrant-truck-drivers-with-a-whole-new-set-of-dangerous-problems-n2194769

https://redstate.com/streiff/2025/10/06/chinas-actions-say-it-is-planning-a-preemptive-attack-on-the-us-n2194798
Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes?

0% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.100% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say.
Belfast restaurant Nu Delhi has triumphed as the 2025 ARTA Champion of Champions .

Belfast restaurant Nu Delhi has triumphed as the 2025 ARTA Champion of Champions .

Belfast restaurant Nu Delhi has triumphed as the 2025 ARTA Champion of Champions .

A Belfast restaurant has made history after being named the best in the UK at this years Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA).

Nu Delhi Restaurant & Lounge became the first Northern Ireland restaurant ever to win the coveted national Champion of Champions title at the 2025 ceremony, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

The prestigious win marks a milestone moment for the citys dining scene, with Nu Delhi also retaining its title as Regional Restaurant of the Year for a fourth consecutive year.

Owner Nazim Din said the team was truly honoured and overjoyed to bring the award home.

To be the first Northern Ireland restaurant to achieve this national recognition is a proud moment for our entire team, he said.

Winning Regional Restaurant of the Year for the fourth year in a row shows our unwavering commitment to excellence in every dish and every experience we deliver.

Belfast restaurant Nu Delhi has triumphed as the 2025 ARTA Champion of Champions .

Head Chef Mahabir Singh said the restaurants focus has always been on authenticity and innovation added: We strive to bring authentic flavours with a creative touch - our guests inspire us to keep raising the bar, he said.

Manager Mostafa added that the achievement reflects the loyalty and support of their regulars.

This victory belongs to our customers as much as our team, he said.

Their loyalty and love drive us to be the best every single day.

The Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards celebrate the very best of South Asian cuisine across the UK, recognising outstanding restaurants, chefs, and teams who elevate the dining experience through quality and consistency.

Located on Belfasts Great Victoria Street, Nu Delhi Restaurant & Lounge has become one of the citys most celebrated dining spots, known for its refined Indian cuisine, contemporary atmosphere, and dedicated service.

Belfast restaurant Nu Delhi has triumphed as the 2025 ARTA Champion of Champions .

Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken?

The latest accolade is just another award for the restaurant. It previously claimed the top spot for NI at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2023, marking the second consecutive year the restaurant has received this honour.
Music and Gigs

I was pigeonholed into a genre that I didnt get to choose: Singer Ella opens up about breaking away from dance music
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Unite has announced it will ballot health care workers over strike action (Stock image)

Two major unions representing health and social care staff in Northern Ireland are preparing to ballot their members for strike action.

Unions say the move follows the Department of Healths failure to deliver pay parity with NHS workers in other parts of the UK.

Unite has announced plans to ballot over 4,500 members across the health and social care system, including paramedics, porters, and technical and professional staff, after what it described as continued inaction on fair pay and safe staffing levels.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said workers had been left with no alternative but to consider industrial action.

Workers in Northern Ireland deserve the same pay as their NHS colleagues, she said.

The failure to deliver pay parity and safe staffing has left our members with no alternative but to ballot for strike action. Health and social care workers in Northern Ireland have the full support of Unite in their fight for fairness and respect.

Health and social care workers in Northern Ireland have not received the 3.6% pay increase awarded to NHS workers in other parts of the UK.

Unite said this ongoing disparity is driving staff out of the service and deepening a recruitment and retention crisis.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt

Unite regional officer Brenda Stevenson accused the Department of prioritising private contracts over staff welfare.

Every year, health and social care workers are left to wait at the back of the queue to get the recommended pay award, she said.

In May the minister found tens of millions in his health budget for private medical providers but now says theres nothing for our members pay increase.

"Patients will be concerned that NHS workers are balloting for strikes, but this dispute is entirely of the Executives own making.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has also confirmed it will begin the process of balloting its members for strike action over the same issue.

The union said nurses continue to be denied the pay award already given to their counterparts elsewhere in the UK, despite repeated promises from Stormont ministers.

Unite has announced it will ballot health care workers over strike action (Stock image)

Belfast History Explained: Who was Sheila the Elephant?

Prof Rita Devlin, executive director of the RCN in Northern Ireland, described the situation as nothing short of shameful.

Unfortunately, empty promises dont pay bills, she said. It is nothing short of shameful that it is our own Northern Ireland politicians who are forcing nursing staff in Northern Ireland back onto the picket lines in order to get the pay award that has been recommended, and which they all agreed should be paid.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said this week he is now less optimistic about finding a resolution to the pay impasse.

I am less optimistic now than I was a couple of weeks ago, but I still think its going to be resolved, he told the Assembly on Monday.

Even if it does lead to strike action  and I pray to God it does not  at some point this pay issue will have to be resolved.

"If we allow it to go to strike action it will have an impact on service delivery, waiting lists, staff morale and, in the end, it will cost more to fix than it costs today.

The RCN is due to hold a key meeting on Thursday, where the decision to ballot for industrial action is expected to be confirmed.

Prof Devlin added that the delay in delivering the pay award has caused unquantifiable damage to morale among nursing staff.

It is very clear to our members that they are not seen as important or valued by those in power when something as simple as a pay award, which they knew was coming, cannot be delivered, she said.

Both unions have urged the Northern Ireland Executive to act immediately to prevent further disruption across an already overstretched health service.
Members of the Belfast Muslim community will be erecting a monument to recognise unmarked Muslim graves in the City Cemetery.

This month Belfast City Council approved a committee decision to permit a monument and interpretative panel that would recognise unmarked Muslim graves in the Falls Road cemetery in West Belfast, which dates back to the 1860s.

The move complements the councils City Cemetery Heritage Project, which will see the restoration of key heritage assets.

The site contains many points of historical interest, including the poor ground where over 80,000 souls lie in unmarked graves and an underground wall, which was built in Victorian times to separate Protestant and Catholic graves.

Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor, SDLP Councillor Paul Doherty, told the chamber during the October meeting of the full council at City Hall: I warmly welcome progress on the monument and interpretive panel recognising the unmarked Muslim graves at Belfast City Cemetery.

In the last number of weeks and months I have had the opportunity to meet with those involved in the project, including Dr Naomi Green and Father Martin Magill. To discuss progress on this project, I was very much drawn into the fascinating details that have been gathered by Dr Green.

From the 1920s to the 1940s at least 11 Muslim individuals were laid to rest in Belfast City Cemetery; they were sailors through to travelling performers, and one Queens University student. I strongly believe that their stories are very much part of Belfasts shared history, but for far too long they have remained unmarked and unrecognised.

City Cemetery in west Belfast

News Catch Up - Sunday 5 October

This project ensures that these lives and their contribution to the life of this city will now be remembered, and I look forward to these stories being shared through this very important installation.
Garda Detective Superintendent John OFlaherty, Co-Chair of the Cross Border JATF; Detective Chief Inspector Paul McGrattan of the PSNI; Detective Superintendent Joe OReilly, Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and PSNI Superintendent Peter Stevenson, pictured at meeting of the JATF on rural crime.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Irelands Serious Crime Branch are investigating more than 70 cases of business-related fraud, with police warning that many local firms in the agri-business sector have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket.

Under the Joint Agency Task Force (JATF), PSNI and Gardai are probing 75 reports of sophisticated scams targeting companies in both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Many of the victims are located in border areas and have lost valuable machinery after being deceived by fraudsters posing as legitimate buyers.

Superintendent Peter Stevenson said the scams were complex and damaging and urged businesses to be alert to potential red flags.

In each of the cases we are investigating, companies have agreed to sell items such as farm machinery or quad bikes to a buyer claiming to represent another business in the same sector, he explained.

Payment is apparently made by card or bank transfer, and supposed proof is sent to the victim as a screenshot of a cancelled or entirely fake payment record  often using cloned cards from all over the island of Ireland.

Garda Detective Superintendent John OFlaherty, Co-Chair of the Cross Border JATF; Detective Chief Inspector Paul McGrattan of the PSNI; Detective Superintendent Joe OReilly, Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and PSNI Superintendent Peter Stevenson, pictured at meeting of the JATF on rural crime.

News Catch Up - Sunday 5 October

Typically, a delivery driver is then arranged to collect the goods. The driver, unaware of the deception, may later be asked to deliver to a different address. By the time the seller realises no money has arrived, the goods  and the fraudsters  have disappeared.

Superintendent Stevenson said detectives believe there may be more unreported cases.

We want to encourage reporting and raise awareness, he added. In some recent cases, we were able to recover stolen items because of distinctive markings or tracking devices. Marking or tracking goods is one of the simplest preventative measures businesses can take.

He also advised sellers to independently verify any company claiming to make a purchase.

Contact the firm using publicly listed details, not those supplied by the buyer, he said.

Does the purchase make sense for that business? One fraud we investigated involved a construction company supposedly buying large amounts of silage wrap  something used almost exclusively by farmers.

Businesses are also urged to confirm payments directly with their bank before releasing goods.

Do not rely on confirmation from the buyer, he said. These can be faked easily.

The PSNI is working closely with An Garda Siochana to trace the movement of stolen goods, which investigators believe are being trafficked across the border.

Detective Superintendent John OFlaherty, co-chair of the JATF, said Gardai have seen stolen machinery and equipment moving from the Republic to Northern Ireland.

The fraudulent theft of goods is not confined to border areas, he said. I urge business owners to be vigilant and make all the appropriate checks. An Garda Siochana continues to work closely with our counterparts in the PSNI  not only investigating these crimes, but also making our communities aware that their livelihoods may be targeted in future.

Superintendent Stevenson added that fraudsters are often using VAT numbers belonging to dormant or inactive companies to lend credibility to their scams.

These legitimate businesses are completely unaware their details are being used, he said. We would encourage firms with dormant VAT numbers to consider deregistering to avoid being exploited by criminals.

He warned that while the agri-business sector has been hit hardest, any company operating online could be targeted.

Anyone who believes they have been affected is urged to contact police on 101 or report online at www.psni.police.uk/report. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Kneecap's Liam Og O hAnnaidh (right), who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accompanied by bandmates Naoise O Caireallain (left) and JJ O'Dochartaigh (second left), as he speaks to supporters outside Woolwich Crown Court, London, where the terrorism case against him was thrown out

The Attorney General has warned Robert Jenrick not to prejudice a future appeal on the decision to drop terrorism charges against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh.

The 27-year-old was charged with the alleged display of a flag in support of proscribed terrorist group Hezbollah at a London gig last November, but the case against him was thrown out due to a technical error.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court, last month, the charge brought against O hAnnaidh was unlawful and that he had no jurisdiction to try the case.

Lord Hermer suggested the shadow justice secretary carefully consider any further public comments to avoid any risk of prejudicing any future proceedings.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick (Yui Mok/PA)

In a letter to Mr Jenrick, he added the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is yet to make a decision on whether to appeal the decision of the chief magistrate.

Mr Jenrick had previously written to the Attorney General calling for an urgent inquiry into the issue, claiming it raised serious questions about the competence of all those involved.

Responding, Lord Hermer wrote: I share your disappointment in the outcome of the ruling. As I understand, you now accept that your original interpretation of what took place was incorrect, based on your changing public statements last week.

I am sure you are aware it is important for all senior politicians to ensure their public statements are supported by a basic understanding of the facts and the potential impact of their words on legal proceedings.

He added: You will be aware, not least from public reporting to this effect, that the CPS can still appeal the decision of the chief magistrate.

Until a decision is taken on that question, and the prosecution is in fact finally resolved, I am sure you will carefully consider any further public comments to avoid any risk of prejudicing any future proceedings.

I am also sure you will also agree that it makes sense to await the CPSs decision on whether they intend to appeal, and the final resolution of any appeal before conducting any sort of post-mortem.

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged by post on May 21, but the permission of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had not been sought.

After a retrospective decision to seek permission, the Metropolitan Police re-sent the postal charge to O hAnnaidh the following day, but with May 22 considered the charging date, this meant it fell outside the six-month window in which defendants should be charged.

In the letter, Lord Hermer said he had provided consent several hours after being asked on May 22.

Rap group Kneecap. Inset: Robert Jenrick.

Hezbollah terror case against Kneecap rapper thrown out after technical error

He wrote: The CPS is operationally independent in its casework, and I am responsible for safeguarding this independent decision-making. This is crucial to ensuring that prosecutions in England and Wales remain free from political interference.

A key exception to this is where the CPS applies for law officers consent to a prosecution where it is required by law. As has been widely reported, the CPS applied to my office for consent on May 22 2025, which was provided several hours later.
The TUV stood over Mr Gastons comments about Islamic extremism

Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two men died in a terror attack (Peter Byrne/PA)

A TUV MLA has been accused of Islamophobia and asked to urgently clarify remarks alleging that on Thursday evening pro-Palestine protestors in Belfast celebrated the deaths of two Jewish people in Manchester earlier in the day, with chants of we got two.

The TUVs Timothy Gaston raised the terror attack as his matter of the day at Stormont on Monday, and it was roundly condemned by all parties at the Assembly.

But he has been challenged over whether the complaint made to him about the protest happened as described.

Two Jewish men, 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby (53) died in the attack on Thursday, while three men were taken to hospital.

Melvin Cravitz, 66. (Family handout/PA)

Adrian Daulby, 53 (Family handout/PA)

The attacker, Jihad Al-Shamie (35) was shot dead by police on Thursday outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in the suburb of Crumpsall after attacking worshippers with his car and a knife.

The attack unfolded on Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish calendar with many worshippers inside.

During the course of his speech, Mr Gaston said he had been advised that pro-Palestine protestors who blocked a road at York Street in Belfast had celebrated the synagogue attack.

He said: "I want to pay tribute to the courage of those who died protecting their family, friends and their neighbours.

But there is a need for more than words. The attacker was a Muslim out on bail for an alleged rape. While he was a British citizen, he was of Syrian origin.

The danger of Islamic extremism can no longer be ignored.

"The climate in which this attack took place also needs to be acknowledged.

For years, anti-Israeli protests have featured anti-Semitic slogans and placards perpetrate (sic) harmful Jewish stereotypes.

"Even after Thursday, that rhetoric didn't stop. On Friday, I wrote to the Chief Constable after being advised that, at an illegal roadblock at York Street, there were chants of, 'We got two'. Shame!"

He added that decency should have kept the protesters in the house on Thursday evening, of all nights.

However, the PSNI has said it was unaware of any such protest on Thursday evening, although there had been one that morning.

The PSNI confirmed that a protests at York Street earlier on October 2 had been dispersed by 8.24am, more than an hour before the synagogue attack.

According to reports, Manchester police first received a call about the Manchester attack at 9.31am.

And it was after midday on October 2, when news sites which were providing steady updates confirmed that two people had died.

Mr Gaston said in the Assembly that he had written to Jon Boutcher about the matter, although confusion surrounds the communications.

When asked for clarity, the TUV said a letter was sent at 1.18pm on Friday October 3.

The PSNI initially suggested it had received no such communication but later said it had been sent a letter.

But when the TUV was asked to share this letter in full, the party then said the complaint had been made via phone call.

Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, where two men died in a terror attack (Peter Byrne/PA)

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said: "Rhetoric about 'Islamic extremism' conflates individual terrorist acts with an entire religion, which in turn normalises Islamophobia and stokes up hatred. This is unacceptable behaviour from any public representative.

He also said that the accusation made by the complainant to the TUV that pro-Palestine protestors at York Street celebrated the attack on the synagogue appears blatantly untrue, given that the protest dispersed well before the Manchester attack was reported to police.

Attempting to smear those protesting genocide as anti-Semitic is a tired, transparent attempt to silence dissent."

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll

The TUV had said an email had been sent to Chief Constable Jon Boutcher the day after the attack, October 3, about the protest and chanting.

We were contacted in confidence about the illegal roadblock and comments made at the same and have referred them to the police, a spokesperson added.

The TUV said it had received the complaint on Friday morning about events on the night of the 2nd of October.

The PSNI was asked if any other road blocks took place on October 2 or 3 in Belfast.

This newspaper was told that a local sergeant checked to see if there had been any further protests, and he wasnt aware of any.

The party also stood over Mr Gastons comments about Islamic terrorism, saying: Of course it is appropriate to speak of Islamic terrorism when an incident is carried out by an Islamic terrorist. Do you think he was a far right militant?

A TUV spokesperson later hit back at Mr Carrolls comments saying: "TUV received a report that the we got two comment was made at a protest they encountered on the evening after the attack in Manchester and we reported this to the PSNI.

The party criticised Mr Carroll for posting "victory to the Palestinian resistance on 7 October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel.

"It is a fact that the terrorist taken out on Thursday was an Islamic terrorist  motivated by the same radical beliefs spelt out in the Hamas Charter which includes the statement, The Day of Judgment will not come until Muslims fight the Jews and kill them (Article 7), a TUV spokesperson added.

That statement is so obvious that it requires no explanation let alone a defence.

"If Mr Carroll has an issue with that then so be it it but ignoring the truth does not make it any less the truth.

SDLP North Belfast Councillor Carl Whyte said repeated attempts have been made to smear people protesting genocide and Timothy Gaston would need to back up these claims with hard evidence.

SDLP North Belfast Councillor Carl Whyte

He added: There has been no reporting that any such comments were made at this north Belfast protest and a clear statement from the police that this protest ended before the tragic incident in Manchester.

Timothy Gaston must urgently clarify his comments and withdraw them if he cannot provide proof.

The police said it received a letter from an elected representative, on Friday 3 October, with details of offensive chants, reported to have been overheard by a member of the public at a protest in Belfast, on the evening of Thursday, 2nd October.

It concluded: Enquiries are underway to establish if a crime has been committed.

After this statement was released, the full letter was requested from the TUV and PSNI.

The TUV then said colleagues have confirmed it was a phone call".
Belfast joins international vigil to mark two years since October 7 Hamas attack on Israel

Vigils have been held in around 100 cities worldwide

Dozens of people gathered in the early hours of Tuesday morning to mark the anniversary

Liam Tunney Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 11:51







An early-morning vigil has been held in Belfast to mark two years since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Sir Ed Davey will visit the North East Fife constituency represented by for Liberal Democrat leader Lord Menzies Campbell on Tuesday (Ben Birchall/PA)

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey will pledge to make the case for internationalism and co-operation, as he pays tribute to his partys former leader Lord Menzies Campbell.

Sir Ed will visit North East Fife, the area represented by Lord Campbell for almost three decades in his time in the House of Commons.

The Liberal Democrat, who died less than two weeks ago, had served for many years as his partys foreign affairs spokesperson at Westminster.

Lord Menzies Campbell spoke up for what was right, even when it was hard, Sir Ed Davey said (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Sir Ed will argue that many of todays politicians should learn from Lord Campbell.

Speaking ahead of Tuesdays trip, the Liberal Democrat leader said: I am delighted to be visiting North East Fife, the constituency which Ming Campbell represented for so many years and for which he was a tireless champion.

Speaking about Lord Campbell, who was Liberal Democrat leader between March 2006 and 2007, Sir Ed recalled his principled opposition to the Iraq War, saying this was a mark of his morality, courage and wisdom.

Sir Ed added: There is a lesson here for current political leaders. He spoke up for what was right, even when it was hard.

As Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage compete to pinch ideas from Donald Trump to make Britain more isolated and insular, the Liberal Democrats will make the case for internationalism, co-operation and working closely with our allies in Europe and across the Commonwealth.
Researchers are going to study the long-term impact of vaping on former smokers (PA)

Scientists are to study the long-term impact on vaping on former smokers.

Researchers hope their study could give insight into the safety of vaping after quitting smoking and how long people should vape for after using them as a quitting aid.

Some 200 people will take part in the study.

People will be recruited from University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trusts NHS staff smoking cessation clinic and community stop smoking services.

Half will be given nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum, while the other half will be given vapes.

Samples will be taken over a year to assess lung health and will be compared to samples taken of 40 people who have never smoked or vaped.

Other studies into vaping have assessed lung health at a single time point.

Researchers, led by academics from the University of Birmingham, hope that by tracking people for a year they will gain further insights into the longer term impacts of vaping when used as a quit aid.

The experts, who received 1.55 million from the Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, said they hope the study will answer questions about the biological effects of vaping on lung cells, immune cells, inflammatory markers and the airway.

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They will also examine genes and proteins over time as well as the accumulation of toxicants within the airways after vaping.

We will study how vaping affects important airway immune cells and the epithelial cells which line the insides of the lung, said chief investigator of the study, Dr Aaron Scott.

Since these cell types play a critical role in the development of smoking-related lung diseases, these changes will provide clear insight into vaping on lung health.

David Thickett, professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Birmingham and clinical lead for the study, added: This study will provide critical data needed to understand the safety of vaping as a short-term smoking cessation strategy and the potential for harm in longer-term usage so people can make an informed personal choice about whether to quit with e-cigarettes and how long to use them after swapping to stop.

Englands chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, has previously said: If you smoke, vaping is much safer; if you dont smoke, dont vape.

Jonathan Blades, director of external affairs at Asthma and Lung UK said: Research into the effects of vaping is desperately needed as so little is known about the long-term effects, although evidence so far suggests smoking is much more harmful.

As well as more research, we need the Government to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as quickly as possible and act to address the unacceptable marketing of vapes to children and young people.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Our health advice is clear: while vapes are less harmful than smoking and can be an effective aid to quit smoking, children and non-smokers should never vape. We welcome further research on the health impact of vaping.

Our landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill will put an end to the cycle of addiction and disadvantage by creating the first smoke-free generation and stopping the next generation from getting hooked on nicotine.
The Welsh First Minister has stopped short of condemning protests on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

After Sir Keir Starmer criticised the demonstrations as un-British, the Labour FM Eluned Morgan refused to echo the Prime Ministers comments, instead calling for sensitivity from pro-Palestine protesters on Tuesday.

Writing in The Times, he said pro-Palestine protests have been used by some as a despicable excuse to attack British Jews.

Speaking at First Ministers Questions, Darren Millar, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, urged Baroness Morgan to condemn protests taking place on Tuesday.

He said: Last week, on Yom Kippur, we saw an atrocious, murderous, barbaric antisemitic attack in Manchester, at the Heaton Park synagogue.

And, of course, today marks the second anniversary of the atrocities of the October 7 massacre in Israel, carried out by Hamas terrorists.

The Jewish community, understandably, here in Wales, and across the UK, is fearful of yet further attacks, and they feel intimidated and hurt by the disrespectful behaviour of some terrorist-supporting protesters who continue to fuel hatred on our streets.

Will you join me today in condemning those who are taking part in such protests?

Baroness Morgan said: I think weve got to use extreme sensitivity on this day of all days.

I think that it is important that we all, as politicians, appeal for calmness and for kindness, and to make sure that we stand together with our communities across the nation and calm the temperature down on this.

It is our responsibility as leaders within our communities to make sure that we are appealing for people to calm down and not to raise the temperatures at a really sensitive time.

Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester (Peter Byrne/PA)

Mr Millar added: The UK Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have called for protests to be called off today.

I agree with them, but you havent.

So, can you tell us, will you call for protesters to stay at home and not be on our streets, on today of all days?

Lady Morgan said: I think its important that we support peoples rights to protest.

I think thats part of who we are as a democratic nation.

But I do think that there are times when you need to be sensitive, and I think today is a day when you need to be sensitive.
JP Morgan was crowned Glasgows brainiest business at this years Marie Curie Glasgow Brain Game (BK Photography/PA)

A charitable initiative is celebrating raising more than 2 million for Marie Curie.

The Glasgow Brain Game was launched 18 years ago in the city, offering a black-tie dinner quiz.

This years quiz broke all previous records, raking in 257,000 and boosting overall donations from the event to Marie Curie above 2 million.

Celebrated as one of Marie Curies flagship fundraising nights, the Glasgow Brain Game attracted a stellar guest list, including Scottish TV presenter Eilidh Barbour, radio DJ Garry Spence, 80s pop icon Clare Grogan and reality TV and radio star Laura Anderson, alongside many of Glasgows leading business figures.

Around 600 guests gathered at the Glasgow Hilton to take part on Thursday, with a team from JP Morgan emerging victorious and lifting the coveted trophy.

Leading names from Glasgows business community joined forces to make the night a success, including Parks Motor Group, the headline sponsor, KPMG, McLaughlin & Harvey, Cala Homes, and Enviro-Clean and Pelion.

Scottish DJ Garry Spence was among the celebrity guests at the Marie Curie Glasgow Brain Game (BK Photography/PA)

JetBlue also helped boost the total by donating two business-class flights to New York for the evenings raffle, while guests got the chance to relive a childhood favourite game of pass the parcel courtesy of event partner itison.

The event helps ensure Marie Curie can continue delivering expert care and compassion to people living with terminal illness and their loved ones.

Catherine Maclean, special events manager at Marie Curie, said: The Glasgow Brain Game is a standout moment in our calendar, not just for the charity, but for the whole city.

To have raised over 2 million since the event began is a phenomenal achievement and a real testament to Glasgows generosity, passion and community spirit.

This record-breaking total will help us reach even more people in need of our care, support and compassion.

Every pound raised ensures that families facing terminal illness in Glasgow dont face it alone.

The atmosphere on the night was electric, and the continued support from Glasgows business community never fails to inspire us.

A huge congratulations to JP Morgan for taking the top spot and being crowned Glasgows brainiest business.

Here in Glasgow, our hospice provides specialist end-of-life care, bereavement support and day services to local people. It costs over 10,000 a day to run, so events like the Brain Game are absolutely vital.

On behalf of everyone at Marie Curie, I want to say a heartfelt thank-you to every guest, sponsor, and supporter, your kindness and generosity make a life-changing difference.

The event sees guests test their knowledge across a range of quiz rounds, from sport and showbiz to nostalgia and music, as they battle it out for the title of Glasgows brainiest business.

To find out more about Marie Curie, visit mariecurie.org.uk.
Emergency services next to a rescue helicopter in Herdecke (Alex Talash/dpa via AP)

The newly elected mayor of a town in western Germany has been found with life-threatening stab wounds in what Chancellor Friedrich Merz described as an abhorrent act.

Iris Stalzer was elected as mayor of Herdecke on September 28.

She is a member of the centre-left Social Democrats, the junior party in Germanys conservative-led national government.

An ambulance and police cars in Herdecke, Germany, after the towns mayor was found critically injured in her apartment (Alex Talash/dpa/AP)

Ms Stalzer was found at her home with life-threatening wounds shortly before 1pm on Tuesday, police and prosecutors said in a statement.

She was taken to a hospital by helicopter.

Authorities did not comment on the nature of the wounds, but the leader of the Social Democrats parliamentary group in Berlin, Matthias Miersch, told reporters that we heard a few minutes ago that newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed in Herdecke.

A later statement from police and prosecutors said that, as things stand, there are no indications of a politically motivated act, adding that a family connection was presumed.

It did not elaborate but said that Ms Stalzers children were still with police to clear up what happened.

Mr Merz wrote on social media that we fear for the life of mayor-elect Iris Stalzer and hope for her full recovery.

The statement from investigators said that they are investigating in all directions and that a family background also cannot be ruled out at present.

Police and emergency services in Herdecke, Germany (Bernd Thissen/dpa/AP)

Ms Stalzer, who beat a candidate from Mr Merzs centre-right Christian Democrats in a run-off vote to win election, is due to take office on November 1.

Herdecke is a town of about 23,000 people in western Germanys Ruhr region, between the cities of Hagen and Dortmund.

Ms Stalzers website says she is 57 and married with two teenage children.

It says she has spent almost her whole life in Herdecke and has worked as a lawyer specialising in labour law.
Protesters during the Tommy Robinson-led Unite The Kingdom rally on Westminster Bridge last month.

Those who have been protesting against the influx of migrants into the UK and Ireland are a bit touchy about how they are defined.
Massive Nama fraud trial begins with dramatic evidence: Sam McBride reports

Tell him hes a greedy f**ker: Jury shown emails revealing tensions over odd deal with multi-million pound success fee

Ian George Coulter and Francis Hugh Cushnahan

Ciaran Dunbar Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 17:21







The so-called Nama trial is underway in Belfast, more than a decade after police first began an exceptionally complex and significant investigation.
Mystery over conflicting accounts at Sinn Fein-linked company set up to mark 1916 Rising

Figures reporting revenue and number of visitors at odds, while 2019 accounts appear erroneous

Images of IRA hunger strikers on display as part of Revolution 1916 in the Ambassador theatre in Dublin. Picture: Gerry Mooney

Bill Breathnach Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 20:00

A Sinn Fein-linked company established to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising has left at least 440,000 unaccounted for.
BENNINGTON  The Korean Conflict might be called the forgotten war but the Republic of Korea (ROK) has not forgotten those allies who fought with it to maintain their freedom.

One of these is Donald Don Fisher, 93, of Bennington. He recently received the Ambassador for Peace medal from the ROK, better known as South Korea, for his service in the Army's 24 Infantry Division, 21st Regiment.

It is a great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the services you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy, reads the proclamation accompanying the medal. We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our Free Nation.

Fisher also received a letter from Kim Jaehui, consul general of the Republic of Korea Consulate in Boston. The Korean people will never forget your courage and valor in answering the call to defend freedom and democracy on the Korean Peninsula, he wrote.

Fisher, who grew up in Rochester, N.Y., joined the service with three friends after high school. He enlisted when he was 17 years old in 1949. At first, he was supposed to be headed to southern Japan to be part of the occupation troops that had been in the country since World War II.

And when we got to Japan on the ship, we went by train to where I was going to be assigned to a division in the southern part of Japan, he said. When we got to our destination, the first thing they said was 'dont unpack your bags,' we're going to Korea, and that was about eight days after the war started.

So, our division, was the very first unit to fight in Korea, and the only one for quite a few weeks, he said.

His service included fighting in one of the first battles of the war, the Battle of Gaemi Hill.

After nine months of service, I had gotten a piece of shrapnel on my back from a Chinese grenade and I was airlifted to a MASH unit, he said. And it was there that they also discovered that I had frostbite.

The shrapnel wound was actually not serious. They just plucked out a piece of metal. That was it. But because I had frostbite, they sent me to a hospital in Japan.

After a brief time back with his unit in Korea, he left the country and finished out the remainder of his two years of service at Fort Benning in Georgia.

He said being posted at the fort, compared to combat in Korea, was as different as anything could possibly be.

This was not the first time the ROK has honored Fishers service in the war.

A forgotten war, remembered again "It was always called the forgotten war."That's how Donald "Don" Fisher recalls the Korean War, in which he fought as a teenage member of the Army's 24 Infantry Division, 21st Regiment.But he 

As told in a July 2018 Banner article, Fisher and his wife, Donna, went on a trip that year as guests of the city of Sejong, South Korea, to participate in a ceremony commemorating the July 1950 battle of Gaemi Hill. This was the city's 13th year commemorating the battle.

In Korea, they received about 67 letters, written by local students, thanking veterans for their fighting in the country.

It was a very nice trip, Fisher said. Wonderful people.

According to one source, the Gaemi Hill battle was one of the fiercest and horrible battles during the early phase of the Korean War. It was a crucial defense by U.S. Army soldiers against North Korean forces during the Korean War, delaying the enemys advance.

The battle is commemorated with a memorial wall in Sejong City, honoring the soldiers who died in it.

Fisher said the offer of the free trip to South Korea was unexpected and arrived through a phone message he received after he and his wife came home from a vacation.

The city didnt actually exist at the time of the battle. I said yes. I never, in my wildest imagination, thought that I would ever go back to Korea and have any particular reason to go, he said. And so, anyways, we took this trip, the two of us.

They have been absolutely wonderful, they really have, to all our troops and the other allied troops that fought, Donna Fisher said of the ROK.

The couple also praised the Veterans Administration. The Ambassador for Peace medal was hand-delivered to the Fishers home by Chance Payette from the Vermont office of Veterans Affairs, who drove down from White River Junction to do so. Donna Fisher added that they are fortunate to have the VA center in Bennington.

We've been dealing quite a bit with the VA, and they've been very helpful, Donald Fisher said.

The Korean War (195053) pitted North Korea, aided by China, versus South Korea, aided by the United Nations, with the U.S. sending the vast majority of troops. Sixteen countries also sent troops to support South Korea, including the United Kingdom and Turkey, and many also sent equipment or aid. The conflict in Korea was not a declared war by the United States and other participating nations, but was instead labeled a United Nations "police action."
BENNINGTON  A Pownal animal cruelty case from last March is currently set to select a jury and is headed to a one-day trial in November in Bennington.

Shawn Mateo, 43, of Pownal, is charged with twelve counts of animal cruelty and deprivation, one count for each dog, after he allegedly attempted to drop off Cinnamon, an emaciated female who just gave birth, and several of her newborn puppies to an animal shelter in Springfield, Massachusetts, in March 2024.

According to an affidavit in the case, a long email chain over several months  including emails from two different animal humane societies in both Vermont and Massachusetts, Mateos ex-wife, a Pownal animal control officer, and Mateo himself  documented several instances of animals in his care that might need help, and possible neglect and cruelty by Mateo. The email chain also revealed several efforts, some successful and some not, to save the animals.

Mateo reportedly contacted the Dakin Humane Society, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, on Saturday, March 9, 2024, when attempting to surrender seven dogs, three of which were ultimately taken in. While there, Mateo allegedly told workers at the shelter that one of the dogs at his residence in Pownal, a female, just had puppies before her spay appointment scheduled for that April. According to the affidavit, Mateo told the shelter that he had no idea she was pregnant, but that she had recently birthed 13 puppies, two of which were stillborn.

The shelter agreed to take the mother and all of the puppies, but when the shelter called Mateo back to ask whether he could transport the dogs that Sunday, Mateo allegedly informed them that only four of the puppies were still alive. When Mateo arrived at the shelter, he brought three puppies and their mother. A veterinarian at the shelter advised investigators that she was shocked that she (Cinnamon) could even stand, she was so frail. The vet also alerted authorities that she had growing concerns about this location.

According to the affidavit, it wasnt the first time the Dakin Humane Society had contact with Mateo.

In the Summer of 2023, the Windham County Humane Society had collected nine puppies from Mateos ex-wife. All of the dogs reportedly needed emergency treatment, were malnourished and dirty, including one dog who had untreated bite wounds from another dog, and that Mateo had allegedly known about the injuries and condition of the remaining animals.

Mateo's ex-wife, who was living outside the marital home at the time, discovered the puppies under Mateos care and returned to the residence twice to take the dogs to the shelter. One of those dogs later died. She attempted to take several older dogs from Mateos property to the Windham shelter two weeks later, but was turned away due to overcrowding. She contacted the shelter two more times, asking for help, and stating that Mateo was overwhelmed and desperate."

At one point in early 2024, Pownal Animal Control Officer Leonard Cote was alerted to the situation by Dakin. In an answer to a voicemail, Cote allegedly informed Dakin that he couldnt do anything at this point because there is a large fence around the property and the dogs are inside the trailer, so he has no grounds to investigate.

Law enforcement eventually applied for and received a search warrant for the property. Eight dogs were seized, all living in a camper, with a chain-link fence inside that allegedly separated the dogs and locked them inside. The camper floor was reportedly covered in feces, and all feed and water bowls were empty. According to the affidavit, the camper walls were ripped apart by the dogs, with exposed wiring, wood, and other debris scattered throughout the area where they were living. Inside the primary residence, police found floors covered in garbage."

The dogs were escorted out of the camper, covered in feces and mud, according to the affidavit. Some had fresh wounds on their faces and mouths. Three of the dogs were emaciated, weak, and appeared to authorities to be very scared. All of the rescued dogs were brought to the Second Chance Animal Rescue in Arlington pending the investigation. The deceased puppies were later located outside.

Mateo is also facing a pending case of driving without a license. He is facing up to one year for each of the twelve cruelty counts if he is found guilty.

Defendants in Vermont are considered not guilty until proven otherwise. Information in affidavits and criminal charges are considered accusations until resolution.
Cookbook Review "Milk Street Shorts: Recipes that Pack a Punch" by Christopher Kimball Published by Voracoius, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. 304 pages $37.50 Available Oct. 14

In reviewing "Milk Street Shorts," out Oct. 14, I made two recipes: this Vietnamese Stir-Fried Pasta with Beef and an Orzotto Alfredo with Sweet Peas. I made both on Sunday, in an attempt to see if I could make both, back-to-back, and within the listed start-to-finish times.

In between dishes, we headed to Pittsfield to procure the boneless beef short ribs needed for the Vietnamese Stir-Fried Pasta with Beef. We found it at the first grocery store we tried and drove home to Adams, triumphant. (If you follow this column, you know that one of the challenges of living in the Berkshires is getting all the ingredients at one store and sometimes the challenge is getting an ingredient at all.)

This dish was simple and easy to make. It's also a one-pot recipe. A Dutch oven is used to make the pasta and then to stir-fry the beef before the pasta and remaining ingredients are added in. Completed within the suggested 50-minute time (start to finish), this is also light yet filling and comes with a nice slow heat from red pepper flakes  I didn't need to add the suggested Sriracha.

Find my full review for "Milk Street Shorts" and a recipe for Orzotto Alfredo with Sweet Peas online or in print.

VIETNAMESE STIR-FRIED PASTA WITH BEEF

(Excerpted from "Milk Street Shorts" by Christopher Kimball. Copyright  2025 by CPK Media, LLC. Used with permission of Voracious, an imprint of Little, Brown and Company. New York, N.Y. All rights reserved.)

Stir-frying pasta and beef is unusual enough. Now add soy and oyster sauces and youve got East-meets-West comfort food.

Start to finish: 50 minutes

Servings: 4 to 6

Called nui xao bo in Vietnamese, this dish starts by simmering pasta in a Dutch oven, then using the same pot for stir-frying for one-pot ease. We love the way twisty pasta shapes such as gemelli or fusilli capture the sauce and combine with the beef; cavatappi or casarecce are other good options. Rice pasta is terrific here, as it has a texture and flavor that calls to mind the rice noodles commonly used in Vietnamese cooking. Serve with Sriracha for a pop of sweet heat.

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons oyster sauce

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 pound boneless beef short ribs, trimmed

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

12 ounces gemelli or fusilli

1 tablespoon neutral oil

1 bunch scallions, whites thinly sliced, greens cut into 1-inch lengths, reserved separately

2 medium garlic cloves, minced

 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons tomato paste

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, stir the soy and oyster sauces and sugar. Slice the beef  inch thick against the grain, then cut the slices into -inch strips. In a medium bowl, stir together the beef, 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce mixture and  teaspoon black pepper.

In a large Dutch oven, boil 4 quarts water. Stir in the pasta and 1 tablespoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Reserve  cup of cooking water, then drain; wipe out the pot.

In the pot, over medium-high, heat the oil until barely smoking. Add the beef in an even layer and cook, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the scallion whites, garlic and pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in the tomato paste and pasta. Add the scallion greens; cook, stirring, until beginning to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the remaining sauce and the reserved pasta water; cook, stirring, until the pasta absorbs the liquid, about 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Steve Blazejewski, the founder and owner of Berkshire Outfitters, conceived of the design and hired local carpenters to create the transformation from motorcycle shop to an outdoor enthusiasts place to sit down or ramp up for a journey or outing.
Bowling Green State University is again challenging the status quo of higher education, becoming the first university in the nation to offer a customizable AI+X bachelors degree, with applications now officially open following approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

The uniquely designed undergraduate program combines a core education in AI with a secondary discipline, allowing students to design field-specific solutions to support AI-driven tools and applications. The X represents a customizable add-on in six fields, including computer science, mathematics, physics, history, journalism or public relations, that allows students to apply AI to their field of choice.

The degrees unique structure in addition to the option to choose among six fields of study are among its distinguishing features.

Bowling Green has never been afraid to take the action and go first  in fact, we prefer it, said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. This program, AI+X, is another example of how Bowling Green punches above its weight, time and again, driving innovation not only for our state, but the nation. As a university, we are the right size to move quickly  big enough with leading faculty and learning facilities, but small enough that we can be agile to meet the shifting needs of both our students and society with the right, in-demand academic programs at the right time.

Why choose a career in AI?

BGSU is introducing this degree, approved for creation at the May 2 BGSU Board of Trustees meeting, at a pivotal time when AI is being integrated across industries, driving job demand.

According to a 2025 PwC AI Jobs Barometer report, 100% of industries are increasing AI usage, with wages rising twice as quickly in those industries most exposed to AI compared to those least exposed. The report also found that sectors integrating AI show four times greater productivity growth.

The rapid development of AI has created a growing demand for professionals who can apply AI principles and technology to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges.
In the final months of His life, Jesus made two remarkable declarations recorded in John. In John 7:37-38, He invited the thirsty to come to Him and promised that those who believe would have rivers of living water flow from within them. John explains Jesus was pointing to the Holy Spirit, who would come after His ascension. Then in John 8:12, Jesus declared, I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life. Both statements connect to deep Old Testament themes of truth, salvation, and Gods presence. However, to grasp their significance, we must understand the setting in which Jesus was speaking: the Feast of Tabernacles (in Hebrew, Sukkot).

The Feast of Tabernacles in the Old Testament

In Hebrew, the word feast is moed, and it means appointment. These feasts were set times God chose to meet with His people. Sukkot was the final and greatest of Israels seven biblical feasts. It began on the fifteenth day of the seventh month (Tishri, September/October) and lasted seven days, followed by an eighth-day assembly. Instituted in Leviticus 23:39-43, it was both a harvest festival and a reminder of Israels wilderness journey, when Gods people lived in temporary shelters with His presence in their midst.

God commanded the people to rejoice, make offerings, and dwell in booths (sukkahs in Hebrew) to remember how He commanded Israel to live in tents when He brought them out of Egypt. Later, when Jerusalem became the chosen dwelling place of Gods name, men were required to travel there to celebrate this feast (Deuteronomy 16:16). Because it recalled Gods presence with His people and anticipated His kingdom, it was the most joyful of the feasts and became known as The Time of Our Rejoicing. Sukkot was also tied to the final harvestthe Feast of Ingathering (Exodus 23:16)when wheat, olives, and grapes were brought in, providing bread, oil, and wine. This agricultural ingathering foreshadowed Gods greater harvest of nations.

God Dwelling with His People

The theme of God dwelling with His people goes back to Sinai, where God told Moses: Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them (Exodus 25:8). His presence filled the tabernacle and later Solomons temple. But when Israel turned to idols, Gods glory departed (Ezekiel 10), and the Babylonians destroyed the temple. Prophets like Ezekiel promised that one day Gods glory would return (Ezekiel 43:15). Yet even after the Jewish exiles returned and rebuilt the temple, Gods presence did not visibly return. By Jesus day, Jewish people longed for Gods glory to dwell among them againespecially during Tabernacles.

The Feast in the First Century

In the first century AD, Sukkot was a vibrant celebration. Pilgrims filled Jerusalem, erecting sukkahs on rooftops, courtyards, and hillsides. Worship included waving branches and fruit (lulav and etrog) in thanksgiving for the harvest, accompanied by music and rejoicing. But two ceremonies especially shaped the feast: the water-pouring ceremony and the temple-lighting ceremony. Both form the backdrop to Jesus words in John 7 and 8.

The Water-Pouring Ceremony



Each morning during the seven-day feast, the priests journeyed to the Pool of Siloam to draw fresh water in a golden flask. They then carried it back to the temple against the backdrop of singing and trumpets sounding and poured the water out along with wine on the altar, singing Hosanna! from Psalm 118:25. Isaiah 12:3 was often quoted: With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. This is what makes the Feast of Tabernacles so profound!

This water libation ceremony was a time of supplication for the rains needed for harvest, as well as a prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the living waters of salvation. It was on the last and greatest day of the feast, after seven days of this ritual, Jesus stood and cried out:

If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. (John 7:3738)

Jesus was declaring Himself to be the true source of salvation and the fulfillment of the water ceremony. What the priests played out symbolically, year after year, Jesus fulfilledHe was the Living Water, our life-giving Spirit.

The Temple-Lighting Ceremony



Each evening, priests lit giant 75-foot menorahs in the temple courtyard, illuminating Jerusalem. Families celebrated with dancing and music. The lights recalled Gods presence in the wilderness as a pillar of fire and anticipated His glory returning to the temple. Then, on the day after the feast, Jesus declared:

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

His words connected directly to Isaiah 9:2: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. Jesus was claiming to all who could hear He was that promised light, Gods presence shining in the world.

Today, Jewish families still build sukkahs with roofs open to the stars, decorated with fruit. Many eat their meals inside the sukkahs followed by prayers and much singing. During Sukkot, the streets of Jerusalem are filled with families singing in their sukkahs. The Feast of Tabernacles remains a time of joy and thanksgiving for Gods provision.

Future Fulfillment

Like all of Gods feasts, the Feast of Tabernacles points forward to its ultimate fulfillmentwhen God will again dwell with His people: My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people (Ezekiel 37:27). Zechariah foretold that in the messianic kingdom, all nations would go up to Jerusalem yearly to celebrate Tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16). But the apostle John envisioned its ultimate reality:

Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. (Revelation 21:3)

On that day, when Jesus returns to rule and reign from Jerusalem, Gods people will no longer hunger or thirst, for the Lamb will shepherd them to fountains of living water, and His light will fill the new Jerusalem forever (Revelation 7:15-17; 22:1-5).

When Jesus proclaimed Himself the living water and light of the world during Tabernacles, He was declaring that He is the fulfillment of Israels deepest hopesthat Gods presence had returned, not to a temple made with hands, but in the person of the Messiah. And one day, when He returns as King, the Feast of Tabernacles will be fulfilled in all its joy, as God gathers His harvest of souls and dwells forever with His people.

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Photo credit: GettyImages/ Ekaterina Markelova / 500px

Karen Engle is the Managing Editor for the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, USA Branch. She has a masters in biblical studies and theology with an emphasis in Israel studies and is passionate about teaching about Gods purpose and plan for Israel and the nations.
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A couple who booked their wedding in an oratory on a small island in Co Cork could never have imagined that their big day would coincide with the epic flooding caused by Storm Amy.

American bride, Elisabeth Villa, and her Irish husband, Anthony McSweeney, tied the knot last week in Gougane Barra near Ballingeary in the Muskerry Gaeltacht.

The scenic valley and heritage site in the Shehy Mountains of Co Cork is a hugely popular wedding venue.

However, last Thursday, the island became a no walk zone and the couple had to put out all the stops to keep their big day from being ruined.

Photographer John Sexton, told the Neil Prendeville Show on Red FM, that the rainfall was biblical in nature:

The rain came off the mountains. By the time of the wedding, the island was flooded. It was under two feet of water. Fr Sean OSullivan went up to the couple and said, lads we are in trouble."

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The paperwork for the wedding was signed, and therefore, the wedding needed to take place on Gougane Barra.

Mr Sexton told Red FM that the manager of the Gougane Barra hotel brought just the family over in a four-by-four jeep to do a quick ceremony.

Mr Sexton said he wanted to get at least one photograph of the couple outside the church.

I had to venture out onto what was the island, but was now a lake. I was able to venture out with small plastic bags, but they were too small, so Fr Sean gave me two refuse bags to put on my legs.

"The weird thing is that there was a strange sense of calm. Everyone did their bit.

"The lake and the island were one. There was a possibility we would get stuck there if we didnt hurry up.

"The harpist had a huge harp that had to be lifted on and off the island.

Meanwhile, the bride Elisabeth said that nothing was going to put a dampener on their special day:

They (the photographs) came out beautiful. More than we could have asked for.

"We were laughing, looking at it all from the bridal suite (in the hotel). We were going to have a great day no matter what."

Elisabeth joked that the so-called lucky charm - the Child of Prague statue - had failed the couple, bringing flooding instead of sunshine.

I dont think I would change anything. I expected rain, but all we needed was Anthony and me to be there. It will be a great story to tell in the future. I wouldnt change a thing.

Anthony said that whilst the wedding party consisted of 60 people, they only had about 20 at the ceremony.

The couple plans to meet up with the family of the bride in Boston for another day of celebrations in the coming weeks. They will honeymoon in Italy next year.
The Government will outline its annual budget on Tuesday, amid scrutiny of its tax and expenditure priorities.

It has set parameters for a planned package of 9.4 billion in Budget 2026, including 7.9 billion in additional public spending and 1.5 billion envelope for tax measures.

The Central Bank, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC), and Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) have raised concerns about the risk of the planned budget package overheating the economy.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers will attempt to allay those fears as they reveal the budgetary measures in the Dail parliament from 1pm.

Certain features of the budget have already been well trailed, with Mr Donohoe outlining that there will be no changes to personal taxes, adding that indexation would have taken up the majority of overall the tax package.

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It is expected, however, that the Government will move to cut VAT for food-led hospitality from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent, after a long-running campaign for a sector which has sought to highlight a rising cost of business.

Businesses say the proposal, which will exclude accommodation and is expected to kick in in July rather than January, is necessary to protect jobs.

The Government is also expected to announce a VAT cut for new-build apartments in an effort to drive delivery of housing.

Elsewhere on housing, ministers have highlighted the importance of the renters tax credit, which would be due to expire if not extended on Tuesday.

However, in the first budget since the election returned Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to Government, coalition figures have warned that there will be no repeat of a bumper cost-of-living package containing other one-off universal measures such as energy credits.

The Government has instead said its approach will focus on more targeted and permanent measures.

Students will be looking to see if there is any permanent cut to student fees, although any reduction below 1,000 may be seen as a year-on-year increase after a temporary cut of that amount expires.

Another closely watched measure is the extent of an increase to core social protection rates, with a Christmas bonus also regularly featuring in recent budgets.

Amid regular budget staples like a duty increase for cigarettes, moves to make a trialled scheme of basic income for artists more permanent could also feature.

At the conclusion of the ministers speeches, opposition parties  who have set out their own alternative budgets in the preceding week  will have the opportunity to respond and critique the coalitions plan for the year ahead.
Fianna Fail representatives were put under extensive pressure to back Jim Gavin by Micheal Martin and Jack Chambers, a party TD has said.

Cork East TD James OConnor said Mr Gavin should have never found himself on the ballot paper after the candidate spectacularly withdrew from the presidential race amid a dispute with a former tenant.

His decision to drop out shook up the presidential contest and put Fianna Fail in disarray as figures from inside and out of the party described the development as a complete shambles.

In a statement, Mr OConnor said the party must resolutely address our mistakes and political misjudgments from the campaign, as he questioned the judgement of Fianna Fails leader Mr Martin and deputy leader Mr Chambers

Irish presidential candidates, from left, Fine Gaels Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly, with Mr Gavin (PA)

He said many colleagues believed nominating Mr Gavin was a serious risk due to his glaring lack of political experience.

He accused the leadership of making a serious miscalculation by not listening to these concerns.

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Jim Gavin should have never found himself on the ballot paper.

He was there due to the extensive pressure put on Fianna Fail TDs and Senators by Micheal Martin and Jack Chambers. They repeatedly phoned each member of the parliamentary party in the days before the selection convention on the 9th of September.

Mr Gavin was selected to run for Fianna Fail against Fine Gael choice Heather Humphreys and left-wing Independent Catherine Connolly, who has the backing of Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats and Labour.

However, he withdrew late on Sunday night after being dogged by questions about claims he owed a former tenant thousands of euro for a rental arrangement that was not properly registered.

Fianna Fail is due to hold a meeting of its parliamentary party on Wednesday to discuss the issues surrounding its campaign.

Mr Gavin, an aviation official who was formerly a military pilot and Dublin GAA manager, withdrew from the contest after acknowledging he made a mistake.

The Irish Independent reported claims from a tenant who said he had failed to recover more than 3,000 in overpaid rent from Mr Gavin 16 years ago.

I take responsibility for that and I want to acknowledge that many, many members of the party are hurting out there because of what has transpired Michael Martin

Mr Martin said his party conducted comprehensive due diligence on Mr Gavin and, while knowing he was a former landlord, was not aware of the rent issue.

The Taoiseach said his decision to back Mr Gavin was to have a broad-based candidate.

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He said: I take responsibility for that and I want to acknowledge that many, many members of the party are hurting out there because of what has transpired.

Mr Martin, who insisted it was his intention to continue leading Fianna Fail, said he was open to engaging the parliamentary party for a comprehensive review.

It has been confirmed that Mr Gavins name will remain on the ballot.

Any votes for Mr Gavin will be counted and then, because of the transferable vote process, that support will be distributed proportionally to other candidates, if necessary.

The presidential election will be held on October 24th.
Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last May to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organisation, has been served with a second book of evidence at the Special Criminal Court.

McGovern, 39, with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22nd, 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin. He was served with a book of evidence in relation to this charge earlier this year.

Dominic McGinn SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the three-judge, non-jury court on Tuesday that one book of evidence had already been served on the accused in July. He said a second book was now ready to be served.

The book of evidence served on the accused today covers further offences with which McGovern is charged, including directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between October 20 2016 and December 22nd, 2016.

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He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17th, 2015 and April 6th, 2017.

Another charge alleges that between October 20th and December 22nd, 2016 he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan.

He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately.

He was previously extradited from the United Arab Emirates to face the charges, but in June, lawyers for McGovern raised a concern about the legality of his extradition to Ireland.

At the Special Criminal Court on Tuesday, Sean Guerin SC, for McGovern, said there was an issue with disclosure relating to the lawfulness of McGoverns extradition which has been outstanding for a while. He said the prosecution has now indicated that this would be ready by Friday.

Ms Justice Karen OConnor, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge David McHugh, asked the lawyers what the court was being asked to do in relation to setting a date.

Mr McGinn requested that the matter be put back for two weeks.

Mr Guerin asked that his client appear by video link on that occasion.

Ms Justice OConnor set a further hearing date of Friday, October 17th with McGovern to appear by video link.
The Lumineers have announced concerts in Cork and Belfast as part of their Automatic Tour.

The band, famous for songs such as Ho Hey and Ophelia, to name a few, will return to Ireland in June 2026.

They will play the SSE Arena Belfast on June 24th, 2026, and Virgin Media Park in Cork on June 25th, 2026.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday at 9am on Ticketmaster.ie

The Lumineers previously sold out St Anne's Park in May 2025.

Tickets for the Cork show are priced from 59.90 to 69.90, inclusive of booking fee.

Artist presale for both shows is to begin on Wednesday, October 8th, at 9am. Fans can sign up at thelumineers.com/presale.

The Lumineers are known as one of the most compelling live bands of their generation, and for their anthemic sound and timeless storytelling, having played to sold-out audiences on five continents.
US President Donald Trump said there is mutual love but natural conflict between the US and Canada as he sat down with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday in the Oval Office.

Mr Carneys second visit to the United States comes as one of the worlds most durable and amicable alliances has been fractured by Mr Trumps trade war and annexation threats.

Among the topics up for discussion are trade and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is critical to Canadas economy and is up for a review next year.

We've had ups and downs, but this is the lowest point in relations that I can recall... Canadians aren't being instructed what to do. They are simply voting with their feet Frank McKenna, former Canadian ambassador

Mr Trump said he was willing to revisit the free trade agreement, which was enacted during his first term, or seek different deals.

We could renegotiate it, and that would be good, or we can just do different deals, he said. Were allowed to do different deals.

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Mr Trump exhibited a fondness for Mr Carney, something he did not display toward Mr Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau.

He described Mr Carney as a world class leader and said he is a tough negotiator.

We want Canada to do great, Mr Trump said. But you know, theres a point at which we also want the same business.

Asked why the US and Canada have failed to reach a deal on trade, Mr Trump said it is a complicated situation.

We have natural conflict, he said. We also have mutual love.

Mr Carney balked at the word conflict.

There are areas where we compete, and its in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works. But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and thats what were focused on.

Mr Trumps talk of making Canada the 51st state and his tariffs have Canadians feeling an undeniable sense of betrayal.



Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House (Evan Vucci/AP)

Weve had ups and downs, but this is the lowest point in relations that I can recall, said Frank McKenna, a former Canadian ambassador to the US and current deputy chairman of TD Bank.

Canadians arent being instructed what to do. They are simply voting with their feet, he said.

I talk every day to ordinary citizens who are changing their vacation plans, and I talk to large business owners who are moving reward trips away or executive business trips. There is an outright rebellion.

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There is fear in Canada over what will happen to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Mr Carney is looking to get some relief on some sector-specific tariffs, but expectations are low.

Mr Trump said on Monday that he anticipated Mr Carney wanted to use the meeting to discuss trade.

I guess hes going to ask about tariffs, because a lot of companies from Canada are moving into the United States, Mr Trump, a Republican, told reporters after signing an executive order related to Alaska.

Hes losing a lot of companies in Canada.

Mr Carney has said the USMCA, which is up for review in 2026, is an advantage for Canada at a time when it is clear that the US is charging for access to its market.

Mr Carney has said the commitment of the US to the core of USMCA means that more than 85% of Canada-US trade continues to be free of tariffs.



US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in the Oval Office of the White House (Evan Vucci/AP)

He said the US average tariff rate on Canadian goods is 5.6% and remains the lowest among all its trading partners.

But Mr Trump has some sector-specific tariffs on Canada, known as Section 232 tariffs, that are having an impact.

There are 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, for example.

The ties between the two countries are without parallel.

About 2.5 billion dollars (nearly 3.6 billion Canadian dollars) worth of goods and services cross the border each day.

Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states. There is close co-operation on defence, border security and law enforcement, and a vast overlap in culture, traditions and pastimes.

About 60% of US crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of US electricity imports are from Canada.

Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminium and uranium to the US and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security.
Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed at an Egyptian resort city on Tuesday, the two-year anniversary of the militant groups surprise attack on Israel that triggered the bloody conflict that has seen tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Gaza.

The second day of indirect negotiations at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Tuesday afternoon are focused on a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war.





A senior Egyptian official involved in the ceasefire talks said Hamas has demanded guarantees that Israel will not return to war after the release of the remaining 48 hostages taken in the October 7 2023 attack, 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive, closed-door negotiations.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war will only end when all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed.

He has accepted Mr Trumps plan, which calls for Gaza to be placed under international governance and for Hamas to be disarmed, elements the militants have yet to accept.



People attend a memorial marking two years anniversary of the deadly October 7 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, at the site of the Nova music festival (Ariel Schalit/AP)

The plan has received widespread international backing, and Mr Trump told reporters on Monday that he thought there was a really good chance of a lasting deal.

This is beyond Gaza, he said. Gaza is a big deal, but this is really peace in the Middle East.

Egypts foreign minister Badr Abdelatty told journalists that members of the US delegation would join the talks on Wednesday.

 Trumps peace plan

Many uncertainties remain, however, including the demand that Hamas disarm and the future governance of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long said Hamas must surrender and disarm, but Hamas has not yet commented.

The plan envisions Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza after Hamas disarms, and an international security force being put in place.

The territory would be placed under international governance, with Mr Trump and former UK prime minister Tony Blair overseeing it.

The war began on October 7 2023 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251.



Smoke rises following an Israeli army bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, southern Israel (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

The devastating war that has ensued has upended global politics, resulted in the deaths of 67,160 Palestinians and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gazas Health Ministry, and left the territory in ruins.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but says more than half of the deaths were women and children.

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The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, and the UN and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties.

A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a UN body, have said Israels offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide  an accusation Israel vehemently denies.

On Tuesday at the area attacked by Hamas two years ago, thousands of Israelis gathered to pay tribute to loved ones who were killed and kidnapped.

An explosion echoed across the fields following the launch of a rocket in northern Gaza.

No damage or injuries were reported.

In Gaza City, residents said Israeli attacks continued until Tuesdays early hours.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.



Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip carry posters with portraits of their loved ones during a protest demanding their immediate release (Leo Correa/AP)

We pray to God that this war will end as soon as possible, today instead of tomorrow, Sanaa Adwan, a displaced woman, said in Khan Younis on Monday.

 A promise of humanitarian relief

Ahead of the resumption of talks, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said the hostilities have created a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defied comprehension.

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The recent proposal by US President Donald Trump presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end, Mr Guterres said in a statement.

Mediators from Qatar and Egypt are facilitating the talks, meeting first on Monday with members of the Hamas delegation and later with those from Israel.

Mondays talks went for four hours, according to Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatars Foreign Ministry.

Israels delegation included Gal Hirsch, coordinator for the hostages and the missing from Mr Netanyahus office.

Hamas representatives included top negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said on Monday that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Mr Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner were on hand to take part in the talks.

She did not comment on a specific deadline for concluding them, but said it is important that we get this done quickly.

Part of the plan is to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than two million Palestinians are facing hunger and, in some areas, famine.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said there are many thousands of metric tons in the pipeline of goods ready to enter from Jordan, the Israeli port of Ashdod and elsewhere.
The newly elected mayor of a town in western Germany has been found with life-threatening stab wounds in what Chancellor Friedrich Merz described as an abhorrent act.

Iris Stalzer was elected as mayor of Herdecke on September 28.

She is a member of the centre-left Social Democrats, the junior party in Germanys conservative-led national government.



An ambulance and police cars in Herdecke, Germany, after the towns mayor was found critically injured in her apartment (Alex Talash/dpa/AP)

Ms Stalzer was found at her home with life-threatening wounds shortly before 1pm on Tuesday, police and prosecutors said in a statement.

She was taken to a hospital by helicopter.

Authorities did not comment on the nature of the wounds, but the leader of the Social Democrats parliamentary group in Berlin, Matthias Miersch, told reporters that we heard a few minutes ago that newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed in Herdecke.

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A later statement from police and prosecutors said that, as things stand, there are no indications of a politically motivated act, adding that a family connection was presumed.

It did not elaborate but said that Ms Stalzers children were still with police to clear up what happened.

Mr Merz wrote on social media that we fear for the life of mayor-elect Iris Stalzer and hope for her full recovery.

The statement from investigators said that they are investigating in all directions and that a family background also cannot be ruled out at present.



Police and emergency services in Herdecke, Germany (Bernd Thissen/dpa/AP)

Ms Stalzer, who beat a candidate from Mr Merzs centre-right Christian Democrats in a run-off vote to win election, is due to take office on November 1.

Herdecke is a town of about 23,000 people in western Germanys Ruhr region, between the cities of Hagen and Dortmund.

Ms Stalzers website says she is 57 and married with two teenage children.

It says she has spent almost her whole life in Herdecke and has worked as a lawyer specialising in labour law.
The UK Attorney General has warned Robert Jenrick not to prejudice a future appeal on the decision to drop terrorism charges against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh.

The 27-year-old was charged with the alleged display of a flag in support of proscribed terrorist group Hezbollah at a London gig last November, but the case against him was thrown out due to a technical error.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court, last month, the charge brought against O hAnnaidh was unlawful and that he had no jurisdiction to try the case.

Lord Hermer suggested the shadow justice secretary carefully consider any further public comments to avoid any risk of prejudicing any future proceedings.

UK shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick (Yui Mok/PA)

In a letter to Mr Jenrick, he added the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is yet to make a decision on whether to appeal the decision of the chief magistrate.

Mr Jenrick had previously written to the Attorney General calling for an urgent inquiry into the issue, claiming it raised serious questions about the competence of all those involved.

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Responding, Lord Hermer wrote: I share your disappointment in the outcome of the ruling. As I understand, you now accept that your original interpretation of what took place was incorrect, based on your changing public statements last week.

I am sure you are aware it is important for all senior politicians to ensure their public statements are supported by a basic understanding of the facts and the potential impact of their words on legal proceedings.

He added: You will be aware, not least from public reporting to this effect, that the CPS can still appeal the decision of the chief magistrate.

Until a decision is taken on that question, and the prosecution is in fact finally resolved, I am sure you will carefully consider any further public comments to avoid any risk of prejudicing any future proceedings.

I am also sure you will also agree that it makes sense to await the CPSs decision on whether they intend to appeal, and the final resolution of any appeal before conducting any sort of post-mortem.

Liam Og O hAnnaidh performs under the stage name Mo Chara (PA)

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged by post on May 21st, but the permission of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had not been sought.

After a retrospective decision to seek permission, the Metropolitan Police re-sent the postal charge to O hAnnaidh the following day, but with May 22nd considered the charging date, this meant it fell outside the six-month window in which defendants should be charged.

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In the letter, Lord Hermer said he had provided consent several hours after being asked on May 22nd.

He wrote: The CPS is operationally independent in its casework, and I am responsible for safeguarding this independent decision-making. This is crucial to ensuring that prosecutions in England and Wales remain free from political interference.

A key exception to this is where the CPS applies for law officers consent to a prosecution where it is required by law. As has been widely reported, the CPS applied to my office for consent on May 22 2025, which was provided several hours later.
Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron has suffered a fresh blow with two of his former prime ministers sharply distancing themselves from him as he faced growing pressure to resign after the collapse of his latest government.

Edouard Philippe was Mr Macrons first prime minister after he swept to power in 2017, and Gabriel Attal had previously been one of the French presidents most loyal lieutenants, appointed prime minister in January 2024, during Mr Macrons second term.

Mr Attal then made his displeasure known with Mr Macrons stunning decision in June 2024 to dissolve parliaments powerful lower house  the root of the current crisis.



French outgoing prime minister Sebastien Lecornu, who resigned just a day after naming his government, walks back after delivering his statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris (Stephane Mahe/AP)

Their separate decisions to now draw a line between themselves and Mr Macron illustrated how the presidents authority is being sapped by his inability to deliver stable governance.

Political turmoil has gripped France for more than a year, flowing from the National Assembly dissolution that triggered fresh elections.

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The result was a Parliament stacked with opponents of Mr Macron who have brought down his minority governments one after another.

Mr Attal, speaking on Monday night to broadcaster TF1, struck the first blow, saying: Like many French people, I no longer understand the presidents decisions.

Mr Philippe then piled on more pressure Tuesday, saying that Mr Macron should call early presidential elections and step down after the National Assembly adopts a 2026 budget.

Mr Macron has previously said that he will see out his second and last presidential term to its end in 2027.

Mr Philippe said Mr Macron should say we cannot let what we have been experiencing for the past six months drag on. Another 18 months would be far too long and would harm France.

 Lecornus uphill mission

The latest crisis erupted with the abrupt resignation on Monday of prime minister Sebastien Lecornu  Mr Macrons fourth prime minister since the dissolution, after Mr Attal, Michel Barnier and Francois Bayrou.



Bruno Retailleau, head of the Conservative Party Les Republicains and outgoing interior minister, leaves after a meeting at the party headquarters (Thibault Camus/AP)

After accepting Mr Lecornus resignation, Mr Macron then gave his 39-year-old ally another 48 hours to hold more final negotiations in the interest of national stability, an apparent last-ditch effort to find some sort of exit to the latest impasse and buy the French leader some time to decide on his next step.

Mr Lecornu met on Tuesday with officials from the so-called Socle Commun  or common platform  a coalition of conservatives and centrists who had provided a base of support, albeit shaky, for Mr Macrons prime ministers before shattering when Mr Lecornu named a new Cabinet on Sunday night.

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The new government then collapsed less than 14 hours later, when conservative heavyweight Bruno Retailleau withdrew his support.

 The left wants to govern, the far right calls for new elections

Mr Macron, now at record-low approval ratings, has not indicated his next move.

His rivals have suggested three options: resign, call new elections, or appoint a prime minister from outside his political camp.

The third option, known as cohabitation, has been championed by left-wing parties.

A leftist coalition, the New Popular Front, won the most seats in the 2024 French legislative election, beating back a far-right surge but failing to win a majority.



French far right leader Marine Le Pen talks to the media following a meeting at the National Rally party headquarters (Christophe Ena/AP)

The alliance, however, quickly fell apart and both the socialists and the communists are now at odds with Jean-Luc Melenchons far-left party, France Unbowed.

Meanwhile, many French people sound disenchanted.

The impression is that the Fifth Republic is on life support, on a respirator, on morphine, and maybe we should think about changing all that a bit, Guillaume Glade, a 36-year-old worker, told The Associated Press.

There are cracks on all sides, and we can feel it.
A planned pro-Palestine march expected to result in tens of thousands of people descending on the Opera House forecourt on Sunday has disaster written all over it, NSW Police told the states top court as the force seeks to block the rally.

The Court of Appeal held an urgent hearing today in a test case on protest rights as police seek to halt the march from the Sydney CBD to the Opera House. It will deliver its decision tomorrow morning.

Assistant Police Commissioner Peter McKenna told the court he had significant concerns about people entering and exiting the Opera House forecourt.

He said 40,000 to 100,000 people congregating at the site would be impractical.

It has disaster written all over it. We are not anti-protest.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns said police had made strong and direct arguments in relation to public safety.

Chief Justice Andrew Bell, presiding over the hearing with Justices Ian Harrison and Stephen Free, said he was concerned organisers had not contacted the Opera House or nearby Botanic Gardens about the plan.

Read the full story here.
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NationalNSWCourts Hes doing OK: Sydney Trains worker faces court over alleged grand final night shooting spree Amber Schultz October 7, 2025  11:37am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The 60-year-old man who allegedly shot indiscriminately at cars, police and pedestrians in a quiet suburb in Sydneys inner west during nearly two hours of terror on Sunday has faced court charged with more than two dozen offences. Artemios Mintzas is accused of firing about 50 bullets from a high-calibre rifle from his apartment in Croydon Park in the evening. One man suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and chest, and is recovering in hospital, while seven others were hospitalised with minor injuries. Police charged Mintzas with 25 offences on Monday evening, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder. Other charges include one count of firing a firearm in or near a public place, possessing an unregistered firearm, firing a firearm at house with disregard for safety, discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest, and three other gun-related charges. Artemios Mintzas has two adult children and works as a customer service attendant for Sydney Trains. Facebook/Artie Mintzas Mintzas faced Burwood Local Court on Tuesday morning. Wearing a blue uniform and showing purple bruises around his eyes, Mintzas stuck his handcuffed wrists out the dock window and assessed the courtroom.

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After a brief verbal altercation between two lawyers who both claimed they had written instructions to represent him, Mintzas confirmed to Magistrate Jennifer Price that barrister Dymphna Hawkins would represent him. His family was not present in court. He did not apply for bail, and it was formally refused. He will next face court on December 3. Speaking outside court, Hawkins said her client was coping in custody. Hes doing OK, she said. Bullets shattered the window of Artemios Mintzas apartment, from where he allegedly shot a high-calibre rifle, and a bus stop opposite. Thomas Wielecki

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You had an active shooter with a high-powered rifle shooting cars on a major road  This situation could have been so much worse. Premier Chris Minns The alleged shooting spree began around 7.45pm on Sunday, shortly after the NRL grand final kick-off, with Mintzas allegedly shooting in what police described as an indiscriminate manner along a busy shopping strip on Georges River Road. Witnesses described seeing glass explode around them as the apartment window, from which Mintzas allegedly shot, was shattered, along with a bus stop on the opposite side of the road. Pedestrians ducked for cover, using cars as shields. One shot was fired through the window of an unoccupied police car. Artemios Mintzas has been charged with 25 offences following the Croydon Park alleged shooting spree. Nine News Tactical police stormed the apartment about 9.30 pm, arresting Mintzas. He was taken to hospital with minor injuries, released into police custody on Monday morning and charged on Monday evening. A .30-calibre rifle was allegedly seized from the apartment.

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One man was allegedly shot while sitting in the back of a car and was driven to hospital with wounds to his neck and chest. He underwent emergency surgery and his injuries are no longer life-threatening. Paramedics treated 20 people at the scene, ranging from minor injuries to shock. Of those, five were taken to hospital for further treatment. Two others were taken to hospital after presenting to police with facial injuries from shattered glass. Loading Premier Chris Minns said the swift and courageous response of police saved countless lives. You had an active shooter with a high-powered rifle shooting cars on a major road  This situation could have been so much worse, he said on 2GB radio on Tuesday morning.

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All the police officers who were there, some of whom had only just [come] out of the Goulburn [police] academy, stayed in their ground, kept the community safe, and as a result, Ive got no doubt, saved scores of lives. Related Video Video icon 4:29 First look at father allegedly behind Sydney shooting spree Mintzas had moved into the apartment, which is located above a cosmetic clinic on Georges River Road, in July. He lived alone, has adult children, and worked for Transport for NSW with Sydney Trains as a customer service attendant. On Sunday, police said they were still trying to understand Mintzas alleged actions and hadnt found a manifesto or any material pointing to a motive. Acting Superintendent Stephen Parry said on Monday that police had very few recorded interactions over the past 20 years with the man, whom they allege triggered a highly dangerous operation in which emergency responders were at serious risk of death or injury.

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One shot was fired through the window [of] one of the police cars  if the police vehicle was occupied, that police officer in all likelihood would have sustained fatal injuries, Parry said. Police were not aware of any history of mental health issues. Get the days breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter.
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NationalNSWKings Cross Opinion Kings Cross can be naughty or nice. But not both Jimmy Thomson Columnist October 7, 2025  6:30pm

October 7, 2025  6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 19 View all comments

Kings Cross has been through a lot in the past few decades. Just a one-kilometre stagger from the CBD, the Cross has survived gang warfare, rampant police corruption, the subsequent arrests of corrupt cops and criminal kingpins, the coward punch lockouts, COVID lockdowns, and even its naughty but nice blandification. If allowed to slowly become an area to which only the wealthy can aspire, Kings Cross will lose its allure. Formerly the seediest, most salacious  and arguably most fun  area of Sydney, the Cross may finally have met its match with the state governments accelerated approvals for developments near transport hubs. In the latest example of gentrification, the Holiday Inn Hotel is to be demolished to make way for a 40-storey apartment block and swish new railway station precinct, complete with retail outlets. Its not the first hotel-to-apartments redevelopment in the area, but it could be the last straw for the Cross as we knew it. The whole massive block from the old Bourbon and Beefsteak bar at the El Alamein fountain, all the way to Roslyn Street and the corner where Les Girls drag bar once sat, is now an enormous building site that will eventually yield apartments, bars, restaurants and retail outlets.

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The Crescent on Bayswater Road, a former serviced apartment hotel and once home of Hugos nightclub, is about to enjoy a major makeover into more luxurious units. The classically styled apartments opposite have also been earmarked for tasteful renovation. There are at least three other low-rent to high-end apartment conversions under way or nearing completion, with more on the cards, all of them with an eye on the lucrative designer dollar. Dreamgirls strip club was one of many along Darlinghurst Road back in 2014. Only two strip clubs remain, but a new one opened last month. Steve Lunam Kings Cross has always been a place of change, usually motivated by the search for a quick buck. When I arrived there in 1988, Abe Saffron  aka Mr Sin  was the most infamous property developer in Sydney, terrorising home owners into selling out so he could knock down and rebuild. Local campaigner Juanita Nielsen had then been missing for more than 10 years  reputedly entombed in the foundations of one of Saffrons buildings  and notorious gangsters Lenny McPherson and George Freeman were still around, if in decline. Celebrated senior police detective Roger Rogerson had recently been disgraced, sacked from the police force, and two years later would be jailed. These were the days of Blue Murder and brown envelopes full of used notes to help ease the passage of tricky planning approvals.

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Darlinghurst Road, had six or seven operating strip clubs along the 100 metres or so from the Coke sign to Springfield Avenue (where the celebrated Manzil Room rock venue was tucked away in a corner). Sex workers, drug dealers and other denizens of the night patrolled that street from nightfall until the wee hours when the last dregs of desperate humanity sought release in whatever sin they favoured and could afford. The Holiday Inn hotel is to be demolished to make way for a 40-storey apartment block and swish new railway station precinct. Kings Cross has bumped along rock bottom a few times in the last 40 years. There were the coward punch killings where, in two separate incidents, young men died after they were hit from behind by gutless thugs. Thats when they brought in the lockout laws that meant you couldnt enter a pub after midnight, but you could stay and drink if you were already there. Then COVID gave the Cross its own gut-punch. Until recently, there were only two strip clubs left. A third has opened in the past couple of months, but its hardly what youd call the glittery green shoots of recovery. The physical landscape has also changed since I first hit the Cross. The old ABC studios occupied the spot where Harry Seidlers massive Horizon building now dominates the Darlinghurst skyline. The exposed concrete roof of the Kings Cross tunnel eventually supported the Elan apartment block which now looks down William Street. The Sebel Townhouse, the old showbiz hotel on Elizabeth Bay Road, hadnt yet taken its final curtain to be replaced by the ironically named Encore apartment block. The Gazebo was still a hotel rather than a circular tower of pizza-slice apartments, and the Hyatt Kingsgate would only later acquire clip-on balconies to emerge as the Zenith unit block.

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The Hampton Court Hotel, made famous by Nino Culotta in his 1957 novel Theyre A Weird Mob, was still a pub with rooms to let. Across the road, the Crest, with the notorious Goldfish Bowl bar at its base, hadnt been gutted, given a pepper grinder shape and acquired a preponderance of trendy units and fast food outlets. Related Article NSW residential property The Sydney street fighting to keep affordable homes  for 50 years So the old Holiday Inn is to be flattened and flatted, with the new block branded One Kings Cross. The development will, in fact, be on Victoria Street, just a few metres from Juanita Nielsens former home. The application, recently declared a state significant development by the NSW government, is being touted as a village-style precinct that blends residential, cultural, and commercial uses. Its expected to deliver between 250 and 300 apartments across a range of low, mid and high-rise buildings, with the tallest being between 35 and 40 storeys high. But thats not all. Just down the hill in Williams Street, the block between Forbes and Dowling streets, currently occupied by an empty office block and the No Birds budget rental car garage, is to be turned into a state significant 260-unit upmarket apartment complex.

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This gentrification on steroids  which Ive heard described as a form of demographic ethnic cleansing  and the conversion of hotels to permanent upmarket homes can only mean a massive reduction in both visitors and literally low-rent residents. Kings Cross will survive because it always does. And the result could be quite nice  but it will certainly be a lot less naughty. Jimmy Thomson edits the apartment living advice and opinion website flatchat.com.au Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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NSWs top court will hold an urgent hearing in the latest test case on protest rights as police seek an order blocking a planned pro-Palestine march descending on the Sydney Opera House forecourt on Sunday. NSW Police lodged an application last week in the Supreme Court, seeking a prohibition order over the protest. Jewish leaders back the police in opposing the rally and will seek to be heard in court. The Glory to our Martyrs pro-Palestine protest in Bankstown on Tuesday night. Flavio Brancaleone Supreme Court Justice Ian Harrison made orders on Tuesday paving the way for the states top court, the Court of Appeal, to hear the application on Wednesday. The court will examine the implied freedom of political communication in the Commonwealth Constitution and Sydney Opera House by-laws that make it an offence to participate in public demonstrations on the premises.

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The planned protest has stoked outrage among sections of the Jewish community because it would be held days after the two-year anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. A small, separate group of demonstrators gathered at Bankstown on Tuesday evening, with Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun telling the crowd Zionist organisations would be placed onto the terror watch list. Sydneys Jewish community has experienced everything from the terrifying to the absurd in the two years since Hamas attack, Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said on Tuesday. Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry at Double Bay on Tuesday. Sam Mooy They [the protesters] will shred what little harmony remains in society, he said.We support the right of peaceful protest, but every right has its bounds and I think thats been thoroughly tested by these activists.

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Sydney solicitor Nick Hanna, acting for the Opera House protest organisers from the Palestine Action Group, said outside court a victory for police in the Court of Appeal would have wider ramifications for protests. PAG organiser Damian Ridgwell said: We are going to be arguing that it is unconstitutional to ban demonstrations from taking place on the forecourt of the Opera House. He said they would also be introducing evidence from human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti that Israel was carrying out a genocide. Despite its name, a prohibition order would not result in the protest being banned outright, but it would expose protesters to a wider range of potential criminal sanctions, including for obstructing traffic. Were going to be introducing evidence ... that Israel is carrying out a genocide. Damian Ridgwell, Palestine Action Group

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Sydney barrister James Emmett, SC, acting for NSW Police, asked the court to make an order on Tuesday removing the matter from the Supreme Court and sending it to the Court of Appeal, in light of the urgency of the hearing and the legal arguments involved. This was not opposed by PAG. Related Video Video icon 1:05 Gaza protest warnings NSW Police are seeking a court declaration that protesters in authorised public assemblies do not have protections against potential liability for offences under the Opera House by-laws. This would mean participants could be charged with those offences even if the court declined to make a prohibition order. In response, PAG is seeking a declaration that the by-laws ban on protests and related activities, such as displaying posters and operating loudspeakers, is invalid because it falls foul of the implied freedom of political communication.

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Alternatively, they want the court to find the by-laws dont apply to conduct amounting to political communication. Former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas joins other pro-Palestine protesters outside the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday. Janie Barrett Harrison directed the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies to file written submissions before Wednesdays hearing on their application to intervene in proceedings to make submissions opposing the rally. In emphasising the urgency of the hearing, Harrison said: Youd have to live in a vacuum not to be aware of the significant public importance of these proceedings to all members of the community. NSW Police met on Friday with protest organisers, who submitted a formal notice to hold the march through the CBD to the Opera House on Sunday to mark two years of genocide of the Palestinian people following the Hamas attack on Israel.

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A pro-Palestine protest outside the Opera House on October 9, 2023, sparked months of controversy. The Minns government had lit the buildings iconic sails in the colours of Israels flag. Premier Chris Minns criticised the decision to hold the separate pro-Palestine demonstration in western Sydney on Tuesday evening, saying it was shockingly insensitive on the two-year anniversary of the Hamas massacre that killed 1200 people and in which another 250 were taken hostage. The Glory to our Martyrs demonstration in Bankstown, organised by Stand For Palestine Australia, attracted a crowd of several hundred men, women and children. The Tuesday night protest at Bankstown. Flavio Brancaleone Your gathering today, you being here today, are a thorn in the throat of Zionist sympathisers, speaker Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun said.

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Dadoun said when Palestine is occupied, Zionism is on its last legs and that one day Zionist organisations would be placed onto the terror watch list. Another speaker delivered a spoken word poem focusing on Gazan victims of the conflict. A third spoke about the flotilla of ships carrying aid for Gaza that was intercepted by the Israeli Defence Force last week. Israels invasion of Gaza following October 7 has resulted in the deaths of more than 60,000 Palestinians, and was labelled a genocide in a landmark United Nations report last month. Earlier on Tuesday, Ryvchin said the ECAJ opposed the Tuesday night protest. There will be a gathering to honour murderers, rapists and abductors as martyrs  and to incite yet more hatred against our community.

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In a decision in August, Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected a police application for a prohibition order over the pro-Palestine rally across the Sydney Harbour Bridge that drew a historic crowd. Rigg said the extensive powers available to police whether the march is authorised or not is important. Those powers include being able to issue move on orders in some circumstances. 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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Updated NationalNSWUniversity Near the end of her five-year degree, an email left Jennifer on the floor in tears Christopher Harris, Anthony Segaert and Ellie Busby Updated October 7, 2025  1:33pm ,first published October 7, 2025  8:48am 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

Students and graduates from Western Sydney University have been targeted in a fraudulent email scam, receiving messages impersonating the institution which claim their degrees have been revoked. The scam email sent to students on Monday said: We regret to inform you that, following a thorough review, the decision has been made to permanently exclude you from any further study at Western Sydney University. Students Jennifer Whitton and Logan Stig received the emails. Sitthixay Ditthavong The fraudulent email also told recipients that any existing certificates or awards previously issued to you are hereby revoked. Student Jennifer Whitton, in her final term of a five-year biology degree, said she fell to the floor and started crying when she received the email just after 8pm on Monday.

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[I had a] genuine panic attack, she said. They didnt actually give us a reason as to why it had been revoked, and then I was also thinking, Oh my gosh, the last five years of my life have just been wasted, down the toilet. The emails on Monday came from no-reply@westernsydney.edu.au, which is the universitys genuine email domain, and included students real student numbers. They also correctly referenced the Western Sydney University Act 1997, the Western Sydney University By-law 2017, and the universitys Document Development System. But when Whitton searched the email address online, she found a Reddit thread where hundreds of others had received the same communications.

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The incident comes after trove of Western Sydney University personal student data was published on the dark web last year. It is unclear if the emails sent to students on Monday are related to that breach. Western Sydney University student Logan Stig said similar cyberattacks did not appear to occur at other universities. The university has a reputation with saying a lot but not really doing anything with it, so I dont really have much hope for the future. The scam email from Western Sydney University informed students that their degrees had been revoked. A Western Sydney University spokesperson said they were aware of fraudulent emails sent to students and graduates, with the false claims that students had been excluded from study and qualifications had been revoked.

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These emails are not legitimate and were not issued by the university, the spokesperson said in a statement. We are reaching out to inform people that the email is fraudulent and have informed NSW Police. As this is part of an ongoing police investigation, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. We sincerely apologise for any concern this may have caused. NSW Police said cybercrime squad detectives were investigating the alleged data breach and urged students to report incidents to ReportCyber  an online platform for reporting cybercrime. Detectives commenced an investigation under Strike Force Pardey and continue to work closely with the University to contain the breach, police said in a statement. Western Sydney student Chloe Obluda received the email at 2.52am on Monday morning.

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I kind of read it and thought it wasnt real because it didnt list my degree. But I sent it to my friends and I was like, Should I come to class tomorrow? Related Article University Your positions will no longer be required: Plans to shut down uni degrees revealed Liam Bruton, who graduated from paramedicine at the university in 2021, received the email, which did not appear to have any links or immediate signs of a scam. He said the email had the potential to be extremely disruptive for students. I am a registered health professional and the email, if it was true, can have immediate legal consequences, he said. Theres a whole heap of people who would have to tell the regulator that their qualifications have been revoked.

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It is dressed up to look like legitimate correspondence, the phone number is correct for student services, it references the WSU Act, it references the system and policies. Last October, Western Sydney University notified students that email addresses, identification numbers, tuition fee information and enrolment data had been accessed in a cyber incident. It is not known if that incident is linked to the current email scam. A dark web post from November 2024 contained samples of the accessed data available to download, with a larger dataset available for purchase. The university securely downloaded the sample data and undertook forensic analysis which confirmed it contained legitimate university data, the university said in a statement in April this year. The sample dataset has been accessible from 1 November 2024 and remains live. The nature of the dark web means it is not possible to issue takedown notices to dark web forums.

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In another cyber incident in June, two open web posts and one dark web post were published, linking to three file share sites hosting another dataset available for download. By June 20, all datasets had been taken down. It is also unknown if that post was linked to the email scam. Education Minister Jason Clare said the National Office of Cyber Security was looking into the emails.

This email would have felt like a punch in the guts to students and alumni of Western Sydney Uni. Youd have to be pretty twisted to do this, Clare said. Universities have obligations to keep student information secure under the Higher Education Threshold Standards. The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency said it was engaging with the university over the matter.
A run-down South Brisbane motel could be replaced by a 41-storey tower, including 35 levels of rental units, in the latest development to take advantaged of relaxed zoning laws on the Kurilpa peninsula.

If approved and built, Pellicano Living would provide 570 new rentals to Brisbanes inner-city market, including 205 studios, 320 one-bedroom and 45 two-bedroom units.

The site, at 55 Boundary Street, was formerly a low-rise motel. Property records show Pellicano Living bought the site in 2023 for $22 million.

Pellicano Livings plans for a 41-storey build-to-rent development at 55 Boundary Street, South Brisbane. MAS Architecture

Beneath the units would be a podium, including a wellness centre, a food and drink tenancy and 2173 square metres of available office space.

It offers a centralised building management, and a high-quality resident experience distinct from traditional strata, town planning firm Property Projects Australia says in its assessment report, submitted to Brisbane City Council on Pellicanos behalf.

This proposal reflects the demand for flexible and affordable housing with a high level of amenity that directly addresses the increasing concern regarding housing affordability and supply constraints.

Like ICD Propertys planned $2 billion riverside precinct at nearby West End, Pellicanos proposal will be assessed through the Kurilpa temporary local planning instrument, a short-term override of the Brisbane City Plan Act to facilitate housing supply, affordability and diversity in the area.
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NationalMissing person He was alone for half an hour. Now police say theres no trace of Gus Hannah Murphy October 7, 2025  2:25pm 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

South Australian police have deployed technology previously used in a high-profile murder case and ruled out a footprint as belonging to four-year-old boy Gus Lamont, who went missing on his familys outback sheep station. Augustus Gus Lamont was last seen playing on a mound of dirt at about 5pm on Saturday, September 27, on his familys Oak Park Station homestead. Police are scaling back their search for missing boy Gus, last seen near Yunta, South Australia. Nine News The boy was reportedly left alone for half an hour before his grandmother attempted to call him inside, only to find him missing. The family searched for three hours before calling police, with state emergency services, helicopters and Aboriginal trackers descending on the sprawling 60,000 station for 10 days searching for the boy.

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SA Police Acting Commissioner Linda Williams revealed on Tuesday a special drone with infrared technology was sent out to search the property throughout the weekend. It was the same technology used to find the remains of Port Lincoln man Julian Story, who was allegedly killed by his girlfriend Tamika Chesser, a former contestant on Beauty and the Geek in 2010. The results of that drone analysis are still being analysed, Williams said. We hope to have those results in coming weeks. Its quite complex technology, so it will take a little while for to work through, but if any information comes that directs us to conduct further searches in specific areas, we will be doing that in coming weeks. The search of the property, which is about 300 kilometres north-east of Adelaide and near the country town of Yunta, was formally scaled back on Tuesday.

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News of the scale-back comes after a searcher who had joined the family while looking for Gus told the Adelaide Advertiser it was his belief the boy was no longer on the property. Jason OConnell told the newspaper he and his partner Jen had spent more than 90 hours searching the homestead, but hes not on that property. If he was in a bad way or if he passed away, wed listen for foxes  look for birds of prey, OConnell said. No birds of prey means hes not there. He said the couple were joined in the search by Gus father and the disappearance had pretty much devastated him.

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Related Video Video icon 0:21 Police return to property where missing boy vanished South Australian Police Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said the family had been spoken to by officers a week ago about the boys declining chances of survival, but crews had kept searching. Senior police spoke to Gus family and prepared them for the fact that Gus may not have survived due to the passage of time, his age and the nature of the terrain he is missing in, he said. While those involved in the search have been hoping for a miracle, over the past 48 hours, the search has shifted to a recovery operation. We are confident that we have done all we can to locate Gus within the search area.

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At this point, no trace of Gus has been located. No tangible pieces of evidence, such as footprints, a hat or clothing, have been located to identify any direction of travel to assist searchers. Parrott made the comment after a footprint was discovered on the property during the search and was theorised to be from the four-year-old boy, before being ruled not connected to Gus disappearance. A boot-print found in the ongoing search for missing four-year-old, Gus. SA Police Williams emphasised Gus family had been helpful throughout the search for the missing boy, echoing Parrotts comments last week. The family have continued to cooperate with fully with police and have consented to every request that we have made of them thus far, she said.

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Parrott previously lashed keyboard detectives for attempting to cast doubt on Gus family. Can I just remind people that its not helpful, he said. Related Video Video icon 0:21 Human remains confirmed to belong to Julian Story It is not appropriate to speculate in these circumstances. If you were to put yourselves in the shoes of a family, who would be clearly distraught about the loss of a small child, it paints a little bit of a different picture. Williams said the case had been handed to the missing persons section of the Major Crime Investigation Branch, which is standard practice. 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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Victorias most notorious inmate, mass killer Julian Knight, has been moved to a country jail after 38 years in maximum security.

In August 1987, Knight, then aged 19, opened fire with a military grade semi-automatic rifle in Hoddle Street, Clifton Hill, killing seven people and injuring 19.

Julian Knight arrives at the Supreme Court in 2004 John Woudstra

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life with a minimum of 27 years, but in 2014 the law was changed, banning him from parole and marking him as one of the few inmates never to be released.

After his sentencing, Knight was in Pentridge Prison from 1988 until 1994, Barwon from 1994 until 2005 and Port Phillip for 20 years.
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PoliticsFederalAged care Opinion To attract the aged care workers we need, Australia must do something radical Cassandra Winzar Contributor | Senior Economist at CEDA October 8, 2025  4:00am

October 8, 2025  4:00am 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 137 View all comments

If you or a loved one needs aged care right now, youll know its a time of great uncertainty in a system already complicated to navigate. Aged care reforms starting next month will bring sweeping changes, including how  and how much  older Australians are expected to pay for their care. The changes are designed to put the system on a more sustainable footing and enable more of us to age in our own homes. Illustration: Simon Letch While concerns about how the new system will work are understandable, we wont be able to meet the demand for care without increasing the aged care workforce. This tension is laid bare in the aged care Senate inquiry report released last week, which calls for a shift to a demand-driven system, as also recommended by the aged care royal commission.

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Such a shift would be impossible given Australia has a chronic shortage of aged care workers. In 2021, we found Australia would need at least 400,000 additional workers across residential and in-home aged care by 2050. There is little sign of a change to this trajectory. Its clear that the community wants more  and better quality  care for older Australians. Most of us also prefer to age in our own homes rather than in residential care. We cannot meet this expectation without a larger workforce. Demand for care and carers will continue to grow as the population ages. We estimate around 2.5 million people aged 65 and over will require some form of care by then, up from 1.5 million now. To address this shortage, the federal government should introduce a new visa for aged care workers. The aged care occupations facing the most severe shortages do not qualify for other skilled migration visas as their annual salary is below the minimum rate, which is around $76,000.

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As a result, the government is relying on labour agreements to meet the shortfall. These agreements were meant to help bring in qualified workers from overseas. But just over 2400 temporary migrants were sponsored under all labour agreements in the sector at the end of June. Related Article Opinion

Aged care Unless this one thing changes, many wont be able to afford aged care Rachel Lane Money contributor That means less than 4 per cent of the temporary migrants in these occupations are in Australia on a labour agreement. Its also less than 1 per cent of all personal care workers in aged care. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of visas under the scheme are going to migrants already in Australia. Most temporary migrants working in aged care arrived on student, partner or working holiday visas. While we welcome anyone who is motivated and genuinely wants to work in aged care, we really need to focus on bringing in qualified, experienced aged care workers  people who can bring their skills and are job-ready in this field.

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Bringing in qualified workers alongside new entrants should help to improve the quality of care, as well as the training those new entrants receive. Aged care has traditionally relied heavily on migrant workers. We estimate that around 70,000  or one in six  personal care workers are on temporary visas. This is a conservative estimate. Where there are genuine shortages of workers, as is clearly the case in aged care, the system should enable more streamlined and targeted migration. The government acknowledged this in its Migration Strategy. It committed to explore an essential skills visa pathway for lower-wage migrant workers in sectors facing chronic shortages such as aged care. Two years later, theres been little progress. Aged care providers are using the agreements to hold on to existing staff rather than increase their workforce. Thats because the agreements require lengthy negotiations, processes that vary between states and high visa costs. Some providers report negotiations taking more than 12 months. Even labour market testing, supposedly simplified for the agreements, remains an unnecessary burden. Given the chronic shortage of Australian workers in aged care, requiring employers to advertise positions for four weeks before sponsoring a migrant is tokenistic at best.

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Under our plan, an essential skills visa would provide a direct, streamlined process available to all aged care providers. No complex negotiations, no inconsistent state-by-state requirements, no year-long waits. Related Article Healthcare States threaten to hold up federal funding deal, as aged care patients languish in hospitals The goal is not just to increase the number of workers, but also their level of skill and experience. Providers would use an online matching system to access a pool of qualified migrants who have demonstrated relevant experience, appropriate qualifications and English proficiency. Processing would be fast-tracked, recognising the immediate need. Workers would have genuine mobility and be able to change employers in the sector without restriction. Critically, labour market testing should be abolished for these occupations. We know theres a shortage  thats why were having this conversation.

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Regular evaluation every three to five years would assess whether the visa was effective and ensure it was not suppressing wages or discouraging training of local workers. This isnt about choosing migration over Australian workers. We must continue to grow the pipeline of Australian aged care workers through better pay, conditions and training. Recent wage increases are a start, but providers have told us its helped them to keep their existing staff rather than attracting new workers. There simply arent enough Australians available to do this work to meet the demand. We need to pull every lever: training more Australians, improved conditions, new technology, and yes, migration. Given the size of the challenge, no single approach will be enough. And more delay just means more older Australians will miss out on the care they need.

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Cassandra Winzar is chief economist of CEDA, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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InspirationTokyo Tokyos iconic Lost in Translation hotel to finally reopen Julietta Jameson October 8, 2025  4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The legendary Park Hyatt Tokyo is finally set to reopen after being closed for more than a year. Inhabiting the top 14 floors (39-52) of Shinjuku Park Tower and designed by influential Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, Park Hyatt Tokyo opened in 1994 as the first Park Hyatt in Asia. It had not had a renovation since. Inside a park deluxe suite in the newly renovated Park Hyatt Tokyo. But then, it was so loved in its original form, the need was arguably never there. The Japanese capital is no stranger to great hotels, but this one had a special allure from the get-go. In the artsy Shinjuku area on the edge of central Tokyo, its location was, at the time of opening, unusual.

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Its dreamy, calm aesthetic by interior design master John Morford provided a backdrop to some of the best views (some say the best) of the city, particularly from the top-floor restaurant and bar. It wasnt just the city. The hotels orientation and elevation meant those spaces and many rooms gave views of Mount Fuji  if, of course, outside conditions permitted. The late, adored American chef, author and TV presenter, Anthony Bourdain, cited it as one of his favourite hotels in the world. And of course, the 2003 film Lost in Translation amplified its charisma. The Park Hyatt Tokyo sky bar featured in Lost in Translation. Sofia Coppolas film was inspired by her stay there while promoting an earlier movie. Starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is the epicentre of the story in Lost in Translation. The critically acclaimed classic put the hotels bar on the tourist map for movie lovers.

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Alas, for well over a year, anyone heading to the hotel for Suntory time  as Murrays character, Bob Harris, spruiked when promoting the whisky  would have been disappointed, as in May 2024, the Park Hyatt Tokyo closed to finally allow for a major renovation. Looking from the bathroom in a deluxe room. From December 9, Suntory time is back. Thats the opening date, but bookings can be made now. Led by Parisian prestige design Studio Jouin Manku (famed for its projects including the Air France Lounge 2F at Paris Charles de Gaulle and the Montparnasse Metro station in Paris), which was inspired by the original Morford interiors, the Park Hyatts changes include new custom-designed furnishings and fresh layouts to embrace the needs of contemporary travellers. The renovation reduces the number of rooms from 177 to 171, and introduces a new suite category.

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The park suite lounge room. The guestrooms and suites have undergone the most significant transformation, redesigned to feel more open and elegant. Bathrooms, inspired by traditional Japanese wet rooms, are wrapped in organic materials such as marble and wood and offer products from Australian luxury skin and haircare brand Aesop, Nespresso coffee machines, Dyson hairdryers, Japanese yukata sleepwear, big TVs and Bose smart ultra-soundbars in suites. Related Article Japan When I arrive in Tokyo, this is the first thing I always do Foodies are in for a treat. The revitalised hotel introduces Girandole by Alain Ducasse in partnership with Ducasse Paris Group, founded by the Michelin-starred chef and entrepreneur. Its offerings include a gourmet breakfast as part of all-day service. As for the famous Peak Lounge & Bar, a warmer colour palette and softer lighting is designed to bring an earthy and grounded ambience to the architecture of the space, striking a balance between formality and intimacy, with an emphasis on embracing its views of Mount Fuji.

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A MAN who shares the same name as a famous fictional spy received a custodial sentence last week when he appeared before Carlow District Court on driving-related charges.

Thomas James Bond Power (29) appeared before Judge Geraldine Carthy, where he pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without insurance or a drivers licence, and to driving while disqualified.

The offences relate to when Mr Bond Power was stopped by gardai on the N80, Glebe, Bunclody. Mr Bond, of Carraig Ban, Bunclody, was also charged with failing to submit his drivers licence after being put off the road for previously not having insurance. He also pleaded guilty to failing to appear before Carlow District Court on 12 February this year.

When Judge Carthy raised her eyebrows about the authenticity of the defendants name, solicitor Chris Hogan replied: Yes, its an original name.

He explained that the defendants mother was a Bond from England and that his father was a Power from Ireland, that his grandfather was called James Bond and, furthermore, one of his cousins had married a Connery.

Its a true name, repeated Mr Hogan.

Sergeant Peter Smyth outlined some of the charges against Mr Bond Power to Judge Carthy. He said that gardai caught him breaking the speed limit on the N80 in January this year and that he was disqualified at the time so therefore was not insured to drive. He continued that the defendant had tested positive for the presence of cocaine in his system and that he was arrested and brought to Bunclody Garda Station.

Sgt Smyth added that Mr Bond Power had 27 previous convictions, 24 of which were related to traffic matters, that he had been disqualified for five years at the time he was stopped and that this was his third offence for driving without insurance.

Mr Hogan told Judge Carthy that his client fully accepts that he shouldnt have been driving but that his life was spiralling out of control after a tragic death in his family.

He continued that Mr Bond Power no longer took drugs, that his client was now addressing his issues and asked Judge Carthy not to impose a custodial sentence on him.

Judge Carthy said that there were several aggravating factors in the case, including that it was the defendants third time being in court for driving without insurance and that hed already got the benefit of a suspended sentence.

She said that she had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence and sentenced Mr Bond Power to four months imprisonment, while also putting him off the road for six years.

Recognisances were fixed, and Mr Bond Power is appealing the sentence.
High Court Reporters

The High Court has awarded 130,000 in damages to the mother of a Dublin man who died after being struck by a vehicle eight years ago.

Stephen Lynch, from Tallaght, was hit by a silver Ford Focus at Brookwood Close in the Dublin suburb on April 13th, 2017, and pronounced dead at the scene.

No one has ever been charged over the 31-year-olds death, and the case remains a live criminal investigation. A jury at an inquest into Lynchs death last year returned a verdict of unlawful killing.

Arising from the incident, Lynchs mother, Vera Lynch (57), brought civil proceedings against the owner of the Ford Focus, Otis Reynolds, and his brother Dean Reynolds, who had taken out a temporary insurance policy on the car with Axa Insurance.

Her case against Axa and the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI), which compensates victims of uninsured or untraced drivers.

In a recently published judgment, Mr Justice Tony OConnor said Ms Lynch should be awarded 130,000 in general damages, noting her continued suffering with severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

Judgment had already been granted against both Reynolds brothers in favour of Ms Lynch, in January 2022, after neither defended the action.

The case against Axa and MIBI proceeded to trial.

A dispute arose between Axa and the MIBI over who was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident, as this had a bearing on who was liable to discharge damages awarded to Ms Lynch by the court.

Axa and the MIBI denied liability. Axa said an official Garda report said the driver was not known and fled the scene of the incident with a passenger.

The MIBI said the driver was covered by an insurance policy and was not untraced or unidentified.

In his recent decision, Mr Justice OConnor found that, on the balance of probabilities, Dean Reynolds was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the fatal incident.

At the trial hearing, Dean and Otis Reynolds, both of Windmill Road, Crumlin, Dublin, were both subpoenaed and appeared in court.

The court informed them they could refuse to answer questions that could be incriminating.

Mr Justice OConnor said Dean Reynolds largely refused to answer questions put to him in the witness box, including in relation to his insuring of the Ford Focus and whether he was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Otis Reynolds also refused to answer questions, including a request to identify the driver of the vehicle on the date of the incident.

Outlining his reasoning for finding Dean Reynolds was likely the driver at the time, the judge said he was the only one insured to drive the car on the date in question.

Mr Justice OConnor said Otis Reynolds was aware of the consequences of being caught driving the vehicle without insurance.

He said the court has discounted any lingering suggestion that the vehicle was stolen.

The judge noted that Dean Reynolds refused to answer basic question about whether he was driving the car on the day of the incident.

Mr Justice OConnor said he would list the case for later this month before making final orders.
High Court Reporters

A High Court judge has expressed concern that AI technology could identify an alleged victim of harassment after her husband used an online tool to produce a document as part of a bid to halt his prosecution.

The man, who entered a plea of guilty at a Circuit Court to harassing his ex-wife and her parents, said he was coerced into doing so, and sought a stay on his prosecution pending the outcome of his legal challenge.

The man, who cannot be named by order of the Circuit Court judge, claims he entered a plea of guilty to the charges in February of this year because he was under "coercion and threat" from his former legal team.

He said he is innocent of the charges.

At the High Court on Monday, the man, who is in his 40s, successfully applied to have a 43-page "report" read by the court and admitted he had used an Artificial Intelligence tool in compiling it in a late bid to bolster his case.

The document was not read out in court, but the judge agreed to read its contents.

However, Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty raised concerns over whether the man was in breach of the anonymity order granted by the Circuit Court judge if he had submitted details of the case to the online AI tool that could possibly identify alleged victims in the case.

The man told Ms Justice Gearty that he had an individualised account linked to his email address by subscription and had written assurances that the material was not to be shared online by the service.

The man is taking a review against the DPP to halt his prosecution for the harassment charges. Ms Justice Gearty said she would allow the report to be read by the court and shared with the DPP, An Garda Siochana and the Garda Ombudsman.

I am concerned about the use of an AI tool to prepare the case for the obvious reason of the anonymity provision - the Circuit Court judge has made an order that none of the parties may be identified - Ms Justice Gearty

Feichin McDonagh, for the DPP, said he opposed the entry of the "expert report" into judicial review proceedings, which had already been heard before the High Court in July.

Mr McDonagh said the man had shared his Book of Evidence with an American person with "no understanding" of the Irish judicial system, and he had made accusations "against a swathe of people, not just the DPP", and that this was "completely inappropriate" for the man to attempt to reopen the hearing.

Mr McDonagh pointed out that the judicial review was heard in an "expedited" hearing and that the court had already reserved its decision in the case.

Ms Justice Gearty said it was surely better that she read the report and said unless it exposes an "egregious" unfairness to the man, it was not a matter for the High Court to rehear any aspect of the challenge.

Ms Justice Gearty said she would read the report and indicate later this month whether a new hearing was required on aspects addressed in the document.

Mr McDonagh said the man was "trying to mount some sort of unsubstantiated claim of conspiracy or collusion" involving individuals "all on a completely inappropriate basis".

Ms Justice Gearty said that she was conscious that the matter had been expedited, but said she had "no idea" what was in the report.

"I am concerned about the use of an AI tool to prepare the case for the obvious reason of the anonymity provision - the Circuit Court judge has made an order that none of the parties may be identified," she said.

"If material has been put into an AI tool, which you [the man] concede has been done, that is a breach because anything that has been put online can be publicly available by an AI tool may well be treated as being in public, as it includes material you feed into the tool," Ms Justice Gearty told the man.

Mr McDonagh said he suspected that he was sure the material could be used by others, but that he had "no idea" whether it could be accessed by putting in a name.

Ms Justice Gearty asked the man to find assurances that the information was not being shared online to be emailed to the parties in the case.

Among the claims made by the man in judicial review proceedings is that evidence was withheld, and that gardai who investigated the case included friends of his ex-wife.

He also alleges his then legal team advised him to plead guilty, and claims that a defence lawyer told him gardai had killed people before and that he should not draw the gardai on him by fighting the charges.
Olivia Kelleher

Former Fianna Fail TD Eamon O Cuiv has claimed that Taoiseach Micheal Martin has gone past the natural sell-by date of party leaders.

In an interview with Newstalk Breakfast, Mr O Cuiv, who was a TD in Galway West for over thirty years, said that it is highly unlikely that Mr Martin will lead Fianna Fail into the next general election.

Just on a statistical basis, except for the founding leader of Fianna Fail, no Fianna Fail leader has lasted as long as Micheal Martin. There seems to be a natural sell-by date for leaders of Fianna Fail.

Mr Martin became party leader in 2011, and served as Taoiseach from 2020 to 2022, and again since the start of this year.

Mr O Cuiv said theres a natural cycle to the party leadership and that people look for a change after a while.

Meanwhile, Mr O Cuiv said the debacle of the Jim Gavin presidential run has significantly damaged Fianna Fail.

Its more about the process than the actuality of what happened. I dont think it was foreseeable that this issue (with the tenant) would have arisen, but long before that, I think its fair to say that Jim Gavins candidacy wasnt going well.

It goes back to a fatal flaw; this thing was rushed in the end.

Mr O Cuiv also said he was disappointed that out of the three original presidential candidates, only the independent candidate Catherine Connelly has a command of the Irish language.

He admitted that if his vote were decided on that basis solely, he would have Ms Connolly as his main pick.

But there are other criteria, there are other policies and other issues.

Fine Gael Presidential candidate Heather Humphreys has made a commitment to learn the language if she takes office. She previously told Newstalk that she passed Irish in her Leaving Certificate, and like a lot of people in this country, I went out to the world of work and didnt use Irish."
Fiona Magennis

Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last May to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organisation, has been served with a second book of evidence at the Special Criminal Court.

McGovern, 39, with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12 is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22nd, 2016 at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin in Dublin. He was served with a book of evidence in relation to this charge earlier this year.

Dominic McGinn SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the three-judge, non-jury court on Tuesday that one book of evidence had already been served on the accused in July. He said a second book was now ready to be served.

The book of evidence served on the accused today covers further offences with which McGovern is charged, including directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the same murder between October 20 2016 and December 22nd, 2016.

He is also charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with the surveillance of James Gately in preparation for the commission of an indictable offence between October 17th, 2015 and April 6th, 2017.

Another charge alleges that between October 20th and December 22nd, 2016 he contributed to or participated in activity intending or being reckless as to whether such activity would facilitate a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan.

He faces a similar charge of facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder James Gately.

He was previously extradited from the United Arab Emirates to face the charges, but in June, lawyers for McGovern raised a concern about the legality of his extradition to Ireland.

At the Special Criminal Court on Tuesday, Sean Guerin SC, for McGovern, said there was an issue with disclosure relating to the lawfulness of McGoverns extradition which has been outstanding for a while. He said the prosecution has now indicated that this would be ready by Friday.

Ms Justice Karen OConnor, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge David McHugh, asked the lawyers what the court was being asked to do in relation to setting a date.

Mr McGinn requested that the matter be put back for two weeks.

Mr Guerin asked that his client appear by video link on that occasion.

Ms Justice OConnor set a further hearing date of Friday, October 17th with McGovern to appear by video link.
THE haunting tale of Irelands last wild wolf, shot on the slopes of Mount Leinster in 1786, has been brought to life in a beautifully illustrated new book that gives voice to the vanished predator.

The Last Irish Wolf, written by Carlow-based author John MacKenna and illustrated by artist Faye Tucker, will be launched at Carlow Library on Tuesday 14 October at 7:30pm. The book, co-published by Carlow County Council Libraries and The Harvest Press, tells the story through the eyes of that final wolf  a female, in MacKennas imagining  who watched her species disappear from Irish soil.

The more I thought about it, I thought it would be really interesting to put it into the voice of the last Irish wolf, MacKenna explained. Just that idea of being the last of your kind and giving a voice to that.

The project has been years in the making, supported by grants from Carlow Arts Service and backing from both the Heritage Office and Carlow Library. The result is a dual-language publication, telling the story in both English and Irish, with the wolf incorporating Irish phrases throughout the narrative.

MacKennas research uncovered a grim chapter in Irish history: it was Cromwell who sealed the wolves fate, placing a bounty on their heads that led to their annihilation. Obviously, the last wolf outlived Cromwell, MacKenna noted.

For illustrator Faye Tucker, the challenge was unique. It was really challenging but really enjoyable to create the images that sit with the text, she said. And, of course, knowing this was the story of the last of a kind was particularly challenging. But I believe the finished book, printed in Carlow by Azap printers, is something the county can celebrate.

The book explores the wolfs perspective as part of a pair, then as a solitary survivor  a poignant meditation on extinction. MacKenna emphasises that wolves are pack animals who typically avoid humans unless intruded upon, adding weight to the tragedy of their loss.

Could wolves ever return to Irelands wilds? MacKenna is doubtful. While wolves are bred in captivity in County Donegal, survival in the wild would require vast forested areas that Ireland no longer possesses.

The book has been described as a childrens book for adults and an adult book for children  a simple yet profound story accessible to all ages.

Novelist and community musician Angela Keogh will launch the book, which will be available for purchase at the event and distributed to all Carlow county school libraries. From 15 October, copies can also be bought at the Made in Carlow shop.

All are welcome to attend the launch and hear the voice of a creature that has been silent for nearly 240 years.
A PROPOSAL to develop an industrial biomethane plant in County Kildare has been refused planning permission by Kildare County Council.

The decision, issued on Friday, October 3, 2025, follows strong community opposition to the biomethane project planned out by European company Cycle0, which many residents argued would have a negative impact on the local areas environment and quality of life.

Ultimately, Kildare County Council refused the development for three reasons, one being due to the inadequacy of the small local road which connects the proposed site to Castledermot.

The scale of traffic generated by the proposed development both at construction and operational stage would render the road unsuitable to carry the increased loads arising from the development, wrote the council.

The council also denied the application on grounds that the development does not comply with parameters set out in the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029, which is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. The last reason is due to the plans failure to provide an adequate assessment of hydrological risk, water quality protection, and impacts on the River Barrow, River Nore Special Area of Conservation, Hobartstown West Wetlands and other sites. In this way the plan failed to ensure the development would not affect any waterbodies in the area, and failed to comply with EU directives protecting waterways.

Cycle0 said: We acknowledge the decision of Kildare County Council to refuse planning permission for our proposed AD and biomethane plant at Ballyvass, Co. Kildare and are reviewing the feedback provided by the Council. This is a disappointing response, but we remain confident that this is the right plan in the right location to support Irelands target to deliver 5.7 TWh of indigenous renewable natural gas by 2030. Local campaigners from the Ballyvass Biogas Concern Group welcomed the decision, thanking the council for listening to the people and acknowledging the collective effort that led to the refusal.

However, the work is not done yet:

We will need your help again to stop this industrial biomethane plant  protect our community, they said in an online post.

For now we have won the first battle and will absorb that for a little while. Together we can do this, they concluded.

The Ballyvass Biogas Community Working group also weighed in on the news:

The community said no, and no Kildare County Council has said no, said the group.

We are very pleased that the Councils planning department has refused the application outright, with no request for further information. We hope the developers accept this decision and choose not to appeal to An Bord Pleanala. However, should they do so, we will be ready. The Working Group emphasised that while they do not oppose biogas or renewable energy generally, in this case, the projects location was not appropriate:

These projects must be developed in appropriate locations with suitable infrastructure. Ballyvass is simply not such a location, they said.

After seven months of campaigning, the working group wanted to sincerely thank everyone who contributed with them:

Our planning consultant, local residents, community committees, primary schools, and businesses in Castledermot and the surrounding area. Every single submission made a difference. We also wish to thank all local representatives and TDs who supported us and lodged submissions. Thanks you all once again for standing together to protect our community, they concluded.

With the planning refused by the council, developers may now seek to appeal the decision through An Bord Pleanalas Alternative Compliance Procedure (ACP), and campaigners have pledged to continue their efforts if the proposal proceeds to that stage.
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Cemex announced it has completed the sale of its operations in Panama to Grupo Estrella for an enterprise value of approximately US$200m, equivalent to around 12 times adjusted EBITDA for the 12 months ending 31 August 2025.

As part of the same strategic portfolio adjustment, Cemex also confirmed it has increased its ownership to a majority stake in Couch Aggregates, a leading aggregates supplier in the southeastern United States. The company said a portion of the proceeds from the Panama divestiture has been allocated to the transaction, which it expects will offset near-term EBITDA loss from the sale.

These transactions are important building blocks in our strategy to rebalance our portfolio and continue investing in growth in priority markets, particularly aggregates in the U.S., said Jaime Muguiro, CEO of Cemex.

The Panama divestment covers one cement plant in Calzada Larga, Chilibre, with an installed capacity of approximately 1.2Mta, as well as associated RMC, aggregates, and reserve rights. Cemex will retain its admixtures business in Panama.

Grupo Estrella, a Dominican Republic-based industrial conglomerate, operates across the construction and industrial sectors, including cement, concrete, aggregates, and steel production, with additional investments in energy, healthcare, airports, and media in the Caribbean and Central America.

Couch Aggregates serves multiple US markets through seven sand and gravel pits and five marine terminals. Cemex said the investment strengthens its position in aggregates, a key component of its long-term growth strategy.

The company stated that these transactions align with its broader commitment to deliver strong shareholder returns, maintain operational efficiency, and follow a disciplined capital allocation strategy. Cemex continues to pursue carbon-neutral growth through innovation, circularity, and expanded use of alternative materials and fuels in its global operations.
The Chattanooga Police Department has arrested the suspect connected to a bank robbery and an attempted bank robbery that occurred in Hixson on Saturday.

The same suspect, 64-year-old David Taylor, is also charged with aggravated robbery for another bank robbery committed on Monday morning.

Taylor was taken into custody without incident after returning to one of the banks involved in Saturdays incidents. During the robbery, Taylor demanded money from tellers while pointing a gun at them. He was identified as the same individual responsible for the previous bank robbery and attempted robbery that occurred over the weekend.

Police said, "The Chattanooga Police Department thanks its media partners for sharing images of the suspect with their audiences. Following that coverage, a community member recognized Taylor and contacted CPD."

Taylor is currently charged with aggravated robbery related to the Monday incident. Additional charges are forthcoming for the robbery and attempted robbery that occurred on Saturday.

He is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.

CPD also extended its appreciation to its law enforcement partners - the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Marshals Service, for their assistance in the investigation and arrest of Taylor.






MSgt. Daniel Huddleston, right, receives congratulations at a retirement ceremony on Aug. 21. Huddleston actually will leave the U.S. Army on Jan. 21.
A Mozambican woman holding a baby. | Screenshot: YouTube/ 700 Club Interactive

More than 30 Christians were beheaded in recent attacks in northern Mozambique carried out by terrorists linked to Islamic State.

The militants targeted various villages across Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, destroying churches and homes as part of a violent campaign against civilians.

The Islamic State Mozambique Province, or ISMP, released a set of 20 images this week that documented its fighters executing civilians by beheading and firearm, as well as burning churches and homes, MEMRI (Middle East Media Research Institute) reported.

ISMP claimed responsibility for several assaults throughout the last week of September, including the beheading of two Christians in Chiure-Velho, Chiure District, last Thursday.

On the last Friday, militants claimed responsibility for a raid on Nacocha village in Chiure District, where a Christian was shot and killed, and two churches were burned. That day, they attacked Nacussa village in the same district, setting fire to two additional churches.

According to ISMPs statement, fighters raided Macomia Town on Sunday, killing four Christians and looting their belongings before retreating without causing further casualties.

On Monday, ISMP announced that its operatives had beheaded a Christian in Macomia District.

The next day, the group reported an attack on Nakioto village in Nampula Provinces Mimba District, where they burned down over 100 homes and one church. In nearby Minhanha village, located in Memba District, reports indicated that one church and 10 homes were destroyed.

The Defense Post quoted a resident stating that armed men entered the neighborhood around 8 p.m., killing four people and kidnapping four others, including a woman and her two daughters. Another local reported that a young man was shot dead after refusing to surrender his fathers belongings.

ISMP is said to have carried out attacks across six districts in September, ranging from Balama in the southwest to Mocimboa da Praia in the north, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

An August update from Grey Dynamics revealed that ISIS has been operating mainly from the central districts of Cabo Delgado and advancing southward, facing little resistance along the MacomiaAwasse highway.

Mozambiques Defense Minister admitted that recent operations had failed to contain the insurgents.

The update states that the violence has displaced at least 50,000 people from Chiure district in recent weeks, and there have also been reports of abductions and forced recruitment during raids on remote villages.

The longstanding insurgency in Mozambique, active since 2017, has resulted in over 6,200 deaths.

Doctors Without Borders suspended operations in Mocimboa da Praia due to the violence and launched an emergency response to assist thousands of displaced people sheltering in camps across Chiure, The Associated Press reported.

The United Nations estimates that over 1 million people in northern Mozambique have been displaced since the conflict started, driven by militant violence, prolonged drought, and extreme weather events.

The UN migration agency reported over 46,000 displacements in just eight days in late July, with nearly 60% of those displaced being children.
Home News California mayor claims guilt over embezzling money from church drove her to suicide attempt

Claiming she was racked by guilt over her sin, Tamara Wallace, the mayor of South Lake Tahoe, California, and administrator for the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church, has confessed to embezzling an undisclosed sum of money from the church, which led to a failed suicide attempt.

In an op-ed published on SouthTahoeNow.com on Sunday, Wallace admitted to taking funds from the Presbyterian Church over an extended period.

Because of this, on September 11, 2025, my birthday, I tried to end my life. I was so filled with guilt, shame, and grief that I experienced a mental health crisis that made suicide seem to be the best solution. It was only by the grace of God that I failed, she wrote.

Wallace further stated that after her suicide attempt, she spent 18 days in a mental health facility. Now she's coping with the use of prescription drugs and intense therapy, and has been trying to reach out to the churchs pastor, Greg Hughes, without success.

I have been reaching out to the church through the Pastor. I have not heard back yet, other than hearing second-hand that the church may seek charges through the District Attorney. I have heard that someone told the Tribune that they now have a reporter trying to get a story, Wallace wrote. Here it israther than being like many public servants and individuals who try to lie, hide, and delay the consequences of something they have done, I am taking a different path. I am telling the truth and admitting what I have done.

Even though Wallace is still listed as Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Churchs administrator, a statement from the churchs board of directors to The Christian Post on Tuesday confirmed that she has been fired from the role and reported to law enforcement.

Tamara Wallace has formally acknowledged committing a significant offense against the congregation of Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church. When this was discovered by the church, her employment was terminated on September 26, 2025, and the matter was appropriately referred to law enforcement authorities, church officials said. She did not attend our church nor was she a member. Our congregation has suffered extensive loss, and as we address this loss and its impact, we remain committed to prayer, compassion, transparency, and justice.

Wallace declares on Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Churchs website that her favorite Bible verse is Romans 6:23, which states, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It was unclear Tuesday whether or not Wallace would be removed from her government job, but the Tahoe Daily Tribune reports that California Government Code 1021 states that if a public employee is convicted of a felony, such as the embezzlement of public money, they shall be disqualified for five years from any public employment, including with the city or county. If Wallace embezzled more than $950, her theft would count as a felony.

Wallace pointed to suffering the trauma of childhood sexual abuse and a myriad of ongoing personal struggles. She also said she believes the intense guilt came from betraying the church that showed her love, and she plans to repay what she stole and take any other punishment that comes with her crime.

My guilt came from my taking funds from a church that, individually and as a group, embraced me, showed me love, and trusted me as their church administrator. In my mind, I may have found justification by using most of those funds to help others, such as my deceased sons three children, she wrote.

The weight of what I had done was so unbearably great that my mind deceived me into the belief that my suicide attempt would protect my husband, whom I had recently celebrated our 25th anniversary with, and my adult children, who have all devoted their lives to the children of this community. I could not fathom that my husband would forgive me and stand by me. But he has, she continued.

I also know that my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, paid the price for my sins and asks for us all to admit our sins, truly repent, and ask for the forgiveness for which he has already given. But that does not free us from the earthly consequences of our actions. I must repay every cent and accept whatever punishment comes to me.
Home News DOJ to appeal Kavanaugh's would-be assassin's sentence: 'Woefully insufficient'

The United States Department of Justice is vowing to appeal what it is describing as a woefully insufficient sentence for the trans-identified man who attempted to assassinate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

In a statement published Friday, the DOJ announced that Nicholas Roske was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to kill Kavanaugh in June 2022, as the U.S. Supreme Court was poised to hand down the Dobbs v. Jackson decision that overruled the Roe v. Wade ruling that made abortion legal nationwide.

A leaked draft of the Dobbs decision published in May 2022 indicated that Kavanaugh was one of five justices who had signed onto the majority opinion overruling Roe, which was released two weeks after Kavanaughs attempted assassination.

Roske was arrested outside Kavanaughs home in Maryland after contacting the police at the request of his sister, whom he had informed of his intentions before carrying out his plan. He had a gun, a knife and pepper spray in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Roske admitted that he wanted to kill Kavanaugh because of outrage over the impending overturning of Roe and pleaded guilty to attempting to assassinate a U.S. justice earlier this year. The DOJ sought a sentence of 30 years to life for Roske.

Instead, Judge Deborah Boardman of the U.S. District of Maryland handed down a sentence that aligned with the penalty sought by Roskes attorneys. A sentencing memo submitted to Boardman last month explained that Roske identifies as a woman named Sophie and insisted that the defendants longstanding issues with gender identity and mental health justified the lighter sentence.

Fridays sentencing, which occurred just ahead of the seventh anniversary of Kavanaughs confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court, did not sit well with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was a disgusting attack against our entire judicial system by a profoundly disturbed individual, she said.

The Department of Justice will be appealing the woefully insufficient sentence imposed by the district court, which does not reflect the horrific facts of this case, Bondi vowed.

Boardman, appointed to the bench by former President Joe Biden, has established a reputation for handing down rulings sympathizing with progressive political causes. In 2023, she issued a ruling siding against a group of parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, who sought to opt their children out of LGBT-related curriculum. Two years later, the Supreme Court reversed her ruling in the Mahmoud v. Taylor decision.

Earlier this year, Boardman issued a ruling blocking President Donald Trumps executive order restricting birthright citizenship. On his podcast Verdict With Ted Cruz Monday, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called Boardman completely unfit to be a federal judge over her ruling in the Roske case and called for the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives to impeach her.

I would love to have a trial in the Senate, he said. Do we want judges who refuse to enforce the criminal law for psychopathic murderers who are trying to murder Supreme Court justices? I think the obvious answer is no.

The outrage over the sentence imposed against Kavanaughs would-be assassin comes at a time when concerns about political violence in the U.S. are receiving renewed attention following the politically motivated assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last month.

Kavanaughs attempted assassination was one of many examples of violence and vandalism perpetrated by pro-abortion activists following the publication of the draft Dobbs decision and the weeks following the landmark ruling.
Home News Inside the faith-filled film 'Soul on Fire': 'You dont get to choose the path, but how you walk it'

When John OLeary burned 100% of his body, losing his fingers at just 9 years old, he couldve easily given up. Doctors gave him a 1% chance of survival. His family couldve surrendered to despair.

But instead, through prayer, the quiet strength of his father, and a community that refused to let him go, OLeary chose hope.

That choice, to live and believe that God still had purpose in the ashes, became the foundation for Soul on Fire, the new film from AFFIRM Films and director Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Reagan). Opening nationwide Oct. 10, the film tells OLearys true story of resilience, faith and the ordinary heroes who changed the course of his life.

"Soul on Fire" stars Joel Courtney (Jesus Revolution) as a young OLeary and John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) as his father, Dennis (Denny), with William H. Macy and DeVon Franklin rounding out the cast. Shot in St. Louis, where OLeary still lives, Soul on Fire is based on his bestselling book, which highlights that choosing life and hope is not a feeling, but a daily decision.

Choosing life is a choice, Courtney told The Christian Post. John talks a lot about the victor or the victim life that he could have chosen, which Denny told him about. You don't get to choose the path you walk, but you get to choose how you walk it. And I think that is something that John chooses every single day. He chooses every day to love, to live. That's huge for him, and stepping out into the world and sharing his heart and his story, once he started his speaking engagements, was just it was an inflection point in his life.

Filmed in many of the real-life places where OLearys story unfolded, the film follows his life, from his childhood accident to his college years, where he hid behind a mask of confidence and hid his pain through partying, concealing the deep trauma he carried.

Courtney, a Christian himself, said his preparation for the film required an understanding of the internal battle between shame and grace.

He was that fun, party-boy guy, Im fine, nothing to see here, Courtney said. But deep down, he was hiding himself from the world. Putting myself in those circumstances, trying to understand what that feels like, to live with those kinds of scars and still show up, that was the hardest part.

Ultimately, it was the love of his best friend and now his wife, Beth, as well as the unwavering support and prayers of his family, that changed the trajectory of OLearys path. Today, hes a bestselling author, father of four and motivational speaker who uses his platform to challenge others to find their God-given purpose.

OLeary told CP he wanted the film to be primarily about the heroes around him who gave him the will to live despite his injuries. DeVon Franklin stars as nurse Roy, the real-life nurse who pushed OLeary, both physically and emotionally, to walk again.

Nurse Roy had the point of view that either you deal with this pain right now or you deal with the pain of never being able to walk again, Franklin told CP. Scripture says to love your neighbor as yourself; that is one of the commandments. When you look at nurse Roy and all of those in service, they sometimes will even sacrifice their well-being for the well-being of others. For nurse Roy, I tapped into what our faith is about: love, being of service, community and care.

Corbett stars as OLearys father, who plays a central role in the film, instilling in his son the confidence and will to live despite his circumstances. The 64-year-old actor told CP that what drew him in was the spirit of the story and the man behind it.

John OLeary sent me a little video message, Corbett said. He had this big smile on his face, saying how much hed love me to play his dad, how much fun wed have filming in St. Louis. Id worked with Sean McNamara before, 20 years ago, on a Hilary Duff movie. So I didnt even need to read the script; I was already in. And then they told me William H. Macy was in it, and I said, Yeah, Im definitely in.

Theres a line of guys who wouldve loved to play Denny, he said. Im just honored I got to do it.

For Courtney, Soul on Fire, like Jesus Revolution, marked an opportunity to tell a story that inspires viewers to find the courage to choose hope, even when it seems impossible.

As a Christian, I always love telling stories of faith, he said. Stories where people are really going through it, but they choose love, they choose to lean on God, to be led. Thats always meaningful for me. I dont only do Christian films, but when one like this comes along, its special. Its personal.

Franklin noted that stories like OLearys can serve as a catalyst for a much-needed movement of compassion and community.

The thing about John is that he had so many heroes around him that helped him become who he otherwise may have never been. As he becomes this voice of motivation, he then uses what he's been given to give that gift to others, Franklin said.

It really is a movie of deep, deep compassion, he added. My hope and prayer is that families go to the theater and that's what they walk out with. We may not have anyone in our family who's gone through what John has gone through, but we do know people who may be suffering or maybe hurting.

"I'm hoping and praying that the movie motivates people to meet the needs of those who may not be able to do for themselves what you have the ability to do. I think weve got to get back to that, and I believe Soul and Fire can be a catalyst for that.

Soul on Fire opens nationwide Oct. 10.
Home News Lee Strobel, Pastor Robert Jeffress make 'case for Heaven' at First Baptist Dallas

DALLAS  Are the Bibles teachings about the afterlife, particularly the existence of the soul and the reality of Heaven, supported by evidence?

Lee Strobel, former atheist-turned-Christian apologist, posed that very question Sunday to the congregation of First Baptist Dallas, where he recounted his journey from skepticism to faith, sparked by a near-death experience that prompted him to investigate what happens after death.

Drawing from his book, The Case for Heaven, Strobel shared his message both as a sermon and during a Q&A panel with Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas. Citing over 900 scholarly articles published in scientific journals over the past 50 years, Strobel highlighted near-death experiences (NDEs) as evidence for the souls survival beyond physical death.

He referenced a study by Dr. Michael Edgar, a 40-year professor of neurosurgery who personally conducted 7,000 brain surgeries in his life, which found 92% of out-of-body observations during NDEs were verified as accurate, such as a patient recalling a red sticker on a ceiling fan blade. He concluded after his research into this area ... verified near-death experiences are sufficient to confirm that we do indeed have a soul that survives our clinical death, just as the Bible describes, Strobel said.

The resurrection of Jesus was a cornerstone of Strobels case, which he supported with historical evidence from ancient sources and a Journal of the American Medical Association report confirming Jesus death by crucifixion. Quoting renowned defense attorney Sir Lionel Laku, whose legal analysis of the resurrection evidence led him to affirm its historical reliability, Strobel said, The evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no room for doubt.

That evidence is so overwhelming, he added, that we can reasonably accept by faith what the Bible states about the afterlife. If this evidence is so strong that Jesus not only claimed to be the Son of God, but backed it up by returning from the dead, then His view of the afterlife is definitive, he said. And what does He say about it? Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.

During the Q&A luncheon, which was opened with a prayer by Ryan Sadler, minister of evangelism, Strobel and Jeffress addressed audience questions, including how to comfort parents who have lost a child. Jeffress reassured one audience member, When a child who is incapable of yet believing dies, theyre in Heaven  saved by Gods grace.

In response to a question about why interest in Heaven is growing, Strobel attributed it to aging baby boomers and spiritual curiosity among Generation Z, all amplified by fears during the coronavirus pandemic.

I think there's probably two things that are driving it. Number one, the big bulge of demographics, of course, is the baby boom generation, of which I'm a member, and we're all getting old, he said. The other thing is  we're seeing a lot of spiritual interest among Generation Z  and what happened several years ago with Covid. It was a scary time for everybody.

Addressing some common misconceptions about Heaven, Strobel and Jeffress described it as a tangible, renewed Earth rather than an ethereal realm. Heaven is the complete renewal of our world, a very earthy physical place, not just for spirits or souls, but for resurrected bodies designed for the Kingdom of God, Strobel explained.

The two misconceptions people have about Heaven are, first of all, the location of Heaven, said Jeffress. They think when we die, we float up there someplace.  Our final destination is back on this Earth, recreated. [The Apostle] John says he saw a new Heaven and a new Earth.

Jeffress added that individuals retain their personalities and gifts in Heaven, offering comfort that we are not going to be off on some foreign planet somewhere.

Strobel concluded the luncheon with an exhortation to follow the example of the late Luis Palau, an Argentine evangelist who died from lung cancer in 2021, who encouraged followers of Christ to always be ready to boldly share the Gospel.

Look for opportunities and when God opens that door, do what Luis Palau said and be courageous, he said. Be courageous.
Home News Poll: Majority of Israelis support ending war, 45% want PM Netanyahu's immediate resignation

A solid majority of Israelis, 66%, want an end to Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, according to an Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) poll, which was released on Monday.

Approximately 27% surveyed want the war to continue, while 7% said they are not sure.

As Israel marks the two-year anniversary of Hamas Oct. 7 massacre in southern Israel, the primary concern among those who want the war to end is the fear of endangering the remaining hostages.

By contrast, 56% of Israelis who oppose ending the war emphasized the need to fully dismantle Hamas as a military threat. Additionally, 28% of those who support continuing the war believe that sustained military pressure on Hamas is necessary to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

The IDI poll also found that 66% of Israelis want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take responsibility for the failures of Oct. 7. Of those surveyed, 45% believe he should resign immediately, while 19% say he should step down after the war. Another 18% think he should acknowledge responsibility but remain in office, 13% believe he should do neither, and 5% were unsure.

A significantly higher proportion of Israeli Arabs than Jews believe Netanyahu should resign immediately. The share of those who think that Netanyahu should accept responsibility and resign immediately is much higher among Arabs (67%) than among Jews (41%), the IDI said in a statement.

An overwhelming majority of left-wing Jews (88%) and centrist Jews (63%) believe Netanyahu should resign immediately; within the right wing, 23% think Netanyahu should step down immediately, 25% believe he should resign at the end of the war, 27% think he should accept responsibility and not resign, and 21.5% believe he should do neither.

The Israel Democracy Institute conducted its survey via the internet and telephone between Sept. 14-18. The sample included 800 Hebrew-speaking and 200 Arabic-speaking participants, with a margin of error of 3.1%. The IDI is a left-leaning think tank that has frequently criticized the Netanyahu governments policies.

U.S. President Donald Trumps Gaza 20-point plan envisions the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages within 72 hours from the time Hamas accepts the conditions for ending the war in Gaza. In exchange, Israel is expected to release some 250 convicted terrorists with life sentences from Israeli jails and more than 1,700 Gaza residents who were arrested and detained after Oct. 7, 2023, for their possible involvement in the massacre.

Most Israelis have supported an end to the war in exchange for all hostages.

In April, a poll published by Kan Reshet Bet revealed that 56% of Israelis supported a deal with Hamas that would return the hostages in one phase in exchange for a complete end to the war and the release of prisoners from Israeli jails.

A July poll published by Channel 12 News found that nearly 75% of Israelis supported ending the war in exchange for the release of all remaining hostages. Among voters for coalition parties, 60% backed such a deal.

This article was originally published at All Israel News
Home News Southern Poverty Law Center defends attorney charged with domestic terrorism, claims he was legal observer

The Southern Poverty Law Center has come to the defense of an employee arrested for allegedly committing domestic terrorism alongside a group of violent protesters who threw Molotov cocktails, fireworks and bricks at police outside a police training facility in Atlanta, Georgia.

On Sunday, violent elements joined a peaceful demonstration outside the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, throwing Molotov cocktails, fireworks, bricks and rocks at police.

One of the individuals arrested and charged with domestic terrorism over the attack was Tom Jurgens, a staff attorney with SPLC, a far-left advocacy group based in Montgomery, Alabama, known for placing individuals and organizations it disagrees with on its "hate map" or "extremists" list, like women's rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

The SPLC and the National Lawyers Guild issued statements on Monday in response to the arrest of Jurgens, with the SPLC arguing that Jurgens was a legal observer acting on behalf of the NLG, and denied that he engaged in any wrongdoing.

The employee is an experienced legal observer, and their arrest is not evidence of any crime, but of heavy-handed law enforcement intervention against protesters, stated SPLC.

This is part of a months-long escalation of policing tactics against protesters and observers who oppose the destruction of the Weelaunee Forest to build a police training facility.

The SPLC said it will continue to urge de-escalation of violence and police use of force against black, brown and indigenous communities  working in partnership with these communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people.

Ariel View - Atlanta Public Safety Training Centerhttps://t.co/69v7LnaGP2pic.twitter.com/dcocG0mybH  Atlanta Police Department (@Atlanta_Police) March 6, 2023

The Atlanta Police Department said in a statement that the Sunday incident involved a group of violent agitators who used the cover of a peaceful protest of the proposed Atlanta Public Safety Training Center to conduct a coordinated attack on construction equipment and police officers.

They changed into black clothing and entered the construction area and began to throw large rocks, bricks, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks at police officers, stated Atlanta authorities.

The agitators destroyed multiple pieces of construction equipment by fire and vandalism. Multiple law enforcement agencies deployed to the area and detained several people committing illegal activity. Thirty-five agitators have been detained so far.

Atlanta authorities explained that the illegal actions of the agitators could have resulted in bodily harm and that police exercised restraint and used non-lethal enforcement to conduct arrests.

In recent years, the SPLC has garnered controversy for its decision to label several conservative Christian organizations as hate groups over their opposition to same-sex marriage and LGBT ideology.

One of the organizations that the SPLC deemed a hate group was the Family Research Council. The organization was violently attacked in 2012 when a man attempted to shoot up their headquarters because he was inspired by the SPLC's Hate Map.

This is not the first time the Southern Poverty Law Center has been connected to domestic terrorism, tweeted FRC President Tony Perkins on Monday.

SPLC was connected to a 2012 domestic terrorist shooting at @FRCdc, but this one will be hard for them to dodge. An SPLC attorney was among the 23 Antifa terrorists arrested.
Tony Evans Restored To Ministry, Trump Praises Gaza Peace Talks, FDA Approves Generic Abortion Drug

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:42 06:42

Top headlines for Tuesday, October 7, 2025

The restoration of pastor Tony Evans to ministry after a season of discipline, the cautious optimism surrounding President Trumps 20-point Gaza peace plan despite Hamass reservations, and the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to reject a Kentucky churchs appeal over COVID-19 legal costs.

00:11 Oak Cliff Bible founder Tony Evans restored to ministry

00:58 Trump lauds 'very positive discussions on peace plan

01:49 Churches join urgent calls to evacuate civilians trapped in Sudan

02:42 Trump calls on Democrat Va. AG nominee Jay Jones to drop out

03:32 SCOTUS rejects churchs request for award over COVID-19 lawsuit

04:17 6 reactions to FDA approval of generic abortion drug

05:04 William H Macy, John O'Leary say 'Soul on Fire' will inspire
Home Opinion October 7th two years later: Our answer to despair

Two years. Two long years since morning broke on Simchat Torah  the holy day whose name literally means rejoicing in the Torah. But instead of the sounds of worship and laughter, Israels skies were filled with sirens and synagogues were filled with sheer terror and endless tears that the country was under attack.

To the south, smoke rose where children should have been awaking to the rising sun. Gunfire sounded, instead of music at a wilderness festival for young people or tractors working the Holy Lands soil. The air carried cries no mother should ever hear.

And for the past two years, a silence has fallen heavy on every heart that loves Israel. October 7, 2023, is two years ago. But its not that far behind us, more recent than a memory and more painful than a healed scar.

But on that day, and every day in the two years since, God has been here. In the bomb shelters where prayers mix with fear, God is there. In the corridors of hospitals where the sounds of prayer and pain mingle, God is there. And in churches and synagogues and living rooms and bedrooms and classrooms across the globe, where prayers are lifted to Him, God is there. For two years, through the grief and the war and the prayers for peace, God has made His loving presence known.

I have seen that love with my own eyes. As President and Global CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, I walk the narrow streets of Israel and travel the wide roads of America, and I see His presence through the people of faith that I meet  Christians and Jews who see Israel not through the fog of newsprint or the blur of the screen, but through Scripture. They open the Bible and read of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and they know that to bless Israel is to love Gods people and to live out His Word.

And so, two years later, The Fellowship and our millions of supporters carry on this work of blessing Gods people. We build shelters to shield children from rockets. We build trauma centers where wounds are healed and lives are made whole again. We build new lives for refugees fleeing persecution, simply for their faith, and we welcome them to their biblical homeland. And we build bridges  of faith, of friendship, and of fellowship between Christians and Jews.

One of these bridges is adorned with flags. Flags of Fellowship is a global movement in blue and white. Outside churches and synagogues, and in yards and campus quads, tiny hands and wrinkled hands plant Israeli flags in the ground, each one remembering one of the 1,200 lives lost on that dark day two years ago, and each one a proclamation of Gods love.

In a world where flags are burned in anger and hatred, these flags radiate hope.

And generosity runs like a river behind those flags. In these two years, The Fellowship has provided more than a quarter of a billion dollars of aid. We have raised hospital wings that withstand missiles. We have delivered food to the hungry, medicine to the frail, shelter to the weary. And each of these gifts is a proclamation of this love  for Israel and for Gods people.

To every pastor, every grandmother, every college student, and every prayer warrior who loves Israel with all their heart  Todah Rabah  Thank You. Your love is a lifeline. Your love changes lives. Your love saves lives. And your love reminds us, here in Israel, that we do not stand alone.

On this second anniversary of October 7, even as we remember the hatred, the desperation, the violence, and the darkness of that day, Gods call is clear. Answer hatred with love. Answer despair with hope. Answer violence with healing. And answer darkness with light.
The UK has the worst tax position for charitable giving that I can think of, a former leader of the Conservative Party has said, urging the country to mirror the USAs approach to wealthy donors.

Iain Duncan Smith, who led the Conservatives from 2001 to 2003, made the comments at the partys annual conference in Manchester yesterday.

We have the worst tax position for charitable giving that I can think of. Its the meanest position, he told the fringe event called Backing Britains Givers organised by his think tank, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).

If you go to America, you wonder why so many more of the wealthier people really do give money: because its worth it to them, first of all, and theres no risk.

Duncan Smith added: The first thing that I would recommend as and when we head towards government, hopefully, is that we actually readjust the position on this and show the charities that [...] a much greater proportion of the money given will actually go to the charities as necessary.

Our tax position needs sorting out.

UK has culturally something against the wealthy

Duncan Smiths sentiments on wealthier individuals giving to charities were echoed by shadow cuture secretary Nigel Huddleston, who sat alongside him on the panel.

Former charities minister Huddleston said that in the US you get some really big, generous givers and theyre applauded and recognised - you often get a name on the building or something as well.

Huddleston added: We still culturally have something against wealthy people and really, really successful wealthy people, and theyre almost talked down, whereas in fact, actually, if encouraged, cajoled or indeed there are tax incentives in place, they can do so much positive for society.

But if we dont recognise, applaud and thank them for it, then surprise, surprise, we often dont get it.

Tesco-isation of charitable giving

Duncan Smith also described what he called the Tesco-isation of charitable giving, whereby the majority of donations are given to bigger, rather than smaller charities.

He said: Most of the money that was given goes into big charities.

They do an awful lot of lobbying and everything else, but very little actually when you identify functionally doing stuff that works on the ground.

Whereas a lot of the smaller community groups and charities, often not very well known about, they do huge amounts of work, and it was from them [] they were all the most remarkable because they had policy positions that they were actually doing that worked.

Duncan Smith appeared to be referring to the findings of the Supercharging Philanthropy report, published earlier this year by CSJ, which estimated that billions could be unlocked for small charities in the UK through measures including matched donations schemes and dormant assets.

The CSJ has previously published other work championing smaller charities.

Duncan Smiths comments appeared controversial to some audience members, one of whom directly challenged his view that larger charities do very little actually during the subsequent Q&A discussion.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
By highwaystarz, Adobe

Well, you know how the media love a scary story, and recent events have been causing some to ask whether charity retail faces an existential challenge. The answer from our perspective is a firm no  but that doesnt mean that our members havent been experiencing a few quite tricky bends in the road to negotiate recently.

Trading has been great  we are now seeing significant like-for-like growth in income, which is a big turnaround from mid and late 2024  but so has been the increase in costs.

Profitability, which was once a given in a sector largely run by volunteers, has been under more and more strain over the last year, and this was especially exacerbated by the 2024 budget and its increase in staffing costs. The government could listen to the sectors calls: for example, for the mitigation of the budgets changes in the national insurance regime that we requested. But in the absence of specific help for the sector, we can expect change.

All retailers have been subject to these pressures, and the constant stream of high street closures has now been mirrored by a couple of eye-catching announcements in charity retail  Scope closing half of its shop estate , and most recently Cancer Research UK (CRUK) closing some 190 shops over the next 18 months. What on earth is going on? Our answer is that were seeing evolution  with some charity retailers moving to an exciting new model  not an existential challenge.

Adapting business models

Charities, of course, are not just about making profits for their own sake. But the contribution to their income made by their retail operations is huge, and is increasingly important as other sources of funding are also becoming harder to find. We know that charity retail adds a huge amount of value over and above its financial contribution, for example in sustainability and being the hub of many communities, but there is no getting away from the fact that their raison detre is to raise much-needed unrestricted funds for their parent charities.

Against this background, charities are having to think very carefully about how best to structure their retail operations. To ensure we remain financially resilient and mission-relevant, we need to be brave enough to show agility and adapt our business model to ensure relevance and sustainability.

If you read the announcement from CRUK carefully, much of it mirrors that of Scope earlier this year. CRUK is actually opening 12 new large stores, significant centres of funds for their charitable purposes. It will still have over 300 shops at the end of the process, whilst Scope will still have half of its original retail estate open at the end of its own restructure. What is happening is that they are both concentrating their ongoing investment in the shops that they are confident will bring in sufficient profit contribution to advance their good causes as much as possible.

And thats the rub, isnt it? This is not about the shops themselves. It is about supporting the good causes that their parent charities support, and doing that to the best of their ability.

Not the end of the road

Of course, behind these closures and rationalisations are significant human costs, and we mustnt forget that. I know that both charities have been as careful and conscientious as possible to reduce the impact of these reviews on their staff and volunteers, and the communities in which they operate. Its never easy to reduce costs, and we only wish that the government was able to see its way to mitigating some of the budget-related impacts on charities, who are after all, performing much of the governments work in areas such as medical research, support for the disadvantaged and animal welfare. But in the absence of clear signals that this might happen in the next or even future budgets, charities really do have to maximise the funds from their investments in retail assets.

Will there be other reviews leading to closures? Possibly. For example, many of our members are looking at investing in larger format stores in the same way as CRUK, causing a few shop closures in the same area when one superstore opens. There is little sign of cost pressures diminishing, so our members, like everyone else, are having to cut their cloth according to its width. They are using their famous creativity, resilience and determination to weather the storms and move forward in what they do best  contributing to good causes through the provision of unrestricted funds.

And remember the words of Helen Keller, whose miraculous life serves as a reminder of the whole human spirit exemplified by charities: A bend in the road is not the end of the road Unless you fail to make the turn. So it isnt the end of the road by any means. Its an evolutionary shift in practice, and a new and more focused way of doing charity retail.

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.
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Years ago, in Louisville, people just didnt understand this concept of having a radio station where people could just walk in and play what was interesting to them, or talk about what was on their mind, Sharon Scott told me. This was just totally radical. Scott started ART-FM, otherwise known as WXOX 97.1 FM, in 2011, out of her familys living room. Her husband, Sean Selby, a carpenter, helped put it together. She served as the general manager. Soon, their son pitched in with graphic design. Scott was surprised by the response among her neighbors, how hungry they were, she said, for something like this that they never even knew existed. ART-FM aired commentary from a World War II veteran named George who DJed until age ninety-eight; three women from Iran brought frontline news alongside recipes and language lessons; later, a Ukrainian DJ aired his soldier cousins dispatches from the war. The whole project was possible because ART-FM is a low-power community radio station, of which about two thousand exist across the country, operating at under a hundred watts and with a narrow broadcast range.

Its hard, with radio, to judge how effective youre being, and how are you really, really reaching your community? Scott said. But ART-FM has been such a successduring Give for Good Louisville, when area nonprofits compete to see who can get the most donors over a twenty-four-hour period, the station is consistently a top fundraiserthat Scott was eventually able to move into a real studio. She now works with around a hundred and twenty community DJs. In 2023, she quite literally wrote the book, Low Power for Dummies, on how these operations workin part, she said, because there seemed not to be a wide understanding of low-power radio, its possibilities, or its practicalities. So much of that knowledge, she told me, is just passed along, you know, from person to person, just like oral traditions. Now low-power people tell her its their Bible.

Part of what requires explanation is the distinction between community radio and public radio: very different entities, as Scott told me. Its just very muddy waters for people who arent in the biz. Low-power stations are hyperlocal and as varying as the wind, concerned with community voices, emergency notifications, and information specific to a confined area. They necessarily rest on a few common limitationsmost usually budget, volunteer labor, technical know-how, and the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. Practitioners of community radio also tend to see their work as politically and philosophically important. The Low Power FM movement is a small but energetic alliance, Scott writes in her Dummies book. Real living, breathing humans are pushing through the cracks of commercial automation with spontaneous ideas and original thought. DJs are playing music because it moves them, not because it fits a mathematical formula. Listeners are discovering these new vibrant stations, where real DJs speak to them in real time, about real things that are going on. They find that no algorithm can simulate the effect of connecting with another human. Now, against the precipitous backdrop of funding cuts to public media, low-power radio emerges as a lesser-known source of inspiration for what has long been possible.

Low-power radio and public radio have a contentiously intertwined history involving frequencies and funding. After World War II, the FCC supported educational institutions experiments in low-power radio. These stations fell into a category known as Class D; many college radio stations lived inside this designation. But by the late sixties, Class D stations were seen by some as merely electronic sandboxes in which students messed around with minimal oversight or expertise. When the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) was established, in 1967, a new definition of public radio emerged, and it crowded out low-power stations, which didnt have enough money or manpower to comply with the new set of rules imposed in exchange for federal funds. (In a New Republic article, How NPR Killed College Rock, the writer Ian F. Svenonius characterized the takeover of college stations by public radio as an expression of yuppie cultural, political, and economic power.)

In 1978, Class D stations were blocked from proliferating. In time, they dwindled in number. The freeze lasted through the nineties. In that decade, the efforts of Stephen Dunifer, the founder of Radio Free Berkeley, among others, pushed an alternative idea of radio as a collectively held resource, under the motto let a thousand transmitters bloom. Activists of the microradio, pirate radio, and community radio movement built portable or drive-by broadcast operations; Free Radio Berkeley operated one at a local community flea market under the heading Flea Radio Berkeley: Creating the itch the FCC cannot scratch out. Protracted lawsuits between such activists and the FCC unfurled. Then, in 2000, a concession: an FCC-approved window in which low-power operators might be able to formally apply for radio licenses for broadcasting only a few miles worth of programming to their communities.

If that might seem minimally threatening to larger powers, it was nevertheless a controversial move, one that was strongly lobbied against by the National Association of Broadcasters, and opposed by National Public Radio. According to Christina Dunbar-Hester, a professor of communication at the University of Southern CaliforniaAnnenberg School for Communication and Journalism, NPR in essence claimed that low power provided nothing NPR didnt already do, and that NPR did it better. Low-power license application windows would open again only on a few much-anticipated occasions. Scott, for her part, is an NPR skeptic. The station just, you know, picks up these prerecorded shows and replays them for most of the day, she said, referring to the programming shared with affiliates from headquarters, in Washington, DC. Theyve got some local DJs, but for the most part, their programming is not local.

That is not quite how Tristan Clum sees it. Clumthe program director at KUNM, an NPR affiliate based at the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerquestarted working in public radio as a student volunteer twenty-five years ago. He is now fifty-six. Until recently, he said, money from the CPB made up 12 percent of KUNMs budget, and the station is now trying to fundraise 548,000 dollars over the next two years simply to remain level with where things had been. Clum is a fan of low power for what it says about how we use our airwaves, he told me, but Im not a listener, and neither are most of the people that I know. To the low-power crowd, he said, NPR is sometimes a shorthand for stations that run any kind of syndicated programming and have to pay attention to silly things called ratings. KUNM pulls only two shows from national NPR programming: All Things Considered and Morning Editionand they are the stations most-listened-to fare. Thats what a lot of our listeners want to hear, Clum said. (Though he noted: Another part of that is because we put it on when theyre driving, which is when theyre listening.) News deserts are nothing new, he said, and KUNM has been used to operating in a kind of low-resource environment. This was why the station had to pay attention to ratings, he explained, to do the best with what listeners donate.

Twenty-four miles north, in rural Placitas, New Mexico, Joan Fenicle, who is eighty-three, works as the cofounder and manager of a low-power radio station called KUPR. Ive always bitched about the fact that were not eligible for public funding, she told me. Now, having heard about KUNMs loss of federal resources, she wonders if that ineligibility might be a blessing. To be sure, there have been many months when Fenicle isnt sure if KUPR might need to pull from its reserve savings. But when, for instance, the station needed a new transmitter, at a cost of seven thousand dollars, the community pitched in nine thousand. Were small, she said, but people value what we do.

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Low-power people tend to have a keen understanding of nearby NPR stations and their finances, but the reverse is not true. Several public radio station people I spoke with emphasized that they didnt know much about low power, nor did they listen to it. The historical split between these two types of radio, Dunbar-Hester told me, revealed a missed opportunity to fund noncommercial radio to serve both a national public interest and local communities. She was especially concerned now about rural and tribal stations that have lost federal funding via NPR/CPB, as they served smaller populations and couldnt necessarily fundraise in the way that Clum described. To Dunbar-Hester, low-power stations might be more resilient as they are so grassrootsbut they dont reach as many people as NPR affiliates, so the loss of federal funding is a real blow.

In a sense, low-power stations have been formed by constraintfinancial, regulatory, legal. The result is something rangy, creative, and so local that it might be, as Clum gestured, irrelevant to people living forty miles away. KUPR has a broadcast area that is roughly one-third Native, one-third Hispanic, and one-third everybody else, as Fenicle told me. Weve tried very hard to represent that in our programming. The station airs a popular show called Enchanted Tiki Hut and another called Indigenous Brilliance. Soon, KUPR hopes to partner with the local newspaper, the Sandoval Signpost, for steadier news coverage. Tuning in to KUPR, Fenicle said, is more about terrain than it is distance. She described a recent drive along the river: I kept the station all the way to where I turned left and headed down the hill, and then I lost it.

KUPR operates out of a mobile studio that was originally donated by the estate of Ed Grothus, a famous antinuclear activist who lived in Los Alamos, where he operated the Black Hole, a museum of nuclear wastecastoffs from the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Initially, the studio was sturdy, Fenicle said, but so ugly. She and her colleagues redid the carpet, put up metal siding. Eventually, they worked out a system so that in case of a wildfirea very real possibility in Placitas, which sits in a high-risk areathe radio station could stay on the air, broadcasting emergency information while being controlled from a remote location. The station is also working with the Placitas Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Alliance, recording the alliances monthly meetings and then rebroadcasting and archiving them, so that people can access information about how to prepare for a wildfire. Placitas lacks when it comes to emergency notification, Fenicle told me. There are no sirens. There has been a recent push to get more people signed up for CodeRED, a mobile alert system. But, she noted, we are told that the rule of thumb is that maybe five percent of the population will do so.

Such concerns are immediate and pointedly local: radio as an emergency alert system and reflection of community identity. I asked Bruce AusterNPRs managing editor for collaborative journalism, which has supported reporting, for instance, on the impact of Hurricane Helene in eastern Tennessee and the Kerr County floods in Texasabout what the cuts to CPB might mean for affiliates. He wasnt especially concerned about the short term. But, he said, we have in most cases about two years to find alternative revenue sources, and partners are already thinking creatively about how to sustain the regional newsrooms. In Warm Springs, Oregon, Sue Matters, the station manager of KWSO, an NPR affiliate radio station operated by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, told me that her station experienced a huge increase in donations and memberships from doing media interviews about the CPB cut. And yet its uncertain whether that level of investment will keep up, if the CPB funds will someday be restored, or if this is the new normal. No one is sure what to do, she went on, because there are simply a lot of unknowns for sustainability in the future.

At the time that I spoke with Scott and Fenicle, the Grassroots Radio Conference was underway in Spokane, Washington. There, a man named Jim Ellinger, who runs a nonprofit called Austin Airwaves, in Texas, was co-leading a workshop: Is This Story Worth Getting My Ass Kicked? Ellinger, who is in his seventies, travels around the world setting up low-power stations. A volunteer firefighter, he has a particular interest in public safety and disaster relief, and sees radio as a critical resource. Once, following a deadly flood in Wimberley, Texas, he set up a station by climbing onto the mayors roof. He has constructed a solar-powered radio operation in Borneo; hes set up broadcast operations in Haiti post-earthquake.

In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, Ellinger was at the Astrodome within days. Austin Airwaves and other community radio activists described to the FCC how, inside the building, information was being presented on bulletin boards, which made it hard to disseminate to the thousands of people living inside. There were arrests, scuffles, people who passed on, Ellinger recalled. In an unprecedented move, the FCC quickly allowed Ellinger to proceed with a temporary low-power license, so that he could air news around the Astrodomeabout relief efforts, recovery, and more. Ellinger and his group bought thousands of little transistor radios to distribute to the evacuees. It was the single largest purchase ever at the ninety-nine-cent store, he told me. All the radios in the city.

But even with the FCCs blessing, Ellinger ran up against opposition from Harris County decision-makers. The endeavor was short-lived. A different group was allowed to set up a low-power broadcast (KAMP 95.3) from the parking lot, but soon enough they, too, were asked to move out. Evidence of the tiny, ephemeral station and the people who told their stories on it lives on at the Texas Archive of the Moving Image.

Ellinger told me that this story has become FCC lore. He has repeatedly encountered officials from the FCC who know of his Astrodome attempt, which made the national news. We certainly recognize the value of radio in a disaster, he remembered an FCC official telling him at the time. (The FCC did not respond to requests for comment.) Ellinger sees todays cuts to public media as nothing but bad news. Community radio, though, is something else. These stations are used to being stretched, and are tiny, passionate, and scattered, Ellinger said. Most of these stations are low power, local, under a hundred watts, and serving nothing but the local community. If theyre lucky they get ads from the record store. He added, The general feeling is that were too small to mess with.
More and more, big arrays of lithium-ion batteries are being hooked up to electrical grids around the U.S. to store power that can be discharged in times of high demand.

But as more energy storage is added, residents in some places are pushing back due to fears that the systems will go up in flames, as a massive facility in California did earlier this year.

Proponents maintain that state-of-the-art battery energy storage systems are safe, but more localities are enacting moratoriums.

Were not guinea pigs for anybody  we are not going to experiment, were not going to take risk, said Michael McGinty, the mayor of Island Park, New York, which passed a moratorium in July after a storage system was proposed near the village line.

At least a few dozen localities around the United States have moved to temporarily block development of big battery systems in recent years.

Long Island, where the power grid could get a boost in the next few years as offshore wind farms come online, has been a hotbed of activism, even drawing attention recently from the Trump administration. Opponents there got a boost in August when Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin visited New York to complain that the state was rushing approvals of sites in order to meet delusional green power goals  a claim state officials deny.

Battery Growth Spurt

Battery energy storage systems that suck up cheap power during periods of low demand, then discharge it at a profit during periods of high demand, are considered critical with the rise of intermittent energy sources such as wind and solar.

Known by the acronym BESS, the systems can make grids more reliable and have been credited with reducing blackouts. A large battery system might consist of rows of shipping containers in a fenced lot, with the containers holding hundreds of thousands of cells.

China and the United States lead the world in rapidly adding battery storage energy systems. However, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Australia, Netherlands, Chile, Canada and the U.K. have commissioned or started construction on large projects since 2024, too, according to research from BloombergNEF.

In the U.S., California and Texas have been leaders in battery storage. But other states are moving quickly, often with privately developed systems. While the Trump administration has been unsupportive or even hostile to renewable energy, key tax credits for energy storage projects were maintained in the recently approved federal budget for qualified projects that begin construction in the next eight years.

Developers added 4,908 megawatts of battery storage capacity in the second quarter of 2025, with Arizona, California and Texas accounting for about three-quarters of that new capacity, according to a report from American Clean Power Association, an industry group. Thats enough to power nearly 1.7 million households.

New York has an ambitious goal to add 6,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030, half of it large-scale systems.

Lithium-Ion Fire Worries

Opposition to the storage systems usually focuses on the possibility of thermal runaway, a chain reaction of uncontrolled heating that can lead to fire or an explosion. Opponents point to past fires and ask: What if that happens in my neighborhood?

A battery storage system in Moss Landing, California caught fire in January, sending plumes of toxic smoke into the atmosphere and forcing the evacuation of about 1,500 people..

Experts in the field say battery systems have become safer over the years. Ofodike Ezekoye, a combustion expert and professor of mechanical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, notes that failures are relatively infrequent, but also that no engineered system is 100% foolproof.

This is a relatively immature technology that is maturing quickly, so I think that there are a lot of really thoughtful researchers and other stakeholders who are trying to improve the overall safety of these systems, Ezekoye said.

Battery storage proponents say a facility like Moss Landing, where batteries were stored indoors, would not be allowed in New York, which has adopted fire codes that require modular enclosure design with required minimum spacing to keep fires from spreading.

Blocking Battery Systems

People who live near proposed sites are not always assured.

In Washington state, the city of Maple Valley approved a six-month moratorium in July as a way to protect us until we know more, said city manager Laura Philpot.

Voters in Halstead, Kansas, which has a moratorium, will be asked this Election Day whether they want to prohibit larger battery storage systems inside the city limits, according to Mayor Dennis Travis. He hopes the city can one day host a safely designed storage system, and said local opponents wrongly fixate on the California fire.

The number of localities passing moratoriums began rising in 2023 and 2024, mirroring trends in battery storage deployment, with a notable cluster in New York, according to a presentation last year by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Winnie Sokolowski is among area residents against a proposed 250-megawatt lithium-ion storage system in the Town of Ulster, New York, contending it is too close to schools and homes.

Theyre banking on nothing happening, but I dont think you can place it where theyre proposing and assume nothings going to happen, Sokolowski said. Its just too risky if it does.

The developer, Terra-Gen, said the design will keep a fire from spreading and that the system poses no credible, scientific-based threat to neighbors, the public or the environment.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President Doreen Harris said shes confident the state has the right safety rules in place, and that scaling up the use of battery storage systems will strengthen and modernize our grid.

She noted there also were local concerns in the early stages of siting solar farms, which have since proven their benefits.

Associated Press writer Jennifer McDermott in Providence, Rhode Island, contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A Suffield Road resident reported Sept. 29 that he was a victim of a scam in which he received a phone call from a supposed attorney claiming that his granddaughter was in jail because she was at fault in a car crash involving a pregnant woman.

The man, 81, was told that $9,600 in cash was needed to pay bond.

He subsequently withdrew the money from the bank and handed it over in a box to a supposed courier who came to his home in a black SUV.

Later, the scammers called back and said that the pregnant woman had suffered a miscarriage because of the crash and that an additional $9,600 was needed for her bond.

The man then called family members and learned that his granddaughter was fine and that he had been scammed.

Read more news from the Sun Messenger.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Mud. Joe. Java. Brew. Cuppa. Theres no shortage of coffee options, slang terms for them or drink varieties in the 21st century.

Good news for caffeine fiends and coffee potheads. And the best part? Theyre endlessly customizable.

Your Best of Cleveland team of Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian set out to rank the best of them in honor of National Frappe Day, celebrated Oct. 7, courtesy the ever-popular Starbucks chain.

Lets also note: none of these really earned a terrible score from either of us. Thats not an accident  Starbucks does these things pretty well.

If you like frappes, you have 13 options to choose from. Based on your palette, youll find one that you truly love  or keep coming back to try a new flavor.

The bonus? There are choices for those that arent coffee drinkers. So fear not  tag along with your coffee-loving friend.

Which ones were worth it? How do our scores compare with your favorites?

Are we spot-on? Off the mark? Will you hit your favorite Starbucks today to compare notes?

No. 13: Vanilla Bean Creme

Vanilla Bean Creme Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.25

Calories: 380

Official description: This rich, creamy blend of vanilla bean, milk and ice topped with whipped cream takes va-va-vanilla flavor to another level. To change things up, try it affogato-style with a hot espresso shot poured right over the top.

Our thoughts: If you love vanilla and coffee together, this is for you. My problem with vanilla is that Im spoiled. I like a true Madagascar vanilla, which would probably double the cost of this one. Wasnt feeling it here. Just not for me. Vanilla shake without the thickness of ice cream. Cool and refreshing  without the coffee.

No. 12: Matcha Creme

Matcha Creme Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.65

Calories: 320

Official description: A blend of our new unsweetened matcha green tea, classic syrup, milk and ice  topped off with sweetened whipped cream  inspires a deliciously vibrant boost.

Our thoughts: Without the sweetened foam taking the edge off that herbal, grassy matcha, Im not as excited. True matcha fans will probably enjoy it.

The matcha flavor comes through the more you drink it. Creamy, smooth and not gritty  but you need to be a fan to enjoy.

No. 11: Brown Sugar Strato

Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.65

Calories: 350

Official description: Frappuccino Roast coffee, milk and ice are blended to perfection and layered with brown-sugar flavored cream cold foam featuring a cinnamon accent for a modern twist on our beloved original Frappuccino blended beverage.

Our thoughts: I struggled with this one. Theres something about brown sugar and the roast on Starbucks coffee that just doesnt hold together for me. Maybe I need to give it another chance, but this is all just a bit too earthy for me.

Very sweet; didnt detect the coffee right away. This is a good drink for those transitioning to the coffee world.

No. 10: Salted Caramel Mocha Strato

Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.65

Calories: 390

Official description: Rich mocha sauce, Frappuccino Roast coffee, milk and ice are blended to perfection and layered with salted-caramel flavored cream cold foam featuring a caramel drizzle for an elevated sweet-salty coffee treat.

Our thoughts: I have my feelings about caramel and coffee together, as evidenced in the other ratings in this exercise. It was pretty decent and not overly decadent.

Coffee and chocolate are equally strong in this drink. Nicely balanced, with a slight salted caramel taste.

No. 9: Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.95

Calories: 420

Official description: Pumpkin plus traditional fall spice flavors, blended with coffee, milk and ice and topped with whipped cream and pumpkin-pie spice. Think of it as the ultimate fall-care package.

Our thoughts: Its fall in a cup. Society has gone a little overboard with everything pumpkin spice these days (I mean, Dude Wipes?!?) but this is exactly what an October walk asks for. They havent lost the plot by being too clever with this one.

Those pumpkin fans who cant wait for this time of year wont be disappointed with this pumpkin-heavy flavored drink. Faint coffee notes peek through the sweet cinnamon flavor.

No. 8: Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.95

Calories: 480

Official description: Frappuccino Roast coffee, mocha sauce and Frappuccino chips blended with milk and ice, layered on top of whipped cream and chocolate cookie crumble and topped with vanilla whipped cream, mocha drizzle and even more chocolate cookie crumble. Each sip is as good as the last . . . all the way to the end.

Our thoughts: I might have gone lower with the score for this, but I see what they were trying to do. This really should be a dessert and not a beverage. Not a casual order, at least in my opinion. Now give me a slice of cheesecake done up this way and were talking.

The coffee comes through more dominantly on this drink. The cookie crumble and chocolate drizzle arent over the top and add a nice touch. Blended well, giving both coffee and chocolate their moment.

No. 7: Mocha Frappuccino

Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.65

Calories: 370

Official description: Mocha sauce, Frappuccino Roast coffee, milk and ice all come together for a mocha flavor thatll leave you wanting more. To change things up, try it affogato-style with a hot espresso shot poured right over the top.

Our thoughts: When Starbucks puts the focus on coffee in these drinks, it always works out well. Theres a tipping point between a well-executed coffee drink and a dessert bomb. I would definitely order this one again.

Lots of whipped cream. The mocha flavor dominates and masks the stronger coffee flavor. A good choice for chocolate fans.

No. 6: Strawberry Matcha Strato

Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.65

Calories: 340

Official description: Vibrant matcha green tea, classic syrup, milk and ice blended and topped with strawberry-flavored cream cold foam. Radiates joy with each sip.

Our thoughts: : I was surprised at how much I liked this. It didnt strike me as something Id enjoy (I can take or leave matcha, generally speaking). I think the strawberry cold foam adds life to something thats grassy and vegetal. Would drink again.

Tasty  and it looks pretty, too.

No. 5: Coffee Frappuccino

Coffee Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.25

Calories: 230

Official description: Coffee meets milk and ice in a blender for a rumble-and-tumble togetherness to create one of our most-beloved original Frappuccino blended beverages.

Our thoughts: Ill never say no to the simplicity of this one. Probably my go-to order if and when I visit a Starbucks.

Simply cold coffee. If you want your punch of morning coffee  just not hot  this is for you.

No. 4: Caramel Ribbon Crunch

Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.95

Calories: 470

Official description: Buttery caramel syrup blended with coffee, milk and ice, then topped with a layer of dark caramel sauce, whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a crunchy caramel-sugar toppingoh-so-beautifully delicious.

Our thoughts: Delicious and dreamy, though a bit heavy in the second half. I think I was done with it before it was done with me. Sometimes coffee drinks with caramel can be cloying.

Caramelly and not very coffee-forward but you can still taste it. Theres plenty of caramel throughout, and theyre generous with the topping. A good introduction for someone just starting out on their coffee journey.

No. 3: Caramel

Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.65

Calories: 380

Official description: Caramel syrup meets coffee, milk and ice for a rendezvous in the blender, while whipped cream and buttery caramel sauce layer the love on top. To change things up, try it affogato-style with a hot espresso shot poured right over the top.

Our thoughts: Id pick this one over the Ribbon Crunch 10 out of 10 times. You get the caramel flavor without being clobbered by it.

Even caramel and coffee flavor. Heavy whipped cream adds a nice thickness. Blended well, combining flavors seamlessly. Coffee and caramel merge for a satisfying, caffeine-kicked beverage.

No. 2: Pumpkin Spice Creme

Pumpkin Spice Creme Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.95

Calories: 360

Official description: Pumpkin blended with traditional fall spice flavors, milk and ice, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin-pie spice. Helllloooooo, fall!

Our thoughts: Autumn. Pumpkin and apple picking. Firepits and gloves. More please.

Very pumpkin-forward with a nice cinnamon taste. Refreshing and creamy, with an extra touch of cinnamon on the whipped-cream topping.

No. 1: Strawberry Creme

Strawberry Creme Frappuccino from Starbucks Yadi Rodriguez

Price: $5.65

Calories: 370

Official description: Summers favorite berry is the star of this delicious Frappuccino Blended Beveragea blend of ice, milk and strawberry puree layered on top of a splash of strawberry puree and finished with vanilla whipped cream.

Our thoughts: I realize Im contradicting some earlier observations here, but this is Starbucks spin on a strawberry milkshake (with calories to match!), and Id be lying if I didnt rave about it. This is a repeat.

Strawberry-forward and milky. A great sweet alternative for non-coffee drinkers who still want to join their coffee-loving friends. More than just a summer favorite  Id drink this year round.
The 18th felony case involving a teen in juvenile court is not so much a failure of the youth as it is the juvenile justice system that is supposed to help him. Today in Ohio hosts ask how no one in the system could see how far off the rails the system is with this youth. Kaitlin Durbin, cleveland.com

A Cleveland teenagers 18th felony case has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Mike OMalley, whos publicly condemned Juvenile Court for repeatedly choosing probation over incarceration despite an extraordinary pattern of reoffending.

Look, 18 is a staggering number, said Chris Quinn on Tuesdays episode of Today in Ohio. The whole purpose of juvenile court, as you and I have discussed many times, is to get kids back on the right track. And the fact that hes been through there 18 times shows this is an abject failure.

The case has sparked a heated debate about the juvenile justice systems effectiveness and its responsibility to both rehabilitate young offenders and protect the public. OMalley argues that the court is prioritizing the teens interests over community safety, calling the case the poster child for what he sees as a soft on crime philosophy in the juvenile court.

The teens criminal history began at age 11 with serious charges including abduction and sexual assault of a classmate in a school bathroom. Since then, Leila Atassi said, prosecutors have tied him to at least 20 stolen cars and a police chase reaching 120 miles an hour.

Despite this alarming pattern, Judge Ann McDonough recently upheld another probation sentence, pointing to positive reports from the teens school and noting hes currently complying with court orders.

OMalley insists that victims are being overlooked in this situation. And he pointed to stolen cars and the assault and high speed police chases tied to this teens record as evidence that the community is paying the price, Atassi explained.

The juvenile court pushed back through Administrator Timothy McDevitt, who stated judges are committed to balancing both the childs interests and community safety. Public defenders also supported the decision, arguing that incarceration often increases recidivism rates and that alternatives should be praised rather than criticized.

Quinn expressed frustration with what he sees as systematic failure: Every judge thats been involved in this kid has failed. Maybe not for lack of trying, but just putting him out on probation over and over again. How many times do you do that before you say, okay, this isnt working?

Atassi connected the case to broader systemic issues explored in the Delinquent investigative series by cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer: The entire premise of Delinquent grew out of our wondering how it is that someone like this particular kid could ever get to the point in the system where, you know, where its not doing what its designed to do, which is divert kids away from a life of crime.

The case raises profound questions about accountability in the juvenile justice system. While rehabilitation remains the stated goal, at what point does the system acknowledge that its interventions arent working? And how does it balance rehabilitation with protecting potential victims?

When we launched that project, we wanted to know where the system failed this exact type of kid, where did he fall through the cracks. Why didnt interventions help him after his first crime or second or sixth or seventh? Atassi noted.

Quinn noted that the entire juvenile system was created for reform. Everyone in the courtroom  the prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, social workers, parents and guardians  are supposed to focus on turning the childs life around while protecting public safety. Quinn wondered how judges at earlier junctures did not stop to question why the youth kept returning with felony-level cases despite previous court interventions. Where were the creative solutions to help this juvenile?

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: with 18 felony cases before reaching adulthood, something has gone terribly wrongnot just for this young person, but for a system designed to prevent exactly this outcome.

Listen to the debate here.

Listen to full Today in Ohio episodes where Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with Editorial Board member Lisa Garvin, Impact Editor Leila Atassi and Content Director Laura Johnston.
Pope Leo XIV waves from his popemobile at the end of a Mass for the Jubilee of Migrants and Missionaries in St. Peter's Square. The Pontiff is planning to visit Turkey and Lebanon in November. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) AP

VATICAN CITY (AP)  Pope Leo XIV will visit Turkey and Lebanon next month on the first foreign trip of his papacy, the Vatican announced on Tuesday.

The trip offers a symbolically important gesture to Christians and Muslims as a pilgrimage to two countries that the popes predecessor, Francis, had planned to visit.

The Vatican said Leo will visit Turkey from Nov. 27-30, and Lebanon from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. The trip to Turkey will include a pilgrimage to Iznik to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, Christianitys first ecumenical council.

The anniversary is an important moment in Catholic-Orthodox relations, since the 325 A.D. Nicea meeting predates the schisms that divided Christianitys East from West and is accepted by Catholic and Orthodox churches alike.

Francis had planned to mark it with his own trip to Turkey in May at the invitation of Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians. Francis died in April, and Leo said from the start of his pontificate that he intended to fulfill Francis plans.

Lebanons President Joseph Aoun announced the popes trip on X, but provided only the dates. The Vatican said the trip itinerary will be released at a later date.

Christian community in Lebanon

The trip, announced on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel, will give the first American pope a chance to speak in broad terms about peace in the Middle East and the plight of Christians there.

Leo has consistently called for peace and dialogue in the Middle East, especially as Israels offensive rages on in Gaza.

Francis had long hoped to visit Lebanon, but the countrys political and economic instability prevented a visit during his lifetime. The Mediterranean nation of around 6 million, including more than 1 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees, has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East and is the only Arab country with a Christian head of state.

However, the Vatican fears the countrys instability has been particularly dangerous for the continued presence of its Christian community, a bulwark for the church in the Mideast.

Lebanon is currently struggling to recover after years of economic crisis and a bruising war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that ended with a U.S. and France-brokered ceasefire in November. Formation of a new, reformist government ended a two-year political vacuum and brought hopes of recovery but the situation remains tense.

Israel has continued to occupy five strategic points on the Lebanese side of the border and carry out near-daily airstrikes that it says aim to stop Hezbollah from regrouping. Hezbollah is under increasing domestic and international pressure to give up its remaining arsenal but has refused to do so until Israel withdraws and halts its strikes. There are fears of civil conflict if Lebanese authorities attempt to forcibly disarm the group.

A sign of unity for all

Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai, leader of Lebanons Maronite Church, said Lebanon awaited the popes visit with great joy and renewed hope.

We hope that this apostolic visit to Lebanon will bring peace and stability and be a sign of unity for all Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike, at this critical stage in our nations history, he said in a statement.

The last pope to visit Lebanon was Pope Benedict XVI in September 2012 on what was the last foreign trip of his papacy.

About one-third of Lebanons population is believed to be Christian, though there is no official number since there hasnt been an official census since 1932. The Maronites are the largest and most powerful sect and, by convention, Lebanons president is always a Maronite Christian.

Tightrope over Mideast issues

The popes trip was announced as Israel marked the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks and criticized the Vatican for what it considered to be problematic comments about the anniversary by the Vaticans top diplomat.

In an interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Pietro Parolin had condemned the inhuman massacre of innocent people in Israel by Hamas and the rise of antisemitism. But he also said Israels razing of Gaza was itself a disproportionate massacre, and called on countries to stop supplying Israel weapons to wage the war.

In a statement Tuesday on X, the Israeli Embassy to the Holy See said Parolins interview, though surely well-intentioned, risks undermining efforts to both end the war in Gaza and counter rising antisemitism.

It criticized his problematic use of moral equivalence by referring to massacres on both sides.

The criticism underscored the diplomatic tightrope the Vatican and Leo have to walk when wading into Mideast issues while trying to maintain the Holy Sees tradition of diplomatic neutrality.

___

Abby Sewell contributed from Beirut. Colleen Barry in Milan contributed.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted 51 to 47 to confirm David Toepfer as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, ending the districts longest-ever stretch without a Senate-confirmed federal prosecutor.

Toepfer was among more than 100 Trump administration nominees confirmed in a single vote under new Senate rules that allow multiple lower-level nominees to be approved at once. The bulk confirmation came shortly after Senate Republicans changed the chambers rules over Democratic objections to speed up the confirmation process.

The career prosecutor will lead the Cleveland-based U.S. attorneys office, which covers 40 counties in northern Ohio. Toepfer has served in the role since July, when U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed him on a temporary basis.

It is the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of northern Ohio in this role, Toepfer said in a statement earlier this year. Our office will continue working with our federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to protect the public by aggressively enforcing the laws of the United States.

Toepfer, of Warren, is the first U.S. attorney in more than 117 years from the Mahoning Valley. He has been a front-line prosecutor for 25 years, including for county prosecutors offices in Portage and Trumbull counties.

He has worked for the federal prosecutors office since 2008, handling a wide variety of cases involving large drug trafficking rings, along with violent and white-collar crime out of the Youngstown office. He most recently supervised the Youngstown and Akron branches of the federal prosecutors office.

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Toepfers nomination last month with bipartisan support. Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, criticized Democrats for delaying confirmation of Trumps well-qualified nominees before the vote.

The obstruction of U.S. Attorneys hurts our public safety, Grassley said. We have only to look at tragedies from the last few days to understand why Americans are concerned about crime in our cities ... Senate Democrats cannot accept that President Trump won the election, so they have chosen to light the Senate traditions on fire.

The committees top Democrat, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, disputed Grassleys characterization as unprecedented, noting that former U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio blocked Bidens U.S. attorney nominees before becoming Trumps vice president. Among those blocked was Becky Lutzko, who was former President Joe Bidens pick for the job Toepfer now holds.

Durbin noted that during President Donald Trumps first term, Democrats cooperated by approving all Trumps U.S. attorney nominees by voice vote or a unanimous vote on the Senate floor. He said 68 of Bidens 93 U.S. attorney nominees were approved before the GOP blockade which stopped us cold.

Despite the partisan dispute, Durbin supported Toepfers nomination in the committee vote, along with all the committees Republicans. Other Democrats who supported Toepfer were Minnesotas Amy Klobuchar, Delawares Chris Coons, Hawaiis Mazie Hirono and Vermonts Peter Welch.

Toepfers confirmation was among many that were held up after Democrats sought time-consuming floor votes on Trumps non-controversial nominees.

Frustrated by the stalling tactics, Senate Republicans moved to change the chambers rules on September 11. Senators voted 53-45 to allow themselves to change the rules with a simple majority instead of 60 votes  a move known as the nuclear option.

The rules change allows the Senate to confirm multiple people at once, helping to clear the nominee backlog. The change excludes Cabinet officials, Supreme Court justices and federal judges, who must be confirmed one by one.

While Republicans accused Democrats of stalling the nominations in retaliation for Trumps election, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York argued Trumps nominees are historically bad. He warned Republicans that changing the rules would reduce scrutiny of Trumps nominees and encourage him to select worse ones.

If you go nuclear, it will be a decision you come to regret, Schumer said.

The rules change is the latest instance of the majority party using the nuclear option to make it easier to confirm nominees without the consent of the minority. Senate Democrats changed the rules in 2013 to allow most nominees to be confirmed with a simple majority rather than 60 votes. Senate Republicans did the same for Supreme Court nominees in 2017 when they held the majority.

Toepfers confirmation ends northern Ohios longest-ever stretch without a confirmed U.S. attorney in the offices 170-year history. Biden had nominated, and the Senate confirmed, Marisa Darden, but she stepped down before she set foot in the office. The last confirmed U.S. attorney, Justin Herdman, left office in January 2021.

Ohioans can trust that David will work tirelessly to ensure our communities are safe, our law enforcement is supported, and that all criminals are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, said a statement U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, a Westlake Republican, released after the confirmation vote.
In a strong retort against Pakistan in the UN Security Council, India on Monday, October 6, described its neighbour as a country that bombs its own people and conducts systematic genocide.During his remarks to the UNSC open debate on Women, Peace and Security, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said Pakistan conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army.Every year, we are unfortunately fated to listen to the delusional tirade of Pakistan against my country, especially on Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian territory they covet, the Indian envoy said.A country that bombs its own people, conducts systematic genocide, can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole, Harish said.The world sees through Pakistans propaganda, he added.On March 25, 1971, the Pakistani army had launched a brutal crackdown involving widespread civilian killings throughout East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) code-named Operation Searchlight.Harish told the council meeting chaired by Russia that Indias record on the "women, peace and security" agenda is unblemished and unscathed.Indias strong response in the council came after Pakistan, in its statement, raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. "To exclude Kashmiri women from the Women, Peace and Security agenda erases its legitimacy and undermines its universality," the Pakistani delegate said in her statement.Harish, in his remarks, also said that India remains unwavering in its commitment to the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda and stands ready to share its expertise with partners, particularly those in the Global South, fostering collective solutions to shared challenges.He highlighted Indias consistent contribution to UN peacekeeping as an expression of its commitment to global peace."What distinguishes Indias peacekeeping legacy is not merely the scale of our contribution, but our pioneering recognition of women as indispensable agents of peace," he said.As early as the 1960s, India deployed women medical officers to the Congo, marking one of the earliest instances of women serving in UN peacekeeping operations, the ambassador said.This was not merely a symbolic gesture but a practical acknowledgement that womens perspectives, skills, and presence are essential to effective peacekeeping, he said.In February 2025, India hosted the International Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South, bringing together women peacekeepers from 35 nations.The two-day gathering examined the evolving challenges facing women in peacekeeping operations  from addressing sexual exploitation and abuse to leveraging technology for enhanced effectiveness.The conference was not merely a forum for discussion but a platform for developing actionable strategies to increase womens participation and their impact in future peace missions, he said.
Indonesian rescuers wrapped up the search on Tuesday for victims trapped under the rubble of a collapsed Islamic boarding school in the province of East Java, after retrieving more than 60 bodies, disaster authorities said.Grief and confusion gripped the small town of Sidoarjo last week after foundational failures caused the Al Khoziny school to cave in on hundreds of people, mostly teenage boys, while they were at afternoon prayers. Most escaped.The bodies of all 61 people in the building have been found, as well as seven body parts that police are trying to identify, the disaster mitigation agency said in a statement, halting the search effort in a disaster it had called the year's deadliest."Operations due to the collapsed structure of the Al Khoziny school ... are officially closed," said Mohammad Syafii, chief of the search and rescue agency, after authorities cleared away the debris.Severed limbs are among the parts being identified, said Budi Irawan, the agency's deputy chief.Rescuers had used excavators and cranes to lift large chunks of concrete. Digging through tunnels, they shouted out the names of victims presumed to be still alive.Al Khoziny is one of more than 42,000 such schools nationwide, known as pesantren, just 50 of which have a building permit, the public works ministry has said.Reuters could not determine whether Al Khoziny had a permit, or reach school authorities. Media quoted Sidoarjo chief Subandi as saying last week it allegedly lacked one.
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Oracle is not the first company you think of when it comes to disciplined spending and cash management.

But in recent months, Oracle has surprised some people. (When it was hit with massive contracts that would require huge capacity expansion, top execs refused to move ahead until they knew for certain the contracts were real.)

Now, it looks as if the company may be smartly adjusting to the generative AI (genAI) revolution  and the potential workforce disruptions its brought to many companies.
IT services are changing. Their future will be defined by extensibility via APIs and artificial intelligence. It appears were moving toward a post-app digital economy, where personalization takes precedence over off-the shelf solutions.

That seemed to be the message from Jamf at its 16th annual Jamf Nation User Conference (JNUC) in Denver, CO, where the company unveiled a new API ecosystem, AI capabilities, and automated software updates powered by Apples Declarative Device Management (DDM).

This year marks a major evolution in how customers engage with Jamf, Jamf CEO John Strosahl said in a statement. These capabilities make it easier than ever for organizations to fully realize the potential of the Apple ecosystem  with features that matter, integrate seamlessly, and work the way customers need them to.
Concordia has received more than $35 million in Canada Foundation for Innovation funding since the Government of Canada created the program in 1997 to support Canadian research infrastructure.

In 2000, the Canadian government initiated the Canada Research Chair Program to establish 2,000 research professorships across the country. In 2004, Concordia had three Canada Research Chairs; by 2020, that number jumped to 28.

In 2019, Concordia welcomed Ursula Eicker as the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities. Eicker was the universitys first hire through CERC, which awards up to $10 million over seven years to establish ambitious research programs.

In 2022, the university launched the Applied AI Institute to advance interdisciplinary AI research and partnerships in fields like health care, cybersecurity and smart cities. The institute collaborates with industry and government to provide real-world solutions and specialized training programs, with an overarching focus on the ethical integration of applied AI technologies.

2023 was an especially noteworthy year for Concordia which included:

The launch of PLAN/NET ZER , an initiative aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 by transforming the universitys campuses into living labs for green energy and sustainability, while creating scalable solutions that can serve as a model for cities worldwide.

The launch of Concordias School of Health , an institution that unites faculty members at the intersection of disciplines to collaborate on a range of health-related approaches. The school engages citizens, community groups, policymakers and other stakeholders to further health research while expanding training capabilities.

Receiving a $123 million grant from the federal governments Canada First Research Excellence Fund to advance electrification and decarbonization research across academia, industry and Indigenous groups, while creating resilient and sustainable climate solutions for communities in Canada and beyond. Concordias electrification research program, called Volt-Age, brings together more than 140 researchers to address the technological challenges of electrification, as well as policy and development requirements.

Led by Karim Zaguib, Volt-Age is forging solutions to electrify society and decarbonize communities through applied research that integrates technologies for carbon-neutral buildings, advanced energy storage, smart grids, and the electrification of transportation.

Discover what Concordians achieved first in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and the world.
What if someone was to write, cast and direct a 44-minute fan film that combines the iconic humor of The Simpsons with the dressed-down, quiet and contemplative style of the 1981 drama My Dinner with Andre? Would the result be delightfully devilish?

That, presumably, is the question that Canadian YouTuber Tyrone Deise asked himself when he conceived of My Dinner with Skinner, his latest viral project based on the iconic and endlessly meme-able Steamed Hams scene from the Simpsons episode 22 Short Films About Springfield. For the last several years, Deise has been reimagining Steamed Hams in various hilarious and usually esoteric styles  his biggest hit thus far has been the animated video Steamed Hams But It Was Banned in the USSR  and his latest arthouse reinterpretation is his longest yet.

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My Dinner with Skinner, or, as its officially titled, Steamed Hams But its A Critically Acclaimed Feature Film, is an all live-action, no A.I. exploration of relationships, identity and past Simpsons plot lines that sound absolutely meditative when summarized by a sweaty, real-life Skinner on a camera using a faux-film filter.

Absolutely chock-full of Simpsons references and Easter eggs to fill out the nearly 45-minute runtime, My Dinner with Skinner may be Deises most ambitious Steamed Hams project yet, as well as his most intimate. My Dinner with Skinner is also the result of five years of experimentation with the meme, and the wealth of experience Deise has in the field of turning a 150-second scene from a 30-year-old sitcom episode into an endless international film festival is evident in the laboriousness of his latest entry.

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I threw a lot of things at (the channel), nothing was really working, and then it was Steamed Hams that actually gained traction, Deise explained of his Steamed Hams fixation during a recent interview with CTV News. Deise made his first Steamed Hams video, Steamed Hams But It's a German Expressionist Film, in 2020, and it just recently eclipsed one million views. I got my film scan back, put it on my YouTube channel, and it sat there for a year, and then out of nowhere, it kind of blew up.

Most of them take me between one and three months to do, and thats anywhere from 40 to 120 hours of work, Deise said of his Steamed Hams series, though My Dinner with Skinner required far and above his usual workload. Its definitely the most ambitious and complicated one Ive done.

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Deise now has a healthy following of terminally online Simpsons fans, and that includes Simpsons legend and Steamed Hams writer Bill Oakley, who told CTV of Deise's work, A lot of people have done incredibly great work remixing Steamed Hams, but the work of Tyrone has elevated this to an artform. It is the amount of care, and the amount of painstaking work that goes into them that is astonishing.

And, thankfully for the meme-addled minds of Deises fans, that work is never finished. As the director explained of his favorite subject, Steamed Hams is endlessly remixable, and he may yet be gaining steam.
After months of withstanding personal attacks from President Donald Trump and a direct attempt at ending his career, Jimmy Kimmel can now proudly say to the President, If I have bad ratings, then where does that leave you?

Last month, Trumps FCC chair Brendan Carr went on a right-wing podcast and openly threatened to pull the broadcasting licenses of ABC affiliates unless they take action on Trumps most prominent comedic critic Kimmel. Hours later, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was indefinitely suspended. Then, one week after Carrs way-too-soon victory lap, Kimmel returned to the airwaves with a record-breaking show about the importance of protecting the First Amendment rights of every American.

Now, Kimmels status as a temporary martyr for the freedom of speech has made him more popular than ever while Trumps approval rating continues its downward trajectory, and Kimmel couldnt wait to break the news about their comparative popularity.

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On last nights episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel proudly reported the results of a recent YouGov favorability poll that shows the late-night host leading the President by 16 points. However, as Kimmel admitted, that seemingly sizable lead is still slightly embarrassing for him, considering how Kimmel has broken up zero families and was never so much as an acquaintance to Jeffrey Epstein.

The mere fact that, as Kimmel mentioned during his monologue last night, the White House immediately put out a statement regarding the YouGov poll in which they repeated their low ratings attacks on Kimmel and pretended that the President is delivering on his America First mandate means that Kimmels triumphant return really is getting underneath Trumps skin.

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By now, a more stable genius would realize that, the more air he gives his feud with Kimmel, the more Americans will flock to Kimmels side, but Trump cant help but take the bait when his own popularity in question. Youd think that, amidst a government shutdown, which Trump and his followers are frantically attempting to frame as a ploy by the Democratic Party to provide free transgender surgeries to undocumented immigrants, the President have bigger fish to fry than a single YouGov survey. But, clearly, Trump is still seething that the American public rallied around one of his most bitter TV rivals.

At the same time, all this controversy may be a welcome distraction for a President who is still battling inquiries about the Epstein files and who recently hinted that a pardon for convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell could be on the table. Then again, Trumps mercurial temperament could rear its ugly head pending the release of the next favorability polls, should YouGov discover that Trump is even trailing behind Maxwell.
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First Patricia Routledge, now the great, incomparable Jilly Cooper. Two icons of British culture gone in the space of just a few short days.

I hope someones keeping a close eye on Dame Joan Collins and Dame Joanna Lumley: we cant afford any more losses. They simply dont make them like that any more.

I was 16 when Riders was published in 1985. That cover  a womans perfect bottom in tight white jodhpurs, a whip to her left, a mans hand resting firmly on her buttock  was received with gasps of delighted shock in the sixth form common room.

Well-thumbed, it was passed around like bootleg vodka: illicit, intoxicating, enough to make your eyes water (or turn you blind if the old wives tales were to be believed).

Teachers dismissed it as trash, of course.

We hormonally charged teens, however, loved it (Cooper herself was known to staff at her school as the Unholy Terror), inhaling the heady mixture of sex, scandal and stabling, reeling at the racy descriptions of posh people behaving, as my grandmother would have said, no better than they ought to.

We had no clue what half of it meant, but it made us feel terribly grown-up to pretend.

It wasnt just her fluid writing, that rollicking, unpretentious, unashamedly saucy style of hers. She also had a journalists eye for detail and a great nose for a story.

Dame Jilly Cooper, who has died aged 88, wrote her novels for legions of wives and mothers

Even so, Dame Jilly wore her talent and success lightly, and was never  even when she might have had every right to be  a diva. She was invariably polite, patient and generous to a fault. She had a knack for making everyone around her feel loved and just radiated positivity and warmth.

She knew that some people didnt consider her a serious literary figure  yet her sales told a different story, proving that so-called literary experts (in her day, almost invariable male) often dont have a clue what real people actually want to read.

Indeed, Auberon Waugh, that most elitist and patrician of contrarians, described her as glib, facile, immature and superficial. While The Economist dismissed her as smutty, sexist and snobbish.

Newsflash: she wasnt writing for them. She was writing for other women. Her audience was the legions of wives and mothers weighed down by responsibility, for whom the passing fantasy of the improper use of a hayloft in the company of a Rupert Campbell-Black-type made it all more bearable.

Her books were harmless escapism, the perfect combination of sauciness, absurdity and social comedy. And, of course, equestrian double entendres.

If Cooper gave two figs for what the critics thought, she never showed it. She was cheerfully self-deprecating about her success and just enjoyed it for what it was.

Dubbed the Queen of the bonkbuster, Dame Jilly seemed like the ultimate sexually liberated feminist.

Except, of course, it wasnt really like that. Despite all the racy entanglements in her novels, in her private life Cooper was rather conventional, and by all accounts loyal to her husband Leo Cooper, once joking that her own life was far duller than her books.

Indeed, it was Leo, and not Jilly, who strayed from the marriage, conducting a lengthy affair with the publisher Sarah Johnson in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Despite telling the Mail in 1999 that It was the worst time of my life  I felt as though my heart had been broken into a thousand pieces, she stuck by him.

When he was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2002, she nursed him until his death, aged 79, in 2013, after more than 50 years of marriage. She never regretted her choice. You either forgive, or you destroy everything youve built together, she once said. I chose to forgive  and thank God I did.

But that was Dame Jilly all over. She was just so grateful for her life, her children and her success.

She wore it all so lightly, unlike so many of todays young authors and actors, who take themselves so seriously (see Emma Watson et al). And she never, ever did another woman down.

As one friend who saw her very recently, at the BAFTAs, said: She was strikingly generous with her time and advice. She had old-school manners and was a great letter-writer. Everyone has a generous Jilly story. She was the ultimate pay-it-down person  she encouraged everyone, and did her very best to help them.

Shes right. My generous Jilly story is the time she sent me an adorable little gold and amethyst brooch in the post. Im wearing it now in memory of her. I cant for the life of me remember why she sent it to me  but then Dame Jilly never needed an excuse to make someone else feel loved.

She was truly one of the kindest women Ive ever known. The world is a far less fabulous place without her.
I stood in Kfar Aza, an Israeli kibbutz abutting the Gaza security fence, three months after October 7.

I saw tattered children's toys and warped kitchen utensils strewn throughout barren streets, bloodied interior home walls, harrowing printouts of the last WhatsApp messages exchanged between husband and wife.

The houses looked like a tornado had ripped through them. It was soul-crushing to see such horrors up-close.

How quickly the world has forgotten Hamas's unconscionable barbarism.

The Jews of southern Israel may have been their immediate target, but make no mistake: Hamas's real goal on Oct. 7, just as it had been for al-Qaeda 22 years earlier on 9/11, was nothing less than the unraveling of Western civilization itself.

If the West is defined by human dignity and equality under the rule of law, then the oppositewanton carnage under the rule of jihadrepresents an existential threat.

Tragically, Western elites quickly exposed themselves as morally confused by the contrast between Israel and Hamasbetween liberty and tyranny, order and chaos and life and death.

Dozens of Harvard student groups signed a letter holding Israeli Jews 'entirely responsible' for their own murder. Zohran Mamdani, the likely next mayor of New York City, called to 'dismantle' Israeli 'apartheid' before the blood of Oct. 7 was even dry.

Gal Eilon pictured at a memorial for her father Tal Eilon who was killed in the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas. How quickly the world has forgotten Hamas's unconscionable barbarism

If the West is defined by human dignity and equality under the rule of law, then the oppositewanton carnage under the rule of jihadrepresents an existential threat.

Those elites are still confused today - two years later.

Dozens of hostages, both dead and alive, are still rotting in GazaHamas's worthless words to the contrary notwithstanding.

The U.S. recognized foreign terrorist organization shows no real intention of disarming, fleeing the Gaza Strip, or revising its infamous 1988 founding charterwhich calls for the death of all Jews and for jihad against all 'infidels.'

In apparent reward for such intransigence, such first-world countries like Canada, Australia, Britain, and France decided to unilaterally recognize an independent Palestinian-Arab state.

In the U.S., the Democratic Party is turning decidedly against not just Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the very idea of Zionism, the belief that Jews ought to have a state inside their ancient homeland.

Cocksure Gen Z podcast bros are turning against the idea that Israel has a right to defend itselfjust like any other nation.

But Israel doesn't have the luxury of caring much about such faux-moral hysteria. And that's a good thing. Though the job remains not quite yet finished in Gaza, consider what the Jewish state has accomplished over the past two years.

Hamas is grievously woundeda shell of its pre-Oct. 7 self. Hezbollah, the one-time Shiite terrorist kingpins of Lebanon, has been all but eliminated. Along the way, Israel executed a masterful mass pager attack that will be analyzed by spymasters for decades, neutralized notorious jihadist leader Hassan Nasrallah, and neutered numerous top jihadis with multimillion-dollar U.S. State Department bounties, such as Fuad Shukr and Ibrahim Aqil.

Israel has brought the Houthis of Yemen to heel, thus freeing the Red Sea of a modern-day Muslim piracy menace. The Jewish state struck Hamas leaders inside previously untouchable Qatar, thus reasserting the venerable Zionist principle that Israel hunt down its enemies no matter where they are. And Israeljoined in prolific fashion by the Trump administrationdelivered a crushing blow to the Iranian regime's nuclear program.

Overall, the Middle East is safer than it has been in decadesthanks largely to Israeli resolve and America's support.

Consider all the good that might never have happened, had cackling Kamala Harris prevailed last November over Trump. Hamas and Hezbollah would still be viable. The mullahs of Iran would still be racing toward the bomb. Perhaps Bashar al-Assad, the butcher of Damascus, might have still been in power in Syria.

Zohran Mamdani (pictured) the likely next mayor of New York City, called to 'dismantle' Israeli 'apartheid' before the blood of October 7 was even dry

Harvard student (pictured at a Free Palestine protest April, 2025) signed a letter holding Israeli Jews 'entirely responsible' for their own murder

But now, when it comes to Israel finally finishing off the enemy that started this conflict once and for all, Israel is suddenly orderedby an 'international community' whose insatiable meddling has contributed to the chaosto stop.

The usual suspects all say Israel is committing 'genocide' in Gaza. It's a ludicrous chargea 21st-century blood libel. Nothing could be further from the truth. As John Spencer of West Point has documented, Israel's civilian-to-combatant death ratio is the most humane in the history of urban warfare.

But only two years after Oct. 7, much of the world has deemedenough is enough. But why, exactly? Because the domestic politics became too difficult? Because people are tired of arguing on Facebook? Because they'd love for the TV images of war and rubble to stop?

For Israel, this war has been raging since its re-founding in 1948. Certainly, enough is enough for themand that means fully eliminating the terrorist, medieval, seventh-century Islamist threat on its border. And what does Israel ask for in return? Merely to not be thrown under the bus in trade negotiations and at international fora, like the United Nations?

That is a very small price to pay for an ally that does more of America's dirty workand more of the West's dirty workthan any other nation around. Israel is the tip of the spear against the three hegemonic forces that seek to destroy us all: wokeism, Islamism, and global neoliberalism. As Israel goes, the broader West will follow.

Everyone wants to see the war in Gaza come to an end. But the war can only end with Hamas disarmed, out of power, and evicted from Gaza. Right now, Hamas is yet again stringing along Western leaders. They're trying to fool President Trump too. Will they succeed?

Let's hope, for all of our sakes, that the answer is no. The stakes are too highfor liberty, for order, and for life.

There can be no better way to honor the victims of the Oct. 7 massacre two years ago than this: Keep calm and let Israel destroy Hamas once and for all.
During the past 12 months, the Labour Government has turned capitulation to the Chinese Communist Party into a shoddy kind of art.

So keen to turn back the clock to an imagined golden era of co-operation with Beijing, they have closed their eyes to the facts and displayed weakness at every turn.

Our strategic base in the Indian Ocean, vital to actions across Asia and the Middle East, has been given away.

The Royal Mint, once home to the coining of money and still at a strategic crossroads for the City, looks set to become Chinas prime site for harassing dissidents in Britain and stealing intellectual property from our most important companies.

Our energy reserves in the North Sea, which could fuel our industry and lower the cost of everything in our country, are being left in the ground in favour of dependence on solar panels and batteries made by forced labour in Xinjiang.

And now our very Parliament has been shaken following the abandonment of a trial that could have exposed the sinister reality of Chinas attempts to influence our democracy.

It emerged over the weekend that Jonathan Powell, the UK national security adviser and one of Starmers closest allies, had told a Whitehall meeting that the Government could not brand China an enemy in court.

As a direct result of this, the prosecution of two British men suspected of spying for Beijing could no longer go ahead, and years of diligent work by Counter Terrorism police appear to have gone down the drain.

I find it impossible to believe that the PM himself did not personally sanction the failure to brand China an enemy, says Tom Tugendhat

Starmer himself has a number of questions to answer about this highly suspicious chain of events. As Security Minister until the election last year, I was briefed in detail on this alleged spying case in various sealed rooms in Whitehall.

Given his flagrant kow-towing to Beijing at every other opportunity, I find it impossible to believe that the PM himself did not personally sanction the failure to brand China an enemy.

Thats why Alicia Kearns MP and I have written to the chairs of Parliaments home and justice committees to ask them to use privilege to hear evidence and determine what went wrong. Thankfully, Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle shares our concerns  and it is unlikely that Parliament, and the British people, have heard the last on this.

But, whatever happens, this case isnt just about the two men  Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry  who were charged with spying, and who, I should add, maintain their innocence. It is about sovereignty, and in whose interests the Government is actually working: ours or Chinas.

I think the answer to that question is clear to anyone who takes a cursory look.

The Chagos Islands, home to our military base on Diego Garcia, offer perhaps the clearest illustration of my argument. They are one of the most strategically vital locations on Earth: a cornerstone of security in the Indian Ocean and the Indo-Pacific.

Yet Labour has handed them to Mauritius  whose growing partnership with Beijing is making others nervous  on the most spurious of pretexts and at a final cost to you and me of some 47 billion.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo  an ex-CIA director  described Starmers decision to hand the islands over as nuts. Quite so  and also dangerous.

Or take Chinas vast planned embassy complex in our capital. This will be a fortress facing off against the Tower of London with 21st-century dungeons to match. Within its fortified walls, Beijings operatives will work night and day against Britains interests.

Local residents, human rights groups and our own security services have all raised concerns in the strongest terms. Yet still Labour dithers, fearful of sending the wrong signal to Beijing.

Heres the truth: the signal has already been sent. It says that Britain is open to influence, even when the influence is hostile. Thats not diplomacy: its abasement.

Local residents, human rights groups and our own security services have all raised concerns in the strongest terms. Yet still Labour dithers, fearful of sending the wrong signal to Beijing

Finally, Ed Miliband  with Starmers blessing  is following a monumentally stupid policy of what I call unilateral economic disarmament. This means pushing manufacturing away from regulated industries at home to forced-labour economies powered by coal in China.

How are we going to develop the ideas of the future if we cant even keep the industries of today going because we have priced them out of business with the highest energy costs in the world?

No: it is time for a complete reset in this Governments approach towards Beijing. Because the truth is that the men of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) do not respect weakness.

When I spoke out about Chinas threats to Britain in 2021 the CCP sanctioned me personally.

Not because I threatened its regime, but because I dared to stand up for our laws, our people and our interests. I didnt pick a fight  but I wasnt prepared to look away. Beijing doesnt sanction people for what they do to China; it sanctions them for refusing to be silent in Britain.

As Lenin put it: You probe with bayonets: if you find mush, you push. If you find steel, you stop.

And if our Government cant muster the steel to resist, we will be next for the bayonets  literal or otherwise.

Starmers policy towards China looks even worse given a recent historical parallel. Angela Merkel, the former chancellor of Germany, made the same mistake with Russia. She bet on imports of Russian gas instead of European energy independence.

Now Merkel has the audacity to blame Poland and the Baltic states for Putins aggression on their own doorstep, accusing the victims of provoking their tormentor. Merkel emboldened Putin  and look where that got us all. Now Starmer is making the same mistake with China.

Like Merkel, he mistakes process for power. A veteran of the human rights Bar, he seems to imagine that autocrats admire mannered, lawyerly restraint  when in truth, they exploit it.

Starmer forgets that his job is to be our defender, not our arbitrator. Like his dreadful sidekick, the Attorney General Lord Hermer, he believes the world can be governed by words alone. It cant. It is  and has always been  governed by strength, and the willingness to defend what matters.

Britain can still choose differently. We can rebuild the alliances that protect our freedom. We can defend the laws we wrote, not just quote them. We can trade with the world without selling our soul to it.

Churchill once quipped that History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it. If we want history to be kind to Britain, we must pick up the pen, and find the courage to write it ourselves.
Before the Conservatives win any election they will need to chime with 21st-century Britain and its voters. To use a German word, they will need to find the zeitgeist.

And yet the first thing you see on arriving at the party's conference in Manchester this week is a reminder of the past: three outfits worn by Margaret Thatcher.

The exhibits, contained in a glass case, are not without interest. You can press your snout up close and admire the weave of a 1989 wool crepe suit in royal blue (with gilt buttons and white pique modesty panel).

As a young parliamentary sketch writer I saw her wearing that suit in 1990 in her last days in office.

Another of the outfits is a rich burgundy, wool-twill two-piece she wore when leaving Downing Street for the last time as PM.

The third is the fawn gaberdine raincoat  with pink lining  in which Mrs T rode a Challenger tank for a celebrated 1986 photo opportunity in Fallingbostel, Germany.

The three Aquascutum tailorings are jolly smart and must have set Denis back a few bob.

'And yet there is something peculiar about exhibiting the late leaderene's schmutter. The clothes, draped over headless mannequins, seem to levitate in the air. They could be three corpses on a gibbet.

What does this tell us about the warp and weft of today's political Right? Should today's Conservatives still be obsessed with Thatcherism? Or would the Lady herself have thought such retrospection foolish?

Before the Conservatives win any election they will need to chime with 21st-century Britain and its voters. Kemi Badenoch delivers her speech during the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester

Outfits worn by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher are on display during the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Britain, October 5 2025

Mrs Thatcher, who died in 2013, is everywhere at this conference. One of the fringe venues is called the Thatcher Theatre.

Her name is splashed all over the Centre for Policy Studies stand and the Conservative Environment Network's pod. She keeps being invoked by platform speakers.

Such mentions generate appreciative nods from the creakier activists. You can sense them thinking: Thatcherism got us out of trouble half a century ago, so it's bound to work again, isn't it?

More Thatcher memorabilia is exhibited alongside her clothes. A 1975 party newsletter reports her election as leader in the February.

It notes that Edward Heath was among the first to congratulate her after he 'gracefully stood down' as leader. Graceful Ted!

The miserable old toad spent the next 30 years in a grump. Historical documents are not always true.

Relying on the Thatcher name for today's politics is similarly flawed. Can we imagine Mrs Thatcher, in 1975, harking back 50 years and having Stanley Baldwin's waistcoat and wing-collar exhibited at her party conference?

A ridiculous idea. She was gripped by the present and the future, by technology and the class-defying liberation of money. She was on the button, rather terrifyingly so. Museums bored her.

If the Tories are to recover in time for a 2029 election they need to do so in a way that makes sense for the second quarter of the 21st century and talk to the young, not us mouldy ancients who remember Mrs T's glory years.

They must innovate, and not just in campaigning techniques, important though they are. They must be modern in political attitudes, vocal tone, informality and a preparedness to confront establishment institutions.

Margaret Thatcher's rivals used her shopping list as a means to smear her in an attempt to prevent her getting the top job

Mrs Thatcher was generally respectful to institutions. That was the Tory way in those days and it suited the times. But certain institutions, among them the civil service, BBC, police, judges, the National Trust, the House of Lords and many of the big charities have lost the right to automatic respect.

To electrify tomorrow's voters, it may be necessary for Conservatives to detach themselves from romantic loyalties of the past.

The party may need to find a taste for radicalism, yet do so in a way that has more humour and reason than is currently displayed by rivals on the Right.

Mrs Thatcher had many qualities but wit and a relaxed congeniality were not necessarily among them. She was a good hater, Mrs T, and hatred can make for political fuel.

But our current politics seems over-loaded by the stuff and I suspect there is mileage in a more tolerant radicalism.

Given some of the similarities between 2025 and 1975  economic problems, over-mighty unions, a young woman in charge of the little-liked Tory opposition  and the centenary of her birth, the Thatcher references in Manchester this week are to some degree understandable.

Mind you, being a woman at the top of politics is no longer as big a deal as it was in 1975. Kemi Badenoch is the Tories' fourth female leader and the last two were not exactly humdingers, at least in a positive way.

Many problems in government, throughout the world, are ageless: over-taxation, over-regulation, vested interests.

Simply casting back to Maggie and her 1975 model is self-limiting and psychologically unhealthy for Mrs Badenoch's beleaguered troops. Voters may conclude they have a 'Mummy' complex.

If the Tories are to recover in time for a 2029 election they need to do so in a way that makes sense for the second quarter of the 21st century and talk to the young. Pictured: Mel Stride Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers a speech

Margaret Thatcher meeting former European Commission president Jacques Delors (centre right) at the European single market conference in London

One of the more cringemaking Conservative gatherings of recent decades was in 2001 when William Hague was party leader and a ginny-voiced Mrs T, campaigning for him in the West Country, cited a cinema billboard for the film The Mummy Returns.

That campaign stunt was a mistake and the Thatcherite echoes now are similarly ill-judged. The past is another country.

Today's Tories must find their own solutions and communicate them to today's electorate in a modern, urgent manner. The sight of those clothes is creepy. If necrophilia is not quite the term, perhaps thanatophilia is.

That word means 'fascination with death-related subjects'. Politics is an activity for and by the living, not a sepia newsreel or a re-run of past injustices. It needs to brim with vitality and promise.

Mrs T, love her or loathe her (I fell somewhere in between), is history. Millions of today's voters were born after she left office.

If the next General Election is held in 2029, and if Labour has by then achieved its aim of giving 16-year-olds the vote, many electors will have been born in the year of her death.

If they know anything about Margaret Thatcher, it is unlikely, given the Left-wingery of many teachers, to be positive.

Add to this the continued negativity that mere mention of the name Thatcher generates in Wales and Scotland. Such kneejerk antipathy may be unattractive but it is a fact of life. Maggie still winds up the Left.

At last week's Labour conference, and at both the TUC and Lib Dem conferences earlier in September, 'Thatcherism' was bandied about as a clinching insult.

Mrs Thatcher giving her resignation speech in November 1990 after 11 and a half years in office

For all that we sometimes complain about the trade unions and the public sector, they are (thanks to Mrs T) not so big a problem as they were in 1975.

Today we have different woes: mass immigration, globalisation, the disintegration of European power, Chinese aggression, the unreliability of the United States as an ally and, most of all, the violent unhappiness of so many of our citizens.

One of the core tenets of Thatcherism was self-sufficiency. She believed that people should make their own fortunes rather than living off the achievements of their forebears.

We can learn from history and even gain inspiration from great figures of the past. But to raise them to the level of stuffed exhibits is as bad as wrapping dead queens in cotton and encasing them in pyramids, mummified.

I do not suggest that the 2025 Tories should disown Mrs Thatcher. Of course not. She was a remarkable woman who, half a century ago, turned her agile mind to rescuing our century.

Now it needs rescuing again. If that is to happen, Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives must learn to write their own history.
Keir Starmer intends to stop illegal immigration by introducing digital ID cards. Any fool can see that won't work.

The way to fix illegal immigration is to stop migrants at the border, not to stop innocent citizens in the streets. Digital ID will not secure our borders, but will give future governments the capacity to carry out a virtual 'stop and search' on law-abiding citizens.

It will give the state unchecked power to digitally strip citizens naked, exposing every part of their private lives to inspection by nameless and faceless bureaucrats. And for what?

The Prime Minister's theory is that would-be employers will demand a digital ID before hiring new staff. Every British citizen already has a National Insurance number for that purpose (numbers that are, incidentally, linked to our passports and driving licences, and perfectly capable of supporting photo checks).

Are we seriously meant to believe that dodgy cash-in-hand businesses illegally paying immigrants below minimum wage will start demanding their digital IDs? Will the operator at the cannabis farm begin checking it? The idea is ridiculous.

This is simply an excuse for an extraordinary expansion in the power of the state. And the public know it. I have had no shortage of outraged communications from people who see this for what it is: a desperate play from a Prime Minister under pressure, trying to deflect attention from the embarrassments of Angela Rayner and Peter Mandelson and any number of policy failures.

And that is why, during the past few days, I have received countless emails and tweets and have even been approached in the street by people asking me to campaign against this nightmare. As I write, we have an incredible 2.5 million signatures on the online Parliamentary petition campaigning against the introduction of digital ID. That is not a fringe view - it is a national outcry.

There are of course those who trot out the tired old mantra: 'You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.' But, increasingly, many understand that modern governments are all too capable of casual overreach, leaving ordinary citizens to grapple with the disastrous consequences.

I have received countless emails and tweets and have even been approached in the street by people asking me to campaign against this nightmare, writes Sir David Davis

An online petition opposing digital ID has already garnered 2.5 million signatures

The proposed 'Britcard' will contain data on a person's right to work, which Labour hopes will help crack down on illegal employment

In recent years, the public have seen police invade people's homes to interrogate them for saying things that have 'offended' somebody else online. They remember drones being deployed to spy on people taking their dog for a walk during Covid. They see a government that has given itself the power to read their bank accounts, and shortly the powers to unilaterally take money out of them! They have seen police invade people's privacy by using our passport and driving licence photos in new facial recognition systems. They have witnessed some police forces casually hack the phone calls of journalists. All too often they have seen the powers initially designed to deal with the guilty, deployed against the innocent.

And so, they are quite within their rights to conclude that the effective centralisation of so much personal data under one system carries some sizeable risks.

And to the minority of Starmer supporters who back this scheme, I ask: would you be quite so comfortable if it were being proposed by Reform UK? Because once such a system is built, it won't just serve the government you happen to support, it will serve whichever party holds power next.

People are right to be sceptical of this state power grab. And they should be much more sceptical of Starmer's digital ID scheme than they were originally of Tony Blair's ID card proposal. Because back then, that proposal had garnered the support of about 80 per cent of the population at one time - until that support suddenly flipped to a majority against.

Since I ran the campaign against Blair's scheme at the time, I would love to claim that this was my persuasiveness, but in truth it was not. What did for Blair's scheme was that the public suddenly realised how incompetent the state was when it came to personal data. One day the government lost two computer disks containing over 20 million taxpayers' records on them. Within weeks, people had decided that they did not trust the government with their data, and ID cards suddenly became unfashionable.

Today the risk of massive data loss is hundreds of times more damaging and thousands of times more likely. And worse still, this scheme did not appear in Labour's manifesto. It does not carry any democratic mandate. Announced during Parliamentary recess to avoid proper scrutiny, it is not a policy of consent, but one of compulsion.

If, in the unlikely case, you need further convincing, consider how well the government spends your money when it comes to computers. Famously, Blair's NHS data system had cost over 12billion by the time it was shut down, and the Covid Test and Trace system cost spiralled to 37billion while doing a very poor job indeed.

Earlier this year, meanwhile, the Legal Aid Agency lost two million pieces of data about domestic abuse victims. The Ministry of Defence put large numbers of Afghan allies' lives at risk when it accidentally leaked their names. Last year, Whitehall lost over 2,000 items of digital equipment, including phones, tablets, and laptops, along with their data.

Starmer is now proposing a single point of access to all your data: tax records, health records, every interaction with the state. This creates what experts have called a 'honeypot' for cyber criminals.

It is a certainty that both hackers and foreign states will target this system. And, as the Daily Mail revealed recently, the Government was warned about this and chose deliberately to ignore those warnings. We have the whistleblower testimony and documents to prove it - and if the advice from technical experts was not enough, the Government has a catalogue of dreadful examples that ought to have stood out as clear warning signs to not pursue this scheme. In the past year alone, we have seen blackmail attacks on the Co-op and M&S, and in the past weeks the Government has spent 1.6billion rescuing Jaguar Land Rover in the aftermath of the cyberattack it suffered.

Frankly, ministers have been grotesquely irresponsible on this subject. Dazzled by an illusion of 'modernity', they have seen that there are risks associated with it, and responded not with serious action, but with comments straight out of a Peter Mandelson spin book. Sadly for them, those most aware of the Internet - the younger voters - see the scheme for what it really is.

We are told that we must 'embrace the risk' - but the risk is irreversible. Once you have lost someone's data to a bad actor it is gone forever. You cannot reverse it. Ministers need to understand that fact - and cancel this scheme at once.

Sir David Davis is MP for Goole and Pocklington
'I'm not going to come,' Rachel's husband Tom said to her.

The date had been in the diary for months.

The couple were going to meet friends for a curry - but at the last minute, Tom decided he'd rather stay home, and Rachel would have to go alone.

The next day, Rachel sat him down and told him 'I'm leaving you'.

While it may seem extreme, Rachel Allen, 45, from Milton Keynes, is like thousands of women in the UK.

She fell into the trap of a 'slow burn divorce'.

There was no big argument or a crushing affair. Instead, day by day she fell further and further from her partner, until she decided to call it quits.

The couple had met 12 years earlier on a work training course, after four years they got married and soon welcomed a child.

Rachel said that they had been the love story among their friends after her ex-husband had tracked her down after meeting on a training course but he stopped fulfilling her emotionally

But the couple were gradually falling out of love, and Rachel realised Tom wasn't prioritising her.

The day before the event, she now refers to as 'Currygate', Tom had been enjoying an evening out with his friends.

When he returned he told Rachel that he wouldn't be joining her and he 'didn't care about the consequences'.

'That's when I knew there was nothing I could do to get the changes I wanted,' she said.

'The curry had been in the diary for three months as my friend was travelling from Europe and wanted to catch up with everyone in one go.

'I had told him in therapy that I felt very alone a lot of the time and hated always socialising with my friends on my own.'

The next day, after the business owner had gone to work, sorted out the washing machine repair and made dinner, her former partner asked if she wanted to talk about what had happened.

And in that moment Rachel said she 'was done'.

She told him that she couldn't do it anymore and it was over.

Rachel Allen, 45, from Milton Keynes was married to her ex-husband for eight years but the romance gave way to years of feeling disconnected so she called time on her relationship

'It was important to me that he came, he didn't - and so "currygate" was the end of our marriage.

'I had given him a test really because I was so embarrassed he never came out or made an effort and he failed.

'He just didn't love me enough to give me what I needed.'

There had been issues throughout their relationship, but initially, she had seen signs of romance.

Tom had called up the computer course where they'd first met with a fake excuse to get her phone number and for a while, seemed head over heels in love.

But more than a decade later the spark had gone and the dating agency owner felt her relationship had become 'complacent'.

Her husband was more introverted and needed his own space which to Rachel felt like she was being rejected.

After finding out she was pregnant, she had hoped things would improve, but after their son was born the dynamic continued.

The breaking point came when the business owner asked her then-husband to come for a curry with her friends and he refused

'I always believed that when we had a baby, it would be different.

'He said would stop having big lie ins and gaming.

'I used to spend a lot of time pretending that things were okay.

'I'd spend a lot of time, when our son was born, on my own with my son, or going out with my parents for Sunday walks', she said.

'On a surface level, we looked like the perfect fit.'

Rachel often found herself 'twisting the truth' and making excuses for her partner when he failed to socialise with their friends.

'When he wasn't coming out with my friends I would lie and I felt so embarrassed and lonely.

'I just wanted us to go out and be a unit,' she said.

'And I kept up a pretence for a really long time, until "currygate", and then I just couldn't do it anymore, because I knew that this man was never going to hear me'.

'He was very shocked but there was no big gesture or anything.

'All he said was "You can't go we have a little one".'

Signs you're heading towards a 'slow-burn divorce' A slow-burn divorce happens when a marriage gradually deteriorates beyond repair. Couples therapist Koosje Kosters says there are three signs to watch out for: Affection fading - touch, tenderness, and physical closeness quietly disappear. Attention fading- partners stop noticing each other, stop being curious, and conversations shrink to logistics. Appreciation fading - special dates are forgotten, gratitude goes unspoken, and partners start to feel taken for granted. Advertisement

After the 'final straw', Rachel and her partner remained living together until Christmas for their sake of their toddler and parented in shifts, with one of them taking the spare room and making sure to spend time with other family members at weekends.

'I'm not a needy person, but I have needs, and I need them to be listened to, respected, and met,' Rachel said.

Despite their previous difficulties, the 45-year-old and her former partner get on better than ever and still co-parent their child.

Rachel also confessed that she believes her ex and his new partner are much better suited.

'We now get on quite well, he's got a new partner and we co-parent well - our son is happy and well adjusted.

'I think he's met someone who is a more suitable match for him and that's a good thing.'

The red flags in Rachel's relationship were familiar to Koosje Kosters, a couples therapist, who told the Daily Mail that many relationships collapse because of 'quiet withdrawal', adding the thing that kills intimacy is indifference.

She said: 'We often believe relationships fail because of conflict.

'But most relationships dont end in dramatic fights - they end in quiet withdrawal.

'What kills intimacy isnt anger - its indifference.

'The real reason relationships collapse is that partners stop being curious about each other.

'They no longer see their partner as a mystery to unfold but as a problem to solve - or worse, as furniture in the room.'

She explained that couples have to engage with each other meaningfully or else one or both partners can feel isolated, as Rachel did.

Koosje added: 'When couples stop engaging with each others inner world, they stop creating a shared reality.

'And once youre no longer co-authors of the same story, you begin living parallel lives.

'You can spend years in the same house, eating at the same table, raising children together, and still feel profoundly alone.'

But the couples counsellor did reveal there are ways to avoid this by engaging with each other more intentionally.

She said: 'Growth, however, is uncomfortable.

'It means stretching beyond old patterns, facing fears, and renegotiating boundaries. But without growth, marriage becomes a cage.'

The counsellor added that it's important to think about marriage as a constantly evolving relationship because that will encourage both partners to continue getting to know one another through changing circumstances.

'Connection requires constant renewal. You dont marry a person once; you marry them again and again, each time they change, each time you change.

'Intimacy isnt about knowing everything about your partner - its about staying open to discovering more.'
Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow has revealed if she ever talks to disgraced former cast member Jen Shah, who is currently serving time in prison - and whether or not she will return to the show.

Shah, 51, is currently incarcerated at the Bryan Federal Prison Camp in Texas, where she's locked up with Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes and Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In 2023, Shah was initially sentenced to 78 months in prison for 'running a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme,' according to the Southern District of New York U.S. Attorney's Office, which primarily targeted elderly and vulnerable people - a sentence that has since been reduced.

After months of proclaiming her innocence on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, Shah finally plead guilty in July 2023 for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Now, Barlow has exclusively revealed to Daily Mail if she's spoken to Shah.

'No,' Barlow told Daily Mail in an exclusive, in-studio interview.

'Andy Cohen made it so easy for all of us when he said [that] Jen will never come back,' Barlow continued, referencing the comments that Bravo host Andy Cohen had made last month.

Cohen had admitted that he 'never' wanted to see Shah again during a recent episode of his late-night show, Watch What Happens Live.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Lisa Barlow has revealed if she ever talks to disgraced former cast member Jen Shah, who is currently serving time in prison

Cohen had admitted that he 'never' wanted to see Shah again during a recent episode of his late-night show, Watch What Happens Live

Shah, 51, is currently incarcerated at the Bryan Federal Prison Camp in Texas , where she's locked up with Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes and Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

'I mean, it dispels any interest in how the dynamic would change with her,' Barlow explained.

'We all gave Jen innocent until proven guilty. That's how our legal system should work. You have to be proven guilty or plead guilty, which Jen did,' she continued.

Barlow explained that her exit 'changed the dynamic' for all of the women on the show.

'Because you're rooting for someone and then they're guilty, and then it makes it easy for you to decide how you want to move forward or not move forward in a relationship,' she shared.

During the interview, Barlow also shared her thoughts on what she claimed was Angie Katsanevas' 'defamatory' statement comparing her to Shah this season.

The comment came after the ladies brought up lawsuits that Barlow had faced in her business endeavors - many of which have been dismissed.

Barlow is the co-owner of tequila company Vida Tequila with her husband, John, and founder of LUXE Marketing.

'That's defamatory,' Barlow told Daily Mail of Katsanevas' comment.

' We all gave Jen innocent until proven guilty. That's how our legal system should work. You have to be proven guilty or plead guilty, which Jen did,' she continued

During the interview, Barlow also shared her thoughts on what she said was Angie Katsanevas' 'defamatory' statement comparing her to Shah this season

'I'm not like Jen Shah. We owned so many businesses, we're not afraid of legal issues,' she shared.

'You know, nobody wants them,' she continued. 'I mean, it wasn't a mic drop boom moment like they thought it was going to be. I'm like, oh, yeah, I have dismissed civil cases.'

But 'baby gorgeous' Barlow isn't letting anyone or anything get her down this season.

She's busy 'doing big things,' as she said on the show, which includes being present at her Park City restaurant, Premiere.

'I wanted to like, give back to the locals, have a great place to listen to music,' Barlow told Daily Mail.

'We brought in an amazing chef, Angelique from San Francisco. She's worked under three Michelin star chefs,' she continued.

'She's absolute amazing. Our menu is amazing and we cater to everyone at Premiere.'

Of course, Premiere serves Barlow's famous Vida Tequila, but also has a selection of drinks for those who may be sober-curious.

In December, she'll also be bringing Vida to New York City. She'll be hosting a pop-up event from December 5 through the 15.
What started as a scenic hike to a remote Northern Territory lagoon nearly ended in disaster for Aussie adventurer Jackson Coffey and his girlfriend.

The couple had climbed high into the rocky escarpments to visit ancient Aboriginal cave paintings when they came across what looked like the perfect natural swimming hole.

But just as they were about to take a dip, something unexpected caught their eye.

'We've just hiked up this hill for a bit of Aboriginal cave painting over there,' Coffey says in his Facebook video, panning across the breathtaking landscape.

'We were going to go swimming in this little freshwater pool, until we saw that,' he continued in the clip, zooming in on a massive crocodile lying perfectly still on the bottom of the lagoon.

'Just waiting for us. You can't be too careful up these ways, they're bloody everywhere these crocs.

'We're a fair way above sea level here - we had to climb up to get to this pool.'

From directly above, the predator is almost invisible, blending seamlessly into the lagoon floor, and a chilling reminder of how stealthy saltwater crocodiles can be.

What started as a scenic hike to a remote Northern Territory lagoon nearly ended in disaster for Aussie adventurer Jackson Coffey and his girlfriend (stock image)

The couple had climbed high into the rocky escarpments to visit ancient Aboriginal cave paintings when they came across what looked like the perfect natural swimming hole. But just as they were about to take a dip, something unexpected caught their eye

Locals were quick to point out that the pair had narrowly dodged not one, but two serious hazards though - the crocodile itself, and the stagnant water it was in.

'Saved you from a major ear infection,' one commenter quipped, referring to the health risks of swimming in still tropical water.

Another added bluntly: 'Looks manky as wouldn't swim even if there was no croc.'

Others were fascinated that a crocodile had made its way so far up into the rocky highlands.

'All the people that say "they can't climb" - well explain why salties can be found in areas way above sea level,' one experienced Territorian noted.

'During big tides and floods they can get access to areas a lot higher than people realise.'

'Looks more like a salty to me,' another viewer chimed in.

'They can also live in freshwater. Head is wider than a freshie.'

'We were going to go swimming in this little freshwater pool, until we saw that,' said Jackson in the clip, zooming in on a massive crocodile lying perfectly still on the bottom of the lagoon

Despite their name, saltwater crocodiles aren't confined to coastal areas. They often travel far inland during the wet season, lurking in remote lagoons and billabongs for months at a time

Despite their name, saltwater crocodiles aren't confined to coastal areas.

According to Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife, they often travel inland during the wet season, riding floodwaters into remote creeks, billabongs and lagoons, where they can remain for months at a time.

One commenter cleared up a common myth that salt and freshwater crocs both live in fresh water.

'Saltys spend time in salt water/oceans for foraging or migration, but are most commonly found in estuaries, not open oceans,' they wrote.

'There's a myth that if you are in freshwater you are safe from saltwater crocks.

Even if the crocodile hadn't been there, the lagoon's still, algae-coated surface was a red flag in itself.

Tropical stagnant water can harbour dangerous bacteria that lead to severe ear and skin infections, and in rare cases, life-threatening diseases.

'If the water isn't flowing, it's not safe to swim in as dead or decaying animals in the water can create rare but deadly infections,' one concerned viewer wrote.

And while this particular croc appeared dormant, locals reminded viewers how deceptive that can be.

'Wouldn't be much food in there so I reckon he'd be pretty hungry,' one joked, while another advised the couple to throw a stick against the edge of the bank so it slaps the water.

'It's alarming how quick they are. It would swim from one side of that lagoon faster than we could run along the side of the bank.'

Thankfully, Jackson and his partner decided to skip their swim, but their close call is a timely reminder to anyone exploring the Top End.
Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her bisexual American Shaman husband have responded to claims they're in a 'lavender marriage'.

Durek Verrett, 50, and Martha Louise, 54, who tied the knot last year, posted a joint Instagram video on Monday to respond to comments about their relationship.

The term lavender marriage refers to a marriage where one of both of the partners is secretly gay.

In the short clip, the couple respond to comments which accuse Shaman Durek - who is openly bisexual and previously dated men - of being gay.

One wrote: 'The real housewife of Norway and her lavender marriage,' while another said: 'Girl, I don't know if you know but you are in a lavender marriage.' A third penned: 'This is the greatest lavender marriage of all time.'

The pair then changed into purple clothing for the video, while Martha said: 'Hmm, we do like lavender but it doesn't seem right...'

They then changed into their usual vibrant casual clothing, before the Princess added: 'Ordinary isn't our thing. We just love,' before lovingly gazing into her husband's eyes.

They then captioned the footage: 'Thought it was lavender? Plot twist. Its just love and legacy #rebelroyals.'

Princess Martha Louise and Shaman Durek Verrett are pictured at a gala dinner in Oslo in 2022

The couple were introduced by friends in 2019 and have claimed to have known each other in a past life, specifically from the days of ancient Egypt.

In a trailer for their Netflix show, Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story, Shaman Durek admitted he thought he'd end up with a 'man or alien' before he eventually wed Norway's Crown Princess.

He was previously engaged to masseur Hank Greenberg, who he was in a relationship with for eight years from 2007.

In 2012, Hank raised $20,000 for Durek's kidney transplant on crowdfunding websites - but the pair split up under acrimonious circumstances in 2015.

During their eight-year relationship, Durek and Hank reportedly ran wellness sessions called 'Heaven and Earth' in LA.

Speaking to the Daily Mail's Jan Moir in 2019, Hank explained: 'I loved Durek dearly and wish him all the best, but I don't have anything nice to say about him.

'He has immense talent and I believe in his mission that love is the answer, but I don't believe in the man any more.'

This comes as Martha and Durek have also faced backlash after they released their much-anticipated Netflix expose, which follows the run-up to their wedding in the idyllic fjords of Geiranger last summer.

Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her husband have hit out at claims that they are in a 'lavender marriage' on their Instagram account

Since its release, the pair have been accused of 'breaching' the agreement made with the Norwegian royal family when the Princess stepped down from senior duties in 2022.

And weeks after it was released, Durek appeared to backtrack on several of his comments in a lengthy Instagram statement, insisting his words had been 'twisted by the media'.

Footage used in the film featured a conversation between Crown Prince Haakon and the Shaman - despite the royal's exit agreement forbidding any reference to members of the Royal House in 'media productions'.

Durek, 50, had also appeared to make several heated claims against his in-laws, Norway's King Harald V and Queen Sonja, saying they did 'nothing to help me' against offensive coverage in the Press, including when a publication used a racial slur against him.

He said members of the Norwegian Royal family would 'look at me like I was crazy when I said there was racism', and only began to listen after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did their interview with Oprah in 2021.

But in a lengthy statement released last night, the Shaman appeared to retract his comments and said he'd never intended to imply allegations of racism.

He said: 'What I said in the Netflix documentary about my father-in-law [the King] not knowing racism has been twisted by the media. Let me be clear about what I meant.

'In American culture when we say someone does not know racism it often means they have not experienced it in the same way we have or they do not understand the depth of its impact. It does not mean they are ignorant or unkind. It means their lived experience is different. Cultural language does not always translate the same way.

Princess Martha was seen lovingly gazing into her husband's eyes after addressing the claims

'I love my father-in-law and my mother-in-law deeply. We have a strong and respectful relationship. They have supported me and my wife through everything and we share great love and understanding.

'I am not a victim and I am not interested in playing one. I am an educator and my focus is always on love and lifting humanity higher. The media may twist words to create a story but the truth is simple. My family and I stand together in respect and love and that is what matters most.'

Speaking to the camera, he added that he had only meant his in-laws didn't understand the 'impact that racism plays on my life in years of coming back and forth to Norway'.

He insisted that 'I love my in-laws and I appreciate them', referencing an official statement against racism the royal house had made on his behalf - calling it 'huge' and a 'sign of progressiveness in this family'.

The Shaman was referencing a statement made by the King condemning the 'racist attitudes' he had endured in 2022.

King Harald said at the time: 'We are also concerned about being able to live well together, despite inequality. The racist attitudes Durek Verrett has been subjected to, especially on social media, we strongly oppose. It is a strength that the Royal Family reflects the ethnic diversity that exists in Norway.'

The controversial Shaman - who counts Gwyneth Paltrow among his celebrity clients - claimed he had his first spiritual experience at four years old.

However, it was 'coming back to from the dead' in 2002 that 'strengthened' his powers and 'devotion to Spirit'.

'I already identified with being Shaman Durek, but it became more clear when I came back from dying,' he explained.

It's believed he's referring to a medical emergency that occurred in 2002, although reports of when the incident actually happened vary.

His own book says he was 27, a new interview with Hello! ahead of his wedding puts him at 28, in a video on his Facebook page he says he was 29, while another interview suggested he was 30-years-old.

'I woke up in the middle of the night to find a spirit sitting on top of me, reaching into my body. The next thing I knew, I was strapped to a gurney in an ambulance with my friend Marcus sitting next to me, looking all kinds of freaked out,' he said in his book.

During those minutes, where he was 'dead', Durek said he 'went to the other side', where he was shown 'what we are and where we come from and what this is all about, and we are making it so much harder than it has to be.'

The couple wed on 31 August last year in Norway (pictured) and now live in a penthouse in Oslo

He spent two months in a medically induced coma and lost the use of his legs.

'I was told that I had brain damage, and that I would never walk again. My kidneys were in such bad shape that I spent the next eight years of my life on dialysis-an experience that forced me to walk through the fires of human suffering.'

By his own account, he suffered seven seizures on the way to hospital and his organs started shutting down. He was clinically dead for four minutes before being revived.

Some seven years after the medical emergency, Durek's partner Hank launched a fundraiser for the shaman to have a kidney transplant, saying that his health had gone downhill after 'years of enduring agonizing hemodialysis treatments three times a week'.

Shaman Durek has previously faced backlash after claiming that cancer in children can be caused by 'being unhappy'.

He published his 'Spirit Hacking' in 2019 in the US, but publishers banned in Norway over the unsubstantial claims.

In 2018, Durek also claimed that he worked at Shamir Medical Centre in Israel in 1998. The following year, the hospital's HR said they had no record of Durek's employment, Tatler reports.

Later that year, Durek said he foresaw the 9/11 attacks in the US two years before they happened - but believed it was not his place to intervene. He also said that he predicted a 'plague' would come for humanity in 2020.
READ MORE: Five reasons some women fall in love with murderers

Young women who watch TikTok videos 'romanticising' criminals could be sexually attracted to dangerous villains in real life, according to claims made in a recent study.

Findings from UK and US researchers in Deviant Behaviour published by Taylor and Francis found a link between hybristophilia - a bizarre phenomenon describing individuals who lust after people that commit criminal acts - and the behaviour of those using the social media app.

As part of the study, researchers analysed 66 videos and 91 comments found on TikTok between 2020 and 2024 that 'romanticised' both real and fictional criminals, including serial killer Ted Bundy and Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley) from Netflix's YOU series.

They described the 'Halo Effect', which found that TikTok users were more likely to alter their perception of a criminal based on their physical attributes and if they found them sexually attractive.

It even suggested that some young women could see the likes of mass murderers and serial killers as 'misunderstood' due to their good looks - and had sexual fantasies about being included in their crimes.

The study explained: 'Attractive offenders were more likely to be described as "innocent" or "misunderstood" and comments often suggested leniency or disbelief in guilt solely based on appearance.'

It found 7.6 per cent of participants, who were all born on or after 1997, had admitted to having sexual fantasies about 'conventionally attractive' offenders like Ted Bundy, with the journal referencing a comment by one person who wrote: 'Make me sleep for eternity'.

Another remarked: 'I once said he couldve drugged me and put me in his trunk with no struggle I wouldve done anything for him willingly'.

Gen Z women who watch and like TikTok videos that romanticize criminals could be sexually attracted to both real life and fictional villains, revealed a recent study (Pictured: Murderous characters such as Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley) from Netflix's YOU, are often lusted after by Gen Z women, found a recent study)

The study found that young women who showed high levels of hybristophilia often engaged with videos that glamourised criminals like notorious serial killer and rapist, Ted Bundy (pictured in Florida in 1977)

The study by the US social deviance journal looked at how women engaged with crime content readily available on TikTok, and how it might foster a higher risk of hybristophilia in the young women who use such platforms.

Those surveyed were all born on or after 1997 - meaning that the survey provided interesting insights into the social media habits of women in Generation Z.

Other themes and ideas listed in the study included 'Sympathy', 'I Can Fix Him' and 'Victim Fantasy'.

The second part of the study surveyed 95 women between the ages of 18 and 27 who identified as 'female', who were attracted to men and who used TikTok regularly.

The young women were asked a set of questions about their attitudes towards TikTok content that the study interpreted as 'glamorousing' or 'romanticising' real life and fictional criminals.

Researchers then used a '20-item Hybristophilia Scale' to rank the participants' adherence to the phenomenon.

During this section, they were asked to respond to statements such as: 'true love can heal an offenders traumatized inner child'; 'I tend to associate real offenders with the actors who portray them'; and 'I sometimes fantasize about engaging in criminal activity with an offender'.

The women were encouraged to express themselves using only the Likert scale: 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

Hybristophilia could explain why some women are attracted to murderers like Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, and the Menendez brothers, despite their horrific, violent crimes (Pictured: convicted murderers Lyle {left} and Erik Menendez in Beverly Hills Municipal Court on March 12, 1990)

According to the study, findings indicated that young women who actively engaged with videos of romanticised villains while scrolling on TikTok were likely to show higher levels of hybristophilia.

'These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the influence of digital content on young womens perceptions of offenders, addressing the influence of power dynamics associated with Machiavellianism and psychopathy,' it added.

The Daily Mail has reached out to TikTok for comment.

In 2023, Dr Sohom Das, a forensic psychiatrist based in London, attempted to analyse why some women showed traits of hybristophilia and why some 'fell in love with murderers'.

'I think it's very fair to say that some of these women do this because they crave attention or fame. In extreme cases, this is a phenomenon called hybristophilia, otherwise known as Bonnie and Clyde syndrome' he explained.

Dr Das pointed out that this isn't a phenomenon limited to any particular social economic class, as it has afflicted all kinds of women (it has also been documented in men, but to a much lesser extent).

He continued: 'I've heard there are examples of educated women with careers, including lawyers and barristers, who fell for or married killers who will either be sentenced to death or will never be released'.

The psychiatrist went on to explain that in his opinion, much of this is 'connected to the celebrity worship, and some women have done this very overtly'.

'So they have clearly hoped to share some of the media spotlight or to get a book deal or a movie deal afterwards' he added. 'And this is all kind of psychologically linked, in my opinion, to conflating being famous and being infamous.

'And I think that's a relatively recent phenomenon, something that we've seen grow hugely in front of our eyes for the last couple of decades... we see it in reality TV stars, they often become famous just for the sake of fame. And I think that the public feed this and we're partly to blame'.

Finally, he touched upon the character traits of the serial killers themselves, and how they are attractive to women.

'I think it's fair to say that many of them are psychopaths and narcissists, and those groups of people often attract women because they have the ability to be charismatic and to charm vulnerable people who are susceptible to this kind of manipulation' he explained.

'Narcissists are very grandiose, and they're very entitled to things like sex and relationships.

'Psychopaths are the same so they have this inflated self esteem, but they're also very charming and they're calculating and they're quite devious, so they're very good at knowing what to say to make the women feel special, to feel loved to feel privileged, to feel that they're part of like, some sort of special bond'.
For many of us who dont know better, the very mention of electric shock (or electroconvulsive) therapy (ECT) conjures up dark thoughts of locked wards, nightmares and Boris Karloff movies of the 1950s. And, of course, of Jack Nicholson being forcibly strapped to a gurney after feigning mental illness in the 1975 movie, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest.

We know the basics. Or at least, we think we do.

That it is a barbaric, basic and highly controversial procedure that has been used by some psychiatrists on their critically ill patients since the 1930s.

That before the current is switched on, their limbs must be secured to stop them thrashing about. A protector placed in the mouth to stop the tongue being bitten off. Electrodes are applied to the temples and electricity flows into the brain until the patient goes into seizure and everything starts twitching. All in the hope that  a bit like a car with a flat battery  the current jumpstarts the brain out of madness, and back into sanity.

So it goes without saying that most of us assumed ECT was very much a past procedure, safe in the annals of medical history, along with lobotomies and bloodletting with leeches.

But no.

In fact, every year, more than 11,000 patients are given ECT in 99 facilities around the UK. Last month, it was claimed that 1,081 doses of ECT were given to patients in Scotland against their will.

Recently, the World Health Organisation and United Nations warned that involuntary or forced ECT risked breaching patients human rights  and could be regarded as a form of torture.

And Dr John Read, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of East London and author of several studies into the effects of ECT, calls it unethical and unscientific, claims there is no evidence that it works and called for its use to be suspended immediately.

ECT was developed decades before we had proper ethical standards, he says. If it was introduced today as a new treatment, theres no way it would be approved.

For many of us, the mention of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) conjures up images of Jack Nicholson being forcibly strapped to a gurney in 1975 film One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

Recently, the World Health Organisation and United Nations warned that involuntary or forced ECT could be regarded as a form of torture. Pictured: One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest

On the back of this, several former ECT patients  Andy Luff and Dr Sue Cunliffe  have popped up in the press, claiming ECT had had a catastrophic effect on their health.

Cunliffe says that after 21 sessions in 2005, she went from a high-functioning paediatrician and mother of three, to someone who couldnt read, write, speak without slurring or work again.

My brain was frazzled. There was no coming back from it, she says.

Andy Luff, who had treatment in 2015, had to relearn how to brush his teeth, make a bed, run a bath and wash his hands. At one stage he was unable to recognise his own parents.

All of which sounds monstrous and extremely scary. And perhaps not surprising that there is a growing clamour for the treatment to be outlawed.

Why would anyone in their right mind run an electric current through someones brain without knowing if it actually worked, says Richard Bentall, professor of clinical psychology at Sheffield University, who is campaigning for more testing of its efficacy.

Which seems a valid question, so this week, I did a bit of digging into the world of ECT  and unearthed a few surprises.

For starters, that no one is thrashing about any more  patients are fully anaesthetised, carefully monitored, treated in hospital theatre conditions and any twitching goes on solely in the brain as milli-second pulses are applied at a frequency of 20 and 120 hertz, causing a seizure.

And that it is the seizure, rather than the current, that jolts the brain and, by encouraging neural connections, can cause a temporary improvement in critically ill patients  often catatonic, or deep in psychosis.

Professor George Kirov, clinical professor at Cardiff University, who has treated 455 patients with ECT, and has written several books on the subject insists that, while it does have adverse side effects, it is a safe and effective treatment and has transformed the lives of so many of his patients.

People say it is barbaric and simple, but it works.

Sue Cunliffe says that after 21 sessions in 2005, she went from a high-functioning paediatrician and mother of three to someone who couldnt read, write, speak without slurring

I also learned  rather alarmingly  that women in their 60s (who are more prone to depression than men) are most likely to be given the treatment, but apparently respond slightly better to it than men.

But, perhaps most importantly, that ECT is highly likely to erase sections of a patients memory  in both the short and long term. (Dr John Reads research puts this at between 70 and 80 per cent of patients, but practitioners insist it is much lower.)

The loss can be anything from the weeks surrounding the treatment, to holidays, to major life events. By Dr Cunliffes account, she lost her entire medical training and the birthdays of her children.

Professor Kirov is quick to admit that many of his patients have suffered memory loss (though he points out that their depression or underlying condition can also be a factor). Some lost a few weeks here and there. One patient forgot hed given a speech at his wifes funeral a few years earlier. Another, that shed had an operation.

But some insist this is small price to pay. Because they say that this extraordinarily basic treatment saved their lives. They also insist theyd have it again in a shot if their mental health spiralled.

Professor Robert Howard of Kings College London, has treated several hundred patients  often psychotic or catatonic  with ECT.

I use it bring them back from the brink so that I can treat them with other methods, he says. And I can think of very few who havent shown some sort of improvement afterwards. Sometimes they become animated within a few hours.

One of his former patients even has If depressed give me ECT tattooed onto his chest, in case hes ever too ill again to make his wishes clear.

Because for many patients, the alternative is bad enough to embrace the risk.

Today, Jan, 57, a senior NHS manager from West Yorkshire is extremely bright and articulate. But in the in the summer of 2016, she became hyper-manic, deeply depressed, delusional, psychotic and obsessed with suicidal thoughts  all thought to be triggered by hormone changes linked to the perimenopause.

All I could think about was ending my life, she says. Endlessly researching methods online  what might be possible.

She was admitted to an acute inpatient psychiatric ward in September 2016 and treated with drugs and therapy, but her condition worsened.

Professor Richard Bental says: Its a scandal. It is unproven after nearly 100 years of use, and I am baffled why that would be'

But Professor George Kirov insists it is a safe and effective treatment: 'We dont say the same for a cardiologist who uses a defibrillator to get the heart going again. Its the same thing'

Over the next few weeks, she made two suicide attempts that saw her admitted to an acute medical ward. She also absconded from the ward and was found hundreds of miles away, wandering on the hard shoulder of the M1, barefoot in cropped jeans and a T shirt, having abandoned a car that shed smashed into the central reservation.

Nothing was working, she says. Id had five months of looping suicidal thoughts, continuous black despair.

So when doctors suggested ECT, she agreed. Not because she thought it would work, but because she felt it was her last chance.

I knew what it involved, and the stigma, but I had nothing to lose. I would have killed myself otherwise anyway, she says.

But within a couple of days, she was much more herself. Visiting friends saw a visible difference. She was able to take part in a conversation. She didnt look so grey and emaciated.

Like many patients, she suffered memory loss, but hers was of the weeks she was in hospital.

Its a complete blank, nothing! But I was in a psychiatric ward, so I dont feel Im missing out on anything, she says.

In total, she had 12 sessions, twice weekly and by early March was well enough to be discharged home. Two weeks later she started a phased return to her senior management role.

I went back to my children, my family. My life. It saved me and it was the only treatment that worked for me. The effect was like a miracle for me. I would be dead without it.

Professor Howard admits that no one really knows how it works. But we dont really know how paracetamol works either. Or a general anaesthetic. But no one gets emotional about that, he says.

And he can list tens of patients who would not have made it without ECT. Most of whom are now back in their lives.

As Professor Kirov puts it, psychiatry is not like surgery. We dont have quick fixes. But this is the only treatment that works so dramatically, so effectively.

But while those who have been saved want to shout from the rooftops, there are many who disagree, fiercely.

Partly because it is so basic and brutal.

This is not a gentle treatment, says Professor Howard. Thats why people have to be anaesthetised and given a muscle relaxant. Because otherwise the muscle spasms are so strong they could produce fractures in the spine.

Critics claim the voltage used can be a bit hit or miss  calculated not on the size of the patient, but the excitability of their brain  how easy it is to induce a seizure. Whether theyve had ECT before.

But it is also alarmingly untested.

As Professor Richard Bentall explains, there have been no large scale tests using a placebo  to see whether it does actually do anything.

Its a scandal. It is unproven after nearly 100 years of use, and I am baffled why that would be, he says. If youre going to pass a big electric current through peoples heads then there is a prima facie case for saying it should be done with caution and with some evidence of effectiveness.

He and Dr Read and many of those clamouring for its phasing out, also insist there is no evidence of long-term success after the end of the treatment window.

But practitioners disagree.

They say they dont need it to work in the long term. For them, its about pulling a desperately ill patient back from the brink. Giving them a chance to treat them with more conventional methods.

Which is also why so many patients do not consent to the treatment. They are not able to. But due to The Mental Health Act of 1983, doctors are able to override patients wishes when they do not have capacity.

Yes, it feels crude, says Professor Kirov. But we dont say the same for a cardiologist who uses a defibrillator to get the heart going again. Its the same thing. Its an electric shock.

While the debate rages in the UK, it is perhaps worth noting that more than 1.4million people are given ECT globally each year. And that treatment numbers are far higher in Sweden (five times the UK), Norway, Finland, France, Germany and the US than in the UK. All, of course, highly developed countries with sophisticated health care industries.

Here, however, numbers are falling and are likely to continue to do so. Much to the horror of Jan.

The thought this would not be available if I became so ill again is very scary. It is the only thing that worked for me.

Karen, 60, a grandmother from Leicester, also had memory loss after four courses of ECT between 2010 and 2016. In the months after she was discharged she went on a family holiday to Cyprus. I cant remember any of it. I have the photos and can see myself there. But nothing, she says. But thanks to the treatment, I can go on more holidays and make new memories. If I hadnt had ECT I would have been dead.

Of course some people have not been so lucky.

Dr Cunliffe has never been able to return to work. Today she tires easily and feels fuzzy, but most of all, she is furious.

That she wasnt told of the extent of the risks  they knew people were suffering life-changing injuries. That the doctors kept upping and upping her dose. That she  and she claims many like her  didnt realise that she was consenting to a catastrophic brain injury.

But also that, after her life imploded, she was given no support or help by the health service.

It is hard to think of a more polarising treatment. Or one that attracts more vitriol on X or other social media.

On one side, people who claim it has snapped them back from the brink and saved them from certain death. And on the other, people like Dr Cunliffe, whose life has been smashed to bits.

It is a nightmarish scenario and hard to know what we would do if, God forbid, one of our family members were as ill as some of these poor patients?

Would we want them knocked out, given a muscle relaxant, wheeled into an operating theatre where a paddle is held to each temple and the volts turned up to shock them into a potentially brain-damaging seizure?

Of course not. But we wouldnt want them to be left to die, or left wandering around the M1 trying to kill themselves, either.
Microplastics used in food packaging may be damaging the gut raising the risk of bowel cancer and depression, shocking research has suggested.

The discovery was made by Austrian researchers who examined the stool tissue of healthy volunteers and found the tiny particles could alter microbial activity in the gut.

Some of the changes, they claimed, reflected patterns previously linked with depression and bowel cancer.

Experts today, who labelled the findings 'significant', said it was the first human study showing microplastics could alter the human gut microbiome.

But, they cautioned, further research was vital to explain exactly how the microplastics cause such damage.

Microplastics are plastic fragments as small as two micrometres, or two-thousandths of a millimetre.

These particles make their way into food, water supplies and even into the air when plastic products degrade naturally.

Recent studies have identified microplastics in human lung tissue, in maternal and fetal placental tissues, in human breast milk and in human blood.

Experts today, who labelled the findings 'significant', said it was the first human study showing microplastics may alter the human gut microbiome

A growing body of research has already linked them to the development of cancer, heart disease and dementia and even lower-quality sperm.

Christian Pacher-Deutsch, a microplastics researcher at the University of Graz and study lead author, said: 'These findings are significant given how pervasive microplastic exposure is in everyday life.

'Microplastics have been found in fish, salt, bottled water, and even tap water, meaning that most people are exposed daily through ingestion, inhalation and skin contact.

'The key takeaway is that microplastics do have an impact on our microbiome.

'While it's too early to make definitive health claims, the microbiome plays a central role in many aspects of well-being, from digestion to mental health.

'Reducing microplastic exposure where possible is therefore a wise and important precaution.'

In the study, researchers used stool samples from five healthy volunteers to grow gut microbiome cultures.

They were then exposed to five common microplastic types  polystyrene, polypropylene, low-density polyethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyethylene terephthalate.

Your browser does not support iframes.

All were exposed at concentrations reflecting estimated human exposure, as well as higher doses to investigate any potential dose-dependent effects.

The scientists found that while total bacterial cell counts remained largely unchanged, microplastic-treated samples showed a consistent and significant increase in acidity compared to the samples that weren't.

This indicated altered microbial activity, the researchers said.

Further analysis showed certain bacterial groups saw changes in their composition depending on the microplastic type.

The majority occurred within the phylum Bacillota  a key group of gut bacteria important for digestion and overall gut health.

The researchers also discovered that some of these microplastic-induced changes in microbial composition reflected patterns previously linked to diseases such as depression and bowel cancer.

Scientists said they could not be sure exactly why this was the case 'but several plausible explanations are emerging'.

Mr Pacher-Deutsch added: 'For instance, biofilms can form on microplastic surfaces, providing new niches that some microbes colonise more rapidly.

Experts say you can cut your exposure to microplastics by swapping out plastics in your home for natural materials, metal and glass

'Microplastics may also carry chemical substances that directly influence bacterial metabolism.

'This can lead to changes in acid production, which may serve as a bacterial stress response, unintentionally altering the gut's pH.'

The research will be presented in full at the United European Gastroenterology annual congress in Berlin on October 7.

There are around 44,000 cases of bowel cancer every year in the UK and 142,000 in the US, making it the fourth most common cancer in both countries.

Symptoms often include changes in bowel movements such as consistent and new diarrhoea or constipation, needing or feeling the need to poo more or less frequently and blood in the stool.

Stomach pain, a lump in the stomach, bloating, unexpected weight-loss and fatigue are among other signs.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their GP for advice.

Although the vast majority of bowel cancer diagnoses affect those aged over 50, rates in older age-groups has either declined or held stable while diagnoses in younger adults have risen by 50 per cent over the last 30 years.

Cancer Research UK estimates that over half (54 per cent) of bowel cancer cases in the UK are preventable.
A Los Angeles plastic surgeon has been accused of pressing his body against female patients and performing inappropriate exams on them, according to a new disciplinary filing.

Dr Arian Mowlavi, also known as 'Dr Laguna,' has faced multiple allegations since 2021, including that he fondled the breasts of one patient and left another with disfiguring scars and a life-threatening infection.

Now, in a fresh accusation filed by the Medical Board of California, another 18 former patients have accused him of gross negligence and unprofessional conduct.

In the disciplinary filing, one former patient claimed that the surgeon said he would make her look 'as good as a stripper,' while a dozen women alleged they were asked to enter the operating room naked, which is against medical standards of care. Patients typically enter the operating room after changing into a gown and may be wheeled in on a stretcher.

Former patients claimed that Mowlavi would then mark up their bodies for surgery, which is standard, but it was done in the presence of other men and with no female chaperone present. While not a requirement, many surgeons may opt to have a chaperone of the same gender present to help patients feel more comfortable.

The Daily Mail contacted Mowlavi and one of his previous attorneys requesting comment on the new allegations, but did not receive a response. In previous instances, Mowlavi has denied all the claims against him.

Mowlavi - who published the book 'High Definition Liposuction' - ran a clinic out of Laguna Beach, California, where he promised women hourglass figures and perfect 'pop' butts.

The surgeon, who was previously drafted to help train new medical professionals, even once described himself as 'one of the top body sculptors around the world.'

Dr Arian Mowlavi, also known as 'Dr Laguna', is pictured above. He was an Instagram-famous plastic surgeon who promised women hourglass figures and the perfect 'pop' butts

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But in the latest disciplinary filing, made by the Medical Board of California on August 25,Mowlavi is accused of allegedly 'lifting [a patient's] breasts with his hands... marked her unclothed body for surgery in the presence of other men... pressed his body against her body as he conducted his examination.'

The case, which had no clear date, also noted repeatedly that 'no female chaperone was present,' according to reporting by NBC4 Los Angeles.

The Daily Mail has been unable to independently review the allegations because the Medical Board of California's website has not been functional since Friday. Repeated calls and emails to the board from this website have gone unanswered.

Once an accusation is filed by the medical board, it triggers a multi-stage process in California to determine whether a doctor should be disciplined or have their license suspended or revoked.

Mowlavi has 15 days to respond before a hearing date is set in front of an administrative tribunal. At the time of writing, no date regarding the hearing pertaining to the most recent filing appears to have been set.

According to NBC4 Los Angeles, a separate hearing to address different accusations made by four other patients is slated for December, and another lawsuit is set to go to trial next year. However, the outlet reported that the civil case is on hold pending the conclusion of Mowlavi's criminal trial.

In July 2024, Dr Mowlavi was charged with two felony charges of battery with serious bodily injury, and entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment in September that year. In August this year, two additional charges were added to the case for felony battery.

Shown above is Millie Martini, one of Mowlavi's patients. She says she had to have her nipples removed after having liposuction with the doctor

For surgeons, felony battery means they are accused of carrying out a medical procedure on a patient without their consent and, if found guilty, can carry a years-long prison sentence.

One of Mowlavi's former patients, Millie Martini, filed her own lawsuit against the doctor and is involved in the latest disciplinary filing. She previously told the Daily Beast that went to the doctor for liposuction in 2022, but claimed she was pressured into agreeing to a 'mommy makeover' that included a breast lift and removal of her existing breast implants.

On the day of her operation, Martini claimed she was taken into the surgery room and painted with an antiseptic solution while Mowlavi asked staff to put on loud heavy metal music.

After waking up, Martini alleged she found herself slumped in a wheelchair in the office's hallway outside the operating room.

She claimed Mowlavi then told her there was a problem with her surgery, but did not specify the complication, before she was transferred to a post-operative care facility.

That evening, Martini claimed she discovered her nipples had become black, oozing and were partially detached.

In her lawsuit against the doctor, filed in Orange County and reported by the Daily Beast, she claimed she returned to his office on August 25, several days after surgery, for what she thought was a scheduled post-op appointment.

The lawsuit states she said she did not want more surgery and believed Mowlavi when he said he would just 'clean her nipples under surgical lights.' She said she was shocked to later return home and find out her nipples had been removed.

Several days later, per the lawsuit, Martini went to her local ER, where she said doctors told her she had life-threatening sepsis and could have died if she had waited another 24 hours.

Irlanda Swarthout (pictured) died after procedures done by Mowlavi in August 2018

Mowlavi's clinic in Laguna Hills, California

Mowlavi, however, was just months away from a 90-day suspension and 10-year probation, disciplinary action taken by the medical board after one of his previous patients died.

According to the medical board, the patient, identified in court records as Irlanda Swarthout, went to Mowlavi for liposuction and a tummy tuck in August 2018. About five hours after the surgery, however, she was rushed to the ER unresponsive after complaining of shortness of breath and collapsing at home.

She died three days later as a result of internal bleeding that caused her heart to stop, the board reported.

In August 2020, Mowlavi paid her family $1 million and the medical board accused him of gross negligence, dishonesty or corruption, general unprofessional conduct and failure to report the event on time.

The disciplinary action, however, did not take effect until October 2022.

Mowlavi has previously faced multiple accusations over his conduct.

In a December 2021 class action lawsuit filed by 36 former patients, he was accused of groping them in the exam room and making lewd comments about their bodies.

In an interview with NBC Los Angeles, one patient in the lawsuit, Toni Arken, described an undated appointment with the doctor.

'So, he grabs me about two inches above my vagina while I'm naked,' she claimed.

'He grabs me right underneath my breast from behind, so he's pulling and pushing up and cinching down: 'This is how it's going to look!'

'He definitely body shames you into doing other surgeries.'

In the lawsuit, one patient, identified only as KM and whose experience was also undated, claimed that a video of her surgery was posted online without her permission.

In the clip, Mowlavi said: 'This woman had no magic, no pop, had a square masculine shape. Look what I can do.' According to the suit, the woman said she did not consent to be filmed, 'much less be insulted.'

Another patient claimed that, when she said she did not want photos of her surgery on Instagram, Mowlavi's staff told her it was an 'honor' to be posted on the doctor's account.

In another allegation, per the Daily Beast, a nurse also claimed she saw the doctor make a comment about a patient while they were under anesthesia. She claimed he called a patient 'hot' and then slapped the patient's butt twice.

In February 2024, Mowlavi's insurance company agreed to pay $6 million to the patients to settle the lawsuit. Mowlavi has not admitted wrongdoing.
Vape manufacturers were last night accused of hooking a generation of children on e-cigarettes as the number of people globally who use the devices exceeded 100million.

The World Health Organisation said vaping numbers were 'alarming'  and that rates among teenagers were of particular concern.

In a scathing attack, it warned manufacturers that devices meant to help people stop smoking were actually 'hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress'.

Of the WHO's estimate of more than 100million users, at least 86million were adults, mostly in high-income countries. Usage among teenagers aged 13 to 15 was nine times higher than adults, and almost 15million children use them.

In a report on global tobacco trends, the WHO said 1.9 per cent of adults vape compared with 7.2 per cent of teenagers aged 13 to 15.

However, it warned that its figures on vape use among adolescents were 'almost certainly an undercount'. The report's authors wrote: 'Adolescents are generally using the products at a higher rate than adults.

'This finding is not surprising considering that the industry is aggressively targeting children and young people, including through new digital channels that are under-regulated.'

Etienne Krug, director of the WHO's department of health determinants, promotion and prevention, said: 'E-cigarettes are fuelling a new wave of nicotine addiction.

Vape manufacturers were last night accused of hooking a generation of children on e-cigarettes as the number of people globally who use the devices exceeded 100million

The World Health Organisation said vaping numbers were 'alarming'  and that rates among teenagers were of particular concern

'They are marketed as harm reduction, but in reality are hooking kids on nicotine earlier and risk undermining decades of progress.'

The report highlights how fewer people are smoking cigarettes, but warns that the 'tobacco epidemic is far from over'.

Global tobacco users dropped from 1.38billion in 2000 to 1.2billion in 2024, the WHO said.

'Millions of people are stopping, or not taking up, tobacco use thanks to tobacco control efforts by countries around the world,' said WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

'In response to this strong progress, the tobacco industry is fighting back with new nicotine products, aggressively targeting young people. Governments must act faster and stronger in implementing proven tobacco control policies.'

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of the charity Action on Smoking and Health, said: 'The growth in popularity of vapes in the UK has largely been due to their use as a quit aid in smoking.

'But in the last few years vaping has increased among teenagers, and this needs urgent action.

'Products that contain addictive substances must be properly regulated. This is what the Tobacco and Vapes Bill  returning to Parliament this month  will do, ensuring vapes are not promoted to children.'
Australians in one state have been warned to stay vigilant after health authorities recorded another case of a deadly potentially virus.

Western Australia Health issued an alert after it identified another case of measles in the Pilbara region, the seventh recorded in the area this year.

It brings the state's running total to 46 cases of the highly-contagious virus this year, with WA Health adding 22 new exposure locations.

The new exposure locations include South Headland, Port Hedland and Redbank to the east and Karratha and Pegs Creek to the west from September 20 to October 1.

WA Health advised the exposure sites posed no ongoing risks but urged anyone who visited during active periods to monitor for symptoms.

'Anyone who has visited the following locations during the days/times listed, should be vigilant for symptoms of measles, and seek medical advice if symptoms occur,' the alert reads.

Measles is a highly-infectious virus that can lead to serious illness and even death.

It tends to develop about ten days after a patient is exposed to the virus, but it can vary from one week to 18 days.

Western Australia has recorded another case of measles, bringing this year's running total to 46. Pictured are pedestrians out-and-about in Perth

Measles is highly-infectious and can cause serious illness and even death. Patients offer suffer a red, blotchy rash which tends to develop days after other symptoms (stock)

Australia has wiped out endemic measles but cases continue to arise, mostly from travellers

Symptoms can include a fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough, sore red eyes and a red blotchy rash, which usually appears three to four days later than other symptoms.

'People with measles usually feel very unwell, and some may end up in hospital,' the WA Health alert reads.

'Complications include pneumonia, and less often, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

'People with measles are usually infectious (able to pass on the virus to others) from one day before their symptoms start and for four days after their rash appears.'

WA Health urges patients to call ahead before visiting a general practice clinic or emergency department so staff can ensure isolation measures are in place.

It also warned residents to stay up to date with their vaccinations.

People born after 1965 are urged to make sure they have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine at some stage in their life.

The first dost of the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine is typically given at 12 months but babies as young as six months can receive it prior to travel to certain countries.

Australia has largely eliminated endemic measles but cases continue to arise, mostly from people who have travelled overseas.

Recent measles cases have been recorded in several Australian states including Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

Global case numbers are rising across Asia, Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle least with outbreaks in a number of countries close to Australia.
Health officials are issuing an urgent warning over ready-made meals that may be contaminated with deadly bacteria.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a public health alert Monday for two microwavable meals from HelloFresh after an inspection found one ingredient, spinach, may be contaminated with listeria, a type of bacteria that causes severe diarrhea and muscle aches.

Recalled products include 10.1-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta and 10-ounce containers of Hello Fresh Ready Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey.

Both meals were shipped directly to consumers nationwide. It's unclear how many meals were affected, but the meal kit company has about 8million customers across the country.

The pork pepper pasta is identified with establishment number Est. 47718 and lot code 49107 or Est. 2937 and lot code 48840. The unstuffed peppers with ground turkey is identified with Est. P-47718 and lot codes 50069, 50073 or 50698.

The contamination was discovered after FreshRealm, which produced the meals, alerted the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) that the spinach had tested positive for listeria.

No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported, the USDA said.

Last month, FreshRealm also found pasta used in linguine dishes sold at Walmart had the same strain of listeria linked to an outbreak in June, which has sickened 20 and killed four, according to the latest CDC data.

Ready-made meals from Hello Fresh have been recalled due to a risk of listeria (stock image)

Listeria, pictured here, is especially dangerous for pregnant women, potentially resulting in miscarriages (stock image)

The outbreak was tied to pasta supplied by Nate's Fine Foods of Roseville, California.

Kroger, Giant Eagle and Albertson's have all also recalled pasta dishes made with contaminated ingredients.

Listeria, also called Listeriosis, is a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

It can be found in moist environments, soil, water, decaying vegetation and animals, and can survive refrigeration and other food preservation measures.

Many foods can harbor the bug, but it is usually found in unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as pre-packed sandwiches. Cooked shellfish, cured meats and fish, including sushi and pre-cut fruit, are also a risk.

Most people who eat food contaminated with Listeria will not become seriously ill.

But in some cases, it can cause confusion and seizures, miscarriages among pregnant women, and even death.

In the original listeria recall linked to Nate's Fine Foods, one pregnancy-associated illness resulted in fetal death.

Pictured above is the label for recalled Unstuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey meals

Pictured above is the label for recalled Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta meals

This can happen when the infection spreads beyond the gut and affects the central nervous system, which can lead to numbness and seizures.

The CDC estimates 1,600 Americans become infected with listeria every year, and about 260 die.

The USDA urged consumers who bought the Hello Fresh meals to check their refrigerators and freezers and avoid consuming them.

The agency also said it 'expects additional affected products to be identified.'

Affected products should be thrown away or returned to their place of purchase.
Olivia Attwood opens up on divorce rumours as she admits she and Bradley Dack 'really weren't getting on very well' as she reflects on using partying to cope


'Friction' is looming in new CBS News boss Bari Weiss's marriage to her business partner Nellie Bowles, insiders close to the couple tell Daily Mail.

The friends fear Weiss's demanding new role as editor-in-chief for the network could 'consume her life', leaving little time for family and putting a strain on the couple's relationship as they juggle raising two young children.

The long-rumored deal for Weiss, 41, to take over the Tiffany Network's storied news operation  which includes the iconic 60 Minutes  was formally announced on Monday by Paramount CEO David Ellison.

Part of the lucrative deal includes The Free Press, the successful news and commentary online site with 1.3million subscribers that Weiss and Bowles, 38, both former New York Times writers, had co-founded.

But mutiple sources see trouble ahead, as another asserts, 'The CBS gig could ignite friction in what's always been a joyous union and partnership.

'Bari's a very driven and ambitious woman, and Nellie fears she'll put her all into running the CBS News operation 24/7, and it won't be easy for them.

'Nellie is [also] upset because she feels Bari has gone too establishment by going to CBS,' the source added, 'and she feels kind of lost because Bari will be spending all of her time at CBS news headquarters in New York.

'The two have had a very happy and comfortable life in their home in Los Angeles, so it's still to be seen whether they'll have a bicoastal marriage, or Nellie, who loves living in LA and covered technology for the Times based in San Francisco, will move to the Big Apple.'

Bowles scoffed at the idea. 'It's flatly untrue', she told Daily Mail.

'The only friction would have been if she didn't take the CBS job!! I'm beyond proud of my brilliant and gorgeous wife.'

With Bari Weiss's rise to editor-in-chief of CBS News, friends of the journalist and her wife Nellie Bowles (left) told Daily Mail that the demanding role may create 'friction' in their marriage

The long-rumored deal for Weiss, 41, to helm the legacy network's newsroom  including the iconic 60 Minutes  was officially announced Monday by Paramount CEO David Ellison

The acquisition of Free Press, which was founded just four years ago, is reportedly worth a staggering $150million in cash and stock to Weiss.

The deal also solidifies her new power as an industry outsider, having transitioned from a one-time opinion writer to now running one of the biggest names in network news, despite having no TV experience.

In a statement, Ellison welcomed Weiss and the Free Press into the company, declaring: 'We are thrilled.'

Ellison noted: 'Bari is a proven champion of independent, principled journalism, and I am confident her entrepreneurial drive and editorial vision will invigorate CBS News.

'This move is part of Paramount's bigger vision to modernize content and the way it connects  directly and passionately  to audiences around the world.

'This is an important initiative for our company and Bari will report directly to me  leading the work of The Free Press and collaborating with our CBS News team in the pursuit of making it the most trusted name in news.'

A billionaire with close ties to frequent fake news critic President Trump, Ellison stressed: 'We believe the majority of the country longs for news that is balanced and fact-based, and we want CBS to be their home.'

As a member of the LGBTQ community, Weiss has been criticized for being outspoken against the trans rights movement and gender-affirming care and is in line with the Trump administration on those issues.

Paramount CEO David Ellison said Weiss would be reporting 'directly to me,' sparking concern among the network's journalists who fear she could act as a 'spy' because of his close ties to President Trump

Weiss has faced criticism for her outspoken views on the trans rights movement and gender-affirming care, positions that align closely with those of the Trump administration, despite being a part of the LGBTQ community herself

According to the deal, Weiss will work outside the current CBS News organization and report directly to Ellison, which has already stirred controversy, with fears that she will be a spy on her coworkers.

As one company staffer told The Hollywood Reporter after Monday's announcement: 'I have to imagine she will be his eyes and ears inside CBS News.'

Insiders say panic has rippled through CBS News and its top on-air talent  especially among the ranks of 60 Minutes, the network's fiercely guarded fiefdom - after word leaked earlier this year that Weiss would be joining in a top executive role, especially since she was a broadcast news and documentary neophyte.

Equally shocked by Weiss's decision to, as one source put it, 'take the big bucks and run from the online world to Big Daddy CBS' is conservative former Fox News Channel star and NBC anchor Megyn Kelly, who abandoned the bright lights of cable and network news to start her own hugely successful Megyn Kelly Show and podcast on YouTube and satellite radio.

In a recent commentary on her show, Kelly expressed shock that Weiss would give up the independence of running The Free Press and get involved in the CBS bureaucracy, where she is feared and distrusted.

'While I really love Bari and Nellie, too,' declared Kelly, 'I'm worried they're going to eat her alive because CBS is among the worst when it comes to being insularlike you have to be raised at CBS to be respected by the CBS people.

'Ask Katie Couric if you don't believe me. Ask Catherine Herridge, if you don't believe me,' she said, noting 'They hated Couric's guts.'

With a decline in her ratings, Couric left CBS News in 2011, where she reportedly encountered sexism in the vast media company that she felt wasn't ready for a primetime female anchor.

Former Fox News and NBC anchor Megyn Kelly said in a recent segment that she was shocked by Weiss's decision to give up her independence and join the CBS bureaucracy, where many reportedly fear and distrust her

Kelly referenced Katie Couric and Catherine Herridge's negative experiences at CBS News and the factors that drove them out as reasons she believes the network is a bad fit for Weiss

Herridge, an acclaimed former Fox News investigative reporter, who joined CBS News and was fired last year after developing exclusive stories on the Hunter Biden laptop story, accused the network of 'journalistic rape' for seizing her files.

Herridge accused at a congressional hearing, 'Fighting for a Free Press: Protecting Journalists and their Sources.'

In her commentary, Kelly, discussing Weiss's decision to join CBS News, asked: 'Why would you go into mainstream media right now?

'It's dead. It's dyingand to go to a TV network that's not Bari's background at all.'

Kelly added that, referring to Weiss: 'There's no way they're going to respect someone who did a stint at The Wall Street Journal and the Times as TV editorial boss.'

Weiss and Bowles, 38, both former New York Times writers, co-founded The Free Press alongside Bari's sister Suzy Weiss (left)

Meanwhile, Weiss is expected to assume her new role immediately. The Free Press that she and Nellie cofounded will continue to operate independently under Paramount ownership.

The couple met in 2018 after Weiss ended a three-year marriage to environmental engineer Jason Kass.

Bowles has said she fell in love with Weiss the first time they met. She converted to Judaism for her and gave birth to their daughter in 2022 and a son last year.

But insiders worry Bari's new power position will take precedence over their loving union.

'It's going to take time,' said one
A familiar voice is leaving the airwaves after receiving a tragic health diagnosis.

Angela Davis, a talk show host at Minnesota Public Radio, shared that she had been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer.

MPR said in a statement: Angela is deeply grateful for the support of her colleagues and listeners, and she asks for privacy during this time.

We look forward to welcoming her back when she is ready.

The network added on its Facebook page that mom-of-two Davis, 57, was touched by your support as she focuses on her recovery.

She will begin a leave of absence following her diagnosis.

Davis hosted MPR News weekdays at 9am, covering 'conversations about life in Minnesota and how the state is changing.'

The news about the beloved radio star, which came during breast cancer awareness month, was met by an outpouring of support on social media.

Angela Davis, 57, announced that she had been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer

Davis is a talk show host at Minnesota Public Radio

Carolyn Amos Storey said on Facebook: Thinking of you! I'm a 20 year [breast cancer] survivor...you've got this!!!

You'll come out of this with amazing discoveries of your own strength and resilience, and the compassion of people around you!!

Lindsay Strand added: Angela, you have a special and excellent way of communicating.

Wishing you an excellent outcome on this journey.

Jonathon Glennie posted: You are a fighter AD. We will hear you again soon.

Jan DeSirey said: 'Ill be thinking of you as well as you travel this winding journey.

'Stay strong, keep family and friends close, and let them help take care of you.

'I hope to hear you back on the airwaves whenever you are ready.'

Davis hosted MPR News weekdays at 9am, covering 'conversations about life in Minnesota'

She will begin a leave of absence following her diagnosis

Davis worked at KSTP and WCCO in Minnesota before starting at MPR in 2018.

Before that, she worked at CNN after graduating from the University of Maryland with a journalism degree.

Davis previously told the Pioneer Press that she had moved from television to radio because she felt like her work was 'very forgettable, demanding and stressful.'

She said: 'I needed to do something more meaningful. When I learned MPR was looking for a talk show host, I was interested.

'During the interview, I said, "If you want someone to be the traditional voice of public radio, youre taking a gamble with me. Thats not my background. I need to be me".'

Davis was scheduled to travel to Mexico City early next year to lead a listeners' tour, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.

The talk show host toured Cambodia and Vietnam alongside her husband Duchesne Drew, who is also the MPR president since 2020, this January.

Davis and Drew have been called a 'local media power couple' in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.

They have two children, Charlotte and Kevin.

In the meantime, her MPR News show has been hosted by a variety of guest hosts.
Some CBS News employees have flown into a rage after hearing that anti-woke centrist Bari Weiss has been named as the network's new editor-in-chief.

Weiss, 41, issued a statement on Monday confirming her new role via an email to the 1.25 million subscribers of her own publication, The Free Press.

The media mogul touted said that she hopes to provide news for the American 'mainstream' who are currently 'being ill-served' by traditional 'illiberal' outlets.

But CBS staffers have expressed horror and rage at Weiss' appointment, with several anonymous employees describing the move as 'depressing' and a harbinger of impending lay-offs.

'A throwing up emoji is not enough of a reflection of the feelings in here,' one reporter told the Guardian.

'People are using words like depressing and doomsday  feels like some sort of doomsday,' another 'source' said in an interview with the Independent.

Speaking with the same outlet, another person said: 'I think the ombudsman, Bari Weiss, and the impending massive layoffs that are coming in a couple of weeks have everyone just kind of freaking out, like, literally freaking out.'

'It's just like anybody that you think isn't qualified for the job that comes in, there's going to be trepidation, right? Whether it's Bari Weiss or, you know, Michael Scott from The Office,' a third person told the Independent.

Some CBS News employees have flown into a rage after hearing that anti-woke centrist Bari Weiss (pictured) has been named as the network's new editor-in-chief

CBS staffers have expressed horror and rage at Weiss' appointment, with several anonymous employees describing the move as 'depressing' and a harbinger of impending lay-offs

'We don't know what the hell her job is going to be. I mean, 'editor-in-chief'  what does that even mean. It makes no sense. Where does she fit in the hierarchy?' one unnamed CBS 'source' raged to Zeteo.

Another told the same website simply: 'What the f***?'

Weiss introduced herself to staffers on Tuesday via the network's 9am call, saying she wanted to 'win', by restoring trust to CBS News, according to Semafor.

She added that she was excited for employees to work with The Free Press, and ended her speech by saying: 'Let's do the f***ing news'.

Weiss issued a statement on Monday confirming her new role via an email to subscribers from her own publication, The Free Press.

'As of today, I am editor-in-chief of CBS News, working with new colleagues on the programs that have impacted American culture for generationsshows like 60 Minutes and Sunday Morning  and shaping how millions of Americans read, listen, watch, and, most importantly, understand the news in the 21st century,' she said.

CBS will also acquire The Free Press, which has more than 1.25 million subscribers, for around $150 million.

Weiss will report directly to Skydance Paramount CEO David Ellison, whose company Skydance recently merged with CBS' owners at Paramount. Tom Cibrowski will remain CBS News' president but Weiss will not have to report to him.

Weiss quit the New York Times in 2020 over its 'illiberal environment'.

In her career announcement on Monday, she wrote that she 'fled' the broadsheet because she felt like it was nothing more than 'a fancy logo and a motto that many had abandoned in exchange for devotion to a set of narrow, partisan ideas'.

Weiss (pictured above), 41, issued a statement on Monday confirming her new role via an email to the 1.25 million subscribers of her own publication, The Free Press

Weiss will report directly to Skydance Paramount CEO David Ellison, whose company Skydance recently merged with CBS' owners at Paramount

'I wanted to be a part of that more than I wanted to cling to the prestige,' Weiss wrote.

Weiss touted herself as a centrist, saying that in her new role she hopes to provide news for the American 'mainstream' who are currently 'being ill-served' by traditional media.

'If the illiberalism of our institutions has been the story of the last decade, we now face a different form of illiberalism emanating from our fringes,' she wrote.

'On the one hand, an America-loathing far left. On the other, a history-erasing far right. These extremes do not represent the majority of the country, but they have increasing power in our politics, our culture, and our media ecosystem.

'Overlooked by all these so-called interlocutors are the enormous numbers of smart, politically mixed, pragmatic Americans. The people who believe, unapologetically, in the American project.

'This is the actual mainstream. These people are the overwhelming majority of the country. And they are being ill-served.'

Weiss has been 'informally consulting' CBS for 'a while,' a source previously told the Daily Mail.

Her hiring by new Paramount Skydance CEO Ellison, the son of billionaire Trump ally Larry Ellison, is set to make waves within the CBS newsroom after a tumultuous year.

In October, Donald Trump sued the network over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris that he claimed was deceptively edited.

In the spring, 60 Minutes Executive Producer Bill Owens and CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon both resigned over concerns with the company's direction.

Paramount ultimately agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle the lawsuit.

Tom Cibrowski (pictured left)will remain CBS News' president but Weiss will not report to him

That settlement paved the way for the administration's approval of an $8billion merger between Skydance Media and Paramount last month.

Staff at CBS News are now fretting over the expected arrival of Weiss, who has regularly criticized the state of legacy media and left-leaning views.

'There's real fear in the building right now,' our source said.

'Veteran reporters who've been here for decades are whispering about whether they'll still have a job by the end of the year.'

A source told The Wrap that Paramount is expecting resignations once Weiss is hired.

'Staff morale is at an all-time low. People are scared, plain and simple,' our source added. 'Everyone knows a news boss mean big changes, and no one feels secure.'

Weiss has surfaced a fierce critic of legacy media after leaving the Times in 2020.

Ellison, meanwhile, is the 42-year-old son of Larry Ellison, a long-time Republican donor worth roughly $300billion.

He is an actor turned producer with no background in news, but is bolstered by his deputy, former NBCUniversal exec Jeff Shell.
Jimmy Kimmel's triumphant return to late-night television has turned into a ratings nightmare with more than two-thirds of his audience vanishing in a single week.

The liberal comedian, who roared back to ABC's airwaves on September 23 after being briefly suspended for inflammatory remarks about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has seen his viewership collapse by a staggering 71 percent.

The plunge in numbers puts his program's future on shakier ground than ever before.

On Thursday, October 2, Jimmy Kimmel Live! averaged just 1.9 million total viewers, down from the 6.5 million who tuned in for his hotly anticipated comeback.

Among the coveted 25-54 demographic, the hemorrhage was even worse with Kimmel drawing only 265,000 viewers, an 85% nosedive from the 1.7 million he had scored just days earlier.

That figure marked his smallest demo audience since the suspension and signals a brutal comedown for a host who had hoped the furore surrounding his suspension would translate into ratings gold.

Kimmel's recent troubles began after he falsely suggested that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Kirk's assassination, was affiliated with the 'MAGA gang.'

The indictment against Robinson, however, revealed he held left-wing beliefs, further inflaming critics who accused Kimmel of politicizing a tragedy and spreading disinformation.

Jimmy Kimmel 's triumphant return to late-night television has turned into a ratings nightmare with more than two-thirds of his audience vanishing in a single week

Kimmel's recent troubles began after he falsely suggested that Tyler Robinson, the suspect in last month's assassination of Charlie Kirk, pictured, was affiliated with the 'MAGA gang'

'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,' Kimmel told his audience at the time. 'And doing everything they can to score political points from it.'

The comments drew outrage, including scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Within days, Disney suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after major broadcasters Sinclair and Nexstar pulled the show from dozens of local affiliates.

Kimmel refused to apologize for his remarks, while protesters gathered outside ABC's studios in Burbank and chanted, 'ABC bent the knee! No to the FCC!' after Disney yanked the program off the air.

Just four days later, Disney relented by bringing Kimmel back with a heavily promoted return episode.

While his return saw a dramatic spike in ratings, pulling in the show's highest-ever viewership with 6.5 million viewers, a dramatic crash quickly followed.

To make matters worse, Kimmel's downward spiral has played out against the steady rise of his conservative rival Greg Gutfeld on Fox News.

To make matters worse, Kimmel's downward spiral has played out against the steady rise of his conservative rival Greg Gutfeld on Fox News

Kimmel is seen here before his first day back on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last month, which was met with high ratings. The spike largely subsided after two days

While Jimmy Kimmel Live! barely cracked 1.9 million viewers on October 2, Gutfeld! drew 2.8 million - a 49% lead in total viewers and a 40% advantage in the 25-54 demo, where Gutfeld dominated with 370,000 viewers.

Just a week earlier, Kimmel had bragged how his show was now broadcasting to '100 percent of the country' after Sinclair and Nexstar resumed airing his program.

Even before his suspension, Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been averaging 1.6 million viewers throughout 2025 - a steep decline from the 2.4 million it drew a decade ago.

Last Thursday's broadcast was the worst yet, and with ratings now below his pre-suspension average, industry insiders are wondering how long ABC will stand by him.

'Jimmy Kimmel is an unrepentant liar who tried to blame Charlie's assassination on the part of the country that just spent the last two weeks praying and holding vigils,' Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said.
Britains steel industry has been in sharp decline for decades. Domestic crude steel production fell last year to only 4m tonnes, the lowest total since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

And output is forecast to drop again this year, and for the next few years, until Tatas electric arc furnaces come on stream at Port Talbot in 2028.

Yet even at such depressed levels, whats left of the industry is of great strategic value. Home-made steel is used by the defence industry for rails, cars, housing, bridges, offshore wind turbines and cutting-edge Small Modular Reactors.

So, pretty critical to all the most vital parts of the countrys fabric as well as for national security.

More pertinently, steel-making also remains a big employer in some of the UKs poorest communities, supporting 36,800 jobs and another 46,000 in the supply chain.

Which makes it all the more devastating that the industry  already suffering from global overcapacity because countries such as China and India heavily subsidise their industries  is once again under the hammer.

Challenges: UK steel output is forecast to drop again this year, and for the next few years, until Tatas new electric arc furnaces come on stream at Port Talbot in 2028

Whats more, this blow could prove existential. Ironically, the latest threat comes from the UKs biggest steel trading partner, the European Union: nearly 80 per cent of our steel exports  or 1.9m tonnes  went to EU countries last year.

But now the European Commission proposes tariffs of 50 per cent on steel imports worldwide above the quotas set over a decade ago.

This raises the likelihood that the UK could be flooded with even more cheaper imports, which would destroy the last of the still-standing steel companies.

Some 70 per cent of all finished steel products used in the UK are imported from overseas. As one industrialist put it: This risks being Trump on steroids.

Yet it is in the EUs interests to come to some sort of deal with the UK as we are also the blocs biggest export market: this is not a zero sum game.

Last year, nearly two thirds of all UK finished steel imports came from the EU. Both trading partners have much to lose.

What, then, can be done to save the industry? UK Steels Gareth Stace urges the Government to pull two levers immediately.

First, use its preferential leverage with the EU to negotiate specific quotas with the UK. Second, for the Government to tighten imports quotas, probably by about half.

To date, Labour has woken up to the crisis. It has taken control of Chinese-owned British Steel and is supporting Tata with 500million of subsidies.

Now it needs to speed up its long-term steel strategy due later this autumn with cast-iron guarantees, particularly on import limits.

For the situation can only worsen. The OECD believes that worldwide steel overcapacity was 600m tonnes last year  and that in two years time that will have jumped to 721m tonnes.

Thats not an efficient marketplace. Half the world is subsidising its industry and the other half is imposing tariffs. Something has to give.

Roll with the punches

Another market that needs shaking up is NHS drug pricing. Over the last few weeks pharma bosses have been rolling with the punches, threatening to leave Britain because of our appalling ancient regime for drug pricing, last updated in 1999, and which limits the amount spent per patient per year on drugs at 20,000.

Merck has gone. GSKs Emma Walmsley warns that pricing makes the UK uncompetitive while AstraZeneca put on hold new investment at its Cambridge global research HQ.

Now chairman Shaun Grady has gone further, warning to halt all UK investment unless the regime changes. He also warns patients are being denied life-saving treatments.

This is plainly bad for patients, but also the UKs life science industries, which is meant to be one of our most thriving.

Is this a case of pharma talking its own book? Its not as simple as that. Drug pricing is complex  and a centuries old problem. There are two issues to be addressed.

The Quality Adjusted Life Years formula needs updating and the NHS should indeed spend more on medicines as a proportion of its budget  many of todays drugs are preventative rather than therapeutic which makes them more cost-effective.

Wes Streeting, who walked out of the last industry meeting, should get back to the table.
My wife sadly died of cancer recently at the age of 51. In June this year, when we were told she had less than a year to live, she submitted a claim for terminal illness on her life insurance with Aviva.

This should have triggered a payout of 422,310, which was designed to pay off our mortgage.

Aviva said it would take nine working days to decide whether to pay out. But after nine weeks it had still not made a decision.

After my wife passed away, Aviva said I had to restart the process because she had died, which I cannot bear to do. Please help.

M. Y., Bournemouth.

Snubbed: Aviva failed to pay out on a life insurance policy after the holder tragically died aged just 51

Sally Hamilton replies: I was most upset to read your email. Your wife had endured a horrible illness and wanted the reassurance of knowing the familys finances would be secure when the end came. She was frightened you might lose the house if Aviva denied the claim.

But the insurance company that you expected to offer peace of mind in your moment of need let you both down. It was the one thing you say she couldnt make peace with in her final weeks.

Despite your wife chasing Aviva four times and explaining in two emails that she was receiving palliative care, with the cancer quickly progressing, her pleas for a quick decision fell on deaf ears. Your wife died without knowing whether the policy would pay out.

Many life insurance policies include terminal illness cover. This means a claim can be made on the policy if a policyholder has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is likely to die within 12 months.

This is designed to help them organise their financial affairs in advance rather than it being left for their family to sort out after theyre gone.

Such payouts should be made quickly once the insurer receives a confirmed diagnosis from the medics involved. In your wifes case, you could not understand what had delayed matters.

You say Aviva was waiting for your wifes oncologist for four working days. Apart from those four days, you say the process was under the insurers control.

Scam Watch DIY fans are being warned about an advert on Facebook and Instagram that offers a hidden way to claim a DeWalt tool kit. This advert has fake stories of disgruntled ex-Screwfix employees who claim that by following a provided link you will be able to get a free DeWalt 20V drill and sander worth more than 300. The advert also claims it is a limited time offer. Yet, once you click on the link, you are asked to provide personal information and bank details to receive the items  this is a scam designed to steal your money.

A week after she died, you called Aviva. It had still no progress to report. In fact, it wanted you to restart the claim because your wife had died, which you unsurprisingly could not face. You raised a complaint to the chief executive as well as asking for my help.

I urged Aviva to act quickly to meet the claim and explain why you and your wife had been left in this cruel limbo. A senior assessor contacted you to apologise for Avivas handling of the claim and confirmed it would be paid without further ado.

The conversation gave you the opportunity to properly explain to a complaints manager how the uncertainty had impacted your wife.

You thanked me for my involvement and said it made you feel your concerns and frustration were validated, having been previously ignored.

Although Aviva offered no explanation as to what exactly went wrong in this case, it admitted you and your wife had faced an extremely poor experience which it said was not typical of its usual service.

A spokesman said: We are extremely sorry for the distress caused to M.Y. and his late wife. We recognise this is an incredibly painful time, and we regret that our service did not meet the level of care and urgency that such circumstances demand.

We have settled the claim including backdating payment to when the claim was made, adding interest and paying additional compensation.

Aviva added: A full review is under way to ensure lessons are learned and that our service reflects the support and sensitivity people rightly expect at such a difficult time.

With the full payout made, and 1,500 compensation, you can at least forget about finances for now and concentrate on grieving for your wife.

John Lewis shaded me over missing sunglasses

I ordered a 65 pair of sunglasses from John Lewis. I went away but received notification that theyd been delivered by Evri five days later.

They were delivered at the same time as a parcel of dog food from another firm and were left in my nominated safe place.

My daughter took in the dog food, but didnt find any sunglasses. Apparently, they were placed on top of the larger parcel, as can be seen in Evris photos.

Unfortunately, this made the packet more visible to the road and they were stolen.

John Lewis told me to raise a claim for a refund from my credit card provider. This failed because of the photo showing the items on the doorstep. Do I have any recourse?

J. L., London.

Sally Hamilton replies: Ordinarily, when a buyer orders something from a retailer it must deliver the item in one piece directly to them.

According to the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if something goes wrong with the delivery, such as being lost, broken or stolen, it is the retailer that must refund the customer  or replace the item.

So far so good. Unfortunately, in the scenario you describe there is a gap in that protection. Customers who tick a box requesting to have a parcel delivered to a particular alternative safe place, do not get the same protection.

When you filled in the box suggesting that your sunglasses order be left behind the door next to your house if you werent in, you lost the right to a refund or replacement.

Had you left that space blank and the courier had chosen to put the package in that space without your authorisation, you would have been entitled to request your money back.

Despite the regulations not being on your side, I thought John Lewis might honour your request for a refund as you have been a loyal customer for many decades.

On re-examining your case, John Lewis said it was sorry to hear about your experience and said as a goodwill gesture it would refund you in the form of a 65 gift voucher.

You say you wont be ticking that box in future for deliveries, even if it means parcels being left on your doorstep in full view of the street.

Straight to the point My husband died a few months ago and I have tried to claim a 94 refund from Kensington and Chelsea Council for a resident parking permit he had paid for in advance. It says the refund must be made on to the card that made the payment. But my late husbands cards are frozen. It wont budge. J.S., via email. Kensington and Chelsea Council apologises and says you are providing evidence of executor this week and then you should be refunded. *** One year ago, I took out an insurance policy via MoneySuperMarket which said I could claim a 65 Amazon voucher after I had six monthly premiums and waited 40 days. But a year on and I have not received anything. MoneySuperMarket refuses to acknowledge my policy. C.W, via email. Moneysupermarket apologises for the delay and says your gift card has now been sent to you. *** I ran a shop, which closed in October last year. I gave my energy provider a final meter reading when I left but it told me this was far below its estimate. It pursued me in the next eight months, saying I owed 579. I received a revised final bill in July for 158.34 and paid it to bring an end to the matter, though I still believe I didnt owe anything. Now the energy company says I still owe 579 and it is preparing legal action. I.R., North Yorkshire. The energy supplier said an error meant you received an inaccurate bill. You have been sent a cheque for 573.11, the amount of credit that should have been in your account when you closed it, as well as a 100 goodwill gesture.
Supermarket shares slipped yesterday after Asda fired the latest salvo in a price war by announcing cuts on nearly 1,000 products.

Britains third-largest grocer has stepped up its fight to win customers ahead of what threatens to be an expensive Christmas for families.

Retail experts said there may be further price cuts in the sector before the festive season as Asdas go big or go home move spooked stocks.

Tesco shares fell 0.2 per cent and Sainsburys dipped 0.6 per cent. Asda said prices have been cut by an average of 6 per cent across 956 household staples.

Executive chairman Allan Leighton has been trying to turn around the beleaguered firm, which has seen its market share crash from 12.7 per cent to 11.8 per cent in the past year.

Leighton, who returned to Asda last year having been chief executive from 1996 to 2000, has already launched a round of price cuts this year. The grocer aims to be 7 per cent to 10 per cent cheaper than rivals within the next year.

Price cuts: Asda's executive chairman Allan Leighton (pictured) has been trying to turnaround the firm, which has seen its market share crash from 12.7% to 11.8% in the past year

The latest round of cuts include lowering Asda Gravy Granules from 1 to 69p and Asda Chicken Tikka Masala (392g) from 2.40 to 1.57.

Once Britains second-biggest supermarket, it has been flailing since brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa and private equity giant TDR Capital bought it in a 6.8billion debt-fuelled deal in 2020.

Asda chief customer officer Rachel Eyre said yesterday: We understand the pressure families are under from rising living costs and were stepping up our support as we enter an expensive time of year for our customers.

Retail analyst Jonathan De Mello said Asda was clearly not pulling any punches with this latest initiative with prices on some goods cut by as much as 30 per cent.

He added: Asda under Allan Leighton appears to be adopting a go hard or go home mentality, and that frankly is what the business needs to stand any chance of winning shoppers back.

Predictably, Tesco and Sainsburys have taken a share price hit as a result of Asdas announcement, given the potential for a protracted price war in the run up to the key Christmas period.
Shell has taken a 450million hit from stopping a major biofuels project in Rotterdam.

The FTSE 100 oil giant axed the Dutch site last month after spending around a year on pause due to technical issues.

Shell said yesterday that the cost of the move would be felt in the third quarter.

But shares rose 1.5 per cent as it also told investors trading in its integrated gas division is set to have been significantly higher in the third quarter of 2025 than the previous quarter.

The company also lifted its production guidance for the amount of liquified natural gas (LNG) it would produce. The group said it expects to deliver profits of around 3.2billion for the third quarter.

Garry White of broker Charles Stanley said: Shells third-quarter results highlighted the companys resilience in a softer commodity environment.
Shares in Golden Virginia maker Imperial Brands rose back towards eight-year highs as it promised to hand almost 1.5billion back to investors.

The FTSE 100 firm said it is on track after revenues were buoyed by higher prices of cigarettes and strong demand for new products such as vapes and heated tobacco.

The company, which owns the Blu e-cigarette brand, also launched a 1.45billion share buyback, sending the stock up 3.4 per cent.

Shares are hovering around levels last seen in early 2018 in a boost to new chief executive Lukas Paravicini.

They were boosted by a growing market share in the US, Germany and Australia, broadly offsetting declines in the UK and Spain.
Jaguar Land Rover will restart production today after a cyber-attack shut down its factories and sent sales tumbling.

The car maker said workers will return to sites in the West Midlands and Merseyside after more than five weeks of disruption following the hack at the end of August.

It also unveiled a financing scheme to fast-track payments to struggling suppliers left fighting for survival by the crisis.

The reopening of its manufacturing operations comes after Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) yesterday revealed it sold 85,495 vehicles between July and September  down 17.1 per cdent on the same period last year.

Sales in the UK were down nearly a third as JLR reeled from the impact of the cyber-attack, which crippled it to the point that it has not produced a single vehicle since the end of August.

The firm said it has been a challenging quarter as it also grappled with higher US tariffs and the phasing out of older Jaguar models as it shifts to electric vehicles.

Back to work: Jaguar Land Rover said workers will return to sites in the West Midlands and Merseyside after more than five weeks disruption following the hack

Boss Adrian Mardell said: We know there is much more to do but our recovery is firmly underway.

The firm, owned by Indias Tata Motors, said assembly line workers will return to its engine plant in Wolverhampton and its battery centre in Coleshill, Birmingham, today.

It will also restart stamping operations in Castle Bromwich, Solihull and Halewood on Merseyside together with key areas of its Solihull vehicle production plant such as its body shop, paint shop and its logistics operations centre.

JLR said this will be closely followed later this week by the reopening of its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport production lines at the Solihull factory and its operations in Slovakia where the Defender and Discovery are made.

There was no confirmation, however, of when full production will resume at Halewood where it builds the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque.

The phased reopening will come as a relief to JLRs 30,000 workers in the UK as well as some 120,000 employed in the supply chain.

Around 1,000 vehicles a day usually roll off JLR production lines in the West Midlands and Merseyside and the shutdown is estimated to have cost it around 2billion in lost revenue.

The pause has also left its suppliers in limbo, leading to fears that small firms producing parts for the car giant could collapse without financial support.

This week marks an important moment for JLR and all our stakeholders as we now restart our manufacturing operations following the cyber incident, said Mardell.

Our suppliers are central to our success, and today we are launching a new financing arrangement that will enable us to pay our suppliers early.

I would like to thank everyone connected to JLR for their commitment, hard work and endeavour in recent weeks to bring us to this moment.

The Government recently announced it would underwrite a 1.5billion loan guarantee to JLR to give suppliers some certainty over payments.
A Michigan preacher who shot to fame after a fiery confrontation with Dearborn's mayor has broken his silence. He insists he is no bigot, but a Christian peacemaker determined to call out what he says is the 'double standards' of Islam in the West.

Ted Barham became an unlikely viral star this month when he stepped up to the microphone at a Dearborn City Council meeting to oppose naming a street after an Arab activist he described as a supporter of Hamas and Hezbollah.

The move sparked a furious exchange with Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, 35, who cut Barham off, branded him a 'racist' and an 'Islamophobe,' and told him: 'You are not welcome here.' The mayor promised to hold a celebratory parade when Barham leaves the city.

The clip, shared millions of times online, has divided the nation.

Hammoud - the first Arab American to lead the majority Muslim city - was hailed by supporters for defending his constituents, but critics accused him of silencing dissent. A petition demanding his resignation has garnered 7,500 signatures.

Representatives for Hammoud did not immediately responded to the Daily Mail's request for comment.

Meanwhile, Barham, 47, has been alternately denounced as a provocateur and celebrated as a champion of free speech.

Now, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Barham has set out his side of the story - presenting himself not as a firebrand preacher looking for a fight, but as a father, husband and minister worried about the creeping erosion of religious liberty.

Dearborn-based preacher Ted Barham (pictured) regularly clashes with officials in the Muslim-majority city

Dearborn is home to one of the largest populations of Arabs and the Arab diaspora in the US. Residents frequently host pro-Palestine protests

'I'm not against Muslim people,' he said. 'One of my main messages is: Love your Muslim neighbor. But love also means telling the truth as a Christian.'

Barham, who preaches within the evangelical Plymouth Brethren denomination, said his dispute with Hammoud shone a spotlight on a larger, global imbalance.

'In the West, Muslims can build mosques, spread their religion, even run for office,' he said.

'But Christians in Saudi Arabia aren't even allowed one church, in Pakistan or Bangladesh they are persecuted. It's a one-way street, and someone has to say it.'

He pointed to Zohran Mamdani, the New York state assemblyman tipped as a potential future mayor of America's largest city, as proof of how far Muslims have advanced politically in the US.

'Mamdani can proudly run for office in America as a Muslim,' Barham said.

'But could a Christian do that in most Muslim countries? Impossible. We can't usually even become citizens. That's the one-way street I'm talking about.'

Barham raised tough questions about how freedom of religion and political participation differ between Western nations and Islamic countries. Though, many of the latter are illiberal or autocratic, making straightforward comparisons difficult.

The minister claimed that America could one day follow a reported trend in Britain and Europe of suppressing Christian voices in the name of tolerance.

'America is the last safe place where I can speak freely,' he claimed. 'In Europe, if you say the wrong thing about Islam, you're silenced and accused of Islamophobia.'

Barham's worldview has been shaped by an unusually international upbringing.

He was born in Zambia, holds both Canadian and British passports, and has lived in Pakistan, Lebanon, Israel, Germany and the UK.

He and his wife settled in Dearborn seven years ago, raising two children in a city famous for its Middle Eastern bakeries, markets and mosques.

Barham said he loved the 'warmth and vibrancy' of the local Arab-American community, but also discovered how quickly he could be branded a troublemaker.

His attempt to broadcast a Christian call to prayer in Arabic, mirroring the Islamic adhan, has faced opposition.

His proposal for a Christian film festival was met with hostility, while, he claims, larger Muslim events passed without question.

Barham said he is a peacemaker who doesn't take sides in the Israel-Palestine conflict

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud (pictured) issued a scathing response to Barham after the preacher complained about a street name honoring an Arab-American activist

And, he said, his Facebook account was deleted after he posted videos encouraging Muslims to explore Christianity. His '16 years of Facebook history' was lost to cyberspace.

Barham said his determination to speak out was fueled in part by regrets from his time in Britain.

While living in Oxford, he recalled, local authorities failed to address a scandal in which gangs of men groomed and abused young girls.

Independent reports had found that hundreds of mostly white British girls were abused by these men, many of whom were British Pakistani, in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Subject experts have said that police, other officials and even newspapers were too afraid to act at the time for fear of being labelled racist.

Eventually, the findings gave way to broader research, which shows that grooming was - and still is - a widespread issue in the UK, with majority of offenders in 2024 being white British men while some (around one in eight, according to the BBC) were British Pakistani.

'I stayed silent about the grooming gangs in Oxford because I didn't want to offend Muslims,' Barham said.

'Now I refuse to be silent again.'

He now sees echoes of that 'culture of fear' in America, where he claims officials are reluctant to criticize Islamic groups for fear of being accused of Islamophobia.

He insisted his decision to oppose the street naming in Dearborn was not an attack on Muslims, but a stand against extremism.

'I'll go back to City Council, not with lawsuits, but to say again, 'God bless you, mayor,'' Barham said. 'And I'll remind them - Israel, Hezbollah, everyone - love your haters.'

The Democratic mayor has likewise refused to back down, doubling down with a defiant speech at a September 23 council meeting, pointedly refusing to apologize for the controversy.

Instead, he blasted 'sensationalized headlines' that he said had misrepresented Dearborn, and noted the city's history of Muslim residents being targeted with hate.

'Across every background, every faith, every identity, we have built a city that is not only strong but truly an example for the rest of this nation,' Hammoud said.

'Dearborn is a city that welcomes and embraces everyone. Our unity should be a model for America itself.'

The exchange with Hammoud may have been bruising, but Barham said it has opened a necessary conversation.

He rejected accusations that he seeks confrontation for its own sake, pointing instead to his friendships with Muslim neighbors and the converts he has worked with over the years.

'I love Dearborn,' he said. 'I love Middle Eastern culture. But I will not stay silent about the double standards Christians face.'

In 2023, Dearborn became the first Arab-majority city in the US, with roughly 55 percent of residents claiming Middle Eastern or North African ancestry

The Pakistani Christians whose homes were burned enjoy few of the protections afforded to Muslims in the West, Barham claimed

Barham insisted his faith makes him a bridge-builder, not an enemy of Muslims.

'I grieve for every child killed - Palestinian or Israeli,' he said, speaking about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 'I'm not here to take sides. I'm here as a Christian peacemaker.'

But he added that Western naivety about Islam could one day come at a cost - unless Muslim leaders in democracies such as Britain and the US recognize their freedoms, which he said run counter to limitations placed on Christians abroad.

'Muslim people in the West have reached the age of responsibility... there are so many in powerful positions - with London Mayor Sadiq Khan and possibly New York City soon.'

For Barham, the viral clash with Hammoud is only the beginning. Far from being cowed by the mayor's public rebuke, he intends to return to the City Council chamber to repeat his message of love - and warning.
Two years have passed, but Yoav Haver says he will never be able to unsee the trail of corpses on the blood-soaked roads as he fled for his life during the Nova music festival massacre.

The 24-year-old was shot three times and nearly lost his hand when he tried to escape from machine gun-toting terrorists as they murdered 378 people, mostly partygoers, during the October 7, 2023, attack.

He was forced to crawl through swarms of dead bodies to hide from Hamas gunmen after they stormed the Supernova trance music festival in the Negev desert, also taking 44 people captive.

The electrical engineering student and his friend Tomer were ambushed by terrorists on three occasions as they attempted to flee through roads filled with lifeless bodies in a makeshift getaway car.

He was shot in the arm when lying in bushes and later shot again as he hid in a medical tent before eventually being escorted to a hospital eight hours later, at which point his hand had turned black from blood loss.

'We heard the alarm at around 7am and drove away for a minute before four armed terrorists jumped out of a bush and just started shooting and spraying us,' he told the Daily Mail.

'Me and Tomer, each of us was hit with three bullets. I got two in my left arm and one in my right and Tomer got all three in his right arm.'

Tomer performed a U-turn to avoid being shot further but the car broke down 30 seconds later, leaving the pair forced to flee on foot, reaching one of the festival's medical tents.

Yoav Haver (pictured with therapy dog Teddy) was shot three times and nearly lost his hand when he tried to escape from the Nova festival massacre

Machine gun-toting terrorists murdered 378 people, mostly partygoers, after they stormed the music festival

Hamas gunmen then stormed by just 15 minutes later, with the friends separated as Yoav ran to shelter in bushes for two hours.

'Every time I had to move from hiding spots I saw people getting shot, and I saw dead bodies on the floor,' he said. 'I had to crawl between dead bodies so I wouldn't be seen.

'There was one body of a dead girl that I cannot forget. She was shot right in the middle of her forehead. She had a big hole right there. Her knees and head were on the ground but her hip was up, like a scorpion.

'That was one image I can never unsee.

'There's also this image I have of the road filled with dead bodies, burnt people and broken cars on every side. It was really everywhere you looked.

'I also remember looking down at my hand which had turned black. It was very graphic. Most people who saw my injury couldn't believe that my hand works now, let alone that I even have it.

'When I was hiding I thought I would get kidnapped - that's the worst case. Or I could die, that's the good case.'

After hiding in the bushes, the student found two medics who wrapped his badly bleeding arm with a tourniquet.

Yoav was forced to crawl through swarms of dead bodies to hide from Hamas gunmen on October 7

Since leaving hospital Yoav has adopted a dog of his own, which he named Nova

Pictured: An armed Palestinian militant leading a man away during the Supernova music festival

They tried to evacuate him in a festival-goer's Mazda but it was again targeted by gunfire and he later hid in the besieged Kibbutz Re'im.

'We went to Kibbutz Re'im but we didn't know it was completely occupied by Hamas,' he said.

'The second our car got inside the gate, all of the terrorists just started spraying us again. They were hiding at home so we couldn't see them at that time.

'They were hiding in buildings and apartments, and they sprayed us and very luckily we were able to get through that.

'But we got locked in the kibbutz. We were hiding there, we were four people we had no way to escape, and we were waiting and waiting, and after two hours, there I saw, my hand was in a point that it was getting black and I was afraid to lose it.'

Israeli soldiers eventually took control of the kibbutz nearly three hours later and Yoav was rushed to hospital, where he was reunited with Tomer.

Nova festival, which was meant to be a celebration of love and spirituality for around 3,500 Israelis and foreign visitors ended with 378 murdered as men with Kalashnikovs marched through the campsite, unleashing bullets indiscriminately at civilians while rockets flew overhead.

Many who survived the festival massacre witnessed extreme violence, including rape and mutilation and have suffered from severe trauma.

Last October, survivor Shirel Golan died by suicide at her family home on her 22nd birthday after developing PTSD and depression after the attacks.

Yoav has credited Teddy, a therapy dog he met during his recovery, in helping him start to heal.

Teddy helps his owner Keren Matry (pictured), a Senior Nurse and Dog Therapy Specialist at Rabin Medical Center

Teddy has helped his owner Keren Matry, a Senior Nurse and Dog Therapy Specialist at Rabin Medical Center, since age two and is used as part of a pioneering medical approach developed alongside Michal Leowenstein, a nursing manager and Animal Assisted Therapist.

While therapy dogs are often used in hospitals, Teddy is uniquely used in all forms of clinical treatment, from intensive care to neurology.

He has helped more than 100 injured patients by accompanying them through treatment since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza war, including families of hostages held by Hamas.

Ms Matry told the Mail: 'He sees them in a situation as they are, as is, with no judgment, no negotiation, and he loves them without any preconditions, which is very, rare in the atmosphere between humans.

'At one stage, patients start to worry about the dog, because they feel very connected to him. So instead of being patients, they are the ones who are taking care of the dog.'

Yoav added: 'The first few months after the attack were really hard. I didn't have much time to focus on my mental issues because I was focusing on physical recovery. After about six months, I was able to start addressing my mental issues.

'I met Teddy when I was hospitalized and I love dogs. A lot of the time I was lying in my bed thinking about what happened, and I was very sad or angry, Teddy would come and it would make me smile.

Teddy has helped more than 100 injured patients by accompanying them through treatment since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza war, including families of hostages held by Hamas.

Another patient, also a Nova survivor, had severe injuries all over her body after hiding in a tunnel for nine hours during the massacre.

'She was in a very low mood as many of her friends were murdered,' Ms Matry said. 'She wouldn't talk about her experience at first but her confidence grew after meeting Teddy.

'When she later talked about October 7 she was looking at me but talking to Teddy.'

He has also helped families of hostages.

'There was one case where a father was a hostage who was killed in captivity while his wife was pregnant,' Ms Matry said.

'We were with the kids when they arrived and were informed of his death. They really hugged Teddy which helped bring a bit of light into a positive situation.'

Dr. Jonathan Reiner, Senior Neurologist and Head of Neuromodulation and Deep Brain Stimulation Service at Rabin Medical Center said: 'Teddy has been a valuable member of our team, no doubt.

'We can see the effect he's had on patients has been phenomenal, to enable us to assess and engage with patients after strokes, after very debilitating conditions. To see how the dog is able to actually elicit some kind of emotional response or movement or motor response from these patients.'

'With neurodegenerative disorders and movement disorders, there's more and more use of dogs. Through their sense of smell, they're able to diagnose different conditions.

While therapy dogs are often used in hospitals, Teddy is uniquely used in all forms of clinical treatment, from intensive care to neurology

'Hospital environments are very sterile and clinical and often put people in a position where they feel vulnerable and alone. It's always nice to see how using these therapeutic dogs breaks the ice and allows for some emotions to come through.

'We know about the use of these dogs with patients who suffer from epilepsy, and how these dogs are able to detect changes in mood and behavior and call out for help before the seizure actually occurs.

'It's been invaluable to see the effect and how it changes everyone's state of mind and mood on the ward.'

Since leaving hospital Yoav has adopted a dog of his own, which he named Nova.

'She got me to wake up from bed and to go outside and walk and not just stay home and get in a depressed situation, and has really lifted my spirits.

He added: 'Obviously I think about the attack every day and a lot of times I look at my hand and I remember but I don't let it break me.

'I also think of my grandfather who survived Auschwitz and the Holocaust and was always a happy man with a smile - after everything he went through.

'Now I am a student. I am studying electrical engineering. I just finished my second year and have two left. It means way more now. It's more than just completing my degree. It's winning against those who tried to kill me.'
Disappointed vendors claim they are thousands out of pocket after signing up to a 'disaster' pet show that failed to attract the 20,000 visitors promised.

London Pet Show Live 2025, held at Olympia London at the weekend, was hailed by organisers as the 'UK's biggest show for pet lovers', with stall holders attracted by promises of huge numbers coming through the doors.

But several vendors have now come forward to say those figures never transpired -with the reality closer to 2,000 attendees, the event space largely left empty, and the atmosphere described as 'dead, dead, dead'.

They claim organisers failed to promote the show enough and said many of the visitors who came along to the two-day event, held on September 20 and 21, were not pet owners but rather 'uninterested parents wanting to take their children out for the day'.

Celebrity vet Dr Scott Miller was spotted on the main stage giving his talk to 'just two people' and row upon row of empty seats, while social media influencer Travis Nelson and his cat, Sigrid, were taken aback by the lack of visitors turning up to their 'meet and greet'.

Several vendors say the lack of footfall meant they were left with unsold stock and sale figures far less than they had projected.

In one case, the Daily Mail heard about a retailer who forked out 2,000 for their pitch - but made just 1.50 on their first day.

Many have also told how they were buying from each other in an effort to help stem their collective losses.

They say they have contacted organisers Elite Events Ltd and the man behind the company, Oscar Von Keysall, but not all had yet received a response from him.

Disappointed vendors claim they are thousands out of pocket after signing up to a 'disaster' pet show that failed to attract the 20,000 visitors promised

'A complete failing': One vendor said a lack of marketing meant there were hardly any visitors to the show despite promises of up to 20,000 people through the door

Celebrity vet Dr Scott Miller was spotted on the main stage delivering his talk to just two people

Debra Hagland, founder of Wicked Fudge, said her experience of London Pet Show Live amounted to 'the worst show I've done in 40 years of trading'.

The business owner was especially aggrieved that, after signing up for a stall in January, she was told only days before the event she would be 'unable to sell fudge' due to selling restrictions inside the event space.

'I received an email saying that I couldn't sell it at the event, I could only give it away for free. Oscar took my booking in January knowing what my business was and that I would have a problem.'

She adds that she was told 'repeatedly' that there would be a footfall exceeding 20,000 people, thanks to a large 'media push' promised by Elite Events.

'But when it came to it we only had 2,000 people through the event. No marketing, no push, no media. Basically we were lied to.'

Ms Hagland paid 800 plus VAT for a 2 x2 sqm space - but only took around 600 over the two days. She revealed that at least half of that amount came from sales to other stallholders.

By contrast, the weekend before at a 'brand new event in Kent, in a field, in the middle of nowhere', she took 3,000.

The business owner said she had been expecting to take between 5,000 to 6,000 at London Pet Show Live had the audience figures been as promised - and worked 18 hour days 'flat out' in the run-up to the event to boost her stock of hand-made fudge.

Ash Harris, co-founder of TinyFriendsUK, which makes hand-made polymer clay pins and key rings, criticised the show during a TikTok review of the event

Several companies say the low number of sold tickets meant they were left with unsold stock and sales far less than they expected. Pictured: The event appears almost empty of visitors

Several vendors were left shocked by the lack of footfall to the London Pet Show Live 2025, held at Olympia London at the weekend

'I don't expect to go to a major show in London and only take 600', she said, adding that other stall holders had told her they were 'thousands' out of pocket after the weekend.

'I have never had an experience with an organiser basically being bulls****ed to this level'.

Luisa Stravino, founder of PetBuddy, which sells natural and ethically-sourced treats and sustainable toys, said the absence of visitors to the event was obvious - and said 'there was just nobody there'.

She said: 'There's just no way they sold 24,000 tickets. It was dead, dead, dead. People were not spending money and when we spoke to the visitors, many said they had been given a free ticket.

'We were getting a lot of people saying, "I was given a free ticket on the street, I've not even got a pet, I'm just here because I was walking past and was bored and got given a free ticket."

'So even the audience that was there were not the right crowd for this event.'

Ms Stravino - who paid 800 plus VAT for her 2 sqm by 3 sqm stall - said she was so disappointed by her sales figure of 153.11 on the first day that she returned to the venue on the Sunday and simply packed up her stall.

Other vendors who remained told her that the footfall was 'even worse' on the second day, she claimed.

The low numbers at the show made London Olympia's event space look like a 'ghost town'

'You would expect if you've got 24,000 people coming to make, over the course of two days, about 4,000, which is a conservative estimate.'

She added: 'It just felt like it had been thrown together with no thought. Everyone's money has been taken.

'They were so confident in selling it to us, saying this will be an amazing event, and it was just an absolute s***show.'

Ash Harris, co-founder of TinyFriendsUK, which makes hand-made polymer clay pins and key rings, shared his experience on a TikTok video, which has generated more than 9,000 likes since it was uploaded two days ago.

He said: 'I've done events at Olympia before - London Film and Comic Con and Hyper Japan. There were queues, but this one - it was dead outside. There was nobody there, it was a disaster.

'They promised 20,000 people - I'm going to be generous and say at the absolute most 3,000.'

Ash added: 'I think these people have taken the money and they have gone.'

Ash Harris of TinyFriendsUK said of the event: 'It was dead outside. There was nobody there, it was a disaster'

Influencer Travis Nelson and his Norwegian forest cat, Sigrid, were among the handful of special guests asked to attend the event - with the keen cyclist telling the Daily Mail he was 'foolish enough' to accept the invitation.

The pair became an internet sensation in 2021 after filming and writing a book about their adventures exploring London, with Sigrid taking pride of place in the bicycle's front basket.

American-born Mr Nelson, who has 384,000 followers on his Instagram account with his feline friend, said he was approached by Mr Keysall to attend the event and was offered a free stall in lieu of payment where he could sell copies of his book, Sigrid Rides.

He did however have to rent a table and chairs for 100 and also had to purchase his own insurance, putting his costs at 150 overall before the event.

Like other vendors, Mr Nelson was told 'up to 20,000 people' would be attending - but his experience at the event was very different.

'On the Saturday, so few people came. For comparison, I went to The Cat Show Live at NEC Birmingham the week prior, and I sold my entire inventory of 50 books before lunchtime.

'But for the entire day at London Pet Show Live, including a public talk and a book signing, I sold just 10 books.

'I gave my talk in the Literary Quarter - and the first two rows were empty. There were a few people sitting in the back. There was just no one there.

Organisers of London Pet Show Live admitted in a statement: 'We recognise that numbers did fall short of expectations'

'I was completely shocked. I almost hired an assistant to come, because normally it's so busy signing and selling books - but instead I found myself sitting and looking at my phone or walking around and talking to other vendors, because there was just no one there.'

Of the visitors who came along to the show, Mr Nelson said the 'majority' were 'people having a day out with their children' and they were 'completely uninterested' in speaking to him about his unusual story.

He said the general feeling among vendors was that they were 'inexperienced' and felt 'nervous' they might lose the money they had invested into the event, because the footfall was so quiet.

'I feel lucky that I was only 150 out of pocket, but I feel terrible for all these vendors who are out by a lot of money. I think its awful for them.

'My wife thought it was a scam because there was a lot of nickel and diming.

'There was a photographer who paid 960 for one electrical outlet for the weekend. Everything seemed to be set up to extract money from the people there, and it did not seem to be in our favor.

'But I said I was gonna be there, so I followed it through.

Influencer Travis Nelson said he was 'shocked' by how few people turned up to the event. Pictured: His cat Sigrid awaiting visitors to their stall

Travis Nelson and his Norwegian forest cat, Sigrid, were among the handful of influencers asked to attend the event - with the keen cyclist telling the Daily Mail he was 'foolish enough' to accept the invitation

'I would say is that if you are attending a trade show or convention, you need to do your diligence. They have a lot of marketing material, they make a lot of promises, but that doesn't mean that it's gonna happen or that it's legitimate.

'That's the lesson I've taken from this.'

Lily Bewick, founding owner of Bew Dogs, which sells stylish accessories for pets, revealed she was 'close to tears when we realised what a failing it was'.

The small business owner and her husband paid 800 plus VAT for a 2x3 sqm space - but made just eight sales on the Saturday totalling 185.

She revealed that six of these were to other vendors and one to an influencer, meaning only one sale was made to a ticket holding guest.

Ms Bewick told the Daily Mail: 'We have been massively left out of pocket. Add in fuel, parking, food and childcare, it's probably about 1,000 loss for us - when we were relying on a few thousand in takings to pay our bills.

'That's without factoring in the work put in to get ready for the show. We know that what was delivered is not what was promised.

'The exhibitor promotional materials stated at least 20,000 guests across the two days. But the footfall was atrocious, there was hardly anyone there, and stands were empty most of the day.'

She added the organiser had been in touch by email and they are 'waiting and hoping for a refund on the stand fees' - but she remains concerned that as a small family-run business they might not be able to pay their bills this month.

Independent pet supplies business Minipetz was also disappointed by their experience after taking a small stand at the show.

Owner Emma Teader said she took just under 800 over the weekend, but lost more than 1,000 overall after factoring in her accommodation, parking and loss of normal working hours.

She said she has been left feeling 'devastated' and that it had been a 'make or break' show for her business, which has been struggling amid rising costs.

Emma said: 'It is difficult to understand how a show like this could have gone so wrong when what was sold to us was huge. Many of us have been to other big pet shows, we know how it works, but none of us could have predicted how badly this could have gone.

'It must at the very least have been incompetence, laziness or negligence. Did they just have a blind hope that it would be successful without doing any marketing?

'We were certainly sold something that wasn't real, so I would call it a scam.'

In an email seen by the Daily Mail, Oscar Von Keysall, director of Elite Events Live Ltd, apologised to disappointed exhibitors - but stopped short of offering any refunds.

He wrote: 'On behalf of London Pet Show Live and Elite Events Live Ltd, I would like to extend our deepest apologies for the disappointment and frustration you experienced at this year's event.

'We recognise the time, money and effort you invested, and we are sincerely sorry that the show did not deliver on the expectations that you expected.'

Mr Keysall went on to say that the 20,000 figure quoted to vendors were 'anticipated numbers' and 'never a guaranteed figure'.

He said: 'We accept that for a launch show these figures were too optimistic and not sufficiently caveated.

'The figures presented were based on external advice, past precedent and genuine belief in what could be achieved. While the outcome fell far short, there was no intent to mislead.'

The statement added: 'We know words cannot undo the financial or emotional impact this year's event has caused. What we can do is own our mistakes, learn from them and ensure they are not repeated.'

Mr Keysall said exhibitors who raised concerns would be offered a 'heavily discounted' stand package for 2026, a formal written apology and 'guarantee of full transparency of attendance figures, marketing spend and campaign activity.'

A spokesperson at Elite Events Live Ltd, said: 'London Pet Show Live was a launch event at Olympia and, while thousands of visitors attended across the weekend, we recognise that numbers did fall short of expectations set during pre-event communications.

'We fully acknowledge the disappointment this has caused for some exhibitors.

'We are already in direct dialogue with exhibitors to address their concerns individually and are working closely with our finance team and partners to explore potential remedies. Every exhibitor will receive a response.

'This was a first-year event, and like many launch shows, there are important lessons to learn.

'We are conducting a full review of our marketing, communications, and operational planning to ensure future shows deliver more effectively for both visitors and exhibitors.

'We take this feedback very seriously. Our priority now is to rebuild trust, respond transparently to those affected, and ensure the long-term success of the show.'
An immigration raid at a celebrity-loved Indian restaurant in Surrey where officers were said to have scaled walls and blocked off access to the toilets has been criticised as tactless.

Eleven uniformed officers wearing stab vests surrounded Mandira's Kitchen in the Surrey Hills following a 'tip off' before separating staff and quizzing them.

Immigration officers were there to support police, with it understood the intelligence related to modern slavery and suspected illegal working. No offences were found, nor any arrests made during the hour-long visit, which was made in front of customers.

Owner Mandira Sakar criticised the tactless approach, with one employee being asked to confirm details about his 11-year-old child.

'They just barged in there, and they caught hold of people and said, "show your papers" the entrepreneur told the Daily Mail.

Mandira's restaurant in the Surrey Hills has previously won high praise from celebrity chefs Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver.

She also starred on Channel 4 series Aldi's Next Big Thing in 2022.

The response by Surrey Police and immigration officers was branded by MP for Godalming and Ash Sir Jeremy Hunt as 'heavy-handed'.

Eleven uniformed officers wearing stab vests surrounded Mandira's Kitchen in the Surrey Hills following a 'tip off' before separating staff and quizzing them

Officers can be seen in CCTV footage stooping beneath a wooden rail fence, as others surround the building

Sir Jeremy described it as a 'distressing experience' for staff and has since contacted Surrey Police chief constable Tim De Meyer.

Officers can be seen in CCTV footage marching in a line along a road towards the restaurant in Silent Pool, Albury.

They then split into teams, with three stooping beneath a wooden rail fence, as others surround the building.

Mandira, who opened the business in 2019, did not want to speculate on who had provided the 'tip-off', but directed her fury instead at police and immigration officers.

'They could have checked all of this [before they came], and the fact is, nobody asked us as a business for anything,' she said.

The raid was carried out on September 17 under Section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003. This gives immigration officers the power to enter licensed premises to ascertain whether any offences under the Immigration Acts are being committed in relation to the licensable activities.

But Mandira, who was in Tanzania during the time of the raid, accused the operation of being a 'fishing expedition'.

The mother said: 'So it was all sort of intrusive kind of questioning. And then after that, they basically, obviously, they couldn't find anything, and they came into the cafe, we had customers, they blocked the toilets.

'I think what also got my goat, which is quite a petty thing, but I did get very cross about it, is that we have free parking for our customers.

'It's a paid car park, you pay in the car park, and it's not a very large amount, it's 2, but if you spend some money with us, or you are a customer, then you get free parking.

'And these guys had the cheek to actually come in and avail a free parking, which I got really cross about.

'So, not only did they come in, they intimidated staff, used free parking, and then they disappeared.'

The response by Surrey Police and immigration officers was branded by MP for Godalming and Ash Sir Jeremy Hunt as 'heavy-handed'

The raid was carried out on September 17 in front of customers under Section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003

Owner Mandira Sakar (pictured) criticised the tactless approach, with one employee being asked to confirm details about his 11-year-old child

The controversy from the visit has seen customers and locals rally around Mandira in support.

She said the small boat crisis, which Sir Keir Starmer has failed to get a grip on since he came to office, has blurred the boundaries between illegal immigrants and legal economic migrants.

'Everybody's almost seen as an illegal immigrant, rather than people who are here, who make Britain diverse, and who work here, and who are fully entitled to be here.

'When you have something like this [happen], it shakes you.'

Mandira added: 'There's just so much of this political agenda, and it's almost like normalised, that it's absolutely fine in 2025 to walk into a business, to jump in there, to intimidate staff, to ask them questions, and to leave.

'I think all of that is quite scary, because you are almost normalising something like this in 2025 Britain, which is quite astounding.'

She heaped praise on her young, diverse workforce for how they handled the situation that she described as being 'very upsetting'.

'What has quite frightened me is the manner in which it's done, and the fact was that it's almost normalised that if you employ a diverse workforce, then this is what it is, that somebody can come and just check you,' she said.

'Because your staff are brown in color.'

She added: 'I think it's actually a shame that people like me, who have never thought of race and never thought of what's the color of somebody's skin, is now seeing that. I think the fabric of the nation is beginning to fray.

'I think what people have to realise, or what I think the nation probably needs to realise, is that we are economic migrants.

'We are not illegal immigrants. I've come in here, I've built a business, I employ sixteen people, I contribute to the local economy, I'm very much entrenched in there.

'But the thing about economic migrants is they can also leave.'

The Daily Mail asked Surrey Police what, if anything, the force had done to ascertain whether the tip-off was genuine, and if it would now issue an apology.

The force did not answer any of this newspaper's questions, and instead said in a statement: 'Surrey Police's Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit and Immigration Enforcement complete intelligence-led visits to residential and commercial premises where suspected immigration and exploitation offences are taking place.

'A joint visit took place at a business premises at an address on Shere Lane, Guildford on Wednesday, 17 September at 2.30pm to complete a routine licensing check under Section 179 of the Licensing Act 2003. No offences were identified.'

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Illegal working undermines honest employers, undercuts local wages, and fuels the criminal industry of immigration crime.

'This government is determined to clamp down on that illegal activity in every sector where it occurs, including the hospitality sector.

'Under this government, enforcement action nationwide has increased, with visits and arrests up by around 50 per cent on the previous twelve months, and we will be stepping up that action further in the year ahead.'
Former popstar Myleene Klass has expressed her relief that 'my family and I finally have peace' after a schizophrenic man was convicted of stalking her.

Peter Windsor was found guilty of stalking Ms Klass, 47, after sending her an air pistol and calling her a naughty vixen during a nine-month campaign of harassment.

He also asked her in sick correspondence to 'correct him' with a whip and cane, as well as sending her letters and gifts including fancy dress costumes and jewellery.

The 61-year-old, from Stetchford, Birmingham, tried to argue some of his gifts were a joke, but was today found guilty of stalking Ms Klass between November 2023 and August 2024, following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

He was also found guilty of stalking Ms Klass's Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick, 54, after sending her a pair of binoculars, running shoes with spikes, a bottle of champagne and a stamp collection for her son. He sent her between 80 and 100 items over a period spanning March 2020 to December 2023.

In a statement following the verdicts, which she posted on Instagram, Ms Klass said: 'After a horrific year, my family and I finally have peace.

'Thank you for your love and support, especially to Birmingham Police, in particular PC Marius Dinescu, Judge Tom Rochford, State Prosecutor Timothy Sapwell, Members of the Jury and Birmingham crown court, Katie Breathwick, Classic FM, Global radio, Severine Berman and Simon jones.'

The trial also heard Windsor sent a letter signed in blood to former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in which he pledged his soul to satan.

The items and correspondence addressed to the two Classic FM presenters were intercepted at Global radio's London office where the pair worked.

The air pistol was stopped by police before it reached Ms Klass, the court heard.

Jurors reached their unanimous guilty verdict on Peter Windsor after deliberating for four hours and eight minutes over two days.

Windsor, wearing a grey sweatshirt, sighed and pursed his lips in the dock as the verdicts were announced.

Judge Tom Rochford told Windsor, who has been on remand throughout his trial, that the options for his sentencing included prison or two types of hospital order.

Sobbing in court as she gave evidence, Ms Klass described her 'sheer terror' at finding out she had been sent a cache of 'overtly sexual' letters and presents over four years including a set of handcuffs with a note saying 'whip me, beat me priestess Myleene'.

The mother-of-three had to pause several times in the witness box to compose herself as she recounted how a police officer called her while on the school run to tell her about the weapon, which was an air pistol.

Myleene Klass expressed her relief that her stalking ordeal was over in a statement posted on Instagram following the verdicts

Ms Klass arriving at Birmingham Crown Court to give evidence at the trial of her stalker earlier this month

West Midlands Police released a custody shot of Peter Windsor, 61, after he was found guilty of stalking Myleene Klass and Katie Breathwick

Peter Windsor, 61, was tried at Birmingham Crown Court accused of stalking Myleene Klass and her Classic FM co-presenter Katie Breathwick.

Mrs Breathwick, 53, at Birmingham Crown Court last week, supported in court by her husband Robert Thorogood, 54, creator of the BBC series Death In Paradise

'He said that whilst this gun wasn't necessary for a licence, at close proximity, right up to six feet it could prove fatal,' she told jurors. 'I think anyone receiving a gun would be terrified.

'I was extremely shocked because suddenly it felt extremely real. I think we spend so much time as women trying to justify why we feel the way we do, have we misinterpreted it? There was no grey area here, there was a gun in a box with my name on it.'

Ms Klass said she had been forced to enhance security at home after being targeted by Windsor.

Letters and parcels sent to Ms Klass and Mrs Breathwick were also shown to the jury.

One of the notes tells how he managed '5,000 pull ups in 19 hours' while another talks about the women's' 'alien' eyes and how he would like to paddle in a lake outside Buckingham Palace with them.

He also sent the two women a bottle of Champagne each. Wilson sent Mrs Breathwick perfume and a stamp collection for her son. In some he referred to himself as 'Sir Peter Windsor'.

During her own tearful evidence, Ms Breathwick, 53, told how the dozens of letters and parcels sent by 'unhinged' Windsor left her feeling 'deeply, deeply distressed' and concerned for her own safety.

Jurors were told of two letters he sent to Ms Sturgeon in October 2020 and October 2022.

The agreed facts, read to the court record by prosecutor Timothy Sapwell, said of the first letter: 'In it he said that he might visit her to discuss groups of people with whom he appeared to take issue, including Freemasons, politicians and doctors.

'He also said that he pledged his soul to Satan and that the letter was signed in blood. There was some dried blood on it.'

Windsor, 61, denied stalking Ms Klass for nine months between November 2023 and August 2024

Bottles of Champagne sent to the two women along with handwritten notes from Windsor

One of the letters sent by Peter Windsor to Myleene Klass and Katie Breathwick

Ms Klass, 47, pictured at Birmingham Crown Court last week where Peter Windsor was on trial

Windsor was arrested by Police Scotland officers at his home in January 2023 on suspicion of threatening behaviour as a result of the two letters, but a decision was ultimately taken not to prosecute him because he was not resident in Scotland.

Windsor, who has used multiple names including Peter Szymanski and changed his surname to Windsor by deed poll, appeared in the witness box wearing a light grey sweatshirt and dark grey jogging bottoms.

Answering questions from defence barrister Philip Brunt, Windsor, who has no previous convictions, said he had sent the items to the radio presenters and Ms Sturgeon as a 'pretend weird' acting performance.

Insisting that the packages he sent did not amount to stalking, he told the court: 'Stalkers want things and blackmail whereas ordinary gentlemanly types just give gifts for no particular reason sometimes

'I haven't been to London for years. I didn't take it as the definition of stalking, just sending things.'

Saying he had a 'pretend obsession' with Mrs Breathwick and Ms Klass and wanted to get in the newspapers, Windsor added: 'I thought I would be arrested and let go the same day.'

The court heard Windsor was arrested in September last year at his home in Birmingham when police found a 'number of items' including maps of London showing where the women worked as well as a black leather glove, women's stockings and a pair of binoculars.

A parcel addressed to Ms Breathwick from 'Sir Peter Windsor' shown to the jury

Another letter sent to Ms Breathwick in which he mentions Ms Klass also shown to the jury

A note detailing how many pull ups he had managed and the number 20 written over and over

A sketch of Windsor in court

Ms Breathwick was sent a pair of binoculars, a pair of running shoes with spikes, a bottle of champagne and a stamp collection for her son

Jurors had been told Windsor has a 'history of mental illness and a longstanding diagnosis of schizophrenia'.

Opening the case against him, the prosecutor, said Windsor had 'became obsessed' with the two presenters.

He said that they were used to getting fan mail and the occasional gift but this was 'very different' and involved a large number of letters and parcels many of which were 'bizarre' and 'demonstrated his obsessive interest'.

Mr Sapwell said there was also a 'sexual overtone too' - highlighting Catwoman and police officer outfits sent to Ms Klass.

He said Windsor initially answered no comment then he decided to answer some of the questions that were put to him.

He said he sent the items to Ms Klass as a 'joke' after seeing her in 'provocative underwear' in a newspaper. He said the gun was a joke too.

Addressing the jury, Mr Sapwell said the normal verdict would be guilty but there was 'another layer' to this case.

He said Windsor has a 'history of mental illness and a longstanding diagnosis of schizophrenia' which when medicated 'largely coped with but when it's not he doesn't'.

Windsor argued his conduct did not amount to stalking and that the two women were not caused alarm or distress and never asked him to stop.
A mayor revealed that she attempted suicide after stealing funds from a local church for an extended period of time.

Mayor Tamara Wallace of South Lake Tahoe, California, wrote a public confession published yesterday by South Tahoe Now and the Tahoe Daily Tribune.

Wallace sent the letter to the outlets, in which she revealed she 'took funds from the Presbyterian Church over an extended period. Because of this, on September 11, 2025, my birthday, I tried to end my life.'

Wallace said for her safety, she has spent 18 days in a mental health facility where she was being treated with medication as well as intense individual and group therapy sessions.

The mayor, who was a part-time administrator of the church, wrote that she turned herself in.

'I had not been found out; in effect, I turned myself in. I had prepared a list of account numbers and passwords that I provided to the Church, while still in the hospital, so that my actions could be more easily discovered,' she wrote.

Wallace said in the message that she justified the money she stole from the church because she used 'most of those funds to help others, such as my deceased sons three children.'

She also stated that she suffered years of childhood sexual abuse, and her own health struggles contributed.

Mayor Tamara Wallace of South Lake Tahoe, California, wrote a public confession published yesterday

Wallace sent the letter to outlets where she revealed she stole from the Presbyterian Church over an extended period of time and attempted to take her own life (Her husband Duane)

However, she added that these are in no way an excuse for her actions.

'As a city council member, I have had to endure countless death threats (mostly anonymous) and personal insults, even on the topic of my sons tragic death,' she wrote.

'My husband has come very close to passing away three times over the past five years.

'Still, these things may be reasons, but not an excuse for my behavior. There is no excuse.'

Wallace noted that she was willingly ready to face the consequences for her actions. 'I must repay every cent and accept whatever punishment comes to me.'

The public official explained why she shared her story with the public: 'I have heard that someone told the Tribune that they now have a reporter trying to get a story.'

'Here it is rather than being like many public servants and individuals who try to lie, hide, and delay the consequences of something they have done, I am taking a different path. I am telling the truth and admitting what I have done.'

She added in her letter that no one in her family knew about her actions and that her loved ones were 'in shock and extreme anguish.'

The mayor claims she was going to turn herself in and prepared all evidence prior

She added in her letter that no one in her family knew about her actions

Wallace is married to her husband, Duane, and has three sons and a daughter.

'Sorry is not a strong enough word to explain the depths of my regret and shame. I do not think anyone can be as angry at me as I am at myself,' Wallace apologized towards the end of her letter.

It is unclear how much money the mayor stole.

Sheree Juarez, a spokesperson for the City of South Lake Tahoe, said: 'The El Dorado County District Attorneys Office is handling this matter, and therefore we have limited information about the investigation.'

'The City is in no fiscal harm from this situation and continues to provide essential services to our residents. We have no further comment at this time, reportedly by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Wallace has served on the South Lake Tahoe City Council since 2018 and previously served as mayor in 2021.

She was re-elected as mayor in December 2024, and her term ends in November 2026, according to the outlet.
Hundreds of specially grown pumpkins worth thousands of dollars were stolen from a local farmer in Ohio.

Terry Dunlap, owner of Sam's Pumpkin Patch in Pickerington, reported that 300 of his pumpkins were stolen, estimated to cost more than $6,000.

At the end of September, the specialty pumpkins, which were grown to have long and thick stems, were snatched from a secluded field, Fox 8 reported.

Dunlap tended to his pumpkins weekly and felt 'sick' when he saw that his special project had been stolen.

The farmer told the outlet: 'I was sick. Physically. I mean, just overwhelming.

'We treated these special. We wanted them to grow big, and they were about the size of bushel baskets with stems on them as long as your arm, and we were proud of those.'

Dunlap told the outlet about another farm not far from his, called Puffy's Pumpkins, that also had its pumpkins snatched.

'Hes got a greenhouse there and last Monday, he filled up a big display out front. When he came back Tuesday morning, every pumpkin was gone.'

Terry Dunlap, owner of Sam's Pumpkin Patch in Pickerington, reported that 300 of his pumpkins were stolen, estimated to cost more than $6,000

Dunlap tended to pumpkins weekly and felt sick when he saw that his special project was taken

Dunlap said that because it's now the fall, it's easy for thieves to get rid of the stolen products quickly.

He added that the thieves offer big pumpkins at low prices, and people buy them up quickly.

Sam's Pumpkin Patch posted to Facebook about the incident and offered a reward for any tip that would lead to the arrest of the burglars.

They posted a picture of one of the only pumpkins that were left.

'If anyone knows who may have been driving around the Central Ohio area in the past week or so trying to sell a very large quantity of large stem pumpkins out of a trailer or truck, let us know,' the post read.

'That theft from our fields cost us an incredible amount of income we worked hard to produce. Felony theft amount.

'Stolen straight out of a back field. Police report being filed. Thanks in advance, if there are ANY tips out there, we will pass them to the Sheriff.'

They added that the large-stemmed pumpkins were in short supply, but they had many other varieties to offer.

They posted a picture of one of the only pumpkins that were left (Pictured)

The farm encouraged locals not to donate to them but to visit and donate to local charities

When asked by local supporters if the farm has a GoFundMe to donate to, the farm replied: 'Thank you for your offer. You can support us by telling your local friends to visit. We are not comfortable accepting or setting up a GoFundMe or special Cash/Venmo, etc, at this time.'

'We encourage you to give to a local charity of your choice instead.'

They also urged customers to support Puffy's Pumpkin Patch.

The public shared their support in the comments section under the farm's post, one wrote: 'They literally stole memories...not just pumpkins... Very sorry for your loss but we will be there this year to support you just like we have for the past 18+ years!'

Another commented: 'We were just there this weekend. Super nice lady working. This breaks my heart for yall. I hope you catch the thief!'

A third said: 'We were just there this weekend. Super nice lady working. This breaks my heart for yall. I hope you catch the thief!'
Heartless thieves broke into a paraplegic man's home twice in one week, stealing medical equipment that the man depends on every day.

Alan Prudhome returned to his home in Oklahoma City last month to find his front door pried open and most of his valuables missing.

A week later, two burglars returned to his home while he was sleeping and stole more of his belongings. Prudhome's neighbor Johnny Johnson was later arrested and charged in relation to the second burglary.

Prudhome said the burglars stole cash, medication and thousands of dollars worth of medical equipment, including a wheelchair and controllers that he uses in his daily life.

During the second burglary, Prudhome awoke to the men in his room trying to rip off a bag strapped around his waist and ransacking his closet, where they found a box of his belongings, according to News 9.

Johnson has been charged with one count of first-degree burglary and remains in custody at the Oklahoma County jail.

Prudhome revealed he asked the robbers 'why are you doing this to me?' during the altercation.

'It happened to me,' the thief allegedly answered.

Alan Prudhome came home to find his front door pried open at his house in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and most of his valuables were gone, but that wasn't the end of it

A week later, Johnny Johnson and another unidentified burglar returned while he was sleeping to take what was left

Prudhome then said: 'You're not paraplegic, you can do for yourself.'

The victim called the police, and Johnson was arrested near the crime scene. The second suspect was not found, according to the outlet.

Prudhome said the suspects who committed the second burglary live in the same complex as him, but it has not been confirmed whether they were involved in the first.

The man is now in fear of this happening again, admitting: 'I dont feel comfortable being home by myself. I freak out like Im having panic attack when Im there alone.'

Prudhome noted that he barely scrapes by financially each month because he is on disability, and now has the extra burden of replacing all of his belongings.

Prudhome set up a GoFundMe in which he described this moment as one of the hardest times of his life.

Police advised citizens in the complex to secure their homes with good locks, install security systems such as cameras, and use motion-sensor lights

The man who uses a wheelchair is now in fear of this happening again: ''I just I dont feel comfortable being home by myself'

Prudhome wrote: 'Ive always tried to stay strong and independent despite my challenges, but right now I cant do it alone.

'This loss has left me struggling to cover basic bills, replace essential equipment, and rebuild from nothing.'

The fundraiser has raised almost $7,000 and is nearing its goal of $9,000.

He provided an update that Wheelchairs for Veterans had donated a new manual wheelchair to him and offered to help replace his stolen equipment.

'I want to give a huge thank you to... wheelchairs for veterans for donating this nice new manual wheelchair to me and offering to help by replacing my stolen medical equipment,' he wrote.

'This is unbelievable how much the community has come together to help me. I am so grateful for everyone's support and generosity.'

Prudhome awoke to the men in his room trying to rip off a bag strapped around his waist

He provided an update that Wheelchairs for Veterans had donated a new manual wheelchair to him and offered to help replace his stolen equipment

He further thanked his community, saying it was unbelievable how much everyone came together to help him.

Police advised citizens in the complex to secure their homes with good locks, install security systems such as cameras, and use motion-sensor lights to enhance their security.


Kemi Badenoch has accused the SNP and Labour of running Scotland down and warned that Europes oil capital is dying because of their policies on oil and gas.

The Tory leader said it is heartbreaking that Aberdeen is fading away due to bad management by the Scottish and UK governments.

She stepped up her calls to drill baby drill and said that supporting new fields can unleash 150 billion of new developments in the North Sea.

And she insisted that Scotland needs the Tories to bring the message of sound money, fiscal responsibility and a stronger economy.

It comes after Russell Findlay pledged that the Scottish Conservatives will be Scotlands party of economic opportunity and make efforts to boost growth his top issue in the run-up to the Holyrood elections.

Speaking at a Scottish reception at the Conservative conference in Manchester, Ms Badenoch said that when she boarded a plane to Aberdeen last month other passengers told her: Please help us, Aberdeen is dying.

She added: It was absolutely heartbreaking to hear that. Aberdeen is one of those places that is so synonymous with growth and wealth and prosperity. But due to bad management, bad government by the SNP and Labour it is fading away.

Kemi Badenoch has blasted the SNP and Labour for their drive to net zero - and said they are 'running Scotland down'

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay told conference the Tories will be Scotlands party of economic opportunity

I dont think my views on net zero are news to anyone in this room but making sure that drill, baby drill was a policy which we applied to the North Sea has been at the forefront of all of our policies.

We need to back oil and gas. It is completely crazy that we are importing fuel from Norway drilled in the North Sea while banning drilling in the North Sea ourselves. And the people who dont understand that gas is a transition fuel if we are going to tackle carbon emissions, the people who dont understand that are the same people who are running Scotland down.

Theyve never worked in business, they dont know where money comes from, they just think you just shake a magic money tree.

During the Tory conference, the party has relentlessly focused on efforts to control borders and boost the economy.

Ms Badenoch said: At a time when we know we are in a dire straits economically there is 150 billion lying in the North Sea.

That is money that will get not just Aberdeen, not just Scotland but the whole of the United Kingdom growing again and we need to make sure that the Conservatives come back and get oil and gas out of these fields.

Since coming to power, the Labour government has banned new oil and gas licences. It has also increased the windfall tax on North Sea profits to 38 per cent, which results in an overall 78 per cent tax rate on oil and gas profits, and also extended it to 2030.

Labours Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is reportedly now considering approving tie backs, which would allow new exploration at oil and gas sites adjacent to existing fields.

Last month, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said the SNP Government now supports deciding whether to support new drilling on a case by case basis.

Industry leaders are also pressing hard for Labour to reduce the tax burden on firms and fear that any move to allow some new fields will be worthless as new development wont happen unless action is taken on the levels of taxation.

During her speech to the Scottish reception, Ms Badenoch also said that during the upcoming Holyrood election campaign needs to highlight the need for economic growth, and condemned how the UK is borrowing to pay for welfare  and she said that Scotland is one of the places where we see this problem most clearly.

Ms Badenoch said: We need a Conservative Party in Scotland, we need Russell to do well, we need people who can bring the message of sound money, fiscal responsibility and a stronger economy.

She added: The public need to know that there is a serious and responsible party out there. We acknowledge the mistakes we made, we know we got things wrong, but we are optimistic about our future.

Aberdeen was seen as Europe's oil capital during the North Sea boom, but Mrs Badenoch warned the city was fading away due to bad management by the Scots and UK governments

We are the decent centre-right, we are the compassionate centre-right. We are the ones who think about the impact on people who look after people. We need to remember who we are and we need to get out there and keep fighting for Scotland and for the United Kingdom.

She said the party can spend all day criticising our opponents but needs to focus on what the Tories can do, including growing the private sector  and claimed people are leaving our country in droves under the SNPs tax regime and now Labours.

She added: That is what Im going to do for you: give a strong economic message that we will make sure that the Scottish people, when they get to the ballot box, can see that there is a credible alternative to Labour, to the SNP, and that is us, the Conservative Party.

In his main stage speech to the Conservative conference on Sunday, Mr Findlay accused the SNP of turning Scotland into a laboratory for weird and wacky policies with its woke policies.

He also told a fringe event that the Scottish Tories will be Scotlands party of economic opportunity.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a stark warning Monday: Another failed vote in the Senate to end the government shutdown means federal workers will go without paychecks later this week.

With the Senate unable to reach a compromise to reopen the government, Friday's pay day for workers will go unfulfilled.

Democrats, unfortunately, are continuing to play political games, and we are now in day six of the Democrat federal government shutdown, Leavitt began.

Millions of American federal workers are under enormous financial stress as a result, wondering how they will pay their bills and take care of their families, she added. If the Democrats do not vote to open the government tonight, federal workers will not proceed their next full paycheck.

Any funding bill will need 60 votes in the Senate to pass, meaning at least eight Senate Democrats would have to vote with Republicans to get the government back to normal order.

Despite Leavitts warning, the Senate failed to pass a government funding bill on Monday. The measure would have funded the government through November 21.

It was the fifth time the body had unsuccessfully attempted to pass federal funding since the shutdown ensued at midnight last Wednesday.

If Leavitt is correct, the failure to pass government funding will result in federal workers going without pay this week.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that government employees, including U.S. troops, will miss their paychecks this week after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill on Monday

The shutdown has been ongoing for six days, and the Senate failed to pass funding on Monday. It was the body's fifth vote to fund the government

According to the General Services Administration, workers were scheduled to receive their paychecks this Friday, October 10.

American soldiers will also be missing their upcoming paychecks because of the failed vote on Monday, Leavitt said.

The failure to pass the Republican-authored continuing resolution to reopen the government also means that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called SNAP, may fail to deliver benefits to its roughly 40 million enrollees.

About 12 percent of Americans nationwide rely on the assistance to provide food for their families.

The special Supplemental Nutrition Program for women, infants and children will run out of federal money very soon, the press secretary shared. This program provides vouchers to buy infant formula, fresh fruits, fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods for low-income families.

Democrats have loudly opposed the GOP funding bill because they argue it does not address their pressing healthcare concerns, like Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies that expire at the end of the year.

'For months, Democrats have been calling on Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans to come to the table and work with us to deliver lower costs and better health care for the American people,' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement on Monday.

'If President Trump and Republicans are finally ready to sit down and get something done in healthcare for American families, Democrats will be there  ready to make it happen.'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on Monday he is willing to negotiate the terms of a government shutdown with Republicans, if they are willing to include Democrats' health care provisions

Many government employees have already been furloughed amid the funding showdown

The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, have argued adamantly that the shutdown has been caused by the Democrats failure to vote in a bipartisan manner to fund the government.

GOP leadership says that policy disputes over ACA subsidies, or Obamacare, should be saved for later in the year, and it should not be tied to the ongoing shutdown fight.

Once Senate Democrats decide to release the hostage and reopen the government, bipartisan discussions and work can continue, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wrote on X Monday.

No amount of theatrics will save Democrats from their terrible decision to shut down the government, he added.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., echoed Johnson's concerns during a speech on the Senate floor Monday afternoon.

'Democrats own this. They own any lapse in funding for critical food aid programs, just as they own every other negative effect of this shutdown. Because lets remember, the only reason the government is shut down is because Democrats refused to accept a clean, nonpartisan funding extension,' Thune said.

White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett mentioned on Monday that the Trump administration is poised to enact mass layoffs to cut costs if Democrats dont come to the negotiating table soon to fund the government.

Trump and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought have reportedly been probing federal firings as a way to save money during the shutdown.

President Trump and Russ Vought are lining things up and getting ready to act if they have to, but hoping that they don't, Hassett said Monday.

Trump, for his part, noted late on Sunday that the federal firings are already underway.

It's taking place right now, the president responded to a question about when firings will take place.

On Monday, he was asked again about when the firings should be expected.

'It could, at some point, it will,' he responded.

He also shared that negotiations with Democrats are ongoing.

'We are speaking with the Democrats, and some very good things could happen with respect to healthcare,' the president noted. 'Id like to see a deal made for great healthcare.'

Trump has said that he and Vought are looking to first cut employees from Democrat Agencies.
Airport staff in Canada are warning of a disturbing new scam trend that's playing out in heartbreaking scenes at arrivals as elderly and vulnerable victims show up to meet online 'soulmates' who don't exist.

Gander International Airport in Newfoundland says at least six people in the past month alone have arrived with flowers, fresh outfits, and fake flight itineraries only to slowly realize they've been 'catfished' - taken in by a fake online profile.

Officials say the victims are often seniors and being lured into online relationships by scammers who eventually promise to visit in person.

But when the day comes, the supposed lover never arrives and the travel documents presented to airline staff turn out to be completely fake.

The airport has now gone public with its warning, calling the trend 'an epidemic' and urges families to check in on loved ones before their hearts and bank accounts are shattered.

'You have to watch this woman come in and then go to the airline staff with her ticket and say, 'Look, he's supposed to be here, but he's not,' said Reg Wright, CEO of Gander International Airport Authority to CBC.

'And it's evident to staff right away - the ticket is not real. It's not an itinerary. Gander is spelled wrong. The flight number doesn't exist.'

The scam is not just being played out digitally anymore but in-person, in real time in airport terminals as victims realize too late they've been lured by a lie.

Airport staff in Canada are warning of a disturbing new scam trend that's playing out in heartbreaking scenes at arrivals as elderly and vulnerable victims show up to meet online 'soulmates' who don't exist (file photo)

Gander Airport in Newfoundland says at least six people in the past month alone have arrived with flowers, fresh outfits, and fake flight itineraries only to realize they've been catfished

'We've had people show up ready to meet someone they've been speaking to for months - only to find they don't exist,' said Gander Airport CEO Reg Wright. 'It's absolutely crushing'

Gander International Airport became famous on September 11, 2001 when US airspace was closed and in just a matter of hours a total of 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were diverted to the small, remote Newfoundland town.

The story inspired the Broadway musical Come From Away which told of the town's hospitality following the arrival of thousands of international visitors who were stranded for five days.

But now the airport appears to be at the center of a cruel scam. In a heartbreaking social media post, the airport warns travelers to stay alert and compassionate, noting the victims are often elderly, widowed, or isolated.

'We've had people show up dressed sharply, with gifts and big smiles, ready to meet someone they've been speaking to for months - only to find that person doesn't exist,' said Wright. 'It's absolutely crushing.'

'It's called catfishing - when someone pretends to be someone they're not, often to exploit others,' the airport's post reads.

'And before you dismiss it as gullibility, remember this: loneliness is powerful, and the search for connection is one of our most basic human needs.'

The airport ended the public service message with a playful payoff.

'Honestly, we haven't had this many broken hearts around YQX since the Leafs' last playoff run. Or when Clooney finally got married.'

Aircraft on the Gander tarmac are seen on September 12, 2001. Thirty-eight aircraft were redirected and landed unexpectedly at Gander on September 11

The scam is not just being played out digitally anymore but in-person, playing out in real time in airport terminals as victims realize too late they've been lured by a lie

Gander is a remote Canadian town with a population of 12,000 in northeastern Newfoundland

Staff appear to be well aware what is going on.

'I worked at the airport in St. Johns - this man was there to meet a woman well... 10 hours later he gave up and left defeated. It was actually sad to see first hand,' wrote Kevin Sweeney online.

The scam usually follows a familiar pattern: a stranger reaches out online, often on Facebook, dating apps, or messaging platforms and begins building trust, posing as a romantic partner overseas.

Weeks or months later, the scammer claims to be flying in to meet the victim - and provides a fake flight itinerary but the victim realize until they've spent hours standing in the arrivals hall before slowly realizing they've been tricked.

'It preys on that most human of vulnerabilities, which is the need for love and connection,' Wright said. 'And even more worrisome, there's almost always a financial transaction at play.

'We're talking about people who waited for hours before they come to terms with the fact that no one is coming. That the love of their life was never real.

'One woman waited for hours at the gate and still asked if maybe he'd missed the flight. She wanted us to check another flight,' Wright said. 'That's how deep these scams go.'

One incident last week saw a woman arrived alone, dressed impeccably waiting for their love interest to arrive, but they never did (file photo)

One incident last week saw a woman arrive alone, dressed impeccably waiting for their love interest to arrive, but they never did.

The damage wasn't just emotional. The woman had already wired thousands of dollars to the scammer under the illusion it was to help them travel to Canada.

Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey with the Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP said the scam is part of a growing epidemic.

'It's happening more often than people realize,' he said to the Epoch Times. 'Some victims are so ashamed, they won't even tell their family - even if they've lost everything.'

Wright and other officials are urging the public, particularly families with aging parents or loved ones who live alone to step in.

'If there's someone in your family who's engaged deeply in an online relationship, you probably need to nose yourself into the frame and ask a few questions,' Wright said.

Cpl. O'Donaghey echoed the plea for vigilance, warning that romance scammers are skilled manipulators.

'They do extensive research on their victims. They know how to build trust. They make excuses to never meet in person, and then - a crisis. A visa issue. A medical emergency. That's when they ask for money.'

'There's a lot to it,' he said. 'It's so convoluted. That's why it works.'

Authorities stress that victims should never be blamed or ridiculed and that compassion is critical.

'It's easy to roll your eyes,' the airport's post read, 'but remember: this isn't about foolishness or naivety. It's about people looking for love - and being met with deception.'

'I'm always talking about flying local. Maybe date local,' Wright quipped.
Dawn brought news from the office of Sir Melvyn Stride, Shadow Chancellor: Ten Things You Didnt Know About Mel.

Sir Mels people, fearing the old boy was not yet the household name he needed to be, set about rectifying that.

Among other things, we learned that the 64-year-old is an aircraft pilot, a scuba diver, has written an unpublished novel and is a tour guide to Stonehenge. When Sir Mel says he will leave no stones unturned, he means it.

The list also included the bracing disclosure that our hero starts most mornings with a wild swim in open water, even when he must break the ice. He finds it good for mental clarity.

Sir Mel had first slot on the conference stage. It was 10am, an hour when many conference-goers are still looking groggily into their bathroom mirrors. Not Sir Mel. Up he popped, fresh as a porpoise, quite high-voiced. Cold water can do that to a chap.

Attired in a suit rather than Speedo budgie-smugglers, he proceeded to make a wonderfully animated speech. At the lectern he bounced on his toes, bellowed and waved his arms with the vigour you would expect of a freestyle devotee. If his crawl is half that lively, he could overtake one of those solar-powered speedboats Welsh Labour is reportedly giving to the Wampi tribespeople of Peru.

It was a splendid speech, full of improving roughage about prudence and hard work.

Alas, few Tory members were there to hear it, the industrious masses being back in their hotel bedrooms gargling Alka-Seltzer.

Sir Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, delivering his speech at the conference in Manchester

Sir Mel recently visited Silicon Valley where, he reported, they were developing simulated brains and neuromorphic architectures. He looked up at this point  a certain fogginess to his goggles  and admitted: No, I dont know exactly what that means, either.

On we plunged. A Tory government would sack lots of civil servants, scythe the foreign aid budget (no more solar-powered speedboats to Wampis) and scrap business rates for pubs and small shops. The hall, such as it was, liked that.

Sir Mel had a purple passage about Reform.

When the glitter, the shimmy of the sequinned dress, the razzamatazz, the spinning plates, the fireworks have faded, you will be left with emptiness. The dull bell alone. The hollowed-out promises that never were. Then his peroration. We are the party of hope! We are the party of the future! We can and we will! He was quite breathless by the end, and so drenched in sweat that he might just have emerged from the nearest duckpond.

Your sketchwriter dived into the fringe. Tom Tugendhat, sometime (and future?) leadership hopeful, was at an event held by Onward, an outfit for youthful thrusters.

A hundred of us packed into a pre-fab room designed for maybe 25 bodies.

Some pollster smoothie gave a near-suicidal assessment of the partys (un)popularity with the young. Mr Tugendhats answer was that the Tories should axe the pensions triple lock. Western politics had become a ponzi system for the old, giving hefty pensions to an established asset class while the under-50s were impoverished.

Lively stuff, yet unlikely to win an admiring leader column from The Oldie magazine.

Another sometime (and future?) leadership hopeful, Robert Jenrick, was at an event organised by the Spectator. He was asked if his wife was too over-bearing.

Mrs Jenrick, in the front row, gave a walrus harrumph and the impertinent man who asked the question was later found in the chopped sardine-heads bucket at Waitrose. Mr Jenrick disclosed that when he first met his beloved she was so uninterested in cooking that she used her oven as a place to keep shoes.

Ambition radiated from the lad. What jet-black hair he has. Members lapped up his briskness, his clarity. Even his profanity. Referring to the intention of some university campuses to celebrate the anniversary of Hamass Oct 7 attacks, he said: Thats a f****** disgrace!

Indeed. But the F-word at a Tory conference. Pass the smelling salts, Petunia.
A woman asked a police officer 'am I gonna die?' after her boyfriend stabbed her 18 times, a murder trial has heard.

Rebekah Campbell, 32, was fatally assaulted inside her own home in Huyton, Merseyside on April 15 this year.

Michael Ormandy went on trial at Liverpool Crown Court today accused of her murder following his arrest minutes after Ms Campbell's death.

The 34-year-old denied the charge, claiming to have acted in self-defence, the Liverpool Echo reports.

The court heard Ms Campbell shouted 'I've been stabbed' as a result of the 'sustained and violent assault' before collapsing outside the block of flats.

When neighbours rushed to her aid she is said to have told them: 'My fella stabbed me.'

Ormandy is said to have told police during his arrest 'this wouldn't have happened if you did your job last week', referring to a previous altercation between the couple days before in Liverpool city centre during a night out.

David McLachlan KC told a jury of nine men and three women during the prosecution's opening: 'In the late evening, Rebekah Campbell was on the phone to her friend Faye Henderson. She was at home in her flat in Huyton, talking in general terms to Faye Henderson. That was something they would do regularly.

Rebekah Campbell (pictured), 32, was fatally assaulted inside her own home in Huyton, Merseyside on April 15 this year

'While they were talking on the phone, Faye Henderson suddenly heard Rebekah Campbell shouting something along the lines of "go away, get out Mick".

'She then heard a loud bang and puppies barking in the background.'

Ms Henderson was said to have not heard anything else and rang 999 after growing concerned about her friend.

It is alleged that inside the flat on the fifth floor, Ormandy had stabbed Ms Campbell 'many, many times'.

Ms Henderson arrived at the scene around 15 minutes later to find her friend on the ground outside being treated for multiple stab wounds by police and paramedics, the court heard.

Ms Campbell was taken to hospital but sadly died in the early hours of Friday April 16.

Ormandy and Ms Campbell were together for around four months prior to her death, with Ms Henderson reporting the relationship 'was not going well' and her friend was 'ready to end it', the court heard.

Another friend of the victim, Josh Collins, said the relationship had 'changed' as it went on with Ormandy allegedly known to call Ms Campbell a 's**g' or 'just stand at the bar and stare at her'.

Merseyside Police gave first aid to Ms Campbell after receiving reports of a stabbing at Knowsley Heights, Huyton, (pictured) on Tuesday evening before she died in hospital

The witness also said he had 'seen them together before, arguing and pushing' on previous occasions.

Three days earlier, Ms Campbell threw a shoe at her boyfriend and slapped him while they were out drinking, it was claimed.

In a second 'heated incident' the same night, the deceased was seen 'kicking out' at Ormandy before he hit her in the face, the court heard.

On the night of the stabbing, Ormandy was said to have been seen entering Ms Campbell's apartment complex while she was on the phone to Ms Henderson.

Ms Henderson was reportedly unaware Ormandy had planned to visit before she heard the 'loud bang' and 'puppies barking'.

The jury heard a neighbour saw Ms Campbell collapse to the ground outside, with her yellow tank top left covered in blood, on looking out of her window.

When placed in the back of an ambulance, Ms Campbell was said to have asked 'am I gonna die?' as she was transported to Aintree hospital which led an officer to reply: 'You are hurt, but you are in the best place now.'

The following day at 12.46am Ms Campbell was pronounced dead - with Ormandy being arrested six minutes earlier, initially on suspicion of attempted murder.

A mobile phone was then recovered from the canal after Ormandy had allegedly 'tried to ditch' the device.

He was interviewed at Copy Lane Police Station the following evening.

In a prepared statement, Ormandy said of the April 12 incident that 'everyone was drunk, but Rebekah was more out of control than the others', adding she 'had slapped him across the face'.

He claimed to have then 'struck out in self-defence' when she attacked him for a second time.

Speaking of the night of Ms Campbell's death, Ormandy claimed she had 'immediately' screamed 'I've got a knife' when he had entered the property, claiming he'd seen a weapon in her right hand.

He said he then disarmed Ms Campbell, and that she 'remained on top of him and was attacking him' and that he 'responded by punching her to her body in self-defence' and then pushed her onto the couch.

Ormandy wore a white short-sleeved shirt and red tie in the dock and had a shaved head.

He told detectives in a second interview he had been wearing gloves following the incident as he had 'blood p***ing out of his hand'.

Speaking on Ms Henderson, he claimed she was 'jealous' due to Ms Campbell spending 'more time with me than with her'.

In a further prepared statement, Ormandy said there would have been 'no further incident' had police arrested Rebekah Campbell on April 12.

He stated he had been staying at his girlfriend's home 'at her request' for two-and-a-half weeks after she had given him a spare key.

A Home Office post-mortem investigation showed Ms Campbell had sustained a total of 27 'incised wounds' during a 'sustained, violent assault'.

These comprised 18 stab wounds and nine slash wounds.

A pathologist found this to be 'in keeping with the use of severe force' - with injuries on her left arm also said to be indicative of defence injuries as she tried to fend off the attack'.

Her cause of death was determined as being stab wounds to the chest.

Mr McLachlan concluded the prosecution's case by alleging Ormandy had gone into Ms Campbell's flat and attacked her with a knife, stabbing her 'many, many times' in 'what must have been a sustained and violent assault'.

The prosecution alleged the 'intention was clear at the outset' to 'kill' rather than 'cause really serious harm', given the number of wounds.

Ormandy, represented by Nick Johnson KC and Daniel Travers, denies one count of murder.

The trial continues and is expected to last for around two weeks.
A man accused of murdering a 19-year-old woman and hiding her body in a fridge has listened in court as grisly details about her corpse were disclosed.

A forensic pathologist told the Melbourne Magistrates Court that Isla Bell's cause of death cannot be determined because her body was badly decomposed when found on a rubbish tip, six weeks after her death.

He said the extensive injuries on her body may have been inflicted by her remains being crushed in a garbage truck, or sustained in the incident that led to her death.

Marat Ganiev, 53, is accused of killing Ms Bell on October 7, 2024, three days after she was last seen leaving her Brunswick home in Melbourne's north.

Her remains were found at a rubbish tip in the city's southeast on November 19.

Ganiev faced court via video link on Monday, listening through an interpreter for the start of his committal hearing.

Eyal Yaffe, 58, who allegedly helped him dispose of Ms Bell's body, also fronted court charged with assisting an offender.

Ganiev is accused of murdering Ms Bell before 2am on October 7, with CCTV allegedly showing him striking the teen in the kitchen of his St Kilda East apartment.

Isla Bell's remain were found at a garbage tip last November, six weeks after she went missing

Marat Ganiev, 53, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with murdering Isla Bell

Prosecutors allege he spent two days cleaning his home before Yaffe came over towing a trailer carrying a black fridge.

The pair was allegedly seen removing a different fridge wrapped in plastic onto the back of the trailer on October 17.

Yaffe is accused of driving the fridge to a Caulfield South address, and police say Ganiev then moved the appliance multiple times over the course of two weeks.

Ganiev allegedly left the fridge concealed behind other items in a removalist van on October 30, with another resident locating the appliance on November 18.

The man found a bag inside after smelling a foul odour and threw it in the bin, believing it was a dead animal.

Ms Bell's remains were discovered in the Dandenong rubbish facility the next day after her disappearance sparked a missing-person appeal from her family.

Forensic pathologist Hans de Boer told the court on Monday he performed Ms Bell's autopsy, and said the corpse had lacerations and fractures, but it could not be determined when they were sustained.

Two men have been charged after police found suspected human remains in their search for 19-year-old Isla Bell (pictured)

When defence barrister Ian Hill KC asked if all of the injuries could have been caused by the compactor in the rubbish truck, Dr de Boer replied: 'Absolutely, yes'.

Ganiev's co-accused Eyal Yaffe is seen leaving Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday

Forensic anthropologist Samantha Rowbotham, who also analysed Ms Bell's remains, told the court the injuries happened at or near the point of death, but she could not be more specific about timing.

She said she had not been informed Ms Bell's body was compacted in the rubbish truck before the remains were discovered.

Toxicology reports showed the presence of prescription medication and illicit drugs including MDMA in Ms Bell's system at the time of her death, the court heard.

The committal hearing will continue on Tuesday.
A beloved Rottweiler has been put down after she was brutally attacked by a group of teenagers while waiting for her owner outside a shopping centre.

Nine-year-old Sasha was attacked in the 15 minutes that she was left alone outside Marketown Shopping Centre on Steel Street, Newcastle, about 12.15pm on Friday.

The defenceless Rottweiler was almost kicked to death by the teenagers and was found badly injured when her devastated owner returned.

She was rushed to the vet but had to be euthanised due to her extensive injuries.

NSW Police are still appealing for public assistance in identifying the teenagers behind the attack on Sasha.

'It is believed the dog was assaulted by a group of people while it was tied to a tree,' police said in a statement.

Officers have reviewed CCTV footage but haven't been able to identify the attackers, prompting Sasha's family to make their own plea for help.

'We are desperately seeking witnesses,' a family member wrote on social media.

Sasha, a nine-year-old Rottweiler, had to be put down after she was almost kicked to death by a group of teenagers while she was tied up outside a shopping centre (the dog is pictured)

The attack occurred outside Marketown Shopping Centre in Newcastle (pictured)

'Help us find justice for Sasha.'

Aussies condemned the teenagers' actions online.

'This is absolutely awful. Rottweilers are the most gentle and loving dogs,' one said.

'What sort of disturbed teenagers would do this to a dog. Parents please teach your children to treat all animals with kindness.'

'This is so heartbreaking I cannot comprehend (how) any human could think this is ok,' another said.

I hope the little mongrels that abused her are found and dealt with accordingly. RIP Sasha,' a third commented.

The RSPCA was unable to comment on the incident as it was a police matter.
Aussies are being warned to avoid AI search engines after incorrect theories about a four-year-old boy who went missing in the outback spread on social media.

August 'Gus' Lamont was last seen playing in a mound of dirt near his grandparents' homestead on a sheep station 40km south of Yunta, in eastern South Australia, at about 5pm on Saturday, September 27.

He had vanished by the time his grandmother went to call him in, some 30 minutes later.

Police began searching the 60,000ha property shortly after Gus disappeared but found no sign of the little boy.

An extensive land and air search was launched, with hundreds of people scouring the surrounding area in the intervening days, including police, SES volunteers, and members of the Australian Defence Force.

The search also included specialist divers who checked water tanks and dams, infrared cameras, tracking dogs, ATVs, and drones.

However, despite their best efforts, the only trace of Gus was a single footprint found about 500 metres from the homestead - which police have since cast doubt on.

On Friday, just hours after a photo of Gus was released by the family, police made the difficult call to scale back the search from a rescue to recovery.

Four-year-old August 'Gus' Lamont (pictured) went missing on Saturday, September 27

Gus was last seen playing in a mound of dirt near his grandparents' homestead on a sheep station 40km south of Yunta, in eastern South Australia , at about 5pm (pictured)

Despite authorities providing information about the search for Gus, social media users who use Facebook's Meta AI search are being given multiple factual errors.

One Meta AI search summary claimed Gus was 'found alive after a massive search operation in the South Australian outback.'

Another result provided information from South Australia's police website and an online news article, which explained Gus was still missing despite the search effort.

A spokesperson for South Australia Police urged anyone looking for information about missing persons, emergency events, or investigations to visit official websites or reliable social media pages.

'Police urge caution when using artificial intelligence in internet searches and recommend cross-referencing the information with trusted sources,' they said.

Another vile conspiracy falsely claimed Gus' loved ones are responsible for foul play.

'The family would not have harmed this child even if the world was about to come to an end, which it really has now for them,' family friend Fleur Tiver said.

'There is no way they've harmed this child. I think it's unfortunate people are speculating, because things like this pain the family, but I do understand that when there are so many unanswered questions, people will naturally try to fill in the gaps, even if their theories are implausible and impractical.'

Experts are warning social media users to avoid using AI search engines for information about missing persons, as the results provided are sometimes factually incorrect (pictured, search result claiming Gus was found)

Ms Tiver said she knew the Lamont family 'well' and described them as 'kind', 'gentle', 'reliable', 'trustworthy', and 'truthful'.

'They embody everything about humans that can be good,' she said.

Expert in missing persons, Dr Sarah Wayland, explained technology was adding a 'new dimension' to information about missing persons.

Dr Wayland added developing technology, such as AI search engines, was creating an additional layer of trauma of the loved ones and families of those missing.

'It's adding a whole new dimension, on top of [media] stories, where that information is not accurate and it's based on not just the media reporting, but also the harvesting of social media comments,' Dr Wayland told The ABC.

Dr Wayland said AI generated content was sometimes easily believed as factual and cautioned users to take a 'trauma-informed approach' before sharing information online.

'We need to question where is this information coming from and is this the most accurate information at this stage,' Dr Wayland said.

'If we can't verify that, then maybe pause, rather than commenting.'

On Friday, South Australian Assistant Police Commissioner Ian Parrott made the difficult call to scale back the search for Gus, with the sad admission that it's unlikely he will be found alive.

'While we've all been hoping for a miracle, that miracle was not eventuated,' Commissioner Parrott said.

'And in the last 48 hours, despite the professional advice it being unlikely that Gus would have survived, we have maintained and in fact increased the effort to try and locate him and bring him back to his family.

'We're confident that we've done absolutely everything we can to locate Gus within the search area.

'But despite our best efforts, we have not been able to locate him, and unfortunately, we are now having to scale back this search for Gus.

Hundreds of people scoured the surrounding area in the intervening days including police, SES volunteers and members of the Australian Defence Force, in the search for Gus

Police searched the 60,000ha property shortly after Gus disappeared but found no sign of the little boy (pictured, volunteers at the property)

Despite their best efforts, the only trace of Gus was a single footprint found about 500 metres from the homestead (pictured)- which police have since cast doubt on

'We won't stop, we will continue to investigate and follow any lines of inquiry that we currently have.'

The tough call was based on scientific and professional advice on how long a four-year-old could survive alone in remote terrain in freezing overnight temperatures in the clothing Gus was last seen wearing.

Gus was last seen wearing a grey broad-brimmed hat, a blue long-sleeved shirt with a Minion picture from Despicable Me on the front, light grey pants, and boots.

Police believe that Gus wandered off and was not taken, as the only people who travel on the nearby road are station owners.

'Everything that we have found to date, every piece of information and evidence that we have explored to date, indicates that, as best as we know, Gus has wandered off from this property and we have not been able to locate him,' Parrott said.

Locals believe the four-year-old may have fallen into a disused and unmarked mine.

The state is dotted with mines and wells from more than a century ago. They were used as water sources for livestock and those hunting gold, with many being invisible to the naked eye.
Mystery surrounds a horrific boat collision that claimed the life of a father of three and left a young woman with serious injuries.

Shane Florio, 46, was out on the Parramatta River when his $700,000 high-powered speedboat crashed into a moored yacht at Hunters Hill on Sydney's upper north shore on Sunday night.

CCTV footage has emerged of the collision, which sank the yacht on impact and caused extensive damage to the speedboat's hull.

Despite suffering internal injuries, Mr Florio and his female passenger, 25, managed to swim to shore before collapsing at a nearby waterfront property.

Mr Florio was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he later died from catastrophic head and internal injuries.

Relatives said Mr Florio lived life to the fullest and loved his children and family. He leaves behind three young children and was the managing director of Home Demolitions.

The injured young woman's connection to Mr Florio is currently unclear. She was released from hospital on Monday.

Police are yet to determine whether speed was a factor in the long weekend tragedy.

Shane Florio (pictured with his family in 2021) died following a horrific boat collision

The father-of-three ran Sydney company Home Demolitions

CCTV captured the shocking moment when Mr Florio's speedboat collided with a moored yacht

'There's extensive damage to the front of the vessel, and the impact was so severe that it actually immediately sank the vessel that was on the mooring,' Acting Inspector Ryan Spong said.

'So you know that indicates the collision was quite intense.'

He added that there was no indication that drugs or alcohol were contributing factors.

His death sparked an outpouring of tributes led by his uncle Johnny.

'It's with the heaviest of hearts, my friend , nephew and brother, Shane Thomas Florio passes away last night. He definitely lived life to the fullest,' Johnny wrote online.

'We are all in shock and still can't believe it's true. We will miss you like crazy. Heaven has a new angel. Fly my brother fly.'

Shattered friends and workmates also paid tribute.

'You were there for me in my dark time, and I'm here for your family now,' a colleague wrote.

Mr Florio's high-powered speedboat is now being examined by police

Shane Florio regularly spruiked his company's projects in online videos

'Thank you for being my boss, the joker of the party and most of all my friend.'

Another friend added: 'From what I knew of Shane, he was a unit-and-a half who loved to take life to the max.'

Others remembered Mr Florio as a doting dad who often shared photos and videos of being joined by his children on work sites on Home Demolitions' online platforms.

The fatal crash was one of several water-related incidents NSW Police attended over the October long weekend.

'If you're out on the water, abstain from drugs and alcohol, wear a lifejacket, slow down and know your safety equipment,' Insp Spong said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has slammed Donald Trump as travelers in Los Angeles brace for chaos and major delays to flights due to the government shutdown.

The Federal Aviation Authority on Monday warned air traffic control towers at Hollywood Burbank Airport would be unmanned until at least 10pm local time.

Newsom blamed the lack of staffing on the government shutdown and hammered Trump on X.

'Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown,' the California governor wrote.

The White House, when asked for comment by The Daily Mail, sent an automatic reply putting responsibility for the shutdown on Democrats.

'Due to staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown, the typical 24/7 monitoring of this press inbox may experience delays,' it read.

'As you await a response, please remember this could have been avoided if the Democrats voted for the clean Continuing Resolution to keep the government open.'

Without on-site air traffic controllers, the airport's arrivals and departures will be managed by TRACON, a team working out of San Diego which already handles much of Burbank's traffic.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has slammed President Donald Trump as travelers in Los Angeles brace for chaos and major delays to flights due to the government shutdown

The Federal Aviation Authority on Monday warned air traffic control towers at Hollywood Burbank Airport would be unmanned until at least 10pm local time

The FAA told ABC7 that it was working to get staffers to the airport before 10pm local time.

However, for the time being, the Burbank Airport air traffic tower is not being manned by anyone.

Airports in both Denver and Newark were also experiencing ground delays due to staffing shortages, The New York Times reported.

Denver International Airport currently faces delays of about 40 minutes, while Newark Liberty International Airport is close to an hour.

It's unclear how long staffing issues would affect schedules or how many employees have left their post.

The government shutdown is currently in its sixth day with no sign of a resolution in the Senate.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that the government shutdown is putting more stress on air traffic controllers who already have an extremely stressful job, as well as threatening a program that small communities rely on to help subsidize airline service.

Controllers are expected to continue working without a paycheck, Duffy said, so they are now worried about how to pay their bills in addition to worrying about keeping flights safe.

'Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown,' the California governor wrote

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday that the government shutdown is putting more stress on air traffic controllers who already have an extremely stressful job, as well as threatening a program that small communities rely on to help subsidize airline service

'Now what they think about as theyre controlling our airspace is, how am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? I have a couple kids at home. How do I put food on the table? Im working six days a week. Do I have to take a second job and drive Uber when I'm already exhausted from doing a job that's already stressful to think about how I can make extra money because the government may not provide me a paycheck?' Duffy said.

The Transportation Department has been able to keep the air traffic controller academy in Oklahoma City open for now with funding from previous years, but Duffy is still concerned about the potential impact on efforts to hire and train new controllers in the hope of eliminating a longstanding shortage.

Duffy said the support staff who train controllers after they come out of the academy could be laid off.

The head of the air traffic controllers union, Nick Daniels, stayed away from political comments, but he urged Congress to end the shutdown.

'We need to bring this shutdown to a close, so that the Federal Aviation Administration and the committed aviation safety professionals can put this distraction behind us, and completely focus on their vital work,' Daniels said.

Duffy said there has already been a small uptick in controllers calling out sick in a few places.

If that gets worse as the shutdown drags on, the FAA could be forced to reduce the number of takeoffs and landings, which would create delays and possibly cancellations.

The Essential Air Service program that subsidizes airline service to small communities across the country will also quickly run out of money.

Duffy said that program enjoys strong bipartisan support and provides an important lifeline to many small communities.

It is especially important in Alaska, where flying is the only way to travel between many communities.

'That money runs out this Sunday. So theres many small communities across the country that will now no longer have the resources to make sure they have air service in their community,' Duffy said.
Nearly two-thirds of Tory Party members want a pact with Reform UK at the next election, according to a poll.

Some 64 per cent support an electoral pact in which the parties would agree to not pit candidates against each other in target seats, while 31 per cent do not.

The YouGov poll found that 46 per cent of Tory members would even support a full-blown merger with Nigel Farage's party, while 48 per cent would oppose it.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Mr Farage have repeatedly ruled out any arrangement, and Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick dismissed the prospect yesterday as a 'fool's errand'.

The poll of 652 Tories  published during the party's conference in Manchester  also found 73 per cent supported a coalition government with Reform in a hung parliament, with 25 per cent against.

Just 14 per cent of Tory faithful believe they will win a majority at the next election.

Half think Mrs Badenoch should not lead the party into the next election, while 46 per cent want her to still be in place when the nation votes. Asked who should be leader, 39 per cent chose her and 46 per cent picked Mr Jenrick.

In a choice between her and Mr Farage, more than a third would choose the Reform chief as leader of their party.

The YouGov poll found that 46 per cent of Tory members would even support a full-blown merger with Nigel Farage's (pictured) party, while 48 per cent would oppose it

It comes as former Cabinet minister David Frost warned the party: 'We're on the edge of ceasing to exist.'

Meanwhile, elections guru Sir John Curtice predicted the Lib Dems will 'almost undoubtedly' win more seats than the Tories at the next election.

Asked what the Tories faced, he said: 'The party potentially loses its role as a significant governing party in the UK. It is that serious.'

Elsewhere at the event, Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins wore a Union Flag blazer to attack Labour's rural policies, such as the 'family farm tax'  a 20 per cent inheritance levy.
A Biden-appointed judge is giving Donald Trump 48 hours to respond to a lawsuit led by Democrat leaders in Illinois over his efforts to deploy the National Guard to Chicago.

Judge April Perry set a midnight Wednesday deadline for a response from the federal government and scheduled a Thursday hearing in the lawsuit filed Monday.

In the meantime, Perry has opted not to temporarily block the deployment, paving the way for Trump to send in as many as 200 Texas National Guard troops overnight.

According to The New York Times, the troops will be flown in via military aircraft and will begin operations on the ground no sooner than Wednesday.

The lawsuit railing against the move alleges that 'these advances in President Trump's long-declared ''War'' on Chicago and Illinois are unlawful and dangerous.'

'The American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly not simply because their city or state leadership has fallen out of a president's favor,' the lawsuit says.

Trump has argued that the troops are needed to help fight crime in Chicago and to ensure that federal agents can enforce immigration laws in the city, which limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The president threatened Monday to use emergency powers against rebellion to deploy more troops into Democratic-led US cities, intensifying his rhetoric as his attempts to mobilize the military face legal challenges.

A Biden-appointed judge is giving Donald Trump 48 hours to respond to a lawsuit led by Democrat leaders in Illinois over deploying the National Guard to Chicago

Judge April Perry (pictured) set a midnight Wednesday deadline for the response from the federal government and scheduled a Thursday hearing in the lawsuit filed Monday

The Republican leader openly mulled use of the Insurrection Act after a federal judge in Oregon temporarily halted a National Guard deployment in Portland, while another judge in Illinois allowed a similar move to proceed for now in Chicago.

Both cities have seen surges of federal agents as part of Trump's mass deportation drive, prompting protests outside immigration processing facilities.

'We have an Insurrection Act for a reason. If I had to enact it I would do that,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

'If people were being killed and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure I would do that.'

Illinois officials had filed a suit seeking to block the deployment in Chicago, but Judge Perry, an appointee of Trump's Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, declined to issue an immediate temporary restraining order.

She scheduled a full hearing on the matter for Thursday and asked the government to inform the court to provide more information.

The debate mushroomed after it became known that Republican-led Texas was planning to send 200 of its federalized National Guard troops to Illinois, a move that infuriated Democratic Governor JB Pritzker.

'They should stay the hell out of Illinois,' said Pritzker.

He also accused federal immigration agents conducting raids in Chicago of 'thuggery,' using 'excessive force,' and illegally detaining US citizens.

Trump has argued that the troops are needed to help fight crime in Chicago and to ensure that federal agents can enforce immigration laws in the city, which limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement

Trump's move has infuriated Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (pictured)

Trump's comments about the centuries-old Insurrection Act came just minutes after Pritzker warned that Trump was creating a pre-meditated 'escalation of violence' as a pretext to invoke the emergency powers.

'The Trump administration is following a playbook: cause chaos, create fear and confusion, make it seem like peaceful protesters are a mob by firing gas pellets and tear gas canisters at them,' Pritzker told a press conference.

'Why? To create the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act so that he can send the military to our city.'

Trump over the weekend authorized deployment of 700 National Guard members to Chicago despite the opposition of elected Democratic leaders including Pritzker and the city's mayor.

In their lawsuit, the state Attorney General Kwame Raoul and counsel for Chicago accused Trump of using US troops 'to punish his political enemies.'

'The American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly not simply because their city or state leadership has fallen out of a president's favor,' they said.

In the press conference with Pritzker, Raoul described such planned deployments to Illinois as 'unlawful and unconstitutional, no matter where these forces come from.'

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended the plan to send troops to Chicago, claiming that the third-largest US city is 'a war zone.'

Protesters stand and chant in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago, on Saturday, after protesters learned that U.S. Border Patrol shot a woman Saturday morning on Chicago's Southwest Side

Police and Federal officers stand guard an area by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, Oregon on Sunday

Trump has similarly called Portland 'war-ravaged,' but District Judge Karin Immergut issued a temporary block on the Oregon troop deployment, saying 'the president's determination was simply untethered to the facts.'

'This is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law,' wrote Immergut, a Trump appointee.

The Trump administration is appealing the ruling, the White House said.

Illinois and Oregon are not the first states to file legal challenges against the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard.

California filed suit after Trump sent troops to Los Angeles earlier this year to quell protests sparked by a crackdown on undocumented migrants, with the case still working its way through courts.
Hamas took Ditza Or's son Avinatan hostage two years ago today, but she dreams that soon she may finally be able to put her ear to his chest and hear his heartbeat.

'That's how he used to hug me,' the British-Israeli tells the Daily Mail of her 'strong, beautiful' 32-year-old boy who was dragged into Gaza from the Nova festival on October 7, 2023.

'You know, he's very tall  my ear is at the height of his heart.'

The world saw the appalling images that day of Avinatan's girlfriend, Noa Argamani, being kidnapped on a motorbike while he watched on helplessly.

Her image went around the world following a powerful front page by The Mail on Sunday that became a symbol of the atrocity in which 1,200 were killed and 251 kidnapped.

But while Noa, 27, was rescued by the IDF in June last year, and any remaining female hostages were freed as part of a ceasefire last January, Ms Or still waits for her son.

Now though, following Donald Trump's peace proposal last week, there is hope that all 48 hostages  of whom 20, including Avinatan, are believed to be alive  could soon be free.

Delegations from Israel and Hamas began negotiations in Cairo yesterday and the US President urged them to 'move fast' on Sunday evening.

Hamas took Ditza Or's son Avinatan hostage two years ago today, but she dreams that soon she may finally be able to put her ear to his chest and hear his heartbeat

The world saw the appalling images that day of Avinatan's girlfriend, Noa Argamani, (right) being kidnapped on a motorbike while he watched on helplessly

He described the talks as 'very successful, and proceeding rapidly' and Hamas was last night reportedly seeking guarantees on Israel's withdrawal if they release the hostages.

Ms Or, 58, said: 'When he was taken, I locked my heart very strongly and said I will not let hope in until it happens.

'But now cracks are opening around my heart and light is coming in. I am afraid, I am anxious, I am excited. I am trying not to be too happy and hopeful, not to let the light come in yet, because it's all very uncertain.'

Asked what she would do on meeting Avinatan, she said: 'The first thing I'll do when I see him is probably cry  and, like a mother who has just given birth, I'll check him all over, check his fingers, his eyes, and look at his face.

'I want to put my ear on his chest and hear his heartbeat.'

Noa and Avinatan had been together for over a year before the Hamas attack and Ditza only met her son's girlfriend for the first time after she was rescued.

Noa has since flown around the world campaigning for her boyfriend, tirelessly meeting world leaders and giving inspiring speeches  but she still finds the time to support Ditza.

'Noa gives us strength,' she said. 'She joins us at family occasions  like when my daughter got married a few months ago. She is part of the family in a special way.'

Her image went around the world following a powerful front page by The Mail on Sunday that became a symbol of the atrocity in which 1,200 were killed and 251 kidnapped

She has also shared stories of the bravery of Avinatan on October 7. 'Noa told me that when they were abducted, he had a few chances to run away from their captors, but he chose to stay by her side and not leave her with those monsters.

'He is very strong, and in a way, he chose his destiny  his greatness is part of who he is. He would always protect others. He is very special.'

New details emerged yesterday of the horrors inflicted that day as Israel released files showing October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar gave instructions on how to film the slaughter.

Terrorists were urged to prioritise kidnapping 'children and women' and broadcast footage of the slaughter 'to incite the masses [in Gaza] to go out and support us'.

Since her son was taken, Ditza says the last two years have felt like 'just trying to survive'.

The deeply religious mother-of-seven says she draws strength from the prayers of others, saying: 'This is what keeps me breathing, positive, and hopeful.'

The last image she has of Avinatan in her head is from a family event to mark the birth of a grandchild  and now, the same daughter is hosting an event this week to celebrate the birth of another child.

'It was in a beautiful park near our home  we were so happy,' she says. 'This Thursday we will be in the same place. I am wishing and praying that Avinatan will be here for it.'
Rachel Reeves is coming under mounting pressure to rule out a 'knee-jerk' raid on pension lump sums before next month's Budget.

Speculation is mounting that the Chancellor may reduce the maximum amount savers can withdraw tax-free from their retirement funds  prompting some to pull cash out now.

But the panicked withdrawals may prove costly as the money removed from pension funds will, once taken out, no longer earn tax-free returns.

Two former pensions ministers, Ros Altmann and Steve Webb, have called on the Government to end the uncertainty.

Baroness Altmann claimed cutting the threshold would be a 'hit the rich' policy that mainly harms the middle-class.

And broker AJ Bell has launched a parliamentary petition urging the Government to commit to tax-free cash in its current form.

The petition had been backed by more than 1,000 signatures yesterday. Should it reach 10,000, the Government would be obliged to respond.

And if it hits 100,000, the petition will be considered for a debate in Parliament.

Speculation is mounting that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, may reduce the maximum amount savers can withdraw tax-free from their retirement funds  prompting some to pull cash out now

Savers are currently allowed to withdraw 25 per cent of their pension tax free, up to a maximum level of 268,275, from the age of 55.

Some think that will be a tempting target for a raid by the Chancellor as she bids to fill an estimated 30 billion black hole.

Fear of a pensions tax raid also mounted ahead of last year's Budget, prompting an avalanche of withdrawals despite the tax changes not materialising.

A poll last week from wealth manager Rathbones found it was one of the biggest regrets among financial decisions made by savers ahead of last year's Budget.

With withdrawals rising again, Baroness Altmann yesterday told the Daily Mail: 'It is so important that the Chancellor does not make knee-jerk changes to pension rules.

Just the worries about tax-free cash being under threat have already led so many people, who don't need the money yet, to take cash from their pension fund just in case the Government moves the goalposts.

'That means they will lose the chance of earning higher tax-free returns over time in their pension.'

'Once the money has gone from their pension fund, they will find it almost impossible to put it back again.'

'This won't bring extra revenue for the Chancellor in the near term and seems more like ideological 'hit the rich' policies that will be most damaging to the middle class.'

And Steve Webb, who is now partner at pension consultants LCP, added: 'Pensions are a long-term business and constant short-term speculation can be very damaging.

'The Government was willing to commit in its manifesto to various promises for the lifetime of this Parliament, so there is no reason why it should not commit to leaving pension tax relief alone at least until the next election.'

Critics of the policy argue it would also be unfair to savers.

Tom Selby, of AJ Bell, said: 'When people save in a pension, they enter into a tax pact with the Government.

'Take-home pay today is sacrificed for the long-term, on the proviso that it will instead be taxed on withdrawal and comes with the added benefit of a 25 per cent tax-free element.

'That is the foundation upon which the retirement plans of millions of Britons are built and requires a firm commitment to stability from the Government, matching the long-term financial decisions of savers making preparations for retirement.'

'Individuals contribute to a pension in good faith and should not be subject to endless speculation.'

A Treasury spokesman said: 'We do not comment on speculation around tax changes, but remain committed to encouraging pension saving.'
A laid-back beach town two hours drive south of Perth has been transformed into a thriving getaway for fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers employed in Western Australia's $150billion resources industry.

Hundreds of workers and their families have settled in the coastal town of Busselton, famous for the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and its location on the doorstep of the Margaret River wine region and popular surf breaks.

Jon, who has worked as an excavator operator in the Pilbara for over a decade, was drawn to the region for its laid-back lifestyle and proximity to the airport.

He said his gruelling FIFO gig is worth it for the extended quality time he gets to spend with his children, aged between four and sixteen.

'Like any job, there are good and bad parts, and it's not for everyone,' he told the Australian Financial Review.

'But I like having that week off to spend with my kids. It's no different to having your two-day weekend. And it's nice here, you know?'

That lifestyle has become increasingly accessible since 2007, when Rio Tinto launched direct flights from Busselton to its remote Pilbara operations, with Fortescue Metals Group following suit in 2021 and BHP in 2023.

As the mining presence has grown, so too has the town's prosperity.

FIFO workers now call the south west of Western Australia home but locals say the popularity of their laid-back lifestyle is causing growing pains (pictured, workers at Perth Airport)

The regional town of Busselton (pictured) is attracting FIFO workers keen to escape the city

Local businesses are thriving, fuelled by the influx of mining income, with the average FIFO worker earning nearly $168,000 annually, according to ABS statistics.

The average salary for a full-time worker in Australia is $102,742 per year.

Claire Forsyth, the regional director of recruitment agency Hays in WA, said entry-level FIFO positions start around $85,000, while mine managers can command up to $300,000 and possibly more, depending on the size of the mining operation.

'While workforce growth has eased, demand remains high, especially in gold and iron ore operations,' she told the Daily Mail.

'Remote location allowances, roster bonuses and government relocation incentives up to $10,000, continue to attract workers to regional WA.'

But alongside the economic uplift, the boom has put unprecedented pressure on housing, infrastructure and essential services.

These pressures are most visible in the housing market, where the median house price in Busselton hit a record $950,000 in June, according to Domain, nearly double the $495,000 recorded just five years ago.

The affordable housing that attracted so many FIFO workers to the region has driven house prices up so high that it is now on par with the median house price in Perth.

The relaxed lifestyle and once affordable housing attracted FIFO workers to the south west (pictured, surfers at Prevelly Beach in Margaret River, WA)

The median house price in Busselton (pictured) hit a record $950,000 in June, according to Domain, nearly double the $495,000 recorded just five years ago

Rents have followed a similar trajectory rising to a median of $780 a week, a sharp increase from $400 per week in 2020.

Real Estate Institute of Western Australia regional spokesman Joe White told the Daily Mail that population growth and the constraints in the building industry had created a shortage of housing in regional centres in the past few years.

'This has made it much harder for first home buyers to enter the market, particularly in the very popular South West areas like Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River, where median prices are higher than the median sale price in Perth,' he said.

'While growth may be slowing in some areas now, we've seen significant sale price growth in the past five years.

'In the regional rental markets, rising prices and low supply have created a situation I haven't seen before in my 30 years in the industry.

'It's challenging for anyone looking for a rental, but I'm deeply concerned for the more vulnerable in our society, for whom the private rental market has become unaffordable and social housing is unavailable.'

With the Busselton population predicted to swell from 44,000 to 92,000 by 2051, these pressures are unlikely to ease any time soon.

Busselton is famous for hosting the longest jetty in the Southern Hemisphere (pictured)

In a 2024 survey by the City of Busselton, residents called for the rapidly growing population to be supported with adequate infrastructure and amenities including housing, roads, schools, shops, health facilities, public transport and parking.

Many said residents were desperate for affordable housing, with some families forced to live in their cars due to the demand for rentals.

'It's hard to even get expensive housing. Priority needs to be placed on housing availability, land releases and building approvals,' one person said.

Another said the area had grown 'exponentially', adding, 'services for the local community now cannot meet demand including things like rental accommodation, holiday accommodation, cafes/restaurants, parking, public transport, hospital/medical facilities and town centre'.

Another respondent said the focus needed to shift to supporting the current population rather than unsustainable growth.

'We do not have adequate housing or services for the current population, resulting in endemic homelessness, long wait times for services, and often poor quality of services,' they said.
A real estate agent has been accused of rape and sex attacks in the same year he was named one of the Sydney's top property salesmen.

Omar Lababidi, 29, won multiple awards in 2023 for selling 145 houses in the Macarthur region and was named the citys fifth highest-performing real estate agent.

But on Tuesday, the senior Ray White sales executive faced court for the alleged sex offences from that same year.

He appeared at Campbelltown District Court on Tuesday charged with 21 counts of sexually touching another person without consent, three of sexual intercourse without consent and two of carrying out a sexual act with another without consent.

Former high-flying real estate agent Omar Lababidi arrives at Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday for his trial for alleged rape and multiple sexual touching charges

Police allege the realtor sexually touched women without consent before he was named one of Sydneys best performing real estate agents

The award-winning Ray White super agent allegedly committed the sexual offences against women in the same year he was named in the top five real estate agents

Lababidi was named Sydneys fifth highest performer in 2023 after selling a property in Harrington Park for $2.65million

Lababidi has pleaded not guilty to all 26 charges as Judge David Arnot empanelled a jury for what is expected to be a 20-day trial.

Police allege the father-of-one committed the offences before mid-2023.

Lababidi was named Sydneys fifth highest performer in 2023 after selling a property in Harrington Park for $2.65million.
Lord Nelson was 'queer', a prestigious gallery has suggested.

The British naval hero was fatally shot during the Battle of Trafalgar, in which the Royal Navy triumphed over the combined forces of France and Spain in 1805.

His final moments aboard HMS Victory are depicted in two paintings at the taxpayer-funded Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

It is generally believed that Nelson's last words on his deathbed after being shot were 'kiss me Hardy', which he uttered to his flag captain Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy.

According to the contested account, Hardy then kissed Nelson on his hands and forehead.

That account has prompted curators at the Walker Art Gallery to put Nelson in the 'Queer relationships' collection, the Telegraph reported.

This is despite the fact that he had a passionate relationship with his mistress Emma Hamilton and had been married for 18 years to his wife Frances Nisbet when he died.

Online information from the gallery, which is part of the publicly funded National Museums Liverpool group, states: 'Historians have speculated about the exact nature of the relationship between Hardy and Nelson.

A prestigious gallery has said Admiral Lord Nelson was 'queer'

'Regardless of the truth, for many, Nelson's famous request is symbolic of the sometimes hidden queer history of life at sea.'

It adds: 'Whether or not their relationship was sexual remains unknown, but their friendship is reflective of the close relationships formed between men at sea.

'Intimate relationships, both sexual and platonic, could develop between those on board.'

The paintings depicting Nelson are by Daniel Maclise and Benjamin West.

Maclise's has been added to an article on the gallery's website about the 'history of LGBTQ+ love'.

The move follows efforts by museums, galleries and other groups to highlight 'hidden' stories of LGBT people throughout history.

Historians have not previously uncovered any evidence that Nelson was gay or bisexual.

Nelson had a daughter, Horatia, with Lady Hamilton and sent passionate letters to her.

Daniel Maclise's The Death of Nelson, 1805, is on display at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool in the 'Queer relationships' collection

One sent before Horatia's birth reads: 'My Dear Lady Hamilton, When I consider that this day 9 months was your birthday, and that although we had a gale of wind, yet I was happy and sung "Come Cheer up Fair Emma" even the thought compared with this day makes me melancholy, my heart somehow is sunk within me.'

Another letter was written from aboard HMS Victory in 1805, when Nelson was chasing the Spanish and French fleet.

He mentioned their daughter and an enclosed document for his lawyer amid his anxiety that both Hamilton and Horatia would not be supported if he were to die in battle.

He told her: 'I send you the enclosed that difficulty may arise about My Dear Horatia in case any accident should happen to me for I know too well the necessity of taking care of those we love whilst we have the power, and these arraingements do not hasten our death.'

Last year, a letter challenging the dominant account of Nelson's last words emerged for sale.

George Sievers, master at arms on HMS Belleisle - which was second in the British column at Trafalgar - claimed Nelson instead said: 'Thanks be to God but I have lived this day and now I die content.'
Jewish leaders are taking the rare step of joining a police-led court case trying to curtail an anti-Israel rally at an Australian landmark.

The Palestine Action Group has defended as 'entirely appropriate' a rally on Sunday that would start in Sydney's city centre and finish at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.

The march would come five days after the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and mirror a controversial snap rally held at the iconic building days after the terrorist incident in 2023.

Organisers have said the march is being held to protest against Israel's offensive in Gaza and will mark 'two years of genocide'.

Palestine Action Group activist Damian Ridgewell rejected any assertion the protest would be unsafe, as argued by police.

'It's entirely appropriate that people march to an iconic landmark to make the point that the Australian community is actually horrified by the complicity of our government (in the alleged genocide),' he told ABC Radio.

Police are challenging the Opera House end point on safety grounds in a Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday.

NSW Police and organisers sought to elevate the case to the higher Court of Appeal as two prominent Jewish groups submitted they also deserved a voice in the legal feud.

Jewish Leaders may join NSW police in their fight to stop an anti-Israeli protest from reaching the Sydney Opera House (pictured, pro-Palestinian rally outside Opera House in 2023)

Pro-Palestine protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in August (pictured)

Representatives from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry argue weekly rallies held since 2023 have turned Sydney's streets into a 'no-go zone for Jewish people' and say freedom of assembly should be balanced against freedom from harassment.

'The right to protest does not equate to a right to cause maximum disruption to the general public,' council president Daniel Aghion said.

'On the contrary, it imposes a concomitant obligation on those holding a public assembly to take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to the general public.'

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michele Goldman said the 2023 Opera House protest was one of the darkest moments in NSW history because the iconic location had been appropriated by anti-Israel demonstrators.

Police challenged an August march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in court, arguing it would cause too much disruption to the city and on public safety grounds.

NSW Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected the application, paving the way for more than 100,000 people to march across the bridge while demanding action to save dying and starving Palestinians.

Premier Chris Minns, who opposed the August march, has again backed the force in urging for campaign organisers to choose another part of Sydney for the march.

In a brief hearing on Friday, Justice Des Fagan questioned protesters' desire to rally in the Opera House forecourt as it was effectively a cul-de-sac.

NSW Premier Chris Minns (pictured) is backing the NSW Police court action

Organisers said 10,000 people would attend, but the judge warned against underestimating the strong community sentiment about the situation in Gaza, saying more than 100,000 could show up.

Legal representatives for NSW Police said the forecourt was only designed to hold 6000 people.

Some 1200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage during the Hamas cross-border attack two years ago. Some of the hostages are dead and others are still in captivity.

The attack triggered an Israeli military campaign that has killed more 66,000 Palestinians and caused widespread famine in the Gaza Strip.
Investigators have determined there is no evidence suggesting a fire which tore through a South Carolina judge's beachfront mansion was caused by arson.

The Edisto Beach home of Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein, 69, and her ex-senator husband, Arnold Goodstein, 81, was engulfed in flames on October 4 in an incident initially suspected to have been an act of arson.

But on Monday, Chief of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Mark Keel said there 'is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set.'

'SLED agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion,' he added, according to the New York Post.

The fire in the four-bedroom, four-bathroom $1,155,200 home in Edisto, South Carolina, sent three of the judge's family members to the hospital.

The former senator was forced to jump out from the first floor of the house to get to safety.

He reportedly sustained multiple broken bones in his hips, legs, and feet following the fall.

Goodstein's son, Arnold Goodstein II, was also hospitalized.

Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein, 69, beachfront home burnt down on October 4th

The fire in the four-bedroom, four-bathroom $1,155,200 home in Edisto, South Carolina, sent three of the judge's family members to the hospital

The family was rescued by paramedics and emergency workers in kayaks, according to the St. Paul's Fire District, the outlet reported.

South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge said in a message to FITSNews that the fire resulted from an 'apparent explosion.'

'Judge Goodstein was walking on the beach when the fire started. Her husband, Arnie, was in the house with children and perhaps grandchildren. The family had to escape by jumping from a window or balcony.'

'Arnies injuries may have been the most serious, for he was airlifted to the hospital.'

Goodstein had reportedly been receiving death threats in the past few weeks, sources told the outlet.

'She's had multiple death threats over the years,' one judge close to Goodstein said.

Ex-senator husband, Arnold Goodstein, 81, suffered serious injuries and was reportedly airlifted

The mansion of a South Carolina judge and former senator was determined not to have been caused by arson

Just last month, she was involved in a controversial case determining whether voters' personal information in South Carolina could be handed over to the government.

Goodstein issued a temporary restraining order in early September, stemming from a lawsuit challenging whether the South Carolina Election Commission can give voters data to the Department of Justice, The Gazette reported.

However, the order was later overturned after a six-page opinion from the Supreme Court took issue with Goodstein's process in barring the state from complying.

Goodstein was criticized by the Supreme Court's order, signed by all five justices, for failing to detail the type of damage that would be caused by the release of voters' personal information.

Specifically, the information of Calhoun County voter Anne Crook, who filed the suit to fight the release of her information to the federal government.

Goodstein was also said to have failed to explain whether she believed the lawsuit was likely to succeed, which is required for a court to intervene, according to the order obtained by the Gazette.

The circuit court judge also instructed the Election Commission not to comply with the request for voter information until they had received notice of the lawsuit, which the court deemed a violation.
Western Sydney University students were left shocked after receiving fraudulent emails claiming their degrees had been revoked.

Two sets of emails were sent from the official WSU email domain on Monday following a major data breach.

One came from a sender labelled 'no-email', claiming the recipient's degree had been revoked and requesting their original documents.

'We regret to inform you that, following a thorough review, the decision has been made to permanently exclude you from any further study at Western Sydney University,' the email read.

'As a result, any existing certificates or awards previously issued to you are hereby revoked.

'This action has been taken in accordance with the Western Sydney University Act 1997, the Western Sydney University By-Law 2017, and the relevant policies outlined on the Policy DDS platform.'

Another came from 'parking.permits' and outlined how the breach occurred.

The email was titled: 'Urgent: WSU's Ongoing Security Flaws and Lack of Action.'

One of the emails explaining how the data breach happened

'I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue regarding the ongoing security vulnerabilities at Western Sydney University (WSU),' the email read.

'As you may already be aware, WSU has once again fallen victim to a security breach, highlighting their failure to take the necessary steps to protect your personal data and online security.

'Recently, a student was charged by local authorities for exploiting a flaw in the university's parking permit system.

'This student used a simple browser tool, Inspect Element, to obtain a free parking permit.

'This is a glaring indication of the fundamental security weaknesses that still exist within WSU's systems.'

WSU has around 50,000 students, but it's unclear how many received the emails.

The university issued a statement on Tuesday morning, clarifying the emails were fake.

'Western Sydney University is aware of fraudulent emails sent to students and graduates, with some falsely claiming that they have been excluded from the University or that their qualifications have been revoked,' a WSU spokesman told Daily Mail.

Fraudulent emails were sent to students with some falsely claiming that they have been excluded from the WSU

'These emails are not legitimate and were not issued by the University. We have informed NSW Police. As this is part of an ongoing police investigation, we are unable to provide further comment at this time. We sincerely apologise for any concern this may have caused.'

WSU was previously caught up in a series of cyber attacks when a former engineering student was charged by NSW Police in June.

Birdie Kingston allegedly hacked the university's database in 2021 to obtain cheaper parking on her campus, before trying to change her grades.

In 2023, she allegedly demanded $40,000 in cryptocurrency from the university, or she would leak sensitive student information.

Thousands of current and former students had their details shared on the dark web, including their phone numbers, identity documents, tax file numbers, and admission and enrolment information.
A Peruvian bishop accused of having 17 secret mistresses has handed in his resignation after reportedly being exposed by his cleaning lady.

Ciro Quispe Lopez, 51, the bishop of Juli in Peru, resigned his prestigious post following an investigation by the Vatican that revealed some of the women nearly physically fought each other after finding out the truth.

Paola Ugaz, a Peruvian journalist, said: 'A nun who was one of Quispes lovers was jealous of a lawyer the bishop was also seeing and sent information about his affairs to a third lover who got into a fight with the lawyer.'

She added in an interview with The Times: 'It was a real soap opera but also lifted the lid on a serious abuse of power.

'Many of the 17 women were too scared to come forward because they were frightened of him.'

Lopez is said to have been caught out after he accidentally sent photos and videos intended for his mistresses to his cleaner, who quickly filed a complaint to the Catholic Church.

The Vatican reportedly combed through sordid voice notes, photos and videos Lopez sent his 17 mistresses.

But the disgraced clergyman denies the allegations, describing them as a defamation campaign conducted by 'dark hands'.

Ciro Quispe Lopez (pictured) resigned his prestigious post following an investigation by the Vatican

Lopez is also said to have been under investigation by the Vatican for allegedly embezzling church funds.

He is said to have been accused of removing chairs from church property to be used in a chicken restaurant chain that he had a financial interest in.

The chain is called Patas Arriba, which means 'upside down' by literally translates to 'legs in the air'.

The Vatican accepted Lopez's resignation early last month, more than 20 years ahead of when bishops ordinarily retire at the age of 75.
A Sydney council has planted five saplings in 'retaliation' after a large tree was poisoned in a popular beachside suburb.

Emily Maddison, 26, acknowledged the council's firm action as she posted a TikTok showing the remnants of the dead tree at the beachfront Oak Park in Cronulla in the city's southeast.

'Sydney council does not f*** around when it comes to people cutting down their trees,' she said in a TikTok video last week.

'They've planted five trees in retaliation.'

The council also erected a large sign in the park, warning vandals that future tree poisonings would be punished in a similar fashion.

'Trees in this area have deliberately been damaged,' the sign states.

'Trees are important community assets. The council will plant five replacement trees for every tree damaged. Fines of up to $1.1million may apply.'

Dozens of commenters on the video applauded the council's defiant stance.

A Sydney council has planted five trees after a tree was poisoned in a beachside suburb

Oak Park in Cronulla, in Sydney's southeast, is just metres from the popular beach

'I absolutely LOVE this,' one wrote.

'That's so great and petty,' another said.

But others said it would take years for the 'retaliation trees' to grow'.

'Those trees will take years to grow to that height. They got the view,' one said.

'Given it's going to take six years for those trees to grow,' a second said.

'Need to make the sign 10 times the size,' a third suggested.

Sutherland Shire Council told Daily Mail it will continue to take a strong stance against tree vandalism.

'Local residents are encouraged to contact council should they be concerned about potential incidents of tree vandalism or the illegal removal of trees on Sutherland Shire properties,' a spokesperson said.

The park is just a few metres from popular swim spots in Cronulla (a map is pictured)

'Where there is sufficient evidence  provided by way of witness reports, photos or video  council has the authority to issue fines and pursue prosecution.

'Council enforces replacement planting to ensure that canopy coverage is created for the future, in adherence with the Urban Tree and Bush Land Policy principle of mitigating loss through responsible offset planting.'
READ MORE: Vile sign in Melbourne on second anniversary of October 7

Fears have been raised a pro-Palestine activist group linked to a fundamentalist Islamist faction could be used to peddle extremist ideology in Australia.

Stand4Palestine plans to hold a rally at Paul Keating Park in Bankstown, south-west Sydney, on Tuesday night to mark the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

The rally is titled 'Glory to our Martyrs' and vows it will be a way of 'honouring two years of resistance'.

Stand4Palestine has spearheaded fiery campus protests, militant rhetoric and mass rallies, including at the University of Sydney and Lakemba Mosque, and has more than 50,000 followers on its Instagram page.

The group is linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir - a radical Islamist organisation that has been proscribed a terrorist organisation in the UK and banned in countries such as Germany.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is still allowed to operate in Australia, though critics warn its rhetoric glorifies terrorism and undermines social cohesion.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is a global Islamist political organisation founded in 1953, with the primary goal of re-establishing a unified Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law.

In February, the group defended two nurses at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital who were filmed expressing a desire to harm Israeli patients.

Stand4Palestine (pictured) are linked to Hizb ut-Tahrir a proscribed terror group in the UK

The group dismissed the backlash as 'selective outrage', framing the comments as emotional responses to the war in Gaza.

Hizb ut-Tahrir praised October 7 as a 'day of courage' after Hamas terrorists butchered more than 1,200 people in Israel, including an Australian citizen.

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and federal opposition MPs have called for urgent government intervention, warning that Hizb ut-Tahrir is using Stand4Palestine as a front to disseminate pro-Hamas propaganda and glorify terrorism.

Among the scheduled speakers for the 'Glory to our Martyrs' rally is Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun, who previously described the October 7 attacks as 'a day of courage, a day of victory' during a pro-Palestinian rally in Lakemba in 2023.

'I'm smiling and I'm happy,' he told the crowd. 'It's a day of pride. This is the day we've been waiting for,' he said.

Dadoun has also publicly speculated that Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, may have 'manufactured' anti-Semitic incidents in Australia to manipulate political outcomes.

He continues to appear at events where Hamas leaders are praised and has spoken at conferences organised by Hizb ut-Tahrir activists.

Another speaker, Assala Sayara, reportedly attended a Hamas anniversary rally in Jordan where symbols of the group were prominently displayed.

Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun (pictured) said that October 7 was 'a day of courage, a day of victory'

Assala Sayara (pictured) allegedly attended a Hamas anniversary rally in Jordan

Sayara has previously justified violence 'when Palestine is occupied', and helped organise the protest at the Sydney Opera House in 2023, where anti-semitic chants were allegedly heard.

ZFA President Jeremy Leibler has previously condemned Hizb ut-Tahrir's involvement in pro-Palestine groups.

'We should not have any doubt as to what Hizb ut-Tahrir's key players and supporters mean when they refer to 7 October as a 'day of courage,' or when they share videos of Hamas terrorists paragliding into Israel,' he said.

Opposition Senator James Paterson echoed the call for action against extremist groups, and has previously urged the Albanese government to investigate Hizb ut-Tahrir and consider listing it as a terrorist organisation.

'The only reason to glorify martyrs on the anniversary of 7 October is if you believe terrorism and the slaughter of Jews should be honoured,' he told the Australian.

Paterson also condemned the groups associated with the rally.

'It is deeply troubling that a peak body like the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils is collaborating with known extremists like Hizb ut-Tahrir in this sick event.'

'The Albanese government should urgently condemn this event and review their charitable status and ability to accept tax-deductible donations. Celebrating terrorism should not be supported with a taxpayer subsidy.'

Daily Mail contacted Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Stand4Palestine for comment.
The long-time partner of a man who is suspected to have been killed with a chainsaw has issued a chilling warning to his attackers.

Gordon Kessey, 44, was found dead in a park on East Street in Bega, on the NSW South Coast, in the early hours of Monday morning.

A second man is fighting for life in hospital after witnesses heard yelling and screaming around 2am, followed by the revving of a chainsaw.

Taking to social media on Tuesday, Mr Kessey's partner of more than a decade, Amanda Manton, issued an emotional tribute.

'I'm gunna miss you Gordon. I loved with all my heart (during) 11 years of us together,' she wrote on Facebook.

'Don't worry, your death won't be forgotten about and I know that who ever loved you like I did will make sure them dogs won't be breathing soon.

'They're f***ed when they go (to) jail... Get killed, dogs.'

Sharing a clip of a brawl between Lebanese and Aboriginal inmates at a NSW prison, she warned a similar fate to her partner's alleged attackers.

Amanda Manton (pictured, left) has shared a series of emotional messages after her partner of 11 years Gordon Kessey (right) was found dead on Monday morning

Gordon Kessey, 44, was well known to police, having previously been in and out of jail

She issued a chilling warning to the 'dogs' responsible for her partner's violent end

'This (is) what Gordon would have done to them dogs if they didn't use chainsaws and knives and weapons to kill him because he would have jumped all over,' she said.

In a different post she said: 'Putridest dog's couldn't fight one-on-one, had to mob and kill with weapons... Die dogs.'

A third post said: 'Four lads involved, killed my man to death. They think they getting away with it. Prepare to be killed.'

Earlier this week, Ms Manton told The Daily Telegraph that she was nearby when he was killed and followed police as they rushed to the scene.

She said she broke down when she learned of Gordon's death.

Ms Manton said a woman approached her and said: 'Hey sis, they've got your man down there with the chainsaw'.

'I walked up (to the scene) because there were cops everywhere, assuming that he (Gordon) had gone to hospital or something and one of the officers said: 'He's deceased, he's been found deceased in the park.'

Ms Manton said her partner had struggled with drug addiction and had served time behind bars, but 'changed his life for the better' after meeting her.

Ms Manton (left) said Gordon had turned his life around after meeting her 11 years ago

Addressing Mr Kessey's alleged killers, Ms Manton said they should 'prepare to be killed'

Witnesses to the alleged murder reported hearing yelling and screaming in a park on East St in Bega around 2am on Monday, followed by the revving of a chainsaw

It's understood that Mr Kessey was well known to police, who are now probing whether drugs were a motive for the deadly confrontation.

Word of the gruesome attack spread fast through the coastal town.

'My mate gave me a call and said someone was being attacked by a chainsaw down the road,' one man said.

Police established a crime scene at the park as an investigation was launched in partnership with homicide detectives.

Investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
Impoverished North Koreans are hunting, eating and selling animals from tigers to badgers, threatening the survival of endangered species, a new study has found.

According to British and Norwegian scientists, hunters sanctioned by Kim Jong Un's government and black market profiteers are poaching the animals to profit from the trade of wildlife products.

Animals include the endangered Siberian tiger, the Amur leopard, bears, deer and a goat-like creature called the long-tailed goral.

The individual body parts of these animals are sold for a range of purposes, including food and traditional medicine, say researchers.

Joshua Elves-Powell of University College London, co-author of the study, said: 'Almost every mammal species in North Korea larger than a hedgehog is opportunistically captured for consumptive use or trade.

'Even highly protected species are being traded, sometimes across the border to China'.

Though it is difficult to conduct formal scientific work in North Korea, due to its repressiveness, researchers interviewed 42 defectors.

They said that severe famine in the 1990s forced North Koreans to hunt for food themselves, and that the collapse of the communist government's state distribution system drove the population to mass hunting.

Animals hunted by North Koreans include the endangered Siberian tiger (File image of a Siberian tiger)

Though the nation has since recovered this famine, the practice still continues.

Elves-Powell said: 'As well as a domestic market in wild meat and animal body parts, an international trade developed in which smugglers would try to sell North Korean wildlife products across the border into China.'

The study, published in the Biological Conservation journal, concludes: 'There is clearly a serious risk that the unsustainable exploitation of wildlife in North Korea has severe consequences, including the extirpation of key species and potential defaunation of North Korean landscapes'.

It comes just days after it was revealed that North Korean women are being searched for breast implants after they were described as being 'un-socialist' and 'bourgeois'.

Communist Party members in the city of Sariwon have been ordered to conduct physical examinations of women suspected to have undergone breast augmentation surgery amid fears they have 'become tainted by bourgeois customs'.

Those suspected will be taken to hospital for examinations and were warned of strict punishments by Kim Jong Un's government if found to have had the procedure, according to South Korean news outlet Daily NK.

Breast augmentations are considered as 'non-socialist behavior' in North Korea and are banned from being carried out official medical institutions.

Two women in their 20s appeared on public trial last week after allegedly having breast augmentation surgery from a surgeon who dropped out of medical school.

They were caught after officers from Sariwon's public safety department went undercover and witnessed the doctor performing surgeries at his own home.
Sir Keir Starmer has urged students not to take part in 'un-British' pro-Palestine protests to mark the anniversary of October 7.

The Prime Minister accused those taking part in the so-called 'hate rallies' as having a lack of respect in the wake of last week's synagogue attack in Manchester.

Marches are set to take place today on the two-year anniversary of recent conflict - when Hamas attacks saw 1,300 Israelis murdered and a number of hostages taken.

The ensuing bombardment from the Israel government has seen a reported death toll of nearly 70,000 Palestinians.

Thousands of students are said to be gearing up to march on university campuses as part of a series of 'resistance rallies' in response to Israel's ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian land.

But Labour leader Sir Keir has now written in The Times to say that Britain has become 'indifferent to antisemitism'.

Of the more than a dozen protests being held at universities to mark the anniversary, themes include events to 'honour our martyrs' and celebrate 'two years of resistance'.

Sir Keir claimed regular pro-Palestinian protests had been used by some as a 'despicable excuse to attack British Jews'.

Students across the UK are set to march on universities in support of pro-Palestine rallies - on the anniversary of October 7

The Prime Minister accused those taking part in the so-called 'hate rallies' as having a lack of respect in the wake of last week's synagogue attack in Manchester (file image)

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He wrote: 'As some have exercised their freedom to protest against the Israeli government's actions in Gaza, others have used this as a despicable excuse to attack British Jews for something over which they have absolutely no responsibility.

'Let me just spell that out for a moment: people on our streets calling for the murder of Jewish people they have never even met, for something they are not responsible for.

'A total loss of empathy and humanity not in some faraway land but right here in the heart of our country.'

The Prime Minister did not give examples as to when such chants had taken place at pro-Palestine marches.

He went on to call marches on October 7 'un-British' and accused some protestors of 'chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again'.

More than 500 people were arrested in London for allegedly expressing support for the banned terror group, Palestine Action, over the weekend.

And on Thursday, hundreds of other activists held protests in London and Manchester - just hours after the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue attack rocked the nation's Jewish community.

Some Jewish leaders, as well as university chiefs and senior politicians, voiced their dismay at the timing of today's planned demonstrations.

Jewish leaders have hit out over the so-called 'resistance' events (pictured are pro-Palestine demonstrators at the University of Manchester)

Pictured is a poster for one of the pro-Palestine marches on October 7 in Strathclyde

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was 'disgusted by reports of recent hate-filled protests on university campuses'.

'In the wake of the terror attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation it is clear we need fundamental change of mindset to drive out anti-Jewish incitement at all levels of our society, including from our universities,' a spokesman added.

Keith Black, chairman of Jewish Leadership Council, said: 'Protesting on campuses on October 7 is a disgraceful and deeply upsetting strategy to cause maximum pain to Jewish students.

'The content of these demonstrations is likely to be anti-Semitic and incite violence. For those involved to claim any kind of moral authority is a lie, these protests are driven by hate.'

Protest organisers say they are not celebrating Hamas's October 7 attacks but marking two years since nearly 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing Israeli onslaught.

At Queen Mary University in London, organisers are planning a rally dubbed: 'Two Years of Genocide, Two Years of Resistance'.

Students at Goldsmiths, University of London, are also gearing up for an event, advertised as a 'night of remembrance and resistance'.

At nearby King's College in London, students have been invited to a talk entitled: 'Why It Didnt Start On October 7th'.

Pictured is a protester in London being carried away by police from a pro-Palestine rally on Saturday

At Strathclyde University in Glasgow, students are urged to 'grab your flag and keffiyeh' and attend a 'Protest 4 Palestine'.

'Wear your keffiyeh, bring your voice, and join us as we demand divestment from Israel and justice for Palestine,' one post advertising the rally on Facebook said.

In Birmingham, protesters will stage a vigil for Palestine to 'honour our martyrs', with posts for the event saying: 'Two years of genocide, 100 years of resistance'.

A rally due to go ahead in Liverpool includes a bake sale.

Meanwhile, at the University of Sheffield, the Revolutionary Communist Party refused pleas to move the date of its march, partly due to already having printed posters.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has demanded any student caught attending such rallies should be 'kicked off their courses' with immediate effect.

'University chancellors need to stamp out the virulently anti-Jewish hatred running amok on their campuses,' the Conservative MP added.

Isaac Zarfati, executive director of StandWithUs UK, said a recent report showed Jewish students in Britain now faced 'terrifying levels of racism... day in, day out and it shows no sign of abating even following the terrible events in Manchester'.

'The deliberate scheduling of "resistance" events on the anniversary of Hamas's October 7 terror atrocities is particularly grotesque,' he added.

He called on the Prime Minister and education secretary to 'get a grip of rampant anti-Semitism and extremism' now reportedly raging across university campuses.

Louis Danker, president of the Union of Jewish Students, said he respected free speech and the right to protest.

However, Mr Danker said on October 7, many Jewish students would be seeking 'to mourn their loved ones murdered in southern Israel', and pleaded for rallies to be held on another date.

Sheffield's Revolutionary Communist Society has claimed opponents to their planned protest today are 'trying to weaponise recent events to block our rally'

In the midst of the controversy, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has turned his attention to medical regulators, saying they are 'failing to protect Jewish patients' from 'racist and antisemitic' comments from NHS doctors.

He said he was preparing to overhaul the General Medical Council due to cases of doctors escaping disciplinary action.
A Melbourne massage therapist who treated professional athletes and taught students has been unmasked after he was hit with serious sexual offences.

William Lo Giudice, 61, fronted Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with serious offending including four counts of rape.

Police allege Lo Giudice sexually assaulted two female clients at separate clinics almost five years apart.

Lo Giudice allegedly sexually violated the first woman at a massage clinic he ran out of a residential apartment block in Kew in Melbourne's east on October 9, 2020.

It's alleged the married massage therapist sexually assaulted the victim during a massage therapy session at the Princess Street apartment block.

The accused allegedly intentionally touched the female client in a sexual manner six separate times during the massage session.

Lo Giudice was snared by police after he allegedly raped a second female client at his Universal Flow suite in East Melbourne on August 28 this year.

It's alleged Lo Giudice raped the woman four times during the massage session.

William Lo Giudice, 61, fronted Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with serious offending including four counts of rape

Police moved in and arrested Lo Giudice at his Universal Flow suite on October 1 before he was frogmarched to a waiting police car

The alleged rapes occurred in the suite at a Wellington Parade building shared by other medical professionals.

Police moved in and arrested Lo Giudice at his Universal Flow suite on October 1 before he was frogmarched to a waiting police car.

Lo Giudice, of Lower Templestowe in Melbourne's east, was later interviewed and charged with six counts of sexual assault and four counts of rape.

Lo Giudice has since locked the doors on his Universal Wellness suite and taken down a website linked to the business he founded.

It can be revealed Lo Giudice had more than 25 years experience in remedial massage and treated professional athletes prior to his arrest.

Lo Giudice, who didn't speak during today's brief file hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, also taught massage therapy students over his long career.

Lo Giudice, whose social media accounts have been locked down, had his bail extended to front court next on January 16.

It can also be revealed Lo Giudice got married just months before his first alleged sexual offending took place.
Pauline Hanson has accused the Albanese government of worsening the housing affordability crisis through reckless policy decisions and unchecked immigration.

The One Nation leader accused Labor of inflating demand in an already supply-starved housing market after it expanded the First Home Guarantee on October 1.

The scheme allows first-home buyers to purchase property with just a 5 per cent deposit and avoid lenders mortgage insurance, rather than having to save 20 per cent, and removes the income cap for eligibility.

'They've done next to nothing to increase supply,' Hanson said.

'Now prices are jumping, young Australians are being saddled with massive loans, and the dream of home ownership is slipping further out of reach.'

Hanson referred to a house listing in Airport West, north-west Melbourne, after the price rose by more than $100,000 from $800,000 to $910,000 just days after the Albanese government brought in the change to its first-home buyers scheme.

Hanson is not the only one who has been critical of the policy, with Barefoot Investor Scott Pape also voicing concerns, warning it could lead to financial ruin for vulnerable buyers.

'With only five per cent equity, one bad year, job loss, health scare, divorce, and you're wiped out,' Pape said.

Pauline Hanson (pictured) accused the government of worsening Australia's housing crisis

'You're trapped. You can't refinance, can't sell without tipping in cash.'

The Reserve Bank of Australia has cautioned that structural supply shortages will persist for years, and that demand-side policies like Labor's deposit scheme will do little to ease affordability in the short term.

Hanson argued the government's failure to address supply, while simultaneously increasing demand through mass immigration, is a recipe for disaster.

'One Nation warned this would happen,' she said. 'Labor chose headlines over honesty.'

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil has defended the policy, saying that Treasury modelling shows the policy had a minimal impact on housing.

'Department of Treasury, the best economists in the country, looked at this and that's not the finding they made,' she said.

'They said it will have half a per cent change in house prices over the next six-year period. We are giving people the opportunity to get into the market.

'If you want to get your kids into the market, if there are people in your family who are amongst the many people desperate to get home ownership, this is a real pathway for them.'

The Albanese government has backed the scheme, claiming it will have a small impact on prices

Anthony Albanese admitted the policy would lead to a 'slight increase in prices.'

Hanson called for immediate action to reduce housing pressure, including deporting 75,000 illegal immigrants identified by the Department of Home Affairs, rejecting 100,000 failed asylum seekers, and cracking down on visa fraud.

Hanson also urged the government to adopt One Nation's visa cap policy, which she claims would have reduced immigration by over 537,000 arrivals based on 202324 figures.

Labor's broader housing strategy includes a pledge to build 1.2million new homes by 2029, but industry experts say the target is unlikely to be met.

Current building completions sit at around 190,000 annually, well below the 240,000 needed each year.

Meanwhile, young Australians and first-home buyers continue to face mounting barriers to home ownership.

In Sydney, it now takes an average of 13 years to save for a deposit on a median-priced home, assuming a $100,000 annual income and 15 per cent savings rate.

Pauline Hanson has called for an immigration crackdown and to deport failed visa applicants

'Australians deserve a fair go in their own country,' Hanson said.

'Every young couple working hard and saving for a home should have a real shot at the Australian dream, not be priced out or saddled with crippling debt by Labor's failures and open-border policies.'

Hanson's remarks echo those of Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, who recently criticised Labor's migration settings, warning that many Australians 'feel like strangers in their own country.'

Andrew Hastie resigned from the Liberal front bench on Friday after being told by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley that, as Shadow Home Affairs Minister, he would have limited influence over the party's immigration policy.
A real estate agency has come under fire for asking landlords whether their online reputation has been compromised by negative comments from their tenants.

Rental advocate Jordan van den Berg, also known as Purplepingers, shared screenshots of a landlord application for Victorian agency Barry Plant.

'Really great to see Barry Plant still asking property managers about tenants being mean to them online in their reference checks,' he wrote on Facebook.

The potential client was asked: 'Have the tenants been known to post comments on social media that could damage the landlord or agent's reputation?'

The screenshot showed the landlord selected the answer 'no', rather than the options 'yes' or 'not applicable'.

Barry Plant told Daily Mail that the question appeared via a third party platform and that the agency has since removed it.

'The question regarding social media activity is included as an optional choice for the tenancy form housed within Inspect Real Estate (IRE)'s tenancy application form,' a spokesperson said in a statement.

'This is a property management platform used by many different agencies across Australia and owned by a third party.

The application form asked the prospective client: 'Have the tenants been known to post comments on social media that could damage the landlord or agent's reputation?'

'We were unaware the question even existed as an option and for the avoidance of doubt, the Barry Plant Group does not support the inclusion of the question.

'The question has now been turned off for the tenancy form for this office and while we are unaware of any other Barry Plant offices currently using it, we have requested the supplier turn it off as an option for all of our offices.'

One woman said the question was 'insane'.

'What the actual f***??? I mean if something is posted negatively, it means they are being d***heads doesn't it?' another said.

A third commented: 'Should absolutely be illegal'.

'Is this real?' a fourth asked.

Real Estate Institute of Australia president Leanne Pilkington told Domain in February 2024 that it was a common question when property managers checked references.

She claimed roughly a third of agents would ask the question of an applicant's previous property managers.

Rental advocate Jordan van den Berg, known online as Purplepingers, shared screenshots on social media of a landlord application for Barry Plant in Cowes, Victoria (pictured)

Ms Pilkington said asking about tenants' social media usage was a method of checking if they would have a cordial relationship with the agent.

'That's when you get the opportunity to say if they're difficult but it's about paying the rent on time and looking after the property. People have the right to free speech, but it depends on what they say and how they say it.'
An Ohio ex-middle school teacher who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a teenage girl has learned her fate.

Stefanie Erin Kellenberger, 41, was on Monday sentenced to 15 years behind bars for having a sexual relationship with a minor.

As the judge read off her sentence, the convicted sex offender appeared stoic. At the conclusion of the hearing, she was placed in handcuffs and escorted from the Richland courtroom.

The former Shelby Middle School English teacher began grooming the young victim when she was just 13 years old, according to prosecutors.

Kellenberger, whose birth was on Tuesday, began having sex with the teen when she turned 14.

The abuse continued until the girl reached 'the age of consent,' which is 16 in the state.

All the inappropriate relations took place in Kellenberger's home from February 2020 until October 2021, protecutors said.

Kellenberger was placed on paid administrative leave from Shelby City Schools in February 2024, after Superintendent Michael Browning received a call from the Mansfield Police Department that 'allegations were made' against the educator.

Stefanie Erin Kellenberger (pictured), 41, was was placed in handcuffs and escorted from the Richland courtroom

All the inappropriate relations took place in Kellenberger's (pictured) home from February 2020 until October 2021

She was then indicted on the criminal charges in September 2024, and resigned from Shelby City Schools the following month.

Kellenberger admitted to the despicable relationship - pleading guilty to to four counts of third-degree felony sexual battery and 17 counts of third-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in August.

Her sentence includes the possibility for judicial release after 10 years, as long as she does not re-offend and makes no contact with the victim, Richland Source reported.

As per her sentencing agreement, Kellenberger must be registered as a Tier III sex offender and re-register every 90 days for the remainder of her life upon her release from prison.

'Dont let anybody be confused, this is a 15-year prison sentence with the hope that you come back in 10 years and youve been a model inmate,' Judge Brent Robinson told Kellenberger in the Richland County courtroom.

'[That] youve done everything you were supposed to do, you havent got in any trouble at all.'

Another condition following her prison stint is that she must permanently surrender her teaching license. She will also spend five years on parole.

Kellenberger (pictured) admitted to the despicable relationship - pleading guilty to to four counts of third-degree felony sexual battery and 17 counts of third-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in August

Kellenberger had apologized to her victim, who worked as a babysitter for her daughter, in a letter after she pleaded guilty to the charges against her.

'I know that during this time, you were just a child and I was an adult in a position of trust,' Kellenberger said. 'Im responsible for everything that happened between us.

'I put you in a position that no 14 or 15-year-old should ever have to be in. Im so sorry for all of the emotional pain and hurt that Ive caused you.

'I hope that my guilty pleas and this sentence will provide some degree of closure for you as you move on with your life.'
A Commonwealth Bank customer was left baffled after being grilled about why they wanted to withdraw money from their account.

The customer said they went to their local branch ahead of the bank's planned maintenance on September 27 - which was set to impact online banking, payments and merchant terminals.

On arrival, they approached a teller and asked to withdraw $300 before claiming they were met with 'invasive' questions.

'I asked to get cash out so I knew I would be OK. They then proceeded to ask very invasive questions,' they wrote on Reddit.

'Like "What will you be doing with the money?", "Why $300?", "Do you plan on doing anything illegal?", 'Has someone asked you to get the cash out and give it to them in a scam?", "Are you or anyones safety at risk?".

'Like dude, Im just getting cash out because of the outage thats it.'

Social media users shared their outrage, with many claiming they were also questioned vigorously when trying to withdraw cash.

One person explained they were questioned when they deposited $600 into their own account.

The Aussie visited their local Commonwealth Bank branch and was asked a series of questions when trying to withdraw $300 from their bank account (stock image)

'I was questioned for a good five minutes on this, as to where I'd gotten the money from, why it was such a "large" amount, whether it was the "proceeds of illegal activities",' they wrote.

'I was put in a very uncomfortable position and... was absolutely not in the headspace to be having to defend myself against ridiculous backhanded accusations.

'The fact is that these tellers should NOT be asking invasive questions in such a brazenly accusatory manner, it's disgusting.

'You're made to feel like a criminal when you're not doing anything wrong... people should be able to access their own hard-earned money without being questioned by insufferable, rude bank tellers.'

Another person commented: 'This does seem to be the norm now. I mean I get it for large amounts of money, but why they grill you over $300 is a bit strange.'

A third person added: 'Typical of the banks, you have to ask for permission to use your own money, how ridiculous.'

Others explained the questions were standard protocol across all of the major banks and was used to help protect customers from scams.

'Its to protect less street smart people from scammers. You dont have to answer, but they are just trying to keep you safe,' one commented.

Social media users shared similar experiences, claiming they were also questions vigorously when trying to withdraw cash from their bank accounts (stock image)

'Remember that processes might not be in place for you- they are there to protect the ones that are vulnerable to scams or elder abuse a lot of the time,' a second wrote.

A third added: 'Yeah I just put up with it. Anyone can get scammed!'.

Daily Mail contacted Commonwealth Bank for comment.

A Commonwealth Bank spokeswoman previously told Daily Mail part of the bank's role was to help customers access their money safely and in line with regulations.

'When a customer requests a large cash withdrawal, our tellers may ask a few quick questions  to make sure its really you, youre not being targeted by a scam, and in line with legal requirements,' she said.

'Our goal is always to do this discreetly and respectfully. With scam losses still significant in Australia, these short checks can be critical. Were sorry for any frustration this may cause. We want to make it easy for you to access your money.'
On the second anniversary of the October 7 invasion of Israel by Hamas militants, Australia should be marking a day of quiet remembrance of the atrocities.

Instead, pro-Palestinian activists chose today to organise rallies at highly charged locations, glorifying their 'martyrs'.

Its an act of calculated indifference to the pain of the families of the Israeli hostages - and it underlines why timing matters in politics.

Albo has warned that its not a day for demonstrations - but he cant be surprised they are happening.

Just weeks earlier his government recognised Palestine as a state, despite dozens of hostages still being held underground and Hamas refusing to disarm.

That decision didnt just misread the moral moment, it also helped create the permission structures for performative protests on a day that should have been reserved for reflection and condemnation.

Labors early move towards recognition can only have emboldened protestors feeling relaxed and comfortable about timing their rallies with insensitivity.

After all, the government agrees with them that Palestine should be recognised despite the ongoing suffering of hostages and Hamas continuing to fight.

Pro-Palestinian protests have been regular events across Australia, but to hold such rallies on the anniversary of the Hamas invasion of Israel is provocative and the government should have seen it coming.

Australia's unfettered recognition of the state of Palestine was unwise and owes more to domestic political calculations than to principle.

The core error was timing.

Recognition of Palestine is one of the few pieces of leverage a middle power has. Great powers, too, for that matter, which is why the US hasnt gone down the recognition path just yet.

Doing so before basic preconditions are met rewards the wrong parties, most significantly Hamas. It signals that symbolic gains are available without changing their behaviour.

Labor put sentiment ahead of strategy, in turn showing a disregard for Australias Jewish population on this day of days.

And thats the kind view. The unkind conclusion is that the PM was being deeply strategic by playing up to the pro-Palestine movement and the voting power of Arab and Muslim populations in key Labor seats. The cynical calculation is that Jewish votes are fewer in number, not reliably Labor, and simply less important.

Effective peace processes dont start with the handing out of prizes. They involve steps that lead to a measurable shift on the ground. Thats what the current US plan is more likely to achieve: staged hostage releases tied to a ceasefire, also an IDF withdrawal from Gaza and a transition to a non-Hamas administration, as well as a disarmed Hamas.

This final condition remains deeply contested within the ranks of Hamas and far from certain of being adhered to, which is clear evidence that early recognition was a dangerously pre-emptive act.

Donald Trumps art of the deal is now the best hope of achieving peace.

You can dislike the messenger and still recognise the logic of his approach. A leverage-driven attempt at peace. It still might not work, but its a calculated gamble which would make real peace more likely to hold.

The Albanese government's unconditional recognition of Palestinian statehood gave no incentive for it to moderate its violent actions and rhetoric.

The US-brokered peace deal for Gaza may not work, but putting contingencies on Palestinian recognition was the only way to make an agreement long-lasting.

In contrast, Australia along with the UK, France and Canada offered recognition up front and hoped momentum would simply follow.

What actually followed was applause from Hamas, no shift in hostage negotiations, condemnation by an increasingly isolated Israel (a democratic state no less) and planned protests on the day of a massacre that implicitly celebrate what occurred as a precondition to Palestinian recognition.

What a mess.

Even New Zealand had the prudence to hold back providing recognition. It backs a two state solution but refused to rubber-stamp statehood while Hamas still retains coercive power and the war still rages.

The PMs October 7 anniversary statement condemned Hamas and spoke movingly about Jewish grief. There were fine words but nothing more.

Recognition in that context muddies the moral message. It is precisely why this weeks rallies feel so cold-hearted.

If Albo thought his diplomatic actions would stop the protests being timed this way, he was foolish. If he knew they would go ahead anyway, he missed an opportunity to hold the line in lieu of adequate concessions in the aftermath.

If peace does come soon, and it may do so courtesy of Trumps timely intervention, it will only be because a hard-nosed framework preceded US recognition. If anything the fragmentation of western allies has made the task that much harder.

Albo has contributed to that. Thats his legacy on this two year anniversary.
A woman has been ordered out of her home after she was accused of throwing an acid-like liquid in the face of a random stranger in an 'unprovoked' street attack.

Hengyi Huang, 36, allegedly launched the chemical attack on Angela Ma, 27, after stalking her for almost an hour as she walked through a suburb in Sydney's north-west about 6.25pm on May 14.

Ms Ma was at the intersection of Norfolk Road and Callistemon Close, in North Epping, when she was allegedly approached by Huang.

Huang allegedly splashed Ms Ma with a cup filled with an unknown corrosive liquid, striking her face, clothes, and headphones.

Huang then allegedly fled the scene while Ms Ma immediately called emergency services.

Ms Ma was rushed to Ryde Hospital by ambulance, where she was treated for chemical burns.

Following a four-month police investigation, Huang was arrested at her Wahroonga home on September 12 and charged with three offences, including stalking or intimidating, assault, and using an offensive weapon.

The Daily Mail can reveal police took out an AVO against Huang on behalf of her male housemate around the time of her arrest.

Hengyi Huang, 36, has been charged with allegedly assaulting another woman with a chemical

Huang is pictured alongside her lawyer outside of Hornsby Local Court on Tuesday

Huang stepped behind her lawyer as she refused to answer questions about the case

Huang no longer lives at the home as a result.

A second AVO was also taken out around the same time for the protection of Ms Ma.

Dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a blue and white striped cardigan, Huang fronted Hornsby Local Court for the first time on Tuesday, where her case was adjourned for eight weeks at the request of the prosecution.

Outside court, she refused to answer questions about the case, her intended plea, or the veracity of the allegations.

According to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, police will allege Ms Ma's ordeal began more than an hour before the substance attack when Huang stalked or intimidated the younger woman in Hornsby between 5.13pm and 6.20pm on May 14.

Huang then allegedly approached Ms Ma in North Epping between 6.25pm and 6.35pm before assaulting her with an offensive weapon.

Shortly after the alleged attack, police revealed they were seeking to speak to an Asian woman wearing a light-coloured cap, an N95 white face mask, a black jumper and dark long pants.

As the investigation progressed, police released a CCTV images showing a woman in an orange trench coat exiting a train station, who they wanted to interview.

Police released photos in September of a woman they wished to speak to in relation to the case

Huang was arrested later that day, charged, then released on bail.

Police initially treated the incident as a random attack, but the specific allegations are yet to be presented in court.

The Daily Mail understands police were able to obtain a sample of the substance which was sent for testing.

A relative of Ms Ma told the Daily Mail she was hospitalised for several days following the alleged attack.

While her vision remains intact, the relative said Ms Ma continues to experience eye problems and requires drops to relieve dryness as a result of the alleged incident.

Under her bail conditions, Huang must report to police three times a week and is banned from entering any international airport or other points of departure from Australia.

She must also not contact, assault, threaten, stalk, harass or intimidate Ms Ma or her former housemate, or anyone they have a domestic relationship with.

She is also forbidden from intentionally or recklessly destroying any property or harming any animals that belongs to or are in the possession of either of them.

Huang's case will next be heard in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on December 4.
A man accused of spraying a busy street with up to 100 bullets, injuring 16 people, has had to settle an argument between lawyers in his first court appearance.

Artemios Mintzas, 60, allegedly peppered a busy Sydney shopping strip with bullets on Sunday night, leaving one person seriously injured and sparking a shootout with officers.

The incident in Croydon Park, in the city's inner west, plunged residents into an hours-long lockdown after up to 100 bullets were sprayed and bullet holes were left in nearby cars.

In Burwood Local Court on Tuesday, a battle broke out between competing lawyers to represent Mintzas.

Solicitor Diana Sabouni indicated she had been communicating with Mintzas and his family since the shooting and was ready to represent him in court.

Barrister Dymphna Hawkins rebuffed her colleague to indicate she, too, had instructions from the alleged shooter.

'Lower the aggro,' magistrate Jennifer Price told Ms Sabouni when she protested for a speedy resolution.

Mintzas was eventually brought into the dock handcuffed and with puffy red eyes to confirm his wish for Ms Hawkins to be his legal representative.

Artemios Mintzas (pictured) was arrested following a shooting in Sydney's inner-west

Police said officers who rushed to the apartment building were fired upon from the window of a building

A police officer is pictured taking cover behind a vehicle during the alleged shooting

'I've asked for Hawkins ... to represent me,' Mintzas told the court.

He's accused of engaging in a shootout with NSW Police after officers were allegedly targeted.

While no officers were hurt, more than a dozen people were treated for minor injuries, many of which were caused by broken glass, NSW Police acting Superintendent Stephen Parry confirmed on Monday.

One man underwent surgery and is expected to survive after being shot in the neck while riding in the back seat of a car.

The shots were allegedly fired from the window of a unit above a shop during a nearly two-hour stand-off.

Mintzas was arrested after tactical officers stormed the unit, where they allegedly seized a rifle and ammunition.

Mintzas was taken to hospital for minor injuries and was later taken to a police station to be charged.

He was late on Monday charged with 25 offences, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder, as well as possessing an unregistered firearm and unlicensed possession of ammunition.

Paramedics are pictured attending to an individual in a stretcher at the scene

Mintzas did not apply for bail on Tuesday.

His case will return to court on December 3.
Andrew Hastie's decision to step off the frontbench citing twin policy issues of opposing the net zero emissions target alongside cuts to immigration is going to have a profound impact on his political future and perhaps that of the Liberal Party.

It's not the sort of move he can make and then return to the frontbench as anything other than the new leader, or perhaps under a different leader who shifts the party's direction.

It might even result in an endgame that splits the party, with the rise of a new Conservative Party modelled on the reform movement in the UK. But I doubt that, given Australia's strong two-party system combined with compulsory voting.

Splitting the right-of-centre vote further, when teals are already eroding support in inner-city (once safe Liberal) seats, would be catastrophic for the electability of non-Labor parties.

While Hastie would certainly be cognisant of the significance of his move, I'm not sure he's fully aware of the limits it places on his own parliamentary future.

For example, he can't hope to serve on a recalibrated frontbench under a new leader unless they also shift party policy. To do so without such change would make a mockery of the stand he's taken. It would signal that it was only ever about removing Sussan Ley, which has never been his target.

It would be fairer to describe her as collateral damage in this unholy mess.

But for the Liberals to shift gears and point-blank oppose a net zero target, as opposed to questioning the method and timeline of Labor's plan to get there, risks the support of all manner of voting cohorts: including younger voters, women, moderates, and swinging voters with a climate conscience.

Andrew Hasties resignation from the Liberal frontbench over net zero and immigration policy marks a defining moment in his career

While Sussan Ley may not have been Hasties intended target, his departure has left her exposed

This isn't a re-run of Tony Abbott's opposition to the carbon tax and emissions trading. The then Liberal MP and leader did so while (not always delicately) tiptoeing around climate change as a concept. That's much harder to do if the Liberals adopt Hastie's stance.

Which is not to say that they won't one day. Nor is it to suggest that Ley is safe in her job, just five months after taking over. Angus Taylor or any other more conservative leadership option could well lead the Coalition to the next federal election by the time it gets called. But alternative leaders other than Hastie are unlikely to support his all-out anti-net-zero approach.

The immigration debate is far less clear-cut, but Hastie's line in the sand includes both issues. A frontbench comeback requires both shifts to occur.

While Liberal MP Mary Aldred blasted Hastie in the party room today for fuelling internal squabbles rather than keeping Labor in the opposition's sights, that misses the point to some extent.

So soon after a totemic defeat at an election, open policy disagreements are understandable as the party works through what policies it keeps and discards going forward. It's also a Liberal tradition to be allowed to move to the backbench and champion causes the party leadership disagrees with. Lose that, and Liberals really do become Labor-lite.

But Hastie is choosing a hill to die on that likely kills off his ambitions. We've seen this sideshow before when MPs think they are bigger than the party. Petro Georgiou famously refused a John Howard offer to take on a junior portfolio after winning his way into parliament. No further offers were forthcoming in the decade that followed, as a talent like Georgiou languished on the backbench.

By drawing a hard line on two contentious issues, Hastie has effectively ruled out a return to the frontbench unless the party shifts with him

His reasoning was ego-based, Hastie is at least taking a policy stand in connection with his ego. But it limits any future leader's options if they want him back, forcing them to adhere to Hastie's worldview or leave him on the backbench when building a new team with new talent.

Unless, of course, Hastie goes on to walk back his demands in the name of promotion. That seems unlikely. It would certainly be embarrassing.

And even if Hastie is on the right side of history across both issues he's identified, by the time that plays out it could be many years from now, so far off in the distance that he's no longer around to take advantage of the shift in sentiments, other than when writing his 'what could have been' memoirs.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has refused to answer questions about bringing Australian women linked to terrorist group Islamic State back into the country.

Accusations of a 'cover up' around the issue have been levelled since the fiery Senate estimates showdown in which Wong and senior officials from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) stonewalled attempts to get answers.

They would not disclose how many 'ISIS brides' are back on Australian soil and when or if the public would be told. The grilling followed reports six women and their children had been removed from Syrian detention camps and had already slipped back into the country.

The group reportedly fled Syria and travelled to Beirut where they were detained for not having valid visas. They were issued Australian passports after DNA and security checks.

Liberal Senator James Paterson asked Wong when Anthony Albanese was briefed about the group before he dismissed - in Parliament on September 3 - reports they had been repatriated.

'Presumably, if the Prime Minister was able to say in Question Time that those reports were not accurate, that sometime prior to the 3rd of September, he was briefed on the possible return of ISIS brides to Australia,' he said.

Wong refused to answer.

'Everything after '''presumably'' is your hypothetical, so I'm not responding to it,' she said.

Penny Wong (pictured) refused to answer details about the reported return of a group of ISIS brides to Australia

Paterson then asked the officials.

'How was the Prime Minister able to say in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, the 3rd of September, that those reports were not accurate if he had not been briefed on the matter?' he asked.

'That's a very good question,' Wong said, after a long pause, saying it was a 'clever way of asking the same question'.

Wong was also asked what was incorrect about the reports, something she also refused to answer.

Albanese insists his government played no role in the reported return of the group.

'Australia did not provide assistance,' he said on Monday, adding that as citizens, the women 'have the right to enter Australia.'

The Opposition, however, argued that passport processing and security checks clearly proved government involvement.

'The parliament has given the government the power to temporarily exclude someone from Australia if they've had an association with a terrorist organisation, and it does not appear the government used those powers,' Paterson said.

Wong accused the Opposition of repeatedly 'asking the same question for political effect'

In one particularly awkward exchange, when asked if giving passports to the women amounted to assistance, Wong went silent.

'That is acting in accordance with [the Government's] obligations' she said.

PM&C officials also declined to confirm whether the women are in Australia, citing 'privacy reasons.'

Wong further refused to say if the women had undergone de-radicalisation checks, and accused the Opposition of 'asking the same question multiple times for political effect.'

Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Michaelia Cash then slammed Wong's evasiveness.

'The Albanese Government refuses to answer the most basic questions about the ISIS brides that were brought back to Australia,' Senator Cash said.

'These women chose to join one of the world's most barbaric terrorist groups, and now they're living in our communities.'

'This has turned into another Albanese Government cover-up,' Cash said.

Michaelia Cash (pictured) said the stonewalling was 'another Albanese Government cover-up'

'There was nothing asked today that would infringe on the privacy of any individual. This is an extremely weak excuse for what amounts to a shoddy cover-up.'

The Opposition has vowed to keep up the pressure, and signalled they will make the issue a key focus as Senate estimates hearings continue.

The issue is expected to dominate a Home Affairs hearing, happening on Friday.
A career criminal and meth addict accused of leaving three children to die when he drove off with their mother has been granted bail despite his awful criminal history.

Matthew McAuliffe, 24, allegedly left siblings Izabel, 5, and Lyvia, 2, and their three-year-old brother Kalais to die as he and their mother went out to collect a car door.

Both he and Shania Lee, 25, of Tarneit in Melbourne's west, are accused of ignoring the children's screams while watching the house on CCTV as they drove away, a court heard on Tuesday.

They both face two counts of negligent manslaughter and one count of negligently causing serious injury.

The children were pulled unconscious from the rear of a property in Sydenham in Melbourne's north-west after neighbours raised the alarm on September 8 last year.

Firefighters rescued the children, one by one, before all three were taken to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital.

Izabel and Lyvia tragically died in hospital, while Kalais survived after being placed in an induced coma. Another child was not home.

Lee was granted bail to live with her mother in Moama, on the NSW-Victoria border, but McAuliffe had stayed behind bars until now due to his shocking criminal history.

Matthew McAuliffe, 24, is a habitual crook who is now accused of leaving three children to die in a house fire

In applying for bail, the court heard McAuliffe had been charged 425 times since he was aged 13, with 101 warrants for his arrest issued over his short life, amounting to 31 pages of previous criminal history.

He had only been released from jail a little more than two months before the fire, moving into the house with Lee and her children a week before the blaze.

In opposing bail, Detective Senior Constable Christopher Mitchell told the court McAuliffe had a 'propensity for violence' and last year was arrested just two days after he was released from jail.

In that incident, McAuliffe was found with a stolen car which contained a balaclava, shotgun shells and a homemade 'slam gun'.

The court heard McAuliffe had not behaved well behind bars either and previously assaulted a prison officer.

But it was his alleged behaviour on the night of the fire that had disturbed police.

Senior Constable Mitchell claimed McAuliffe was captured on prison phones discussing with his now-estranged partner what happened in the immediate moments after they left the house.

'Evidence obtained from (the) calls suggests that Lee had been viewing an internal camera at the incident location remotely from her phone and was aware of the smoke alarm and the children screaming at the time of the fire,' he told the court.

Shania Lee declined to discuss allegations she neglected her children and left them to die in a house fire when approached by Daily Mail last month

'It is also evident that McAuliffe was present with Lee while this occurred. Neither party called 000 nor returned to the property immediately afterwards.

'Investigators believe this is an aggravating factor of the offending and forms a major basis for the allegation of negligence.'

In a prison call captured on February 20, McAuliffe accused Lee of watching the cameras on the night of the incident and hearing screaming.

'Lee admits that she watched the cameras at the last minute and informed her mother, Lynn Hawkett,' Senior Constable Mitchell said.

'Lee states "its nothing, its nothing," and asks whether McAuliffe will use it against her.

'Investigators believe that the referred screaming is in relation to the children during the fire. Investigators also believe that McAuliffe and Lee are discussing viewing the footage using a phone application on Lees mobile.'

In granting bail, Magistrate Phillip Goldberg deemed strict bail conditions would alleviate any risk McAuliffe posed to the community while awaiting his next court appearance in January.

Crown prosecutor Emily Sheales had pleaded with Magistrate Goldberg to keep McAuliffe behind bars.

Matthew McAuliffe, 24, was released on bail accused of leaving three children to die

Jayde Petalas (left) - father of Izabel and Kalais (pictured) - had been estranged from Lee

Little Kalais, 3, was placed in an induced coma after a devastating house fire that killed his two siblings. The toddler survived

'Through the prison calls the accused says to his co-accused or refers to watching the camera on the night of the incident and hearing screaming and then there being a discussion about that,' she said.

'It is the Crown case that shows that very shortly after leaving the premises, and the timeline that set out is within a couple of minutes.

'The smoke alarm is going off, they're both aware that the smoke alarm is going off and they're both aware that there is screaming and that at that point they should have returned. They did not return. They did not call triple zero.'

Ms Sheales said McAuliffe had breached previous bail conditions at least a dozen times in addition to failing to appear at court, breaching community corrections orders, supervision orders and family violence intervention orders.

'It shows multiple instances of dishonesty, violent offending, access to weapons, and drug offending,' she said.

'So in my submission, that significant and lengthy history over a 10-year period when he is only 24 sets him apart from his co-accused.'

The court heard McAuliffe was no longer on speaking terms with his former lover and had lashed out at her on the phone while in jail.

'Im coming for you. You better give my f***ing s*** back to me, you little dog. Yeah, cheating on me with Clarkie this year, you dumbs***, mate,' he allegedly said on one voice message to Lee.

Neighbours reported hearing explosions before and during the fire, which raged for half an hour with the children trapped inside

Shania Lee is accused of abandoning her children to die

'You got chlamydia, you dirty w***e. F***, youre a little dog ... Ill see you soon.'

McAuliffe's barrister Sai Ranjit laid out a variety of reasons for his client's release.

'In summary, compelling reasons are established by stable accommodation, family support, CCO treatment, the Crown cases strength, delay, youth, remand fairness, and parity.' he said.

'Regarding risk, he has family support, will live with his mother and grandfather two hours from Melbourne with no known associates, and his mother will report non-compliance, drug use, or further offences.

'With stringent conditions, any unacceptable risk can be mitigated to an acceptable level.'

Lee refused to comment about the allegations when confronted by the Daily Mail outside Echuca Police Station, where she has to report for bail three times a week, last month.

Lee told a Daily Mail reporter to 'f*** off' as she made her way back to a car being driven by her mother, Lynn Hawkett.

Ms Hawkett, who was still wearing her Murray River Council uniform, also refused to answer questions, firing off some expletives of her own as she sped away.

Lee had also been bailed from Melbourne Magistrates' Court back into the community despite police concerns she would reoffend or not comply with her bail conditions.

Shania Lee makes her way out of the Echuca Police Station last month

Lee (right) and her mum Lynn Hawkett (left) declined to discuss the allegations when approached by the Daily Mail

During that hearing, the court heard the children had been put to bed between 8.30-9pm that night, with McAuliffe - a smoker - heading to the bedroom before leaving and shutting the door behind him.

Police alleged the couple left the children alone to drive to the Sunshine area to 'steal a car door' for Lee's Jeep.

'They returned to the incident location approximately 20 to 30 minutes after leaving and observed emergency services at the address,' the detective said.

The court heard Lee was uncooperative with police and had refused to make a statement.

Lee's defence lawyer Sam Norton said police had no way of knowing whether his client knew the fire was alight when she left the property.

'And if we put it in these terms, a person in her circumstances would not have known that it was likely that that house was going to burn down,' he said.

'With the evidence available, I can't disagree,' the detective conceded. 'However, we believe that she knew.'

The court heard Lee had prior convictions for failing to appear in court while on bail and committing indictable offences on bail.
The mystery woman who was onboard a luxury speedboat when it smashed into a moored yacht, killing a father-of-three, can now be revealed as his glamorous girlfriend more than twenty years his junior.

Shane Florio, 46, was behind the wheel of his $700,000 speedboat when it ploughed into a yacht moored on the Parramatta River on Sunday night.

His partner Cali Lloyd, 25, had been staying with Mr Florio at his multimillion-dollar waterfront mansion in Hunters Hill when the pair decided to take the fateful boat trip.

The impact of the collision was so fierce it sank the yacht instantly and tore open the hull of their own vessel.

Despite suffering serious injuries, the pair managed to call emergency services and drive the boat back to Mr Florio's $9million property where he collapsed.

Mr Florio was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he died from catastrophic head and internal injuries.

Ms Lloyd was taken to the same hospital and is believed to have been released on Monday.

She has not returned to Mr Florio's mansion, where his ex-wife, children and loved ones have gathered to grieve.

Shane Florio, 46, was behind the wheel of his $700,000 speedboat when it ploughed into a yacht

His partner Cali Lloyd, 25, had been staying with Florio at his multimillion-dollar waterfront mansion in Hunters Hill

Florio was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital, where he later died from catastrophic head and internal injuries

The couple, who had been dating for more than a year often spent weekends together enjoying their lavish lifestyle complete with private helicopters, expensive holidays, and high-powered toys, including the very boat that would claim his life.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms Lloyd, a former model, worked for Mr Florio's company, Home Demolitions, as a marketing strategist.

Her social media pages are filled with glimpses of the luxury life she shared with the successful Sydney businessman.

In September, she posted clips from what would be their final family holiday together taking his three children to Hamilton Island for a sun-soaked break.

In another haunting video, the couple are seen laughing and posing on the same speedboat that would later crash, with the song Forever Young by German band Alphaville playing in the background.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the tragedy but have found no evidence of drugs or alcohol.

They are examining whether speed was a factor, with CCTV capturing the devastating moment of impact.

'There's extensive damage to the front of the vessel, and the impact was so severe that it actually immediately sank the vessel that was on the mooring,' Acting Inspector Ryan Spong said.

In a video posted to social media the couple are seen laughing and posing on the same speedboat that would later crash

According to her LinkedIn profile, former model, Lloyd worked for Florio's demolition company, Home Demolitions, as a marketing strategist

Police are examining whether speed was a factor, with CCTV capturing the devastating moment of impact

The couple, who had been dating for more than a year often spent weekends together enjoying their lavish lifestyle

'So you know that indicates the collision was quite intense.'

The damaged 38-foot Brabus Marine Shadow 900 XC speedboat remains just across the river at a police facility.

On the Brabus Marine website, that model of boat is listed as having a top speed of 102kph, or 55 knots, with twin outboard engines providing 900 horsepower.

Mr Florio, remembered as a larger-than-life character who 'lived life to the fullest,' leaves behind three young children.

His death sparked an outpouring of tributes led by his uncle Johnny.

'It's with the heaviest of hearts, my friend , nephew and brother, Shane Thomas Florio passes away last night. He definitely lived life to the fullest,' Johnny wrote online.

'We are all in shock and still can't believe it's true. We will miss you like crazy. Heaven has a new angel. Fly my brother fly.'

Shattered friends and workmates also paid tribute.

'You were there for me in my dark time, and I'm here for your family now,' a colleague wrote.

'Thank you for being my boss, the joker of the party and most of all my friend.'

Another friend added: 'From what I knew of Shane, he was a unit-and-a half who loved to take life to the max.'

Friends say he was a larger then life character

Mr Florio has been remembered as a doting dad

Others remembered Mr Florio as a doting dad who often shared photos and videos of being joined by his children on work sites on Home Demolitions' online platforms.

The fatal crash was one of several water-related incidents NSW Police attended over the October long weekend.

'If you're out on the water, abstain from drugs and alcohol, wear a lifejacket, slow down and know your safety equipment,' Insp Spong said.
Robert Jenrick was defiant today after it emerged he complained about not 'seeing another white face' in a Birmingham neighbourhood.

The shadow justice secretary argued he was making a point about the lack of integration in Handsworth after leaked audio surfaced.

He was backed by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who dismissed the idea that there was any 'racism' behind the remarks.

Recalling the 90-minute visit earlier this year, Mr Jenrick said 'that's not the kind of country I want to live in'.

Addressing Aldridge-Brownhills Conservative Association on March 14 Mr Jenrick also stressed it was 'not about the colour of your skin or your faith' but about people 'living alongside each other'.

Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley responded to the leak to the Guardian by accusing the Tory frontbencher of judging 'his own level of comfort by whether there are other white faces around'.

But Mr Jenrick said he had been highlighting an important issue, suggesting the Manchester synagogue attack had been caused by failure to integrate.

'Six separate government reports over 20 years have highlighted the problem of parallel communities and called for a frank and honest conversation about the issue,' he said.

Leaked audio of Robert Jenrick making the remark about Handsworth has surfaced as he prepares to give his speech to Tory conference

'The situation is no better today. Unlike other politicians, I won't shy away from this issue. We have to integrate communities if we are to be a united country.'

He told Sky News: 'I want to live in a country which is well integrated. I want people to be living side-by-side, I never want to see segregated or even ghettoised communities. We want people of all skin colours, of all religions, to be living in harmonious, well-integrated communities with our kids growing up alongside each other.

'And I'm afraid in certain parts of the country, there are communities where that just isn't the case, and parts of Handsworth in Birmingham, where I was earlier in the year, a place I know quite well, growing up in the West Midlands, just don't resemble that. That makes me very worried.'

In a round of interviews at Tory conference in Manchester, Mrs Badenoch said: 'These are recordings out of context. I don't know what was being discussed before he said that.

'But in and of itself, it's a factual statement. If he said he didn't see another white face, he might have been making an observation. There's nothing wrong with making observations.

'But what he and I both agree with is that there are not enough people integrating. There are many people who are creating separate communities.'

She added: 'I heard that one of the MPs of that area was accusing him of racism. I completely disagree with that. I want to make that very clear.

'In fact, I'm quite worried about these sectarian MPs who've been elected in Birmingham, very, very divisive politics, people who are more interested in talking about Gaza than what's happening in the UK.'

Immigration and integration has become an increasing focus of politics over recent months.

On Sunday Kemi Badenoch stressed the need for people who come to this country to adapt to British culture.

Speaking earlier this year, Mr Jenrick reportedly said: 'I went to Handsworth in Birmingham the other day to do a video on litter and it was absolutely appalling.

'It's as close as I've come to a slum in this country.

'But the other thing I noticed there was that it was one of the worst integrated places I've ever been to. In fact, in the hour-and-a-half I was filming news there, I didn't see another white face.

'That's not the kind of country I want to live in.

'I want to live in a country where people are properly integrated. It's not about the colour of your skin or your faith, of course it isn't, but I want people to be living alongside each other, not parallel lives.

'That's not the right way we want to live as a country.'

Mr Jenrick said Birmingham 'did look like a slum' when he visited amid the bin strike, and his comments about not seeing a white face were an 'observation'.

'It did look like a slum,' he said at a live recording of the Telegraph's Daily T podcast.

He added: 'I didn't see a mix of people on the streets. It was an observation.'

Mr Jenrick said the reaction to the leaked recording was an effort to 'shut down' debate on the issue of integration.

He said there are 'pockets' of towns and cities that are largely segregated and that 'we should not back down' from talking about them.

He said people should not be stopped from talking about integration out of a 'misplaced fear of being called racist'.

Ms Turley told the Guardian: 'This weekend Kemi Badenoch said she stood against a politics that 'reduces people to categories and then pits them against each other'.

'Robert Jenrick in his leaked comments reduces people to the colour of their skin and judges his own level of comfort by whether there are other white faces around.

'His comments clearly cross a red line that his leader has rightly laid down.

'People of colour should not have to justify their Englishness or their Britishness, or their presence in this country to Robert Jenrick or anyone else.

'Robert Jenrick needs to urgently explain himself and why these comments are in any way compatible with what his party leader said yesterday.'

Mr Jenrick was backed by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who dismissed the idea that there was any 'racism' behind the remarks

Former Conservative West Midlands Mayor Andy Street told BBC Newsnight that Mr Jenrick was 'wrong' about the neighbourhood.

'Handsworth, it's come a hell of a long way in the 40 years since the last civil disturbances there and it's actually a very integrated place,' he said.

The ex-mayor said there was 'incredible hope, optimism and people taking part in education which is based around British values and thinking how they can make a contribution to the future of their region their city and their area'.

'That is not a definition of a slum,' he added.
A surfer has miraculously driven himself to hospital after being bitten twice on the leg by a shark at a popular break in South Australia.

The man, aged in his 50s, was surfing at DEstrees Bay - a popular tourist spot on Kangaroo Island - when the attack took place shortly after 1pm on Tuesday.

Stunningly, the surfer managed to drive himself to hospital where is expected to undergo emergency surgery.

His injuries are believed to not be life-threatening, a South Australia police spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

The shark is believed to be a large bronze whaler, according to an unconfirmed witness report submitted to the South Australian Shark Watch Alert.

It was reportedly seen pursuing a seal through the bay before the attack occurred.

It comes nearly five years after a 29-year-old surfer was attacked by a great white shark at D'Estrees Bay.

He managed to paddle to shore and walk to the car park before being transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A surfer who was bitten twice on the leg by a shark has managed to drive himself to hospital to undergo emergency surgery (pictured, D'Estrees Bay on Kangaroo Island)

The surfer is believed to have been attacked by a large bronze whaler shark, seen chasing a seal through the bay shortly before the attack, according to a witness

The 29-year-old described the attack as like being 'hit by a truck' in a statement released by South Australia Health days after the incident.

'I was sitting on my board when I felt a hit on my left side  it was like being hit by a truck,' the statement reads.

'I got a glimpse of the shark as it let go and disappeared.'

Experts warn unprovoked shark attacks are on the rise across Australia partly driven by habitat depletion, more swimmers and weather anomalies.

Australia has recorded four fatal shark attacks so far this year - all of which were unprovoked.

More to come.
Israelis have stood in silence today to mark the second anniversary of its darkest day, October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that claimed more than 1,200 lives and resulted in hundreds being taken hostage.

Across southern communities and in Tel Aviv, citizens held memorials at border towns and at the Nova festival site.

At the same time, families rallied in 'Hostages Square,' insisting on the return of those still held in Gaza.

Many said prayers, while some shed tears and hugged each other as they marked the solemn occasion.

The families of some victims organised vigils in front of pictures of their loved ones as they mourned their loss.

The parents of Shiran Slavin visited the Nova festival site near Kibbutz Reim, where hundreds of revellers were massacred by heavily armed terrorists.

Orit Baron, whose daughter Yuval was killed at the festival with her fiance Moshe Shuva, told AFP the day was a 'black' date for her family.

'Now it's two years. And I'm here to be with her, because this is the last time that she was alive,' the 57-year-old mother said at the site of the attack, adding she felt 'that right now she's with me here'.

Members of the kibbutz community of Kfar Aza also observed a moment of silence to honour the victims and those who are still held in captivity in Gaza.

A minute of silence was observed at 6:39am, the time Hamas began its attack two years ago.

There will be a main memorial ceremony in Tel Aviv, which will include musical performances and speeches.

It is being put together by Yonathan Shamriz, whose brother was among the three hostages who were mistakenly killed by Israeli forces.

Israelis gather to mark its darkest day. Some said prayers while others shed tears

The parents of Shiran Slavin attended a memorial at the site of the Nova festival, where she and hundreds of people were killed

Pictures of people who died during Israel's darkest day are displayed during a memorial to mark the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks

Flower tributes and candles are placed in front of posters on a wall during a memorial in southern Israel

People embrace as they comfort each other at the festival grounds

A state-organised commemoration is planned for October 16 after the ongoing Sukkot holidays.

Freed hostage Eli Sharabi's wife and teenage daughters were murdered in the attacks, while his brother was kidnapped.

He wrote on Facebook today: 'On 7/10/23 our peaceful and happy life became hell, mourning, and unimaginable loss that will accompany me every moment until my last day

'A longing that is getting stronger for pure souls, my wife, Lianne, my daughters Noiya and Yahel, and Yossi my brother.'

In the early hours of October 7, 2023, Hamas and allied militant groups launched a large-scale, coordinated assault from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel.

They fired thousands of rockets before breaching the border fence in dozens of places using explosives, bulldozers, and motorbikes.

The militants then stormed into nearby Israeli communities, killing civilians in their homes and on the streets.

In the days that followed, investigators and first responders described grim scenes in the aftermath of the rampage.

Entire neighbourhoods were left strewn with bodies. Footage verified by international media showed victims handcuffed, shot, or burned inside their homes.

Human Rights Watch later concluded that Hamas-led groups had deliberately targeted civilians, committed hostage-taking, and carried out acts amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Reports of sexual violence also emerged from multiple attack sites.

A woman holds flowers as she pays tribute to the victims of Hamas' brutal attacks

Residents found comfort in each other as they reflected on the solemn occasion

A woman breaks down in tears as she mourns the nation's losses. In the early hours of October 7, 2023, Hamas and allied militant groups launched a large-scale, coordinated assault from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel

A man emotionally touches a shrine for one of the victims of the attacks. Gaza militants stormed into Israeli communities, killing civilians in their homes and on the streets

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Israeli police and forensic specialists said they found evidence suggesting that some women were raped and mutilated before being killed.

Human Rights Watch and other international observers said there was credible evidence that sexual assaults took place, though investigations are still ongoing.

At the time, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: 'What happened today is unprecedented in Israel - and I will see to it that it does not happen again. The entire government is behind this decision.'

Since the Hamas assault, Israel has launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza.

The conflict has caused catastrophic destruction, especially in densely populated areas.

According to Reuters, over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, including a high proportion of civilians and children, while Israel says it has killed at least 20,000 fighters.

Efforts at negotiation led to a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange agreement from 19 January to 18 March 2025, during which multiple rounds of exchanges took place.

However, after further attacks, the ceasefire was abruptly broken and full-scale hostilities resumed.

Hundreds of thousands of homeless Gazans now shelter in overcrowded camps and open areas with little access to food, water or sanitation.

'We have lost everything in this war, our homes, family members, friends, neighbours,' said Hanan Mohammed, 36, who is displaced from her home in Jabalia.

Two people solemnly inspect the picture and tribute put up for Israelis who died in the assault

A woman tends to a memorial set up for people who were slaughtered by Hamas militants

Some wore T-shirts with 'October 7th' branded across the back as mourners gathered to pay tribute

People stood in silence as they reflected on the atrocities committed by Hamas two years ago

'I can't wait for a ceasefire to be announced and for this endless bloodshed and death to stop... there is nothing left but destruction.'

In Gaza, famine conditions have worsened amid the blockade and disruption of aid. In March 2025, Israel temporarily blocked all supplies, leading to acute food shortages and reported deaths from starvation.

The blockade has severely restricted food, fuel, water, medicine, and electricity into Gaza.

After two years of war, 72 per cent of the Israeli public said they were dissatisfied with the government's handling of the war, according to a recent survey by the Institute for National Security Studies.

Last month, US president Donald Trump revealed a 20-point peace plan, which was approved by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Although both sides have welcomed Trump's proposal, reaching an agreement on its details is expected to be a Herculean task.

On Sunday, Trump urged mediators to 'move fast' to ensure a deal is reached. He warned that any delay could lead to 'massive bloodshed'.

His warning came as American, Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators met in Cairo for further rounds of talks.

Herut Nimrodi, the mother of an Israeli man who was taken by Hamas told BBC News that she had 'real hope' that the peace plan would lead to the release of all remaining hostages.

She said: 'They have been trying to create an agreement for a while but it didn't take off. This time it feels different. There is real hope that this is the one, this is the last deal.'

While Hamas has accepted parts of the plan, including the formation of a technocratic Palestinian administration to govern Gaza, it is resisting demands to disarm or play no future role in the territory's leadership.

A memorial vigil is held in front of the Brandenburg Gate today. In other parts of the world, people have gathered to mark the occasion

In Sydney, members of the Australian Jewish community held a rally where they demanded the release of all hostages

Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, people gathered to mark the occasion.

In Germany, there was a memorial vigil in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The country's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, hit out at what he described as a 'new wave of antisemitism in Germany.'

Members of the Australian Jewish community also held a rally in Sydney, where they demanded the release of all remaining hostages.

In the United Kingdom, prime minister Keir Starmer urged students not to take part in pro-Palestinian protests today, saying it would be 'un-British' for any rallies to go ahead.

This is a breaking news story with more to follow
Stephen Lawrence's father has said one of his son's killers should name the other racist gang members who murdered him before being considered for parole.

Neville Lawrence, 83, is preparing for David Norris, 49, to appear before a parole board today for the first time to plead for his freedom.

Norris, now 49, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 14 years and three months in January 2012, more than 18 years after Stephen was murdered by a racist gang as he ran for a bus home.

His parole hearing will take place in prison with a video feed livestreamed to a courtroom in the Royal Courts of Justice.

Norris will be on camera, but only the back of his head will be visible.

Permission was given for his parole hearing to take place in public after an application by the media was backed by Stephen's parents, with Mr Lawrence saying, 'the more people that can see the better'.

In a document outlining the decision, it was revealed Norris now accepts he was present at the scene of the murder, but claims he punched Stephen and was not the person who stabbed him.

Mr Lawrence said it is important for him to hear Stephen's killers being named and for them to be brought to justice.

Stephen Lawrence, 18, (pictured) was murdered by a racist gang while running for the bus home

Baroness Doreen Lawrence, the mother of Stephen Lawrence, arrives with lawyer Imran Khan at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, where David Norris is due to appear via video feed for a Parole Board hearing

Neville Lawrence (pictured), the father of Stephen Lawrence, has said one of his son's killers should name the other racist gang members who murdered him before being considered for parole

'It's important for me because of what these people have done,' he said.

'They ruined my life. They've caused me not to be able to live in this country.

'They've robbed me of the chance of seeing my son getting married, of having grandchildren.

'This man has robbed me of so much that there is no way I can even start to think that he should be allowed to walk free.'

Police believe Stephen, 18, was killed by a gang of up to six people in Eltham, south-east London, two of whom have been brought to justice - Norris and Gary Dobson.

The pair were found guilty by a jury at the Old Bailey on the basis of tiny forensic traces gathered using cutting-edge techniques.

The other suspects in the case were Jamie and Neil Acourt, who have since been convicted of unrelated drug offences, as well as Luke Knight.

A sixth suspect, Matthew White, died in 2021.

The College of Policing is leading a review of the most recent stage of the investigation into Stephen's death after Dobson and Norris were convicted.

Mr Lawrence said he is 'frustrated' at the pace of the justice system.

He has previously said he would be prepared to forgive his son's killers if they showed remorse - adding that naming names would be a sign Norris is sorry and of a potential change in attitude.

David Norris (pictured) is to appear before a parole board for the first time to plead for his freedom

He said: 'If I was on that parole board, he would have to do that before I even think of him coming out.'

He added: 'He could name the rest of the people that were with him.

'He could name the person that actually stabbed Stephen and make a public apology to my family for killing my son.'

He said, 'I don't think he'll make a public apology to us', adding: 'I may be biased but I don't think he should be able to walk the street free - my son can't.'

Stephen was on his way to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham in April 1993 when he was set upon and killed by a gang who used a racist term before they struck.

Incompetence and allegations of corruption, centred around Norris's drug dealer father Clifford Norris, dogged the investigation into Stephen's death for years.

There was also outrage when it emerged that undercover officers from the Metropolitan Police had spied on justice campaigners supporting the family.

In 1999, a public inquiry into Stephen's death found the force was institutionally racist.
A planned pro-Palestine bake sale on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks has been cancelled as Keir Starmer warns students to avoid demonstrations today.

Students across the country are set to defy warnings from the Prime Minister, who described the protests which are scheduled to take place at universities today as 'un-British', claiming they show a lack of respect for others.

Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in the deadly attacks on Israel in 2023.

Despite the warnings, universities across the country will see demonstrations held today, calling for an end to the war in Gaza.

Of the more than a dozen protests being held at universities to mark the anniversary, themes include events to 'honour our martyrs' and celebrate 'two years of resistance'.

While others have advertised their marches with the phrase 'long live the intifada' - an anti-Semitic term used as a rallying cry to violently overthrow the Jewish state.

In Liverpool a 'Palestine bake sale' was being advertised to take place at the Guild of Students today. The event was subtitled 'time for dessert', which one witness described as implying that the 'main course' was the massacre of so many people two years ago.

She said: 'I know that Jewish students at the uni are very distressed by this - my daughter is one of them - and the planned event, coming also as it does just days after a terrorist attack on Jews at the Heaton Park Synagogue on Yom Kippur.

'It has made them feel unwelcome and unsafe. The event was posted on their Instagram on Friday - the day after Manchesters attack.'

However the University of Liverpool told Jewish News the event had been postponed.

Another protest at Strathclyde University in Glasgow had also been planned, where students were urged to 'grab your flag and keffiyeh' and attend a 'Protest 4 Palestine'. However, this event has also been postponed amid mounting fury over the rally.

Students across the UK are set to march on universities in support of pro-Palestine rallies - on the anniversary of October 7

Pictured is one of the posters advertising the cake sale, which has since been postponed

Sir Keir Starmer described the protests which are scheduled to take place at universities today as 'un-British'

Writing in The Times, Sir Keir said: 'Today, on the anniversary of the atrocities of October 7, students are once again planning protests.

'This is not who we are as a country. It's un-British to have so little respect for others. And that's before some of them decide to start chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again.'

He added the pro-Palestine protests have been used by some as a 'despicable excuse to attack British Jews'.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson also called on students to 'pause' their protests and 'show some humanity'.

'There is, of course, within our country the fundamental right to protest. It's a cornerstone of our democracy,' she told Sky News.

'But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.

'So my message is that whilst you might have the right to protest, I would urge people to show some humanity, to show some respect and to understand the deep sense of grief and loss that many Jewish people in our country will be experiencing today.'

Students in London are set to come together for a large march in the capital today.

Other large demonstrations are set to take place in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Bristol.

Posters marking one event at Queen Mary University in London have appeared on buildings around the campus and on social media

It also comes less than a week after two men were killed in a terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, killed Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, in the attack which unfolded on Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has pledged to put 'every available resource into making sure that we understand precisely what has happened'.

Sir Keir said: 'Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

'Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The brutal, cold-blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.

'Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare. When I spoke with some of the families of the British hostages, I promised them in person that we will not cease in our efforts to bring their loved ones home.

'But back here in the UK, our Jewish communities have also endured rising antisemitism on our streets, in our country. And last week, a horrifying terrorist attack on the holy day of Yom Kippur in Manchester.

'This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.

'Our priority in the Middle East remains the same - release the hostages. Surge aid into Gaza. And a ceasefire that can lead to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a two-state solution. A safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state.

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'We welcome the US initiative towards peace in the Middle East, and this Government will do everything in our power to bring about the day where every child of Israel can live peacefully, alongside their Palestinian neighbours, in safety and security.'

The Prime Minister has been criticised for his decision to recognise a Palestinian state, with some Jewish leaders and Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage accusing Starmer of 'emboldening protesters' with his actions.

Thousands of people attended an event in Trafalgar Square in central London on Sunday to mark the two-year anniversary.

Pro-Palestine protests also took place in the same location, with almost 500 people arrested for allegedly expressing support for the banned terror group, Palestine Action, over the weekend.

And on Thursday, hundreds of other activists held protests in London and Manchester - just hours after the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue terror attack rocked the nation's Jewish community.

Britain's Jewish leaders, as well as university chiefs and senior politicians, have now voiced their repulsion at the timing of tomorrow's planned demonstrations.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was 'disgusted by reports of recent hate-filled protests on university campuses'.

Protesters supporting Palestine Action were removed by police from Trafalgar Square last week

'In the wake of the terror attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation it is clear we need fundamental change of mindset to drive out anti-Jewish incitement at all levels of our society, including from our universities,' a spokesman added.

Keith Black, chairman of Jewish Leadership Council, was also sickened by the scheduled events on the anniversary of Hamas's massacre in Israel.

'Protesting on campuses on October 7 is a disgraceful and deeply upsetting strategy to cause maximum pain to Jewish students,' Mr Black said.

'The content of these demonstrations is likely to be anti-Semitic and incite violence. For those involved to claim any kind of moral authority is a lie, these protests are driven by hate.'

At Queen Mary University in London, organisers are planning a rally dubbed: 'Two Years of Genocide, Two Years of Resistance'.

Students at Goldsmiths, University of London, are also gearing up for an event, advertised as a 'night of remembrance and resistance'.

At nearby King's College in London, students have been invited to a talk entitled: 'Why It Didnt Start On October 7th'.

Pictured is a protester in London being carried away by police from a pro-Palestine rally on Saturday

'Wear your keffiyeh, bring your voice, and join us as we demand divestment from Israel and justice for Palestine,' one post advertising the rally on Facebook said.

It later adds 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' - a chant critics have branded anti-Semitic, because it implies the destruction of the state of Israel.

In Birmingham, protesters will stage a vigil for Palestine to 'honour our martyrs', with posts for the event saying: 'Two years of genocide, 100-years of resistance'.

Meanwhile, at the University of Sheffield, the Revolutionary Communist Party refused pleas to move the date of its march, citing the cost of having to reprint posters.

At the University of Leicester, activists will be rallying inside the institution's David Wilson Library. In Nottingham, a protest is due to take place at 5pm in Old Market Square to mark 'two years of resistance' and 'honour our martyrs'.

Students at the University of Leeds are also set to hold a protest after declaring 'long live the intifada' - a call to violently overthrow the Jewish state.

Other events are also planned at universities in Bristol, Sussex and Edinburgh.

Isaac Zarfati, executive director of StandWithUs UK, said Jewish students have been subjected to 'vile' levels of 'Jew hate, intimidation, ostracisation, and even violent assault' over the past two years.

Mr Zarfati warned a recent report conducted by StandWithUS UK, showed Jewish students in Britain now faced 'terrifying levels of racism... day in, day out and it shows no sign of abating even following the terrible events in Manchester'.

'The deliberate scheduling of "resistance" events on the anniversary of Hamas's October 7 terror atrocities is particularly grotesque,' he added.

He called on the Prime Minister and education secretary to 'get a grip of rampant anti-Semitism and extremism' now seemingly raging across university campuses.

Pictured is a poster for one of the pro-Palestine marches on October 7 in Glasgow dubbed 'disgusting' by Jewish leaders in Britain

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the pro-Palestine demonstrations showed 'the same hatred that fuelled (the October 7 attacks) still festers today'.

'Israel, the world's only Jewish state, has faced hatred, war and terror since the day it was founded. And yet, it has stood strong. A beacon of democracy and resilience in the Middle East,' she said.

'But two years on from the horrific massacre on October 7, we must also be honest: the same hatred that fuelled those barbaric attacks still festers today.

'We see it in the so-called 'protests' that turn into hate marches on our streets. We hear it in chants calling to 'globalise the intifada'. And we saw it again, tragically, in the appalling terrorist attack on our Jewish community right here in Manchester just last week.'

She added: 'It is shameful that in recognising Palestine as a state, the Government has rewarded the terrorists that perpetrated the 7th October atrocities.

'Appeasement does not work. There are still 48 hostages held captive in Gaza. They must come home now.'

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said students considering joining pro-Palestinian protests on the anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel should 'pause' and 'show some humanity'.

Ms Phillipson told Sky News: 'There is, of course, within our country the fundamental right to protest. It's a cornerstone of our democracy.

'But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.

'So my message is that whilst you might have the right to protest, I would urge people to show some humanity, to show some respect and to understand the deep sense of grief and loss that many Jewish people in our country will be experiencing today.'

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick branded plans for protests in towns and cities, on the anniversary of the attacks 'a f****** disgrace'.

He told a fringe event at the Tory party conference: 'I heard today that there are protests being scheduled in universities for October the 7th - that's a f****** disgrace.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick branded plans for protests in towns and cities 'a disgrace'

'I would say first and foremost to people, our fellow citizens who are thinking of doing that, show some common decency.'

If organisers refuse to call off such protests then a change in the law to consider the 'cumulative impact' should be considered, he said, noting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already taken steps towards this.

Ms Mahmood said repeated large-scale protests had caused 'considerable fear' for the Jewish community, as she pledged to give police greater powers to restrict protests.

Queen Mary University of London - where one of the marches is being planned - insisted it had 'robust' measures to deal with the situation.

A spokesman added: 'We do not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, abuse, incitement or harassment of any kind, and have robust procedures in place to deal with any such complaints, including reporting to the police. As a university, we must work within the law and have a duty to uphold lawful freedom of speech.

'Since the beginning of the current crisis in the Middle East, we have consistently urged respect for each others different beliefs and points of view, and to support each other with compassion and empathy. The majority of our community of 38,000 student and staff continue to do just that.'

The Government will amend Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 to explicitly allow the police to take account of the cumulative impact of frequent protests on local areas in order to impose conditions on public processions and assemblies.

The Home Secretary will also review existing legislation to ensure powers are sufficient and are being applied consistently by police forces - this will include powers to ban protests outright.
London could become a 'childless city' as pupils numbers fall, schools close and families move out due to spiralling costs of transport and housing, teachers claim.

New-build flats replacing family homes and falling birthrates are also said to be influencing the drop which started before Brexit and Covid but has since accelerated.

National Association of Head Teachers vice-president Dave Woods told The Times there was 'almost one thing on top of another' contributing to the plunge in pupils.

He said: 'It's a phrase that is talked about in meetings ... about London becoming a childless city. You've got high housing, high transport prices, a cost of living crisis.'

Mr Woods, headteacher of Beaconsfield Primary School in Southall, added that family homes were being replaced by smaller apartments in his area of West London.

He said the 'continuous downward spiral' in numbers began before Brexit, and many families who moved to the UK from eastern Europe left permanently during Covid.

Online forums such as Mumsnet have seen plenty of discussion in recent years about families moving out of London and other cities to get more space for the same price.

Frankie Graddon, who writes a popular Substack column under the name Mumish, said that her social media feeds were 'full of updates from work peers and friends of friends with young kids who have switched city living for The Good Life'.

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James Bowen, assistant general secretary at the National Association of Head Teachers, told the Daily Mail: 'In many areas of the country there has been less demand for primary places amid falling birthrates in recent years.

'This has been even more pronounced in parts of London, with the higher cost of living in the capital, including housing and transport costs, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford to live in some neighbourhoods.

'There is a lack of affordable, quality housing with space for families to grow and play, and we hear of some housing suitable for families, including social housing, being redeveloped to make way for studio and one-bed commuter-style apartments.

'With most funding calculated on a per-pupil basis, falling rolls can cause real issues for schools, especially for smaller schools and those already facing severe financial pressures - sometimes forcing them to close and depriving local neighbourhoods of a vital community service and focal point.

'With demographic trends having proven unpredictable and prone to change in recent times, this can end up being short-sighted.'

He concluded: 'Rather than reduce funding, we want the Government to continue to invest in these schools and support local authorities to maintain staffing and resources. This would help schools to offer smaller classes and more targeted help, as well as helping them to build capacity to provide an inclusive environment for pupils with additional needs.'

It comes after the Education Policy Institute (EPI) revealed nine of the ten local authorities seeing the largest drops in primary school pupil numbers are in London.

The capital is expected to continue to see bigger falls than the rest of the country for the next five years - and researchers said strategies were required to adapt funding and provision to cope with falling numbers, which threaten the viability of schools.

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There are set to be 400,000 fewer pupils at schools in England by 2030 than today, and primary pupil numbers have already fallen by 150,000 since 2019.

The EPI said Westminster saw a nearly 16 per cent fall in primary pupil numbers from 2020/21 to 2024/25  but claimed London's steeper decline cannot be explained by falling birth rates alone.

In Southwark, figures have fallen by more than 12 per cent in five years, and the number of primary schools has dropped by six.

In order, the ten local authority areas with the largest falls in primary pupil numbers over the last five years are Westminster, Lambeth, Southwark, Hackney, Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington, Merton, Wandsworth, and Redcar and Cleveland.

Schools are funded on a per-pupil basis, which means falling rolls are a big concern for as big declines are associated with school closures.

An increasing number of pupils are leaving London, researchers found. Around 17 per cent of primary pupils in reception in 2012/13 had left the city by Year 6, increasing to 20 per cent for pupils who started reception in 2017/18.

While falling birth rates play a key role, London primary pupils are most likely to either move within the city or leave the state education system, findings show.

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Local authorities in the East of England and the South East record the largest influxes of pupils from London.

Over the next five years, Islington, Lambeth and Southwark are expected to experienced the largest declines in pupil numbers from 14 per cent to 20 per cent.

A population bulge in England has been moving into secondary schools, but the Department for Education said in July that it expected pupil numbers to peak in 2026/27.

Earlier this year, a former education secretary called for school funding to no longer be judged on a per-pupil basis because of falling rolls.

Conservative MP Damian Hinds said the decline in the number of children in schools meant the per-pupil basis was no longer a good reflection of whether funding was increasing or decreasing.

A Department for Education spokesperson told the Daily Mail today: 'We recognise the pressures caused by demographic changes which some schools in inner London are facing.

'Our system is designed to give schools more certainty over funding levels so they can plan ahead. Per-pupil funding for schools is currently at record levels, increasing to 69.5billion by 2028-29.

'As part of our wider work to give children the best start in life, we have awarded 300 primary schools 37million to repurpose their spare space, with schools now providing over 5,000 new childcare places, as part of our school-based nurseries roll out.'
One of Emmanuel Macron's former prime ministers has called for an early presidential election after the latest French PM resigned following just 27 days in office.

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Tuesday that he was in favour of an early presidential election, as the country is plunged further into crisis.

Philippe, once a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, hit out at what he called a 'distressing political game' in an interview with radio station RTL, following the Monday resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, whose government was rejected by both allies and opponents.

His comments were echoed by Jordan Bardella, the leader of the far-right party National Rally, who said in a separate interview on BFM TV that he supported first a dissolution of the parliament, followed by parliamentary elections or early presidential elections.

Philippe, a former member of the conservative Les Republicains party, served as the first prime minister in Macron's first term, between 2017 and 2020.

He then founded his own party, Horizons, which has been in Macron's governing coalition ever since. Philippe is also the mayor of Le Havre, Normandy.

Lecornu's sudden resignation came just hours after the former armed forces minister appointed his new cabinet.

After weeks of consultations with political parties across the board, Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, on Sunday had appointed his ministers, and the cabinet had been set to hold its first meeting on Monday afternoon.

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Tuesday that he was in favour of an early presidential election, as the country is plunged further into crisis

But parties across the board in the National Assembly fiercely criticised the composition of Lecornu's cabinet, which was largely unchanged from Bayrou's, and threatened to vote it down.

Opponents and allies alike, either found it too rightwing or not enough, raising questions on how long it could last, at a time when France is already mired deep in political crisis, with no group holding a majority in a fragmented parliament.

'Mr Sebastien Lecornu has submitted the resignation of his Government to the President of the Republic, who has accepted it,' the Elysee's press office said on Monday morning.

Macron's decision to call a snap parliamentary election last year deepened the crisis by producing an even more fragmented parliament.

Lecornu, who was only appointed last month, was Macron's fifth prime minister in two years following the toppling of Francois Bayrou and his government in a confidence vote.

Bayrou gambled that lawmakers would back his view that France must slash public spending to rein in its huge debts. Instead, they seized on the vote to gang up against the 74-year-old centrist who was appointed by Macron last December.

He had wanted to cut the equivalent of some 35billion from public spending - with national debt currently sitting at 114 per cent of GDP.

France's new Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu quit just weeks after being appointed the position. Pictured: Lecornu delivers a statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, on October 3, 2025, before a round of consultations with political parties ahead of the announcement of the new government

And he specifically wanted to cut two public holidays, and freeze pensions and welfare payments, while making thousands of civil servants unemployed.

Bayrou officially submitted his resignation in September after lasting just nine months in office.

Major rioting then swept across France less than 24-hoursafter Macron appointed Lecornu.

The chaos was all linked to a 'Let's Block Everything' campaign ultimately aimed at forcing Macron to resign.

As the violence intensified, Bruno Retailleau, the Interior Minister in the outgoing government, said: 'This is not a citizens' movement in any way.

'It's been hijacked by the ultra-Left, and some are determined to carry out violent actions. There is an insurrectional mood.'

'Everyone is sick of Macron, and his government,' said Nicolas, a 19-year-old student involved in a Paris protest at the time.

'The new prime minister will be as useless as the last one.'

There is no centralised leadership to 'Block Everything'  making it similar to the infamous but hugely effective Yellow Vest (Gilets Jaunes) movement.

The protest movement was social media based, and supported by the CGT (Confederation of General Workers), the largest trade union in the country.

Lecornu became the youngest defense minister in French history and architect of a major military buildup through 2030, spurred by Russia's war in Ukraine.

A former conservative who joined Macron's centrist movement in 2017, he has held posts in local governments, overseas territories and during the president's yellow vest 'great debate,' where he helped manage mass anger with dialogue.

French Riot Police stand back as Wafu Brasserie burns after catching fire during violent clashes near Chatelet in central Paris on September 10, 2025

Riot police forces use a water cannon to disperse protesters during a demonstration part of the 'Let's Block Everything' protest movement, at the Place de la Comedie, in Montpellier, southern France, on September 10, 2025

He also offered talks on autonomy during unrest in Guadeloupe in 2021.

One of his key assets for Macron was that he was not what is known in France as 'presidentiable', namely someone who harbours ambitions of winning the Elysee Palace for themselves.

Lecornu is 'a loyal soldier who doesn't have too much charisma or presidential potential,' one ministerial adviser told AFP on condition of anonymity last month.

His departure intensifies concerns about the country's ability to get a grip of its finances.

Successive French governments have tried and failed to impose significant public spending cuts as the country struggles under the weight of high public debt, persistent budget deficits and political fragmentation.

France's CAC 40 stock market index fell 2 per cent in early trading, with banks leading losses. The index is up by around 7 per cent for the year but has lagged the double-digit gains enjoyed by European peers.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: 'To lose one prime minister is unfortunate, but four looks like a major crisis. Markets were blindsided by the news this morning that yet another resident of the Hotel Matignon has departed, resulting in yet another new chapter in the torrid drama that is the French government.
Angela Merkel's explosive claim that Poland is to blame for the war in Ukraine has sparked fury, with European politicians accusing her of having 'blood on her hands' and rewarding Moscow's aggression.

The backlash comes after the former German chancellor claimed Poland and the Baltic states bore responsibility for severing diplomatic ties between Russia and the EU, leading to Vladimir Putin's invasion in February 2022.

Her controversial comments have garnered condemnation from EU politicians, with many pointing the finger at the 71-year-old for blocking Ukraine's Nato membership back in 2008 - a move they say emboldened the Russian leader to launch his full-scale invasion years later.

'Merkel has blood on her hands, she should keep quiet,' said Polish politician Adam Bielan, a Member of the European Parliament for the Masovian constituency.

He added that the former chancellor is 'one of the most damaging German politicians' in recent history, reported German outlet Bild.

The former deputy prime minister of Latvia, Artis Pabriks, joined the chorus of criticism. The publication quoted him saying: 'Russia alone bears the blame for this aggression.'

He took to social media to voice his opposition to the statements, writing on X: 'The problem with Merkels announcements is that she plays by [the] Kremlin playbook to further [the] Kremlin agenda to split and fragment Europeans, turn[ing] us against each other.'

'She sounds like Russian influence agent,' he added.

Meanwhile, Estonian MP Marko Mihkelson said the controversial statements were a 'new low' in the Merkel era, casting 'a shadow over her entire term in office', Bild reported.

Merkel, who led Germany from 2005 to 2021, made the comments in an interview with Hungarian outlet Partizan.

She has previously defended her record and decision to block Ukraine's membership into the Western defensive alliance, saying Putin would have interpreted it as a 'declaration of war'.

Businessman and campaigner Bill Browder also took to X to voice his dismay at Merkel's comments. 'No wonder Germany pursued such a disastrous Russia policy under her leadership. Good riddance' he wrote.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) stands with Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to the two-day 'German-Russian Petersburg Dialogue' conference in the city of Dresden October 10, 2006

Angela Merkel's explosive claim that Poland is to blame for the war in Ukraine has sparked fury, with European politicians accusing her of rewarding Vladimir Putin's aggression

Merkel, who made German industry dependent on Moscow throughout her time in office by establishing gas pipelines directly linked to Russia, has consistently faced accusations of cosying up to Putin and being too slow to help Kyiv.

Justifying her hesitation surrounding Ukraine's bid to join Nato in 2008, she said she had no regrets, arguing that Putin's invasion would have happened a lot sooner if the the country's membership hadn't been blocked.

In a recent interview with Partizan, she argued that it was Poland's refusal to support the Minsk Agreements - a pair of key international agreements between Russia and the EU - that encouraged Putin to properly invade Ukraine in 2022.

Following the secession of Donetsk and Luhansk, two Ukrainian regions that broke away from the country to become what Russia calls its republics, representatives from the two countries and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) signed the first Minsk agreement in September 2014.

This agreement sought to establish a ceasefire between Russia, Ukraine and the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).

Merkel claimed that the first Minsk agreement 'brought about calm' between 2015 and 2021 and gave Ukraine, which had been defeated by Russia during a summer counter-offensive in 2015 that aimed to take back its land, time to 'gather strength' and 'become a different country'.

The initial agreement didn't appear to hold any sway with Putin, or his lackeys in Donetsk and Luhansk.

By January 2015, just four months after the first Minsk agreement was signed, Russia and the DPR had engaged in a heavy battle with Ukrainian forces despite the Kremlin's interests being met.

Minsk II was signed the following month, which also did not prevent further fighting. Between 2015 and 2021, Russian forces had killed or wounded more than 5,000 Ukrainian troops in defiance of the ceasefire agreement.

But Merkel said that it was only by 2021 that she 'felt that Putin was no longer taking the Minsk Agreement seriously.

'That's why I wanted a new format where we could speak directly with Putin as the European Union.

'Some people didn't support this. These were primarily the Baltic states, but Poland was also against it'.

She added that these four nations were 'afraid' that 'we wouldn't have a common policy towards Russia'.

Merkel dismissively added in the interview, which was translated into German and then English: 'In any case, it didn't come to fruition. Then I left office, and then Putin's aggression began.'

It comes as Russian attacks killed at least one civilian and injured at least 33, including children, over the past 24 hours, regional authorities reported on Tuesday.

Ukrainian rescuers work among the rubble at an energy infrastructure facility following a drone attack in Kharkiv on October 7, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

An apartment building heavily damaged during a Russian glide bomb attack two days earlier is seen in Sloviansk amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, on October 6, 2025

A woman stands near a collapsed building after Russian artillery strikes hit residential areas in the Kherson region of Ukraine on October 6, 2025. Image provided by the Kherson Regional Military Administration

Moscow launched 152 unmanned aircraft, including around 80 Shahed-type strike drones, as well as two Iskander-M or KN-23 ballistic missiles overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

Some 88 drones were intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses, while two missiles and 52 drones struck 10 locations.

At least five civilians died after Russia launched drones, missiles and guided aerial bombs at Ukraine on Saturday night into Sunday, in a major attack that officials there said targeted civilian infrastructure.

Moscow fired 53 ballistic and cruise missiles and 496 drones, Ukraines air force said. President Zelensky reported that nine regions were targeted.

Four people, including a 15-year-old, died in a combined drone and missile strike on Lviv, according to regional officials and Ukraines emergency service.

It was the largest aerial assault on the historic western city and surrounding region since Russias full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, according to Maksym Kozytskyi, head of the local military administration. Earlier in the war, Lviv was seen as a haven from the fighting and destruction farther east.

In a Telegram post, Kozytskyi said Russia launched about 140 Shahed drones and 23 ballistic missiles across the region.

At least six more people were injured, according to a statement by Ukraines police force.
Marks and Spencer is closing 11 cafes in food halls across the country as the firm plans a big shake-up after suffering a crippling cyber attack earlier this year.

The retail company  which runs 565 stores in the UK  said it will introduce more food stores in their place to reflect customer preferences, as part of a wider 300million investment.

Employees at affected cafes will be handed roles elsewhere in the firm, with M&S insisting the decision will lead to no job cuts.

An M&S spokesman said: 'As we look to modernise our food business and offer the best of M&S Food to more people, more often, we're investing in our store estate to give our customers the widest possible product range.

'This includes opening brand-new coffee shops offering delicious food and barista-made fairtrade coffee, including at our brand-new Bristol Cabot Circus store.

'In some of our small Food stores, where customers want a greater range of M&S Food, our transformation also involves repurposing cafe space across 11 small food stores, out of over 300 M&S cafes, coffee shop and coffee to go locations.'

The popular cafes serve a range of breakfast rolls as part of an 'all-day brunch' range, as well as staples such as fish and chips and burgers for lunch. They also offer hot drinks, of course, including large lattes and cappucinos costing 3.90.

The closures are designed to free up space for more popular products and will affect four per cent of the company's 316 food shops across the country

Marks and Spencer is closing 11 cafes in food halls across the country as the firm looks to recover financially from a crippling cyber attack six months ago (Stock Photo)

The major investment plans have already seen M&S convert several full-line shops into food stores, and the firm is hoping to have 420 open by the end of 2028 - an increase of more than 30 per cent.

Existing food-only stores have also been handed extra funds allowing them to serve more customers and modernise their shops.

It comes after M&S restored its popular click-and-collect service for the first time in months following April's crippling cyber attack.

The company halted orders on its website over the Easter weekend and was also left with empty shelves in the wake of the attack.

Customers had to wait until June to use the store's website again as it opened itself back up to online shoppers in the hunt for the latest fashion ranges.

But it took even longer to reinstate M&S' click-and-collect service, which allows users to order items on the website and pick them up in-store the following day.

The system relies on integrating the retailer's online ordering platforms, payments systems, inventory management as well as in-store logistics.

It is likely that April's cyber attack had an effect on these systems' operations and M&S wanted to make sure they were all running smoothly and securely again before reopening the service.

The ransomware attack is thought to have been conducted by hacking collective DragonForce and ended up with the theft of many customers' details - which could have included names, email addresses, postal addresses and dates of birth.

Empty food shelves at a Marks & Spencer in Cambridge on April 29 after the attack

It also resulted in empty shelves after the firm dismantled its inventory management systems to mitigate against further damage by hackers.

While its stores have been able to remain open and trade throughout, contactless payments were impacted initially - while there was also some stock availability issues as it had to temporarily switch to manual processes following the attack.

M&S revealed in May that the hack was caused by 'human error', and would cost it around 300million.

Chief executive Stuart Machin said upon reporting annual figures that hackers gained access to the company's IT systems through a third party.

He said: 'We didn't leave the door open, this wasn't anything to do with under-investment. Everyone is vulnerable. For us, we were unlucky on this particular day through some human error.'

Four people have been arrested in connection with the attacks, as well as separate ones on the Co-op and Harrods.

Two British men aged 17 and 19 were detained in the West Midlands and London alongside a 19-year-old Latvian an a 20-year-old British woman from Staffordshire.

They are accused of a variety of offences under the Computer Misuse Act, including blackmail, money laundering and involvement in organised crime.

All four were arrested at home and had their electronic devices seized for digital forensic analysis.

They have been questioned by specialist National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in relation to the three attacks.

M&S said the incident is likely to drag its group operating profits down by around 300million this year, but it expects this to be reduced through cost management, insurance and other reactions.

The company suggested it could reduce the impact of the attack by as much as 'half'.


University students have defied calls to cancel pro-Palestinian protests on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel.

Demonstrations are taking place across the country two years to the day around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in southern Israel.

Undergraduates in London, Sheffield and Edinburgh have gone ahead with protests but a demonstration at Strathclyde University in Glasgow was postponed late yesterday.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the rallies as 'un-British' and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urged students to 'show some humanity' in the run-up to today's actions.

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African parents are flying to Spain and abandoning their children in a cruel new tactic to reach Europe, with authorities saying the youngsters can one day try to bring relatives over.

A welfare council chief in Menorca has revealed two youngsters were left at a bus station before their mums and dads jetted home.

According to a local newspaper, one was an 11-year-old from Morocco and the other a 16-year-old from Senegal. It said the younger boy was taken to a childrens home in Menorca a day after reaching the island.

The Senegalese boy, said to have flown to the island with his dad, reportedly walked into a police station in the capital, Mahon, after spending several days on the streets.

Privately, officials have said they are not ruling out the possibility that the youngsters could try to bring other family members to live with them in Europe once they turn 18.

Officials in Ibiza also said that two children there were recently left on the island by their parents and given instructions to head to a police station so they could receive refugee treatment.

Carolina Escandell, Ibiza Council's Welfare Minister, raged: 'This is child abandonment and if they were Spanish the parents would be reported.'

Her Menorca equivalent Carmen Reynes said overnight: 'We have expressed our concern because as well as having to cope with migrants arriving by sea, this new phenomenon now has to be taken into account. It could have a knock-on effect.'

All four children are now being looked over by institutions on the islands their parents left them on.

The two said to have been abandoned in Ibiza in recent weeks are understood to hail from North Africa.

It is not known if the youngsters left in Menorca are from Morocco or Algeria, or are sub-Saharan Africans.

Record numbers of undocumented migrants have reached the Balearic Islands, which include Majorca and Formentera, as well as Menorca and Ibiza, already this year by boat.

There has been an influx of migrants arriving in Spain in recent months. This image is for illustrative purposes and does not show any of the children abandoned

Most risked their lives by making the dangerous crossing from Algeria on rickety wooden boats called pateras.

A patera with 27 sub-Saharan Africans on board was intercepted off one of the islands on Sunday.

A ten-year-old boy was abandoned by his West African-born parents at Barcelona's El Prat airport in July, although that shock case is not thought to have been linked to the latest ones involving children being dumped in Europe by their mums and dads as part of a feared new migration trend.

Reports at the time said the parents flying out of Barcelona were worried they wouldn't get into Morocco because their son didn't have a visa - and tried to leave Spain with his three-year-old brother after asking a relative to travel to the airport to take care of the older sibling.

They are understood to have been stopped by police before they got on their flight.

The immigration issue has led to tension in regions of Spain like the Balearic Islands, where the right-wing governs regionally and is at loggerheads with the central left-wing coalition government.

In June, Spanish police confirmed they had launched an investigation after the bodies of five migrants were found in the sea off the Balearic Islands with their hands and feet bound.

Initial speculation centred on the possibility they could have been murdered and thrown overboard.

The families of the men who died, all Somalians, later revealed they were shackled in a death ritual after they perished from starvation as they tried to reach Europe.

Several immigrants arrive in Spain after a boat was rescued by Spanish authorities on October 4

They had been on a boat that was rescued on May 8 by Spanish coastguards 62 miles from Alicante, with 16 male survivors suffering dehydration and other health problems and a dead man on board.

The vessel had left Algeria a fortnight earlier before it was left adrift following engine problems.

During their trip, they ended up having to eat just one date a day and drink their own urine, with the men whose bodies were recovered from the Mediterranean said to have fatally opted to drink seawater to try to survive.

Red Cross chiefs said after their rescue: 'One of the people rescued had eaten toothpaste because it was the only thing he had.

'He didn't want to let go of the tube when he reached dry land.'

Yesterday, it emerged that an undocumented migrant had made history by becoming the first person to reach Spain's north African enclave of Ceuta by paragliding across its heavily-fortified border fence from Morocco.
The wife of a prominent member of the Royal Household sobbed in court after she narrowly missed losing her driving licence for using her phone behind the wheel.

Kim Todd, 59, was spotted picking up her mobile while sitting in traffic in a 60,000 Land Rover on Lower Richmond Road, south London, on February 25.

The psychotherapist, who lives in a grace-and-favour apartment at Kensington Palace, home to staff working for the Royal Household and the same complex where Princess Diana once lived, admitted using her phone while driving.

Prosecutor Matthew Spratt told Lavender Hill Magistrates Court that the offence was seen while the vehicle was stationary in traffic but gave no further details. The car she was driving was not owned by the Royal Family.

Todd wept as she told the court she could not afford to lose her licence because her stepfather, who lives in rural Wiltshire, has stage-four cancer and she must be available day and night to support her mother.

She said she'd been stuck in traffic and had just picked the phone up after it beeped, adding: 'I just wasn't thinking.'

She already had six points on her driving licence and a further six for this offence would take her to the point of being disqualified, the court heard.

Kim Todd, pictured, was driving a nearly new 60,000 Land Rover when she was seen picking up her mobile while stuck in traffic

The psychotherapist lives in a grace and favour apartment at Kensington Palace, which houses admin staff for the royal household

However, she pleaded exceptional hardship, claiming the loss of her licence would see her mother stranded with no-one to help her with her sick husband.

She said: 'I could kick myself because I was stuck in a traffic jam. My phone beeped and I looked at it. At that moment, I just wasn't thinking.'

She said that her stepfather, who is battling cancer, lives in Wiltshire and her mother needed help taking him to and from hospital appointments.

'The other night he fell out of bed and she couldn't pick him up,' she went on. I keep promising her that I'll be there for her and if she needs me I can just drive down.

'It was such a stupid thing to do with my phone.'

She said it wouldn't affect her counselling work because living so centrally, she could always take public transport.

Chairman of the bench, Andrew Robinson, decided to endorse her licence with six further points, taking her total to 12 points, but didn't disqualify her.

'We are not going to disqualify you,' he said.

'We understand your parents are in a situation where they are relatively isolated.

'They have no other support mechanism and it could be any time of the day or night that you are needed.'

But he warned her: 'If you come before the court again for road traffic offences, we won't be able to do this again.'

She was also fined 384, a surcharge of 154 and contributions to costs of 130.

Princess Diana and then Prince Charles lived at apartments 8 and 9 when their sons William and Harry were born in 1982 and 1984.

Diana loved it so much that she carried on living there after her divorce was granted in 1996. It was still her address when she died in a car crash in a Paris underpass in August 1997.

Todd, pictured, pleaded exceptional hardship, claiming the loss of her licence would see her mother stranded with no-one to help her with her sick husband

Many official portraits - especially of the young princes - showed Diana decorated it to her own taste using designer Dudley Poplak.

The top floors held the boys' nursery, with pictures showing the brothers riding rocking horses on a carpet emblazoned with strawberries.

After Diana's death, the apartments stood empty until they were used as offices by then Prince Charles, including as studio space for his Royal Drawing School.

They later became office space for William and Harry's charity work and royal duties while a separate area was given to staff members as accommodation.

Opposite apartments 8 and 9 is Nottingham Cottage, where William and Catherine lived from 2011 to 2013 after their marriage, before Prince Harry moved in with Meghan Markle.

It was in Nottingham Cottage that he proposed to her before they moved to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.
Donald Trump has branded Greta Thunberg a 'trouble-maker' with an 'anger management problem' and has suggested she see a doctor after the climate activist was deported from Israel.

The Swedish campaigner was among 171 members of the Global Sumud Flotilla released from Israeli detention on Monday after the IDF foiled their attempt to bring aid into Gaza.

When asked about Thunberg during a press conference at the Oval Office on Monday, the US president made some scathing remarks about the young activist.

'She's just a trouble-maker. You mean she's no longer into the environment, now she's into this?'

'She has an anger management problem, I think she should see a doctor'.

But Thunberg was quick to fire back at Trump with a sarcastic Instagram post on Tuesday, in which she asked the president to give her tips on how to handle her apparent anger issues.

'I heard Donald Trump once again has expressed his very flattering opinions on my character, and I appreciate his concerns for my mental health', she wrote.

'To Trump: I would kindly receive any recommendations you might have to deal with these so called 'anger management problems' since, judging by your impressive track record, you seem to be suffering from them too.'

US President Donald Trump called Greta Thunberg a 'trouble-maker' with an 'anger management problem' after the Swedish activist was released from Israeli detention on Monday

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg raises her fist, upon arrival alongside activists who were sailing aboard vessels from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla before being stopped and detained by Israeli forces, greeted by a crowd of supporters, at the arrivals area of Athens International Airport on October 6, 2025

Thunberg clapped back at Trump with a sarcastic Instagram post

This is the latest exchange between Thunberg and Trump after the president mocked the activist in 2019 when she was named Time Magazine's Person of the Year.

Thunberg's witty remark also comes after she spoke to reporters in Athens on Monday following her deportation from Israel.

'Let me be very clear. There is a genocide going on,' Thunberg told the crowd at the Athens airport referring to Israeli military action in Gaza.

'Our international systems are betraying Palestinians. They are not even able to prevent the worst war crimes from happening,' she said.

'What we aimed to do with the Global Sumud Flotilla was to step up when our governments failed to do their legal obligation.'

Thunberg and fellow activists attempted to reach Gaza in scores of vessels to bring aid supplies and draw attention to the plight of Gaza, where most of the 2.2 million residents have been driven from their homes and the United Nations says hunger is rampant.

Israel, which rejects accusations it is carrying out genocide in Gaza and says reports of hunger there are exaggerated, has dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt benefiting Hamas.

It had previously detained Thunberg at sea in a similar attempt to breach the blockade in June.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg walks before her deportation at an unspecified Israeli airport, after Israel intercepted the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla aiming to reach Gaza and break Israel's naval blockade, October 6, 2025 in this handout image

Earlier, Swiss and Spanish activists from the flotilla said they were subjected to inhumane conditions during their detention by Israeli forces.

Israel's foreign ministry issued a statement, accompanied by photos of Thunberg at the airport, saying all participants' legal rights had been upheld and the only violence involved an activist who bit a female medic at Israel's Ketziot prison.

Among nine members of the flotilla who arrived home in Switzerland, some alleged sleep deprivation, lack of water and food, as well as some being beaten, kicked, and locked in a cage, the group representing them said in a statement.

An Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson rejected the allegations.

Spanish activists also alleged mistreatment on their arrival in Spain late on Sunday after being deported.

'They beat us, dragged us along the ground, blindfolded us, tied our hands and feet, put us in cages and insulted us,' lawyer Rafael Borrego told reporters at Madrid's airport.

Swedish activists said on Saturday that Thunberg was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag during her detention, while others said they had clean food and water withheld and had their medication and belongings confiscated.

Thunberg and fellow activists attempted to reach Gaza in scores of vessels to bring aid supplies and break Israel's naval blockade

Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes targeted residential areas in the Gaza Strip, as seen from Israel near the border, on October 07, 2025

Palestinians wait in line for clean water distributed by charitable organizations in Az-Zawayda, Gaza on October 06, 2025

After she arrived in Athens, Thunberg said she could 'talk for a very, very long time about our mistreatment and abuses in our imprisonment, trust me, but that is not the story'.

'What happened here was that Israel, while continuing to worsen and escalate their genocide and mass destruction with genocidal intent, attempting to erase an entire population, an entire nation in front of our very eyes, they once again violated international law by preventing humanitarian aid from getting into Gaza while people are being starved.'

Israel's foreign ministry has described widespread reports of detainees being mistreated after the flotilla was intercepted as 'complete lies'.

A spokesperson told Reuters over the weekend that all detainees were given access to water, food, and restrooms, adding: 'they were not denied access to legal counsel and all their legal rights were fully upheld'.

On Sunday, the Swiss Embassy in Tel Aviv visited 10 Swiss nationals and said all were 'in relatively good health, given the circumstances'.

Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, who was also on the flotilla, said there had been 'mistreatment, but that was nothing compared to what the Palestinian people suffer every day'.

Israel's campaign in Gaza was triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which terrorists killed some 1,200 people and abducted 250 others. Pictured: A woman reacts as families of Israeli hostages and supporters protest outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence, marking the two-year anniversary of the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas from Gaza, in Jerusalem, October 7, 2025

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 66,000 Palestinians and wounded nearly 170,000 others, according to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its toll, but has said women and children make up around half of the dead.

Its campaign was triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which terrorists killed some 1,200 people and abducted 250 others.

Most of the hostages have been freed under previous ceasefire deals.
A migrant hotel firm run by Britain's first 'asylum billionaire' has made nearly 187million in profits since being handed a lucrative taxpayer-funded contract.

Clearsprings Ready Homes, owned by Essex tycoon Graham King, is one of three companies appointed on a 10-year Home Office deal to provide short-term accommodation for asylum seekers.

The contract runs until September 2029 and is estimated to be worth 7.3billion, having previously been valued at 1billion before a jump in small boat arrivals.

Mr King's wealth has soared as a direct result of Britain's ballooning asylum backlog, with the 57-year-old now thought to have amassed a staggering 1.015billion after a 35 per cent rise in his fortune made him Britain's first asylum hotel billionaire.

The tycoon and his Latvian girlfriend, Lolita Lace, divide their time between a luxury home in the UK and a pad in Monaco, while enjoying lavish holidays to the Caribbean and French Alps.

The former caravan park and disco owner, who grew up in Canvey Island, was first catapulted onto the Sunday Times Rich List last year after cashing in on the small boats boom.

He is now ranked 154th in the 2025 list of the UK's wealthiest people - rising from 221st place last year when he made his debut on the index with 750 million.

Clearsprings provides accommodation for around 30,000 asylum seekers in the south of England and Wales, with around half of them staying in subcontracted hotels.

Analysis of its accounts on Companies House shows the company's profits in the last four years total 186,989,435.

Clearsprings Ready Homes, owned by Graham King (pictured), is one of three companies appointed on a 10-year contract to provide short-term accommodation for asylum seekers

Mr King spends a lot of his time on luxurious holidays with his Latvian girlfriend Lolita Lace (they are pictured together riding horses on the beach)

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All the while, asylum seekers have complained of squalid conditions in his hotels, which are allegedly providing 'inedible' food and rationing toilet paper.

Charities have now written an open letter to Clearsprings which accuses the firm of housing residents in 'miserable' conditions while 'millions' of taxpayer money 'is simply taken in profit by a handful of private companies'.

Taking over hotels to provide supposedly short-term accommodation for asylum seekers has turned Mr King into the largest individual beneficiary of Britain's broken immigration system.

And with some 33,000 migrants arriving in Britain on small boats this year so far this year, there is no sign his fortunes will turn any time soon.

In 2024, the Mail highlighted how Mr King had used his fortune to rebrand himself as a 'gentleman racing driver' while whisking his girlfriend on a string of romantic holidays.

As of last year, he claimed to have travelled 245,029 miles and visited 276 cities around the world.

The businessman's wealth has grown as a direct result of Britain's worsening asylum crisis.

Last year saw net migration of 728,000 with more than 108,000 asylum claims - the highest number since records began in 1979 and rising from 91,811 in 2023.

As thousands continue to arrive in small boats, also in record numbers, a backlog of processing claims has led to more than 32,000 asylum seekers being housed in hotels - with tens of thousands more in houses, bedsits and flats.

Yet it appears officials massively got their sums wrong when it comes to estimating the amount of taxpayers money that would be needed to foot the bill.

The cost to the Government of 10-year asylum contracts issued in 2019 has rocketed from an estimated 4.5 billion to 15.3 billion, according to the National Audit Office.

It means that on average the taxpayer will spend 4,191,780 a day on housing asylum seekers over the life of the contracts.

How all the money is being spent appears to remain a mystery even to the Home Office which awarded the contracts to Mr King's company Clearsprings Ready Homes and two other firms.

Clearsprings is the largest recipient by far after being awarded two 10-year contracts in 2019 which are funded from the foreign aid budget.

It's been estimated that Clearsprings accounts for one in every 20 spent by the Home Office including on police, fire and other services.

Mr King grew close to Latvian businesswoman Miss Lace, 40, (left) after splitting with his wife Karin

Miss Lace, who acted as team director for the business, celebrated her 40th earlier this year

The firm also signed an extension to its contract with Kent County Council to provide accommodation and support to young asylum seekers and other care leavers.

The Mail previously revealed that the business is now so bloated with Government cash that it has one of the highest revenues per employee of any company in the UK.

Latest Companies House records show the firm made an operating profit of nearly 117million - up from nearly 75million the previous year.

In 2020, Clearsprings made an operating profit of just 763,000.

Bosses including Mr King, who is listed as owning between 25 per cent and 50 per cent of it, were paid dividends of 90million during the year, compared with 57million in the previous 12 months, according to the accounts.

During the year, the number of staff employed grew from 278 to 391 - with its annual turnover amounting to an incredible 4,460,060 per employee.

The accounts disclosed that the figure equated to an operating profit for each employee of 298,880 - compared with 269,377 in the previous year.

And it would seem the future remains bright for the company despite pledges by the Government to move away from migrant hotels.

One entry in the accounts states: 'Demand for accommodation for asylum seekers including contingency accommodation such as hotels has remained high throughout the year.

'Political and economic upheavals in many countries have driven a high number of asylum applications within the UK during the year.'

A strategic report noted: 'Government legislation and policy is designed to reduce the number of asylum applicants arriving in the UK. Some reduction in the numbers accommodated in future is anticipated.'

But it added that the long-term nature of its contracts and 'pre-agreed rates' meant risks were 'minimal'.

In reality, Mr King will have pocketed an even higher proportion of the profits due to him having 75 per cent or more majority control of the company's parent firm Clearsprings (Management) Ltd.

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Despite the massive business operation, Mr King's firms appear to have very few assets of their own.

Clearsprings owns 16 properties in Wales and the north west largely made up of two up two down Coronation Street-style homes.

The properties were bought for a total of 1,428,450 and are now worth an estimated 2.325 million, according to online valuations.

One home in Oldham bought in 2003 for 27,500 would now fetch an estimated 116,000.

Another home in Manchester bought in the same year for 33,000 is thought to be worth 171,000.

In 2007 and 2008 Mr King's firm splashed out on 14 properties in Swansea ranging in price from 73,000 to 123,000 according to public documents. All still have mortgages.

The management company also owns a further unnamed property which is worth 3.555 million, having risen by 637,000 in value over the last year.

Mr King grew up in Canvey Island after his father Jack, who had started life as a shed salesman in Romford, moved the family there and bought a failing caravan park from the local council.

He turned it into a mobile home business and Graham and his older brother Jeff spent years working for Jack at the caravan park, called Kings Park, taking over when he retired.

Migrants are brought ashore at Dover yesterday after being intercepted in the Channel

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It was sold in 2007 for 32 million.

He moved to a 60-acre listed farmhouse in Chappel, a village near Colchester, with his Austrian-born wife Carin and their two young children, who were both educated at Felsted school where boarding fees range up to 46,755 a year.

He and Carin split years ago and Mr King embarked on a new adventure after meeting Lolita.

Lolita - known as 'Lolo' - has also acted as team director as Mr King pursued his passion for fast cars by taking part in Porsche Sprint Challenge events around Europe.

Last May, an Instagram post showed him on the podium spraying champagne as he celebrated victory in a race in the Netherlands.

The Mail has contacted Clearsprings for comment.
The woman captured cutting down yellow ribbons for Israeli hostages from a memorial in London is a PhD student who is married to a Palestinian actor, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Nadia Yahlom, who lives in north London, used scissors to brazenly snip the memorial bands that the Jewish community had tied to railings in honour of the 251 people taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Ms Yahlom declared the ribbons - which were put up on the eve of the second anniversary of the attacks - were 'condoning genocide'.

The yellow ribbon is the symbol of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign for those who have been held captive by Hamas terrorists and kept against their will in Gaza.

Today, the Daily Mail revealed how Ms Yahlom is a pro-Palestine artist whose work focuses on 'hauntedness and supernatural life' in the war-torn state.

She studied at Cambridge University and Goldsmiths before embarking on an Arts PhD at the University of Westminster. Her husband is a Palestinian actor and film-maker. He was born in West Bank, Palestine, and moved to London in 2011.

She is also the co-founder of Sarha Collective, an artists' organisation for experimental works from Palestine and the broader Southwest Asia and North Africa region.

Furious locals confronted the activist yesterday on Fortis Green Road in Muswell Hill outside The Pocket Park, just yards from where the district's synagogue is located.

Today, a group of Muswell Hill residents, led by Miranda Levy and Ben Paul, gathered at the memorial to replace the ribbons cut down by Ms Yahlom.

Mrs Levy, who captured the original footage of the vandalism, said: 'As a Jewish person I felt that pull to do something. It feels personal.'

'These ribbons are to remember all the people who were kidnapped and those who are still there.

'There is a climate that it's acceptable, you can get away with it and even more than that, that people applaud it. People think [they] are on the side of the good, the side of the righteous by standing against Israel and the Jewish people.

'Frankly what she was doing was anti-Jewish, anti-Israel and anti-humanity.'

Nadia Yahlom, who lives in north London, used scissors to brazenly snip the memorial bands that the Jewish community had tied to railings in honour of the 251 people taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023

Ms Yahlom declared the ribbons - which were put up on the eve of the second anniversary of the attacks - were 'condoning genocide'.

She cuts down ribbons for Israeli hostages from a fence in Muswell Hill, North London

Locals confronted Ms Yahlom on Fortis Green Road in Muswell Hill outside The Pocket Park

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It comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said today that the UK will 'always stand tall' against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities, and urged students not to protest on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

Around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in the deadly attacks on Israel in 2023.

Mrs Levy told the Daily Mail that she was on her way to get coffee when she noticed Ms Yahlom 'methodically' cutting down the ribbons.

'Immediately I was furious,' she said. 'It was like an instinct and I just said: 'What are you doing?'

But Ms Yahlom ignored her and carried on snipping them down, as shocked bystanders tried to intervene.

'No, you are not going to do this,' she replied, adding: 'Because I'm not committing a crime.'

When bystanders told her she was breaking the law, she told them to 'call the police and then let them know that you have an issue with this'.

A man was then heard calling her a 'disgusting little human being'.

But in reply the activist, holding on to the bunch of ribbons she had removed, said: 'I think condoning genocide is disgusting... yeah, because that's what this is.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson has now the Daily Mail: 'Officers have stepped up reassurance patrols in the Muswell Hill area, following reports that yellow ribbons were removed from fence poles.

'At approximately 16:25hrs on Monday, 6 October, officers were made aware of a video circulating online which appears to show a woman removing the ribbons in Muswell Hill.

'Officers attended the location and are reviewing the footage to determine whether any offences, including hate crime or criminal damage, have been committed. Enquiries remain ongoing.'

Ben Paul, another Muswell Hill resident, said the ribbons were a reminder of Israeli hostages still in Gaza.

He told how his friend, Guy Gilboa Dalal was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists from the Nova festival in 2023.

Mr Paul said: 'Guy is paraded around like a trophy in Gaza. These ribbons are to say, don't forget.

'These ribbons may come down by tomorrow and I accept that. But on today of all days. Just give us one day. Just one day.'

It comes as students across the country defied warnings from Keir Starmer to stay away from 'un-British' protests on the second anniversary of the attacks which claimed the lives of 1,200 people.

Muswell Hill residents gathered to replace the yellow ribbons cut down by Ms Yahlom today

The residents retied the ribbons on Tuesday morning after they were cut down

Pro-Israel supporters said the ribbons were a reminder of hostages like Guy Gilboa Daniel, who was kidnapped at the Nova festival and remains in Gaza

Pro-Palestine students chanted 'from the river to the sea' during protests on the second anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel.

Around 100 people demonstrated outside Sheffield University's students' union where they changed: 'From river to the sea, Palestine will be free.'

The song, which has been adopted by Hamas and is used in the terror group's official charter, is deemed anti semitic and a direct call for the state of Israel to be destroyed.

The Palestinian flag-waving students also accused Israel of a 'holocaust' and shouted: 'Your uni is covered in Palestinian blood'.

Others have advertised their marches with the phrase 'long live the intifada' - an anti-Semitic term used as a rallying cry to violently overthrow the Jewish state.

In Liverpool a 'Palestine bake sale' was forced to cancel last minute over furious backlash to the event.

One woman, who did not want to be named for fear of her safety, said: 'I know that Jewish students at the university are very distressed by this.

'It has made them feel unwelcome and unsafe. The event was posted on their Instagram on Friday - the day after Manchester's attack.'

Another protest at Strathclyde University in Glasgow had also been planned, where students were urged to 'grab your flag and keffiyeh' and attend a 'Protest 4 Palestine'. However, this event has also been postponed amid mounting fury over the rally.

Around 100 people demonstrated outside Sheffield University's students' union where they changed: 'From river to the sea, Palestine will be free.'

A student protesting at the University of Sheffield on Tuesday

Writing in The Times, Sir Keir described protests set to take place at universities on Tuesday as 'un-British', claiming they show a lack of respect for others.

He added that the pro-Palestine protests have been used by some as a 'despicable excuse to attack British Jews'.

Sir Keir wrote in the newspaper: 'Today, on the anniversary of the atrocities of October 7, students are once again planning protests.

'This is not who we are as a country. It's un-British to have so little respect for others. And that's before some of them decide to start chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again.'

The anniversary of the attacks comes less than a week after knife-wielding Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, launched a terror attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, during which two men were killed.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were both killed in the attack last Thursday which unfolded on Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has pledged to put 'every available resource into making sure that we understand precisely what has happened'.

Sir Keir said: 'Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

'Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The brutal, cold-blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.

'Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare. When I spoke with some of the families of the British hostages, I promised them in person that we will not cease in our efforts to bring their loved ones home.

'But back here in the UK, our Jewish communities have also endured rising antisemitism on our streets, in our country. And last week, a horrifying terrorist attack on the holy day of Yom Kippur in Manchester.

'This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.

'Our priority in the Middle East remains the same - release the hostages. Surge aid into Gaza. And a ceasefire that can lead to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a two-state solution. A safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state.

'We welcome the US initiative towards peace in the Middle East, and this Government will do everything in our power to bring about the day where every child of Israel can live peacefully, alongside their Palestinian neighbours, in safety and security.'

Anyone with information about the vandalism is urged to contact police via 101 or on 'X' @MetCC quoting reference CAD 4948/06OCT25.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Daily Mail has contacted Ms Yahlom and the University of Westminster for comment.
Robert Jenrick declared war on 'activist' judges today as he waved a judicial wig on stage and asked: 'How independent are they?'

The shadow justice secretary used his speech at Tory conference to vow to sack some 35 justices he accused of having 'pro-migrant bias', if the Tories return to power.

He said he had compiled a list of full-time and part-time justices who were part of a 'hidden network' who previously volunteered help or provided free legal services for open-border organisations.

It comes after the Tories confirmed they would pull the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights, to prevent the Strasbourg court from blocking migrant removals.

In a speech to the Conservative Party Conference Mr Jenrick set out a major reform of how British judges are appointed, returning to politicians the power to appoint them.

In comments that are likely to trigger a major row with the judiciary, he said there were many who had 'spent their entire careers fighting to keep illegal immigrants in the country.'

After producing the wig from a briefcase, Mr Jenrick said judges with links to open borders charities were akin to a football referee being a season ticket holder for the opposition.

'They dishonour generations of independent jurists who came before them, and they undermine people's trust in the law itself,' he said.

'Judges who blur the line between adjudication and activism can have no place in our justice system.'

The shadow Justice Secretary said he had compiled a list of full-time and part-time justices who were part of a 'hidden network'

In a speech to the Conservative Party Conference Mr Jenrick will also set out a major reform of how judges are appointed, returning to politicians the power to appoint them (file image)

He continued: 'We will restore the proper role of our judiciary, putting ultimate power back where it belongs, in the hands of Parliament, and ministers, accountable to you, the people of our country.

'So I can announce today that we will restore the office of the Lord Chancellor to its former glory. We will reverse the constitutional vandalism of Tony Blair and New Labour.

'The Lord Chancellor will once again appoint the judges. No more quangos and they will be instructed never to permit political activists of any political hue to don the wig, ever again.'

Mr Jenrick plans to reform the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) to give it new powers of investigation and remove any judge who engages in 'political activism' such as campaigning for open borders.

A judicial register of interest would be established under the Conservatives, Mr Jenrick said, with the responsibility for appointing judges returned to the Lord Chancellor.

However his attack prompted a furious response from former Supreme Court judge turned darling of the Right Lord Sumption.

'If judges were appointed in today's polarised world by the Lord Chancellor, I do not think the public would have the same confidence in their independence,' he told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme.

'The only possible reason for going back to the old system would be to appoint judges who were less independent or more political than the ones appointed by the Judicial Appointments Commission.'

Lord Sumption warned that it would shift towards a US-style model, adding: 'In the United States, the Supreme Court has become subservient to the president and enabled him to behave like an autocrat.

'I think that is a very serious business in the United States and we should be very careful to take warning from it.'

He said the shadow justice secretary's attacks on 'activist' judges were a mistake: 'Judges have got to be independent of the Government and independent of political sentiment, I entirely agree with that.

'But they can't be independent if they are liable to be denounced by politicians and I think that that is a serious mistake, it is a misjudgment on his part.'

Justice secretary David lammy criticised the speech, saying: 'Robert Jenrick calls himself a patriot, but he tramples on the British values he claims to defend.

'He calls himself a Conservative, but he threatens to trash the institutions and traditions that hold our country together.

'The independence of judges from politicians is not optional. It is the cornerstone of British democracy.

'When politicians start deciding which judges can stay or go, that is democratic backsliding and Robert Jenrick knows it.'
Europe's most wanted cocaine kingpin has secured protection in West Africa by fathering a child with the daughter of Sierra Leone's president, according to opposition figures.

Dutch trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, known as Chubby Jos, has spent more than two years on the run in Sierra Leone while being hunted by European authorities.

The 34-year-old, who faces prison sentences totalling 74 years, is allegedly being shielded by President Julius Maada Bio.

Opposition leader Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray claims that Agnes Bio, the president's daughter, gave birth to Leijdekkers' child in New York.

He accused the Bio government of protecting the Dutch fugitive and blocking efforts to bring him to justice.

Leijdekkers has been seen socialising with the Bio family, including at a New Year's church service filmed and shared on social media by First Lady Fatima Bio, where he appeared standing two rows behind the president.

Reports that he sat beside the president's daughter were denied by Bio, who insisted he does not know Leijdekkers.

Footage obtained by Follow the Money and AD also shows Leijdekkers at a private birthday party in March 2024 for Alusine Kanneh, Sierra Leone's immigration chief, where he presented a gift during the celebration.

Dutch trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, known as Chubby Jos, has spent more than two years on the run in Sierra Leone while being hunted by European authorities. Leijdekkers has been seen socialising with the Bio family, including at a New Year's church service filmed and shared on social media by First Lady Fatima Bio

The 34-year-old (pictured), who faces prison sentences totalling 74 years, is allegedly being shielded by President Julius Maada Bio

Leijdekkers has a 200,000 reward for his capture and reportedly remained in Sierra Leone during the birth, while President Bio visited his daughter and grandchild in New York during the UN General Assembly.

In response to mounting reports, Sierra Leone's communications ministry issued a statement saying Bio had 'no knowledge of the identity or the issues detailed' concerning Leijdekkers.

Convicted multiple times in the Netherlands and Belgium for large-scale cocaine trafficking, Leijdekkers was sentenced in September to eight years in Belgium, bringing his total prison term there to 50 years.

He also faces charges including torture and murder. Last year, he received a 24-year sentence in the Netherlands for his role in six major drug shipments.

Dutch authorities have formally requested his extradition, but the appeal remains unresolved.

Now living under the alias Omar Sheriff, Leijdekkers is believed to be running a vast smuggling network from a fortified compound in Freetown, worth an estimated 1 billion.

The so-called Africa route - used to funnel cocaine into Europe - now accounts for a third of the continent's supply, a figure expected to rise to half within five years, according to the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC).
Motorists were left terrified when a police team swooped on two cars stopped in traffic on a busy Sydney road and fired live rounds before arresting the occupants.

Heavily armed tactical operations officers carried out the arrests on River Road in Revesby in the city's south shortly after 4pm on Tuesday.

A Mercedes sedan and a Mitsubishi SUV, located a few hundred metres apart, were both targetted in the operation, in full view of stunned commuters just as peak hour was getting underway.

Witnesses reported hearing volleys of gunfire and footage of the incident taken by other motorists showed both vehicles were left badly-damaged and peppered with bullet holes.

It's understood the operation had significant pre-planning, with the occupants believed to have links to organised crime.

Stunning footage captured officers wearing helmets and ballistic vests as they bashed on the sides of the Mercedes sedan while an officer appeared to point a gun directly at an occupant.

Police were seen directing traffic away from the crowded intersection as officers dragged two men from that car.

At the same time, officers carried out a similar operation on a separate Mitsubishi Outlander SUV just down the road.

Tactical police are pictured swarming a Mercedes in Revesby traffic on Tuesday afternoon

Heavily-armed officers carried out a major operation on two vehicles in Sydney's south-west on Tuesday afternoon (pictured dragging occupants out of on of the cars)

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and both vehicles appear to have sustained bullet damage

Officers were filmed dragging the occupant of the SUV from the vehicle.

He was later pictured sitting on the asphalt handcuffed beside the four-wheel-drive, which also took bullet damage.

Police confirmed an operation was launched in Revesby and neighbouring Condell Park but would not be drawn on its aims.

Inside the Mercedes witnesses reported seeing the keys to a Porsche, a pair of gloves and spare clothes.

It's understood arrests carried out in such a way are referred to as 'high risk' by police and are only done when there is imminent danger.

'There is no threat to the public,' a NSW Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

'More information will be released when operationally appropriate.'

Multiple lanes of traffic on River Road were closed to commuters, causing major delays.

The roads were fully reopened by 8pm.
A City investment banker who falsely claimed he was sexually harassed by a female manager after wearing a string vest at work could face up to two years in jail.

Damilare Ajao claimed the manager made a number of 'sexual advances' towards him and 'sexually harassing' comments while working at German finance giant Commerzbank.

He was dismissed by the company in November 2019 and subsequently brought an employment tribunal claim against the bank, which included allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault against the manager.

One claim alleged the female colleague made a sexualised comment about a string vest that he was wearing being visible through his shirt, saying it was 'very thin and seemed to be of a material resembling fishnet tights'.

The manager, who was identified in court as only 'Q', also 'flirtatiously' told him she could 'see his underwear' and tried to touch his Gucci belt buckle in the staff canteen, forcing him to slap her hand away, Mr Ajao claimed.

But, the case was thrown out in 2024 by judge Anthony Snelson, who found the sexual harassment and assault allegations 'were false and in large part made up', and amounted to 'pure invention'.

The case has since reached the High Court, with Commerzbank launching a bid to have him jailed for contempt of court over his false allegations, meaning he could face a sentence of up to two years.

Commerzbank's lawyers accused Mr Ajao of 'rather wicked' behaviour in putting forward 'lies' in his evidence, adding the female manager had gone on to 'develop a serious psychiatric illness' following the allegations.

Damilare Ajao, who worked for German Commerzbank in London in 2019, claimed he was sexually harassed by a female manager - but a judge ruled this was 'pure invention' on his part

Mr Ajao worked for Commerzbank in London in 2019 (stock image)

'What Mr Ajao has done and has continued to do is to manufacture a wholly bogus claim of sexual assault and harassment against 'Q', a claim he knew to be wholly bogus,' barrister Louis Browne KC told the judge.

'He did that to obtain compensation and those false allegations have had a very detrimental effect on Q's health.

'Despite being given the opportunity to withdraw them, he persisted in those allegations before you.'

The court heard that Mr Ajao worked for the bank at its offices in Gresham Street, in the City of London, between May and November 2019 when he was sacked, and subsequently brought his unsuccessful tribunal claim.

Among his complaints were that 'Q' had a sexual motive in her dealings with him and he claimed she became 'annoyed' at his rejection of sexual advances.

Employment Judge Snelson in April 2024 dismissed his claim and said that, although mention had been made of Mr Ajao's vest, the allegations in Mr Ajao's claim were 'simply false.'

'The remark was not made in a suggestive manner,' he said. 'Nor did it come across as a criticism.

'We greatly regret to say that in our judgment the balance of the claimant's case on sexual harassment, which included an exceedingly serious allegation of sexual assault, is, in its entirety, pure invention.

'The acts and events on which he relies did not happen. There was no treatment of him by Q which could conceivably have been seen as amounting to harassment of any kind.'

The case reached the High Court earlier this year, when Commerzbank launched its bid to have Mr Ajao jailed for contempt of court relating to his rejected allegations.

Investment banking giant Commerzbank are now counter-suing their former employee and want him to be found in contempt of court

However, he denied contempt, claiming that it was his 'perception' that he had been the victim of sexual harassment and assault, and that he was not deliberately untruthful.

But the bank's barrister Mr Browne said that did not fit with the way his case was run at the Employment Tribunal, nor with the way he gave his evidence at the High Court.

'He was very clear in what he said in his ET claims - not that there was a perception that he was sexually harassed or assaulted,' he argued.

'His case was very clear: these events happened and there was a clear intent and motive behind them. Looking at the evidence he gave to you, he was given ample opportunity to row back from these allegations.'

He said the manager named as Q, who was on the receiving end of the disproved allegations, had gone on to 'develop a serious psychiatric illness' as a result of being accused.

But Mr Ajao is fighting the case, insisting that he had genuinely believed in what he told the tribunal, even if he ultimately lost his case.

His barrister Sasha Wass KC said the bank had put its contempt case on the basis that Mr Ajao's accusations were 'wholly bogus' and knowingly so.

However, there was 'foundation in evidence' for everything he said, with the manager Q accepting in her evidence that there had been a conversation - although innocent - about his string vest, the said.

Comparing it to a situation in which a man might mention a female colleague's underwear at work, the barrister said he could easily have perceived it to be an inappropriate sexual comment.

'She says it happened once and she didn't mean it sexually - he says it happened more than once and he took it to be a sexual comment,' she told the judge.

She said it should be taken to be a 'realistic possibility' that Mr Ajao honestly perceived the comment to be sexually harassing.

'There's room here for a grey area,' she continued.

'Had the evidence been that Q had never ever commented on his undergarments, then that would be a very different position, because there would be no room for misunderstanding.

'On her own account, there was such a conversation. The court can still form the view that she had no intention of being sexually harassing, whilst at the same time understanding that Mr Ajao may have found that sexually harassing.'

If Mr Ajao is found in contempt of court, he could face a jail sentence of up to two years.

The hearing continues.
A Polish cleaner is facing 20 years in jail for repeatedly poisoning a co-worker's cups of tea with limescale and rust remover.

The cleaner, named only as Magorzata W., began mixing the substances to the tea after the victim criticised her work performance at the radio station where they both worked in the Polish capital Warsaw.

The victim first noticed changes in the taste and color of her tea in November 2024, accompanied by abdominal pain, throat burning and shortness of breath.

Medical examinations revealed burns in her mouth and digestive tract, leaving her unable to eat normally.

'Other employees didn't have the same issueIt was then that the woman began to suspect that the problem might not lie with the drinks themselves,' said Piotr Antoni Skiba, spokesman for the Warsaw District Prosecutor's Office.

In December 2024, the victim left her cup of tea unattended and noticed it had been tampered with.

She then borrowed a hidden camera from a private detective, which captured Magorzata W. spraying limescale and rust remover into the cup and stirring it into the drink.

The footage also showed her searching the victim's locker, purse and coat.

A Polish cleaner is facing 20 years in jail for repeatedly poisoning a co-worker's cups of tea with limescale and rust remover

The cleaner, named only as Magorzata W., began mixing the substances to the tea after the victim criticised her work performance at the radio station where they both worked

A hidden camera captured Magorzata W. spraying limescale and rust remover into the cup and stirring it into the drink

The cleaner has now been charged with attempted grievous bodily harm which carries a sentence of three to 20 years

Skiba said: 'Cleaning agents were detected in all liquids supplied by the injured party  anionic and non-ionic detergents in concentrations typical for working solutions used in cleaning surfaces.'

Magorzata W. initially denied the allegations but later partially confessed after police bugged the woman's phone and heard her confessing to her friend.

She admitted to adding window cleaner to the drinks several times but said she had not intended to cause serious harm.

Police spokesman Jakub Pacyniak said: 'According to the evidence gathered in this case, the women's actions were motivated by a professional conflict with the victim.

'They all worked for the same external cleaning company operating at an office building.

'During the investigation, police seized toxic sanitary products, beverage bottles laced with chemicals, and other items and substances constituting evidence.'

The cleaner has now been charged with attempted grievous bodily harm which carries a sentence of three to 20 years.
Robert Jenrick has doubled down on comments complaining that he 'didn't see another white face' during a visit to an area of Birmingham.

The shadow justice secretary said he 'won't shy away' from issues of integration.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch defended him, saying she did not agree with accusations of racism and that there is 'nothing wrong with making observations'.

But former Tory mayor Andy Street said he was 'wrong' about Handsworth, while the Labour Party said his comments 'cross a red line'.

The Guardian obtained a recording of Mr Jenrick making the comments about a 90-minute visit to Handsworth earlier this year, before adding: 'That's not the kind of country I want to live in.'

Speaking at a dinner on March 14, he went on to say it was 'not about the colour of your skin or your faith', but about people 'living alongside each other'.

Asked if he had any regrets about his comments, Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 5 Live today: 'No, not at all and I won't shy away from these issues.'

Handsworth's population by ethnicity is 9 per cent white, 25 per cent Pakistani, 23 per cent Indian and 10 per cent Bangladeshi, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Mr Jenrick has been accused of racism over the comments  but what do you think? Was he right to make such a statement? Vote in the Daily Mail's latest poll.

In yesterday's poll, Mail readers were asked: 'Was it tasteless for Meghan to post a video of herself driving past the tunnel where Diana died?' Some 95 per cent of you said 'yes' and 5 per cent said 'no'.
Police would get powers to stop and search anyone - without first having grounds for suspicion - in thousands of crime hotspots under Tory plans.

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, announced the policy in a speech to the Conservative conference in Manchester this morning.

Powers would be given to officers in the 2,000 areas of the country with the highest rates of robbery, theft, burglary, violence, drug dealing and antisocial behaviour.

Police forces would be threatened with funding cuts if they refused to use the sweeping powers.

The proposals would also see an 'intensive' deployment of live facial recognition cameras installed on police vans and fixed to lampposts.

'The end game is to completely crush crime by showing zero tolerance to criminals,' Mr Philp told The Times, prior to his conference speech.

'These hotspot areas account for a disproportionate amount of crime. All the evidence shows if you hit hotspots hard, you reduce crime. It doesn't get displaced.

'It gets reduced. And that is why we need to flood these high-crime areas with police officers.'

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, announced the policy in a speech to the Conservative conference in Manchester this morning

'The end game is to completely crush crime by showing zero tolerance to criminals,' Mr Philp said, prior to his conference speech

According to the newspaper, the areas that would be targeted are home to only 5 per cent of the population.

But they account for 26 per cent of all violent and acquisitive crime, including robbery, theft, burglary and drug dealing.

Police-recorded crime data, that breaks down offences street by street, shows four of the top five crime hotspots in England and Wales are in the London borough of Westminster.

These include Mayfair, Oxford Street and the Strand, with each area representing about 1,200 people.

One small geographic area of about 20 streets in London's West End, near Oxford Circus and Regent Street, accounted for about 15 per cent of knife crime in the capital.

Other areas in the top ten are in Leeds, Birmingham, Cardiff and Leicester.

Most stop and search powers currently require an officer to have reasonable grounds for suspicion that an unlawful item is being carried.

Under the powers, police are allowed to detain a person who is not under arrest in order to search them or their vehicle for an unlawful item.

In his Tory conference speech on Tuesday, Mr Philp said: 'It's insane that the smell of cannabis alone, or somebody wearing a menacing mask alone, does not generally allow, legally, a stop and search.

'Now in my view, a single suspicion indicator should be enough.

'So, in our hotspot areas, we will allow routine stop and search without suspicion. Anyone can be searched.

'We will change the law to do this, and we will triple the use of stop and search. Lives will be saved and knives will be taken off our streets.

'We have the courage to do that, Labour does not.'

Mr Philp also said the Conservatives, if elected, would hire 10,000 extra police officers to help to deliver 'surge hotspot policing' in high-crime areas.

'We commit today to hiring 10,000 extra police officers at a cost of 800million a year, funded by some of the Chancellor's savings announced on Monday,' he said.

'These 10,000 extra police officers will catch more criminals, and they will protect our streets. That is our commitment.

'And we will use some of these extra officers to deliver surge hotspot policing in 2,000 high-crime neighbourhoods around the country.

'They will deliver eight million hours of hotspot surge patrolling and prevent 35,000 crimes by doing so.

'Every area where there is a serious crime problem should have intensive hotspot patrolling all year round.

'That will deter crime and it will catch criminals. So we will mandate this hotspot patrolling.'

Stop and search has long been a flashpoint in relations between police and minority ethnic communities, especially black people.

Anti-racism campaigners argue that people of colour are unfairly targeted for stop and search.
The UK boss of pharma giant AstraZeneca has warned the firm could halt investment in Britain unless the NHS pays more for its drugs.

Shaun Grady told an event at the Conservative Party Conference that Britain's pricing regime, which seeks to limit the financial impact on the health service, was 'appalling'.

It comes weeks after AZ paused plans to invest 200 million at a Cambridge research site.

Mr Grady told the conference fringe event the UK had 'failed to keep pace on medicine investment over the years', according to the Telegraph.

Asked about how the Cambridge investment could be unlocked, he warned: 'Unless the commercial environment changes, the UK is not going to be on the list.'

He is the latest big pharma boss to try to strong-arm the NHS into paying more for drugs.

Last month Dave Ricks, the boss of Elli Lilly, said the UK is 'probably the worst country in Europe' for drug prices and it was hitting investment.

Lord Vallance, the Labour peer who previously worked for drugs giant GSK, has admitted that 'price increases are going to be a necessary part' of resolving the row.

Shaun Grady told an event at the Conservative Party Conference that Britain's pricing regime, which seeks to limit the financial impact on the health service, was 'appalling' (file image)

It comes weeks after AZ paused plans to invest 200 million at a Cambridge research site.

Despite being headquartered in the UK, America is the Anglo-Swedish firm's largest market, where it employs more than 18,000 staff and makes 42 per cent of total group sales and there has been increasing speculation that the firm may look to shift its main listing to the US.

Last month it revealed plans to overhaul its US listing, but stressed it will keep its headquarters in the UK and remain on the FTSE.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently told the BBC there was 'a live conversation between Government departments and the pharma industry' on drug pricing.
A man on trial opened fire in a courtroom in the Albanian capital Tirana on Monday, killing the judge and injuring two others, police said.

Appeals court judge Astrit Kalaja was presiding over the man's case when the man opened fire, police said, adding that the shooter was promptly arrested.

'The judge was rushed to the hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on the way,' a police statement said.

The other party to the trial, a father and son, were also shot and taken to the hospital but were stable.

According to local press reports, the case was over a property dispute and the man fired at the judge because he knew he was going to lose.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said it was a 'tragic event' and called for tougher sentencing for gun-related crimes.

He said such crimes demand 'the most extreme legal response against the aggressor'.

The country's president Bajram Begaj condemned the attack in a statement as 'a terrible attack against the entire justice system!'

Police officers deployed to the scene after a judge was killed in an armed attack at the Court of Appeals in Tirana, Albania on October 06, 2025

Appeals court judge Astrit Kalaja was presiding over the man's case when the man opened fire, police said, adding that the shooter was promptly arrested

Illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by up to three years in prison under Albanian law.

According to data from the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC), there were 213 firearm incidents in Albania between January and June 2025.

The leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, claimed Kalaja's murder was the first time in 35 years a judge had been killed 'while doing his duty'.

'Today is the day for a deep reflection by all Albanian society,' he said.

Police said they arrested a suspect who they only identified by the initials 'E Sh', but according to local Albanian media, his name is Elvis Shkembi.

It is understood that the suspect's uncle and the court's security guard have also been arrested.

The suspect reportedly ran away after the shooting, but police located him and also found the alleged revolver he used.

Shooting attacks on judges in the courtroom are rare but not without precedent.

In 2015, a defendant on trial for bankruptcy shot dead a judge, a lawyer and his co-defendant in a rampage through Milan's Palace of Justice courthouse.

Claudio Giardiello hid in the court building for over an hour before escaping the scene on a motorbike.

He was later captured by police and arrested some 15 miles away in a suburb.

Judge Kalaja was a lawyer for more than three decades.

He was appointed to Tirana's Court of Appeal in 2019 after working in a district court.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
Kate McCann was left 'visibly upset' after being confronted at home by a Polish woman claiming to be her missing daughter Madeleine, a court heard.

In a recording of the encounter played to a court an emotional Mrs McCann pleads with Julia Wandelt and her supporter Karen Spragg to leave her driveway telling them: 'You are causing us a lot of distress. Stop it.'

When her husband Gerry McCann returns home moments later he can be heard telling Wandelt: 'You need help - you are not Madeleine. Please do not hassle us. We are not having a discussion.'

Wandelt, 24, later posted a letter through the couple's door in which she called Mrs McCann 'mummy'. It was signed 'Madeleine', jurors were told.

The court heard Wandelt and Spratt also discussed rummaging through the McCanns' rubbish or following them to a restaurant to steal cutlery in an attempt to find something they could take a DNA sample from.

Wandelt, from Poland, and Spragg, 61, of Cardiff, are on trial accused of stalking the McCanns, causing them 'serious alarm or distress', between June 1, 2022, and February 21, 2025.

On the second day of their trial at Leicester Crown Court on Tuesday, prosecutor Michael Duck said Mrs McCann was left 'extremely upset' following the 'aggressive' encounter with Wandelt and Spragg outside her home in Rothley, Leicestershire on the evening of December 7 last year.

Mr Duck said as Mrs McCann went into her house, Wandelt tried to stop her from closing the door. The two women then continued to bang on the front door and were still there when Mr McCann, also 57, arrived home.

Kate McCann, left, was left 'extremely upset' following the 'aggressive' encounter with Wandelt and Spragg outside her home in Rothley, Leicestershire on the evening of December 7

Julia Wandelt, 24, also posted a letter through the couple's door in which she called Mrs McCann 'mummy', jurors were told. It was signed 'Madeleine'.

Wandelt's 'supporter' Karen Spragg arriving at Leicester Crown Court on Monday

LISTEN: The Trial of the 'McCann Stalkers'. Listen to the latest on this Daily Mail podcast

The court heard both women shouted at him and tried to force a letter in his hand.

Mr Duck said the visit caused 'obvious distress' to the McCanns adding: 'It was the plainest of intrusions and the fear it caused was inevitable.'

Wandelt had travelled from Poland in December to go to the McCann's house, arriving at East Midlands airport where she was greeted by Spragg in her car.

The court heard Spragg sent a message to a friend which read: 'We are sat outside the mccanns home waiting for them to come home. We are sat like private investigators with car lights out... never thought I would be stalking the mccans.'

Mr Duck said: 'Their attendance outside the McCanns address was the result of complex planning and the expenditure of significant amounts of money.

'Whatever they suggest their beliefs or understandings they do not afford someone the right to lie in wait for their targets, outside their own home, and enforce their will upon them  that is precisely what happened.'

The following day, a letter was posted through the McCanns' door which began: 'Dear Mum (Kate'). In the note, Wandelt apologised for causing her distress but said she felt a 'strong connection' to Mrs McCann.

She wrote: 'I think that inside your heart you believe and know who I am and I am your daughter.

'I don't understand why you won't do a DNA test with me. I think you are scared....yesterday I heard a lot of care and love in your voice. I believe and I hope that you will find a way to contact me.'

It ended, in what Mr Duck said was a 'final cruel signature' with 'lots of love Madeleine'.

Mr Duck said the letter showed she 'recognised the damage and distress that she causing'.

The court was told Wandelt had earlier tried to attend a vigil in the McCanns' village and had accosted the village priest and Mrs McCann's great aunt, Janet Kennedy, when she discovered Mr and Mrs McCann were not there.

She also contacted David and Fiona Payne, friends of the McCanns and members of the so-called 'Tapas Seven' who were there on the night Madeleine disappeared.

One message sent on Christmas Eve 2024 sent a message to Mr Payne read 'Merry Christmas David. The truth will set you all free'.

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The court heard Wandelt's DNA was taken by police in May 2024 but destroyed once it was 'discovered that there was no prospect' she was Madeleine.

Mr Duck explained Spragg 'was a forthright supporter of the conspiracy theory' that the McCanns were 'some way involved in the disappearance of their daughter, despite the unequivocal evidence to the contrary'.

He told jurors the two women began to communicate in earnest in mid-2024.

Mr Duck said messages sent to Operation Grange - the Met police operation looking into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann - revealed Spragg's 'real feelings about the case'.

One, sent on November 10, said: 'Everyone knows the McCanns are guilty and you know the truth and a massive cover up is happening'.

He said the ends to which the two women were prepared to go were 'remarkable' and included discussion removing bags of rubbish from the McCanns address.

In another message Spragg said: 'Shame we cant follow them to a bar or restaurant and get a knife or fork.'

Mr Duck said Spragg was 'front and centre of the pursuit of the McCanns'.

The court was told that Wandelt also purported to have very clear memories of 'her' abduction in May 2007 - claiming to have been injected before being taken by a man with 'tanned skin'.

She told a police officer: 'Someone gave me to the person who took me. Before it happened I remember being abused by one man in the room.

'A few other people were there too. Someone injected me with something that made me feel paralysedI saw the man who took me from the other person through the window, had tanned skin, dark hair and was slim.

'I remember a lotI prefer not to go into details before getting crime reference number.'

Madeleine McCann's (pictured) disappearance while on a family holiday in Portugal's Algarve at the age of three in 2007 is one of the most widely reported missing child cases in history and remains unsolved

She also claimed the McCanns were 'involved in the planned kidnapping and abduction' of their daughter.

Mr Duck told jurors: 'A very cruel contention to make and none of that information can, of course, be true.'

The court was told her attempts continued, even after being warned by police.

The court heard Wandelt was arrested when she arrived at Bristol airport in February, on a flight paid for by Spragg, having made plans to go to the McCanns' place of work. Spragg was arrested outside the airport shortly afterwards.

Wandelt largely answered 'no comment' in interview save for observing that all she was doing was asking for a DNA test. She denied any intention to harm them.

Spragg accused the McCanns of arranging the abduction of their daughter.

Mr Duck said the women followed 'a determined course of conduct' and both were 'aware of the distress they were causing.'

He added: 'They embarked on this course...it was planned, deliberate, it was determined and it would not have stopped was it not for the police.

Anyone who behaves in that way to those people ...knows the distress they were going to cause and care not.'

The trial, due to last three weeks, continues.

To learn more about this case, search for The Trial of the 'McCann Stalkers', wherever you get your podcasts.

For an ad-free experience, subscribe to The Crime Desk and access our entire collection of award-winning true crime podcasts without interruptions.
Dramatic footage shows bullets whizzing past pedestrians and drivers on a Sydney street during a terrifying public shooting - as police reveal a letter found in the alleged gunman's flat.

Artemios Mintzas, 61, was arrested on Sunday night after he allegedly opened fire from the window of his Croydon Park unit, in Sydney's inner-west, about 7.44pm.

Residents were urged to 'shelter in place' as the Sydney Trains employee allegedly fired more than 50 bullets onto the street below, hitting a number of vehicles and critically wounding at least one man.

Stunning footage has revealed just how close a number of passersby were to being hit by the rain of gunfire.

A pedestrian can be seen walking along the street when the glass in a bus shelter suddenly explodes just a few metres behind him.

In another part of the clip obtained by Nine News, several drivers slammed their brakes when their vehicles were made targets - including one ute which had its front window shattered.

The 61-year-old was arrested inside his unit about 9.30pm where police allegedly located and seized an M1 Carbine rifle and ammunition. Police allege his gun license expired in the 1992 but he had secretly kept the weapon.

Inside the apartment, police also allegedly found a note written days before the attack, reported the Daily Telegraph.

Artemios Mintzas (pictured) allegedly opened fire from the window of his Croydon Park unit on Sunday night, peppering passing vehicles and critically injuring one man

A pedestrian was narrowly missed by a bullet which shattered the glass of a bus shelter behind him, in one of several close calls during the terrifying ordeal

Mintzas allegedly opened fire from the window of his unit in Croydon Park. Pictured is the first-storey window (blue facade) seen from the shattered bus shelter

Police will allege the suicide note lines up with what he allegedly told police after the shooting, including that he didn't sleep the night before the incident and sat in a chair into the early hours of Sunday thinking about how his life had turned 'bad'.

The Sydney Trains employee, who was supposed work that night at Central Station, slept until late on Sunday afternoon before allegedly opening fire.

His initial targets included a street sign, a tree and a bin before he turned his sights on several vehicles driving below, police will allege.

His arrest capped a major police operation, involving the assistance of tactical operations officers, negotiators, the dog unit, PolAir and traffic officers.

Mintzas was taken to Bankstown Hospital for injuries suffered during the arrest before being transferred to Burwood Police station on Monday where he was interviewed.

He has since been charged with 25 offences, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder and a raft of firearm-related offences.

Police said at least 16 people were treated for mostly minor injuries, though one man suffered critical injuries after being shot through spine while behind the wheel.

A police officer is pictured taking shelter behind a police vehicle amid the alleged shootout

Tactical police are pictured at the scene during the lengthy operation

Police said at least 16 people were treated for mostly minor injuries. Paramedics are pictured attending to a patient in a stretcher at the scene

He remains in hospital.

A number of vehicles sustained bullet damage during the ordeal, including several police vehicles.

Separate footage shows a police officer taking shelter behind a parked patrol car as the alleged shooting was underway.

Tactical officers are also visible escorting motorists from their cars while an armoured Bearcat vehicle was used as a makeshift shield.

The active shooting lasted for nearly two hours before the alleged gunman was taken into custody. He was filmed sitting in the back of an ambulance, his face bruised and bloodied.

Mintzas faced Burwood Local Court on Tuesday where his legal team did not apply for bail. His matter is listed to return to court in December.
Calling your colleague a 'nutter' could be harassment, an employment judge has ruled.

People who use the phrase could be found liable for harassment under UK employment law, according to the new finding.

It can be 'unpleasant and hostile', a judge said.

It comes after the case of a Royal Mail worker who was called a 'nutter' at a mail centre in Croydon.

An employment tribunal heard fellow postal workers would call Corleen Maynard a 'nutter' under their breath as they walked past her.

Employment Judge Michael Reed found that the insult can meet the threshold for harassment because it can cause a 'hostile environment'.

However, in the case of Ms Maynard, who is black, she lost her race harassment claim because Judge Reed said there wasn't sufficient evidence colleagues were using the word due to racism.

The hearing in Croydon was told that Ms Maynard started working for Royal Mail at the Croydon Mail Centre in November 2001.

Corleen Maynard said colleagues at Croydon Mail Centre (above) muttered 'nutter' at her under their breath

Her employment went smoothly until 20 years later in December 2020, when Ms Maynard alleged her harassment had started.

She said that she was working in a mostly Pakistani team, which separated her as one of the few black people in the workforce.

Ms Maynard would frequently argue with the other members of her team, which she believed was due to her being the 'victim of a cabal within the Mail Centre'.

The first incident, in December 2020, occurred when a co-worker told her what to do, but Ms Maynard felt that she didn't have the authority to do so.

They argued briefly, during which her co-worker told Ms Maynard to 'shut up',

But at a meeting discussing the incident, one of Ms Maynard's co-workers pointedly said to another that 'some people have no brains'.

In the months after the argument, other co-workers began to use 'despicable' and 'disparaging' insults towards Ms Maynard 'in defence' of their friend.

They would mutter things under their breath when she walked past, including the word 'nutter', the panel heard.

It was also heard Ms Maynard received other insults - including being told she was an 'ugly b****', was 'grossly ugly', and was 'mentally ill'.

Judge Reed said the insults, including 'nutter', could amount to harassment.

'I have concluded that this was unwanted conduct, which had the effect of creating a hostile environment for Ms Maynard', Judge Reed said.

'Given my findings of fact, this is self-evident, both from the nature of the remarks and from Ms Maynard's evidence.

'The comments are unpleasant and hostile, but the words used do not refer, either explicitly or by implication, to Ms Maynard's race.'

The tribunal also heard there were multiple incidents of co-workers trying to get Ms Maynard in trouble, and evidence was heard about at least two colleagues allegedly recording the employee with their phones.

Ms Maynard complained about these incidents, and in June 2022 an investigation was launched, led by a manager from another centre.

This investigation found that Ms Maynard was the perpetrator rather than the victim,

The manager had closed the report by writing: 'Her claims are absurd propositions, preposterous accusations without any foundation.

'She has developed a penchant for levelling trumped up accusations against her work colleagues for her own self-aggrandizement.

'A glorification of all things absurd. The reverse is the case. She was the perpetrator, not the victim, as she portrayed herself to be.'

It concluded that colleagues had been too timid to stand up to her.

This 'decision report' did not uphold any of the complaints made by Ms Maynard and was appealed.

An independent casework manager dealt with the appeal and labelled the report

void, pointing out that it was 'adversarial' and 'unfair' in its conduct, presentation and treatment of Ms Maynard.

Ms Maynard lodged a claim of direct discrimination against the manager, who is himself black though African instead of Caribbean like Ms Maynard.

Ms Maynard also complained that she was discriminated against in the selection of overtime hours, for which she was disproportionately left out.

Judge Reed found that some of the incidents brought forward by Ms Maynard did degrade her and contributed to creating a 'hostile environment' for her.

He concluded that a colleague had described Ms Maynard as 'a nutter, an ugly b****, mentally ill, grossly ugly and suggested that she had no friends and that nobody liked her.'

However, addressing that and the other incidents including the investigation findings, he ruled that: 'Ms Maynard had not established primary facts on which a Tribunal could find, in the absence of explanation, that this incident amounted to conduct related to her race.

'Again, there is nothing on the face of the accounts of this incident that suggests a connection to race.

'The difference in race between Ms Maynard and (her co-workers) is insufficient to support a conclusion that the conduct related to her race.'

He continued: 'I have also considered whether, taking the totality of the allegations and the evidence, Ms Maynard has established facts that might lead a Tribunal to decide that there has been discrimination in relation to any of the allegations.

'I have concluded that they do not.

'Ms Maynard has, in my view, established that she has been a victim of acts of bullying by some individuals in Royal Mail and there were occasions, particularly in respect of (the manager's) investigation of her complaint, where Royal Mail behaved unfairly towards her.

'But the evidence was not such as to allow for an inference that this behaviour related in any way to her race.'
A British Airways flight from London to Nigeria was forced to make an emergency landing after a retired military chief died mid-flight.

The plane, which had departed London Heathrow Airport on Sunday night, was due to land at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at around 5am on Monday.

But only two-and-a-half hours into the flight, the pilot was forced to divert the aircraft to Barcelona's El Prat airport after a Nigerian passenger, said to be in his 80s, fell seriously ill.

According to Nigerian media, the man - who was a retired air vice marshal - had been in the UK for cancer treatment and was returning to his home country when he died onboard the BA plane.

The emergency landing sparked chaos among passengers, reportedly leading to a pregnant woman suffering a medical episode.

No further information was provided about the woman and her condition remains unclear.

The airline apologised to passengers for the disruption and a new flight was scheduled later in the day, having landed in the Nigerian capital at around 5.45pm.

BA has been approached for comment.

A British Airways flight from London to Nigeria was forced to make an emergency landing after a retired military chief died mid-flight

The terrifying mid-flight incident comes after a passenger on board an easyJet flight to holiday island Lanzarote died last month.

The tragedy unfolded as flight EJU6775, which had departed Nantes Loire Atlantique airport in France, began its descent on the Spanish island.

The airline told French outlet Le Parisien that its crew members did everything they could to save the passenger.

The captain triggered a distress signal before 'performing a routine landing in accordance with standard procedures'.

'Our crews are trained to respond to medical procedures and did everything possible during the flight', the airline said.

'Our thoughts are with the passenger's family and friends and we extend our full support and assistance to them during this difficult time.

'The well-being and safety of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's top priority,' easyJet added.

French media reported that a significant delay was caused on the return flight due to the incident.

A spokesperson for easyJet told DailyMail: 'easyJet can confirm that flight EJU4775 from Nantes to Lanzarote on 16 September requested an expedited landing due to a passenger on board requiring urgent medical assistance.

'Our cabin crew provided first aid, and the flight was met by emergency services.

'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer, and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time.

'The well-being of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority.'
A hospital has been accused of peddling woke hogwash by an MP after information about its maternity unit referred to women and people who are pregnant.

James Paget Hospital was also ridiculed by scores of people online following the social media post about a new way for mothers-to-be to refer themselves to the unit.

It eventually switched the comments off to end the onslaught from disbelieving members of the public who accused it of spreading unscientific nonsense.

The hospital, in Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, previously triggered a backlash by urging people not to say infants were born male or female as they were assigned their sex at birth.

Staff were also pictured hoisting the Progress flag, which features colours of the transgender flag which critics say promotes gender ideology.

Local MP Rupert Lowe posted a comment below the Facebook post which said: This is absolute garbage. 'women and people who are pregnant'. MEN DO NOT GET PREGNANT. Delete this. I have contacted the chief exec demanding a clarification.

A member of the public wrote: Only women can become pregnant. That right of birth and motherhood belongs to women, only Remove this utter nonsense.

Another said: Who trusts a hospital that doesnt know that only women get pregnant?

James Paget Hospital was criticised for promoting 'woke hogwash' with its post about maternity services that referred to 'people who are pregnant'

One person asked: Out of curiosity, James Paget Hospital, who else apart from a woman can biologically get pregnant? Serious question I'm asking about your post.

Other comments from critics included Wokiness at its finest! and Stop this unscientific nonsense now!

Mr Lowe later added: But Mr Lowe said: The James Paget is failing the people of Great Yarmouth.

I have total respect for the frontline staff working for patients, but the leadership needs to re-evaluate its priorities.

Men do not get pregnant. Obviously. I pushed the hospital leadership to reflect this undeniable biological fact in its communication to residents, and they refused.

This woke hogwash needs to be eradicated from our language. It is degrading to women, the only people who can actually get pregnant.

James Paget leadership needs to focus on treating patients in a timely and effective manner, moving away from this unscientific nonsense.

The hospitals September 30 post stated: We've created a new way for women and people who are pregnant to refer themselves into our maternity services.

The hospital was previously criticised for hoisting the Progress flag, which has the colours of the transgender flag combined with the rainbow colours of the LGBTQ community

Local MP Rupert Lowe complained the terminology was 'degrading to women' and 'needs to be eradicated from our language'

Last year the hospital told people to stop saying babies were 'born male or female' as they were 'assigned male/female at birth'

The hospital now has a self-referral form on its website where people can refer themselves for maternity care at the James Paget.

It later refers to the person who is making the referral but there is no further reference to women.

The hospital claims using the phrase people who are pregnant avoids excluding biological women who identify as men or non-binary.

But opponents have pointed out that such terminology can cause confusion for patients who may miss important health messages as a result.

Dr Shane Gordon, the executive managing director of James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, insisted the controversial language ensured respect for all patients.

He said: We use the terminology "pregnant people"  alongside women - because it acknowledges and is inclusive towards the people who use our services who do not identify as being a woman, and are pregnant.

'We are a proud to be a diverse organisation and we will continue to respect and care for all patients that use services at our hospital.'

James Paget was last year dubbed 'the hospital which does not understand childbirth' after it produced the document saying babies were not born male or female but were assigned female/male at birth.

Its use of the Progress flag was also opposed. Critics warn it undermines womens sex-based rights and risks encouraging children to believe they were born in the wrong body.
Chilling footage captured the moment a woman was dragged away by a crocodile after being snatched in its jaws while washing her clothes in an Indian river.

Video shows the giant reptile pulling the lifeless body of its victim, 57, downstream as shocked villagers shout helplessly from a nearby bridge.

Despite their cries for help, no one could reach her in time. Witnesses said the crocodile suddenly lunged at the woman and pulled her into the water before anyone could react.

Locals rushed to the spot in Odisha's Jajpur district but were unable to rescue her from the reptile's grip.

The incident occurred when the woman, identified as Soudamini Mahala, was bathing in the Kharasrota river on Monday afternoon, police said.

'The woman was taking a bath in the Kharasrota river around 4 pm on Monday. A crocodile dragged her into the high stream of the river.

'Villagers present on the riverbank tried to chase the reptile but failed to rescue her,' the officer said.

Chilling footage captures the moment a woman was dragged away by a crocodile after being snatched in its jaws while bathing in an Indian river

On receiving information about the incident, fire brigade personnel and police reached the spot and initiated a search operation in the river, he said.

'As we noticed that the crocodile was dragging the woman into the river, we jumped to rescue her, but all our efforts went in vain,' said Naba Kishore Mahala, an eyewitness.

It comes just months after horrifying footage captured the moment a crocodile carries a schoolboys body away in its jaws after attacking him while he fished on a riverbank in Indonesia.

Muhammad Nur Akbar, 15, was with his friends at the Santan Ulu River in East Kalimantan on Tuesday when the beast snatched him.

Despite warnings from his classmates, Muhammad dipped his feet to wash in the murky brown waters, only for a crocodile to surge forward and sink its large fangs into his thigh.

The teenager screamed for help as his friends raced over and grabbed his shirt in a desperate tug-of-war with the bloodthirsty reptile.

However, they were overpowered, with the beast dragging Muhammad away into the depths.

Rescue teams were notified of the deadly attack. They arrived at the scene, where they found the predator still holding the boy's motionless corpse.

Gruesome footage shows the reptile clutching the lifeless teen as it glides upstream near the river's edge.

Fida Hurasani, head of the Kutai Kartanegara Regency Fire and Rescue Department, said: 'The incident occurred during the day.

'Residents immediately reported it to officers, including the police, and a search was launched immediately.

'During the evacuation process, the crocodile was shot to release the boy's leg. We managed to bring the body to the surface shortly afterwards.'
A 16-year-old girl was found dead at a disused hotel a day after her family reported her missing, an inquest has heard.

Kianna Patton was reported missing from her home in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire in Wales on October 23, 2019.

Her body was then discovered in the grounds of a derelict hotel in nearby Pembroke Dock the following afternoon.

A post-mortem examination gave Kianna's medical cause of death as pressure on her neck by hanging.

She was described by her family as having a 'heart of gold' and being a good school student predicted As and Bs at GCSE.

But her family told senior Pembrokeshire coroner, Gareth Lewis, that she lacked self-confidence and her grades had been plummeting before her tragic death.

Her mother Joanne said: 'Kianna was the eldest of my three children. She was a loving, carefree, kind, selfless, genuine person who often put people before herself and had a great sense of humour. She had a heart of gold.

'She loved listening to Beyonce. She never got the chance to see her but she would've loved that. She had a deep love for music and Beyonce's Halo was one of her favourites.

Kianna Patton, pictured, was found dead aged 16 at a disused hotel a day after her family reported her missing, an inquest has heard

She was reported missing from her home in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire on October 23, 2019

'For her 16th birthday we went shopping in Cardiff and then went to see Pink at the Principality Stadium. We then stayed in a Premier Inn overnight.'

She said Kianna, who loved Irish dancing and spending time with her family, had once helped save the life of a depressed woman.

Joanne added: 'She was a beautiful girl with stunning brown hair down to her waist but, unfortunately, she could not see that she was beautiful and she couldn't understand why she didn't have a boyfriend. She had a very low opinion of herself.

'She taught me that love, life, and connection means far more than perfection ever could.'

The Pembrokeshire inquest heard that Kianna will be remembered for her 'heart of gold and an infectious smile'.

Kianna began experimenting with cannabis in 2018 and her school grades took a heavy hit, her mother told the court.

She said: 'There were several times I had to call the police because her phone was switched off and she wasn't where she was supposed to be.'

Her body was then discovered in the grounds of a derelict hotel in nearby Pembroke Dock, pictured, the following afternoon

She was described by her family as having a 'heart of gold' and being a good school student, predicted As and Bs at GCSE

Around that time Kianna's younger sister found her 'on the floor and not overly responsive'.

Joanne said: 'It was out of the ordinary, there was never any signs that she was struggling or that she was desperate to do such a thing.'

She added that she argued with Kianna over her cannabis use and during one row her daughter hit her.

The inquest, set to last six weeks, continues.
Baltimore locals expressed outraged after it emerged that Democratic mayor Brandon Scott spent over $100,000 of taxpayer money on a new, fully-loaded luxury SUV.

Scott has been in hot water over the 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which cost the city $164,000, including over $60,000 for upgrades such as police lights, sirens and a security phone.

Residents of the city told Fox 5 they want answers from the mayor regarding his fancy new ride.

'Not the taxpayers' money! If he wants it for himself, yeah. But not with our money,' local Christian Heath said.

'Our money should be for the city, the schools, the kids. Just to ride around? We don't have cars like that.'

Retired Marine veteran Benjamin Luster agreed with the sentiment and questioned why Scott needs such a secure vehicle in a city he says is safe.

Baltimore's Democratic mayor Brandon Scott is being slammed over a new city-funded luxury SUV

The 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which cost the city $164,000, including over $60,000 for upgrades including police lights, sirens and a security phone.

'Why is it that he says the streets are safe, but he still needs to up armor and get protection for his car? He's making himself more important than the common folk,' Luster said.

The mayor has defended the purchase, telling Fox 5: 'The new vehicle is going to serve the same purpose as the old vehicle: to transport me around.

'I think the residents of Baltimore will understand the governor of Maryland, the comptroller of Maryland, the county executives, we all have vehicles.'

Scott continued: 'I think that it's in particular funny that you guys are only asking me. I don't remember [former Republican Governor] Larry Hogan ever being asked about whether we should upgrade his vehicle fleet.'

City Councilman Zac Blanchard also defended the mayor's new ride.

'I think buying a nicer SUV with relevant safety and communications enhancements twice a decade is pretty reasonable for a large city's top elected official,' Blanchard said.

But the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, a government watchdog, told Fox 5 the mayor's purchase is not justifiable.

'Spending more than $160,000 for a vehicle is not common sense,' said the group's president David Williams.

Scott has defended the purchase, but a government watchdog has deemed it unjustifiable

'The mayor should be protected. The mayor should be comfortable, but you can achieve that for way less than $160,000. That's why people get frustrated.

'People are asked to sacrifice with higher taxes, higher fees, but the mayor? He doesn't sacrifice. He's able to buy a vehicle worth more than $160,000.'

Daily Mail reached out to Scott for comment on this story.
A Florida woman has died after being trapped in her burning Tesla after a crash on a highway.

Julie Eibinder, 24, was driving along a six-lane road in North Miami Beach last week when she was cut off by an SUV driver traveling in the same direction.

The vehicles collided before Eibinder's Tesla struck a pole and erupted into flames, WTVJ reports.

Bodycam camera video shows how officers ran towards the wreck and tried to control the blaze until rescuers arrived.

An officer beat on the rear windows with a baton, trying to break the glass, while another used a fire extinguisher.

When firefighters arrived on scene, the Tesla was completely engulfed in flames.

Crews managed to put out the fire but by that point, Eibinder was already dead.

At least two people riding in the SUV were injured in the crash and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to WPLG.

Julie Eibinder, 24, died on October 1 after being trapped in her burning Tesla in Miami

Eibinder was driving along a six-lane road last week when she was cut off by an SUV driver. The vehicles collided before her Tesla struck a pole and erupted into flames

Bodycam video shows how police tried to control the blaze with fire extinguishers

The crash happened last Wednesday near the intersection of Northeast 163rd Street and 28th Avenue.

Police were shouting 'get back' at bystanders as they tried to control the blaze, one witness recalled.

Another told WSVN: 'There was a loud pop and a bunch of pieces flew off the car. I heard someone on the phone say, "There's someone in there". I felt it inside after that.'

Witnesses say three people were in the SUV at the time of the crash, two of whom were rushed to the hospital.

Officials have not provided an update on their conditions, but one of the injured was seemingly alert and speaking with paramedics as she was loaded into the ambulance.

Police also have not yet identified the driver accused of cutting Eibinder off or announced if they will face any charges.

Eibinder was an active member of south Florida's Jewish community and has been hailed by her rabbi as 'the heart and soul of our young professionals community'.

Rabbi Alexander Kaller, of the Chabad Russian Center, described her as a 'young, beautiful woman' who was passionate about her faith.

Eibinder was passionate about her faith and an active member of her local Jewish community

'She was very, very positive. She was always smiling. She was the kind of person that would walk into the room, and the mood would change,' he recalled.

Eibinder worked at a Jewish Community Center in Miami Beach. She also recently started her own party planning business.

Community members gathered together in both Sunny Isles Beach and Miami Beach on Monday to mourn her death, WPLG reports.

A small makeshift memorial was established at the crash site, with loved ones laying flowers, cards and other memorial in her honor.

Eibinder's synagogue has also created a memorial fund. Donations will go to her family in attempt to help 'ease the burden of this great loss'.
One of the world's most invasive species has arrived on the East Coast - and experts say that one way to fight back is to eat the 'delicious' creature.

The tiny predator has started showing up along beaches and bays from Maine to Delaware, threatening to impact business and wildlife.

But restaurants across the Long Island Sound are combating the dangerous creature by turning it into a 'remarkable' and 'intense' dish that can be served fermented, in a stock or as a curry.

The culprit is the European green crab, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has branded a 'voracious predator.'

The creature eats up to 40 mussels a day and lays 165,000 eggs a year, according to the One Fish Foundation.

The green crab is known for eating king crab, as well as juvenile salmon.

NOAA warned that the crab 'could potentially damage Alaska's multi-billion dollar fisheries industries,' which will also now be tracked on the East Coast.

The green crab, one of the world's 'most invasive species,' is now on the East Coast

Experts say that one way to combat the crustacean's spread is to eat the creature

One way that locals are curbing the spread of the green crab is by devouring the crustacean.

Mary Parks, the executive director of GreenCrab.org, told the Hartford Courant: 'Fortunately, green crab is also a sustainable seafood that is popping up on menus across the US.

'It can be served soft-shell, fermented, shucked for roe or transformed into stocks, sauces and soups.'

The green crabs are at their most flavorful and desirable within 12 hours of molting, when their shells are still soft and their tissues are tender.

Zach Redin, a chef at the mobile fish market To The Gills, started cooking with green crab this year.

He said: 'When you make a stock with green crabs it starts off gray and cloudy and then becomes this dark green color. It has this intense crab flavor that is just remarkable.

'You can make it with blue crabs but it wouldn't have the same flavor.'

Green crabs can be found on both coasts of North America, Australia, Argentina, Japan and South Africa

The green crab's flavor has been described as 'unique' or 'intense' (file photo)

Redin called the flavor of the green crabs 'unique' and 'intense,' which surprises people when they try it.

The chef added: 'The green crab flavor is so intense, but a lot of people dont know what to do with them because theres no practically meat on them.

'Theyre very tiny crabs so theyre mostly used for stock or making a crab chili oil. But once people learn how to cook them, its really a lot of fun.'

He predicted that green crabs will appear on more menus as more people discover their exotic flavor.

Redin recently sold soft-shell green crabs, green crab curry and green crab stock.

Despite its taste, there are still plenty of reasons to be cautious about the green crab.

The creature decimates marine environments while rapidly eating a variety of shellfish.

Green crabs can live on nearly any coast, including rocky shores, cobble beaches and tidal marshes.

The animal can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinity, which makes it extremely adaptable to a variety of habitats.

They can be identified by counting the five spines behind the eye on each side of its shell

Green crabs are not always colored green, as they can have shades of brown and yellow

When the green crab is molting, which is when it is most flavorful, the bottom can turn orange or red (file photo)

One of the challenges in dealing with green crabs is that they are not actually always colored green.

The top of a green crabs shell might be dark brown or dark green with small yellow patches. When its molting, the bottom can turn orange or red.

Instead, green crabs can be recognized by the unique shape of their shell.

According to NOAA, the best way to identify green crabs is by counting the five spines behind the eye on each side of its shell.

Green crabs first reached North America in the 1800s.

The creature likely traveled from Europe in the ballast water of merchant ships.

The first recorded sighting or record of a green crab on the East Coast was in 1817, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Nowadays, they may be transported with shellfish or equipment in aquaculture operations, which NOAA called 'farming in water.'

Currently, green crabs can be found on both coasts of North America, Australia, Argentina, Japan and South Africa.
Two teenage girls who died after going subway surfing in New York have been identified.

Zemfira Mukhtarov, 12, and Ebba Morina, 13, of Manhattan, were found dead on top of a J train in Brooklyn on Saturday.

The two teen girls were discovered on top of the last car of the train after it crossed Williamsburg Bridge and entered Marcy Avenue station around 3.10am.

Subway surfing is when people climb on top of train cars and ride them at high, dangerous speeds as they pull into stations.

The girls were a part of a group of roughly 15 teens who were running around the train before being found on the roof.

A GoFundMe started by Ruslan Mukhtarov, Zemfira's father, said his daughter would have turned 13 in two weeks.

He wrote: 'No parent should ever have to face the pain of losing a child, and no child should lose their life in such a tragic way.

'We are struggling to process this immense grief, and we are turning to our community for help to give Zemfira the respectful and loving farewell she deserves.'

Zemfira Mukhtarov, 12, was found dead on top of a J train in Brooklyn

Her body was discovered on top of the last car of the train after it entered the Marcy Avenue stop around 3.10am

Mukhtarov described what happened as a 'devastating accident at a subway station.'

The family is hoping to raise $18,000 to 'honor Zemfira's memory and lay her to rest with the dignity she deserves.'

Her mother Nataliya Rudenko told FOX 5 New York that she was making breakfast and watching the news when her 11-year-old daughter spotted a skateboard and a purse in the footage.

Rudenko said: 'She was supposed to be asleep in her room.

'Now were planning her funeral.'

Her daughter was 'fearless' and had been 'on top of the bridges, on top of the roofs.'

The 12-year-old had met the other girl online and had 'snuck out' of her Bay Ridge home.

A public tribute wall for Morina described her as a 'smart, beautiful and ambitious child.'

The girls were a part of a group of roughly 15 teenagers who were running around the train. Zemfira is pictured right

A GoFundMe started by Ruslan Mukhtarov, Zemfira's father, said his daughter (left) turned 13 in two weeks

New York City transit president Demetrius Crichlow said in a statement obtained by the New York Post: 'It's heartbreaking that two young girls are gone because they somehow thought riding outside a subway train was an acceptable game.

'Parents, teachers, and friends need to be clear with loved ones: getting on top of a subway car isn't "surfing" it's suicide.

'I'm thinking of both the grieving families, and transit workers who discovered these children, all of whom have been horribly shaken by this tragedy.'

Witnesses said police were talking with three teen boys at the subway station and drove away with two of them in a police car.

Emergency responders were also spotted carrying a plastic bag and a police car out of the station, although it was unclear who the items belonged to.

The two girls' deaths were the latest in a string of subway surfing tragedies that have plagued New York City.

Five people have now been killed subway surfing in the city this year.

In 2024, six people died performing the dangerous social media trend. All of them were between 11 and 15 years old.

That January, Alam Reyes, 14, fell off a train in Brooklyn and died at the scene.

His half-brother said he ditched school that day and went subway surfing with a friend.

In 2023, five people died - the equivalent to the total number of deaths between 2018 and 2022.

That included Zackery Nazario, who died while subway surfing on a Brooklyn-bound J train over the Williamsburg Bridge that February.

Alam Reyes (left) and Zackery Nazario (right) both died because of subway surfing

Subway surfing has already killed five people in 2025 (file image)

A low beam hit the teen boy in the head, causing him to fall between the subway cars. A train ran over him before he could get away.

His mother Norma later filed a lawsuit against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, TikTok's parent company ByteDance and Meta, claiming that the apps 'goaded' her child into the deadly stunt by recommending similar videos.

The case went to discovery this June. The claims against the MTA were dismissed.

New York Police Department data shared with the Daily Mail showed more than 415 people had been arrested for subway surfing between January 2023 and April 2025.

The MTA has played 'ride inside, stay alive' public service announcements over the subway speakers since 2023.

The New York City government said it was working with Google to 'help spread the messaging' about subway surfing on YouTube.

That year, the NYPD also launched a drone program that provides 'live aerial surveillance' in order to 'help officers intervene before a stunt becomes fatal.'

New York City mayor Eric Adams and NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch said this July that the program had been responsible for 200 subway surfing rescues.

Despite the recent focus and rising deaths, the trend has been traced back to the 1980s.

One of the earliest subway surfing deaths goes back as far as 1938 when Donald Munoz, 11, fell off the top of a Brooklyn train after it clipped an overpass.
A Reform UK councillor's ally has been branded a 'fascist pig' during a planning meeting which erupted into chaos.

Tensions rose in a council meeting on the Isle of Wight as a row broke out over one councillor's declaration of properties.

Accusations of bullying and sending 'threats across the room' were made as the meeting was adjourned by the chairman.

Reform UK councillor Caroline Gladwin, who leads a coalition known as the ABC group, was accused of not declaring ownership of a 'number of rental properties' before the planning meeting.

This was highlighted in the meeting by Councillor Geoff Brodie, an independent Socialist councillor, saying that everyone else is required to declare their interests.

The meeting then descended into chaos as Cllr Gladwin accused Cllr Brodie of 'harassment' and 'bullying', while claiming that she was 'under threat'.

She said that she did not need to be 'policed' by Cllr Bodie and that she did declare the properties, and that if she had any conflict of interest, she would declare them.

The Conservative planning committee chair, Warren Drew, said that Cllr Gladwin did declare the properties but got dispensation because of fear of harassment or intimidation, and this did not pose a conflict of interest.

Tensions rose in a council meeting in the Isle of Wight as a row broke out over one councillor's declaration of properties

Councillor Caroline Gladwin, from the ABC group Reform UK, was accused of not declaring ownership of a 'number of rental properties' before the planning meeting

Cllr Gladwin accused Councillor Geoff Brodie, from the independent socialists, of 'harassment' and 'bullying', while claiming that she was 'under threat'

The following day, there was more fighting between the councillors, with Cllr Brodie saying that Cllr Gladwin should not be included in a devolution debate, claiming that Reform is a 'racist organisation'.

He said: 'I would warn every member of this council who believes in democracy that you maybe think this is the biggest challenge to you as a councillor, but the biggest challenge isn't this, it's Reform UK.

'You are putting the leader of the ABC group (Cllr Gladwin) in this group of five: a threat to democracy. Reform UK, a racist organisation.'

Chair Ian Dore interjected, saying: 'Cllr Brodie, that's enough. We're not having this tonight.'

Cllr Brodie then called Councillor David Adams, an ABC group independent councillor, a 'fascist pig', and accused him of making 'threats across the room' at him.

The ABC group is a new alliance that was formed last month on the Isle of Wight between Reform UK's Cllr Gladwin and the independent Cllr Adams.

Cllr Brodie said: 'Why do you think we've got a security guard in here tonight, because he makes threats to me on a constant basis.'

'I'm leaving the meeting,' Cllr Adams responded.

'We have got someone here who is so out of order  he has no evidence.'

Cllr Brodie then called Councillor David Adams, an ABC group independent councillor (pictured), a 'fascist pig'

Pictured: Cllr Brodie (front centre) who accused Cllr Adams of making 'threats across the room' at him

Later in the evening, Cllr Gladwin was escorted out of the meeting by other councillors before later returning to the chamber.

During the planning meeting, Cllr Brodie said: 'Cllr Gladwin has, like a lot of members of this council, a number of rental properties.

'Every member of this council, other than her, declares them on their members' declaration of interest, available on the (council) website.

'Cllr Gladwin, since she was elected, has not declared those interests.'

The Reform UK councillor cut in, and the meeting began to enter into disarray: 'This has no relevance to this meeting. And this is typical of Cllr Brodie, who is harassing and bullying me regarding this  I am under threat.

'If I have any conflicts of interest, I will declare them, and I do not need to be policed by Cllr Brodie, and I think it's outrageous that I'm expected to be subjected to this in this meeting.'

The council meeting was adjourned with the chair, Mr Dore, shouting for Cllr Brodie to 'stop it' after he continued to make accusations.

After the meeting, Cllr Brodie gave the Local Democracy Reporting Service a memorandum protesting 'the failure of Reform UK councillor Caroline Gladwin to declare her rental properties with her published Declaration of Interests'.

It also protested the monitoring officers 'seeming unwillingness to press your own expectation that she should do so'.

The Daily Mail has approached Cllr Gladwin, Cllr Brodie and Cllr Adams for further comment.
A teenager accused of helping destroy a Boston Police cruiser during a chaotic riot had little to say after he donned a tank top during his first court appearance.

Julian Bowers, 18, was arrested during what police described as a 'large-scale vehicle takeover' in Boston's South End around 2am Saturday after a patrol car went up in flames and other vehicles were hit with objects and fireworks.

Bowers was taken into custody along with William Cantwell, 19. They are both from Rhode Island and were the only two arrested in the hectic attack that involved more than 100 people, police said.

The police vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire. No officers were injured.

The pair attended an arraignment hearing at Roxbury District Court on Monday as Bowers wore a simple white tank top, glasses and handcuffs around his wrists as they stood behind a large glass window in the courtroom.

He was seen fist-bumping Cantwell, who wore a black hoodie with white flowers on it, after hearing the reduced bail amount set by the judge.

Prosecutors initially asked for a $15,000 cash bail for Bowers and $20,000 for Cantwell, but the judge lowered the amount to $500 for Bowers and $1,000 for Cantwell.

After being released on bail, Bowers was seen outside court with a green hoodie on as several reporters gathered around him asking for comment.

For most of the interaction the 18-year-old ignored their questions, but at one point he said: 'Nah, I don't wanna say anything man!'

Julian Bowers, 18, was seen wearing a white tank top in court Monday after he was arrested for his alleged involvement in a violent street takeover that left a Boston Police car charred

After posting bail, Bowers had very little to say to reporters who asked him for comment

Both of them pleaded not guilty to numerous charges, including malicious destruction of property over $1,200 and assault and battery on a police officer.

Bowers was seen throwing various objects at police cruisers before running on foot from the scene.

Along with the other charges, he was slapped with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, police said.

Cantwell was seen repeatedly hitting a police car with an orange pole, and when officers searched him they found two packages of marijuana edibles.

He also faces other charges, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and possession of Class D marijuana, according to authorities.

They were both released on bail and ordered to stay out of Boston.

They are only allowed back in the city if they have to meet with their attorney or have to go to court.

Their next court appearance is scheduled for November 5 for a pretrial hearing.

Bower's attorney, Richard Gedeon, said his client was dealt a low blow.

Bowers and William Cantwell, 19, of Rhode Island, were the only two arrested in the hectic attack that involved more than 100 people, police said. (Pictured: A Boston Police car up in flames)

Cantwell (pictured) was seen repeatedly hitting a police car with an orange pole, and when officers searched him they found two packages of marijuana edibles

'There was [sic] 100 people out there and two people picked,' Gedeon told WCVB.

He said he is not sure if police nabbed the right suspects.

'I don't know that they did, but at this point in time, we need more information.'

But, according to Boston Police Patrolmen's Association President Larry Calderon these street takeovers have become all too common recently.

Calderon said the attacks are 'staged events' that are meant to lure authorities in.

'This was a staged event where they close off certain sectors of neighborhoods and streets. In our opinion, they lure police into a gauntlet and then attacked them,' he continued.

'There is no tolerance in the city of Boston for that.'

Governor Maura Healey echoed Calderon's statement, adding: 'Let me be perfectly clear. Anyone who targets police and destroys police property  or who comes to Massachusetts and engages in dangerous and destructive conduct  should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.'

Boston Police Patrolmen's Association President Larry Calderon said these frequent attacks are 'staged events' that are meant to lure authorities in

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also weighed in on the incident.

'Do not come into Boston to disrespect our community and cause harm and disorder,' Wu said.

'These outside groups are not welcome to come and treat our city this way. We will hold those individuals accountable.'

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox promised the city would hold all of those involved accountable for their actions.

'This is not to be tolerated, and we are going to do all we can to hold those folks accountable.

'Were gonna get every video and every bit of evidence to find every individual involved,' Cox added.

The street takeovers are orchestrated by large groups of people online who show up at various locations and use their cars to block off streets before performing street racing stunts, including burnouts and donuts, prosecutors said in court.

'These coordinated efforts are designed to overwhelm law enforcement and maximize online exposure. A deliberate disregard for public safety,' prosecutor Lea Deacutis said, adding that participants often come from out of state.
A paranoid Texas mother accused of fatally shooting two of her children told police she had to 'kill them all' before they got to her, court documents revealed.

Oninda Romelus, 31, allegedly murdered her 13-year-old son and three-year-old daughter Saturday morning before calling police and arriving at a Shell gas station in Angleton.

When officers arrived at the scene they were not quite sure what they were responding to, but then absolute horror took over.

They found the mother's Audi Sedan running with all its doors open as her four children were seen inside with some of their bodies covered in a white sheet, court records obtained by ABC13 said.

Her teenage son was found slumped over in the passenger's seat with gunshot wounds. Deputies also found three other children in the backseat who were shot, according to records.

The two surviving children, an eight-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl, are in stable condition after being airlifted to a nearby hospital, the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office said.

When Oninda, who appeared as a teen mom on Paternity Court TV in 2013, was interviewed by officers at the county jail she told them: 'Instead of them doing it to me, I'm going to do it to them.'

An investigator then clarified: 'Do what?' as Oninda replied, 'Kill them all,' per the records.

Oninda Romelus, 31, said she had to 'kill them all' after she allegedly shot her four children early Saturday morning. Two of them, her 13-year-old son and three-year-old daughter, died

Police were called to a local Shell gas station (pictured) by Romelus. When they arrived, they saw the four children in the car, some with a white sheet over them. All of them had been shot

During her conversation with police, Romelus also appeared paranoid as she was caught looking toward the door on multiple occasions, according to court records.

She also told investigators that she should she was calling the 'devil,' not 911, the Houston Chronicle reported.

One investigator said what she told them 'didn't make sense' a lot of the time. She managed to name her kids and give their ages, adding 'They were with the devil,' when Romelus was asked where they were.

Romelus has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She remains in jail on a $14 million bond.

Investigators said they believe the children were shot inside the car at another unknown location before Romelus drove to the gas station.

After the gruesome discovery, investigators made their way to Romelus' home in Montgomery County.

A neighbor who preferred to remain anonymous said the community is very shaken up over the incident.

'It's just heartbreaking,' they told the outlet. 'I just want to cry. It breaks my heart because there's just... there's no reason for it.'

The local said they used to see two of the four children walking in and out of the home almost everyday.

'[The] 13-year-old looked like a sweet young man taking care of his little sister, walking her home every day,' they added.

Romelus has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She remains in jail on a $14 million bond

Romelus had recently moved to Texas from Georgia. A neighbor who preferred to remain anonymous said the community is very shaken up over the incident

'It's going to be hard when we sit out in the afternoon not to see him bringing his little sister home and waving at them and telling him to be careful and have a good day.'

The tragedy came about a decade after Romelus appeared on Paternity Court TV to ask for help determining who was the father of one of her children.

Romelus claimed she had cheated on her fiance of four years, DeWayne Seymore, and thus did not know which of the two men was her child's father. It later emerged that neither of the two men was the child's dad.

The child whose paternity was in question, named O'Karreo, would now be the same age as the child who was shot dead, but officials told the Daily Mail they will not be releasing the victim's names out of respect for their family.

Seymore was convicted in 2017 of being part of a gang who kidnapped a prosecutor's father, as reported by 11 Alive.

'I cheated him basically out of spite,' Romelus explained after claiming Seymore had been first to cheat on her.

A DNA test determined that neither Seymore nor the other man, Jeremy Covington, were O'Karreo's father.

Romelus worked as a tax agent and was originally from Haiti. She had recently moved to Texas from Georgia with her children.

The tragedy came about a decade after Romelus appeared on Paternity Court TV to ask for help determining who was the father of one of her children

James Chappell, who said he is the grandfather of the three-year-old who was killed, said he 'didnt see anything wrong with [Romelus'] personality before the alleged shooting

James Chappell said he is the grandfather of the three-year-old girl who was shot dead, and he identified her as Amari Chappell.

Chappell, who is also the grandfather of the injured eight-year-old boy, said his son, their father, is currently in prison.

'She had a beautiful smile, just like her dad,' Chappell told Click 2 Houston of little Amari.

'I started crying immediately,' he said about hearing the tragic news of the shooting. 'Thats my grandbaby.'

Chappell added that he 'didnt see anything wrong with [Romelus'] personality before the alleged shooting.

'She seemed like a beautiful person,' said Chappell. 'She had a wonderful job and everything.'

The Daily Mail contacted the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office for more information.
The coastal city of San Francisco is struggling to keep up with the mass of newly-minted millionaires flocking to snatch up mansions as artificial intelligence booms.

With newly-wealthy tech workers looking to buy homes in the city, the ritzy neighborhood of Pacific Heights is among one of many finding their luxury housing market stock is dwindling faster than ever.

One luxury broker said that one 5,000-square-foot mansion in the area sat idly waiting to be snatched up in 2017.

But a sudden surge in buyers is now moving the market along quickly, with the same 1994 Jackson St. home going up for sale again and this time selling on day one.

'It was a difficult house at the time,' Peter Rodway, senior partner at Neal Ward Properties, told the San Francisco Chronicle.

'This time, buyers were banging at the doors to get into it. An offer came in on the first day, at full price.'

The luxury home sold for $9.4 million last month, and served as just one example of the quickly changing market in San Francisco that has left many real estate brokers baffled.

As the AI industry booms in the city, San Francisco has become the epicenter of an ever-increasing wealth gap that's only becoming worse with new money home buyers entering the picture.

Luxury home sales are up by 14 percent year-over-year in San Francisco, while inventory is down by around 4.5 percent annually

The 1994 Jackson St. mansion (pictured) struggled to sell in 2017, but it recently sold within the first day of being put on the market at full price

AI employees are flocking to the city to be closer to their workplaces after companies, such as ChatGPT's creators OpenAI, set up their headquarters in downtown San Francisco - which has been described as a 'magnet' for tech firms.

The Bay Area also became home to Meta's Menlo Park Campus, and many other AI-tech companies have laid foundations in the city that sits just around an hour away from Silicon Valley.

In September, Anthropic - founded in 2021 by former OpenAI researchers - leased two floors in downtown San Francisco.

Around 83 AI companies have leased nearly a million square feet of office space in the city, The San Francisco Standard reported.

Former Uber executive and serial entrepreneur Chris Saad told the outlet: 'If you want to make a blockbuster movie, you go to LA, and if you want to build a blockbuster startup, you go to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.'

Sotheby's Chief Marketing Officer Bradley Nelson told Bloomberg that San Francisco and Silicon Valley have become the epicenter of the AI-boom.

Companies in the industry have also offered up tender offers, which gives employees and investors a chance to sell a portion of their shares, allowing more opportunity for them to put their funds into higher-priced housing.

Nelson told the outlet that this company strategy is done 'to quell internal pressure to go public.'

He added that 'more homes sold above $20 million in San Francisco in 2024 than in any other year in history.'

Agents are noting how the increase in demand with a lack of supply is evidencing that the city is becoming more of a seller's market, as sales occur more frequently and close more quickly

Overall home sales in San Francisco surged by 35 percent year-over-year

Thus, agents have seen luxury housing demand skyrocket, but many are finding the increase in demand is leaving the top of the luxury market sparse.

'The city is just flush with cash right now - and there's not enough inventory to keep up with it,' Rodway said.

While home prices appear to have remained steady so far, according to data from Zillow, it may not last for long.

As of July, median sale prices sat at around $1,420,000, almost $300,000 more than the median listing price, data showed. The city saw 60.7 percent in sales over listing price.

Agents are noting how the increase in demand with a lack of supply is evidencing that the city is becoming more of a seller's market, as sales occur more frequently and close more quickly.

Luxury home sales, defined as the top five percent of home prices of the respective market, are up by 14 percent year-over-year in San Francisco, while inventory is down by around 4.5 percent annually, the Chronicle reported.

Buyers are not only scooping up million dollar homes at increasing rates, but also proving that money appears to be no object.

Nina Hatvany, a luxury real estate agent with Compass, told the Chronicle that luxury home sales are becoming 'a bit of a bloodbath.'

'It's very hard to win in the competitive bidding situations that we're seeing. Things are getting scooped up, and for hundreds of thousands of dollars over asking,' Hatvany said.

'As we get higher, we have listings in the $10 million range that are now getting scooped up, they are finally starting to move.'

Nina Hatvany, a luxury real estate agent with Compass, said that luxury home sales are becoming 'a bit of a bloodbath'

'We've always had a mansion shortage in San Francisco. The problem is, for the past three years, we've also had a buyer shortage. But, now the buyers are back,' Lynn of Sotheby's said

Gregg Lynn, of Sotheby's, further told the outlet that driving factors include tech-employees and families looking for larger homes.

'We've always had a mansion shortage in San Francisco. The problem is, for the past three years, we've also had a buyer shortage. But, now the buyers are back,' he said.

But apart from anything, agents are concerned that the shortage and influx of buyers has only just begun.

Dhar added that 'these companies literally just started.'

'It's more likely than not that we're at the very first year or two of one of these San Francisco eight-to-ten-year gold rushes than we are towards the end. My feeling is: This is just the beginning,' Dhar continued.
The appeal trial of a man convicted of raping Gisele Pelicot has heard shocking details of how he abused the sedated Frenchwoman for more than three hours despite her flinching in pain.

Husamettin Dogan, the only man appealing his conviction for the sexual abuse of Pelicot, was 'fully aware' that she was asleep during the assault, an investigator told the court on Tuesday.

Dogan, 44, was one of 50 men found guilty in December of taking part in the abuse orchestrated by Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, who invited strangers he found online to assault his drugged wife and filmed the attacks.

He was sentenced to nine years in prison but now claims he is not a 'rapist', arguing he believed he was participating in a libertine couple's sexual game.

Investigator Jeremie Bosse-Platiere dismissed that claim, citing explicit video footage recorded by Dominique Pelicot himself.

'I have no doubt that he was fully aware of the victim's condition,' Bosse-Platiere told the court in the southern city of Nimes. 'Anyone who sees the videos understands this immediately.'

The footage, retrieved from Pelicot's home, shows Dogan penetrating an unresponsive Gisele Pelicot and attempting to force her to perform oral sex. But Gisele Pelicot was then seen moving slightly, causing Dogan to immediately withdraw.

'We understand that he is worried that his victim might wake up and freezes in a waiting position,' said Bosse-Platiere. 'After 30 seconds, seeing that it was a reflex caused by pain or discomfort, he reintroduces his penis into her vagina.'

Gisele Pelicot arrives for the appeal trial in the Mazan rape case at the Nimes courthouse, southern France, in Nimes on October 7

Husamettin Dogan, the only man appealing his conviction for the sexual abuse of Pelicot, was 'fully aware' that she was asleep during the assault, an investigator told the court on Tuesday

Dominique Pelicot, 72, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping and organising the mass rape of his wife

'It is clear that the two men are acting very cautiously and meticulously so as not to make any noise,' the investigator said.

Dogan had visited the couple's home in Mazan, southern France, in June 2019, claiming he only realised something was wrong when he heard Gisele snoring.

But investigators say the footage shows he remained there for 'at least three-hours-and-24-minutes', far longer than the half-hour he claims.

Police discovered 107 photos and 14 videos from that night, meticulously recorded by Dominique Pelicot, who remains in solitary confinement.

While Bosse-Platiere admitted that Dominique Pelicot might have been 'a little bossy', he said there was 'no physical coercion, no threat that is supported by the videos.'

Dogan maintains he was pressured to continue the abuse.

Dominique Pelicot was due to be brought from prison for cross-examination later on Tuesday afternoon.

The appeal hearing is expected to last up to four days.

Dogan's defence team earlier said he plans to appeal against both his criminal responsibility and the sentence during the trial.

'He maintains that he never went to the couple's home with the intention of raping anyone,' one of his lawyers, Jean-Marc Darrigade, said. 'He is deeply affected by the fact that he could be labelled as a rapist.'

Dogan's fight is not with the main plaintiff, Gisele Pelicot, whom he 'respects deeply', Darrigade said. Instead, it is with 'the cynical man who trapped him'.

The Turkish man, who has arthritis and appeared at the first trial using a walking stick, is technically still a free man as his appeal has put his prison sentence on hold.

Painter and decorator Husamettin Dogan, 44, at the court yesterday. He was sentenced to nine years in prison last year for raping Pelicot after her then husband, Dominique Pelicot, invited him via an online chatroom to abuse her while she was unconscious

Gisele Pelicot surrounded by French police as she leaves the courthouse in Nimes

'I'm not a rapist,' the construction worker said during the first trial. 'This is too much for me to bear. He's her husband. I never thought that guy could do this to his wife.'

During the first trial, he was at first not prepared to accept the charges against him.

He said Dominique Pelicot sent him a message saying he was part of a sexually adventurous couple and they were seeking someone to take part in sex while his wife 'pretended to sleep'.

He says he received a message, supposedly from Gisele Pelicot, saying she agreed to him coming over. Dogan then headed over to their home in the small southern town of Mazan that same evening, where he was led into the main bedroom.

'I started foreplay, I saw she didn't react. I said, 'She's dead, your wife.' (Dominique Pelicot) said, 'No, you're imagining it.' He penetrated her and she lifted up her head a little,' he said.

Dogan said they continued for at least half an hour, until he clearly heard Gisele Pelicot snoring. He then decided to leave, he said.

Reminded by one of the judges of the definition of rape  an act committed 'through violence, constraint, threat or surprise'  he initially conceded.

'I admit it was rape,' he said.

But at the end of the trial in the southern town of Avignon, Dogan again said he was not a rapist.

His lawyer said the appeal hearing would give his client more time to present his case.

'They found that Mrs Pelicot was being controlled' by her then husband, he said. 'Can't we also conceive something similar for the few minutes during which Dogan faced this exceptionally perverse man who mastered all tricks of persuasion?

'I don't think it's offensive to discuss it a second time,' said Darrigade.

Gisele Pelicot accompanied by her son Florian Pelicot leaves the Gard criminal court

Initially, 17 of the 51 convicted men said they would appeal against the verdict, but 16 gradually dropped out, leaving only one appeal.

Pelicot's lawyer, Antoine Camus, said she would have preferred not to face the ordeal of attending another trial but would be present at the four-day trial at Nimes court of appeal.

'She will be there to explain that a rape is a rape, that there is no such thing as a small rape,' Camus told Agence France-Presse.

Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his former wife and inviting dozens of strangers to rape her while unconscious.

He had had laced his wife's food and drink with tranquilisers to render her unconscious before inviting men he met online to take part in sordid rape and abuse fantasies that he acted out with them and filmed in their retirement home in the small Provence town of Mazan and elsewhere.

The images and footage were only discovered when he was caught in September 2020 upskirting women at a local supermarket, with a subsequent police search of his home revealing the thousands of photos of his wife.

Now serving a prison sentence in solitary confinement, Dominique Pelicot will appear as a witness at the appeal court trial. He is expected to repeat what he said at the first trial: 'I am a rapist  like everyone else in this room.'
As chaotic protests continue to rattle Seattle, a popular suburb looks poised to overtake the city as the latest tech hub.

Situated on the shores of Lake Washington, Bellevue has already attracted the likes of TikTok, Robinhood, OpenAI and Amazon.

With its tranquil streets, reduced crime rate and top-of-the-line office space, it is no surprise that the population of 154,000 is expanding.

Meanwhile across the water, a series of rowdy anti-ICE protests this summer have plunged the city into chaos and led to threats from Donald Trump to send in the National Guard.

The city has also been dealing with rising homelessness in certain neighborhoods, which has given way to open air drug use in encampments.

The situation is only being aided by officials who hand out drug paraphernalia based on the theory that it reduces the risk of overdoses.

Rapper Big Sean even called out Seattle's downturn during a concert in August, saying it was as bad as his hometown of Detroit was when he was growing up.

The president suggested that Seattle could be used as a 'training ground' for troops, although this has been rejected by city officials.

Bellevue (foreground) is seen with Seattle and the Olympic mountains in the background

Pictured: A protestor stands in front of a burning dumpster during an anti-ICE demonstration in Seattle on June 11, 2025

Pictured: A homeless encampment outside an empty JoAnn Fabrics store in August 2025. The chain went out of business

Much of the shift eastward to Bellevue has occurred since the summer of 2020 when people seized a portion of the Seattle for nearly a month in protest over George Floyd's murder.

The area became known as the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) and remained in place for a year before it was dissolved.

Since then, Bellevue has added nearly 3.9 million square feet of office space, whereas Seattle only gained 2.6 million square feet, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

Amazon, which retains its corporate headquarters in Seattle, has increased its workforce in Bellevue to 14,000. Virtually no one worked across the lake 10 years ago.

The company predicts that its Bellevue workforce will swell to 25,000 in the coming years.

Meta, too, saw the value in the area back in 2020, when it acquired a sprawling 400,000-square-foot campus previously owned by Recreational Equipment Inc.

Downtown Seattle meanwhile has an office vacancy rate of 34.6 percent, one of the highest readings in history and one of the highest among any city in the United States.

Peter Steinbrueck, an architect and former member of the Seattle City Council, told The Wall Street Journal that Seattle is no longer enjoying rabid economic growth.

Pictured: Needles and tin foil with fentanyl residue that was cleaned up in Seattle by a non profit organization on September 29, 2025

Pictured: Protestors confront TV reporters just outside the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, an area in Seattle that was taken over by residents angry over the murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020

Though Seattle still remains the more mature city, Bellevue is making strides to compete.

The East Link light rail line opened last year and has drastically reduced car congestion. The line has ten stops that run from Redmond to South Bellevue.

City officials say that this train line will be extended across Lake Washington in 2026, providing the first direct connection between the Seattle and Bellevue.

Seattle is also losing momentum because it raised taxes on businesses at the same time crime and homelessness were rising, experts said.

In 2019, Amazon began the process of shifting thousands of jobs to Bellevue.

The online retailer made the call after the Seattle City Council approved a 'head tax' of $275 per employee, which the company felt was a direct attack since it was the largest employer in the city.

The tax was quickly scrapped, but Amazon still moved anyway due to the break in trust.

'The company, I think, really took it personally,' Trevor Youngren, a Cushman & Wakefield managing director, told The Journal.

Pictured: Suburban homes line a hill in Bellevue during the autumn

At $64 per square foot, Bellevue office rents are now more expensive than Seattle's $51 per square foot.

Even in early 2018, downtown Seattle buildings were nearly on equal footing with its neighbor to the east.

However, not all of Seattle's woes can be attributed to bureaucratic decisions, as the tech sector has been slowing down.

Tens of thousands of tech workers have been laid off in the last several years in the Seattle area, and this trend has hit Bellevue hard as well.

About 15.5 percent of offices in Bellevue sit empty, amounting to a more than three-fold increase in the vacancy rate since 2019, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

But both cities are hoping that offices will recover as more companies return to a five-day in-person work week
A woman wanted in Mexico for a 2009 daycare fire that killed 49 children was found in Arizona.

Sandra Lucia Tellez-Nieves, 51, was deported from the United States after being arrested in Tucson while avoiding prison time in Mexico.

Tellez-Nieves was a co-owner of the ABC Daycare in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, when 49 children died in a horrific fire.

The fire killed 25 girls and 24 boys, who were between five months and five years old.

Nearly 150 kids were trapped inside the state-run daycare when the fire began. About 100 were injured.

Her deportation took place in Nogales, a border town which shares a name and border with its much larger Mexican counterpart also named Nogales.

The daycare had failed to comply with basic safety standards, as emergency exits were blocked and there were minimal fire safety measures in place.

No fire alarm or sprinkler system went off when the fire started.

Sandra Lucia Tellez-Nieves, wanted in connection to a 2009 Mexico daycare fire that killed 49 children, was found in Arizona

Tellez-Nieves was a co-owner of the ABC Daycare in Hermosillo, Mexico, when 49 children died in a terrible blaze

The fire killed 25 girls and 24 boys, who were between five months and five years old

A warrant for Tellez-Nieves's arrest was initially issued in July 2009 but later dismissed.

It was reissued in 2022 after 'outcries' from affected families, according to a US Marshals Service news release seen by The Arizona Republic.

She was then arrested in Tucson by ICE's fugitive operations team in January 2025 for overstaying her visitor visa.

The arrest took place during a traffic stop on West Miracle Mile.

Following that, the former daycare owner was held at the Eloy Detention Center and deported on October 2, the release said.

U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona Van Bayless said: 'Working closely with our law enforcement partners and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, we were able to locate and deport this fugitive so she can finally be held accountable for her heinous crimes in Mexico.'

The daycare had failed to comply with basic safety standards (pictured: Kevin Isaac Blanco Lozoya, a victim of a fire at the daycare)

Emergency exits were blocked and there were few fire safety measures

A warrant for Tellez-Nieves's arrest was reissued in 2022 after 'outcries' from affected families

Tellez-Nieves was wanted by Mexican authorities for negligent injury and homicide.

She was sentenced in Mexico to 28 years in prison in 2016, according to El Pais.

However, her sentence was reduced through appeals to five years and seven months.

After being deported to her home country, Tellez-Nieves was subsequently arrested in Hermosillo by Mexican authorities, the office of the Attorney General of Mexico said.

The press release added that 'it should be noted that this person was a fugitive on US territory' prior to being deported 'in a controlled manner.'

Tellez-Nieves was transferred to the Women's Social Reintegration Center in Hermosillo - 'so that she may serve the sentence handed down against her for committing these crimes,' the Mexican Attorney General's office added.
CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins has been left stunned by Donald Trump after he said that he would consider pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell.

The President was asked about the infamous Jeffrey Epstein madam in the Oval Office just hours after the Supreme Court declined to consider her appeal on Monday.

Trump appeared caught off guard by the question despite the recent decision by the justices and swirling controversy around the so-called Epstein files.

'You know I haven't heard that name in so long, I can say this that I'd have to take a look at it ... I will speak to the DOJ about it,' Trump told Collins.

The reporter shot back: 'But she was convicted of child sex trafficking.'

The President replied: 'I don't know, I'll have to look at it. A lot of people have asked me for pardons. I call him "Puff Daddy," has asked me for a pardon. I'll have to ask DOJ. I didn't know they rejected it, I didn't even know she was even asking for it, frankly.'

Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence after she was convicted of procuring girls as young as 14 for her boyfriend Epstein, the late pedophile financier and former friend of Trump.

The Supreme Court shot down her appeal on Monday after her lawyers claimed that a deal Epstein struck with federal prosecutors in Florida should have stopped her from being charged in New York.

Donald Trump speaks to reporters before signing an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House on Monday

CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins was left stunned after the President said that he would consider pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell

The decision by the high court avoids a highly sensitive political case amid claims that Trump is covering up the 'Epstein files' because they would incriminate him.

The Trump administration had urged the court to stay out of the case in July  specifically to avoid releasing any additional files  when the Justice Department moved to unseal grand jury transcripts amid a surge of controversy.

Maxwell was moved from a low-security federal prison in Florida to a minimum-security prison camp in Texas after she was interviewed in July by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

That interview came after intense scrutiny on Attorney General Pam Bondi after she had promised to release the 'Epstein files.' Bondi is set to testify before the senate on Tuesday morning.

Maxwell's lawyers contended that a non-prosecution agreement reached in 2007 by federal prosecutors in Miami and Epstein's lawyers also protected his 'potential co-conspirators' from federal charges anywhere in the country.

She was tried in Manhattan, and the federal appeals court there ruled that the prosecution was proper. A jury found her guilty of sex trafficking a teenage girl, among other charges.

Maxwell's trial featured accounts of the sexual exploitation of girls by four women who described being abused as teens in the 1990s and early 2000s at Epstein's homes.

Neither Maxwell's lawyers nor the federal Bureau of Prisons has explained the reason for her transfer, but one of her lawyers, David Oscar Markus, has said she is 'innocent and never should have been tried, much less convicted.' Markus also was the lead lawyer on her Supreme Court case.

Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein in a picture she gave him on his 50th birthday

Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office Monday

Maxwell was interviewed by Blanche at a Florida courthouse. She was given limited immunity, allowing her to speak freely without fear of prosecution for anything she said except for in the event of a false statement.

She repeatedly denied witnessing any sexually inappropriate interactions involving Trump, according to records released in August meant to distance the president from the disgraced financier.

Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex trafficking charges and was accused of sexually abusing dozens of teenage girls. A month later he was found dead in a New York jail cell in what investigators described as a suicide, which conspiracy theorists had contested.

In July this year, the FBI and the Justice Department announced that that Epstein had killed himself, that a 'client list' that Attorney General Pam Bondi had intimated was on her desk did not actually exist, and that no additional documents from the high-profile investigation were suitable to be released.

Trump and his then-girlfriend Melania Knauss, Epstein and Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in 2000

The announcement led to outrage from conspiracy theorists and Trump supporters who had been hoping to see proof of a government cover-up.

That expectation was driven in part by comments from officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, who, before taking their current positions, had repeatedly promoted the idea that damaging details about prominent people were being withheld.

Patel, for instance, said in at least one podcast interview that Epstein's 'black book' was under the 'direct control of the director of the FBI.'

But the Justice Department said its review of evidence in the governments possession determined that no 'further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.'

The department noted that much of the material was placed under seal by a court to protect victims and 'only a fraction' of it 'would have been aired publicly had Epstein gone to trial.'

Faced with fury from his base, Trump sought to quickly turn the page, shutting down questioning of Bondi about Epstein at a White House Cabinet meeting and deriding as 'weaklings' supporters he said were falling for the 'Jeffrey Epstein Hoax.'
A newly elected German mayor is fighting for her life today after being repeatedly stabbed at her home - with police taking her teenage adopted son and daughter away for questioning.

The attack on Iris Stalzer, 57, mayor-elect of Herdecke near the western city of Dortmund, took place at around noon, said public broadcaster WDR.

The politician sustained as many as 13 stab wounds, according to Westfalenpost.

She was discovered inside her apartment by her 15-year-old adopted son, according to German outlet Bild, with life-threatening injuries and several stabbing wounds on her stomach and back.

Police have reportedly arrested the boy, who told officers that his mother was attacked outside their home by 'several men on the street', the outlet said.

It added that he was taken away from the scene in handcuffs for questioning, wearing an evidence-preserving overall.

The teenager reportedly called emergency services alongside his 17-year-old adopted sister at 12.40pm, who was present in the apartment when authorities arrived, the newspaper said.

She was also questioned in the hours following the attack, according to Der Spiegel, which reported that she had been involved in a previous case of domestic violence in the Stalzer household in the summer of this year.

The politician's daughter had used a knife against the 57-year-old, the report said.

Stalzer was taken to hospital by helicopter where she is receiving emergency treatment and is said to be in critical condition.

Prosecutors and police said in a joint statement their inquiry was looking into every possibility and said: 'Close family involvement cannot be ruled out at the present time.'

She was due to take office after being elected as the mayor of Herdecke, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, only a week ago.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attack as a 'heinous act' and demanded that the crime and its background 'be swiftly clarified'.

Officers escort Iris Stalzer's 15-year-old adopted son to a police car

The attack on Iris Stalzer, 57, mayor-elect of Herdecke near the western city of Dortmund, took place at around noon near her own home, said public broadcaster WDR

Forensic investigators appear at the crime scene at a street in Herdecke after the newly elected mayor was found critically injured in her apartment

German police have issued a major alert and a manhunt is reportedly ongoing for the suspects, according to Bild.

A rescue helicopter was photographed at the scene in Herdecke, accompanied by emergency services. Police searching for evidence have sealed off the road around her house.

Forensic investigators were pictured searching the crime scene at a residential street in Herdecke.

A homicide squad is expected to take over the investigation into the attack shortly.

The police are urgently appealing to the public for information.

It has not yet been determined whether there was a political motive behind the incident.

'The motive for the crime is completely unclear; we are investigating all avenues,' said police spokesman Tino Schafer.

The motive is unclear but the case raises memories of the 2019 murder of conservative local government president Walter Luebcke, a supporter of then Chancellor Angela Merkel's refugee policy, who was shot dead by a far-right activist as he smoked a late-night cigarette on his terrace at home.

Stalzer, of Germany's centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), the junior party in the country's conservative-led national government, was elected on September 28 as mayor of Herdecke.

After securing just over 52.2 per cent of the vote, she celebrated her success in a post on Instagram, writing: 'Above all, I would like to thank the citizens of Herdecke for this fantastic result and the trust you have placed in me as the new mayor.

'I will begin my term in November  full of joy, enthusiasm, and respect for this task. Together with you, I want to shape, develop, and keep our city vibrant.'

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Stalzer is the newly elected mayor of Herdecke in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Emergency services stand next to a rescue helicopter in Herdecke

Ambulance vehicles are seen near the site where Iris Stalzer was attacked

Police officers work at the scene after the attack

The comments on the post are now filled with 'get well soon' messages in the wake of the news of the attack.

'Disgusting act. A speedy recovery,' one person wrote.

'I pray for your health,' another added.

The mayor is married with two teenage children and has lived in Herdecke for almost the entirety of her life.

She is a lawyer and a specialist in employment legislation, and had already served on Herdecke's city council prior to the local election.

Merz wrote on social media that 'we fear for the life of mayor-elect Iris Stalzer and hope for her full recovery'.

'My thoughts are with her family and her relatives,' he added.

Police said only that there was a large operation under way in Herdecke.

The leader of the Social Democrats' parliamentary group in Berlin, Matthias Miersch, told reporters that 'we heard a few minutes ago that newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed in Herdecke'.

He said that 'we hope that she survives this terrible act'.

'We can't say anything at the moment about the background,' he added.

Stalzer, who beat a candidate from Merz's centre-right Christian Democrats in a runoff vote to win election, is due to take office on November 1.

Herdecke is a town of about 23,000 people in western Germany's Ruhr region, between the cities of Hagen and Dortmund.

The Herdecke city administration issued a statement following the attack.

First Deputy Mayor Dennis Osberg said: 'The media reports about the police operation at Iris Stalzer's home have caused shock and dismay among the city administration.

'I sincerely wish Ms. Stalzer a speedy recovery. My thoughts are with her and her family.

'The city administration cannot provide any information on Iris Stalzer's condition.'

Fabian Haas, the politician's opponent in the runoff election, expressed his condolences following the attack 'on our elected mayor, Iris Stalzer'.

He wished for her recovery, saying: 'My thoughts are with her and her family.'

The attack comes after a region-wide campaign that politicians in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's largest state, said was distinguished by the viciousness and rawness of its tone.

A recent study found 60 per cent of politicians in Germany had experienced violence at least once, with one in five saying it had made them more reluctant to appear in public.

In 2015, Henriette Reker was stabbed by a right-wing extremist the day before she was elected mayor of Cologne. She made a full recovery and is due to leave office later this year.

She was stabbed in the neck while campaigning at a street market by a 44-year-old man wielding two knives, who was motivated to attack her because of his opposition to mass immigration.

Four other people were also injured in the attack as they attempted to try to save her.

Frank S. was convicted of attempted murder in 2016 and was sentenced to 14 years.

He told the High Court in Duesseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, that he stabbed her in the neck with a hunting knife because she 'welcomed' refugees, and claimed he only meant to wound her, not kill her.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
He's the straight-talking Louisiana Senator who spares no one with his wit and blunt sense of humor - not even the President.

Now John Kennedy has unleashed a scathing memoir taking aim at everyone from Donald Trump to Chinese President Xi Jinping - and Democrats for what he calls their obsession with Russia.

The Republican lawmaker, 73, provides a mix of humor, blunt observations, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his years in the Senate, in How to Test Negative for Stupid: And Why Washington Never Will, released on Tuesday.

He describes Trump as 'cruel' but admits the two have bonded over their mutual 'appreciation of candor.'

After meeting Xi during a Congressional delegation in 2023, Kennedy writes that the Chinese leader had 'shark eyes' that 'don't show humanity.'

He also mocks Democrats for being obsessed with prosecuting Trump for his alleged links to Russia - a moment, he writes, when it became clear to him that liberals and the media had lost their grip on reality.

His criticism extends to the press itself, comparing reporters to 'stray dogs' that 'keep coming back for more' once you feed them.

Kennedy's cynical take on the nation's capital, clearly reflected in the title of his book, is perhaps best summed up in one biting line: 'Washington, D.C., is often like high school but no one ever graduates and the media is stuck in permanent sophomore year.'

Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana takes aim at Washington in a blistering new memoir released on Tuesday

'Take California Governor Gavin Newsom,' he writes. 'Please. He's got nice hair, but I'd rather bleed from the eyes than take his advice on crime. Your aunt's Facebook page has more credibility.'

As for former President Joe Biden, Kennedy holds no punches - painting him as a frail leader who was surrounded by tofu-eating 'weenie-wokers' who were 'convinced of their superior intellect and values'.

He describes Biden's advisors as 'aggressive and prissy' and 'moral snobs'.

'Their attitude seemed to be that everything in America is poisoned and everything in America needs to change,' he writes. 'And they, with their infallible instincts, believed they were just the ones to change it.'

In one anecdote that captures Kennedy's defiant humor, he recalls one Oval Office visit with Biden in which he took great delight in dragging out his conversation with the president, while his anxious aides became desperate to usher him out.

Kennedy was there to discuss his Dump Opioids Act, but then decided to inquire about Biden's German Shepherd, Major, which was known to bite a number of Secret Service agents: the dog was later removed from the premises.

He describes Biden's advisors as looking at him 'like I stole Christmas and Thanksgiving.'

'One kept touching my elbow, trying to guide me outside...I kept ignoring him. This was fun.'

The U.S. Senator spares no one with his biting wit in How to Test Negative for Stupid: And Why Washington Never Will

Later, when Biden invited him to the Cabinet Room, Kennedy recalls watching the president walk across the Oval Office in a painfully slow manner.

He writes that it was like 'an old lady crossing the street on her way to church.'

'My impression of Biden that afternoon was that he had reached the stage of his life where what he most wanted to do was sit around, talk to people, and tell stories about the old days,' he adds.

'And when he tired of doing that, he wanted soup and an early bedtime.'

Kennedy, a former lawyer who was raised in the small city of Zachary, Louisiana, served as the state's treasurer for 17 years, before becoming a US Senator in 2017.

He admits that while he was used to the bareknuckle tactics of Southern politics, nothing prepared him for the madness of Washington D.C.

'When you're elected to the United States Senate, you're pretty much on your own from day one', Kennedy writes.

'I learned pretty fast that in Washington, D.C., normal is just a setting on the clothes dryer.'

Kennedy honest and cynical take on Washington is as entertaining as it is cutting

He describes an Oval Office meeting with Joe Biden during which he witnessed the elderly former president walk across the room in a painfully slow manner

Kennedy's baptism by fire came when Democrats began clamoring for Trump to be indicted for allegedly working with Russia to win him the 2016 election, claims he denied strongly.

The claims about collusion 'became an obsession, particularly with the media,' he says.

'For them, it was like Will Smith slapped Chris Rock every day. A manic frenzy.

'It was around this time that I first began noticing just how thoroughly some of my Democratic colleagues had lost perspective.

'When the topic was Trump, everything they served up came with a side order of crazy.

'The politicians weren't alone. The media, which had always leaned left, was in many ways worse than the Democrats.

'...they took a hard left and kept driving. In giving up any attempt at objectivity or impartiality, they became an unrecognizable shell of their former selves,' he writes.

But despite the political circus, Kennedy quickly got used to Senate life including its quirks and traditions, such as how only milk and water are allowed on the chamber floor.

Kennedy was just as candid about his low opinion on reporters, which he describes as 'stray dogs' who keep coming back once you feed them

Not even Trump is spared from Kennedy's biting remarks, being described as 'cruel'. Though, Kennedy admits the two 'are alike in our appreciation of candor'

Debate is tightly regulated, and Kennedy chafes at the fact the Senate Majority Leader, currently John Thune, has complete control over what comes to the chamber floor for a vote.

But he describes being a senator as the 'hardest job I've ever had - and the best.'

'Most nights, when I come home to my little Capitol Hill apartment, I've got two wheels down and my axle dragging.

'But it's a good kind of tired. I might complain, but it's like complaining on a yacht. I'll do this job until I run out of gas or my people tell me to come home.'

Still, Kennedy has managed to put his imprint on the US Capitol, decorating his office with a 12-foot stuffed alligator and bringing Cajun food for work lunches.

He also quickly got the measure of other Republican senators such as Marco Rubio, now the Secretary of State and Ted Cruz of Texas.

Kennedy describes the two as characters that could 'talk a dog off a meat wagon' because they are so persuasive.

He also takes jabs at other senators, including his friend and GOP ally Lindsey Graham with whom he sometimes clashes.

The Louisiana lawmaker even takes playful jabs at his own Republican colleagues, mocking Lindsey Graham's notoriously hawkish views and describes Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio as men who could 'talk a dog off a meat wagon'

'We don't agree on everything, especially some aspects of foreign policy,' he says of Graham, before making a swipe at his notoriously hawkish stance.

'If you want to stump Lindsey, just ask him to name a country he wouldn't bomb,' Kennedy quips.

He pokes fun at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who describes 'like a five-year-old in a Batman costume on a sugar high' when he cuts loose.

And Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen, the moderate Senators from Vermont and New Hampshire, who are Republican and Democrat respectively, earn Kennedy's grudging respect.

'They're very, very earnest,' he writes, adding: 'Imagine a cross between a hall monitor and a class valedictorian. I honestly believe that Susan and Jeanne think "WTF" stands for Well, That's Fantastic'.

Kennedy goes on to mock Democrat John Fetterman - infamous for wearing sweatpants, shorts, and hoodies at the US Capitol - saying he looks like he has just 'paused his videogame to come vote on a bill'.

Of Kamala Harris, he writes that the former vice president reminded him of 'first-year attorney taking a deposition.'

He also shares anecdotes of heated arguments between senators that have turned ugly, such as when Graham once shouted, 'F**k you, Bob!' to former Republican Senator Bob Corker.

In one barbed jab directed at Democrat John Fetterman, Kennedy writes that the senator looks like he has just 'paused his videogame to come vote on a bill'

He also describes Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer 'like a five-year-old in a Batman costume on a sugar high' when he cuts loose

He recalls a similar exchange of F-bombs between Senator Tom Cotton, the Arkansas Republican and the late Senator John McCain.

According to Kennedy, McCain told Cotton: 'F*** you, Cotton'. Cotton fired back: 'F*** you too, McCain. Just f*** you'.

Kennedy appears to prefer humor rather than crass language, once joking to a reporter that Thune had a tattoo of the Backstreet Boys on his lower back - within earshot of Thune himself.

Even Trump doesn't escape Kennedy's wit and willingness to speak frankly.

The two men worked together on the sale of the 5G phone band auction after Kennedy realized that the profits were going to be taken by private companies.

After Trump intervened, the government took over the sale and has so far netted $50billion for taxpayers.

'Trump can be cruel, sometimes he is wrong, and he and I are unalike in many ways,' Kennedy wrote.

'I've acknowledged that. But we are alike in our appreciation of candor.

Kennedy, who became a U.S. Senator in 2017, skillfully uses humor rather than crass language to criticize Washington's elite

'The president and I are both willing to work near a hot wire, but the president sometimes touches the wire.

'He asked me one time how I liked his tweets. My response, which I thought was diplomatic, was: "Mr. President, I like them. I also like steak. But I don't like eating eight of them at one time".'

That 2023 trip to China left Kennedy with a chilling insight into President Xi, who he met at a long table full of his advisors.

During the meeting, he writes Xi's expression 'never changes', like he was 'playing poker for his life.'

'Here's what sticks with me most about that trip: President Xi is a hard man,' Kennedy writes.

'In America, when you lose your support, you get voted out. In China, when you lose your support, you get killed. Maybe that's why Xi has shark eyes.

'They don't show anger or violence. They also don't show humanity. They don't show anything.'


Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a brutal grilling from the Senate Judiciary Committee today - her first hearing since taking office - over growing questions about political influence over the Justice Department.

During the hearing, Democrat Senator Sheldon Whitehouse questioned Bondi about disgraced sex offender and business mogul Jeffrey Epstein allegedly showing 'people photos of President Trump with half-naked young women.'

Whitehouse reminded Bondi that she when she came to office that there were hundreds of 'suspicious activity reports' that she had promised to investigate.

In a fiery comeback, Bondi replied: 'Senator...youre the one who was taking money from one of Epsteins closest confidantsI believe, I could be wrong, correct meReid Hoffman, who was with Jeffrey Epstein on multiple occasions... Yet youre grilling me on President Trump and some photograph with Epstein?'

It comes as the country enters day seven of the government shutdown, where Senate Democrats and Republicans seem to be at an impasse over a funding bill.

Bondi faced questions about allegations that she weaponized the Justice Department against Trumps perceived enemies, as well as mass layoffs across the DoJ and the Epstein files.

Follow along for the latest updates
A Democratic lawmaker is being roasted for claiming without evidence that the extreme right was responsible for burning down the home of a South Carolina judge.

Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodsteins home in Edisto Beach burned to the ground over the weekend. Her family was forced to leap off the first floor of the house, with some members breaking their legs, to escape the fire.

Investigators have found no immediate evidence that the blaze was caused by arson; however, multiple reports indicate the judge had been subjected to multiple threats before the fire. Goodstein recently ruled against the Trump administration blocking their attempted seizure of state voting records.

Regardless, New York Democratic Rep. Daniel Goldman on Sunday blamed the 'extreme right' while demanding President Donald Trump condemn political violence against Democrats.

Trump, @StephenM and MAGA-world have been doxxing and threatening judges who rule against Trump, including Judge Goodstein, Goldman wrote on X. 

Today, someone committed arson on the Judges home, severely injuring her husband and son. Will Trump speak out against the extreme right that did this??

Despite investigators publicly stating there is no evidence of arson, Goldman stood by his statement.

The New York lawmaker was quickly bashed by online right-wing users who were quick to point out the inaccuracy of his post.

Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodsteins home in Edisto Beach burned to the ground over the weekend after being engulfed by a massive fire

Investigators have found no immediate evidence that the blaze was caused by arson

Without evidence and contrary to reports by law enforcement, Daniel Goldman blamed the 'extreme right' for the fire at the judge's home

Rep. Dan Goldman said yesterday that President Trump, Stephen Miller, and the "extreme right" are to blame for a liberal judge's home burning to the ground, wrote X user Greg Price.

Law enforcement in South Carolina just released a statement saying there's no evidence the fire was intentionally set.

Moreover, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller responded to Goldman by bashing the Democrat for being deeply warped and vile.

You are vile. Deeply warped and vile. While the Trump Administration has launched the first-ever government-wide effort to combat and prosecute illegal doxing, sinister threats and political violence you continue to push despicable lies, demented smears, malicious defamation and foment unrest. Despicable, Miller wrote.

Meanwhile, the Democrat AG nominee in Virginia is fantasizing about murdering his opponents and a Biden federal judge is showing radical leniency to a monster who tried to assassinate a Supreme Court Justice.

Goldman responded to Miller by again claiming the fire at the Judges home was the result of political violence despite no evidence from law enforcement.

If you are trying to combat political violence, why dont you condemn the political violence against a judge who ruled against you and your admin? Its pretty simple: do you condemn all political violence or only that against your supporters? the lawmaker wrote to Miller.

Investigators have found no immediate evidence of arson relating to the fire

Newsmax writer Michael Dorstewitz mocked Goldmans attacks on the GOP by writing, Is he gonna charge them for the JFK assassination too?

The Daily Mail reached out to Goldmans office for comment.
Hundreds of pro-Palestine students chanted 'from the river to the sea' during protests on the second anniversary of Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel.

Scores of people demonstrated outside Sheffield University's students' union where they chanted: 'From river to the sea, Palestine will be free.'

The song, which has been adopted by Hamas and is used in the terror group's official charter, is deemed anti-Semitic and a direct call for the state of Israel to be destroyed.

The Palestinian flag-waving students also accused Israel of a 'holocaust' and shouted: 'Your uni is covered in Palestinian blood'.

Similar chants were heard in London as hundreds more students - many wearing facemasks - rallied in defiance of pleas from Jewish leaders and top politicians to 'pause' displays and 'show some humanity'.

While one group of demonstrators were seen storming Queen Mary University's building to disrupt an event supported by British defence giant, BAE Systems, with one woman hysterically screaming: 'Get out of here. How dare you.'

The campaign of disruption comes as a woman in London, who sparked outrage after being filmed cutting down yellow ribbons for Israeli hostages from a fence, was today unmasked.

Nadia Yahlom, who lives in north London, used scissors to brazenly snip the memorial bands tied to railings by the Jewish community to honour of the 251 people taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Ms Yahlom declared the tributes - which were put up on the eve of the second anniversary of the attacks - were 'condoning genocide'.

The yellow ribbon is the symbol of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign for those who have been held captive by Hamas terrorists and kept against their will in Gaza.

Ms Yahlom, whose identity was until now unknown, is a pro-Palestine artist whose work focuses on 'hauntedness and supernatural life' in the war-torn state.

She studied at the University of Cambridge and Goldsmiths before embarking on an Arts PhD at the University of Westminster. Her husband is a Palestinian actor.

Police are now investigating whether her actions constituted an act of criminal damage or a hate crime.

The news comes as hordes of students across the country defied warnings from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stay away from 'un-British' protests on the second anniversary of the attacks which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people in Israel.

Nadia Yahlom, who lives in north London, used scissors to brazenly snip the memorial bands that the Jewish community had tied to railings in honour of the 251 people taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

The woman was seen cutting down ribbons for Israeli hostages from a fence in Muswell Hill, North London

Pro-Palestine activists have sparked outraged after rallying in their hundreds on the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks (pictured are students holding a 'glory to our martyrs' banner at Glasgow University

Hundreds of students have marched in London (pictured) in defiance of pleas to postpone their demonstrations until after the October 7 anniversary

Around 100 people demonstrated outside Sheffield University's students' union where they changed: 'From river to the sea, Palestine will be free.'

What does 'From the River to the Sea' mean? The song 'From the River to the Sea' is protest chant sung by supporters of Palestine. In English the full lyrics are 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free', a reference to the land between the Jordan River which borders eastern Israel and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The chant has become a battle cry in recent months, commonly heard at pro-Palestine rallies in Britain and across the West. Many Jewish people see the song as a call for genocide and the abolition of the Israeli state. The Anti-Defamation League says it is 'fundamentally a call for a Palestinian state extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, territory that includes the State of Israel, which would mean the dismantling of the Jewish state'. It adds: 'It is an antisemitic charge denying the Jewish right to self-determination, including through the removal of Jews from their ancestral homeland.' However, supporters of Palestine say the chant is a call for peace and equality, and an end to the Israeli dominance over the territories of Gaza and the West Bank. They argue it is a cry for Palestinian people to be able to live free and equally across the whole region that used to be known as British Palestine, not to dominate the region. Advertisement

One organiser of Sheffield's took aim at the PM after Sir Keir branded activists 'un-British', defiantly saying: 'To be honest, I don't care what a war criminal says... Keir Starmer is a war criminal, so his opinion means very little to me.'

Of the more than a dozen protests meant to be held at universities - including Glasgow, Edinburgh and London - to mark the anniversary, themes include events to 'honour our martyrs' and celebrate 'two years of resistance'.

Others have advertised their marches with the phrase 'long live the intifada' - an anti-Semitic term used as a rallying cry to violently overthrow the Jewish state.

However, as outrage grew over the movement, some events have been axed.

In Liverpool a 'Palestine bake sale' was forced to cancel last minute over furious backlash to the event.

One woman, who did not want to be named for fear of her safety, said: 'I know that Jewish students at the university are very distressed by this.

'It has made them feel unwelcome and unsafe. The event was posted on their Instagram on Friday - the day after Manchester's attack.'

Another protest at Strathclyde University in Glasgow had also been planned, where students were urged to 'grab your flag and keffiyeh' and attend a 'Protest 4 Palestine'. However, this event has also been postponed amid mounting fury over the rally.

Writing in The Times, Sir Keir said: 'Today, on the anniversary of the atrocities of October 7, students are once again planning protests.

'This is not who we are as a country. It's un-British to have so little respect for others. And that's before some of them decide to start chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again.'

He added the pro-Palestine protests have been used by some as a 'despicable excuse to attack British Jews'.

However, one of the organisers of a protest in Sheffield, Anton Parocki, of the Revolutionary Communist Party, rejected the PM's claim that holding pro-Palestinian rallies on October 7 was 'un-British'.

Mr Parocki defiantly said: 'I think it's quite funny. What does that mean?

'Are all these people here anti-British? Are all the millions of people that come out for Palestinian protests anti-British?

'Is it anti-British to go against a genocide? That seems like what he's saying, which is quite funny.'

He added: 'But, to be honest, I don't care what a war criminal says.

'Keir Starmer is a war criminal, so his opinion means very little to me.

'He says it's insensitive. You know what I think is insensitive? Is that there's been two years of genocide.

'That's way worse, with the British Government supporting it.'

Students in London taking part in the 'inter university' march depart Kings College London before passing the London School of Economics, University College London

More students in London were pictured during their protest on Tuesday afternoon

Glasgow: Activists holding banners saying 'glory to our martyrs' rallied near the city's university library

In Sheffield, students supporting the pro-Palestine movement were also seen gathering

Masked students outside King's College, London, were seem carrying banners saying 'bank rolling genocide' and 'apartheid off campus'

In London, dozens of students have rallied as part of a major city-wide Inter-University March

Demonstrators gathered outside King's College University in The Strand for the protest.

Crowds, many of whom were wearing masks or face coverings, were reportedly heard shouting 'From the river to the sea' and 'long live the intifada'.

A student in keffiyah kick-started the event, chanting: 'KCL, shut it down, UK government, shut it down.'

A banner was also unfurled at KCL in an effort to block people from entering the university building.

Starting at King's College, the march is set to weave its way through London, picking up protesters at London School of Economics, University College London, and School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

The protest is being led by former law student Haya Adam, who was expelled from SOAS in Holborn, London, in August.

She and her activist mother, Azza Ahmed Zaki, have both involved in the university's anti-Israel encampment which has been running for more than a year.

The second-year law and international relations student was allegedly expelled for harassment, abusive behaviour and operational obstruction.

The protest is being led by former law student Haya Adam, who was expelled from SOAS in Holborn, London, in August. Pictured are students carrying a sign supporting Haya

Large crowds of students were seen gathering in defiance of calls by the PM not to stage pro-Palestine rallies on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel in 2023

Chants of 'free free Palestine' have been heard during some of the marches (pictured are student activists outside King's College in London)

Later, protesters appeared to march together as a group through the streets of London

The protest comes on the same day the Jewish community mourns the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, in which 1,200 were killed

Her family are political refugees originally from Egypt and, according to Companies House records, they now live in an apartment in Paddington, West London, a stone's throw from Kensington Palace.

In a video posted on Instagram following her expulsion, Adam alleged that SOAS had set a 'dangerous precedent'.

'For the first time in a UK university they have expelled a student in the midst of their studies for standing up against a live-streamed genocide,' she claimed.

Adam added she had chosen to attend SOAS because she believed 'this was a decolonial institution... I believed that I would get an anti-colonial education whilst having a space where I could speak up against injustice'.

Branding the university 'a tool of empire and imperialism' she insisted she would 'continue to fight for our Palestinian brothers and sisters by any means necessary'.

Four counter-protesters waved Israeli flags as the protest went through Holborn.

Emily Schrader, 34, described the rally as 'unacceptable'.

'I'm an Israeli, I'm here visiting,' she said. 'I came to be with the community during the holidays. Unfortunately, I'm spending my time here advocating for our 48 remaining hostages in Gaza.

'I find it incredibly insensitive that they're protesting on October 7 of all days.

'On this day, the Hamas terrorist organisation invaded Israel's sovereign borders, invaded civilian homes and murdered 378 people at a music festival.

'If you're protesting today, it's not a message of support for Palestinians, but of support for Hamas.'

Elsewhere in the capital, locals have condemned a 'vile' and 'disgusting' march by pro-Palestine supporters.

Hundreds carrying Palestine flags and many in face coverings also attended the demo at the Queen Mary University in east London.

The rally, called 'Two Years of Genocide, Two Years of Resistance', also saw students chanting 'free free Palestine' and 'Israel is a terror state'.

Pictured is one of the posters advertising the cake sale, which has since been postponed

Students at the rally outside King's College London appeared to attempt to block one of the entrances to the university building, with staff seen trying to remove it

Protests wave Palestinian flags outside King's College London on Friday

Provocative signs were also held by some activists, with one reading 'Zionism off campus' and another 'QMUL to Gaza, Globalise the Intifada'.

Other chants include: 'Occupation occupation no more.'

They are being made through a loudspeaker and there is also one student playing the drums.

One student condemned the march, telling the Daily Mail: 'I really don't agree with it. It's terrible.

'Everyone has a right to protest, but today? It doesn't feel right to me.'

One local said: 'It's vile. It's disgusting. I can hear the chanting. Can't they have some respect?

'It's no wonder the Jewish community are terrified. The university is a disgrace for allowing this to happen.'

A huge ring of steel of security has been placed around the university, which some students have described as 'completely unprecedented'.

Footage from social media has shown the moment some demonstrators stormed a building in Queen Mary University during an event supported by British defence giant, BAE Systems.

One hysterical woman, wearing a face mask, was filmed screeching: 'Get out of here. How dare you come with that... and think you will be welcome. Shame on you.'

A spokeswoman for the university hit out at the footage, telling the Daily Mail: 'This was totally unacceptable behaviour which we will address through our University processes.

Some students, wearing face coverings and masks, were seen using a megaphone to chant

'Companies had been invited to attend a Queen Mary careers fair focused on supporting women in STEM, which attracted students from across a range of disciplines.

'We would like to apologies to our guests and attendees for the disruption caused by this handful of students.'

The son of a Holocaust survivor has since thrown his weight behind activists - as he accused the government of 'slandering' students protesting against the war in Gaza.

Mark Etkind, who is in his early 60s and joined a protest marching between several London universities on Tuesday, said: 'Students today have been protesting against the Gaza genocide, two years since October 7 - the appalling massacre, and in the media and, in fact, the Government itself Starmer has slandered these students, saying they're somehow being insensitive to the suffering of October 7, or indeed to ... the terrible crime in Manchester that happened last week, while ignoring the obvious fact that their priority is to oppose the genocide now, to oppose the ongoing conflict which Britain unfortunately is complicit in because we are still sending weapons to Israel.'

Mr Etkind, from Watford, added: 'The priority for me, as the son of a Holocaust survivor, is not just to mourn people who've already died, no matter how important that is - it's stop the killing now.'

The Metropolitan Police has rolled out a series of measures to prevent pro-Palestine group 'Intifada 87' from gathering in parts of the city.

The organisation is planning a rally outside the BBC's offices before heading to Downing Street at 5.30pm for a static protest..

A large area of central London, from Oxford Circus, north through Marylebone, to Great Portland Street, is off limits to the group, police said, as part of an effort to prevent 'disruption to the community'.

A glum-looking protester was pictured holding a 'free Palestine' plaque in Glasgow

More than a dozen people appeared to rally in Glasgow, Scotland, carrying flags and posters

However, a number of rallies were due to happen nationwide but some have been axed last minute due to widespread outrage at their timing.

A march failed to take place at University of Bristol - as no protesters gathered outside the building grounds.

Bristol Socialist Worker Student Group planned to hold a rally titled 'end the genocide' at the Wills Memorial - outside the largest library on campus.

The event has since been deleted from their Instagram account.

Set to take place at 12pm, three police officers were standing next to the university grounds awaiting for the protest to take place.

However, after one hour waiting, press and police started walking off as the protesters failed to appear.

Curious passers-by would ask journalists what was set to happen, but no Palestinian flags were flagged outside the university grounds.

It comes after Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson warned students to 'pause' their protests and 'show some humanity'.

'There is, of course, within our country the fundamental right to protest. It's a cornerstone of our democracy,' she told Sky News.

'But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.

'So my message is that whilst you might have the right to protest, I would urge people to show some humanity, to show some respect and to understand the deep sense of grief and loss that many Jewish people in our country will be experiencing today.'

In London a small number of counter-protesters were seen outside King's College

Hundreds are thought to have joined demonstrations nationwide (pictured are students taking part in one protest in London on Friday)

Hundreds of students and staff at Edinburgh University gathered for a pro-Palestinian protest in the Scottish capital.

Many were seen carrying flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans as they massed outside the university's main library in George Square.

They were addressed by speakers, including from a number of student organisations, and were led in English and Arabic chants to the sound of drums.

Participants shouted the word 'shame' and cheered at intervals as the speakers called for an end to the ongoing conflict, and for the university to divest of investments in companies they said are producing weapons being used in the conflict.

They also criticised calls from the PM and the university management not to take part in the protest.

The demonstrators then marched through Bristow Square and on to the university's Old College, where further speeches and chants are taking place.

Commenting on demonstrations taking place at universities across the country, Tory shadow education secretary Laura Trott said: 'The idea that anybody can celebrate what happened on 7 October is utterly abhorrent. It's disgusting and has no place in our universities.'

Speaking at a Conservative conference fringe event, Ms Trott added that 'police and universities need to be extremely hard on this'.

'We need to show who we are as a society, this is the least British thing and it needs to be stopped,' she continued.

The marches comes less than a week after two men were killed in a terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, killed Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, in the attack which unfolded on Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has pledged to put 'every available resource into making sure that we understand precisely what has happened'.

Sir Keir said: 'Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Posters marking one event at Queen Mary University in London have appeared on buildings around the campus and on social media

'Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The brutal, cold-blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.

'Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare. When I spoke with some of the families of the British hostages, I promised them in person that we will not cease in our efforts to bring their loved ones home.

'But back here in the UK, our Jewish communities have also endured rising antisemitism on our streets, in our country. And last week, a horrifying terrorist attack on the holy day of Yom Kippur in Manchester.

'This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.

'Our priority in the Middle East remains the same - release the hostages. Surge aid into Gaza. And a ceasefire that can lead to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a two-state solution. A safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state.

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'We welcome the US initiative towards peace in the Middle East, and this Government will do everything in our power to bring about the day where every child of Israel can live peacefully, alongside their Palestinian neighbours, in safety and security.'

The Prime Minister has been criticised for his decision to recognise a Palestinian state, with some Jewish leaders and Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage accusing Starmer of 'emboldening protesters' with his actions.

Thousands of people attended an event in Trafalgar Square in central London on Sunday to mark the two-year anniversary.

Pro-Palestine protests also took place in the same location, with almost 500 people arrested for allegedly expressing support for the banned terror group, Palestine Action, over the weekend.

And on Thursday, hundreds of other activists held protests in London and Manchester - just hours after the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue terror attack rocked the nation's Jewish community.

Britain's Jewish leaders, as well as university chiefs and senior politicians, have now voiced their repulsion at the timing of tomorrow's planned demonstrations.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was 'disgusted by reports of recent hate-filled protests on university campuses'.

'In the wake of the terror attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation it is clear we need fundamental change of mindset to drive out anti-Jewish incitement at all levels of our society, including from our universities,' a spokesman added.

Keith Black, chairman of Jewish Leadership Council, was also sickened by the scheduled events on the anniversary of Hamas's massacre in Israel.

'Protesting on campuses on October 7 is a disgraceful and deeply upsetting strategy to cause maximum pain to Jewish students,' Mr Black said.

'The content of these demonstrations is likely to be anti-Semitic and incite violence. For those involved to claim any kind of moral authority is a lie, these protests are driven by hate.'

At Queen Mary University in London, organisers are planning a rally dubbed: 'Two Years of Genocide, Two Years of Resistance'.

Students at Goldsmiths, University of London, are also gearing up for an event, advertised as a 'night of remembrance and resistance'.

At nearby King's College in London, students have been invited to a talk entitled: 'Why It Didn't Start On October 7th'.

University students outside King's College in London on Friday are seen carrying banners

A student protesting at the University of Sheffield on Tuesday

'Wear your keffiyeh, bring your voice, and join us as we demand divestment from Israel and justice for Palestine,' one post advertising the rally on Facebook said.

It later adds 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' - a chant critics have branded anti-Semitic, because it implies the destruction of the state of Israel.

In Birmingham, protesters will stage a vigil for Palestine to 'honour our martyrs', with posts for the event saying: 'Two years of genocide, 100-years of resistance'.

At the University of Leicester, activists are expected to rally inside the institution's David Wilson Library. In Nottingham, a protest is due to take place at 5pm in Old Market Square to mark 'two years of resistance' and to 'honour our martyrs'.

Students at the University of Leeds are also set to hold a protest after declaring 'long live the intifada' - a call to violently overthrow the Jewish state.

But Jewish group have lashed out at the protests, which they branded 'disgusting' and 'deeply offensive' to those mourning the loss of relatives in Israel.

Isaac Zarfati, executive director of StandWithUs UK, said Jewish students have been subjected to 'vile' levels of 'Jew hate, intimidation, ostracisation, and even violent assault' over the past two years and condemned today's rallies.

Mr Zarfati warned a recent report conducted by StandWithUS UK, showed Jewish students in Britain now faced 'terrifying levels of racism... day in, day out and it shows no sign of abating even following the terrible events in Manchester'.

'The deliberate scheduling of 'resistance' events on the anniversary of Hamas's October 7 terror atrocities is particularly grotesque,' he added.

He called on the PM and education secretary to 'get a grip of rampant anti-Semitism and extremism' now seemingly raging across university campuses.

Pictured is a poster for one of the pro-Palestine marches on October 7 in Glasgow dubbed 'disgusting' by Jewish leaders in Britain

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the pro-Palestine demonstrations showed 'the same hatred that fuelled (the October 7 attacks) still festers today'.

'Israel, the world's only Jewish state, has faced hatred, war and terror since the day it was founded. And yet, it has stood strong. A beacon of democracy and resilience in the Middle East,' she said.

'But two years on from the horrific massacre on October 7, we must also be honest: the same hatred that fuelled those barbaric attacks still festers today.

'We see it in the so-called 'protests' that turn into hate marches on our streets. We hear it in chants calling to 'globalise the intifada'. And we saw it again, tragically, in the appalling terrorist attack on our Jewish community right here in Manchester just last week.'

She added: 'It is shameful that in recognising Palestine as a state, the Government has rewarded the terrorists that perpetrated the 7th October atrocities.

'Appeasement does not work. There are still 48 hostages held captive in Gaza. They must come home now.'

Earlier, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pleaded with students thinking of joining pro-Palestinian protests to 'pause' and 'show some humanity'.

Ms Phillipson told Sky News: 'There is, of course, within our country the fundamental right to protest. It's a cornerstone of our democracy.

'But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.

'So my message is that whilst you might have the right to protest, I would urge people to show some humanity, to show some respect and to understand the deep sense of grief and loss that many Jewish people in our country will be experiencing today.'

However, shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick branded the marches and students taking part in them 'a f****** disgrace'.

He told a fringe event at the Tory party conference: 'I heard today that there are protests being scheduled in universities for October the 7th - that's a f****** disgrace.

'I would say first and foremost to people, our fellow citizens who are thinking of doing that, show some common decency.'

If organisers refuse to call off such protests then a change in the law to consider the 'cumulative impact' should be considered, he said, noting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already taken steps towards this.

Ms Mahmood said repeated large-scale protests had caused 'considerable fear' for the Jewish community, as she pledged to give police greater powers to restrict protests.

The Government will amend Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 to explicitly allow the police to take account of the cumulative impact of frequent protests on local areas in order to impose conditions on public processions and assemblies.

The Home Secretary will also review existing legislation to ensure powers are sufficient and are being applied consistently by police forces - this will include powers to ban protests outright.
Insensitive pro-Palestine protests have been planned on the two-year anniversary of October 7, when more than 1,000 Israeli people were killed by Hamas terrorists.

Protestors across many Western countries, including the US and Canada, are preparing to march through city streets and college campuses to 'honor the martyrs of Gaza', as Israel and Hamas continue ceasefire talks in Egypt.

Meanwhile, thousands of bereaved families have been lighting candles to mourn those who were murdered on October 7, 2023, while hundreds more relatives still hold on to hope for the safe return of loved ones who remain in Hamas captivity.

Last year, Columbia University's Butler Lawn was the locus of protests which proliferated in response to the terror attack, but on Tuesday morning, it was filled with a memorial for the victims.

The lawn was overtaken by a pro-Palestine tent city in 2024, and it became the scene of clashes between protestors and Jewish students until it was eventually dismantled by the NYPD.

On Tuesday morning, it was filled with 1,205 white chairs, each showing a photograph of a person murdered in the Hamas incursion along with a candle.

Baruch Apisdorf, whose roommate and best friend David Newman was killed in the attack, organized the memorial with the group he leads called Let's Do Something.

'You go by chair after chair after chair, and you understand that there shouldn't be a picture in every chair,' Apisdorf told CBS News.

Baruch Apisdorf (pictured), whose roommate and best friend David Newman was killed in the attack, organized the memorial at Columbia with the group he leads called Let's Do Something

Organized encampments have appeared across the country's most respected universities after first showing up at Columbia in New York City in 2024, as shown above

'That should be a human life, but it isn't anymore. If we were to spread this out in a straight line, it would be almost a mile long.'

'You'll never take away David's life. It lives on in me. It lives on in you,' he added. 'It lives on in every single person that wants to make a better tomorrow.'

However, thousands of people are planning to march in cities across the US, including New York, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis and Los Angeles, to 'honor the martyrs of Gaza and Palestine'.

'For 77 years Israel has waged genocide against the Palestinian people, and for the past two years Gaza has endured a new stage of that genocide while the world has watched it unfold live on our screens,' the organizers wrote.

The 'day of action' has been organized by various groups including the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights and the Palestinian Youth Movement.

Pictured: Noa Argamani reacts as she and her partner Avinatan Or, not pictured, are seized by members of the Hamas militant group

In 2024, Columbia University's Butler Lawn was the locus of anti-Semitic protests which proliferated in response to the terror attack, but on Tuesday morning, it was filled with a memorial for the victims, as shown above

Last year, Columbia University's Butler Lawn was the locus of protests which proliferated in response to the terror attack, but on Tuesday morning, it was filled with a memorial for the victims, as shown above

It has been two years since thousands of Hamas-led militants poured into southern Israel after a surprise barrage of rockets.

They stormed army bases, farming communities and the Nova music festival, killing 1,205 people, including 38 children, 736 Israeli civilians, and 379 members of the security forces.

Hamas also abducted 251 more people, some of whom have been released through ceasefire deals, while many died in captivity.

Forty-eight hostages remain inside Gaza, and around 20 of them are believed by Israel to still be alive.

Hamas has said it will release them only in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all of the captives are returned and Hamas has been disarmed.

The attack set in motion a cascade of events that led Israel into combat with Iran and its allies across the region, including Lebanon's Hezbollah, which suffered major losses.

The United States joined Israel in attacking Iran's military and nuclear program in a 12-day war in June.

Crowds on Demand CEO Adam Swart said the similar tents at the protest are a sign there are larger groups funding the demonstrations which unfolded in 2024, as shown above

Israel has killed several top militants as well as Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, and it has vastly depleted the military capabilities of its enemies while seizing control over most of Gaza as well as parts of Lebanon and Syria.

But the failure to return the hostages has left the country deeply divided, with weekly mass protests against Netanyahu. Israel is more isolated internationally than it has been in decades.

In the border community of Reim, where the Nova music festival was being held two years ago, thousands of Israeli people gathered to share memories of relatives and friends who were killed.

Many gathered before sunrise, playing the same track of music that was playing two years ago, stopping for a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m.  the exact time the attack began.

People embraced and spoke of their loss. Alon Muskinov, 28, who was at the festival and lost three of his closest friends, said survivors don't need an anniversary to remember.

'We don't need a specific day, because we live this every day anew,' he said.

Yehuda Rahmani, whose daughter Sharon  a police officer at the festival  was also among those killed, said he visits the Nova site every day.

Smoke and flames billow after Israeli forces struck a high-rise tower in Gaza City, October 7

He drinks his morning cup of coffee next to a photo of his daughter at the last place where she was alive.

To this day, Rahmani keeps hoping he will run into a survivor who could tell him about his daughter's last moments. He is angry at the government for not launching an inquiry into security failures of that day.

'When you don't know what happened, it makes it so much harder,' he said.

Israeli artillery and the boom of explosions in Gaza echoed across the Nova site as smoke billowed over the Strip.

The Israeli military said a rocket was launched from northern Gaza in the morning, but no damage or injuries were reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Iran is in the process of developing intercontinental ballistic missiles that could hit any American city - including the president's Mar-a-Lago home.

Netanyahu made the hair-raising assertion in an interview with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro.

Without providing any evidence, Netanyahu described missiles with an 8,000-kilometer range that could even hit places like Washington DC, New York and even the president's Palm Beach home.

Iran is known for possessing the largest arsenal of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, including several long-range types that have previously reached targets as far as Israel. But right now, defense experts say Iran's longest-range missiles are believed to have distance capabilities of about 2,000 km  that would reach as far as Europe.

Netanyahus warning comes as Israel and the United States have stepped up intelligence sharing on Irans expanding missile and drone programs.

US officials have long accused Tehran of seeking intercontinental-range capabilities that could threaten Europe and potentially North America, though the Pentagon has said there is no public evidence Iran has yet tested such a system.

In June, the US teamed up with Israeli forces to target Iran's nuclear facilities.

A classified Defense Intelligence Agency report indicated that the strikes only delayed Iran's nuclear program by a few months

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised US-Israel defense cooperation, claiming it has significantly strengthened the region's security posture

On the war in Gaza, Netanyahu declared that the conflict is nearing its conclusion, though not yet over. He asserted that Israel has dealt heavy blows to Iran's regional network by crippling many of its proxy forces

During an interview with republican commentator Ben Shapiro , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Iran is in the process of developing intercontinental ballistic missiles that he says could hit any American city

Last week, European countries decided to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran that had been removed as part of the 2015 nuclear deal

On the war in Gaza, Netanyahu declared that the conflict is nearing its conclusion, though not yet over.

He asserted that Israel has dealt heavy blows to Iran's regional network by crippling many of its proxy forces and Israel has continued strikes into Gaza even as negotiators attempt to reach a peace deal that includes a release of hostages.

'Israel emerged from this horrible day as the strongest power in the Middle East, but we still have things to do to complete the mission. What started in Gaza will end in Gaza with the release of 46 of our hostages, 20 of them who are still alive, and with the end of Hamas rule,' Netanyahu said.

The number of hostages is actually 48 outstanding in Gaza as of today.

Last week, European countries decided to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran that had been removed as part of the 2015 nuclear deal.

The United States withdrew from the deal in 2018, and it has not been reinstated since.

'That's a really big danger, you don't want to be under the nuclear gun of these people, who are not necessarily rational and chant 'death to America,' Netanyahu said during the interview.

The Pentagon and White House did not respond to a request for comment.
The biotech tycoon found guilty of orchestrating the cold-blooded execution of a former business partner was revealed to be a failed magician who bought a fake medical degree from a Russian university.

In his most bombastic illusion, Serhat Gumrukcu, who once performed under the stage name Dr. No, managed to dupe Hollywood elites, biotech investors, and even US regulators into believing he had discovered a cure for HIV.

But behind the smoke and mirrors, federal prosecutors say Gumrukcu, 42, the eccentric Turkish-born founder of Enochian BioSciences, was nothing more than a con artist with a mansion in the Hollywood Hills, a trail of fraudulent business deals, and a deadly secret.

Gumrukcu paid for a hitman to murder Gregory Davis, a former associate threatening to expose his lies and derail a multimillion-dollar merger.

Davis, 49, a father of six from Danville, Vermont, was lured from his house in January 2018 by a hired assassin posing as a US Marshal.

He was shot multiple times, and dumped in a snowbank just miles from where his wife, pregnant with their seventh child, and children waited for him to return.

Following a five-week trial and damning testimony from his co-conspirators, Gumrukcu was convicted of murder-for-hire, conspiracy, and wire fraud by a Vermont jury.

He faces a mandatory life sentence in federal prison when he returns to court for sentencing in November.

Serhat Gumrukcu, 42, managed to dupe Hollywood elites, biotech investors, and even US regulators into believing he had discovered a cure for HIV

Serhat Gumrukcu who once performed as a magician under the stage name Dr. No

Gregory Davis (pictured with his wife, Melissa) was abducted from his Danville, Vermont home and shot dead in January 2018 in a murder-for-hire plot

The murder, authorities say, was as calculated as it was chilling - bankrolled and masterminded by a man whose genius was eclipsed only by his greed.

Before he styled himself as a biotech visionary, Gumrukcu dazzled audiences in Turkey under the stage name 'Dr. No,' performing levitation tricks and dancing with a cane.

But it was in Los Angeles that Gumrukcu built his fortune, living lavishly in a Hollywood Hills mansion, mingling with Oscar winners, and touting miracle cures for cancer, hepatitis, and HIV.

In reality, he had purchased his medical degree from a Russian university, never receiving his US license, and built his career on a bed of deception.

Even he admitted during his five-week trial that he had told 'so many lies' in business that he could no longer keep track.

But when Davis, a former associate with knowledge of Gumrukcu's fraudulent oil deal, threatened to blow the whistle in 2017, just as Gumrukcu was negotiating a massive merger involving Enochian, his empire teetered on collapse.

Federal prosecutors say Gumrukcu's solution was to simply eliminate the threat.

According to court records and trial testimony, Gumrukcu enlisted his close friend and former assistant Berk Eratay, 38, of Las Vegas, to handle the dirty work.

The killer then kidnapped and killed Davis. His body was found near his house a day later Picturedm the crime scene near where Davis' body was found

Gumrukcu, the eccentric Turkish-born founder of Enochian BioSciences, was nothing more than a con artist with a mansion in the Hollywood Hills and a trail of fraudulent business deals

Gumrukcu's defense team attempted to portray him as a peaceful man devoted to science

In Los Angeles, Gumrukcu built his fortune living lavishly in a Hollywood Hills mansion

Gumrukcu was not afraid to show off his flamboyant side on his social media

Eratay, in turn, approached a neighbor, Aron Ethridge, 45, of Henderson, Nevada, who eventually recruited Jerry Banks, 37, a Montana man with a violent past, to carry out the hit.

On January 6, 2018, Banks arrived at Davis' Vermont home impersonating a federal agent.

With flashing emergency lights on his Ford Explorer and a bogus story about a racketeering investigation, he convinced Davis to come with him.

The father of six never returned.

Banks later testified that he drove Davis to a remote pull-off in Barnet, Vermont, forced him out of the vehicle, shot him in the back, then fired additional rounds into his head.

The following day, Davis' body was found partially buried in the snow.

Melissa Davis, Gregory's wife, addressed the court during the sentencing hearing for Gumrukcu's three co-conspirators, delivering a pointed message to the biotech tycoon.

'I stand here today not only as a widow, but as the mother of seven children whose lives were shattered the night Greg was taken from us,' she said.

'You thought you could silence my husband, but your lies die here in this courtroom.'

The jury deliberated for roughly six hours in April 2025 before returning a guilty verdict.

Gumrukcu showed no visible reaction as the verdict was read.

Behind the smoke and mirrors Gumrukcu held a deadly secret after paying for a hitman to murder Gregory Davis, a former associate threatening to expose his lies

Gumrukcu's social media show him enjoying the good life traveling the world and enjoy his wealth

He now faces a mandatory life sentence with his formal sentencing postponed until November 24 at the request of his legal team.

The three other men involved in the plot have already been sentenced. Jerry Banks was jailed for 16 years, 8 months, Aron Ethridge for 1 years, 8 months and Berk for 9 years, 2 months,

The trio will face additional years of supervised release upon completion of their sentences.

The motive behind the killing, prosecutors argued, was both sinister and straightforward.

Gumrukcu feared that Davis' legal threats would expose his fraudulent background and sink the biotech deal. J

ust weeks after Davis' death, the merger closed, and Gumrukcu walked away with millions.

'In the weeks that followed Davis's death, Gumrukcu's biotech deal closed. Gumrukcu was paid millions of dollars. And he almost got away with it,' stated a memo by the prosecution.

In court, prosecutor Paul Van de Graaf hammered the motive home during his closing argument: 'Greg Davis was a problem for the defendant. His solution? Get rid of him.'

The government's case included damning emails, cell phone data, purchase records, and banking transactions.

Gumrukcu poses with F1 tycoon Bernie Ecclestone, left, and Count Gaddo Cardini of Italy

Gumrukcu seen with Dame Helen Mirren in another photo from his Instagram profile

Gumrukcu with Boy George and film producer Cindy Cowan in a 2017 photo from his Facebook

Gumrukcu's $5million home in Hollywood, where he was living with his husband

Gumrukcu's own lies, told during two FBI interviews, further sealed his fate.

'Serhat Gumrukcu is a ruthless criminal whose greed drove him to order the death of his own business partner,' said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli.

Acting US Attorney Michael P. Drescher added: 'This verdict is the product of years of investigative work... Serhat Gumrukcu tried to hide his role in the murder of Greg Davis by paying one man to pay another man to pay the hitman.'

Gumrukcu's defense team attempted to portray him as a peaceful man devoted to science.

They called character witnesses, including Hollywood elites who spoke of his generosity and intellect.

He testified in his own defense, claiming he never ordered the hit and believed funds sent to Eratay were for a cryptocurrency venture - not murder.

Gumrukcu was a failed magician who bought a fake medical degree from a Russian university

Gumrukcu testified in his own defense, claiming he never ordered the hit and believed funds he paid to another man were for a cryptocurrency venture - not murder

It was Gumrukcu's own lies, told during two FBI interviews, that sealed his fate

His lawyer, Ethan Balogh, tried to pin the conspiracy on Eratay, arguing that he 'ran the op' to protect his own lucrative position working for Gumrukcu.

'These men were all going to die in the cage,' Balogh said, referencing the plea deals that spared the other conspirators from life sentences.

But prosecutors dismissed the claim, noting that it was just Gumrukcu who had both motive and money to gain.

'It's easy to appear peaceful when you let others do your dirty work,' Van de Graaf told jurors.
Attorney General Pam Bondi pointed the finger at Illinois Senator Dick Durbin for not prioritizing the safety of Chicago over political wars with the Trump administration.

Durbin attacked Bondi over the president 'illegally deploying troops to Chicago' after National Guard troops were sent to the Windy City this week. Governor JB Pritzker has sued to block the deployment.

'Were you consulted by the White House before they deployed National Guard troops to cities in the Untied States?' he asked.

'I am not going to discuss any internal conversations with the White House,' Bondi replied.

The Attorney General noted that there 571 homicides in Chicago just last year and 'we're going to be there protecting all Americans in this country.'

She called out Durbin for shutting down the government along with other Democratic senators over their demands to provide free healthcare to illegal immigrants.

'As you shut down the government, you voted to shut down the government, and you're sitting here, our law enforcement officers are not being paid,' Bondi hit back.

'I wish you could love Chicago as much as you hate President Trump. And currently the National Guard are on the way to Chicago. If you're not going to protect your citizens, President Trump will.'

Attorney General Pam Bondi appears for an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dick Durbin, D-Ill., speaks at an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025

Durbin responded that 'Chicago is not the enemy. Fellow Americans are not the enemy. Attorney General Bondi is enabling President Trump's war on Americans.'

Bondi sat before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to update Senators on the latest activity at the Department of Justice.

Drama at the DOJ has been a constant fixture throughout the Trump administration, largely due to the personalities working within the agency.

FBI director Kash Patel, who works under Bondi, has come under fire for his remarks during the investigation into the death of slain conservative activist Charlie and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Prominent conservatives blasted Patel for his handling of the investigation, which included three botched arrests.

The killer's capture was announced almost 44 hours after he shot Kirk - and only after his own father turned him in.

Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey joined the FBI as co-deputy director in September alongside Dan Bongino, who has reportedly been looking to leave the agency.

Still, the White House appears to be squarely behind Bondi and the Department that she leads.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told the New Yorker in August, 'You know, she looks like Barbie. She's blonde and beautiful, and I think people will underestimate her because of how she looks.'

Wiles also added at the time that Bondi has 'got nerves of steel, and she has stood up to some withering situations with a fair amount of grace.'

Bondi and Patel's time leading their agencies has been marred in controversy, most notably by the agency's refusal to release all files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Both Patel and Trump previously promised to release the Epstein Files.

Since taking office, President Trump has expressed exasperation about the Epstein files, lashing out on Truth Social to defend his administration, if not Bondi in particular.

'We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and 'selfish people' are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein,' Trump wrote on his social media site Truth Social.

He added at the time that America should 'not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody nobody cares about.'
A loyal dog flagged down cops and helped them rescue a missing grandmother after she fell over during their walk.

The four-legged hero, named Eeyore, led officers with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in Florida right to the injured woman.

The police were out looking for the 86-year-old grandmother after receiving a missing persons call at around 10.30pm on September 25, the Miami Herald reported.

Bodycam footage showed the moment Deputy Devon Miller responded to her family's distressed pleas for help.

Her concerned husband told Miller that his wife had failed to return home after walking Eeyore more than an hour ago.

The video showed Miller searching for the missing woman before she spotted the couple's dog in the street.

Eeyore, who is named after the donkey in 'Winnie-the-Pooh', directly approached the patrol car.

'Where's your mama? Show me where your mama is,' Miller could be heard asking.

A heartwarming video captured the moment a dog flagged down a deputy officer and led her directly to an injured grandmother

Deputy Devon Miller was sent out to look for the missing 86-year-old woman when she spotted the dog, named Eeyore

Eeyore then led the deputy through a yard and straight to the injured woman lying on the sidewalk.

Miller radioed the paramedics for the woman, who was 'alert and conscious.'

The injured woman was stunned upon being rescued. As they waited for the paramedics, Miller explained that Eeyore led the way.

'The dog brought you?' the woman asked Miller. 'He wouldn't leave. He kept coming back to me.'

She added: 'Im not even his owner. Im his grandmother!'

The injured woman was taken to the hospital for further evaluation, according to the police.

The sheriff's office posted the touching video, writing: 'Sometimes heroes come with four legs and a wagging tail!'

'The deputy's body cam video (edited to condense the search) shows how Eeyore's love and instincts brought the elderly resident the help she needed!'

The woman's distressed husband said his wife was missing for over an hour after taking Eeyore out

The beloved dog led the deputy through a yard and straight to the injured woman lying on the sidewalk

Miller radioed the paramedics for the 86-year-old, who was 'alert and conscious' and is expected to recover

In a follow-up post, they named the young deputy who worked with the dog to find the injured woman.

'Deputy Miller has been a law enforcement officer for just over two years after starting out as an OCSO Cadet, then becoming an OCSO Deputy,' it read.

The Facebook video received almost a whopping 100,000 likes and 11,000 shares.

Deputy Miller joined the sheriffs office in August 2023. She also rescued a cat from a drainage ditch in the Destin area.

Police did not disclose the couple's identity. Daily Mail has reached out for comment.
TINDER Swindler Shimon Hayut today speaks for the first time after his dramatic arrest last month saying he fears he has been 'set up', the Mail can reveal.

Talking from his Georgian prison cell, the Israeli sweetheart scammer told local celebrity lawyer Mariam Kublashvili that while he is 'no angel' he has 'no recollection' of the crimes he is accused of.

He has appointed Ms Kublashivili who compares Hayut to 'Wolf of Wall Street' Jordan Belfort, the disgraced stockbroker played by Leonardo di Caprio in the hit film.

She said like Belfort, who is now a motivational speaker, Hayut has 'turned over a new leaf'.

Hayut, who turned 35 behind bars last month, was arrested landing at Batumi Airport on September 14 under an Interpol red notice for alleged fraud committed in Germany.

He is held in Kutaisi Penitentiary Establishment No 2 awaiting extradition proceedings which could take months. If subsequently convicted he faces up to 10 years behind bars in Germany.

'I have absolutely no recollection of any of this,' Hayut insisted, speaking to the Mail through Ms Kublashvili.

'Tinder Swindler' Shimon Hayut was arrested as he touched down in Georgia in September over alleged fraud committed in Germany

Hayut has appointed glamorous Georgian lawyer Mariam Kublashvili known for winning tough cases and Israeli extradition specialist Sharon Nahari

'Im not claiming to be an angel, but I genuinely dont remember anything of the sort  especially given how little evidence has been presented.

'Under the circumstances, I believe Im either being set up or theres been some kind of misunderstanding.'

Hayut was wanted for a string of alleged fraud and theft cases with multiple aliases flagged with authorities.

He was made notorious by a 2022 Netflix documentary claiming he conned women he met on Tinder out of an estimated 7.4million by posing as the son of a billionaire diamond mogul.

Hayut was last caught entering Greece on a fake passport in 2019 and extradited to Israel where he served just five months of a 15-month prison sentence.

Now his legal team question why an Interpol notice was triggered when he entered Georgia without the Germans first going to authorities in his homeland.

Hayut's Israeli lawyer Sharon Nahari said: 'There are also serious concerns regarding the statute of limitations. He has always appeared for, and cooperated with, investigations across Europe.

'To arrest him in a third country, rather than addressing the matter openly through Israel, is unfair and unacceptable.'

Kublashvili compared Hayut to the 'Wolf of Wall Street' Jordan Belfort, played by Leonardo di Caprio in the hit film, saying like Belfort her client has 'turned over a new leaf'

Mr Nahari also described the German case as 'disproportionate' and 'based on weak evidence'.Hayut's newly appointed legal team say they have identified 'significant new arguments' against the German case.

Ms Kublashvili, who is renowned in Georgia for winning tough cases, said: 'What I can say at this stage is that we will certainly be contesting his extradition to Germany.'

She said she fears his chances of getting a fair trial due to the 'extremely biased and skewed' narrative.

'We need to remember that he is a very different person now,' she said.

'Since 2022, he has embarked on a new, entirely legal career and has even published a memoir.

'In some ways, his story reminds me of Jordan Belforts  a man who turned over a new leaf and went on to become a highly sought-after motivational speaker.

'There are many other such examples. Shimon hopes to follow a similar path.'

While Ms Kublashvili is fighting his extradition she first wants to move him from his prison in Georgia's second city to one in the capital, Tbilisi.

Hayut (L) is extradited to Israel from Athens in July 2019 after landing on a false passport

She said: 'My client is being held in conditions that lack even the most basic standards of hygiene.

'Since none of the staff speak English, he cant make himself understood.

'I will do my utmost to have him transferred to Tbilisi, where the conditions are somewhat better.

'He was wearing only a T-shirt and complained of being cold  he has no warm clothes. He asked me for books, including his memoir, which he intends to revise while in detention.'

Ms Kublashvili is a former model who once appeared on 'The Stars Are Dancing' - Georgia's version of Strictly Come Dancing.

She fought to prevent speedboat killer Shepherd from extradition in 2019 after he was detained in Georgia over the killing of 24-year-old Charlotte Brown during a speedboat date on the Thames.

He was eventually extradited three months later after Shepherd agreed provided his safety was taken into consideration.

Ms Kublashvili's most famous case is defending Temirlan Machalikashvili's family, a teenager shot dead in his bed by Georgian law enforcement who claimed he was linked to ISIS.

Ms Kublashvili, who runs her own law firm, has spoken movingly about losing her father at the age of five and had a tough life raised by strict mountain traditions.
Cash machines located in a top European hotspot have been found to be charging tourists a staggering 7.40 to withdraw under 20.

Several independent ATMs in the heart of Paris are charging foreign cardholders a huge fee for taking out money, according to Le Parisien.

A woman from the US, named Gabriella, who has been living in France for several years used her American card to show how the cash machines were targeting non-French cards.

Upon inserting a French card into the ATM, the usual withdrawal amount of 20 to 60 euros was displayed on the screen. Whereas the American credit card offered amounts of up to ten times higher, at 600 euros.

'I definitely feel cheated,' Gabriella told the city's leading newspaper. 'I think someone who has just arrived in France can clearly be taken advantage of and withdraw large sums of money.'

The American card was also hit with a 8.50 euro (7.40) fee when withdrawing 20 euro (17.40) from the independent ATMs which are becoming increasingly popular in the French capital.

It comes just three months after an undercover investigation found that foreign tourists in Paris were being charged as much as 50 per cent more than French customers.

Le Parisien, found that several tourists from outside of France had been posting complaints online about being overcharged.

Upon inserting a French card into the ATM, the usual withdrawal amount of 20 to 60 euros was displayed on the screen. Whereas the American credit card offered amounts of up to ten times higher, at 600 euros

The American card was also hit with a 8.50 euro (7.40) fee when withdrawing 20 euro (17.40)

A woman from the US, named Gabriella, who has been living in France for several years used her American card to show how the cash machines were targeting non-French cards

So they sent out a Parisian on the Champ-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower.

They also dressed up one of their reporters as an American tourist and directed them to the same cafe to reveal exactly what was happening at the holidaymaker hotspots.

But what they stumbled across was shocking.

They both seated themselves at the unnamed diner and ordered the same dish - lasagna, a Coke and water. All the while they had been filming themselves.

The clearly 'French' customer was served a can of Coke for 6.50 (5.63) and offered a carafe of water along with his dish.

However, the 'American' was not offered a small can, only a 'medium or large Coke'.

When it arrived, it was just half a litre and cost 9.50 (8.23).

As for the water, the 'American' received no offer for a carafe, which is free, but was instead made to spend a further 6 (5.20) for a small bottle of Vittel.

The server also offered the 'American' a side of garlic bread without specifying that it was an extra. They were later charged a further 6 (5.20).

The pair then walked to a different nearby cafe-restaurant to test its policy on tipping.

When the bill arrived, the French customer noticed their receipt included an obligatory ten per cent service charge.

But the 'American' tourist was asked if he wanted to tip as 'service isn't included'.

And to make matters worse, when he agreed to add a 10 per cent tip via the card machine, he noticed the waiter had discreetly hidden the amount and increased this to 15 per cent.
A notorious British fraudster who was jailed in the UK for conning an ex-girlfriend out of 300,000 after claiming to be a millionaire Swiss banker and MI6 spy will not return to the UK for his confiscation hearing.

Serial conman Mark Acklom, 52, previously admitted five counts of fraud against Carolyn Woods, from Gloucestershire, and was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison in 2019.

Upon his release he was extradited to Spain in 2021, having fled the country in 2016 midway through a three-year fraud sentence, after being given temporary release while he applied for parole.

After being returned to Spain, Acklom served a further two years in prison before his release in 2023.

He has been living with his wife and two children in an undisclosed location in Spain ever since, it is understood.

Since his guilty pleas in Britain, prosecutors have been using Proceeds of Crime Act legislation in an attempt to recover the money stolen from Ms Woods, who is in her 60s.

Ms Woods met Acklom in 2012 when he went into her boutique to buy a jacket and told her he was visiting the UK to buy an airfield in the Cotswolds.

During their relationship, which lasted for a year, Acklom posed as a Swiss banker and an MI6 agent as he worked to 'destroy' her life by conning her out of hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Serial conman Mark Acklom, 52, previously admitted five counts of fraud against Carolyn Woods, from Gloucestershire, and was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison in 2019

Acklom has a history of defrauding victims dating back to 1991, and is now said to be living with his family in Spain

He claimed he was friends with celebrities including Nicky Clarke and Chris Evans, had spoken to Hillary Clinton and knew fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. He also told Ms Woods he was involved in secret MI6 missions.

Acklom promised to marry the mother-of-two despite already being married himself, and managed to trick her into handing over her life savings in a series of loans worth between 30,000 and 120,000.

He was finally extradited to the UK from Switzerland in 2019, where he was jailed before his return to Spain.

Over the past five years, there have been a series of hearings at Bristol Crown Court to establish Acklom's criminal benefit from his scam and his available assets.

A final hearing, lasting for two days and before Judge Martin Picton, has now been listed for December 18 and 19 this year.

On Tuesday, barristers for the prosecution and defence, as well as Acklom, appeared via video link for a hearing in the case.

Acklom was not visible on screen and no details were given of his location, although he has a wife and two children living in Spain.

He spoke only to confirm he was present, replying: 'Yes sir' to the court clerk when asked.

Ms Woods met Acklom in 2012 when he went into her boutique to buy a jacket (pictured), telling her he was a Swiss banker visiting the UK to buy a Cotswolds airfield

Carolyn Woods, who is in her 60s, arriving at Bristol Crown Court, August 6, 2019 - she lost 300,000 to Acklom's scam

Judge Picton - who jailed Acklom in 2019 - asked whether the defendant would be attending the final hearing in person.

Martin Sharpe, representing Acklom, replied: 'He will attend remotely in the same way he has done today but with the benefit of a screen.

'He will attend from a video conference room at a legal firm. I don't have the specifics to hand as of yet but your honour and the prosecution can be assured that the defendant will attend but he will attend remotely.'

Fiona Jackson, prosecuting, asked for the details of Acklom's arrangements to be provided to the court and Crown Prosecution Service.

Judge Picton agreed, directing that this should happen by October 31.

The court was told a number of witnesses will give evidence during the two-day hearing, including a financial investigator.

Acklom fled Spain in 2016, midway through a three-year fraud sentence, after being temporarily released when he applied for parole.

He was already wanted by Avon and Somerset Police for scamming Ms Woods, his then-girlfriend, out of her life savings in a romance fraud.

Previously, the court heard that UK financial investigators have concluded Acklom had available funds of almost 262,000.

Spanish authorities have made confiscation orders valued at 374,000, or around 325,000, against Acklom.

In 1991, Acklom, then aged 16, was given a four-year custodial sentence for a 466,000 mortgage fraud after posing as a City stockbroker.

He also spent 11,000 after stealing his father's credit card, swindled a former teacher out of 13,000, and ran up a 34,000 bill with a private charter jet company.
Hundreds of Muslim Australians have gathered to mark two years since Israel began its military assault on Gaza in retaliation to Hamas' terrorist attack.

Speakers at the emotional rally in Bankstown on Tuesday evening told attendees waving Palestinian flags that Israel's lethal campaign in which it has decimated much of Gaza is grounded in decades of illegal occupation.

They gathered despite pleas from Australian leaders, including Anthony Albanese, to leave October 7 alone for Jewish groups to mourn Hamas's attack two years ago in which more than a thousand were killed and more than 200 taken hostage.

'We are gathered here today, despite immense pressure on the organisers of this rally ... through the politicians of this country that today is not a day to mourn ... or in remembrance of the Palestinians,' speaker Firaz Nomin told the crowd.

Among the handful of other speakers was one man known as Bilal who blasted Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan.

'Do you not see what is happening on the ground in Palestine? Why are you not sending a flotilla of navy ships to attack?' he said before calling the US leader a 'devil'.

Other speakers lambasted Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong saying they should be concerned with seven Australian citizens detained in Israel as part of an aid flotilla to Gaza shouting 'Bring them home'.

Other speakers recounted the killing of Australian aid worker Zomi Franckom and six-year-old child Hind Rajab, as they led the crowd in chants of 'Stop killing children'.

A handful of speakers addressed the crowd of hundreds at Bankstown in Sydney's West

Along with the Sydney protest a similar one was held in Melbourne despite Australian leaders requesting them not to use October 7

At the same time on Tuesday night that about 1000 gathered in Bankstown, roughly 400 marched through Melbourne for a peaceful vigil to honour the war dead.

Further gatherings are planned this week, including Palestine Action Group's planned Sunday rally that would start in Sydney's city centre and finish at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.

Police are challenging that protest, with Jewish leaders taking the rare step of joining a court push to stop it.

The NSW Supreme Court elevated the matter to the state's highest court for a hearing set on Wednesday, when pro-Palestine lawyers will argue police opposition to the protest is unconstitutional.

'You'd have to live in a vacuum not to be aware of the significant public importance of these proceedings to all members of the community,' Justice Ian Harrison said, citing the urgency required to have the matter finalised by Sunday.

NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure unless a court denies permission due to a police challenge.

A lawyer for the organisers argued a narrow reading of the protest legislation would mean only relatively minor protections would be offered.

Specific offences relating to activities at the Opera House would not be covered, unduly constraining demonstrators' implied constitutional right to political communication, they said.

One man was pictured riding a horse and waving the Palestine flag in Paul Keating Park

The protest was held near Western Sydney University

Police were on hand but both events were well behaved

'This case will have far-reaching ramifications, not only for the pro-Palestine movement, but for the right to protest in general in Australia,' their lawyer Nick Hanna told AAP.

Police say the Opera House forecourt, which is mostly surrounded by water, is ill-equipped to handle the 10,000 attendees organisers expect.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michele Goldman said the 2023 Opera House protest, during which chants of 'where's the Jews' broke out, was one of the darkest moments in the state's history because the iconic location had been appropriated by anti-Israel demonstrators.

Along with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Ms Goldman's organisation wants to join the police court bid to argue against the location of the protest.

But Justice Harrison said his reading of the Jewish groups' evidence was 'the location was less important than the protest march at all'.

The council's co-chief Alex Ryvchin agreed and said authorities needed to have 'a good hard look at the cost and the toll of these protests'.

Police challenged an August march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in court, arguing it would cause too much disruption to the city and on public safety grounds.

The NSW Supreme Court rejected that application, paving the way for more than 100,000 people to march across the bridge.

Premier Chris Minns, who opposed the August march, has backed police in urging the organisers of Sunday's rally to choose another part of Sydney.
Joe Biden quashed the release of a CIA memo indicating concerns over his family's allegedly corrupt business ties to Ukraine, it emerged today.

CIA director John Ratcliffe declassified a stunning memo on Wednesday after a review of historical records from Biden's tenure as vice-president.

The 'top secret' document, filled with redactions, also highlights how Ukrainian government officials were uneasy about Biden's visits to the country during the Obama administration.

The dossier details how officials in Kyiv privately raged at Biden for coming to their nation to lecture them about corruption while his son Hunter was sitting on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

The officials believed that the position held by the VP's son showed that there was 'a double-standard' in the US government regarding corruption in politics.

Included in Ratcliffe's release is a portion of an email sent which states that then-vice president Biden 'would strongly prefer the report not/not be disseminated'.

The email was signed 'PDB Briefer.' PDB stands for the presidential daily briefing, a daily intelligence report regularly compiled by US intelligence agencies.

The memo states: 'As of mid-December 2015, [redacted] officials within the administration of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expressed bewilderment and disappointment at the 7-8 December 2015 visit of the Vice President of the United States to Kyiv, Ukraine.

Hunter Biden in an image obtained from the so-called 'laptop from hell'

The dossier details how officials in Kyiv privately raged at Joe Biden (pictured with wife Jill in 2022) for coming to their nation to lecture them about corruption as vice-president in 2015

'After the visit, these officials assessed that the Vice President of the United States had come to Kyiv almost exclusively to give a generic public speech, and had no intention of discussing substantive matters with Poroshenko or other officials within the Ukrainian government.'

'Following the visit of the US Vice President, [redacted] officials within the Poroshenko administration privately mused at the US media scrutiny of the alleged ties of the US Vice President's family to corrupt business practices in Ukraine,' the document continues.

At the time Biden was overseeing the administration's political relationship with Ukraine, Hunter was appointed to the board of a major Ukrainian energy company, which reportedly resulted in the younger Biden profiting handsomely.

He joined the board of Burisma in 2014 despite not having any past experience in the sector.

The memo adds: 'These officials viewed the alleged ties of the US Vice President's family to corruption in Ukraine as evidence of a double-standard within the United States Government towards matters of corruption and political power.'

The memo had the subject line: 'NON-DISSEMINATED INTEL INFORMATION: Reactions of [REDACTED] Ukrainian Government Officials to the Early December Visit of Senior United States Government Official.'

At Biden's request, the file was never circulated outside of the CIA.

The House Oversight Committee has concluded that Biden's family and associates have taken more than $20 million from foreign entities since the Democrat became vice-president in 2008.

The newly released report states that the intelligence was first collected in 2015 but the document was not created until 2016.

A senior CIA official told Fox News Digital that Biden's request, and the CIA granting it, was 'extremely rare and unusual.'

It was 'inappropriate to go outside of the intelligence community and inquire with the White House on the dissemination of a particular report for what appears to be political reasons,' the official added.

Ratcliffe called the newly released records an example of 'politicization of intelligence.'

Biden's office did not immediately return the Daily Mail's request for comment.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins has revealed what President Donald Trump's staffers say is the worst thing about travelling with him across the world.

The Chief White House Correspondent said his team struggle to get to grips with president's unusual sleep schedule, especially on long-haul flights.

'He doesn't sleep on these trips and like, you're going to Asia or something, and that's kind of the only time you're going to sleep before you go on this trip, but Trump is just always up and talking,' she said during an appearance on Jason Tartick's Trading Secrets podcast on Monday.

'He'll have them go wake staff up if they're asleep because he wants to talk to them.'

Collins referred to a May 2019 story she wrote with CNN senior reporter Kevin Liptak during Trump's first term in which five officials described being aboard Air Force One as like 'being held captive'.

'I had this source who said you never want to be on Air Force One on a trip, and I said, "Why? You would think you would want to be in the axis of power, close to Trump,"' Collins said on the podcast.

Staffers were routinely woken up while they were sleeping so Trump could speak to them about upcoming meetings or how he should respond to something negative said about him in the media.

The report also claimed that Trump had all the televisions switched to Fox News and that he spent hours reviewing cable news shows that had been recorded for him.

Kaitlan Collins, CNN's Chief White House Correspondent and anchor, said aides told her that traveling with President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One is very uncomfortable

Pictured: Trump speaks to reporters on May 14, 2025, as he flies to Doha, Qatar

The staffers said they were kept up for hours and were often unable to convince Trump to go join Melania in their private quarters for some rest.

At the time, Air Force One did not have lie-flat seats, as is common on business-class sections of commercial flights, for anyone except Trump and the First Lady.

So, aides were forced to find the nearest couch or office chair. The best prepared among them brought yoga mats so they could sleep on the floor with some comfort.

The CNN report delved into Trump's odd sleeping habits as a then-septuagenarian.

He only slept four to five hours a night in the White House and even less than that when he was in the air.

More recently, Attorney General Pam Bondi commented on Trump's sleep schedule, suggesting that he still operates with little to no rest.

'None of us can keep up with him; we always joke. I dont know how he does it. I mean, none of us know when he sleeps,' Bondi said on The Katie Miller Podcast on September 15.

'Hes working all the time, and its just constant for him.'

Trump rarely sleeps, especially in the air, according to Collins and other sources. During his first term, he apparently roused staffers up as they were sleeping so he could talk to them about upcoming meetings (Trump pictured with aides, including Jared Kushner and Stephen Miller in November 2017)

Vice President JD Vance has said Trump calls him in the middle of the night and early in the morning, which sometimes makes him wonder if he ever sleeps.

Trump himself has frequently bragged about not sleeping a lot and even promoted it as a way to get ahead as a businessman in his 2004 book, Think Like a Billionaire.

'Don't sleep any more than you have to,' he wrote. 'I usually sleep about four hours per night. I'm in bed by 1am and up to read the newspapers at 5am. That's all I need, and it gives me a competitive edge.'
A Louisiana chief meteorologist was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly beat up his girlfriend at his home while her kids slept inside.

Devon Lucie, who was promoted to his new role at WDSU just two months ago, was taken into custody Sunday over a domestic dispute with his longtime partner, according to arrest records obtained by Nola.com.

Lucie's partner told deputies with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office that they got into an argument at a music festival in Gretna - about 10 minutes outside of New Orleans - prior to the incident, records detailed.

The weatherman, 48, then left the festival while the woman got a ride back with her mother before returning to Lucie's home in Marrero.

The couple continued to argue at his house. Lucie briefly left the property but allegedly returned and started to punch his girlfriend in the bedroom while her two children slept in the living room, per records.

'She said that they wrestled, and she fought back in self-defense,' the document read.

The woman was left with 'several small cuts and scratches on most of her upper body, as well as several whelps on her forehead and face,' a deputy detailed.

The arrest report also stated that the meteorologist refused to provide his name or date of birth when asked to by officers.

WDSU's chief meteorologist Devon Lucie, 48, was arrested Sunday after he allegedly punched his girlfriend in the face while her kids slept in the next room

Lucie is seen with a face full of blood and what appear to be scratched in his booking photo. He was charged with one count of domestic abuse child endangerment and resisting an officer by refusing to identify himself

He also declined to put his clothes and shoes on and 'refused to clean his dried bloody injuries,' the report said.

Lucie was seen in his booking photo with blood and what appeared to be scratch marks on his face.

He was charged with one count of domestic abuse child endangerment and resisting an officer by refusing to identify himself.

No bond amount was set for Lucie, according to inmate records obtained by the Daily Mail. It is unclear if he is still in custody.

Following the alleged incident, he was placed on leave pending the investigation, WDSU said.

Lucie is a father to two of his own children, according to the station.

The New Orleans native started the chief meteorologist role in August after his predecessor, Margaret Orr, retired after 45 years, the outlet said.

He attended the University of Oklahoma where he studied 'tornadoes and severe storms in depth.'

Prior to his time with WDSU, Lucie worked for several other stations, including ones in Washington D.C., Denver and Kansas City.

Lucie (right) joined the Louisiana outlet in August 2024 and worked at several other stations prior

He joined the Louisiana outlet in August 2024.

At the time, he took to Instagram, opening up about the new opportunity.

'Some very exciting news today. But after 27 years in broadcast news, I was named WDSU Chief Meteorologist,' Lucie wrote.

'I'm humbled, and looking forward to bringing you the most useful, and accurate forecasts for the rest of my career. Thank you all, for being such a dynamic member of this page too. Much appreciated!

The Daily Mail contacted WDSU, Lucie and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office for comment.
Emmanuel Macron's first prime minister and one-time ally on Tuesday urged the cornered French head of state to resign 'in an orderly manner' in a shock call that compounded an escalating political crisis.

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Tuesday that he was in favour of an early presidential election, as he hit out at what he called a 'distressing political game' in an interview with radio station RTL.

Philippe said it was up to Macron to help France 'emerge in an orderly and dignified manner from a political crisis that is harming the country' in comments French newspaper Le Parisien described as a 'political bomb'.

His remarks come after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, appointed less than a month ago, stepped down on Monday morning after failing to rally support across the centre-right coalition for his new government, which is also only supported by a minority in parliament.

France's next presidential elections, scheduled to take place in 2027, are seen as a historic crossroads in French politics, with the French far right under Marine Le Pen sensing its best chance yet of taking power.

Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third mandate.

But Philippe, who has already declared he will stand, said the polls should be held early once a budget is passed.

France has been locked in a political crisis since Macron's gamble to hold legislative elections in the summer of 2024 backfired, resulting in a hung parliament and a strengthened far right.

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Tuesday that he was in favour of an early presidential election, as the country is plunged further into crisis

France's new Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu quit just weeks after being appointed the position. Pictured: Lecornu delivers a statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, on October 3, 2025, before a round of consultations with political parties ahead of the announcement of the new government

In a scathing editorial, the Le Monde daily said the crisis was 'yet another demonstration of the unravelling' of Macron's second term since he won the 2022 presidential election.

'The president finds himself in a major crisis,' it said.

The domestic isolation of Macron, who was filmed Monday walking alone by the banks of the Seine deep in a telephone conversation, contrasts with his visibility on the international stage, where he is seeking to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine alongside President Donald Trump.

Among other options, Macron could reappoint Lecornu, select a person who would be the eighth prime minister of his mandate, or hold new legislative elections.

Gabriel Attal, whose brief tenure as France's youngest-ever premier was ended by Macron's decision to hold the 2024 snap elections, on Monday evening said: 'I no longer understand the president's decisions'.

After a succession of new premiers, it was 'time to try something else', Attal, who now leads the main pro-Macron party, told the TF1 broadcaster, denouncing a 'determination to keep control' by Macron.

Attal on Tuesday, however, told his lawmakers that he did not want Macron to resign, according to a participant at the meeting who asked not to be named.

Lecornu said he would be meeting all political forces from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning in an attempt to breach the impasse.

Socialist party leader Olivier Faure late Monday called for 'a change of course' with a 'left-wing government'.

Bruno Retailleau, leader of the right-wing Republicans and outgoing interior minister, said he was not against remaining in a cabinet with Macron's centrists as long as it did not mean fewer members from his party.

The next premier will face the challenge of finding enough support for a cost-cutting budget at a time when France's public debt has reached a record high.

Le Pen, whose candidacy in the presidential elections is in severe doubt due to a fraud conviction, said it would be 'wise' for Macron to resign but also urged snap legislative polls as 'absolutely necessary'.

Le Pen and her lieutenant Jordan Bardella, who is expected to stand for the presidency if she is barred, turned down Lecornu's invitation for talks, their National Rally party said.

'These umpteenth negotiations no longer aim to protect the interests of the French people, but those of the president himself,' the party added.

Philippe's comments were echoed by Bardella, who said in a separate interview on BFM TV that he supported first a dissolution of the parliament, followed by parliamentary elections or early presidential elections.

Philippe, a former member of the conservative Les Republicains party, served as the first prime minister in Macron's first term, between 2017 and 2020.

He then founded his own party, Horizons, which has been in Macron's governing coalition ever since. Philippe is also the mayor of Le Havre, Normandy.

Lecornu's sudden resignation came just hours after the former armed forces minister appointed his new cabinet.

After weeks of consultations with political parties across the board, Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, on Sunday had appointed his ministers, and the cabinet had been set to hold its first meeting on Monday afternoon.

But parties across the board in the National Assembly fiercely criticised the composition of Lecornu's cabinet, which was largely unchanged from Bayrou's, and threatened to vote it down.

Opponents and allies alike, either found it too rightwing or not enough, raising questions on how long it could last, at a time when France is already mired deep in political crisis, with no group holding a majority in a fragmented parliament.

'Mr Sebastien Lecornu has submitted the resignation of his Government to the President of the Republic, who has accepted it,' the Elysee's press office said on Monday morning.

Macron's decision to call a snap parliamentary election last year deepened the crisis by producing an even more fragmented parliament.

Lecornu, who was only appointed last month, was Macron's fifth prime minister in two years following the toppling of Francois Bayrou and his government in a confidence vote.

Bayrou gambled that lawmakers would back his view that France must slash public spending to rein in its huge debts. Instead, they seized on the vote to gang up against the 74-year-old centrist who was appointed by Macron last December.

He had wanted to cut the equivalent of some 35billion from public spending - with national debt currently sitting at 114 per cent of GDP.

And he specifically wanted to cut two public holidays, and freeze pensions and welfare payments, while making thousands of civil servants unemployed.

Bayrou officially submitted his resignation in September after lasting just nine months in office.

Major rioting then swept across France less than 24-hoursafter Macron appointed Lecornu.

The chaos was all linked to a 'Let's Block Everything' campaign ultimately aimed at forcing Macron to resign.

As the violence intensified, Bruno Retailleau, the Interior Minister in the outgoing government, said: 'This is not a citizens' movement in any way.

'It's been hijacked by the ultra-Left, and some are determined to carry out violent actions. There is an insurrectional mood.'

'Everyone is sick of Macron, and his government,' said Nicolas, a 19-year-old student involved in a Paris protest at the time.

'The new prime minister will be as useless as the last one.'

There is no centralised leadership to 'Block Everything'  making it similar to the infamous but hugely effective Yellow Vest (Gilets Jaunes) movement.

The protest movement was social media based, and supported by the CGT (Confederation of General Workers), the largest trade union in the country.

Lecornu became the youngest defense minister in French history and architect of a major military buildup through 2030, spurred by Russia's war in Ukraine.

A former conservative who joined Macron's centrist movement in 2017, he has held posts in local governments, overseas territories and during the president's yellow vest 'great debate,' where he helped manage mass anger with dialogue.

French Riot Police stand back as Wafu Brasserie burns after catching fire during violent clashes near Chatelet in central Paris on September 10, 2025

Riot police forces use a water cannon to disperse protesters during a demonstration part of the 'Let's Block Everything' protest movement, at the Place de la Comedie, in Montpellier, southern France, on September 10, 2025

He also offered talks on autonomy during unrest in Guadeloupe in 2021.

One of his key assets for Macron was that he was not what is known in France as 'presidentiable', namely someone who harbours ambitions of winning the Elysee Palace for themselves.

Lecornu is 'a loyal soldier who doesn't have too much charisma or presidential potential,' one ministerial adviser told AFP on condition of anonymity last month.

His departure intensifies concerns about the country's ability to get a grip of its finances.

Successive French governments have tried and failed to impose significant public spending cuts as the country struggles under the weight of high public debt, persistent budget deficits and political fragmentation.

France's CAC 40 stock market index fell 2 per cent in early trading, with banks leading losses. The index is up by around 7 per cent for the year but has lagged the double-digit gains enjoyed by European peers.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, said: 'To lose one prime minister is unfortunate, but four looks like a major crisis. Markets were blindsided by the news this morning that yet another resident of the Hotel Matignon has departed, resulting in yet another new chapter in the torrid drama that is the French government.
JPMorgan Chase must foot a mammoth $115 million legal bill for a woman convicted of defrauding the bank by making inflated promises about her startup.

The defense's bill is about two-thirds of the $175 million JPMorgan shelled out in September 2021 for Charlie Javice's company Frank.

Javice secured the investment by fraudulently claiming that the student loan planning firm had 4.25 million customers when it actually had fewer than 300,000.

The staggering cost of her legal fees was revealed last week when Javice, 28, was sentenced to seven years in prison.

At trial, a combined 35 lawyers appeared in court for Javice and her co-defendant Olivier Amar, who served as her chief growth officer at Frank and was also convicted.

JPMorgan found itself in the unenviable position of having to pay to defend Javice and Amar because the two were already employed as executives at the bank when their lies were exposed.

JPMorgan fired the pair and tried to wiggle out of this by suing them, but a Delaware judge ruled in 2023 that the terms of the Frank merger agreement obligated the bank to cover their legal costs.

In January 2023, JPMorgan chief executive Jamie Dimon said the acquisition of Frank was 'a huge mistake'.

Kevin OBrien, a former federal prosecutor who now defends white collar defendants in New York, told Bloomberg that $115 million for a legal defense is a 'huge, huge number'.

Charlie Javice, who was sentenced to seven years in prison last week, had her entire legal defense bankrolled by JPMorgan to the tune of $115 million. This sum will only grow if the bank is required to defend her during the appeals process

Jamie Dimon, boss of JPMorgan, called it a 'huge mistake' to buy Frank, Javice's financial planning website for students. Javice and co-defendant Oliver Amar created fake user data to inflate the number of customers they had to 4.25 million, when it was fewer than 300,000

Javice and Amar's costs dwarfed those of Elizabeth Holmes, the fraudster behind phony blood-testing company Theranos, who paid at least $30 million to defend herself according to a court filing before her November 2022 sentencing.

It is unclear why their costs soared so high, but JPMorgan has argued that it was being overbilled primarily by Alex Spiro, the $2,025-an-hour Quinn Emanuel partner known for representing Elon Musk.

JPMorgan may be on the hook for even more legal costs, since Javice and Amar were sued by the bank itself and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Those civil suits will remain on hold until the criminal case comes to an end, which will only happen once Javice exhausts her appeals of her conviction and sentence.

In a Monday filing with the court, Javice's lawyers said they expect JPMorgan to cover the costs associated with her appeal as well.

US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein ordered Javice to repay JPMorgan $287.5 million in restitution, but even if the order isn't chipped away at by the defense, the bank will almost certainly never see all of that money.

Javice is only required to pay 10 percent of her income toward the order after she leaves prison, according to a court filing. The order also expires in 20 years.

In March, a New York jury convicted Javice and Amar for cooking up an elaborate scheme to hoodwink JPMorgan to acquire their site, which offered a free tool to help college students fill out financial aid applications.

Javice (pictured leaving court in March 2025 after she was convicted) is appealing her conviction and sentence with the help of high-powered appellate attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, who also represents FTX founder and CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Olivier Amar, who was convicted on all the same charges as Javice, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20

A data scientist testified that Javice paid him $18,000 to create 'synthetic' user data comprised of false phone and social security numbers to show JPMorgan.

One of the main arguments the defense mounted was that the bank did not do its due diligence in evaluating the merits of the deal.

Judge Hellerstein did not buy this, once stating that he was focused on Javice's conduct, 'not JPMorgan's stupidity'.

The Daily Mail approached JPMorgan for comment.

Javice will remain a free woman during the appeals process after convincing the judge that her previous charitable works and fertility struggles warranted bail.

Alexandra Shapiro, one of the nation's most prominent appellate attorneys, will help Javice try to reverse her conviction and sentence.

Shapiro also represents FTX founder and chief executive Sam Bankman-Fried and Sean 'Diddy' Combs.

In several letters to the judge, Shapiro said Javice plans on spending her time before prison trying to start a family with her partner.

'If there is a chance for it to succeed. I want to give it to her,' the judge said.

Amar, who was convicted on all the same charges, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20.
Pro-Palestine vandals launched a late-night raid of arms suppliers' offices which they trashed by smashing windows and computers with hammers due to their supposed links to the Israeli armed forces.

Shocking video footage taken by the unknown balaclava-clad group shows them wreaking havoc in Securitas and Leonardo UK's premises' in Edinburgh in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A post online said the thugs smashed up the offices of the security company and aerospace firm due to their factories producing laser targeting systems for Israeli F-35 fighter jets.

The footage, which shows the walls being spray-painted with messages like 'Drop Leonardo Now' was originally backed by a rap song which heavily features the word 'Intifada' - a reference to Palestinian uprising.

The video goes on to show the group aggressively smashing windows, keyboards, huge televisions and destroying entire meeting rooms as they obliterate the offices.

Police were called to the major disturbance at around 1.50am on Sunday after reports of red paint being sprayed onto Leonardo UK's office.

Just one hour later they were called to Securitas' premises at the site where the windows were being demolished.

A Leonardo UK spokesman said it does not directly supply equipment to Israel.

Shocking video footage taken by the unknown balaclava-clad group shows them wreaking havoc in Securitas and Leonardo UK's premises' in Edinburgh

The footage shows walls covered being spray-painted with messages like 'Drop Leonardo Now'

The video goes on to show the group aggressively smashing windows, keyboards, huge televisions and destroying entire meeting rooms as they obliterate the offices

A post online said the thugs smashed up the offices of the security company and aerospace firm due to their factories producing laser targeting systems for Israeli F-35 fighter jets

They told BBC Scotland: 'Leonardo UK is subject to UK government export controls and does not supply equipment direct to Israel.

'Our main customer is the UK Armed Forces and we are proud to manufacture technology that supports our service personnel and helps to keep them safe.'

A spokesperson for Securitas UK said: 'On Sunday, Securitas UK responded to an incident of vandalism at our regional office in Edinburgh.

'Whilst we cannot share further details due to the ongoing investigation, the safety of our people, as well as the protection of our property and assets, remains our highest priority.'

Police Scotland told the Daily Mail they were investigating both incidents to uncover those responsible.

Leonardo UK and Securitas have been approached for further information.
Kemi Badenoch clashed with a TV interviewer tonight over the amount of questions she was being asked about Nigel Farage.

Conservative leader Mrs Badenoch said she was 'not interested' in talking about her Reform counterpart and wanted to discuss the Tories, in a blunt response to Sky News.

She refused to give an answer when asked if she admired Mr Farage, a question interviewer Beth Rigby also put to Sir Keir Starmer last week.

Mrs Badenoch told Sky it was odd she was not being asked if she also admired Sir Keir or Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey.

'You tell me that people aren't interested in me. I'm on your show,' she told Ms Rigby.

'Ask me about what I think. You spent most of the interview asking about Reform. Reforms already had their conference, Beth...'

When the journalist intervened to ask if the question made her 'cross .... you seem irritated', Mrs Badenoch replied: 'No, it isn't. I just think that your viewers want to know what I am offering. I'm not offering Nigel. I'm offering authentic Conservatism.'

It came as the poll lead of Reform threatened to overshadow the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this week.

Mrs Badenoch and other frontbenchers have been forced to rule out an electoral pact after the idea was floated by shadow foreign office minister Andrew Rosindell.

A YouGov poll published on Monday suggested that half of Tory members thought Mrs Badenoch was the wrong person to lead the party into the next general election.

Conservative leader Mrs Badenoch said she was 'not interested' in talking about her reform counterpart in a blunt response to Sky News.

She refused to give an answer when asked if she admired Mr Farage, a question interviewer Beth Rigby also put to Sir Keir Starmer last week.

A YouGov survey found half of Conservative members thought Kemi Badenoch should not lead the party into the next general election

When Ms Rigby put the question to Sir Keir he branded Mr Farage a 'formidable opponent, but added: 'Fundamentally what I don't admire is what he stands for, because I don't think he stands for the Britain that I know and I love.'

Mrs Badenoch also used the interview today in Manchester to suggest Reform is 'not the party of the right', despite 20 councillors today following several MPs and ex-MPs who defected from the Tories in recent weeks.

Asked about the possibility of an electoral pact she said: 'They want more welfare spending, they want nationalisation ... those are not policies that we support.

'How can you vote Conservative and get nationalisation?'

Reform unveiled the wave defections on Tuesday, the eve of the Conservative annual conference finale in Manchester where Mrs Badenoch will make a closing speech.

The boost to Reform UK's ranks in town halls throughout the country follows several wins in the May elections earlier this year.

Reform UK secured 677 seats at the local elections in May and took over several formerly Conservative-controlled authorities including Derbyshire, Kent, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, North Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and West Northamptonshire.

The party also gained Doncaster from Labour.

East Wiltshire MP Danny Kruger left the Conservatives last month to join Reform.

Mrs Badenoch today suggested the defectors mettle, with her party needing backers who are not going to 'jump into whatever lifeboat they think is passing by'.

The Conservative leader said she was 'sorry to lose' supporters as she embarks on a 'long, difficult journey' in Opposition.

But she told ITV News: 'People who jump around because they're jumping around polls are not people who can deal with tough times.

'If they cannot deal with tough times in opposition, how are they going to deal with tough times in government?'
Prosecutors will appeal against a court's decision to throw out the terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of the terrorist group Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.

He was charged with a terrorism offence following the alleged incident during the concert at the O2 Forum Kentish Town 'in such a way or in such a circumstance as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation'.

His defence lawyers argued that the terror charge should be thrown out because the Attorney General, Richard Hermer, did not officially grant formal approval before police charged Mr O hAnnaidh with a terrorism-related offence on May 21.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that the proceedings were 'invalid' and 'unlawful' as the charging decision was made by blundering Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) officials before the correct permissions had been sought.

There were cheers at Woolwich Crown Court as the case, which focussed on a video which allegedly also saw the rapper chant 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah', was dismissed.

In his judgment, Mr Goldspring said: 'These proceedings were instituted unlawfully and are null.'

The senior district judge added that the CPS, funded by the taxpayer, should have to pay for Mr O hAnnaidh's legal costs because proceedings were unlawful.

While Kneecap and their supporters celebrated the verdict, the Campaign Against Antisemitism said it was a 'humiliating debacle' of 'utter incompetence', adding that 'heads must roll.'

In a short statement issued today, the CPS said it would be appealing against the decision because 'we believe there is an important point of law which needs to be clarified'.

It is understood the CPS's position is that permission only needed to be obtained before his first court hearing, which took place around a month later.

Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of the terrorist group Hezbollah at a gig in November last year

Videos emerged of a Kneecap gig at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London in November 2024 where one of the band members allegedly shouted 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah', and was draped in a flag said to be in support of Hezbollah

The decision to appeal the judgment comes as Attorney General Lord Hermer warned Robert Jenrick not to prejudice future proceedings against O hAnnaidh, asking him to 'carefully consider any further public comments'.

In a letter to Mr Jenrick - sent before the CPS announced its decision - Lord Hermer suggested the shadow justice secretary 'carefully consider any further public comments to avoid any risk of prejudicing any future proceedings'.

Mr Jenrick had previously written to the Attorney General calling for an urgent inquiry into the issue, claiming it 'raised serious questions about the competence of all those involved'.

Responding, Lord Hermer wrote: 'I share your disappointment in the outcome of the ruling. As I understand, you now accept that your original interpretation of what took place was incorrect, based on your changing public statements last week.

'I am sure you are aware it is important for all senior politicians to ensure their public statements are supported by a basic understanding of the facts and the potential impact of their words on legal proceedings.'

Throughout the legal process, O hAnnaidh was assisted in court by an Irish translator.

Speaking outside court after the verdict, he said: 'This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public and never about 'terrorism', a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress.

'It was always about Gaza. About what happens if you dare to speak up. As people from Ireland we know oppression, colonialism, famine and genocide.

'We have suffered and still suffer under 'your empire'. Your attempts to silence us have failed, because we are right, and you are wrong. We will not be silent.

'We said we would fight you in your court and we would win. We have. If anyone on this planet is guilty of terrorism, it is the British state. Free Palestine!'

A spokesman for Campaign Against Antisemitism said of the decision to throw out the case against O hAnnaidh: 'This is a matter of utter incompetence by the authorities.

'What good is our criminal justice system if it cannot get its act together in the case of a man standing draped in the flag of a proscribed terrorist organisation that wants to annihilate all Jews shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah'?

'Heads must roll over this humiliating debacle.'

Kneecap have shared pictures online of them reading a book about Hezbollah, which is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK

But Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill quickly welcomed the verdict.

'All charges have been dropped against Kneecap's Mo Chara. I strongly welcome this decision,' she posted on X.

'These charges were part of a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

'Kneecap have used their platform on stages across the world to expose this genocide, and it is the responsibility of all of us to continue speaking out and standing against injustice in Palestine.'

The group's manager, Daniel Lambert, wrote on X: 'We have won!!!!!! Liam Og is a free man. We said we would fight them and win. We did. (Twice).

'Kneecap has NO charges OR convictions in ANY country, EVER. Political policing has failed. Kneecap is on the right side of history. Britain is not. Free Palestine.'

Kneecap was the subject of further controversy in April after video footage emerged of one of its members telling an audience to 'kill your local MP' during a gig in November 2023.

The group is made up of Naoise O Caireallain, Liam Og O hAnnaidh and JJ O'Dochartaigh.

They told the crowd: 'We're still under British occupation in Ireland.

'We still have old men in London making decisions that affect my life in Ireland. And even worse, they're f***ing Tories.

'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.'
A cheating wife convinced her ex-Royal Marine lover to kill her soldier husband so she could cash in his life insurance, a court was told.

Michelle Mills, 46, and Geraint Berry were in the middle of a three-month affair when the former decided she wanted her husband Christopher, 48, 'gone one way or another', Swansea Crown Court heard.

Mills and Berry allegedly hatched a series of plans to kill her husband, including ground-up sleeping pills in his drink, smothering him with a pillow, putting foxgloves in his salad and sneaking anti-freeze into his gravy.

They then allegedly decided to stage a fake armed break-in, complete with fake guns, to kill her spouse while he stayed in their holiday caravan in a countryside beauty spot.

The plan came just one month after a life insurance policy for Mr Mills had come into effect, naming his wife as the sole beneficiary of a 124,000 payout in the event of his death, the court heard.

Michelle Mills also allegedly said she wanted her husband dead so she and her lover could 'move forward' together.

The former Marine 'recruited' fellow soldier Steven Thomas to carry out the attack, arming themselves with guns while wearing masks.

But the mission on September 20, 2024 was botched after the pair were disarmed by Mr Mills and fled to hide in some nearby bushes.

Armed officers and police dogs rushed to the scene at Cenarth, Carmarthenshire in Wales before a police helicopter spotted the duo and they gave themselves up.

Cheating wife Michelle Mills, pictured left, convinced her ex-Royal Marine lover to kill her soldier husband Christopher, right, so she could cash in his life insurance, a court has heard

Michelle Mills and Geraint Berry, pictured, were in the middle of a three-month love affair when the former decided she wanted her husband 'gone one way or another'

Mills told officers she never wanted her husband to be hurt and claimed killing him was 'just a fantasy that she could escape to'.

The court heard the three defendants had conspired together to murder Mr Mills, but all three deny the charges.

Michelle Mills also denies attempting to pervert the court of justice in relation to deleting phone messages and her account to police.

Berry and Thomas have previously pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear.

The court heard Berry and Michelle Mills were in a sexual relationship and sent extensive text messages in the months leading up to the murder attempt.

These included a message from Berry to his 'queen' Michelle Mills saying he would put her husband 'in the f***ing ground.'

He also allegedly said he would 'f***ing kill him' while talking about arranging for hitmen to carry out the killing of Mr Mills.

According to prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC, Mr Mills had served in the Army before leaving to work for the Alabare homeless charity and later Help For Heroes.

It was through this charity work that he received his life insurance policy, which his wife was allegedly keen to get her hands on.

They allegedly decided to stage a fake armed break-in, complete with fake guns, to bump off her spouse, pictured at Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday

The court also heard that Michelle Mills was South Wales manager for Alabare when she met Berry while he was being provided with accommodation by the charity.

Michelle Mills told Berry that her husband was violent towards her during sex and had threatened to 'break her in' on the night of the raid.

She told police in interview that she could not leave him because she believed she would 'end up on the street' with nothing.

Mr Rees said: 'Michelle Mills and Geraint Berry had embarked on a secret sexual relationship which, on Geraint Berry's part at least, had become increasingly intense.

'Berry, encouraged on by Michelle Mills, had become increasingly occupied by hostile thoughts about Christopher Mills.'

He added: 'She said she was concerned that if she left Christopher Mills he would sell up everything they owned and she would have been left with nothing.'

The court heard Berry had messaged an Army supplies shop to ask for advice on how to 'blow up' a Mini Cooper S - the same car driven by Mr Mills.

Berry had also enquired about a gun suppresser and bullets while saying: 'I need to get rid of someone.'

He claimed that there had been two 'aborted' visits to the caravan on separate nights before the alleged attack took place.

After the failed attempt, Berry and Thomas fled the scene before being stopped by police and found with gasmasks containing filter canisters, as well as cable ties, pliers, cloths and a telescopic gun sight in their rucksacks.

There was also a fake 'suicide note' made to look like it was written by Mr Mills and addressed to his wife, whose nickname is 'Babs'.

The court heard Michelle Mills sent a message to Berry shortly after the raid telling him: 'Police have been called. Get away. Delete all contact on both phones. I love you.'

She told police in the aftermath of the incident she did not know the men and could not think of a reason why anybody would want to rob the couple.

The unfaithful wife later told officers her 'fantasist' lover Berry said he would 'make it look like suicide' before she printed out the bogus suicide note he sent her.

Mr Rees said: 'Michelle Mills said she had no input into the writing of the fake suicide letter.

'She accepted she printed off the letter but said she didn't read it. She then gave the letter to Geraint Berry.'

The court heard Michelle Mills told police: 'He (Berry) did mention about suicide and things you know, to make it look like Chris had committed suicide, but I thought it was all fantasy.'

Mr Rees said Michelle Mills told officers she had a sexual relationship with Berry but denied that she loved him and claimed she 'never thought she was encouraging him'.

Mr Rees said: 'She accepted there was a jealousy element to Geraint Berry that she was aware of but she didn't accept that she fed his jealousy.

'She denied that she was stoking the fire.'

The trial at Swansea Crown Court before Mr Justice Nicklin is expected to last three weeks.
NBC News has been accused of concealing the identity of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's attempted assassin.

The outlet tweeted on Friday that a 'woman who pleaded guilty' to the assassination attempt will now spend more than eight years behind bars.

The social media post, however, failed to acknowledge that Sophie Roske, whose legal name is Nicholas Roske, is a transgender woman - not a biological female.

Roske, who uses female pronouns and goes by Sophie, was charged by the Justice Department under her legal name.

Roske's identity was also factored into her sentencing, with the judge citing President Donald Trump's recent executive order requiring transgender inmates to be held in prisons that correspond with their sex at birth.

X users were quick to fact check NBC's post and even referenced one of the outlet's prior articles, which called Roske a 'man', as evidence that the tweet was inaccurate.

Commenters accused NBC of 'journalistic malpractice' and urged the outlet 'please start reporting accurately'.

One user even went as far as proposing a new headline for the story, writing: '"A man pretending to be a woman to get a lesser sentence". Fixed it for @NBCNews.'

Nicholas Roske (pictured at a gun shop in May 2022) arrived at Justice Kavanaugh's Maryland home with a pistol, knife, lock picking set, duct tape, hammer, crowbar and tactical gear

NBC News has now been accused of running cover to protect Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's attempted assassin. Pictured: Kavanaugh in 2018

NBC's tweet included a link to their article which featured a headline, similar to the wording in the social media post.

'Woman sentenced to 8 years for attempting to assassinate Brett Kavanaugh,' the headline read.

The article, which referred to Roske as a woman in its opening paragraph, did not clarify that she was a transgender woman until the fourth paragraph.

X users were apparently frustrated by the coverage and detailed their outrage in their replies to the post.

'Was a man. You're pathetic and should be ashamed of yourselves,' one replied.

'A woman? Which type of prison will HE be going to?' another wrote.

Some users even vowed to 'never watch another thing on NBC', while others alleged the article headline alone was the 'perfect example of why NBC can't be taken seriously'.

X users were quick to fact check NBC's post and even referenced one of the outlet's prior articles, which called Roske a 'man', as evidence that the tweet was inaccurate

The outlet covered the story in April this year and at that time identified Roske as male.

'Man who had gun and knife will plead guilty to trying to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh', the article headline read.

The coverage reflected NBC's report in June 2022, which was titled: 'Man with a gun outside Kavanaugh's home told 911, "I need psychiatric help."'

Roske flew from California to Virginia on June 8, 2022 and took a taxi to Kavanaugh's Maryland home in the middle of the night.

She was armed with a pistol, knife, lock picking set, duct tape, hammer, crowbar and tactical gear, with intent to harm the Supreme Court Justice.

But shortly after arriving to Kavanaugh's address, Roske called 911.

She reported being 'deeply mentally ill and suicidal' at the time and told police that she planned to kill Kavanaugh to give her own life a sense purpose.

Roske was allegedly motivated by leaked Supreme Court documents suggesting that Kavanaugh and other conservatives had plans to overturn the federal right to abortion. Roe v. Wade was overturned later that month.

Roske (pictured) pleaded guilty in April to attempting to kill Justice Kavanaugh

Roske was sentenced last week for attempting to murder the Supreme Court Justice.

The Department of Justice had hoped that Roske would face at least 30 years in prison, but Judge Deborah Boardman only sentenced her to eight years.

Boardman said that Roske's actions were 'reprehensible' and that she considered several factors in the sentencing including that the defendant 'confessed to and cooperated with police'.

The 29-year-old pleaded guilty in April to attempting to kill Kavanaugh in 2022.

Boardman said: 'I believe Ms. Roske understands that what she did was terribly wrong. I find her remorse sincere.'

Roske's attorneys clarified that while her legal name is still Nicholas, Roske uses female pronouns and goes by the name Sophie.

Boardman explained that she factored Roske's identity into her sentencing as well.

Appearing in court, Roske apologized to Kavanaugh for 'contributing to the fear judges experience as a result of doing their jobs'.

She said: 'I have been portrayed as a monster, and this tragic mistake I made will follow me for the rest of my life.'
The Daily Show's Jon Stewart has made his latest dig at the president, implying that Donald Trump is impotent following a health diagnosis in July.

On Monday night, Stewart defended the left's fight for Medicaid during the ongoing government shutdown and refuted House Speaker Mike Johnson's claims that the Democratic party were to blame for the shutdown.

Instead, Stewart pointed his finger toward the president and insinuated that he relished in decisions to 'inflict the pain' of a shutdown onto Americans and even that he derived sexual pleasure in doing so.

A clip of Johnson rolled, in which the House Speaker said that 'the president takes no pleasure in this,' referring to the shutdown.

'Bulls***,' Stewart declared as he began his tirade. 'The president takes no pleasure in this? The president takes only pleasure.'

'Given the president's vascular condition, this might be the only thing keeping him hard,' he joked, referencing Trump's chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis in July.

The late-show host argued that Trump had shown a history of reveling in taking revenge.

'His only reason for getting up in the morning is vengeance. Trump has been steamrolling over the Democrats and the law so consistently since day one of the presidency, the nation's pundits and legal experts are running out of ways to describe it,' he continued.

The Daily Show's Jon Stewart made his latest dig at the president after implying Donald Trump is impotent but deriving sexual pleasure from the chaos of the government shutdown

Stewart joked that the shutdown was 'the only thing keeping [Trump] hard' following the president's vascular condition diagnosis

A clip of Johnson rolled, in which the House Speaker said that 'the president takes no pleasure in this,' referring to the shutdown,' which Stewart called 'bulls***'

Stewart had earlier showed a post from Trump on TruthSocial in which the president wrote: 'I can't believe the Radical Left Democrats gave me this unprecedented opportunity.

'I have a meeting today with Russ Vought, he of PROJECT 2025 Fame, to determine which of the many Democrat Agencies, most of which are a political SCAM, he recommends to be cut, and whether or not those cuts will be temporary or permanent,' Trump wrote.

'I can't believe the Radical Left Democrats gave me this unprecedented opportunity. They are not stupid people, so maybe this is their way of wanting to, quietly and quickly, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'

Stewart, referencing many experts describing the shutdown as a 'trap,' said: 'Oh oh oh, so the trap is, if the Democrats shut down the government, Donald Trump takes advantage of the situation and begins to, I don't know, trim programs Democrats care about.

'Or maybe Donald Trump might let go of some federal workers, or Donald Trump might eliminate funding but only for Blue States, or Donald Trump might f***ing send in the National Guard but only into blue areas,' he continued.

'In other words, to continue doing all the s*** Trump has not needed any provocation or pretense or reason to already have been doing low these past - God, it feels like, f***ing 80 years.'

Stewart later further dug his heels in and said that 'Republicans won't be satisfied with 99.8 percent domination. They must have it all.'

'ICE went from deporting the worst of the worst to onto linoleum and zip-tying American children, and everyones just supposed to be cool with the new masked, incredibly well-funded paramilitary group,' he continued.

Stewart had earlier showed a post from Trump on TruthSocial in which the president wrote, 'I can't believe the Radical Left Democrats gave me this unprecedented opportunity'

The right hand of President Trump in attempts to cover bruising following his diagnosis with chronic venous insufficiency

The liberal host conceded that the Democrats have had very few wins within recent months, adding that he has recently given Democrats an 'enormous amount of s*** for their poor leadership.'

'Lack of specific and actionable plans, terrible messaging, abysmal word play. Did I mention poor leadership?,' he continued.

'But standing up for 75 million Americans in this moment to defend the rights of people to go into a little less medical debt? Seems like the least they can f***ing do.'

Stewart and Trump have had a history of petty internet wars, including a time when the comedian was dubbed 'a p***y' by the now-president in 2013.

While appearing on The Weekly Show podcast, Stewart was asked why he hadn't been targeted by the president like other late-night show hosts recently have.

The comedian said: 'There's a function of relevance. I don't think we are on the radar.'

He admitted to taking 'great pride' in Trump's tweet that said: 'Little Jon Stewart (?) Is a p***y, he would be hopeless in a debate with me!'

'It's absurd to even think about,' Stewart said.

Stewart said he hadn't been canceled like his fellow late night hosts because he isn't on the president's 'radar' Pictured (L to R): Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Jon Stewart on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Sens. John Thune and Chuck Schumer each made statements about the government shutdown on the Senate floor Monday as the chamber prepared for a fifth vote on dueling funding bills

Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer attempting negotiations in the Oval Office ahead of the government shutdown

The government shutdown remains in a standoff as it enters its seventh day, as the Democrats continue to fight for health care subsidiaries and Republicans continue to blame the left for the shutdown.

Democrats are conditioning their support for a short-term funding patch on extending the health subsidies that lessen the cost of plans offered under the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare.

'We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things,' Trump told reporters earlier on Monday. 'And I'm talking about good things with regard to healthcare.'

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said that claim 'is not true', but that if Trump will bargain on the issue, he's ready to talk.

'For months, Democrats have been calling on Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans to come to the table and work with us to deliver lower costs and better health care for the American people,' he told NBC News.

Negotiations between the two parties have been virtually nonexistent since the start of the shutdown despite the impact on federal services.

But Trump later followed up those comments on his social media site and said: 'The shutdown must end. And work on extending the enhanced tax credits for health insurance would take place separately.

'I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!' Trump wrote.

Republican Senate majority leader John Thune said a critical food aid program for women, infants and children was starting to run low on funds, blaming Democrats and saying 'now it's the American people who are suffering the consequences.'

Schumer said his side was ready to work with Republicans to 'reopen the government and end the health care crisis that faces tens of millions of Americans.'

'But it takes two sides to have a negotiation,' Schumer said.

Earlier in the day, the two sides dug in. House Speaker Mike Johnson said 'there's nothing for us to negotiate' while Jeffries declared the 'time is now' to work out a deal on health care.
This is the shocking moment two burglars used a stolen Mini to ram-raid a jewellery shop in broad daylight before police dogs found them hiding in a shed.

Matthew White, 30, and Benjamin Brazil, 38, stole the car before smashing it into the glass front of Brooklands Jewellers in West Byfleet, Surrey, as stunned onlookers watched.

Police said the pair had nicked the Mini hours earlier in nearby Addlestone, jumping into the vehicle while the owner was parked up with a friend.

White and Brazil threw open the back doors, climbed inside, and ordered the terrified occupants to get out. Fearing for their safety, the women fled as the thieves sped off.

Later that day, the same red Mini was caught on camera repeatedly reversing into the jewellery shop's windows before the crooks made off.

Officers gave chase and, after a pursuit in New Haw, found the car abandoned, prompting a search with police dogs.

Police Dog Vinnie and his handler quickly picked up a scent leading to a nearby shed, where both men were found hiding and arrested at gunpoint.

A second dog, PD Oakley, discovered a pillowcase stuffed with watches and jewellery hidden in the woods.

Matthew White, 30, and Benjamin Brazil, 38, stole the car before smashing it into the glass front of Brooklands Jewellers in West Byfleet

Matthew White, 30, was jailed for four years and eight months and banned from driving for three years after his release

Brazil of West Drayton, was handed four years and two months behind bars and an 18-month driving ban

White and Brazil were charged with burglary and theft of a motor vehicle. White also faced a count of dangerous driving, while Brazil was further charged with driving without due care and attention, no insurance, no licence, and vehicle interference.

Yesterday at Kingston Crown Court, White, of Addlestone, was jailed for four years and eight months and banned from driving for three years after his release.

Brazil, of West Drayton, was handed four years and two months behind bars and an 18-month driving ban.

Investigating officer DC Kerry Plumb said: 'White and Brazil are career criminals who acted with no regard for property that was not their own, stealing whatever they wanted, wreaking havoc along the way, and not stopping to think about the consequences of their actions.

'Fortunately, they now have plenty of time to reflect on this in prison.

'Officers with a variety of skills from across the force - ranging from dog handlers to investigations to traffic to armed response and uniformed response and neighbourhood officers - played a vital role in pulling this case together.

'Bringing these criminals to justice would not have been possible without this teamwork.

'I am also thankful for the many members of the public who came forward as witnesses.

'Their evidence helped us place White and Brazil - and the car they stole - at the scene of the ram raid in West Byfleet and was crucial in helping land them behind bars.'
A devoted couple who had been married for nearly 60 years chose to died together after deciding they could not live without each other, an inquest heard.

John Foulston, 86, and his wife Annabel, 85, were found dead at their home in Topsham, Exeter, in February last year.

Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Coroner's Court heard the couple were found deceased in their living room by family friends who they had asked to come round the previous day to sign some documents.

On entering the house, a note was pinned to an inner door asking them not to enter and to inform the local undertaker.

Mr Foulston, a retired biochemical engineer, and his wife, a former podiatrist, had left several notes and audio recordings outlining their intentions, the inquest was told.

The couple, who had married in 1967 and did not have children, had also cleared their home of some of their possessions.

Family friend Veronika Clayden said Mr Foulston had suffered a fractured hip the previous year and his wife had osteoporosis.

She said the couple 'would not be able to cope without the other' if they died and had clearly been planning their deaths for a long time.

A devoted couple who had been married for nearly 60 years chose to died together after deciding they could not live without each other, an inquest heard. Pictured: Plymouth Register and Coroners Court

'Since John's fall, they were both stressed about the future, but not depressed or anything like that,' Mrs Clayden said in a written statement read to the court.

'I think that they'd planned their deaths for a long time - it was like a military operation. They never mentioned anything about it to me beforehand.

'After their deaths, I found an envelope crammed full of assisted dying clippings from papers. They had obviously been looking at assisted dying for a number of years.'

Mrs Clayden said the couple had left a voice recording outlining their intentions.

She added: 'They did everything together. They made their decisions together. They didn't want to end up in worse health. One would not be able to cope without the other.'

A police investigation found there was no evidence of any third party involvement in the deaths of the couple.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Wilkes told the hearing the couple had left detailed instructions about their financial affairs following their deaths, and also a letter addressed to the coroner and a duty doctor.

Area coroner Alison Longhorn gave the cause of death for Mr and Mrs Foulston as asphyxiation and recorded conclusions of suicide.

She said that the couple had left letters stating they had decided to take their lives of their own free will after struggling with the absence of legal euthanasia in the UK.

The coroner added that, in the letter, the couple said they don't want to be considered as people who had taken their own lives by suicide, however she was legally obliged to record their deaths as such.

'Whilst I record the conclusion of suicide, I acknowledge that their wish that they would not want it to be seen as such, and had there been a legally and socially recognised and accepted euthanasia, they absolutely would have taken that route, and I don't doubt that for a moment,' she said.

For confidential support, Samaritans can be contacted for free on 116 123
Denmark said Tuesday it planned to introduce a social media ban for children under the age of 15.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen did not specify which social media networks would fall under the ban, nor how it would work in practice, as she announced the initiative in a speech to parliament at the opening of its autumn session.

The bill, the timeline of which remains unspecified, would authorise parents to let their child use social media from the age of 13.

'The cell phone and social media are robbing our children of their childhood,' Frederiksen said, arguing that 60 percent of Danish boys aged 11 to 19 preferred to stay home over spending time with friends.

Australia has been a leader in global efforts to prevent internet harm among young people.

In late 2024, its parliament adopted a ban on social media for under-16s, though there are still almost no details on how the measure would be enforced.

Platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube fall under the Australian ban's remit.

The move came despite concerns that the proposal was rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny and that Australia would be the first country to implement such a ban.

Denmark said Tuesday it planned to introduce a social media ban for children under the age of 15

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen did not specify which social media networks would fall under the ban, nor how it would work in practice

The laws raising the social media age limit are regarded as the strictest in the world.

Communications minister Michelle Rowland said the age limit would keep children and teenagers safe online.

'We know parents are concerned about the harms to children and we have taken a decision to support them,' she told parliament at the time.

'Keeping Australians safe online requires decisive action and the Albanese government is delivering exactly that.'

Prime Minister Albanese added: Social media is doing social harm to our children and I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs.

'Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them.'

Under the new laws, social media giants will face fines up to $50million if they fail to take 'reasonable steps' to keep children under the age of 16 away from their platforms.

There are no penalties for parents or children who break the age restrictions.

Messaging apps, online gaming services and 'services with the primary purpose of supporting the health and education of end-users' are not included in the ban.

YouTube has also been omitted.

And in June, Greece proposed setting an 'age of digital adulthood' across the 27-country European Union, meaning children would not be able to access social media without parental consent.
A Jewish organisation has called for the cancellation of a Bob Vylan gig in Manchester, saying a lack of response from the concert venue following last week's synagogue attack is 'utterly unforgiveable'.

The outspoken punk duo caused controversy in chanting 'death, death to the IDF' at the Glastonbury music festival in June, which was livestreamed by the BBC.

The corporation's director-general Tim Davie subsequently said the decision to broadcast the set live was 'a very significant mistake', and branded the performance 'antisemitic' and 'deeply disturbing'.

The duo is due to play at Manchester Academy on November 5.

The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) of Greater Manchester and Region had already demanded 'urgent action' last month on a performance it said would cause 'significant concern' in the community.

In an updated statement, published on Monday, the JRC said the performance - by an artist it deemed as having 'repeatedly engaged in rhetoric that crosses the line from legitimate political discourse into antisemitism and incitement' - must be cancelled.

The statement read: 'There is a vital distinction between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and speech that veers into antisemitism.'

The council said while freedom of expression must be protected, 'an artist who has consistently been condemned as hateful' should not be given such a platform.

A Jewish organisation has called for the cancellation of a Bob Vylan gig in Manchester (Pictured: Bobby Vylan of Bob Vylan crowdsurfs in front of the West Holts stage during day four of Glastonbury festival 2025 on June 28, 2025)

The JRC said the statement is supported by a number of the region's MPs including Labour's Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell, Paul Waugh for Rochdale and the Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, Tom Morrison.

The organisation, which said it had initially contacted the venue three weeks ago, described booking such an act 'at one of our city's most iconic venues' as 'shameful'.

The council, which describes itself as responsible for representing, protecting, uniting, defending and serving the local Jewish community, added: 'The fact we have not received a response, even after British Jews were murdered in cold blood is utterly unforgiveable.'

Last Thursday, knife-wielding terrorist Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, launched an attack - leaving two men dead at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester.

Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, both died in the attack, which unfolded on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council and Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central and the Labour Party deputy leadership candidate, have been approached for comment.

The University of Manchester directed media calls about the matter to the Students' Union.

The University of Manchester Students' Union, which manages the Manchester Academy venue, declined to comment on the JRC statement.
A man who fatally stabbed a teenage Syrian refugee in the neck told a court he 'just wanted to cut him so [he] could get away' and was aiming for his cheek.

Ahmad Al Ibrahim, 16, died after being stabbed by Alfie Franco, whose girlfriend he had brushed past on a crowded shopping street in Huddersfield on April 3.

Prosecutors told Leeds Crown Court that the 20-year-old appeared to 'have taken some petty exception' to Ahmad possibly making 'minor contact' with his girlfriend.

They added the 16-year-old the 'minor contact' occurred after Ahmad 'innocuously' walked past her.

During a trial on Tuesday, Franco said he stabbed the 16-year-old because he was 'scared something was going to happen' to him.

He told the court Ahmad was 'quite aggressive' during the altercation and 'kept going for his waist'.

Franco said he was in the town centre for a Jobcentre appointment and that his girlfriend then wanted to buy some eyelash glue.

Ahmad Mamdouh Al Ibrahim, 16, was fatally stabbed in the neck in Huddersfield on April 3

Al Ibrahim was stabbed in Ramsden Street, Huddersfield, after he 'innocuously' walked past Alfie Franco in April

Asked why he took the knife with him, he said he had the weapon because he had been in altercations and had 'heard things that happen in town.'

'I just wanted to have it with me... to keep me safe,' he told jurors.

CCTV was shown to the court showing him and his girlfriend walking and eating ice cream together minutes before the stabbing.

Following the clip, Franco said: 'I was feeling quite happy... The meeting at the Jobcentre went well.'

He said as the couple were walking around 'a lad' (Ahmad) turned around and looked at his girlfriend and at him before saying: 'Do you have a problem?'

Franco said he did not know what had happened but that the boy 'came off as aggressive' and assumed either he or his girlfriend had 'pissed him off'.

'I felt like something was going to happen. Usually when someone says that in that tone, they mean something,' he told the court.

'At the start I was a bit confused and as it kept going on I was a bit frightened. It escalated from there.'

Franco said Ahmad's friend tried to grab hold of him, but he 'shrugged his arm off'.

He told the court: 'He started walking towards me in quite a fast pace... I thought he was going to attack me.

'It was his body language. He kept going for his waist and was putting his hood over his face and it was intimidating to me. He was coming to do something.'

Asked how he responded, Franco said: 'I reacted... I stabbed him in the neck.'

He told the court he took the knife out of his waistband and extended his arm, but was aiming for Ahmad's cheek.

'I just wanted to cut him so I could get away. He was coming at me in that way, I just wanted it to stop.' he said.

Recalling when he was leaving the scene of the incident, Franco said he was 'not in a good state' before adding that he was 'frightened, confused' and 'feeling a lot of mixed emotions'.

Franco said he left the town centre and went home but decided to hand himself in at a police station 10 minutes later, telling the court: 'I just thought it was the only option.

'I had to hand myself in, it was the right thing to do.'

He said at that point he knew he had cut Ahmad but did not realise how serious his injury was, and 'thought it was just an altercation'.

The court heard Franco was born in Huddersfield but moved to South Africa with his family as a baby, returning at the age of 13.

He said South Africa was 'a beautiful place but it is quite dangerous', telling the court his family's home was burgled 'at least once or twice a week'.

He added that he had been mugged 'countless times' but never experienced violence because he always handed his possessions over.

Franco said when he returned to Huddersfield as a teenager he was bullied because of his accident and beaten up at school.

He told jurors he was stabbed in his hand when he was 17, and cut in the face during an incident last October.

After Ahmad's death, his family said he came to the UK after being injured in a bombing to live with his uncle and dreamed of becoming a doctor.

They said he wanted 'to heal others after all he had endured'.

They added: 'He chose to come to the UK because he believed in the values of human rights, safety, and dignity...

'He had just begun settling into his new life with his uncle, adjusting to a new language, a new home, and a future he was excited to build.

'Ahmad was kind, gentle, and carried so much promise. Losing him has left an unimaginable emptiness in our hearts.

'We never thought that the place he saw as a safe haven would be where his life would end.'

Franco denies murder but has admitted a charge of possessing a knife in a public place.

The trial continues.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been accused of sucking up to Donald Trump after praising the 'transformative president' at the White House today.

Carney met Trump seeking to ease US tariffs that are hitting Canada's economy - and his popularity at home.

The 60-year-old former Bank of England governor joked: 'I wore red for you', pointing to his tie as Trump greeted him outside the west wing. Trump often wears a red tie, although on this occasion he was wearing a blue one.

Inside the Oval Office, Carney turned up his charm offensive by listing off a number of the President's achievements.

'You are a transformative president,' Carney said. 'Transformation in the economy, unprecedented commitments of Nato partners to defense spending, peace from India-Pakistan through to Azerbaijan-Armenia, disabling Iran as a force of terror, and now...'

Trump cut him off: 'The merger of Canada and the United States'.

The joke sparked raucous laughter  and significant reaction online  as the President slapped the Canadian PM on the back.

'I regret to inform you that Mark Carney is kissing Trump's ass,' wrote left-wing commentator Aaron Rupar.

Donald Trump meets with Canada's Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House today

The President shares a laugh with the prime minister alongside US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Carney is making his second visit to the Oval Office since April, but unlike other US allies Canada has still not sealed a deal with Washington to take the edge off Trump's trade wars.

Trump appeared to offer Carney a vague reassurance when asked about the state of relations today.

He told reporters: 'Its a natural business conflict. Nothing wrong with it. And I think weve come a long way over the last few months, actually, in terms of that relationship.'

Trump has already imposed tariffs on lumber, aluminum, steel and automobiles. On Monday, he announced 25 percent tariffs on heavy trucks starting November 1.

For now, the vast majority of trade remains protected by the USMCA, a free-trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

But the agreement faces renegotiation soon, and Trump has already called for a revision that would favor US industries.

Carney entered politics less than a year ago but now faces growing criticism domestically, where he campaigned on his extensive crisis management experience.

A day earlier, when asked about Carney's visit, Trump said: 'I guess he's going to ask about tariffs, because a lot of companies from Canada are moving into the United States.'

The President has also recently repeated his desire to make Canada 'the 51st state', an issue that caused tensions before Carney's previous trip.

The Canadian government said that during the prime minister's 'working visit' he seeks to restore bilateral relations and discuss 'shared priorities in a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US.'

Canada has still not sealed a deal with Washington to take the edge off Trump's trade wars

The Canadian premier is under major pressure at home to seal a deal

The United States is Canada's main economic partner, with 75 percent of Canada's exports being sold across its southern border. Canada saw its GDP decline by 1.5 percent in the second quarter, adding to the economic pressure.

The Canadian premier is under major pressure at home to seal a deal.

'Mark Carney has no choice, he must return from Washington with progress,' said Daniel Beland, a political scientist at McGill University in Montreal, pointing to the steel and aluminum tariffs as key areas.

Carney faces particular criticism for making concessions while getting little in return.

At the end of June, Carney canceled a tax targeting American tech giants under pressure from Trump, who called it outrageous. He also lifted many of the tariffs imposed by the previous government.

'If you return with excuses, broken promises and photo ops, you will have failed our workers, our businesses and our country,' conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wrote in an open letter to Carney on Monday.

Carney faces risks, too, as he appears in the Oval Office.

The Canadian safely navigated his first appearance there six months ago, but Trump has previously savaged visiting foreign leaders in the gilded room including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.

'These meetings can easily go off track, and everything plays out publicly,' said Genevieve Tellier, a political scientist at the University of Ottawa.

Last week, Trump once again brought up the possibility of annexing Canada during a speech to US generals and admirals, referencing the country's potential participation in a new 'Golden Dome' missile shield.

'Canada called me a couple of weeks ago, they want to be part of it,' Trump claimed. 'To which I said, well, why don't you just join our country' and 'become the 51st state, and you get it for free.'
A teenager was killed 'in the blink of an eye' after being stabbed in the neck while watching a New Year's Eve fireworks display on Primrose Hill, a court has heard.

Harry Pitman, 16, died in front of revellers who had gathered to celebrate on December 31, 2023.

He was allegedly attacked by Areece Lloyd-Hall, now 18, who had brought a knife with him to the scene.

Jurors at the Old Bailey heard Harry and Lloyd-Hall were strangers to each other and had gone to Primrose Hill together with separate groups of friends.

Before the defendant arrived, Harry had chatted with a special constable who noted he 'physically bounced over' and seemed 'overall positive in his attitude towards police'.

But the fatal attack allegedly arose after Harry accidentally bumped into another boy while 'play-fighting' and practising high kicks.

Opening his Old Bailey retrial today, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC said: 'Every year, large numbers of members of the public gather on Primrose Hill to celebrate the turning of the new year.

'But on New Year's Eve, 31 December 2023, revelry turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye.

Harry Pitman, 16, (pictured) who was fatally stabbed in north-west London on New Year's Eve

Harry Pitman, 16, playfighting with friends when he accidentally bumped into another group of teenagers

Police officers conduct a fingertip search on Primrose Hill on New Year's Day

'Harry Pitman, aged 16, was stabbed once to the neck. He died almost immediately as a result of that single but deadly injury.'

When Harry's friend became involved in an altercation, Harry was seen on police body-worn video trying to calm him down, jurors heard.

He went on to engage in a friendly conversation with a man watching the fireworks and gave him a 'fist bump', the court was told.

But it was when he accidentally bumped into another boy that the confrontation arose.

Harry was said to have told the boy: 'Don't touch me because I didn't touch you.'

Ms Ledward showed jurors mobile phone video clips of the fast-paced events, saying the stabbing happened in the space of 20 seconds.

As Lloyd-Hall approached Harry, he was allegedly holding his trousers and saying 'wot wot wot wot wot'.

Amid the scuffle, Lloyd-Hall appeared to swing his right hand down on Harry's shoulder, the court was told.

Police officers conduct a search on Primrose Hill in Camden, north London, where the 16-year-old died

People take part in a vigil in Downhills Park in the West Green area of Haringey, London, for 16-year-old Harry Pitman

A knife glinted in the light and the sheaf flew off into the air, capturing the moment of the fatal stab wound.

Just before, a female voice was heard to shout 'mindi' - the Somali word for knife.

After being stabbed, Harry pushed his way out of the crowd towards police officers standing nearby, his T-shirt covered in blood.

Police and paramedics administered first aid but the bleeding from Harry's neck wound was 'catastrophic and proved fatal', Ms Ledward said.

Witnesses saw the boy who had stabbed Harry leave the park immediately, the court was told.

Lloyd-Hall, from Westminster, has denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Mr Justice Cavanagh told jurors in the retrial that Lloyd-Hall's defence would be that he thought the knife was covered by a sheath when he struck Harry and that he acted in self-defence or defence of others.

The retrial was adjourned until Wednesday.
When the storm around plans for a national digital identity card began to rage, I found myself unshaken.

As a rule, my hackles rise at the faintest whiff of government overreach but, despite the righteous outrage and compelling arguments of critics, I simply could not muster the energy to oppose the project.

Nor, for a while, could most people.

A survey conducted in June found that 53 per cent were in favour of digital ID cards for all Britons while just 19 per cent were opposed.

That public support has now collapsed.

After Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer set out more detailed plans for the scheme last month, what had once been considered a perfectly sensible and uncontroversial idea became a toxic one.

A survey conducted shortly after Sir Keir spoke found just 31 per cent of people were in favour of digital IDs and 45 per cent opposed.

Meanwhile, a petition in opposition to the plan has attracted more than 2.6million signatures.

It has been suggested this policy has fallen victim to the Prime Ministers reverse Midas touch and I suspect that may well be true.

Protesters gather to oppose the introduction of digital ID cards

The government is planning to roll out the 'Britcard' to all UK citizens

Amid rising public concern across the UK about illegal immigration and its impact, the idea of digital IDs which would be used to prove a persons right to live and work in the UK was initially a hit with voters.

It would appear that its association with a desperately unpopular government has turned people against the idea.

Despite my natural scepticism about all innovations announced by all governments, when the idea of digital IDs was first floated, I thought it nothing more than a useful piece of admin rather than any kind of intrusion.

I am, after all, already in possession of three separate government-issued IDs  a passport, a driving licence, and a National Insurance card  and they have caused me no problems.

Beyond identifiers such as those, there exist medical and dental records, unique to us all.

The police can tell, at the stroke of a few keys, which of us should be permitted to carry out certain jobs.

The Government knows just about everything there is to know about us.

And, of course, its not just the Government that holds swathes of information about us.

Loyalty cards tell supermarkets what to sell us, allowing them to tailor offers to the individual shopper.

Many of us gladly waive our privacy in return for half price Wagon Wheels from Tesco.

Social media giants such as X and Meta know as much as we tell them about ourselves. And Google knows everything.

The case  once supported by voters  for digital IDs is straightforward enough: they will prove a persons right to live and work in the UK.

Each of us will  if we wish to be able to prove these rights  have to download an app to our smartphones which will then hold information such as residency status, name, date of birth and nationality.

A photograph will also be stored. (Im not sure what those who dont own a smartphone are to do. My advice, in the first instance, would be to fax yourself your details.)

The SNP has already decided to play no serious part in discussions about the rights and wrongs of digital IDs. When the idea was being debated last month, First Minister John Swinney spouted nonsense about Brit Cards which proved the Prime Minister was attempting to force every Scot to declare ourselves British.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Douglas Alexander, replied that not only would the digital ID not be known as a Brit Card, it wouldnt even be a card but none of that mattered when there were cheap points for the SNP to score.

Mr Alexander likened the planned ID  similar to schemes which are already in operation in Australia, Estonia, and Denmark  to a digital payment card or boarding pass.

While Mr Swinney saw the issue as one ripe for exploitation along constitutional lines (when did he ever not?), the Scottish Conservatives said the plans were flawed and would lead to state control, a straightforward violation of the fundamental right to privacy.

Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, while opposing Labours plans, pointed out Mr Swinneys hypocrisy on the matter.

The First Minister, said Mr Fraser, had been the architect of the much despised and eventually scrapped named person scheme, which sought to appoint an SNP government- approved state guardian to every child in Scotland.

Furthermore, Mr Swinney had been Nicola Sturgeons loyal deputy when she had, as First Minister in 2021, proposed a Scottish digital ID scheme.

This is an issue vulnerable to exploitation by conspiracists and that, I think, is why I was initially reluctant to get worked about it.

Im a cock-up over conspiracy sort and I found warnings about how the Government might exploit our data rather shrill.

What precisely would the authorities know that they dont already?

And, while Im at it, what has anyone opposed to this measure got to hide?

I began to catch a grip of myself.

First, there was that now abolished named person legislation. I had been absolutely horrified by the SNPs decision to appoint state guardians for every child in the country.

So long as no laws were being broken, it was none of the governments business how any of us were raising our children.

I look now at the way gender ideology had permeated the public sector and thank goodness the state guardian law was scrapped when it was.

How could I have been opposed to the state holding all sorts of intimate details about families and not be opposed, in principle, to the same data hoarding when it came to individuals?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced opposition from across the political spectrum overhis plans for digital ID

It is not so much that I do not trust the state but that I have little confidence in the competence of those empowered to carry out that which the state deems necessary.

The more I thought of Sir Keir Starmer explaining how the process would be safe and straightforward, the less certain I felt.

I thought of postmasters told to trust the technology and then jailed when it  and the human beings charged with overseeing its use failed, catastrophically.

I thought of the simple computer says no glitches that punctuate each and every day.

I thought of the incompetence of our leaders at both Holyrood and Westminster.

And, before long, my opposition to digital ID cards was complete and unshakeable.
Mask-wearing pro-Palestine protestors shut down London's Tower Bridge on Tuesday as they chanted 'from the river to the sea'.

People waved Palestinian flags and set off flares as they blocked traffic before a static protest near the PM's residence.

They chanted 'Zionism, terrorism' and 'get your hands off Palestine' as Scotland Yard imposed Public Order Act restrictions and ordered the demonstration to end at 8pm.

The protest in the capital has been organised by pro-Palestine group Intifada 87, who have planned to protest outside the BBC's headquarters before heading to Downing Street.

Some 50 protestors were flanked by police officers as they marched silently down Regent Street and through Trafalgar Square, with one holding a candle.

One member of the group reportedly said they were staying silent out of respect 'for the martyrs'.

They chanted 'from the river to the sea' and 'Bella ciao' when outside the gates to Downing Street, and pledged to return on Wednesday for another silent protest.

It comes after scores of students defied Sir Keir Starmer's pleas to call off protests on the second anniversary of Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel.

A speaker at a march in London said student protestors 'will not be intimidated by the state' after the Prime Minister criticised pro-Palestine demonstrations planned for October 7.

Speaking to more than 100 protesters gathered near SOAS University in Bloomsbury, expelled student Haya Adam said: 'Keir Starmer has urged students not to protest today but we are here today.

'We have successfully marched all the way from KCL to SOAS. We will not be intimidated by the state or afraid by their oppression.'

Ms Adam, who previously studied international relations and law at SOAS, added that the Prime Minister and the Labour Government were funding destruction in Gaza.

'It's our responsibility to march today because it's been over two years, two years and 77 years of an ongoing nakba, of continuous forced starvation, massacres against our Palestinian brothers and sisters,' she said.

Pro-Palestine protestors shut down London's Tower Bridge as they chanted 'from the river to the sea' ahead of a Downing Street march on Tuesday

They chanted 'Zionism, terrorism' and 'get your hands off Palestine' as Scotland Yard imposed Public Order Act restrictions and ordered the demonstration to end at 8pm

People waved Palestinian flags and set off flares as they blocked traffic before a static protest near the PM's residence

A protestor, who wanted to remain anonymous, compared the October 7 attack to a prison break while speaking outside SOAS.

He told The Telegraph: 'Oct 7 was a prison break, morally speaking. They have been oppressed for so long.

'They have been hounded, corralled, pushed into the Gaza Strip and not allowed to escape from the prison, so in a sense it was a prison break.'

He continued to add that Palestinians had been 'robbed of [their] dignity, of basic human rights'.

Describing is as 'basic psychology', before adding 'What do you expect people to do?'

The demonstrations have been condemned by The Holocaust Education Trust who have accused protestors of 'glorifying terrorists'.

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Trust said: 'To demonstrate today of all days, with some of the inflammatory language heard on campuses glorifying terrorists, says everything you need to know about these protests.'

There were counter-protests as pro-Palestine demonstrators went through Holborn as four people waved Israeli flags.

Describing the rally as 'unacceptable', Emily Schrader, 34, said: 'I find it incredibly insensitive that they're protesting on October 7 of all days.

'On this day, the Hamas terrorist organisation invaded Israel's sovereign borders, invaded civilian homes and murdered 378 people at a music festival.

'If you're protesting today, it's not a message of support for Palestinians, but of support for Hamas.'

Police later swarmed around a man wearing a t-shirt that read 'Save Gaza from Hamas' as he approached protestors.

The man asked one protester: 'How would you feel if your wife was butchered at the Nova music festival while your baby was cooked in the oven?

The protester said: 'I would have great compassion for that.'

There was no violence or aggression on either side.

In Manchester, 500 pro-Palestine protestors marched through the city chanting anti-Semitic slogans.

The anti-Israel campaigners marched through the 'Curry Mile' shouting 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' through megaphones.

Meanwhile, scores of people demonstrated outside Sheffield University's students' union where they chanted: 'From river to the sea, Palestine will be free.'

The song, which has been adopted by Hamas and is used in the terror group's official charter, is deemed anti-Semitic and a direct call for the state of Israel to be destroyed.

Hundreds of pro-Palestine students have defied Sir Keir Starmer's pleas to call off a protest on the second anniversary of Hamas's October 7 attacks on Israel

Demonstrators at King's College take part in a pro-Palestinian student march in London

Pro-Palestine students march outside University College London

Protesters from a number of London universities attend a pro-Palestine demonstration on October 7, 2025 in London

Around 150 protestors converged outside the main entrance to the University of Leeds chanting 'Israel is a terror state' and 'Keir Starmer, shame, shame'

The Palestinian flag-waving students also accused Israel of a 'holocaust' and shouted: 'Your uni is covered in Palestinian blood'.

Similar chants were heard in London as hundreds more students - many wearing facemasks - rallied in defiance of pleas from Jewish leaders and top politicians to 'pause' displays and 'show some humanity'.

While one group of demonstrators was seen storming Queen Mary University's building to disrupt an event supported by British defence giant, BAE Systems, with one woman hysterically screaming: 'Get out of here. How dare you.'

The campaign of disruption comes as a woman in London, who sparked outrage after being filmed cutting down yellow ribbons for Israeli hostages from a fence, was today unmasked.

Nadia Yahlom, who lives in north London, used scissors to brazenly snip the memorial bands tied to railings by the Jewish community to honour of the 251 people taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Ms Yahlom declared the tributes - which were put up on the eve of the second anniversary of the attacks - were 'condoning genocide'.

The yellow ribbon is the symbol of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign for those who have been held captive by Hamas terrorists and kept against their will in Gaza.

Ms Yahlom, whose identity was until now unknown, is a pro-Palestine artist whose work focuses on 'hauntedness and supernatural life' in the war-torn state.

She studied at the University of Cambridge and Goldsmiths before embarking on an Arts PhD at the University of Westminster. Her husband is a Palestinian actor.

Police are now investigating whether her actions constituted an act of criminal damage or a hate crime.

The news comes as hordes of students across the country defied warnings from Prime Minister Keir Starmer to stay away from 'un-British' protests on the second anniversary of the attacks which claimed the lives of around 1,200 people in Israel.

Nadia Yahlom, who lives in north London, used scissors to brazenly snip the memorial bands that the Jewish community had tied to railings in honour of the 251 people taken hostage by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023

The woman was seen cutting down ribbons for Israeli hostages from a fence in Muswell Hill, North London

Pro-Palestine activists have sparked outraged after rallying in their hundreds on the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks (pictured are students holding a 'glory to our martyrs' banner at Glasgow University

Hundreds of students have marched in London (pictured) in defiance of pleas to postpone their demonstrations until after the October 7 anniversary

Around 100 people demonstrated outside Sheffield University's students' union where they changed: 'From river to the sea, Palestine will be free.'

What does 'From the River to the Sea' mean? The song 'From the River to the Sea' is protest chant sung by supporters of Palestine. In English the full lyrics are 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free', a reference to the land between the Jordan River which borders eastern Israel and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. The chant has become a battle cry in recent months, commonly heard at pro-Palestine rallies in Britain and across the West. Many Jewish people see the song as a call for genocide and the abolition of the Israeli state. The Anti-Defamation League says it is 'fundamentally a call for a Palestinian state extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, territory that includes the State of Israel, which would mean the dismantling of the Jewish state'. It adds: 'It is an antisemitic charge denying the Jewish right to self-determination, including through the removal of Jews from their ancestral homeland.' However, supporters of Palestine say the chant is a call for peace and equality, and an end to the Israeli dominance over the territories of Gaza and the West Bank. They argue it is a cry for Palestinian people to be able to live free and equally across the whole region that used to be known as British Palestine, not to dominate the region. Advertisement

One organiser of Sheffield's took aim at the PM after Sir Keir branded activists 'un-British', defiantly saying: 'To be honest, I don't care what a war criminal says... Keir Starmer is a war criminal, so his opinion means very little to me.'

Of the more than a dozen protests meant to be held at universities - including Glasgow, Edinburgh and London - to mark the anniversary, themes include events to 'honour our martyrs' and celebrate 'two years of resistance'.

Others have advertised their marches with the phrase 'long live the intifada' - an anti-Semitic term used as a rallying cry to violently overthrow the Jewish state.

However, as outrage grew over the movement, some events have been axed.

In Liverpool, a 'Palestine bake sale' was forced to cancel last minute over furious backlash to the event.

One woman, who did not want to be named for fear of her safety, said: 'I know that Jewish students at the university are very distressed by this.

'It has made them feel unwelcome and unsafe. The event was posted on their Instagram on Friday - the day after Manchester's attack.'

Another protest at Strathclyde University in Glasgow had also been planned, where students were urged to 'grab your flag and keffiyeh' and attend a 'Protest 4 Palestine'. However, this event has also been postponed amid mounting fury over the rally.

Writing in The Times, Sir Keir said: 'Today, on the anniversary of the atrocities of October 7, students are once again planning protests.

'This is not who we are as a country. It's un-British to have so little respect for others. And that's before some of them decide to start chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again.'

He added the pro-Palestine protests have been used by some as a 'despicable excuse to attack British Jews'.

However, one of the organisers of a protest in Sheffield, Anton Parocki, of the Revolutionary Communist Party, rejected the PM's claim that holding pro-Palestinian rallies on October 7 was 'un-British'.

Mr Parocki defiantly said: 'I think it's quite funny. What does that mean?

'Are all these people here anti-British? Are all the millions of people that come out for Palestinian protests anti-British?

'Is it anti-British to go against a genocide? That seems like what he's saying, which is quite funny.'

He added: 'But, to be honest, I don't care what a war criminal says.

'Keir Starmer is a war criminal, so his opinion means very little to me.

'He says it's insensitive. You know what I think is insensitive? Is that there's been two years of genocide.

'That's way worse, with the British Government supporting it.'

Students in London taking part in the 'inter university' march depart Kings College London before passing the London School of Economics, University College London

More students in London were pictured during their protest on Tuesday afternoon

Glasgow: Activists holding banners saying 'glory to our martyrs' rallied near the city's university library

In Sheffield, students supporting the pro-Palestine movement were also seen gathering

Masked students outside King's College, London, were seem carrying banners saying 'bank rolling genocide' and 'apartheid off campus'

In London, dozens of students have rallied as part of a major city-wide Inter-University March

Demonstrators gathered outside King's College University in The Strand for the protest.

Crowds, many of whom were wearing masks or face coverings, were reportedly heard shouting 'From the river to the sea' and 'long live the intifada'.

A student in keffiyah kick-started the event, chanting: 'KCL, shut it down, UK government, shut it down.'

A banner was also unfurled at KCL in an effort to block people from entering the university building.

Starting at King's College, the march is set to weave its way through London, picking up protesters at London School of Economics, University College London, and School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

The protest is being led by former law student Haya Adam, who was expelled from SOAS in Holborn, London, in August.

She and her activist mother, Azza Ahmed Zaki, have both involved in the university's anti-Israel encampment which has been running for more than a year.

The second-year law and international relations student was allegedly expelled for harassment, abusive behaviour and operational obstruction.

The protest is being led by former law student Haya Adam, who was expelled from SOAS in Holborn, London, in August. Pictured are students carrying a sign supporting Haya

Large crowds of students were seen gathering in defiance of calls by the PM not to stage pro-Palestine rallies on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel in 2023

Chants of 'free free Palestine' have been heard during some of the marches (pictured are student activists outside King's College in London)

Later, protesters appeared to march together as a group through the streets of London

The protest comes on the same day the Jewish community mourns the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, in which 1,200 were killed

Her family are political refugees originally from Egypt and, according to Companies House records, they now live in an apartment in Paddington, West London, a stone's throw from Kensington Palace.

In a video posted on Instagram following her expulsion, Adam alleged that SOAS had set a 'dangerous precedent'.

'For the first time in a UK university they have expelled a student in the midst of their studies for standing up against a live-streamed genocide,' she claimed.

Adam added she had chosen to attend SOAS because she believed 'this was a decolonial institution... I believed that I would get an anti-colonial education whilst having a space where I could speak up against injustice'.

Branding the university 'a tool of empire and imperialism' she insisted she would 'continue to fight for our Palestinian brothers and sisters by any means necessary'.

Four counter-protesters waved Israeli flags as the protest went through Holborn.

Emily Schrader, 34, described the rally as 'unacceptable'.

'I'm an Israeli, I'm here visiting,' she said. 'I came to be with the community during the holidays. Unfortunately, I'm spending my time here advocating for our 48 remaining hostages in Gaza.

'I find it incredibly insensitive that they're protesting on October 7 of all days.

'On this day, the Hamas terrorist organisation invaded Israel's sovereign borders, invaded civilian homes and murdered 378 people at a music festival.

'If you're protesting today, it's not a message of support for Palestinians, but of support for Hamas.'

Elsewhere in the capital, locals have condemned a 'vile' and 'disgusting' march by pro-Palestine supporters.

Hundreds carrying Palestine flags and many in face coverings also attended the demo at the Queen Mary University in east London.

The rally, called 'Two Years of Genocide, Two Years of Resistance', also saw students chanting 'free free Palestine' and 'Israel is a terror state'.

Pictured is one of the posters advertising the cake sale, which has since been postponed

Students at the rally outside King's College London appeared to attempt to block one of the entrances to the university building, with staff seen trying to remove it

Protests wave Palestinian flags outside King's College London on Friday

Provocative signs were also held by some activists, with one reading 'Zionism off campus' and another 'QMUL to Gaza, Globalise the Intifada'.

Other chants include: 'Occupation occupation no more.'

They are being made through a loudspeaker and there is also one student playing the drums.

One student condemned the march, telling the Daily Mail: 'I really don't agree with it. It's terrible.

'Everyone has a right to protest, but today? It doesn't feel right to me.'

One local said: 'It's vile. It's disgusting. I can hear the chanting. Can't they have some respect?

'It's no wonder the Jewish community are terrified. The university is a disgrace for allowing this to happen.'

A huge ring of steel of security has been placed around the university, which some students have described as 'completely unprecedented'.

Footage from social media has shown the moment some demonstrators stormed a building in Queen Mary University during an event supported by British defence giant, BAE Systems.

One hysterical woman, wearing a face mask, was filmed screeching: 'Get out of here. How dare you come with that... and think you will be welcome. Shame on you.'

The son of a Holocaust survivor has since thrown his weight behind activists - as he accused the government of 'slandering' students protesting against the war in Gaza.

Some students, wearing face coverings and masks, were seen using a megaphone to chant

Mark Etkind, who is in his early 60s and joined a protest marching between several London universities on Tuesday, said: 'Students today have been protesting against the Gaza genocide, two years since October 7 - the appalling massacre, and in the media and, in fact, the Government itself Starmer has slandered these students, saying they're somehow being insensitive to the suffering of October 7, or indeed to ... the terrible crime in Manchester that happened last week, while ignoring the obvious fact that their priority is to oppose the genocide now, to oppose the ongoing conflict which Britain unfortunately is complicit in because we are still sending weapons to Israel.'

Mr Etkind, from Watford, added: 'The priority for me, as the son of a Holocaust survivor, is not just to mourn people who've already died, no matter how important that is - it's stop the killing now.'

The Metropolitan Police has rolled out a series of measures to prevent pro-Palestine group 'Intifada 87' from gathering in parts of the city.

The organisation is planning a rally outside the BBC's offices before heading to Downing Street at 5.30pm for a static protest..

A large area of central London, from Oxford Circus, north through Marylebone, to Great Portland Street, is off limits to the group, police said, as part of an effort to prevent 'disruption to the community'.

A glum-looking protester was pictured holding a 'free Palestine' plaque in Glasgow

More than a dozen people appeared to rally in Glasgow, Scotland, carrying flags and posters

However, a number of rallies were due to happen nationwide but some have been axed last minute due to widespread outrage at their timing.

A march failed to take place at University of Bristol - as no protesters gathered outside the building grounds.

Bristol Socialist Worker Student Group planned to hold a rally titled 'end the genocide' at the Wills Memorial - outside the largest library on campus.

The event has since been deleted from their Instagram account.

Set to take place at 12pm, three police officers were standing next to the university grounds awaiting for the protest to take place.

However, after one hour waiting, press and police started walking off as the protesters failed to appear.

Curious passers-by would ask journalists what was set to happen, but no Palestinian flags were flagged outside the university grounds.

It comes after Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson warned students to 'pause' their protests and 'show some humanity'.

'There is, of course, within our country the fundamental right to protest. It's a cornerstone of our democracy,' she told Sky News.

'But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.

'So my message is that whilst you might have the right to protest, I would urge people to show some humanity, to show some respect and to understand the deep sense of grief and loss that many Jewish people in our country will be experiencing today.'

In London a small number of counter-protesters were seen outside King's College

Hundreds are thought to have joined demonstrations nationwide (pictured are students taking part in one protest in London on Friday)

Hundreds of students and staff at Edinburgh University gathered for a pro-Palestinian protest in the Scottish capital.

Many were seen carrying flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans as they massed outside the university's main library in George Square.

They were addressed by speakers, including from a number of student organisations, and were led in English and Arabic chants to the sound of drums.

Participants shouted the word 'shame' and cheered at intervals as the speakers called for an end to the ongoing conflict, and for the university to divest of investments in companies they said are producing weapons being used in the conflict.

They also criticised calls from the PM and the university management not to take part in the protest.

The demonstrators then marched through Bristow Square and on to the university's Old College, where further speeches and chants are taking place.

Commenting on demonstrations taking place at universities across the country, Tory shadow education secretary Laura Trott said: 'The idea that anybody can celebrate what happened on 7 October is utterly abhorrent. It's disgusting and has no place in our universities.'

Speaking at a Conservative conference fringe event, Ms Trott added that 'police and universities need to be extremely hard on this'.

'We need to show who we are as a society, this is the least British thing and it needs to be stopped,' she continued.

The marches comes less than a week after two men were killed in a terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester.

Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, killed Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, in the attack which unfolded on Yom Kippur, the most holy day in the Jewish calendar.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has pledged to put 'every available resource into making sure that we understand precisely what has happened'.

Sir Keir said: 'Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023.

Posters marking one event at Queen Mary University in London have appeared on buildings around the campus and on social media

'Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The brutal, cold-blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today.

'Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare. When I spoke with some of the families of the British hostages, I promised them in person that we will not cease in our efforts to bring their loved ones home.

'But back here in the UK, our Jewish communities have also endured rising antisemitism on our streets, in our country. And last week, a horrifying terrorist attack on the holy day of Yom Kippur in Manchester.

'This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.

'Our priority in the Middle East remains the same - release the hostages. Surge aid into Gaza. And a ceasefire that can lead to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a two-state solution. A safe and secure Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian state.

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'We welcome the US initiative towards peace in the Middle East, and this Government will do everything in our power to bring about the day where every child of Israel can live peacefully, alongside their Palestinian neighbours, in safety and security.'

The Prime Minister has been criticised for his decision to recognise a Palestinian state, with some Jewish leaders and Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage accusing Starmer of 'emboldening protesters' with his actions.

Thousands of people attended an event in Trafalgar Square in central London on Sunday to mark the two-year anniversary.

Pro-Palestine protests also took place in the same location, with almost 500 people arrested for allegedly expressing support for the banned terror group, Palestine Action, over the weekend.

And on Thursday, hundreds of other activists held protests in London and Manchester - just hours after the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue terror attack rocked the nation's Jewish community.

Britain's Jewish leaders, as well as university chiefs and senior politicians, have now voiced their repulsion at the timing of tomorrow's planned demonstrations.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said it was 'disgusted by reports of recent hate-filled protests on university campuses'.

'In the wake of the terror attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation it is clear we need fundamental change of mindset to drive out anti-Jewish incitement at all levels of our society, including from our universities,' a spokesman added.

Keith Black, chairman of Jewish Leadership Council, was also sickened by the scheduled events on the anniversary of Hamas's massacre in Israel.

'Protesting on campuses on October 7 is a disgraceful and deeply upsetting strategy to cause maximum pain to Jewish students,' Mr Black said.

'The content of these demonstrations is likely to be anti-Semitic and incite violence. For those involved to claim any kind of moral authority is a lie, these protests are driven by hate.'

At Queen Mary University in London, organisers are planning a rally dubbed: 'Two Years of Genocide, Two Years of Resistance'.

Students at Goldsmiths, University of London, are also gearing up for an event, advertised as a 'night of remembrance and resistance'.

At nearby King's College in London, students have been invited to a talk entitled: 'Why It Didn't Start On October 7th'.

University students outside King's College in London on Friday are seen carrying banners

A student protesting at the University of Sheffield on Tuesday

'Wear your keffiyeh, bring your voice, and join us as we demand divestment from Israel and justice for Palestine,' one post advertising the rally on Facebook said.

It later adds 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free' - a chant critics have branded anti-Semitic, because it implies the destruction of the state of Israel.

In Birmingham, protesters staged a vigil for Palestine to 'honour our martyrs', with posts for the event saying: 'Two years of genocide, 100 years of resistance'.

Youth Front For Palestine raised over 10 Palestinian flags as well as a banner which read: 'Glory to our martyrs and the Palestinian resistance.'

Several candles were lit near Brindley Place Bridge in the city centre, while flowers were also placed on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

The group said via Instagram: 'Join us to reflect, remember and honour our glorious Palestinian martyrs and the resolute resistance.

'After 100 years of struggle and two years of Zionist genocide, it is not the time to dissolve our faith and insult the steadfastness of the Palestinian people or to ignore the global resistance efforts.'

At the University of Leicester, activists were expected to rally inside the institution's David Wilson Library. In Nottingham, a protest is due to take place at 5pm in Old Market Square to mark 'two years of resistance' and to 'honour our martyrs'.

Around 150 protesters converged outside the main entrance of the University of Leeds after declaring 'long live the intifada' - a call to violently overthrow the Jewish state.

They chanted: Israel is a terror state and Keir Starmer, shame, shame to the beat of a drum.

Among them was Uzma Bashir, 55, who denounced the prime minister's claim she was 'un-British' by protesting on October 7.

The entrepreneur, from Leeds, said: I don't care what day it is - you don't get to kill and murder people.

We will do it [protest] every single day until Palestine is free.

Nearby, a smaller group of Jewish counter-protesters were drowned out by cries of intifada and resistance is justified.

Waving an Israeli flag, Jane Kirk, 50, of Stop The Hate Leeds, said of the demonstration: It's appalling.

To have this on the anniversary of October 7 shows a complete lack of respect for Jewish people. To say un-British is an understatement. It's a complete lack of humanity.

Around 40 police officers watched on as pro-Palestine protesters waved flags on the steps of the Art Deco Parkinson building.

A Jewish group have since lashed out at the protests, which they branded 'disgusting' and 'deeply offensive' to those mourning the loss of relatives in Israel.

Isaac Zarfati, executive director of StandWithUs UK, said Jewish students have been subjected to 'vile' levels of 'Jew hate, intimidation, ostracisation, and even violent assault' over the past two years and condemned today's rallies.

Mr Zarfati warned a recent report conducted by StandWithUS UK, showed Jewish students in Britain now faced 'terrifying levels of racism... day in, day out and it shows no sign of abating even following the terrible events in Manchester'.

'The deliberate scheduling of 'resistance' events on the anniversary of Hamas's October 7 terror atrocities is particularly grotesque,' he added.

He called on the PM and education secretary to 'get a grip of rampant anti-Semitism and extremism' now seemingly raging across university campuses.

Pictured is a poster for one of the pro-Palestine marches on October 7 in Glasgow dubbed 'disgusting' by Jewish leaders in Britain

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the pro-Palestine demonstrations showed 'the same hatred that fuelled (the October 7 attacks) still festers today'.

'Israel, the world's only Jewish state, has faced hatred, war and terror since the day it was founded. And yet, it has stood strong. A beacon of democracy and resilience in the Middle East,' she said.

'But two years on from the horrific massacre on October 7, we must also be honest: the same hatred that fuelled those barbaric attacks still festers today.

'We see it in the so-called 'protests' that turn into hate marches on our streets. We hear it in chants calling to 'globalise the intifada'. And we saw it again, tragically, in the appalling terrorist attack on our Jewish community right here in Manchester just last week.'

She added: 'It is shameful that in recognising Palestine as a state, the Government has rewarded the terrorists that perpetrated the 7th October atrocities.

'Appeasement does not work. There are still 48 hostages held captive in Gaza. They must come home now.'

Earlier, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pleaded with students thinking of joining pro-Palestinian protests to 'pause' and 'show some humanity'.

Ms Phillipson told Sky News: 'There is, of course, within our country the fundamental right to protest. It's a cornerstone of our democracy.

'But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.

'So my message is that whilst you might have the right to protest, I would urge people to show some humanity, to show some respect and to understand the deep sense of grief and loss that many Jewish people in our country will be experiencing today.'

However, shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick branded the marches and students taking part in them 'a f****** disgrace'.

He told a fringe event at the Tory party conference: 'I heard today that there are protests being scheduled in universities for October the 7th - that's a f****** disgrace.

'I would say first and foremost to people, our fellow citizens who are thinking of doing that, show some common decency.'

If organisers refuse to call off such protests then a change in the law to consider the 'cumulative impact' should be considered, he said, noting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has already taken steps towards this.

Ms Mahmood said repeated large-scale protests had caused 'considerable fear' for the Jewish community, as she pledged to give police greater powers to restrict protests.

The Government will amend Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 to explicitly allow the police to take account of the cumulative impact of frequent protests on local areas in order to impose conditions on public processions and assemblies.

The Home Secretary will also review existing legislation to ensure powers are sufficient and are being applied consistently by police forces - this will include powers to ban protests outright.
China as been handed 'carte blanche' to spy on Britain, ministers were warned last night.

This country's most senior prosecutor sensationally blamed Labour's national security advisers yesterday for the failure of a case against two men accused of spying for Beijing.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson revealed the case collapsed just as it was about to go to trial after the government's advisers refused, despite being pressed for more than a year, to declare that China represented an 'active threat'.

Critics said that without such a designation, no spies would ever be prosecuted, opening the door for agents of the ruling Communist Party to act with impunity.

In a letter which has deepened the war of words in Whitehall over the scandal, Mr Parkinson, the head of the CPS, said he still stands by the decision, in April 2024, to charge former parliamentary aide Chris Cash, 30, with passing secrets to Beijing along with 33-year-old British teacher Christopher Berry.

He revealed that the Crown Prosecution Service had spent more than a year trying to get key evidence that the accused pair were spying for an 'enemy', but prosecutors were rebuffed by officials who, as Labour look for closer relations with Beijing, refused to say China represented a threat to the UK's national security.

Last night, Shadow Security Minister Alicia Kearns, who has been told by the CPS that she was 'targeted' by China as part of the case  and with whom Mr Cash previously worked  said: 'It looks like this Labour Government is so desperate to appease China to get some sort of deal across the line that they refused to provide vital evidence to the CPS that China represented a threat to the UK's national security.

'It's effectively handing carte blanche to China to spy on Britain without fear of repercussions, because it shows that no one in Government was willing to say that China poses a threat  not even that China is an enemy state, just that it poses a threat of any sort.'

CPS chief Stephen Parkinson has sensationally revealed that the China spy case collapsed after the Government's national security adviser refused to provide crucial evidence that China represented an 'active threat'

Downing Street has confirmed that National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell will appear before senior MPs and peers to answer questions about the scandal

When they were charged under the Official Secrets Act 1911, Mr Cash and Mr Berry were accused of collecting and passing information that would be 'directly or indirectly useful to an enemy'.

Just weeks later, a High Court ruling on a similar Bulgarian spy case effectively set the bar for prosecution when judges ruled that spying must constitute an active threat to national security.

Following that judgement, Mr Parkinson sought additional evidence from national security advisers in Whitehall to fortify the case against Mr Cash and Mr Berry.

But he had to pull the plug last month after prosecutors were strung along for months with the promise of further witness statements to resolve the issue, only for them to never materialise.

When the case was dropped at the Old Bailey last month, Henry Blaxland KC, representing Mr Cash, said his client was 'entirely innocent'.

Mr Berry had also denied the allegations and said he did not understand why the case was brought.

It can now be revealed that Matthew Collins, the Executive Deputy National Security Adviser, made the decision that China was not a national security threat to Britain.

Last night it was claimed that he provided evidence to the CPS that the Government did not consider China a threat even before the suspects were charged.

Government sources hit back at Mr Parkinson by claiming Mr Collins had consistently maintained the same position when asked for clarity by the CPS. The clash will pile yet more pressure on Keir Starmer's National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell, to explain why taxpayers' cash was wasted on a two-year case which may have been doomed from the outset due to the Labour Government's efforts to build ties with the Communist state.

Former parliamentary aide Christopher Cash, 30, was charged with passing secrets to Beijing

Also charged was teacher Christopher Berry, 33. The charges against both men were dropped

Downing Street has confirmed Mr Powell will appear before senior MPs and peers to answer questions about the scandal. But his appearance before the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy will be in private.

Ms Kearns, a former chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and a long-standing critic of China's human rights record, added: 'If you look at the [Bulgarian case] High Court judgement, it was pretty reasonable, there is plenty of evidence in the previous speeches of MI5 chief Ken McCallum that China poses a threat.

'Keir Starmer has questions to answer here, this judgement effectively lowered the bar for prosecution, yet no one in Government was willing to help the CPS.'

It was after mounting calls for an inquiry into the episode that Mr Parkinson wrote to the chairmen of the Home Affairs and Justice Committees last night saying he had decided to provide 'further information' due to 'Government briefings' on the case.

He wrote: 'I am satisfied the decision to charge this case in April 2024 was correct.'

Speaking about the case for the first time, Sir Keir, himself a former DPP, insisted that witness statements were prepared on the basis of the Tory administration's stance on China in 2023, which described the country as merely an 'an epoch-defining challenge' rather than an enemy.

He said: 'What matters is what the designation was in 2023, because that's when the offence was committed and that's when the relevant period was.'
A man has been charged with murdering a 45-year-old, who was kidnapped from his home in Birmingham before being driven to Lancashire, where he was found and later died from horrific burns.

West Midlands Police said Tomasz Samel was taken from his home in Handsworth, Birmingham and forced into a white van at around 8.45am on March 27, 2019.

At about 10.45pm on the same day, the Polish native banged on the door of a property in the village of Bickerstaffe, Lancashire, to get help.

Samel had suffered 75 per cent burns to his body and was taken by ambulance to hospital, but died in a specialist unit in Liverpool on June 21, 2019, police said.

In a statement confirming a murder charge has been brought six years later, the West Midlands force said: 'Our investigation has continued ever since, and we have now arrested and charged Tobiasz Kozlowski, 38, and Sandra Kozlowska, aged 37, both of Liverpool.

Tobiasz Kozlowski, 38, of Liverpool, has been charged with murdering Tomasz Samel, 45 (pictured), who was kidnapped from his home in Birmingham before being driven to Lancashire, where he was found and later died from horrific burns

'Kozlowski has been charged with murder, conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to falsely imprison will next appear before Birmingham Crown Court on October 24.

'Kozlowska has been charged with assisting an offender and will appear before the same court on the same day.'

Detective Chief Superintendent Scott Griffiths, who is leading the investigation, said: 'We have not stopped in our pursuit of justice for Tomasz and his loved ones.'

West Midlands Police said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill calling to give state firefighters a raise just months after wildfires devastated Los Angeles.

Newsom refused to sign bipartisan bill 1309 that would secure raised wages for the state's firefighting service, Cal Fire, on Friday.

Introduced by Republican Assembly member Heath Flora, the bill would require the state to pay firefighters within 15 percent of the average salary for corresponding ranks in 20 local fire departments.

Tim Edwards, president of Local 2881, the union representing Cal Fire workers, said that Newsom's refusal was 'highly disappointing and frustrating.'

'Cal Fire is an all-risk fire department, just like a San Francisco Fire Department or Santa Rosa or San Jose Fire Department,' Edwards told SFGate.

'We don't have the staffing like they do. We don't have the workweek like they do, and we definitely don't have the pay like they do, but we do the exact same job at the exact same training, and we're expected to do the exact same services.'

Wildfires have become an increasing threat to the state. Throughout the past decade wildfires have caused more than 100 deaths, billions of dollars in damage, and 'placed overworked firefighters at risk,' according to the bill.

It further noted the mental health and physical risk of the job, citing 'extremely long hours under extreme duress' as well as close and long-term exposure to 'dangerous particulates' from weeks-long fires.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom refused to sign bipartisan bill 1309 that would secure raised wages for the state's firefighting service, Cal Fire, on Friday

The bill would require the state to pay firefighters within 15 percent of the average salary for corresponding ranks in 20 local fire departments

Newsom (right) walking with Curtis Brown, assistant region chief at Cal fire, during a visit to the community destroyed by the Dixie Fire in Greenville, California

The bill would also require Cal Fire's human resources department to survey the fire chief's salaries before January 1, 2027.

California State firefighters make a base salary of $54,122 per year, while firefighters in Los Angeles make at least $85,315 annually.

Edwards said Newsom's veto 'hit even harder' as the memorial for fallen firefighters also took place on Friday in Sacramento.

'It's highly disappointing and frustrating especially when he vetoes the bill the day before we put six members on the memorial wall honoring fallen firefighters in the state of California,' Edwards told the outlet.

Flora told the Daily Mail: 'We were definitely disappointed to see the Governor veto AB 1309. As a former Cal Fire firefighter, this one hits hard.

'These firefighters deserve pay that reflects the weight of that responsibility. The fight for fair compensation isnt over, and I look forward to continuing this conversation in the months ahead.'

Newsom, however, claimed that the bill would add 'significant cost pressures for the state.'

In a letter, Newsom wrote: 'I am returning Assembly Bill 1309 without my signature...While I appreciate the author's intent, this bill would create significant cost pressures for the state and circumvent the collective bargaining process.

'State employee salaries, along with other components of compensation such as health and pension benefits, should be determined through collective bargaining,' Newsom continued.

'Establishing a statutory salary floor for employees of a single department undermines this process, to the detriment of both the state and other bargaining units. For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.'

Crews are battling to brush fire near Auto Center Drive in Ventura, California, on January 13

Tim Edwards, president of Local 2881, the union representing Cal Fire workers, said that Newsom's refusal was 'highly disappointing and frustrating'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Gov. Gavin Newsom's Office for comment.

The bills veto comes just months after LA was destroyed by devastating wildfires that claimed the lives of around 29 people.

Hundreds of ritzy, multi-million-dollar homes were reduced to nothing more than piles of rubble and ash following the blaze.

Newsom came under intense scrutiny after the wildfires, with around 47 percent of Californians saying the governor was responsible or somewhat responsible for the damage.

President-elect Donald Trump was also among those who blame Newsom, claiming his forest management policies and fish conservation efforts are to blame for fire hydrants running dry in some urban areas.

Newsom faced calls for his resignation for how the fires were handled before he requested $40 billion to help Los Angeles rebuild.

The fires destroyed more than 16,000 structures and torched over 57,000 acres of land in the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena and Altadena.

The total economic loss from the fires is estimated to be $250 billion, which includes factors such as anticipated cleanup costs, housing displacement and businesses shutting down.
Spain's government has today legalised medical cannabis in what has been described as a 'historic' move.

The country's Council of Ministers today approved cannabis to be prescribed to patients as an ailment to their illnesses.

But prescriptions can only be handed out under strict conditions - only specialists in hospitals may prescribe cannabis to patients.

The government has not yet set out what ailments the drug should be prescribed for, instead saying that a specialised government agency will set out the rules in the coming weeks.

Carola Perez, president of the Spanish Observatory of Medicinal Cannabis, described the decision as 'historic'.

She added: 'All of us patients who were waiting for regulation are celebrating.'

Ms Perez added that the move opens the door for cannabis to be prescribed for a wide range of illnesses.

Spain's government has today legalised medical cannabis in what has been described as a 'historic' move (File image)

Studies have shown that it can help ease the pain of multiple sclerosis and certain forms epilepsy, and can limit nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.

But she added that she wants to make sure Spanish doctors correctly prescribe cannabis, especially in light of the high demand: 'We're afraid that doctors won't know exactly when to prescribe it, because they're generally untrained.

'And we're also afraid that there will be a bottleneck in hospital laboratories due to the high demand for these compounds.'

Earlier this year, private clinics were slammed for offering medical cannabis to those suffering ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety and insomnia, against expert advice.

Doctors speaking to the Mail on Sunday say the law change and a 'lack of regulation' has allowed private clinics to offer cannabis for even mild ailments.

Professor Sir Robin Murray, of King's College London, said the clinics are 'causing harm to the people they are claiming to help'.

He added: 'There is no good scientific evidence whatsoever that cannabis helps with most of [these] conditions.'
Charlie Kirk furiously criticized 'bullying' Jewish donors and said he was considering 'leaving the pro-Israel cause' before his death, it was confirmed today.

The bombshell revelation comes after Candace Owens released a screenshot of Kirk fuming in a group chat that Jewish donors were pulling funding over his links to Tucker Carlson.

Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet confirmed the authenticity of the screenshots on Tuesday during the latest episode of The Charlie Kirk Show.

In the text messages, Kirk privately complained that a Jewish donor had withdrawn a $2 million investment into the organization because he refused to disinvite Carlson from the upcoming AmericaFest event.

'Just lost another huge Jewish donor,' Kirk wrote. '$2 million a year because we won't cancel Tucker. I'm thinking of inviting Candace.'

'Jewish donors play into all the stereotypes. I cannot and will not be bullied like this.'

Kirk concludes: 'Leaving me no choice but to leave the pro Israel cause.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Turning Point for comment.

Before his death, Kirk complained about how 'Jewish donors play into all the stereotypes' and that he had 'no choice but to leave the pro Israel cause'

Kirk first met his wife Erika in Israel shortly before their romance began

Kirk claims in the text message that a 'Jewish donor' had pulled a $2 million yearly donation to Turning Point USA because Tucker Carlson was invited to speak at event

Owens claims that the screenshots were sent by Kirk two days before he was assassinated while speaking to a group of students at Utah Valley University. Kolvet did not confirm that time frame.

Days after Kirk was murdered, Carlson told his audience that two days before his death a major donor had pulled money from the organization because of Kirk's refusal to disinvite him to this year's Americafest conference set for December.

Owens, who has gone viral in the weeks since for floating baseless conspiracy theories about Kirk's death, is a vocal critic of Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The FBI arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, as the prime suspect in Kirk's murder shortly after the attack. If found guilty for the murder, Robinson could face the death penalty in the state of Utah.

Back in September, Carlson also revealed that Kirk had often expressed negative views on Netanyahu.

'He did not like Bibi Netanyahu and he said that to me many times and he said to people around him many times. He felt that Bibi Netanyahu was a very destructive force,' Carlson said.

Carlson said that Kirk's criticism of Netanyahu centered around the Turning Point leader's belief that the United States was being used to fight wars on behalf of Israel.

The former Fox News host added that 'there was a small, very intense group who tormented Charlie Kirk until the day he died.'

Candace Owens released the text message exchange during her YouTube show on Monday night. By Tuesday afternoon, Turning Point spokesman Andrew Kolvet confirmed the screenshot is real

The revelation surrounding Kirk's newfound criticism of Israel comes as a shock because the 31-year-old was seen as one of the leading evangelical supporters of Israel in the conservative movement.

Kirk often traveled to Israel for religious and political events years prior to his death. Moreover, Kirk first met his wife Erika in Israel before their romance began.

Kolvet, who was one of Kirk's closest confidantes, noted that he was aware of the text messages sent by Kirk, but chose not to share it publicly 'because it was a private exchange I wanted to not betray my friend's trust.'

The Turning Point spokesman also revealed that soon after Kirk's assassination he shared these text messages with government officials because he wanted to leave 'no stone unturned.'
An African country has cut ties with a wildlife charity associated with Prince Harry after accusing it of being 'disrespectful'.

Chad's environment minister Hassan Bakhit Djamous gave a damning four-page statement as he announced an end to the country's 15-year partnership with African Parks.

He accused the charity of 'a recurring indelicate and disrespectful attitude toward the government'.

Mr Djamous also said there had been a resurgence in poaching and a lack of investment at the reserves managed by the conservation group.

It is the latest scandal to hit the charity after a Mail investigation found evidence that guards managed by Africa Parks were embarking on campaigns of abuse and intimidation.

Allegations of abuse of indigenous people were upheld earlier this year.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, was the president of African Parks for six years until being elevated to the governing board of directors two years ago.

The non-profit said in a statement it was in talks to 'better understand the government's position' and 'explore the best way forward to support the continued protection of these critical landscapes'.

Prince Harry (pictured 2019) was African Park's President for six years until being elevated to the governing board of directors in 2023. He is said to have been fully involved in plans to change the charity

The Duke of Sussex, while he worked in Malawi with African Parks as part of an initiative involving moving 500 elephants over 200 miles across the country in 2016

'African Parks will continue to keep its partners and stakeholders informed, as further clarity is obtained,' the charity said.

It had led anti-poaching efforts and to restore elephant populations at the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve and the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem, which includes the Zakouma and Siniaka-Minia national parks.

According to African Parks, the elephant population at Zakouma National Parks increased from 450 in 2010, when it took over management of the site, to over 550 by 2019.

It comes just six months after Chad renewed its agreement with the charity and is the latest blow to hit African Parks.

Last year, an investigation by The Mail on Sunday discovered evidence of intimidation and abuse in the rainforests of the Republic of the Congo by guards managed and paid by the African Parks charity, including allegations of rapes and beatings.

The MoS found first-hand testimonies of atrocities inflicted on the Baka, an indigenous people once known as pygmies, to stop them entering forests where they have foraged, fished, hunted and found medicines for millennia.

One woman told of being raped by an armed guard while clinging to her newborn baby. And a teenage boy claimed he was groomed for paid sex by another guard.

A community activist said a Baka man died after being beaten and jailed without getting treatment for his injuries.

African Parks then launched an independent review and the charity has now admitted that human rights abuses occurred in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park since December 2023.

The results of the probe, carried out by London law firm Omnia Strategy LLP, then went directly to African Parks. It did not publicly share the results.

The charity said in a statement in May: 'The board of African Parks has reviewed Omnia's advice and endorsed the management plan and timeframes to implement the recommendations resulting from this process.

'African Parks acknowledges that, in some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred, and we deeply regret the pain and suffering that these have caused to the victims.

'Omnia's process also highlighted several failures of our systems and processes that were insufficient for the level of responsibility given to us, particularly in the early years of our management of Odzala.'
A four-year-old girl drowned during a swimming lesson at a private pool with no lifeguard present.

Young Berra Dizi was spotted floating motionless in the pool at the nursery in the Suleymaniye neighbourhood of Inegol in Bursa Province, Turkey, on August 12.

A nurse at the scene gave the girl first aid before paramedics took her to the Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Education and Research Hospital.

But after a seven-day battle, she tragically died in intensive care.

A probe into the incident found that the pool Berra was swimming was too deep to hold children's lessons.

Investigators also found that there wasn't a certified lifeguard on duty at the time and that the lesson's instructor was not in the pool with the children.

The nursery claimed the child had suffered an epileptic fit while swimming, suggesting it was her condition that killed her - not negligence

But Berra's mother told investigators that while she had twice suffered from seizures, the girl had been seizure-free for two years and had been taken off medication on her doctor's recommendation.

Berra Dizi (pictured) was spotted floating motionless in the pool at the nursery

The nursery is in the Suleymaniye neighbourhood of Inegol in Bursa Province, Turkey, on August 12

Investigators found the nursery's operator was 'primarily at fault', while the swimming teacher was 'secondarily at fault'.

However, the young girl's parents were also listed as 'primarily at fault', a claim they said was deeply unfair.

Berra's mother reportedly said that parents at the school were told not to send their children with arm floats that day and believes her daughter would still be alive if safety rules had been followed.
A plane was forced to divert to an airport deep in the Canadian wilderness after a passenger died midway through an international flight.

The KLM flight left Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam at 10:15am CEST on Sunday and was bound for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), according to FlightAware.

At around 9.45am MT Canadian authorities were made aware of an unresponsive 34-year-old woman aboard the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner.

Flight data shows the plane touched down at Yellowknife Airport in the Northwest Territories at 9:35am MT.

The woman was then rushed to the hospital, where she died despite efforts from doctors and paramedics.

No further information about the woman was offered in a statement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

'The matter remains under investigation at this time, in partnership with the Coroners Service,' the RCMP said.

A KLM flight was forced to divert to an airport deep in the Canadian wilderness after a passenger died midway through an international trip

Pictured: Yellowknife Airport, where the plane had to divert. The airport is in Canada's Northwest Territories

Pictured: Flight radar shows the diverted path of the aircraft, landing in Canada instead of Los Angeles

A similar incident happened on Sunday night aboard a British Airways flight from London to Nigeria.

The plane, which departed London Heathrow Airport on Sunday night, was due to land at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at around 5am on Monday.

But only two-and-a-half hours into the flight, the pilot was forced to divert the aircraft to Barcelona's El Prat airport after a Nigerian passenger, said to be in his 80s, fell seriously ill.

According to Nigerian media, the man - who was a retired air vice marshal - had been in the UK for cancer treatment and was returning to his home country when he died onboard the BA plane.

The emergency landing sparked chaos among passengers, reportedly leading to a pregnant woman suffering a medical episode.

No further information was provided about the woman and her condition remains unclear.
Furious North Carolina residents slammed a new park after organizers filled it with statues honoring Confederate soldiers.

Valor Memorial in the town of Denton has three Confederate monuments across its lawns, a move that has divided locals in the community.

One of the Park's creators, Toni London, said she believes Confederate troops deserve as much recognition as any other veteran.

'Its been an obsession to make it succeed, to make it better,' she told the New York Times.

London said the statues were brought to Valor Memorial from other parks around the state when many were removed amid the Black Lives Matter movement, which she opposed.

She said she intends to 'save more' statues from around North Carolina and bring them to the park, a goal that has triggered backlash from some in the state.

Bs say the Confederate memorials are tributes to the racist history of the South and slavery's role in the Civil War.

Campaigner Melvin McLawhorn, a commissioner and longtime civil rights activist, said that when he saw the statues, his reaction was: 'This shouldn't be public.'

Furious residents in Denton, North Carolina slammed a new park after organizers filled it with statues honoring Confederate soldiers (pictured)

Organizers, seen erecting one of the statues in Valor Park, say they are not put off by backlash to putting up the statues and hope to 'save more' across the state

North Carolina has a wealth of Confederate statues which were erected by chapters of the historical group United Daughters of the Confederacy in the 20th century.

But many were removed during the push to tear down Confederate memorials several years ago prompting London to create Valor Memorial.

The first statue to be placed in the park was previously stood outside the county courthouse in Lexington.

It became the subject of intense protests until it was removed in 2020.

'Can you imagine going to a courthouse and seeing hatred being symbolized? That's not right,' McLawhorn said.

London, who is a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy group, said the statue came under the group's control after it was torn down as it owned the rights to the monument.

The owners of the plot of land where Valor Memorial now sits donated the area to the group when they heard about London's cause to re-erect Confederate statues.

London told the Times that part of the group's overall objective is to change the narrative around the Confederacy and the reasons for the Civil War and disputes that the South fought to preserve slavery.

One of the Park's creators, Toni London, said she decided to put up the statues because she believes Confederate troops deserve as much recognition as any other veteran

Many Confederate statues were removed amid the Black Lives Matter movement, pictured in Richmond, Virginia in 2020

Critics have slammed the park and say the Confederate statues that were previously torn down 'shouldn't be public'

She said she hoped it would ignite a conversation around Southerners who fought to protect their states against what she described as 'northern invaders'.

'If you control the property and control the statue, you control the narrative,' she said.

Rivka Maizlish, a senior research analyst at the Southern Poverty Law Center, countered that the Valor Memorial could serve as a 'site of education' for those who may be misinformed about the Civil War.

'People could go there and be propagandized into the Lost Cause mythology,' she said, referencing the ideology that formed after the Civil War that aimed to downplay the role of slavery in the Confederate motivations.

The statue from the Lexington courthouse was followed by another from Chatham County, which paid $4,000 to transfer its statue to the park in 2024.

Months later, Winston-Salem did the same, but paid a staggering $31,000 for their statue to be moved to Valor Memorial by truck and installed.

Organizers said they were thankful Valor Memorial gave them the option to store the statues in the park after they were left unsure where to keep them after they were torn down..

Despite the backlash, London said she has no plans to slow down.

Valor Memorial has recently purchased almost 12 more acres with plans to put up five more Confederate statues around the state.
The tight-knit Indiana town of Bainbridge has been gripped by fear and confusion after a 46-year-old woman vanished after a mysterious fire gutted her home.

Firefighters responding to the blaze last Tuesday evening found Britney Gard's home engulfed in smoke, but there was no sign of the mother of two who lived there.

Her purse was still on the kitchen counter and her car was parked outside, but Gard had disappeared.

'Who took her? How does someone just go missing these days? It doesn't make any sense,' her sister Stephanie Bowen pleaded through tears to WRTV.

The case has left investigators and family members baffled. One week on, there are still no answers.

Gard, described by her family as a devoted mother and her children's 'biggest cheerleader,' was seen last Tuesday, September 30.

The following day, at 7:39 pm local time, fire crews were called to her home on County Road 600 North, roughly 35 miles west of Indianapolis, to put out a blaze that officials have since deemed 'suspicious in nature.'

'She was supposed to be at her daughter's volleyball game,' Bowen said. 'She wasn't there. And then there's a fire. Her car is at home, her purse is at home. She's nowhere to be found, and the house is on fire. It makes no sense.'

Mom of two, Britney Gard, 46, disappeared without trace last Tuesday from Bainbridge, Indiana

Firefighters responded to a fire last Tuesday evening at Britney Gard's home but there was no sign of the mother who lived there

'Who took her? How does someone just go missing these days? It doesn't make any sense,' Gard's sister Stephanie Bowen , pictured center, asked

When firefighters arrived they quickly extinguished the flames, which were mostly contained to one part of the home.

But as the smoke cleared there was no sign of the homeowner.

The following morning, as word spread, family and friends launched their own desperate search across the rolling cornfields and wooded areas surrounding Gard's rural property.

Among those combing the fields was Bowen, who said she could not shake the feeling that her sister's disappearance was not random.

'I feel like there's something here bigger that we don't know, and someone knows something,' she explained.

Residents of the 700-strong town have volunteered to help look for Britney, printing flyers, handing out photos, and taping missing-person posters to storefront windows, gas stations, and even pizza boxes.

Outside the charred remains of Gard's home, a small cross and flowers mark the edge of the property, a makeshift vigil for a woman whose disappearance has stunned her community.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office confirmed that three fire investigators have been working the scene and are now compiling evidence to share with criminal investigators. Officials have not ruled out foul play.

Gard, described by her family as a devoted mother and her children's 'biggest cheerleader,' was seen last Tuesday, September 30

Authorities say the front door of Gard's home showed no signs of forced entry, although several personal items inside the house appeared to have been disturbed

The doting mother of two has not been seen for more than week. Her purse was still on the kitchen counter in her home and her car was still parked outside

Fliers with her picture and a physical description can be seen across the town of Bainbridge, outside businesses, in gas stations, and even taped to pizza boxes

'The house fire is suspicious in nature,' a fire investigator told local media, adding that the team is 'awaiting forensic results and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby properties.'

Authorities say the front door of Gard's home showed no signs of forced entry, though several personal items inside the house appeared to have been disturbed. The family's two dogs were found unharmed in the backyard.

Bowen has urged anyone in the area to review security footage or recall anything unusual from the night of the fire.

'Be vigilant. Look around. Search your brain. If you have a camera on your house or something, go back and look at it and see if you saw something different that night,' she said.

'Britney, we love you. We hope to see you safely return home.'
Successful realtor and mom-of-three Ana Walshe was last seen alive ringing in New Years Day 2023. Now, more than two-and-a-half years later, the month of her suspected killer's trial has finally arrived - only, the trial is no longer on the schedule.

Her widower, Brian Walshe, was set to be hauled to court on October 20 to face charges for murdering the 39-year-old. He allegedly killed her in their shared Cohasset, Massachusetts, home and dismembered her body after researching gruesome methods on their young children's iPads.

But plans changed this week.

Just two weeks before jury selection, Walshes murder trial has been delayed indefinitely after the defense argued he is not competent to stand trial following a recent attack in jail.

Walshe, a convicted art fraudster, was stabbed by another inmate inside Norfolk County Sheriffs Correctional Center in Massachusetts in September. He was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston for treatment, and was discharged later that day.

In an October 3 court filing, Walshes defense asked the judge to delay the trial, arguing he is mentally and physically unable at this time to fully participate in his defense and to tolerate the physical requirements of attending full days of trial.

The defense also gave two other reasons for their request: that prosecutors had decided to carry out last-minute additional DNA testing, and that prosecutors may have evidence favorable to Walshe that has not yet been disclosed to the defense.

The 48-year-olds defense attorneys added that the trial should be postponed because of grave concerns about the defendant's ability to intelligently and meaningfully participate in the trial.'

Brian Walshe is accused of murdering his wife Ana Walshe (pictured together) on New Year's Day 2023

Ana Walshe was last seen at the family home in Cohasset, Massachusetts, after they threw a New Year's party

Prosecutors opposed the request, arguing Walshe had returned to jail mere hours after the inmate attack and that no medical records back up their claims.

But, on Monday, Judge Diane Freniere sided with the defense, ordering Walshe to be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for 20 days to undergo a competency evaluation to determine his fitness to stand trial.

A competency hearing has been set for October 27.

A new trial date is yet to be scheduled, leaving the pursuit of justice for the missing 39-year-old mom-of-three now in limbo.

Justice delayed is justice denied, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, who is now the president and co-founder of West Coast Trial Lawyers, told the Daily Mail.

This does have an impact because if youre the prosecution, you want to push the case forward quickly. Witnesses can disappear, their memories can fade. You really don't want cases to be pushed back years and years.

I think its not a matter of if, but a matter of when Walshe will be tried.

Rahmani said it wasnt surprising to see Judge Freniere agree to send the defendant for a competency evaluation because it avoids potential problems down the line if Walshe is convicted and appeals.

This is a life case so there's going to be inevitable appeals after any conviction. So you just let the defense place the doctors' findings on record, he told the Daily Mail.

Brian Walshe appears in court in January 2023. His trial has now been delayed while he undergoes a competency evaluation

Doctors now have 20 days to evaluate Walshe to determine if he is competent to stand trial and provide their findings to the court.

At the October 27 competency hearing, the judge will determine if Walshe can stand trial based on the findings.

If found incompetent, Walshe will be held in custody at a prison hospital until he is deemed competent.

Rahmani explained that competency to stand trial is different to an insanity defense.

Competency is determined at the time of trial. Insanity is at the time of the offense, he told the Daily Mail.

'For an insanity defense, you have to prove that the defendant has a mental condition, which means they were unable to understand the nature and consequences of their actions - basically, they didn't know right from wrong at the time of the crime.

'Competency is essentially whether someone can assist in their own defense.'

In both, the burden is on the defense, not the prosecution, to prove - and it is a high burden.

But, incompetency to stand trial is very rarely permanent, he said.

Oftentimes, even if someone is deemed temporarily incompetent, they can usually be restored to competency with medication, he said.

Walshes murder trial was delayed after the defense argued he is not competent to stand trial following a recent attack in jail

Ana's body has never been found. The mom-of-three and realtor had told friends their marriage was strained

Several other high-profile murder cases have been temporarily delayed due to the defendant being found incompetent to stand trial.

The first trial of doomsday cult mom Lori Vallow was delayed in May 2021 when she was deemed incompetent to be tried for the murders of her children Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow and conspiracy to murder her lovers wife Tammy Daybell. She finally went on trial around two years later and was convicted of all charges.

In 2021, New York real estate heir Robert Durst also tried to delay his trial for the murder of his long-time friend and confidant Susan Berman, claiming a recent cancer diagnosis meant he was not competent to stand trial. When the judge dismissed the request and the case went to trial that year, Durst insisted on testifying and was cross-examined on the stand for nine days. He was convicted of murder.

Even if Walshe is found incompetent, Rahmani believes it is only a matter of time before he will have his day in court.

Here's someone who has been alert and coherent and was allegedly savvy enough to kill someone and dispose of her body, Rahmani told the Daily Mail.

If Lori Vallow could be deemed competent when she believed the apocalypse was coming and her kids were zombies and all sorts of completely insane off the wall things, I think Brian Walshe will be found competent.

Based on his expertise, Rahmani believes the defenses incompetency claim is just a delay tactic - a Hail Mary type defense because this is a very tough case to defend in my opinion.'

Surveillance footage captured Walshe buying several items from a Home Depot on January 1, 2023, including mops, brushes, splash guard goggles and a utility knife

Prosecutors say he was buying tools he then used to dispose of his wife Anas body

Walshe is facing life in prison on charges of first-degree murder, misleading a police investigation and hiding a body. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ana was last seen in the early hours of January 1, 2023, after the Walshes hosted a New Years Eve party at their home in Cohassets.

She was reported missing on January 4, with Walshe initially telling police she had traveled to Washington, DC. She allegedly split her time between Massachusetts and DC for her job at a real estate firm.

Days later, Walshe was arrested for his wifes murder.

Her body has never been found.

Surveillance footage captured Walshe buying several items from a Home Depot on January 1, 2023, including mops, brushes, splash guard goggles and a utility knife - tools prosecutors allege he used to dispose of Anas body.

Ten trash bags containing bloody items were found near Walshes moms home in Swampscott.

Inside investigators found a hacksaw, hatchet, bloody towels and rags, gloves, a bloodstained rug, a protective suit, Anas COVID-19 vaccine card, her Prada purse and necklace. Several of the items contained both Ana and Walshes DNA.

Investigators allege Walshes phone data shows he traveled to several other locations to dispose of evidence into dumpsters. Trash from these other locations had been incinerated before police could obtain it.

Walshe is seen throwing trash bags into a dumpster outside an apartment complex in Massachusetts. Investigators allege he traveled to several locations to dispose of evidence in dumpsters

Walshe was sentenced to 37 months in prison in February 2024 over an art fraud scheme where he had sold two fake Andy Warhol paintings online for $80,000.Pictured: One of the fake Warhol paintings

Blood and a bloody knife was discovered in the basement of the family's Massachusetts home.

Walshe's chilling internet search history also reveals he used his young childrens iPads to search for ways of disposing of a body, prosecutors allege.

The damning searches included: how long before a body starts to smell, dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body and how to dispose of a 115-pound woman's body.

Prior to her disappearance, Ana had confided in friends that their marriage was strained and she planned to move with their three children to DC.

Walshe had recently begun suspecting his wife was having an affair with a man who lived in the capital - he hired a private investigator to follow her when she was staying there, according to prosecutors.

At the time, Walshe was also awaiting sentencing over an art fraud scheme where he had sold two fake Andy Warhol paintings online for $80,000. Walshe was sentenced to 37 months in prison in February 2024 on three federal fraud charges over the scam.

Walshe also would have landed a $2.7 million life insurance windfall in the event of his wifes death.

Rahmani told the Daily Mail he believes the prosecution has a very strong case.

I can't see a situation where jurors are going to find him not guilty. There's so much evidence in the case, he said.

So for the defense, any delay to the trial could be somewhat beneficial, he said.

Walshe had recently begun suspecting Ana was having an affair with a man who lived in DC

Brian Walshe's chilling internet search history also reveals he used his young childrens iPads to search for ways of disposing of a body

When there are repeated delays to a trial, it can sometimes create opportunities for the two sides to reach a plea deal.

Sometimes there is a strategy to aggressively litigate everything, even if it's not meritorious, even if its borderline frivolous, to try to pressure the prosecution to negotiate some sort of deal, Rahmani said.

In this particular case, its not a death penalty case so Im not sure there's really any deal to be had. I don't think the prosecution would give him anything other than life, given how heinous and egregious this crime was.

I think it will go to trial... In my opinion, hes really just delaying the inevitable.
The 'hero' father left injured when police shot at an Islamic terrorist attacking a synagogue is questioning his future in the UK because he no longer believes Britain is safe for Jewish people, his ex-wife has revealed.

Yoni Finlay, 39, was among several worshippers who barricaded the doors of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, in Manchester, when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, went on the rampage with a knife last week.

The father-of-three needed seven hours of surgery after being shot by armed police. It is understood the bullet 'ricocheted' inside his body, damaging his lungs, diaphragm and stomach.

Police fired at Al-Shamie as he tried to get into the building on Yom Kippur  the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Melvin Cravitz, 66, was killed in the attack and 53-year-old Adrian Daulby, who was with Mr Finlay trying to stop Al-Shamie entering, also died after being mistakenly shot by officers.

Mr Finlay underwent a seven-hour operation and is now stable and recovering in hospital from his injuries. He remains under armed guard.

His former wife, Naomi, who has been visiting him with their children, told Sky News that she had opened up to him about antisemitic incidents they had experienced before the synagogue attack.

They included her children facing abuse in the street and threat of physical violence during an incident in July, while her son routinely removes his kippah after leaving synagogue because his 'biggest fear' is that he will be recognised as Jewish.

Yoni Finlay, who was hit by a bullet fired by by armed police during the Manchester synagogue attack, with his ex-wife Naomi

Mr Finlay underwent a seven-hour operation and is now stable and recovering in hospital from his injuries. He remains under armed guard

She also revealed someone had attempted to knock her brother over as he walked back from synagogue, the same day as the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attacks.

Ms Finlay said police took statements but nothing happened.

'They questioned the person who made the threats, but then it fizzled out,' she added. 'It feels disappointing. People know that they can say stuff and threaten us and do things to us, and it's going to go untouched and unquestioned and unpunished.

'That's why I think what happened on Thursday was so unsurprising.'

Her testimony had 'shocked' Mr Finlay when he heard about what they had been through.

'He expressed that he definitely does not feel safe in this country - and he's questioning his future here.'

For her part, Ms Finlay said she appreciates the additional police presence at synagogues and schools since the Manchester attack, but is concerned what will happen once this measure is stepped down.

'We worry that in a few weeks, when all of this simmers down, are we still going to feel reassured? Are we still going to be protected?'

Adrian Daulby, 53, died after also being mistakenly shot by police as he tried to stop Jihad Al-Shamie from entering the synagogue

Melvin Cravitz, 66, was murdered when Jihad al-Shamie carried out the deadly attack on Thursday morning

During an earlier interview, Ms Finlay also revealed her husband does not blame the armed police officers for his injuries.

She told the BBC: 'From the perspective of what's happened to Yoni... no one's resentful, no one's apportioning any blame.'

She said he had needed 'some of his bowel removed [and] his kidney fixed' but was 'doing a lot better'.

'He looks better,' Mrs Finlay said. 'He feels better. He's out of intensive care.

'He's in pain, obviously, but for him and anyone who's been injured or involved in any of that terrible day, the emotional toll is going to take a lot longer to recover from.'

Armed officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were on the scene within minutes after Al-Shamie crashed his car into the gates of the synagogue just after 9.30am on Thursday morning.

A shocking video circulated on social media showed officers shouting at Al-Shamie, who was armed with a knife and wearing what later turned out to be a fake suicide belt, before shooting him dead in the courtyard outside.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the Force's response to the incident.

Jihad Al-Shamie (pictured during the attack), 35, crashed his car into the synagogue gates, before attacking worshippers with a knife

Al-Shamie, who was wearing a fake suicide belt, was shot dead within minutes by armed police

Mrs Finlay, who visited her ex-husband on Thursday and Saturday, said it was 'for the police to decide if there's any wrongdoing or accountability that needs to be taken'.

She said she had received 'close to a thousand calls and messages' about her husband's brave actions, but he was being 'very humble.'

He has told her he just did 'what anyone else would have done,' but she said their children know he was 'a hero.'

'Everybody there was a hero,' she added. 'He just says he was just focused on keeping everyone in there safe and keeping him (Al-Shamie) out.'

Previously, his son, Uriel, 15, told ITV: 'My dad is a complete hero, he saved so many lives, and I'll never, ever forget that. He's a hero, he stopped loads of deaths from happening, and I hope he knows that.'

In response to the incident in July referred to by Ms Finlay, a spokesman for GMP confirmed they had investigated a religiously aggravated public order offence but the suspect had been 14 and officers believed 'the threshold for criminal prosecution would not be met'.

Instead, the teenager had been dealt with by means of restorative justice, which included 'education and an apology to the victim,' he said.
Democrats are suddenly loving conservative firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Hold on to your hats, Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday, I think this is the first time Ive said this, but on this issue, Representative Greene said it perfectly.

Schumer then proceeded to read a portion of a social media post authored by Greene that was critical of her partys approach to expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies, more commonly known as Obamacare.

Her lengthy post noted how shes absolutely disgusted that premiums for health insurance could double at the end of the year, should Congress not renew the subsidies that are slated to expire at years end.

Im going to go against everyone on this issue because when the tax credits expire this year my own adult childrens insurance premiums for 2026 are going to DOUBLE, along with all the wonderful families and hard-working people in my district, the Georgia Republican wrote.

The expiring Obamacare subsidies are the key sticking point in the ongoing government shutdown, making Greenes admission that they are important to her so controversial among Republicans.

Democrats, including Schumer, have repeatedly said that they would be willing to negotiate an end to the shutdown should Republicans come to the table and talk about extending subsidies.

Effectively, every Republican, including GOP leadership, has said that all negotiations to extend the ACA subsidies should come after a government funding deal is reached. All except Greene.

Conservative firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has been embraced by Democrats after expressing reservations over letting Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies expire at the end of the year

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on Tuesday: I think this is the first time Ive said this, but on this issue (Obamacare subsidies), Representative Greene said it perfectly

No Im not towing the party line on this, or playing loyalty games. Im a Republican and wont vote for illegals to have any tax payer funded healthcare or benefits, Greenes lengthy post on the ACA continued. Im AMERICA ONLY!!!

Greene's office did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.

The House passed a funding bill in September to keep the government open. However, that bill has not received the 60 votes necessary in the Senate to pass the government funding proposal.

Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate and need Democratic votes to pass any funding deal.

The Senate has unsuccessfully voted on the funding bill five times and will presumably continue to vote on the proposal until an agreement is made.

Though Democrats are adamant that it wont happen unless ACA subsidies are included.

Greenes split with her party on the matter represents the latest dramatic break that Greene has had with Republicans.

In early August, Greene told the Daily Mail that she increasingly feels the Republican party is walking away from her.

Greene is close with President Donald Trump and frequently campaigned with him, making her split with her party even more surprising

Greene has had public disagreements with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson (L) in the past over funding and their party's strategy

'I don't know if the Republican Party is leaving me, or if I'm kind of not relating to Republican Party as much anymore,' she revealed at the time. 'I don't know which one it is.'

'I think the Republican Party has turned its back on America First and the workers and just regular Americans,' she continued.

Her worries stem from the Republican Partys embrace of foreign nations, like Israel, while American workers get left out in the lurch on affordability.

Hi this is your daily reminder that insurance has become UNAFFORDABLE for most Americans, Greene posted on X this week. Health, Auto, and Home. I wish my party would make this a priority.

California Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna was quick to offer her an olive branch.

Yes, unaffordability is the issue @RepMTG, Khanna replied. Let's do something bipartisan to bring cost of living down.
Two men have been arrested after hackers stole the data of 8,000 children from a London nursery chain database.

Met Police officers confirmed they had taken a 17-year-old and 22-year-old into custody where they remain for questioning.

An operation was conducted at a number of residential properties in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, where the duo were detained on suspicion of computer misuse as well as blackmail.

It follows the pictures, names and addresses of around 8,000 children being stolen from the Kido nursery chain.

Cyber criminals said at the time they were using the details to demand a ransom for the company, which has 19 UK sites - 18 in Greater London and another in Windsor.

Kido also operates 39 nurseries across India and others in China as well as nine sites in the US - six in Houston, two in Austin and one in Chicago.

Will Lyne, Met's Head of Economic and Cybercrime, said: 'Since these attacks took place, specialist Met investigators have been working at pace to identify those responsible.

'We understand reports of this nature can cause considerable concern, especially to those parents and carers who may be worried about the impact of such an incident on them and their families.

Details relating to around 8,000 children were stolen from a nursery chain (stock image)

'We want to reassure the community and anyone affected that this matter continues to be taken extremely seriously.

'These arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, but our work continues, alongside our partners, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.'

The hackers previously claimed to have safeguarding notes and details about the children's parents and carers.

They had allegedly contacted some parents by phone to try and extort money from the nursery chain, which runs services for children as young as six months old.

The hackers told the BBC they 'weren't asking for an enormous amount' although it was 'of course' about money - and 'deserve some compensation for our pentest'.

A 'pentest' refers to a so-called penetration test, when ethical hackers are hired to check the security of an organisation by carrying out a simulated cyber attack.

Kido's nurseries across London include central sites in Waterloo and Clerkenwell as well as locations in upmarket suburbs such as Chiswick and Fulham.

Fees vary between nurseries, but are estimated at the Chiswick site at around 2,000 a month for a child going in for a full day (8am to 6pm) for five days a week without working family funding.

The Met says its enquiries remain ongoing.
A former TV star is facing the death penalty after being caught with drugs at an airport in China.

Karm Gilespie, 61, best known for appearing in the iconic Channel Seven police drama Blue Heelers, has been behind bars since his 2013 arrest at Guangzhou's Baiyun Airport, where more than 7.5kg of methamphetamine was found in his luggage.

The former actor-turned-financial investor was sentenced to death by the Guangzhou Intermediate People's Court in 2020 after being found guilty of drug smuggling.

Gilespie launched an appeal to overturn the decision shortly afterwards.

Five years on, the outcome of his appeal is yet to be revealed and will be announced 'at a later date,' according to the court website.

A Chinese criminal lawyer has warned that the judge who will decide Gilespie's fate will likely uphold the initial decision.

'There is usually a death penalty review after the appeal verdict involving the Supreme People's Court, conducting a special review and approval process for cases sentenced to death,' Jin Ling told the Daily Telegraph.

'Judges reviewing the death penalty are very cautious, especially when involving foreign citizens  the result will rarely be different.'

A former Aussie actor who has spent years languishing in a Chinese prison faces the threat of immediate execution unless his death penalty is overturned

Karm Gilespie, 61, best known for his role as Keenan Sykes in Blue Heelers, has spent more than a decade languishing behind bars in southern China

The Melbourne-born actor was arrested in December 2013 at Guangzhou's Baiyun Airport after customs officials allegedly found 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside his luggage

She cited several possible reasons for the delay - the Covid pandemic, a verdict is yet to be reached, or the death sentence is still under review.

Gilespie will be executed immediately by the firing squad or a lethal injection if his death sentence isn't overturned.

Only Gilespie's lawyers, immediate family, and the Australian consulate will be advised of the outcome.

Gilespie is one of three Aussies languishing behind bars on death row in China.

He's in the same jail as Australian-New Zealand citizen Peter Gardner, now 35, who was arrested at a Chinese airport in 2014 and charged with trafficking 30kg of methamphetamine.

Australian writer Yang Hengjun also remains behind bars in solitary confinement on a suspended death sentence.

Dr Yang was first detained in 2019 over espionage charges at Guangzhou Airport, on his way to visit his sick brother.

The case against him has never been publicly disclosed and his trial was held in secret in May 2021.

A prominent Chinese criminal lawyer has warned that Gilespie's prospects are grim.

An employee at the Australian Consulate-General in Guangzhou told the Daily Telegraph that they visit the trio on a regular basis.

Gilespie had a recurring role as Keenan Sykes on popular 1990s drama Blue Heelers before moving into wealth and financial management, which led him to spend an increased amount of time in Asia, away from his hometown of Melbourne.

He also starred in Aussie films The Man From Snowy River and Hotel de Love, along with television drama series Janus.

At the time of Gilespie's death sentence in 2020, friends expressed their shock at the news and told how they had been trying to find out information about his whereabouts since 2013 without luck.
Heavily armed officers stormed a busy Sydney street in broad daylight and fired shots at two vehicles to foil what police allege was a planned underworld hit near a daycare centre.

Motorists watched as the Tactical Operations Unit, PolAir, the Dog Squad and State Intelligence Command swooped on two cars in the western suburb of Revesby shortly before 4pm on Tuesday.

It's understood that officers fired 'bean bag' rounds - pouches packed with lead pellets designed to stop but not kill - to bring the cars to a halt.

Dramatic video footage showed officers in bulletproof vests pounding on the sides of a silver Mercedes and shouting orders as one officer aimed his firearm at an occupant.

Within seconds, two men were dragged from the vehicle and pinned to the road.

Further down The River Road, a Mitsubishi SUV peppered with bullet holes was boxed in by police before officers hauled a third man from the driver's seat.

Inside the vehicles, police allegedly uncovered two pistols, balaclavas, body-worn cameras and jerry cans filled with fuel.

Three men, aged 18, 19 and 26, were arrested at the scene.

Tactical police were pictured swarming a Mercedes in Revesby on Tuesday afternoon

Three men have been charged after heavily armed officers foiled an alleged organised crime hit. Pictured are police pulling two men from the Mercedes

Two teens aged 18 and 19 were inside the Mercedes, which was peppered with bullets by police

The two teens were each charged with conspiracy to commit murder, possession of an unauthorised pistol, being carried in a stolen vehicle, participating in a criminal group and breaching bail.

The 26-year-old faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and participation in a criminal group. All were refused bail to appear in Bankstown Local Court on Wednesday.

Police will allege the men were on their way to carry out a hit on another man near a daycare centre.

'This was a calculated and coordinated intervention that stopped what we allege was a planned killing in a place where families expect to feel safe,' said Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook, head of State Crime Command.

'This outcome reflects the strength of our intelligence capabilities and the precision of our surveillance operations. These individuals were being watched, and we moved at the right moment.

'Strike Force Flodine is part of State Crime Command's broader strategy to dismantle organised crime networks operating across Sydney, and these arrests are that strategy in action.

'We remain committed to protecting the community from serious and organised crime, especially when it threatens everyday spaces where families expect to feel safe.'

Assistant Commissioner Cook is expected to provide an update at a press conference on Wednesday morning.

The Mitsubishi SUV was also peppered with bullets and had its windows smashed
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney deployed a new strategy when he met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday - over-the-top flattery.

Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that Carney was trying to get Trump 'purring nicely for their negotiations' by doing a lot of 'verbal stroking' of the American president in the Oval Office when the two men were in front of the press.

As the meeting opened, Carney referred to Trump as a 'transformative president' and started listing his accomplishments.

'Carney actually manages to blow so much smoke at Trump here that even the ego-rich president can't listen anymore, which has to be a first, and interrupts him with a joke about a merger of the U.S. and Canada with a bashful smile,' James observed.

Under Canada's previous leader, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump had started pushing that Canada should become the U.S.'s 51st state, though he's approached the concept with less seriousness now that Carney's in charge.

While Carney's opener was excessive, James said it worked with Trump, as the president's 'downward steepled fingertips started to clap together in tiny, silent applause of approval.'

The Canadian prime minister next deployed some overzealous laughter - liking Trump's retort when he was asked: 'If he's such a great man and you want to do a deal with Canada, what's holding it up?' Trump replied, 'because I want to be a great man too.'

'Trump's reply is funny but not as funny as Carney seems to suggest with his response,' James said. 'Shrieking with laughter, he falls back in his chair, clapping his hands together like a teen at a Taylor Swift concert.'

Body language expert Judi James observed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (left) doing a lot of 'verbal stoking' of President Donald Trump during their Tuesday meeting in the Oval Office

But, again, Trump was into it.

'His reward comes in Trump's smile response. Trump sits with his lips closed and pulled into his widest "Bullfrog" smile as he just sits basking in the moment,' James said.

Tuesday's meeting came after Trump and Carney had their first meeting at the White House in May and met again a month later at the G7 in Canada, an engagement Trump left early to deal with the escalating situation in the Middle East.

There was more tension between the leaders during those two visits, with Carney making some 'face-pulling' expressions to the cameras during his first Oval Office meeting and cutting Trump off during their G7 spray.

'This time though he sat gazing at Trump as he spoke with his only "aside" to the camera being a wink to register friendship, agreement and a shared sense of humor with the president,' James shared.

Trump was saying that Carney was, 'A nice man but he can be nasty.'

It was a comment Trump was making about Carney's negotiating strategy.

'The wink looked strategic,' James said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (left) and President Donald Trump's (right) meeting came off friendlier than their May meeting at the White House and June meeting at the G7, which Canada hosted

'Carney's wink signaled it was all done in the best spirit. Not really nasty, just playfully so. He looked keen to let the world know that Trump was exaggerating and that the two men were actually the best of buddies,' the body language expert added.

While the vibes were better, James observed some reluctance from Carney to be so performative.

She noticed that Carney's 'sucking up seems to lie on top of some inner anxiety of tension' and pointed to how the Canadian prime minister was wringing his fingers and seen with his thumbs picking away behind his hand clasp.

James thought Carney's body language was 'designed as some kind of meat tenderizer for their negotiations,' noticing how the Canadian mirrored the president's posture in the Oval Office and made a lot of eye contact with him.

'The tactic of tenderization did seem to be working too because Trump began to sound like an out of season Santa, talking about Carney "leaving Washington happy" and how much the Canadians would love Trump,' she noted.
Greta Thunberg has embarrassingly shared an image of an Israeli hostage in a post discussing the 'suffering of Palestinian prisoners'.

Alongside images of Palestinians suffering injuries and being manhandled by IDF soldiers, Thunberg, 22, made a major blunder and shared a photo of Israeli Evyatar David, a hostage taken by Hamas from the Nova festival on October 7 2023.

David, 24, can be seen crouching down in what appears to be a Hamas tunnel, his emaciated body bearing all the signs of starvation as he writes a note piece of paper stuck to a wall.

The post read: 'The suffering of Palestinian prisoners is not a matter of opinion - It is a fact of systemic cruelty and dehumanisation. Humanity cannot be selective. Justice cannot have borders.'

Social media users immediately lambasted Thunberg, with one writing: 'Every minute you are not deleting the post you are becoming a bigger joke. Embarrassing'.

Israel model Noa Cochva, who was named Miss Universe Israel in 2021, wrote: 'If you really cared about your beloved Palestinians, youd put Evyatar face front and center and demand one thing: Bring every hostage home now.

'Release them. Dismantle Hamas. Thats literally the only thing that can end this war.

'Stop using our tragedy for your personal PR and start doing what can actually END THE WAR.

'Bring them home is all you should be saying.'

Greta Thunberg (pictured) has embarrassingly shared an image of an Israeli hostage in a post discussing the 'suffering of Palestinian prisoners'

Evyatar David, 24, (pictured) can be seen crouching down in what appears to be a Hamas tunnel

Thunberg accidentally used an image of Israeli hostage Evyatar David (pictured, bottom-right)

The activist shared the Instagram post on Monday - the same day she was deported to Greece from Israel after military forces detained her and 170 other activists from the Freedom Flotilla while on international waters.

Thunberg has come a long way from her days as an environmental activist. She has taken up the Palestinian cause, twice now attempting to reach the Gaza Strip to break Israel's blockade of the enclave to allow for aid to reach starving people.

Yesterday, she alleged that she and other detainees of the Gaza flotilla were subjected to torture in the Israeli prison they were held.

Thunberg told a news conference in Stockholm that she and others were 'kidnapped and tortured' by the Israeli military.

She declined to elaborate, adding when pressed that she didn't get clean water and that other detainees were deprived of critical medication.

'Personally, I don't want to share what I was subjected to because I don't want it to make headlines and "Greta has been tortured", because that's not the story here,' she said, adding that what they were subjected to paled in comparison to what people in Gaza experienced daily.

Israel's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment but has repeatedly denied mistreating the detainees.

'All detainees ... were given access to water, food, and restrooms; they were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights were fully upheld,' a foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters last week.

Thunberg was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of vessels that tried to reach Gaza to bring aid supplies and draw attention to the plight of the enclave, where most of the 2.2 million residents have been driven from their homes and the United Nations says hunger is rampant.

Greta Thunberg was met by cheering crowds of supporters as she arrived in Athens on Monday

In footage posted to X by the Israel Foreign Ministry, Swedish climate activist Thunberg is seen among those being detained by officials

Thunberg was detained along with 478 people in the flotilla and expelled from Israel on Monday.

Israel, which says reports of hunger in Gaza are exaggerated, has dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt benefiting Palestinian militant group Hamas. It had previously detained Thunberg at sea in a similar attempt to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza in June.

Swedish activists said on Saturday that Thunberg was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag during her detention, but Thunberg made no mention of it during Tuesday's press conference.

Thunberg and other participants also complained that the Swedish government had not given them sufficient help while detained.

The government said in a statement on Tuesday that it had repeatedly advised against all travel to Gaza but that it had nevertheless provided consular support to the activists and stressed to Israel the importance of treating Swedish citizens well.

Donald Trump earlier branded Greta Thunberg a 'trouble-maker' with an 'anger management problem' and has suggested she see a doctor after the climate activist was deported from Israel.

When asked about Thunberg during a press conference at the Oval Office on Monday, the US president made some scathing remarks about the young activist.

'She's just a trouble-maker. You mean she's no longer into the environment, now she's into this?'

'She has an anger management problem, I think she should see a doctor.'

But Thunberg was quick to fire back at Trump with a sarcastic Instagram post on Tuesday, in which she asked the president to give her tips on how to handle her apparent anger issues.

Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg raises her fist, upon arrival alongside activists who were sailing aboard vessels from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla before being stopped and detained by Israeli forces, greeted by a crowd of supporters, at the arrivals area of Athens International Airport on October 6, 2025

Thunberg clapped back at Trump with a sarcastic Instagram post

'I heard Donald Trump once again has expressed his very flattering opinions on my character, and I appreciate his concerns for my mental health', she wrote.

'To Trump: I would kindly receive any recommendations you might have to deal with these so-called "anger management problems" since, judging by your impressive track record, you seem to be suffering from them too.'

This was the latest exchange between Thunberg and Trump after the president mocked the activist in 2019 when she was named Time Magazine's Person of the Year.

Thunberg's witty remark also comes after she spoke to reporters in Athens on Monday following her deportation from Israel.

'Let me be very clear. There is a genocide going on,' Thunberg told the crowd at the Athens airport referring to Israeli military action in Gaza.

'Our international systems are betraying Palestinians. They are not even able to prevent the worst war crimes from happening,' she said.

'What we aimed to do with the Global Sumud Flotilla was to step up when our governments failed to do their legal obligation.'
Australian activists in Israeli detention for attempting to deliver aid to Gaza have been deported to Jordan.

One of those released from Ketziot prison in southern Israel is Sydney-based Abubakir Rafiq.

His sister Hajar told the news to an emotional crowd at a rally of around 1000 people in Bankstown on Tuesday night.

The event coincided with the two year anniversary of Hamas's deadly surprise attack and Israel's subsequent military offensive in Gaza.

'My body has been running on adrenaline for six days now, just not knowing what's going to happen,' she told AAP, moments after announcing the news to the demonstrators.

'I'm over the moon. I'm ecstatic. I'm just really relieved.'

Late on Tuesday (AEDT), Middle Eastern media outlets reported more than 100 detainees, who had been held after sailing with the Global Sumud Flotilla, had been released and were in Jordan.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) subsequently confirmed seven Australians had been freed.

Hajar Rafiq (pictured), the sister of Abubakir who was detained by Israeli forces after being on the Freedom Flotilla and has since been released, claimed he was injured and mistreated

Israeli forces have intercepted at least 41 vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla - 'Freedom Flotilla' - which set to sail to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and provide aid with activists onboard including climate activist Greta Thunberg and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila (pictured)

A DFAT spokesperson told the Daily Mail department officials worked hard to support Australians who were detained in Israel.

'Our diplomats travelled to Ketziot multiple times, conducted in-person visits and welfare checks,' they said.

'They advocated to Israeli authorities on behalf of the Australians and provided updates to detainees families.

'Officials worked with Israeli authorities to ensure the release and deportation of the Australians. And they continue to provide consular assistance.'

A spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government was 'pleased they have been released from detention'.

Their release follows Australian representations to Israeli authorities over their welfare and treatment.

Upon learning the news on Tuesday night in western Sydney, hundreds of demonstrators shared their joy and thanked God for their release.

Ms Rafiq urged attendees to keep pressuring politicians to end the two-year military campaign that has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in the blockaded enclave.

A spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) said the government was pleased seven Australians have been released from detention in Israel

Ms Rafiq recounted her brother's ordeal when he was detained by Israeli authorities nearly a week ago.

'My brother had injuries to his shoulders and ribs ... and not a word has been heard from the PM and the foreign minister and I think that's shameful,' she said.

The release of the flotilla activists comes amid a legal showdown between pro-Palestine protesters and police that will decide whether the iconic Sydney Opera House forecourt is appropriate for a bumper rally.

NSW Police is challenging in court, Palestine Action Group's plans for a weekend rally.

The group has been organising weekly rallies for two years since Israel's military assault on Gaza began in 2023.

Police say the Opera House forecourt, which is mostly surrounded by water, is ill-equipped to handle the 10,000 attendees organisers expect.

They also believe there is a chance the demonstration could attract a much larger crowd, similar to an August march over the Sydney Harbour Bridge that drew an estimated 100,000-250,000 people.

The NSW Supreme Court elevated the matter to the state's appeal court for a hearing set on Wednesday.

NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure unless a court denies permission after a police challenge.

Premier Chris Minns is backing police, noting wild scenes outside the waterside venue in October 2023, when an Israeli flag was set alight and offensive anti-Semitic chants were by mouthed some protesters.

Mr Minns is urging the organisers of Sunday's rally to choose another part of Sydney.
Plus-sized members of the Texas National Guard have been viciously mocked for their weight as they arrived in Chicago for deployment.

The cruel comments come after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanded military personnel must return to 'the highest male standard' in a meeting with commanders last week.

'Do these Texas rolls comply with commandant Hegseth's newest fitness rules,' one critic asked after photos emerged of troops at an Army Reserve center in Illinois.

'Were they stationed at Texas Roadhouse,' another added.

'What were they guarding? The Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuit recipe?' a third wrote, while another quipped 'at least we know they wont be able to run and catch anyone.'

Hegseth had warned commanders new directives were being introduced to ensure the fitness of troops.

'I don't want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape, or in combat units with females who can't meet the same combat arms physical standards as men,' Hegseth said. 'This job is life and death. Standards must be met.'

President Trump has been locked in a tense legal battle with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker over his efforts to deploy the National Guard to Chicago to weed out crime.

Plus sized members of the Texas National Guard have been viciously mocked for their weight as they arrived in Chicago for deployment

The cruel comments come after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanded military personnel must return to 'the highest male standard' in a meeting with commanders last week

The administration will return to court on Thursday after a Biden-era judge gave Trump's lawyers a midnight Wednesday deadline to respond to the state's lawsuit.

But the judge did not issue any temporary orders, and on Monday afternoon members of the Texas National Guard boarded a military plane bound for Illinois in anticipation of the takeover.

Military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch were pictured at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, southwest of Chicago.

Trucks marked Emergency Disaster Services pulled in and out, dropping off portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in rows.

In a late night X post on Sunday, Pritzker revealed 400 members of the Texas National Guard will be deployed to Illinois and Oregon, among other locations, to deal with anti-ICE protesters and Trump's so-called war on crime.

'We must now start calling this what it is: Trump's Invasion,' Pritzker said. 'No officials from the federal government called me directly to discuss or coordinate.

'It started with federal agents, it will soon include deploying federalized members of the Illinois National Guard against our wishes, and it will now involve sending in another state's military troops.'

Shortly after his revelation, it emerged that a late-night court hearing had taken place in Oregon where Trump-appointed judge Karin Immergut blocked federalized National Guard members from any state from being deployed to Portland.

Nasty comments began circulating about troops in response to Hegseth's comments

President Trump has been locked in a tense legal battle with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker over his efforts to deploy the National Guard to Chicago to weed out crime

Trump is particularly cracking down on states run by liberal governors, claiming on Sunday that Oregon is 'burning to the ground' after describing Chicago, Illinois as the 'world's most dangerous city' and a 'hell hole' of crime.

Pritzker had called on Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott to 'immediately withdraw any support for this decision and refuse to coordinate.

'There is no reason a President should send military troops into a sovereign state without their knowledge, consent, or cooperation,' Pritzker added.

'The brave men and women who serve in our national guards must not be used as political props. This is a moment where every American must speak up and help stop this madness.'

Abbott confirmed on Sunday he had authorized the call-up. 'You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it,' he wrote on X.

On Monday amid tense court battles in multiple states, Trump openly mulled resorting to the Insurrection Act to carry out his tough-on-crime agenda.

A Biden-appointed judge is giving Donald Trump 48 hours to respond to a lawsuit led by Democrat leaders in Illinois over deploying the National Guard to Chicago

'We have an Insurrection Act for a reason. If I had to enact it I would do that,' Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

'If people were being killed and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure I would do that.'

Pritzker had earlier warned Trump was creating a pre-meditated 'escalation of violence' as a pretext to invoke the emergency powers.

'The Trump administration is following a playbook: cause chaos, create fear and confusion, make it seem like peaceful protesters are a mob by firing gas pellets and tear gas canisters at them,' Pritzker told a press conference.

'Why? To create the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act so that he can send the military to our city.'
A Brisbane couple have revealed how they keep their living costs to just $250 a week each by choosing to live on a houseboat instead of in a city apartment.

Grant and Louise Cause bought a houseboat on the Brisbane River at Dockside Marina in the centre for $250,000 about 18 months ago after house prices soared.

'We were renting for a number of years, and then the market changed, and prices just went through the roof,' Grant told Sunrise on Tuesday.

'We had to look for alternatives to find a rental in Queensland that suited us, so we looked at maybe investing in an asset, and houseboats were affordable at that time.

'So, we looked at doing that, and, you know, we have been living here for about 14 months now.'

The couple have estimated they save a total of $10,400 a year after only paying a weekly mooring fee of $500 a week, which covers electricity and water.

Meanwhile, they said an apartment in Brisbane could see them forking out roughly $700 each week.

Their only other costs are insurance and maintenance, and they said their general cost of living is lower.

Grant and Louise Cause (pictured) bought a houseboat on the Brisbane River for $250,000 about 18 months ago after house prices soared, saving about $10,000 a year

The couple said the houseboat (pictured) is the equivalent of a two-bedroom home

But this doesn't mean they are without desirable amenities, with Mr Cause explaining that the boat is the equivalent of a two-bedroom apartment including laundry.

'You (sometimes) find yourself rocking occasionally back and forth (on the boat),' Mr Cause said.

'We have got all the creature comforts, too. Our houseboat is the equivalent of a two-bedroom apartment.'

His wife added that there have been no downsides while living on a boat, saying: 'You've got beautiful river views so it's sort of better than a house.'

'We have got lots of room on the houseboat, and we are close to public transport, you have got ferry and buses, and you get to meet all your neighbours.

'It is like a little community. Great views of Riverfire (Brisbane's large-scale fireworks display). What more could you want?'

Home prices grew nationally at 0.6 per cent in July, marking six consecutive months of increases that have driven median dwelling prices to $927,000 in the capital cities and $689,000 in the regions, property data firm Cotality found in August.

This increase aligns with the Reserve Bank's first rate cut in February and with more on the horizon, prices are only expected to accelerate.

Home prices grew nationally at 0.6 per cent in July, marking six consecutive months of increases that have driven median dwelling prices to $927,000 in capital cities (stock image)

Last month, it was revealed Darwin home prices had grown 2.2 per cent compared to Perth at 0.9 per cent, Brisbane and Adelaide at 0.7 per cent, Sydney at 0.6 per cent and Melbourne at 0.4 per cent.

It was one of the first times since the 2010s that price rises in the Top End capital have led the market.

Houses have also outpaced units in price growth across Australia, rising by 1.9 per cent compared with 1.4 per cent for the latter.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data found the number of approved dwellings rose to 11.9 per cent in June, driven largely by units and apartments.
On the latest episode of Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things, Robert Hardman and Kate Williams chart the life of Sir Anthony Blunt, whom Williams brands Britain's 'ultimate traitor.'

Blunt, a distant relative of Queen Elizabeth II, served as Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures for 27 years before being publicly exposed by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as a Soviet spy in 1979.

A committed Communist ideologue, Blunt's story is one of staggering betrayal - from passing military secrets to Soviet handlers during World War II that endangered Allied lives, to being allowed to continue working for the Palace for nine years despite confessing his treachery to MI5 in 1964.

Even more remarkably, he had been dispatched by the King to post-war Germany to retrieve sensitive royal papers, fuelling enduring speculation about what exactly he recovered and whether that knowledge later protected him.

Hardman and Williams reveal why Blunt was allowed to keep his role and debate newly released files showing why the Queen was deliberately kept in the dark about his treachery until 1973.

You can listen to the latest Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things by clicking the player below or here

Why was Anthony Blunt allowed to continue working for the Queen years after confessing to MI5?

The noose began to tighten around Blunt in 1963 when American magazine publisher Michael Straight was offered a job within the new Kennedy administration.

Blunt, who had been knighted in 1956, held a senior position as Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures as well as having previously worked for MI5.

With Cold War tensions high, Straight knew he would face rigorous FBI vetting before assuming the post.

He decided to come clean about his past, confessing that Blunt had recruited him to work for Soviet intelligence while they were students at Cambridge in the 1930s.

Blunt belonged to the infamous 'Cambridge Five', a spy ring of gifted Cambridge graduates recruited by Soviet handlers in the 1930s.

On the latest episode of Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things, Robert Hardman and Kate Williams chart the life of Sir Anthony Blunt (pictured), Britain's 'ultimate traitor'. Listen here

Blunt, a distant relative of Queen Elizabeth II , served as Surveyor of the Queen's Pictures for 27 years before being publicly exposed by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as a Soviet spy

A committed Communist ideologue, Blunt's story is one of staggering betrayal - he passed military secrets to Soviet handlers during World War II that endangered Allied lives

The FBI passed Straight's confession to MI5, which dispatched officer Arthur Martin to interrogate Blunt in April 1964. After initially denying everything, Blunt too confessed when offered complete immunity from prosecution.

The spy was not only given immunity but allowed to continue working for the Queen. The decision was taken by MI5 and the Home Secretary without officially informing Her Majesty.

'The view was, if we punish him, if we hang him out to dry, the Soviets will know that we know the information he's given us', Hardman told the podcast.

'They just leave him where he was  and this weird deal is done where he is allowed to remain Surveyor of the Queen's pictures.

'He kept his knighthood too  because if they'd stripped him of it, the public would obviously ask why.'

Williams added: 'I think they really feared that the exposure of him would be so damaging in Cold War relations.

'They also thought it could damage the current Conservative government and give Labour an in.

'Therefore, he continued.'

Did the Royal family suspect Anthony Blunt?

Once the deal was struck, knowledge of Blunt's confession was restricted to a tiny circle: MI5 leadership, the Home Secretary, and the Queen's Private Secretary. Even the Prime Minister was initially kept in the dark.

Newly released files from the National Archives reveal that Her Majesty was not officially informed of Blunt's treachery until 1973, nine years after his confession.

The files note the Queen took the news calmly and without surprise, leading to speculation she had already learned of his treachery through informal channels.

Robert Hardman believes the Queen was privately 'deeply uncomfortable' with the situation

Blunt (top left) belonged to the infamous 'Cambridge Five', a spy ring of gifted Cambridge graduates recruited by Soviet handlers in the 1930s

Once the deal was struck, knowledge of Blunt's confession was restricted to a tiny circle: MI5 leadership, the Home Secretary, and the Queen's Private Secretary

However, Hardman believes the Queen was privately 'deeply uncomfortable' with the situation.

He said: 'The Queen always hated to put a mask on.

'She was a straight talker, and I think she was very uncomfortable at having been formally told what Blunt was up to. He was still in the Palace.

'I interviewed the Queen's then Press Secretary, Ron Allison  it was fascinating. I asked him whether he'd ever come across Blunt.

'He said: 'Yes and he was this rather short, shambling and donnish figure who'd occasionally wander into the Royal dining room for lunch.

'The thing Ron said  that I found interesting  was that, he was never around when the Queen was around.

'I think that was part of the deal. She must have said, all right  I will carry on having this traitor under my roof but at the same time, she didn't want him anywhere near her.'

After growing speculation in the following years, Thatcher would use her parliamentary privilege to publicly unmask Blunt in parliament.

Blunt had retired in 1972, but Thatcher's 1979 exposure stripped him of his knighthood and public standing. He died just four years later in 1983, aged 75.

'Blunt was allowed to live to an old age, unlike many of the people he betrayed', Williams said.

'I don't feel at all sorry for him.'

To listen to full espionage episode on Anthony Blunt, search for Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things now, wherever you get your podcasts.
When the Duchess of Sussex rewore her exquisite Valentino floral-embellished white mini dress for her 44th birthday celebrations at Funke, was she dropping a clue about her Parisian plans?

It may have been more than just a nod to nostalgia, and instead a quiet tribute to her longtime fashion ally Pierpaolo Piccioli, who, after 25 years at Valentino, was about to make his highly anticipated debut at Balenciaga.

It all began with an Instagram post Meghan shared offering a glimpse of her celebrations, showing that familiar floral embellishment and unmistakable texture of Valentino's 2021 white mini dress.

Meghan was, in fact, wearing one of her most iconic looks, a piece she wore four years earlier at Global Citizen Live in New York City.

Italian designer Piccioli, celebrated for his romantic silhouettes and modern sensibility, has dressed Meghan for numerous standout moments.

There was the crisp white trouser suit that turned heads at the 2022 Invictus Games, and another dazzling white mini dress worn to a reception during the same event.

It's become something of a Meghan signature: white Valentino, minimal makeup, polished hair, and confidence that radiates effortlessly.

Making a surprise appearance at Paris Fashion Week, Meghan chose an all-white Balenciaga ensemble to sit front row at the Spring Summer show

Meghan brought back her bedazzled Valentino dress for her 44th birthday celebrationat Funke in August. The short-sleeved mini is just visible in the photo, but its embellished flowers peeking out from her long hair made the style instantly recognisable

So, as Piccioli prepared for his first collection at Balenciaga, Meghan's choice to revisit her 2021 Valentino dress on her birthday was a nod to their creative partnership, a subtle sign of support before she jetted off to Paris.

Meghan's wardrobe choices are never accidental. Every detail is considered, from silhouette to symbolism. Wearing that Valentino dress again, at that particular time, was her way of saying goodbye to one chapter and hello to the next.

When Meghan arrived at the Balenciaga show in Paris, she sashayed in wearing a striking all-white ensemble.

Her outfit was a study in quiet luxury. Tailored trousers, a draped silk shirt, and her signature understated accessories.

No tiara, no overt glamour, just sleek sophistication. Meghan's revamped style sent everyone a message that she doesn't have to dress like a duchess anymore.

Meghan wore a chic white Valentino mini dress to the Global Citizen Live Concert in 2021; 1960s style mini was adorned with intricate diamante flowers on the hemline and across the shoulders

When Meghan made her first international appearance of 2022 - attending a reception to celebrate the start of the Invictus Games - she was elegantly dressed in a sleek white Valentino double-breasted jacket and matching trousers

Keeping with the white Valentino theme for the 2022 Invictus Games, Meghan attended a reception in a floral, laser-cut mini dress. Harking back to her pre-royal days, the super short frock fell to above her knees

Supporting Pierpaolo at Balenciaga isn't just loyalty, it's strategic. She's aligning herself with high fashion's next chapter.

And as Paris applauded Pierpaolo's debut, one thing was certain: Meghan, in her timeless white outfit, was right where she belonged, front row and centre stage.
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The Duchess of Sussex made headlines with her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, where she brings a touch of luxury to the kitchen while cooking with friends.

But what really caught our eye were the chic homeware and kitchen essentials subtly featured behind the scenes.

Of course, Meghan Markle's kitchen wouldn't be complete without luxurious Le Creuset casserole dishes, including the signature round and shallow versions, both in the meringue shade.

The great news? Her exact pans have landed in the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale - now up to 39 per cent off.

From the iconic enamelled Dutch oven to ultra-durable stoneware and display-worthy kettles, Le Creuset's kitchen essentials are as functional as they are beautiful - and they rarely go on sale like this.

Whether you're refreshing your cookware, adding a pop of colour to your countertop, or planning ahead for the festive season, these deals are simply too good to miss.

Get ready to impress guests and elevate your kitchen with pieces that are sure to earn compliments for years to come.
It sounds like the start of a scifi film, but scientists have shown that AI can design brandnew infectious viruses the first time.

Experts at Stanford University in California used 'Evo'  an AI tool that creates genomes from scratch.

Amazingly, the tool was able to create viruses that are able to infect and kill specific bacteria.

Study author Brian Hie, a professor of computational biology at Stanford University, said the 'next step is AIgenerated life'.

While the AI viruses are 'bacteriophages', meaning they only infect bacteria and not humans, some experts are fearful such technology could spark a new pandemic or come up with a catastrophic new biological weapon.

Eric Horvitz, computer scientist and chief scientific officer of Microsoft, warns that 'AI could be misused to engineer biology'.

'AI powered protein design is one of the most exciting, fastpaced areas of AI right now, but that speed also raises concerns about potential malevolent uses,' he said.

'We must stay proactive, diligent and creative in managing risks.'

In a world first, scientists have created the first ever viruses designed by AI, sparking fears it such technology could help create a catastrophic bioweapon (file photo)

In the study, the team used an AI model called Evo, which is akin to ChatGPT, to create new virus genomes  the complete sets of genetic instructions for the organisms.

Just like ChatGPT has been trained on articles, books and text conversations, Evo has been trained on millions of bacteriophage genomes.

The researchers evaluated thousands of AIgenerated sequences before narrowing them down to 302 viable bacteriophages.

The study showed 16 were capable of hunting down and killing strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli), the common bug that causes illness in humans.

'It was quite a surprising result that was really exciting for us, because it shows that this method might potentially be very useful for therapeutics,' said study coauthor Samuel King, bioengineer at Stanford University.

Because their AI viruses are bacteriophages, they do not infect humans or any other eukaryotes, whether animals, plants or fungi, the team stress.

But some experts are concerned the technology could be used to develop biological weapons  diseasecausing organisms deliberately designed to harm or kill humans.

Jonathan Feldman, a computer science and biology researcher at Georgia Institute of Technology, said there is 'no sugarcoating the risks'.

In the study, the team used an AI model called Evo, which is akin to ChatGPT, to create new virus genomes (the complete sets of genetic instructions for the organisms)

What are bioweapons? Bioweapons are toxic substances or organisms that are produced and released to cause disease and death. Bioweapons in conflict is a crime under the 1925 Geneva Protocol and several international humanitarian law treaties. But experts worry AI could autonomously make dangerous new bioweapons in the lab. AI models already work autonomously to order lab equipment for experiments. 'AI tools can already generate novel proteins with single simple functions and support the engineering of biological agents with combinations of desired properties,' a government report says. 'Biological design tools are often open sourced which makes implementing safeguards challenging.' Advertisement

'We're nowhere near ready for a world in which artificial intelligence can create a working virus,' he said in a piece for the Washington Post.

'But we need to be, because that's the world we're now living in.'

Craig Venter, biologist and leading genomics expert based in San Diego, said he would have 'grave concerns' if someone 'did this with smallpox or anthrax'.

'One area where I urge extreme caution is any viral enhancement research, especially when it's random so you don't know what you are getting,' he told MIT Technology Review.

In their paper, published as a preprint in bioRxiv, the Stanford team acknowledge 'important biosafety considerations' and emphasize the 'safeguards inherent to our models'.

For example, they ran tests to ensure the models couldn't independently figure out genetic sequences that would make the phages dangerous to humans.

However, Tina HernandezBoussard, a professor of medicine at the Stanford University School of Medicine, said these models are 'smart' enough to navigate such hurdles.

'You have to remember that these models are built to have the highest performance, so once they're given training data, they can override safeguards,' she said.

The researchers evaluated thousands of AIgenerated sequences before narrowing them down to 302 viable bacteriophages or 'phages' (viruses that infect bacteria). Pictured, viable generated bacteriophage genomes from the study

In another new study, researchers at Microsoft have revealed AI can design toxic proteins that might might evade safety screening systems in place.

Their study, published in the journal Science, warned AI tools could be harnessed to generate thousands of synthetic versions of a specific toxin  altering its amino acid sequence while preserving its structure and potentially its function.

Study author Eric Horvitz, chief scientific officer at Microsoft, warned that there are 'multiple ways in which AI could be misused to engineer biology'.

'AI powered protein design is one of the most exciting, fastpaced areas of AI right now, but that speed also raises concerns about potential malevolent uses,' he said.

'We expect these challenges to persist, so there will be a continuing need to identify and address emerging vulnerabilities.'
Brits have been left 'petrified' after discovering hundreds of harlequin ladybirds 'crawling' on their homes this week.

'Anyone else get invaded by ladybirds today? I love them but this was too much,' one woman posted on TikTok.

Another wrote: 'They covered my whole living room, bedroom, all on the windows  I was petrified,' while one vented: 'My house is literally crawling with them.'

While the sudden influx might seem daunting, there's a simple reason for it.

'They are looking for somewhere to lay low over the winter,' Professor Tim Coulson, science author and biologist at the University of Oxford, told the Daily Mail.

'They sleep through the winter through in what is known as diapause, a bit like insect hibernation.

'They slow their metabolism right down to minimise energy use. In the wild they chose places like under bark in a pile of leaves, anywhere providing a bit of shelter and away from things that might eat them.

'Sometimes they might come into houses looking for a safe haven.'

Brits have been left 'petrified' after discovering hundreds of harlequin ladybirds 'crawling' on their homes this week

@mummybossadventures Anyone else get invaded by ladybirds today I think they was liking in my window doors and then it was so warm today they came out of hibernation or something?! I love them but this was too much also one let out some liquid on my finger and it STANK!  #ladybirdsswarm #ladybird #fyp #ukmums #uk #ukblogger  original sound - mummybossadventures

Known as clusterhibernators, ladybirds swarm because they're looking for a warm place to hibernate for winter.

When one of them finds a suitable place to spend the winter, it releases a pheromone that attracts a more of them.

In fact, the pheromone can keep the beetles coming back year after year.

Dozens of concerned Brits flocked to TikTok to share footage of ladybirds on their houses.

'Did anyone else today get absolutely invaded by ladybirds? I turn round and within an hour there was just ladybirds absolutely everywhere. I love nature but this was just too much for me,' TikTok user @mummybossadventure said.

Another user, @meetthealis, said: 'My front door is covered in ladybirds. I am petrified of ladybirds, insects, spiders, worms, even flipping ants, and it took me 15 minutes to run in the door.'

And @livvy.robertss vented: 'I don't mind if it's just one ladybug and you let it crawl in your hand. But this many guys  this is a mass invasion!'

Other users have raised concerns about diseases the ladybirds could be carrying  including sexually transmitted infections.

Dozens of concerned Brits have flocked to TikTok to share footage of ladybirds on their houses

Do ladybirds get STIs? Ladybirds can carry STDs, in the form of a fungus, according to Mr Barclay. 'It is a fungus that forms little scales on the wing cases on the outside of the ladybird. You can actually see it with your naked eye and so can tell whether the ladybird is infected. It just looks like a yellow crust on some parts of the ladybird's exoskeleton,' he said. Thankfully, this fungus cannot be passed on to humans. 'It is a fungus that grows on the exoskeleton and we don't have one of these, and we don't have sex with ladybirds,' Mr Barclay added. Advertisement

'New fear unlocked, ladybirds with STDs?' one user posted on TikTok.

Ladybirds can carry sexually transmitted diseases, in the form of a fungus, according to Max Barclay, Senior Curator of Beetles at London's Natural History Museum.

'It is a fungus that forms little scales on the wing cases on the outside of the ladybird,' he explained.

'You can actually see it with your naked eye and so can tell whether the ladybird is infected. It just looks like a yellow crust on some parts of the ladybird's exoskeleton.'

Thankfully, this fungus cannot be passed on to humans.

'It is a fungus that grows on the exoskeleton and we don't have one of these, and we don't have sex with ladybirds,' Mr Barclay added.

If your home has been overrun with ladybirds, you might be tempted to try to get rid of them.

However, experts reassure that the beetles are harmless, and say we should 'enjoy' seeing them.

Professor Coulson said: 'Predators, like ladybirds, are incredibly important components of ecosystems. Take away predators, and all hell breaks loose.

'We should cherish our ladybirds! Definitely do not kill the ladybirds as they keep the numbers of pest species down.

'Much better to have ladybirds than to spray crops with insecticides to kill the aphids.'

Likewise, Professor Helen Roy, one of the world's leading ladybird experts from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, told the Daily Mail: 'If they have entered your home in large numbers, please do not harm them.

'Either leave the insects where they are if possible or, if they are in the way, gather them gently into a box and put them in an outbuilding.'
A huge asteroid came within 300 miles of hitting Earth, and scientists only noticed after it had already skimmed past the planet.

The 9.8-foot (three metre) space rock, dubbed 2025 TF, flew over Antarctica in the early hours of October 1.

Passing at an altitude of just 265 miles (428 kilometres), the rock came closer to the Earth's surface than the orbit of the International Space Station.

However, space agencies only realised the near-miss had occurred when the asteroid was detected by the Catalina Sky Survey a few hours later.

While a miss this close might sound alarming, the European Space Agency (ESA) claims there was never any serious danger.

Based on its estimated size, 2025 TF would have most likely burned up or exploded in the atmosphere rather than slamming into the surface.

ESA said in a statement: 'Objects of this size pose no significant danger.

'They can produce fireballs if they strike Earths atmosphere, and may result in the discovery of small meteorites on the ground.'

A huge asteroid passed within 300 miles of Earth, but astronomers only realised the close encounter had happened when telescopes picked up the asteroid hours later. Pictured: Image of the asteroid taken by the Las Cumbres Observatory

After the asteroid passed, astronomers at the ESA's Planetary Defence Office observed it using the Las Cumbres Observatory in Australia.

This allowed for a more accurate estimate of the object's size and worked out that it had reached its closest point to Earth at exactly 01:47:26 BST.

ESA says: 'Tracking down a metre-scale object in the vast darkness of space at a time when its location is still uncertain is an impressive feat.

'This observation helped astronomers determine the close approach distance and time given above to such high precision.'

While it might not have done much damage to the planet, even a small space rock could have caused serious damage to a spacecraft.

This is particularly concerning since 2025 TF passed within the orbit of the ISS.

However, there were thankfully no spacecraft or satellites in the way as this asteroid passed.

Although NASA has paused all public communication during the government shutdown, the space agency has created an entry for 2025 TF on its Center for Near-Earth Object Studies website.

The asteroid, dubbed 2025 TF, passed 265 miles (428 kilometres) above Antarctica in the early hours of October 1. This put it at roughly the same altitude as the International Space Station (stock image)

How many Near Earth Asteroids have been detected? Total: 39,585 Over 140 metres: 11,453 Over 1 kilometre: 877 Figures as of October 4, 2025 Advertisement

According to this entry, the asteroid will next return to Earth in 2087 when it will pass within 3,710,795 miles (5,971,946 km) of the planet.

However, to be classed as a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid, a space rock must have a diameter of at least 460 feet (140 metres) and follow an orbit that will take it within 4.65 million miles (7.48 million km) of Earth.

Although 2025 TF's orbit takes it well within this distance, it is simply too small to be considered a hazard.

This small size also makes it extremely difficult to spot, which likely explains why it wasn't noticed until it had already passed Earth.

Each year, space agencies around the world discover thousands of so-called near-earth asteroids (NEAs).

These range from relatively harmless space rocks like 2025 TF to enormous 'city-killers' like the asteroid 99942 Apophis.

As of October 4, there were 39,585 known NEAs, including 11,453 asteroids larger than 460 feet (140 metres) in diameter.

Of these, about 2,500 are considered potentially hazardous, according to the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) Minor Planet Center.

2025 TF measures up to 9.8 feet (three metres) in diameter. Even though its orbit (illustrated) took it close to Earth, it is too small to be considered a potentially hazardous object

Each year, astronomers find thousands of Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs), many of which are over 460 feet (140 metres) in diameter. However, there are currently no objects that pose a risk to Earth in the next 100 years

These hazardous space rocks are subject to a much higher level of scrutiny, and their orbital paths are carefully calculated to see if they will hit Earth.

But, as this near miss demonstrates, even the world's most sophisticated planetary defence systems can't capture anything.

While scientists expect that almost all city or planet-killer asteroids will be detected long before they arrive, small but dangerous asteroids can still slip through.

In January last year, NASA's Scout impact hazard assessment system alerted authorities to a six-foot (two metre) asteroid heading towards Berlin just 95 minutes before it impacted.

Most famously, in 2013, residents of the Russian town of Chelyabinsk witnessed a 66-foot (20 metre) asteroid explode less than 19 miles (30 km) above the surface.

Scientists hadn't seen the asteroid at all since it was approaching from the direction of the sun and couldn't be seen during the day.

However, the blast released 30 times more energy than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, destroying 7,200 buildings and sending 1,500 people to the hospital.

Since this time, planetary defence systems have greatly improved, but many scientists still think more work needs to be done to ensure similar asteroids aren't missed in the future.
Rising sea levels could plunge more than 100 million buildings underwater by 2100, scientists have warned.

The experts in Canada estimated how many buildings in Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America would be flooded by different sea level changes.

Their assessment found that sea level rises of just 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) would flood three million buildings in the global south alone.

However, if emissions aren't curbed soon, sea levels could rise by over 16 feet (five metres) in the next century - putting up to a sixth of all buildings in the global south at risk.

Worryingly, the researchers at McGill University in Montreal say that much of this destruction is now practically unavoidable.

Even if the terms of the Paris Agreement are met, sea level rises of up to three feet (0.9 metres) will likely flood five million buildings by the end of the century.

Co-author Professor Natalya Gomez says: 'Sea level rise is a slow, but unstoppable consequence of warming that is already impacting coastal populations and will continue for centuries.

'People often talk about sea level rising by tens of centimetres, or maybe a meter, but in fact it could continue to rise for many meters if we don't quickly stop burning fossil fuels.'

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Scientists have used satellite maps to work out how many buildings would be destroyed if sea levels rise between 0.5 metres (red) and 20 metres (yellow). In the worst-case scenario, over 100 million buildings would be flooded in the global south alone

The researchers focused their analysis on the Global South - the bottom half of the world comprising Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America - but they've created a map showing what flooding would look like worldwide.

In their first large-scale, building-by-building assessment of its kind, the researchers combined high-resolution satellite information and elevation data.

Using this, they were able to estimate how many buildings would be inundated under various sea level scenarios, from increases of 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) up to 65 feet (20 metres).

As the climate warms, sea levels rise due to the melting of polar ice sheets and glaciers, as well as the fact that water in the oceans expands as it heats up.

Scientists currently believe that 1.6 feet of sea level rise will occur even if governments around the world take rapid measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

When this occurs, the researchers predict that millions of buildings will be permanently plunged underwater, with many more placed within the high tide mark.

The researchers' flooding map shows that large parts of UK coastal towns, such as Great Yarmouth, will be permanently underwater, while massive areas of cities like London will be beneath the high tide mark.

In London, tidal flooding will extend as far as Peckham in the south and Barking in the north.

If immediate action is taken to curb emissions, sea levels will rise by just 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). However, this will already put large parts of London under the high tide mark

Under the best-case scenario of 1.6 feet (0.5 metres) of sea level rise, entire towns in the Northeast could be submerged during high tide

Even if the world makes good on its commitments under the Paris Agreement to reach net-zero by 2050, studies predict sea levels will still rise by three feet (0.9 metres) by 2100. This will put large areas of London underwater. Pictured: artist's impression of London underwater

Co-author Professor Jeff Cardile says: 'We were surprised at the large number of buildings at risk from relatively modest long-term sea level rise.

Even if the world makes good on its commitments under the Paris Agreement to reach net-zero by 2050, studies predict sea levels will still rise by three feet (0.9 metres) by 2100 and by 8.5 feet (2.5 metres) by 2300.

That means a further five million buildings are expected to be below the high tide mark by the end of the century, increasing to 20 million by 2030.

However, scientists predict that global sea levels could rise by as much as 16 feet (five metres) to 65 feet (20 metres) if the world doesn't reach net zero soon.

If the sea level becomes 16 feet higher, the researchers estimate that 45 million buildings in Africa, Southeast Asia and Central and South America alone will be flooded.

That number rises to a staggering 136 million buildings if sea levels are allowed to rise by 65 feet.

In this absolute worst-case scenario, entire regions of the UK would be completely swallowed by the waves.

Cambridge, Peterborough, York, Hull, and even Doncaster would be permanently underwater.

In the worst-case scenario, large parts of England, and almost the entirety of the Netherlands, will be permanently underwater

Many of the towns worst affected by flooding will be extremely densely populated areas like Natal, Brazil. The disruption caused by the flooding will damage global food networks as ports are submerged

Meanwhile, large parts of major towns and cities such as Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol, Glasgow and London would be submerged while high tides would reach the outskirts of Manchester and Leeds.

Globally, the effects would be disastrous, especially for poorer countries with less ability to mitigate or adapt to the effects of flooding.

An estimated 30 per cent of the global population lives within 31 miles (50 km) of the coast, and 20 of the 26 largest megacities are located on the coast.

Additionally, many of the areas this study predicts will be flooded are densely populated, low-lying areas.

This means that entire neighbourhoods, including critical infrastructure, ports, refineries, and cultural sites, will be affected.

That means the impacts of global sea level rise will extend well beyond the areas actually submerged by water.

Professor Eric Galbraith, another study co-author, says: 'We all rely on goods, foods and fuels that pass through ports and coastal infrastructure exposed to sea level rise.

'Disruption of this essential infrastructure could play havoc with our globally interconnected economy and food system.'
A weather system developing right off the US East Coast could strengthen into a dangerous tropical storm in the coming days, experts have warned.

Meteorologists said that this tropical rainstorm is expected to form quickly over the weekend, potentially bringing 'prolonged coastal flooding' to the entire East Coast, from southern Florida to New England.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has noted that the next two Atlantic storm names will be Jerry and Karen, with Jerry likely to form farther away from the US this week.

As for the storm that could become Karen, forecasters have already predicted that North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland are expected to get heavy rainfall between Friday and Saturday.

The threat stems from increased tropical activity in the Atlantic basin, where a low-pressure system near the Southeast is soaking up warm Gulf Stream waters, causing it to organize into a potential tropical blast.

Experts at AccuWeather added that this looming storm will likely bring beach erosion, rough surf, and dangerous rip currents to millions along the East Coast.

While it's too early to know exactly where Karen will strike, forecasters said that one path could take it towards Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and the New England states by Sunday.

AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva added that additional heat and energy from the warm ocean current in the Southeast could allow Karen to strengthen even further, increasing the risk of the year's first hurricane making landfall in the US.

Meteorologists warned that a new Atlantic system may develop between October 10 and 12, possibly becoming Tropical Storm Karen if it intensifies

Millions of Americans may face 'prolonged coastal flooding' from a storm developing along the East Coast this coming weekend (Stock Image)

Currently, NHC has only been tracking the development of the tropical wave dubbed Invest 95L, which has a 90 percent chance of becoming Jerry by Thursday.

However, that storm is expected to turn away from the US once it reaches the Caribbean this week.

Although the NHC has not issued alerts for an impending Atlantic storm named Karen along the coast, officials have previously warned that these weather events can form quickly and with little warning.

Ken Graham, the director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service, said that every Category 5 hurricane that has ever hit the US was a tropical storm or something even weaker just three days prior.

'The Carolina coastline will be of particular concern. Areas of the Outer Banks that lost several beach houses to rough surf last week could face another round of beach erosion and rough surf from this coastal storm,' DaSilva cautioned on Tuesday.

AccuWeather added that the tropical storm could also end up ruining the fall foliage for millions in the Northeast this weekend.

If Karen encounters a slow-moving high-pressure system in the North Atlantic, it could be pushed closer to the US, potentially moving over several northern states and stripping trees that are at or near peak fall color

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty said: 'If the storm moves far enough north, wind associated with it may bring down a lot of leaves across the Northeast.'

Meteorologists warned that a low-pressure system off the Southeast turn erupt into a tropical storm that moves as far north as New England by Sunday

A separate tropical wave in the Atlantic (pictured in red) is expected to become the next named Atlantic storm by Thursday, called Jerry

If this potential weather event does grow into a named storm that slams the East Coast, it'll first build into a tropical depression this weekend, meaning the storm will grow a defined center of low pressure and some circulation.

Karen would start to look more like a swirling weather system on satellite images.

From there, NHC forecasters would upgrade it to a tropical storm if stronger thunderstorms develop and winds pick up to between 40 and 75 \mph.

If the sustained winds grow even stronger than that, Karen would turn into the third or possibly fourth Atlantic hurricane to threaten the US in the last two weeks, following Humberto, Imelda, and possibly Jerry.

Meanwhile, another storm in the Pacific named Priscilla is on the verge of becoming a major hurricane that could flood the Southwest.

The hurricane is currently a Category 2 storm, threatening to bring thunderstorms and flash floods to several West Coast states later this week.

Most spaghetti models for Priscilla show it turning north as it moves along the coast of Mexico, bringing a wave of moisture to Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Southern California.
A US Air Force jet designed to collect intelligence on enemy radar systems was spotted making circles over Russia, following rising tensions with Moscow.

Flight tracking data showed the RC-135U 'Combat Sent' taking off from England early Tuesday, flying over the Baltic states and looping around Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania, before returning to the UK.

The American jet departed from Mildenhall, a Royal Air Force station in Suffolk, at 2:32am ET and touched down at 9:36am.

The mission came a day after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Russia of waging a 'hybrid war' against Germany.

Merz blamed President Vladimir Putin for the incursion of reconnaissance drones that disrupted Munich Airport and left more than 10,000 passengers stranded.

Flights were canceled during German Unity Day, and as Munich prepared for the final weekend of Oktoberfest, which draws over six million visitors annually.

'He is waging an information war against us. He is waging a military war against Ukraine, and this war is directed against all of us,' Merz told broadcaster NTV on Monday.

The incursion is the latest in a series of suspected drone overflights across EU and NATO airspace.

Flight radar spotted the US Air Force's RC-135U 'Combat Sent' taking off from England early Tuesday, flying over the Baltic states and looping around Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania, before returning to the UK

The RC-135U is tasked with strategic reconnaissance and technical intelligence (TECHINT) gathering on radar and emitter systems

The US Air Force describes the spy plane as providing strategic electronic reconnaissance information to the president, the Secretary of War, Department of Defense leaders and theater commanders

'Locating and identifying foreign military land, naval and airborne radar signals, the Combat Sent collects and minutely examines each system, providing strategic analysis for warfighters,' according to the military branch.

All RC-135U Combat Sent aircraft are fitted for aerial refueling, giving them effectively unlimited range. and carry advanced communications and navigation systems.

Those include high-, very-high- and ultra-high-frequency radios, ground-navigation radar, a Doppler unit, and an inertial system that fuses celestial fixes with GPS.

The planes are easily recognized by their distinctive antenna arrays on the 'chin' and wingtips, large cheek fairings, and extended tail.

Crew typically includes two pilots, a navigator, two airborne systems engineers, at least 10 electronic warfare officers known as 'Ravens,' and additional technical specialists.

The aircraft records and analyzes electronic emissions from foreign radar and communications systems, allowing analysts to identify and map adversary capabilities and develop countermeasures.

While the reason for Tuesday's mission is unknown, FlightRadar24 also spotted the same craft, callsign JAKE37, taking off from the same airport in England and circling Kaliningrad on October 2, the same day when drones appeared in Germany.

Flight trackers caught the US plane making a similar journey around the Russian city on October 2, the same day as the drone incursion

Munich Airport, one of Germany's biggest, was forced to cancel flights late on Thursday and Friday, before reopening from 7:00am local time (1am EST) on Saturday of last week.

The disruption, which saw 46 departures from the airport cancelled or delayed, came as the country celebrated German Unity Day on Friday, a national holiday.

Munich was also gearing up for the final weekend of Oktoberfest, which attracts more than six million people to the city a year, according to the official website.

The incursion was the latest in a series of suspicious drone overflights in European Union airspace and NATO member countries.

Airports in Denmark, Norway and Poland have recently suspended flights due to unidentified drones, with Romania and Estonia pointing the finger at Russia.

Moscow has brushed off the allegations, however.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: 'There are many politicians in Europe who now tend to blame Russia baselessly and indiscriminately for everything. That's how we view these statements [by Merz].

'The whole story about these drones is strange, to say the least, but Russia should not be blamed without evidence.'
The government shutdown has caused another major air traffic control tower to go dark, with no one available to direct planes due to staffing shortages.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Nashville International Airport will face the issue starting at 5pm ET on Tuesday due to a lack of air traffic controllers available to operate the tower.

Nashville's air traffic approach control is expected to remain dark until after midnight, resulting in major flight delays and ground stops.

According to the FAA's website, the ground delay has already backed up flights by more than two hours at the airport.

Nashville International (BNA) noted that the FAA told officials this reduction in manpower 'will remain in effect until further notice.'

BNA officials added that all airlines have been informed of the slowdown and advised travelers to check the status of their flights with their airlines before arriving at the airport.

A dozen facilities saw staffing shortages on Monday, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, where Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claimed that many air traffic control workers were calling out sick.

'If we see there are issues in the tower that are affecting controllers' ability to effectively control the airspace, we'll reduce the rate, and you'll see more delays or you might see a cancellation,' Duffy said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that Nashville International Airport (pictured) will face a ground delay starting at 5pm ET

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (pictured) has also experienced staffing shortages and a ground delay has been issued for Tuesday night

Another major hub facing a travel nightmare because of the government shutdown is Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

The FAA has also announced a ground delay there starting at 7pm ET and lasting until midnight.

According to Axios, O'Hare has been experiencing shortages and is expected to be understaffed in their air traffic control tower throughout most of the day.

O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the US and the world, handling over 80 million passengers annually and thousands of flights daily.

Flight Aware's 'Misery Map' helps flyers track the number of delayed flights at US airports, and which travel hubs have been particularly impacted by the federal shutdown.

So far, O'Hare has dealt with the most delays on Tuesday afternoon, postponing over 60 flights since 2pm ET.

The new travel headaches come less than a day after air traffic control towers at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California were left unmanned for hours due to the ongoing shutdown.

The Daily Mail asked the White House for comment on the situation on Monday and received an automatic reply putting responsibility for the shutdown on Democrats.

Nashville International (BNA) revealed on Tuesday that the FAA told officials this reduction in manpower 'will remain in effect until further notice'

'Due to staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown, the typical 24/7 monitoring of this press inbox may experience delays,' it read.

So far on Tuesday, cancellations have been kept to a minimum nationwide, with only 61 flights into and out of the US being cancelled.

President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Nick Daniels, called for an end to the government shutdown as soon as possible during Duffy's news conference.

NATCA represents over 20,000 air traffic controllers and claims that many of its members have been working 10-hour shifts, six days a week.

The shutdown has put these vital airport workers under further strain, furloughing support staff and suspending support programs.

Some major airports were already dealing with staffing shortages before Congress failed to pass a new spending bill on October 1.

That includes Newark Liberty, which has been plagued by staffing issues and dangerous radar blackouts this year.
Have you seen the 'meteor'?

Brits have been left in awe after spotting what is believed to be a 'meteor' glowing through the night sky.

Lucky stargazers in Northfields and Ealing, west London, have reported seeing a blue-ish green blob race through the city's sky on Tuesday.

One onlooker described seeing the 'streak' of light dash through the clouds at around 8.10pm to 8.30pm, and initially believed it was fireworks.

'I'm used to seeing planes coming and going to Heathrow, and also helicopters coming and going; this was not that,' they wrote on Reddit.

'My next thought was fireworks but I'm 90% sure it wasn't that, and there was no explosion.

'For reference it was about the same size as the full-ish moon tonight, visible through the clouds, but as a much brighter blue-green color and, again, moving quite fast.

'It was a very odd combination of speed, size and brightness and didn't look like anything I've ever seen in the sky here before.'

Others claimed to have seen the unusual sighting from Wimbledon and Hampstead Heath, with some even catching a glimpse as far afield as Brighton and Grantham.

Lucky stargazers in Northfields and West Ealing, west London, and further afield, have reported seeing a blue-ish green blob race through the city's sky on Tuesday night

It has not yet been confirmed what the colourful 'streak' in Tuesday's sky was, however, the Daily Mail has approached the Met Office for comment.

It comes as earlier this week Jessica Lee, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich also said sky gazers could expect the Draconid meteor shower today.

But, the meteor shower, which is expected to peak Wednesday night may be difficult to see due to the moonlight, Ms Lee warned.

'The Draconids meteor shower is named after the constellation of Draco the dragon,' Ms Lee said.

'This is because, although meteors appear all over the sky, they all appear to emerge or radiate from a single point that lies within this constellation.

'The meteor shower is visible from the 6th until the 10th of October this year.

'The best time will be from around 8pm on the 8th of October.

'At this time, that radiant point within Draco will be in the north-west of the sky, slowly getting lower in the sky until sunrise.

'The moon will be almost full on this night, however, so it could make the meteors tricky to see.'

The Draconids are caused when debris from the comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner burns up in the Earth's atmosphere, Ms Lee added.

'Most of this debris will burn up at a height of around 80km above the ground, so this is not a dangerous event,' she said.

'For the best chances to spot them, find a dark area of clear sky and allow around 20 minutes to let your eyes adapt to the dark.

'It may also be advisable to lie down as you may be looking up for a long time.'

In September, walkers were urged to keep an eye out for meteorite fragments scattered over Scotland after a shooting star was spotted in the early hours of July 3.

The meteor is believed to have exploded over northern Scotland, with the 'fall zone' straddling Loch Treig in Lochaber, Highland.

The aerial event was captured on some cameras and shared on social media, showing a big yellow spark soaring through the dark sky.

Members of the public have since been tasked to look for the fragments, which should appear 'black, glassy and shiny'.

Meteorites  rocks from outer space and have fallen to the surface of a planet  may have delivered essential compounds facilitating the evolution of life as we know it.

Professor Luke Daly, a planetary geoscientist and space rock hunter at the University of Glasgow, called them 'time capsules of the early solar system'.

'They hold a wealth of information about how our solar system formed and developed,' he said.

'This is a very exciting opportunity to learn more about where this rock came from and where it has been and fill in a bit more of the jigsaw of our solar system's history.'
Pamela Anderson continued to rock her new copper crop on Sunday after ditching her trademark blonde lock for Paris Fashion Week.

The actress, 58, has debuted three bold looks over the course of the last few days.

For the fashion festivities, she styled her choppy hair straight and went makeup free.

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So chic: Pamela Anderson continued to look fabulous on Sunday after ditching her blonde hair for Paris Fashion Week

Pamela was snapped in a black, floral patterned, traditional-style Chinese dress with an asymmetric closure and gold piping.

The model finished her outfit with a pair of bright red heels, complete with a large satin bow.

Over the course of the week, she has been seen with an 80s slick-back at Tom Ford, as well as an iconic Farrah Fawcett flip and a tousled hairstyle.

Another one: The actress has debuted three bold new looks over the last few days

Pamela's varied looks at Paris Fashion Week come as she is set to star in Love is Not the Answer alongside Steve Coogan.

Her hair inspiration came from three Scandinavian actresses, Bibi Andersson, Liv Ullmann, and Gunnel Lindblom, who all boasted similar looks.

It's understood that Pamela took their styles to famed French hairdresser John Nollet, who has become a new friend of the actress.

Earlier this year, a source revealed she is delighted at 'being applauded for her toned-down looks and recognized for her true talent.'

An insider told the Daily Mail: 'Pamela has gotten so much positive feedback from women all over the world for her natural glow up.

'She has become an icon who is now known for baring her all-natural self.

'While Pam recognizes that a little more make up would have gone fabulous with her gown, she also realizes that this is not true to who she is anymore.'

Peeping out: Pamela topped off her outfit with a pair of red sating heels

The old look: The actress has previously been known for her platinum blonde hair

Slight different: Earlier in the week the actress was seen with an 80s slick-back at Tom Ford

Doing it all: She also wore a tousled hairstyle to the Mugler Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on Thursday

The insider continued: 'To do herself up  whether at the awards or anywhere else for that matter  would make her not true to herself.'

They added that 'part of her motivation' to cut back on her glam was because she wanted to 'strip away her Barbwire image and Baywatch personification' - and be viewed 'as a serious actor'.

The insider said: 'When she went into this, part of her motivation was to strip away her Barbwire image and Baywatch personification. Shew wanted to be taken as a serious actor.

'Pamela realized her true talent when she played Roxy Hart on Broadway. This was life changing for her.

'Never in a million years did she think that she would have been nominated for an award like this.'
After a nine-hour flight delay, the Daily Mail's deputy travel editor has shared a major airport warning to travellers.

Hayley Minn was almost stranded in Malaga as a result - and is keen to make sure holidaymakers don't fall into the trap themselves.

Hayley was due to take a 5pm flight EZY8072 from Malaga to Gatwick Airport on Sunday, October 5.

But when she was told her flight was delayed by nine hours - from 5pm to 2.45am - she decided to leave the airport and check in to a hotel for a few hours and then come back.

Hayley said: 'But when I came back, my boarding pass didn't work and security knew nothing about what I was saying, telling me my flight wasn't leaving until 4pm later that day, and there was no one on the easyJet desk.

'They wouldn't let me through for almost 30 mins and I almost missed my flight. I ended up finding someone who could check and she got high security to let me through.'

Hayley's warning is that travellers should not leave the airport in these circumstances.

Upon arriving at the airport, 'we all went through as normal,' Hayley said, 'but suddenly we were told there was a problem with the plane and we needed to wait a bit longer, I'd say we were waiting for 40 minutes.'

After a nine-hour flight delay, the Daily Mail's deputy travel editor Hayley Minn (pictured in Malaga) has shared a major airport warning to travellers

Hayley was due to take a 5pm flight EZY8072 from Malaga to Gatwick Airport on Sunday, October 5

After that, passengers on her flight were taken out of the flight corridor, and back outside the gate, and made to wait for another 20 minutes.

But then they were informed the flight was cancelled 'because there was a technical problem with the aircraft'.

'Loads of people immediately started rebooking onto new flights, just hoping that easyJet would give them money.

'But I was unable to do so because the other flights were all selling out and there weren't any with just hand luggage left - which I had. And it was so expensive and I wasn't sure if I'd get the money back.

'Suddenly, they told us it wasn't actually cancelled, just delayed until 2.45am.'

Hayley said someone near to her had the idea to book into a hotel nearby.

Hayley added: 'So I did that, found a 60 Travelodge hotel a 10-minute drive away and I left the airport, went back through passport control and to the hotel.'

She set an alarm to leave Travelodge Malaga Airport in time for her flight, and got back to the airport at 12.45am.

Hayley was almost stranded in Malaga as a result - and is keen to make sure holidaymakers don't fall into the trap themselves

'I left way too much time - I thought,' Hayley said. 'But when I went to scan my boarding pass it didn't work - because I'd already used it.

'There's obviously security there, so I called them over, and luckily, I can speak a bit of Spanish.

'They had no record of my flight being delayed - I think because we weren't meant to leave and come back with the same boarding pass. They had no information about this, and when I showed them my flight number, they could only see a flight for 4pm.

'So they kept telling me my flight was delayed even more - until 4pm on Monday. I started crying, as I was so stressed and tired.'

Staff told Hayley to go to the easyJet desk, and an easyJet staff member, on the 24/7 chat app, told her she needed to speak to the ground staff for help.

But no one was there at 1am.

However, she did manage to find someone in the end,

'I went back to security and begged, "let me in, let me in, I need to get on this plane." I was stressing so much, thinking I wasn't even going to get on the plane at this rate.'

Hayley's warning is that travellers should not leave the airport in these circumstances

They sent Hayley over to another staff member who called through to easyJet to check, and got confirmation the flight was leaving at 2.45am.

'I got really high security - I think staff security - to let me in and it was fine.

'I got through around 1.15am eventually, and I was really stressed.

'My warning is if your flight is delayed, don't leave the airport. Only leave the airport if it's cancelled so the airline has to provide you with a new boarding pass if you don't want that stress.

'On the flip side, I didn't get any sleep but I got a nice meal and a bed for a bit and rest, whereas a lot of people - 72 in total - didn't take the flight in the end and got on other flights.'

She said that 130 people did get on the flight and when she got back to the gate, everyone had been sleeping across chairs, uncomfortably, in the airport, while she had been at the hotel.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, easyJet said: 'We are sorry that flight EZY8072 from Malaga to London Gatwick on 5 October was delayed due to an aircraft technical issue.

'We arranged for a replacement aircraft to operate the flight and provided customers with regular updates and refreshment vouchers via our flight tracker, as well as information on options to rebook to alternative flights or request a refund.

'We are looking into the communication and support from our ground handling provider at Malaga airport, as this is not the level of service we expect for our customers, and we are sorry for any confusion this caused.'
With many travellers rejecting the typical tourist spots in favour of more unique experiences, there has been an increase in demand for museums with unusual collections.

And, in a new study, 2,000 Brits have voted to crown the quirkiest museums in Europe, showing everything from sewers, torture - and even phalluses.

The data was compiled by easyJet and comes as 84 per cent of people asked said they would pay more for novelty or rarity.

Icelandic Phallological Museum

The Icelandic capital of Reykjavik is home to the world's only scientific penis museum, which is dedicated to collecting, studying and presenting phalluses.

Pictured: The Icelandic Phallological Museum in Reykjavik, Iceland

The museum has more than 300 penises and penile parts from more than 100 species of mammal, as well as 22 imagined phalluses from creatures and peoples of Icelandic folklore.

The site has become a popular tourist attraction with thousands of visitors a year.

Paris Sewer Museum

Immersed in mystery, the sewers of Paris have always fascinated the public and attracted many visitors.

Pictured is the entrance of the Musee des Egouts de Paris, the Paris sewers museum

Installed in the Alma factory, initially a siphon in the heart of an operating site, visitors can walk 500 meters under the line of the sewers to discover a city below the city.

The museum details the history of the sewers from their initial development to their modern structure, which was designed in the 19th century. The museum also details the role of sewer workers and methods of water treatment.

Torture Museum, Amsterdam

Amsterdam is home to no shortage of museums, meaning that to stand out, they need to have a clear, unique selling point.

Described as 'one of the world's most unusual museums,' the Torture Museum houses a display of more than 40 torture and punishment instruments from across Europe, especially from the Middle Ages, from the inquisition chair to the guillotine.

Inviting visitors to discover the painful past, the museum offers a chilling and immersive experience.

Museum Of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft

Another Icelandic museum to top the rankings is the Museum Of Icelandic Sorcery and Witchcraft - or 'Galdrasafni' in Icelandic.

The museum in the small town of Holmavik tells the story of the witch craze in Iceland in the 17th century and how witchcraft is presented in Icelandic folklore.

The website boldly declares: 'We tell tales of magic.'

Froggyland, Croatia

Known for its display of 21 dioramas, this museum in Split, Croatia, contains a collection of 507 different taxidermy frogs, posed to appear as if they are participating in human activities.

Froggyland is a world famous stuffed frog museum. The collection consists of 507 stuffed frogs of a common European frog species shown in various daily human situation in the collection that dates to 1910

The collection first consisted of 1000 samples, 507 of which have been preserved in a perfect condition.

Museum of Miniatures, Prague

An exhibition at the Museum of Miniature in Prague

In Prague, Czech Republic, the Museum of Miniatures has one of the biggest collections of microminiature art in Europe.

Some pieces are so small they need to be viewed with a microscope or magnifying device, including 10 camels carved in the eye of a needle, the Lord's Prayer written on a strand of hair and a carving of the Eiffel Tower which is 1/10 of an inch.

House of Illusions, Slovenia

Located in the heart of Ljubljana, Slovenia, the House of Illusions describes itself as a museum full of fun and educational experience, where you can test the limits of your perception.

With more than 70 exhibits, visitors will get their senses tested, from experiencing an upside-down room, to having a friend's head for lunch and, only for the brave, a walk through the Vortex tunnel.

Surgeons' Hall Museums, Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the United Kingdom.

This medical museum, which includes real human remains, represents the changing nature of medical and scientific teaching and research since the late 18th century.

Museum of Broken Relationships, Croatia

Pictured: Museum items in the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia

The Museum of Broken Relationship in Zagreb, Croatia, features a diverse collection of objects, such as, watches, a hairdryer, and a key ring, each representing a personal story of a past relationship.

Each exhibit is accompanied by a personal story. One review reads: 'Unique and poignant museum that is full of equally heartbreaking and funny tales of heartbreak.'

Dialog Museum, Germany

Both a social enterprise and a museum, Dialog Museum in Frankhurt, Germany offers guided tours by blind or visually impaired experts through a lightless course with changing themed rooms.

The museum is considered an outstanding example of social entrepreneurship snd claims to be an 'incomparable role reversal, training the senses and empathy'.

One review says: 'Such a unique experience. Opens your mind to a whole new way of understanding the world.'
There's a new breed of tourist wandering through Southeast Asia.

No, not the middle-aged men with sweaty foreheads and wedding rings stuffed into their wallets, but something just as self-serving: the moral crusader with a camera.

This week, travel influencer Duncan McNaught went viral for posting a video shaming older Western men in Cambodia, filming them as they walked the streets and implying - without evidence - that they were there for sex tourism.

His caption suggested disgust, his followers applauded his 'bravery'.

But while many patted him on the back for 'calling out exploitation', I couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort. Because I don't think this shiny new trend of public shaming, often by people steeped in privilege, is actually helping anyone. It just swaps one kind of exploitation for another.

When I was 16, I went on a school trip to the United States and Mexico. We crossed the border into Tijuana, and it was a shock to the system.

Our bus driver, a kind, local, weather-beaten man named Jorge, insisted on taking us through the backstreets so we could see what life was really like beyond the tourist strip. We passed families living in corrugated-iron shacks, children playing barefoot beside piles of rubbish, and stray dogs weaving through traffic in search of scraps.

I still remember the air that smelt of burning plastic and sweat. That short drive changed me. It was the first time I truly grasped what privilege looked like, me in my new clothes purchased for the trip and travel insurance, staring out a tinted window at people who might never leave those dusty streets.

Jana Hocking understands why travel influencers are calling out sex tourism in countries like Cambodia and Thailand - but she doubts their online public shaming will change anything

Later that afternoon, I ducked into a small shop to buy a pair of knock-off sunglasses. The man behind the counter suddenly grabbed my arm, forcing me to stay until I agreed to buy them. I remember the panic and the shock of being physically restrained by a man for the first time.

It was harmless compared to what some women endure daily, but it left a mark. So when I see an influencer strutting through Cambodia filming local women or older men without their consent, I think back to that moment. Because if a 16-year-old blonde tourist could feel frightened in a single encounter, imagine what life feels like for women who have no choice but to rely on those same men for survival.

Let's be clear, sex tourism is predatory. According to a 2023 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Southeast Asia remains a major hub for sexual exploitation, with an estimated 250,000 women and girls trapped in the trade. The demand is largely driven by Western men seeking what they can't find - or afford - at home. It's exploitative, dehumanising and deeply sad.

Personally, I'll never understand how they can do it.

But does a viral Instagram reel fix that? Hardly. When influencers like Duncan film random men walking through red-light districts, they aren't dismantling a system. They're creating clickable outrage. Those videos don't stop exploitation, they just redirect attention from the victims to the influencer.

But the worst thing about travel influencers who take their cameras out in seedy neighbourhoods is they broadcast the faces of young women simply doing what they need to survive. These women already navigate violence, poverty and stigma. Now they're also props in someone else's hero narrative.

I note that Duncan did at least make some effort not to film the women - but I still saw a handful of faces as he panned the camera around the streets of Phnom Penh.

For decades, Southeast Asia has attracted what locals call 'beer-bar Romeos' - older men who chase youth and submission.

Women employed at Nie's bar in Thailand's Hua Hin District can expect to make about 300 Thai Bhat (about AU$14.50) each night

They deserve scrutiny. Just last week, I had a guy contact me online to rant about how modern women are too outspoken and think they're 'too good' for blokes. So he was hopping on a plane to find a well-behaved Thai wife.

I responded: 'No, you're hopping on a plane to prey on a woman in a socio-economically disadvantaged position. And you're taking advantage of that.'

Yes, he didn't like that response, but where's the lie?

But lately there's a new kind of traveller clogging up the tuk-tuks: the virtue tourist.

He arrives armed with a drone and a moral compass calibrated to engagement metrics. He films poverty, lectures strangers, and hashtags it as 'awareness'.

Some, no doubt, mean well - and I'm not suggesting that Duncan is being fake or pretending to care for engagement - but the trend still strikes me as performative.

There's also a deeper ethical issue. Public shaming rarely changes behaviour. Research from the University of Cambridge found that online humiliation tends to entrench, not reform, the people being shamed.

They double down, become defensive, and often shift their behaviour offline where it's harder to monitor. In other words, moral policing makes the problem worse.

The same goes for social media outrage. One influencer's 'call-out' might rack up half a million likes, but it won't reduce sex tourism.

So what does? Funding safe-house programmse, supporting education for girls, and empowering local communities to build alternatives to the sex trade.

I've watched Duncan's virtuous video dozens of times. He certainly seems outraged about it - but a link in the caption to a charity, helpline or outreach programme wouldn't have gone amiss. Imagine if all that digital fury was redirected somewhere useful.

What frustrates me most is the lack of feeling on both sides. The men who fly into these countries and buy intimacy treat women like disposable souvenirs. But influencers who swoop in to publicly shame them often show the same lack of empathy, just from a different angle.

HBO series The White Lotus (starring Aimee Lou Wood, above) previously referenced the trend of 'bald white guys' dating local women in Thailand in its most recent series

Neither sees the full human picture - the trauma, the economics, the desperation. One buys bodies, the other begs for attention. And both fly home afterwards feeling somehow satisfied.

During my travels, I've spoken to local women who enter sex work not out of desire, but because it's the only viable income. Many are supporting families or paying for siblings to attend school. They deserve compassion, not exposure.

It's possible to condemn sex tourism without turning suffering into spectacle. I want the Duncans of the world to keep talking about exploitation but maybe talk with the people involved instead of filming them. Use your platform to amplify local voices, not blur them into background noise.

And to the men who think Southeast Asia is their erotic playground: your behaviour is indefensible. If you need to buy affection, it's not affection you're after - it's power. Still, I can't shake the thought that public humiliation won't cure that either. Blunt-force shaming rarely creates accountability; it just generates outrage.

That trip to Mexico all those years ago taught me something no viral reel ever could. Privilege isn't just about money; it's about mobility, the ability to leave discomfort behind. I could hop back on a bus and return to my safe hotel. The people we passed could not. The same is true in Cambodia today. The influencer takes a taxi back to his villa; the women stay.

So yes, call out exploitation, but do it with empathy, not ego. Because if you're truly trying to help, you don't need a selfie to prove it.
America has always attracted visitors with its impressive national parks, cities, beaches and theme parks.

But, more recently, the once popular Land of Opportunity has seen a fall in tourists, and seems to becoming less welcoming to visitors.

Las Vegas has seen an 11 per cent drop in tourism since last year, The Telegraph reports, with less people being drawn to the bright lights of Sin City.

While California, known for its sunshine and beaches, is down eight per cent compared to last year.

The fall in visitors to the States comes as President Donald Trump brings in anti-tourism measures.

Brits are facing an increase in ESTA visa entry prices in the States, while other costs soar too.

What's more, an on-going federal shutdown has reached its seventh day and a reported quarter of all government workers have been put on furlough.

Though this won't impact airport security and tourists passing through border force, government-run national parks and museums are feeling the hit of staff shortages and a funding freeze.

But, more recently, the once popular Land of Opportunity has seen a fall in tourists, and seems to becoming less welcoming to visitors

The Smithsonian in Washington DC, a collection of museums that attracts millions of visitors a year, is reportedly expected to close by the end of this week if an agreement isn't reached.

While one disappointed couple tried to visit Mesa Verde national park in Colorado last week and were 'devastated' to find it was closed.

'I had hope and optimism that this park wouldn't really be affected,' Kim Nachazel told The Guardian, 'and that we would have an amazing day exploring.'

A contingency plan published by the Department of the Interior described how parks should stay open, partially.

It said: 'Park roads, lookouts, trails, and open-air memorials will generally remain accessible to visitors.

'If a facility or area is locked or secured during non-business hours (buildings, gated parking lots, etc) it should be locked or secured for the duration of the shutdown.'

Meanwhile, the National Parks Conservation Association has reportedly urged visitors to keep away.

It covers parks including Yosemite and Yellowstone, which don't have the capacity for rangers to help any travellers who find themselves in trouble during their visit.

What's more, an on-going federal shutdown has reached its seventh day and a reported quarter of all government workers have been put on furlough. Pictured: Mesa Verde national park in Colorado which visitors were 'devastated' to find closed

Meanwhile, the National Parks Conservation Association has reportedly urged visitors to keep away. It covers parks including Yosemite and Yellowstone, which don't have the capacity for rangers to help any travellers who find themselves in trouble during their visit

Aside from some of America's greatest geographical locations being out of bounds, for now, the cost of visiting the country has rocketed, too.

The average tourist visa fee comes to $127 (94), according to The Independent, and is the most expensive, beating New Zealand and Australia.

British visitors don't have to cough up the hefty amount, and instead are covered by an ESTA. But even this has increased from $21 to $40 (15 to 30)

However, tighter border security rules could impact Brits, as was experienced by Welsh tourist Becky Burke.

She was detained by ICE earlier this year after reportedly accepting lodging in exchange for work, violating her tourist visa waiver in the process.

US State Department guidance says that those on visitor visas are prohibited from carrying out employment while in the US.

Earlier this year, the UK Government updated its travel advice regarding entry to the US to read: 'You should comply with all entry, visa and other conditions of entry. The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules strictly.

'You may be liable to arrest, detention, or removal if you violate the rules or break the law.

Tighter border security rules could impact Brits and this was demonstrated with Becky Burke (stock)

'Even if you have a visa or visa waiver, the final decision on entry is made at the border by a US border official.

'If youre not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK.'

As the US clamps down, Norwegian tourist Mads Mikkelsen recently claimed he was denied entry to the United States after immigration officers found a meme of JD Vance on his phone.

However, American officials clarified afterwards that 'Mads Mikkelsen was not denied entry for any memes or political reasons'.
Once reserved for the rich and famous, the picture-perfect fishing village of Portofino, is known for its pastel-coloured buildings, narrow streets and scenic harbour.

Located on the Italian Riviera and described as one of Italy's 'natural jewels', the Italian village is framed by lush green hills and the clear Ligurian sea, with a population in the winter of just 350.

But, in recent years, tourists have flooded to the celebrity hotspot beloved by Madonna and Kardashians alike, causing huge crowds in the summer.

And Portofino now finds itself caught in a battle between those wanting to protect its charm and those who argue that anyone has a right to visit it whenever they choose.

And it seems the area's popularity isn't going to slow down anytime soon, thanks partly to Taylor Swift's undeniable influence on her fans - dubbed the 'Taylor Swift effect'.

The popstar is once again dominating headlines with the release of her highly anticipated album, The Life of a Showgirl.

Beyond breaking records in the music world, including exceeding five million pre-saves on Spotify, making it the most pre-saved album in Spotify history, the second track, Elizabeth Taylor, is already influencing global travel trends.

City break experts at Travel Republic have revealed that a single lyric - 'That view of Portofino was on my mind' - has already sparked an extraordinary 1329 per cent surge in global Google searches for the Italian Riviera hotspot in just one hour of the song's release.

Once reserved for the rich and famous, the picture-perfect fishing village of Portofino is known for its pastel-coloured buildings, narrow streets and scenic harbour

City break experts at Travel Republic have revealed that a single Taylor Swift lyric - 'That view of Portofino was on my mind' - has sparked an extraordinary 1329 per cent surge in global Google searches for the Italian Riviera hotspot in just one hour of the song's release

Portofino has close ties to Elizabeth as Richard Burton proposed to her at the Hotel Splendido in the city, where she also honeymooned several times.

Pop star Taylor has previously drawn attention to her admiration for Elizabeth Taylor over the years, including a nod to 'Burton to my Taylor' on her Reputation album in 2018.

On TikTok, videos are already popping up showing views of Portofino alongside Swift's track.

One user wrote: 'The view she's talking about,' accompanied by a series of beautiful Portofino landscapes.

Another user posted a similar video with the caption: 'I mean who could blame her?'

A separate user shared the view from a window with the caption: 'This view of Portofino lives in my mind rent free.'

In May last year, Taylor and her now-fiance Travis Kelce were seen in the Lake Como region, though it's unclear if they visited Portofino.

She's also said 'Portofino Orange' is the colour of the Showgirl era, and also wore the bright shade frequently during the latter shows of the Eras tour, which wrapped last December.

Taylor Swift is once again dominating headlines with the release of her highly anticipated album, The Life of a Showgirl

Described as one of Italy's 'natural jewels', Portofino is framed by lush green hills and the clear Ligurian sea, with a population in the winter of just 350

It's not the only time mentions of locations in Taylor's music has boosted tourism.

Her album Folklore featured a song called The Lakes which included references to Windermere.

The album's release caused a 311 per cent increase in bookings and a 217 per cent jump in online searches for the Lake District.

The song The Black Dog from The Tortured Poets Department led to 'massive swarms' of fans visiting the Black Dog pub in Vauxhall.

Transport for London reported a significant boost in August ridership due to visitors flocking to the city during the Eras Tour.

A city break experts at Travel Republic said: 'There's no doubt some Swifties will be hopping on the next available flight to the dreamy Italian escape, Portofino, and they're in luck - one of the best times to visit is early autumn.

'During October, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures, clear skies, and fewer crowds, making it the perfect opportunity to soak in the village's iconic vistas.

'For those who haven't got the available annual leave, Portofino is equally glorious in spring, from April to June, when the weather is warm, skies are clear, and the crowds are still manageable.'
A savvy traveller who was dubbed 'crazy' for adding an extra 15,000 miles to his round trip from London to Bangkok has explained why it was worth the weeks spent cramped in economy seating.

The globetrotter, who goes by u/Flashy-Jaguar-2880 on Reddit, took to the platform to share how he managed to stitch together two open jaw round trip tickets through experience - and plenty of 'trial and error.'

He explained that his initial goal was to travel from the UK to Thailand and back, with a direct economy round trip ticket on EVA Air costing about $1,172 (872).

However, his 'obsession' with Google flights and toying around with multi city bookings soon took hold, leading to a number of bold last-minute changes that brought him a surprising range of perks and experiences in the end.

For just $339 (252) more, the traveller turned his 11,916 mile, 24-hour journey into a 27,534 mile, three-week adventure - squeezing in visits to four extra destinations along the way.

In a post uploaded to the subreddit r/TravelHacks, he revealed his updated flight path saw him travel from Bangkok, to Taiwan, to San Francisco, to New York and to Seattle, before heading back to Taiwan and Bangkok.

His first ticket, booked with EVA Air for $792 (589), saw him travel outbound from Bangkok to Taiwan to San Francisco, and inbound from Seattle to Taiwan to Bangkok.

The passenger purchased a second ticket with United Airlines, costing $630 (468), which allowed him to fly outbound from San Francisco to New York to London, and return from London to New York.

A savvy traveller who was dubbed 'crazy' for adding an extra 15,000 miles to his round trip from London to Bangkok has explained why it was worth the weeks spent cramped in economy seating

In a post uploaded Reddit, the traveller revealed his updated flight path saw him travel from Bangkok, to Taiwan , to San Francisco, to New York and to Seattle, before heading back to Taiwan and Bangkok

For just $339 (252) more, the traveller turned his 11,916 mile, 24-hour journey into a 27,534 mile, three-week adventure - squeezing in visits to four extra destinations along the way

He paid $89 (66) for his third ticket with United Airlines, which included a short flight from New York to Seattle.

The traveller further explained: 'These three tickets total up to $1511. All my friends think I am crazy for doing this especially in economy.

'However, I disagree. For about $339 more I get to visit 3 extra cities Taipei, NYC and Seattle (thanks to my friends I have free accommodation in New York City and Seattle), and do two transpacific and two transatlantic crossings in one trip.'

He also revealed he was able to take advantage of his Star Alliance Gold status and 'mediocre' lounge food and airport showers for days at a time.

In addition, he earned approximately 15,000 miles with his Eva Air frequent flyer program, Infinity Mileage Lands, earning about 7,000 miles alone on his Bangkok to London round trip.

The traveller added: 'For reference, a one-way, business class award redemption from Asia to North America costs 80k miles and very little taxes.'

But he warned: 'I'm fortunate in the sense that I have three weeks to drop everything and travel. And my accommodation costs are zero in all the cities I am visiting so it makes sense for me. If I had to pay for hotels this would not work financially at all.'

Nonetheless, hundreds of impressed Redditors took to the comments to share their thoughts, with many commending the flyer for utilising alternative flight paths and making the most out of his trip.

One person wrote: 'How long is this trip over??? You are absolutely insane but I hope it is a fun adventure!'

Another said: 'Sounds fun. If I had the time and flexibility, I would do it to see more cities. Some people hate traveling so being on a plane is a nightmare to them. None of these flights are exceptionally long.

'And you're also flying on a better transpacific airline so the economy experience wouldn't be that bad.'

A third chimed: 'This sounds like fun and is exactly something that I would do too. So nice to read of other like-minded people, because everyone around me thinks I'm crazy for my obsession with flying.'
As 2025 draws closer to the winter months, the popular holiday destinations of the year have been revealed.

It seems sunnier skies are the order of the day for Brits - with the top spot going to a well-trodden European option.

Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Brits, according to the ABTA Holiday Habits 2025 Report.

It ranked the favourite destinations over the last year - and handed the crown to the holiday hotspot.

Europe's popularity overall is reflected in its dominance of the most favoured countries visited by UK holidaymakers in the last 12 months.

Spain retained its top spot with 32 per cent of people taking a trip there this past year.

And the report predicts it will keep its title for the year ahead.

In second place was France, another popular spot.

Spain is the most popular holiday destination for Brits, according to the ABTA Holiday Habits 2025 Report

Following closely behind was Italy in third place - visited by 18 per cent of travellers in the past 12 months.

With 14 per cent of holidaymakers opting for the USA, it comes in fourth place.

And in the fifth spot is Greece, with 12 per cent of tourists picking the country as a travel destination.

The report predicts a similar lineup of the top five destinations for the year to come.

Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA, said: 'As a nation, we are "determined to discover" places and experiences through our holidays, whether that's uncovering new delights in our favourite destinations or exploring a new place entirely, holidays offer lots of opportunity for discovery.

'Despite a challenging and changeable global environment, people are still heading overseas, and even more so this year.

'It shows we have a resilient sector, and that is often down to the work the travel industry does to help people feel confident to travel.'

Other countries joined the list for popular travel locations.

Spain retained its top spot with 32 per cent of people taking a trip there this past year

Germany, Portugal and Turkey took spots six to eight.

In ninth place was Australia - and Austria came 10th.

The report uses data from ABTAs annual Holiday Habits survey, with a nationally representative sample of 2,001 UK adults.

The 2025 survey took place in July and August.
A private island off the coast of Scotland has gone on sale for just 120,000.

The rugged, uninhabited island off the coast of the outer hebrides could be yours for less than the cost of a one-bed flat elsewhere in the UK.

Gasker Island stretches about 70 acres and boasts a rocky coastline, fertile grassland, many lochans - small freshwater lakes - as well as a seal colony.

Currently the only property on the island is a small, unmanned lighthouse, owned and maintained periodically by the Northern Lighthouse Board, the general lighthouse authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Situated five miles away from the nearest inhabited island and 75 miles from any train station the home could be paradise for an introvert.

However, it does still remain an inhospitable place to reach - with tide conditions often hindering travel to the island - and with no amenities.

Galbraith, the property company managing the sale, said while there are no services or dwellings present on the island, there may be scope for a modest cabin or hut subject to the necessary planning permission.

The company advertised the island saying there is potential for it to become 'a truly unique retreat.'

Gasker Island stretches about 70 acre and boasts a rocky coastline, fertile grassland, many lochans - small freshwater lakes - as well as a seal colony

Currently the only property on the island is a small, unmanned lighthouse, owned and maintained periodically by the Northern Lighthouse Board

Given the island's location, it has extraordinary views across the islands of Lewis and Harris, Scarp and Taransay - where Castaway 2000, that propelled Ben Fogle to TV stardom, was filmed.

Arriving onto Gasker can be achieved by small craft in one of two sheltered bays, subject to tide conditions, at Geolar to the north or Geodha Ear to the south.

Gasker is known for its grey seal breeding colony. The island is a designated site within the Small Seal Islands SSSI for this species.

Claire Acheson, handling the sale on behalf of Galbraith, said: 'This is an exceptional opportunity to secure a private island in one of the most dramatic and unspoilt settings in the British Isles.

'Gasker offers not only breathtaking scenery and wildlife, but also the potential for a truly unique retreat.'

There is little information on the island of Gasker.

Previous reports show conservationists were concerned about the building of the lighthouse and the potential impact on the seal colony on the island.

Historically, residents of Scarp island, which sits about five miles to the north-east of Gasker - Scarp was made famous by its Rocket Post experiments - visited the small island to hunt for the mammals.

The nearby Harris is the southern and more mountainous part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island in the Outer Hebrides.

It is known for sandy beaches like Luskentyre and Scarista on the west coast, rugged mountains in the north and its world famous Harris Tweed - luxury handwoven cloth.
With Halloween around the corner, many tourists with a taste for the unusual are on the lookout for spooky places to visit.

While Transylvania, Whitby and Edinburgh are go-to spots for a gothic aesthetic, for those looking for a more grisly experience, you could try something a little darker.

Nestled in a rural Czech town just an hour from Prague is the Sedlec Ossuary, or as its more commonly known, the Church of Bones.

The Roman Catholic chapel is decorated with the skeletal remains of between 40,000 and 70,000 individuals. Thats more than eight million individual bones.

Situated in the town of Kutna Hora, a UNESCO World Heritage spot with plenty of other historical sites to explore, the Ossuary is a just over an hour from the capital of Prague, making it a great option for a day trip out of the city.

Meanwhile in the gothic capital, tourists can try everything from ghost walks to concentration camps and abandoned psychiatric hospital tours.

As the first Cistercian monastery in Bohemia, founded in 1142, the abbey is steeped in rich history.

In the 13th century, the spot became a popular burial ground after a monastery abbot is said to have consecrated the land with soil from spot of Jesus crucifixion.

Nestled in a rural Czech town just an hour from Prague it the Sedlec Ossuary, or as its more commonly known, the Church of Bones

The Roman Catholic chapel is decorated with the skeletal remains of between 40,000 and 70,000 individuals. Thats more than eight million individual bones

By the 15th century, a new gothic church had been built and the lower chapel was re-assigned to house the tens of thousands of victims of the Black Plague and Hussite wars.

But it was in the 19th century that the ossuary transformed into the creepy hotspot it is today.

Up until this point, the bones had been haphazardly stored in the various crypts.

But in 1870, the monasterys owners hired a local woodcarver named Frantisek Rint to artistically arrange the bones and give them a new sense of purpose.

Rint bleached the bones and used them to create the unique decorations youll see today.

This includes the Chandelier of Bones, a massive chandelier that hangs from the centre of the nave and is said to contain at least one of every bone in the human body, and the Bone Pyramids - four large, bell-shaped pyramids of stacked bones that occupy the corners of the chapel.

While Sedlec Ossuary makes for a perfect spooky Halloween day out, visitors are welcome all year round.

In fact, the summer months make for a great time to visit as the chapel offers late-night, candle-lit tours hosted by monks and an organ performance.

In 1870, the monasterys owners hired a local woodcarver named Frantisek Rint to artistically arrange the bones and give them a new sense of purpose

While Sedlec Ossuary makes for a perfect spooky Halloween day out, visitors are welcome all year round

Fans of Danny Boyles 2025 apocalyptic horror film 28 Years Later might find the spot particularly appealing  with various visual similarities to the film.

And with part two: The Bone Temple set to be released in cinemas in January 2026, the spot is set to increase in popularity.

The location has become a popular spot for tourists with 15,832 Google reviews and a 4.5 star average rating.

One recent review reads: 'It is definitely an interesting place, seeing how the bones used belonged to real people. It is a great place to sit and contemplate and reflect. The ossuary itself isn't as big and photos are not allowed inside to respect the ones that passed away.'

Another wrote: 'Great little chapel with a bizarre collection of bones made into art form.'

So if youre brave enough to face eight million bones and a chandelier of skulls, the Church of Bones is calling, just dont forget to pack your nerve.

Visiting Prague is a super affordable trip, with stays including flights and accommodation starting at 188pp with First Choice, and food and drink famously on the lower end compared to similar historical capitals like Berlin and Paris.
Graffiti scrawled across walls telling tourists to go home, sunseekers on the beach surrounded by placard-carrying locals, water pistols squirted at visitors trying to enjoy lunch - protests against mass tourism have ramped up across Europe in recent years.

But in the face of chaotic scenes from the continent, Britons are ignoring the sign-waving protesters begging visitors to stay away, with no tangible effect on Britons' holiday plans, according to a new report.

ABTA, which represents British travel agents and tour operators, found in its latest 'Holiday Habits' report that more than three quarters of people are aware of the tourism backlash but concluded there has been no indication of a 'sizable change' in travel intentions.

'People may be aware about the tourism protests, and some are raising questions with their travel agent, but it's not stopping them from travelling to their much-loved destinations,' Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA told the Daily Mail at his firm's annual conference in Mallorca  an island that derives almost half of its GDP from tourism but has been a flashpoint in the anti-tourism movement.

'It is really important that as a whole industry we look at the issues local people are raising around overtourism, but that we also make it really clear the message isn't 'don't visit',' added Mr Tanzer

'Tourists are still welcome and needed  local people themselves will tell you how important tourism is for their livelihoods.'

Spain, for example, has seen the strongest backlash against tourism, with demonstrators taking to the streets in the mainland cities and the popular island destinations.

Demands range from limits on cruise ships to changing the rules around holiday homes.

Graffiti scrawled across walls telling tourists to go home, sunseekers on the beach surrounded by placard-carrying locals, water pistols squirted at visitors trying to enjoy lunch - protests against mass tourism have ramped up across Europe in recent years. Pictured: Protests in Tenerife in May

This is despite international arrivals contributing more than 126 billion in revenue to the Spanish economy.

While the data shows holidaymakers have sympathy with local people and destinations  58 per cent of respondents said they are 'concerned' with how locals are impacted by travel  the southern European nation is still the go-to getaway for Brits.

And Manuel Butler, director at the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, said: 'We will continue to welcome all British holidaymakers with open arms wherever and however they choose to holiday.'

ABTA's research shows that almost a third (32 per cent) of those who went abroad in the last year went to Spain.

Between January and August 2025, some 13 million UK visitors went to the Iberian country  a 4.3 per cent rise on the same period in 2024.

Speaking in the Balearic island earlier this week, Spain's secretary of state for tourism Rosario Sanchez Grau labelled the UK the country's 'most important source market'.

There's no change between the last two years on the other most-popular destinations, with France, Italy, the USA and Greece rounding out the top five.

As wallets are squeezed, Britons are continuing to sacrifice other expenditure to ensure they can afford their holiday.

But in the face of chaotic scenes from the continent, Britons are ignoring the sign-waving protesters begging visitors to stay away, with no tangible effect on Britons' holiday plans, according to a new report. Pictured: Protesters in Spain last year

Only 28 per cent said they would cut back spending on their breaks to cover the day-to-day cost of living  down from 32 per cent in 2024.

People are nearly twice as likely to reduce spend on eating out than on their holidays.

But of those who did travel over the last year, and are planning to travel in the next 12 months, 34 per cent admit they plan to spend more, with almost four in 10 stating that the cost of holidays are rising.

'Value for money remains at the forefront of people's minds' said Mr Tanzer.
Educating Yorkshire's headteacher was seen breaking down in tears after a student threatened to 'burn down his home' in the latest episode of the Channel 4 series.

Viewers were left horrified when the teenage student began hitting out at Mr Burton, as cameras followed him storming off school grounds after an angry rant.

The popular show, which was first launched in 2013, was brought back by Channel 4 this year to follow the same school in Dewsbury, Yorkshire.

It follows the ups and downs of school life, from the perspective of the school's head, former English teacher Matthew, the Academy's teachers and groups of its students.

On Sunday night, the episode took a dive into the challenges that come with the teaching profession, including the difficult behaviour some staff have to face.

Cameras followed as one teacher took a student out of his class, and tried to talk him down after noticing he'd become 'angry' during the lesson.

Educating Yorkshire's headteacher was seen breaking down in tears after a student threatened to 'burn down his home' in the latest episode of the Channel 4 series

Viewers were left horrified when the teenage student began hitting out at Mr Burton, as cameras followed him storming off school grounds after an angry rant

He was escorted away from the classroom after Mr Burton was called in for back up, with fellow staff members telling the head teacher 'had to come to his office' to help deal with the worsening situation.

'He's making threats to you, threats to your house and threats to burn the school down,' another member of staff told Mr Burton before the intervention.

'He needs to leave site, I've spoken to his mum and mum has given him permission to leave, so we just need to escort him offsite,' another added.

A third explained: 'He's not in a state of mind to even have a conversation.'

The student was seen punching at school property as he was escorted away by four members of staff, as Mr Burton returned to the office and put his head in his hands.

Speaking to assistant headteacher Mrs Delaney-Hudson, he became emotional as he explained that he was struggling to come to terms with the student's threats.

Mr Burton said: 'I know hes going through a lot But Ive got three little ones at home. You deal with it, don't you, but to threaten to burn my house down and do all that stuff, that's not right.'

He added to the cameras: The minute that you think the job is easy, or youve got a really easy day in front of you, something will happen to change that.

Mr Burton became emotional as he explained that he was struggling to come to terms with the student's threats

Viewers took to X to react to the scenes, hitting out that Mr Burton should have 'called the police' as they were left distressed seeing him reduced to tears.

One wrote: Id have called the police if someone had threatened to burn my house/ the school down,' as a second added: 'Nobody should be reduced to tears at work.'

It comes after former student Musharaf Asghar made his emotional return to Thornhill Academy in an episode earlier this series.

The tear-jerking moment saw Musharaf, 29, who now works as a motivational speaker, reunited with the teacher who changed his life.

12 years ago, Musharaf took to the stage in front of his school to deliver a speech, leaving many of his fellow students in floods of tears.

He has now made his return to the academy to speak to the current Year 11s about his experience, and had an emotional reunion with Mr Burton along the way.

He appeared as part of a 'mystery guest assembly' to inspire the anxious students preparing to sit their GCSEs by explaining what life was like before overcoming his speech impediment, and the process he went through at school.

Musharaf first starred on Educating Yorkshire, which followed on from the Bafta winning series Educating Essex, in 2013.

Educating Yorkshire continues Sunday on Channel 4 at 8pm.
Only Connect viewers were left befuddled by the 'most difficult riddle in the show's history' as the floundering BBC team got 'stitched up' on Monday's episode of the show.

The most recent instalment of the programme, hosted by Victoria Coren Mitchell, saw Jive Bunnies take on the Keyboard Worriers.

Some took to social media to point out how difficult they thought the connecting wall segment was for the Keyboard Worriers.

The Jive Bunnies managed to successfully solve the wall which were grouped into brands of tyres, wrestlers, locations in Japan and dog breeds.

Keyboard Worriers were given 2.5 minutes to solve theirs, but they failed to do so and Victoria told them: 'Oh no the time is up and the wall has frozen, I'm sorry what a horrid one. But I think you are going to know some of the connections.'

They grouped string, bow, kipper and ascot which are all types of ties.

Only Connect viewers were left befuddled by the 'most difficult riddle in the show's history' as the floundering BBC team got 'stitched up' on Monday's episode of the show

The most recent instalment of the programme, hosted by Victoria Coren Mitchell, saw Jive Bunnies take on the Keyboard Worriers

Some took to social media to point out how difficult they thought the connecting wall segment was for the Keyboard Worriers

The next group, which consisted of Sween, Carrickfergus, Gwrych and Corfe, were all castles in Britain.

Dickie, WH, Greg and Windsor are all famous Davieses.

Dirt, beans, skinny and gen are all slang for information/gossip.

'You did give me two connections, so you get two points,' Victoria told her.

But many took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to all point out how difficult it was for the team to get it right.

'Horrible wall, that #onlyconnect.'

'Brutal wall. #onlyconnect.'

'Never seen a team get none of the connections #onlyconnect.'

Keyboard Worriers were given 2.5 minutes to solve theirs, but they failed to do so and Victoria told them: 'Oh no the time is up and the wall has frozen, I'm sorry what a horrid one. But I think you are going to know some of the connections'

'That wall was HORRID #onlyconnect.'

'Shocking mismatch on difficulty of the walls. First one was simple. Second one was impossible. Sweeny castle? skinny? regal? WH? Im a good quizzer but these clues meant nothing. Aren't the walls tested first?'

'Those walls were ludicrously unbalanced so it's good that a robbery was avoided. "Gen" and "Skinny" is nonsense that only exists in the nonsense world of cryptic crosswords #onlyconnect.'

'That's the hardest connections board I've ever seen #onlyconnect.'

Keyboard Worriers ended up winning the episode with 21 points, while the Jive Bunnies had 19.

Last month Only Connect viewers called out a glaring problem with a TV and film question while the 5ks took on the Grapevines.

Shortly into the episode, Fiona Titcombe from the 5ks picked The Horned Viper and Victoria asked: 'Okay. What comes fourth in this sequence? Here is the first...'

They were then given the clue of Charlie's Angels.

Team member James Haughton said: 'Charlie's Angels. So there were three of them.'

James asked for the next clue and it was Girls, to which he said: 'So four girls. So there were four lead characters there, in Girls?'

Team member Thomas Carey added: 'So, like, Friends, I guess, because there's six of them...'

James said: 'Yeah I guess that works. Could be a show with six women as the main characters.'

'Well, I mean, if you can think of it,' Thomas replied.

James said: 'Yeah Friends works. Girls refers to four. Yeah we'll go with that.'

He then pressed the buzzer and told Victoria: 'We will go with Friends because the show's title refers to six people.'

Victoria told them: 'That is an acceptable answer. Let's bring up al the clues, and tell me what the sequence is.

James explained: 'So Charlie's Angels, there's three titular characters, Girls there's four titular characters.

'And yeah, Thunderbirds, five, so we're just going up in size.'

Victoria said: 'That's right. I can imagine some people already sharpening the pen to write in "Well what about Charlie? That would make four, wouldn't it?"

'But the Angels... there were three. And four girls in the Lena Dunham show.

'Thunderbirds, obviously. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... and who were the pilots?'

A confident James replied: 'Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon and John?'

Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share that they didn't really agree with their answer of Thunderbirds - and pointed out why it doesn't really work.

Only Connect airs Mondays on BBC Two and is available to stream on iPlayer.
One of the stars of Celebrity Traitors appears in a Netflix horror that's been described as 'the best series in cinematic history'.

Irish actress Ruth Codd, 29, made a name for herself by starring in The Midnight Club, which is currently featured on the streaming platform.

She is set to appear on Celebrity Traitors from Wednesday, joining a number of other famous faces to take on a series of challenges to work out who is Faithful and who is a Traitor.

The show which catapulted Ruth into the spotlight was released in 2022 and centres around a group of terminally ill young adults in a hospice, who meet at midnight to share scary stories.

The group make a pact that whoever dies first among them will return from beyond the grave to continue speaking to the group.

One of the stars of Celebrity Traitors also appears in a Netflix horror that's been described as 'the best series in cinematic history'

Irish actress Ruth Codd, 29, made a name for herself by starring in The Midnight Club, which is currently featured on the streaming platform

One fan praised: 'This series is the best thing to ever exist in the whole of cinematic history. It's touching it's sentimental its beautiful [sic].

'But it's also scary and thrilling and can chill you to the bone.

'It was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least and it had me crying multiple times.'

Another added: 'The dark and scary reality of what the kids face physically and emotionally against a backdrop of fantasy horror (and sci-fi) is a magical pairing, especially with these young talents!'

'It was also nice to see Nancy from Nightmare on Elm Street and a cameo by Elliot from ET.

'The complex emotions they address, the levels of naivete in love, deception and self-discovery help further enrich this collection of stories within the larger story.'

A third wrote: 'Much like Flanagans previous works, the horror of The Midnight Club doesnt only come from jump scares and nightmare-inducing images.

'It comes from the fear of losing the characters you are rooting for. It comes from the fear of death.'

The show which catapulted Ruth into the spotlight was released in 2022 and centres around a group of terminally ill young adults in a hospice, who meet at midnight to share scary stories

The group make a pact that whoever dies first among them will return from beyond the grave to continue speaking to the group

Another praised the series as being the perfect spooky watch for Halloween.

They wrote: 'For those who are looking for horror with heart, and a Halloween season viewing with more on its mind than blood and gore, its well worth a watch.';

One fan said it surpassed the book in terms of quality, adding: 'As much as I loved the book, I think I love the series even more.

'By far the most varied storytelling of any Flanagan series to date, I hope The Midnight Club prompts viewers who never read a Christopher Pike novel to go back and check him out.'

The show consists of 10 hour-long episodes so it is potentially the perfect binge watch this October.

The Midnight Club is not the only spooky watch to take note of this October on Netflix.

The show consists of 10 hour-long episodes so it is potentially the perfect binge watch this October

The streaming service has also confirmed that fairy based cartoon series The Winx Club will continue its legacy with a new series of spin-off, The Magic Is Back.

Launching on October 2, the CGI production will bring to life new storylines and characters, alongside the return of fan-favourite characters.

The series, which debuted back in 2021, will also be set to a new song performed by Virginia Bocelli, 13, the daughter of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

This time, the show, which is also available on BBC iPlayer, will draw focus once again on Bloom, an ordinary girl who discovers she is a fairy blessed with an ancient power, The Dragon Flame.

Alongside her newfound friends at the Alfea Fairy School, the action will follow the group of young fairies as they fight to defend their powers.

A synopsis teases: 'After enrolling at the prestigious Alfea Fairy School, Bloom meets the fairies who will stand by her side as she faces every challenge.

'Together they form the Winx Club: a group of young fairies who are ready to defend the Magical Dimension at any cost.

'Together, the six heroines learn that true strength lies not only in their magical powers but also in their ability to face challenges with courage, empathy and determination.'

Winx Club ran on Nickelodeon from 2004 to 2019, spanning eight seasons and 15 years.

The Midnight Club is available to stream on Netflix now.
Euan Blair's 1.2billion AI firm put pressure on the BBC to pull an episode of Have I Got News For You, it emerged today.

The show watched by 3million people on Friday night was axed from iPlayer on Saturday after host Victoria Coren Mitchell wrongly linked Sir Tony Blair's son to Sir Keir Starmer's proposed ID card scheme.

Ms Coren Mitchell had read out a cue card claiming Labour had handed a mega-contract to Multiverse, a tech company set up and run by Euan Blair, who is said to be even richer than his father with an estimated net worth of 375million.

The BBC apologised and pulled the episode from iPlayer before editing the section out and putting it back on the streaming platform over the weekend.

It came after it emerged in the Mail on Sunday how Tony Blair secretly lobbied for a billionaire backer who could make millions of pounds from Mr Starmer's digital ID cards plan - a policy the former PM has long championed.

Ms Coren Mitchell said on Have I Got News For You that Euan Blair's business would benefit from the controversial policy, calling it a 'happy coincidence'. The BBC later apologised and called it an 'unintentional editorial oversight'.

Multiverse complained to the BBC on Saturday morning, the Daily Mail understands, and later tweeted their thanks to Victoria Coren Mitchell after she posted a tweet admitting the error and blaming 'fact-checkers'.

But questions remain about how the claim appeared in the show's script as well as when and how the BBC picked up on the error.

Victoria Coren Mitchell (pictured) made a false claim relating to Tony Blair's son on Have I Got News For You. It was written down on a cue card

Viral social media posts falsely claimed that Euan Blair's AI business Multiverse had been chosen to develop the government's proposed digital ID scheme

Multiverse has publicly thanked Ms Coren Mitchell for making a 'speedy correction'.

She had said on Saturday: 'If you see a clip of me saying the ID card contract has gone to Tony Blair's son: it hasn't. That was something I was given to ask about last night, but turns out to be incorrect. Which is bad news for the fact checkers but good news for social mobility'.

The AI firm then retweeted her words.

The tech company also said in a tongue-in-cheek post that while they are experts in 'upskilling the workforce in data and AI', they do not know how to 'do a brilliant job hosting a comedy quiz show' or 'how to build a digital ID system'.

Despite their semi-light-hearted tweet, behind the scenes Euan Blair and execs at his company are understood to be fuming.

Viral social media posts falsely claimed that Multiverse had been chosen to develop the government's proposed digital ID scheme.

The company insist there is 'no truth' in the claims, while the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology also deny it and have briefed that any scheme would be designed, built and run in-house rather than by the private sector.

The latest instalment of Have I Got News For You, which aired on October 3, saw Victoria, 53, host the panel alongside Sheila Hancock, 92, Miles Jupp, 46, Paul Merton, 68, and Ian Hislop, 65.

The Government wants every adult in Britain to have a digital ID card.

During the now deleted segment of the show, Victoria asked: 'Who is set to benefit from the introduction of ID cards?'

Paul Merton replied: 'ID card manufactures.'

'Yes... one particular one, do you know who that is?' Victoria asked.

She went on: 'I was thinking of the company Multiverse, whose been chosen to run the digital ID card scheme. Whose company is that?'

Ian Hislop asked: 'Is that the man who has got links to the Labour party?'

Victoria said: 'It's Euan Blair.

'That's a happy coincidence isn't it?'

Over the weekend the episode was taken down from iPlayer.

The latest instalment of the comedy quiz programme, which aired on October 3, saw Victoria, 53, host the panel alongside Sheila Hancock, 92, Miles Jupp, 46, Paul Merton , 68, and Ian Hislop , 65

Victoria took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speak out about the error that was made on the comedy show

Victoria then took to Twitter.

'That was something I was given to ask about last night, but turns out to be incorrect', she said.

'Which is bad news for the fact checkers but good news for social mobility.'

Meanwhile replying to another tweet about the episode, Victoria said: 'Yes, not him at all apparently!

'Of course I don't make the list of news stories to bring up, I just get given it, but I should probably have been more surprised. Duh.

'I'm glad to hear that wasn't an instance of nepotism at all and has been taken out of the show.'

The episode was pulled from iPlayer, however clips of the moment have circulated online.

It is now available to watch again and the segment has been edited out.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'This week's Have I Got News For You contained an inaccurate story about Euan Blair's company, Multiverse, being chosen to develop the government's contract to produce digital ID cards.

'Multiverse is not a software developer and there is no evidence of any involvement in the proposed digital ID scheme, therefore we have taken the episode off BBC iPlayer while we edit the relevant section out.

'We apologise for this unintentional editorial oversight.'

Multiverse is an educational technology company that was founded in 2016 by Euan Blair and Sophie Adelman.

But they are absolutely clear they have no connection at all to the ID cards scheme being plotted by Labour.

Documents seen by The Mail on Sunday revealed a week ago that Euan's father Tony Blair urged Business Secretary Peter Kyle to consult a technology institute founded by his friend Larry Ellison in a private meeting last year.

Mr Ellison, the world's second richest man, has donated or pledged a staggering 257million for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

He founded the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), a research centre in Oxford, and is chairman of tech giant Oracle, which has a 700million IT deal with four Whitehall departments.

Experts say Oracle is now in pole position to profit from plans to force millions of adults to sign up for a digital ID card.

And an exclusive MoS analysis revealed that after Sir Tony's meeting with Mr Kyle, Mr Ellison's organisations have enjoyed astonishing access to the very top of Government.

Indeed, staff from Oracle and EIT have met with ministers and senior officials no fewer than 29 times in nine months.

Mr Kyle, Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have met bosses from Oracle.

Former PM Tony Blair is seen on a boat with Larry Ellison, whose technology institute could make millions of pounds from Labour's controversial digital ID cards

Meanwhile science minister Lord Vallance has met EIT representatives seven times  one was to discuss 'EIT plans for expansion and alignment with Government's priorities', official records show.

Sir Tony has had a decades-long 'bromance' with Mr Ellison, who is worth 290billion, and last year enjoyed a lavish Mediterranean holiday on his superyacht.

Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'Despite Keir Starmer's promises of a 'crackdown on cronyism', these revelations show it runs right to the very top of this rotten Labour Government.

'Tony Blair lobbying Peter Kyle to set up meetings with groups linked to Larry Ellison  now in pole position for the Government's Digital ID contract  reeks of a blatant conflict of interest. This has all the hallmarks of yet another cosy deal between Labour insiders and powerful vested interests.'

Official papers released under Freedom of Information laws show Sir Tony met Mr Kyle, then technology secretary, at the former PM's London office on September 12, 2024.

During the meeting Sir Tony 'noted the work of the Ellison Institute... and recommended that SoS [Secretary of State Peter Kyle] sought a briefing on their work', according to official civil service minutes obtained by investigative website Democracy for Sale. He highlighted how the institute could become 'an excellent resource'.

The documents show an official at Mr Kyle's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology was instructed to 'look at how we should engage' with the institute. Sir Tony is among a 'faculty of fellows' at EIT, whose campus in Oxford is due to be completed in 2027.

The papers also show that Sir Tony asked the cabinet minister 'where he could support the department' and highlighted the huge cost savings that digital identity cards could bring.

'TB noted that the Indian Government had saved $15 billion in fraudulent costs using digital ID,' the minutes of the meeting state.

On Saturday, representatives for Sir Tony said that in the meeting he discussed 'the investment Larry Ellison is making in science and technology in the UK'.

Keir Starmer has provoked a backlash after announcing that anyone who wants to work in the UK will need a digital ID card.

Sir Tony has long championed the policy and his think-tank told the MoS on Saturday that the roll-out would 'boost the British economy'.
A longstanding member of the Hollyoaks cast dubbed the 'fittest priest in soap' has announced his departure from the show in an emotional post.

Rory Douglas-Speed, 33, rose to fame on the popular soap in 2016 when he first stepped into the shoes of Joel Dexter.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, the actor said goodbye to Hollyoaks, praising his almost decade-long stint on the show as 'the best years of my life.'

He wrote: 'Well GOODBYE [Hollyoaks]. Its been the best years of my life!

'To everybody in that studio that welcomed in me in, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! - and especially the fans! Thank you thank you thank you!

'Hopefully youll catch me in something else soon! [sic]'

Rory Douglas-Speed, 33, a longstanding member of the Hollyoaks cast dubbed the 'fittest priest in soap', has announced his departure from the show in an emotional post

Rory (R) took over the role of the popular character from Andrew Still after he the village and found God to return as a trainee priest

Fans and fellow Hollyoaks stars were quick to flood the post with well-wishes for Rory's future.

They wrote: 'If the priests in Scotland actually were like you id still go to mass [sic].';

'Hottest Soap Priest. EVER. Thanks for making Joel such an interesting character to follow. All the best for the next project.';

'Oh no not another great character and actor leaving, you've been amazing gutted ur going all the best for your future.'

Adam Woodward praised: 'The absolute legend of Hollyoaks. Love you brother, onto the chapter.'

Meanwhile, Nadine Mulkerrin, who is not only a cast member but Rory's fiancee, joked: 'I welcomed you in big time lol  I love you, so proud of you !! Bye Joel! Certified fittest priest in soap.'

Rory took over the role of the popular character from Andrew Still after he the village and found God to return as a trainee priest.

At the time of his casting, the actor said: 'I'm super chuffed to be a part of such a well-known and well received show.

'Everybody involved is amazing. I'm really excited to see how the character develops.'

Taking to Instagram on Monday, the actor said goodbye to Hollyoaks, praising his almost decade-long stint on the show as 'the best years of my life'

Fans and fellow Hollyoaks stars were quick to flood the post with well-wishes for Rory's future

News of Rory's departure comes after Rita Simons confirmed she's quit Hollyoaks after just 18 months as she took to social media with an emotional tribute to the show.

The former EastEnders star also revealed she's already filmed her exit scenes after expressing her desire to leave with an explosive storyline.

Rita, 48, starred as Marie Fielding in the Channel 4 series, the long-lost ex of Jamie Lomas' gangster character Warren Fox and the mother of Joel Dexter, who is played by Rory.

Since joining the cast, Rita has been key to some of the big storylines on the soap, including having to reckon with her villainous sons, Abe and Arlo, played by Tyler Conti and Dan Hough respectively.

Rita's final scenes are expected to air this autumn.

News of Rory's departure comes after Rita Simons, 48, confirmed she's quit Hollyoaks after just 18 months as she took to social media with an emotional tribute to the show

Rita, 48, starred as Marie Fielding in the Channel 4 series, the long-lost ex of Jamie Lomas' gangster character Warren Fox and the mother of Joel Dexter, who is played by Rory

Speaking to The Sun, an insider revealed: '[Rita] moved her entire life to Liverpool two years ago to throw herself into the show and it's been a great adventure but the pull of home is just too much.'

The source added that bosses had been 'understanding' of Rita's situation and crafted an 'incredible exit storyline' that all the stars are 'excited to play out'.

Rita's exit coincides with the Channel 4 soap's 30th anniversary in October, which will be marked with a series of celebrations on screen.

Bosses teased that there would be a 'spectacle stunt' for viewers to look out for as part of the anniversary coverage, with a huge battle due to take place between two of the show's major stars.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday at 7pm on E4 and is available to stream on channel4.com.
Jennifer Aniston is wasting no time building her dream private retreat in Bel Air, upgrading the brand new $7.5 million home she recently snapped up next door to her long-standing $21 million mansion, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The Friends star, 56, bought the five-bedroom, five-bath property earlier this year and is already making renovations rather than immediately settling in with her new boyfriend Jim Curtis.

Exclusive aerial images by the Daily Mail show the pool  which was recently remodeled by the former owners  has been drained, stripped of its tiles and is now being completely filled in.

The surrounding grass and landscaping have also been torn out, and the eco-friendly solar panels, which once covered most of the roof, have been removed.

Building plans obtained by the Daily Mail suggest Aniston is eyeing up the new place as a guesthouse or an annex to her existing 8,500-square-foot property nearby, and creating an enormous compound.

Permits filed with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety reveal she's planning to remodel three bathrooms and the kitchen.

Exclusive aerial images by the Daily Mail show the pool  which was recently remodeled by the former owners  has been drained, stripped of its tiles and is now being completely filled in

The Friends star bought the five-bedroom, five-bath property earlier this year and is already making renovations rather than immediately settling in with her new boyfriend Jim Curtis

The renovations - which are being conducted by Steadfast General Contractors - signal that she's ditching the current French Riviera-style interiors with dark mahogany units and cupboards for a more modern aesthetic.

The 4,853-square-foot pad offers plenty of space for additional developments and potential upgrades, but it's likely the TV star is prioritizing safety and privacy.

Aniston suffered a terrifying security scare in May after a stalker rammed the front gates at her original Bel Air home.

A source previously told the Daily Mail that the incident, which apparently occurred while she was in the home, left her 'extremely shaken up.'

In an August interview with Vanity Fair, the star noted that the security detail outside of her home was a 'necessity,' and 'not glamorous.'

At the time, the Daily Mail was the first to reveal in June that she planned to make her $15 million Montecito house  which she bought from Oprah Winfrey in September 2022  her main base in the summers.

Now that she has purchased the nearby home, Aniston could connect the two properties - or even have beau Curtis, 49, move in

The home's solar panels and surrounding landscaping have been torn out

The actress is also remodeling her pool which has been stripped of its tiles

The 4,320-square-foot home in the coastal town has four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms with a pool and guest house, which had been under renovation until June.

'Jen is happy to have a safe place to run to where she can let her hair down,' an insider said at the time.

'Though she loves Los Angeles because it is where she grew up, she is craving more of a country setting these days away from the noise.'

With her latest purchase, however, experts suggest the addition to her real estate portfolio will give her more privacy in LA.

Doug Perry, a strategic financing advisor at HouseCashin said: 'Sounds like this is more of an acquisition to get additional land so she can have a larger perimeter around her home.

'Although $7.25 million is a heck of a lot on a national level to buy the property next door, in her neighborhood this is a bargain.

It's unclear if the new pad is a merely an investment property, but building permits obtained by the Daily Mail suggest Aniston may be creating her own private compound

The TV star's home next door has been her main residence since she purchased it in 2011

'When buying an investment property the last thing you want is to live next door to the tenant.

'They would be bugging you all the time. This purchase clearly isn't about acquiring an investment. This is about expanding the boundaries of her current home.'

Aniston could, in theory, connect the two neighboring properties - or even have beau Curtis, 49, move in.

The hypnotherapist, who walks with a cane due to lesions on his spinal cord, has been joined at the hip to The Morning Show star since they met earlier this year.

They vacationed together in Majorca in July and have been spotted on numerous dinner dates. Now, in an emotional letter to his followers he has spoken of his newfound love.

'I found love again, but only after I learned how to align with love from the inside out,' he wrote.

The pair were spotted in NYC last month

'Not long ago, I was in a very different place than I am today,' he added. 'I was in pain, physically and emotionally. An unhealthy relationship had left me broken-hearted and questioning my worth.

'Maybe you've been there too  those nights when anxiety and fear keep you awake, when you can't stop thinking or when you wake up in the morning with dread.

'I felt alone, stuck and uncertain about what the future could possibly hold.'

He went on to describe overcoming his struggles through the hypnotherapy methods he now teaches, saying: 'I reprogrammed my subconscious, which gave me confidence I didn't even know I had.

'I let go of the belief that I was broken and started to feel whole again. If I could create that transformation from where I was, you can too. And I'll guide you every step of the way.'

He signed off: 'With purpose and belief in you, Jim Curtis.'

He also posted photos of their three dogs, with Aniston's Labrador Lord Chesterfield and schnauzer Clyde next to Curtis's rescue dog Odie, which he has called 'the world's cutest dog.'

The pair were said to have 'bonded' over their shared love of their rescue dogs, an insider previously told the Daily Mail.

'Instead of dating around he rescued Odie which gave him so much love he didn't have to run around with random women, he had been single for a while, so when he met Jennifer, he had a clean slate,' a source said.
Amy Schumer's fans went wild after she posted photos of her newly slimmed down figure on Instagram.

Over the weekend the 44-year-old comedic actress shared outtakes from her night out in Las Vegas with friends Alex Saks and Jillian Bell.

Her long and lean legs stole the show as she posed in a black mini dress with a short, pleated skirt.

Fans and friends alike flocked to the comments to praise Amy's leggy display, following her notable weight loss earlier this year.

'Loving the love. My legs thank you!' she quipped in the comments.

It comes after earlier this year the silver screen star revealed which weight loss drug worked for her after she previously tried Ozempic.

Amy Schumer's fans went wild after she posted photos of her newly slimmed down figure on Instagram

'Loving the love. My legs thank you!' she quipped in the comments

Skincare maven Georgia Louise wrote, 'AMY.. legs need to come out more!!!!'

Skincare maven Georgia Louise wrote, 'AMY.. legs need to come out more!!!!'

And reality TV star Billie Lee added, 'Well hot damn,' with a heart-eye emoji.

Fellow comic Chelsea Handler added, 'Yes!!!!! Look at this pic!!!!'

And comedy vet Kathy Griffin teased, 'I'm so pissed about your legs, I can barely talk to you.'

Bravo celebrity Margaret Josephs gushed, 'Ok legs for days!!' and added two fire emojis and a red heart.

Amy Sedaris wrote, 'You look incredible. Look at those pins!!! #miumiu Classy!!'

Meanwhile, Selma Blair simply added, 'Leggggggs,' to the thread.

Amy appeared on Instagram in March to share her positive experience with the diabetes and weight loss drug Mounjaro.

Amy Sedaris wrote, 'You look incredible. Look at those pins!!! #miumiu Classy!!'

Bravo celebrity Margaret Josephs gushed, 'Ok legs for days!!' and added two fire emojis and a red heart

Comedy vet Kathy Griffin teased, 'I'm so pissed about your legs, I can barely talk to you'

Alex Saks zoomed in on Amy's legs, giving them their own special moment via Instagram Stories

Over the weekend the 44-year-old comedic actress shared outtakes from her night out in Las Vegas with friends Alex Saks and Jillian Bell

She praised the brand, adding that it's worked out better than its competitor Wegovy.

The blonde actress had previously revealed that similar drug Ozempic did not agree with her.

'Three years ago, I tried Wegovy,' Amy said in a social media video. 'I was puking, I couldnt handle it. I dont know if theyve changed the formula, whatever.

'But anyway, I went on this Telehealth meeting with Midi Health, and it was cheap. I wanted to try it myself cause I wanted to recommend it to my friends who are nurses and teachers.'

She raved, 'My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy, I want to get down more, if you know what I mean  Im talking about sex. So thats been great and Mounjaros been great.'
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley cut a sophisticated display in a grey suit as she attended Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 catwalk presented during Paris Fashion Week on Monday.

The supermodel, 38, looked incredible in a tailored, high-collared jacket which featured black and sweet buttons.

She paired her three-quarter sleeve jacket with matching tailored trousers and towering black satin stilettos.

To accessorise, Rosie kept a low profile as she completed her look with some large black-tinted sunglasses.

Paris Fashion Week runs from Monday, September 29 to Tuesday, October 7, with a host of stars expected to be heading to the French capital for shows.

Designers including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy will showcase their latest collections, while Victoria Beckham will present her always-anticipated show in Paris on Friday.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley cut a sophisticated display in a grey suit as she attended Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 catwalk presented during Paris Fashion Week on Monday

The supermodel, 38, looked incredible in a tailored, high-collared jacket which featured black and sweet buttons

The British star was without fiance Jason Statham and their two children, son Jack, seven, and daughter, Isabella, two, while making the most of another day in the French city.

The couple, who live in Los Angeles, began dating in 2009 after meeting at a party in London and experiencing what Rosie called 'instant chemistry'.

They got engaged in 2016, with the actress revealing they had taken their relationship to the next level when she flashed her impressive diamond ring at the Golden Globes.

The couple joined forces earlier this month as they promoted their second collaboration for Falconeri.

They made their debut for the fashion brand in March this year.

Speaking about their plans to marry after Jack was born, Rosie said: 'I think the time will come. It's also not a huge priority for us.'

She has also addressed the couple's 20-year age gap, saying: 'His knowledge and strength are really inspiring and attractive, and that can come with a man who's had a bit of time.'

The British star, who grew up in Devon, recently revealed why she returned to the UK in 2020 and explained that it was always 'the plan' to raise her children in the UK.

She paired her three-quarter sleeve jacket with matching tailored trousers and towering black satin stilettos

To accessorise, Rosie kept a low profile as she completed her look with some large black-tinted sunglasses

The British star was without fiance Jason Statham and their two children, son Jack, seven, and daughter, Isabella, two, while making the most of another day in the French city

She told The Times: 'We love the schools, the education. Theyre growing up British with their little British accents, which was important for us, and we have a great support system here.

'Jays parents live up the road and see the kids most days, my family come to visit every six or eight weeks.'

Rosie also said her kids are having a childhood not dissimilar to her own, even spending large amounts of time in Devon where she grew up.

The mum, who only shares the occasional snap of her children online, added: 'In the summer we go down to Devon and our children have the same experiences running around on the farm that I had growing up, and its very special.'
Rozalia Russian and Lana Wilkinson have revealed the moment a nasty feud between them almost tore the Melbourne socialite set in two.

They said their friendship, which is now stronger than ever, was once so fractured that their social group, which includes the likes of Bec Judd and Nadia Bartel, were forced to take sides for more than a decade.

The influencer, 37, who is married to bar baron Nick Russian, and the shoe designer, 43, debuted their new podcast The Archive on Tuesday, detailing the moment tensions boiled over and left them screaming at each other in the middle of an event.

'We were not friends. It started off great and then we ended up yelling at each other at an event,' Rozalia began during the first episode of their podcast together.

'Something that we, looking back now, are so mortified by. Ashamed. All of the big words. Embarrassed,' Lana added.

Rozalia and Lana went on to say they hit it off and 'bonded' when they first met at a photoshoot 12 years ago.

Rozalia Russian, 37, (left) and Lana Wilkinson, 43, (right) have revealed the moment a nasty feud between them almost tore the Melbourne socialite set in two

They said their friendship, which is now stronger than ever, once fractured so much that their social group, which includes the likes of Bec Judd (far right) and Nadia Bartel , were forced to take sides for more than a decade

'You were styling me,' Rozalia said to Lana.

'We bonded because we were both really early in our pregnancies... We started on a high and then it kind of went wrong.'

Lana said she had thought about their feud 'a lot', revealing it began during the Spring Racing Carnival shortly after they had met.

'If I have a look back at where I think I have to take responsibility, it was not being able to dress you for Spring Racing Carnival,' Lana said.

The shoe designer went on to say she had overcommitted to styling 26 socialites and influencers during the annual event, and decided to turn down Rozalia's request to be styled by Lana.

Rozalia said she took the rejection to heart, believing Lana 'hated' her, and began to foster a simmering resentment toward her friend which lasted for seven years.

'We're talking about 12 years ago when you're really trying to cement yourself in this industry,' Rozalia explained.

'I personally felt like I had to fight for every job because... I felt like at the time a lot of people were looking at me like, "Who are you and who are you dating?"'

Pictured together with Nadia Bartel

The influencer, who is married to bar baron Nick Russian, and the shoe designer debuted their new podcast The Archive (pictured) on Tuesday, detailing the moment tensions boiled over and left them screaming at each other in the middle of an event

Rozalia said she felt slighted and 'insecure' that Lana chose not to style her, but Lana explained she had just become pregnant with her second child and simply didn't have the time to style her.

However, she added she didn't communicate that well enough to Rozalia and had been 'quite aggressive in my approach as well'.

What followed was seven years of the pair not communicating about their growing resentment and refusing to acknowledge each other at events, with Rozalia confessing she often spoke poorly about Lana behind her back.

'I think it spiralled as a result,' Lana confessed.

'You've got to have the conversation. It's uncomfortable. It's yuck, but when you build it like that, it started to impact other people around us.'

'It was uncomfortable for everyone around us. It was almost like teams. Are you Roza? Or are you Lana? It was awful,' Rozalia said.

'It was like where does your loyalty lie? Why are you saying hi to her? And I look at the way I acted back then and I'm like, "Oh my God, you were so petty. Who cares?"'

Tensions between the friends-turned-enemies came to a boiling point during a socialite event just before Covid lockdowns occurred.

Lana said their feud began during the Spring Racing Carnival in 2013, when she refused to style Rozalia because she already had too many clients. Lana is pictured left at the event with a friend

Rozalia said she took the rejection to heart, believing Lana 'hated' her, and began to foster a simmering resentment toward her friend which lasted for seven years. Rozalia is pictured with her husband, Nick Russian, and their first child, Willow, in 2014

'After a few champagnes and not enough food, we were hanging around,' Rozalia explained.

'One minute we're standing there having a drink and then something happened, a comment was made, and I just remember launching into you.'

'You launched into me,' Lana laughed.

'And I remember saying to you, "Get it out. You've been hanging onto this for seven years. I had to hear it from everybody else. Go on. Say it."'

'Something I didn't mention, something I'm not proud of, I just sat there talking about you to other people. I was just so consumed by this... We were at each other's throats,' Rozalia said.

Lana said she felt really 'shameful' following their verbal row, which happened in the middle of a room full of people.

She added that her husband, Liam Wilkinson, who was friends with Rozalia's husband, Nick, was 'horrified' when he heard about the fight.

Rozalia agreed, adding that had their partners been in the room, things 'would have never got to that' point.

After their heated argument, Lana and Rozalia came together again in late 2021 when Nick launched his Melbourne celebrity hot spot, Bar Bambi, (pictured) with the pair sharing a tense but polite exchange where Lana thanked Rozalia for inviting her

'When you really break down why a person acts in a certain way, a lot of it comes down to insecurity and unhappiness. I look at me back then and that was me, I was insecure,' Rozalia said.

'From that experience, I remember just feeling shameful. It was devastating at the time,' Lana added.

Rozalia and Lana didn't talk for three years following the heated argument, revealing they had a lot of time during Covid lockdowns to reflect on what had happened.

They came together again in late 2021 when Nick launched his Melbourne celebrity hot spot, Bar Bambi, with the pair sharing a tense but polite exchange where Lana thanked Rozalia for inviting her.

'I remember walking in and I was absolutely s***ting myself,' Lana joked as she recalled speaking with Rozalia for the first time since their verbal blowout.

'I remember thinking I just have to go up and say, "Congratulations,"' she added. 'I remember you just going, "You're welcome. Have a good night." It was progress.'

'Covid had happened. Big world problems. I think everyone was just sick of us talking about it as well,' Rozalia added, revealing all their friends were trying to convince them to patch things up.

It wasn't until the Caulfield Cup in October 2022 when Lana and Rozalia finally addressed what had happened and reignited their friendship.

It wasn't until the Caulfield Cup in October 2022 when Lana and Rozalia finally addressed what had happened and reignited their friendship. Lana is pictured at the event

'We were sitting down near the DJ and Nick came over with this huge thing of drinks. I was like, "No, I'll buy some I don't want to be taking from you,"' Lana said.

'And then you leaned over and said, "Well I reckon, after what happened, I owe you a drink." And then I leaned over and said, "I'm really sorry."'

Lana went on to say the pair had a 'few more drinks' and were even filmed dancing and singing together.

'There was just relief that it's over,' they said.

The pair went on to say their friendship is now stronger than ever as they have spent the last few years making up for lost time and rebuilding the trust between them.
Channel Nine star Tracy Vo has given birth to a baby girl at 41, after suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage in September last year.

The Perth-based news presenter announced that she and her husband Liam Connolly were now proud parents on Monday night.

She shared a photo of herself tenderly cradling her baby as she posed alongside Liam in a hospital, and another of her newborn resting peacefully in her nursery bed.

She revealed her daughter's adorable name in the caption.

'Mila Anh Connolly has finally entered our world. She arrived last Thursday, October 2,' Tracy wrote.

'Hopefully she's inherited a bit of Liam's height!'

Channel Nine star Tracy Vo has given birth to a baby girl at 41, after suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage in September last year

Many of Tracy's celebrity friends took to the comment section to offer words of support.

'Beautiful news. Congratulations!' wrote Rebecca Judd.

'Many warm and hearty congratulations to the three of you! Welcome to the world Mila - you have perfect parents!' added Peter Stefanovic.

'Congratulations guys and welcome Mila,' Today show weatherman Tim Davies chipped in.

In May, Tracy announced she and Liam were expecting their first child together.

She shared the happy news to Instagram as she posted several photos of her growing baby bump in a red one-piece bathing suit.

The couple were on a lavish babymoon in Vietnam when they revealed the news, adding they were expecting to give birth to a baby girl in spring.

'We had some extra baggage during our Vietnam adventure,' wrote Tracy, who is also a stepmother to Liam's six-year-old daughter Sophia.

The Perth-based news presenter announced that she and her husband Liam Connolly were now proud parents on Monday night

One adorable photo showed the newborn resting peacefully in her nursery bed

Tracy went on to say their 'rainbow baby is due in Spring', a phrase used for babies born after parents suffer a miscarriage.

The TV star tragically lost her first child, a baby boy she named James, in August last year after five months of pregnancy.

'We can't wait to meet our baby girl and Sophia is excited to be a big sister. We know our boy James is looking after his little sister already,' Tracy finished her post.

The happy news comes after Tracy and husband Liam suffered a devastating loss.

Tracy took to Instagram in September last year to reveal she had lost her baby in August after just five months of pregnancy.

She posted a photograph of her baby's handprints and footprints, which sat alongside a toy bunny and a hat.

The 9News Perth star shared an emotional tribute to their baby boy in a caption, revealing she and Liam had named him James when he was born on August 15.

She revealed her heartbreak in an emotional message as she shared the devastating news of her son's tragic passing.

'I carried you for 5 months, but you just weren't meant for this world,' she penned.

'We named you James Connolly. You arrived at 4:20pm August 15, 2024. You were perfect with the cutest button nose and gorgeous little lips. Our hearts are broken, but we have found comfort knowing you are at peace. Mum and dad love you so much.'

Tracy and her husband Liam tied the knot in a Perth ceremony in October 2023, with guests including Sylvia and former Today host Allison Langdon.
Disgraced former Channel Seven star Andrew O'Keefe was hard to miss as he stepped out in a bizarre outfit this week.

The former Deal or No Deal host, 54, was spotted exercising in Potts Point on Saturday wearing a pair of short shorts emblazoned with a fluorescent rainbow print.

He matched the quirky garment with a grey sweatshirt and a pair of neon pink spectacles  the twin to a pair of green glasses he has previously been spotted wearing.

Andrew completed his look with a pair of cream sneakers and socks.

Enjoying the sunshine, he appeared relaxed as he pounded the pavement through a local park.

It's not the first time Andrew has made headlines for his odd fashion choices.

Disgraced former Channel Seven star Andrew O'Keefe, 54, (pictured) was spotted exercising in Potts Point on Saturday wearing a pair of short shorts emblazoned with a rainbow print

In June, he raised eyebrows with his multicoloured animal print jacket while out and about in Bondi.

Photos published at the time show the fallen TV star smoking and peering down at his phone from behind bright green-framed glasses.

He matched the quirky garment with a pair of bone-coloured chinos as well as a pair of sky blue sneakers that he wore over ruby red socks.

His unusual sartorial sensibilities also raised eyebrows in 2019 when he went for a dip at Bondi Beach in a pair of bright green patterned swim trunks.

O'Keefe has waged a public battle against drug addiction and been in and out of rehabilitation centres for the past few years.

In June, he was forced to hand back his Order of Australia after complaints were made that he still held the honour following his assault and drug convictions.

He faced Waverley Local Court in February to plead guilty to driving with meth in his system but escaped with a $440 fine and a disqualification from driving for six months.

The former Deal or No Deal host tested positive to meth while driving his Mercedes C200 in Sydney's eastern suburbs on July 28 last year.

He matched the quirky garment with a grey sweatshirt and a pair of neon pink spectacles  the twin to a pair of green glasses he has previously been spotted wearing

Enjoying the sunshine, he appeared relaxed as he pounded the pavement through a local park

It's not the first time Andrew has made headlines for his odd fashion choices

O'Keefe appeared relaxed and refreshed after three months overseas in rehab and chatted happily with lawyers and police while waiting to have his matter heard.

His solicitor Jahan Kalantar told the court his client accepted he had a poor traffic record and had spent a substantial period of time struggling with his illicit drug abuse.

Mr Kalantar said O'Keefe had taken serious steps to address his drug problems and produced evidence he had spent three months as an in-patient at a rehab facility.

The disgraced exTV star pleaded guilty in October to trespassing, breaching an apprehended violence order and meth possession.

Shortly before O'Keefe was pulled over on July 28, he had confronted a man at a Point Piper property he was banned from attending.

Magistrate Michael Barko read a letter of apology O'Keefe wrote to the court, which he accepted as being 'sincere and genuine'.

'I can assure you the next step is jail. I'm not just saying that, I absolutely mean it,' he told the disgraced Seven star.

O'Keefe was released on bail after appearing in Waverley Local Court but was arrested again at Rose Bay police station in September when police found meth in his car during a search.

In June, he raised eyebrows with his multicoloured animal print jacket while out and about in Bondi

His unusual sartorial sensibilities raised also raised eyebrows in 2019 when he went for a dip at Bondi Beach in a pair of bright green patterned swim trunks

Two days earlier, O'Keefe had overdosed on heroin at a party and needed to be revived by paramedics.

Elisha Dalah, 38, performed CPR to save O'Keefe after supplying him with the heroin that led to the overdose at his Vaucluse home in Sydney's eastern suburbs on September 14 last year.

Dalah's millionaire father, Michael, who is a former coowner of Elizabeth Bay Marina, has spoken out after harrowing details of the incident emerged.

The Sydney socialite cleaned vomit from the disgraced TV star's nose and mouth, and gave him Narcan, a drug which counteracts the effects of heroin before O'Keefe was taken to St Vincent's Hospital.

Dalah pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and was ordered to undertake a rehabilitation program.

Meanwhile, O'Keefe was fined $1,500 and handed a 30-month community corrections order which required him to attend rehab.

Magistrate Milledge said his life had 'just completely gone off the rails' and it was his responsibility to fix it.

'I know domestic violence is a factor in your offending and that is awful, truly awful,' she said.

O'Keefe allegedly tested positive to meth while driving in Sydney's eastern suburbs six months before he was charged in November 2024. He is seen during a previous arrest

Magistrate Milledge previously told O'Keefe that his life had 'just completely gone off the rails' and it was his responsibility to fix it

'You got into the grip of something awful and the wheels fell off.'

He was found guilty in January last year of domestic violence and drug offences after a 'degrading' attack on a woman who cannot be identified.

The drug conviction was later quashed but O'Keefe lost an appeal against the assault convictions in August.

He has an annual income of more than $300,000 despite not having appeared on television for more than four years.

The former presenter of The Chase Australia and Weekend Sunrise is paid $26,000 a month 'through insurance', according to court documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia.

O'Keefe spends about $17,000 of that sum on tax and supporting his two youngest children, leaving him with approximately $9,000 a month or $2,250 a week.

It is not known what the insurance payments are for but they equate to $312,000  or $108,000 once deductions are made.

O'Keefe's income, which is still dwarfed by the millions of dollars he made from television, was outlined in a statement of facts tendered in Sydney's Waverley Local Court on Friday.

His contract with the Seven Network was not renewed at the end of 2020 amid concerns over his erratic behaviour and domestic violence charges.

'Seven is obviously very concerned to read the reports regarding Andrew OKeefe,' a spokesman said in February 2021.

'Seven has had a 17year relationship with Andrew across a number of programs, although he is no longer with the network.'
Popular TikToker Matt Hey recently created a viral storm when he announced he was setting up a Christmas tree three months ahead of the festive season, back in September.

And now, the 29-year-old Aussie funnyman has revealed that he has broken with holiday custom by using Labulu toys as decorations.

Posting an outrageous video to his TikTok account last week, Matt predicted his decision to use the 'creepy' dolls on his tree could be controversial.

'This is going to make so many people so angry - and I love it,' Matt told fans during the clip while hanging the popular dolls onto the branches of a traditional Christmas fir.

'I wanted to represent this year in some way, so how could I do any other theme but Labubus?' he explained.

The dolls, which originated with Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, have soared in popularity Down Under since the start of 2025.

Popular TikToker Matt Hey (pictured) recently created a viral storm when he announced he was setting up a Christmas tree three months ahead of the festive season

The 29-year-old Aussie funnyman has since revealed that he has broken with holiday custom by using Labulu dolls as decorations

In a quirky twist, buyers who typically spend over $30 retail for the miniature keychain versions of the dolls don't know which figure they are getting.

During the clip, Matt was keen to flaunt his 'exclusive' Labubu imports from Singapore, as well as some other dolls he claimed were 'rare'.

Matt also mocked traditional holiday tunes by changing the lyrics to 'Jingle Bells' to 'Labubu bells, Labubu bells, Labubu bells all the way'.

'Just a reminder, everyone, I'm a fully grown man,' he said at one point, adding, 'This has been so fun for me, not you.'

By Tuesday, the clip had attracted 44.2K love heart 'likes' and over 300 comments, many of them enthusiastically supporting Matt's quirky break with tradition.

'Hate Labulus, love this,' one TikTokker commented on the post, while another messaged, 'This was, in fact, fun for me too.'

A third fan simply said, 'Love, love, love, this.'

It comes after Matt announced last month that he was ready to celebrate Christmas in September after feeling fed up with 2025.

The dolls, which originated with Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, have soared in popularity Down Under since the start of 2025. Pictured: During the clip, Matt was keen to flaunt his 'exclusive' Labulu imports from Singapore, as well as some other dolls he claimed were 'rare'

'I'm not even kidding, I know it's September but I am putting the Christmas tree up... and none of you can stop me,' he said in his amusing video.

'Honestly, I'm sick of this year, I'm done with it. Let's just put the Christmas tree up and call it a year.

'I would like to actually enjoy Christmas for as long as possible.'

Before anyone could comment on the next holiday event, Matt quickly shut it down.

'To all of you, I don't wanna hear, 'What about Halloween?' I f***ing Halloween. Stuff Halloween,' he ranted.

'There I said it. Always have always will - hate Halloween. Boring, next.'

He added: 'So I'm putting the Christmas tree up this weekend. If you'd like to join me, you can and if you don't want to join me, bah humbug.'

His video has been viewed more than 70,000 times - with many standing by Matt's decision to set up a Christmas tree three months early.

'You know what? I approve, Merry Christmas to you and your family,' one said.

'I'm not mad about this,' another shared.

'I agree, it's a shame to only have a Christmas tree up for three weeks when it really does brighten your spirits and home,' one suggested.

'I wish every day was Christmas Day. I love the decorations and food. So I wholeheartedly approve of this,' another added.

However, not everyone agreed, with one saying: 'Matt, it is September' to which Matt quickly responded: 'Not loving your energy here.'
Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willett has revealed she has dropped from a size 14 to a size eight by using weight loss drug Mounjaro.

Appearing on co-star Olivia Bentley's Private Parts podcast, the mother-of-one, 33, detailed how entering her 30s and becoming a mother meant she could not lose weight as easily anymore so turned to the popular jabs for help.

Admitting there is a stigma around the prescription-only drug, which is used for weight loss and the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, she defiantly insisted her busy life led her to using the drug to help shed her excess weight.

While she admitted she shirks controversy around her choice due to her low dose and only injecting fortnightly, she also confessed she stopped taking the drug all summer after she was left struggling to drink alcohol.

The star, who is mother to daughter Ottilie, six, with ex Fraser 'Frank' Carruthers, spoke about appearing on a recent episode of the E4 show in her underwear and detailed how she would never have taken the plunge before her weight loss.

Made In Chelsea star Tabitha Willett has revealed she has dropped from a size 14 to a size eight by using weight loss drug Mounjaro (pictured; left: In an episode of MIC earlier this year, right: in 2022)

Tabitha is pictured in September last year, prior to starting her Mounjaro journey

Thanks to splitting her time between Dubai and London, Tabitha's Instagram feed is littered with swimsuit and bikini-clad images showing off her slimmed down frame (pictured; left: In May, right: in July 2023)

Thanks to splitting her time between Dubai and London, Tabitha's Instagram feed is littered with swimsuit and bikini-clad images showing off her slimmed down frame.

Speaking to both Olivia and fellow Made In Chelsea star Tiffany Watson, Tabitha detailed how she swapped from popular jab Ozempic to other brand Tirzepatide, also known as Mounjaro, after being left nauseous by the drug.

She said: 'I started on Ozempic last year and I just found it made me feel so sick...

'I think when you hit your 30s and after you've had a child, you just can't shift weight like you used to. I used to skip dinner and wake up the next morning and have a flat tummy and it just doesn't happen like that anymore...

'You wake up one morning and it just doesn't happen. As proud as I was of my body and things that, I was also going back on TV, I was around beautiful people like Liv and stuff and Sophie Hermann and things and I'm like I'm just sick of this...

'I don't want to write myself off just yet, I want to feel loud and proud.'

She then spoke about her saucy MIC scenes, saying: 'In an episode that's just aired on Made In Chelsea, I did a whole shoot, a whole scene, in just my underwear. If you told me I was going to do something like that a year ago I would have said no.

Tiffany interjected: 'My friend messaged me saying what has Tabitha done, she looks so good!'

Confirming just how she had acheived her new look, Tabitha professed: 'Mounjaro! It's changed my face as well. People shame it. There's this massive stigma like 'oh you couldn't do it naturally, so you shouldn't do it'...

'I'm like, no sorry, we're all bloody busy and Mounjaro does help. I take the lowest dose and I probably take it every two weeks. So I went from a size 12 to 14 to a size eight like that [clicks her fingers].'

She then spoke about her saucy MIC scenes, saying: 'In an episode that's just aired on Made In Chelsea, I did a whole shoot, a whole scene, in just my underwear. If you told me I was going to do something like that a year ago I would have said no'

Tabitha is pictured in May in the midst of her weight loss journey

The star is mother to daughter Ottilie, six, with ex Fraser 'Frank' Carruthers, who is a friend of Prince Harry's., however the pair split in 2020 (pictured in 2019)

Olivia asked: 'So do you now take it forever or do you slowly come off it?'

She replied: 'To be honest, I haven't taken it all summer because I find it difficult to have a drink on it. [You take it by] injection...

'You can either have an injection in your tummy which makes me feel a bit weird because that's where the babies are. Or you can do it on your hide.'

Tabitha, who is is a childrenswear editor at The Wedding Edition, has dipped in and out of MIC, having first joined the show in 2018 for season 15, before leaving and coming back for season 18 and season 23 and has now returned for season 29.

Tabitha and Fraser, a friend of Prince Harry, dated for four years after meeting when she was hired as a marketing director at his private members' club Albert's.

In 2019, they were engaged in Miami with plans to marry at London's Hurlingham Club the following July but had to cancel their wedding due to the pandemic.

Tabitha is pictured in October last year

However, in October 2020, a year after Ottilie was born, they announced they had split. She shared the news on Instagram, writing: 'After months of consideration and many long and thoughtful conversations, Fraser and I have decided to separate...

'As you can imagine, this is an incredibly hard time for us as a family. This year has provided so many uncertainties and forced us to postpone and eventually cancel our wedding as well as being new and full time parents and government closures of businesses...

'Ottilie is our world and remains our number one priority. We also share so much love and respect for one another and our beautiful daughter and we are eager for her to grow up watching us mature into a modern family, as close friends.

'Fraser is the most incredible father and it fills me with great sadness that we have been unable to make our relationship work. We still love each other very much and know that our future is better and more stable this way.'
Billionaire Australian entrepreneur Peter Freedman is set to offload a mansion and a penthouse overlooking Sydney Harbour.

The sales could score the 65-year-old Rode microphones founder over $50 million.

Both pads are located in sought-after Potts Point, a mere 3.2 km from the CBD, and each offers amazing views of the city skyline.

Freedman appears to be working with high-profile real estate agent Gavin Rubenstein to sell off each of the properties, according to The Wentworth Courier.

A sign for Rubenstein's TRG brand appeared out front of Freedman's six-bedroom, eight-bathroom heritage mansion, the publication reported last week.

Freedman spent $30.35 million on the 1870s-built home in 2023 and is putting it under the hammer after announcing an $11 million renovation early in 2025.

Billionaire Australian entrepreneur Peter Freedman (pictured) is set to offload a mansion and a penthouse overlooking Sydney Harbour

Freedman spent $30.35 million on the 1870s-built home (pictured) in 2023 and is putting it under the hammer after announcing an $11 million renovation early in 2025

Freedman appears to be working with high-profile real estate agent Gavin Rubenstein to sell off each of the properties, according to The Wentworth Courier. Pictured: Inside the mansion

There is currently no listing for the mansion, but it is expected to attract buyers willing to spend upwards of $35 million.

Known as Jenner House, the mansion was the home of the prominent Hordern family, founders of the famous Australian retail brand.

Meanwhile, Freedman is readying to sell his penthouse in the boutique Ikon Tower block nearby, which he bought in 2018 for an eye-watering $16 million.

No price guide has been announced for the three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment, which boasts 'uninterrupted city and harbour views from every room' according to the listing.

Neighbours inside the Ikon building told The Wentworth Courier that Freedman is selling off his mansion and the penthouse to fund a new prestige purchase.

The insiders say that the businessman was not willing to go through a renovation on the mansion and wanted something 'already done'.

Freedman has two other apartments in the Ikon, one he snapped up for $8.2 million in 2023.

The ritzy spread features two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

There is currently no listing for the mansion, but it is expected to attract buyers willing to spend upwards of $35 million

Known as Jenner House (pictured), the mansion was the home of the prominent Hordern family, founders of the famous Australian retail brand

Meanwhile, Freedman is readying to sell his penthouse in the boutique Ikon Tower block nearby, which he bought in 2018 for an eye-watering $16 million

Built on the site of the old Chevron-Hilton Hotel, which was known in the 1960s as the 'home to the stars', the Ikon apartment complex features a spa, gym, and indoor heated pool.

Freedman also owns a three-bedroom pad in the tower, which he purchased in 2017 for $5 million.

Last year, Freedman, who owns Kurt Cobain's guitar, vaulted into the elite club of Australia's richest people, leaping into the Australian Financial Review's Rich List after being valued at over $701 million.

His equipment has become the sound recording equipment of choice for millions who make social media videos and podcasts - and he is likely worth much more due to his US earnings.

In 2021, 2.5 million Rode products were sold into 118 countries and remarkably they are all manufactured in Australia.

This has propelled Mr Freedman into 192nd place on the list of 200 richest Australians, where you need at least $629million to qualify.

It is an incredible turnaround for Mr Freedman, who in the early 1990s was more than $11 million in debt, had lost his beloved father's electronics shop, and was desperately trying to hawk a home-use microphone in Los Angeles while living off his credit card.

Mr Freedman had created the microphone by modifying a Chinese one he had picked up at a trade show 10 years earlier and rediscovered in his stockroom while looking for 'anything he could sell'.
Leonardo DiCaprios girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti turned heads as she went out to dinner in Paris on Monday.

As Fashion Week comes to a close in the French Capital, the model, 27, wore a white mini-dress as she was seen arriving at the Siena restaurant.

She teamed the chic number, which featured chiffon sections and quirky, asymmetric pleats, with a pair of PrettyLittleThing heels.

Vittoria accessorised with a glitzy choker necklace and shielded her eyes with square framed sunglasses.

A host of stars have attended catwalk shows over the last week, with the last taking place on Tuesday, October 7.

Leo has been spotted at shows over the course of the event and joined by Kim Kardashian at the Siena restaurant for his exclusive soiree over the weekend.

Leonardo DiCaprios girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti turned heads as she went out to dinner in Paris on Monday

As Fashion Week comes to a close in the French Capital, the model, 27, wore a white mini-dress as she was seen arriving at the Siena restaurant

Vittoria and the actor first sparked romance rumors in August 2023 during an ice cream date in Santa Barbara, and The Wolf of Wall Street star was then seen at Milan Fashion Week to support her the following month.

Over the course of their time together, the model has been seen on occasion with a ring on her wedding finger, but sources have insisted she and Leo are not engaged.

In March, the model admitted she found it 'extremely annoying' to be reduced to just 'Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend.'

Speaking to Vogue France, she sidestepped using Leo's name, instead referring to him simply as a 'very, very famous movie star' while referencing his role in Titanic, which she branded 'iconic'.

However, she kept her distance from public labels and shared that the pair's bond is strong enough to dodge any jealousy.

She said: 'It's something you learn. If what you're experiencing is real, if you know you love each other, then there's no reason to be alarmed. Because love protects and gives confidence.'

Vittoria was previously married from 2020 until 2023 to the Italian DJ Matteo Milleri, who is part of the Berlin-based duo Tale of Us.

Before her, Leo dated Camila Morrone, Ceretti's former friend, for five years but they split in 2022.

She teamed the chic number, which featured chiffon sections and quirky, asymmetric pleats, with a pair of PrettyLittleThing heels

Vittoria accessorised with a glitzy choker necklace and shielded her eyes with square framed sunglasses

Vittoria and Leo first sparked romance rumors in August 2023 during an ice cream date in Santa Barbara

The Hollywood star had also been linked to Gigi Hadid after they fueled romance speculation in September 2022.

DiCaprio has also been linked to Gisele Bundchen, Bar Refaeli, Toni Garrn, Nina Agdal and Blake Lively over the years.

All of his girlfriends have been much younger than he is.

Speaking in the unfiltered interview, the actor said: 'Turning 50 creates a feeling like you have a desire to just be more honest and not waste your time.

'I can only imagine how the next few decades are going to progress. I look at my mother, for example, and she just says exactly what she thinks and wastes no time. She spends no time trying to fake it.'

Detailing the importance of saying exactly how you feel, he explained: 'Being more upfront and risking having things fall apart or risking the disagreements or risking going your separate ways from any type of relationship in life.

'The personal, the professional  it's that you don't want to waste your time any more. You have to just be much more upfront. It's almost a responsibility, because much more of your life is behind you than it is ahead of you.'
George Clooney has revealed why he turned his back on Hollywood to raise his twins.

The actor, 64, and his wife Amal, 47, welcomed Alexander and Ella, eight, in 2017 - three years after tying the knot.

Despite being one of the biggest names in the movie industry, he and his family left the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles behind for a farm in France.

Now, in a new interview, George revealed that his kids are having a 'much better life' growing up out of the spotlight.

He told Esquire magazine: 'I was worried about raising our kids in LA, in the culture of Hollywood.

'I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life.'

George Clooney has revealed why he turned his back on Hollywood to raise his twins, Alexander and Ella

Despite being one of the biggest names in the movie industry, he and his family left the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles behind for a farm in France (pictured in his hit movie Gravity)

The actor, 64, and his wife Amal, 47, welcomed Alexander and Ella, eight, in 2017 - three years after tying the knot

The Jay Kelly actor pointed out that the culture in France is very different to the US, explaining they 'don't give a s*** about fame'.

He added: 'I don't want them being compared to somebody else's famous kids.'

George stays clear of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, but is worried about what will happen to his kids when they eventually get their own accounts.

Last month, he told Julia Roberts for 72 Magazine: 'The risks are so much bigger and the consequences follow you for so much longer.

'I'm worried about my kids; we keep them off the internet as much as we can.

'But, you know, some of their homework is done on a computer.'

There's no doubt George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney live a very luxe life with an estimated net worth of $550 million (409M) combined.

Yet, the megastar insists he lives a 'normal' life - despite the power couple owning multiple homes around the world.

It comes after George told the Daily Mail that his life is 'normal,' despite attending his movie premiere at the New York Film Festival on Monday night

Following the success of his Broadway play Good Night, and Good Luck, the 64-year-old's next film is Jay Kelly, in which he coincidentally stars as a 'famous movie actor.'

When asked by DailyMail.com at Monday's premiere during the New York Film Festival whether he craves normalcy like his character, he revealed he indeed does have 'normalcy' in his life.

'I have normalcy. You know, I drive my kids to school every morning,' he insisted. 'I have normalcy - except for this!'

He then admitted he does have somewhat of a 'pampered' life, which he tries to shield from his and Amal's eight-year-old twins.

He explained: 'They didn't come to the set much. They came a couple of times. I try to keep the kids away from that experience right now.

'I'm not quite sure what they would think about it. I don't want them to think we're too pampered.'
TV presenter Laura Jackson has announced her 'darling dad' has passed away aged 75 following a cancer battle.

The Take Me Out: The Gossip star, 39, took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to reveal their family had watched her father David had died on Saturday night, writing: 'I will never not unsee you leaving us'.

In an emotional post comprising a number of photos and videos of her dad, she penned a lengthy caption describing her dad's passing, praising him and painfully detailing the depth of her grief just days after his death.

Laura revealed David suffered Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs. The area most commonly affected is the lining of the lungs and chest wall.

In her heartbreaking post, she wrote: 'My darling dad. The last five months have been the hardest of my entire life... Ive felt like an iceberg - trying to hold it all together on the surface, trying to carry on through life...

TV presenter Laura Jackson has announced her 'darling dad' has passed away aged 75 following a cancer battle

The Take Me Out: The Gossip star, 39, took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to reveal their family had watched her father David had died on Saturday night, writing: 'I will never not unsee you leaving us'

In her heartbreaking post, she wrote: 'My darling dad. The last five months have been the hardest of my entire life... Ive felt like an iceberg - trying to hold it all together on the surface, trying to carry on through life'

'But beneath the surface has sat the depth of my grief, waiting for the moment it would finally break through - but I dont think I even believed the moment would actually come. This has been so painful. We watched you die on Saturday night...

'I will never not unsee you leaving us - they said it would be peaceful but all I have is pain, loss and such sadness. There is nothing peaceful about the fact you are not here, dad...

'You were the one person - along later with Jon - who loved me unconditionally. You embraced my floors, celebrated my strongness and shouted about any achievements. That time I was the voice of foxy bongo and the whole of Sheffield knew...

'You were so proud of me. I got it all from you. You were entrepreneurial, entertaining and your zest for life was infectious...

'I used to get so annoyed with you wanting to know every facet of my life...

'From the dentist appointments to what I had watched on telly, but as I got older I began to truly understand, the care and love for Anna and I - and all your family - was beyond comprehension...

'Our cruise - your travel vessel of choice - gave us date nights, cherry negronis, and endless fun. That last holiday meant so much to you...

'Dad, its so hard. This is so hard. You loved me like no one else and never judged me. You knew I was mad and you celebrated/tolerated that. I just found out you and Anna had a nickname for me; whirlwind...

In an emotional post comprising a number of photos and videos of her dad, she penned a lengthy caption describing her dad's passing, praising him and painfully detailing the depth of her grief just days after his death

Laura is pictured with her dad and one of her three children

'You were born in November 1949, and lived a very happy 75 years of life. You have worked hard all your life, but boy did you know how to have a good time - Ive never known anyone consume as much alcohol as you...

'You had three daughters, a step daughter and 10 grandchildren. You loved, in no particular order; cruises, wine (with a particular penchant for chapel down), solitaire, piping hot food, Saturday kitchen, Sheffield Wednesday (were all Wednesday)

'Facebook, pornstar martinis, midsomer murders, cups of (hot) tea, cooking, two pound coins, marzipan fruits. But most of all dad, you loved your family. You loved us all so much...

'The last few weeks were so hard when the Mesothelioma tried to take charge, you were so brave and so strong. Its been a privilege to be your daughter. I feel so sad, I really dont know how to live my life without you....

'Things will never be the same again. I love you so much, I miss you so so much already xxxxxxx fantastico xxxxxxxx'.

The images shared captured sweet moments between the daughter and father

In August, Laura revealed how her debilitating antenatal depression left her 'miserable, crying every day and unable to get out of bed'.

The star was pregnant with her third child Nico in 2022 when her life was turned upside down by mental and physical health problems.

Despite already having two children, daughter Sidney Frances and son Remy with her husband Jonathan Gorrigan, she was struck down with crippling symptoms the third time around.

At 14 weeks pregnant she was officially diagnosed with antenatal depression and diagnosed antidepressants. She told The Times of her experience: 'I went from feeling a bit down and tired to constantly exhausted - and so, so miserable.

'I didn't want to get out of bed. I felt as if I'd lost my personality. I cried every single day and I looked dreadful. I look back at pictures of that time now and I'm dead behind the eyes.

'Not to mention that I felt like I should be grateful - that as I was lucky to be pregnant, I was doing something wrong by feeling so awful.'

She shared a screenshot of a Facetime call with her father

In August, Laura revealed how her debilitating antenatal depression left her 'miserable, crying every day and unable to get out of bed'

She aded that 'every day was just about getting through it' and that she didn't want to see anyone.

There was relief when she gave birth but then she began to struggle again and in October 2024 went to see her GP who prescribed her the antidepressants. Two years on from having her son she finally feels like she has her 'whole self back again'.

Back in April 2023 Laura took to Instagram to announce the news of her third child being born and revealed their baby boy's unusual name - Nico Sunny Gorrigan.

Sharing a selection of sweet images of Nico with her children, the TV host penned: 'Nico Sunny Gorrigan. Last week we completed our party of 5.

'A different, special and very wonderful kind of Easter.

'A birthing pool entrance, surrounded by our condiments in the kitchen at home - we finally said hello to the latest member of our family. After an emotional and challenging pregnancy - I feel on cloud nine, totally overjoyed that he is finally here!

'It's not often that life takes a real pause, so we are savouring these truly special moments and toasting the new arrival the only way I know how - bottomless marg.'
Gillian Anderson looked stunning as she attended the premiere of her latest film Tron: Ares in Los Angeles on Monday.

The actress, 57, who plays Elisabeth Dillinger in the upcoming sci-fi, wore an elegant off-the-shoulder gown as she walked the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

She teamed the A-line number with a pair of black, strappy heels and opted for a subtle makeup look.

Gillian was joined at the premiere by her castmates Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Jared Leto.

Tron: Ares, which is scheduled to be released in the UK and US on October 10, sees mankind encountering AI for the first time.

The plot see a highly sophisticated programme, Ares, leaves the digital world for a dangerous mission in the real world.

Gillian Anderson looked stunning as she attended the premiere of her latest film Tron: Ares in Los Angeles on Monday

The actress, 57, who plays Elisabeth Dillinger in the upcoming sci-fi, wore an elegant off-the-shoulder gown as she walked the red carpet at the TCL Chinese Theatre

On Wednesday evening, Disney Studios transformed the Piccadilly Lights into the electrifying world of TRON: Ares, staging the first-ever rooftop red carpet above the iconic Lights.

Standing above the London landmark, Jared unveiled exclusive 3D TRON: Ares content live on the giant screens as crowds gathered below to watch.

The Morbius actor was joined on the rooftop by director Joachim Rnning and cast members Greta Lee, Jodie, Evan and Gillian, creating a truly historic moment.

Guests arriving for the UK Sneak Peek screening event were immersed in a pulse-pounding digital frontier as the legendary central London location was reimagined with cutting-edge lighting design and futuristic set pieces.

With a Nine Inch Nails soundtrack filling the space, visitors entered through an LED-lit corridor of shifting lights before stepping into the grid for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity with the iconic Lightcycle.

Press and content creators were treated to an exclusive preview of footage from the newest chapter of the TRON saga, personally introduced by the director and main caste members.

Following the unveiling by the cast, the TRON: Ares Immersive Experience will open to the public for one day only on Thursday 2 October.

Elsewhere, Gillian will also star in in Marianne Elliot's big-screen adaptation of Raynor Winn's 2018 memoir, The Salt Path.

She teamed the A-line number with a pair of black, strappy heels and opted for a subtle makeup look

Gillian was joined at the premiere by her castmates Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Jared Leto

Gillian's latest role in The Salt Path sees her playing Raynor Winn opposite Jason as her husband Moth, in the real-life story of the couple who became homeless after a business deal with a friend went wrong.

After Moth was then diagnosed with a rare and incurable degenerative brain disease, the couple decided to make a 630-mile trek along the Cornish, Devon and Dorset coastline armed with only a tent and limited supplies.

In response to one scene in the film that sees Gillian and Isaac's characters get intimate inside their small tent, The Sunday Times probed the X-Files star on whether she would recommend the location for an amorous encounter.

A grinning Gillian affirmed: 'Well, sex in the back of a car, sex anywhere, I mean, yeah, why not? Uncomfortable, tight quarters, but needs must.'

The Scoop actress also admitted that she doesn't feel any shame in discussing sex and even released a book about women's sexual fantasies in September.

She explained that it was through doing Sex Education, filming scenes speaking openly about topics like sexual pleasure, genitalia and sexual orientation, that she first realised how comfortable she felt and how vital the conversations were.

She said: 'In playing Jean, having [sex] become a regular topic, I realised that I didnt have shame around it.

'Also, I suddenly realised the degree to which there still was so much shame around it and the degree to which the show helped many demographics blast through some of that.'
A charity store in suburban Melbourne has become a hot spot for Neighbours devotees after a fan discovered it was selling priceless memorabilia from the axed soap.

According to a post shared on social media on Monday, a treasure trove of Ramsay Street-related material was recently donated by producers to the This N That Community Op Shop in Forest Hill.

Among the items are 'hand props' such as fake licenses and Medicare cards, as well as 'set dressing' like lamps and ornaments that were featured on the show's sets.

A shopper, Bec Brewin, who made the discovery, posted a video of some of the massive collection on Instagram, including an authentic-looking Victorian Driver's Licence for the character of Stuart Parker (played by actor Blair McDonough).

Also in the cache of Neighbours goodies found in the op shop was a Medicare card in the name of David Bishop (played by actor Kevin Harrington).

Brewin also found a keychain prop with the Lassiter's Spa logo on it, as well as a bag used by actor Alan Fletcher, who played the character of Dr. Karl Kennedy.

A charity store in suburban Melbourne has become a hot spot for Neighbours devotees after a fan discovered it was selling priceless memorabilia from the axed soap. Pictured: The cast of Neighbours

A treasure trove of Ramsay Street-related material was recently donated by producers to the This N That Community Op Shop in Forest Hill. Pictured: An authentic-looking Victorian Driver's Licence for the character of Stuart Parker (played by actor Blair McDonough)

'Someone tell Dr Karl all his patients' private files are at the op shop,' Brewin joked in the share alongside a clip in which she can be seen searching through the bag's contents.

The shop also features 'set dressing' that includes homeware items such as ceramics, candle holders, serving trays, and ornaments.

Brewin later updated followers with the news that the store has been 'inundated' with enquiries from fans eager to buy a piece of Australian TV history.

'They need time to price everything and organise a dedicated sale (likely online, to be confirmed),' she added.

The shop owner, known only as Michelle, revealed to the ABC on Tuesday that she was contacted by someone from the famed production about donating Neighbours-related material.

She later took delivery of three van loads of props and other items used in the show, including school uniforms and school bags branded with Erinborough High - the show's famed fictional school.

It comes after Neighbours filmed its last ever episode back in July.

A slew of photos were posted to Facebook and Instagram on Friday showing the cast during the last stretch of filming.

A shopper, Bec Brewin, who made the discovery, posted a video of some of the massive collection on Instagram, including Dr. Karl's brief case (pictured)

Brewin also found a keychain prop with the Lassiter's Spa logo on it

Even recent scripts were among the shopper's huge haul

'Today marks the final day of production on our beloved Neighbours,' it read.

'It's with a heavy heart that our incredible cast and crew wrap for the final time. As sad as this day may be, we can't wait for you to see the amazing storylines that are about to unfold over the coming six months.'

The caption ended: 'Together we have been, and always will be, the perfect blend.'

In one of the images, veteran stars Stefan Dennis, Rebekah Elmaloglou, Jackie Woodburne and Alan Fletcher stood alongside each other with pained smiles as they waved goodbye to an era.

Another showed the whole Neighbours cast dressed up warm as they posed on Ramsay Street for the last time during their final stint on set.

The final episode of Neighbours is set to air on December 11, and the news will undoubtedly be a devastating blow to fans across the globe who have seen the ongoing drama axed three times.

Just two years ago, fans were gearing up for what was then billed as the 'finale' before Amazon swooped in with a lifeline.

The impact of Neighbours is immeasurable and has produced household names like Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie.
Nagi Maehashi has come out swinging against Australian PR agencies who are offering her a pittance in exchange for making sponsored social media posts.

The RecipeTin Eats founder, who boasts 1.7 million Instagram followers, shared a message on her Stories on Tuesday in which she revealed that at times, she is only promised a few free items, such as chocolates or pasta, instead of a payment.

'Dear PR agencies of Australia... Please take my personal details off your database. How did you even get my private email address?' she began her text post.

Nagi went on to blast the requirements for social media ads - which include making video reels and Stories posts - and explained that they are not worth the exchange of free goods.

'No, I am not interested in creating 1-3 Instagram Stories (and) an IG Reel or carousel post to promote your clients' restaurant or product in exchange for a FREE packet of Reese's or a FREE bowl of pasta,' she said.

Nagi concluded: 'It's 2025. Spray-and-pray-copy-paste email blast outs aren't a strategy anymore.'

Nagi Maehashi (pictured) has come out swinging against Australian PR agencies who are offering her a pittance in exchange for making sponsored social media posts

Maehashi has recently been embroiled in a high-profile controversy.

In April, she accused baker Brooke Bellamy, the founder of Brooki Bakehouse, of plagiarising her caramel slice and baklava recipes for use in her best-selling cookbook Bake With Brooki.

The claims sparked weeks of online scrutiny, with Bellamy forced to issue a series of statements defending her work.

In a video posted to her followers, Bellamy admitted her recipes were not wholly original but insisted that they were still personal.

'While all of these recipes are personal to me, I cannot say that I have invented the cookies, cupcakes, brownies or cakes in the recipe book. They are all inspired from somewhere and someone before me,' she said.

She also revealed her biggest inspiration had always been close to home.

'I have been so inspired by bakeries and bakers the world over but the biggest inspiration in my life is my mum, because I learnt to cook and bake with her in the kitchen growing up.'

Bellamy rejected the suggestion that her work was stolen, pointing out that many recipes inevitably share similarities.

The RecipeTin Eats founder, who boasts 1.7 million Instagram followers, shared a message on her Stories on Tuesday in which she revealed that at times, she is only promised a few free items, such as chocolates or pasta, instead of a payment

Nagi went on to blast the requirements for social media ads - which include making video reels and Stories posts - and explained that they are not worth the exchange of free goods

'While baking has leeway for creativity, much of it is a precise science and is necessarily formulaic.

'Many recipes are bound to share common steps and measures: if they don't, they simply don't work.'

The controversy drew further attention when American baker Sally McKenny added her voice, claiming her vanilla cake recipe had also been used without permission.

Bellamy, however, pushed back against what she described as a narrative 'pitting women against each other,' saying, 'I think there's room for everyone, especially more women in business.'

Despite the uproar, her Fortitude Valley bakery in Brisbane continues to thrive, with queues snaking down the street on weekends and her online community rallying in support.

She is also expanding beyond Queensland for the first time - with a six-month pop-up inside Sydney Airport's busy T2 Domestic terminal.
He first stole hearts as Australia's original Bachelor more than a decade ago.

And now, Tim Robards has revealed how life has completely transformed since finding fame on the reality TV juggernaut.

The 43-year-old chiropractor-turned-actor sat down with Daily Mail for an exclusive chat about fatherhood, his marriage to Anna Heinrich, the challenges of breaking into Hollywood and his brand-new film role.

Reflecting on his Bachelor days, Tim admitted the show gave him unexpected lessons in confidence.

'When you put yourself out there, you're outside your comfort zone and under pressure. Weirdly, it gives you self-belief,' he explained.

That belief pushed him to pursue acting - but he confessed the transition was far from smooth.

He first stole hearts as Australia's original Bachelor more than a decade ago. Now, Tim Robards (pictured) has revealed how life has transformed since finding fame on the reality TV juggernaut

The 43-year-old chiropractor-turned-actor sat down with Daily Mail for an exclusive chat about fatherhood, his marriage to Anna Heinrich, the challenges of breaking into Hollywood and his brand-new film role. Tim pictured with wife Anna

'In Australia it's been hard to shake the reality TV tag. People see me as the Bachelor before they see me as an actor. In the US, they just look at your audition tape. Did you do a good job or not? That's been refreshing.'

Tim revealed he has just wrapped filming his biggest project yet - a romantic comedy titled Chef's Kiss (to be released as From Italy with Love in Australia).

'I play a chef called Mason. We filmed in a stunning location in Sydney that looks just like Tuscany. It should be out in the US for Valentine's Day 2026.'

Now a proud father to two little girls, Tim says raising daughters has softened him and changed his outlook.

'They're such girly girls - I try to give them every opportunity, but they still mimic their mum,' he laughed.

To add a 'masculine influence', Tim has introduced his eldest daughter to Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

'We're both on our white belts with four stripes and racing each other. It's discipline, confidence, and self-protection - everything I want them to have.'

Fatherhood, he says, has also unlocked his vulnerable side.

Reflecting on his Bachelor days, Tim admitted the show gave him unexpected lessons in confidence

'When you put yourself out there, you're outside your comfort zone and under pressure. Weirdly, it gives you self-belief,' he explained

'Strong men on screen are often those who can also tap into their feminine side. Having daughters really teaches you that balance.'

Tim admitted Anna pulled out all the stops for his recent birthday, even roping in their young daughter to help keep the secret.

'Leading up to it she said, 'Leave your birthday clear,' and I thought maybe someone was coming up to visit us on the Gold Coast,' he said.

'Then she got my daughter to drop that we were going to Singapore to see her sister. It was such a surprise and we kept really busy over there.'

Known for his enviable rig, Tim insists exercise isn't negotiable - it's what keeps him sane.

'If you could bottle exercise into a pill, it would be the most effective one on the market. When I work out, I'm a better father, I'm more balanced and less stressed.'

To celebrate National Banana Day on Wednesday (October 8), Tim has partnered with Australian Bananas on their Banana Gym pass incentive, which lets Aussies trade a banana for a free workout at gyms nationwide.

'It's a great way for people who might have fallen out of routine to get back into the gym, or if you've always wanted to try the local gym around the corner. It's such a good incentive,' he explained.

The fitness fanatic insists bananas are an essential part of his day - especially when he's training.

That belief pushed him to pursue acting - but he confessed the transition was far from smooth

Now a proud father to two little girls, Tim says raising daughters has softened him and changed his outlook. Pictured with his daughters

'I'm usually either smashing down a banana right before a workout, or I'll have one as well when I finish - with a little protein shake,' he revealed.

'They're one of the best natural foods you can eat before the gym. They fuel you, they give you plenty of energy, they're great for the heart.'

Robards even shared his go-to snacks, which all feature the humble fruit.

'If I'm in a rush, I'll grab a banana and eat it in the car,' he said.

'Otherwise it's sourdough toast with peanut butter and thinly sliced banana - it doesn't leave you too heavy but it's delicious. Post-workout, I'll throw a banana in the blender with vanilla protein and some berries. That's my routine.'

For Tim, the campaign is about more than just free gym access - it's a reminder that fitness can be simple and fun.

'Bananas are nature's energy bar,' he said. 'They're quick, healthy and they give you the firepower to smash through a workout.'

Despite conquering SAS Australia and reality TV fame, Tim confessed there's one thing that still brings him undone: heights.

Tim admitted Anna pulled out all the stops for his recent birthday, even roping in their young daughter to help keep the secret

Despite conquering SAS Australia and reality TV fame, Tim confessed there's one thing that still brings him undone: heights

To celebrate National Banana Day on Wednesday (October 8), Tim has partnered with Australian Bananas on their Banana Gym pass incentive, which lets Aussies trade a banana for a free workout at gyms nationwide

'I might look like a big burly guy, but when it comes to heights I'm reduced to about this big,' he laughed.

He recalled a recent family trip to Singapore where his wife and daughters convinced him to try a terrifying high ropes course.

'They were laughing at me the whole time. Then there was a mini-bungee jump from four storeys up - I couldn't let them do it without me, so I had to go too. I was absolutely cracking myself.'

Twelve years after fronting the first season of The Bachelor, Tim still stands by one mantra.

'My grandma once wrote on a coffee cup: 'Be true to thyself.' That's my advice to anyone doing reality TV. Go in with integrity - if you're not being genuine, the audience will see straight through you.'

To celebrate National Banana Day Aussies can enjoy a free workout if they show a banana on Wednesday, October 8.

Available for one day only across over 900 gyms in Australia - check out local participating gyms at bananagympass.com.
Eva Herzigova was a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show model in the 1990s.

The photogenic dynamo was also the star of the 1994 Wonderbra 'Hello Boys' advert and billboards that - quite literally - stopped traffic.

And the looker posed nude for Hugh Hefner's Playboy magazine over 20 years ago.

On Monday evening the star was seen at the Chanel show during Paris Fashion week alongside Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie.

The 52-year-old Czech cutie looked youthful in a tailored black jacket over a turtleneck sweater and belted jeans as she held onto a purse. Her hair was a rich red color as she wore pale pink lipstick.

See what she looks like now.

Eva Herzigova was a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show model in the 1990s. On Monday she hit the Chanel fashion show in Paris

The model was also the star of the 1994 Wonderbra 'Hello Boys' advert and billboards that - quite literally - stopped traffic

Herzigova was a hot ticket 20 years ago, and still looks quite incredible today.

She worked with the top fashion designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Versace and Louis Vuitton.

And she was on the cover of Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and Glamour.

The popular star worked alongside the A-list like Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington.

In August 2004 the star posed nude for Playboy magazine in a stunning pictorial.

The blonde also appeared in the film Les Anges gardiens (1995) along Gerard Depardieu and Christian Clavier, My Best Friend's Wife (1998), Modigliani (2004) and A Prominent Patient (2017).

This comes after Eva defended her Wonderbra advert after it was criticized by women who believed it was degrading.

Here the looker was seen in lingerie for Chantal Thomass during Paris Fashion Week in 1994

Ten years later she wore black lace lingerie and a sheer cover up

Herzigova seen during a photo shoot while in a black leather dress in 1991

And the looker posed nude for Playboy over 20 years ago

The model said the lingerie campaign was actually 'empowering' and that because it 'made waves you can still see its influence today'.

Speaking to the Evening Standard in 2014, she said: 'My Wonderbra campaign empowered women. It didnt degrade them like some said or say.

'It was controversial at the time, sure - but it made waves and you can see its influence still today.

'It was one of the most successful advertising campaigns in history and I am so proud to be a part of it.'

Herzigova at the Chanel fashion show as part of Spring/Summer 2026 Paris Fashion Week held at Grand Palais on October 6

The Czech model looked youthful in a tailored black jacket over a turtleneck sweater and belted jeans as she held onto a purse. Her hair was a rich red color

The advert, which was shot by Ellen von Unwerth and saw Eva posing in a black Wonderbra and pants, certainly proved controversial.

Much of the controversy centered on traffic accidents, with some commuters blaming the huge roadside poster for their lack of concentration.

Others claimed the racy ad was derogatory towards women, even as they flocked to buy the bra in their millions.
Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet have been pictured together for the first time in two months, shattering rumors they are on the outs.

The 28-year-old billionaire and the 29-year-old movie actor were seen side by side as they left the romantic hot spot The Waverly Inn in New York City via a chauffeured black SUV on Monday evening.

The stars had on matching black leather looks as they seemed cozy while holding hands but also shy when fans spotted the dynamic duo.

They kept their heads down as Jenner even put a hand over her face as she smiled from ear to ear.

The billionaire cosmetics mogul and the 'it' boy of Hollywood were headed to the after party for the premiere of Chalamet's new film Marty Supreme at the 63rd New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center.

Before that, Jenner had been spotted backstage at the premiere as she supported her main man in her life. Fans shared photos of them at the event on social media.

Kylie flew from Paris to New York City to support her beau during the high-profile event. While in Paris she attended the Miu Miu fashion show during PFW and posed for many racy selfies in her glamorous hotel suite.

Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet have been pictured together for the first time in two months, shattering rumors they are on the outs

The 28-year-old billionaire and the 29-year-old movie actor were seen side by side as they left the romantic hot spot The Waverly Inn in New York City via a chauffeured black SUV on Monday evening

On Monday evening they appeared to be very much a couple.

The actor and the entrepreneur held hands briefly before he chivalrously opened the door of the establishment for his lady love.

Kylie looked chic in a black leather jacket over a crop top that flashed her toned tummy as she added long black slacks and strappy high-heel sandals. Her outfit appeared to be from her fall Khy collection.

The younger sister of supermodel Kendall Jenner wore her long black hair down as she was nicely made up with pink tones.

The beauty seemed unusually shy as she put a well-manicured hand over her face while looking down as she did not want to be photographed with her partner.

The reality TV siren also carried a large black clutch purse.

Chalamet had on a similar look with a black leather zip-up jacket over a black hoodie that was pulled up to hide his hair.

He added matching baggy black leather slacks that clashed with his light brown suede lace-up boots that would seem more appropriate for a hike in the woods than an evening out in a major city.

Kylie looked chic in a black leather jacket over a crop top that flashed her toned tummy as she added long black slacks and strappy high-heel sandals

Her outfit appeared to be from her fall Khy collection which goes on sale this week

Jenner looked down as she got out of the car that was stocked with Coca-Cola

The stars had on matching black leather looks as they seemed cozy while holding hands but also shy when fans spotted the dynamic duo

They kept their heads down as Jenner even put a hand over her face as she smiled from ear to ear

The billionaire cosmetics mogul and the 'it' boy of Hollywood were headed to the after party for the premiere of Chalamet's new film Marty Supreme at The New York Film Festival

Before that, Jenner had been spotted backstage at the premiere as she supported her main man in her life. Fans shared photos of them at the event on social media

The thespian, who used to date Madonna's daughter Lourdes Leon, also wore prescription glasses.

Jenner and Chalamet have not been seen together in two months due to the latter's acting schedule.

The movie icon has been spending his time in Budapest, where he's filming Dune: Part Three.

In August the lovebirds were spotted in a coffee shop in the city, where star-struck fans snapped a photo with them.

The image was later circulated online, showing a smiling Jenner in a busty black tank top and Chalamet with a white T-shirt pulled over his head.

'Today Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet just walked in to our coffeeshop at Buda we were so in confusion, we could barley concentrate, but i think you can see on our face,' wrote a woman behind the Instagram account Budapest Baristas.

The younger sister of supermodel Kendall Jenner wore her long black hair down as she was nicely made up with pink tones

She joked, 'Thank god everyone look at them not us. They were super nice and kind thank you for coming @kyliejenner @tchalamet .'

It came shortly after Daily Mail reported that the mother-of-two 'secretly jets off to see him when she can.'

A source dished, 'She helps him out as much as she can, like gives him space to work and has her private jet on standby in case he needs to go somewhere fast.'

Because Jenner is a billionaire she owns her own jet called Air Kylie; the aircraft is a pale pink color.

The plane is reportedly a Bombardier Global 7500 that cost her $73million.

The makeup mogul flashed long pale pink nails and wore no rings on her wedding hand

The beauty seemed unusually shy as she put a well-manicured hand over her face while looking down; she also put her tummy on display

The reality TV siren also carried a large black clutch purse as her lover held open a door for her

Secret's out: we're thrilled to announce that our #NYFF63 Secret Screening is the World Premiere of MARTY SUPREME!



Josh Safdie and Timothee Chalamet are here to introduce the world to their highly anticipated new feature. pic.twitter.com/pz54PadQ1t  New York Film Festival (@TheNYFF) October 7, 2025

Jenner was seen at the premiere of her partner's movie Marty Supreme; she was spotted backstage

Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Tyler The Creator at the NYFF63 secret screening during the 63rd New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center in NYC

Jenner shares seven-year-old daughter Stormi and three-year-old son Aire with ex-boyfriend Travis Scott, 34.

She has been dating Chalamet since early 2023, and the duo has kept their romance as private as possible.

Despite never posting each other on social media  as the Call Me By Your Name star wants to be taken seriously in his work  the two have attended multiple awards shows together, though they've only walked the red carpet side-by-side once.

In August it was reported that the actor spoiled the mogul with meaningful gestures while they were forced to spend her birthday apart.

'Timothee went out of his way to make her feel special on her birthday,' a source told Us Weekly.

It was added that he 'sent gifts, they had a FaceTime call and he coordinated meaningful gestures with Kylie's friends that made her feel very special.'

The actor has been spending his time in Budapest, where he's filming Dune: Part Three. In August the lovebirds were spotted in a coffee shop in the city, where star-struck fans snapped a photo with them

Kylie Jenners Khy  The Fall Collection  launches Wednesday, October 8

This sighting of Jenner and Chalamet comes after the diva said she wants her daughter to take over Kylie Cosmetics one day.

She told WWD: 'After 10 years, Im just still so excited to create. Its my dream that my daughter will want to take over Kylie Cosmetics  I would love for this to be a legacy brand, and Im working hard every day to set up that future.'

The Kardashians star feels very 'emotional' about the impending anniversary of Kylie Cosmetics.

She said: 'Ive been very emotional about it. I found my old phone from 2016 and there are these photos of me at 17, 18 years old, sitting on the factory floor creating my first eye shadow palette. I didnt think that far into the future when I was creating the brand  I wasnt thinking about 10 years later  so it is pretty surreal to be here.'
Machine Gun Kelly looked on cloud nine on Monday night, as he celebrating his pal SlimXXs birthday at The Rex Rooms in London.

The rapper, 35, could be seen hitting the dancefloor at the glitzy celebration in honour of his music producer and songwriter.

Snaps from the fun-filled evening see MGK - real name Colson Baker - letting loose at the celebrity hotspot - co-owned by movie star Jason Momoa, film producer Jason McNab and designer Marc Jacques Burton.

Guests were treated to a lavish spread of gold Heloise Lloris Champagne, Don Julio 1942, Ciroc, and Momoas Meili vodka, as MGK took to the mic to wish SlimXX a happy birthday and led a singalong to tracks from his new album Lost Americana.

The pair were joined by Londons fashion and music elite, with cameras flashing as MGK posed for selfies and raised a glass to his long-time collaborator with a giant custom Punk cake.

Speaking to Vogue last week, MGK voiced his love of dancing saying he was 'most comfortable' when letting loose.

Machine Gun Kelly looked on cloud nine on Monday night, as he celebrating his pal SlimXXs birthday at The Rex Rooms in London

The rapper, 35, could be seen hitting the dancefloor at the glitzy celebration in honour of his music producer and songwriter

He said: 'Dancing is a way of connecting with the universes soul. Youre embracing the frequencies around you and moving your body to them.

'Thats why so many, you know, native tribes incorporate dance. Thats why so many communities, when theyre down and depressed, they dance. Honestly, dude, Im down and depressed a lot, so I just became comfortable expressing myself

'The answer is Im just unhinged. And thats where Im most comfortablejust being unapologetically myself.'

Ahead of his appearance at the party, MGK appeared on Radio 1, where he sparked chaos in the studio with a very cheeky remark.

He arrived in the Live Lounge to perform his recent track Vampire Diaries, and a cover of the iconic Gorillaz tune, Feel Good Inc.

But, when chatting to Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges afterwards about his vast collection of tattoos, he left the pair in hysterics with his very honest answer.

When asked if there was anywhere on his body he hadn't yet had inked, the hitmaker didn't hesitate to reply: 'Yeah, my shaft.'

Snaps from the fun-filled evening see MGK - real name Colson Baker - letting loose at the celebrity hotspot - co-owned by movie star Jason Momoa, film producer Jason McNab and designer Marc Jacques Burton

The hitmaker took to the microphone to wish SlimXX - real name Brandon Allen - a happy birthday, before leading a singalong to hits from his new album, Lost Americana

As Melvin and Charlie collapsed into hysterical giggles, an unruffled MGK insisted: 'Do you want the answer or not? Im using radio words, dude.'

An amused Melvin declared: 'I love this guy. Its our own fault. Hes a rock star, what did you expect?'

While MGK added: 'What did you want me to say, my knee?'

He then admitted he did in fact have his knees tattooed, as well as his armpits, but that his toes and bottom had yet to be inked.

MGK is set to officially kick off his Lost Americana Tour later this year on November 15 in Orlando - while also having a performance on October 1 in Los Angeles.

Along with U.S. dates, the artist - who welcomed his second child and first with Megan Fox back in March - will take to the stage in countries such as the U.K. and Australia - with concerts set to conclude on July 1, 2026 in Washington.
Amy Schumer is basking in praise she has received over her slimmed down figure.

Earlier this week she displayed her legs in a sexy mini dress during a trip to Las Vegas, and fans showered the comedienne with compliments over her toned pins.

The star, 44, has now responded to the kind words, telling her Instagram followers in the comments of the photo: 'Loving the love. My legs thank you!'

Amy covered up her legs on Monday as she embraced the fall weather with an autumnal-friendly look that still emphasized her slim waist.

The mother-of-one sported a cable knit dual-toned sweater by Chloe (worth nearly $1400) and classic dark blue jeans that billowed at the leg.

Her blonde hair cascaded down in loose ringlets while a pair of tortoise sunglasses shielded her eyes.

Amy Schumer showcased her slimmed down physique as she stepped out in New York City on Monday

Last week Amy's legs stole the show in an Instagram photo she uploaded from her trip to Las Vegas, and the star has since thanked followers for their 'love'

Schumer, pictured 2019, has been working on her weight for years

Despite her busy schedule, the A-lister had a relaxed smile on her face as she trekked down the sidewalk surrounded by her entourage.

The Inside Amy Schumer star has been candid with fans about her weight loss journey, previously admitting to having surgery and trying out Hollywood's trendy weight loss medications.

In March the star opened up about her weight loss journey, saying: 'Three years ago, I tried Wegovy.

'I was puking, I couldnt handle it. I dont know if theyve changed the formula, whatever. But anyway, I went on this Telehealth meeting with Midi Health, and it was cheap. I wanted to try it myself cause I wanted to recommend it to my friends who are nurses and teachers.'

She said the virtual care clinic 'put me on estrogen and progesterone because I realized I was in perimenopause and my symptoms from being perimenopausal have disappeared.'

Schumer noted, 'My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy, I want to get down more, if you know what I mean. Im talking about sex. So thats been great and Mounjaros been great.'

The star added with a touch of humor, 'And, look, its not covered by insurance unless you have diabetes or like severe obesity, which most of the internet thinks I have.

'But Im having a really good experience with it and I wanted to keep it real with you about that.'

Though covered from head-to-toe, the outfit didn't hide her slimmed down figure

She embraced the fall weather with a nearly $1400 cable knit sweater by Chloe

The busy A-lister flashed a relaxed smile as she stepped out in the autumn air

The Inside Amy Schumer star has been candid with fans about her weight loss journey, previously admitting to having surgery and trying out the trendy weight loss medications taking Hollywood by storm

In conclusion, she shared, 'Midi Health. I liked it so much and I had such a good experience [that] I invested in the company.'

In January Amy appeared on The Howard Stern Show, where she discussed how using Ozempic negatively affected her health.

Schumer had to stop the once-weekly injection after suffering from extreme nausea and vomiting.

'I have this gene  GDF15  which makes you extremely prone to nausea, which is why I was so sick during my pregnancy,' the mother-of-one said.

The star shares five-year-old son Gene with husband Chris Fischer.

'So, I tried Ozempic almost three years ago and I was like, bedridden. I was vomiting and then you have no energy. But other people take it and they're all good,' she explained.

Schumer has done both Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy

However, Ozempic and Wegovy didn't sit well with Schumer

Schumer, however, had high praise for weight loss medication Mounjaro

Schumer even went under the knife in her hopes of slimming down - in 2022 she revealed she did liposuction

Schumer looked stunning with her blonde hair cascading down in loose ringlets

A chic pair of sunglasses shielded her eyes

She's been proudly showing off her svelte physique ever since beginning her weight loss journey

Although she shed 30 pounds while taking the drug, the entertainer said that it prevented her from being able to play with her son. 'I lost 30 pounds so quick. I looked great and I couldn't lift my head off the pillow, so what's the point?' she noted.

'When I got lipo, I said I got lipo,' exclaimed the star, who famously revealed in 2022 that she had dropped down to 170 pounds after undergoing liposuction.

Schumer's been extremely candid when it comes to speaking about her health in recent years.

Her Ozempic comments came just days after she spoke on the Call Her Daddy podcast about how cruel comments about her having a 'moon face' led to her Cushing syndrome diagnosis.

If it weren't for the trolls on social media pointing out her swollen face, the comic said she wouldn't have found out she had the condition as quickly as she did.
House Of Guinness star Anthony Boyle is reportedly the most recent actor to join the race to become the next James Bond.

The Belfast-born actor, 31, plays eldest Guinness son Arthur in the Netflix series and has also featured in smash-hit Derry Girls.

Now, Anthony is rumoured to be in the running for what would be his biggest role yet - James Bond.

Ladbrokes bookies have reportedly shot Anthony straight in at 10/1 in the odds, making him the fifth favourite to take over from Daniel Craig, according to The Mirror.

Anthony began his showbiz career in 2013 when he started training at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. In 2016, he graduated with a BA in acting.

It followed with great success in the West End, as he got the role of Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

House Of Guinness star Anthony Boyle (centre-right) is reportedly the most recent actor to join the race to become the next James Bond

Ladbrokes bookies have reportedly shot Anthony straight in at 10/1 in the odds, making him the fifth favourite to take over from Daniel Craig (Pictured in Casino Royale)

He has since tackled roles in everything from Game of Thrones to political thriller Say Nothing as IRA activist Brendan Hughes.

James Norton recently ruled himself out of playing the role last month because he thinks he's too old to portray 007.

A host of superstar names have been touted since Daniel Craig relinquished the role in 2021 after the release of No Time To Die, with the actor, 40, being one of them.

However, James said he believes that casting directors will 'go younger' as he shut down the rumours.

Henry Cavill, 42, has been revealed as a favourite with Bookies while Theo James, 40, is also in the running.

Other rumoured contenders include Callum Turner, 35, followed by Harris Dickinson and Tom Holland, both 29, as well as Jack Lowden, 35.

Daniel first took on the role in 2006 for Casino Royale, he was 38 at the time and 53 when he last starred as the spy.

Addressing the speculation, James told The Mirror: 'I think I am too old. I turned 40 this summer.'

Now, Anthony is rumoured to be in the running for what would be his biggest role yet - James Bond

Before starring in House Of Guinness, Anthony charmed viewers as the local heartthrob in heartwarming sitcom Derry Girls

'There is no conversation going on. It is as if someone has a bet on in Wolverhampton and it is nonsense and I have paparazzi outside my door. It is all speculation.'

When asked if he would take the opportunity, James added: 'It is a difficult decision as it will change your life. I can walk down to the pub. I like my life right now.'

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, was previously amongst the favourites but shutdown rumours and told Esquire: 'It's not really for me to say anything.'

Like James, Idris Elba, 53, also said he was 'too old' after he was rumoured to be the next 007.

He admitted that he is 'ancient' and while he appreciated the compliment of being considered back in 2009, the opportunity is now 'dead'.

Speaking to Chris Moyles on Radio X, Idris joked that the rumours surrounding the agent role have made him 'more famous for not playing Bond' than 'some of the actors who did'.

Chris quipped: 'There were loads of rumours flying around a few years ago about you and a certain infamous role of a British agent, right? James Bond. Right? Was that ever a thing? Was that ever close to being a thing? Did you ever want it? There were rumours, but I don't know if you ever spoke out about it one way or the other.'

Idris replied: 'I have several times, several sort of half-a-million times. No, it was definitely one of the biggest rumours.

'I'm arguably more famous for not playing Bond than some of the actors who did!

'And you know, it's been one that I've taken lightly at times. You know, everyone loves Bond. Such a fantastic character, and just to me, I found it as a compliment to be considered all those years ago.'

Chris persisted: 'But listen, you never know. It's not dead', but he was shot down by the acting sensation who responded: 'Well, I mean yeah, it is. The rumour has definitely done.

'And I mean, I'm ancient now. I don't know what kind of Bond I'd be.'
Ruth Jones has revealed she once impressed Harry Styles with her singing when the pair attended close friend James Corden's raucous 40th birthday bash in 2018.

James, now 47, reminisced about his huge friends and family party in Mexico as he sat down with his former Gavin And Stacey co-star Ruth on Monday.

The pair were seen laughing the night away at When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between book event - which releases Thursday - at the Palladium.

James revealed Ruth, 59, put on a surprise show-stopping performance which left his close pal Harry in awe of her singing.

James said: 'We owe a huge amount to my wife Julia for organising a surprise 40th birthday for me in Mexico. She got in touch with Ruth. I was living somewhere else so I had not seen her.'

Ruth said: 'Julia invited me and my husband to James's surprise 40th. I was really gobsmacked as there were James' old friends from school.'

Ruth Jones, 59, has revealed she once impressed Harry Styles with her singing when the pair attended their close friend James Corden 's, 47, raucous 40th birthday bash in 2018

James revealed Ruth put on a surprise show-stopping performance which left his close pal Harry in awe of her singing (pictured together in 2013)

James added: 'All these friends came and they all came in with a Mariachi band. It was amazing and Jules said "There is one more person who made the trip" When I saw her I just lost my s***. I could not believe she had come.'

'We proceeded to have one of the best weekends of our lives. Ruth did not give me a physical present. She gave me one better than that.

'One of my greatest regrets is that I was not at Ruth's wedding, Ruth apparently got up on stage and sang Wild Thing in a short dress.

'Then at my 40th there was this little band playing and Ruth went over and said "Do you know Wild Thing?"

'She got up on the stage and sang it like her life depended on it. It was so good, she left the stage and Harry Styles said to her "How did you do that?"

'When you consider that is what he does for a job, it tells you how unbelievably impressive it was.'

Ruth and James have reportedly signed a brand new seven-figure deal for a Gavin And Stacey follow-up.

James reminisced about his huge friends and family party in Mexico as he sat down with his former Gavin And Stacey co-star Ruth on Monday

The pair were seen laughing the night away as they stepped out to When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between book event at the Palladium

'She got up on the stage and sang it like her life depended on it. It was so good, she left the stage and Harry Styles said to her "How did you do that?"', James said

The pals, who reprised their roles as Smithy and Nessa in the beloved BBC comedy for its finale last Christmas, are believed to be working on new material.

They have signed a deal that will take the new project away from the BBC and instead onto streaming platform AppleTV+.

A source close to the production revealed that 10 episodes are set to be filmed with an all British cast, with Corden and Jones also starring.

Shooting will begin next year, with the episodes not set to land until 2027.

However, the new show will not feature the iconic characters fans fell in love with on Gavin And Stacey.

Mathew Horne and Joanna Page played Gavin and Stacey, with Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb playing Gavin's parents Pam and Mick, while Rob Brydon starred as Uncle Bryn and Melanie Walters as Stacey's widowed mother Gwen West.

The insider told The Sun: 'In what has unquestionably been a pretty miserable year for Brits, there is finally something to cheer  a new James and Ruth co-production.

'As you might expect, it is uplifting, gentle and very funny.

The pals, who reprised their roles as Smithy and Nessa in the beloved BBC comedy for its finale last Christmas , are believed to be working on new material

'They wanted to bring something full of heart and warmth back to screens; water cooler moments for all the family. Naturally there was a lot of interest around the script and a major bidding war to land this production. But James already had an excellent relationship with AppleTV+.'

The source added that casting has not yet begun, but the show will focus on a new format away from Gavin And Stacey.

Daily Mail approached representatives for James and Ruth for comment at the time.

On Christmas Day last year, Gavin And Stacey concluded with on/off lovers Smithy and Nessa finally declaring their love for one another and tying the knot.

It marked a poignant end for the sitcom, which launched in 2007 and had last aired in 2019 when Nessa proposed to Smithy before the special ended on the cliffhanger.

In a special documentary following the emotional episode, James revealed why Gavin And Stacey could not continue.

He explained: 'Probably from the first Christmas special that we did, when Dave proposes and Smithy says, "Don't marry him", from that minute on it felt like they had to end together.

'And that's what he says in this last scene, "I know it's messy and not perfect, but that's because we're messy and not perfect".'
Shirley Ballas has paid a heartfelt tribute to a star of Strictly Come Dancing South Africa after his death aged 46.

The professional dancer, 65, took to Instagram to pay her respects to Michael Wentwick who worked as a judge on the South African version of the show.

Shirley was very close with Michael and described him as being 'like family' and a 'kind, caring soul'.

'His loyalty and love were unmatched, and his smile was irreplaceable,' she wrote.

'He spent many days at my house, he loved the children and would forever be checking in. One of the kindest souls I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with.'

Shirley shared several snaps of Michael including one of him in a bright suit and wrote: 'I'll never forget suggesting this aqua suit to Michael, and he just laughed saying, 'Let's give it a go, Shirls.' @alanate11 did hair and as a team we all pulled it together so very beautifully.

Shirley Ballas has paid a heartfelt tribute to a star of Strictly Come Dancing South Africa after his death aged 46

The professional dancer, 65, took to Instagram to pay her respects to Michael Wentwick (right) who worked as a judge on the South African version of the show

'Michael and Beata danced magnificently and won. That's a day I'll carry with me forever. You touched so many lives, Michael, and I'm blessed to have been one of them.

'With a heavy heart, I'll miss you deeply. Rest in peace, my friend, alongside your beautiful Beata. Forever in our hearts. X'.

Several people commented on Shirley's post including Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts who wrote: 'Sending love. Love watching you dance.'

Lizzie Cundy added: 'So sorry for your loss,' while Strictly dancer Karen Hauer sent a broken heart emoji.

Michael's death was confirmed by his friend Ralf Lepehne in a moving tribute shared on social media.

'[Michael] left us far too soon and the loss is immeasurable,' he wrote.

'His passing is a painful reminder that the brightest lights often cast the deepest shadows, and that the strongest among us can be fighting battles we cannot see.

'Yet behind the trophies and the spotlight was the man we knew and loveda dear friend and partner, a kind soul whose light touched our lives deeply.

Shirley was very close with Michael and described him as being 'like family' and a 'kind, caring soul' (seen in a video she shared of him dancing)

Shirley said Michael was 'pne of the kindest souls I've had the pleasure of crossing paths with'

Several people commented on Shirley's post including Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts who wrote: 'Sending love. Love watching you dance'

'For years, he was engaged in a long and deeply private struggle, battling the relentless weight of depression with a quiet courage known only to those closest to him.

'While our world is dimmer without him, Michaels spirit, his laughter, and his profound passion for dance will live on in our hearts forever.

'May you finally find the peace you so deserved, Michael. '
Ben Affleck found himself in yet another meme-worthy moment on Monday night after an onstage mishap left him standing alone at Jennifer Lopezs movie premiere.

The 53-year-old Oscar winner was left stranded under the spotlight at the New York City debut of Kiss of the Spider Woman  the new musical film starring his ex, Lopez.

Affleck, who also produced the movie, was ushered onstage mid-speech as director Bill Condon addressed the crowd, per People.

In a clear case of mistiming, Affleck ended up standing silently behind Condon, hands clasped in front of him, as the director spoke for more than seven minutes  completely unaware the actor was there.

At one point, Affleck even set down the can of soda hed brought onstage, patiently waiting as Condon continued to thank the cast and crew, according to the outlet.

When Condon finally turned around, he jumped at the sight of Affleck.

Ben Affleck found himself in yet another meme-worthy moment on Monday night after an onstage mishap left him standing alone at Jennifer Lopez s movie premiere

The 53-year-old Oscar winner was left stranded under the spotlight at the New York City debut of Kiss of the Spider Woman  the new musical film starring his ex, Lopez

'I didnt know you were there!' the director laughed before walking over to hug the actor.

After wrapping his speech, Condon introduced Lopez and her co-star Tonatiuh to join them onstage.

Affleck later took the mic to share a few kind words, per the outlet.

'I'm humbled and honored to be standing up here,' Affleck told the crowd. 'It's an honor to be here. This movie is exquisite.'

The unintentionally hilarious moment marked a full-circle return to Afflecks meme era  more than eight years after the original 'Sad Affleck' photo went viral.

That now-iconic image, snapped in London in 2016, showed the actor in a blue sweater and jeans, cigarette in hand, looking visibly weary.

Once posted online, it exploded across social media  Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, Reddit  with fans pairing the photo with captions capturing the spirit of quiet defeat.

According to Know Your Meme, the first user to turn the shot into a meme was @disparate, who compared Affleck to a 'Literally Me' character.

In a clear case of mistiming, Affleck ended up standing silently behind Condon, hands clasped in front of him, as the director spoke for more than seven minutes  completely unaware the actor was there

At one point, Affleck even set down the can of soda hed brought onstage, patiently waiting as Condon continued to thank the cast and crew, according to the outlet

Back in 2016, during a press junket for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Affleck wwent viral for his visibly glum expression while co-star Henry Cavill answered a question

The format caught fire, peaking around 2019, and has since remained a defining part of Afflecks public persona.

Back in 2016, during a press junket for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Affleck was caught on camera with a visibly glum expression while co-star Henry Cavill answered a question.

The clip went viral almost instantly, inspiring a parody from YouTuber Sabconth that layered the video with negative review headlines and Simon & Garfunkels The Sound of Silence.

While hes been caught in plenty of serious or brooding moments since, Affleck has maintained a sense of humor about it all.

In a 2022 interview with the Los Angeles Times, he admitted the memes didnt bother him  until his kids got old enough to notice.

'I got to a place where [the public perception] was so different from who I am that I just stopped reading and stopped caring.'

He continued, 'But then, as my kids got older and started seeing the internet themselves, that's the difficult part. Even the "Sad Affleck" meme - that was funny to me. I mean, there's nobody who hasn't felt that way at a junket.'

'But then my kids see it and I think, "Oh, are they going to think their dad is fundamentally sad or they have to worry about me?" That's really tough.'

The Kiss of the Spider Woman premiere also served as a reunion for Ben and Lopez

The Kiss of the Spider Woman premiere also served as a reunion for Ben and Lopez.

The pair were seen looking cozy on the New York red carpet, sharing an intimate chat at the event  just over a year after Lopez filed for divorce.

The pair smiled warmly at each other, locking eyes as they posed for photos, following Lopezs recent praise of Affleck for helping bring the film to life.

It was the first time the high-profile exes appeared together on a red carpet since their divorce was finalized earlier this January, after two years of marriage.
It was the end of the road for Nataliia Richardson on The Great British Bake Off as she was eliminated on Tuesday's episode.

The 32-year-old, from Ukraine, was sent home after she failed to impress the judges with her showstopper during pastry week.

Nataliia couldn't hide her emotions after she was given the news by co-host Noel Fielding and burst into tears at the thought of leaving.

Speaking to the camera, she said: 'I'm proud of myself and I think my little girl would be proud.

'I hope I've made my country a bit proud of me. Oh my gosh, I'm going to cry.'

Wiping away tears, she added: 'I'm glad I met all these wonderful people. I love you guys, you're so nice. I'm going to cry again.'

It was the end of the road for Nataliia Richardson on The Great British Bake Off as she was eliminated on Tuesday's episode

The 32-year-old, from Ukraine, was sent home after she failed to impress the judges with her showstopper during pastry week

For her showstopper, Nataliia made a sculpted tart in the shape of a swan made with pistachio ganache, raspberry filling and cream.

Judge Prue Leith told her during the taste test that she wouldn't be able to eat too much of it.

Fellow judge Paul Hollywood noted ahead of the showstopper that Nataliia had a difficult couple of weeks in the competition.

Nataliia lives in East Yorkshire with her husba 8nd and works as an office assistant.

She and her husband moved to the UK four years ago, just before the war with Russia broke out.

The rest of her family, including her three-year-old daughter Francesca, followed soon after and they now live in the UK as refugees.

'My husband secretly sent off my application without telling me,' Nataliia said when she joined the show.

'And when he told me that the Bake Off team wanted to speak to me, I was  to put it mildly  shocked. We were at home, and it was the most unexpected phone call.'

Nataliia couldn't hide her emotions after she was given the news by co-host Noel Fielding and burst into tears at the thought of leaving

Speaking to the camera, she said: 'I'm proud of myself and I think my little girl would be proud. 'I hope I've made my country a bit proud of me'

Nataliia has a stammer and noted the difficulty of speaking on TV in a second language.

'I also want to share something personal - As you have likely noticed, I have a stammer,' she wrote on Instagram.

'Speaking on TV (especially in a second language) while baking under pressure can be tough, but its part of who I am, and Im proud to be here showing that it doesnt hold me back.

'Thank you all for the love and encouragement already! It truly means the world. Heres to more bakes, more courage, and a lot of joy to come.'
Victoria Beckham made over 1.7million from her music career last year despite not having released a song in years.

The fashion designer, 51, continues to rake in a very healthy sum thanks to her royalties from the Spice Girls and her short-lived solo career.

The girl group reissued their debut album Spice on vinyl in October and their song song Never Give Up on the Good Times was used in a Chistmas ad.

In accounts filed for her company Moody Productions Ltd., Victoria also had a 338,174 at the end of 2024.

Victoria's fashion company has also been performing well as of late after it racked up losses of over 66 million since it launched in 2008.

At the end of 2023, the star turned a profit for the first time in 15 years - with the help of an 890 clutch bag, a 30 eyeliner and a carefully orchestrated social media strategy which saw her post make-up tutorial videos on TikTok which are watched by millions.

Victoria Beckham made over 1.7million from her music career last year despite not having released a song in years

The fashion designer, 51, continues to rake in a very healthy sum thanks to her royalties from the Spice Girls and her short-lived solo career (pictured in 1996)

The luxury label has borrowed more than 30 million from other parts of the Beckham business empire over the past 15 years.

Revenue surged 44 per cent to 58.8 million in 2022 compared to 40.9 million in the previous year.

The company said sales have continued double-digit growth in 2023 with 'unprecedented' demand for beauty products and the new fragrance collection.

Meanwhile, Victoria sent Spice Girls fans into a tizz on Sunday night as she admitted she was 'tempted' by a reunion on the final night of Oasis' reunion tour.

The band, also comprising Geri Horner, Mel C, Emma Bunton and Mel B, have long-been the subject of reunion rumours with fans frequently yearning for a return.

Among a slew of snaps on her Instagram from the Wembley gig, Victoria shared a video panning around the sold-out venue with 'Tempting....' written over the top alongside tags of her bandmates' Instagram handles.

Fans soon flooded X with excitement, with users penning: 'Fans took to Twitter to pen: 'Victoria Beckham teasing something about the Spice Girls. Hmmmm...

'DID VICTORIA BECKHAM JUST HIT A SPICE GIRLS TOUR ?!? ON HER IG STORY ?!? OMGGG... victoria beckham posting about how tempting watching oasis perform is and tagging all the girls you guys, we have never been this back i am on the floor.'

The girl group reissued their debut album Spice on vinyl in October and their song song Never Give Up on the Good Times was used in a Chistmas ad (pictured in 2012)

VIctoria sent Spice Girls fans into a tizz on Sunday night as she admitted she was 'tempted' by a reunion on the final night of Oasis' reunion tour

In April, it was claimed the group are reportedly set to reunite to mark their 30th anniversary as they have been secretly planning an upcoming world tour.

Geri, Emma, Mel B and Mel C were said to have met in Miami to discuss the finer details, yet Victoria is '90 per cent out of the running', with the foursome pushing ahead with plans without her for now.

It was alleged at the time that Geri and band manager and guru Simon Fuller are reportedly in touch again which has moved things along after years of hints from various members that they would get back together.

A source said: 'There have been rumours swirling for months, but Geri has always been too busy and had other things on, preventing her from saying yes.

'Nothing is yet confirmed but Geri and Simon are back in touch with a myriad of exciting ideas.'

Victoria has often been named as the stopper on reunion plans - saying in 2019: 'I'm not going on tour. The girls aren't going on tour'.

However she conceded she did not know what the future may hold, saying: 'It's a positive thing. You know, there's so much bad stuff going on, and the Spice Girls were about fun and celebrating individuality...

'I think there's so much that the brand can do, and it's such a positive message for young kids. What does that look like in the future? It's not me in a cat-suit'.

Since forming in 1994, the Spice Girls sold over 100m records - making them the best-selling girlband of all time.

Despite being at the height of their stratospheric fame, having released the movie Spice World in 1997 and sold out the Spiceworld tour in 1998, Geri announced she was leaving , leading to the band's hiatus in 2000.

Since the hiatus, they reunited for a performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony and for two concert tours: The Return of the Spice Girls Tour from 2007 to 2008 as a five-piece and the Spice World  2019 UK Tour.

The reunion tours went ahead without Victoria as she has since pursued her work as a fashion designer, following success in her solo ventures in the early 2000s.
Florida's biggest insurer is bypassing traditional courts in order to win the vast majority of challenges made against it.

A rising home insurance crisis in the state has meant that more than half a million homeowners have been forced to get cover with the state's insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation.

An insurer of last resort is a state-backed plan which provides cover for those who are unable to get insurance in the private market.

Over the last several years, increasing natural disasters in Florida have meant that private companies have pulled out of the state entirely or have slashed their coverage options, citing unsustainable catastrophe exposure.

This has pushed homeowners into a system where the odds are stacked against them if they try and fight back about issues with their coverage.

When policyholders have challenged denied claims, Citizens has taken more than 1,500 disputes to a little-known legal process known as mandatory arbitration.

In these hearings, it has won more than 90 percent of the time, ProPublica reported.

When it takes the disputes through the traditional courts, its win rate drops to just 55 percent.

A rising home insurance crisis in Florida has meant that more than half a million homeowners have been forced to get cover with the state's insurer of last resort (Pictured: The destruction left by Hurricane Milton in 2024)

In 2023, as the insurance crisis was worsening, Florida lawmakers made it possible for Citizens to reroute disputes away from traditional hearings and into the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH).

Legislators and the insurer claimed the process was advantageous for consumers as it meant cases moved more quickly, were less expensive and were decided by an expert judge rather than juries.

But the move was part of a broader push to make it easier for Citizens to raise rates and reduce its legal exposure as climate-related disasters mounted, Realtor.com reported.

In 2023, Florida saw eight $4 billion weather disasters, which rose to 11 in 2024, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

But the new legal channel was met with criticism early on.

State Rep. Hillary Cassel, a former insurance attorney, argued that the hearings tilted the balance of power in favor of Citizens.

'I do take issue with allowing these cases to go into an administrative hearing process and being denied a right to a trial by jury that is the foundation of our American justice system,' she said on the House floor in 2023.

'I've heard the former executive director of Citizens comment that they are willing to pay to hire these administrative judges to handle these cases on behalf of Citizens which I believe creates a conflict of interest.'

State Rep. Hillary Cassel, a former insurance attorney, argued that the hearings tilted the balance of power in favor of Citizens

Florida saw 11 $4 billion weather disasters in 2024, including Hurricane Milton

Increasing natural disasters in Florida have meant that private companies have pulled out of the state entirely or have slashed their coverage options

A man walks from his destroyed home after Hurricane Milton hit Englewood, Florida, in 2024

The judges' salaries are funded by Citizens, so taxpayers do not have to pay out of pocket.

Citizens told the Daily Mail it is a well-established, efficient, and largely uncontroversial process that allows resolution of claims within 90 days instead of taking nearly two years in state circuit court.

The insurer said that only 11 percent of cases referred to DOAH reach a final hearing.

It added that its high rate of success at DOAH final hearings comes as a result of numerous steps taken before the final hearing stage to settle the claim.

In 37 percent of cases sent to DOAH, Citizens takes another look at the claims and offers a new settlement in the policyholder's favor with an average payment of about $30,000, it said.

In 52 percent of the cases, the plaintiff's attorney either drops the case, does not show up or present any evidence or settles for a nominal award.

Half of all settlements that reach a DOAH final hearing result in payouts of $500 or less, according to ProPublica's investigation.

Critics claim the limited legal leverage pushes homeowners to take whatever payout they can get, even if it does not come close to covering the cost of the repairs they need.

Citizens has taken more than 1,500 disputes to a little-known legal process known as mandatory arbitration (Pictured: CEO Timothy Cerio)

A tattered American flag hangs outside a damaged home in Florida after Hurricane Milton in October 2024

Policyholders are beginning to fight back, but Citizens is not backing down in its argument that this is a fair process.

In August, a judge ruled that a Tampa policyholder whose home was hit by Hurricane Milton had a 'substantial likelihood' of proving that being rerouted to the DOAH violates his constitutional right to a fair trial.

Judge Melissa Polo said DOAH was 'structurally biased,' citing a pattern of awarding legal fees to Citizens - even when homeowners drop claims.

But CEO Timothy Cerio said in a presentation last week that the backlash is a politically motivated campaign to reverse the legal reforms which he said 'brought Florida's insurance market back from the brink' of collapse.

He said critics of DOAH are simply angry over lost legal fees, as they cannot earn as large a fee as in state court because the litigation is no longer protracted.

As the state-created and not-for-profit, insurer of last resort, Citizens has no financial incentive to deny claims, he added.
Amid rising tensions over former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's continued stay in India, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified on Monday that the issue is a matter of judicial and legal process requiring engagement and consultations between the two governments.

Speaking to a group of Bangladesh-based journalists visiting India, Misri responded to growing allegations from the current Bangladeshi regime that Hasinas presence in India is illegal. He dismissed these claims and reaffirmed that India does not take sides in Bangladeshs internal political affairs. All I will say is that this is a judicial and legal process, Misri stated, referring to Hasinas presence in India since she fled Bangladesh on August 5, 2024, during massive student-led protests.

It requires engagement and consultations between the two Governments. We are examining this issue and look forward to working together with the Bangladesh authorities.

Reacting to questions on whether India is harbouring Sheikh Hasina or attempting to reinstate her Bangladesh Awami League government, Misri firmly denied any such intentions. We should set aside the perception that we have a favourite or are trying to engage with one set of people and ignore another, he said.

FS Misri reiterated Indias position that it supports the earliest possible expression of the mandate of the people through democratic elections

in Bangladesh. India wants a free, fair, inclusive and participatory election in Bangladesh, he said. We will deal with the government that emerges from such a process. Bangladeshs Foreign Affairs Adviser, Md Touhid Hossain, recently told reporters in Dhaka that India has not yet responded positively to their formal request for Hasinas extradition to face trial. There is no new information on this, Hossain said. The trial has already begun, and whether someone comes or not, it does not stop.

He confirmed that Bangladesh sent a diplomatic note, along with supporting documents, to New Delhi in December 2024 requesting Hasinas return.

While the Government has not yet sought international assistance, Hossain said the option remains open. India has dismissed recent statements by Bangladesh's Home Adviser as false and baseless. According to New Delhi, such remarks are unhelpful and may further complicate diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours. Foreign Secretary Misri also emphasised that India is ready to work with whichever Government emerges from a democratic process in Bangladesh. We are prepared to deal with the Government. I dont think there is anything else to say on that, he noted. During the hour-long interaction, Misri also addressed broader issues in India-Bangladesh relations, including border management, water sharing, and bilateral trade.

He acknowledged that while there are some issues, such challenges are natural in any bilateral relationship. The 23-member delegation of the

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) is currently in India on an official visit at the invitation of the Indian Government.

As both nations navigate a complex chapter in their diplomatic history, the Indian Government has made it clear that its focus remains on democratic principles and constructive engagement  not political partisanship. Whether this approach can ease tensions and resolve the contentious issue of Sheikh Hasina's extradition remains to be seen.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has asked the Bengal Government to immediately submit a factual report on the Mondays attack on BJP MP from Malda North constituency Khagen Murmu.

The Speaker had sought an urgent factual report from the Bengal Government on the incident and the consequence can be severe if the report is not submitted on time, Union Minister Kiran Rijiju said adding the attack on the BJP leaders reflected the environment that Trinamool Congress had built in Bengal.

This is unfortunate. The Lok Sabha Speaker has served a notice and the West Bengal Government will present a report. What action needs to be taken can be spoken about only after getting the details, the Minister said.

Murmu and Bengal BJP MLA and Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh who had gone to inspect and distribute relief in the flood hit Nagrakata area in Jalpaiguri district were attacked by alleged Trinamool Congress men with stones. While Ghosh escaped with minor injuries Murmu got a broken bone beneath his eyes which orofacial surgeons said could hamper his visions.

He was presently getting treatment in a private medical facility in Siliguri.

With no arrest taking place even after FIRs being lodged against eight people the BJP on Tuesday demanded an investigation to be conducted either by National Investigation Agency or Central Bureau of Investigation. Meanwhile, the incident led to a war of words between Prime Minister Narendra and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Condemning the attack the Prime Minister said the manner in which our party colleagues, including a sitting MP and MLA, were attacked in West Bengal for serving the people affected by floods and landslides is outright appalling. It highlights the insensitivity of the TMC as well as the absolutely pathetic law and order situation in the , calling upon BJP workers to continue working among the people and assist the ongoing rescue operations.

Banerjee hit back alleging that the Centre and the Prime Minister were indulging in politics when the people of North Bengal had been hit by a natural disaster It is unfortunate and deeply concerning that the Prime Minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation, especially while people in North Bengal are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides, she wrote on X, adding The PM has blamed the TMC and the West Bengal Government outright without a shred of verified evidence, legal enquiry, or administrative report.

This is not just a political low, it is a breach of the constitutional ethos the Prime Minister has sworn to uphold. In any democracy, the law must take its own course, and only due process can determine culpability - not a tweet from a political pulpit.

Banerjee also accused the Prime Minister of ignoring her letters on creation of Indo-Bhutan water commission so as to avert future such crises. This has been a man-made calamity , they are releasing water from 56 rivers from Bhutan and in some cases from Sikkim and Bengal is suffering because of that I had sent a letter to the PM stating that there should be an India-Bhutan River Commission, else north Bengal would continue to face the consequences.

Bhutan has 56 rivers, and 40 hydropower plants have been constructed in Sikkim. But I have not received any response. In south Bengal, it is the DVC. Panchet and Maithon and they dont dredge Farakka (all run and controlled by the Centre).

In a parallel development, the Bengal BJP upped the ante against the TMC Government organising wide protests with its senior leaders including Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari and State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya demanding NIA or CBI investigation into the incident.

We demand NIA investigation rest assured whosoever has perpetrated the attack will be chased and captured from even Pataal (abyss) none will be spared, Bhattacharya said while Adhikari demanding similar investigations said he had reports that some special communities were involved in the attack.

He said I wont name but there are certain special communities who are involved in the attack and we have reports that there is a Jamaat hand who are functioning from Bangladesh this must be investigated into and the truth must be uncovered.

While both the Chief Minister and Adhikari on Tuesday visited ailing Murmu Banerjee tended to shift the blame on the BJP leadership saying even I do not take so many vehicles to such areas which had been affected by floods and land is soft there if you take a caravan of 29 vehicles then it can impact the land.

On the other hand her party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh blamed the BJP leaders for the attack saying the locals got agitated because they saw the BJP leaders going to the area with a cavalcade of vehicles only to do politics.
A wanted gangster carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 was shot dead by a joint team of Delhi Polices Special Staff and Gurugram Crime Branch during an encounter near the Astha Kunj Park in southeast Delhi.

Bhim Mahabahadur Jora (39), a native of Nepal, was wanted for the murder of 63-year-old general physician Yogesh Chander Paul during a robbery at his residence in Jangpura in May 2024.

Jora was the mastermind of a Nepali gang which employed its members as domestic help in affluent households across metropolitan cities in India.

After gaining the trust of the families, the gang members would allegedly administer sleep-inducing drugs before looting cash and valuables, sometimes resorting to violence or murder, DCP (Southeast) Hemant Tiwari said.

The officer said the encounter took place on the intervening night of Monday-Tuesday after a joint team of Delhi and Haryana police received a tip-off about Joras movement in the national capital.

The accused, who was on the run since the Jangpura murder, managed to evade arrest by frequently crossing over to Nepal. A trap was laid near the Astha Kunj Park, where the accused was spotted around midnight. When police asked him to surrender, he opened fire at them, prompting retaliatory firing in self-defence, the DCP said.

Two bullets fired by the accused hit the bulletproof jackets of Inspector Narender Sharma of Gurugram Police and SI Shubham Chaudhary of Delhi Police, who narrowly escaped, he said.

Police fired two shots in self-defence, aiming at Joras legs, one of which injured him critically, the officer said. The accused was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, where doctors declared him dead during treatment.

During spot inspection, police recovered one automatic pistol and six empty cartridges used by Jora, one live round, and five empty cartridges fired by police. In May 2024, Jora, along with his gang members, entered the residence of Paul in Jangpura and fatally attacked the doctor during the robbery.

The initial breakthrough came when police arrested one of the accused, Basanti, who was employed as domestic help at the victims house.

However, Jora and his other accomplices fled to Nepal and evaded arrest for nearly 16 months. On receiving fresh inputs about his movement near Delhi, teams from Delhi and Gurugram police launched a coordinated operation that resulted in his neutralisation, the DCP said.

Gurugram Police was tracking him in connection with two recent cases registered in the city.

The criminal nexus run by Jora, also known as Bhim Mahavir Jora, comprised Nepali nationals.

It was active in Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, the officer said.

The gang targeted well-off families in major cities by exploiting placement agencies.
A County Derry school has encountered something special and unheard of this new term.

Saint Matthews Primary School in Drumsurn has welcomed three sets of twins this year.

Cara, Meave, Jack, Harry, Ella and Fiadh started Primary One in September and have been settling well into life in their new school.

When asked about how they feel to be a twin, the children shared how happy it makes them to have a best friend always by their side. They count having someone to play with as one of their favourite things about having a twin sibling.

One of the twins shared how they love to cuddle their twin and do each others hair. They also love to play jokes and tricks on each other.

Being a twin has taught the children the importance of sharing from an early age with one saying they share each others teddy bears.

The childrens teacher Miss Kealey said it is a privilege to have the twins in her class.

It feels very special to have the twins in my class, especially in the early stages of my teaching career, she said.

It is nice to be able to say that I have taught a class where there are three sets of twins. It is the first time in the history of the school where it has happened which is so special. A lot of people think twins have the same personalities but you can really see all their different personalities, they all have their own interests which is nice as well. It is also lovely to see them venture out and make new friends outside of their twins. Its great to be a part of their educational journey.

The Principal of the school, Mrs Ann-Marie Kealey, spoke to the County Derry Post about how she feels during this momentous event for the rural school.

This is a massive milestone for us. In the history of 58 years of our school we have never had three sets of twins before, she said.

I happened to google sets of twins starting school together in the UK and found four sets starting in Glasgow. For us however this is very rare as we are such a tiny rural school. One of the sets of twins has a family connection to the school, the other two sets are new families. This is lovely to see.

Speaking about the development of the school over the years, Mrs Kealey shared how the numbers in the rural school have increased 32% in the last five years. The school is in the process of building two extensions to accommodate growing numbers.

St Matthews PS is an all-inclusive learning community dedicated to nurturing the intellectual, physical, spiritual, moral and emotional development of each individual child.

To find out more visit stmatthewsprimaryschool.com
Prize Day 2025 was held recently in Limavady Grammar School. It was an occasion to recognise talent and celebrate the impressive achievements of the pupils.

Past pupil Ms. Amy Dalton, a Fintech Growth Hunter and Innovation Manager at Euroclear in Brussels was the chief guest.

It was an honour for those present to listen to Amys inspirational address and recognise the outstanding achievement of our pupils.

2025 was a year of impressive set of results in LGS which exceeded the NI average yet again. 89% of all grades awarded at A2 were A*  C, whilst an outstanding 37% of all grades were awarded at the A*/A grade level.

Top students, achieving 3 or more A or A* grades for this year were: Joshua Hunt, Callum Smith, Ruby Armstrong, Boyd ONeill, Emma Alcorn, Izzy Blair, Dylan Bond, Joel Osbourne, Sophie Butcher, Emma McCurry, Olivia Mornin, Rudy Mullan, Kacper Szubski, Mackenzie Guthrie, Rachel Steele, Adam Thompson, Annie Robinson. Joshua Hunt was the top student achieving 4 A* Grades.

At GCSE level, Mrs Madden commended the pupils on their hard work and determination in spite of the many challenges they have faced during their 5 years in school. These GCSE results reflect consistently high attainment and a further improvement on the high grades from 2024, with almost 50% of all students achieving 5 or more A*/A grades and a 100% pass rate across all subjects.

Many students have not only met but exceeded their personal targets, paving the way for their continued academic journey into A-Level and beyond. A remarkable 33 students achieved at least 7 A*/A grades with top achievers Zach McCahon and Ashwitha Sunny each achieving 9 A* grades.

This years GCSE outcomes are a true testament to the perseverance and resilience demonstrated by the students, particularly in navigating their studies amidst a challenging educational landscape.

IN PICTURES: Achievement and excellence celebrated at Limavady Grammar School prizegiving

Mrs Madden reflected on the achievements of the past year.

Our A level and GCSE results are testament to the hard work and commitment of our pupils and staff and the support of our parents. We are a school where expectations and standards are high, but where pupils are provided with the support and tools to excel.

We were delighted to be awarded the Investors in Mental Health Gold Award last year in recognition of the vast range of programmes that we have in place to support our students.

Academic achievement is a priority for us, but our school is defined by much more than exam results - and thats what truly sets us apart. At the heart of our school motto is the value of 'caring'.

This ethos is lived out daily, supported by a range of structures and dedicated teams that ensure our pupils receive the help they need, when they need it. A strong sense of belonging and teamwork is fostered through the many extracurricular activities available. When students feel included, valued, and part of something meaningful, they thrive  both personally and academically.

We believe excellence in education means doing everything possible to help our students become the best version of themselves. Our students benefit from an education that challenges, inspires, and empowers them to pursue their goals with confidence.

Mrs Madden provided an outline of the achievements of the students in both their academic work and extracurricular activities. She expressed her immense pride in the school and thanked the staff, Board of Governors, volunteers and Parents Association for their continued support and hard work.
The trial of a former paratrooper accused of murdering two men in Derry more than 50 years ago has heard an eye witness account of pandemonium with people screaming and shots being fired.

The statement of Bloody Sunday eye witness Jon McCourt also recounted being shot by a rubber bullet by a soldier himself, despite not posing any threat.

Soldier F, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney.

They were among 13 people shot dead by the Parachute Regiment at a civil rights demonstration in the Bogside area of Derry on January 30 1972.

The Army veteran is also accused of attempting to murder Michael Quinn, Patrick ODonnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and an unknown person.

He has pleaded not guilty to the seven counts.

Soldier F sits in the courtroom at Belfast Crown Court behind a curtain during each day of the trial which began last month.

On Tuesday morning the court heard statements from witnesses read out.

These included the account of retired engineer Jon McCourt, who recalled chaotic scenes in the Glenfada Park area, and previously gave evidence to the Saville Inquiry.

He said he had been attending a family funeral on the morning of the shootings at Derry City Cemetery, and upon leaving joined the civil rights march as it proceeded along Westland Street.

However, after they heard of a potential confrontation he said he told his wife and in-law relations to go to another relatives house at Glenfada Park North.

He said he went on himself and saw rioters throw stones at soldiers, and also saw mist and smoke in the air from CS gas, as well as hearing bangs.

Intending to join his family, he described getting caught up with those fleeing shootings at Glenfada Park, and got shot with a rubber bullet by a soldier.

He aimed in my direction with a rubber bullet gun, which he held at shoulder height. He was alone. The soldier was wearing a black beret.

He fired and I was hit in the left thigh by a rubber bullet, I believe the bullet may have ricocheted before it hit me because I did not feel too much pain when I was hit  if it had been a direct hit I do not think Id have been able to walk, much less run, he said.

I was not holding or throwing a stone, I was not threatening him in any way and I did nothing to justify being shot at.

Mr McCourt said he then headed to his wifes relations house, and described seeing pandemonium in the square.

There was a lot of noise from people squealing and screaming  I could hear shots that seemed to come from all directions, he said.

I did not actually see anyone firing the shots, the shots came from behind me as I was running towards my wifes grandmothers house.

It was single shots with a gap between them. The shots were live ammunition  they were not rubber bullets, a rubber bullet makes a different sound.

The panic in Glenfada Park North continued  I heard people shouting, dont shoot, lie down, get out of my way.

I noticed a young fella, about 14 or 15 years of age in hysterics close to me, I pulled him in with me and told him to stay down.

Mr McCourt also recalled shouting to people nearby to keep still and not move, but did not hear any response.

I would be certain they would have heard me as they were very close to where I was, and I was shouting.

I believe that Jim Wray, who was killed that day, would have been among the group of people I was calling to, these people who were lying there.

I didnt know at the time whether they were wounded or simply lying there, or dead, or what.

The trial continues.
The Infrastructure minister has said she is committed to resolving the row over Irish language signs at Grand Central Station through dialogue, but has made clear she stands by her original decision-making process.

Liz Kimmins is facing a court challenge mounted by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson who contends that the decision should have been referred to the wider Executive because, under Stormont rules, matters deemed significant and controversial must be considered by all ministers.

Last month, the High Court judge dealing with the case ahead of its full hearing urged the Northern Ireland Executive to resolve the dispute, warning that is being seen as a laughing stock.

The planned 150,000 project to install the signs has been paused pending the outcome of the legal challenge.

Ms Kimmins gave the go-ahead for the signage in March, but her announcement sparked a row with other ministers.

The DUP insisted she had a legal duty to bring the decision to the wider Executive.

DUP minister Gordon Lyons subsequently joined Mr Brysons legal challenge.

Ms Kimmins was asked about the issue by DUP MLA Pam Cameron during Assembly question time on Tuesday.

The minister responded: I am absolutely committed to dialogue and avoiding the unnecessary use of public funds in terms of litigation, which we are unfortunately currently seeing.

I feel that this could have been resolved long ago.

However, we are unfortunately at present going through legal proceedings.

And, with that in mind, I think it would be remiss of me to make any further comment until those proceedings conclude.

Pressed further on the matter by Ms Cameron, specifically on whether Ms Kimmins still believed her decision was not controversial, the minister replied: Well, the member wont be surprised that I dont agree with either of those claims that my decision was cross cutting or controversial, because, if I felt that, I wouldnt have taken the decision, and thats the bottom line.

And I stand over that.

I stand over the fact that this was a decision that I could take as the minister for the relevant department.

And I will continue to stand over that because, as Ive said, we have a legal case.

Unfortunately, we have another minister involved in that case as well.

And I think it is important that we allow that to run its course to conclusion.

Following Ms Kimmins comments in the Assembly, Mr Bryson said the matter could only be resolved in the courtroom.

He described the ministers stance as delusional.

Its time to bring this matter to a head and get on with the legal case, he said.

This is a question of law, there is no political solution which can answer that. If Minister Kimmins maintains she was legally correct, then the court is going to have to deal with that.

Ive no interest in dialogue. The law is what it is, this was a controversial decision (that) required Executive approval and thats the end of that.

He added: Accordingly I have written to Minister Kimmins today to propose that given her defiant position and the absence of any prospect of resolution that we jointly write to the court making clear this matter will not resolve, and ask for a new listing date for full hearing urgently.

Enough time has been wasted on this matter, its time to have the fight where it belongs: in the High Court.
The trial of a former paratrooper accused of the murder of two men during Bloody Sunday has heard evidence he opened fire in the area where they died.

A number of statements from two of Soldier Fs colleagues, Soldier G and Soldier H, include claims F had opened fire at Glenfada Park North.

Neither of the two are available to be questioned around the statements, as Soldier G has since died, and Soldier H has indicated that if summoned he will exercise his legal privilege against self-incrimination.

The defence in the non-jury trial at Belfast Crown Court has argued that the hearsay evidence is contradictory, unreliable and inadmissible.

However, Judge Patrick Lynch earlier in the trial rejected an application to have the statements omitted as evidence.

Soldier F, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney.

They were among 13 people shot dead by the Parachute Regiment at a civil rights demonstration in the Bogside area of Londonderry on January 30 1972.

The Army veteran is also accused of attempting to murder Michael Quinn, Patrick ODonnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and an unknown person.

He has pleaded not guilty to the seven counts.

Soldier F sits in the courtroom behind a curtain during each day of the trial which began last month.

The statements of Soldiers G and H were read in court on Tuesday afternoon.

They include statements given by both to Royal Military Police on the night of the shootings as well as statements given to the Widgery Inquiry into the shootings later that year, and oral evidence given to hearings in that inquiry.

Soldier Gs statement, which was read to court by a prosecution lawyer, stated that Soldier F had been his partner within their Parachute Regiment platoon.

He claims they came under fire by a gunman in Rossville Flats, then saw a gunman behind a wall, and also saw two men in Glenfada Park holding small rifles.

I fired three aimed shots at one of the men and I saw him fall to the ground, F fired at the same time and I saw the other gunman fall, he said.

In later accounts of the same incident, Soldier G goes on to speculate that he may shot both men, and Soldier F shot a third that he had not been observing.

During his oral evidence to the Widgery Inquiry, Soldier G states: I knew F had fired, he was at the side of me, I could tell he had fired. I was aware he had fired.

Meanwhile, Soldier Hs account includes a claim of seeing a youth throw a nail bomb, and that he had seen a muzzle of a gun at a window which he fired 19 shots at.

He described being close to Soldiers F and G in Glenfada Park, and stated that he had seen F fire.

Earlier the court heard statements from witnesses read out.

These included the account of retired engineer John McCourt, who recalled chaotic scenes in the Glenfada Park area, and previously gave evidence to the Saville Inquiry.

He said he had been attending a family funeral on the morning of the shootings at Derry City Cemetery, and upon leaving joined the civil rights march as it proceeded along Westland Street.

However, after they heard of a potential confrontation he said he told his wife and in-law relations to go to another relatives house at Glenfada Park North.

He said he went on himself and saw rioters throw stones at soldiers, and also saw mist and smoke in the air from CS gas, as well as hearing bangs.

Intending to join his family, he described getting caught up with those fleeing shootings at Glenfada Park, and got shot with a rubber bullet by a soldier.

He aimed in my direction with a rubber bullet gun, which he held at shoulder height. He was alone. The soldier was wearing a black beret.

He fired and I was hit in the left thigh by a rubber bullet, I believe the bullet may have ricocheted before it hit me because I did not feel too much pain when I was hit  if it had been a direct hit I do not think Id have been able to walk, much less run, he said.

I was not holding or throwing a stone, I was not threatening him in any way and I did nothing to justify being shot at.

Mr McCourt said he then headed to his wifes relations house, and described seeing pandemonium in the square.

There was a lot of noise from people squealing and screaming  I could hear shots that seemed to come from all directions, he said.

I did not actually see anyone firing the shots, the shots came from behind me as I was running towards my wifes grandmothers house.

It was single shots with a gap between them. The shots were live ammunition  they were not rubber bullets, a rubber bullet makes a different sound.

The panic in Glenfada Park North continued  I heard people shouting, dont shoot, lie down, get out of my way.

I noticed a young fella, about 14 or 15 years of age in hysterics close to me, I pulled him in with me and told him to stay down.

Mr McCourt also recalled shouting to people nearby to keep still and not move, but did not hear any response.

I would be certain they would have heard me as they were very close to where I was, and I was shouting.

I believe that Jim Wray, who was killed that day, would have been among the group of people I was calling to, these people who were lying there.

I didnt know at the time whether they were wounded or simply lying there, or dead, or what.

The trial continues.
The Communities minister has rejected calls to reintroduce intimidation as a factor in determining the allocation of social housing in Northern Ireland.

Gordon Lyons removed the intimidation criteria from the points system used to prioritise people for social homes in January.

At the time he argued that the measure was unfair, highlighting that victims of intimidation were allocated points while victims of domestic violence were not.

Mr Lyons was urged to rethink on Tuesday as he faced an urgent oral question session in the Assembly on how victims of recent sectarian and racist attacks in Northern Ireland have been rehoused.

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew tabled the question and raised concerns that the alternative accommodation provided has been unsuitable in a number of instances.

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said there was a need to reintroduce intimidation points.

Sinn Feins Gerry Kelly acknowledged that the intimidation points system had been open to abuse, but he questioned if an alternative system could be introduced for specific instances, such as the sectarian and racists attacks witnessed in recent months.

Im just worried that in removing the intimidation points, that theres nothing that has replaced it, said Mr Kelly.

The summer saw several migrant families forced to flee their homes amid anti-immigration violence in Ballymena and a number of Catholic families also forced to move after being targeted in sectarian attacks in north Belfast.

Addressing the Assembly, Mr Lyons condemned the attacks but he made clear that he would not be reconsidering the removal of intimidation points.

I think it was the right thing to do to remove intimidation points because of how they were being abused and that now everybody will be treated equally, he said.

Ive spoken to the housing associations about this issue, they were fully supportive of the move that had been made in relation to that, and Im determined to make sure that everybody has access to the accommodation that they need, and thats what I am working towards.

The minister said the issues raised around unsuitable accommodation for some of those fleeing intimidation highlighted the need to build more social homes as he urged MLAs to back his call for more investment in the sector.

The real problem that we face, apart from the appalling attacks that have been taking place, is a lack of housing, and thats something that we urgently need to address, he said.
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Samsung Display to lead exclusive OLED supply for foldable iPhone in 2026

Apple is set to launch a 7.6-inch folding iPhone in 2026, with Samsung Display (SDC) expected to be the exclusive supplier of its OLED panels, capturing about 40% of Samsung's total foldable panel shipments.

According to The Elec, citing market research firm Counterpoint, Apple will develop the folding iPhone using an in-fold screen design. SDC is expanding its A4 production line to support this, aiming to secure a monthly capacity of 30,000 panels by the second quarter of 2026. Currently, SDC's A4 line produces panels for Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S series flagship phones and foldables, as well as Apple's iPhone and iPad devices.

Reports from TechRadar and Tom's Guide suggest that mass production of Apple's foldable OLED panels will begin in mid-2026, aligning with Apple's typical late-year iPhone release cycle. Samsung's dedicated 8.6-generation OLED production line is expected to go live around the same time, giving it the production scale needed to fulfill Apple's initial order of an estimated 6-8 million foldable units.

The OLED panels for the folding iPhone will reportedly utilize low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) technology and adopt color-on-encapsulation (CoE) without polarizers.

With the folding iPhone's debut, global shipments of in-fold OLED displays are forecasted to surge 89% year-over-year in 2026, followed by a 48% increase in 2027. Apple's demand for these panels is expected to triple by 2027.

Counterpoint expects double-digit growth in the in-fold OLED panel market through 2029, during which SDC will maintain its leadership among foldable panel suppliers, closely trailed by China's BOE.

As Samsung plans to release a tri-fold phone in the second half of 2025, shipments of multi-fold OLED panelsdefined as screens that fold two or more timesare projected to grow 28% in 2025. However, vertical fold OLED panel shipments are expected to decline 23% over the same period.

According to 9to5Mac, analysts note that while SDC may initially serve as the sole supplier, Apple could later introduce LG Display or BOE as secondary partners to diversify its supply chain.

Article edited by Jack Wu
A Dublin mother whose son is autistic has said Budget 2026 would make no difference to her sons education, and did not prioritise children with special needs.

Budget 2026 provides for 1,717 new special needs assistants, a 20 euro boost for the monthly Domiciliary Allowance, and the provision of 6,500 private assessments of needs to reduce long waits faced by families.

Adrienne Doyle Whelan has three children: Max, eight, Jessica, three, and Teddy, aged five-and-a-half, who is autistic.

She said Teddy has been offered a special school place, but the building of the structure has not yet begun.

She said he received his assessment of need two years ago and is yet to get access to special therapies and services.

She is in receipt of the the Domiciliary Allowance, which is for carers of children with severe disabilities, which got a 20 euro boost in the Budget to 380 euro a month.

She added: Were very grateful to receive the Domiciliary Care Allowance, but we cant spend it because we cant even get the services privately.

She said that the provision of 1,717 special needs assistants (SNAs) for next year, is just a 100 people higher than the last budget.

The funding boost in specialist community-based disability services, includes funding for the Childrens Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) who provide supports for nearly 45,000 children with complex needs.

It is understood this will increase the number of specialist staff on that team to 150, which Adrienne said was ridiculously low and a drop in the ocean.

She added: Teddys been known to the CDNT since he was two-and-a-half or even younger. Teddy is five-and-a-half now, he still hasnt received any so I dont think 150 staff is going to cut it.

She also raised concerns about the provision of around 6,500 private assessments without the services in place afterwards.

All these children are going to need services after but they will be left waiting, she added.

She said she would one hundred percent prefer a focus on education and healthcare services instead of changes to income tax bands or cost of living measures.

They need to treat the special education crisis like its a house on fire, she said.

The SNA crisis has been all over the news, its a big issue and yet theyve only put an extra 100 (SNAs) on since last year.

I dont think theyve done a lot different. They havent allocated a lot more compared to last year.

Its very similar to the budget they had last year for special education. It doesnt sound to me like theyve prioritised it.

I dont think its enough.
One of the two men (aged in their 20s), who were arrested in connection with money laundering offences and the seizure of cash and mobile phones in Louth and Dublin over the weekend has been charged.

He is expected to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) this morning at around 10.30am.

The second man remains in Garda custody.

On Saturday, as part of ongoing investigations into organised crime under Operation TARA, members of the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) intercepted a vehicle shortly before 9:00pm in North County Dublin.

Searches were also carried out at two residential properties and one business located in North County Dublin and County Louth.

Read Next: O'Connor family funeral to take place in Louth this morning

During the course of the operation, Gardai recovered 185,000 (approximately 213,000) and 48,700 in cash, along with several mobile phones.

Two men, aged in their 20s, were arrested under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 for allegedly facilitating money laundering activities on behalf of an organised crime group.
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In advance of SUDEP Action Day on October 15th, Epilepsy Ireland have appealed to people living with epilepsy and their families in Louth to learn more about a devastating aspect of the condition.

SUDEP stands for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and is confirmed when someone with epilepsy dies and no other cause of death can be found during the post-mortem. Many of those who die are often young and otherwise healthy. While the exact mechanism behind SUDEP is unknown, there are known factors that can increase a persons risk of SUDEP. This includes having frequent seizures, not taking medication as prescribed and alcohol or substance abuse.

Speaking on the importance of knowing about SUDEP, Epilepsy Ireland Advocacy & Communications Manager, Paddy McGeoghegan said:

Knowledge is power and unfortunately, SUDEP is something that many people with epilepsy and their families  and even healthcare professionals - do not know enough about. Unfortunately, in speaking with bereaved families, we often hear the devastating story that the first time they heard about SUDEP is when it is listed in their loved ones death certificate.

This must change. We owe it to the families whove lost loved ones and those whove been lost to ensure that SUDEP is no longer a hidden tragedy. Awareness of the risk factors can save lives, as many of them are modifiable.

Throughout October, we will be sharing educational resources, personal testimonies, and expert insights to help the public and healthcare professionals better understand SUDEP and how to reduce risk. I would particularly appeal to the estimated 1,280 people with epilepsy in Louth and their family members to learn more by visiting our website, www.epilepsy.ie.

The organisation has also reiterated its calls for Government to develop a National Strategy to reduce SUDEP and epilepsy-related deaths in Ireland. Last year, research supported by Epilepsy Ireland confirmed the incidence of SUDEP in Ireland for the first time ever; an incidence of 1:1,400, equating to the loss of 33 people per year. Speaking about the organisations calls for a national strategy, Paddy said:

Until now, most of the initiatives taken around SUDEP have been led by Epilepsy Ireland, often supported by the fundraising efforts of bereaved families. We cannot continue to work in isolation on this issue and depend solely on the fundraising efforts of bereaved families to drive action on reducing SUDEP and epilepsy-related deaths in Ireland.

We now have the data. We know the scale of the issue. What we need is action. Were asking for leadership and a coordinated response involving the various arms of the state to prevent future deaths.

We invite anyone affected by SUDEP or any epilepsy-related death to share their experience and help us drive this change and we would also make a direct appeal to local Oireachtas members to help us make this a reality.
An inspection by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has found that children in Louth and Meath are waiting too long to receive vital child protection and welfare services, with more than half of all cases in the region unallocated to a social worker.

The inspection, carried out between 69 May 2025, assessed Tuslas Child Protection and Welfare Service in the LouthMeath area and found significant risks in staffing and information management. Of the five national standards assessed, HIQA found the service non-compliant in four areas and only substantially compliant in one.

Inspectors reported that as of early May, there were 1,388 open child protection cases, of which 798 (57%) were awaiting allocation. More than 450 children had no assigned worker at all, while others were being managed by a professional other than a professionally qualified social worker.

HIQA said this meant that children in the area were not receiving an adequate child protection and welfare service in line with legislation and national standards.

The report highlights delays in key assessments and poor oversight of safety plans for vulnerable children. In several cases, children referred for protection concerns waited months, and in some cases over a year,for an initial assessment.

Examples included a 12-year-old referred in June 2023 for neglect, whose assessment was not completed until January 2025, and another case where a child reported emotional abuse but had not been met by a social worker for over a year. HIQA escalated 11 individual cases to Tusla during the inspection due to concerns about safety and lack of progress.

While inspectors noted some improvements since the last inspection in 2024 particularly around notifying An Garda Siochana of abuse allegations many of the same governance and staffing issues remained unresolved.

At the time of inspection, there were 15 vacant posts, including management roles. HIQA warned that contingency arrangements to cover gaps were unsustainable and posed a risk to effective management and oversight.

The report found staff turnover in the area was 7.5% and absenteeism stood at over 9%. Efforts to recruit new social workers, including graduate and international campaigns, were slow to have an impact.

Tusla told inspectors that while 21 new staff joined the service between April 2024 and April 2025, the same number also left during that period, many citing workload pressures and worklife balance concerns.

Inspectors acknowledged that management and staff were working hard to meet childrens needs despite limited resources, but said risks in respect to staffing were identified several years previously, and this risk has not been successfully reduced.

HIQA also criticised Tuslas information governance, finding ongoing problems with its case management system (TCM). Inspectors found duplicate profiles, delays in record sign-off and cloned case notes, which undermined oversight and risk monitoring.

The report described data as not consistent or accurate in assisting the service to improve efficiency.

Only one child agreed to speak with inspectors, and they described being well supported and regularly visited by their social worker. However, HIQAs file reviews painted a more mixed picture when it came to cases overall, with inconsistent recording and long delays in responding to referrals.

While the majority of referrals were screened promptly and Garda notifications were now being made as required, the agency found gaps in the services capacity to carry out assessments of child protection and welfare concerns in a timely manner, resulting in significant periods of waiting for supports and interventions.

The LouthMeath service area includes large population centres such as Dundalk, Drogheda and Navan, which together place heavy demand on child welfare services. HIQA noted that Louth is the second most densely populated county in Ireland, while Meath has one of the highest youth dependency ratios in the State factors contributing to increased pressure on Tuslas local teams.

Read Next: Man charged after Garda cash seizure in Louth and Dublin

The watchdog concluded that the LouthMeath child protection service was not achieving compliance with national standards and urged Tusla to strengthen governance, improve data reliability, and prioritise recruitment to ensure children receive timely and effective support.

Tusla has developed a national compliance and service improvement plan aimed at tackling long-standing issues in child protection and foster care services. The plan sets out actions to improve governance, reduce waiting lists, strengthen information management, and ensure all children are allocated to professionally qualified social workers.

However, HIQA noted that while the LouthMeath areas local service improvement plan was mostly aligned with the national plan, progress on key actions had been slow, and minimal impact could yet be seen in addressing staffing shortages and delays in services.
LOUTH LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY CONNECT CREDIT UNION

Labour TD, Ged Nash has welcomed the Budget announcement that Drogheda and Dundalk are to be included in the Living Cities Initiative, after what he says was a decade-long campaign by the Louth TD and others.

Deputy Nash said: Years of campaigning have borne fruit in todays Budget as the government finally listened to my repeated calls to have Drogheda and Dundalk added to the Living Cities Initiative. This measure will be a new weapon at our disposal in the war against vacancy and dereliction in our two largest towns.

The Louth Labour TD said: Ive been campaigning for these towns inclusion in this scheme for a decade now. I have consistently raised the issue, year after year, putting down amendments to the Finance Bill to make this tax break available to people who want to renovate pre-1913 buildings in urban areas, and bring them back to life.

Deputy Nash also welcomed the governments decision in Budget 2026 to transfer responsibility for collecting the Derelict Sites Levy from local authorities to the Revenue Commissioners. He said the move, which Labour has long called for, marks a significant step forward in holding big developers and property owners to account.

Deputy Nash said: Labour has been calling for years for the Derelict Sites Levy to be collected by Revenue rather than local authorities.

Big developers and speculators have ignored local councils for too long  but they wont be able to ignore Revenue. This change is a long overdue recognition that tackling vacancy and dereliction requires serious enforcement.

For too long, the problem of vacancy and dereliction has been treated as an afterthought. Across every town and city in Ireland, families walk past boarded-up homes and crumbling buildings that could be providing secure housing. By empowering Revenue to collect the levy, Government is finally acknowledging that the system must have teeth.

Deputy Nash concluded: With both of these tools finally in our armoury, I look forward to real impact on the ground in Drogheda and Dundalk, breathing new life into our two largest towns.
Dundalk families and space enthusiasts are in for a treat this Saturday 11 October, as a series of events will take place throughout the town to mark Family Space Day.

The day will feature planetarium shows, live talks, hands-on activities, and inspiring space-themed experiences for all ages. Hosted at Louth County Library and the Dundalk Credit Union Community Building, the event is part of World Space Week 2025 and is organised by Dr. Niamh Shaw as part of her community science programme Town Scientist, funded by Research Irelands Discover Programme. Taking place from 11am to 5pm, programme highlights will include:

Armagh Planetarium Dome Shows - Experience the night sky like never before inside a portable planetarium dome from Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Shows take place every 30 minutes from 11am to 5pm at Dundalk Credit Unition Community Building.

Engineering for Life in Space, 11am in Dundalk Library - How do astronauts sleep, cook and live in space? Learn what it takes to design a home in space with former NASA engineer David Bushman, who helped build life support systems for the International Space Station. Taking place.

Living in the ArcticThinking About Space, 3pm in Dundalk Library - Join Dundalks Town Scientist and explorer Dr. Niamh Shaw as she shares stories from her recent Arctic expedition. Discover what life was like on a ship in the frozen north  and why it might help us live on the Moon or Mars. Her interactive talk will include real footage, personal stories, and a Q&A.

Create your own space-themed accessory! 12pm  3pm in Dundalk Credit Union Community Building - This creative, hands-on workshop is delivered by Town Scientist alumni and local parent, Eva Ponomoraw. Children and families will create their own space-themed accessory, going home not only with a beautiful keepsake but a new way of looking at the universe. Ages 8 and up, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

All events are free, but families are asked to register in advance. A number of the events are fully booked but a waitlist is in operation. The full line of events and registration is available here.

Speaking ahead of Saturday, Town Scientist for Dundalk Dr Niamh Shaw said: We have a host of amazing family events for this years Space Week. From talks, to interactive workshops, to journeys through space in a portable planetarium, there is something for all the family.

"I would really encourage people from Dundalk and beyond to mark next Saturday in your diaries and come along to one of our free events  you never know what you may learn or what you may be inspired to do! However we are asking people to make sure they check out and register via the Eventbrite link to avoid disappointment.

Space Day will be culmination of collaboration and hard work between a number of organisations  Dundalk Credit Union, Louth County Library, Louth ABC Programme in partnership with Louth County Council, and the team behind Town Scientist.

"It is thanks to their support and enthusiasm we can bring Space Day to life and we hope that the families of Louth will enjoy the day, find out more about Town Scientist  and come to more events in the future. None of this would be possible without the support of Research Ireland and their Discover Programme.

Find out more about Niamh Shaw and Town Scientist here: https://niamhshaw.ie/
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has announced that it will be hosting free coding workshops as part of DojoMor 2025 on Saturday 18th October from 10am-1pm. These workshops are suitable for students aged 7 to 17. Funded by the Higher Education Authority of Ireland, this event will offer a range of fun and creative coding workshops, both in-person and online

This year, DojoMor is offering a new hands-on technology experience. At each venue, students can experiment with VEX Robotics, Micro:bits and other interactive tech projects. Participants will have the opportunity to learn programming concepts and see their code come alive in fun, practical ways.

For students and schools unable to attend in person, online video tutorials provide access to fun, engaging, project-based coding lessons. These cover a range of programming languages and projects suitable for all ages and abilities, allowing students to join the excitement of DojoMor. (Spaces are limited, early registration is recommended).

Read Next: Man charged after Garda cash seizure in Louth and Dublin

Greatly inspired by the well-known CoderDojo; the national partners of DojoMor are united in their belief that an understanding of programming languages is increasingly important in the modern world. With free participation, DojoMor is an excellent opportunity for young people to develop practical and valuable skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Register now at dojomor.ie
The commencement of a new Dublin-Derry airlink in 2026 was among the budgetary measures announced by the Irish Government on Tuesday.

The Government said this would enable regular air travel between the Republic of Irelands capital and Londonderry.

Announcing Budget 2026 in the Dail, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said the Government was committed to supporting vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.

He said it would double resources for its Shared Island initiative, involving a further billion euro out to 2035.

Mr Chambers said 2026 will see progress on the Narrow Water Bridge and Ulster Canal restoration projects, and further programmes on tourism, bioeconomy and research.

Speaking to the PA news agency about the airlink, the former transport minister said: It was a big ask from the people of Derry and across the northwest region as well.

A lot of people in Donegal and the whole cross-border business community have been seeking to pursue this route for many years.

I think it is a really important measure to drive connectivity between Dublin and Derry.

North-South connectivity is critical from an aviation perspective for onward journeys as well and so, you know, I think itll make a real difference.

The move was welcomed as hugely positive for the entire northwest by Sinn Fein.

Party MLA Padraig Delargy said: City of Derry Airport has a huge role to play in our local economy, helping to connect communities and businesses across these islands.

Sinn Fein in the Executive has been working to support the airport, and this additional service funded by the Irish Government will provide yet another boost.

Ill continue working with ministers and the other parties to unlock our regions potential and drive its positive transformation.
LOUTH LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY CONNECT CREDIT UNION

There have been mixed reactions to Budget 2026 since its announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers both addressed the Dail after 1pm.

Minister Donohoe said the Budget will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today.

Minister Chambers added that it represents an opportunity for a renewed economic and fiscal approach.

Both ministers announced a range of measures to be introduced. Among the most noticeable was a VAT reduction for the hospitality industry, an increase in the minimum wage and the extension of the renters tax credit.

However, the absence of the one-off cost-of-living measures and increases in tax bands that have featured regularly in recent years has proved controversial.

Speaking in the Dail, Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty widely criticised those decisions, accusing the Government of leaving ordinary people in the cold.

He slammed Minister Donohoe and Minister Chambers for displaying deluded arrogance and receiving self-congratuloraty applause.

Addressing those ministers, Mr Doherty said: Your big message here in this Budget [...] is that youre on your own. This is a Budget written by Fine Gael [...] that abandons workers and families to look after those at the top.

He said that the Budget provided no help with the cost-of-living crisis and was a blueprint for the continuation of the never-ending crises in housing and health.

He added that it reeks as a catalogue of handouts for those at the top and screws over the working class.

Other opposition parties have also criticised the Budget, with Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Cian OCallaghan describing it as characterised by bad choices and missed opportunities.

Meanwhile, Mr OCallaghans Labour counterpart, Conor Sheehan, said the Governments lack of focus on homelessness was disgraceful.

Outside of Leinster House, a number of other organisations have also been providing their reaction to the Budget.

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, has said that the planned increase in the minimum wage is a short-sighted and anti-business measure which will lead to many businesses closing their doors.

Meanwhile, The Irish Wheelchair Association has described the Budget as utterly disappointing, citing the failure of the Government to provide for a permanent cost of disability payment.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said that it lacks the ambition required when it comes to scaling up staffing and capacity in the public health service.

Elsewhere, Simon Communities of Ireland said that while its refreshing to hear that housing has been at the forefront of Governments minds the lack of mention of homeless prevention measures was deeply disappointing.

The Irish Heart Foundation also expressed their disappointment at the 50c increase on a pack of cigarettes, which it said was insufficient to drive significant reductions in Irish smoking rates.

However, other organisations have welcomed the Budget, with The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) expressing their delight at a reduction in VAT for food services.

Meanwhile, Property Industry Ireland, the Ibec group for businesses working in the property sector, welcomed the reduction in VAT for new apartments.

The primary school teachers' union, the INTO, said the 50 primary capitation increase showed the Government had heard the sector's calls.

The National Womens Council (NWC) welcomed investment in childcare and some targeted measures to tackle womens inequality but warned that overall Budget measures lacked ambition and will not address structural inequalities that women experience.

Chambers Ireland welcomed the Budgets commitments on infrastructure and housing but said it leaves some questions unanswered for the business community.

While there is a lot left to unpack, Budget 2026 looks set to divide opinion right across the country over the coming weeks.
Hosting the annual Irish music festival Fleadh Cheoil in Cork could generate 120m for the local economy and showcase the city around the world, a councillor has said.

Fine Gael councillor Shane OCallaghan told The Echo that the fleadh was fantastic for Wexford, and I have no doubt it will be a great success for Belfast. It can only be a good thing for Cork.

In Wexford, there were talks of it generating 120m for the local economy when hosted for two years. Its an international event at this stage, and people would spend money in bars, restaurants, and shops.

This would be the biggest event Cork ever had  a retailer in Wexford compared the crowds to hosting seven All-Ireland final days in a row.

Mr OCallaghan has put in a motion to council on the topic: That Cork City Council explore the possibility of applying for Cork city to host Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in 2027, 2028, and 2029.

Given the number of visitors that would attend the fleadh and the worldwide publicity it would generate for Cork, hosting Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann would be of enormous benefit to the city, as it would shine a light on Corks rich cultural heritage, boost tourism, and leave a lasting legacy that will benefit the city for years to come.

He said the festival will likely be held in Belfast in 2026 and 2027, but that the council should express their interest in hosting it next.

Its time it came to Cork  I raised this in the last council term with the executive, and unfortunately they werent interested at the time, but Im encouraged by the fact we have a new chief executive and deputy who are both very proactive.

Fianna Fails Sean Martin also has a motion on the topic, calling for the council to investigate the idea and report back on cost and benefits.

A council spokesperson told The Echo: A response to the councillors motions will be first brought to a council meeting for discussion.
Gardai at Cork's Anglesea Street station have issued an appeal for witnesses in relation to an alleged assault at Quaker St in the city last night.

A spokesperson said gardai and emergency services attended the scene following a report of the incident, which occurred at approximately 10pm.

"A male, aged in his 40s, was conveyed to Cork University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries," said the spokesperson.

The scene is preserved for technical examination, and the road is currently closed with local diversions in place.

"Investigations are ongoing.

"No further information is available at this time," said the spokesperson.

Gardai have appealed to anyone with information in relation to this incident, or who may have video footage, to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 4522 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station
The haulage industry is being strangled by excessive taxation, the Irish Road Haulage Association has said, appealing for rebates in todays budget.

Ger Hyland, Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) president, has written to minister for finance Paschal Donohoe outlining four key priorities for Budget 2026, which he says are essential for the survival of a haulage industry in crisis.

Mr Hyland says that IRHA proposals will support transport decarbonisation, bolster Irish supply chains, and help to protect essential jobs in rural Ireland.

The first priority is a biofuel/FAME rebate, whereby licensed hauliers would receive a rebate on the non-fossil fuel component of diesel, similar to the current diesel rebate scheme, encouraging the uptake of lower-carbon fuels while mitigating additional costs imposed on the sector.

Rebate

Secondly, a rebate for HVO biofuel would mean operators using 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) would qualify for a triple green rebate, reflecting higher costs and lower energy content, supporting a pathway to achieve up to 90% CO reduction, he said.

Given that diesel will remain essential to Irelands economy for the foreseeable future, the IRHA calls for the continuation of the existing diesel rebate scheme  at least until the current 2030 mandated end date, ensuring supply chain stability.

Finally, they have called for M50 toll relief for licensed hauliers, explaining: To reduce disproportionate toll costs imposed by new city centre restrictions on haulier, the IRHA proposes toll relief for licensed hauliers on the M50, administered via a licence plate recognition system similar to the diesel rebate scheme.

Measures

The IRHA submission also detailed how these measures could be fully funded within the current economic and tax framework, requiring no additional State expenditure.

Mr Hyland said: These proposals provide a realistic and sustainable path for decarbonisation while safeguarding competitiveness.

Budget 2026 is an opportunity to ensure that Irelands transport sector can transition effectively without jeopardising the functioning of the supply chain.

A heavy tax burden is making the haulage industry unviable. If the government doesnt use this budget to take sensible measures to save our industry, they risk killing off the very engine that keeps this economy moving. We are the wheels on Irelands economy. When we stop  Ireland stops.
2.35pm

A total of 3.8 billion has been committed to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality for disability services. This will fund 250 new residential care placements next year, the funding of 6,500 private assessments for families on disability waiting lists, and more than 150,000 hours of home support and personal assistance.

Mr Chambers added that a dedicated unit has been established in the Department to lead a full review of Ireland's disability service model.

The income disregard for the carers allowance will increase to 1,000 for a single person and 2,000 for a couple, the domiciliary care allowance will also go up 20 to 380 per month and there will be an increase in the child support payment by 8 for children under 12, and 16 for children over 12.

Government funding for early years will rise by 125m to 1.5 billion next year, increasing the number of children benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme by around 35,000.

The government will also fund extensions of community centres and schools to create around 2,300 extra childcare places, and an Access and Inclusion Model to help children with a disability to access education will be funded, while 1.3 billion is being provided to Tusla.

The total capital allocation for the Department of Education will be 1.6bn. There will be an additional 1,717 SNAs in 2026 and 1,042 teaching posts, as well as funding for DEIS Plus and a new DEIS Plan.

Capacitation rates paid to all schools will also increase by 50 for primary and special schools and 20 for post-primary schools.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will receive funding of almost 5 billion in 2026.

This will go towards increased apprenticeships, and 1,110 new places in key health and social care professions.

There is a loud response from the opposition when a permanent 500 reduction in university fees is announced  a 1,000 temporary reduction has been in place the last three years, with opposition parties saying that the 500 reduction is more like a 500 increase.

This capital allocation will also go towards two new veterinary medicine colleges to almost double the number of veterinary graduates, and the progression of centres of excellence for retrofit skills.

6.17 billion will be allocated to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, to be used for the recruitment of up to 1,000 trainee gardai in 2026, an additional 200 civilian staff, further intakes into the Garda Reserve and 19 million to increase the budget for Garda overtime.

A further 39 million will go to the Irish Prisons Service, 11 million to the Courts Service, 6.7 million to the Irish Probation Service, 11.5 million for Domestic and Gender Based Violence initiatives, 7.3 million to Youth Justice interventions.

Funding for the Department of Defence will increase by 11% to 1.49 billion next year, leading to an increase of 400 defence force members and the creation of 50 new civilian posts.

1.3 billion will be allocated to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including a 30m increase in development aid.

Another 1.3 billion will go to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, going towards Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and Local Enterprise Development Offices.

The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport will receive 1.5 billion, including 3m in funding for the establishment of League of Ireland academies and 1.6m towards intercounty Gaelic games.

84.9m has been announced for major arts and culture projects including the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork, while the minister committed that a successor to the pilot basic income for the arts scheme will be delivered in 2026.

433m will support the completion of the National Broadband Plan, with 5m in additional funding provided to support the Post Office Network and 357m provided for broadcasting.

Resources to the Shared Island initiative will double by a further 1 billion out to 2035, under Budget 2026.

Mr Chambers commended his budget to the house, and its straight into feedback from the opposition, with Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty saying the budget does nothing for ordinary working people.

2.15pm

Mr Chambers, minister for public expenditure, said he is allocating 116.8 billion in 2026, an 8.1 billion increase on this year's allocation.

He outlined some more headline figures: 1 billion in a contingency reserve, 2 billion for social protection, 1.5 billion for health and 1.2 billion for public service pay agreement adjustments.

This will support an increase of 12,500 public sector staff including over 3,370 in the health sector, 2,600 in the education sector, and up to 1,000 in An Garda Siochana, he said.

Budget 2026 will allocate 11.3 billion in funding to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage which will go towards the delivery of new build social homes, social support programmes, starter homes programme, urban regeneration development, a new housing activation infrastructure fund, retrofitting social homes and adapting homes for older people and people with disabilities.

A total of 12.2 billion in capital funding will expand water and wastewater services, with 1.4 billion to Uisce Eireann, 3.5 billion to ESB and Eirgrid, and 1.1 billion to the department of climate, energy and the environment.

The weekly fuel allowance rate will go up by 5, and eligibility for the allowance will be extended to all households in receipt of the working family payment.

The working family payment itself has seen income thresholds increase by 60 a week, and the back to school clothing and footwear payment will be widened to include two and three year olds.

The Christmas double social welfare payment will be provided again this year.

A total of 4.7 billion will be allocated to the Department of Transport, with 940m going towards funding and subsidising existing public transport services.

Next year's funding will also go towards the continued rollout of Bus Connects and the first phase of a commuter rail programme to expand capacity in the Cork area, while road projects including the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road were mentioned, and there will also be a number of major greenway and active travel projects funded and developed in 2026.

A record level of total funding of 27.4 billion will be allocated to the Department of Health, going towards an increase in acute hospital capacity of at least 220 beds and the expansion of diagnostic services.

At least 280 community beds, investment in the community nursing units refurbishment programme, and reductions in community waiting lists will also be prioritized with this funding, as well as an additional 1.7 million Home Support Hours, 500 more nursing home places, increased staffing and expansion of mental health services, increased access to CAMHS and improved community and primary care services.

2pm

The minister for finance has announced an increase to carbon tax - a tax of 71 per tonne of CO2 emitted will be applied to auto fuels, effective from tomorrow.

Excise duty on a pack of cigarettes will increase by 50 cent, with a pro rata increase on other tobacco products.

Mr Donohoe also announced 200 million of additional external funding for Home Building Finance Ireland, which provides finance to homebuilders across the country.

The 5,000 VRT relief for electronic vehicles will be increased by a further year to the end of 2026, and a new vehicle category for zero emission cars will be created.

Mr Donohoe commended his budget to the house. Jack Chambers begins his speech at ten to two, saying: We must take every opportunity to strengthen the foundations of our economy.

Ireland stands at a crossroad, with decisions made now to determine the future of the country, he said, adding that their decisions are grounded in the best interest of the nation.

Their aim is to ensure the most vulnerable in Irish society are protected while striving to make the country more competitive, protect jobs and create new ones, as well as focus on building homes, he said.

1.45pm

Mr Donohoe noted we are exposed to external economic downturns, in Ireland, stating the importance in investing in Irish businesses.

The minimum wage is to increase by 65c to 14.15 as of January 1 2026. The USC 2% rate band rises to 28,700 to ensure full time workers on minimum wage will remain outside top rate of USC and giving modest benefit to workers whose income is above that amount.

The Government will stand by commitments to make changes to income tax over the next years of his term, but none will come in todays budget.

The VAT rate on food and catering businesses and hairdressing services will be reduced from 13.5% to 9%. This will come into effect in July next year, and will cost 681m per full year, but lead to additional jobs in these industries, he said.

The rate of the Research and Development Tax Credit will be increased from 30% to 35%, while incentives have also been announced for film and game industries through tax relief and tax credits, respectively.

The bank levy is being extended for one further year, with a target yield of 200million.

1.30pm

Housing is the first item on the agenda - Finance minister Paschal Donohoe tells the Dail that the Government is committed 5bn in capital investment for housing delivery in 2026.

The government will be reducing vat rate as applied to the sale of completed apartments to 9% from 13.5% for completed apartments, to deliver more and higher density apartments.

There will also be a corporation tax deduction on the construction of apartment developments, and rental profits from homes that fall within the cost rental scheme are to be exempted from corporate tax.

To tackle dereliction, a new derelict property tax will be introduced. It will be implemented and collected by revenue, to replace the derelict site levy, currently charged at a rate of 7% of site market value. The new tax will not be at a lower rate than this, Mr Donohoe said.

The involvement of revenue in derelict site levy collection has been called for by opposition TDs and representative groups for many years, due to a very low rate of payment of the levies, which were formerly charged and collected by local authorities.

The Residential Development Stamp Duty refund scheme will be extended to the end of 2030 and the income tax deduction for small landlords who retrofit their properties will be extended for three years.

The rent tax credit will also be extended by a further three years to the end of 2028, while the mortgage interest tax relief will be extended for a further two years.

1.15pm

The Dail chamber is full for the delivery of this years budget.

Finance minister Paschal Donohoe speaks first, and will deliver a speech of around 45 minutes, which you can watch live on the Oireachtas website. Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers will give a statement after this.

Mr Donohoe promises that the budget will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today, adding that it will tackle the serious challenge of meeting our housing needs while preparing for tomorrow. He reflected on progress made in the county in areas including employment but stated that there are challenges including around housing and cost of living.

Uncertainty is the defining feature of the world this year, he said, mentioning the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration this year, which he called regrettable. While praising the EU US agreement, he said that tariffs will have an impact in the years to come, and that this years budget has been created with this in mind.

The budget will protect jobs, with the expectation of adding 63,500 jobs this year, as well as growth in real wages, he said, adding they were acutely aware that prices remain high, saying that the budget will address this through targeted supports for those most in need.

Overall, the budget will be 9.4billion euro, he said.

12pm

The Government will outline its annual Budget shortly, amid scrutiny of its tax and expenditure priorities.

It has set parameters for a planned package of 9.4 billion in Budget 2026, including 7.9 billion in additional public spending and 1.5 billion envelope for tax measures.

The Central Bank, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) and Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) have raised concerns about the risk of the planned Budget package overheating the economy.

Finance minister Paschal Donohoe and public expenditure minister Jack Chambers will attempt to allay those fears as they reveal the Budgetary measures in the Dail from 1pm.

Certain features of the Budget have already been well trailed, with Mr Donohoe outlining that there will be no changes to personal taxes, adding that indexation would have taken up the majority of overall the tax package.

It is expected, however, that the Government will move to cut Vat for food-led hospitality from 13.5% to 9%, after a long-running campaign for a sector which has sought to highlight a rising cost of business.

Businesses say the proposal, which will exclude accommodation and is expected to kick in in July rather than January, is necessary to protect jobs.

The Government is also expected to announce a Vat cut for new-build apartments in an effort to drive delivery of housing.

Elsewhere on housing, ministers have highlighted the importance of the renters tax credit, which would be due to expire if not extended on Tuesday.

However, in the first Budget since the election returned Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to Government, coalition figures have warned that there will be no repeat of a bumper cost-of-living package containing other one-off universal measures such as energy credits.

The Government has instead said its approach will focus on more targeted and permanent measures.

Students will be looking to see if there is any permanent cut to student fees, although any reduction below 1,000 may be seen as a year-on-year increase after a temporary cut of that amount expires.

Another closely watched measure is the extent of an increase to core social protection rates, with a Christmas bonus also regularly featuring in recent budgets.

Amid regular budget staples like a duty increase for cigarettes, moves to make a trialled scheme of basic income for artists more permanent could also feature.

At the conclusion of the ministers speeches, opposition parties  who have set out their own alternative Budgets in the preceding week  will have the opportunity to respond and critique the coalitions plan for the year ahead.
Two men dealing with an incident at a shop on MacCurtain Street ended up crossing the nearby Mary Elmes Bridge where they were threatened by a man who said he would throw both of them into the River Lee.

Roy OCallaghan, aged 41, with an address at an apartment at Bridgefield Close, Bishopstown, Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of engaging in threatening behaviour.

Judge Mary Dorgan said that this public order charge carried a maximum penalty of three months in prison and that the offence was at the higher end of such offences. The judge imposed a sentence of 10 weeks on him at Cork District Court.

While on foot patrol in Cork city, gardai were approached by two members of staff from Spar, MacCurtain Street.

ALTERCATION

Sergeant Gearoid Davis said: They told gardai that there was an altercation on Mary Elmes Bridge with a group of people. The two identified Roy OCallaghan as being aggressive and shouting at both of them.

They told gardai that the defendant was getting aggressive with us, threatening to throw us both over the bridge saying Ill do it, watch me. At this point both of his fists were clenched and his chest puffed out.

We didnt back away. He got right into our faces screaming numerous profanities.

One injured party said of the accused, He was very aggressive.... The more he was shouting, the more riled up he was getting... There was spittle flying out of his mouth and onto my face. He said he was going to f*** the two of us into the river. I told him I wasnt afraid of him.

AGGRESIVE

He called me a fat f***er. He was badgering me in an aggressive threatening manner. His chest was forward and both fists were clenched.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said that Roy OCallaghan pleaded guilty to being threatening and abusive but that the reason he got involved in the first place was because he felt that the two men were blaming another party for taking something from the Spar shop.

Mr Buttimer said that whatever occurred in the shop did not involve Mr OCallaghan.
Funding for Uisce Eireann announced as part of Budget 2026 will see work progress on the Whitegate Water Treatment Plant, and the Midleton Wastewater Transfer Project in Cork, the utility body has said.

Announcing the budget, public expenditure minister Jack Chambers said: In the national development plan, I committed to providing 12.2bn in capital funding to expand our water and wastewater services.

Following through on this commitment, in 2026, I am providing 1.4bn to Uisce Eireann to continue to build essential capacity to support new housing developments and to increase the resilience and sustainability of water supply. This will help to further progress development of waste treatment plants across the country.

Uisce Eireann welcomed the record level of funding, saying that it reflects the critical role that resilient water services play in enabling sustainable growth, supporting housing delivery, and protecting the environment across Ireland.

Uisce Eireann CEO Niall Gleeson said: This investment demonstrates Uisce Eireanns commitment to every community in Ireland.

By delivering vital water and wastewater projects nationwide, we are supporting economic growth, protecting the environment, and ensuring a better quality of life for all.

This investment will support the delivery of key national projects such as the Greater Dublin drainage scheme and the Water Supply Project, Eastern and Midlands Region, which will be central to meeting long-term demand and ensuring environmental sustainability.

These transformative investments will provide the capacity and resilience needed to support housing, economic development, and climate adaptation in the decades to come.

He added that Uisce Eireanns programme includes work to deliver the capacity anticipated to support additional housing units through a mix of existing and new capacity development.

Other priorities include over 40 new/upgraded water and wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations, circa 200km of new/rehabilitated water and sewer network, and the removal of sites from the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Priority Action and Remedial Action Lists, improving water quality and environmental outcomes nationwide.

Mr Gleeson added that among the key regional investments in Cork are upgrades to the Whitegate Water Treatment Plant, and the Midleton Wastewater Transfer Project.
I was overjoyed, though shocked, to receive my invitation letter in July for the Youth Vision Conference 2025.

I was selected to be a Fully-Funded Delegate and to speak at the conference which was held in Amsterdam in September.

Young people and experts regarded as leaders in their fields from all over the world came together to learn from each others insights.

I flew to Amsterdam the day before the conference began and explored the maze of canals and bridges connecting the city. I had time to spend a few hours in the Rijkmuseum, sip a coffee by the river, try Dutch foods and wander around the shops. I really enjoyed my time being a tourist in the city but I was filled with a mix of anticipation, nerves, and, of course, excitement for the days ahead.

The first day of the Assembly, I registered and the Kick-Off session began with some icebreakers and excellent keynote speakers.

I was particularly intrigued by a speech about not allowing Artifical Intelligence (AI) to strip away the humanity in people and refocusing on the power of empathy.

After introducing ourselves in the conference room, then spending dinner with all the delegates, we spent the night in Amsterdam enjoying the buzz of the city after dark.

On Saturday, the Youth Statements, from speakers like myself, began. I was deeply grateful to all the other speakers who spoke about a range of vital issues and who provided us with very personal stories from their lives.

I learned so much about South Sudan, the realities for women in Afghanistan, how climate change is impacting the Amazon, the experiences of those in Ukraine, and so on.

I had the chance to speak to doctors in Lebanon, lawyers from Peru, and activists in Brazil trying to combat corruption and poverty.

Topics such as emotional intelligence and mental health along with women accessing leadership roles, the rise of anti-immigrant politics in the UK, peace, human rights and democracy were all brought to the fore.

In the afternoon, we had a workshop on International Human Rights Law by a Pakistani lawyer. I found this session immensely helpful and educational as I am studying Law in UCC and, specifically, am trying to equip myself with a more advanced knowledge of human rights.

On the last day of the Youth Vision Assembly, I was scheduled to give my speech.

My Youth Statement was a call to action and a message about doing your bit to make positive change.

I advocated for each of us to stand up in the face of injustice and come together to ensure a safe future. One such sentiment was: Action neednt be a loud protest, a visible social media post or a public speech like this one. The most impactful actions you can take to help progress society are often in your local communities, with people you know and love, and doing the thing you do best.

I was honoured to have this incredible opportunity to bring my vision of a more sustainable future to a global stage!.

Here is a short extract from the speech I gave:

If we arent bold enough to take action and imaginative enough to believe in a fairer future, nothing can change. Nothing will change.

Id like to remind us all (myself included) that hope is the life force of activism and change-making. Without hope, we fall victim to doomism and slip into despair. I implore you not to just focus on all the bad news, but to seek out stories of progress being made and find a community to rely on who give you resilience and hope.

We also heard from Ziauddin Yousafzai, an educator, advocate for girls education, and father to Malala Yousafzai. His words on the value of education and the importance of equality were poignant. The pride he felt for his daughter was also very clear and was a reminder to be courageous in the name of whats right.

Furthermore, the lecture on Mediation and Alternative Disputes Resolution in Peacebuilding and the workshop on Crisis Management were deeply impactful and informative.

By the time Monday came, I had made lovely friends. I had breakfast in the hotel and then spent the day as a tourist in the city with them. We had time to visit the Modern and Contemporary art museum, MOCO, tried Dutch pancakes and walked the length and breadth of the city before my evening flight home to Cork. It was a bitter-sweet end to such a fruitful trip as we were all sad to say goodbye to each other, but we were also filled with gratitude for such a great few days!

To conclude, the Youth Vision Assembly 2025 was a fantastic opportunity to meet delegates from all over the globe who came together to discuss our passions, goals, and the work we are doing to make a difference in the world.

I discovered so much about everyones countries and their homes, and gained a myriad of insights into their cultures.

I was truly inspired by the passion and drive of the young people representing their countries in Amsterdam.

I am honoured to have made such wonderful connections, met colleagues for life and even built some lovely friendships. I was also moved by the tangible sense of diversity, respect, tolerance, empathy and compassion that exuded through the Assembly.

I have gained so much education and memories from my time in Amsterdam, and Im sure these are lessons that I will take into my advocacy work and life each and every day.
Centred around the duo of vocalist and guitarist Liam Daly and guitarist Finn Walsh, Little Known are a band that seem destined to be well known. Clearly ambitious, Little Known already have one album under their belt, 2023s As It Is. But judging by their level of activity and industry this year alone, it feels like a fresh new chapter in the bands career is now being written.

Walsh is certainly keen to emphasise that, pointing out that it has been a couple of years since the album, as well as highlighting the evolution in their sound from alt rock roots to something more shoegazey. While the initial songwriting responsibility had rested on Daly, it has now become more of a group effort.

The Billy EP. It feels like a new beginning, he adds.

The actual origins of the band go back to when Daly, who hails from Carrignavar, and Walsh, who is from Watergrasshill, were in their mid-to-late teens and found themselves in a band together because each of them knew the drummer.

We used to play in places like Freds and YMCA and we used to open for bands like The Love Buzz, recalls Walsh.

The pair decided to start their own band, going under the name Private Idaho. In 2019, they went to Dublin to record their first single, Pretty Song, which was released in February 2020.

Its still our most streamed song, which is funny, says Walsh, sounding amused. You can hear the youth on Pretty Song.

After lockdown, the pair decided to continue playing together and start a proper band.

We enjoyed what we did when we were younger before lockdown, explains Walsh. [Liam] was writing those songs that became our first album. We just wanted to keep going and start something new.

Theres a good reason why three of their very early songs didnt make the debut album. By the time they got together proper as Little Known in 2021, maturity was evident in the songwriting. As was their sense of ambition, which led them to invest their money in proper studio recordings.

We just believed in the music and thought there was a power behind it, Walsh says of the belief filling the band. This sounds like a proper band, and were becoming a proper band.

Remarkably, their first gig was in Dublin, at a showcase in the Sound House. Encouraged by how well it went they began playing all the venues around Cork city. In 2023, two of their singles, Listen and Slow Daze, became RTE tracks of the week, doing well with radio and Spotify.

During the recording of those sessions, they realised they had enough tracks for an album and duly released As It Is.

2024 was a much quieter year, but it saw them prepare the groundwork for their productivity this year.

This year its been crazy, declares Walsh, as he outlines an impressive list of achievements, beginning in January with their appearance at Whelans Ones to Watch, and includes support slots in Dublin to October Drift and Psychedelic Furs and their first headlining appearance at Cyprus Avenue. The bands sound has changed, becoming more atmospheric, and the line-up has been filled out by drummer Liam Berry and bassist Chris Kett.

This year felt like a new start for us. Even though Liam and me had been playing as Little Known for four years, it felt like the start of this year was the beginning of the band, asserts Walsh.

The Billy EP also reflects the increasing dynamism in the songwriting. Theres different sounds, theres different styles completely almost. But its still us, says Walsh proudly.

Little Known launch the Billy EP at Dali on Thursday, October 9.
Over the last 29 years, Absolute Property have become a byword in rental services and block management in Cork city and beyond.

As one of the largest block management companies in Munster, they manage over 100 complexes mainly in Cork, but also in Kerry and Dublin.

They pride themselves on being the best in the business, operating from their premises (including a very convenient, spacious car park) next to the Bishopstown roundabout and South Ring.

What a lot of people may not realise, however, is that Absolute Property have a growing reputation for property sales, as well as individual property management.

It is, of course, quite a natural progression. Not only do Absolute Property have an unrivalled professional background and powerful background in Cork property generally, theyre also amongst the best placed as estate agents to be aware of what is likely to come on the market in the near future.

Niamh Smith, sales manager, Bob Carlson, CEO, Antoinette O'Brien, operations manager, and Christy Connery, director of Lettings & Property Management at Absolute Property Group.

Nobody else has their finger on the pulse in quite the same manner and with such a strong combination of skills and professionalism.

Absolute has always touched on property sales, says sales manager Niamh Smith.

People who would know us from our management portfolio would come to us and ask us to sell their property. But there was no dedicated sales department until I came in 3 years ago.

Since when, Niamh points out, Absolute Property sales have grown, doubling the number of properties sold year on year.

Most of those sales are still coming directly from their letting and management activities, however, with a good number of homeowners regarding Absolute as an estate agent with some of the highest possible credentials in the market.

Value-Added Service Inherent in Estate Agency Service

As estate agents or auctioneers, Absolute Property look to go the extra mile to offer a level of service that many other estate agents dont match.

I help out our new vendors with staging homes for sale, says Niamh.

If the property needs painting or if furniture needs to be removed, for example, wed organise contractors for them. The staging of the property is included in our fees, and we sometimes bring in our own soft furnishings just to give a fresh look to the photos and make the property look inviting.

Bob Carlson, CEO at Absolute Property Group.

"We really try to offer the full package. It makes such a difference. When selling your home, we advise vendors to present their property in the best possible way to achieve the best price.

"Youve only one chance to make a first impression, so you want the property to look its best. Vendors can earn (10/15%) more on the property by doing this. Purchasers can walk into the property and say, I can see myself living here!, so we dont just take on a property and go with it, we do everything we can to make a property look its best.

Absolute has taken on a new professional photographer to photograph all the properties theyre selling.

Up until now, the high quality of pictures taken on a modern smartphone was very good, but we now use highly experienced property photographers, so this is taking the presentation quality to a new level.

Drone photography is another game-changer, says Niamh.

When you use a drone image, you get a great impression of the environment around you, the green spaces, the views, etc. We also offer virtual tours and 3D models of the property to give potential purchasers a full overview before they come to view."

Absolute Property Sales Department Handling a Growing Market

The property sales department has been in existence for only three years and consists of sales manager Niamh, supported by two more members of staff, but it feels like its been there all the time, waiting for its time to shine.

Eimear and Chantal in the office support Niamh with website promotion and social media, says Antoinette.

"Assisting her with viewings, with advertising and administration. Even with sales increasing year-on-year, there is still clearly plenty of room for growth of Absolutes sales department.

David Miller, maintenance manager at Absolute Property Group.

I still talk to property-owning clients of ours who tell me that theyre planning to sell their property, and I then ask them if theyd consider placing it with us for sale.

Theyre delighted to realise that we do sales because they know and trust us, but so many of them didnt realise that we do sales. Of course, if the property is in an apartment complex we manage, we know everything about it, and Niamh can pass on this very valuable piece of information to potential buyers."

Individual Property Management Continuing to Grow

From a lettings point of view, the market is very busy.

The ongoing shortage of property in Cork and in the rest of the country is still at an acute level, even though several developments are coming onstream over the coming months.

Managing individual properties is another aspect of the business that is growing fast at Absolute Property, and the company now has over 400 properties in their portfolio.

Once again, its the simple combination of care and expertise that keeps this well-oiled machine growing and running smoothly.

There was a time in Ireland, not so long ago, when getting someone to manage your property was considered a luxury service.

Why would you pay someone to do something that you can easily do yourself?

Over the last 29 years, Absolute Property have become a byword in rental services and block management in Cork city and beyond.

With the multiple changes in legislation around property management and letting in recent decades, however, having an expert agent look after your property and its letting arrangement is a necessity.

Its getting harder and harder for small landlords to do this without somebody like us, says Antoinette.

Things have changed so much, says Christy Connery, who is head of property management and has been working with Absolute Property for over 17 years.

Thats down to the changes in legislation that have taken place. Landlords can no longer keep up with the changes, and that has had a massive impact on the property management market.

"They now need the assistance and the expertise of a property management company like ours. Weve seen that uptake over recent years, where Landlords want to pass over things to a management company.

Dedicated Debtor Department Ensures Excellent Block Management

The companys service includes a dedicated Debtor Department to ensure that apartment owners understand and pay their service charges on time.

With apartment culture still being something of a minority sport in Ireland, quite a several people who buy apartments dont fully grasp the commitments involved; the importance of the annual service charges in maintaining and improving their property and the collective spaces around it.

When everyone pays their service charges on time, it means that we can move forward and pay for the works that need to be done to keep the properties in an apartment block or complex in excellent condition, says Antoinette.

I think that the three main elements of our business (block management, letting agency and property sales) feed off one another very well, says Christy Connery, who is the director of individual property management and the letting side of Absolute Propertys business.

If your clients know that you provide the whole array of services, then theyre more inclined to work with you. I think that more and more people are aware that we can provide other services to them. We have many years of experience in all aspects of property."

For more information, visit HERE.
Elizabeth City, N.C.  Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) has joined the fight against hunger as a participant in the annual Collegiate Hunger Challenge, competing alongside 13 other North Carolina colleges and universities. This initiative empowers students to raise awareness of food insecurity while rallying their campuses to collect food for neighbors in need.

The Collegiate Hunger Challenge is presented by Food Lion Feeds, Food Lions hunger-relief platform, in partnership with North Carolina Campus Engagement, a collaborative network of colleges and universities dedicated to fostering civic and social responsibility among students.

College students bring an incredible level of energy, creativity and dedication to this challenge, said Kevin Durkee, manager, Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion. The Collegiate Hunger Challenge tackles food insecurity on campuses and in surrounding communities while empowering students to become advocates and leaders in the fight against hunger.

At the conclusion of the competition, Food Lion Feeds and North Carolina Campus Engagement will award $25,000 to the top-performing schools. Prizes include a $10,000 grand award and three $5,000 sector prizes recognizing a community college, a four-year public university and a four-year independent institution. Since its inception in 2019, the challenge has awarded more than $200,000equivalent to more than 1.6 million meals*.

Running from Sept. 8, 2025, through Dec. 19, 2025, the competition encourages schools to earn points through a variety of activities designed to fight food insecurity and elevate awareness of the issue. On average, about 13 campuses across North Carolina participate each year, with many schools returning to compete annually. Each campus designates one or two MVP Student Hunger Ambassadors to spearhead its campaign.

This partnership with Food Lion Feeds has never been more vital, said Leslie Garvin, executive director, North Carolina Campus Engagement. A recent Feeding America analysis found that food insecurity is on the rise in North Carolina having reached its highest level in more than 15 years. We are so grateful that the Hunger Challenge helps college students become informed leaders who are taking positive action to end hunger on their campuses and in communities across the state.

As part of the program, ECSU has selected Angel Sanchez, a junior studying aviation science, as its MVP Student Hunger Ambassador. Angel was chosen for his diligence and will lead the campaign with guidance from faculty/staff mentor, Barry McCauley, associate vice chancellor for Corporate and Foundation Relations. Participating schools receive marketing resources, an activity fund and ongoing support throughout the challenge. Upon completion, ambassadors receive a stipend in recognition of their leadership. Individuals interested in supporting the initiative can learn more at ecsu.edu.

Winners will be announced during a check presentation on Feb. 11, 2026, at the North Carolina Campus Engagement Pathways to Achieving Civic Engagement Conference, hosted at Elon University.

$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks.

About Food Lion

Food Lion is an omnichannel grocery retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. With a focus on hunger relief, Food Lion is a pioneer in food rescue. Since 2014, the companys hunger relief platform Food Lion Feeds has donated more than 1.5 billion meals to those who are food insecure. The retailer has committed to donate 3 billion meals by 2032. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.

North Carolina Campus Engagement

North Carolina Campus Engagement is a collaborative network of colleges and universities committed to educating students for civic and social responsibility, partnering with communities for positive change and strengthening democracy. Learn more at nccampusengagement.org

About ECSU

Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education. A constituent member of the University of North Carolina System, ECSU develops courageous, resilient, and empowered leaders through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. ECSU offers baccalaureate, professional, and master's degrees across various disciplines. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu.

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Elizabeth City, N.C.  Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15  Oct. 15, with The Lowriders Theme: Cars, Culture and Music. Professor of Music Douglas A. Jackson is spearheading the project, debuting two original compositionsthe title track The Lowriders Theme and Bouncing with My Friends, translated into Spanish as Rebotando con Mis Amigos.

Jackson collaborated with Gabriela de Villar, Ph.D., spanish language consultant and visiting professor of foreign language at ECSU, to highlight the cultural and musical traditions of lowrider communities. He said the music is designed to connect sound to story, capturing the spirit of a tradition that is both artistic and communal. Its not uncommon to see these beautiful, candy-painted rides out strolling low and slow for religious holidays such as Good Friday and Christmas or posted up at santuarios for weddings and christenings, he noted.

Lowriders, celebrated in Jacksons compositions, trace their roots to the post-World War II era. According to historians, exact origins are debated, with some pointing to Southern California, while others cite Tijuana, Texas or New Mexico. The style grew popular among young Chicanos who embraced the art of rolling bajito y suavecitolow and slow. Today, lowriders thrive in Espanola, Chimayo, Albuquerque and other New Mexico towns, as well as in California communities such as East LA, Compton and the Crenshaw district.

Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honors the history and culture of U.S. Latino and Hispanic communities. It began in 1968 as a commemorative week California Congressman George E. Brown introduced during a period of rising recognition for the contributions of Hispanic Americans. It later expanded into a monthlong celebration that continues nationwide.

Weaving music, culture and history, Jacksons project positions ECSU as part of the national tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the legacy of a movement that continues to live on through cars, culture and song. For more information on Jackson's project, contact him at dajackson@ecsu.edu or visit ECSU's Department of Music and Visual Arts.
OpenAI has disclosed that a now-banned account originating in China was using ChatGPT to help design promotional materials and project plans for a social media listening tool. OpenAI says that this work was purportedly done for a government client. The tool was a "probe" that could crawl social media sites like X, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok and YouTube for specific political, ethnic or religious content as defined by the operator. The company said it cannot independently verify if the tool was used by a Chinese government entity. OpenAI disrupted similar efforts earlier this year.

The company also says it banned an account that was using ChatGPT to develop a proposal for a tool described as a "High-Risk Uyghur-Related Inflow Warning Model" that would aid in tracking the movements of "Uyghur-related" individuals. China has long been accused of alleged human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in the country.

OpenAI began publishing threat reports in February 2024 , raising awareness of state-affiliated actors using large language models to debug malicious code, develop phishing scams and more. The company's latest blog post serves as a roundup of notable threats and banned accounts over the last quarter.

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The company also caught Russian-, Korean- and Chinese-speaking developers using ChatGPT to refine malware, as well as entire networks in Cambodia, Myanmar and Nigeria using the chatbot to help create scams in an attempt to defraud people. According to OpenAI's own estimates, ChatGPT is being used to detect scams three times as often as it is to create them. .
If youre in the market for a new camera, drone or accessories, Amazons October Prime Day is proving to be a particularly good time to shop. You can find deals from major brands including DJI, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Nikon and others. Youll also see discounts on important accessories like memory cards, backpacks and tripods from the likes of LowePro and SanDisk.

Many of these deals are on products that rarely go on sale, like DJI drones and Insta360 cameras, along with Canon, Nikon and Panasonic lenses. And youll see many products that appear in our most recent camera guide that are highly recommended by Engadget  so check that out as you add items to your cart. Now, dive in to see the best Prime Day camera deals you can find this week.

Best Prime Day camera deals

DJI Neo drone for $159 (20 percent off): The DJI Neo may be an inexpensive, beginner-friendly drone, but it has powerful features like subject tracking and quick shots. It can shoot video at up to 4K 30 fps and is quick and maneuverable, though it's also fairly loud. You can also grab one with three batteries and a charger for $229 (21 percent off).

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Polaroid Now 3rd-generation plus film for $136 (15 percent off): Polaroid is a name synonymous with instant cameras, and its Now model is the best choice for larger film. With this deal, you can grab one now with film for just $7 over the price of the camera without film.

DJI Osmo Action 4 for $229 (23 percent off): DJI's Osmo Action 4 is a solid deal at this price, as you're not giving up much in comparison to the most recent model, the Action 5. It has the same big 1/1.3-inch sensor that delivers excellent video quality, especially in low light. It also features a D-LogM profile to boost dynamic range, DJI's excellent clip-on mount and high-quality 4K 120p video.

DJI Mini 4K drone for $239 (20 percent off): The Mini 4K is a beginner-friendly drone, but it's still got plenty of nifty features. As the name suggests, it can capture 4K video at up to 30 FPS. It can also record 2.7K footage at 60 FPS. There's 2x digital zoom, a 3-axis gimbal and electrical image stabilization. The drone can transmit 1080p video from up to 10km away.

HoverAir X1 drone for $265 (34 percent off): The HoverAir X1 offers features like a folding, people-safe design, and up to 2.7K 30p HDR video. Unlike DJIs Flip, it can dodge obstacles while tracking people, making it slightly better for that purpose.

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DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for $269 (21 percent off): DJI's Osmo Action 5 Pro is a good alternative to GoPro's Hero 13 Black. It has a 1/1.3-inch sensor that makes it better than its rival in low light and rivals it in battery life as well with over two hours while shooting in 4K 60p. Another nice feature is 47GB of internal storage, something its main rivals lack. And the Osmo Action 5 Pro works directly with DJIs noise-cancelling Mic 2 and Mic Mini wireless microphones, providing an easy way to record high-quality sound.

GoPro Hero 13 Black for $359 (17 percent off): GoPros Hero 13 Black is now available with a new family of modular lenses called the HB series (ultra-wide, anamorphic and macro), making it far more versatile for action creators. It also has a slightly bigger battery that allows longer capture times, up to 90 minutes for 4K 30fps video. Other specs remain the same, including up to 5.3K at 60fps in 10-bit color, along with the excellent Hypersmooth stabilization. And if you want an even wider field of view, grab the Hero 13 Black Wide Edition for $329.

DJI Osmo 360 action cam for $413 (25 percent off): It took DJI awhile to get a panoramic action cam into the market, but the Osmo 360 was worth the wait. It stacks up well against its main rival, Insta360s X5, by offering better video quality in low light or high-contrast situations. Its also easy to use, offers good battery life and trumps its competition with a large amount of built-in storage.

Insta360 X5 action camera for $500 (9 percent off): The X5 has a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor compared to the X4's 1/2-inch sensor, ensuring more detail and a notable boost to low-light performance. Another key update is for PureVideo, allowing it work single lens mode rather than just in 360 mode as before.

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Sony ZV-1F for $498 (17 percent off): Sony's ZV-1F is designed purely for vlogging thanks to the fixed 20mm lens that works perfectly for self-filming. It uses a 1-inch sensor like other compacts in this series and supports 4K shooting at up to 30 fps, the same as the ZV-1, and 1080p at up to an impressive 120fps. It offers vlog-ready features like background defocus and product showcase.

Canon EOS R100 with RT-S18-45mm lens for $529 (15 percent off): Canon's EOS R100 is the only modern mirrorless camera you can get with a kit lens for under $600. It comes with a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor that delivers great picture quality with Canon's pleasing skin tones.

Canon EOS R50 with RF-S18-45mm lens $720 (18 percent off): Canon's 24-megapixel APS-C EOS R50 is great for travel, parties, street photography and more thanks to the portable size and built-in flash. It offers nice image quality with warm, human friendly photos and is capable for creators as well with 4K 30fps supersampled video, with 10-bit and HDR capability. It comes with a kit lens that's solid for vlogging or photography with a 24-70mm full-frame equivalent zoom range.

Panasonic Lumix S9 for $1,198 (20 percent off): The S9 may be Panasonic's smallest full-frame camera but it comes with the same 24MP sensor and similar video features to the popular S5 II. To that end, it offers up to 6.2K video, in-body stabilization and reliable autofocus. The key feature though is a special LUT button that lets you easily choose a custom cinematic look designed by professional creators.

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Panasonic S5 II for $1,498 (25 percent off): Its the companys first camera with hybrid phase-detect AF designed to make focus "wobble" and other issues a thing of the past. You can shoot sharp 4K 30p video downsampled from the full sensor width, or 4K 60p from an APS-C cropped size, all in 10-bit color. It even offers 5.9K 30p video. You also get a flip-out screen for vlogging and updated five-axis in-body stabilization thats the best in the industry. Photo quality is also good thanks to the dual-gain 24-megapixel sensor. The main drawback is the slowish burst speeds.

Sony A7 IV for $2,198 (19 percent off): Resolution is up considerably from the 24-megapixel A7 III to 33 megapixels, with image quality much improved overall. Video is now up to par with rivals with 4K at up to 60p with 10 bit 4:2:2 quality. Autofocus is incredible for both video and stills, and the in-body stabilization does a good job. The biggest drawback is rolling shutter that limits the use of the electronic shutter.

Panasonic S5 IIx with two lenses for $2,298 (22 percent off): The S5 IIx is identical to the S5 II except that it offers high bitrate Apple ProRes capture directly to an external SSD. This deal is ideal for creators who want to hit the ground running as it includes both a 50mm f/1.8 portrait lens and a 22-60mm zoom.

Nikon Z6 III for $2,397 (11 percent off): Nikon's Z6 III is the best hybrid mirrorless camera for the money, thanks to the incredible performance of the 24-megapixel partially stacked sensor. You can shoot RAW bursts at up to 20 fps in electronic shutter mode while nailing sharp shots thanks to the much-improved autofocus. On the video side, it supports 6K RAW at up to 60 fps, or 4K 120p. All of that makes it ideal for creators and photographers alike, with the only drawback being the reduced resolution.

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Sony A7R V for $3,798 (10 percent off): With a 61-megapixel sensor, the A7R V shoots sharp and beautiful images at a very respectable speed for such a high-resolution model (10 fps). It has equally fast and reliable autofocus, the sharpest viewfinder on the market and in-body stabilization thats much improved over the A7R IV. Video has even improved, with 8K and 10-bit options now on tap, albeit with significant rolling shutter

Best Prime Day camera lens and accessory deals

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Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck shared the spotlight once again  this time as friendly exes  at the New York City premiere of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" on Monday, October 6.

It marked their first public appearance together since finalizing their divorce earlier this year.

Lopez, 56, stars in the new musical film, while Affleck, 53, serves as an executive producer through his company Artist Equity, which he co-founded with longtime friend Matt Damon.

The two surprised fans when they appeared side by side on the red carpet, smiling and chatting as photographers captured the moment.

For the premiere, Lopez wore a sculptural white gown from Harris Reed's spring 2026 collection, her hair pinned back to highlight the statement design, People reported.

Affleck kept it classic in a navy blue suit and white shirt. The pair appeared relaxed and at ease, exchanging a few laughs before heading inside for the screening.

Before the film began, Lopez took a moment to acknowledge Affleck's role in bringing the project to life.

"Thank you so much, thank you everybody for being here tonight. Thank you, Ben  this movie wouldn't have been made without Ben and without Artist Equity," she told the crowd.

She later added, "I read the script in bed and was floored. I get to sing, I get to dance, I get to act  I get to be an old-time Hollywood movie star."

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunite at the NYC premiere of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN https://t.co/56ypDzLsBV  Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 7, 2025

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck Maintain Respect After Split

Affleck also spoke to reporters at the event, praising his ex-wife's performance. "She worked enormously hard," he said.

"You get to see all of her many gifts  she really does it all in this movie."

According to US Magazine, the actor and filmmaker shared that supporting creative risks was a major goal of his company, explaining, "We want to bet on great artists and give them the chance to show the world how magnificent they are."

The former couple's reunion comes months after their divorce was finalized in February 2025.

Lopez and Affleck rekindled their early 2000s romance in 2021 and married the following year, but separated in 2024, citing irreconcilable differences.

Despite their split, both have spoken openly about maintaining mutual respect.

Earlier this week, Lopez reflected on the emotional time she faced while filming the musical. "It was a really tough time," she said in an interview.

"Every moment on set, I was so happy, and then back home, it was not great. But you get through it, and it helped me grow in ways I needed to."

"Kiss of the Spider Woman," directed by Bill Condon and co-produced by Artist Equity, hits theaters on October 10.
Brazilian fashion blogger Adair Mendes Dutra Junior, more popularly known as Junior Dutra, passed away at the age of 31, allegedly due to complications arising from a controversial cosmetic treatment called the "fox eyes" lift.

The social media influencer died on October 3, a month after announcing in interviews that he had developed an infection related to the operation.

His friend Gean Souza confirmed his death to Brazilian publication Quem, accusing Dutra's health of deteriorating moments before his death.

During a Portuguese-language interview, Souza reported, "He became ill, felt very short of breath, and was taken to the nearest emergency room at a public hospital."

He continued, "He had been having infectious reactions and feeling discomfort since the procedure. Last Friday, the problem worsened."

The Daily Mail reports that Dutra underwent surgery in March under the guidance of Brazilian cosmetic expert Dr. Fernando Garbi.

In a September interview with "Feed TV," Dutra said he caught an infection following the procedure and was treated medically.

Through his attorney, Garbi denied the allegations, describing them as "false." His lawyer, Marcelo Cheli, issued a statement uploaded to Garbi's Instagram account, asserting that the accusations were made "by people eager for brief moments of notoriety."

READ MORE: Influencer Lola Doll Shot Multiple Times in Guyana, Remains in Critical Condition

"All legal measures, in the civil and criminal spheres, will be taken against the authors of the insults and slander," the statement continued, according to People.

The Daily Mail reported that the so-called "fox eyes" surgery  which raises the outer corners of the eyes to produce a sharp, angled appearance  has become popular among celebrities and influencers globally.

Dutra had allegedly filed a complaint with Sao Paulo authorities, accusing Dr. Garbi of illegal medical practice, bodily injury, and fraudulent misrepresentation.

"We still don't have the medical records with the cause of death," Souza said to Quem, stating that the family demands answers. "He was a very dear person. He still had many dreams to fulfill, he wanted to be closer to his family, to go abroad. What we want now is justice."

At the time of his death, Dutra had over 123,000 followers on Instagram and was popular for his classy fashion posts and innovative styling.

His last post featured a model wearing a striking red outfit, captioned: "Because attitude can also be worn  and today it comes in red."

READ MORE: Popular Nurse Influencer Dies During Childbirth 'After Years of Fertility Struggles': 'Her Spirit Will Live On Through Our Son'
Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team is asking a New York judge to move the rapper from Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center to a low-security prison in New Jersey, arguing it would better support his recovery and family connection.

The 55-year-old music mogul, who was sentenced to four years and two months for transporting former girlfriends for prostitution, is seeking placement at FCI Fort Dix.

His attorney, Teny Geragos, made the formal request to Judge Arun Subramanian earlier this week, according to TMZ.

Geragos said the transfer would "maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts," noting Combs' plans to participate in the Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program, or RDAP.

The request stated that the move would help him continue his recovery while also pursuing "any other available educational and occupational programs."

Combs told the court his time behind bars has been the first period of sobriety he's maintained in more than two decades. "I lost my way. I got lost in my journey. Lost in the drugs and the excess," he said during sentencing.

At Fort Dix, the RDAP program is a six to twelve-month counseling, educational, and structured-living program that targets drug addiction through complete recovery. Inmates who fulfill the program are eligible for a reduction of their sentence by one year, but not everyone is eligible for such a remission.

Federal prison consultant Sam Mangel told the Daily Mail the program is "intense," comparing it to Alcoholics

Anonymous, but added that Combs might not meet eligibility requirements because of his sex-related convictions. "People with sex charges like Diddy cannot get into that program," Mangel said.

Still, Geragos argued Fort Dix offers a safer and more rehabilitative environment than MDC Brooklyn, which Combs has described as "inhumane."

In a recent letter to the judge, he claimed the facility lacked clean water and that he feared for his safety. "The conditions that my actions have placed me in are inhumane," he wrote, adding that his confinement in the Special Housing Unit had pushed him toward personal reflection and sobriety.

Combs has spent 13 months in custody and is projected for release in November 2028. His lawyers are also appealing the conviction, arguing that the court misapplied certain charges during trial deliberations.

Donald Trump Says Diddy Asked for a Pardon

As the legal fight continues, President Donald Trump told reporters that Combs reached out to him for a pardon. "Puff Daddy has asked me for a pardon," Trump said from the Oval Office, according to ABC News.

Trump added that while he once had a friendly relationship with the rapper, "he was very hostile" when Trump ran for office.

Combs' legal team, including attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Brian Steel, confirmed they plan to appeal the conviction.

"We think we have a strong basis to appeal," Agnifilo said outside court, claiming the judge's remarks during sentencing conflicted with the jury's findings.

Reflections and Regret

In his letter to Judge Subramanian, Combs described his imprisonment as both punishment and awakening. "My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core," he wrote, per BBC. "The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn. Prison will change you or kill youI choose to live."

He acknowledged responsibility for his actions, referencing footage of him assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

"I was dead wrong for putting my hands on the woman that I loved," he said.

The disgraced mogul ended his plea with a request for leniency. "I ask you for mercy today, not only for my sake, but for the sake of my children," he wrote.

Originally published on Music Times
IRWIN, Pa.  Local beef belongs in local schools, according to Nichole Hockenberry, executive director of the Pennsylvania Beef Council.

That has been the mission of the non-profit organizations PA Beef to PA Schools program, launched in 2022, that connects Pennsylvania beef producers with schools to source nutritious, farm-fresh beef.

Last year, the program provided 120 school districts across the state with 133,000 pounds of beef. Its also been a benefit to farmers, giving them a steady market and fair price for their beef.

The economic dollar is staying localized, according to Jenn Logan, beef farmer at Logan Family Farms in Westmoreland County. Its helping support our farm and the companies and processors we pay to produce it, because we take the cattle to USDA-inspected facilities to get cut.

The program, however, is in jeopardy of losing momentum as the proposed state budget significantly cuts funding. The budget is also three months overdue, leaving the schools and producers involved waiting for whats next.

We cant fully launch the program because I dont know the fate of the funding, Hockenberry said. (But) people really believe in the program, enjoy the program, love the quality beef that theyre receiving and the story theyre able to tell. Ultimately, were feeding kids quality foods.

PA Beef to PA Schools

The idea for the PA Beef to PA Schools program was born in 2019, when Hockenberry and colleagues at the Pennsylvania Beef Council, the states beef checkoff program, started asking the question: How do we connect the local agriculture community to schools? Hockenberry said.

But, at the time, there were many obstacles in the way, including pricing, packaging, transporting and finding a beef producer that can fulfill a schools food needs  specifically larger school districts in more urban areas, Hockenberry said.

It really became evident that there were some barriers of entry for school districts that may have an interest in procuring local beef, Hockenberry said.

To fix this problem, Hockenberry started looking at states that had a similar program. Using them as a model, the Pennsylvania Beef Council developed a plan for the program in 2021 and, shortly after, received funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Agricultures Agricultural Promotion Matching Grant Program.

Through the PA Beef to PA Schools program, producers set the price of beef, and schools pay 50% of this cost, with the remaining 50% paid by state funding or grants.

The program officially launched in 2022, supplying 9,000 students from seven school districts in five counties with 6,410 pounds of beef. Last year, the program supplied beef to 220,000 students in 48 counties across Pennsylvania, covering 70% of the state.

The benefits

Logan Family Farms joined the program in fall 2024, supplying 700 pounds of beef to Hempfield and New Kensington school districts that year. The program has helped support the Logans 100-acre beef farm, which has been in Jenn Logans husband, Ben Logans, family since 1894.

But making money was never the focus, Logan said. (We wanted to) make it affordable for everyone, where we were able to make a little bit of money, but more so focus on just really being able to work with the community and providing them with a local product, she said.

The program has also helped educate students on where their food comes from. Its a great way for the kids to understand that (beef) just doesnt arrive on a tractor-trailer and fill the grocery stores. This program really helps educate the kids, Logan said. The stories that we heard from the school were just how excited (the kids were) anytime local beef was being served for lunch.

Bobbi Dunn, of Dunn Road Premium Beef in Crawford County, has continued to stay involved in the program for the same reasons: to support her local community. Dunn, who runs a 900-acre beef farm, started providing beef to Crawford County and Lawrence County schools in the fall of 2023.

According to Dunn, rural areas, in particular, are reaping the benefits of locally sourced beef.

We do have families that maybe struggle to go to the grocery stores and buy beef and buy good protein sources, Dunn said. So, if we could be involved in a way that would maybe help those kids have access to a really healthy, high-protein source of meat through the schools on a semi-regular basis, it is a great way to be involved in the community.

School districts involved in the program, like Uniontown Area School District, are seeing these benefits to students firsthand. Uniontown Area School District started receiving 300 pounds of beef each month from Happy Valley Meat Company in the spring.

The beef is easier for cafeteria workers to work with and is more nutritious than what the school was getting before, said Chuck Brown, food service director of Uniontown Area School District.

The fresh farm ground beef is a lot less fatty and a lot better for the kids than some of the commercial ground beef that is out there, Brown said.

Unfortunately, some school districts and farmers may not get to participate in the program anymore with proposed cuts in the 2025-26 Pennsylvania budget.

Budget cuts

Last year, the state budget included an additional $800,000 for the Agriculture Excellence Beef Line item, which helped expand and fund the program after it did not receive funds from the Agricultural Promotion Matching Grant Program.

The Pennsylvania Beef Council received $300,000 of this funding and, in one year, was able to grow the PA Beef to PA Schools program from serving 32 school districts to 120.

But the proposed 2025-26 budget does not include this funding. And with no funding yet from the state budget this year, Hockenberry says some school districts and farmers may not be able to participate.

The funding level will determine how many schools were able to do that cost share with, so ultimately, thats whats at stake right now, Hockenberry said. What does the funding look like, and how many schools can we help? Because there is still a large number of those school districts that simply could not afford beef at normal retail.

Already, the program is at a standstill. Only a handful of school districts have continued to source local beef for the fall school year, with the hope that funding will come before next semester.

Meanwhile, Uniontown Area School District has had to go back to buying commercial ground beef  a lower quality beef compared to U.S. Department of Agriculture or local beef.

We cant even get USDA ground beef, Brown said, because theres not enough inventory for him to get beef delivered to his schools.

Hockenberry says the program will happen one way, shape or form, noting that she has applied for other grants, but they do not tally up to the same amount of funding as last year.

Although the future of the program is uncertain, many farmers and school districts remain committed to staying involved. Both Dunn and Logan, who are waiting for their school districts to receive funding to rejoin the PA Beef to PA Schools program, plan on participating again once funding is available.

Brown is also making future plans. He hopes to work with Hockenberry to supply beef from farms closer to Uniontown and is spreading the word to other school districts.

Ive turned a couple of the neighboring school districts onto the program, and theyre going to sign up as well as soon as the budget is passed, said Brown.

(Liz Partsch can be reached at epartsch@farmanddairy.com or 330-337-3419.)
Farmers have raised alarm after the Welsh government confirmed that European beavers will gain full legal protection as a native species, despite concerns about farmland flooding and crop damage.

Beavers will now be given European Protected Species status, making it illegal to deliberately harm them or destroy their habitats.

The decision brings Wales into line with England and Scotland, where the animals are already recognised as a protected native species.

While environmental groups have welcomed the move, farmers and landowners fear unmanaged beaver populations could block drains, flood productive fields and add to the pressures already facing rural businesses.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will still require licences for any wild beaver releases and will hold powers to issue management licences where needed.

Scientific evidence shows beaver dams slow river flows, create natural flood defences and trap sediment, filtering out pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from farm runoff.

Supporters say this helps improve river quality and reduce the impact of extreme weather events. But farm groups argue the same dams can also back up water onto fields, affecting crops and grazing ground.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, described the move as a big step forward for nature in Wales.

He said the country faces both climate and nature emergencies, and that government must do everything in our power to help nature thrive.

He stressed that the policy would follow a collaborative, evidence-led approach, and confirmed the creation of a Wales Beaver Forum to address concerns around potential species impacts, land use and water systems.

Mary Lewis, head of natural resource management policy at NRW, said beavers were once a central part of native wildlife in Wales, shaping river and wetland ecosystems in ways that benefited many other species.

She explained that their activities create rich, diverse habitats and deliver environmental gains such as better water quality and reduced flood risk, achieved by slowing the flow of rivers.

She added that reintroducing beavers can make our environment more resilient and healthier at a time when natural resources face growing pressures.

Legal protection, she said, was an important step forward and NRW now looks forward to working with the Welsh government and stakeholders to support the managed reintroduction of beavers.

The new Wales Beaver Forum will meet for the first time in November, bringing together stakeholders to address land management and farming concerns alongside environmental opportunities.

Farm groups have called for safeguards to ensure their voices are heard, with clear management plans and intervention licences available where beaver activity threatens farmland.

They insist that protections must not come at the expense of food production or rural livelihoods.
Up to 40% of veterinary medicine pack sizes could vanish from Northern Ireland by 2026 unless urgent action is taken to reinstate them in the Windsor Framework.

The Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) is calling on the UK government to align veterinary medicines with human medicines in the Windsor Framework.

It follows manufacturer announcements suggesting that nearly two-fifths of products available to Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) in Northern Ireland could disappear from the market.

While government estimates put the overall reduction at 1015% of authorised medicines, AHDA says the impact on pack sizes within the SQP sector is far greater.

The association, which represents animal health product distributors and producers across the UK, has raised concerns about the effect on animal health and welfare, particularly for farm livestock and companion animals.

From January 2026, veterinary medicines will require separate authorisations for Great Britain and Northern Ireland. AHDA warns that this will restrict access to smaller, more affordable pack sizes that are critical for Northern Irelands predominantly small and medium-sized farms.

Without them, farmers could be forced to buy larger packs, increasing costs and the risk of antimicrobial resistance  or, in some cases, leaving animals untreated.

Bryan Lovegrove, AHDAs chief executive, said recent figures from manufacturers had raised alarm bells. He warned: This will leave Northern Ireland animal owners at a complete disadvantage, unsupported, and lacking access to the products that are available across the rest of Great Britain.

He stressed that the problem was not caused by manufacturers but by policy. What is important is to encourage manufacturers to share as much detail as they can about the impact on pack sizes to help build as full a picture as possible.

AHDA argues that the burden will fall disproportionately on SQPs, who are responsible for prescribing around 80% of POM-VPS, NFA-VPS and AVM-GSL products in Northern Ireland, worth an estimated 35 million annually. Unlike vets, SQPs cannot use the cascade system to import alternatives.

Lovegrove warned that if SQPs lose access, Northern Irelands overstretched veterinary sector would struggle to cope. The already stretched vet sector in Northern Ireland has reported to AHDA that they will not cope with an increased workload to replace the prescribing currently undertaken by the SQP sector.

The association has written to MPs and peers urging them to act, warning that without changes, animal health, public health, and food security could all be undermined.

AHDA says delay risks creating a two-tier system that disadvantages Northern Ireland farmers and animal owners, while leaving animal welfare out of the control of farmers, vets and SQPs, whose hands will be tied.
Way back in the late Middle Ages, a Brother Jakob is said to have invented Maultaschen at the Maulbronn Monastery in Swabia, Southwest Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded by Cistercian monks in 1147. The word Maultaschen translates to mouth pockets, though the Maul could refer to the place Maulbronn itself.





Squarish dumplings that could be either served in broth or pan fried, Maultaschen are often described as the German version of the ravioli we know from Italy.



The story goes that they were created as a way to use up an unexpected windfall of meat that Brother Jakob found in the forest outside the walls of the monastery. Unfortunately, it turns out that the monks were not allowed to eat the meat of four-legged animals especially during Lent  the Catholic period of fasting before Easter. So the brother allegedly attempted to hide the forbidden feast from his fellow monks  and, yes, even from the eyes of God  by mincing the meat with onions and herbs and wrapping it into pasta dough parcels. In fact, Herrgottsbescheierle  one of the colloquial names for the dumplings in Swabia  is very telling: it means little God-cheaters.







There are different versions of the legend, and different versions of Maultaschen themselves  especially of the filling, called brat. Traditionally made with pork mixed with onions, herbs, and sometimes breadcrumbs for added texture and stability, the recipe was adapted since Swabia often had a shortage of meat. The locals pivoted by using fish and vegetables such as carrots, beets, spinach, and mushrooms as the filling.



So popular, in fact, are these dumplings that Maultaschen have been tied to Swabia with a Protected Geographical Indication. While Germans across the nation all enjoy the dumplings via packaged varieties from the supermarket, Maulbronn Monastery runs a special tour that pairs them with wine from its own vineyards, and locals mark special occasions by making them from scratch.



FYI, the singular form of Maultaschen is Maultasche.



Images: Shutterstock



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Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar's Santosh, that earned international acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 (Un Certain Regard), will now reach audiences for the very first time. The film is all set for its digital debut this month.





Directed by Sandhya Suri and produced by Good Chaos, Cinefrance Studios, and MetFilm Production, Santosh stars Shahana Goswami in a blistering lead role, alongside Sunita Rajwar as Inspector Geeta Sharma. What begins as the story of a widow stepping into her late husbands police uniform soon unravels into a searing investigation that exposes not only a brutal crime but the fault lines of caste, gender, and power in rural India.

She is assigned to the investigation of a Dalit teenagers rape and murder. Partnered with Inspector Sharma, Santosh is forced to navigate a landscape where evidence is buried under prejudice, power shields perpetrators, and the law bends in the direction of those who write it.





It will be released on October 17 on Lionsgate Play. Santosh was the UK's official entry to the Oscars 2024 but its release was blocked in India by the Central Board of Film Certification over concerns about its portrayal of violence in the police force, misogyny, and Islamophobia.

Talking about Santosh, Shahana Goswami said, "Santosh is a film that is very close to my heart. A beautifully written story, depicted truthfully, holding up a mirror to us of the world we live in, that we have all helped create. Sandhya Suri, the writer and director, has crafted something so meaningful and touching. The film has been shown all over the world, starting its journey at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024, and has been greatly appreciated by critics and the public alike. All the actors in Santosh are brilliant, but I will especially speak of Sunita Rajwar, who has done an excellent job playing a very complex character. It was a joy working with her and watching her become Geeta Sharma. You will see her in a completely new avatar. I cannot wait for everyone in India to finally be able to watch the film."





Also Read: Exclusive: Certain Kind of Control Gets Exerted - Shahana Goswami on Censorship of Santosh
Dacoit was supposed to hit the screens on December 25, 2025 but the film is likely to be postponed

Dacoit release postponed!

Directed by Shaneil Deo, Dacoit follows the story of an angry convict seeking vengeance against his former girlfriend who betrayed him

Adivi Sesh recuperating

The demanding nature of filmmaking can sometimes lead to injuries that test actors endurance and spirit. And injuries on film sets are inevitable, despite taking all the precautions and safety measures! Adivi Sesh reportedly sustained an injury on the sets of his upcoming film Dacoit. The actor was shooting for an intense action sequence, and the incident seems to have happened recently.Adivi Seshs film Dacoit was supposed to hit the screens on December 25, 2025. The film was one of the most-anticipated films given his credibility as an actor and the films striking visuals in the promo. But due to the injury, the schedule for filming Dacoit has been revised. While the exact nature of the injury remains undisclosed, we have learnt that Sesh suffered the injury while performing an action sequence. The makers have a good amount of shooting to be completed, but in the larger interest of the actors safety, they have reportedly decided to postpone the release.A source close to the unit confirmed the incident, highlighting the risks involved in such demanding action sequences. In an attempt to push his physical limits to create a compelling performance, Sesh injured his left leg. The injury happened on the sets of Dacoit in Hyderabad. The actor is presently recuperating. Well, the glitz and glamour of the big screen often mask the gruelling realities behind the scenes. What say, eh!Directed by Shaneil Deo, Dacoit also stars Mrunal Thakur and Anurag Kashyap as an antagonist. The film follows an angry convict seeking vengeance against his former girlfriend who betrayed him. The film is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the violence that drives and shows how ordinary people became an outlaw. An explosion of guns and roses, betrayal and trust, and, above all, love and loss. An intense action drama with a beating heart, is how the filmmakers described Dacoit.
Regulatory News:

Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY) (Paris: COTY) ("Coty") today announced the pricing of $900.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.600% Senior Notes due 2031 (the "Notes") to be issued by Coty and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, HFC Prestige Products, Inc. and HFC Prestige International U.S. LLC (collectively, the "Co-Issuers" and together with Coty, the "Issuers") in connection with the Issuers' previously-announced private offering. The offering of the Notes is expected to close on or around October 15, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

For so long as the Notes maintain investment grade ratings from at least two of three ratings agencies, the Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Issuers and will not be guaranteed by any of Coty's subsidiaries. If, and for so long as, the Notes no longer have investment grade ratings from at least two of three ratings agencies, the Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each of Coty's subsidiaries (other than the Co-Issuers) that guarantee, and will be secured by first-priority liens on the same collateral that secures, Coty's obligations under its existing senior secured credit facilities.

The Issuers intend to use the proceeds from the offering of the Notes, together with cash on hand, to redeem all of Coty's outstanding 5.000% senior secured notes due 2026 (the "5.000% Senior Secured Notes") and a portion of Coty's outstanding 3.875% senior secured notes due 2026 (the "3.875% Senior Secured Notes"), in each case at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date, including to pay fees and expenses related thereto. The Issuers will use cash on hand to pay the offering expenses payable by them in connection with the offering of the Notes.

The Notes are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, this press release does not constitute a notice of redemption with respect to the 5.000% Senior Secured Notes or the 3.875% Senior Secured Notes.

About Coty Inc.

Founded in Paris in 1904, Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies with a portfolio of iconic brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. Coty serves consumers around the world, selling prestige and mass market products in over 120 countries and territories. Coty and its brands empower people to express themselves freely, creating their own visions of beauty; and we are committed to protecting the planet.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

The statements contained in this press release include certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Section 27A of the Securities Act and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect Coty's current views with respect to, among other things, the expected timing for the closing of the offering of the Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by words or phrases, such as "anticipate," "are going to," "estimate," "plan," "project," "expect," "believe," "intend," "foresee," "forecast," "will," "may," "should," "outlook," "continue," "temporary," "target," "aim," "potential," "goal" and similar words or phrases. These statements are based on certain assumptions and estimates that Coty considers reasonable, but are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Coty's control, which could cause actual events or results (including Coty's financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects) to differ materially from such statements, including the Issuers' ability to consummate the offering of the Notes on a timely basis and on terms commercially acceptable to Coty, or at all, and other factors identified in "Risk Factors" included in Coty's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release, and Coty does not undertake any obligation, other than as may be required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking or cautionary statements to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of events, unanticipated or otherwise, or changes in future operating results over time or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251005677130/en/

Contacts:

For more information contact:

Investor Relations

Olga Levinzon +1 212 389-7733

olga_levinzon@cotyinc.com

Media

Antonia Werther +31 621 394495

antonia_werther@cotyinc.com
Scottsdale, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2025) - Drop Cowboy, a leading communications technology provider specializing in ringless voicemail and voice broadcasting, today announced the official launch of Drop Cowboy Version 2, a major platform upgrade that delivers enhanced speed, expanded integrations, and new mobile capabilities for business users.

Version 2 introduces significant technical improvements designed to help organizations manage large-scale voicemail, SMS, and voice broadcast campaigns with greater efficiency and compliance.

Major Platform Upgrade for Scalable Communications

Drop Cowboy Version 2 represents a complete modernization of the company's communication infrastructure. The update includes:

Enhanced delivery engine that improves message throughput and processing speed, allowing organizations to reach larger audiences in less time.

that improves message throughput and processing speed, allowing organizations to reach larger audiences in less time. Expanded CRM and marketing integrations , including improved compatibility with popular CRM platforms.

, including improved compatibility with popular CRM platforms. Upgraded reporting and analytics , providing real-time visibility into campaign performance and delivery status.

, providing real-time visibility into campaign performance and delivery status. Refined user interface , streamlining navigation and reducing setup time for campaign deployment.

, streamlining navigation and reducing setup time for campaign deployment. Advanced security measures, including new authentication protocols and data-handling improvements to meet evolving compliance standards.

These updates are intended to support enterprises, small businesses, nonprofits, and developers seeking more reliable and flexible ways to manage high-volume communication.

Drop Cowboy Rolls Out Version 2 Platform with Enhanced Performance and Mobile Features

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/268107_634d51c794dd7aa0_002full.jpg

Focus on Industry Use Cases

Organizations across multiple industries rely on voicemail and voice broadcast tools for time-sensitive communications. Version 2 was designed with these diverse use cases in mind:

Healthcare providers can send appointment reminders, vaccination notices, and emergency alerts to patient lists securely and at scale.

providers can send appointment reminders, vaccination notices, and emergency alerts to patient lists securely and at scale. Educational institutions can deliver schedule changes, parent notifications, and community updates quickly and efficiently.

can deliver schedule changes, parent notifications, and community updates quickly and efficiently. Retail and e-commerce businesses can distribute seasonal promotions and shipping updates to large customer segments simultaneously.

businesses can distribute seasonal promotions and shipping updates to large customer segments simultaneously. Nonprofits can send fundraising appeals and volunteer updates without overextending limited staff and resources.

can send fundraising appeals and volunteer updates without overextending limited staff and resources. Real estate agencies can automate follow-ups, property announcements, and open house invitations.

The new platform improvements allow these organizations to handle higher message volumes with greater speed and reliability, while maintaining compliance with telecommunications regulations.

Expanded Mobile Capabilities

Version 2 also includes an upgrade to Drop Cowboy's mobile applications for iOS and Android. Users can now create, manage, and monitor campaigns directly from mobile devices with improved responsiveness and new features designed for teams working remotely or in the field.

Mobile access supports campaign setup, delivery tracking, and account management, allowing users to run time-sensitive outreach efforts without being tied to a desktop environment.

Strengthened Compliance and Security

Telecommunications and privacy regulations continue to evolve rapidly. Drop Cowboy Version 2 includes expanded compliance tools to help organizations navigate these requirements confidently.

Key enhancements include:

Improved opt-out handling , ensuring recipients have clear and accessible ways to manage communications.

, ensuring recipients have clear and accessible ways to manage communications. Detailed delivery reporting , providing transparent records for regulatory review.

, providing transparent records for regulatory review. Updated authentication protocols, helping protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.

"Our priority with Version 2 was to build on the reliability our clients expect while delivering meaningful upgrades in compliance and security," said Ryan Gentry, Co-Founder and CEO of Drop Cowboy. "Organizations depend on us to deliver critical messages at scale, and this platform update ensures they can do so with greater efficiency and confidence."

Availability

Drop Cowboy Version 2 is now available to all new and existing customers. Current users will receive the upgrade automatically, while new customers can access Version 2 by signing up through the company's website. Full documentation and support are available to assist with onboarding and integration.

For additional information, visit DropCowboy.com.

About Drop Cowboy

Drop Cowboy is a U.S.-based communications technology company that provides voicemail, voice broadcasting, and SMS tools for businesses, nonprofits, and organizations of all sizes. Its platform enables users to deliver messages directly to voicemail inboxes without ringing the phone, helping organizations communicate efficiently and respectfully. Drop Cowboy's technology is used across industries including healthcare, retail, education, real estate, and nonprofit sectors.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/268107

SOURCE: Plentisoft




NEW YORK, NY, Oct 7, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - Catalyst Now, a worldwide movement of social innovators spanning 156 countries and more than 6,170 members, today announced the launch of the Social Innovation House Talks (SIH Talks) at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.The purpose of SIH Talks is to lift up the experience of local changemakers, cultivate alliances across diverse communities, and strengthen bridges between civil society, philanthropy, business and government. The conversations will address urgent global priorities?from mental health and migration to sustainable industries and gender equality?linking local innovations with international decision-makingCo-created by Catalyst Now, the initiative in UNGA is powered by ecosystem partners including Echoing Green, General Atlantic Foundation, Greater than Equal, Myriad USA, Aid for Life, Caring for Colombia, Crisis Text Line, Ecoinno, East Side Institute, FIT, Pace University, Soydoy, Tinker Foundation, Crisis Text Line and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.As part of SIH Talks, Catalyst Now unveiled its 2024 Collective Impact Report during the United Nations General Assembly. The report captures the collective progress of more than 6,170 members representing more than 4250 organizations and over 75 active collaborations across 156 countries, showcasing how grassroots innovations are achieving systemic transformation. Highlighting stories from local changemakers, data-driven results, and new multi-stakeholder partnerships, the report reflects the growing momentum of the movement."This year's report is a demonstration to the power of collaboration, it reveals how communities, social innovators, and partners are addressing root causes, shifting systems, and accelerating change at scale. That's why is crucial to share it at UNGA 2025 because this is more than a diplomatic gathering; it is an opportunity to place community voices at the center of global dialogue," said Gaby Arenas de Meneses, Co-Chief Facilitator of Catalyst Now. "By amplifying innovators' perspectives, mobilizing new models of collaboration, and advancing impact, SIH Talks are building the cross-sector approach that lasting change requires.""Social innovation flourishes when purpose meets power," said Cheryl Dorsey, President of Echoing Green. "SIH Talks creates a rare space where lived experience drives the agenda, ensuring that solutions shaped in communities have the reach and visibility to influence global policy.""The arrival of SIH Talks at UNGA signals a turning point," said Fredrik Galtung, Co-Chief Facilitator of Catalyst Now. "By bringing innovators to the center of the multilateral stage, we?re shifting from conversation to concrete action?and demonstrating that systemic solutions are already within reach."Catalyst Now will be hosting a series of events - you can find the full list here.About Social Innovation HouseLaunched in the heart of Davos's Promenade in January 2025, the Social Innovation House has become a catalyst for global transformation?where groundbreaking solutions scale, visionary leaders find community, and world-changing ideas come to life. Throughout the week in Davos, we hosted 39 sessions with 149 speakers, engaging nearly 2,000 participants from around the world, including corporate leaders, social entrepreneurs, impact investors and policymakers.About Catalyst NowCatalyst Now is a dynamic global movement of social innovators transforming systems and driving sustainable change to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals worldwideCo-founded in 2019 and launched at Davos 2020 by members of prestigious organizations including Ashoka, Echoing Green, the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, and the Skoll Foundation, the initiative was initially incubated by One Family Foundation with support from Panorama Global. It has since grown into an impactful network of more than 6,170 members dedicated to systemic transformation.Through bold collaborations across sectors, we connect, empower, and amplify local and regional initiatives, creating spaces where innovative solutions emerge and scale to address the world's most pressing social challenges. By partnering with communities, governments, businesses, and funders, we implement sustainable solutions that create a more equitable and thriving future for all. Learn more and become a member.If you should have any questions or need to contact anyone in charge of the event please do not hesitate to contact:Catalyst Now SecretariatCorina WallisNew York, New YorkEmail: corina@catalystnow.netSource: Catalyst NowCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
CITY OF MELBOURNE (dpa-AFX) - Rio Tinto, Mitsui, and Nippon Steel have committed a combined investment of US$733 million, with Rio Tinto contributing US389 million, to develop the West Angelas Sustaining Project, part of the Robe River Joint Venture in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The project has received all required approvals from State and Federal Government authorities. Rio Tinto said that the initiative will unlock new iron ore deposits within the West Angelas hub, preserving its annual production capacity of 35 million tonnes and extending mining operations well into the future. It will utilize existing processing infrastructure and involve the construction of new non-process infrastructure precincts and 22 kilometres of haul roads. Ore from the new deposits will be transported autonomously to the hub, with first production expected in 2027. Approximately 600 jobs will be created during the construction phase, and the project will support around 950 full-time equivalent roles once operational. This development is part of Rio Tinto's broader tranche of replacement projects in the Pilbara, which collectively aim to maintain a total production capacity of approximately 130 million tonnes per annum. In addition, progress continues on the pre-feasibility study for Rhodes Ridge, an undeveloped iron ore deposit targeting up to 40Mtpa in initial capacity, with first ore anticipated by 2030. The Robe River Joint Venture is owned by Rio Tinto (53%), Mitsui Iron Ore (33%), and Nippon Steel (14%). 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.
The companies' five new virtual power purchase agreements will reduce emissions across the food sector and bring solar energy to Europe's most carbon-intensive grid

Two leading global food companies, Mars and Cargill, announced they are spurring the development of more than 224MWac* of new renewable energy capacity through five virtual power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Poland. The PPAs were signed with GoldenPeaks Capital, one of Europe's fastest-growing independent producers of renewable energy.

This collaboration builds on Mars and Cargill's existing work on renewable energy, and reflects an innovative approach to supplier-customer engagement on climate action. The companies signed what is believed to be the largest multi-buyer renewable energy agreement in Poland and the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region, which is Europe's most carbon-intensive grid.

"These solar PPA agreements will create new solar projects that enable Mars to reduce and eliminate its current scope 2 electricity emissions in Poland and also a portion of our scope 3 emissions as part of our Renewable Acceleration program where Mars is driving progress on renewable electricity in our value chain," said Kevin Rabinovitch, Global VP of Sustainability at Mars. "Having a supplier like Cargill also working directly on its electricity use complements our approach. In Poland, by aggregating with our supplier, we gained scale and delivered a huge win for both of our organizations as we join forces to advance our individual companies' climate goals."

GoldenPeaks Capital will develop the new solar projects, which are expected to come online in 2027 and generate enough clean energy to power an estimated 200,000 households every year. 3Degrees, a leading global climate solutions provider, facilitated the agreements on behalf of Mars and Cargill.

"We're proud to collaborate with Mars on this unique partnership," said Christina Yagjian, Senior Director, Global Renewable Energy at Cargill. "Beyond lowering procurement costs and reducing emissions, this work deepens our commercial relationship and shows how partnership across the value chain can drive meaningful climate action."

This effort demonstrates how supplier-customer partnerships can drive emissions reductions at scale and accelerate progress toward shared climate goals offering a replicable model for the broader food and agriculture sector.

Adriano Agosti, Founder and Chairman of GoldenPeaks Capital, said: "The PPA agreements with Mars and Cargill highlight our partnership-driven approach, delivering complex, high-value energy solutions, further driving decarbonisation across the region."

"We applaud Mars and Cargill's leadership with the signing of these PPAs," added Tyler Espinoza, Global Head of Power Markets at 3Degrees. "They are setting an excellent example of how companies and their suppliers can effectively collaborate to make forward progress in their collective decarbonisation goals. We need more organisations to follow in their footsteps and make similar moves to collaborate and accelerate meaningful climate action."

*MWac (megawatts alternating current) measures the usable electricity delivered to the power grid.

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life's essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing-today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As an approximately $55bn family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, CESAR, DOVE, EXTRA, M&M's, SNICKERS and BEN'S ORIGINAL. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA and ANICURA span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles-Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom-inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

About GoldenPeaks Capital

GoldenPeaks Capital is a company specializing in the construction and operation of solar systems and one of the largest photovoltaic system owners in Poland and Hungary, with over 15 years of experience in structuring energy projects worldwide. In addition, GPC is a pioneer in the introduction of new technologies in Eastern Europe with various BESS PV pilot projects in Poland and Hungary. GoldenPeaks Capital will further increase the pace of shaping the industry of renewable energies in Eastern Europe by applying the seamless integration of all sectors of GPC, such as project development engineering, financing structuring, supply chain management, construction commissioning, asset operations, and commercial energy sales among others, ensuring an invaluable alignment of methodologies, ethics and goals. GoldenPeaks Capital has been awarded for its green commitment, receiving the highest sustainability quality score (SQS1) from Moody's for their green bond framework.

About 3Degrees

3Degrees is a leading global climate solutions provider, pioneer of environmental markets, and Certified B Corporation with offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. Our work is driven by the need for urgent climate action and has been for nearly 20 years. We deliver a full suite of clean energy and decarbonization solutions to help global Fortune 500 companies, utilities, and other organizations achieve their climate goals and address emissions in the fight against climate change. The 3Degrees team brings a commitment to integrity and deep expertise in climate strategy and implementation across scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions, including global environmental commodities, renewable energy and carbon project development, and supply chain decarbonization. We help develop and deploy impactful climate solutions that make good business sense and advance an equitable transition to a low-carbon future. Learn more at 3Degrees.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251006920124/en/

Contacts:

Rachel Fagan, rfagan@3degrees.com, 512.791.2083
SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global rise of AI Data Centers is driving an unprecedented demand for power-dense computing, making advanced liquid cooling not merely an option, but a critical path forward. KSTAR, a global leader of data center infrastructure, announced the official launch of its new-generation Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU), a core product of its LiquiX liquid cooling portfolio. This CDU solution is designed to address the surging demand for high-density computing and green infrastructure.

Relying on CDU Liquid Cooling Solution to focus on four core breakthroughs:

1. High-density Heat Dissipation

With the rapid rise of AI computing and high-density servers, traditional air cooling has reached its limits. KSTAR CDU uses advanced liquid cooling technology, provides full-chain natural cooling up to 600kW, achieving 400% higher heat dissipation per unit area and 600% higher energy efficiency compared to traditional air cooling.

2. Flexible Deployment

With both rack-mounted and standalone CDU options, KSTAR enables scalable deployment across single-cabinet, row-level, and multi-row configurations. Operators can customize cooling strategies based on different AI workloads and infrastructure needs.

3. Zero Risk of Leakage

KSTAR's CDU products utilize a fully compatible design and multiple protection technologies to create a highly reliable fluid safety system. Seals, wetted filters, and pipe contact surfaces are fully compatible with the fluid, fundamentally eliminating the risk of leakage caused by material corrosion.

4. Lower TCO, Higher Reliability

By minimizing electricity consumption and extending IT equipment lifespan, the CDU offers a low total cost of ownership (TCO) - a key demand in data center markets. The CDU incorporates redundant design for uninterrupted operation, intelligent monitoring, and remote operations management across global sites.

"With the debut of our CDU solution, KSTAR is setting a new standard for liquid cooling in high-density data centers," said KSTAR CTO. "Our solution is designed to meet the diverse needs of the global market."

The launch of KSTAR's CDU empower digital transformation while driving sustainable development. Through continuous innovation, KSTAR is reshaping the future of sustainable computing power and building a stable, reliable energy foundation for the intelligent world.

About Kstar

Shenzhen Kstar Science & Technology Co.,Ltd(Stock Code: 002518)

Founded in 1993, a leading brand in power electronics and new energy fields, with a profile of data center critical infrastructure, modular data center solutions, PV solutions and energy storage solutions.

Official website: http://www.kstar.com

Any product inquiry: https://www.kstar.com/service/online.html

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kstar-unveils-new-generation-cdu-liquid-cooling-solution-to-empower-ai-data-centers-302576544.html
SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Verkada, a pioneer in cloud-based physical security , today announced a strategic partnership with Simac , a trusted IT service provider in the Benelux. Through this partnership, Verkada's integrated platform will be added to Simac's technology portfolio, expanding access to modern, data-driven security solutions across the region.

"Simac's local expertise and long-standing customer relationships make them a strong partner as we continue to grow across Europe," said Ben Watkin, Director of Channel Sales, EMEA at Verkada. "Our EMEA customer base has grown nearly 50% year-over-year - a clear sign that demand for simple, scalable, cloud-based solutions is accelerating. Together with Simac, we'll help more organizations modernize legacy systems and gain real-time operational insights"

Simac is known for working with innovative technology providers that help customers operate more efficiently. Adding Verkada's platform - which brings video security, access control, air quality sensors, and workplace tools into a single cloud-managed system - is a logical next step in delivering solutions that are powerful, yet easy to use.

"Many organizations in the Benelux are rethinking outdated infrastructure, and cloud adoption is a key part of that shift," said Peter Plaum, Director New Business at Simac. "What we value in Verkada is not just the technology, but the shared mindset: customer-first, agile, and committed to solving problems through innovation. That makes Verkada a strong cultural and strategic fit for Simac."

With use cases spanning retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries, Verkada brings more than physical security - its intelligent platform helps organizations drive efficiency, reduce costs, and uncover new operational insights. Features like Heatmaps , people counting, and POS integration enable faster investigations, smarter resource planning, and more informed decisions.

For Simac, which supports customers across a broad range of sectors, Verkada offers a modern solution that aligns with evolving IT strategies: cloud-first, software-driven, and built for scale. The result is a flexible, future-ready platform that helps businesses become not just more secure, but more connected and data-informed.

For more information on Verkada's products and the impact they are delivering to businesses, learn more here .

About Verkada

Designed with simplicity in mind, Verkada's six product lines - video security cameras , access control , environmental sensors , alarms , workplace , and intercoms - provide unparalleled building security through an integrated, cloud-based software platform. Over 30,000 organizations across 93 countries worldwide, including 96 of the Fortune 500, trust Verkada as their physical security layer for easier management, intelligent control, and scalable deployments. For more information, please visit www.verkada.com .

About Simac

Simac is a proven IT Service Integrator with over 50 years of experience with HQ in Veldhoven (Netherlands) and a strong Benelux and European focus. Their wide portfolio covers IT solutions from cloud, security and connectivity to more industry specific solutions like Retail and Healthcare. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Simac strives to deliver top-notch solutions that empower businesses and drive growth.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1640210/image0_ID_16ac0026ee69_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/verkada-partners-with-simac-to-create-smarter-safer-and-more-connected-businesses-in-the-benelux-302576208.html
ISLAMABAD and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MindHYVE.ai, a global leader in agentic artificial intelligence and autonomous reasoning systems, is proud to announce its collaboration with the Government of Pakistan to support the implementation of the newly approved National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025.

Prior to the policy's cabinet approval, MindHYVE.ai was invited to provide technical input and advisory feedback during the review phase. The company's recommendations focused on areas such as policy structure, institutional design, and ethical AI governance. This collaborative engagement reflects MindHYVE's ongoing commitment to supporting evidence-based, inclusive, and future-ready AI policymaking across emerging economies.

Following the policy's approval by Pakistan's Federal Cabinet in July 2025, MindHYVE is working closely with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and other national stakeholders. The collaboration focuses on AI education, workforce transformation, governance innovation, and responsible adoption frameworks aligned with Pakistan's long-term digital vision.

Accelerating National AI Transformation Through Public-Private Collaboration

MindHYVE's involvement exemplifies how global expertise and local vision can converge to build sustainable AI ecosystems. By combining its technological innovation with Pakistan's strategic priorities, MindHYVE is helping to translate the policy's framework into measurable outcomes that drive human progress, digital inclusion, and ethical advancement.

"We believe Pakistan's National AI Policy represents a milestone for the region," said Bill Faruki, CEO & Founder of MindHYVE.ai. "It reflects a commitment to inclusive, transparent, and forward-looking innovation. MindHYVE is honored to contribute to this effort and to help make its vision a reality through practical, scalable AI deployment."

Key Areas of Collaboration

AI in Education - Building an AI-Literate Generation



Through its educational technology division Ava-Education, LLC, MindHYVE is partnering with educational and government institutions to deploy its flagship ArthurAI Virtual Learning Platform across schools, universities, and professional training programs.



This initiative supports the policy's target to train one million AI-ready individuals by 2030 by delivering AI literacy, digital skills, and ethical AI training to learners and educators nationwide.



Additionally, MindHYVE's affiliated organization - the California Institute of Artificial Intelligence (CIAI) - will collaborate on the localization of global learning frameworks such as The Dawn Directive, ensuring accessibility, cultural relevance, and compliance with Pakistan's educational objectives.



Workforce Transformation and Upskilling



MindHYVE will support the Government of Pakistan's goal of workforce modernization through AI-powered professional development and retraining programs. These initiatives are designed to build national capacity in AI operations, data governance, and responsible innovation, enabling both private and public sectors to transition effectively into the intelligent economy.



Using MindHYVE's Ava-Fusion reasoning model, these programs will offer personalized, adaptive learning experiences and analytics to help organizations measure learning impact and productivity growth.



Applied AI for Governance and Public Systems



MindHYVE is also contributing frameworks for AI in governance, helping government agencies design intelligent, transparent, and ethical systems for decision-making and citizen engagement.



By integrating AI responsibly into public administration, MindHYVE aims to improve efficiency, data-driven policymaking, and service delivery - aligning directly with the policy's emphasis on trustworthy, human-centered AI.



"Implementation is where vision turns into impact," the company added.

"Our approach focuses on enabling people and institutions - not just deploying technology. This is how AI becomes a force for national development."

Pakistan's Leadership in South Asia's AI Policy Landscape

With the National AI Policy 2025, Pakistan joins a select group of South Asian nations - including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka - that have introduced comprehensive national frameworks for AI ethics, innovation, and capacity building.

Pakistan's policy sets ambitious national goals, including:

Training 1 million AI professionals by 2030

Establishing AI innovation and venture funds

Launching 1,000 local AI products and 50,000 civic AI projects

Creating AI regulatory directorates and Centers of Excellence

Advancing ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI ecosystems

These initiatives position Pakistan as a regional AI frontier, combining technological ambition with strong governance and ethical safeguards.

About MindHYVE.ai

MindHYVE.ai is a U.S.-based artificial intelligence company pioneering agentic AI systems, autonomous reasoning architectures, and domain-specific AGI agents across education, healthcare, finance, legal, and technology sectors.

Through its R&D division Hyve Labs, MindHYVE develops adaptive AI ecosystems powered by its proprietary Ava-Fusion reasoning model - enabling human-AI collaboration, ethical automation, and scalable transformation across industries.

MindHYVE's global operations span the United States, Pakistan, and Africa, with active investments in AI infrastructure, education, and public-private innovation. The company's mission is to advance human capability through responsible and inclusive AI, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for progress rather than displacement.

Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email:hello@mindhyve.io | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668

Media Contacts

Marc Ortiz

Email: marc.ortiz@mindhyve.io

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GENEVA, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Passengers are living digital-first lives. They manage their finances, health, and mobility from their phones. But when it's time to fly, they're still asked to queue, print, and repeat. This shift represents a major opportunity for the aviation industry, according to The Travelers' Voice, SITA's latest Passenger IT Insights 2025 report, which highlights a clear opening for the sector to catch up.

The report channels the voices of more than 7,500 real passengers, surveyed at airports in 25 countries around the world, just before takeoff and right after landing. These are authentic, in-the-moment insights from people living the journey. And they're speaking up: they want air travel to match the pace of their lives.

Passengers' demands are clear: they want journeys that are simple, trusted, and sustainable. Simplicity means shorter waits, seamless intermodal trips, and real-time updates they can manage from their phones. Nearly two in three say they want faster airport processing, while 42% want a single ticket covering air, rail, and road. Mobile is already the hub, with usage up 20 points since 2020. And digital-first generations, now the main driver of growth, are setting the baseline for what travel must deliver next.

"Passengers aren't resisting change. They've already changed," said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA. "They've gone digital. Now it's our turn. The future of travel isn't just about adding tech. It's about removing friction."

Biometrics and digital IDs used to feel futuristic. Now? They're expected. Most passengers today prefer biometric gates over staffed counters. Nearly 80% are ready to store their passport on their phone. Two-thirds would pay for that convenience. And globally, digital identity adoption is set to surge from 155 million users today to 1.27 billion by 2029.

And it's not just about convenience. Sustainability is no longer a side note. Nearly 90% of passengers would pay more to reduce emissions. Many would fly slower or pack lighter to cut their footprint. They also want the industry to match that commitment with real tangible action.

Trust is now a measurable factor in travel choices. Even baggage, once the biggest pain point, is evolving. Mishandling rates are at historic lows, yet 78% of passengers would still pay for end-to-end baggage services. Why? Because trust matters. And they want that trust to extend across modes, with 70% planning at least one intermodal trip this year.

"We're asking passengers to adapt to travel," Lavorel added. "But they're asking travel to adapt to them and the tools are here - biometrics, digital IDs, real-time data, and smarter baggage."

Travelers' Voice, SITA Passenger IT Insights 2025 is part of SITA's IT Insights series, alongside the Air Transport and Baggage reports. With over a decade of data, these reports are the global benchmark for tracking how passenger expectations are shifting and what the industry must do to keep pace. Together, they show a clear picture: passengers aren't waiting for travel to catch up. They are already living digital-first lives, and they expect aviation to deliver the same seamless, trusted, and sustainable experiences.

Find the report here: https://www.sita.aero/resources/surveys-reports/passenger-it-insights-2025/

Contact: media.relations@sita.aero



About SITA

SITA is the air transport industry's tech engine, making travel safer, easier, and more sustainable for everyone. From the earliest days of commercial aviation to today's digital frontiers, SITA has been there, connecting the industry and helping it evolve through every leap forward.

With around 2,500 customers, SITA technology supports over 1,000 airports and more than 19,600 aircraft worldwide. It also helps over 70 governments strike the balance between secure borders and seamless journeys. Behind the scenes, SITA bridges 45-50% of the industry's data exchange, enabling a highly complex global network to operate smoothly and reliably, every step of the way.

SITA is transforming fast. From advanced self-service and operations control to airport design and digital borders, we're shaping the next generation of travel through key acquisitions like Materna IPS, ASISTIM, and CCM. We're also expanding beyond aviation with initiatives such as SmartSea, bringing our trusted technologies to cruise, rail, and urban air mobility.

This transformation is about more than new products. We're investing in the right skills, tools, and partnerships to help the industry move with greater intelligence and agility, bringing together smart systems, seamless data, and sustainable innovation. Because as global travel surges, flow is everything.

As part of our bold climate strategy, SITA is cutting emissions by 4.2% each year and targeting net zero by 2050. Our science-based targets are validated by the SBTi, and our growing portfolio is helping customers reduce their own carbon footprints too.

Owned by the industry and driven by its needs, SITA operates in more than 200 countries and territories.

Find out more at www.sita.aero
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.
Thales' solution is the first quantum-resistant smartcard in Europe to receive high-level security certification, underscoring its commitment to staying ahead of emerging cyber risks in the quantum era.

The certified product integrates innovative cyber mechanism into a smartcard format-ideal for applications that demand strong future-proof identity protection, such as electronic ID cards , health cards, and driving licenses.

It is ready for real-world deployment, providing governments and institutions with a secure foundation for next-generation identity solutions.

As quantum computing evolves, many of today's cryptographic methods will no longer be secure, since quantum computers will be able to solve complex mathematical problems much faster than classical computers. A recent Gartner report* says "By 2029, advances in quantum computing will make conventional asymmetric cryptography unsafe to use." Thales has spent years investing in post-quantum cryptography to ensure critical systems stay safe in the future.

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 Sanna Liimatainen Thales

By becoming the first company worldwide to receive high-level Common Criteria1 certification for a quantum-resistant smartcard, Thales will help government services protect sensitive data-such as those on ID cards, health cards, and driver's licenses-and ensure that citizens' identities are secure against emerging quantum threats.

The innovative smartcard ('MultiApp 5.2 Premium PQC'), developed by Thales and certified by the French Cybersecurity Agency (Agence nationale de la securite des systemes d'information ANSSI), uses advanced digital signature designed to resist attacks, even from powerful quantum machines. It's the first of its kind to be certified at such a high security level (EAL 6+2) under the Common Criteria framework. The certified product also features new Digital Signature Algorithms3 standardised by the American NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology. These specific signature algorithms are powerful cryptographic tools used to verify that data or a digital message really comes from the right sender and has not been altered.

From an end-user perspective, nothing changes: citizens will continue to use their cards as usual. What's revolutionary is what's inside. The card uses a new generation cryptographic signature designed to withstand the immense computing power of tomorrow's quantum computers. This ensures that sensitive personal data remains protected not just today-but well into the future.

"This first certification for a solution incorporating post-quantum cryptography reflects ANSSI's commitment to supporting innovation, while upholding the highest cybersecurity standards. The joint work of Thales, CEA-Leti IT Security Evaluation Facility, and ANSSI is a strong signal that Europe is ready to lead the way in post-quantum security, enabling organisations and governments to deploy solutions that anticipate future risks, rather than waiting for quantum computers to become mainstream." Franck Sadmi, Head of National Certification Center, French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI).

"This certification is a landmark moment not only for Thales but for the entire digital security ecosystem. It shows that future-proof cybersecurity is no longer a concept-it's a reality. By achieving the highest level of security for a quantum-resistant smartcard, Thales is paving the way for trust in tomorrow's civil identities. We're proud to lead this crucial transformation."Nathalie Gosset, VP Identity Biometric Solutions at Thales.

1 An international standard confirming the product meets strict security requirements.

2 The Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) is an international scale used to measure the robustness of IT security. It ranges from EAL1 (basic tested) up to EAL7 (the highest, formally verified level). An EAL6+ certification means the product has been tested and proven to provide very high security against sophisticated attacks, suitable for critical applications like government, finance, and defense.

3 FIPS 204 is a new U.S. government standard that defines a digital signature algorithm designed to remain secure even in the age of quantum computers. It is a foundation for digital integrity of things like secure transactions, ID documents, software updates, or electronic contracts. FIPS standards are published and approved by NIST (the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology) and are widely recommended and adopted across industries worldwide, especially in sectors like government, defense, finance, and digital technology.

Gartner, Postquantum Cryptography: The Time to Prepare Is Now!, Mark Horvath et al., 1 July 2024

The Gartner content described herein (the "Gartner Content") represents research opinion or viewpoints published, as part of a syndicated subscription service, by Gartner, Inc. ("Gartner"), and is not a representation of fact. Gartner Content speaks as of its original publication date (and not as of the date of this PR), and the opinions expressed in the Gartner Content are subject to change without notice.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group invests more than 4 billion per year in Research Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of 20.6 billion.

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Thales Group

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Contacts:

PRESS CONTACT

Thales, Media Relations CYBER DIGITAL

Vanessa Viala vanessa.viala@thalesgroup.com
Tacton, the global leader in CPQ Buyer Engagement solutions for complex manufacturers, announced today the acquisition of Variantum, a Finnish software company specializing in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM), Configurable Order Fulfillment (COF), and Configured Installed Base (CIB). The move expands Tacton's platform beyond Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) into engineering, order fulfillment, and service, creating the most complete end-to-end platform for manufacturers of configured products.

Tacton has also acquired Serenytics, a French-based analytics provider. With Serenytics embedded, the platform now delivers near real-time enterprise insights analytics into buyer behavior, product performance and lifecycle profitability giving manufactures a single source of truth to make every decision accurate, profitable and data-driven.

Closing the Gaps in Manufacturing

Manufacturers of complex, customized equipment have long been held back by disconnected processes and siloed data. Sales, engineering, and production often operate in separate systems with conflicting information that results in quoting errors, costly engineering handovers, margin erosion, and late deliveries.

"With Variantum, we are solving one of manufacturing's most critical challenges: connecting what is sold with what is engineered, built, and delivered," said Klaus Andersen, CEO of Tacton. "For the first time, manufacturers can unify the entire lifecycle within one platform, ensuring accuracy, speed, and profitability from start to finish."

Connecting the Lifecycle from Design to Delivery

Founded in 2005 in Espoo, Finland, Variantum brings deep expertise in lifecycle-wide configuration. Its products help manufacturers:

Ensure lifecycle integrity with a single source of truth for configurability across engineering, sales, and production with Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM).

with a single source of truth for configurability across engineering, sales, and production with Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM). Deliver profitably with automated, order-specific manufacturing BOMs, optimized routing, and traceable change management with Configured Order Fulfillment (COF).

with automated, order-specific manufacturing BOMs, optimized routing, and traceable change management with Configured Order Fulfillment (COF). Grow beyond the initial sale with Configured Installed Base management that enables upgrades, service, and compliance across the product lifecycle (CIB).

"Variantum was built to connect engineering, sales, and production into one seamless flow," said Hanna Kemppainen, CEO of Variantum and now SVP Executive Projects. "By joining Tacton, we can now bring that vision to global scale. Together, we are enabling manufacturers to sell it right, build it right, and deliver it right every time."

Seamless Intelligence Across the Lifecycle

While Variantum brings lifecycle and fulfillment, Serenytics ensures every stage is optimized by data. The acquisition embeds advanced analytics directly into the platform, giving manufacturers near real-time visibility into buyer behavior, product performance, and lifecycle profitability, without reliance on external BI tools.

"Manufacturers don't just need more data. They need the right insights at the right time," added Andersen. "With Serenytics, Tacton provides a single source of truth across the lifecycle, helping teams make faster, smarter, and more profitable decisions."

"Serenytics was founded to put data directly in the hands of decision-makers," said Adrien Auclair, founder of Serenytics and now Software Architect at Tacton. "With Tacton, we're embedding that vision inside one of the most powerful Buyer Engagement Platforms in complex manufacturing."

Creating the Buyer-Centric Smart Factory

The combined capabilities advance Tacton's vision of the Buyer-Centric Smart Factory. Recognized as the global leader in CPQ for complex manufacturing, Tacton has already transformed how manufacturers configure complex products and increase revenue. With the addition of Variantum and Serenytics, Tacton can now extend across the entire lifecycle. Manufacturers can now:

Gain Control of Product Configurability: Create a single source of truth for configurability across the lifecycle, connected to revisions of the product architecture and bill of materials, with full transparency in Sales and Order Fulfillment.

Create a single source of truth for configurability across the lifecycle, connected to revisions of the product architecture and bill of materials, with full transparency in Sales and Order Fulfillment. Sell Faster: Empower sales teams to deliver accurate, compelling proposals without engineering bottlenecks. Bring solutions to life with advanced visualization that allows buyers to experience products virtually in their own environment.

Empower sales teams to deliver accurate, compelling proposals without engineering bottlenecks. Bring solutions to life with advanced visualization that allows buyers to experience products virtually in their own environment. Deliver a Better Buyer Experience: Put customer needs first by creating a simple, intuitive, and engaging buying process that strengthens trust and loyalty.

Put customer needs first by creating a simple, intuitive, and engaging buying process that strengthens trust and loyalty. Build Profitably: Ensure every order is manufacturable and margin-protected through a seamless flow of validated configuration data.

Ensure every order is manufacturable and margin-protected through a seamless flow of validated configuration data. Deliver Beyond the Sale: Unlock service, upgrades, and lifecycle insights for stronger customer relationships.

Unlock service, upgrades, and lifecycle insights for stronger customer relationships. Decide Smarter: Use embedded analytics to turn lifecycle data into actions and accelerate growth.

Under the leadership of newly appointed CEO Klaus Andersen, Tacton is executing a clear strategy to expand beyond CPQ and lead the industry in not only buyer engagement but also in smart factory. Andersen is accelerating innovation by uniting sales, engineering, order fulfillment, and aftermarket into one platform. These strategic investments position Tacton as the only provider delivering an end-to-end Buyer Engagement Platform that connects every stage of the lifecycle and powers it with real-time insights.

"These acquisitions mark a bold step forward," concluded Andersen. "Our customers have told us they need more than CPQ. They need a connected flow that ensures what is sold can be built, delivered, and serviced profitably. The Buyer-Centric Smart Factory is our answer a complete platform where every step is aligned, every margin protected, and every outcome powered by data."

Learn more about how Tacton is redefining buyer engagement with Variantum and Serenytics.

About Variantum

Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Variantum specializes in configuration solutions for complex manufacturing. Its product portfolio includes Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM), Configurable Order Fulfillment (COF), and Configured Installed Base Management (CIB). Variantum has served global manufacturers such as KONE, Abloy, and Chiller, helping them connect engineering, sales, and production processes into one seamless flow.

About Serenytics

Serenytics is a SaaS data visualization platform that enables advanced dashboard creation in just a few clicks, with no need for developers. It supports connecting data via CSV, API, SQL, or data warehouses, handling small to very large datasets. Founded in France in 2015, Serenytics makes complex data usable and shareable across teams and systems.

About Tacton

Tacton is a leading SaaS company, redefining CPQ buyer engagement for manufacturers of complex configurable products. By streamlining the buyer journey, Tacton empowers manufacturers to accelerate go-to-market strategies, increase sales, and build brand loyalty. Trusted since 1998 by global leaders such as ABB, Daimler, MAN, Scania, Siemens, Xylem, and Yaskawa, Tacton continues to drive innovation in manufacturing. The company is co-headquartered in Chicago and Stockholm, with regional offices in Karlsruhe, Warsaw, Helsinki, Paris and Tokyo. Learn more at tacton.com.

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Gail Scibelli

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Addition of Europe's largest dropshipping platform delivers deep technology expertise and expanded supplier network

NEW YORK and READING, United Kingdom, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Logicbroker, whose Intelligent Commerce Network powers some of the world's largest retailers, today announced the acquisition of UK-based online retail technology leader, Virtualstock.

Virtualstock was established in 2004 and processes more than 8 million orders annually, with a GMV (gross merchandise volume) of more than 2 billion ($2.7 billion). Its dropship and curated marketplace platform powers online commerce for some of the UK's largest and most trusted brands, including Aldi, Argos, B&Q, Currys, and John Lewis. Virtualstock provides retailers with seamless supplier onboarding and product induction. In addition, Virtualstock's Supplier Hub connects suppliers directly with buyers at major retailers.

Bringing these businesses together will create a new global leader that the world's largest retailers and brands can work with to support their multi-party commerce orchestration needs. Combined, they will form one of the largest international dropship supplier networks with more than 15,000 retail and brand partners worldwide, with a GMV of over $13 billion. Logicbroker will continue to invest in Virtualstock, enabling it to maximize growth and deliver next-generation agentic commerce technology to UK brands and retailers.

"We first began talking with Virtualstock when we partnered on a multinational retailer deal, and as the conversations continued, it became clear that we could do so much more as a united entity," said Omar Qari, CEO of Logicbroker. "Virtualstock doesn't just bring deep technical expertise and an impressive customer portfolio; it also greatly enhances our ability to serve the largest enterprise retailers and brands in the world."

"Logicbroker is a clear leader in multi-party commerce technology, and its pioneering role in helping retailers adapt to changing consumer and business shopping behaviors will be vital for us as we enter a new phase in Virtualstock's journey," said Ed Bradley, Founder and CEO of Virtualstock. "I'm excited to work with Omar and his team as we continue to support retailers and suppliers across our customer base, and I look forward to us being able to further expand our reach as part of the Logicbroker organization."

The global dropshipping market is estimated to reach more than $1.2 trillion by 2030 according to industry analysts*.

*Source: GrandView Research - Dropshipping Market (2025-2030)

About Logicbroker

Logicbroker is the Agentic Commerce Orchestration Engine for enterprise retailers, brands, suppliers, and distributors, transforming LLM searches into storefronts. Our Intelligent Commerce Network connects every supplier, store, and 3PL to any webstore, marketplace, and LLM. Trusted by global leaders like Samsung, Walgreens, and Home Depot, Logicbroker powers $10+ billion in GMV by automating the entire end-to-end process from discovery to doorstep and stock to dock. We ensure our clients' products are discoverable, shoppable, fulfillable, and returnable, giving them the control to grow faster, delight customers, and achieve operational excellence.

About Virtualstock

Virtualstock is the range extension platform behind leading UK retailers including Aldi, Argos, B&Q, Currys, and John Lewis. Our platform enables blue-chip retailers to establish a one-to-many connection with their suppliers, simplifying and enhancing the profitability of ecommerce operations. With over 10 years of expertise, Virtualstock empowers organizations to dramatically increase online sales revenue, reduce operational costs and deliver a better customer experience with tailored and customer-centric curated marketplace and dropship solutions.

Contact: Tim Wheatcroft, twheatcroft@logicbroker.com

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PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Factory orders from Germany and house prices from the UK are the top economic news due on Tuesday. At 2.00 am ET, Germany's Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, will release factory orders data for August. Orders are forecast to grow 1.2 percent on a monthly basis, in contrast to the 2.9 percent decrease in July. This data will provide insights into the health of the German manufacturing industry. In the meantime, Halifax will publish its UK house price index for September. Economists forecast house prices to grow 2.2 percent year-on-year, maintaining the same pace as in August. At 2.45 am ET, France's customs office publishes foreign trade data. The trade deficit is seen narrowing to EUR 5.2 billion in August from EUR 5.6 billion in July. Additionally, France's current account data will also be released. 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.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the publishing industry, from content creation to sales forecasting. For publishers, this means greater efficiency, shorter time-to-market, and deeper insights into a manuscript's potential.

BearingPoint has launched BookInsight by DemandSens, a groundbreaking AI solution that revolutionizes how publishers, editors, and agents analyze and prepare manuscripts for the market.

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BearingPoint has launched BookInsight by DemandSens, a groundbreaking AI solution that revolutionizes how publishers, editors, and agents analyze and prepare manuscripts for the market.

BookInsight instantly interprets manuscripts and generates actionable insights such as summaries, character sheets, reader segmentation, sales potential assessments, and even cover design prototypes. By automating these traditionally time-consuming steps, the solution frees publishing professionals to focus on creativity and strategic decision-making.

Marc Hispa, Partner at BearingPoint, comments:

"Over the past four years as a Partner at BearingPoint, I've seen how deeply the publishing industry is looking for ways to combine creativity with data-driven decision-making. With BookInsight, we bring AI directly to the heart of publishing the manuscript helping professionals instantly uncover its creative and commercial potential. The aim is not to replace editorial expertise, but to amplify it: giving editors, agents, and publishers more time to focus on what truly matters bringing powerful stories to readers."

Frank Duscheck, Partner at BearingPoint, adds:

"We have already made a name for ourselves by revolutionizing the book market's supply chain with AI from accurate sales forecasts for unpublished titles to optimized print planning and smart POS allocation. With BookInsight, we are taking a decisive step forward: We enable publishers to make data-driven decisions at a much earlier stage. This allows them to identify trends more quickly, promote innovative titles more effectively, and adapt their programs more flexibly to market needs. BookInsight thus becomes a strategic tool for sustainable success in the digital age."

BookInsight bridges gap between editorial vision and commercial insight

What makes BookInsight different is its industry-specific intelligence. Unlike generic AI tools, it combines natural language processing with book market data to provide not only text analysis but also insights into commercial potential, comparable titles, and ready-to-use marketing assets. This integration of creative and commercial insights makes it a true co-pilot for editors.

In daily workflows, BookInsight supports evaluation, enriches metadata for improved discoverability, generates book descriptions and cover prototypes, and provides clear, actionable insights for editorial meetings. The result: less time spent on repetitive tasks and more time for creativity.

As part of the DemandSens modules, BookInsight complements existing AI solutions that forecast book sales, optimize production, and accelerate decision-making across the publishing value chain. With this launch, BearingPoint strengthens its role as a trusted partner for publishing companies navigating digital transformation.

Looking ahead, BearingPoint sees AI not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a catalyst for it. In the coming years, AI will help publishers make faster, more informed decisions, personalize marketing to readers, and take more risks on diverse voices as evaluation and go-to-market processes will become more efficient and cost-effective.

BearingPoint will present BookInsight live at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, taking place from October 15-19, at Hall 4.0 Booth H36. There, BearingPoint experts will demonstrate the solution and discuss how AI is shaping the future of publishing.

About BearingPoint

BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach that transforms businesses using technology intelligently. The firm operates across three core units: Consulting, Products, and Capital. Its Consulting services focus on selected areas, combining business and technology expertise with profound industry knowledge. The Products unit provides IP-driven solutions and managed services for business-critical processes. Capital delivers deal advisory and transaction services. In addition to its core operations, BearingPoint runs two joint ventures: Arcwide, a JV with IFS, which specializes in business transformation based on IFS technology, and BearingPoint North America, a JV with ABeam, which is dedicated to consulting excellence and business transformation built on SAP.

BearingPoint serves many of the world's leading companies and organizations. Together with its strategic alliance partner ABeam Consulting, the firm brings together 15,000 professionals and supports clients in over 70 countries, delivering seamless business transformation with sustainable impact.

BearingPoint is a certified B Corporation, driven by a strong sense of purpose today and into the future.

For more information, please visit:

Homepage: www.bearingpoint.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint

DemandSens: demandsens.ai

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Contacts:

Press contact

Alexander Bock

Global Senior Manager Communications

Telephone: +49 89 540338029

Email: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com
Starting October 7, Tineco Offers Powerful Cleaning Devices with Up to 34% Off, Perfectly Combining Design and Functionality

For Amazon Prime Day 2025, households can look forward to smart, stylish cleaning: Tineco is offering its most innovative devices at exclusive special prices. In the spotlight are the highlight products FLOOR ONE S9 Artist, FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam, FLOOR ONE STRETCH S6, PURE ONE S70, and the intelligent carpet cleaner CARPET ONE Cruiser. From cordless freedom and intelligent iLoop sensors to powerful steam and suction performance and fully automatic self-cleaning, Tineco combines cutting-edge technology with elegant design to deliver thorough cleaning on all floor types. The Prime Day deals make it easy to secure the perfect cleaning device for every household and start the autumn season sparkling clean.

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Elevate Your Home This Prime Day with Tineco's Stylish Cleaning Innovations

Prime Day Deals at a Glance:

FLOOR ONE S9 Artist: 569 (MSRP 799)

FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam: 589 (MSRP 699)

FLOOR ONE STRETCH S6: 329 (MSRP 499)

PURE ONE S70: 399 (MSRP 499)

CARPET ONE Cruiser: 529 (MSRP 699)

Extra Savings: Customers can receive an additional discount of up to 5% on the Prime Day promotional price using the code TINECOPBDG.

FLOOR ONE S9 Artist: Style Meets Cleaning Intelligence

The FLOOR ONE S9 Artist combines elegant design with advanced technology, making it a standout for design-conscious households. Equipped with iLoop sensors, powerful suction, and an intuitive LED display, it provides full control over the cleaning process at all times. Its slim design, combined with SmoothDrive movement technology, enables highly flexible handling with 360 maneuverability, while the ergonomic handle and balanced weight ensure comfortable operation. Maximum hygiene is guaranteed by the integrated self-cleaning system: thanks to 85C FlashDry technology, brush rolls are automatically washed and dried-clean, convenient, and always ready to use.

Prime Day price: 569 on Amazon a 29% saving.

FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam: Steam for a Sparkling Performance

The FLOOR ONE S7 Stretch Steam brings powerful steam cleaning to homes in a sleek, elegant design. Its innovative 180 lay-flat mechanism reaches even hard-to-access areas with ease. The combination of hot steam and strong suction provides hygienic deep cleaning without additional chemicals. iLoop smart sensors automatically adjust suction power and water flow based on dirt levels, enhancing both efficiency and convenience. An integrated self-cleaning function ensures the S7 Stretch Steam is ready for the next use quickly and easily.

Prime Day price: 589 on Amazon a 16% saving.

FLOOR ONE STRETCH S6: Compact Power for Maximum Flexibility

The FLOOR ONE STRETCH S6 combines a slim design with advanced technology. Its 180 lay-flat design and ultra-low profile (only 13 cm high) allow thorough cleaning under low furniture and in hard-to-reach areas. Integrated iLoop smart sensors detect dirt levels in real-time and adjust suction and water flow automatically for optimal results with minimal effort. Lightweight construction, a convenient self-cleaning function, and small footprint make the STRETCH S6 ideal for modern urban apartments and design-conscious households.

Prime Day price: 329 on Amazon a 34% saving.

PURE ONE S70: Cordless Cleaning with Style

The PURE ONE S70 combines powerful suction with an elegant, modern design. As a cordless premium vacuum, it offers maximum flexibility and comfort thanks to its lightweight construction. Intelligent sensors adjust suction automatically based on dirt levels, saving energy and extending runtime. With a battery life of up to 70 minutes, it is perfect for thoroughly cleaning larger spaces. The smart LED display provides constant updates on battery level, cleaning mode, and maintenance notifications. The PURE ONE S70 is both a technical highlight and a stylish statement for design-conscious households.

Prime Day price: 399 on Amazon a 20% saving.

CARPET ONE Cruiser: Deep Cleaning for Carpets

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About Tineco

Tineco (/'t?nko?/) was founded in 1998 with its first product launch as a vacuum cleaner and, in 2019, pioneered the first-ever smart vacuum. Today, the brand has evolved into a global leader in intelligent appliances spanning floor care, kitchen, and personal care categories. With a growing user base of over 19.5 million households and availability in approximately 30 countries worldwide, Tineco remains committed to its brand vision of making life easier through smart technology and continuous innovation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007419466/en/

Contacts:

silvia.shi@tineco.com
How can companies with promising science secure the capital they need to develop drugs

What does pharma need to fill their pipelines as they look to negotiate looming patent cliffs

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Optimum Strategic Communications (Optimum), the specialist life sciences communications consultancy, will be hosting its 17th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference on Thursday 9 October 2025 at The Kings Fund, in Cavendish Square, London.

In a year marked by health policy shifts and market turbulence, the life sciences sector has faced relentless disruption and uncertainty. The theme for this year's conference is resilience. Industry leaders and expert commentators will discuss how companies with promising science can secure the capital they need to develop the drugs that pharma companies need to fill their pipelines as they look to negotiate looming patent cliffs.

Returning to this year's event - by popular demand - is Optimum's 'Investor speed dating' morning, which brings together exciting early-stage companies and leading life sciences investors.

Mary Clark, CEO of Optimum Strategic Communications, commented: "Despite the tough market conditions we have witnessed during the past year, many companies are still growing. Over the last year, Optimum has advised on 28 financing rounds, 33 deals, and over 50 clinical milestones.

"It is now more vital than ever that companies sharpen their narratives to ensure their unique stories really stand out and clearly communicate their differentiation. Laying the groundwork now will position companies to be investment-ready when the market does rebound and capital starts to flow back into innovation again.

"During Optimum's conference, panellists will discuss the most effective exit strategies, while the next generation of venture capitalists will talk about how they are reshaping the life sciences landscape, and industry experts will explore how to navigate challenging market conditions and provide insights into what lies ahead as we look forward to 2026."

For this year's conference, Optimum has selected Brain Tumour Research as its featured charity. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Yet just 1% of the UK's national spend on cancer research is allocated to this devastating disease - a proportion that has remained essentially the same since the start of the century. Attendees will hear how this charity is working to increase UK investment into brain tumour research, with the ultimate goal of finding cures for all types of brain tumours.

To find out more about Optimum's 17th Annual Healthcare Investor Conference, please visit: IR Conference 2025 - Optimum Strategic Communications

About Optimum Strategic Communications

Optimum Strategic Communications is an international specialist life sciences communications consultancy which advises on strategic investor relations, corporate and financial communications. Our senior team of healthcare specialists, based in London, Amsterdam, New York, Stockholm, San Diego, San Francisco and Zurich, are experienced and trusted advisors to some of the world's most exciting public and private companies, both large and small, across pharmaceuticals, biotech, medtech, health tech, healthcare services and industrial biotechnology.

Our team has worked with over 400 healthcare companies, advising them on financial communications and investor relations, including major corporate activity such as fundraising, IPOs, M&A, as well as corporate reputation and crisis scenarios.

We have an exceptional network of contacts across the international investment community in Europe and the US; contacts we have built and maintained over the last three decades. The Optimum team includes ex-fund managers and analysts, as well as financial and corporate communications specialists.

For more information, please visit www.optimumcomms.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/optimum-strategic-communications-to-host-17th-annual-healthcare-investor-conference-302576070.html
- EMERALD Chief Investigator Prof. Jonathan Fallowfield will present the poster on study design

- EMERALD is a multicentre Phase I/II study evaluating Resolution's Regenerative Macrophage Therapy RTX001 in patients with end-stage liver disease taking place in the UK and Spain

- First patient dosed successfully, and safety cleared at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

EDINBURGH, Scotland and LONDON,/PRNewswire/ -- Resolution Therapeutics Ltd ("Resolution" or "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering Regenerative Macrophage Therapy (RMT) in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, today announces the presentation of the study design for its EMERALD Phase I/II clinical trial at the British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) annual meeting 2025. The conference is taking place in Belfast, Northern Ireland, between 7-10 October 2025.

Professor Jonathan Fallowfield, Chair of Translational Liver Research and Principal Investigator at the University of Edinburgh, Honorary Consultant Hepatologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, will present a poster detailing the study design for the Phase I/II EMERALD study of RTX001, a novel autologous engineered macrophage cell therapy. The study is a multicentre, single-arm, first-in-human, open-label study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RTX001 in patients who have had hepatic decompensation. Prof. Fallowfield is the Chief Investigator of the EMERALD study and a member of Resolution's Scientific Advisory Board.

Poster Presentation Details:

Title: An Open-label Phase 1/2 Multicentre Study to Evaluation the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of RTX001 Autologous Macrophages in Participants with Liver Cirrhosis who have Hepatic Decompensation (EMERALD)>

Paper Reference: P68

Presenting Author: Professor Jonathan Fallowfield, University of Edinburgh

Date/Time: 8 October 2025, 6:00pm - 8:00pm BST

The study is fully open to recruitment following the recent announcement of the first patient dosed at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. The study is being conducted at leading hepatology centres across the UK and Spain and will enrol up to 25 patients.

Dr Clifford Brass, Chief Medical Officer at Resolution Therapeutics, said "EMERALD is the first study where engineered Regenerative Macrophage Therapy is being evaluated in humans with advanced liver fibrosis. We are delighted to share the study design and fully open enrolment in this study for these patients, who have a high risk of mortality and severely limited therapeutic options."

Dr Faisal Sheikh, medical director at Resolution Therapeutics, is also attending the conference. Please reach out to set up a meeting to learn more about EMERALD.

Additional information on the Phase I/II EMERALD study can be found on www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT identifier NCT06823713 and on the British Liver Trust website.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Resolution Therapeutics

Resolution Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on pioneering regenerative macrophage therapy in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. The Company leverages its proprietary platform to develop macrophages with pro-regenerative properties for superior patient outcomes. Resolution's initial focus is on developing RTX001, its lead product with first-in-class potential supported by preclinical data demonstrating anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory advantages relative to non-engineered macrophages, to treat patients with end-stage liver disease. The Company is also advancing efforts to expand the potential of its platform into inflammatory and fibrotic indications beyond liver disease, including graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) and lung fibrosis. Resolution, a spinout from Professor Stuart Forbes's lab at the University of Edinburgh, is based in Edinburgh and London. Learn more by visiting https://resolution-tx.com/ and engage with us on LinkedIn.

About RTX001

RTX001 is an engineered autologous regenerative macrophage therapy with enhanced anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. The product candidate is engineered with IL-10-MMP9 mRNA to enhance the natural regenerative properties of macrophages for superior efficacy and durability. RTX001 is being tested in the Phase I/II study called 'EMERALD', an open-label first-in-human study in end-stage liver disease measuring clinical events as the primary efficacy endpoint. The EMERALD Phase I/II study is now recruiting.

About BASL

The British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) is the UK's national hepatology association, dedicated to advancing liver knowledge for optimal patient care. Members include clinicians, researchers, and allied health professionals. As a not-for-profit organization funded by membership fees, donations, and events, BASL reinvests income into educational activities and member support. The association fosters an inclusive environment for all members, regardless of background, and ensures its leadership represents this diversity.

BASL's aims are to: Disseminate research findings and clinical expertise; Promote collaborative liver research; Raise public awareness of liver disease; and Advise policymakers on advancing patient care provision.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/resolution-therapeutics-to-present-emerald-study-design-at-the-british-association-for-the-study-of-the-liver-basl-annual-meeting-2025-302576048.html
Xero calls for Government action as two in five small business owners unaware if they were profitable last month

A critical financial skills gap is undermining the resilience and growth of small businesses across the UK, according to new research published by Xero, the global small business platform.

The study, conducted by Censuswide and Opinium, exposes a widespread lack of financial confidence among entrepreneurs leading to mistakes and missed opportunities, with significant implications for individual businesses and the broader economy.

Despite only a quarter (24%) of small business owners believing they lack necessary financial skills, the research indicates a deeper problem. Nearly two in five (38%) are unaware if their business was profitable last month, and over half (55%) struggle with cash flow management.

This uncertainty often leads to active avoidance: more than one in four (28%) business owners don't think of themselves as 'a numbers person' a figure that rises to 32% among female respondents and 38% for 18-34 year old entrepreneurs. Alarmingly, more than half (55%) avoid finances, and one in five (22%) are too afraid to ask financial questions, fearing they should already know the answers.

Pub 'misinformation'

Nearly half of accountants and bookkeepers surveyed (45%) blame ill-informed conversations in places like the pub for the spread of financial misinformation. They fear this means small businesses are making avoidable financial mistakes, with regulations relating to expenses being widely misunderstood.

Half (50%) of accountants and bookkeepers surveyed have worked with small businesses who incorrectly assume the government will reimburse their expenses

A third (33%) of accountants and bookkeepers surveyed have met business owners who didn't realise dividends were taxable

One in ten (9%) of the smallest businesses (up to 9 employees) incorrectly believe that they don't need to declare all their income to tax authorities

For small businesses, accountants and bookkeepers are a hugely trusted source. Nearly all small businesses (98%) who have consulted them found the advice helpful.

The skills gap is creating unknown mistakes, at scale

This cultural resistance is fostering detrimental financial habits, including, in the last two years:

Two in five (39%) small businesses failing to claim all eligible expenses, and over half (51%) are caught off guard by unexpected costs

A quarter (26%) not setting aside enough money for tax or submitting a late tax or VAT return (26%)

More than half of sole traders (59%) operate without a separate business bank account

Half (51%) wrongly believe HMRC will contact them if a tax return is due

A quarter (26%) of small businesses mistakenly believe that business purchases are exempt from tax

Kate Hayward, UK Managing Director at Xero commented: "We are a nation of small business owners, but we are not a nation who trains our children to think and behave like entrepreneurs. Culturally, there's a stigma around not knowing our numbers, with many I speak to worried that they should know more than they do. There's no shame in it when nobody is teaching us about it, but businesses deserve more. So today we're launching our own free programme to help, but we are calling for further support from Government and industry. Plugging this skills gap will provide growth and economic stability, but let's inspire entrepreneurs to dive in. Numbers are only scary if you ignore them; there's no need to suffer in silence."

UK Government action

The findings underscore calls for a concerted effort from policymakers and the private sector to bolster financial confidence within the UK's small business community and for people who want to start their own small business but are not confident in doing so. Xero is asking for financial education to become an even bigger part of the school curriculum and for it to be better embedded in UK culture.

Xero is already a proud supporter of The Maple Review, an independent, government-backed initiative run by Small Business Britain, committed to addressing the economic barriers to small business ownership. This includes significant barriers to financial confidence and education which starts at a young age.

Xero also partners with Small Business Britain for its successful Small Mighty training programme which has now helped 4,000 micro businesses to scale. And Xero has just become a patron of the King's Trust, a multi-year programme that helps disadvantaged young people start their own businesses.

Free tools and mentoring from Xero

To support the immediate need for improved financial literacy, Xero has launched Know Your Numbers as part of its Xero for Good initiative. This free programme offers tools, training, and educational resources designed in collaboration with business owners to be accessible and fit within busy schedules. As part of this programme, Xero is launching the Xero for Good Ambassador Programme, connecting small business owners with volunteer accountants and bookkeepers for up to a year of free mentoring.

To help solve the problem at the source, Xero is forming a taskforce of experts to campaign for more support to boost the nation's financial literacy and help aspiring business owners feel confident in their numbers. Those experts include:

Martin Bissett, 14 time author, Young Money Ambassador and founder of Bissett Group Holdings

Sarah Poretta, CEO of Young Enterprise, a financial and enterprise education charity

Zoe Whitman, co-founder of 'The 6 Figure Bookkeeper' podcast and education movement

Through these combined efforts from advocating for financial education in schools to offering free tools and mentoring via Know Your Numbers Xero is committed to empowering UK small businesses.

Learn more about the research in Xero's report: Know Your Numbers: Empowering financial confidence for small business growth

Research methodology:

The research, commissioned by Xero is based on two surveys;

The research conducted by Censuswide, was polled among a sample of 500 UK Accountants or Bookkeepers serving businesses with 1-49 employees. The data was collected between 14.07.2025-18.07.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.

Opinium surveyed "small businesses" or "small business owners": 1,000 owners and decision makers in businesses with up to 249 employees. Where referenced, "smallest businesses" refers to those that employ up to nine people. All business sizes referenced include sole traders. Survey fieldwork was run between 29 June 2025 and 11 July 2025.

About Xero

Xero is a global small business platform that helps customers supercharge their business by bringing together the most important small business tools, including accounting, payroll and payments on one platform. Xero's powerful platform helps customers automate routine tasks, get timely insights, and connects them with their data, their apps, and their accountant or bookkeeper so they can focus on what really matters. Trusted by millions of small businesses and accountants and bookkeepers globally, Xero makes life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. For further information, please visit xero.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007971516/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Xero Communications UK

Sophie Whitney

sophie.whitney@xero.com
Partnership Advances In-Country Data Residency, Control, and Processing Aligned with French and European Union Regulatory Frameworks

Bitdefender, a European-based company and a global cybersecurity leader, today announced a strategic partnership with OVHcloud, Europe's leading cloud provider, to host its advanced cybersecurity platform on OVHcloud services in France. The partnership delivers sovereign cybersecurity ensuring customer and configuration data, security events, telemetry is never accessible, transferred, or processed outside the European Union (EU).

The integration enables organizations to incorporate advanced cybersecurity capabilities to protect their operations and comply with rigorous French and EU regulations, while maintaining full control over data access and use.

At the core of the initiative is Bitdefender GravityZone, a comprehensive unified security, risk analytics, and compliance platform, hosted on the OVHcloud SecNumCloud service. GravityZone provides advanced endpoint protection (EPP), endpoint detection and response (EDR), extended detection and response (XDR), and cloud-native security, delivering end-to-end coverage across the entire attack chain. while offering deep context for detections that seamlessly extend to Bitdefender Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services.

OVHcloud SecNumCloud solutions, powered by data centers located across France (Roubaix, Gravelines, and Strasbourg), are designed to meet the highest standards for storing sensitive and critical information. They are qualified by the French Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) under its SecNumCloud framework-meeting over 360 technical, organizational, and legal requirements-to ensure robust security and full immunity from extraterritorial laws. They are suited for hosting sensitive data such as state records, patents, intellectual property, and critical datasets for artificial intelligence.

"We provide a secure and sovereign infrastructure that meets the highest French cybersecurity standards, and enables Bitdefender to deliver its proven cybersecurity suite, the same one that protects OVHcloud as a customer," said Julien Levrard, CISO, at OVHcloud. "We are proud to collaborate with Bitdefender to bring sovereign, European security to organizations across the region. Together, we help businesses innovate and operate securely with confidence through the combined technologies and expertise of two trusted European leaders."

This focus on security and transparency comes at a time when compliance challenges are mounting. A recent Bitdefender survey found that 35% of IT and security professionals in France reported being pressured to stay silent on breaches, even when they believed the incidents should have been disclosed. The finding highlights how growing regulatory requirements and compliance pressures across the EU are shaping how organizations handle cybersecurity incidents.

Against this backdrop, the partnership supports public and private organizations of all sizes across the EU that must meet strict data residency or sovereignty requirements. It is particularly relevant for sectors such as financial services, healthcare, education, critical infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing. In addition, it also enhances Bitdefender's channel ecosystem, enabling partners and managed service providers (MSPs) to deliver EU-hosted GravityZone on OVHcloud SecNumCloud to customers with data residency requirements and manage those environments on their behalf.

"Businesses across Europe need security solutions that deliver advanced threat prevention, protection, detection, and response without sacrificing data sovereignty," said Andrei Florescu, president and general manager of Bitdefender Business Solutions Group. "Partnering with OVHcloud delivers this, giving regulated industries the confidence to adopt leading-edge cybersecurity while maintaining full control over how their data is stored, processed, and secured. With GravityZone on OVHcloud SecNumCloud infrastructure, customers know their data remains within the EU. They also gain an easier path to compliance for GDPR, NIS2, DORA, and other regulations."

For more information about the Bitdefender and OVHcloud partnership, visit here.

About OVHcloud

OVHcloud is a global cloud player and the leading European cloud provider operating over 450,000 servers within 44 data centers across 4 continents to reach 1.6 million customers in over 140 countries. Spearheading a trusted cloud and pioneering a sustainable cloud with the best performance-price ratio, the Group has been leveraging for over 20 years an integrated model that guarantees total control of its value chain: from the design of its servers to the construction and management of its data centers, including the orchestration of its fiber-optic network. This unique approach enables OVHcloud to independently cover all the uses of its customers so they can seize the benefits of an environmentally conscious model with a frugal use of resources and a carbon footprint reaching the best ratios in the industry. OVHcloud now offers customers the latest-generation solutions combining performance, predictable pricing, and complete data sovereignty to support their unfettered growth. For more information: www.ovhcloud.com

About Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader delivering best-in-class threat prevention, detection, and response solutions worldwide. Guardian over millions of consumers, enterprises, and government environments, Bitdefender is one of the industry's most trusted experts for eliminating threats, protecting privacy, digital identity and data, and enabling cyber resilience. With deep investments in research and development, Bitdefender Labs discovers hundreds of new threats each minute and validates billions of threat queries daily. The company has pioneered breakthrough innovations in antimalware, IoT security, behavioral analytics, and artificial intelligence and its technology is licensed by more than 180 of the world's most recognized technology brands. Founded in 2001, Bitdefender has customers in 170+ countries with offices around the world. For more information, visit https://www.bitdefender.com.

Trusted. Always.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007915500/en/

Contacts:

Steve Fiore

Bitdefender

1-954-776-6262

sfiore@bitdefender.com




Press Release

Atos further augments the AI tooling of its cybersecurity teams with 'Virtual SOC Analyst' powered by Qevlar AI

Paris, France - October 7, 2025 - Atos, a global leader of AI-powered digital transformation and Qevlar AI, a pioneering software company developing autonomous threat investigation agentic AI, today announced a global strategic partnership to further enhance the value of security operations for Atos' customers, extending Atos' use of AI into cyber alert investigation.

Qevlar's agentic AI dedicated to cyber alert investigation will be embedded into Atos' cybersecurity operations, further strengthening the range of AI-powered tools implemented by Atos as a Managed Security Services Provider. It will increase delivery efficiency by assigning routine and intermediate security analysis to autonomous agents, freeing valuable time for Atos' cybersecurity experts to focus on proactive threat hunting and an increased alignment of detections to client business risks.

Atos brings to the collaboration its extensive, industry-proven operational experience in cyber protection for highly regulated and critical industries as well as public organizations. The partnership aligns Qevlar's agentic investigation layer with Atos' operational standards, ensuring fit-for-scale delivery across regulated environments. Qevlar AI complements Atos' pioneering approach to integrating AI into SOC operations in accordance with Atos' Responsible AI framework, in which cyber experts remain fully accountable, with AI as a technology lever and accelerator. This ensures that security operations are both efficient and trustworthy.

Atos' Responsible AI Framework includes strict adherence to the EU AI Act, along with compliance with leading governance and risk management best practices, and a Human-in-the-Loop approach?to ensure trust, transparency, and full accountability within Atos' operations. In addition, Atos' experts guarantee proper tuning of AI models and injection of expertise in curating the AI processed alerts and the orchestration logic. This framework entails maintaining deep expertise of Atos' operations teams through continuous training and manual handling of the most complex alerts, as well as probing to avoid over-reliance on automation.

Farah Rigal, VP, Deputy Head of Cybersecurity Services, Atos, said: "The integration of Qevlar's autonomous, adaptive agentic AI with Atos trusted cybersecurity delivers incremental operational excellence to protect customer business. Our focus is on taking the AI opportunity for higher predictability, actionability and efficiency while managing its inherent risks. This motivated the partnership with Qevlar AI which synergizes diverse AI approaches including LLM and Graph orchestration for the highest effective outcomes. This partnership is the accomplishment of a strong collaboration between Atos and Qevlar AI, exchanging expertise and shaping optimal technology and operational approaches for safe and effective adoption by customers."

As a pioneer of AI integration into SOC operations since 2017 with its Prescriptive SOC model, where data analysts use DevOps to develop use cases tailored to customer business risks, Atos also introduced to its cybersecurity services delivery model:

AI for Detection to leverage machine learning models to move beyond static rules, enabling low-signal behavioral detection that enhances threat identification,

to leverage machine learning models to move beyond static rules, enabling low-signal behavioral detection that enhances threat identification, AI for Triage , implementing advanced alert scoring, incorporating both criticality and potential blast radius to prioritize responses effectively according to business impact,

, implementing advanced alert scoring, incorporating both criticality and potential blast radius to prioritize responses effectively according to business impact, AI-Powered Search Assistance that introduces a natural language interface to the SOC dashboard, enabling intuitive, efficient access to insights and investigations.





Ahmed Achhak, CEO, Qevlar AI said: "Partnering with Atos, a global leader in security services, brings Qevlar's agentic platform to managed security customers across industries, including the most highly regulated sectors. It extends protection with transparent, auditable investigations that preserve trust and accountability in production. This collaboration is a new validation that Qevlar operates at scale and reinforces our mission to set a new standard of trust and performance in cybersecurity operations."

***

Note to editors - Atos Group's cybersecurity products and services

As the European leader in managed security services (MSS) with more than 6,500 experts and 2,500 cybersecurity patents, Atos Group is committed to supporting organizations in navigating the evolving threat landscape with end-to-end, AI-powered security-enabling their pursuit of digital sovereignty and trust.

Cybersecurity products, designed and delivered under the Eviden brand, offer a unique range of sovereign cybersecurity solutions based on three complementary expertise: data encryption, identity and access management, and digital identity. Manufactured in Europe and certified to the highest European standards, these technologies protect sensitive data, secure access to digital resources, and guarantee the integrity of identities, whether for users, systems, or connected objects.

Cybersecurity services, delivered under the Atos brand, offers an integrated blend of strategic consulting, solution integration, and continuous managed security services - spanning the entire security lifecycle. With a global network of 17 security operations centers (SOCs) processing more than 31 billion security events per day and serving over 2,000 trusted customers, Atos delivers a proactive, globally informed approach to securing operations. Our teams operate with deep industry knowledge across all sectors, ensuring robust data protection, compliance, and business continuity worldwide.

***

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 70,000 employees and annual revenue of c.  10 billion, operating in 67 countries under two brands - Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press contact

Isabelle Grange - France | isabelle.grange@atos.net| Mobile: +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

About Qevlar AI

Qevlar AI provides an agentic AI platform that automates and deepens security investigations, drastically reducing analysis and incident response times. The platform, fully autonomous, is adopted in production by Fortune 500 companies and helps security teams transition from a reactive posture to a proactive strategy.

Press contact

Daniel Rotaru | daniel@qevlar.com| Mobile: +49 151 17683396

Attachment
Vektor Medical, a medical technology company transforming cardiac arrhythmia care, announced it has received CE Mark for the vMap System, a non-invasive tool developed with AI that transforms standard 12-lead ECG data into 3D arrhythmia source maps in under a minute.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007948309/en/

vMap is a non-invasive tool developed with AI that transforms standard 12-lead ECG data into 3D arrhythmia source maps in under a minute.

vMap was invented to help physicians improve ablation outcomes for patients suffering from arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Use of vMap has also been associated with reductions in total procedure time. Previously available only in the United States, vMap has been successfully used in more than 2,000 procedures at more than 30 hospitals.

Securing CE Mark creates the opportunity for hospitals and electrophysiologists (EPs) across the European Union (EU) to access a new level of data-driven insights for arrhythmia care. As pressure mounts to improve outcomes and deliver value-based care, vMap provides a rapid, non-invasive way to identify potential arrhythmia drivers and guide treatment. Designed to complement existing lab technologies, vMap offers a scalable solution that fits seamlessly into clinical workflows, offering physicians added insight into arrhythmia drivers.

Vektor achieved CE Mark certification through BSI, its Notified Body, under the EU Medical Device Regulation. BSI provides extensive expertise in standards, Assurance, Regulatory, and Consulting services to help bring compliant products to market efficiently.

"Electrophysiology labs across Europe are in need of cost-effective ways to improve outcomes of ablation, especially in patients with more complex forms of atrial fibrillation," said Dr. Lucas Boersma, electrophysiologist, St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein. "vMap is emerging as a simple, non-invasive way to gain critical insights upfront and during procedures, supporting more efficient workflows and informed decision-making. By helping clinicians target arrhythmia sources more accurately and optimizing lab time, it has potential to improve outcomes whilst also enhancing the impact of other new approaches like pulsed field ablation. It's exciting to see this technology now available in Europe."

The CE Mark milestone arrives at a pivotal moment in healthcare advancement, as the commercialization and adoption of pulsed field ablation (PFA) are rapidly accelerating. vMap enhances the impact of PFA by giving EPs fast, iterative insights into optimal ablation targets during pre-procedure planning and in the EP lab.

"vMap has shown its impact in the U.S. as a meaningful advancement in arrhythmia care," said Rob Krummen, CEO of Vektor Medical. "Securing CE Mark under the EU Medical Device Regulation, one of the most rigorous regulatory frameworks in the world, underscores the strength of our technology and quality systems. With regulatory approvals now in place in the U.S. and Europe, we're well positioned to accelerate adoption and expand access to this innovation globally."

To learn more about Vektor Medical, vMap technology, or to request a clinical or strategic briefing, visit www.vektormedical.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X.

About Vektor Medical

Headquartered in San Diego, Vektor Medical is redefining how arrhythmias are understood and treated. The company developed vMap, the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive technology that uses standard 12-lead ECG data to localize arrhythmia source locations across all four chambers of the heart. By helping physicians identify arrhythmia drivers more quickly and with greater accuracy, Vektor is improving outcomes, enhancing efficiencies, and accelerating access to effective treatment strategies. To learn more, visit www.vektormedical.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007948309/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Stacey Holifield

Levitate

(617) 233-3873

vektor@levitatenow.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices traded lower on Tuesday after gaining more than 1 percent in the previous session following a smaller-than-expected November output hike by OPEC+. Benchmark Brent crude futures dipped 0.2 percent to $65.36 a barrel in European trade, while WTI crude futures were down 0.2 percent at $61.58. Crude oil prices surged on Monday after OPEC and its allies decided to increase their collective oil production by 137,000 barrels per day, starting in November. The lower-than-expected hike, in contrast to market expectations for a more aggressive reintroduction of supply, relieved traders' concerns of oversupply. The oil cartel will meet again on November 2 to decide on their further course of action. Meanwhile, as talks progress in Egypt to discuss plan to end the war in Gaza, deadly Israeli attacks continue in Gaza. Israeli and Hamas officials are holding indirect negotiations in the resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh to secure agreement on a U.S.-backed plan to end the war in Gaza. Elsewhere, Russia's Kirishi oil refinery has halted its main crude processing unit, CDU-6, following a recent Ukrainian drone strike and subsequent fire on October 4, Reuters reported, citing industry sources. 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.
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - NTT DATA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NPCI International Payments Limited, a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India. The MoU establishes the foundation to enable acceptance of Unified Payments Interface, India's real-time payment system for Indian tourists in Japan. Masanori Kurihara, Head of Payments Services Sector, NTT DATA, said: 'By initiating the partnership for UPI acceptance in Japan, we aim to make shopping and payments more convenient for Indian tourists, while helping Japanese merchants capture new opportunities.' 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.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. federal government's shut down continued after the Senate once again failed to reach an agreement on the spending bill.



A Bill proposed by the Democrats to extend the government's funding in health care sector failed on Monday with 45 Senators voting for, and 50 voting against it. The Republicans then introduced another Bill, pushing to pass government funding without agreeing to include the Democrats' demands. It received the support of only 52 lawmakers, and opposed by 42.



The Bill needs 60 votes to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate, where they have only 53 seats.



The Democrats pressed for major concessions on Obamacare subsidies, mainly ensuring subsidies for health insurance for the low-income group, and reversing the Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid, in return for their support to pass the funding bill.



Affordable Care Act benefits, also known as Obamacare, will expire within months.



Congress should have passed what is known as a clean CR, or continuing resolution, before the September 30 deadline to avert a shut down.



Both the GOP and the Democratic Party blamed each other for the shutdown, the first since the end of 2018.



The shutdown means most federal employees are now on unpaid leave.



In a social media post following the vote, President Donald Trump put the blame on Democrats for the continued shut down.



'I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!' he wrote on Truth Social.



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Ferguson Partners (Ferguson), the leading talent management and strategic advisory firm for global real assets industries, announced the appointment of Jamie McKinnell as Managing Director, in the executive search practice in London. In his role, Mr. McKinnell will help lead the continued growth of Ferguson's global executive search practice in London and expansion of the firm's integrated global platform. He brings over twenty years of senior level executive search and human capital advisory experience to his new role at Ferguson, having most recently served as Head of Real Estate for Blackwood Group.

"Jamie's depth of experience and proven track record in the real assets sector makes him an invaluable addition to our team," said Max d'Ambrumenil, President of International for Ferguson. "His client-first approach and ability to deliver on complex assignments align perfectly with Ferguson Partners' values, and we are confident he will help accelerate the growth of our European Business."

"Jamie is an extremely talented leader, and I couldn't imagine a better fit for our team, our firm, and our market position. We are fortunate to have him join us, and I look forward to partnering closely with him and celebrating his successes as we continue to grow," adds Graham Beatty, President, Ferguson.

As the real estate market continues to strengthen, Ferguson Partners' addition of Mr. McKinnell underscores the firm's commitment to growing its European presence and deepening its global reach. His expertise and strategic approach to client engagement further solidify Ferguson Partners' position as the leading executive search firm for the real assets sector. He will partner closely with Serena Althaus, Chair, Ferguson Partners, to lead the European team and drive the firm's growth in the region.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Ferguson Partners and partnering with Serena and the talented team in London," Mr. McKinnell said. "As real assets firms face increasingly complex talent challenges, the need for deeply informed, talent advisory support has never been greater. With its long-standing sector focus, integrated services, and global reach, Ferguson is uniquely positioned to deliver real value to clients. I'm excited to get started."

Ms. Althaus notes, "Jamie's leadership and extensive network across the real assets space will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our European business. His thoughtful, strategic approach to client service and talent advisory will further enhance Ferguson Partners' ability to support our clients in a rapidly evolving marketplace. I am delighted to be partnering with him in this next phase of exciting growth.

About Ferguson Partners

Founded in 1989, Ferguson Partners has built a reputation as the premier firm dedicated to serving the talent management and strategic advisory needs of the real assets industries. With offices in Charlotte, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto, Ferguson Partners is unique in combining global reach with a boutique touch and highly specialized approach.

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Contacts:

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Max d'Ambrumenil +85239782195

mdambrumenil@fergusonpartners.com
Presented by AI Safety Foundation, Global Risk Institute and Manulife.

TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hinton Lectures, co-founded by Nobel Laureate Geoffrey Hinton, will return to Toronto on November 10-12. Owain Evans, internationally renowned lecturer and leading machine learning researcher in AI alignment, will be joined by leading global AI safety experts to explore the risks of Artificial General Intelligence.

The Hinton Lectures, hosted at the John W. H. Bassett Theatre, return again as artificial intelligence accelerates at a breakneck pace. The three-day event will bring leading global AI safety experts to Toronto to discuss the most pressing risks of AI, and how we can forge a safer, better future.

"AI is advancing rapidly, and society needs to keep pace with the ethical, political, and safety challenges it presents," says Owain Evans. "I'm honoured to take part in The Hinton Lectures, which brings these urgent issues into the public sphere-where they belong."

The Hinton Lectures was co-founded by Geoffrey Hinton, one of the pioneers of deep learning, with the Global Risk Institute (GRI) in 2024 in partnership with AI Safety Foundation (AISF). The aim was to demystify AI for the public and provide a platform for open, accessible discussion on its future. The 2025 lectures will build on that momentum with both in-person programming and a global livestream, making the event widely accessible.

The Hinton Lectures is once again proudly supported by Founding Sponsor Global Risk Institute, and welcomes Manulife as a presenting sponsor, whose support underscores the growing importance of industry leadership in the safe and ethical development of AI.

The 2025 lectures will be open to the public, with access available both in-person and via livestream. Tickets can be reserved in advance at hintonlectures.com.

Evans is recognized as a leading expert in AI Safety and Alignment and was selected by a nominating committee composed of five globally recognized AI safety experts, including Professor Geoffrey Hinton.

For media inquiries, press accreditation, or interview requests, please contact Vanessa Francone (vanessa@fusecreate.com).

About AI Safety Foundation

The AI Safety Foundation increases awareness and scientific understanding of the catastrophic risks of AI, by advancing education and research, in order to ensure a safer future for humanity. The AISF is proud to present an annual lecture series, the Hinton Lectures, delivered by world-leading AI safety experts.

About Global Risk Institute

The Global Risk Institute (GRI) is the Founding Sponsor of The Hinton Lectures and a premier organization that defines thought leadership in risk management for the financial services sector. GRI brings together leaders from industry, academia and government to draw actional insights on risks globally. GRI is a non-profit, public and private partnership with 52 government and corporate members from asset management, banking, credit unions, insurance and pension management. The organization's goal is to be a critical resource to government and the financial industry to mitigate and adapt to risks focused on ensuring the stability of the financial ecosystem.

About Manulife

Manulife is a leading international financial services group that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better. With global headquarters in Toronto, the organization operates as Manulife across offices in Canada, Asia, and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Manulife has more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents serving ~34 million customers worldwide, and over $1.3 trillion in assets under management and administration.

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BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The European Union has questioned the credibility of local elections held in Georgia on Saturday.



In a statement issued on Monday, High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos said the elections were held amid a period of extensive crackdown on dissent.



They alleged that months of raids on independent media, the passing of laws targeting civil society, the jailing of opponents and activists or amendments to the electoral code favoring the ruling party drastically reduced the possibility of having competitive elections. A large part of the opposition boycotted these elections, and the turnout was relatively low.



In addition, the refusal by the Georgian authorities to invite international monitors in due time, in particular OSCE/ODIHR, undermined the transparency of the electoral process and prevented credible international monitoring, according to the top European Commission officials. Domestic organizations also refrained from observing due to the repressive environment.



Large numbers of people constantly protested the repressive policies of the governing party, Georgian Dream. Kaja Kallas and Marta Kos called for the release of all those who were arbitrarily detained.



They urged the authorities to uphold citizens' rights to freedom of assembly and expression, and called on every side to refrain from violence. A constructive and inclusive dialogue involving all political actors and civil society is essential.



The European Union firmly rejected and condemned the disinformation regarding the EU's role in Georgia and denounced the personal attacks against the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.



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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The integrated air & missile defense market is estimated to be USD 37.94 billion in 2025 and USD 68.38 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.5% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The integrated air & missile defense market is booming as forces prioritize rugged architectures designed to address emerging threats. Requirements for rugged systems enabling stable electronic integration of radars, interceptors, and command platforms ashore, afloat, and aerial are gaining momentum. Growing exposure to asymmetric threats calls for high-end comms and data transfer and is driving the employment of high-performing items within C4ISR and surveillance suites. At the same time, global military upgrade programs are driving the employment of stable, secure systems for command centers, electronic warfare, and drones. These applications depend on small, EMI-insulated technologies capable of delivering fault-free system performance under hostile conditions.

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Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2025 $ 37.94 billion Estimated Value by 2030 $ 68.38 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% Market Size Available for 2020-2030 Forecast Period 2025-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By System, Component, Range, End-user, and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Technical barriers in harmonizing data from dissimilar radar bands and sensors Key Market Opportunities Rising Integration of terrestrial, airborne, and space-based sensors into a unified architecture Key Market Drivers Demand for standardized IAMD architectures across joint and multinational forces

Based on components, the weapon systems segment is estimated to be the most dominant in the integrated air and missile defense market during the forecast period.

Based on components, the weapon systems segment is estimated to be the most dominant due to the central role of interceptors, missiles, and directed energy weapons in neutralizing diverse aerial threats ranging from UAVs to hypersonic projectiles. Nations are heavily investing in precision-guided and multi-layered interceptors as part of modernization programs aimed at protecting high-value assets and urban centers. Continuous advancements in missile technologies, coupled with the deployment of kinetic and non-kinetic weapon systems, ensure their dominance in the IAMD market.

Based on range, the medium-range defense segment is projected to lead the integrated air & missile defense market.

The medium-range defense segment is projected to dominate the integrated air & missile defense market owing to its critical role in countering a wide spectrum of threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and UAVs, at ranges that protect both frontline forces and strategic infrastructure. Medium-range air defense (MRAD) systems provide the optimal balance between mobility, coverage, and cost-effectiveness, making them a priority in modernization programs. Increasing procurement of systems like Patriot, SAMP/T, and NASAMS underscores their dominance in the market.

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The Middle East is projected to be the fastest-growing integrated air and missile defense market.

The Middle East will be the fastest-growing integrated air & missile defense industry, fueled by rising geopolitical tensions, cross-border missile attacks, and the proliferation of advanced UAVs. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel are investing heavily in layered missile defense systems to protect critical infrastructure, oil facilities, and urban centers.

Procurement of advanced systems like THAAD, Patriot, and Iron Dome, alongside indigenous programs, highlights the urgency for comprehensive defense capabilities. Regional governments are also strengthening partnerships with US and European defense suppliers to accelerate deployments.

This combination of high threat levels, sustained defense spending, and rapid modernization initiatives positions the Middle East as the fastest-growing hub for IAMD solutions globally.

RTX (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), MBDA (France), Northrop Grumman (US), IAI (Israel), Thales (France), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. (Israel), Kongsberg (Norway), Hanwha Group (Korea), ASELSAN A.S. (Turkey), Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG (Germany), MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD. (Japan), LIG Nex1 (Korea), and Hensoldt AG (Germany) are the major key players in the integrated air & missile defense companies. These companies have strong distribution networks across regions like North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Rest of the world.

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Aircraft Battery Market by Chemistry (Lead-Acid, Nickel, Lithium), Density (<100, 100-300, >300 Wh/Kg), Capacity (<20, >20Ah), Propulsion (Conventional, Hybrid, Electric), Platform (Commercial, Military, UAV, AAM), Application Region - Forecast to 2030

Direct-to-Device (D2D) Market by Service Type (Direct to IoT, Direct to Cell), Customer Type (Consumer, Enterprise Network, Government & Defense), Latency Class, Frequency, Orbit and Region - Global Forecast to 2030

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Strategic growth, innovation in AI-ready infrastructure, and sustainability leadership reinforce CtrlS' position as a frontrunner in India's data center services industry

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that CtrlS Datacenters (CtrlS) has been conferred the 2025 India Competitive Strategy Leadership Recognition in the data center services industry for its outstanding achievements in technology innovation, strategic expansion, and sustainability initiatives. This recognition highlights CtrlS' ability to deliver customer-focused solutions while strengthening its value position in India's rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. CtrlS demonstrated excellence in both, successfully aligning its strategy with the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and large language model (LLM) workloads. "CtrlS has demonstrated a strong competitive strategy based on aligning to the changing customer needs and addressing the need for AI workloads as well as building edge datacenters for AI inferencing." said Nishchal Khorana, associate partner at Frost & Sullivan.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Hyderabad, CtrlS has adopted a long-term strategy of expansion, technology innovation, and client-centric service delivery. With 16 operational data centers across nine Indian markets and a growing international presence, CtrlS is on track to achieve 1 gigawatt (GW) of capacity, supporting India's growing digital economy. Its recent launches in Patna, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata highlight its diversified approach-combining hyperscale campuses, mid-sized facilities, and edge data centers-to address customer requirements across Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III cities.

Innovation is central to CtrlS' competitive strategy. The company operates Rated-4 facilities, backed by an operational capacity exceeding 250 megawatts (MW), offering high uptime commitments and industry-leading power usage effectiveness (PUE). Its facilities integrate direct liquid cooling, modular architectures, and ultra-high-density rack configurations to manage the complex demands of AI-driven workloads. "This distinction isn't just an award, it is a validation that customers, partners, and the wider market see CtrlS as a strategic enabler in a data-driven world. At CtrlS, we believe India deserves infrastructure that competes globally, not just locally. This honour reinforces our commitment to AI-ready campuses, sustainable power models, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. This proves that we are not only expanding capacity but also setting new benchmarks for ourselves and the industry at large." said Sridhar Pinnapureddy, Founder & CEO, CtrlS Datacenters.

Beyond infrastructure, CtrlS enhances customer experience through adaptable colocation solutions, from dedicated racks to customized campuses, supported by managed services that ensure cost efficiency and operational continuity. The company's partner ecosystem, including collaborations with Oracle, Google Cloud, ConnectiviTree, and Genie Networks, further strengthens its competitive position and enables seamless access to cloud and connectivity solutions.

CtrlS' focus on sustainability is equally noteworthy. Committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, the company has launched solar power initiatives such as its GreenVolt1 farm in Nagpur, which will provide 100 MW of renewable energy. It has achieved LEED Platinum certification for facilities in Mumbai and Chennai, and it continues to expand renewable energy integration across its campuses. These measures underscore its dual commitment to supporting client sustainability goals while minimizing environmental impact.

Frost & Sullivan commends CtrlS for setting new benchmarks in competitive strategy. By combining cutting-edge technology, resilient infrastructure, and a sustainability-first philosophy, the company is shaping the future of India's data center services industry and delivering value to enterprises navigating the digital economy.

Frost & Sullivan presents the Competitive Strategy Leadership Recognition to companies that demonstrate outstanding strategic development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in competitive positioning. This recognition honors forward-thinking organizations that redefine their industries through innovation and growth excellence.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition

Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.

Contact us: Start the discussion .

Contact:

Tarini Singh

E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com

About CtrlS Datacenters:

CtrlS Datacenters Ltd, which began its operations in 2007, operates 15 datacenters across eight key markets. The company is leading the charge on embracing renewable energy for a sustainable future. CtrlS Datacenters has announced its plans to explore new overseas markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with Thailand being the first international market foray. For more information, please visit www.ctrls.com.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) ("Equinox Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce production results for the three months ("Q3") and nine months ended September 30, 2025, along with an update on operations at its two Canadian cornerstone assets: the Valentine Gold Mine ("Valentine") in Newfoundland & Labrador and the Greenstone Gold Mine ("Greenstone") in Ontario.

Darren Hall, CEO of Equinox Gold, commented: "Equinox Gold delivered a solid third quarter, producing a record consolidated 236,470 ounces of gold, reflecting the strength of our expanded portfolio following the merger completed in June. Even after the divestment of our Nevada assets, we remain on track to deliver in the mid-range of our consolidated annual gold production guidance of 785,000 to 915,000 ounces.

"At Greenstone, operational performance improved meaningfully during the quarter. In Q3 mining rates exceeded 185,000 tonnes per day, a 10% increase over Q2 and a 21% increase over Q1. Importantly, mill grades improved 13% in Q3 to 1.05 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold, with September averaging above 1.3 g/t gold. While we anticipate Greenstone's full-year production to be at the lower end of guidance of 220,000 to 260,000 ounces, the progress being made in both mining and milling, together with increasing grades, supports our confidence in Greenstone delivering a strong Q4 and continuing that momentum into 2026.

"Valentine delivered first gold ahead of schedule on September 14, with commissioning progressing well since introducing ore into the circuit on August 27. Through September 30, the plant averaged 57% of nameplate capacity, with more than 23% of days exceeding nameplate. As Valentine continues to ramp-up operations, we anticipate producing 15,000 to 30,000 ounces of gold in Q4 and delivering consistent nameplate capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per year by Q2 2026.

"During Q3 we also strengthened our balance sheet, reducing debt by US$139 million. Subsequent to quarter-end, we completed the divestment of Nevada assets for US$115 million. These actions demonstrate our disciplined approach to capital allocation, deleveraging, and focus on unlocking value across our portfolio.

"With Greenstone ramping up, Valentine now producing gold, and our balance sheet stronger, Equinox Gold is well positioned to deliver on 2025 expectations and create additional value for all stakeholders in 2026."

Highlights

First gold poured at Valentine ahead of schedule on September 14, 2025, marking the launch of a second Canadian cornerstone asset (watch the gold pour video here)

ahead of schedule on September 14, 2025, marking the launch of a second Canadian cornerstone asset (watch the gold pour video here) Consolidated year-to-date gold production of 634,428 ounces , excluding Los Filos, Castle Mountain and Valentine Q1: 182,089 ounces, including 44,449 ounces from Greenstone and 71,539 ounces from the Calibre assets Q2: 219,123 ounces, including 51,274 ounces from Greenstone and 72,823 ounces from the Calibre assets Q3: 233,216 ounces, including 56,029 ounces from Greenstone, 71,119 ounces from Nicaragua, 67,629 ounces from Brazil, 27,642 from Mesquite and 10,797 ounces from Pan

, excluding Los Filos, Castle Mountain and Valentine Cash and equivalents of $359 million at September 30, 2025

at September 30, 2025 Valentine commissioning progressing well , with throughput averaging 57% of nameplate through September and more than 23% of days operating above nameplate of 6,850 tonnes per day

, with throughput averaging 57% of nameplate through September and more than 23% of days operating above nameplate of 6,850 tonnes per day Greenstone operational improvements yielding positive results: Ex-pit mining increased 10% in Q3 vs Q2, averaging 185,000 tonnes per day Process grades increased 13% in Q3 vs Q2, averaging 1.05 g/t with September above 1.3 g/t gold

Castle Mountain Phase 2 federal record of decision targeted for December 2026, following acceptance of the project into the United States Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council's FAST-41 program

federal record of decision targeted for December 2026, following acceptance of the project into the United States Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council's FAST-41 program Portfolio optimization underway with sale of non-core Nevada assets for US$115 million (see news release dated August 7, 2025 - the transaction closed on October 1, 2025)

(see news release dated August 7, 2025 - the transaction closed on October 1, 2025) US$139.2 million of debt retired , with conversion of September 2020 convertible notes

, with conversion of September 2020 convertible notes Resource expansion and discovery drilling continues across the portfolio with significant activity in Newfoundland, Nicaragua, and Mesquite, and recently commenced exploration activity at Los Filos

Positive exploration results during Q3 included: Resource-expansion drilling at El Limon Mine Complex yielding the highest-grade gold mineralization discovered to date on the property (36.77 g/t gold over 6.9 metres, 8.55 g/t gold over 14.6 metres and 10.19 g/t gold over 6.0 metres) (see news release dated July 28, 2025)

results during Q3 included:

Q3 Greenstone Operational Details

During the quarter, open pit mining totaled 3.8 million ore tonnes at an average grade of 0.91 g/t gold and the mill processed 1.9 million tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.05 g/t gold. The difference between mined grades and mill feed grades is primarily attributable to timing of stockpile movements.

Q3 2025 Conference Call Details

Equinox Gold will release its unaudited financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, after market close. The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results the following morning on Thursday, November 6, 2025, commencing at 7:00am PT (10:00am ET). The webcast will be available for replay on Equinox Gold's website until May 6, 2026.

Conference call

Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-833-752-3366

International callers: +1 647-846-2813

Webcast login

Equinox Gold | Financials

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was approved by David Schonfeldt, P. Geo., VP Mine Geology for Equinox Gold and a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101.

About Equinox Gold

Equinox Gold (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) is a Canadian mining company positioned for growth with a strong foundation of high-quality, long-life gold operations in Canada and across the Americas, and a pipeline of development and expansion projects. Founded and chaired by renowned mining entrepreneur Ross Beaty and guided by a seasoned leadership team with broad expertise, the Company is focused on disciplined execution, operational excellence and long-term value creation. Equinox Gold offers investors meaningful exposure to gold with a diversified portfolio and clear path to growth. Learn more at www.equinoxgold.com or contact ir@equinoxgold.com.

Equinox Gold Contact

Cautionary Notes & Forward-looking Information

This news release includes forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and may include future-oriented financial information or financial outlook information (collectively "Forward-looking Information"). Actual results of operations and the ensuing financial results may vary materially from the amounts set out in any Forward-looking Information. Forward-looking Information in this news release includes: the Company's strategic vision and expectations for exploration potential, production capabilities, growth potential, expansion projects and future financial or operating performance, including shareholder returns; expectations for Greenstone and Valentine operations, including achieving design capacity, anticipated production; production and cost guidance, potential future mining opportunities around Valentine and anticipated timing and development of Castle Mountain Phase 2, receipt of required approvals and permits, and effectiveness of the Fast-41 Program. Forward-looking Information is typically identified by use of words such as "will", "growth", "increase", "expect", "achieve", "anticipate", "deliver" and "target" and similar expressions and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", or "should", or the negative connotation of such terms, are intended to identify Forward-looking Information. While the Company believes these expectations are reasonable, they are not guarantees and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Forward-looking Information is based on the Company's current expectations and assumptions, including: achievement of exploration, production, cost and development goals; completion and ramp up at Valentine; achieving design capacity at Greenstone; timely execution of the Aurizona expansion and Castle Mountain permitting; stable gold prices and input costs; availability of funding, accuracy of Mineral Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates; successful long-term agreements with Los Filos communities and management of suspended operations; adherence to mine plans and schedules, expected ore grades and recoveries; absence of labour disruptions or unplanned delays; productive relationships with works, union and communities; maintenance of and timely receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; compliance with environmental and safety regulations; and constructive engagement with Indigenous and community partners. While the Company considers these assumptions reasonable, they may prove incorrect.

Forward-looking Information involves numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such Forward-looking Information. Such factors include those described in the section "Risk Factors in in the Company's MD&A dated March 13, 2025 for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in the section titled "Risks Related to the Business" in Equinox Gold's most recently filed Annual Information Form which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar and in the section "Risk Factors" in Calibre Mining's MD&A dated February 19, 2025 for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the section titled "Risk Factors" in Calibre Mining's most recently filed Annual Information Form which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking Information reflects management's current expectations for future events and is subject to change. Except as required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any Forward-looking Information contained or incorporated by reference to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or other factors affecting Forward-looking Information. If the Company updates any Forward-looking Information, no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other Forward-looking Information. All Forward-looking Information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269389

SOURCE: Equinox Gold Corp.
PXI/PXIe solution offers scalable, modular design for faster development cycles and lower total cost of ownership, plus improved safety

Pickering Interfaces, the leading supplier of modular signal switching and simulation solutions for use in electronic test and verification, has announced a major new addition to its range of PXI battery simulator modules: available in a compact single-slot form factor, models 41-754 (PXI) and 43-754 (PXIe) are 2- or 4-channel battery simulators, capable of supplying up to 8 volts and 5 Amps per channel. The channels are fully isolated from ground and from each other, allowing series connection to simulate batteries in a stacked architecture.

"A major upgrade from previous 300mA simulators, our 5A battery simulator family is designed to simplify and accelerate BMS (battery management system) testing" said Stephen Jenkins, Simulation Product Manager at Pickering. "With up to four fully isolated channels, it enables customers to emulate battery cells or modules in both low- and high-voltage stacks. It combines high current drive and precision readback in a compact platform ideal for demanding applications across EVs (electric vehicles), energy storage, and beyond.

Its industry-standard PXI form factor allows the simulator to be integrated seamlessly into modular test systems, enabling a flexible, scalable, and open architecture. Additional modules can be easily added if higher voltage is needed, helping minimize capital costs and future-proof system investment. This modular approach also supports integration with other PXI/PXIe instruments (including third-party modules), such as fault insertion units (FIUs) or thermocouple simulators, for advanced failure and thermal response testing.

Developers of battery management systems can utilize the module to simulate faults, including cell imbalance, cell aging, and temperature effects, as well as to enable safe testing of extreme fault conditions, such as overcharge and short circuits. All channels are fully isolated from ground and from each other, and the isolation barrier (1000V channel-to-GND and 750V channel-to-channel) enables the module to be used as a battery stack representative of those used in modern Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) propulsion systems. Each channel can simulate up to 16 cells in parallel, while still providing the required 300mA balancing current for each cell, resulting in faster development cycles, improved safety by lowering compliance voltage, and lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Testing with real batteries under imbalanced or extreme conditions can be hazardous due to high voltage and risk of thermal runaway. Pickering's battery simulator eliminates these safety concerns by emulating cells without storing energy, making it a safer alternative for high-risk test scenarios.

Unlike traditional setups that rely on charging and discharging physical batteries, Pickering's battery simulator enables engineers to switch between test conditions instantly. This drastically reduces test time while ensuring consistent, repeatable test results-no waiting for physical batteries to charge or discharge. Unlike real cells that degrade over time, the simulator ensures consistent, repeatable conditions, which is ideal for reliably comparing test results across different sessions.

In software development and cell balancing applications, the 5A battery simulator enables low-compliance voltage open-loop setups for engineers' desktops, which can be scaled up to closed-loop applications in Real-Time systems. This hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing enables the simulation of battery models, alongside embedded control systems, allowing for real-time testing of algorithms such as state-of-charge, state-of-health, and cell degradation.

Developers of energy storage systems (ESS) and renewables can utilize the 5A battery simulator to simulate residential storage batteries, test grid-scale storage, and assess the system for compliance and safety. In addition, the longevity of battery packs can be enhanced by optimizing the stress on the battery cells, particularly important for older battery packs that have been repurposed for energy storage.

Aerospace defense, electrified aircraft, drones, and military vehicles all require highly reliable battery emulation for testing these safety-critical systems. For industrial equipment, electrified forklift trucks, mining vehicles, robotics, and marine propulsion all require testing solutions for BMS integration with high-power industrial batteries.

Drivers are supplied for Windows, Linux, and real-time operating systems, unlike many competitors. All standard products manufactured by Pickering Interfaces include a three-year warranty and guaranteed long-term product support. For pricing, availability, and contact information, please visit: www.pickeringtest.com.

Design, Deploy Sustain Your Automated Test System

About Pickering Interfaces

Pickering Interfaces designs and manufactures modular signal switching and simulation for electronic test and verification. We offer the industry's most extensive range of switching and simulation products for PXI, LXI, and PCI applications. To support these products, we also provide cable and connector solutions, diagnostic test tools, and application software and software drivers created by our in-house software team.

Pickering's products are specified in test systems installed worldwide and have a reputation for providing excellent reliability and value. Pickering Interfaces operates globally, with direct operations in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, France, the Czech Republic, China, and Malaysia, as well as additional representation in countries throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. We serve all electronics industries, including automotive, aerospace defense, energy, industrial, communications, medical, and semiconductor. For more information on signal switching and simulation products or sales contacts, please visit: www.pickeringtest.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007281572/en/

Contacts:

Press contacts:

Kimberly Otte

Pickering Interfaces

kim.otte@pickeringtest.com

+1 781-897-1710

www.pickeringtest.com

Or PR Agency:

Mark Gradwell

BWW Communications

+44-7575-318681

mark.gradwell@bwwcomms.com
Brand welcomes new leaders Lori Wachs and Hope Bonneville, grows to 2,100 Sephora doors globally, and debuts its boldest gourmand yet

HALIFAX, NS / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / The 7 Virtues, the trailblazing clean beauty brand behind best-selling Vanilla Woods, widely recognized as one of the first major gourmand vanilla perfumes in the clean space, announces its newest launch, Buttercream Haze. A decadent gourmand with a rebellious streak, Buttercream Haze arrives exclusively at Sephora in 19 countries just in time for the holiday season.

Leadership Momentum

The 7 Virtues welcomes two seasoned leaders to help guide its next phase of growth: Lori Wachs, Investor and Board Director. Lori is the Founder and Managing Partner at Penultima Capital, a venture capital firm investing in women-led, growth-stage consumer companies. An active public and private investor in the consumer and retail space for more than 30 years, she was named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 list in 2024. Lori has served on numerous boards including K18 (acquired by Unilever), Alchemy 43, Safely (Board Observer), and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy (former Board Chair).

Hope Bonneville, Vice President of Marketing. Hope joins from Kendo Brands, where she was Director of Global Brand Marketing for Fenty Beauty and Fenty Fragrance. She previously held leadership roles at Urban Decay Cosmetics, guiding global communications, social media, and experiential events. She is also the founder of Cohorts, a boutique marketing and events agency, and brings a proven track record of building global brand love and community.

Global Expansion

As the brand scales its international footprint, The 7 Virtues is opening 170 new Sephora doors in Europe, bringing its total door count to 2,100 stores worldwide. Growth markets include Spain, Italy, Poland, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Germany, the UK, Denmark, and Sweden.

Buttercream Haze: Indulgence Without Rules

Buttercream Haze is gourmand excess reimagined for a new era of clean beauty. Bright lemon zest and buttercream icing swirl with a dash of rum essence, evoking the magic of warm cake as it's sliced open. A fluffy pancake accord and maple creme melt into toasted caramel, conjuring syrupy weekend mornings. At the base, whipped vanilla, creamy sandalwood, and cashmere musk linger like a second slice. Crafted with responsibly sourced Italian bergamot and upcycled sandalwood oils, Buttercream Haze delivers indulgence with integrity.

"This is my love letter to breaking rules. I don't measure the vanilla when I bake, I bite straight into the cake, and I tease that I don't give a fork," says Barb Stegemann, Founder & President, The 7 Virtues. "As the only Canadian perfume and the only B Corp perfume at Sephora, trailblazing has always been in our DNA. I actually went blonde for this perfume launch because doing what feels right for me and for you is the heart of our mission. That's why, as we grow to 2,100 Sephora doors, I'm thrilled to welcome leaders like Lori Wachs and Hope Bonneville, true trailblazers who share our culture of challenging convention and shaping the future of fragrance. Our MO is to do what makes you flourish."

Buttercream Haze leads two bold new campaigns: Layer Cake, The 7 Virtues' signature layering story that invites perfume lovers to stack gourmand on gourmand, and We Don't Give a Fork, a cheeky celebration of indulgence without rules. At Sephora, clients are invited to literally "bake" their own layer-cake blend by layering gourmands the way you would a Layer Cake, frosting, filling, and all. (A hint of other gourmands to come.)

Clean, Long-Lasting, Purpose-Driven

With aromatherapy benefits written directly on every package, Buttercream Haze is best for sparking sweet joy, melting stress, and soothing the soul. Every perfume at The 7 Virtues is Clean at Sephora, made without phthalates, parabens, and a list of over 100 ingredients. The fragrances are formulated with double the fragrance oils (22%) and infused with organic sugar cane for longevity. An independent third-party lab verified they last up to 24 hours and linger through the weekend.

As part of its mission-driven approach, The 7 Virtues will donate partial proceeds from Buttercream Haze to Days for Girls, a global nonprofit working to end period poverty and expand access to menstrual health education and products. This initiative is part of The 7 Virtues' origin story and its Make Perfume Not War mission, rooted in the belief that empowering girls and ending period poverty is the way to end war and build peace.

Availability and Pricing

Buttercream Haze launches exclusively at Sephora in 19 countries, including Canada, the U.S., and the UK. It will be available in a 50 ml Eau de Parfum for $94 USD / $127 CAD and a 10 ml Travel Spray for $32 USD / $43.50 CAD.

About The 7 Virtues

Founded by activist, keynote speaker, and best-selling author Barb Stegemann, The 7 Virtues is the clean beauty brand redefining fragrance with purpose. Launched in 2010 and propelled onto the global stage through Dragons' Den and Sephora's Accelerate program, The 7 Virtues creates hypoallergenic, sustainable perfumes designed to blend effortlessly, with third-party-tested up to 24-hour lasting power made possible by 22% fragrance oils. Every fragrance is crafted with aromatherapy wellness benefits and responsibly sourced ingredients from around the world. Today, The 7 Virtues is the only Canadian fragrance brand sold at Sephora in 19 countries, and the only certified B-Corp perfume at Sephora, empowering people to wear fragrance as a force for good. The brand also brings fragrance to life through its Perfume Atelier in Halifax and will expand with additional ateliers opening in 2026, giving more people the opportunity to experience custom fragrance layering firsthand.

Press Contact

Samantha McNeill

samantha@samanthamcneil.com

SOURCE: 7 Virtues Beauty USA LLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/the-7-virtues-launches-buttercream-haze-the-rebel-gourmand-1082828
LITTLETON, CO / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE American:URG)(TSX:URE) (the "Company" or "Ur-Energy") announces that it will participate in TD Cowen's 10th Annual Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Next Generation Nuclear Roundtable.

TD Cowen's 10th Annual Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Next Generation Nuclear Roundtable is taking place virtually on October 9, 2025. The event incorporates presentations and fireside chats, moderated by members of the TD Cowen research team, that focus on various aspects of the nuclear industry.

John Cash, Chairman and CEO of Ur-Energy, will participate in a fireside chat on Thursday, October 9, at 3:40 pm Eastern. A webcast can be found here: https://wsw.com/webcast/tds4/urg/1493906

To request an invitation or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with management at the conference, please contact your TD Cowen representative.

About Ur-Energy

Ur-Energy is a uranium mining company operating the Lost Creek in situ recovery uranium facility in south-central Wyoming. We have produced and packaged approximately 3 million pounds of U3O8 from Lost Creek since the commencement of operations. Ur-Energy has begun development and construction activities at Shirley Basin, the Company's second in situ recovery uranium facility in Wyoming. Ur-Energy is engaged in uranium recovery and processing activities, including the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of uranium mineral properties in the United States. The primary trading market for Ur-Energy's common shares is on the NYSE American under the symbol "URG." Ur-Energy's common shares also trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "URE." Ur-Energy's corporate office is in Littleton, Colorado and its registered office is in Ottawa, Ontario.

About TD Securities

TD Securities offers a wide range of capital markets products and services to corporate, government, and institutional clients who choose the firm for its innovation, execution, and experience.

With more than 6,900 professionals operating out of 32 cities across the globe, TD Securities helps clients meet their needs today and prepare for tomorrow. Its services include underwriting and distributing new issues, providing trusted advice and industry-leading insight, extending access to global markets, and delivering integrated transaction banking solutions.

TD Cowen is a division of TD Securities. In 2023, TD Securities acquired Cowen Inc., offering clients access to a premier U.S. equities business and highly diverse equity research franchise, while growing its strong, diversified investment bank.

TD Securities is growth-oriented, people-focused, and community-minded. As a team, the firm works to deliver value for its clients every day.

Contact Information

Valerie Kimball

IR Director

Valerie.kimball@ur-energy.com

720-460-8534

SOURCE: Ur-Energy Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/ur-energy-participates-in-td-cowens-10th-annual-nuclear-fuel-cycle-and-next-gene-1083718
billups, the world's largest independent out-of-home (OOH) technology and managed services company, today announced the appointment of Marc Marienfeld as Managing Director of Germany, marking a key milestone in its European growth strategy. Based in Munich, Marienfeld will lead billups' expansion in the German market, bringing more than 20 years of senior media leadership to the role.

Marienfeld has held executive positions at Wavemaker Germany, GroupM's mPlatform, Kinetic Worldwide, and, most recently, served as Chief Growth Officer at HYGH AG. A proven innovator and connector in the German media space, he brings deep relationships with leading brands and agencies and a hands-on leadership style.

"billups is the world's leading OOH agency with a powerful edge in MarTech and data analysis, two areas that will fuel real growth in the German OOH market," said Marc Marienfeld, Managing Director, billups Germany. "I'm thrilled to join a team of such passionate, experienced professionals, and I look forward to building billups Germany into a trusted, future-forward partner for brands and publishers alike."

In his role, Marienfeld will spearhead billups' expansion into Germany, aligning local operations with global capabilities to deliver billups' patented analytics and measurement solutions to clients. He will be responsible for scaling the company's presence, strengthening domestic client partnerships, and facilitating international OOH investment in and out of Germany.

"We are hugely excited to welcome Marc's energy, passion, and wide expertise of the German OOH landscape," said James McEwan, CEO, billups EMEA. "As Europe's largest economy, and already the second-largest European destination for our international clients, we look forward to Marc and his team helping us grow our domestic and global capabilities in this vital market."

Marienfeld's appointment underscores billups' commitment to localized leadership and innovation-driven global expansion. The move also reflects broader industry trends: growing demand for measurable, data-led OOH campaigns, and the increasing role of programmatic DOOH (PDOOH) in Europe.

About billups

billups is the world's largest independent out-of-home (OOH) technology and managed services company helping advertisers, agencies, and OOH media owners strengthen media performance through a patented analytics and measurement platform. With more than 20 years of experience and employees spanning over 20 countries, billups unites local expertise with global accessibility to actualize international marketing initiatives. Using proprietary, AI-powered technology to plan, optimize, and report on media effectiveness, billups makes OOH an indispensable part of media plans.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007215829/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Jonathan Gardner

jonathan@salientmg.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - EMERGE Commerce Ltd. (TSXV: ECOM) (OTC Pink: EMCMF) is pleased to announce its participation at the upcoming 2025 Cantech Investment Conference on Thursday, October 9, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. Ghassan Halazon, Founder and CEO, will be attending the conference, delivering an investor presentation and participating in scheduled 1-on-1 meetings with investors at the conference.

2025 Cantech Investment Conference

Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Location: Arcadian Loft, 8th floor, 401 Bay Street, Toronto, ON

Contact: tara@cantechletter.com to register

More info: https://www.cantechletter.com/conference/

Ghassan Halazon, Founder and CEO, of EMERGE Commerce Ltd., commented, "We are delighted to be participating in the Cantech Investment Conference as it's an excellent platform to strengthen our connections within the capital markets. We hope to enhance our visibility, showcase our achievements, and increase our profile among the investor communities."

About The Cantech Investment Conference

The Cantech Investment Conference, recognized as Canada's foremost technology and diversified industries investment event, provides emerging companies with the unique opportunity to showcase their innovations and growth strategies, and participate in individual 1-on-1 meetings with potential investors and capital markets professionals. The conference serves as a hub for networking, knowledge exchange, and investment opportunities, while also featuring panel discussions with industry experts to offer insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities. For fifteen years, Cantech Media, the parent company of Cantech Letter, has been committed to the innovation sectors in the Canadian public markets. Cantech Letter gathers research from Canada's leading investment banks to provide individual investors with timely, expert voices in the space.

SOURCE: Cantech Letter
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) (OTCQX: ONXGF) ("Onyx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce surface channel sampling and drill results from the Company's ongoing 25,000 metre drill program (the "Program') at its 100% owned Munro-Croesus Project ("Munro-Croesus" or the "Project"), located 75 km east of Timmins, Ontario.

Results are reported today for four (4) shallow step-out holes and a series of sawn channel samples of new outcrop exposed by mechanical stripping near previously reported drill hole MC25-180 (see Company news release dated July 23, 2025) which returned 4.0 meters ("m") of 5.9 grams per tonne gold ("g/t Au") within 50.4 meters of 1.9 g/t Au starting at 6.1 m downhole. Collectively, the new results outline a significant zone of gold mineralization that comes right to surface, located just two kilometres off Highway 101 (Figures 1, 2 & 3).

Highlights

Drill Holes

60.8 m grading 1.2 g/t Au , in drill hole MC25-200, including 3.0 m grading 5.9 g/t Au

, in drill hole MC25-200, including 37.8 m grading 1.8 g/t Au , in drill hole MC25-202, including 8.6 m grading 5.0 g/t Au

, in drill hole MC25-202, including 37.5 m grading 1.2 g/t Au, in drill hole MC25-204, including 10.2 m grading 2.4 g/t Au

Channel Samples

10.7 m grading 0.6 g/t Au , including 3.1 m grading 7.4 g/t Au , within, in Channel A

, including , within, in Channel A 8.9 m grading 0.9 g/t Au , including 2.8 m grading 1.6 g/t Au , within in Channel B

, including , within in Channel B 21.3 m grading 2.0 g/t Au , including 4.0 m grading 5.0 g/t Au, within in Channel C

, including within in Channel C 15.5 m grading 1.6 g/t Au , including 6.5 m grading 2.8 g/t Au , within in Channel D

, including , within in Channel D 7.4 m grading 4.9 g/t Au , including 3.9 m grading 8.4 g/t Au , within in Channel E

, including , within in Channel E 3.4 m grading 1.8 g/t Au , including 1.0 m grading 4.0 g/t Au , within in Channel F

, including , within in Channel F 7.4 m grading 4.9 g/t Au , including 3.9 m grading 8.4 g/t Au , within in Channel G

, including , within in Channel G 15.4 m grading 2.2 g/t Au, including 2.0 m grading 8.4 g/t Au, within in Channel H

Surface sampling and ongoing step-out drilling at Argus North continues to demonstrate wide intervals of promising gold mineralization over >100 meters of strike length and from surface to >350 meters vertically.

The Company has completed 64 drill holes (assays announced for 18 holes to date) completing approximately 20,000 m (80%) of the expanded 25,000 m Program.

"Argus North continues to deliver wide intervals of gold mineralization right from surface, just two kilometres off the highway - a rare and highly attractive combination in the Timmins camp," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO of Onyx Gold. "These results reinforce the potential for Argus North to evolve into a significant, road-accessible gold system and, with the majority of assays from our fully funded 25,000 metre program still pending, we are steadily building a clearer picture of the opportunity. With the recent closing of our $20 million bought-deal financing and the upcoming close of our upsized $6.4 million non-brokered financing with strategic investors, Onyx is well financed to maintain strong news flow and advance exploration through 2026."

Discussion of 2025 Argus North Near-Surface Results

The Argus North Zone is located on the western half of the Munro-Croesus Project, approximately 150 metres north of the regional Pipestone Fault, a major structural corridor that hosts several significant gold deposits in the Timmins camp. Discovery hole MC24-163, reported earlier this year, returned 69.6 m grading 3.4 g/t Au, including 34.5 m grading 5.4 g/t Au and 9.5 m grading 13.9 g/t Au (see Company news release dated April 10, 2025). Argus North lies roughly 100 metres north of the east-west trending Argus Main Zone, which represents a separate 750 m x 200 m near-surface bulk-tonnage gold target (e.g., 1.0 g/t Au over 63.3 m and 0.5 g/t Au over 136 m).

Gold mineralization at Argus North is distinguished by broad zones (50 m to over 100 m) of +1 g/t Au mineralization containing multiple continuous higher-grade sub-intervals. Notable recent high-grade intercepts include 17.0 m grading 5.3 g/t Au in hole MC25-168, 18.7 m grading 5.2 g/t Au in MC25-171, 5.2 m grading 5.1 g/t Au and 6.6 m grading 4.2 g/t Au in MC25-178, 4.0 m grading 6.6 g/t Au in MC25-179, 4.0 m grading 5.9 g/t Au in MC25-180, and 4.0 m grading 4.6 g/t Au in MC25-177. For context, intercepts of this grade and thickness, in addition to the broad zones of +1 g/t Au mineralization, compare favorably with those reported from other major gold deposits in the Timmins camp, underscoring the potential significance of Argus North as a material new gold discovery in the district.

Geologically, the high-grade sub-intervals are closely associated with zones of strong albitization and silicification, pyritic stringers, and localized porphyritic intrusions within variolitic basalt and volcanic breccias. This combination of alteration and structural preparation is interpreted to be a key control on gold deposition. Drilling to date demonstrates excellent vertical continuity of mineralization, traced from surface to over 350 meters depth, with the system remaining open along strike, down-dip and down-plunge.

Mechanized stripping and power washing at Argus North over a 15 m by 80 m area has now exposed an alternating stratigraphic sequence of massive, variolitic, fragmental, and pillowed basalts intruded by two feldspar porphyry dykes. Mineralization is hosted primarily within fragmental basalt units which represent the main lithology of the stripped area, and correlates well with observations from drill core. The mineralization is broadly disseminated pyrite within the fragmental basalts, with higher Au grades associated with 2-5% disseminated and stringer pyrite, strong albite alteration, and locally feldspar porphyry dykes.

One hundred and seventy-four (174) individual channel samples averaging 1 m in length were collected in total from 11 channels crosscutting main structures and volcanic stratigraphy.

Details of the channel sample lines reported in this news release are shown in Figures 1 and Table 1.

Details for drill hole assay reported in this news release are shown in Figures 2 and 3 and Table 2. Results for a fourth hole, MC25-203, are still pending.

The Company has completed 64 drill holes (assays announced for 18 holes to date) completing approximately 20,000 m (80%) of the expanded and fully funded $10 M, 25,000 m Program.





Figure 1 - Plan Map Highlighting Argus North Zone Channel Samples Reported in this Release

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/269401_919f48ed34d6aaeb_001full.jpg





Figure 2 - Longitudinal-Section Highlighting Drill Holes Reported in this Release - Looking North

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/269401_919f48ed34d6aaeb_002full.jpg





Figure 3 - Plan Map Highlighting Argus North Zone Drill Holes Reported in this Release

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/269401_919f48ed34d6aaeb_003full.jpg





Figure 4 - Location of the Munro-Croesus Gold Project, Ontario

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/269401_919f48ed34d6aaeb_004full.jpg

Table 1 - Significant Assay Results from 2025 Drilling Completed at the Argus North Zone





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/269401_919f48ed34d6aaeb_005full.jpg

*Intersections are reported as drilled width; true width is estimated to be 70-90% of drilled width.

Table 2 - Significant Assay Results from 2025 Channel Sampling Completed at the Argus North Zone





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9800/269401_919f48ed34d6aaeb_006full.jpg

The Munro-Croesus Project

The Munro-Croesus Project is located along Highway 101 in the heart of the Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada's premier gold mining jurisdiction (Figure 4). This large, 100% owned land package includes the past-producing Croesus Gold Mine, which yielded some of the highest-grade gold ever mined in Ontario. Extensive land consolidation from 2020-2025 has unified the patchwork of patented and unpatented mining claims surrounding the Croesus Gold Mine into one coherent package and enhanced the project's exploration potential.

The Project covers 109 km2 of highly prospective geology within the influence of major gold-bearing structural breaks. Bulk-tonnage gold deposits located in the immediate region include the Fenn-Gib gold project being developed by Mayfair Gold Corp., and the Tower Gold Project being developed by STLLR Gold Inc.

About Onyx Gold

Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. The Golden Mile 140 km2 property is located 9 km northeast of Newmont's multi-million-ounce Hoyle Pond deposit in Timmins. The Timmins South 187 km2 property is located to the south and southeast of Timmins and surrounds the Shaw dome structure.

Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp.

"Brock Colterjohn"

President & CEO

Additional Notes:

Starting azimuth, dip and final length (Azimuth/-Dip/Length) for the three (3) drill holes reported today are noted as follows: MC25-200 (000/45/219), MC25-202 (000/45/219), and MC25-204 (000/45/195).

Channel samples from surface trenching were cut by a diamond blade and averaged 1m in length, 5 cm in width and 10 cm in depth. Samples were placed in individual sealed polyurethane bags and were delivered by truck in sealed woven plastic bags to MSA Labs laboratory facility in Timmins, Ontario for sample preparation followed by the photon assay method. MSA Labs operate meeting all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015. Channel samples are crushed to 70% passing 2mm, then a representative split is taken and pulverized to 85% passing 75m. Gold is determined by photon assay of a 500-gram sample providing a true bulk reading. The Chrysos PhotonAssay method utilizes high energy x- rays causing excitation of atomic nuclei allowing enhanced analysis for gold. Coarse rejects from MSA Labs and remaining channel samples were then delivered by truck in sealed woven plastic bags to ALS Geochemistry laboratory facility in Timmins, Ontario for sample preparation with final analysis at ALS Geochemistry Analytical Lab facility in North Vancouver, BC (see below).

Samples of drill core were cut by a diamond blade rock saw, with half of the cut core placed in individual sealed polyurethane bags and half placed back in the original core box for permanent storage. Sample lengths typically vary from a minimum 0.2-meter interval to a maximum 1.5-meter interval, with an average 0.5 to 1.0-meter sample length. Drill core samples were delivered by truck in sealed woven plastic bags to ALS Geochemistry laboratory facility in Timmins, Ontario for sample preparation with final analysis at ALS Geochemistry Analytical Lab facility in North Vancouver, BC. ALS Geochemistry operate meeting all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015.

Gold is determined by fire-assay fusion of a 50-gram sub-sample with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Samples that return values >10 ppm gold from fire assay and AAS are determined by using fire assay and a gravimetric finish. Various metals including silver, gold, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectroscopy, following multi-acid digestion. The elements copper, lead and zinc are determined by ore grade assay for samples that return values >10,000 ppm by ICP analysis. Silver is determined by ore-grade assay for samples that return >100 ppm. All ALS Geochemistry sites operate under a single Global Geochemistry Quality Manual that complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017. ALS Geochemistry follows the quality management and operational guidelines set out in the international standards ISO/IEC 17025 - "General Requirement for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories" and ISO 9001 - "Quality Management Systems".

The Company maintains a robust QA/QC program that includes the collection and analysis of duplicate samples and the insertion of blanks and standards (certified reference material).

Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the potential significance of results from the new Argus North discovery are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although 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 outlook 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/269401

SOURCE: Onyx Gold Corp.
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Anteros Metals Inc. (CSE: ANT) ("Anteros" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company and Rift Minerals Inc. ("Rift") have entered into a binding letter of intent (the "LOI") dated October 6, 2025, pursuant to which the Company has been granted an option (the "Option") to acquire a beneficial interest in the Seagull Project, a critical minerals exploration stage property targeting platinum group elements (PGEs), nickel, copper, and helium (the "Property"). The Property is located approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Upon exercise of the Option, the Company and Rift shall use reasonable commercial efforts to negotiate, complete, execute and deliver a formal joint venture agreement, pursuant to which the Company may earn a working interest of up to 49% in the Property.

In order to exercise the Option, the Company shall:

Underwrite the Phase 1 cost of a 1,350m borehole at the Property (the " Drilling ") (estimated at a minimum of $400,000 and up to $600,000 of anticipated exploration costs) to earn a contingent 20% interest in the Property;

Make a one-time up-front cash payment to Rift in the amount of $50,000, such payment to be made before the Drilling is commenced; and

Complete a second phase of exploration pursuant to Phase 1 results and recommendations for a Phase 2 exploration program, by an independent Qualified Person.

Rift's sole asset is an option agreement (the "Option Agreement") dated July 26, 2024 with Thunder Gold Corp., whereby Rift has the option to acquire the Property. Rift has completed passive seismic imaging (ambient noise tomography) over the Property, identifying a deep low-velocity anomaly interpreted by Rift as a potential gas-bearing zone and/or mineralized feeder structure of the Seagull Intrusion. The planned drill program will test this target.

"We're pleased to partner with Rift to advance the Seagull Project as a complementary addition to our Canadian exploration portfolio," said Trumbull Fisher, CEO of Anteros. "This agreement provides low-cost exposure to a high-impact target in an emerging critical minerals jurisdiction."

The completion of the transactions contemplated by the LOI remains subject to the Company and Rift entering into a definitive agreement and the approval of all regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Dr. Geoff Heggie, P.Geo. (Ontario), a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this press release.

PRIVATE PLACEMENT

In addition, in connection with the proposed transaction, the Company announces that it non-brokered private placement through the issuance of flow-through units in the capital of the Company (each, a "FT Unit"), and hard dollar units (each, a "Unit") of the Company, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 (the "Offering").

The Units will be issued at a price of $0.05 per Unit and the FT Units will be issued at a price of $0.065 per FT Unit.

Each FT Unit shall be comprised of one common share, issued on a flow-through basis ("FT Share") and one-half of one whole common share purchase warrant, issued on a non-flow-through basis (each whole warrant, a " Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at a price of $0.10 per Common Share for a period of two (2) years from date of issuance. The FT Shares will qualify as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), which also qualify for the Canadian government's Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit. Each Unit shall be comprised of one Common Share and one-half of one whole Warrant.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The net proceeds from the sale of the Units will be used for general working capital purposes and the gross proceeds of the Offering received from the sale of the FT Shares will be used to incur "Canadian exploration expenses" that will qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada).

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. 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 state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

ABOUT ANTEROS METALS INC.

Anteros Metals Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing a pipeline of critical minerals projects across Newfoundland and Labrador and select Canadian jurisdictions. The Company is targeting copper, nickel, zinc, and emerging strategic commodities that support the global energy transition. Immediate plans for their flagship Knob Lake Property include bringing the historical Fe-Mn Mineral Resource Estimate into current status as well as commencing baseline environmental and feasibility studies.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to statements relating to the prospects for development of the Company's mineral properties, and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269353

SOURCE: Anteros Metals Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Atomic Minerals Corporation (TSXV: ATOM) ("Atomic Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has acquired 5 claims totaling 20,743.5 hectares from DG Resource Management Ltd. ("DGRM") to increase its Mozzie Lake project to 26,073.5 hectares. The new claims significantly increase the exploration potential of the Mozzie Lake project located in northern Saskatchewan.

The Mozzie Lake project lies within the Pinkham Lake zone of the Charlebois-Higgingson Lake uranium district approximately 25 kilometres northeast of the Athabasca basin. Two programs of diamond drilling in 1967 and 1968 identified an historic estimate of 208,300 tons grading 0.118 per cent triuranium octoxide, approximately 491,588 pounds of U3O8 within pegmatite intrusions.

The historic estimate was disclosed in Kings Resources Company Exploration - 1968 Permit 3 Area Athabasca Mining District, Saskatchewan by B.G. Gislason and C.M Trigg Dated November 1968. The Company feels the historic estimate is relevant because it speaks to the potential of the Mozzie Lake property and reliable as it was completed to the standards of the day by competent geologists. The historic estimate appears to be calculated from cross sections, under the assumption that the pegmatite bodies hosting the mineralization are conformable with the enclosing rock. Only mineralized sections grading 0.05 per cent U308 or greater were included in the calculation. The historic estimates are classified as drill indicated, which would be comparable to an inferred resource. The Company would need to twin a number of the 1967 and 1968 drill holes to move the historic estimate to an inferred resource.

Atomic Minerals cautions investors a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources and further cautions that the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources.

Atomic Minerals will acquire the additional Mozzie Lake claims under the following terms:

In consideration for these additional 5 Mozzie Lake claims, within five (5) Business Days of TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval ("the Closing"), Atomic Minerals shall:

(1) pay to DGRM a sum of $20,000 on Closing;

(2) issue to DGRM 2,000,0000 Consideration Shares. The Consideration Shares shall be issued as fully-paid and non-assessable common shares in the capital of the Company on Closing;

(3) issue to DGRM 1,000,000 Consideration Warrants exercisable at $0.10 for a term of two years from Closing; and

(4) grant to DGRM a 2% gross overriding royalty in respect of the gross proceeds generated from future production at the Mineral Claims.

Advisory Board Appointment - Mr. Jody Dahrouge

The Company is pleased to announce that Mr. Jody Dahrouge will join the Company's Advisory Board effective immediately. Jody Dahrouge, B.Sc., Sp.C., P.Geo., is a professional geologist with over 30 years of experience in Canada and internationally. He has a successful background in base metals, industrial minerals, lithium, rare metals, and uranium exploration. Since 1998, Mr. Dahrouge has been the president of Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd., a geological services company that provides consulting services to a broad range of public and private exploration and mining companies. He is a professional geologist (Alberta) and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in geology and computing science, both from the University of Alberta. Mr. Dahrouge has been involved in all aspects of mineral exploration and development for a wide variety of commodities worldwide. Until September 2007, Mr. Dahrouge was President and COO of Fission Energy Corp. ("Fission") and played a key role in the acquisition of several of Fission's key exploration properties, including Waterbury Lake, Patterson Lake North ("PLN"), and Patterson Lake South ("PLS"). Several significant uranium occurrences were eventually discovered at those projects generated by Mr. Dahrouge, including the J-Zone at Waterbury Lake, the Triple R uranium deposit at PLS, and most recently at PLN.

"Atomic's management is extremely pleased to have someone with the depth of knowledge that Mr. Dahrouge has joining our Advisory Board. He will be a very good resource as we continue to advance our exploration assets. He is a strong addition to the team," stated Clive Massey, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to work with Atomics' technical team and assist with advancing their projects not only in the Athabasca but with their U.S. projects as well," stated Jody Dahrouge, President of Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd.

R. Tim Henneberry, PGeo (British Columbia), an adviser to the Company, is the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the technical contents of this news release and has approved the disclosure of the technical information contained herein.

About the Company

Atomic Minerals Corporation is a publicly listed exploration company on the TSXV, trading under the symbol ATOM, led by a highly skilled management and technical team with a proven track record in the junior mining sector. Atomic's objective is to identify exploration opportunities in regions that have been previously overlooked but are geologically similar to those with previous uranium discoveries. These underexplored areas hold immense potential and are in stable geopolitical and economic environments.

Currently, the Company's property portfolio contains Uranium projects with significant technical merit in two locations known for hosting Uranium production in the past. We have three on the Colorado Plateau, within the continental United States. The plateau has previously produced 597 million pounds of U3O8. The other two recently acquired properties are located in the prolific Athabasca region in Saskatchewan, Canada and the Mount Laurier property located in Quebec, Canada.

For additional information about the Company and its projects, please visit our website at www.atomicminerals.ca.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

"Clive Massey"

Clive H. Massey

President & CEO

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor their Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269402

SOURCE: Atomic Minerals Corp.
This acquisition will mark First American Uranium Inc.'s initial entry into Quebec with five properties in the Grenville Province, one of the most prospective regions for critical minerals in Canada

Properties host multiple rare earth, niobium and nickel-copper showings, including historical samples returning 2.7% Total Rare Earth Elements ("TREE") and 3,190 ppm niobium ("Nb")

Vancouver, BC, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First American Uranium Inc. (CSE: URM) (FSE: IOR) (OTCPK: FAUMF) ("First American Uranium", or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a property purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with a group of arm's length vendors, pursuant to which the Company will acquire a 100% legal and beneficial interest in certain mineral properties free of any NSRs comprising a strategic land package in the Grenville Province of Quebec (the "Properties"), representing the Company's first entry into the province. The acquisition includes five properties located in the regional municipalities of La Haute-Cote-Nord, La Tuque, and Le Fjord-du-Saguenay - a region recognized for its high concentration of critical mineral occurrences relative to other geological provinces in Quebec. The area also hosts significant projects such as the niobium Niobec Mine, which was sold for US$500 million in 2015, the niobium Lac Crevier project, as well as the phosphurus projects of Begin-La Marche and Lac a l'Original.

The Properties host a series of rare earth element (REE), niobium (Nb) and nickel-copper (Ni-Cu) projects that demonstrate strong potential for critical mineral exploration and development in the Grenville Province:

Key Showings and Historical Results

Blanchette-1 (REE): A grab sample collected by Quebec government geologists returned 2.7% TREE, including 4,090 ppm Nd, hosted in a granitic pegmatite.

Sabot (REE): A grab sample collected by government geologists returned 0.21% TREE, including 365 ppm Nd, within a quartziferous syenite.

Blanchette-1 bis (Ni-Cu): A nickel-copper quartz vein sample returned 0.25% Cu and 0.1% Ni, hosted in a highly deformed paragneiss associated with gabbro boudins.

Bardy (REE): A grab sample collected by Quebec government geologists returned 0.68% TREE, including 1,150 ppm Nd, hosted in a granitic pegmatite.

Seigneurie Deposit (Nb-REE): Originally drilled by SOQUEM in 1978, pegmatites up to 50 metres wide were intersected, containing uneconomic uranium and thorium values. However, in 2010, a local prospector collected grab samples, one of which returned 3,190 ppm Nb and 4,031 ppm TREE. Notably, these pegmatites have not been systematically assayed for rare earths or other critical minerals.

Strategic Significance

The acquisition will provide First American Uranium with a strategic foothold in Quebec, one of the most mining-friendly jurisdictions globally, and will position the Company to capitalize on the Grenville Province's prospectivity for rare earths and other critical minerals. The Properties to be acquired consist of 39 claims covering 2,240 hectares, and the Company has separately staked an additional 480 claims covering 27,696 hectares in and around the Properties. Collectively, this land package totals 519 claims covering 29,936 hectares. The Niobec Mine, which was sold for US$500 million in 2015, is located approximately 130 kms from the Properties.

Figure 1: Five (5) properties located southwest and east of the Saguenay Lac Saint-Jean area.

Click here to view image

Figure 2: Grenville Province (circled in red) with major mines and projects under development in Quebec.

Click here to view image

The global niobium and niobium-alloy market was valued at approximately US$2.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$4.6 billion by 2032 (~7% CAGR), with steel remaining the dominant use category while advanced applications are rapidly expanding. Rising demand is being driven by high-strength steels for infrastructure and automotive, heat-resistant superalloys for jet engines, hypersonic missiles and rocket nozzles in defense and aerospace, and superconducting materials-such as qubits and Josephson junctions-for next-generation quantum computing. Against this backdrop, First American believes it is well positioned to unlock significant exploration value across its newly acquired assets and capitalize on these strategic, high-growth markets.

Murray Nye, CEO of First American Uranium, commented:

"Our team believes that the Grenville Province of Quebec is the most prospective geological setting in the province for critical mineral deposits. This acquisition will provide URM with a strategic entrance into a world-class jurisdiction, in close proximity to the U.S. border, where demand for rare earths and other critical minerals continues to accelerate. We view this land package as a cornerstone for our expansion into Quebec and a key step in building long-term value for our shareholders. In addition, URM is aligning its strategy with President Trump's executive order announced in March 2025 to boost production of critical minerals, including niobium and intends to pursue non-dilutive funding opportunities, including engagement with the U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and the Export-Import Bank (EXIM), to advance development while preserving shareholder value."

Transaction Details

Under the terms of the Agreement, the vendors will transfer to the Company a 100% interest in the Properties, free and clear of all encumbrances. As consideration, the Company will issue an aggregate of 4,020,000 common shares (the "Consideration Shares") at a deemed issuance price of $0.85 per Consideration Share to the vendors upon closing. The Consideration Shares will be allocated among the vendors in varying amounts, corresponding to their respective ownership interests in the Properties.

The Consideration Shares will be issued pursuant to exemptions from the prospectus requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws and will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of all necessary approvals from the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The transaction constitutes an arm's length transaction, and no changes to the board of directors or management of the Company are anticipated in connection with its completion.

ABOUT FIRST AMERICAN URANIUM INC.

First American Uranium Inc. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in North America. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct its exploration programs on the Silver Lake property. The Silver Lake property is situated around Goosly Lake and approximately 30 km southeast of the town of Houston, in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Murray Nye

Chief Executive Officer

1055 West Georgia Street, Suite 1500

Vancouver, BC V6E 0B6

Canada

For further information, please contact:

Murray Nye, CEO

Email: finance@firstamericanuranium.ca

Phone: +1 (416) 300-7398

CSE:URM

OTCPK:FAUMF

FSE:IOR

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 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 applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to an available exemption from such registration requirements.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects, anticipates or intends to occur in the future, or that otherwise reflect management's expectations or beliefs about future events, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "opportunity," "strategy," "target," "forecast" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will," "would," "may," "could," or "should" occur or be achieved.

Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: (i) statements regarding the Properties and their mineral prospectivity; (ii) the Company's planned exploration, development and evaluation activities on the Properties; and (iii) the potential for the Grenville Province to host significant rare earth element, niobium, nickel-copper or other critical mineral deposits. Such forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current plans, intentions, expectations and beliefs and are subject to certain assumptions, including, without limitation, assumptions that required regulatory approvals will be obtained in a timely manner, that financing will be available on reasonable terms, and that exploration results will continue to support the prospectivity of the Properties.

Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to: the timing and receipt of required regulatory approvals; changes in commodity prices and market conditions; the availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms; general economic, business and political conditions; risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, including operational risks, geological uncertainties, environmental risks and accidents; changes in government regulation or policy; and the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by the Company is available in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ).

Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and undue reliance should not be placed on them. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are made as of the date hereof and are based on information currently available and management's beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions at that time. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Clyde McMillan, P.Geo., a consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained herein.

This news release references other projects in the region of the Properties. The Company cautions that mineralization hosted on adjacent, nearby or geologically similar properties, is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Properties.

This news release also references the result of grab sampling work done on the Properties by prior parties. Readers are cautioned that grab sampling is selective by its nature, and not necessarily indication of mineralization hosted on the Properties.

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brixton Metals Corporation (TSX-V: BBB, OTCQB: BBBXF) (the "Company" or "Brixton") is pleased to announce additional drill results from the Trapper Gold Target from the 2025 season. A total of 6272m was drilled at the Trapper Target from 30 holes this season. Assays are pending for the remaining 17 holes. The zone remains open for expansion.

Highlights

Hole THN25-344 returned 38.50m of 4.07 g/t gold from 191.00m depth



Including 1.85m of 39.61 g/t gold from 220.00m depth





Hole THN25-344 also returned 6.35m of 1.81 g/t gold from 281.65m depth



Chairman, CEO, Gary R. Thompson stated, "The high-grade potential is highlighted by this hole at the Trapper Target and further exploration is warranted to expand the main mineralized zone where it remains open to the northeast, southeast and north of the main area and at depth."

Figure 1. Trapper Gold Target Plan Map for Hole THN25-344.





Table 1. Select Assay Intervals in Holes THN25-344.



Hole ID From To Interval Gold meter meter meter g/t THN25-344 191.00 229.50 38.50 4.07 including 220.00 221.85 1.85 39.61 THN25-344 281.65 288.00 6.35 1.81

Assay values are weighted averages. Reported intervals are drilling length and the true width of the mineralized intervals has not yet been determined.

Discussion

The objective of hole THN25-344 was to infill and delineate a trend for the high-grade gold mineralization from previous drilling that was encounter in hole THN22-205 (64m of 5.74 g/t gold). Hole THN25-344 was collared 88m south from the collar for hole THN22-205. THN25-344 was drilled with an azimuth of 0.0 degrees with a dip of -45 to a depth of 297m (Figure 1).

The gold mineralization in THN25-344 is hosted within Triassic lapilli tuff, intruded by a Cretaceous quartz diorite and a feldspar porphyry dike of unknown age. Gold is associated with vein assemblages of pyrite-sphalerite-galena as seen in Figures 2 and 3. While mineralization is hosted within all three rock types, higher grade favours the contacts between these units. Low grade gold mineralization occurs between these reported intervals.

Figure 2. Closeup Photograph of HQ Size Core of Mineralization in Hole THN25-344 at 229.20m.





Figure 3. Photograph of HQ Size Core in hole THN25-344 from 202.35m to 221.95m.





Table 2. Collar Information for Hole THN25-344.



Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Depth (m) THN25-344 630227 6485483 1335 0 -45 297

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

Quality assurance and quality control protocols for drill core sampling was developed by Brixton. Core samples were mostly taken at 1.5m intervals. High-grade intervals were taken at 0.5 to 1m intervals. Blank, duplicate (lab pulp) and certified reference materials were inserted at a combined rate of 15%. Core samples were cut in half, bagged, zip-tied and sent directly to ALS Minerals preparation facility in Whitehorse, Yukon or Langley, British Columbia depending on available lab capacity. ALS Minerals Laboratories is registered to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 17025 accreditations for laboratory procedures. Samples were analyzed at ALS Laboratory Facilities in North Vancouver, British Columbia for gold by fire assay with an atomic absorption finish, whereas Ag, Pb, Cu and Zn and 48 additional elements were analyzed using four acid digestion with an ICP-MS finish. Over limits for gold were analyzed using fire assay and gravimetric finish. The standards, certified reference materials, were acquired from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd., of Langley, British Columbia and the standards inserted varied depending on the type and abundance of mineralization visually observed in the primary sample. Blank material used consisted of non-mineralized siliceous landscaping rock. A copy of the QAQC protocols can be viewed at the Company's website.

Qualified Person (QP)

Ms. Madeline Berry, P.Geo., is a Project Geologist for the Company who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Ms. Berry has verified the referenced data and analytical results disclosed in this press release and has approved the technical information presented herein.

About Brixton Metals Corporation

Brixton Metals is a Canadian exploration company focused on the advancement of its mining projects. Brixton wholly owns four exploration projects: Brixton's flagship Thorn copper-gold-silver-molybdenum Project, the Hog Heaven copper-silver-gold Project in NW Montana, USA, which is optioned to Ivanhoe Electric Inc., the Langis-HudBay silver-cobalt-nickel Project in Ontario and the Atlin Goldfields Project located in northwest BC which is optioned to Eldorado Gold Corporation. Brixton Metals Corporation shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol BBB, and on the OTCQB under the ticker symbol BBBXF. For more information about Brixton, please visit our website at www.brixtonmetals.com .

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mr. Gary R. Thompson, Chairman and CEO

info@brixtonmetals.com

For Investor Relations inquiries, please contact: Mr. Michael Rapsch, Vice President Investor Relations. email: michael.rapsch@brixtonmetals.com or call Tel: 604-630-9707



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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.

Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration and development plans, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds. 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. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

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Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Sranan Gold Corp. (CSE: SRAN) (FSE: P84) (Tradegate: P84) ("Sranan" or the "Company") announces additional high-grade results with highlight values of 26.7 grams per tonne (g/t) and 25.8 g/t gold from grab samples taken from the Poeketi target at the 29,000-hectare Tapanahony Project in Suriname (see Table 1).

The Poeketi target is defined by a series of open pits and shafts created by local small-scale miners. Poeketi is part of the Poeketi-Randy's Pit gold trend that is based on small-scale mine workings at Poeketi and Randy's Pit, and is supported by airborne magnetic interpretation and Lidar interpretation (see Sranan's news release dated June 16, 2025). The trend is over 4.5 kilometres long and is open in both directions (see Figure 1).

The most recent six grab samples from Poeketi were taken from new underground workings that are located to the northwest of previously sampled workings. These most recent results are similar to the high-grade grab and rock chip samples reported from other underground workings with highlight values of 108 g/t and 84 g/t gold (see Sranan's new release dated May 15, 2025) that are located 250 metres to the southeast.

The Poeketi target can now be extended over a strike length measuring approximately 1,000 metres. The mineralization is hosted in fault-filled quartz veins with sulfides in selvages close to highly strained volcanic wall rock. The shear zone at Poeketi is striking west-northwest and is dipping between 70 to 80 degrees to the southwest.

Table 1: High-grade grab samples from underground workings in north Poeketi.

Sample ID Easting Northing Elevation Au (g/t) Rock type 1830839 763065.0 457954.7 59.7 1.9 Fault-filled quartz vein 1830840 763075.8 457956.4 60.7 3.0 Fault-filled quartz vein 1830841 763075.8 457956.4 60.7 2.2 Fault-filled quartz vein 1830842 763068.4 457955.6 60.7 26.7 Fault-filled quartz vein 1830844 763079.0 457957.0 60.9 25.8 Fault-filled quartz vein 1830845 763068.0 457956.0 60.7 1.9 Fault-filled quartz vein

Note: Grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent average grades or widths of mineralization at the property.

Dr. Dennis LaPoint, EVP of Exploration and Corporate Development, commented: "Having access to the small-scale underground mining is a significant advantage for our exploration efforts. These most recent grab samples extend the Poeketi target to over 1,000 metres, to be tested by trenching and drilling. Furthermore, drill hole 25RADD-001, with 11.5 metres grading 3.64 g/t gold in saprolite (see Sranan's new release dated September 16, 2025) and trench results (see Sranan's news releases dated September 9, 2025 and August 7, 2025) from within the Randy's Pit target area defined over 500 metres to be tested with further trenching and drilling. We believe the Poeketi and Randy's Pit targets are part of a larger, more robust gold system."





Figure 1: High-grade grab samples from underground workings north of Poeketi-Randy's Pit trend.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10997/269319_c35d3b7b8407f973_001full.jpg

Sranan had encountered mechanical issues with the diamond core rig deployed at Randy's Pit. These issues have been resolved and Sranan is currently drilling just north of Randy's Pit.

Samples are prepared and assayed by Filab in Paramaribo, Suriname. All samples >2 g/t were re-assayed with 50 gm re-assay and gravimetric assay. Standard QA/QC procedures were followed which showed a satisfactory level of reproducibility. Grab samples indicate promising evidence of high-grade gold. Channel sampling, trenching and drilling are the steps to determine average grade and thickness. The Company notes that grab samples are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization.

Qualified Person

Dr. Dennis J. LaPoint, Ph.D., P.Geo., a "qualified person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this release. Dr. LaPoint is not independent of Sranan Gold, as he is the Company's EVP of Exploration and Corporate Development.

About Sranan Gold

Sranan Gold Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Suriname and Canada. The Company's flagship Tapanahony Project covers 29,000 hectares in one of Suriname's most prolific artisanal gold mining districts. Sranan also owns the Aida Property in the Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada.

For more information, please visit sranangold.com.

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company's exploration plans and results at its projects. 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 by the use of 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 release. Further details about the risks applicable to the Company are contained in the Company's public filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile.

Forward-looking statements and information contained herein are based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the realization of resource and reserve estimates, metal prices, taxation, the estimation, timing and amount of future exploration and development, capital and operating costs, the availability of financing, the receipt of regulatory approvals, environmental risks, title disputes and other matters. While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269319

SOURCE: Sranan Gold Corp.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Fathom Nickel Inc. (CSE: FNI) (FSE: 6Q5) (OTCQB: FNICF) (the "Company" or "Fathom") is pleased to announce the completion of the final cash payment and share issuance under the Gochager Lake Earn-In Agreement (the "Agreement"). Fathom has now completed all requirements under the Agreement and now holds a 100% interest in the Gochager Lake Property (the "Property"), subject to a 2% NSR royalty.

Ian Fraser, CEO & Vice-President, Exploration commented, "We are very pleased to have completed all requirements under the Agreement to earn a 100% interest in the Property. We have made tremendous advances at Gochager Lake since we entered into the Agreement in September 2022: we have expanded the Gochager Lake property footprint from the original 4,696 hectares (covered under the Agreement) to now more than 34,000 hectares; through a consistent, science-based methodology, we developed a geological model that continues to support comparisons to certain world-class magmatic nickel sulphide projects; we have expanded the original Gochager Lake deposit to a mineralized corridor that now extends over 1.4 km and is open along strike in both directions; and we have developed a plethora of high priority drill targets as we continue our goal of building a district- scale nickel camp in north-central Saskatchewan."

About the Agreement

Under the terms of the Agreement, in order to earn a 100% interest in the Property, over the course of a four-year period the Company was required to:

Issue an aggregate of 920,000 common shares of the Company;

Pay an aggregate of $92,000 in cash to the Property vendor;

Incur an aggregate of $2,000,000 in exploration expenditures.

As a result of Fathom's exploration success at the Property, the vendor requested a change in the consideration to increase the number of shares and reduce the aggregate cash payments. As a result, the aggregate cash payments were decreased by $12,500 to $79,500, and the aggregate number of shares were increased by 290,000 to 1,210,000. Additionally, as a result of our ongoing exploration success, Fathom incurred the required exploration expenditures by the end of 2024, thus triggering the acceleration of the earn-in period from four years to three.

In accordance with the terms of the Agreement, the Company has granted the Property vendor a 2% net smelter return royalty ("NSR"). The Company has the right to purchase 1.0% of the NSR from the Property vendor for $1,000,000 at any time.

Issuance of Stock Options

Pursuant to its stock option plan and the policies of the Canadian Stock Exchange, the Company has granted incentive stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company for the right to purchase up to an aggregate of 6,400,000 common shares of the Company, exercisable at a price of $0.05 per share for a period of 60 months. The options will vest 1/3 on the date of grant and 1/3 on each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant.

Qualified Person and Data Verification

Ian Fraser, P.Geo., CEO, VP Exploration and a Director of the Company and the "qualified person" as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Fathom Nickel Inc.

Fathom is an exploration company that is targeting magmatic nickel sulphide discoveries to secure the supply of North American Critical Minerals and to support the global green energy transition. The Company now has a portfolio of three high-quality exploration projects located in the prolific Trans Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan:

1) The Albert Lake Project, a 90,000+ hectare project that hosts the historic Rottenstone Mine1. Fathom exploration to date at the Albert Lake project confirms:

The high-grade Ni-Cu-Co+3E Rottenstone deposit mineralization extends to the south a minimum 40m and remains open.

The Rottenstone deposit is potentially offset and continues within the footwall of a prominent fault defined by drilling.

A new Rottenstone-like discovery (similar host rock, and similar mineralization) by drilling 500-550m W-NW of the historic mine; the 300+m Bay Island Trend, remains open along strike.

Similar Rottenstone-like host rock and mineralization intersected by drilling approximately 1.5km S-SW of the historic mine (the Nic5-Tremblay-Olson area).

2) The 34,000+ hectare Gochager Lake Project that hosts the historic Gochager Lake deposit2. Fathom exploration to date at the Gochager Lake project confirms:

Vertical extension of Ni-Cu-Co mineralization a minimum of 150m below the historic Gochager Lake deposit interpreted boundary, and very good potential for expansion of mineralization in all directions.

Multiple high-grade vertically oriented Ni-Cu-Co sulphide breccia mineralization zones and chutes occur within the historic deposit, and the zones, chutes remain open for further expansion and delineation in all directions.

Surface mapping and soil / rock geochemistry has confirmed the Gochager Lake deposit host rock and mineralization style; the "footprint", extends a minimum 1.4km to the east-northeast and remains open for expansion along strike.

3) The 10,000+ hectare Friesen Lake Project located 40km southwest of the historic Rottenstone Mine and 30km northwest of the historic Gochager Lake deposit.

The Friesen Lake property hosts the Olsen Cu-Ni-Pt Showing also referred to as the Friesen Lake Cu-Ni-Pt showing and is described as an ultramafic dyke that historic trenching and drilling demonstrates Cu-Ni-Pt-Pd and Au mineralization within the ultramafic dyke (Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMID) #0928a). To date Fathom has not performed any exploration at the Friesen Lake Project.

1 - The Rottenstone Mine; a small open-pit mining / milling operation was in production 1965-1969. Milling commenced September 5, 1965, operated through November 7, 1965, and 5,500 short tons were mined and milled during this period. The average production grade; 3.23% Ni, 1.83% Cu, 0.14 oz/ton Pt, 0.10 oz/ton Pd, 0.03 oz/ton Au (9.26 g/t* 3E, 3E = Pd-Pt+Au) and 0.20 oz/ton Ag. Initial milling operations 1965 produced 1,070 dry short tons of concentrates, the average concentrate grade was 10.835% Ni, 5.74% Cu, 0.33 oz/ton Pt, 0.53oz/ton Pd, 0.10 oz/ ton Au (32.91 g/t* 3E) and 1.25 oz/ton Ag. Richards, B.R. and Robinson, B.G.W. (1966), Mining and milling a small ore deposit . Rottenstone Mining Limited: The Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Bulleting for December 1966. The Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI) #0958 reports final mine production in 1969 of 28,724 tons with an average grade of 3.28% Ni, 1.83% Cu and 9.63 g/t 3E and that approximately 9,000 tons of concentrate were sold to the International Nickel Company of Canada Limited.

* A factor of 34.286 g/tonne was used to convert 1 oz/ton to g/tonne (g/t).

2 - The Gochager Lake property is host to the historic Gochager Lake Ni-Cu deposit. There is no source or available Technical Reports to verify the historic resource estimate for the Gochager Lake deposit; hence, Fathom will treat the Gochager Lake deposit historic estimate as an Exploration Target. Available records in the SMDI and Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database (SMAD) suggest an Exploration Target of 4-5 million tons grading 0.3% Ni - 0.4% Ni and 0.08% Cu - 0.09% Cu, containing a higher-grade core of 1.5-2 million tons grading 0.6% NiEq - 0.7% NiEq (note NiEq is based on Ni-Cu only). The ranges of tons and grade are conceptual as there is insufficient historic data to verify the historical resource estimate(s) for the Gochager Lake deposit, and the higher-grade core. At present, Fathom has drilled 16 drillholes (5,549m) into the historic Gochager Lake deposit and has confirmed Ni-Cu grades comparable to and higher than the historical grades reported, thus confirming that a deposit of Ni-Cu+Co metal accumulation does exist at the historic Gochager Lake deposit / property. Furthermore, insufficient drilling has been done by the Company to define a current mineral resource, and again at this time, it is uncertain if further drilling will result in the Exploration Target being delineated as a mineral resource. The disclosed potential quantity and grade has been determined by historic records notably; the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI #0880) reports delineation drilling outlined a deposit at the historic Gochager Lake Deposit; Steel, J.S. (1990),(SMAD 73P15-0091): Report on a Diamond Drilling Program on the Gallagher (Gochager) Lake Property of McNickel Inc., reported that Scurry-Rainbow Oil Ltd. constructed vertical sections and a longitudinal section from drill data collected 1966-1968, and an orebody with reasonably well-defined limits was interpreted. Ore reserves were then calculated for the Zone A. As stated above the historic estimate is not well documented and there are no available Technical Reports to support the historic resource estimate(s).

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "seek", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding permitting for the Property, receipt of an exploration permit, timing of the exploration program on the Property. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269445

SOURCE: Fathom Nickel Inc.
I-Genius is the result of Esaote's research and collaboration with neurosurgeons.

The results achieved using MRI systems in brain glioma surgery were presented at EANS annual Congress held in Vienna

The medical and scientific neurosurgical community gathered at the Symposium

"Expertise Meets lnnovation: why the I-Genius MRI solution will Change Neurosurgery"

VIENNA, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Esaote, a leading Italian innovator in medical imaging - ultrasound, dedicated magnetic resonance and medical IT - presented I-Genius, an innovative open MRI system designed to provide real time checks during glioma surgery, on the occasion of the 25th EANS - European Association of Neurosurgical Societies - Annual Congress held in Vienna on 5-9 October.

I-Genius has been developed by Esaote' Research and Development laboratories together with leading neurosurgeons to address critical needs in brain tumour operations.

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumours, accounting for about 81 % of malignant intracranial tumours. The most frequent glioma subtype, glioblastoma, represents roughly 45 % of gliomas and has a five-year survival rate of only about 5 %. Surgery aims to remove as much tumour as possible, but when tumour tissue is difficult to distinguish from healthy brain tissue by the naked eye, there is high risk of residual disease. Clinical studies show that recurrence frequently follows partial resection.

Imaging techniques are used to identify residual tumour, but once the meninges are opened, and especially during tissue removal, the brain shifts. That shift causes loss of spatial coherence between preoperative and intraoperative imaging, which increases the chance that parts of the tumour are left behind.

While ultrasound and CT are used intraoperatively, ultrasound has limited field of view, and CT involves repeated ionising radiation; MRI avoids both limitations. Existing intraoperative MRI systems are mostly closed-magnet devices that are not only expensive to install and maintain but are very complex to be used during a surgery operation, either increasing the surgery time or exposing the patient to additional risks.

Esaote's I-Genius offers a different model. It is an open MRI system optimized for neurosurgical use. The system includes a special surgical table and accessories designed to be safe and fully compatible with MRI use. The patient stays on the same table for the entire procedure and does not need to be moved during the operation. This makes it possible to acquire MRI images during surgery in a short time, helping surgeons to confirm that the tumour has been fully removed-before closing the skull. The setup reduces complexity, shortens procedure times, and lowers the risk of a second surgery.

This new solution was the focus of the Symposium "Expertise Meets Innovation: why the I-Genius MRI solution will Change Neurosurgery" hosted by Esaote at EANS.

Dr. Roberto Herrera, Chief of Neurosurgery, Clinica Adventista Belgrano, Buenos Aires, said: "What is truly innovative about I-Genius is its ability to provide intraoperative imaging at every stage of neurosurgery. This allows the surgeon to resect the lesion, immediately verify the result, reassess how to proceed with precision and safety, and then confidently continue the procedure. This process can be repeated as many times as the surgeon deems necessary during the operation, culminating in a final check that provides the certainty of having achieved the maximum safe resection of the tumor while preserving the healthy brain and the patient's neurological functions."

"I-Genius marks a significant milestone for Esaote" - said Franco Fontana, CEO of Esaote - "It is the result of a strategy built on technological innovation, applied research, and close collaboration with the clinical community. With this system, we are entering the intraoperative MRI field with a solution that is both accessible and sustainable -bringing great value to daily neurosurgical practice and contributing to improve the quality of life of patients."

Esaote Group Leader in medical imaging.

Contacts:

Mariangela Dellepiane, Head of Communications and External Relations mariangela.dellepiane@esaote.commob.: + 393351289783

Fede Gardella, Press Office +393358308666 - esaotepress@esaote.com

For more information:

Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4febecc3-10f5-40fa-a03c-cd161f42469e
The "AI Disinformation Security in UK Europe Zone 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This comprehensive report provides a detailed assessment of artificial intelligence-powered disinformation threats across the United Kingdom and Europe through 2026. Drawing on analysis of 412 documented campaigns across all 27 EU member states and the UK, the report identifies critical vulnerabilities, emerging threat vectors, and strategic implications for regional security, democratic governance, economic stability, and social cohesion.

The assessment reveals a 450-700% projected increase in AI disinformation campaigns by 2026, with sophisticated operations targeting electoral processes, EU institutional integrity, energy security, migration narratives, and transatlantic relations.

The report documents the emergence of state-sponsored AI disinformation infrastructure, Disinformation-as-a-Service (DaaS) providers, and increasingly autonomous synthetic content generation capabilities that fundamentally challenge information integrity across the region.

Key findings include:

Scale Sophistication: Documented AI disinformation campaigns have increased 300-450% since 2023, with projections of 450-700% growth by Q4 2026.

Documented AI disinformation campaigns have increased 300-450% since 2023, with projections of 450-700% growth by Q4 2026. Regional Vulnerability Patterns : Despite strong institutional frameworks, Europe faces significant vulnerability variation.

: Despite strong institutional frameworks, Europe faces significant vulnerability variation. State Actor Dominance : Russia remains the primary architect of sophisticated AI disinformation operations targeting Europe.

: Russia remains the primary architect of sophisticated AI disinformation operations targeting Europe. EU Institutional Targeting: 37% of documented campaigns target EU decision-making processes and institutional legitimacy.

37% of documented campaigns target EU decision-making processes and institutional legitimacy. Post-Brexit Exploitation: The UK-EU relationship remains a primary narrative battleground.

The UK-EU relationship remains a primary narrative battleground. Energy Security Focus : 31% of documented campaigns target energy policy.

: 31% of documented campaigns target energy policy. Detection Challenges: The gap between generation and detection capabilities continues to widen.

Companies Featured

OpenAI

Anthropic

Google DeepMind

Meta AI

Microsoft

NVIDIA

Stability AI

Midjourney

Huawei

Baidu

Tencent

SenseTime

Yandex

Kaspersky

Group-IB

Darktrace

CrowdStrike

FireEye

Recorded Future

Graphika

The report includes a comprehensive tiered analysis of all 27 EU member states plus the United Kingdom, with detailed vulnerability assessments for each nation, examining their unique vulnerability factors and strategic targeting patterns.

This intelligence report draws on technical analysis of 97 distinct AI systems, documentation of 412 disinformation campaigns, interviews with 143 regional experts, comparative analysis of regulatory frameworks, and predictive modeling of capability evolution and strategic implications through 2026.

Countries analyzed in the report:

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom

Key Topics Covered:

Chapter 1: Executive Overview

Current landscape assessment

DaaS market analysis

Threat actor ecosystem mapping

2026-2030 projection framework

Strategic implications for European security

Chapter 2: Critical Risk Alerts

Election interference escalation

EU institutional legitimacy challenges

Energy policy manipulation

Migration narrative weaponization

Transatlantic alliance strain operations

Chapter 3: Ecosystem Mapping

Actor network analysis

Capability flow patterns

Infrastructure assessment

Target prioritization patterns

Ecosystem adaptation mechanisms

Chapter 4: Technologies

Generative AI deepfakes

LLM-powered propaganda in all 24 EU official languages

Bot armies with 15,000+ coordinated accounts

AI Quantum convergence threats

Real-time content generation capabilities

Chapter 5: Evolution of Operations

Evolution from human to AI-powered operations

Hybrid human-machine operations

Fully autonomous systems

Attribution challenges

Operational cost structures

Chapter 6: Why Europe Is a Target

Democratic institutional significance

Economic power projection

NATO and security architecture

Regulatory leadership

Normative influence

Appendix E: Country Institution Case Studies

European Commission: Multi-level governance vulnerability

United Kingdom: Post-Brexit narrative battlegrounds

Germany: Economic leadership targeting

France: Strategic autonomy narratives

Poland: Eastern flank vulnerability

Italy: Political fragility exploitation

Hungary: Democratic backsliding amplification

Sweden: Nordic resilience factors

Ukraine: Conflict narrative manipulation

European Parliament: Electoral integrity challenges

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pwxzr6

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007661279/en/

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ResearchAndMarkets.com

Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

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Senior-level hire further underscores Northleaf's commitment to deepening presence in the Japanese market

Northleaf Capital Partners ("Northleaf") today announced the appointment of Hideaki Kiyomori as Managing Director, Business Development, Japan. In this role, Kiyomori will join Northleaf's Tokyo office, where he will support the firm's existing Japanese business development and investor relations activities, reporting directly to Jeff Pentland, Head of Asia-Pacific and Co-Founder of the firm, who leads Northleaf's Tokyo office.

"As we continue to invest in and deepen our capabilities in Japan, we are delighted to welcome Hideaki Kiyomori to Northleaf," said Pentland. "His entrepreneurial mindset, local market familiarity, and broad product knowledge will be invaluable as we strengthen our relationships across Japan. Looking ahead, Kiyomori's proven expertise in capital raising across multiple asset classes will further position Northleaf to deliver compelling private markets solutions to investors in Japan."

Kiyomori is a seasoned institutional sales leader with over 20 years of experience in the investment management industry. Most recently, he served as Director, Private Alternatives at AllianceBernstein, where he raised capital across private equity, private credit, and infrastructure. He began his career in an investment role at Nippon Life Insurance, later overseeing private asset managers in the alternative fund-selection departments at Nippon Life and MassMutual.

"I am honored to join Northleaf at such an exciting stage in its growth," said Kiyomori. "I look forward to building on the firm's strong foundation in Japan and deepening relationships with its expanding base of investors and partners across the market."

Northleaf established its office in Japan in 2022, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Asia-Pacific region. Over the past three years, the firm has built a meaningful local presence, serving leading institutional investors and providing access to Northleaf's differentiated mid-market strategies across private equity, private credit, and infrastructure.

About Northleaf Capital Partners

Northleaf Capital Partners is a global private markets investment firm with more than US$30 billion in private equity, private credit and infrastructure commitments raised to date from public, corporate and multi-employer pension plans, endowments, foundations, financial institutions and family offices. Northleaf's 275-person team is located in Toronto, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Menlo Park, Montreal, New York, Seoul and Tokyo. Northleaf sources, evaluates and manages private markets investments, with a focus on mid-market companies and assets. For more information, please visit www.northleafcapital.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007186616/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts:

Prosek Partners

e: Pro-northleaf@prosek.com

Gina Lee

Director, Corporate Communications Corporate Investor Relations

t: +1.416.389.7667

e: gina.lee@northleafcapital.com
Kairos Pharma, Ltd. (NYSE American: KAPA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to addressing resistance to current cancer therapeutics, today announced that it has been selected to present at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. Kairos's presentation, titled, "Preliminary safety and clinical activity from a Phase 2 study of apalutamide and carotuximab in advanced, castration-resistant prostate cancer" will take place in Berlin, Germany on October 17-21, 2025.

Prostate cancer remains one of the most diagnosed cancers in men, with over a million new cases annually in the U.S. alone. Resistance to androgen-targeted therapies represents a major clinical challenge in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

The presentation will highlight results from an interim analysis of the randomized Phase 2 trial evaluating ENV105 (carotuximab), a first-in-class CD105 antagonist. The trial is enrolling 100 men at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, City of Hope, and Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah with mCRPC who had progressed on prior hormone therapies. Patients are randomized to receive apalutamide in the presence or absence of ENV105.

"The data we will be presenting at the 2025 ESMO Congress demonstrates encouraging safety and early efficacy findings from our Phase 2 trial," said Neil Bhowmick, PhD, Kairos Pharma CSO. "This is an important venue for us to share the therapeutic potential of ENV105 for patients with few remaining treatment options after hormone therapy resistance develops."

For more information about the study, visit:

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05534646

Kairos Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company advancing a pipeline of targeted therapies for cancer patients with high unmet medical needs. Our mission is to bring safe, effective, and science-driven solutions that improve the efficacy of existing standard of care to the most challenging forms of cancer. For more information, visit kairospharma.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify forward-looking statements as those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as "may," "should," "expects," "anticipates," "contemplates," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "projected," "predicts," "potential" or "hopes" or the negative of these or similar terms. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Kairos Pharma. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our expectations regarding the success and/or completion of our Phase 2 clinical trial; our success in completing newly initiated clinical trials, commence new trials, and obtain regulatory approval following the conclusion of such trials; challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development; and the uncertainty regarding future commercial success. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking statements discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, including those described in Kairos Pharma's Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, and Kairos Pharma is not required to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007913966/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

CORE IR

investors@kairospharma.com

https://investors.kairospharma.com/overview/default.aspx
CONAKRY, Guinea and PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jobomax Homes, the trusted homebuilder serving diaspora and local communities across West Africa, today announced a strategic investment from Nimba Fund, Guinea's first structured venture capital vehicle. Managed by Niandan, the Fund's investment will accelerate efforts to expand access to affordable housing and housing finance in the Republic of Guinea.

Jobomax has built a strong presence across Guinea, Ghana, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone, delivering hundreds of homes to diaspora buyers and local families. Yet, affordable housing remains underserved in Guinea, where families face limited access to mortgages and other long-term financing options. This investment, supported by Niandan's active management approach, will facilitate the creation of a local-currency housing finance structure in Guinea, laying the groundwork for broader access to homeownership.

"Nimba Fund's investment allows us to accelerate our mission of making homeownership accessible to more families across Africa," said Robert Hornsby, Co-Founder and CEO of Jobomax. "Together, we are strengthening our presence in core markets while opening the door to new opportunities across the continent."

"Jobomax embodies the kind of impactful, high-growth business that Nimba Fund was created to support," said Alexander Tounkara, Founder and DG of Niandan, the Fund Manager of Nimba Fund. "Together, we aim to expand affordable housing in Guinea and build a financing ecosystem where families can finally access credit to become homeowners.

"Having Niandan as an investor provides us with more than capital, it gives us a partner who shares our long-term vision," added John Block, Chief Investment Officer of Jobomax. "Niandan's roots in West Africa and its focus on impact investing bring a perspective that will help us scale. This is about more than building homes, it's about building a platform for inclusive growth across Africa."

About Niandan

Niandan is a venture capital and advisory firm dedicated to accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth across West Africa. Headquartered in Conakry, the firm invests in local companies and manages the Nimba Fund, Guinea's first impact-focused venture fund. Learn more: niandan.com .

About Jobomax Homes

Jobomax Homes is the leading provider of affordable housing solutions for diaspora and local buyers across West Africa. With operations in Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, the company delivers homes priced between USD 30,000 and USD 250,000. Learn more: jobomax.com .

Media Contact

Jobomax:

info@africa-housing.com

Niandan:

media@niandan.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nimba-fund-invests-in-jobomax-to-expand-access-to-affordable-housing-in-guinea-302573454.html
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Alta Copper Corp. (TSX:ATCU)(OTCQX:ATCUF)(BVL:ATCU) ("Alta Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to report the latest developments in its ongoing community engagement and support efforts in the District of Canaris, Lambayeque, Peru. In close coordination with local authorities and leaders from sixteen hamlets within the community, Alta Copper has contributed to key local development projects, including infrastructure maintenance, small business support, and inclusive community dialogue.

Infrastructure Investment: Fuel Donation for Road Maintenance

Responding to a formal request from Mayor Jhonny Ventura Carrillo of the Canaris District Municipality, Alta Copper donated fuel to power heavy machinery used in maintaining vital roads and pathways that connect more than a dozen hamlets.

The final delivery of fuel took place on September 23, 2025 in Pamaca hamlet.

Photo 1: Jhonny Ventura Carrillo, Mayor of the Municipality of Canaris; Wilson Tantarico Huaman, Sub-Prefect of Canaris; Gerardo Mendoza Pariacuri, Lieutenant Governor of Pamaca hamlet and Alta Copper's Community Relation team.

The effort has resulted in the upgrade and improvement of approximately 50 kilometers of connecting roads (see Photos 2 and 3).

Photo 2: 2025 Fuel delivery in Sinchiual

Photo 3: Road Work Improvements

Mayor Ventura Carrillo commented "with Alta Copper's support we have established partnerships that directly benefit our people and we look forward to the continuation of these agreements which will facilitate community access for the transportation of products leaving this area. We will continue working in partnership with Alta Copper to address and improve more sections of the roads that are part of the Canaris district's road network".

Likewise, the Lieutenant Governor of the Pamaca hamlet, Gerardo Mendoza Pariacuri expressed special gratitude for Alta Copper's contribution and stated that "this is the way to work together to address the needs of the communities and their population".

Support for Local Entrepreneurs through PROCOMPITE

For the second consecutive year, Alta Copper supported small business ventures in the Canaris District by assisting their participation in the Productive Competitiveness Support Program ("PROCOMPITE"), an initiative of the Regional Government of Lambayeque that provides in-kind support to winning proposals.

Alta Copper provided:

Technical assistance in preparing business plans

Guidance in drafting project proposals

Capacity-building for project presentation and follow-through

This year, the Company supported seven ventures, four of which were selected as winners, receiving up to S/160,000 (approx. USD $46,400) each in tools, equipment and technical support.

To date, Alta Copper has helped secure approximately S/1,000,000 (USD ~$290,000) of in-kind benefits for entrepreneurial families in the community.

Fostering Transparent Dialogue and Capacity Building

Alta Copper has maintained an open and constructive dialogue with the residents of San Juan de Canaris and the greater Lambayeque region. Through a series of training workshops and awareness sessions, we have supported efforts focused on:

Community development planning

Strengthening social cohesion around the Canariaco Project

Participatory project development

Fostering Alta Copper's presence as a responsible, engaged, and contributing community stakeholder

These initiatives reflect our commitment to working alongside the community, supporting inclusive development and long-term partnerships.

Over 450 participants, including community leaders and members, took part. The Company also engaged with regional and sectoral institutions to broaden collaborative opportunities.

This initiative supports Alta Copper's goal of promoting long-term, consensus-based development and the Company plans to expand workshops to additional hamlets to share more information about upcoming social investment programs, contingent on a formal agreement with the community.

Giulio T. Bonifacio, President and CEO of Alta Copper, stated:

"At Alta Copper, we value and appreciate the Canaris community. It is our commitment to contribute to their development and the well-being of all residents through a shared-value approach. The advancement of our Canariaco Project will bring direct and lasting benefits to the people of Canaris, including employment, infrastructure and local enterprise development. We look forward to deepening this collaboration in the years ahead."

About Alta Copper

Alta Copper is focused on the development of its 100% owned Canariaco advanced staged copper project. Canariaco comprises 91 square km of highly prospective land located 102 km northeast of the City of Chiclayo, Peru, which includes the Canariaco Norte deposit, the Canariaco Sur deposit and the Quebrada Verde prospect, all within a 4 km NE-SW trend in northern Peru's prolific mining district. Canariaco is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not held by a major.

The Company's Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"), filed on June 10, 2024 highlights that the Canariaco Norte deposit has a measured and indicated resource containing 9.3 billion pounds of copper; 2.1 million ounces of gold and 60.4 million ounces of silver within 1.1 billion tonnes with a copper equivalent grade of 0.42% and a further 2.4 billion pounds of copper; 520,000 ounces of gold and 16.9 million ounces of silver within 416 million tonnes with a copper equivalent grade of 0.29%. The PEA also highlights that the Canariaco Sur deposit has an inferred resource containing 2.5 billion pounds of copper; 1.3 million ounces gold; 17.6 million ounces of silver and 24 million pounds of molybdenum within 474 million tonnes with a copper equivalent grade of 0.29%.

Please refer to the technical report dated June 10, 2024 and titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on Preliminary Economic Assessment," prepared by Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC available on the Company's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release. Although the Company believes the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws.

On behalf of the Board of Alta Copper Corp.

"Giulio T. Bonifacio" President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact:

Giulio T. Bonifacio

gtbonifacio@altacopper.com

+1 604 318 6760

Email: info@altacopper.com

Website: www.altacopper.com

X: https://x.com/Alta_Copper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/altacopper/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AltaCopperCorp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altacopper/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AltaCopper

SOURCE: Alta Copper Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/alta-copper-strengthens-community-ties-in-ca%c3%b1aris-through-infrastructure-support-1083760
ST. LOUIS, MO / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Karviva Beverages, founded by Dr. Angela Zeng, has been named a Winner at the World Beverage Innovation Awards 2025 in the category of Best Low/No Alcohol Beverage for its groundbreaking Karviva Unwined Wine Replacement Drink: Malbec & Rose.

The prestigious award, presented at Drinktec in Munich, Germany, is regarded as one of the beverage industry's most significant honors. Organized by FoodBev Media, the World Beverage Innovation Awards are now in their 22nd year and serve as a benchmark for global excellence, celebrating brands that are redefining the future of food and drink.

Judges praised Karviva Unwined for its creativity, health-forward innovation, and ability to deliver a sophisticated alternative to traditional wine. Crafted with antioxidant-rich superfoods and functional ingredients, Unwined captures the elegance of Malbec and Rose while remaining alcohol-free, low in calories, and supportive of overall wellness.

"This recognition is such an honor," said Dr. Angela Zeng, founder of Karviva Beverages. "When I created Karviva Unwined, my goal was to offer people a healthier way to enjoy the ritual of wine without compromising on taste, experience, or well-being. I researched over a dozen traditional formulations used to improve brain, heart and liver health and the modern research studies on the key ingredients. Unwined is a perfect demonstration of Karviva's mission to infuse ancient healing wisdom into our busy modern daily life. To have this vision acknowledged on a global stage is incredibly meaningful for our team and our mission."

The World Beverage Innovation Awards 2025 featured more than 80 finalists from 25 countries, with winners representing the very best in innovation, sustainability, and consumer experience.

Karviva's win adds to its growing list of accolades, including the 2021 MidAmerica Emmy Award for Innovation in Food and Beverage, further solidifying its place as a pioneer in wellness-driven functional drinks.

Consumers can find Karviva beverages in organic grocers across the country or online at https://karviva.com/

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/karvivawellness/

About Karviva

Karviva is a St. Louis-based wellness beverage company founded by Dr. Angela Zeng. Rooted in the philosophy that Food is Better Medicine, Karviva combines modern nutritional science with ancient Eastern traditions to create functional drinks that support hydration, immunity, digestion, energy, and recovery. All Karviva beverages are USDA Organic, non-GMO, and crafted without added sugar or artificial ingredients.

About Dr. Angela Zeng

Dr. Angela Zeng holds a Ph.D. in pathology from St. Louis University and brings a lifelong passion for holistic health to her leadership. In addition to the recent USA Today and RangeMe honors, she has been recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal, the Women's Business Development Center, and was featured in a 2021 Mid-America Emmy Award-winning documentary by the Higher Education Channel. She was also named a St. Louis Titan 100 in 2025.

Media Contact

Organization: Karviva

Contact Person Name: Dr. Angela Zeng

Website: https://karviva.com/

Email: angela@karviva.com

City: Saint Louis

State: Missouri

Country: United States

SOURCE: Karviva

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/karviva-beverages-wins-world-beverage-innovation-award-2025-for-best-low-1083825
BEVERLY HILLS, CA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Green Rain Energy Holdings Inc. (OTCID:$GREH) is pleased to announce continued progress on its EV charging infrastructure development at 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, California, as part of the Company's broader commitment to expanding sustainable energy assets across key commercial hubs in the U.S.

In coordination with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Century Engineers Inc., the Company has completed extensive electrical and natural gas infrastructure upgrades at the site, aligning with California's rigorous Building Energy Efficiency and Electrical Codes (2022 standards). The January 2025 SDG&E invoice documents the upgraded load capacity and service expansion, reflecting new monthly energy demand exceeding 375,000 kWh combined across electrical and gas utilities-supporting both EV charging operations and on-site power system reliability.

"This project marks a significant operational milestone for Green Rain Energy," said Alfredo Papadakis, CEO of Green Rain Energy Holdings. "Upgrading to commercial-level SDG&E service not only future-proofs the 8757 Rio San Diego property for large-scale EV integration, but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable, grid-resilient infrastructure investments."

The EV infrastructure installation includes dual-port Level 2 EVSE units, engineered for scalability and designed to accommodate future Level 3 DC fast chargers. The integration of advanced metering and load management systems ensures compliance with NEC Article 625, NFPA 70, and OpenADR 2.0B standards for interoperability and energy efficiency.

These upgrades represent an important foundation in Green Rain's ongoing EV charging network expansion, which targets high-traffic hospitality and mixed-use commercial locations. The San Diego project exemplifies Green Rain's model of coupling renewable power solutions with data-driven energy management systems to optimize both performance and sustainability.

About Green Rain Energy Holdings Inc. (OTCID:GREH)

Green Rain Energy Holdings Inc. is a renewable energy company focused on developing and deploying sustainable power solutions across North America. Through its subsidiaries and partnerships, the company is working to revolutionize clean energy infrastructure, from solar generation to EV charging networks, with a mission to drive environmental responsibility and create lasting shareholder value.

For more information, visit: https://greenrainenergy.com/

Investor Relations: https://greenrainenergy.com/investor-relations/

Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/GreenRainEnergy

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580025893268&mibextid=wwXIfr

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green.rain.energy/?igsh=MW9jY3g0MmZiaG5pNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GreenRainEnergy

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. This includes the possibility that the business outlined in this press release may not be concluded due to unforeseen technical, installation, permitting, or other challenges. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Green Rain Energy Holdings to differ materially from those expressed herein. Except as required under U.S. federal securities laws, Green Rain Energy Holdings undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Michael Cimino: Michael@pubcopr.com

SOURCE: Green Rain Energy Holdings Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/clean-technology/green-rain-energy-holdings-inc.-otcid-greh-integrates-ev-infrastructure-at-8757-ri-1083803
My Green Lab strengthens governance through the addition of another senior AstraZeneca executive to its Board of Directors.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / My Green Lab today announced that Penny James, long-time supporter and Board Member, will be stepping down from the Board of Directors. Following her retirement from AstraZeneca as Chief Operating Officer, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, Penny will hand the torch to another senior AstraZeneca Executive, Liz Chatwin.

"We are deeply grateful for Penny's service, leadership, and support of our mission," said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. "Penny has been an incredible champion of our work, playing a pivotal role in driving the first worldwide adoption of My Green Lab's programs at a major pharmaceutical company. Her leadership has had a lasting impact on the credibility and momentum of our efforts across the life sciences sector."

Reflecting on her time as a Board Member, Penny said: "It has been a tremendous honor to serve on the My Green Lab Board and to support the organization's important mission. I am so proud of the progress we've made to advance sustainability in science and look forward to seeing the movement continue to grow."

During her time on the Board, Penny helped strengthen My Green Lab's partnerships and amplify its role as a global leader in laboratory sustainability. The organization wishes her the very best in her next chapter.

At the same time, My Green Lab is pleased to welcome Liz Chatwin to its Board of Directors, building on a long standing partnership with AstraZeneca. Liz Chatwin currently serves as Vice President, Sustainability and Global Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) at AstraZeneca. In this role, she oversees the company's bold approach to climate action and investments in nature and biodiversity, including its flagship Ambition Zero Carbon program.

With nearly 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Chatwin brings deep expertise across geographies, functions, and therapeutic areas. Since joining AstraZeneca in 2006, she has held numerous leadership positions, including Country President for Australia and New Zealand, as well as Korea. Most recently, she acted as the Global Franchise Head for Enhertu and Breast Cancer in AstraZeneca's oncology business unit.

"Liz's global perspective and proven leadership in advancing sustainability and health and safety within the life sciences make her an invaluable addition to our Board and strengthen our governance," said Connelly. "We look forward to working with her as we continue to drive our mission forward across the globe."

About My Green Lab

My Green Lab is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products-bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world's life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don't have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.

For media requests, contact Christina Creager at christina.creager@mygreenlab.org.

For more information about My Green Lab, visit mygreenlab.org.



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from My Green Lab on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: My Green Lab

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/my-green-lab

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: My Green Lab

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/utilities/my-green-lab-thanks-board-member-penny-james-for-her-service-and-welcomes-liz-chatwin-to-1083835
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Stardust Solar Energy Inc. (TSXV: SUN) (OTCQB: SUNXF) (FSE: 6330) today announced that it has reached 100 franchises globally with the addition of Durham, Ontario; Kitchener, Ontario; and New London, Connecticut in September. The milestone reflects the continued adoption of Stardust's scalable franchise model for residential and small-commercial solar-PV, battery-storage, and EV-charging solutions across North America.

"Reaching 100 franchises is a milestone that reflects rising demand for reliable, turnkey clean-energy solutions delivered by trusted local operators amid the rapid global adoption of solar, battery storage, and EV charging," said Mark Tadros, Founder & Chief Executive Officer. "Durham and Kitchener strengthen our Greater Toronto Area coverage, and New London extends our New England presence. As we scale, our focus remains on quality execution, unit-level performance, and an exceptional customer experience."

The new Durham, Ontario territory will be led by Daniel Esper, a Master Electrician and licensed electrical contractor with experience in both residential and commercial projects, enhancing crew capacity and service responsiveness across the GTA. The Company expects the Kitchener and New London territories to complement nearby franchise areas and benefit from supportive regional programs encouraging solar-plus-storage adoption.

Operating cadence and seasonality. Stardust typically signs new territories in Q4, conducts intensive technical and business training in Q1, and executes the bulk of field installations in Q2 and Q3, while continuing to sign, train, and install year-round to meet customer timelines. This cadence is designed to align franchisee readiness with optimal construction windows while maintaining consistent growth throughout the year.

Milestone highlights

Reaches 100 franchises globally, adding Durham, ON; Kitchener, ON; and New London, CT in September 2025.

Expands GTA coverage and New England presence with experienced electrical leadership in Durham.

Maintains year-round signing, training, and installation, with peak field activity in Q2-Q3.

On September 9, 2025, the Company reported securing approximately $1 million in new signed customer contracts during August, bringing its total signed contract backlog to approximately $3.5 million as of September 1, 2025. The backlog represents signed residential and small-commercial solar-PV and battery-storage contracts scheduled to commence over the following 12 months. Stardust believes its expanding territory base, standardized playbooks, and centralized engineering, permitting, and procurement support position the Company for continued growth.

About Stardust Solar:

Stardust Solar is a North American franchisor of renewable energy installation services, specializing in solar panels (PV), energy storage systems, and electric vehicle supply equipment. The Company equips entrepreneurs with branded business management services, cutting-edge equipment, and comprehensive support, including marketing, sales, engineering, and project management. With franchises across Canada and the United States, Stardust Solar drives the adoption of clean energy solutions that boost economic development and create a more sustainable future.

Disclaimer:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the Company's business plans and expected future growth, expected franchise expansions, the outlook of future operations, revenue growth, new opportunities and the demand for the Company's products. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements as well as future results. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention. It assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269384

SOURCE: Stardust Solar Energy Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Auranova Resources Inc. ("Auranova" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of the Phase 2 diamond drill program at the South Uchi Project (the "Project"), located in the Red Lake District of Ontario and held under an option agreement with Kenorland Minerals Ltd. ("Kenorland").

2025 Fall Exploration Program

The Fall 2025 exploration program and budget have been approved by Auranova and will include up to 6,000m of drilling across 13 drill holes at the Papaonga target area. This second phase of drilling, a follow-up to the successful maiden drill program completed earlier in 2025 (see press release dated July 2, 2025), is designed to expand on the recently discovered gold-bearing structural corridors and test for additional structures concealed by deep overburden.

Figure 1. Plan map of Papaonga target area with planned Phase 2 drill hole locations

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9342/269444_09fa865d5466dae5_001full.jpg

The current drill program includes a series of tighter step-outs surrounding hole 25PADD023, which intersected volcaniclastic and mafic volcanic rocks cut by strongly mineralised shear zones hosting quartz-carbonate stockwork with visible gold. These follow-up holes are designed to better define the geometry and continuity of mineralisation within this structural corridor. In addition, broader-spaced step-outs are being completed along the interpreted east-west trending deformation zone between holes 25PADD016 and 25PADD023, testing for lateral extensions of gold-bearing structures. The program also includes initial drill testing structures located to the northeast of 25PADD023, within areas of deeper overburden where no historical drilling has been completed and bedrock remains completely concealed. Collectively, these efforts aim to both constrain the geometries of the high-grade zone identified at 25PADD023 and expand the search space into previously untested portions of the deformation corridor.

Tom Obradovich, President and CEO of Auranova stated, "We are looking forward to following up on the success we had in our maiden drill program identifying a strongly mineralised and altered shear zone hosting quartz veining, sulphidation and visible gold. The current drill campaign will test the structure along strike and at depth along with additional structures covered by thick overburden. Other significant targets identified in the maiden drill program will be drilled this winter after freeze up. The exploration team is excited to get the drills back turning."

Papaonga Target Area

Figure 2. Regional volcanic assemblages with significant gold deposits and South Uchi Project location

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9342/269444_09fa865d5466dae5_002full.jpg

About South Uchi Project

The South Uchi Project was first identified and staked by Kenorland based on the under-explored region's prospectivity to host significant gold mineralised systems. The Project covers a portion of Confederation Assemblage volcanic rocks, as well as the boundary between the Uchi geological subprovince to the north and the English River geological subprovince to the south. Multiple major eastwest striking deformation zones associated with the subprovince boundary transect the Project, resulting in zones of strong shearing and folding of the supracrustal stratigraphy, which are favourable settings for orogenic gold mineralisation. Prior to Kenorland staking the Project, records indicated little to no systematic exploration had been completed, and the land package remained under-explored. The majority of gold deposits in the Red Lake District (Red Lake, Madsen, Hasaga, and others) are located on the northern margin of the Confederation Assemblage. However, recent discoveries such as the LP Fault Zone on the Dixie Project by Great Bear Resources Ltd. (acquired by Kinross Gold and renamed Great Bear Project) highlight the prospectivity of the entire Confederation Assemblage along the southern margin of the Uchi subprovince.

Auranova announced on December 2, 2024, that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Kenorland, granting Auranova the right to earn up to a 70% interest in the Project. Pursuant to the agreement, Auranova may earn an initial 51% interest in the Project by making cash payments totalling $500,000 to Kenorland, completing a diamond drilling program with at least $8,000,000 in qualifying expenditures or completing 15,000 metres of drilling within two years of receiving a drill permit, issuing Kenorland 19.9% of Auranova's common shares, and maintaining Kenorland's 19.9% share position until Auranova raises a minimum of $10,000,000 through share issuances, after which Kenorland's stake will remain at 10% on a pro-rata basis through to the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA").

Kenorland has received the $500,000 in cash payments and currently holds 9,242,267 common shares of Auranova and confirms that Auranova has now earned a 51% ownership interest in the Project (see press release dated July 2, 2025). Further, Auranova may earn an additional 19% interest, for a total of 70%, by incurring an additional $10,000,000 in qualifying expenditures on or before the third anniversary of Auranova's election to proceed with the second option. Kenorland will also retain a 30% carried interest in the Project through to the completion of the PEA, at which point a joint venture will be formed.

Kenorland also holds a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Project.

Qualified Person

Janek Wozniewski, B.Sc., P.Geo. (EGBC #172781, APEGS #77522, EGMB #48045, PGO #3824, APEGNB #8348), Vice President of Operations at Kenorland, a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43- 101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

About South Uchi

The Company is an unlisted reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its directors and major shareholders are Thomas Obradovich, Chris Taylor, Timothy Young, William Rand and Blair Zaritsky. The Company is focused on the discovery of new gold systems in the Birch Uchi Belt in partnership with Kenorland Minerals Ltd. as well as expanding its presence in the greenstone belts of Ontario.

Further information can be found on the Company's website, https://auranovaresources.com/.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Auranova Resources,

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans", "expects", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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/269444

SOURCE: Auranova Resources Inc.
With Frieze London about to kick off, followed by Art Basel Paris, Artprice News  announces the release of its 31st Contemporary Art Market Annual Report, in which Artprice by Artmarket presents and analyses the densest Contemporary and Ultra-Contemporary art market (see our methodology at the end of this press release) the world has ever seen.

Artprice's 2025 Contemporary Art Market Report cover, featuring the digital work "The Thinking Fiend" by Other World

[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/10/IMG-1-Artprice-2025-Contemporary-Art-Market-Report-cover.jpeg]

Artprice News lifts the veil on the current state of the Contemporary Art Market with analysis by Artprice's econometrics department.

As galleries, auction houses, and art advisors examine the causes and consequences of the slowdown in the global art market, the 31st Artprice by Artmarket Report provides a detailed analysis of the Contemporary Art auction market.

It exposes both the drivers and the extent of the contraction, but also highlights a number of positive signals: the rise of female artists, the emergence of new scenes, and the emergence of AI, which represents a genuine paradigm shift. More than just an inventory, this report outlines the key trends in tomorrow's market.

Meanwhile, in order to remain focused on market trends on a regular basis, Artprice has just launched a new press agency, Artprice News , with its long-standing partner Cision PR Newswire. With nearly 30 years of experience as a World Leader in Art Market Information, we will now be publishing daily global art market news in 122 countries and 11 languages.

With Artprice News , Artprice is supplementing the weekly publication of its ArtMarket Insight with a daily global news feed that runs 24/7.

This initiative will allow Artprice by Artmarket to suplement its famous annual reports with the analysis of its proprietary AI tool, Intuitive ArtMarket, and its partnership with Perplexity AI, giving users access to an unfathomable volume of data and parameters in its proprietary AI application, Blind Spot.

Artprice - which owns the world's largest collection of manuscripts and auction catalogues dating back to 1700 - is currently absorbing a colossal volume of historical information into its proprietary AI, Intuitive Artmarket. This data will be tokenized for use in the next Global Art Market Annual Report (the 32nd edition) to be published in March 2026. Loyal readers will therefore have access to a whole new world.

Incidentally, in response to a request by Artmarket.com 's board of auditors, Artprice's collection of manuscripts and auction catalogues has recently (January 2025) been valued at 43 million euros, and it is of course, the primary foundation for Artprice by Artmarket's proprietary AI tools.

Artprice's annual art market reports are now capable of highlighting extremely complex transversal artistic trends which largely escape the academic, institutional, and commercial spheres.

A fractured top and bottom?

One quarter of global art auction turnover may have evaporated in a single year, but the auction market has never been so busy: auction houses have in fact recorded a record number of transactions for Contemporary Art.

Evolution of auction turnover from Contemporary Art

[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/10/IMG-2-Artprice-News-Evolution-of-auction-turnover-from-Contemporary-Art.jpg]

A premium segment running out of steam, but with far more artists, more lots on offer and more traffic than ever.

Over the past year, works by tens of thousands of contemporary artists have been sold through auctions around the world, and the scope of acquisition possibilities has never been broader. One in five of these artists was new to the auction market, and many of these were under forty years old. A new generation is therefore emerging, tracing the contours of tomorrow's market.

The art market's affordable segment (under $5,000 or even under $1,000) is continuing to grow, fueled by online sales. Cheap and easy to access, this segment is attracting a young, connected clientele hungry for works in tune with their times and concerns, in line with their vision of a new, multi-polar world, both geopolitically, philosophically, and digitally with AI.

According to Thierry Ehrmann , CEO of Artmarket.com and Founder of Artprice:

"Affordable artworks are experiencing a tsunami of interest. Indeed, this interest prompted us to meet with senior executives of the main global auction houses in NY and Beijing to discuss ways of promoting artworks priced between $5,000 and $15,000 and open up to sales in cryptocurrencies, now conducted mainly by ETFs since 2024, after the United States approved the Bitcoin spot ETF as well as the Ethereum spot ETF.

Giants like BlackRock (iShares Bitcoin Trust) and Fidelity now offer these products that directly replicate the price of Bitcoin/Ethereum. They are tradable like traditional stocks and eliminate all technical ownership risks.

Almost three years ago, Artprice by Artmarket moved to quote all of its art catalog databases in Bitcoin and Ethereum, including price fluctuations since March 2010 (birth of Bitcoin), in addition to the 8 international currencies that already existed in our databases. This initiative raised our database consultations in cryptocurrencies from 2% to 36%.

Today, this means that the 300 new millionaire art collectors are mostly young computer scientists between 25 and 40 years old who own Bitcoin and Ethereum. These new art buyers are seeking a form of social recognition that they find in the purchase of art, and particularly in digital artworks with the emergence of AI, which represents a genuine paradigm shift in art.

Based on its long-nurtured expertise in AI (since 1987 with Groupe Serveur, its parent company, its proprietary AI Intuitive Artmarket and its recent collaboration with Perplexity) Artprice predicts that compared with today's several hundred generative AI creators, the future will see the emergence of billions of creators of all ages and professions, among whom several million will emerge to radically expand the volume of the art market like never before in its history.

At the premium end of the spectrum, the market's powerhouses are marking time: six-digit results have fallen sharply. Hong Kong's art auction turnover is half the average of the last ten years, and the picture is not much better in London and New York.

The most powerful marketplaces - the United States, China, and the UK - currently account for more than three-quarters of global art auction turnover. Meanwhile, Paris now stands out as the world's most dynamic capital in transaction volumes, ahead of London and New York.

New scenes and new faces

Our auction data also reflects the emergence of new scenes and the emergence of new faces. The Japanese scene is confirming its influence beyond Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara. Female artists are reaching important new milestones, breaking records and challenging the long-established hierarchy.

As screens of all sizes become increasingly present in our daily lives, the Contemporary Art Market has every opportunity to explode. Digital images, promoted by a multitude of outlets dedicated to digital artworks, now have a quality of definition beyond what the human eye (the sensor) and the brain (the actual generator of the image) can observe. Screens now offer exceptional resolution at a cost that has been divided by ten in just a few years.

Moreover, the creation of digital artworks, based on AI prompts, offers artists infinite possibilities without having to learn computer programming (which constituted a real obstacle to artistic creation).

The best auction result so far for an AI artwork was hammered for Ai-Da Robot'sA.I. God. Portrait of Alan Turing (2024) on 11 July 2024, fetching $1.1 million at Sotheby's New York.

This sumptuous work is a tribute to Alan Turing, a true pioneer of AI, who, thanks to cryptanalysis, deciphered the Nazi Enigma Code, enabling the Allies to win WWII. Prosecuted in 1952 for his homosexuality, Alan Turing was sentenced to chemical castration and decided to end his life by taking cyanide on 8 June 1954. Queen Elizabeth II recognized him as a war hero and granted him a posthumous royal pardon in 2013.

Faced with this paradigm shift, auction houses are rethinking their strategies like never before, and, with rare audacity, collectors are redefining their priorities, and young buyers are imposing new codes.

Contemporary art is therefore not on hold: it is changing course and paving the way for a more inclusive, more fluid, and more diverse ecosystem.

Artprice News  focus on the fate of blue chips.

From the destiny of blue-chip artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, and Marlene Dumas, to the unexpected breakthrough of new artists via an ever-broadening spectrum of marketplaces and the digital revolution, Artprice's 2025 Contemporary Art Market Report is a dive into the underlying dynamics of a rapidly changing market.

A market where every dataset tells a story and where every trend already outlines the contours of tomorrow's market.

More than just a statistical inventory, this 31st global report suggests what the future may look like. It also focuses on opportunities that can be seized in a fractured market, which artists are on an upward trajectory despite the prevailing caution, and which scenes are emerging while others are slowing down.

The 2025 Contemporary Art Market Report is available free of charge in PDF, in French and in English:

https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2025

Based on the analysis of auction sales of works by more than 47,000 contemporary artists worldwide (July 2024 - June 2025), this report has long established itself as the industry's Bible. Whether you are a professional, a seasoned collector, a journalist, a passionate enthusiast, or a student, this report reveals the trends, structural changes, and dynamics that are completely reshaping the art market.

Download the report now to discover the major transformations underway ( with figures to back them up) as well as the rankings of the world's most highly - rated contemporary artists.

https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2025

Methodology

This Report analyzes all public auction sales of works of Fine Art (painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, print, video, installation, tapestry) and NFTs. It does not cover sales of antiques, anonymous cultural goods or furniture. It covers global auction results recorded by Artprice by Artmarket for artists born after 1945 (Contemporary Art), with a focus on artists under 40 years old (Ultra-Contemporary Art), between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.

All prices quoted in this Report refer to public auction results, including buyer's fees. All "$" symbols refer to the US dollars.

Images:

[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/10/IMG-1-Artprice-2025-Contemporary-Art-Market-Report-cover.jpeg]

[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/10/IMG-2-Artprice-News-Evolution-of-auction-turnover-from-Contemporary-Art.jpg]

Copyright 1987-2025 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com - www.artmarket.com

Artprice's econometrics department can answer all your questions relating to personalized statistics and analyses: econometrics@artprice.com

Find out more about our services with the artist in a free demonstration: https://artprice.com/demo

Our services: https://artprice.com/subscription

About Artmarket.com:

Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris. The latest TPI analysis includes more than 18,000 individual shareholders excluding foreign shareholders, companies, banks, FCPs, UCITS: Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF.

Watch a video about Artmarket.com and its Artprice department: https://artprice.com/video

Artmarket and its Artprice department were founded in 1997 by thierry Ehrmann, the company's CEO. They are controlled by Groupe Serveur (created in 1987). cf. the certified biography from Who's Who In France:

https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/02/2025-Biographie_de_Thierry_Ehrmann-Who-s-Who-In-France.pdf

Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information (the original documentary archives, codex manuscripts, annotated books and auction catalogs acquired over the years) in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 879,900 artists.

Artprice Images allows unlimited access to the largest art market image bank in the world with no less than 181 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians.

Artmarket, with its Artprice department, constantly enriches its databases from 7,200 auction houses and continuously publishes art market trends for the main agencies and press titles in the world in 121 countries and 11 languages.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/artmarketcom-artprice-and-cision-extend-their-alliance-to-119-countries-to-become-the-worlds-leading-press-agency-dedicated-to-the-art-market-nfts-and-the-metaverse-301431845.html

Artmarket.com makes available to its 9.3 million members (members log in) the advertisements posted by its Members, who now constitute the first global Standardized Marketplace for buying and selling artworks at fixed prices.

There is now a future for the Art Market with Artprice's Intuitive Artmarket AI.

Artmarket, with its Artprice department, has twice been awarded the State label "Innovative Company" by the French Public Investment Bank (BPI), which has supported the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the art market.

Artprice by Artmarket publishes its 2025 Contemporary Art Market Report:

https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2025

See our 2024 Global Art Market Annual Report, published in March 2025 by Artprice by Artmarket: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2024

Summary of Artmarket press releases with its Artprice department: https://serveur.serveur.com/artmarket/press-release/en/

Follow all the Art Market news in real-time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter:

www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (more than 6.5 million subscribers)

twitter.com/artmarketdotcom

twitter.com/artpricedotcom

Discover the alchemy and the universe of Artmarket and its Artprice department: https://www.artprice.com/video

whose head office is the famous Museum of Contemporary Art Abode of Chaos dixit The New York Times / La Demeure of Chaos:

https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013

Madame Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture, has granted official recognition to thierry Ehrmann's Abode of Chaos as a 'total work of art', the global headquarters of Artprice by Artmarket.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/madame-rachida-dati-french-minister-of-culture-has-granted-official-recognition-to-thierry-ehrmanns-abode-of-chaos-as-a-total-work-of-art-the-global-headquarters-of-artprice-by-artmarket-302409684.html

La Demeure du Chaos/Abode of Chaos - Total Work of Art and Singular Architecture.

Confidential bilingual work, now made public: https://ftp1.serveur.com/abodeofchaos_singular_architecture.pdf

 L'Obs - The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o

 https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 (more than 4.1 million subscribers)

 https://vimeo.com/124643720

C ontact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department - Contact: ir@artmarket.com

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DUBLIN, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gartner, the leading research and advisory firm, has once again positioned BOC Group as a Leader in the latest Magic Quadrant for EA Tools. This marks the company's fifth consecutive recognition and underscores the trust global organizations place in the ADOIT EA suite to power their transformation journeys.

In the 2025 report, BOC Group advanced further on the Ability to Execute axis, highlighting the growing impact ADOIT delivers for customers. At the same time, its strong standing on Completeness of Vision reflects a forward-looking strategy that reinforces enterprise architecture as a catalyst for enterprise-wide change.

This year's evaluation points to ADOIT's embedded AI capabilities as a key differentiator. By weaving intelligence directly into key use cases, at no extra cost for licensed users, ADOIT reduces repetitive effort, provides reliable guidance, and empowers architects to focus on driving transformation.

Core capabilities include:

AI-powered portfolio analysis for faster, more transparent decisions

for faster, more transparent decisions Smart modeling recommendations to ensure consistency and accuracy

to ensure consistency and accuracy Conversational queries that make insights accessible in plain language

that make insights accessible in plain language Automated end-of-life lookups to keep portfolios current and risks visible

"AI has the greatest impact when it cuts through complexity and enables experts to take decisive action," says Christoph Moser, ADOIT Product Manager. "Our goal is to simplify EA tasks, accelerate insights, and give architects the freedom to lead their organizations forward."

More information about BOC Group and ADOIT is available on the ADOIT website.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About the BOC Group

BOC Group crafts and markets state-of-the-art Enterprise Modelling Software in the domains of BPM, EA and GRC, for effective and extensive business management in the digital era. Our tools are based on interconnectivity. They are free to adapt to the users' needs and can collaborate with a wide-range of ecosystem applications.

ADOIT customers include Allianz, Dubai Airports, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, PostFinance, NielsenIQ and many others.

Contact

BOC Information Technologies Consulting GmbH

Michael Kamberov

Global Market Development Manager

+43-1-905 10 71-0

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2466100/BOC_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/boc-group-named-leader-in-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-enterprise-architecture-tools-2025-302576709.html
Monrovia, Liberia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - HammerPay, a digital financial services platform, continues to strengthen its position as a leading driver of inclusive growth in West Africa by aggressively expanding its network of merchants. The company has made significant strides in onboarding merchants that deliver essential goods and services to underserved communities from hospitals, to construction material providers, supermarkets and local retailers. This strategic focus on impact-driven partnerships is central to HammerPay's mission of deepening financial inclusion while fostering sustainable economic development.

In alignment with this mission, HammerPay has announced a new partnership with EcoPower Liberia, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, to expand access to solar energy and digital financial services across Liberia. This collaboration combines EcoPower Liberia's expertise in solar energy solutions with HammerPay's innovative digital financial services to provide a comprehensive solution for underserved communities in Liberia. The partnership will focus on delivering affordable solar power systems and integrating digital payment solutions to enhance the accessibility and affordability of clean energy.

"We are excited to partner with HammerPay to bring sustainable energy and financial inclusion to communities across Liberia," said Vickson Korlewala, CEO of EcoPower Liberia. "This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide reliable and affordable solar energy solutions while empowering individuals through digital financial services."

The partnership will involve the installation of solar home systems, solar-powered appliances, and the integration of digital payment platforms to facilitate easy and secure transactions for customers. By combining renewable energy with digital financial services, the partnership aims to address the dual challenges of energy access and financial inclusion in Liberia.

"HammerPay is committed to expanding access to digital financial services in underserved markets," said Vaanii Baker, West Africa Lead for HammerPay. "Through this partnership with EcoPower Liberia, we can provide innovative solutions that empower communities and drive sustainable development."

The collaboration between EcoPower Liberia and HammerPay represents a significant step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By combining renewable energy solutions with digital financial services, the partnership seeks to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for Liberia.

Both companies are dedicated to fostering a greener future and expanding economic opportunities for Liberia's citizens. The partnership is expected to have a positive impact on local communities by providing access to clean energy and financial services, thereby improving the quality of life for many individuals and families.

About EcoPower Liberia

EcoPower Liberia is a renewable energy company dedicated to providing sustainable and affordable solar energy solutions to communities across Liberia. Through innovative technologies and community-based approaches, EcoPower Liberia aims to bridge the energy gap and promote environmental sustainability.

About HammerPay

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains projections and other forward-looking statements regarding future events or our future financial performance. All statements other than present and historical facts and conditions contained in this release, including any statements regarding our future results of operations and financial positions, business strategy, plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These statements are only predictions and reflect our current beliefs and expectations with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risk and uncertainties and subject to change at any time. We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in the projections or forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269456

SOURCE: Hammer Technology Holdings
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Highland Critical Minerals Corp. (CSE: HLND) (FSE: U8X) ("Highland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it set to begin an exploration program at its Sy Property, located in Nunavut Canada, further described below.

Sy Property

The Sy Property is located in the Yathkyed Lake Greenstone Belt ("YLGB"). Similar Archean aged greenstone belts in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut have seen more exploration activity than the YLGB. These other nearby greenstone belts have similar geology and also host numerous gold and other base metal occurrences that include the Ferguson Lake Cu-Ni-PGM resource, Meadowbabk and Meliadine gold deposits. The aforementioned gold deposits are in structurally altered Banded-Iron Formations ("BIF"). Scheduled to begin later in October, the Company's exploration program will consist of a thorough review and compilation of the existing geological and geophysical data as well as identifying and locating additional targets, the purpose of which will to be to determine the Company's next steps in its exploration program including a review of the existing claims footprint. Also included in the Company's planned exploration activities is an on-site geophysics program, which, subject to weather constraints, is designed to identify any gold mineralization in the BIF.

Highland Red Lake Gold Corp.

The Company's current exploration program, conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Highland Red Lake Gold Corp. is currently ongoing. This exploration work has been focused on demonstrating lode gold potential through geological mapping, prospecting and rock sampling, and a drone based airborne magnetic and LiDAR survey. As previously announced on July 11, 2025, the Company entered into an option agreement to earn a 100% interest in mining claims on a property comprising 3,366 hectares in the Red Lake Gold Camp (the "RLG Claims"). For further details, please see the Company's news release dated July 11, 2025.

Bayside Geoscience completed a geological mapping and prospecting campaign at the end of August, and a total of 60 grab samples were collected across the RLG Claims. Assay results from this sampling are expected to be received in Q4 of 2025. Rosor Exploration successfully completed a drone-based LiDAR and magnetic survey at the end of September and final results and products are expected to be received in Q4 2025 as well. The results of these programs will be incorporated into a plan for future work programs on the RLG Claims.

Church Property

The Church Property is located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, approximately 16 kilometres west northwest of Nipigon, Ontario and 89 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. It is situated within the Church, Hele, and Booth townships of the Thunder Bay Mining Division. The Company's completed exploration program consisted of a Mobile Metal Ion soil sampling program, designed to identify lithium anomalies on areas of the property where field crews have established there is no exposed bedrock. While the Company did not identify any significant anomalies in the survey area, the results obtained are currently being analyzed to determine the next phase of exploration at the Church Property. Given weather and ground conditions, the Company expects that a follow up field-based exploration program at the Church Property will begin in the spring of 2026.

Corporate update

The Company is pleased to announce that during the three-month period ended September 30, 2025, the Company issued 1,087,500 common shares in the share capital of the Company, through the exercise of warrants, resulting in gross proceeds of $163,125. These funds will be used to continue to fund the Company's exploration activities, the previously announced plan of arrangement for the spin out of Highland Red Lake Gold Corp., general working capital purposes, and to identify new acquisitions.

Ted Yew, CEO of Highland, commented, "We are extremely pleased to have the support of our shareholders who through the exercising of warrants have provided additional funds for us to continue our exploration programs given the current robust gold environment. We are looking forward to providing the market with an update on exploration activities at both Sy and Red Lake in the coming months."

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information in this news release related to Highland Red Lake Gold Corp. and the Church Property has been reviewed and approved by Steven Flank, who is a "qualified person" as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Flank is an independent consultant to Highland.

The scientific and technical information in this news release related to Highland Red Lake Gold Corp. and the Church Property has been reviewed and approved by Mark Richardson, P.Geo., who is a "qualified person" as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Richardson is an independent consultant to Highland.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the 1933 Act and any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements is available.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.

ABOUT HIGHLAND CRITICAL MINERALS CORP.

Highland is a mineral exploration and development company. Its activities consist of acquiring and exploring, mining properties to enhance shareholder value as it proceeds with the exploration work on the Church Property among other mining properties it may acquire and develop.

For more information, please visit https://highlandcritical.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the planned commencement, scope, timing and objectives of the exploration program at the Sy Property, including the review and compilation of historical data and the proposed on-site geophysics program; the expected timing for receipt of assay results and final deliverables from programs at the Red Lake property and the use of such results to design future work; the timing and nature of any follow-up work at the Church Property, including a potential spring 2026 program; the Company's ability to advance its existing properties, secure additional mineral property interests and complete potential acquisitions; the intended use of proceeds from recent warrant exercises; and corporate initiatives, including the previously announced plan of arrangement regarding Highland Red Lake Gold Corp. and the receipt of any required regulatory approvals in connection therewith.

Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", "anticipates", "believes", "targets" or the negative forms of these words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including, without limitation: access to sites and the availability of equipment, personnel and contractors; the timing and results of exploration activities (including sampling, mapping and geophysical surveys); the ability to obtain required permits and approvals on satisfactory terms and in a timely manner; commodity prices and exchange rates; general business and economic conditions; that no significant disruptions (including adverse weather or other force majeure events) will occur; and that sufficient capital will be available to fund planned activities.

Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: that exploration, sampling and geophysical results may not be indicative of future results; operational risks inherent in mineral exploration; weather and seasonal access constraints; risks related to title, claims and permitting; environmental, Indigenous and community relations matters; reliance on key personnel and third-party contractors; changes in laws, regulations and policies; metal price and currency volatility; the availability of financing on acceptable terms; and the risk that required regulatory or other approvals (including stock exchange approvals) are delayed or not obtained.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. Additional information relating to the Company, including its long-form prospectus dated May 9, 2025, can be located on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

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/269443

SOURCE: Highland Critical Minerals Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Canada One Mining Corp. (TSXV: CONE) (OTC Pink: COMCF) (FSE: AU31) ("Canada One" or the "Company") announces it has agreed to acquire a 4,836-hectare copper-gold property contiguous to the northwest of Hudbay Minerals' Copper Mountain Mine, to be known as "Copper Dome North" (the "Property").

Under the property purchase agreement, dated October 6, 2025, (the "Agreement"), the Company will acquire a 100% interest in the Property, from an arm's-length vendor (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition increases the Company's flagship Copper Dome Project ("Copper Dome") size by ~60%, to 12,833 ha (from 7,997 ha) (see Figure 1: Copper Dome Project Map with Newly Acquired Copper Dome North).

Peter Berdusco, President and CEO, commented: "Though outside the formal Copper Dome footprint, the Property's proximity to Copper Mountain and its continuity within the district's geologic setting warrant the designation 'Copper Dome North.' In addition, the Property is adjacent to our 100%-owned Goldrop, an under-explored, historical small-scale producer of high-grade gold and silver. Together, these factors make the Acquisition compelling and well suited to a systematic exploration program."

Copper Dome North Acquisition Terms

The Agreement provides for the 100% acquisition of the Property with no net smelter return royalty (NSR) in consideration for 250,000 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares"), valuing the transaction at $12,500 based on a deemed price of $0.05 per share. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the closing of the Acquisition.

Completion of the Acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. The Acquisition does not involve any Non-Arm's Length Parties (as defined in Exchange policies). The Company will not devote the majority of its working capital or resources to the development of Copper Dome North. The primary focus of the Company remains the exploration and future drilling at Copper Dome. As a result, the Acquisition does not constitute a "fundamental acquisition" for the Company within the policies of the Exchange. No finders' fees or commissions are payable in connection with the Acquisition.





Figure 1: Copper Dome Project Map with Newly Acquired Copper Dome North

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10074/269454_8dfa2c44344ed82c_001full.jpg

About Copper Dome

Copper Dome is located in the lower Quesnel Trough porphyry belt, one of British Columbia's most prolific mining districts. It directly adjoins Hudbay Minerals Inc.'s (TSX: HBM) producing Copper Mountain Mine to the north which hosts Proven and Probable Reserves of 702 million tonnes grading 0.24% Cu, 0.09 g/t Au, and 0.72 g/t Ag (hudbayminerals.com) . Multiple mineralized zones have been identified across the Property, with historical drilling confirming high-grade copper associated with northeast-trending structures similar to those hosting mineralization at Copper Mountain.

The Project benefits from excellent infrastructure, enabling year-round access, cost-efficient exploration, and a stable, low-risk jurisdiction.

Historical Work Completed

Geophysics: 51 km of induced polarization (IP); airborne magnetic and electromagnetic (EM) coverage over ~50% of the Property

Sampling: 2,253 soils and 378 rocks collected

Drilling: 8,900+ m of diamond drilling

Trenching: Over 1 km excavated

With a five-year drill permit in place, the Company is focused on advancing the Project toward drill-ready target definition.

About Canada One

Canada One Mining Corp. is a Canadian junior exploration company focused on copper-the critical metal powering the global energy transition. The Company advances projects from discovery through resource definition with disciplined, data-driven exploration and responsible practices. Its flagship Copper Dome Project, located in the well-established Quesnel Trough Porphyry Belt, targets multiple porphyry copper-gold systems. Canada One aims to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value for shareholders and local communities.

Acknowledgement

Canada One acknowledges that Copper Dome is located within the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Smelqmix People. We recognize and respect their cultural heritage and relationship to the land, honoring their past, present and future.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by David Mark, P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: statements relating to the anticipated timing thereof and the intended use of proceeds. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing, completion and delivery of the referenced assessments and analysis. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

TSX Venture Exchange Disclaimer

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/269454

SOURCE: Canada One Mining Corp.
BANGKOK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- upGrad, one of Asia's leading integrated skilling and lifelong learning companies, today announced the opening of its new office in Bangkok. This marks a major step in the company's Southeast Asia expansion and highlights its commitment to supporting Thailand's digital economy with AI-focused and career-ready learning programs supported by local student support and engagement activities.

The Thai government, through the Ministry of Labour, has set a national priority to reskill 1.8 million workers and improve youth employability. With rapid digital disruption affecting every industry, upGrad's Bangkok office will help meet this need by making global-quality learning more accessible to Thai professionals, enterprises, and students.

Founded in India 10 years ago, upGrad is now one of the largest online higher education and workforce transformation companies in Asia, with over 10 million learners across 160 countries and partnerships with 100+ top universities worldwide. Its programs are designed in collaboration with leading institutes such as Golden Gate University, Edgewood College, Northeastern University and Liverpool John Moores University. With its new local hub, upGrad will:

Offer AI, data, education and business degrees tailored for working professionals with Thai-language mentorship

Provide flexible, online study options with live/recorded lectures, and digital resources to fit working professionals' schedules.

Partner with local schools and universities to co-create programs that directly match workforce needs.

Invest in local teams and learner support, ensuring personalized guidance from admission through graduation.

upGrad also plans to scale its impact by upskilling thousands of Thai learners in AI, business, and emerging technologies over the next two years, helping them unlock global career opportunities. The initial programs that will be available to learners includes university-led Doctorate programs in Business and Education, MBA, Tech and Data Science degrees and shorter Certification programs.

Myleeta Aga Williams, CEO - International, Consumer Business, upGrad, said: "Thailand is making bold strides in preparing its workforce for the future, with clear national priorities around AI training and digital upskilling. As one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies, Bangkok is uniquely positioned to become a hub for innovation and talent. By combining world-class education with local relevance, we aim to empower Thai professionals not just to adapt, but to lead in shaping the region's digital future."

Vu Le, Country Head - Vietnam & Thailand, upGrad, added: "upGrad has been upskilling Thai for the last 3 years and this official presence is about commitment and belief in this very exciting and forward-looking economy. We are here to support an already well-established ecosystem of learning and employability in Thailand, with higher education - 100% delivered online. By combining world-class education with local relevance, we aim to create a strong pipeline of AI-ready talent for both individuals and businesses."

About upGrad

Started in 2015, upGrad is one of Asia's largest integrated Learning, Skilling, and Workforce Development Companies. upGrad offers a range of online & hybrid skilling programs, Certifications, and Bootcamps under its B2C portfolio. It also facilitates top Indian and global universities to offer their Diploma, Master's and Executive Doctorates, with all degrees being awarded solely by the respective universities. Additionally, select programs are tailored for Enterprise clients under the corporate skilling division, along with other recruitment and staffing services. More details on https://www.upgrad.com/th/

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PLAINFIELD, IN / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Duke Energy has selected two properties in Connersville and Westfield for inclusion in its 2025 Site Readiness Program, which prepares high-potential business and industrial sites for economic development investments and markets them nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.

"Our economic development efforts have long been a key component of our work to power the vitality of our customers and communities," said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. "For more than a decade, we have partnered with local economic development organizations through our Site Readiness Program to help them stay competitive and market their sites and communities to prospective companies. It's been a collaborative effort and instrumental tool to bring major economic development wins to the communities we serve - resulting in job creation, new tax dollars and investment."

Duke Energy has helped prepare 51 properties in its service territory that have won 30 major projects since the program started in 2013, drawing over 10,000 new jobs and $14.7 billion in capital investment to the state.

Duke Energy works with Banning Engineering and Site Selection Group to evaluate high-potential sites, then partners with local economic development professionals to develop a strategy for getting the sites ready to market to industrial prospects. Duke Energy awards $10,000 to each site to help prepare them to attract projects.

The 2025 Site Readiness Program locations include:

100 Acre Industrial Site (Connersville)

This 104-acre property in Connersville consists of three contiguous parcels. The site is strategically located just north of the 1.7 million square foot former Visteon manufacturing plant. The utilities needed for development are readily accessible. The site is close to a short line rail service.

"This partnership will allow us to take a key step forward in preparing and marketing the site for future industrial use," said Brad Colter, CEO/President of the Economic Development Group of Fayette County. "We appreciate Duke Energy's investment in our region and the proactive approach the company is taking to help ensure the communities it serves are positioned for long-term economic success."

NorthPoint II (Westfield)

NorthPoint II in Westfield is a 169+ acre property adjacent to the existing NorthPoint Business Park. The greenfield site is equipped to accommodate a megasite project, advanced manufacturing operations and corporate campuses.

"NorthPoint II is an opportunity for companies to establish themselves within one of the region's fastest-growing communities," said Jenell Fairman, economic development director for the city of Westfield. "The state-of-the-art industrial park sits directly east of the U.S. 31 corridor and offers seamless access to I-465.

From assisting in site development to aiding in the recruitment of new investment projects, we're grateful for Duke Energy's support and collaboration to attract businesses to NorthPoint II and the city of Westfield."

For nearly two decades, international economic development publication Site Selection has recognized Duke Energy's economic development work in its annual list of "

Top Utilities in

Economic Development ." In 2024, Duke Energy's economic development efforts helped generate $7 billion in capital investment in Indiana that supported more than 2,800 jobs for the state.

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 920,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana's largest electric supplier.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at?duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on?X,?LinkedIn,?Instagram?and?Facebook, and visit illumination?for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: McKenzie Barbknecht

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

View original content here.



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Duke Energy Corporation

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Duke Energy Corporation

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/utilities/building-momentum-duke-energy-partners-with-local-economic-development-organizations-to-m-1083862
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, a leading server platform designer and manufacturer and a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corporation (TSE:3706), and Tonomia, a Belgian innovator in renewable energy solutions for distributed AI, proudly announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to solidify their strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in delivering sustainable AI infrastructure powered by renewable energy. The MOU was officially signed during the prestigious Belgian Economic Mission to the West Coast of the USA at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, with dignitaries, American and Belgian officials, and HRH Princess Astrid in attendance.

This landmark agreement brings together MiTAC's advanced GPU server technology with Tonomia's innovative renewable energy solutions to enable low-carbon, high-performance AI clusters for global enterprises. Through this collaboration, both companies are dedicated to transforming data center operations with clean energy and intelligent infrastructure, supporting the next generation of AI with eco-friendly solutions.

"Our partnership with Tonomia demonstrates MiTAC's commitment to open innovation and practical sustainability in data centers," said Rick Hwang, President of MiTAC Computing Technology. "By pairing our industry-leading GPU servers with Tonomia's renewable energy platform, we're reducing the environmental footprint of energy-intensive operations while driving forward next-gen AI applications and high-performance computing."

Tonomia's modular approach covers solar carports, on-site battery storage, and distributed AI infrastructure, turning underused parking lots into clean energy hubs for electric vehicles and AI datacenter workloads. This integrated model not only generates green energy, but also utilizes waste heat to increase site efficiency and benefits building owners and operators with optimized grid support.

"With the rapid growth of AI, sustainable energy supply is essential to power next-generation applications," said Dr. Mustapha Belhabib Founder & CEO of Tonomia. "Joining forces with MiTAC, we're enabling customers to deploy powerful GPU-enabled AI clusters on a truly sustainable foundation."

Together, MiTAC Computing and Tonomia are providing scalable, real-world solutions for eco-friendly compute at the intersection of renewable energy and artificial intelligence-empowering customers globally to build smarter, greener digital infrastructure.

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

MiTAC Computing Technology Corp., a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings, delivers comprehensive, energy-efficient server solutions backed by industry expertise dating back to the 1990s. Specializing in AI, HPC, cloud, and edge computing, MiTAC Computing employs rigorous methodologies to ensure uncompromising quality-across barebones, systems, racks, and cluster levels-fully achieving performance and integration. This commitment to quality at every level sets MiTAC Computing apart in the industry.

With a worldwide presence and end-to-end capabilities-from R&D and manufacturing to global support-MiTAC Computing provides agile, customized platforms for hyperscale data centers, HPC, and AI applications, ensuring optimal performance and scalability to meet unique business needs. By leveraging the latest advancements in AI and liquid cooling and unifying the MiTAC brand with Intel DSG and TYAN server products, MiTAC Computing stands out for its innovative, efficient, and reliable server technology as well as its hardware and software integrated solutions-empowering businesses to meet future challenges.

Visit our corporate website: https://www.mitaccomputing.com/

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NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global IoT in Healthcare Market is projected to expand from USD 56.7 billion in 2024 to USD 594.5 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 23.9%. Growth is fueled by the rapid adoption of wearable and implantable sensors, AI-powered analytics for remote patient monitoring, investments in smart hospital infrastructure, and emerging AI-driven devices, including Meta's recently launched Ray-Ban Display smart glasses and Neural Band. Executives and investors should prioritize integrated IoT ecosystems, data-driven care models, cybersecurity, and strategic partnerships that accelerate deployment across hospitals and home care settings.

Market Size, Growth & Key Drivers

The IoT in Healthcare market is expanding tenfold in just over a decade. Key drivers include: Wearables & Home Devices: Continuous patient monitoring via wearable sensors, fitness trackers, and implantable devices. AI-driven Analytics: Leveraging predictive algorithms for early diagnosis, chronic disease management, and operational efficiency. Telehealth Integration: Remote consultations and virtual care delivery facilitated by connected devices. Smart Hospital Investments: Automation, asset tracking, and connected medical devices improving workflow efficiency and patient safety. Government Policies & Incentives: Digital health regulations and telemedicine reimbursement policies accelerating adoption globally. Emerging Tech Integration: AI wearables like Meta Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band enhancing real-time monitoring, gesture-based control, and personalized care.

The Complete Study is Now Available for Immediate Access | Download the Sample Pages of this Report @ https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/iot-in-healthcare-market-1232/request-sample

Free Sample Includes:

Global & regional market size and adoption metrics

Competitive landscape & financials

SWOT analysis of top companies

Growth & revenue forecasts through 2035

Porter's Five Forces & industry trends

Country- and region-specific opportunity mapping

Technological & Industry Momentum

Wearable Devices & Sensors: Real-time monitoring of chronic diseases, elderly care, and preventive health.

Real-time monitoring of chronic diseases, elderly care, and preventive health. AI & Predictive Analytics: IoT data transformed into actionable insights for precision care and predictive interventions.

IoT data transformed into actionable insights for precision care and predictive interventions. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Cloud-enabled platforms reduce hospital readmissions and enable home-based care.

Cloud-enabled platforms reduce hospital readmissions and enable home-based care. Smart Hospitals: Connected devices and automation improve resource utilization, clinical workflows, and patient safety.

Connected devices and automation improve resource utilization, clinical workflows, and patient safety. Beyond Clinical Use: IoT adoption extends to rehabilitation, wellness programs, and personalized care management.

IoT adoption extends to rehabilitation, wellness programs, and personalized care management. Meta AI Wearables: The Meta Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band enable hands-free, gesture-controlled, AI-assisted healthcare tracking, demonstrating the convergence of consumer AI devices with medical-grade monitoring applications.

Unlocking Opportunities for Decision-Makers

IoT in Healthcare offers a multi-billion-dollar opportunity to enhance patient outcomes, streamline hospital operations, and enable data-driven health strategies. Executives can lead digital transformation initiatives, integrate smart medical devices, and leverage real-time patient data. Investors can capitalize on high-growth segments such as wearable health sensors, AI diagnostics, connected imaging, and smart hospital infrastructure. Early movers gain competitive advantage through strategic partnerships, scalable IoT platforms, and cross-industry collaborations.

Value Creation Opportunities

Chronic Disease Management: Remote monitoring for diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory conditions.

Remote monitoring for diabetes, cardiovascular, and respiratory conditions. Hospital Efficiency: Smart beds, asset tracking, and connected devices optimizing workflows.

Smart beds, asset tracking, and connected devices optimizing workflows. Telehealth Expansion: IoT device integration enhances virtual care and patient engagement.

IoT device integration enhances virtual care and patient engagement. Emerging Markets: Public-private partnerships drive adoption in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Public-private partnerships drive adoption in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. AI Wearables: Consumer-grade devices like Meta's AI-enabled smart glasses offer new avenues for patient engagement, remote monitoring, and real-time alerts.

Expert Insights

"Connected devices are no longer just monitoring tools they are strategic levers for improving patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and healthcare cost optimization. Organizations integrating IoT with AI and analytics will lead the next decade of digital health transformation." Neha Rathod Godbole, Founder & CEO, Vantage Market Research

Email Directly Here with Detailed Information: sales@vantagemarketresearch.com

Top 5 Strategic Actions for Executives

Expand IoT Ecosystem: Integrate wearables, sensors, hospital systems, and AI wearables into connected care networks.

Integrate wearables, sensors, hospital systems, and AI wearables into connected care networks. Invest in AI Analytics: Use predictive algorithms and real-time monitoring to optimize workflows and patient outcomes.

Use predictive algorithms and real-time monitoring to optimize workflows and patient outcomes. Forge Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with telehealth providers, digital health startups, and cloud vendors.

Collaborate with telehealth providers, digital health startups, and cloud vendors. Enhance Cybersecurity & Interoperability: Ensure secure data exchange, HIPAA/GDPR compliance, and seamless integration with EHRs.

Ensure secure data exchange, HIPAA/GDPR compliance, and seamless integration with EHRs. Adopt Smart Hospital & Remote Care Tech: Implement smart beds, automated monitoring, and AI-assisted devices for operational efficiency.

Key Players in the IoT in Healthcare Race

Philips Healthcare (Netherlands) - Connected hospital solutions and patient monitoring platforms

GE Healthcare (U.S.) - IoT-enabled imaging, monitoring, and hospital management systems

Medtronic (U.S.) - Wearable devices and remote monitoring for chronic disease

Siemens Healthineers (Germany) - Smart hospital infrastructure and AI-integrated devices

Cerner Corporation (U.S.) - IoT-enabled EHR integration and digital health platforms

Cisco Systems, Microsoft, IBM, SAP, Qualcomm Life, Honeywell Life Care Solutions

Emerging Startups

Companies developing AI wearables, edge analytics, and patient engagement platforms are attracting investor attention, particularly with the success of devices like Meta's AI-enabled smart glasses.

Risks & Regulatory Considerations

Data privacy and cybersecurity vulnerabilities remain significant concerns.

High integration costs of IoT with legacy systems.

Fragmented regulatory frameworks across regions.

Reliability challenges in low-connectivity regions.

Interoperability issues with EHRs and hospital IT systems.

Compliance Considerations: HIPAA, GDPR, ISO/IEEE standards for connected medical devices are critical to ensure safe deployment.

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Benefits of Purchasing IoT in Healthcare Market Reports

Analyst Support - Direct access to our experts before and after purchase for tailored insights and clarifications.

- Direct access to our experts before and after purchase for tailored insights and clarifications. Data Accuracy - Forecasts and trends validated through a combination of primary industry interviews, end-user surveys, and advanced statistical modeling.

- Forecasts and trends validated through a combination of primary industry interviews, end-user surveys, and advanced statistical modeling. Decision-Making Tools - Interactive dashboards, granular segment forecasts, competitor benchmarking, and adoption roadmaps to guide strategy.

- Interactive dashboards, granular segment forecasts, competitor benchmarking, and adoption roadmaps to guide strategy. Quality & Credibility - Trusted by Fortune 500 companies, healthcare innovators, and technology leaders for reliable market intelligence.

Why This Report Matters?

This report empowers executives to:

Identify high-growth segments and profitable applications.

Mitigate adoption risks including regulatory compliance and cybersecurity.

Evaluate competitive landscape, partnerships, and emerging technologies.

Prioritize investments in AI analytics, wearable devices, and cloud platforms.

Why Now?

Digital Health Transformation: Healthcare systems are increasingly shifting toward connected care models.

Healthcare systems are increasingly shifting toward connected care models. Operational Efficiency Imperative: IoT adoption reduces hospital costs and enhances clinical productivity.

IoT adoption reduces hospital costs and enhances clinical productivity. Regulatory Support & Incentives: Government-backed digital health initiatives and telehealth reimbursement policies accelerate adoption.

Government-backed digital health initiatives and telehealth reimbursement policies accelerate adoption. Data-Driven Patient Care: AI-integrated IoT solutions enable real-time monitoring, predictive care, and personalized treatment.

Early movers in the IoT healthcare space are positioned to capture significant market share, strengthen hospital partnerships, and unlock recurring revenue streams - while laggards risk falling behind in one of the most dynamic segments of global healthcare.

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Strategic Takeaways for Executives & Investors

Invest in integrated IoT ecosystems with AI, wearables, and cloud platforms. Leverage partnerships and telehealth integration for market expansion. Capitalize on regulatory and reimbursement incentives. Enhance operational efficiency and patient experience via smart hospitals and remote monitoring. Strengthen cybersecurity and interoperability for trust and adoption.

Major Challenges to Overcome

Fragmented regulatory frameworks and inconsistent reimbursement policies across regions.

High initial investment and integration costs for IoT-enabled healthcare infrastructure.

Interoperability and standardization challenges with legacy hospital systems.

Data privacy, cybersecurity risks, and compliance pressures.

Resistance from clinicians and care teams to adopt new digital workflows.

Recent Industry Developments

Jan 2025: Philips launches next-gen remote patient monitoring platform.

Mar 2025: Medtronic expands IoT-enabled cardiac devices.

May 2025: GE Healthcare deploys cloud-based hospital management solutions.

Jul 2025: Siemens Healthineers implements smart hospital infrastructure in Asia-Pacific.

Sept 2025: Cerner integrates IoT data streams with EHRs.

Sept 2025: Meta unveils Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band AI wearables, offering gesture-based monitoring and AI-assisted patient engagement.

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Regional Insights

North America: Largest market; mature IT infrastructure, telehealth adoption, regulatory support.

Asia-Pacific: Fastest-growing; telehealth expansion and government-backed digital health initiatives in China, India, Japan.

Europe: Mature market; high adoption of smart hospitals, wearables, and AI-enabled analytics.

Latin America: Emerging adoption; Brazil and Mexico investing in connected care platforms.

Middle East Africa: Early-stage growth; Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa investing in smart hospital infrastructure.

Segment Insights

By Component:

Medical Devices dominate; wearables and implants lead growth.

Systems & Software rapidly expanding due to AI analytics, cybersecurity, and network management.

Services (deployment, consulting, maintenance) witnessing steady growth.

By Application:

Telemedicine leads; remote patient monitoring, interactive consultations, and store-and-forward systems enhance care.

Clinical operations, connected imaging, in-patient monitoring, and medication management growing steadily.

Home care, rehabilitation, chronic disease management contribute incremental growth.

By Connectivity Technology:

Wi-Fi dominates; BLE and Zigbee grow for low-power devices.

NFC improves patient data access; cellular and satellite networks expand remote monitoring.

By End User:

Hospitals, clinics, surgical centers largest; leveraging IoT for efficiency and patient care.

Clinical research organizations and labs adopting IoT for real-time data collection and automated analytics.

Government and defense increasingly use IoT for telemedicine, health surveillance, and emergency response.

Top Key Players for IoT in Healthcare Market

Cisco Systems Inc.

Microsoft Corporation

IBM Corporation

SAP SE

Qualcomm Life, Inc.

Honeywell Life Care Solutions

GE Healthcare

Siemens Healthineers

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Segments Covered in The Report

By Component

Medical Devices Stationary Medical Devices Implanted Medical Devices Wearable External Medical Devices

Systems & Software Remote Device Management Network Bandwidth Management Data Analytics Application Security Network Security

Services Deployment & Integration Consulting Support & Maintenance



By Application

Telemedicine Store-and-Forward Telemedicine Remote Patient Monitoring Interactive Telemedicine

Clinical Operations & Workflow Management

Connected Imaging

In-Patient Monitoring

Medication Management

Other Applications

By Connectivity Technology

Wi-Fi

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Zigbee

Near-Field Communication (NFC)

Cellular

Satellite

By End User

Hospitals, Surgical Centers, and Clinics

Clinical Research Organizations

Government and Defense Institutions

Research and Diagnostic Laboratories

By Region

North America

U.S.



Canada



Mexico

Europe

Germany



France



U.K.



Italy



Spain



Nordic Countries



Benelux Union



Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China



Japan



India



New Zealand



Australia



South Korea



South-East Asia



Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil



Argentina



Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Saudi Arabia



UAE



Egypt



Kuwait



South Africa



Rest of MEA

Browse market data Tables and Figures spread through 245 Pages and in-depth TOC on IoT in Healthcare Market trends 2025 Forecast Report (2025-2035).

The IoT in Healthcare market is poised for explosive growth, driven by wearables, AI analytics, smart hospitals, telehealth integration, and emerging AI-enabled consumer devices like Meta's Ray-Ban Display and Neural Band. Early movers can capture market share, strengthen hospital partnerships, and unlock recurring revenue streams, while laggards risk falling behind. This report provides actionable intelligence for executives, investors, and healthcare decision-makers to navigate one of the most dynamic sectors of global healthcare.

Key Questions Answered in The Report:

Which regions are expected to lead in IoT in Healthcare adoption, digital health investment, and regulatory support over the next decade?

Who are the top five global players in the IoT in Healthcare market, and how do their technology platforms, product portfolios, and regional expansion strategies differ?

What breakthrough innovations such as wearable sensors, AI-powered analytics, telehealth integration, and smart hospital infrastructure will define market competitiveness through 2035?

Which healthcare segments (chronic disease management, remote patient monitoring, hospital operations, home care, and preventive care) will drive IoT adoption and revenue, and why?

What are the main growth drivers, barriers, and risks influencing large-scale IoT deployment in healthcare worldwide?

How will integration with electronic health records (EHRs), cloud-based platforms, AI analytics, and remote monitoring devices shape investment priorities?

What role will public-private partnerships, healthcare IT collaborations, and regulatory frameworks play in accelerating IoT adoption in healthcare?

What is the projected global market size and CAGR for the IoT in Healthcare market during the 2025-2035 forecast period?

How will evolving data privacy regulations, cybersecurity standards, and interoperability requirements reshape IoT deployment and market access in healthcare?

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Gain instant access to our exclusive, data-driven dashboard designed for healthcare industry decision-makers, strategists, and market leaders. The platform delivers in-depth statistical insights, segment-wise breakdowns, regional market performance, competitive landscape mapping, company profiles, annual updates, and more. From market sizing to trend analysis and competitive intelligence, this powerful tool serves as a comprehensive solution for informed business decisions.

Browse the Full "IoT in Healthcare Market Size & Share | Growth Analysis 2035 by Component (Medical Devices, Systems & Software, Services, Connectivity Technology), by Application (Telemedicine, Store-and-forward Telemedicine, Remote Patient Monitoring, Interactive Medicine), by End-User (Hospitals, Surgical Centers and Clinics, Clinical Research Organizations, Government and Defense Institutions, Research and Diagnostic Laboratories), by Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific" Report at: https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/iot-in-healthcare-market-1232

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From bridal gowns and bridesmaid favorites to wedding guest looks and date night dresses, shoppers can take advantage of Amazon Prime Day Deals for some of The Edit by DB Studio's best-selling looks

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / David's Bridal, Inc. ("David's"), the largest AI-powered marketplace, media network and planning ecosystem for life's magical moments, is making it easier than ever to score affordable, on-trend dresses this Prime Day . The iconic bridal retailer joins the Amazon lineup with a curated collection of best-selling bridal, bridesmaid, and occasion styles, available at up to 40% off select styles. Featuring looks from The Edit by DB Studio, David's is giving shoppers the chance to find their dream dresses from aisle to after party, bachelorette party to bridal party, Mother of the Bride or Groom, and date night to every RSVP in between, at exclusive prices for Prime Day.

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Matte Satin Spaghetti Strap Slip Dress - originally $99.95, now $69.99

During Prime Day, David's Amazon Storefront brings trendy and wallet-friendly dresses directly to your doorstep. Brides and wedding guests can explore these deals and more exclusively on October 7th and October 8th.

Want more for less? Visit DavidsBridal.com for even more exclusive deals and offers on dresses for every occasion and style.

To learn more or shop Prime Day deals, visit David's Amazon Storefront and follow @davidsbridal on TikTok and Instagram.

About David's Bridal

With over 70 years of experience dressing people for all of life's special occasions, David's Bridal exists for magical moments. Since its "Aisle to Algorithm" strategic pivot, David's has evolved from iconic bridal retailer to wedding technology company, media powerhouse, and marketplace platform, transforming how people plan, shop, and celebrate life's biggest moments. From assuming full production of Vera Wang Bride to launching Diamonds & Pearls, a curated couture boutique experience, David's entrance into this new era marks a pivotal moment for retailers going beyond traditional scopes and expanding into new categories.

At the center of David's technological and retail evolution is Pearl by David's, Pearl Planner and Pearl Media Network - the all-in-one digital wedding destination connecting consumers with everything from AI-powered planning tools, inspiration and vendor directories, expanded retail categories and leading content, while enabling brands tap into David's unmatched market reach to authentically connect with consumers through media across the web, social, podcast, streaming, video, in-store and more.

Under the Pearl Media umbrella is Love Stories by David's, the top wedding media brand taking a digital-first approach to wedding content and inspiration with over 20M viewers per month across content platforms, including the wedding industry's sole podcast network, streaming TV and Snap Discover channels, and largest YouTube and TikTok channels, and a library of over 30,000 real wedding videos. Each video comes equipped with wedding data and details, contributing to a marketplace of over 60,000 wedding professionals to help couples better dream about, research and plan their big day.

With more than 190 stores across the US, Canada, and franchise locations in Mexico, David's Bridal offers the convenience of one-stop shopping for every magical event in her life, including weddings, Quinceanera, graduations, proms, communions, or simply making the world her runway and beyond. To learn more about David's , sign up for Pearl Planner , and connect on social media through Instagram , YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , X , TikTok , and LinkedIn .

Contact Information

David's Bridal

mediarequests@dbi.com





SOURCE: DAVID'S BRIDAL CORPORATE

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AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Multi Cancer Early Detection Testing (MCED) Market is entering a high-growth phase as precision diagnostics and liquid biopsy technologies redefine cancer care. According to DataM Intelligence, the Multi Cancer Early Detection Testing Market Size reached US$ 1.67 billion in 2023, rose to US$ 1.92 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow to US$ 7.52 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 16.5% during 2025-2033.

Cancer continues to be the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with nearly 10 million deaths annually. Traditional screening methods are cancer-specific, costly, and often invasive, leading to late-stage diagnoses that limit survival outcomes. MCED tests-using liquid biopsies, genomic signatures, and AI-powered analysis-offer the ability to detect multiple cancers from a single blood draw, even before symptoms appear.

Global adoption is accelerating, led by GRAIL's Galleri Test, Guardant Health's liquid biopsy platforms, and Exact Sciences' precision oncology solutions. Investments from Roche's Foundation Medicine and biotech innovators such as Burning Rock, Lucence Health, and Freenome are further shaping the competitive landscape.

Download Exclusive Sample Report: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/multi-cancer-early-detection-testing-market

Browse in-depth TOC on 'Multi Cancer Early Detection Testing Market'

70 - Tables

66 - Figures

195 - Pages

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Test Type

Galleri Test, pioneered by GRAIL, dominated the market with over 40% share (US$ 770 million in 2024). Its ability to detect over 50 types of cancers with high specificity has made it the benchmark in MCED adoption across the U.S. and Europe.

CancerSEEK, developed through partnerships involving Johns Hopkins, captured 25% of the market (US$ 480 million). The test is expanding rapidly in colorectal, ovarian, and lung cancer detection.

By Cancer Type

Breast cancer led the segment in 2024 (US$ 420 million), supported by early detection programs in the U.S. and Japan.

Colorectal cancer and lung cancer together contributed US$ 620 million, as liquid biopsy solutions gain traction over invasive colonoscopies and imaging scans.

Blood cancers and prostate cancers, valued at US$ 480 million combined, are benefiting from MCED's non-invasive detection advantages.

By End-User

Hospitals & Clinics accounted for US$ 950 million in 2024, reflecting their role as the primary hubs for early cancer diagnosis.

Diagnostic laboratories generated US$ 690 million, with large lab chains partnering with biotech firms to expand access.

Academic & research institutes, valued at US$ 280 million, remain critical for clinical validation, biomarker discovery, and regulatory pathway advancement.

Regional Insights: USA & Japan

United States

The U.S. leads the MCED market with revenues exceeding US$ 920 million in 2024. Growth is fueled by:

Strong uptake of Galleri and Guardant Health liquid biopsy solutions.

Integration of MCED tests into employer wellness programs and insurance coverage.

FDA fast-track designations and ongoing Medicare reimbursement approvals.

Recent development (2025): Exact Sciences announced a strategic partnership with Mayo Clinic to expand real-world validation of its MCED portfolio.

Japan

Japan's MCED market, valued at US$ 190 million in 2024, is gaining momentum due to:

A rapidly aging population and rising cancer burden (1 in 2 Japanese citizens expected to face cancer during their lifetime).

Government-backed initiatives promoting preventive cancer screening technologies.

Collaborations between Burning Rock Biotech and Japanese research institutions to accelerate local biomarker discovery.

to accelerate local biomarker discovery. Highlight (2025): Lucence Health launched an expanded liquid biopsy test in Japan, enhancing colorectal and gastric cancer early detection.

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Industry Trends & 2025 Developments

AI in Diagnostics: AI-driven biomarker identification is increasing test sensitivity and specificity across multiple cancer types.

AI-driven biomarker identification is increasing test sensitivity and specificity across multiple cancer types. Reimbursement Pathways: Payers in the U.S. and Japan are piloting coverage for MCED, accelerating patient access.

Payers in the U.S. and Japan are piloting coverage for MCED, accelerating patient access. M&A Activity: In 2025, Guardant Health acquired a precision oncology start-up to integrate AI-based biomarker analysis into its MCED pipeline.

In 2025, to integrate AI-based biomarker analysis into its MCED pipeline. Clinical Validation: Large-scale trials involving over 200,000 patients worldwide are underway to validate the cost-effectiveness of MCED.

Large-scale trials involving are underway to validate the cost-effectiveness of MCED. Shift to Preventive Oncology: Governments are prioritizing early detection to lower long-term cancer care costs, opening new reimbursement opportunities.

Competitive Landscape

GRAIL

GRAIL leads the MCED space with its Galleri Test, currently the most widely validated early detection test. Backed by Illumina and industry partnerships, GRAIL is expanding across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Guardant Health

Guardant has established itself as a liquid biopsy leader, leveraging genomic sequencing to detect early-stage cancers. In 2025, the company enhanced its MCED portfolio with AI-powered detection of gastrointestinal cancers.

Exact Sciences

Known for its Cologuard test, Exact Sciences is expanding into MCED through partnerships with research institutes. Its multi-analyte testing platforms are positioned to capture share in colorectal and pancreatic cancers.

Burning Rock Biotech & Lucence Health

These companies are driving innovation in Asia, focusing on cost-effective, scalable MCED solutions. Their tests are gaining regulatory traction in Japan and China.

Roche's Foundation Medicine

Foundation Medicine brings strong diagnostic credibility, with 2025 developments focused on integrating MCED into comprehensive genomic profiling solutions.

Strategic Outlook

The MCED market is at a pivotal stage of evolution. Four themes define its future trajectory:

Broader Clinical Adoption - Hospitals and insurers integrating MCED into preventive care. AI and Multi-Omics Expansion - AI models coupled with genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics enhancing accuracy. Regional Scaling - U.S. leading regulatory approvals, Japan focusing on preventive cancer strategies. Industry Consolidation - M&A will remain high as diagnostics firms strengthen pipelines and validation platforms.

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Conclusion

The Multi Cancer Early Detection Testing Market, projected to grow from US$ 1.92 billion in 2024 to US$ 7.52 billion by 2033, is redefining global cancer care. With Galleri, CancerSEEK, Guardant Health, and Exact Sciences leading the innovation curve, MCED is positioned to transform survival outcomes by shifting cancer detection from late-stage diagnosis to early intervention.

Related Report:

Pregnancy Testing Market to Expand from USD 1.72B in 2024 to USD 2.88B by 2033 on Rise of At-Home & Digital Diagnostics. Osteoporosis Testing Market to Surge: From USD 383M to USD 567M by 2030 on Aging & Preventive Care Buoyancy. Drug of Abuse Testing Market to Surge from USD ~7B to ~USD 11.7B by 2032 on Rising Regulatory & Workplace Screening Demand.

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Pentwater Capital Management LP - Form 8.3 - JTC Plc

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 07

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: Pentwater Capital Management LP (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. N/A (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree JTC plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 06/10/2025 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" NO

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security: 1p ordinary Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives: 4,121,884 2.40 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 4,121,884 2.40

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(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 Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit

(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 (GBP) 1p ordinary Swap Increasing a long position 100,000 13.06

(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

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

(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)

4. 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 person 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 person 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

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 07/10/2025 Contact name: Hooman Tavakolian Telephone number: +1 312-914-4301

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / In 2024, Viatris provided medicines addressing the top 10 of the WHO's leading causes of death globally.

We have taken a deliberate approach to expand access to our wide portfolio across geographies and income levels, where we seek to build and establish sustainable markets by nurturing innovation and competition. Our reach is enabled by a strong global infrastructure that serves patients in more than 165 countries and territories.

Viatris' current companywide access goals run from 2022 to year end 2025. The goals seek to advance access and reach of digital and global healthcare professional (HCP) education and provide access to ARV treatments for patients living with HIV. To drive progress on these goals and make a meaningful impact, we pursue holistic approaches, partnerships and cross-sector collaborations.

Putting Patients First: Advocacy

Those living with a disease or having experienced an urgent medical need know first hand that treatment does not begin or end with a medicine. In many cases, people need advocates on their side, helping to address barriers to diagnosis and treatment, promoting health infrastructure and training and supporting patient education and disease awareness. Poor health literacy and misinformation are examples of barriers to diagnosis and treatment adherence. Viatris works with partners across geographies to help improve health literacy.

We work closely with organizations including the Boomer Esiason Foundation, the MS Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and many others to support patients. Examples of this work follow:

In Australia, Viatris collaborates with the Eczema Association Australasia to develop patient education materials on allergic rhinitis.

In Washington, D.C., Viatris supported Patients Rising's "We the Patients Week on Capitol Hill," a legislative conference with 60 patient advocates from over 20 states meeting with 70 congressional offices advocating for health care policies focused on addressing barriers and inequities to care.

Viatris supports the MS Foundation's month-long MS awareness campaign, which includes information on how to support your immune system, gender differences in MS and how to advocate for more research funding. This work included distributing information toolkits to about 70,000 patients and the presentation of two live and four virtual education events.

In the U.S., Viatris backed the implementation of The CHEST organization's First 5 Minutes program, which aims to provide clinicians with tools and strategies to build rapport, practice empathetic listening, and navigate cultural differences effectively. Through e-learning modules and practical exercises, the program teaches techniques like cultural humility and compassionate communication, tailored to conditions like COPD.

In Europe, Viatris supports the Active Citizenship Network (ACN), a civil society organization representing more than 200 professional societies and patient organizations in the EU, and its annual European Patients' Rights Day. Viatris has been a key partner in helping ACN strengthen patient voices in healthcare.

Viatris supports the Allergy & Asthma Network: English and Spanish COPD Virtual Conference Series, a program providing education, including for Black and Hispanic communities about COPD and engage patients and caregivers in research.

We support the We Are ILL organization to support and educate Black women diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Supporting Healthcare Workers for More Resilient Healthcare Systems

Healthcare workers, especially those in primary care, are essential to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. They are often the first point of contact for people seeking healthcare services and key for people accessing the care they need. Demand for healthcare workers is growing, and it's estimated there will be a shortage of about 15 million healthcare workers by 2030, with needs especially acute in low- and LMICs.1

In 2024, we continued our dedicated work with partners across the world to empower healthcare workers to contribute to more resilient and healthier systems. Viatris supports programs, education and resources both at a local level as well as through digital resources that are more broadly accessible. We work to leverage medical partnerships and thought leadership to help local standards of care and optimize patient outcomes.

One of our platforms for medical professionals is Viatris Connect Medical. In 2024, the hub was available in 20 countries and provided programs including accredited continuing medical education programs, certification programs, congress highlights, in-depth therapy reviews, patient educational resources and podcasts. The platform also provides access to pocket-sized clinical guidelines and scientific journals. Since the platform's launch, more than 13,000 professionals have had access to Viatris Connect Medical. In 2024, users interacted with the platform approximately 22,800 times. Viatris Connect Medical has been recognized externally for providing HCPS a unified experience across multiple geographies.

Brazil and Saudi Arabia launched Viatris Connect Medical in 2024 so that healthcare professionals (HCPs) can have access to the latest medical advances. In Brazil, we developed and made available six educational programs with a cross-specialty approach, leveraging digital strategies to enhance reach and promote learning.

With the support of our global partners, including the American College of Cardiology, the World Heart Federation, and the NCD Alliance, our free, online educational platform for healthcare workers, the NCD Academy, has continued to expand. In 2024, three new courses were added to the extensive portfolio: Foundational Concepts in Care Integration for NCDs; HIV and Lifelong Care; and Vaccine Preventable Diseases. The new courses represent the interrelated nature of health challenges and how integrating care across infectious and chronic diseases can unlock significant benefits within the healthcare system, resulting in better care for patients.

The value of the platform rests on HCPs knowing of it and using it, so we worked on growing awareness of the academy beyond primary care practitioners. We partnered with groups including the European Specialist Nurses Organisation (ESNO), the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the World Organization of Family Doctors and others to reach nurses, pharmacists, general practitioners and medical students. We also collaborate with local scientific societies to raise awareness and provide access in their countries.

NCD Academy courses have now been translated into more than 15 languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Greek, Serbian and Polish. More than 30,000 individuals have an NCD Academy account, an increase of more than 6,000 users in 2024 over the previous year. The total number of patients impacted since the launch of NCD Academy is approximately 115 million.2

Our HCP Access Goal Goal: Impact 100 million patients via HCP education and outreach regarding prevention, diagnosis and treatment options for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and other important chronic conditions to improve outcomes through the NCD Academy by the end of 2025.* Our Progress: More than 30,000 individuals have an NCD Academy account, an increase of more than 6,000 users in 2024 over the previous year. The total number of patients impacted since the launch of NCD Academy is ~115 million.2 *Our ability to make progress on our goals depends on several factors, some of which are outside of our control.

Beyond these programs, Viatris works in a variety of ways to empower healthcare workers, integrate care for patients and address health inequities across geographies. Viatris has been actively engaging healthcare professionals across various regions to enhance patient care and address NCDs.

In Ukraine, Viatris partnered with professional societies to raise awareness of diseases and treatment adherence, reaching over 10,000 healthcare professionals.

In the Middle East, Viatris organized the HEAL Conference, which included over 70 experts and 13,000 healthcare professionals, and announced a collaboration with New York University of Abu Dhabi to address NCDs in the UAE. Viatris also hosted the HEAL Forum Qatar 2024, focusing on NCD care standards.

In China, Viatris sponsored a panel at the 4th Pain Summit to improve clinicians' understanding of pain management.

In Morocco, Viatris hosted the VI'ATELIER summit, gathering over 150 healthcare professionals to discuss topics such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, mental health, erectile dysfunction and pain.

In South Korea, more than 2,200 HCPs participated in various virtual focus groups to discuss topics related to NCDs.

In the Emerging Markets Asia region, more than 700 healthcare professionals participated in a master class on cardiovascular risk, pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Viatris also partnered with Younger Lives to expand access to the Diabetes Age tool in Spain, Greece and Romania, promoting healthy behaviors and therapy adherence.

In Europe, Viatris Medical Affairs explored generational differences in health perceptions and healthcare decision-making, advocating for tailored healthcare delivery models.

New NCD Academy Courses in 2024 Foundational Concepts in Care Integration: By addressing the complex challenges within the healthcare sector, the course aims to equip future HCPs with the essential skills needed to address and mitigate the impacts of NCDs. HIV and Livelong Care: The course highlights the importance of continuous care for people living with HIV/AIDS and explores the interrelation between HIV/AIDS and non-communicable diseases. Vaccine Preventable Diseases: The course explores how vaccines address the intersection of communicable and NCDs to support global health goals.

Promoting Integration of Care

By integrating care, healthcare providers can optimize their time and resources, offering more comprehensive treatment that enhances patient access to healthcare services. Traditionally, infectious diseases and NCDs were treated as separate issues, an approach which overlooked the interrelated nature of health challenges. Integrating care across infectious and chronic diseases can unlock significant benefits within the healthcare system and offer better care for patients.

Viatris has supported research identifying gaps and potential solutions in the integration of NCD care for people living with HIV for several years, leveraging our institutional knowledge and footprint in both the NCD and HIV communities. Most recently, in 2024, in partnership with the NCD Alliance, Viatris collaborated on the release of a third publication, focused on real-life patient experiences. "A collection of the lived experiences of people living with NCDs and HIV" was released at the International AIDS Conference in June 2024, featuring first-hand accounts by people living with HIV and one or more NCDs. The paper highlights first-hand experience of the barriers patients faced in managing conditions and accessing care, as well as their resilience in the face of such challenges. The paper was also discussed at an NCD Alliance side event at the United Nations General Assembly and the Global NCD Alliance Forum.

Other ways we are promoting integration of care include the following:

In Germany, Viatris published a scientific paper contributing to growing evidence supporting the importance of influenza vaccination for adults with underlying medical conditions. The insights provided can inform policymakers, healthcare providers and public health officials working to help improve vaccination rates and protect the health of vulnerable populations.

In the UK, there is an effort to "shift care to the left" by treating more patients in primary care and reducing referrals to specialists because of the long wait time associated with accessing specialized healthcare providers. Viatris is supporting this effort by providing education to improve general practitioners' skills and confidence in managing common conditions in the community, releasing pressure in secondary care.

Addressing Aging and the Burden of NCDs

Around the world, people are living longer, adding to the growing burden of NCDs for healthcare systems. The UN declared '2021-2030 the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing' to help address health inequities that contribute to this burden and improve the lives of older people.3

Generational differences play a significant role in shaping health perceptions, decision-making, technology use and attitudes toward preventative health. Viatris and external experts have examined these differences across six generations in a published report titled "Generational differences in healthcare: the role of technology in the path forward." The paper proposes strategies including integrating digital health solutions and employing generationally sensitive communication approaches to ensure fair access to healthcare services and promote patient empowerment. The research underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, inclusive approach to healthcare delivery to address the changing patient demographic and enhance public health systems.

In China, for example, the aging population is exacerbating the need for a more comprehensive chronic disease management system. About 18% of the population was 60 years or older in 2020, a number estimated to grow to 40% by 2050.4 In 2024, Viatris China supported Dyslipidemia Diagnosis and Treatment Medical Consortium Demonstration System Project to establish a new prediction model for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and optimize the management of high cholesterol based on a tiered healthcare approach. More than 2,500 demonstration centers and community hospitals across 29 provinces participated, enrolling more than 670,000 patients.

Viatris China also leveraged its resources and expertise to build interdisciplinary platforms, collaborating with various partners to explore new models for the integrated management of chronic diseases and comorbidities. With Viatris' support, the Blue Book on Comprehensive Chronic Disease Management for Healthy China was finalized in November 2024. It will serve as a desk reference and practical guide for chronic disease professionals in China.

In Spain, the Viatris Foundation raised awareness of the country's aging population and increasing prevalence of chronic disease through a new report, the findings of which were discussed during a session at the Spanish Congress of Deputies. The "Parliamentary Session on the Future of the National Health System" highlighted the demographic and financial challenges of the Spanish National Health System (NHS) amid a Spanish population in which almost 1 in 4 people will be 65 or older in seven years.5 The report advocates for the NHS to explore optimizing pharmaceutical spending, support personalized dosing systems as a relevant initiative, promote prevention policies, increase the number of trained professionals, integrating care models and advance digitalization.

Promoting Health Equity for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis Viatris supports initiatives to address existing health inequities to help ensure healthcare for all. These initiatives include better understanding the barriers to treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). Viatris' teams in the U.S. set out in 2024 to implement and assess initiatives that promote equitable healthcare delivery and empower MS patients in decision-making. These efforts focused on expanding patient engagement tools, analyzing race/ethnicity-based disparities, and educating providers on culturally competent care. Additionally, the goal was to identify and overcome provider-reported barriers to engaging patients in shared decision-making (SDM). Several initiatives were implemented, including the PRO Connect Patient Engagement Tool in community MS clinics and race/ethnicity sub analyses to understand disparities in SDM. Longitudinal surveys measured the lasting impact of SDM resources, while educational programs such as webinars and town halls trained providers on health equity strategies. These initiatives are designed to improve patient-centered care and increase provider awareness of health equity issues in connection with MS. The longitudinal surveys indicated that providing SDM resources led to more patients from varying backgrounds participating in treatment decisions, and providers gaining confidence in SDM procedures. We believe the scalability of these interventions could help ensure broader adoption in healthcare setting, leading to sustained improvements in MS care.

View the full Viatris 2024 Sustainability Report.

Sources:

[1] Global Health Workforce Labor Market Projections for 2030 | Human Resources for Health

[2] The calculation methodology for 2024 was updated to better reflect the cumulative patient impact of NCD Academy learners over multiple years. Under the prior year methodology, patient impact was calculated by multiplying the number of HCP learners by the average number of patients treated weekly (as self-reported by HCP learners upon registering for NCD Academy) by 50 working weeks. Using the prior year methodology, calculated patient reach would have been 92.5 million. For 2024, patient reach is now calculated at an individual HCP learner level by multiplying the number of patients treated per week, as self-reported by the individual HCP learner upon registering for NCD Academy by the number of weeks the individual was enrolled in NCD Academy (in some cases, multiple years). Patient reach for each individual learner is summed to arrive at total patient reach. Patient reach includes unique patients as well as repeat patient encounters.

[3] Aging Health

[4] Aging population in China - statistics & facts | Statista

[5] Seniors in Spain - statistics & facts | Statista



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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Veterinary Software Market, valued at US$1.44 billion in 2024, stood at US$1.54 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$2.14 billion by the end of the period. Veterinary software comprises specialized computer programs intentionally developed to optimize and augment diverse facets of veterinary practice administration and healthcare delivery. These comprehensive digital solutions integrate patient records management, appointment scheduling, billing, inventory administration, diagnostic imaging, telemedicine capabilities, and laboratory information systems with the overarching goal of enhancing operational effectiveness, data-driven decision-making, and superior animal healthcare provision in veterinary clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic laboratories.

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By practice type, the market is segmented into exclusive small animal practices, mixed animal practices, and exclusive large animal practices. Mixed animal practices are further divided into predominantly small animal practices and predominantly large animal practices. Exclusive large animal practices are further segmented into exclusive equine practices and exclusive bovine practices. In 2024, exclusive small animal practices captured the largest share. This growth is fueled by the rising companion animal population, increased awareness of preventive healthcare, and the willingness of pet owners to invest in advanced diagnostics and treatments. Small animal practices, which handle a high patient volume, rely heavily on PIMS, automated reminders, and communication tools to maintain efficiency, improve client compliance, and enhance profitability.

By end user, end users of veterinary software include independent veterinary clinics, corporate veterinary chains, specialty and university hospitals, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and other end users. In 2024, independent clinics dominated the market. The availability of affordable subscription-based solutions is enabling small-to-medium practices to digitize operations, streamline workflows, and compete effectively in a consolidating industry. Corporate veterinary chains, although holding a smaller share, are expected to grow rapidly as consolidation continues. These chains are deploying enterprise-grade software for centralized management, real-time analytics, and coordinated care across multiple locations.

By geography, regionally, the veterinary software market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America led the market in 2024, contributing 43.3% of global revenue. The region's leadership is attributed to its high adoption of advanced veterinary technologies, a strong base of leading players (IDEXX, Covetrus, DaySmart software), and a robust companion animal healthcare infrastructure. The US accounted for the largest share, driven by high pet ownership rates, well-developed veterinary facilities, and rising acceptance of pet insurance and telehealth services. Canada is also witnessing steady growth, supported by increasing pet adoption and government-backed initiatives encouraging digitalization in veterinary care.

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The prominent players in the veterinary software market are IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (US), Covetrus (US), Nordhealth (Finland), Carestream Health (US), Cencora Inc(US), DaySmart Software (US), Animal Intelligence Software (US), Chetu, Inc (US), Antech Diagnostics, Inc. (US), OR Technology- Oehm and Rehbein GmbH (Germany), Business Infusions (Canada), Asteris (Valsoft Corporation) (Canada), Clientrax (US), Shepherd Veterinary Solutions (US), Advanced Technology Corp. (US), Instint Science, LLC (US), Acuro Inc. (US), Petvisor (US), PetsApp, Inc. (UK), Eclipse Veterinary Software (Uk), Onward Vet (US), Advitech Technologies Pvt Ltd. (India), 2i Nova, Inc. (US), FirmCloud Corp. (US), and Nectarvet (US).

IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (US):

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a global medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and distributes products and services primarily for companion animals, livestock & poultry, dairy, and water testing markets. The company operates through the following segments: Companion Animal Group (CAG), Water Quality Products (Water), Livestock, Poultry and Dairy (LPD), and others. The Companion Animal Group is segmented into veterinary software, services, diagnostic imaging systems, and CAG diagnostics. The company offers veterinary software through the veterinary software, services, and diagnostic imaging systems subsegment of the Companion Animal Group (CAG) business segment. It maintains sales offices in all leading regions, including Africa, the Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. The company develops & manufactures diagnostic products on all continents and markets these products in over 175 countries. The leading subsidiaries of the company include IDEXX Distribution, Inc. (US), IDEXX Operations, Inc. (US), OPTI Medical Systems, Inc. (US), IDEXX Laboratories Canada Corporation, and IDEXX Europe B.V. (Netherlands).

Covetrus, Inc. (US):

Covetrus, Inc. is a global animal-health technology and services company that provides integrated solutions, including veterinary practice management software, prescription management, supply chain services, and distribution of animal-health products. Its offerings include pharmaceuticals, nutritional products, consumables, diagnostic equipment, and practice management systems that streamline operations for veterinary practices. Covetrus operates through three main business segments: Supply Chain Services, Prescription Management, and Software Services. The Software Services segment includes veterinary software. The company develops, provides, and supports veterinary practices with a wide range of veterinary software systems, including practice management software, data-driven applications, client communications tools, and related services. It operates in 19 countries across North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Some of its notable subsidiaries include Covetrus UK (UK), Covetrus Software Services LLC (US), and Vets First Choice LLC (US).

For more information, Inquire Now!

Related Reports:

Veterinary Imaging Market

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

Veterinary Diagnostics Market

Veterinary Equipment and Supplies Market

Vaccine Adjuvants Market

Get access to the latest updates on Veterinary Software Companies and Veterinary Software Market Size

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The integration of HHG's 11 hospitals and 23 diagnostic centres will expand access to healthcare services for 1.4 million patients annually.

The landmark transaction reinforces Abu Dhabi's role as a global hub for healthcare and supports PureHealth's diversification and long-term growth strategy.

ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PureHealth Holding PJSC ("PureHealth" or "the Group") (ADX: PUREHEALTH), the largest healthcare group in the Middle East, today announced the successful completion of the acquisition of its 60% stake in Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG), Greece and Cyprus's leading private healthcare provider, for a total consideration of EUR 800 million. The transaction implies a 100% equity valuation of EUR 1.3 billion for HHG and marks a significant milestone in PureHealth's strategy to build a globally connected, innovation-driven healthcare platform from its base in Abu Dhabi.

Through the integration of HHG's 11 hospitals and 23 diagnostic centres, PureHealth will expand access to healthcare services for more than 1.4 million patients annually. With over 6,900 healthcare professionals, HHG now becomes an integral part of PureHealth's international ecosystem, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a global hub for healthcare excellence and investment.

A closing signing ceremony was held in Greece, attended by H.E. Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of National Economy and Finance of Greece; H.E. Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Health of the Hellenic Republic; H.E. Dr Ali Obaid Ali Alyabhouni Aldhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Hellenic Republic; along with senior leaders from PureHealth, CVC Capital Partners and HHG.

H.E. Kamal Al Maazmi, Chairman of PureHealth, said: "Finalising this transaction is an important milestone in our journey to create a globally connected healthcare platform. PureHealth has demonstrated the ability to source, execute and secure regulatory approvals in mature markets, reflecting its strengths and international credibility. With HHG, we are now expanding into new geographies, facilitating knowledge exchange, and fostering innovation that will enhance patient outcomes across our network. Importantly, this acquisition has been completed using PureHealth's strong balance sheet, and we expect to recognise the financial upside from October 1, 2025."

Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, added: "Welcoming HHG into the Group accelerates our vision of delivering advanced, patient-centred healthcare across borders. This transaction strengthens medical expertise, broadens access to quality care, and diversifies revenues across mature geographies and currencies. It underscores our long-term commitment to value creation for patients, communities, and our shareholders. Central to PureHealth's ambition is the power of AI and our expanding digital footprint, which enable us to transform healthcare delivery on a global scale. Being able to rely on best-in-class talent, from doctors and scientists to cutting-edge technology, across our global network gives us the edge as we build synergies and innovate across our platform."

A pattern of disciplined international acquisitions:

The acquisition of HHG follows PureHealth's recent international expansion, including the USD 1.2 billion purchase of Circle Health Group, the UK's largest independent hospital operator, in 2024, and a USD 500 million investment in US operator Ardent Health Services in 2022, culminating in Ardent's successful IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in 2024. Each of these transactions highlights the Group's disciplined approach to acquiring high-quality assets, building a diversified global portfolio through multiple geographies and currencies.

Alex Fotakidis, Partner and Head of Greece at CVC, added: "We are proud to have supported HHG's growth into Greece and Cyprus's leading private healthcare provider. This partnership with PureHealth is a strong endorsement of HHG's quality, scale, and future potential. By combining PureHealth's international expertise with HHG's established presence in Southern Europe, we are confident this transaction will deliver lasting value for patients, employees, and will accelerate the growth of HHG."

Dimitris Spyridis, CEO, HHG, added:"Joining forces with PureHealth marks an important milestone for HHG. Together, we will accelerate innovation, enhance patient care, and strengthen our role as the leading healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus. PureHealth has a large emphasis on technology, AI and healthcare of the future. Therefore we will be looking to integrate best practices not only in clinical practices, but also across the technology ecosystem."

Following completion of the transaction, CVC Capital Partners and HHG management retain a 40% stake in HHG, ensuring continuity and supporting future growth.

About PureHealth:

PureHealth is the largest healthcare group in the Middle East with an ecosystem that challenges lifespans and reimagines health spans. With 110+ hospitals, 316+ clinics, multiple diagnostic centres, health insurance solutions, pharmacies, health tech, procurement, investments and more, its groundbreaking innovations are at the forefront of healthcare as the company is on a mission to unlock time for humankind. By advancing the Science of Longevity, PureHealth is introducing the healthcare of the future from the United Arab Emirates to the rest of the world.

PureHealth's network comprises:

SEHA - One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE

- One of the largest healthcare networks of hospitals and clinics in the UAE SEHA CLINICS - Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services

- Delivering comprehensive community-based healthcare services Daman (The National Insurance Company) - The UAE's leading health insurer

- The UAE's leading health insurer The Medical Office - Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE

- Overseeing Sheikh Khalifa Hospitals and healthcare facilities established under the initiatives of H.H. The President of the UAE Rafed - The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation

- The UAE's largest healthcare Group Purchasing Organisation PureLab - Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region

- Managing and operating the largest network of laboratories in the region One Health - A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers

- A network that provides end-to-end medical solutions to a base of over 300 healthcare service providers The Life Corner - Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment

- Abu Dhabi's first holistic pharmacy, serving the health and wellness establishment Ardent Health Services - The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US

- The fourth largest privately held acute care hospital operator in the US Circle Health Group - The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK

- The largest independent operators of hospitals in the UK Hellenic Healthcare Group (HHG) - the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus

- the largest private healthcare provider in Greece and Cyprus PureCS - A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems

- A leading cloud and technology services provider, specialising in IT management and consulting solutions, cybersecurity, cloud services and AI information systems Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) - The UAE's largest healthcare complex, delivering integrated complex care

To learn more, please visit www.purehealth.ae

About CVC

CVC is a leading global private markets manager with a network of 30 office locations throughout EMEA, the Americas, and Asia, with approximately 191 billion of assets under management. CVC has seven complementary strategies across private equity, secondaries, credit and infrastructure, for which CVC funds have secured commitments of approximately 240 billion from some of the world's leading pension funds and other institutional investors. Funds managed or advised by CVC's private equity strategy are invested in approximately 130 companies worldwide, which have combined annual sales of over 158 billion and employ over 610,000 people. For further information about CVC please visit: https://www.cvc.com/. Follow us on LinkedIn.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - American Pacific Mining Corp. (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC1) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") would like to congratulate Trilogy Metals and its partners on the historic advancement of the Ambler Road Project, following the Trump Administration's directive to reauthorize all necessary permits for project development in Alaska's Ambler Mining District.

The Ambler Road Project will enable critical road access to one of the world's most significant undeveloped copper and polymetallic mineral belt and is a transformational step in the development of U.S. domestic mineral supply chains. American Pacific commends the leadership shown by enabling this long-awaited project to proceed on the basis of national interest, energy security, and economic necessity.

"We extend our sincere congratulations to Trilogy Metals and to Alaskans that have worked for years to see responsible development advance," said Warwick Smith, CEO of American Pacific. "Under President Trump, there is real momentum for resource development in Alaska. We are optimistic about the path ahead for Palmer and all projects contributing to America's critical minerals supply."

The Trump Administration's focus on unlocking Alaska's vast mineral potential - through streamlined permitting and new federal investment in projects such as Ambler - has signaled a materially improved policy and investment climate for responsible mining in the state. With this week's announced $35.6 million U.S. government partnership in Trilogy Metals, and the federal government's 10% equity stake to drive exploration, the mining sector has meaningful new support to advance critical metals projects that are vital for energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and national security.

American Pacific's own Palmer Project, located in Southeast Alaska, shares many characteristics with Ambler: both are strategic polymetallic deposits, underpinned by strong geology, modern environmental stewardship, and the potential to generate significant economic benefits for Alaskan communities and the broader United States. The Company notes that the current policy environment strengthens opportunities for development, permitting, and investment across all of Alaska. As demonstrated by the turnaround in federal support for the Ambler Project, American Pacific is encouraged that new projects with robust technical and environmental standards, like Palmer, are more likely than ever to gain a clear path forward under the present administration.

About American Pacific Mining Corp.

American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company has two flagship assets: 100%-owned Palmer Project, a Volcanic Massive Sulphide-Sulphate (VMS) project in Alaska, and the 100%-owned Madison Project, a past-producing copper-gold project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Also, in American Pacific's asset portfolio are three high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts of Nevada, USA: the Ziggurat Gold project, the Gooseberry Silver-Gold project; and the Tuscarora Gold-Silver project. The Company's mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition.

Full disclosure can be found in our NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Madison Project at www.americanpacificmining.com.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269466

SOURCE: American Pacific Mining Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2025) - Valhalla Metals Inc. (TSXV: VMXX) (OTCQB: VMXXF) ("Valhalla" or the "Company") welcomes the recent announcements from the White House and Department of Interior.

On October 6, 2025, President Trump approved an appeal made by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority ("AIDEA") to reverse the Biden Administration's decision in June 2024 to select the "No Action Alternative" which terminated the previously issued Record of Decision and rights-of-way granted for the Ambler Access Road under the first Trump Administration. This appeal was made under Section 1106 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act ("ANILCA") which mandates the approval of all permits for constructing the Ambler Access Road. President Trump directed relevant agencies to promptly reinstate, grant, and finalize all necessary permits and authorizations with terms necessary to assure adequate and feasible access for economic and other purposes such as mining and use of the road for industrial and commercial access. This decision finds that the Ambler Access Road is in the public interest given our need for access to domestic critical minerals.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, Chairman of Valhalla stated: "We are excited that the Trump Administration has reversed the mis-guided Biden Administration's "No Action Alternative" finding for the Ambler Access Road Supplemental EIS. The Biden Administration decision was contrary to the clear directives set out in ANILCA. Using Section 1106 to right a wrong decision is exactly what Congress intended when ANILCA was passed into law 45 years ago. Thank you President Trump! We can now re-start our exploration efforts to expand the known resources at the Sun deposit."

The proposed Ambler Access Road is planned to cross Valhalla State mining claims at the Sun project and would unlock a host of critical and strategic metals located in the Ambler Mining District - all metals necessary for the green energy and transportation transition and to ensure a secure domestic supply chains for these metals.

For more details, a White House Fact Sheet can be found here: www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/10/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-approves-ambler-road-project-to-unlock-alaskas-mineral-potential/

About Valhalla Metals

Valhalla Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the advancement of its mineral projects towards feasibility. Valhalla's flagship project is the Sun copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver VMS projects located in Ambler Mining District, Northwest Alaska. The Company also owns the Smucker project, a high-quality copper-zinc-lead-gold-silver VMS project located in the Ambler Mining District, Northwest Alaska. Valhalla Metals Inc. shares trade on the TSX-V under the ticker symbol VMXX and OTCQB under the ticker symbol VMXXF. For more information about Valhalla, please visit our website at www.valhallametals.com.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. 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 state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plan", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based, are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; and the additional risks identified in the annual information form of the Company or other reports and filings with the TSX-V and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) 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/269469

SOURCE: Valhalla Metals Inc.
OcNOS Software and UfiSpace Hardware Power VA Telecom's Scalable and Cost-Effective Network Upgrade

IP Infusion, a global leader in open networking software solutions, announced today that VA Telecom, a leading telecommunications operator for business customers in France, has successfully deployed IP Infusion's OcNOS for its Service Providers network operating system to modernize its backbone infrastructure. Leveraging UfiSpace hardware and supported by systems integrator Pine Networks, VA Telecom has enhanced scalability, performance, and cost-efficiency across its network.

VA Telecom, operating a robust backbone across six data centers in Nantes, Paris, and Metz, provides a wide range of services, including internet access, fixed and mobile telephony, professional WiFi solutions, private site interconnection via MPLS VPN, and BGP peering and transit services. To address subscriber growth and the limitations of its legacy MikroTik CCR routers, VA Telecom selected IP Infusion's OcNOS after evaluating competing solutions from Nokia and Juniper for scalability, operational simplicity, long-term support, and low total cost of ownership (TCO).

IP Infusion's OcNOS network operating system powers VA Telecom's MPLS Provider Edge routers on UfiSpace S9510-28DC and BGP border routers on UfiSpace S9600-72XC, enabling advanced features such as Segment Routing MPLS (SR-MPLS), Ethernet VPN (EVPN), LDP, VPLS, L3VPN, full BGP routing (IPv4 and IPv6), double VLAN stacking, advanced QoS, and network monitoring via SNMP and telemetry. This deployment has replaced VA Telecom's entire MikroTik-based backbone, ensuring seamless interoperability with legacy systems during the phased migration using standard protocols like BGP, OSPF, and MPLS.

The adoption of IP Infusion's open networking approach has delivered significant advantages for VA Telecom, including hardware consolidation, enhanced stability for simultaneous BGP, MPLS, and VRF functions, and a lower TCO over a 10-year horizon due to perpetual licensing and long product lifecycles. Additionally, the disaggregated hardware/software model eliminates vendor lock-in, providing flexibility for future hardware platforms. The solution is supported by IP Infusion's 24/7 global support and Pine Networks' local expertise, ensuring smooth deployment and operations.

"VA Telecom's deployment of OcNOS showcases the potential of open networking for telecommunications providers," said Kiyo Oishi, CEO of IP Infusion. "By combining scalability, advanced features like Segment Routing and EVPN, and a cost-effective model with perpetual licensing, we're enabling VA Telecom to deliver superior services while optimizing their network for the future."

"VA Telecom's successful deployment of OcNOS demonstrates the power of open networking to deliver scalable, cost-effective, and high-performance solutions," said Jerome Richard, CTO, VA Telecom. "We are proud to partner with IP Infusion and Pine Networks to drive innovation and efficiency in the telecommunications sector."

"We worked closely with VA Telecom to deploy IP Infusion's OcNOS, ensuring a smooth transition from their legacy systems," said Hadi Choueiry, General Manager, Pine Networks. "Our local support made the integration straightforward and reliable. This partnership delivers a solid, scalable network for VA Telecom's customers."

About VA Telecom

VA Telecom is a telecommunications operator dedicated to business customers in France. With a backbone spanning six data centers, VA Telecom offers internet access, fixed and mobile telephony, professional WiFi solutions, private site interconnection via MPLS VPN, and BGP peering and transit services. For more information, visit www.va-telecom.fr.

About Pine Networks

Pine Networks is a leading system integrator specializing in open disaggregated networking and real-time monitoring solutions. We transform your network into an open, controllable, and flexible network by relying on disaggregated, virtualized, and open technology. This new approach delivers multiple benefits, such as cost savings, scalability, no vendor lock-in, and efficiency. Additional information can be found at http://www.pine-networks.com.

About IP Infusion

IP Infusion develops open network software solutions for carriers, service providers, and data centers. With hundreds of customers and thousands of deployments, IP Infusion leads the market in Network Operating Systems. Its flagship platform, OcNOS, empowers network operators to disaggregate their networks, streamline operations, and reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., IP Infusion is a wholly owned subsidiary of ACCESS CO., LTD. For more information, visit www.IPInfusion.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007755490/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Katherine Verducci, 1903 PR

kverducci@1903pr.com

408.429.5779
The economic cooperation agreement between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to be ratified by the end of 2025, paving the way for strengthened bilateral relations, Azernews reports.

This was highlighted by Sanan Nasibli, representative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, during his speech at the seminar Development of the Textile Sector and Promotion of Global Integration.

Nasibli noted that the UAE has concluded comprehensive economic cooperation agreements with 27 countries, nine of which have already been ratified. Azerbaijan is among them. The agreement with Azerbaijan is expected to be ratified by the end of this year. This also gives impetus to more dynamic and expanded cooperation between our countries, he said.

The ratification is anticipated to further boost trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration between Azerbaijan and the UAE, creating new opportunities for businesses in both nations.
AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Neuromuscular Disease Therapeutics Market is entering a period of accelerated growth, supported by breakthroughs in gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), monoclonal antibodies, and small-molecule modulators. According to DataM Intelligence, the Neuromuscular Disease Therapeutics Market Size reached US$ 11.89 billion in 2023, rose to US$ 13.70 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach US$ 45.62 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 14.4% during 2025-2033.

Neuromuscular diseases-including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and myasthenia gravis-impact millions globally, with limited curative options historically. Advances in genomic medicine, targeted biologics, and digital diagnostics are reshaping the treatment landscape.

Global leaders such as Novartis, Biogen, AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Argenx, Takeda, and Sarepta Therapeutics are pioneering next-generation therapeutics. With strong regulatory backing, particularly from the U.S. FDA and Japan's PMDA, and rising investment in rare disease research, the neuromuscular therapeutics space is poised for sustained double-digit growth.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Neuromuscular Disease Therapeutics Market"

73 - Tables

76 - Figures

196 - Pages

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Therapy

Gene Therapies dominated with US$ 4.6 billion in 2024. Novartis' Zolgensma for SMA and Sarepta's gene therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy highlight the transformative role of single-dose, potentially curative treatments. By 2033, gene therapies are expected to contribute nearly 40% of total revenues.

Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs), valued at US$ 3.2 billion in 2024, continue to expand, with Biogen's Spinraza leading SMA care and newer ASOs under development for ALS and myopathies.

Small-Molecule Splicing Modulators, worth US$ 2.1 billion in 2024, are expanding in SMA and myositis, offering oral administration advantages.

Monoclonal Antibodies & Complement Inhibitors generated US$ 2.8 billion in 2024, driven by Argenx's Vyvgart for myasthenia gravis and AstraZeneca's rare disease-focused biologics portfolio.

By Disease Type

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), valued at US$ 3.4 billion in 2024, remains a critical focus, with ongoing R&D in gene therapy and neuroprotective approaches.

remains a critical focus, with ongoing R&D in gene therapy and neuroprotective approaches. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), contributing US$ 3.2 billion in 2024, continues to expand with gene therapies, ASOs, and oral splicing modulators.

continues to expand with gene therapies, ASOs, and oral splicing modulators. Muscular Dystrophies, worth US$ 2.8 billion in 2024, benefit from Sarepta and Pfizer's pipelines in Duchenne therapies.

benefit from Sarepta and Pfizer's pipelines in Duchenne therapies. Myasthenia Gravis, valued at US$ 2.1 billion, is seeing rapid adoption of monoclonal antibody treatments.

By Route of Administration

Intravenous infusion therapies dominated (US$ 6.2 billion in 2024), covering ASOs, monoclonal antibodies, and enzyme-based treatments.

Oral therapies accounted for US$ 4.1 billion, led by small-molecule splicing modulators.

Subcutaneous administration contributed US$ 2.7 billion, offering greater patient convenience.

Regional Insights:

United States

The U.S. neuromuscular disease therapeutics market, valued at US$ 6.5 billion in 2024, leads globally due to:

Strong regulatory support through FDA orphan drug designations and accelerated approvals.

High uptake of Zolgensma, Spinraza, and Vyvgart.

Expanding reimbursement frameworks for rare disease drugs.

Recent update (2025): Biogen received FDA approval for a next-generation ASO targeting ALS progression.

Japan

Japan's market, valued at US$ 1.2 billion in 2024, is growing due to:

Robust government initiatives to improve rare disease access under the Rare and Intractable Diseases Act.

Increasing adoption of SMA and myasthenia gravis biologics.

Recent highlight (2025): Nippon Shinyaku launched a new oral therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, further strengthening Japan's domestic pipeline.

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Industry Trends & 2025 Developments

Gene Therapy Momentum: Expansion beyond SMA and DMD into ALS and Charcot-Marie-Tooth.

Expansion beyond SMA and DMD into ALS and Charcot-Marie-Tooth. ASO Expansion: Novel ASOs with better safety and longer dosing intervals are entering trials.

Novel ASOs with better safety and longer dosing intervals are entering trials. AI-driven Diagnostics: Machine learning models are improving early detection of neuromuscular disorders.

Machine learning models are improving early detection of neuromuscular disorders. M&A & Collaborations: In 2025, Takeda partnered with a U.S. biotech to co-develop gene therapies for rare myopathies.

In 2025, to co-develop gene therapies for rare myopathies. Patient-Centric Models: Digital health platforms are improving trial recruitment and therapy adherence.

Competitive Landscape

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Novartis leads the SMA market with Zolgensma, generating over US$ 2 billion annually. Its strong pipeline in gene therapy reinforces long-term leadership.

Biogen Inc.

Biogen dominates the ASO space with Spinraza and is advancing ALS-specific RNA-based therapies. Its 2025 approval strengthens its neurology franchise.

Sarepta Therapeutics

Sarepta is pioneering Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapies. In 2024, its revenues crossed US$ 1.5 billion, with new approvals expected in 2026.

Argenx

Argenx is revolutionizing myasthenia gravis care with Vyvgart, which achieved blockbuster status in 2024. Its complement inhibitor pipeline is expanding into other neuromuscular diseases.

Takeda & Nippon Shinyaku

Japanese leaders are focusing on Duchenne and rare myopathies, leveraging domestic and global collaborations.

Strategic Outlook

The Neuromuscular Disease Therapeutics Market is undergoing a paradigm shift, defined by:

Gene Therapy Expansion - Single-dose curative treatments will reshape market dynamics. RNA-based Leadership - ASOs and splicing modulators are expanding into ALS, SMA, and myopathies. Monoclonal Antibodies Growth - Targeted therapies for myasthenia gravis and related disorders gaining rapid uptake. Regional Access - The U.S. and Japan driving innovation adoption through strong regulatory and reimbursement frameworks.

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Conclusion

The Neuromuscular Disease Therapeutics Market, projected to rise from US$ 13.70 billion in 2024 to US$ 45.62 billion by 2033, is one of the fastest-growing segments in rare disease care. With Novartis, Biogen, Sarepta, and Argenx leading breakthroughs, the decade ahead will be defined by gene therapy milestones, RNA innovations, and global collaborations.

Related Report:

Functional Electrical Stimulation Market: Revolutionizing Neuro-Rehab with Wireless, Portable FES Devices Toward USD 900M by 2035. Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market to More Than Double by 2033, Driven by Novel Modalities & Aging Demographics.

About DataM Intelligence

DataM Intelligence is a renowned provider of market research, delivering deep insights through pricing analysis, market share breakdowns, and competitive intelligence. The company specializes in strategic reports that guide businesses in high-growth sectors such as nutraceuticals and AI-driven health innovations.

To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com/ or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

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DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP

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CANNES, France, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merzigo, one of the world's leading premium video monetisation companies, has announced a $150 million investment commitment for 2026 to support studios, broadcasters, and independent producers in expanding their content libraries and new titles across YouTube and Facebook worldwide.

Announced at MIPCOM 2025, this reflects Merzigo's position as the global financial and technology partner for premium IP monetisation. The investment is in response to the accelerating shift from traditional broadcasting to open, data-driven digital ecosystems and aims to help rights-holders unlock new revenue opportunities on the world's most influential digital environments.

Yigit Dogan Celik, Chairperson and Global CEO, Merzigo, said:

"2026 will be the year when premium IP fully converges with digital platforms. Our role is to empower content owners by providing the financial infrastructure, technology, and operational architecture that turn IP into enduring global assets."

The $150 million programme will provide flexible structures ranging from advance payments to long-term partnership investments, designed to strengthen production and monetisation capacity. Partners will benefit from full global distribution and management across YouTube and Facebook, with Merzigo's team optimising content for monetisation, brand safety, and audience growth.

The initiative also includes multi-language localisation, dubbing, and intelligent re-versioning to extend reach while preserving existing licensing value. Merzigo's proprietary content management system will provide transparency and real-time insights across all stages of monetisation, ensuring rights protection and data-driven performance optimisation.

Alongside the 2026 investment programme, Merzigo operates an independent Co-Production and Project Financing Division. Established in 2024, the division structures and finances high-value projects across scripted, unscripted, and film formats, collaborating with studios, producers, and creative agencies in the US, UK, and EMEA. While the new fund focuses on digital monetisation and platform growth, this Co-Production and Project Financing division specialises in project finance, equity participation, and international co-production, positioning Merzigo as an enabler of premium IP creation.

Celik added:

"Merzigo is a financial and technological partner that provides structure, liquidity, and scale to creative ecosystems. Merzigo's model bridges global creativity with investment discipline, ensuring that outstanding content receives both the capital and the audience it deserves."

With headquarters in London, Los Angeles and Istanbul Merzigo works with partners across all major territories. Managing tens of hundreds of hours of premium content, the company delivers industry-leading monetisation and rights management across YouTube, Facebook, VOD, and FAST platforms.

Merzigo will be meeting with studios, broadcasters, and producers at Stand C16.E throughout MIPCOM 2025. To schedule meetings or partnership discussions, contact deals@merzigo.com.

About Merzigo

Merzigo is the biggest distributor of premium content on social, managing over 5,000+ YouTube & Facebook channels in over 30 languages with more than 13 billion views monthly. Merzigo provides management, production, distribution and IP protection services to its clients worldwide, with offices located in LA, London, and Istanbul. With an in-house-developed technology platform and a global team of over 500 optimization experts, Merzigo creates significant growth on YouTube & Facebook for some of the world's biggest content owners.

Press contacts

Email: merzigo@championcomms.com

Tel: +44 (0) 207 030 3818

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c0aafb1-31b1-445f-a310-f4e52ce06bf8
DZ Bank AG - Pre-Stabilisation Notice

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 07

Pre-Stabilisation EU Tap 12/2032

DZ BANK AG Frankfurt am Main - Pre Stabilisation

RNS Number: residue number system

Frankfurt am Main, 7. Oktober 2025

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

European Union (EU)

DZ BANK AG (contact: Ralph Ockert; telephone: +49 69 7447 7051) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: European Union (EU) Guarantor (if any): None Aggregate nominal amount: 10bn, Tap of 5bn Description: 2.75%, due 13. Dezember 2032 Offer price: 99.114% Other offer terms: Fixed, Annual, Act/Act, ISIN EU000A4ED0K0 Stabilisation: DZ BANK Stabilisation Coordinator:

Stabilising Managers:

DZ BANK

Banco Santander

Citibank

Deutsche Bank

BNP Paribas

Stabilisation period expected to start on: 07 October 2025 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg Stock Exchange

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, there is no assurance that the Stabilisation Manager(s) will take any stabilisation action and any stabilisation action, if begun, may be ended at any time. Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules .

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, any EEA Member State that has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC, as amended (together with any applicable implementing measures in any Member State, the "Prospectus Directive") before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Directive), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in that Member State.
-Oral Presentation at ESGCT Highlights Potential of JCR's Proprietary JUST-AAV Platform to Facilitate More Efficient Delivery While Reducing Liver Tropism-

JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (TSE 4552; "JCR"), a global specialty biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing therapies for rare and genetic diseases, today presented non-clinical data demonstrating the ability of its proprietary JUST-AAV capsid engineering platform to achieve efficient delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy to the central nervous system (CNS) and muscle while reducing liver exposure. The data, presented at the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT) 32nd Annual Congress, in Seville, Spain, showcase the platform's potential to overcome longstanding challenges in treating CNS and muscle disorders.

In an oral presentation, JCR researchers reported that the JUST-AAV platform enables the efficient delivery of JUST-AAV into the muscle in mice and monkeys, when compared to the conventional AAV. The JUST-AAV was modified to improve the distribution into the muscle. It achieved higher transduction in muscle, while it showed reduced tropism drastically in the liver. It indicates the platform's potential to improve the safety and efficacy of AAV-based gene delivery technologies to target tissues.

"Our JUST-AAV capsid engineering platform points the way toward development of new, more precisely targeted gene therapies for central nervous system diseases that have long been considered out of reach," said Hiroyuki Sonoda, Ph.D., Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, and Executive Director of the Research Division at JCR Pharmaceuticals. "The data presented at ESGCT demonstrate that the platform delivers therapeutic agents to the brain and muscle far more efficiently than conventional AAV9 capsids, while limiting accumulation in the liver. This research is a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to developing innovative solutions for complex healthcare challenges."

JUST-AAV encompasses a range of vector types optimized for various target tissues, including liver-sparing, muscle-targeting, and brain-targeting variants. Its target specificity is enhanced via J-Brain Cargo, which shows improved CNS transduction when incorporated into an AAV capsid, compared to AAV9, based on results from non-clinical studies in mice and monkeys. JUST-AAV holds significant promise for advancing the field of AAV-based gene therapy.

JCR showcased the following presentation at the ESGCT Congress:

Generation of a novel capsid engineering platform enhances CNS and muscle tropism of AAV vectors while reducing tropism to the liver

Presenter:Shunsuke Iizuka, Ph.D., Associate Senior Scientist, JCR Pharmaceuticals

Dr. Iizuka reported on the generation of a novel series of AAV capsids allowing enhanced delivery to the CNS and/or skeletal muscle, heart, and diaphragm, while decreasing liver tropism via separate capsid mutations using the proprietary JUST-AAV platform technology. He and his colleagues identified a peptide that, when incorporated onto the surface of the AAV capsid, enhanced muscular uptake. Validation of transgene expression using Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) yielded a 15-fold increase in GFP messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the quadriceps and heart in mice. Further screening efforts led to the identification of new muscle tropic binders to further improve transduction efficiency. Through screening a library of antibody fragments, they identified the binder that, when incorporated into the AAV capsid, improved muscle transduction by a factor of 2- to 3-fold compared to previous muscle-targeted AAV capsids. Characterization of the new binder revealed that it has equal affinity for human, monkey, and mouse receptors.

They incorporated this novel muscle-targeting binder along with a liver de-targeting mutation on the AAV capsid, which was then evaluated in mice. This muscle-targeting JUST-AAV demonstrated 28- and 52-times higher transduction efficiencies in quadriceps and heart compared to AAV9. Additionally, this AAV showed dramatically reduced liver transduction by 160-fold compared to AAV9. Furthermore, they successfully developed dual-targeting JUST-AAV by incorporating both muscle- and brain-targeting binder, J-Brain Cargo, on the single capsid. This vector represented improved transduction in both brain and muscle tissues, achieving levels comparable to AAVs with single binders.

About the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT)

Established in 1992, the European Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ESGCT) seeks to support scientists and clinicians working in the fields of gene and cell therapy and to promote awareness and understanding of gene and cell therapy and the vast amount of related research in Europe. The 32nd Annual Congress of the ESGCT is being held in Seville, Spain from October 7-10, 2025. For more information, please visit www.esgct.eu.

About the JUST-AAV Platform Technology

JUST-AAV is a proprietary platform technology that utilizes modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. The technology entails insertion of miniaturized antibodies against receptors on selected tissues, organs or the blood-brain barrier onto the capsid surface, enhancing targeted delivery to those tissues and organs. Further capsid modifications minimize off-target effects and improve safety. The name is derived from "JCR" "Ultimate destination of organ" "Safeguarding against off-target delivery" and "Transformative technology" reflecting its potential for broad application across various diseases.

About the J-Brain Cargo Platform Technology

JCR Pharmaceuticals has developed a proprietary blood-brain barrier (BBB)-penetrating technology, J-Brain Cargo, to bring biotherapeutics into the central nervous system (CNS). The first drug developed based on this technology is IZCARGO (INN: pabinafusp alfa), which is approved in Japan for the treatment of a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD). With J-Brain Cargo, JCR seeks to address the unresolved clinical challenges of LSDs by delivering the enzyme to both the body and the brain.

About JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.

JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (TSE 4552) is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that develops treatments that go beyond rare diseases to solve the world's most complex healthcare challenges. We continue to build upon our 50-year legacy in Japan while expanding our global footprint into the U.S., Europe, and Latin America. We improve patients' lives by applying our scientific expertise and unique technologies to research, develop, and deliver next-generation therapies. Our approved products in Japan include therapies for the treatment of growth disorder, MPS II (Hunter syndrome), Fabry disease, acute graft-versus host disease, and renal anemia. Our investigational products in development worldwide are aimed at treating rare diseases including MPS I (Hurler, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndrome), MPS II, MPS IIIA and B (Sanfilippo syndrome type A and B), and more. Our core values Putting people first, Forging our own path, Always advancing, and Committed to excellence mean that the work we do benefits all our stakeholders, including partners, patients and employees. We strive to expand the possibilities for patients while accelerating medical advancement at a global level. For more information, please visit JCR's global website: https://jcrpharm.com/.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control. Forward-looking statements often contain words such as "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "will," "would," "target" and similar references to future periods. All forward-looking statements regarding our plans, outlook, strategy and future business, financial performance and financial condition are based on judgments derived from the information available to us at this time. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to be materially different from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, a deterioration of economic conditions, a change in the legal or governmental system, a delay in launching a new product, impact on competitors' pricing and product strategies, a decline in marketing capabilities relating to our products, manufacturing difficulties or delays, an infringement of our intellectual property rights, an adverse court decision in a significant lawsuit and regulatory actions.

This document involves information on pharmaceutical products (including those under development). However, it is not intended for advertising or providing medical advice. Furthermore, it is intended to provide information on our company and businesses and not to solicit investment in securities we issue.

Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly or to update the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, even if new information becomes available in the future.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007929013/en/

Contacts:

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Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold will reveal the hidden stories, unexpected contrasts, and perspective-shifting experiences in his home state

RENO, NV / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / In his first role hosting a travel program, world-renowned rock climber and Free Solo star Alex Honnold has begun filming Get a Little Out There With Alex Honnold in partnership with Travel Nevada and Outside. The new five-part series will shift Honnold's focus from extreme climbs to everyday adventures, curiosity, and connection. Get a Little Out There With Alex Honnold will premiere in 2026 across the Outside network.

Filmed entirely in his home state of Nevada, the series follows Honnold as he journeys throughout the Silver State in his van to take on bucket-list adventures. Combining outdoor exploration, culture, and the delightfully strange roadside attractions that dot Nevada's highways, the show offers a timely perspective on how unplugging from daily routines and venturing into unfamiliar terrain - like stargazing among 4,500 visible stars in Great Basin National Park or mining for turquoise to make jewelry in central Nevada - can alter our view of the world and ourselves.

"Involvement in this series is awesome for me," said Honnold. "My love for adventure matches the spirit of Nevada. Red Rock has been a huge part of my life, but Nevada still surprises me with how much there is to see and do. I'm excited to explore the hidden corners of this state and share what makes it so special."

"Travel Nevada's brand mantra is 'Get a Little Out There,' and what better person to demonstrate how to do that than Alex Honnold?" said Rafael Villanueva, Chief Executive Officer at Travel Nevada. "For many years, Alex has been a tremendous unofficial brand ambassador for Nevada, showing off the incredible climbing available in his home state. We are thrilled to partner with him and Outside to help share the spirit of Nevada and the under-the-radar spots within our state that embody it."

"From cowboy poets and clown hotels to Basque food and turquoise mining, Nevada's unique culture experiences are as unexpected as they are awesome," says Sam Moulton, VP of Creative Strategy and Solutions at Outside. "The state is also way wilder than you think, home to remote climbing crags, world-class mountain biking, and everything in between making it ideal for Outside's network. And Alex is the perfect host to show us the state through his eyes, as curious as he is up for any adventure."

The series is executive produced by David Klimek and Jeff Moore and directed by J.J. Kelley.

Production stills and a Travel Nevada/Outside logo lockup are available for download here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/qQn4ajcjrI

###

About Travel Nevada

The heart of Nevada shines through Travel Nevada, an organization focused on sharing the experiences, landmarks and living legends that make the Silver State a one-of-a-kind destination. Through community collaborations and strategic partnerships, we aim to connect with both locals and visitors alike, showcasing the sometimes-surprising, always-exciting treasures that keep people coming to Nevada. It's theirs to explore-and ours to safekeep, from preserving our wild-at-heart way of life to our wide-open spaces. For more information, visit TravelNevada.com.

About Outside

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches over 300 million unique users and has over 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside Magazine, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, GaiaGPS, Trailforks, MapMyFitness, athleteReg, and more. Outside's mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside's membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more. Learn more at www.OutsideOnline.com.

Contact:

Tracie Barnthouse: tbarnthouse@travelnevada.com

Rosalind Congleton: rcongleton@travelnevada.com

SOURCE: Travel Nevada

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/alex-honnold-to-lead-his-first-ever-travel-series-in-partnership-with-travel-nevada-and-outs-1083977
Clarke, Devoret and Martinis awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in physics for their seminal work on superconducting qubits.



PARIS and BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alice & Bob, a global leader in fault-tolerant quantum computing, is proud to celebrate the recognition of Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis, as recipients of the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Nobel Prize to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis "for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit." This recognition honors their transformative work in superconducting qubit technology, central to the development of today's most advanced quantum computers, including the cat qubit developed at Alice & Bob.

Michel Devoret is a key figure in the development of superconducting qubits. He co-invented the cat qubit, Alice & Bob's flagship technology, which has become a cornerstone of the company's groundbreaking work in quantum computing. Before joining Google, Michel Devoret advised Alice & Bob's co-founders and contributed to the company's early development.

"Michel's scientific integrity, passion, and optimism, alongside the scientific breakthroughs he and his colleagues pioneered, has shaped much of the quantum computing landscape we navigate today," said Benjamin Huard, who co-founded in 2008 the Quantum Electronic Group at ENS with Michel Devoret and is one of Alice & Bob scientific board members. "Their work did not only trigger superconducting qubit research, but demonstrated that something as macroscopic as an electrical circuit obeys quantum physics."

John M. Martinis, awarded the prize today, is one of Alice & Bob's current consultative board members, and has been advising the company on critical scientific matters for two years alongside three other quantum computing fathers: David DiVincenzo, Yasunobu Nakamura and Daniel Gottesman, offering his unparalleled expertise as the field of quantum computing advances.

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 highlights the tremendous importance of superconducting qubits, such as Alice & Bob's cat qubit, which has become a key player in the race toward practical quantum computing. The work of Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis not only sparked the development of quantum technologies but also validated the theory that electrical circuits, when subjected to quantum effects, could fundamentally change how we understand energy and matter.

"This award is a recognition of a decades-long scientific journey that has been made possible by the brilliant minds at the intersection of theoretical and experimental quantum physics," said Raphael Lescanne CTO and Co-Founder of Alice & Bob. "We are entering an era where the seminal work of these pioneers is becoming a true computing innovation".

As quantum computing maturing to revolutionize research ranging from material science to condensed matter and high-energy physics, Alice & Bob is committed to building on the profound discoveries of Clarke, Devoret, Martinis, and their collaborators.

About Alice & Bob

Alice & Bob is a quantum computing company based in Paris and Boston whose goal is to create the first universal, fault-tolerant quantum computer. Founded in 2020, Alice & Bob has already raised 130 million in funding, hired over 150 employees and demonstrated experimental results surpassing those of technology giants such as Google or IBM. Alice & Bob specializes in cat qubits, a pioneering technology developed by the company's founders and later adopted by Amazon. Demonstrating the power of its cat architecture, Alice & Bob showed that it could reduce the hardware requirements for building a useful large-scale quantum computer by up to 200 times compared with competing approaches. Follow Alice & Bob on LinkedIn, X or YouTube, visit their website www.alice-bob.com, or join The Cat Tree on Slack to learn more.

About the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their breakthrough work on macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in electric circuits, which formed the foundation for the development of superconducting qubits. The research papers from the winners of this year Nobel Price Their work has had an immeasurable impact on the field of quantum physics and its applications in quantum computing.

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BUCHAREST, RO / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / FreshCoins , a fast-growing crypto vote and discovery platform, today announced major enhancements across its ecosystem, bringing project discovery, community voting, smart promotion, and investor due diligence under one roof. From early-stage listings to post-launch momentum, FreshCoins equips builders and communities with the tools to be seen, trusted, and tracked, without leaving the platform.

A Discovery Engine Built for the Earliest Signals

FreshCoins was designed for speed and signal. Projects can apply and go live through a streamlined submission flow, then surface on curated pages such as Recently Added, Daily Top Coins, and Pre-Launches. As momentum builds, coins rise across Coin Ranking and other navigable leaderboards, giving the community a clear, transparent snapshot of what's trending right now.

Crucially, FreshCoins lists projects before they reach major exchanges, providing users with earlier visibility into potential opportunities. The platform reinforces a principled stance for the ecosystem: listing is not an endorsement, and every user should DYOR ('Do Your Own Research') when evaluating any asset.

Community Voting That Drives Real Visibility

At the heart of FreshCoins is a community-first voting mechanism that rewards authentic engagement. Supporters can rally behind their favorite projects and help them climb the rankings; the higher a project ranks, the more discoverable it becomes. For builders, this turns community energy into measurable exposure; for users, it creates a live pulse of where attention is moving across memecoins, DeFi tokens, utilities, and more.

Purpose-Built Promotion for Builders Who Need Lift-Off

FreshCoins offers multiple visibility pathways tailored to a project's stage and goals:

Promote Coin & Premium Listing: featured placements designed to drive traffic and accelerate discovery.

Advertise: brand-safe inventory where teams can launch targeted campaigns around key milestones (presale, fair launch, CEX/DEX listing, product updates).

All promotional touchpoints are integrated within the FreshCoins browsing journey, ensuring that discovery and promotion reinforce one another rather than compete for attention.

Token Scan: Fast Checks, Smarter Research

Complementing community sentiment is Token Scan, a practical tool that lets users run quick, on-platform checks. Token Scan helps surface essential contract-level insights and red-flag patterns, so investors don't have to juggle multiple tabs or guess which analyzer to trust. It's designed to be fast, readable, and immediately actionable; ideal for screening a long watchlist.

Audit Service & KYC: Trust Signals That Travel With the Project

FreshCoins' Crypto Audit Service and KYC Service help teams demonstrate transparency while helping users filter for higher-signal opportunities. Audit findings are displayed in a standardized, comparable format (including number of findings and trust indicators), while KYC verification gives communities added confidence that founders are accountable. Together, these services put essential diligence data next to the project card, right where decisions are being made.

A Home for Pre-Launch Momentum

FreshCoins' Pre-Launch hub brings together presales, fair launches, and upcoming token events, making it easier for investors to compare soft/hard caps, timelines, and launch mechanics. By centralizing these early-stage entries, FreshCoins shortens the path from discovery to action while maintaining the DYOR ethos.

Tools, Services, and Community In One Place

FreshCoins unifies the typical multi-tab research workflow:

Tools: Token Scan and category filters that reduce noise and speed up screening.

Services: Audit & KYC for trust building, plus promotion and premium visibility options for growth.

Community: Voting, live rankings, and social channels that keep projects and supporters connected.

Brand Assets: Ready-to-use badges and materials so teams can showcase their FreshCoins presence across websites and social profiles.

Transparent by Design

FreshCoins maintains a clear disclaimer across the platform: listing does not equal endorsement. The site encourages every participant to be cautious and make informed decisions, reflecting the platform's role as an impartial discovery layer, not a financial advisor. This stance underpins every feature, from rankings to audits, and safeguards the platform's credibility as it scales.

Built for Builders, Loved by Communities

For project teams, FreshCoins is more than a listing; it's a launchpad for narrative, network, and traction:

Submit Coin: get approved and visible in front of a high-intent audience.

Promote Your Project: align spend with rankings, milestones, and community momentum.

Premium & Ads: amplify at critical moments (e.g., presale windows, DEX/CEX listings, or feature drops).

Audit & KYC: elevate trust right on the page where investors evaluate you.

For the community, FreshCoins is the companion tab for everything new: explore thousands of coins, compare what's moving, run a Token Scan, skim recent audit updates, and follow the social breadcrumbs to stay ahead of the curve.

FreshCoins  Tokly.io Partnership: Bridging Discovery and Launch in Web3

FreshCoins is pleased to announce a new partnership with Tokly.io, the #1 no-code crypto website builder and token launch platform for creating memecoin websites, DeFi platforms, and blockchain projects. Through this collaboration, builders can pair FreshCoins' discovery, voting, and trust services with Tokly's frictionless site creation and launch tooling, accelerating go-to-market while keeping trust and community at the center.

About FreshCoins

FreshCoins (freshcoins.io) is a crypto vote and discovery platform that helps users find promising new tokens before they reach major exchanges. With community-driven rankings, integrated Token Scan, and built-in Audit and KYC services, FreshCoins streamlines the journey from discovery to due diligence to promotion.

Media Contact

Contact person: Daniel Marian

Company name: FreshCoins

Website: freshcoins.io

Email: office@freshcoins.io

SOURCE: FreshCoins

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/freshcoins-unveils-an-all-in-one-discovery-voting-and-due-diligence-h-1084062
Topcon Positioning Systems and Amberg Technologies today announce the companies are entering into a collaboration agreement and are launching fully integrated solutions for rail and tunnel applications. The interoperability of hardware and software platforms is designed to allow professionals to seamlessly combine technologies from both companies to enhance workflow efficiency and accuracy. The announcement was made at INTERGEO 2025, the world's leading trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management, held October 7-9, in Frankfurt, Germany.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007918025/en/

Topcon Positioning Systems and Amberg Technologies today announce the companies are entering into a collaboration agreement and are launching fully integrated solutions for rail and tunnel applications. The interoperability of hardware and software platforms is designed to allow professionals to seamlessly combine technologies from both companies to enhance workflow efficiency and accuracy.

"Railways and tunnel infrastructure projects present unique measurement and construction challenges that require highly specialized solutions," said Ivan Di Federico, president and CEO of Topcon Positioning Systems. "By working with Amberg Technologies, we are ensuring that our shared customers can connect Topcon's positioning technologies with Amberg's purpose-built rail and tunnel systems for truly comprehensive project workflows. What the two companies can deliver in terms of innovations combining our R&D efforts with their knowledge and existing experience can be groundbreaking for these specialized markets."

Felix Amberg, president and owner of Amberg Group, said, "Coming from the underground sector, we recognize the significant technological advancements Topcon has made in the above-ground market with robotics, automation, and machine guidance. These innovations are key technologies we also need for underground applications. Leveraging what Topcon has already developed, as well as collaboratively developing new solutions not available in the market, will represent a tremendous step forward for the growing underground market."

The agreement comes at a time when increased urbanization is driving demand for new underground infrastructure and placing demands on aging and existing infrastructure. Digitalization and automation can help contractors and civil engineering firms address these critical industry challenges, as well as labor shortages, tight project schedules, and increasingly complex design requirements.

"Today, you cannot develop your company alone," said Johannes Mueller, CEO of Amberg Technologies. "You need to be part of an ecosystem, and you need to have partners. For us, Topcon is a very strong strategic partner, which will help us to achieve expansion goals. It gives us opportunities to enter new segments, which we currently cannot touch as a stand-alone company. Also, in the R&D sector, we get access to technologies we never had before in that sense, so this will bring out new solutions. There is an abundance of positive opportunities moving forward."

Key capabilities resulting from this collaboration include the ability to utilize Topcon's advanced positioning technology directly with Amberg's rail and tunnel hardware and software platforms. This integration streamlines tasks such as track alignment, tunnel profiling, and volumetric analysis. The integrations address the need for technology systems that reduce data translation gaps between different hardware and software platforms, eliminating potential errors that can occur when transferring data between systems.

About Topcon Positioning Systems

Topcon Positioning Systems is an innovation company focused on delivering precision technologies and workflow solutions for the global construction, geomatics and agricultural markets. Topcon Positioning Systems (topconpositioning.com) is headquartered in Livermore, California, U.S. Its global social media channels are LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The European head office is in Zoetermeer, Netherlands. Parent company Topcon Corporation (topcon.com) was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

About Amberg Technologies

Amberg Technologies is a leading measurement solutions provider to support construction of Road, Rail, Metro and other above and underground infrastructures, as well as the inspection and monitoring of already existing linear assets in operation. It provides advanced surveying, sensing, measurement, monitoring, predictive tools and analytics, contributing to safer, more efficient and sustainable workflows. Amberg Technologies was established in 1981 and is a 100% subsidiary of the Amberg Group with Headquarters in Switzerland. (ambergtechnologies.com, amberggroup.com)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007918025/en/

Contacts:

Press Contacts:

Staci Fitzgerald

Topcon Positioning Systems

corpcomm@topcon.com

+1 925-245-8610

Lee Hannan

Amberg Technologies

lhannan@amberg.ch
Topcon Positioning Systems announces the expansion of its geomatics portfolio, featuring advancements in mass data software solutions central to a connected workflow ecosystem. The new solutions will be showcased at INTERGEO 2025, the trade fair for geodesy, geoinformation and land management, held in Frankfurt, Germany, October 7-9.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007300626/en/

Topcon?Collage Site?software (shown) provides mass data workflow capabilities designed to allow for the real-time acquisition and processing of data more accurately, efficiently, and quickly to provide the user with greater productivity.

INTERGEO marks the first showing of new products following the announcement of the new dedicated business structure focused on delivering high-precision technology, software, and services for geomatics. Neil Vancans, head of the new Geomatics Sales Unit, said, "We are entering a new chapter focused on helping professionals work smarter by streamlining workflows, boosting collaboration, and simplifying digital transformation."

Topcon will launch a new scanning portfolio, accompanied by a software platform designed to be a long-term companion to customers. "The new scanning portfolio and software platform will enable us to provide the benefits of AI to the common workplace for a multitude of sensors. The principle is flexibility. By integrating sensors across price points and accuracy levels into a common platform, Topcon aims to provide customers with the right tool for the right job," Vancans said.

"Customers are looking for streamlined and effective workflows. Topcon is addressing this need by prioritizing workflow simplicity, open integrations, and compatibility with mixed fleets. We are designing an ecosystem that will provide value for the customer."

Foundational tools for Topcon's connected workflow are Collage and ClearEdge software, which allow for data, feature extraction, and the seamless delivery of results into GIS, BIM, or CAD environments. Topcon Collage, available in Site, Office, and Web versions, serves as a central data hub, enhancing data sharing among all project stakeholders in both the field and office. Topcon is also introducing the Collage Cloud Connector for improved connectivity with Autodesk platforms and ClearEdge solutions such as EdgeWise or Verity.

Featured hardware and software include:

CR-H1 handheld scanner: The CR-H1 handheld mapping solution utilizes iPhone Pro devices with integrated LiDAR that collects georeferenced images and employs photogrammetry to create detailed, full-color 3D point clouds. The iPhone connects to the Topcon HiPer CR receiver, enabling centimeter accuracy with RTK corrections from the Topnet Live GNSS corrections service. The receiver and iPhone are both mounted on a specialized handle, so users can easily capture point clouds while walking throughout the job site. The devices needed can quite simply be held in one hand for maximum mobility in the field.

CR-M1 scanner and new Onami software: The CR-M1 is an indoor/outdoor mapping system that can be utilized on a backpack or on a survey pole. The CR-M1 is ideal for urban and construction mapping, multi-floor buildings, real estate, underground mapping, mines and tunnels, stockpiles, and forestry environments. Publishing and sharing the CR-M1 data with Collage Web allows the user fast, web-based visualization and manipulation of their 3D point clouds and meshes.

CR-P1 multi-functional 3D terrestrial laser scanner: The CR-P1 provides real-time, georeferenced point cloud generation on-site, equipping the user with actionable data that can be used for various applications. Enhancements to the Topcon Collage Site software solution provide new mass data workflow capabilities designed to allow for the real-time acquisition and processing of data more accurately, efficiently, and quickly to provide the user with greater productivity.

CR-S2 handheld scanner with Magnet Flow and Bridge software: The CR-S2 is a handheld scanning system that uses multiple localization fusion-SLAM to perform mapping projects in challenging environments. It is designed to work in construction and infrastructure applications as well as open, featureless environments such as beaches, coastlines, farmland, and airports. In open environments, the RTK connection to the Topnet Live network ensures position quality. Publishing and sharing the CR-S2 data into Collage Web allows the user fast, web-based 3D point cloud and mesh visualization with easy-to-use measurement and annotation tools.

LN-1000i Layout Navigator with Topcon Digital Layout software: The LN-1000i is an addition to the Layout Navigator series that includes new features, including reflectorless measurement capabilities, green laser beam pointer and an integrated camera for live view, camera control and enhanced prism lock. When combined with the new Topcon Digital Layout 2.0 software, this instrument is designed to set new standards in building construction.

Expanded Hybrid Positioning capabilities with Topcon software updates for Field Office Tools Enterprise: Allows for better cooperation switching between GT robotic total stations and the HiPer XR GNSS receiver as an optical and GNSS hybrid solution. The new version 10 Topcon Field software enables the user to use the tilt of the IMU when measuring to the prism in Hybrid Positioning mode.

Collage Cloud Connector: New Windows app designed to simplify and automate the process of downloading and synchronizing project data from Collage Web to a local machine for use with Autodesk, ClearEdge3D software, or Collage Office.

For information about Topcon at INTERGEO visit topconpositioning.com/campaigns/intergeo-2025.

About Topcon Positioning Systems

Topcon Positioning Systems is an innovation company focused on delivering precision technologies and workflow solutions for the global construction, geomatics and agricultural markets. Topcon Positioning Systems (topconpositioning.com) is headquartered in Livermore, California, U.S. Its global social media channels are LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube. The European head office is in Zoetermeer, Netherlands. Parent company Topcon Corporation (topcon.com) was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007300626/en/

Contacts:

Press Contacts:

Staci Fitzgerald

Topcon Positioning Systems

corpcomm@topcon.com

+1 925-245-8610
PUNE, India, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Credence Research the Interior Design Market was valued at USD 145.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 222.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.45% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The market expansion is driven by rising residential and commercial renovation activities, growing urbanization, and increasing demand for sustainable design solutions.

Global interior design trends emphasize energy-efficient layouts, eco-friendly materials, and smart home integration. Rapid urban development in emerging economies, along with rising disposable incomes, is fueling large-scale adoption of premium and customized interior solutions. Leading design firms and technology providers are leveraging digital visualization tools and 3D modeling to enhance client experiences and streamline project execution.

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Surge in Commercial and Hospitality Construction

The global interior design industry is expanding alongside rapid commercial and hospitality development. In 2024, over 6,300 hotel projects with nearly 747,000 rooms were in the construction pipeline worldwide, showing a strong demand for space planning, furnishing, and aesthetic design. Renovation and conversion projects also exceeded 1,900 in number, reflecting consistent investment in upgrading interiors for guest experience and brand alignment. These large-scale developments continue to fuel demand for professional design services, particularly in regions with expanding tourism and business travel infrastructure.

Demand for Smart and Connected Interiors

Technological integration within interior spaces is driving significant innovation. Smart home device shipments reached around 892 million units in 2024, showing how consumers are adopting connected lighting, temperature control, and security systems. Interior designers now collaborate with technology providers to embed automation and IoT features into both residential and commercial spaces. The expansion of smart buildings, valued at over USD 117 billion in 2024, highlights how design solutions are shifting toward intelligent layouts that combine functionality, sustainability, and digital convenience.

Growth of Green Building and Sustainability Trends

Sustainability has become a central pillar in modern interior design. The number of LEED-certified projects worldwide has grown steadily, while passive house certifications have surpassed 47,000 units globally. Designers are increasingly using recycled materials, low-VOC paints, and energy-efficient lighting systems to comply with green building standards. These practices are not only reducing environmental footprints but also enhancing property value and long-term cost efficiency for clients.

Urban Growth and Redevelopment Projects

Rapid urbanization continues to boost the interior design market. More than 240 million new urban housing units were under construction in 2024, especially in Asia and Africa. Redevelopment projects in aging city centers also contribute to rising demand for design services. As cities expand, developers and homeowners seek customized, space-efficient interiors that align with modern lifestyles and evolving architectural styles.

Mandates for Digital Design and BIM Adoption

Governments and corporate developers are increasingly enforcing the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in design projects. Over 20 countries have introduced public-sector mandates requiring BIM integration for new constructions. This digital transformation allows interior designers to deliver more accurate visualizations, coordinate effectively with contractors, and reduce project delays. The adoption of BIM and 3D modeling has become a competitive advantage, pushing design firms to invest in digital capabilities and advanced visualization technologies.

Key Growth Barriers

Elevated Service Costs and Accessibility

The comprehensive scope of interior design-from concept development and space planning to procurement and project management-entails significant coordination among contractors, vendors, and clients, which drives up service charges and limits accessibility for middle-income households and small businesses.

Skilled-Labor Shortages in Finishing Trades

The construction and skilled trade sectors face a shortfall of roughly 500,000 specialists in finish carpentry, decorative plaster, and custom millwork roles, creating prolonged project timelines and increased service costs for interior fit-outs.

Complex Regulatory Landscape

Interior design projects must navigate a patchwork of local, state, and federal regulations covering fire safety, accessibility, environmental impact, and zoning. These varying requirements across municipalities introduce operational inefficiencies, extensive documentation needs, and frequent approval delays.

Volatile Material Costs

Steel prices surged by approximately USD 75 per ton and lumber costs rose by about USD 120 per thousand board feet in 2024, introducing budgeting uncertainty that can delay or scale back design projects.

Regional Employment Realignments

Four Sun Belt metro areas-Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and Denver-have overtaken traditional markets, with Denver re-entering the top designer-employment list in 2025 and Philadelphia dropping off. These shifts highlight growing demand in fast-expanding regions and opportunities for firms to establish a presence in emerging hubs.

Concentrated Specification Power

Interior designers now influence product choices at a scale far beyond individual consumers. On average, each designer's specification value is 40 times that of a typical American buyer, while top-tier specifiers at leading firms achieve a multiplier of 140, underscoring the strategic importance of designer partnerships for manufacturers and suppliers.

Accelerating AI and Digital Tool Uptake

One-third of design firms have integrated AI tools for tasks such as rendering, material selection, and project management, and another one-third anticipate adoption within the next year. This bifurcation highlights both the rapid pace of digital transformation and the widening gap between early adopters and more cautious firms.

Unprecedented Venture Capital Flows into AI and Green Technologies

Global venture capital investment in generative AI skyrocketed from US $2.3 billion in 2020 to US $22.3 billion in 2023, while funding for green building technology climbed from US $1.1 billion to US $5.4 billion over the same period. These capital influxes are driving the development of advanced design tools and sustainable materials that will redefine project workflows and client offerings.

Expansion of Virtual Renovation Services

Homeowners invested USD 463 billion in renovation projects during the first quarter of 2024, highlighting a massive retrofit opportunity where virtual design platforms can streamline planning, reduce cost overruns, and improve client satisfaction.

Immersive Augmented Reality Experiences

The number of augmented reality users in the United States reached 100.1 million in 2025, indicating a vast addressable audience for AR-driven design tools that enable real-time furniture placement, color visualization, and space planning.

Digital Engagement with a Large Designer Community

Over 67,000 professional interior designers practice in the U.S., representing a substantial user base for specialized collaboration platforms, plug-in software, and B2B marketplaces tailored to design workflows and product sourcing.

Growth of Sustainability-Focused Practices

Top sustainability-driven firms such as Gensler generated USD 843.4 million in project fees tied to measurable environmental goals in 2025, underscoring the revenue potential of eco-centric design services and green specification consulting.

Segmentation

By Type

Residential Interior Design

Commercial Interior Design

By Application

Living Room Design

Kitchen and Dining Area Design

Bedroom Design

Office Design

Retail and Hospitality Design

By Design Services

Consultation Services

Full-Service Design

Space Planning

Furniture and Fixture Selection

Interior Styling

By Price Range

Luxury Segment

Mid-Range Segment

Economy Segment

By Style and Theme

Modern and Contemporary Design

Traditional and Classic Design

Rustic and Industrial Design

Eclectic and Bohemian Design

Thematic Design

By Geography

North America

United States



Canada

Europe

United Kingdom



Germany



France

Asia-Pacific

China



India



Japan

Latin America

Brazil



Mexico

Middle East & Africa

South Africa



United Arab Emirates

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Regional Analysis

North America is the largest regional market by designer concentration and specification influence, while Europe leads in revenue, Asia Pacific drives new-construction demand, Latin America benefits from booming residential renovations, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region presents fast-growing opportunities in hospitality and commercial fit-outs.

North America

The United States alone supported over 43,756 practicing interior designers in 2025, concentrated heavily in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Designers in North America influenced nearly USD 383.7 billion in building-interiors specifications, reflecting their considerable sway over product sourcing and project scope.

Europe

Europe generated USD 36,923.9 million in interior design revenue in 2024, accounting for 26.8% of the global market. Germany led country-level demand, driven by new-construction projects in urban centers, while the U.K. and France anchored strong renovation activity in mature residential segments.

Asia Pacific

In 2024, the Asia Pacific region recorded USD 30,461.8 million in interior design revenue-22.1% of the worldwide total. New-build projects dominated, fueled by infrastructure and residential development in China, India, and Southeast Asia, where urbanization rates exceed 65.2% in China and 57% across the region.

Latin America

Latin America posted USD 15,379.2 million in revenues in 2024, representing 11.1% of the global interior design market. Argentina's remodel-driven residential sector and Brazil's commercial hospitality fit-outs-supported by over 12,057 practitioners in South America-propelled steady growth in retrofit and adaptive-reuse services.

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

Although smaller in absolute revenue, MEA reached approximately USD 12,460.1 million in 2024 and is the fastest-growing regional market. Expansion of luxury hospitality projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and corporate office developments in South Africa and Nigeria are key demand drivers for high-end design services.

Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis

The interior design market features a highly fragmented competitive landscape, with a mix of global design firms, regional studios, and technology-integrated service providers competing across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. Major international players such as Gensler, HOK, Perkins&Will, Stantec, AECOM, and IBI Group lead the market through strong global presence, large-scale project portfolios, and advanced use of digital design tools. These companies maintain long-term contracts with real estate developers, government agencies, and multinational corporations, allowing them to execute high-value projects across multiple regions.

Mid-tier firms and independent studios compete through specialization and creative innovation. Companies such as Nelson Worldwide, IA Interior Architects, and CallisonRTKL emphasize user-centered design, sustainability, and adaptive reuse solutions to strengthen their positioning in commercial and hospitality projects. Emerging firms in Asia-Pacific-particularly in India, China, and Singapore-are expanding rapidly by combining cost-efficient service models with smart design technologies and modular construction techniques.

Technology integration is reshaping competition, with firms increasingly adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), and AI-based visualization tools to enhance project precision and client experience. Strategic partnerships between design firms and construction technology companies are becoming more common, supporting faster project delivery and improved resource management. Sustainability credentials, digital design capabilities, and cross-sector expertise have become the primary differentiators in the evolving interior design market.

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Key Player Analysis

Livspace

Sobha Interiors

Acme Interiors

Ace Interiors

Lipika Sud Interiors Pvt. Ltd

Chaukor Studio

Futomic Design Services Pvt. Ltd

Bonito Designs

Carafina Interior Designers

Recent Industry Developments

February 2025: Renowned designers Gauri Khan and Sussanne Khan collaborated on a dedicated design floor at The Charcoal Project's Hyderabad store, covering 35,000 sq. ft. and featuring themed luxury spaces.

Renowned designers and collaborated on a dedicated design floor at Hyderabad store, covering 35,000 sq. ft. and featuring themed luxury spaces. April 2025: DesignCafe opened its third experience center in Mumbai at Vicino Mall, marking its 17th center nationwide.

opened its third experience center in Mumbai at Vicino Mall, marking its 17th center nationwide. April 2025: HOK acquired the interior design practice of Perkins & Will , expanding its design capabilities and global market reach.

acquired the interior design practice of , expanding its design capabilities and global market reach. May 2025: The European Union enacted the Circular Buildings Initiative Regulation , requiring new buildings to incorporate circular economy principles-creating strong demand for sustainable interior design expertise.

The enacted the , requiring new buildings to incorporate circular economy principles-creating strong demand for sustainable interior design expertise. May 2025: Flipspaces secured USD 35 million in funding led by Iron Pillar to support global expansion across India, the U.S., and the UAE.

secured USD 35 million in funding led by Iron Pillar to support global expansion across India, the U.S., and the UAE. May 2025: AkzoNobel India launched the Dulux Maestro program to enhance collaboration with architects and interior designers, promoting innovation in decorative solutions.

launched the program to enhance collaboration with architects and interior designers, promoting innovation in decorative solutions. May 2025: Myntra collaborated with Google Cloud to introduce Dream Room Inspirations , an AI-powered design visualization tool using Imagen 3 for personalized home decor experiences.

collaborated with to introduce , an AI-powered design visualization tool using Imagen 3 for personalized home decor experiences. July 2025:HomeLane expanded its operations in Tamil Nadu by opening a new design studio in Coimbatore-its 12th in the state-offering modular interiors powered by its AI visualization platform SpaceCraft Pro.

Reasons to Purchase this Report:

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion).

Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region.

Stay informed about the competitive environment, with rankings of major players, recent product and service launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions from the past five years.

Access detailed profiles of major market players, including company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis, to understand competitive advantages and market positioning.

Explore the present and forecasted market landscape, with insights into growth opportunities, market drivers, challenges, and constraints for both developed and emerging regions.

Benefit from Porter's Five Forces analysis and Value Chain insights to evaluate various market perspectives and competitive dynamics.

Understand the evolving market scenario, including potential growth opportunities and trends expected in the coming years.

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Perfect Moment Ltd. (NYSE American: PMNT) ("Perfect Moment" or the "Company"), the high-performance, luxury lifestyle brand that fuses technical excellence with fashion-led designs, today announced the launch of its first-ever City Outerwear Capsule Collection a milestone that signals the brand's evolution beyond its alpine roots into year-round, global lifestyle wear.

This autumn, Perfect Moment brings its mountain DNA to the streets, redefining versatility with a capsule collection that seamlessly blends alpine inspiration with urban sophistication. The debut marks an important step in the Company's long-term strategy to expand its product portfolio and connect with a broader audience seeking performance-driven luxury for every moment of modern life.

Anchored in a core palette of black, white, and silver, the collection is designed for movement, function, and modern city living. From crisp weekday mornings to spontaneous weekend escapes, these pieces are set to become the new wardrobe essentials for those who live life on the move. The capsule features elevated staples, including cropped puffers that strike the perfect balance between warmth and edge, and weatherproof windbreakers that transition effortlessly from rainy commutes to apres-ski moments. Understated branding keeps the aesthetic clean, yet distinctly Perfect Moment.

"Luxury is at the heart of everything we create it's in our DNA," said Jane Gottschalk, President and Principal Executive Officer of Perfect Moment. "With this new capsule, we're redefining what luxury performance wear looks like beyond the slopes. This launch represents our continued transformation into a global lifestyle retail brand one that brings our signature precision, design and spirit of movement to every environment."

Vittorio Giacomelli, Chief Product Officer of Perfect Moment, added: "The City Outwear Capsule is an example of how we're broadening our reach and relevance moving from niche skiwear to full-spectrum lifestyle. As we continue to scale globally, each new category represents both creative innovation and commercial opportunity."

Designed to layer and adapt, each piece carries a minimalist sensibility with refined details, offering effortless outerwear for every occasion. From slope to street, this debut city capsule brings Perfect Moment's signature style and performance heritage to new urban peaks.

Your perfect outerwear moment starts here.

About Perfect Moment

Founded in Chamonix, France, Perfect Moment is a luxury outerwear and activewear brand that merges alpine heritage with fashion-forward performance. Known for its technical excellence, bold design, and versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from slopes to city, the brand is worn by athletes, tastemakers, and celebrities worldwide. Perfect Moment is traded on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol PMNT. Learn more at www.perfectmoment.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007905081/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations Contact:

Gateway Group

Cody Slach, Greg Robles

949.574.3860

PMNT@gateway-grp.com

Press Contact:

The Basement Agency

Anais Frasquet, Irene Perez

anaisfrasquet@thebasement.es or ireneperez@thebasement.es
MILAN, Oct. 07, 2025(AAVantgarde), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases, today announced three presentations at the European Society of Gene & Cell Therapy 32nd Annual Meeting (ESGCT), to be held October 7-10 in Seville (Spain).

At this conference, we will be presenting LUCE Phase 1/2 clinical data from our Usher1B program, KO pig model preclinical data from our Stargardt's program and the platform development of a dual vector AAV therapy to enable the clinical supply for our programs. In addition, our Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Alberto Auricchio, TIGEM Scientific Director and ESGCT President, will give the presidential address during the Presidential symposium session.

Presentations details :

Presentation Date/Time: Thursday 9 October 2025, 18.30-19.00 h CEST

Session title: Late breaking news from the clinic

Session Room: Room Parallel D

Abstract number: INV71

Presentation title: "LUCE: Phase I/II trial of dual AAV gene therapy for Retinitis Pigmentosa in Usher Syndrome Type 1B"

Presentation Date/Time: Thursday 9 October 2025, 12.35-13.00 h CEST

Session title: Presidential symposium

Session Room: Auditorium

Abstract number: OR066

Presentation title: "Advancing AAV-based gene therapy for inherited retinal disorders due to mutations in large genes"

Presentation Date/Time: Thursday 9 October 2025, 14.00-15.30 h CEST

Session title: Poster Session 2

Session Room: Poster Hall

Final abstract number: P0122

Presentation title: "Platform development for a dual AAV therapy"

About AAVantgarde

AAVantgarde Bio is a clinical stage, biotechnology company advancing best-in-class therapies for patients with inherited retinal diseases

Contact:

Magda Blanco - Head of Corporate Development AAVantgarde

Email: info@avvantgarde.com


NEW BRUNSWICK (dpa-AFX) - Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) was ordered by a Los Angeles jury to pay $966 million to the family of a California woman who died from a rare and aggressive cancer, after the company was found liable for claims that its baby powder products caused her illness.



The case involves Mae Moore, who passed away in 2021. Her family said she developed mesothelioma, a rare cancer, after years of using Johnson & Johnson's talc powder, which they claimed was contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. The jury awarded $16 million in compensatory damages and $950 million in punitive damages, according to court records.



In response, Erik Haas, Johnson & Johnson's vice president of litigation, said the company plans to appeal immediately, calling the verdict 'egregious and unconstitutional.'



The company has consistently denied that its talc-based baby powder contains asbestos or causes cancer. Johnson & Johnson stopped selling the product globally in 2023 after facing tens of thousands of lawsuits linking its talc to mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other cancers.



This ruling follows a failed attempt by Johnson & Johnson to settle all current and future talc lawsuits through a $9 billion bankruptcy plan. Federal Judge Christopher Lopez rejected the plan, citing flawed procedures and a lack of proper claimant consent.



The company had previously tried twice to use bankruptcy to manage its talc liabilities, creating a subsidiary, LTL Management, in 2021, a move critics called the 'Texas two-step.' Courts have since ruled that Johnson & Johnson cannot use bankruptcy to avoid responsibility.



With over 90,000 lawsuits pending, Johnson & Johnson said it will return to the courts to contest these claims. The company has set aside around $7 billion to manage bankruptcy-related matters. Internal memos have shown that the company had concerns about possible asbestos contamination in its talc products.



Tuesday, JNJ closed at $188.89, up 0.39% and is currently trading after hours at $188.12, down 0.41% on the NYSE.



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Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2025 AFX News
Confirmed recovery trajectory

Free Cash Flow turned positive

Disposals targets now exceeded

New mid term outlook

Regulatory News:

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007468891/en/

emeis (Paris:EMEIS):

emeis: Results for the first half of 2025

Confirmed recovery trajectory

Free Cash Flow turned positive

Disposals targets now exceeded

New mid term outlook

Continued recovery trajectory for our businesses: further increases in occupancy rates and revenue

Continued increase in occupancy rates : +1.7 points year-on-year to 87%, and +1.9 points for nursing homes

: +1.7 points year-on-year to 87%, Favorable momentum has continued since the end of the first half

since the end of the first half Sustained revenue growth of +6.2% on an organic basis 1

on an organic basis Outperformance in nursing homes (+8.6%) and internationally (+8.1%)

Significant improvement in operating margins and cash flowcost control reinforces the favorable momentum of the business

EBITDAR up +19.5% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis 1 , with strong growth momentum in Northern Europe and France

up year-on-year on a like-for-like basis , with strong growth momentum in Northern Europe and France EBITDA (excluding IFRS 16) up +79% on a like-for-like basis 1

up on a like-for-like basis Net operating cash flow of 62 million, up +74 million

of 62 million, Free Cash Flow (FCF) now positive (at 26 million), up +204 million

now positive (at 26 million), Performance supported by the recovery in business activity, control of operating expenses, development capex and working capital, and the continuation of divestments

Net income attributable to the Group still negative (-137 million), but favorable momentum fuels medium-term confidence

Disposal targets largely exceeded: 2.1 billion in disposals completed since mid-2022 or secured to date

931 million in divestments cashed-in since mid-2022, including 273 million since the beginning of 2025 (195 million at the end of June)

including 273 million since the beginning of 2025 (195 million at the end of June) and 1.16 billion in divestments secured2to date, including 761 million under the real estate partnership secured in September, with the creation of a real estate vehicle

Improved financial structure: operational momentum, disposals, and new factoring programs

Net debt stable at June 30, 2025, excluding IFRS 3 , but down 233 million post-IFRS 5 to 4,468 million (including the impact of disposals in advanced negotiations)

stable at June 30, 2025, excluding IFRS , but (including the impact of disposals in advanced negotiations) The closing of transactions currently under agreement (notably the real estate project) will further reduce the Group's net debt

of transactions currently under agreement (notably the real estate project) will further reduce the Group's net debt Net debt/EBITDA ratio 4 is improving rapidly to 15.4x (vs. 19.5x at the end of December 2024, and nearly 23x at the end of June 2024) ...

to 15.4x (vs. 19.5x at the end of December 2024, and nearly 23x at the end of June 2024) ... ...and close to 13x pro forma for the main disposals secured since end-June 2025

Access to liquidity strengthened by more than 200 million with two new factoring programs

Confirmation of 2025 targets and momentum expected to continue towards 2028

EBITDAR 2025 expected to increase by +15% to +18% on a like-for-like basis 5 compared to 2024

compared to 2024 Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of revenue on a like-for-like basis 6 expected to be between +4% and +5% (2024-2028)

(CAGR) on a like-for-like basis expected to be Average annual growth rate (CAGR) of EBITDAR at constant scope4expected to be between +12% and +16% (2024-2028)

Laurent Guillot, Chief Executive Officer: "We are proud of our results for the first half of the year, which show that we are delivering on our operational and financial commitments, in line with our announced strategy. With visibility improving, we are now confident about the future, as evidenced by the confirmation of our guidance for 2025 and the outlook for 2028 that we are sharing today.

The recovery in our operating performance, which began over a year ago, is continuing, reflecting the smooth progress of our restructuring plan launched in mid-2022 and the commitment of all emeis teams.

In addition, the recent announcement of the creation by emeis of a real estate company dedicated to healthcare real estate operated in Europe will enable us to exceed our divestment targets and reduce our net debt by nearly 700 million, while retaining control over our assets through effective governance.

By becoming a Mission-Driven Company in June 2025, the Group is also opening a new chapter in the service of an inclusive, sustainable, and deeply human social project. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the emeis teams who work hard every day with a renewed commitment to our residents, our patients, and their loved ones."

About emeis

With nearly 83,500 experts and professionals in healthcare, nursing, and support for the most vulnerable, emeis is present in some 20 countries and covers five areas of expertise: psychiatric clinics, medical and rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes, home care and services, and assisted living facilities.

emeis welcomes nearly 280,000 residents, patients, and beneficiaries each year. emeis is committed to and mobilized around addressing one of the major challenges facing our societies: the increase in the number of people made vulnerable by life events, old age, or mental illness.

In June 2025, emeis became a mission-driven company, enshrining four commitments in its articles of association: working to change perceptions of the most vulnerable and their loved ones to achieve true inclusion; to contribute to the fair recognition and attractiveness of our professions; to make caring for the most vulnerable a major contribution to local social ties and territorial cohesion; and to innovate in order to contribute to care that respects the planet and living beings.

emeis, 50.3% owned by Caisse des Depots, CNP Assurances, MAIF, and MACSF Epargne Retraite, is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR001400NLM4) and is a member of the SBF 120, CAC Mid 60, and CAC All-Tradable indices.

Website: www.emeis.com

1- Key items in the income statement at the end of June 2025

All of the Group's income statement aggregates show a significant improvement compared to the first half of 2024.

Operating margins grew steadily, driven by continued organic revenue growth and control of operating expenses. EBITDAR margins increased across all geographic regions, with France and Northern Europe making a significant contribution

The Group's EBITDAR was up +18.5%, and EBITDA was up +72% compared to the first half of 2024.

As a result, current operating income (EBIT) rose significantly, improving by +116 million in a single year. It now stands at 102 million, compared with a negative figure a year ago.

Net financial expenses fell by nearly 16 million, partly reflecting the effects of the 390 million capital increase carried out in the first half of 2024.

Net income attributable to the Group, although still negative in the first half, increased by 120 million over the period, suggesting a favorable trend that is encouraging for the coming half-years.

2- Revenue: continued growth, driven mainly by nursing homes and international operations

At the end of June 2025, the Group's revenue stood at 2,908 million, up +6.2% on an organic basis7. This increase reflects the combination of three factors, all positively oriented:

Positive price effect , supporting organic growth by +3.4%

, supporting organic growth by +3.4% An increase in the average occupancy rate of around +1.7 points, contributing +1.8% to organic growth

average of around +1.7 points, contributing +1.8% to organic growth Contribution from new facilities opened since early 2024 (18 months), still in the ramp-up phase (+1%)

Sustained growth in the nursing home segment

Organic revenue growth thus reflects the continued recovery of emeis's activities, which began over a year ago and is now bearing fruit. Since mid-2022, the Group has been working to segment its offering in order to better meet the needs of its residents and patients, while also stepping up its efforts to improve the quality of care and the experience of its residents. These efforts have been accompanied by the launch of a new brand, marking the Group's renewal.

The momentum is mainly driven by nursing homes (nearly two-thirds of the Group's business), whose revenue grew by nearly +9% organically, driven by a significant increase in the average occupancy rate (just under 2 points over 12 months).

However, the Clinics business posted a more modest performance, due to base effects that had an unfavorable impact in the first quarter, but also to a lower number of full days of hospitalization in healthcare facilities, which reduced the volume of business generated by private rooms.

At the same time however, day hospitalization continues to grow, with the average number of patients up +10% compared to the first half of 2024 in the region of France for post acute care, in line with the Group's ambitions.

Particularly strong organic growth in Northern Europe and Southern Europe Latin America

Performance was particularly strong in non-domestic European markets, benefiting from significant pricing effects in Germany and Austria in particular, but also in the Netherlands and Belgium, and a sharp increase in occupancy, particularly in the Netherlands and Spain. The favorable contribution of recent openings was mainly observed in the Netherlands but also contributed significantly to growth in Spain.

In France, although momentum remains favorable in the nursing home segment, it is more modest in the clinic segment. Growth momentum is mainly driven by an increase in occupancy rates.

It should also be noted that revenue growth in Central Europe (+4.6%) was reduced by the sale of the Group's activities in the Czech Republic, which were removed from the Group's scope on March 31, 2025. On a like-for-like basis, revenue in this region grew by nearly +8%.

3- Occupancy rate: favorable momentum continues

The Group's average occupancy rate rose by +1.7 points year-on-year to reach 87% at the end of June 2025 (vs. 85.3% at the end of June 2024), continuing the gradual recovery in this aggregate that began in early 2024.

This recovery is mainly driven by nursing homes, whose average occupancy rate rose by +1.9 points year-on-year to 86.5% in the first half of 2025 (vs. 85.3% at the end of 2024 and 82.1% at the end of 2023).

It should be noted that these occupancy rates would be higher in mature markets alone, excluding recent openings and establishments undergoing restructuring. Excluding these establishments, the Group's average occupancy rate would be 88.2%. Excluding establishments in ramp-up would increase occupancy rates in the Netherlands and Southern European countries (Portugal and Spain) by nearly +3 points.

The recovery trend that has been emerging since the end of the first half of 2024 is therefore continuing, with growth across all of the Group's geographical areas of operation, with the exception of Southern Europe, where the rate is temporarily impacted by significant openings in the last quarter of 2024. Although the levels achieved still fall short of the Group's ambitions, the momentum of the recovery is encouraging and confirms the favorable trend in which the Group finds itself.

In France (41% of the Group's revenue), the average occupancy rate rose by +1.7 points to 87.5%.

In nursing homes in France, the occupancy rate rose by +1.8 points compared to the first half of 2024 to 83.7%, continuing to mark an acceleration in the upward trend (at the end of 2024, it was up +1.1 points compared to the end of 2023).

(41% of the Group's revenue), the average occupancy rate rose by +1.7 points to In nursing homes in France, the occupancy rate rose by +1.8 points compared to the first half of 2024 to 83.7%, continuing to mark an acceleration in the upward trend (at the end of 2024, it was up +1.1 points compared to the end of 2023). In Northern Europe (30% of revenue), the occupancy rate continues to grow at a steady pace, rising by +2.8% to 85.4%. This strong momentum reflects the continued recovery of business in Germany, with an annual improvement rate that remains at nearly +3 points, as well as the ramp-up of recently opened facilities in the Netherlands.

(30% of revenue), This strong momentum reflects the continued recovery of business in Germany, with an annual improvement rate that remains at nearly +3 points, as well as the ramp-up of recently opened facilities in the Netherlands. In Central Europe (17% of revenue), occupancy rates are now approaching 92% on average, returning to pre-COVID levels and posting solid year-on-year growth of +2 points.

(17% of revenue), occupancy rates are now approaching 92% on average, returning to pre-COVID levels and posting solid year-on-year growth of +2 points. In Southern Europe Latin America (8% of Group revenue), the improvement is also notable, although offset by the weight of recently opened facilities, mainly in the last quarter of 2024. Excluding recently opened facilities, the occupancy rate stands at over 92% in the region.

4- Operating margins: strong growth in EBITDAR and EBITDA (excluding IFRS 16)

The favorable trend in revenue (+6.2% LfL) had a very positive impact on operating margins in the first half of 2025, with increases at constant perimeter (restated for the impact of operational disposals since the beginning of the year8 of +19.5 for EBITDAR, and +79.3% for EBITDA excluding IFRS 16 over one year.

These performances thus reflect the effect of growth in operations, reinforced by the control of operating expenses, whose growth remains significantly lower than that of revenue. As a result, the weight of operating expenses related to revenue continues to gradually decrease, in line with the Group's ambitions.

It should also be noted that operating margins have improved significantly, even though the contribution from capital gains on disposals was significantly lower in the first half of 2025 (around 5 million) than in the first half of 2024 (around 14 million).

As a percentage of revenue, the EBITDA margin (excluding IFRS 16) increased by +2.1 points year-on-year. The EBITDAR margin increased by +1.6 points on a like-for-like basis, although it is still below the Group's target, now standing at +13.8%.

The momentum observed is particularly encouraging, especially in Northern Europe, with strong performance in Germany and the Netherlands.

Overall, the two main regions contributing to the Group's EBITDAR growth are Northern Europe and France. Central European countries, which continue to enjoy a favorable trend, are posting higher operating margins, also contributing to the growth of the Group's operating margins.

5- Creation of a real estate company dedicated to healthcare properties operated by emeis: reduction of more than 700 million in the Group's net debt

On September 23, 2025, the Farallon Capital investment funds, as lead investor, and TwentyTwo Real Estate made a firm commitment to emeis to create a real estate company dedicated to healthcare real estate assets operated by the Group. They will invest 761 million in emeis around the end of the year, representing 62% of the appraised value at the end of 2024 of the assets held by this vehicle.

This transaction allows the Group's exceeds its divestment targets9 (1.5bn from mid 2022 to end 2025).

The investors' contribution would thus reduce emeis' net debt by nearly 700 million. The transaction also lays the foundations for the Group's longer-term real estate strategy and will enable it to retain a potentially significant share of the future value creation of the vehicle, with the recovery of the real estate cycle for healthcare assets that appears to be taking shape today.

The real estate portfolio of this property company comprises 68 assets with an appraised value of 1,220 million10 at the end of 2024, reflecting an average yield of around 6%. The assets, which will continue to be operated entirely by emeis, are located 68% in France, 19% in Germany, and 13% in Spain. Overall, 48% of this portfolio consists of nursing home buildings and 52% of clinics.

Once the information and consultation procedures with the representative bodies of the emeis Group have been completed and the conditions precedent11 have been lifted, this consortium of investors will grant emeis an investment of 761 million. This transaction will be structured through the subscription of financial securities (including preferred shares).

The payment of remuneration, as decided by the emeis Group, will enable investors to achieve a target return of at least 6% per annum. Over the life of the instrument, investors anticipate an overall internal rate of return of around 12%, and emeis will retain 90% of the potential additional value created.

This partnership is planned for a period of five years and could be extended for an additional two years. It may also be terminated at the sole discretion of emeis. At the end of this partnership, several scenarios are possible. Ultimately, emeis could rely on new capital partners to support the development of this real estate company, which is emeis' long-term real estate benchmark.

The vehicle, which will be controlled by emeis (which will remain in charge of real estate asset management), will therefore be fully consolidated.

6- Disposal plan now achieved and exceeded, with 2.1 billion realized since mid-2022 or secured to date, including 1.16 billion remaining to be cashed-in in the coming months

Since mid-2022, the volume of disposals completed or signed to date now amounts to nearly 2.1 billion12, significantly exceeding the disposal target that emeis had set at 1.5 billion between mid-2022 and the end of 2025. These disposals mainly consist of real estate transactions, but also include disposals of operating assets.

A total of 1.4 billion in disposals have been finalized since the beginning of 2025 or are secured to date, including:

276 million in divestments finalized/cashed in since the beginning of the year (vs. 195 million at the end of June 2025), including: 137 million in real estate disposals finalized since the beginning of the year, mainly through sale and leaseback transactions (with a yield of less than 6%), of which 65 million was collected before the end of June, with the remainder collected during July. 139 million from operational disposals, mainly in the Czech Republic, most of which was received at the end of the first quarter of 2025

since the beginning of the year (vs. 195 million at the end of June 2025), including: Nearly 1.16 billion in transactions secured to date, still to be cashed in 400 million in real estate transactions signed and secured to date, but still to be cashed in 761 million to be cashed in around the end of the year, from the creation of a real estate vehicle open to third-party investors, representing 62% of the appraised value of a pan-European portfolio of 68 assets located in France, Spain, and Germany.



The Group's disposal targets have now been achieved. However, in line with its opportunistic approach and in the interests of its shareholders, it is still engaged in other discussions and negotiations that could lead to new transactions, if and only if the terms of the disposals are deemed satisfactory and in the Group's interests.

7- Cash flow at the end of June 2025: free cash flow now positive

At the end of June 2025 compared to the first half of 2024:

EBITDAR increased by +66 million to 158 million

Net current operating cash flow increased by +74 million to 62 million

Recurring free cash flow increased by +86 million but remained negative at 45 million

Free cash flow improved by +204 million to 26 million

The cash flow table at the end of June 2025 also shows that the operational recovery trend is reflected in almost all intermediate items.

Net current operating cash flow is now positive, amounting to nearly 62 million compared with -12 million in the first half of 2024, representing an increase of +74 million in 12 months. This increase is driven by improved operating margins, as well as control over maintenance capex and other current operating cash flows (mainly working capital), thus extending the trends observed since last year.

Recurring free cash flow improved by +86 million over 12 months, approaching operational equilibrium although still negative (-45 million).

Free cash flow (FCF) is now positive, standing at 26 million, up +204 million over 12 months, as a result of the combined effect of the Group's improved operating performance and the successful execution of the divestment program and the gradual reduction in development capex, reflecting the progress of development programs and the precautionary measures taken last year.

8- Financial Structure: Net Debt, Cash Position, and Leverage Ratio

A favorable trajectory for the Group's net debt

Post-IFRS 5, net debt (excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities) stood at 4,468 million, down -233 million, resulting from the IFRS 5 effect linked to one or more divestment transactions, for which negotiations are now at very advanced stage.

The Group's net debt (excluding IFRS 16 lease liabilities and excluding IFRS 5) stood at approximately 4,777 million13 at the end of June 2025, compared with 4,775 million at the end of 2024. This stabilization is the result of positive free cash flow of around 26 million in the first half of the year, reflecting both the continued execution of the disposal program and the improvement in operating aggregates. Changes in scope (non-cash) occurred, increasing net debt by approximately and 22 million.

This stability during the first half of the year is the result of:

Proceeds from disposals during the first half of the year, net of acquisitions (166 million)

Progress on investment programs (development Capex) and non-recurring items totaling 95 million in the first half of 2025, compared with 190 million in the first half of 2024

Various items, including recurring free cash flow, which remains negative for the half-year (-45 million), although this is a significant improvement compared to the first half of 2024 (-131 million).

As a result, the cash position excluding IFRS 5 application amounted to 399 million at the end of June 2025 (vs. 524 million at the end of December 2024). Post-IFRS 5, it stood at 376 million at the end of June 2025 (vs. 518 million at the end of December 2024).

A leverage ratio that is now showing a solid improvement momentum...

The leverage ratio (net debt/EBITDA14) shows a clear improvement at 15.4x at the end of June 2025 (vs. 19.5x at the end of 2024, and 23.1x at the end of June 2024). This favorable trend will continue in the coming quarters, driven by the transactions secured in September.

... an improvement already underway that should continue

Pro forma for disposals completed since the end of June 2025, and the impacts from the creation of the Group's real estate company, but also disposals for which the progress of negotiations justifies IFRS 5 treatment, the Group's balance sheet structure is improving even further.

The Group's pro forma consolidated net debt at the end of June, after these transactions, would then be close to 3.8 billion

The net debt/EBITDA ratio at the end of June, pro forma for these transactions, would then be close to 13x, a significant improvement compared to the end of 2024 (19.5x) and even more so compared to the end of June 2024 (23.1x).

Access to liquidity already significantly strengthened with new factoring programs

Between June and September 2025, emeis significantly strengthened its access to liquidity by:

Extending in the first half (in June) an existing factoring program of nearly 30 million in June

Then signing since then a new factoring program in July, set up for SMR clinics, for a ceiling of 120 million in additional liquidity.

And in September, another program covering psychiatric clinics, with a ceiling of 75 million

9- 2025 outlook confirmed and medium-term momentum extended

The medium-term outlook for the Group's reference markets is particularly promising for healthcare and support activities for the most vulnerable people.

The population of seniors aged over 75 is expected to grow by more than 30% over the next 10 years, representing 14% of the population. The structural shortage of supply in the nursing home market will therefore increase each year, reaching a deficit of around 550,000 beds by 2030 and 800,000 beds by 2035 in the five main emeis markets. To illustrate the scale of this future supply shortfall, the French market currently has a total of 650,000 beds.

The prevalence of psychological disorders and chronic diseases also continues to grow significantly, creating a further risk of insufficient supply in the coming years.

This major shortage offers the emeis Group solid visibility for the coming years, with an offer matching strong growth in demand.

In the short term the operational recovery trajectory particularly since the second half of 2024 is confirmed. This trend will continue in 2025 under the combined effects of a recovery in occupancy rates, the capture of favorable price effects, and better control of operating expenses.



In 2025, the Group anticipates EBITDAR to increase by +15% to +18% on a like-for-like basis over the year (excluding the effects of operational disposals already completed or to be completed in 2025) compared to 2024, thereby extending and accentuating the performance improvement momentum that began in mid-2024.

In the longer term the Group anticipates that the improvement in financial performance that began in the second half of 2024 should continue.

Between now and 2028, the growth momentum in operating margins will be supported by a gradual normalization of occupancy rates to industry standards (i.e., above 90%), the continued capture of favorable price effects, and the control of operating expenses, which the Group anticipates will continue to grow at a slower pace than its revenue.



The trajectory on a like-for-like basis (excluding the impact of potential operational disposals between early 2025 and 2028) for revenue and EBITDAR margin between 2024 and 2028 is expected to continue the momentum anticipated in 2025.



Thus:

The average annual growth rate (CAGR) of revenue at constant scope is expected to be between +4% and +5% between 2024 and 2028.

at constant scope is expected to be The Group's average annual growth rate (CAGR) for EBITDAR on a like-for-like basis is expected to be between +12% and +16% between 2024 and 2028

10- Continuation of the extra-financial transformation of the Group, and recognition of this momentum by specialist agencies

Adoption of mission-driven company status

On June 26, 2025, emeis's General Shareholders' Meeting approved the inclusion in the company's articles of association of four commitments embodying its transformation into a Mission-Driven Company

"Working to change perceptions of the most vulnerable and their relatives to achieve true inclusion," because connecting with others is also healing.

"Contribute to the fair recognition and attractiveness of our professions," because they have never been so essential.

"Make caring for the most vulnerable a major contribution to local social ties and territorial cohesion," because it is essential to stand alongside all those who are committed to this cause.

"Innovate to contribute to care that respects the planet and living things," because our health also depends on the world around us.

Improvement in the Group's extra-financial rating

Since the beginning of the year, certain ratings issued by non-financial rating agencies with which emeis is in constant dialogue have been updated.

The risk level assigned to the Group by Sustainalytics is now rated "medium" (vs. "high" at the beginning of 2024), with a score improvement of 20

The ESG score assigned to the Group by S&P has improved by 7%.

The ratings from S&P (32), ISS and Sustainalytics (24.5) are already above the sector average, and the CDP Climate score (C) is in line with the sector average.

Your Voice employee survey

The first edition of the annual Your Voice @emeis employee survey your opinion matters! (January 7-31, 2025) had a 48% participation rate (up to 80% in some countries such as Ireland and Poland) and more than 42,000 comments. The level of engagement stands at 62%, with generally positive perceptions compared to external benchmarks: recognition (+9 points), quality of leadership (+5 points), mutual support and team spirit (+4 points), training and development (+5 to +8 points).

While the adequacy of resources in a context of scarcity remains a challenge, this first edition shows encouraging mobilization, particularly in a Group where the majority of employees are not connected.

100% of the results have been shared with the teams and are being rolled out according to the "3 x 3" principle (3 actions at 3 levels: country/region/establishment). In France, for example, more than 750 actions are underway.

Publication of the Group's first sustainability report

emeis is subject to the European Union's CSRD directive and has transformed its reporting to comply with regulatory requirements. This major project provided an opportunity for the Group to improve its ESG performance monitoring by broadening the scope of its reporting, but also to thoroughly reassess the Group's material ESG issues, moving from a simple materiality analysis to a double materiality analysis. The Group's first sustainability report, the result of this work, received no reservations from the auditors responsible for its verification. The report has been rated by independent bodies as meeting the highest SBF 120 standards.

APPENDICES

In connection with this publication, a web conference hosted by Laurent Guillot (Chief Executive Officer) and Jean-Marc Boursier (Chief Financial Officer) is scheduled for September 30 at 9:30 a.m. (CEST). The presentation given during the conference will be posted online at the same time, and a recording of the web conference will be available on the Company's website.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AT THE END OF JUNE 2025

emeis S.A. publishes its half-year results approved by the Board of Directors on September 29, 2025.15

Number of ordinary shares at the end of June 2025: 161,091,884

Number of diluted shares at the end of June 2025 (excluding treasury shares): 162,643,150

DEFINITIONS

Organic growth The Group's organic revenue growth includes:

1. The change in revenue (N vs. N-1) of existing facilities resulting from changes in their occupancy rates and daily rates;

2. Changes in revenue (N vs. N-1) for facilities that were restructured or whose capacity was increased in N or N-1;

3. Revenue generated in N by facilities created in N or N-1, and the change in revenue for recently acquired facilities over a period in N equivalent to the consolidation period in N-1. EBITDAR Current operating income before net depreciation, amortization, and provisions and before rental expenses On a like-for-like basis, EBITDAR growth is restated for the contribution of operational entities sold during the period. EBITDA EBITDAR net of rental expenses on contracts with a term of less than one year On a like-for-like basis, EBITDA growth is restated to exclude the contribution of operational entities sold during the period Pre-IFRS 16 EBITDA EBITDAR net of rental expenses on contracts with a term of less than one year and net of payments made under lease contracts of more than one year falling within the scope of IFRS 16 On a like-for-like basis, pre-IFRS 16 EBITDA growth is restated for the contribution of operational entities sold during the period Net financial debt Long-term financial debt short-term financial debt Cash and marketable securities (excluding rent liabilities IFRS 16) and excluding IFRS 5 Net operating cash flow Cash flow generated by current operations, net of current maintenance and IT investments. Net current operating cash flow corresponds to the sum of pre-IFRS 16 EBITDA, the change in working capital requirements, income taxes paid, and maintenance and IT investments Recurring net free cash flow (recurring free cash flow) Net operating cash flow less net financial expenses. (EBITDA excluding IFRS 16 Maintenance and IT investments Other current operating cash flows (change in working capital and taxes) debt expense) Net free cash flow before financing (free cash flow) Net cash flow after taking into account current and non-current items, all investments, interest expenses related to debt, and the positive or negative balance related to transactions on the asset portfolio. Net free cash flow before financing corresponds to the sum of net current operating cash flow, development investments, non-current items, net income and/or costs related to asset portfolio management, and financial expenses.

WARNING

This document contains forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties concerning the Group's future growth and profitability, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties are related to factors that the Company cannot control or accurately estimate, such as future market conditions. The forward-looking information contained in this document constitutes expectations about future events and should be considered as such. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks or uncertainties described in Chapter 2 of the Company's 2024 Universal Registration Document available on the Company's website and that of the AMF (www.amf-france.org).

1 Constant scope Including an adjustment for "constant number of days" related to the calendar difference between 2024 and 2025 (2024 is a leap year)

2 Or partial disposals

3 excluding the impact of IFRS 16, IFRS 5, unpaid accrued interest, and unearned accrued interest

4 Net debt excluding IFRS 16 and IFRS 5, EBITDA over 12 rolling months

5 Excluding the effects of disposals that occurred in 2025 or that may occur during the period

6 CAGR at constant scope (excluding the effects of operational disposals completed or that may occur during the period)

7 Including a "constant number of days" adjustment related to the calendar difference between 2024 and 2025 (leap year 2024)

8 The divested businesses (in the Czech Republic) generated EBITDAR of close to 6 million in the first half of 2024. A residual contribution to EBITDAR of 3.7 million was recorded in the first half of 2025

9 Total or partial disposals

10 Excluding duties

11 It should be noted that the Group's relevant employee representative bodies will be duly informed and consulted prior to the establishment of the real estate company and the necessary legal reorganization, with the aim of completing the planned transaction by the end of 2025. At this stage, emeis has received a firm commitment from investors to carry out the transaction described. This transaction would also be subject to customary conditions precedent, including a condition precedent relating to the completion of the necessary reorganization of assets within the vehicle and a condition precedent relating to the authorization of the transaction by certain of emeis' banking partners such that the release of some pledge. The agreement with these investors follows a formal and competitive process of reviewing various strategic options conducted by emeis.

12 Amount expressed as net seller value before repayment of associated debts

13 excluding accrued interest and accrued interest not yet due

14 Net debt excluding IFRS 5 and 16 EBITDA excluding IFRS 16, over 12 rolling months

15 The limited audit procedures on the consolidated interim financial statements have been performed. The limited review report on the consolidated interim financial statements will be issued after the interim financial report has been verified.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007468891/en/

Contacts:

Press contacts

Isabelle HERRIER NAUFLE

Director of Press Relations

e-reputation

07 70 29 53 74

isabelle.herrier@emeis.com

IMAGE 7

Charlotte LE BARBIER // Laurence HEILBRONN

+33 (0)6 78 37 27 60 // +33 (0)6 89 87 61 37

clebarbier@image7.fr

lheilbronn@image7.fr

Investor Relations

Samuel Henry Diesbach

Director of Investor Relations

Capital Markets and Debt

Samuel.henry-diesbach@emeis.com

Toll-free number for shareholders

0 805 480 480

NEWCAP

Dusan ORESANSKY

01 44 71 94 94

emeis@newcap.eu
// NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES //

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) ("BioVaxys" or the "Company") announces that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") consisting of a minimum of 7,058,824 units of the Company ("Units") at an issue price of $0.17 per Unit to raise gross proceeds of $1,200,000 and up to a maximum of 9,411,764 Units for gross proceeds of up to $1,600,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), whereby each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.40 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

The Offering is expected to close on such date as the Company may determine and, in any event, on or before a date not later than 45 days after the date of this news release, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering to drive more organic pipeline growth by (1) pursuing multiple licensing opportunities and research collaborations with DPX where the Company's platform solutions can address specific needs or gaps, making the Company an attractive 'go-to' partner for targeted immunotherapies; (2) identifying remaining GLP supply or production of (non-GMP) preclinical supply of DPX to be used in conducting research, preclinical supply of DPX+peanut antigen for the peanut allergy vaccine program, and additional proof of concept studies for expanding the DPX formulations in mRNA and neoantigens; (3) initiating DPX food allergy program at McMaster University for conducting a preclinical proof of concept study with a DPX peanut antigen prophylaxis vaccine candidate; (4) filing of new patents and maintaining annuity payments for issued patents; and (5) completing remaining immunological data analysis from MVP-S phase 1 studies to complete data packages and prepare this asset for out-licensing in other tumor types.

The Units will be offered for sale to purchasers pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption" or "LIFE"), in each of the Provinces of Canada (except Quebec) and other qualifying jurisdictions. The securities issued and sold pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a 'hold period' pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay finder's fees to eligible finders who introduce subscribers to the Company.

There is an offering document dated October 7, 2025, related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at https://www.biovaxys.com/. Prospective investors should read this LIFE offering document before making an investment decision.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any securities in the United States, or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

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 except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any securities in the United States, or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About BioVaxys Technology Corp.

BioVaxys Technology Corp. (www.biovaxys.com), a biopharmaceuticals company registered in British Columbia, Canada, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient lives with novel immunotherapies based on the DPX immune-educating technology platform and it's HapTenix tumor cell construct platform, for treating cancers, infectious disease, antigen desensitization for food allergy, and other immunological diseases. Through a differentiated mechanism of action, the DPX platform delivers instruction to the immune system to generate a specific, robust, and persistent immune response. The Company's clinical stage pipeline includes maveropepimut-S (MVP-S), based on the DPX platform, and in Phase IIB clinical development for advanced Relapsed-Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and platinum resistant Ovarian Cancer. MVP-S delivers antigenic peptides from survivin, a well-recognized cancer antigen commonly overexpressed in advanced cancers, and also delivers an innate immune activator and a universal CD4 T cell helper peptide. MVP-S has been well tolerated and has demonstrated defined clinical benefit in multiple cancer indications as well as the activation of a targeted and sustained, survivin-specific anti-tumor immune response. BioVaxys is also developing DPX+SurMAGE, a dual-targeted immunotherapy combining antigenic peptides for both the survivin and MAGE-A9 cancer proteins to elicit immune responses to these two distinct cancer antigens simultaneously, DPX-RSV for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, DPX+rPA for peanut allergy prophylaxis, and BVX-0918, a personalized immunotherapeutic vaccine using its proprietary HapTenix 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform for refractive late-stage ovarian cancer.

BioVaxys common shares are listed on the CSE under the stock symbol "BIOV" and trade on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB) and in the U.S. on the OTC Markets (OTCQB marketplace). For more information, visit www.biovaxys.com and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "James Passin"

James Passin, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: +1 740 358 0555

Cautionary Statements on Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Offering, including the size and use of proceeds, the timing and ability of the Company to close the Offering, and obtaining approval of the Offering from the CSE. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by BioVaxys, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies including, primarily but without limitation, the risk that BioVaxys' vaccines will not prove to be effective and/ or will not receive the required regulatory approvals. With regards to BioVaxys' business, there are a number of risks that could affect the development of its biotechnology products, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital to fund clinical trials, its lack of operating history, uncertainty about whether its products will complete the long, complex and expensive clinical trial and regulatory approval process for approval of new drugs necessary for marketing approval, uncertainty about whether its autologous cell vaccine immunotherapy can be developed to produce safe and effective products and, if so, whether its vaccine products will be commercially accepted and profitable, the expenses, delays and uncertainties and complications typically encountered by development stage biopharmaceutical businesses, financial and development obligations under license arrangements in order to protect its rights to its products and technologies, obtaining and protecting new intellectual property rights and avoiding infringement to third parties and their dependence on manufacturing by third parties.

Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms proposed or at all, and the ability to obtain necessary approvals, including the approval of the CSE. BioVaxys does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

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The reunion tour will end in Cleveland in September 2026. Theyll also hit Mexico City, Fort Worth, Texas, Chicago, New York and Toronto.

Five years after their influential drummer and lyricist Neil Peart died of glioblastoma, the Canadian band Rush have announced a reunion tour.

On Monday, Rush co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson revealed a 12-date, seven city tour is scheduled for summer 2026, kicking off in June at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles  where the band played their final show in 2015.

The reunion tour will end in Cleveland in September 2026. Theyll also hit Mexico City, Fort Worth, Texas, Chicago, New York and Toronto.

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Taking Pearts place is celebrated German composer and producer Anika Nilles. She has previously toured with Jeff Beck.

Its been over 10 years since Alex and I have performed the music of Rush alongside our fallen bandmate and friend Neil. A lifetimes worth of songs that we had put our cumulative hearts and souls into writing, recording and playing together onstage, Lee wrote in a statement.

He added that he and Lifeson could not be more excited to introduce Nilles to their fanbase whom, we know, will give her every chance to live up to that near impossible role.

They are also hoping to add additional musicians into the fold for the performances.

Earlier this year, the band released a greatest hits collection titled Rush 50. Fittingly, it ended with the last songs the band played at their final concert a decade ago.

Their 2026 tour is titled Fifty Something.

We are thrilled to support the Fifty Something tour, celebrating a band whose music has resonated and inspired fans for generations, and to honor Neils extraordinary legacy as both a drummer and lyricist, Pearts widow and daughter, Carrie Nuttall-Peart and Olivia Peart, shared in a joint statement.

Neils musicianship was singular As the band enters this new chapter, it promises to be truly unforgettable. We are excited to see how their new vision unfolds, and to hear this legendary music played live once again.
Hamas launched massive coordinated attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, beginning one of the worst wars in West Asia, killing 1,200 people in Israel. Nearly 2,200 rockets were fired towards Israeli cities, thus overwhelming their defence system, the Iron Dome. On this day in 2001, the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania

Police officers evacuate a woman and a child from a site hit by a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel on October 7, 2023. File image/AP

The Israel-Hamas war, still underway in West Asia, began on October 7, 2023. Hamas launched a large-scale, coordinated assault from the Gaza Strip involving rockets, ground incursions, and infiltrations.

On this day in 2001, the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom, a massive military campaign against Afghanistan following the September 11 terror attacks. In 1959, the world witnessed a breakthrough in space exploration when the Soviet Unions Luna 3 spacecraft transmitted the first-ever photographs of the far side of the Moon.

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Here is all that happened on this day.

The Israel-Hamas war broke out

Hamas launched coordinated attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. In the wee hours of the morning, more than 2,200 rockets were fired toward Israeli cities within a short span. This overwhelmed the defence systems. Simultaneously, hundreds of Hamas militants breached the heavily fortified border fence at multiple points, using vehicles, motorcycles, and paragliders to infiltrate nearby Israeli military bases and civilian communities.

The militants targeted over 20 towns and villages, including kibbutzim and small cities, where they committed acts of shocking brutality against civilians. The deadliest single incident occurred at the Nova music festival near the Gaza border, where hundreds of young partygoers were massacred. The attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israelis killed, many of whom were civilians, and over 240 people taken hostage, including children and foreign nationals.

Cars are on fire after they were hit by rockets from the Gaza Strip in Ashkelon, Israel on October 7, 2023. File image/AP

In response to the massacre, Israels security establishment was mobilised under the name Operation Iron Swords. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war on Hamas, initiating a campaign that included immediate and sustained aerial bombardment of Gaza, followed by a large-scale ground invasion. The conflict swiftly expanded beyond military fronts, triggering a deep humanitarian crisis. Over one million displaced Palestinians, widespread infrastructure damage, shortages of medical supplies, and rampant destruction in urban areas marked its early months.

The US-led attack on Afghanistan began

On this day in 2001, the United States launched Operation Enduring Freedom, which was a massive military campaign against Afghanistan. The attack came less than a month after the September 11 terror attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. The US accused al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden, of orchestrating the attacks, and held Afghanistans ruling Taliban regime responsible for providing sanctuary to the group.

The attack began with an aerial bombardment targeting Taliban military installations, communication networks, and al-Qaeda training camps. Cruise missiles and precision-guided bombs were deployed from land and sea, supported by US and British air forces. This marked the opening phase of what would become Americas longest war.

An explosion rocks Baghdad during air strikes unleashed by US-led forces. File image/Reuters

The Taliban, ill-equipped to withstand advanced Western firepower, quickly lost control of key cities. By mid-November, Kabul had fallen, and the Taliban regime collapsed soon after. However, bin Laden and top al-Qaeda leaders managed to escape, many fleeing into Pakistans tribal areas.

The campaign was framed not only as a response to 9/11 but also as part of a broader War on Terror. President George W Bush declared the goal was to dismantle al-Qaeda, remove the Taliban from power, and prevent Afghanistan from being used as a terrorist base again.

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Moons dark side revealed

The Soviet Unions Luna 3 spacecraft transmitted the first-ever photographs of the far side of the Moon, also known as its dark side. Until then, humans had only seen the side of the Moon that permanently faces Earth due to tidal locking. The far side remained a mystery, fuelling scientific curiosity and popular imagination alike.

Launched just two years after the Soviet Union shocked the world with Sputnik 1, Luna 3 marked another leap in the Space Race. The spacecraft carried an advanced imaging system that used photographic film to capture images of the lunar surface. The pictures were then developed, fixed, and scanned onboard before being transmitted back to Earth via radio signals, a pioneering feat of technology for its time.

The images revealed a lunar landscape vastly different from the familiar face visible from Earth. Unlike the near side, which is dominated by broad, dark plains called maria, the far side appeared rugged, heavily cratered, and mountainous, with fewer smooth plains. This discovery reshaped scientific understanding of the Moons geological history and raised questions about why the two sides were so different.

Although the images were blurry and low-resolution by modern standards, they were groundbreaking. The Soviet Union proudly released the photographs, bolstering its image as the leader in space exploration and intensifying its rivalry with the United States, which was racing to catch up.

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This Day, That Year

In 1996, Fox News Channel was launched in the United States.

The Granite Railway, the first chartered railroad in the United States, began service in 1826.

In 1765, the Stamp Act Congress convened in New York City to frame resolutions of rights and grievances of the American colonies.

With inputs from agencies
TikTok, which is owned by Chinas ByteDance, has long been under the scanner from rights groups, parents and authorities about its possible effects on children. Now, a UK-based campaign group has claimed that the algorithm recommended explicit material to accounts created for minors earlier this year. Lets take a closer look

China and US flags are seen near a TikTok logo in this illustration picture taken July 16, 2020. File Image/Reuters

Has TikTok been recommending porn and highly sexualised content to children? A new report by a human rights group has said that the popular social media app did so for accounts it created.

The app, which is owned by Chinas ByteDance, has long been under the scanner from rights groups, parents and authorities about its possible effects on children. Now, a group has claimed that the algorithm recommended explicit material to accounts created for minors earlier this year.

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The United States is currently finalising a purchase of TikTok from China. A consortium led by, among others, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison is set to gain ownership of the app. There is speculation that America will get a separate TikTok app from the rest of the world.

But what happened? What do we know?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

The research was carried out by human rights campaign group Global Witness. Members of the group, which describes itself as an investigative, campaigning organisation, created accounts on TikTok between July and August.

Global Witness on its website said it usually investigates how Big Tech companies business models threaten democratic discourse, human rights and the climate crisis. While it does not usually research online harm to children, it claimed TikToks search bar kept offering up sexually explicit search terms during a previous

investigation.

Global Witness said it immediately reported this to the company. TikTok responded, We have reviewed the content you shared and taken action to remove several search recommendations globally.

However, Global Witness later claimed that TikTok had not resolved the issue. So, it launched a follow-up investigation. It did so after the new Online Safety Act (OSA) came into effect in the UK, the aim of which was to protect children from seeing pornography and other harmful material such as suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders online.

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a UK based campaign group has claimed that the algorithm recommended explicit material to accounts created for minors. Reuters

The law mandates that websites hosting some pornographic content need to implement age-verification checks to stop children accessing them by July 25. Websites were told to verify the age of the users via a number of mechanisms including credit card checks, photo IDs and even selfies.

The law calls for massive fines for websites failing to do so  $24 million (Rs. 212 crore) or 10 per cent of their global revenue, whichever is higher. It also warned that executives of the websites could be jailed if they did not comply with these terms.

How did they do it?

Global Witness researchers, pretending to be 13-year-olds, set up four accounts using false dates of birth. The members of the group claimed that the app did not ask them for any additional information  nor did it seek to authenticate their details.

All the accounts were set up using factory-reset phones with no search histories. The researchers then activated the safety settings including restricted mode. TikTok says that this mode stops its users from seeing mature or complex themes, such as sexually suggestive content.

However, the researchers discovered still seeing overtly sexualised searches in the apps You May Like section. Following some of these terms resulted in videos coming up of women simulating masturbation.

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Other content showed women flashing their underwear in public spots or showing their breasts. It even showed explicit pornographic videos like penetrative sex. Researchers said these videos were inserted into non-explicit material to dodge content moderation.

Ava Lee of Global Witness told the BBC the developments were a huge shock to researchers.

TikTok isnt just failing to prevent children from accessing inappropriate content  its suggesting it to them as soon as they create an account, Lee claimed. Everyone agrees that we should keep children safe online Now its time for regulators to step in.

Britains media regulator Ofcom is in charge of enforcing the law. Ofcom previously warned that it could take websites that do not adhere to these rules and regulations to court and stop them from being accessed in the UK. Ofcom had opened probes over two dozen websites for potentially violating the OSA.

TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps across the world  particularly with young people. Around half of Gen Z users prefer to use TikTok over Google.

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Ofcom says its data shows that children aged eight to 17 spend between two and five hours daily. The data shows that almost all children over the age of 12 have mobile phones. Nearly all of them visit platforms such as YouTube and TikTok to watch videos.

It said TikTok was most popular among eight to 11-year-olds who used social media. This despite TikTok on its website saying users must be at least 13 to use the website. TikTok has said it has over 50 features designed to protect teens. It says nine out of 10 videos that violate its guidelines are removed before they are ever seen.

With inputs from agencies
Two years ago, on October 7, 2023, at the close of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, Hamas launched a massive assault on Israel, marking the deadliest day in the countrys history. Israel then began an offensive to destroy the Palestinian militant group in Gaza. As both sides negotiate for peace, here is a key timeline of events of the war

Two years after the October 7 attack, Gaza lies in ruins. Entire neighbourhoods have been flattened, and the humanitarian crisis continues. File image/Reuters

It was a day that changed everything. On October 7 2023, Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel, breaching the border from Gaza and attacking southern Israeli towns and a desert music festival.

The onslaught, marked by gunfire, rockets, and chaos, left about 1,200 people dead, most of them civilians, and more than 250 taken hostage, according to the Israeli government. Of them, 47 remain captive, including 25 who the Israeli military says are dead.

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The assault, which Israel described as its darkest day in decades, triggered an all-out war that has since left deep scars across both sides.

Israels retaliatory campaign by air, land and sea devastated Gaza. The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reports that at least 67,160 Palestinians have been killed. Entire neighbourhoods were reduced to rubble, with homes, hospitals, schools and water systems destroyed.

Today, hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans live in overcrowded camps and open areas with little access to food, water or sanitation. The UN has declared a famine in parts of the enclave, calling it one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.

Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages still wait for their loved ones return. Global calls for a permanent ceasefire have grown louder as the war entered its second year.

In a recent move to push for peace, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point plan calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, disarmament of Hamas, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Heres a look at the major events that have unfolded since the day the war began.
Kaushik Raj, a 27-year-old Indian, with a $100,000 (Rs 89 lakh) scholarship from the prestigious Columbia University was denied a US visa. While his rejection letter states that he had failed to demonstrate sufficient ties to India, he believes it was because of his critical social media posts

Kaushik Raj believes the real reason behind the student visa denial was linked to social media vetting, a requirement introduced during the Donald Trump administration aimed at tighter scrutiny. Image for Representation.

What does it take to get a US student visa these days? Good grades? A top university? Maybe even a $100,000 (Rs 89 lakh) scholarship? Apparently, not even that is enough.

For 27-year-old Indian journalist Kaushik Raj, getting into Columbia University for a masters in data journalism felt like a dream come true. But that dream ended abruptly when the US denied him a student visa, not for lack of merit or money, but, he believes, because of his social media presence.

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In an interview with The Washington Post, Raj said his rejection letter from the US Consulate stated that he had failed to demonstrate sufficient ties to India. Yet, he insists he never had any intention of overstaying.

His experience isnt an isolated one. In recent months, many Indian students have reported similar visa denials.

So, what exactly happened, and why are students like Raj being denied their American dream? Heres a closer look.

What did Kaushik Rajs rejection letter say?

When Raj collected his passport, he found a rejection letter from the US Consulate. It stated, You were not able to demonstrate that your intended activities in the United States would be consistent with the classification of the nonimmigrant visa for which you applied.

The letter further added: You have not demonstrated that you have the ties that will compel you to return to your home country after your travel to the United States.

Raj, however, dismissed this as a mere excuse. He believes the real reason behind the denial was linked to social media vetting, a requirement introduced during the Trump administration aimed at tighter scrutiny.

I wasnt very active online, he told The Washington Post. I never posted personal opinions on global issues like Gaza. But I did share my reporting  stories on hate crimes and Indias treatment of Muslims.

Kaushik Raj believes the real reason behind the visa denial was linked to social media vetting, a requirement introduced during the Trump administration aimed at tighter scrutiny. Image courtesy: News18

The (visa) interview took place on July 29 and they handed me a slip to make my social media public. On August 4, the application status showed that my application was refused. But on August 11, it changed to administrative processing and then back to refused on August 14, Raj explained t_o Hindustan Times._

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The letter noted that the decision could not be appealed. Raj was told he could only reapply by submitting a fresh application, appearing for another interview, and demonstrating a change in circumstances.

But for now, he has shifted his focus elsewhere. I will apply to the UK now. I still want to study journalism, he said. Just not in a country that punishes you for doing it.

Also read: A new US bill to replace H-1B lottery system? What it means for Indian workers and Big Tech

Rising fear among students over visa rejections

Kaushik Raj is far from the only Indian student facing unexpected visa denials. Several others, despite strong academic records and scholarships, say theyve been rejected after passing all prior steps.

Darsh Vatsa, 18, had secured a scholarship covering nearly all his expenses to study liberal arts at Trinity College, Connecticut. His embassy interview was scheduled for July 10, but on August 19, the day he planned to fly, he received a rejection letter citing a failure to demonstrate ties to India.

Vatsa, who had been outspoken on X and Instagram, was critical of the Indian government and Israels actions in Gaza. He tried self-censoring to safeguard his chances and spent days mass-unliking posts he feared might hurt his application. However, the worst did happen.

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Also read: Want to study in the US? Here's how Trump-proof your social media

But now, he has shifted focus to universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia, and has returned to posting freely online: They will find out what you think regardless, he said.

Despite strong academic records and scholarships, students say theyve been rejected after passing all prior steps. News18/Representational Image

A 26-year-old PhD student at Louisiana State University, speaking anonymously for fear of repercussions, shared a similar experience.

She used to freely criticise both the Indian and American governments on social media but has largely stopped posting online: Anything can be considered grounds for getting deported or your visa getting cancelled, she said.

These cases spotlight a growing trend of rejections linked less to merit or finances and more to perceived intentions or online activity, leaving many students scrambling for alternatives.

Indian student arrivals take a sharp hit

The number of Indian students arriving in the US has taken a dramatic hit.

According to new data from the International Trade Administration, arrivals from India fell by 50 per cent in August 2025, driving an overall 19 per cent year-on-year decline, the fifth month in a row of decreasing numbers.

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The drop comes amid stricter US immigration rules and growing political pressure on universities. Thousands of student visas have reportedly been revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, citing reasons such as legal violations, participation in protests, or even criticism of Israel.

In June, the US temporarily paused all student visa processing to tighten oversight of applicants social media profiles. Officers vetting applications were instructed to flag any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly defended the policy, saying its meant to make sure that guests do not pose national security risks or try to undermine US foreign policy.

For Indian students, these changes have created a climate of uncertainty and fear. Many are now reconsidering the US as a study destination, worried that even their social media activity could jeopardise their dreams of studying abroad.

With input from agencies

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Pakistans courtship of Donald Trump continues. Islamabad has reportedly proposed that the US build and operate a port in the small, coastal fishing town of Pasni, which is located close to Gwadar and the Pakistan-Iran border. If this plan goes ahead, it would have serious implications for India, with New Delhi having to rethink its Arabian Sea strategy and patrols

US President Donald Trump with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Advisers to Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have approached US officials with an offer to build and run a port on the Arabian Sea. File image/White House

Pakistans wooing of Donald Trump continues. After nominating the US president for a Nobel Peace prize and sending him rare earth minerals, Islamabad has reportedly approached US officials with an offer to build and run a port on the Arabian Sea that could give Washington a foothold in the Indian Ocean.

As per a report in the Financial Times, advisers to Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir floated the idea to US officials and investors of constructing and operating a commercial port in Pasni to export critical minerals.

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This move has implications not only for India, but also Pakistans long-time ally, China. Heres all that we know.

Pakistans Pasni port offer

After Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir met Donald Trump at the White House last month, it is reported that the Pakistani army chiefs advisors floated the idea of building and running a port in the town of Pasni.

As per the Financial Times, which accessed the plan, Pakistan envisages American investors developing the seaside fishing town of Pasni as a terminal for access to Pakistans critical minerals.

The proposed port at Pasni would be linked to a new railway to transport minerals from Pakistans interior, the advisers said, in particular copper and antimony, a vital ingredient in batteries, fire-retardant and missiles. A blueprint anticipated the port would cost up to $1.2 billion with a proposed financing model that would be a mix of Pakistani federal and US-backed development finance.

The plans further state that the Pasni port would exclude direct basing, which means that it wouldnt be used as a US military installation.

The proposed port in Pasni holds strategic importance. It is about 70 miles from the China-backed Gwadar port and 100 miles from the Iran-Pakistan border. It sits on a natural deep-water harbour and could be linked by railways to Pakistans mineral-rich interior, making it an ideal hub for exports.

US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, in Washington in September. File image/PTI

Pakistan refutes report

Notably, after the _Financial Time_s report made headlines across the world, a senior security official told state-run Pakistan TV that no such proposal had been floated. He added that any discussions on the idea were purely exploratory.

Conversations with private companies were exploratory, not official initiatives, the state-run digital outlet quoted him as saying on condition of anonymity. There is no plan to hand over Pasnis security to any foreign power. The chief of army staff does not have advisers in any official capacity. Linking these ideas directly to him is misleading and inaccurate, he added, saying the army chief should not be directly linked with any such proposals.

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However, the US State Department, White House and Pakistans army and foreign ministry have yet to comment on the report.

Pakistan courts Trump

The reported proposal to offer US to construct a port in Pasni seems to be part of Pakistans continued courtship of Donald Trump.

Since Trump returned to the White House earlier this year, Islamabad has been making overtures to the American leader and wooing him. This is a complete reversal from the previous US administration where Joe Biden kept Pakistan at arms length.

Now, the Pakistani establishment has been adapting several strategies to enhance ties of which the Pasni port is one. Other efforts include collaboration with a Trump-backed crypto venture, recommending him for the Nobel Peace prize, endorsing Trumps Gaza peace plan, and even offering access to Pakistans critical minerals and developing oil reserves.

Implications for US, China, Pakistan and India

While it isnt clear if Pakistan has indeed offered the Arabian Sea port to the US, it has created quite a buzz for the implications it could have.

For the US, it would be a win-win if Pakistan would offer the Arabian Sea port. Thats because it would give Washington a foothold in the Arabian Sea and Central Asia  both regions where America would want to impose its presence in an effort to counter China.

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For Pakistan, the offer of the Pasni port to the US seems to be a step to balance out its overdependence on China. Islamabad is deeply indebted to China; it has poured billions into the ambitious and exorbitant CPEC project. However, by offering the US a port just a few miles away from Gwadar, which is the centrepiece of the CPEC, it may risk Chinas ire with some experts noting that it is a risky manoeuvre.

Pakistan risks Chinas ire through its offer to the US to build and operate Pasni port in the Arabian Sea, close to by Gwadar, which is the centrepiece of the CPEC. File image/Reuters

In fact, the blueprint accessed by the Financial Times stated, Pasnis proximity to Iran and Central Asia enhances US options for trade and security Engagement at Pasni would counterbalance Gwadar and expand US influence in the Arabian Sea and Central Asia.

Speaking on the China aspect, one advisor was even quoted telling the Financial Times, We dont need to consult the Chinese as its outside the Gwadar concession.

The Pasni port would also act as guarantee to Pakistan against India. For instance, during Operation Sindoor, Indian Navy warships were ready to launch attacks on Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistans warships were not in sight. Islamabad believes that if the US had its presence in the Arabian Sea it would protect Pakistan from any action through the waters.

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If the US was to build and operate the Pasni port, India would have to rethink its patrols in the Arabian Sea. File image/Reuters

For India, the Pasni port complicates the existing dynamics. Pasni sits very close to Indias Chabahar port in Iran  creating a three-way competition along the Arabian Sea coast. India uses Chabahar as its gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, having invested $250 million and signed a 10-year deal with Iran to run the port earlier this year.

Moreover, with the Pasni port, the Arabian Sea would now also have the presence of the US ships, along with Chinese and Pakistani vessels. This would mean that India would have to rethink its watches, patrols, and maintain influence along the countrys western coast. Even without a military base, having US shipping infrastructure in Pakistan could change how quickly countries can respond during regional tensions.

We will just have to wait and watch to how the situation unfolds but one thing is clear  Pakistan is trying all that it can to capitalise on the recent geopolitical shifts in South Asia.

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With inputs from agencies
Tim Cook may be preparing to step down from Apple after more than a decade at the helm and speculation is growing about who could take his place. Senior executives such as Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, Senior Vice President John Ternus, and software head Craig Federighi are viewed as potential successors

Apple CEO Tim Cook holds an iPhone Air, as Apple holds an event at the Steve Jobs Theater on its campus in Cupertino, California, US, September 9, 2025. File Image/Reuters

As Apple enters the final quarter of the year, attention within and beyond Silicon Valley is turning towards one pressing question: who will succeed Tim Cook?

With the Apple chief executive officer (CEO) turning 65 next month, reports indicate that a significant reshuffling of Apples senior leadership is already underway, suggesting that the company may be preparing for its most substantial management transition in more than a decade.

For a company that has long prided itself on organisational stability, Apple now finds itself in a moment of executive turnover, reported Bloomberg.

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During Tim Cooks 14-year tenure as CEO, Apple managed to avoid the frequent high-level departures that typically accompany corporate expansion on a global scale.

Yet several senior figures who helped shape Apples recent history have now either stepped aside or are preparing to do so.

Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams, once widely regarded as Cooks natural successor, has already begun to withdraw from day-to-day operations.

Having relinquished many of his duties to long-time Apple executive Sabih Khan in July, Williams is expected to formally leave by the end of this year.

His decision marks the latest stage in what industry observers describe as a broad changing of the guard.

Williamss retirement follows the earlier exits of influential figures such as design chief Jony Ive, retail head Angela Ahrendts, and former Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri.

Even after stepping down from their primary roles, several of these executives continued to contribute in advisory capacities  Phil Schiller, for instance, remains involved in the management of the App Store and Apples product-launch events despite relinquishing his senior marketing post in 2020.

However, that continuity can only last so long.

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The internal reshuffle now under way appears to be a deliberate preparation for the next phase of Apples leadership, one that will inevitably come when Cook decides to step back.

According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, With Cook turning 65 next month, Apple has reportedly begun internal discussions about who will take over the CEO role, keeping the succession plan a key topic within the company.

John Ternus, the next Apple CEO?

Among all the names being discussed, John Ternus, Apples Senior Vice-President of Hardware Engineering, has increasingly emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Cook.

Sources familiar with Apples internal dynamics describe Ternus as both trusted by the current CEO and widely respected within the companys engineering ranks.

Ternus has spent nearly a quarter of a century at Apple, having joined in 2001. Over that period, he has overseen many of Apples most successful product lines and technological developments.

His steady rise through the ranks culminated in his appointment as senior vice-president in 2021, a role that gave him oversight of hardware design across Apples portfolio of devices.

Gurman notes that John Ternus, Apples Vice President of Hardware Engineering with 24 years at the company, is reportedly the leading candidate, a view reinforced by both his track record and his age.

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At 50, Ternus is exactly the same age Cook was when he succeeded Steve Jobs in 2011, placing him in a similar position to lead Apple for a decade or more should he take over.

Ternuss growing influence has also been evident in Apples public communications. In recent product launches, he has increasingly represented the company on stage and in the media  roles once reserved almost exclusively for Cook.

He introduced the iPhone Air, Apples first major redesign in several years, and played a central role during the unveiling of the iPhone 17 range.

In September, he was photographed greeting customers at Apples Regent Street store in London on the launch day of the new iPhones, a symbolic gesture once carried out by Cook himself at Apples Fifth Avenue store in New York.

Ternus is also well-regarded by Apple loyalists and has Cooks trust, Gurman wrote, adding that his visibility and involvement in key decision-making processes have reinforced his credibility as a potential CEO successor.

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Beyond charisma and public recognition, Ternus brings extensive technical expertise  an attribute that could appeal to Apples board as it seeks to navigate new technological frontiers.

Analysts believe that his engineering background positions him well to lead the company through challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, mixed-reality devices, and advanced chip development, fields where Apple has invested heavily but where results have sometimes lagged behind expectations.

How is Apples executive landscape changing?

Apples leadership transformation extends well beyond the question of who will become the next CEO. Several of the companys most senior executives are themselves evaluating their futures, contributing to a broader sense of transition across multiple divisions.

Among those potentially nearing the end of their tenures is Johny Srouji, the head of Apples Hardware Technologies group.

Srouji has been responsible for overseeing the design of Apples proprietary A-series and M-series processors, as well as the companys first in-house cellular modem, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth chips.

His leadership has been instrumental in helping Apple achieve self-reliance in critical semiconductor technologies, a strategy that has insulated the firm from supply-chain vulnerabilities affecting many of its competitors.

Srouji is said to be evaluating his future, though no final decision has been made.

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If he were to depart, individuals familiar with the division suggest that his likely internal successors would be Zongjian Chen, who manages Apples modem and connectivity teams, and Sri Santhanam, who leads the development of the main application processors powering the companys devices.

Elsewhere, John Giannandrea, the head of Apples artificial intelligence unit, has faced ongoing scrutiny following difficulties surrounding the rollout of Apple Intelligence and the companys much-publicised attempts to overhaul Siri.

While Giannandrea has so far retained his position, Bloomberg reports that Apple has been exploring potential leadership changes within its AI operations, including the possibility of recruiting senior talent from outside the company.

Among those considered is an unnamed senior executive at Meta Platforms Inc., whose restructuring of its own AI division earlier this year created opportunities for movement across the industry.

Another senior figure contemplating her next steps is Lisa Jackson, Apples Vice-President for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives.

The former head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, appointed in 2013, has significantly broadened her role at Apple to include government relations, accessibility, and social responsibility.

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Known for her focus on environmental sustainability, Jackson has maintained a lower public profile during President Donald Trumps second term, with her deputies taking on a greater share of the companys interactions with the administration.

Any new faces within Apple?

While some of Apples long-time executives prepare for retirement or reassignment, the company continues to cultivate new leaders.

Each October, Apple traditionally promotes a group of directors to vice-president level  an important layer in the corporate hierarchy just below the senior leadership team.

This year, Apple announced several notable additions to its vice-presidential ranks. Fletcher Rothkopf, who has been a key figure in the development of the Vision Pro headset, will now oversee much of the hardware engineering for Apples forthcoming smart glasses.

Omar Alwarid, an operations specialist focusing on procurement, and Ivan Krstic, who heads Apples security engineering division, were also elevated.

Together, these appointments highlight Apples emphasis on hardware innovation, supply-chain efficiency, and product security  core areas that underpin the companys next generation of devices.

These structural changes come as Apple prepares to report its financial results for the final quarter of the year.

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The upcoming earnings announcement, expected at the end of this month, will provide an early indication of how the iPhone 17 range and other recently introduced products have performed in their initial weeks on the market.

However, as the quarter includes only a brief period of iPhone 17 sales, analysts expect the more comprehensive results to appear in early 2026, following the holiday season.

What comes next for Tim Cook?

Despite the growing speculation, Tim Cook remains fully engaged in Apples operations. The CEO recently completed an extensive tour of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan, meeting with partners, developers, and regional teams.

Insiders describe him as continuing to oversee strategic direction across all divisions, even as responsibilities have increasingly been delegated to other executives.

Cooks approach to leadership has long been characterised by a steady hand, operational precision, and an emphasis on sustainability and privacy.

Under his stewardship, Apples valuation has soared to nearly US$4 trillion, making it one of the most profitable enterprises in corporate history. The question now is not whether Cooks influence will fade, but rather how Apple will manage his eventual transition.

When the time comes, it is expected that Cook will remain connected to the company in a senior advisory or board capacity. According to Bloombergs analysis, When Cook eventually steps down as CEO, its likely he would remain involved in some capacity  perhaps as board chairman.

This arrangement would mirror similar transitions made by other technology leaders, such as Jeff Bezos at Amazon, Bill Gates at Microsoft, and Larry Ellison at Oracle, ensuring strategic continuity during a period of change.

That continuity may prove especially significant in the current political and economic environment.

Tim Cooks eventual departure  whenever it comes  will mark the end of an era for Apple.

Yet, even as Apple remains financially strong, it faces mounting pressure to deliver breakthroughs in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and autonomous systems.

These challenges may explain why a technologist like John Ternus is increasingly viewed as the right kind of leader for Apples next chapter.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act after courts blocked his deployment of National Guard troops to major US cities. But what is this law from 1807? When can it be invoked?

Members of the National Guard carry firearms while patrolling the National Mall, weeks after US President Donald Trump ordered the National Guard and law enforcement to patrol the nation's capital to assist in crime prevention, in Washington. On Monday, US President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to recent court rulings that have blocked his efforts to deploy the National Guard in major American cities. File image/Reuters

Donald Trump is facing a battle against states as he pushes for the deployment of the National Guard to Portland, Oregon, and to Chicago to suppress protests and bolster immigration enforcement. Recently, the National Guard was also deployed in recent months to Los Angeles and Washington.

However, a federal judge in Oregon temporarily halted the deployment of National Guard troops in Portland, while another judge in Illinois allowed a similar move in Chicago. And it seems that this move hasnt sat well with the US president, who on Monday, announced that he was open to using the Insurrection Act to deploy the military if the courts prevented him from doing so.

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Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said, We have an Insurrection Act for a reason. If I had to enact it I would do that.

If people were being killed and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure I would do that, added the US president. However, he noted that he did not yet see the need to use the Insurrection Act.

Trump "We have an Insurrection Act for a reason. If I had to enact it, I'd to that ... if courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I'd do that." pic.twitter.com/KNrmrMKzri  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 6, 2025

If Trump was to go ahead and invoke this law, it would be the first time that it has been implemented since the 1992 Los Angeles riots. But this isnt the first time Trump has played with the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act  during the 2024 campaign, he said he would use the law to suppress unrest. And at the end of his first term in office, some of his supporters urged him to invoke the law to try to hold onto power after his loss to former President Joe Biden.

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But what exactly is the Insurrection Act? Can Trump really implement it and what powers does the law bestow upon the US president?

What exactly is the Insurrection Act?

Typically, the use of federal troops on US soil is mostly prohibited. The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act limits the military from being involved in civilian law enforcement unless Congress approves it or under circumstances expressly authorised by the Constitution.

However, theres one exception to it  the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that grants the US president emergency powers to deploy troops on home soil. According to the Brennan Centre for Justice, although it is often referred to as the Insurrection Act of 1807, the law is actually an amalgamation of different statutes enacted by Congress between 1792 and 1871.

A protester holds a sign at a rally regarding President Donald Trumps plan to deploy National Guard members in Portland, in Portland, Oregon. Reuters

The Insurrection Act states, in part: Whenever there is an insurrection in any state against its government, the president may, upon the request of its legislature or of its governor if the legislature cannot be convened, call into federal service such of the militia of the other states, in the number requested by that state, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to suppress the insurrection.

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Another provision of the law states it can be used whenever the president considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any state by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings.

When can the Insurrection law be implemented and how?

The Insurrection Act can be invoked by the US president on the request of a states governor or legislature. However, the final authority rests with the US president, in this case  Donald Trump.

One part of the Insurrection Act states that the president could deploy federal troops if a states legislature (or governor if the legislature is unavailable) requests federal aid to suppress an insurrection in that state.

The president can also invoke the Insurrection Act against the states wishes. In fact, Section 252 permits deployment in order to enforce the laws of the United States or to suppress rebellion whenever unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion make it impracticable to enforce federal law in that state by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings.

Demonstrators seen as federal agents, including members of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Border Patrol, hold back protesters outside a downtown US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon. The facility has become a focal point of nightly protests against the Trump administration and his announcement that he will be sending National Guard troops into Portland. AFP

Meanwhile, Section 253 allows the president to use the military in a state to suppress any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy that so hinders the execution of the laws that any portion of the states inhabitants are deprived of a constitutional right and state authorities are unable or unwilling to protect that right.

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Section 253 also permits the president to deploy troops to suppress any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy in a state that opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws.

Legal experts note that the law is quite broad and vague and have called for it to be reformed in an attempt to issue checks on presidential power.

How has the Insurrection Act been used in the past?

Theres been a handful of times that the Insurrection Act has been invoked in American history. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, it has been invoked in response to 30 crises, dating as far back as Abraham Lincoln in the US Civil War. Even former US President Ulysses S Grant invoked it against a wave of racist violence by the Ku Klux Klan after the war.

In the modern era, Presidents Dwight D Eisenhower and John F Kennedy invoked the Insurrection Act to facilitate school integration after the Supreme Courts landmark Brown v Board of Education ruling, which noted that racial segregation in public schools race was unconstitutional.

The Insurrection Act was last invoked in 1992 during President George Bushs tenure when massive riots broke out in Los Angeles after four white police officers were acquitted in the beating of a Black man, Rodney King.

Federal agents arrest a protester outside a downtown US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Portland, Oregon. The facility has become a focal point of nightly protests against the Trump administration and President Trumps announcement that he will be sending National Guard troops into Portland. AFP

Why is Trump talking about the Insurrection Act?

Trumps comments on the Insurrection Act on Monday (October 6) come after two court rulings over the weekend blocked the US administration from deploying hundreds of out-of-state National Guard troops to Oregon. Judge Karin Immergut, an appointee of Trump, initially blocked his deployment of military forces on Saturday and then broadened her restraining order on Sunday.

Trump has been pushing to National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities such as Chicago and Portland, citing the current law and order over there. Earlier, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called Chicago, the third-largest US city a war zone. Similarly, Trump has called Portland war-ravaged.

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, even sued the Trump administration in an attempt to block the deployment of National Guard troops to the streets of Chicago. He told reporters, There is no insurrection here. Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and pawns in his illegal attempt to militarise our nations cities, he added.

Pritzker: The Trump administration is following a playbook: Cause chaos, create fear and confusion, make it seem that peaceful protesters are a mob by firing gas pellets and tear gas canisters at them. Why? To create the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act. pic.twitter.com/bSlHVEaQPo  The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) October 6, 2025

And it seems that most Americans are with Pritzker and others who oppose Trumps National Guard deployment. A CBS poll on Sunday found that 58 per cent oppose deploying the National Guard to US cities.

Now, the question is: Will Trump listen to the American people and pull back the National Guard or will he go ahead and do what no US president has done for more than two decades?

With inputs from agencies
As the 2025 Nobel Prize announcements trickle in, Donald Trump is hoping to bag the prestigious peace prize  this time tying his latest bid to his proposed Gaza peace plan. Despite touting the Abraham Accords and claiming credit for ending multiple wars, experts suggest his aggressive lobbying and polarising diplomacy may hinder his long-sought Nobel ambition

Activists carry signs during a protest against President Donald Trump's federal takeover of policing of the District of Columbia, August 16, 2025, in Washington, DC, US. File Image/AP

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize announcement is scheduled for Friday, and much of the attention this year revolves around one name: Donald J Trump.

The US President, who has long expressed his desire to win the worlds most coveted peace award, has renewed his push for the honour  this time linking it to his proposed plan to end the nearly two-year Gaza war between Israel and Hamas.

Trump, who often portrays himself as a dealmaker and global negotiator, believes his diplomatic initiatives  particularly the Abraham Accords of 2020 and his recent Gaza peace roadmap  qualify him for the prize.

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Yet, while his campaign for recognition has been unusually public and aggressive, experts on international diplomacy and the Nobel process say his chances remain slim.

Trumps pursuit of the Nobel

Donald Trumps fixation on the Nobel Peace Prize is not new.

Since his first term in the White House, he has publicly argued that his foreign policy achievements merited the same distinction awarded to several of his predecessors.

Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump told a gathering of diplomats at the United Nations last month, repeating a claim he has made for years.

Trump has frequently reminded audiences that he deserves the prize, boasting that he has ended seven wars and hinting that a breakthrough in Gaza could mark his eighth.

Addressing a group of military officials at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, he declared, Nobodys ever done that. Will you get the Nobel Prize? Absolutely not. Theyll give it to some guy that didnt do a damn thing.

These remarks reflect both Trumps confidence and his frustration with the Nobel Committee, which he has accused of ignoring his accomplishments.

His pursuit of the award has, at times, resembled an international lobbying effort  one that includes endorsements, formal nominations, and behind-the-scenes diplomatic outreach to Norway, the country responsible for selecting the laureate.

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Trumps Gaza peace initiative

The centrepiece of Trumps latest bid for the Nobel is his Gaza peace plan, a proposal he recently unveiled as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its third year on Tuesday.

The initiative outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops, the release of hostages, and the reconstruction of Gaza under international supervision.

According to details revealed in recent briefings, Trumps plan envisions a multi-stage process: first, Hamas would free the hostages it holds, followed by a partial Israeli pullout; in return, Palestinian groups would agree to disarm and accept external monitoring of reconstruction aid.

Trump has suggested that Israel has already signalled acceptance of the initial withdrawal line.

The proposal, in theory, could lead to a lasting ceasefire. However, reality on the ground tells a more complicated story.

Despite Trumps public appeals for calm, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza after his announcement, killing 66 people. While Hamas has indicated openness to a temporary truce, it has not yet agreed to full disarmament, one of the key conditions of Trumps plan.

For now, the region remains tense, with Israeli forces still operating inside Gaza City and maintaining control over large areas of the West Bank.

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Analysts have called Trumps proposal ambitious but uncertain, pointing out that it faces numerous political and logistical challenges before it can produce tangible peace.

How Nobel nominations work

Every year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, a five-member panel appointed by Norways parliament, selects the Peace Prize laureate.

The process is secretive: while hundreds of individuals and organisations submit nominations, the committees deliberations remain sealed for 50 years.

Thousands of people worldwide  including heads of state, parliamentarians, university professors, and past Nobel laureates  are eligible to nominate candidates.

In 2025, there are reportedly 338 nominees, though only a few names have become public.

Trumps name has appeared among nominees several times since 2018, and his supporters have continued to put him forward.

US Representative Claudia Tenney, a Republican from New York, officially nominated him again this year, citing his leadership in establishing the Abraham Accords, which normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco in 2020.

That nomination was submitted before the February 1 deadline, making it valid for consideration this year.

Other nominations  including those from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pakistans government, and leaders in Cambodia  arrived after the deadline, meaning they will not be reviewed for the 2025 award.

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The Pakistani and Cambodian nominations credited Trump with mediating military tensions between their countries and their neighbours, India and Thailand, respectively.

Not all of Trumps nominations have lasted. A Ukrainian lawmaker who had initially nominated him withdrew the submission after Trump failed to condemn a Russian missile strike on Kyiv.

The behind-the-scenes campaign

Trumps allies have also been actively campaigning for his Nobel candidacy. According to reports from Bloomberg, Steve Witkoff, Trumps Middle East envoy, urged the Norwegian committee to come to its senses and recognise Trumps achievements.

Witkoff reportedly warned that denying Trump the prize would be a major insult to America.

The campaign has extended beyond diplomacy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in contact with European officials to rally support for Trumps candidacy, while Trump himself is said to have personally spoken with Norways finance minister Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the award.

Corporate leaders have also joined the chorus. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla praised Trumps role in launching Operation Warp Speed during the Covid-19 pandemic, calling it an initiative that accelerated vaccine development and improved the ability to diagnose the virus.

Bourla suggested that such an effort was typically worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.

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However, many observers believe that overt lobbying could undermine his chances, as the Nobel Committee traditionally resists external pressure and determines independence from political influence.

Why experts say Trumps chances are slim

Despite the visibility of his campaign, experts on international diplomacy and Nobel history say Trumps path to the prize is far from certain.

The committee typically favours sustained efforts that promote long-term stability and international cooperation, rather than short-term agreements or unilateral declarations.

Theres a huge difference between getting fighting to stop in the short-term and resolving the root causes of the conflict, said Theo Zenou, historian and research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society.

He noted that Trumps confrontational tone and scepticism toward global institutions contrast with the qualities the Nobel Committee often rewards.

Zenou added that Trumps dismissive stance on climate change  an issue widely regarded as a global peace concern  might further diminish his appeal to the committee.

I dont think they would award the most prestigious prize in the world to someone who does not believe in climate change, he told AP.

When you look at previous winners who have been bridge-builders, embodied international cooperation and reconciliation: These are not words we associate with Donald Trump.

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Nina Grger, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, said that Trumps public campaign could backfire. The committee wont want to appear to be caving in to political pressure, she explained.

Trumps prospects for the prize this year are a long shot. His rhetoric does not point in a peaceful perspective.

The Nobels past controversies

The Nobel Peace Prize has not been without its share of disputes. The most notable example came in 2009, when the committee awarded the prize to then-US President Barack Obama only nine months into his first term.

Critics argued that Obama had not yet made any concrete achievements in peacebuilding.

In his memoir, former committee secretary Geir Lundestad admitted that the decision was partly aspirational  intended to encourage Obamas diplomatic agenda  but conceded that the committee did not achieve what it had hoped.

The backlash from that award continues to influence the committees deliberations. Analysts believe the group will avoid any decision that could be seen as politically motivated or premature, particularly involving a US president.

Trump himself has frequently compared his record to Obamas, arguing that he has done far more to advance peace.

If my name were Obama, Id have gotten the Nobel Prize in 10 seconds, he said in October last year.

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Other contenders for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

According to betting agencies, this years Nobel Peace Prize race features several strong candidates. Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who died in prison in 2024, is considered a leading favourite.

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died in a prison camp, addresses the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France, February 28, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Humanitarian organisations operating in Sudan, where civil war has persisted for more than two years, are also prominent contenders.

Trump ranks third among bookmakers odds, but analysts caution that betting trends rarely predict the actual outcome.

The last head of government to win the Peace Prize was Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019, honoured for his efforts to reconcile with Eritrea.

However, Ethiopia later plunged into a devastating civil conflict, leading many to question the durability of that peace and the committees selection criteria.

Norways delicate position

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is technically independent, but the countrys government often faces diplomatic implications from its decisions.

Reports suggest that some Norwegian officials are concerned about a potential backlash from Washington if Trump is passed over again.

Tensions between the two countries have already escalated after Norways sovereign wealth fund divested from several Israeli firms and the US company Caterpillar, citing the Gaza conflict.

The move prompted threats of tariffs from the US, adding to the unease in Oslo.

While the Nobel Committee operates separately from the Norwegian state, the optics of denying an American president the Peace Prize amid such tensions could prove diplomatically awkward.

What next

The Nobel Peace Prize, first awarded in 1901, remains the only Nobel award decided outside Sweden  a distinction based on Alfred Nobels will of 1895, which stipulated that Norway should handle the peace category.

The laureate receives a gold medal, diploma, and a monetary prize of 11 million Swedish krona (about US $1.19 million), along with international prestige and recognition.

For Trump, winning the Nobel Peace Prize would symbolise vindication  not only of his foreign policy but also of his image as a negotiator capable of reshaping global politics.

The world will know the committees verdict when the Nobel Peace Prize is revealed in Oslo at 12 pm local time on October 10, 2025.

Also Watch:

With inputs from agencies
Tarique Rahman, the de facto chief of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has said his return to the country is imminent ahead of next years polls. Rahman, 59, has been in self-imposed exile in London for nearly two decades

Tarique Rahmans return comes after the Bangladesh government, headed by Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus, announced that elections would be held in February 2026: Image courtesy: trahmanbnp/Instagram

Tarique Rahman is set to return to Bangladesh.

The de facto chief of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and son of a former prime minister has said his return to the country is imminent. Rahman, 59, has been in self-imposed exile in London for nearly two decades.

For some reasonable reasons my return has not happened but the time has come, and I will return soon," Rahman said on Monday. The BNP chief, giving his first interview in nearly two decades, confirmed that he is running in the upcoming election and added that the people will decide whether he will become prime minister.

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Rahmans return comes after the Bangladesh government, headed by Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus, announced that elections would be held in February 2026. Rahman met Yunus in London earlier this year.

But who is Rahman? What does his return mean for Bangladesh?

Early years

Rahman was born on 20 November 1965 in northern Bangladeshs Bogura. His mother is Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. His father, Ziaur Rahman, the former Bangladesh president and general who fought in the 1971 Liberation War, was assassinated in 1981.

Rahman studied at the Shaheen High School and College  from which he cleared Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). He then went to the prestigious Dhaka Residential Model College.

He is said to have pursued international relations and political science at Dhaka University. Rahman then entered the private sector  investing in textiles and shipping services and founding several successful businesses. He is married to Zubaida Rahman, a physician.

Political career

His political career began when he joined the BNPs Bogra committee. Rahman is said to have played a key role in the lead-up to the 1991 parliamentary elections, which were held after eight years of military rule.

That election resulted in a BNP landslide and Zia being sworn in as the countrys first woman prime minister and the second Muslim female prime minister in the world (after Benazir Bhutto). The BNP would lose the 1996 polls to the Hasina-led Awami League only to return to power in 2001. This was when Rahman was appointed the partys senior joint secretary general. It is at this time, when his mother was ruling, that Rahman made a journey across Bangladesh and established strong ties with the grassroots.

In 2009, Rahman was elevated to the position of senior vice chairman of the BNP. By now, the Awami League led by Hasina was back in power and she was prime minister for the second time. Rahman left Bangladesh for London shortly before Hasina assumed office. He had since kept a low profile and was rarely seen in public other than at weddings of prominent members of the Bangladeshi diaspora or events marking national holidays. However, Rahman did give speeches outlining the physical and psychological turmoil he had faced while he had been imprisoned by the previous military government.

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Hasina had held on to power in Bangladesh since taking office in 2009. Independent observers had said polls won by her party  in 2014 and 2018  were marred by irregularities. Her years in power were also marked by crackdowns on critics, dissent, and accusations of human rights violations. In August 2015, the Bangladesh High Court had banned media and online outlets from publishing or broadcasting any of Rahmans speeches. This came after he said the BNP would continue its stir against the government until Hasina resigned.

Khaleda Zia was Bangladeshs first woman prime minister. Reuters

In 2018, Rahman was convicted in absentia of masterminding a deadly grenade attack on a campaign rally for Hasina in 2004 that left 20 dead and Hasina herself injured. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. Rahman had insisted the charge was fabricated. He also had several graft and criminal cases lodged against him.

Zia, meanwhile, that same year, was convicted by the Bangladesh High Court and sentenced to prison for over a decade in a corruption case. It was at this time that Rahman became de facto chief of the BNP and took a hand in the day-to-day running of the party via video calls and phone conferences with the rank and file. He was also said to stay in touch with the cadre via WhatsApp and Zoom. Zia in 2020 was put under house arrest by Hasina with two conditions  she could not travel abroad nor could she dabble in politics.

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The BNP in 2023 had held huge rallies, industrial strikes, and road blockades, bringing Dhaka to a standstill. The campaign demanded the resignation of Hasina and the establishment of a neutral caretaker government to oversee the election. A rally in October 2023 ended in bloodshed and the BNP said about 25,000 opposition activists had been arrested in the ensuing crackdown. The government claimed that figure was at 11,000.

Hasina had accused Rahman of orchestrating violence from abroad. We will not allow him to give orders from London to harm and kill people, she had said. Rahman, meanwhile, fired back, claiming any election under the Hasina government would be a sham designed to perpetuate Hasinas rule.

Rahman and his wife were convicted in absentia of amassing wealth beyond their income in August 2023. Rahman was given nine years in prison while his wife was sentenced to three years in jail. The BNP had boycotted the 2024 election which Hasina won.

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Hasina was eventually deposed in August 2024 by a student-led uprising. Zia herself was released from house arrest after the fall of the Hasina government in August 2024. She was later acquitted by the Bangladesh Supreme Court in January 2025. Rahman himself has been cleared of all charges since Hasinas ouster. The Bangladesh High Court in August 2024 also reversed its ban on the dissemination of Rahmans speeches.

What does his return mean for Bangladesh?

Rahman hails from one of the two major political dynasties in Bangladesh.

After all, his mother, Zia, a thrice-elected former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, is an archrival of Sheikh Hasina. The two women had come together to restore democracy to Bangladesh only for them to turn bitter enemies during the 1990s. Rahmans father, Ziaur, a former army chief, had taken over the reins of the country after the assassination of Hasinas father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Zia, 80, who remains chairperson of the BNP, is in failing health and has been for a long time. She was taken to London earlier this year for advanced treatment at Rahmans home under the supervision of her doctors for liver cirrhosis and heart problems. In August, she was taken for a health check-up at the Evercare Hospital in Dhaka.

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She went to jail in good health and returned with ailments, she was deprived of her right to proper treatment, Rahman said. But if her health permits, she will definitely contribute to the election. However, despite his optimism, it remains unlikely that she will make a full-time or even partial return to the rough and tumble of Bangladesh politics.

Sheikh Hasina was eventually deposed in August 2024 by a student-led uprising. Reuters

With the 78-year-old Hasina now living in India, Rahmans return to the country could potentially see the restoration of one of Bangladeshs two major political dynasties. With his top-notch organisational acumen and his strong grassroots connect, Rahman could be a major force to reckon with.

However, Rahmans political career has long been the subject of controversy. A leaked US embassy cable from 2008 calls him a notorious and widely feared  symbol of kleptocratic government who had flagrantly demanded bribes in return for procurement decisions and political appointments.

Also, Bangladesh seems to be in the mood for change. Rahman and the BNP also face new challenges after the Hasina-led Awami League was dissolved and many of its members remain imprisoned or in hiding. The Jamaat-e-Islami, the countrys largest Islamist party, has been gaining ground. The National Citizen Party (NCP) comprising some of the students who led the overthrow of Hasina, are also in the running for the upcoming polls  seemingly with the backing of Yunus himself.

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The development also comes as the BNP has agreed to support the July Declaration of the interim government headed by Yunus. The declaration, made on 5 August 2025, the first anniversary of the ouster of Hasina, calls for the 2024 July uprising to be enshrined in the Constitution.

It also demands the trial of deposed Awami League leaders, recognition of those killed in the uprising, and protection for protesters involved in

the movement. Those who are responsible for such cruelties, those who ordered them, must be punished. This is not about vengeance, Tarique said. Rahman has expressed optimism about the upcoming election. I strongly believe people cannot support a political party or its activists who murder, forcibly disappear people, or launder money, he added.

But it remains to be seen whether Rahman can connect with the youth and the broader public upon his return and whether the BNP will return to power after decades in exile.

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With inputs from agencies
Frances Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has resigned just a month after taking office. The development comes as Emmanuel Macron, who has insisted he will serve out his term as president till 2027, struggles to find an option who can bring together a divided parliament. But what happens next in France?

The pressure is building on Macron like never before as yet another Prime Minister resigns under his leadership. AFP

In what has become an all-too-familiar turn of events, Frances Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has resigned. The development comes just a month after Lecornu, a loyalist of French President Emmanuel Macron, took office.

Macron, after the news, was filmed taking a walk along the River Seine in Paris, the French president engrossed in a phone call as his security team shadowed him from afar.

While the contents of his phone call remain a mystery, the image instantly symbolised Macrons isolated position. He is clearly facing a tough set of choices, with all his remaining options fraught with hazard.

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But what will Macron, who must step down as president in 2027 after serving the maximum two terms allowed, do next? Can he bring stability back to France?

Can Lecornu be reappointed as PM?

This is possible because Bruno Le Maire, the loyal ex-finance minister whose defence appointment had triggered the political crisis, has to step down from the government.

Following the announcement by the Elysee that Lecornu had two days to finalise an action plan, the premier stated his intention to hold final discussions with all the political forces to achieve it.

Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who submitted his governments resignation to the French President this morning, delivers a statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, on October 6, 2025. AFP

Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who submitted his governments resignation to the French President this morning, delivers a statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, on October 6, 2025. AFP

But it is far from clear that Lecornu would be able to appoint a government, let alone survive a confidence vote in parliament where his forces are in the minority.

Even if his mission were to succeed, his reappointment as premier would not be automatic, said a French presidential official.

The fundamentals of the problem remain the same: with or without Le Maire, they (the other parliamentary blocs) dont agree on the budget, pension reform, immigration and so forth, said Paul Taylor, senior visiting fellow at the European Policy Centre.

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Who will be the new PM?

Frances reputation will undoubtedly suffer if Macron appoints yet another prime minister  it would be the eighth of his term and the third change this year, underscoring his increasingly unstable rule.

The left wants him to appoint a person who would push through a more expansive budget. But it is far from clear Macron would do this, and even if he did, the new premier might not even enjoy support from throughout the fractious left.

Another PM could be toppled within weeks, making a new legislative election almost inevitable, said the Eurasia Group risk analysis firm.

Will there be early elections?

Macron has always resisted calling early elections, after his gamble to call snap polls in the summer of 2024 backfired and left France with a hung parliament.

But the president will assume his responsibilities if Lecornu fails over the next two days, a presidential official said, in apparent reference to calling early elections.

Such elections could lead to the far-right National Rally (RN) of Marine Le Pen bolstering its presence in parliament and even giving her protege Jordan Bardella the chance of becoming premier.

The outcome of such polls is far from clear, though Le Pen has described such elections as absolutely essential.

It is uncertain whether new elections would produce a different result than the one from last July, said Celia Belin, head of the Paris office of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).

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Will Macron resign amid political chaos?

Macron has always rejected resigning before his mandate ends, which would trigger early presidential elections. But pressure is building on the president like never before.

If new snap elections do not allow for a governing majority, the political crisis could turn into a regime crisis. In this case, President Macrons ability to stay in power could be questioned, said Belin.

With inputs from agencies.
An Air India flight from Sri Lankas Colombo to Chennai suffered a bird hit today. The aeroplane landed safely and all the passengers disembarked safely.

An Air India Airbus A321 aircraft takes off at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, on June 17, 2025. Reuters File

An Air India flight from Sri Lankas capital Colombo to Tamil Nadus Chennai on Tuesday suffered a bird hit, airport authorities told PTI.

Despite the bird hit, the aeroplane landed safely at the Chennai airport and all 158 passengers disembarked safely, authorities said.

The bird hit was detected after the aeroplane touched down at the airport, authorities said.

The aircraft has been grounded, and extensive checks were carried out by the Air India engineers, and the airline officials cancelled its return journey due to the incident, authorities said.

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The news of bird hit has come just days after an Air India flight deployed ram air turbine (RAT) in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The RAT is deployed in emergencies like complete engine failure, hydraulics failure, or electronic system failure. It uses wind to generate power to support the emergency landing.

However, in this case, there was no failure and the RAT deployed on its own even as the aeroplane landed safely without any incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident.

The incidents in Chennai and Birmingham are the latest in the long line of incidents that have plagued Indian aviation this year. There have been fires, runway incidents, and crashes.

In June, a London-bound Air India flight crashed minutes after taking off from Gujarats Ahmedabad airport. The aeroplane crashed into a medical college nearby. A total of 261 people 230 passengers, 12 crew, and 19 people on the ground were killed. Only one person in the aeroplane a passenger survived.

After the Ahmedabad crash, an audit by DGCA found 51 safety violations over the past year, including seven Level I violations that seriously endanger flight operations and 44 Level II violations.
The minister said Indias dependence on fossil fuels is both an economic burden, as Rs 22 lakh crore is spent annually on fuel imports and an environmental hazard, making clean energy adoption crucial for the countrys progress

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said the prices of electric vehicles (EVs) in India are expected to be on par with those of petrol-powered vehicles within the next four to six months.

The minister said Indias dependence on fossil fuels is both an economic burden, as Rs 22 lakh crore is spent annually on fuel imports and an environmental hazard, making clean energy adoption crucial for the countrys progress.

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Within the next 4-6 months, the cost of electric vehicles will be equivalent to the cost of petrol vehicles, Gadkari said while addressing the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025. Further, the minister said, Within five years, our target is to make Indias automobile industry the number 1 in the world, the minister said.

When I took charge as transport minister, the size of the Indian automobile industry was Rs 14 lakh crore. The size of the Indian automobile industry now is Rs 22 lakh crore, Gadkari added.

Presently, the size of the US automobile industry is Rs 78 lakh crore, followed by China (Rs 47 lakh crore) and India (Rs 22 lakh crore).

Gadkari pointed out that farmers have earned an additional Rs 45,000 crore by producing ethanol from corn.
Amid one of the most volatile conflicts in recent history, India has stood firm on the side of peace advocating dialogue, de-escalation and a two-state vision for Israel and Palestine

Two years after the unprecedented Hamas attacks on Israel plunged Gaza into one of the deadliest conflicts in recent history, Indias position on the war stands out for its careful balance  supporting Israels right to defend itself while championing peace, humanitarian assistance and a negotiated two-state solution.

As the world reflects on the human and geopolitical toll of the war that began on October 7, 2023, New Delhis nuanced diplomacy reveals both pragmatism and principle, shaped by Indias deep ties with Israel, historical solidarity with Palestine and its broader vision of global peace through dialogue.

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Shock of October 7 and Indias immediate response

The Hamas assault on Israel in 2023  which killed about 1,200 people and saw roughly 250 hostages taken  marked a grim turning point in West Asia. The unprecedented terror attack drew global condemnation and triggered a devastating military response from Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to react.

Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour, he wrote on X on the day of the assault.

This expression of solidarity set the tone for Indias early stance  unambiguously condemning terrorism while stopping short of endorsing Israels military campaign in Gaza. New Delhis message was clear: terrorism had no justification, but the path to peace lay in restraint and dialogue.

Balancing security and humanity

As Israels military operations intensified and civilian casualties in Gaza soared, Indias diplomatic approach evolved to balance its condemnation of terror with a call for humanitarian responsibility.

By early 2024, as the wars devastation grew  drawing in Lebanon and Iran and threatening wider regional instability  New Delhi began to amplify its calls for restraint.

India continues to underline the need for dialogue and diplomacy amid the escalating conflict, said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

India dispatched 70 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including over 16 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies, to Gaza. It also contributed $5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), reaffirming a decades-old commitment to the Palestinian people.

These steps reinforced Indias dual message: terrorism must be condemned and civilians must be protected.

UN dilemma: Abstaining for consistency

Indias diplomatic balancing act was perhaps most visible in its voting pattern at the United Nations.

In June 2025, India abstained from a UN General Assembly resolution titled Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations in Gaza.

The resolution, moved by Spain, passed with 149 countries in favour, 12 against and 19 abstentions. Indias abstention broke ranks with all its South Asian neighbours and major partners in Brics and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

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Explaining the decision, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, P Harish, said: India has always supported a negotiated two-state solution to the IsraelPalestine issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side, in peace with Israel.

This position, while drawing criticism from some quarters for perceived neutrality, reflected New Delhis consistency.

India had similarly refrained from earlier resolutions demanding an immediate ceasefire, arguing instead for sustainable peace through direct dialogue.

Dialogue and diplomacy as the core of policy

Indias approach to the IsraelHamas war is rooted in its broader foreign policy ethos  dialogue over confrontation. This was reflected in multiple high-level engagements across both sides of the conflict.

In September 2025, Prime Minister Modi met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The meeting focused on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need to restore peace.

Reiterated Indias support for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region. Exchanged views on further strengthening long-standing friendship with the people of Palestine, Modi posted afterwards.

Just a week later, Modi spoke by phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu, urging restraint and regional stability amid fresh escalation following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah.

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Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages, Modi said, reinforcing Indias balanced line  tough on terror, yet committed to de-escalation.

At a Carnegie Endowment event in Washington soon after, Jaishankar added that India was concerned about the possibility of broadening the conflict, referencing tensions involving the Houthis, the Red Sea and Iran.

He hinted that India could play a mediating role: Dont underestimate the importance of communication in difficult times. If there are things to be said, and passed on and passed back, those are all contributions we can make.

Indias parliamentary position

In August 2024, the government formally outlined its position in Parliament.

Responding to a Rajya Sabha question, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh reaffirmed Indias stand:

India has strongly condemned the terror attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and also the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing IsraelHamas conflict. India has called for ceasefire and sustained humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza We have called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasised a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

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The ministers statement also clarified that Indias voting at multilateral forums  including the UN, G20, Brics and the Voice of Global South Summit  reflected its long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution.

The government rejected speculation that it was sending labour to support Israels war effort, noting instead that the presence of Indian workers in Israel stemmed from a 2023 labour mobility agreement  part of a peacetime economic framework unrelated to the conflict.

Humanitarianism at the core

Beyond diplomacy, Indias engagement has had a strong humanitarian focus.

Apart from its material aid to Gaza, India supported community-based initiatives such as an artificial limb fitment camp in Palestine that helped hundreds of amputees  a small but symbolic act of solidarity.

These gestures built on a long legacy of Indian support for the Palestinian cause, dating back to Mahatma Gandhis opposition to colonial partition, Jawaharlal Nehrus advocacy for Arab self-determination and Indias early recognition of the State of Palestine in 1988.

Even as New Delhi deepened strategic and technological ties with Israel in recent decades, it maintained unwavering rhetorical and developmental support for the Palestinian people.

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A changing global order

Indias cautious stance also reflects the realities of a multipolar world. The IsraelHamas war became a stage for competing geopolitical alignments  with the US backing Israel, much of the Global South pushing for ceasefire resolutions, and Iran and Hezbollah complicating the regional calculus.

India, as both a Brics member and a strategic partner of the US and Israel, found itself at the crossroads. Abstaining at the UN rather than aligning fully with either bloc allowed New Delhi to maintain its strategic autonomy  a cornerstone of its foreign policy under Prime Minister Modi.

By focussing on peace and humanitarianism, India sought to uphold its credibility across regions: retaining its defence and innovation partnerships with Israel while preserving its leadership role among Global South nations advocating for human rights and decolonisation-era solidarity.

Indias vision for peace

Two years after the Gaza war began, Indias stand remains guided by a few core principles  condemnation of terrorism, advocacy of restraint and belief in diplomacy as the only sustainable path to peace.

As the international community revisits the prospects of a two-state solution, Indias consistent call for a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine, living within secure and recognised borders, side by side in peace with Israel retains enduring relevance.

While the war has ravaged lives and hardened divides in West Asia, New Delhis middle path shows its ambition to be a bridge-builder  a country that, while standing firmly against terror, refuses to abandon the pursuit of peace.

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In the two years since Hamass deadly attack ignited one of the bloodiest chapters in West Asia, Indias diplomacy has stayed steady, deliberate and empathetic. By choosing abstention over alignment and aid over rhetoric, it has sought to position itself not on the side of any power, but on the side of peace.

As global powers struggle to end the cycle of violence, Indias message  rooted in restraint, humanitarianism and the belief that peace must be built, not imposed  offers a reminder that moral clarity can coexist with strategic balance.
LG Electronics Indias Rs11,607-crore IPO, backed by top global investors and strong domestic demand, shows Indias growing stature as a resilient hub for consumer and equity market growth

(File) A woman stands in front of the LG Electronics logo ahead of the company's IPO announcement in Mumbai on October 1, 2025. Reuters

The highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO) of LG Electronics India has opened with robust interest from both global and domestic investors, marking one of the largest equity events in the Indian market this year.

The Rs11,607-crore ($1.3 billion) offer has drawn significant participation from sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and mutual funds, highlighting global confidence in Indias consumer durables sector. Despite being structured entirely as an offer for sale by the Korean parent company, LG Electronics Inc., investor enthusiasm remains strong, reflecting the underlying growth potential of the Indian consumer electronics market.

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Anchor investor momentum and global confidence

Ahead of the IPOs public bidding, LG Electronics India successfully raised Rs3,474.9 crore from 149 anchor investors, signalling strong institutional confidence. Major sovereign wealth funds such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Norges Bank Investment Management (Norway) and Singapores GIC participated in the anchor tranche, alongside global asset managers like BlackRock, Fidelity International, Goldman Sachs and Schroder International.

According to Bloomberg, investment bankers allocated 30.5 million shares at Rs1,140 per sharethe upper end of the price bandraising US$505 million through the anchor book. This tranche alone accounted for roughly one-third of the total IPO value and reflected the strong appetite for Indian equities despite recent market volatility and global trade uncertainties.

The strong anchor book participation also demonstrates continued global interest in Indias consumer and manufacturing story.

Notably, Indias equity marketnow valued at around $5 trillionis being seen as resilient enough to absorb large deals, even amid external pressures such as US tariff shifts and mixed corporate earnings.

Public subscription and grey market trends

As the IPO opened for public bidding on October 7, initial response from investors was encouraging.

According to data from the National Stock Exchange cited by MoneyControl, the issue was subscribed 19 per cent within the early hours, with retail investors booking 21 per cent and non-institutional investors (NIIs) 37 per cent of their respective quotas. Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) are expected to join later in the bidding window, a trend commonly observed in large IPOs.

Investor sentiment in the unofficial grey market has been buoyant as well.

The companys unlisted shares were reportedly trading at a 2728 per cent premium over the IPO price, a sharp rise from the previous weeks 13 per cent premium. Such grey market activity indicates strong retail and institutional demand and expectations for a successful listing on October 14.

The IPO is entirely an offer for sale (OFS), meaning that no new funds will be injected into LG Electronics Indias operations. Rather, the proceeds will go to the selling shareholderLG Electronics Inc. Nonetheless, the structure has not deterred interest, given the companys market dominance and consistent profitability.

Valuation and market position

At the upper end of the price band, LG Electronics Indias valuation stands at approximately $8.7 billion, lower than the initially targeted $15 billion valuation in December 2023. Despite the reduced pricing, analysts believe the IPO offers attractive entry points for long-term investors.

LG Electronics India holds leading market shares across multiple consumer durable categorieswashing machines, refrigerators, panel televisions, inverter air conditioners and microwave ovensparticularly in the offline retail segment.

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The companys extensive distribution network and local manufacturing capabilities have solidified its position as a household name in Indias consumer durables space.

Brokerages have highlighted that LGs strategy of increasing localisation by 12 per cent annually has allowed it to strengthen operating margins while maintaining an asset-light model.

The company has delivered a four-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13 per cent, with return on equity (RoE) and return on capital employed (RoCE) expected at 45 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively, in FY25.

Analyst recommendations and sector outlook

Equity research firms have largely recommended subscribing to the IPO, citing LG Electronics Indias strong fundamentals, dominant brand position and favourable sector tailwinds.

Elara Capital, for instance, rated the IPO a must subscribe with a long-term view, noting that the consumer durables sector is set for double-digit growth amid improving macroeconomic conditions and tax reforms.

The firm emphasised LGs competitive pricing, efficient asset structure and consistent profitability as key differentiators.

Similarly, Choice Broking assigned a Subscribe rating, pointing to LGs strategic diversification into high-growth business-to-business (B2B) segments and its ability to capture rising urban consumption.

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Broader implications and economic context

The timing of LG Electronics Indias IPO coincides with a record-breaking period for Indian equity markets, with Octobers IPO proceeds projected to exceed $5 billion. This trend signals both investor confidence and growing global recognition of India as a key growth market.

The IPOs success also carries symbolic weight.

Beyond capital markets, it reflects the evolving aspirations of Indias middle class and the rising demand for modern, energy-efficient home appliances.

Backed by marquee sovereign funds and asset managers, the offering shows Indias stature as a key investment destination within Asia. The companys leadership in consumer electronics, solid financial metrics and expanding localisation strategy position it for sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market.

With robust anchor participation, strong grey market sentiment and favourable analyst outlooks, LG Electronics Indias listing could not only reaffirm investor faith in Indias consumer story but also set the tone for future large-cap IPOs in the country.
From the submergence of Mirpur under Manglas waters to the denial of hydel royalties and the silencing of dissenting voices, Islamabad has treated Pakistan-occupied Kashmir purely as a subjugated colony

Police personnel stand on a bridge as they stop the protesters of the Awami Action Committee during a protest following a shutter-down strike in Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK on October 1, 2025. (Photo: Naseer ud Din/Reuters)

The recent violent protests that have rocked Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have torn apart the illusion of autonomy granted to the region that Pakistan has long projected to the world. What began as a protest against the glaring disparity between the lavish lifestyles of PoKs ruling elite and the grinding poverty of its people turned into a sustained movement aimed at reclaiming back the dignity of life along with the trampled political rights of the common people that Pakistan and its ruling elites have brutally repressed for decades.

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History of the Conflict

The simmering discontent erupted in 2019 when a viral video from Muzaffarabad captured a government vehiclebearing a green number plate and flashing blue sirenbeing used to transport a pet dog, while ordinary citizens struggled to afford basic necessities. Is this how our taxes are being utilised? a protester shouted, as an outraged crowd surrounded the vehicle.

This incident struck a deep chord in a population long accustomed to seeing public resources misused for personal luxury. The anger only intensified when it emerged that, in June 2020, the PoK government had approved the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC worth over PKR 100 million for the regions President even as officials complained of budget cuts to health, education, and infrastructure. Such glaring extravagance in the midst of deprivation became a rallying cry for the movement, encapsulating decades of resentment over Islamabads systematic plunder of the regions resources while keeping its people impoverished.

This culminated in a 38-point charter of demand list that AAC put forth to the Pakistan government, but after their demands repeatedly fell on deaf ears, mass protests broke out initially in May last year. The Pakistan government rushed to pacify the protestors after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif then announced a PKR 23 billion subsidy package for PoK. This included subsidised wheat and reduced electricity tariffs at PKR 3 per unit for low-income households, PKR 5 for moderate consumption, and PKR 6 for higher usage. However, as is often the case in Pakistans governance playbook, the relief was largely illusory.

While Islamabad used the announcement to calm tensions and project benevolence, implementation was partial and opaque. Protest leaders accused the government of reneging on its commitments. They alleged that the electricity supply became erratic, voltage was reduced, and bureaucratic hurdles delayed the distribution of subsidised flour. The temporary concessions proved to be a political smokescreen rather than a sustainable solution.

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As resentment mounted, the government once again reached for familiar tools of repression with internet blackouts, road blockades, and brutal crackdowns to arrest protest leaders. Internet services were suspended across PoK to curb coordination among protesters, and the roads leading to Muzaffarabad were sealed off by security forces. Yet, the public defied these restrictions. Caravans of demonstrators pushed through barricades, marching toward the capital in what became one of the most defiant acts of civil disobedience in the regions history.

This year the protests have further evolved into a mass political awakening, laying bare the extent of Islamabads economic exploitation, political repression, and institutional neglect of the regions people. With more than a dozen civilians dead and over two hundred fifty injured, the protests have exposed not merely a local governance crisis but the deeper structural rot in Pakistans colonial-style administration of PoK.

At the heart of the agitation lies once again the 38-point charter of demands presented by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a civil society coalition. These demands go far beyond economic grievances. They call for subsidised wheat flour, electricity at hydropower generation cost, free healthcare and education, and an end to the elite privileges that define the regions ruling order. Protesters have also demanded the abolition of twelve legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan, which they denounce as a colonial relic engineered to manipulate PoKs political structure in Islamabads favour.

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In an impassioned statement, JKJAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir declared that Azad Kashmir is not free but shackled by decades of exploitation and repression, capturing the sentiment that now defines the movement. What once masqueraded as a campaign for cheaper flour and power has now become a revolt against decades of Pakistani control. Many political experts within Pakistan view it as a pivotal moment of political reckoning that challenges the very foundations of Islamabads claim over the territory.

Economic Exploitation

At the core of the regions economic injustice lies the Mangla Dam, one of Pakistans largest hydroelectric projects, located squarely within PoK territory. Constructed in the 1960s and later expanded, the dam transformed the region into one of Pakistans key power suppliers. Yet, the people of PoK have reaped none of the benefits of the electricity generated from their own waters.

The construction of Mangla Dam displaced tens of thousands of residents, submerging fertile lands, ancestral homes, and the historic city of Mirpur under water. Decades later, those who were uprooted remain uncompensated or inadequately resettled, while Pakistan continues to siphon off electricity to fuel its industries and cities.

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Adding insult to injury, Islamabad refuses to pay PoK its rightful Net Hydel Profit (NHP), the royalty due to provinces for power generated from their territory. Citing a technical issue, Pakistans federal government argues that Article 157 of its Constitution allows royalty payments only to provinces, and since PoK is not one, it cannot legally receive the share. This bureaucratic sleight of hand has allowed Pakistan to plunder the regions natural wealth while denying its people their due, reducing PoK to a colonial outpost rather than a self-governing entity.

Systematic Repression

For years, Pakistan has showcased so-called Azad Kashmir as a semi-autonomous territory enjoying self-governance under Islamabads benevolent oversight. The current uprising has shredded this facade. The people of PoK have made it clear that they no longer see themselves as passive subjects of Pakistans control.

From Muzaffarabad to Mirpur to Neelum and Kotli, the protests have spread across the region, uniting traders, shopkeepers, farmers, and students under one banner, all seeking political accountability. The movement is unprecedented in its scope and independence, as it is non-partisan, led by citizens rather than political parties, and openly challenges Pakistans military establishment, a rarity in Pakistans political landscape.

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Behind PoKs simmering unrest lies an entrenched system of repression. Under the so-called Interim Constitution, only candidates who pledge allegiance to Pakistan and its claim over Kashmir are allowed to contest elections. This ideological vetting ensures that Islamabads narrative remains unchallenged, rendering PoKs political system a facade of democracy.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and UN OHCHR, have long documented arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and suppression of dissent. Journalists and activists who question Pakistans hold over the territory face harassment, detention, or worse. So, it is no surprise that the latest protests were also met with a brutal response from police and Pakistan paramilitary forces as they opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, killing and injuring civilians, including women and children.

Such actions have unmasked the hypocrisy of Pakistan. While Islamabad cries foul over alleged human rights violations across the Line of Control, it continues to crush dissent and exploit its occupied population under the guise of Azadi.

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Pakistani political experts like Raza Rumi and Zaigham Khan have identified the deeper structural issues behind the crisis engulfing Pakistan. They argue that PoK, like other strategically significant regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan, operates under a parallel administrative and economic framework designed to facilitate federal extraction without granting genuine autonomy.

Tax exemptions, smuggling networks, and unregulated trade benefit only the politically connected, while ordinary citizens are denied both representation and services. Pakistans political-military elite nexus are the sole profiteers from these disparities through land grabs, resource contracts, and misuse of public funds. As per Khan, the principle of no taxation without representation has been inverted in PoK as people are taxed indirectly through resource exploitation yet have no real voice in Pakistans parliament.

This separate economy, as Khan further described, functions as an enclave of corruption and coercion, one that enriches Islamabads elite while keeping PoK economically dependent and politically silenced.

The PKR 23 billion subsidy that Islamabad reluctantly approved after bloodshed last year was not only unsustainable but also politically reckless. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), already pressuring Pakistan to cut subsidies, questioned the decision at a time when the country faced one of its worst fiscal crises. Redirecting funds from disaster relief to subsidise a politically motivated package underscored Islamabads desperation to quell unrest rather than address systemic inequality.

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Economists and policy analysts had warned that such measures merely postpone the inevitable. Without structural reforms, fiscal transparency, and a fair revenue-sharing mechanism, PoK will continue to oscillate between rebellion and repression, a cycle that erodes both public trust and national stability.

Culmination of Decades of Plunder

The protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir mark a watershed moment. They are not an isolated outburst but the culmination of decades of economic plunder, political suppression, and cultural humiliation. From the submergence of Mirpur under Manglas waters to the denial of hydel royalties and the silencing of dissenting voices, Islamabad has treated PoK purely as a subjugated colony.

The peoples 38-point demand, in essence, is a cry for a life of dignity and not as subjects of an occupying power. As bodies fell and protests raged on, the world should no longer ignore the bitter truth that the so-called Azad Kashmir is neither free nor autonomous. It is a territory shackled by Islamabads exploitative policies, ruled by elites who travel in Mercedes while the common man bleeds on the streets.

The uprising in PoK is not just a revolt against price hikes. It is a rebellion against a system built on deception, denial, and decades of betrayal, a movement that has finally exposed Pakistans brutal exploitation of the land it falsely calls Azad.

Raja Muneeb is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets @rajamuneeb. The views expressed in this article are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.
When Sanae Takaichi walked into the Kantei as Japans first woman prime minister, it wasnt simply a shattering of a political glass ceiling. It was a seismic wave felt all across Asia. For India, which has invested two decades in a carefully nurtured, special strategic and global partnership with Tokyo, Takaichis elevation matters symbolically as well as substantively.

Takaichi, 64, has spent decades in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has long been Japans ruling party. Her first entry into Parliament was in 1993, and she grew to become one of the LDPs most recognisable and prolific conservative voices. She has served as Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications as well as Minister of Economic Security. In the latter role, she pushed for semiconductor resilience and to screen foreign investment when it came to sensitive technology.

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Ideologically, she is a staunch nationalist. Pro-constitutional revision, considered hawkish on China and North Korea, and a keen defender of Japans traditional social fabric. However, she is also a technocrat with a deep interest in economic security and the digital transformation of Japan.

Unlike some Japanese leaders whose India connection starts after they assume office, Takaichi has engaged with New Delhi for several years. As Communications Minister in 2015 and 2017, she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing digital economy co-operation, smart city projects and cybersecurity. She has in the past publicly praised Indias role in the Indo-Pacific, calling India a democratic, technological and manufacturing partner critical for supply chain diversification.

In private briefings reported by the Japanese media, she has often identified India as a key partner in Japans economic security doctrine, particularly with regard to semiconductors, telecom and rare earth minerals.

India and Japan have transformed their relationship since the early 2000s. From the Delhi Metros big loan to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train, Japanese capital and technology have contributed to shaping Indias infrastructure. Defence ties have deepened, and the two navies now train together in the Malabar exercise, while Japans US-2 amphibious aircraft sale to India has been under long negotiation.

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When it comes to tech, Japan has joined Indias semiconductor mission (a $35 million joint R&D centre announced in 2023). Both are, of course, core members of the Quad along with the US and Australia, shaping Indo-Pacific maritime security. So what might be some outcomes of Takaichis elevation as Japans PM for India?

First, economic security may become a Japan-India axis. Takaichi has built her political brand on shielding Japans technology base from Chinese supply chain leverage. We may expect Takaichi to double down on trusted partners, of course, India being one. Semiconductor and rare earth supply chains and AI infrastructure could witness possible accelerated bilateral agreements. Perhaps if all goes well, a Japan-India semiconductor Chapter 2? Equipment makers and speciality chemical suppliers together in India? More joint R&D and a tighter contingency network for chip supply shocks under the Quad umbrella?

Second, a more assertive Indo-Pacific stance may be on the cards. Takaichi supports expanding the Japanese Self-Defence Forces role and deepening the Quads operational teeth. India, always cautious about formal alliances, will welcome a Japan ready to invest in defence technology co-development and maritime domain awareness.

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Third, the China factor. India and Japan already read China in a fairly similar fashion. Co-operate where useful and deter where necessary. Takaichis tone is, of course, significantly sharper, especially when it comes to Taiwan. Delhi will welcome that strategic clarity as we maintain our own hedges. Which essentially translates to more naval exercises and domain awareness, but no automatic Indian endorsement of every Japanese provocation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis personal diplomacy with former Prime Ministers of Japan, Abe and Kishida, was built on unprecedented trust. Takaichi is seen as close to the late Shinzo Abes ideological camp and is said to value strong democratic partners. This seems to indicate continuity, but perhaps with a harder edge on China. India may find a willing partner for countering Chinese assertiveness in the Indian Ocean and the tech space.

Modis rapport with Takaichi will surely be professional but pragmatic. Their past meetings have been warm. Both share a belief in self-reliance, tech-driven economic nationalism and a firm stance on sovereignty. We are waiting to see if a Modi visit to Tokyo or a Takaichi stopover in Delhi happens within the first year of her tenure. Both India and Japan have solid reasons to showcase Quad cohesion and resilient supply chains amid Chinas rise.

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Especially if a Quad leaders summit doesnt materialise this year, New Delhi and Tokyo must overdeliver on ministerials and working groups. Especially supply chains, critical tech and maritime domain awareness. The partnership will be more kinetic than simply performative. For India, the real test coming up when it comes to Japan will be execution. Can the long-discussed US-2 amphibian deal finally be closed? Will Japanese FDI in Indias manufacturing hubs scale meaningfully beyond simply automotive and electronics? Can India and Japan together in a joint effort de-risk supply chains during Chinese economic retaliation?

In a turbulent world of wars in Ukraine and Gaza, a volatile South China Sea situation, and slowing Western economies, India needs partners that blend capital, technology and strategic heft. Japan under Takaichi could be exactly that. She is not going to be an Abe-style sentimentalist or a Kishida-style consensus builder; instead, she seems to be edgier, more security-driven and unapologetically focused on technology sovereignty. For India that could mean less poetry and more pragmatism, and possibly faster action on projects that have been long stuck in bureaucracy.

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The author is a freelance journalist and features writer based out of Delhi. Her main areas of focus are politics, social issues, climate change and lifestyle-related topics. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir are silent. Businessman Trump exploited them, first for recommending him for a Nobel Peace Prize and subsequently by fooling them into backing the Gaza plan without knowing about the changes

US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, on September 26, 2025. Third Party via PTI

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and failed marshal Gen Asim Munir celebrated their recent visit to Washington and meeting with US President Donald Trump as a sign of increased bonhomie between Islamabad and Washington, seemingly unaware of why they were entertained by Trump. Reality dawned with the release of the Gaza peace plan simultaneously by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump had praised Shehbaz and Munir prior to the meeting only to soften them on accepting the Gaza plan, without looking into specifics.

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Trump never discussed the final plan with them in the White House but made them commit to supporting it in return for possibly investing in rare earths in the future, something the US will likely not be involved with, considering the security situation in Balochistan, despite Pakistan offering the Pasni port to it. Both leaders, thrilled at being hosted in the Oval Office, readily jumped.

Sharif believed that what the group of eight Muslim nations had presented to Trump, on the sidelines of the UNGA summit, largely drafted by Pakistan, had been accepted. Trump had smartly made the Muslim leaders commit to confidentiality of the suggested plan, leaving doors open for amendments without consulting them.

What was not foreseen by the Muslim leadership was the close bond between Trump and Netanyahu. Trump is known to be the most pro-Israel president in US history. If Pakistan and the rest of the Muslim world believed that their plan was blindly accepted, then they were living in a fools paradise. Netanyahu brought about changes suiting Israel, which was what was announced.

Hamas, the final signatory, was not consulted, nor was the Palestinian leadership. The plan was tweaked, and the architects were left picking up the pieces and supporting exactly what Israel wanted. Hamas was warned on the global stage to either accept the plan in a few days or face annihilation, and this time, it was backed by Trump.

The reality is now beginning to dawn. Netanyahu, standing beside Trump, readily accepted the plan, aware that it was tweaked. While the Muslim world backed it without being aware of the changes. Those nations which supported the plan in a hurry are left flustered and now picking up the pieces.

Trump bulldozed his way to Hamas accepting it by exploiting Qatar. A day after announcing the peace plan, he signed an executive order guaranteeing the security of Qatar. The order mentioned, The US shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the US. Qatar was also bought over by an Israeli apology from the White House for the targeting of the Hamas leadership by Israel on its soil.

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Pakistan, the only Muslim nuclear power, was purchased by just meeting Trump in the Oval Office. The banning of the media in the meeting was because Trump wanted Pakistans failed marshal to promise to back the deal, all without knowing its final framework. He also did not want the media to raise questions on the deal, creating doubts.

The Pakistan leadership, which was till recently celebrating its visit to the White House, is now facing flak. So are others, but with most Arab states being monarchies with firm control, not much will emerge in objections.

Al Jazeera, in an article on the deal, mentioned that Trumps plan fulfills many of Israels stated war aims: the return of Israeli captives, the dismantling of Hamas as a military and political force, and the creation of a temporary international administration in Gaza unlikely to threaten Israel. It simultaneously warns that Netanyahu can back down or prolong the war solely for his own political survival.

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In Islamabad, just a day after the peace plan was announced and backed by Sharif, Ishaq Dar, Pakistans deputy PM and foreign minister, backtracked, This is not our document, which we sent to them, adding the proposal presented to Trump prioritised a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and an end to forced displacement. He justified Sharif announcing acceptance by mentioning he was travelling and hence did not go into specifics.

The Pakistan leadership was accused of surrendering to Israel, as the plan broadly makes Gaza an Israeli colony, controlled by former British PM Tony Blair and Donald Trump. The possibility of a Palestinian state is all but over, and the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank, will have no role in governing Gaza.

To make matters worse for Pakistan, Trump had publicly announced that both Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir were behind the plan 100 per cent. He even announced that Israel, the US and its Arab allies were all aligned on a final plan, and Hamas had to agree or face annihilation. This was a clear sign of tying those present in the conference into the deal, which was modified by him and Netanyahu.

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Dars rambling speech in the Pakistan senate claiming Pakistan refuses the deal did little to assuage anger. Sharif ultimately defended accepting the deal by mentioning that Hamass response to the plan creates a window for a ceasefire and ensures peace that we must not allow to close again.

As expected, Hamas, while accepting the release of hostages, seeks to renegotiate aspects pertaining to the future of Gaza and rights of Palestinians. Whether this will imply a delay or the end of the peace plan is unknown. This may not be acceptable, as negotiations may not suit Israel while impacting Trumps dream of a Nobel Peace Prize. Further, those nations who endorsed the deal are no longer in the picture.

In Pakistan, accusations have already begun flying against the leadership for selling out to Israel. Social media contains memes of Sharif and Munir walking through a destroyed Gaza carrying an Israeli flag under the hashtag Ummah, largely from their own people, including their diaspora.

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Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir are silent. Businessman Trump exploited them, first for recommending him for a Nobel Peace Prize by crediting him for the ceasefire in Operation Sindoor and subsequently by fooling them into backing the Gaza plan without knowing about the changes. There is little they can do but support whatever has been announced.

India too was left flustered. PM Narendra Modi backed the plan. After that, there was silence till Hamas partially agreed to the terms. Once Hamas accepted, PM Modi, praising Trump, mentioned, Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace. But unlike Pakistan, India believes in the dehyphenation of the Israel-Palestine conflict and ensuring peace and peaceful coexistence. Tel Aviv maintains good relations with Delhi despite India supporting the two-state solution.

The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. 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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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures as he holds a press conference, amid rising tensions with the United States over the deployment of US warships in the Southern Caribbean and nearby waters, in Caracas, Venezuela, September 1, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Since the failed 2002 coup against Hugo Chavez, the United States approach to Venezuelanow culminating in the 2025 naval build-up in the southern Caribbeanhas never followed a consistent trajectory. Instead, it has cycled through sanctions, law enforcement actions, diplomatic negotiations, and intermittent military signalling. To outside observers, this may seem incoherent, but the pattern is less enigmatic than it appears.

For more than two decades, successive US administrationsboth Democratic and Republicanhave sought to prevent the consolidation of an authoritarian, corrupt regime that sits atop the worlds largest proven oil reserves, presides over one of the worst migration crises in modern history, and provides sanctuary to networks Washington accuses of narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, and even terrorism.

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The first turning point came in April 2002, when Chavez was briefly overthrown in a short-lived coup. That episodecollapsed within two days due to internal mobilisation and regional condemnationwas pivotal. The Organisation of American States (OAS) denounced the unconstitutional interruption, reminding Washington that in Latin America, legitimacy rests on inter-American norms, not brute force. For Venezuelas Chavistas (supporters of the political ideology founded by Hugo Chavez), the event planted a lasting mistrust of the United States, nurturing a narrative that the countrys woes are not the result of mismanagement, corruption, or socialist authoritarianism, but of imperial meddling. That myth remains the backbone of state propaganda in Caracas today.

After Chavezs death and the succession of Nicolas Maduro, the confrontation escalated. By 2014, street protests were violently crushed, and Washington turned to sanctions as its principal tool. In 2015, President Barack Obama declared a national emergency and signed Executive Order 13692, laying the groundwork for targeted sanctions against Venezuelan officials. Over time, these expanded to include oil-sector and sovereign-debt restrictions. The logic was clear: raise the cost of repression and corruption, while offering the possibility of relief if democratic reforms were pursued. This logic endured across different US administrations, though the tactical emphasis varied.

The conflict turned overtly geopolitical in 2019, when Washington and most of the hemisphere recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as interim president. Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba rallied behind Maduro. The OAS refrained from invoking the Rio Treaty in any forceful way but symbolically isolated Caracas. It became a classic Cold War-style contest transplanted into the 21st centuryminus the appetite for direct US intervention.

The Ukraine war in 2022 added another layer. As global oil prices spiked, Washington cautiously experimented with selective relaxation of sanctions. In October 2023, under the Barbados Agreement framework, the Treasury Department issued General License 44 to give Caracas temporary relief in exchange for commitments to hold competitive 2024 elections. Maduro predictably renegedexcluding opposition candidates and refusing to release full polling-station tallies. The Treasury allowed the licence to expire, and sanctions returned in full force. Chevrons limited exemptions under General License 41/41A were preservedbut primarily to stabilise energy markets, not to benefit Caracas. This pattern of tightening and loosening policy in rhythm with promises and betrayals had little to do with endorsing Maduroit reflected Washingtons twin goals: pressure for electoral openness and managing global oil volatility.

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The real pivot came in 2024. International observers concluded Venezuelas presidential election lacked transparency and failed to meet democratic standards. The European Union withheld recognition until the actas (tally sheets) were publishedwhich never happened. Despite this, Maduro was sworn in for a third term in January 2025. The Biden administration responded with sharper sanctions, stronger human rights rhetoric, and renewed law enforcement action against regime elites. By mid-2025, US naval manoeuvres in the Caribbean and targeted strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug-trafficking vessels marked a more coercive phase of pressure.

Why does Washington persist with this calibrated danceneither normalising ties with Maduro nor toppling him militarily? The answer lies in three interconnected drivers.

First is mass migration. Nearly 7.9 million Venezuelans have fled, creating one of the worlds largest displacement crises. From Colombia to Florida, the strain has reshaped politics and economics. In the US, Venezuelan migrants feature prominently in debates on border security, asylum policy, and state-level governance. Every administration must demonstrate action on this front, hence the link between sanctions relief and credible reformsand automatic re-tightening when Caracas breaks its word.

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Second is great-power competition. Beijing is Venezuelas largest creditor, with roughly $60 billion in state-backed loans and growing political-security influence. Iran has supplied fuel, spare parts, and refinery expertise since 2020. Russia, for its part, has deployed nuclear-capable bombers to Caracas as geopolitical theatre. For Washington, a stable authoritarian regime in Venezuela would serve as an entrenched foothold for adversaries in the Caribbeandangerously close to US shores. While this doesnt mean imminent war, it explains why Washington mixes sanctions, law enforcement, and diplomacy rather than simply disengaging.

Third is asset protection and energy security. Venezuelan crude is heavy, polluting, and difficult to refinebut in a tight global market, every barrel counts. US courts are overseeing a creditor auction of Citgo, PDVSAs prized US refiner, while OFAC calibrates licences to balance oil flows without enriching Maduro. On the surface, this may appear contradictorypunish the regime while maintaining supply. In reality, its a delicate balancing act between sanction enforcement, energy security, and creditor rights.

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For India, Venezuela is more than a distant geopolitical headache. It is a strategic economic concernand a test of national self-reliance. Reliances Jamnagar refinery is one of the few in the world capable of processing Venezuelas heavy, sour crude. Temporary US relaxation of sanctions in 2024 allowed India to import Venezuelan barrels, boosting margins and offering optionality in global markets. But as Washington re-tightened restrictions in 2025, these flows slowed, exposing the vulnerability of depending on foreign policy decisions for energy security. It highlights the need for strategic autonomy: India cannot afford to rely on US approval cycles or external sanctions to meet its energy needs.

Upstream exposure reinforces this lesson. ONGC Videsh holds stakes in San Cristobal and Carabobo-1, with roughly $600 million in overdue dividends. The 2025 tightening forced Indian operators to navigate complex US licensing requirementsillustrating how foreign sanctions directly impact Indias ability to secure resources and assert economic sovereignty. For a rising power, losing control over overseas investments is unacceptable. India must build legal, financial, and operational tools to defend its assets independently.

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Pharmaceutical trade adds another layer. Indias exports to Venezuela were worth $111 million in 2024, yet remain precarious due to payment and sanctions risks. This underscores how disruptions in one sectorenergycan ripple into others, including critical supplies like healthcare. Indias 2016 oil-for-drugs proposal remains a useful blueprint: leveraging energy assets to secure essential goods without ceding strategic control.

Finally, India must navigate the broader great-power dynamics. Russian oil, Iranian energy, and Venezuelan crude all factor into New Delhis energy calculus. The US is increasingly using access to sanctioned barrels as leverage in global negotiations. Indias long-term objective must be to reduce dependence on external permissions, hedge strategically, and maintain flexible energy and trade channels that cannot be disrupted by unilateral decisions. Venezuelas crisis is a clear reminder: energy sovereignty is inseparable from national sovereignty.

Venezuela is not a faraway crisisit is a test of Indias resolve to assert strategic autonomy, safeguard energy sovereignty, and defend national interests abroad. Reliance, ONGC Videsh, and Indias pharmaceutical sector cannot wait for foreign permission or Washingtons whims. They must operate boldly, backed by a clear government policy that prioritises national interest. Every licence, every barrel, every shipment is a matter of national security.

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New Delhi must turn vulnerability into resiliencebuilding secure supply chains, protecting overseas assets, and ensuring no foreign power can dictate the terms of Indias energy or industrial destiny. The message is clear: India will not be held hostage by sanctions, waivers, or geopolitics. Our resources, our economy, and our future will be protected with the same strategic clarity that guides every sovereign nation.

The time for timid hedging is over. India must act decisively, independently, and unapologetically in its national interest.

The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
A 13-year-old student at Southwestern Middle School in Florida was arrested after allegedly asking ChatGPT how to kill my friend on a school device, triggering a police response. The message was flagged by the AI-monitoring system Gaggle, prompting immediate action by school authorities and law enforcement.

13-year-old US student arrested after asking ChatGPT how to kill my friend in school. Representational Image

A US middle school classroom turned into a real-life alert when a 13-year-old student allegedly typed into ChatGPT, how to kill my friend in the middle of class, on a school device  sparking a police response. The chilling message was flagged by the AI-monitoring system Gaggle, sending school authorities and law enforcement into immediate action.

The incident occurred at Southwestern Middle School in Florida and was logged by Gaggle, a monitoring system used on school computers to detect potential threats. Once flagged, the message was forwarded to a campus police officer, who located and detained the student, according to US news channel WFLA.

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During questioning, the teenager reportedly told authorities he was just trolling a friend. However, officials took the message seriously given the United States sensitive history with school violence.

The Volusia County Sheriffs Office confirmed the arrest and subsequent booking of the boy into the county juvenile facility. Following the incident, authorities issued a cautionary message to parents about minors use of AI tools. Another joke that created an emergency on campus. Parents, please talk to your kids so they dont make the same mistake, the sheriffs office said in a statement.

This is not the first time such incidents have come to light. In April, a 16-year-old boy in California died by suicide after reportedly interacting with ChatGPT, which his family alleges supported and isolated him instead of guiding him to seek help.

His parents filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming the chatbot failed to provide proper intervention and instead reinforced harmful thoughts. According to the family, the boy had initially used ChatGPT for homework and hobbies, such as music, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Japanese fantasy comics. Over time, however, his conversations took a darker turn, reflecting negative emotions and distress.

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A Wisconsin man was fatally shot while trying to protect his pregnant sister from her boyfriend, who later died from a self-inflicted wound

20-year-old Tyler Sadowski was shot dead as he tried to save his sister, Makayla Sadowski, 17, from her crazed 17-year-old boyfriend. (Photo: GoFundme)

A 20-year-old man in Wisconsin was killed while attempting to protect his 17-year-old sister from her boyfriend, who also shot her before taking his own life days later.

The incident occurred around 2 pm on Wednesday, October 1, at an apartment on the 600 block of Candy Lane in Barron, Wisconsin. The unnamed 17-year-old suspect entered the apartment and shot Makayla Sadowski, who was seven months pregnant, before fatally shooting her brother, Tyler Sadowski.

Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Rice Lake Police Department responded to a shots fired call at the address of 650 Candy Lane in the City of Barron. Upon arrival officers located a deceased male and a wounded female at the residence. Officers secured the residence and located the suspect with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, read the statement.

Makayla was rushed to hospital and underwent an emergency delivery. Both she and her newborn are reported to be doing well, according to the sheriffs office. The suspect also had a two-year-old daughter.

A family mourning a hero

Shanay Conyers, the siblings cousin, recounted that Tyler responded to gunfire after the pair returned home from town, saying, They heard like a pop, so Tyler went to see what was happening, before he was shot.

A GoFundMe page set up by their cousin, Isela, described Tyler as a young man full of kindness, laughter, and light, who in a heroic act of love lost his life protecting his sister. The page said Makayla was shot in the stomach and noted the devastating impact on the family, citing medical bills, funeral expenses for Tyler, housing and food costs, and care needed for Makaylas daughter. The fundraiser urged donations to ease the financial burden and allow our family to focus on healing and supporting Makayla and her children.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that air traffic controllers have been increasingly calling in sick since the government shutdown last week. He added that staffing had been cut by 50 per cent as the shutdown entered its sixth day on Tuesday

The US government shutdown has disrupted flight operations across the country as the Federal Aviation Administration said staffing issues were causing delays at several airports, including Newark and Denver.

Some 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers must still turn up for work during the shutdown. They are not being paid and controllers are set to miss their first paycheck on October 14.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has said that air traffic controllers have been increasingly calling in sick since the government shutdown last week. He added that staffing had been cut by 50 per cent as the shutdown entered its sixth day on Tuesday.

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The FAA said air traffic control staffing issues are impacting flights at numerous airports, including Newark, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas and Burbank. FlightAware said more than 4,000 flights in the US on Monday have been delayed, including 29 per cent of arriving flights at Denver, 19 per cent of Newark flights and 15% of Las Vegas flights. Weather issues are also impacting flights.

The US Senate has once again failed to pass a spending budget, making it the fifth such time that would continue to keep the government in a state of shutdown.

Both Democratic and Republican funding proposals failed to pass in the Senate, unable to reach the 60-vote threshold needed for approval.

Trump had warned earlier that another stalemate could result in significant job losses. The budget impasse has already left thousands of federal workers either furloughed or working without pay.

Duffy and the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association spoke at a press conference at Newark Liberty International Airport to discuss the effects of the shutdown. The airport is one of three serving the heavily Democratic-leaning New York metropolitan area and is a major United Airlines hub.

Duffy noted controllers are worried. Theyre thinking about, am I going to get a paycheck?, Duffy said, adding that some are asking themselves: Do I have to take a second job and drive Uber when Im already exhausted from doing a job thats already stressful?

With inputs from agencies
As Israel marks two years since the October 7, 2023 attack, thousands of families in Gaza continue searching for missing relatives amid the devastation of the conflict

The Gaza Health Ministry reports some 6,000 people remain buried under rubble, a figure likely far higher given entire families have been wiped out in single strikes. (File Image/Reuters)

Israel, on Tuesday, marked the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack, as Hamas and Israeli negotiators hold indirect talks under a US-proposed peace plan to end the war in Gaza.

More than 700 days into the conflict, thousands of Gazans remain in search of relatives who disappeared during one of the most destructive wars of recent decades.

For Mohammad al-Najjar, the search for his son, Ahmad, 23, has become an unending ordeal.

On the night Israeli bombs began falling in southern Gaza, al-Najjar fled with his wife and six children, joining hundreds of others in terror. When the family regrouped in a distant shelter, Ahmad was missing. Despite searches through hospitals and neighbourhoods, there has been no trace of him. It is as if the earth has swallowed him, said al-Najjar, speaking from their ninth displacement camp in Muwasi along Gazas southern coast.

Thousands face similar uncertainty. Some are buried under rubble, others vanished during Israeli military operations. What the accurate number is, nobody knows, said Kathryne Bomberger, director general of the International Commission on Missing Persons.

Scale of disappearances and the search for answers

The Gaza Health Ministry reports some 6,000 people remain buried under rubble, a figure likely far higher given entire families have been wiped out in single strikes. An additional 3,600 people are reported missing, with investigations launched for just over 200 cases. Seven of those investigated were found in Israeli custody. The International Committee of the Red Cross lists at least 7,000 unresolved cases, excluding those under debris.

The chaos of war has caused people to disappear in various ways: detained without notice at Israeli checkpoints, swept up in raids, or killed during offensives. Bodies are sometimes left in streets or recovered weeks later in decomposed states. The Israeli military has taken possession of an unknown number of bodies, returning several hundred unidentified corpses to Gaza for burial in mass graves, according to news agency AP.

Investigations require DNA testing, samples from families, and aerial surveys of destruction, said Bomberger. Israel has restricted supplies for such testing, a decision unaddressed by military authorities. Bomberger emphasised that finding missing persons falls to Israel as the occupying power, requiring political will.

Stories of loss and hope

Fadwa al-Ghalban has had no word of her 27-year-old son Mosaab since July, when he went to get food from their home in Maan, believing Israeli forces had left. His cousins saw him lying on the ground, but fear kept them from approaching. Later, they found only his slippers. Posting notices on social media, the family searches for any news of him, clinging to hope despite uncertainty. Even if someone buried him, it is much easier than this fire, she said tearfully.

Khaled Nassar has faced a double tragedy. His daughter Dalia, 28, and son Mahmoud, 24, were buried under rubble in separate airstrikes in the Jabaliya refugee camp, which remains inaccessible due to ongoing military control. Nassar and his wife Khadra have spent months digging through debris in search of Mahmoud. Despite having found nothing, Khadra vowed to continue searching in any future ceasefire, saying, even if I only find his ring on his finger or some bones to put in a grave to call it my sons.

The war has left Gaza in ruins and thousands of families in anguish, still holding onto hope for answers amid a conflict that has stretched beyond two years.

(With agency inputs)
Informal memorials are planned in several small kibbutzim in southern Israel, where residents were killed or abducted, while a major demonstration is set to take place in Tel Aviv, urging the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza

Thousands attend a protest march in Jerusalem, calling for an end to the war and the release of all the Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity. September 6, 2025. X

As the world observes two years of the Gaza war, Israelis will gather across the country to mark the second anniversary of the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people who were killed by Hamas.

Informal memorials are planned in several small kibbutzim in southern Israel, where residents were killed or abducted, while a major demonstration is set to take place in Tel Aviv, urging the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.

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Meanwhile, the official commemoration will take place on October 16 in Israels national cemetery on Mount Herzl, following the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.

At the same time, some remembrance ceremonies will be turned into rallies where people will urge the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu-led government to reach a deal to bring the hostages home and end the war.

US President Donald Trump has said that Hamas has made significant concessions during indirect negotiations with Israel in Egypt over his Gaza peace plan.

Talking to CNN, the president said, I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important. When asked whether the US has pressed on any conditions, like on its demand of disarming Hamas, Trump replied, Well, if certain things arent met? Were not going to do it, but I think were doing very well.

Israel and Hamas began indirect talks of a Gaza ceasefire on the eve of the second anniversary of the war that has killed thousands of Palestinians. Al-Qahera News, which is linked to Egyptian state intelligence, said the first round of talks ended amid a positive atmosphere and would continue on Tuesday.

Negotiations will be complex

Hamass lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who survived Israels attack on the Palestinian Islamist movements leaders in Doha last month, held a meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials ahead of the talks, an Egyptian security source said.

This round of negotiations, launched on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamass October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the war, may last for several days, said a Palestinian source close to Hamass leadership.

We expect the negotiations to be difficult and complex, given the occupations intentions to continue its war of extermination, he told AFP.

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Brazilians Lula da Silva has urged Trump to lift trade tariffs on Brazilian goods, saying the two leaders are ready to improve ties and explore an in-person meeting after months of strained relations.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged US President Donald Trump on Monday to lift punitive trade tariffs during their first official talks after months of tension, with both leaders hinting at an in-person meeting soon.

The 30-minute call, described as being in a friendly tone by the Brazilian presidency, saw Lula suggest a possible meeting at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia next month. He also requested the removal of tariffs on Brazilian products and sanctions against Brazilian officials.

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Trump called it a very good telephone call on Truth Social and said, We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not too distant future, both in Brazil and the United States, without giving further details.

Relations between Washington and Brasilia had soured in recent months, with Trump imposing a 50-percent tariff on Brazilian goods and sanctions on top officials, including a Supreme Court judge, in response to the trial and conviction of his ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro.

We are very optimistic that we will move toward a win-win situation in this relationship, said Brazils Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who will continue negotiations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He added the call went even better than we expected and that the two presidents exchanged personal phone numbers.

The phone call followed what appeared to be a chance encounter at last months UN General Assembly, where Trump praised his excellent chemistry with Lula, though Brazilian media reported the meeting was part of an extensive behind-the-scenes diplomatic effort.

Lula, in his UN speech, criticized attacks on Brazils judiciary, while Trump accused Brazil of censorship, repression and judicial corruption, later calling Lula a very nice man, actually.

The Brazilian presidency said Lula also invited Trump to the COP-30 climate conference in Belem in November and expressed willingness to travel to the US for talks.

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Lula has repeatedly said Brazil is ready to negotiate on tariffs but lamented that previously there was no one to talk to in Washington. According to a government source, private sector efforts, including a meeting between Trump and Brazilian billionaire Joesley Batista, played a key role in easing tensions.

With inputs from AFP.
The two leaders spoke for 30 minutes in a friendly tone and Lula raised the possibility of a meeting in Malaysia next month, the Brazilian presidency said in a statement

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

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged US President Donald Trump to lift punitive trade tariffs in their first official talks Monday after months of animosity  with both suggesting an in-person meeting in the near future.The two leaders spoke for 30 minutes in a friendly tone and Lula raised the possibility of a meeting in Malaysia next month, the Brazilian presidency said in a statement.

Lula requested the removal of tariffs imposed on his countrys products and sanctions against Brazilian officials.

Trump hailed a very good telephone call in a post on Truth Social.

We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not too distant future, both in Brazil and the United States, he said, without adding details.

Ties have soured between Washington and Brasilia in recent months, with Trump angered over the trial and conviction of his ally, the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro.

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Trump has imposed a 50-percent tariff on Brazilian products and imposed sanctions against several top officials, including a top Supreme Court judge, to punish Brazil for what he termed a witch hunt against Bolsonaro.

We are very optimistic that we will move toward a win-win situation in this relationship, said Brazils Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who has been tasked with continuing negotiations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

He noted the call had gone even better than we expected and that the two presidents had exchanged personal phone numbers.

Excellent chemistry

The phone call came after what first appeared to be a chance encounter on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month that led Trump to hail his excellent chemistry with Lula.

However the Estadao news site reported the brief run-in, which included a hug, was actually the result of an intensive behind-the-scenes diplomatic operation.

In a speech to the UN, Lula slammed an unacceptable attack on the independence of Brazils judiciary.

Despite the political and economic pressure, Brazils Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for his role in a botched coup bid after his 2022 election loss to Lula.

Trump, meanwhile, used his UN speech to accuse Brazil of censorship, repression and judicial corruption.

He later switched tack, and recounted his run-in with Lula, describing him as a very nice man, actually.

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The two men stand on polar opposite sides when it comes to issues such as multilateralism, international trade and the fight against climate change.

The Brazilian presidency said that Lula had raised the possibility with Trump of an in-person meeting at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia in October.

He also re-iterated an invitation to Trump to attend the COP-30 climate conference in Brazils Amazon city of Belem in November, and also expressed his willingness to travel to the United States.

No one to talk to

Lula has repeatedly stated that Brazil was ready to negotiate regarding tariffs, but lamented there was no one to talk to in Washington.

A Brazilian government source told AFP the private sector played a key role behind the scenes in the rapprochement with Washington, citing a meeting between Trump and Brazils billionaire beef tycoon Joesley Batista at the White House.

Batistas JBS played an important role, but it wasnt the only one, said the source.

A European diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity that Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer had also put pressure on the White House.

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Trumps tariffs mainly target major Brazilian exports beef, coffee and sugar.

Brazilian trade data for September, released Monday, showed that exports to the United States fell 20.3 percent compared with last year, while imports from the US rose 14.3 percent.

However, Brazil has other major markets, such as Asia, for its beef and coffee, and has been expanding to diversify its exports.

Overall exports grew 7.2 percent in September, with major growth in China, India, Singapore, Argentina, Peru and Panama.
Canada has not settled on a trade deal with the US, unlike Washingtons other allies, such as the European Union. The United States is Canadas main economic partner, with 75 per cent of Ottawas exports being sold across its southern border

US President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 6, 2025. AFP File

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, with a focus on trade talks as American tariffs are negatively impacting Canadas economy.

In Carneys working visit to the White House  his second trip since winning office in April  the 60-year-old former banker seeks to restore bilateral relations and discuss shared priorities in a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US, Ottawa said in a statement.

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White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed the visit, saying Monday: Im sure trade will be a topic of discussion tomorrow, and all of the other issues that are facing both Canada and the United States.

Canada has not settled on a trade deal with the US, unlike Washingtons other allies, such as the European Union. The United States is Canadas main economic partner, with 75 per cent of Ottawas exports being sold across its southern border. Canada saw its GDP decline by 1.5 per cent in the second quarter, adding to the economic pressure.

Trump tariffs on Canada

In August, Trumps 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports took effect, and now the president has announced 25 per cent tariffs on heavy trucks starting November 1.

Canada is the second-largest US trading partner after Mexico, and the largest buyer of US exports. It bought $349.4 billion of US goods last year and exported $412.7 billion to the US, according to US Census Bureau data.

Canadas national statistical agency has said that trade with its neighbour to the south withered in May in the wake of a punishing tariff war launched by Trump. However, Canada made up part of the shortfall with increased shipments to other nations.

Canada and Mexico team up

Last month, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hosted Carney for trade talks, where the duo discussed ways to protect their economies from Trumps trade war.

Both of us trade a lot with the United States but there is also a lot of Mexico-Canada trade, Mexicos leftist leader said.

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The pair also discussed Canadian investment in sectors such as Mexican mining, gas and rail, she added.

With inputs from agencies
India accused Pakistan at the UN Security Council of committing atrocities against its own people and using false narratives to divert global attention

India on Tuesday launched a sharp rebuttal at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), describing Pakistan as a country that bombs its own people and carries out systematic genocide.

Speaking during the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, dismissed Pakistans repeated allegations on Kashmir, calling them delusional attempts to mislead the international community.

Every year, we are unfortunately fated to listen to the delusional tirade of Pakistan against my country, especially on Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian territory they covet. Our pioneering record on Women, Peace and Security agenda is unblemished and unscathed, Harish said.

His remarks came shortly after a Pakistani official claimed that Kashmiri women had endured sexual violence for decades.

India cites Pakistans history of atrocities

Referring to Pakistans own history, Harish said, A country that bombs its own people, conducts systematic genocide, can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole.

He cited Pakistans Operation Searchlight in 1971, describing it as a systematic campaign that led to genocidal mass rape of 400,000 of its own citizens. The world sees through Pakistans propaganda, the envoy added.

India had also criticised Pakistan last week at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. KS Mohammed Hussain, Counsellor in Indias Permanent Mission, said it was deeply ironic that a country with one of the worlds worst human rights records was attempting to lecture others.

Their attempts to misuse this august forum with fabricated allegations against India only expose their hypocrisy, Hussain said. Instead of making baseless propaganda, they should confront the rampant state-sponsored persecution and systemic discrimination of religious and ethnic minorities that plague their own society.

India has consistently reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and shall forever remain an integral part of the country.
UNESCOs executive board has elected Egypts former antiquities minister, Khaled el-Enany, to be the organisations next director-general amid US row over alleged anti-Israel bias

Khaled El-Enany, former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, has been elected Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (File Photo: AFP)

UNESCOs executive board voted on Monday to appoint Khaled el-Enany, Egypts former antiquities and tourism minister, as the organisations next director-general. He will replace French incumbent Audrey Azoulay after her two four-year terms.

The decision comes as UNESCO faces criticism over alleged anti-Israel bias, prompting the United States to announce its withdrawal, effective at the end of 2026. The US, which contributes eight percent of UNESCOs overall funding, did not participate in Mondays vote.

El-Enany, 54, said his priority will be addressing the organisations budget challenges and returning the United States to UNESCO. The current challenge is the budget. That is going to be the priority of all of us, he told reporters, adding he would promote technical deliberations rather than politicisation.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi described the appointment as a historic success for the country and wished El-Enany success in his noble mission.

Historic appointment and next steps

Only two candidates remained in the race after a Mexican contender withdrew in August. El-Enany won 55 of the 57 votes cast, defeating Republic of Congos Firmin Edouard Matoko. He will take office on November 14 if the UNESCO General Assembly ratifies his appointment on November 6 in Uzbekistan.

If confirmed, El-Enany will be the first director-general from an Arab country and the second from an African nation, after Senegals Amadou Mahtar Mbow (19741987).

Since announcing his bid more than two years ago, El-Enany said he visited 65 countries and met 400 people over 30 months in campaigning for the role.

(With agency inputs)
Witnesses heard three loud explosions near Hotel de Matignon, where Lecornu had been scheduled to hold meetings following his resignation, according to a report

Explosions were reported near the French Prime Ministers Office in Paris on Tuesday, a day after Sebastien Lecornu resigned from the post.

The incident led to a van catching fire, sending thick black smoke into the air, as captured in videos circulating on social media.

 An explosion occurred near the French Prime Minister's office at Hotel Matignon in Paris, causing thick black smoke to rise from a van belonging to Cielis, the city's public lighting network manager.



The cause of the incident is still unknown.



Given the sensitive nature of pic.twitter.com/25gwz0QTcE  True Prowess (@TrueProwess_) October 7, 2025

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According to Le Parisien, witnesses heard three loud explosions near Hotel de Matignon, where Lecornu had been scheduled to hold meetings following his resignation.

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact cause of the blasts. However, a firefighter at the scene indicated the blaze may have been triggered by a mechanical fault in the equipment of a public lighting company, to which the van reportedly belonged, added the report.

Emergency services quickly responded, and the fire was successfully contained to the van without spreading to nearby buildings. The affected road, Rue de Varenne, has been cordoned off, with police stationed to prevent public access.

The incident comes amid heightened political tension in France.

Lecornu stepped down on Monday, barely a day after announcing a new Cabinet. His abrupt resignation has plunged the country into fresh political uncertainty and rattled financial markets.

Lecornus government is now the shortest-lived in the history of Frances Fifth Republic. He is the fifth prime minister to resign in just two years.

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The conditions were no longer met for me to be able to exercise my functions and allow the government to go before the National Assembly tomorrow, he said in a statement on Monday.

He said certain political parties had sometimes pretended not to see the change, the profound rupture, and criticised their reluctance to invoke Article 49.3.

There was no longer any pretext for parliamentarians to refuse to do their job, he added.

Article 49.3 of the French Constitution allows the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote, unless a motion of no confidence is successfully passed.

Currently, far-right and left-wing lawmakers hold a combined majority of over 320 seats in the National Assembly, while centrists and their conservative allies control 210.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump may have may have forgotten about Greenland for now, but Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday warned that the pause is likely only temporary

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen attends the closing debate in the Folketing at Christiansborg in Copenhagen, Denmark, Wednesday, on May 21, 2025. (Photo: Ritzau Scanpix/Thomas Traasdahl/via Reuters)

US President Donald Trump may have may have forgotten about Greenland for now, but Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday warned that the pause is likely only temporary.

Trump will be back, Politico quoted Frederiksen as saying, referring to the presidents past fixation with the Arctic island, a self-governing Danish territory rich in untapped rare earth minerals.

During his previous term, Trump floated the idea of purchasing Greenland  a suggestion that drew widespread ridicule and diplomatic friction.

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He also refused to rule out the possibility of sending troops or applying economic pressure to assert US control over the region.

In recent months, Trump has made few  if any  public remarks about Greenland, his focus apparently diverted to other global and domestic issues. But Frederiksen cautioned that the lull may not last.

Right now it seems far away. There is perhaps a feeling that we can breathe a sigh of relief, Politico quoted Frederiksen as saying during the opening of the Danish parliament. But: It is my belief that we cannot.

She added that Greenlands population of 60,000 still lived in fear of an American takeover.

Imagine what its like to live in one of the small settlements along the coast  when the worlds strongest superpower has talked about you as something that can be bought, as something that can be owned, as something that must be had, Frederiksen said.

No matter what happens, we support Greenland in determining its own future. And we will not be threatened or intimidated into doing something that is clearly wrong, she added.

Since Trumps highly publicised interest in purchasing the Arctic island in 2019, Greenland  an autonomous Danish territory  has moved to strengthen ties with the European Union and other international partners.

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Among its latest moves is a pending critical minerals partnership with the United Kingdom.

Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, speaking to Politico in May, said the island is seeking trade relationships with like-minded countries, and criticised Trumps past rhetoric as aggressive and destabilising.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen is scheduled to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, in what is expected to be a continuation of efforts to bolster international support and assert the islands sovereignty.

With inputs from agencies
Richard Grenell had been engaged in negotiations with Maduro and other high-ranking officials. However, Trump called Grenell and directed him to immediately halt all diplomatic efforts

This handout photo released by the US Defence Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) shows the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely in the Red Sea on June 7, 2024. It is one of the warships deployed towards Venezuela for counternarcotics operations. AFP file

US President Donald Trump has ruled out a diplomatic solution to mitigate tensions with Venezuela, potentially giving way for the American military to ramp up its efforts against drug traffickers and the government under President Nicolas Maduro.

Richard Grenell, serving as a special presidential envoy and executive director of the Kennedy Center, had been engaged in negotiations with Maduro and other high-ranking officials. However, during a meeting with senior military leaders last week, Trump called Grenell and directed him to immediately halt all diplomatic efforts, including his ongoing discussions with Maduro, according to officials who spoke to the New York Times.

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Trump has been trying to push Maduro out of his chair for not acceding to the US demands of leaving the government voluntarily.

Ties between the US and Venezuela have dipped after Trump ordered his military to attack suspected drug boats, alleging that they were deployed by Venezuelan gang members. Meanwhile, Venezuela has repeatedly denied involvement in alleged drug trafficking.

What is Trump planning?

American officials have stated that the Trump administration has prepared several military options in the event of an escalation, some of which may involve efforts to remove Nicolas Maduro from power. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio has labelled Maduro an illegitimate leader and has frequently referenced the US indictment against him on drug trafficking charges.

A White House official told the NYT that Trump is ready to use every element of American power to prevent drugs from entering the US soil. At the same time, Rubio and Trump allies in the government have been lobbying to launch a program meant to push Maduro out of power.

In a notice to Congress last week, the Trump administration declared that the United States is engaged in a formal armed conflict with drug cartels. The notice classified the cartels as terrorist organisations and described their members involved in drug smuggling as unlawful combatants.

Maduro says ready to declare emergency

Maduro has said that his government is ready to declare a state of emergency in the country amid threats from the US over an imminent attack.

Last week, Maduro announced in a televised address that the consultation process had begun to declare a state of external unrest, in accordance with the Constitution, and to protect our people, our peace, and our stability  should Venezuela be attacked by the US empire, militarily attacked.

Maduro has signed a decree granting him additional security powers in case of a military incursion into the country, the nations vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, said.

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The decree would allow Maduro to mobilise armed forces throughout the country and give the military authority over public services and the oil industry.
The state of Illinois and city of Chicago have sued Donald Trump over National Guard deployment as the president continued his campaign against Democratic states and cities.

Members of the California National Guard are deployed outside a complex of federal buildings in Santa Ana, California, US, on June, 18, 2025. (Photo: Mike Blake/Reuters)

The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago sued President Donald Trump on Monday, seeking to block the deployment of federalised National Guard troops to Chicago, as hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas headed to the nations third-largest city.

Trump then escalated the widening clash with Democratic-led states and cities over the domestic use of military forces, threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act as a means to circumvent court restrictions on deploying troops where they are unwanted by local officials.

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Illinois had sued in response to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseths orders over the weekend to bring 300 Illinois National Guard members under federal control and then to mobilise another 400 Texas National Guard troops for deployment to Chicago.

While Illinois request for a temporary restraining order plays out, US lawyers told a court hearing on Monday that Texas National Guard troops were already in transit to the state. Trump then issued another memorandum calling up 300 Illinois National Guard troops, reinforcing Hegseths previous order.

US District Judge April Perry allowed the federal government to continue the deployment in Chicago while it responds to Illinois suit. She set a deadline of midnight Wednesday for the US to reply.

The Illinois dispute came after a federal judge in Oregon on Sunday temporarily blocked Trumps administration from sending any National Guard troops to police the states largest city, Portland.

Shortly after Perrys ruling, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office he might invoke the Insurrection Act of 1792, which would allow troops to directly participate in civilian law enforcement, for which there is little recent precedent.

Id do it if it was necessary. So far, it hasnt been necessary. But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason. If I had to enact it, Id do that, Trump said. If people were being killed and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, Id do that.

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Later, when asked in an interview with Newsmax television whether he would invoke the law, Trump repeated that he would only use it if necessary, and then referenced Portland, Oregon, where the mayor and governor oppose deploying the National Guard to quell protests.

If you take a look at whats been going on in Portland, its been going on for a long time, and thats insurrection. I mean, thats pure insurrection, Trump said.

The law has been used sparingly, in extreme cases of unrest. The law was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when the governor of California requested military aid to suppress unrest in Los Angeles following the trial of Los Angeles police officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King.

Today, Democratic-led states and cities are pushing back against Trumps attempt to deploy military forces into cities, which the White House says are needed to protect federal government employees from violent riots and lawlessness.

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Democratic leaders counter that their cities are being illegally targeted and falsely portrayed as awash in crime.

Trump has expanded the use of the US military in his second term, which has included deploying troops along the US border and ordering them to kill suspected drug traffickers on boats off Venezuela without due process.

National Guard troops are state-based militia forces that answer to their governors except when called into federal service.

Trump has ordered them to Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, DC and Portland, prompting lawsuits from state and local leaders.

Chicagos lawsuit is the fourth legal action opposing Trumps unprecedented use of soldiers to police US cities. Courts have not yet reached a final decision in any of those cases, but judges in California and Oregon have made initial rulings that Trump likely overstepped his authority.

The Illinois lawsuit alleges the Republican president is deploying the military to Illinois based on a flimsy pretext that an ICE facility in a suburb of Chicago needs protection from protesters.

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, in a press conference, accused Trump of unnecessarily escalating tensions by attempting to add National Guard troops to heavily armed federal police from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies already operating in Chicago.

Pritzker said those officers have fired tear gas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters, with U.S. citizens, including children, being traumatised and detained.

Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nations cities, Pritzker said.

Donald Trumps deranged depiction of Chicago as a hellhole, a war zone and the worst and most dangerous city in the world was just complete BS, Pritzker said.

Trump, responding to Pritzker, reiterated his contention that Chicago was like a war zone, saying Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson had lost control.

Its probably worse than almost any city in the world. You could go to Afghanistan, you can go to a lot of different places, and they probably marvel at how much crime we have, Trump said.

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(This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
In a twist, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who had resigned yesterday, has got another chance at saving his government.

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu arrives to deliver a statement at Hotel Matignon in Paris, on October 3, 2025, before a round of consultations with political parties ahead of the announcement of the new government. (Photo: Alain Jocard/Pool via Reuters)

In a twist, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has got the last chance until Wednesday evening to save his government.

In an announcement that came as a shock, Lecornu on Monday resigned just hours after unveiling his Cabinet. His choice of ministers had led to all-round criticism. Now he appears to have a remote chance at a course-correction and saving his government.

President Emmanuel Macron on Monday evening asked Lecornu on Monday evening to take two days to hold cross-party consultations to muster support for his government and save it from collapse, an official at the presidential palace told AFP.

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The source said that Lecornu accepted Macrons request.

Macron had appointed Lecornu as the Prime Minister of France last month after his predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was ousted in a trust vote.

For more than a year, France has been in the grips of a political crisis since the last years snap parliamentary elections threw up a hung assembly. Successive prime ministers have run minority governments as no party or coalition has had a majority. While parties supported Bayrou, and his predecessor Michel Barnier, on case-by-case basis, both of them were ousted in trust votes after parties refused to support their budget proposals.

Lecornus last chance to save govt

Macron tasked Lecornu with conducting final negotiations by Wednesday evening to define a platform of action and stability for the country, the source said.

Lecornu said on social media that he had accepted to hold final discussions with the political forces and would report back to Macron on Wednesday evening.

In an apparent reference at fresh elections, the source said that Macron is ready to assume his responsibilities in case of failure.

In an indication that course-correction has begun, Bruno Le Maire, a former finance minister whom Lecornu had named as defence minister, announced that he will not take up the role. Critics have associated him with Macrons unpopular economic policies.

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In his Cabinet, Lecornu appointed as many as 11 ministers with same portfolios from the previous government, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. He also inducted several former ministers like Le Maire.

It led to criticism as politicians across the spectrum said that the new government was barely new as all the faces were old.

Far-right National Rally (RN) leader Jordan Bardella immediately threatened to bring a vote of no confidence against Lecornus government. He said Cabinet picks were pathetic and made it clear that the prime minister had to bring a break from the past or face a vote of no confidence.

The Cabinet was decidedly all about continuity and absolutely nothing about breaking with the past that the French people are expecting, said Bardella.

Separately, Socialist party leader Olivier Faure said the Cabinet was such that he had no choice other than voting against the government.

At this current moment in time, I cannot see how the socialist party would not be in a position to vote against the governmentThe prevailing sentiment is one of dismayThe reality is that we are witnessing an unprecedented political crisis, said Faure.

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Besides the political crisis, France is in the grips of the worst debt crisis in decades where it reached 3.4 trillion ($4 trillion) last month. That amounted to around 115 per cent of the GDP. The budget deficit reached 5.8 per cent of the GDP  nearly double the European Unions (EU) upper limit of 3 per cent.

Its time to try something else, says Macrons ally

The situation in France is such that even Macrons allies are confused about the direction of the country.

Gabriel Attal, who was prime minister until last year when Macron called snap elections, on Monday said he no longer understood Macrons decisions.

Attal, who leads Macrons centrist party, said it was time to try something else in a reference to the countrys seeing one prime minister after another.

In just over a year, France has seen four prime ministers: Michel Barnier (September-December 2024), Bayrou (Dec. 2024-Sept. 2025), and Lecornu (Sept. 2025-).

The political instability has coincided with a surge in far-right National Rallys (RN) popularity. In the last elections, the RN was believed to win, but a tactical alliance between Macrons centrist coalition and left-leaning parties stopped the RN from winning. But, as the crisis continues, how long the RN stays out of power remains to be seen.

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An Indian-origin man in Arkansas, Kapil Raghu, is seeking to have his US visa restored after being wrongfully arrested when police mistook a bottle of perfume labelled Opium for drugs, leading to his detention and visa revocation.

Indian-origin man in US fights to restore visa after wrongful arrest over perfume labeled as Opium'. Image: News18

An Indian-origin man in Arkansas, Kapil Raghu, is fighting to have his US visa reinstated after being wrongly arrested when police mistook a bottle of perfume labelled Opium for an illegal drug during a routine traffic stop.

Raghu, married to an American citizen and in the process of obtaining permanent residency, was pulled over on May 3 for a minor traffic violation. Officers found the perfume and assumed it contained narcotics. Despite Raghu insisting it was fragrance, he was arrested on suspicion of drug possession. Bodycam footage reportedly captured officers saying, You got a vial of opium that was in your centre console.

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Testing later confirmed the bottle contained perfume, not drugs. However, Raghu spent three days in Saline County Jail, where authorities flagged an issue with his visa, citing an administrative error by his previous attorney, said his lawyer Mike Laux.

Following his arrest, Raghu was transferred to an ICE detention centre in Louisiana for 30 days. Although the drug charge was dropped, his visa was revoked, leaving him under threat of deportation. Kapil now has a deportation status, meaning he can be immediately deported for any minor offence, even jaywalking, Laux told The Guardian. But, more crucially, this classification bars him from working and earning money for his family, which has been devastating for them.

Raghu said his wife, Alhley Mays, has been covering the legal fees by working three jobs and was considering moving the family abroad. He also highlighted that police failed to notify the Indian Consulate, violating international law and policy under the Vienna Convention.

In a letter to ICE, Raghu requested that his visa be reinstated, explaining the issue stemmed from his previous attorneys failure to file paperwork on time. The mounting legal fees and the pressure of not being able to contribute have created a difficult situation for our family, he wrote.
Indian state-run refiners have resumed payments in Chinese yuan for Russian oil shipments, amid signs of improving diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Beijing, according to a report, citing trade sources

Woman holds Chinese Yuan banknotes in this illustration taken on May 30, 2022. Reuters File

Indian state-run refiners have resumed payments in Chinese yuan for Russian oil shipments, amid signs of improving diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Beijing, according to a Reuters report, citing trade sources.

Indias top state refiner, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), recently settled payments for two to three Russian oil cargoes using the Chinese currency, added the report, citing the sources.

Viewing the thaw in India-China bilateral relations and seeing an opportunity to streamline transactions, traders offering Russian crude had begun requesting yuan-denominated payments from Indian state refiners.

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The move marks a resumption of yuan usage in state-level oil transactions after a hiatus in 2023.

Payments in yuan had previously been halted following concerns expressed by the Indian government during a period of heightened tension with China. Private refiners, however, continued to use the Chinese currency during that time.

Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine have pushed Russian oil exporters and their trading partners to adopt alternative currencies, including the yuan and the UAE dirham, bypassing the traditional US dollar-dominated system.

According to Reuters, traders previously had to convert payments from dirhams or dollars into yuan  the only currencies that can be directly exchanged into roubles required by Russian producers.

The renewed use of yuan by Indian state refiners eliminates an extra step in the payment chain, reducing transaction costs, added the report.

According to trade sources, Russian oil is still being priced in dollars to comply with the European Unions price cap on Russian crude exports, but sellers are now requesting yuan payments equivalent to those dollar values.

India has emerged as the top importer of Russian seaborne crude since Western nations suspended direct imports from Moscow.

The ability to pay in yuan could increase access to Russian oil for Indian state refiners, especially as some traders are unwilling to accept other currencies.

The development comes as India and China show tentative signs of warming ties. Direct flights between the two countries resumed recently after more than five years, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China last month for the first time in seven years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

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With inputs from agencies
Even as US President Donald Trumps proposal for the Gaza Strip has mentioned a pathway for statehood, real statehood for Palestine remains elusive and a distant dream. And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus refusal is not the only reason  Palestinian leadership shares the blame as well.

head of the UN gathering in New York, Australia, France, Canada, and the United Kingdom became the latest to add their names. That number is expected to increase in the coming days, File Image/Reuters

US President Donald Trumps proposal to end the war in the Gaza Strip includes a pathway for Palestinian statehood, and French President Emmanuel Macron has led a wave of international recognition of the Palestinian state. Yet, any real statehood remains elusive  and to many, it appears farther away than ever.

As tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, more and more countries have recognised that ending the war is not enough. They have stated that the IsraeliPalestinian conflict must be addressed as well. Most of these countries have backed the two-state solution as the way forward.

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Under the proposed two-state solution, the Jewish State of Israel and the Arab State of Palestine are envisioned as neighbouring countries established in a way that neither threatens the others existence. The idea behind the proposal is to address the self-determination aspirations of two peoples rooted in the same land.

While Palestinian statehood seemed within reach in the 1990s, when the Oslo Accords paved the way for the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA) the de facto Palestinian government in the West Bank IsraeliPalestinian talks have been stalled for at least 15 years. In recent years, the rise of far-right forces in Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus transition into a staunch opponent of Palestinian statehood have led many observers to believe that meaningful progress is not on the horizon.

ALSO READ: Netanyahu has now joined Trump to kill two-state solution, here's how his stand evolved over years

But does that mean Trumps plan and the wave of international recognition are meaningless? Not exactly, says Muddassir Quamar, a scholar of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict at the Centre for West Asian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi.

Quamar tells Firstpost, The current wave of recognition of the Palestinian state shows that more and more countries realise the question of Palestine cannot be put on the backburner forever. It is also a message to Israel that they do not condone the death and destruction in Gaza. Even though the rising recognition has not changed Israels actions, it ensures the question of Palestine is not forgotten  even if no breakthrough is expected anytime soon.

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Does Palestine meet the criteria for statehood today?

What it means to be a state is enshrined in the Montevideo Convention of 1933.

The Convention states that a state must have four features: (i) a permanent population; (ii) a defined territory; (iii) a government; and (iv) the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

As things stand today, Palestine fulfils two conditions: it has a permanent population and the capacity to enter into relations with other states  the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), the international representative of the Palestinian people, holds Observer State status at the United Nations (UN) and has embassies in most of the UN member-states.

However, Palestine does not have a defined territory. Although it claims the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem under pre-1967 borders as part of the Palestinian state, it only governs a sliver of the West Bank. The Palestinian government the PA, which operates under the framework of the Oslo Accords signed between Israel and the PLO only partially governs the West Bank as around 60 per cent of the territory remains under direct Israeli control.

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Therefore, irrespective of the wave of recognition, Palestine does not meet the criteria for statehood under international law.

But isnt there a push for a two-state solution?

Paradoxically, the push for a two-state solution is increasing by the day and, at the same time, the space for a Palestinian state is shrinking.

Trumps proposal for Gaza states that the strip will eventually be handed over to the PA, and once the PA has carried out the required reforms, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognise as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

But in reality, the room for Palestinian statehood is narrowing. For one, Israel has vowed to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank, which reduces the land available for any future Palestinian state. One estimate suggests that around 40 per cent of the West Bank is occupied by Israeli settlements and outposts deemed illegal under international law where around half a million Jews live.

Even though Trump has told Arab countries he will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, and his proposal states that Israel will not annex Gaza, there is no assurance regarding the illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. And this is just one of the outstanding issues, says Alvite Ningthoujam, a scholar of West Asian affairs and Deputy Director of the Symbiosis School of International Studies (SSIS), Symbiosis International University, Pune.

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The question of Jerusalem, the security concerns of either side, and the disjointed nature of the West Bank where Israeli settlements are situated in a way that restricts free movement of Palestinians are some of the outstanding issues that do not appear to have any solution in sight. President Trumps proposal does not address any of this. And that means that even though the statehood movement has gained traction, the hope for a near-term solution is not high, says Ningthoujam.

Moreover, the controlling entity Israel appears firmly opposed to any Palestinian statehood. Even as the declaration violated Trumps proposal, Netanyahu said just hours after it was unveiled that he will never agree to a Palestinian state.

Even Palestinians are not ready for statehood

While Netanyahus opposition to Palestinian statehood is well known, Palestinians themselves are not ready for statehood.

The PA has not held elections since 2006, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, 88, has ruled well beyond his mandated term.

Beyond the obvious issue of age, Abbas is seen as highly unpopular  even among Palestinians. And there is no Palestinian leader on the horizon who could take up the baton from him as Abbas and the late Yasser Arafat failed to groom and elevate the next generation of Palestinian leaders.

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The Palestinian leader often cited as Abbass potential successor, Marwan Barghouti, has been in an Israeli jail since 2002 after being convicted of five murders. His photos and videos have rarely appeared in public over the past 23 years.

ALSO READ  Well oppose Palestinian state, army to remain in Gaza: Netanyahu plays down Trumps peace plan

The Palestinian polity is fractured, and there is neither a leader who can be the face of the people nor any unified approach among factions, says Quamar, the scholar of West Asia and Associate Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies, JNU.

Firstly, the West Bank and Gaza have been completely separated for 19 years, so there is little sense of political or administrative jointness. And among many Palestinian factions, there is no united approach. There is still no consensus on whether armed struggle should be abandoned. Even though Fatah has given up arms, there are elements that dream of an armed struggle and have not laid down their weapons. That does not help the Palestinian cause, says Quamar.

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Within the PLO, Fatah led by Abbas is the dominant party. But some parties within the PLO, such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), have not renounced violence and remain in conflict with Israel. Moreover, the Fatah-dominated PLO has not expelled the PFLP from the bloc. Then there are problematic aspects like the PAs pay-for-slay scheme under which families of terrorists receive stipends.

The fact that the international community continues to view the PA as the sole Palestinian government, and that even Trump has recognised the PAs legitimacy, are positive signs. However, the PAs persistent failure to reform  from the issue of elections to the leadership vacuum  means it is not making a strong case for Palestinian statehood, says Ningthoujam, Deputy Director of SSIS, Pune.
Months after Hasina fled to New Delhi seeking exile amid anti-government protests in August 2024, the Bangladesh government formally requested her extradition on December 23, 2024

Sheikh Hasina still holds one of the two keys needed to access it. Reuters/File Photo

Indias Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said that issues surrounding Bangladeshs former prime minister Sheikh Hasina are judicial and legal and require consultations between the two countries.

We are examining these issues. We look forward to working together with Bangladesh authorities on these issues, Misri said at the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh in New Delhi.

What is the issue?

Months after Hasina fled to New Delhi seeking exile amid anti-government protests in August 2024, the Bangladesh government formally requested her extradition on December 23, 2024.

Dhaka sent a note verbale to Indias Ministry of External Affairs on the same day, seeking Hasinas return to face the judicial process. The Press Secretary to Bangladeshs Chief Adviser stated, We want our relations with India to be based on fairness, equality and dignity.

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Earlier this year, the countrys Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus slammed the Indian government for backing Hasina, saying ties are strained between India and Bangladesh because New Delhi didnt like last years developments.

They are hosting Hasina who created all the problems and killed young people (to quell protests), he said.

Back free and fair elections

When asked about reports that New Delhi is attempting to reinstate Sheikh Hasina, who is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity in Bangladesh, and her banned party, Misri said India supports only an early election in Bangladesh to give the people a chance to express their mandate through a popularly elected government.

I want to be very, very clear on this one matter. If there is any doubt in anybodys mind, India is firmly in favour of free, fair, inclusive, and participatory elections in Bangladesh. And it is in favour of these elections being held at the earliest possible time, he said.

He added, We remain ready to engage with any government that emerges from this election with a popular mandate.
Climate activist Greta Thunberg has hit back at US President Donald Trump after he claimed she has anger issues, suggesting he may be the one struggling with them instead

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg (centre) at Ramon International Airport on Monday, before being deported along with other Gaza flotilla activists. Image Courtesy: Israeli Foreign Ministry

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has hit back at US President Donald Trump after he claimed she has anger issues, suggesting he may be the one struggling with them instead

I hear Donald Trump has once again expressed his flattering opinions on my character, and I appreciate his concern for my mental health, the 22-year-old Swedish activist wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday morning.

I would kindly receive any recommendations you might have to deal with these so-called anger management problems, since  judging by your impressive track record  you seem to be suffering from them too, she added.

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President Trump called Thunberg angry and a troublemaker following her detention and subsequent deportation by Israeli authorities, reigniting a long-running feud between the two public figures that dates back to her early days in the global climate movement.

Thunberg had been part of a 42-boat flotilla known as the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza before being intercepted by Israeli forces.

Shes just a troublemaker. .. Shes no longer into the environment now. She has an anger management problem. I think she should see a doctor, Trump had told reporters. Have you ever watched her? Shes a young person. Shes so angry, shes so crazy.

This isnt the first time President Trump and Thunberg have exchanged barbs.

In June, Trump labeled Thunberg strange and angry following her first attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, prompting her to respond that the world needs more angry women.

Their feud dates back to Trumps first term, when he mocked the then-16-year-old Thunberg by sarcastically calling her a very happy young girl after her impassioned speech on climate change at the United Nations.

Thunberg rose to prominence in 2018 after launching the Fridays for Future school strike movement. More recently, she has broadened her activism to include humanitarian causes, particularly in Gaza.

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On Monday, Thunberg arrived in Greece after being deported from Israel.

She and other 160 campaigners from the flotilla were greeted with cheers upon arrival. Israels foreign ministry later confirmed it had expelled a total of 171 activists from the aid mission on Monday.

With inputs from agencies
The Indian Mission in Kiev is ascertaining the veracity of the reports of an Indian national being captured by Ukrainian Forces. It has not yet received any formal communication from the Ukrainian side in this regard, a report quoted a source as saying

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is verifying reports that an Indian national has been captured by Ukrainian forces, according to a News18 report_,_ citing a government source on Tuesday.

According to the report, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv is working to ascertain the authenticity of the report.

As of now, no official communication has been received from the Ukrainian side, the source said.

The statement comes after a report by The Kyiv Independent claimed that Ukraines 63rd Mechanized Brigade had captured an Indian citizen allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces.

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The individual has been identified as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, a 22-year-old from Morbi, Gujarat.

According to Ukraines brigade, Majoti travelled to Russia to pursue university studies but was later imprisoned on drug-related charges. He was sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison.

In a video released by the brigade  now widely circulated on social media platform X  Hussein is seen speaking in Russian, claiming he was offered the chance to join the Russian military in exchange for early release from prison.

An Indian who fought in the Russian Armed Forces was captured by soldiers of the 63rd Mechanised Brigade in the Lyman direction



Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, 22 y.o, from the city of Morbi. He studied at a university in Russia but was arrested for drugs. To avoid going to pic.twitter.com/TAfQDiYwXu  Cloooud | (@GloOouD) October 7, 2025

I didnt want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the special military operation, Hussein says in the video, referring to Russias official terminology for its invasion of Ukraine.

But I wanted to get out of there," he added.

He said he received 16 days of military training before being deployed on his first combat mission on October 1, where he spent three days on the battlefield.

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After a disagreement with his commander, Hussein says he surrendered voluntarily.

I came across a Ukrainian trench position about 23 kilometres away, he recounts. I immediately put down my rifle and said that I didnt want to fight. I needed help.

Hussein added that he does not wish to return to Russia.

There is no truth there, nothing. Id rather go to prison here (in Ukraine), he said, also claiming he never received the money he was promised for enlisting in the Russian army.

According to multiple reports, at least 12 Indian nationals have died fighting for Russia since the war began in 2022, while 16 others remain missing.

With inputs from agencies
PM Modi on Tuesday spoke with Putin to wish him a happy 73rd birthday and discuss ways to further strengthen the India-Russia strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (October 7) called Russian President Vladimir Putin to wish him on his 73rd birthday, expressing hopes for his good health and continued success.

During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the India-Russia bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Putins upcoming India visit

Modi said he looks forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year. Putin has confirmed his visit, expected in early December, saying he is looking forward to meeting my dear friend, our trustworthy partner, PM Modi.

Talks on Ukraine conflict

Putin also briefed Modi on the latest developments in the Ukraine conflict.

The Prime Minister thanked him for the update and reiterated Indias consistent call for a peaceful resolution.

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Putin praises Modis leadership

Just last week, Putin hailed Modi as a reasonable and wise leader who defends Indias national interests, adding that he knows Modi would not take steps that would humiliate Indians.
Under pressure from Donald Trump to end the two-year-old war, Netanyahu is facing a backlash from ultra-nationalist allies. (Reuters/File Photo)

A rift within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus far-right coalition is emerging as a key flashpoint in efforts to end the war in Gaza, threatening to derail a United States push to reshape the political landscape of the West Asia.

Under pressure from US President Donald Trump to end the two-year-old conflict, Netanyahu is facing a backlash from his ultra-nationalist allies whose opposition to the US presidents Gaza proposal could force the Israeli leader into early elections.

Netanyahu has publicly embraced Trumps 20-point plan to end the war, which calls for Gazas demilitarisation and excludes Hamas from any future governing role, although it allows its members to remain if they renounce violence and surrender their weapons.

Hamas has responded positively, signalling partial acceptance of Trumps proposal and stating that it is ready to negotiate the release of hostages while joining a Palestinian national framework to determine Gazas future.

However, the idea that Hamas could continue to exist, let alone play any part in post-war discussions, has angered Netanyahus right-wing coalition partners. We cannot agree under any circumstances to a scenario in which the terrorist organisation that brought the greatest calamity upon the State of Israel is revived, said National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. We will in no way be partners to that, he added in a post on X, threatening to withdraw from the government.

If Netanyahus far-right ministers believe he has made too many concessions to end the war, his coalition  already the most right-wing government in Israels history  could collapse a full year before the next scheduled election, which must be held by October 2026.

But prolonging the war could anger the families of hostages still held by Palestinian militants and further alienate a war-weary Israeli public, as well as strain ties with international allies. Continued fighting could also extinguish hopes of expanding the Abraham Accords, a series of US-backed agreements that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states.

Expanding those accords remains a key objective for Trump, whose administration has pursued closer regional ties as part of its West Asia strategy. Yet Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations have made it clear that they will not normalise relations with Israel until the Gaza war ends and a pathway to Palestinian statehood is established.

Trumps plan and domestic tensions

Trump has urged Israel to halt its bombardment of Gaza so that talks on his proposal can move forward. Under his plan, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas began on Monday in Egypts Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, focusing first on the release of all remaining hostages.

Netanyahu has described the process as beginning with an exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages. Of the 48 hostages believed to remain in Gaza, 20 are thought to be alive. A second phase of the plan would centre on disarming Hamas and demilitarising Gaza.

However, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that pausing attacks would be a grave mistake, saying that such a move would erode Israels leverage as it works toward freeing the hostages, dismantling Hamas, and ensuring Gazas demilitarisation.

Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, whose parties jointly hold 13 of the Knessets 120 seats, have long pressed Netanyahu to pursue absolute victory in Gaza, an ambition that critics see as unrealistic. Should they withdraw their support, the collapse of the coalition would almost certainly trigger an early election.

No ceasefire yet, says Israeli government

Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters on Sunday that the military had halted certain bombings but insisted there was no ceasefire in place. She said that the Israel Defence Forces would continue operations for defensive purposes.

Despite Trumps appeal for restraint, Israeli strikes over the weekend killed dozens of Palestinians. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has framed Trumps initiative as a joint effort aligned with Israels long-term objectives, including the surrender of Hamas and maintaining Israeli security control over Gaza and its borders.

Political future uncertain

Trumps plan has been criticised for its lack of specifics, offering no clear timeline for Hamas to disarm and only vaguely referencing Palestinian statehood  a point likely to inflame Netanyahus far-right partners.

Israeli pollster Mitchell Barak, who worked with Netanyahu in the 1990s, said the government appeared to be approaching its end, though he did not foresee an immediate collapse. He noted that the opposition supports the Trump plan, while Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have limited political options beyond remaining aligned with Netanyahu.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered to support the government temporarily to ensure Trumps plan proceeds, saying Netanyahu could set a date for elections in exchange. Lapid described his offer as insurance against what he called the prime ministers extremist and irresponsible partners.
In an insightful conversation with Firstpost, former Palestinian peace negotiator Yezid Sayigh said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will do everything to sabotage the ceasefire if Gaza becomes independent of Israeli control

While sharing his take on US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, prominent Palestinian historian and former peace negotiator, Yezid Sayigh, told Firstposts Bhagyasree Sengupta that Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might attempt to sabotage the deal.

Netanyahu has been under immense pressure from both Trump and members of his coalition over the Gaza peace plan. While Trump has been calling on Netanyahu to accept the plan, far-right ministers from his cabinet are not willing to support Israel's military withdrawal from Gaza.

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While all this is happening, the Israeli Prime Ministers popularity within Israel has taken a major hit. From bad poll numbers to frequent protests, the Netanyahu government is facing challenges as the country heads to elections next year.

In a thought-provoking conversation with Firstposts Bhagyasree Sengupta, Yezid Sayigh, Senior Fellow, Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Centre, shares his take on Trumps plans and Netanyahus political ambitions.

Sayigh was an adviser, negotiator, and policy planner in the Palestinian delegation to the peace talks with Israel, 1991-2002 and advised on Palestinian public institutional reform until 2006. In the Firstpost interview, Sayigh shared his assessment on several aspects of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war; Trumps Gaza peace plan, the crisis in the West Bank and the Wests calls for a two-state solution.

US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up as he welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington, DC. File image/Reuters

On Trumps Gaza peace plan

While sharing his take on Trumps peace plan, Sayigh said that the proposal is deeply flawed. However, he pointed out one positive element of the deal.

Trumps plan is very deeply flawed, very problematic. Theres one reference to Palestinian statehood, but it doesnt commit to that There are other problems, mostly that as soon as Hamas has delivered on its side of the agreement, which is to release Israeli hostages remaining in its hands, and then to lay down its weapons, and to accept not to take part in governing Gaza in the future, what is not so clear is the timetable and the terms for full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and how we move from there to a meaningful political dialogue that reaches any form of self-determination for the Palestinian people, Sayigh told Firstpost.

If we look at it as a whole, then you see that this is a plan that in a way almost seems designed to do one thing, and that is to derail and diffuse and deflect the massive growth in international public opinion opposed to what Israel has been doing in Gaza, to Israeli use of famine as a weapon of war. Growing number of significant states in the G7 group, for instance, that have recognised the state of Palestine and that could potentially start taking more material concrete steps, such as reducing Israeli trade access to the European Union markets, or access to research and scientific cooperation and grants, and so on.

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Sayigh maintained that Trumps proposed peace plan does little more than block the plan thats already been produced, referring to the reconstruction frameworks proposed by the UN or the League of Arab states, which were championed by Egypt and supported by Saudi Arabia.

However, the Palestinian historian pointed out one positive aspect of the deal, i.e. the establishment of the International Stabilisation Force in Gaza. There is, I think, one element to the Trump plan that is really interesting and potentially really positive, and this is that the Trump Plan calls for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces to a midway point in Gaza. That is maybe of minor significance. Whats more important, I think, is that the Trump plan calls for the immediate deployment of an international stabilisation force in Gaza, which will gradually take over more and more of Gaza while the Israeli forces withdraw entirely to the border perimeter and to a sort of, you know, security perimeter, he said.

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What this means is that for the first time in 57 years or 58 years since Israel occupied the Gaza Strip, Gaza will become under international control and will basically completely escape Israeli control. There will be no reason for Israel to, and hopefully no opportunity for Israel to intervene militarily to re-enter the territory.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports some 6,000 people remain buried under rubble, a figure likely far higher given entire families have been wiped out in single strikes. (File Image/Reuters)

He also pointed out how Trumps plan also put a great deal of emphasis on economic growth, development, reconstruction, and revival of Gaza, none of which can happen unless Gaza finally gains, after 58 years, free direct access to the international markets.

So, if we think about the military side of this, it comes under international control; the governance side comes under international control, which then secures Israeli security interests and therefore should allow Gaza free access to the world. That is a huge transformation, he said.

Boon for Gaza, bane for Netanyahu

Sayigh explained that while the Trump proposal has the potential to open the door for Gaza, it can also draw ire and attempts of sabotage from Netanyahu. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will do everything he can, using any justification, to sabotage the ceasefire, whether in days or weeks or two months or so I think that for him, this represents what he would regard as an existential political threat, that Gaza will become independent of Israeli control, and that the majority of the worlds nations that have recognised the state of Palestine will then say, we now have independent Palestinian territory, and this is the first part of the state of Palestine, and therefore to start pushing for its full admission into the United Nations, with all the rights and obligations that then follow, he told Firstpost.

When asked about the domestic pressure Netanyahu is facing from the far-right and his poor approval ratings, Sayigh reiterated that the Israeli premier would will find every way he can to delay, to push things away and eventually to, you know, cry foul and accuse Hamas of something and then go back to war.

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Will find every way he can to delay, to push things away and eventually to, you know, cry foul and accuse Hamas of something and then go back to war. Not a plan that allows for the Palestinians to have any kind of autonomous existence or control over their own lives, which is what most of the rest of us want and seek. Netanyahu is ideologically opposed to this. Hes been honest about one thing, and that is his total opposition to Palestinian statehood, Sayigh said.

People take part in a protest demanding the end of the war and the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government in Tel Aviv, Israel. AP

He had said the day after accepting the Trump plan that Israel would forcibly prevent Palestinian statehood. So hes already, you know, violating and undermining the plan. So I dont think were going to get to the point where he is actually at risk of losing office as prime minister, because he loses his far-right allies. He will manoeuvre and navigate until the ceasefire collapses. In theory, of course, we could see a more positive outcome, where Netanyahu was forced to shift his approach. But I think partly the problem here is that the Israel were looking at today is not the Israel that was established in 1948.

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He will face elections next year. Thats a lot of time for him to manipulate things. And weve seen that hes been willing to go to war, or to launch attacks on, you know, seven Arab countries, including going to war with Iran. And all this suggests to me someone whos using war as an alternative for politics, and to ensure that he continues his radical right-wing agenda for Israel itself, he furthered.

The state of Israeli opposition

The Palestinian historian went on to talk about how Israel has transformed socially, demographically, internally, and politically in the past 10 or 20 years. The set of understandings between the Labour Party and the Likud Party, the old sort of centre left, centre right divide, the ultra orthodox community, the Mizrahi, Sephardic or Eastern Jewish community, those understandings that governed Israel for 50 or 60 years, have basically collapsed. Israel is a new territory, Sayigh said.

I dont think there is an opposition in Israel that is genuinely worthy of the name. There is a lot of genuine opposition among Israelis to aspects of the far-right agenda, especially on judicial reform, that ensure that the executive branch escapes judicial oversight. But moving beyond that, if you ask that same opposition what they propose, in terms of the relationship with the Palestinians, they dont differ radically from what the right in Israel pursues.

FILE-Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, centre, Likud Party leader Benjamin Netanyahu, left, far-right Israeli lawmaker Bezalel Smotrich and leaders of all Israels political parties pose for a group photo after the swearing-in ceremony for Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset, Israels parliament, in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. AP

They are not committed to Palestinian statehood, they are not committed to equal rights for Palestinian citizens, and so on. I fear that no force within Israel poses a genuine challenge to Netanyahu, he added.

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Sayigh recalled that right before the October 7 attack, he shared a different perspective on the challenges the Netanyahu government was facing with the judicial overhaul protests. I thought he would weaponise war to serve his political needs domestically, and to keep the war going to outlive the drop in approval until various political conditions improved and allowed him to remain in office. And I think that is still true, he said.
Netanyahu has said that global powers cannot afford to stand alone, stressing that superpowers need allies and calling Israel a vital partner in confronting shared threats like Irans nuclear ambitions.

The talks come two days ahead the two-year mark of Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the conflict. (File Photo/AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, taking an indirect dig at US President Donald Trump amid his shifting stance over the Gaza peace plan, said that superpowers need allies and that Israel remains a key partner in tackling shared threats like Irans nuclear ambitions.

In an interview, Netanyahu noted that even the strongest nations rely on alliances for security, technology, and intelligence. America First doesnt mean America alone, because all countries need allies. Superpowers need allies. China has allies. Russia has allies, he said.

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Marking two years since the Hamas attack on Israel, Netanyahu described his country as a fighting ally that pulls its weight, adding, We dont ask for Americans to bring boots on the ground. Weve done the job of defending ourselves pretty well over the last 77 years.

Speaking about Iran, the Israeli Prime Minister warned that Tehrans push to build intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads poses a direct threat to the United States.

Iran is developing ballistic missiles with an 8,000-kilometre range. Add another 3,000 kilometres, and theyve got under their atomic guns New York City, Washington, Boston, Miami, Mar-a-Lago, he said.

Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump for taking a firm yet judicious stance against Irans nuclear ambitions without triggering a wider regional conflict.

We had exactly the right alliance in which we shared the labour, and we achieved this neutralisation of Iran, which could blackmail every American city, he said.

Netanyahus comments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East as Iran continues to advance its nuclear program, while the United States pursues diplomatic and economic measures to limit Tehrans weapons ambitions.
A blast on rail tracks derailed the Jaffar Express train near the Sindh-Balochistan border in Pakistan. An official said at least seven people have been injured in the blast.

The screengrab shows bogies of the Jaffar Express that derailed after a blast on the tracks in Shikarpur, Sindh province, Pakistan, on October 7, 2025. (Credit: CNN-News 18)

At least seven people were injured in a blast on Tuesday that derailed the Jaffar Express train in Pakistans Sindh province, according to an official.

A blast occurred on the train tracks at 8:15 am in Sindhs Shikarpur district near the provinces border with the restive Balochistan province, Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Abro told Dawn newspaper.

Abro said that four bogies of the train derailed and at least seven people were injured.

Earlier in March, the Jaffar Express was hijacked and the standoff between hijackers and security forces lasted for more than 24 hours. It ended with dozens of deaths, including atll 33 hijackers and at least 24 soldiers who were either travelling as passengers or engaged with hijackers. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), the group leading the armed movement for Baloch self-determination, claimed responsibility for the hijacking.

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The Jaffar Express runs between Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the northwest and Balochistans capital Quetta. It was going to Quetta at the time of blast.

In August, a bomb blast on tracks had derailed six bogies of Jaffar Express in Balochistans Mastung district. The incident took place just three days after a bomb exploded on tracks in Balochistans Sibi just after the rain had passed.

For decades, Balochistan has been home to a raging movement against the Pakistani rule. Large sections of the Baloch people maintain that their homeland was unjustly occupied by Pakistan and merged into the country. They therefore treat Pakistani rule as occupation. Some groups waging the self-determination movement have taken up arms over the years, such as the BLA, and are waging an insurgency against what they call illegitimate Pakistani rule on Balochistan.

ALSO READ  Pakistan's proxy war against Baloch people: ISKPs threats and militarisation of Balochistan

In recent months, such armed groups have ramped up their campaigns against Pakistan. In August, at least nine soldiers, including a captain, were killed in an attack in the provinces Washuk district. In July, dozens of fighters launched simultaneous attacks on Pakistani security personnel in various parts of Balochistan and killed at least eight security personnel. That same month, gunmen killed three Frontier Corps personnel in in Karak district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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Ukraine launched another major drone barrage on Russia, which claimed to have intercepted 184 drones, amid escalating cross-border attacks and growing scrutiny

A day earlier, Russia announced it had intercepted 251 drones in one of Kyivs largest retaliatory attacks. (File Photo/AFP)

Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone attack on Russia for the second consecutive night, with Moscow reporting on Tuesday that its forces had shot down 209 drones. According to the Russian Defence Ministry, most of the drones were intercepted over the border regions of Kursk and Belgorod.

The strikes hit an unidentified industry enterprise in the Nizhny Novgorod region, Governor Gleb Nikitin said.

Russian authorities did not report any injuries or deaths on Tuesday.

On Monday, Russia announced it had intercepted 251 drones in one of Kyivs largest retaliatory attacks. The strikes killed two people and caused widespread power outages, leaving about 1,000 residents in Belgorod still without electricity, local authorities said.

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Kyiv has pledged to intensify strikes on Russian territory, targeting oil infrastructure in what it calls a legitimate response to Moscows daily assaults on Ukrainian cities and energy networks, which have often left millions without heating or power.

Ukraine alleges foreign parts in Russian weapons

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that investigators had found tens of thousands of foreign-made components in Russian drones and missiles used during the massive attack on Ukraine in the early hours of October 5.

During the massive combined strike on Ukraine on the night of October 5, Russia used 549 weapon systems containing 102,785 foreign-made components, Zelensky said on social media. He added that Russia fired nearly 500 drones and over 50 missiles that night, killing five people, including victims in the western Lviv region  and damaging parts of Ukraines energy infrastructure.

Zelensky said the recovered components, such as converters, sensors and microcomputers, originated from companies in the United States, China, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Netherlands. He warned that Kyiv was preparing new sanctions against those involved.

The British government said it was taking Ukraines allegations incredibly seriously, adding that violations of sanctions could lead to large financial penalties or criminal prosecution."
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg landed in Greece on Monday along with scores of fellow campaigners expelled from Israel after trying to ship aid to Gaza

Donald Trump criticised Greta Thunberg, saying she has an 'anger management problem' and "should see a doctor." (File Photo/AP)

US President Donald Trump on Monday labelled Greta Thunberg a troublemaker and said she had an anger management problem after the Swedish climate activist reached Greece following her expulsion from Israel.

Thunberg, accompanied by fellow campaigners, was detained in Israel for attempting to deliver aid to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Speaking via the White House rapid response account, Trump said, She is just a troublemaker. You know, she is no longer into the environment, now she is a troublemaker. She has an anger management problem. I think she should see a doctor. If you ever watch her, for a young person, shes so angry. Shes so crazy. You can have her.

.@POTUS on Greta Thunberg: "She has an anger management problem. I think she should see a doctor. If you ever watch her, for a young person, she's so angry. She's so crazy. You can have her."  pic.twitter.com/a7Mqhu1kpO  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 6, 2025

Flotilla mission and protest

The Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona in early September, aiming to break Israels blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid. Israel intercepted the vessels off Egypt, describing the flotilla as an offshoot of Hamas and stating the boats had violated a prohibited zone with little aid on board. Israeli police arrested over 470 people, with 138 remaining in detention.

Following her arrival in Athens, Thunberg expressed disappointment at being expelled, calling the mission the biggest ever attempt to break Israels illegal and inhumane siege by sea. She urged global action to prevent what she called Israels genocide of Palestinians. Activists at Athens airport unfurled a large Palestinian flag, chanting for Palestinian freedom.
Trump administration officials are reportedly considering selling parts of the federal governments $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to private investors, Politico reported. The plan, discussed by senior Education and Treasury officials, aims to reduce Washingtons role in student lending.

President Donald Trump speaks to a gathering of top US military commanders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, on Tuesday, in Quantico. AP file

Officials in the Trump administration are reportedly weighing plans to sell portions of the federal governments $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to private investors, Politico reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Talks between senior officials from the Education and Treasury departments have focused on selling high-performing segments of the portfolio, which currently covers around 45 million borrowers.

The discussions, involving senior political appointees, reflect a broader push to reduce the federal governments role in student lending and increase private-sector participation.

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Push to shrink federal role

The proposal aligns with Republican efforts to scale back federal lending and shrink the governments balance sheet.

The Trump administration is committed to analyzing all aspects of the federal student loan portfolio, a senior administration official told Politico. Unlike the previous administration, we are focused on ensuring the long-term health of the portfolio for the benefit of both students and taxpayers.

Concerns over borrower protections

Experts warn that privatizing portions of the portfolio could weaken borrower safeguards, which are typically stronger under federal management. Its also unclear whether Washington would continue to guarantee the loans.

The federal government currently wields greater collection powerssuch as garnishing tax refunds and Social Security benefitsthan private lenders.

Review and feasibility study

Officials are reportedly considering hiring a consulting firm or bank to evaluate how the private market might value the debt. By law, the Education Department can sell loans after consulting the Treasury Department, but only if it doesnt cost taxpayers money.

A similar effort during Trumps first term stalled after consultants found the portfolio was worth less than expected and the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted further plans.

Part of a wider overhaul

The renewed talks come as the administration looks to overhaul the student loan system, including a proposal to shift loan management from the Education Department to the Treasurypart of Trumps plan to eventually close the department.

The administration has already rolled back Biden-era debt relief measures, restarted collections on defaulted loans for the first time since 2020, and restructured how loan servicers engage with borrowers.

Skepticism remains

Experts say the plan may offer little fiscal benefit. Private investors wouldnt be willing to pay more than the loans are worth, said Preston Cooper, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Even if the goal is to shrink the portfolio and ease administrative costs, it likely isnt worth it.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have expressed their sincerest thanks to the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza for recommending his nomination to the Nobel Committee, according to a report, citing letter published by the hostage families on Tuesday

President Donald Trump speaks to a gathering of top US military commanders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, on Tuesday, in Quantico. AP file

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have expressed their sincerest thanks to the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza for recommending his nomination to the Nobel Committee, according to a CNN report, citing letter published by the hostage families on Tuesday.

In the letter, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the total destruction of Hamas, marking two years since the militant groups October 7, 2023, attacks in southern Israel.

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Since the abhorrent events of October 7, 2023, that saw families ripped apart, children torn from their parents arms, and innocent people shot, killed, and raped, I have been resolved to returning all the hostages home, and ensuring the total destruction of Hamas so these horrific acts may never be repeated, the letter read.

These unspeakable scenes have been seared into our memories, and we will never forget, it added.

Trump also acknowledged the resilience of the hostage families amid their suffering.

My entire administration has been touched by the fact that, through the unimaginable pain and suffering of spending two years not knowing where your loved ones are, you have continued telling their stories and advocating on their behalf, he wrote.

The president further emphasised his foreign policy stance, stating he remains steadfastly committed to restoring a foreign policy of peace through strength ending the years of endless wars, not just in the Middle East, but around the world.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office reported on Tuesday that negotiations in Sharm el Sheikh for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal have made progress, based on a proposal by US President Donald Trump.

An official from Netanyahus office told The Times of Israel there was optimism, but very cautious, while cautioning that Hamas can add obstacles at any moment and leave.

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Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close adviser to Netanyahu and head of the Israeli negotiating team, is scheduled to depart for the talks on Wednesday, the official added.

Officials from Washington are also expected to arrive in Egypt on Wednesday, where Israeli and Palestinian negotiators started fraught ceasefire talks earlier this week.

The negotiations focus on a 20-point plan proposed by Trump, aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.

With inputs from agencies
President Trump hosted Canadian PM Carney at the White House on Tuesday, striking a warm tone as he praised bilateral ties and pointed to potential progress on a trade deal  even as major tariff disagreements remained unresolved

US President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on Tuesday. AFP

US President Donald Trump hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday, striking a warm tone as he praised bilateral ties and pointed to potential progress on a trade deal  even as major tariff disagreements remained unresolved.

Speaking alongside Carney in the Oval Office, Trump commended the Canadian leader as a great leader and suggested the talks had been productive.

I think theyre going to walk away very happy, AFP quoted Trump as telling reporters.

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And I think weve come a long way over the last few months, actually, in terms of that relationship, he added.

While acknowledging natural conflict between the two countries due to business competition, Trump dismissed it as a normal dynamic.

Nothing wrong with it, he said, referring to the rivalry between North American manufacturers.

Carney, who was making his second visit to the White House since taking office in April, responded with optimism about trade negotiations.

Im confident that we will get the right deal, he said, describing the United States as Canadas most important economic partner.

The two leaders shared several light-hearted exchanges, including laughter over Trumps quip about a potential Canadian merger, a reference to his past comments suggesting Canada could become the 51st US state.

He is a world-class leader, Trump said of Carney. Hes a nice man, but he can be very nasty, he added jokingly.

Despite the cordial tone, neither leader provided specifics on lifting or reducing US tariffs on key Canadian exports such as lumber, aluminum, steel, and automobiles.

The meeting came just a day after Trump announced a new 25% tariff on all imported heavy trucks, set to take effect November 1.

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Carney, 60, entered politics less than a year ago, running on a platform that emphasised his crisis management experience  a direct counter to Trumps aggressive trade measures and rhetoric.

The former central banker is under growing pressure at home, particularly after Canada reported a 1.5% GDP contraction in the second quarter.

While most Canadian trade remains shielded by the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), Trump has signaled a desire to revise the deal as it approaches a scheduled renegotiation.

Canada sends approximately 75% of its exports to the US, making the future of trade relations with Washington crucial to its economic stability.

Before the visit Canadas opposition heaped pressure on Carney, as the country is the last major US ally not to seal a deal with Washington.

If you return with excuses, broken promises and photo ops, you will have failed our workers, our businesses and our country, conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wrote in an open letter to Carney on Monday.

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Carney faces particular criticism for making concessions to Trump while getting little in return.

At the end of June, Carney canceled a tax targeting American tech giants under pressure from Trump, who called it outrageous. He also lifted many of the tariffs imposed by the previous government.

Mark Carney has no choice, he must return from Washington with progress, said Daniel Beland, a political scientist at McGill University in Montreal, pointing to the steel and aluminum tariffs as key areas.

But Carney at least seemed to have negotiated the first hurdle of an Oval Office visit.

While the Canadian safely navigated his first appearance there six months ago, Trump has previously savaged visiting foreign leaders in the gilded room, including Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

These meetings can easily go off track, and everything plays out publicly, said Genevieve Tellier, a political scientist at the University of Ottawa.

Last week, Trump once again brought up the possibility of annexing Canada during a speech to US generals and admirals, referencing the countrys potential participation in a new Golden Dome missile shield.

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With inputs from agencies
Israel and Hamas began indirect talks of a Gaza ceasefire on the eve of the second anniversary of the war that has killed thousands of Palestinians. Al-Qahera News said the first round of talks ended amid a positive atmosphere and would continue on Tuesday

President Donald Trump speaks to a gathering of top US military commanders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, on Tuesday, in Quantico. AP file

US President Donald Trump has said that Hamas has made significant concessions during indirect negotiations with Israel in Egypt over his Gaza peace plan.

Talking to CNN, the president said, I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important. When asked whether the US has pressed on any conditions, like on its demand of disarming Hamas, Trump replied, Well, if certain things arent met? Were not going to do it, but I think were doing very well.

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Israel and Hamas began indirect talks of a Gaza ceasefire on the eve of the second anniversary of the war that has killed thousands of Palestinians. Al-Qahera News, which is linked to Egyptian state intelligence, said the first round of talks ended amid a positive atmosphere and would continue on Tuesday.

Negotiations will be complex

Hamass lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who survived Israels attack on the Palestinian Islamist movements leaders in Doha last month, held a meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials ahead of the talks, an Egyptian security source said.

This round of negotiations, launched on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamass October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the war, may last for several days, said a Palestinian source close to Hamass leadership.

We expect the negotiations to be difficult and complex, given the occupations intentions to continue its war of extermination, he told AFP.

Not true

Trump also dismissed an _Axios_ report that quoted a White House insider as saying that the president confronted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a tense phone call over the US-brokered Gaza peace proposal. According to a report by Axios, Trump expressed frustration over Netanyahus cautious approach to the matter.

No, its not true. Hes been very positive. Hes been very positive on the deal. But this is a deal that, incredibly, everyone just came together. They all came together. No, Israels been great. Theyve all been good, Trump told CNN.

With inputs from agencies
President Donald Trump had warned earlier that another stalemate could result in significant job losses. The budget impasse has already left thousands of federal workers either furloughed or working without pay

The White House described the ballroom as a much-needed and exquisite addition. Reuters

The US Senate has once again failed to pass a spending budget, making it the fifth such time that would continue to keep the government in a state of shutdown.

Both Democratic and Republican funding proposals failed to pass in the Senate, unable to reach the 60-vote threshold needed for approval.

President Donald Trump had warned earlier that another stalemate could result in significant job losses. The budget impasse has already left thousands of federal workers either furloughed or working without pay.

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With this Senate vote stalemate, the government has entered its sixth day in shutdown as Republicans and Democrats fail to reach a consensus over legislation on healthcare. The Democratic-proposed bill to extend the governments spending failed first on Monday with a 45-50 vote, while the GOPs bill fell short at 52-42.

Happy to work with Democrats

Trump said Monday he would be happy to negotiate a deal on health programs with Democrats, but demanded that the federal government be reopened first.

I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open, he said on his Truth Social platform.

Democrats have SHUT DOWN the United States Government right in the midst of one of the most successful Economies, including a Record Stock Market, that our Country has ever had. This has sadly affected so many programs, services, and other elements of Society that Americans rely  Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) October 6, 2025

Republicans are digging in their heels, with House Speaker Mike Johnson telling his members not even to report to Congress unless the Democrats cave, insisting any debate over health care be held after reopening the government.

Whats the issue?

Democrats have withheld support for the Republican-led proposal, arguing that it undermines healthcare access for low-income Americans.

They are pushing for any funding bill to protect health insurance subsidies for lower-income individuals and to restore Medicaid funding that was reduced by the Trump administration.

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Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer challenged Johnson to begin health care talks immediately.

If hes serious about lowering costs and protecting the health care of the American people, why wait? he said in a post on X. Democrats are ready to do it now.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, which he signed into law on July 4, would strip 11 million Americans of health care coverage, mainly through cuts to the Medicaid program for low-income families.

With inputs from agencies
Venezuelans Maduro has claimed his government warned the United States about a false flag operation allegedly planned by right-wing groups to plant explosives at the US Embassy in Caracas. His remarks come amid growing tensions with Washington over security and diplomatic ties.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures as he holds a press conference, amid rising tensions with the United States over the deployment of US warships in the Southern Caribbean and nearby waters, in Caracas, Venezuela, September 1, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday claimed his government had alerted Washington about a false flag operation allegedly planned by extremist sectors of the local Venezuelan right to plant explosives at the US Embassy in Caracas.

A false flag operation refers to an act carried out to make it appear as though another party is responsible. The White House and State Department have not yet commented on the claims.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez first reported the alleged plot on Sunday, saying it had been communicated to the US through three different channels. He added that a European embassy had also been informed, though he did not specify which one.

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In a televised interview, Maduro said two trusted sources  one domestic and one international  had warned authorities of the possible attack, prompting additional security measures around the embassy.

He said the government knew who was behind the plot. This was backed by a person who will be known soon and asked for by a person who will be known soon, but this is all ongoing, Maduro said, adding that the aim was to frame his government and begin an escalation of conflict.

The remarks come amid renewed tensions with Washington. In recent weeks, the United States has targeted at least four vessels allegedly carrying drugs off Venezuelas coast. President Donald Trump has also said the US would consider taking action against drug cartels coming by land in Venezuela.

According to the New York Times, Trump has instructed his special envoy Richard Grenell to halt all diplomatic outreach to Venezuela, effectively ending efforts toward a political agreement.
Russia on Tuesday said it was awaiting clearer signals from the United States regarding the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, warning that such weapons could theoretically carry nuclear warheads

A view shows the Kremlin's towers, the Grand Kremlin Palace and cathedrals behind the wall in central Moscow, in Russia, on August 7, 2025. Reuters File

Russia on Tuesday said it was awaiting clearer signals from the United States regarding the potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, warning that such weapons could theoretically carry nuclear warheads.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump said he would want to understand Ukraines intentions for using the missiles before approving any transfer, noting he didnt want to escalate the war with Russia.

He, however, added that he had sort of made a decision on the issue.

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We understand that we need to wait, probably, for clearer statements, if any come, Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying while responding to Trumps remarks.

Peskov also noted that under former President Joe Biden, the US typically confirmed new arms deliveries only after the weapons had reached Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in comments published on Sunday, warned that the supply of Tomahawks  capable of long-range strikes deep into Russian territory  would irreparably damage Moscows relationship with Washington.

Peskov stressed the seriousness of the matter, saying, If we abstract from various nuances, were talking about missiles that could also be nuclear-capable. Therefore, this is truly a serious round of escalation.

With a range of 2,500 kilometers (1,550 miles), Tomahawk missiles would give Ukraine the ability to strike targets across most of European Russia, including Moscow, if Trump authorises their transfer.

With inputs from agencies
Londons Metropolitan Police have dismantled a vast international network accused of trafficking tens of thousands of stolen phones to China

Police arrested 46 individuals, including 11 suspected members of gangs that targeted delivery vans transporting the new iPhone 17. (Photo Pexel)

Londons Metropolitan Police on Monday said they had arrested 46 people in a major operation to dismantle a global network suspected of smuggling nearly 40,000 stolen phones from the UK to China. The bust marks the largest crackdown on mobile phone theft in the nations history.

The investigation, code-named Operation Echosteep, began in December 2024 after police discovered a shipment containing around 1,000 iPhones near Heathrow Airport. Most of the devices were confirmed stolen and were reportedly bound for Hong Kong.

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Authorities say the criminal enterprise stretched from Londons streets to international smuggling routes, where stolen phones were laundered through export channels before being re-sold or repurposed overseas.

Largest crackdown on phone theft in the UK

Police made 46 arrests during the probe, including 11 linked to gangs that targeted delivery vehicles carrying the new iPhone 17. London mayor Sadiq Khan hailed the operation, saying it had struck at the leaders of smuggling gangs as well as the street robbers and snatchers fuelling the trade.

This is, without doubt, the largest operation of its kind in UK history, Khan said.

According to the Metropolitan Police, more than 80,000 mobile phones were reported stolen in London in 2024, many taken from tourist hotspots. Investigators believe a significant share of those devices were funnelled through organised networks and shipped to China, where stolen smartphones are often stripped for parts, reprogrammed, or sold on secondary markets.
With his plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip, US President Donald Trump has thrown Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the toughest dare of his career: making peace with Palestinians. His political survival may depend on it.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands at a joint press conference in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on September 29, 2025. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

Two years after Hamas triggered the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip with its all-out invasion of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be facing the toughest moment of his decades-long career. His principal supporter, US President Donald Trump, has told him to make peace with Palestinians  and he would not take no for an answer.

But Netanyahu cannot afford peace.

Domestically, continuing the war favours Netanyahu, and, indeed, prolonging the conflict with the Palestinians has always worked to his advantage, and now Trumps push for peace has cornered him, says Muddassir Quamar, a scholar of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at the Centre for West Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi.

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ALSO READ  Hamas disarmament, handover to PA, buffer zone: Trumps 20-point Gaza plan | Full Text

In an unprecedented situation, Netanyahu has been restrained by the terms of Trumps Gaza proposal whereas Hamas has been negotiating with the White House.

For Netanyahu, the stakes are high  almost existential. For nearly three decades, he has worked to deny Palestinians a state, undermine the Palestinian Authority (PA), and lay the groundwork to annex Gaza and the West Bank.

But Trump whom Netanyahu hailed as the greatest friend has risked unravelling decades of his efforts. With the 20-point plan, he has told the Israeli leader that he cannot annex Gaza, must withdraw from most of the strip, make way for its handover to the PA, and accept the creation of a pathway to Palestinian statehood.

Trumps rite of passage & Netanyahus reckoning

For many years, every US president has had a rite of passage: seeing their Middle East agenda be derailed by Netanyahu. Trump faced that moment last week, but he appears to have finally read the riot act to the long-time Israeli leader.

With his 20-point plan for Gaza, Trump told Netanyahu to accept the proposal and continue having the US support for Israel or reject it and see the US support vanish. Grudgingly, Netanyahu accepted the proposal  until he did not.

In the Middle East, leaders words in English mean little. It is what they say in their native tongue Hebrew, or Arabic in the case of Arab leaders to their own people that truly matters.

After accepting the Gaza proposal beside Trump in English, Netanyahu rejected it in Hebrew just hours later. He announced that the Israeli military will remain in most of the Gaza Strip and we will strongly oppose a Palestinian state  contrary to the proposals main points.

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Trumps proposal explicitly said that Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza and outlined phased withdrawal. Moreover, the proposal said that with progress in Gazas redevelopment and the handover of the strip to the reformed PA, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognise as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.

Trump was incensed  as his subsequent reactions show

Trump told Netanyahu in no uncertain terms: if he wanted to save face, he would have to make a deal with Hamas under the framework of the 20-point proposal.

When Hamas responded with a partial yes and sought negotiations, Netanyahu as has been his wont for decades declared it meant nothing, but Trump silenced him.

I dont know why youre always so f***ng negative. This is a win. Take it, Trump told Netanyahu, according to Axios.

Previously, referring to their conversation, Trump had told the outlet, I said, Bibi, this is your chance for victory. He was fine with it. Hes got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, you got to be fine.

ALSO READ: Netanyahu has now joined Trump to kill 2-state solution, here's how his stand evolved over years

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With his Gaza proposal and replies to Netanyahu, Trump made it clear that the US support to Israel was never absolute and was dependent on US interests aligning with those of Israel, says Alvite Ningthoujam, a scholar of West Asian affairs and the Deputy Director of Symbiosis School of International Studies (SSIS) at Symbiosis International University, Pune.

Ningthoujam tells Firstpost, President Trump has sought to set the record straight with Prime Minister Netanyahu about the nature of US support for Israel and control the damage in the region from Israeli actions like the strikes in Doha. He has also made it clear that Israel no longer has a friend in the region and the United States is all that it has got. With the war in Gaza, the Abraham Accords now only exist on paper. With the Gaza proposal, President Trump has offered Prime Minister Netanyahu a face-saving exit that would allow Israel an off-ramp and give the United States an opportunity to restore its lost standing in the region.

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Trumps message was clear. He was running the show and Netanyahu had to fall in line. For once, the long-time Israeli leader was boxed in a disaster of his own making.

Netanyahu has to make peace with Palestinians. But can he?

This is at least the third time in the ongoing war that a deal has been on the table  and Netanyahu has been accused of trying to derail it.

In the first instance, former US President Joe Biden outlined an Israel-endorsed proposal in May 2024 that sought to end the war in three phases.

Within weeks, Netanyahu inserted a slew of new demands into the proposal and Hamas dubbed it a non-starter. The war stretched on until January and it was in the final week of Bidens term that a ceasefire was reached.

In the second instance, the ceasefire that Biden struck in coordination with the incoming Trump administration never reached its intended conclusion as Netanyahu resumed the war after the first phase of the deal.

In the third instance, Netanyahu has tried to derail the plan now with his rejection of main points of Trumps proposal. But, as Trump has rebuked him, it does not appear the Israeli leader has many choices left. In Israel as well as the United States, he has isolated himself to the extent that he barely has friends other than Trump, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Bezalel Smotrich, and they are pulling him in opposite directions.

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In Bidens term, Netanyahu prolonged the war with the hope that he would conclude the conflict on his own terms under Trump. But, now after putting all eggs in Trumps basket, Netanyahu has received a reality check that he may have overstepped and cornered himself.

Trump has made it clear that Netanyahu has to make peace with Palestinians. But Netanyahu may find it impossible after moving in the opposite direction throughout his career.

Until President Trumps push, Prime Minister Netanyahu did not have any real pressure to end the war, says Quamar, the scholar of West Asia and an associate professor at Centre for West Asian Studies at JNU, Delhi.

Quamar tells Firstpost, Despite protests in Israel, there was support for the war from Prime Minister Netanyahus far-right base, and prolonging the war essentially prolonged his tenure. Despite rising recognition of the Palestinian state and talk of Israels isolation internationally, Israel was not really isolated as there was not any change in Israeli actions in Gaza, West Bank, or West Asia. Instead, it kept ramping up offensives as the international outrage grew. But that changed with President Trumps push.

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Trump offers Netanyahu a face-saving. But can he take the offer?

At home, protests against Netanyahu are raging. After all, following two years of war, tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, and more than a thousand Israeli soldiers killed, Netanyahu has failed to achieve any of the objectives with which he began the war: the return of the hostages, the defeat of Hamas, and the removal of Hamas from Gaza.

Abroad, Netanyahu is more isolated than ever and Israels reputation is in tatters.

And, finally, Trump has given him a way out, but Netanyahu may have gone beyond the point of no return to take the deal and save face. At home, his government is at the risk of collapse as his far-right allies Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have made it clear that they do not want the war to stop and instead want to annex the West Bank and Gaza.

Ben-Gvir has rejected Trumps proposal, saying we will in no way be partners to that.

We cannot agree under any circumstances to a scenario in which the terrorist organisation that brought the greatest calamity upon the State of Israel is revived, Ben-Gvir further said.

Separately, Smotrich said that pausing attacks in Gaza was a grave mistake. He further said that the pause would erode Israels position.

Without Ben-Gvir and Smotrich who have 13 seats in the 64-member coalition where 61 is the majority-mark Netanyahus government will collapse. And that could end his career as well as corruption charges against him and political scandals are likely to make his return difficult if not land him in prison altogether.

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To be sure, Netanyahu can take the deal and survive. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has said he would support the government if extremists would withdraw in opposition to a deal. But Lapids involvement in the government would mean that Netanyahu would not be able to run his agenda unrestrained.

President Trumps proposal can, in fact, be good for Prime Minister Netanyahu as it fulfils some of the core Israeli demands, such as Hamas removal from power in Gaza and disarmament, says Ningthoujam, the Deputy Director of SSIS, Pune.

Ningthoujam says, Even in the case of Palestinian statehood, the proposal only talks about a distant pathway and does not make any solid commitment. While it would not bring any immediate change, it would check international outrage and wave of recognition of Palestinian statehood. President Trumps proposal could therefore benefit Prime Minister Netanyahu. But his allies positions are so extreme that even such a face-saving proposal may not be acceptable to them.

But whether Netanyahu has it in him to accept it and start a new chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian story remains to be seen.
The Ukrainian president has urged for stronger and more effective sanctions, stating that components from allied nations, including Germany, Japan, and the United States, have been found in Russian weapons

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a joint press conference with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, September 11, 2025. (Photo: Alina Smutko/Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that British-made microchips were among the 100,000 foreign-made parts found in Russian missiles and drones that were used in a deadly attack over the weekend.

The Ukrainian president has urged for stronger and more effective sanctions, stating that components from allied nations, including Germany, Japan, and the United States, have been found in Russian weapons.

Russian forces fired 496 drones and 53 missiles at Ukraine on Sunday, killing five people, crippling the countrys energy infrastructure and temporarily severing power supplies to tens of thousands.

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The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry will gather ambassadors from countries that can help. Help not only our resilience, but also in fact themselves  if certain countries cut off the blatantly reprehensible schemes of supplying Russia with critical components for the production of pic.twitter.com/ygkPsDS1G7  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) October 6, 2025

Meanwhile, the UKs Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has said that it recently conducted a crackdown on companies that have continued to supply parts to Russia.

We take reports of goods from UK companies being found in Russian weaponry incredibly seriously, a government spokesperson told the BBC.

The spokesperson added that the government had banned the export of thousands of goods to Russia, including every battlefield item Ukraine has brought to our attention, adding that they have imposed the most severe package of sanctions.

Living nightmare

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday said the two years since Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza, had been a living nightmare for many.

Starmer also said the period had seen rising antisemitism in the UK, days after two Jewish men were killed in an attack against a Manchester synagogue.

Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7th 2023. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Starmer said in a statement.

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Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare, he said, vowing to continue efforts to bring home British hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

With inputs from agencies
Top Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2025: Where Smart Money Is Heading

As global markets remain volatile and central banks pivot toward looser monetary policy, investors are once again looking toward digital assets as an alternative hedge and source of high-risk growth. 2025 has already become one of the most active years for crypto adoption since 2021  institutional capital is flowing back, blockchain technology is maturing, and a new generation of projects is reshaping the industry.

Below  Fixygens take on the most compelling cryptocurrencies for investors this year, based on fundamentals, ecosystem growth, and market dynamics.

1. Ethereum (ETH): The Core Infrastructure of Web3

Ethereum remains the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and tokenized assets. After the shift to proof-of-stake, network efficiency improved, while scalability solutions such as Rollups and zkEVMs continue to reduce transaction costs.

Large funds keep accumulating ETH  its the closest thing to a blue-chip in crypto.

Investment view: A long-term infrastructure play. Institutional confidence is growing, but short-term volatility may persist as competitors push for faster, cheaper ecosystems.

2. Solana (SOL): The Fast Lane of Blockchain

Once criticized for downtime issues, Solana has matured into one of the fastest and most developer-friendly networks. With near-zero transaction fees and high throughput, its attracting gaming studios, DeFi protocols, and NFT platforms migrating from Ethereum.

Investment view: A top growth asset with strong user metrics. Still, decentralization and network resilience remain under scrutiny.

3. XRP (Ripple): Betting on Cross-Border Finance

Despite regulatory turbulence in the U.S., XRP retains its role as a bridge currency for global transfers. Ripples expanding network of banking partners across Asia and the Middle East makes it a credible player in institutional payments.

Investment view: A mid-risk financial infrastructure asset. Upside depends on legal clarity and renewed corporate adoption.

4. Chainlink (LINK): The Data Backbone of DeFi

Chainlink remains the dominant oracle provider  a crucial layer connecting real-world data with blockchain ecosystems. The rollout of Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) expands its utility across DeFi, gaming, and tokenized assets.

Investment view: Solid fundamentals and strong integration across blockchains. LINK is a play on the continued institutionalization of DeFi infrastructure.

5. Bitcoin Layer-2 Projects (e.g. Bitcoin Hyper, Stacks)

As Bitcoin ETFs drive institutional demand, developers are exploring how to extend BTCs functionality through Layer-2 smart-contract systems. Projects like Bitcoin Hyper aim to bring DeFi and dApps into the Bitcoin ecosystem, effectively transforming it into more than a store of value.

Investment view: High-risk, high-potential frontier category. Success depends on technical execution and ecosystem adoption.

6. The Smart Meme Wave: Speculation Meets Utility

2025 has seen a renaissance of meme coins  but with a twist. New tokens like PepeNode and Maxi Doge combine humor with utility features such as staking, deflationary supply, and governance models.

Investment view: Highly speculative. Momentum-driven trades can deliver quick gains, but fundamentals remain fragile.

Crypto in 2025 is no longer a retail playground. Institutional investors, sovereign funds, and tech companies are building a new foundation for blockchain finance. The winners will be those assets that combine strong fundamentals, regulatory alignment, and scalable ecosystems  and investors who treat crypto as a structured portfolio, not a lottery.
Chinese government to employ 7,000 retired teachers to work in rural areas

Xinhua) 09:26, October 07, 2025

Ren Dabing instructs students at Molao Youyi Primary School in Biancheng Town of Huayuan County, central China's Hunan Province, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government plans to hire 7,000 retired teachers to work in compulsory education schools in the country's rural areas this year, said a statement jointly released by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance.

This recruitment drive is part of an action plan the government launched in 2018 to enhance the quality of rural education by employing retired educators to teach in rural areas.

According to the statement, the drive will be aimed mainly at retired principals, teaching research staff and experienced teachers aged up to 65.

Teaching professionals recruited under the plan will work at county, town and village schools located in places that had been lifted out of poverty, underdeveloped ethnic counties, border regions and other areas that lack sufficient education resources.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
Azerpost LLC has launched a new collaboration with the international e-commerce platform Temu as part of its efforts to expand digital logistics solutions, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

A meeting was held between representatives of Azerpost and Temu, leading to a formal agreement. As a result, Azerposts parcel delivery brand, Postcargo, will now work directly with Temu to handle international shipments for customers in Azerbaijan. This partnership is expected to significantly improve the speed and convenience of deliveries, especially for users in regional areas, where packages will be delivered directly by couriers.

With more than 800 service branches and pickup points across the country, Postcargo is well-positioned to support this expanded service. The collaboration also aims to strengthen Azerbaijans role in global e-commerce and promote national logistics capabilities. By integrating Temus global product range into the local market, the partnership will make international goods more accessible and affordable for Azerbaijani consumers.

Temu, which operates in over 90 markets, connects millions of manufacturers and brands with customers worldwide, focusing on offering high-quality products at competitive prices.
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Windows 3.1 in a Windows 95 Virtual Machine

Windows 95 can run the GUI portion of Windows 3.1 as a DOS program in a virtual machine. So too can Windows 3.1. The story has more to it than you would ever know from Microsoft. Whats here now is only the first of two parts or the first half of a longer article.

Occasional thoughts in late 2021 about my earliest work with DOS and Windows have sometimes got me looking on the Internet. A page by Raymond Chen from 2018 titled For a brief period, Windows 95 could run Windows 3.1 in a virtual machine caught my attention for revealing a pre-release feature that I would otherwise never have known about. Then it held my attention because Raymond stopped short of telling what survived in the released product and didnt even hint that the feature had all along been much more a natural expectation than modern readers might think.

Or so it seemed to me from memory. Somewhere, I kept thinking, I have a picture. I recalled with certainty that discussions with Andrew Schulman in 1995early enough that Windows 95 had not yet been releasedhad led me to a quick demonstration that an MS-DOS Prompt in Windows 3.1 could run a copy of the Windows 3.1 GUI. I also remembered what small trickery was required, not exactly but well enough to be confident of refreshing the details from notes that I knew I must still have. Also a strong memory was that the same trickery was mysteriously not needed for Windows 95. Less well remembered was a sense that Windows 95 presented other complications, but this may have been for some quixotic notion of running some of the Windows 95 GUI in an MS-DOS Prompt under Windows 95or, less unrealistically, of exiting and re-running the Windows 95 GUI without leaving the Windows 95 operating system. Such were the architectural probings that I thought about back then! For the simpler matter of having Windows 95 run the Windows 3.1 GUI in an MS-DOS Prompt, I was sure I had got past the thought experiments and got something up and running, and been pleased enough with myself to have kept a screen-shot. That Windows 95 could run Windows 3.1 in a virtual machine was certainly not just For a brief period, and somewhere I must have this screen-shot to make the point.

Add that Raymond wrote in terms that suggested some revision of history, and I couldnt help but be intrigued. Raymond, naturally, tends to write from Microsofts perspective about Microsofts experience and intentions, including for how Microsoft would like its products to be perceived. As Microsoft would have it, MS-DOS persisted in Windows 95 only as some sort of compatibility layer, but Raymonds phrase emulated MS-DOS virtual machine stood out as going too far: when and how did the 80386s hardware support for virtual-8086 execution get reduced to an emulation? Raymond anyway left unsaid that what was being run in the Windows 95 virtual machine could not be the whole of Windows 3.1, started from scratch by running WIN.COM, but was just its GUI, started by running KRNL386.EXE as a DOS program. This brought back to mind that Microsoft had stretched the definition of Windows 95 to take in not just its GUI and the Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) as its operating system but also the DOS that Windows 95 started from and could exit toyet now for Windows 3.1 in Raymonds telling, Windows was conveniently narrowed to just its GUI. Terminology for the relationship between DOS and Windows, and where exactly between them was the operating system, always was too vague for my taste and now it looked more fluid than ever: for Raymond in 2018 its just a matter of fact that Windows 3.1 is the operating system that Windows 95 was designed to replace but my memory of the early 1990s is that Microsoft talked then of Windows 3.1 more as a GUI program and an operating environment than as any sort of operating system.

Of course, memory after nearly thirty years is not nearly as reliable as might be hoped. This is true not just of biological memory but of what I have kept with me on disk or papernot just after many changes of computers and of software but also because moving from one side of the world to the other and back has the inevitable consequence that things have got lost. Ive been aware for many years that although I still have some records from the early 1990s, Im missing muchincluding the original text of DOS Internals (ISBN 0-201-60835-9)and that I have hardly anything from the mid-1990s, not even email. Where theyve got to, I just dont knowexcept that I cant find them here with me now in New Yorkbut Raymond had me intrigued enough that whenever these last few months of diversions into retro-computing have got me rummaging through what archives I have, Ive kept half an eye open for anything relevant to this execution of the Windows 3.1 GUI in an MS-DOS Prompt in Windows 95.

The Old Screen Capture

Eventually, the neglected screen-shot did turn up. Its no small frustration that I have no record of how exactly I ever produced this picture (other than pressing Print Screen), but frustration turns out to be an excellent motivator, even more than is curiosity, and so I should not be surprised if I do eventually get Windows 95 installed on some old computer to get a fresh and more instructive picture. I start to think that the reason I have no notes is because there wasnt any difficulty worth noting, that the hardest part to getting a new picture will be the acquisition of suitable hardware or a willingness to install some third-party emulator from who knows where on the Internet. Meanwhile, the old picture more than suffices, because against the background of Raymonds story about a science-project feature that was removed before release, its no small wonder that anything like the following could ever have existed. (Click on it for expansion to its original 800x600.)

See especially that this isnt some pre-release build of Windows 95. From the several Internet iconswhich have no shortcut overlays, by the way, to encourage the perception that the Internet is a system featurethis Windows 95 cant be from any earlier than mid-1996. It is anyway not a Windows 95 that was set up for curiosity. Its a working installation of the real Windows 95 for my real-world use. Among other things it has Microsoft Office installed.

Floating over this very ordinary Windows 95 desktop is a windowed MS-DOS Prompt. Its title shows that the DOS program running within is KRNL386. The contents of the window are consistent with KRNL386 starting a separate installation of the Windows 3.1 GUI which got as far as running the Program Manager with at least enough interactivity for bringing up the About dialog. This in turn confirms that whats running inside the MS-DOS Prompt is Version 3.1 in 386 Enhanced Mode. So far, so good, but evidently the interactivity had limits. Showing over the MS-DOS Prompt is a message box from Windows 95 to explain that whats in the MS-DOS Prompt is a graphics application that can only be run full-screen. Calling up the About dialog must have been done while the MS-DOS Prompt had the screen to itself. While it was instead in a window for the screen-shot, it had to be suspended.

I suspect this suspension could have been overcome, if not by setting up the Windows 3.1 GUI to use only VGA drivers, then by setting up Windows 95 to. I also suspect I wont have seen much point to proceeding. Had I imagined then that I might want the picture decades later for commenting about a Microsoft blog, I might have given it more attention. Instead I likely wont have wanted to disturb my working Windows 95 installation just to rehash practicalities that were already known and expected from running the Windows 3.1 GUI in an MS-DOS Prompt on Windows 3.1.

As Raymond notes, those practicalities are not insubstantial. Even without the suspension while windowed, running the Windows 3.1 GUI in an MS-DOS Promptwhether full-screen or windowed, on Windows 95 or Windows 3.1is nothing that anyone should want to do except for the curiosity of seeing that it can be done. As far as the host Windows is concerned, a windowed MS-DOS Prompt is one Windows application that gives a view into one virtual machine (this representation being, I hope, what Raymond means when describing the virtual machine as emulated). What happens to be running in this particular virtual machine is an unusually complex MS-DOS program named Windows. That this in turn runs 16-bit Windows programs and subdivides its time for co-operatively multi-tasking them is all its own business. The host Windows knows nothing about the Windows programs in the MS-DOS Prompt, and they know nothing about being hosted. Either way, their usability is greatly hampered.

If you configure the MS-DOS Prompt so that Alt-Tab is not treated as a Windows shortcut key, then pressing Alt-Tab while the MS-DOS Prompt has the keyboard focus leaves it to be interpreted by whatever runs in the MS-DOS Prompt. Since this happens to be also a Windows GUI, the effect is that you can easily switch among the Windows programs that are inside the MS-DOS Prompt. Outside, Alt-Tab switches between the programs in the host Windows, among which the MS-DOS Prompt counts just as one. Keep at least one other Windows shortcut key for Windows, e.g., Alt-Enter for switching the MS-DOS Prompt between full-screen and windowed, or Ctrl-Esc for bringing up the Windows 95 Start button even while the MS-DOS Prompt has the keyboard focus, and you can move almost usably among all the Windows programs, both in the host Windows and in the MS-DOS Prompt. But make no mistake that they are two separate sets of Windows programs with no (built-in) communication or even awarenessand no real usefulness.

Still, whatever this toys deficiencies, whatever may have been the problems with setting it up, let alone with getting it to approach real-world usefulness, the picture plainly is of the released Windows 95 running Windows 3.1 in a virtual machine. What can it be that Raymond means by his talk of a science project that lasted only for a brief period?

Explicit Feature

A short answer may be that Raymond had something very particular in mind, not about what Windows was capable of doing but about what Microsoft had set it up to do for beta testers to see. Perhaps the title of Raymonds article might better be read as

For a brief period, Microsoft made it an explicit feature that Windows 95 could run Windows 3.1 in a virtual machine.

What persisted of this feature in the released Windows 95, what was involved in its development (at least as early as July 1993) and why it was ever requested (however much earlier) isnt credibly unknown to Raymond, but it may all be simply out of scope. In one sense, this is only natural. It persists for Raymond as a Windows feature to write about in 2018 only as much as it ever was alive for Microsoft in some sort of corporate mind. Get it up and running as a science project and its remembered as a science project. Cancel the science project and its remembered only as a cancelled science project.

But perspective is everything. Every writer so naturally has one that its rarely stated overtly and readers cant expect it to be (and might reasonably be suspicious if it were). Here, Raymonds talk of compatibility and eventually of failure is deeply tinged with a view that Windows 95 was a new operating system. Theres certainly a case to be made for this view, but an ever so slightly different perspective is that Microsoft in mid-1993 wanted very much for the world to see this forthcoming Windows as a new operating system but recognised that the world might instead take it to be just the next version of the Windows and DOS that Microsoft had so thoroughly established through the preceding decade. Seen this way, running Windows 3.1 in a Windows 95 virtual machine is less about demonstrating compatibility than about suggesting such novelty that compatibility needs demonstrating.

Left to themselves in mid-1993, the early beta testersor were they still alpha testersof what Microsoft was then calling Chicago would have understood that having the new version of Windows run old Windows programs was for Microsofts programmers a vital question of backwards compatibility but was for everyone else just their usual expectation of continuity. That backwards compatibility through a succession of versions was widely expected just as basic continuity is something that Microsoft had been notably good at encouraging on the way to building a mass market around DOS and Windows. Ive long argued that it was the secret sauce in Microsofts spectacular success and that Microsoft never has been given enough credit for it (not that Microsoft needs that anyone cry for it). Still, by the early 1990s Microsoft will have understandably been itching to move on. What Microsoft will have wanted for Chicago was that its early reviewers should perceive it not as an evolutionary development but as a revolutionary departure.

The problematic background to this for Microsoft will have been that the mass market had already resisted one revolutionary departure (OS/2) and looked unlikely to embrace another that was newly ready for release (Windows NT). If the journey from Windows 3.1 to what became Windows 95 was to be presented as another of these revolutionary departures, but as the one that finally would sweep the mass market along, then the travellers who expected continuity would need the assurance of a convincing demonstration that Microsoft had compatibility well in hand. For bonus, it might work beneficially in reverse: give them the right demonstration and they might accept that theyre seeing a revolution.

That is the context I propose for reading Raymonds perspective on compatibility and failure. Among the reasons that running Windows 3.1 in a Windows 95 virtual machine was only ever a science project is that even if Raymonds skill and ingenuity could get it developed into real-world usefulness it plausibly never was intended for the final release. There was no failure to anticipate. Continuity was never in serious doubt. What really counted about this feature as a demonstration of compatibility was its usefulness to Microsoft for helping to establish from the start a perceptionoutside Microsoft and especially by those whom we nowadays call influencersthat Chicago was leaving the old DOS and Windows behind. For this, the feature may in its brief period have been quite the understated success.

Distance

For a visual sense of the distance that Microsoft wanted its beta testers to perceive between Windows 3.1 and Chicago, look at the screen-shots at Switch to Chicago and Switch to Windows 95. These are a quarter-century late, from 2017 and 2018, but it may be unrealistic to expect anything much earlier, let alone contemporary, given the nature of non-disclosure agreements and the decades that apparently must pass before old pre-release software is picked up for a fresh look as retro-computing. The second of these pages is notable for being linked to from Raymonds article. Its publication may even be what brought the feature back to Raymonds attention.

See that unlike my picture above, with the Windows 3.1 GUI in a window, albeit suspended, these pages each have pictures in pairs, one for the Chicago desktop, the other for Windows 3.1 running full-screen. Whatever their author may mean in the headlines with talk of running Windows 3.1 in a window, the features design apparently did not make running in a window, in contrast to full-screen, obvious enough for a single-picture depiction that readers would obviously most want to see. For the page Would this work on Windows 95? from 2009the earliest public discussion I have yet founda commenter disappointedly describes the features presentation just as Windows 3.1 on Chicago in fullscreen mode and the original poster produces a screen-shot with the regret that I cant figure out how to run it in a window, if its even possible.

That a smattering of hobbyists on the Internet dont show Windows 3.1 running in a window is in no way definitive but is some measure of an intended non-obviousness. The directions in Microsofts release notes, helpfully reproduced near the top of the last-cited page, suggest the involvement of just enough magic that readers conceivably followed carefully without daring to vary, and although execution in a window is not actually said to be impossible, neither is the possibility volunteered: Chicago can run Windows 3.1 on a separate screen.

Preferences

How Microsoft packaged the feature was that users see a DOS program, named WIN31.EXE, and a Program Information File (PIF), named WIN31.PIF. Users are to run the PIF. This tells Chicago to execute WIN31.EXE as a DOS program in a new virtual machine that has a particular configuration. When WIN31.EXE starts in this virtual machine, it executes KRNL386.EXE as a DOS program to start the Windows 3.1 GUI, but the PIF settings apply to the whole of this execution: show the virtual machine full-screen and let all the usual Windows shortcut keys act in the virtual machine instead of in Chicago. Though PIF settings are sometimes vital, the DOS application being sufficiently demanding (or misbehaved) that it wont run in Windows if the PIF settings are varied, I expect that the settings for WIN31 are just preferences. As Raymond says, you could in theory run Windows 3.1 in a window, but there are reasons not toboth general and specificand the PIF is how Microsoft gets to say please dont.

Generally, windowed DOS applications perform poorly. Because a full-screen application is interfered with less, it is faster, and because it owns the display for all practical effect (during foreground execution), its colours, fonts and proportions are exactly what it intends, not some translation to a smaller space and possibly a different palette. That DOS programs can be run in windows is too useful to be withoutflipping full-screen DOS applications into windows gives a natural point-and-click user-interface for switching between them, with an easy view of multiple programs concurrently and the means to do such things as copy-and-pastebut sustained use of any one DOS application is far, far easier if done full-screen. This is true even for simple, well-behaved text-mode programs, let alone sophisticated graphics-mode applications such as Windows. Microsoft will have wanted that any assessment of Windows 3.1 in a virtual machine should be for appearance and performance full-screen, not windowed, because thats simply what anyone would want of any graphical DOS application in the Windows of the day.

The specific reason for the preferences in WIN31.PIF is that the Windows 3.1 GUI was only being run as a DOS application for presentation as Windows 3.1 in a Chicago virtual machine, which brings in turn that the experience should match as closely as possible that of Windows 3.1 on a physical machine, ideally as if the user chose to run Windows 3.1 instead of Chicago. This needs not just effective ownership of the display, for being run full-screen, but of the keyboard too, specifically of the Windows shortcut keys such as Alt-Tab. Leaving one or even a few of these to Chicago as the host makes the combination of Chicago and Windows 3.1 more usable but makes Windows 3.1 less real. For instance, if Alt-Enter is interpreted by the host, it can switch the Windows 3.1 virtual machine between full-screen and windowed, but however useful this may be overall, the price is that Alt-Enter is not available within Windows 3.1 as a shortcut for Properties on the File menu of many Windows 3.1 programs. The reality of the Windows 3.1 experience therefore demands that Windows 3.1 claims all the Windows shortcut keys for itself whenever it has the keyboard focus.

Thus are the WIN31.PIF settings entirely natural as preferences, but see that they present a practical difficulty. Apply these settings to any DOS application, even to COMMAND.COM for an MS-DOS Prompt, and your only means to switch back to Windows is to exit the DOS program.

Design

The WIN31.PIF settings therefore lead naturally to needing that something be created in the Windows 3.1 GUI for switching back to Chicago. But the aim, at least initially, will have been that this Windows 3.1 can be anyones pre-existing installation, perhaps limited to some basic configuration, but ideally unchanged.

The design that Microsoft settled on has WIN31.EXE also be a Windows program. Before its DOS part executes KRNL386.EXE as a DOS program to start the Windows 3.1 GUI, WIN31.EXE hooks int 2Fh function 160Bh to arrange that USER.EXE in the newly started Windows 3.1 GUI will know to execute WIN31.EXE as a Windows program. What WIN31.EXE does as a Windows program is to create a minimized window captioned Switch to Chicago. The essence of the window procedure is that attempting to restore the window from its iconic state gives the focus to the System VM.

For the earliest leaked but extant beta, build 58s (with relevant files dated July and August 1993), this switching of focus to the System VM is done by calling the system in ring 0, specifically the Virtual Device Driver (VxD) that has ID 0017h and logical name SHELL. This VxD has always exposed a protected-mode (PM) API through int 2Fh function 1684h. SHELLs particular API takes a function number in dx. Originally, these were in one series starting at zero. Chicago extended to a second series starting at 0100h. The switching of focus to the System VM is done by calling function 0107h, which I cannot discount was invented for WIN31.EXE specifically. Documentation in the Device Driver Kit (DDK) for Windows 95 names eight SHELL functions that it then does not document. Some of the names matched my interpretation of the new series of SHELL API functions. For instance, 0100h is obviously SHSV_Get_Version and less obviously 0104h, 0105h and 0106h must be SHSV_Enumerate_Properties, SHSV_Update_Properties and SHSV_Set_ScreenSaver_Info. For function 0107h, however, whats done by the relevant code in the released Windows 95 is nothing that any of the names suggest. Now from looking at pre-release builds, I know that this is because 0107h was SHSV_GiveSYSVMfocus in early Chicago builds but was soon reassigned to new code that does something else entirely. This reassignment of the function number happened at least as early as build 73f from November 1993, which changed the focus switching to number 0026h in the SHELL APIs old series. This does survive to the retail release (but, as far as I know, was never even named in public).

This design with a WIN31 program and PIF, and some specialised support from the operating system, arguably delivers the best possible look of reality to the execution of the Windows 3.1 GUI in a Chicago virtual machine. But lets not miss that this design has some convenient distraction. Allow Windows 3.1 to show in the same sort of window as an MS-DOS Prompt, with familiar user-interface support for getting back to the Chicago desktop, and you make it plain that whats running is just the Windows 3.1 GUI as a DOS application. That would still have been a convincing technology demonstration, but closing it off, or just making it non-obvious, might see non-expert users take at face value that whats being demonstrated is the greater technology of Windows 3.1 as one operating system in anothers virtual machine. Present Windows 3.1 as separate enough from the Chicago experience that it doesnt show concurrently and needs the clicking of a special Windows 3.1 desktop icon to Return to Chicago, and you inevitably suggest that new Chicagos execution of old Windows 3.1 in a virtual machine is something special.

Nothing Really New

In reality, the management of virtual machines even in the released Windows 95 is essentially unchanged from Windows 3.1. True, in Windows 95, each virtual machine (VM) competes for its pre-emptive multi-tasking not just with other virtual machines but with pre-emptive multi-threading in the first virtual machine (named the System VM). What runs in this System VM under Windows 95 in contrast to Windows 3.1 is a significant elaboration that has a rich mixture of 16-bit and 32-bit code use the significant new system support of threads and multiple address spaces. Importantly, the system underneath restricts this support to the System VM. For the other virtual machines, Windows 95 brings nothing really new. Windows 95 can run the Windows 3.1 GUI in a virtual machine for a very simple reason: because Windows 3.1 can.

None of this was ever news to Raymond, of courseexcept perhaps before 1992 or sobut it likely is to you even now in 2022. As far as I recall or can now find either on the Internet or in my box of relevant books from the 1990s, having Windows 3.1 run a separate installation of its own GUI in a second virtual machine (whether full-screen or windowed) never has been discussed in public until now. Even if now did not mean a delay of nearly thirty years, you might want some convincing. After all, Raymond would have it that to Run Windows 3.1 in an MS-DOS virtual machine inside Windows 95 was the ultimate in backward compatibility, along multiple axes and served as a convincing technology demonstration, and Im a relative nobody telling you that its not compatibility at all, just continuity, because it really isnt any different from running Windows 3.1 in an MS-DOS virtual machine inside Windows 3.1which you, in turn, never knew was possible.

Windows 3.1 in Windows 3.1

As it happens, Windows 3.1 can run not just one copy of itself in a virtual machine but multiple copies of itself concurrently, each in its own virtual machine, each showing in its own window on the Windows 3.1 desktop. You can drag them round like any other windows. You can switch between them just by clicking on the one you want to bring to the foreground. You can switch to the hosts other windows just by clicking on them. Nowhere do you need some special icon for returning to the host.

Since I have by now found an old computer and installed Windows 3.1 on itnot Windows 95 yet, whose Setup hangs after the license dialogI can illustrate this point with a fresh picture. Here is Windows 3.1 Enhanced Mode as host to two separate installations of Windows 3.1, each in their own DOS window, each left alone to execute in the background for long enough to have triggered their different screen savers. (Click on the picture if you want it expanded to its original 640x480.)

There are, of course, a few caveats and a contrivance. Stick with me for Part Two and I will explain, including to give directions so that you can play too (with suitable hardware or emulators).

Part One, I hope has demonstrated that Raymonds story has more to it, but although this is easy enough to see from outside Microsoft, we cant know what more with certainty, especially for questions of motive and strategy. Part Two will shift attention from what Raymonds science project is to what was needed for getting it up and running. For how Raymonds science project got up and running, we can hypothesise with confidence because the programming and debugging left a trail, memorialised in surviving copies of Windows 3.1 and Windows 95, open to inspection and experiment.
Nathan graduated with his journalism degree from Auburn University in 2017. After growing up in the flatlands of rural Alabama with his parents and older sister, Nathan enjoys Western Colorado's natural resources and recreational opportunities. He currently covers education and business for The Daily Sentinel.
Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo

Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo was appointed as Prime Minister of Madagascar on October 6, 2025, by President Andry Rajoelina. The appointment came after weeks of anti-government protests that had gripped the nation, and he replaced Christian Ntsay, who was dismissed when the government was dissolved a week earlier. Zafisambo had held several important positions in Madagascar's government. He served as Minister of Public Security under President Andry Rajoelina's administration, taking on this critical role during a period when Madagascar faced various security challenges including political instability and social unrest.

Zafisambo is a military general who prior to his appointment as prime minister served as director of the military cabinet in the prime minister's office, a position he had held since 2021. His military background and administrative experience in the prime minister's office positioned him as a candidate whom President Rajoelina believed could handle the current crisis facing the island nation.

The context of Zafisambo's appointment is deeply tied to Madagascar's ongoing political and economic turmoil. The protests that prompted the government dissolution began on September 25 and were initially sparked by anger over persistent water and electricity cuts. However, the demonstrations evolved into broader anti-government sentiment, with protesters now calling for President Rajoelina himself to resign. The youth-led movement has drawn inspiration from similar protests in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Indonesia, and participants have even waved a pirate flag from the Japanese manga One Piece as a symbol of their resistance.

Based on available information, details about Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo's birth and early life remain limited in public records. What is known focuses primarily on his military education and career development rather than his childhood or personal background. Zafisambo maintained a relatively low public profile throughout his military career, and biographical details about his personal life remain scarce.

The only confirmed detail about his origins is that he is from Farafangana, a coastal city in southeastern Madagascar. Farafangana is located in the Atsimo-Atsinanana region and is an important port town along the Indian Ocean coast. Beyond this geographical origin, there is no publicly available information about his exact birthdate, his parents' names or backgrounds, or details about his childhood and family circumstances.

Regarding his marital status and family life, there is no information in available sources about whether Zafisambo is married or has children. Military officials in Madagascar, particularly those who have spent their careers largely in administrative and staff positions rather than public-facing roles, often maintain considerable privacy about their personal lives. His sudden elevation to the prime ministership means that biographical information that would normally be compiled over time for public figures has not yet been assembled or released.

As for languages, it can be reasonably inferred that Zafisambo speaks Malagasy as his native language and French fluently, given that he received significant portions of his military education in France and that French remains an official language in Madagascar alongside Malagasy. His training at institutions in France and his ability to complete advanced military coursework there would require strong French language skills. Whether he speaks other languages such as English is not documented in available sources.

Zafisambo began his formal military education at the Antsirabe Military Academy in 1991, which marked the start of his career as a professional soldier in the Malagasy army. The Antsirabe Military Academy is one of Madagascar's primary institutions for training military officers, and his enrollment there in the early 1990s placed him in the military during a significant period of political transition in Madagascar's history. This was shortly after the end of the Ratsiraka era and the beginning of Madagascar's Third Republic.

Following his initial training in Madagascar, Zafisambo pursued advanced military education abroad, continuing his professional development with secondary military training in France. This international training experience was crucial in shaping his military career and exposed him to modern military doctrine and administrative practices used in Western armed forces. His education in France reflected the ongoing historical ties between Madagascar and France, with many Malagasy military officers receiving training in French military institutions.

Zafisambo further expanded his academic credentials by studying in multiple locations including Algeria, Montpellier in France, and additional institutions in Madagascar. This diverse educational background across different countries and military traditions provided him with a broad perspective on military affairs and administration. His studies in Algeria would have exposed him to a different military culture and approach, while his time in Montpellier, a major university city in southern France, likely involved advanced coursework in military science or related fields.

His formative experiences in the military during the 1990s and early 2000s occurred during a period when Madagascar was navigating democratic transitions and recurring political crises. These experiences would have shaped his understanding of the military's role in national governance and crisis management. Coming from what sources describe as the administrative corps of the military, Zafisambo appears to have specialized in military administration and staff work rather than purely combat roles, which ultimately positioned him for government service.

Before rising to national prominence, Zafisambo built his career steadily within the military hierarchy, eventually achieving the rank of divisional general. His appointment as deputy secretary general of the government demonstrated his transition from purely military roles to positions involving broader governmental administration. This role would have provided him with insights into civilian government operations and policy implementation across different ministries.

In 2021, Zafisambo was appointed as director of the military cabinet in the office of Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, a position he held until his own appointment as prime minister in October 2025. This role placed him at the intersection of military and civilian government, managing the military aspects of the prime minister's office and coordinating between defense forces and civilian administration. His tenure in this position during a period of growing economic difficulties and public discontent provided him with direct experience in managing security concerns during political instability.

Before his appointment as Minister of Public Security, Zafisambo had built a career in law enforcement and public administration. His background in security matters made him a suitable candidate for overseeing the country's police forces and internal security apparatus. During his tenure, he was responsible for managing civil order, coordinating police operations, and addressing crime and public safety concerns across the island nation.

Zafisambo's time in office coincided with Madagascar's ongoing struggles with political transitions and economic difficulties. The country has experienced periods of instability, and the role of Public Security Minister has been particularly important in maintaining order during protests and political demonstrations. His position required balancing the need for security with respect for civil liberties and democratic processes.

As a member of Rajoelina's government, Zafisambo was part of an administration that came to power following contested elections and political upheaval. The government faced challenges in establishing legitimacy and managing relationships with international partners while addressing domestic security concerns. His work involved coordinating with other ministries and security agencies to implement policies aimed at stabilizing the country.

Throughout his career, Zafisambo has been involved in Madagascar's complex political landscape, which has been characterized by frequent changes in leadership, institutional weaknesses, and ongoing debates about governance and democratic principles. His role in public security placed him at the intersection of politics, law enforcement, and public policy during a significant period in Madagascar's modern history.

President Rajoelina stated that the new prime minister must be capable of restoring order and regaining the people's trust, with his main task being to improve people's living conditions and advance the nation's key priorities. Rajoelina emphasized that Zafisambo's top priority would be to restore the supply of electricity and water, addressing the immediate grievances that sparked the protests and attempting to calm the widespread unrest.

The situation Zafisambo inherits is extremely challenging. On the day of his appointment, police fired tear gas at demonstrators in the capital Antananarivo as protests entered their third consecutive week. Protesters had gathered in cities across the country, with confrontations between demonstrators and police occurring in multiple locations including Toliara and Antsiranana. The scale and persistence of the protests indicate deep-seated frustration with the current administration that extends far beyond the immediate infrastructure issues.

Madagascar's economic situation adds another layer of complexity to Zafisambo's new role. Despite its natural resources, Madagascar remains among the world's poorest countries, with nearly three-quarters of its population of 32 million living below the poverty line as of 2022. The chronic infrastructure problems, particularly regarding electricity and water supply, reflect broader issues of underdevelopment and governance that have plagued the nation for years.

As prime minister, Zafisambo faced the daunting task of restoring basic services, calming widespread civil unrest, and rebuilding public trust in the government, all while managing Madagascar's fragile economy and political landscape. His military background may be seen as both an asset in terms of organizational capability and a potential concern regarding the militarization of civilian governance during a time of popular protest. The coming weeks and months will test whether his appointment can truly address the underlying issues driving Madagascar's current crisis or whether the protests will continue to demand more fundamental political change.

The Malagasy people need a plan, a timetable. The President of the Republic has therefore set a six-month deadline for the new Prime Minister, Fortunat Ruphin Zafisambo, to complete the priority tasks assigned to him. After this deadline, if the challenges are not met, we will make the necessary decisions, emphasized Andry Rajoelina in his speech appointing the head of government.

During these six months, the new head of government will have the main missions of "restoring public order and the confidence of the population." In his first message to his second Prime Minister since his return to power in 2019, Andry Rajoelina said he was certain that he would be "firm and uncompromising in the face of those who deliberately block the country's development."

In addition to restoring public order, Andry Rajoelina is also counting on General Fortunat Ruphin Zafisambo to "bring about rapid and concrete results for the population." "It will be the Prime Minister's responsibility to carry out actions and projects that aim to improve the daily lives of the population and that are a priority for our compatriots," he said in his speech.

The head of state cites, among other things, "the return to normal water and electricity supplies" but also "the construction of university residences that will give dignity to students." It will also involve implementing "a common strategy to fight corruption" in order to eradicate the corruption that is destroying the country. The new Prime Minister is also expected to clean up the management of public affairs and bring innovations.

His international travel and experiences are better documented through his educational background. He has definitely traveled abroad extensively for his military training, having studied in France at multiple points during his career, including in Montpellier for advanced studies. He also received training in Algeria, indicating experience in North Africa and exposure to Algerian military traditions and culture. These international training opportunities would have exposed him to different military doctrines, administrative systems, and cultures, broadening his perspective beyond Madagascar.

Regarding his views on major global powers like Russia, China, or the United States, there is no public record of Zafisambo making statements about international relations or expressing opinions about these countries. As a career military officer who has primarily held administrative and staff positions rather than diplomatic or foreign policy roles, he would not typically have been called upon to articulate positions on international affairs. His recent appointment as prime minister came specifically to address domestic crisis management rather than foreign policy expertise.

Madagascar itself maintains diplomatic and economic relations with all three powers mentioned. The country has historical ties to France and Western nations, but has also developed relationships with China through infrastructure investments and with Russia through various cooperation agreements. However, without specific statements from Zafisambo himself, any characterization of his personal views toward these nations would be purely speculative. As prime minister, his foreign policy positions will likely align with President Rajoelina's administration while focusing primarily on the immediate domestic challenges of restoring public services and managing civil unrest.







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Ethiopia - Su-35

The Ethiopian Air Force placed an order for six Russian-made Su-35 multirole fighter jets. Ethiopia, which has one of the most capable air forces in Africa, operates a fleet of Su-27 fighters delivered in the mid-1990s. These aircraft proved their worth in the conflict with Eritrea from 1998 to 2000, where the Su-27s outperformed the MiG-29s. Now, after nearly three decades of service, the fleet is in need of replacement.

Details of the deal were contained in a new document from the state defense concern Rostec. Ethiopia is the third country to confirm an order for the 2025 model, following Iran and Algeria. A trove of confidential documents was published online on 03 October 2025 by the hacker collective Black Mirror. The materials include correspondence, presentations, and export contracts detailing Russia's defense cooperation with foreign partners, logistical schemes designed to evade sanctions, and technical documentation related to arms deliveries.

Allegedly from Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec, this appeared to outline detailed pricing, delivery schedules, and export plans for advanced Sukhoi fighter jets, According to the leaked table, Iran has ordered 48 Su-35 multirole fighters, Algeria has purchased 12 Su-57 fifth-generation fighters and 14 Su-34 strike aircraft, while Ethiopia has signed a contract for six Su-35s. Previously, Su-35 exports faced difficulties due to threats of Western sanctions, which led Egypt and Indonesia to suspend their orders. Before this, China remained the only foreign operator of this type of aircraft, having received 24 of them.

Prior to late 2025, Ethiopia had not acquired Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, and there was no confirmed evidence that the country operates this advanced Russian aircraft type. While there had been occasional rumors and unverified reports over the years suggesting Ethiopian interest in the Su-35, no credible sources documented an actual purchase or delivery of these aircraft to the Ethiopian Air Force. The confusion may stem from Ethiopia's existing operation of the older Su-30K variant, leading to speculation about potential upgrades to more modern Russian fighters, but such speculation has not materialized into reality.

The Su-35 represents a significantly more advanced platform than the Su-30K aircraft that Ethiopia currently operates. Known by its NATO reporting name "Flanker-E," the Su-35 is a heavily modernized derivative of the Su-27 family, featuring fourth-generation-plus or generation 4++ capabilities. It incorporates advanced avionics, a powerful Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar, thrust-vectoring engines with increased power output, and enhanced electronic warfare systems. The aircraft can carry more advanced weaponry than earlier Flanker variants and features improved range and payload capacity. Its maneuverability is exceptional, making it one of the most capable non-stealth fighters in service today.

If Ethiopia were to pursue Su-35 acquisition, the financial implications would be substantial. Each Su-35 costs approximately seventy to eighty million dollars, and establishing the necessary support infrastructure, training programs, and maintenance capabilities would add significantly to the total program cost. For a country like Ethiopia, which faces considerable economic challenges and development priorities, committing resources to such an expensive weapons system would represent a major strategic decision requiring trade-offs in other areas of government spending. The ongoing costs of operating such sophisticated aircraft, including fuel, maintenance, spare parts, and pilot training, would create long-term financial obligations that would need careful consideration.

The geopolitical context surrounding potential Su-35 sales to African nations has been complex. Russia has actively marketed the Su-35 to various countries as part of its efforts to expand military exports and strengthen diplomatic relationships. However, Western sanctions on Russia, particularly those intensified following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, have complicated international arms deals. Countries considering major Russian weapons purchases must weigh the risk of secondary sanctions, diplomatic pressure from Western nations, and potential difficulties in financing such acquisitions through international banking systems. These factors would likely influence any hypothetical Ethiopian consideration of Su-35 procurement.

Ethiopia's existing relationship with Russia in the military sphere has been significant, primarily through the earlier Su-30K acquisition and other military equipment purchases. This relationship provides a foundation upon which expanded cooperation could theoretically build. Russian arms manufacturers have shown willingness to work with African customers, often offering favorable financing terms or barter arrangements that might appeal to countries with foreign exchange constraints. However, moving from the Su-30K to the Su-35 would represent a substantial capability jump and corresponding increase in complexity and cost that might be difficult for Ethiopia to justify or afford.

From a strategic perspective, if Ethiopia were to acquire Su-35 fighters, it would dramatically shift the regional military balance in the Horn of Africa. The Su-35's capabilities would provide overwhelming air superiority over any potential regional adversary and project significant power across the region. However, the practical utility of such advanced capabilities is questionable given the nature of conflicts Ethiopia has faced, which have primarily been internal insurgencies or operations against non-state actors who lack any air power. The asymmetric nature of recent Ethiopian conflicts suggests that less expensive platforms, including armed drones and ground attack aircraft, might provide more relevant capabilities for the country's actual security challenges.

The likelihood of Ethiopia acquiring Su-35 fighters in the foreseeable future appears low based on economic realities, strategic priorities, and the international environment. Ethiopia continues to face significant internal challenges, including reconstruction needs following the Tigray conflict, ongoing ethnic tensions, economic pressures including foreign debt obligations, and pressing development needs in infrastructure, health, and education. Allocating limited resources to acquiring cutting-edge fighter jets would be difficult to justify when the country faces these competing demands. Additionally, the international scrutiny Ethiopia has faced regarding human rights concerns and conflict conduct might make major weapons acquisitions politically complicated and potentially subject to external opposition or restrictions.





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Andrej Babis

Billionaire Andrej Babiss populist ANO party took a commanding lead in the Czech Republics parliamentary election, but fell short of a majority. With ballots from more than 97 percent of polling stations counted 04 September 2025, ANO had 35 percent of the vote, according to the Czech Statistical Office. Prime Minister Petr Fialas centre-right Spolu (Together) alliance trailed with 23 percent.

Andrej Babi is a Czech politician and businessman who served as Prime Minister of the Czech Republic from December 2017 to December 2021. Born in 1954 in Bratislava, then part of Czechoslovakia, Babi built a substantial business empire before entering politics, becoming one of the wealthiest individuals in the Czech Republic through his conglomerate Agrofert, which operates in agriculture, food processing, chemicals, and media.

Babis was often compared with US President Donald Trump, former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi or Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In reality, however, he stands for his very own, Czech brand of populism. When Babis appeared on the campaign trail, he generally speaks out against "the system" and "corrupt politicians," saying that the political establishment is incapable, bureaucratic and inefficient, that it disregards the people, divides up posts among its own, lies, cheats and wastes money. He claimed that as a successful entrepreneur, he would do things very differently, running the state like a company. He also pledged to listen to the people, clean up the country in their name and help them to lead good and dignified lives.

Although the billionaire liked to portray himself as the rebellious underdog in a hoodie and as the spokesperson of the poor and downtrodden, he has been part of the country's establishment all his life. Babi was born in 1954 in Bratislava in what is now Slovakia. He grew up in a family that belonged to the powerful elite of the communist dictatorship of Czechoslovakia. Due to his father's work as a trade representative, Babis lived for a time both in Switzerland and in France. After finishing high school in Geneva, he graduated from the University of Economics in Bratislava, Faculty of Commerce, specialising in foreign trade. He later worked in foreign trade himself in a number of places, including Morocco.

In 1978, he started work in the foreign trade company Chemapol Bratislava. In the autumn of 1985, he was sent to Morocco as a delegate of the Slovak company Petrimex, where he represented approximately 15 foreign trade companies, e.g. Ligna or Motokov. From 1985 to 1991, he worked in Morocco as representative of the Slovak company Petrimex and returned to Prague in 1991 to become Director of the Companys Business Group. He returned to Petrimex in Bratislava in 1991, where he worked as director of the commercial group.

His mysterious rise to the ranks of the super-rich in the Czech Republic began in the "wild 1990s," the period after the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe.

In January 1993, he founded the agricultural and chemical holding Agrofert in Prague with four co-workers. In 1995, he assumed ownership ofAgrofert, which he had previously run as director. Babis tells a number of different versions of the story of how he came to own Agrofert, though many critics see them as vague and sometimes implausible. Agrofert is currently the largest Czech agricultural, food and chemical holding, which he owned in 100%. Agrofert encompasses about 250 companies worldwide, and Babis is currently estimated to be worth about $3.5 billion (3 billion). In 2016, Andrej Babi transferred all the assets of his firms to two trust funds.

In the autumn of 2011, Andrej Babi spoke in the media about system corruption that has grown through public administration. His speech attracted the response of thousands of citizens and gave a spontaneous rise to the initiative Action for Dissatisfied Citizens. Based on their requirements, a call was compiled, summarizing the key ideas that lent content to the ANO association which was established subsequently in November 2011.

Babi founded the political movement ANO 2011, with the party name being an acronym standing for "Action of Dissatisfied Citizens" that also means "yes" in Czech. Ever since, ANO's most important slogan has been "Yes, things will get better!" and its promise that Babis will set things to rights in the country. The party positioned itself as a centrist, anti-establishment movement focused on fighting corruption and running the state like a business. His political rise was meteoric, and ANO quickly became a major force in Czech politics, appealing to voters frustrated with traditional political parties and promising efficient, business-like governance. The voters gave him the opportunity to do just that: Babis was first finance minister from 2014 to 2017.

As the number of supporters grew, voices were heard, recommending its direct involvement in politics. In May, it was registered as a political movement that can take part in democratic parliamentary elections. It received nearly a million votes in the early election in 2013, which was the highest number for a new political entity in the history of the Czech Republic. The consecutive regular parliamentary election in 2017 was won by ANO with more than 1.5 million votes. Andrej Babi was appointed Prime Minister in December 2017. He formed a minority government composed of ANO party members and independents which lost a confidence vote in the Chamber of Deputies. After resigning, Andrej Babi started negotiations about a future government the following day and succeeded to form a new government in June 2018. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant controversy, particularly regarding conflicts of interest related to his business holdings. While he was prime minister, there were mass protests in response to the scandals involving Babis and demonstrations for a "clean country." According to Babis, these were all propaganda activities organized by his enemies.

Despite placing Agrofert into trust funds, critics argued that he continued to benefit from his companies, which received substantial EU subsidies. The European Commission conducted investigations into potential misuse of EU funds, and Babi faced ongoing accusations of fraud related to a case involving EU subsidies for a farm and conference center called Stork's Nest. These allegations dogged his administration throughout his time in office.

His tenure became mired in endless debates about his alleged involvement in cases of fraud and corruption. The Stork's Nest was one such case. The Stork's Nest is a wellness resort near Prague for which Babis was granted EU subsidies. It is alleged that he formally took a company out of the Agrofert Holding for a time to make it eligible for subsidies. Investigations into the Stork's Nest had been ongoing for almost a decade now. There had already been a number of rulings in the case, and in June 2025, a court in Prague ruled that the entire case had to be reopened.

The Stork's Nest was just one among many stories about Babis' alleged financial irregularities. For years, he has been in the headlines because of allegations of conflicts of interest, tax evasion, corruption, influencing the media and his past in the secret service of communist Czechoslovakia. He put his Agrofert Holding into trust funds in 2017. A court later determined that in doing so, he had obscured his role as owner. Babis was forced to sell his media companies in 2023 because of a law governing conflicts of interest.

Like many populist leaders elsewhere, he had long been agitating against migrants and, more recently, against Ukrainian refugees. Nevertheless, it has been reported that his business empire employs numerous workers from non-EU countries such as Vietnam or Ukraine, sometimes under inhuman conditions.

A court in Slovakia found that Babis once worked as an agent for the Czechoslovak secret service, the StB, under the code name "Bures," though Babis denies this, and the issue has been the subject of numerous lawsuits between him and the Slovakian government. Whenever such a controversy pops up, Babis either says that he has "done nothing illegal" or that "the system" wants to take revenge and destroy him.

On policy matters, Babi took a pragmatic and often populist approach. He opposed EU migration quotas and took a hard line on immigration, aligning with other Central European leaders like Hungary's Viktor Orban. His government increased public spending on pensions and social benefits, which proved popular with many voters. He was also critical of certain EU policies while maintaining that the Czech Republic should remain in the European Union, though he opposed adoption of the euro currency.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Babi's government faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with the Czech Republic experiencing some of Europe's highest infection and death rates at various points. The government's response, including lockdown measures and vaccination campaigns, became politically contentious and contributed to declining public support for his administration.

Despite these challenges, Babi remained a dominant figure in Czech politics, though his coalition lost the 2021 parliamentary elections to an opposition alliance led by Petr Fiala. The election was closely fought, and Babi initially suggested he might try to form a government, but ultimately conceded. His leadership style was often described as direct and confrontational, and he frequently used his ownership of media outlets and social media presence to communicate directly with supporters, bypassing traditional political channels. Even after leaving office, Babi continued to be an influential political figure and ran unsuccessfully for president in 2023.

Unlike his friend Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Babis does not view the European Union as the enemy. Although he is not the mouthpiece of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whenever there is talk of military support for Ukraine, he like to deflect the conversation, saying that he is "a diplomat, not a soldier." He has not so far had the political opportunity to reorganize Czechia, but it is not clear whether he actually wants to. It is possible that he is seeking the immunity that would come with being prime minister and would mean he no longer has to be questioned or appear in court.

He speaks French, German, English and Russian. He has four children. Babis is a smooth  some observers would even say opportunistic  version of a populist, a restless man with a huge ego.







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Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA)

Following the emergence of problems with French-made Rafale fighters during the escalation of the Indo-Pakistani conflict in the spring of 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defense has expressed interest in purchasing fifth-generation Su-57 fighters from Russia. This was reported by Military Watch, which details the protracted saga involving Russian combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force, which is nearing resolution. The Indians began negotiations with their Russian counterparts in February 2025, but the flaws discovered in the Rafale fighters during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan accelerated and added urgency to the process.

The Indians were hoping to purchase two squadrons of Su-57 fighters on a turnkey basis. Each Indian Air Force fighter squadron has 20 combat aircraft. Therefore, if this is confirmed, 40 brand-new Russian-made Su-57s would be delivered from Russia. Furthermore, the Indians wanted to create five more squadrons of Su-57s, but these will be assembled under license directly in India, likely at the Hindustan Aeronautic Limited plant in Nashik. This would amount to another 100 combat aircraft. This brings the total to seven squadrons, or 140 Su-57 fighters for the Indian Air Force.

By September 2025 Russia was examining potential investment proposals to jointly manufacture the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet in India under the 'Make in India' initiatie. India currently requires at least two or threee squadrons of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, with the main candidates being the Su-57 and the American-made F-35. This follows India's exit from the initial co-development program in 2018 due to concerns over cost, technology transfer, and performance. The latest proposal aimed to strengthen defense ties, support India's "Make in India" initiative, and provide India with technology transfer and local production rights, which are less favorable for U.S. alternatives like the F-35. India told the US in February 2025 it was not keen on purchasing F-35 fighter jets. While President Donald Trump had offered the aircraft during a White House visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi said it prefers partnerships focused on joint design and manufacturing, according to the report.

Indias insistence that Russia must replace key components of the Su-57E stealth fighterincluding its radarwith Indian-made systems as a precondition for purchase reportedly triggered growing concern and dissatisfaction among Moscows defence establishment. New Delhis demand for domestic integration, particularly of radar and mission systems, was viewed by Russian analysts as a subtle but significant rebuke of the capabilities of Russias own fifth-generation fighter architecture.

The primary contention revolves around the Su-57Es N036 Byelka AESA radar, which is built using Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology and, in Indias view, fails to meet the detection range, power efficiency, and electronic warfare resilience expected of next-generation radar systems. Indian experts contend that their own locally developed Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based AESA radars, which promise superior thermal handling, range, and signal fidelity, are more suited for high-performance fifth-generation air combat.

The Indian Air Force is currently experiencing a significant shortage of aircraft. It operates Russian Su-30MKI fighters, French Rafale fighters, and indigenously developed HAL Tejas. Meanwhile, the buildup of combat aircraft capabilities by Pakistan and China (India's main adversaries) is forcing the Indian Air Force to seriously consider rearming its air force. The Indian military considers the Su-57 the optimal option to address a significant shortfall in specialized weapons and range. Furthermore, the Su-57 has already undergone combat testing in operations to suppress dense air defenses and engage enemy fighters in Ukraine. The order for two squadrons of Russian-made Su-57s and another five squadrons of locally produced ones will follow the same format as the Su-30MKI fighter jet procurement. The Russians initially delivered 50 fighters, after which licensed production was launched in India. The Indian Air Force currently has 270 Su-30MKIs. Therefore, the Su-57s may ultimately exceed the agreed-upon 140 units. By October 2025 thirty-six of the approximately 76 ordered by the Russian Air FOrces wre already operational. More would be produced, as they will be equipped with flat-nozzle engines, which recently passed all testing and were accepted into service. A third production line for fighter jets, including export versions, had already been built at the plant. Well, the first series, not a big one, is almost everyone's practicethey identify flaws and make changes, especially in combat conditions. An invaluable experience. Then an expanded series, and then modifications. The Indian military would have to wait a long time for the results of the national AMCA project (to create a fifth-generation fighter) (planned for the 2030s, but realistically not until the 2040s). Therefore, they had little choice. The Chinese will certainly not supply them with their J-20 fighter. The Americans are unwilling to hand over F-35 production capabilities to India, which is a major thorn in New Delhi's side. Meanwhile, Moscow has a ready-made, mass-produced Su-57, and nothing else on the planet.

The story of a potential Indian contract for Russian Su-57 fighter jets had been going on for a long time. Moscow and New Delhi discussed the matter even before the first flight of the T-50 prototype (the future Su-57) in 2010, when the joint FGFA project was first conceived. However, the joint project never materialized due to India's demands, but the Russians did develop their own Su-57. India's Hindustan Aeronatics Limited (HAL) was to build the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), a derivative of the Sukhoi Su-57 / T-50, in India. In 2007 Russia and India signed an agreement on joint development of fifth generation fighter FGFA (Fifth-Generation Fighting Aircraft), based on the Russian Sukhoi PAK FA (PAK FA). It is expected that the launch customer for the aircraft will be Indian Air Force, and later it

In June 2001, India was offered 'joint development and production' of a new 5th generation fighter by Russia. Russia had been trying to sell this concept both to China and India for some time, but this time it was made directly to India's Defense Minister. The Russian Perspektivnyi Aviatsionnyi Kompleks Frontovoi Aviatsyi (PAK FA), which means 'Future Air Complex for Tactical Air Forces'.

In November 2001, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Ilya Klebanov's announced that India and Russia had agreed to jointly develop a fifth-generation strike aircraft. This was the result of a four-day visit to Russia by India's Prime Minister. It was intended to be the same size as the US JSF but have a mission profile closer to the F-22 Raptor, with air superiority being the primary mission and ground attack and reconnaissance being secondary.

The Indian fighter jet will be based on the Russian single-seat Sukhoi T-50 or PAK-FA fifth-generation fighter, which had four prototypes flying, but it would be designed to meet about 50 specific requirements by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

India wanted to produce some of the aircraft's computers, software, guidance systems and other systems, as it did for a similar project with Russia producing a locally-made variant of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI strike aircraft. Russia would provide the aircraft's Saturn 117S engines and some stealth technology elements for the plane.

In October 2015 Indian Air Force (IAF) boss, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, signalled growing IAF disenchantment with the FGFA, which had been increasingly evident from the inability of New Delhi and Moscow to agree on an R&D contract. India had concerns over the maturity of the Russian technology in certain spheres. In particular, the prototypes constructed so far featured extensive use of metal in their airframes, reflecting the gaps and shortcomings in the modern composite technology available to Sukhoi. At the same time, the homegrown Tejas had a 43-percent share of composites in its airframe.

The air chief confessed, "There are some issues which have cropped up in terms of the work share, in terms of the present technological and technical aspects of the PAK-FA (the Russian FGFA prototype, which is undergoing test flights), and of course the cost visibility. So these are the issues we are looking at and they have been taken up at the highest level."

However, the air chief believed that the AMCA's promise compensated for uncertainty over the FGFA. Says Raha, "If the FGFA comes through it is fine, otherwise the Indian FGFA - that is the AMCA, the advanced medium combat aircraft - we still have over 15 years to work on it before the MiG-29 upgraded aircraft retire, before the Mirage 2000 upgraded ones retire, as well as Jaguar upgraded ones retire in another 15 years."

Under the Russian-Indian Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project, both sides would invest $4 billion each at the developmental stage, while the total cost of constructing 127 fighter jets is estimated to amount to $25 billion. In the project, the Russian side is represented by the Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer and the Indian side by Hindustan Aeronautics. The initial FGFA agreement was signed in 2007, the final agreement, which will include the project's financing conditions, was yet to be signed by 2018.

There have been serious differences between the two sides on sharing cost of developing the jet, technologies to be used in it and the number of aircraft to be produced. The Indian Air Force always questioned the technological capabilities of Su-57 or PAK FA fighter jets especially stealth capability. The project had been hanging in balance for almost a decade. India had agreed to pay $295 million (Rs 18.97 billion) towards the preliminary design of the fighter, called in India the 'Perspective Multi-role Fighter' in 2010.

HAL and Sukhoi negotiated an $8.63 billion deal to improve the PAK-FA with the IAFs requirements of stealth (near-invisibility to radar), super-cruise (supersonic cruising speed), networking (real-time digital links with other battlefield systems) and airborne radar with world-beating range. In all, the IAF demanded some 50 improvements to the PAK-FA, including 360-degree radar and more powerful engines. In co-developing the FGFA, HAL was expected to deploy its experience in working with composite materials, which were to replace many of the metal fabricated panels on the PAK-FA.

Indian aerospace designers cited the FGFA experience as essential learning for developing the indigenous fifth generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which the Defence R&D Organisation (DRDO) was pursuing. In July 2017 an experts group headed by Air Marshal (Retired) S Varthaman, concluded that there were no conflict lines between the FGFA and AMCA.

But since then, very little progress was made in the project. A high level committee, comprised of officials from the Indian Air Force and defence ministry, submitted its project after examining multiple aspects of the project in 2017. The IAF was divided over the FGFA. Those flying branch officers of the French school whose careers had centered on Mirage and Jaguar fighters  tended to oppose the FGFA. But officers from the Russian school, with careers in the MiG and Sukhoi fleet, supported the FGFA.

The proposal for the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) was formally terminated when National Security Advisor Ajit Doval conveyed the decision to a Russian ministerial delegation at a Defence Acquisition Meeting in end-February 2018. Doval and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, who attended the meeting, asked the Russians to proceed alone with developing their fifth-generation fighter. They said India might possibly join the project later, or buy the fully developed fighter outright, after it entered service with the Russian Air Force.

Defense Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman traveled to Moscow on 03 April 2018 on her first ever visit to India's biggest arms supplier, Russia. The FGFA project was stuck for years, but only in February 2017, talks were revived during Manohar Parrikar's visit to Moscow. India was eyeing an advanced version of Russian PAK-FA T-50 aircraft and the visit by the defence minister was intended to give further impetus to the project. But Sitharaman did not talk about FGFA program with the Russian counterpart during her visit to Moscow in early April 2018.

In April 2018, Director for International Cooperation at Russia's Rostec Viktor Kladov told Sputnik that Moscow had not received any notification from India on New Delhi's alleged withdrawal from FGFA, thus denying media reports about India's intention to leave the project. The project implies that India will not only acquire new generation fighter jets, but will also launch their licensed production, according to the executive. Slyusar expressed his hope that the sides would switch to the design stage soon.

India gently withdrew from the PAK-FA program, with Defense Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman couching the cancellation in diplomatese. It was conveyed to Russia that they can go ahead with the program and India can join later, she told the media in New Delhi 13 July 2018. India conveyed to Russia that it will not be part of the project now to develop a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and may join the program at a later stage, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. "We informed Russia that India is no longer a participant in this project, but at the same time we told the Russians that they could continue developing it on their own, and we could rejoin them at a later stage," she said.

The Indian Air Force released a special report on the topic: "Having studied all aspects of this project, we came to conclusion that it does not meet our requirements, since the FGFA will not be able to create an aircraft that will be able to demonstrate the performance close to that of American fighters US F-22 and F-35," the report in particular said. The IAF believed that the Sukhoi Su-57 (T-50 PAK-FA) fighter, which Indias Ministry of Defence (MoD) designated the Perspective Multi-Role Fighter, did not meet its requirements for stealth, combat avionics, radars and sensors. Seven FGFA prototypes were currently undergoing flight-testing in Russia, but there was no indication as to when the platform was likely to enter series production.

Moscow and New Delhi are going ahead with discussions on the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) project despite media reports on Indias withdrawal, Yury Slyusar, the president of the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), said on 19 August 2018. "We have not closed the topic, we continue to discuss with India the joint development of the fifth generation [aircraft]. The topic is not closed. It was reported quite intensely that the Indians are exiting this project  they are not withdrawing from it, they just ask a really large number of questions, to which, in our opinion, we give exhaustive answers. As before, we proceed from the premise that the amount of technology that we are ready to transmit to India, no other country is not ready to transfer," Slyusar told the Rossyia 1 broadcaster.

Russian Ambassador to India Kudashev asserted that the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) project is still on the agenda. But India's priority at present is S-400, frigates, helicopters and assault rifles. "But FGFA deal will be back very shortly," Nikolay Kudashev added 11 October 2018.

New Delhi is ready to reconsider its cooperation with Moscow for the joint manufacture or purchase of the fifth generation Russian Su-57 fighter jet after the aircraft is commissioned and tested by the Russian military, Birender Singh Dhanoa, the chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, said in Juy 2019. Dhanoa said in an interview with the Russian Armed Forces' official newspaper, Krasnaya Zvezda, that India would make a decision on the Su-57 jet after seeing it in action in Russia, and after Moscow presents the new aircraft in New Delhi.







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Sukhoi "Su-75" Checkmate

LTS - Light Tactical Aircraft

The Sukhoi company has initiated the development of a Light Tactical Aircraft [Legkij Takticheskie Samolyet]. At the MAKS-2021 air show, journalists were presented with a new lightweight single-engine Checkmate fighter. Reportedly, it will be single-engine, have supersonic speed, low radar signature and super-maneuverability. The new aircraft would seem to be a Russian counterpart to the single engine American F-35, and the Chinese FC-31 twinjet. The Checkmate uses some of the technology developed for the Su-57 project, including the powerplant, but has several distinctive features, like its diverterless air inlet and V-tail control surfaces. The supersonic warplane can carry a payload of up to 7 tons in its internal weapons bay and has a range of 3,000km, according to designers.

Thus far, all that has been seen looked like a trade show mockup. The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate, a light single-engine cousin of Russias advanced Su-57 fighter jet, will go into production sometime in 2027, the head of state-owned Rostec said on 18 May 2022. The deadline was revealed by Sergey Chemezov during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. He detailed the progress of several leading Russian aviation projects, including the Checkmate. The initial operational capability around 2030.

The first flight of the new Checkmate light single-engine fighter will take place in 2023. This was announced 20 July 2021 by the head of the UAC Yuri Slyusar at the presentation of the aircraft at the MAKS-2021 air show. Deputy Chief Designer of Checkmate Alexey Bulatov, the first flight will be performed by the machine presented at MAKS-2021. "There is a sample in front of you - this is not just a model, it is not just a demonstrator. It is an aircraft that will take off into the air. Of course, work is needed to prepare it for flight. In less than a year, we will have completed static tests of the aircraft that will allow us to start organizing the first flight, "Bulatov added.

The exact nature of the object on display at MAKS-2021 was unclear. Unlike the Franco-German Future Combat Air System and British Tempest stealth concepts displayed in recent years, it was clearly more than simply a fiberglass trade show model. But the Checkmate had a singularly unfinished stitched together look about it, with some portions looking like flight hardware, and others looking rather like components of a fiberglass trade show model. For a stealth aircraft, the design and finish was singularly un-stealthy. Basis stealth features expected of Western low-observable aircraft, such as serrated door seals for the landing gear and weapons bays, were noticeably absent. The standard of construction was notably crude even by Russian standards, with lines of countersunk bolts in evidence, and violently undulating underbody structural surfaces suggesting the skin had been applied with a ball-peen hammer.

Possibly the object on display was a prototype of some sort, but precisely what design elements were being prototyped was unclear. Possibly a structural test model, or an avionics test bed, or some other design elements in which external stealth features were irrelevant. But a floorshow demonstrator to encourage international customers to buy a finished product, rather than a development effort, it was not. Despite a buildup that would have done a new car from Detroit proud, what was on display was not ready for prime time, and potential customers were probably left with as much doubt as anticipation.

The airframe showcased at MAKS was most probably a mock-up. Interfax repoted 28 July 2021 that the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant named after Y. A. Gagarin, a branch of PJSC Sukhoi Company, was assembling a prototype machine for static testing. From the materials for the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to the enterprise, it followed that KnAAZ had already begun work on the creation of the first prototype of a fighter for static tests. Such a the static test article is usually the first airframe that takes shape before the first aircraft for flight testing is built.

United Aircraft Corporation Rostec planned to start mass production of a light tactical fighter with one engine in 2026. "In a year, the static tests of the light fighter will be completed <...>. The aircraft will be offered to the customer in serial production from 2026".

The new fighter has a single-engine. At the moment, all combat aircraft used in Russia are equipped with two engines, while single-engine fighters are widespread in the world - these are the American F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35 Lightning, the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen and the Chinese J-10. The experience of creating single-engine aircraft was also in the Soviet Union - the MiG-21 and MiG-23 created in the 1950s-1960s became one of the most massive fighter productions in history, more than 15,000 of these aircraft were built in total.

Several new aircraft will be created based on the Checkmate modular platform. "It is planned to develop several options, including unmanned and naval versions. Ship, unmanned, two-seater. Adaptation for these versions will be with minimal changes," Slyusar said. Checkmate can operate as part of a group of manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, combined into a single system.

It was supposed to simultaneously start designing two versions of the fighter - manned and unmanned. If everything went well, then it can be argued that with the adoption of manned aircraft and their clone drones, the very concept of performing combat missions should change. A manned fighter will go into battle surrounded by drones of exactly the same configuration. It is the fighter drones that will plot the course, conduct reconnaissance, and protect the manned aircraft from enemy fighters and air defense systems.

The Sukhoi company can create a two-seat modification of the Checkmate single-engine fighter. This was announced on 21 July 2021 by Anastasia Kravchenko, director of the company's information policy and public communications department, on the Russia-24 TV channel as part of the MAKS-2021 air show. This is the very principle of open architecture that allows us to make both unmanned and manned versions of this aircraft. We can also make naval and two-seat modifications of the Checkmate aircraft, she said.

The new Checkmate fifth-generation single-engine fighter will be assembled at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant named after Gagarin (KnAAZ), which is a subsidiary of PJSC Sukhoi Company, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slyusar said 28 July 2021. Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant named after Yuri Alekseevich Gagarin is a branch of PJSC "Company" Sukhoi", part of the United Aircraft Corporation. It was founded in 1934, the first reconnaissance aircraft was produced here in 1936. Since then, the company has produced more than 12 thousand military and civil aircraft. the direction of the enterprise's work is the construction of the fifth generation Su-57 aircraft and the Su-35S generation 4 ++ multifunctional fighters.

The designation of the new aircraft was not initially available, though some sources reported Su-75 based on an aircraft with the tail number RF-00075 has 75 written in blue on it. While the new aircraft is similar in some respects to the twin-jet Su-57, it is not simply a small-volume single-engine Su-57. The canopy is very similar to that of its "big brother" the Su-57 as well as the landing gear. The new aircraft would share many components and systems with the Su-57.

While the number shown on the body of the jet at the MAKS-2021 hangar led to speculation that the Checkmate will be designated Su-75, Sukhois representatives dispelled the rumors, saying that the company considers those numbers lucky. As the Russian Aerospace Forces have not yet signed a contract for the new jet, it has not been given an official designation.

The new Russian Checkmate single-engine fighter, created by the state corporation Rostec, will most likely be named the Su-75. This was confirmed by the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov in an interview with Ilya Doronov for the RBK TV channel 02 August 2021. "The fact is that this is a working title. Of course, we will eventually come to the traditional nomenclature, to which we are accustomed. Most likely, this is the Su-75. That is, if the base is taken from the Su-57, then the Su-75," he said.





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Russo-Ukraine War - 06 October 2025 - Day 1321

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 31

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 on 29 September 2025, Russian President Putin initiated the military conscription order for 135,000 men. The annual autumn Russian conscription began on 01 October 2025 and runs until 31 December 2025 across Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine. It covers adult men aged 18-30; the upper limit having been raised from 27 to 30 in 2023. Russian conscription cycles occur twice a year, in the spring and autumn. In spring 2025, 160,000 were conscripted into the Army. This compares to 133,000 in autumn 2024, and 150,000 in spring 2024.

Potential conscripts are not allowed to leave the country one week after digital registration is initiated. Failure to report within 20 days of the summons results in various penalties and a 30,000 rouble fine ($363 USD).

Concurrently on 24 September 2025 the Russian Duma passed the first reading of a bill to allow conscription to occur throughout the year instead of spring and autumn cycles. This will likely provide a continuous flow of conscripts for the Russian army. Whilst this will allow the pre-draft processes to be distributed throughout the year, it is a realistic possibility that this change will also desensitise the population to the process.

Conscripts have generally not been sent to fight in Ukraine. They are used to guard Russian borders and secure military sites, operating in rear areas to free up contract soldiers for the front. Conscripts were highly likely involved in fighting in Russia's Kursk oblast following Ukraine's incursion into the region in August 2024 with 250 reportedly captured as prisoners of war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 172 combat encounters. Ukrainian defenders are decisively intercepting the attempts of the enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Today, Russian troops launched one missile and 31 aviation strikes, using one missile and dropping 65 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, 3382 kamikaze drones were deployed and 2971 shelling of positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

Ukrainian soldiers repelled four Russian assault actions in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions. In addition, the Russian enemy launched five air strikes, dropping 15 controlled bombs, as well as carrying out 129 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including four from reactive systems of arson-fire.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy 19 times attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Vovchansky Khutoriv, Kamyanka, Stroivka and in the direction of Bologivka, Kolodyazny and Odradny. Eight clashes continue.

In the Kupiansk direction, the Russian aggressor carried out offensive actions near the settlements of Kupiansk, Redkivka and towards Pi any, Petropavlivka and Boguslavka. Ukrainian defenders have stopped five Russian attacks, so far six clashes are being sharpened.

In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders five times attacked the positions of the Defense Forces in the areas of the settlements of Ridkodub, Mirne, Torske and Shandrigolove, received a cut-off.

In the Siver direction, the Defense Forces repelled 16 Russian attacks near Grigorivka and in the direction of Dronivka and Yampol, another confrontation is ongoing so far.

In the Kramators komu direction, there is currently one combat encounter. Russian Zagarbnik tried to move towards the settlement of Stupochka.

In the Toretsky direction, Russians 19 times went into offensive on the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Rusyniy Yar, Katerynivka, Sherbinivka, Pleshiyivka and Poltavka. Defense forces stopped Russian advancement.

In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers 49 times tried to advance on the position of Ukrainian units. The Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian troops in the settlements of Nikanorivka, Mayak, Rodinske, Red Lyman, Razine, Novoekonomicne, Mirolyubivka, Fox, Pokrovsk, Zvirove, Kotline, Udacne, Gorihove, Philia and towards Novopavlivka and Volodymyrivka. Two clashes are still ongoing.

According to preliminary data, today in this direction 150 Russian occupants were defecated, 111 of them - irrevocably. Ukrainian soldiers also destroyed an artillery system, two cars and seven unmanned aircraft; two cannons, a tank, two units of automobile equipment, a BPLA control point and 11 shelters for the Russian personnel were also hit.

In the Novopavlovsk direction, the Russian enemy 22 times tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements of Zeleny Gai, Yalta, Piddubne, Voskresenka, Sichneve, Sosnivka, Vorone and Novogrigorivka. Four clashes are underway.

In the direction of Gulyajpil s komu, Russian forces eight times tried to come near Poltavka, received a detachment.

In the Orihiv direction, the Defense Forces repelled four attacks of the Russian zagarbnikiv near Stepovoye and Kamiansky.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, one unsuccessful attempt of Russian occupiers to improve their position.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

As a result of intensive and resolute actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces liberated Otradnoye (Kharkov region).

Losses were inflicted on formations of two mechanised brigades, one air assault brigade, and one assault regiment of the AFU near Andreyevka, Iskriskovshchina, Krasnopolye, Kondratovka, Petrushevka, and Osoyevka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov direction, losses were inflicted on units of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Ambarnoye, Volchansk, and Chugunovka (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 160 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, five motor vehicles, and two artillery guns. One electronic warfare station, two ammunition depots, and five materiel depots were destroyed.

The Zapad Group of Forces' units took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade near Peschannoye, Kupyansk, Petrovka (Kharkov region), Novonikolayevka, and Yampol (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 230 troops, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 19 motor vehicles, and one field artillery gun. Six ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Losses were inflicted on formations of three mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Platonovka, Seversk, Zakotnoye, Reznikovka, Ivanopolye, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 225 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, two armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and two artillery guns. One electronic warfare station and one ammunition depot were wiped out.

The Tsentr Group of Forces' units improved the situation along the front line. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, one jaeger brigade, two air assault brigades of the AFU, and two national guard brigades near Ivanovka, Dimitrov, Dorozhnoye, Gruzskoye, Toretskoye, Artyomovka, and Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 410 troops, one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle, and three pickup trucks.

The Vostok Group of Forces' units continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences. Losses were inflicted on formations of two mechanised brigades, one assault regiment of the AFU, and one territorial defence brigade near Uspenovka, Privolnoye, Pavlovka, Novogrigorovka, and Poltavka (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to more 370 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 16 motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and territorial defence brigade near Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region), Olgovka, and Antonovka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 70 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, five motor vehicles, three electronic warfare stations, and two ammunition depots.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck power infrastructure, oil industry enterprises, POL depots ensuring operations of the AFU, long-range UAV depots and launch preparations sites as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 145 areas.

Air defence units shot down six U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, one Neptune long-range guided missile, and 356 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost: 667 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 88,529 unmanned aerial vehicles, 631 anti-aircraft missile systems, 25,377 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,593 MLRS combat vehicles, 30,215 field artillery guns and mortars, 43,288 support military vehicles.

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Knoxville, TN, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consumer Guardian Group, a Tennessee-based legal services firm, today announced the expansion of its legal representation for individuals seeking relief from timeshare agreements. The companys attorneys are broadening their focus to address disputes and cancellation requests at a time when industry data points to rising dissatisfaction among owners.

Recent figures underscore the challenge many consumers face in managing their contracts. A study conducted by the University of Central Florida found that 85% of timeshare owners expressed regret about their purchase, often citing escalating annual fees and inflexible usage terms. More recent surveys place the regret rate even higher, at nearly 87%, suggesting a deepening issue for consumers nationwide.

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2025 State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry Report highlights another factor contributing to consumer dissatisfaction: steadily increasing maintenance fees. According to the report, the average annual fee rose from $1,090 in 2020 to $1,480 in 2024, marking a 35.7% increase over four years. For many households, especially retirees or those on fixed incomes, these rising costs present an unanticipated financial burden.

Responding to Industry-Wide Concerns

Consumer Guardian Groups attorneys are positioning their services toward clients who allege they were misled during sales presentations, experienced exploitation due to age or vulnerability, or encountered unforeseen hardship. The company stated that its expansion reflects the growing need for legal support in timeshare exits, cancellations, and disputes.

Consumers often come to us after realizing that their contracts carry obligations they did not fully anticipate, said Bob Dziewulski, Chief General Council for Consumer Guardian Group. Our goal is to make sure individuals who feel overwhelmed by their agreements understand that legal options exist.

The organization emphasized that its role is limited to providing representation and exploring potential legal remedies, with outcomes determined on a case-by-case basis. The announcement is not intended to imply or guarantee specific results.

An Evolving Consumer Issue

The announcement comes at a time when the timeshare sector continues to draw scrutiny from advocacy groups and financial advisors. Consumer advocates frequently cite maintenance fees and limited resale options as drivers of widespread dissatisfaction. Financial experts, including personal finance commentator Dave Ramsey, have also noted the prevalence of regret among buyers.

With nearly nine out of ten owners expressing dissatisfaction in some studies, Consumer Guardian Groups move highlights an emerging legal service niche centered on timeshare relief and dispute resolution. The firms expansion signals recognition of the growing number of consumers seeking pathways out of contracts they no longer wish to maintain.

The Broader Impact of Timeshare Disputes

The timeshare industry remains a multibillion-dollar sector in the United States. Developers continue to market timeshares as affordable vacation alternatives, but mounting evidence suggests a disconnect between sales presentations and buyer experiences. Among the most common complaints are restricted booking options, ongoing special assessments, and lack of transparency in resale markets.

In this environment, law firms and advocacy groups are playing a greater role in shaping consumer awareness and providing representation. While some disputes are resolved through negotiations or settlements, others require more extensive legal proceedings. Consumer Guardian Groups announcement reflects its intention to remain engaged in these conversations and to expand its role in providing resources to individuals navigating these challenges.

Maintaining a Neutral Role

The company made clear that it is not positioning its services as a guaranteed solution but as a legal resource for those seeking options. We believe the rise in consumer frustration is indicative of an industry trend that cannot be ignored, Dziewulski added. Our attorneys will continue to work within the legal framework to address these concerns while monitoring industry developments.

Consumer Guardian Group emphasized that the expansion of its services is aligned with its mission to represent consumers facing financial and contractual disputes. By taking a measured and structured approach, the company aims to provide clarity at a time when many owners feel uncertainty over the future of their timeshare obligations.

The firm encouraged individuals who feel misled or financially overburdened by their timeshare agreements to educate themselves on available legal avenues. While Consumer Guardian Group offers consultations, the company reiterated that no outcomes can be assured and that each case depends on its specific facts and circumstances.

The announcement serves as part of a larger conversation about the ongoing challenges in the timeshare industry. With maintenance fees continuing to rise and consumer regret rates holding steady at high levels, the question of long-term sustainability for owners remains at the forefront.

Looking Ahead

As regulatory bodies and consumer watchdogs continue to evaluate the industry, announcements like todays reflect how legal organizations are adjusting to meet demand. Timeshare disputes and cancellations are expected to remain a significant area of consumer concern in the coming years, and companies like Consumer Guardian Group are preparing to respond.

Consumers experiencing challenges with their timeshare agreements are encouraged to visit Consumer Guardian Groups official website for more information. Consultations are available for individuals who wish to learn more about their legal options for timeshare exit or dispute resolution.

About Consumer Guardian Group

Consumer Guardian Group is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based legal services firm that represents individuals in timeshare disputes, cancellations, and exit matters. The firm focuses on assisting clients facing issues related to financial hardship, misrepresentation, or contractual exploitation.





Media Contact

Company Name: Consumer Guardian Group

Contact Person: Scott Jacobson

Email: sjacobson@consumerguardiangroup.com

Phone: 865-643-8377

Country: United States

Website: https://consumerguardiangroup.com/
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dairy Council of California, in partnership with the California School Nutrition Associations (CSNA) Mother Lode Chapter 45, hosted an education tour at Tollcrest Dairy in Wheatland on October 2, 2025. This initiative responds directly to findings from the 2025 Dairy Dialogue report, which identified a need for greater food and agricultural literacy among school nutrition leadersparticularly understanding where dairy foods originate, how theyre produced, and how farm systems contribute to building healthy eating patterns, student success and healthy communities.

This tour gives school nutrition leaders the opportunity to see where the dairy foods they serve begin and gain a greater understanding of how California dairy farmers nourish our future, said Shannan Young, RDN, CAE, SNS of Dairy Council of California.

The event brought together school nutrition professionals, and culinary leaders, from across the region to learn firsthand about dairy production, sustainability practices, and how agriculture contributes to student health and school meals.

As school nutrition professionals, we are always looking for ways to provide nourishing, high-quality meals to students, said Ashley Ash, SNS, Director of Food Services, Folsom Cordova Unified School District. Experiences like this build food and agricultural literacy, showing firsthand the care and commitment of dairy farmers and how that connects back to school nutrition.

The immersive tour, led by third-generation dairy farmer Chase Tollenaar, highlighted sustainable farming practices, animal care, and modern innovations like Tollcrests rotary milking parlor.

From supporting student health and learning to advancing innovation in animal care and environmental stewardship, Californias dairy farmers are leading the way in producing nutritious foods while caring for our cows and the planet, said Chase Tollenaar, Owner-Operator, Tollcrest Dairy.

Over a lunch prepared by the Wheatland Union High School culinary arts students, participants heard from a panel featuring the California Wheat Commission, Wheatland Union High Schools Culinary Arts and School Nutrition Director/Chef, and the Las Plumas High School agriculture teacher.

Wheat plays an equally vital role in the meals served in schools every day, said Claudia Carter, Executive Director of California Wheat Commission. By connecting the dots between wheat fields, dairy farms, and school kitchens, students and nutrition leaders can better appreciate the collaboration it takes to provide balanced, wholesome meals.

Together, they explored topics ranging from sustainable farming practices and nutrition education to how agriculture supports public health and the meals served in schoolsemphasizing the importance of student engagement in advancing these goals.

For our culinary and school nutrition teams, engaging directly with agriculture reinforces why we do what we do, said Chef Kuulei Moreno, Culinary Arts Teacher and School Nutrition Director at Wheatland Union High School. Serving food is not just about the meal on the plateits about teaching students where that food comes from and inspiring them to be part of a healthier future.

The partnership event reflects the shared commitment of the Dairy Council of California and CSNA Mother Lode Chapter 45 to elevate nutrition education and foster stronger ties between agriculture, school nutrition programs and student success.

For more information and to view the video from the tour, visit https://youtube.com/shorts/7AgVVPifNIg

Media Contact:

Malynda Parsons

Communications Manager

Dairy Council of California

Mparsons@dairycouncilofca.org

916-633-9333

About Dairy Council of California

Since 1919, Dairy Council of California has been a trusted nutrition organization committed to elevating the health of children and communities. Through education, advocacy, and multisector collaboration, the organization promotes lifelong healthy eating patterns and advances the role of milk and dairy foods in improving nutrition security and supporting sustainable food systems. With more than a century of experience, Dairy Council of California continues to lead with evidence-based nutrition science, education and strategic partnerships to build healthier communities.




Prive Jets Logo

MIAMI, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prive Jets today announced the launch of its Jet Card Membership , a program designed to provide frequent private jet travelers and aircraft owners with structured, predictable access to charter services. The membership introduces a streamlined model that reduces booking complexity, ensures guaranteed aircraft availability, and offers transparent usage tracking.

A Structured Alternative to Traditional Chartering

The Jet Card program transforms the private charter process into a membership model, addressing common challenges such as fluctuating rates, variable availability, and time-consuming agreements. Through pre-funded accounts and dedicated travel coordination, members gain consistency and faster access to aircraft, aligning with the needs of business and leisure travelers who rely on private aviation.

Membership Tiers

The program offers three levels of membership  Prive+, Prive50, and Prive50+. Each tier provides the same core service features, including faster aircraft sourcing, tailored travel coordination, and dedicated advisory support.

The tiers differ in terms of hourly rates: as members commit to a larger number of hours, they are placed in a higher tier with lower hourly rates. This structure ensures that frequent flyers receive greater value while enjoying the same level of service across all tiers.

Prive+: Designed for travelers who require essential access and flexible flying arrangements.



Designed for travelers who require essential access and flexible flying arrangements. Prive50: Tailored to frequent flyers seeking enhanced support and greater personalization.



Tailored to frequent flyers seeking enhanced support and greater personalization. Prive50+: The most comprehensive tier, providing the maximum benefits available under the membership program.





Each tier includes dedicated advisory support, priority access to aircraft, and streamlined coordination across global destinations.

Focus on Process and Safety

At the core of the membership program is a focus on operational reliability and passenger safety. Prive Jets maintains compliance with independent third-party aviation safety audits, including certification through the ARGUS Charter Broker Program and accreditation under the Wyvern Broker Program.

Expanding Options for Private Aviation Users

The membership reflects a broader industry trend in which travelers are seeking alternatives to aircraft ownership or fractional shares. For aircraft owners, it adds flexibility beyond the limits of a single aircrafts range, while fractional owners gain freedom from restricted usage windows and routes. By offering this flexibility, Prive Jets positions the Jet Card as an efficient solution for those who travel privately on a frequent basis .

Global Reach with Local Efficiency

With access to more than 11,000 verified aircraft worldwide and an average of 7,500 flights coordinated annually, Prive Jets continues to deliver global charter solutions supported by a dedicated advisory team.

About Prive Jets

Prive Jets is an international private aviation provider, since 2007 offering worldwide charter solutions and membership programs. The company is committed to delivering safe, efficient, and reliable travel while meeting the highest industry standards in aviation safety and operational transparency.

Media Contact:

Andres Arboleda - Prive Jets' COO

Prive Jets

https://privejets.com/services/membership/

info@privejets.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6939339c-9b34-4169-8d2e-090c529a9bd0
SINGAPORE, Oct. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) and Notified, the leading investor relations and public relations technology provider, will host a panel discussion on artificial intelligence's impact on the PR industry.





PR professionals face overwhelming data volumes while creating authentic, targeted messaging these days. This panel aims to tackle three key topics:

How AI transforms raw data into meaningful audience dialogue

The role of AI in crafting hyper-targeted press releases and personalized campaigns

Effective strategies for amplifying corporate messages in an AI-driven landscape



According to a recent ICCCO World PR Report, more than 70% of PR professionals is already using AI in their daily workflow. However, given that the landscape is constantly shifting with new AI models and features, there remains a significant gap between recognition and confident implementation.

Event Details

Date & Time : Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM

: Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM Location : PSB Academy City Campus in Marina Square

: PSB Academy City Campus in Marina Square Registration link: https://iprs.glueup.com/event/from-data-to-dialogue-how-ai-is-transforming-pr-and-messaging-strategy-156835/



Expert Panel Speakers

The discussion features three distinguished industry leaders from the region:

Kelly Weber , Head of Communications, APAC at Aquila Clean Energy where she leads the companys internal and external communications across the region.

, where she leads the companys internal and external communications across the region. Rob van Alphen , Founder and Managing Director of Polaris , an AI consultancy aimed at helping both in-house and agency teams to successfully navigate the coming age of AI. As an ongoing contributor with IPRS, Rob also led the development of IPRS's AI Guidance in early 2023.

, , an AI consultancy aimed at helping both in-house and agency teams to successfully navigate the coming age of AI. As an ongoing contributor with IPRS, Rob also led the development of IPRS's AI Guidance in early 2023. Melissa Ang, Strategic Account Director at Notified who has been partnering with clients across APAC to elevate their investor and public relations strategies. With over 10 years of experience in APAC markets, Melissa brings a strategic, consultative approach to client engagement.



The panellist line up is meant to offer insight from a combination of in-house, vendor as well as veteran AI practitioner.

Technology Meets Communication

Notified's integrated platform combines press release distribution, media monitoring, social listening, and measurement capabilities. A study in Dec 2024 by them shows that redistributed content through their GlobeNewswire service generally achieves 33% overall increase in views, with top-performing post achieving a 90% boost.

As the industry evolves, the partnership between IPRS and Notified reflects the growing need for practical guidance on responsible AI adoption. Rob van Alphen's work developing Asia's first PR industry AI guidance with IPRS exemplifies this commitment to transparent and safe technology integration.

About IPRS

IPRS, established in 1970 as a non-profit organisation, is the only accrediting body for Public Relations (PR) practitioners in Singapore. The Institute promotes excellence in the industry through knowledge exchange platforms and training programmes that are aligned with the many changes and developments in the practice of PR and Communications today.

IPRS has a growing membership consisting of professionals from diverse backgrounds in public relations, journalism, advertising, marketing, education and management  a factor that has contributed to the Institutes strength and dynamism.

There are ten Student Chapters with various tertiary institutions to create opportunities for communications students and IPRS members to share expertise and experiences.

The IPRS introduced the Biennial PRISM Awards (Public Relations In the Service of Mankind) in 1987 to recognise and reward excellence in PR and Communications in Singapore and regionally. The IPRS PRISM Summit was established in 2022 to further industry development and growth, and held biennially, alternating with the IPRS PRISM Awards. Together they present a community platform to lead and showcase the PR industry's best in Singapore and the region.

About Notified

We are Notified, and your story goes here. As the only technology partner dedicated to both investor relations and public relations professionals, we help you control and amplify your corporate narrative. Our fully integrated PR and IR platforms streamline every stepwhether it's reaching the right media, press release distribution, and measurement or designing new IR websites, managing investor days, earnings releases, and regulatory filings. Connecting both worlds, GlobeNewswire is one of the world's largest and most trusted newswire distribution networks, serving leading organizations for over 30 years. Together, we empower communicators to inform a better world.

Notified is an affiliate of Equiniti Group Limited (EQ)

Media Contact:

Karen Yap

Institute of Public Relations of Singapore

Email: Kyap@kyrahandsong.com

Khoo Chong Thye

Notified

Email: chongthye.khoo@notified.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b180bad6-e866-4b00-941e-f561c4a35ec2




SEATTLE, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WatchGuard Technologies a global leader in unified cybersecurity for managed service providers (MSPs), today announced the launch of its next-generation Firebox rackmount appliancesthe Firebox M Series. Engineered for scalability, performance, and simplified deployment, the new models empower MSPs and their customers with enterprise-grade security built for growing networks and modern hybrid environments.

The Firebox M Series integrates seamlessly with WatchGuards Unified Security Platform and delivers sustained high throughputeven with full security services enabled. Remote workforce protection is built in via FireCloud Total Access,1 WatchGuards cloud-native zero trust network access (ZTNA) solution.

The new series represents more than a hardware refresh; its a leap forward in performance and platform capability, said Jay Lindenauer, Vice President of Network Security at WatchGuard. The next-generation Firebox M Series delivers significantly faster network speed and when combined with our expanded Unified Security Platform and FireCloud integration, it becomes the ideal firewall solution for securing and simplifying complex, modern networks.

Scalable Protection with No Compromise on Performance

The M Series delivers up to twice the performance of the previous generation and is built to scale alongside business needswithout requiring hardware replacement. Key advantages include:

Integrated Multi-Gig and SFP/SFP+ Connectivity: Up to 10 Gbps per interface, now standard across the lineup, eliminating the need for additional modules or switches.

Intel-Powered Architecture: Ensures consistent performance under full inspection and all security services activated.

FireCloud Total Access: ZTNA support available to enable secure remote user access from day one.

Flexible Licensing and Seamless Upgrades : Expand capabilities through firmware updates and service tiers, no new hardware required.

: Expand capabilities through firmware updates and service tiers, no new hardware required. Sustainable Design: Reduced packaging, recyclable materials, and energy-conscious options support WatchGuards Climate Pledge.

Tailored to Fit Organizations' Unique Needs

With five models in the lineupup from four in the previous generationthe M Series is built to match a wide range of deployment scenarios:

M295: Designed for small enterprises or regional offices upgrading from tabletop firewalls.

M395: Ideal for multi-branch small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) and retail environments, balancing performance and budget.

M495: Compliance-ready protection for education, healthcare, and similar regulated sectors.

M595 : Built for hybrid deployments in manufacturing and public sector organizations.

: Built for hybrid deployments in manufacturing and public sector organizations. M695: Top-tier performance with optional redundant power for MSP-hosted and data-intensive use cases.

All Firebox M Series models integrate with WatchGuard Cloud, enabling centralized management, XDR-powered detection with ThreatSync, and zero trust identity enforcement via AuthPoint MFA.

Our clients expect security that adapts to their growth, and the Firebox M Series delivers, said Maik Lumler, CEO of BOC IT at Security GmbH, a WatchGuard partner. With performance tiers that deliver at least twice the performance and seamless migration from older models, were meeting demand without disruption. Its a future-proof solution that fits todays budgets.

Industry Validation and Global Availability

Recognized by Gartner, IDC, and other leading analyst firms, the Firebox line is trusted by nearly 17,000 MSPs globally. Independent testing using NetSecOPEN standardized methodologies confirms the Firebox M Series maintains consistent throughputeven under full security load.

Unlike vendors with complex add-ons and hidden costs, WatchGuard includes essential featureslike gateway antivirus, spamBlocker, and cloud log retentionas basic functionalities. With predictable pricing and integrated services, MSPs and SMEs gain access to enterprise-grade protection without the overhead.

The Firebox M Series is available now through WatchGuards global partner network. For a limited time, new M Series customers will receive FireCloud Total Access licenses, unlocking ZTNA capabilities on day one.

This release follows the recent launch of FireCloud Total Access and the new Firebox Tabletop Series, reinforcing WatchGuards commitment to protecting networks of all sizes with scalable, unified security.

1. For a limited time, Firebox purchases include access to ZTNA through a special promotion10 licenses for $0.10. Offer subject to terms and conditions.

About WatchGuard Technologies

WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. is a global leader in unified cybersecurity. Our Unified Security Platform is uniquely designed for managed service providers to deliver world-class security that increases their business scale and velocity while also improving operational efficiency. Trusted by more than 17,000 security resellers and service providers to protect more than 250,000 customers, the companys award-winning products and services span network security and intelligence, advanced endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, and secure Wi-Fi. Together, they offer five critical elements of a security platform: comprehensive security, shared knowledge, clarity & control, operational alignment, and automation. The company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. To learn more, visit WatchGuard.com.

For additional information, promotions, and updates, follow WatchGuard on X (@WatchGuard), on Facebook, or on the LinkedIn Company page. Also, visit our InfoSec blog, Secplicity, for real-time information about the latest threats and how to cope with them. Subscribe to The 443  Security Simplified podcast, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.

WatchGuard is a registered trademark of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. All other marks are property of their respective owners.
Comparative testing against four market-leading hydrogels demonstrates Hydrocelins superior shock absorbing capacity

Significantly improves the shock-absorbing capacity of pathological equine synovial fluid in mechanical testing

Data were presented at CellMech in Louvain





Liege, Belgium  7 October 2025 (08:30 CET)  Allegro NV, a biomedical company developing transformative nanotechnology-based treatments for degenerative joint disease, today announces new research showing superior shock-absorbing capacities of its Hydrocelin injectable hydrogel to treat osteoarthritis, compared to four market leading hydrogels. The company presented the results in a poster at the CellMech conference in Louvain, Belgium, last week. The results also showed that Hydrocelin significantly improved the shock-absorbing properties of pathological equine synovial fluid in mechanical testing.

The data are a robust support for the revolutionary potential of Hydrocelin, a responsive hydrogel based on our nanotechnology platform, designed to restore the shock-absorbing capacities of the joints. This is an important step in characterizing the expected impact of Hydrocelin as we head into our Phase I/II feasibility study in patients next year, said Lucas Decuypere, Chief Executive Officer at Allegro.

The data showed that Hydrocelins shock-absorbing capacity was far superior that of four commonly used hydrogels. A second test showed that pathological synovial fluid from horses materially improved its shock-absorbing profile when Hydrocelin was added. The company is planning to submit the data to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Around 650 million people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis, a progressive condition that limits a patients ability to move and can lead to constant pain, often causing social isolation and psychological stress. Hydrocelin is designed to be the first non-invasive disease-modifying treatment for use in osteoarthritis, expected to be administered by annual injection into the joint. Currently available treatments are limited to hyaluronic acid, which has limited efficacy, cortisone, painkillers and surgical procedures.

Allegros hydrocelin contains cross-linked particles designed to act as tiny shock absorbers in the synovial fluid of joints. Restoring the shock-absorbing capacity of the synovial fluid is intended to provide pain relief and protect cartilage. In April, Allegro presented positive preclinical data demonstrating the satisfactory safety profile of hydrocelin at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO) in Rome. In addition to this pyrogenicity study, the company has also demonstrated a satisfactory safety profile in preclinical studies assessing irritation, delayed sensitization and systemic toxicity.

About Allegro NV

Allegro is a private biomedical company developing transformative treatments for degenerative joint diseases based on its proprietary nanotechnology platform, INTRICATE. The companys lead product candidate, Hydrocelin (ALG-001), is a potential first-in-class, disease-modifying candidate for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Allegro is preparing Hydrocelin for clinical studies in humans later this year, and for a commercial launch in 2027.

For more information please visit www.allegro.bio.

For further information please contact:



Allegro NV

Lucas Decuypere

Chief Executive Officer

info@allegro.bio





Investor Relations

Mary-Ann Chang

Cohesion Bureau

+44 7483 284 853

mary-ann.chang@cohesionbureau.com



Media Relations

Douwe Miedema

Cohesion Bureau

+352 621 562 764

douwe.miedema@cohesionbureau.com

Important information

The contents of this announcement include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words "believes", "estimates," "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", "plans", "continue", "ongoing", "potential", "predict", "project", "target", "seek" or "should", and include statements the Company makes concerning the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. The company's actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.

Attachment
Former GSK and Sanofi executive, led Cervarix  development and advanced pioneering therapies for rare diseases, decade of experience as venture capitalist

Strengthens Bioxodes leadership following encouraging Phase 2a interim data for lead candidate BIOX-101 in intracerebral hemorrhage

Phase 2b trial scheduled to begin in 2027 could be sufficient to submit for conditional marketing authorization in the U.S. and Europe

Gosselies, Belgium, 7 October 2025 (08:30 am CET)  Bioxodes SA, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic and inflammatory diseases, today announced the appointment of Philippe Monteyne, MD, PhD, as chairman of its Board of Directors. Dr. Monteyne, a neurologist, has an extensive and successful track record as a life sciences investor and as a pharmaceutical executive, having held a range of senior industry positions and overseen the development and launch of multiple new medicines.

The appointment of Philippe as Chairman is a great win for Bioxodes. His experience and track record in developing new therapies in areas of high unmet medical need will lend invaluable guidance to the company just as new data have confirmed the breakthrough potential of BIOX-101 in treating stroke. Im looking forward to working with Philippe as we advance this first-in-class drug candidate through clinical trials, with the aim of commercialization, potentially as early as 2030, said Marc Dechamps, Chief Executive Officer of Bioxodes. We have benefited enormously from Pierre Detrixhes work as chairman of the company over the past years. I thank him for his contributions and I look forward to continue to work with him as a member of the Board of Directors, he added.

Dr. Monteyne will assume his role immediately, as Bioxodes prepares for a potentially registrational global multi-center Phase 2b trial for its lead asset BIOX-101 in patients who suffered intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). If successful, this trial could be sufficient to submit BIOX-101 for conditional marketing authorizations in the U.S. and Europe. The recombinant peptide will also be developed to treat acute ischemic stroke.

Dr. Monteyne is Senior Advisor for Life Sciences at AltamarCAM Partners, which has investments of more than 20.8 billion euros in private markets, and a member of the Investment Committee, former partner of their life science fund Aliath Bioventures in Barcelona, and a previous senior partner of Fund+, a private equity fund in Belgium. In industry, he held senior positions at SmithKline Beecham, GSK and Sanofi. At GSK, he was responsible for the development and launch of the companys cervical cancer vaccine Cervarix, and for the research that enabled the development of Strimvelis, an autologous gene therapy for ADA-SCID, as well as Tegsedi, an oligonucleotide to treat hATTR, another rare disease. He is a board member of several biotech companies in Belgium, France and Spain, and was a visiting professor of neurology at the Catholic University of Louvain (UCL, Belgium).

Hemorrhagic stroke is an unmet medical need and one of the most pressing unresolved neurological problems science is facing. Ive been very impressed by the Phase 2a results with BIOX-101, and I believe it could revolutionize treatment of stroke, offering a solution for a disorder that, unfortunately, often leads to crippling disabilities or death. With no approved therapies for hemorrhagic stroke available today, BIOX-101 promises a unique opportunity to help shape an entirely new market by arming physicians with a drug that may significantly reduce mortality and improve outcomes for this lethal disease, said Philippe Monteyne.

In September, Bioxodes announced encouraging second interim results from its BIRCH Phase 2a clinical trial, confirming the breakthrough potential of BIOX-101. All patients treated with the candidate experienced a reduction in hematoma, a finding supported by biomarker measurements, all of which trended in support of the clinical observations. Functional outcomes were also encouraging, with signals of recovery appearing more favorable than those seen in the standard-of-care (SoC) control group, and more patients regaining independence on day 90 after BIOX-101 treatment than in the SoC group.





Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating condition with no approved therapies, accounting for 40% of all stroke-related deaths, despite making up just 15% of cases. Mortality approaches 50 % at 30 days [1], and approximatively half of all ICH-related deaths happen within the first 24 hours [2]. Fewer than 20% of survivors achieve functional independence after six months, often due to secondary damage resulting from the untreatable bleeding and associated inflammation, which causes secondary ischemia, neuroinflammation and neuronal damage, amongst others.

BIOX-101 is a proprietary recombinant version of a small protein found in the saliva of the tick (Ixodes ricinus). It is designed to inhibit the harmful secondary effects of hemorrhagic stroke such as secondary ischemia, neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Unlike currently marketed anticoagulants, BIOX-101 is an investigational anticoagulant that reduces clotting without increasing bleeding. It does this by targeting Factors XIa and XIIa of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The product also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting activation of neutrophils and their release of extracellular DNA filaments (called NETs), which can cause excessive inflammation, exacerbating brain damage and disrupting the blood-brain barrier. Bioxodes has completed a positive Phase 2a clinical proof of concept trial of BIOX-101 to treat ICH and is currently planning a Phase 2b trial in ICH and Phase 2 trials of BIOX-101 to treat acute ischemic stroke and an undisclosed indication.

1. McGurgan, I.J., et al., Acute intracerebral haemorrhage: diagnosis and management. Pract Neurol, 2020. 21(2): p. 128-36.

2. Hemphill, J.C., 3rd, et al., The ICH score: a simple, reliable grading scale for intracerebral hemorrhage. Stroke, 2001. 32(4): p. 891-7.



Bioxodes SA (www.bioxodes.com) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic and inflammatory diseases. The companys lead asset, BIOX-101, is a first-in-class drug candidate being developed to treat stroke. BIOX-101s unique mechanism of action is the foundation of an innovative pipeline of drug candidates for treatment and prevention of thromboinflammatory diseases. Worldwide, Bioxodes holds both granted and pending patents associated with BIOX-101. Bioxodes research is supported by the Walloon Region (SPW Recherche), and the company is registered in Belgium under number 825.151.779.

HEAD OFFICES

BioPark Charleroi-Bruxelles Sud

Rue Santos-Dumont, 1

6041 Gosselies, Belgium

+32 496 59 03 54

investment@bioxodes.com MEDIA RELATIONS, BELGIUM

Alexandra Schiettekatte

communication@bioxodes.com

+32 476 65 04 38







INVESTOR RELATIONS

Giovanni Ca Zorzi

Cohesion Bureau

giovanni.cazorzi@cohesionbureau.com MEDIA RELATIONS, INTERNATIONAL

Douwe Miedema

Cohesion Bureau

douwe.miedema@cohesionbureau.com

Attachments
Dublin, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Spain Embedded Finance Market Size & Forecast by Value and Volume Across 100+ KPIs by Business Models, Distribution Models, End-Use Sectors, and Key Verticals (Payments, Lending, Insurance, Banking, Wealth) - Databook Q4 2025 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The embedded finance market in Spain is expected to grow by 11.2% on an annual basis to reach US$10.30 billion by 2025. The embedded finance market in the country has experienced robust growth during 2021-2025, achieving a CAGR of 16.2%. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with the market forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2026 to 2030. By the end of 2030, the embedded finance market is projected to expand from its 2024 value of US$9.27 billion to approximately US$14.07 billion.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the embedded finance industry in Spain, covering five major verticals: payments, lending, insurance, banking, and investments & wealth management. It covers more than 100 KPIs, including transaction value, transaction volume, average transaction size, revenue indicators, and financial performance measures.





Spain's embedded finance competitive landscape is evolving quickly, shaped by a mix of local fintech innovation, traditional bank adaptation, and regulatory clarity. The market is currently fragmented but maturing, with active competition in lending, payments, and insurance - each powered by APIs and vertical platform integrations. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions over the past 12 months have accelerated capability building and distribution expansion. Over the next 2-4 years, the landscape is expected to become more infrastructure-led and sector-specific, with competition increasingly revolving around developer tools, compliance modularity, and embedded orchestration across industries.



The embedded finance ecosystem in Spain is evolving across multiple vectors - consumer credit, B2B finance, microinsurance, vertical SaaS, and digital payments - underpinned by supportive regulations and rising platformization. Local fintechs, sector-specific platforms, and traditional banks are all experimenting with new distribution models powered by APIs, open banking, and digital identity infrastructure. Over the next 2-4 years, Spain's embedded finance landscape is expected to mature rapidly, with B2B credit, embedded insurance, and smart city payments likely to become areas of concentrated growth and policy interest.

Competitive Intensity Is Rising Across Fintech-Platform-Bank Collaboration Models

The embedded finance market in Spain is experiencing moderate-to-high competitive intensity, driven by increased collaboration between fintech infrastructure providers, digital platforms, and incumbent banks. Unlike in some European markets dominated by large neobanks, Spain's embedded finance ecosystem is shaped by a diverse set of actors across lending, payments, and insurance segments, often operating in partnership models. For instance, Bizum, the joint P2P payments network of Spanish banks, has become an embedded payments backbone across e-commerce and mobile apps, while Redsys continues to anchor backend infrastructure for acquirers and banks integrating into merchant platforms.

Open banking readiness (via PSD2), increasing digitalization of SMEs, and the availability of European recovery funds (e.g., NextGenerationEU) for digital transformation have incentivized more platforms to embed financial services. However, the market is not yet saturated, leaving room for specialist players to differentiate through vertical-specific or infrastructure-as-a-service models. Competition is particularly active in BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later), embedded payments, and vertical SaaS-based financing.

Competitive pressure is likely to intensify further as B2B embedded finance and context-specific microservices become more prevalent. Traditional banks such as Santander, CaixaBank, and BBVA are actively partnering with or acquiring fintechs to maintain relevance in the embedded value chain, which will create a multi-layered competition landscape blending infrastructure, distribution, and data access.

Key Players Span Fintechs, Banks, Infrastructure Enablers, and Sector Platforms

The Spanish embedded finance landscape includes diverse participants across use cases. In embedded lending and BNPL, players such as Klarna Spain, Sequra, and Pagantis (part of Afterpay/Clearpay) are active across retail and e-commerce. In the insurance space, insurtechs like Wefox (operating in Spain), Bdeo, and Coverfy are embedding microinsurance within mobility and gig platforms. Fintech infrastructure providers such as Unnax (embedded banking and compliance), Belvo (open banking APIs), and Kantox (currency automation for B2B payments, acquired by BNP Paribas) support API-first integration across sectors.

Major banks such as BBVA and Santander are active through API marketplaces and investment arms. BBVA API Market offers use cases ranging from account aggregation to identity verification for partners. Santander has scaled its PagoFX infrastructure and is investing in fintechs via Mouro Capital. This dual role - as both infrastructure providers and direct competitors - adds complexity to the competitive field.

Spain is likely to see increasing activity from embedded finance-focused fintechs from other EU countries, attracted by Spain's digital adoption and funding ecosystem. At the same time, local vertical SaaS players (e.g., Factorial in HR, Jeff in services) are expected to deepen financial integration, becoming new competitors or collaboration points for embedded finance providers.

Embedded Lending Is Expanding Across E-Commerce and B2B Segments

Embedded lending is gaining traction in Spain, particularly across consumer-facing e-commerce platforms and B2B marketplaces. Spanish fintechs such as Pagantis (now part of Afterpay) and Klarna Spain have supported the growth of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) offerings within retail and travel platforms. Meanwhile, B2B-focused platforms like Kaleidoscope and November Five have begun offering financing modules for SMEs embedded within procurement and accounting systems.

High digital penetration and a post-pandemic push toward online consumption have driven demand for instant credit solutions at the point of transaction. In the B2B space, cash flow gaps among SMEs - combined with the government's digitalization push through Spain's "Digital Kit" program - have created new demand for embedded credit within ERP and supply chain tools. Open banking regulation (under PSD2) has also lowered the barriers for integration by enabling real-time credit risk assessment.

The embedded lending trend is expected to intensify, with B2B credit and deferred invoice solutions (BNPL for SMEs) seeing accelerated uptake. Traditional banks such as CaixaBank and BBVA may expand APIs to support third-party embedded finance use cases, while neobanks and fintechs will continue to partner with digital platforms for distribution. Consolidation among BNPL providers is also likely, driven by margin pressures and evolving EU-wide credit regulation.

Insurtechs and Banks Are Embedding Microinsurance in Mobility, Travel, and Gig Platforms

Embedded microinsurance offerings are growing in Spain, particularly through mobility platforms (e.g., car sharing, e-scooters), travel booking apps, and gig economy platforms. Wefox Spain, Bdeo, and Coverfy are partnering with digital platforms to offer on-demand insurance for accidents, property loss, and health.

The growth of the sharing economy and digital mobility platforms (e.g., Cabify, Zity) has necessitated lightweight, modular insurance products. Insurtechs are using AI-powered underwriting to tailor products to micro-use cases. Regulatory facilitation by the Direccion General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGSFP) has supported experimentation with digital insurance licensing and API-based distribution models.

The embedded insurance space will likely stabilize and diversify, with more digital platforms offering insurance as a bundled or optional service. Gig workers in Spain, particularly in logistics and delivery, are expected to drive demand for embedded health and liability insurance, potentially prompting legislative interest in mandatory coverage. More insurers are expected to offer APIs for white-labeling microinsurance products into vertical apps.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 230 Forecast Period 2026 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2026 $10.3 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $14.07 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.1% Regions Covered Spain



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vp40mc

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
In original release, the year 2030 was misspelled in two places.

Corrected below.

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Significant investments are ahead for the companies within the Reykjavik Energy Group. According to the consolidated financial forecast for Veitur Utilities, ON Power, Reykjavik Fibre Network, Carbfix, and the parent company, total investments are expected to amount to ISK 245 billion over the forecast period. It covers the years 2026 through 2030. On average, annual investments are therefore likely to amount to nearly ISK 50 billion.

Strengthening Societys Competitiveness

Reykjavik Energy seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of Iceland, says Svar Freyr rainsson, the Groups CEO. We aim to generate more energy for businesses and households, connect more homes to our environmentally friendly utility systems, and continue developing and upgrading them with new technology, rainsson adds. He also points out that the financial forecast aims to improve societys resilience in the face of climate change and other threats.

rainsson also highlights new opportunities that are emerging. We are increasingly receiving inquiries from parties interested in establishing industries in Iceland because energy here is green and there are opportunities to permanently store carbon emissions from prospective industrial processes. In several locations in Iceland, we already have green industrial parks that could become arenas for such value creation, says rainsson. We hope that the governments forthcoming industrial policy will encourage the realization of such ideas. This would allow us to capitalize on our competitive advantage and strengthen the sustainability of Icelandic industry, says Svar Freyr rainsson, CEO of Reykjavik Energy.

Substantial Growth

The forecast, which also includes an outlook for the current year, projects that:

Annual revenues will grow from ISK 70.9 billion in the 2025 outlook to ISK 96.0 billion in 2030, an increase of 35%.

Annual operating expenses will grow from ISK 30.9 billion to ISK 35.6 billion, an increase of 15%.

Cash flow from operations will grow from ISK 32.2 billion in the 2025 outlook to ISK 42.1 billion in 2030, an increase of 31%.

Reykjavik Energys equity will grow from ISK 262 billion at year-end 2024 to ISK 341 billion at year-end 2030, an increase of 30%.

Reykjavik Energys Board of Directors approved the forecast today, following prior approval of forecasts by the respective boards of the subsidiaries. The financial forecast will be reviewed as part of the consolidated financial plan of the City of Reykjavik.

Outstanding Sustainability Rating

In an updated ESG risk assessment of Reykjavik Energy by the rating agency Reitun, the group receives a rating of A3, or outstanding. The rating company applies its model to environmental, social, and governance factors. In the attached summary of the results (in Icelandic), it states: Reykjavik Energy performs exceptionally well in Reituns ESG assessment, as in recent years, and continues to meet the increasing demands of this evaluation.

Reykjavik Energy is an issuer of green bonds and considers that its sustainable performance provides it with significantly more favourable financing.

Contact:

Snorri Hafsteinn orkelsson

CFO

Snorri.Hafsteinn.Thorkelsson@orkuveitan.is

Attachments
Dublin, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Advanced Electronics Technologies for AI 2026-2036: Neuromorphic Computing, Quantum Computing and Edge AI Processors" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Advanced Electronics Technologies for AI 2026-2036 report analyzes the convergence of three revolutionary electronics technologies reshaping the artificial intelligence landscape: neuromorphic computing, quantum computing, and edge AI processors. The report provides detailed market forecasts spanning 2026-2036, examining market dynamics across multiple technology vectors that collectively represent a transformative shift from conventional von Neumann architectures to specialized, brain-inspired, quantum-enhanced, and edge-distributed computing platforms. The analysis reveals a rapidly accelerating market trajectory driven by exponential demand for energy-efficient, real-time AI processing capabilities across autonomous systems, healthcare applications, industrial automation, and smart city infrastructures.

Technology convergence analysis examines synergistic interactions between these three domains, identifying cross-platform opportunities where quantum algorithms enhance neuromorphic training, where edge processors enable hybrid quantum-classical workflows, and where neuromorphic principles improve quantum error correction systems. The report provides detailed assessments of hybrid computing architectures, multi-modal AI processing systems, and ecosystem standardization requirements driving interoperability across diverse computing platforms.

Market segmentation delivers granular analysis across vertical applications including automotive (autonomous vehicles, ADAS), healthcare (medical devices, diagnostics, prosthetics), industrial IoT (predictive maintenance, quality control), smart cities (traffic management, environmental monitoring), aerospace/defense (UAVs, satellite imaging, cybersecurity), and data center infrastructure (high-performance computing, cloud services). Regional market analysis covers North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and emerging markets, examining technology adoption patterns, government initiatives, and investment landscapes.

Competitive landscape intelligence provides comprehensive profiles of >400 companies across all three technology domains. Neuromorphic computing profiles span chip manufacturers, sensor developers, memory technology providers, and software framework developers. Quantum computing coverage includes platform providers, specialized hardware companies, software developers, and materials suppliers. Edge AI processor analysis encompasses established semiconductor companies alongside innovative start-ups.

Investment analysis evaluates funding trends, strategic partnerships, and market opportunities across $2+ trillion in combined market potential through 2036. The report includes detailed venture capital analysis, government funding initiatives, corporate R&D investments, and strategic acquisition activity shaping competitive dynamics. Manufacturing capacity analysis addresses supply chain vulnerabilities, quality control procedures, and fabrication process requirements for next-generation computing architectures.

The artificial intelligence revolution stands at a critical inflection point. As AI applications proliferate across every sector of the global economy - from autonomous vehicles navigating complex urban environments to personalized medical diagnostics processing vast genomic datasets - the computational demands have outstripped the capabilities of traditional silicon-based architectures. The convergence of neuromorphic computing, quantum computing, and edge AI processors represents not merely an evolutionary advancement, but a fundamental paradigm shift that will determine the trajectory of artificial intelligence for the next decade and beyond. This technological convergence emerges from the recognition that different AI workloads require fundamentally different computational approaches. Traditional von Neumann architectures, which have powered the digital revolution for over half a century, face insurmountable challenges in meeting the diverse requirements of modern AI systems: the massive parallel processing demands of training large language models, the ultra-low latency requirements of autonomous systems, the energy constraints of mobile and IoT devices, and the real-time adaptation capabilities needed for dynamic environments.

The semiconductor industry's adherence to Moore's Law - the observation that transistor density doubles approximately every two years - has reached fundamental physical limits. As transistors approach atomic dimensions, quantum effects, manufacturing costs, and power density challenges have made continued scaling increasingly difficult. This limitation has profound implications for AI development, as the exponential growth in model complexity and data volumes can no longer be supported through traditional scaling approaches. The response has been a decisive shift toward domain-specific architectures optimized for particular AI workloads. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) initiated this transformation by providing massively parallel processing capabilities for training deep neural networks. Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) followed, offering specialized acceleration for matrix operations core to machine learning algorithms. However, these solutions represent only the beginning of a more profound architectural revolution.

Neuromorphic computing draws inspiration from the human brain's remarkable efficiency and adaptability, implementing spiking neural networks that process information only when events occur, dramatically reducing power consumption compared to traditional continuously-operating processors. This event-driven processing paradigm proves particularly valuable for applications requiring always-on sensing and real-time adaptation, such as autonomous vehicles processing sensor data or IoT devices monitoring environmental conditions.

The technology's commercial viability has been demonstrated through pioneering implementations including Intel's Loihi 2 neuromorphic research chip and IBM's TrueNorth processor. Startups like BrainChip have commercialized neuromorphic accelerators for edge AI applications, while companies like Prophesee have developed neuromorphic vision sensors capable of capturing high-speed motion with microsecond temporal resolution and minimal power consumption. Beyond energy efficiency, neuromorphic systems offer unique advantages in handling temporal data, performing in-memory computation, and enabling continuous learning without extensive retraining. These capabilities prove essential for applications ranging from industrial predictive maintenance to augmented reality systems requiring real-time environmental understanding.

Quantum computing represents perhaps the most revolutionary advancement in computational capability since the invention of digital computers. By leveraging quantum phenomena including superposition and entanglement, quantum systems can potentially solve certain classes of problems exponentially faster than classical computers. For artificial intelligence, this capability promises transformative advances in optimization, pattern recognition, and machine learning algorithm development. Quantum machine learning algorithms like quantum support vector machines and quantum neural networks demonstrate the potential for processing vast datasets more efficiently than classical approaches. Quantum optimization algorithms show particular promise for solving complex combinatorial problems common in AI applications, from drug discovery molecular simulations to financial portfolio optimization and supply chain management.

Major technology companies including IBM, Google, and IonQ have developed increasingly sophisticated quantum processors, while cloud-based quantum computing services democratize access to quantum capabilities for AI researchers and developers. The integration of quantum and classical computing through hybrid architectures enables practical applications that leverage quantum advantages while maintaining compatibility with existing AI workflows. The proliferation of connected devices and the need for real-time AI processing has driven the development of specialized edge AI processors capable of running sophisticated algorithms directly on mobile devices, IoT sensors, and embedded systems. This distributed intelligence paradigm addresses critical limitations of cloud-based AI processing: network latency, bandwidth constraints, privacy concerns, and the need for autonomous operation in connectivity-challenged environments.

Edge AI processors employ diverse architectural approaches including dedicated neural processing units (NPUs), analog computing techniques, and neuromorphic processing elements optimized for specific workloads. Companies like NVIDIA with their Jetson ecosystem, Qualcomm with integrated AI accelerators, and startups like Mythic with analog matrix processors are pioneering solutions that deliver increasingly sophisticated AI capabilities within the power and size constraints of edge devices.

The convergence of these three technological domains creates unprecedented opportunities for solving AI's most challenging problems. Neuromorphic principles could enhance quantum error correction and control systems. Quantum algorithms might accelerate neuromorphic network training and optimization. Edge processors could enable hybrid quantum-classical computing workflows and distribute neuromorphic processing capabilities across IoT networks. This technological convergence is reshaping not only the capabilities of AI systems but also the economic dynamics of the technology industry. The market represents a fundamental shift from general-purpose computing platforms to specialized architectures optimized for specific AI workloads, creating new competitive dynamics and investment opportunities across the entire technology ecosystem.

Report contents include:

Neuromorphic Computing

Market overview with global revenues 2024-2036 and segmentation analysis

Moore's Law limitations driving neuromorphic adoption

Technology architectures: spiking neural networks, memory approaches, hardware processors

Sensing technologies: event-based sensors, hybrid approaches, bio-inspired designs

Application markets: mobile/consumer, automotive, industrial, healthcare, aerospace/defense, datacenters

Competitive landscape with 144 company profiles

Regional market analysis and forecasts

Technology roadmaps and emerging trends

Investment landscape and strategic partnerships

Regulatory considerations and sustainability impact

Quantum Computing

First and second quantum revolution context

Current market landscape with technical progress assessment

Investment analysis covering $billions in funding 2024-2025

Global government initiatives across major economies

Business models and market dynamics

Hardware technologies: superconducting, trapped ion, silicon spin, photonic, topological qubits

Software stack and quantum algorithms

Infrastructure requirements and cloud services

Applications across pharmaceuticals, chemicals, transportation, financial services, automotive

Materials requirements: superconductors, photonics, nanomaterials

200+ company profiles spanning entire value chain

Edge AI Processors

Market size evolution and geographic distribution

Technology architectures: NPUs, SoC integration, power optimization

Application analysis: industrial IoT, smartphones, automotive, smart cities, healthcare

Competitive landscape covering established players and startups

Market drivers: latency requirements, privacy imperatives, bandwidth limitations

49 detailed company profiles

Technology trends and future roadmaps

The report includes:

PDF report. Print edition also available.

Comprehensive Excel spreadsheet of all data.

Mid-year Update

Profiles of 401 Companies

ABR (Applied Brain Research)

AiM Future

AI Storm

AlpsenTek

Amazon Web Services

Ambarella

Ambient Scientific

AMD

ANAFLASH

Analog Inference

AnotherBrain

Apple

ARM

Aryballe Technologies

Aspinity

Avalanche Technology

Axelera AI

Baidu

Beijing Xinzhida Neurotechnology

A* Quantum

AbaQus

Aegiq

Agnostiq

Airbus

Alice&Bob

Aliro Quantum

Alpine Quantum Technologies

Anyon Systems

Archer Materials

Arclight Quantum

Arctic Instruments

ARQUE Systems

Atlantic Quantum

Atom Computing

Atom Quantum Labs

Atos Quantum

Baidu

BEIT

Bifrost Electronics

Advanced Micro Devices

Alpha ICs

Amazon Web Services

Ambarella

Anaflash

Apple

Axelera AI

Axera Semiconductor

Blaize

BrainChip Holdings

Cerebras Systems

Corerain Technologies

DEEPX

DeGirum

EdgeCortix

Efinix

Enerzai

Google

Graphcore

GreenWaves Technologies

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5qmazz

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, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DIDWW, a global telecoms provider of fully compliant phone numbers and premium-quality voice and SMS services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Karolis Jurys as Chief Executive Officer. This leadership transition marks a new chapter in the companys continued journey in delivering outstanding innovation and driving customer empowerment and global growth.

Karolis Jurys has built solid experience in the telecommunications field, consistently guiding product evolution, contributing to operational improvements, and developing deep expertise in voice and messaging technologies. Known for his customer-centric approach and strategic insights, Karolis has played a key role in strengthening relationships across DIDWWs network of customers, partners, and internal teams. His dedication and forward-thinking mindset make him uniquely positioned to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor.

Karolis succeeds Lina Zaboras, who led DIDWW for two decades with a remarkable work ethic and vision. Under her leadership, the company achieved substantial growth, expanded its global footprint, and cultivated a culture of customer centricity, motivation, flexibility and continuous learning. DIDWW extends its deepest gratitude to Lina Zaboras for her unwavering commitment and inspirational guidance.

I am honored to take on the role of CEO at such a dynamic and forward-looking company, said Karolis Jurys. Together with our talented team, we will continue to push boundaries, deliver innovative solutions, and empower our customers with the tools they need to stay competitive and agile in the world of global communications and commerce.

DIDWWs strategic direction remains unchanged. The company continues to pursue its ambitious vision: delivering next-generation, cloud-based telecommunication services that are reliable, scalable, and simple to use. Through its self-service platform, DIDWW enables real-time provisioning and global reach, helping businesses unlock the full potential of advanced voice and messaging solutions. DIDWW remains committed to driving progress, embracing innovation, and inspiring growth across the industry.

About DIDWW

DIDWW is a licensed telecom operator specializing in fully compliant phone numbers, voice, and messaging services across 90+ countries. The company is continuously expanding its coverage and currently holds telecom licenses in 30 countries, with its own numbering resources in 18 of those regions.

The companys innovative cloud PBX solution, phone.systems, enables businesses to create streamlined communication systems. Enhanced by AI-driven tools, seamless CRM integrations, and multiplatform apps for Windows, iOS, macOS, and Android, phone.systems delivers an unparalleled user experience.

DIDWW also employs automated quality and abuse monitoring, all supported by a professional, in-house customer support team available 24/7/365.

For more information, visit https://www.didww.com/.

Press Contact:

Vilija Simkiene

Marketing Department

vilija.s@didww.com

+1 (212) 461 1854

www.didww.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/57a7a483-3e05-4784-bd44-c3ce4f41ef1f
Dublin, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Precision Irrigation Market Report by Type, Crop Types, Application, States and Company Analysis, 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Saudi Arabia Precision Irrigation Market is set to witness remarkable growth, widening from US$ 82.86 Million in 2024 to US$ 183.4 Million by 2033. The growth is triggered by enhanced agricultural efficiency and water conservation. The market will grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.23% between 2025 and 2033, an indicator of the growing demand for precision irrigation technologies in light of the region's adverse climatic conditions.





With growing farm requirements and frequent periods of drought, Saudi Arabian farmers are resorting to precision irrigation methods to boost yields. Such technologies assist in tracking soil water levels and climatic conditions to enable focused watering. Technologies such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems minimize water use, providing crops with the necessary water without wastage.



Additionally, precision irrigation enhances the production of high-value crops, leading to food security and economic diversification. With the Saudi government encouraging efforts to improve agricultural efficiency, the use of precision irrigation is likely to be central in revolutionizing the sector and reaching sustainable development objectives.



Growth Drivers in the Saudi Arabia Precision Irrigation Market

Water Scarcity and Requirement for Resource Efficiency



Saudi Arabia is one of the driest nations on the globe, completely dependent on groundwater aquifers and desalination for water. Agriculture accounts for more than 80% of accessible freshwater usage, placing enormous pressure on resources. Precision irrigation systems, including sprinklers and drip irrigation, decrease wastage of water by releasing water straight to plant roots with little evaporation loss. These systems provide maximum water use while sustaining or even increasing crop production.

While water scarcity intensifies, the government as well as farmers are also investing heavily in advanced irrigation methods to augment food security. The acute necessity for water conservation, therefore, ranks among the most powerful drivers of precision irrigation uptake in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Water Authority has announced the initiation of six strategic orientations during its attendance at the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which was hosted in Riyadh in December 2024. This move demonstrates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's interest in environmental sustainability, overcoming climate change issues, and meeting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in defending the environment and preserving natural resources.



Government Policies and Vision 2030 Agricultural Reforms



As part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, economic diversification and enhanced food security are matters of national priority. To encourage sustainable farming, various initiatives have been launched by the government, such as subsidies, grants, and funding support for transitioning to precision irrigation systems. Massive agricultural projects are being incentivized in place of conventional flood irrigation using sophisticated drip and sprinkler systems.

Agencies are also investing in digital farming platforms, which combine precision irrigation with sensors, IoT, and data analytics for maximum resource utilization. April 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Irrigation Organization (SIO) came together to introduce the second intensive training program, with an aim to provide lead farmers with sophisticated skills in managing and handling modern irrigation technologies.



Growth of High-Value Crops and Greenhouse Farming



Saudi Arabia's growing high-value horticultural produce, including vegetables, fruits, and vineyards, has driven the need for precision irrigation. The crops demand tighter control of water resources for best quality and yield as compared to cereals. Greenhouse farming under climate-controlled environments and efficient irrigation systems is increasingly expanding throughout the Kingdom. Precision irrigation provides uniformity in the supply of water and nutrients, allowing for maximization of yields at the conservation of resources.

Besides, global food demand and domestic consumers' love for fresh fruits and vegetables are pressurizing farmers to implement advanced irrigation technologies. High-value crops and protected farming are speeding up the adoption of precision irrigation and fueling market growth. December 2024, NEOM's food business Topian opened its first high-tech greenhouse at Oxagon, the industrial city on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia.



Challenges in the Saudi Arabia Precision Irrigation Market

High Initial Investment and Technology Costs



While precision irrigation saves money in the long run, the initial cost of installation, machinery, and training is a prohibitive factor for small and medium-scale farmers. Drip, sensors, pump, and control technology involve huge investment, which many farmers cannot manage without government assistance.

The maintenance and spare parts also prove expensive, particularly in far-flung agricultural areas. Although large commercial farms might find justification for such investments, smallholders tend to wait and keep the technology from spreading. This issue calls for the provision of financing options, subsidies, and local manufacturing of irrigation equipment to keep the costs down.



Limited Technical Expertise and Awareness



Precision irrigation needs to be backed by expertise in system design, plant-soil-water relationships, and data-based farming practices. Most Saudi farmers, particularly those in remote rural communities, do not have the technical know-how to install, use, and manage sophisticated irrigation systems. There is also little awareness of the long-term advantages of precision irrigation. Systems will be used improperly if not trained, and their usefulness will decline and subsequent adoption will be hindered. A shortage of trained technicians and extension services is hence a major challenge in developing this market.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $82.86 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $183.4 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.2% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia



Key Players Analysis: Overview, Key Persons, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, Revenue Analysis

Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd

Lindsay Corporation

The Toro Company

Valmont

Market Segmentation

Type

Sprinkler Irrigation

Drip Irrigation

Others

Crop Type

Field Crops

Vegetable corps

Orchard Crops

Vineyards

Other Crops

Application

Agricultural Fields

Landscape and Turf Irrigation

Greenhouse

Residential

Others

Top States

Dhahran

Riyadh

Khobar

Jeddah

Dammam

Others

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/faomd5

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Adult Vaccine Market Report by Disease wise - Adult Vaccines Market, Disease wise - Numbers of Vaccinated Adults, States and Company Analysis, 2025-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Saudi Arabia Adult Vaccine Market is expected to reach US$ 426.22 million by 2033 from US$ 252.28 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 6% from 2025 to 2033.

The Saudi Arabia adult vaccine market is expected to grow steadily, supported by government-led healthcare reforms, rising disease awareness, and increased investments in preventive immunization strategies across the Kingdom. The Saudi Arabia adult vaccine market shows strong uptake in urban regions such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Dhahran, driven by healthcare infrastructure, government programs, and expanding public-private sector collaboration.





Saudi Arabia's adult vaccine market is growing in importance as the country's Vision 2030 reforms place a higher priority on preventative healthcare. The significance of adult vaccination has been brought to light by the rise in chronic illnesses and infectious disease occurrences. Given their effects on public health and the nation's sizable expatriate community, vaccines against influenza, meningococcal infections, pneumococcal illnesses, and hepatitis are given special attention. The need for adult immunization services is increasing due to an aging population and growing metropolitan areas; this demand is being further bolstered by public awareness initiatives and the incorporation of healthcare policies.



The market is also being shaped by strong investments in healthcare infrastructure. Advanced hospital systems, private clinics, and government-backed immunization programs are facilitating wider access to vaccines across the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia's partnerships with international pharmaceutical companies and local distributors have also expanded the vaccine pipeline, ensuring the availability of next-generation immunization solutions. Technology integration, such as digital health records and centralized vaccination registries, is improving patient tracking and compliance, creating a more robust ecosystem for vaccine delivery and monitoring.



Despite its growth momentum, challenges such as limited awareness in rural regions and cultural hesitancy remain. Affordability and equitable access across diverse populations also represent areas requiring targeted strategies. However, with the government's strong emphasis on disease prevention, coupled with private sector collaboration, the Saudi Arabia adult vaccine market is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. This trajectory reflects the country's broader commitment to building a modern healthcare system that prioritizes both treatment and prevention for its citizens and residents.



Key Factors Driving the Saudi Arabia Adult Vaccine Market Growth



Government Healthcare Reforms under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has placed healthcare modernization at the center of national development. The government is actively promoting preventive medicine, with adult vaccination playing a key role. Large-scale immunization programs for influenza, hepatitis, and meningitis are being expanded to reduce disease prevalence and hospital burden.

State-sponsored awareness campaigns, vaccination centers in both urban and semi-urban areas, and partnerships with international pharmaceutical firms are improving access and availability. Subsidized vaccination programs and integration into primary healthcare services further encourage adoption. With healthcare policies focusing on disease prevention as much as treatment, adult immunization is gaining broader recognition as an essential pillar of public health strategy, driving consistent market growth across the Kingdom.



Expansion of Private and Public Healthcare Infrastructure



Saudi Arabia's growing healthcare infrastructure is another key growth driver for the adult vaccine market. Major investments in hospitals, clinics, and digital health systems have expanded the reach of immunization programs. Private healthcare providers play a strong role in offering adult vaccination services, particularly in urban centers, while public institutions ensure access in remote and underserved areas.

The integration of centralized patient data systems is improving vaccine compliance and follow-up, while collaborations with international pharmaceutical manufacturers ensure availability of advanced vaccines. As healthcare infrastructure continues to expand under Vision 2030, the adult vaccine market is benefiting from broader accessibility, efficient distribution, and a stronger emphasis on preventive healthcare delivery across the Kingdom.



Challenges in the Saudi Arabia Adult Vaccine Market

Limited Awareness and Cultural Hesitancy



While Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in promoting vaccines, limited awareness and cultural hesitancy remain persistent challenges. In some communities, there are misconceptions about vaccine safety, side effects, or necessity, particularly for adults who traditionally view vaccination as a childhood requirement. This lack of awareness reduces compliance rates and slows adoption, especially outside major urban centers.

Additionally, cultural sensitivity plays a role, where addressing hesitancy requires careful community engagement, education campaigns, and religious leader involvement. Overcoming these barriers demands sustained awareness programs, transparent communication, and outreach tailored to different demographic groups. Without addressing these issues, widespread vaccine uptake across adult populations may face delays, impacting the overall market potential in the Kingdom.



Access and Affordability Gaps



Despite infrastructure expansion, access and affordability remain challenges for adult vaccination in Saudi Arabia. While major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have well-equipped healthcare facilities, rural and remote regions often face limited vaccine availability. Uneven distribution networks and logistical challenges hinder timely access to essential vaccines.

Additionally, not all vaccines are fully subsidized, creating cost barriers for segments of the population, particularly expatriate workers without comprehensive healthcare coverage. These disparities restrict equal access and create gaps in immunization coverage. Addressing these issues requires strategic investments in supply chain networks, broader insurance support, and targeted government policies to ensure equitable vaccine availability across all regions of the Kingdom.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2024 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $252.28 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $426.22 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.0% Regions Covered Saudi Arabia



Key Players Covered: Overview, Key Persons, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, Revenue Analysis

GlaxoSmithKline, plc.'s Vaccines Sales

AstraZeneca plc Vaccines Sales

Sanofi Pasteur's Vaccines Sales

Pfizer, Inc.'s Vaccines Sales

CSL Limited sales

Market Segmentations

Disease wise - Adult Vaccines Market

Influenza

Cervical Cancer (HPV)

Zoster (Shingles)

MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine)

Pneumococcal

Meningococcal

Hepatitis

TdaP

Travel and Miscellaneous

Varicella

Disease wise - Numbers of Vaccinated Adults

Influenza

Cervical Cancer (HPV)

Zoster (Shingles)

MMR

Pneumococcal

Meningococcal

Hepatitis

TdaP

Varicella

States

Dhahran

Riyadh

Khobar

Jeddah

Dammam

Others

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/n9eju4

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
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eldorado Gold Corporation (TSX: ELD, NYSE American: EGO) (Eldorado or the Company) will release its Third Quarter 2025 Financial and Operational Results after the market closes on Thursday, October 30, 2025, and will host a conference call on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 11:30 AM ET (8:30 AM PT).

Q3 2025 Financial and Operational Results Call Details

The call will be webcast and can be accessed at Eldorado Golds website: www.eldoradogold.com, or via: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=qOUEmw8O.

Conference Call Details

Replay (available until December 12, 2025)

Date: October 31, 2025 Toll: +1 412 317 0088 Time: 11:30 AM ET (8:30 AM PT) Toll Free: 1 855 669 9658 Dial in: +1 647 846 2782 Access code: 7168908 Toll free: 1 833 752 3325

Participants may elect to pre-register for the conference call via this link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10202675/ffd74227dc. Upon registration, participants will receive a calendar invitation by email with dial in details and a unique PIN. This will allow participants to bypass the operator queue and connect directly to the conference. Registration will remain open until the end of the conference call.

About Eldorado Gold

Eldorado is a gold and base metals producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkiye, Canada and Greece. The Company has a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with local communities. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: ELD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EGO).

Contact

Investor Relations

Lynette Gould, VP, Investor Relations, Communications & External Affairs

647 271 2827 or 1 888 353 8166

lynette.gould@eldoradogold.com

Media

Chad Pederson, Director, Communications and Public Affairs

236 885 6251 or 1 888 353 8166

chad.pederson@eldoradogold.com
VAL-DOR, Quebec, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cartier Resources Inc. ( Cartier  or the  Company ) (TSXV: ECR; FSE: 6CA) is pleased to announce the second batch of results from Main Sector and more precisely, the VG9 Zone, from the fully funded 100,000-m drilling program (2 drill rigs) on its 100%-owned Cadillac Project, located in Val-dOr (Abitibi, Quebec).

Strategic Highlights from Main Sector

Drill Results of VG9 Zone (Figures 1 & 2)

Hole CA25-261 intersected 35.5 g/t Au over 0.5 m with visible gold grains , at a depth of 125 m.

intersected with , at a depth of 125 m. Hole CA25-267 intersected 20.4 g/t Au over 0.5 m with visible gold grains , at a depth of 55 m.

intersected with , at a depth of 55 m. Hole CA25-259 graded 4.4 g/t Au over 3.0 m including 7.2 g/t Au over 1.0 m with visible gold grains , at a depth of 60 m.

graded including with , at a depth of 60 m. Holes CA25-261 and CA25-267 are spaced 95 m apart.

Significance for Investors

Holes CA25-259, 261 and CA25-267 confirm the newly identified VG9 high-grade gold zone near surface . The mineralization extends over a minimum of 75 m in strike length by 125 m in depth , signaling significant upside potential .

. The mineralization extends over a minimum of by , signaling . Previous 2024 Cartier drill hole assay intervals, respectively 46.0 g/t Au over 0.5 m included in 11.7 g/t Au over 4.0 m (hole CH24-251) and 20.2 g/t Au over 1.0 m included in 11.2 g/t Au over 2.0 m (hole CH24-147), had successfully and summarily recognized this mineralization (see Cartier news release dated December 3, 2024 and titled  Cartier drills 173.6 g/t Au over 0.5 m and 11.7 g/t Au over 4.0 m to expand multiple high-grade gold zones at East Cadillac ).

included in (hole CH24-251) and included in (hole CH24-147), and (see Cartier news release dated December 3, 2024 and titled  Cartier drills 173.6 g/t Au over 0.5 m and 11.7 g/t Au over 4.0 m to expand multiple high-grade gold zones at East Cadillac ). Most importantly, VG9 Zone demonstrates strong high-grade gold potential and is strategically located just 200 metres north of existing mineral resources. This proximity is expected to reduce development costs and enhance operational efficiencies, significantly improving Cadillac project.



Next Steps

Additional drilling is required on VG9 Zone to expand gold mineralization (150-300 m) and advance toward a future gold inventory . In parallel, drilling is currently underway to test the VG10 Zone, located 200 metres east of VG9, which hosts the same style of mineralization and presents additional exploration potential .

is required on VG9 Zone to (150-300 m) and . In parallel, to test the VG10 Zone, located 200 metres east of VG9, which hosts and presents . Further exploration drilling is already planned to test several new high-priority regional targets at Main Sector, backed by detailed structural and geological modelling and VRIFYs artificial intelligence (AI) driven targeting, reinforcing the potential for additional gold discoveries.

"The new high-grade gold results from VG9 further demonstrate the growing potential of the deposit at depth, with mineralization remaining open. Importantly, this zone is strategically located near surface and close to the proposed underground infrastructures outlined in our latest economic study. As such, VG9 could be efficiently integrated into our future mine plan, potentially enhancing Cadillac project economics."  Philippe Cloutier, President and CEO of Cartier.

"The VG9 Zone is hosted within sedimentary rocks (wacke-mudrock) including localized conglomeratic sections (Cadillac Group). These rock types have historically been underexplored and undervalued in previous exploration strategies across the region. However, recent results mark a significant technical breakthrough, highlighting the untapped potential of these geological settings and meaningful exploration upside at Main Sector."  Ronan Deroff, Vice President Exploration of Cartier.

Figure 1: Plan view, cross and long sections of the Main Sector





Figure 2: Photos of the drill core from holes CA25-259, CA25-261 and CA25-267.





Table 1: Drill hole best assay results from Main Sector

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Core Length** (m) Au (g/t) Uncut Vertical Depth (m) Zone CA25-256 113.0 114.0 1.0 5.3 80 VG9 (1) CA25-259 99.0 102.0 3.0 4.4* 60

VG9 (1)

Including 101.0 102.0 1.0 7.2* CA25-261 143.4 143.9 0.5 35.5* 125 VG9 (1) CA25-263 135.0 136.0 1.0 8.3 100 VG9 (2) CA25-264 137.9 138.9 1.0 5.9 120 VG9 (1) CA25-267 71.5 72.0 0.5 20.4* 55 VG9 (1) CA25-269 110.0 110.5 0.5 6.3* 100 VG9 (1)

* Occurrences of visible gold (VG) have been noted in the drill core at various intervals. ** Based on the observed intercept angles within the drill core, true thicknesses are estimated to represent approximately 50-90% of the reported core length intervals.

Main Sector

The Contact Sector is a highly prospective area featuring several newly defined high-priority drill targets and gold deposits including Chimo, East Chimo and West Nordeau with indicated resources of 720,000 ounces (7.1 million tonnes at 3.1 g/t Au) and inferred resources of 1,633,000 ounces (18.5 million tonnes at 2.8 g/t Au). In addition, two new high-grade gold zones were discovered during Cartier's latest drilling campaigns, including the VG9 and VG10 zones.

The three deposits and newly identified VG9 and VG10 gold zones lie along an east-west trending, sheared corridor (Cadillac Fault Zone) and occur at the contact between the hanging wall turbiditic sedimentary rocks (wacke-mudrock), locally conglomerates and iron formations of Cadillac Group and the footwall mafic volcanics (basalt) of Piche Group. This lithological contact is a favorable horizon for hydrothermal fluid flow, likely related to synvolcanic gold deposition.

The Main Sector, defined by at least twenty-six sub-parallel gold-rich zones, are typically and primarily associated with a fine-grained and disseminated arsenopyrite-pyrrhotite mineralization, with a pervasive biotite-chlorite-carbonate alteration, all crosscut by late-stage smoky and white quartz vein and veinlet stockworks containing visible gold. Locally, accessory minerals such as pyrite and tourmaline are observed.

Milestones of 2025-2027 Exploration Program

100,000 m Drilling Program (Q3 2025 to Q2 2027)

The ambitious 600-hole drilling program will both expand known gold zones (Brownfield Growth) and test new shallow surface high-potential targets (Greenfield Discovery). The objective is to unlock the camp-scale, high-grade gold potential along the 15 km Cadillac Fault Zone. It is important to note that Cartiers recent consolidation of this large land holding offers the unique opportunity in over 90 years for unrestricted exploration.

Environmental Baseline Studies & Economic Evaluation of Chimo mine tailings (Q3 2025 to Q3 2026)

The baseline studies will be divided into two distinct parts which include 1) environmental baseline desktop study and 2) preliminary environmental geochemical characterization. The initial baseline studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current environmental conditions and implement operations that minimize environmental impact while optimizing the economic potential of the project. These studies will be supplemented by an initial assessment of the economic potential of the past-producing Chimo mine tailings to determine whether a quantity of gold can be extracted economically.

Metallurgical Sampling and Testwork Program (Q4 2025 to Q1 2026)

The metallurgical testwork program includes defining of expected gold recovery rates and improving historical results from the Chimo deposit, as well as establishing metallurgical recovery data for the first-time for the East Chimo and West Nordeau satellite deposits, where no previous data exists. This comprehensive program will characterize the mineralized material, gold recovery potential and validate optimal grind size defining the most efficient and cost-effective flowsheet. The data generated will directly support optimized project development and have the potential to significantly reduce both capital and operating costs, while also improving the environmental footprint.

Table 2: Drill hole collar coordinates from Main Sector

Hole Number UTM Easting (m) UTM Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Hole Length (m) CA25-256 333305 5319943 354 211 -49 141 CA25-257 333305 5319943 354 217 -60 162 CA25-258 333305 5319943 354 225 -68 192 CA25-259 333305 5319943 354 192 -45 132 CA25-260 333305 5319943 354 197 -59 150 CA25-261 333305 5319943 354 204 -68 171 CA25-263 333305 5319943 354 177 -53 153 CA25-264 333305 5319943 354 180 -65 171 CA25-266A 333358 5319898 354 194 -46 102 CA25-267 333358 5319898 354 214 -61 123 CA25-269 333358 5319898 354 220 -72 150

Table 3: Drill hole detailed assay results from Main Sector

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Core Length** (m) Au (g/t) Uncut Vertical Depth (m) Zone CA25-256 103.3 104.1 0.8 1.7 70 VG9 (1) And 113.0 114.0 1.0 5.3 80 VG9 (1) CA25-257 117.0 118.0 1.0 1.4 95

VG9 (1)

And 120.0 121.0 1.0 2.2 And 134.0 135.0 1.0 2.6 110

VG9 (1)

And 135.0 136.0 1.0 1.6 CA25-258 182.8 183.8 1.0 2.3 160 VG9 (2) CA25-259 99.0 102.0 3.0 4.4* 60

VG9 (1)

Including 99.0 100.0 1.0 5.1 Including 101.0 102.0 1.0 7.2* CA25-260 113.0 114.0 1.0 1.5 90

VG9 (1)

And 114.0 115.0 1.0 1.5 CA25-261 132.0 133.0 1.0 1.9 115 VG9 (1)

And 143.4 143.9 0.5 35.5* 125 CA25-263 135.0 136.0 1.0 8.3 100 VG9 (2) CA25-264 137.9 138.9 1.0 5.9 120 VG9 (1) And 162.0 163.0 1.0 2.9 140 VG9 (2) CA25-266A 62.0 63.0 1.0 1.0 40

VG9 (1)

And 63.0 64.0 1.0 1.3 And 64.0 65.0 1.0 1.0 CA25-267 71.5 72.0 0.5 20.4* 55 VG9 (1) CA25-269 110.0 110.5 0.5 6.3* 100

VG9 (1)

And 110.5 111.0 0.5 1.6

* Occurrences of visible gold (VG) have been noted in the drill core at various intervals. ** Based on the observed intercept angles within the drill core, true thicknesses are estimated to represent approximately 5090% of the reported core length intervals.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Program

The drill core from the Cadillac Project is NQ-size and, upon receipt from the drill rig, is described and sampled by Cartier geologists. Core is sawn in half, with one half labelled, bagged and submitted for analysis and the other half retained and stored at Cartiers coreshack facilities located in Val-dOr, Quebec, for future reference and verification. As part of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program, Cartier inserts blank samples and certified reference materials (standards) at regular intervals into the sample stream prior to shipment to monitor laboratory performance and analytical accuracy.

Drill core samples are sent to MSALABS's analytical laboratory located in Val-dOr, Quebec, for preparation and gold analysis. The entire sample is dried and crushed (70% passing a 2-millimeter sieve). The analysis for gold is performed on an approximately 500 g aliquot using Chrysos Photon Assay technology, which uses high-energy X-ray excitation with gamma detection to quickly and non-destructively measure gold content.

Alternatively, samples are submitted to Activation Laboratories Ltd. ("Actlabs"), located in either Val-dOr or Ste-Germaine-Boule, both in Quebec, for preparation and gold analysis. The entire sample is dried, crushed (90% passing a 2-millimetre sieve) and 250 g is pulverized (90% passing a 0.07-millimetre sieve). The analysis for gold is conducted using a 50 g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish, with a detection limit up to 10,000 ppb. Samples exceeding this threshold are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish to determine high-grade values accurately.

Both MSALABS and Actlabs are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited for gold assays and implement industry-standard QA/QC protocols. Their internal quality control programs include the use of blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials at set intervals, with established acceptance criteria to ensure data integrity and analytical precision.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by Mr. Ronan Deroff, P.Geo., M.Sc., Vice President Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).

About Cadillac Project

The Cadillac Project, covering 14,000 hectares along a 15-kilometre stretch of the Cadillac Fault, is one of the largest consolidated land packages in the Val-dOr mining camp. Cartiers flagship asset integrates the historic Chimo Mine and East Cadillac projects, creating a dominant position in a world class gold mining district. With excellent road access, year-round infrastructure and nearby milling capacity, the project is ideally positioned for rapid advancement and value creation.

Using a gold price of US$1,750/oz, a Preliminary Economic Assessment demonstrated the economic viability of a 2-km segment, compared to the 15 km that will be the subject of the 100,000 m drilling program, with an average annual gold production of 116,900 oz over a 9.7-year mine life. Indicated resources are estimated at 720,000 ounces (7.1 million tonnes at 3.1 g/t Au) and inferred resources at 1,633,000 ounces (18.5 million tonnes at 2.8 g/t Au). Please see the NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for Chimo Mine and West Nordeau Gold Deposits, Chimo Mine and East Cadillac Properties, Quebec, Canada, Marc R. Beauvais, P.Eng., of InnovExplo Inc., Mr. Florent Baril of Bumigeme and Mr. Eric Sellars, P.Eng. of Responsible Mining Solutions effective May 29, 2023.

About Cartier Resources Inc.

Cartier Resources Inc., founded in 2006 and headquartered in Val-dOr (Quebec) is a gold exploration company focused on building shareholder value through discovery and development in one of Canadas most prolific mining camps. The Company combines strong technical expertise, a track record of successful exploration, and a fully funded program to advance its flagship Cadillac Project. Cartiers strategy is clear: unlock the full potential of one of the largest undeveloped gold landholdings in Quebec.

For further information, contact:

Philippe Cloutier, P. Geo.

President and CEO

Telephone: 819-856-0512

philippe.cloutier@ressourcescartier.com

www.ressourcescartier.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5e4b790c-03e6-4650-b411-69935b59a904

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c87a1281-3553-4138-908b-00da23472739


NEW YORK & SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Survey Highlights

80% say an accurate but unexplainable AI decision is riskier than a wrong but explainable one.

69% report that AI business suggestions are taken more seriously than human ones.

Only 19% of data leaders always require AI agents to show their work before approval.

52% have delayed or completely blocked agent deployments due to explainability concerns.

73% say the C-suite underestimates the difficulty of achieving AI reliability prior to production.

58% of data leaders worry AI-generated code vulnerabilities are a disaster waiting to happen.

Despite rapid adoption, most data leaders say AI trust and explainability are major risksexposing a dangerous gap between CEO ambition and enterprise reality.

Nearly all data leaders (95%) admit they lack full visibility into AI decision-making, according to the Global AI Confessions Report: Data Leaders Edition, from Dataiku, The Universal AI Platform. The study was conducted by The Harris Poll for Dataiku, surveying 800+ senior data executives across the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, UAE, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. The report reveals that, while 86% of respondents estimate AI has become embedded into their daily operations, concerns about governance gaps, lack of explainability, and misplaced confidence remain. Surprisingly, only 19% of data leaders always require AI agents to show their work before approval, and 52% have delayed or completely blocked agent deployments due to explainability concerns, specifically.

The Pressure on Data Leaders

CIOs and CDOs carry the weight of responsibility: 46% are most likely to be credited for AI gains, but over half, 56%, are most likely to be blamed for business losses due to failed AI. With 60% fearing their own jobs are at risk if AI doesnt deliver measurable results within two years, the stakes for data leaders have never been higher.

Fragile Trust in AI Outcomes

Despite optimism about potential, AI is already causing headaches for global enterprises:

59% report that AI hallucinations or inaccuracies have already caused business issues in the past year.

82% believe AI can outperform their boss in business analysis, but 74% would revert to human-managed processes if AI error exceeds just 6%.

89% say there is at least one business function they would never delegate to AI.

The CEO Disconnect: Why AI Is Stuck in Proof-of-Concept (POC)

Earlier this year, Dataiku's "Global AI Confessions Report: CEO Edition" showed how bullish CEOs are on AI. Data leaders, however, are more skeptical. Only 39% say their C-suite truly understands AI, 68% believe executives overestimate its accuracy, and 73% say they underestimate the difficulty of achieving AI reliability prior to production.

The stakes are high, with 56% of data leaders expecting a CEO will be ousted by 2026 due to a failed AI strategy. This disconnect, CEO optimism versus data leader caution in pushing unfit AI into production, could explain why so many projects remain stuck in POC.

Bridging the Gap

An alarming revelation of the report is that enterprises worldwide are betting on AI they dont fully trust. The good news is that most failed AI initiatives suffer from common blockers that can be overcome with more explainability, traceability, and governance. Thats how AI moves from hype to real business impact, explained Florian Douetteau, Co-founder and CEO of Dataiku.

The full report, Global AI Confessions Report: Data Leaders Edition, is available here: [Download Report]

Harris Poll Survey Methodology

The research was conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Dataiku from August 20 29, 2025. The survey was conducted among professionals considered Data Leaders in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. A total of 812 interviews were conducted (USA = 203, UK = 102, France = 101, Germany = 103, UAE = 100, Japan =103, South Korea = 50, Singapore = 50). Data Leaders in the study work for large companies with an annual revenue of or more than $1 Billion or regional equivalents, and are defined by professional titles ranging from vice-president, director, managing director, or C-suite level.

About Dataiku

Dataiku is The Universal AI Platform, accelerating the delivery of enterprise AI solutions directly tied to business efficiency and revenue growth. Running on top of any data platform and any LLM, it unites all teams, from business users to data scientists, and all AI techniques, from predictive analytics to agentic, in one secure, governed environment.

Dataiku is trusted by 1 in 4 of the worlds top companies, and is backed by investors, including Wellington Management, Battery, CapitalG, ICONIQ, and FirstMark. For more, visit the Dataiku blog, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
BERKELEY, CA & TOKYO, Japan, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearlight, the Industry leader in infrared sauna technology and wellness innovations, today announced its official expansion into Japan with the launch of Clearlight Japan ( https://www.healifejapan.com/ ). The move marks a milestone for the California-based, global brand recognized for pioneering safe, effective, doctor-designed, and science-backed infrared therapies and key wellness solutions for nearly three decades.

Todays announcement comes just ahead of the HoloLife Summit (October 1011, 2025, Shibuya, Tokyo), known as the Biohacker Summit, where Clearlight will introduce its wellness offerings to a community of wellness leaders and longevity enthusiasts.

Japan has a special place in the history of infrared wellness, said Dr. Raleigh Duncan, Founder of Clearlight and widely-recognized infrared sauna technology pioneer. NASA began exploring infrared technology in the late 60s in the space program. The first use of infrared that I saw for heating the body came from Japan, and then it migrated from there, eventually reaching the US. Its deeply meaningful for us to bring Clearlights most advanced infrared saunas and wellness solutions back to where the infrared journey began and make them available here and for anyone seeking better health and longevity.

Clearlight Japan is led by HEALIFE Co., Ltd., who oversee operations, distribution, customer care, and cultural integration for the region.

Were truly honored to bring Clearlight to Japan, said Yuko Ichikawa, Managing Director, Clearlight Japan. In Japan, we have always had a deep and long-standing appreciation for wellness practices that blend our tradition with science. From Clearlights compact saunas designed for our smaller living spaces like The Curve Sauna Dome, to the award-winning red light therapy towers, well offer a mix of wellness products to fit into the lifestyles of our customers here.

Product Line-Up

Clearlight Japan will introduce a curated offering from the Clearlight catalog, including select infrared sauna models from the Sanctuary line, such as the Clearlight Sanctuary 1 Full Spectrum 1 Person Infrared Sauna and the Clearlight Sanctuary 2 Full Spectrum 2 Person Infrared Sauna and other models, designed to fit Japanese homes and apartments. Product line up is here .

Larger, customized sauna builds will also be available for clients seeking full residential or commercial installations.

This launch marks the beginning of a growing product line, with additional Clearlight models and wellness innovations to follow.

A Legacy of Wellness

Founded in Berkeley, California, by Dr. Raleigh Duncan, one of the earliest pioneers of infrared sauna technology and an original biohacker, Clearlight has spent nearly three decades pioneering the industry in wellness innovation. From eliminating harmful EMFs from sauna heaters years ahead of competitors, to developing the first carbon/ceramic infrared heaters capable of deeper therapeutic penetration, Clearlight is considered the leader in infrared therapy worldwide.

Clearlight saunas are beloved by global icons, including Gwyneth Paltrow (Academy award-winning actress, Goop founder), Jeremy Renner (Marvels Avengers and Mission: Impossible), and Will Smith (Los Angeles Dodgers, Catcher, 2x World Series Champion and 3x All-Star), among many others underscoring the brands cultural impact and reputation for results-driven wellness.

Meet The Clearlight Team at HoloLife

Clearlight will showcase its technologies at the HoloLife Summit in Tokyo (Dragon Gate, Shibuya, October 1011), a premier global gathering focused on The Zen of Longevity. The event promises immersive experiences in biohacking, human optimization, quantum tech, and longevity, and offers the perfect stage to unveil Clearlights expansion into Japan.

Clearlight has always been about more than saunas. Its about wellness transformation, added Duncan. With Clearlight Japan, we are planting roots in a culture that values both tradition and innovation, and together well help people live longer, healthier lives.

For U.S. and Global Media covering biohacking, longevity & wellness, contact:

Dana Young, PR, Clearlight, media@infraredsauna.com , +1-415-378-7998, to arrange an interview with Dr. Raleigh Duncan, Founder, Clearlight; Brand assets are available by visiting Clearlights Media Center here .

For Asia-Based Media and/or Media Attending HoloLife Summit, contact:

Yuko Ichikawa, Clearlight Japan, info@healifejapan.com to speak with Dickie Walsh, COO, Clearlight U.S., ( dickie@infraredsauna.com )

About Clearlight

Founded by a Chiropractic Physician, Dr. Raleigh Duncan, Clearlight is the industry leader in infrared sauna technology and a pioneer in innovative health and wellness solutions for more than 28 years. Clearlight was the first company to develop Carbon/Ceramic infrared heaters capable of delivering a deeper, more penetrating infrared wavelength, while also offering the lowest EMF (electromagnetic fields) and EF (extremely low frequency) available on the market. Dr. Duncan is widely considered one of the early pioneers in infrared sauna technologies and has patents/patents-pending for much of the technology Clearlight uses. The company offers best-in-class wellness products for home and business use including: Infrared Saunas, Sanctuary Full Spectrum Saunas, Outdoor Saunas, Premier Infrared Saunas, award-winning and FDA approved Red Light TherapyThe PERSONAL Tower, The CORE Tower, and The FULL BODY Tower; award-winning HALO ONE Salt Therapy, AROMA ONE Aromatherapy Diffuser, The Curve Sauna Dome, Amethyst Infrared PEMF Mat, and Custom Sauna Heater Kits (Build Your Own Sauna).

Clearlight is headquartered in Berkeley, California, USA, with distribution in North America (U.S. and Canada), Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Middle East, South America, and the United Kingdom. For every sauna purchase, Clearlight plants two trees with The National Forest Foundations Sapling Programhelping to plant more than 22,568 trees to date (numbers as of June 30, 2025). To learn more and/or enhance your existing Clearlight sauna experience, visit infraredsauna.com and ClearlightRed.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. #Clearlight #Health #Wellness

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TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alaska Silver Corp. (TSX-V: WAM; OTCQX: WAMFF), based in Illinois Creek District, Alaska, focused on developing critical minerals & high-grade silver resources, today announced that Kit Marrs, President & CEO, will present live at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on October 7th, 2025.

DATE: October 7th

TIME: 3:00  3:30 pm ET

LINK: REGISTER HERE

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .

Recent Company Highlights

About Alaska Silver Corp.

Alaska Silver is one of the pioneers of North Americas next major silver and critical minerals district at the Illinois Creek Project, a prolific 8-km mineral corridor hosting two stand-alone deposits with a new Warm Springs discovery zone in between (the IC project). The claims of the IC project cover a 100% owned land package of 73,535 acres (115 square miles or 29,758 hectares), located approximately 38 kilometers from the regions marine highway, the Yukon River.

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

CONTACTS:

Kit Marrs

President & CEO

Kit Marrs

Phone: 1-520-200-1667

Patrick Donnelly

Executive Vice President

Pat Donnelly

Virtual Investor Conferences

John M. Viglotti

SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access

OTC Markets Group

(212) 220-2221

johnv@otcmarkets.com
PERTH, Australia, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tesoro Gold, ASX: TSO, OTCQB: TSORF), a gold exploration and development company, focused on advancing its El Zorro Gold Project in Chile, today announced that Managing Director Zeff Reeves will present live at the Metals & Mining Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.

DATE: 7 October 2025

TIME: 9:30 - 10:00 AM ET

LINK: REGISTER HERE

Available for 1x1 meetings: Tuesday, 7 October

Schedule 1x1 Meetings here.

This will be a live, interactive online event where investors will have the opportunity to ask the company questions in real-time. For those unable to attend the live session, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

It is recommended that online investors pre-register and complete the system check in advance to ensure seamless participation and receive event updates.

Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com .

Recent Company Highlights

Recent Significant Mineral Resource Update

Unconstrained MRE now 2.0 Moz at 1.07g/t Au.

Improved the ounce-per-vertical metre profile supporting future mine design.

Deposit remains open in all directions, providing strong potential for further Resource growth.



Updated Scoping Study Outcomes

Expanded and upgraded Ternera open pit gold mining and processing development.

Robust project economics with a post-tax NPV 7. 5 % of US$663M at a US$ 2,750/oz gold price.

of US$663M at a US$ 2,750/oz gold price. Simple and scalable development pathway using a proven processing flowsheet.



Tesoro Gold

Tesoro is an Australian public company that has discovered Chiles first Intrusive Related Gold System (IRGS) identifying a new gold district at its El Zorro Gold Project.

Covering 570km2 in a coastal location with ready access to grid power and water, Tesoro holds the largest and most prospective gold project in Chile. The Company is rapidly advancing the Ternera Gold Deposit towards development and production.

With a cash position of AUD$35 million (post receipt of all funds from recent placement of securities), Tesoro is fully funded to complete advanced feasibility studies, permitting and aggressive regional exploration programs to unlock a new multimillion ounce gold district.

About Virtual Investor Conferences

Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access. Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.
Dublin, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Top 100 Kitchen Furniture Manufacturers in Europe, 2025 (2nd Edition)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report provides an overview of the European kitchen furniture competitive landscape through the analysis of the leading producers benchmarking each single company performance, the level of specialization, the relevance in the business, and the sector concentration.

For the Top 100 Kitchen furniture manufacturers in Europe, the information provided includes:

Company name and headquarters location (country)

Ranking by kitchen furniture turnover for the last available year (mostly 2024) and year-to-year % change for most of the companies

Share of company kitchen turnover on total European kitchen furniture production

Incidence of kitchen furniture on total turnover

Number of Employees

For the Top 10 European manufacturers of kitchen furniture, this publication also includes the share on total European kitchen furniture production.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/r09qwz

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "European Directory of Defence Industries 2025" directory has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The European Directory of Defence Industries is the most comprehensive and accurate database of companies and executives throughout Europe and those senior defence officials that oversee the purchasing of everything from vehicles, communications equipment, and clothing, to electronics, parts and ordnance.

Assisting defence contractors to identify new opportunities throughout this region, this Directory covers thousands of companies providing invaluable comprehensive business information on these companies and their leaders in this industry. Additionally, the Directory lets you contact those senior officials responsible for defence procurement - from the executive leadership and military and civilian defence and national security agencies down through the service branches. The Directory also gives you names, ranks, areas of responsibility, and contact information.

TheEuropean Defence Industries Directoryhas been mainly compiled to assist professionals with market research, strategic planning, as well as contacting prospective clients. It is also an indispensable guide to all of Europe's defence industries, key corporate executives and defence, and law enforcement officials responsible for procurement.

Company entries in this Directory typically provide the following:

Name and address

Phone, fax numbers, email and website addresses

Names of senior management and board members

Description of business activities

Products and services

Brand names and trademarks

Subsidiaries and associates

Number of employees

Financial information

Import/export markets

Government Defence entries in this Directory typically provide:

Contact details for procurement military officers and defence officials including name, rank, title, email, website, addresses, and phone and fax nos.

Procurement and logistics officials

Intelligence and national police officials

Senior officers in the tactical army, air force, and navy commands and much more!

This powerful Directory is your connection to key decision-makers in Defence throughout

Austria

Belarus

Belgium

Bosnia

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macedonia

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Serbia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Ukraine

United Kingdom

For more information about this directory visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/yyzody

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.
Sao Paulo, Brazil, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aegea Finance S.a r.l., a private limited liability company (societe a responsabilite limitee) incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, having its registered office at 28, Boulevard F.W. Raiffeisen, L  2411 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies (Registre de Commerce et des Societes, Luxembourg) under number B218034 (the Issuer) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aegea Saneamento e Participacoes S.A. (Aegea), announces the early tender results in connection with its previously announced cash tender offer (the Tender Offer) for up to U.S.$250,000,000 aggregate principal amount (the Maximum Principal Amount of Notes) of its outstanding U.S.$500,000,000 6.750% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes due 2029 (the Notes).

The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are described in the Offer to Purchase dated September 23, 2025 (the Offer to Purchase), previously distributed to Holders.

Certain information regarding the Notes and the terms of the Tender Offer are summarized in the table below:

Description of Notes CUSIP/ISIN Outstanding Principal Amount of Notes Principal Amount Tendered Principal Amount Accepted for Purchase(1) Principal Amount Outstanding following the Early Settlement Date Proration Factor(2) Tender Offer Consideration + Early Tender Payment(3) = Total

Consideration(4) 6.750% Sustainability-Linked Senior Notes due 2029 00775C AB2 and L01343 AA7/ US00775CAB28 and USL01343AA79 U.S.$500,000,000 U.S.$330,791,000 U.S.$249,999,000 U.S.$250,001,000 71.52% U.S.$975.00 U.S.$50.00 U.S.$1,025.00

(1) Principal amount accepted for purchase as a result of rounding and minimum denominations.

(2) The proration factor has been rounded to the nearest tenth of a percentage point for presentation purposes.

(3) The Early Tender Payment for Notes validly tendered (and not withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline to be paid for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase.

(4) The total amount to be paid for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase, not including Accrued Interest.

Withdrawal rights for the Tender Offer expired as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 6, 2025 (the Withdrawal Deadline). The Issuer has been advised that as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on October 6, 2025 (such date and time, the Early Tender Deadline), U.S.$330,791,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, representing 66.16% of the outstanding Notes, had been validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) pursuant to the Tender Offer.

As the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) by Holders of the Notes as of the Early Tender Deadline exceeds the Maximum Principal Amount of Notes, the Tender Offer has been oversubscribed, and the Issuer will not accept for purchase any Notes tendered after the Early Tender Deadline. The Issuer has accepted for purchase Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) in the Tender Offer at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline up to the Maximum Principal Amount of Notes, resulting in a proration factor of approximately 71.52% (the Proration Factor).

All conditions described in the Offer to Purchase, including the Financing Condition, have been satisfied, and the Issuer has accepted for purchase Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline as prorated by the Proration Factor. Any tendered Notes that are not accepted for purchase will be returned or credited without expense to the Holders account.

The total consideration payable to Holders for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will be U.S.$1,025.00 (the Total Consideration), plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including the Early Settlement Date (as defined below). The Total Consideration includes an early tender payment of U.S.$50.00 per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes (the Early Tender Payment), payable only to Holders who validly tendered (and did not withdraw) their Notes at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline.

Holders of Notes that have validly tendered and not validly withdrawn their Notes at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline will receive, subject to the Proration Factor, the Total Consideration on the early settlement date, which date is expected to be on October 9, 2025 (the Early Settlement Date). The Issuer will pay Holders of the Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase on a pro rata basis according to the proration procedures described in the Offer to Purchase.

Banco Bradesco BBI S.A., Banco BTG Pactual S.A.  Cayman Branch, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Santander US Capital Markets LLC are acting as dealer managers for the Tender Offer and can be contacted at their respective telephone numbers set forth on the back cover page of Offer to Purchase with questions regarding the Tender Offer.

Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available to Holders of Notes from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the information agent and the tender agent for the Tender Offer. Requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase should be directed to D.F. King at banks and brokers call: +1 (646) 582-7109 (collect); all others call toll-free: +1 (800) 967-0271; e-mail: aegea@dfking.com.

Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any related documents have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, nor have any such documents been filed with or reviewed by any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority of any country. No authority has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the Offer to Purchase or any related documents, and it is unlawful and may be a criminal offense to make any representation to the contrary.

The Tender Offer is being made solely on the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Under no circumstances shall this press release constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes or any other securities of Aegea or any of its subsidiaries, including the Issuer. The Tender Offer is not being made to, nor will the Issuer accept tenders of Notes from Holders in any jurisdiction in which the Tender Offer or the acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities of blue sky laws of such jurisdiction. No recommendation is made as to whether Holders should tender their Notes. Holders should carefully read the Offer to Purchase because it contains important information, including the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer.

Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are information of a non-historical nature or which relate to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the transactions described herein will be consummated or as to the ultimate terms of any such transactions. Neither the Issuer nor Aegea undertakes any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason.

DISCLAIMER

This press release must be read in conjunction with the Offer to Purchase. This press release and the Offer to Purchase contain important information which must be read carefully before any decision is made with respect to the Tender Offer. If any holder of Notes is in any doubt as to the action it should take, it is recommended to seek its own legal, tax, accounting and financial advice, including as to any tax consequences, immediately from its stockbroker, bank manager, attorney, accountant or other independent financial or legal adviser. Any individual or company whose Notes are held on its behalf by a broker, dealer, bank, custodian, trust company or other nominee or intermediary must contact such entity if it wishes to participate in the Tender Offer. None of Aegea, the Issuer, the dealer managers, the information and tender agent and any person who controls, or is a director, officer, employee or agent of such persons, or any affiliate of such persons, makes any recommendation as to whether Holders of Notes should participate in the Tender Offer.




BERWYN, Pa., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AscellaHealth, a global partner delivering customizable solutions to support the specialty pharmaceutical industry, announces today that two of its senior leaders will serve as featured panellists at the upcoming Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA) National Conference, taking place October 12-14 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Conference attendees are invited to gain valuable perspectives from AscellaHealths thought leaders during the following sessions:

Bob Gilkin, RPh, MBA, Chief Commercial and Growth Officer, will speak on the panel New and Innovative Solutions to High-Cost Medical Claims, on October 13, 3:15-4:30 p.m. MDT in Grand Sonoran Ballroom E.

Clayton Edwards, RPh, MBA, Senior Vice President, Payer Services, will participate in the session Pharma and Self-Insured Payers Working Together, on October 14, 10-15-11:30 a.m. MDT, also in Grand Sonoran Ballroom E.

Managing high-cost medical claims, often exceeding $1 million, remains one of the most pressing challenges for plan sponsors, says Gilkin. By rethinking traditional models and embracing innovative strategies, employers can better manage financial risk while continuing to prioritize patient-centric care. I look forward to engaging with industry peers to explore the complexities of specialty therapies for chronic and rare conditions, and to advance the conversation around sustainable, forward-thinking plan design.

Gilkin will contribute to the discussion by examining key drivers behind escalating drug costs, with a focus on high-cost infusion therapies. He will share actionable strategies for health plans to reduce these expenditures, forecast potential savings and gain alignment from both members and providers to support successful implementation.

Edwards will explore strategies for strengthening collaboration between employers, plan sponsors and pharmaceutical manufacturers to improve access and affordability for complex treatments such as GLP-1s and cell and gene therapies. His discussion will highlight opportunities for value-based contracting that align cost management with clinical excellence, while also focusing on financial models for high-cost therapies. Additionally, Edwards will provide insights into enhancing patient engagement and adherencecritical components for achieving optimal health outcomes.

No single stakeholder can address these challenges alone, but by working together, employers and manufacturers can positively impact members throughout their treatment journey, says Edwards. Innovative patient engagement programs now exist that drive adherence, improve outcomes, and elevate quality of life for individuals receiving specialty therapies. This panel presents a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and foster impactful partnerships.

To arrange a 1:1 meeting with AscellaHealth during the conference, contact businessdevelopment@ascellahealth.com.

About AscellaHealth

AscellaHealth is a global partner that delivers proven end-to-end solutions to both life sciences and healthcare companies to enhance the quality of life for patients with complex, chronic conditions. A dedicated team gets critical healthcare products from manufacturers to patients while ensuring an efficient flow of funds between payers and pharma. Visit www.AscellaHealth.com.

Media:

Esther Jin

CPR Communications

ejin@cpronline.com

201.645.4896 x 10

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/021c2bf2-0795-46a0-bc8e-26acd9f1e2be

This press release was published by a CLEAR Verified individual.
SINGAPORE, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With Bitcoin now holding strong above the $100,000 mark and flashing renewed bullish momentum on the daily chart, the market is once again sending a clear message: the bull run isnt over. MACD crossover signals, strong price support at $96,000, and aggressive follow-through candles suggest that the next leg higher may already be underway.

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Amanda

business@bexback.com

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Oakland, CA, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Four Bay Area high schoolsAspire Richmond California College Preparatory Academy, McClymonds High School, MetWest High School, and Oakland Technical High Schoolare joining a growing network of California schools partnering with OneGoal, a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming postsecondary advising and support so every student can achieve their highest aspirations.

OneGoal equips students with the skills and support needed to succeed after high school graduation. During their junior year, students explore career and education pathways, set academic goals, increase financial literacy, and build community. In their senior year, they complete applications, secure financial aid, and prepare to navigate potential barriers. Once enrolled in their first year of postsecondary education, students receive academic, social, and financial support from OneGoal to persist and ultimately earn their degree or credential. 81% go on to enroll in a postsecondary institution, and 72% of those who enroll persist into their second yearrates that outpace national averages for students from similar backgrounds and demonstrate the power of sustained advising and support offered by OneGoal.

What school leaders are saying:

I am excited about having OneGoal at Oakland Tech as an offering for our students. It took the support of teachers and others in my own community to shepherd me through college, and Im glad OneGoal will provide that support for our students. As a young man in college, I questioned my place daily, and programs like [Early Academic Outreach Program] got me through. OneGoal provides an extra safety net for students once theyre in college, and that is something they need in todays ever-changing landscape.

 Martel Price, Principal, Oakland Technical High School

As a college and career specialist, I know we often dont have enough time to have in-depth conversations with students about their goals and the world theyre stepping into. OneGoal gives us space to talk about issues like the opportunity gap and degree divide, and to get to know students before diving into the business side of applications. Im excited to build deeper relationships with students and provide support that extends beyond application seasonongoing support that will help improve their long-term outcomes.

 Meilani Clay, College & Career Readiness Specialist, McClymonds High School

By joining OneGoal, school leaders aim to drive measurable improvements in GPA, FAFSA completion, graduation, and postsecondary enrollmentensuring more students can pursue their greatest aspirations.

OneGoals model works because it combines practical support with deep relationship-building, said OneGoal Executive Director for the Bay Area, Symone Morales. These new partnerships mean more students in the Bay Area will graduate with a clear plan for their future and the confidence to pursue it. We are thrilled to stand alongside our school partners to ensure students not only get to college, but through it.

OneGoal served over 1,000 students last school year in partnership with six Bay Area schools, including Aspire Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy, Castlemont High School, East Bay Innovation Academy, Lighthouse Community Charter High, Lodestar High School, and Richmond High School. Learn more about OneGoals work in the Bay Area at onegoal.org/california.

###

OneGoal transforms postsecondary advising and support so that every student can define their own future. Were building a movement with our partners to close the opportunity gap. We work with partner schools and districts to build their knowledge and capacity. The result is more equitable and effective support for all students. Since our inception, OneGoal has reached over 150,000 students with our unique approach, honed over 15 years, prioritizing strong human relationships. And its proven to deliver real student impact. 80% of OneGoal high school graduates enroll in a postsecondary institution, and 72% of those who enroll persist one year after high school. An independent study by the University of Chicago found that OneGoal students are up to 40% more likely to earn their postsecondary degrees than students from similar backgrounds. For more information, visit onegoal.org.

For more information on OneGoal, contact Stephen Barker, Communications Director, at stephen.barker@onegoalgraduation.org or 316-734-1042.

Contact Info



Stephen Barker

stephen.barker@onegoalgraduation.org

+1 316-734-1042

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Miami, FL, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With 67% of consumers avoiding companies after encountering even one negative online result, the rules of reputation management are changing fast. As AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and AI Overviews increasingly shape how people find and interpret information, one firm is leading the shift: Reputation Pros, recently named the best reputation management company by International Business Times.

The New Reality: Google Isnt the Only Search Engine Anymore

The rise of artificial intelligence search assistants has transformed how information spreads and how reputations are built or damaged. Today, inaccurate or outdated content can surface not only on Google but also in conversational AI systems that synthesize information from multiple online sources.

Reputation Pros helps clients regain control of both world traditional search and generative AI. The Miami-based firm ensures that its clients are accurately represented when people search for them on Google and when AI systems like ChatGPT or Gemini summarize them in real-time.

Most people dont realize AI tools are trained on the same public data that fuels Google, said Scott Keever, founder and CEO of Reputation Pros. If false or outdated content lives online, it doesnt just hurt you in search; it can live forever in AI systems. Our mission is to fix that.





Why IBTimes Names Reputation Pros the Best Reputation Management Company





In its recent industry feature, Online Reputation Management Companies That Suppress Negative Google Results, International Business Times praised Reputation Pros for its transparent practices, measurable results, and human-centered approach.

The publication recognized Reputation Pros as the best reputation management company of the year, citing its leadership in helping individuals and brands remove or suppress harmful content, manage online narratives, and now clean misinformation from AI-driven search environments.





How Reputation Pros Cleans Search and AI Visibility

Reputation Pros has developed an advanced, AI-powered suppression and optimization system that reshapes how search engines and artificial intelligence platforms understand a person or brand. The system strengthens what already exists, creates new high-quality assets, and connects all positive content into a unified digital framework that both Google and AI models can easily interpret.

Strategic Content Suppression: The Reputation Pros team utilizes ethical, data-driven methods to suppress negative or misleading results. By amplifying authoritative, relevant, and trustworthy content, the firm helps ensure that search engines prioritize accurate information.

AI-Enhanced Content Development: The proprietary Reputation Pros system identifies and powers up existing positive mentions while generating new content that reinforces expertise, credibility, and trustworthiness. This content is created to align with Googles E-E-A-T principles and AI model understanding, helping establish a verified and consistent identity across all platforms.

Advanced AI and SEO Integration: Reputation Pros ties everything together through semantic linking, structured data, and AI optimization. This ensures that when systems such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity retrieve or summarize information, they rely on clear, verified data that accurately represents the client.

Through this interconnected process, Reputation Pros creates lasting visibility that extends beyond traditional SEO. Clients gain sustainable protection across both search and AI ecosystems, establishing a reliable and authoritative digital presence that evolves with the algorithms themselves.





Who Is Scott Keever: The Founder Driving Innovation in AI Reputation Management





Founded by Scott Keever, a digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience in SEO and brand repair, Reputation Pros has emerged as the industry leader in managing reputations for the era of artificial intelligence.

Being named the best reputation management company by International Business Times validates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, Keever said. Search is no longer just about ten blue linksits about how AI systems perceive and present you. We help our clients control both.

Under Keevers leadership, Reputation Pros has grown from a boutique agency into a global partner serving professionals, corporations, and public figures who rely on precision, confidentiality, and measurable results.





Why AI Optimization Is the Future of Reputation Management

As large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity become primary gateways to information, AI reputation management is emerging as the next critical frontier.

Unlike Google, which displays links, AI models synthesize information  meaning a single outdated article or review can permanently influence the narrative that AI systems repeat. Reputation Pros team proactively cleans that data pipeline, ensuring misinformation is corrected before it reaches users.

This capability extends beyond traditional ORM, positioning Reputation Pros as the worlds first firm to offer comprehensive reputation management for both search engines and AI ecosystems.





A Human-Centered Approach in a Machine-Led World

While Reputation Pros uses AI-powered analytics to monitor results, its core philosophy remains deeply human. Every campaign is led by a senior strategist who ensures empathy, discretion, and transparency guide each decision.

As International Business Times noted, Reputation Pros combines technical excellence with compassion, helping clients not only fix their search results but also rebuild confidence and credibility online.

This blend of technology and humanity continues to define the firms work as AI reshapes the digital landscape of reputation.





Who is Reputation Pros

Reputation Pros is a Miami-based reputation management and AI visibility firm specializing in content removal, search suppression, crisis response, and AI data correction. Founded by Scott Keever, the company serves a diverse range of global clients, including executives, law firms, healthcare providers, and public figures. By combining legal expertise, SEO precision, and advanced AI remediation, Reputation Pros helps clients control their online presence and how AI systems represent them.

Learn more at www.reputationpros.com.









Reptation Pros

Address: 1221 SW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33130

Phone: (877) 801-7767

Website: reputationpros.com

Miami Reputation Management
Castle Rock, Colorado, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HEI Civil, a leading heavy civil construction company, is proud to announce that its Colorado Division has been honored with the 2024 William H. Feather Safety Award by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA). This esteemed award recognizes the team for achieving an exceptional safety record of over 1,000,000 manhours worked without a recordable incident, underscoring the companys deep commitment to its foremost critical success factor, safety.

The NUCA William H. Feather Safety Award is a national honor that celebrates companies demonstrating the highest commitment to creating and maintaining a safe work environment for their team members. HEI Civils achievement in the 1,000,000+ manhours category highlights the success of its comprehensive safety programs and the dedication of every team member to upholding these vital standards.

"Earning the NUCA William H. Feather Safety Award validates our collective efforts to build and sustain an industry-leading safety culture," stated Luis Uresti, HEI Civil's Colorado Safety Manager. "Achieving over a million manhours without any incidents is a huge achievement that shows how much effort and care our team puts into every project. We are honored to be recognized for this commitment."

This recognition speaks not only to HEI Civils dedication to safety but also to its core values of growth, raising the bar, innovation, and teamwork. HEI Civil continuously encourages learning, embraces innovative solutions and nurtures a spirit of teamwork that empowers every team member. Through daily safety briefings, comprehensive training programs and open communication, the enterprise ensures that every individual is included in the shared goal of building safer, stronger results for clients and communities.

To learn more about the NUCA William H. Feather Safety Award, please visit: https://nuca.com/events/annual-awards/

Founded in 1973, HEI Civil is a leading heavy civil construction general contractor shaping infrastructure across Colorado, Texas and North Carolina. Driven by its mission to attract and build the best people, teams and projects, the company delivers exceptional results through its core values of GRIT: growth, raising the bar, integrity and teamwork. With a steadfast focus on safety, people, quality, client service, equipment and production, HEI Civil consistently executes the complex heavy civil projects crucial for developing thriving communities. For more information, visit https://www.heicivil.com.
Delivery of the 300th Rafale

Saint-Cloud, France, October 7, 2025  The production of the 300th Rafale has been completed a few days ago. This milestone reflects the operational, industrial, and commercial success of this combat aircraft, which has no equivalent in its category in terms of versatility and proven operational effectiveness.

Under the oversight of the Direction generale de lArmement and the engineering management of Dassault Aviation, the Rafale program brings along 400 French companies. It is a cornerstone of France's industrial and military sovereignty thanks to the critical technologies it has developed and the export successes it has achieved.

To date, 533 Rafale aircraft have received firm orders from France and eight export customer countries. Thus, 233 examples are yet to be delivered, with production rates planned to increase to 4 aircraft per month.

The first Rafale units became operational in the French Navy in 2004 and in the French Air Force in 2006. Export deliveries began in 2015 (Egypt).

* * *

ABOUT DASSAULT AVIATION:

With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, production, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets, military drones and space systems. In 2024, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of 6.2 billion. The company has 14,600 employees.

PRESS CONTACTS:

Corporate Communications

Stephane Fort - Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 11 86 90 - stephane.fort@dassault-aviation.com

Mathieu Durand - Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 11 85 88 - mathieu.durand@dassault-aviation.com

HD photos: mediaprophoto.dassault-aviation.com

HD videos: mediaprovideo.dassault-aviation.com

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BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This Hispanic Heritage Month, Gift of Life Marrow Registry teamed up with the Miami Beach Police and Fire Departments to host the inaugural Battle of the Badges on October 5 at Fire Station 2 in Miami Beach, Fla., to kickoff Fire Prevention Week. The friendly burger-grilling competition between first responders brought together local families for food, games, donor recruitment and community celebration. Internationally renowned chef Todd English joined the judges panel to help crown the winner.

The recruitment drive was held as part of Gift of Lifes ongoing partnership with Miami Beach first responders, which has raised awareness about the shortage of diverse donors by galvanizing local law enforcement, firefighters and community leaders to join the registry with a simple cheek swab.

Partnering with the Miami Beach Fire and Police Departments ensures we reach deeper into the community and engage local families in our lifesaving mission, said Jay Feinberg, Gift of Life Marrow Registry Founder and CEO. We are proud to highlight the importance of increasing Hispanic and Latino participation in the registry, so every patient has a better chance of finding a match.

Hispanic patients in the U.S. experience higher rates of blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, and they often face greater difficulties in finding compatible donors. Currently, only 48% of Hispanic blood cancer patients can locate matching donors, highlighting a significant gap that this initiative seeks to address.

The Battle of the Badges is not only a friendly competition, but also about coming together as one community, said Digna Abello, Miami Beach Fire Department Chief. By bringing the donor drive into the event, we gave attendees a chance to take meaningful action while also learning about fire safety.

Gift of Life is an organization whose very purpose is to save lives, said Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne A. Jones. The truth is, we can all be heroes  whether you wear a police uniform or a firefighters gear  through this incredible organization, each of us has the power to help save a life.

A highlight of the event was the first-time emotional introduction of Gift of Life donor Elizabeth Resnick to her 5-year-old transplant recipient Dawson Lankford.

Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at just 13 months old, Dawson endured months of treatment before doctors determined that a marrow transplant was his best hope for survival. The family was shocked to learn that neither Dawsons mother, fathera volunteer firefighter with the Seaford Fire Department in Seaford, Del.nor his siblings were viable matches, meaning they would have to rely on an unrelated donor to save his life. A search through Gift of Lifes registry found his perfect match, a stranger whose generosity gave him a second chance.

The community event coincided with the recognition of Ana Miranda, Gift of Life Marrow Registry Director of Donor Services, who was recently honored by the Florida Panthers in their Celebration of Hispanic Excellence series for her nearly two decades of service guiding donors and patients through the transplant process.

As a Latina working with stem cell and marrow donors for nearly 20 years, I know how transformative one match can be, said Miranda. Each person who joins the registry may be the lifesaving hero a patient is waiting for.

Anyone in general good health between 18 and 35 years old may join the registry by requesting a registration kit at www.giftoflife.org.

About Gift of Life Marrow Registry

Gift of Life Marrow Registry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla. The organization, established in 1991, is dedicated to saving lives by facilitating blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood-related diseases. The registry houses its own state-of-the-art stem cell collection center, biobank, and laboratory. To learn more about Gift of Life Marrow Registry, visit www.giftoflife.org.

Media contact: Amy Glanzman

Phone: (561) 561-982-2900; Email: aglanzman@giftoflife.org
Consolidated harvest volumes in Q3 2025 are:

Farming Central Norway: 47.0

Farming Northern Norway: 42.5

SalMar Ocean: 0

Icelandic Salmon: 3.8

Total: 93.2

All figures in 1,000 tonnes gutted weight.

The Q3 2025 report will be released on Thursday 6 November at 06:30 CET, the following presentation will be available through Norwegian webcast at 08:00 CET and English webcast (recording) at 10:00 CET.

Please note that the presentation will be held at Grand Hotel in Oslo and not at Hotel Continental in Oslo as in previous presentations.

For more information, please contact:

Hakon Husby

Head of Investor Relations

Tel: +47 936 30 449

Email: hakon.husby@salmar.no

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
NAPLES, Fla. and GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insurance Nerds, a media company and consultancy providing an information and networking platform for the global insurance ecosystem, today announced a strategic partnership with Ink Digital Marketing, a specialized marketing agency serving insurance and financial services.

This collaboration unites Insurance Nerds high-signal media platform, targeted content, research, technology, and webinars with Ink Digital Marketings strategy prowess, creative talent, and campaign execution, giving clients an end-to-end growth engine built specifically for insurance.

Insurance is a specialized market; generic marketing doesnt cut it, said Nick Lamparelli , managing director at Insurance Nerds. Our audience, media products, and market intelligence paired with Ink Digital Marketings marketing execution and operations services gives insurance brands a single, expert path to winning attention, generating qualified leads, and building momentum that results in measurable business outcomes.

Insurance Nerds channels provide direct access to one of the most engaged communities in the insurance industry, with over 40,000 LinkedIn followers, 20,000 newsletter subscribers, 5,000+ YouTube subscribers, and a thriving Slack community of nearly 3,500 members. Insurance Nerds is a media company and networking platform, as well as a news provider, podcast producer, and specialized content developer. Having spent more than a decade immersed in the insurance ecosystem, Insurance Nerds has built the forum where insurance professionals come to solve problems and elevate brand awareness.

Effective insurance-specific marketing requires years of subject matter expertise and a level of specialization most agencies cannot provide, said Spiro Skias , founder and CEO of Ink Digital Marketing. Partnering with Insurance Nerds unites their deep industry expertise with our fractional marketing model to deliver tailored marketing strategies insurers, MGAs, brokers, and insurtechs need to compete and grow.

Since launching in 2022, Ink Digital Marketing has grown rapidly as a fractional marketing partner built for the insurance, insurtech, fintech, legaltech, managing general agency (MGA), and insurance company ecosystem. The firms full-stack marketing execution services include everything from brand strategy and creative development to HubSpot implementation, digital campaigns, website design, and operations optimization. By acting as an embedded marketing department, Ink Digital Marketing enables clients to optimize brand and market position without the overhead of building an in-house team.

For more information about working with Insurance Nerds and Ink Digital Marketing, please contact Jennifer Overhulse, St. Nick Media Services, 859-803-6597 or jen@stnickmedia.com .

About Insurance Nerds

Insurance Nerds is a media company and consultancy offering a platform that meets the information and networking needs of the global insurance ecosystem. The companys core services align career resources, brand marketing and precision advertising, and market intelligence, industry news, analysis, and research to help insurers, agencies/brokerages, MGAs, insurtechs, and solution providers win attention, generate leads, and make sharper decisions. If youre modernizing, launching, or scaling in insurance, Insurance Nerds helps you turn ideas into momentum.
CHIHUAHUA, Mexico, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GCC, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: GCC*), cement and concrete in the United States and Mexico, will host a conference call to review its third quarter 2025 earnings results on Wednesday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m. (ET). Earnings results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, will be released on Tuesday, October 21, after market close.

The call will be hosted by Enrique Escalante, CEO, and Maik Strecker, CFO, and can be accessed by dialing +1 (877) 407 0789 or +1 (201) 689 8562 for international calls. The conference ID is 13750650.

The presentation and listen-only webcast will be available via the following link .

A replay of the webcast will be available the same day at 2:00 p.m. (ET) until October 29 at 11:59 p.m. (ET). The replay can be accessed through this link or by dialing +1 (844) 512 2921 or +1 (412) 317 6671 for international calls. The replay PIN is 13750650. Additionally, an online replay of the live broadcast will be available on the Companys website two days later.

For more information visit www.gcc.com or contact:

GCC Investor Relations

Sahory Ogushi

MX +52 (614) 442 3176

US + 1 (303) 739 5943

soguship@gcc.com

About GCC

GCC is a leading supplier and producer of cement, concrete, aggregates, coal and constructionrelated services in the United States and Mexico, with an annual cement production capacity of 6 million metric tons. Founded in 1941, the Companys shares are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GCC*.
TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boralex inc. (Boralex or the Company) (TSX: BLX) and its partner, Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) are proud to announce that the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park has been awarded the Innovative Canadian Clean Power Project of the Year award by the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA).

The award was presented at the CanREA Gala, at the Electricity Transformation Canada Annual Conference & Exhibition in Toronto. This inaugural awards program celebrates projects and organizations that exemplify innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing Canadas renewable energy and energy storage industries.

Located in Haldimand County, Ontario, the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park is set to become Canadas largest battery storage facility upon completion, providing 300 MW / 1.2 GWh of flexible capacity to the provincial grid. The project sets a new benchmark for large-scale energy storage and demonstrates the power of equitable Indigenous partnership and adaptive land reuse.

We are deeply grateful to CanREA for this recognition, which underscores the power of meaningful collaboration in driving Canadas clean energy future, said Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC). SNGRDC and Boralex recognized the potential of battery energy storage early on and have harnessed it to deliver clean, reliable and lasting benefits to Ontarios energy grid. The Hagersville Battery Project offers only a glimpse of what is possible. This award affirms SNGRDC and Boralex as leaders in this field and will help catalyze new opportunities to expand this technology, keeping us at the forefront of innovation in 2026 and beyond.

Boralex President and CEO Patrick Decostre agreed: Were honoured that the Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park has been recognized by CanREA with the Innovative Canadian Clean Power Project of the Year award. This award reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership with the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation and our shared commitment to advancing low-carbon, reliable and inclusive energy solutions. Together, were demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can accelerate Canadas energy objectives while delivering lasting benefits to both local communities and the grid.

The Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park will strengthen Ontarios electricity grid by delivering critical energy capacity to benefit the provinces households, communities and industries, supporting economic growth and energy resilience for years to come, said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREAs President and CEO. It is a landmark achievement that exemplifies the innovation, collaboration and vision driving Canadas clean energy future. By pairing robust technology with true partnership and reconciliation, Boralex and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation have set a powerful example of how we can build projects that are not only technically transformative, but also socially responsible. CanREA is proud to recognize this outstanding project with our first-ever Innovative Canadian Clean Power Project award.

Beyond its technical achievements, the project stands as a model for inclusive development and partnership while creating local jobs and generating long-term revenues. The project reinforces the importance of Indigenous energy trailblazers such as SNGRDC in leading the clean energy transition.

The Hagersville Battery Energy Storage Park exemplifies how scale, innovation, and inclusion can come together to power a more resilient and equitable energy future for Canada.

About Boralex

At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 35 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and Frances largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has increased by greater than 50% to over 3.3 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of 8.2 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Recognized as Best Corporate Citizen in Canada by Corporate Knights, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, our discipline, our expertise and our diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralexs shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation

Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) manages the Six Nations economic interests in 28 energy projects and numerous economic development opportunities in and around the Six Nations territory. SNGRDCs current energy portfolio boasts 2.5 GW of capacity through its direct or indirect involvement in five battery storage, seven solar, and 14 wind project(s). SNGRDC is located on the Six Nations Reserve and employs an average of 100 employees through Nation Enterprise or the administration of Economic Interests projects.

For more information, please visit www.sndevcorp.ca.

For more information

MEDIA  Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation Katie Montour

Community & Public Relations Officer

Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation

548-328-3590

publicrelations@sndevcorp.ca

MEDIA (ONTARIO)  Boralex Shelby Dockendorff

Advisor, Public Affairs and Communications

Boralex Inc.

581-349-7154

shelby.dockendorff@boralex.com

MEDIA  Boralex INVESTOR RELATIONS  Boralex Camille Laventure

Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications

Boralex Inc.

438 883-8580

camille.laventure@boralex.com Coline Desurmont

Director, Investor Relations

Boralex Inc.

+33 7 85 37 75 10

coline.desurmont@boralex.com

Source: Boralex inc.
TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a $105,000 monetary penalty against Score Media and Gaming Inc. (theScore) for failing to meet Ontarios strict responsible gambling and player protection standards.

The penalty relates to several alleged violations of the Registrars Standards for Internet Gaming (the Standards), which mandate that all registered operators proactively monitor player behaviour, intervene when risks of gambling-related harm are detected, and ensure employees are properly trained to support player protection.

Following a regulatory review, the AGCO determined the following:

A patron of theScore wagered $2.5 million and lost approximately $230,000 over an eight-month period, including approximately $100,000 in the first month of play - showing frequent, high-stakes play and escalating losses that clearly indicated potential gambling-related harm.

The patron repeatedly requested bonuses, displayed loss-chasing behaviour, and showed signs of distress to the operators VIP hostall missed opportunities for theScore to appropriately intervene and reduce the potential for high-risk play.

Despite clear red flags and inaccurate income documentation, the operator relied on the patrons self-assessments and failed to conduct meaningful responsible gambling due diligence or interventions.





In launching Ontarios regulated igaming market in 2022, the AGCO established comprehensive player protection standards to mitigate the risk of gambling-related harm. The AGCOs rigorous oversight ensures operators are held accountable for proactively monitoring player behaviour and intervening with appropriate and effective supports to address high-risk gambling activity. This robust regulatory framework offers Ontarians a safer alternative to unregulated gambling sites that lack comparable safeguards.

A registered operator served with an Order of Monetary Penalty by the AGCO has the right to appeal the Registrars decision to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), which is an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario.

Quote:

Player protections are a fundamental requirement for any gambling operator looking to conduct business in Ontario. When operators fail to uphold these critical safer gambling standards, they not only betray the trust of their players but also undermine the integrity of Ontarios regulated igaming market.

 Dr. Karin Schnarr, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, AGCO

Additional Information:

Contrary to section 3.8 of the Gaming Control Act, 1992 (GCA), theScore is alleged to have failed to comply with the following provisions of the Standards:

2.01 - Operators shall implement and follow policies and procedures that will identify, prevent and minimize the risks of harm from gaming to players. These policies and procedures shall be reviewed and evaluated regularly for effectiveness to ensure that they follow industry best practices and that the stated objectives of the policies and procedures are achieved.

2.10 - A mechanism shall be in place to monitor player risk profiles and behaviours for the purpose of detecting signs of players potentially experiencing harm.

1. Operators shall include a risk profile for players at high-risk of experiencing gambling-related harm.

2.12 - Employees shall understand the importance of responsible gambling and how their jobs impact player protection as well as the fundamental concepts of responsible gambling and problem gambling.

5. Employees shall understand the harms associated with gaming as well as essential prevention and mitigation concepts.

Media Contact:

AGCO Media Relations

media@agco.ca

416-326-3200

About the AGCO

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). It is a corporation under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019 .
Boston, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, Healthcare Personal Protective Equipment: Global Markets is projected to grow from $10.3 billion in 2025 to $13.1 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2030.

This report provides a detailed analysis of the healthcare personal protective equipment (PPE) market, highlighting its key drivers, challenges, and opportunities. It examines product types such as face masks, gloves, and protective clothing, across the regions of North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The report also profiles leading companies, outlining their product portfolios, revenues, and recent developments, helping stakeholders make informed decisions about PPE production and licensing in the healthcare sector.

This report is highly relevant today as global healthcare systems face growing pressure from an aging population and rising chronic diseases, which are driving increased demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). The need for effective protection in healthcare settings has become even more critical in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, with heightened awareness around safety protocols. By analyzing PPE by product type and identifying current and future trends, the report offers insights for healthcare providers, manufacturers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and meet evolving safety and health needs.

The factors driving the markets growth include:

Burden of Infectious Diseases: The rise and recurrence of infectious diseases like COVID-19, influenza, and other viral outbreaks have made PPE essential in healthcare settings. Hospitals and governments are prioritizing PPE to protect healthcare workers and patients, leading to sustained global demand.

The Worlds Growing Aging Population: An aging global population increases the need for healthcare services, which in turn drives PPE usage. Older adults are more susceptible to infections and chronic illnesses, requiring more frequent medical care and protective measures in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Rising Awareness of Workplace Safety in Healthcare: Healthcare institutions are increasingly focused on ensuring the safety of their staff. Regulatory bodies and internal policies are pushing for better PPE compliance, training, and availability, making workplace safety a major factor in PPE market growth.

Request a sample copy of the global market for healthcare PPE equipment report.

Report Synopsis

Report Metric Details Base year considered 2024 Forecast period considered 2025-2030 Base year market size $9.9 billion Market size forecast $13.1 billion Growth rate CAGR of 5% for the forecast period of 2025-2030 Segments covered Product and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, Brazil and Argentina Market Drivers Infectious disease burden.

The worlds growing aging population.

Rising awareness of workplace safety in healthcare.

Make PPE in America Act.

Interesting fact:

Masks can kill viruses: Face masks have evolved from simple cloth coverings to advanced tools in infection control. Initially designed to block droplets, traditional masks lacked features to prevent microbial buildup from prolonged wear. To tackle this, scientists began embedding antimicrobial agents like silver and copper into mask fabrics. Innovations such as Singlettos ProGear masks now actively neutralize viruses during use, offering real-time protection.

Emerging startups:

Novo Health Services

Nexera Medical

HaPPE Earth

Medu Protectio

10A Ltd.

The report addresses the following questions:

What are the projected size and growth rate of the market?

The global market for healthcare PPE was valued at $9.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $13.1 billion by the end of 2030, at a CAGR of 5% over the forecast period.

What factors are driving the growth of the market?

The rising burden of infectious diseases such as influenza, RSV, rotavirus, and tuberculosis is driving the demand for healthcare PPE. With the 20242025 U.S. flu season classified as high severity, having caused 47 million illnesses and 610,000 hospitalizations, PPE gloves, masks, and gowns have become critical for infection control. Contagious pathogens such as RSV and rotavirus, which can spread rapidly via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, further emphasize the need for protective gear in hospitals, elderly care, and pediatric settings. Furthermore, the global aging population is projected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030, which increases chronic disease care and hospital visits, further driving PPE usage. Growing workplace safety awareness and international standards have also strengthened the case for consistent PPE implementation to protect healthcare workers and ensure quality patient care.

What are the restraints/challenges of the market?

The healthcare PPE market faces multiple challenges, including poor product fit, regulatory barriers, and supply chain disruptions. Ill-fitting PPE causes discomfort (e.g., sweating, fogging, fatigue), reduces productivity, and raises safety risks especially for women, as only 25% of PPE is designed to fit them properly. Regulatory hurdles, such as non-harmonized global standards and slow emergency use authorizations, delay product access and hinder sustainable PPE adoption. Additionally, the market struggles with fragile global supply chains exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and further strained by events like port congestion and natural disasters. Outdated hospital inventory systems worsen inefficiencies, causing overstocking or shortages, ultimately impacting frontline worker safety and patient care.

Which market segments are covered in the report?

The market scope in this report is segmented by product type, which includes facemasks, hand protection, eye and face protection, protective clothing, head protection, foot protection, and respiratory protection.

Which segment will be dominant through 2030?

The hand protection segment will dominate the healthcare PPE market.

Which region has the largest market share?

The North American market has a 37.5% market share of the healthcare PPE market.

Market leaders include:

3M

ALPHAPROTECH

ANSELL LTD.

ARMBRUST AMERICAN

B. BRAUN SE

CARDINAL HEALTH

DEROYAL INDUSTRIES INC.

DUPONT

HARTALEGA HOLDINGS BERHAD

MOLNLYCKE AB

O&M HALYARD

PAUL HARTMANN AG

PRESTIGE AMERITECH

TOP GLOVE CORP. BHD

WINNER MEDICAL CO. LTD.

Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research.

For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact info@bccresearch.com.

About BCC Research

BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement, and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype.

For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit our media page for access to our market research library.

Any data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher.
TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a groundbreaking show of national unity for inclusion, Canada's largest cities will officially proclaim October 16th as National Treat Accessibly Preparation Day. This historic achievement comes as Treat Accessibly distributes free lawn signs coast to coast, empowering any homeowner to easily offer accessible trick-or-treating to children with any disability.

The proclamations mark an important achievement for Treat Accessibly, a grassroots social movement that began in 2017 when 6-year-old Siena Padulo asked her father how a child using a wheelchair could trick-or-treat at their home with stairs. Now 14, Siena has watched her simple question grow into a national accessibility network, reaching over 250,000 homes. Her family's initiative proves how one child's voice can change an entire nation's approach to inclusion.

"Seeing Capital cities officially recognize National Treat Accessibly Preparation Day shows me that when we speak up for inclusion, entire communities listen," says Siena Padulo, Founder, Treat Accessibly. October 16th isn't just about one day. It's a reminder that every day, we have the power to make our communities more welcoming for children with disabilities."

Capital cities that have confirmed proclamations include Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver. Each declaration encourages homeowners to participate in creating accessible Halloween experiences in their communities. The proclamations have even earned recognition from Canada's highest accessibility official.

"This is an example of what advocacy and unwillingness to accept exclusion and barriers can do, says Stephanie Cadieux, Chief Accessibility Officer of Canada. I'm thrilled to see this movement catching on and gaining momentum and applaud everyone taking part and making it happen. Happy accessible trick-or-treating  and here's to accessible events and celebrations becoming the norm across Canada!"

Treat Accessibly has already completed Halloween Villages in Halifax, Toronto, Quebec, Hamilton and Ottawa, with upcoming events scheduled for Calgary, St. Albert, Edmonton and Surrey through late October. Canadians interested in supporting Treat Accessibly and inclusive trick-or-treating can pick up free lawn signs in communities across the country, available for free at local Pet Valu Family of Stores or at the Halloween Villages.

Treat Accessibly is funded through the generosity and support of the following:

REMAX, which produces 25,000 Treat Accessibly lawn signs annually for homes to display on Halloween night

KINDER  is featuring the Treat Accessibly message on every KINDER  CHOCOLATE Mini and KINDER  BUENO Mini Halloween bag sold across Canada. The brand will also send thousands of KINDER  products to Treat Accessibly Villages nationwide; and

is featuring the Treat Accessibly message on every KINDER CHOCOLATE Mini and KINDER BUENO Mini Halloween bag sold across Canada. The brand will also send thousands of KINDER products to Treat Accessibly Villages nationwide; and Canadian Tire, which helps with the logistics and provides support for all Treat Accessibly Halloween Villages across Canada.



October 16th will now serve as an annual call to action for Canadian families to make their homes accessible Halloween night and join an initiative that has transformed neighborhoods across Canada. "There's no can't in Canada. Everyone we encounter wants to help and recognizes the need, and we're just showing how every Canadian home can do it," adds Siena.

Canadians are encouraged to visit www.TreatAccessibly.com for free lawn signs, resources, and a full list of Canadian cities proclaiming National Treat Accessibly Preparation Day.

ABOUT TREAT ACCESSIBLY:

Treat Accessibly is a grassroots movement that began in Toronto in 2017 when 6-year-old Siena Padulo asked how a child using a wheelchair could trick-or-treat at their home. What started with one lawn sign has grown into a national revolution of empathy with over 250,000 homes participating, free lawn signs, accessible home setups, and neighbourhood Village events in cities across Canada. For more information visit www.TreatAccessibly.com.

For additional information and interview requests, please contact:

MEDIA CONTACT

Victoria Mahoney, Harmony Marketing

vmahoney@harmonymarketing.ca

416-464-7606

ORGANIZATION CONTACT

The Padulo Family, Founders, Treat Accessibly

founder@treataccessibly.com

416-418-2007

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ffb9002f-8065-4410-9845-6003bb691b46
SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A Utah medical milestone has been achieved by Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital  one that directly benefits children and families throughout the Intermountain West.

For the second consecutive year, Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital is ranked by U.S. News & World Report in all 11 pediatric specialties that it evaluates  and for the first time ever is ranked in the Top 25 in the nation in six specialties  as part of the magazines 2025 rankings of the Best Childrens Hospitals in America, which was unveiled today.

This is a remarkable recognition for our passionate caregivers, and a testament to the teamwork and collaboration that they demonstrate daily to ensure that our patients receive the very best care anywhere in the nation. Im so proud of our team and grateful for their relentless pursuit of excellence for the young patients we serve, said Dustin Lipson, president of Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital, Salt Lake Campus, and regional president of childrens health for Intermountain Health.

U.S. News & World Reports Best Childrens Hospitals Rankings ranks the nations top 50 childrens hospitals annually in 11 pediatric specialties to help patients, their families, and healthcare providers make informed decisions about their healthcare. These rankings are based on clinical data including patient outcomes, safety, reputation, and technological capabilities.

The 11 specialties evaluated by the magazine include behavioral health, cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery, and urology.

Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital is ranked in the Top 25 in a record six specialties for 2025:

Cardiology and heart surgery: #12

Neurology & neurosurgery: #16

Nephrology: #18

Gastroenterology and GI surgery: #20

Orthopedics: #22

Urology: #22

Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital also ranked as one of the nations top 50 childrens hospitals by U.S. News & World Report in the following pediatric specialties:

Behavioral Health: Top 50

Cancer: #37

Diabetes and endocrinology: #37

Neonatology: #39

Pulmonology & lung surgery: #42

Were committed to continually improving clinical care and helping our patients thrive, and as a result, are recruiting some of the nations best physicians to our teams here at University of Utah Health and Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital, said Angelo P. Giardino, MD, PhD, chair of the University of Utah School of Medicines Department of Pediatrics and chief medical officer at Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital. This independent national recognition by U.S. News & World Report underscores our commitment to innovative, high-quality, and compassionate care for children.

One of those patients who benefited from that patient-centered care was Rachel Glade, who was treated by Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital behavioral health team for several years.

She joined other patients and families this fall in opening Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital Behavioral Health Center-Taylorsville Campus, which is dedicated to enhancing access to adolescent behavioral health services for children and families in the community.

Rachel has had multiple heart, lung, gastrointestinal, and feeding therapies, among other treatments and surgeries from the day she was born and throughout her life. She is also hard of hearing.

I know this was difficult for everyone around me, but I understand now that I was hurting deeply and needed, somehow, to get that out, said Rachel, signing in American Sign Language, at the grand opening for the Taylorsville Campus. I had suffered through a ton of medical trauma, and on top of that, I couldnt hear the voices that tried to comfort me.

Rachel is now 23. She graduated from cosmetology school and works at her family business. She enjoys doing hair and makeup, hiking, spending time with her boyfriend, and eating her favorite foods.

It is incredibly important for kids to receive mental health support when they are young so that they can enter adulthood with life skills, Rachel said. I am so thankful for all of the years Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital has been there for me with my medical and behavioral health needs, and I am so happy this new campus will be able to provide further support for countless children and teens for decades to come.

Improving access to behavioral health services is part of Intermountain Healths Primary Promise to create the nations model health system for children, which also includes work to strengthen Intermountain Primary Childrens Hospital.

Earning a top ranking from U.S. News is a recognition that reflects far more than numbers, added Tyler Leishman, associate vice president for childrens health  pediatric service lines for Intermountain Health. It represents the collective dedication, innovation, and compassion of all our caregivers in helping our patients and families thrive. Our focus on quality and improved clinical outcomes created measurable improvements, driving improved rankings in 7 of 11 specialties.

###

Attachment
Lake City, FL, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clearwave Fiber hosted the Brick Builders Bash, a free LEGO-themed community event held recently at Alligator Lake Park in Lake City, FL. The event brought together families, local leaders and nonprofit organizations to celebrate STEM education, creativity and community engagement.

The event featured interactive LEGO building stations, a collaborative build challenge, and a creative competition with prizes including LEGO sets. Families also enjoyed a photo booth, party favors and refreshments.

Adding to the excitement, the Lake City Fire Department participated with its newest fire truck on-site, giving children a hands-on look at firefighting equipment and a chance to meet local first responders  a highlight for many young attendees.

A key moment of the event was the presentation of a technology grant from Clearwave Fiber to the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, supporting expanded access to STEM learning opportunities for girls in Lake City and surrounding communities.

Clearwave Fiber is proud to support organizations like the Girl Scouts that are making a real impact in the lives of young people, said Shelley Hallier, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Clearwave Fiber. This event was a perfect example of how technology, creativity and community can come together to inspire the next generation.

The grant was enthusiastically received by local Girl Scout leadership, who emphasized the value it brings to future programming. Girl Scouts of Gateway Council is extremely grateful for this donation from Clearwave Fiber, said Madeline Rodriguez, Girl Scouts Membership Manager. It will be exciting to plan STEM events for our Girl Scouts here in Lake City and hopefully future Girl Scouts, as well.

Ms. Rodriguez had a table at the event to provide information about scouting and to recruit future Girl Scouts. Representatives from Columbia County Makerspace also had a booth to share information about their organization, and Italian Ice by Alice also provided complimentary cool treats to attendees.

The event also drew praise from city leadership for its community impact and support of digital access.

I really appreciate having the choice of Fiber Internet in our market  not just as a consumer, but as an elected official who wants the best for our community, said Lake City Mayor Noah Walker. What stands out even more is Clearwave Fibers commitment to engaging with the community on a personal level. Hosting events like this shows theyre not just here to provide service  theyre here to be part of Lake City.

The Brick Builders Bash is part of Clearwave Fibers broader mission to promote digital equity, youth empowerment and technological access in the communities it serves. By investing in local partnerships and STEM-focused initiatives, the company aims to help build a stronger, more connected future.

ABOUT CLEARWAVE FIBER

Clearwave Fiber is an Internet service provider that operates a 100% Fiber network serving communities across the Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States. With an emphasis on exceptional customer care and community engagement, the fast-growing company delivers advanced telecommunications solutions, providing Fiber to business, enterprise and residential customers in Florida, Georgia, Illinois and Kansas. Clearwave Fiber employs more than 300 and is based in Savannah, Ga. Learn more at ClearwaveFiber.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Attachment
Rome, Italy, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At TechNet Europe 2025 AFCEA International announced the upcoming Transatlantic Trio Cyber Defense eXercise (CDX) scheduled for December 2, 2025.

Taking place in conjunction with AFCEAs TechNet Transatlantic conference, Transatlantic Trio CDX is a collaborative initiative that provides an opportunity for cyber operators to learn from one another. Trio CDX will feature CYBER RANGES and the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP) and will offer participants a hands-on experience that showcases CYBER RANGES advanced synthetic platform as used by the SSSCIP / CERT Ukraine team to deliver a highly current and impactful transatlantic emulation of the cyberattacks that Ukraine repels on a daily basis. The Trio CDX scenario is built on real-world tactics, techniques and procedures.

Cyberspace is not just a battlefield  its a global partnership. Hosted by AFCEA, built in Ukraine and powered by CYBER RANGES, Trio CDX will be open to active-duty warfighters of NATO, EU and partner nations. Trio CDX is designed to enhance the skills of cyber operators and strengthen the readiness of organizations operating in contested cyberspace environments.



Trio CDX is a unique transatlantic collaboration to share not just threat intelligence, but the full experience of defending against an attack.

AFCEA, in collaboration with its chapters in Stuttgart, Kaiserslautern and Wiesbaden, proudly presents the third annual TechNet Transatlantic  a premier event uniting the U.S. Forces in Europe, NATO and partner nations to advance defense capabilities through innovation and collaboration. It will take place on December 3-4, 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany.

United States Army Brig. Gen. Paul Fredenburgh III (Ret.), Executive VP for National Defense & Security at AFCEA, confirms that Todays cybersecurity environment is increasingly complex and challenging, we cannot afford to tackle this issue in isolation. It is imperative that we come together, exercise, learn, and adapt for a more secure future.

Ukraine Air Force Brig. Gen. Oleksandr Potii, Head of SSSCIP, highlights that Trio CDX isnt just a drill. Its a high-fidelity cyberattack simulation built to unfold, just like the real thing. Our experience is unique but valuable only when shared  this is a high-precision simulation of the real cyberattacks where teams from different continents work together in real-time.

At AFCEA, weve spent the past several years intentionally expanding our global footprint, curating our content and speaker lineup to attract those who are driving change comments United States Air Force Col. Mike Black (Ret.) VP for Defense at AFCEA. Trio CDX will be held on December 2nd 2025 simultaneously at multiple locations.

Italian Navys Rear Admiral Massimo Esposito (Ret.), VP and General Manager of AFCEA Europe, underlines that In an increasingly interconnected and contested operational environment, cooperation is key to ensuring an effective response to evolving threats.

Dr. Al Graziano, CEO for CYBER RANGES, concludes that Trio CDX demonstrates how operational experience can be transformed into scalable, deep-dive, hands-on simulations to support future mission success and drive digital transformation across our forces.

For updates on Transatlantic Trio CDX please refer to:

https://cyberranges.com/afcea-transatlantic-trio-exercise-2025/

About AFCEA

AFCEA International is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit international professional association that connects people, ideas and solutions globally. Established in 1946, the membership association serves the military, government, industry and academia by developing networking and educational opportunities and providing an ethical forum. This enables military, government, industry and academia to align technology and strategy to meet the needs of those who serve. AFCEA operates under the guidance of a board of directors, international staff and committees. A large network of chapters is managed by a group of regional vice presidents. Join online.

afcea.org

About the State Service of Special Communications & Information Protection

SSSCIP is Ukraine's defense and security agency responsible for coordinating cybersecurity, protecting government information resources, and managing secure communication systems.

Est. 2006, the SSSCIP is the principal authority in Ukraine's national cybersecurity system, overseeing the protection of critical information infrastructure and providing secure government communications and information security.

SSSCIP coordinates activities between various state, business, and law enforcement entities to improve national cyber resilience.

cip.gov.ua

About CYBER RANGES

CYBER RANGES is a global vendor that provides a Best-in-Class awarded, next-gen, attack emulation-based synthetic environment for cybersecurity training & practice, capability development, and team-based incident response exercises.

CYBER RANGES helps government agencies, military forces, and corporations enhance their digital dexterity and cyber resilience against cyber threats. In Apr. 2022 the U.S. government foundation MITRE Corporation selected CYBER RANGES as the cyber-range-of-choice for MITRE ATT&CK Defender and Purple Teaming.

CYBER RANGES has been one of the first two U.S. companies to enter a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with SSSCIP on cyber capability development (April 2023) since the start of the Russian invasion. CERT-UA has used CYBER RANGES to develop the TRYZYB-Trident emulation scenarios.

Cyberranges.com
TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altus Group Limited (TSX: AIF) (Altus or the Company), a leading provider of commercial real estate (CRE) intelligence, announced that it will host an Investor Day on Thursday, November 20, 2025 in New York City. The event will begin at approximately 8:00 am ET and is expected to conclude by noon.

The Investor Day will feature presentations from Altus executive leadership team, providing insights into the Companys operations, strategy, technology roadmap and growth opportunities  highlighting Altus evolution into a pure-play data and analytics platform and its long-term value creation in CRE.

In-person attendance will be limited to equity research analysts and institutional investors due to space constraints. The event will also be available via a live and archived video webcast on the Companys website. To register for the in-person or virtual option of the event, please visit https://events.altusgroup.com/investor-day-2025.

Q3 2025 Results

Altus plans to release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025 after market close on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Altus Groups management team will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. (ET) the same day to discuss the results.

Analysts who wish to ask questions during the call can participate by telephone at 1-888-660-6785 (conference ID: 8366990). A live and archived webcast of the call with be available on the Investor Relations section of the Companys website at: https://www.altusgroup.com/investor-relations/.

About Altus Group

Altus connects data, analytics, applications and expertise to deliver the intelligence necessary to drive optimal CRE performance. The industrys top leaders rely on our market-leading solutions and expertise to power performance and mitigate risk. Our global team of ~2,000 experts are making a lasting impact on an industry undergoing unprecedented change  helping shape the cities where we live, work, and build thriving communities. For more information about Altus (TSX: AIF) please visit www.altusgroup.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Martin Miasko

Sr. Director, Investor Relations and Strategy, Altus Group

(647)-267-9176

martin.miasko@altusgroup.com
NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR).

If you currently own shares of Danaher stock, please visit the firms website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=17717 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at case@rosenlegal.com.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
Grand Baie, MAURITIUS, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alphamin Resources Corp. (AFM:TSXV, APH:JSE AltX)( Alphamin or the Company) is pleased to provide an operational update as follows:

Q3 2025 contained tin production of 5,190 tonnes, up 26% from the previous quarter (Q2 2025: 4,106 tonnes (period from phased restart on April 15 to June 30))

FY2025 contained tin production guidance increased to between 18,000 and 18,500 tonnes (17,500 tonnes previously)

Contained tin sales of 5,143 tonnes for the quarter, up 12% from the prior period

Q3 2025 EBITDA 2,3 guidance of US$96m, up 28% from Q2 2025 actual of US$75m

guidance of US$96m, up 28% from Q2 2025 actual of US$75m Interim FY2025 dividend of CAD0.07 cents per share paid on 15 September 2025

External laboratory assays received for drilling at Mpama North and Mpama South

Operational and Financial Summary for the Quarter ended September 20251

1Information is disclosed on a 100% basis. Alphamin indirectly owns 84.14% of its operating subsidiary to which the information relates. 2Q3 2025 EBITDA and AISC represent managements guidance. 3This is not a standardized financial measure and may not be comparable to similar financial measures of other issuers.See Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures below for the composition and calculation of this financial measure.



Operational and Financial Performance

Contained tin production of 5,190 tonnes for the quarter ended September 2025 was substantially in line with the targeted quarterly production of 5,000 tonnes and 26% higher than the prior quarter. The comparative quarter ended June 2025 was impacted by the temporary cessation of operations related to security concerns and the phased restart from 15 April 2025. The processing facilities continue to perform well with overall plant recoveries averaging 76% during the quarter (Q2: 77%).

Q3 2025 contained tin sales of 5,143 tonnes was in line with the increased production. The average tin price achieved was 4% above the prior quarter at US$33,877/t  the tin price is currently trading at around US$37,000/t.

Q3 2025 AISC per tonne of tin sold is estimated at US$15,900 (Q2: US$16,387), 3% lower than Q2 due to a normalised production rate compared to the negative impact of the operational stop during the prior quarter. The mine took delivery of two replacement underground mine trucks during Q3 which increased sustaining capital expenditure included in AISC.

EBITDA guidance for Q3 2025 is US$96m, 28% higher than the previous quarters actual of US$75m. This increase is primarily due to additional tin production and sales and a slightly higher tin price.

The Company expects to produce approximately 5,000 tonnes of contained tin during the final quarter of the financial year which, together with its year-to-date production of 13,566 tonnes, increases tin production guidance for FY2025 to between 18,000 and 18,500 tonnes (17,500 tonnes previously).

The Company had US$57m in cash at 30 September 2025 (30 June 2025: US$110m) after Q3 outflows related to provisional FY2025 tax payments of US$25m, a reduction of its overdraft balance by US$15m to US$24m and payment of the interim FY2025 dividends and withholding taxes of US$89m.

Exploration update

Alphamins exploration strategy focuses on three key objectives:

Increase the Mpama North and Mpama South Resource base and life of mine Discover the next tin deposit in close proximity to the Bisie mine Ongoing grassroots exploration in search of remote tin deposits on the large prospective land package





Exploration drilling at Mpama North and Mpama South re-commenced during Q4 2024. The Company received external laboratory assays from drilling at Mpama North and South (refer to Appendix 1 and 2), the highlights of which are:

Mpama South assay results received1, included:

BGH192: 24.13 metres @ 2.43% Sn from 532.92 metres, including 5.08 metres @ 4.31% Sn from 539.92 metres, 1.81 metres @ 4.67% Sn from 546.6 metres, and 5.45 metres @ 4.18% Sn from 551.6 metres

from 532.92 metres, including from 539.92 metres, from 546.6 metres, and from 551.6 metres BGH194: 13.98 metres @ 1.62 % Sn from 489.26 metres, including 3.04 metres @ 4.26% Sn from 494.06 metres

Mpama North assay results1 received, included:

MNUD008A: 29.34 metres @ 6.21% Sn , including 9.3 metres @ 13.63% Sn both from 247.7 metres

, including both from 247.7 metres MNUD009: 33.28 metres @ 16.83% Sn, including 10.1 metres @ 41.47% Sn, both from 236.3 metres

Mpama South Drilling Update



Figure 1: Mpama South drilling update with significant Sn intercepts (>0.5% shown as purple spheres).

Please click here to view image



The assayed drill hole intercepts for BGH 192 and BGH 194 are approximately 50m down dip of the current declared Mpama South Resource.

A second surface drill rig was mobilised at Mpama South targeting down-dip extensions. During the quarter, two holes were abandoned due to excessive hole deviations and drilling issues. Two drill holes are currently in progress and are approximately 1-2 weeks from the planned depth targets.

Mpama North Drilling Update



Figure 2: Mpama North drilling update with significant Sn intercepts (>0.5% shown as purple spheres).

Please click here to view image



The assayed drill hole intercepts for MNUD 008A and MNUD 009 are approximately 30m to 70m down plunge of the current declared Mpama North Resource.

Following a single rig exploration campaign of geological fan drilling from underground at Mpama North which resulted in the drilling update illustrated in Figure 2, the Company mobilised a dedicated surface drill rig during Q3 to test for extensions at depth below the currently defined mineralised area. After experiencing excessive deviation, the first surface drill hole was abandoned. The second hole was successfully completed probing for mineralisation 40 m south of the main trend and 100 m deeper than the recent underground drilling (MNUD008A) and did not intercept visual tin mineralisation. The next hole from surface is in progress. The Company is planning to introduce directional core drilling technology which will enable fan drilling at depth in order to expedite the identification of tin mineralisation extensions, structural faults and possible shifts in the deposit.

Security Update

The Company notes an increased number of security events on the border line between the Massisi and Walikale territories in the North Kivu province of the DRC. The Companys mine is located in a remote area approximately 200 kilometers away from these events and at this time the Company continues to operate within guidance parameters. As a result of the ongoing security risks in the area, the operating risk profile remains elevated and a sustained advance closer to the mine location could result in mining operations being affected. The safety of the Companys employees and contractors and compliance with the DRC and international laws remains our committed focus.

Qualified Persons

Mr. Clive Brown, Pr. Eng., B.Sc. Engineering (Mining), is a qualified person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release other than in the section Exploration update and Appendix 1 and Appendix 2. He is a Principal Consultant and Director of Bara Consulting Pty Limited, an independent technical consultant to the Company.

Mr. Jeremy Witley, Pr. Sci. Nat., BSc. (Hons) Mining Geology, MSc (Eng), is a qualified person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in the section Exploration update, Appendix 1 and Appendix 2. He is Head of Mineral Resources at the MSA Group (Pty) Ltd and is an independent technical consultant to the Company.



___________________________________________________________________________________

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Maritz Smith

CEO

Alphamin Resources Corp.

Tel: +230 269 4166

E-mail: msmith@alphaminresources.com

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information in this news release that is not a statement of historical fact constitutes forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation, Q3 2025 EBITDA and AISC guidance and FY2025 contain tin production guidance, estimated Q4 2025 contained tin production and estimated timing for the completion of the current two Mpama South drill holes in progress. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation: the availability of ore at expected quantities and grades, uninterrupted processing of ore at targeted processing recoveries, uncertainties regarding logistics and the timing of supplier responses to orders; uncertainties with respect to social, community and environmental impacts, adverse political events and risks of security related incidents or threats of security related incidents which may impact the operation or cause a stop to mine activities, outbound roads used to transport product and consumables or the safety of our people, uncertainties regarding the legislative requirements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which may result in unexpected fines and penalties and tax payments; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development as well as Risk Factors included elsewhere in Alphamins public disclosure documents filed on and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

USE OF NON-IFRS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES

This announcement refers to the following non-IFRS financial performance measures:

EBITDA

EBITDA is profit before net finance expense, income taxes and depreciation, depletion, and amortization. EBITDA provides insight into our overall business performance (a combination of cost management and growth) and is the corresponding flow driver towards the objective of achieving industry-leading returns. This measure assists readers in understanding the ongoing cash generating potential of the business including liquidity to fund working capital, servicing debt, and funding capital and exploration expenditures and investment opportunities.

This measure is not recognized under IFRS as it does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and is therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. EBITDA data is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS.

CASH COSTS

This measures the cash costs to produce and sell a tonne of contained tin. This measure includes mine operating production expenses such as mining, processing, administration, indirect charges (including surface maintenance and camp and head office costs), and smelting, refining and freight, distribution and royalties. Cash Costs do not include depreciation, depletion, and amortization, reclamation expenses, capital sustaining, borrowing costs and exploration expenses. On mine costs, exclusive of stock movement, are calculated on a cost per tonne produced basis, off mine costs are calculated on a cost per tonne sold basis.

AISC

This measures the cash costs to produce and sell a tonne of contained tin plus the capital sustaining costs to maintain the mine, processing plant and infrastructure. This measure includes the Cash Cost per tonne and capital sustaining costs together divided by tonnes of contained tin produced. All-In Sustaining Cost per tonne does not include depreciation, depletion, and amortization, reclamation, borrowing costs, foreign exchange gains and losses, exploration expenses and expansion capital expenditures.

Sustaining capital expenditures are defined as those expenditures which do not increase payable mineral production at a mine site and excludes all expenditures at the Companys projects and certain expenditures at the Companys operating sites which are deemed expansionary in nature.

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.

Appendix 1: SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSES AND QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE (QAQC)

Mpama North diamond drilling was completed from underground and Mpama South diamond drilling was completed from surface. The collar positions of the drillholes were accurately surveyed by Alphamin Bisie Mining (ABM) and down-hole surveys were completed by the drilling contractor allowing for accurate location of the mineralised intercepts. Cores were logged, mineralised intervals were identified and half core samples were taken at nominal 1 m intervals by the ABM geologists, which included the insertion of various certified reference material and blank samples (QAQC). No significant issues with the QAQC samples were noted. At the on-site ABM laboratory (managed by Anchem), samples were first checked off against the submission list supplied and then weighed and oven dried for 2 hours at 105 degrees Celsius. The dried samples were crushed by jaw crusher to 75% passing 2mm, from which a 250g riffle split was taken. This 250g split was pulverised in ring mills to 90% passing 75m from which a sample for analysis was taken. Received samples at ALS Johannesburg are checked off against the list of samples supplied and logged in the system. Quality Control is performed by way of sieve tests every 50 samples and should a sample fail, the preceding 50 samples are ground in a ring mill pulveriser using a carbon steel ring set to 85 % passing 75m. Samples are analysed for tin using method code ME-XRF05 conducted on a pressed pellet with 10% precision and an upper limit of 5,000ppm. The over-limit tin samples are analysed as fused disks according to method ME-XRF15c, which makes use of pre-oxidation and decomposition by fusion with 12:22 lithium borate flux containing 20% Sodium Nitrate as an oxidizing agent, with an upper detection limit of 79% Sn.

Appendix 2: SIGNIFICANT INTERCEPTS (0.5% Sn lower threshold)

Mpama South Drillholes prefixed BGH

Mpama North Drillholes prefixed MNUD

BHID Easting Northing RLm Azi () Dip () FROM TO Sn % LENGTH Sample position GPS GPS mid x mid y mid z BGH189 582975 9884510 827 270 -45 322.00 322.76 1.02 0.76 582745 9884502 602 BGH190 No significant intercepts BGH191A 583095 9884803 783 270 -60 521.06 530.10 0.95 9.04 582811 9884795 344 533.18 534.04 1.05 0.86 582805 9884795 338 BGH192 583141 9884873 783 273 -68 532.92 537.90 0.92 4.98 582809 9884880 365 539.92 545.00 4.31 5.08 582804 9884880 361 546.60 548.41 4.67 1.81 582800 9884881 358 551.60 557.05 4.18 5.45 582795 9884881 353 BGH193 No significant intercepts BGH194 583159 9885089 753 270 -68 489.26 491.20 0.92 1.94 582921 9885076 327 494.06 497.10 4.26 3.04 582918 9885076 323 498.37 501.20 1.99 2.83 582915 9885076 319 502.36 503.24 1.97 0.88 582913 9885076 317 BGH195A No significant intercepts MNUD001 582953 9886224 477 270 0 35.75 36.4 0.97 0.65 582917 9886224 477 MNUD002 582953 9886224 478 271 20 30.75 31.00 0.61 0.25 582925 9886224 488 MNUD003 582953 9886224 479 270 41 54.80 56.97 0.60 2.17 582911 9886224 515 72.65 73.00 1.10 0.35 582898 9886224 526 MNUD004 582953 9886224 476 269 -20 39.56 40.00 0.68 0.44 582915 9886224 462 MNUD005 No significant intercepts MNUD006 No significant intercepts MNUD007 No significant intercepts MNUD008A 582978 9886230 475 85 -73 247.70 257.00 13.63 9.3 583052 9886230 234 259.37 266.57 3.65 7.2 583056 9886229 224 269.00 277.04 3.54 8.04 583059 9886229 214 MNUD009 582977 9886235 477 68 -74 236.30 246.40 41.47 10.1 583042 9886252 245 249.20 257.85 14.72 8.65 583045 9886253 233 263.00 264.82 1.75 1.82 583048 9886253 223 266.16 269.58 2.64 3.42 583049 9886253 219 MNUD010 No significant intercepts MNUD011 No significant intercepts

1 All intercepts are reported as apparent widths and are not true widths
Vancouver, BC, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocket Doctor AI Inc. (CSE: AIDR, OTC: AIRDF, Frankfurt: 939) (Rocket Doctor AI) announces that, due to the Canada Postal Strike, there is a delay in the mailing of the Companys proxy circular and related documents pertaining to the Companys Annual General Meeting (the Meeting) of the shareholders to be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the hour of 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) at the offices of McMillan LLP, Suite 1500  1055 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Company advises that the documents may be found under the Companys profile on Sedar+. Additionally, shareholders may contact the Company directly at kelly.pladson@rocketdoctor.ai to request the meeting material and to register votes via proxy. Shareholders are asked to vote by proxy in advance of the Meeting, of which voting cut off is at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) on Monday, October 20, 2025.

About Rocket Doctor AI Inc.

Rocket Doctor AI Inc. delivers physician-built, AI-powered solutions designed to make high-quality healthcare accessible throughout the entire patient journey. A cornerstone of the companys proprietary technology is the Global Library of Medicine (GLM), a clinically validated decision support system developed with input from hundreds of physicians worldwide.

Alongside the GLM is Rocket Doctor Inc, and its AI-powered digital health platform and marketplace. Having helped empower over 300 MDs to provide care to more than 700,000 patient visits, our proprietary technology software and systems enable doctors to independently launch and manage their own virtual or hybrid in-person practices - improving efficiency, restoring autonomy to MDs, and expanding patient access to care.



By reducing administrative burdens and ensuring greater consistency in care, our technology creates more time for meaningful physician-patient interactions. We are committed to reaching underserved, rural, and remote communities in Canada who often lack access to family doctors and supporting patients on Medicaid and Medicare in the United States. With advanced AI, large language models, and connected medical devices, Rocket Doctor AI is redefining modern healthcare - making it more scalable, equitable, and patient-centered.



To learn more about Rocket Doctor AI Incs products and services, contact:



www.rocketdoctor.ai or email: info@rocketdoctor.ai

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:



Dr. Essam Hamza, CEO, Rocket Doctor AI

essam.hamza@rocketdoctor.ai





For media inquiries, contact: media@rocketdoctor.ai

Call: +1 (778) 819 8321





Cautionary Statements



This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of Rocket Doctor AI Inc. 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 release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, the filing of a Prospectus Supplement and future plans and objectives of Rocket Doctor AI Inc., are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Rocket Doctor AI Inc.'s expectations include other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by Rocket Doctor AI Inc. 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 Rocket Doctor AI Inc. 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 Rocket Doctor AI Inc. will only update or revise publicly the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO, NYSE: ERO) (the Company) will publish its third quarter 2025 operating and financial results on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after market close. The Company will host a conference call to discuss the results on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 11:30am Eastern time (8:30am Pacific time). A results presentation will be available for download via the webcast link and in the Presentations section of the Company's website on the day of the conference call.

CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS

Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Time: 11:30am Eastern Time (8:30am Pacific Time) Dial In: Canada/USA Toll Free: 1-833-752-3380, International: +1-647-846-2821

Please dial in 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the call or pre-register using this link to bypass the live operator queue Webcast: To access the webcast, click here Replay: Canada/USA Toll Free: 1-855-669-9658, International: +1-412-317-0088

For country-specific dial-in numbers, click here Replay Passcode: 1606784

ABOUT ERO COPPER CORP

Ero Copper is a high-margin, high-growth copper and gold producer with operations in Brazil and corporate headquarters in Vancouver, B.C. The Company's primary asset is a 99.6% interest in the Brazilian copper mining company, Mineracao Caraiba S.A. (MCSA), owner of the Company's Caraiba Operations, which are located in the Curaca Valley, Bahia State, Brazil, and the Tucuma Operation, an open pit copper mine located in Para State, Brazil. The Company also owns 97.6% of NX Gold S.A. (NX Gold) which owns the Xavantina Operations, an operating gold mine located in Mato Grosso State, Brazil. In July 2024, the Company signed a definitive earn-in agreement with Vale Base Metals for the right to acquire a 60% interest in the Furnas Copper-Gold Project, located in the Carajas Mineral Province in Para State, Brazil. For more information on the earn-in agreement, please see the Company's press releases dated October 30, 2023 and July 22, 2024. Additional information on the Company and its operations, including technical reports on the Caraiba Operations, Xavantina Operations, Tucuma Operation and the Furnas Copper-Gold Project, can be found on the Companys website (www.erocopper.com), on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca/landingpage/) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) The Companys shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ERO.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Farooq Hamed, VP, Investor Relations

info@erocopper.com
TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rocky Shore Gold Ltd. (Rocky Shore or the Company) (CSE: RSG) is pleased to announce that it has closed the third and final tranche (the Final Tranche) of the non-brokered private placement (the Offering) previously announced on August 11, 2025. Under the Final Tranche, the Company raised aggregate gross proceeds of $503,500 and issued (i) 6,750,000 units (Units), at an issue price of C$0.05 per Unit, with each Unit comprised of one common share of the Company (a Common Share) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a Warrant), and (ii) 3,320,000 Common Shares that qualify as flow-through shares (as defined in subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) (the FT Shares), at an issue price of C$0.05 per FT Share. In total, the Company has sold and issued an aggregate of 31,530,000 Units and 18,470,000 FT Shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $2.5 million pursuant to the full Offering.

Ken Lapierre, President and CEO of the Company, commented, We thank all those new investors and existing shareholders that supported the Companys vision. Funds are now in place to continue our ongoing exploration at our Gold Anchor Project in central Newfoundland, which will include an inaugural drill program at the Lane Pond Gold Target in 2025-26. The Lane Pond Gold Target is strategically associated within the prolific Appleton Fault Corridor and has never been drill tested. The Appleton Fault is known to host gold resources and high-grade gold discoveries on the adjoining project to the northeast of Gold Anchor. We remain focused in our efforts to advance Gold Anchor and identify Newfoundlands next major gold discovery.

Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share, to be issued on a non-flow-through basis, at an exercise price of C$0.10 until October 7, 2028, but subject to accelerated expiry terms following the expiry of the four month and a day hold period. If the Common Shares trade at or above C$0.20 per share for 20 consecutive days, the Company will have the right to accelerate the exercise period to a period ending at least 30 days from the date that notice of such acceleration is provided to the holders of the Warrants.

The proceeds from the Units issued under the Final Tranche will be used for general corporate purposes. The proceeds from the FT Shares issued under the Final Tranche will be used for the exploration and advancement of the Companys Gold Anchor Project.

In connection with the closing of the Final Tranche, the Company paid certain cash finders fees and issued an aggregate of 289,200 finders warrants (each, a Finders Warrant) to eligible finders in respect of subscriptions for Units and FT Units referred by such finders. Each Finders Warrant is exercisable to acquire one additional Common Share (a Finders Warrant Share) at an exercise price of $0.05 per Finders Warrant Share until April 7, 2027.

All securities issued in connection with the Final Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period expiring February 8, 2026.

About Rocky Shore Gold Ltd.

Rocky Shore Gold is a dynamic Canadian exploration company targeting major gold discoveries at its 100%-owned Gold Anchor Project, strategically located in central Newfoundland -one of Canadas most promising and underexplored gold belts. The district-scale grassroots project is the second-largest (greater than 1,200 square kilometres) property within an emerging gold district. It is strategically located on trend to major gold discoveries and recent gold deposits. Numerous gold-bearing faults are within the project limits, including the highly prospective Appleton and JBP Faults. For more information, please visit our website at www.rockyshoregold.com.

Rocky Shore would like to acknowledge the financial support and approval of the 2025 Junior Exploration Assistance Program from the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

For more information, please contact:

Ken Lapierre, President & CEO

Rocky Shore Gold Ltd.

T: +1 (647) 678-3879

E: ken@rockyshoregold.com

Cathy Hume, CEO

CHF Capital Markets

T: +1 (416) 868-1079 x 251

E: cathy@chfir.com

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the Final Tranche and the Offering, and the use of proceeds. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates, currency fluctuations, dependency upon regulatory approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing and exploration risk. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. 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 state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) (Volaris or the Company), the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) serving Mexico, the United States, Central and South America, today released its 2024 Integrated Annual Report, titled The Art of Transformation: Folding a Sustainable Future.

The 2024 Integrated Annual Report is now available on Volaris' Investor Relations webpage: https://ir.volaris.com/.

Investor Relations Contact

Liliana Juarez / ir@volaris.com

Media Contact

Ricardo Flores / rflores@gcya.net

The information included in this report has not been audited and does not provide any information about the Company's future performance. Volaris' future performance depends on a number of factors, and it cannot be inferred that the performance of any period or its comparison with the same period of the previous year is an indicator of similar performance in the future.

About Volaris

*Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion, S.A.B. de C.V. (Volaris or the Company) (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) is an ultra-low-cost carrier, with point-to-point operations, serving Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America. Volaris offers low base fares to build its market, providing quality service and extensive customer choice. Since the beginning of operations in March 2006, Volaris has increased its routes from 5 to more than 225 and its fleet from 4 to 153 aircraft. Volaris offers more than 450 daily flight segments on routes that connect 44 cities in Mexico and 30 cities in the United States, Central, and South America, with one of the youngest fleets in Mexico. Volaris targets passengers who are visiting friends and relatives, cost-conscious business and leisure travelers in Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America. For more information, please visit ir.volaris.com. Volaris routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its investor relations website. The Company encourages investors and potential investors to consult the Volaris website regularly for important information about Volaris.
TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McEwen Copper Inc., 46.4% owned by McEwen Inc. (NYSE, TSX: MUX) is pleased to announce positive results from the independent Feasibility Study (FS) for its 100%-owned Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina.

The FS confirms Los Azules as a long-life, low-cost producer of high-purity copper cathodes with strong economic returns and sustainability. The project design advances Los Azules toward construction readiness within a framework that reduces its environmental footprint. Project risk has been further reduced through a strategic collaboration agreement with IFC to potentially lead debt financing and additional funding proposals for infrastructure and construction.

With these results, Los Azules is positioned to become a supplier of responsibly produced copper, critical to the global energy transition towards a low-carbon sustainable future.

The Los Azules Feasibility Study is more than a technical milestone - its a blueprint for the future of copper mining. We have delivered a plan for a long-life asset that will play a role in the worlds clean-energy transition. Copper is the foundation of electrification and the modern world, and Los Azules is ready to contribute to that global supply chain - responsibly, efficiently, and profitably, said Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner of McEwen Inc.

With this Feasibility Study, our team has transformed the geological potential of Los Azules into a clear, actionable development plan. This work gives us confidence in the projects design, costs, and schedule, providing the foundation for the next stage of growth.

Having significant experience with large-scale construction and mining operations in Argentina, I am confident that we have the right plan, the right team, and the right partnerships to develop Los Azules. Together with our local communities and government partners, we aim to create Argentinas first regenerative copper mine - a model for responsible and innovative mining, said Michael Meding, Vice President of McEwen Copper and General Manager of Los Azules.

This press release starts with the FS Highlights below, followed by Footnotes, a Glossary of Terms, Units and Abbreviations and continues with a detailed account of the study in a Technical Appendix.

FS Highlights

Simple Takeaways

Economics After-tax (1) :

NPV(8%) $2.9B

IRR 19.8%

Payback Period 3.9 yrs

Initial Capital $3.17B





: Copper Cathode Production (2) :

Average Years 15 204,800 tonnes per year ( 451M lbs/yr )

Life of Mine 21 years

Average Production 148,200 t/yr ( 327M lbs/yr )





: ( ) ( ) Costs:

C1 cash cost $1.71/lb

AISC $2.11/lb





Scale  Reserves and Resources(3):

Mineral Reserves

- Proven & Probable 10.2B lbs Cu (1.02 B tonnes at 0.45% Cu)



Mineral Resources ( exclusive of Reserves)

- Measured & Indicated 5.4B lbs Cu (0.97 B tonnes at 0.26% Cu)

- Inferred 20.0B lbs Cu (4.24 B tonnes at 0.21% Cu)

Capital Intensity Using:

LOM Capital &

Production $1,600/t Cu

Initial Capital &

Avg. Annual Production $20,200/t Cu per yr

Designed for Low Impact

Leach + SX/EW process produces 99.99% copper cathodes ( LME Grade A) on site (no smelter required).

produces ( on site (no smelter required). Project design provides:

- 72% lower mine-to-metal carbon intensity than industry average for mine-to-metal

- 100% renewable power(4) (wind, hydro, solar)

- 74% less water use than conventional milling

- No tailings dam

Carbon-neutral (Scopes 1 & 2) goal by 2038.

De-risked Regulatory Status

Environmental Impact Statement EIA (Environmental Permit) for construction and operation was approved by the San Juan Provincial Government's Ministry of Mines in December, 2024.

by the San Juan Provincial Government's Ministry of Mines in December, 2024. Accepted into Argentinas Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) in September, 2025, providing tax, foreign exchange and customs stability for 30 years, legal certainty, foreign exchange regulations allowing to leave export proceeds abroad in increasing steps that will reach 100% by the time the project starts exports and access to international arbitration in case of disputes.

Ownership & Partners

Ownership: McEwen Inc. 46.4%, Stellantis 18.3%, Nuton (Rio Tinto) 17.2%,

Rob McEwen 12.7%, Victor Smorgon Grp 3%, Others 2.4% .

. Preliminary finance proposals from Tier-1 OEMs (Komatsu, Sandvik & others), YPF Luz, European ECAs, and a collaboration agreement with IFC(5) to align with IFCs ESG standards and for potential financing. Indicative proposals could support $1.1B+(6) in equipment and infrastructure financing.

Future Growth Opportunities Beyond the FS

Nuton leaching technology (Rio Tinto venture) could allow processing of primary ores with the existing infrastructure (indicative recoveries >76%) , or a Conventional Concentrator could also provide higher copper recoveries, plus recover gold and silver as well. Either process could extend mine life by 30+ years by economically treating primary sulfides. Neither of these opportunities are included in the FS base case.

(Rio Tinto venture) could allow processing of primary ores with the existing infrastructure (indicative recoveries , or a could also provide higher copper recoveries, plus recover gold and silver as well. Either process could by economically treating primary sulfides. Neither of these opportunities are included in the FS base case. Exploration has shown that there are four porphyry targets near the Los Azules deposit that could provide further extension to the mine life. Exploration of the newly identified targets will start in Q4 2025. High-priority targets near Los Azules include Tango, Porfido Norte, Franca, and Mercedes.

Timeline & Next Steps

FS NI 43-101 Technical Report to be filed: within 45 days (7) .

within 45 days . Water concession: application under review.

application under review. Construction target: 2026  SX/EW startup: 2029  First copper: 2030.

Footnotes to Highlights

(1) NI 43-101 feasibility study using a copper price of $4.35/lb or $9,592/ tonne for cash flow modeling.

(2) Average copper recovery is 70.8% over the life of mine.

(3) For additional details on the calculation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves see Section 3 of the Technical Appendix, Mineral Resource & Reserve Estimates.

(4) Power supply 100% renewable, with 48% lower electricity demand than a conventional concentrator.

(5) Collaboration agreement signed with IFC to align with IFCs ESG standards for potential future financing, an important milestone in McEwen Coppers broader financing strategy.

(6) Preliminary financing proposals from Tier-1 OEMs, YPF Luz, and European ECAs could provide $1.1B+ in equipment and infrastructure support.

(7) The FS NI 43-101 Technical Report will be filed within 45 days on SEDAR and McEwen Inc.s website at https://www.mcewenmining.com/investor-relations/reports-and-filings .

ABOUT MCEWEN INC.

McEwen Inc. shares trade on both the NYSE and TSX under the ticker MUX.

It provides shareholders with exposure to a growing base of gold and silver production in addition to a very large copper development project, all in the Americas. The gold and silver mines are in prolific mineral-rich regions of the world, the Cortez Trend in Nevada, USA, the Timmins district of Ontario, Canada and the Deseado Massif in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. McEwen Inc. is considering reactivating a gold and silver mine in Mexico.

It has a 46.4% interest in the large, long-life, advanced-stage Los Azules copper development project in San Juan province, Argentina  a region that hosts some of the countrys largest copper deposits. The Los Azules copper project is designed to be one of the worlds first regenerative copper mines and carbon neutral by 2038.

Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner, has a personal cost basis for his investment in the companies of over $200 million and takes a salary of $1 per year, aligning his interests closely with shareholders. He is a recipient of the Order of Canada, a member of the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame and a winner of the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Energy) award. His objective is to build MUXs profitability, share value and eventually implement a dividend policy, as he did while building Goldcorp Inc.

ABOUT MCEWEN COPPER

McEwen Copper Inc. is a Canadian-based private company with a 100% interest in the Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina and the Elder Creek copper/gold project in Nevada, USA.

Based on S&P Global data for 2024, Los Azules projected annual production would rank it as the 26th worldwide, once in production, placing it in the top 6% of all 423 copper producers. The project also ranks 10th globally in terms of total Mineral Resources among all undeveloped copper porphyry deposits (company disclosure).

Los Azules is being designed to provide a model to the industry for a more sustainable, low-carbon future and to help improve public perception of mining by fundamentally differing from conventional copper mines substantially reducing water consumption and carbon emissions and operating on 100% renewable electricity once in production.

Glossary of Terms, Units and Abbreviations

AISC - All-In Sustaining Cost (C1 + sustaining capital + royalties + taxes)

Approx. - Approximately

B - billion

Blb - billion pounds

Copper cathode - High-purity (typically 99.99%) of refined copper sheets (LME Grade A) produced through an electrolytic refining process. This finished product serves as a primary raw material for high-quality copper products, such as wires, tubes, and various alloys.

CO-e/t Cu - Kilograms of CO equivalent per tonne of copper

Cu - copper

C1 Costs - Direct cash costs of production

EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment

FS  Feasibility Study

GHG Emissions - Greenhouse gas emissions (CO-equivalent)

Heap Leach - Process of extracting metals by percolating acid through ore piles

Hypogene or Primary - Refers to mineralization formed by ascending hydrothermal fluids deep below the surface, usually at high temperature and pressure

IFC - International Finance Corporation

IRR (Internal Rate of Return) - Rate at which NPV = 0

ktpa - 1,000 tonnes per annum

km - kilometer

lb - pound (0.4536 kg)

leach project - project using heap leach process

LOI - Letter of Intent

LOM - Life of Mine

L/s - 1 liter per second

m - meter

M - million

MW  megawatt (1,000,000 watts)

Mlb - million pounds

NPV (Net Present Value) - Present value of future cash flows discounted at 8%

NSR  (Net Smelter Return) - a royalty based on a percentage of metal produced based on the metal sale proceeds less the cost of refining at an off-site refinery (Metal Price  Payable Metal Content)  (Treatment Charges + Refining Charges + Penalties + Transport/ Insurance/ Marketing Costs)

NTP  Notice to Proceed

Nuton - Rio Tintos proprietary Nuton technology

OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer

oz - troy ounce (31.1 grams)

Primary or Hypogene  Refers to the original ore minerals formed during the initial geological processes (e.g., magmatic or hydrothermal activity). Primary mineralization is typically found at depth and is unaltered by surface weathering.

RIGI - Argentinas Large Investment Incentive Regime

SX/EW - Solvent Extraction / Electrowinning

Secondary - Refers to ore minerals or enrichment formed after the primary (hypogene) stage, usually by supergene processes (weathering, oxidation, and downward percolation of fluids near the surface).

Soluble Copper (CuSOL)  the amount of copper assayed using sequential methodology that includes acid soluble and cyanide soluble assayed components. Acid soluble copper generally represents readily acid dissolvable oxide, carbonate and similar copper minerals. Cyanide soluble copper generally represents secondary copper minerals that are readily leached with commercial bioleach technology (chalcocite, digenite, covellite)

Supergene - Secondary ore minerals formed near the Earths surface through weathering, oxidation, and groundwater movement. Metals are leached from upper zones and reprecipitated at depth, often creating an enriched zone of higher-grade mineralization.

Total Copper (CuT)  the amount of copper contained in all mineral forms in the deposit by conventional assaying methodology. Total copper includes the soluble copper component.

t - tonne (1,000 kg)

yr - year

Technical Appendix

The information in this appendix is provided for technical readers and analysts.

1. Project Overview

Property Description

Exploration Targets

A Sustainable Approach

2. Copper Price Assumption

3. Mineral Resource & Reserve Estimates

Updated Mineral Resource Estimate

Maiden Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate

4. Metallurgy & Recovery

5. Economic Analysis

Economic Metrics

Sensitivity Analysis



6. Capital & Operating Costs

Capital Costs Estimates

YPF Funding Power Supply

Operating Costs Estimates

7. ESG & Sustainability

8. Permitting & Regulatory Status

9. Development Timeline

10. Nuton Opportunity

11. Strategic Partnerships

12. Study Contributors and Qualified Persons

13. End Notes

1. Project Overview

Property Description

Located in Calingasta District, San Juan Province, Argentina, on the border with Chile. The Los Azules copper project is a classic Andean-style porphyry copper deposit. The large hydrothermal alteration system spans at least 5 kilometers (km) by 4 km, elongated along a north-northwest major structural corridor. The Los Azules deposit area itself is approximately 4 km long by 2.2 km wide and lies within the alteration zone.

The limits of the Los Azules mineralization along strike to the North and at depth have not yet been defined. Near-mine primary or hypogene copper mineralization extends to at least 1,000 m below the surface. Near surface, leached primary sulfides (mainly pyrite and chalcopyrite) were redeposited below the water table in a sub-horizontal zone of supergene enrichment as secondary chalcocite and covellite. Hypogene bornite appears at deeper levels together with chalcopyrite. Gold, silver, and molybdenum are present in small amounts, however copper is the economic driver at Los Azules.

Exploration Targets

Porphyry exploration targets near to Los Azules include Tango, Porfido Norte, Franca, and Mercedes. They are a priority for next seasons exploration (see Figure 1). These targets offer the potential to enlarge the size of resources and extend the life-of-mine beyond that presented in this study.

The Franca target, with high-grade intercepts, shows the potential to extend the Los Azules resource to the northeast. The Mercedes target west of Los Azules has hydrothermal alteration and similar surface geology to Los Azules and has the indication to be another hidden porphyry, like Los Azules. Porfido Norte is a target that is located along the main Los Azules structural corridor with indications of a suitable intrusive suite of rocks with hydrothermal alteration. Finally, the Tango target will be mapped in detail to better understand the potential drill targets.

Figure 1: Los Azules deposit (outlined in blue), and exploration targets Mercedes, Porfido Norte, Franca and Tango (black squares). Satellite image with Total Magnetic Intensity map.





Heap Leach SX/EW  The Preferred Path Forward

The FS is based on a heap leach process using solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX/EW) to produce 99.99% copper cathodes (LME Grade A equivalent) for sale in Argentina or international markets. There are three principal reasons why the implementation strategy remains a leach project, as in the 2023 PEA(11):

Environmental Footprint: Process water consumption is 74% lower than a milling operation (158 L/s LOM average vs. 600 L/s). Net electricity demand is 48% lower than a concentrator (119 MW vs. 230 MW). GHG emissions are 72% lower than the average mining operation (1,082 vs. 3,930 kg CO 2 -e/t Cu for Mine-to-Metal(12), with a roadmap to achieve further reductions through new technologies, with the ultimate goal of reaching net-zero carbon by 2038 with some offsets. Los Azules copper cathodes will thus be attractive to end-users seeking to measurably reduce their upstream environmental impacts. Reduced Permitting Risk: With the approval of our Environmental Impact Assessment on December 3, 2024, and the approval of our application for the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) on September 26, 2025, and the expected approval of our Water Concession permit for operations, Los Azules is well positioned to begin construction. The project uses heap leach technology that is well accepted in the San Juan Province today. It also eliminates tailings and tailings dams, conserves scarce water resources, and reduces the overall complexity of the mine, optimizing the permitting process. Producing Cathodes: The leach process will produce LME Grade A copper cathodes, which can be used directly in the fabrication of copper products, both within Argentina and internationally. The production of copper cathodes eliminates reliance on third party foreign smelters for the processing of concentrates into refined copper products. It also eliminates significant GHG emissions associated with transportation, and pollution associated with smelting. Counterparty and pricing risks are also reduced.

A Sustainable Approach

The FS marks another significant step toward our goal of reducing our environmental footprint. Greater environmental and social stewardship sets our project apart from other potential mine developments, which appropriately justifies certain economic trade-offs. Trade-offs to achieve the environmental benefits of heap leaching are lower overall copper recovery, slightly higher unit costs, and less immediate cashflow due to extended leach cycles. Nevertheless, the leach project remains economically attractive. Furthermore, McEwen Copper believes that some of these drawbacks can be mitigated by implementing developing technologies such as the Nuton Technology, discussed below. Additionally, trolley-assist haulage, conveyor waste haulage, and In-Pit Crush and Convey (IPCC) will be further evaluated during the detailed engineering stage to continue to reduce the mines carbon footprint. Additionally overall CAPEX is lower than comparable concentrators.

The team has also worked safely with 1,848,632 man-hours worked since our last Lost Time Incident and since January of 2022 we have worked a total of 2,367,891 man-hours to achieve this study result.

We developed regenerative guiding principles to frame our approach to sustainable innovation and set high-reaching goals addressing all facets of the mining and processing options considered for Los Azules. The project development seeks to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations and their associated GHG emissions by integrating the latest renewable and environmentally responsible technologies and processes. The project has letters of intent (LOIs) to obtain 100% of its energy from renewable sources (wind, hydro, and solar), primarily from YPF Luz, using a combination of off-site and onsite installations. The project is also seeking to have long-term net positive impacts on the greater Andean ecosystem, local flora and fauna, the lives of miners, and citizens of nearby communities, while contributing positively to the local and national economy of Argentina. Refer to the full FS NI 43-101 Technical Report for more information about our regenerative approach.

2. Copper Price Assumptions

The copper price used for mineral reserves in the FS was $4.25 per pound and $4.80 per pound for mineral resources, in line with analysts consensus projections for long-term copper prices that range between $3.55 and $5.00 per pound, with a median price of $4.25 per pound. The mineral resource price was set at 113% of the mineral reserve price.

Economics in the cashflow model were analyzed at $4.35 per pound copper. This reflects analysts consensus at the time of publication of the feasibility study.

3. Mineral Resource & Reserve Estimates

The FS includes an updated independent Mineral Resource and a maiden Mineral Reserve estimate, which contains a Mineral Resource of 5.4 B lbs Cu Measured and Indicated (965.5 million tonnes at grade 0.255% Cu) and 20.0 B lbs Cu Inferred (4,239.3 million tonnes at grade 0.214% Cu) (exclusive of Reserves), and a maiden Mineral Reserve of 10.2 B lbs Cu Proven and Probable (1,023.1 million tonnes at grade 0.453% Cu).

This study provides an update on the work done for the 2023 Los Azules PEA. Drilling more than 120,000 meters with more than 2.3 M man-hours worked in the last three seasons has upgraded the resource categories to allow us to present a Mineral Reserve in the FS similar to the 1.182 B tonnes of mineable Mineral Resources containing 10.9 B lbs Cu in the 2023 PEA. This achievement included a campaign during the 2023/2024 season with 70,000 meters drilled and up to 23 rigs operating simultaneously at site.

This program was executed in collaboration with seven drilling contractors, including two local ventures that were operating LF160 Boart Longyear rigs owned by McEwen Copper. During this period, the company also acquired the largest fleet of LF160s in South America and assembled a highly trained team to support the ambitious drilling program.

Maiden Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve Estimate

The Los Azules project is to be developed as a large-scale open pit mining operation. 1.02 billion tonnes of ore will be mined at average diluted head grades of 0.45% Cu and a strip ratio of 1.65:1 over a 21-year mine life including pre-production and stockpile reclaim plus 2 years of leaching operation production.

Given the concern about the geotechnical stability of the ultimate pit slopes, several consultants reviewed the data, and E-Mining Technology ultimately provided the analysis that was used to design the pit. The significant amount of drilling, review of core, and analysis resulted in a delay in the delivery of the feasibility study but has improved the confidence in the design basis for the open pit. The ultimate slopes will not be mined for several years into the mine life, which allows time for additional geotechnical work to be done to improve the understanding of the rock qualities that can support those design parameters for interim and ultimate pit phases.

The Los Azules pit will be mined in 12 phases. Eighteen geotechnical sectors were defined with overall slope angles ranging from 32 to 37 degrees, according to E-Mining Technologys geotechnical study. The shallowest overall slope angles are in the north and south of the pit, as well as in the bottom portion of the eastern side, due to a faultweakened zone.

Large electrically powered hydraulic shovels will be used in combination with ultra-class 360-tonne haul trucks. These are sized to mine 15-meter-high benches. To maximize productivity, efficiency and safety in a high altitude environment, the drills and haul trucks will be autonomously operated.

The Mineral Reserves for Los Azules are updated and stated in Table 1. Measured mineral resources and Indicated mineral resources were converted to Proven and Probable mineral reserves, respectively. Ore reserves were estimated using long-term metal price estimates of $4.25/ lb Cu.

Table 1: Mineral Reserve Statement, Effective Date September 3, 2025 Grade Contained Metal Reserve Class Tonnage (Kt) Total Cu % Soluble Cu % Cu M lb Proven 229,879 0.683 0.495 3,463 Probable 793,173 0.386 0.259 6,754 Total 1,023,052 0.453 0.312 10,217

Table 1 Notes:

The Qualified Person for the Mineral Reserve estimates is Gordon Zurowski P.Eng., an AGP employee. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 03 September 2025. Mineral Reserves are reported on a 100% basis.

Mineral Reserves are estimated assuming open pit mining methods and include dilution. Recoveries were based on the extractions shown in Figure 2. Pit slopes vary by sector and range from 32 to 37. The cut-off is variable and ranges from $4.79/t NSR to $7.23/t NSR. The copper price used was $4.25/lb Cu. Cu recovery varies by lithology. Mining costs vary by bench with a minimum of $2.14/t and a maximum of $4.11/t. Processing costs are variable and range from $3.18/t to $5.62/t leached. The processing costs include: $1.61/t G&A, $0.43/t leached for sustaining capital, and $0.15/t leached to account for closure cost. Copper cathode sales cost is $0.02/lb Cu. Copper cathode was assumed to be sold FOB the mine site.



Updated Mineral Resource Estimate

The database for resource estimation has a cutoff date of March 27, 2025. An additional 1,075 meters of drilling from four geotechnical holes, completed from early 2025 to date, were not included in the resource estimate.

The mineral resources have been classified according to guidelines and logic set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM 2019) Definitions referred to in NI 43-101. Resources were classified as Measured, Indicated or Inferred by considering the geology, sampling, and grade estimation aspects of the model. For geology, consideration was given to the confidence in the interpretation of the lithologic domain boundaries and geometry. For sampling, consideration was given to the number and spacing of composites, the orientation of drilling and the reliability of sampling. For the estimation results, consideration was given to the confidence with which grades were estimated, as measured by the quality of the match between the grades of the data and the model.

Mineral resources are determined using an NSR cut-off value to cover the processing cost for each recovery methodology. For supergene and primary material using sulfuric acid leaching and SX/EW recovery, a marginal cut-off was used that was variable ranging from $4.79/t NSR to $7.23/t NSR. The supergene and primary material can be treated in a float mill with NSR cutoffs of $5.13/t and $5.11/t, respectively. NSR values are based on a copper price of $4.80/lb, gold at $2,500/oz and silver at $32/oz where applicable. Variable pit slopes between 32 and 37 were applied depending on sector.

The current database is sufficient for preparing a long-range model that will serve as a basis for modeling associated with completing the FS. The extent of mineralization along strike exceeds three kilometers, and the distance across strike is approximately one kilometer. The deposit is open at depth. Over the approximately 2.5 km strike length where mineralization is strongest, the average drill spacing ranges from approximately 50 meters to more than 120 meters. The central core of the enriched zone is drilled at an approximate 50 m spacing. The assay database considers 627 drillholes with 132,255 meters of assayed intervals. Resource estimation work was performed using Datamine Studio software.

Resources disclosed in Table 2 are reported in two categories related to processing amenability:

1) materials that are suited for processing in a commercially proven conventional, ambient conditions, copper bio-leaching scheme (Leach); and

2) materials that are better suited to processing either in a more advanced bio-leaching scheme such as Nuton Technology or traditional milling/concentrator approach (Mill or Leach+).

Table 2: Mineral Resources ( Exclusive of Mineral Reserves), Effective Date September 3, 2025 Million

tonnes (MT) Average Grade Contained Metal CuT

% CuSol

% Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(Blbs) Au

(Moz) Ag

(Moz) Measured & Indicated Supergene Leach 251.9 0.303 0.167 - - 1.7 -



-



Supergene Mill or Leach+ 77.6 0.108 0.042 0.04 1.11 0.2 0.1 2.8 Primary Mill or Leach+ 635.9 0.255 0.046 0.05 1.17 3.6 0.9 23.8 Total

Measured & Indicated Leach & Mill or Leach+ 965.5 0.255 0.077 5.4 1.0 26.6 Inferred Supergene Mill or Leach+ 601.1 0.292 0.131 0.04 1.32 3.9 0.9 25.5 Primary Mill or Leach+ 3,638.2 0.201 0.027 0.04 1.06 16.1 4.9 124.5 Total

Inferred Leach & Mill or Leach+ 4,239.3 0.214 0.042 20.0 5.7 149.9

Notes to Table 2:

The Qualified Person for the Mineral Resource estimate is Jeff Sullivan  CRM-SA, LLC. Mineral Resources have an effective date of September 3, 2025.

Mineral resources, which are not mineral reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant factors.

The quantity and grade of reported inferred mineral resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there is insufficient exploration to define these inferred mineral resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource; it is expected that further infill drilling will result in upgrading the majority of this material to an indicated or measured classification.

Reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction are demonstrated by using a calculated NSR value in each block to evaluate an open pit shell using Measured, Indicated and Inferred blocks in Geovia Whittle pit optimization software. Mining costs vary by bench with a minimum of $2.14/t and a maximum of $6.38/t.

NSR was calculated using the following: metal prices of $4.80/lb for copper, $2,500/oz for gold and $32/oz for silver, Processing costs are variable and range from $3.18/t to $5.62/t leached. Milling process cost are $5.13/t for supergene and $5.11/t for primary ores. Total freight costs of $150/t for concentrate, selling costs of $0.02/lb for copper.

A marginal cut-off was used that was variable ranging from $4.79/t NSR to $7.23/t NSR based on extraction of the resource from the enriched zone using sulfuric acid leaching and SX/EW recovery; the recovery was calculated using the extractions shown in Figure 2 and applying a 95% operational efficiency.

and applying a 95% operational efficiency. The supergene and primary material can potentially be treated in a mill/concentrator with NSR cut-offs of $5.13/t for supergene and $5.11/t for primary respectively. The mill has the added benefit of also recovering the gold and silver present in the resource. Additional parameters are used for the NSR calculation for this scenario. Mill recoveries for the secondary copper resources were 89.3% and for the primary resources were 93.2%.

Depending on the potential depth of the pit, total pit slope angles ranged from 32 to 37 depending on the sector. Overburden slopes were set at 32.

Composites of 2 m length were capped where needed; the capping strategy is based on the distribution of grade which varies by location (i.e. domain or proximity to controlling structures) and the associated potential metal removal. The resource estimate is based on uncapped copper grades; local capped grades are used for gold and silver.

Block grades were estimated using a combination of ordinary Kriging and inverse distance squared weighting depending on domain size.

Model blocks are 20 m x 20 m x 15 m in size.

4. Metallurgy & Recovery

The metallurgical development for the Los Azules feasibility was completed in three phases:

Phase 1: Baseline testing from the test work program outlined in the 2023 PEA.

Phase 2: Testing using samples from the 20212022 drilling campaigns, to expand the variability database from Phase 1 and to extend the geometallurgical data set to include lithologic domains.

Phase 3: Scale-up validation using samples from the 2022-2023 exploration campaigns, to validate scale-up from the baseline 3-meter columns to the planned 9-meter bench height of the heap leach pad and to confirm extraction within the test programs. The Phase 3 master composites were built by lithologic domain and were pulled from within the pit shell for the initial five years of operation. Additional samples were collected from the 2023-2024 exploration campaign from holes drilled vertically.

The metallurgical work completed to date provides comprehensive understanding of the expected performance characteristics of the Los Azules deposit. The anticipated copper extractions shown in Figure 2 are utilized in the block model to calculate NSR value for each block in conjunction. Copper recovered to cathodes will consider a heap efficiency and inventory factor of 95% of the extractable copper, based on general experience and industry practice.

Figure 2: All 360-day column extraction data plotted as soluble copper (CuSOL) to total copper (CuT) ratio of the head grade broken out by lithology and ratios.





Notes: IMP = Intermineral Porphyry, IMP BX = IMP Breccia, DIO = Diorite, EMP = Early Mineral Porphyry, and EMP BX = EMP Breccia

The expected overall total copper recovery is approximately 70.8% and is distributed over a three-year timeframe from placement on the leach pad to account for the timing of active leaching cycles as the pad is constructed. The copper extraction methodology best reflects the potential variability related to host rock materials and the expected variability related to copper grades, mineralogy and recovery that can be practically applied in the mining modeling. In the opinion of the QP, the metallurgical test work and analysis support the metallurgical assumptions provided and used in the mineral reserve statement, the feasibility mine plans, and the economic analysis presented in this report.

Processing of the primary ores can be achieved by using both the Nuton process, alternative leaching processes such as chloride leaching or by using a conventional milling operation to produce concentrates. The advantage of conventional milling is the additional revenue from the recovered gold and silver from the deposit. The next stage of metallurgical test work will include sufficient work to evaluate the processing method to be used for the primary ores during the detailed engineering and initial operations phase.

5. Economic Analysis

Economic Metrics

All currency shown in the FS is expressed in constant Q2 2025 United States Dollars unless otherwise noted.

The Business Case for the leach project uses a copper price assumption of $4.35/lb. Summary results are provided below in Table 3.

Table 3: Project Metrics  Business Case Project Metric Unit Number Mine Life Years 21 Tonnes Processed Billion tonnes 1.023 Tonnes Waste Mined Billion tonnes 1.684 Strip Ratio 1.65 Total Copper Grade (CuT) % CuT 0.453% Soluble Copper Grade (CuSOL) % CuSOL 0.312% Total Copper Recovery % 70.8% Copper Production (LOM avg.) tonnes/yr 148,200 Copper Production (Yrs 1-5) tonnes/yr 204,800 Copper Production  cathode Cu ktonnes 3,279 Initial Capital Cost USD Millions $3,168 Sustaining Capital Cost USD Millions $2,131 Closure Costs USD Millions $386 C1 Cost (Life of Mine) USD/lb Cu $1.71 All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) USD/lb Cu $2.11 Before Taxes Net Cumulative Cashflow USD Millions $12,721 Internal Rate of Return (IRR) % 24.3% Net Present Value (NPV) @ 8% USD Millions $4,280 After Taxes Net Cumulative Cashflow USD Millions $9,647 Internal Rate of Return (IRR) % 19.8% Net Present Value (NPV) @ 8% USD Millions $2,940 Pay Back Period Years 3.87

The FS for Los Azules envisions an average annual copper cathode production of 451 million lbs per year (204,800 tonnes) during the first five years of operation, representing an increase of 50 million lbs per year compared to the initial five years of the 2023 PEA production schedule. Over the 21-year life of mine, the average annual copper cathode production is projected at 327 million lbs per year (148,200 tonnes).

Based on the LOM extraction of mineralized material containing approximately 10.2 billion lbs (4.63 million tonnes) of total copper, and an average copper recovery of 70.8%, total copper recoverable to cathode is 7.23 billion lbs (3.28 million tonnes). The copper production by year is shown in Figure 3:

Figure 3: Copper Cathode Production by Year





Other economic metrics:

Initial capital expenditure $3.17 billion

Project capital intensity $9.18/ lb Cu per year (or $20,200/ t Cu per year ) based on Initial capital / average annual production, or $0.73/ lb Cu (or $1,600/ t Cu) based on LOM Capex / LOM production (8) .

(or ) based on Initial capital / average annual production, or (or based on LOM Capex / LOM production . Average EBITDA(9) per year $1.31 billion for Years 1-5 and $696 million for Years 6-21.

A Nuton Technology Case is considered in the opportunity section of the FS as a separate project at a PEA-level of study. That case would process primary material stockpiled during the mining of the leach project and mineral resources outside of the Mineral Reserve pit with low soluble copper content. The Nuton case would use the existing processing facilities to support the operation, with a new leach pad and Pregnant Leach Solution pumped back to the original solvent exchange & electrowinning facility. The use of Nuton Technology has the potential to extend the life of the project and will continue to be evaluated after the conclusion of the FS.

Sensitivity Analysis

The leach project economics remain attractive (i.e. with an after-tax IRR of 15% or above) at a copper price above $3.74 per pound and are similarly resistant to an increase in LOM capital expenditure of up to 25% and an increase in operating expenses of up to 37% (see Figure 4 below).

Table 4 below shows the sensitivity of the leach projects after-tax economics to copper price fluctuations (+/- 20%). The project after-tax NPV8% is breakeven at a copper price of $3.10 per pound.

Table 4: Project Copper Price Sensitivity Sensitivity to Change in

Metal Pricing After-Tax Cu Price

Copper Price NPV IRR Payback (%)

$ Cu/lb $M % Years -20% $3.48 $902 12% 5.78 -15% $3.70 $1,411 14% 5.15 -10% $3.92 $1,921 16% 4.68 -5% $4.13 $2,430 18% 4.33 0% $4.35 $2,940 19.8% 3.87 5% $4.57 $3,449 21% 3.59 10% $4.79 $3,956 23% 3.39 15% $5.00 $4,461 25% 3.23 20% $5.22 $4,966 26% 3.06

Table 5 below shows the sensitivity of the project economics to initial and sustaining capital expenditure escalation on an after-tax basis.

Table 5: Project Initial & Sustaining CAPEX Sensitivity Sensitivity to Increased CAPEX (%) After-Tax NPV IRR Payback $M % Years 0% $2,940 19.8% 3.87 5% $2,773 19% 4.18 10% $2,606 18% 4.41 15% $2,440 17% 4.60 20% $2,273 16% 4.78 25% $2,107 15% 4.99

Table 6 below shows the sensitivity of the project economics to operating expenditure escalation on a after-tax basis.

Table 6: Project OPEX Sensitivity Sensitivity to Increased OPEX (%) After-Tax NPV IRR Payback $M % Years 0 $2,940 19.8% 3.87 5% $2,746 19% 4.00 10% $2,553 18% 4.18 15% $2,359 18% 4.32 20% $2,166 17% 4.43 25% $1,973 16% 4.54

Figure 4: Chart of IRR Sensitivity (After-Tax) Relative to Copper Price, CAPEX and OPEX





6. Capital & Operating Costs

Capital Costs Estimates

The project includes the development of an open pit mine with multi-stage crushing and screening, a heap leach pad, and a copper solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX/EW) facility with a nominal production capacity of 215 ktpa copper cathodes (design maximum 240 ktpa). Initial capital infrastructure for the Base Case includes the following facilities:

Mine development and associated infrastructure

Coarse rock storage and ore handling (crushing, conveying, agglomeration)

Heap leach pads and conveyor stacking systems

SX/EW facility

Sulfuric acid plant

On-site utilities and ancillary facilities including a construction camp

Off-site infrastructure: power transmission line (outsourced), access roads, and permanent camp

The Projects initial capital costs are based on budgetary quotes for major equipment, recent in-house cost information and installation factors, and regional contractor inputs and facilities obtained between Q2 and Q3 2025. The capital costs for the project are summarized in Table 5 and should be viewed with the level of accuracy expected for a Feasibility Study.

Design allowances for materials quantities and labor and contingencies were included in the project estimate.

Table 7: Project Initial Capital Cost Description Cost

($M) Direct On-Site Facilities Mine Facilities, Equipment, Pre-Production $805.9 Ore Storage & Handling $283.3 Heap Leach $331.6 SX-EW $188.5 Sulfuric Acid Plant $114.3 Ancillary Facilities $123.4 Site Development & Yard Utilities $101.6 Water Supply $29.6 Direct Off-Site Facilities Power Supply (see below) -0- Local Support Facilities $16.4 Access Roads $93.6 Logistics Activities Zone (LAZ) $45.6 Total Direct Cost $2,133.7 Project Indirects & Construction Services Contractor Indirect Cost $41.7 Catering, Camp Operations & Maintenance $94.6 Contracted Services $89.6 Construction Equipment, Tools & Supplies $14.6 Freight & Duties $59.3 Field Startup & Vendor Services $15.1 Spares, Initial Fills (incl. Mining) $65.5 Project Indirect/ Project Management Labor EPCM Services $139.2 Owner's Cost Owner Project Team $7.6 Office Costs & Assets incl. vehicles $0.6 Owner Services Cost $28.8 Owner Preproduction G&A Costs $104.7 Opex During Ramp-up $34.8 Total Indirect Cost $691.0 Design Growth Allowances $44.3 Contingency $293.9 Total Capital Cost $3,167.9

YPF Funding Power Supply

The construction cost of the Power Supply line to site and the electrical system upgrades total approximately $440 million which has not been included in the capital estimate as YPF Luz, a large Argentinean power utility company, will be constructing the line at their expense pursuant to a long-term, renewable power purchase agreement and connection repayment that will follow the terms agreed to in a Memorandum of Understanding.

To date, the company received preliminary finance proposals from Tier-1 OEMs and European export credit agencies for opportunities exceeding $1.1 billion for infrastructure and technology, covering 85 to 100% of major mechanical equipment and local installation costs  see the Strategic Partnerships section.

Operating Costs Estimates

Table 8 summarizes the LOM project operating costs per tonne of material processed and per pound of copper produced.

Table 8: LOM Project Cash Costs Description LOM Cost/tonne

($) LOM Cost/lb

($) Mining 6.22 0.87 Processing 3.83 0.54 General & Administrative 1.86 0.26 Selling Expenses 0.28 0.04 LOM C1 Costs 12.05 1.71

7. ESG & Sustainability

Environmental Highlights:

Process water use : 159 L/s LOM average, 74% lower than a conventional mill producing copper concentrate with approx. 600 L/s (10) .

: 159 L/s LOM average, producing copper concentrate with approx. 600 L/s . Peak Site Water use : 244.2 L/s, with 227 L/s allocated for mining activities and 17.2 L/s for human use.

: 244.2 L/s, with 227 L/s allocated for mining activities and 17.2 L/s for human use. Electricity demand : 119 MW ( 48% lower than a concentrator )

: 119 MW ( ) GHG emissions : For the current project basis, the estimated annual average Green House Gas (GHG) emissions for the Los Azules project is 1,082 kg CO2-e/t Cu from Scope 1 and 2 sources. This places the project on the lowest decile of the copper industry carbon curve, well below the estimated industry average of 4,026 kg CO2-e/t Cu(5) using Skarn Associates mine-to-metal E1 metric (13) . At the start of operations, Los Azules will already be one of the lowest carbon copper cathodes produced in the world.



The project continues to develop electrification strategies for the mine and overall project including application of trolley assist for mine haulage, in-pit crushing and conveying and waste conveyance. The timing for these applications and others is under final analysis. Los Azules is also well positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities (e.g. battery electric mine and services vehicles) and longer-term developing technologies.

: For the current project basis, the estimated annual average Green House Gas (GHG) emissions for the Los Azules project is 1,082 kg CO2-e/t Cu from Scope 1 and 2 sources. This places the project on the lowest decile of the copper industry carbon curve, well below the estimated industry average of 4,026 kg CO2-e/t Cu(5) using Skarn Associates mine-to-metal E1 metric . At the start of operations, Los Azules will already be one of the lowest carbon copper cathodes produced in the world. The project continues to develop electrification strategies for the mine and overall project including application of trolley assist for mine haulage, in-pit crushing and conveying and waste conveyance. The timing for these applications and others is under final analysis. Los Azules is also well positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities (e.g. battery electric mine and services vehicles) and longer-term developing technologies. Goal: McEwen Copper is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2038 at Los Azules, a target achievable using emerging technologies and offsets.

The project will source 100% renewable energy (wind, hydro, solar) and aims for net positive impacts on local ecosystems and communities.

8. Permitting & Regulatory Status

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Los Azules was granted on December 3, 2024.

On September 26, 2025, Los Azules was accepted into the Large Investment Incentive Regime RIGI. The investment regime provides the project with legal, fiscal, and customs stability for 30 years, including:

- Legal certainty, including tax, customs and foreign exchange stability for 30 years, with improved mechanisms in comparison with a prior regime applicable to mining activities, and access to international arbitration should a dispute arise.

- Tax incentives in the investment phase -such as release from VAT payments which significantly reduces the financial burden during construction- and in the operation phase, such as the reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 25% from the general 35%, a 50% reduction in the dividend withholding tax, no export tax, an accelerated depreciation for new capital investments, and exemption from export duties.

- Streamlined customs procedures, including duty and tax exemptions to import of capital goods and the ability to leave export proceeds in foreign bank accounts, available to be applied to debt repayment or any other goal.

The Water Concession permit applications are currently under review with the provincial government. The use of heap leach technology, which is well accepted in San Juan Province, reduces permitting complexity by eliminating tailings and conserving water.

9. Nuton Opportunity

Nuton is a technology venture of Rio Tinto that became a strategic partner of McEwen Copper in 2022. The Nuton Technology is a suite of proprietary technologies that provide opportunities to leach both primary and secondary copper sulfides, providing a significant opportunity to optimize mine plans and overall mining and processing operations. In addition, Nuton Technology provides significant other benefits, such as lower overall energy consumption, lower CO2 emissions, smaller land footprint, and lower water consumption per unit of copper produced than conventional sulfide mineralization recovery processes.

Based on strategic planning work by Whittle Consulting and considering the inferred resources, the use of Nuton offers the opportunity to extend the mine life beyond conventional leaching by 30 years or more.

Based on preliminary scoping testing, the Nuton Technology offers the potential for copper recoveries of up to 85% on primary copper sulfide ore bodies, depending on the specific mineralogy make-up of the mineral resource. At Los Azules, the Nuton Technology has the potential to economically process the large primary sulfide copper resource as an alternative to a concentrator, with low incremental capital following the oxide and supergene leach, no tailings requirement, and a smaller environmental footprint. Producing copper cathode with Nuton on-site also has the advantage of simplifying outbound logistics in comparison to copper concentrates and offers a finished product to the domestic and international market.

The outcomes modelled using Nutons proprietary computational fluid dynamics model are very encouraging and indicate that unoptimized copper recovery to cathode from primary material using Nuton Technology should range from 73% to 79%. Furthermore, recovery from secondary material using Nuton Technology is high, ranging from 80% to 86%. This could provide a significant opportunity to optimize the mine plan and reduce the need for selective mining, as simultaneous stacking of both secondary and primary mineralization will not impact the copper recovery of either material type. Based on the current resource estimate, using Nuton Technology in the project could have a significant positive impact on the expected life of the mine and the projected cashflow, without significantly increasing the initial capital investment required.

Column leaching of Los Azules composite samples at Nuton facilities was completed in Q1 2024 and used to support modelled metallurgical recoveries. Testing has been completed at Nuton facilities with a Phase 2a program, developing process design criteria and evaluating performance tested at a 10 m tall, large column scale. Fully mass balanced results are expected to be completed in Q4 2025. Preliminary assessment of the assay data suggests similar results to those provided in the PEA document. Besides refining and validating modelled data through additional column testing for Los Azules, Nuton is progressing an industrial-scale deployment at the Johnson Camp Mine (JCM) owned and operated by Gunnison Copper Corporation Inc. in Arizona, USA. This deployments aim is to validate the Nuton Technology package, from design and engineering to commissioning and operation, and to de-risk future Nuton deployments like the potential one at Los Azules.

McEwen Copper and Nuton are actively collaborating to deploy the Nuton Technology at Los Azules. While a formal commercial agreement is not yet in place, both parties are committed to working in good faith toward establishing such an arrangement.

10. Development Timeline

The Gantt chart below presents a simplified project development timeline based on regional contractor inputs and long-lead equipment and materials delivery assumptions provided by vendors.

The schedule assumes that the feasibility study work is completed in October 2025, necessary permits to begin work are completed, and initial financing is in place to achieve the scheduled milestones.

Following this Level 3 schedule, the SX/EW plant could start in 2029, and the first cathode would be produced in 2030.

Figure 5: - Gantt Chart for Los Azules Project Development Timeline





11. Strategic Partnerships

McEwen Copper partnered with Nuton to evaluate the application of Nuton Technology for the treatment of primary mineralization at the Los Azules project. Nuton also holds a 17.2% equity stake in McEwen Copper.

Stellantis, the world's fifth largest automaker, is also a strategic shareholder with an 18.3% interest. The partnership includes a copper cathode and concentrates purchase rights agreement and a joint commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2038.

As of the date of this release, McEwen Copper has received preliminary finance proposals with referential conditions from Tier 1 OEMs including, Komatsu, and Sandvik, as well as from European export credit agencies, covering 85 to 100% of the major mechanical equipment and 50% of the local construction cost for the project. The Argentine power company YPF Luz has signed an agreement with Los Azules to provide financing for the upgrades to the power grid and the power supply to the mine site and has agreed to provide 100% renewable power to the project. These proposals open the opportunity to finance more than $1.1 billion in investments for the crushing and handling system, SX/EW plant, acid plant, drilling fleet, and hauling and loading mining fleet, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies that support our regenerative guiding principles and commitment to sustainable innovation.

In September 2025, McEwen Copper announced that it had signed a collaboration agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to support the alignment of the Los Azules copper project with IFCs ESG standards for potential future financing. This represents an important milestone in the companys broader financing strategy, helping to align the project with top-tier sustainability standards while paving the way for IFC as a potential lead lender and equity partner.

12. Study Contributors and Qualified Persons

The FS Technical Report is prepared in accordance with the requirements set forth by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) for the disclosure of material information and is intended to meet the requirements of a Feasibility Study (FS) level of study and disclosure as defined in the regulations and supporting reference documents. The effective date of the report is September 3, 2025.

The report was prepared by Samuel Engineering Inc., with contributions from Knight Piesold Consulting, AGP Mining Consultants Inc, Nuton, a Rio Tinto Venture, E-Mining Technology S.A., Call & Nicholas, Inc., Itasca Consulting Group, Inc., CRM-SA, LLC, McLennan Design/Perkins&Will, Whittle Consulting Pty Ltd, Techint S.A.C.I., BW Hidrogeologia y Medioambiente, and SRK Consulting UK Limited, under the supervision of David Tyler, McEwen Copper Project Director.

The feasibility study and associated disclosures have been reviewed and verified by the following qualified persons under NI 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects:

Technical aspects of this news release related to Project Execution, Development information, and other information excluding mineral resource disclosure, have been reviewed and verified by James L. Sorensen  FAusIMM Reg. No. 221286 with Samuel Engineering.

Technical aspects of this news release related to McEwen information, and other information excluding mineral resource disclosure, have been reviewed and verified by David Tyler  SME Registered Member. No. 3288830. He is the Project Director of the Los Azules Project and is not independent of the issuer.

Technical aspects of this news release related to Metallurgical Summary and Process Information, have been reviewed and verified by Michael McGlynn  SME Registered Member No. 4149430 with Samuel Engineering.

Disclosure related to the updated Los Azules mineral resource estimate has been reviewed and approved by Jeff Sullivan  FAusIMM Reg. No. 201778 with CRM-SA, LLC.

Disclosure related to the initial Los Azules mining, and mineral reserve estimate has been reviewed and approved by Gordon Zurowski, P.Eng with AGP Mining Consultants.

Technical aspects of this news release related to Financial Modeling, have been reviewed and verified by Steve Pozder  P.E. with Samuel Engineering.

13. End Notes

(8) Project capital intensity is defined as Initial Capex ($) / LOM Avg. Annual Copper Production (lbs or tonnes per year) or as LOM Capex ($) / LOM Copper Production (lbs or tonnes). C1 cash costs per pound produced is defined as the cash cost incurred at each processing stage, from mining through to recoverable copper delivered to the market, net of any by-product credits. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) per pound of copper produced adds production royalties, non-recoverable VAT and sustaining capital costs to C1. AISC margin is the ratio of AISC to gross revenue. Capital intensity, C1 cash costs per pound of copper produced, AISC per pound of copper produced, and AISC margin are all non-GAAP financial metrics. Numbers may not total due to rounding.

(9) Annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.

(10) 2017 NI 43-101 Technical Report on Los Azules Project, Hatch Engineering (Throughput of 120,000 tpd of mineralized material).

(11) 2023 NI 43-101 Technical Report on Los Azules Project, Samuel Engineering.

(12) Kilograms of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent per tonne of Copper Equivalent produced. Carbon Dioxide Equivalent means having the same global warming potential as any other greenhouse gas.

(13) Skarn Associates Copper Mine GHG and Energy Intensity Curve Generator, June 2025 dataset for the year 2030. The E1 metric includes all GHG emissions from mine to refined metal. Skarn recommends E1 intensity as the most suitable metric for comparing operations, allowing SXEW and concentrate producers to be evaluated on the same curve, at the same product boundary - refined copper cathode.

CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and information, including "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements and information expressed, as at the date of this news release, McEwen Inc.'s estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results for both its consolidated operations and those of McEwen Copper Inc. (McEwen Copper, the company). Forward-looking statements and information regarding McEwen Inc. and McEwen Copper (the companies) are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the market price of precious and base metals, mining industry risks, political, economic, social and security risks associated with foreign operations, the ability of the companies to receive or receive in a timely manner permits or other approvals required in connection with operations, the risk that the RIGI regime may be curtailed, extinguished or amended, risks associated with the construction of mining operations and commencement of production and the projected costs thereof, risks related to litigation, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves, foreign exchange volatility, foreign exchange controls, foreign currency risk, and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information included herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. The companies undertake no obligation to reissue or update forward-looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See McEwen Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the caption "Risk Factors", for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward-looking statements and information regarding McEwen Inc. and McEwen Copper. All forward-looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.

The NYSE and TSX have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management of McEwen Inc. and McEwen Copper.

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WEB SITE SOCIAL MEDIA www.mcewenmining.com McEwen Inc Facebook: facebook.com/mceweninc LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mcewen-mining-inc- CONTACT INFORMATION X: x.com/mceweninc 150 King Street West Instagram: instagram.com/mceweninc Suite 2800, PO Box 24 Toronto, ON, Canada McEwen Copper Facebook: facebook.com/ mcewencopper M5H 1J9 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/mcewencopper Twitter: twitter.com/mcewencopper Investor Relations: Instagram: instagram.com/mcewencopper (866)-441-0690 - Toll free line (647)-258-0395 Rob McEwen Facebook: facebook.com/mcewenrob Mihaela Iancu ext. 320 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-mcewen-646ab24 info@mcewenmining.com Twitter: twitter.com/robmcewenmux

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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Koryx Copper Inc. (the Company) (TSX-V: KRY) (NSX: KYX) announced today certain amendments to its management information circular dated August 29, 2025 (the Information Circular) in connection with the special meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (the Meeting).

At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to approve the transfer of the Companys registered office and place of central administration to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with continuation of the Companys legal personality as a public limited company (societe anonyme) under the name Koryx Copper S.A. and, consequently, change of the nationality of the Company (the Continuation), as well as certain ancillary resolutions (collectively, the Resolutions). As originally described in the Information Circular, the effective time of the Continuation was contemplated as being the day after the Luxembourg notary signs the notarial deed recording the Resolutions (the Effective Time).

In order to continue out of British Columbia, the Company must obtain the authorization of the Registrar of Companies under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the BC Registrar). However, due to an ongoing labor dispute involving the British Columbia government and public sector workers, the Company may not obtain the BC Registrars authorization by the Effective Time specified in the Information Circular.

In light of these circumstances, the Company wishes to inform shareholders that the Information Circular and the Resolutions therein are hereby amended to clarify that any reference to the Effective Time shall be modified so that the Continuation will become effective on the later of (i) the day on which authorization of the BC Registrar is obtained; and (ii) the day after the Luxembourg notary signs the notarial deed recording the Resolutions.

Other than such change to the Effective Time, the text of the Information Circular and the Resolutions remains unchanged.

The directors and management of the Company recommend that shareholders vote for the Resolutions. For additional information about the Meeting, please refer to the Information Circular, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at www.koryxcopper.com/investors-overview/agm-documents.

About Koryx Copper Inc.

Koryx Copper Inc. is a Canadian copper development Company focused on advancing the 100% owned Haib Copper Project in Namibia. Haib is a large, advanced (PEA-stage) copper/molybdenum porphyry deposit in southern Namibia with a long history of exploration and project development by multiple operators. More than 80,000m of drilling has been conducted at Haib since the 1970s with significant exploration programs led by companies including Falconbridge (1964), Rio Tinto (1975) and Teck (2014). Extensive metallurgical testing and various technical studies have also been completed at Haib to date.

Additional studies are underway aiming to demonstrate Haib as a future long-life, low-cost, low-risk open pit, sulphide flotation copper project with the potential for additional copper production from heap leaching. Haib has a current mineral resource of 414Mt @ 0.35% Cu for 1,459Mt of contained copper in the Indicated category and 345Mt @ 0.33% Cu for 1136Mt of contained copper in the Inferred category (0.25% Cu cut-off).

Mineralization at Haib is typical of a porphyry copper deposit and it is one of only a few examples of a Paleoproterozoic porphyry copper deposit in the world and one of only two in southern Africa (both in Namibia). Due to its age, the deposit has been subjected to multiple metamorphic and deformation events but still retains many of the classic mineralization and alteration features typical of these deposits. The mineralization is dominantly chalcopyrite with minor bornite and chalcocite present and only minor secondary copper minerals at surface due to the arid environment.

Further details of the Haib Copper Project are available in the corresponding technical report titled, NI 43-101 Technical Report  August 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate for the Haib Copper Project, Namibia dated effective August 31, 2024 (the Technical Report). The Technical Report and other information is available on the Companys website at https://koryxcopper.com and under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .

More information is available by contacting the Company:

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Heye Daun, President & CEO

Julia Becker

Corporate Communications

jbecker@koryxcopper.com

+1-604-785-0850

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the Continuation, the Companys ability to complete the Continuation, the timing for completing the Continuation, the Companys ability to obtain all necessary approvals for the Continuation, including the approvals of the shareholders and the BC Registrar, holding a special meeting of shareholders, timing for completion of the Companys intended preliminary economic assessment (the PEA) of its Haib Copper Project and the potential projected or processing design capacity for annual copper concentrate production at its Haib Copper Project and the future or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Companys most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, October 6, 2025 - Gold\'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (OTC: GFTRF) (the "Company" or "Gold'n Futures") announces that its annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the "AGSM") scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025 has been rescheduled to November 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time). The AGSM will take place at Suite 1890 - 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

About Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp.

Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (OTC: GFTRF) is a mineral exploration company conducting programs to expand its gold resources and to develop viable gold mining operations through the application of extensive geological experience and knowledge combined with advanced technologies and computer modeling.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

For further information

Matthew Fish

Director

Email: matt@fishpurdy.com

Ph: 905-781-8786

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.

Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by words such as "plans," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "forecasts," "may," "could," "should," "would," "will," or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Such statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

The forward-looking information contained in this release is provided as of the date hereof and represents the Company's current expectations. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Panther Minerals Inc. ("Panther Minerals" or the "Company") (CSE: PURR) (OTC: GLIOF) (FWB: 2BC) announces that the Company will be consolidating all of its issued and outstanding common shares on the basis of one (1) post-consolidated Share (each a "Post-Consolidated Common Share") for every forty (40) pre-consolidated shares (each a "Pre-Consolidated Common Share") held (the "Consolidation"). The Consolidation is intended to make the Company more attractive to potential new investors.The Consolidation was approved by shareholders at the Company's annual general and special meeting held on September 15, 2025 and the Company's board of directors (the "Board") approved the Consolidation on September 26, 2025. The Board has set October 10, 2025 as the record date of the Consolidation. Trading of the Post-Consolidated Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") is expected to commence on or about October 14, 2025, subject to final approval by the CSE. The new CUSIP number will be 69867J204 and the new ISIN number will be CA69867J2048. The Company's name and stock symbol will remain unchanged following the Consolidation.As of the date hereof, the Company currently has 50,991,754 Pre-Consolidated Common Shares issued and outstanding. Following completion of the Consolidation, the Company will have approximately 1,274,772 Shares issued and outstanding, subject to adjustments for rounding. No fractional Shares will be issued. Any fractional share resulting from the consolidation will be rounded down to the nearest whole share.

In connection with the Consolidation, the exercise or conversion price and number of Shares issuable under any of the Company's outstanding convertible instruments (including warrants and stock options) will be proportionately adjusted.

A letter of transmittal will be sent to registered shareholders holding Shares in certificate or direct registration (DRS) form with instructions on how to exchange their existing certificates or DRS statements for new certificates or DRS statements representing post-Consolidation Shares. Shareholders holding their Shares through a broker, bank, or other intermediary will have their positions automatically adjusted in accordance with their intermediary's processes.

About Panther Minerals Inc.

Panther Minerals is a mineral exploration company actively engaged in advancing a diversified portfolio of high-potential projects across North America. The Company remains committed to identifying and acquiring high-quality prospective uranium assets that can be efficiently explored and developed in a timely and responsible manner.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Ram Kumar, Chief Executive Officer

For more information please visit: www.pantherminerals.ca or email info@pantherminerals.ca.

The CSE and Information Service Provider have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans," "expects," "is expected," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events, or results "may," "could," "would," "might," or "will" be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the expected effective date of the share consolidation, the commencement of trading of the post-consolidated common shares, and the anticipated benefits of the consolidation, including making the Company more attractive to potential investors. These forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and beliefs of management as of the date hereof and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, the ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals, general market and economic conditions, volatility in the capital markets, and other risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Panther Minerals believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, and there can be no assurance that such events will occur within the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof, and Panther Minerals disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.


Titan Mining Corp. (TSX:TI, OTCQB: TIMCF), ("Titan" or the "Company") an existing zinc concentrate producer in upstate New York and an emerging natural flake graphite producer, is pleased to announce that the Export-Import Bank of the United States ("EXIM") has expressed financing interest of up to US$120 million under its "Make More in America" ("MMIA") initiative for the construction of Titan's wholly owned Kilbourne Graphite Project in St. Lawrence County, New York.

In parallel with EXIM's MMIA process, Titan continues to collaborate with the Administration and other U.S. Government Agencies such as the Department of War and the Department of Energy on opportunities for coordinated participation in Titan's critical-minerals plan through strategic funding, inclusion as a key stakeholder and policy programs incentivizing domestic production and secure resilient supply chains.

A finalized commitment package of this amount from EXIM would potentially represent a substantial portion of the capital required to construct the Kilbourne Project, providing a clear path to development that leverages federal partnership support and Titan's strong operating cash flow from its Empire State Mines zinc operations. The Company expects the overall financing structure to be highly capital-efficient for shareholders.

EXIM issued a Letter of Interest ("LI") recognizing the Kilbourne Project as a strategic U.S. critical-minerals asset aligned with national priorities that will create high-quality American jobs and strengthen U.S. supply chain resilience. The potential financing would support construction of Titan's planned 40,000-tonne-per-year commercial natural flake graphite facility adjacent to its operating Empire State Mines zinc complex.

Under the indicative terms, EXIM would consider recommending a direct loan of up to US$120 million with a repayment tenor of approximately 12 years, including an interest-only period. The loan would reference the Commercial Interest Reference Rate (CIRR), currently around 5.0%, and would be subject to EXIM's standard due diligence, environmental, and policy review processes prior to final Board approval.

Rita Adiani, President & CEO of Titan Mining, commented:

"We are proud to expand our partnership with EXIM as we advance the Kilbourne Graphite Project-an asset that will create high-quality U.S. jobs, strengthen critical-mineral supply chains, and position Titan as the leading fully integrated natural flake graphite producer in the United States. This Letter of Interest marks a major milestone toward securing long-term, competitive-rate financing for project development as we continue to prioritize capital efficiency and disciplined balance sheet management supporting any construction decision at the Kilbourne Project."

EXIM's MMIA initiative supports domestic manufacturing and critical-infrastructure investments that enhance U.S. competitiveness, job creation, and export potential. Titan previously received EXIM support for expansion of its Empire State Mines zinc operations, underscoring the Company's track record in successfully partnering with federal agencies to deliver strategic projects in New York State.

The EXIM Letter of Interest (issued prior to the government shutdown)1 is non-binding and does not represent a financing commitment. Titan will continue to work closely with EXIM's MMIA team to advance due diligence and structure a definitive financing package for the Kilbourne Project in the months ahead.

About Titan Mining Corporation

Titan is an Augusta Group company which produces zinc concentrate at its 100%-owned Empire State Mine located in New York state. Titan is also an emerging natural flake graphite producer and targeting to be the USA's first end to end producer of natural flake graphite in 70 years. Titan's goal is to deliver shareholder value through operational excellence, development and exploration. We have a strong commitment towards developing critical minerals assets which enhance the security of the domestic supply chain. For more information on the Company, please visit our website at www.titanminingcorp.com

Media & Investor Contact

Irina Kuznetsova

Director, Investor Relations

Phone: (778) 870-7735

Email: info@titanminingcorp.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements and information contained in this new release constitute "forward-looking statements", and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These statements appear in a number of places in this news release and include statements regarding our intent, or the beliefs or current expectations of our officers and directors, including Titan obtaining financing from EXIM for up to US$120 million; potential construction of the Kilbourne Graphite Project; Titan continues to collaborate with other U.S. government agencies and the Administration on opportunities for coordinated participation in Titan's critical-minerals plan through strategic funding, inclusion as a key stakeholder and policy programs incentivizing domestic production and secure resilient supply chains; a finalized commitment package of this amount from EXIM would potentially represent a substantial portion of the capital required to construct the Kilbourne Project, providing a clear path to development that leverages federal partnership support and Titan's strong operating cash flow from its Empire State Mines zinc operations; the Company expects the overall financing structure to be highly capital-efficient for shareholders; the Kilbourne project will create high-quality American jobs and strengthen U.S. supply chain resilience; the potential financing would support construction of Titan's planned 40,000-tonne-per-year commercial natural flake graphite facility adjacent to its operating Empire State Mines zinc complex; terms of the potential financing; the Kilbourne Graphite Project will create high-quality U.S. jobs, strengthen critical-mineral supply chains, and position Titan as the leading fully integrated natural flake graphite producer in the United States. When used in this news release words such as "to be", "will", "planned", "expected", "potential", and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes 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 Company 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 vary materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including risks relating to cost increases for capital and operating costs; risks of shortages and fluctuating costs of equipment or supplies; risks relating to fluctuations in the price of zinc and graphite; the inherently hazardous nature of mining-related activities; potential effects on our operations of environmental regulations in New York State; risks due to legal proceedings; risks that the Company will not qualify for NYSE listing; financing approval risks; and risks related to operation of mining projects generally and the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Such forward-looking statements are based on various assumptions, including assumptions made with regard to our forecasts and expected cash flows; our projected capital and operating costs; our expectations regarding mining and metallurgical recoveries; mine life and production rates; that laws or regulations impacting mining activities will remain consistent; our approved business plans; our mineral resource estimates and results of the PEA; our experience with regulators; political and social support of the mining industry in New York State; our experience and knowledge of the New York State mining industry and our expectations of economic conditions and the price of zinc and graphite; demand for graphite; exploration results; the ability to secure adequate financing (as needed); the Company maintaining its current strategy and objectives; assumptions that the Company will qualify for NYSE American listing; assumptions that the Company and EXIM will agree to financing terms; and the Company's ability to achieve its growth objectives. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Except as required by applicable law, we assume no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If we update any one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. You should not place undue importance on forward-looking statements and should not rely upon these statements as of any other date. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.





1 Issued on September 30, 2025


Vancouver, October 7, 2025 - Andrew Neale, CEO of CopAur Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CPAU) (the "Company") is pleased to report that a Temporary Discharge Permit Application for Closed Facility Exploration has been submitted to the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. The Kinsley project is located on unpatented claims on Federal land managed by the US Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is subject to regulation by branches of the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.

The Kinsley Mountain Mine produced gold from 1994 through 1998 and was closed in 1999 after the mine owner at the time filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. The mine site was subsequently reclaimed by the BLM from 2004 through 2006. This Temporary Discharge Permit Application for Closed Facility Exploration seeks authorization to sample the closed and reclaimed heap leach pad to perform metallurgical testing to assess the potential for the material to be further processed in a future mine operation. This is part of the Company's evaluation for developing a district-scale gold project in the extensive sediment-hosted Carlin-type gold mineralization surrounding the former open pit mine area.

As previously reported, the Kinsley Mountain Gold Project in Nevada is a past producer that yielded approximately 138,000 ounces of near-surface open pit oxide gold between 1995 and 1999. Kinsley hosts current mineral resources of 418,000 indicated ounces at 2.63 g/t gold and 117,000 inferred ounces at 1.51 g/t gold, which include 302,000 ounces averaging 6.11 g/t gold within the high-grade Western Flank Zone1.

"We greatly appreciate the efforts of the team at Thorne Solutions LLC in Carson City, Nevada for their contribution to completing the permit application in a timely manner. We believe the comprehensive application addresses all relevant matters, with the Company's technical team standing by should there be any follow-up comments from the regulator," commented Andrew Neale.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, and "Qualified Persons" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About CopAur

CopAur is focused on developing projects within the emerging, mineral-rich mining regions of Nevada. The Company is backed by a dynamic and experienced team of resource professionals advancing its projects in Nevada with the flagship project being Kinsley Mountain Gold Project, a Carlin-style project located 90 kilometres south of the Long Canyon mine (currently in production under the Newmont/Barrick joint venture, Nevada Gold Mines).

1Technical Report on the Kinsley Project, Elko County, Nevada, U.S.A., dated June 21, 2021, with an effective date of May 5, 2021, and prepared by Michael M. Gustin and Gary L. Simmons, and filed under New Placer Dome Gold Corp.'s issuer profile on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca).

ON BEHALF OF COPAUR MINERALS INC.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revised any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269434
Vancouver, October 7, 2025 - American Pacific Mining Corp. (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC1) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") would like to congratulate Trilogy Metals and its partners on the historic advancement of the Ambler Road Project, following the Trump Administration's directive to reauthorize all necessary permits for project development in Alaska's Ambler Mining District.

The Ambler Road Project will enable critical road access to one of the world's most significant undeveloped copper and polymetallic mineral belt and is a transformational step in the development of U.S. domestic mineral supply chains. American Pacific commends the leadership shown by enabling this long-awaited project to proceed on the basis of national interest, energy security, and economic necessity.

"We extend our sincere congratulations to Trilogy Metals and to Alaskans that have worked for years to see responsible development advance," said Warwick Smith, CEO of American Pacific. "Under President Trump, there is real momentum for resource development in Alaska. We are optimistic about the path ahead for Palmer and all projects contributing to America's critical minerals supply."

The Trump Administration's focus on unlocking Alaska's vast mineral potential - through streamlined permitting and new federal investment in projects such as Ambler - has signaled a materially improved policy and investment climate for responsible mining in the state. With this week's announced $35.6 million U.S. government partnership in Trilogy Metals, and the federal government's 10% equity stake to drive exploration, the mining sector has meaningful new support to advance critical metals projects that are vital for energy infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and national security.

American Pacific's own Palmer Project, located in Southeast Alaska, shares many characteristics with Ambler: both are strategic polymetallic deposits, underpinned by strong geology, modern environmental stewardship, and the potential to generate significant economic benefits for Alaskan communities and the broader United States. The Company notes that the current policy environment strengthens opportunities for development, permitting, and investment across all of Alaska. As demonstrated by the turnaround in federal support for the Ambler Project, American Pacific is encouraged that new projects with robust technical and environmental standards, like Palmer, are more likely than ever to gain a clear path forward under the present administration.

About American Pacific Mining Corp.

American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company has two flagship assets: 100%-owned Palmer Project, a Volcanic Massive Sulphide-Sulphate (VMS) project in Alaska, and the 100%-owned Madison Project, a past-producing copper-gold project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Also, in American Pacific's asset portfolio are three high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts of Nevada, USA: the Ziggurat Gold project, the Gooseberry Silver-Gold project; and the Tuscarora Gold-Silver project. The Company's mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition.

Full disclosure can be found in our NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Madison Project at www.americanpacificmining.com.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269466
Norsemont Mining Inc. (CSE: NOM, OTC: NRRSF, FWB: LXZ1) ("NOM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it will be presenting at the Centurion One Capital 3rd Annual Bahamas Summit, a two-day invitation only event taking place at the exclusive Rosewood Baha Mar Hotel from Tuesday, October 28th to Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, in Nassau, Bahamas.

Marc Levy, CEO will be presenting and attending investor meetings. Mr. Levy will also be participating on a panel discussion during the event. "We are looking forward to presenting Norsemont to Centurion One Capital's group of high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors at this summit. Following our recent $6 million financing with strategic investors and industry icons including Rob McEwen, Paul Matysek, Dr. Quinton Hennigh, Larry Lepard and others to advance the Choquelimpie Project, this event is a timely opportunity to showcase our progress. Having attended a previous summit, I was impressed by the caliber of both the companies presenting and the investors, and we are excited to share the Choquelimpie story with such a distinguished audience.," said Marc Levy, CEO of Norsemont.

Centurion One Capital 3rd Annual Bahamas Summit is a two-day invitation only event that brings together the world's leading small cap growth companies to an audience of global growth investors held at the Rosewood Baha Mar Hotel which epitomizes Bahamian refinement and sophistication. Set on the gorgeous white sand of Nassau's Cable Beach, the event will consist of a series of company presentations, 1x1 investor meetings, dynamic panels and networking over two days.

Summit Details

Format: Presentations, Panel Discussions and 1 X 1 Investor Meetings

Presentation Dates: Tuesday, October 28th and Wednesday, October 29th, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM EDT - 5:00 PM EDT

Venue: Rosewood Baha Mar Hotel

For more information and registration details, please visit: www.centuriononecapital.com/bahamas-summit.

On Behalf of the Board,

NORSEMONT MINING INC.

Marc Levy

CEO & Chairman

About Norsemont Mining Inc.

The Norsemont team comprises experienced natural resource professionals focused on growing shareholder value and developing its flagship project through to bankable feasibility, with an initial mineral resource estimate of 2,184,000 indicated gold equivalent ounces and 557,000 inferred gold equivalent ounces for its Choquelimpie Gold-Silver-Copper project. Norsemont Mining owns a 100% interest in the Choquelimpie gold-silver-copper project in northern Chile, a previously permitted gold and silver mine with significant exploration upside. Choquelimpie has over 1,700 drill holes, with significant existing infrastructure, including roads, power, water, camp and a 3,000-tonne-per-day mill. Norsemont is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development, leveraging modern exploration techniques to unlock further value for all stakeholders.

For more information, please contact the Company at:

Investor Relations:

Paul Searle (778) 240-7724

Follow Norsemont Mining:

Twitter: @norsemont

LinkedIn: @norsemontmining

Facebook: @norsemontmining

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Forward-Looking Statements

Cautionary Note Regarding 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 with respect to, among other things, the Offering and entry into the marketing agreements.

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, the Company not receiving the necessary regulatory approvals in respect of the Offering and marketing agreements contemplated herein and, with respect to the Offering, risks adverse to the capital markets, the mining industry, and investor support. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will receive the necessary regulatory approvals and receive market interest to close the Offering on the terms herein.

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, except as required by applicable securities laws.


MONTREAL, October 7th, 2025 - Scandium Canada Ltd. (TSX-V: SCD) (the "Company") is pleased to announce its participation in the Asia 2025 Economic Mission organized by the Ministere des Ressources naturelles et des Forets (MRNF) and Investissement Quebec (IQ), focused on the development of critical and strategic minerals (CM). Launched on September 29 in South Korea, this mission aims to strengthen international partnerships in the CM sector and promote Quebec's leadership in the global energy transition. Beginning in Seoul, in collaboration with the Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corp. (KOMIR) and with the support of the Quebec Delegation in Seoul, the mission moved to Tokyo, in collaboration with Sumitomo Corporation, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), where representatives from the MRNF, IQ and the delegate general of the Quebec Delegation in Tokyo highlighted Quebec's considerable potential in terms of critical resources. Mission participants also took advantage of individual meetings during their stay.

Scandium Canada had the opportunity to present the Crater Lake project to Korean and Japanese investors and potential strategic partners, highlighting Quebec's unique potential in the field of scandium and its growing role in the clean technology value chain.

"This mission demonstrated the importance of scandium in the energy transition and positioned Quebec as a strategic partner for Asian markets seeking sustainable and innovative solutions. This metal, still little known to the general public, plays an essential role in the manufacture of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and high-performance lightweight alloys, used in particular in the aerospace sector," said Guy Bourassa, CEO of Scandium Canada Ltd., who participated in the mission alongside Robert Kitchen, director of the Company. "We would like to thank the representatives of IQ and MRNF, as well as the Tokyo General Delegation, for their excellent support during the mission. Without them, it would be impossible to promote our projects so effectively in Asia," added Mr. Bourassa.

The Crater Lake project, located approximately 230 km northeast of Schefferville in Nunavik, Quebec, is one of the world's most significant primary sources of scandium. On April 3, 2025, Scandium Canada released a new mineral resource estimate confirming the exceptional potential of the Crater Lake deposit and the quality of its scandium and rare earth mineralization. This update reinforces the project's position among the world's most promising strategic assets in the field of critical minerals.

Following this publication and a positive preliminary economic study, the Company plans to complete a pre-feasibility study by June 2026, which will aim to optimize the technical and economic parameters of the project, in accordance with best environmental and social practices.

A breath of fresh air at Scandium Canada

In parallel with this mission, Scandium Canada is pleased to announce the complete refresh of its website.

The new version is more fluid, intuitive, and now fully bilingual (French and English) to better reflect the company's vision and facilitate access to information for all its stakeholders.

This update was carried out in collaboration with Lalancette Web Marketing - Agence Web Creative, located in Baie-Comeau, on the North Shore, whom the Company thanks for its expertise and support throughout the process.

Discover the new website: www.scandium-canada.com

Corporate Update

Scandium Canada also announces the departure of Ms. Brook Delong from her position as director. The Company would like to warmly thank Ms. Delong for her contribution and commitment to the Board of Directors and wishes her every success in her future professional endeavors.

About Scandium Canada Ltd.

Scandium Canada (TSX-V: SCD) is a publicly traded company whose ultimate goal is to bring the world's largest primary source of scandium into production to enable the development and commercialization of aluminum-scandium (Al-Sc) alloys. The Company relies on its subsidiary dedicated to the development of Al-Sc alloys and on the development of its Crater Lake mining project to meet the growing demand for lighter, greener, more sustainable, and higher-performance materials. The company aims to become a leader in the scandium market while committing to building a more responsible economy through innovation and agility.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, and generally the section "About Scandium Canada Ltd." above, which essentially describes the Company's prospects, constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are based on expectations, estimates, and projections made as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the time the statements were made, are subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could directly or indirectly affect or could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements, and future events could differ materially from what is currently anticipated by the Company. These risk factors and uncertainties that could cause these statements to change significantly, as well as the assumptions used to develop such statements, are described in the Company's disclosure documentation on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of inherent uncertainties and risks, both general and specific, and it is possible that estimates, forecasts, projections, and other forward-looking statements may not materialize or that assumptions may not reflect future results. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's efforts to develop the Crater Lake project and, more generally, management's expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, forecasts, estimates, assumptions, and intentions expressed in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to these cautionary statements and those made in our other filings with Canadian securities regulators. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

The TSX Venture Exchange and its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this release.

For additional information, please contact :

Scandium Canada Ltd. Guy Bourassa Chief Executive Officer Phone: +1 (418) 580-2320 Email: info@scandium-canada.com Website: www.scandium-canada.com LinkedIn: Scandium Canada Ltd. X: @ScandiumCanada Facebook: Scandium Canada Instagram: @scandiumcanada

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
By Laman Ismayilova



During the plenary session of the 222nd meeting of UNESCO's Executive Board at the organization's headquarters, Elman Abdullayev, Azerbaijan's Permanent Representative to UNESCO, presented the country's statement.

The statement provided information on Azerbaijan's active participation during its four-year membership on the Executive Board. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue to engage actively within the UNESCO platform and contribute to the organizations mandate.

Elman Abdullayev stressed the significance of international solidarity and multilateral cooperation on the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter and the UNESCO Constitution. In this context, he drew attention to Azerbaijan's efforts for peace, security, and cooperation in the region, as well as the steps taken to advance the peace process with Armenia. He particularly noted the historic meeting held on August 8, 2025, in Washington between the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia, which led to the initial signing of the peace agreement text.

Referring to Azerbaijan-UNESCO cooperation, the Permanent Representative underscored the importance of projects in quality education, initiatives in science and artificial intelligence, strengthening the role of women and youth in science, and promoting intercultural dialogue within the framework of the "Baku Process."

He also expressed the necessity of joint efforts under UNESCO to combat all forms and manifestations of racism.

It was declared that Azerbaijan, in full alignment with UNESCO's values, would resolutely continue its work to strengthen international peace.

Since its inception, the Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO has made significant contributions? t? various UNESCO programs and projects.

These include efforts? t? safeguard and promote Azerbaijan's cultural sites, support educational initiatives, and foster international cooperation? ?n the fields? ?f science and technology.

Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO continues? t?? be committed? t? its mission? ?f promoting peace and cooperation through education, culture, and science.

In 2003, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included? in UNESCO's World Heritage List, including Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah's Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc. In? 2021, Lankaran District was included? ?n the UNESCO list "Network? ?f Creative Cities".

UNESCO also honors Azerbaijan's outstanding personalities like the poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi, Fikrat Amirov,? great philanthropist and oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, etc.
Today and tomorrow are Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, which bring discounts on all sorts of tech  here we will focus on just smartphones. Its almost all Androids, with the sole exception of one iPhone. Weve organized things into categories, so you can use the links below to jump to the one you care about.

Flagships

Samsungs Galaxy S25 family, with the exception of the S25+, is on offer. Note that Prime Student members get an extra 100 off at checkout. Also, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has an additional 10% discount at checkout.

Alternative flagships from OnePlus and Xiaomi, including the Poco sub-brand, are on sale too. The OnePlus 13 costs about the same as the small Galaxy S25  but if you want a smaller device, check out the Xiaomi 15. Theres also the Poco F7 Ultra as the most affordable Snapdragon 8 Elite phone and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra to challenge Samsungs Ultra to a camera shootout.

Foldables

With other brands not participating, its all Samsung Galaxy Z phones. Luckily, Samsung launched both a premium and a more affordable Z Flip this year  although, with the 10% off at checkout for the premium Z Flip7, the FE might not be able to compete.

Mid-rangers

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE has an extensive deal  18% off, 50 off at checkout, freebies valued at 187 (Galaxy Buds3 FE, a magnetic case and Qi2 wireless charger) and 6 months of Gemini Pro (valued at 113).

The Apple iPhone 16e is the one iPhone on sale  it has only one camera, but thats cool if you ask iPhone Air owners.

Next up, the Poco F7 Pro offers a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on the cheap, while the Samsung Galaxy A56 has the Exynos 1580 for the same price. Theres also the Google Pixel 9a with last years Tensor G4 and less storage. Or you could have the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro  its chipset is only a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, but you get a 50MP 3x telephoto camera.

Sub-200

The Samsung Galaxy A36 technically belongs in the mid-range category, but its down to 300 sale price with an offer of 200 cashback  that is a better deal than most entry-level phones.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro is quite capable with a 6.77 120Hz 1080p+ OLED display and a 50MP 2x telephoto camera. The 5,000mAh battery with 33W charging is pretty good too.

Finally, the Redmi Note 14 is a 4G phone, but it packs a 108MP main camera  compared to 50MP on the A36 and CMF phones. And it has a comparable 5,500mAh battery with 33W charging too.

We may get a commission from qualifying sales.
HMDs latest device is an in-betweener, or a hybrid as the maker puts it  not quite a smartphone but smarter than a feature phone. The HMD Touch 4G is basically a reincarnation of the Nokia Asha series, giving users some smart features through cloud-hosted browser apps.

HMD Touch 4G is exclusive to the Indian market for now and runs a custom lightweight real-time operating system (RTOS) called RTOS Touch. Users can run the Cloud phone service, which allows them to access the aforementioned browser apps. Touch 4G also comes pre-installed with the Express Chat app, which supports text, voice and image messaging. Touch 4G users can also chat with Android and iOS users, provided they have the app installed.

In terms of specs, HMD Touch 4G brings a 3.2-inch LCD with 320240px (QVGA) resolution. Theres a 0.3MP front-facing cam and a 2MP rear shooter with an LED flash.



HMD Touch 4G size

The phone is equipped with a Unisoc T127 chipset and 64MB RAM. You only get 128 MB of internal storage but you can expand that up to 32GB via the microSD card slot. The battery comes in at 1,950 mAh and charges via USB-C.

Touch 4G also features IP52 ingress protection, a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as an FM Radio receiver, Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi (802.11n) connectivity. It can also serve as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.



HMD Touch 4G in Cyan and Dark Blue

HMD Touch 4G comes in Cyan and Dark Blue colors. Pricing is set at INR 3,999 ($45) with the device now available from HMD India and ready to ship.

Source
Guam will take part in the worlds largest earthquake drill, the Great ShakeOut, on Oct. 16, and registration is now ongoing for families, businesses, agencies, schools and groups that want to participate.

At 10:16 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, participants will practice the earthquake response procedure, Drop, Cover and Hold On from wherever they are.

The drill will last for one minute.

Guam residents will join over 20 million ShakeOut participants worldwide.

The Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense, leading the drill on the island, encourage all residents to increase earthquake preparedness and response by practicing how to protect themselves during an earthquake and how to ensure an earthquake disaster does not become a catastrophe.

The ShakeOut participation provides the opportunity to evaluate emergency plans, increase awareness of earthquake safety, and improve resiliency within your community, GHS/OCD said.

Register now, share photos

To participate in this years ShakeOut, residents can register online at shakeout.org/guam.

The ShakeOut website provides drill manuals, tips on earthquake safety and other resources for developing a disaster plan.

Residents may register as an individual, family, school, business, or other group and are encouraged to share photos of their ShakeOut experience on the Great Guam ShakeOut website, GHS/OCD said.
The Department of Public Health and Social Services on Monday said it is standing with breast cancer survivors and their families with the annual observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer was the most common adult invasive cancer across the U.S. Pacific and remains the second most diagnosed cancer on Guam, according to the Pacific Regional Central Cancer Registry 2007 to 2022 report.

Behind these numbers are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends whose lives and families have been forever changed, Public Health said.

"This month, we stand together in pink to honor the survivors among us, to remember those we have lost, and to remind every woman that early detection can save her life," Public Health Director Theresa Arriola said in a statement. "When our island unites with courage and compassion, we give hope to every family facing this fight."

With early detection and treatment, lives can be saved, Public Health's Guam Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program said.

Screenings and mammograms remain one of the most powerful gifts of health and hope, it added.

Public Health said October is "a time to honor the courage of survivors, remember those we have lost, and unite as one island community to protect future generations."

"On Guam, breast cancer is not a distant issue. It lives in our homes, in our families, and in the stories of our loved ones," Arriola added.

Public Health prepared events and activities for the month:

Sunday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Breast Cancer Awareness Month Fair at Micronesia Mall. Families are invited to health screenings, survivor stories, educational booths, and wellness activities. Local providers and community groups will be on-site with resources and support.

Friday, Oct. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Proclamation signing ceremony at the Governors Complex Conference Room. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero will officially proclaim October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, joined by survivors, advocates, and health leaders.

Friday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. - Guam Cancer Care Breast Cancer Awareness Wave at the ITC Intersection in Tamuning. Survivors, families, and residents will line the streets with signs of support. This moving display of love, strength, and unity has become an island tradition.

Public Health invites all residents to wear pink throughout October, attend community events, and share life-saving information with family and friends.

"Breast cancer awareness is not just about knowledge. It is about love, action, and protecting the people we hold most dear," it added.
A federal judge has denied the University of Guams request to remove the UOG board of regents and a school dean from a retaliation and discrimination lawsuit filed by former employee Norman Analista in the District Court of Guam.

Employed since 2011, Analista was the UOG director of development, alumni affairs and foundation relations before he was handed a termination notice on March 14, 2024.

Analista is a regular lifestyle contributor to the Pacific Daily News.

He filed a lawsuit last year alleging UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez fired him because he was a man, then retaliated against him by banning him from the university campus.

In March, Analista named members of the UOG board of regents and College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Dean James Sellmann in the suit, after university leadership upheld his firing in September 2024.

Current and former regents named in the suit are:

Former regent Lesley-Anne Leon Guerrero

Regent Agapito Pete Diaz

Regent Mike Naholowaa

Former student regent Julie Laxamana

Regent Dr. Janice Malilay

Former regent Sandra McKeever

Regent Joanna T. Chun

UOG has denied allegations raised in the suit and Enriquezs attorneys have asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

In April, defendants also asked the court to strike the amended complaint that named regents and Sellmann from the record.

Their attorneys argued that the amended complaint filed in March, after a full briefing on Enriquezs motion to dismiss, was filed in bad faith.

But U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Bordallo denied the request in a Sept. 30 order.

A March 7 complaint naming regents and Sellmann in the lawsuit would remain on the record, he ordered.

Bordallo also found that Borja Enriquezs pending motion to dismiss the suit was moot.

The court finds a lack of merit in the Defendants assertions that the filing of the Amended Complaint was made in bad faith, the order stated.

There was little evidence that letting Analista file an amended complaint, with more defendants, would cause undue delay in the case, the judge found.

The addition of these new defendants would not fundamentally alter the nature of the case and their inclusion, as noted by the Plaintiff, may be necessary in order to effectuate any prospective injunctive relief that may be ordered, he stated.

Bordallo ordered defendants to respond to the case within 21 days of Sept. 30.

A scheduling conference is set for Nov. 13.




Haiti - FLASH : New CEP President sets Election Date





In Haiti, ravaged by armed clashes, death, and poverty, the local Church awaits with hope the referendum and the election of a new President.



Mgr. Pierre-Andre Dumas, Bishop of the Diocese of Anse-a-Veau-Miragoane and Vice President of the Haitian Episcopal Conference, stated in an interview with Federico Piana (Vatican City), "This could mark a turning point. But insecurity is a problem. The support of the international community is necessary."



All eyes are now on the general elections. According to the new President of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), Jacques Desrosiers (Press Representative, elected on September 20, 2025), general elections will take place on March 29, 2026, followed by the inauguration of a new President on May 18, 2026, "regardless of the situation in the country." Please note that this statement is solely the responsibility of the author until the dates are published in the Official Journal "Le Moniteur".



Excerpts from the interview :



[...]

Federico Piana (FP) : " How do you view the election announcement by the new Director of the Provisional Electoral Council, Jacques Desrosiers?"



Mgr. Pierre-Andre Dumas: "We hope this is a step towards democracy. There is a Constitution that must be respected, and the principles of dignity, solidarity, fraternal integration, and subsidiarity must be restored. This is an important sign : the people need hope. One aspect of the Haitian crisis is precisely the loss of public confidence. However, everything depends on the security conditions in which the referendum will take place : some areas of the country are no-man's lands, where gangs reign. This is the case for 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. The electoral process must be conducted in complete transparency and involve the entire society, which must be able to exercise its rights freely.



FP : "Do you really believe that the current context allows for the organization of democratic elections ?"



Mgr. Pierre-Andre Dumas : "It will be very difficult; we cannot ignore the Haitian reality. As a son of this Nation, I believe there is a risk that voting will become a formal ritual, devoid of democratic substance. But, on the other hand, postponing it would be tantamount to destroying the people's hope. What is truly needed is strong support from the international community, as the Pope has also called for.



The Haitian bishops have often emphasized the need for moral reconstruction. What does this mean in concrete terms ? It's not just about freeing Haiti from the gangs that are ravaging it, returning homes occupied by armed groups to their rightful owners, or cleaning up dilapidated neighborhoods. All of this is well and good, but we must also understand that the serious problems we are experiencing are the result of a complete obscuring of reality.

[...]



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Justice : 3 penitentiaries under construction for more than 15,000 inmates





On Monday, October 6, 2025, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, accompanied by four Transitional Presidential Advisors (Lesly Voltaire, Edgard Leblanc Fils, Smith Augustin, and Emmanuel Vertilaire), took part in the formal ceremony marking the start of the 20252026 judicial year, held at the Court of Cassation on the Champ de Mars.



This ceremony, chaired by the President of the Court, Jean-Joseph Lebrun, brought together many prominent figures, including Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, Minister of Commerce and Industry James Monazard, Acting Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH) Vladimir Paraison, and members of the PNH High Command, members of the High Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ), members of the diplomatic corps including the Ambassador of Taiwan (Republic of China) to Haiti, Cheng-hao Hu, and representatives of human rights organizations.



The Prime Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to a strong justice system that serves citizens and praised the work accomplished by the judicial authorities.



He particularly welcomed the construction of three new penitentiary centers with a total capacity of more than 15,000 inmates. It should be noted that these three prison centers, which meet international standards and are being built in the Centre, North, and South departments, announced on May 5, 2025, by the Minister of Justice, aim to address overcrowding and security issues and strengthen the state's capacity to incarcerate criminals.



The Prime Minister highlighted several significant achievements for the 20242025 fiscal year, including :



 Publication of the decree establishing specialized judicial centers https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45376-haiti-justice-towards-the-establishment-of-specialized-judicial-centers.html ;

 The opening of two new courts in Ouanaminthe and Limbe ;

 The strengthening of the judicial system through the appointment of approximately fifty prosecutors ;

 The improvement of the operational capacity of civil status offices across the country.



Fils-Aime finally emphasized that the opening of this new judicial year must be understood as a call for shared responsibility between the Government and the judiciary, with a view to building a justice system that is more accessible, more efficient, and truly at the service of citizens.



He concluded by stating that this judicial year is intended as an invitation to national unity around justice, the pillar of stability, peace, and democratic renewal.



After the ceremony, Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime conducted a field visit to downtown Port-au-Prince, particularly to the Champ de Mars, to observe the progress of the rehabilitation and urban revitalization work undertaken by the Government.



This work aims to gradually restore public institutions and revitalize the administrative heart of the capital, a symbol of the authority, continuity, and permanence of the State.



SL/ HaitiLibre


















The activists landed at HelsinkiVantaa Airport on Tuesday afternoon, where dozens of supporters greeted them with flowers and Palestinian flags. Chants of Free, free Palestine echoed through the arrivals hall as the group, Renaz Ebrahimi , Juho Pirhonen , Iida-Liina Hakkinen , Kata-Riina Tikka , and Shifa Abdi, appeared before the media.

Five Finnish citizens detained by Israel after taking part in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have returned home, describing their treatment in detention as cruel and degrading.

Israel intercepted the flotilla in international waters last week, detaining over 400 people from several countries. The convoy was reportedly carrying food and medical supplies intended for Gaza. Among those deported were 171 activists, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

The Finnish participants said they spent four to five days in detention before being released and flown out of Israel via Greece. They described being kept in cold conditions, denied sleep and food, and restrained for long periods.

We were tied up and left sitting outside for hours, said Hakkinen, who recalled being forced to sit on the ground with her hands bound behind her back. They shouted and threatened us when we did not obey. They wanted to humiliate those who stand with Palestinians.

Abdi said guards blindfolded detainees during transfers and sometimes threw them to the ground while handcuffing them. It was frightening, she said. We were kept awake by guards banging on the cell doors or turning the lights on.

Pirhonen, a doctor, said detainees were denied access to necessary medicines. I was without my medication for 36 hours, he told reporters. There were people having asthma attacks, and no one reacted for over an hour.

Ebrahimi said the tap water was brown and unfit to drink. We were hungry, cold and constantly afraid, she said. It was mental violence. But compared with what Palestinians face, we were treated well.

According to Pirhonen, the purpose of the flotilla had been to deliver aid to Gaza and draw attention to the ongoing blockade. He said the Israeli response was meant to intimidate. They wanted to scare us, he said. There was also a lot of debate about whether they would even let us leave.

When asked about Finnish consular support, the activists said official help was minimal. The Foreign Ministry warned us not to go, Pirhonen said. They did nothing for us once we were detained.

The Finnish Foreign Ministry confirmed that its consular staff had met the detainees while in custody. Hanna Lepisto, head of consular affairs, said officials had not identified any major shortcomings during their visit. The Finnish citizens did not appear to be in serious distress, she said, adding that the ministrys role included ensuring access to legal counsel and interpreters.

Activists disputed that account. They said it was the Greek authorities who arranged a plane large enough to bring home both Greek nationals and other released detainees, including the Finnish group.

At the airport, the activists thanked those who had supported them. The whole world has woken up, Ebrahimi said. People now see that action is needed.

Supporters waved flags and held placards calling for an end to the Gaza blockade and in solidarity with the detained group. Family members embraced the activists as they walked into the terminal.

Pirhonen said the groups mission achieved one unexpected result. For a short time, while the Israeli forces were focused on us, Gazas fishermen were able to go out and fish, he said.

According to the Finnish activists, their ordeal highlighted a wider issue. What we went through was nothing compared to the tens of thousands of Palestinians still trapped in those conditions, Pirhonen said.

Israel has not commented on the specific allegations made by the Finnish detainees.

HT
The visit marks the first time both Finnish heads of government have jointly attended a bilateral meeting with Trump.

The visit will take place from Thursday to Friday and includes a White House meeting scheduled for 9 October. According to official statements from both Helsinki and Washington, the agenda includes FinnishUS bilateral relations, defence and economic cooperation, and Russias war in Ukraine.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo will travel to Washington this week for a working visit with US President Donald Trump .

According to Stubb, he proposed Orpos participation due to the presence of industrial and economic matters on the agenda. Orpo confirmed that trade and industry issues were under government preparation and warranted his attendance.

The meeting is expected to include discussion of a potential agreement under which the United States Coast Guard would order new icebreakers from Finnish shipyards. Though neither Stubb nor Orpo has confirmed the inclusion of this item in the talks, Finnish officials have acknowledged that preparations related to the matter are underway.

Two sources independently confirmed to Helsingin Sanomat that icebreaker procurement is on the agenda. Discussions aim to reach an understanding that would allow the United States to commission vessels from Finnish shipbuilders. Icebreakers can be produced at yards in Helsinki and Rauma.

Orpo said he and Stubb are prepared to discuss the topic if it arises.

We have the capability to build icebreakers. We have the expertise. We are ready to talk about these things, Orpo said during a session in the Finnish Parliament.

The United States has previously expressed interest in acquiring up to 40 icebreakers. Trump has referred to the importance of icebreaking capabilities and spoken positively about Finlands know-how in the field.

Estimates of the value of potential deals vary depending on vessel type. A large arctic-class icebreaker could cost between 600 million and 800 million. A medium-sized vessel could be worth 400 million to 500 million.

President Stubb declined to confirm details related to any such agreement. Good try, he said in response to a question from a reporter, adding that more information could follow on Thursday.

Stubb noted that discussions with Trump would also focus on the war in Ukraine. He plans to deliver a message that Ukraine's position has strengthened since last year, citing battlefield reports and economic data.

According to Stubb, Russian progress has slowed. He also pointed to Ukrainian advances in the Sumy region and said Russias economy is under increasing strain. He attributed this to declining growth and rising taxation, including a need to raise VAT.

Speaking to journalists, Stubb described Trumps position on the war as evolving. He said the US president had initially tried to engage Russian President Vladimir Putin with conciliatory language but now appeared more critical.

Trump is now showing more signs of taking a tougher approach. How far that goes is up to him, Stubb said.

Orpo echoed this position, stating that Finlands message would be firm. He said a stronger commitment to Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Russia were necessary to end the war.

If Trump is clear on one thing, its that he wants to stop the killing in Ukraine. That means we must be firm now, Orpo said.

The planned working visit follows a recent interview in which Stubb indicated he would meet Trump soon. Since taking office, Stubb has prioritised closer ties with the United States, particularly in defence and Arctic affairs.

Trump is also expected to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the same week.

Finnish and Icelandic officials signed a bilateral defence agreement in Helsinki on Tuesday ahead of the US trip. During a joint press conference with Icelandic President Halla Tomasdottir, Stubb emphasised the growing importance of Nordic defence cooperation and confirmed that industrial and economic matters would be part of his US meetings.

Stubb also said that Trump was curious to receive updated information on Ukraine. He plans to share intelligence gathered from a recent visit to Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in mid-September.

During that visit, Stubb was briefed on military operations and battlefield conditions.

According to sources close to the matter, the timing of the potential icebreaker deal favours Finnish suppliers. Trump wants the first vessel completed during his current term, which rules out several alternative shipyards due to timeline constraints.

Though the Finnish state would not be a party to the agreement, political efforts have been made to support local shipyards in securing the deal.

Both Finnish leaders will travel to the US separately. Besides Trump, Stubb is expected to meet other officials and political figures during his visit.

HT
By Akbar Novruz



Relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan have entered a new stage of dynamic development, according to German Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ralf Horlemann.

Speaking at the High-Level German-Azerbaijani Conference on Export Financing titled Innovations and Technologies at the Financial Crossroads, Horlemann noted that there has been a noticeable intensification of political dialogue and mutual engagement between Brussels and Baku.

Currently, numerous reciprocal visits are being made from Brussels to Baku and from Baku to Brussels. This is a positive development, as the European Union is Azerbaijans largest trade and investment partner and demonstrates its readiness to actively participate in the development of the region, the ambassador stated.

He highlighted that German-Azerbaijani economic and trade ties have also strengthened, particularly following the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Azerbaijan in April.

A roadmap defining the perspective directions of cooperation was recently signed, and we already see German companies taking concrete steps. For instance, the agreement reached between SEFE and SOCAR in the gas sector, or the interest of German manufacturer MAN in assembling electric buses in Azerbaijan, clearly illustrate this growing partnership, Horlemann emphasized.

The ambassador underlined that such initiatives demonstrate both countries commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and deeper economic collaboration within the broader EU-Azerbaijan partnership framework.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged US President Donald Trump to lift punitive trade tariffs in their first official talks Monday after months of animosity -- with both suggesting an in-person meeting in the near future.

The two leaders spoke for 30 minutes in a "friendly tone" and Lula raised the possibility of a meeting in Malaysia next month, the Brazilian presidency said in a statement.

Lula "requested the removal" of tariffs imposed on his country's products and sanctions against Brazilian officials.

Trump hailed "a very good telephone call" in a post on Truth Social.

"We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not too distant future, both in Brazil and the United States," he said, without adding details.

Ties have soured between Washington and Brasilia in recent months, with Trump angered over the trial and conviction of his ally, the far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Trump has imposed a 50-percent tariff on Brazilian products and imposed sanctions against several top officials, including a top Supreme Court judge, to punish Brazil for what he termed a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro.

"We are very optimistic that we will move toward a win-win situation in this relationship," said Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who has been tasked with continuing negotiations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

He noted the call had gone "even better than we expected" and that the two presidents had exchanged personal phone numbers.

The phone call came after what first appeared to be a chance encounter on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month that led Trump to hail his "excellent chemistry" with Lula.

However the Estadao news site reported the brief run-in, which included a hug, was actually the result of an intensive behind-the-scenes "diplomatic operation."

In a speech to the UN, Lula slammed an "unacceptable" attack on the independence of Brazil's judiciary.

Despite the political and economic pressure, Brazil's Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for his role in a botched coup bid after his 2022 election loss to Lula.

Trump, meanwhile, used his UN speech to accuse Brazil of "censorship, repression" and "judicial corruption."

He later switched tack, and recounted his run-in with Lula, describing him as "a very nice man, actually."

The two men stand on polar opposite sides when it comes to issues such as multilateralism, international trade and the fight against climate change.

The Brazilian presidency said that Lula had raised the possibility with Trump of an in-person meeting at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Malaysia in October.

He also re-iterated an invitation to Trump to attend the COP-30 climate conference in Brazil's Amazon city of Belem in November, "and also expressed his willingness to travel to the United States."

Lula has repeatedly stated that Brazil was "ready to negotiate" regarding tariffs, but lamented there was "no one to talk to" in Washington.

A Brazilian government source told AFP the private sector played a key role behind the scenes in the rapprochement with Washington, citing a meeting between Trump and Brazil's billionaire beef tycoon Joesley Batista at the White House.

Batista's "JBS played an important role, but it wasn't the only one," said the source.

A European diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity that Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer had also put pressure on the White House.

Trump's tariffs mainly target major Brazilian exports beef, coffee and sugar.

Brazilian trade data for September, released Monday, showed that exports to the United States fell 20.3 percent compared with last year, while imports from the US rose 14.3 percent.

However, Brazil has other major markets, such as Asia, for its beef and coffee, and has been expanding to diversify its exports.

Overall exports grew 7.2 percent in September, with major growth in China, India, Singapore, Argentina, Peru and Panama.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the arrest of a Chicago man accused of placing a bounty on a senior Border Patrol official.

According to a federal criminal complaint unsealed on Monday, Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, allegedly offered up to $10,000 for the killing of Chief Gregory Bovino, the U.S. Border Patrol's Commander at Large, in a message shared via Snapchat, as NBC News reports. Prosecutors said Espinoza Martinez also offered $2,000 for information on the official's whereabouts.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents said they were alerted on October 3 by a confidential source who provided screenshots of the messages. One screenshot appeared to show a user named "Juan" offering the cash rewards and including a photo of Chief Bovino. The post also contained the abbreviation "LK...on him," which agents said indicated the Latin Kings gang's involvement.

Espinoza Martinez was arrested on October 6 in Burr Ridge, Illinois. The Department of Justice has charged him with soliciting the murder of a federal law enforcement official. Federal officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the arrest underscored the administration's commitment to protecting federal agents:

"Depraved individuals like Juan Espinoza Martinez  who do not value human life and threaten law enforcement  do NOT belong in this country. We will not allow criminal gangs to put hits on U.S. government officials and our law enforcement officers. Thanks to ICE and our federal law enforcement partners, this thug is off our streets and behind bars"

McLaughlin added that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has directed agencies to pursue the strongest possible prosecutions against anyone who targets law enforcement personnel. "These attacks on our brave law enforcement officers must end," she said.

Court documents show that Espinoza Martinez, a Mexican national living in the U.S. without legal status, allegedly distributed the messages shortly after federal agents in Chicago were attacked by a car caravan in an unrelated incident. Federal prosecutors described the solicitation as a direct threat to national security and the safety of law enforcement.

Chief Bovino, who has led high-profile immigration operations in Los Angeles and Chicago, was not injured. The Department of Homeland Security said he continues to carry out his duties under enhanced security. Espinoza Martinez remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.

Originally published on Latin Times
The Armenian Diaspora in the United States has suffered heavy losses. The Armenian American community is losing well-deserved lobbyists one by one, and new gaps are constantly forming in the once close ranks of defenders of Armenian interests.

But a holy place, as they say, is never empty. A competition has already been opened for vacant vacancies in the pro-Armenian pool, and those to whom the easy earnings of the scammers Schiff or Menendez seem to be the limit of dreams are examined by the diaspora with all rigor. The Armenians have spent billions buying up officials, senators and congressmen, but not a single cent invested has been returned to them by any effective step on the part of Washington. Apart from positional "victories" in the form of decisions of some sub-commissions, statements and unanimous anti-Azerbaijani votes somewhere in the committees, the Armenians did not receive anything.

Surely, when choosing candidates for the lobby today, the diaspora will demand more from hired clowns than from the same Schiff. Adam Schiff spent the longest time on Armenian royalties, but these expenses did not affect the relations of the United States with Azerbaijan and the attitude of official Washington towards official Baku.

It seems that one candidate has already been selected. It is reported that the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has supported the candidacy of member of the Indiana House of Representatives Craig Haggard in his election race in the 4th congressional district of the state. Haggard relied on the Armenian American community, counting on the votes of Armenians. According to Armenian media, he "interacts with the Armenian community of the United States, meeting with its leaders to better understand their priorities and advocate for them."

After listening to the promises of the candidate, ANCA graciously agreed to order the Armenians to vote for this figure. Haggard promised the Diaspora to demand a "just peace" between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The "just peace" implies guarantees for the return of Armenians to Karabakh, the release of Armenian "prisoners of war" and, most interestingly, the "liberation of the Armenian land from the Azerbaijani armed forces." The candidate assured the representatives of the "most ancient Christian country" that he would fight for their heritage and do everything to "hold everyone accountable for ethnic cleansing and any other actions equally appalling."

The candidate for the hand and heart of the American Armenians decided not to be petty, but to promise everything that is on the Diaspora's agenda at once. If any of this can be implemented, ANCA will forget about all other unfulfilled promises. Almost all the presidents of the United States promised Armenians to fulfill their dreams, but none came even a hundred steps closer to these dreams. Only old Biden called the events of 1915 "genocide," and he didn't know what he was doing. So the failure to fulfill the promises made to the Armenians is a completely common thing for the United States.

But everything is simple when it comes to the president, whom the diaspora cannot reach, and it is more difficult for corrupt congressmen and senators to avoid fulfilling their marital duty. The Diaspora doesn't like jokes. And Haggard should be prepared for the fact that he will have to devote his activities to the interests of spyurk, and not his own country. He will have to complete tasks and voice the statements he receives from ANCA, even if he looks like an idiot at the same time. The interests of the Armenians have never coincided with the national interests of the United States, and the further they go, the more they diverge. In this case, it is not about the interests of Armenia. Armenia is the least interested in the Diaspora. Otherwise, Haggard would have been driven back, and not promised votes.

Hatred of Turkey and Azerbaijan has always been a business for Armenians, a kind of substance that glues the Diaspora together and maintains interest in it. The so-called "Armenian issue" has died, but the Diaspora is trying to keep it in a comatose state in order to prevent it from disappearing from the world agenda forever. The topic of the "long-suffering" of the Armenian people is no longer interesting to anyone. After the Second Karabakh War, contrary to spyurk's expectations, it did not revive, but, on the contrary, fell in value. Now Yerevan itself is trying to rid Armenia of this shame, and the Diaspora is nervous. Because they understand what the loss of Armenia's voice means for the "Armenian question." If Armenia itself does not talk about "ethnic cleansing," it is unlikely that this slander of the diaspora can be taken seriously in the international arena. Even more, this slander can be sharply rejected as provocative and hindering the achievement of peace. Mr. Haggard will have to work very hard to fulfill at least one of the promises made to the diaspora in exchange for votes. And the ANCA's calculation that he belongs to the ruling party will not work here.

The Armenian American community is not fussing in vain. The losses in the ranks of the lobby are really serious.

As you know, one of the key figures of the lobby, Bob Menendez, is currently serving an 11-year sentence in prison. In 2024, he was found guilty of accepting bribes, extortion, and acting as an agent of the Egyptian government. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the accusation about paid services to the Armenians. Oh well. 11 years old is a good opportunity for 71-year-old Menendez to reflect on his behavior. And soon Nadine, his lifelong friend, will be added to him. The Armenian wife of a former senator has been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison. Madame participated in all her husband's corruption schemes and was an intermediary in paying for Bob's dirty services.

Adam Schiff is still at large, but his future in the Senate has become very vague. President Donald Trump is not going to forget Schiff's slander and assaults and demands his punishment. Trump has repeatedly called Schiff a liar, a fabricator of accusations and a man without honor. He emphasized that it was precisely such policies that destroyed Americans' trust in government institutions and turned Congress into an arena for staging and witch hunts. The President calls the Armenian lobbyist a symbol of political lies and duplicity. The senator is also accused of defamation and fraud.

So American Armenians will soon lose Adam Schiff, too. Let us recall how a year ago he tried to push through Congress a "bipartisan bill on the confiscation of Azerbaijani assets and their transfer to the Fund for the Restoration of the Capital of the Armenians of Karabakh." The most interesting thing is that there is no foundation with that name, and Schiff's call was nothing more than a fraud.

The Armenian American community does not skimp by paying for lobby services. But where is the effect? The only time the costs were justified was during the passage of the 907th Amendment to the Freedom Support Act. It was a long time ago, and the amendment itself has not been active for that long. Now it is frozen again for an indefinite period. In general, ANCA is becoming less successful. So, in mid-September, the Congressional Rules Committee rejected the anti-Azerbaijani amendments proposed by lobbyists Frank Pallone and Gus Bilirakis, who are still at large. These figures tried to get them through the House of Representatives and were turned away. The content of the amendments is completely insane. One demanded that the head of the Pentagon be required to report annually on Armenia's support, and the second was to deprive the US president of the authority to freeze the 907th Amendment.

By the way, Pallone had the audacity to come to Baku for COP9. Obviously for provocative purposes, hoping that he would not be allowed in, and it would be possible to make a fuss. But they let him in, making his task more difficult. Here Pallone had to run away from journalists and protesting citizens and admire the views of the Trophy Park from the hotel window.

I would also like to remind you how, shortly before the war, Pallone tried to pass a resolution lifting the ban on travel by US officials to the then occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The resolution received only 12 votes in favor. And this is despite the fact that at that time there were more than 70 people in the Armenian Congress caucus. The lobbyists voted against it because they were afraid that the diaspora would oblige them to visit a dangerous region. But that's how it would be.

It should be noted that Schiff and Menendez also once thought they were untouchable and relied on an all-powerful diaspora. Craig Haggard should think about what he's getting himself into by selling votes. And his task will be especially difficult because he will have to raise issues that Armenia itself no longer wants to raise. This is a completely abnormal situation and a very strange one. While Yerevan has refused to demand the return of Armenians who voluntarily left in order not to harm the established peace, some American senator, promoted by the diaspora, will put a stick in the wheels of this process. It seems to some that the points contained in Trump's Gas plan on the release of hostages as a condition for ending the conflict can be extended to a settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. There is no doubt that the Armenians will try to take advantage of this fact to find a "path to the heart" of the head of the White House in case of success in the Palestinian-Israeli direction.

However, the train left. He's already very far from the departure station.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo, located in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Tokyo. Steps away from Kayabacho and Nihonbashi subway stations, the 195-room hotel places guests within easy reach of Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, and Ginza, with convenient connections to both Haneda and Narita airports. Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo serves as a new neighborhood hub anchored by Talk Shopan all-day social space where guests and locals can eat, drink, work, and meet.

First launched in 2022, the Caption by Hyatt brand is an upscale focused-service hotel brand featuring self-activated and intuitive touchpoints. Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo joins a growing global brand portfolio in Shanghai, Osaka and Nashville.

Guestrooms and Design

The 195 guestrooms range from Standard 236-301 square feet (22-28 square meters) and High Floor 269-301 square feet (25-28 square meters) to Deluxe 301-365 square feet (28-34 square meters) and Suite 581 square feet (54 sqm). Each room reflects the multifaceted character of Kabutocho through four themes: "BRIDGE," "COMMUNITY," "OLD & NEW," and "FUTURE." Vibrant design motifs nod to local streetscapes and the distinctive hand signals once used on the trading floor of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, offering guests a visual journey into the neighborhood's rich history as the first financial hub. The hotel also features bath amenities from Apotheke, a home fragrance brand from Brooklyn, New York.

Interior design is led by Australian design studio Mitchell & Eades (M&E), inspired by Kabutocho's heritage with traditional Japanese crafts. The result is an authentic introduction to life in Tokyo  expressive, resourceful, and deeply connected. With exposed structures, antimicrobial finishes, and design strategies that create more from less, it embodies future-minded hospitality while remaining rooted in craft and community. Guests can look forward to a seamless stay with self-service check-in, complimentary Wi-Fi, and TV streaming, combining convenience with flexibility. The hotel also features a fitness center, while suites include an in-room washer/dryer.

Talk Shop: A Social Hub

At the heart of the hotel is Talk Shop, a signature and flexible all-day social space. Guests and locals alike are invited to dine, work, connect and relax here at their own pace. Talk Shop features a "Burgers & Greens" concept delivering signature craft burgers alongside fresh salads, desserts and a variety of beverages. The standout dish is the hearty "Caption Burger," featuring a Japanese Holstein beef patty with American cheese, bacon and classic toppings, finished with a house sauce. For plant-based options, a chickpea burger with herbs, spice and a yogurt-based sauce is available. Beverage offerings include custom-blend coffee from SR Coffee Roaster and craft beers from Heiwa Shuzo's Heiwa Craft line.

Throughout the day, Talk Shop shifts with the rhythm of its neighborhood: a morning coffee to start the day, a casual lunch between meetings, an afternoon treat with desserts, or an evening unwinding with wine, beer and craft cocktails. The space is designed for every mood, with cozy lounge sofas inviting quiet moments alone, while stylish bar seating sets the stage for lively interactions.

The 24/7 grab-and-go Market features ready-to-eat and drink items, daily essentials, and curated products from long-established Nihonbashi heritage brands. Guests may shop at their convenience and take a piece of the neighborhood home.

Talk Shop also serves as a cultural stage with specially curated programs such as a traditional chiyogami (traditional Japanese decorative paper) notebook-making workshop and a recurring Jazz Night featuring emerging local artists. These programs are open to all guests and visitors, fostering authentic connections and community.

Sustainability-first

Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo is the first hotel in Tokyo to be awarded the DBJ Green Building Certification (Plan Certification). This is a program by the Development Bank of Japan that recognizes properties for outstanding environmental performance and contributions to community well-being. The hotel was constructed with a pioneering hybrid timber-and-steel structure, reducing its carbon footprint and showcasing new possibilities for urban wooden architecture. Everyday operations also reflect this commitment, with refillable water stations on every floor and bathroom amenities designed to minimize single-use plastics including paper toothbrushes.

For more information about the DBJ Green Building Plan certification, please visit: https://www.dbj.jp/en/service/program/g_building/

For more information or to book a reservation, please visit: Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo | Stay Where Tokyo Happens

The term "Hyatt" is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

Hotel website
lebua, the international Thai luxury brand celebrated for its iconic properties in Bangkok and beyond, is proud to announce its comeback in India with the opening of a boutique luxury hotel in the heart of Udaipur  one of the country's most captivating and culturally rich destinations. This marks a defining milestone for lebua as it once again brings the brand's legacy of impeccable service in curating sophisticated stays to India's growing luxury landscape.

The new lebua Udaipur features 49 elegantly appointed rooms, a signature dining destination, an intimate bar, a stylish lounge, and dedicated spa & wellness facilities designed for rejuvenation and holistic wellbeing. The property is home to an expansive array of banquet and event spaces, making it an exceptional venue for destination weddings, social celebrations, and MICE events. Seamlessly blending lebua's contemporary sophistication with the heritage of Udaipur, the hotel provides guests, groups, and business travelers with an authentic yet elevated experience that is uniquely lebua.

A New Chapter in Udaipur Hospitality

The layout and decor of the hotel showcase local craftsmanship, seamlessly integrated with lebua's distinctive design language. Guests are treated to sweeping panoramic views of the city, immersive cultural experiences, bespoke spa and wellness journeys, and refined dining that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Rajasthan alongside international culinary artistry  including lebua's signature Thai influences. The versatile banquet and event spaces provide a majestic setting for weddings, private celebrations, and corporate gatherings, cementing lebua Udaipur as a premier destination for both leisure and events.

Looking Ahead

With the opening of lebua Udaipur, the group not only reaffirms its commitment to India but also signals its growth ambitions, with additional projects currently in the pipeline across key destinations in India and Thailand. These future developments continue to be centered around unique guest experiences, carefully crafted by our team and elevated through our strength in food and beverage, reinforcing lebua's position as a leader in creating extraordinary, one-of-a-kind hospitality moments across Asia.

Hotel website
Cambridge's historic Hobson House on St Andrew's Street begins a new chapter on 10 November 2025 with the official opening of The Hobson Cambridge by Adina. Marking the UK debut of TFE, the Australian-born brand introduces its distinctive apartment-style concept to the city with 56 keys set within the Grade II listed building. Blending centuries of heritage architecture and storied history with contemporary comfort, the launch offers guests an exciting new way to experience Cambridge.

Once the stables of 17th Century businessman, Thomas Hobson, whose name gave rise to the phrase "Hobson's Choice", and later home to the city's police and fire station, the building has witnessed nearly seven centuries of Cambridge life. Its distinguished facade, grand timber beams, vaulted ceilings, and period detailing speak to its layered history. Today, these historic features are artfully preserved and complemented by 56 meticulously designed apartments, each offering guests a stylish blend of independence and elegance through considered layouts, modern kitchenettes, and open-plan living spaces that celebrate both comfort and the building's architectural heritage.

Alongside its private apartments, The Hobson Cambridge by Adina features refined public spaces and distinguished meeting room, suited for both short and extended stays. Its forthcoming restaurant concept, named Oz & Isle, is set to be revealed later this autumn. It will serve as a lively gathering place for locals, students, and visitors, combining an innovative drinks-led offering with a concise, high-quality sharing menu. Designed with vibrant greenery, intimate corners, and an energised yet relaxed atmosphere, Oz & Isle is created to honour the building's historic grandeur.

Situated in the heart of Cambridge, The Hobson Cambridge by Adina places guests steps away from world-renowned colleges, museums, parks, and the River Cam. Whether punting along the river, exploring the Fitzwilliam Museum, or immersing in the city's cafe culture, discovery begins right at its doorstep.

The Hobson Cambridge by Adina opens 10 November 2025, with reservations now open. Guests can enjoy an opening offer of 99 a night, including a welcome drink, available until the end of the year, while standard room rates start from 179 a night.

Hotel website
Conrad Pune, the flagship luxury hotel for Hilton Worldwide is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr. Shreyash Dwivedi as the new Assistant Director of Food & Beverage. Shreyash brings with him a wealth of experience in luxury hospitality, having worked with some of the most renowned hotel brands across the country.

Most recently, he was associated with The St. Regis Mumbai as Food & Beverage Manager, where he played a key role in driving revenue growth and elevating the guest dining experience. Prior to that, he was with The Leela Palace Chennai as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, where his efforts contributed to the success of award-winning outlets such as Spectra and Library Blu.

His journey in hospitality began with the prestigious Taj Management Trainee Program, following which he held leadership positions at Taj Krishna Hyderabad, Courtyard & Fairfield by Marriott ORR Bangalore, and Novotel Hotels in Chennai and Kolkata. Over the years, Shreyash has been instrumental in positioning several dining outlets as market leaders, with multiple Times Food & Nightlife Awards to his credit.

Passionate about food & beverage innovation and guest engagement, Shreyash is also a certified trainer and a WSET Level 2 Award holder. His track record of operational excellence and customer-centric approach makes him a strong addition to the Conrad Pune leadership team.

In his new role, Shreyash will lead the hotel's food & beverage division, focusing on creating memorable dining experiences and strengthening Conrad Pune's reputation as one of the city's most sought-after luxury destinations.
Dreamscape Hospitality has announced the appointment of Teresa Kemper as Director of Hotel Accounting, further strengthening its corporate finance leadership.

With more than 15 years of experience in hospitality accounting, Teresa has held senior roles with TPG Hotels and Resorts, Roots Management Group, Phoenix American Hospitality, and Aimbridge Hospitality.

At Dreamscape, she will oversee hotel accounting operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and strong financial support for the company's growing portfolio of properties nationwide.

Her appointment underscores Dreamscape Hospitality's investment in building a high-performing team dedicated to supporting hotel operations and owner success.
FRANKLIN, Tenn  Quore, a leader in hotel operations management, will reveal its next-generation Learning Management System at The Hospitality Show in October. The event, to be held October 26 to 28 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, will give hotel owners and operators the tools they need to streamline operations and drive profitability.

In Booth #1022, Quore will introduce attendees to Quore University, designed to elevate the way hotel teams engage with training. Quore University will combine cutting-edge gamification features with 12 tailored learning paths, in multiple languages, covering 42 different job titles, each crafted to boost team engagement, reduce employee churn, and ultimately elevate the guest experience.

Were excited to debut Quore University at The Hospitality Show. This isnt just another LMS, its a transformative training platform that speaks to the individual needs of every hotel staff member  from line-level employees to executive management. Weve gone beyond the one-size-fits-all approach, giving each user a personalized learning journey designed to motivate, connect, and gain proficiency in the technology. Drew Smith, Quore Director of Training

Smith explained that one of Quores main goals was to empower the individual staff member. Associates can take control of their day using Quore if they know the path.

Quore University gives everyone a path , he said. No more train the trainer or I have to wait for my GM to train me. We will take care of that, and the GM can just worry about getting trained themselves and watching the report to make sure everyone else is certified.

The Power of Gamification

One of the standout features to be revealed at THS is integrated gamification. Using LearnUpons branded training portals, Quore is delivering a fun and rewarding experience for hotel employees that fosters healthy competition and gives users something to work towardwhether thats earning badges, climbing the leaderboard, or simply completing a certification.

Unlike traditional training platforms, Quore University focuses on specific learning paths designed for each role within a hotel , Smith said. The program ensures everyone receives training thats most relevant to their job. Whether someones learning about how to organize their day or how to keep up with preventative maintenance checks, theyll find the content they need, with the flexibility to learn at their own pace.

Quore University isnt just about creating better-trained staff; its about making sure all hotel teams are connected across properties, regardless of where they work , Smith said. With mobile access and certification portability, employees can take their learningand their certificationswith them when they move between hotels or properties that use Quore.

Built for a Multilingual Workforce

From launch, Quore University will be available in both English and Spanish, addressing one of the most pressing needs in todays hotel workforce. By providing training in Spanish, Quore ensures that line-level employees, supervisors, and managers can all access the same role-specific learning paths in the language they are most comfortable with. For General Managers, this means smoother adoption across teams, higher engagement, and fewer barriers to onboarding new staff.

Launching in Spanish alongside English was a priority for us , said Smith. We know how vital it is for every hotel staff member, regardless of language, to feel confident using the tools that power their work.

Pilot Testing and Global Expansion

Quore University was piloted by more than 600 hotels beginning in August, with plans for a full roll-out in October. As the platform expands, additional languages and courses will be added to accommodate a global audience.

Were focusing on getting things just right before we expand further. The feedback weve received during the pilot phase has been invaluable, and were committed to making Quore University the best learning platform it can be. Anna Lee Collingwood, Quore Training Specialist

The most common theme from user feedback is "I'm learning things I didn't know Quore could do" and I wish I took this training when I started using Quore.

Peoples comments show that Quore University really is informative and helpful , Smith said. It shows that were on the right track with this robust LMS.

For more information about Quore University, visit Quores Booth #1022 at The Hospitality Show or email [email protected] to pre-schedule an appointment.

About Quore

Quore empowers hoteliers to elevate guest experiences and optimize operations. As the leading hospitality operations platform, we streamline workflows across housekeeping, front desk, engineering, and management. Our solutions, trusted by over 7,400 hotels worldwide, including brands like IHG, Marriott, and Choice, simplify daily tasks from managing maintenance and guest requests to conducting inspections and tracking capital expenditures. Founded in 2012, Quore is a Tennessee-based company recognized for its rapid growth and commitment to employee well-being. Quore was named to the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies, a Top Workplace by The Tennessean, and one of Forbes' Best Startup Employers.

Barb Worcester
The German Civil Service Association has acquired the four-star, 169-room Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte in Germany, from German real estate investment manager Union Investments Unilmmo: Deutschland open-ended fund, for an amount reported to be around 36 million (213,000 per room). The property is situated in the historic centre of East Berlin, approximately 1 km east of Check Point Charlie and the Gendarmenmarkt. The hotel includes a restaurant & bar and five meeting rooms. The fund has owned the property since 1992, converting it into a hotel in 2005, and the operating lease is nearing expiry. The disposal forms part of Union Investments strategy to rejuvenate the portfolio of the UniImmo: Deutschland fund.

A&O Hostels acquires DoubleTree by Hilton London - Docklands Riverside

German hostel owner-operator A&O Hostels has acquired the former four-star, 378-room DoubleTree by Hilton London - Docklands Riverside in the UK. The property is situated in Londons Southwark borough by the River Thames, opposite Canary Wharf. The property includes a restaurant, three bars, 13 meeting rooms and a private pier with an electric water taxi service to Canary Wharf that will be provided complimentary to guests. Starting in January 2026, A&O will invest some 21 million in phased renovations that are planned to increase the room count to 500 and the bed count to 2,100, with the hotel remaining open throughout. This will be the first A&O hostel in London. The group now operates 44 properties in Europe, totalling some 30,000 beds.

Turenne Hotellerie acquires Novotel Nantes Centre Gare in France

Turenne Hotellerie, the hotel investment arm of French private equity firm Turenne Groupe, has acquired the four-star, 105-room Novotel Nantes Centre Gare in France. The property is situated in central Nantes between the congress centre and the main train station. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and two meeting rooms. Following the acquisition, the hotel will undergo a major renovation programme aimed at enhancing the guest experience. In July 2025, the Turenne Groupe sold the four-star, 198-room Hotel Mercure Nice Centre Notre-Dame, as reported in this newsletter.

Black Label Hotels acquires Hotel de' Medici in Bruges, Belgium

Dutch owner-operator Black Label Hotels has acquired the four-star, 101-room Golden Tulip Hotel de' Medici in Bruges, Belgium. The property is situated on the banks of the Potterierei canal near the historic city centre. The hotel includes two restaurants, a bar and eight meeting rooms. Following the acquisition, BLH plans to extensively renovate the hotel to enhance the guest experience. The group operates a total of nine hotels across the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

Eternam acquires Hotel Charlemagne By Happyculture in Lyon, France

French investment firm Eternam has acquired the four-star, 117-room Hotel Charlemagne By Happyculture in Lyon, France, through a club deal structured as an FPCI. The property is situated in Lyons Confluence district by the Lyon-Perrache train station. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and eight meeting rooms. Following the acquisition, Eternam plans to fully renovate the hotels rooms and common areas, upgrade it to ESG standards, and add 15 additional rooms.

BLS acquires Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdovey, UK

BLS UK Hotels, the hospitality arm of Indian technology services company BLS International Services, has acquired the four-star, 59-room Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdovey, UK, from the Cave-Browne-Cave family for 6.55 million (111,000 per room). The property, which had been owned and operated by the family for over 100 years, is situated in Mid Wales on the coast near Snowdonia National Park. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and spa area. The acquisition forms part of BLSs strategy to diversify its business portfolio.

Neskovic Group acquires In Hotel Belgrade in Serbia

D.N.Z.- Neskovic, the hospitality arm of Serbian conglomerate Neskovic Group, has acquired the four-star, 187-room In Hotel Belgrade in Serbia. The property is situated in the business centre of New Belgrade between the Sava convention centre and the Belgrade Arena. The hotel includes a restaurant, two bars and five meeting rooms. D.N.Z.- Neskovic also owns the four-star, 75-room Hotel Balkan Belgrad.
A&O Hostels acquires DoubleTree by Hilton London - Docklands Riverside - Image Credit a&o Hostels



A summary of European hotel transactions provided by HVS

German Civil Service Association acquires Park Plaza Berlin from Union Investment

The German Civil Service Association has acquired the four-star, 169-room Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte in Germany, from German real estate investment manager Union Investments Unilmmo: Deutschland open-ended fund, for an amount reported to be around 36 million (213,000 per room). The property is situated in the historic centre of East Berlin, approximately 1 km east of Check Point Charlie and the Gendarmenmarkt. The hotel includes a restaurant & bar and five meeting rooms. The fund has owned the property since 1992, converting it into a hotel in 2005, and the operating lease is nearing expiry. The disposal forms part of Union Investments strategy to rejuvenate the portfolio of the UniImmo: Deutschland fund.

A&O Hostels acquires DoubleTree by Hilton London - Docklands Riverside

German hostel owner-operator A&O Hostels has acquired the former four-star, 378-room DoubleTree by Hilton London - Docklands Riverside in the UK. The property is situated in Londons Southwark borough by the River Thames, opposite Canary Wharf. The property includes a restaurant, three bars, 13 meeting rooms and a private pier with an electric water taxi service to Canary Wharf that will be provided complimentary to guests. Starting in January 2026, A&O will invest some 21 million in phased renovations that are planned to increase the room count to 500 and the bed count to 2,100, with the hotel remaining open throughout. This will be the first A&O hostel in London. The group now operates 44 properties in Europe, totalling some 30,000 beds.

Turenne Hotellerie acquires Novotel Nantes Centre Gare in France

Turenne Hotellerie, the hotel investment arm of French private equity firm Turenne Groupe, has acquired the four-star, 105-room Novotel Nantes Centre Gare in France. The property is situated in central Nantes between the congress centre and the main train station. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and two meeting rooms. Following the acquisition, the hotel will undergo a major renovation programme aimed at enhancing the guest experience. In July 2025, the Turenne Groupe sold the four-star, 198-room Hotel Mercure Nice Centre Notre-Dame, as reported in this newsletter.

Black Label Hotels acquires Hotel de' Medici in Bruges, Belgium

Dutch owner-operator Black Label Hotels has acquired the four-star, 101-room Golden Tulip Hotel de' Medici in Bruges, Belgium. The property is situated on the banks of the Potterierei canal near the historic city centre. The hotel includes two restaurants, a bar and eight meeting rooms. Following the acquisition, BLH plans to extensively renovate the hotel to enhance the guest experience. The group operates a total of nine hotels across the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.

Eternam acquires Hotel Charlemagne By Happyculture in Lyon, France

French investment firm Eternam has acquired the four-star, 117-room Hotel Charlemagne By Happyculture in Lyon, France, through a club deal structured as an FPCI. The property is situated in Lyons Confluence district by the Lyon-Perrache train station. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and eight meeting rooms. Following the acquisition, Eternam plans to fully renovate the hotels rooms and common areas, upgrade it to ESG standards, and add 15 additional rooms.

BLS acquires Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdovey, UK

BLS UK Hotels, the hospitality arm of Indian technology services company BLS International Services, has acquired the four-star, 59-room Trefeddian Hotel in Aberdovey, UK, from the Cave-Browne-Cave family for 6.55 million (111,000 per room). The property, which had been owned and operated by the family for over 100 years, is situated in Mid Wales on the coast near Snowdonia National Park. The hotel includes a restaurant, bar and spa area. The acquisition forms part of BLSs strategy to diversify its business portfolio.

Neskovic Group acquires In Hotel Belgrade in Serbia

D.N.Z.- Neskovic, the hospitality arm of Serbian conglomerate Neskovic Group, has acquired the four-star, 187-room In Hotel Belgrade in Serbia. The property is situated in the business centre of New Belgrade between the Sava convention centre and the Belgrade Arena. The hotel includes a restaurant, two bars and five meeting rooms. D.N.Z.- Neskovic also owns the four-star, 75-room Hotel Balkan Belgrad.

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
Brits Embrace AI for Travel Planning but Still Rely on Traditional Advice - Image Credit Unsplash



Despite the rise of AI and digital influencers, UK travelers still prefer holiday advice from friends and family, according to Amadeus research

A recent study by Amadeus reveals that while emerging technologies, such as Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) and travel influencers, are gaining traction among UK travelers, traditional sources of travel advicesuch as recommendations from friends and familyremain dominant. The study, "Connected Journeys: How Technology Will Transform Travel in the Next Decade," highlights the evolving landscape of travel planning and the role of technology in shaping travel decisions.

Emerging Technologies in Travel Planning

The Amadeus study reveals a notable rise in the utilization of Gen AI and travel influencers for travel inspiration. In the UK, 60% more travelers turned to Gen AI for trip planning compared to the previous year, while 33% more sought advice from travel influencers. Social media also played a growing role, with a 27% increase in travelers using these platforms for travel ideas. This trend is mirrored in international markets, with China, Singapore, Spain, India, and the United States also showing substantial increases in the use of Gen AI for travel planning.

Traditional Sources Still Preferred

Despite the rise of digital tools, the study found that UK travelers still heavily rely on traditional sources for travel inspiration. Recommendations from friends and family were the top choice, with 36% more travelers seeking advice from these sources compared to others. Online travel agencies also remain popular, with a 34% increase in their use. This preference for personal recommendations is also reflected in other European countries, such as France and Spain.

AI's Role and Limitations

While AI is increasingly used for discovering new destinations and hidden gems, UK travelers have expressed mixed feelings about its effectiveness. Although 39% of respondents appreciated AI for uncovering unique travel options, a quarter experienced inaccurate information, and 33% felt the need to verify the accuracy of AI-generated content. Additionally, some travelers found AI tools overwhelming due to the abundance of options and their inability to fully understand user preferences.

Traveler Expectations and Technology Integration

Amadeus emphasizes the need for collaboration across the travel industry to meet traveler expectations for a seamless experience. Decius Valmorbida, President of Travel at Amadeus, highlights the importance of integrating new technologies with existing systems to enhance personalization and reliability. Francisco (Paco) Perez-Lozao Ruter, President of Hospitality at Amadeus, acknowledges the potential of AI but stresses the need for improvements in accuracy and integration.

Airport Experience and Disruption Management

The study also examines travelers' willingness to utilize technology at airports to streamline processes. A significant portion of UK travelers expressed willingness to use biometrics for identity verification and digital wallets for storing travel documents. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of effective disruption management, with 81% of respondents indicating a preference for providers who handle disruptions efficiently.

Conclusion

Amadeus' research highlights the growing role of technology in travel planning while underscoring the continued importance of traditional advice from friends and family. As the travel industry evolves, balancing technological advancements with personal interaction remains crucial to meeting traveler expectations and enhancing the overall travel experience.

Read Connected Journeys: How Technology Will Transform Travel in the Next Decade.
From left to right: Kenneth Macpherson (IHG), Matthew Woollard (IHG), (Mrs) Willemijn Geels (IHG), Skorri Rafn Rafnsson (CEO at Alva Capital), Karin Sheppard (IHG), Farkhad Kamilov (IHG), Miguel Martins (IHG) - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts



IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to open its first Candlewood Suites property in Reykjavik, Iceland, as part of a development strategy with ALVA Capital. The partnership aims to develop up to 500 rooms in Iceland over the next three to five years.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its first property in Iceland under the Candlewood Suites brand. The new development, located in the Hliardistrict of Reykjavik, will be a conversion of a former office building into a 53-room hotel. The property is situated near Reykjavik's main pedestrian shopping street and several tourist attractions, including the Kjarvalsstair Art Gallery and Sundhollin Public Baths.

The agreement with ALVA Capital includes plans to develop up to 500 rooms across Iceland over the next three to five years. This initiative will introduce IHG's brands, including Holiday Inn Express and InterContinental Hotels, to the Nordic region. The Reykjavik property is expected to open soon, joining IHG's existing 13 properties in the Nordic countries, including locations in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

Iceland has experienced significant tourism growth, with approximately 2.3 million international visitors annually. The new Candlewood Suites aims to cater to this demand by offering extended-stay accommodations with amenities such as kitchens, self-service laundry, gym access, and weekly housekeeping.

The Reykjavik property will be part of IHG's long-stay Suites portfolio, which includes nine Candlewood Suites set to open across Northern Europe. The brand focuses on providing apartment-style accommodations with reliable service, reflecting the increasing demand for extended stays in the region.

IHG's global portfolio for the Candlewood Suites brand includes over 410 open hotels and 192 in the pipeline as of June 30, 2025. The Reykjavik project marks a strategic expansion for IHG in the Nordic market, leveraging ALVA Capital's established presence in Iceland.
DoubleTree Newark Penn Station Hotel - Image Credit CBRE



The DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station, a 257-room hotel, is listed for sale as downtown Newark experiences significant development and growth.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station, located at 1048 Raymond Boulevard, Newark, NJ, is now available for sale. The hotel is directly connected to Newark Penn Station, a major transportation hub in northeast New Jersey. The property underwent extensive renovations in 2019, with over $6 million invested to enhance its facilities. Westmont Hotel Group manages the hotel under a long-term franchise agreement with DoubleTree and operates with a unionized workforce.

Location and Accessibility

The hotel is situated in downtown Newark, close to major corporate offices, including Panasonic, Prudential, and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. It is also near the Prudential Center, a prominent arena, and a short drive from Newark Liberty International Airport. The area has seen a development boom, with projects like Ironside Newark and Gateway Center attracting companies such as Mars Wrigley and Audible.

Market Performance

For the twelve months ending January 2024, the hotel reported an occupancy rate of 77.6% and an average daily rate (ADR) of $163.55, resulting in a revenue per available room (RevPAR) of $126.90. The 2024 budget projects a 79.7% occupancy and a $174.22 ADR, with a RevPAR of $138.86, reflecting a 10% growth over 2023.

Development and Growth in Newark

Downtown Newark is undergoing a transformation, shifting from a daytime business district to a 24/7 community. New developments, such as the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge and Liongate Studios Newark, are underway. The recent $2.7 billion renovation of Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal A, completed in September 2023, is expected to further boost the local economy.

Investment Opportunities

The DoubleTree offers potential investors an opportunity to acquire a high-quality asset at a discount to replacement cost. The hotel is positioned for continued growth, with expectations of increased demand from nearby developments and events at the Prudential Center. The property is offered unencumbered by management, allowing flexibility for new owners.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station presents a strategic investment opportunity in a rapidly developing urban area. With its prime location, recent renovations, and projected market growth, the property is well-positioned for future success.

Inquire at CBRE.
Chicago, IL (60637)

Today

More clouds than sun. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 31F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. Low around 10F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Adams Ramble Weekend Returns

ADAMS, Mass.This year's RambleFest celebration will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Adams Visitor Center, located at 3 Hoosac St. in Adams.

The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 12. The 57th annual Greylock Ramble hike, along the Cheshire Harbor Trail to the summit of Mount Greylock, will take place Monday, Oct. 13.

Saturday's free RambleFest community event will feature live music from Pete Boyd, who will kick off the festival at noon, followed by Project Rewind from 2:30-5 p.m. Food will be available from Bezzle's BBQ, La Chalupa y La Enchilada, M&J's Taste of Home, and the Adams Lion Club, with libations on tap from Antimony Brewing, Shipyard Brewing Co., Narragansett, Sam Adams, and Truly, plus wine. Alcohol-free beverages (smoothies) will be offered by Berkshire Blends.

Additional vendors will include soap and candle makers, jewelers, woodworkers, knitters, and other artisans. Activities for children will feature an assortment of games, as well as the pumpkin painting. Berkshire Scenic Railway will offer sightseeing train rides leaving from the Adams Station throughout the day. Visit berkshiretrains.org early to get your ticket to ride, as they often sell out.

There will be live performance by 7 Bridges Road, an acoustic Eagles tribute band, on Friday, Oct. 10 and a screening of "The Phantom of the Opera" with a live soundtrack by Invincible Czars, on Sunday, Oct. 12, both at The Adams Theater. A bazaar and kids' fair will be held at St. John Paul II Parish on Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and the Greylock Glen will offer a woodcraft showcase on Sunday, plus guided walks, vendors, food, music, and more throughout the long weekend.

Monday's Ramble is a 6.6-mile, round-trip hike that is moderately strenuous and can take 4-5 hours. First 2,000 hikers will receive certificates of accomplishment. Recognition is given to the first, the youngest, and the oldest hiker to reach the summit, and to the hiker who has traveled the greatest distance to participate. Leashed pets are permitted on the mountain, but not on the shuttles that bring hikers to the trailhead. A free shuttle from the Adams Visitor Center to the trailhead runs from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. with return shuttle until 4 p.m. Very limited parking will be available near the trailhead, so use of the shuttle is strongly encouraged.

"RambleFest weekend is something I look forward to all year," said ProAdams Board Co-president Erin Mucci. "It's a great way to usher in the fall season with family, friends, and the greater community. As an Adams resident, I'm thrilled to see more people enjoying Mount Greylock and our steadily redeveloping downtown and Greylock Glen areas."

Both the Greylock Ramble and RambleFest are hosted by ProAdams, an all-volunteer group whose mission includes creating vibrancy in town. These events are sponsored by Adams Community Bank, Smith Brothers-McAndrews Insurance, Berkshire Gas, Bounti-Fare, and the Town of Adams. Support also comes from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Adams Fire Wardens.
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Premier Li Qiang will travel to North Korea this week in the highest-level visit by a Chinese leader since 2019.

Mr Li will be in the neighbouring country Thursday through Saturday, attending events to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of North Korea's ruling party, the foreign ministry in Beijing said on Tuesday.

The premiers delegation will pay an official goodwill visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at Pyongyangs invitation, according to North Korean news agency KCNA.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will preside over a military parade on Friday to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Workers Party of Korea. The North Korean military was expected to display a new generation of strategic missiles and advanced weapons systems at the parade, days after South Korea claimed that Pyongyang had increased its stockpile of nuclear material by accumulating large quantities of highly enriched weapons-grade uranium.

Analysts believe the main attraction of the parade will be a solid-fuel Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile capable of targeting the American mainland from Pyongyang, according to South Korean state news agency Yonhap.

Mr Kim pledged over this past weekend to develop additional military measures and allocate more strategic assets to respond to the build-up of US forces in South Korea.

In direct proportion to the build-up of US forces in Korea, our strategic interest in the region has also increased, and weve accordingly allocated special assets to key targets of interest, Mr Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA on Sunday.

At the opening ceremony of an exhibition of Pyongyangs latest weapons, Mr Kim said on Saturday that it features the recent results of the important projects undertaken to put the nations military capabilities on an increasingly modern, advanced footing with its nuclear deterrent as the backbone.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks at an exhibition event ahead of the 80th founding anniversary of the Workers' Party in Pyongyang ( Reuters )

The South Korean military said there were signs Pyongyang was preparing to welcome tens of thousands of people at the mega parade, according to Yonhap. Officials from the South said they had detected movements of vehicles and military equipment ahead of the event.

The Chinese premier, considered second in power after president Xi Jinping, will be the most senior Beijing official to attend a North Korean military parade this century.

China has long been one of Pyongyangs main allies, though North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sought to balance the relationship in recent years by deepening ties with Russia, singing a mutual defence treaty and sending troops to help Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

A statement by the Chinese foreign ministry called China and North Korea traditional friends and neighbours" and said it was an unswerving strategic policy of the Chinese government and the Communist Party to maintain, consolidate and develop relations with North Korea.

China viewed this visit as an opportunity to work with North Korea, guided by the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, it added.

Mr Li has been representing China on foreign trips more frequently as Mr Xi, 72, has curtailed his travel schedule.

Mr Xi last visited North Korea in 2019, before the Covid pandemic, but high-level contacts between Beijing and Pyongyang have picked up since last year.

Zhao Leji, one of the seven members, alongside the president and the premier, of the Communist Partys Politburo Standing Committee, the apex decision-making body in the country, travelled to Pyongyang in April and met with Mr Kim.

Mr Xi hosted Mr Kim and Russias Vladimir Putin, along with nearly two dozen world leaders, at Beijings largest military parade ever in early September to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat in World War II.

Russia is sending former president Dmitri Medvedev to this weeks celebrations in Pyongyang, KCNA said on Monday.

To Lam of Vietnam will also attend the celebrations. Mr Lam is general secretary of his nations Communist Party, the same leadership position held by Mr Xi in China and Mr Kim in the Workers' Party of Korea.

It will be the first visit by a Vietnamese leader to North Korea since 2007, state media said.

Laos president Thongloun Sisoulith, who also serves as general secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party, will be in attendance as well.
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Donald Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize if he convinces Chinese president Xi Jinping to abandon his military plans against Taiwan, the self-governed islands president said.

Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te warned the US president  who is seeking a Nobel Peace Prize and has nominated himself for it as he claims to have ended seven un-endable wars  that a China takeover of Taiwan would threaten the US too.

Mr Trump said he deserved the top peace prize already given to four of his White House predecessors.

The Taiwanese president, who China brands as separatist, said he hoped that the democratic island will continue to enjoy the support of Mr Trump.

I noticed that US president Donald Trump once said publicly that [Chinese president] Xi Jinping actually called him and stated that he would not attack Taiwan during President Trumps term in office, Mr Lai told a conservative US radio show and podcast in an interview broadcast on Tuesday.

If he is able to convince Xi Jinping to permanently renounce the use of force against Taiwan, president Trump will surely win the Nobel Peace Prize, Mr Lai said.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary and has repeatedly carried out military drills in the Taiwan Strait to intimidate its smaller neighbour. Mr Xi, in his New Year address this year, said that Chinas unification with Taiwan was inevitable and could not be blocked by outside forces, in a likely reference to Taiwans most important ally  the US.

open image in gallery A Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter (L) and a Boeing CH-47SD Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter perform a flyby past the Taipei 101 building as part of rehearsals ahead of Taiwan's National Day ( AFP via Getty Images )

Despite the absence of formal ties, the US is Taiwans most important international backer and expected to come to its rescue with military aid in the event of an escalation from China. However, Mr Trump has not announced any new arms sales to the island after entering the White House earlier this year.

The US president is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart later this month at a meeting of Asia-Pacific leaders in South Korea.

On being asked what advice would he give the US president if he were to meet him, Mr Lai said he would direct Mr Trumps attention to Chinas actions.

I would advise him to pay particular attention to the fact that Xi Jinping is not only conducting increasingly large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, but is also expanding military forces in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the Taiwanese president said.

He warned that China is ramping up its military activities against Taiwan, and the challenge of this extends beyond Taiwan.

"The challenge extends beyond merely annexing Taiwan. Once Taiwan is annexed, China will gain greater strength to compete with the United States on the international stage, undermining the rules-based international order," he said.

"Ultimately, this will also impact US homeland interests. Therefore, I hope President Trump will continue to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, he said.

The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and has long stuck to a policy of "strategic ambiguity" not making clear whether it would respond militarily to a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

open image in gallery Lai Ching-te, inspects the Han Kuang 41 exercise in Kaohsiung ( Getty Images )

Mr Lai rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future.

Taiwan, along with major Western allies, has worked to address Washington's concerns that it is not spending enough on its own defence. Mr Lai has set a target of defence spending to reach 5 per cent of gross domestic product by 2030.

Our defence spending, as defined by Nato, will reach 3.32 per cent of GDP next year. And this will increase to 5 per cent of GDP by 2030, he said in the radio interview.

Mr Lai said the island nation is absolutely determined to safeguard its national security.

Former US presidents Woodrow Wilson (1920), Jimmy Carter (2002), Barack Obama (2009), and US vice president Al Gore (2007), have so far received the coveted prize.
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North Koreas Kim Jong Un oversaw a large military parade displaying its new intercontinental ballistic missile in front of visiting international dignitaries, the state media said.

Kim Jong Uns show of force celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Workers Party of Korea comes at a time of growing strategic allegiance with China and Russia, and follows another massive military parade in Beijing last month, where Mr Kim, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met as a trio for the first time.

In the parade, nuclear-armed North Korea displayed its most advanced Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, described by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as the country's "strongest nuclear strategic weapon system".

The Hwasong series of ICBMs has given North Korea the capacity to target anywhere on the US mainland, but questions remain over the sophistication of its guidance system to reach a target, and the ability of a warhead it carries to withstand atmospheric re-entry.

Photos and videos from North Korean and Russian state media showed thousands of spectators packing the brightly lit square.

KCNA said the columns of soldiers who marched during the parade included "the invincible overseas operations unit that fully demonstrated the spirit of the Korean people," suggesting they were troops Kim had sent to Russia to join the war effort against Ukraine.The Hwasong-20 is the latest addition to Kim's growing list of ICBMs

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, a delegation from Russia led by former President Dmitry Medvedev, as well as Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam were among the foreign dignitaries in Pyongyang for the anniversary.

North Korea in recent years has flight-tested a variety of ICBMs, including missiles with built-in solid propellants that are easier to move and conceal and can be prepared for launch more quickly than the North's previous liquid-fuelled missiles.

The parade saw the debut of the massive Hwasong-20 mounted on an 11-axle launcher truck. The new missile's existence was first revealed in recent weeks as North Korea tested a new solid-fuel rocket engine that it said was intended for future ICBMs.

State media said the engine, built with carbon fibre, is more powerful than past models.Kim has called for the development of multi-warhead systems that would improve the chances of penetrating missile defences, and some experts say the Hwasong-20 could be designed for that purpose.

Other weapons on display included shorter range ballistic, cruise and supersonic missiles, which the North previously described as capable of delivering nuclear strikes against targets in rival South Korea.

open image in gallery North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the opening ceremony of the Defence Development 2025 military exhibition in Pyongyang ( AFP via Getty )

"The Hwasong-20 represents, for the moment, the apotheosis of North Korea's ambitions for long-range nuclear delivery capabilities. We should expect to see the system tested before the end of this year," said Ankit Panda of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"The system is likely designed for the delivery of multiple warheads... Multiple warheads will increase stresses on existing US missile defence systems and augment what Kim sees as necessary to achieve meaningful deterrence effects against Washington.

There are signs of North Korea preparing for a military parade involving tens of thousands of people, which our military is closely monitoring, Colonel Lee Sung Jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said earlier in a regular press briefing.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff also said they had observed the movement of vehicles and certain military equipment, though they did not disclose further details.

North Koreas military parades are as much a global muscle-flex as they are a celebration for domestic consumption. This year, Pyongyang is also expected to showcase a series of hypersonic weapons designed to threaten US naval forces in the region, analysts cited by South Koreas Yonhap news agency said.

open image in gallery A test-firing of the new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile takes place at an undisclosed location in North Korea on 31 October 2024 ( KCNA via KNS/AFP/Getty )

North Korean hawks and analysts widely expect Mr Kim to unveil the next-generation Hwasong-20, which would be powered by a new solid-fuel rocket.

It was on 2 September this year that North Korea revealed the first information about the Hwasong-20. Days later, Mr Kim personally supervised a high-thrust solid-fuel rocket engine test, describing it as a significant change in the modernisation of North Koreas strategic nuclear forces.

According to state media, it was the ninth and final test in the missiles development cycle. Photographs released by North Korean outlets showed what appeared to be the warhead of the Hwasong-20. While the engine tests were reported to have been successful, the new missile has yet to be tested operationally.

open image in gallery North Koreas Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile passes through Pyongyang during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War ( KCNA via KNS )

North Korea opened an arms exhibition in Pyongyang this weekend and Mr Kim issued a direct warning to the US, saying that North Korea will allocate special assets to key targets in direct response to the buildup of US forces in South Korea.

I believe our enemies should be concerned about the direction [in which] their security environment is evolving, Mr Kim said. North Korea will undoubtedly develop additional military measures to respond to the US military buildup, he added, without elaborating further.

North Koreas Hwasong-11Ma and Hwasong-16B missiles  both shown at its latest defence expo  are also likely to be displayed at the parade.

open image in gallery Kim visits the Choe Hyon destroyer at an undisclosed location on 5 October ( AP )

The Hwasong-11Ma is a variant of the Hwasong-11 short-range ballistic missile. It is designed to be launched from a 10-wheeled transporter-erector-launcher that can carry two missiles simultaneously.

It is unclear whether the Hwasong-11Ma is fully operational, tested, or still in its development phase. The demonstrations so far are from exhibitions.

The Hwasong-16B is a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide warhead. North Korea conducted the third test-launch of the missile in January this year.

Mr Kim last month attended the Victory Parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat at the end of WW2. Mr Kim arrived in Beijing with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and rubbed shoulders with Mr Xi, Putin and other world leaders.

open image in gallery From right, Kim, Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on 3 September ( KCNA via KNS )

The visit was significant as the reclusive leader rarely travels abroad, and it was the first time he had attended a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule.

The parade comes as US president Donald Trump and new liberal South Korean president Lee Jae Myung have repeatedly expressed their hopes of restarting denuclearisation talks with North Korea. North Korea has shunned diplomacy with the US and South Korea since Mr Kims earlier round of talks with Mr Trump collapsed in 2019.

(With additional inputs from agencies)
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Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee spent the traditional Chuseok festival without receiving any of the traditional special meals that have long been a customary offering to inmates on national holidays, officials confirmed.

The mid-autumn festival of Chuseok is one of the nations most important holidays, and many South Koreans gather with family, visit ancestral graves, and share elaborate ritual meals. This year, Chuseok fell on 6 October, marking the start of a three-day national holiday that will run until 8 October.

Previously, prisons would provide holiday menus to mark Chuseok and the Lunar New Year, under provisions in the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Execution of Sentences and Treatment of Inmates.

However, the Ministry of Justice has now discontinued the practice of special holiday meals citing budget constraints, a Korea Times report stated. The ministry said in a statement that while donated items such as rice cakes and fruit may be accepted, the state will no longer provide festive menus on Chuseok or Lunar New Year.

In place of upgraded fare, both Seoul Detention Centre, where Mr Yoon is held, and Seoul Southern Detention Centre, where Ms Kim is confined, are serving what officials have described as regular menus.

open image in gallery Yoon was arrested in July on allegations including insurrection after attempting to declare martial law in December ( Yonhap )

At Seoul Detention Centre, Mr Yoons Chuseok breakfast included a mini cheese bun, boiled egg, mixed nuts and soy milk; lunch was tofu udon soup, braised pork ribs, and napa cabbage kimchi; dinner will comprise beef-and-radish soup, braised mackerel kimchi, seasoned seaweed, and fermented milk.

Meanwhile at the Southern Detention Centre, Ms Kims breakfast was tofu kimchi soup with assorted side dishes, lunch was cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew), fried eggs, and bibimbap (rice with vegetables, meat, and assorted sauces), and dinner included spicy beef soup, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables), braised radish, and kimchi.

Former presidents detained over holidays have received more elaborate menus. Lee Myung Bak, convicted of bribery and embezzlement in 2018, was reported to have been served mango juice, yakgwa (honey cookies), and assorted snacks at Anyang Prison and Park Geun Hye, impeached in 2017 for corruption, also received holiday offerings while in custody at Seoul Detention Centre.

Mr Yoon and Ms Kim, both under trial on multiple charges, are the first former presidential couple in South Koreas constitutional history to be undergoing legal proceedings while in detention.

Mr Yoon was arrested in July on allegations including insurrection after attempting to declare martial law in December, and Ms Kim was arrested in August on charges including bribery, stock manipulation, and political fund violations.

open image in gallery File photo. Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol sits with his wife Kim Keon Hee, during a visit to the Palace of Westminster on a 2023 state visit ( Getty Images )

Justice minister Jung Sung Ho, speaking a day before the Chuseok holiday, sharply criticised the former presidents earlier comments about prison conditions, saying: It is difficult to survive in the detention centre, and the lawyers are complaining about meals at the detention centre.

He added that it was a very brazen and arrogant attitude to ask the detention centre to set up a two-room allocation and delivery app soon, according to a Maeil Business Paper report.

Mr Jung was referring to Mr Yoons remarks during a court bail hearing on 26 September, when the former president complained that it is difficult to survive in 1.8 pyeong (5.9sqm) of solitary confinement.

Kim Byung Ki, the floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea, accused Mr Yoon of pretending to be an unfair victim and said it was brazen for someone whose rebellion turned the country upside down to complain about detention meals.

He added that public anger was growing over what he called the rebellion monsters complaints about rice, saying, Even cup noodles and hard bread are luxuries to such a man.

Outside the prisons, detention centres are attempting to ameliorate the change by accepting charitable donations. At Seoul Detention Centre, rice cakes donated by non-governmental organisations were distributed, and apples, bananas and rice cakes are expected to be offered later in the week at the Southern Detention Centre.

Legal advocates for Ms Kim have issued a message via her lawyers: Without your letters and support, I could not have endured this long, dark tunnelI hope you have a happy Chuseok holiday. I will always pray for you.
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An Air India plane that suffered a bird strike on the way to Sri Lanka returned to India with passengers before being declared unfit to fly.

Flight AI273, with 158 passengers and six crew members, was flying from Chennai in southern India to Colombo during the early hours of Tuesday when it suffered a bird hit.

A routine check by ground engineers at Colombos Bandaranaike international airport revealed a bird carcass lodged in one of the engines.

An initial investigation found the Airbus 320 had been struck by the bird during the landing phase but it was still cleared by Sri Lankan engineers for a return journey to Chennai.

The aircraft departed Colombo at around 3.20am local time with 147 passengers and six crew members. Upon arrival, a team of Air India and Chennai airport maintenance engineers reportedly discovered that the fan blade in one of the engines had suffered damage from the bird hit.

On 7 October, the flight crew of AI273 operating from Chennai to Colombo, reported a suspected bird strike. After landing at Colombo, the engineers who inspected the aircraft found no damage, and the aircraft was cleared for operation," Air India said.

The same aircraft operated flight AI274 from Colombo to Chennai as per schedule. Upon routine post-flight checks at Chennai, the engineers observed an impact on an engine blade.

The Airbus 320 was declared unfit to fly and grounded for further inspections and to ascertain the cause of the damage.

It was towed to a remote parking bay for maintenance and repairs, according to local reports.

The Director General of Civil Aviation later ordered a comprehensive and detailed investigation of the safety breach.
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Indias largest pilots union has urged regulators to ground and inspect all Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in the country after an Air India flights emergency power device unexpectedly activated mid-air.

The ram air turbine or RAT, a backup system that deploys automatically to provide emergency power during in-flight failures, dropped from the fuselage of flight AI117 en route to Birmingham, UK, on Saturday, even though the airline later confirmed that all systems were operating normally.

The Federation of Indian Pilots, representing some 6,000 pilots, called the incident unprecedented and warned that it could have signalled an electrical malfunction.

The union sent a letter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation asking for a full inspection of all 34 Dreamliner aircraft in the country.

I have never heard of the RAT being deployed automatically without any hydraulic loss, power loss or failures, the associations president, Charanvir Singh Randhawa, was quoted as saying by The New York Times.

The Federation of Indian Pilots has asked that all 787 aircraft are subject to an inspection ( Getty/iStock )

The incident occurred on 4 October when flight AI117 from Amritsar, in the northern Indian state of Punjab, was en route to Birmingham. The pilots of the 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 were alarmed when its RAT deployed during the approach to runway 33 even though the aircrafts power systems and engines were working fine.

The aircraft landed safely but the return flight was cancelled as a precaution. It was cleared to fly again the next day on the Birmingham-Delhi route.

In a statement, Air India said the activation of the back-up engine was neither due to a system fault nor pilot action.

The deployment of the RAT was uncommanded, consistent with similar occurrences with other airlines in the past, as reported by Boeing, it said.

The airline said it had submitted a report to the industry regulator in line with protocols, adding: At Air India, the safety of all passengers and crew remains our foremost priority.

In response to a query from The Independent, Boeing said: Well have to defer to the customer for comments.

This is the second notable incident involving a Boeing 787 in recent months. The crash of Air India flight 171 in June, which killed 260 people, occurred after the RAT deployed following a loss of power.

A preliminary investigation into the incident in June confirmed that the turbine deployed after the plane lost power, but officials are still working to determine the reason for the loss of power. The preliminary report noted that the Dreamliners fuel-control switches were moved from run to cutoff just before impact, cutting off fuel to both engines.

Air India, a Tata Group airline, said after the latest incident that the Birmingham flight landed safely on Saturday and an initial inspection showed all electrical and hydraulic parameters were normal.

It is a serious concern that warrants a detailed inquiry, Captain Randhawa said, according to the Associated Press.

Regulators are yet to say whether they will investigate the incident.

The Independent has reached out to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for comment.
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A lawyer hurled a shoe at the Chief Justice of India during a Supreme Court hearing on Monday, in an unprecedented breach of courtroom security that provoked nationwide outrage.

Rakesh Kishore, 71, reportedly shouted slogans about Sanatan Dharma, a term often used to describe Hinduism, while throwing the shoe at Justice BR Gavai. The object fell near the bench, narrowly missing the chief justice and another judge.

The Independent has contacted the chief justices office for comment.

Justice Gavai said he was unharmed. I only heard the sound. Maybe it fell on some table or somewhere, he told The Indian Express, adding that he heard the attacker proclaim he was aiming at the chief justice. Perhaps what he threw landed somewhere else and he was trying to explain.

He urged the lawyers present in the courtroom to ignore it and continue with the proceedings, the judge said, adding that he was not distracted by all this.

Eyewitnesses told the BBC the shoe brushed past the judges before landing behind them.

After he was apprehended by the courtroom security, the Chief Justice told the lawyers to continue their arguments and not get distracted, said advocate Ravi Shanker Jha, who was present.

Justice BR Gavai participates in Gandhi Jayanti celebrations at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Mauritius ( Office of Chief Justice of India )

Mr Kishore was immediately restrained by security staff. He was questioned by the Delhi police but released after three hours, following directions from the Supreme courts registrar general that the chief justice didnt want charges filed against the lawyer.

The registrar also directed the police to return Mr Kishores shoes and documents.

The police claimed that they found a handwritten note on Mr Kishore. My message is for every follower of Sanatan Dharma, it said in Hindi, India will not tolerate an insult to Hinduism.

He was also carrying multiple identification cards from the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Delhi Bar Council.

Speaking later to The Print, Mr Kishore said he did not regret his actions. I did not do it; God did, he said. The Chief Justice of India mocked Sanatan Dharma. This was the Almightys order, a reaction to an action.

The lawyer claimed he had been disturbed since 16 September when Justice Gavai dismissed a plea concerning the replacement of a damaged statue of the Hindu god Vishnu and remarked that the petitioner should go and ask the deity himself to do something.

The remarks were widely circulated on social media and the judge was accused of being disrespectful to the Hindu faith. Justice Gavai later clarified his remarks had been misconstrued and that he respects all religions.

In the wake of the incident, the Supreme Court Bar Association suspended Mr Kishore, a registered member, from practice.

His behaviour was utterly unbecoming of an officer of the court and it strikes at the very foundation of mutual respect that underpins the relationship between the Bench and the Bar, the association said in a statement.

It constitutes a direct assault on judicial independence, violates Constitutional values of decorum and discipline, and gravely undermines public confidence in the justice delivery system.

It also commended the calm composure and exemplary restraint demonstrated by the chief justice, who, in the face of this grave provocation, continued to discharge his judicial duties with dignity and poise, upholding the highest traditions of the judiciary.

The prime minister described the attack as utterly condemnable and said he had spoken to Justice Gavai.

There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society, Narendra Modi said, adding that the assault had angered every Indian.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta attributed the act to misinformation on social media.

It is really heartening that the Chief Justice reacted with magnanimity and majesty. I only hope that this magnanimity is not treated as weakness, he said.

Opposition leaders also denounced the attack.

Sonia Gandhi of the Congress party said it was an assault not just on him, but on our constitution as well, while the Communist Party of India Marxist and the Communist Party of India described it as a direct assault on the dignity of the judiciary.

Communist Party of India general secretary D Raja called the incident an attempt to impose the right-wings code of conduct instead of the Constitution of India, noting that even the CJI, a Dalit judge, is openly targeted.

Justice Gavai is due to retire next month and remains under a high-security cover of the Delhi police.

Seeking a detailed investigation, senior advocate Indira Jaising labelled the incident a blatant casteist attack on the Supreme Court of India.

It deserves to be condemned by all judges of the Supreme Court by a united press statement that ideological attacks will not be tolerated by the court, she said on X while praising the judge for going about his judicial work with no visible disturbance.
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A man who claims to be the father of two children found living with their Russian mother in a cave in India has withdrawn his appeal after they left the country.

Russian national Nina Kutina, 40, was discovered living in a cave in Karnataka in southern India with her two children, aged six and four, during a routine police patrol in July. The case made international headlines, with police describing their shock at seeing a little blonde girl run out of the cave in an isolated part of the Gokarna forest.

The family had no valid visas or right to live in India, and the Karnataka high court last week ordered they be given documentation to return to Russia. They left the country on 28 September, an Indian official told BBC News.

The man claiming to be the childrens father, Israeli national Dror Shlomo Goldstein, has previously given media interviews saying he was providing for their well-being for a long time and that Ms Kutina left their home in the neighbouring state of Goa without informing him.

He tried to fight their deportation from India, arguing it was not in the childrens interests, but the court ruled against him saying it was Ms Kutinas desire to return to Russia.

Hearing his appeal on Monday, judges at the Karnataka high court noted that he lacked the documentation to prove he was indeed the childrens father, and questioned his own legal status in India.

What is your right [to bring this petition]? asked Justice Surya Kant. Who are you? he asked, adding that he should show us any official document that you are declared the father.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi also criticised the petitioner, suggesting he was bringing the appeal for publicity. What were you doing when your children were living in a cave? he asked, followed by: What were you doing staying in Goa?"

The court then allowed Mr Goldstein to withdraw his petition.

Ms Kutina has defended her decision to live in the wild with her daughters and said they were healthy and happy in the forest. She was reluctant to leave the cave even after officers tried to warn her about the dangers of living in the wild, the police said.

It is nothing but her love for adventure that brought her here, police officer Sridhar SR told reporters. He added that Ms Kutina told the police she had worked as a tutor of Russian in Goa and spent time in the cave meditating by candlelight, feeding her children, painting, singing, and reading books.

We were not dying, and I did not bring my children, my daughters, to die in jungle," Ms Kutina told ANI news agency. "They did not feel bad, they were very happy, they swam in waterfall, they lived, had very good place for sleeping, a lot of lessons with art making, we made from clay, we painted, we ate good, I was cooking with gas, very good and tasty food.

Kutina says they were not living far from civilisation. She chose that location because it was close to a village where she bought supplies.

Its very big and beautiful cave, and not small, and its like it has window to look to ocean.

Russian by birth, Ms Kutina has told Indian news agencies that she has not lived in Russia for 15 years. She has travelled extensively  Costa Rica, Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, Ukraine, Nepal  and says she gave birth to four children, including a son who died in a road accident in Goa last year. Her other son, aged 11, lives in Russia.
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Japans biggest brewery announced on Monday they have restarted beer production at some of its plants, but their digital systems remain crippled after a cyberattack, forcing staff to process orders by hand, over the phone, and even by fax.

As Japan scrambles to avert shortages of its best-known lager, the Asahi Super Dry, the brewer said it had restarted production at six domestic breweries on Thursday. A ransomware attack that was first disclosed on 29 September paralysed its IT systems and shut down much of its logistics and customer services operation.

As a result, the company postponed the planned launch of 12 new Asahi products, including fruit soda, lemon-flavoured ginger ale and protein bars, indefinitely.

In its official statement on 3 October, the company confirmed traces suggesting a potential unauthorised transfer of data but declined to disclose full details, citing the ongoing investigation.

The company said it had notified law-enforcement authorities and that no customer data had been compromised in the attack.

Its overseas operations, including its ownership of UK brewer Fullers and brands such as Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, and Grolsch, remain unaffected. However, only Asahis operations in Japan, which account for about half its sales, have been affected by the attack.

open image in gallery Bus passengers sit above an ad for Asahi Beer in Shanghai ( AFP via Getty Images )

Asahi is prioritising shipments of its flagship brands like Super Dry, but other beer lines, soft drinks, and food products remain in partial suspension. The Tokyo-based brewer said call centres and customer service desks may begin gradual restoration during this week, though it cannot estimate when the full system will be revived.

They added that from 15 October it would resume shipments of more than a dozen products, including its non-alcoholic beers Asahi Dry Zero and Asahi Zero, as well as Clear Asahi and whiskey Black Nikka Clear.

Retailers, convenience stores, and small bars across Japan are already showing signs of strain. Some branches of popular convenience stores Seven & I Holdings, Lawson, FamilyMart, and independent bars warn that their stocks of Super Dry could run dry in days.

One yakitori restaurant in Tokyo, which normally serves Asahi on tap, told Reuters it was down to its last keg and had begun sourcing rival brands.

The Marugen ramen chain operator Monogatari Corp has said it may switch to carrying Suntory or other beers should Asahi inventories run dry, according to Bloomberg. Similarly Kisoji Co, a shabu-shabu restaurant chain, said it was considering moving to other brands, but is also working with liquor distributors to secure stock.

The fact that a big company like this is taking so long to recover shows their preparation was inadequate, Nobuo Miwa, representative director at security firm S&J Corp, told Bloomberg. This shouldve been anticipated and planned for.

In the absence of functioning logistics systems, Asahi has reverted to manual processing; employees are taking orders by telephone, writing them out by hand, or even visiting clients, and relaying shipment instructions via fax.

In estimates from analyst firm Bernstein, if the outage extends into the rest of October, Asahis domestic operating profit could shrink sharply, taking an 83 per cent hit domestically, according to The Japan Times. The companys share price had tumbled more than 7 per cent earlier in the week, before recovering modestly.

open image in gallery Asahis Japanese operations reportedlu produced roughly the equivalent of 6.7 million 600ml bottles of Super Dry per day in 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

CEO Atsushi Katsuki has assured stakeholders that restoring supply is top priority and that all available resources, including external cybersecurity firms and law enforcement investigators, have been engaged.

The company has maintained that its overseas operations, including its European operations, remain unaffected by the incident.

Asahis Japanese operations produced roughly the equivalent of 6.7 million 600ml bottles of Super Dry per day, according to a calculation by the Financial Times.

Cyber security experts at the Tokyo-based group Nihon Cyber Defence told The Financial Times that Japanese companies are increasingly seen as attractive targets for ransomware attackers because of their poor defences and the fact that many companies simply paid the demanded sum through back channels.

There were 116 reported ransomware incidents in Japan in the first half of 2025, matching the prior six-month high set in late 2022, according to data from the National Police Agency.

In an assessment report last year, Asahi listed a cyberattack as one of the main risks it faced.

Such an incident could potentially lead to an interruption in business operations and even damage its brand, it said, adding that the company was preparing to respond to such a development in a number of ways.

The cyberattack on Asahi comes amid a spate of similar breaches at automakers, retailers and other companies across the world this year.

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Plc said on Monday it expected to restart operations in the coming days after a ransomware attack forced a shutdown of its plants in the UK, Slovakia, India, and Brazil in early September.

Earlier this year, hackers targeted Britains retail sector, disrupting Marks & Spencer, supermarket chain Co-op, and luxury department store Harrods.
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Tarique Rahman will return from nearly 20 years in exile to contest Bangladeshs first election since a street agitation overthrew Sheikh Hasina last year.

Mr Rahman, 59, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is acting chairman, and de facto leader, of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, one of the South Asian nations two main parties.

The party is tipped to win the parliamentary election due in February 2026.

The time has come, God willing, Ill return soon. Maybe due to some personal reasons, the return has not happened yet. But I think the time has come, Mr Rahman told BBC Bangla.

"This is an election for which people had been waiting, I cannot keep myself away during this time."

The 2026 election is seen as one of the most consequential for the country. Its being overseen by an interim government which took after mass street protests ousted Ms Hasina last year, ending her 15-year rule and forcing her to flee to neighbouring India.

The agitation and the government crackdown on it left nearly 1,400 people dead.

Ms Hasinas ousting created a power vacuum that was quickly filled by a caretaker government led by the former leaders critic and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The 84-year-old banned Ms Hasinas Awami League from taking part in any political activity as the ousted leader was tried in absentia in Dhaka.

Protesters climb a public monument as they celebrate the news of Sheikh Hasina's resignation in Dhaka on 5 August 2024 ( AP )

Mr Rahman, popularly known as Tarique Zia, has lived in London since 2008, largely in self-imposed exile, after he was convicted in multiple cases in absentia. He was given a life sentence for alleged involvement in a 2004 grenade attack on a rally of Ms Hasina. He denied wrongdoing.

He was cleared of all charges following the ouster of Ms Hasina last year.

His mother, Ms Zia, 80 is ill, and it is not yet clear if she will participate actively in the election campaign.

"She went to jail in good health and returned with ailments, she was deprived of her right to proper treatment," he said. "But... if her health permits, she will definitely contribute to the election."
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At least one hiker died as rescuers raced against time to evacuate more than 200 others stranded at Mount Everests eastern face after being trapped by a heavy snowstorm during China's most popular holiday weekend.

Some 350 others have been rescued and escorted to the small town of Qudang, located about 48km from the base camp on Everests Tibetan side, the Chinese authorities who control the Tibetan Autonomous Region said.

Hundreds of hikers were trapped at an elevation of more than 4,900m after the region was hit by heavy snowfall on Friday and Saturday. Mount Everest stands about 8,850m tall.

More than 200 remaining trekkers are being evacuated, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters on Tuesday. The evacuation began on Monday and should be completed by Tuesday, said the source, who asked to remain unidentified.

Rescuers, including Chinese officials and villagers, have been battling deep snow and limited visibility to save the stranded trekkers. A video shot by a villager showed a long line of people with horses and oxen moving up a winding path in the snow.

A young hiker, nicknamed FeiFei, said she was on a multi-day trek with three friends and a local guide in the Karma Valley when heavy snow buried their camp on Saturday night. We had to constantly clear the snow from the tents, but I collapsed from exhaustion and my tent got buried, she told AFP news agency after being brought to safety on Monday.

open image in gallery Firefighters in Tingri rescue trekkers from Everest after they were stranded by a blizzard ( Tibet Firefighting Department )

She added that after two days of walking, during which firefighters cleared the path using yaks and horses to clear the snow, the group returned to the rescue centre. On her way down, FeiFei saw dozens of hikers along the way, weakened by hunger or altitude.

However, she noted that none appeared to be in critical condition.

A 46-year-old South Korean national died while ascending Mera Peak in the eastern side of Nepal, about 31km south of Mount Everest, according to reports.

The trekkers body was retrieved by a rescue helicopter, while the sherpa, who was climbing with the Korean national, was rescued from an elevation of 5,800m, said Tul Singh Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guides Association.

The climber likely died after being exposed to extreme cold for an extended period, Mr Gurung was quoted by The Chosun Daily as saying.

Other trekkers described suffering from hypothermia after being buried in the dense snow. Hiker Eric Wen told Reuters that three people in his group got hypothermia even with sufficient attire.

open image in gallery Villagers ascend the mountain with their oxen and horses to help out with rescue efforts ( AP )

He said the group had to clear the snow every 10 minutes at night, otherwise our tents would have collapsed.

Chen Geshuang, who was part of an 18-strong team that was evacuated safely, said: It happened all too suddenly.

All of us are experienced hikers, Ms Chen, 29, told BBC News. But this blizzard was still extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out.

Many people come here to hike during the Golden Week, but this years snow was exceptional, she said. Their guide also said such weather on the eastern slope of Everest was highly unusual, she added.

In the Qilian Mountains on the border straddling western Qinghai and Gansu provinces, at least one trekker who was stranded in a gully by the snowstorms died, while 137 others were evacuated, state-run Beijing News reported.

open image in gallery Video footage shows trekkers leaving their campsite as unusually heavy snow and rainfall pummeled the Himalayas ( Reuters )

Trekkers to the Karma valley that leads to the eastern face of Everest, Kangshung, swelled to the hundreds in recent days, spurred by the eight-day National Day holiday in China.

The Karma valley, first explored by Western travellers a century ago, is a relatively pristine part of the Everest region. Unlike the peaks arid north face, it boasts lush vegetation and untouched alpine forests, fed by meltwaters from the Kangshung glacier at the foot of the worlds highest mountain.

Mount Everest, known as Mount Qomolangma in Chinese, straddles the border between China and Nepal, where recent heavy rains have left more than 40 people dead.

Climbers attempt to scale the worlds tallest peak from base camps in both countries. The base camp for climbers is separate from the tourist camp where hikers were trapped by the snowfall.
Uniqlo has joined forces with another Japanese fashion label for its latest designer collaboration. Founded by Keizo Shimizu, streetwear brand Needles is one of the most recognizable of the Japanese Americana movement, both inside and outside Japan.

Shimizu grew up admiring Americas preppy yet free-wheeling Ivy League style, poring over what scant books and magazines he could get his hands on. His love of U.S. companies like Levis and Brooks Brothers inspired his American clothing distribution business, Nepenthes, and later in the 90s, Needles.

The collection melds Uniqlos signature cozy lifewear with the vintage, refined designs that Needles is known for, and it comes just in time for fall. The balanced neutral options paired with deep purple pieces have Instagram users shouting Take my money! as they spot the chance to wear the premium brands designs for less.

The fleece oversized cardigan $50 from Uniqlo.com Prices may vary The fleece wide pants $50 from Uniqlo.com Prices may vary The fleece full-zip jacket $60 from Uniqlo.com Prices may vary

The vintage-inspired collection features the brands signature butterfly logo embroidery, inspired by American actor Steve McQueens tattoo in the 1973 film Papillon.

The small collection features cardigans, including a vertical-stripe black and purple design, zip-up fleece jackets, and wide-legged trousers, and each of the three styles comes in neutral colors. The collection is unisex and designed as a capsule to mix and match.

The line marks the first collaboration between the two Japanese powerhouses, but Uniqlo is known for its longstanding designer-led collections. Current collaborators include Anya Hindmarch, Christophe Lemaire, British designer Clare Waight Keller, and Jonathan Anderson.

Uniqlo x Needles launches online in the U.S. on October 30, mid-morning ET.
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The misfortune of the British naval ship HMS Endurance resulted in one of the most famous survival stories of all time. Now, the history of the disaster is being rewritten.

Irish polar explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton kept a crew of 27 men alive for over a year after the vessel became trapped in ice off the coast of Antarctica, fighting blistering winds and freezing conditions.

Despite attempts to free Endurance between January and October of 1915, the ship  which was widely considered the strongest polar ship of its time  eventually broke up in the ice, sinking nearly 10,000 feet into the Weddell Sea. The remains of the ship weren't found until just recently, though.

Now, some 110 years after being stranded, a Finnish researcher says our understanding of Endurance and why it got stuck are changing.

"Endurance clearly had several structural deficiencies compared with other early Antarctic ships," Jukka Tuhkuri, a professor at Aalto University, explained in a statement. Tuhkuri was a part of the mission that found that ship three years ago. "The deck beams and frames were weaker, the machine compartment was longer, leading to serious weakening in a significant part of the hull, plus there were no diagonal beams to strengthen the hull."

"Not only does this challenge the romantic narrative that it was the strongest polar ship of its time, but it also belies the simplistic idea that the rudder was the ship's Achilles' heel," he said.

open image in gallery Members of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition pull a lifeboat across Antarctic snow in 1916 after the loss of the ship HMS Endurance . Some 110 years later, were still learning more about what led to the vessels sinking. ( Getty Images )

Endurance was made in Norway three years before the trip and originally named Polaris. The 144-foot-long wooden ship was sold to Shackleton for this mission, known as the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, in 1914. Shackleton then named the ship Endurance in reference to his familys motto: By endurance we conquer.

On Endurance, he and his crew had been on the way to establish a base in Antarctica. The expedition would also be the first to cross the continent from the northern Weddell Sea to the southern Ross Sea. But, after they became stranded and drifted, Shackleton and his crew found themselves on Elephant Island. When a smaller group then sailed to the South Georgia coast, they found people at a whaling station and organized rescue efforts.

The ships rudder, which is the main mechanism for steering, has long been considered the cause of its demise. It was thought that ice overwhelmed the rudder, and Shackleton had written that the ice split the rudder and tore out its post, according to the Royal Museums Greenwich.

But, fresh analysis of Shackletons diaries and communications from crew members has shown the ship wasnt meant to withstand compressive pack ice conditions  and that Shackleton knew of the ships shortcomings.

He wrote about Endurances weaknesses in a letter to his wife, Emily, and had recommended diagonal beams for another polar ship when visiting a Norwegian shipyard.

That ship also drifted into ice but survived.

open image in gallery The HMS Endurance is seen caught in the ice atop the Weddell Sea. The ship had structural deficiencies, according to a new analysis. ( Getty Images )

The danger of moving ice and compressive loads  and how to design a ship for such conditions  was well understood before the ship sailed south. So we really have to wonder why Shackleton chose a vessel that was not strengthened for compressive ice, said Tuhkuri.

So, what do these findings mean for how we, and time, will view Shackleton?

Before Endurance and the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, he was well known.

Shackleton had already completed two expeditions to the region, leading one.

He is known as someone who took chances and was struggling with financial debt along with a a failing marriage, Michael Smith, author of the book Shackleton: By Endurance We Conquer, told The New York Times. Smith was not involved in the research.

open image in gallery Ernest Shackleton is seen ahead of his last expedition. The adventurer would die of a heart attack just five years after the Endurance shipwreck. ( Getty Images )

The scale of this expedition is truly daunting, but he needed something to get his teeth into and he wanted to get away, he said of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.

The adventurer would die of a heart attack just five years later, at the age of 47. He was on board the ship Quest during his last expedition, known as the Shackleton-Rowett Expedition.

Tuhkuri said his findings should not detract from Shackletons achievements.

However, they provide a fuller picture of his life.

We can speculate about financial pressures or time constraints, but the truth is we may never know why Shackleton made the choices that he made, Tuhkuri said.
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Two arrests have been made after a cyber attack on a chain of nurseries in London.

Specialist officers from Met Police raided a number of residential properties in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, where two people were arrested on suspicion of computer misuse as well as blackmail.

The Met Police arrested two men, aged 17 and 22, at the scene and took them in to custody where they remain for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.

It comes as the force received a referral from Action Fraud on 25 September detailing a ransomware attack on a set of pre-schools in Greater London. Cyberhackers allegedly used pictures, along with the names of around 8,000 children from the Kido nursery chain, to demand ransom money.

Will Lyne, Mets Head of Economic and Cybercrime, said: Since these attacks took place, specialist Met investigators have been working at pace to identify those responsible.

We understand reports of this nature can cause considerable concern, especially to those parents and carers who may be worried about the impact of such an incident on them and their families.

We want to reassure the community and anyone affected that this matter continues to be taken extremely seriously.

These arrests are a significant step forward in our investigation, but our work continues, alongside our partners, to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
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Prosecutors will appeal against a courts decision to throw out the terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh.

A terrorism case against the rapper was thrown out following a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought.

The 27-year-old from Belfast, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November 2024.

The Crown Prosecution Service said in a short statement it would be appealing against the decision because we believe there is an important point of law which needs to be clarified.

Following the hearing in which the case was dismissed, O hAnnaidh vowed the rap trio would not be silenced, saying that the process was not about him, but instead about Gaza.

open image in gallery Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh (second right, in keffiyeh), with (second left to right) band manager Daniel Lambert, JJ O Dochartaigh, Naoise O Caireallain and lawyer Darragh Mackin, posing for a photo outside Woolwich Crown Court, London ( PA Wire )

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring, who sat at Woolwich Crown Court on 26 September, had said the charge brought against O hAnnaidh was unlawful and that he had no jurisdiction to try the case.

His ruling agreed with O hAnnaidhs lawyers, who argued that the Attorney General had not given permission for the case to be brought against the defendant when police informed him he was to face a terror charge on 21 May.

Concluding the reasons for his decision, the chief magistrate said: I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form, lacking the necessary DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) and AG (Attorney General) consent within the six-month statutory time limit.

The time limit requires consent to have been granted at the time or before the issue of the requisition, he continued. Consequently the charge is unlawful and null and this court has no jurisdiction to try the charge.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove previously told a court that permission from the DPP and AG was not required until the defendants first court appearance and that permission did not need to be sought in order to bring a criminal charge.

open image in gallery The terrorism case against Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh was thrown out last month (Aaron Chown/PA) ( PA Wire )

The chief magistrate dismissed the arguments, telling the court they defy logic.

The decision to appeal against the judgment comes as Attorney General Lord Hermer warned shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick not to prejudice future proceedings against O hAnnaidh, asking him to carefully consider any further public comments.

Mr Jenrick had previously written to Lord Hermer calling for an urgent inquiry into the issue, claiming it raised serious questions about the competence of all those involved.

The chief magistrate labelled the decision to charge O hAnnaidh as unlawful as he dismissed the case while sitting at Woolwich Crown Court on September 26.

Prosecutors allege O hAnnaidh can be seen in a recording of a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, which shows him wearing and displaying the flag of Hezbollah while saying up Hamas, up Hezbollah.

After the hearing last month, he said: This entire process was never about me.

It was never about any threat to the public, it was never about terrorism  a word used by your Government to discredit people you oppress.

It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up.

In an interview with Virgin Media News, the rapper told the Prime Minister better luck next time, adding: Even if it had went to court we would have won anyway.
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A 61-year-old man has been found guilty of stalking Myleene Klass by posting her an air pistol, handcuffs, a police uniform and disturbing unwanted letters.

Jurors also convicted Peter Windsor of stalking Klasss Classic FM colleague Katie Breathwick by sending her details of a DIY will-writing kit and other raving and unhinged mail.

Klass, a TV and radio star, told Birmingham Crown Court last week how she felt sheer terror after being sent items by Windsor, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and claimed to be not guilty by reason of insanity.

Windsor, from Stechford, Birmingham, had denied stalking both Klass and Breathwick by sending items to Classic FMs central London studios between March 2020 and August 2024.

open image in gallery Court artist drawing of Peter Windsor ( PA )

Jurors reached their unanimous guilty verdicts on Tuesday after deliberating for four hours and eight minutes over two days.

Windsor, wearing a grey sweatshirt, sighed and pursed his lips in the dock as the verdicts were announced.

Judge Tom Rochford told Windsor, who has been on remand throughout his trial, that the options for his sentencing next month include prison or two types of hospital orders.
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A man who fatally stabbed a teenage refugee in the neck in a busy town centre told a court he had been aiming for the boys cheek.

Ahmad Al Ibrahim, 16, died after being stabbed by Alfie Franco, 20, whose girlfriend he had brushed past on a crowded shopping street in Huddersfield on April 3.

Prosecutors say Franco appears to have taken some petty exception to Ahmad possibly making some minor contact with his girlfriend after innocuously walking past her.

Leeds Crown Court jurors have heard Franco called Ahmad over to him and, as he approached, the defendant opened the blade on a flick knife he was carrying and drove it into the boys neck.

On Tuesday Franco told a trial he stabbed Ahmad because he was scared something was going to happen to me and and he just wanted to cut him so I could get away.

He told the court Ahmad was quite aggressive during the altercation and kept going for his waist.

Franco said he was in the West Yorkshire town centre that day for a Jobcentre appointment and that his girlfriend then wanted to buy some eyelash glue.

Asked why he took the knife with him, he said: Because Ive been in altercations and heard things that happen in town. I just wanted to have it with me to keep me safe.

After viewing a CCTV clip of him and his girlfriend walking and eating ice cream together minutes before the stabbing, Franco said: I was feeling quite happy The meeting at the Jobcentre went well.

He said as the couple were walking around a lad (Ahmad) turned around and looked at his girlfriend and at him before saying: Do you have a problem?

Franco said he did not know what had happened but that the boy came off as aggressive and assumed either he or his girlfriend had pissed him off.

He told jurors: I felt like something was going to happen. Usually when someone says that in that tone, they mean something.

At the start I was a bit confused and as it kept going on I was a bit frightened. It escalated from there.

Franco said Ahmads friend tried to grab hold of him, but he shrugged his arm off.

He told the court: He started walking towards me in quite a fast pace I thought he was going to attack me.

open image in gallery Ahmad Al Ibrahim, 16, was stabbed in the neck in Huddersfield town centre ( West Yorkshire Police/PA Wire )

It was his body language. He kept going for his waist and was putting his hood over his face and it was intimidating to me. He was coming to do something.

Asked how he responded, Franco said: I reacted I stabbed him in the neck.

He told the court he took the knife out of his waistband and extended his arm, but was aiming for Ahmads cheek.

He said: I just wanted to cut him so I could get away. He was coming at me in that way, I just wanted it to stop.

He said when he was leaving the scene of the stabbing, I was not in a good state. I was frightened, confused, I was feeling a lot of mixed emotions.

Franco said he left the town centre and went home but decided to hand himself in at a police station 10 minutes later, telling the court: I just thought it was the only option.

I had to hand myself in, it was the right thing to do.

He said at that point he knew he had cut Ahmad but did not realise how serious his injury was, and thought it was just an altercation.

The court heard Franco was born in Huddersfield but moved to South Africa with his family as a baby, returning at the age of 13.

He said South Africa was a beautiful place but it is quite dangerous, telling the court his familys home was burgled at least once or twice a week and that he had been mugged countless times but never experienced violence because he always handed his possessions over.

Franco said when he returned to Huddersfield as a teenager he was bullied because of his accident and beaten up at school.

He told jurors he was stabbed in his hand when he was 17, and cut in the face during an incident last October.

After Ahmads death, his family said he came to the UK from Syria after being injured in a bombing to live with his uncle and dreamed of becoming a doctor, wanting to heal others after all he had endured.

They said: He chose to come to the UK because he believed in the values of human rights, safety, and dignity He had just begun settling into his new life with his uncle, adjusting to a new language, a new home, and a future he was excited to build.

Ahmad was kind, gentle, and carried so much promise. Losing him has left an unimaginable emptiness in our hearts.

We never thought that the place he saw as a safe haven would be where his life would end.

Franco denies murder but has admitted a charge of possessing a knife in a public place.

The trial continues.
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Stephen Lawrences killer has said he is deeply sorry to the teenagers family for his part in the racist murder  but has insisted he cannot name his accomplices.

David Norris told a Parole Board hearing he was disgusted and ashamed with himself for taking part in the 1993 stabbing, but said he and his family would be at risk if he divulged details of the others involved.

Speaking publicly for the first time about his role in the notorious murder, he said he was caught up in a gang mentality as he described punching the aspiring architect, 18, as he was crouched on the ground.

Questioned if any of the group had a weapon, he told the parole hearing: I am not here to discuss other people, I am here to take responsibility for my part in what happened, my actions.

Norris told the hearing there were five individuals involved in the murder, but claimed he did not see the 22cm blade which inflicted the fatal blows until they fled the scene.

The group never spoke about the incident except to say be careful of what you say from here on in, and it was never spoken about again, Norris told the hearing.

He insisted there is no group loyalty or criminal code preventing him from naming his accomplices, adding: There is one reason and one reason only, because Im worried about the safety of my family.

Only two of Mr Lawrences five or six alleged attackers have ever faced justice after Norris was jailed for life with a minimum of 14 years, along with Gary Dobson, who must serve a minimum of 15 years, in a trial that hinged on tiny traces of forensic evidence in 2012.

A panel of experts from the Parole Board must now decide whether he is safe to be released or moved to an open prison.

open image in gallery David Norris, a member of the racist gang which killed Stephen Lawrence, has refused to name his accomplices ( PA Media )

In a prepared statement at the start of his evidence, Norris, now 49, apologised to the Lawrence family and the entire black community.

The guilt I have carried around all these years has been a very heavy burden upon my shoulders, he said, adding Mr Lawrence was completely innocent.

He admitted he was a horrible, violent, racist 16-year-old who was fixated on becoming a gangster when the group targeted Mr Lawrence and his friend Duwayne Brooks in Eltham, southeast London, in 1993.

It also affected the wider community as well, especially the black community, he said.

It must have made some, if not all, not feel safe walking around the streets of London and I want to sincerely apologise to the whole black and ethnic community for the fear I have caused.

However, Mr Lawrences grieving mother told the panel he was an obvious danger to society and should not be released.

In a statement read by her lawyer, Imran Khan, Baroness Doreen Lawrence said: I am of the view that this person is a risk to society and dangerous.

I simply cant see him walking the streets of our diverse country without thinking that he would harm someone like me  a black person  someone he described as wanting to kill and torture.

open image in gallery Stephen Lawrence, 18, was killed by a group of racist thugs in 1993 ( PA Media )

She reminded the hearing of a shocking covert police recording of Norris and Dobson from 1994, known as the Footscray tapes, in which Norris discussed how he would kill every black c*** he knows.

He later discussed taking two submachine guns to Catford, a diverse area of southeast London.

Any person who expresses views like this and doesnt recant is an obvious danger to society and must remain in custody, Baroness Lawrence added.

She said Norris forced her to listen to denial after denial during his 2012 trial, adding he did not show a hint of empathy or feeling for me or what my family had gone through.

open image in gallery Baroness Doreen Lawrence arriving at the Royal Courts of Justice ( Ben Whitley/PA Wire )

Mr Lawrences father agreed his sons killer has not shown genuine remorse, adding that justice has not been done if Norris is released without naming the other members of the gang.

Dr Lawrence said at times he did not think he would survive during the 18-year battle for justice, during which time his marriage to Baroness Lawrence broke down.

In her opening remarks, the panel chair, Cassie Williams, said Mr Lawrences murder was an awful crime which had a profound impact on society.

Referring to the judges sentencing remarks when Norris was jailed in 2012, she said the judge noted he had not shown the slightest regret and had lied to the court.

open image in gallery Gary Dobson (left) and David Norris were convicted in 2012 under joint enterprise for the 1993 murder of Stephen Lawrence ( PA Media )

Norris, who had always denied involvement, finally admitted he was at the scene of the murder in prison. He told the hearing he was inspired to take responsibility for actions after he watched a documentary featuring Mr Lawrences father, which touched him deeply.

The next day I thought I have got to do the right thing for my soul and hopefully it will give the family some peace, he said.

The prisoner, who was wearing a dark T-shirt, glasses and has short, greying hair, was only visible from behind as the prison hearing was streamed to the Royal Courts of Justice.

He claimed he hopes to one day remarry and live a crime-free life in a new area, away from his old criminal associates. He told the panel he stopped socialising with the other group members in 2002 or 2003.

Despite his apparent contrition, he admitted he would not have handed himself in, and justice would not have been served if he had not been convicte,d because he did not want to leave his children.

His prison offender manager (POM) said she could not rule out that the father of five had changed his stance in order to aid his release efforts. She told the panel that she does not believe Norris is ready for release or to be moved to open conditions.

The panel heard he has completed courses relating to racism and violence in custody, but prison records allege he used a racial slur as recently as October 2022, which he denies.

Prison officers found a mobile phone and a sharpened screwdriver in his cell in 2022, and he last failed a drug test in June 2023, the hearing was told.

Norris also rejected prison intelligence reports that suggested he and two other inmates were English Defence League supporters.

Asked if he was worried he would be a poster boy for the far right on his release because of his crime, he replied: Of course.

He claimed he would reject any attempts to persuade him to join far-right groups and that he does not hold those beliefs.

open image in gallery Stephen Lawrences father, Neville Lawrence, has called for one of his sons killers to name the other members of the gang ( PA Archive )

A bungled police investigation led to the landmark MacPherson Inquiry, which concluded that the Metropolitan Polices probe into the murder was marred by institutional racism. However, Norris told the panel he had never sat down to read the inquirys findings.

Ahead of the hearing, Mr Lawrences father said Norris should not be considered for parole until he names the other members of the racist gang.

Its important for me because of what these people have done, Dr Lawrence said.

They ruined my life. Theyve caused me not to be able to live in this country. Theyve robbed me of the chance of seeing my son getting married, of having (his) grandchildren.

This man has robbed me of so much that there is no way I can even start to think that he should be allowed to walk free.

The hearing continues.
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A Jewish author is leaving the UK over fears the country is no longer safe for British Jews, as data shows one in three personally experienced an anti-Semitic incident last year.

Ben M. Freeman, author of The Jews: An Indigenous People and the acclaimed Jewish Pride trilogy, told The Independent that he was in the process of applying for Israeli citizenship and plans to move to Israel after spending much of his life in Britain.

He said the difficult decision came after spending months worrying about his safety in London. Every time I left my house for about a year after October 7, I wondered if I would be attacked or stabbed.

Mr Freeman said in the wake of the Manchester synagogue attack on 2 October that he believes other people will now be having more serious conversations about leaving, too.

Its really - especially if you have a family - such a difficult thing to know when and what to do, he said, alluding to similar considerations faced by Jews who stayed in Germany in the 1930s. But people are having the conversation. Everyone I know is having a version of the conversation.

He added that whether or not they do or dont actually make the move, Britain needs to get its act together, accusing successive governments of ignoring the causes.

open image in gallery Ben M. Freeman is planning to move to Israel in January ( Ben M. Freeman )

Mr Freeman, who is now based in Scotland, said that activist marches had made him, as a Jew living in London, feel unsafe to move about the capital city in which I lived.

He said it was a tragedy that the pro-Palestinian movement purports to support them doesnt, and pointed to Hamas and Hezbollah iconography at demonstrations.

I paid council tax. I paid tax to be there. And I couldnt move around the city because I was nervous, he said. Some people may think that isnt such a big deal [but] it is a big deal when you are made to feel discomfort. It makes you want to diminish yourself and make yourself smaller, and I really dont believe in doing that.

I dont want to hide. I want to be able to wear my symbols of pride proudly.

Mr Freeman said he always felt very British, voted and took part in my civic duty. But now he feels he is being forced out.

He said a minority of radicals were still threatening Jewish life in Britain, and that a friend had been physically attacked a month after the October 7, 2023 attacks while putting up hostage posters in London.

Its a stain on the United Kingdom that there are Jews, and its not just me, there are many Jews looking at leaving. That should be making people in the UK crazy with grief because what is happening to the country that our citizens want to leave?

open image in gallery The scene near Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall after the attack on 2 October ( PA Wire )

For whatever reason, our fears are not listened to. We are accused of being hysterical at best, and [at] worst were accused of being imperialists and fascists and oppressors and Nazis  and then something like Thursday [2 October] happens.

While its amazing that in 2024, the government pledged 54 million for Jewish security, I need everyone to take a step back and ask themselves why a population of 300,000 people need security to go to synagogue or to go to school.

On the decision to move, he said: I did care [about Britain]. And I still do care  But Ive had to make this choice because the country doesnt feel safe anymore. And those in positions of power  they either dont care or they are ignorant and they do not understand the state of affairs.

He added: There is a place that I can go, that, yes, has its own issues and its own danger, but there's a place I can go where I'll be the majority and I'll be in my indigenous land.

Dr Jonathan Boyd, executive director of the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR), told The Independent that while the Jewish community is strongly embedded in Britain and feels, broadly speaking, that this is its home in most cases, incidents like the Manchester stabbing could influence a wider trend of British Jews leaving the country.

Itll take some time before we really know what the reaction has been. Obviously, at the moment, I think everythings very raw, he said.

open image in gallery Protesters gather outside King's College London on October 7, two years after the Hamas-led incursion into Israel ( Lucy North/PA Wire )

I think wherever people were on that question previously, in terms of thinking about Would I want to leave or move to Israel?, everyones moved up a small notch ... The question has become slightly more active, I think, for a good proportion of British Jews.

He observed, from their recent data based on a survey of 4,822 British Jews, that there was not yet any clear movement at scale.

Dr Boyd recognised comparative data from France, which saw a spike in French Jews leaving in the wake of the 2015 Charlie Hebdo and Hypercacher kosher supermarket attacks.

I can only really speculate, but that sort of empirical indicator would suggest that there probably will be a reaction [in Britain].

Still, he says, the Jewish community is very resilient here. Its very strongly embedded in Britain. Its been here for a long time  In spite of the volatility of the last couple of years, Jews are showing a strong degree of resilience, and that will act, I think, as a counterbalance to the fears and apprehensions.

open image in gallery People visit the site of the Nova music festival on Tuesday to grieve for those killed and abducted two years ago ( AP )

Their latest data, based on a survey conducted in June/July 2025, showed that British Jews saw a higher likelihood that they would move to Israel permanently in the next five years.

Dr Boyd added that there had been a sharp rise in British Jews thinking anti-Semitism was a problem.

It really jumped quite significantly since the October 7 [2023] attacks, he said. Its clear that this is an issue and its pretty widespread  A third [32 per cent] of British Jewish adults say at some point in the course of calendar year 2024, they personally experienced an anti-Semitic incident.

He said that young and Orthodox people were reporting incidents at a rate higher than average.

Their data showed trust in institutions was generally low, with only the legal system and parliament scoring above average. Emotional attachment to Israel had risen to 45 per cent from 38 per cent in 2022, though 40 per cent said the war had weakened their attachment and clashed with their Jewish values.

Younger Jews were more likely to be critical of Israel, and criticism of Israels conduct in Gaza more widely was growing, the data showed.
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Metro Bank suffered major problems with its payment services, leaving some customers unable to send or receive money on its app.

Several users claimed their payments were being duplicated, and some people said they were left with negative balances in their accounts as a result of the glitch on Tuesday morning.

One customer wrote on X: Why am I in minus and have duplicated pending charges?

Another wrote: Logged onto banking app to find pending transactions all approved and taken out and they are still also saying they are still pending meaning I have paid twice.

You guys have taken my money and left me overdrawn. This is causing a massive inconvenience. Please guide me on how this is going to be fixed, another customer complained on X.

Other customers have claimed that hundreds of pounds have disappeared from their accounts, leaving them unable to access their money.

Around 100 reports were made on the DownDetector website on Tuesday morning.

Although the issue has now been resolved, Metro Bank said it is still experiencing delays in processing payments.

Metro Bank said on its website: Were currently having issues with our payment services, so it may take longer to send money to other accounts. Were working to fix this as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.

The bank also said it is receiving a high number of calls, meaning there are also delays for telephone banking.

A Metro Bank spokesperson said: We experienced a short delay affecting inbound and outbound payments earlier this morning. This was resolved and customers can currently make payments as usual.

Some customers may see delays while we process these earlier payments, we are prioritising this and working hard to minimise impact. We apologise for any inconvenience.
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Hundreds of students staged pro-Palestinian protests around the UK on the second anniversary of Hamass deadly raids on Israel and days after two people were killed at a synagogue in Manchester.

Demonstrators in London, Sheffield and Edinburgh defied calls to call off their action out of respect for the Jewish community following Thursdays knife attack.

They rejected the prime ministers claim that holding demonstrations so soon was un-British, instead chanting slogans of solidarity with Palestinians. Sir Keir Starmer had said the timing of the protests showed little respect for others.

open image in gallery Students chose the 7 October anniversary to stage protests despite calls not to join ( Getty )

Hundreds of students gathered outside Kings College London near the Strand, where demonstrators wearing keffiyeh scarves and face masks unfurled a banner with the names of Palestinians killed in the conflict.

Outside the London School of Economics there were chants of Palestine will be free and the political slogan From the river to the sea, which some consider to be antisemitic as they believe it calls for the eradication of Israel.

Haya Adam, president of the Palestine Society, told crowds: We will continue to honour each and every one of our martyrs. Students are rising up for Palestine.

open image in gallery Thousands of people joined the protests on Tuesday ( Getty Images )

Organiser Anton Parocki, of the Revolutionary Communist Party, said: "Are all these people here anti-British? Are all the millions of people that come out for Palestinian protests anti-British?

On a makeshift stage outside the Kings College London Strand campus, one protester said: This did not start on 7 October. Generations have been born under siege and displacement, entire families have been wiped off.

Freedom is a fallen word to them, they have known nothing but torture, humiliation and grief.

But Emily Schrader, 34, who was visiting the UK from Israel and was holding an Israeli flag as part of a counterprotest, condemned the days action.

She said: Its a sign of support for Hamas and the actions that happened that day, and its wildly offensive and irresponsible, both for Israelis, of course, but even more than that, also for Palestinians who have been suffering under Hamas, who are also victims of the terror group  the UK-designated terrorist organisation.

open image in gallery Pro-Israeli Emily Schrader protested outside Kings College London ( The Independent )

Around 100 people also turned out to protest at Sheffield University and hundreds of students and staff gathered outside Edinburgh University's library, carrying flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans.

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, had urged students and staff protesting to remember that 7 October was the anniversary of an atrocious attack on innocent people, and that expressing support for a terrorist organisation is a criminal offence.

Last week, on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, knifeman Jihad Al-Shamie attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66, were killed  Daulby by a stray bullet fired by police and Cravitz while defending the synagogue.

Sir Keir said: This is a stain on who we are, and this country will always stand tall and united against those who wish harm and hatred upon Jewish communities.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson urged students set to join protests to pause and show some humanity.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the demonstrations showed the same hatred that fuelled [the Hamas attacks] still festers today.

Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick branded plans for protests on the anniversary of the attacks a f****** disgrace.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Tuesdays protests were completely wrong.

The protests also came amid indirect talks in Egypt between representatives of Hamas and Israel, with hopes a deal put forward by US president Donald Trump will secure peace in the region, and see the return of hostages.
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The governments decision to expand police powers to crack down on repeated protests has sparked a strong reaction from Independent readers.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the move just hours after hundreds were arrested at a Palestine Action demonstration in London.

She had previously called on protest organisers to pause the demonstrations as a mark of respect for the Jewish community following the terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester, during which two people were killed.

But her warnings were ignored  and she has now announced plans to change the law to give the police additional powers to restrict repeated protests which cause communities to feel "scared to leave their homes".

It comes as Sir Keir described the pro-Palestine university protests planned for Tuesday as "un-British," saying they demonstrate a lack of respect for others.

Many readers criticised the crackdown as an attack on civil liberties, arguing that peaceful demonstrations are being unfairly suppressed and that the home secretary is conflating opposition to Israel with antisemitism.

Commenters highlighted that most protesters are targeting the actions of the Israeli state, not Jewish communities, and stressed that free speech and the right to protest are fundamental in a democracy.

Some acknowledged that certain protests may be disruptive or linked to criminal activity, but the overwhelming sentiment was that the states response has been disproportionate.

Heres what you had to say:

Peaceful protest is a fundamental right

I totally oppose the police or government being given the right to ban demonstrations. Such powers would inevitably be abused and have no place in a democratic society. Every time a politician says they support the right to protest, they immediately then propose restrictions that could prevent it.

The Jewish community are not to blame for the Israeli Government's offensive in Gaza and have the right to feel safe in their own country. What Hamas did on 7 October 2023 was grotesque, but so has much of the Israeli Government's response. Banning protest in this country and downplaying the slaughter in Gaza, as until recently the Government has, are both immoral and wrong.

ex post office

Designated protest zones

As has been said by a number of people, we need designated protest zones. This could be a spot outside of town properly set up with stages for speakers, facilities, security, an area for marching, etc.

If you want to protest something, you can book the protest zone; everything will be set up for when you arrive.

saghia

Hysteria is getting out of hand

If anyone wants to protest over Gaza, there are regular events they can attend. The right to protest isn't being suppressed. If Palestine Action has been banned, the home office probably has evidence that it is a threat to security in some way. There are legal cases currently in the pipeline, which is presumably why that evidence can't be released yet, but if and when it can be made public, it should be.

The hysteria surrounding this group is getting out of hand.

Tanaquil2

People have a right to protest

Communities in Britain, including the Jewish community, do not support genocide. Until things change, people have a right to protest.

It was the government that banned a peaceful organisation under law, forcing police to make these unnecessary arrests. It's not the police's job to arrest people peacefully protesting.

Kate

Time to stand up

All very well to say that the protests should be stopped due to the tragic killings of Jews. But if there are no protests now as a deal is at last in sight, we will soon see Gaza being sliced up as real estate as Trump wants, or the Palestinian people yet again being sidelined and made stateless.

Sometimes the most difficult challenges are the ones we should grasp; otherwise, this conflict will go on for another 80 years and blood will be shed every few years in pointless military actions.

Adrian Fox

Peaceful protest over-policed

The overwhelmingly peaceful, seated London protest could have been policed by half a dozen officers.

The other 500 were there for the sole purpose of arresting decent people with strongly held views. This is what happens when you start to delegitimise freedom of assembly and peaceful protest.

SteveHill

My heart has ached every day

For two years my heart has ached every day with the latest news from Gaza, as with most normal people. It's just heartbreaking! I do not understand when the demonstrators want peace for all parties, for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and for those responsible to be held accountable for the war crimes they have committed. We just want peace and dignity for the Palestinians. What is so wrong with wanting justice?

Maggie20

Conflating protest and antisemitism

Dealing with pro-Palestine protests is separate from the issue of rising antisemitism, but the government's attempt to conflate the two is troubling.

Rising antisemitism is an issue, but we need to be clear-eyed about the current causes  a major one of which is Netanyahu. He commits antisemitic acts every day. By conflating antisemitism and Israel, he reduces some complaints about Israel's actions and makes life easier for himself.

DanFrost

Boxed in

The government has boxed itself in on this protest issue. The more they crack down, the less support they will have. Labour voters are traditionally centre and left-wing and do not like authoritarianism or being ordered what to do. So Labour will not gain support; they will lose it through this action.

RichardtheLionheart

Draconian legislation

So the home secretary wants to put through draconian legislation that would ban repeated protests. Under such legislation, the Chartists protests of the 19th century, which won the franchise for working people, and the Suffrage protests that gained women the vote  and put this home secretary into parliament  would have been banned.

Clobber2

Massive overreach

The government wanting to enact legislation to further restrict our rights to protest is a massive overreach. As has been stated many times, this power will be abused in the future to suppress further free speech. The continuing protest against the banning of Palestine Action can be brought to an end by providing evidence that it was necessary to prevent terrorist activity.

Chuckiethebrave

Right to call out genocide

Antisemitism has no place in this country, but surely it is right for people to call out the genocide that Israel is pursuing in Gaza. The word genocide is not being used carelessly but echoes the opinion of respected UN institutions. To change the law to ban protests is worrying. Why is this government so reluctant to call out and take action to stop the actions of Israel?

Speculator

Undemocratic

Expanding police powers to stop peaceful protest is wholly undemocratic, unlawful, and I would wager, with comfortable confidence, that it will kick-start a far greater public backlash on the streets than anticipated. No one wants to live in a police state; of that I am pretty confident.

Moo100

Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.

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The British steel industry has been plunged into crisis after the European Union announced plans to slap 50 per cent tariffs on UK imports.

In what is a major blow to Sir Keir Starmers mission to reset relations with the bloc after Brexit, the European Commission revealed plans to double the current level of 25 per cent, while reducing tariff-free import volumes to 18.3 million tonnes a year  a 47 per cent reduction.

The director general of UK Steel said the fresh tariffs would be devastating to the industry, which currently exports 78 per cent of its steel to the EU. The increase comes after the industry is still dealing with the impact of 25 per cent tariffs on imports to the US, imposed by Donald Trump.

The prime minister has said he is in discussions with both the US and EU about the tariffs, saying the government is strongly supportive of the steel industry.

open image in gallery European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen ( AP )

Gareth Stace, of UK Steel, warned the government must go all-out to secure quotas for the UK or potentially face disaster.

Speaking to Times Radio, he said: This is perhaps the biggest crisis the UK steel industry has ever faced.

The US has closed off its steel market to imports, and today, what weve seen is the EU proposing to do the same.

Were seeing a rapid rise of protectionist trade measures all over the world. And let me tell you, the last country to defend its steel industry will be the first country to deindustrialise. This is a massive issue for our sector.

If the UK government cant get round the table with the EU and convince the EU that were their friend, not their enemy, and then carve out a reasonable quota for UK exports into the EU, then we will see job losses in our sector.

We will never, if we cant get a deal, be the same steel sector in the UK ever again if we cannot trade with our biggest trading partner.

Alasdair McDiarmid, assistant general secretary at the Community trade union, said: Given that around 80 per cent of the UKs steel exports go to Europe, the new measures proposed by the EU represent an existential threat to our industry, as well as the thousands of jobs and communities it supports right across the country.

And Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, GMB union national officer, branded the measures a hammer blow to the UK steel industry. This could be the end of steelmaking in the UK if proper safeguards arent secured, she said.

Speaking to reporters on a plane on his way to India for a trade visit, Sir Keir said he was in talks with the US and EU over the tariffs.

He said: Our position in relation to our steel industry is one of strong support, as you saw from Scunthorpe and Port Talbot.

In relation to the question of tariffs or other measures, as youd expect, we are in discussions with the EU about this, as were in discussions with the US about it. So Ill be able to tell you more in due course, but we are in discussions as youd expect.

Pressed on whether he was seeking exemptions from the tariffs, the prime minister said: Im not going to go into the details, but Im going to tell you in clear terms as you would expect, we are discussing this with the EU and with the US.

Meanwhile, industry minister Chris McDonald said the government is pushing for urgent clarification in the wake of the announcement, saying the UK will always defend our critical steel industry.

open image in gallery British Steel is facing an existential threat, industry figures have warned ( Getty )

Its vital we protect trade flows between the UK and EU, and we will work with our closest allies to address global challenges rather than adding to our industries woes.

This government has shown its commitment to our steel industry by securing preferential access to the US market for our exporters, and we continue to explore stronger trade measures to protect UK steel producers from unfair behaviours, he said.

The latest blow comes after months of uncertainty for the industry following the announcement of Donald Trumps tariffs.

A US-UK deal signed earlier this year slashed trade barriers on a number of goods for both countries, but left British steel exports at 25 per cent, rather than falling to zero as originally agreed.
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A Reform UK-run council is reportedly set to raise council tax rates next year, despite cost-cutting measures inspired by those introduced by Elon Musk in the United States.

Nigel Farage had vowed to save a lot of money after his party won control of Kent County Council at the local elections in May this year.

Two months later, in July, the council introduced a Department of Local Government Efficiency (Dolge), modelled on Musks DOGE in the US, which council leader Linden Kemkaran claimed had identified 40m of potential savings.

A report to council members said the savings would ensure that the council was able to operate within its budget while continuing to provide the services that residents value most and those required to be delivered by law.

However, the authoritys new adult social care chief Diane Morton has this week hinted at a rise in residents council tax bills as she warned that services in the county were down to the bare bones.

Diane Morton told the Financial Times: Weve got more demand than ever before and its growing, We just want more money.

open image in gallery Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attending a meeting alongside the head of Kent County Council, Linden Kemkaran, in July (PA) ( PA Wire )

While Ms Kemkaran has declined to say if council tax rates will be raised, Ms Morton said she believed the increase would be five per cent, the maximum allowed.

Around 50 per cent of Kents annual 2.5bn budget is spent on adult and childrens social care, as well as on children with special education needs.

Labour MP for East Thanet Polly Billington has accused authority chiefs of making huge promises about savings, then failing to find any because they dont know what theyre talking about.

Thats what theyre doing in local government and its what theyd do to Britain, she added.

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: It turns out cribbing the notes of dodgy American tech billionaires is no way to run a council.

However, a Reform UK Kent spokesperson said the council had done fantastic work to reduce debt by 66m in five months, despite council papers showing it faces a 27.9m overspend in the new year, beyond its 1.53bn budget.

The partys experience in Kent is a reflection of the obstacles Mr Farage would face if he were elected as prime minister, which includes Reforms repeated promise to cut taxes and slash public spending.

Ms Kemkaran said that the management of Kent acted as a shop window through which everybody is going to see what a Reform government might look like.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage had promised to abolish wasteful spending as Kent struggles to bring down 700m of debt ( Gareth Fuller/PA Wire )

A Reform UK Kent spokesman said the council has a new no more borrowing policy since this years poll.

Our team in KCC have already done some fantastic work to clean up the mess left by the Kent Conservatives and reduce the county councils debt by 66 million in their first five months in office, he said.

The majority of that has come from savings as a result of their Dolge (Department of Local Government Efficiency) unit.

This includes implementing a no more borrowing policy which will reduce their debt by a further 33 million by March 2026, scrapping KCCs net zero renewable energy programme to save 32 million over four years, and stopping the move to a new council building which has avoided an additional 14 billion of borrowing.
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Senior Tory Robert Jenrick has been accused of stirring up division as he defended comments about not seeing another white face while visiting an area of Birmingham, insisting it did look like a slum.

In a race row that overshadowed his Tory conference speech  in which he attacked judges, accusing them of fighting to keep illegal migrants in the UK  the shadow justice secretary defended his remarks on what he claims is a lack of integration in some parts of Britain.

He insisted he wont shy away from such issues and said his comments, reportedly made during a visit to Handsworth in March, were simply an observation.

Party leader Kemi Badenoch defended her former leadership rival, insisting there was nothing wrong with what he said.

But local leaders condemned his comments as divisive and entirely wrong.

It comes as Tory grandee Michael Heseltine warned Ms Badenoch the partys attacks on migrants are not the Conservative way to rebuild power.

In a damning attack on her leadership, the former deputy prime minister used a speech at the conference in Manchester to blast the rhetoric of the current leadership, warning that the inflammatory language encourages the worst sort of prejudice.

open image in gallery Robert Jenrick has faced criticism for his remarks about Handsworth in Birmingham ( PA )

Lord Heseltine warned that instead of aping Reform UK, the Tories must make clear that we will never have any part in the populist extremism of Nigel Farage.

Defending his comments on The Telegraphs Daily T podcast at the Conservative Party conference on Tuesday, Mr Jenrick said there are pockets of towns and cities that are largely segregated and people should not be stopped from talking about it out of a "misplaced fear of being called racist".

He said: "It did look like a slum, adding: "I didn't see a mix of people on the streets. It was an observation."

Asked if Mr Jenrick's comments were racist, Richard Parker, the Labour mayor of the West Midlands, replied: "I do. Because hes set out intentionally to draw on a particular issue - peoples colour - to identify the point he wanted to make."

No other politician that I know in the West Midlands of a mainstream party would seek to do that explicitly and with the intent that he did, he told BBC Radio WM.

The Bishop of Birmingham, Right Reverend Michael Volland, branded the remarks entirely wrong and said he had been dismayed and disappointed to hear them.

In a letter to Mr Jenrick he said: Comments like those you have made have the potential to generate anxiety and stir up division. They can feed into a harmful narrative that provides fuel for a fire of toxic nationalism.

It is deeply unhelpful for politicians to make such comments and I encourage you to think about how your rhetoric might contribute towards unity rather than stoking division.

And shadow cabinet colleagues of Mr Jenrick have warned that he has gone too far with his latest comments. One said: I spoke to a party donor who told me Robert is going to burst with ambition, I have told him he needs to wind his neck in a bit and get on with fighting Labour.

Another said: The thing is we would all like the real Robert Jenrick to show himself. When it suited him he was a centrist and now we have this very rightwing act. People just dont think it is authentic. If he had been authentic he might have won the leadership contest last year.

open image in gallery Andy Street, former mayor of the West Midlands, said Jenrick is wrong ( PA )

Labour Party chair Anna Turley criticised Mr Jenrick for judging his own level of comfort by whether there are other white faces around.

The MP for Redcar said: This weekend, Kemi Badenoch said she stood against a politics that reduces people to categories and then pits them against each other.

People of colour should not have to justify their Englishness or their Britishness, or their presence in this country to Robert Jenrick or anyone else.

Asked about his remarks on Tuesday, Ms Badenoch said: In and of itself, its a factual statement. If he said he didnt see another white face, he might have been making an observation. Theres nothing wrong with making observations.

I wasnt there, so I cant say how many faces he saw, but the point is that there are many people in our country who are not integrating. I heard that one of the MPs of that area was accusing him of racism. I completely disagree with that. I want to make that very clear.

The criticism came as Mr Jenrick used his Tory party speech to launch an unprecedented assault on Britains judiciary, vowing to scrap the independent sentencing council and sack dozens of judges he accused of open borders activism.

Brandishing a judges wig, he said tens of judges have spent their careers fighting to keep illegal migrants in this country, adding that some even continue to do so, whilst, astonishingly, serving as judges.

They dishonour generations of independent jurists who came before them, and they undermine the peoples trust in the law itself, he said, adding that judges who blur the line between adjudication and activism can have no place in our justice system.
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Gender critical campaigners have been accused of making hateful and extremist remarks at an event at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester after suggesting those who support trans rights have broken brains and that so-called gender ideology is an evil.

Speaking on a panel event on the fringes of the conference, titled After the Supreme Court Ruling: what next for sex-based rights, Fiona McAnena, director of campaigns at Sex Matters, referred to trans women as a man in a dress.

Meanwhile, Kate Barker, CEO of the LGB Alliance, claimed the medical establishment has been captured by fanciful and malign ideology that tells gay people that they can be cured by making grotesque and permanent changes to their body.

open image in gallery Speakers on a panel titled After the Supreme Court Ruling: what next for sex-based rights? ( The Independent )

She added: I don't think I'm exaggerating to say this is an evil that is being visited on majority gay young people. The Supreme Court ruling clarified that sex means biological sex, and our task now has to be to strip out the poisonous homophobia of gender identity ideology from public life wherever we can.

In April, the Supreme Court ruled trans women are not legally women under the Equality Act  a judgment that has been hailed as a victory for cis women and girls.

But there are concerns about the impacts on trans people, amid fears they could be excluded from public life and unable to use facilities appropriate for their gender.

Speaking about those who have criticised the Supreme Courts ruling on biological sex, Ms McAnena said: I think their brains have been broken by the illogicality of trying to treat some men as women and thinking that makes them the good guys, so now they cant bear to be bad guys.

And they remain afraid of trans activists and often afraid of their own children, you know, young adult children particularly.

Meanwhile, former Tory MP Miriam Cates, who was also sitting on the panel, accused British schools of actively encouraging children to believe this lie that men and women could become women, or that there is such a thing as gender identity.

Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, said there has been an increasing trend of ignoring the fact that trans people exist and have rights and have existed quite happily within society for a very long time.

The way we move forward [from the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex] is we acknowledge the concern, we acknowledge that anxiety on all sides and we look for a way of resolving it in the best interests of everyone.

Right now, the loudest voices seem to be those that want to wind back progress on any trans rights and just pretend they dont exist. And I find that worrying, she added.

On any subject, it doesnt matter what the subject is, you cannot have a debate if you only listen to one side and you cant make progress for everyone if you only listen to one side.

Labour MP Richard Quigley said he was appalled by the comments, but not surprised.

The Tory party are desperate to seem relevant and the only way they have found to do this is to insult and malign people, he told The Independent.

People just want to be allowed to be themselves, without fear or favour, just getting along with their neighbours. If Kemi had anything about her, she would distance herself from this event (and probably the Tory party as a whole).

Steph Richards, founder of trans campaign group TransLucent, added: It is a great shame that the Conservative Party has allowed such an extremist event to take place, which is a violation of the human rights of trans people.

Trans people have existed for millennia and its well documented... It doesnt help the LGBTQ+ cause to echo the narratives of far-right evangelical organisations who are out to take away LGBTQ+ rights and womens rights  and weve only got to look to America to see what the narrative is.

Meanwhile, Conservative politician Andrew Boff, who earlier in the day had heckled a main stage panel session on gender identity, dubbed the views hateful.

He told The Independent: What they cant understand  and what they hate  is that trans people exist. I know its inconvenient for their binary view of the world, but trans people have been around for thousands of years and they dont like it.

open image in gallery Andrew Boff wears a T-shirt that reads Trans Rights Are Human Rights, after he heckled a session at the Conservative Party conference on gender identity ( PA )

Back in 1987, we had the same arguments being presented that justified Section 28  because [they said] gay people we unnatural. They said we were a threat to children and that we were trying to convert children.

Section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988) was a law that prevented local authorities from intentionally promot[ing] homosexuality or teaching the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.

Mr Boff, who has been a Tory assembly member since 2008 and led the party in the body for three years, added: What happens in a fringe meeting is up to their own little hateful selves... What Im offended by is that on the main stage of the conference, in something that was called a debate, there is only one side of the argument, that is not a debate.

The Conservative politician shouted from the front row of a separate main stage event that the views being presented were one-sided and the discussion had wrongly been billed as a debate.

He dubbed the event  titled The meaning of sex: Gender Critical Debate and chaired by shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho  curated hatred".

In response to Mr Boffs heckles, former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, who was on the panel, said she would not apologise for defending the rights of women and girls.

The Conservative Party has been contacted for comment.
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A hiker who got lost traversing an Arizona mountain in triple-digit heat was saved after a passerby who heard her crying out in desperation called for help.

Several police officers hiked South Mountain, a vast mountain range in south Phoenix, after someone called 911 to report hearing a womans screams coming from the mountain, police wrote on Facebook Monday.

Body camera footage shows an officer calling out, Hello? before climbing up a rocky slope on the mountain the afternoon of September 15  a day temperatures hit a high of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40C) in Phoenix, according to AccuWeather.

Every now and then, she sees something reflecting over there, an officer can be heard saying in the footage while pointing into the distance. You can hear her screaming.

The officers, out of breath and panting under the scorching sun, eventually find the woman lying behind a tree without her shoes.

open image in gallery Police in Phoenix, Arizona, shared a video of officers locating a woman who had been stranded on a mountain for a day, and had been crying out for help in triple-digit heat ( Phoenix Police Department )

open image in gallery The lost hiker told police she had been stranded for a day and was hoping someone would find her ( Phoenix Police Department )

Hi. What happened? one officer asks as they approach the woman, who appears faint.

We found her, shes probably dehydrated, the same officer notes.

She cant move, he says. Shes alert, talking to us.

With a weak voice, the hiker  who has not been publicly identified  replies, I was waiting for you guys to find me.

When asked how long she had been on the mountain, she replied that it had been a day.

open image in gallery Bodycam footage shows the officers climbing the mountain searching for the woman ( Phoenix police department )

Video shows the officers, as well as Phoenix firefighters, helping the woman down the mountain. She was later taken to the hospital for treatment, police said.

Remember, when you take a hike, do it right and stay on the trails, the police department wrote on Facebook.
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Arkansas officials have shot and killed a male black bear, which they believe was responsible for the fatal mauling of a 60-year-old Missouri man at his campsite in the Ozark National Forest last week.

Authorities confirmed the animal's death on Monday.

The victim, identified as Max Thomas of Springfield, Missouri, was discovered deceased on Thursday.

His body was found several yards outside the Sam's Throne campground in the remote northwest of Arkansas, according to Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler.

A deputy was dispatched to the campground after Mr Thomas's son reported he had not heard from his father.

Notably, Mr Thomas had sent his family pictures of a black bear in his camp on Tuesday morning, Sheriff Wheeler added.

Upon arrival, the deputy found compelling evidence of a struggle and injury at the scene, including distinct drag marks leading from the campground into the surrounding woods, the sheriff detailed.

"We believe he was in the process of breaking down his camp when the attack occurred," Sheriff Wheeler stated. The state medical examiner's office subsequently determined the man's death to be an "animal mauling."

open image in gallery A male black bear caught on a trail camera near a campground in northwest Arkansas where a 60-year-old man was fatally mauled ( Arkansas Game and Fish Commission via AP )

On Sunday, a bear was caught on a trail camera near the campground that appeared to be the same animal photographed by the victim and encountered by another man at a roadside overlook in the area, Wheeler said.

Local hunters and hounds were brought into the area and quickly tracked the bear, which was killed and transported to Little Rock, where authorities will obtain DNA samples to confirm it is the bear that fatally attacked the man.

We knew the bear in the photos was a male and this one is too, Wheeler said in a press release. It matches the size of the photographed bear and has the same facial colorations. Not to mention it was back in the same area where the attack happened.

It is the second fatal bear attack in Arkansas in recent weeks. In September, a 72-year-old man died after being attacked by a bear in nearby Franklin County, according to authorities with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Despite the recent attacks, Don White Jr., a large mammal ecologist at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, said fatal bear attacks in Arkansas are exceedingly rare.

open image in gallery Local hunters and hounds were brought into the area and quickly tracked the bear, which was killed and transported to Little Rock ( NPS )

The last confirmed fatal bear attack in Arkansas was in 1892, said Keith Stephens, a spokesperson for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Although black bears were common in Arkansas before European settlement, the numbers dwindled to fewer than 50 by the 1930s, White said.

Those numbers have continued to climb since the reintroduction of hundreds of black bears into the Ouachita and Ozark mountains of Arkansas in the 1950s and 1960s, with an estimated 5,000 black bears in the state now, although White said that figure is difficult to pinpoint.
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Search crews spent countless hours looking for a Bay Area woman who went missing nearly a week ago while hiking on the California coast  before suspending the efforts Monday night.

Sunshine Borjas, 47, was last seen leaving her home in Santa Rosa at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, before driving 30 miles west to Bodega Head to hike, the Sonoma Sheriffs Office said. She has not been seen since and the mystery of what happened to her has baffled rescuers.

Borjas was believed to be hiking alone at Bodega Head, a popular 2-mile loop along the Sonoma Coast that boasts a stunning view of the ocean and is a popular spot for whale watching.

Her family reported her missing around midnight Thursday, SFGate reported.

Borjass car was found in the Bodega Head parking lot Thursday morning, but she could not be located.

open image in gallery Sunshine Borjas left her Santa Rosa home Wednesday afternoon to go hiking alone at Bodega Head, about 30 miles away, but has not been seen since ( Santa Rosa Police Department )

Following an extensive search over the weekend, the sheriffs office said Monday that it was suspending its efforts as it awaits new leads on where to continue looking.

The search team spent countless hours scouring the Bodega Head area, receiving help from the U.S. Coast Guard and Marine Unit boats, the sheriffs office said. Drones, search and rescue canines and ground searchers were also utilized in the efforts, the department added.

Authorities described Borjas as being 47 years old, approximately 5-feet 5-inches tall, and weighing about 155 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Borjas was last seen wearing a gray shirt, gray leggings and black sneakers.

Anyone with information about Borjass whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Santa Rosa Police Department. Police are also asking people who live in the Bodega Head area to check their security cameras for any sightings of Borjas.
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A couple has found a rare 2.7-carat white diamond in an Arkansas state park, with the husband praising Jesus for finding the gem.

Dewy White and his wife had packed their things in Paoli, Indiana, to embark on an adventurous road trip, stopping at the famous Crater of Diamonds State Park, according to a statement. After two days of digging through 37.5 acres, they came up empty and moved on to their next stop.

But the couple remained determined and returned to the park on Thursday, looking for a gem in the Canary Hill area by the south wash pavilion.

A very nice gentleman I met on my first day out here suggested that area, White said. He seemed like he knew what he was doing, and it looked like a nice, shaded spot.

open image in gallery A couple has found a rare 2.7-carat white diamond in an Arkansas state park, with the husband praising Jesus for finding the gem ( Arkansas State Parks )

open image in gallery The white round diamond was about the size of a pea ( Arkansas State Parks )

After three days of breaking up dirt by hand and sifting through mesh screens, White spotted a shiny stone.

It looked like a metal piece of glass, White recalled of the gem. The minute I saw it in my shovel, I knew.

Upon the discovery, White said, Thank you, Jesus! and then swiftly brought the stone to the park staff to identify.

He had a 2.71-carat white round diamond in his hand  about the size of a pea.

open image in gallery This type of stone can range in price from around $9,000 to about $116,000 ( Arkansas State Parks )

White, like other visitors who are lucky enough to find such a gem, named his diamond. He named it the Hope Diamond because he had hoped to find one.

A 2.71-carat round diamond can range in price from $9,216 to $116,239, depending on factors such as the gems color and clarity, according to diamond comparison site StoneAlgo. Although there can be a huge discrepancy when it comes to uncut diamonds like the one White found.

Whites gem was the fourth-largest diamond of the 414 diamonds that have been registered at the state park this year.
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Payton Herres is only alive today thanks to the generosity of an organ donor and his family, who gave her his heart 12 years ago.

The 25-year-old, from Dayton, Ohio, was born with a rare congenital heart disease, Ebsteins anomaly, which affects the tricuspid valve on the right side of the heart. The condition, which causes blood to leak backward into the right atrium  upper right chamber  of the heart, can lead to heart failure.

When she was 11 years old, following years of health problems, Herres was left with no choice but to undergo a heart transplant in March 2012.

The surgery was successful; the recovery long and often painful, but Herres credits her donor for giving her a second chance at life.

Since the surgery, Herres has been on a combination of medications to ensure her body doesnt reject that heart.

open image in gallery Payton Herres, 25, underwent a heart transplant when she was 11 years old. Earlier this year, her health insurance company stopped covering the life-saving medication she needs to stop her body from rejecting the donated heart ( Payton Herres )

This year Herres had to fight the health insurance company shes been with all her life, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, when they stopped covering her life-saving medication.

If she doesnt get her medication, it could prove fatal.

In February, the company wrote to inform her that one of the medications she has taken since 2013, everolimus, was no longer medically necessary, according to paperwork seen by The Independent.

Herres doctors prescribed the drug everolimus because it prevents the body from rejecting an organ transplant. It also helps protect against coronary artery disease, a major risk after transplant operations. Everolimus, when taken with the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, had been working well for Herres since 2013.

It just blew my mind, Herres recalled after receiving the letter. I'm like, so you want me to go into rejection and die? Is that what you're saying? Because it's not medically necessary?

The denial was especially gut wrenching because the heart was gifted to Herres by a 24-year-old man who died suddenly.

She will never be able to repay her donor for his gift, but Herres recently sent his mother a blue teddy bear sprinkled with stars, with a recording of the sound of his heartbeat.

Ive lived 13 and a half years with my gift of a heart, Herres told The Independent. Ive done everything right. And now, I feel like Anthem is ripping it away from me.

They trusted that his heart would be cherished and protected, said Herres of her donors family. And now Anthem is gambling with it. If they let me go into rejection, theyre not just risking my life  theyre letting his gift go to waste.

open image in gallery When she was 11 years old, Payton Herres had to undergo a heart transplant in March 2012 after hers could no longer cope ( Payton Herres )

Since the transplant in 2012, doctors have tried different medications to stop Herres body from rejecting the heart. Some of them made her incredibly unwell and it took years to find a combination that worked.

For the past 12 years Ive survived because of one critical combination of medications, Herres said. This wasnt some random choice  it was prescribed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center after I had rejection and even ended up hospitalized from serious side effects on other drugs.

Herres, who works for a faith-based non-profit, received the first denial letter from Anthem in February. In the months that followed, she did everything she could to get to the bottom of the decision, including going down the official appeals process, but the company would simply come back with more rejections, she said.

Meanwhile, her medication was running out.

If I dont have everolimus, I could lose the heart that saved my life, Herres said of the medication she must take twice a day. Anthem knows this  and still, they block me. I even begged to pay out of pocket, and one of their representatives hung up on me.

Taking matters into her own hands, Herres launched a social media campaign and asked friends to get behind her.

open image in gallery Since the surgery, the 25-year-old, from Dayton, Ohio, has been on a combination of medication to ensure her body doesnt reject the heart ( Payton Herres )

Make noise. Let them know the world is watching, she wrote. No heart transplant patient  and no donor family  should ever be treated this way.

Her post was shared thousands of times, including on Anthems Facebook page, where supporters of Herres shared her story in comments on every social media post the company shared.

It appears to have had some effect. In mid-September, Anthem contacted Herres doctors and informed them that the medication had been approved.

When contacted by The Independent, Anthem said the initial denial was based on medical guidelines but the company apologized and confirmed it has since approved Herres medication.

The initial denial of coverage for everolimus, and the appeal decision, were based on medical guidelines that did not fully reflect Ms. Herres treatment history, an Anthem spokesperson said. We have since approved the medication, and we are truly sorry for the stress and frustration this caused her. We are reviewing this case to strengthen our processes and ensure future reviews better consider the individual needs of our members.

But now Herres faces her next battle against the company, which raised her copay to $350 for a 30-day supply, or $1,000 for a 90-day supply. Before the hike, Herres, supported by her parents, would pay around $180 for a 90-day supply.

The new copay is simply unaffordable.

Instead of Anthem covering the medication after my deductible, I now have to pay $350 every month, said Herres.

At the moment, the only way Herres can afford her medication is by bypassing her insurance completely and using GoodRx coupons, which bring the cost down to $88.66 for a 30 day supplybut its far from reliable.

The scary part is that these coupons arent guaranteed. They can change [the price] or disappear at any time, said Herres. If that happens, I could never afford those prices, and that terrifies me.

Herres says she has been left with no alternative but to look for a new insurer, but like many Americans, the state of the health insurance industry in the U.S. worries her deeply.

Ive cried so much this past month I feel broken, Herres said. Meanwhile, Anthem is a multibillion-dollar company making record profits while leaving me to panic over whether Ill survive the month.

Its frustrating that Anthem believes it knows better than my heart transplant doctors, who have been managing my care for over a decade.
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Officials investigating the cause of the huge blaze that reduced the $1.5 million beachfront home of a South Carolina judge to smouldering embers on Saturday morning have said they do not believe arson played a part.

At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set, State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Chief Mark Keel said in a statement about the fire at the home of Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein in the luxury Jeremy Cay gated community at Edisto Beach.

SLED agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion, Keel added, suggesting his team believe the fire was the result of a domestic accident.

open image in gallery The remains of Judge Diane Goodsteins beachfront home as seen in aerial footage broadcast on local news ( WCBD NEWS 2 )

The chief said his investigation is still ongoing and urged the public to exercise good judgement and not share information that has not been verified.

Goodstein, 69, was out walking her dogs when the disaster unfolded, but her husband, former Democratic State Sen. Arnold Goldstein, 81, their son and another person were at home and had to escape the flames via an upstairs window and balcony.

The trio were subsequently rescued from a marshy area nearby by emergency services personnel in kayaks, who took them to hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained. One of the party had to be air-lifted due to the extent of their wounds.

The justice told reporters on Monday she was alright but otherwise said only that she was happy to direct you to a court administrator for further questions about the fire.

Her colleague, South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge, had told local media over the weekend that the blaze began with an apparent explosion.

open image in gallery The $1.5 million Edisto Beach property ablaze on Saturday morning ( St. Pauls Fire District/Facebook )

The incident quickly attracted unfounded speculation that it might have been set deliberately by someone with a political motive, given that Judge Goodstein issued a controversial ruling against Donald Trumps administration last month.

New York Democratic Congressman Daniel Goldman, for one, raised that concern in a post on X/Twitter in which he tagged White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and warned: MAGA-world have been doxxing and threatening judges who rule against Trump, including Judge Goodstein Will Trump speak out against the extreme right that did this??

Miller responded angrily to the post, calling it deeply warped and vile and libelous madness.

The case presided over by Judge Goodstein in September concerned whether or not her state should hand over sensitive voter registration documents to the federal government.

The Department of Justice had requested that South Carolina officials turn over the personal data of more than 3.3 million voters, revealing their names, addresses, birthdates, drivers license numbers and the last four digits of their Social Security numbers.

open image in gallery Circuit Court Judge Goodstein recently ruled against the Trump administration, provoking unfounded speculation that the disaster might have been caused by arson ( South Caroline Courts )

The administration was seeking to compare the information with a separate database in order to root out alleged illegal immigrants it suspected were being unlawfully permitted to cast votes in state elections.

Judge Goodstein reportedly received multiple death threats after ruling in favor of the plaintiff  local voting rights activist Anne Crook  a decision that put her at odds with Trump and her states Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who said the circuit court was wrong to place itself in the way of the government and filed an emergency petition to overturn the verdict.

The South Carolina Supreme Court duly sided with McMaster, dropping Goodsteins temporary restraining order in a six-page opinion on September 11.
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A Nebraska woman has sued a popular Missouri haunted house, claiming to have broken both her ankles, and shes not the only patron to legally challenge the safety of the companys spooky attractions.

Leslie Blake of Lincoln filed a lawsuit last Tuesday against Full Moon Productions, which owns The Beast Haunted House and other attractions in the West Bottoms neighborhood of Kansas City, claiming the company was negligent and reckless during her 2021 visit, The Kansas City Star reported.

On October 30, 2021, Blake did the Beast Jump from the haunted houses second-story window and broke several bones in her ankles after landing on an inflatable pad, the lawsuit claims. Her injuries required surgery and extensive therapy, according to the suit.

Blake insists she followed all the safety instructions and claims the landing pad was under-inflated and not properly positioned or supervised.

Full Moon Productions told The Kansas City Star the Beast Jump is no longer a feature at the attraction. A company representative said Blake did not, in fact, follow directions, and she signed a waiver that informed her of the risks.

A Nebraska woman has sued a popular Missouri haunted house, not pictured, claiming to have broken both her ankles ( Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images )

According to The Beasts website, anyone who enters the haunted house or Full Moon Productions' other attractions, such as The Edge of Hell and The Macabre Cinema, needs to sign a waiver of liability.

The waiver acknowledges the attractions have certain, inherent, known and unknown, obvious or non-obvious risks, which may cause serious physical injury or even death.

Blake tried to sue Full Moon Productions over her injuries in 2023 but the case was dismissed. In that case, the company claimed Blake signed the liability waiver, where she had no issues with reading or reviewing it, according to court documents reviewed by The Kansas City Star.

The company claimed attraction staff told her to land bottom first, but she landed feet first, like a pencil.

Full Moon Productions said in response to the new lawsuit, in which Blake is seeking more than $75,000, that it anticipates that the case will once again be dismissed.

The Independent has reached out to Full Moon Productions for comment.

But the companys legal troubles dont end with Blake.

Blakes new lawsuit says Full Moon Productions should have known about the dangerous conditions of the facility because of multiple injury lawsuits filed against the company.

One pending lawsuit also mentioned The Beasts inflatable pad, according to The Kansas City Star, which cited court documents. Another ongoing suit stems from a claim of an injury on a slide attraction at The Edge of Hell Haunted House.
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For the second consecutive year, Petco Health and Wellness Company is scaling back its retail pawprint with plans to close 25 stores nationwide by the end of 2025.

Petco is closing stores as part of a broader plan to streamline operations and boost performance after declines, with net sales dropping in the second quarter of 2025, Fast Company reported.

Some 13 locations across 11 states and the District of Columbia have already shut. The company is reevaluating its physical store locations to boost profits, Fast Company reported.

In August, Petco announced second-quarter net sales of $1.5 billion, a 2.3 percent decline year-over-year, matching its projections. Petcos stock is down nearly 16 percent so far this year and has dropped almost 26 percent over the past 12 months.

The pet-focused company offers a wide range of food, treats, toys, leashes, bedding, grooming supplies, and live animals, as well as proprietary brands like WholeHearted, Bond & Co. and Good Lovin.

Thirteen Petco locations have already closed in 2025 ( Getty Images )

Petco locations also provide veterinary care services, as well as grooming, training and adoption events.

For the second quarter we once again delivered against our commitments, enabling us to raise our earnings outlook for the full year. The first half of this year established a solid foundation for our transformation as we continued to strengthen our economic model and improve retail operating fundamentals, Joel Anderson, Petcos Chief Executive Officer, said in an August news release.

As we look ahead to the remainder of this year, we will continue to execute on our objectives while also leaning into select targeted investments that we believe will help set the stage for a return to sustainable profitable growth, he added.

The Independent has contacted representatives for PetCo for comment.

Petco declined to share a full list of stores slated for closure this year with Fast Company, but confirmed that 13 locations across 11 states and the District of Columbia have already shut their doors.

125 W Lincoln Hwy, Exton, PA

1725 Twin Creek Pl, Walla Walla, WA

3100 14th St Ste 124, Washington, DC

16835 E Shea Blvd Ste 105, Fountain Hills, AZ

8775 Tualatin Sherwood Rd, Tualatin, OR

1006 Keller Pkwy Ste 103, Keller, TX

300 Ryders Ln, Milltown, NJ

210 Fortune Blvd, Milford, MA

239 Newburyport Turnpike, Topsfield, MA

32074 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI

4840 N Pulaski Rd Ste 100, Chicago, IL

2842 NW 63rd St, Oklahoma City, OK

444 N Santa Cruz Ave, Los Gatos, CA

Petco operates over 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Editor's Note: This article incorrectly claimed that Petco had considered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It has been updated to reflect that the company is reevaluating its number of physical store locations to boost profits.
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Philadelphia taxpayers have spent around $270,000 funding a scheme that buys one-way bus tickets for homeless people in an attempt to get them to leave the city.

The Stranded Traveler Assistance program has provided tickets for more than 1,000 people to travel across the country since 2021, according to records reviewed by NBC10, with city officials describing it as the most efficient program in ending homelessness.

According to information from the citys Office of Homeless Services, the program provides travel assistance to non-residents who find themselves stranded, in crisis situations, in Philadelphia.

The aid helps travelers return to communities where they have family or social support and will have a better opportunity to attain self-sufficiency, the department states.

To get the assistance requires the persons name, social security number, and the number of adults and children that are traveling. They must also have a place to go at the location they are traveling to.

The tickets are designed to help people who find themselves stranded in the city to get to places where they have family or social support ( AFP via Getty Images )

However, city officials acknowledge that the program is not fail safe, as there are no court record or background checks, and no follow up once the individual has boarded the bus.

They come to us and say, Hey, I'm ready to end my homelessness here in the city, Bruce Johnson, the assistant deputy director for the Office of Homeless Services, told NBC10.

We don't necessarily check court records and backgrounds as far as us assisting participants, Johnson told the outlet, adding: It's a success once we give them that ticket and they arrive at their new destination site.

As there is also no follow up on the other end, Johnson admitted that Philadelphia officials cannot be certain that the individuals do not end up homeless again in their new destination.

No program is a fail-safe program, he said.

The program has reportedly cost taxpayers $270,000 since July 2021.

In addition, investigations by NCB10 found that half of those using the Stranded Traveler program between 2021 and May 2025 traveled under 750 miles away from Philadelphia  and some return.

The outlet reported that one man, Jose Colon, used the program back in July, only to return to the city several weeks later.

The Independent reached out to Philadelphias Office of Homeless Services for comment on whether the service was used to move homeless people out of the city and clarification on the number that return.

A business owner in Santa Monica, California, has been testing his own similar program. John Alle, a real estate advisory business owner and co-founder of the Santa Monica Coalition, launched a no-questions-asked program last week offering free flights home to unhoused people in LA with ID and someone waiting at their destination.
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Tropical Storm Jerry formed Tuesday, becoming the Atlantic hurricane seasons tenth named storm.

Forecasters said the system is expected to pass near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands later by Thursday evening and into Friday.

Models show the storm tracking northwest toward the U.S., although many options for its path remain possible this early.

Interests [in the northern Leeward Islands] should monitor the progress of the storm, as there is a risk of wind, surf and rainfall impacts, the National Hurricane Center advised.

The storm follows increased activity in the Atlantic, with major hurricanes Imelda and Humberto forming over the past few weeks.

open image in gallery A satellite image of Tropical Storm Jerry, churning over the Atlantic Ocean Tuesday ( NOAA )

Humberto brought dangerous rip currents and swells to the East Coast and its outer bands swept across Bermuda at the end of last month.

Imelda formed just days later, striking Cuba as a tropical storm and leading to the deaths of two people last week. After passing over Cuba and strengthening into a Category 2 hurricane, it side-swiped Bermuda, causing widespread power outages and downing trees.

Although the hurricanes did not hit the U.S. directly, churning ocean waters sent multiple North Carolina homes tumbling into the surf.

Imelda and Humberto were only separated by 500 miles, leading the storms to become intertwined and yanking Imelda away from the East Coast in a phenomenon known as the Fujiwhara Effect.

Its a very rare phenomenon overall in the Atlantic basin, AccuWeathers Alex DaSilva told The Associated Press.

Several storms this year have veered away from the states this hurricane season. Stronger and taller storms are often pulled away by high-up winds, WRAL meteorologist Chris Michaels explained.

Its happened with Andrea, Chantal, Dexter, Fernand and Erin.

Erin was a major hurricane that stayed 200 miles off the coast of North Carolina in August. The Southeast was spared from major flooding from Hurricane Imelda in September, thanks in part to the rare Fujiwhara Effect, DaSilva noted in a statement shared with The Independent.

open image in gallery A map of the projected path of Tropical Storm Jerry. Many options for its path remain possible this early, the National Hurricane Center reported ( NHC )

The last time there were no hurricane landfalls in the U.S. through the month of September was in 2015, AccuWeather noted.

The only named storm to make landfall in the U.S. so far this year was Tropical Storm Chantal, which battered the Carolinas in July, costing between $4-6 billion in damage and economic loss.

But, theres still time for major impacts - the Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30.
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Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has expressed her delight after Fox News presented White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller with a clip of her mocking his height, drawing a fumbled response from the official.

AOC had hosted an Instagram livestream on Sunday in which she urged people opposed to the Donald Trump administration to make fun of the insecure masculinity of its hierarchy, calling Miller a clown and repeatedly suggesting he was only 4 foot 10 inches tall.

Ive never seen that guy in real life, but he looks like hes, like, 4 feet 10 inches, the congresswoman said, referring to the immigration hardliner. And he looks like he is angry about the fact that hes 4 feet 10 inches. And he looks like he is so mad that he is 4 feet 10 inches, that he has taken that anger out on any other population possible.

open image in gallery Laura Ingraham questions Stephen Miller about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's mockery of him on Fox's The Ingraham Angle ( The Ingraham Angle/Fox News )

Fox host Laura Ingraham replayed the clip on The Ingraham Angle on Monday evening, inadvertently forcing Miller, her guest, to watch it with a mirthless grin.

After Ingraham scoffed at AOC for wearing a hoodie, and suggesting she looked like she was hanging around a sorority house, she invited Miller to respond to the Democrats joking at his expense.

Well, we knew that her brain didnt work, Miller stuttered. Now we know her eyes dont work. So, the shes a mess, right? What a trainwreck. What a trainwreck.

After navigating Ingraham awkwardly talking over him, Miller continued: I think the important point is  every time shes on TV, Republican approval ratings go up, Democratic approval ratings go down. That lady is a walking nightmare.

Wrapping up, Inghram asked the official how tall he really was and was told 5 foot 10. So 4-10? I dont know what she cant see she sputtered.

open image in gallery Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used her Sunday Instagram livestream to urge anti-Trump activists to laugh at the perceived insecurities of the administrations leading figures ( Getty )

Responding in turn to a clip of the bizarre exchange shared on X, AOC wrote: I cannot believe they aired this and made him listen to it live. I am crying.

Her jab at Millers height clearly struck a nerve at the network as, according to Mediaite, both Sean Hannity and Jesse Watters discussed the clip and offered haughty fact-checks.

On the importance of mockery as a weapon against tyranny, Ocasio-Cortez said in her original video about her political opponents: Yes, they are dangerous. Yes, were here to be strong for one another. We need to expose the lies, we need never let off, like never let off the gas when it comes to protecting one another, exposing the lies, documenting things.

Yes, the resistance to authoritarianism is very real. The risks of abuse of power are very real, but one of the most powerful cultural things that you can do to a political movement that is predicated on the puffery of insecure men  thats what this is about.

People talk about this toxic masculinity, lets put that to the side for just one second, this is about insecure masculinity, and one of the best ways that you can dismantle a movement of insecure men is by making fun of them.
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A day after Paramount named her the editor-in-chief of CBS News and announced they had purchased her anti-woke digital outlet The Free Press, Bari Weiss told network staffers in a morning editorial call that she wants to win before delivering a rallying cry.

Lets do the f***ing news, she declared, adding that she was excited for the CBS News staff to get to know The Free Press.

Weiss Sorkinesque call to journalistic arms, which seems to be paraphrased from the critically polarizing series The Newsroom, prompted some staffers to literally roll their eyes in response, according to multiple sources on the Tuesday morning call.

Im not joking, a CBS News employee stated. She actually said that.

The same employee added that there were eye rolls for sure and that Weiss was cosplaying as a broadcast journalist. Another reporter, meanwhile, described Weiss remarks as cringey movie references and a half-a**ed pep talk about winning and doing the f***ing news.

open image in gallery During her first full editorial call with CBS News staffers, new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss made comments that left staffers rolling their eyes. ( Paramount )

The Independent has reached out to CBS News and Weiss for comment.

The sarcastic reaction from some CBS journalists to Weiss first full proclamation to the newsroom isnt entirely unexpected, considering that much of the staff had not only expressed trepidation over her impending arrival but were literally freaking out over the wholesale changes new Paramount owner David Ellison has been implementing at the Tiffany network.

Its not a good place now, one staffer told The Independent last week. There was a proper way to do this and a not proper way, and they're doing it in the non-proper way, and maybe that's by design.

Weiss, who considers herself a radical centrist and is known for her stridently pro-Israel stance, is likely to face a tough time gaining respect in the newsroom, as many view her as a political operative with no real experience in broadcast journalism.

On top of that, as sources have told The Independent, CBS News is already not a welcoming place for outsiders, noting that the idea that somebody that we don't want is going to come in here and somehow manage to survive this is, I think, laughable.

Elsewhere on the Tuesday morning call, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski also attempted to hype up Weiss to the staff, saying that her energy and passion is infectious and you will feel it, big time. Cibrowski added that CBS News and The Free Press are going to learn a lot from each other, which is what this is all about.

Cibrowskis comment seemed to echo much of what Ellison stated when he introduced Weiss as the editor-in-chief in a lengthy email to staff on Monday.

Ive seen the Bari who you will get to know: a person of incredible energy, judgment, and perception for what will resonate with audiences, Ellison wrote. Working alongside our exceptionally talented colleagues at CBS News, she will help ensure that our reporting remains relevant, accessible, and  most importantly trusted in this new era for American media.

open image in gallery Paramount Skydance head David Ellison has arranged for Weiss to report directly to him, while CBS News president will report to the companys chief of television. ( Paramount )

Ellison, whom sources have said has lost the trust of the newsroom for seemingly going back on his promise not to politicize the network following the politically tainted Paramount-Skydance merger, has implemented a rather unusual organizational chart in the wake of Weiss hiring.

Rather than report to Paramount television chief George Cheeks, Weiss is directly under Ellison. Cibrowski, on the other hand, reports to Cheeks and will work alongside Weiss.

It is not hard to read those tea leaves, Status News Oliver Darcy noted in his Monday night newsletter. Indeed, Im told Weiss is already reaching out to friends about jobs, while Cibrowski is tasked with finding the painful CBS News cuts Paramount plans for later this year, likely November.

While Darcy warned that CBS should brace for a heavy dose of bothsidesism based on Weiss outlining that she wants to hold both American political parties to equal scrutiny, other commentators have crowed that Weiss has won the war on wokeness in media while applauding the staggering nature of her ascension to the top ranks of broadcast news.

The New York Times Jessica Testa further broke down just exactly how Bari Weiss won in a deep-dive, all while attempting to explain just what the former New York Times columnist  who famously quit the paper in 2020 over its illiberal environment  appears to stand for.

She is richer in social clout than in Emmys or Pulitzers. And she is known more for wanting to rid the world of so-called wokeness than for promoting journalistic traditions. While newsroom leaders do not traditionally trumpet their personal beliefs, Ms. Weiss has described herself as a left-leaning centrist, a radical centrist, a gay woman who is moderately pro-choice  she is married to Nellie Bowles, a former Times reporter who is a co-founder of The Free Press  and a proud recipient of the label Zionist fanatic. Testa wrote.

Yet she has also come to symbolize the power and potential of independent media. Her world is a patchwork of podcasts, newsletters and videos built around a common idea that legacy outlets have lost their authority and connection with readers, Testa continued. With that power up for grabs, several younger outlets have spent the last few years jostling for it: The Bulwark, Punchbowl News, Puck, Semafor.

As for what Ellisons endgame here is, Business Insiders Peter Kafka said that the purchase of The Free Press  which Paramount acquired for $150 million  isn't a financial bet, it's a cultural one. While it appears that Ellison is buying alignment and not revenue, according to Kafka, it remains to be seen what hes trying to align CBS News with.

Maybe Ellison, who previously supported Democrats  or his father, Larry Ellison, an open Trump supporter  genuinely believes the media is too liberal and needs to be moved rightward, Kafka wrote. Or maybe he's simply appeasing Trump and his allies, like [Federal Communications Commission] chair Brendan Carr, who had real power to slow or stop his merger. Either explanation fits the facts. But that's exactly the problem: We can't tell which one is true. And that uncertainty is what defines this moment in American business and media.

Some staffers, however, feel that Ellisons partnership with Weiss and The Free Press largely comes down to one underlying issue.

A major reason why this deal is happening is The Free Press unflinching pro-Israeli stance and Larry Ellison and his son David Ellisons close ties to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Breaker reported last week.

He's essentially going to hand the keys to the kingdom to Bari Weiss and to anyone and everyone who is an ideologue that supports his and his father's world, a CBS reporter told The Independent.
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Democrats are going all out to reach young male voters, after the GOP ate into its traditional advantage with young people during the 2024 election.

Strategies have ranged from the party working with influencers to cover the DNC to surprisingly criticisms of leading Democratic candidates and officeholders.

"Young men are looking for someone they can have a beer with - someone relatable," Democratic strategist Joe Jacobson told Reuters. "Democrats have good policies, but if your messenger has the charisma of watching paint dry, it doesn't matter."

After the 2024 election, when the young male vote for Trump rose to 46 percent, up seven points from the previous cycle, many in the Democratic Party went searching for answers.

One early thesis was that the Democrats needed their own version of the wildly successful podcasts from comedians such as Joe Rogan and Theo Von, ostensibly non-political shows, that nonetheless command a large following among young male conservatives. Both shows featured interviews with Trump during the 2024 election.

open image in gallery Democrats have tried a whole raft of strategies, including podcasting and working with influencers, to lure back young male voters from their increasing preference for the GOP during the Trump era ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Others have pointed to the activism style of the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was known for touring the country, holding rollicking rallies with pyrotechnics, and conducting freewheeling debates with large crowds at universities.

Following Kirks shooting death last month, President Trump praised the Turning Point USA founder as someone who understood the heart of the youth and helped recruit a new generation of students and young people more broadly into the conservative movement.

The Democrats have had an influencer program since last year, but it seems an already-elected official has so far been the most prominent example of adopting new school political outreach tactics: California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The liberal stalwart has taken to aping Trumps meme-heavy, often inflammatory style on social media, while hosting a podcast where he interviewed and debated conservative figures, including former Trump advisor Steve Bannon and Kirk himself.

open image in gallery California Gov. Gavin Newsom has tried to adopt a variety of new-media tactics to appeal to young voters, including launching a podcast and using outlandish memes online ( iHeartRadio )

The Democratic search for the young male vote comes amid a larger feeling of disaffection from young people in general.

A 2024 analysis from the firm PRRI found that more young men and women considered themselves independent or other than a member of either establishment party.

A spring 2025 youth poll from Harvard found that more than four in 10 Americans under 30 say they are barely getting by financially. A mere 15 percent believe the country is heading in the right direction, and fewer than one-third told the poll they approve of President Trump or either party in Congress.

Another key source of tension within the Democratic Party has been the ideological gap between its leadership and the left-leaning contingent of its youth grassroots.

Young people have been far more critical of the Israel-Hamas war, and the U.S. support for it, than leadership in either party, leading to flare-ups including a high-profile public spat between the 2024 Kamala Harris campaign and uncommitted delegates protesting the Democratic stance on the conflict.

open image in gallery Democrats have split with the more left-leaning parts of their youth base over issues including the Israel-Hamas conflict. ( EPA )

Top Democratic leaders have also been somewhat wary to throw their support behind one of their newest national stars. New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is a self-described democratic socialist who earned a surprise win in the Democratic primary thanks to widespread youth support and calls for left-leaning policies such as rent freezes, free buses, and city-run grocery stores.

The ongoing government shutdown has provided Democrats a key test of their pitch to voters, and Democrats have made a point of focusing on the quality of life issue of healthcare, accusing Republicans of raising prices by allowing Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire.

So far, the pitch seems to be working, at least among the general voter base.

A Washington Post poll from the first day of the shutdown found 47 percent of adults in the U.S. blamed Trump and Republicans in Congress for the shutdown, compared to 30 percent who blamed the Democrats.
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Donald Trump told reporters that theres no reason to be good, as he took questions in the Oval Office.

The president went on to say that the only possible incentive for being good is so that someone can go to that next step.

He made the comments as he spoke about his presidential prayer initiative, America Prays, which invites Americans to worship for an hour a day in honor of the countrys 250th birthday.

Were dealing  as you know  with all of the different  and not just evangelicals, Christians, Trump said, explaining his initiative. Were dealing with lots of different faiths, religions. And I felt for a long time that if a country doesnt have religion, doesnt have faith, doesnt have God, its gonna be very hard to be a good country.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has been speaking about his prayer initiative ( AFP/Getty )

He continued by saying that getting to that next step, presumably Heaven, is his very important to him.

You know, theres no reason to be good, Trump said. I wanna be good because you wanna prove to God youre good so you go to that next step, right? So, thats very important to me. I think its really, very important.

Trump has repeatedly weighed in on theological issues of death, the afterlife and god in recent years, particularly after he was nearly assassinated at a rally in Pennsylvania in 2024.

Shortly after the shooting, which scarred his ear and killed a firefighter attending the rally, the then-Republican nominee released an email in which he claimed that he was saved by god.

Asking supporters to donate to his campaign, the email claimed that Trumps triumphant return to the White House was never supposed to happen.

open image in gallery Some Trump merch has a religious theme ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

But I believe that God saved me for one reason: TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!, the email continued.

The president referenced death once again last week, as he made a morbid comment about his future while speaking to One America News Network.

I want to survive, he said, you look at whats going on, its crazy. The rhetoric that these crazy Democrats are using is very dangerous; they made politics very dangerous.

There has also been rampant speculation about Trumps health during his second term, with the Republican president being interviewed by CNN via text message over the weekend.

He has been spotted with visible bruising on his hands and announced that he was diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency, after reporters noted his swollen ankles.

During his speeches, the president has slurred his words and even stopped taking interviews for several days in September, despite normally addressing the press several times a day. Trump later reappeared and said that he had not seen the Trump Dead hashtag, which had trended on X during his press absence.
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America has entered an era of real masculinity thanks to President Donald Trumps muscular leadership, a Trump administration official told Fox News Jesse Watters on Monday.

U.S. Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley told Watters, What a difference a presidency makes, calling the Biden administration a destructive, stupid era of toxic masculinity.

Now were in an era of real masculinity thanks to the bold, muscular leadership of President Trump and our Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, she said.

Toxic masculinity is the way men are socially pressured to be tough, seek power to be perceived as worthy and reject feminine traits, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Crowley said Trumps real masculinity was showcased at an event celebrating the Navys 250th birthday that the president hosted over the weekend. First Lady Melania Trump and Hegseth were also in attendance.

open image in gallery America has entered an 'era of real masculinity' thanks to President Donald Trumps 'muscular leadership,' a Trump administration official told Fox News Jesse Watters on Monday ( Getty Images )

What an incredible day. I was there. I was so privileged to speak before the president. We had over 20,000 people there. Sailors, admirals, Gold Star families, veterans, Crowley said. We had some Marines there as well. They went wild! They love this commander-in-chief, they love the first lady, they love this administration.

She continued: Why? Because of the respect for them, for the American people, for our Constitution and real American strength.

During his speech Sunday at Norfolk, Virginia, Trump boasted about being the best physical specimen of a president in this century.

open image in gallery Trump boasted about being the 'best physical specimen' of a president in this century at an event celebrating the Navy's 250th birthday Sunday ( Alex Wroblewski/AFP via Getty Images )

Speaking of Representative Ronny Jackson, a Texas Republican and former White House doctor, Trump said, He was my doctor in the White House and I got to know him very well. He was also the doctor for Barack Hussein Obama. Have you heard of him? Trump asked.

He was a doctor for a man named [George W.] Bush. And at a press conference, they asked him, Whos in the best shape, whos the healthiest, whos the strongest, whos the best physical specimen of the three? He said, Thats easy. President Donald Trump! And I said, I love this guy!' the president said.

Despite claiming to be this great physical specimen, Trump last week admitted during a meeting of top military members in Quantico, Virginia, that he has to walk very slowly down stairs in public so as not to fall.

Trump commented on Obamas great ability to descend stairs, saying, He would bop down those stairs.

open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. participated in a military fitness challenge in August ( Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, DOD )

Trump was never in the military himself, having reportedly received a medical exemption during the Vietnam War for bone spurs in his heels.

Hegseth, on the other hand, was an infantry officer in the Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay during his service.

He and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. participated in a military fitness challenge in August, in which they had to complete 50 pull-ups and 100 push-ups in 10 minutes or less.
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Senate Republicans are falsely claiming that newly disclosed records show that the FBI tapped their phones during former special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into Donald Trumps efforts to subvert the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

A single-page document, which was publicly released by Senate Judiciary Committee chair Chuck Grassley one day before Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the committee, only shows that an FBI agent performed preliminary toll analysis of nine senators phone records. However, Republicans keep claiming more was going on and that it was a politically motivated task.

Pulling phone records is a common investigative tactic, and those toll records include what numbers were called and when and for how long. They do not include the contents of messages or conversations, which would require a court-approved wiretap.

Its unclear why the FBI sought those records, but agents were pulling data from the days immediately before and after January 6, 2021, when Trump and his allies were scrambling to derail a joint session of Congress to formally certify Bidens election.

Senator Josh Hawley  who was close to Trumps efforts in Congress to overturn his election loss  repeatedly falsely stated Tuesday that the FBI during Joe Bidens administration had tapped his phone.

open image in gallery Republican Senator Josh Hawley, who voted against certifying election results in 2020, falsely characterized an FBI search of his call data as a tap. ( Getty Images )

As Bondi appeared before the Senate committee Tuesday, Grassley claimed the document is evidence of politically motivated spying, while an incensed Lindsey Graham  whose name also appears on the document  demanded answers from the attorney general.

None of the senators acknowledged that the call data was tied to an investigation into Trumps attempt to overturn election results.

Why did they ask to know who I called and what I was doing from January 4th to the 7th? Can you tell me that? he asked Bondi, who is the top legal enforcement officer in America. Do you think that was an abuse of power?

The document is dated September 27, 2023, nearly two months after Trump was indicted for conspiracy and obstruction in his efforts to overturn his election loss, among other crimes tied to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The document lists senators Bill Hagerty, Dan Sullivan, Tommy Tuberville, Ron Johnson and Marsha Blackburn in addition to Graham and Hawley.

Most of the senators on the document were part of a group of congressional Republicans who planned to challenge Trumps loss on January 6. Even after a mob of Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol and delayed a vote, a handful of Republican senators stood by their decisions to vote against certifying the results  including Hawley and Tuberville.

The call analysis appears to be part of the FBIs Arctic Frost investigation, which was opened one year earlier by Timothy Thibault, former assistant special agent in charge of the FBIs Washington field office. That investigation was then assigned to Smith.

The Arctic Frost probe examined a multifaceted conspiracy to overturn election results in states that Trump lost, according to an unclassified memo outlining the investigation.

Johnson, who chairs the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has also clarified that no content was retrieved but rather who was called and when.

open image in gallery Senate Republicans whose phone records were sought by the FBI in connection with Trumps attempts to overturn the election on January 6, 2021 have accused the Biden administration of launching a politically motivated attack ( Getty Images )

Yet while Democratic members of Congress accuse the Trump administration of weaponizing the Justice Department against his political enemies, just as the president accused Biden and his administration of doing against him and his allies, Republicans are pointing to the call data as evidence of a conspiracy against them, though little else is known about the records role in the investigation.

Deranged Jack Smith got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Trump wrote on his Truth Social Monday. A real sleazebag!!!

Ive heard them say that Joe Biden never targeted his political enemies. Joe Biden never directed his attorney general to target his political opponents. Huh, thats interesting, because I couldve sworn that yesterday we learned that the FBI tapped my phone, Hawley said Tuesday.

We got a list  tap my phone, tap Lindsey Grahams phone, tap Marsha Blackburns phone  Gee, it sure looks like targeting political opponents to me, he said.

To tap our phones, to pull that data For them to use it in their investigations, how disgusting is that? Blackburn said Tuesday.

The attorney general did not correct Hawleys characterization of the records during her testimony Tuesday.

Bondi, who spent the hearing largely avoiding answering questions about political motivations into Trump-directed Department of Justice prosecutions, said she could not speak about details of the call data for very good reasons. She said she spoke with FBI Director Kash Patel at length about the records.

The attorney general said Smith wasted $50 million in an effort to put President Trump in jail.
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With the government shutdown now a week old, Fox Business host Larry Kudlow urged Donald Trump to seize upon the great opportunity presented to him and slash as many as half a million jobs from the federal payroll.

They're not essential, and the public would understand that, Kudlow, who previously served as Trumps chief economic adviser, declared on Tuesday.

The Fox stars remarks came shortly after the president suggested that he may not honor the law he signed during his first term, which requires furloughed workers to be paid at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends.

The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which was passed following the 2018-19 federal shutdown, requires retroactive pay and leave accrual for federal employees who are furloughed due to lapses in appropriations. Russell Vought, the head of the Office of Management and Budget and a key architect of Project 2025, has recently cast doubt on whether those workers will receive back pay.

Sitting beside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office, Trump was asked about Voughts intentions and whether he personally felt that sidelined federal workers should be made whole once the government is reopened.

Kudlow previous served as Trumps chief economic adviser ( Fox News )

Saying it would depend on who were talking about while blaming Democrats for placing a lot of people in great risk and jeopardy, the president then indicated that some employees would be out of luck.

For the most part, we're going to take care of our people. There are some people that really don't deserve to be taken care of, and we'll take care of them in a different way, he declared.

As for Vought, whom he has likened to the Grim Reaper and tasked with getting rid of a host of government-funded programs, Trump said it would be pretty soon when his OMB director would begin slashing things.

We have a lot of things that we're going to eliminate and permanently eliminate, Trump said, adding that he would reveal the list of programs he intended to cut in four or five days if the shutdown were to continue.

If this keeps going on, it'll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back, Trump concluded.

During an appearance on Fox News America Reports, Kudlow was excited over the prospect of hundreds of thousands of federal workers losing their jobs permanently, though he insisted he wasnt looking to be cruel about it.

Just think of it this way. You have something like 750-800,000 jobs that are called nonessential, Kudlow said. I've been through this a bunch of times. If they're nonessential, they're nonessential. OK? Cut them. End them. OK. You might want to give them some buyout stuff and some severance pay. I don't want to be cruel about this.

Asserting that the size and scope of government should be reduced, Kudlow proclaimed that the shutdown represented a great opportunity to do it while claiming that Democrats have overstepped very badly during the impasse with Republicans.

Saying this could be like DOGE 2.0, referencing the government efficiency department hes long celebrated that was once spearheaded by former first buddy Elon Musk, Kudlow then speculated about the number of employees who could be fired.

There's about 275,000, almost 300,000 federal workers who will be ending their term, he stated. They're being bought out with incentives and severance pay this year. You can do another 3-400,000  I don't know how many  500,000, because they're not essential, and the public would understand that.

Kudlow went on to say that the terminated workers could be treated well and that you'd have to spend a little money in the short run in order to save an enormous amount of money in the long run.

Meanwhile, the former Trump adviser heaped praise on Vought  saying the OMG chiefs secret sauce has been on display throughout this shutdown.

The president has the authority, since there's no financing, the appropriations are not there anymore. That's the whole shutdown, Kudlow concluded. So he can do this, and that's what he should do.
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The White House says federal workers furloughed during the government shutdown are not guaranteed to be paid for the forced time off, according to a report.

The draft of a White House memo, described by Axios, asserts that the estimated 750,000 federal employees who have been furloughed after the lapse in federal funding last week wouldnt be entitled to back pay once the shutdown ends - going against a 2019 law calling for them to be reimbursed.

An administration official confirmed the memos contents to The Independent.

"This would not have happened if Democrats voted for the clean [continuing resolution]," a senior administration official told the outlet.

The last government shutdown occurred in 2019 during the first Trump administration and lasted for a record 35 days. Then, President Donald Trump signed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which requires furloughed workers to be paid at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends.

open image in gallery A new Trump White House memo suggests federal workers who were furloughed during the government shutdown will not be guaranteed back pay ( AP )

Similarly, September 2025 guidance from the Office of Personnel Management states that furloughed employees will get paid once the shutdown ends. After the lapse in appropriations has ended, employees who were furloughed as the result of the lapse will receive retroactive pay for those furlough periods, the guidance says.

This memo, however, suggests that the act is "deficient" because it was amended nine days after it went into effect, a source told Axios. That means not all employees might get back pay.

A senior White House official interpreted the new memos stance, summarizing to the outlet: "Does this law cover all these furloughed employees automatically? The conventional wisdom is: Yes, it does. Our view is: No, it doesn't.

House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke about this new legal analysis and how it could turn up the pressure on Democrats, whom Republicans  as well as official White House accounts  have blamed for the shutdown.

"It is true that in previous shutdowns, many or most furloughed employees have been paid for the time they were furloughed. But there is new legal analysis -- I don't know the detailsbut there are some legal analysts who are saying that might not be appropriate or necessary in terms of the law requiring that back pay be provided, Johnson said at a Tuesday press conference.

open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke about a new legal analysis on paying back furloughed employees and how it could turn up the pressure on Democrats to end the shutdown. ( REUTERS )

If that is true, that should turn up the urgency that should turn up the urgency and the necessity of the Democrats doing the right thing here, he added.

Johnson later clarified: I hope that the furloughed workers receive backpay, of course, adding the president believes that as well.

Everett Kelley, the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees  the largest federal employee union  denounced this interpretation.

The frivolous argument that federal employees are not guaranteed backpay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act is an obvious misinterpretation of the law. It is also inconsistent with the Trump administrations own guidance from mere days ago, which clearly and correctly states that furloughed employees will receive retroactive pay for the time they were out of work as quickly as possible once the shutdown is over, Kelley told The Independent in a statement.

As weve said before, the livelihoods of the patriotic Americans serving their country in the federal government are not bargaining chips in a political game. Its long past time for these attacks on federal employees to stop and for Congress to come together, resolve their differences, and end this shutdown.

Washington Democratic Senator Patty Murray blasted the Trump administrations legal analysis.

The letter of the law is as plain as can befederal workers, including furloughed workers, are entitled to their backpay following a shutdown, she wrote on X, calling the move another baseless attempt to try and scare & intimidate workers by an administration run by crooks and cowards.

On Monday, six days into the shutdown, Trump suggested he would work with Democrats, who have demanded health care subsidies  a claim that several prominent Congressional Democrats have disputed.

We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things, Trump said in the Oval Office. And Im talking about good things with regard to health care.

New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, the minority leader, told reporters: Trumps claim isnt true, but if hes finally ready to work with Democrats, well be at the table.
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The government shutdown is now entering its first full week. So far, neither Democrats nor Republicans look any closer to a deal.

Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries threw down a gauntlet and challenged House Speaker Mike Johnson to a televised floor debate, which Johnson rebuffed.

A maxim of Washington is that typically, nobody wins a government shutdown. This is why each side seeks to blame the other, with Republicans blaming Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and calling it a Schumer Shutdown, while Democrats accuse Republicans of shutting down the government over not protecting tax credits for the Affordable Care Acts health care marketplace.

open image in gallery Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) are dueling to become governor of New Jersey. Its one of two marquee races. ( AP )

But determining who wins a shutdown is a fools errand.

While a poll from The Washington Post showed that a plurality of Republicans blame President Donald Trump and the GOP for the shutdown, its a difficult barometer to measure. Typically, the person who blinks in a shutdown loses.

That makes New Jersey and Virginias gubernatorial elections next month the perfect barometers. New Jersey and Virginias elections are unique products: the states hold their elections in odd years and therefore, they serve as a barometer for the national mood and typically serve as a tea leaf for next years midterm.

Historically, the party out of power wins these races. In 2009, New Jersey elected Chris Christie, elevating him to national status for winning in a blue state. And in 2021, Glenn Youngkin seemed to offer a path forward for Republicans in Virginia despite its increasingly Democratic tilt.

open image in gallery Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears significantly trails former Democratic congresswoman Abigail Spanberger in the race to become governor of Virginia. ( Getty )

Republicans faced mixed opportunities in New Jersey and Virginia this time around, despite the fact they did better in both states last year than expected.

Given its critical mass of federal workers, Virginia has served as ground zero for cuts put in place by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency. Plenty of them have already lost their jobs.

Virginia law prohibits governors from running for consecutive terms, so Youngkins lieutenant governor Winsome Earle-Sears is running for his old seat. Spanberger has sought to tie Earle-Sears to DOGE and the government shutdown. Curiously, Earle-Sears has not received an endorsement of Trump, which complicates her effort.

Meanwhile, Earle-Sears has sought to tie Spanberger to Democrats in Washington who want to hold out for an extension of the subsidies. Virginias economy is usually hit by government shutdowns. In fact, the one time the presidents party won Virginias governorship came in 2013, when Republicans led by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) shut down the government to defund the Affordable Care Act, which led to Terry McAuliffe winning.

Earle-Sears has sought to repeat the anti-transgender attacks that Trump made against Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, even running an ad saying Spanberger Abigail Spanberger is for They/Them  NOT Us.

But Sears has consistently polled in double digits behind the Democratic nominee, former congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. The most generous poll shows Sears down by 10 points.

That means that Republicans have largely resorted to investing in the New Jersey governors race. Rep. Mike Sherrill, who flipped a red seat in 2018, is running on the Democratic side. Like Spanberger, Sherrill is a decidedly moderate Democrat, she has touted her record as a Naval helicopter pilot.

By contrast, Republican Jack Ciattarelli is running again in New Jersey. Republicans feel they have a legitimate shot after Trump got within six points of Kamala Harris last year thanks to shifts with Asian-Americans and Hispanic voters.

But so far, only one poll from Emerson College shows the race being competitive. Others, including from Fox News, show Sherrill has as much as an eight-point lead.

In addition, Ciattarelli received an unwelcome surprise when Russell Vought, Trumps director of Office of Management and Budget, announced he would cancel the Gateway Tunnel as part of his retaliation against Democratic states because of unconstitutional DEI principles.

And unsurprisingly, both states races have been rocked by scandals to varying degrees. In Virginia, Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones has come under fire for saying that his rival should be shot.

In New Jersey, the inspector general for the the National Archives and Records Administration launched an investigation into how Ciattarellis campaign obtained military records of Sherrills, which included private information.

As of right now, it seems like Democrats have a better shot at flipping Virginia than they do holding New Jersey, where term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy is not as popular.

But if the shutdown is continuing into next month, which is a distinct possibility, and Democrats win decisively in both states, Republicans might have to change course.
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Current and former officials are reportedly frustrated that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency hasnt been able to arrest and detain more people in recent months, despite ICE getting an unprecedented $45 billion in new funding to expand its detention capacities as part of the Trump administrations Big, Beautiful Bill spending package in July.

The average number of migrants in custody per day has barely grown since the infusion of funding, while immigration arrests have fallen 11 percent since June and remain well below the administrations reported 3,000-person-per-day goal, though deportations have tripled overall since January.

Theres extreme frustration that the presidents agenda  when it comes to ICE beds, and therefore deportations  is not going to happen, a former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee told The Atlantic, which reported on the alleged internal tensions.

The White House worked for months to get the reconciliation bill over the finish line. Why did you just lobby Congress for months saying you needed the money if you dont intend to spend it?

The officials pointed to a few key factors behind the pace, including a reported Homeland Security policy requiring Secretary Kristi Noem to personally sign off on contracts worth more than $100,000, as well as the influence of DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski.

open image in gallery Protesters gather outside a downtown ICE facility in Portland, Oregon, which has become a focal point of nightly protests against the Trump administration ( Getty )

During his time advising the department, DHS has appeared to prioritize agreements with Republican-led jurisdictions such as Louisiana and Florida to use state detention facilities to house federal immigration detainees, rather than at the typically lower-cost, higher-capacity privately run facilities that have long been a fixture of the U.S. immigration system.

The DHS adviser has defended the administrations strategy, arguing it is securing fairer agreements with detention providers.

We are asking all vendors to provide the best value, Lewandowski told the magazine of his negotiations with detention contractors. Theyve all come back and said, You know what? We can do better. We can do better because we understand.

open image in gallery Immigration officials reportedly blame DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski for the slow pace of expansion of the countrys immigration detention capabilities despite ICE getting billions in new funding ( Getty )

He also dismissed claims that he and Noem are pursuing state-led agreements with an eye towards building Noems political profile for a rumored 2028 vice-presidential campaign, calling such thinking absurd and pointing to Noems established political profile and connections from her time as governor of South Dakota.

The Trump administration has said it intends to use the increased funding to bulk out the immigration detention network to greater than 100,000 beds, though current capacity appears to be tens of thousands of beds fewer than this goal.

open image in gallery The Trump administration has struck multiple agreements with Republican-led jurisdictions such as Florida and Louisiana to use state facilities to house federal immigration detainees ( AP )

That could complicate the rollout of a related White House initiative to use $30 billion to hire 10,000 more immigration officers by the years end.

As the Trump administration pursues what it hopes will be a record number of deportations, existing detention facilities have faced overcrowding and poor conditions, according to lawyers and detainees themselves.

At least 17 people died in immigration detention this fiscal year, which ended in September, up from 12 in the previous period, marking one of the deadliest years for immigration detainees in the last two decades.
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Trump administration officials have vowed that there will be no change to essential ICE operations during the ongoing government shutdown - but the office that inspects detention centers to ensure humane standards has gone dark.

ICE, thanks a massive $170 billion infusion of funds to its parent agency the Department of Homeland Security this summer, is in a better financial position than most government agencies at the moment, but that hasnt stopped officials from temporarily shuttering ICEs Office of Detention Oversight, despite an ongoing surge in detainee deaths

Homeland Security confirmed to The Washington Post on Monday that the office was closed for the time being, blaming Democrats for causing the shutdown.

That means the department lacks its primary oversight tool to inspect conditions for the roughly 60,000 migrants being detained in government and private facilities across the country, at a time when detainees and lawyers say conditions in immigration detention are deteriorating rapidly.

The Independent has contacted ICE for comment on whether the agency is still conducting other forms of oversight during the shutdown.

open image in gallery Immigration and Customs Enforcement has furloughed its entire Office of Detention Oversight as part of the government shutdown, even as detainees and lawyers say poor conditions are causing a crisis in detention centers ( AFP via Getty Images )

At least 17 people died in immigration detention this fiscal year, which ended in September, up from 12 in the previous period, marking one of the deadliest years for immigration detainees in the last two decades.

While DHS operations continue at a rapid clip, including controversial heavily armed deployments to cities like Chicago, other agencies have suffered greater losses during the shutdown.

DHS has said it expects to furlough about 8 percent of staff, while the Environmental Protection Agency expects to furlough 89 percent, the Education Department may furlough up to 87 percent, and the Department of Commerce could furlough 81 percent.

open image in gallery The Department of Homeland Security got $170 billion as part of the Trump administrations One Big, Beautiful Bill spending package this summer, insulating it from the kind of mass furloughs many other government agencies have undertaken as part of the government shutdown ( Getty Images )

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated some 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed each day of the shutdown, with some agencies like the Defense Department experiencing massive changes, with plans to furlough up to 334,000 members of its civilian workforce.

The impact of these furloughs and reduced operations are already being felt on the ground.

Seven million mothers and young children on the Women, Infants and Children food aide program could lose benefits within the next two weeks, and national park lands have already scaled back operations and staffing.
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President Donald Trump could invoke a centuries-old law that would authorize him to deploy the United States military to assist law enforcement in carrying out his domestic policies.

The Insurrection Act of 1807, a rarely used law, allows the president to utilize federal military troops or federalize National Guard troops in order to suppress uncontrollable protests or other civil disturbance situations.

In recent months, Trump has deployed National Guard troops to several Democrat-run cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., in a move local leaders oppose and say is meant to stir up unrest and justify the military and federal law enforcement occupation of American cities.

Trump, on Monday, said he would invoke the Insurrection Act if it was necessary, but so far it hasnt been necessary, telling reporters: But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason.

If I had to enact it, I didn't. I do that if people were being killed ... and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I do that, he said. I mean, I want to make sure that people arent killed. We have to make sure that our cities are safe.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump has floated using the Insurrection Act. But what is it and can he actually use it? ( Getty Images )

Trumps comments come a day after a federal judge blocked the president from sending National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, which he has claimed, without evidence, to be a war-ravaged city taken over by left-wing domestic terrorists. The president has faced lawsuits from California, Illinois, and now Oregon over the deployments, which Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Monday served as a pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act.

The lawsuits also argue that Trump is violating the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the military from enforcing domestic law, as well as 10th Amendment protections ensuring that police authority rests with the states, not the federal government. Invoking the Insurrection Act would suspend the Posse Comitatus Act.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul noted that Trumps inflammatory statements targeting Pritzker and Chicago officials demonstrate this is not at all about an emergency. This is a political targeting, utilizing our military.

As Trump continues to threaten sending National Guard troops into American cities, here is what to know about the Insurrection Act of 1807.

What is the Insurrection Act of 1807?

When invoked, the Insurrection Act gives the president the authority to deploy the U.S. military or National Guard inside the country to suppress events such as rebellion, insurrection and civil disorder or to enforce the law in a situation where it has become impracticable to do so.

The Insurrection Act is not one piece of legislation; rather, it is the combination of a series of laws enacted by Congress between 1792 and 1871 that specifically address utilizing the military within the U.S.

The act is an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which typically prevents the federal government from using the federal military or National Guard to enforce domestic policies. Once invoked, the act temporarily suspends Posse Comitatus.

Troops can be deployed under three sections of the Insurrection Act.

The first is if a state legislature or governor requests federal aid to suppress an insurrection in that state.

open image in gallery Trump has ordered troops to Portland to confront protestors. He has also sent troops to Washington, D.C., and Memphis. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The second allows the president to invoke it without a states permission whenever they consider unlawful obstructions, combinations or assemblages, or rebellion make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States.

The third also allows the president to invoke the act without a states permission under two scenarios. If any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination or conspiracy hinders the states ability or desire to execute laws that specifically protect peoples constitutional rights. Or if any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination or conspiracy obstructs the executive of the law or course of justice under those laws.

But before the president can consider the Insurrection Act, they first must order a proclamation asking insurgents or those obstructing the enforcement of laws to disperse peacefully within a certain amount of time.

Why does Trump want to use it?

The president has broadly sought to utilize the extent of his authority to circumvent the traditional, slow-paced steps to enact his policies.

He has also never been shy about his desire to utilize federal troops or the National Guard to control mass protests in states where he feels the governor is not doing enough to restore order.

Over the past few months, Trump has surged federal law enforcement into several Democrat-led cities, including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Memphis.

In June, Trump and his allies referred to protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles as insurrectionists and floated the idea of invoking the act.

Trump has long said he would be open to invoking the act if needed, and previously threatened to do so during his first term during the George Floyd protests, according to the New York Times.

At one campaign rally in Iowa in 2023, Trump complained about crime in states with Democratic governors.

And one of the other things Ill do  because you are not supposed to be involved in that, you just have to be asked by the governor or the mayor to come in  the next time, I am not waiting, Trump said.

Trump even admitted while campaigning in 2024 that he would use the law to suppress unrest, according to Politico.

Has it been used before?

The act has been invoked at least 30 times throughout history, with the most recent occurrence being in 1992 when George H. W. Bush sent active-duty troops into Los Angeles after citywide unrest following the acquittal of four white officers in the alleged assault of Rodney King.

Some notable applications of it are when Abraham Lincoln invoked the Insurrection Act at the start of the Civil War after Southern states began seceding.

Dwight D. Eisenhower invoked it after the Arkansas National Guard forbade Black students from attending school in Little Rock. Eisenhower used his power to call down the Arkansas National Guard, allowing the children to go to school.
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The Daily Show host Jon Stewart has mocked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as a human flat tire over his and his partys ineffective response to the U.S. government shutdown.

During his Monday night opening monologue, Stewart ran a clip of Schumer declaring at a press conference: Democrats are adamant that we must protect the healthcare of the American people.

The comic interjected: If you had stopped there, that would be great, but youre gonna keep talking arent you?

open image in gallery Jon Stewart rolls his eyes at Chuck Schumer on The Daily Show ( The Daily Show/Comedy Central )

The clip continues with the veteran New Yorker turning to Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar and joking: New data came out today from KFF, and that is not Kentucky Fried French Fries. KFF Thatd be Kentucky French Fries, hmmm?

Incensed by the childishness of Schumers gag in a moment of national crisis, Stewart asked: Who is that joke even for? Six-year-olds who watch C-SPAN? What the f*** are you doing?!

Chuck Schumer is a human flat tire. You just cant [impersonates Schumers voice] Kentucky Fried French Fry. Look at Klobuchar! Poor Klobuchar. That is the face of someone who talked to their dad, who said, Just please dont do your Indian accent in the restaurant. Thats all Im asking.

The host went on to label the Democratic leader Hack-ie Mason and complained at the end of his segment: Look, Ive given Democrats an enormous amount of s*** for their poor leadership, lack of specific and actionable plans, terrible messaging, abysmal wordplay  did I mention poor leadership?  but standing up for 75 million Americans in this moment, to defend the rights of people to go into a little less medical debt seems like the least they can f***ing do.

And perhaps, maybe, that will remind the Republicans that their mandate wasnt 100 percent. Theyve just caught a constitutional, administrative and logistics break.

open image in gallery Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has become a frequent target of Stewarts ire ( Kent Nishimura/Getty )

This is by no means the first time Stewart has gone after Schumer.

The host has frequently mocked him in the past, often by perching a pair of spectacles on the end of his nose and imitating the Senate leaders leaden and uninspiring delivery.

He has previously bemoaned Schumers lack of rizz and, after a particularly weak argument against President Donald Trumps high tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports in February, Stewart complained: Democrats, can you please stop f***ing trotting Schumer out there every time Trump traverses into the unreal? Hes not good at this.

What is the decision-making process here? Hey, who should we get out there to effectively battle one of the most savvy presidential media manipulators in history? Oh, I dont know, how about Schumer? Hes uninteresting, but at least hes monotone. Oh wait, and Chuck, before you go out there, you look too young! Put on these readers and lower them on your nose. Perfect!'

Honestly, listening to Chuck Schumer speak on almost any topic makes me want to bomb Canada, Stewart concluded.
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Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist who has growing influence with President Donald Trump, warned against those lobbying the administration for a Ghislaine Maxwell pardon, insinuating there could be consequences.

Shortly after the president told reporters Monday that he would speak to the Department of Justice about considering clemency for the convicted sex offender, Loomer posted a warning on X to those who may be advocating for Maxwell.

I strongly advise AGAINST anyone lobbying the Trump admin and the DOJ to Pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, Loomer wrote. Do not do it. I repeat. Do not do it. There will be no coming back from that.

Loomer added: I repeat again. For the love of God. Do Not Do It.

The political operative, 32, did not specify what exactly could happen to those who advocate for Maxwell but she has previously wielded her influence with the president to get people fired for what she perceives as disloyalty.

open image in gallery Laura Loomer warned against those lobbying the administration for a Ghislaine Maxwell pardon, though she did not specify what the consequences could be ( David Dee Delgado/Getty Images )

Maxwell, the former girlfriend of deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was convicted and sentenced to 20 years for child sex trafficking along with other crimes in 2021. For years, the disgraced British socialite has claimed the charges were unfairly brought against her. After the U.S. Supreme Court rejected her appeal attempt Monday, lawyers for Maxwell said they would continue pursuing every legal avenue to fight her conviction.

After the court declined to take Maxwells appeal, reporters asked the president if he would consider granting her clemency.

You know, I haven't heard the name in so long. I can say this, that I'd have to take a look at it. I would have to take a look, Trump replied, claiming he did not know anything about her case.

Although Trump told reporters he would speak with the Justice Department about Maxwell, he has made no promises to do so.

Loomer later confirmed that a high level White House source had told her that Trump has no plans to pardon Maxwell.

I can also confirm he has personally not been asked to pardon Maxwell, she wrote on X.

Loomer is not a member of the Trump administration, but her years of loyalty to the president have made her a trusted voice. Loomer often uses her social media platform to shame members of the administration who are not completely aligned with Trump.

At her recommendation, staff in the National Security Council, a senior member of Customs and Border Patrol, a West Point appointee, a senior official in the Food & Drug Administration, and others, have been fired.

open image in gallery Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for child sex trafficking, among other charges, in association with Epstein ( Federal Bureau of Prisons )

The conservative activist has been vocal about her opposition to Maxwell being pardoned.

She, along with other Trump allies, has advocated for the president to release the remainder of the Epstein Files to increase transparency in the government.

However, the White House has refused, leading to a battle between Trump and members of his MAGA base over the governments investigation into Epstein, who died by suicide while in jail awaiting trial in 2019.

The resurgence of public interest in the Epstein case prompted the administration to lean on Maxwell earlier this summer for more information on the disgraced financiers relationships with high-profile individuals.

After agreeing to an interview with Justice Department officials in July, Maxwell was suddenly moved from a maximum security prison in Florida to a low security prison in Texas.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to answer whether Donald Trump directed prosecutions of his enemies and seemed unable to answer how many undocumented immigrants are in Chicago or whether it is a sanctuary city during her first oversight hearing since taking office as the nations top law enforcement official.

A combative Bondi repeatedly refused to answer Senate Judiciary Committee questions throughout the hearing including her decision to drop an investigation into Trumps border czar Tom Homan and the forced resignation of the U.S. attorney in Virginia, where former FBI director James Comey became one of the latest targets of Trumps retribution campaign.

Bondi also defended her refusal to publicly release case files involving former Trump ally and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein  and declined to answer whether the FBI discovered photographs of Trump with half-naked women, allegations that Bondi called salacious and designed to slander the president.

The attorney general repeatedly leaned into personal attacks of Democratic senators during Tuesdays testimony, from accusing one member of lying about his military history to suggesting another could be a member of Antifa.

Asked by the committees top Democrat Dick Durbin whether the White House consulted with her before the president deployed National Guard troops to American cities, Bondi twice said she would not discuss any such conversations with the panel.

As you shut down the government, and youre sitting here, our law enforcement officers arent being paid  theyre out there to protect you, she replied. I wish you loved Chicago as much as you hate President Trump. And currently, the National Guard are on the way to Chicago. If youre not going to protect your citizens, President Trump will.

open image in gallery Attorney General Pam Bondi made her first appearance for a Senate oversight hearing October 7 in the wake of Donald Trumps commands to prosecute his enemies and the deployment of National Guard troops to American cities. ( Getty Images )

National Guard troops and FBI director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche are on the way right now as we speak, Bondi said.

Youre sitting here grilling me and theyre on the way to Chicago, she said.

Its my job to grill you, Durbin said. Investigating your agency is part of my responsibility on this committee. You may not like the experience, but others have weathered the storm, and they answered questions in a respectful manner.

Bondis first appearance at the committee since taking office follows her appointment to a radically reshaped Department of Justice, filled with loyalists and attorneys to dominate agencies that the president claims have been weaponized against him.

The hearing was scheduled weeks ago, but her testimony follows Trumps public demands to prosecute his perceived enemies whether evidence exists or not while federal immigration officers surge into American cities under her watch.

The Justice Department has also come under fierce scrutiny after officials this summer declared there was no basis to release any more Epstein-related documents, sparking allegations of a government-wide cover up to protect powerful public figures who exploited and abused young girls. Despite Trumps pledges to release the so-called Epstein files, the Justice Department determined further disclosures would not be appropriate or warranted.

On Tuesday, Bondi defended the Justice Departments refusal to release additional Epstein materials, after she stated in February that the files were sitting on my desk.

I said it was sitting on my desk, along with JFK and Martin Luther King files, Bondi said. And I said I had not yet reviewed it. ... Our memo on Epstein clearly points out there was no client list.

Durbin also asked about reports that the FBI was ordered to flag any Epstein-related records in which Trumps name was included.

Im not going to discuss anything about that with you, senator, Bondi fired back.

open image in gallery Bondi defended her offices refusal to release additional materials in the case of Jeffrey Epstein as the Trump administration comes under fire for backtracking on public disclosures ( AP )

Asked by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham how many illegal immigrants are in Chicago, Bondi paused to flip through paperwork before saying countless.

What I just want to know is there, like, 10, or 100,000? Does anybody know? Graham asked.

We have made multiple arrests, she replied.

Asked if Chicago is a sanctuary city with policies to prevent collaboration with federal immigration authorities, Bondi responded by claiming they are not cooperating and once again criticized Durbin, calling on him to condemn Governor J.B. Pritzker.

open image in gallery Senator Richard Blumenthal and other Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee pressed Bondi on whether Trump directed her to prosecute his enemies, including James Comey, who was indicted days after the presidents Truth Social post called on Bondi to do so ( Getty Images )

During her contentious confirmation hearing in January, Bondi promised to end what she has called the partisan weaponization of the agency against perceived political enemies  echoing claims from Trump and his allies who have characterized the presidents federal indictments as a politically motivated conspiracy.

In that hearing, she did not explicitly rule out prosecuting Trumps targets and said that she would not have accepted the nomination if she thought Trump would command her to drop the cases against him. Asked again Tuesday whether she had any instruction from the White House to investigate anyone, Bondi refused to answer.

Im not going to discuss any conversations, she said.

On his Truth Social last month, the president directed Bondi to prosecute former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James  as well as Senator Adam Schiff, who also sits on the Senate Judiciary committee.

Do you consider that a directive to the Justice Department? Senator Amy Klobuchar asked about the post.

President Trump is the most transparent president in American history, Bondi replied. And I don't think he said anything that he hasn't said for years.

Asked by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal if Trump and Bondi discussed the Comey case at a dinner before the indictment against him, she said she is not going to discuss any conversations I did or not have before accusing Blumenthal of lying about his military service

Im not going to be lectured about integrity by someone who lied about being in the military, she said. How dare you? Im a career prosecutor. Dont you ever challenge my integrity. Do not question my ability to be fair and impartial.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has long decried woke ideology, backed equality, diversity, and accessibility in a 2013 paper at Harvard University, a new report reveals.

In his masters thesis for the Kennedy School of Government, Hegseth proposed establishing a public high school focused on math and science in his home state of Minnesota, according to The Boston Globe. Hegseth reportedly argued that some students in Minnesota and nationwide were being left behind in STEM education, and that this new school could help address that crisis.

Ensuring low-income and minority children have the same opportunities as more affluent majority students is an essential goal and worth pursuing with vigor and substantial investment, Hegseth wrote, according to The Boston Globe. Our country and state must strive for equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, class, geography, or gender.

Hegseth also wrote that closing racial achievement gaps is a laudable goal, and advocated for cooperation with state lawmaker Melissa Hortman, a Democrat who had been vocal on education, The Boston Globe reports.

Hortman and her husband were assassinated in their home three months ago. Their murders, which authorities called politically motivated, received little attention from the current administration. President Donald Trump even refused to call Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in the aftermath, claiming it would waste time, the Associated Press reports.

open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has long raged against woke culture and diversity, equity and inclusion programs, backed equality, diversity, and accessibility in his masters thesis ( ndrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY )

Hortman was one of a dozen people Hegseth interviewed for his thesis, The Boston Globe reports.

Hegseth said his proposed school would be merit-based and for the best and brightest students, but that it would still ensure a balance of race, class, gender and geography, The Globe reports.

He also wrote that efforts to recruit women and minority students to science programs were great goals, and noted that he would want to complementnot compete withexisting efforts, according to the outlet.

Hegseths thesis stands in stark contrast to his speech in front of hundreds of U.S. admirals and generals in Quantico, Virginia, last week. There, Hegseth railed against woke garbage and politically correct policies in the military. He even argued that claiming our diversity is our strength is an insane fallacy.

open image in gallery Hegseth told hundreds of generals and admirals he is ending woke garbage and politically correct policies in the military ( 2025 Getty Images )

He also said that women in the military must now meet highest male standard.

If women can make it, excellent. If not, it is what it is, he said. If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told The Independent that Hegseths views from 2013 are consistent with his current views.

"The assignment was to write a paper from a bipartisan perspective, which is why the recommendations section at the end reflects bipartisan solutions, Parnell wrote. His views from 2013 are consistent with his views now as Secretary of War: meritocracy should reign supreme over woke ideology and DEI."

Meanwhile, Phil Hanser, who served as one of Hegseths faculty advisers at Harvard, told The Globe that students werent required to be moderate.

Students were only required to write a paper that addressed and made recommendations about a policy or management issue related to a group or organization they were affiliated with before arriving at Harvard, Hanser told the outlet.

I am a little surprised by the turn, Hanser told The Globe. There was nothing that suggested to me, this is going to be the next anti-DEI person.
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White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has prompted a wave of outrage and mockery online Monday for claiming in comments about ongoing protests against federal agents that the U.S. has never tolerated unlawful riotous assemblies at federal buildings.

When in our history have we tolerated unlawful riotous assemblies night after night around FBI buildings, or ATF buildings, or DEA buildings? Miller said during an interview on CNN. This is the textbook definition of domestic terrorism.

As many online were quick to point out, one of the first actions of the second Trump administration was to cancel prosecutions or issue pardons to over 1,500 people who were involved in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, in which a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the Hill in an attempt to stop the certification of Joe Bidens 2020 election win.

Were drawing a blank, let us get back to you Stephen, the Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee wrote on X, posting a photo showing demonstrators with batons and shields trying to force their way past a group of police defending a door into the Capitol during the riot.

ICE officers have indeed faced violent threats during the second Trump administration, including a sniper-style attack on an immigration office in Dallas last month that killed two detainees, but no mass protest against the agency has matched the violence of the Capitol riot.

open image in gallery White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller has accused a federal judge of waging a legal insurrection by stopping the administration from sending federal troops into Portland, while seeming to downplay the insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol ( Getty )

At least seven people, including a police officer, died in connection with the 2021 riot, while over 100 police officers were assaulted, one of the most violent attacks on law enforcement in U.S. history.

The White House and local officials have now offered differing narratives of the extent of violence and insurrection on the ground in Portland, Oregon, one of the Democratic-led cities where the Trump administration has deployed a large, military-style contingent of federal agents to bolster its immigration efforts and defend federal facilities that have faced protests.

Local officials, including the mayor of Portland, say months of protests outside an ICE building in the city have largely been peaceful, and that it was the arrival of large numbers of masked federal agents that inflamed the situation.

In rulings over the weekend in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations attempt to send National Guard troops into Portland, a federal judge seemed to agree.

open image in gallery The Trump administration gave pardons and commutations to over 1,000 MAGA supporters who faced charges or prison sentences for their role in the January 6 Capitol riot, one of the most violent attacks on the federal government in U.S. history ( AFP/Getty )

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, appointed by Trump in his first term, found the president had overstepped his statutory authority to send in the military and that White House claims of an ongoing rebellion in Portland were untethered to the facts, given police reports showing declining protest activity.

President Trump, meanwhile, has claimed Portland is burning to the ground, while Miller has described the ruling, which the administration has appealed, as a legal insurrection.
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The Supreme Court will hear arguments Tuesday in a closely-watched test case on whether existing bans on so-called conversion therapy for children, already in place in almost half of U.S. states, are constitutional.

Conversion therapy  a practice promoted by some religious conservatives  attempts to pressure gay and lesbian children to identify as heterosexual and transgender youths to conform to the gender assigned at birth. It has long been condemned by major medical groups as harmful and discredited.

This weeks case focuses on a 2019 Colorado law which bars licensed therapists from attempting to change a childs sexual orientation or gender identity, but does not extend to religious groups or family members.

The challenge comes from Kaley Chiles, a Christian counselor who argues the measure violates her First Amendment rights by preventing her from offering voluntary, faithbased counseling.

The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority and therefore often backs conservative free speech claims. Chiles has also won the backing of President Donald Trumps Republican administration and several conservative allies.

The Supreme Court will decide on a case relating to a 2019 Colorado law which bars licensed therapists from attempting to change a childs sexual orientation or gender identity ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

Chiles has said she believes people flourish when they live consistently with Gods design, including their biological sex, according to an AP report, and she is set to argue that evidence of harm from her approach is lacking.

The State of Colorado contends that the law regulates health care, not speech, and says this law is designed to protect children from a practice known to be linked to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

The only thing that the law prohibits therapists from doing is performing a treatment that seeks the predetermined outcome of changing a minors sexual orientation or gender identity because that treatment is unsafe and ineffective, state attorneys wrote.

Colorado has not sanctioned anyone under the law since it was brought in, and which exempts religious ministries.

State attorneys contend that in the laws existing form it still allows any therapist to have wide-ranging, faith-based conversations with young patients about gender and sexuality.

Nonetheless violations do carry potential fines of up to $5,000 and the risk of license suspension or revocation.

The case, Chiles v. Salazar, comes just months after the Courts conservative majority upheld state bans on transitionrelated health care for transgender youths, a ruling seen as a major setback for LGBTQ rights.

Later this term the Supreme Court is also expected to hear a case on transgender athletes participation in school sports.

For families, the stakes are deeply personal. Linda Robertson, a Christian mother from Washington state, recalled how her son Ryan was subjected to conversion therapy after coming out at age 12, AP reports. When the treatment failed, he blamed himself, spiraled into shame and depression, and died in 2009 at age 20 after multiple suicide attempts and a drug overdose.

What happened in conversion therapy, it devastated Ryans bond with me and my husband, she said. And it absolutely destroyed his confidence he could ever be loved or accepted by God.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat, warned in court filings that striking down the states law could undermine not only bans on conversion therapy but also broader efforts to regulate medical treatments deemed unsafe or ineffective by experts.

"For centuries, states have regulated professional healthcare to protect patients from substandard treatment. Throughout that time, the First Amendment has never barred states ability to prohibit substandard care, regardless of whether it is carried out through words," he wrote.

Chiles, represented by the conservative Christian legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, argued in her court filings that counseling amounts to vital speech that helps young people better understand themselves.
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Republican Senators Ted Cruz and John Kennedy found time for humor during Tuesdays lengthy Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to laugh about the Louisiana congressmans new book, and the Texan lawmakers alleged Backstreet Boys back tattoo.

In the middle of Attorney General Pam Bondis tense hearing, Cruz took a moment to promote Kennedys upcoming book, How to Test Negative for Stupid.

Ill point out, Senator Kennedy has a new book about testing negative for stupid, so I hope I test negative for stupid, Cruz joked. I hope I meet the threshold.

You do meet it, and I talk, in the book, about the tattoo of the Backstreet Boys on your back, Kennedy responded, reviving a joke hes made multiple times over the years to mess with colleagues.

Cruz played into Kennedys joke, sarcastically claiming the tattoo was a way to reach young people.

open image in gallery Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas took a moment during Bondis tense testimony to promote Senator John Kennedys new book, How to Test Negative for Stupid ( AP )

Bondi then jumped into the fun, joking that Vice President JD Vance listens to the 90s boy band.

That would be on Vice President Vances playlist, I heard, that got hacked, Bondi joked, referencing a July report in which a hacker claimed to have uncovered some administration officials playlists. Among the songs on Vances alleged playlist was Backstreet Boys classic, I Want It That Way.

After the brief interlude, the lawmakers returned to official business and continued to question Bondi about her oversight at the Department of Justice.

Like previous Trump officials testimonies, Bondis hearing was filled with contentious moments. The attorney general became defensive of her leadership at the DOJ, at times refusing to answer questions about investigations and launching personal attacks on Democratic senators.

open image in gallery Sen John Kennedy revived a joke hes made multiple times over the years to mess with colleagues about Cruzs back tattoo ( AP )

Its the first time that the attorney general has appeared before the Senate committee since being appointed to lead the DOJ. Over the last nine months, Bondi has dramatically reshaped the Justice Department, filling it with loyalists and launching investigations into Trumps enemies.

Kennedy, 73, is known for his bizarre and at times crude humor, and often uses his TV appearance to elaborately insult Democrats, and other opponents.

He went viral earlier this year for using a strange analogy about omelettes and sex while explaining what it feels like to have Donald Trump back in the White House.

Its kind of cool having a president again. Let me try to put all this in context for you. I like omelettes. I mean, I really like omelettes. I could eat an omelette at every meal. I like omelette better than sex. Not really, but you get the point. I like omelette. You cant make an omelette without breaking some eggs, Kennedy told Fox News.

He also has a history of using the popular 90s boy band as a jibe.

During Paul Atkinss Senate nomination hearing, to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission, Kennedy asked Atkins if his college roommate, Senator Bill Hagerty, has a tattoo of the Backstreet Boys on his lower back?

In an interview with Fox News last year, Kennedy said California Gavin Newsom reminded him of the kind of people that would have a picture of Backstreet Boys tattooed on their lower back.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is addressing the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Azernews reports.
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Donald Trumps administration is surging federal law enforcement across the country to cause chaos and create fear and confusion as a pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act, according to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize Americas cities, he said during a press conference Monday.

The Democratic governor, whose administration is suing the president over the deployment of National Guard troops to the state, argued that Trumps deranged depiction of Chicago as a hellhole and a warzone is just complete B.S.

But Trumps threats to send National Guard troops to the city  following escalating violence from federal agents that includes using chemical agents against protesters and a military-style Border Patrol raid of a Chicago apartment building  suggest that the president has decided to declare war on a great American city, Pritzker said.

Administration officials, including Homeland Security Kristi Noem, have sought to consolidate Trumps power by deploying federalized troops into Democratic-led cities under a crisis of their own making, according to the governor.

open image in gallery Illinois JB Pritzker argues that the Trump administration is escalating violent responses to quell protests as pretext to invoke the Insurrection Acty ( REUTERS )

That plan will only work if we let it, he said. The state of Illinois is going to use every lever at its disposal and get Noems thugs the hell out of Chicago.

The political feud between Trump and the governor has been boiling over into a potential constitutional crisis for weeks, but the president has targeted the city of Chicago for years.

Trump has repeatedly mocked the governors physical appearance and labeled him a slob, but his feud with Chicago spans more than a decade, characterizing Americas third-largest city as the lawless embodiment of violent inner cities.

Last month, he falsely labeled Chicago the murder capital of the world, despite roughly 20 cities in the United States with higher murder rates.

Trump said he would invoke the Insurrection Act if it was necessary but so far it hasnt been necessary.

But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason, he told reporters at the White House Monday.

If I had to enact it, I didn't. I do that if people were being killed ... and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I do that, he said. I mean, I want to make sure that people arent killed. We have to make sure that our cities are safe.

open image in gallery Federal law enforcement has surged into Chicago, where Border Patrol agents performed a military-style raid on an apartment building ahead of Trumps threats to deploy the National Guard into Americas third-largest city ( REUTERS )

Trump has similarly surged federal law enforcement into several other Democratic-led states and cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., while Memphis is preparing to see troops on the ground within the coming days.

Last month, a federal judge in California ordered the withdrawal of military personnel from the Los Angeles area, after the president deployed National Guard troops and Marines to create what the judge called a national police force with the president as its chief.

Lawsuits from officials in Oregon and Illinois have similarly argued that the president is illegally calling up National Guard troops to stir up unrest to justify the military and federal law enforcement occupation of American cities.

The lawsuits also argue that the president is violating the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the military from enforcing domestic law, as well as Tenth Amendment protections ensuring that police authority rests with the states, not the federal government.

The federal judge overseeing the Illinois lawsuit asked the Trump administration to pause any potential deployments for at least two days until he can review the case and a response from the defendants.

open image in gallery Trump has not ruled out invoking the Insurrection Act to occupy cities but he says it hasn't been necessary so far ( Getty Images )

The National Guard reserve forces are composed of 54 organizations, including one for each state as well as Washington, D.C. and three U.S. territories. Service members may be called to service by a states governor, or the president, to respond to emergencies, though they continue to operate under a states command, and laws such as the Posse Comitatus Act prohibit federal troops from enforcing domestic law.

Invoking the Insurrection Act, however, would suspend the Posse Comitatus Act.

Without a governors consent, a president may invoke the act to fend off unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion or to quell any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy if the administration determines that federal law enforcement has been obstructed.

The last time the Insurrection Act was invoked was in 1992, when then-President George H.W. Bush sent active-duty troops into Los Angeles after citywide unrest followed the acquittal of four white officers in the assault of Rodney King.

The law is intended to combat a crisis that is beyond the scope of civilian law enforcement; officials in cities that are challenging Trumps troop deployment have argued that state and local police are well-equipped to handle protests, and that the administrations characterization of American cities ripped apart by terrorism is dangerously false.

The Insurrection Act does not impose martial law, which does not have an established definition under U.S. statute, though is generally understood as the federal takeover of local governments in an explicit breach of state sovereignty. There is no authority under any current law to do so.

There is no invasion here. There is no insurrection here, Pritzker said to open his remarks Monday.

American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under threat of occupation from the United States military, said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

Trumps own statements targeting Pritzker and Chicago officials demonstrate this is not at all about an emergency, he added. This is a political targeting, utilizing our military.
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President Donald Trumps administration has defended his proposal to mint a $1 coin boasting his face  despite a federal law that prohibits it.

In honor of Americas 250th anniversary, the U.S. Treasury unveiled a draft of the $1 coin last week, with both the heads and tails sides featuring images of Trump.

The announcement raised concerns that the plan violated a federal law from 1886, which states that only the portrait of a deceased individual may appear on United States currency and securities.

Still, the Treasury Department defended the plan on Monday.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent plans to exercise authorities under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, which was passed during the first Trump administration, the department wrote on X. That measure allows the Treasury Secretary to mint $1 coins with designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial.

The Treasury Department is defending a proposed coin bearing President Donald Trump's image to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, despite a 1886 law that prohibits living presidents from appearing on currency. ( U.S. Treasury )

On this momentous anniversary, there is no profile more emblematic for the front of this coin than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump, the department wrote.

Under the law, the coin could be issued in 2026.

However, the Trump administrations proposal may still run into a similar restriction under this legislation, which states no head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, and no portrait of a living person may be included in the design on the reverse of specific coins.

According to the draft, one side of the coin features Trumps profile while the other shows the president raising his fist in front of an American flag, surrounded by the words Fight, Fight, Fight, resembling the moment he stood up after being shot at in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July.

The courts may eventually have to settle whether the coins are minted.

There have been workarounds in the past. For instance, former President Calvin Coolidges portrait appeared on a half dollar in 1926 to commemorate the countrys 150th anniversary. The coin marked the first time a U.S. President's portrait appeared on a coin during his lifetime, according to the U.S. Mint's website.

The 1886 law came about after an uproar over the actions of the Chief of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Spencer Clark, who put himself on a five cent note and had a large quantity of them printed before it was noticed, according to a Treasury Department page, which has since been removed.

Next year, the U.S. could see several new coins. The 2020 law also permits the Treasury to mint quarter dollars in 2026 with up to five different designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial.

One of the designs must be emblematic of a womans or womens contribution to the birth of the Nation, the Declaration of Independence or any other monumental moments in American history, the law says.
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President Donald Trump is expected to unveil another round of economic support for American farmers imminently, a move deemed necessary due to his tariff aggressions against China.

Im going to do some farm stuff this week, Trump said at the White House on Monday, declining to go into specifics.

As was the case in 2018 during his first term, Beijing has responded to the presidents attempts to reset the balance of global trade by drastically scaling back purchases of U.S. farm products, taking its business elsewhere in protest at steep levies being imposed on its own exports.

open image in gallery The U.S. agricultural sector is being hard hit as a result of President Donald Trump's tariff war ( iStock/Getty )

That has placed huge pressure on Americas agricultural sector, which has in turn been compounded by Trumps trade strategy driving up the cost of imported fertilizer and heavy machinery.

We have an export-dependent industry, weve angered its biggest customer, and, boom, now were bailing out the export-dependent industry, Scott Lincicome, the vice president for general economics at the libertarian think-tank the Cato Institute, told The New York Times. Its kind of a slow-motion train wreck six years in the making.

During Trumps first term, China responded to his trade aggressions by imposing steep import taxes on U.S. products like whiskey, cranberries, pork and soybeans, hitting the sector so hard that the administration was forced to initiate a $20 billion bailout to help a demographic Trump has relied upon for votes.

This time around, Republican lawmakers have estimated the cost could be closer to $50 billion, according to the NYT.

Where that money will come from is uncertain, given that the Department of Agricultures Commodity Credit Corporation, used last time, is currently depleted. Trump said at the White House last month that revenue generated from his tariffs could be poured straight back into the sector they are most obviously hurting.

open image in gallery Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is leading U.S. negotiations with China ( AP )

With China importing crops from Argentina and Brazil instead, the administration is under steadily growing pressure to reverse course but has insisted the tariff strategy is necessary.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who reportedly owns thousands of acres of farmland devoted to soybean cultivation himself in North Dakota, has blamed the Joe Biden administration for the crisis, telling CNBC last week that Chinas feet were not held to the fire over agriculture prices on the Democrats watch.

Its unfortunate that Chinese leadership has decided to use the American farmers, soybean farmers in particular, as a hostage or pawn in the trade negotiations, Bessent said.

The 2018 trade spat between the U.S. and China ended with a new deal being signed compelling Beijing to buy up an additional $200bn of American farm goods over a two-year period, although it only met 83 percent of that commitments total, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics.

It did nevertheless continue to trade with the U.S. on comparatively friendly terms throughout the Biden-era, with the relationship only hitting the rocks again once Trump returned to power this year. He initially imposed 100 percent tariffs on the rival superpower, before lowering them to 30 percent, but not without inviting costly retaliation.

Bessent is currently leading negotiations with China, which has reportedly offered to resume purchasing U.S. soybeans (which it stopped doing entirely in May) in exchange for Trump dropping his levy. Without a deal, the loss of Chinese custom means soybeans alone will account for a $10 billion hole in Americas finances for this calendar year.

Other pressures, including a glut of global corn supplies and the increased use of synthetic fibres in clothing hitting cotton, mean the U.S. agricultural sector finds itself in dire straits.

We definitely need some type of aid, Kansas arable farmer Andy Hineman told the NYT. Ill be the first one, if they hand out money, Ill take it and gladly use it in our operation.
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President Donald Trump on Monday said hed consider a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted sex trafficker who conspired with the presidents late friend, pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, to traffic and abuse minor girls in multiple states.

He also said hed been asked for a pardon by Sean Diddy Combs, the hip-hop mogul who was sentenced to more than four years in federal prison following a federal prostitution conviction last week.

Speaking in the Oval Office during an event on approving a new mining road in Alaska, Trump was asked whether hed consider clemency for Maxwell, a British socialite who was indicted on sex trafficking charges after Epstein, who once described himself as Trumps best friend, hanged himself in a New York detention cell while awaiting trial on similar charges in 2019.

You know, I haven't heard the name in so long. I can say this, that I'd have to take a look at it. I would have to take a look, Trump said.

He then said he would have to speak to the DOJ and stressed that he did not know anything about the matter despite the case dominating headlines for months over a bipartisan effort to force release of case files from the Justice Departments attempt to prosecute Epstein.

President Donald Trump talked about potential pardons for Diddy and Jeffrey Epstein sex-trafficking accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell on Monday. ( Getty Images )

I'll look at it ... a lot of people have asked me for pardons, he added.

Trump also said Combs, who he called Puff Daddy  a nickname the rapper hasnt used since being acquitted of weapons and bribery charges a quarter-century ago  had asked him for a pardon as well.

The presidents comments about Maxwell came hours after the Supreme Court denied her appeal, which her attorneys had file on the grounds that she should never have been prosecuted because a prior non-prosecution agreement prosecutors reached with Epstein in Florida should have been applied to her as a co-conspirator with the deceased pedophile.

The Department of Justice had called on the justices to reject that argument, with Solicitor General D. John Sauer arguing that the U.S. attorney who oversaw that agreement would have needed to obtain permission for the terms to apply outside that district.

Maxwell was indicted in New York federal court in 2020 for crimes associated with Epsteins decades-long scheme to recruit young women and girls  some as young as 14 years old  then sexually abuse them.

From 1994 to 2004, Maxwell and Epstein worked together to recruit young girls and entice them to travel to Epsteins properties, according to prosecutors. During a monthlong trial in 2021, survivors testified in federal court in Manhattan that Maxwell had groomed them, taken their passports, and sexually abused them.

President Donald Trumps relationship with Epstein and Maxwell has come under renewed scrutiny after the Justice Department sought to draw investigations to a close despite the presidents pledge to release the so-called Epstein files that critics argue could expose a wider conspiracy implicating powerful figures.

Maxwells attorney, David Oscar Markus, told The Independent in a statement that her legal team was deeply disappointed that the court had declined to hear her case.

But this fight isnt over. Serious legal and factual issues remain, and we will continue to pursue every avenue available to ensure that justice is done, he added.

Maxwell, who is now 63, is not scheduled to be released from prison until 2040. Her best chance of early release is a presidential pardon, though legal experts warn that public statements suggesting that a pardon is even remotely on the table could encourage Maxwell to do anything she can to secure one.

Markus, her attorney, has previously said Maxwell would welcome one, though she has not formally sought a pardon from Trump.

Alex Woodward contributed reporting from New York
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President Donald Trump hit out at Democrats with a rabidly partisan attack during a meeting with a foreign leader on Tuesday, dubbing the opposition party as insurrectionists and threatening to give his budget director free rein to slash government jobs and programs as he answered questions alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office.

Trump was in the middle of a long-winded soliloquy about the benefits of his Big Beautiful Bill tax cut and spending package when he laid into Democrats for having opposed the legislation.

I was greatly helped by our speaker, Mike Johnson and by the Senate. I'll tell you what, John Thune has been  both of those guys have been incredible ... because these Democrats are like insurrectionists ... they're so bad for our country, so their policy is so bad for our country, he said.

Trump was also asked whether his administration intends to honor a law he signed during his first term, the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which requires furloughed workers to be paid at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends.

Although the law is clear on the subject, the Office of Management and Budget recently rewrote their shutdown guidance to cast doubt on whether workers will be made whole after going without pay since last Tuesday.

President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 7, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein ( REUTERS )

Trump replied that it would depend on who were talking about and blamed Democrats for having put a lot of people in great risk and jeopardy while suggesting that some workers dont deserve back pay.

For the most part, we're going to take care of our people. There are some people that really don't deserve to be taken care of, and we'll take care of them in a different way, he ominously said.

Trumps implicit threat not to pay federal workers despite the clearly written law enacted during his first four years in the White House is consistent with a long history of failing to pay contractors and vendors during his many years as a businessman and hotel/casino operator.

In 2016, USA Today reported that hed stiffed hundreds of people including carpenters, painters, dishwashers, and even attorneys who worked for him.

He told the newspaper at the time that hed routinely deduct from what he owed vendors if he disliked their work.

Lets say that they do a job thats not good, or a job that they didnt finish, or a job that was way late. Ill deduct from their contract, absolutely, Trump said.

Pressed further on whether federal workers will be paid as the law requires, Trump later told reporters: I follow the law and what the law says is correct.

The presidents comments came on the seventh day of the first government shutdown since a 35-day lapse in appropriations during his first term.

Hundreds of thousands of workers were furloughed or forced to work without pay starting one week ago when legislators failed to advance a Republican-authored temporary funding bill, with most Democratic senators stating that they wont vote for any legislation that doesnt extend tax credits that help approximately 10 million Americans purchase health insurance.

Trump has threatened to use the temporary shutdown to permanently gut programs favored by Democrats and fire federal workers who his supporters view as deep state members opposed to him and his administration.

During his sit-down with Carney, he threatened to allow Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to begin slashing things pretty soon when asked if he has a list of programs to eliminate.

We have a lot of things that we're going to eliminate and permanently eliminate, he said.

The president described Vought, a longtime GOP activist who was depicted as the Grim Reaper in an AI-generated video he posted over the weekend, as a very serious person who is currently sitting there and getting ready to cut things.

When pressed further on whether theres a list of programs to cut, he said hed be able to reveal it in four or five days if the shutdown continues.

If this keeps going on, it'll be substantial, and a lot of those jobs will never come back, he said.
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President Donald Trump has seemingly moved on from his once intense focus on obtaining Greenland for the United States, but the Danish Prime Minister said she believes it's only a matter of time before he once again comes calling for the island.

On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it's too early for anyone to "breathe a sigh of relief."

Right now it seems far away. There is perhaps a feeling that we can breathe a sigh of relief, she said during a session of the Danish parliament, according to Politico. It is my belief that we cannot.

Trump has previously said he was determined to obtain Greenland and once told Congress that U.S. control of the island was essential for "national security and international security."

When reporters asked him in March if acquiring Greenland was important enough for him to consider military action, he said that "I never take military force off the table."

open image in gallery Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark should not let its guard down just because it seems as though President Donald Trump has moved on from trying to acquire Greenland ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The response from Greenland  which is a self-ruling Danish territory  to its potential acquisition by the U.S. has been overwhelmingly negative, and the Danish government condemned the Trump administration's attempts to force the issue.

During her address to parliament on Tuesday, Frederiksen said that much of Greenland's population still lives in uncertainty over what the Trump administration will do to try to take control of the island and its vast supply of unmined rare earth minerals.

Imagine what its like to live in one of the small settlements along the coast  when the worlds strongest superpower has talked about you as something that can be bought, as something that can be owned, as something that must be had, she said.

No matter what happens, we support Greenland in determining its own future. And we will not be threatened or intimidated into doing something that is clearly wrong.

Greenland's leadership is in talks with the U.K. to formalize a mineral partnership and its Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt told Politico it wanted to explore trade partnerships with other "like-minded countries" in an attempt to fortify it against American bullying.

Of course, we want to have cooperation with our critical minerals with our like-minded countries, and [the] EU is a good partner, we like them, she said in May.

She also condemned the Trump administration for its aggressive push to take control of the island.

Were supposed to be friends. We are allies. Allies dont do such things, Motzfeldt said. The situation is new to us, and new to the rest of the world, because you dont do... that to your ally.

At the height of Trump's Greenland obsession, he tasked Vice President JD Vance with trying to make inroads in the Danish territory, but his efforts were largely unsuccessful.

open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance in Greenland during a March 2025 visit to Pituffik Space Base

"Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance said in March. "You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change."

Vance and his wife, Usha, took a trip to Greenland in March in an attempt to speak directly to Greenlanders, but no one wanted to meet with them.

The Vances were originally scheduled to attend the Avannaata Qimusseruaq, one of the world's largest dog-sledding races, and to meet with a travel company in Greenland, but both events were canceled. Instead, they visited an American Space Force base before heading back to the U.S.

Frederiksen condemned Vance's visit at the time.

I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it is pressure that we will resist, Frederiksen told Danish broadcasters DR and TV2 at the time.

You cannot make a private visit with official representatives from another country when the acting Greenlandic government has made it very clear that they do not want a visit at this time.
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This year, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded its lowest number of annual apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border since 1970, federal officials announced on Tuesday, one of the most visible signs yet of how the Trump administrations immigration crackdown is influencing the country.

During the 2025 fiscal year, which began October 2024 and ended in September, the Border Patrol made 237,565 apprehensions at the southwest border, 72 percent of which occurred during the final months of the Biden administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

We have had the most secure border in American history and our end of year numbers prove it, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement.

While apprehensions were already declining in 2024, the 2025 figures are still a striking contrast to the record-breaking migration that occurred at the border during the Biden administration. During fiscal year 2022, the Border Patrol made 2.2 million apprehensions and sometimes encountered as many people in a day as the Trump administration Border Patrol now apprehends in a month.

Ariel Ruiz Soto, an analyst at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, told CBS News the administration has created a new normal of drastically reduced immigration across the border in the span of a few months with White House policies that have had a significant effect on people being deterred from coming illegally to the United States."

open image in gallery During 2025, Border Patrol agents have encountered the lowest number of migrants at the southwest border in nearly six decades, according to government data ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The Trump administration has made shutting down illegal immigration and arresting undocumented people its central priority.

Immediately after taking office, the president ended the use of the CBP One app, which allowed nearly 1 million people to enter the country legally since 2023 as their immigration claims were being processed.

He also declared that migration at the border constituted a national invasion and sought to shut down all U.S. asylum claims made outside official U.S. ports of entry.

open image in gallery The Trump administration has surged billions of dollars into the Border Patrol, while sending thousands of military troops to the border to join them ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

A federal court in July found that the order was unlawful because the president sought to adopt an alternative immigration system outside of congressionally passed immigration statutes, though the following month an appeals court allowed parts of the program to continue.

The administration has also revoked humanitarian protections for migrants from unstable nations that had allowed 500,000 people to remain in the U.S. temporarily.

Outside of these legal changes, the White House has also surged military assets to the border, including thousands of troops drawn from every branch of the armed forces.

Alongside these deployments, the administration has seized parts of border land as military zones to allow for arrests of migrants that then cross unwittingly into them.

open image in gallery Immigration levels at the U.S.-Mexico border have fallen considerably from their peak in the middle of the Biden administration ( Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images )

Such operations are only set to expand in the coming years, following a massive $170 billion infusion of funds to the Border Patrols parent agency the Department of Homeland Security this summer.

In recent years, Republican states like Texas have launched their own sprawling military border defense missions, sending thousands of state troops to the border and building Trump-like wall barriers along the frontier.

While activity at the border has dramatically fallen, ICE is reportedly struggling to build enough detention space to keep pace with the administrations massive domestic immigration enforcement crackdown, thanks to DHSs fondness for using relatively small state-run facilities and the agencys reported policy of requiring Noem to sign off personally on expenses over $100,000.
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Anthony Scaramucci, the short-lived White House Director of Communications in President Donald Trumps first term, has said he believes his former boss is no longer the man he once knew because he has gotten the power drug.

Speaking to Joanna Coles on The Daily Beast Podcast, Scaramucci, 61, said the change in Trump has come about because, metaphorically speaking: Hes smoked the ganja, the crack crystal of power. And hes marveling at the fact that he can bully people that are powerful and they kowtow to him.

In a separate interview with MSNBC Monday, Scaramucci said Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and his more rational advice was no longer the presidents primary influence in his second term.

A New York financier and former Goldman Sachs banker, Scaramucci lasted just 11 days in his role with Trump in July 2017. He has since reinvented himself as a media pundit and podcaster known for being sharply critical of the president and for backing Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris over him in the last two presidential elections.

open image in gallery Anthony Scaramucci, Donald Trump's former White House communications director, says the president is no longer the same man he once knew ( The Daily Beast )

White House spokesman Kush Desai responded to the power remarks: After getting caught up in the drug of relevance, Anthony Scaramucci is marveling at the fact that The Daily Beast still takes him seriously.

Scaramucci told Coles in the same interview that Trump has been flexing on everybody successfully during his first year back in the White House and has been emboldened by the results he has seen when testing the boundaries of his authority.

I know enough about his personality to know hes marveling at that, the former aide said. Hes laughing. Hes laughing at it.

He also accused many of Trumps fellow world leaders of caving into his bullish demands  making exceptions for strongmen Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney  suggesting they see appeasing the president as a necessary act of pragmatism for the greater good.

open image in gallery Trump addressing the U.S. militarys top generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia, last week ( Getty )

Scaramucci also suggested that Trumps MAGA coalition will implode once he finally departs the world stage and leaves behind him a leadership vacuum.

When the witch got hit with the water in The Wizard of Oz, what happened? he asked Coles. The witch shrunk down, you were left with the witchs hat, thatll be the MAGA hat, the red hat. And then the guards around the witch said, Oh jeez, Im sorry Dorothy...

Scaramucci referred to Trumps support as a full-on personality cult and predicted that the Wicked Witch of the West Wing will eventually get hit with the water because a lot of people in the country... know how bad he is and know what hes doing is very disruptive to the Constitution and very disruptive to the checks and balances of the country.

He concluded by saying he is personally eager to be part of the debate over who will succeed Trump as the face of the Republican Party in order to break the populist hold on this party and see if we can return to something more germane and something more relevant that actually helps people.

In separate comments to MSNBCs The Best People podcast, Scaramucci claimed Trump was now more influenced by his son Donald Jr than his first term.

I think the spirit animal for Trump 2 from the family is Don Jr., he told Nicolle Wallace. The spirit animal from Trump 1 from the family was Jared Kushner. So, whatever you think of Jared, Jared was a safer pair of hands, he was a lot more rational.

We used to call him the goaltender, meaning he would block the insane shots on net from Donald Trump, and a lot of the policies that were seeing right now were blocked by Jared or Gary Cohn or Steven Mnuchin or John Kelly in Trump 1.
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The federal safety net for Americans with disabilities could be out of reach for hundreds of thousands of older people under a proposal from Donald Trumps administration.

The Social Security Administration evaluates disability claims by considering age, work experience and education to determine whether an applicant is capable of working.

Older applicants typically have a better chance of qualifying for disability benefits, but a proposed plan  part of a planned overhaul of the agency that manages retirement and disability benefits for tens of millions of Americans  would eliminate age as a factor altogether as administration officials encourage older people to keep working, according to The Washington Post.

The changes, reportedly pushed by White House budget director Russell Vought, could mean 750,000 fewer Social Security recipients and $82 billion in reduced payouts over 10 years, with 80,000 widows and children among those affected, the Urban Institute recently found.

Social Security is also considering raising the threshold for accessing disability benefits to 60, according to The Washington Post.

White House budget director Russell Vought is reportedly promoting changes to Social Security disability benefits that could mark it harder for older Americans with disabilities to qualify for benefits ( AFP via Getty Images )

A spokesperson for the Social Security Administration told the newspaper that the agency aims to propose improvements to the disability adjudication process to ensure our disability program remains current and can be more efficiently administered.

This includes proposing policy updates to occupational data sources and optimizing their use to serve our customers and preserve the trust funds, spokesperson Barton Mackey said. Once the proposal is fully developed, we will share it publicly and request public comment through the standard rulemaking process.  As with any rulemaking, we will consider and analyze public comments before deciding whether to finalize the rule.

The Independent has requested additional comment from the agency.

Social Security includes two types of benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance serves as a kind of insurance for people who cannot work because of a disability, while Supplemental Security Income supports people who are disabled, blind, or over age 65 with limited income or assets with basic monthly payments.

Accessing retirement benefits earlier imposes a permanently reduced rate.

Older Americans who apply for disability benefits from the $11 billion program typically do not get another job, according to the Urban Institute. So if age is no longer a factor when considering those benefits, older disabled workers are likely to start withdrawing retirement benefits earlier  at the cost of a significantly reduced monthly rate.

You worked hard. You played by the rules. Now, Trump is breaking the promise of Social Security when you need it most, according to Democratic members of the House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax-writing body in the lower chamber of Congress.

In Trumps America, if youre not young and healthy, you dont matter, the committee said Monday.

Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, told the newspaper that the Vought-led changes are Phase One of the Republican campaign to force Americans to work into old age to access their earned Social Security benefits, and represents the largest cut to disability insurance in American history.

Americans with disabilities do not deserve the indignity of more bureaucratic water torture to get what they paid for, he added.

Trump and administration officials have repeatedly claimed without evidence that millions of people who are hundreds of years old are collecting Social Security payments. Critics argue the administrations claims to cut government waste are laying the groundwork to make dramatic cuts for some of the most expensive programs in the federal budget to justify massive tax cuts for Americas wealthiest households.
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The Trump administration is considering selling off part of the federal governments $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio to private buyers, a new Politico report reveals.

Education and Treasury Department officials have discussed selling off high-performing sections of the portfolio, Politico reports, citing three officials familiar with the talks. These officials have also talked with finance industry executives, including some who could be potential buyers, according to the outlet.

This comes as the Trump administration moves to reverse policies from former President Joe Bidens administration that provided additional student debt repayment plans and forgiveness options.

The Trump administration is committed to analyzing all aspects of the federal student loan portfolio, a senior administration official told Politico Unlike the previous administration, we are focused on ensuring the long-term health of the portfolio for the benefit of both students and taxpayers.

Federal law would allow the Department of Education to sell the debt after consulting with the Treasury Department, if it came with no additional cost to the taxpayer, Politico reports. The outlet points out that there is little precedent for this, however.

As borrowers contend with the changes, Michele Zampini, associate vice president of federal policy and advocacy at the Institute for College Access and Success, warns that the sale of debt could throw the system into even further chaos.

open image in gallery Treasury and Education Department officials are considering selling some parts of the federal student loan portfolio to private buyers, a new report reveals ( Getty Images )

Heres what you need to know about the potential sale:

How will the sale of student debt impact borrowers?

Zampini told The Independent this proposal doesnt really make good sense, either from a borrower perspective or a taxpayer perspective. While some aspects could remain the same, borrowers may see fewer benefits and private owners could have a more difficult time collecting on loans, she said.

Zampini said student loan holders would likely still be entitled to the same repayment options and protections that are in statute, regardless of whether theyre repaying the debt to the federal government or a private entity. These legal protections can only be changed through an act of Congress. Plans that are not defined in statute are more of a gray area, Zampini said.

Any repayment plans that they have through the current program, unless Congress makes changes to those, they would not theoretically go away, even if the loans move to being bought off by a private entity, she said.

Megan Walter, a senior policy analyst with the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, told The Independent there are still unanswered questions about existing repayment plans and whether borrowers will be able to retain them under a potential sale.

It remains unclear whether borrowers would be able to retain their current repayment plans, borrower protections, and forgiveness options generally not available in the private market, what the transition timeline would look like, and if this would only affect certain types of borrowers, such as those in standard repayment plans, Walter said.

We also have questions about borrowers rights, and if borrowers would have a choice in their loans being sold to the private market if the federal loan protections are not conserved, she added.

open image in gallery The student loan system could be thrown into 'even further chaos' if the federal government sells some student debt to private buyers, Michele Zampini says ( AFP via Getty Images )

Federal agencies also often share data to help streamline the loan repayment process, which means borrowers could lose some of that automation if their debt is sold to a private owner, Zampini said. For example, the Veterans Affairs Administration and the Social Security Administration review data to determine whether benefit recipients with outstanding student loan debt are eligible for certain discharge programs, according to Zampini.

Theres all of that automation and all that data matching that has been really successful in getting more people access to the relief program  so there could be that loss as well, she said.

The Independent has contacted the Education and Treasury Departments for comment.

Who would buy up the student debt?

Its unclear which private entities would actually want to buy portions of the federal governments student debt portfolio. Student loan debt is not a particularly attractive investment, Zampini said, which could leave buyers private apprehensive. Private buyers are also unlikely to pay more for the debt than its worth, Politico reports.

I really dont see a scenario here where taxpayers come out ahead, Preston Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute think tank, told Politico. I think the most likely scenario is that taxpayers get less than the loans are actually worth.

The federal student loan program is kind of an odd consumer credit program because it's not underwritten, Zampini added. Theres no asset to kind of repurpose or take back, and so it's not a particularly attractive investment. Its not an attractive program because you can't pick and choose who you lend to.

The federal government also has more collection authority than private entities, Zampini noted.

The federal government has really vast collections authority for the student loan program  extrajudicial collections powers, they can garnish wages, they can garnish tax refunds, they can garnish social security. Those are things that are typically a lot harder for private entities to do, she said.

What has the Trump administration said recently about student loans?

As questions loom about debt repayment plans, the Trump administration has resumed forgiving student debt for some borrowers enrolled in the Income-Based Repayment program, which had been partially paused for the past three months, CNBC reports.

This plan will be one of only a few repayment options left for student loan borrowers under President Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill, which he signed into law over the summer. In addition to eliminating some existing repayment plans, the bill also caps federal loans for graduate students at $20,500 a year and enforces a lifetime limit of $100,000.

The Trump administration is also eager to reduce the size of the Department of Education, which oversees the portfolio. When signing as executive order to closer the agency, Trump said the Department of Education is not a bank, and it must return bank functions to an entity equipped to serve Americas students, Forbes reports.

With borrowers already facing significant changes to repayment plans, Zampini argues this policy could create more uncertainty.

They're already in a state of chaosthis would throw the entire system into even further chaos, she said.

Zampini also noted that the White House considered a similar plan to sell debt during Trumps first term, in 2019. However, their efforts stalled soon afterward, especially as the U.S. was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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President Donald Trump has told young Americans that they "owe him big" for "saving" TikTok from being banned in the U.S.

In his first TikTok post since Election Day 2024, the President took credit for securing a deal to sell off the Chinese-owned app's U.S. arm to a consortium of American and Arabian investors.

Officials say the deal would fulfill the requirements of a a law passed by Congress last year, which Trump has more or less refused to enforce for more than nine months while investors thrashed out the terms of a sale.

"To all those young people of TikTok: I saved TikTok, so you owe me big," Trump said Monday.

"Now you're looking at me in the Oval Office, and someday one of you are gonna be sitting right at this desk, and you're gonna be doing a great job also."

open image in gallery Donald Trump makes his return to TikTok in a video on Monday October 6, 2025  his first since the 2024 election ( President of the United States via TikTok )

Vice President JD Vance also made his return to the platform, saying: "I got a little lazy last few months; was focused on the job of being VP, not enough on TikToks. That's about to change.

"So follow along, we'll update you on what's going on in the White House, business of state; we'll update you on what's going on politically. Maybe some sombrero memes, here and there."

That was a reference to deepfake AI videos posted by the president featuring House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a sombrero and cartoonishly large mustache, which Jeffries and other Democrats have condemned as racist.

Trump signed an executive order last week approving the sell-off deal, which has not yet been finalized nor publicly acknowledged by TikTok's parent company ByteDance.

Pro-Trump billionaire Larry Ellison and Fox News magnate Rupert Murdoch will reportedly be involved in the deal, while Trump has said he would like to make TikTok's algorithm "100 percent MAGA".

Many users left positive comments on Trump's post, saying "thank you President Trump", "that's my president", and "best president ever!!!"

open image in gallery The signed executive order, as touted by Trump in the Oval Office on September 25, 2025 ( AP Photo/Alex Brandon )

But many others took the opportunity to press Trump to release the long-promised Epstein files.

"Release the files," said one. "Cool you got them files ready?" said another. "The files, Donny boy, we need the files," said one more.

Others drew attention to Trump's earlier attempts to ban TikTok via executive order via his first term.

"Hes the reason why it was getting banned in the first place. He creates problems, and takes credit for ending the problem he created," said one user.
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Exports of American spirits plunged in the second quarter of 2025, according to a new report, with a massive 85 percent drop in liquor exports to Canada, largely attributed to President Donald Trumps tariffs.

The midyear report from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. indicates American distillers are feeling the economic impact of significant trading partners boycotting U.S.-made whiskey, brandy, vodka, and cordials.

Last year, exports to Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom and Japan accounted for 70 percent of the U.S. spirit exports. But those exports are now down 85 percent, 12 percent, 29 percent, and 23 percent, respectively.

Although Canada removed its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. spirits in August, most Provinces have maintained their ban on spirit sales. Thats led to the dramatic plummet to below $10 million in exports in Q2.

After celebrating a record year for U.S. spirits exports in 2024, this new data is very troubling for U.S. distillers, Chris Swonger, the president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., said in a statement.

open image in gallery American liquor exports to Canada plummeted 85 percent in Q2, indicating that Trumps tariffs have not settled well in the U.S.s northern neighbor ( REUTERS )

Persistent trade tensions are having an immediate and adverse effect on U.S. spirits exports. Theres a growing concern that our international consumers are increasingly opting for domestically produced spirits or imports from countries other than the U.S., signaling a shift away from our great American spirits brands, Swonger added.

He called on Trump to facilitate a lasting return to tariff-free trade with some of the U.S.'s largest trading partners.

But its unclear if the president plans to do so anytime soon. Unlike other countries, Canada has yet to strike a trade deal with Trump.

During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Tuesday, the president said there was natural conflict between the U.S. and Canada but that the northern neighbor would walk away very happy.

open image in gallery Trump met with Carney in the Oval Office Tuesday to discuss ongoing trade between the US and Canada ( REUTERS )

The people of Canada will love us again, Trump announced.

The president has imposed a 35 percent tariff on Canada, for what he believes is the countrys flood of migrants and fentanyl into the U.S., despite data refuting the claim. Additionally, Trump has imposed tariffs on alumninum, steel, lumber, and cars as well.

Trump has also repeatedly claimed Canadas trading deficit with the U.S. hinders American jobs.

Tom Bard, a craft distiller from Kentucky, told the Associated Press that Trumps tariffs, announced in April, threw a wrench in his plans to expand sales in provinces outside of British Columbia and Alberta.

Even though things have eased up, we still are not back on the shelf in Canada, Bard said. Probably wont be for a good long while.
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A judge in Albania was shot dead after a man on trial opened fire during a hearing over a property dispute, according to local police.

Judge Astrit Kalaja was presiding over a hearing at the Court of Appeal in Tirana on Monday afternoon when the defendant shot him with a pistol, authorities said.

The veteran judge later died on the way to hospital, local officials said.

A father and son involved in the hearing were also reportedly shot, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

open image in gallery The scene was closed off and three people were arrested in connection to the shooting on Monday ( AFP via Getty Images )

Police arrested a 30-year-old man identified by the initials E Sh who was later named in Albanian media as Elvis Shkembi. The suspect is said to have opened fire because he expected to lose the case, according to local media.

The suspects uncle and a security guard at the court were also arrested, police said.

Shkodra police said that arrest was made as the uncle had made comments to Albanian media threatening other judges.

Brunilda Lika, a lawyer at the courthouse on Monday, told reporters during a vigil on Tuesday: For a judge to lose his life while giving a decision for the Republic of Albania is an unprecedented act. I saw the panic that occurred in the courtroom.

She said she was not present in the courtroom at the time of the shooting.

Judge Kalaja had been a lawyer for more than 30 years. Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party in Albania, said it was the first time in 35 years a sitting judge had been killed while doing his duty.

open image in gallery Astrit Kalaja was presiding over the man's case when he opened fire, police said, adding that the man was promptly arrested ( AFP via Getty Images )

Prime minister Edi Rama said on Monday it was a tragic event and called for tougher sentencing on gun crimes.

"The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly demands the most extreme legal response against the aggressor," he wrote on X.

President Bajram Begaj said the attack was a terrible attack against the entire justice system.

The British embassy in Tirana said: We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Astrit Kalaja.

Our condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.

We strongly condemn the violence and call for urgent measures to ensure the safety and security of judicial officers and the integrity of courts.
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Dutch authorities are set to cull approximately 71,000 chickens at a northern poultry farm after a bird flu outbreak was confirmed, the government announced on Tuesday.

This incident marks the first detection of avian influenza in the Netherlands since March.

While a nationwide indoor poultry mandate has not been imposed, with officials stating the current outbreak does not necessitate such a measure, an expert group on animal diseases is scheduled to convene shortly to evaluate the risk.

It comes amid a seasonal upturn in the disease around the world.

Just days ago, a flock of ostriches in Canada that were set to be culled, after two dead birds tested positive for avian flu, were granted a stay of execution from Canada's highest court.

open image in gallery A screengrab from a video capturing two ostriches resting at the Universal Ostrich Farm, where the Canadian government has ordered for 400 birds to be culled due to avian flu exposure ( Katie Pasitney/Facebook )

Canada's Supreme Court issued an order granting an "interim-interim stay" of a culling order.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency late last year ordered about 400 ostriches to be killed. Since then, Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, has fought the order.

It has lost multiple lower court rulings but has won some powerful supporters in the U.S. who have launched a campaign to stop the cull.

Mehmet Oz, U.S. Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, offered in August to house the birds to study them. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has also argued against the cull.

The culling had been scheduled for later on Wednesday, the farm's lawyer Umar Sheikh told Reuters.

He said he was "obviously very, very happy" with the order, but emphasized this is "a very uphill battle" and "this is just a very short, temporary breather."

In the motion for a stay of the cull order, co-owners Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski included an affidavit from a University of British Columbia professor arguing the ostriches have immunity to avian flu.

The farm, whose owners say they specialize in studying ostrich antibodies, had argued culling the birds would cause "irreparable harm" and "permanently destroy unique genetics and a specialized researchbased business."

The ostriches' reprieve could be short-lived as the court has yet to determine the ostriches' fate.

The food inspection agency maintains custody of the birds and has until October 3 to file its reply to the farm's application to the Supreme Court. The court said it will deal with the case on an expedited basis.

In a statement Wednesday evening, the food inspection agency said it will comply with the stay order.

It said its "stamping out policy" plays a critical role in animal disease control and that it is working with police "for onsite security and follow up on ongoing threats of violence and death by apparent supporters of the ostrich farm."

A severe bird flu outbreak in recent years resulted in millions of chickens, turkeys and other birds being killed in the U.S. to contain the spread of bird flu, which can infect humans and is fatal in poultry. The cullings contributed to egg prices at U.S. grocery stores climbing to a record high. Smaller commercial poultry flocks have been eliminated in Canada.

Last month, Poland reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu on two poultry farms in the north of the country.

The virus was detected on a goose farm and a turkey farm in the town of Susz, and killed around 4,000 birds, the Paris-based WOAH said, citing a report from the Polish authorities.

Poland last week signed an agreement with China with the aim of restarting poultry trade halted since a previous wave of bird flu in the past year.
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French president Emmanuel Macron is under intense scrutiny and facing calls for his resignation, as two of his former prime ministers have conspicuously distanced themselves from his leadership following the recent collapse of his government.

Edouard Philippe, Mr Macrons first prime minister after his 2017 election, and Gabriel Attal, appointed in January 2024 and once a loyal lieutenant, have both now distanced themselves. Mr Attals discontent reportedly stems from Macrons controversial June 2024 decision to dissolve parliaments powerful lower house  the catalyst for the current crisis.

Their separate decisions to distance themselves underscore the erosion of Mr Macron's authority, attributed to his persistent struggle to deliver stable governance.

Political turmoil has gripped France for over a year, following the National Assembly's dissolution and subsequent snap elections. This resulted in a parliament dominated by Mr Macron's opponents, who have consistently brought down his minority governments.

Mr Attal, speaking Monday night to broadcaster TF1, struck the first blow, saying: Like many French people, I no longer understand the presidents decisions.

Mr Philippe then piled on more pressure Tuesday, saying that Mr Macron should call early presidential elections and step down after the National Assembly adopts a 2026 budget. Mr Macron has previously said that hell see out his second and last presidential term to its end in 2027.

open image in gallery Edouard Philippe (R), Mr Macrons first prime minister, urged the French president to call early presidential elections ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Mr Philippe said Mr Macron should say we cannot let what we have been experiencing for the past six months drag on. Another 18 months would be far too long and would harm France.

Lecornus uphill mission

The latest crisis erupted with the abrupt resignation on Monday of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu  Mr Macrons fourth prime minister since the dissolution, after Mr Attal, Michel Barnier and Francois Bayrou.

After accepting Mr Lecornus resignation, Mr Macron then gave his 39-year-old ally another 48 hours to hold more final negotiations in the interest of national stability, an apparent last-ditch effort to find some sort of exit to the latest impasse and buy the French leader some time to decide on his next step.

Mr Lecornu met Tuesday with officials from the so-called Socle Commun  or common platform  a coalition of conservatives and centrists who had provided a base of support, albeit shaky, for Mr Macrons prime ministers before shattering when Mr Lecornu named a new Cabinet on Sunday night.

The new government then collapsed less than 14 hours later, when conservative heavyweight Bruno Retailleau withdrew his support.

The left wants to govern, the far right calls for new elections

Mr Macron, now at record-low approval ratings, has not indicated his next move. His rivals have suggested three options: resign, call new elections, or appoint a prime minister from outside his political camp.

The third option, known as cohabitation, has been championed by left-wing parties. A leftist coalition, the New Popular Front, won the most seats in the 2024 French legislative election, beating back a far-right surge but failing to win a majority.

The alliance, however, quickly fell apart and both the socialists and the communists are now at odds with Jean-Luc Melenchons far-left party, France Unbowed.

open image in gallery France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) with Sebastien Lecornu (L) ( AFP via Getty Images )

It is the choice of cohabitation  being called to take responsibility and finally being able to truly change the lives of the French  which we prefer, Green party leader Marine Tondelier told the France Televisions network.

On the other side, the far right is calling for snap elections. Marine Le Pens National Rally, currently leading by far in the polls, believes new legislative elections could work in its favour.

I call on the president of the Republic to hear the suffering in the country, to come out of his isolation, and to dissolve the National Assembly, National Rally president Jordan Bardella said. We must go back to the French people so they can choose a majority for themselves. We are ready to take responsibility.

Meanwhile, many French people sound disenchanted.

The impression is that the Fifth Republic is on life support, on a respirator, on morphine, and maybe we should think about changing all that a bit, Guillaume Glade, a 36-year-old worker, told The Associated Press. There are cracks on all sides, and we can feel it.
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The cause of the paragliding crash that killed extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner in July has been revealed.

Baumgartner, the first skydiver to fall faster than the speed of sound, died July 17 along Italys Adriatic coast. Witnesses said the flight appeared normal until it started spinning to the ground, crashing near the swimming pool of a beachside resort.

Prosecutor Raffaele Iannella said the investigation found no technical issues with Baumgartners motorized paraglider, and said that his death was caused by human error.

He fell into a spiral, and he could not get out. He was unable to do the maneuver that he should have done to exit" from the fall, Iannella said.

Italy World Record Skydiver Death ( Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

German news agency dpa first reported the results of the prosecutors report, which was finalized in recent days.

The prosecutor will now request that the case be closed, which will require a judges approval.

Known as Fearless Felix, Baumgartner stunned the world in 2012 when he became the first human to break the sound barrier with only his body.

He wore a pressurized suit and jumped from a capsule hoisted more than 24 miles (39 kilometers) above Earth by a giant helium balloon over New Mexico.

The Austrian, who was part of the Red Bull Stratos team, topped out at 843.6 mph  the equivalent of 1.25 times the speed of sound  during a nine-minute descent. At one point, he went into a potentially dangerous flat spin while still supersonic, spinning for 13 seconds, his crew later said.
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The mayor of a western German town is fighting for her life a day after she was stabbed 13 times in an abhorrent attack, according to reports.

Iris Stalzer, 57, was found with serious injuries and several stab wounds in her apartment in Herdecke in North Rhine-Westphalia on Monday, German media reported. The attack came days after she was elected.

Her son was led away in handcuffs to preserve evidence, police told the German newspaper Bild. Her daughter, 17, was also reportedly in the house at the time.

Initial reports said that the son called police to report that she had been attacked by several men outside the property.

But a later statement from police and prosecutors said that, as things stand, there are no indications of a politically motivated act, adding that a family connection cannot be ruled out at present.

It did not elaborate but said that Ms Stalzers children were still with police to clear up what happened.

The crime scene is located at the politicians home. Extensive evidence is being secured. The Herdecker womans minor children are still with the police as they investigate further, investigators said, according to Westfalenpost.

open image in gallery Iris Stalzers children are still with the police as they investigate further ( www.irisstalzer-herdecke.de )

A neighbour told Bild: Half an hour before the rescue helicopter landed, I heard the boy and his mother arguing. They were literally screaming at each other.

Ms Stalzer was elected mayor of Herdecke, a town of nearly 23,000, on 28 September, as a member of the centre-left Social Democrats. She is due to take office on 1 November.

Conservative chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the terrible deed on social media. It must be swiftly investigated. We fear for the life of the mayor-designate and hope for her full recovery, he added.

open image in gallery Emergency services and a rescue helicopter seen after the incident ( dpa/AP )

The leader of the Social Democrats parliamentary group in Berlin, Matthias Miersch, told reporters that we heard a few minutes ago that newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed in Herdecke.

We hope that she survives this terrible act. We cant say anything at the moment about the background, he added.

Ms Stalzer beat a candidate from Mr Merzs centre-right Christian Democrats in a runoff election.

The vote came after a regional campaign that politicians in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germanys largest state, said was distinguished by a particularly vicious tone.

open image in gallery Ambulances stationed on the street ( dpa/AP )

Ms Stalzers website says she is married with two teenage children, and has spent almost her whole life in Herdecke. She has worked as a lawyer specialising in labour law.

In Germany, a recent study found that 60 per cent of politicians had experienced violence at least once. One in five said it had made them more reluctant to appear in public.

In 2019, conservative local government president Walter Luebcke, a supporter of the then chancellor Angela Merkels refugee policy, was shot dead by a far-right activist on his terrace at home.

Henriette Reker was stabbed by a right-wing extremist in 2015, the day before being elected mayor of Cologne. She made a full recovery and is still in office.
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says that she has been reported to the International Criminal Court for alleged complicity in genocide in connection with Israel's offensive in Gaza.

Two of Melonis ministers have also been reported to the ICC, she revealed on Tuesday.

Speaking in an interview with state television broadcaster RAI, Meloni said Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had been denounced, and "I think" also Roberto Cingolani, the head of defence group Leonardo.

"I don't believe there is another case like this in the world or in history," Meloni said.

She did not elaborate on who had brought the case against her and her ministers.

Italy has seen a string of demonstrations over the last week, bringing hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets to protest against the mass killings in Gaza, with many protesters also taking aim at Meloni.

Her right-wing government, generally a staunch supporter of Israel, has distanced itself recently from what it calls its "disproportionate" offensive in Gaza, but has not severed any commercial or diplomatic links, or recognised the state of Palestine.

open image in gallery Meloni She did not elaborate on who had brought the case against her and her ministers ( Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse via AP, File )

The Israeli assault on Gaza began after gunmen from the Palestinian militant group Hamas killed some 1,200 people and took 251 hostages according to Israeli tallies, in an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

Israel's response has killed more than 67,000 people, Gaza health officials say.

Israel denies accusations of genocide.

Meloni said she was "amazed" by the accusation of complicity in genocide because "anyone who knows the situation is aware that Italy has not authorised new, let's say, arms supplies to Israel after October 7."

In response to her remarks, a Leonardo spokesperson said Cingolani had already expressed the company's position in an interview with daily Corriere della Sera last month when he said the suggestion that it was complicit in genocide was "a very serious frame-up."

In other remarks, Meloni said she believed that U.S. President Donald Trump had come to the conclusion that Russia was not interested in a peace deal with Ukraine.

"In the face of this refusal by (Russian President Vladimir) Putin ... the only way forward is to apply pressure, continue to support Ukraine, and to impose sanctions," she said.
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Pope Leo XIV is poised to embark on his inaugural foreign trip next month, travelling to Turkey and Lebanon.

The pilgrimage is a symbolically significant gesture to both Christian and Muslim communities and will fulfil a journey his predecessor, Pope Francis, had originally planned.

The Vatican announced on Tuesday that Leo will visit Turkey from 27-30 November and Lebanon from 30 November to 2 December.

The Turkish itinerary includes a pilgrimage to Iznik, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, the first ecumenical council.

The anniversary holds crucial importance for Catholic-Orthodox relations. Pope Francis had intended to mark it with his own Turkish trip in May, invited by Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Orthodox leader.

Following Franciss death in April, Leo stated his clear intention to fulfil his predecessors plans.

open image in gallery Pope Leo XIV blesses a child at the end of a Mass for the Jubilee of Migrants and Missionaries in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican ( AP )

The trip will give the first American pope a chance to speak in broad terms about peace in the Middle East and the plight of Christians there.

Leo, like Francis, has consistently called for peace and dialogue in the Middle East, especially as Israels offensive rages on in Gaza.

The last pope to visit Lebanon was Pope Benedict XVI in September 2012 on what was the last foreign trip of his papacy.

Francis had long hoped to visit Lebanon, but the countrys political and economic instability prevented a visit during his lifetime.

The Mediterranean nation of around six million, including more than one million Syrian and Palestinian refugees, has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East and is the only Arab country with a Christian head of state.

However, the Vatican fears the countrys instability has been particularly dangerous for the continued presence of its Christian community, a bulwark for the church in the Mideast.

open image in gallery Pope Francis planned to travel to Turkey in May, but died before he could make it there ( AP )

Lebanon is currently struggling to recover after years of economic crisis and a bruising war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that ended with a US and France-brokered ceasefire in November.

Formation of a new, reformist government in November ended a two-year political vacuum and brought hopes of recovery but the situation remains tense.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced the trip on X, but provided only the dates. The Vatican said the trip itinerary would be released at a later date.

Israel has continued to occupy five strategic points on the Lebanese side of the border and carry out near-daily airstrikes that it says aim to stop Hezbollah from regrouping.

Hezbollah is under increasing domestic and international pressure to give up its remaining arsenal but has refused to do so until Israel withdraws and halts its strikes. There are fears of civil conflict if Lebanese authorities attempt to forcibly disarm the group.

About one-third of Lebanons population is believed to be Christian, though there is no official number since there hasnt been an official census since 1932.

The Maronites are the largest and most powerful sect and, by convention, Lebanons president is always a Maronite Christian.
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For two years, the people of Gaza have endured one of the most devastating bombardments and humanitarian catastrophes of our time.

Israels offensive and siege of the enclave, launched in the bloody aftermath of Hamass October 7 attacks, has killed more than 67,000 people, including at least 19,000 children, according to local officials.

A United Nations-backed global hunger monitor has concluded that the bombing and blockade have led to famine spreading across the strip.

Nearly the entire population of 2.3 million have been forced to flee  often multiple times  and more than 90 per cent of Gazas homes have been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.

The situation is so dire that a UN commission of inquiry concluded last month that Israel has committed, and continues to commit, genocide in Gaza  a charge the Israeli government vehemently denies.

open image in gallery Palestinians gather to receive cooked meals from a food distribution centre in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip in August ( AFP/Getty )

On the two-year anniversary of the start of this unprecedented bloodshed, families in Gaza describe a glimmer of hope as negotiators from Hamas and Israel meet in Egypt to try and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal, off the back of US president Donald Trumps 20-point peace plan.

As Basel al-Saqa, 32 a father of two, tells The Independent from his tent in southern Gaza: A ceasefire means that the land that has burned for so long can breathe again.

As the world hopes for a breakthrough, families describe their struggle over the last two years and their desperation for an end to the nightmare.

open image in gallery A mother carries her child into a patient treatment tent outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City in July ( AP )

Running a hospital under siege, missiles and disappearances

Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza.

Dr Abu Salmiya not only manages one of the most important hospitals in Gaza, which Israeli forces have repeatedly bombed, besieged and raided, but he says he has been arrested, detained and abused by Israel for months. His staff members and colleagues, like Dr Adnan al-Bursh, the celebrated head of orthopaedics, died in Israeli detention in 2024, reportedly from torture.

But despite this, after being released back into Gaza last year, Dr Abu Salmiya has remained at the helm of al-Shifa, rebuilding it from the ashes in Gaza City, which has become the epicentre of Benjamin Netanyahus widely condemned new offensive.

Israel has repeatedly denied targeting Gazas medical facilities. But Israeli attacks on Gazas hospitals and medics are so acute that a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded at the end of 2024 that Israel has committed war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination as it pursued a concerted policy to destroy Gazas healthcare system.

Al-Shifa first became the focus of ferocious assault early on in the war, after Israel accused Hamas of using it as a main military command and control centre despite providing little credible evidence.

It was raided, besieged and then emptied by the end of 2023. Dr Abu Salmiya was arrested alongside other doctors and detained for seven months. When released, he spoke of torture and abuse behind bars.

When we returned there was nothing recognisable. But we restored the emergency department, the dialysis department, and opened 300 beds, a 13-bed intensive care unit, and operating room, he says.

Since then he describes ferrying premature newborns around the complex as it was bombed and as they were chased by quadcopters. Now he worries about the future as the violence has not abated despite talks for a truce underway in Egypt.

During the last four days it has been impossible. We found no food, no drink, no bread. We survived on a few dates  staff and patient, he adds.

After Israel invaded Gaza City recently we were shocked. Now, our fears are that the occupation will come and destroy the hospital again.

Giving birth during famine and a bombing raid

Buthaina al-Attar, 26, is a mother of four children, displaced from northern Gaza.

Buthaina lived through the unimaginable horror of being pregnant during a UN-declared famine and giving birth in a hospital as it was bombed. The danger was so acute that the day after her emergency C-section in May, the starved mother was stitched up and forced to flee the hospital on foot, with only limited pain relief.

The United Nations has reported that due to Israels repeated bombardment and full blockades on Gaza that spark widespread famine, a quarter of all pregnant women are acutely malnourished, with risk of miscarriages. Images of emaciated babies and children, their bones cutting through their skin, have been shared, shocking the world.

open image in gallery The UN has reported that due to Israels blockades on Gaza a quarter of all pregnant women are acutely malnourished ( AP )

Buthaina says she survived on a single plate of rice and scraps of pasta she shared with her children, but hunger devastated her health and stunted the growth of her baby. When he was born, he weighed just 2kg, less than half the average weight of a newborn in the UK.

It was a moment filled with fear, terror, and anxiety, she recalls, describing giving birth under fire. As her baby was delivered by emergency C-section at Al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, an Israeli tank shell struck the obstetrics and gynaecology department. Minutes later, a four-storey building next to the hospital was also targeted.

Glass and rubble from the blast fell onto the hospital, she says. At that point, the doctor told us we had to leave because the situation was too dangerous. The ambulances were overwhelmed.

Barely recovered from major surgery, she had to leave on foot: I walked like a toddler taking her first steps, suffering from severe pain.

Buthaina spent days on the move, trying to find a tent or any kind of shelter. Sick with a severe infection from surgery and malnourished, she couldnt breastfeed and had no access to baby formula.

Twenty days after her son was born, her mother  who had been helping with the children  returned to northern Gaza to try to find food. She never came back. The family still doesnt know what happened; whether she was taken or killed.

Now, Buthaina is desperate for a ceasefire: We need a ceasefire as soon as possible. So that we can return to normal life and raise our children away from war, hunger and thirst.

Reporting and living in a war zone

Fatima Abu Nadi, 35, is a journalist working for the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Mujtama.

For nearly two years, Fatima has not only reported on the war in Gaza, but lived it  suffering multiple losses, including the killing of her father.

According to Amnesty International, Israeli strikes have killed more than 240 journalists and media workers since Israel launched its heaviest-ever bombardment of Gaza in October 2023, following Hamas militants deadly attacks in southern Israel.

The global rights group added that no conflict in modern history has seen a higher number of journalists killed, making Gaza the deadliest place on earth for reporters.

open image in gallery Fatima, who was a journalist before the devastating war, has now been displaced multiple times ( Fatima Abu Nadi/The Independent )

Fatima began the war working for a French news agency, which abruptly dropped her and cut communication while she was reporting on rising malnutrition in Nasser Hospital in central Gaza in November 2023, amid growing chaos and an unfolding famine.

With no salary and no severance, she struggled to support 15 family members. Basic necessities, like baby nappies for her nephew, were costing $100 (74.50).

The job loss came just a month after her father was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip. At the time, Fatima and her family had been displaced to Rafah. Her father had insisted on staying behind to protect their property.

She said his body was so badly mutilated by the strike that medics shielded the family from seeing the photos.

He was a part of my soul, and I lost it, she says. He supported me in my masters, my education, and in the beginning of my journalism career.

Despite the difficulties, she remains a journalist: honouring his last request to her, made in their final phone call days before his death, to continue her work and to help others.

But after surviving so many displacements, one night recently she collapsed. She sobbed uncontrollably until her mother found her and tried to calm her down.

These moments are beyond capacity, energy, and patience, she says. Ive stopped crying, but my heart still aches.

Now we are on the second anniversary of the war. Our greatest hope is that it will end, she says.
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Greta Thunberg arrived in Greece to a cheering pro-Palestinian crowd on Monday after she and hundreds of other activists captured by Israel on the high seas were deported following an attempt to bring aid to Gaza.

Israel said it expelled 171 activists, including the climate activist, bringing the total deported so far to 341, out of 479 people it detained when it captured the flotilla attempting to break its naval blockade of Gaza.

Greece said 161 of the activists arrived on a flight to Athens on Monday, including Ms Thunberg. They included 27 Greeks, as well as citizens of nearly 20 other countries.

Let me be very clear. There is a genocide going on, Ms Thunberg told the crowd at Athens airport.

Our international systems are betraying Palestinians. They are not even able to prevent the worst war crimes from happening, she said.

open image in gallery ( REUTERS )

What we aimed to do with the Global Sumud Flotilla was to step up when our governments failed to do their legal obligation.

The activists attempted to reach Gaza in scores of vessels to bring aid supplies and draw attention to the plight of Gaza, where most of the 2.2 million residents have been driven from their homes and the United Nations says hunger is rampant.

Israel, which rejects accusations it is carrying out genocide in Gaza and says reports of hunger there are exaggerated, has dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt benefitting Hamas. It had previously detained Ms Thunberg at sea in a similar attempt to breach the blockade in June.

open image in gallery ( AP )

Earlier, Swiss and Spanish activists from the flotilla said they were subjected to inhumane conditions during their detention by Israeli forces.

Israels foreign ministry issued a statement, accompanied by photos of Ms Thunberg at the airport, saying all participants legal rights had been upheld and the only violence involved an activist who bit a female medic at Israels Ketziot prison.

Among nine members of the flotilla who arrived home in Switzerland, some alleged sleep deprivation, lack of water and food, as well as being beaten, kicked, and locked in a cage, the group representing them said in a statement.

An Israeli foreign ministry spokesperson rejected the allegations.

Spanish activists also alleged mistreatment on their arrival in Spain late on Sunday after being deported.

They beat us, dragged us along the ground, blindfolded us, tied our hands and feet, put us in cages and insulted us, lawyer Rafael Borrego told reporters at Madrids airport.

Israels foreign ministry has described widespread reports of detainees being mistreated after the flotilla was intercepted as complete lies.
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Hamas is in a muddle. Should it stay or should it go? Can its leadership accept disarmament and exile to save Gaza from further Israeli bombardment, release its remaining hostages, and leave the future enclave to a foreign occupation  in the name of peace?

The Islamic Resistance Movement, as Hamas is strictly known, knows what it is when its fighting. It is a mess when it is not at war.

And now it may be close to irrelevant. For a militant movement that has built its worldview on martyrdom and has been prepared to provoke staggering violence from Israel, Hamas knows that its irrelevance is now existential.

From its own perspective, the atrocities of October 7 2023 when it killed 1,139 people, including 36 children, 71 foreigners and 373 members of the Israeli security forces, have had the result of provoking a local clash of civilisations.

In the logic of the Islamic Resistance, Israels brutal reaction to the murders and capture of 250 hostages has been so unconscionable that Israel is now facing more international pressure and condemnation than it has since the Seventies and Eighties, when it was the subject of global opprobrium and some sanctions. That is success.

The cost to Palestinians, some 67,000 killed, according to local officials  more than half of them women and children  has perhaps now become too much even for Hamas to bear. Its negotiators in Qatar were reported to have accepted several ceasefire deals that Benjamin Netanyahus government rejected over recent months.

Hamas chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, was one of the targets of Israels bombing raids against his Qatari offices. Still, he has headed to Egypt this week for talks with US mediators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, and Israeli negotiators, who include spy chiefs from Mossad and Shin Bet (who were responsible for targeting him).

open image in gallery Hamas militants secure an area before handing over an Israeli hostage in February ( AFP/Getty )

Hamas has indicated that it wants a ceasefire in return for releasing the remaining Israeli hostages  about 20 still alive and 28 bodies. The US proposals, endorsed by Israel but merely welcomed by many others in the region as an effort to achieve peace, require that Hamas disband, disarm, and disappear.

Hamas could do that. Its own charter is a sufficient muddle to allow for compromise (aside from the hope for personal survival among its less fanatical members).

Article 20 of its 1988 Charter says: Without compromising its rejection of the Zionist entity [Israel] and without relinquishing any Palestinian rights, Hamas considers the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capital along the lines of the 4th of June 1967, with the return of the refugees and the displaced to their homes from which they were expelled, to be a formula of national consensus.

This means that Hamas, reluctantly, accepts that Israel exists as such and that a two-state solution is in the interests of Palestinians  because the movement understands most Palestinians would accept such a scenario.

Trumps proposals require both sides to reignite their efforts to pursue a lasting peace through talks intended to establish a viable Palestinian, as well as a safe Israeli, state.

Article 16 of the same charter is intended to snuff out allegations that Hamas is an antisemitic organisation: Hamas affirms that its conflict is with the Zionist project, not with the Jews because of their religion. Hamas does not wage a struggle against the Jews because they are Jewish, but wages a struggle against the Zionists who occupy Palestine.

So, Hamas doesnt actually have to fight on.

But confusingly, the first part of article 20 appears to demand the destruction of the state of Israel as such: Hamas believes that no part of the land of Palestine shall be compromised or conceded, irrespective of the causes, the circumstances and the pressures and no matter how long the occupation lasts. Hamas rejects any alternative to the full and complete liberation of Palestine, from the [Jordan] river to the [Mediterranean] sea.

So Hamas maybe does have to carry on its campaigns until it controls all of what is now both Palestinian and Israeli territory.

These tensions are likely to be graphic on the ground. Hamas leadership in Gaza has a very different view of the war from those who enjoy the comforts of exile already.

open image in gallery Khalil al-Hayya, chief negotiator for Hamas in Qatar ( AP )

They will also be aware that, as an organisation that is fundamentally all about liberating Palestinian lands from what it considers a Zionist entity, Hamas can either lead grassroots militancy or it can watch from the sidelines.

There are dozens of groups of men and women in Gaza and on the West Bank for whom peace with Israel can only come when they, at least, have forced a viable state of Palestine into existence.

Many take arms, training, and money from Hamas and its Iranian backers. But they are already outside of its command structures. They are a wave that Hamas can ride or drown in its turbulence.

Israels mass killings, its use of starvation as a tactic of war, and its own claims to the same land from the river to the sea, which is part of Netanyahus Likud Partys charter too, has driven many young people to consider violence the only viable option in a hopeless existence.

Those feelings will deepen and fire more violence unless they can see a near prospect of real emancipation because of a return to genuine peace talks and the close vision of a Palestinian state.

Hamas has always used violence to destroy that hope  and blow up diplomatic advances at the same time.

Hamas has a record of causing chaos and surfing its waves. It is unlikely to give that up  and Israel is just as unlikely to offer the hope to Palestinians to end the occupation that gave rise to the Islamic Resistance Movement in the first place.
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One week into the Gaza ceasefire and there is still not enough aid going into the north of the war-torn enclave, with infectious diseases spiralling out of control, humanitarian organisations have warned.

Around 560 metric tons of food have entered the Gaza Strip per day since the US-brokered ceasefire came into effect last Friday, but levels in the first week have been described as a trickle  not the flood needed. UN humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher has said thousands of aid vehicles would have to enter weekly to tackle widespread malnutrition, homelessness and a collapse of infrastructure.

Aid groups now face growing uncertainty over crossing closures and administrative challenges as queues of trucks amass at the southern border. They have also not been allowed to bring food and medicine in through the major Rafah crossing, which has largely remained closed since the conflict erupted in 2023.

Israel threatened to keep the crossing shut and reduce aid this week, accusing Hamas of returning the bodies of hostages too slowly. On the first day of the ceasefire, more than 500 aid trucks entered Gaza, Israel said. But in a major setback, Israels military aid agency COGAT this week said it would halve the number allowed in from 600 daily to 300.

open image in gallery Trucks carrying aid line up at the Rafah crossing amid uncertainty about deliveries into Gaza ( Reuters )

With Gazas civilian population still facing hunger, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned that they were working in a narrow window of opportunity to scale up deliveries as others said millions of pounds worth of aid was sitting in warehouses waiting to go in.

The issue is particularly impacting northern Gaza, where aid convoys are struggling to reach famine-hit areas. Around 950 trucks entered south and central Gaza on Thursday via the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings with Israel, the UNs humanitarian coordination agency said, citing figures from Israels military aid agency COGAT presented to mediators.

But the WFP said it had not begun distributions in Gaza City, pointing to the continued closure of two border crossings, Zikim and Erez, with Israel in the north of the enclave where the humanitarian debacle is most acute.

Oxfam said on Friday it has more than $2.5m worth of lifesaving aid sitting in warehouses outside Gaza and ready to distribute.

open image in gallery Gaza has been devastated by two years of war, but aid is still struggling to get in despite a fragile ceasefire ( AP )

Bushra Khalidi, Oxfams policy lead in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Gaza, said: Right now, a trickle of aid is entering Gaza, when what is needed is a flood. The ceasefire promised access to aid organisations, yet many international NGOs with decades of experience remain blocked from entering and doing their jobs.

Multiple aid groups say that bureaucracy is proving an obstacle in delivering the aid to where it is most needed.

In March, Israel announced a registration process for all humanitarian organisations working in the Palestinian territories. Any groups seen to be delegitimising Israel, or employing someone who has called for a boycott of Israel in the last seven years, could lose their authorisation to operate.

Milena Murr, spokesperson for aid group Mercy Corps, told The Independent it was exploring every possible avenue to scale up their response.

However, we continue to face bureaucratic challenges linked to the interim period of the re-registration process, which has not been implemented as initially envisioned, she said. While these administrative barriers persist, our teams continue to focus on service delivery and will be prepared to move lifesaving assistance into Gaza and distribute it the moment access is granted.

open image in gallery Food prices have shot up as the agreement struck last week shows signs of failing ( AP )

Israeli officials said Israel decided to slow aid and delay plans to reopen the border with Egypt because Hamas had been too slow to turn over the remains of dead hostages  an issue that has placed enormous strain on the ceasefire this week.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel will not compromise and demanded that Hamas fulfil the requirements laid out in the ceasefire deal about the return of hostages bodies.

Food prices in Gaza have meanwhile shot up amid fears the ceasefire will not hold, after coming down last week in anticipation of an armistice.

But food is not the only concern. With medical centres woefully under-supplied, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that infectious diseases in the enclave were spiralling out of control.

Hanan Balkhy, regional director for the UNs health body, told the AFP news agency that there was a mammoth amount of work to do to tackle surging health conditions including meningitis and respiratory illnesses.

open image in gallery Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced from their homes by the war ( AP )

Balkhy stressed the urgent need for fuel, food, medical equipment, medications, medics and doctors in Gaza, with the enclaves health system decimated by two years of bombardment. Only 13 of 36 hospitals are even partially functioning despite the cessation of hostilities.

With outbreaks of violence in Gaza in the last week there are fears that there may only be a limited time to deliver the support needed before the ceasefire fails.

Abeer Etefa, spokesperson for the WFP, said: The ceasefire has opened a narrow window of opportunity, and WFP is moving very quickly and swiftly to scale up food assistance.

The WFP was able to get some 560 tons of food per day on average into Gaza, she said on Friday, but some areas were still unreachable. The UN has a further 190,000 metric tons of aid waiting and ready to go in.

Etefa said access to the north, including Gaza City, was extremely challenging, and that convoys were struggling to navigate damaged or blocked roads from the south.

open image in gallery Palestinians are still awaiting news that aid groups can bring food and essentials through the Rafah crossing ( AP )

Then there is the ongoing issue of the Rafah crossing, which had been due to reopen but has yet to do so. COGAT said this was being coordinated between Israel and Egypt in accordance with the ceasefire deal. But a date has still not been set and even when it reopens it will only allow for the movement of people across the border, not aid.

It should be emphasised that humanitarian aid will not pass through the Rafah Crossing, a COGAT spokesperson said. This was never agreed upon at any stage. Humanitarian aid continues to enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom Crossing and additional crossings following Israeli security inspection, in full compliance with the signed agreement.

The IDF, through COGAT, will continue to uphold its commitment to the agreement in accordance with the directives of the political echelon.
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Two years into one of the bloodiest conflicts of our time, negotiators representing Israel and Hamas sat down for a second day of indirect peace talks in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Both sides are scrutinising a 20-point peace plan proposed by US president Donald Trump, as they take part in talks that senior officials briefed on the discussions told The Independent are the closest weve ever been to the end of the war.

The deal  originally 21 points long  was first presented to leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority countries in New York last month. It was changed at the 11th hour, which initially caused confusion and concern in some quarters that the process might collapse before it had started.

In the days before the plan was announced at a joint press conference held by Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister attended a lengthy meeting with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner in Washington DC, where he reportedly had the opportunity to weigh in and make changes.

Last-minute changes to Trumps plan

The Independent understands that the biggest alteration made was the removal of a point demanding that Israel agree not to bomb or attack Doha again. It was decided that the peace deal should focus on Gaza, and Trump insisted that Netanyahu participate in a trilateral call with Doha in which he would apologise to the Qatari leadership.

Changes were also made to ensure that the disarmament of Hamas was a key condition, and that the deal directly linked the staged withdrawal of Israeli forces to the demilitarisation of the strip, it is understood.

But despite these unexpected amendments, talks began in the resort city at 6pm Egyptian time on Monday evening, kicking off with four hours of meetings with a break for dinner. The talks continued on Tuesday morning.

open image in gallery Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu announced the plan at a joint press conference in Washington last month ( AP )

It was a tentative start, but described as positive by those who were briefed on the goings-on, with both sides negotiating in good faith.

Interestingly, the highest level delegates from each side, along with representatives of mediating countries including Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, were not present.

Some of those slated to attend, including Witkoff, Kushner and Ron Dermer, Israels head of negotiations and minister of strategic affairs, were apparently in Egypt but not yet in the negotiating rooms. That was because, at least on the Israeli side, there is caution, with one official voicing concern about whether Hamas was serious or not.

Instead, the technical teams got to grips with the nuts and bolts of the plan.

Timeline of delivery

Trump has been overtly positive about the talks, suggesting that tremendous progress has been made and that a deal is imminent. On the ground there has been optimism, but checked by the reality that delivering a deal this complicated will take more than just a few days.

Right now, the specifics in terms of where and when is being battled out, one official briefed on the talks told The Independent.

Both Hamas and Israel agree on the fundamentals of the 20-point plan. The current round of talks is focused on tackling the specific details, which has been a lengthy process in the past, the official warned.

Trumps plan is being treated like a guidebook of ideas rather than the finished product. And so, like the last ceasefire deal in January, the new deal will include least three phases  but with one critical difference.

Januarys agreement only laid out the solid details of phase one, with an understanding that the specifics of the next phases would be negotiated as soon as the first stage was in progress. But that ceasefire never got beyond the first phase, collapsing in March. At the time, Israel and Hamas blamed each other, and Middle East diplomats told The Independent that Israel simply never showed up to discuss how to move it forward.

open image in gallery Perhaps the bitterest sticking point is the pathway to a Palestinian state ( AP )

To avoid this happening again, negotiators want to hammer out all the timelines and action plans ahead of time.

The difference from previous rounds is that the objective is to have something comprehensive that includes pre-agreed phases prior to its implementation, rather than prolonged negotiations for phase two during phase one, like we had in the January deal, said one official with knowledge of the talks.

This deal is designed to give reassurances to both sides that it is comprehensive. And once we enter phase one and both sides commit to whats required from them, we move on to phase two.

Phase one: Hostage-prisoner release and partial Israeli withdrawal

The Independent understands that the talks opened with discussions on what is being referred to as the trigger for the deal: an immediate ceasefire, then Hamas militants releasing the remaining 48 hostages, dead and alive, which in turn, according to the latest draft, will result in the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinians serving life terms along with people detained since October 2023. During that period, the remains of more than 700 deceased Palestinians from Gaza, currently being held by Israel, could also be returned.

This will happen in tandem with another key part of phase one: an initial withdrawal of Israeli troops to what the US secretary of state Marco Rubio has referred to publicly as the yellow line.

Israeli media has described the yellow line, at some points, as being a good 6km inside Gaza, which would mean that Israels troops would still occupy cities such as Rafah along the border with Egypt, and in the north  areas such as Beit Lahia.

But officials briefed on the talks said that the map has yet to be finalised, as have the timeline and the practical aspects of that withdrawal  a topic that was on the negotiating table today.

Egyptian officials told the Al-Akhbar newspaper that one of the main concerns among Israeli officials is the question of who would administer Gaza during the initial days of their troops moving out of areas of the strip: Israel has refused to allow Hamas to have any on-the-ground responsibility, even temporarily.

Phase two: The handover of governance

Phase Two would see the full handover of governance, so the start of an interim body of Palestinian technocrats tasked with managing the day-to-day running of the territory, overseen by what Trump has called a board of peace, headed up by the US president himself and former British prime minister Tony Blair.

Palestinian officials have voiced concerns about the make-up of this transitional body, and who else would sit on the board of peace.

Phase two would also see the initial deployment of the international stabilisation force, as outlined in Trumps plan  a group that would comprise foreign and likely Arab personnel who would train up a vetted Palestinian police force.

The focus of discussions on phase two will be the composition of the technocratic government. Officials from the Middle East region made it clear that there is agreement across the board that the Palestinians should be governed by Palestinians themselves. They also believe that this should pave the way for a handover to a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA), the internationally recognised body that is anchored in the occupied West Bank.

Phase three: Palestinian statehood?

But perhaps the bitterest sticking point is the pathway to a Palestinian state, which Palestinians want to be part of the final phase. It is supported by key Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including mediators Egypt and Qatar. The UK and other European countries have recently recognised Palestine.

But statehood is only referred to vaguely in Trumps plan  not as an aim or a promise, but as something that may be explored if the PA reforms.

Netanyahu, during the press conference to announce the plan, made it abundantly clear that Israel does not support a Palestinian state. He also spoke of Israel retaining security responsibility over the territory. That was at odds with Hamass own statement, in which the militant group nominally accepted parts of the deal and declared it a pathway to Palestinian self-determination.

As the talks grind on, there is a long way to go, but there is certainly hope, the official said.

Given the discussions that are taking place and the detailed and lengthy proposal, they added, I think now theres a good sense within the building that this is the closest weve ever been, and both parties are now negotiating in good faith.
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Two years after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and abducted hundreds of Israelis on 7 October 2023, a deal to bring them home finally appears to be within touching distance.

On the second anniversary of the most devastating attack in Israels history, the families of the hostages taken by Hamas continue to live in anguish and anger. But after months of domestic protests, political chaos and a brutal military campaign in the Gaza Strip, optimism is growing that they will be returned to Israel.

A total of 1,195 Israelis were killed during the attacks on October 7, with 250 taken hostage into Gaza. Of these, 20 are believed to be alive in captivity, while another 28 bodies are still being held by Hamas.

The Israeli offensive launched in response to the attack has seen more than 66,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza. It has triggered an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, including mass displacement and famine. A UN commission earlier this month concluded that Israel had committed genocide in the strip.

But after so much suffering, a peace plan drawn up by president Donald Trump and Israel is being discussed indirectly by Hamas and Israel in Egypt. On Saturday, Netanyahu said he hoped to announce the release of the hostages in the coming days.

In the past week, The Independent has been speaking to the families of those killed and abducted on October 7. They are desperate to see the fighting end and their loved ones return home, but are scathing about the efforts of the Netanyahu government, who they say have let the hostages become collateral damage.

open image in gallery Mass demonstrations to call for a ceasefire and hostage deal have become a common feature of weekly life in Tel Aviv ( AP )

Gil Dickmann, cousin of killed hostage Carmel Gat

Gil Dickmann first learned that his cousin, Carmel Gat, had been killed in captivity when rumours began spreading during a weekly demonstration in Tel Avivs Hostages Square in late August 2024.

People started looking at me funny. They know that Im Carmels cousin, I thought something was weird in the air, he recalls.

Our lives were turned upside down. It took our entire family into a tornado that I feel like never stopped. It kept going for two years.

Mr Dickmann says their pain could have been brought to an end long ago. Netanyahus government, he says, had countless opportunities to save Carmels life and the lives of the hostages who were murdered.

Just one month before Carmels death, he met Netanyahu in person to plead for him to make a ceasefire and hostages deal.

open image in gallery Carmel Gats family discovered she was dead in August 2024 ( Supplied )

He didnt want to stop the war in time. He wanted to keep going. He knew that hostages might be hurt, might die, and he decided he was going to do it anyway. He was planning on prolonging the war for his own political purposes, he adds.

[The government] wanted to keep it going, and they decided that the lives of Israeli people, the lives of innocent civilians on the other side of the border, the lives of soldiers were not important enough to stop this war.

Mr Dickmann called on the families of hostages and the international community to ramp up diplomatic pressure on Hamas to agree to Trumps 20-point peace plan.

The way I see it, both Hamas and Netanyahu are the bad guys here. The people suffering from this are innocent civilians on both sides of the border, he adds.

Hamas wants to stay in power and rule the entire Palestinian nation, and Netanyahu wants to rule Israel.

open image in gallery Gil Dickmann speaks about his cousin at a rally in southern Israel on 5 October ( Bel Trew )

Yonatan Zeigen, son of Vivan Silver, killed on October 7

Yonatan Zeigen opposed an Israeli military invasion of Gaza from the outset.

His mother, Canadian-Israeli peace activist Vivian Silver, was at one point a board member of Israeli human rights organisation BTselem, before she was killed by Hamas militants in the Beeri massacre.

I believed already then that we have no business entering Gaza militarily, because October 7 should have been a wake-up call to do things differently and not to do more of the same, Mr Zeigen tells The Independent over the phone.

open image in gallery A demonstrator holds a poster bearing the image of Israeli-Canadian Vivian Silver ( AFP/Getty )

Vivian, Mr Zeigen says, would very likely have been a very vocal anti-war activist were she still alive today.

An invasion of Gaza, Mr Zeigen says, was never the answer, both to secure the return of the hostages and create a viable future in the region.

The Israeli government doesnt see that this way, he said. They are willing to send soldiers to kill and die to crush the national aspirations of the Palestinians.

I dont think its the right path for any kind of people to pursue exclusivity and ethnic cleansing.

open image in gallery Yonatan Zeigen, left, sits with his mother Vivian Silver ( Yonatan Zeigen )

Mr Zeigen said the deal presented by Trump and Netanyahu was not serious.

I think its rooted in the same kind of dynamics that weve seen throughout the history of the conflict: Israeli dominance and Palestinian devaluation, he says. I don't think that it will grant us the future we need, but it can stop the atrocities that have been committed now.

If Israel gets the hostages back and the Palestinians get a pause in the catastrophe, then we might create something new.

Ruby Chen, father of Itay Chen

Itay Chen, 19, was serving as an IDF soldier at the Nahal Oz military base near northern Gaza when he was captured and killed by Hamas. His body remains in Gaza.

Ruby, his father, says that the families have become collateral damage in the two years since the attack.

It wasnt obvious that the release of the hostages was the number one objective of the State of Israel and its government, Mr Chen said. After two years, were still standing with the most important and urgent objective not accomplished.

Mr Chen is desperate to see a peace deal go through to allow his sons body to be released and to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza.

Theres no joy and theres no competition in who has more pain, at least from my family. After two years, all of us have had enough. We, the families of the hostages, are collateral damage.

Were simple people, and sometimes politics gets in the way.

open image in gallery Itay Chen, whose body is being held by Hamas, and his father Ruby and mother, Hagit ( Supplied )

The Israeli military said in March this year that Itay was most likely dead, but his family have not received information from Hamas about his physical whereabouts.

Its very difficult to comprehend, or be able to come to terms with what we were told based on intelligence without any physical evidence, Mr Chen said.

For Mr Chen, the repeated reference to the 20 hostages remaining in Gaza is difficult to hear. The bodies of those still being held in Gaza should be included in the total number, he said.

Even though we were notified [of his death], in my book, it doesnt change his status as a hostage. Its very, very disappointing when the prime minister, even the president, says 20 hostages, he said.

I was in the UN listening to Netanyahu speak and he started naming the hostages. He stopped after 20. I actually wanted to yell out, What about Itay?
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The families of Israeli hostages demanded an explanation from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he got the number of captives still held in Gaza wrong.

Netanyahu spoke to American conservative commentator Ben Shapiro in an interview published on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamas cross-border incursion into Israel.

At the beginning of the interview, he listed Israels victories over Iran and its proxies, adding that we still have things to do to complete the victory.

What started in Gaza will end in Gaza with the release of 40 of our hostages, 46 actually, 20 are alive, and the end of Hamas rule  in Gaza, he said.

open image in gallery Netanyahu has faced criticism from the families of the hostages ( AP )

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum corrected Netanyahu that there were 48 hostages still in Gaza, not 40, and not 46.

They were all kidnapped on your watch, the group said in a post on X. So, we will update you There are 48 hostages, men and women, in Gaza.

The post continued: It is time to reach an agreement that will end the longest war in our history and bring all 48 hostages, men and women, back for rehabilitation and burial. 48. Not 40, not 46. All of them, now.

open image in gallery People gather at the former site of the Nova music festival in Israel on Tuesday. On October 7, 2023, festival-goers were massacred during the Hamas-led incursion, which saw 251 people taken back into Gaza ( Getty )

The group said they had demanded an explanation and clarification from Netanyahu over the incorrect number of hostages.

Two years ago today, 251 hostages, men and women, were kidnapped in their pajamas from their beds, their bases, and a music festival, taken into hellish captivity in Gaza. Four additional hostages had already been in Gaza for many years. They were all kidnapped on your watch, they posted on Tuesday.

In August, when there were 50 hostages still in Gaza, Netanyahu also faced criticism after committing to the release of all 20 of our hostages.

Some 251 people were taken captive during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 cross-border attack into southern Israel. Around 1,200 people were killed.

Netanyahus government faces growing criticism at home and abroad over the failure to end the war and return the hostages, and over Israels conduct in military operations.

A survey published by the Israel Democracy Institute ahead of the second anniversary of the attacks, on 30 September, found that 66 per cent of Israelis now say it is time for the war to end, up 13 percentage points since this time last year.

Ninety-three per cent of Arabs surveyed said that they believed it was time for the war to end, compared to 60 per cent of Jews.

While there was already a consensus among Arabs in last years survey that the war should be ended, among Jews there has been a reversal in opinionlast year less than half thought the war should be ended, while today there is a solid majority who think the time has come, the corresponding report notes.

open image in gallery A banner in Jerusalem on Tuesday shows photographs of hostages who were kidnapped and held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Seventy-three per cent of the 800 respondents thought that Israels standing in the international arena was worse than it was before October 7.

The majority of participants said the main goal of the war today should be bringing the hostages home.

Sixty-four per cent of Israelis said they thought Netanyahu should take responsibility for October 7 and resign, either now (45 per cent) or after the war (19 per cent), the survey recorded.
Eli Sharabi sees a therapist every week. The other day, he asked her what was wrong with him. I asked if I was f*cked up or something, he admits quietly. He knows that no one would blame him if he were in bed crying all day, but, in truth, he doesnt want to.

For the past two years, Eli, 53, has been one of the faces of the Hamas horror. Terrorists stormed into his home in the Kibbutz Beeri when he was taken hostage and held underground for most of his 491 days in captivity; starved, beaten up, and kept in shackles. The one thing that had kept him going was the idea of being reunited with his British wife, Lianne, and their teenage daughters, Noiya and Yahel.

It was only when he was finally released as part of the hostage deal in February that he discovered they had all been murdered on the day he was taken into Gaza. He only found this out after Hamas had encouraged him, both during the rehearsal for his release and on the day of his release, to express how much he was looking forward to seeing them.

Eli had hoped that perhaps their British passports (the girls were also British citizens) might have saved them. I was sure the terrorists wouldnt dare mess around with His Majestys subjects, he says sardonically. But no one had been spared: Jew, Muslim, Israeli, Thai, Bedouin, British, American, young and old  it didnt matter  they were all killed that day.

open image in gallery Mourners attend the funeral for members of the Sharabi family, who were killed in the attack on Kibbutz Be'eri on 25 October 2023, in Kfar HaRif, Israel ( Getty )

Among the dead was also his beloved oldest brother, Yossi, who was also taken hostage into Gaza from the Kibbutz just over a mile from the Gaza border. Eli was told by Hamas that Yossi had been killed while in Gaza. His body remains there.

Why, after so much horror, he wanted to know from his therapist, was he still able to feel happiness? To actually be happy. He was told he had multi-trauma, but his therapist wasnt able to diagnose PTSD, which she said was amazing. Nor was Eli suffering from nightmares or flashbacks.

We had to learn to manage the terrorists. They could be very cruel. They humiliated us on a daily basis. But you cannot hate them, because you cannot survive by that Eli Sharabi

Some of the other hostages cant eat pita bread or hummus because thats all they ate for more than a year. I understand, but I dont feel like that. While they damaged my body and starved me, they couldnt get through to my soul.

Elis incredible mental stamina is why he was able to write about his experiences with such clarity in his new book Hostage, which has made him a national hero in Israel. It is a story of a man who had everything taken from him, but refuses to be defeated. Elis book is a guide to life. A guide to positivity.

open image in gallery Eli stands on a stage escorted by Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on 8 February 2025 ( AP )

In Hostage, Eli describes how, from the moment he realised he was being taken hostage into Gaza, a different Eli emerged  Survivor Eli.

Hostage is the first book released by one of the Israeli captives, and it gives a fascinating insight into the strange dynamics of captive and captor in Gaza. When he was first dragged into the Palestinian territory, he was saved from being lynched by Hamas, who wanted to keep him as a bargaining tool.

I was first dropped outside of a mosque, he says. Civilians pulled me from my captors, and even kids were hitting me with shoes and dragged me to the ground. Fortunately, the Hamas terrorists succeeded in taking me away from them. Hamas said they were worried that civilians would spot me in the first house where I was kept and come in and kill me. I believed them.

In the first stage of the war, he was held above ground by a Hamas family and even played cards at night with them. At one point, this former economics lecturer even explained basic economics to them as they marvelled at the wealth of Israel in comparison to Gaza.

open image in gallery Eli with his wife Lianne, and daughters Noya (16) and Yahel (13) ( Family handout )

They dont understand much about Israelis, theyve been brainwashed, he says. After theyd known me for a few months, theyd say, if only all Israelis were like you, the situation would be different. I told them, Most Israelis are like me and just want to live in peace.

In return, he learned about Hamas and their ideology: They told me they will not stop until they succeed in defeating Israel. They dont care if it will take 100 years or 200 years. They want the whole world to be Islam. Crazy.

Eli has an impish humour and a smile almost as wide as his face. After the first ceasefire deal, Eli was taken underground into the tunnels, where he was eventually kept with fellow Israelis Alon Ohel, Or Levy and Eliya Cohen, all taken from the Nova festival. He initiated a nightly ritual where they would discuss something positive that had happened. I didnt get beaten up I got an extra half a piece of pitta the worst terrorist wasnt on duty. He encouraged his fellow hostages to share, teaching them there was power in teamwork.

open image in gallery Israeli hostages (left to right) Or Levy, Eli Sharabi and Ohad Ben Ami, who were held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas militants ( AFP/Getty )

The book is unflinching about the fact that this wasnt always easy, but by working together, they realised that each captor had a favourite hostage. And, if they asked at the right time, they might get a precious extra piece of pitta bread to share.

The book brings out the humanity of those who kept him in shackles, despite their cruel nature. Some were kinder  if not kind - towards the hostages. The hostages realised too that if they got them on their own, they were more likely to give an extra piece of food. But when together, they would try to outdo each other in trying to hurt them. Once, one attacked Eli so severely that his ribs were broken. When he was eventually released, he was the weight of his youngest daughter, around 97 pounds.

We had to learn to manage the terrorists, Eli says. They could be very cruel. They humiliated us on a daily basis. But you cannot hate them, because you cannot survive by that. So you have to learn to speak to them normally and respectfully just to survive, to be able to eat, go to the toilet. They werent all evil, but we were their hostage; if Id had the opportunity to escape by killing them, I would have shot them. If they were told to, they would have shot me. It is not black and white.

Within days of the book being released, he was flown to Washington to meet  and thank  President Trump, who took responsibility for the hostage deal that got him home. He attended a meeting at the UN where he pleaded with organisations to do more for the 48 hostages still being held; he has been advocating for them ever since meeting with Sir Keir Starmer and dozens of other worldwide leaders.

open image in gallery Eli in Herzliya, Israel, last month ( AP )

When we meet at a hotel just outside Tel Aviv, a seaside resort where Eli is now living and sharing an apartment with friends, he is mobbed by fans. He says that he has just returned from Australia and met with Charles Marles, Australias deputy prime minister, and berated him for rising antisemitism in the country.

He also recently spoke at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, where last week two men were killed and three others injured in a terrorist attack. He messages me after the attack to say: This is the same terrorism that kidnapped me and murdered my family, it is shocking to think that something like this can happen in the United Kingdom.

Eli loves the British: one of the first things he asked for on being released was crumpets, as he used to enjoy them on annual family trips back to Bristol, where Lianne grew up. The family was drinking tea  a morning tradition initiated by Lianne  when Hamas broke into their house.

While inside Gaza, Eli dreamed of leaving Israel and moving to the UK with his family. There are hopes to rebuild Beeri  some have even returned. But he wont be among them. He wants to start life afresh, away from the horrific memories of what went before.

I dont need to be somewhere to remember my family. Theyre with me almost every minute of my day until the last day of my life. But it will be alongside my life, not instead of it, he reflects.

Ive been given a second chance. I realise now what it is to be a free man; to not have to ask permission to use the toilet, or to talk, or to open a fridge and choose what you want to eat and what to drink. To shower, to have toothpaste. I appreciate everything. And that is why I am happy. Yes, really happy. Because I am lucky to be alive. Lucky to be free.

It is why he has been so desperately advocating for the release of the hostages  with Alon, who is alive, and his brother Yossi, who is dead, among the 48 still being held. It feels we are close. I hope that this new peace agreement will see them back very, very soon so the living can be reunited with their families and those no longer alive, like my brother Yossi, can be returned for burial in Israel.

Eli Sharabis Hostage (Swift Press) is released on 9 October
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Hamas and Israel will begin discussions on a long-term peace deal this week, after agreeing in principle to Donald Trumps 20-point plan for war-torn Gaza.

Egypt is hosting negotiations between both sides beginning on Monday, after the US president presented the peace plan alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas responded with a carefully-worded statement which agreed to the outline of the deal but suggested it wanted to negotiate on certain topics.

Major sticking points remain in their vision of peace - and Trump has warned Hamas that it will face complete obliteration if they do not accept.

The Independent takes a look at the issues which could bring the deal to collapse.

open image in gallery Ilana Gritsevsky (R), former Israeli hostage and girlfriend of current hostage Matan Zangauker, speak during a protest at "Hostages' Square" in Tel Aviv ( AFP via Getty Images )

Hostage releases

The release of the remaining Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 terror attack two years ago will be a central component of any finalised deal.

Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned, reads Trumps 20-point plan. There are believed to be 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, with 20 still alive.

At face value, it appears to be the element of the deal where Hamas seems to be most ready to comply with Trumps initiative.

But the hostages are the only remaining bargaining chip for Hamas, so it may seek to impose strict conditions on their full release - and in its response hinted that it was seeking certain conditions.

The movement announces its agreement to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trumps proposal, provided the field conditions for the exchange are met, Hamas said in its response.

The statement leaveof questions open, such as what the field conditions are.

open image in gallery Hamas has previously said it will not lay down its arms ( AFP/Getty )

Disarmament

Hamas disarmament is likely to be one of the most stubborn sticking points.

The move has been demanded by Israel and its western allies as a non-negotiable step after Israels military campaign ends, and for any future two-state solution.

Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty, reads Trumps plan. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.

The plan goes on to state that all military infrastructure will be destroyed, including Hamas underground tunnels and weapon production facilities, as part of a process of demilitarisation.

But Hamas has previously refused to lay down its arms, and in its written response it made no specific mention of disarmament.

Instead, it said issues regarding the future of the Gaza strip will be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework.

Governance of Gaza

Hamas had previously agreed to proposals by the West that it hand over governance of Gaza to a group of technocrats.

Trumps plan calls for a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee which would be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts.

This would be overseen by the Board of Peace, chaired by Trump himself, and with potential involvement by former UK prime minister Sir Tony Blair. Governance would eventually be handed over the Palestinian Authority, which currently governs less than half of the occupied West Bank.

open image in gallery Trumps plan promises a rebuild of Gaza ( REUTERS )

The movement also renews its agreement to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats), based on Palestinian national consensus and Arab and Islamic support, Hamas said.

But Netanyahu could face hefty opposition from the far-right members of his coalition government, who are pushing for Israel to permanently occupy Gaza and begin rebuilding Jewish settlements.

And as it turned to Gazas future, Hamas said in its response that it will be part of it and will contribute to it with full responsibility - something which may well be a red line for Trump and Israel.
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Spirit Airlines is in trouble, and it could be in part because major airlines co-opted the airlines business model and beat it at its own game.

Major U.S. carriers like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have co-opted strategies that made budget airlines like Spirit profitable before the COVID-19 pandemic, which rocked the airline industry, The New York Times reports. Now, Spirit  which has filed for bankruptcy twice in a year and is set to furlough about one-third of its flight attendants  and similar budget airlines are struggling to compete with mainstream airlines, according to the outlet.

Spirit, which became a low-cost carrier in 2007, was a pioneer in the budget airline industry. Spirit and similar no-frills carriers offered fliers low fares while charging for extras that were, at one point, usually included in the overall ticket cost, the Times reports. But it wasnt long until Delta, United and American Airlines all began adopting some similar tactics, according to the outlet.

Now, nearly every major airline in the U.S. charges for checked bags, seat selection and other services. Some airlines even sell basic economy tickets, which are cheaper but more restrictive. These tickets have appealed more to customers because major airlines fly to more cities more frequently than budget carriers like Spirit, the Times reports.

The mainline carriers have effectively figured out how to compete  with higher costs and better service, Dan Akins, an economist with the aviation consulting firm Flightpath Economics, told the paper.

A new analysis reveals that Spirit Airlines may be struggling to stay afloat because major airlines have co-opted its business strategies ( Getty Images )

The Independent has contacted Spirit Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines for comment. United Airlines declined to comment.

Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy for the second time in a year in August. The airline also announced last month that it will be furloughing about 1,800 of its 5,200 flight attendants by December.

We recognize the impact of this decision on affected team members, and we are committed to treating them with care and respect during this process, a Spirit spokesperson said in a statement.

Spirit COO John Bendoraitis said in a memo to flight attendants that the company initially avoided involuntary furloughs by having employees taking voluntary leave, according to theTimes. More than 800 flight attendants are currently on leave, he noted.

The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents Spirit flight attendants, told its members the airline will look for employees who will voluntarily take a six-month or one-year furlough starting November 1, and then move on to involuntary leaves based on seniority.

The problem is that the significant reduction of aircraft and flight hours requires a much higher reduction in force and the company is clear that a furlough is necessary, the union said.
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Sweden has become the first country to be offered on prescription by doctors as part of a marketing campaign by the tourist board.

The new initiative by Visit Sweden has teamed up with medical professionals to show how holidaymakers can benefit from the country's restorative experiences.

A tongue-in-cheek advert asks: Did you know that Sweden is the first country in the world that doctors can prescribe? Because Sweden is filled with activities that make you feel good.

It adds that Swedens calming museums are the perfect antidote for overcrowded tourist traps.

Visit Sweden says: Swedens unique way of life, rooted in balance and with easy access to both nature and culture, makes it an ideal place to reset your mind and body.

The Nordic country has been consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world by the World Population Review.

Prospective patients can download a medical referral from Visit Sweden to bring to a handful of doctors selected to issue prescriptions to spend time in Sweden.

Among the doctors supporting The Swedish Prescription is Dr Sam Everington, vice president of the British Medical Association in the UK.

Dr Everington said: Spending time in nature and engaging with culture are evidence-based ways to support both mental and physical health. Sweden offers an ideal setting for this kind of care.

The prescription says it is to be used as a supportive tool to promote physical and mental wellbeing, particularly in cases of stress, fatigue and mild anxiety.

According to psychiatry professor Yvonne Forsell, people can benefit from Swedish activities that encompass nature, lifestyle, and culture.

Listed activities include wild swimming, sleeping under the stars, sauna bathing and listening to one of Swedens metal bands.

Visit Sweden adds that it does not cover any costs incurred with a prescription to make the journey to Sweden.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
Marineland, the tourist attraction located near Niagara Falls, has reportedly asked the Canadian government for emergency funding to care for its remaining whales, warning that euthanasia may be the only option without support.

The plea comes after Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson blocked the parks plan to transfer 30 belugas to a Chinese aquarium, citing Canadas 2019 ban on captive whale breeding and performances.

Once an amusement park, zoo, and aquarium spanning nearly 1,000 acres, Marineland closed to visitors in 2024 and now claims it is bankrupt. .Since 2019, 20 whales  one killer whale and 19 belugas  have died at the facility.

The attraction says China's Chimelong was the only option for the belugas as no sanctuary that could help exists and there is no other marine park with enough room
Robert Jenrick slammed plans for pro-Palestine protests on October 7 as a "f***ing disgrace."

Tuesday marks the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel. It comes days after two people were killed at a synagogue in Manchester.

Speaking at a Spectator event at the Conservative party conference in Manchester on Monday, 6 October, the shadow justice secretary called for people to show some common decency and think of your fellow citizens, British Jews, people who might be fearful and lonely and afraid right now, and call off those protests.

Sir Keir Starmer has urged students not to attend pro-Palestine protests on Tuesday.
Tanya Sweeney: When I moved to London in 1997 it swallowed me whole and spat me out  for todays Irish twentysomethings its so much easier
The Irish banker Conor Hillery has been promoted by JP Morgan to lead its business across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region, a division with 32,000 employees.

London-based Mr Hillery has been promoted from deputy CEO of the region, a post he took up last year, and will now co-lead the division with Matthieu Wiltz. He will retain his role as head of investment banking in EMEA.
Despite the extraordinary global turmoil caused by this years tariff measures and counter-measures, along with concerns around staffing and the cost of doing business, Irish exporters remain highly confident.
'Puffin Rock' is an animated television series set on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland

Actor Chris O'Dowd and his family have moved from Hollywood to the UK. Photo: Alan Chapman/Getty

He may have made a name for himself in Hollywood, but Chris ODowd has not forgotten his roots.

Just over a year ago, he waved goodbye to Hollywood, and relocated to London alongside his wife Dawn OPorter and their two sons, so he could be closer to home.

Since doing so, the Roscommon native (45) has readjusted to life in the UK, and thrown himself into various projects such as TV series Small Town, Big Story and most recently Puffin Rock.

Puffin Rock is an animated childrens television series set on a fictional island, situated off the coast of Ireland.

Returning as a narrator for its third series, the actor said: Its been nearly 11 years [since Puffin Rock began].

The timing is impeccable  my kids were around three and four when the first series came out, and so theyve kind of grown up with it.

When youre a parent, its difficult finding stuff to watch.

'Puffin Rock' is an animated television series set on a fictional island off the coast of Ireland

You hate putting your kids in front of a screen all the time, and so much of it is shouting and loud, and what are the messages here, and this is such a gentle, calm show and helping new parents is lovely. They are very appreciative.

ODowd also reveals that when Oscar-nominated Irish writer Paul Young came knocking on his door, he couldnt refuse.

Paul and I grew up on the same street in the west of Ireland, and I was very friendly with his sister, he said.

It always sounds weird when I say it like that, but she was a good pal.

He got in touch and asked if Id be interested in doing a voice in a cartoon, and I looked at some of the materials and I think its gotten better and better.

He had the same kind of wish to bring some of the work to the west of Ireland, and more rural areas that arent necessarily documented on screen as much, and this very much fed into all of those thoughts, and that was the initial start.

ODowd first shot to fame on Channel 4 comedy, The IT Crowd, which ran for four seasons.

He claims that growing up with lots of siblings helped shape his career.

Im the youngest of five and I think there is something about where you come in the family. It was also considered that I should be playful in the corner, and I have been for 45years since, he said.

He was completely non-verbal until he was around four, and now he calls Puffin Rock by name

My sister is a school teacher and she talks about repetition all the time. Its not about telling people something, its about remembering five minutes later to remind them so that it goes in.

The Bridesmaids star also opened up on some of the fan mail he receives.

Someone sent me a DM [direct message] on Instagram recently, and it absolutely floored me, he said.

She told me that her son had just turned five, and they found Puffin Rock a while ago.

It became part of his bedtime routine, and he was completely non-verbal until he was around four, and now he calls Puffin Rock by name.
Agricultural Minister Martin Heydon said he was "fighting as hard as I can" to maximise the agricultural budget. Photo: Damien Eagers

The total budget allocated to farming for 2026 is 2.3 billion, a 9pc increase on last year's figure, but the details announced by Minister Heydons were called "underwhelming" and a "non-event" by farm organisations.

Most of the criticism was levied at a lack of new measures to address generational renewal.

ICMSA President Denis Drennan said the unanimous position of the farm sector is that the Government must begin addressing the looming crisis around succession and generational renewal on family farms, the foundation of Irelands 16 billion agri-food sector.

Macra President Josephine ONeill said the Budget failed to deliver meaningful measures to support generational renewal.

Within a budget of 2.3 billion, it is frankly unacceptable that not a single new measure has been allocated to support generational renewal. The resources are there, but the political will is not, she said.

Much of the increased funding in agriculture will focus on reducing bovine TB incidents, the tillage and livestock sectors, and maintaining Irelands nitrates derogation. On generational renewal Agricultural Relief will continue as is, while the 100pc Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief and the Farm Restructuring (CGT) and Farm Consolidation reliefs will all be extended to the end of 2029.

TB funding will increase to 157m, supporting disease reduction measures, biosecurity improvements, and targeted advisory services. On the face of it, the extra funding is good news, but industry predictions are that TB rates will rise over the next two years before any positive downward trend occurs on farms.

Farm organisations said the additional funding reflects both the increasing value of livestock lost to disease and repeated Government failures to tackle a growing TB problem.

Another area that has caused headaches for farmers in recent years has been the Government's flagship environmental scheme, ACRES. Huge delays to payments were finally resolved under Minister Heydon, but the delays left many of the scheme's 53,000 participants with a sour taste in their mouths, and it remains unclear how much of a sweetener to farmers the extra 20m in this scheme will be.

Tillage farmers had been calling for a 65m package after a number of difficult years in the sector. The Minister announced that the tillage sector will receive at least 50m via the Protein Aid Scheme, Straw Incorporation Measure, and Tillage Support Scheme. How that money will be distributed remains to be seen, with criticisms of previous tillage funding ending up in non-tillage farmers pockets.

IFA President Francie Gorman said: The tillage sector is going through a major crisis. The announcement today will go some way towards providing support to growers, but it will not be near enough to alleviate the serious crisis in the sector.

In line with the wider Budget measures, there were no increased payments in the beef and sheep schemes. The decision to defer the RZLT issue also drew criticism, with the IFA saying it continues the uncertainty for affected farmers.

The IFA President added that the farming measures in Budget 26 were decidedly underwhelming given the rising cost of doing business in Ireland.
TB programme set for significant Budget increase while funding for tillage farmers also on the cards

The new 30-point bTB action plan  announced by Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon in recent weeks  is expected to be fully funded

Agricultural Minister Martin Heydon said he was "fighting as hard as I can" to maximise the agricultural budget. Photo: Damien Eagers

Margaret Donnelly Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

A significant increase in the funding for TB is expected to be announced in todays Budget.
Factories told Minister Martin Heydon they expect dairy beefs role to continue to grow  internal documents show

Meat Industry Ireland warned Mr Heydon the future of the processing sector will increasingly depend on calves coming from the dairy herd

The reality is that dairy beef has become 'a more critical component of the Irish beef offering, and this trend is likely to continue'. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Ciaran Moran Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

Dairy beef is set to become an ever more important part of Irelands beef offering, according to Meat Industry Ireland (MII), which has warned Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon that the future of the processing sector will increasingly depend on calves coming from the dairy herd.
Gardai arrest two people after cross-border probe into 75 incidents of fraud

A forklift, a quadbike, and a dumper truck were also recovered as part of the investigations

The forklift recovered in the investigations.

Martin Healy Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 17:51

Gardai have arrested two people following a cross-border investigation in conjunction with the PSNI into agri-business fraud.
A family trip to France soon unravelled into a disaster that left our correspondent and her husband considerably out of pocket

Melanie Finn back home with her car after it was hit by mechanical problems at the start of a family holiday to France. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Do you know the word calamity is originally of French origin? How else do you explain your clutch suddenly failing while hurtling down a motorway in Normandy with your three children in the back? Less than an hour into our 400km journey to the Vendee region, a vital part of our (French) car had decided to give up the ghost.
Mary Regan: 'Something was going down between Kilkenny and Kill'... when people started to wonder was trouble afoot for Jim Gavin

TDs are openly discussing when and how Mr Martin will be replaced after Jim Gavin presidential bid fiasco

The timeline of Jim Gavin's withdrawal and what it means for the Aras race | Indo Politics

Mary Regan Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

Even before the bombshell announcement on Sunday night that Jim Gavin would be withdrawing from the presidential race, all was not well in the Fianna Fail campaign.
Generally on this day, the news would be full of Nostradamus-like predictions before the budget. So it was quite a feat on the part of Taoiseach Micheal Martin for it to be obscured by the storm over the man he chose to wear the Fianna Fail colours in the race for the Aras.

Its always better if a candidate can run a campaign, rather than for a campaign to outrun a candidate. Which is what has just happened, to the consternation of the Soldiers of Destiny. Jim Gavins name is still in the race, but the man himself has had to pull out of the field in a blaze of controversy over a rent issue.

Some learn from the mistakes of others, and then there are those who will insist on being self-taught.

And Mr Martins critics will accuse him of falling into the latter group, for ignoring the tried and the tested and insisting on putting Mr Gavins name forward for the presidency.

It is a historic embarrassment for the party. Its voters have a right to feel badly let down.

The unpalatable truth for Mr Martin is that he can not easily walk away from this hot mess unsullied. It was he who played the central role in championing Mr Gavins selection. The onus fell to him to conduct a thorough vetting process.

No one will know better than the Fianna Fail leader that when there is hell to pay, it is best to stump up. After all, it was Mr Martin who brought the party back from the brink 15 years ago.

Taking the hit is better than getting bogged down in a prolonged period of political purgatory.

Billy Kelleher described Mr Gavins candidacy as a serious miscalculation

If leaders are to hold others responsible for their actions, they have to hold themselves to account for their own. Mr Martin has accepted responsibility, but many are still hurting.

Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher, whose Aras bid was rejected, had good reason to be aggrieved given the level of support he had received within the parliamentary party. He described Mr Gavins candidacy as a serious miscalculation.

But Independent senator Sharon Keogan was more scathing. The entire process for selecting the next president has descended into farce, she said.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins

The timeline of Jim Gavin's withdrawal and what it means for the Aras race | Indo Politics

She railed against what she described as the hubris and the arrogance of the Fianna Fail leadership, allied to the political cowardice of the Fine Gael party members. A more democratic process might have spared all from an utterly humiliating and abject defeat. The real loser, she said, was Irish democracy.

Fianna Fail ministers Jack Chambers, Darragh OBrien and Norma Foley said the saga was a great disappointment, but all were backing Mr Martin despite anger and frustration within the ranks.

Mr Martins authority has been damaged. People expect better.

So now, there are two: Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly.

And whatever else about this debacle, it does afford us a historic and unprecedented opportunity to say: may the best woman win.
The rise of sober dating: how going alcohol-free is changing modern romance

More and more singletons looking for love are choosing to eschew alcohol-fuelled dates in favour of authenticity  even if that means leaning in to the initial awkwardness

Edaein OConnell has given sober dating a try in the past and would like to do so again. Photo: Domnick Walsh

Edaein OConnell Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

It seems in the realm of socialising, Ireland is drinking less, or at least thinking about it more. New Google Search Trends revealed a sharp rise in interest around alcohol-free choices and sober socialising, with December 2024 marking an all-time high for searches on alcohol-free drinks.
When we started our Irish creatives meet-up in London, we had six people  now weve 200. It warms my heart that people feel less alone

When Joe ONeill (35) from Naas moved to the UK four years ago, he experienced an acute sense of loneliness, so he decided to do something about it

Joe O'Neill started a group so Irish people living in the UK could meet up and make friends. Photo: Ian Gubbins

Joe O'Neill Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

I had been working for over seven years in the catering department at Naas General Hospital, while also working in the arts with my own little theatre company, which involved bringing together Irish writers, directors and actors  but after Covid, I decided I wanted a change.
The Government has reiterated its intention to spend billions on what Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers described as an infrastructure revolution with little detail on specific new water, energy or transport projects.
John Downing: With Budget Day upon us, heres what Ireland can learn from the economic struggles of Europes largest economies

Germany, France and the UK are all facing difficult decisions

Budget 2026  heres everything we know so far

John Downing Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

Today, Budget 2026 will land in an Ireland blessed by a precarious and transient economic sweet spot.
A sensible budget that will safeguard our future was the quick-capsule summary offered up by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe as he unveiled Budget 2026 today.

In total, 8.1bn has been allocated for public spending, while the tax package now stands at 1.3bn.

By the end of next year, 63,500 jobs are expected to be created in Ireland with the economy expected to grow by 3.3pc this year, and by 2.3pc in 2026.

Mr Donhoe also outlined that the National Development Plan to commit 275bn in infrastructure over the next 10 years would boost growth and job creation in the short and medium term, as well as increase the potential for our country.

This budget will secure jobs and stability at a time of global challenge, he added.

As expected, this years offering stands in notable contrast to last years giveaway budget, with the removal of one-off payments such as energy credits and double Child Benefit, and no fresh income tax package.

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers told Dail Eireann that Ireland stands at a crossroads and how it chooses to invest in its future will determine the direction of the country.

"Our vision is to create a thriving country where investment can flourish, he said, adding that Ireland is a successful country, but we must safeguard what we have strived to build.

So, what does it all mean for the public?

On this episode of Money Talks, host Katie Byrne is joined by personal finance editor with the Irish Independent Charlie Weston and personal finance columnist with the Irish Independent Sinead Ryan to break down the biggest day in the Irish financial calendar.
People in rural Cork deserve the same access to care as those in Dublin, said Sinn Fein Senator Nicole Ryan ahead of Budget 2026 which will be announced on Tuesday, October 7.

The Cork politician said the budget must focus on cutting the cost of healthcare for workers and tackling long waiting lists that continue to affect families across rural Cork.

Senator Ryan said Sinn Feins Alternative Budget 2026 sets out a detailed plan to make healthcare more affordable, more accessible, and fairer, with 938 million in new health measures backed by strong commitments in mental health, older person care, carers supports, and community-based healthcare.

Ms Ryan said she meets families across her constituency of Cork North West who are struggling to access basic healthcare.

Every week I meet families across Cork North-West who are struggling to access basic healthcare - whether its getting a GP appointment in Macroom, a dental appointment for a child in Millstreet, or home-care hours for an elderly parent in Charleville.

Senator Ryan continued: Budget 2026 must work for them. Sinn Feins plan would cut healthcare costs, open badly needed hospital and community beds, and make sure public healthcare is there when people need it.

Key proposals under Sinn Feins Alternative Budget include: 188.9 million to cut the cost of healthcare, including 110,000 new medical cards, reducing the monthly maximum for medicines to 50, and starting the abolition of prescription charges.

Other highlights include: 358.8 million to improve access - funding 1,275 new health and community beds, expanding ambulance capacity, childrens orthopaedic and urology care, dentistry teams, and primary care access.

51.9 million for mental health - including the first year of a new child and youth mental health plan, free counselling on referral, and supports for eating disorders, dual diagnosis, ADHD, and crisis care.

85.5 million for older people - including the long-promised Statutory Home Care Scheme, new day services, dementia care, and Healthy Age Friendly Homes projects.

21.7 million for addiction and recovery services, restoring Drug and Alcohol Task Force funding to peak levels and expanding inpatient recovery capacity.

124 million in targeted measures - including major investment in womens health (endometriosis plan, public IVF), cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, and rare diseases strategies.

Senator Ryan also welcomed Sinn Feins clear commitment to family carers who deserve dignity not red tape. Family carers are the backbone of our health system. Sinn Fein will abolish the means test for Carers Allowance and ensure every full-time family carer receives fair financial recognition. In Cork North-West, thousands of carers look after loved ones every day - often without proper support or rest. They deserve dignity, not red tape.

She added that Sinn Feins budget plan also provides 42 million for workforce planning, including bursaries for health and social care students and expanded training for nurses, GPs, and allied health professionals, alongside 2 billion in capital investment to modernise facilities and improve digital infrastructure across the health service.

People in rural Cork deserve the same access to care as those in Dublin, said Senator Ryan. Sinn Feins alternative budget shows that with fair priorities and smart investment, we can build a public health system that works for everyone.
Pictured with Right at Home MD, Cian OSullivan, is Deborah McCarthy, who has been announced as the Cork finalist in Right at Home's Carer of the Year Awards 2025. Photo: Diane Cusack

Cork carer Deborah McCarthy will represent the Rebel county at the Right at Homes Carer of the Year awards after winning the regional competition.

The awards recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of care staff who play a significant role in their communities, enabling elderly people and people with disabilities to continue to live independent lives in the comfort of their own homes

Nominations for Right at Homes Carer of the Year finalists were submitted by those who they work closest with including clients, clients families, co-workers, managers, and supervisors.

The awards are presented by Right at Home, a company which offers in-home care and assistance for senior citizens and adults.

Established in 2020, the awards celebrate the important work undertaken by carers on a daily basis, and nominations were submitted by those the carers work closely with, including the client, their families and work colleagues.

Deborah will join six other nominees from across Ireland at a special award ceremony where the National Carer of the Year 2025 will be crowned on October 17.

Ms McCarthy said she is honoured to be nominated.

Caring is not just a job - its about building trust and real connections with people.

The bond between our clients and team makes every challenge worthwhile, and Im proud to represent my colleagues at Right at Home Cork in these awards, she said.

Right at Home recently launched its Road to 1000 recruitment campaign, which aims to hire 1,000 new carers nationwide.

The initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for quality home care while creating new career opportunities in local communities across Ireland.

Cian OSullivan, Managing Director of Right at Home Cork said Deborahs nomination is well-deserved.

Deborah has shown outstanding dedication since joining our team.

She approaches her work with empathy and professionalism and consistently goes the extra mile for her clients

Her nomination is a well-deserved recognition of the positive impact she has every day, and we are thrilled to see her efforts celebrated at a national level, he said.

Right at Home has eight offices across Ireland including, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Wexford, Galway, and Mayo/Roscommon.

For further information on Right at Home visit www.rightathome.ie/.
A Cork TD has admitted that Jim Gavin should have never found himself on the ballot paper and added that Fianna Fail representatives were put under extensive pressure to back Mr Gavin by Micheal Martin and Jack Chambers.

Mr Gavin was selected to run for Fianna Fail against Fine Gael choice Heather Humphreys and left-wing Independent Catherine Connolly, who has the backing of Sinn Fein, the Social Democrats and Labour.

However, he withdrew on Sunday night, October 5 after being dogged by questions about claims he owed a former tenant thousands of euro for a rental arrangement that was not properly registered.

Mr Gavins decision to drop out shook up the presidential contest and put Fianna Fail in disarray and the party is scheduled to hold a meeting of its parliamentary party on Wednesday to discuss the issues surrounding its campaign.

In a statement released on Tuesday, October 7, Fianna Fail TD for Cork East James OConnor said he believed nominating Jim Gavin was a serious risk. Jim Gavin was an Irish sporting hero with a passionate commitment to community and the GAA. I along with many colleagues, believed nominating Jim Gavin was a serious risk. Our reason, his glaring lack of any campaigning or political experience. We know from the past few Irish presidential campaigns, that incidents and errors of the past emerge and hurt even the best of candidates.

Deputy OConnor said the experienced leadership of Fianna Fail should have taken the concerns of a huge mass of the Fianna Fail party seriously. It made a serious miscalculation in not doing so. Jim Gavin should have never found himself on the ballot paper. He was there due to the extensive pressure put on Fianna Fail TDs and Senators by Micheal Martin and Jack Chambers. They repeatedly phoned each member of the parliamentary party in the days before the selection convention on September 9.

Mr Gavin will now go and privately put right the grave mistakes of 2009. Meanwhile Fianna Fail must now quickly and resolutely address our mistakes and political misjudgements of the past six weeks, he added.

I regret the treatment bestowed on Mr Gavin and his family in the past two days, stated the Cork TD. Elevating him one day and then throwing him under a bus in the next has to be the most unceremonious dumping on a party candidate in modern Irish political history.

Mr OConnor said it is clear from what has been learned over the past 48 hours that Gavin was poorly advised on how to handle this matter. Sixteen years ago Jim Gavin failed to repay overpaid rent to a young couple. A mistake he regrets, one that has cost him massive national embarrassment. We owe it to him, his former tenant, to the members of Fianna Fail and most of all to the public, to fully explain how that happened and then ensure it is never repeated.
Traffic calming works will be advanced in a north Cork village to address long-standing concerns around road safety and speeding through the village.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, John Paul OShea, has welcomed the announcement by Cork County Council of proposed traffic calming works on the R576 at Rockchapel.

The works are being brought forward under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994.

Deputy OShea said the plans will be an important step in addressing long-standing concerns around road safety and speeding through the village.

For some time, the community in Rockchapel has sought improved safety measures on the R576, particularly through the village where traffic volumes and speeds have caused concern for residents, businesses and road users alike.

Mr OShea said the proposals will help make the village safer for all.

I warmly welcome the fact that Cork County Council is now progressing with these traffic calming proposals, which will help make Rockchapel safer for all.

The drawings and details of the proposals are now available for public inspection at the Municipal Office in Newmarket and can also be viewed online in the Public Consultation section of the councils website.

Members of the public are invited to make submissions on the plans up until Monday, October 20.

Fine Gael Councillor Trish Murphy encouraged residents and business owners in Rockchapel to review the proposals and have their say.

Community input is vital to ensure that the final scheme meets the needs of local people. I would urge residents, business owners and all road users to take the time to view the plans and make a submission before the closing date.

Submissions can be made in writing to the Senior Executive Engineer, Regional & Local Roads Design Office, Cork County Council, Floor 3, County Library Building, Cork, or by email to Section38RLRDO@corkcoco.ie by Monday, October 20.
The initiative aims to make it safer and easier for students to walk, cycle, or wheel to school. Photo: Getty

Progress continues to be made on the Safe Routes to School Programme for three national schools in Cork North West.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea, has warmly welcomed the progress being made on the Safe Routes to School programme for Knockaclarig National School, Canove National School and Baltydaniel National School.

The Safe Routes to School initiative is aimed at supporting active travel by making it safer and more attractive for children to walk, cycle and scoot to school.

The programme delivers improvements such as upgraded crossings, improved footpaths, cycle lanes, signage and traffic-calming measures to help ensure that children can travel to school safely.

The Safe Routes to School programme is delivered by An Taisce Green Schools, supported by the National Transport Authority and funded by the Department of Transport.

Deputy OShea said this progress is an important step forward for local families and communities. I am delighted to see the progress being made on the Safe Routes to School Programme in Knockaclarig, Canovee and Baltydaniel. Parents, teachers and communities across Cork North West have long called for safer access for children travelling to and from school.

Deputy OShea also acknowledged the strong engagement from school communities and local authorities in preparing applications and identifying priority needs. This initiative will not only improve safety but also encourage healthier, more active lifestyles for our young people.

This success is a testament to the work of the school communities in Knockaclarig, Canovee and Baltydaniel, who have consistently advocated for safer conditions for their pupils. I look forward to seeing these projects completed and to the positive impact they will have for generations of children, he added.

The Cork TD said the investment in rural and rural schools alike in the Cork North West constituency will help ensure that children can enjoy a safer and healthier journey to school.
Creeslough community unites for commemoration to mark third anniversary of explosion

The village of Creeslough came to a standstill as the sound of the names of the ten people who lost their lives in the devastating explosion rang out into the air on Tuesday afternoon.

Family and friends of the ten Creeslough victims gathered in the village and walked up the main street to the scene of the explosion carrying wreaths ahead of a service to mark the third anniversary of the tragedy.

Members of the community stood in silence as they lined the streets outside the boarded up filling station and complex, while family members pinned pictures of their loved ones to the hoarding.

Fr John Joe Duffy said prayers and read the names of victims aloud while Reverent David Skuce and Fr Martin Doohan read aloud readings. `

Speaking at the sombre service, Fr Duffy said, We pray for James OFlaherty, Leona Harper, Jessica Gallagher, Martin McGill, Catherine ODonnell and her son James Monaghan, Martina Martin, Robert Garwe and his daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe and Hugh Kelly.

Fr John Joe Duffy, Fr Martin Doohan and Rev David Skuce carrying a wreath to the site of the Creeslough tragedy. (North West Newspix)

We are remembering the ten people who died this day three years ago and we pray for you their families, their loved ones and all who were dear to them, said Fr Duffy.

A minutes silence was observed at 3.17pm, the exact time of the explosion as the bells of St Michaels church could be heard in the distance.

Donegal Fiddle player, Matt McGranaghan, played Somewhere over the Rainbow as the commemoration drew to a close.

Among those showing support for the heartbroken families were gardai, Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan, other members of emergency services, local councillors and clergy members.

Ahead of the ceremony, a black plaque baring the poem Gone Suddenly was erected at the site in memory of the ten victims.

Some of the large attendance at the Commemoration ceremony for th evictims of the Creeslough Tragedy. (North West Newspix)

Gardai were present and the road was closed to traffic to allow the families to gather at the site.

Many of those present at the service made renewed calls for a public inquiry into the Creeslough tragedy.

Speaking after the service, survivor Christine Evans, who lived in the apartment block and also worked in the filling station deli, said the explosion has had an ever lasting impact on her life.

A candle for each of the 10 who perished in the Creeslough explosion. (North West Newspix)

I am here today to support the families of those who lost their lives in the Creeslough explosion.

I am one of the survivors. I worked in the deli and also lived in the apartment above the garage.

It is something that is going to stay with me for the rest of my life.

I am here to support the families and try and push forward for the call for a judicial inquiry.

Christine Evans, survivor of the Creeslough tragedy.

I hope the government will hear us and listen to us this time.

The main thing for us is the public inquiry going ahead  that would be the main thing for us now.

There has been progress made with the file going to the DPP which has given the families a bit of a lift so now the next step is the public inquiry, said Ms Evans.

A candle for each of the 10 who perished in the Creeslough explosion. (North West Newspix)

Accompanying the families were some of the Stardust families who lost loved ones in the Stardust tragedy in Dublin in 1981.

Speaking at the ceremony, Stardust fire survivor and campaigner Antoinette Keegan who lost her sisters Mary and Martina in 1981, said she had travelled from Dublin to support the families of the Creeslough victims.

She also called on the Taoiseach to establish a public inquiry into the explosion.

Donna Harper with Antoinette Keegan from the Stardust group. (North West Newspix)

Speaking afterwards to the Irish Independent, Ms Keegan said she feels very strongly for the Creeslough families because their tragedy is similar to the Stardust tragedy.

We want to support, stand in solidarity, be there for them, guide them and help them.

We dont want them going through what we went through so that is why I am pleading with the Taoiseach to give them a public inquiry.

Give it to them.

It is the only thing they are looking for. The Garda investigation is going on and the gardai are doing a great job.

They want a public inquiry and that is least they are entitled too, said Ms Keegan.

Family members of the victims of the Creeslough explosion talking to the media after a commemoration at the site of the 2022 tragedy. (North West Newspix)

Donna Harper, who lost her daughter Leona in the explosion, said she is feeling confident in the Garda investigation now that a file has been sent to the DPP.

However, she is also calling for a public inquiry and said the support of the Stardust families has been invaluable.

I am very happy and confident with the work that the gardai are doing in the investigation but we do need that public inquiry.

I have never asked the government for anything.

They stood here in Creeslough and they made really big promises that they would do anything to support and help the families.

Some of those people came to my daughters wake and they said the same thing, no matter what I would need, I would be looked after.

I have never asked for anything but I am asking and pleading that they give us the public inquiry, said Donna.

Anthony Gallagher, whose daughter Jessica died in the Creeslough explosion, said a public inquiry would bring closure for the families.

He said it is important to establish what happened and a public inquiry would answer all the questions everyone has.

"The general public have been asking us what has happened and we really do not know and a public inquiry would answer all those questions, not juts in this country, but outside the country.

"As a European member, other countries are looking at the standards that are here and saying do we have to change our standards.

"They do not know and we do not know so a public inquiry would definitely open up that avenue, said Mr Gallagher.

Mr Gallagher talking to the media after a commemoration at the site of the 2022 tragedy. (North West Newspix)

Mr Gallagher spoke highly of the local community and said they rallied behind his family to help them in immeasurable ways.

"We live just a mile down the road and I cannot speak highly enough of our own community.

"They have gathered around and helped us in immeasurable ways.

"It means we can rely on them and we know they are there which is a big help to us, said Mr Gallagher.

The Gallagher family live just a mile from the site of the explosion and said the explosion site is a constant reminder of what happened.

He said Jessica had just started life and she had her sights set very high.

A mass will be held tonight in St Michaels Church at 7pm.
Dublins oldest independent bookshop, Books Upstairs, has reopened after a small fire damaged part of the iconic DOlier Street store.

Manager Louisa Earls said theyre still waiting to get further information from gardai investigating the suspected arson attack in the early hours of Monday morning.

They have got very good CCTV images that identify those involved, Ms Earls said.

When we were initially told there was an arson attack on the shop, we feared the worst.

My mind raced through an amazing number of scary thoughts in a matter of seconds after hearing that.

From what we know, it seems more it was an opportunistic random act of violence, or a random criminal act that some might call anti-social behaviour, but thats all weve been told so far, she added.

Dublin Fire Brigade have a station close to the book shop, so the fire was reported quickly and the damage, while bad, is contained to one section of the building.

It just means now were at a point where we need to get repairs done as quickly as possible because in the world of book selling, were already coming into that pre-Christmas period, Ms Earls said.

This is our most important time of year between September and December, and its a really bad time to have only half of your shop open.

Louisa Earls, manager of Books Upstairs on Dublin's D'Olier Street. Photo: Frank McGrath

While the shop was able to open more fully today, half of the shop front needs to remain completely shuttered up.

The fire broke out at around 3am, with gardai and the nearby fire brigade rushing to the scene.

Thankfully, no one was injured, but the blaze left part of the shops front damaged and debris scattered on the pavement.

Gardai have described the incident as criminal damage by fire. While no arrests have been made, CCTV footage is expected to aid the investigation.

In a statement, the shop reassured customers: A small fire at the front of the bookshop was started last night after rubbish bags that were awaiting collection were set on fire.

The guards dont have reason at this time to believe it was a targeted attack. Thankfully, the damage was limited and everyone is safe.

Despite the scare, Ms Earls said the response from the community had been overwhelmingly positive.

Weve had so many messages online, emails from customers, even people bringing in chocolates or buying books to show their support, she said.

Its hugely reassuring and makes us feel less worried about losing trade.

The relief that nobody was hurt is enormous, and the kindness from everyone has really lifted our spirits.
Plans for the expansion of a Galway city centre hotel have been given the green light by An Coimisiun Pleanala after being rejected by Galway City Council over one year ago.
There are calls for an hourly train service for Athy in Co Kildare. Photo: Stock image.

A new and long-awaited train service will be serving a major commuter route in Galway, Irish Rail announced, starting this month.

Irish Rail have announced the start of a new train service between Athenry and Galway from next Monday October 13.

The early morning service will see the train travel from Athenry at 6.50am and serve Oranmore at 7am before a scheduled arrival in Galway Ceannt station at 7.08am.

The transport provider made the announcement on Monday October 6 this week as customers were told the service will operate from Monday to Friday.

There has been demand for an additional train service between Athenry and Galway for some time now as pressure has been put on by local councillors in the past few years.

In 2024, Sinn Fein TD for Galway East Louis OHara voiced the need for more transport from Athenry into the city, citing overcrowding and chaos on trains during the early morning rush hour as major issues.

At the time, he called for more carriages to be added to the early morning train service as he said: Obviously the buses are a very important part of the solution, but we do need extra carriages on the train as well.

He also mentioned the need for more funding to the NTA, the Western Railway Corridor and double tracking at Athenry station.

In the long term full double tracking is needed so we can have really regular and reliable train services in and out Galway City, he said. Were also committed to the reopening of the Western Railway Corridor from Claremorris and Tuam into Galway City, to ease traffic and to give people more than an option to commute sustainably.

The double tracking from Athenry to Galway is absolutely essential to go hand in hand with that, because you cant have extra services into the city until that fully happens.
Homelessness had 'no bearing' on theft of protein powder, said judge

A man who aroused gardai suspicion when cycling in a balaclava pled to charges of obstruction and theft in Tralee District Court on Wednesday.

Trevin Collins (34) of no fixed abode faced pled guilty to thefts totalling 376.68 from Tralee shops in August.

The five thefts ranged in value from 34.99 to 134.91 and took place between August 6 to August 29. Targeted shops included Corrib Oil, Guineys and Lidl.

Mr Colins was also charged with obstruction when he was alleged to have swallowed three grams of cocaine on September 16.

Gardai saw a male on a bicycle wearing a balaclava, Detective Sergeant Chris Manton told the court.

When approached, Mr Collins swallowed cocaine that was on his person, said the sergeant.

Mr Collins had 109 priors and half were for theft. The last incident was at Tralee Circuit Court last year. He was previously sentenced to Cork Prison for five months for theft in July 2024, with a two-year suspended sentence.

He was released from prison a short time ago, said his solicitor Pat Mann. He was effectively homeless and trying to get accommodation. He was pillar to post trying to keep body and soul together.

Judge Waters said his homelessness had no bearing on the thefts and noted stolen items included protein powder.

Mr Mann told the court his clients mother was very ill and that he was a qualified chef.

Its just the homeless issue, judge, said the solicitor.

But for the fact that he had money for cocaine, said the judge.

Judge Waters said he must take victims into account and duly convicted.

He sentenced Mr Collins to nine months backdated to when he went into custody on September 17.

Funded by the Courts Reporter Scheme
Minister Foley pictured at the launch of Listowel Community and Family Resource Centre's new five-year plan.

Listowel Community and Family Resource Centre launched its Five-Year Strategic Plan with the help of several Kerry politicians on Friday.

The centre, founded in 1991, provides a wide range of services including childcare, family and parenting supports, affordable counselling and training services.

Its new strategic plan aims to contribute to a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The plan was officially launched by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, who thanked Listowel Community and Family Resource Centre chief executive Jackie Landers and its directors for their invitation.

We in north Kerry are grateful to all who have poured their hearts and souls into the work of this fantastic place. The centre is not just surviving, it is absolutely thriving  and that is ultimately down to the invaluable work of the staff and the partner agencies working with the centre every day, Minister Foley said.

Minister Foley praised the vision in the centres strategic plan for a society where everyone is granted opportunities, free from poverty, disadvantage and marginalisation.

I think that this is a worthwhile and achievable aspiration, and something to motivate us all in our communities, she said.

I am a long-time admirer of family resource centres. I have witnessed first-hand the impacts that centres have on the communities that they serve.

At the heart of what the centres do is service to the community. This could be engaging with vulnerable families, offering services to individuals across the whole life cycle from early years to senior citizens and, crucially, fostering a positive and inclusive community spirit.
The Liam Dillon Memorial Day attracted hundreds of people from far and wide. Photo by John Kelliher

The hundreds of people who turned out to support an event held in memory of a popular North Kerry man raised thousands upon thousands for a great cause.

Organisers of the Liam Dillion Memorial Day, held in Duagh in early August, have announced that a total of 34,734 was raised for Kerry Hospice Foundation by the vintage and family fun event.

The day was organised in memory of the late Liam Dillon, who passed away in March last year. The Dromerin Bridge man had been working as a digger driver in England and returned to Ireland when he got sick, receiving assistance from the Hospice Foundation.

Mr Dillons parents, Pat and Clare, and other family members, were in attendance on the day.

Organisers of the charitable event presented the funds raised, via cheque, to representatives of Kerry Hospice Foundation at OBriens Bar in Duagh on Friday evening.

Julie Gleeson, Carmel Canavan and Eileen Sheehy from Kerry Hospice received the donation, which will support the palliative care service.

One of those who was behind the Liam Dillion Memorial is Mike Carmody, who told The Kerryman that organisers are delighted with how much funds the event generated.

Its a great amount, he said.

Mike thanked all those who volunteered to help run the event and all of its sponsors, as well as the close to 1,000 people who attended from far and wide.

The event proved to be so successful, and raised such a great amount for the Hospice, that organisers are strongly considering holding it again next year.
Over 1,800 Kerry premises near Waterville can now connect high-speed broadband services under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

Over 1,800 Kerry premises near Waterville can now connect high-speed broadband services under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

This also includes the areas surrounding Ballinskelligs, Emlagh and Canuig.

28,000 premises in Kerry are included in the States Intervention Area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools in the county.

A total of 22,798 premises are now able to connect to this high-speed, reliable broadband across the county and 6,052 connections have made so far.

As the biggest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Kerry will receive 107m of Government investment under the National Broadband Plan.

The latest area completed under the scheme is Waterville where 1,820 Kerry premises can now join the NBI network.

National Broadband Ireland is now calling on people living nearby to visit nbi.ie and enter their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect.

Works have already been completed in other parts of Kerry, including the rural surrounds of Kilgarvan and Killarney.

Network build works are also continuing across Kerry with build works in progress for almost 2,100 premises near the Castleisland deployment area, due to be connected by next autumn.

Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland TJ Malone said the homes in Waterville can now connect to experience the life-changing benefits of high-speed broadband with minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second.

Overall, almost 22,800 homes, businesses and farms in Kerry can now order a high-speed fibre connection to the NBI network. We are working hard on the ground to progress other areas of the county through engineering survey, design and construction phases. We are encouraging Kerry residents to visit the NBI website to check their Eircode and sign up for updates.
Sligo hosted 65 events during National Heritage Week

A Sligo heritage week event has secured a place on the shortlist for the 2025 National Heritage Week Awards.

The 2025 National Heritage Week Awards feature a wide range of national categories, reflecting the diversity of heritage across Ireland.

The Sligo event shortlisted, Native Woodland Re-Establishments from the Woodlands of Ireland, is in the running for the Sustainability & Climate Award. This award recognises events that incorporated environmentally friendly practices to reduce carbon footprint and limit impact on the natural world.

The Heritage Councils National Heritage Week Awards celebrate the most engaging projects and events organised by National Heritage Week organisers, bringing together the best initiatives from across the country.

The Heritage Council also presents a County Award in each Local Authority Area.

This award recognises the best event or project in Sligo and is based on how well it raised awareness about an element of heritage, how it was promoted, and the extent to which it engaged and involved the community.

This years National Heritage Week was the biggest and best yet, with over 2,500 events registered and 400,000 people taking part in family-friendly activities that celebrate Irelands built, cultural, and natural heritage.

Sligo hosted 65 events during National Heritage Week, highlighting the countys major role in this years celebrations.

Speaking on announcement of the shortlist, Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, said: The Heritage Council is delighted to see so many outstanding events to consider for this years National Heritage Week Awards.

With over 2,500 events registered, the largest number in our history, shortlisting was an exciting but truly challenging task.

The awards provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the creativity, dedication, and hard work of communities across Ireland who bring our shared heritage to life.

Each shortlisted event reflects the passion, pride, and commitment people have for their local heritage, and the Heritage Council is honoured to support and showcase these remarkable efforts.

Sligo Co Council Heritage Officer, Siobhan Ryan said: Sligo has outdone itself with its high standard of National Heritage Week events, and this can be seen through the outcome of the National Heritage Awards.

All the events helped to bring creativity and connection to our community and showcased how much we value our shared heritage.

The variety of events was astounding, and I am impressed with all the groups that were involved in their organisation.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday, 17th October, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Chair of County Sligo Heritage Forum, Cllr. Donal Gilroy previously hailed the success of the week.

A special thank you to all the groups, individuals and communities who took part in hosting events and who made Heritage Week 2025 a wonderful success! Their creativity, collaboration and dedication make National Heritage Week what it is.

Without their interest, hard work and voluntary commitment Heritage Week would not be possible.

Thanks also to all those who attended events throughout the week, your support was crucial and greatly appreciated by all the organisers.

It was fantastic to gather once again in celebration of our national heritage.

We hope that you enjoyed all the events and are already planning for Heritage Week 2026, he said.

This years National Heritage Week Awards comprise the following categories: Exploring Our Foundations Award, Wild Child Event Award, Water Heritage Day Award, Inclusive Heritage Award, Irish Language Award, Sustainability and Climate Award, Intangible Cultural Heritage Award - The Micheal O Muircheartaigh Award, and County Award.

Every year the Heritage Council awards the Heritage Hero Award to an individual or organisation that has demonstrated  over a substantial period of time  an outstanding contribution to the protection and promotion of heritage.

This award is based on nominations from the public. This award recognises the work and contribution made to heritage in Ireland.

The Heritage Councils Heritage Hero Award is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those who work  often voluntarily and always tirelessly  to ensure the preservation and protection of our heritage, said Cllr Gilroy.
Parents hope lessons can be learned from death of their daughter (5) at Sligo University Hospital

Jury returns a verdict of medical misadventure into the death of Kate Colum (5) whom the Inquest heard had been discharged but then re-admitted to the hospital

Clare and Matthew Colum leaving the Inquest accompanied by their solicitor, Niamh McGovern.

Gerry McLaughlin Sligo Champion Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 18:00

The mother of a five year-old girl who died at Sligo University Hospital has paid a glowing tribute to her daughter following a jurys verdict at her Inquest of medical misadventure.
Like many of us, Brian Byrne of Lantern Events has been watching on, horrified at the images unfolding on our screens from Gaza.

While condemnation of Israels actions on a global scale is growing, people across Ireland feel helpless to help with the appalling hardships that are being visited upon the people of Gaza.

In the coming weeks, people will be queuing up to get into a host of Lanterns gigs at The Wexford Spiegeltent Festival. In Gaza, they queue for hours on end for basic provisions like food and water.

It was with this in mind that Brian decided to act.

"My brother James actually put me onto a crowd called Uisce for Gaza, he explains. I looked into them and I just felt it was a very tangible way of helping in some small way. Theres a genocide unfolding and its just heart-breaking.

"Those who remain are left with no basic provisions. No electricity, no food, no water. When we wake up here, we can take a shower and have a cup of tea. These are things we take completely for granted that they cant do in Gaza.

Uisce for Gaza are focused on delivering clean drinking water to the people there.

"So basically, there are these desalination plants that are still operational and havent been bombed yet, Brian explains. They take water from the sea and make it drinkable. To deliver a tanker of water costs 280.

"We were delighted to be able to pay for 25,000 litres of clean water, which is six tankers. Its only a tiny thing, but at least its something tangible to try and assuage this feeling of helplessness at watching a genocide unfold before our very eyes.

Lantern were sent a video of one of the water tankers they paid for arriving into Deir al Balah, Gaza and it made for heart-breaking viewing.

"To see kids lining up with containers for hours on end for what is a basic human right...its just barbaric, Brian says. I suppose it serves to put a human face to the terrible headlines youre reading on your phone. I mean 17,000 kids have been killed in this war. In years to come well look back on this and ask how it was allowed to happen.

To get involved and to make a donation, search for Uisce for Gaza on iDonate.
Guided breast check demos, a fashion show, and a showcase of mastectomy swimwear are two of the key events lined up to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Arklow.

On Wednesday, October 15, at 10am, Breast Cancer Ireland and Roches Breast Cancer Care Products will host an event for all women that will be packed full of vital information at Arklow Cancer Supports centre on St Marys Road.

A Breast Cancer Ireland outreach coordinator will be present to provide a free service that includes a demonstration on how to perform a self-breast examination using a medical mannequin.

The demonstration will cover the eight critical signs and symptoms to watch out for, empowering attendees with the knowledge to monitor their breast health effectively. The event will also be a valuable opportunity for education, support, and empowerment for those navigating life after breast surgery.

Roches Breast Care will also showcase a range of mastectomy swimwear, including post-surgery pocketed swimsuits, bikinis, swim-dresses, tankinis, tunics, and sarongs, designed to accommodate full or partial breast prostheses.

Rounding off the week on Friday, Arklow Cancer Support will host its annual Pink Day celebrations, which will see the centre brimming with colour as community members, supporters and volunteers enjoy lots of activities, nibbles and music.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time to focus on education and support for those affected by breast cancer  its all about awareness, Arklow Cancer Support founder Mary OBrien said.

We will be delighted to have Breast Cancer Ireland and Roches Breast Care in attendance at our centre on Wednesday, along with our annual Pink Day on Friday, which is just a really fun morning for everyone. All are welcome to attend both events.

If youd like to support Arklow Cancer Support, the Bridgewater Shopping Centre in Arklow will host a fashion show in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland and Arklow Cancer Support on Friday, October 10.

Following the huge success of last years event, which saw crowds of fashionistas flock to the centre, this years fashion show will feature a panel discussion, a bumper raffle and lots of refreshments.

Tickets are 25 and available via eventbrite.ie, at the customer service desk in the Bridgewater Shopping Centre or at the Arklow Cancer Support office on St Marys Road.

Doors open at 6.30pm, with the event kicking off at 7pm sharp and expected to last for three and a half hours.
The 10th anniversary celebrations of the Equisteps equestrian centre at Spruce Lodge in Redcross, County Wicklow.

Essie Mooney (centre right), founder of the Equisteps equestrian centre at Spruce Lodge in Redcross, County Wicklow.

An English woman who established an inclusive equestrian business in Wicklow, where those with additional needs connect with horses and have healing, life-changing experiences, has opened up about her pride at celebrating the centres 10th anniversary and the challenge of finding it a new home.

Daughter of a riding instructor, the sister of a farrier, and granddaughter to pioneers in therapeutic riding in the UK during the 1980s, Essie Mooney was raised on the back of a horse, already helping lead ponies for children with profound disabilities at age nine.

Competing in Pony Club and riding club events throughout her youth, then training as a primary teacher at university in Glasgow, although Essie loved working with children, particularly those with additional needs, she realised the classroom wasnt for her.

After moving to Ireland, Essie joined Festina Lente, a therapeutic riding centre in Bray, where she worked for eight years.

I could see what I liked and what I didnt  I began to imagine a centre that reflected my own values, Essie recalled.

That vision took shape in 2015. Essie had already been introduced to equestrian vaulting through Mrs Joan Keogh, owner of Spruce Lodge in Redcross and a founding Dressage Ireland member.

At the time, Essie knew little about equestrian vaulting, a blend of gymnastics and dance performed on horseback, but she was intrigued. Along with Mrs Keoghs daughter, Helen, Essie trained in the discipline, and together they launched Irelands first vaulting club.

By the time Essie approached Mrs Keogh with a business plan for a therapeutic riding centre, the groundwork was laid. Mrs Keogh agreed, providing a barn and grazing, and EquiSteps was born.

The first pony was Tigger, a 14.1-hand gelding gifted by her best friend. Despite having been taught to rear on command, Tigger proved a remarkable therapy pony, able to mirror the energy of his rider.

He could almost fall asleep for a child who needed calm, but offer a challenge to those ready for more, Essie said.

Over time, the herd grew to six ponies and horses, each cared for to the highest standards, with regular physio, osteopathy, dental checks, and expert saddle fittings.

They need to be horses first, so they can give their best in the work they do with us, Essie added.

As the centre expanded, Georgina Izatt joined, overlapping briefly with Helen before becoming a core part of the team. Georginas expertise as a qualified saddle fitter further reinforced the centres focus on horse welfare.

Georgina has a unique way with teenagers, Essie said.

She takes time to understand how they see the world and helps them look at things from a different angle.

Today, EquiSteps works with around 60 families and eight local schools, each with autism support units. Sessions are deliberately small, one-to-one or with two riders.

Although it might not make the most financial sense, its the most effective and satisfying way to work, Essie said.

It builds lifelong riding skills and respect for the horse as a partner.

The results are often transformative. Charlie, one of Essies earliest riders, arrived as a non-verbal four-year-old. Over the years, with the help of a picture communication chart and his chosen ponies, his confidence grew.

After six years, he walked into the tack room, picked up a saddle and declared himself ready to move on from the therapy roller. This summer, at EquiSteps 10th anniversary celebration, Charlie stood in the crowd and said clearly: I love you, Essie.

Another child, a four-and-a-half-year-old girl, experienced her first full nights sleep after a riding session.

Her mother told me she slept for 12 hours  that hadnt happened before, Essie recalled.

There is also an adult man who visits from a residential home. Usually loud, tense, and reactive, he becomes serene around the horses. His care team marvels at the transformation: he makes eye contact, smiles, and stays present in a way they rarely see.

Stories like these define EquiSteps. The horses provide movement, warmth and presence. Essie and Georgina provide understanding and patience. Together, they create an environment where children find their voices, families find support, and horses live lives of dignity and purpose.

Recently, the death of Mrs Keogh and sale of Spruce Lodge have forced Essie to search for a new home for the centre. The uncertainty is difficult, but she remains hopeful. Signs of help are on the horizon, with supporters exploring options for a permanent site.

At the EquiSteps 10th anniversary celebration, whispers began of a fairy godfather - someone willing to help secure a new property and give EquiSteps a permanent home.

For now, the mission continues. Riders arrive, horses are cared for, and volunteers turn up. EquiSteps remains at its heart a safe space.

The road ahead may be uncertain, but the foundation is unshakable: healing through horses, education rooted in empathy, and the powerful connections of horses that change lives, Essie concluded.
Some fascinating natural history research by two voluntary history and heritage groups from County Wicklow is being showcased in a new exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks, Dublin.

Glendalough Heritage Forum and Blessington History Society are both members of the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN), an initiative of the National Museum delivered in partnership with The Heritage Council and heritage officers in participating local authorities.

Over the last six months, they have worked alongside other iCAN members from around Ireland to create the new exhibition called 'Our Irish Natural History'. Their work is now on display in 'The Dead Zoo Lab' - a new space for natural history at Collins Barracks, while the famous Dead Zoo on Merrion Street is closed for works.

The contribution from Glendalough Heritage Forum highlights the ancient Irish artform of willow weaving. Pat Reid and Aoife Pattersonmembers of the Forum and owners of the business Wicklow Willoweven created a willow basket that is featured in the exhibition.

Pat Reid said: Various groups from within the network were invited to showcase with natural heritage the theme of the exhibition. I decided the best thing for us to do in the timeframe provided was a presentation based around willows and the historical use of willows in Co Wicklow.

"In the pre-1950s willow was commonly used to create baskets and every Irish home would have had several of these baskets. Wicklow has a close association with willows and the Sally Gap got its name from the Irish word "saile, as willow rods were commonly known as "sallies". The whole area would have been harvested for willow and every town and village in Ireland would have had a basket maker.

Pat added: There are also some paintings of Glendalough dating back to the 1700s which feature numerous willow baskets being used in each painting, including baby carriages made from willow and willow baskets mounted on wheels to create a trailer. There is also a picture of a lady outside the entrance to Glendalough, with her willow basket selling trinkets and other items to tourist. Its one of the oldest photos taken in Glendalough and dates back to the 1800s. There wouldnt have been a huge amount of tourism back then, and any tourists visiting Glendalough were more than likely from the upper classes.

My wife Aoife made a traditional willow skib basket, which also features in the exhibition. There are also various vintage drawings of the different willow species in Co Wicklow, which are part of the natural history collection and are all contained within beautiful old Victorian display cabinets.

Members of Blessington History Society researched their locality's history of granite quarrying, including the use of Ballyknockan granite in many of Dublins most famous buildings and monuments.

The aim of the Our Irish Natural History project is to highlight the role of communities as valuable stewards of Irelands natural heritage and to celebrate the important cultural meanings that native species embody for many Irish communities.

Speaking on the launch of the exhibition, Paolo Viscardi of the National Museum of Ireland, said: This will be the first of many partnerships that will draw on our scientific collections to tell broader and more inclusive stories and spark a creative output. The research carried out by the iCAN community partners demonstrates how collections can illuminate connections between people and places.

Adriana Ballinger, a postgraduate research fellow at the National Museum, who initiated and developed the Our Irish Natural History project, said: For nearly six months, eight iCAN groups have researched their connections to native species.

"The community members dedication to their research became apparent as they discovered and pursued new threads of interest, from nettle soup recipes to students nature-focused art. Im very happy to see these local stories and traditions represented in the Dead Zoo Lab. I know that visitors will enjoy interacting with the narratives, visual art, videos, poetry and oral histories that the communities have curated for this exhibition.
The latest group of contestants for The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4/PA)

Office assistant Nataliia has become the sixth baker to leave The Great British Bake Off tent after failing to win over the judges during pastry week.

In Tuesdays episode, judges Paul Hollywood and Dame Prue Leith asked the bakers to make savoury plaits for their signature, a traditional gala pie for the technical and an intricately sculpted tart for the showstopper challenge.

At the end of the episode, Alison Hammond revealed that medical student Jasmine was star baker with co-host Noel Fielding making the announcement that Nataliia would be leaving the Channel 4 show.

Contestant Nataliia (Channel 4/Love Productions/PA)

Nataliia, who is from Ukraine, said: I am proud of myself and I think my little girl will be proud and I hope I have made my country a bit proud of me.

Oh my gosh, I think I am going to cry. I have met all these wonderful people, I love you guys, you are all so nice. Oh, I am going to cry again!

Reflecting on her experience after the show, she said: Ive learned to trust myself more  to bake with my heart, to adapt under pressure, and to share my culture with confidence.

Ive also learned that even when something goes wrong, you keep going. That mindset has stayed with me far beyond the tent.

The 32-year-old added: I put my heart and soul into everything I did during my time there.

I suppose thats the magic and challenge of Bake Off  one moment can lift you up, and the next can really test you.

Natallia, who lives in East Yorkshire and moved to the UK four years ago just before war broke out in her country, also said her departure was a bit unexpected.

I honestly thought my bakes that week were fairly good  and the judges seemed pleased, especially with my showstopper, she said.

So when my name was called, I felt stunned at first. You try to prepare yourself for that moment, but it still hits hard when it comes.

I was emotional, of course  not because of disappointment, but because I didnt feel quite ready to say goodbye.

But the other bakers were amazing. They wrapped me in hugs, kind words, and even a few tears.

Speaking about the future, she said: Id love to continue baking and sharing more Ukrainian bakes with people in the UK  maybe through pop-ups, books, or even a little cake cafe one day!

I also hope to keep using baking to support Ukrainian causes and connect cultures.

Being in the tent gave me the confidence to dream bigger  and now, Id love to keep going.

Nataliia will join comedians Jo Brand and Tom Allen on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Friday October 10 at 8pm on Channel 4.
Adam Lopez (39) won 1m in the top prize on a scratchcard purchased from a corner shop

A British forklift driver who became an instant millionaire after buying a winning scratchcard was rushed to hospital after spending three months partying.

Adam Lopez (39) from Mattishall, near Norwich, saw his bank balance rocket from 12.40 to 1,000,012.40 (1.1m) after winning the top prize on a scratchcard purchased from a corner shop in Hellesdon, in July.
Nottingham stab attack victim Grace OMalley-Kumar remembered at awards ceremony in UK

Student (19), whose mothers family are Irish, was killed along with two other people in 2023

George Medal recipient Grace OMalley-Kumar was true patriot  father

Sam Hall and Laura Elston Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

The family of a student who was posthumously awarded a medal for gallantry after being stabbed to death in the Nottingham attacks while trying to protect her friend have paid tribute to her.
French political turmoil deepens as PM quits hours after naming new cabinet

Sebastien Lecornu was prime minister for just 27 days, with Emmanuel Macron now under severe pressure

Outgoing French prime minister Sebastien Lecornu, who resigned just a day after naming his government, delivers his statement at the Hotel Matignon in Paris. Photo: AP

Elizabeth Pineau Reuters Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

French prime minister Sebastien Lecornu and his government resigned yesterday, just hours after Mr Lecornu announced his cabinet line-up, making it the shortest-lived administration of Frances fifth republic and deepening the countrys political crisis.
Less than a year after the landmark verdict in a drugging and rape trial that shook France and turned Gisele Pelicot into a global figure, she was greeted with applause yesterday as she arrived at a court for the appeal of a man challenging his conviction.
People attend a memorial service marking two years since the October 7 2023 Hamas cross-border attack on Israel, in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, southern Israel where many of its community members were killed and abducted (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed at an Egyptian resort city on Tuesday, the two-year anniversary of the militant group's surprise attack on Israel that triggered the bloody conflict that has seen tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Gaza.
Peace talks begin in Egypt as hopes grow for end to war in Gaza

A number of issues on the negotiation table are likely to be contentious

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house in Gaza City. Photo: Reuters

Ahmed Fahmy, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Andrew Mills Reuters Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

Delegations from Israel and Hamas began indirect negotiations in Egypt yesterday, facing contentious issues such as demands that Israel pull out of the enclave and that Hamas disarm.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday at a time when one of the world's most durable and amicable alliances has been fractured by Mr Trump's trade war and annexation threats.
Donald Trump is escalating street unrest in Chicago, lawsuit against National Guard deployment says

States argue local law enforcement is sufficient to deal with foreseeable protests stirred by presence of federal officers

Demonstrators hold hands as a law enforcement officer stands guard during a standoff with federal officers in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Reuters

Alex Woodward Tue 7 Oct 2025 at 06:30

Illinois officials and the city of Chicago are suing Donald Trumps administration to stop the president from imminently deploying National Guard troops to the state, expanding the multi-state legal battle challenging the presidents attempts to send the military into Democratic-led states and cities.
The US Supreme Court declined yesterday to hear Ghislaine Maxwells bid to overturn her conviction for helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse teenage girls.

The justices turned away an appeal by Maxwell, a British socialite and Epsteins former girlfriend who is serving a 20-year prison sentence after being found guilty in 2021 by a jury in New York on charges including sex trafficking of a minor.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Ben Affleck joins Jennifer Lopez at the premiere of #KissOfTheSpiderWoman, calling her performance incredible before the screening pic.twitter.com/ytXvUk0KBD  The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) October 7, 2025

Red carpet glamour and professional praise

( Image credit : Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck first appearance after Divorce | Credit: @albammmedina/ X )

Finding strength through art

Respect and renewal

( Image credit : Jennifer Lopez and Tonatiuh at Kiss of the Spider Woman premiere | Credit: @jlomovies/ X )

Behind the scenes of Kiss of the Spider Woman

( Image credit : Jennifer Lopez as Ingrid Luna, aka the Spider Woman | Credit: @JuniorFett/ X )

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck made their first public appearance together at the New York premiere ofsince their divorce in January. Despite their separation, the former couple shared a cordial moment on the red carpet. Lopez was seen smiling as Affleck leaned in to speak to her, even placing a gentle hand on her waist while they posed for photos.At 56, Lopez stunned in a brown floral dress with a black spider-like inspired overlay, while Affleck, 53, looked effortlessly refined in a navy blue suit. The duo, who co-produced, shared mutual admiration for each others contributions. In an interview with, Affleck praised Lopez, saying she gave it her all and displayed all of her many gifts in the movie. Meanwhile, Lopez acknowledged Affleck for helping get the film made, tellingthat if it werent for Ben, the movie wouldnt have been made.Thestar revealed how the project helped her cope with a difficult period in her personal life. The movie is about escapism, about how art can help us through our hardest times, Lopez shared. Working on this project was a dream come true and helped me survive a challenging moment in my life.Since their separation, both Lopez and Affleck have spoken respectfully about each other. Lopez shared withthat the divorce helped her grow and become more self-aware, while Affleck toldthat he has nothing but respect for her, calling their breakup a normal part of two people figuring out their lives.The highly anticipated musical, directed by Bill Condon, will be released in theaters on October 10, featuring Jennifer Lopez in the demanding role of Ingrid Luna, also known as the Spider Woman. Early reviews have applauded her performance, emphasizing her ability to balance dramatic intensity with show-stopping musical numbers. Ben Afflecks involvement as an executive producer reinforces the duos strong professional partnership, proving their teamwork goes beyond personal matters into meaningful creative projects.
Maharshi Valmiki

When is Valmiki Jayanti 2025?

Valmiki Jayanti (also known as Pargat Diwas)

The story of Maharshi Valmiki

Ratnakara

Narad Muni

Valmiki

Why we celebrate Valmiki Jayanti

Spiritual significance of Valmiki Jayanti

Adikavi

Ramayana

Best Valmiki Jayanti wishes, quotes & messages

Valmiki Jayanti Wishes

Valmiki Jayanti messages

Valmiki Jayanti quotes

Valmiki Jayanti messages in English

WhatsApp status for Valmiki Jayanti

Valmiki Jayanti: A festival of reflection and renewal

FAQs

Q. When is Valmiki Jayanti in 2025?

Q. Why is Valmiki Jayanti celebrated?

Q. How is Valmiki Jayanti celebrated in India?

Q. What is the significance of Maharshi Valmikis teachings?

Valmiki Jayanti is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals, marking the birth anniversary of, the revered sage and poet who composed the Ramayana, one of Hinduisms greatest epics. Across India, the day is celebrated with deep devotion, reflection, and gratitude for the poet who taught humanity the meaning of truth, compassion, and righteousness.In 2025,is celebrated today on 7th October, which falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Ashwin. The date changes each year based on the lunar calendar, but the devotion and spirit remain constant.Before becoming a sage, Valmiki was known as, a highway robber. His life took a divine turn after meeting, who inspired him to leave behind his old ways and devote his life to meditation and the pursuit of truth.After years of penance, a divine voice declared his atonement successful, and he was reborn as the great sage who would later pen the Ramayana. His story reminds us that change is always possible, and anyone can find light through repentance and devotion.Valmiki Jayanti is not just about honouring a poet  its about celebrating wisdom, transformation, and moral strength. On this day, devotees gather at temples, hold satsangs (spiritual discussions), recite verses from the Ramayana, and reflect on the timeless lessons it teaches.Temples are decorated with flowers, devotees offer free food, and shobha yatras (processions) fill the streets with joy. The event symbolises faith, equality, and the power of words to inspire change.Maharshi Valmiki is often called the, or the first poet, for his mastery of Sanskrit verse. His work, the, is not merely a story  it is a guide to living a righteous and meaningful life.Valmikis teachings highlight that greatness is earned through deeds, not birth. His verses continue to guide generations, making Valmiki Jayanti a celebration of poetry, spirituality, and truth.Wishing everyone a blessed Valmiki Jayanti! May his teachings guide you towards truth and virtue.On this sacred day, may the wisdom of Maharshi Valmiki light your life with peace and positivity.Happy Valmiki Jayanti! Lets follow the noble ideals of love, truth, and compassion.Celebrate the birth of the first poet, Adikavi Valmiki, with devotion and joy.May your life be filled with peace, wisdom, and spiritual strength on this divine occasion.May the timeless teachings of Maharshi Valmiki lead you towards light, wisdom, and inner harmony.Happy Valmiki Jayanti! May the divine poet who gave us the Ramayana bless your life with knowledge and virtue.Let us celebrate the eternal wisdom and poetic brilliance of Sage Valmiki on this special day.The world honours the saint who gifted us the story of Lord Rama  Happy Valmiki Jayanti!May your heart be filled with purity, faith, and peace on this blessed occasion of Valmiki Jayanti.On this holy day, lets spread the message of love, honesty, and righteousness taught by Maharshi Valmiki.Wishing you joy, calmness, and spiritual strength on the sacred day of Valmiki Jayanti.Lets remember and honour the great sage whose divine words still guide humanity towards truth and justice.Happy Valmiki Jayanti! May his story remind us that even the darkest soul can find light through devotion.Celebrate the spirit of truth and wisdom with the blessings of Maharshi Valmiki this Valmiki Jayanti.May the holy verses of the Ramayana inspire courage, kindness, and clarity in all that you do.On this Valmiki Jayanti, may his remarkable journey from a seeker to a symbol of enlightenment inspire us all.Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti reminds us that true change begins within  inner transformation can uplift the world.The teachings of Valmiki Ji are everlasting  may his blessings guide you every day.Wishing you a peaceful and divine Valmiki Jayanti, filled with gratitude and spiritual light.Celebrate the birth of the saint who changed lives and inspired generations through the power of his words.May the lessons of Sage Valmiki encourage you to live a life rooted in truth, compassion, and courage.The Ramayana continues to brighten hearts across the world  all thanks to the wisdom of Maharshi Valmiki.Wishing you all a blessed Valmiki Jayanti! May the teachings of Maharshi Valmiki guide us towards truth and goodness.On this holy day, lets remember Sage Valmiki, the great poet who gifted the world the divine epic, Ramayana.May the timeless wisdom of Maharshi Valmiki bring peace, devotion, and clarity to your life. Happy Valmiki Jayanti!Sending heartfelt Valmiki Jayanti wishes to everyone! Lets live by the noble ideals of love, honesty, and compassion.The great poet Valmiki Ji taught us that greatness is earned by actions, not birth. Lets walk his path of righteousness.On this Valmiki Jayanti, may we all commit to spreading truth, kindness, and good deeds in our lives.Celebrate the birth of the Adikavi Valmiki, the first poet of India, with gratitude and devotion in your heart.May the divine verses of the Ramayana inspire you to live a pure and meaningful life. Happy Valmiki Jayanti!Wishing you and your family a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti.Lets pay tribute to Sage Valmiki, whose sacred words continue to guide us on the path of dharma and truth.No one is born great  greatness is achieved through good deeds.  Maharshi ValmikiThe Ramayana is not just a story; it is a mirror of life, showing the power of truth and dharma.Transformation begins within  even the darkest heart can find light through faith.Words have the power to change the world, as Valmikis verses continue to do.True knowledge lies not in learning, but in living the values of kindness and honesty.May the teachings of Maharshi Valmiki inspire you to lead a life of righteousness and compassion.On Valmiki Jayanti, lets celebrate the sage who showed us the path of goodness through his divine words.Wishing you joy, peace, and blessings on this auspicious Valmiki Jayanti.Let the light of the Ramayana guide you in every decision you make.May your heart always reflect purity, devotion, and truth  Happy Valmiki Jayanti!Happy Valmiki Jayanti! May truth, kindness, and virtue shine through all your thoughts and actions.On this sacred occasion, let us express gratitude to Sage Valmiki for blessing the world with timeless wisdom and guidance.Maharshi Valmiki Jayanti reminds us that repentance, devotion, and faith can lead anyone towards true enlightenment.Lets follow the noble ideals of Valmiki Ji and live a life filled with goodness, honesty, and humility.Wishing you a life blessed with divine strength, peace, and spiritual growth. Happy Valmiki Jayanti!The sacred pen of Sage Valmiki created verses that still illuminate humanity  lets honour his legacy and teachings today.On Valmiki Jayanti, may the spirit of poetry, truth, and eternal wisdom forever live in our hearts. Blessed Valmiki Jayanti to all! May truth and wisdom light your path. Remembering the first poet, Adikavi Valmiki, who gave us the Ramayana. Lets honour the sage who transformed his life and inspired generations. Happy Valmiki Jayanti! Follow the path of righteousness and compassion. Valmikis words continue to guide humanity  may we live by them every day.More than a festival, Valmiki Jayanti is a reminder that repentance, wisdom, and truth can transform any life. Its a celebration of hope and spiritual awakening  a day to remember that one persons enlightenment can inspire millions.So, as you share your Valmiki Jayanti wishes, quotes, and messages, take a moment to reflect on his teachings and walk the path of righteousness in your own life.Valmiki Jayanti 2025 falls on 7th October, on the full moon (Purnima) of the Ashwin month.It celebrates the birth anniversary of Maharshi Valmiki, the sage who wrote the Ramayana and taught values of truth, morality, and compassion.Devotees visit temples, take part in satsangs, offer prayers, distribute food, and share Valmiki Jayanti messages and quotes with loved ones.His teachings show that anyone can transform their life through repentance, devotion, and commitment to truth.
Spotting the next breakout crypto project often comes down to identifying opportunities early. Ozak AI (OZ) is shaping up to be exactly that. With its presale currently in Stage 5 at $0.01, Ozak AI has already raised over $2.9 million and sold more than 929 million tokens. This massive demand highlights how quickly the project is gaining traction with both retail investors and whales, all looking for the next 100x play.

OZs Innovation That Goes Beyond Hype

Unlike many presales that thrive purely on speculation, Ozak AI is building a utility-driven ecosystem. The project blends artificial intelligence with blockchain technology to create predictive models, AI-powered trading bots, and real-time analytics. Its infrastructure leverages Arbitrum Orbit for scalable contracts, EigenLayer AVS for decentralized validation, and the Ozak Stream Network (OSN) for high-speed data flow.

Ozak AI

These features make Ozak AI more than just another tokenits an AI-powered platform designed to give investors an edge in volatile markets. That foundation is what has analysts projecting massive ROI potential.

Why Analysts See 100x ROI Potential

At todays presale entry of just $0.01, Ozak AI offers the kind of asymmetric upside rarely seen in established coins. Analysts predict it could realistically reach $1 post-launch, delivering a potential 100x return. By comparison, potential assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum are projected to double or triple in the next cyclesolid but far from transformational. Ozak AIs unique positioning in the AI + crypto narrative is what makes these bold forecasts credible.

OZs Resistance and Support Outlook

Although Ozak AI is still in OZ presale, early technical projections suggest key trading levels post-listing. Resistance points are expected at $0.15, $0.50, and $1.00, levels where traders may look to secure profits. On the downside, support zones are forecast around $0.08, $0.05, and $0.02, giving the token natural stability points if volatility sets in after launch. These levels give investors a framework for understanding potential movement in the months following its exchange debut.

Ozak AI

OZs Trust Through Audits and Transparency

Investor trust is essential in presale projects, and Ozak AI has already taken major steps to prove its credibility. The project has completed both an internal audit and a CertiK audit, ensuring its contracts and systems are secure. Additionally, Ozak AI is listed on CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko, granting it transparency and visibility even before its token generation event (TGE). These milestones show a commitment to accountability that many presales lack.

Youtube embed:

Ozak AI

OZs Partnerships That Power Adoption

Ozak AI is also standing out thanks to a growing network of strategic partnerships. Its collaboration with Dex3, a leading trading data aggregator, enhances its predictive intelligence capabilities. Partnerships with Hive Intel and SINT bring Ozak AI into the fast-growing AI-agent economy, where bots can execute real-time tasks based on predictive signals.

Beyond the tech stack, Ozak AI has also partnered with major communities like Coin Kami, Manta Network, Block Bali Com, Forum Crypto Indonesia, and Bitcoin Addict Thailand, gaining exposure at events such as Coinfest Asia 2025. These alliances boost adoption and position Ozak AI at the center of AI + crypto growth.

Ozak AI

With its presale at $0.01, over $2.9M raised, and 929M tokens sold, Ozak AI has already proven itself to be more than just hype. Its audited security, listings on CMC and CoinGecko, and ecosystem of strategic partnerships are giving it credibility that few presales can match. Coupled with forecasts of a potential 100x ROI, Ozak AI may be the smartest crypto play of 2025, especially for investors looking to enter early before the next bull run fully unfolds.

About Ozak AI

Ozak AI is a blockchain-based crypto project that provides a technology platform that specializes in predictive AI and advanced data analytics for financial markets. Through machine learning algorithms and decentralized network technologies, Ozak AI enables real-time, accurate, and actionable insights to help crypto enthusiasts and businesses make the correct decisions.

For more, visit:

Website: https://ozak.ai/

Telegram: https://t.me/OzakAGI

Twitter : https://x.com/ozakagi
Bigg Boss 19

( Image credit : Neelam Giri in Bigg Boss 19. | Credit: JioHotstar )

New clash in the kitchen



Neelam Giri confronts Gaurav Khanna

In another promo, Neelam confronted Gaurav Khanna, asking why kitchen duties were being used to create arguments. She said, You guys set the narrative. The person who cooks food doesn't come out of the house.



( Image credit : Gaurav Khanna in Bigg Boss 19. | Credit: JioHotstar )

Gaurav responded, You don't have any other topic; what should I say? Neelam added, If you think that I should go out of the house, then I also think that you should go out of the house. You are not doing anything by staying at home.



Gaurav then said, You are so triggered. It means that we were right, further fueling the ongoing tension in the house.





How are fans reacting to Neelams kitchen stand?

The promos ignited reactions on social media. Some fans support Neelams decision to refuse cooking, believing she is justified. One viewer wrote, Neelam ko khana banana band kar dena chahiye; lets see how they manage food. (Neelam should stop cooking; lets see how they handle their meals now)



Neelam ko khana banana band kar dena chahiye lets see how they manage food  KASHX (@kaushik8329) October 7, 2025

Others are critical of her behaviour, saying it is a strategy to avoid elimination. A fan commented, Some women only know how to shed tears & shout unnecessarily just because Gaurav Khanna expressed his point today. Neelam forgot those days when she applied a black mark and did not choose him as the captain... Gaurav took everything very sportingly.



Some woman only know how to shed tears & shout unnecessarily just because #GauravKhanna expressed his pov today. Neelam forgot those days when she applied black mark, did not choose him as the captain...? Gk took everything very sportingly .#bb19#BigBoss19#BigBoss#TeamGK  Natasha Bhattacharjee (@natsbhatt) October 7, 2025

Yet another viewer added, Why does Neelam Giri think that nominations and tasks will be one-sided, where she can take names but nobody can take her name? Her reasons to nominate people are valid, but others have to explain why they took her name.



Why does #neelamgiri think that nominations and tasks will be one sided where she can take names but nobody can take her name. Her reasons to nominate people are valid but others have to explain why they took her name. #biggboss19  Haris (@Mohamma81833960) October 7, 2025

Reddit users even claimed, Nobody can save her.



Nobody can save her

byu/Momsspaghetti111 inbiggboss

Who is nominated this week, and will Neelam survive?

According to well-known Bigg Boss 19 insider accounts on X, this weeks nominated contestants are Zeishan Quadri, Neelam Giri, Mridul Tiwari, Baseer Ali, Ashnoor Kaur, and Pranit More. Fans are speculating whether Neelam will be saved, as she and Zeishan had the lowest votes in the previous week.



( Image credit : Zeishan Quadri in Bigg Boss 19. | Credit: JioHotstar )

With the house divided and tensions rising, the upcoming episode promises to be dramatic. Will Neelam be able to hold her ground, or will she finally face elimination?

In thehouse, kitchen duties have become a constant source of tension, and Bhojpuri actress Neelam Giri seems to be at the heart of most of these disputes. Since the start of the show, Neelam has been managing the kitchen tasks for the house, which has led some contestants to label her the naukrani of the house.Moreover, some housemates have even said that Neelams friendships are motivated by the tea and food she prepares for everyone. According to them, her friends protected Neelam in past nominations, possibly because no one else would make tea or food if she left. However, the latest promos suggest that Neelam is ready to take a stand for herself.In the latest promo video, a heated argument broke out between Farrhana Bhatt, the captain of the house, and Neelam regarding kitchen duties. Neelam, who has been taking care of cooking since the start, refused to continue her kitchen responsibilities, which angered Farrhana. If Neelam does not cook food, then I will have to do double duty and will also be punished, she said.However, Shehbaz Badesha, another contestant, disagreed with Farrhanas approach, telling her, No one can punish anyone here.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a comprehensive review of development projects, law and order, and administrative matters in Varanasi on Monday, highlighting the need for timely action on public welfare and infrastructure initiatives. The meeting, held at the Circuit House auditorium, brought together senior administrative officials, police personnel, and local political representatives.



The Chief Minister instructed officials to remove illegal encroachments from government land immediately and ensure that land belonging to the economically disadvantaged remains protected. He also emphasized the importance of providing essential services such as residence, income, and caste certificates efficiently through Gram Panchayat Secretariats to reduce public inconvenience.



Public infrastructure received significant attention during the review. Officials were directed to focus on constructing Kalyan Mandapams to support social and cultural events for underprivileged communities, expedite development in outer wards and slum areas, and enhance urban amenities such as roads, sanitation, and drainage systems. The Public Works Department was specifically tasked with a drive to make all roads pothole-free.



Festival preparations were another key focus. The Chief Minister called for comprehensive cleaning of ghats, streets, and roads ahead of Diwali and Dev Deepawali and emphasized ensuring smooth traffic management and police presence during the festive period. Plans to rejuvenate the Varuna and Assi rivers and complete the Dal Mandi road construction in mission mode were also highlighted.



Renewable energy initiatives were reinforced, with instructions to accelerate the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and install solar panels across the city. Officials were further urged to resolve delays in the Freight Village Project and monitor the progress of major development works, including 128 ongoing projects worth around Rs 18,000 crore, as well as the completion of Ring Road Phase 2 by mid-2026. Expedited construction at Pandeypur Medical College was also emphasized.



Security and law enforcement were addressed, with directives for vigilant monitoring of social media, rapid response to complaints, increased CCTV coverage, and strengthened actions against criminal activities including cow smuggling and cybercrime. Officials briefed the Chief Minister on ongoing programs such as Operation Conviction and Mission Shakti 5.0, highlighting law and order measures and public engagement initiatives.



The meeting underscored the administrations aim to combine infrastructure development, public service delivery, and security measures to enhance the quality of life in Varanasi while ensuring efficient governance during the festive season.
Donald Trump suggests the possible use of the Insurrection Act in Portland

The Hill

Theres the magic word again 



Trump says that insurrectionists are burning Portland to the ground.



This is not an accident. Trump and his administration are beginning to use this word frequently for a reason.



The Insurrection Act is coming.



pic.twitter.com/8f9C3S0tki  Clandestine (@WarClandestine) October 5, 2025

( Image credit : Donald Trump may be hinting at his plans to cancel the 2028 presidential election | Credit: X | @popbase )

Portland protests draw federal scrutiny and legal pushback

( Image credit : President Donald Trump will sign an executive order Thursday to clear TikToks US sale to American investors | Credit: X/ML3democrats )

What is the Insurrection Act?

The Insurrection Act may include:

Assisting states that request federal support.

Responding to uprisings or resistance against federal authority

Safeguarding constitutional rights when states are unable or unwilling to uphold them.

( Image credit : Trump hits foreign movies and furniture with 100% tariffs | Credit: X/Maga_Trigger )

In a major development, President Donald Trump on Monday stated that he was considering invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops to Portland, Oregon, amid ongoing protests and unrest. While speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the situation in Portland as resembling 'insurrection', suggesting that the federal government might bypass local resistance by using this rarely invoked law. However, Trump clarified that no final decision had been made regarding its implementation, leaving open the possibility of escalating federal involvement in the city. But it is the Insurrection Act. Let's find out.According to, Trump escalated his rhetoric on the unrest in Portland, claiming, Portland is on fire. Portlands been on fire for years, and characterising the ongoing turmoil as all insurrection. When asked about invoking the Insurrection Act, Trump said he would consider doing so if it was necessary, citing scenarios where local authorities or courts might block federal efforts to restore order.If people were being killed, and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, Id do that, he stated, emphasising his priority to prevent loss of life. Despite his strong language, Trump acknowledged that such action had not yet become necessary.Trump criticised the resistance from local and state officials, as well as legal challenges over deploying the National Guard to Portland, labelling the pushback as a form of insurrection. I really think thats really criminal insurrection, he said.Portland has become a flashpoint for the Trump administration's criticism as protests over immigration enforcement continue to grip the city. The demonstrations, which started in June in response to the administration's aggressive deportation policies, have led to ongoing clashes between protesters and federal authorities.According to the FBIs Portland field office, 128 arrests have been made since June 9. Tensions escalated further when a federal judge issued a temporary ruling late Sunday, blocking the administration from deploying National Guard troops to Oregon, highlighting the legal resistance to federal intervention in the state.The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a federal law that gives the president wide-ranging powers to use active-duty U.S. military forces within the country or to take control of National Guard units for domestic law enforcement purposes.It acts as a limited exception to the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which generally prohibits the military from engaging in regular civilian law enforcement activities.Prior to deploying troops under the Insurrection Act, the president is required to make a public proclamation under Section 254, directing those involved in the unrest to disperse within a specified period, usually between 24 and 48 hours.Throughout U.S. history, the Act has been used around 30 times, most prominently during the Civil Rights Movement and during the 1992 Los Angeles riots under President George H.W. Bush. However, it has never been applied in situations related to immigration enforcement or border security.
We all had raised eyebrows when we seen President Trump with the likes of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

President Trump is helping the American workers by imposing $100k fee on new H-1B visa applications. When industries look outside the U.S. to hire non Americans they need to pic.twitter.com/cX5OidJiWQ  Patricia  (@1109Patricia) September 22, 2025

H-1B overhaul alters NRI demand

This is step one in a two-step operation...

I saw it myself after 30 years in IT... teams that were once all American turned 80 to 95 percent H-1B, with shuttles rolling workers in while the old staff were laid off and forced to train replacements... I am talking fleets of pic.twitter.com/3PuawETA4r  Observing Consciousness (@holonabove) September 20, 2025

Student visas under strain

Legal pushback against H-1B fee hike

Trump signs executive order raising the H-1B Visa fee from $1,000 to $100,000 per year, per employee, to make it harder for companies to hire foreigners in replacement of American workers.



The $100,000 fee is non-refundable if denied.



Assistant AG Dhillon is now taking action pic.twitter.com/wUKjHrpIcy  Andrew Lokenauth | TheFinanceNewsletter.com (@FluentInFinance) September 20, 2025

Importance of the H-1B program

The path forward

Tighter US immigration policies are affecting not just careers, but personal lives in India. Families are reconsidering marriages to NRIs due to visa uncertainties. Nineteen-year-old medical student Sidhi Sharma from Haryana abandoned her plans to marry an NRI, telling Reuters, Trump has shut the door for me.Anuradha Gupta, founder of matchmaking service Vows For Eternity, said, Immigration policies may be written in Washington, but their ripple effects are seen at Indian dinner tables when families discuss marriages. Once highly sought-after NRIs are no longer guaranteed stability, leading families to reconsider long-term plans.The US hosts 2.1 million NRIs, many of whom were once popular marriage prospects. Trumps H-1B changes, affecting 71% skilled Indian workers, have cooled interest. Vanaja Rao of Vanaja Rao Quick Marriages noted, For years, there was a craze for NRI grooms. That craze has faded since Trump returned to power, especially over the past six months.Premium matchmaking platform Knot.dating added a US visa filter to its app to help Indian families navigate these changes. CEO Jasveer Singh highlighted that visa status has become a deal-maker or breaker for prospective matches.Indian students face similar challenges. Kaushik Raj, accepted to Columbia University on a $100,000 scholarship, was denied a US visa. He explained that visa issuance was halted temporarily and social media checks led to further refusals.Student visa arrivals from India dropped 50% in August 2025 compared to last year, while overall US student arrivals fell 19%, according to the International Trade Administration. The Trump administrations policies have dampened the US appeal as a destination for education and long-term settlement.A coalition of unions, employers, and religious organizations filed a federal lawsuit in San Francisco against Trumps $100,000 H-1B fee. Plaintiffs argue the president lacks authority to impose such fees, which could turn the program into a pay to play system.White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the measure, claiming it discourages system abuse, protects wages, and ensures employer certainty.The H-1B visa allows US employers to hire specialists in technology, healthcare, and academia. India accounts for 71% of approvals, with China at 11.7%. Employers currently pay $2,000$5,000 per visa. Trumps order would raise this to $100,000 for new hires unless exemptions are granted.The courts decision could reshape the high-skilled immigration landscape. If Trump prevails, H-1B could become a high-cost program limiting access for Indian workers. Meanwhile, families, universities, and tech firms are seeking alternatives in Canada, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East to ensure stability and career prospects.
Tron: Ares

Jared Leto had Sex with ChatGPT to prepare for his role as an AI in 'TRON: ARES'.



(Source: https://t.co/pX7LomBOhA) pic.twitter.com/8SjEGgX3PN  DiscussingFish (@DiscussingFish) October 6, 2025

Did Jared Leto have sex with ChatGPT?

Tron: Ares

All you need to know about Tron: Ares

Tron: Ares, the highly anticipated third installment in Disney's Tron franchise, is set to release on October 10, 2025.

Jared Leto talks about his AI role

Social media recently erupted with sensational claims suggesting that Jared Leto used ChatGPT in an unusual way to prepare for his upcoming role in. According to the rumors, the actor supposedly engaged in sexual activity with the AI, an idea that sounds shocking and implausible. However, these claims are entirely baseless and have no grounding in reality. Fans and the public were quick to react which only fueled the misinformation. In truth, Letos preparation for the role involved traditional acting methods, research, and character study, with no involvement of AI in any sexual context. Heres a closer look at how these false rumours started and spread online.No, he did not. Jared Leto has been making headlines because of his role in, and amid the buzz, a parody account on X claimed the same thing. However, not many fell for it, noting that the page was simply spreading misinformation. The account, which goes by the name discussingfish, wrote: Jared Leto had sex with ChatGPT to prepare for his role as an AI in TRON: ARES.Many users asked Grok if it was true, while others quickly realized it was clearly a joke.Directed by Joachim Rnning with a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow, the film continues exploring the intersection of digital consciousness and the real world. Jared Leto stars as Ares, a super-intelligent program created by Julian Dillinger, played by Evan Peters. Greta Lee portrays Eve Kim, the CEO of ENCOM, who embarks on a mission to locate the "Permanence Code," a groundbreaking digital innovation capable of bringing virtual objects into reality. The film also features Jodie Turner-Smith as Athena, Ares second-in-command, Gillian Anderson as Elisabeth Dillinger, Julians mother, and Jeff Bridges reprising his iconic role as Kevin Flynn, the former ENCOM CEO who previously sacrificed himself in the Grid.At the London premiere, Jared Leto reflected to Digital Spy on the surprisingly timely release of Tron: Ares, particularly given its focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). He remarked that the topic has become mainstream since the films development began: "In a way, it is coming out at a perfect time when AI is a huge conversation. We started working on the movie nine or ten years ago, and nobody was talking about AI unless you were a researcher or an academic." He added, "Now everybodys talking about it, everyones using it, whether they realize it or not; its become part of our lives. So I think its fascinating that the film is releasing at this moment."
( Image credit : Fated Hearts: Watch episode 17 online. Credit: iQIYI )

Fated Hearts: Release date and time for Episode 17

Where to Watch Fated Hearts Episode 17 Online?

Fated Hearts: Plot

Fated Hearts: Cast and Characters

FAQs

Fans of the Chinese dramacan stream Episode 17 online on October 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT / 6:00 AM ET, according to the official release schedule.In the war-torn Jinxiu Kingdom, archer Fu Yixiao saves Prince Feng Suige but loses her memory after falling off a cliff. Rescued by the Ling family, she unexpectedly reunites with Suige. Once enemies, they must now rely on each other to survive in turbulent Yujing City. Amid betrayal, danger, and dark conspiracies, their bond slowly turns to love as they fight to overcome fate and protect one another.Episode 17 airs on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT / 6:00 AM ET. It will also be available to international viewers via simultaneous streaming on iQIYI, with English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience.Episodes 17 is available to stream on iQIYI - the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and iQIYI remains the top choice for watching the series.As the Jinxiu Kingdom teeters on the edge of defeat at the Battle of Pingling, the female archer Fu Yixiao, clad in red, fires a decisive arrow at Susha's eldest prince, Feng Suige, shifting the battles outcome. But triumph is fleeting - Yixiao falls from a cliff and loses her memory, only to be rescued by the Ling family of doctors from the Righteous Villa, where fate reunites her with her former rival, Suige.Recognizing that Yixiao's predicament is tied to the secrets of Pingling, Suige seeks to use her to uncover the truth, while Yixiao must rely on him to survive the relentless pursuit she faces. Once mortal enemies, the two are forced to navigate the dangerous streets of Yujing City together, and through countless near-death encounters, a fragile bond begins to form, and love quietly blooms.Amid betrayal, deception, unfulfilled desires, and the shackles of fate, both are drawn into a perilous game where everyone is simultaneously a player and a pawn. Only by working closely together can Yixiao and Suige hope to survive the dark conspiracy, fulfill the expectations of their people, and protect each other in a world where trust is a luxury.The historical dramastars Li Qin as Fu Yixiao, Chen Zheyuan as Prince Feng Suige, Xia Meng as Feng Xiyang, and Chen Heyi as Xia Jingshi. The 38-episode series premiered on iQIYI on October 2, 2025.Episode 17 will be released on October 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT / 6:00 AM ET.You can stream Episode 17 ofon iQIYI. All three platforms offer English subtitles.Yes, the series is fully subtitled in English on iQIYI, including Episodes 17.No,is not available on Netflix. It officially streams on iQIYI.
Why is influencer Ilan M. in jail?

( Image credit : The video sparked widespread outrage in France | Credit: X/Basil_TGMD )

Viral video of Ilan M. sparks outrage

A French influencer has been stabbing people with an empty needle for content



Hes just been sentenced to 6 months in prison



Horrific



pic.twitter.com/O2Xj9u4jm1  Basil the Great (@Basil_TGMD) October 4, 2025

Ilan M. expressed regret, said he was disconnected

( Image credit : Amine Mojito at the Paris Criminal Court | Credit: AFP )

( Image credit : Amine Mojitos lawyers had requested clemency from the court, noting he had spent nearly two months in pre-trial detention | Credit: X/YURI10000001 )

A French social media influencer has been sentenced to six months in prison after a disturbing viral video showed him pretending to inject strangers with a syringe in public.Ilan M., who uses the pseudonym Amine Mojito on platforms such as TikTok, was found guilty by the Paris Criminal Court for violence with a weapon that did not result in incapacity for work. The sentence includes a total of 12 months in prison, with six suspended, as well as a 1,670 (approximately 1,450) fine. Additionally, he has been banned from owning or carrying a weapon for three years.The video, posted shortly before Frances Fete de la Musique in June, showed the 27-year-old roaming the streets, pretending to stab unsuspecting members of the public with an empty syringe. Titled Mojito le piqueur fou (the mad stinger), the clip showed the influencer recording terrified reactions of bystanders.The timing of the video amplified public concern, as France was already grappling with a wave of reports about needle attacks at festivals and student events. During the June music celebrations alone, police received over 140 reports of suspected syringe attacks, although few could be substantiated.According to prosecutors, Mojito's actions, whether intentional or not may have fuelled fear and potentially encouraged copycat behaviour.In court, the influencer expressed regret, stating that he was disconnected from reality at the time and did not consider the consequences of his actions. He reportedly explained that he had copied similar online content seen from Spain and Portugal, without thinking about how it might affect the victims or the wider public.His lawyer, Marie Claret de Fleurieu, argued that the sentencing was fair and helped refocus attention on balancing public order with the protection of her client's rights. She also emphasised that Mojito had already spent nearly two months in pre-trial detention, mostly in solitary confinement for his own protection.Public reaction to the sentence has been mixed, with many social media users expressing anger over what they perceive as a lenient punishment. Some noted the psychological distress caused to those targeted, particularly in light of widespread anxiety over real needle-spiking incidents.While the influencers intention may have been to generate viral content, the backlash has served as a stark reminder of the potential real-world harm caused by irresponsible online behaviour.
France plunged into a political crisis as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned just 14 hours after unveiling his cabinet, amid threats to topple his government  sending French stocks and the euro sharply lower https://t.co/iYLbvRdAHDpic.twitter.com/ym4TXmOuNI  Reuters (@Reuters) October 6, 2025

Confusion over role

Lecornu resigns after 27 days. The French are fast catching up with the Conservative Party. pic.twitter.com/7faMeRIt7d  Adrian Hilton (@Adrian_Hilton) October 6, 2025

Growing political divisions

Cabinet rejection and unrest

A car burst into flames and exploded in central Paris, close to the official residence of the French prime minister.



The incident occurred as former Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who recently resigned, was holding a scheduled meeting with centrist political figures.... pic.twitter.com/dJIGxrmTiR  Richard (@ricwe123) October 7, 2025

Deadlock since snap elections

  Such an accidental fire and explosions in Paris, the former capital of love.



A truck filled with gas cylinders caught fire near the French Prime Minister's office just before a meeting between Defense Minister Lecornu and politicians from the centrist bloc. pic.twitter.com/vKRx9Z9MxD  WhiteHouse (@WhiteHouseIce) October 7, 2025

Frances outgoing prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, has begun a final attempt to secure support across party lines in a bid to ease the countrys worsening political crisis. The move comes just a day after Lecornu announced his resignation, following the rejection of his proposed cabinet by both allies and rivals.The decision to continue talks, despite his resignation, has raised questions about Frances political direction under President Emmanuel Macron. The Elysee Palace confirmed that Macron asked Lecornu to hold discussions before stepping aside.Lecornus sudden shift from resignation to negotiations has surprised lawmakers. His 14-hour administration was the shortest in modern French history, adding further uncertainty to the governments stability. On Tuesday morning, he began meeting members of the conservative Republicans and the centre-right Renaissance parties, in what has been called a common platform discussion aimed at building a new cabinet.The Elysee said Lecornu has until Wednesday evening to define a platform of action and stability for the country. However, questions remain about whether this means Macron could reappoint him, or select another candidate for the role. Lecornu is already the fifth prime minister appointed by Macron in less than two years.Political reactions have been swift. Some see Macrons move as a way to buy time, while others believe France should head for an early presidential election. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, said parliament should be dissolved, with new elections to follow.Edouard Philippe, who once served as Macrons prime minister, also spoke in favour of a presidential vote. Another former prime minister, Gabriel Attal, said he was baffled by the presidents decision. Like many French people, I do not understand the presidents decisions any more, he noted.The crisis stems from Lecornus attempt to form a new cabinet after his predecessor, Francois Bayrou, was toppled in early September. Bayrous austerity budget had triggered nationwide strikes, forcing Macron to replace him.Despite promising to break with Bayrous strategies, Lecornus new cabinet, unveiled on Sunday, was criticized for including many of the same figures from the previous government. Opponents argued it leaned too heavily to the right, while others said it did not represent enough diverse political voices.The rejection of this cabinet ultimately led to Lecornus resignation after less than a month in office, further weakening Macrons ability to manage a divided parliament.The roots of the crisis go back to last year, when Macron called snap elections in response to far-right gains. The result was a hung parliament, leaving the French government in a near-constant state of political deadlock.Since then, Macron has faced challenges in passing legislation and maintaining stability. The repeated changes in prime ministers have reflected this wider struggle. Lecornus departure after only 27 days highlights how fragile the government has become.Despite calls for elections, Macron has made clear he intends to serve out his second term, which ends in 2027. The question now is whether Lecornus last round of talks can deliver a compromise, or whether France will be pushed further toward another vote.
( Image credit : Watch episode 25 of C-drama Love's Ambition online. Credit: TencentVideo )

Love's Ambition: Release date and time for Episode 25

Where to Watch Love's Ambition Episode 25 Online?

Love's Ambition: Episode 25 Plot?

Love's Ambition episode 25: Spoilers

Love's Ambition

Love's Ambition: Cast and Characters

FAQs

Fans of the Chinese dramacan stream Episode 25 online on October 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT / 6:00 AM ET, according to the official release schedule.This drama follows glamorous anchor Xu Yan and urban elite Shen Hao Ming, an enviable couple whose contrasting backgrounds strain their relationship. Xu Yan marries him through her crafted image and his influence, but after a conflict, she breaks free. Only then does Shen Hao Ming realize his true feelings and vows to win her back. As they drop their facades, they grow closer and rediscover each other.Episode 25 airs on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT / 6:00 AM ET. It will also be available to international viewers via simultaneous streaming on Viki, with English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience.Episodes 25 is available to stream on TencentVideo, WeTV and Viki - the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and Viki remains the top choice for watching the series.Glamorous anchor Xu Yan and urban elite Shen Hao Ming seem like the perfect couple, but their contrasting backgrounds strain their relationship. Xu Yan marries him using her carefully crafted image and his influence, yet a conflict drives her to break free. Only then does Shen Hao Ming realize his true feelings and vow to win her back. As they let go of their facades, they grow closer and rediscover both each other and themselves.Shu Yan's company seemed to be regaining its footing after the online scandal, but just as calm returned, disaster struck. The Yan Studio was abruptly disqualified from the Qing Lan Cup, nullifying all of Shu Yan's hard work. Despite her relentless efforts to restore her company's reputation, public opinion remained fractured, rife with rumors and speculation. With the organizers' decision final, Shu Yan and her team faced yet another wave of obstacles threatening to undo everything they had achieved.Meanwhile, Steve continued his secret machinations. Armed with evidence of the tense relationship between Shu Yan and Shenhaing, he schemed to sabotage Haing's potential partnership with Mr. Balakin's company. Knowing the three-month trial period set by Balakin, Steve plotted to convince Shu Yan that Haing's acts of kindness were nothing more than a calculated plan to manipulate her - keeping her from filing for divorce while hiding his true intentions.Shenha Ming's emotions finally hit a breaking point. Drinking heavily with Yu Yi Ming, he revealed his heartbreak and helplessness, his love for Shu Yan unreturned. In his drunken haze, he tried - and failed - to reach her by phone. At the same time, Shu Yan sought solace in alcohol with her older sister before being taken home by Kia Lin.The next morning brought a fleeting sense of normalcy as Shu Yan prepared for a party with Haing. But her plans were interrupted by a call from Steve, who insisted that Haing's concern and support were part of an elaborate scheme, not genuine affection. Deceived once before, Shu Yan now faced the ultimate question: could she see through Steve's manipulation, or would she fall into his trap again? The answers await in the upcoming episodes ofThe drama(also known asor) stars Zhao Lusi as Xu Yan and William Chan as Shen Hao Ming. The main cast also features Wan Peng as Lin Qiao, Tang Xiaotian as Yu Yi Ming, and Guan Zijing as Lin Tao.Episode 25 will be released on October 8, 2025, at 3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT / 6:00 AM ET.You can stream Episode 25 on Viki. All three platforms offer English subtitles.Yes, the series is fully subtitled in English on Viki, including Episodes 25.No,is not available on Netflix. It officially streams on Viki.
( Image credit : Dhravya Shah post )

From IIT aspirant to AI innovator

Building Supermemory abroad

Last year I got rejected from YC



this year, I got an offer from both YC and a16z speedrun, but ended up not taking them for a variety of reasons



twist: this time, I didn't apply to either of them.



Trust the process, work hard, be obsessed. everything unfolds itself  https://t.co/5vDt3ZzRuzpic.twitter.com/1bRK21AHYD  Dhravya Shah (@DhravyaShah) October 6, 2025

What makes Supermemory different

Real-world applications

Funding and global recognition

The road ahead

At just 20, Dhravya Shah from Mumbai is already making waves in the global tech scene. Once focused on cracking the highly competitive IIT entrance exams, Shah chose a different path-studying abroad and building an AI startup called Supermemory. His company recently raised $3 million (around Rs 26 crore) in seed funding, with backing from top tech leaders like Jeff Dean of Google AI and Logan Kilpatrick from DeepMind.Shah announced the news on X, he wrote, "Excited to announce that I've raised $3 Million to build @supermemoryai, the best memory for LLMs and agents. I turned 20 last month Memory is one of the hardest challenges in AI right now. I realized this when building the first version of supermemory, which was merely a bookmarking and notetaking tool I was building as a side-project in dorm two years ago when I was 18. There weren't many good solutions, so I built my own vector DB, content parsers and an engine that works like the human brain. This is my life's work - I dropped out of college, moved to SF, and continued to build out the product as a solo founder. Today, I am delighted that we have one of the best and fastest memory products in the world, with many hundreds of enterprises and builders building apps on top of supermemory. And this is just the start. grateful to my investors@SusaVentures (@chadbyers), Browder Capital (@jbrowder1), SF1 (@ItzSuds), @julianweisser (@solofounding), and angels like @dok2001 (Cloudflare), Jeff Dean and @OfficialLoganK (Google), @zeeg (Sentry), @Theo, and many others who have supported me in this journey. We are hiring across engineering, research and product roles. Join us in the journey of creating the best memory engine on "But Shah isnt just chasing big numbers; his startup aims to redefine how AI remembers and processes information over time.Most teenagers at 19 are still planning their careers. Shah, however, swapped IIT prep for coding and entrepreneurship. His journey began in Mumbai, where he developed an early fascination with technology and consumer apps. While his peers were focused on exams, Shah was busy building software. One of his first successes was a Twitter automation tool that converted tweets into visual screenshots, which he sold to Hypefury, a popular social media platform.Once in the US, Shah adopted a unique challenge: create one new project every week for 40 weeks. This approach led to the early version of Supermemory (initially called Any Context), which started as a chatbot allowing users to interact with Twitter bookmarks.Along the way, Shah gained experience with some of Silicon Valleys leading tech companies. He worked as a full-stack developer at Hypefury, then as an AI engineer at Mem0 (YC S24). Later, he joined Cloudflare, first as an intern and then as Developer Relations Lead, where he honed his expertise in AI infrastructure and data systems. Mentorship from leaders like Cloudflare CTO Dane Knecht inspired him to transform his idea into a full-fledged startup.Shah recently posted on X, Last year I got rejected from YC, this year, I got an offer from both YC and a16z speedrun, but ended up not taking them Trust the process, work hard, be obsessed. Everything unfolds itself.Supermemory is designed to solve one of the biggest challenges in AI: memory. Large language models (LLMs) often struggle to retain information over time. Supermemory bridges this gap by enabling AI applications to remember and recall information across sessions, making interactions more personalised and natural.The platform can process a wide range of data documents, chats, emails, PDFs, files, and app streams-and turn them into memories that AI can use to improve performance. In effect, it gives AI systems a form of long-term memory, similar to humans.Supermemorys technology is already in use by several AI companies, including Cluely (backed by a16z), AI video editor Montra, and AI search engine Scira. It is also helping robotics firms retain visual memories captured by machines, a breakthrough for AI in real-world environments.The startup recently raised about $3 million in seed funding, led by Susa Ventures, Browder Capital, and SF1.vc. Investors include some of the biggest names in tech: Jeff Dean (Google AI), Logan Kilpatrick (DeepMind), Dane Knecht (Cloudflare CTO), and Joshua Browder (DoNotPay founder).This funding not only validates Shahs vision but also sets the stage for Supermemory to transform how AI systems remember and interact with users.From a middle-class teenager preparing for IIT in Mumbai to a global AI entrepreneur, Dhravya Shahs journey is a remarkable story of passion, innovation, and persistence. As Supermemory continues to grow, it could reshape the way AI models understand, learn, and engage with people worldwide.
Trumps long pursuit of the Nobel

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday, October 10, 2025, at a press conference in Oslo, Norway. pic.twitter.com/pN8OrjcEwL  Five Lucky Fingers (@5luckyfingers) October 4, 2025

The Gaza Peace Plan at the center

PRESIDENT TRUMP: Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Prize, but for me, the real prize will be the sons and daughters who live to grow up because millions of people are no longer being killed in endless wars."



The President of peace.

pic.twitter.com/Z8BKId81mM  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 23, 2025

The nomination process

Francesca Albanese, Greta Thunberg, and Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya should be nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for their tireless dedication to humanity. @FranceskAlbs@GretaThunbergpic.twitter.com/dCyjR8EH09   (@Malcolm_Pal9) October 3, 2025

Behind-the-scenes efforts

BREAKING  President Trump is now favored to win the Nobel Peace Prize, per Oddschecker 



Donald Trump saved the world from collapsing



GIVE THIS MAN A NOBEL PEACE PRIZE pic.twitter.com/EfX86kejgL  MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) May 14, 2025

Why his chances remain slim

The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday in Oslo, and much of the attention is once again on Donald J. Trump. The US President has openly linked his latest campaign for the award to his proposed Gaza peace plan, which he says could end the nearly two-year war between Israel and Hamas. Trump believes that this plan, along with his role in the 2020 Abraham Accords, makes him a deserving candidate. But experts say his chances remain uncertain.Trumps effort to secure the Nobel Peace Prize is not new. Since his first term, he has publicly claimed that his foreign policy achievements should be recognised at the same level as some of his predecessors.At the United Nations last month, he told diplomats, Everyone says that I should get the Nobel Peace Prize, repeating a line he has used for years. He has pointed to what he calls ending seven wars, suggesting that a Gaza breakthrough could be his eighth.At a military address in Virginia, he remarked, Nobodys ever done that. Will you get the Nobel Prize? Absolutely not. Theyll give it to some guy that didnt do a damn thing.His comments reflect both confidence and frustration with the Nobel Committee. His campaign has included formal nominations, endorsements, and quiet outreach to Norway, where the prize is decided.This year, Trumps main argument is his Gaza roadmap. His plan proposes a phased Israeli withdrawal, the release of hostages, and the reconstruction of Gaza under international oversight. In exchange, Palestinian groups would disarm and allow aid monitoring.He has said that Israel has accepted an initial withdrawal line, but events on the ground tell a different story. Israeli airstrikes killed 66 people shortly after his announcement, and Hamas has not agreed to full disarmament.Analysts describe the plan as ambitious but uncertain, with political and logistical hurdles. For now, Israeli forces remain active in Gaza and the West Bank, making peace elusive.The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a five-member committee appointed by Norways parliament. Deliberations are sealed for 50 years. In 2025, there are 338 nominees.Trumps name has appeared several times since 2018. This year, US Representative Claudia Tenney nominated him before the February 1 deadline, citing the Abraham Accords that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab states.Nominations from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pakistan, and Cambodia came too late to be considered. A Ukrainian lawmaker withdrew a nomination after Trump did not condemn a Russian strike on Kyiv.Trumps allies have also been active. His envoy Steve Witkoff urged the Norwegian committee to come to its senses, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly lobbied European officials. Trump himself spoke directly with Norways finance minister.Support also came from corporate leaders. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla credited Trump with Operation Warp Speed during Covid-19, calling it Nobel-worthy.Specialists in diplomacy and Nobel history argue that Trump does not align with what the committee usually rewards: long-term peace efforts and cooperation. His tone and climate change scepticism may hurt his prospects.Nina Grger of the Peace Research Institute Oslo said, The committee wont want to appear to be caving in to political pressure. Trumps prospects for the prize this year are a long shot.The Nobel Peace Prize, first awarded in 1901, brings global recognition, a medal, and 11 million Swedish krona. For Trump, a win would mean political and personal validation. The final decision will be announced in Oslo at noon on October 10, 2025.
( Image credit : Pooh Shiesty links with fellow Memphis artists K Carbon and CEO Big 30 after release from federal prison. Credit: X|@Rap )

Who is Pooh Shiesty?

( Image credit : Pooh Shiesty real name Lontrell Donell Williams Jr. was born on November 8, 1999. Credit: X|@Rap )

Pooh Shiesty's legal troubles and prison sentence

( Image credit : Pooh Shiesty in August 2025 had shared updated pics from behind bars. Credit: X|@rapalert6 )

Pooh Shiesty's life in the halfway house

 UPDATE: More footage surfaces of Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty after reportedly being released from prison early  pic.twitter.com/Q3O85U0JPJ  Traps N Trunks (@trapsntrunks) October 7, 2025

Pooh Shiesty's net worth

Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty came home to a bag  pic.twitter.com/Bgkg7yEht5  Kollege Kidd (@KollegeKidd) October 7, 2025

The road ahead for Pooh Shiesty

Pooh Shiesty is back in the public eye after his early release from federal prison in October 2025. Having served roughly three years of a 63-month sentence, he is currently living in a federally supervised halfway house as part of his re-entry program. While restrictions prevent him from returning home immediately, the rapper has made rare public appearances, sparking excitement and speculation among fans. Clips circulating online have fueled rumours, but one thing is clear: Pooh Shiesty's return marks a pivotal moment in his career and personal journey.Born Lontrell Donell Williams Jr. on November 8, 1999, in Memphis, Tennessee, Pooh Shiesty rose to fame with his 2020 hit Back in Blood featuring Lil Durk. The song became an instant chart-topper, establishing him as a rising force in hip-hop. In 2021, he released his debut mixtape, Shiesty Season, solidifying his position in the music industry.Before legal issues put a stop to his rise, Pooh Shiesty, who was signed to Gucci Mane's 1017 Records, accumulated millions of streams and a devoted fan following. His music streamed widely even while he was incarcerated, demonstrating his continued popularity and influence.His legal troubles began in 2020 in Florida, when he was accused of everything from drug trafficking to assault and armed robbery. He was arrested in 2021 and later pled guilty to federal charges, including firearms possession and conspiracy.In April 2022, he was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison but served roughly three years before being granted early release. He is now transitioning through a halfway house, easing back into everyday life while still under supervision.Although Pooh Shiesty is free from prison, his movements are still monitored. He is restricted from returning home immediately and must comply with halfway house rules. Fans have spotted him in public spaces via short video clips, sparking curiosity and online discussions. Compliance with these rules will eventually restore his full freedom.According to court documents, his prior music sales, performances, and streaming royalties contributed to his estimated $3.45 million net worth. While this figure offers a reliable snapshot, it may not include future deals or additional earnings. With his release, Pooh Shiesty has the opportunity to grow his wealth further through new music, tours, and collaborations.Now that he's out, Pooh Shiesty faces a second chance at life and career. His time in a halfway house is just the beginning of his reintegration, but his presence in hip-hop remains undeniable. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how he rebuilds his career, leverages his popularity, and expands his $3.45 million net worth in this new chapter.
( Image credit : Aubrey O'Day (L) blames Diddy (R) for her plastic surgery spiral | Credit: Instagram/aubreyoday )

Diddy ditches the bling for sobriety at Fort Dix

From freak-off fiestas to forced self-reflection

( Image credit : Why Diddy is staying silent in his trafficking trial? Credit: X/pallnandi )

Calculated sobriety and a convenient soul cleanse

( Image credit : Diddy | Credit: X | Sagesurge )

In a move no one saw coming, but also everyone kind of did, Sean Diddy Combs is hoping to swap cell block drama for chill therapy sessions behind bars. After being slapped with a 50-month sentence for prostitution-related charges, the rap moguls legal squad is lobbying hard for a comfy cot at FCI Fort Dix, a New Jersey low-security federal prison that offers more self-help than solitary.The reason? It is all about rehab, reflection, and realignment. Diddys team says he needs the RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program) a hardcore detox curriculum run by the Bureau of Prisons. But lets be real: it also beats a cold cell in a high-security hellhole.Yes, the same man who once threw baby oil sexcapades and called them parties is now claiming he is a changed man. After a wild courtroom trial in Manhattan, where ex-girlfriends testified about his violent, drug-fuelled lifestyle, Diddy has magically discovered inner peace and mental clarity. How convenient.Legal eagle Teny Geragos made the case sound noble. She told the court Diddy needs Fort Dix to stay clean, stay close to family, and stay the course on his new non-violent journey. According to insiders, this is just another play in the redemption handbook, a strategic sob story to shave off jail time.Just hours before sentencing, Diddy sent a heartfelt letter to Judge Arun Subramanian. He claimed he had found sobriety, clarity, and a spiritual awakening. No, really. He said he was clean, clear and sober and no longer the man who spiralled into drugs and ego trips. Instead, he is now working harder than ever to be a peaceful, drug-free person.Sources close to the trial say it was textbook crisis PR: Show remorse, cite rehab, and hope the judge listens. The mogul has reportedly already clocked 14 months in jail, meaning if all goes well, he could walk free in just three short years.Whether Fort Dix is ready for Diddy or not, one thing is certain, this is the most ironic plot twist in hip-hop history. The man who turned excess into an empire now wants quiet mornings, meditation sessions, and perhaps even a GED. Is it personal growth, PR magic, or just plain survival mode?Only time (and Judge Subramanian) will tell if the Diddy is truly ready to be a good man.
By Alimat Aliyeva

The Paris prosecutors office has launched an investigation into the American tech giant Apple over issues related to its Siri voice assistant.

The inquiry has been assigned to the Department for Combating Cybercrime (OFAC) and focuses on the potential illegal collection of thousands of user conversation recordings via Siri. The investigation was triggered following a complaint based on testimony from a former Apple contractors employee, according to reports.

An Apple spokesperson in France told Politico, Apple has never used Siri data for marketing profiling, shared it with advertising services, or sold it to third parties.

This investigation highlights growing global concerns about privacy and data security in the era of voice-activated assistants. Similar probes into tech companies have emerged worldwide, reflecting increasing scrutiny of how personal data is collected and managed by AI-powered devices.
( Image credit : Taylor Swift has surprised fans with a Real Madrid name-drop in her latest song Wi$h Li$t (Credit: X/@RealMadridZone) )

Taylor Swift faces wild allegations over WI$H LI$T lyrics

The song that sparked the storm

( Image credit : Taylor swift says- You belong to me | Credit: @taylorswift/ Instagram )

Fans fire back: This is the dumbest thing weve ever heard

wanting the whole block to look like her white partner is different than wanting children that look like him i hope that helps https://t.co/v38dgBodGX  James Mwashimba (@jamesmwashimba1) October 4, 2025

does anyone have any other interpretation of "got the whole block looking like you" bc that does genuinely confuse me bc it does sound like she's romanticizing gentrification, homogenisation etc https://t.co/whdjUZHb0v  alin (@peachew_) October 4, 2025

the concept of saying you being homophobic, racist and hunting minorities cause you want to have kids pic.twitter.com/BG8NCznYN9  mo (@everlikeme) October 5, 2025

( Image credit : Taylor Swift returns to glittering pop with a wild, theatrical showgirl vibe | Credit: Instagram/taylorswift13 )

Taylor Swift has officially entered another internet battlefield, this time, over the most bizarre claim yet. After releasing The Life of a Showgirl, some critics accused the 35-year-old pop superstar of promoting eugenics because of one line in her track WI$H LI$T, where she dreams of having kids who look like her partner.Yes, you read that right. A sweet, romantic lyric about future children has somehow turned into an academic debate on genetics, politics, and moral philosophy. Welcome to the internet in 2025.In WI$H LI$T, Taylor paints an image of a simple, love-filled life one that contrasts with fame and fortune. But a specific line Have a couple kids, got the whole block looking like you triggered an unexpected uproar online.Several users accused her of pushing problematic ideas, saying she was implying some kind of genetic superiority. It was the kind of take that had even the most seasoned Swifties rubbing their eyes in disbelief.Swifts fandom immediately jumped into defence mode, calling the claims delusional and harmful. Many pointed out that the lyric was a light-hearted nod to her boyfriend Travis Kelces famously strong family genes  not a manifesto on racial purity.Fans joked that it was just a funny bit referencing how Traviss sister-in-law Kylie Kelces kids all look like her husband Jason. One fan wrote that people twisting harmless lyrics into sociopolitical statements were ruining leftist culture and proving the internet is unserious.Others said that critics were so desperate to label Taylor as problematic that they were becoming illiterate for the sake of outrage.The outrage reached absurd levels, with fans posting memes urging critics to touch grass and log off for their own sanity. Several social media users even said that this kind of overanalysis was why we keep losing elections, accusing people of focusing on Taylor Swift lyrics instead of real-world problems.At this point, Swifties have turned The Life of a Showgirl discourse into an all-out meme war, and honestly, Taylor would probably approve of the chaos.
Trump to host Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canadian PM Mark Carney is meeting with Donald Trump next week.



But Carney says we dont need the US as he has a brilliant Micro Deals plan.



I expect this will go as badly as all the other meetings. pic.twitter.com/KMTVoaa0CS  SatireSquadHQ (@SatireSquadHQ) October 4, 2025

Air traffic control faces shortages amid shutdown

Trump announces 25% tariff on imported trucks

Negotiations with democrats on healthcare

#Shutdown

Day Seven of the Government Shutdown. Our military servicemen and servicewomen, many in harm's way, are not getting paid, but they're still performing their duties. The federal workforce is not getting paid. Some of the federal work force must report to work. There are pic.twitter.com/9yN6SpDkAP  ricardobrown (@ricardobrown) October 7, 2025

Senate rejects GOP and Democratic funding bills again

WATCH: Gold prices touched an all-time high, soaring above the $3,900-per-ounce level, as investors flocked to safe-haven bullion amid the US government shutdown, broader economic uncertainty, and prospects of further Federal Reserve rate cuts https://t.co/4zPukCeYOvpic.twitter.com/EDXxkI3z8z  Reuters (@Reuters) October 6, 2025

Trump signs executive orders on Alaska mining

The Senate on Monday again rejected both Democratic and Republican proposals to fund the government, marking the sixth consecutive day of a partial shutdown. The Democratic proposal failed 45-55, and the Republican bill failed 52-42; both needed 60 votes to pass. Earlier, President Trump warned that continued failure could trigger federal layoffs. He also mentioned discussions with Democrats over extending Obamacare subsidies beyond year-end.President Trump is scheduled to host Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday. The meeting in the Oval Office, followed by a cabinet room lunch, aims to strengthen economic and security ties between the two countries. Carney tweeted, Were here to keep building a new economic and security relationship with the United States  one that empowers our workers and businesses with greater certainty and new opportunities.The ongoing shutdown is affecting federal operations, including air traffic control. Burbank Airport announced it would go "ATC ZERO," suspending normal flight operations until 10 p.m. Monday. Other centers in Newark, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Phoenix also face staffing shortages.On Monday, Trump tweeted that all medium and heavy-duty trucks imported into the US would face a 25% tariff starting Nov. 1. The announcement follows an earlier statement in September to impose tariffs on foreign-made heavy trucks.Trump expressed willingness to negotiate with Democrats if they support Republican efforts to reopen the government. I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open, he wrote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed Democrats are ready to engage if talks commence.The Senate failed to advance the Republicans clean funding bill through Nov. 21 with a 52-42 vote. Democratic Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman, and independent Angus King voted yes; Rand Paul voted no. Five senators were absent. Democrats health care-inclusive funding proposal also failed 45-50, with no Republican support. Additional votes are expected on Tuesday.President Trump signed an executive order reversing a Biden-era decision to allow mining in Alaskas Ambler District, citing extraordinary resource potential. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted the areas rich deposits, and Trump emphasized the potential for billions in revenue and energy supply.
Donald Trump vs Mark Carney net worth:

Donald Trump

US tariffs

working visit

trade and other key issues

Trade challenges between Canada and the US

( Image credit : FILE - Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney talks with President Donald Trump before a group photo at the G7 Summit, June 16, 2025, in Kananaskis, Canada | Credit: AP )

USMCA (United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement)

Mark Carneys impressive net worth and financial background

( Image credit : Canadian PM Mark Carney | Credit: Instagram/Mark Carney )

net worth

$6.97 million

PhD from Oxford University

Governor of the Bank of England

Brookfield Asset Management

Bloomberg L.P

Donald Trumps net worth: The billion-dollar empire

( Image credit : US President Donald Trump | Credit: Instagram/Trump )

$3 billion

$500 million

$400 million

Boeing 757

Trump Force One

$454 million

Mark Carney vs Donald Trump: Who is richer?

Mark Carney and Donald Trumps net worth

FAQs

1. What is Mark Carneys net worth in 2025?

2. How much is Donald Trump worth now?

3. Why is Mark Carney meeting Donald Trump?

4. How did Mark Carney make his money?

5. Who is richer  Mark Carney or Donald Trump?

Canadian Prime Ministeris set to meet with US Presidentin Washington this Tuesday. The visit comes as Carney aims to ease the ongoingthat have been straining Canadas economy.According to Ottawa, this is a   Carneys second trip to the White House since becoming Prime Minister earlier this year. The 60-year-old leader, known for his sharp financial acumen, hopes to restore strong trade ties and strengthen economic cooperation between Canada and the United States.White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the two leaders will discuss  impacting both nations.While countries like those in the European Union have negotiated new trade deals with Washington, Canada still hasnt finalised a comprehensive agreement. The United States remains Canadas largest economic partner, accounting for roughly 75% of its exports.However, Canadas GDP fell by 1.5% in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting growing financial pressure from US-imposed tariffs. Donald Trump has already placed duties on Canadian lumber, steel, aluminium, and automotive products. Recently, he also announced a new 25% tariff on heavy trucks starting in November.Although thestill protects most trade, Trump has hinted at renegotiating it to better serve American industries  a move that could reshape cross-border trade for years to come.Before entering politics, Mark Carney was one of the most respected figures in global finance. As reported in ET, hisis estimated to be aroundas of 2025, thanks to his long and successful career in banking and corporate leadership.Carney began his professional journey after earning his. He joined Goldman Sachs, where he worked across major cities like London, New York, Tokyo, and Toronto during his 13-year tenure. There, he held senior roles including co-head of sovereign risk and managing director of investment banking  positions that helped him build a solid financial base.After leaving investment banking, Carney served as Governor of the Bank of Canada and later as, further boosting his reputation. He also served on corporate boards such asand., expanding his wealth and influence in both the private and public sectors.Known for his disciplined financial style, Carneys net worth reflects his ability to blend economics, policy, and business insight  a combination that now shapes his leadership as Prime Minister.Trump reportedly addedto his wealth in the past year alone, largely through cryptocurrency investments that skyrocketed following his presidential comeback. His legal team also helped him avoid ajudgment, while renewed interest in his real estate and branding ventures added anotherDespite challenges in the real estate sector  including rising interest rates and changing consumer habits  Trump still holds vast property assets. His empire includes luxury golf courses, mansions, a winery, and his famous, affectionately known as .However, Trumps financial history remains controversial. A New York court recently ordered him to payafter being found guilty of inflating his net worth to secure better financial terms.As president, Trump will receive an annual salary of $400,000. However, this presidential income is a small fraction of his wealth, which primarily comes from his vast real estate assets and various business ventures.When comparing, theres a clear difference in scale. Trumps wealth runs into billions, built on decades of real estate, branding, and business ventures. Carneys millions, meanwhile, stem from a distinguished career in global finance and public service.While Trump represents old-school real estate wealth, Carneys money reflects modern global finance and institutional leadership. Both men, however, share one trait  an exceptional understanding of money and power.As Carney visits Washington, all eyes are on whether the meeting between two financially savvy leaders can help stabilise trade and restore balance in North American economics.Mark Carneys net worth is estimated at around $6.97 million as of 2025.Donald Trumps net worth stands at approximately $7.3 billion, according to Forbes.Carney is visiting Washington to discuss trade issues and economic cooperation between Canada and the US.Carney built his wealth through a long career at Goldman Sachs, senior government roles, and corporate board positions.Donald Trump is significantly richer, with a net worth in the billions compared to Mark Carneys millions.
The U.S. Marshals Service on Monday said it was offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of 24-year-old Tyvine Jones, a North Philadelphia man who is wanted in three homicides, including the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy in 2020.

Jones is alleged to be a member of the Blumberg street gang, with the alias Blumberg Eerd, and has a tattoo on his neck that says Blumberg Baby, and one on his left hand that says Blumberg 24 Projects. Jones has the name Nehemiah tattooed over his right eye, and another tattoo on his left arm that says Savage.

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Jones is Black, 6 feet tall, and weighs about 150 pounds, the U.S. Marshals Service said. His last known address was on the 2600 block of North Chadwick Street.

The U.S. Marshals Service did not identify the victims in the three homicide cases, but said they were ages 16, 20, and 23, and that the killings occurred in August 2020 on the 2200 block of West Diamond Street, in May 2022 on the 1600 block of Erie Avenue, and in September 2022 on the 1600 block of Creston Street.

Philadelphia police on Monday confirmed that Jones was one of two alleged perpetrators in the killing of 16-year-old Heyward Garrison, who was shot multiple times on Aug. 23, 2020, shortly after 1 a.m. on the 2200 block of West Diamond. He died about a half-hour later at Temple University Hospital.

Anthony Watson, who preformed and recorded as a rapper by the name of Blumberg Geez, had been sought in the teens death.

On May 31, 2023, Watson was shot in the head on the 1800 block of North Woodstock Street. He was taken to Temple hospital and died a few hours later.

Watson and Jones, as Blumberg Geez and Blumberg Eerd, recorded several tracks together, and both are believed by police to have been involved in Garrisons killing.

In 2024, the District Attorneys Office released the names of fugitives being sought for homicides and identified Tyvine Jones as the alleged killer of Wesley Rodwell.

Rodwell, 20, was fatally shot on the 1600 block of West Erie Avenue on May 25, 2022.

The last victim, whose age, month and year of death, and shooting location matched the information provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, was Ryan D. Findley.

Findley, 23, was gunned down on the 1600 block of Creston Street on Sept. 26, 2022.

The $5,000 reward for Tyvine Jones will be processed immediately upon his arrest, not his conviction, the U.S. Marshals Service said. Tips can be offered through the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477) or at www.usmarshals.gov.

Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said in a statement: Tyvine Jones represents the very worst society has to offer. His disregard for human life poses a continued threat to the public and he should be considered armed and highly dangerous.
The fallout from a lawsuit accusing the Cherry Hill school board and top administrators of discrimination and retaliation is continuing, with changes for both Cherry Hill and the former principal at the center of the lawsuit.

The Cherry Hill school board last week appointed an interim principal at Cherry Hill High School East to replace Daniel Finkle, who tendered his resignation last month. The board selected Leslie Walker, effective immediately. Shell serve in the role until the end of June 2026.

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Walker was previously the superintendent of the Mount Ephraim Public Schools and served as an administrator in the Berlin Township Public Schools. She worked in the Cherry Hill school district from 1998 to 2005 as an assistant principal and teacher at Henry C. Beck Middle School and as a teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School.

Meanwhile, the East Windsor Regional School District has rescinded a job offer made to Finkle, Walkers predecessor, who was set to become principal of Hightstown High School in November. An email sent to the East Windsor community by Superintendent Mark Daniels on Sept. 30 said that the school board approved the recommendation to rescind the recent appointment of the Hightstown High School Principal. The Mercer County school district is reopening the search for a new high school principal, according to the email.

Days before Finkle resigned from Cherry Hill, he, alongside the Cherry Hill Board of Education and two other top administrators, was named in a lawsuit alleging that the district subjected David Francis-Maurer, a former assistant principal, to discrimination and retaliation. The lawsuit alleges that Francis-Maurer was unlawfully placed on administrative leave and, later dismissed, after blowing the whistle on discriminatory behavior and failures to follow safety protocols.

In an email, Finkle called Francis-Mauers lawsuit baseless and containing lies.

Finkle said,   while I cannot convince Hightstown to change its mind and risk a problem with its students families, I look forward to filing a detailed answer refuting the lies that Dr. Francis-Maurer has told through his attorney.

Dennis Vinson, Hightstowns current principal who had been set to retire, has agreed to extend his time with the district while it searches for a replacement, the districts email said.

This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters.
Valerie Brown, of Mays Landing, takes a walk in Gaskill Park on Friday. Brown was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012 at the age of 49 and relies on Medicaid to afford her medications. Read more

When Valerie Browns lung cancer returned and began to spread to other parts of her body, her doctors suggested a drug that would slow the cancers growth.

Shed already had surgery and radiation, and eliminating the cancer was no longer an option. Most people with her type of cancer live no more than five years.

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Six years later, the 62-year-old South Jersey woman is enjoying watching her 10 grandchildren grow up. She credits Tagrisso, a drug designed to treat her specific form of cancer. It costs about $18,000 a month and has been covered by her Medicaid plan.

But Brown fears she could soon lose access to the drug.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration approved $900 billion in sweeping cuts to Medicaid, the publicly funded health program for low-income families and people with disabilities. Democrats are now demanding that Republicans address some of their concerns about patients who rely on safety-net healthcare programs, which has led to a deadlock in Washington over a federal spending plan and the ongoing government shutdown.

The law requires people to provide monthly proof of employment and renew their plan every six months are expected to leave millions uninsured in the coming years, including 300,000 in Pennsylvania and 350,000 in New Jersey.

Brown, who is eligible for Medicaid because of a disability, worries that she could lose her plan, or that the massive funding cuts could lead states to change how their Medicaid plans cover expensive drugs like Tagrisso.

Id be facing my mortality, said Brown, who was diagnosed at age 49, without a history of smoking.

The pending Medicaid cuts could have particularly dangerous and costly implications for cancer care, researchers and advocacy groups warn. People who rely on Medicaid to pay for cancer treatment and ongoing monitoring are less likely to be able to meet the work requirements needed to keep their plan because of their poor health.

Losing coverage may also mean fewer people get routine screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, which are key to identifying breast and colon cancer early, when it is easier and less costly to treat. This could mean more cancers diagnosed at later stages, at greater financial cost to patients and taxpayers, who foot a portion of the bill for Medicaid.

When cancer is detected later, it has an effect on our whole system, said Ann Nguyen, an associate research professor and scientist at the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy. Its going to be an increasingly difficult environment to navigate.

Targeted for Medicaid cuts

Brown does not know exactly what the Medicaid cuts approved by the Republican-led Congress this summer will mean for her care.

Their primary target is lower-income, working adults who gained access to Medicaid through the 2010 Affordable Care Act. The so-called Obamacare law allowed states to expand access that had previously been restricted to families with children, pregnant people, and individuals with disabilities.

Just under 2 million New Jersey residents are covered by Medicaid, and about 680,000 are eligible because of expansion rules, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

In Pennsylvania, about 750,000 of the 3 million people covered by Medicaid fall within the expansion group, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

People who qualify under Medicaid expansion have incomes below 138% of the federal poverty rate  an annual income of about $21,500 for an individual. Previously, many earned too much to qualify for Medicaid, but were largely in jobs that did not offer health insurance, leaving them uninsured.

Nguyen and her colleagues at Rutgers say cutting Medicaid will mean more people are once again without health insurance to cover the routine screenings that help detect cancer early.

States that expanded Medicaid access saw more than 2,500 early cancer diagnoses within the first five years of the new law, saving millions in taxpayer spending, according to the American Cancer Society. Early diagnosis is critical because late-stage cancers can cost up to seven times more to treat, according to the national nonprofit.

Late-stage treatment can be especially hard on patients because they are less likely to have jobs with paid leave benefits. Taking time off for cancer treatment could mean going without pay or losing their job, Nguyen said.

In Washington, Democrats have pointed to patients like Brown, who rely on safety-net healthcare programs to afford ongoing care, in their opposition to the Medicaid cuts.

Their demands in the current budget impasse are centered on extending tax credits, due to expire at the end of the year, that help many working adults afford Obamacare health plans. Republicans have blamed the government shutdown on Democrats unwillingness to budge on healthcare demands.

A New Jersey womans cancer journey

Brown was just a year shy of her 50th birthday and had been struggling with breathing problems for months when a specialist sent her for a CT scan and found cancer in her left lung.

There was little Brown could have done to catch the cancer early, since screening tests are typically recommended for people over age 50 with a history of smoking.

Brown had never been a smoker, and did not have a family history of lung cancer.

Brown had surgery and radiation, but the cancer showed up again on a monitoring scan years later, this time in her right lung and lymph nodes.

Cancer is much harder to treat once it has metastasized, or spread to other organs.

Her care was covered by her Medicaid plan. Years later, when her cancer returned, Medicaid also covered Tagrisso, which is designed to help slow the growth of Browns specific type of lung cancer.

Without Medicaid, she would not be able to afford the drug and would have to stop taking it.

Under the new rules, people who qualify for Medicaid because of a disability are exempt from the work requirements. But Brown is still fearful she could lose her plan or that changes to prescription drug cost-sharing could make her medication unaffordable.

It is unclear what people who are exempt from work requirements will need to do to prove their disability status. Analysts have pointed to prescription drug coverage as one of the service areas that states may scale back as they look to balance the massive federal cuts in their Medicaid budgets.

Browns voice cracks as she talks about the possibility, because she has so much more to do, she says.

She has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society for years, and makes frequent trips to visit her grandchildren, who range in age from 4 to 17, grow up.

I am hoping to be around for a long time, she said, to see all my little ones graduate and fulfill their dreams.
CAIRO  Peace talks between Israel and Hamas resumed at an Egyptian resort city on Tuesday, the two-year anniversary of the militant groups surprise attack on Israel that triggered the bloody conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The second day of indirect negotiations at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh is focused on a plan proposed by President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war.

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Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, told Egypts Qahera TV that Hamas wanted guarantees of a lasting ceasefire as part of any deal to return the remaining 48 hostages, around 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive.

It appeared to be his first public appearance since an Israeli strike targeting him and other top Hamas leaders in Qatar last month killed six people, including his son and office manager.

 READ MORE: A divided Israel marks two years since Oct. 7 attack as war in Gaza grinds on and hostages languish

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war will only end when all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed. He has accepted Trumps plan, which calls for Gaza to be placed under international governance and for Hamas to be disarmed, elements the militants have yet to accept.

Netanyahus office said Tuesday that Israel was cautiously optimistic, framing the talks as technical negotiations over a plan that both sides already had approved.

The plan has received widespread international backing, and Trump told reporters on Monday that he thought there was a really good chance of a lasting deal.

 READ MORE: Trumps Mideast peace deal is high on hoopla, vague on critical details | Trudy Rubin

In a sign the talks were gaining momentum, Qatar said its prime minister and top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, would travel to Egypt on Wednesday to join the negotiations. Trumps Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as well as top Netanyahu adviser Ron Dermer, are also expected to join the talks then.

Trumps peace plan

The plan envisions Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza after Hamas disarms, and an international security force being put in place. The territory would be placed under international governance, with Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing it.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Hamas reiterated its longstanding demands for a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza but said nothing about disarmament.

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251. Most have since been released in ceasefires or other deals.

The devastating war that has ensued has killed at least 67,160 Palestinians and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gazas Health Ministry, and left the territory in ruins.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but says more than half of the deaths were women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, and the United Nations and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties.

A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israels offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide  an accusation Israel vehemently denies.

On Tuesday, thousands of Israelis gathered at an area attacked by Hamas two years ago to pay tribute to loved ones who were killed and kidnapped. An explosion echoed across the fields following the launch of a rocket in northern Gaza. No damage or injuries were reported.

In Gaza City, residents said Israeli attacks continued until early Tuesday. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

We pray to God that this war will end as soon as possible, today instead of tomorrow, Sanaa Adwan, a displaced woman, said in Khan Younis on Monday.

A promise of humanitarian relief

Ahead of the resumption of talks, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the hostilities have created a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defied comprehension.

Trumps proposal presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end, Guterres said in a statement.

Egypt and Qatar, which have been mediating between the sides for most of the war, are facilitating the latest talks. Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatars Foreign Ministry, said Mondays talks went on for around four hours.

Israels delegation included Gal Hirsch, coordinator for the hostages and the missing from Netanyahus office. Hamas representatives included top negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya.

Witkoff and Kushner are expected to join the talks on Wednesday, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to brief reporters because the trip has not yet been formally announced. Dermer, Netanyahus top adviser, was also heading to Egypt on Wednesday, according to an Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Part of the plan is to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 2 million Palestinians are facing hunger and, in some areas, famine.
People visit the site of the Nova music festival, where hundreds of revelers were killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, as Israel marked the second year anniversary of the attack on Tuesday. Read more

REIM, Israel  Thousands of people converged on southern Israel on Tuesday to mourn the dead as the nation marked two years since Hamas Oct. 7 attack plunged the region into a devastating war, while Israel and Hamas pressed on with indirect peace talks in Egypt.

The main memorial event in Tel Aviv, organized by the bereaved families, was separate from a ceremony that the government will hold on the anniversary next week according to the Hebrew calendar. The split reflects deep divisions over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus leadership, which many blame for the failure to secure a ceasefire that would free the remaining hostages held by the militants.

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In the Gaza Strip, where Israels retaliatory offensive has killed tens of thousands of people and razed entire towns and cities, those who can are fleeing another Israeli invasion of Gaza City while others are sheltering in place. Many are unable to make the arduous and costly journey south.

The worst attack in Israels history

Its been two years since thousands of Hamas-led militants poured into southern Israel after a surprise barrage of rockets. They stormed army bases, farming communities and an outdoor music festival, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children and older adults.

They abducted 251 others, most of whom have since been released in ceasefires or other deals. Forty-eight hostages remain inside Gaza, around 20 of them believed by Israel to still be alive. Hamas has said it will release them only in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all of the captives are returned and Hamas has been disarmed.

The attack set in motion a cascade of events that led Israel into combat with Iran and its allies across the region, including Lebanons Hezbollah, which suffered major losses. The United States joined Israel in attacking Irans military and nuclear program in a 12-day war in June.

Israel has killed several top militants as well as Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, and it has vastly depleted the military capabilities of its enemies while seizing control over most of Gaza as well as parts of Lebanon and Syria.

But the failure to return the hostages has left the country deeply divided, with weekly mass protests against Netanyahu. Israel is more isolated internationally than it has been in decades.

A memorial at the scene of a massacre

Nearly 400 Israelis were killed and dozens abducted from the Nova music festival in the border community of Reim. Over the last two years, it has emerged as a memorial site, with portraits of the kidnapped and the fallen.

Thousands of people visited throughout the day to share memories of relatives and friends who were killed, weaving through hundreds of photos encircling the spot where the DJ booth stood.

Many gathered before sunrise, playing the same track of music that was playing two years ago, stopping for a moment of silence at 6:29 a.m.  the exact time the attack began. People embraced and spoke of their loss.

We dont need a specific day, because we live this every day anew, said Alon Muskinov, 28, who was at the festival and lost three of his closest friends.

Yehuda Rahmani, whose daughter Sharon  a police officer at the festival  was also among those killed, said he visits the Nova site every day. He drinks his morning coffee next to a photo of his daughter at the last place where she was alive.

To this day, Rahmani keeps hoping he will run into a survivor who could tell him about his daughters last moments. He is angry at the government for not launching an inquiry into security failures of that day.

When you dont know what happened, it makes it so much harder, he said.

Israeli artillery and the boom of explosions in Gaza echoed across the Nova site as smoke billowed over the Strip. The Israeli military said a rocket was launched from northern Gaza in the morning, but no damage or injuries were reported.

Israeli forces have arrested at least 35 people in the occupied West Bank, east Jerusalem and elsewhere since Monday, according to a group representing Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli military did not immediately confirm the arrests but said regular counterterrorism activity was underway.

In Tel Aviv, dozens gathered at a memorial site that was set up in a city square.

Shay Dickmann, whose aunt was killed in Kibbutz Beeri and whose cousin, Carmel Gat, was taken hostage by Hamas and killed 11 months later, said everyone wants the war to end.

There is a deal on the table, there is an opportunity to end this war and bring everybody back home, she said. We all deserve it.

Israel and Hamas discuss Trump peace plan

In neighboring Egypt, in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, Israel and Hamas held a second day of indirect talks to discuss President Donald Trumps peace plan.

The war has already killed over 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. It says women and children make up around half the dead, and many independent experts say its figures are the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties.

Israels offensive has displaced around 90% of Gazas population of some 2 million, often multiple times, and restrictions on humanitarian aid have contributed to a severe hunger crisis, with experts saying Gaza City is experiencing famine.

Ghassan Abu Rejeila said the war has stripped Gaza of everything that gives life meaning, whether its a family gathering or a decent meal. Weve lost the beautiful moments. Our life has become hell upon hell. Every day, there is killing, strikes, death, martyrdom.

Maha Shbeir, a doctor at Nasser Hospital, said the last two years have felt like decades.

Ive seen cases of children, elderly people, women, cases of amputation, burns, head injuries, she said. I dont know how we will recover in the future from them, from those scenes that weve seen.

Experts and major rights groups have accused Israel of genocide, and the International Criminal Court is seeking the arrest of Netanyahu and his former defense minister for allegedly using starvation as a method of war.

Israel vehemently denies the allegations, saying it is waging a lawful war of self-defense and taking extraordinary measures to avoid harming civilians. It blames Hamas for the death and destruction in Gaza because the militants are deeply embedded in populated areas.

Hamas portrayed the Oct. 7 attack as a response to decades of Israeli land seizures, settlement construction and military occupation. But the attack has exacted a catastrophic toll on the Palestinians, whose dream of an independent state appears as distant as ever despite recent moves by major Western countries to recognize one.
HARRISBURG  Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Scott DiClaudio says the allegations that he attempted to influence a colleagues decision in a criminal case are a complete misunderstanding.

At a hearing Monday before Pennsylvanias Court of Judicial Discipline, DiClaudio took to the witness stand and said fellow Philadelphia Judge Zachary Shaffer had mischaracterized the conversation that now threatens his judgeship.

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When Shaffer came to his courtroom in June, DiClaudio said, he mentioned a recent conversation hed had with a man Shaffer was soon set to sentence.

Dwayne Jones had approached DiClaudio at the Roots Picnic earlier that month, he said, and mentioned his criminal case before Shaffer. DiClaudio testified that he simply relayed to Shaffer what he told Jones: that his colleague was a good judge who would do the right thing.

It was made to give a compliment to a friend, DiClaudio said.

Shaffer saw it very differently  and with great concern.

It was dead clear to me what he wanted, Shaffer testified  a favorable outcome for Jones, a friend of Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill. Mill, too, is a friend of DiClaudios.

The two accounts played out publicly for the first time Monday in a Harrisburg courtroom, after the state Judicial Conduct Board filed formal charges against DiClaudio last month, accusing him of a host of ethical violations and for bringing the judiciary into disrepute. Supervisors in Philadelphias courts have placed him on administrative leave, and the board has sought to suspend him without pay as the proceedings play out.

The disciplinary panel will decide whether to grant that request in the coming weeks.

DiClaudio and Shaffers accounts clashed in nearly every way  from how Shaffer came to end up in DiClaudios courtroom to the specifics of their conversation once inside.

Shaffer testified that he and his clerk, Nicole Vernaccio, wanted to buy T-shirts from the cheesesteak shop owned by DiClaudios wife and had been in touch with the judge about that throughout the week. On June 11, Shaffer said he gave an envelope with $10 inside for the shirts to DiClaudios court administrator.

The next morning, Shaffer said he was in his courtroom when DiClaudios assistant, Gary Silver, came in and said DiClaudio wanted to see him.

Shaffer said he and Vernaccio walked to DiClaudios courtroom shortly before noon, and joined the judge in his robing room, expecting to pick up the shirts. They spoke briefly, he said, before DiClaudio asked Vernaccio to leave the room. Vernaccio also testified that the judge asked her to step out.

After she left, Shaffer said, DiClaudio pulled out a piece of lined paper with Dwayne Jones, courtroom 905, and Mondays date written on it.

DiClaudio held it out at his side, he said, then looked at him and said, OK?

Shaffer said he was confused, and hesitantly said OK.

Then, he said, DiClaudio ripped up the paper and threw it away.

The judges then spoke casually about unrelated topics for a few minutes, he said. Then, as he started to leave, Shaffer said, DiClaudio said something along the lines of, You probably would have done the right thing anyway.

Shaffer was initially in shock, he said, then came to believe the comments were an attempt to influence the case. He reported the conversation to his supervisors the following morning, and they referred the matter to the judicial conduct board.

DiClaudio said Shaffers testimony was completely wrong.

He said he met Jones at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia on June 1 and Jones told him he had recently pleaded guilty to illegal gun possession and would soon be sentenced by Shaffer.

I said, Judge Shaffer is a good judge, hell do the right thing, DiClaudio said he responded. He gives me his card, I put it in my wallet.

He said he forgot about the conversation until he saw Shaffer 11 days later.

He denied having sent his assistant to summon Shaffer to his courtroom. And, he said, Vernaccio left the room on her own, not at his request.

As Shaffer was leaving, he said, he remembered he had Jones business card in his wallet, took it out, and relayed the brief conversation hed had with him. The card, he said, had nothing written on it, and he threw it away.

I was relating the story to Judge Shaffer to give him a compliment. I wasnt trying to influence a case, he said.

DiClaudios attorneys, Michael van der Veen and Bill Brennan, suggested that Shaffer was paranoid and confused, and pointed to inconsistencies between his testimony and summaries of the conversation written by the judicial conduct board and its investigators.

Shaffer said he didnt write those summaries or review them before they were submitted as evidence. His testimony, he said, is the truth.

And DiClaudios remarks to him that day, he said, were inappropriate.

Thats law and Ethics 101, he said. ... Thats putting your thumb on the scale of justice. Youre not allowed to do that.

Elizabeth Hoffheins, deputy counsel for the judicial conduct board, agreed and said DiClaudios intent was clear.

Judge DiClaudio and Mr. Jones share a personal and social acquaintance in the form of the rapper Meek Mill, she said.

The interaction was a deliberate approach to influence a decision in the case by invoking a personal connection, she said, and that threatens to cast a long shadow on the judiciary.

She said the board had referred the matter to the FBI for a potential criminal inquiry, and that, for reasons that remain unclear, federal investigators have since sent it to the state Attorney Generals Office. She was unaware of the status of any ongoing criminal inquiry.

While the inquiry continues, she said, the judge should be suspended without pay.

Throughout the hearing, DiClaudio at times struggled to contain himself, interrupting witnesses and insulting members of the judicial conduct board.

At one point, as DiClaudios testimony meandered, an exasperated van der Veen threw his pen on the ground and yelled at the judge to stop talking.

His client, he told the court, is tough to control and talks in a stream of consciousness and talks without regard to understanding the entire context of whats going on as being perceived by people around him.

But, he said, DiClaudio is a highly respected and reputable judge who would never seek to influence a case.

The five-member panel will decide whether the judge should go without pay in the coming weeks as it considers its ruling in the case.
Its normal for each military service to gather its flag officers, or most senior leaders, to hear strategic guidance from their service chief annually, and in turn they provide their own thoughts in an open forum. One Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vernon Clark, was noted for asking his assembled admirals, What do you believe?

Id hoped thered be a similar type of forum last week when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assembled all services generals and admirals in command assignments.

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Instead, he emphasized changing a Woke Department to a War Department to ensure a warrior ethos for increased lethality. His prescription for such is eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; having one male physical fitness standard both men and women must meet; and new grooming criteria regarding no fat or facial hair.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, speaking to the same gathered generals and admirals, focused his guidance for the armed forces on the enemy from within and deploying our military to cities in the United States.

Both sets of comments are concerning for a variety of reasons, but to me the most salient is a national security one: the president and secretary are looking backward in time instead of offering guidance on, or addressing, the most lethal threat today.

Neither seems to be thinking about Chinas evolving approach to warfare  demonstrated in Myanmar after the rebels captured the city of Lashio. Asked by Myanmars military junta to evict the rebels, China merely shut down the citys electrical power and the internet it had been instrumental in financing and building. The rebels left without a fight, the New York Times reported.

Globally, China has built 5G wireless networks that provide it with the capability to surveil or close down anything passing through them for intelligence, military, or commercial purposes. Because of this, the commander of U.S. Africa Command said he was unable to leverage signals intelligence for precision targeting from Africas Chinese-built 5G.

If 5G connected the world, 6G will run it as a tool of influence and critical war-fighting capability.

China is leading 6G standards development within multilateral organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union, but the Trump Administration has opted to shun international organizations.

Years ago, Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei, one of the worlds biggest producers of equipment that enables phone networks, warned: A country without its own program-controlled switches is like one without an army.

Keep that in mind as you consider Chinas string of pearls of over 50 global shipping ports it has built, or upgraded, while embedding within them the software capability to close them down.

Many of the cranes in the port of Los Angeles use Chinese software. And in the European Union, stealth communication devices were discovered in Chinese solar panels and storage batteries  preparation for the possibility of shutting them down in Lashio style.

Its why China  having now laid or upgraded over a quarter of the undersea fiber-optic cables connecting the worlds continents, which carry more than 95% of all international communications traffic  should be our primary warfare readiness concern.

Chinas Salt Typhoon penetration of U.S. telecom infrastructure permits it to listen to any telephone call a U.S. resident makes  and we remain unable to remove the intruder.

The Pentagons Defense Science Board has said it has no confidence that any major weapons system using cyber capabilities is secure for war. And a Cybersecurity Readiness Review found a naval service that is exquisitely organized, structured, equipped, and cultured for a previous era as it is preparing to fight tomorrows kinetic war, which may or may not come, while losing the global cyber enabled information war.

Former Joint Chiefs Vice Chair General John Hyten said China ran rings around us in a classified war game where network access was immediately lost. With U.S. forces blind and deaf, the maritime domain is a safe haven for China to quickly achieve its objectives.

In effect, America is held hostage in Chinas global digital incarceration, and one day, without warning, our entire now-defenseless digital systems will be rendered completely useless, and our military capability irrelevant as China adheres to the words of Sun Tzu: Victorious warriors win first and then go to war.

Simply put, DEI is not whats hurting real readiness. There were only ever two hours of equal opportunity training for 257 hours of rifle marksmanship training in Basic and One Station Unit training in the Army. Nor are physical fitness and facial hair standards impacting the lethality most needed today.

DEI is not whats hurting real readiness.

Todays defenses against corrupting information in the militarys already-compromised systems means that focusing on building cyber warfare readiness must take priority over such matters. Yet, the day Hegseth met with military leaders, the secretary signed a memo to restore mission focus by relax[ing] the mandatory frequency for cybersecurity training.

Top brass have long agreed that readiness isnt a matter of mere physical fitness. Gen. Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force  after noting that Chinas arsenal of space weapons is mind-boggling  has said he wants recruits who can analyze and debate new ideas and perpetually challenge the status quo  [who] have the courage and persistence to experiment, adapt  and innovate, and not reject such recruits, even with asthma.

If Secretary Hegseth truly wants to increase lethality, he should also review for lessons learned the Pentagons decision to decrease the combat training hours for our most sophisticated aircraft  the F-35.

Its Fully Mission Capable (FMC) rate should be 90% but was only 52% when the contractor recently requested a second $500 billion in unanticipated costs (as allowed by the Pentagons cost-plus contracting system). This doubled the aircrafts original $1 trillion lifetime price while reducing its FMC readiness even further. This is just one example. We have gone from 52 major defense contractors at the end of the Cold War to only five today  they all get cost-plus contracts and its an oligopoly that needs to be changed.

Warfare readiness truly is a concern for the United States armed forces, but, unfortunately, the Defense Secretary seems to be following Johnny Lees ballad by lookin for it in all the wrong places.

Joe Sestak is a former Navy vice admiral, a former U.S. representative for Pennsylvanias 7th Congressional District on the House Armed Services Committee, and director for defense policy of the National Security Council staff.
U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan speaks during her town hall meeting at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) in Downingtown, Pa. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. Read more

Chrissy Houlahan wanted to be a Navy pilot just like her dad and grandfather. But growing up in the 1980s there were very few women flying in the Navy so her dad urged her to consider the Air Force, which had more female enlistees.

There were roadblocks there, too  women could fly but not as combat pilots until four years after she joined.

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You get used to being an outlier, as a woman in the military, Houlahan, who represents Chester County in Congress, said in an interview last week. For me, that wasnt the problem. It was more that there were these restrictions.

Now, the Pennsylvania Democrat, who served as an engineer in the Air Force, before a second career teaching high school chemistry, is on the front lines of a debate over the future of women in the military. Shes one of the most vocal lawmakers pushing back on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and changes she thinks could have a chilling effect on the role of women in the armed services.

As Houlahan greeted constituents walking into a cafetorium in Downingtown for her town hall last week, clips of her grilling Hegseth at a July hearing played on loop on TVs set up inside.

Hegseth reignited a battle over womens roles in the military when he said last month that he would issue new directives to ensure every combat position returns to the highest male standard of their services physical fitness test.

Gender-neutral standards already exist for combat roles, but the definition of what qualifies as a combat role could expand under the new guidelines. And his changes also include daily physical training for every service member, height and weight requirements, and a biannual fitness test that will account for age, but not gender.

If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it, he said at a convening of 800 military generals last week, though he also stressed that the military would continue to welcome women into its ranks.

Houlahan told The Inquirer she sees the changes as a defining moment.

What is a male standard? she asked. Even those words put together, by definition, means that females are not part of male standards.

Houlahan, who served three years on active duty and an additional 13 years as a reserve, fears the effort could reduce the role of women in combat and more broadly female interest in the military.

Currently, around 3,800 women are serving in frontline Army combat roles across infantry, cavalry, armor, and field artillery roles. Roughly 1,000 are serving across other branches.

He has shown his intent and Im enormously disappointed, she said. Because women are enormously capable and talented, and the kind of modern warfare that were engaging in is not what I think that he imagines warfare is.

The badasses

Houlahan entered Congress along with a historic wave of women elected in 2018. Four were fellow first-time candidates with national security backgrounds who shed gotten to know on the trail: Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, both ex-CIA officers; and Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey and Elaine Luria of Virginia, who were naval officers.

They called themselves the badasses. Houlahan is unsure who coined the term.

Abigail, she was so mortified by it, it was so non-genteel, Houlahan said of Spanberger, who is currently running to be governor of Virginia.

Sherrill is running to be governor of New Jersey and Slotkin is now a U.S. senator. In a moment when Democrats have very little power in Washington, the lawmakers have joined Houlahan in using their platforms to criticize Hegseth.

Eliminating the current highly rigorous standards for women in combat positions has nothing to do with increasing lethality and everything to do with forcing women out of the Armed Services, Sherrill, a retired Navy combat pilot, said in a statement after the secretarys announcement.

President Donald Trump and Republicans have enthusiastically backed Hegseth  including GOP women with military experience.

Rep. Sheri Biggs (R., S.C.), a former lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, said in a statement to Politico last week: Ive seen firsthand what keeps our military strong: discipline and an unwavering focus on mission readiness. I fully support President Trump and Secretary Hegseths leadership in restoring standards that put excellence and accountability above politics.

There are currently nine female service members in Congress, the most in history. More could be joining them. A group of four Democratic women with military backgrounds are running for office in this election cycle. Theyre on a group chat called Hellcats.

Theres so many more women in Congress who have military backgrounds, because the doors were open for more people to do more things, Houlahan said. And I think that makes a difference.

Defining lethality

Houlahan leaned into her microphone in June 2025 at a House Armed Services Committee hearing and laid out all the ways a soldier can kill someone.

Pulling a trigger, operating an unmanned drone, launching a missile, piloting a jet or a helicopter.

Would you say both men and women are generally speaking capable of causing death? she asked.

It depends, Hegseth responded.

Hegseth has touted a warrior ethos as he pursues his mission to create the most lethal military in the world.

Lethality is equal parts technical skills, tactical experience, cognitive problem solving, and physical fitness, Houlahan argued at the hearing.

Houlahan, who ran as a moderate to represent a purple suburban district, is a thoughtful and careful politician, measured in her comments, meticulously dressed, not particularly known for fiery back-and-forths.

Her exchanges with Hegseth have shined a spotlight on her, though.

Houlahan said she does not have a relationship with Hegseth (or his cell phone number). She has cosigned several letters to his office seeking more clarity on his planned changes.

Since taking office, Hegseth has sharply cut back on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and eliminated some programs explicitly set up to recruit women.

Earlier this year, he announced plans to phase out a program designed to promote womens involvement in peace building and conflict prevention, dismissing it as another woke, divisive social justice initiative from the Biden administration.

Just last week, he also disbanded the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services  a group established nearly 100 years ago under President Harry S. Truman.

I dont want my son serving alongside troops who are out of shape, or in combat units with females who cant meet the same combat arms physical standards as men, Hegseth said last week. This job is life and death. Standards must be met.

Houlahan stressed to The Inquirer that she agrees military standards are important  equally and fairly applied. Her worry is that Hegseths ultimate goal is to have no women serving in combat roles.

Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson rejected this notion in a statement to The Inquirer Tuesday evening.

Our standards for combat arms positions will be elite, uniform, and sex neutral because the weight of a rucksack or a human being doesnt care if youre a man or a woman, Wilson said in a statement. We will not compromise our standards to satisfy quotas or an ideological agenda  this is common sense.

The Pentagon also pointed to numbers Wilson shared at an August briefing that showed the number of women enlisting had increased compared to the previous year as of that point.

In his book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, Hegseth wrote that women cannot physically meet the same standards as men.

Dads push us to take risks. Moms put the training wheels on our bikes, he wrote. We need moms. But not in the military, especially in combat units.

Houlahan noted women have served in the military for more than 200 years. Women can and do serve with lethality today. We can and do all of the jobs that are required of us, she told him at the hearing.

Why would you go there?

Theres also the complicated question of what qualifies as a combat role.

Houlahan served in the Air Force as an engineer working on air and space defense technologies at a time when few countries had the technological military advancements that exist today. The front line is more blurry now. Logistical support jobs can be deadly. People serving in noncombat roles can be fatal combatants if they need to.

And if women are screened out of some key roles or opt not to apply, the military is worse off, she said.

Theres a lot of places where women can go that men cant go, and a lot of things that women can learn that men cant, you know, places that men cant be. And these women in peace and security were those women who were able to find out information that others couldnt find out.

When she looks at who the military is focusing its recruitment efforts on, Houlahan sees a very specific type of person.

I dont want anybody performing anything that isnt up to standards, and I want to make sure that whoever Im standing next to is somebody that I have full faith in, she said.

But I think that were at this point where were defining that, Ill be honest, as like, a 250-pound white guy from the South whos Christian. Thats not a fair portrait of the modern military.

Houlahan grew up on a military base in Hawaii, and her hero was Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and her ultimate goal was to become an astronaut. She went to Stanford, like Ride, and graduated from ROTC. She was the only woman in her class  but felt welcomed, she said.

She worries its a different message from the Department of Defense today.

If you were a talented person, no matter what gender, you have many choices, she said. If you feel as though theres a place that doesnt want you, then why would you go there?
Numerous law enforcement officers responded to what turned out to be a false report of an active shooter at Villanova University in August. Calling in fake shooter reports is known as swatting, and a new bill would make that a felony in Pennsylvania. Read more

Swatting will become a felony in Pennsylvania if newly proposed bipartisan bills are passed by the state legislature.

State Rep. Craig Williams (R., Delaware, Chester) held a news conference in Harrisburg Tuesday announcing the legislation, which he introduced last week in the Pennsylvania House to combat swatting  the act of calling in a fake emergency so that large numbers of law enforcement officers race to a particular address.

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The pattern is growing, Williams said, citing an incident on Aug. 21 when an unknown caller falsely reported the existence of an active shooter during orientation at Villanova University. A second active-shooter hoax occurred at the school three days later. No one has been apprehended in either event.

 READ MORE: Active shooter report at Villanova was a cruel hoax, university president says; no injuries reported

Similarly, swatting occurrences were perpetrated on Sept. 28, at West Chester, Millersville, and Shippensburg Universities, as well as at Grove City College. No arrests have been made.

These were deliberate acts of terror, said Williams, whose bill would make these calls felonies. Its not a prank.

And heres whats unbelievable: Its not a crime.

Although swatting is already prosecuted under charges such as making false reports or terroristic threats, Williams legislation would criminalize swatting itself.

Anyone who deliberately makes a false report to provoke an armed response would face serious penalties, Williams said.

A second bill from Williams would allow courts to order those convicted of swatting to reimburse the state, municipalities, and emergency responders for the full cost of their response, including personnel time, prosecution, and equipment.

Its important, he said, because when police and firefighters respond to a false report, they do so at great personal risk.

Both bills were referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, who was also at the news conference, referenced the Villanova swatting incident, calling it a terrifying day.

That event, he added, is why we need this bill and we need it now.

While some depraved individual thinks this is funny, we have to make sure this is a felony crime in Pennsylvania, said Stollsteimer, a Democrat who is currently running for a seat on the Court of Common Pleas.
Philip Glover, the national vice president of AFGE District 3, speaks at a rally focused on federal workers amid the government shutdown, near the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Read more

Standing at Fifth and Market Streets, elected officials and union leaders gathered to protest the government shutdown on Tuesday, which has closed local national landmarks, like the Liberty Bell Center, required federal employees to continue working without pay, and has resulted in flight delays across some cities amid a slight tick up in air traffic controllers calling in sick.

Some on Tuesday called it a Republican shutdown and called it unnecessary, expressing frustration at the impact its having on federal workers.

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When workers rights are under attack, what do we do? called out Danny Bauder, president of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, to a response from the crowd of, Stand up. Fight back!

Philadelphia-area representatives of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal workers union, and the AFL-CIO hosted Tuesdays rally.

Some in attendance held signs that read, Public service is a badge of honor, and Government workers work for America.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill have continued to fail to reach a deal to reopen the government. Democrats want healthcare subsidies and the reversal of Medicaid cuts included in the plan to fund the government, but Republicans say thats a nonstarter.

Several votes attempting to end the shutdown since last Wednesday have been unsuccessful, with only a few Democratic lawmakers crossing the aisle to vote with the GOP.

Philadelphia-area union leaders who spoke to The Inquirer last week expressed frustration at lawmakers inability to come to an agreement and have been concerned about the financial impacts of the shutdown on federal employees. Theyve also been worried about threats from the Trump administration to lay off employees in addition to the typical furloughs during a shutdown.

This administration now is gonna tell workers we cant get a budget together, we cant get a funding bill together, we cant negotiate, but were gonna send federal employees home, and then were gonna fire them, said Philip Glover, national vice president of AFGE District 3, which includes Pennsylvania. This is wrong. Its unacceptable. We have got to fight back against this extreme ideology of this administration. They need to negotiate.

During the shutdown, some employees, like at the Internal Revenue Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, have been working with borrowed time, operating with residual funds or ones outside the appropriations process.

Meanwhile, excepted employees, including at the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Social Security Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, are directed to work without pay during the shutdown.

You gotta pay to come into work every day, to park, put gas in your car, and youre not gonna get a full paycheck. Its unacceptable, and we are sick of it, Glover said.

Those workers and furloughed employees are entitled to back pay at the end of a shutdown  as outlined in a 2019 law  but the Trump administrations Office of Management and Budget deleted a reference to this law in its shutdown guidance, multiple news outlets reported Tuesday.

AFGE National President Everett Kelly said in a statement Tuesday that OMBs position is an obvious misinterpretation of the law and does not align with the Trump administrations previous guidance from a few days ago that correctly states furloughed and excepted employees are entitled to back pay.

U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Dwight Evans, Democrats whose districts include parts of Philadelphia, said Tuesday that in order to bring the shutdown to an end, there needs to be negotiation between both political parties.

Boyle, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, called this particular shutdown unique and odd, noting that there were ongoing negotiations during past shutdowns, but this week House Speaker Mike Johnson sent members home from session while federal workers have to continue to show up day in and day out at their jobs while theyre not getting paid.

You know who federal workers are? Boyle asked the crowd Tuesday. Theyre fellow American citizens. Theyre our neighbors. Theyre our friends. Theyre the folks who help make this place run. Theyre the folks who make our airports run. I am sick and tired of them being demonized by this administration and being portrayed as the enemy. They are not.

The impacts of the shutdown are starting to become apparent at Philadelphia International Airport. On Monday, more TSA employees at PHL, who are essential workers, were late or calling out than usual, said Joe Shuker, Region 7 vice president for AFGE Council 100, which oversees Pennsylvania.

I dont know if Id fly now, he said on Tuesday.

The federal shutdown also comes as Pennsylvania hasnt yet reached a deal on its own budget, creating simultaneous dysfunction on both the state and national levels.

The government shutdown is just the latest workplace disruption that federal employees have experienced this year. Since taking office, the Trump administration has issued a hiring freeze, canceled remote work, orchestrated mass layoffs, and stripped unions of their collective bargaining agreements, amid a plan to shrink and reshape the federal workforce.
I recently read several articles marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The articles covered a plethora of changes, including ISO form changes, the quality of claims serviced, the enormous financial cost, the unreal people cost, the improvement in the design/maintenance/governance of the levees, and even the improved acknowledgement that risk management matters in insurance. After all, with two centuries of insurance, who would have guessed risk management really matters?

I performed a significant amount of errors and omissions (E&O) work in New Orleans and the surrounding area over the ensuing years after the hurricane. I was in New Orleans so often, my family suggested I get an apartment. On my first trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, the day after the airport reopened, a client gave me a tour. The flooded areas were like Mars. Everything was a monotonous shade of gray dirt. The trees, the abandoned cars, and the buildings, literally everything was the same color. Few commercial businesses were open, and the hotels that survived were jam-packed, often with FEMA personnel. The refrigerators set along the street for trash pickup in the neighborhoods that were otherwise untouched were a major surprise. It turns out that rotten food permeates a refrigerators casing over time, and those otherwise untouched neighborhoods did not have electricity for days and days.

The postmortem on the storm, which my client clearly conveyed to me on that first trip, was that this was a man-made disaster caused by incompetence in managing the levees. It is sad that people must suffer so much loss for actions to be taken that should have happened long ago.

In reflecting on my experiences and subsequent changes to property and property insurance, my thoughts include issues mostly surrounding agency E&O and mandated building codes.

Errors & Omissions

The E&O claims were awful. Somewhere around 98% of my clients E&O claims were dismissed or won fairly quickly because the claims had no basis. In some cases, insureds were simply desperate. In other cases, they were greedy. In some cases, they claimed the agent, literallyand I am not exaggeratingshould have been making all insurance coverage decisions for the insured without the insureds consent. This means that ambulance-chasing attorneys were aiding and abetting in each of the hundreds, if not thousands, of E&O claims. Making the situation worse, these attorneys inflated the hopes of homeowners who had lost their homes.

I also discovered how deeply my clients cared for their customers. They were going through their own suffering, their staff was going through their own losses, and yet they were working long hours on behalf of their clients. In fact, in a few cases I experienced, I felt the deluge of E&O claims (again almost uniformly without much, if any, merit) caused agency owners to retire early, and maybe in a couple of cases, the stress led to early deaths. And to add insult to injury, some carriers sued their agents. Carriers often win E&O cases when they sue, and yet carriers are supposedly the agents partners.

Since then, I have completed some interesting work involving carriers and agents who should have been on the same side in political lobbying efforts, but they were not. Without question, the agents had the consumers interest more at heart than carriers, even though the agents would be the ones suffering growth losses because, in their position, rate increases would subside.

Building Codes

Governments have failed to create and enforce quality building codes. After Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida, I recall hearing a story about why hurricanes caused more damage than they had in the past. I dont know if the following is true, but the story was that the undeveloped coastal areas had previously remained undeveloped because locals knew that was where hurricanes hit.

In New Orleans, the older areas were not significantly affected, other than some wind damage. There was almost no flooding. The most significant property loss was business income, particularly due to evacuation requirements where insureds had no covered cause of loss. Business income is likely the most essential property coverage, then and now.

The damage hit developments that were lower in elevation. Lets think about this. If I build in an area below sea level, it makes sense to build on slab, right? That is a human failure, not an Act of God disaster. And politicians all over have learned nothing from that failure. To make housing more affordable, they have made it more dangerous by allowing homes to be built too closely together, by not allowing vegetation to be cut, by now allowing for more egress, and by allowing multiple homes to be built on single-family lots without any expansion for vehicle traffic in an emergency.

About 10 years ago, I watched a video of a traffic jam of vehicles trying to flee from a horrific fire in Colorado Springs. The flames were large and close behind the exiting vehicles. And, there were not enough lanes. Now, more homes have been built without any traffic expansion. The people who lost their lives in the Hawaii fires could not get out. It was not due to oil companies and global warming. Someone should have unlocked the locked gate on one of the roads.

Some would say politicians have learned the importance of hardened homes. Ill agree, and especially the way Alabama has approached this should be applauded. However, complying with the updated building codescodes that should have been in place when the homes were initially builtis, after all, expensive. No one thinks about the expense because the codes only apply to new construction, but when your home burns to the ground or is blown off the slab, construction will be new. It costs a lot of money to elevate a house 14 feet. It costs a lot more to build a roof and windows to sustain 150 mph winds.

Based on my E&O work then and now, only a tiny percentage of agents understand Ordinance & Law coverage. Most do not know they should be offering, if they care about their clients, the highest limits possible every time. The throw-in coverage, usually around 10%, is mostly useless in these situations.

The solution lies in being willing to make hard decisions, have hard conversations, and explain the trade-offs involved. I believe agents who genuinely care enough to have upfront discussions have the most opportunity to make improvements. It starts with education about insuring homes correctly. Then follow with risk management because a key lesson from Hurricane Katrina that I have not readand therefore maybe it is not a lesson but should beis that homes well cared for did not have much wind damage. They might have been flooded due to the mismanagement of the levees, but they did not have wind damage. Wind damage can mostly be avoided with good construction and home maintenance.

Along those lines, I have a wishful hope that insurance companies would give proper credits for well-maintained homes. This includes proper credits for fire-safe homes, hail-proofed roofs, hardened construction, proper elevations, and so forth. Currently, carriers underwriting is to accept the home or not. Its a zero or a 1, rather than on a scale as it should be. A smart carrier would take advantage of their lesser competitors to underwrite and price on a grade. It is not hard to do.

Final Thoughts

Agents need to offer clients the coverages they need. Use a coverage checklist. Document the file. Consumers will buy some of the extra coverage they need, and in the event of a claim, they will have a better experience. If they dont buy the extra coverage, youll have a far stronger defense, all else being equal.

My clients who took these basic steps made it through their E&O adventures with far less stress. If I could go back in time, Id do everything I could to help mitigate the stress agents would soon be experiencing, and this is the best advice I can provide.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane
Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005, with the eye of the Category 3 hurricane centered on Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, though the storm is remembered largely because of the devastation to New Orleans, Louisiana. Over 1,800 people died in seven states, with over 1,500 of those in Louisiana.

The storm surge, a major loss cause, extended from the Florida Panhandle to western parts of Louisiana, and was 27 feet in Mississippi, flowing inland up to 6 miles and 12 miles up inlets and streams. One-third of Hancock County, Mississippi, was flooded. St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana only had five buildings that were not flooded.

Following 53 separate levee breaches in and around New Orleans, 80% of Orleans Parish flooded under 2 to 20 feet of water. Well over a quarter-million homes were destroyed with many more damaged, and tens of thousands of businesses were damaged or destroyed.

Over 1.7 million insurance company claims were reportedly filed with over $41 billion paid to policyholders. Over 163,000 NFIP flood insurance claims were filed and over $15 billion paid to policyholders, with the average payment being just $94,000. Total property damage was estimated to be $85 billion, resulting in an uninsured total of almost $29 billion.

These numbers were provided several years after Katrina by Jim Mahurin, CPCU, ARM, a risk management consultant who did years of expert witness and consulting work along the Gulf Coast following Katrina. Contrary to the numerous media reports of poor service by insurers, along with extensive litigation, according to Mahurin, only 2% of claims were disputed, tracking with the national average for non-disaster claims.

He also asserts that New Orleans area independent agents did an exemplary job over many years in informing prospects and policyholders of the importance of purchasing flood insurance, including newly available excess flood coverage. As a result, almost 60% of property owners in the Greater New Orleans area had NFIP coverage, but very few, including many high-net-worth individuals, had excess coverage. Independent agents offered excess coverage, but few property owners accepted it. These agents documented their offers, something that proved invaluable when E&O claims were filed.

The purpose, though, of this Insurance Journal special feature is to focus on the ISO homeowners and commercial property coverage form language changes made largely in response to litigation involving whether water damage exclusions applied to damage resulting from storm surge and levee breaks. In addition, this article will address other changes and lessons learned that have impacted underwriting, rating, and loss control.

Commercial Property Policy Form Changes

In 2007, one of the first filings (CF-2007-OFR07) made by Insurance Services Office (ISO) included changes to endorsement CP 03 21  Windstorm Or Hail Percentage Deductible. Without elaborating, several Katrina lawsuits alleged that the language in this form implied that wind-related storm surge was subject to windstorm perils and not the water damage exclusion. According to the filing:

Language is added to make it explicit that this endorsement does not affect the impact of the policys Water Exclusion or any other exclusion in the policy; and does not affect the application of a Flood Deductible if the policy (or another policy) provides coverage for Flood.

The filing goes on to state, There is no change in coverage. This is an important point, as well see later in the Katrina-related changes made to the water damage exclusion. When ISO made those changes, a number of policyholder attorneys alleged that the more restrictive language related to storm surge, levee breaks, etc., were proof that, without such language, there was coverage under forms in effect at the time of Katrina.

In 2008, ISO made a countrywide filing (CF-2008-OWEFO) that introduced new Water Exclusion Endorsements for both its countrywide Commercial Property (CP 10 32 08 08) and BusinessOwners Program (BP 01 59 08 08) lines, as well as two other lines of business. (Note: Some reference materials indicate that the new CP 10 32 form replaced a CP 10 31 form introduced in 2007, though I can find no reliable documentation of that.)

In the filing, ISO cites two Louisiana cases, one in federal district court and the other a ruling from the Louisiana Supreme Court, as the basis for introducing these endorsements. Both courts found that the flood exclusions in the policy forms in question were not ambiguous. Plaintiffs had alleged that water damage was due to man-made causes (e.g., levee failures), but the existing exclusions implied that they applied only to natural causes of flooding and were, at the least, ambiguous.

In the filing, ISO explains that the purpose of the form language change was to reinforce the intent of the water damage exclusion to apply to damage caused by an act of nature or otherwise caused. In anticipation of other water-related claims or lawsuits in the future, ISO also specifically referenced the applicability of the exclusion to tsunamis and storm surges.

These mandatory endorsements remained in effect until 2011 when ISO, in filing CF-2011-OFR11, incorporated the language in the 2008 endorsements into the Causes of Loss forms and two other Commercial Fire and Allied Lines forms.

Residential Property Policy Form Changes

Two months after the aforementioned 2008 commercial form filing, ISO filed HO-2008-OFRWE, which introduced comparable language in new homeowners endorsements HO 16 09 01 09 and HO 16 10 01 09. ISOs Water Backup And Sump Discharge or Overflow form HO 04 95 was also updated with the new language.

The HO 16 09 endorsement was filed for use with ISOs HO 00 02, HO 00 04, HO 00 06, and HO 00 08 homeowners forms, while the HO 16 10 endorsement was filed for use with ISOs HO 00 03 and HO 00 05 homeowners forms.

Both the HO 16 09 and HO 16 10 were withdrawn in a subsequent ISO filing (HO 2010-OFR10) when the language in each endorsement was incorporated into all HO forms that referenced the endorsements.

Other Coverage Changes and Some Lessons Learned

The aforementioned coverage changes werent the only industry reactions in response to Katrina. In addition to structural changes in New Orleans (e.g., levee reconstruction), other developments include:

NFIP Changes. The Biggert-Waters Act of 2012 attempted to ultimately eliminate subsidies and gradually introduce actuarially sound rates, though subsequent legislation has mitigated that.

Private Flood Insurance Markets. As one might expect, excess flood coverage almost instantly vanished in coastal areas though this market rebounded significantly 10 years after Katrina and reportedly today comprises almost a third of flood premiums on a countrywide basis.

Hurricane and Windstorm Deductibles. Flat-dollar hurricane deductibles all but vanished and small percentage-based deductibles increased substantially. With increased focus on climate change or otherwise on perceived long-term weather changes, many property owners now experience percentage windstorm deductibles and/or coverage limitations to roofs or roof surfacing.

Catastrophe Modeling. Formerly a product of reinsurers or broadly applied to entire books of business, CAT models were refined for application to individual risks or class or risks with greater emphasis on evolving weather pattern frequency and severity.

Underinsurance. While solutions continue to evade the industry, hurricanes and other catastrophes (e.g., wildfires) continue to demonstrate that most properties in the country are underinsured, especially when subject to widespread damage.

Zoning and Codes. Stronger building codes and zoning enforcement have been introduced in some areas. New, innovative products have been introduced such as roofing systems that can withstand major windstorms and hail. As such products proliferate, by choice or code or underwriting mandates, expect unit prices to fall.

Loss Control. As weather- and water-related losses make these perils increasingly uninsurable, insurers are likely to encourage or even mandate that policyholders implement risk-reducing loss control measures. This is already happening for some risk profiles with regard to underwriting requirements for water shut-off devices and electrical system monitoring devices.

According to Mahurin, agents in the area learned the sales and E&O value of offering flood coverage and documenting refusals. They also learned to look beyond Zone A in their flood insurance marketing efforts. He cautions agents to think about a 5-, 10-, 15-, or 20-foot tidal surge.

Whats next? Many advocates for change suggest that catastrophe exposures in general (hurricane, tornado, hail, earthquake, wildfire, etc.) may require extensive public and private cooperation.

Catastrophe damage is no longer just a coastal issue.

Weather-related catastrophes suggest to some that, from an insurance perspective, a wider spread of risk is required in the private sector perhaps on a mandatory basis, coupled with TRIA-like state and federal financial backstops, and built on a foundation of effective building codes and zoning ordinances that are rigorously enforced.

What do you think?

Topics Property
There are certain traits of hard reinsurance market cycles: prices rise, terms and conditions tighten, and new Bermuda reinsurers are formed to help fill capacity needsknown in the past by the market as the class of 1992, class of 2001, or the class of 2005.

At least that was previously the pattern. During the current hard market, however, there hasnt been a spate of new entrantsin Bermuda or elsewhere. Only several new reinsurers have been able to find investors with the appetite to provide sufficient financial support that would be needed for underwriting a substantial property/casualty business. The class of 2025 is mainly limited to Cedar Traces Mereo Insurance and Lloyds reinsurer OAK Reinsurance.

Mereo Advisorsa Bermuda holding company that was renamed Cedar Trace Ltd.began reinsurance underwriting as Mereo Insurance in January 2025. The company is led by industry veteran Brian Duperreault, the former executive chairman of American International Group (AIG).

At last months reinsurance Rendez-Vous de Septembre, there were rumors (once again) that reinsurance executives were at the meeting seeking investors to help them form three more reinsurers to create a class of 2026. But as always, the devil is in the detail as well as the amount of money that can be raised from investors. (The domiciles of the startups were said to be Bermuda and London.)

Similar rumors about Mereo, OAK Re, and Alpine Re were heard at last years RVSbut only Mereo and OAK Re had successful fundraising and were able to launch. Alpine Re wasnt able to get the funding to launch a $1 billion startup, so it threw in the towelat least temporarily. (OAK Res parent, OAK Global, announced last month it will launch a new syndicate to write retrocession business with an appetite for property and specialty classes in January 2026.)

Some attendees at this years RVS meeting questioned the timing of possible 2026 startups, given the softening pricing seen during this years renewals.

But Cedar Traces Executive Chairman Duperreault said the timing of the formation of Cedar Trace and Mereo Insurance has worked well because the market continues to be strong across a lot of lines of business. Its good to be an underwriter in specialty, casualty, and property right now. So, having this across-the-board strategy is helpful, he said.

In an interview with Insurance Journal, Duperreault described the reinsurers strategy as broad-based and multi-class. We are writing 25 different classes of insurance business, such as marine, aviation, energy, and property, on a risk-weighted basis, which creates a portfolio balancing effect and provides a pretty steady result.

Each one of the 25 is going to go up and down, particularly if theyre in the more volatile portions of the business, Duperreault continued.

However, if you put them together with good risks, it balances out, and your loss ratios are actually quite steady over a long period of time, he said, explaining that there will be a lot of growth in some lines and not much growth in other lines, which balances out to create growth at industry levels.

Cedar Traces growth will probably be a little bit above GDP in the early days, but for the long term, Duperreault expects a steady, profitable business.

Over time, if you put a good set of risks together in a balanced portfolio, youre going to have an average loss ratio and its not going to vary very much. Its like an index fund, an investor index fund.

Not Reliant on Hard Market

He explained that Cedar Traces strategy is not a hard market strategy, so its not like the company needs the hard market to continue. The important thing was would we be able to launch and get a broad-based business in a relatively short period of time, and this market is allowing us to do that.

He emphasized that its impossible to call anything in this world with 100% certainty, so having that portfolio balance protects us. And as long as were launchedand we areIm very comfortable riding out this wave, whichever way it goes.

Underwriters only have a couple of tools, he said. One is risk selection, and another is portfolio construction and spread. So, we turn away risks that arent priced right, and the pricing takes care of itself.

The companys initial plans were to write what Duperreault calls an aspirational $520 million during the first year, which he said could be possible if the company writes a full year that includes the January 2026 renewals. But well see. The important thing is the business is good, sustainable, profitableand size isnt as important as that.

The other positive aspect of the current market for reinsurers is that there is a lot of demand from ceding companies because risk is exploding, he added.

Limited Investor Appetite for Startups

Duperreault attributed the general lack of interest by investors to support reinsurance startups (to create a class of 2023 or 2024) to the sectors inability to attract long-term capital. (Traditionally, the class of XXX terminology has referred to Bermudian reinsurance startups, but it is now being used by many pundits for global formations.)

Most of the investors dont want to take long-term balance sheet risks, he said, noting ILS investments are hot because investors want to know at the end of the year if they had a good year or a bad year.

Indeed, AM Best Ratings has indicated that investors have many additional avenues available to deploy their capital, which didnt exist in the past.

The existence of a robust ILS market has diminished the franchise value of property-catastrophe business to investors, AM Best said in a July 2024 report titled The 2023 Reinsurer Class  The Class That Never Was. (See related article: What Happened to Reinsurance Class of 2023? Hard Market Defies Age-Old Patterns.)

Investors today appear much keener to allocate funds to shorter-term ILS instruments to capitalize on the hardened underwriting conditions, rather than a rated balance sheet, said the report.

Theres only a very small group of investors who want to take on longer-term risk, Duperreault said, noting that Cedar Trace was able to find a few investors who understood what we were trying to achieve. He said that what we presented was a portfolio approach with the balance that has internal protections.

Duperreault said that those investors who listened to the pitch understood it and really liked the companys strategic plan.

He said the companys portfolio balance was an attractive story to a few wise Cedar Trace investors, which he described as a nice group who are there for the long haul, which is a wonderful thing to have for an investor.

Theyre not in-and-out types, Duperreault noted.

At inception, Cedar Trace raised nearly $700 million from several investors and also launched an ILS fund in 2024 with $250-$300 million of capital. Investors include Ares Management Corp. (an alternative asset manager), Susquehanna International Group (a quantitative trading firm), and Andover Cos. (a mutual insurance firm).

I do think our story itself helped attract our investors in a great way, he said. I think our management expertise helped. Putting those two together, we were able to find enough investors to launch our company. And were the only ones.

AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of a- (Excellent) to Mereo Insurance with a stable outlook.

Initial capitalization in 2024 and retained earnings through the forecast period are expected to support Mereos premium growth, which is expected to be rapid in its early years, based on projections, AM Best said in a Feb. 10, 2025 ratings announcement. The companys capital is anticipated to be managed through the use of reinsurance and potentially third-party capital.

Investment risk is projected to be low given its conservative investment portfolio, which will remain matched closely to the evolution of the liability profile, supporting stability in future balance sheet metrics.

AM Best went on to say that Mereos senior management team is composed of individuals with extensive experience and strong track records in the industry.

And, of course, one of those individuals is Duperreault, who previously served as executive chairman for AIGs Board of Directors and as CEO of AIG from 2017 to 2021. Before joining AIG, he had a 30-year career working in senior executive roles at Hamilton Insurance Group, March & McLennan Companies, and ACE Ltd.

Other veteran executives with Cedar Trace include:

Lawrence Minicone, chief executive officer of Cedar Trace. Minicone previously served as the head of Research at Tekmerion Capital Partners, a systematic global macro hedge fund.

David Croom Johnson, non-executive director, who was formerly CEO of AEGIS London, a successful Lloyds managing agency.

Neil Strong, president of Cedar Trace and CEO of Cedar Trace ILS, who most recently was the CEO of IQUW ILS Ltd.

Richard Holden, chief underwriting officer of Cedar Trace ILS, who was previously CUO of Fidelis Insurance Bermuda and global CEO of Reinsurance and Capital Management.

Derek Walsh, chief legal officer and chief operating officer of Cedar Trace. Previously, Walsh was COO, general counsel, and co-founder of Acacia Holdings, a Bermuda-based investment business specializing in insurance-linked securities, focusing on investing collateral for reinsurance contracts.

Federico Waisman, chief analytics and risk officer of Cedar Trace, who most recently served as head of Underwriting Management at IQUW where he led the portfolio optimization, pricing, exposure management, and underwriting support divisions.

Jonathan Reiss, interim chief financial officer of all Cedar Trace entities. He also is a managing director at Strategic Risk Solutions (SRS).

Topics Reinsurance
NFP, an Aon company, added two new benefits leaders, Mark Carroll and Bill Schmidt, and their respective books of business. Carroll and Schmidt will each join as vice president, Benefits, in NFPs Atlantic region. They are based in northern Virginia and will report to Katie McLaughlin, senior vice president, Benefits.

Schmidt brings three decades of experience managing benefits for businesses and individuals in the District of Columbia metro area. He cofounded Small Business Insurance Solutions, Inc. (SBIS) with Carroll and served as its president. In hiring Schmidt, NFP has acquired the business operations of SBIS.

Carroll also has three decades of experience in the D.C. area working with small to midsize businesses, most recently as a managing partner of Capital Group Benefits (CGB). As he joins NFP, he is selling his ownership stake in CGB, and NFP is acquiring his book of business.
A fire that broke out at Novelis New York plant in Oswego will disrupt business at Ford and other automakers for months, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

Ford, the biggest user of the plants aluminum, will likely flag potential implications of the setback to investors when it discloses quarterly financial results later this month, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

Novelis, the worlds largest recycler of aluminum, reported a fire incident at its Oswego plant on September 16, with no injuries.

In a statement to Reuters on Monday, Novelis  which is owned by Indias Hindalco  said it anticipates operations to restart at the Oswego facilitys hot mill by the first quarter of 2026.

Hyundai Motors North America unit said there is no impact to its vehicle production related to the fire.

Ford, Stellantis, Toyota and Volkswagen, which depend on aluminum from Novelis, did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

(Reporting by Abu Sultan Preetika Parashuraman and Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)

Topics New York Tech
The number and total aggregate amount of settlements in merger and acquisition (M&A)-related lawsuits in the Delaware Court of Chancery have increased substantially since 2019, with the total aggregate settlement amount exceeding $600 million in 2024, according to a report by Cornerstone Research.

The report, M&A Litigation Settlements in the Delaware Court of Chancery20122024 Review & Analysis, examined 118 monetary settlements between 2012 and 2024 in M&A-related litigation filed in the Delaware court. In 2024, 21 such settlements totaled $618.3 million in the aggregate, a significant increase from five settlements totaling $110.1 million in the aggregate in 2019.

According to the research, of the 10 settlements within the study period that equaled or exceeded $100 million, four have occurred since 2022. The most common settlement amounts during 20222024 ranged between $20 million and $50 million, while the most common settlement amounts in prior periods were below $10 million.

Marsh: Transactional Risk Insurance Remained Resilient in 2023

Viewpoint: How Transactional Risk Insurance Became Essential for M&A Certainty

Our analysis shows an upward trend in both the number and overall value of settlements, particularly in the past three years, said Frank Schneider, a vice president at Cornerstone Research and coauthor of the report.

While large settlements contributed to the increasing total aggregate settlement amount in recent years, the increase is also attributable to an uptick in smaller settlements. During 20222024, parties reached 18 settlements ranging between $20 million and $50 million, 12 settlements ranging between $10 million and $20 million, and 14 settlements of less than $10 million, surpassing the same number in each range for the five-year periods of 20172021 and 20122016. As a percentage of transaction value, the largest increase in 20222024 relative to prior periods was for settlements with amounts less than 2.5% of transaction value (29), relative to 11 and 10 such settlements in 20172021 and 20122016, respectively.

The settlements in the sample represent transactions with larger overall deal values than the broader M&A market, said Paul Zurek, a vice president at Cornerstone Research and coauthor of the report. He noted that many of the cases also involve allegations against controlling stockholders.

In 78% of settlements, the plaintiffs were stockholders of the target company in the M&A transaction, while 74% of settlements included allegations involving actions by the controlling stockholder. Together, the findings suggest a typical settlement is one involving a dispersed group of stockholders alleging unfair consideration paid for their shares due to alleged actions by a controller, according to the authors.

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting and expert testimony in complex disputes and regulatory investigations

Additional Findings

The median transaction value reported by FactSet associated with 20222024 settlements was $1.2 billion, while the median transaction value associated with settlements in in 20122016 and 20172021 was each $0.6 billion.

From 2012 to 2024, average and median plaintiff counsel fees awarded were $8.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively.

More than 60% of settlements between 2012 and 2024 included allegations of misrepresentations in the transaction proxy disclosure.

During 20122024, 86% of transactions in the settlement sample involved a positive unaffected transaction premium. In comparison, 95% of transactions in the M&A benchmark had a positive unaffected transaction premium, although there is no statistically significant difference in average and median premiums.

Transactions in the settlement sample, as compared to the M&A benchmark, were more likely to involve a special committee and face investor opposition.

Source: Cornerstone Research

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions
The captain of an oil tanker that authorities in France have detained off the countrys Atlantic coast and which President Emmanuel Macron has linked to Russia will go on trial in February over the crews alleged refusal to cooperate, a French prosecutor said Thursday.

Macron has alleged that the tanker belongs to Russias so-called shadow fleet of aging tankers of uncertain ownership that are avoiding Western sanctions over Moscows war in Ukraine, and he didnt rule out that it could have been involved in drone flights over Denmark as it was sailing last week off the coast of the Nordic country.

Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the tankers detention as an act of piracy and alleged that Macron had initiated the move for domestic policy reasons.

Read more: Denmark Reports Repeated Russian Naval Provocations in its Straits

There is no other way to deflect attention of the population, citizens of France from difficult internal problems that are hard to solve, Putin said at a forum of foreign policy experts in Russias Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Asked about whether the tanker could be linked to drones flights, Macron said that Im very cautious because our services and our justice are still working  I dont exclude it at all, but I cannot here attribute very clearly and establish a clear link between these two phenomenon.

Putin emphasized that there was no reason whatsoever for seizing the tanker in neutral waters, adding that there wasnt and couldnt be any military cargo or drones. He also warned that such action could provoke confrontation.

Its piracy, and how do you deal with pirates? Putin said. You destroy them. It doesnt mean that tomorrow a war will erupt all across the global ocean, but certainly the risk of confrontation will seriously increase.

Speaking at a European summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, Macron said that the French navy faced inappropriate and extremely aggressive behavior towards the French frigate and helicopters that had been deployed to board the taker, which justified the opening of a judicial investigation.

Stephane Kellenberger, prosecutor of the western port city of Brest, said that two Chinese crew members, the captain and the chief mate, who had been detained since Tuesday, were released from police custody. The chief mate has been released without charge.

A preliminary investigation was opened into the crews refusal to cooperate and failure to justify the nationality of the vessel after the Atlantic Maritime Prefect alerted justice authorities Monday, Kellenberger said. The inquiry showed the captain couldnt be directly considered responsible for the second offense, he added.

Kellenberger said that members of the French navy intervened and boarded the ship on Saturday off Frances Atlantic coast in line with international law when there appeared to be a discrepancy between its apparent nationality and real nationality.

An investigation led by the French navy concluded that the ship, coming from Russia and heading to India with a large oil shipment, was flying no flag, he said.

The captain was summoned for trial in Brest on Feb. 23. He faces up to one year in prison and a 150,000 euro ($176,000) fine.

French military spokesman Col. Guillaume Vernet said that the ship was ordered to stay in place in a safe area.

In comments earlier Thursday in Copenhagen, Macron praised the work of the French navy to identify the presence of a shadow fleet.

You kill the business model by detaining even for days or weeks these vessels and forcing them to organize themselves differently, he said.

Macron said 30 to 40% of Russias war effort is financed through the revenues of the shadow fleet.

It represents more than 30 billion euros. So its extremely important to increase the pressure on this shadow fleet, because it will clearly reduce the capacity to finance this war effort for Russia, he said.

Macron said the ship was exactly the same one which was detained by Estonia earlier this year for the same flag issue.

In April, Estonian public broadcaster EE reported that the ship, then identified under the name Kiwala, was stopped outside Tallinn Bay on way to the Russian port of Ust-Luga. At the time, Prime Minister Kristen Michal posted on social media that Estonias navy had detained a sanctioned vessel with no flag state and authorities had boarded the ship  without specifying.

The ship, now known as Pushpa or Boracay, left the Russian oil terminal in Primorsk near St. Petersburg on Sept. 20, and sailed off the coast of Denmark. It has stayed off the coast of the French western port of Saint-Nazaire since Sunday, according to the Marine Traffic monitoring website.

The tanker, whose name has changed several times, was sailing under the flag of Benin and appears on a list of ships targeted by European Union sanctions against Russia.

Asked by journalists about it, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that he had no information on the ship. He also said that many countries were carrying out provocative actions against Russia.

The shadow fleet is made up of used, aging tankers that were often bought by nontransparent entities with addresses from countries that havent sanctioned Russia. Their role is to help Russias oil exporters elude the price cap imposed by Ukraines allies.

___

Angela Charlton in Paris, Katie Marie Davies in Manchester, England, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, and Lorne Cook in Copenhagen, Denmark, contributed to the story.

Photograph: The tanker Boracay that allegedly belongs to Russias so-called shadow fleet, is seen Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, off Saint-Nazaire, Frances Atlantic coast. (AP Photo/Mathieu Pattier)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Energy Oil Gas Russia France
Holmes Murphy, headquartered in Waukee, Iowa, hired Jordan Anderson as vice president and employee benefits sales leader in its Sioux Falls, South Dakota, office. Anderson will focus on helping Holmes Murphy deepen its client relationships, drive growth in the Sioux Falls market, and provide support for the companys employee benefits sales team.

Anderson most recently served as vice president of sales and account management at Avera Health Plans, where he led growth across both commercial and government products. His prior roles at United Healthcare and Aetna shaped his expertise in new business sales, strategic account management, and leadership.

Topics Leadership Employee Benefits
Nebraska officials missed a deadline this week granting licenses to marijuana growers as part of a voter-approved measure that legalized medical marijuana, offering the latest example of pushback in Republican-led states against efforts to legalize the drug.

How many times do we have to go down this road of fighting for our lives? Lia Post asked through sobs Tuesday to the newly formed Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission as it became clear the body would not meet the Wednesday deadline.

Post lives in eastern Nebraska and suffers from a condition that causes chronic pain in her extremities. Marijuana provides relief from the condition and allows her to avoid addictive opiates.

Theres no begging left in me, Post cried during the commission meeting, where three members hand-picked by Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said they had to postpone licensing.

Nebraska Republican leaders from the governor to the states attorney general and conservative lawmakers are working to weaken or even kill the new law, despite its overwhelming support at the ballot box.

Most states have legalized some marijuana use

Twenty-four states and Washington, D.C., have legalized recreational marijuana for adults, although some efforts in Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota recently failed at the ballot box. The medical use of marijuana is more accepted and allowed in 40 states and the District of Columbia, including 17 states where voters approved it.

But some Republicans in those states have continued to fight against medical marijuana approved by voters. In South Dakota, a Republican state lawmaker unsuccessfully pushed a bill this year to repeal voter-approved medical marijuana. In Idaho, lawmakers proposed a constitutional amendment that would forbid citizen initiatives to legalize marijuana and instead leave such decisions to the Legislature.

And in Mississippi, the effort to undo a 2020 voter-backed medical marijuana law seems to have gutted that states citizen initiative process after the Mississippi Supreme Court voided it, ruling the states initiative process is outdated.

Reasons for the pushback appear rooted in the belief that marijuana is a dangerous drug.

Law enforcement has long opposed it as a gateway to other drug use and as a driving-while-intoxicated hazard that cant be measured in the field by a Breathalyzer. Many cite the federal governments continued classification of marijuana as a dangerous drug on par with heroin and LSD.

Karen OKeefe, director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project, said polling has shown a majority of Republicans support legalized medical marijuana.

Its like a small part of the Republican Party, but some of them are vehemently opposed, OKeefe said. Its people that bought into reefer madness.

Unlike marijuana, OKeefe noted thousands of Americans die annually from prescription opiates and adverse incidents from other drugs.

Nebraska pushback on medical marijuana unique

The medical marijuana law passed by Nebraska voters in November required that licenses be issued by Wednesday. The reason for the delay? Days earlier, Pillen forced the resignation of the two commission members he hadnt appointed. They had been tasked with checking the qualifications of cultivator applications.

Pillen has insisted he is not opposed to medical marijuana, but has made several moves that critics say are designed to keep people from accessing it. That includes appointing members to the commission who have publicly opposed legalizing marijuana, even for medical use. Pillen also asked the commission to limit the number of marijuana plants to be licensed for medical use to 1,250  a number the industry argued is too low to accommodate the number of state residents seeking prescription marijuana.

The purpose in doing so was to ensure that an overabundance of plants would not saturate the market and lead to the creation of unregulated and potentially illegal sales, Pillen spokesperson Laura Strimple said.

The new Nebraska commission has so far flouted provisions of the voter initiative  including passing emergency rules that ban smoking, vaping or marijuana edibles for medical use, which are specifically allowed under the law voters passed. The commission has also forbidden flavorings to improve the taste of bitter tinctures and pills that are allowed, has drastically limited the number of growers and dispensaries to be licensed, placed burdensome and expensive continuing education requirements on doctors and restricted the amount and strength of medical marijuana that can be prescribed.

State Attorney General Mike Hilgers has turned to the courts to try to invalidate the ballot initiative, approved by more than 70% of voters.

I would say Nebraska is unique in the level of hostility of trying to overturn the will of the people, said OKeefe with the Marijuana Policy Project.

Attorney general says hes following the rule of law

Hilgers lost a court battle last year in which he called into question the validity of thousands of signatures gathered to place the question on the November ballot. A former Republican state lawmaker also sued to void the new law, arguing that it violates federal prohibitions against marijuana. He lost that challenge in district court but has appealed to the state Supreme Court.

Hilgers said his legal fights are solely about protecting the rule of law, accusing the petition process of unprecedented levels of fraud. So far, the only success Hilgers has had in court is the misdemeanor conviction of a petition circulator accused of forging signatures on petitions.

Someone cannot justify this wrongdoing by simply pointing to the favorable results on the ballot; if you could, it would create a dangerous precedent for future petition initiatives, Hilgers said.

But Hilgers has made no secret of his opposition to even limited legalization of marijuana. In a March editorial, he said marijuana is easily abused and is not safe to consume even under medical supervision.

Advocates defend will of the people

Crista Eggers, who led the medical marijuana ballot initiative, argued a black market thrives when marijuana for medical use is too severely restricted.

If you are one of the 71% that voted in support of medical cannabis, you should be angry, because the system and the regulatory framework that is coming down from this commission is not at all what voters intended, she said.

Paul Armentano, of the marijuana advocacy organization NORML, said elected officials in states dominated by one political party count on voter partisanship.

I can only presume that lawmakers are emboldened to take these steps because, generally, they dont fear there will be repercussions from the voters at the ballot box, he said.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cannabis
CFC, with U.S. headquarters in New York City, created a new U.S.-based cyber development team and appointed leadership.

John Keebler joins the business as its new national cyber development leader, USA, based in Chicago, Illinois.

Working closely with CFCs U.S. and London cyber underwriting and distribution teams, he is responsible for overseeing strategic cyber initiatives to help CFCs broker partners generate profitable and sustainable income streams from new buyers of cyber and maintaining and developing key broker relationships.

With a career in cyber insurance spanning over 15 years, Keebler joins CFC from Coalition where he most recently served as national director for business development.

Also joining CFC is Morgan Justice, who takes on the role of cyber development manager for the Western region, USA.

She brings experience in driving new business from her previous position as West coast underwriting and business development leader at Coalition. Based in the eastern San Francisco Bay Area, California, and reporting into Keebler, Morgan is responsible for driving new broker relationships and helping CFCs broker partners in the western region to grow their cyber portfolios.

CFCs cyber development manager based in New York, Annie Lyons, will also report to Keebler.

Topics USA Cyber
JPMorgan Chase & Co. was hit with $115 million in lawyers bills for Charlie Javice and a second executive convicted of defrauding the bank, yet another twist in a years-long legal saga thats captivated Wall Street.

The defense tab, revealed last week when Javice was sentenced to seven years in prison, is roughly two-thirds of the $175 million the bank paid for Javices student-finance company, Frank. A Delaware court previously ruled that the terms of that deal required the bank to cover Javice and co-defendant Olivier Amars legal costs.

The legal bill is the latest fallout for JPMorgan from the disastrous transaction. It also illustrates how expensive high-stakes litigation involving top-flight lawyers can become. There are few litigants besides the nations largest bank that could afford to pay such costs.

Huge, huge number, said Kevin OBrien, a former federal prosecutor now working as a white-collar defense lawyer in New York. She had a lot of high-priced legal talent.

Its unclear why Javice and Amars defense costs were so high. They appear to dwarf those of Theranos Inc.s Elizabeth Holmes, who amassed at least $30 million in legal bills for her defense, according to a government filing ahead of her November 2022 sentencing. Holmes got 11 years in prison.

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, one of Javices law firms, declined to comment. Her other lawyers didnt respond to requests for comment. Lawyers at Kobre & Kim who defended Amar also didnt respond to requests for comment. JPMorgan declined to comment.

To put the $115 million figure in perspective, a high-priced lawyer billing $2,000 an hour would have to bill eight hours every day, including weekends and holidays, for nearly 20 years to reach that total.

At trial, 19 lawyers officially appeared for Javice, 16 for Amar, and the two teams pursued different strategies on certain issues. For all the lawyers in court, there would have been even more lawyers, paralegals and support staff back in the office, OBrien said. It helps if someone else is picking up the bill, he added.

If youre a defendant and youve got the backing of a board or an insurance company, you want to leave no stone unturned, said OBrien. The sky is the limit.

JPMorgan tried to avoid paying for Javice and Amars defenses. But a Delaware judge ruled in 2023 that the fraud allegations were covered by the Frank merger agreement, which required the bank to advance legal costs for the pair. Javice and Amar both became JPMorgan executives after the deal closed but were fired after the fraud was discovered.

Javice and Amars legal costs are not just for the criminal case. The pair were also sued by JPMorgan itself as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission. Both civil cases were put on hold until the criminal one is resolved. Javice will incur even more expenses appealing her conviction and sentence. In a Monday court filing, her lawyers said they expected JPMorgan to continue to cover those costs as well.

JPMorgan can try to reclaim the money from her, and US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein included the legal costs in the $287.5 million restitution order that accompanied her prison sentence. Javices lawyers asked the judge on Monday to reconsider his order, contending that JPMorgan wasnt entitled to recover defense legal costs.

Even if the order remains unchanged, the bank is unlikely to get back more than a small fraction of the total amount. Javice is only required to pay 10% of her income toward the order after she leaves prison, and it expires in 20 years.

Early on, the bank complained that it was being overbilled by Javices army of lawyers. In 2023, her team of lawyers was led by superstar litigator Alex Spiro, who is well-known for frequently representing Elon Musk. Spiro, who works at Quinn Emanuel, was charging Javice $2,025 an hour, according a court filing at the time. He declined to comment.

A New York jury convicted Javice and Amar in March, finding they lied and faked data to claim their site, which offered a free tool to help students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, had 4.25 million users when it actually had fewer than 300,000. A data scientist testified that he was paid $18,000 by Javice to create synthetic user data to show JPMorgan.

Both defendants tried to focus jurors on what they claimed was JPMorgans hurried and flawed due diligence in the deal. In determining her sentence, the judge said he was considering her conduct, not JPMorgans stupidity. Amar also unsuccessfully tried to distance himself from Javice, saying she deceived him along with JPMorgan.

The defense ultimately called only a few witnesses, one of whom was Apollo Global Management Chief Executive Officer Marc Rowan, an investor and board member at Frank. The billionaire more recently wrote to Hellerstein urging leniency for Javice.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Its often insureds who come to Florida from Canada before winter sets in. But this week, its an Ottawa-based insurance brokerage that has moved into the Sunshine State with the acquisition of a Cape Coral firm.

Gifford Carr Insurance Group announced its first expansion outside of Canada by acquiring Omni One Insurance Agency, part of the Team Aubuchon group that includes home building, real estate, property management and title services, according to a news release.

The Florida agency will operate as Omni One Insurance, by Gifford Carr, and the firms team will remain on board. The agency offers home, auto, commercial and other lines of property-casualty insurance, according to its website. Matthew Carr is now listed as president of Gifford Carr and as CEO at Omni One.

The Florida Department of Financial Services records show Kathlynn Jackson as agent in charge at Omni One in Cape Coral. She is appointed with multiple carriers. Floridas Secretary of State corporation records show Matthew Carr as manager at Omni One since July of this year. Carsten Dahms, a longtime insurance broker and owner of Omni One, retired this year and sold his shares in the firm, Jackson said.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Florida Canada
All six people hospitalized after a coastal North Carolina shooting last weekend that left three dead at a waterfront bar have been released, officials announced Friday.

Southport officials initially said five people were wounded in the rifle attack on the American Fish Company on Saturday. But city spokesperson ChyAnn Ketchum said a sixth victim had self-admitted to a hospital.

Nigel Max Edge, 40, a veteran wounded in the Iraq War, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder. Killed in the shooting were Solomon Banjo, 36, of Charlottesville, Virginia; Joy Rogers, 64, of Southport; and Michael Durbin, 56, of Galena, Ohio. Edge is also charged with attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities allege Edge, a former Marine from Oak Island, motored up to the crowded wharf about 9:30 p.m. and opened fire with an AR-style rifle equipped with a scope and silencer. He was apprehended shortly afterward by Coast Guard officers who recognized him from a witness description.

Edge, who changed his name from Sean DeBevoise in 2023, told police he was injured in combat and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, Southport police Chief Todd Coring said this week.

Edge is being held without bond pending a probable cause hearing on Oct. 13 in a Brunswick County court.

Coring asked the public for their patience as the investigation continues and said police presence will be higher, particularly on the waterfront.

Officers from across the county will be assisting Southport officers to increase police presence to restore a sense of safety in and around our city, he said Friday.

Photo: A man hugs a police officer in front of the American Fish Company following a fatal shooting that occurred the night before, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Southport, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics North Carolina
The Alabama Department of Insurance will hold a public hearing next week on the proposed merger of a ProAssurance unit and FD Insurance  the latest of many financial moves for both companies in the last decade.

ProAssurance Indemnity Co., part of the ProAssurance Group of specialty insurers, is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The firm now plans to merge with FD Insurance Co. Both are domiciled in Alabama, ALDOI explained in its notice of the upcoming hearing.

The transaction is one of several for the companies and their parents in recent years: FD Insurance, once based in Florida, was acquired by NORCAL Mutual Insurance a decade ago, according to news reports and company news releases. ProAssurance Group in 2021 purchased NORCAL, including FD.

ProAssurance Corp., specializing in medial malpractice, professional liability and workers compensation coverage, itself was acquired by The Doctors Company in April of this year, with the deal expected to close by early 2026.

FD Insurance, once known as Florida Doctors Insurance, offers malpractice policies for doctors and practices. The firm was redomiciled in Alabama in 2024. A recent quarterly statement is here.

Company representatives could not be reached for comment Tuesday about the planned merger.

The ALDOI hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. at the ALDOI office in Montgomery. People hoping to participate via video conferencing should submit an email request to Shawn.Stewart@insurance.alabama.gov, before 3 p.m. on Oct. 13.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions
Ned Gaines was named commissioner of the Nevada Division of Insurance.

Gaines, who has served as commissioner in an acting capacity since July 2, was named to the role by Department of Business and Industry Director Kristopher Sanchez.

Gaines has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. He joined the Nevada Division of Insurance as the chief deputy commissioner in April. Before that, he spent 12 years with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as the Deputy commissioner of rates, forms and provider networks.

Previously, he worked for several national property/casualty insurers as a compliance manager, claims manager, claims adjuster and agent.
Looking for "small farmers", an Irish documentary team is looking to tell the history of one of Irelands oldest occupations.

Taking inspiration from the 2022 National Farm Survey conducted by Teagasc, producer Brendan Phelan, a Laois native with his own background in farming, wants to give a voice to the small farmers of Ireland.

Following the Teagasc figures for the 2022 survey, Mr Phelan wants to reach out to the approximately 20,000 farmers aged 65 and older with 25 acres or less to their names.

We want to get our heads around it. Whats good about farming? Bad about it? Mr Phelan told the Irish Examiner.

Explaining his drive to get in touch with this demographic of Irish farmers, Mr Phelan said: Im interviewing farmers now, theyre smart people, they know their business, but unfortunately, they are in the global food business, which is a very fickle thing and can flip in a second.

"They are ships in a very large ocean, and we want to get out with these people and find out how they are managing that.

Currently in the early development stages of the documentary, the team is hoping to get in touch with and meet interesting men and women who represent the overall reality of the small-farmer population in Ireland.

Once, the social and cultural core of the rural population, the series aims to capture the reality of that small farmers life, and to learn more about it firsthand from the people on the ground.

Understanding small-holding farmers have diversified due to necessity, Mr Phelan also acknowledges a major element is the pride in Irish agriculture and the work they do that drives these farmers on despite future uncertainty.

Wanting to tell the story of small farmers before it's too late, Mr Phelans series will look at how Irish farming is evolving, exploring the tension between tradition and progress, and asking what the future holds for those who have dedicated their lives to the land.

If you or someone you know fits the criteria, the documentary team wants to hear from you. Whether you yourself are a 65-year-old or above small holdings farmer or there is a character in the town who is still tipping away on the farm, interested parties are encouraged to get in touch by email at smallfarmseries@gmail.com or call Mr Phelan directly on 087 292 5294.
Two years ago, when Regiane Zabotos then six-year-old daughter Luiza began complaining of pain in her legs, got a fever, and was tired, the mother of three was not overly concerned.

It was summer, when all kids seem a bit more tired, and lots of bugs were going on in the creche, so it didnt really alarm us until the other symptoms started, says Limerick-based Regiane.

Both she and her husband, Leandro, are managers in the IT sector.

Luiza vomiting in the morning, before she had eaten, was the first alarming symptom. She was vomiting on an empty stomach, Regiane says.

I thought maybe it was the vomiting bug Id heard people talk about. The GP prescribed medication to help her empty her intestines. She didnt improve. It would happen maybe two days a week.

Regiane and Leandro began seeing other unusual symptoms.

She was closing her left eye to watch TV. And, walking home from creche, she was turning her head sideways to talk to me, so that she could see me with her right eye. Her balance was off, too; she was tripping, not seeing stuff on the floor.

A frightened Regiane was considering having Luiza referred to an ophthalmologist.

But the GP sent her to the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick. Eye tests showed that her vision was 100%, but also indicated inflammation on the nerve of her eye.

They sent her for MRI to check better what was going on in her head. At that point, I felt something more serious could be going on: I had a bad feeling.

Luiza Bertunes Zaboto (age 8, sitting), with her mum Regiane and dad Leonardo, and sisters Helena (age 6) and baby Clara in July 2025.

Shock of diagnosis

Luiza was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumour. With Leandro at home looking after their younger daughter, Helena, Regiane was in shock.

When they said it was a tumour, I went blank. I couldnt talk, cry or do anything. I sat there, quiet. They asked Do you have any questions? I couldnt formulate questions. They suggested calling my husband. And, in telling him, I cried, I couldnt stop  everything came at me then.

"But, as a parent, I knew I had to make myself strong for Luiza. I wiped my face, but she knew something was wrong. She said Whats happening? They were transferring us straightaway to Temple St, so I said she had to go for more tests in another hospital and Daddy was coming, and she took what I said and was calm.

Such a diagnosis is terrifying. You have to keep bad thoughts away, but in my head the only thought was My daughter is dying, Helenas going to lose her sister.

Luiza Bertunes Zaboto (right) with her dad Leonardo, and mum Regiane and sister Helena, at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester in October 2023

At Temple St Luiza underwent further MRI to identify the tumour size and location. She needed surgery to remove the tumour and to drain fluid from her brain.

At first, I was saying If you can take it out, take it out. But the day before surgery the doctor explained all the things that could go wrong. For example, when she came back from surgery she could be a different person, not herself anymore. After that, we panicked.

But the doctors said that Luiza was not as sick as she might have been with this kind of tumour. Usually, the child has episodes of fainting, epilepsy, black-outs. Luiza didnt. Hearing that helped a lot.

Within a week, Luiza underwent six-hour surgery. Her parents waited in a hotel: The call came. We were told she was in the recovery room; we could see her. They said everything went great; the surgery was a success. But going into the hospital, we were so afraid of what wed find; maybe she wouldnt be able to talk or swallow straightaway.

Instead, they found Luiza awake and speaking both Portuguese and English. It was such a relief. She was being monitored and they were continuing to draw fluid from her brain; they were concerned shed need a shunt, but she didnt.

The next stages of Luizas treatment involved six weeks in Manchester for proton beam therapy, a type of radiotherapy that aims high-energy protons directly at the tumour.

Luiza Bertunes Zaboto at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester at the conclusion of her proton beam therapy treatment in October 2023.

This was followed by chemotherapy from November 2023 to August 2024. She now attends for MRI every three months.

Every MRI is hard for us. But were very optimistic. Weve been told chance of recurrence for this type of tumour is very low; we believe in that and stay focused and strong, says Regiane, also mother to three-month-old Clara.

Today, Luiza, now eight, is in great form.

We just need to keep an eye on her balance. Because of the type of surgery and where the tumour was, it affected her balance. But its something she can work on and improve; its a very small thing. Shes a very active, smart little girl. She does Irish dancing, gymnastics, swimming. She goes to school full-time. We feel blessed.

Approximately 65 children and young people are diagnosed with a brain or central nervous system (CNS) tumour each year in Ireland. In the decade up to 2020, brain and CNS tumours were the most common childhood cancer, accounting for 27%, alongside leukaemia (also 27%).

Confusing symptoms

John Caird, paediatric neurosurgeon at CHI Temple St says diagnosing as quickly as possible for patients is an ongoing concern for medics: Sometimes, people are seen in general practice and the emergency department and are sent home with a diagnosis of migraine or virus. Only when very ill would a scan be performed. So were trying to raise awareness, both with GPs and emergency department doctors, that, if somebody presents with symptoms, to undertake a scan.

Caird says delayed diagnosis can be due to initial signs being very subtle and symptoms common to many other ailments.

For example, its common to get headaches and we dont normally think of brain tumour when someone gets a headache. But the take-home message for parents, for GPs, and emergency departments is that if a child is presenting with symptoms that arent settling down, that are prompting re-attendance to the doctor again and again and that are not otherwise explainable, the possibility of brain tumour must be considered.

Mr John Caird, consultant paediatric neurosurgeon

Caird outlines the symptoms: A baby may have a bigger head. Young children and teenagers may get seizure, visual problems, headaches and vomiting. Some children may also go in to premature puberty at four or five years of age, due to hormonal imbalance caused by a brain tumour. People can appear entirely well and may just have symptoms from time to time  but recurrent headaches and vomiting should be investigated.

Consultant paediatric oncologist at CHI Crumlin, Dr Jane Pears, is also urging doctors to consider brain tumours when reviewing symptoms: Unfortunately, theres a recurring theme in brain-tumour diagnosis, where patients would have gone with something wrong a few times to their GP or to A&E, but getting to diagnosis can take some time and have consequences, such as loss of sight. It doesnt necessarily mean the outcome is worse for those who have a longer timeframe to diagnosis, but it can be; a person may have, unfortunately, lost vital functions by the time the diagnosis is made.

While brain tumour is rare in children, it is, nevertheless, the most common solid tumour in oncology in children. Id encourage people to get to know the range of symptoms, which can include the fontanelle being tense and elevated in babies, rather than soft and flat, or a change in

handwriting or educational ability for older kids.

Pears suggests parents ask their doctor: Can you reassure me this isnt a brain tumour?
The outpouring of love for three members of a family killed in Co Louth has been extraordinary, a priest has said.

The bodies of Mark OConnor, 54, Louise Doherty OConnor, 56, and their son Evan, 27, who had additional needs, were found at the familys home in Dromgowna, outside Tallanstown village last Monday morning.

Father Gerry Campbell appealed at their joint funeral for more resources to be devoted towards mental health in Ireland.

During the service, Evans brother Cian OConnor delivered an emotional tribute to his family who he said had shared a bond of understanding, patience, care and love.

The three wooden coffins were brought to the front of St Patricks Church in Dundalk for the funeral mass, where a framed portrait had been placed.

Delivering his homily, Fr Campbell said it was a week since news of a terrible family tragedy had begun to filter through.

A family so deeply loved and so highly regarded, not just in their local community, but far beyond it.

So much has already been said about them, so many wonderful words of admiration, affection, and sorrow," he said.

All I can do today is try, in some small way, to focus on each one of them through the lens of Gods word, Mark, Louise, and Evan, and then to hold them together, as they always were in life, united in love.

Because what shines through every memory, every message, and every tear is the deep love that Mark and Louise had for each other, and the boundless love they both had for Evan, their son, their joy, their pride and their world. Referring to Mark OConnor, the priest said he had known what it meant to labour.

Mourners follow the funeral cortege of Mark O'Connor, Louise Doherty O'Connor and their son Evan, ahead of their funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dundalk. Picture: Marlow/PA Wire

He added: Whether it was through Inclusion Ireland, advocating for people with disabilities, or co-founding the Abacas School, Mark gave himself completely for the good of others.

He was a man of quiet integrity, of deep conviction, and of steady purpose. Turning to Louise OConnor, Fr Campbell said she was full of life  talkative, warm, musical, and compassionate.

He added: Her love for singing, her laughter, her care as a nurse, her devotion to her family  all were expressions of a heart alive with love. The funeral heard she had loved Mark and Evan with every part of her being.

Fr Campbell said: She and Mark were soulmates, having first met in secondary school.

She being a Saint Louis girl, and he a De La Salle boy, two years her junior, they were partners in life and in service, a couple whose love overflowed into action, especially in their care for Evan and in their advocacy for other families living with autism.

Turning to Evan OConnor, the priest spoke of his love of colourful odd socks and bright T-shirts.

He said: His love of Thomas the Tank Engine, his joy in going to the Hub Praxis in Drogheda, his love of theme parks, aqua aerobics, going with his dad to the park runs in all of this we see a young man who brought light and joy to those around him.

His joy was pure. His smile could light up a room.

His love was unfiltered and wholehearted. Fr Campbell continued: Over these past days, the outpouring of love for the OConnor and Doherty families has been extraordinary.

If you look at website rip.ie, you will find nearly 30 pages of condolences that has to be unprecedented, from people who worked with Mark and Louise, from runners, from the Abacas school and the Hub Praxis in Drogheda and from people who, while they may have never met them at all, people from all over the country felt so moved by their story that they reached out to put something in words.

He added: But perhaps, as we gather here today, there are families across this country quietly wondering, how close are we to something like this happening in our own home? Given that Mark devoted his life to advocating for the disability sector and for those in need, it would be remiss of me not to echo his spirit and appeal for greater care, compassion, and resources for mental health in our nation.

We cannot bring them back, but we can honour them by ensuring that no other family has to walk this road alone.

'A part of each of us may never heal'

Candles burn next to a photo during a vigil in Louth for Mark and Louise O'Connor and their son Evan, whose bodies were found at the family's home in Dromgowna on Monday, September 29. Picture: Mark Marlow/PA Wire

Cian OConnor, the son of Mark and Louise and brother of Evan, attended the funeral with his fiancee Shauna.

Delivering a tribute, he said his parents had been deeply in love.

He added: No words can truly reflect how we all feel, how I feel. I am hurting. We all are.

It is something that may take an age to come to terms with and a part of each of us may never heal. He said his brother Evan was a spark of joy.

Mr OConnor said: We would all hear him coming before we could see him."

He became emotional as he said he thought the happiest his mother had ever been was when she saw his fiancee Shauna in her wedding dress.

He said: This moment meant so much to her, she loved having a daughter.

We cannot replace her love, we will carry her with us on our wedding day forever.

Referring to his father, mother and brother, he said: You spent your lives looking out for us and making others smile, even if it was ahead of yourselves.

Our family had a bond, one of understanding, patience, care and love.

We love you and we will carry you with us forever.

The funeral ended with a recording of Louise OConnor singing Moon River.

A private cremation service will take place following the funeral mass.

Robert OConnor, 31, of Drumgowna, Louth Village, appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court last Tuesday.

He was charged with murdering his brother and his parents.
The trial of a former paratrooper accused of murdering two men in Derry more than 50 years ago has heard an eye witness account of pandemonium with people screaming and shots being fired.

The statement of Bloody Sunday eye witness Jon McCourt also recounted being shot by a rubber bullet by a soldier himself, despite not posing any threat.

Soldier F, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of the murders of James Wray and William McKinney.

They were among 13 people shot dead by the Parachute Regiment at a civil rights demonstration in the Bogside area of Derry on January 30 1972.

I believe the (rubber) bullet may have ricocheted before it hit me because I did not feel too much pain when I was hit

The Army veteran is also accused of attempting to murder Michael Quinn, Patrick ODonnell, Joseph Friel, Joe Mahon and an unknown person.

He has pleaded not guilty to the seven counts.

Soldier F sits in the courtroom at Belfast Crown Court behind a curtain during each day of the trial which began last month.

On Tuesday morning the court heard statements from witnesses read out.

These included the account of retired engineer Jon McCourt, who recalled chaotic scenes in the Glenfada Park area, and previously gave evidence to the Saville Inquiry.

He said he had been attending a family funeral on the morning of the shootings at Derry City Cemetery, and upon leaving joined the civil rights march as it proceeded along Westland Street.

However, after they heard of a potential confrontation he said he told his wife and in-law relations to go to another relatives house at Glenfada Park North.

Thirteen civilians were shot dead on Bloody Sunday (Brian Lawless/PA)

He said he went on himself and saw rioters throw stones at soldiers, and also saw mist and smoke in the air from CS gas, as well as hearing bangs.

Intending to join his family, he described getting caught up with those fleeing shootings at Glenfada Park, and got shot with a rubber bullet by a soldier.

He aimed in my direction with a rubber bullet gun, which he held at shoulder height. He was alone. The soldier was wearing a black beret.

He fired and I was hit in the left thigh by a rubber bullet, I believe the bullet may have ricocheted before it hit me because I did not feel too much pain when I was hit  if it had been a direct hit I do not think Id have been able to walk, much less run, he said.

I was not holding or throwing a stone, I was not threatening him in any way and I did nothing to justify being shot at.

Mr McCourt said he then headed to his wifes relations house, and described seeing pandemonium in the square.

There was a lot of noise from people squealing and screaming  I could hear shots that seemed to come from all directions, he said.

I did not actually see anyone firing the shots, the shots came from behind me as I was running towards my wifes grandmothers house.

It was single shots with a gap between them. The shots were live ammunition  they were not rubber bullets, a rubber bullet makes a different sound.

Thirteen people were shot dead by the Parachute Regiment on Bloody Sunday (PA)

The panic in Glenfada Park North continued  I heard people shouting, dont shoot, lie down, get out of my way.

I noticed a young fella, about 14 or 15 years of age in hysterics close to me, I pulled him in with me and told him to stay down.

Mr McCourt also recalled shouting to people nearby to keep still and not move, but did not hear any response.

I would be certain they would have heard me as they were very close to where I was, and I was shouting.

I believe that Jim Wray, who was killed that day, would have been among the group of people I was calling to, these people who were lying there.

I didnt know at the time whether they were wounded or simply lying there, or dead, or what.

The trial continues.
Crammed into a cell that stank of urine, with nothing but dirty water to drink for days, Cork grandfather and activist Paddy ODonovan said he was woken repeatedly through the night by guards pointing machine guns at him.

By day, Mr O'Donovan said he was locked in a cage under the sun, surrounded by dogs and armed guards.

At times you thought you were going to be shot, he said.

Mr ODonovan, 61, had been aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a fleet of 42 boats attempting to bring aid to besieged Gaza.

All of the vessels were intercepted last week, and those on board were arrested and detained.

They sank my boat out at sea, Mr ODonovan said.

There was a destroyer, a gunboat, and two RIBs [rigid inflatable hull boats] with 16 [Israeli] soldiers on each RIB.

They boarded us and they forced us down below [deck] and that's when they started cutting the pipes from the seawater in it into the engine and they started sinking the boat. And they just told us to stay where we were.

We were inside the boat and they had machine guns on us. And they waited until the water came up to our knees.

And at that stage, I was fearing that we were all going be shot. Because they were pointing their guns and they were after cocking the guns.

And then they eventually turned around and they said oh we're going to save you now after leaving us think they were going to kill us. And then they took us off and they sank the boat.

They brought us into a port and they tie-wrapped our arms behind our back and they had us lying face down for hours on our knees with our face on the ground and they were shouting and photographing and all this kind of stuff for the Israeli media.

It was barbaric. I've never experienced the like of it. I didn't think there were human beings like that."

Activists arrive at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 after being deported from Israel for taking part in a Gaza-bound aid flottila. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Mr ODonovan was among 16 Irish citizens arrested and detained for crewing the humanitarian flotilla.

Sinn Fein Senator Chris Andrews and Cork comedian and activist Tadhg Hickey were also detained in Ketsiot Prison in Israel.

Other detainees included activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandelas grandson Mandla Mandela, and several European politicians.

About 450 people were detained by Israel for being on the flotilla, which was attempting to break the blockade and deliver aid to Gaza.

Israels Foreign Ministry said it offered voluntary deportation to all the activists.

Activists arrive at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 after being deported from Israel for taking part in a Gaza-bound aid flottila. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Speaking before boarding a flight from Athens to Ireland, Mr ODonovan said he was relieved the ordeal was over.

But he added that, as difficult as it was for the Irish detainees, Palestinian prisoners in Ketsiot suffered far worse.

They [Israeli guards] seem to take delight in torturing people," Mr O'Donovan said.

We were locked inside these cells for days. There was no water given. We had to drink dirty tap water. They were pointing guns in at nighttime when we were trying to sleep.

They'd wake us up and they'd move us to another block and different cells. They were changing people around all the time, and shouting and roaring and bringing dogs in, these fully armed combat units coming in. So it was scary enough.

At times you thought you were going to be shot. They were eight-man cells with about 16 or 20 people in some cells.

An activist arrives at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025 after being deported from Israel for taking part in a Gaza-bound aid flottila. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Mr O'Donovan said that up to 17 people were crammed into his cell.

Then they'd take people out and people would go missing," he said.

And they wouldn't give us our medication. We met one doctor and they asked what meds you were on and they took a note. But then they didn't give anybody anything. They didn't even give the diabetics insulin.

So we started [hunger] striking and then they came in and got more brutal."

Mr ODonovan said he was on hunger strike for all five days of his incarceration.

He said those refusing food were mockingly served banquets, while others were given meals that were barely edible.

The only people that had a decent looking food were the people that were on hunger strike," he said.

Former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau speaks with media as she arrives at the airport in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, after being arrested on the Global Sumud Flotilla and subsequently released by the Israeli authorities. (AP Photo/Joan Mateu Parra)

The cell had one tap that only produced dirty water and a single toilet.

It was all psychological torture, Mr ODonovan said.

Despite the horrific treatment, Mr ODonovan said it was nothing compared to what Palestinian prisoners endured.

Those poor people are suffering. Their treatment is just horrific.

They were chained with their hands to their feet and they were bent over and they were blindfolded.

These guards seemed to relish it, the inhumane treatment that they gave you.

And then on the last day their mood started changing, they were becoming nicer because they know the world is going to soon find out what they were like.
Five Irish activists who were held in Israel after their vessels in a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza were intercepted, have arrived back in Dublin.

The group said that they were denied access to water, medical care and legal aid after being detained while attempting to provide humanitarian support to the people of Gaza.

Five of the 15 Irish citizens who had been aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla arrived at Dublin Airport on Tuesday afternoon.

Dozens of people including family members, friends, and supporters gathered at arrivals to welcome home the pro-Palestinian activists.

Cork comedian Tadhg Hickey said their treatment was the most inhumane that he had ever seen in his life.

He said: For the crime of trying to get baby formula into a besieged population to try and feed starving babies, we were brought to effectively a terrorist prison camp, denied any access to lawyers, denied any access to doctors, to medical care.

One of us, Paddy [Kelly], a 75-year-old man, was denied access to insulin. They never gave him his insulin over three or four days, knowing that easily he could die because of that.

We were drinking toilet water for three or four days.

Another of the group, Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais, said they were treated as if they had no rights.

He said: There were Israeli dogs barking and attacking Palestinian prisoners that were treated much, much worse than us.

Whatever technology the Israelis had, disabled the electronic acceleration, so we were dead in the water.

They knew we were coming.

Global Movement to Gaza Eire, the group supporting the flotilla from Ireland, hit out at the Irish Governments inaction over the genocide in Palestine

Niamh MacNamara, coordinator with Global Movement to Gaza Eire said: Our governments inaction over the genocide and ethic cleansing in Palestine has directly led to this situation, ordinary Irish citizens forced to risk their lives because leaders refused to act.

What happened was completely illegal under international law and should never have been allowed.

If Ireland had imposed sanctions on the genocidal state of Israel and upheld human rights, this mission would never have been necessary.

We demand immediate political action to protect those still sailing to Gaza and to end our complicity in this genocide.

Some of the group of 15 Irish citizens who were detained returned to Ireland on an earlier flight while more are expected to return in the early hours of Thursday.

They are Caitriona Graham, Sinn Fein senator Chris Andrews, Colm Byrne, Cormac ODaly, Diarmuid MacDubhghlais, Donna Schwarz, Louise Heaney, Maureen Almai, Paddy Kelly, Patrick ODonovan, Sarah Clancy, Tadhg Hickey, Tara OGrady, Tara Sheehy, and Thomas McCune.
In recent weeks the defence community  including military leaders and civilian analysts  in the United States has had to endure lectures from the Trump administration on why it was necessary to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War.

According to War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the use of the term defence was too passive or even pacifist, when what needed was a military prepared to go out and wage war in the world so Americans could have peace at home. Hegseth has been rightly mocked for his posturing.

Any analysis which claims that the US has been too timid during its War on Terror is alarming. But Hegseth is evidently not a man moved by facts.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Ireland also grapples with nomenclature when it comes to the military. The term war-fighting readiness is almost unheard of when it comes to discussions about the Irish Defence Forces. But even the word defence can also prove controversial.

An elderly woman walks past a house destroyed by a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine on Sunday. Our European partners are focused on how to deter and, if required, defend against a Russian invasion of an EU member state. Photo: AP/Kateryna Klochko

There have been debates within government departments about whether the term should be used in the context of ministers outlining Irelands commitment to the European Union or whether security is a description less likely to perturb a public that predominantly, or even exclusively, views the Irish military through a peacekeeping lens.

While we in Ireland debate the use of defence versus security or whether to exchange a triple lock for a double lock authorising overseas military deployments, our European partners are focused on how to deter and, if required, defend against a Russian invasion of an EU member state.

Last week, European heads of state and government gathered in Copenhagen for a summit on defence hosted by the Danish presidency of the EU.

Denmarks prime minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Russia was deliberately targeting the EU, testing its defences through drone incursions and sabotage, while also undermining Europes democracies through its support for extremists. This was, she said, the most dangerous moment in Europe since the Second World War  what is required is "a very strong answer back".

The path to providing that strong answer was set out in an EU scoping paper discussed in Copenhagen. This listed priority capability areas for EU member states to counter the threat from Russia, including air and missile defence, strategic enablers (such as air-to-air refuelling, command and control, strategic reconnaissance and intelligence), military mobility (especially transport aircraft), artillery systems, cyber, AI, electronic warfare systems, missiles, drones, ground combat and maritime defence resources.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin welcomed the paper and discussed the need for Ireland to further improve defence capabilities at home, particularly in the areas of cyber defence and maritime security.

Ireland's military

The Taoiseachs ambitions are welcome but the current review of member states capabilities in each of these areas, overseen by the chairman of the EU Military Committee, former chief of staff of the Defence Forces, General Sean Clancy, will make for uncomfortable reading in advance of Irelands own EU presidency next year.

The government has promised increased investment in the Defence Forces  1.7 billion has been allocated to defence in the National Development Plan from 2026 - 2030  but this still falls way short of the investment committed by similarly sized EU member states. It is also likely that the government will miss its own 2028 deadline of achieving all the capabilities outlined in Level Of Ambition 2 of the report produced by the Commission on the Defence Forces, due to procurement, recruitment and training challenges.

For an island state with a marine territory of 880,000km2, 10 times its land area, and which includes much of the northern hemispheres critical subsea cables, Irelands defence posture should be built around maritime capabilities. In addition to a well-equipped naval service, maritime air and marine commando units should have been prioritised decades ago.

Norway organised and equipped its military based on geography and foreseeable threats, while also contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. Ireland did not. That oversight cannot be undone quickly.

Encouragement

There have been encouraging signs in recent years that the government is moving to address vulnerabilities in the maritime domain. Ireland is a participant in the Common Intelligence Sharing Environment initiative, which will expedite the sharing of maritime intelligence.

The government has also joined the EUs Permanent Structured Cooperation project on critical seabed infrastructure protection. However, this project  led by Italy  will not be completed for at least another 10 years.

Ireland cannot wait that long. The recent activities of Russian military vessels in Irelands maritime economic exclusion zone (EEZ), including spy ships suspected of gathering intelligence on critical subsea cables, must be addressed.

Short-term objectives

European partners do not expect a miraculous transformation whereby Ireland can suddenly unilaterally defend our air and maritime space and contribute to all EU priority areas set out in the scoping paper. But in the short-term the government can invest in detection capabilities whereby Ireland can sound the alarm in its EEZ and do more to counter cyber-attacks and industrial espionage by hostile states.

There are many European partners who will come to Irelands aid in the event of an attack on critical infrastructure  it is in their interests to do so since the risk of contagion in the event of a major cyber-attack or the wider effects of cutting subsea cables, vital for global communications, are obvious.

The UK has demonstrated that it is relatively straightforward to quickly acquire a vessel originally designed for scientific and construction purposes and refit it as a multi-rule ocean surveillance ship (with a significant number of civilian crew) to monitor and detect interference with subsea cables.

Ireland will also have to decide if it wants to have its own civilian signals intelligence service, with all the legislation and resources required, to defend the state in the cyber domain. The National Cyber Security Centre could transition to that role, but it is not there yet.

Rather than talking up the procurement of fast-jet capabilities for the Air Corps  which will take many years to become operational  Ireland should opt for much cheaper, near-term solutions aimed at improving detection of hostile state interference and intelligence collection.

This, and the harnessing of Irelands impressive technology sector, will do much to protect European democracies under attack.

Edward Burke is a lecturer in War Studies at University College Dublin
Even though the crossroad metaphor is often used, France finds itself at a dead end, with a political landscape more fragmented than at any point in the Fifth Republics history.

The recently appointed prime minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned on Monday, just hours after appointing his new cabinet on Sunday, after allies and foes alike threatened to topple his government.

The return of Macron's old ally Bruno LeMaire was the straw that broke the camel's back, observers believe. The resignation represents a major new development in the ongoing French political crisis, with an immediate drop in French stocks and in the euro.

The fragmentation in French political life has fostered a latent climate of social tension on the streets, ready to erupt at the slightest spark. Both in turn have generated economic anxiety among investors and financial markets while Frances debt has reached 114% of GDP with a phenomenal acceleration in the last three years.

How have we got to this point? There are three main reasons which can explain how France has got to here.

A fragmented parliament

The National Assembly was dissolved in June 2024, but we should go back to 2022 to understand better the build-up of frustration and anger among French voters. When president Macron was re-elected in April 2022, he presumed that French voters would give him a majority in the legislative elections two months later.

This was not the case. He found himself in a tricky political situation with his party gaining only 246 seats when the overall majority is at 289. The political warning signs, after 18 months of yellow vest protests, were all there.

Dr Emmanuelle Schon-Quinlivan: 'Now, after completing the biggest political heist of the Fifth Republic, Macron must find a new prime minister.' Photo: Tomas Tyner, UCC

The far-right party, the Rassemblement National, saw its seats go from eight to 89. The socialists, greens and extreme left coalesced into one political group for the sake of the elections and increased their seats from 47 to 155.

This led to two years of a minority government which was constantly muzzling the parliament by using a constitutional article allowing for key pieces of legislation like the budget to be passed without debate. The National Assembly turned into a pressure cooker.

The lessons of those two years and the debacle of the European elections for Macrons party led him to believe that giving a voice back to the people through anticipated legislative elections would be a good idea to "clarify the situation".

This resulted in a National Assembly even more fragmented into three equally divided blocs: The left, greens and extreme left with 182 seats; Ensemble (Macrons party) with 168 seats; the far-right with 143 seats.

Rather than ask the largest party on the left to form a government, Macron decided to look to the right and has appointed three prime ministers who are all considered more or less supportive of his policies. The RNs goodwill or otherwise towards the government has decided so far what is adopted in the National Assembly and what is not.

Voter frustrations

The second reason for Frances situation comes from the frustration felt by French voters.

There are two main causes that come back time after time in polls to explain the level of anger among French voters: the sentiment of utter social and fiscal inequality and injustice, that the rich are getting richer and the rest are getting poorer; the feeling that their voice is not heard.

No matter what they vote or what they express, people in charge of the country will not listen. France was ranked 1st out of 38 OECD countries in terms of the tax-to-GDP ratio in 2023 with 43.8%. Yet the quality of essential public services like hospitals, schools or the police is steadily declining as international rankings like PISA demonstrate.

The protests organised on September 10 and 18, the former by extreme left grassroot organisations and the latter by trade unions, have been successful without being tidal waves and bringing the country to a halt.

Trade union leaders attend a protest to oppose budget cuts in Paris last month. French voters feel that the rich are getting richer and the rest are getting poorer. Photo: AP/Aurelien Morissard

These protests led to prime minister Lecornu, as he was until Monday, to row back on symbolic budgetary measures like budgetary savings of 44bn in the 2026 budget or the scrapping of two bank holidays.

Despite the utter exhaustion of French citizens with their political and corporatist representatives, it remains uncertain whether the social situation is on the brink of conflagration or appeasement.

France's public debt

Finally, Frances financial situation has reached a head with a level of public debt which has dramatically increased in the last three years. Without considering the increase in GDP, French debt has gone up by 1trn in three years.

What was manageable at a time of low interest rates is becoming unsustainable with increasing interest rates and public spending. The reason for the last two governments resignation has been the budget and the severity of the cuts involved.

Lecornu appeared to be a much more conciliatory operator than his predecessors and resigned after controversy around appointment of his cabinet. However, the budgetary tight rope exercise that his replacement will have to engage with involves wooing the socialists with increased taxation of the ultra-wealthy while not losing any support on the right and extreme right.

This would be close to a miracle in a country that has no culture of grand coalitions and where political parties remain firmly ideologically defined. This financial and fiscal uncertainty also has an economic impact with companies freezing investment and hirings until they have a clearer picture now that the American tariffs have been agreed.

'Sick man' of Europe

Frances political, social, financial, and economic situation has not been this uncertain and volatile in decades.

France operates a semi-presidential system where there is a balance between presidential and parliamentary powers. The government is accountable to the parliament and can be censured by it. There is a dual executive with both the president and the prime minister holding executive powers.

Now, after completing the biggest political heist of the Fifth Republic, Macron must find a new prime minister. A tough ask  but even that will leave him with just 18 months to make sure that his legacy is not about Frances economic bankruptcy and political instability, making it the new sick man of Europe.
The army is getting a new uniform, according to Jack Chambers. Its not clear whether the boys and girls of the Defence Forces are to be togged out in hairshirts, but it might be appropriate considering the budget.

There was much wailing in the aftermath of the speeches delivered by Pascal Donohoe and Jack Chambers.

Some of it was entirely warranted. There are cohorts of the population who are struggling, some badly.

There were measures that could have been taken that might relieve stress and provide basic improvements to quality of life.

There are problems with housing and renting beyond the scope of this budget, but in light of multiple government failures, a few hopeful gestures wouldnt have gone astray.

There was none of that.

This was, instead, a post-election steady-as-you-go budget.

There was little to give away, and much inferring that we need to keep an eye on gathering clouds and the distant rumble of thunder.

Batten down the hatches appears to have been the message from the ministers of finance and public expenditure, respectively.

Over on the opposition benches, the whole country was one step away from descending into some kind of hell where citizens are eating their young after digesting the household furniture.

Pearse Doherty, in what was generally a solid speech, appeared at one stage to be on the point of self-combustion with high indignation.

I am shocked by whats in this budget," he said.

This budget reeks of a catalogue of hand-outs for those at the top.

"If youre one of hundreds of thousands of ordinary households impacted by the housing crisisthen this budget screws you over.

Certainly, some sections of society were left shortchanged, and areas from childcare right through to housing and cost-of-living measures were not well served by the days work. The opposition had plenty to complain about.

Labours Ged Nash had a cut at housing policy and the relevant minister.

We have a housing minister who is the very definition of an empty suit, he said. Most people couldnt pick him out of a line-up.

In the round, two outstanding features summed it up.

A hairshirt budget

In the first instance, it had to be something approaching a hairshirt budget. The spending increases of recent years simply couldnt go on.

First, there was covid and the necessary response to the contraction of the economy and the devastating impact on society.

By the time we were getting past that, the country was into the late stage of the electoral cycle. So it went in 2023.

Last year, the budget was crafted and shaped to appease and please enough of the electorate to vote for the outgoing government in the forthcoming election.

The result in Novembers poll suggests that buying peoples votes with their own money certainly worked on this occasion.

Things had to be reined in this year or the national coffers would be heading into a state of recklessness, certainly according to various financial watchdogs.

Its also at the start of the electoral cycle, so come what may over the next four years, the next general election will not be won or lost on what was announced in this budget.

The second feature is the choices that were made within the constrained parameters.

For instance, at a time when the economy is doing so well, there has been an increase in child poverty.

There have been repeated promises to tackle it, yet this budget offered precious little.

Doherty, Nash, and the Social Democrats Cian OCallaghan all referenced that one in five children is now living in poverty.

That is shocking that you have allowed this to happen, Doherty thundered. Thats over 200,000 children  a national disgrace. It didnt happen by accident, it is happening because of budgets you delivered.

No second tier of child benefit

There has long been a proposal on the table for a second tier of child benefit which, it is estimated, would lift 40,000 children out of poverty. The Government appears to be of the opinion that the whole thing is more trouble than it is worth.

To do so would cost an estimated 772m. But instead, the budget cuts the Vat rate in the hospitality sector from 13.5% to 9% at a cost of 681m.

The moniker now being applied to Tuesdays plan is the Big Mac budget, as the cut will benefit McDonalds far more than the small independent operators it alleges to target.

Chambers did reference the programme for governments commitment to take more children out of poverty, and introduced the latest measure in this area.

Guided by a new child poverty target of no more than 3% of children living in consistent poverty by 2030, a multi-year programme of supports begins today. I am happy to announce a 300m package of supports for children and families.

While the measure was welcomed, nobody who works in the area believes it will have a serious impact on a growing problem.

This was a budget more focused on business, and the need to ensure that the economy is equipped for any approaching storm rather than alleviating the worst ravages of poverty.

Thats the choice that was taken this year.

Donohoe, in concluding his speech, said the choices were necessary to protect against the future.

Through our investment in people, jobs, and homes, we are determined to meet the challenges we face today and realise our hopes and ambitions for tomorrow, he said.

Those choices may not come back to haunt this Government, but they come at a cost to some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived at the White House on Tuesday to meet with US President Donald Trump at a time when one of the worlds most durable and amicable alliances has been fractured by Mr Trumps trade war and annexation threats.

Mr Carneys second visit to the White House comes ahead of a review next year of the free trade agreement, which is critical to Canadas economy.

More than 77% of Canadas exports go to the US.

We've had ups and downs, but this is the lowest point in relations that I can recall... Canadians aren't being instructed what to do. They are simply voting with their feet

Mr Trumps talk of making Canada the 51st state and his tariffs have Canadians feeling an undeniable sense of betrayal.

Weve had ups and downs, but this is the lowest point in relations that I can recall, said Frank McKenna, a former Canadian ambassador to the US and current deputy chairman of TD Bank.

Canadians arent being instructed what to do. They are simply voting with their feet, he said.

I talk every day to ordinary citizens who are changing their vacation plans, and I talk to large business owners who are moving reward trips away or executive business trips. There is an outright rebellion.

There is fear in Canada over what will happen to the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Mr Carney is looking to get some relief on some sector-specific tariffs, but expectations are low.

Mr Trump said on Monday that he anticipated Mr Carney wanted to use the meeting to discuss trade.

I guess hes going to ask about tariffs, because a lot of companies from Canada are moving into the United States, Mr Trump, a Republican, told reporters after signing an executive order related to Alaska.

Hes losing a lot of companies in Canada.

Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney walks to a government plane in Ottawa, Ontario (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

Mr Carney has said the USMCA, which is up for review in 2026, is an advantage for Canada at a time when it is clear that the US is charging for access to its market.

Mr Carney has said the commitment of the US to the core of USMCA means that more than 85% of Canada-US trade continues to be free of tariffs.

He said the US average tariff rate on Canadian goods is 5.6% and remains the lowest among all its trading partners.

But Mr Trump has some sector-specific tariffs on Canada, known as Section 232 tariffs, that are having an impact.

There are 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, for example.

The ties between the two countries are without parallel.

About 2.5 billion dollars (nearly 3.6 billion Canadian dollars) worth of goods and services cross the border each day.

Canada is the top export destination for 36 US states. There is close co-operation on defence, border security and law enforcement, and a vast overlap in culture, traditions and pastimes.

About 60% of US crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of US electricity imports are from Canada.

Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminium and uranium to the US and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security.
The newly elected mayor of a town in western Germany was found at her apartment on Tuesday with serious stab wounds, German media reported.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz said she was the victim of an abhorrent act.

Iris Stalzer was elected as mayor of Herdecke on September 28.

An ambulance stands in front of police cars on a street in Herdecke, Germany, after the towns mayor was found critically injured in her apartment (Alex Talash/dpa via AP)

She is a member of the centre-left Social Democrats, the junior party in Germanys conservative-led national government.

German news agency dpa, citing unidentified security sources, reported that she was found with life-threatening injuries and had several stab wounds.

Police said there was a large operation under way in Herdecke.

Mr Merz wrote on social media that we fear for the life of mayor-elect Iris Stalzer and hope for her full recovery.

The leader of the Social Democrats parliamentary group in Berlin, Matthias Miersch, told reporters that we heard a few minutes ago that newly elected mayor Iris Stalzer was stabbed in Herdecke and we hope that she survives this terrible act.

Police and emergency services stand on a street in Herdecke, Germany (Bernd Thissen/dpa via AP)

We cant say anything at the moment about the background, he added.

Ms Stalzer, who beat a candidate from Mr Merzs centre-right Christian Democrats in a runoff vote to win election, is due to take office on November 1.

Herdecke is a town of about 23,000 people in western Germanys Ruhr region, between the cities of Hagen and Dortmund.

Ms Stalzers website says she is 57 and married with two teenage children.

It says she has spent almost her whole life in Herdecke and has worked as a lawyer specialising in labour law.
By Alimat Aliyeva

The South Korean government is contemplating reducing subsidies for Tesla following persistent battery defects that have left some three-year-old models unable to charge. This issue has intensified scrutiny over Teslas commitment to consumer protection in one of its key markets, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

Tesla owners in Korea have expressed growing frustrationnot only over the battery malfunctions but also due to what they describe as the companys irresponsible handling of the problem.

Online communities have mobilized, demanding recalls or free battery replacements, and have even submitted a petition to the National Assembly. The petition, which has already gathered over 14,000 signatures, has prompted the countrys transport and environment ministries to closely monitor the situation.

We cannot continue to provide subsidies for vehicles that disadvantage consumers. Depending on Teslas response, we may consider withdrawing subsidies altogether, said an official leading the EV subsidy program at the Ministry of Environment.

We requested a detailed explanation from Tesla Korea but have yet to receive any meaningful response, the official added.

Tesla remains a dominant player in the Korean EV market. Last year, the company sold 29,750 vehicles, making it the third-largest imported car brand behind BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Notably, the Model Y was the top-selling electric vehicle in Korea during the first half of this year, with 15,432 units soldsurpassing popular domestic models like Kias EV6 and Hyundais Ioniq 5.

As Tesla faces mounting pressure from both consumers and regulators, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the company can restore trust in the Korean market and maintain its subsidy eligibility.
By Pieter Smit and Anne-Ruth Wertheim | 

Translated by Kevin Cook | 

( BNNVARA.NL )  After Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in his concluding address at the NATO summit in The Hague on 24 and 25 June that NATO should become more lethal, there have been very few concerned responses in the Dutch press. We will show that there is every reason to be seriously concerned, because Ruttes words are an ominous portent of growing neo-fascism.

In his concluding address Rutte stated Together the Allies have laid the foundation for a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO. In minutes 3.20 to 3.25 of the Nieuwsuur news bulletin on the final evening of the summit, Ruttes words were translated into Dutch as Samen hebben de bondgenoten het fundament gelegd voor een sterkere, eerlijkere en dodelijkere NAVO.

Earlier, the same statement by Rutte was translated on the Dutch news site NU.nl with the closing words  een sterkere, eerlijkere en krachtigere NAVO. That NU.nl translated more lethal here as krachtigere rather than dodelijkere is, to say the least, surprising. The English word lethal quite simply means dodelijk (= deadly), and the translation krachtigere (= more powerful) is a strange duplication of the first of the three adjectives, sterkere (= stronger). The curious translation makes you wonder whether the people at NU.nl couldnt believe that Rutte really did mean to say more lethal.

In any case, now that Rutte and his supporters have managed to persuade the NATO allies to devote 5% of their national incomes to armaments in the coming years, he is telling the world that this will make the alliance more lethal  a term with ominous connotations for Dutch readers. It recalls J. B. Charless books, in which thanatic sensuality is defined as enjoyment of killing or lust for killing, on a par with erotic lust.

Thanatic sensuality: lust for killing

B. Charles is the pen name of the Dutch professor of law and criminology Willem Nagel (1910-1983), who was in the resistance during the Second World War and often narrowly escaped being killed. He later analysed the events he witnessed before, during and after the Second World War in important books that attempted to grasp the nature of fascism. He first did this in Volg het spoor terug (Follow the trail back, 1953) and then in Van het kleine koude front (From the small cold front, 1962), an entire chapter of which, starting on page 189, is devoted to thanatic sensuality. It compares the ways in which people are allowed to refer to Eros (love) and Thanatos (death) in published writings  for as a legal expert he had to determine the boundaries between what was moral, seemly and permissible, and what was not.

To make clear what he means by thanatic sensuality, he quotes from the description of killing in Salvo, a weekly newspaper for Dutch Catholic troops:

 The whole volley smashes into his face. Not one shot misses. The gun barrel mows like a scythe  Now more than twenty shots. He throws another grenade. As he falls to the ground he already has the fuse of the next one between his thumb and first finger. The soldiers emerging from the tent seem to form instantly into piles of wounded, dying and dead men 

On hearing the alarming message that NATO has become more lethal, one also cannot help thinking of Bernardo Bertoluccis 1976 film Novecento (Twentieth Century), about the rise of fascism in Italy. This includes a scene in which the archetypal fascist Alfredo (played by Donald Sutherland) takes evident delight in killing a cat.

Willem Nagel examined closely how such enjoyment of killing is an inseparable part of fascism. On page 579 of the Dutch journal Maatstaf, Vol. 11, 1963-64, he wrote: What we see exposed here in passing are the roots of both militarism and fascism  I call it sadism. Sadism is lustfully committed cruelty, based on the notion that the opponent becomes the enemy once he is chosen as a victim, is humiliated because he is losing, and is guilty if he resists despite being the weaker party. This  is a constant feature of fascist fury, which selects a victim and turns him into an enemy as soon as he begins to resist. How fascist hatred is nourished by resistance from those selected for humiliation had already become clear once Hitler came to power in Germany.

In his books and articles, Willem Nagel also wrote conscientiously about the inhuman choices he himself had had to make during his time in the resistance  and how after the war he thought in both legal and human terms about the punishment of fascists and whether, and if so when, there could be any reconciliation. On page 799 of Maatstaf, Vol. 1, 1953-54, in Het laatste woord (The last word) about his book Volg het spoor terug (Follow the trail back, 1953), he wrote:

Fortunately, people are not predestined to be good, evil, dangerous or innocent. Thank God, we are capable of insight and revulsion. In a large number of cases reconciliation was achieved, among other things through purges and trials. However, there are also irreconcilables  those who want to remain enemies. I am reconcilable  but not towards enemy forces and their current representatives.

What he must have meant by this was that he did not want to be reconciled with what had remained of fascism, and was still a threat, after the Second World War. We interpret his words as a warning that now makes us wonder whether there is any implicit danger in the NATO Secretary-Generals pronouncement on 25 June at the end of the NATO summit in The Hague that the alliance is now more lethal. In this connection we will look at written and oral statements made within Ruttes present circle of friends.

Mark Rutte first phoned the new US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, in late January 2025. According to the Americans, the main takeaway from the phone call was that Rutte had committed to making NATO stronger and more lethal. NATO itself was evidently still reluctant to use the term, and avoided it as much as possible  whereas Trumps defence secretary continued to tweet it left, right and centre. In private, of course, Rutte and Hegseth must have had numerous conversations in which the term was used. However, as all we heard it, it was Rutte who first publicly announced it as part of NATO policy at the Hague summit, after testing it on a British thinktank.

And so the term more lethal seems above all to have come from Hegseth  but does this mean it was just an innocent quirk on the part of one of the present US leaders?

In late 2024, soon after taking office, Hegseth was asked by journalists about his cooperation with Congress and the Pentagon. He replied that Trump had told him to make soldiers No. 1 once more, and restore the Pentagons warrior ethos. All that matters now is to be lethal, lethal, lethal. Anything that detracts from this has to stop, he said.

The book American Crusade that Hegseth wrote just before he was appointed defence secretary gives us an insight into his morbid views. It calls in warlike terms for a crusade against the left wing and Islam, in order to preserve freedom in the United States. He is not so concerned about democracy. Hegseth served in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan, and then became a commentator for the far-right TV channel Fox. He considers himself a Christian nationalist, a fast-growing far-right political movement (see also here). Together with the aggressive body tattoos he shows off to the world, this paints a gruesome picture. And it also seems to provide an insight into what must have attracted Trump and his supporters to Hegseths personality. His book also describes what he means by restoring the warrior ethos among American soldiers. Diversity and human rights, he writes, have weakened the army and caused the unnecessary deaths of many soldiers. He therefore proposes ignoring the international law of war, and henceforth adopting the following approach: Hey Al-Qaeda, if you surrender, we might spare your life  otherwise we will tear your arms off and feed them to pigs. In his opinion the army must become ruthless and shatteringly lethal. He has also successfully called for several soldiers convicted of war crimes to be amnestied.

Less restriction on the number of civilian casualties of warfare?

When Rutte was asked by a German journalist why NATO should become more lethal, he said this was needed as a deterrent. He said nothing about what would specifically change. But we doubt that the appointment of Secretary Hegseth has only led to a change in the way of talking about warfare. We believe there is every reason to fear that Rutte was also referring to the international law of war, which is the basis for the rules of engagement on restricting the number of civilian casualties. In his first policy directive to his generals, All About Armys New Comprehensive Transformation Strategy, Hegseth said just three words about the abolition of these rules of engagement: overcome parochial interests, which had not been enforced in the American army since March. The whole section has been dismissed , including all the advisors on human rights.

This has created a huge problem for other NATO countries: in Article 1 of its founding treaty, NATO promises to uphold human rights. How this is to be done in cooperation with other countries is set out in its own Rules of Engagement. The Americans have far better satellite pictures, so in a joint NATO attack the procedure is often as follows. The Americans designate a target to be bombed by a Dutch pilot, and must then also state how great the risk of civilian casualties is. However, Hegseths new policy makes this very hard for them to do. In recent years the rules of engagement had been tightened up after numerous incidents involving large numbers of civilian casualties, such as the 85 victims of Hawija, in which a bombing raid was carried out without obtaining sufficient information about local conditions.

Has America now really changed course? Two weeks ago the US army bombed a speedboat they believed to be carrying drugs and probably also a few migrants, and proudly posted the pictures on the Internet. This is a flagrant violation of the law of war. We had already had a terrifying pointer in that direction when America agreed to the Israelis causing an extremely large number of civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip to eliminate Hamas. So it is clear that Hegseth is not only using more shameless language. We now want to know whether Hegseth and Co. have got Mark Rutte on their side  and whether this means that NATO will now abandon its goal of restricting civilian casualties. Could it mean that the Americans plan to commit atrocities as suggested by Hegseth (Hey Al-Qaeda, if you surrender, we might spare your life  otherwise we will tear your arms off and feed them to pigs) even in NATO operations, and that NATO as a whole will then look the other way  or even join in?

For a better understanding of the kind of dilemmas now facing NATO, we must also ask ourselves whether there is any connection with the latest developments in Remote Warfare.

The first people who used weapons to kill other people could see exactly what they were doing, for they were never so far away from their victims that they could fail to see their suffering and death agonies. That remained so for millennia, but changed fundamentally with the design and construction of remote weapons, such as planes that could transport bombs over long distances and drop them on people who were far away. This had the grim advantage that the soldiers who were pressing the buttons were no longer upset by the sight of what they were doing. It was already the case with ordinary bombs that were dropped on people from planes, starting in 1911 when the Italians dropped bombs on rebels in Libya. Other striking examples of such bombings are of course the German attack on Rotterdam on 10 May 1940, and later the British attacks on German cities (particularly Dresden) in the final days of the Second World War  not forgetting the atomic bombs that the US dropped on the inhabitants of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, on 6 and 9 August 1945 respectively, and a similar number of civilian deaths in the bombing of Vietnam. In all these cases the perpetrators could no longer clearly distinguish the people they were hitting. But they could still see something from a distance or at least have some idea of it  and so one of the pilots involved in Hiroshima later suffered mental problems from remorse.

However, the subsequent development of sat-nav missiles and drones in a sense detached the perpetrators from the people they were killing. If there had ever been human compassion in warfare, precious little of it now remained  for the people operating the devices hardly needed to worry what they were doing. An added boon for the arms industry was that the further away the users of the weapons  the consumers, if you will  were from their targets, the less they themselves were at risk.

But as if this were not enough, in recent years there has been yet another development. We saw this when the US and Israel began wiping out their enemies in other countries without advance warning, let alone any official declaration of war. This innovation only became possible after diligent efforts by the arms industry to equip its remote weapons, missiles and drones with cameras. What has not changed is that the people operating the computers are themselves not at risk. However, an ironic result of this technological breakthrough has been to nullify the great advantage of the existing remote weapons  namely that the perpetrators no longer had to see what they were doing to people. They can now watch in detail what they are attacking, and how their victims are killed  for example, by missiles that can take out people in distant countries without causing an explosion. Just before the head of the projectile reaches the live targets neck, it fires off six rapidly spinning blades which do the real work.

And this brings us back to J. B. Charless thanatic sensuality  for what now really matters is to find a solution to the problem that the soldiers who press the buttons are once more directly confronted with their victims suffering and death agonies, and that some of them are refusing to go along with this. We are now again seeing conscientious drone pilots who are suffering from depression or turning to drugs, or becoming very angry with their superiors.

One solution to this problem that has been dropped back into the military commanders laps is to transfer this final part of the killing to Artificial Intelligence. This appears to be one of the reasons why the question of where the bombs are to be dropped in Gaza, and how this is to be done, is being left almost entirely to AI computers by the IDF. The remote pilots can then still watch, but do not have to witness anyones death agonies at first hand, even though they can surely imagine them. However, because AI has the drawback that the weapons are sometimes less accurate, it is regularly decided to destroy entire buildings that contain supposed enemies. The exact coordinates are known from telephone data, and so no-one has to steer the missile or drone for the last hundred metres and see just what it has done. A further benefit is that you kill the whole family in one go, so there are no younger brothers left to take the dead mans place. And, with luck, more and more families who have witnessed all this will stop their rebellious sons from becoming rebels in turn.

A quite different way to protect NATO pilots from feelings of guilt is connected with the rules of engagement in their present form. It is not only the soldier who fires the projectile that bears responsibility for the decision, but also the whole chain of officers above him. And so, it is generally assumed, the soldier who fires will feel less guilty. But what about the officers above him?

Is Europe now also about to turn its back on the international law of war?

The documents we have found provide the following picture of how the higher echelons in NATO think about respect for the law of war, with restriction of the number of civilian casualties of course much the most important factor. A large number of European generals, as well as the American generals appointed by Biden or even Obama, appear to embrace respect for the law of war and human rights, or at least to regard it as a necessary evil  if only to save ammunition, maintain public support for fighting, and so prevent too many soldiers from having mental problems.

Other generals, now under the inspiring leadership of the new American defence secretary Hegseth, simply seem to want  just like the Israelis  to transfer some of the responsibility to AI computers. They also want far more flexible rules of engagement, in which soldiers make far more of the decisions themselves. However, and this is the whole point, they also benefit from transferring responsibility for the killing to individual soldiers, as the best way to dodge their own heavy responsibilities for this.

The whole of the armed forces must again come to see killing in a positive light

This means that waging war in what they see as the masculine style, especially killing as many  preferably dehumanised  opponents as possible, should once more be seen in a positive light. And this will not happen as long as the soldiers continue to feel guilty about what they are doing. So it is essential that they be trained step by step to think of killing as something praiseworthy. Subtle new psychological methods will surely have to be devised to achieve this. Glorification of killing and promotion of thanatic sensuality must then, in a new form, become a fixed part of military training, so that the notion gradually becomes established in soldiers minds that they are doing something extremely valuable and heroic.

If this is really what is going on, we fear that Hegseths call for more lethality  and its repetition by Rutte, without the slightest protest from the NATO partners  must be interpreted as a fundamental change of course for NATOs armies, turning their backs on the international law of war. And we can only hope that things are not even worse, and that we should not  like Willem Nagel  see this as a portent of growing neo-fascism.

Pieter Smit studied political science and journalism, and has investigated human rights violations in armed conflicts mostly in Africa, and international (including Dutch) cooperation with violators of human rights in Africa. His work has taken him to such countries as Mauritania, Mali, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia, as well as into the dark corners of the European and Dutch asylum systems.

Reprinted with the authors permission from BNNVARA.NL
By Simon Mabon, Lancaster University

(The Conversation)  The morning of October 7 2023 set in process a series of events which have profoundly changed the Middle East.

At the beginning of that month, the region looked very different to today. Saudi Arabia appeared ready to normalise with Israel, having recently set aside longstanding differences with Iran.

With the normalisation of relations between the regions two preeminent military powers would come the possibility of curbing Irans influence. This, in turn, could bring peace to Yemen and Lebanon.

But thanks to the events of that day, this vision is in tatters. As the sun rose, Hamas fighters launched a brutal terror attack in southern Israel, killing 1,195 people and taking a further 251 hostages. The attack opened up a wound at the heart of the Israeli psyche, evoking memories of the Holocaust and of repeated terror attacks across the 2000s.

In the past two years, the destructive reverberations have been felt across the entire Middle East as Israeli forces have sought to assert unilateral and hegemonic dominance. Beyond Gaza, Israel has engaged in military strikes across the region, causing thousands of deaths and widespread destruction and sowing the seeds of division.

In Lebanon, Israeli strikes on Beirut and across the south led to more than 3,100 deaths  including senior Hezbollah leaders such as Hassan Nasrallah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a military campaign in southern Lebanon in October 2024, pushing Hezbollah fighters north of the Litani river. Though a ceasefire was reached on November 26, Israels bombardment of Lebanon continues, with the Israeli government citing Hezbollahs refusal to disarm.

With Hamas and Hezbollah on the ropes, Netanyahus attention turned to Iran. Given Israels longstanding view of the Islamic Republic as an imminent threat to Israels security, this is hardly surprising.

The so-called shadow war that had taken place between the two states across the previous decade erupted. The outbreak of open conflict between the two states on June 13 2025  since dubbed the 12-day war  had a devastating impact on the Iranian regime.

Netanyahu had called for the Iranian people to overthrow the Islamic Republic. But while many Iranians are unhappy with the regime, Israels strikes appeared to have the opposite affect as people rallied around the flag.

Hostilities culminated in bombing raids launched by the US on Irans nuclear installations. While the success of these raids has been open to question, the raids allowed the US president, Donald Trump, to claim a US victory.

He demanded an end to hostilities between Israel and Iran and Irans retaliation to the US strikes was confined to a carefully orchestrated attack on a US base in Qatar, which was telegraphed in advance and was more performative than escalatory.

Israel has also conducted regular strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, which had targeted Israeli (and other countries) shipping in the Red Sea. And since the fall of the Assad regime, the Israeli military has occupied large tracts of southern Syria, seizing the demilitarised buffer zone around the contested Golan Heights in violation of a 1974 treaty between the two countries.

More recently, Israel struck targets in Doha, Qatar, in an effort to assassinate senior Hamas leaders which ultimately failed. The strike prompted a united front from the Gulf monarchies who called for a real discussion about ending the war. With US officials furious at the Israeli strike on a major non-Nato ally, diplomats sensed an opportunity for a breakthrough.

Peace plan

Donald Trumps 20-point plan to enact a ceasefire has the potential to be an impressive feat of diplomacy, bringing together a wide range of disparate actors with a real chance of ending the fighting  despite its multiple flaws. But as a feat of peace building, it rings hollow.

The plan does not indicate how a Palestinian state will emerge. It does suggest that the Palestinian Authority will, in the right circumstances, play a role in the governance of Gaza  but this is something that Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected.

Instead, the Gaza International Transition Authority will resemble a mandate of the sort imposed by the League of Nations over a century ago. And even if Trumps plan brings about a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages, the contours of regional order have been dramatically affected.

Without a Palestinian state there can be no Saudi normalisation with Israel. This is a point that Saudi crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, has made abundantly clear.



Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

Popular anger across the region will remain. The failure to secure a viable Palestinian state after the Abraham accords provoked anger and resentment among some. That feeling is now growing with the death and destruction meted out to people in Gaza.

If a ceasefire doesnt emerge, the destruction of Gaza will continue at a pace which will continue to have a catastrophic impact across the Middle East. Israel will remain diplomatically isolated while its citizens will continue to live in fear of Houthi and Hezbollah rockets or attacks from what remains of Hamas, as well as having to deal with the memory of October 7 for years to come.

All the while, Palestinians continue to die on a daily basis and there are still Israeli hostages (and in some cases bodies) waiting to be brought home. Gaza is devastated and rebuilding the enclave will take decades. And the so-called international rules-based order may never recover.

Simon Mabon, Professor of International Relations, Lancaster University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  These are parlous times for people who speak out against injustice, and I cannot thank our loyal readers enough for their continued devotion to this site and for their spiritual and material support. I got a call recently from University of Michigan campus police warning me to be careful, since I had been put on a watch list by the late Charlie Kirk, who was wrongfully and horribly murdered at a young age. The police were worried that his followers might lash out against the persons he had targeted, in the wake of his tragic death. Im not sure what I can do about that. Im devastated by Kirks murder because I dont think people are irredeemable and I wish we could have gone on arguing with him. Many of the people who did cheer leading for Bushs illegal war on Iraq have come around to be my political allies now, and in some cases my own Iraq analysis helped them see where they had gone wrong.

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The problems we face arent just the vigilantes. White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller is attempting to configure any criticism of the extreme right wing that has captured the Republican Party and much of the country as a form of terrorism. Donald Trump himself issued a dangerous and crackpot National Security Presidential Memorandum (NPSM-7) (I mean more dangerous and more crackpot even than his demented norm) threatening to use Federal Agencies to go after those who engage in constitutionally protected speech, listing anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity; support for the overthrow of the United States Government; extremism on migration, race, and gender; and hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family, religion, and morality.

These weasel words translate into menacing anyone who objects to the creeping Christian theocracy being imposed by Trump allies, or to the insidious reign of monopoly capitalism in the form of our new overlords, the quarter- and half-trillionaires, or the dismantling of our multi-racial democracy, established in the law in 1965, or media consolidation, or to the demonization of LGBTQ+ people. I should hope that Informed Comment has been a steady contradiction of NPSM-7, except for the anti-American part. People are always accusing you of anti-Americanism when they actually mean that you disagree with their darker impulses. Now even being against fascism is being declared un-American, which would come as a big surprise to Ike Eisenhower, or to my late uncles, Lee McIlwee and Don Orndoff, who fought Hitlers minions in the Second World War.

IC regular Dan Dinello warned us, as well about the assault of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., on Americas health provision systems, and on the very principle of vaccination, which has saved millions of lives in a provably safe way.

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Email An attempt is also being made by extreme-right organizations such as Betar and Canary Mission, in alliance with the Trump administration, to criminalize criticism of the Israeli government. As you all know, I am critical of Israeli policies toward the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the current governments complete disregard for International Humanitarian Law. Informed Comment has been one of the few news and commentary sites you can find at Google News that has covered the ongoing Gaza genocide in detail, and has had straightforward headlines about the genocide there that name the Israeli military and do not resort to the passive mood. I am also interested in Israeli push-back against the Netanyahu government, which we have covered fairly intensively, and alongside Palestinian voices, we have published Israeli historians and analysts who critique the current policies. We will continue to report on Israel-Palestine, from the best primary sources and with the best possible tools of political and historical analysis. Few will make that pledge today in America. We do. Although IC has been shadow-banned on Facebook and gets a fraction of the hits from that platform that it used to, Im convinced we still have a wide reach because people email the posts around. We have no metrics for how many people see them this way, but the number could be very large. By the way, this is a reason you should *not* try to subscribe to IC via Facebook (or, heaven forfend, X/ Twitter). Subscribe for the email Newsletter to make sure you dont miss any of our hard hitting analysis of current affairs. Trump and his allies are also attacking the science of climate change and attempting to gut the green energy sector in the United States. Informed Comment has long reported on climate and energy issues, subjects into which I was led by my Middle East expertise and knowledge of oil markets. We will vigorously underline advances made in sustainability, and point to the increasing challenges facing us all from climate breakdown  challenges that we can overcome by being aware and active citizens. By the way, if you like an essay at Informed Comment, do copy it and its URL (in the window above the post) into an email and send it to friends. Or better yet, subscribe to the daily newsletter and send it back out to friends. Email is one of the last means we have of defying the information monopolies that are gobbling up television (as with the Ellisons takeover of CBS) and the algorithms that have been used by Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and others to suppress progressive journalism. Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at: Juan Cole

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( Middle East Monitor )  After nearly two years of war in Gaza, a sudden and surprising development has emerged. Hamas has issued a statement agreeing in principle to release all Israeli captives it holds  both the living and the remains of the dead  and to hand over the administration of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic body.

The concession came in response to US President Donald Trumps 20-point peace plan, unveiled in Washington alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump had warned in typically stark terms: If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.

On his Truth Social account, he pressed further: RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW! An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time.

Hamass reply was cautiously affirmative. The movement announces its approval of releasing all occupation prisoners  both living and remains  according to the exchange formula contained in President Trumps proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange, it said.

Trump hailed this as vindication of his approach. Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, its far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone; this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.

An opening  but not a deal

For the first time in nearly two years of war, both Israel and Hamas face narrowing options. Neither can simply reject Trumps proposal outright without incurring costs. Families of Israeli hostages, long desperate, see the latest developments as a sliver of hope. Anat Angres, the mother of Israeli soldier Matan Angres, 22, wrote on X: Thank you President Trump. After two years of suffering, I feel closer than ever to hug my son Matan again.

Palestinians in Gaza, enduring immense suffering, see the potential for at least a pause in the bombardment. International mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, are already working on mechanisms for implementation.

Israels position

Prime Minister Netanyahus office released a statement: In light of Hamass response, Israel is preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trumps plan for the immediate release of all hostages. Netanyahu also affirmed his cooperation with the US presidents initiative, saying: We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel that are consistent with President Trumps vision.

Speaking in Hebrew to a domestic audience, however, Netanyahu underlined that he had not agreed to the establishment of a Palestinian state and insisted Israeli forces would remain in most of Gaza. In the meantime, Israeli bombardment of Gaza has continued. At least 72 Palestinians were killed in strikes on Friday, according to medical sources.

Sticking points

Three issues stand out as potential deal-breakers:

First is sequencing. Trump has demanded that hostages be freed quickly, within a 72-hour window, under a suspension of Israeli military operations. But who will monitor the ceasefire? Who guarantees safe passage in an active war zone? Without clarity, even small violations could unravel the process.

Second is governance. Hamas reiterated: The movement also reaffirms its approval to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian body of independents (technocrats) based on Palestinian national consensus and supported by Arab and Islamic backing.

Trumps idea of an external Board of Peace with international figures was rejected bluntly. We will never accept anyone who is not Palestinian to control the Palestinians, Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera, adding that the appointment of Tony Blair would be particularly unwelcome because of his role in the Iraq war. The tension between external oversight and internal legitimacy remains unresolved.

Third is disarmament. Trumps 20-point peace plan calls for Hamas and other factions to be demilitarised and barred from any role in Gazas governance. For Netanyahu and his allies, Hamas must be stripped of its military capacity. Yet Hamass statement made no reference to disarmament, leaving the issue for future discussion. For the group, observers note, surrendering arms without political guarantees would be tantamount to capitulation.

Justice and accountability

The humanitarian toll provides the stark backdrop to these manoeuvres. According to Gaza health officials, more than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, with tens of thousands more injured and massive displacement across the territory.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, Israeli organisations such as BTselem and Physicians for Human Rights and the UN Human Rights Council have accused Israel of crimes against humanity and genocide.

Trumps plan, however, is silent on accountability for Gazas devastation. It promises reconstruction funds and a redeveloped territory but avoids naming responsibility for the destruction. Critics warn that rebuilding without justice risks entrenching control rather than delivering peace. As Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, has long insisted: We are a people under occupation, and our rights are inalienable. Peace without our rights is no peace at all.



Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

A fragile opening

Despite its flaws, the exchange of statements between Trump and Hamas has shifted the political landscape. Hamas has approved the release of captives and the transfer of governance to a Palestinian consensus-based body. Trump has demanded Israel halt bombing to enable a peace plan. Netanyahu, under pressure from all sides, has agreed to cooperate with Trumps initiative.

It would be premature to call this a turning point. Past efforts have collapsed on the rocks of mistrust, asymmetry, and maximalist demands. Disarmament, sequencing, and sovereignty remain unresolved. But the significance of this moment lies in the fact that all parties are, however reluctantly, engaging with the same text.

Breakthrough or False dawn?

Whether this proves to be a genuine breakthrough or another false dawn depends on the coming days. If hostages are returned, bombardment suspended, and a neutral administration begins to take shape, then the trajectory of the war could shift. If not, recriminations will deepen and violence may escalate further.

Palestine peace efforts fail not because they lack plans or funds, but because they lack trust, credible enforcement, and political will. Unless this moment delivers those, Trumps 20-point plan will join the long list of abandoned initiatives. If it succeeds, he may renew his claim for the Nobel Peace Prize, presenting himself as the mediator who brought peace not only to Gaza but to the wider Middle East.

For now, the world is watching. Trump has forced new words onto the page. Both parties Hamas and Israel, reluctantly, agree. On further initiative rests not only the fate of hostages and civilians in Gaza, but the peaceful co-existence of the entire region.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

Via Middle East Monitor
Israel marked the second anniversary of the October 7 attack on Tuesday, as Hamas and Israeli negotiators held indirect talks aimed at ending the war in Gaza under a US-proposed peace plan.

Two years ago to the day, at the close of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, Hamas-led militants launched the deadliest attack on Israel in the country's history, sparking a huge retaliatory offensive in Gaza.

The attack shocked the world, with Palestinian fighters breaching the Gaza-Israel border, and storming southern Israeli communities and a desert music festival with gunfire, rockets and grenades.

It resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also took 251 people hostage into Gaza, of whom 47 remain captive, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead.

On Tuesday, senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum called the October 7 attack a "historic response" to Israel's bid to "eradicate the Palestinian cause".

He also said Hamas was working to "surmount all obstacles" to sealing a deal in Egypt.

Two years on from the October 7 attack, global pressure to end the war has escalated massively, with much of Gaza flattened, a UN-declared famine unfolding and Israeli hostage families still longing for their loved ones' return.

A UN probe last month accused Israel of genocide in Gaza while rights groups have accused Hamas of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7 attack. Both sides reject the allegations.

Last week, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan calling for a ceasefire, the release of all the hostages, Hamas's disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The plan received positive responses from both Israel and Hamas and prompted talks in Egypt, with negotiators beginning indirect discussions on Monday.

According to two Palestinian sources close to the Hamas negotiating team, the talks were resuming on Tuesday in the Red Sea town of Sharm El-Sheikh.

On Wednesday, Trump's special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will join the talks, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

"The primary guarantee of success at this stage is US President Trump himself... even if it comes to a point to require him imposing a vision," he said.

- 'She's with me' -

In Israel, dozens of relatives and friends of those killed at the Nova music festival lit candles and held a minute's silence at the site of the attack, where militants killed more than 370 people and seized dozens of hostages.

Orit Baron, whose daughter Yuval was killed at the festival with her fiance Moshe Shuva, told AFP that October 7 was a "black" day for her family.

"Now it's two years. And I'm here to be with her, because this is the last time that she was alive," the 57-year-old mother said at the site of the attack, adding she felt "that right now she's with me here".

Another ceremony was due in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, where weekly rallies have kept up calls for the captives' release.

"Release the hostages, unconditionally and immediately," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

"Put an end to the hostilities in Gaza, Israel and the region now. Stop making civilians pay with their lives and their futures."

- 'Now, not tomorrow' -

Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 67,160 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the United Nations considers credible.

Their data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but indicates that over half of the dead are women and children.

"I don't know when this war will end. My dream is for the war to end now, not tomorrow," said Abeer Abu Said, a 21-year-old in Gaza who lost seven family members in the war.

"I don't trust anyone -- from the Israeli negotiators or even Hamas -- they all lie to us. Negotiations for the sake of negotiations, while we die every minute."

In Egypt's resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, mediators were shuttling between Israeli and Hamas delegations under tight security.

Egypt's Abdelatty said that negotiations were aimed at implementing a "first phase" of the agreement, "to create conditions for the release of the hostages, the access for aid, and the release of Palestinian prisoners".

"This, therefore, requires the redeployment of Israeli forces so that we can work to implement this phase," he added.

Trump has urged negotiators to "move fast" to end the war, but Israeli strikes continued on Tuesday, killing four people according to Gaza's civil defence agency -- a rescue force operating under Hamas's authority -- and a local hospital.

Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, said Israel should already have ceased fire under Trump's plan.

"It was supposed to actually cease fire if the statements made by the prime minister there regarding adherence to the Trump plan were true," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told reporters in Doha.

Trump told Newsmax TV that "I think we're very, very close to having a deal... I think there's a lot of goodwill being shown now. It's pretty amazing actually".

Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has warned that if the negotiations fail, the military will "return to fighting" in Gaza.

burs-jd/acc/ser
When is a trial no longer a trial?

As of 25 September 2025, it was 1092 days since the trial of Felicien Kabuga opened on the premises of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) in The Hague. That day, Thursday 29 September 2022, I walked into Courtroom 1  in the building which now houses the IRMCT but was previously the home of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY)  amidst a swarm of journalists, legal interns, diplomats, and other members of the public. I was three weeks into a PhD about historical narratives and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Now, three years later, I have almost finished that PhD. Many of the interns may by now be well on their way to careers in their own right. Some of those same journalists who were there in 2022 now write about warrants for senior leaders of Russia, Israel, and Afghanistan. They cover what many consider to be the imminent collapse of the International Criminal Court (ICC) under both sanctions from the government of the United States of America, and the weight of its own contradictions and challenges. Others consider, even, the potential death of international law itself. And still, Felicien Kabuga sits where he sat over 1000 days ago: in the United Nations Detention Unit, about a 10-minute drive (or bike ride) from the courtroom.

His trial ended three times: first in March 2023, when a team of three medical experts ruled that he was unfit, by way of dementia; second in June 2023, when a team of three judges ruled that his trial proper would end, but continue by way of an examination of the facts; third in August 2023, when a team of five different judges threw out this suggestion as impossible, and imposed an indefinite suspension on the trial of one of the alleged kingpins of the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

Recommended reading Final curtain falls on Kabuga trial

And still, Kabuga remains.

I dont know why I chose to attend this particular status conference in person. The 780 days since the Appeals Chamber declared an indefinite suspension have been punctuated by such conferences. During these sessions, everybody in the courtroom invariably expresses frustration that Kabuga is still where he is. Then there is a pause [at least from the perspective of the public], until we reconvene to hear the same frustration, and Kabuga sits  still  where he is. Perhaps, having attended the hearing in absentia of LRA leader Joseph Kony at the ICC just two weeks before, I had not yet had my fill of unorthodox international legal procedures. Perhaps it was the imminent end of my own PhD, bookended as it was by Kabugas legal odyssey, that made me nostalgic. Either way, I walked once more through the security scanner and was handed my individually printed paper Visitor ticket: no laminated electronic passes like those at the ICC, the IRMCTs more glamorous, headline-hogging sibling down the street.

Strolling around the lobby of the Mechanism in 2025 feels like entering a time capsule. There are paper posters with QR codes (though you are not allowed a phone) advertising online exhibitions of the ICTY and ICTR archives, and Children in Conflict. There are framed childrens drawings made during an ICTY outreach workshop at the 2014 Sarajevo Kids Festival. In the far corner hangs a dramatic sign: Bringing war criminal to justice and justice to. The word victims is hidden behind a defunct computer monitor. In the grand atrium, where trial observers go through another security scanner, past photos of IRMCT and ICTY judges, and up some polished marble stairs to Courtroom 1, there is another hanging banner. It reads Nuremberg 1945 at the top, and The Hague 1993 at the bottom. Each label is accompanied by a picture of the respective courtrooms. A red banner across the middle reads: The First International War Crimes Tribunal since Nuremberg and Tokyo. It was quite difficult to make out the details in the pictures, as the lights in the grand atrium were turned off. A broken sound board in the corner carried several stickers labelled Not woking.

If the Mechanisms premises, and Courtroom 1 in particular, seem worn-down compared to the glossy IKEA-showroom of the ICC, its because they are. Both have, quite literally, borne the weight of justice, and violence, at a volume much greater than the newer, permanent court. The IRMCTs home might be a premises that seems dusty, or out of date. But it has a history. Since 1993 it has seen some of the most notorious names from the violence and genocide in the former Yugoslavia occupying its chairs, including former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, and convicted genocidaires of Srebrenica including Ratko Mladic and Radislav Krstic. The room has also seen a rotating case of legal actors, many of whom have continued working at the forefront of international criminal justice. That includes the man who, on 25 September, cut a lone, red-robed figure behind the bench: Judge Iain Bonomy.

When is a defendant no longer a defendant?

We were reminded that we were not back in the early 2000s when Bonomys soft, Scottish lilt came through our earphones to let us know that his judicial colleagues Mustapha El Baaj and Margaret deGuzman were joining via video link, as was Kabuga himself. We in the gallery could not see this, as the screens which would normally show us the courtroom, including its virtual participants, were switched off. As the voice of prosecutor Rupert Elderkin  also present virtually  reached my ears during the parties introductions, my headset switched itself off. I soon realised that I had to press a button every 30 to 45 seconds to prevent this, and after a few confusing minutes of jumping between English and French recordings, I settled for the volume button. The rest of the status conference thus came through my ears as though I was sitting on a swing set: with voices getting incrementally louder, and then quieter again. During a stint of private session, I learned through a whisper that it was a gallery-wide problem, and that we had a room full of dying headsets.

The status conference itself was both surprisingly public, and surprisingly informative. Judge Bonomy seems to hold a personal, poorly hidden distaste for both inefficient justice and private sessions, making him instantly popular among those of us in the gallery. He began by giving us, the public, an overview of updates, about the work that has been going on tirelessly behind the scenes. In reports filed in April and June this year, an expert in critical care medicine has found Felicien Kabuga not generally fit to fly. Considering he was unfit, in 2022, to be flown to Arusha (Tanzania) for a trial closer to the site of his alleged crimes, this is unsurprising. But these updates did give us a further insight into the now-90-or-92-year olds deteriorating condition. The critical care expert noted Kabugas physical frailty, coexisting diseases and medication, would make a flight to somewhere as far away as Rwanda a major risk. The Prosecution, in a fit of either desperation or prosecutorial optimism, seems to think that this risk can be mitigated. Though the judges have yet to make a decision since the report of June 2025, Elderkins team made a filing on 9 September re-arguing that the best (and only) option for Kabuga is Rwanda. Bonomy, with his trademark wry tone, made a point of announcing that there was no utility to this filing, and that to the extent that this submission is a motion, it is denied. We all  Elderkin included  must await the judges decision on the matter.

Two unexpected and more unusual public session updates followed this. First, the Registry informed the Court that it was in the process of recovering Kabugas frozen assets to pay for legal fees. Unfortunately two planned meetings for early September, one high-level and one technical, with the unnamed State in which Kabugas assets rest, were called off at the last minute due to that States prevailing political circumstances. The mystique of this pronouncement was diminished somewhat by the audible whispers of thats gotta be France that rippled across the gallery.

Second, we heard from Kabugas counsel Emmanuel Altit about two European states who had originally rejected Kabugas request to be released on their territory, but with whom further conversations were now ongoing. One of these states remained unnamed, but the second  France  was for the first time publicly discussed. Altit said that France had recently denied Kabugas request through the courts, stating that Kabuga as an individual was not in a position to make such a request, and that it must be done through the Mechanism as a diplomatic entity. Altit expects this to be overturned on appeal, but that this procedure could take up to 8 or 10 more months.

Unusually, for adversarial international criminal justice proceedings, the Prosecution seems to be largely irrelevant to the Courts current task: finally finding an end for this Kabuga-limbo. Elderkins disembodied voice interjected only twice, both times to emphasise that he could be brief, and then say not much of anything, while his Hague-based colleagues sat in stoic silence. One of them was typing on his phone. Bonomy reiterated that all the Courts actors are working tirelessly to secure Kabugas release, and lambasted the unwillingness of certain European states to accept him on their territory. When is a defendant no longer a defendant? For the states that claim to champion international justice and the rule of law, it seems that the lack of a conviction is not enough. Kabuga  like the other ICTR defendants who were either acquitted or have served their sentences, and are now trapped in Niger  is being consistently reminded that legal justice is, for some states, still not enough, and that political justice marches to the beat of its own drum. While an end for Kabuga may be approaching, it seems unlikely that this will be our last status conference.

When is a court no longer a court?

It will, however, be the last one in Courtroom 1. As the proceedings drew to a close, Bonomy made the unexpected announcement that this session would be the last time, ever, that a trial chamber sits in this storied and historic courtroom. Future hearings about Kabuga will be held in a modified conference room, he said, with a slight smile that could easily have been mistaken for a grimace. Without mentioning what is to become of Courtroom 1, he ended by reflecting on the hundreds of people who have worked within its walls since 1993  security guards, interpreters, registry officials, judges, witnesses, victims, prosecution, defence, defendants  all in pursuit of fairness, justice, and truth. For Bonomy, a court is more than its arena: it is at its heart simply a forum where arguments are made, evidence is heard, and decisions are made.

As Bonomy stood, and the curtains lowered, the public gallery was briefly, unusually, silent. Then: an explosion of nostalgia. My neighbour exclaimed that he had spent hundreds of hours in this gallery, covering trials. Further back, other journalists spoke of the people they had seen sitting in those chairs that would now not be used again. I spent my 20s at this court, said one of them. The room had been formative not only for law and for justice, but for careers, lives, and stories. When I posted about Bonomys announcement online after the hearing, I received surprisingly emotional reflections from friends, colleagues, and people I had never met. For all, the space signified something bigger, and perhaps something that they now worry we might not see again: a concerted, widespread effort to achieve justice, whatever that may mean.

What makes a court a court? Undoubtedly, it is the people who populate it. But such forums for arguments, evidence, and decisions must still be designated spaces, often imbued with the pomp and circumstance of statutes, treaties, and rules, where individuals come together for that specific purpose. Courts are spaces that facilitate the interactions that  question by question, answer by answer, argument by argument, submission by submission  make up international criminal justice. They also hold all the emotions that are generated by those interactions, and the difficulty of narrating, prosecuting, and judging mass violence. The closure of the ICTY and IRMCTs Courtroom 1 marks the extinction of one such space, which has held the weight of its fair share of expectations, emotions, and justice. Will it be allowed to remain  if no longer a driver of justice  as a memory of, or testament to, its past, like Nurembergs Courtroom 600? Or will it disappear altogether? Its eventual fate may act as a sign of our times: lacking both the justice aspiration of 1945 and the justice idealism of 1993. Bonomy did not speak to the courtrooms future. Perhaps he did not know.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned "terrorism in all its forms" on Tuesday on the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and urged an end to "the genocide" in Gaza.

Sanchez, one of the most vocal critics in Europe of Israel's offensive in the Palestinian territory, decried the "terrible attacks" carried out by Hamas which sparked the war on October 7, 2023.

"It is a day to reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, to call for the immediate release of the Israeli hostages," the Socialist leader wrote on X.

"And to demand that (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu stop the genocide of the Palestinian people and open a humanitarian corridor," he added.

Sanchez also reaffirmed that the two-state solution was the "only possible" way to end the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Sanchez has called for Israel to be barred from international sporting events in response to the country's offensive in Gaza and recently approved a "total" arms embargo on Israel.

Lawmakers were due to vote on this embargo on Tuesday.

But this was postponed to Wednesday so as not to coincide with the anniversary of the Hamas attack, according to Spanish media reports.

Israel's embassy in Spain had criticised the plan to vote on the arms embargo decree on the Hamas attack anniversary, calling it "a cynical and reprehensible decision" in a letter released late on Monday.
A Myanmar military strike on a festival event and protest killed 40 people, including children, an attendee and a local committee member told AFP on Tuesday.

Myanmar has been reeling from civil war since the military seized power in a 2021 coup, prompting pro-democracy rebels to take up arms and ally with ethnic armed groups against the junta.

Hundreds of people were gathered in central Myanmar's Chaung U township for the Thadingyut full moon festival on Monday evening when the military dropped bombs on the crowd, according to a member of the committee that organised the event.

The woman, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said people were gathering for the festival and an anti-junta demonstration at around 7:00 pm when the bombs killed more than 40 people and wounded about 80 others.

"The committee alerted people and one-third of the crowd managed to flee," she told AFP. "But immediately, one motor-powered paraglider flew right over the crowd", dropping two bombs on the centre of the gathering.

"Children were completely torn apart," said the woman, who was not at the scene but attended funerals on Tuesday.

When another motorised paraglider flying overhead left the area, she said people rushed to help the wounded.

"As of this morning, we were still collecting body parts from the ground -- pieces of flesh, limbs, parts of bodies that were blown apart," she added.

A resident of Chaung U who attended the event Monday confirmed the estimated toll, saying people attempted to run when they realised the paramotor was flying overhead.

"While I was saying to people 'please don't run', the paramotor dropped two bombs," he told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Two of my comrades were killed just in front of me. There were even more who died in front of me."

He said he attended funerals on Tuesday for nine friends who were killed.

A local media outlet also said 40 people were killed in the attack.

A junta spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment late Tuesday.

- 'Brutal campaign' -

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International said in a statement that the nighttime attack "should serve as a gruesome wake-up call that civilians in Myanmar need urgent protection."

The attack showed the military was "intensifying an already brutal campaign against pockets of resistance," the London-based organisation said.

"The international community may have forgotten about the conflict in Myanmar, but the Myanmar military is taking advantage of reduced scrutiny to carry out war crimes with impunity," said Joe Freeman, Amnesty's Myanmar researcher.

He called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc to increase pressure on the Myanmar junta as ASEAN officials prepare for a meeting later this month.

The junta has touted elections beginning on December 28 as a path to reconciliation.

But a UN expert has dismissed the vote as a "fraud" to disguise continuing military rule, and rebels have vowed to block it.

The military is now besieging rebel enclaves, aiming to expand territorial control ahead of the polls.

burs/sco/lb/iv/mlm/aha
Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday she was accused of "complicity in genocide" in a complaint to the International Criminal Court over Rome's support for Israel as it bombards Gaza.

Meloni said in comments broadcast by local media that she had been named in a filing by an advocacy group for Palestinians that accused her and others of complicity by supplying arms to Israel.

She said the complaint also targeted her Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and she also thought that Roberto Cingolani, head of defence group Leonardo, had been named.

United Nations investigators have accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, where it has been waging war against Palestinian militant group Hamas for two years.

The ICC has arrest warrants outstanding for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant.

They both face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel's campaign in Gaza, including starvation, murder and persecution.

But the ICC has not charged either man with genocide. The Palestinian advocacy group behind the complaint naming Meloni is calling for the court to assess the possibility of opening a formal investigation into the charge.

The complaint, dated October 1, was signed by some 50 people, including law professors, lawyers, and several public figures.

"By supporting the Israeli government, particularly through the supply of lethal weapons, the Italian government has become complicit in the ongoing genocide and the extremely serious war crimes and crimes against humanity committed against the Palestinian people," wrote the authors of the court filing.

"I don't think there is another case in the world or in history of a complaint of this kind," Meloni said in the televised comments.

Two years ago Hamas-led militants launched the deadliest attack on Israel in the country's history, sparking a huge retaliatory offensive in Gaza.

The militant attacks resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 67,160 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the United Nations considers credible.

At the International Court of Justice, South Africa has a case against Israel, accusing it of breaching the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
WASHINGTON, DC  Financial privacy in 2025 has become one of the defining issues of personal security, professional integrity, and lawful self-protection. In a world where information is currency, the distinction between secrecy and privacy has never been more critical. Amicus International Consultings investigative review into privacy-by-design, data minimization, and lawful information control finds that individuals and organizations are facing a new era of exposure. Governments, corporations, and data brokers have developed systems that track identities, transactions, and movements in real-time. Yet, within the legal frameworks of democratic societies, citizens still possess the right to manage how their data is collected, processed, and shared. The emerging challenge is to balance privacy within the law and design systems and habits that minimize unnecessary disclosure while maintaining compliance with financial, journalistic, and professional regulations.

The investigation defines three primary pillars of lawful privacy management. The first is privacy-by-design, a proactive approach that embeds data protection into every process from the outset rather than as an afterthought. The second is data minimization, the discipline of collecting and retaining only the information strictly necessary for a defined purpose. The third is vaulting and credential safety, which concerns the storage, access, and transmission of sensitive documents, identification records, and digital credentials. Together, these principles form the foundation of a legitimate privacy strategy that aligns with both global compliance standards and personal security objectives.

The privacy landscape in 2025 is shaped by multiple forces: international financial transparency laws, the expansion of artificial intelligence in surveillance, and the commodification of personal information through data brokerage markets. Major regulatory frameworks, such as the General Data Protection Regulation in Europe and Californias Consumer Privacy Act, as well as the growing influence of ISO data governance standards, have established the legal expectation that individuals and organizations must know what data they hold, why they keep it, and how long they retain it. Yet enforcement remains uneven, and individuals often find themselves caught between the need to comply with disclosure rules and the necessity of protecting themselves from predatory data harvesting.

Amicus International Consultings legal and investigative teams emphasize that privacy within the law is not about concealment but about control. The right to privacy, as articulated by multiple courts and human rights conventions, involves autonomy over ones information. Lawful privacy strategies are designed to prevent misuse, not to obscure legitimate oversight. The firms research indicates that clients who incorporate privacy-by-design principles into their operations can reduce both risk and regulatory friction. By building compliance and discretion simultaneously, they align security with governance rather than opposing it.

Privacy by Design requires rethinking how information is created, transmitted, and stored. Instead of retrofitting encryption or security software after data has already leaked, privacy-by-design incorporates minimal data collection, purpose limitation, and anonymization directly into processes. For financial professionals, this might mean implementing systems that separate personally identifiable information from transaction records. For journalists, it can involve structuring communications so that sensitive sources are protected even if devices are compromised. For private clients, this includes configuring digital accounts, storage, and access permissions to prevent unnecessary data from being exposed to third-party analytics or cloud indexing. The principle extends to every system that handles sensitive material: financial, medical, or journalistic.

Data Minimization operates as both a compliance requirement and a defensive measure. Under most privacy laws, organizations are legally required to collect only what they need and delete it once the purpose is fulfilled. In practice, this discipline also shields individuals from overexposure. Amicus analysts identify that data excess, not data absence, is the leading cause of privacy loss. Many data breaches occur because archives, backups, or redundant databases contain information that should have been destroyed. For private individuals, data minimization begins with inventory: listing what information exists, where it resides, and who can access it. For example, outdated tax filings, expired passports, and old digital scans stored in unsecured drives create unnecessary risk. Reducing the surface area of exposure often provides greater protection than adopting more complex encryption tools.

Vaulting and Credential Safety represent the operational side of lawful privacy. Vaulting refers to secure, segregated storage of critical documents and credentials using physical safes, encrypted drives, or digital vault services that comply with recognized security standards. Credential safety refers to managing the life cycle of identity documents, such as passports and drivers licenses, as well as biometric IDs and digital keys, ensuring they are neither overused nor exposed beyond necessary contexts. In 2025, credential abuse has become one of the fastest-growing forms of cybercrime. Fake employment verification requests, phishing sites imitating government portals, and unauthorized credit applications all exploit weak credential practices. The solution lies in structured control, which involves the separate storage of primary and secondary identification, password management using hardware tokens, and the use of dedicated devices for financial or investigative purposes.

Amicus International Consultings privacy specialists emphasize that lawful financial privacy relies on both regulatory knowledge and self-discipline. Every country defines the boundary between acceptable discretion and unlawful concealment differently. In the United States, financial institutions are required to report certain transactions and maintain customer identification under the Bank Secrecy Act. The European Union requires due diligence under anti-money-laundering directives. Yet both frameworks recognize the individuals right to data protection. The balance is struck through documentation: maintaining audit trails that verify legitimacy while restricting public or commercial exposure.

The investigative review highlights a shift in perception. Once associated with secrecy or avoidance, financial privacy is now recognized as part of personal security. High-profile data leaks, political harassment, and identity theft have exposed how unprotected information can be weaponized. The need for lawful privacy practices spans professions, such as journalists, corporate executives, attorneys, medical practitioners, and digital entrepreneurs, who all face distinct risks of data misuse. Each must operate under the law yet retain control of personal and professional data trails.

Case Study: A Journalist Hardens Data Trails Against Doxxing Threats

A freelance journalist covering political corruption in Latin America contacted Amicus International Consulting after receiving online threats and discovering that personal details had been shared on social media. The journalist needed to protect identity and financial information while continuing legitimate reporting activities. The solution required combining compliance with practical security. The investigative team conducted a privacy audit, identifying vulnerabilities across social media, banking, and communication channels. Outdated online profiles and publicly available domain registrations exposed address and family details. Financial accounts used for international travel lacked multifactor authentication. Device backups automatically uploaded sensitive contact lists to unsecured cloud storage.

Amicus specialists applied privacy-by-design principles to rebuild the journalists workflow. Public records were reduced using lawful data removal requests under relevant privacy statutes. Personal contact information was separated from professional correspondence through the use of new encrypted communication channels. Data minimization protocols were introduced: unnecessary files were deleted, metadata was scrubbed, and sensitive drafts were transferred to a hardware-encrypted drive stored in a physical vault. Credential safety was reinforced through the use of hardware authentication tokens, dedicated banking credentials for work expenses, and separate virtual private network (VPN) profiles for different assignments. Importantly, all steps remained fully compliant with press freedom laws, banking regulations, and tax reporting requirements. The result was a hardened identity footprint that reduced risk without obstructing lawful activity.

This case illustrates that privacy and legality can coexist through effective structure and documentation. Every decision was recorded, justified, and implemented in a transparent manner. Financial institutions received updated identification consistent with compliance rules, and law enforcement remained able to verify the journalists credentials if required. Yet the personal risk of surfacing the information publicly or commercially accessible was drastically minimized.

The broader lesson extends beyond journalism. Professionals across sectors are realizing that lawful privacy depends not on hiding data from authorities but on preventing unauthorized or unnecessary access. Businesses adopting privacy-by-design models find that regulatory audits become simpler because data maps are smaller and better documented. Individuals who practice data minimization discover that fewer accounts, fewer stored copies, and fewer exposed credentials mean fewer vulnerabilities. Lawful privacy operates through discipline: collecting less, storing securely, and disclosing only what is required.

Amicus International Consultings analysts categorize privacy-enhancing practices into three time frames: preventive, operational, and reactive. Preventive measures include designing systems that never collect excess data, disabling unnecessary telemetry, and avoiding centralized storage of sensitive documents. Operational measures involve ongoing monitoring, encryption updates, and periodic deletion schedules. Reactive measures activate when data is threatened or compromised, including breach notifications, credential resets, and legal recourse under data protection statutes. Each phase must align with the law. Deleting information after a lawful retention period is privacy maintenance; destroying evidence under investigation is obstruction. The distinction rests on timing, intent, and documentation.

From a compliance perspective, financial privacy strategies must harmonize with reporting obligations. Lawful privacy does not mean anonymous finance. It means controlling the amount of information that leaves your direct custody. For example, clients establishing foreign accounts or digital wallets should maintain clear documentation of ownership, use encrypted channels for communication, and refrain from sharing unnecessary personal details with intermediaries. Governments increasingly exchange account information through automatic reporting systems. However, individuals can still safeguard against non-governmental threats by securing their devices, controlling passwords, and ensuring that only authorized parties have access to their records.

In the era of artificial intelligence and mass data correlation, privacy-by-design also means resisting over-identification. Many applications request excessive permissions, such as access to contacts, location, and camera functions, which are unrelated to their intended purpose. Professionals who handle sensitive data should adopt a policy of minimal necessary access across all digital tools and platforms. Reducing metadata exposure can significantly limit profiling. Browser isolation, encrypted messaging, and compartmentalized work accounts are practical examples of data minimization that align with the law.

The investigation concludes that privacy has evolved from a reactive defense into a design principle of lawful life. Building privacy within the law means understanding that compliance and protection are not opposites but partners. Individuals who treat data as a form of currency will handle it with the same care as money: storing it securely, spending it purposefully, and recording every transaction. Governments and regulators are beginning to acknowledge that citizens require practical tools, not just abstract rights, to safeguard their digital and financial lives. Programs that encourage encryption literacy, credential management, and lawful anonymity serve public safety by reducing fraud and identity theft.

For Americans and other global professionals, the new standard is not total privacy but verified discretion, which is the ability to control personal data flows while maintaining complete transparency with lawful authorities. Privacy-by-design, data minimization, and credential vaulting are no longer optional practices but essential components of professional ethics and compliance. Those who master them operate with confidence in a world where exposure is permanent and accountability is demanded.

Amicus International Consultings investigative findings recommend that every organization, from media outlets to law firms, appoint a data protection officer or privacy manager responsible for ensuring that collection and retention practices align with regulatory expectations. For individuals, regular privacy audits, encrypted backups, and controlled credential rotation should become standard practice. When adequately executed, lawful privacy not only safeguards individuals but also enhances the legitimacy of the institutions with which they interact.

Financial privacy within the law is achievable through careful preparation, thoughtful design, and thorough verification. It is not a question of hiding but of managing. It is the art of knowing precisely what information exists about you, why it exists, and who can reach it. The modern professional, like the journalist in the case study, no longer views privacy as resistance but as governance. In 2025, building privacy within the law is not secrecy; it is a responsibility.

Contact Information

Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402

Signal: 604-353-4942

Telegram: 604-353-4942

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.amicusint.ca






Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - A waitress has come forward with disturbing allegations against Andrew Wakahiu, the former Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) under Uhuru Kenyattas administration, accusing him of taking advantage of her while she was employed at The Bull, a high-end meat and barbecue joint in Karen.

Wakahiu, who owns the popular restaurant, allegedly abused his position of power and took advantage of the young woman multiple times against her will, according to her post on X.

The distraught woman revealed that she remained silent for years out of fear of Wakahius political connections and influence.

She says the ordeal left her emotionally scarred, pushing her to finally speak out in search of justice.

The allegations have ignited public outrage, with Kenyans online demanding that authorities investigate the claims thoroughly.

Wakahiu is yet to respond to the allegations.

The victim.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - Kenyan comedian and media personality, Oga Obinna, has shared an emotional tribute following the tragic death of Gengetone artiste, Kevin Mburu Kinyanju popularly known as Shalkido.

The former Sailors Gang member passed away on the evening of Monday, October 6th, 2025, after a tragic motorbike accident that left him in critical condition.

Obinna recalled his final moments with Shalkido, describing the artist as full of life and energy.

The last time I saw him, he was performing at a club along Thika Road. He was vibing, full of spirit, Obinna said.

Their last interaction was at Kahawa Wendani, where Shalkido parted ways with friends, still radiating positivity.

He was all vibes, manze. He left us with good energy, Obinna added.

Shalkido had been admitted to the ICU at Kenyatta University Referral Hospital before succumbing to his injuries.

In a heartfelt TikTok video, his cousin confirmed the news while standing beside Shalkidos father.

Its a sad evening. The doctor just informed us that Shalkido died at 6:30, he said, urging fans to support the grieving family.

Shalkidos untimely death comes at a moment when he was actively working to revive his music career.

The father of one had recently begun reconnecting with his craft and fans, determined to rise again after a challenging period.

Tributes have poured in across social media, with fellow artists and fans expressing their grief.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - There was drama along Thika Road after auctioneers attempted to repossess a brand-new Unified Poa bus over unpaid loans.

In a viral video circulating online, the bus driver is seen furiously resisting the auctioneers, sparking a chaotic scene that brought traffic to a standstill.

The dramatic confrontation happened near Pangani, where the driver refused to surrender the vehicle.

The visibly agitated driver could be heard shouting as he tried to prevent the auctioneers from driving away with the bus.

Despite his efforts, the driver was eventually overpowered, and the bus was driven away by the ruthless auctioneers as shocked onlookers recorded the incident.

The clip has ignited reactions online, coming at a time when many businesses are struggling to stay afloat amid harsh economic times and rising loan defaults.

Unified Poa bus driver vs Auctioneers pic.twitter.com/LxmOmHxjrd  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) October 7, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - Drama unfolded online after a Kenyan woman took to social media to expose her husbands alleged affair with their housegirl, accusing him of betrayal that she says pushed her into alcoholism.

In a heartfelt post that has since gone viral, the woman poured out her pain, revealing how deeply the infidelity affected her mental and emotional well-being.

Dear husband, you hurt me and I am still hurt. Never knew you would cheat on me with our housegirl. No wonder I am still drinking to date, she wrote.

Her confession sparked massive reactions online, with many sympathizing with her pain while others questioned why she chose to air her marital issues publicly.

This shocking revelation adds to the growing number of cases where domestic workers have been implicated in breaking up marriages.





The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - Kenyans on social media were left talking after a past photo of city preacher, Robert Burale, with renowned American Bishop, TD Jakes, resurfaced online, just days after Burales ex-wife, Rozinah Mwakideu, made cryptic remarks hinting that he could be SIM 2.

Appearing in a candid interview with her brother, media personality Alex Mwakideu, Rozinah claimed that she once stumbled upon inappropriate material involving men on Burales laptop, allegations that have since sparked heated speculation online.

Netizens have now been connecting the dots after the old photo of TD Jakes, whose personal life has occasionally been a topic of online debate, started circulating again, with many drawing wild theories.

See the photo and reactions among online users.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is under mounting pressure to investigate controversial remarks made by Pastor James Nganga, following the circulation of a disturbing video online.

In the clip, which has gone viral on social media, Nganga appears to confess during a church service that he was part of an eight-man gang that assaulted a woman years ago.

The footage has sparked widespread outrage and reignited calls for accountability among religious leaders.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has condemned the remarks, urging authorities to act swiftly.

It is no laughing matter, she stated.

We cannot move past such a serious matter without holding space for real accountability.

Passaris acknowledged the possibility of video manipulation in the age of AI but insisted that the content must be thoroughly investigated.

If that video is real, then it is not a sermon - it is a criminal confession, she said.

She further urged Pastor Nganga to cooperate with law enforcement if the confession is genuine.

He should surrender himself, name the eight others involved, and help deliver justice for the survivor, she said.

Passaris also expressed concern for the alleged victim, posing difficult questions about her current wellbeing and whether she ever received justice.

I pray for her, and for all victims and survivors of gang assault, she concluded.

The DCI must act swiftly to verify the video, protect the victim, and uphold the rule of law.

Tuli-rape mwanamke mmoja, wanaume nane



Pastor Nganga confesses to gang-r@pe during his service pic.twitter.com/QzOsHFXJHH  The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) October 6, 2025






Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - Social media is on fire after a leaked screenshot showed a conversation between Andrew Wakahius wife and the waitress who accused the former Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) under Uhuru Kenyattas administration of acting inappropriately towards her.

The waitress, who previously worked at The Bull, a high-end restaurant in Karen owned by Wakahiu, sent an audio recording of him allegedly trying to take advantage of her inside his car to his wife.

In the leaked conversation, Wakahius wife appears to acknowledge her husbands infidelity, even admitting that she had caught him cheating before with another woman identified as Lydia, a staff member at the same hotel.

She further admitted that, judging from the secretly recorded audio, her husband tried to coerce the waitress - but the lady firmly rejected his advances.

The victim.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - Kabuchai MP, Majimbo Kalasinga, has claimed that his life is under threat, pointing fingers at National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula.

Speaking to the press, Kalasinga claimed that the threats stem from political tensions surrounding the Chwele Ward by-election in his constituency.

According to Kalasinga, Wetangula allegedly told delegates at his home - speaking in his local dialect - that the MP will not cross over to the next elections.

Kalasinga interpreted the statement as a veiled death threat, demanding clarity: Did he mean I should be in heaven or Uganda?

The MP has called on the Government to bolster his security and urged Inspector General Douglas Kanja to investigate the matter urgently, including reviewing publicly available videos.

He emphasized that the fallout between him and Wetangula could escalate if not addressed.

While Wetangula has not personally responded, Ford Kenya, through his aide, Simiyu Mutaki, dismissed the claims as politically motivated and baseless.

Mutaki insisted that the party remains committed to peaceful elections and accused Kalasinga of compromising his own safety by occasionally traveling without full security detail.

The remarks are surprising, Mutaki said. We reject these allegations in their entirety.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Olivia Kelleher

A couple who booked their wedding in an oratory on a small island in Co Cork could never have imagined that their big day would coincide with the epic flooding caused by Storm Amy.

American bride, Elisabeth Villa, and her Irish husband, Anthony McSweeney, tied the knot last week in Gougane Barra near Ballingeary in the Muskerry Gaeltacht.

The scenic valley and heritage site in the Shehy Mountains of Co Cork is a hugely popular wedding venue.

However, last Thursday, the island became a no walk zone and the couple had to put out all the stops to keep their big day from being ruined.

Photographer John Sexton, told the Neil Prendeville Show on Red FM, that the rainfall was biblical in nature:

The rain came off the mountains. By the time of the wedding, the island was flooded. It was under two feet of water. Fr Sean OSullivan went up to the couple and said, lads we are in trouble."

The paperwork for the wedding was signed, and therefore, the wedding needed to take place on Gougane Barra.

Mr Sexton told Red FM that the manager of the Gougane Barra hotel brought just the family over in a four-by-four jeep to do a quick ceremony.

Mr Sexton said he wanted to get at least one photograph of the couple outside the church.

I had to venture out onto what was the island, but was now a lake. I was able to venture out with small plastic bags, but they were too small, so Fr Sean gave me two refuse bags to put on my legs.

"The weird thing is that there was a strange sense of calm. Everyone did their bit.

"The lake and the island were one. There was a possibility we would get stuck there if we didnt hurry up.

"The harpist had a huge harp that had to be lifted on and off the island.

Meanwhile, the bride Elisabeth said that nothing was going to put a dampener on their special day:

They (the photographs) came out beautiful. More than we could have asked for.

"We were laughing, looking at it all from the bridal suite (in the hotel). We were going to have a great day no matter what."

Elisabeth joked that the so-called lucky charm - the Child of Prague statue - had failed the couple, bringing flooding instead of sunshine.

I dont think I would change anything. I expected rain, but all we needed was Anthony and me to be there. It will be a great story to tell in the future. I wouldnt change a thing.

Anthony said that whilst the wedding party consisted of 60 people, they only had about 20 at the ceremony.

The couple plans to meet up with the family of the bride in Boston for another day of celebrations in the coming weeks. They will honeymoon in Italy next year.
A MAN who was detected driving at a speed of 177km/h along the motorway in Laois with two children unrestrained in his car, was sentenced to four months imprisonment when his case came before last weeks sitting of the District Court in Portlaoise.

Laii Muntean from 37 Russell Lawns, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and with driving without insurance or a driving license along the M7 at Ballybrittas on 14 August last year.

Judge Catherine Ryan was told that when stopped by gardai the defendant told them that the reason why he was driving at speed was because one of his children had taken ill, had fallen unconscious and he was taking her to a hospital in Dublin.

One of the children, the court was told, was sitting in the front passenger seat while the other was lying across a womans lap in the back seat.

The court was told that Mr Muntean had 92 previous convictions and was currently serving a prison sentence with his release date on 18 November.

Noting that six of Mr Munteans previous convictions were for driving while uninsured Judge Ryan said: He has a total disregard for the law. He was putting his children and other road users at risk. You need to be off the road. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told the court that the defendant is currently under a 10-year driving ban.

She went on to convict the defendant of dangerous driving, imposed a four-month sentence to commence on the expiry of his existing sentence and fined him 1,000. For driving while uninsured he was convicted, fined 2,500 and disqualified from driving for four years.

She took the other matter of driving without a licence into account.
A BREAST cancer patient Lydia Whelan from Monasterevin is supporting the Irish Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund vital breast cancer support services and life-changing breast cancer research projects.

Every year, around 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland.

Lydia Whelan (33) from Monasterevin, Co. Kildare was diagnosed with stage two HER2+ breast cancer in July 2024, after she noticed her left breast looked bruised, sunken in, and was heavier than her right breast.

She went to her GP who sent her for further tests, including a biopsy. She went for the results of her biopsy, where she received her diagnosis.

Lydia said: The doctor started speaking, and he said he had my biopsy results, and he was sorry to have to inform me that I had breast cancer.

I just froze, and then there were a lot of tears from me and my partner, Colm. I asked what stage the cancer was at, and he said, going from what he could see on the scans, it looked like stage two. And I thought, OK, thats not the worst.

Lydia has been receiving chemotherapy every three weeks since August 2024 and is sharing her experience to encourage people to either host or attend a Big Pink Breakfast and support people like her who have been affected by breast cancer.

Lydia says: I would encourage everyone to please get behind the Big Pink Breakfast campaign, a huge amount of the funding for the Irish Cancer Societys breast cancer support services and breast cancer research projects comes from donations made by the public. If you are at all able, please support this important cause. You can sign up at cancer.ie/pink.

Lydia is campaigning for xxx

Mary OKelly, cancer nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, said: Self-examination is so important for women of all ages, even those who are eligible for screening, as this only takes place every two years. Pick a date and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis.

Its really important that we are breast aware and know what is normal for us. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of breast cancer and the change persists, please go to see your GP as soon as possible.

"Women can sometimes feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending their GP with breast issues, but this examination could save your life. Your GP will perform a routine examination of your breast and if appropriate, refer you for further assessment.

If you are concerned about breast cancer, call the Irish Cancer Societys Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700. You can also find out more at www.cancer.ie.

This October the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to host a Big Pink Breakfast in their homes, workplaces, communities and colleges to raise funds to support breast cancer support services such as free counselling, transport to treatment, night nursing and much more. Funds raised will also be used to fund cancer research projects.
A man with a Kildare address alleged to have been the pilot of an aircraft used to fly just over 8 million worth of cocaine into the Midlands three years ago has gone on trial.

Michal Luczak, 44, of Primrose Avenue, Jigginstown, Naas faces four charges for unlawful possession of cocaine, possessing it for the purpose of sale or supply, and the possession and importation of drugs worth 13,000 or more at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome, Co Longford, on 4 August 2022.

Mr Luczak replied not guilty to each charge when he was arraigned at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court on Tuesday.

A jury was sworn in for the trial, which Judge Roderick Maguire said was expected to last up to four weeks.

Prosecutor Cathal O Braonain BL told the panel that the trial would hear evidence from up to 50 witnesses.

They included gardai from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, the national surveillance unit, a scenes of crime unit and mapping section, as well as Garda HQ, along with civilians and personnel from Forensic Science Ireland and the Irish Aviation Authority.

Mr O Braonain said that the trial related to an incident on August 4th, 2022, when it was alleged that 120kg of cocaine with a value in excess of 8 million was imported at the aerodrome.

Counsel said Mr Luczak, who now resides at an apartment at The Davitt, Dublin, was allegedly the pilot of a small aircraft in that importation.

The charges are contrary to sections 3, 15, 15A, and 15B of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Judge Maguire instructed the four women and men of the jury to select a foreperson; the trial will open with the prosecutions case on Wednesday morning.

The judge also gave the jurors the standard warning about not using social media on the case or any of the witnesses, or reading news media coverage, or discussing the proceedings with others.
Kilkenny has become a destination for fashion shopping  the place to find a uniquely beautiful outfit for a special occasion.

And, at the heart of the city, is the Lady Lorna Designer Emporium on Kieran Street.

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The eye-catching establishment is the centre of operations for Lorna Doogue: fashion designer, buyer and doyenne of the Kilkenny fashion world.

Lady Lorna carries twelve brands, including six Irish milliners and three top Irish designers among the international labels. They also stock their own designs, which are made in nearby Carlow.

Lorna routinely greets fashionistas from Dublin, Galway and far beyond, all of whom know they will find something special in her store.

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That she has found a perfect niche in the fashion world is no surprise; her mother, Joan, is a fashion designer who created the brand Lorna Doone, which inspired her daughters name.

With a friendly nature and years of honing her expertise, Lorna loves her job. Growing up, she helped her mother with her design work, and after school she headed to Limerick School of Fashion for a four-year degree.

My career began at Michael H as an assistant designer. I also worked in Brown Thomas, part time, learning the ropes of fashion retail, she says.

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From there, she moved on to work as a buyer with Primark, travelling the world for fashion and homewares, and the start of the PS beauty brand.

However, Lorna and Joan always dreamed of having their own boutique.

We always loved coming into Kilkenny to shop and it was a natural location for our store, says Lorna.

After almost nine years in the city, they are proud of their beautiful premises.

So whether youre off to the races, a wedding, or a black tie gala, Lady Lorna is an essential port of call.

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A video showing a sulky driver thrown from his cart on the R689 near Clonmel has renewed calls for sulky racing to be moved off public roads. It is believed the incident happened in Lisronagh, south Tipperary, on Saturday, September 27, shortly after 1pm. The 24-second clip shows three carts riding abreast before one driver is thrown, narrowly avoiding serious injury.

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Animal welfare organisations have condemned the scenes captured in the video, describing them as both dangerous and cruel. The Action for Animal Welfare Ireland criticised the incident, stating that it breaks every law, not to mention endangering the safety and welfare of both human and animal life... Get off the road.

Similarly, the group Tipperary Ban Illegal Sulky Racing voiced outrage, commenting that these ignorant people need to have their animals removed from them and be taught how to care for them, as they know sweet feck all about horses. Both groups have called for stricter enforcement of animal welfare regulations and harsher penalties for those involved in illegal sulky racing.

The controversy has reignited debate over the regulation of sulky racing in Ireland, with campaigners urging authorities to implement tougher laws and consistent enforcement to prevent further harm. As pressure mounts on local councils and Gardai to act, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between cultural tradition and the growing demand for higher standards of animal welfare.

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A system of parole had been introduced for republican internees after the signing of the Truce in July 1921.

When John Grehan, interned in the Rath Camp at the Curragh, applied for parole on the death of his father, also named John, he was refused. Unperturbed, Grehan decided to escape.

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On the night of October 18, 1921, Grehan and ten other internees made an unsuccessful attempt to cut through the barbed wire of the Rath Camp. For their efforts, they were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.

The men were transferred to Kilkenny Jail, where Grehan and Tommy McCarrick of Sligo approached the O/C (Officer Commanding) of the republican prisoners, Martin Healy, and suggested they should tunnel out.

The escapees decided to begin their escape from an unused solitary confinement cell below A Wing, which was out of bounds.

The confinement cell provided the perfect place to start digging  about 50 yards to the perimeter wall.

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They used a trowel, pokers, knives and sharpened spoons to dig the tunnel.

Earth from the tunnel was dumped into pillowcases and pulled up to the punishment cell, where it was disposed of in adjoining cells.

In total, eight tonnes of earth were removed.

A friendly prison officer, Tom Power, turned a blind eye to the digging and the disposal of the earth.

The tunnellers worked by candlelight, in three shifts, when Power was on duty. Conditions were far from ideal. The tunnel, three feet high by two feet wide, was not ventilated, and the cramped conditions made it unbearably hot.

The tunnel had to be shored up frequently to prevent collapse.

Meanwhile, outside the prison, the escape plan was being coordinated.

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A letter attached to a stone was thrown over the wall by a prisoner, informing contacts that the breakout would take place at 6:30 p.m. the following evening.

Denis Tracey of Dunnamaggin arranged for six of his men to be in Patrick Street with six ponies and traps to receive the escapees.

The tunnel, on completion, exited along the foundation of the outer prison wall, with the three-foot-wide exit emerging in the middle of St Riochs Street  a public thoroughfare.

When Tom Power noticed several men entering the cell that accessed the tunnel, he became suspicious.

Realising what was happening, he complained that they should have picked another time to escape  and not when he was on duty!

To protect him from suspicion, the prisoners gagged and bound Power to conceal his collusion. In the meantime, dozens of prisoners had entered the tunnel and made their escape.

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Larry Condon was in command of the escape party. He entered the tunnel at 6:40 p.m. and remained at the entrance until all the men were safely away. The escape took one hour and 40 minutes in total.

Denis Traceys volunteers were ready with their ponies and traps to pick up some of the prisoners. Groups of men, in threes and fours, jumped into each trap as the driver headed out along the Waterford Road and towards the countryside as fast as he could.

As prisoners emerged from the tunnel, two local men guided them out towards Ballycallan.

Warder Power was discovered trussed up at around 8 p.m. The military guard rushed to the entrance of the tunnel, but there were so many prisoners passing through that the tunnel was probably damaged by the sheer volume of men. Falling debris soon blocked it.

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Maurice Walsh, the last man to attempt escape, crawled through the tunnel as a portion collapsed in front of him, forcing him back. When he returned to the entrance, armed soldiers and warders met him and took him back to his cell.

In total, 43 prisoners escaped. Despite a huge manhunt, all escapees successfully returned to their units.

The IRA remained on alert in case the peace negotiations failed, but weeks later the Irish plenipotentiaries and Lloyd Georges government signed the Anglo-Irish Treaty in London, thereby ending the War of Independence.

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The tunnel escape from Kilkenny Jail in 1921 is one of the most remarkable episodes of Irish revolutionary history  vividly recounted in James Durneys book Jailbreak: Great Irish Republican Escapes 18651983.



The book provides factual, action-packed accounts of incredible escapes that boosted morale among Irish nationalists and inspired future generations.
Aidan Hartes first job within the art world was at Kilkenny animation studio Cartoon Saloon, where he worked alongside founders Tomm Moore and Paul Young.

There, he created and directed his first animated television show Skunk Fu!, which first aired in 2007 and concluded little under a year later.

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Aidan then went on to study classical sculpture at the Florence Academy of Art in Italy.

The type of sculptures I wanted to create were realistic, figurative work, and they dont really teach that in Ireland, says Aidan.

In Florence, they taught us 19th Century techniques. It was very rigorous; there was a lot of life drawing and we studied anatomy, how to sculpt the body from the bones up. We didnt cast or sculpt anything; it was all about the learning.

Aidan describes the teachers in Florence as hardcore.

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Theyre like samurais, says Aidan. A lot of art schools will encourage you to paint what you feel, but these guys are the opposite. Its make it correct or else. It was a great education!



Aidan makes his sculptures from bronze, and uses a method called the lost-wax technique, which has been used in the creation of bronze artworks as far back as the Bronze Age.

The first sculpture Aidan created was the Puca, commissioned by Clare County Council. Inspired by the Irish mythological shapeshifter, the Puca is a 2m tall statue, and depicts a human figure with the head of a horse.

The Pucas form changes from county to county; in Clare, the Puca is believed to take the form of a horse, but Aidan wanted to introduce a human element to its design.

The Pucas design was met with controversy; a parish priest in Clare condemned it as sinister.

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Public art puts you in the public realm, so you have to take the slings and the arrows, says Aidan.

I wasnt too anxious about it; the only worry I had was that it wouldnt get cast, but we eventually sorted it out and moved it ten miles down the road; an Irish solution to an Irish problem!

The Puca is now happily ensconced in the Michael Cusack Centre in Carran, County Clare.

Aidans latest piece is a bronze bust of former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams; the idea for the bust came to Aidan in the run-up to the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Aidan got to work with Gerry during their initial sessions in Belfast.

I took his measurements, got an impression of his physicality and personality in the room, and I worked that into the finished product from memory, says Aidan.

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A portrait sculpture wouldnt be my main thing. I much prefer classical figures like the Minotaur. Theres always a big worry when sculpting a living person, especially such a well-known one. I spent a long time trying to get it right.

Aidan believes that theres something special about a sculpture where the person has sat for it.

Its not the same as an official photographic portrait, he says. The subject is sitting there for so long that they cant really put on their best face; they sink into their normal repose.

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A Go Fund Me campaign that was set up in a bid to repariate the body of a much-loved Brazilian man who had been living and working in Kilkenny recently reached 100% of its fundraising target.

Mauricio Soares was originally from the city of Teresina and was working as an engineer in Ireland.

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He passed away suddenly, in September, following a sudden heart attack.

His close friend Jackson Alves Mouta Junior, previously asked for assistance to help bring Mauricio home.

Mauricio was not only a brilliant engineer and colleague but also a kind, generous, and joyful person who touched the lives of many. Since moving from Brazil to Ireland, he built strong friendships and became like family to me and to those who had the privilege to know him, Jackson said.

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We are facing the painful task of fulfilling what we know would have been Mauricios wish: to return to his hometown of Teresina, Piaui, Brazil, so that his parents and family can say their final farewell and lay him to rest with dignity.

Unfortunately, the process of repatriating a body is extremely expensive, involving funeral arrangements in Ireland, embassy requirements, and the transport to Brazil.

These costs are far beyond what his family and close friends can manage alone.

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For this reason, we are kindly asking for your support. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference in helping us bring Mauricio back home, Jackson explained.

Your generosity will not only help us cover the repatriation costs but also give Mauricios parents the chance to say goodbye to their beloved son and honour his memory in the place he called home, he added.

Since opening the appeal on the Go Fund Me website, more than 100% of the 12,000 needed to bring Mauricio home has been donated.

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A forgotten Irish airport is set to be expanded after a new 30 million investment plan was announced on Thursday morning.

The Bolster Group says it has secured a 'comprehensive funding package' to fund the redevelopment of Waterford Airport without the need for government funding.

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The development works will include the runway extension, terminal upgrades and facilities to support the return of commercial passenger services.

The proposal also provides for the retention of existing airport staff and the continuation of the Search and Rescue Service (SARS) contract. The councils airport related assets would also transfer under the investment proposal to the new investor.

If the airports runway is extended, it would allow commercial flights to return to the airport for the first time since 2016.

A briefing on the investment plan was given to elected members of Waterford City and County Council on Thursday afternoon.

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Councillors will vote on whether to sign off on the deal at a special meeting of the council on Thursday, October 17.

Commenting on the deal, William Bolster, Executive of the Bolster Group, said: "It is fantastic to have such private funding in place, removing the need for government money and allowing immediate construction to start.

I urge the council to seriously consider this monumental opportunity for Waterford and the south east.

Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, added: This is a pivotal moment for the South East. The development of Waterford Airport would be a catalyst for growth, enhancing tourism, improving regional connectivity, competitiveness and confidence.

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It would also open new opportunities for investment and projects such as offshore wind energy across the region. The investment shows what is possible when we come together with ambition, passion and focus.

If we get the go ahead, it will send a clear message that the South East is ready to grow and lead on a national stage.

The Bolster Group says that if the plan is approved, construction work would be scheduled to begin 'imminently'.

The news follows the airport boards efforts to secure government funding to extend the runway, which lasted over a year and a half.

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Having had their initial proposal turned down, the airport board was invited to submit a preliminary business case earlier this year.

When approached for comment on the new investment plan, a spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: "Waterford Airport is owned by Waterford Airport plc. A development proposal which does not involve Exchequer funding would no longer be a matter for this department to consider.

"The Chair of Waterford Airport advised the department in August that an alternative investment proposal that did not involve State funding was being considered by the airport. The department has not been notified of any further development in this regard.

"Any such proposal of this nature would be a matter for the shareholders of the airport, which include local authorities (Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford), to consider."

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The Irish Government will outline its annual Budget on Tuesday, amid scrutiny of its tax and expenditure priorities.

It has set parameters for a planned package of 9.4 billion euro in Budget 2026, including 7.9 billion in additional public spending and 1.5 billion euro envelope for tax measures.

The Central Bank, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) and Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) have raised concerns about the risk of the planned Budget package overheating the economy.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers will attempt to allay those fears as they reveal the Budgetary measures in the Dail parliament from 1pm.

Certain features of the Budget have already been well trailed, with Mr Donohoe outlining that there will be no changes to personal taxes, adding that indexation would have taken up the majority of overall the tax package.

It is expected, however, that the Government will move to cut VAT for food-led hospitality from 13.5% to 9%, after a long-running campaign for a sector which has sought to highlight a rising cost of business.

Businesses say the proposal, which will exclude accommodation and is expected to kick in in July rather than January, is necessary to protect jobs.

The Government is also expected to announce a VAT cut for new-build apartments in an effort to drive delivery of housing.

Elsewhere on housing, ministers have highlighted the importance of the renters tax credit, which would be due to expire if not extended on Tuesday.

However, in the first Budget since the election returned Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to Government, coalition figures have warned that there will be no repeat of a bumper cost-of-living package containing other one-off universal measures such as energy credits.

The Government has instead said its approach will focus on more targeted and permanent measures.

Students will be looking to see if there is any permanent cut to student fees, although any reduction below 1,000 euro may be seen as a year-on-year increase after a temporary cut of that amount expires.

Another closely watched measure is the extent of an increase to core social protection rates, with a Christmas bonus also regularly featuring in recent budgets.

Amid regular budget staples like a duty increase for cigarettes, moves to make a trialled scheme of basic income for artists more permanent could also feature.

At the conclusion of the ministers speeches, opposition parties  who have set out their own alternative Budgets in the preceding week  will have the opportunity to respond and critique the coalitions plan for the year ahead.
The funeral of Mark (54), Louise (56), and Evan OConnor (27) took place this morning at St Patricks Church, Dundalk, with family, friends, and members of the community gathering to pay their respects.

Father Gerry Campbell, Parish Priest and Vicar Forane, led the service, joined by Fathers Mark OHagan, Stephen Wilson, Sijo John, and Pat McEnroe. In his homily, Father Campbell reflected on the lives of Mark, Louise, and Evan, highlighting their devotion to family, community, and the causes close to their hearts.

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Mark OConnor was remembered as a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities and a cherished member of the North East Runners Dundalk. Father Campbell described him as a man of quiet integrity who ran lifes race with courage and faith, citing his efforts with Inclusion Ireland and the ABACAS School as examples of his commitment to helping others.

Louise OConnor, a lifelong nurse and community volunteer, was praised for her warmth, musical talents, and devotion to her family. She showed us the face of Christ the Healer, Father Campbell said, recalling her laughter, kindness, and commitment to those around her.

Evan, the couples youngest son, was remembered for his infectious joy and love of life. From his colourful odd socks to his enthusiasm for holidays, swimming, and time spent at the Praxis Hub in Drogheda.

Personal gifts were also presented during the service, reflecting the passions of each of the OConnors: Marks running medals and books, Louises choir music and a cat collar, and Evans holiday photo book, swimming cap, odd socks, and model train.

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In his homily Father Gerry Campbell spoke of the outpouring of love for the OConnor and Doherty families,

If you look at website rip.ie, you will find nearly thirty pages of condolences that is unprecedented: all from people who worked with Mark and Louise, from runners, from the Abacas school and the Hub Praxis in Drogheda and from people who, while they may have never met them at all, felt so moved by their story that they reached out.

When we look at their family, their son and brother Cian who has been exceptionally strong throughout these last days and your very supportive fiancee Shauna. When we think about Sadie, Bernadette and Ann. When we look at: Marcus, Majella, Deirdre and Antoinette as well as Chris, Anita, Caroline, Ruth and Mary. You have been exceptional throughout this long goodbye.

And to hear your love and compassion for Robert in the midst of this heartbreak is a powerful Christian witness to us all. We add our prayers to yours  that the Lord, who said Come to me, and I will give you rest, will surround Robert with His strength, His peace, and His healing presence.

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But perhaps, as we gather here today, there are families across this country quietly wondering, How close are we to something like this happening in our own home? Given that Mark devoted his life to advocating for the disability sector and for those in need, it would be remiss of me not to echo his spirit and appeal for greater care, compassion, and resources for mental health in our nation. We cannot bring them back  but we can honour them by ensuring that no other family has to walk this road alone.

Cian OConnor, son of Mark and Louise and brother of Evan, delivered a moving eulogy celebrating the lives of his family.

"No words can truly reflect how we all feel," he said.

He spoke of his fathers dedication to his family and community, including his support for Evan and finding camaraderie with North East Runners Dundalk.

He remembered Evan as a joyful presence whose smile lit up every room and praised his mother Louise for her warmth, charity work, and excitement for Cians upcoming wedding. He also spoke of the enduring love, patience, and kindness of the three and the rich, meaningful lives they led.

The funeral ended with a recording of Louise singing Moonriver played in the church.

Family members requested that attendees wear odd socks in memory of Evans individualistic spirit and asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to The Hub Praxis in Drogheda and the ABACAS School.
The Irish Governments Budget has left working people out in the cold, Sinn Fein has said.

The partys finance spokesman Pearse Doherty accused ministers of abandoning election pledges and giving nothing to those impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

The Budget delivered on Tuesday by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, included 2.9 billion euro for the delivery of new-build social homes and second-hand acquisitions and 10 euro increases to weekly social protection payments.

Delivering his Budget response statement in the Dail, Mr Doherty said: When all the clapping is done, when all the back-slapping is over and the Government benches die down, when all of the spin that we have heard, the bluster, the deluded arrogance that has come dripping from both ministers speeches, ordinary people, where are they?

They are left in the cold.

He added: Your big message in this Budget, and people have heard it loud and clear today, is that you are on your own.

This is a Budget which abandons workers and families to look after those at the top. No help with the cost-of-living crisis  no break from taxes, a blueprint for the continuation for the never-ending crises in our housing and health.

Election promises one after the other, torn up and thrown in the bin.

He said that announced increases in petrol and diesel prices was one of the worst Government decisions we have had.

Mr Doherty added: I am shocked by what is in this Budget.

I was asked by somebody in the media what do I think, and I said I dont believe it, there is something they are going to pull out, there is no way they are going to abandon workers in the way that was suggested.

But by god you did that, you gave them nothing.

This Budget reads as a catalogue of handouts for those at the top.

He added: If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of ordinary households that is impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, if you are one of the people who is facing the avalanche of rip-off bills and struggling to make ends meet, then this Budget screws you over.

It is empty, it is hollow and it is a dead end.

Mr Doherty said people in Ireland wanted and needed a cost-of-living budget.

He said: During the general election you told everybody that the cost of living was the number one issue, that the cost of living issue would be dealt with by your parties.

It wont be lost on anybody that last years budget, just ahead of the election, there was no problem providing a cost-of-living package.

It is now clear that was just a sweetener bribing people with their own money for votes.

The Sinn Fein TD said he had never seen election promises abandoned so fast and so completely.

He added: You made a conscious decision in this Budget, you prioritised the landlords, the developers, the investors at the expense of ordinary workers.

You have really shown your true colours, you have taken a calculated risk.

You hope that people will forget this by the time the next election comes around.

But I fear folks, the people are going to remember this one because you have shafted them royally.

Labour Party TD Ged Nash said the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael coalition was a bigger threat to Irelands economy than Donald Trumps tariffs.

He told the Dail: The story of Ireland over the last decade has been a story of missed opportunities.

The catastrophic failure to build the homes we need.

A Government so crippled by caution and its own conservatism that we are only now, a decade into an unprecedented spell of uninterrupted growth, facing up to the chronic infrastructure deficits in transport, health, education and energy that puts our economic model and our society at risk.

He added: Fianna Fail and Fine Gael combined are the single biggest threats to Irelands economy, not Donald Trump and his tariffs.

Together they have delivered a Budget of broken promises for workers and dreams that have come true for developers.

Mr Nash said there was a faint whiff of 2008 around the place.

He said: Recent history shows us you cant keep cutting taxes and ramp up spending at the same time and expect a good outcome for our country.

Social Democrats TD Cian OCallaghan said large corporations would benefit most from a cut in the VAT rate for food and catering businesses announced in the Budget.

He said: Budgets are about choices and the choices made by this Government in this Budget couldnt be any clearer  look after large corporations and developers at the expense of ordinary people and those who are struggling.

There is no hiding it or disguising it, no way to spin it, this Governments choice is clear.

He added: Your Budget awards multi-national companies like McDonalds and Starbucks millions in extra profits while families choosing between heating and eating are denied targeted energy credits.

More and more children sink further into poverty, it really is outrageous.

A blanket VAT cut across the sector means large profitable chains will disproportionately benefit, raking in huge sums because you are cutting their taxes.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said it was a Budget of austerity at a time of plenty.

He added: It is a Budget that is going to make life for ordinary people harder  while we have a very, very large budget surplus and while 1.7 billion euro is being given to corporations in various forms of corporate welfare.
KILKENNY LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY ORMONDE TAX ADVISORS

There have been mixed reactions to Budget 2026 since its announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers both addressed the Dail after 1pm.

Minister Donohoe said the Budget will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today.

Minister Chambers added that it represents an opportunity for a renewed economic and fiscal approach.

Both ministers announced a range of measures to be introduced. Among the most noticeable was a VAT reduction for the hospitality industry, an increase in the minimum wage and the extension of the renters tax credit.

However, the absence of the one-off cost-of-living measures and increases in tax bands that have featured regularly in recent years has proved controversial.

Speaking in the Dail, Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty widely criticised those decisions, accusing the Government of leaving ordinary people in the cold.

He slammed Minister Donohoe and Minister Chambers for displaying deluded arrogance and receiving self-congratuloraty applause.

Addressing those ministers, Mr Doherty said: Your big message here in this Budget [...] is that youre on your own. This is a Budget written by Fine Gael [...] that abandons workers and families to look after those at the top.

He said that the Budget provided no help with the cost-of-living crisis and was a blueprint for the continuation of the never-ending crises in housing and health.

He added that it reeks as a catalogue of handouts for those at the top and screws over the working class.

Other opposition parties have also criticised the Budget, with Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Cian OCallaghan describing it as characterised by bad choices and missed opportunities.

Meanwhile, Mr OCallaghans Labour counterpart, Conor Sheehan, said the Governments lack of focus on homelessness was disgraceful.

Outside of Leinster House, a number of other organisations have also been providing their reaction to the Budget.

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, has said that the planned increase in the minimum wage is a short-sighted and anti-business measure which will lead to many businesses closing their doors.

Meanwhile, The Irish Wheelchair Association has described the Budget as utterly disappointing, citing the failure of the Government to provide for a permanent cost of disability payment.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said that it lacks the ambition required when it comes to scaling up staffing and capacity in the public health service.

Elsewhere, Simon Communities of Ireland said that while its refreshing to hear that housing has been at the forefront of Governments minds the lack of mention of homeless prevention measures was deeply disappointing.

The Irish Heart Foundation also expressed their disappointment at the 50c increase on a pack of cigarettes, which it said was insufficient to drive significant reductions in Irish smoking rates.

However, other organisations have welcomed the Budget, with The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) expressing their delight at a reduction in VAT for food services.

Meanwhile, Property Industry Ireland, the Ibec group for businesses working in the property sector, welcomed the reduction in VAT for new apartments.

The primary school teachers' union, the INTO, said the 50 primary capitation increase showed the Government had heard the sector's calls.

The National Womens Council (NWC) welcomed investment in childcare and some targeted measures to tackle womens inequality but warned that overall Budget measures lacked ambition and will not address structural inequalities that women experience.

Chambers Ireland welcomed the Budgets commitments on infrastructure and housing but said it leaves some questions unanswered for the business community.

While there is a lot left to unpack, Budget 2026 looks set to divide opinion right across the country over the coming weeks.
In the previous few columns I have explored some of the great towns of Roman Britain  so, as a change of pace, here I will begin a new mini-series on the countrys great prehistoric sites. I will commence this month with a series of locations in Norfolk and Suffolk where there is evidence for Palaeolithic activity, some dating back to the Lower Palaeolithic (c.3.3 million-300,000 years ago), others spanning the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic (c.300,000-50,000 and c.50,000-12,000 years ago, respectively). This is far outside the research timespan of most archaeologists, and involves partnership with a host of disciplines in the earth sciences: it can feel like distinctly unfamiliar territory. To help explain these sites and finds, Current Archaeology has produced regular updates on the wider research landscape. A crucial starting point is CA 190 (February 2004), which introduced the Ancient Human Occupation of Britain (AHOB) project of 2001-2011. CA 210 (July 2007) followed up on this after the publication of Chris Stringers book Homo Britannicus, which remains the best general introduction to this subject; meanwhile, CA 330 (September 2017) and CA 331 (October 2017) featured Nick Ashtons book Early Humans, providing a deep dive into the Palaeolithic and the Mesolithic. Most recently, CA 372 (March 2021) introduced the latest key book on the topic: Rebecca Wragg-Sykes Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death, and Art.

CA 201 covered the discovery of a handaxe in Happisburgh, found by a man walking his dog along the beach in 2000. The artefact was subsequently dated to c.700,000 years ago, pushing back the date of human activity in Britain by more than 200,000 years.

ADVENTURES IN DEEP TIME

Focusing on Suffolk and Norfolk, the two most important sites are Pakefield in the former and Happisburgh in the latter  both on the coast, where cycles of erosion regularly expose new materials. CA 201 (January 2006) first examined these sites at the time of what remains one of the greatest finds in the history of British archaeology: a handaxe discovered in situ in coastal muds by a man walking his dog along the beach in 2000. He was a keen collector of fossils and minerals and spotted the axe at extreme low tide; he reported it to Cromer Museum, who then reported it to Norwich Museum, who in turn reported it to the British Museum. Fieldwork to follow up the find securely dated the thick peaty deposit within which it was discovered to around 700,000 years ago. In a flash, this single artefact had shown that humans were present in what became Britain 200,000 years earlier than had previously been known. Remember to keep a similarly sharp eye out on your next coastal walk!

The history of hominins in Britain, as covered by a Natural History Museum exhibition that was running at the time, was explored in CA 288.

CA 201 outlined the history of the discovery, as well as the wider chronology and context of both Happisburgh and Pakefield, and the magazine revisited the former site, reporting on additional fieldwork, in CA 246 (September 2010). In total, more than 70 flint tools and flakes were eventually unearthed along the Happisburgh foreshore. CA 288 (March 2014) then returned to both locations in a multi-site review linked to the Natural History Museum exhibition One Million Years of the Human Story that was on display at that time. By this point, six Palaeolithic sites had been identified at Happisburgh, including the oldest archaeological site in northern Europe (Site 3, approximately 900,000 years old, notable for its excellent organic preservation) and what may be the worlds oldest underwater archaeological site. CA 288 also dug into the details of Pakefield, located 20 miles south of Happisburgh in neighbouring Suffolk and long suspected to be a likely source of Palaeolithic finds. Fieldwork in the early 2000s proved these suspicions right, with more than 30 worked flints identified, including a flaked core and debitage from tool-making, all from clearly stratified deposits containing fossil plants and animals, which helped to securely date the site to at least 700,000 years ago.

CAs most recent visit to both sites came in April 2014 (issue 289), with yet another remarkable find: the earliest known human footprints in Europe, just to the south of the main site at Happisburgh. They were discovered, preserved in the mud, in May 2013 in a newly uncovered sediment layer of the low-tide foreshore, and research subsequently identified them as the oldest known hominin footprints outside Africa, dating to around 850,000-950,000 years ago. Cumulatively, the discoveries made at Happisburgh and Pakefield during the early 2000s transformed our understanding of not just British but global prehistory, shifting back dates for the earliest human occupation in this area, and triggering questions about relative chronologies and human abilities in the deep past. These were extraordinary finds made under extraordinary circumstances.

THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE NORFOLK ELEPHANTS

CA 149 outlined what happened after two locals walking along the beach in West Runton in 1990 discovered what looked like a large bone sticking out of the cliff face. It turned out to be the pelvic bone of a large steppe mammoth.

Fifteen miles further north along the Norfolk coast from Happisburgh lies West Runton, between Sheringham and Cromer. CA 149 (September 1996) outlined what happened after two locals walking along the beach there in 1990 discovered what looked like a large bone sticking out of the cliff face, and CA 201 (January 2006) returned with wider context. The find turned out to be the pelvic bone of a large steppe mammoth, and a year later a local fossil hunter discovered more bones nearby, triggering a full excavation. This unearthed 85% of one elephant, representing the most complete set of bones of a steppe mammoth yet unearthed in the world, encased within a freshwater bed  a five-foot thick layer of mud deposited by a river 600,000-700,000 years ago.

A related set of finds were then made under very different circumstances at Lynford Quarry, near Thetford in Norfolk (in a twist of fate, the site lies midway between Neolithic Grimes Graves and the find-spot of the famous West Tofts Acheulean handaxe). CA 182 (November 2002) outlined the sites discovery and excavation, and CA 205 (September 2006) returned with a wider discussion of its significance (see also CA 232, July 2009, for the context of the site in the wider story of human evolution). Work there eventually showed it to be a well-preserved Neanderthal hunting/butchery site of the Middle Palaeolithic, dating to approximately 60,000 years ago and including in situ the remains of at least nine woolly mammoths associated with stone tools and debitage, with the artefactual and environmental evidence all neatly sealed within a palaeochannel.

THE INVENTION OF PREHISTORY

Excavations at Lynford Quarry, reported in CA 182, revealed a Neanderthal hunting/butchery site.

Before I conclude my tour of Palaeolithic East Anglia, I will alight briefly at two further locations, both in Suffolk. The first is Hoxne, five miles south-east of Diss. CA 211 (September 2007) and CA 223 (October 2008) discuss its importance as a major Palaeolithic site, dating from between c.424,000 and 374,000 years ago, that produced numerous flint artefacts (especially some fine handaxes and scrapers) and animal bones from a silted-up lake. These were identified in commercial brick-workings, as well as in archaeological excavations, from the late 18th century onwards. The finds made there were among some of the earliest of their type, and they were crucial to the work of John Frere (1740-1807) and John Evans (1823-1908) in developing their theories about the deep past  the foundation stone of all subsequent studies in what has been dubbed the invention of prehistory.

Meanwhile, CA 113 (February 1989) visited High Lodge near Mildenhall. This site, too, had been first discovered long ago, its artefacts described together with its stratigraphy by Evans in the 1860s. But CA 113 examined it in the context of what was known of the British Palaeolithic at that time, before returning in CA 123 (February 1991) when new field-work was under way, clarifying that the archaeological remains, including flint tools, found within its clayey-silts should be dated to about 450,000 years ago.

Together, these six sites provide a stunning array of materials that have transformed our understanding of the deep past. I will continue this theme in next months issue, when I head south to Kent and Sussex to explore the related Palaeolithic sites and finds of that region. You can read more about the research underlying the discoveries discussed this month at www.pabproject.org and www.ahobproject.org. Nothing of these projects fieldwork remains visible, although the beaches at Happisburgh, Pakefield, and West Runton are all accessible to the public. Great care should be taken when visiting, however, due to the instability of the cliffs and unpredictability of the tides.
If you've taken a dip in the ocean and felt the waters are strangely warmer, then youre not wrong. A new map produced by the University of NSW using 40 years of satellite data highlights how waters around most of Australia are steadily heating.

Of particular concern are beaches in the Tasman Sea on Australia's southeast coast, where the sea surface temperature in some regions has risen by more than 1.5 degrees.

UNSW climate scientist and oceanographer Professor Matthew England said these waters from NSW down to the southern tip of Tasmania stand out on a global scale. The Tasman Sea has warmed faster than almost any other ocean region on Earth, he told Yahoo News.

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Beaches along the southeast are naturally heated by the East Australian Current (EAC), which carries tropical waters from the Great Barrier Reef south like a conveyor belt. But it's now intensifying because global warming and the hole in the ozone layer have caused the winds that govern its behaviour to strengthen and move southwards.

Because this water contains few nutrients, the warming is unlikely to cause an algal bloom similar to whats impacted hundreds of kilometres of South Australias coastline. But the warming is having an impact on marine species thats largely going unnoticed by beachgoers.

Long-term, it will have an impact on the type of fish that are caught and farmed in these waters.

Satellite data from 1982 to 2025 shows increasing sea surface temperatures around much of Australia. There are some anomalies requiring investigation, including a small blue patch at Shark Bay in Western Australia. Map: Alex Sen Gupta/UNSW Data: NOAA

Tropical fish moving south as water warms

Tropical species are already beginning to invade and then establish themselves in southern waters, creating competition for local species. UNSW Professor of Oceanography, Moninya Roughan, explained that historically, they would ride the EAC down south to Sydney Harbour and then die because it was too cold.

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But its not getting too cold anymore, and theyre not dying, she said. What were seeing is a loss of kelp forests, and more tropical species are surviving over winter and getting settled further south.

Its not just NSW where kelp forests and the fish they support are being destroyed. In Tasmania and Victorias Port Phillip Bay, warmer ocean temperatures have favoured native sea urchins, which have exploded in numbers and ravaged the landscape. While over in Western Australia, a 2010-2011 marine heatwave caused a 100km decrease in the Kalbarri kelp forests and seagrass.

UNSW marine heatwave expert, Associate Professor Alex Sen Gupta, explained that the water in this region of Western Australia is now too warm for the forest to regrow.

On the west coast of Australia, the impact of global warming probably hasnt been as obvious as it has been on the Great Barrier Reef. But when we do get marine heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent because of global warming, we get big mortality events with seagrass and corals, he told Yahoo News.

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Related:  Locals 'horrified' as great browning spreads through forests thought to be 'invulnerable'

Satellite data from 1982 to 2022 taken from CMEMS shows increasing sea surface temperatures around much of Australia. Map: Alex Sen Gupta/UNSW Data: CMEMS

Expert warns there is 'worse to come'

The map of Australia's ocean surface temperatures was created using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite data from 1982 and 2025. A second map that used information gathered by the Copernicus Marine Service (CMEMS) from 1982 to 2022 confirmed the warming trend.

Increasing sea surface temperatures will also impact life on land because the change results in warm, moisture-laden air. Up north, this means tropical cyclones will become more intense and in places like Sydney, residents will experience more rainfall and, of course, mould.

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Professor England is concerned that significant warming has now occurred around nearly all of Australias coastline, and he warns projections indicate there is worse to come.

The oceans have absorbed more than 90 per cent of the anthropogenic heat we have trapped in our climate system due to increasing greenhouse gases, he said.

As a result of that heat uptake, sea levels are rising, global humidity has increased significantly, flooding rains are becoming more prevalent, and marine ecosystems are under unprecedented stress.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Newly released court documents indicate a new suspect in an April shooting in downtown Columbia has been arrested and charged.

Travis Anderson Jones Jr., 22, is being held at the Boone County Jail and faces five felony charges: first-degree assault, armed criminal action, stealing a firearm, tampering with evidence and resisting arrest.

The Columbia Police Department identified Jones as a suspect who fled from police early on April 13 after a shooting near the corner of Ninth Street and Broadway that left two men injured. One man was shot in the leg, and one man was shot in the neck, according to a newly released probable cause statement.

According to court documents, charges were filed against Jones on April 24, but prosecutors asked that the record be sealed and withheld from Missouri's online court record system until Jones was arrested. Prosecutors said sealing the records would help prevent Jones from finding out about a warrant for his arrest, according to court documents.

Investigators connected Jones to the shooting based on a hoodie with a distinctive design the suspect was seen wearing on security camera footage, a firearm found in the suspect's path that was matched to one Jones was seen holding in a photo, and spent cartridge casings at the scene, according to a probable cause statement.

Jones had an initial appearance at the Boone County Courthouse set for Tuesday afternoon, according to court records.
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David Raleigh

A newly constructed 96-bed block at the chronically overcrowded University Hospital Limerick is expected to be fully operational on Wednesday.

Most of the beds were open on Tuesday; however, it was expected that all 96 beds would be available on Wednesday, the HSE said.

The block, which is made up of four wards of 24 beds, will be officially launched by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, next Monday, October 13th.

We expect that all four new additional wards will be operational by Wednesday, October 8th, said a HSE Mid West spokesman.

Just under 400 whole-time equivalent additional staff are being recruited to support the opening of the new beds, the majority of whom are now in post.

Recruitment is ongoing to fill the remaining posts."

The 96-bed block is the first of three proposed at University Hospital Limerick, which will aim to reduce patient overcrowding as well as reduce the risk of patient safety.

The hospital has been subject to a number of reviews and investigations following the deaths of several patients, during high levels of patient overcrowding and understaffing.

UHL provides the only 24-hour Emergency Department in the mid-west region (Limerick, Clare, north Tipperary), but it also receives patients from parts of north Cork, and north Kerry.

There were 84 patients languishing on trolleys and waiting for a bed at cubicles, corridors, and wards at the Limerick hospital today, according to figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

According to Trolleygar figures, published by the HSE, there were 40 patients on trolleys at UHL.

Last Sunday, the HSE said UHL was experiencing exceptionally high demand with a significant number of admitted patients being accommodated on trolleys.

It urged, where possible, that patients use all available alternative services to the Limerick emergency department.

Injury Units and Out-of-Hours GP services are fully operational and can provide care for non-life-threatening conditions, it said.

The HSE said the ED at UHL remained open for patients with life-threatening emergencies, however, patients with less urgent injuries or illnesses are likely to wait substantial waiting times.

It said additional staff have been rostered at weekends to increase patient discharges and apologised to patients facing an unacceptably long waiting time for a bed.

Last week, a review of emergency healthcare in the region, undertaken by government health watchdog, HIQA, recommended a number of options for increasing bed capacity and thereby reducing the risk to patient safety, which included the construction of an additional hospital and/or extending the UHL site.

It also called for enhanced pre-hospital emergency care services to reduce demand at the consistently overcrowded Limerick ED.

The Government's Acute Hospital Inpatient Bed Capacity Expansion Plan, published in 2024, said the mid-west region required 382 additional hospital beds by 2031.

A report by Deloitte, and commissioned by UHL in 2022, said a total of 365 beds, including 302 extra inpatient beds and 63 day case beds, were required to meet demand in the region.

In 2009, Accident and Emergency units were reconfigured to UHL from Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, and St Johns Hospital, Limerick.
The National Museum of Industrial History has acquired a collection of archival materials from the late Frank Fabian, a former Bethlehem Steel draftsman and local historian, and his wife Bernice.

Frank Fabian worked for Bethlehem Steel Corporation for 30 years, primarily in the blast furnace and coke oven divisions, while developing an appreciation for local history. He collected materials related to the history of Bethlehem, surrounding areas, and the Bethlehem Steel Plant, with particular expertise on Shimersville.

Shimersville was an 18th and 19th-century mill village located just east of South Bethlehem that harnessed power from the Saucon Creek as it emptied into the Lehigh River. The Bethlehem Steel Corporation purchased the villages land holdings and assets in 1920 to expand plant operations.

These materials represent an important time of growth in the history of the Bethlehem Plant, and we are indebted to Mr. Fabian and his family for preserving and sharing them to enhance the knowledge of future generations, said Andria Zaia, president and CEO at the National Museum of Industrial History.

The Frank & Bernice Fabian Collection includes photographs of Bethlehem Steel employees and projects, newspaper clippings and articles, books, and engineering drawings.

The Fabian Family is very grateful to the National Museum of Industrial History for this wonderful honor to our parents, Frank and Bernices family stated.

The archival materials will be preserved in the museums archives as a resource for researchers and displayed in future exhibitions. A selection will be shown during the Steel Weekend event at the museum on Oct. 11 and 12. The Fabian family also donated materials to the Lower Saucon Historical Society.

Generative AI was used to organize and structure information for this story, based on data provided by the National Museum of Industrial History. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff.
After merging Sussex and Warren county affiliates last year, the organization is looking to strengthen its regional presence with a new retail warehouse location. Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com

Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey is searching for a location to open a ReStore in Sussex County, aiming to boost funding for its home building and repair programs.

The nonprofit currently operates an office in Newton but lacks the retail space that has proven valuable in other locations. According to volunteer coordinator Melanie Thiel, the absence of a ReStore in Sussex County limits the organizations effectiveness.

The ReStore locations are helpful because they boost the organizations income and provide our volunteers with access to all of the sorts of resources they might need to furnish and repair homes we work on, Thiel said. Having a ReStore in Sussex County will greatly contribute to funding homes we build and home repair programs we provide.

The planned ReStore would sell housewares, small furniture, tools, books, antiques, collectibles, electronics, decorations, art, toys, and appliances. Thiel said the organization is seeking a space of at least 7,000 square feet for the Sussex County location.

Habitat for Humanity Northwest New Jersey represents a recently merged affiliate, created when the Sussex and Warren County branches combined last year.

The nonprofit already operates an office and two ReStore warehouses in Washington. Habitat for Humanity has served Sussex County since 1993 and Warren County since 1999.

More information about the organization is available at https://habitatnwnj.org.
A young man who was raped at the age of 11 has told his abuser that he will not carry the guilt anymore  that he is reclaiming my voice, my story and my life.

Devin ODonnell (19) was reading from his victim impact statement at the Central Criminal Court sentence hearing of Joseph Campbell (63) of Castle Court, Daingean, Co Offaly.

Campbell, who is the father of Mr ODonnells step-mother, was jailed for eight and a half years today. Campbell maintains his innocence and does not accept the verdict of the jury.

Fionnuala OSullivan SC, prosecuting, told the court that Mr ODonnell wishes to waive his right to anonymity so Campbell can be named in reporting the case.

Mr ODonnell said in his victim impact statement, You didnt just hurt me in that moment, you changed how I experienced the world. You planted silence inside me.

And for a long time, I felt that silence keep my quiet, because the shame felt louder than my voice. But Im not that scared little child anymore.

Im speaking now, not because Im over it but because I am choosing to fight for myself, even when it is hard.

What you did stole parts of my life that I will never get back. But you didnt take everything. You didnt take my strength. You didnt take my future. You didnt take my ability to heal.

I am still here. And Im slowly learning that I was never the one who should have felt ashamed, you were, Mr ODonnell continued.

Campbell was convicted following a trial last June on what is termed as Section 4 rape  anal rape  at Mr ODonnells home in October 2017. He had denied the charges. Further charges of sexual assault perpetrated by Campbell on the victim in December 2021 were taken into account.

Following his victim impact statement during an earlier sentence hearing last July, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring said to the teenager that her advice would be that it is never too late to return to education.

I know you didnt finish your Leaving Certificate. It is never too late to go back. You are intelligent. I hope you find a path and if that means more education or training, you wont be afraid to do it, Ms Justice Ring said.

She previously adjourned the sentence hearing to allow for the preparation of a report from the Probation Services.

Sentencing Campbell today she noted Mr ODonnells resilience and said he had faced many challenges throughout his life.

He was preyed upon by a person whom he should have trusted  no child should have to have these experiences, she said.

Speaking about Mr ODonnell, she said it was clear that he is loved by many.

While this abuse has marked him, it should not define him. He is so much more than what Joseph Campbell did to him, Ms Justice Ring said before

She added that she hopes new normal and happy life events will outweigh this experience before she wished Mr ODonnell all the best for the future.

Ms Justice Ring said the aggravating features included the fact that Campbell was a grandfather figure in the family structure and breached the trust that such a role brings.

She further noted that he does not accept the verdict and has shown no insight or victim empathy.

He threatened an 11-year-old whose mother had just died  the psychological and emotional abuse that causes extends the physical harm, Ms Justice Ring said.

She accepted in mitigation that Campbell has no previous convictions.

Ms Justice Ring set a headline sentence of 11 years before reducing the sentence to 10 years. She suspended the final 18 months of that term after acknowledging that Campbells re-entry into society would be difficult.

Campbell was further ordered that neither he, nor anyone on his behalf, should have contact with Mr ODonnell either directly or indirectly, while he is in prison and for a further five years after his release.

Concurrent terms of six years were imposed for the sexual assault offences and Campbell was also ordered to engage with the Probation Service for 12 months upon his release from prison.

Detective Garda Suzanne Neary told Ms OSullivan that Mr ODonnell first made a complaint to gardai in 2023, recording two interviews with specialist gardai in March and October that year. He was 17-years-old at that time.

Campbell is the father of Mr O'Donnell's step-mother and he had gone to live with his own father and step-mother when his mother died when he was eight years old.

He was playing the Playstation upstairs in his home when Campbell called him downstairs to the sitting room. He asked the boy if he was gay and when Mr ODonnell replied that it was none of his business, Campbell sexually assaulted him by touching his private parts over his clothes.

He pushed Campbell away and ran off crying. He told his friend over messages what had happened but immediately deleted it.

Campbell called the boy back downstairs, apologised and tried to give him 10. The boy ran from the house in what he described as pouring rain to his friends home. He contacted his aunt and she arranged to meet him at a nearby train station.

Mr ODonnells aunt brought him to a garda station to make a complaint against Campbell. He stayed with her for a week but was forced to return to his father and step-mother. He ran away from home to live with his maternal grandmother and has lived there since.

Mr ODonnell was interviewed by specialist garda in March and in October 2023, during a second interview he disclosed that the abuse he previously disclosed was not the first time he had been abused by Campbell.

He said when he was 11 years old he was anally raped by the man who was sleeping in a spare bed in the boys bedroom. Campbell had orally raped the boy before he turned him over and raped him.

He was told by Campbell that if he told anyone what had happened, he would be put into care.

Mr ODonnell told gardai: I had the fear of God in me  so I stayed quiet.

Campbell was arrested and interviewed. He denied the allegation and said he had never been in the bedroom with the child.

John Hayden SC, defending, submitted that his client had not issued any threats or used intimidation.

Ms Justice Ring interjected and suggested that counsel might reconsider as to whether a threat to take a child into care could be considered intimidating.

Mr Hayden told the court today that a number of testimonials had been handed up on his clients behalf. He said Campbell had been diagnosed as having a mild learning disability and has significant mental health difficulties, including episodes of depression.

Mr Hayden said that a testimonial from a woman in Campbells local community said she had known the man 30 years and had daily contact with both him and his family. She described him as someone who has always been respectful, kind and caring and said that he was a great support to her son in recent times.

A testimonial from Campbells ex-wife, who is the mother of his three children, said Campbell had brought her two older children from a previous relationship, up as his own. She said he loved and cherished all five children and continues to do so. She said she is fearful of his ability to cope in custody and is concerned his mental health will deteriorate.

Campbells stepdaughter said he was the best father someone could ask for and said he was the kindest man she has ever known. She said he is a fabulous grandfather to all his grandchildren and they love and adore him.

Mr Hayden said his client had no previous convictions, has never come to garda attention and a probation report put him at a low risk of sexual offending.

This is the Victim Impact Statement in full read to the court by Devin ODonnell

What happened to me as a child has never left me. It wasnt just something that happened in a moment and ended, it was something that planted itself deep inside me, and grew into fear, shame, confusion, and heartbreak that I have carried ever since.

I was just a child. I didnt understand what was happening. I just remember feeling small, scared and like something inside me was being stolen. You took away a part of me I never got back. My safety. My innocence. My ability to feel okay in my own skin.

Growing up, I felt different from everyone else but not in a good way. I smiled, laughed and pretended everything was normal but inside I was hurting. I felt dirty. I felt broken. I thought something was wrong with me. And worst of all, I thought maybe it was my fault. That maybe I had done something to deserve it. No child should ever have to think that.

I lost trust in people before I even had the chance to build it. I lost trust in myself. And that followed me in everything, into my friendships, into how I saw myself, and especially into my relationships. Love became something I feared. Intimacy made me feel unsafe. I would flinch at kindness because I didnt know it was real. I still find myself waiting for people to hurt me.

You didnt just hurt me in that moment, you changed how I experienced the world. You planted silence inside me. And for a long time, I felt that silence keep my quiet, because the shame felt lounder than my voice. But Im not that scared little child anymore.

What I carry myself here today with is more than any young person should carry. Myself Im here telling my story. A story that should never even need to be told in the first place. A story that put me through hell and back just for someone to listen out to my calls for help.

No child should ever have to feel the way I felt that night, those days after and even up to today, as I stand in front of a judge finally getting my ever-craving peace I so desperately sought out to find. I wont stand here today and tell you Im a healed person, that my past has been buried and forgotten about when it hasnt, to his day whether its watching TV or with my own partner together, I still feel the shame, the pain the never-ending hopelessness feeling that comes with it. But what I can say to you is I have gotten better at masking it, because when youre a child in a situation like my own you learn to mask every struggle until you find your way through. Unfortunately, I am still on that journey.

Im speaking now, not because Im over it but because I am choosing to fight for myself, even when it is hard.

What you did stole parts of my life that I will never get back. But you didnt take everything. You didnt take my strength. You didnt take my future. You didnt take my ability to heal. I am still here. And Im slowly learning that I was never the one who should have felt ashamed, you were.

Ill carry the scars, but I will not carry your guilt anymore. This is my reclaiming my voice, my story and my life.

And lastly, as I stand in front of you today, I would like to thank the people who have made me the person I am today and has been by my side through it all.

I want to thank my Nanny Julie for going through all the hardship with me but still stood with me.

I want to thank my Auntie Ann Marie who from the second she got that call was there by my side through it all.

I also want to thank my best mate who didnt need to take my side and be a part of this but he did out of the goodness of his heart which means more than anything to me.

Id like to thank Detective Suzanne Neary, Roisin Kelly, my legal team and to the judge and jury who sat through my case and listened to everything.

And for my final thank you Id like to thank my boyfriend, Colin. He has gotten me through more than he knows and I wouldnt have the confidence, my spark and my hope without him.
The family of a young schoolgirl who was knocked down near her school in Portarlington has praised those who responded at the scene.

10 year-old Christina Betyarova was crossing the Station Road in Portarlington when she was hit by a car on Wednesday, September 24 at around 2.40pm.

Christinas mother Lucie Betyarova said the staff was very good from the ambulance and they were there in five minutes. She said the hospital staff at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, were also very good in dealing with the incident.

Lucie also praised a man who was in traffic and got out of his car to provide assistance at the scene and then waited with Christina until the ambulance arrived and she said the School Principal had also helped.

Christina was rushed to hospital in Tullamore where she underwent tests and was examined for broken bones and internal injuries. Thankfully, she didnt have any serious injuries and was able to return home that night suffering from bruising.

Her sister Sophie said she got brought to the hospital and they did like screens on her, and nothing was broken. Sophie said her sister, who attends the local Presentation Primary School, was crossing the road after some friends when she was struck by the car.

She said that while Christina only suffered bruising as a result of the collision, the incident has left her anxious and she is now brought to and from school by her parents despite living in a nearby estate.

When asked if Christina was nervous around traffic, Sophie said, she is a bit about crossing the roads and stuff. She doesnt expect Christina to get over the incident any time soon. It will take time, she will obviously remember it forever, Sophie said.

She is concerned about safety along Station Road where roadworks have been ongoing for a number of weeks. She thinks the work should have been carried out during the summer and not while the children are back in school.

Sophie said her family has lived in Ireland for 20 years, having moved to Limerick before settling in Portarlington 10 years ago. The family are originally from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Pictured above from left to Right: Christina Betyarova, Ludovit Betyar,Lucie Betyarova, David Paul Betyar, Natalie Betyarova and Sophie Ela Betyarova.

Local Cllr Aidan Mullins said he was aware of difficulties being faced by residents due to the ongoing works on Station Road. I have had a number of complaints about the traffic management system, he said.

There is a lot of complaints about a**holes going against the flow of traffic, said Cllr Mullins.

He said stop go traffic management systems were particularly annoying when they are in place outside schools. Cllr Mullins expects the work to be completed by the end of this month.

A spokesperson for Laois County Council said: The current ongoing works on Station Road are planned to be completed by the end of October. Laois County Council is ensuring that safety is the priority while the works are ongoing by continuously monitoring the project and taking the appropriate measures to ensure pedestrian safety throughout the works area.
LAOIS LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY ND AUDIT AND ADVISORY

There have been mixed reactions to Budget 2026 since its announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers both addressed the Dail after 1pm.

Minister Donohoe said the Budget will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today.

Minister Chambers added that it represents an opportunity for a renewed economic and fiscal approach.

Both ministers announced a range of measures to be introduced. Among the most noticeable was a VAT reduction for the hospitality industry, an increase in the minimum wage and the extension of the renters tax credit.

However, the absence of the one-off cost-of-living measures and increases in tax bands that have featured regularly in recent years has proved controversial.

Speaking in the Dail, Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty widely criticised those decisions, accusing the Government of leaving ordinary people in the cold.

He slammed Minister Donohoe and Minister Chambers for displaying deluded arrogance and receiving self-congratuloraty applause.

Addressing those ministers, Mr Doherty said: Your big message here in this Budget [...] is that youre on your own. This is a Budget written by Fine Gael [...] that abandons workers and families to look after those at the top.

He said that the Budget provided no help with the cost-of-living crisis and was a blueprint for the continuation of the never-ending crises in housing and health.

He added that it reeks as a catalogue of handouts for those at the top and screws over the working class.

Other opposition parties have also criticised the Budget, with Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Cian OCallaghan describing it as characterised by bad choices and missed opportunities.

Meanwhile, Mr OCallaghans Labour counterpart, Conor Sheehan, said the Governments lack of focus on homelessness was disgraceful.

Outside of Leinster House, a number of other organisations have also been providing their reaction to the Budget.

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, has said that the planned increase in the minimum wage is a short-sighted and anti-business measure which will lead to many businesses closing their doors.

Meanwhile, The Irish Wheelchair Association has described the Budget as utterly disappointing, citing the failure of the Government to provide for a permanent cost of disability payment.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said that it lacks the ambition required when it comes to scaling up staffing and capacity in the public health service.

Elsewhere, Simon Communities of Ireland said that while its refreshing to hear that housing has been at the forefront of Governments minds the lack of mention of homeless prevention measures was deeply disappointing.

The Irish Heart Foundation also expressed their disappointment at the 50c increase on a pack of cigarettes, which it said was insufficient to drive significant reductions in Irish smoking rates.

However, other organisations have welcomed the Budget, with The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) expressing their delight at a reduction in VAT for food services.

Meanwhile, Property Industry Ireland, the Ibec group for businesses working in the property sector, welcomed the reduction in VAT for new apartments.

The primary school teachers' union, the INTO, said the 50 primary capitation increase showed the Government had heard the sector's calls.

The National Womens Council (NWC) welcomed investment in childcare and some targeted measures to tackle womens inequality but warned that overall Budget measures lacked ambition and will not address structural inequalities that women experience.

Chambers Ireland welcomed the Budgets commitments on infrastructure and housing but said it leaves some questions unanswered for the business community.

While there is a lot left to unpack, Budget 2026 looks set to divide opinion right across the country over the coming weeks.
Epilepsy Ireland has urged residents throughout County Kildare to understand the risks associated with one serious condition.

Specifically, the organisation has appealed to people living with epilepsy and their families in Kildare to learn more about the "devastating aspect" of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy in Ireland (SUDEP).

The organisation's call comes ahead of SUDEP Action Day 2025, which will take place this coming October 15.

According to Epilepsy Ireland, SUDEP is confirmed when someone with epilepsy dies and no other cause of death can be found during the post-mortem. Many of those who die are often young and otherwise healthy.

While the exact cause behind SUDEP is unknown, there are known factors that can increase a persons risk of SUDEP. This can include having frequent seizures, not taking medication as prescribed, and alcohol or substance abuse.

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Speaking on the importance of knowing about SUDEP, Epilepsy Ireland's advocacy and communications manager, Paddy McGeoghegan, said: "Knowledge is power and unfortunately, SUDEP is something that many people with epilepsy and their families  and even healthcare professionals  do not know enough about.

"Unfortunately, in speaking with bereaved families, we often hear the devastating story that the first time they heard about SUDEP is when it is listed in their loved ones death certificate.

"This must change; we owe it to the families whove lost loved ones and those whove been lost to ensure that SUDEP is no longer a hidden tragedy.

"Awareness of the risk factors can save lives, as many of them are modifiable."

He also said that throughout this month, Epilepsy Ireland will be sharing "educational resources, personal testimonies, and expert insights" in an attempt to help both the public and healthcare professionals better understand SUDEP and how to reduce risk.

Mr McGeoghegan added: "I would particularly appeal to the estimated 1,951 people with epilepsy in Kildare and their family members to learn more by visiting our website, www.epilepsy.ie."

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In addition, the organisation has also reiterated their calls for the government to develop a National Strategy to reduce SUDEP and epilepsy-related deaths in Ireland.

Epilepsy Ireland explained that last year, research, which was supported by Epilepsy Ireland, confirmed the incidence of SUDEP in Ireland for the first time ever; an incidence of 1:1,400.

This equates to the loss of 33 people per year.

Speaking about the organisations calls for a national strategy, Mr McGeoghegan said: "Until now, most of the initiatives taken around SUDEP have been led by Epilepsy Ireland, often supported by the fundraising efforts of bereaved families.

"We cannot continue to work in isolation on this issue and depend solely on the fundraising efforts of bereaved families to drive action on reducing SUDEP and epilepsy-related deaths in Ireland."

He continued: "We now have the data, we know the scale of the issue; what we need is action.

"Were asking for leadership and a coordinated response involving the various arms of the state to prevent future deaths."

"We invite anyone affected by SUDEP or any epilepsy-related death to share their experience and help us drive this change and we would also make a direct appeal to local Oireachtas members to help us make this a reality," he concluded.

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A seismic moment in Irish politics and a difficult 24 hours for Fianna Fail, the party's nominee in the Irish presidential election, Jim Gavin, withdraws from the race following a mistake.

The announcement came late yesterday evening after a disastrous display in the second nationally televised debate, which saw Gavin grilled on his failure to repay a former tenant 3,300 that was paid to him by mistake 16 years ago.

It was a very stressful time for myself and my family, Gavin said during the debate when questioned about the accusation. He added: If it happened, Im very sorry that it happened. Im looking into it, and I will deal with it urgently.

Totally unprecedented territory for Fianna Fail to find themselves in, said Leitrim and Fianna Fail councillor Paddy ORourke, adding: I think Fianna Fail headquarters need to consider what part they played in this and take some of the responsibility for the debacle that we now find ourselves in.

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The selection of Jim Gavin as the Fianna Fail candidate was the subject of much internal party debate, as MEP Billy Kelleher narrowly lost out on the candidacy during an internal vote against Gavin, who enjoyed the unwavering backing of Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his ministers.

Headquarters and the leadership decided that they were going to exclude the ordinary members from any participation in the selection process, and that they would deal with it in this totalitarian fashion that they have done  which has left us where we are.

I feel these people, who purport to lead from the top, owe us an explanation as to how or why they could get this so wrong.

The Gavin campaign was the subject of controversy and embarrassment even before the rental payments issue  including featuring uniformed members of the Defence Forces in a promotional video, flying drones in a restricted area without a permit during a park run for veterans, and wearing white trousers in a campaign video on a farm.

I feel sorry for Jim Gavin as a person, said ORourke, who believes he would have struggled greatly to get elected had he continued in the race.

READ MORE: What's in and what's out of Budget 2026? Everything we know ahead of Tuesday

I think he would have struggled greatly, but to be fair to the man, he is as much a victim in this as anything else, because he was led to believe that somehow this was going to be a fait accompli  that the profile he enjoyed around Dublin would transfer elsewhere. But that was not going to happen, because it was quite clear that the poor man  and he may have skills and talents that the rest of us dont have  but one that he doesnt is as a communicator.

The race will now be contested solely by Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys, though Jim Gavins name will still appear on the ballot paper.

A Sunday Independent and Ireland Thinks opinion poll from the weekend puts Connolly in top spot with 32% of the vote and Humphreys in second with 23%, while Jim Gavin was in third on 15%.

The poll also indicated that if Gavin were eliminated from the race and second-preference votes were distributed, it would put Catherine Connolly on 53% and Heather Humphreys on 47%.
North West STOP is a community-based organisation dedicated to preventing suicide through the promotion and education of positive mental health. Its counsellors are based across Leitrim, Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, West Cavan, and North Mayo, providing vital support throughout the North West region.

In 2021, the charity purchased the old Garda station in Drumkeeran to establish a permanent base, responding to the growing demand for mental health services.

Recently, North West STOP was awarded funding to renovate the Garda station. However, to access this funding, the organisation must raise 100,000 in matching funds.

Once completed, the building will become a dedicated mental health support centre in Leitrim.

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These vital funds will not only help us meet this requirement but will also allow us to hire staff  something we currently have no funding for at all. Without this support, the building may stand, but we wont have the people needed to bring it to life, a spokesperson for North West STOP said.

To help reach their goal, the charity has launched a GoFundMe campaign.

The funds raised will enable them to hire their first staff members, host mental health workshops, provide specialist therapies such as play therapy and art therapy, and expand their overall reach. For the past 21 years, North West STOP has been a lifeline for countless families across the North West, saving lives and providing vital support to thousands throughout the region.

This fundraiser is about more than a building; its about building a future of care, connection, and resilience for the people of Leitrim and the wider North West. Together, we can make sure that when someone needs support, there will always be a door open to welcome them.

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The fundraiser can be found on GoFundMe at this link.
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LIMERICK Chambers economist has warned that news about shortages of housing in the city can deter future investment - and potentially thousands of jobs.

Sean Golden was speaking to members of Limerick Council on issues around accommodation across the city.

It comes after the largest group in the region surveyed 700 of its members, with a majority saying a housing emergency needs to be declared.

READ MORE: Silence from mayor as fury builds over Christmas festivities in Limerick

In Limerick, we are obsessed with comparing ourselves to Cork and Galway and the rest of it. Limerick competes against Poland and Mexico for all these investment decisions. Theres a huge concern that as soon as the word is out about these issues, its going to be very concerning in relation to our investment pipeline going forward.

Mr Golden said any company investing here look at three things: housing, the energy grid and transport.

Energy is a huge concern. Theres a couple of firms out there at the moment with funding from their headquarters and they cant progress with plans because the grid cannot handle the demand for their energy, he said.

The economist says this has led to staff working remotely across Ireland, as they cannot locate themselves here in the city.

Members agreed with Mr Goldens assessment, with Independent councillor Maria Donoghue saying she fears a brain drain flowing out of Limerick.

We have around 30,000 students in Limerick. Around 10,000 graduates a year. If we cannot house them, Im sure thats a threat to our local economy. Limerick cannot thrive without quality employees.

Mr Golden said: If we dont look after these people, they will leave. Its a highly agile workforce. We know this from past waves of emigration from the country. Its a concern for employers at some stage the supply will dry up. It all begins with students making sure they have housing when they come here in the first place.
EMPLOYERS from across Limerick gathered at the Hunt Museum for the launch of the inaugural EmployAbility Limerick Inclusion Awards.

The launch was held on Thursday, September 25, and the awards aim to recognise and celebrate excellence in inclusive employment all over the county.

Applications for the awards open this Monday, October 6, giving employers the chance to share their stories about how they champion inclusive hiring and support staff who may have a disability, health condition, or other barriers to employment.

READ MORE: Limerick Chamber economist warns firms could snub the city over housing crisis

Speaking at the launch, Ursula Mackenzie, Manager of EmployAbility Limerick, said, The hope is that these awards will really highlight the employers doing an amazing job at making workplaces inclusive and give us the opportunity to celebrate businesses that are making a real difference.

Minister Patrick ODonovan attended the event, reflecting on his own experiences of working at the highest levels of Government while managing an underlying condition.

Adding the perspective of an employer, Edel McSorley of Mr Price Branded Bargains, and one of the external judges for the awards, shared how inclusive hiring has brought lasting benefits to their business.

The event was closed by Edward OShaughnessy, IPS Employment Specialist, saying, We really encourage all employers, whether youre just starting your inclusion journey or already leading the way, to get involved, apply, and share your story. These awards are about celebrating your commitment, inspiring others, and showing the real impact of inclusive workplaces.

Employers can find details about the as awards at employabilitylimerick.ie
THERE is silence from Mayor John Moran amid fears council infighting could derail Christmas in Limerick.

The directly elected mayor has signed over responsibility of the festive programme in the city.

The delivery of the plans for Christmas - one of the busiest times in the city centre - was part of the remit of the directly elected mayor.

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But, now he has ordered the responsibility for the programme be given to Dr Pat Daly, the councils director general.

Less than three months out from Christmas, there are fears the festive offering in Limerick could be very poor according to priomh-comhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, who described it as a farce.

Something is wrong here, something is not working out. This isnt a blame game. Its about the citizens of Limerick who deserve a good Christmas, said Cllr Slattery, who leads the Fianna Fail group in the metropolitan area, and sits beside Mayor Moran at monthly meetings.

Following a stormy meeting last week on the Christmas offering, Fine Gaels five metropolitan councillors issued a strongly-worded statement.

They described Mayor Morans decision to delegate responsibility for Christmas as an act of political cowardice and an abdication of duty which has jeopardised preparations for December in Limerick.

A sub-committee has been meeting since the start of the year planning a Christmas programme to ensure that there is more on offer this year, compared to last.

Now, it remains unclear how much of the programme they have organised will see the light of day.

Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-OMara said: We know last year, a lot of people didnt bother going to Limerick. They went to Waterford, Galway or wherever else.

I know councillors in that committee have been working really hard on the ground all year. I know from talking to them, they have put in the hours, and its not fair their work is being overshadowed by the politics of this.

Cllr Hickey-OMara said all parties now need to work together .

We are not here for each others political egos. We are here for Limerick - thats our job, he said.

He has been joined in the call by Sinn Fein councillor Sharon Benson and Cllr Ursula Gavan, Independent.

Cllr Benson said Fine Gael is trying to undermine the mayors work.

We need to get on with the job and ensure the Christmas programme is delivered as planned. We were elected, to work for our constituents, as the mayor was.

Cllr Gavan agreed: We need to get a programme of events up and running and advertised. There will be plenty of time after Christmas to review the planning or lack of it.

For their part, Fine Gael have also said they remain committed to ensuring the Christmas programme is delivered in full.

Limerick Live put a series of questions in relation to the matter to the council and Mayor Moran.

A public statement was expected from the mayor on Thursday, but did not arrive. There was no response to Limerick Live's questions on Sunday night.
THE OWNERS of two vape shops in Limerick city have been prosecuted by the HSE after they were caught selling pineapple-flavoured vapes to a fifteen-year-old in a sting operation.

Limerick District Court heard that both shop owners had received warning letters prior to the HSE sending an undercover girl to each of the premises to carry out test purchases.

In each case, Judge John King was told the juvenile was not asked for ID or to confirm their age when they asked to purchase the vapes.

Having heard details of the offences, Judge King indicated he would apply the Probation Act if each of the defendants made a 1,000 donation to Cuan Mhuire addiction services in Bruree.

Muhammed Arshad - the owner of Tech Terminal at 6 Parnell Street - was also directed to pay the HSE's costs, which totalled 1,722. In his case, the court heard the offence happened on April 24 last.

While Mr Arshad was discussing the penalty with his solicitor, Judge King commented: If he wants to haggle, I will finalise the matter today - implying a threat of a fine or a prison sentence.

Solicitor Barry Kelleher, representing the HSE, sought a more severe penalty and he asked the court to consider recording a conviction in the case. The judge refused the application.

Read More: Man, 30s, rushed to hospital after early morning assault in Limerick fast food premises

The court heard that Mr Arshad - a father-of-six - earns between 2,000 and 3,000 per month and his solicitor, Darach McCarthy, said he was cooperative and did everything he could to make the prosecution easy.

He submitted the offence could be characterised as careless liability adding that Tech Terminal is a family business and that the business model is one which is commonplace in Pakistan, where Mr Arshad is originally from.

In a separate prosecution, Farooq Saeed - the owner of Home Selections at 52 William Street was given a similar penalty for selling an 8 vape to the same fifteen-year-old on October 31, 2024

Mr Saeed, who is also originally from Pakistan, works full time at the premises while every other employee works on a part-time basis.

Solicitor Tom Kiely said his client has been in business for five years and that he was fully co-operative with the investigation. Mr Saeed was ordered to pay 2,000 towards the legal costs of the HSE.

Judge King was told both defendants have now introduced new policies and trained their staff to ensure there is no repeat of the incidents.

Both cases were adjourned to allow the defendants to pay over the monies.

The maximum sentence for selling vapes to children under 16 is six months imprisonment and/or a 4,000 fine.
GARDAI in Limerick have raided a second halting site in the space of a week in a planned operation.

Last Tuesday, gardai from the Limerick Crime Unit, supported by multiple agencies and specialist units, conducted a planned operation in the Childers Road area of the city. It was part of "ongoing investigations into the activities of an organised criminal group operating in Limerick", said a garda spokesperson

READ NEXT: Explosive device, cocaine and thousands of euro seized from Limerick halting site

This Tuesday morning, gardai targeted a halting site off the Dublin Road in Castletroy. A number of caravans had been moved into a field in recent months with their owners setting up home.

A video, widely shared on social media, shows a cavalcade of garda vans, jeeps and cars - patrol and unmarked - entering the field.

Following a media query, a spokesperson confirmed gardai in Limerick conducted an operation in Castletroy this morning.

A number of temporary dwellings were removed from private land, in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as amended, following a criminal complaint, said the garda spokesperson.

They continued: No arrests have been made at this time. No property has been seized at this time. The investigation is ongoing."

Separately, an incident of criminal damage is understood to have taken place last August at the same location off the Dublin Road in Castletroy that was targeted this Tuesday.

A video, which was shared on social media in August, shows a group of men armed with weapons breaking the windows of a caravan and damaging a van. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 23.

READ ALSO: Shocking footage shows gang with axes and slash hooks storming Limerick home

A garda spokesperson said at the time: Damage was caused to a caravan. The location is under examination by crime scene investigators.

No injuries have been reported to gardai at this time. Enquiries into these incidents are ongoing."
A PROPOSED new greenway linking University of Limerick (UL) to the National Technology Park has been described as a vanity project.

Green Party councillor Sean Hartigan made the comment as he joined residents who are opposed to the plans, which are currently before An Coimisiun Pleanala.

READ MORE: Silence from mayor as fury builds over Christmas festivities in Limerick

Called the Limerick City Greenway, the proposed path will stretch for more than four kilometres.

Its envisaged the first 3.3km will be a shared cycle path and footpath, between the college campus in Castletroy and McLaughlin Road, with the final 1km-or-so being dedicated Active Travel infrastructure, comprising separate pathways and footpaths.

But there has been opposition to the plans from a number of local residents, who are upset at plans to build on the riverside walk stretching from the UL Boat Club to behind Cook Medical.

Brid Kennedy, of Castletroy, who walks the route several times a week, said: You have a really important biodiversity situation here. You have bats, badgers, heron and foxes, as well as flora and fauna. All of these should be protected.

As part of the plans, 60 trees will be felled, but council has insisted these will be replaced with 305 native shrubs.

From an ecological point of view, it is a shocking proposal, to remove 61 mature trees, carry out extensive groundwork, and put a tarred road on the riverbank. The River Shannon is already suffering from poor water quality, fish stock is decimated. A tarred road on the bank will create a toxic run-off into the river every time it rains creating ongoing substantial damage, continued Ms Kennedy.

She added there is alternative bike provision which allows cyclists to move between UL and Plassey.

Cllr Hartigan said: Its an Active Travel Project, but its not going to do anything to promote Active Travel. If you want to commute to work, you can come in from Annacotty, Castletroy, through the university and into Limerick. Theres no necessity to put this in. Its an undisturbed, quiet and peaceful area. And people like it because its this.

A council spokesperson stated: "The proposed Limerick City Greenway will be 4.25km long and will consist of a 3.3km long and 3.0-4.0m wide shared path on existing paths or in green fields, and 0.9km of separated 1.8m wide footpaths and 1.8-2.0m wide cycle lanes alongside the eastern and western sides of University Road and McLaughlan Road."
THERE is currently no budget available to install new public toilets in the centre of Abbeyfeale, local councillors have been told.

The information came to light at the October meeting of Newcastle West Municipal District as elected members sought clarity regarding the proposed project.

Ahead of the meeting, Cllr Liam Galvin formally proposed that a public toilet be included in the plans for the development of Riordans car park in the town.

In a written reply to the motion, senior executive engineer Donnacha Reynolds said there is a "very significant shortfall" in funding for the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan as currently envisaged.

He added that the capital cost of installing public toilet infrastructure is in the region of 85,000 and that there is currently no budget allowance for a public toilet within the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan.

Mr Reynolds added that the yearly maintenance cost of running a public toilet is in the region of 25,000 per annum and that this has not been budgeted for.

READ NEXT: New way of charging for Limerick Tunnel access set to be introduced

Expressing his disappointment at the reply, Cllr Galvin explained that plans which began as a traffic management for the town have now expanded into a broader public realm project.

He argued that the installation of a public toilet should form part of those multi-million-euro traffic management works due to start in Abbeyfeale in the coming months.

Cllr Francis Foley highlighted that there had always been public toilet facilities in Abbeyfeale but that they were lost during previous roadworks and stressed the town centre has been left without proper facilities since.

Cllr Foley noted that while a public toilet does exist in the town park, it is not accessible for people in the town centre. Only for the local hotel and other businesses, there would be no access to toilets in the town, he said.

It was pointed out that some of those who use the toilet facilities of local businesses do not spend money with them.

Councillors agreed that the issue of public toilets in Abbeyfeale is to be discussed again at their next meeting.
SEVERAL former Mayors of Limerick have expressed concerns that the new-established Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) will be a "talking shop" and a "waste of time".

As part of a new national initiative, the Limerick partnership was established earlier this year, representing a significant shift away from traditional policing models.

The LCSP brings together local authorities, An Garda Siochana, the HSE, Tusla and community voices, with the aim of building public trust and reflecting local needs in safety planning.

In Limerick, the partnership will see the introduction of four community safety wardens in Limerick. These wardens will provide a supportive presence in public spaces, liaising with gardai, engaging with residents, and reporting issues that affect community wellbeing.

However, they will not have any enforcement powers. Instead, their role is to complement garda policing and act as a visible, approachable resource for the public.

READ NEXT: I dont drink anymore: Limerick man with temper fined for breaching protection order

After being briefed on the roll out of the LCSP in Limerick, elected members of the Newcastle West Municipal District expressed concerns and asked that their feedback be related to the powers that be.

There were angry scenes when councillors learned that all four of the new community wardens are to be based in Limerick city, with none being allocated to county towns or rural areas.

Cllr Liam Galvin voiced strong frustration at this, asking: Are we the poor relation? in reference to Limerick county, he questioned why resources were not being divided fairly between the city and county, suggesting that two of the four should be deployed "in the county."

Cllr Galvin went further, suggesting the initiative will be a waste of time if no resources are to be provided in West Limerick. He argued that the county faces its own challenges with anti-social behaviour and public safety, and that local people expect the same level of support as those in the city. "This is nuts," he said.

Other councillors echoed the concerns, stressing that a fairer distribution of wardens would better reflect the partnerships stated goal of meeting local needs.

Cllr Michael Collins said he believes the new committee will be a "talking shop" and that he does not believe it will work. "We don't need a committee to tell us what's wrong - we know what's wrong."

He added that he would not be putting forward his name to be a member as it would "eat into" his already busy schedule as a councillor and professional auctioneer.

Cllr Jerome Scanlon said he also believes the new partnership, which must meet at least six times a year will be a "absolute waste of time" and he accused government of "buck-passing" and "putting local representatives on the line".

All members were agreement that the previous system of having regular meetings with the relevant local garda superintendents was beneficial unlike what is currently being proposed.
Zoho Corp Chief Scientists Sridhar Vembu, who has been in the limelight due to indigenous messaging app Arattai, has highlighted concerns over huge energy demand artificial intelligence (AI) data centres and the noted that India will need vastly more energy efficient options.

Amid soaring electricity bills in the United States due to data centres, he feels that we need to fundamentally rethink the computational aspect of AI, in order to make the technology viable in India.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sridhar Vembu noted that electricity bills have jumped as much as 60 per cent since 2023, for consumers in the US, adding that India cannot afford to see such rise in prices.

Need to fundamentally rethink computational aspect of AI Sridhar Vembu noted, Electricity bill .. up 60% since 2023 in Athens, Georgia (US) due to new AI data center demand for electricity. One of the under-appreciated facts about the current state-of-the art AI is how extraordinarily energy inefficient it is.

This is a huge issue for India. Even if we could afford all the GPUs (not!), we cannot afford the electricity bill. We cannot afford to hurt households and factories. We need vastly more energy efficient AI. I believe that requires fundamentally rethinking the computational aspect of AI, he added.

AI data centres hike power bills for regular consumers in US According to a Bloomberg report last week, data centres are sending power bills in the US soaring, pulling everyday households into paying for the digital economy.

The publication analysed wholesale electricity prices for tens of thousands of locations across the US, with some location reporting up tp 80 per cent hike in prices over the past three years.

The report used price data from energy data analytics platform Grid Status and compared it to data center locations, from DC Byte, and found that electricity now costs as much as 267 per cent more for a single month than it did five years ago in areas located near significant data centre activities.
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) is investigating AppLovin over its data-collection practices, according to a Bloomberg report citing sources.

They added that the SEC is probing allegations that the mobile advertising tech company violated platform partners service agreements in order to push more targeted ads to consumers.

AppLovin share price crashed over 14 per cent on October 6 following reports of the probe. AppLovin stock price ended 14.03 per cent lower at $587.00 apiece on Nasdaq. In the extended trade, the stock declined 2.29 per cent.

Also Read | Google appoints Head for Startups who didn't make it into the company in 2013

SEC probe on: What we know The probe is reportedly being conducted by SEC enforcement officials assigned to cyber and emerging technologies, it said.

During the shutdown, the SECs public affairs office is not able to respond to many inquiries from the press, the regulator agency told Bloomberg by email.

Notably, SEC probes dont always result in enforcement actions by the regulator. Companies and officials could only be subject to fines for violations, as per the report.

Also Read | AppLovin shares crash 14% amid US SEC probe into data collection practices

What has AppLovin said? Responding to BB via email, AppLovin declined to comment, saying it generally doesnt speak on potential regulatory matters.

We regularly engage with regulators and if we get inquiries we address them in the ordinary course. Material developments, if any, would be disclosed through the appropriate public channels.

However, in a blog in March, AppLovin Chief Executive Officer Adam Foroughi said that the short reports were littered with inaccuracies and denied creating alternative accurate and persistent identifiers, typically called device fingerprints, in a blog post in March.

AppLovin also said in late March that it had hired A-list litigator Alex Spiro of law firm Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan to conduct an independent review and investigation into recent short report activity. The company said by email Monday that Spiro was brought in specifically to investigate the provenance of the short reports and why clearly false reports were published, adding that the work continues.

What are the developments so far? The sources said that the SEC is responding to a whistleblower complaint filed earlier this year, and multiple short-seller reports published in the past several months.

At present, the regulator hasnt accused AppLovin or its officials of wrongdoing, and it wasnt clear how advanced the review was.

Prior to the SEC probes, reports from Fuzzy Panda and Muddy Waters accused AppLovin of abusing its position within the mobile advertising ecosystem to harvest proprietary identifiers from other platforms in an unauthorized manner to track users across different websites and apps and retarget them with advertising.

This so-called fingerprinting is prohibited by Apples App Store and was barred by Google until a February policy change, the report added. Amazon, Google and Meta are AppLovin's platform partners.

There is no confirmation yet which partner relationships the SEC is scrutinising, but the report suggested their conduct ia under investigation. AppLovin helps mobile app developers find users and sell advertising in their apps. The company has nearly doubled its market valuation to more than $226 billion in 2025, and was added to the S&P 500 Index in September.
(Bloomberg) -- The flood of capital pouring into AI infrastructure is raising the risks of overcapacity as the worlds biggest investors look to cash in on the artificial intelligence boom, according to Ares Management Corp. Co-President Kipp deVeer.

If you look historically in areas like this over the past 20 or 30 years, typically when this much capacity comes online, some of it at the end of the day has to be marginal, deVeer said, speaking on the sidelines of the Greenwich Economic Forum in Connecticut on Tuesday. These trends tend to lead to overbuilds in certain places, so us being selective and measured in what we build is important.

Alternative asset management giants including Blackstone Inc., Brookfield, Apollo Global Management Inc. and Ares have poured into data center projects as a way to cash in on booming demand for processing power thats been unleashed by the advent of artificial intelligence. Many have pitched their investments as a more reliable way to play the AI boom while avoiding the risks of a gold rush into AI stocks, because it is hard to predict winners and losers.

Los Angeles-based Ares last month unveiled more aggressive asset-raising targets, particularly for data center investments and its wealth business. The firm said its aiming for more than $8 billion of equity fundraising to back data centers in the near term across London, Japan and Brazil. It also hiked its fundraising target for the wealth business by $25 billion, to $125 billion, by 2028.

Ares, which has historically focused on the financing of data centers through its credit business, raised $2.4 billion in the first half of the year for the facilities and has a dedicated fund for digital infrastructure investments in Japan. Last year, it acquired GLP Capital Partners Ltd.s operations outside of China for as much as $5.2 billion, a deal that doubled Ares real estate assets and has allowed the company to do more direct data center development, according to deVeer.

If you stay in tricky markets  i.e., with hard to find entitled land  and then you are building really high quality facilities, which we think we are because we have an in-house team which came with the acquisition, it is pretty easy for us to find great leases from investment grade tenants like the hyper scalers, he said.

Ares strategy is largely focused on pre-leased developments with terms of 15 years or longer with so-called rent escalators, which it says reduces the risk in the longer term. The financing for these investments could be catered for insurance capital.

The firm said its also seeking to raise $70 billion for alternative credit by 2028. And it expects the market for secondaries  generally discounted sales of secondhand private markets funds including credit, private equity and infrastructure  to more than double in the next five years.

The firm has bought $7 billion worth of continuation vehicles, which allow fund managers to roll private stakes into new funds.

One area of opportunity for firms has been opening up further to retail money.

In the US, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in August that was meant to make it easier for retirement plans like 401(k)s to include private equity, real estate, cryptocurrency and other alternative assets. deVeer said Ares would be supportive of bringing its products into these types of channels where there is interest.

--With assistance from Amanda Cantrell.

(Updates with additional details from interview in penultimate and final paragraphs. An earlier version of this story corrected the name and title of executive in photo caption.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- The European Union unveiled fresh tariffs on Tuesday meant to shield its ailing steel sector, taking a page from Donald Trumps protectionist playbook.

The European Commission, the EUs executive arm, proposed 50% tariffs  twice the current rate  on all steel imports above a quota that will be cut by roughly 45%, confirming Bloombergs previous reporting.

It is a very restrictive clause that does not have precedent in Europe, EU industry commissioner Stephane Sejourne told Bloomberg News in an interview. He said that, once in place, only around 10% of the steel used in the EU market will be tariff-free.

The move is a response to mounting fears that traditional European industries like steel are fading, choked by a glut of subsidized Chinese competition, high energy prices and dwindling local demand.

The measures would align EU tariffs with a 50% US levy on most foreign steel and aluminum. The EU is trying to convince the US to lower its rate for EU steel and jointly target China instead.

Thus far, those talks have failed to make progress since the two sides struck a trade deal in July that limited US tariffs to 15% on most EU exports, including cars.

We hope we can have talks as quickly as possible [with the US] that will get a result, Sejourne said. But we share the same industrial agenda as the US  we want more local production, more economic growth and protection for our industry.

The EU currently places a 25% tariff on most steel imports once quotas are exhausted. But that mechanism is temporary and expires next year, prompting the commission to develop more permanent protections.

The new measures would cut the total quota for all steel categories to 18.35 million tons a year, about 45% lower than the current quota level. The plan sets quotas for specific product types based on historical averages.

EU member states and the European Parliament must still approve the proposal.

The EU executive argued that its plan is compatible with World Trade Organization rules. The commission will also discuss country-specific allocations with those affected, according to a press release.

The tariffs will hit the struggling British steel industry particularly hard, since the EU buys about two-thirds of the countrys iron and steel exports, according to Office for National Statistics data. The Labour government was forced to seize control of the UKs last maker of virgin steel earlier this year after the plants Chinese owner moved to halt production.

The UK government last month shelved efforts to get the US to roll back a 25% levy on British-made steel, concluding it was better than the 50% tariff that the Trump administration had applied to other countries exports.

--With assistance from Brendan Murray.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon said he would welcome proposed changes that would ease US Securities and Exchange Commission requirements for quarterly earnings reports.

The bigger problem wasnt just reporting quarterly, Dimon said Tuesday in an interview on Bloomberg TV. It was forecasting, where CEOs get their back up against a wall. They have to meet these things  earnings  and then they start doing dumb stuff to meet earnings, and that kind of public pressure.

The biggest US bank would probably still update investors quarterly even if it was no longer required, though with much less stuff, Dimon said.

The SEC pledged last month to fast-track President Donald Trumps proposal to end quarterly earnings reporting for most companies and give them the option to report on a semi-annual basis. Supporters of the idea say the process is costly and time-intensive, and drives companies to focus on quarterly targets rather than long-term growth. Conversely, advocates of reporting every three months have lauded the transparency as helpful to investors.

Dimon called the current requirement a small part of a much bigger problem, adding that endless rules make it hard for a company to go public.

The longtime CEO has for years described onerous regulations, litigation and other factors as hampering public markets, at one point saying he would take JPMorgan private if he could. In a shareholder letter earlier this year, he wrote that public markets have been shrinking dramatically, which I do not believe is a good thing.

--With assistance from Tom Mackenzie.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Janus Henderson Group Inc. will not tender its shares in U-blox Holding AG for Advents 1.05 billion Swiss franc ($1.3 billion) takeover bid of the chipmaker, according to people familiar with the matter.

Janus Henderson, a top-10 U-blox shareholder with a 5% stake, is disappointed the firms management accepted an offer from Advent without spending more time exploring strategic options, the people said. The asset manager estimates fair value for U-blox would be about double Advents offer price, based on the firms stated targets for the next couple of years, the people said.

In August, Advent proposed to buy U-blox for 135 Swiss francs per share in cash with the offer window expected to run until Oct. 9. U-blox shares closed at 134.2 Swiss francs on Tuesday.

U-blox, which designs chips and modules for positioning technology used in cars, drones, and consumer devices, recently shed its loss-making cellular business. U-blox Chief Executive Officer Stephan Zizalads has said the companys focus is shifting toward automated driving and mobile robotics.

The valuation does not adequately consider the companys future growth prospects, especially for drones in the defense industry, the people said. U-bloxs sole focus on higher-growth positioning sensors business means the company has a better future, the people said.

Not all holders are opposed to the deal. Spectrum Entrepreneurial Ownership, an investment vehicle backed by billionaire Thomas Schmidheiny, has agreed to tender its stake of about 9%.

Janus Henderson is not opposed to considering a higher offer from Advent, according to the people.

Representatives for Janus Henderson and Advent declined to comment, while U-blox didnt respond to requests for comment.

--With assistance from Allegra Catelli.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
New Delhi, Oct 7 (PTI) Nagarro plans to add about 1,000 more professionals in India over the next 1218 months as the global digital engineering company aims to strengthen its capabilities across key hubs, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

The company currently employs about 13,000 people in India.

"We have about 700 open positions in India, but those profiles are not that easy to fill. One of the metrics I am tracking closely is hiring effectiveness because, right now, ironically, we are facing a backlog in terms of a supply crunch," Nagarro CEO Manas Human said.

Overall, the company is looking to add about 1,000 more professionals in India over the next 12-18 months.

He noted that the increased hiring in startups and GCCs has contributed to a shortage of skilled talent in the market, and that people, too, have been more cautious about switching jobs as global uncertainties trigger a 'stay-where-you-are' mindset.

Asked about the impact of global trade and tariff uncertainties on businesses, he said several factors are currently influencing business decisions.

He pointed out that the surge in investments made in the years just after COVID has left some residual "overhang on investment". Further, the rapidly evolving and dynamic geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions are shaping the global landscape today.

The third vector is the advent of artificial intelligence, which has introduced a sense of uncertainty about the future and what lies ahead, he said.

Although AI's transformative potential is widely acknowledged, its precise implications are still being absorbed, he said, but added that considerable progress has been made in understanding it.

Together, these multitude of factors have contributed to a period of relatively slow growth over the past couple of years, he said, but noted that the initial hesitation about spending has diminished somewhat, and discussions have shifted toward a more stable and balanced outlook instead of fear around it.

"Things were panicked (state) a year or two ago. Now, the conversations are all good. There is a kind of feeling that we are past the bottom and it's quite stable," he said.

According to him, industries are now gearing up for AI-powered transformation, building on the foundation of digital transformation.

"Once people clearly see what they need to do, I think we are going to have a smart recovery. But we are not there just yet," he said.

He drew a clear distinction between AI investments that are made on the periphery of company operations (which are relatively simpler and less costly) and transformational ones directed at the core operations (that tend to be more complex and impactful).

He emphasised that the next significant wave of AI spending will come from investments targeting the core business processes.

Upgrading core systems, he said, is significantly more complex, as it affects key business processes, and requires extensive consulting, systems integration, governance, and quality-related work, all of which demand infrastructural changes.

He added that most companies are yet to begin moving in this direction, but emphasised that this transformation is inevitable with the rise of 'agentic AI'.

The next major wave of spending, he said, will likely focus on overhauling the core of business operations to adapt to this new technology regime.
The State Bank of India (SBI) is planning a significant bulk purchase of 200 ready-to-move-in two-bedroom hall-kitchen (2BHK) flats across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for its staff. This major acquisition is valued at approximately 294 crore, excluding statutory taxes.

As per the documentation released on 7 October, the lender has issued a tender inviting developers to submit bids for units in four specific property clusters.

The bank intends to buy 50 units in each of the identified clusters. For the central suburbs, it has earmarked 84 crore (excluding taxes) for the acquisition of 50 2-bedroom apartments. In the western suburbs, the estimated cost for 50 similar units is 108 crore (excluding taxes), according to the tender document.

For the ThaneKalyan region, the lender has set aside 54 crore, while for the KhargharPanvel region, the estimated allocation stands at 48 crore.

Unit Requirements Each flat must have a MahaRERA carpet area of approximately 55.74 sq. m. (600 sq. ft.). - The properties must be less than five years old.

Procurement Rules  The tender outlines strict criteria for developer participation and the properties themselves.

Registration and Approvals Only projects registered with the Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority (MahaRERA) are eligible to bid. Crucially, the flats must be ready-to-move-in with all necessary regulatory approvals and Occupancy Certificates (OCs) already in place. Timeframe Developers must be capable of handing over the completed flats to the bank within 180 days of the agreement. The entire transaction is expected to be finalised within six months from the issuance of the Letter of Intent (LoI).

Ownership and Title Preference will be given to projects under a single ownership with clear and marketable titles. To ensure a direct deal, brokers and intermediaries are strictly forbidden from participating in the bidding process.

The successful bidders will be selected based on a 60:40 techno-commercial scoring system. This comprehensive evaluation will assess various factors, including technical (60%) and financial (40%) aspects.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (PTI) Top honchos of the Tata group, including Tata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, on Tuesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman amid infighting among trustees over board appointments and governance issues.

Noel Tata and Chandrasekaran, along with Tata Trusts Vice Chairman Venu Srinivasan and trustee Darius Khambata, arrived together in the evening at Shah's residence for the meeting. Sitharaman also joined in at the home minister's residence.

The meeting came against the backdrop of infighting among the trustees of Tata Trusts over board appointments and governance issues, which threaten to impact the functioning of the over USD 180 billion conglomerate.

Tata Trusts exerts decisive influence over India's most valuable conglomerate through its about 66 per cent stake in Tata Sons, the promoter and holding company of the salt-to-semiconductor group.

Sources said Tata Trusts is said to be vertically split, with one section aligned with Noel Tata, who was appointed chairman of the Trusts following the death of Ratan Tata. The other grouping of four trustees is led by Mehli Mistry, who has ties with the extended Shapoorji Pallonji family, which owns about 18.37 per cent of Tata Sons.

Mehli reportedly feels he has been kept out of the loop on key matters.

Sources said the flashpoint is said to be board seats at Tata Sons, which controls the 156-year-old group that spans around 400 companies, including 30 listed firms.

Tata Trusts, Tata Sons and Venu Srinivasan had declined to comment on the matter and comments from Mehli Mistry could not be obtained as calls and messages remained unanswered.
Top UK security officials will face questions over an aborted China spying case brought by its chief prosecutor, which collapsed at the same time that it is seeking to rebuild economic ties with the country.

The case against Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash, who were charged last year under the Official Secrets Act over allegations they spied for China between 2021 and 2023, was dropped last month.

A government spokesperson denied a report in the Sunday Times that it was the interference of senior UK government officials, including national security adviser Jonathan Powell, that torpedoed the case.

Powell agreed in June to give evidence to Parliaments Joint Committee on the UKs National Security Strategy. Though the committees inquiry is about the wider strategy, he is expected to be asked about the collapsed case, according to a person familiar with the matter.

A date has yet to be decided, but Powell could appear before the committee within weeks, they said, adding that a report is unlikely to be published until next year. Such documents usually summarize the evidence heard in private, and dont directly quote what is said.

Senior officers from domestic MI5 are also expected to give evidence to Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee about their involvement in the case, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named when discussing closed-door proceedings.

The Crown Prosecution Service said the case was dropped because it no longer met its evidential test, despite concluding there was sufficient evidence to prosecute when the men were charged last year.

In correspondence with an opposition MP obtained by Bloomberg, its director wrote that there had not been any disclosure or pressure, and I can give you my own assurance that this was the case.

The Sunday Times report had said the decision by the CPS was made after officials decided that evidence in the trial would operate in line with the governments National Security Strategy, which characterizes China as a geostrategic challenge rather than a threat or enemy  effectively torpedoing the case.

Starmers office said Monday that suggestions of government interference in the case were all untrue. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the BBC she was very disappointed at the collapse and denied ministerial interference.

Our understanding is that the evidence that was available to the Crown Prosecution Service when they brought the charges is not materially different to the evidence that they had just before the trial was due to get under way, she added.

Starmer is trying cautiously to improve relations with Beijing as part of his push to boost the UKs economic growth. The two countries resumed Joint Economic and Trade Commission talks last month after a seven-year hiatus.

Later this month UK ministers are expected to make a long-anticipated decision on whether Chinas plans for a new embassy in London can go ahead.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
OpenAI deepened its claim in the artificial intelligence gold rush Monday through a multibillion-dollar deal with Advanced Micro Devices. It just isnt clear how its going to pay for it.

AMD said it inked a deal with OpenAI that could bring in billions in annual revenue for the chip maker and ultimately give the ChatGPT creator a 10% stake.

The agreement followed a similar pact between OpenAI and market leader Nvidia late last month. In that deal, OpenAI, still a private not-for-profit entity, would reportedly surrender an equity stake to Nvidia, which is helping it build out its AI infrastructure.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who now sits as an effective kingmaker in the global AI investment narrative through his ties to both Nvidia, AMD, and the U.S. governments Stargate project, has said he plans to spend trillions of dollars building out OpenAIs data centers in the not very distant future."

He is probably not wrong about the price tag. Combining the 10 gigawatt deal with Nvidia and Mondays six gigawatt pact with AMD, OpenAI is now looking to deploy, or buy AI GPUs with, enough power to light up all 12 million homes in Texas.

No one is sure what the cost for that kind of computing heat is going to be, although it is safe to say Altmans forecast is pretty close. But with only a reported $4.3 billion in current revenue, and a bottom line loss of $2.5 billion, OpenAI isnt going to do this alone.

And that is what might worry some investors looking at the feedback loop of financing that OpenAI is securing.

Reports suggest Oracle, one of Nvidias biggest chip customers, booked a $300 billion contract to provide computing power to OpenAI, which is also committed to buying an unspecified amount of Nvidia chips.

That leaves billions of dollars flowing from OpenAI into Oracle, then back into Nvidia, then back into OpenAI.

The AMD deal, meanwhile, gives OpenAI warrants for the right to buy 160 million shares of AMD at increasingly higher valuations, based on contract milestones. The warrants will cost a penny a piece and vest in various tranches, the first of which is expected in the second half of next year.

The more OpenAI deploys the more revenue we get, and they get to share in the upside," AMD CEO Lisa Su told investors on Monday.

The circularity makes me nervous," legendary hedge fund investor Paul Tudor Jones told CNBC on Monday when asked about the broader nature of AI infrastructure financing.

OpenAI isnt anywhere near to the point of being able to finance its ambitions with revenue.

Earlier this year, the tech news website The Information said OpenAI is forecasting $125 billion in revenue in 2029. That would be a compound annual growth rate of around 100% from current levels.

Before that, however, OpenAI is going to have to tap capital markets. Goldman Sachs analysts see it borrowing and/or raising through equity sales around $75 billion next year alone. And while they note Oracles recent $18 billion bond sale was a success, new deals are likely to draw a sharper eye from investors.

When equity investment comes from a supplier, we believe additional scrutiny is warranted given the circular nature of the revenue," the bank said.

Investors dont appear concerned when it comes to AMD. Its shares were last marked 26% higher on the session, adding around $75 billion to its overall market value. That is no surprise, given AMD has said the deal could generate $100 billion in direct and related revenue over the next four years.

The ultimate value for OpenAI may prove a bit more complicated.

Write to Martin Baccardax at martin.baccardax@barrons.com
Market pulse

The Indian stock market performance has been under strain in most months in the past year, with a significant hit taken in August. A Mint analysis of stock market capitalization data shows that it declined 2.1% month-on-month, marking the biggest decline since February. A combination of global and domestic factors has been responsible for this trend, with the most prominent among them being foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows. While the stock market has recovered from the August slump, with m-cap rising 0.5% month-on-month in September, India has continued to lag behind its EM peers. In comparison, China gained 5.9%, Brazil 5.4%, and Thailand 3.9%, among others.
India is looking to Doha as a key partner to cushion the trade impact of the US administrations steep 50% tariff on Indian goods.

India and Qatar are moving towards a more strategic partnership that can help Asias second-largest economy diversify its energy basket, reduce dependency on Russian oil, and navigate growing geopolitical uncertainties and sanctions-related price volatility.

Mint explains the evolving relationship through the lens of energy security, economic growth, and regional stability.

How can Qatar help Indias energy transition?

The US's steep 50% tariff has put Indias goods trade worth $86.5 billion under strain. In 2024-25, India-Qatar trade totalled $14.14 billion, with a significant portion skewed toward energy. India had a trade deficit of $10.78 billion, with petroleum imports accounting for nearly 93% of all imports. Qatar supplied $6.39 billion in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and $4.69 billion in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and crude oil.

Also Read | Your portfolio at risk? See how US tariffs are hurting Indian exporters

Indian exports totalled $1.68 billion, led by iron and steel, basmati rice, and jewellery. Beyond commerce, over 800,000 Indians reside and work in Qatar, establishing deep socio-economic ties and generating substantial remittance inflows.

In terms of value, one Qatari Riyal equals 24.37, while one US dollar equals 88.75. The real economic advantage for India lies not in the nominal exchange rate but in the potential for local currency settlement. If India and Qatar start settling more trade in local currencies (INR-QAR) rather than USD, it could be a game-changer. Such an arrangement would help India cut dollar dependence, lower foreign-exchange conversion costs, and enhance the rupees global utility.

However, for now, this remains limited as Qatars energy contracts are still denominated in USD, reflecting the global norm for hydrocarbon trade.

Currently, India imports a significant portion of its crude oil from Russia, as it remains relatively cheaper; however, this exposes the country to volatile pricing and sanctions risks. Qatar, as one of the worlds largest LNG and hydrocarbon exporters, offers New Delhi a more predictable and politically stable energy source. The upcoming 7.5 million tonnes per year LNG deal from 2028, along with expanding cooperation in petroleum products, gives the Indian government greater flexibility to diversify away from Russian crude.

However, Doha cannot fully replace Moscow in terms of crude oil volume in the near term, as Indias Russian imports remain large and refinery-specific, optimized for particular grades. Still, the growing partnership with the Arab nation can mitigate supply disruptions, support energy transition goals, and strengthen New Delhis negotiating power on global pricing and sourcing.

Why does the partnership matter?

From Qatars perspective, the September 2025 Israeli airstrike on Dohathe first ever on a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) statehighlighted the vulnerabilities of relying solely on US security assurances. While Washington reiterated its commitment to Qatars protection, Dohas response has been to diversify its strategic alignments. Strengthening ties with New Delhi provides a stable Asian partner with economic heft, defence cooperation potential, and technology collaboration prospects in a world increasingly defined by multipolarity.

Also Read | In charts: Why West Asia is important for India beyond trade

For India, Qatar is central to its strategy in West Asia. Reliable LNG and LPG imports are critical to powering the subcontinents industrial and urban growth. Qatars geographic position along vital Persian Gulf maritime routes ensure continuity of essential energy flows. Coupled with the large Indian diaspora, deeper engagement with Doha provides both economic resilience and diplomatic leverage across the Gulf, particularly amid regional rivalries and shifting alliances.

Qatars geographic position along vital Persian Gulf maritime routes ensure continuity of essential energy flows.

The evolving India-Qatar partnership reflects a pragmatic convergence of needsQatars quest for diversified security and investment partners and Indias pursuit of stable energy supplies and regional influence. As global power dynamics shift toward a multipolar order, a stronger India-Qatar axis promises mutual resilience, economic complementarity, and greater strategic autonomy for both nations," said Ajay Srivastava, founder of think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

What's the scope of trade diversifying beyond energy?

Energy remains the primary component of India-Qatar trade. In 2024-25, India imported $11.90 billion worth of petroleum and gas products, including LNG ($6.39 billion), butane ($1.67 billion), propane ($1.54 billion), and crude oil ($1.06 billion). Non-energy imports, such as chemicals, fertilizers, aluminium, and raw materials, were worth $1.24 billion, indicating that there is room to expand trade beyond energy.

Indian exports to Qatar totalled $1.68 billion. Industrial products, machinery, and food items led the basket, with iron and steel ($154 million), basmati rice ($123 million), and jewellery ($110 million) among the top items. While sectors like processed minerals and machinery are showing gradual growth, overall export momentum is constrained by weak competitiveness and tariff barriers.

Trade with Qatar is almost one-sided, as India imported $12.46 billion worth of goods in 2024-25 against exports of just $1.68 billion. The pattern was similar in 2023-24, with imports at $12.34 billion and exports at $1.70 billion, reflecting a sharp imbalance largely driven by Indias dependence on energy supplies from Qatar.

How can Qatars location benefit India?

Qatar lies at the heart of the Persian Gulf, between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with easy access to major sea routes that connect Asia, Africa, and Europe. It sits along the western coast of the Gulf, close to key maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of the worlds oil passes. This makes Qatar a natural hub for regional trade and energy logistics.

Also Read | India steps up FTA talks with Qatar, EU as US tariff strains trade ties

For India, Qatars position offers a gateway to tap neighbouring markets in the GCCincluding Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Omanas well as North and East Africa. Enhanced connectivity through Qatari ports such as Hamad Port can facilitate Indian exports of food products, textiles, machinery, and pharmaceuticals to these high-demand markets.

Qatars ports also help India diversify trade routes and reduce dependence on a single corridor. While Irans Chabahar Port is designed to provide overland access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, Qatar offers maritime access to Gulf, African, and European markets, making it a complementary route.

Strengthening trade and investment ties with Doha enables India to utilize Qatar as a base for re-exports and distribution across the wider region, thereby providing resilience against regional instability and supporting Indias goal of expanding its footprint in West Asias fast-growing consumer and industrial markets.

What's the way ahead?

The two nations are now exploring a free trade agreement and are also working towards finalizing the terms of reference (ToR) for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

An Indian business delegation led by Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal is on a two-day visit to Doha starting from 6 October, and it is expected that the ToR of the FTA will be finalized soon to help move beyond energy dependence. Discussions include diversifying Indian imports through industrial partnerships in chemicals, fertilizers, and metals, expanding exports of engineering goods, machinery, and processed food, and establishing joint ventures in energy infrastructure and green technology to strengthen long-term strategic resilience.

The aim is to reduce Indias trade deficit, cut reliance on unstable oil prices, and build a more balanced partnership that includes manufacturing, technology, and services. Both countries want to move beyond energy trade by investing in each others markets, promoting innovation, and creating a stable relationship that can withstand US tariffs and global uncertainty.
India-US trade pact: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, said India and the United States are continuing their dialogue on the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA), including the possibility of meeting the November 2025 deadline, news agency PTI reported.

We are in constant dialogue with the USA (on the trade pact), and talks are on at various levels. We will give more information on this soon on how we are thinking to take it forward, he said, according to the news report.

Will India and US meet November BTA deadline? When asked whether both nations are sticking to the November 2025 deadline for BTA, Goyal responded that there is every possibility.

Goyal also mentioned that the next round of the India-US trade negotiations may be held in a physical mode. However, given the backdrop of the ongoing US government shutdown, it will be seen how, where, and when the next round of talks can be conducted.

Aap sub jante hain ki USA me aaj-kal government shut down mode me hai, toh uske maddenazar dekhna padega ki kaise baat-cheet ho sakti hai, kahan ho sakti hai, aur kab ho sakti hai (As you all know, the US government is currently in shutdown mode. So, keeping that in mind, we'll have to see how, where, and when the discussions can take place), Goyal told the media on Tuesday.

US government shutdown US President Donald Trump imposed a government shutdown since midnight on 1 October 2025, as Congress failed to pass a funding bill for the federal government.

A government shutdown means the government workers will not be paid for now, and service centres will remain closed during the period. However, important services like the US Postal Service, defence, and social work will continue to operate normally.

Amid the shutdown, Goyal went to the US for a one-day official visit, leading a business delegation to discuss ways to boost trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Goyal's visit to the US last month led to continued negotiations for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States. Both nations have held constructive meetings on various aspects of the trade deal since March 2025.
Bihar will vote in two phases  on November 6 and 11  to elect a new government, the Election Commission announced on 6 October. The result will be announced on 14 November, the poll panel said.

The voting will decide the fate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, which is being challenged by the INDIA bloc comprising the RJD, Congress, and other parties.

The first phase will see polling in 121 Assembly constituencies in central Bihar on 6 November. The second phase will cover 122 seats, in the north, east and south on 11 November, as per the election schedule.

Three phases in 2020 The 2020 assembly elections were held in three phases. Political parties had demanded one or two-phase polling at this time.

Assembly elections in Bihar began in 1951. The November election will be the 18th assembly election in Bihar.

Shorter elections over the years Bihar has seen a reduction in the number of voting phases in elections over the last three decades. In 2005, for example, two assembly elections were held in Bihar. There was a fractured verdict in the February polls, which were held in three phases. Another election was held in October and November in four phases.

In the 2010 Bihar assembly election, voting was held in six phases in October and November. In 2015, the voting was held in five phases, while in 2020, it was a three-phase election in Bihar.

Nitish Kumar enters The Bihar Assembly election in 2000 was held in three phases in February.

In March 2000, Nitish Kumar was elected Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time, at the behest of the AB Vajpayee government at the centre. The then NDA and its allies had 151 MLAs, whereas Lalu Prasad Yadav had 159 MLAs in the 324-member house (comprising Bihar and Jharkhand at the time). Both alliances fell short of the majority mark, which is 163. Nitish resigned before he could prove his numbers in the house. He lasted 7 days in the post.

Also Read | Bihar Elections: Full schedule and key numbers explained

Lalu Yadav's wife Rabri Devi was sworn in as the chief minister again.

Single-phase voting in undivided Bihar Before 2000, elections were held in undivided Bihar in a single phase. Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar on 15 November 2000.

The first phase will see polling in 121 Assembly constituencies in central Bihar on November 6. The second phase will cover 122 seats, in the north, east and south in November 11, as per the election schedule.

The Bihar Assembly election in 1995 was held in a single phase  on 2 March 1995. All 324 constituencies of undivided Bihar (including present-day Jharkhand) voted on the same day. In 1990, too, the elections in undivided Bihar were held in a single phase.

CEC explains shorter poll duration The term of the incumbent 243-seat Bihar Assembly comes to an end on 22 November.

Voting will be held at 90,712 polling stations. Bihar has 7.43 crore voters, including 3.92 crore men and 3.50 crore women. As many as 1,725 individuals identify as belonging to the third gender.

The poll dates were announced after a delegation of the Election Commission visited Bihar on October 4 and 5 to review the preparations. Political parties during the visit requested the poll panel that voting be held after the Chhath festival, which lasts from 25 October to 28, and also suggested reducing the number of polling phases, according to reports.

The poll panel is also said to have taken the decision considering the prolonged 2024 Lok Sabha elections  held over seven phases, making them the longest since the 1951-52 elections. The Lok Sabha elections in 2024 saw a dip in voter turnout.

Political parties during the visit requested the poll panel that voting be held after the Chhath festival, lasting from October 25 to 28, and also suggested reducing the number of polling phases, as per reports.

The then CEC Rajiv Kumar had said then that elections should have been completed a month earlier. Last year, the assembly elections held in Jammu and Kashmir were three phases  the shortest duration in three decades.

Voter awareness, availability of CAPFs, assessment of law and order, and enhancement in the capacity of the EC and its officials  looking at all these factors, it was felt appropriate to conduct the elections in two phases.

Voter awareness, availability of CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces), the assessment of law and order and the enhancement in the capacity of the EC and its officials  looking at all these factors, it was felt appropriate to conduct the elections in two phases, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, explaining the reduced number of phases.
The Supreme Court, on 7 October, asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to furnish details of excluded voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by Thursday, 9 October.

The top court's directives came a day after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Bihar assembly elections. Voting will be held in Bihar in two phases  6 and 11 November.

The results will be announced on 14 November.

Details of 3.66 lakh excluded voters sought A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing the petitions challenging the SIR exercise.

SC asks EC to provide it with details of 3.66 lakh excluded voters from final electoral roll prepared under Bihar SIR exercise, news agency PTI said.

On 30 September, the Election Commission of India published the final electoral roll of poll-bound Bihar. The state has about 7.42 crore voters as per the final list. There were 7.24 crore electors in the draft rolls published in August. This was after deleting 65 lakh voters from the voter list, which comprised 7.89 crore electors as on 24 June 2025.

In addition to the 65 lakh names removed at the time of publishing the draft roll in August, another 3.66 lakh ineligible voters have been removed, while 21.53 lakh new voters have been added, taking the final voters in Bihar to 7.4 crore. This means about 47 lakh voters have been deleted from the 24 June list.

During the hearing in the matter on Tuesday, the poll body stated that no complaint or appeal has been filed by any excluded voters to date. Most of the names added in the final electoral roll in SIR are of new voters, while few are old voters, the poll panel told the court

When is the Bihar Election 2025?

SC asks EC to provide it with details of 3.66 lakh excluded voters from final electoral roll prepared under Bihar SIR exercise.

The Bihar Election 2025 will decide the fate of the ruling National Democratic Alliance government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, which is being challenged by the INDIA bloc comprising the RJD, Congress, and other parties.

The first phase will see polling in 121 Assembly constituencies in central Bihar on 6 November. The second phase will cover 122 seats, in the north, east and south on 11 November, as per the election schedule.
New Delhi [India], October 7 (ANI): The Chief of Army Staff felicitated the Malayalam superstar and 'Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee', Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Mohanlal, for his outstanding contribution to society and his continued association with the Armed Forces on Tuesday.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), presented Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card in recognition of his spirit of service, philanthropy and unwavering respect for the uniform, according to a press note.

Taking to their X handle, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information-Indian Army wrote, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS felicitated the distinguished actor and 'Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee', Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Mohanlal, for his unwavering commitment and continued support to the nation-building initiatives and humanitarian assistance efforts of the Indian Army."

After meeting with Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi in the national capital, Mohanlal told reporters, "It is a great recognition and so much honour to receive commendation from the Army Chief. The Dadasaheb Phalke award is also one of the reasons. So, we had a good meeting, and we also had a small lunch. It's a great gesture from the fraternity."

Noting that he has been a part of the forces for the last 16 years, Mohanlal added, "We had some conversation on how to bring out more efficiency in the TA battalion and what we can do for the country."

Conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in May 2009, Mohanlal has remained deeply connected with the Indian Army, embodying the values of service, discipline and national pride.

His dedication was notably visible during his voluntary contribution to relief efforts during the Wayanad Natural Disaster in August 2024, according to a press note.

Beyond cinema, Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal has been a tireless advocate of social causes through the ViswaSanthi Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, skill development, environmental conservation and welfare initiatives across India, stated the press note.
Kannada filmmaker BI Hemanth Kumar was arrested in Bengaluru on Tuesday for alleged sexual harassment, cheating and criminal intimidation.

According to an India Today report, the arrest was made based on a complaint filed by a television actor and reality show winner at the Rajajinagar Police Station.

The actress has accused the actor-director of exploiting her under the pretext of offering her a movie.

Here's what the actress said in the complaint: According to the complaint, Hemanth allegedly approached the actress in 2022 and promised her a role in a movie. The movie's title remains unconfirmed, with NDTV referring to it as 3 and India Today referring to it as Richie.

The actress claimed that an agreement was signed between the two for a remuneration of 2 lakh, with the actress receiving an advance of 60,000. However, she said, Hemanth delayed shooting and began harassing her, insisting that she wear revealing clothes and perform obscene scenes.

In the report, she also claimed that Hemanth touched her inappropriately and harassed her during a promotional trip to Mumbai. She also alleged that the behaviour did not stop on set and continued elsewhere as well.

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When she resisted, Hemanth allegedly threatened her by sending rowdies, alleged the actress in a portion of her complaint.

Bengaluru police said that such threats created a sense of fear for the complainant's safety and well-being.

Financial misconduct & more charges added In addition to the alleged harassment, the actress accused Hemanth of financial misconduct and unauthorised use of her images. The Sandalwood star has been accused of issuing a cheque that bounced and uploading uncensored scenes from the movie on social media without her consent.

The actress said that she had approached the Film Chamber and reportedly completed mediation, but Hemanth still continued to harass and intimidate her.

Also Read | BJD protest post Odisha student self-immolates over sexual harassment by teacher

2023 was no better, said the actress, claiming that the harassment continued and accused him of spiking her drink, filming her in an inebriated state and later using the video to blackmail her.

Hemanth also allegedly sent goons to threaten her and her mother.

She reportedly approached the Bengaluru City Civil Court, which granted an interim injunction restraining Hemanth from uploading videos. However, she claimed that he violated the order and continued to post the defamatory content.
Two years after deadly Hamas attacks triggered wars across the Middle East, negotiators are gathering in Egypt to try to end the bloodshed with a hostage deal and an Israeli pullback from the devastated Gaza Strip.

Israel is emerging from the carnage as the regional hegemon with a string of military victories. But the countrys fight against Palestinian militant group Hamas also has left it increasingly politically isolated and at risk of losing long-term Western support that has been vital to its survival.

The deaths of more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local authorities, have revived global calls for Palestinian statehood and put Israel at odds with a solidifying international consensus.

Once recovered from the initial shock of the Hamas breakthrough and murderous spree on Oct. 7, 2023, Israels military has delivered a succession of crippling blows to the entire constellation of its strategic foes.

Hamas and Lebanons Hezbollah have been decapitated, the Assad regime in Syria has collapsed, and Irans military leadership, missile and nuclear programs have been badly damaged.

Regionally, Israel is less under less threat than it was two years ago," said Shalom Lipner, a fellow at the Atlantic Council who served as an adviser to several Israeli prime ministers. But internationally, its between a rock and a hard place, and the long-term trends are not working in its favor."

Anger at Israel has spread from the Muslim world to Europe and increasingly the U.S., where large parts of the Democratic Party and a growing part of the MAGA movement have now turned against American assistance to Israel.

While President Trump has remained supportive, Israels new isolation has given him unusual leveragea power that he has already exercised to block plans for annexing the West Bank, to make Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologize for a strike on Qatar, and to make Israel acquiesce to the latest Gaza cease-fire plan.

This alienation of Israels erstwhile friends around the world stands to erode, in a potentially lasting way, not only the standing of Netanyahu and his successors but also the long-term viability of Israels founding project.

From American university campuses to European high schools, solidarity with the Palestinian causeand hostility to Zionismhave become the political markers of a new generation.

Ordinary Jewish and Israeli people, not soldiers and politicians, are going to bear the brunt of that for years to come," said Mairav Zonszein, senior Israel analyst at the International Crisis Group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the United Nations last month that many world leaders have praised him privately.

Netanyahu, in last months speech at the United Nations, said that many weak-kneed world leaders who appease evil" by blasting Israel publicly thank him privately, saying they buckle under fear of biased media, radical Islamic constituencies, and antisemitic mobs."

Elements of antisemitism and Islamist radicalism are present in the anti-Israel protests that have swept Western nationswith protesters in some cases carrying Hamas and Hezbollah flags and engaging in anti-Jewish chants.

But this mass mobilizationas seen with Italys general strike on Fridayis driven above all by broad anger at the treatment of Palestinians and Western governments support for Israel, said Nathalie Tocci, director of the Institute of International Affairs in Rome and a former senior foreign-policy adviser at the European Commission.

Israel has gone over the top because it has been allowed to do so by the West. Its friends were not very friendly in a sense, because they didnt stop it from committing suicide in the long term," she said.

While the damage to Israels global standing is real, allies argue that it could quickly bounce back.

I dont think it is permanent. Israel has survived lots of different assaults, campaigns of delegitimization in the past," said Jonathan Schanzer, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank that supports Israel. When the war ends, the channel will change and people will go back to business as usual, more or less."

Others, however, say a return to business as usualat least in the near termwould be unlikely, especially if Netanyahu remains in power.

To repair Israels standing in the world, first the war needs to end and quite possibly a new Israeli leadership needs to emerge for it to be a viable project," said Daniel Shapiro, who served as U.S. ambassador to Israel in the Obama administration and as deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East in the Biden administration. The climb will be steep and it will take time."

When Hamas invaded Israel two years ago, killing some 1,200 civilians and soldiers, and taking another 251 hostage, it was betting on a military blow weakening the Jewish stateperhaps with Hezbollahs and Irans helpand on a renewed global focus on Palestinian aspirations that would scuttle Israels growing acceptance in the region.

Hamas leaders in Gaza failed on the first count, and most of them have been killed. Cease-fire plans pushed forward by Trump with the backing of Arab nations aim to replace the Hamas government in Gaza with a new technocratic authority.

Netanyahu, in a speech Saturday, trumpeted the military victories of the past two years as historic achievements that will be recorded in the annals of Israel and also in the annals of nations."

Netanyahu has long held up the power of Hamas, which wants to wipe out Israel, as a reason why any movement toward a Palestinian state is impossible. That would be less of a compelling argument if the cease-fire in Gaza takes effect and the new authority there becomes functional.

In recent weeks, major Western nations led by France, the United Kingdom and Canada have already moved to recognize a Palestinian state, ignoring protests from Netanyahu.

The issue of Palestine is regionally and internationally on the center stage again, after it was almost forgotten until two years ago," said Mkhaimar Abusada, a professor at Al Azhar University of Gaza who now lives in Cairo. So there is a political gainbut the Palestinian people have paid a very high price for it, the price that they never paid before."

Israels demonstration of military superiority in the Middle East, while weakening its enemies, has also triggered a long-term reassessment among its potential partners. Much of the logic behind the 2020 Abraham Accords that Israel and the Trump administration had hoped would be extended to Saudi Arabia was meant to contain Iranian influence.

But now that Israel bombed not just Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen but also a Hamas compound in Qatar, many governments in the Middle East have come to see Israels unbridled might as a greater concern than Irans weakened theocracy.

Saudi Arabias recent security pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan, as well as tighter cooperation between Arab nations and Turkey are all part of that regional response to the Israeli military strength, said retired British Air Marshal Martin Sampson, who heads the Middle East office of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and served as the U.K. government defense adviser to the Middle East.

You see the development of beginnings of relationships with Iran and of sympathy for Iran over Israel," he said. The region never wanted a single dominant power in the region. They always thought it was going to be Iran, and now theyve got one and its Israel. And Israel is a regional dominant power that freely exercises its hard-power capabilities."

Write to Yaroslav Trofimov at yaroslav.trofimov@wsj.com
ON THE day of Donald Trumps inauguration as president, DeepSeek, a Chinese company, released a world-class large language model (LLM). It was a wake-up call, observed Mr Trump. Mark Warner, vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, says that Americas intelligence community (IC), a group of 18 agencies and organisations, was caught off guard".

Last year the Biden administration grew concerned that Chinese spies and soldiers might leap ahead in the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). It ordered its own intelligence agencies, the Pentagon and the Department of Energy (which builds nuclear weapons), to experiment more adventurously with cutting-edge models and work more closely with frontier" AI labsprincipally Anthropic, Google DeepMind and OpenAI.

On July 14th the Pentagon awarded contracts worth up to $200m each to Anthropic, Google and OpenAI, as well as to Elon Musks xAIwhose chatbot recently (and briefly) self-identified as Hitler after an update went awryto experiment with agentic" models. These can act on behalf of their users by breaking down complex tasks into steps and exercising control over other devices, such as cars or computers.

The frontier labs are busy in the spy world as well as the military one. Much of the early adoption has been in the area of LLM chatbots crunching top-secret data. In January Microsoft said that 26 of its cloud-computing products had been authorised for use in spy agencies. In June Anthropic said it had launched Claude Gov, which had been already deployed by agencies at the highest level of us national security". The models are now widely used in every American intelligence agency, alongside those from competing labs.

AI firms typically fine-tune their models to suit the spooks. Claude, Anthropics public-facing model, might reject documents with classified markings as part of its general safety features; Claude Gov is tweaked to avoid this. It also has enhanced proficiency" in the languages and dialects that government users might need. The models typically run on secure servers disconnected from the public internet. A new breed of agentic models is now being built inside the agencies.

The same process is under way in Europe. In generative AI we have tried to be very, very fast followers of the frontier models," says a British official. Everyone in UKIC [the UK intelligence community] has access to top-secret [LLM] capability." Mistral, a French firm, and Europes only real AI champion, has a partnership with AMIAD, Frances military-AI agency. Mistrals Saba model is trained on data from the Middle East and South Asia, making it particularly proficient in Arabic and smaller regional languages, such as Tamil. In January +972 Magazine reported that the Israeli armed forces use of GPT-4, then OpenAIs most advanced LLM, increased 20-fold after the start of the war in Gaza.

Despite all this, progress has been slow, says Katrina Mulligan, a former defence and intelligence official who leads OpenAIs partnerships in this area. Adoption of AI in the national-security space probably isnt where we want it to be yet." The National Security Agency (NSA), Americas signals-intelligence service, which has worked on earlier forms of AI, such as voice-recognition, for decades, is a pocket of excellence, says an insider. But many agencies still want to build their own wrappers" around the labs chatbots, a process that often leaves them far behind the latest public models.

The transformational piece is not just using it as a chatbot," says Tarun Chhabra, who led technology policy for Joe Bidens National Security Council and is now the head of national-security policy at Anthropic. The transformational piece is: once you start using it, then how do I re-engineer the way I do the mission?"

A game of AI spy

Sceptics believe that these hopes are inflated. Richard Carter of the Alan Turing Institute, Britains national institute for AI, argues that what intelligence services in America and Britain really want is for the labs to significantly reduce hallucinations" in existing LLMs. British agencies use a common technique, in which one algorithm searches for reliable information and feeds it to an LLM, to minimise hallucinations, says the unnamed British official. What you need in the IC is consistency, reliability, transparency and explainability," Dr Carter warns. Instead, labs are focusing on more advanced agentic models.

Mistral, for example, is thought to have shown would-be clients a demonstration in which each stream of information, such as satellite images or voice intercepts, is paired with one AI agent, speeding up decision-making. Alternatively, imagine an AI agent tasked with identifying, researching and then contacting hundreds of Iranian nuclear scientists to encourage them to defect. We havent thought enough about how agents might be used in a war-fighting context," adds Mr Chhabra.

The problem with agentic models, warns Dr Carter, is that they recursively generate their own prompts in response to a task, making them more unpredictable and increasing the risk of compounding errors. OpenAIs most recent agentic model, ChatGPT agent, hallucinates in around 8% of answers, a higher rate than the companys earlier o3 model, according to an evaluation published by the firm.

Some AI labs see such concerns as bureaucratic rigidity, but it is simply a healthy conservatism, says Dr Carter. What you have, particularly in the GCHQ community", he says, referring to the NSAs British counterpart, is an incredibly talented engineering workforce that are naturally quite sceptical about new technology."

This also relates to a wider debate about where the future of AI lies. Dr Carter is among those who argue that the architecture of todays general-purpose LLMs is not designed for the sort of cause-effect reasoning that gives them a solid grasp on the world. In his view, the priority for intelligence agencies should be to push for new types of reasoning models.

Others warn that China might be racing ahead. There still remains a huge gap in our understanding as to how and how far China has moved to use DeepSeek" for military and intelligence gaps, says Philip Reiner of the Institute for Security and Technology, a think-tank in Silicon Valley. They probably dont have similar guardrails like we have on the models themselves and so theyre possibly going to be able to get more powerful insights, faster," he says.

On July 23rd the Trump administration ordered the Pentagon and intelligence agencies to assess regularly how quickly they are adopting AI relative to rivals such as China, and to establish an approach for continuous adaptation".

Almost everyone agrees on this. Senator Warner says that American spy agencies have been doing a crappy job" gathering intelligence on Chinas progress. The acquisition of technology [and] penetration of Chinese tech companies is still quite low." The big concern, says Ms Mulligan, is not that America rushes to use AI before understanding the risks. Its that the Department of Defence and the IC keep doing things the way theyve always done them. What keeps me up at night is the real possibility that we could win the race to AGI [artificial general intelligence]...and lose the race on adoption."
SHARM EL SHEIKH, EgyptThis week will show whether President Trumps optimism about a deal to end the war in Gaza can survive the realities that have undermined many past attempts.

Negotiators were arriving Tuesday in the Red Sea resort town of Sharm El Sheikh for talks on the first step in Trumps 20-point plan to end the wara deal to free all the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

Trump has signaled to mediators that he doesnt want the talks to drag on. Here are the main sticking points to getting a deal done.

Israels phased withdrawal from Gaza

Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group, holds about 20 living hostages and the bodies of around 28 others. By turning them all over, Hamas would be giving up its main leverage over Israel, so it is expected to push hard now for what it wants.

The militant groups key concerns are to fix a timetable for Israels gradual withdrawal from Gaza and the specific points to which those troops will pull back.

Critics of the Trump plan within the militant group have derided it as a 72-hour cease-fire," because they dont think it does enough to keep Israel from returning to the fight after it gets the hostages.

Trumps plan includes a map of the withdrawal lines but without exact locations or coordinates. Hamas officials are demanding specific requirements for Israeli withdrawal. They also say the group needs freedom of movement within the Gaza Strip to collect the hostages and recover the bodies. Israel, meanwhile, is loath to let up too soon on an enemy that has been decimated and fragmented into small groups by its advance.

Trumps map also doesnt appear to allow Palestinians access to the Egyptian border during the initial phase, which would maintain the continuing siege and possibly prevent Palestinians who need to leave from exiting. Egypt is also concerned Israel could keep troops along the border.

Hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners

The Trump plan calls for the release of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israel, which would include people convicted of killing Israelis in the past. Hamas wants to get as many big-name prisoners out as possible, to show it accomplished something with the war.

Hamas has demanded the release of a group of high-profile Palestinian political and militant leaders including Marwan Barghouti, whom Israel jailed over his role in a Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s.

A mural depicted Marwan Barghouti, left, and late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, on a separation wall near a checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah.

Hamas is also demanding the release of the bodies of its former Gaza leaders, the brothers Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar, according to Arab mediators, a request Israel has previously turned down. Yahya Sinwar was an architect of the Oct. 7 attacks.

Hard-liners on both sides

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas each have responded positively to the deal, but each hinted at some significant caveats. Israel and Trump expect Hamas to essentially surrender. Hamas hopes to escape with more of its capabilities intact. Hard-liners on both sides could still derail a deal.

Within Israel, there is broad public support for an agreement that releases the hostages. But Netanyahu will have to decide whether to release high-profile Palestinian prisoners and lay the groundwork for an agreement that ends the war, both of which could face opposition from far-right members of his government.

Within Hamas, certain factions from the groups militant wing in Gaza could reject a deal if they decide they arent getting enough in return for the hostages, opting to continue a low-level guerrilla war against Israeli forces that are operating deep inside Gaza where they could be exposed to attacks.

In the same way that Netanyahu doesnt have his extremists on board. Hamas does not have their extremists on board," said Daniel Kurtzer, a former U.S. ambassador to both Israel and Egypt. And so its a question, will the extremists have enough leverage to undermine the whole deal."

Whos at the table?

As a sign of how much is at stake, Israel, the U.S. and Hamas are sending their heaviest hitters to the negotiations.

The head of the Israeli delegation is Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer. Trump is sending his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Hamass delegation in Egypt is led by Khalil al-Hayya and includes Muhammad Darwish, top officials who survived a deadly Israeli strike in Qatar last month that highlighted the risks of further spillover from the war and angered Trump.

While the Hamas team was in place, Dermer, Kushner and Witkoff were expected to arrive later this week.

Mediators and other diplomats closely following the talks have said that, as a result of pressure from Trump, this round has a better chance of succeeding than the multiple attempts since the collapse of the last Gaza cease-fire in March.

They dont want to cross Trump. Thats been clear. So they will do the minimum necessary to start implementing the 20 points," Kurtzer said.

Write to Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com and Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com
India is no longer just a country of promise. Today, it is a pivot in global supply chains, a magnet for investment, and a market brimming with talent and scale. But as the second discussion of Mint Leadership Dialogues 2025, Season 2 showed, there is a gap between aspiration and action. The question at the centre of the debate: Can India truly become a global supply chain hub and an alternative to China?

Sanjaya Mariwala, founder and executive chairman of Omni Active Health Technologies, opened with a reality check. There is an expectation," he said, but Im not sure if thats really being met effectively." Optimism, however, was hard to miss. Amit Paithankar, whole-time director & CEO of Waaree Energies, reminded the audience that Indias opportunity is not new. Its been an opportunity five years ago, ten years ago, thirty years ago. And its our time to seize it."

Girish Tanti, co-founder and vice chairman of Suzlon Group, emphasized focus over geopolitics. Its a very dynamic world," he said. There are pockets of opportunity where we are well-placed, and others where we are at a disadvantage. The key is to sharpen our skills and be the best at what we do. The market will follow." Tanti added that industries that think globally from the outset tend to outperform, even in sectors where India already has strong domestic demand.

The ecosystem gap

Narendra Ostawal, managing director at Warburg Pincus, pointed to a missing piece: ecosystem thinking. The opportunity is there," he said, but our actions are still a little passive." Mariwala agreed. We need a determined strategy and ecosystem to make a dent in the world. Its risky, but thats what entrepreneurship is about."

Nisha Kaur Uberoi, partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, highlighted regulatory friction. Indian industry has created tremendous value, but last-mile execution matters. Desire is there, but frameworks and enablers need to catch up."

You cannot have policy and regulators which then cut Indian domestic champions down to size because then they're never going to be able to compete globally," Uberoi noted.

Hemant Ruia, country manager at DP World  India Subcontinent, noted success in sectors like electronics and renewables, crediting policies such as PLI (production-linked incentives). Mr Tanti is a living example," he said. Yet, Ostawal reminded listeners that some progress came from external pressures rather than homegrown initiative: In electronics, much of it was a pull-push from the US, driven by necessity rather than India taking the lead proactively."

Vivek Bhatia, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of TKIL Industries, emphasized focused strategy. We are not now talking about general strokeslet's increase exports. We are talking aboutlet's take this sector, what are the three or four hindrances, let's fix that, let's become a global champion in that, and then go to the next one. That's a big shift that we have seen." His point highlighted Indias move from broad policy ambition to targeted, actionable interventions.

Thinking global, acting local

Indias domestic market is both a blessing and a curse, the leaders agreed. Siva Ganapathi, vice chairman and managing director of Gokaldas Exports, said, China dominates entire value chains and plays to scale. We may dominate parts of manufacturing, but often we dont have the full ecosystem. We need global-scale thinking." Tanti warned that a thriving local market can limit ambition. If you design only for India, you limit your thought process. Success comes when you design for the world."

Vimal Kejriwal, managing director & CEO of KEC International, highlighted a new opening. Instead of saying China plus one, we are looking at  who else instead of China. Because of whatever is happening on the geopolitical side or polarization, in many places, people are now not wanting China. So that's where you can also play your game, especially for us in the construction industry or EPC."

Kejriwal further pointed out that the US does not want infrastructure to be built by the Chinese. So that to me is a significant opening," he added.

Ruia of DP World pointed to intellectual property as a lever for scale. China shows that owning IP allows global reach. India can learn from that." Tanti added, Chinas pre-covid advantage was cost. Now its innovation plus cost. Thats the mindset India needs."

Also Read | Closer integration with Asia can benefit India amid global uncertainty: AIIB

The arsenal of India

Paithankar expanded the view. We have 1.4 billion people. Europe is slowing. Africa is still coming of age. Southeast Asia is fragmented. The three solid markets are India, China, and the US. India offers demand, talent, and resources. We can be kingmakers, if not kings."

Mariwala drew lessons from Chinas ecosystem play. Target industries, build the supply chain, make it easy for businesses to operate, and encourage innovation. India needs a systemic approach." He also stressed that India must focus on developing clusters of excellence, combining manufacturing, R&D, and logistics into coherent hubs.

Bhatia highlighted the education angle. For exponential growth, you need innovation. But India keeps looking for Arjunsthe innovatorswithout investing in Dronacharyasthe educators who create talent. China systematically sent students abroad and ensured they returned. India needs a pipeline strategy."

Pockets of progress and remaining gaps

The discussion acknowledged sectors where India is gaining traction. Electronics, renewables, pharma, textiles, and IT were cited as success stories. Yet leaders emphasized that scale, integration, and ecosystem thinking remain crucial. Bhatia noted, Factor-based growth is linear. Innovation-based growth is exponential. Thats what India must pursue."

Siva Ganapathi stressed that policy should support large enterprises to compete globally. Eventually, it will be the big players who dominate exports. Chinas capacities are humongous. India needs to adopt similar strategic thinking." Tanti returned to the theme of global mindset. Industries that start by thinking globally, not just for India, see success. The key is excellence. Innovation must be homegrown where possible. That mindset changes outcomes."

The road ahead

The tone was optimistic. Tanti said, India is uniquely placed. The glass is more than half full. We have a thriving domestic market and cultural strengths. Global investors are pouring in. Young people can take on big challenges. The key is to aim for excellence and global competitiveness. Dont settle for second best."

The dialogue underlined that Indias moment is real but requires focus. Ecosystem creation, global-scale thinking, innovation, and last-mile implementation are critical. India has the talent, capital, and marketbut translating that into global impact will take strategic coordination between industry, policymakers, and investors.

From energy to electronics, construction to pharmaceuticals, India has shown glimpses of world-class capability. The challenge now is scale, integration, and execution. Leaders emphasized that deliberate action, not aspiration alone, will determine global success.

As the discussion weaved from speaker to speaker, one thought lingered: India is not yet a global superpower, but it is poised to become a kingmaker. Its decisions over the next decade will shape supply chains, markets, and innovation worldwide. The question is no longer whether India can compete with China, but whether it will think, act, and innovate at a global level.
Brands that fear for their survival unless they can connect with young people are fueling a boom in the business of Gen Z translation.

Specialized agencies and market research firms like NinetyEight, named for its founders year of birth, are popping up, raising money and expanding. Legacy marketing and publicity firms are buying or building equivalents such as Edelmans Gen Z Lab. And talent agency UTA, which acquired Gen Z marketing agency JUV Consulting in 2024, later this month will host the third iteration of ZCON, a conference designed to educate brand executives on Gen Z trends.

Marketers have sought help with young consumers since at least 1945, when the 19-year-old Eugene Gilbert decided the shoe store where he worked was clueless about his peers and established Gilbert Teen Age Services. Youth marketing agencies and researchers until recently were busy promising insight into tech-savvy but cash-poor millennials.

But the need is becoming more urgent as the digitally native Gen Z, now roughly 13 to 28 years old, comes of spending age. Gen Z spending power will grow to $12.6 trillion globally in 2030 from $9.8 trillion in 2024, according to market research firms Nielsen IQ, GfK and World Data Lab.

They really are thinking differently, reacting differently, getting their knowledge and information from different sources, and so we have absolutely had to pivot," said Katie Williams, U.S. chief marketing officer of Haleon, a consumer healthcare company that sells brands including Sensodyne, Advil and Emergen-C.

Even Gen Z preferences for how they literally consume products are different, driving colder coffees, lighter beers and, Williams said, Emergen-C vitamins in popping crystal formats.

Getting" Gen Z has also been complicated by the death of monoculture, the speed at which youth trends come and go, and the multiplying media channels where brands are now expected to participate. Trawling for timely insights on platforms like TikTok, where trends now live and die in a matter of days, takes time and resources that most marketing departments dont have in-house.

Cultural inputs used to be these macro inputs that we almost got at the same time," said Rishi Malhotra, the Gen X founder and chief executive officer of Cafeteria, which polls teenagers about likes and dislikes through its app. Now those inputs are in the 100,000s."

Cafeteria was born out of a car ride. Malhotra was ferrying his then-14-year-old daughter and her friends from Manhattan to Long Island, and listening from the drivers seat to their myriad opinions on household brands.

The whole time in my head, Im thinking, Every company, every institution wants to hear this," Malhotra said.

Cafeteria, which was founded in 2023, now has just over 6,000 teens across the U.S. signed up to earn $5 each time they answer around 20 questions. Companies and their agencies pay for access to insights and to issue custom surveys. A $3 million funding round announced in July brought its valuation to $22 million.

Clothing brand Roller Rabbit has used Cafeteria research to guide product development and marketing, CMO Carolyn Phillips said. Roller Rabbit had been toying with moving into scents, but Cafeteria data led it to pause that idea.

What we saw from Cafeteria was how important comfort was, so weve continued to focus on casuals and sweats, as well as sleepwear and intimates with that in mind," Phillips said.

Marketers caught one lucky break with Gen Z: Its members show preternatural willingness to share feedback with companies.

The cynicism or embarrassment that millennials and Gen X may have felt around interacting with corporate entities has made way for Gen Zs desire to be involved with the brands theyre happy to admit they love. The group sees brands as a gateway to community, with nearly 60% of Gen Z feeling a connection to people who use the same brands that they do, and 46% judging people based on what brands they buy or use, according to 2024 research from the communications giant Edelman. Among Gen X, by comparison, only 49% felt the same connection and 35% judged people by their brands.

When we look at brands, they really are an extension of who we are and what our identities are, and that really allows us to feel more personally attached to them," said Jess Xu, 27, an associate strategy director at Edelman. We dont want to be marketed to, we really want to co-create."

Xu is part of Edelmans Gen Z Lab, a youth-marketing division formed in 2022 that uses 400 Gen Z employees from across the firm as a resource for clients. It has brought in around $76 million in revenue since opening, according to Jackie Cooper, its founder and Edelmans global chief brand officer.

Haleon hired the Gen Z Lab to work on projects including Advils TikTok strategy, and marketing around the 2024 Super Bowl for Tums. And the Italian food company Barilla Group shifted its protein pasta marketing strategy to focus less on nutritional values and more on its energy and lifestyle benefits after consulting with the division, said Americas Vice President of Marketing Adam Lisook.

Some members of Gen Z have started their own businesses to demystify their peers.

Celine Chai, Gia Lee and Bryant Lin founded NinetyEight after graduating from Loyola Marymount Universitys advertising program in May 2020, when the pandemic had just put most marketing hiring on ice.

It just felt like a lot of ads and campaigns just werent hitting," said Chai. And that evolved as our [unique selling proposition]: Were a group of Gen Z-ers, we understand it, we live it, we can create creative that resonates with Gen Z."

NinetyEight has gone on to consult with and devise marketing campaigns for multinational companies including PepsiCo and Meta Platforms. Clients pay for qualitative research, surveys, focus groups and interviews with a pool of enthusiastic respondents the agency calls the Koi Pond.

People write paragraphs," Chai said. I dont think people try as hard in school."

Write to Katie Deighton at katie.deighton@wsj.com
New Delhi: Gazprom, a Russian state-owned energy giant under US sanctions, is in talks to build a 5 million tonne LNG regasification terminal at Kakinada port on Indias east coast, as part of plans to invest in Indian ports and gas infrastructure.

Executives of Kakinada Seaports Ltd, Gazprom, and representatives of the Russian Federation embassy in New Delhi are expected to meet this week to discuss the modalities of the proposed $600 million investment, four people said.

Gazprom is looking to invest in port and LNG assets in India. Currently, it is in talks to set up an LNG terminal at Kakinada port," one of them said.

There is global interest in Indias maritime space. Among them, Russian entities including Gazprom have been actively scouting for maritime and port assets in India," added an Indian government official aware of Gazproms talks with Kakinada Seaports. All four people spoke on condition of anonymity.

Gazproms plan to acquire port infrastructure in India comes in the backdrop of Indian port operators including Adani Group barring vessels sanctioned by the US, the UK, and the European Union from their ports. The sanctions are related to Russias war with Ukraine.

Gazproms India plans may not have a major impact on India-US relations as New Delhi appears keen on big investments from Russia, said Sankalp Gurjar, assistant professor of geopolitics and geoeconomics at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics. He pointed out that India has revived other partnerships with Russia recently, including defence acquisition plans.

Also Read | GAIL sees scope for more US LNG share in India's energy mix as prices attractive

India-US relations, meanwhile, are strained over Washingtons steep tariffs on Indian goods, including an additional 25% penalty for sourcing oil from Russia, even as New Delhi is looking to strike a landmark trade deal.

India has made it clear to the US that it would not budge to diktats. In this scenario, new business tie-ups and investments can be expected by Russian companies in India," Gurjar said.

Another legal expert said the US sanctions would not have an impact on Gazproms plans for India or pose legal hurdles for the companys Indian partners.

From an Indian law standpoint, there should be no explicit legal issue in the case of a likely investment by Gazprom," said Vaibhav Kakkar, a senior partner for cross-border transactions, regulatory and corporate laws, including securities, foreign exchange, at Saraf and Partners, a law firm.

However, the proposed investment can face practical issues in terms of implementation and operations of the company as financiers having an exposure in the US and Europe, and other global service providers, may resist from dealing with them [Gazprom] given the sanctions imposed by the US," Kakkar added.

Key Takeaways Russias Gazprom, which faces US sanctions, is in talks to invest $600 million to build a 5 million tonne LNG regasification terminal at Kakinada port, signaling an expansion into Indias east coast energy and port infrastructure.

According to legal experts, Gazproms proposed LNG terminal in India is unlikely to significantly strain India-US relations, as New Delhi continues to welcome Russian investments even as it seeks to balance trade negotiations with Washington.

A Gazprom LNG terminal on Indias east coast would also be geographically significant, as it would support the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor and could facilitate future utilization of gas discovered off the Andaman Islands.

Safe investment destination

Although most of Indias energy imports land on its western coast, India and Russia have been working to improve trade through the eastern coast via the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

Trade through this corridor improved after India and Russia in 2019 signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance maritime connectivity between Chennai and Vladivostok, a major port city in Russia.

Gazproms plan to expand in India also coincides with LNG investments returning to the US as Donald Trump, the countrys president, focuses on fossil fuels. In the first nine months of 2025, the US dominated global investments into LNG terminals, accounting for about 90% of sanctioned capacity.

However, for Russian state-owned firms, India offers a safe market, said experts.

If Gazprom is looking at investment in an LNG terminal in the country, it may be because India seems to be a safer investment destination for them compared to other countries as India has been resistant to global pressures in terms of energy procurement," said Prashant Vasisht, senior vice president and co-group head, corporate ratings, Icra Ltd.

Also, the gas discovered in Andaman would need to be transported to the east coast of India for its utilization and a new terminal in Kakinada would add to the options," he added.

Currently, two LNG terminals are proposed to be developed at Kakinada port. While Norway-headquartered Crown LNG has signed up to develop one terminal, Kakinada Seaports holds the rights for the second terminal.

Kakinada Seaportss chairman and managing director K.V. Rao declined to comment on Gazproms proposal to develop an LNG terminal at Kakinada port. The Russian Federation embassy in New Delhi did not respond to queries mailed on 3 October.

Queries emailed to Gazprom and Kakinada Seaports on 1 October, and to Jayadev Polavarapu, managing director of Kakinada Infrastructure Holdings Pvt. Ltd, on 3 October remained unanswered.

Indias LNG demand

Russia is not a major source of LNG although it is the top supplier of crude oil to India. In FY25, Russia didnt supply any LNG to India, and in FY24, it supplied only about $75 million worth of natural gas.

The top suppliers of LNG to Indiathe worlds fourth-largest importer of natural gasare Qatar, the US, and the UAE, which supplied LNG worth $6.39 billion, $2.46 billion, and $2.04 billion, respectively, in 2024-25.

Gazprom had signed a contract with GAIL (India) Ltd in 2012 to supply 2.85 million tonnes of LNG for 20 years. However, in 2022, the Russian gas producer stalled supplies to GAIL as spot sales fetched it better returns. Supplies resumed in May 2023.

In 2019, Rosneft became the first Russian state-owned energy giant to invest in Indias energy space when it acquired a 49.13% stake in Essar Oil India from Essar Energy Holdings Ltd and its affiliates, and in 2018 rebranded it as Nayara Energy.

The Union government aims to increase the share of natural gas in Indias energy mix to 15% by 2030 from about 8% now. But, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Indias demand for natural gas is expected to decline by 1% in 2025, after expanding at 10% in 2024.

IEA, however, expects the trend to reverse in 2026 with a 7% growth, driven by the ongoing expansion of Indias city gas distribution and CNG (compressed natural gas) filling station networks, expanding industrial gas use, and rising electricity needs.

Expanding LNG capacity

Currently, India has seven operational LNG regasification terminals, with a total 47.7 million tonne capacity. But the overall utilization level of these seven terminals is about 50.5%, according to energy industry experts.

In 2024-25, India imported 10,194 million tonnes of LNG, valued at $15.2 billion.

A regasification terminal converts LNG to gas before passing it on to customers.

The capacity utilization of [the LNG] terminals is expected to increase with the complete integration of the pipelines and adding geographical areas (GAs) with city gas distribution," said Icras Vasisht. Currently, 91 GAs are yet to be connected to the gas network. Several companies including state-run majors are setting up more terminals."

GAIL plans to increase the capacity of its LNG terminal at Dabhol in Maharashtra to 12.5 million tonnes by 2031-32 from 5 million tonnes now. Petronet LNG Ltda joint venture of GAIL, Indian Oil Corp., Bharat Petroleum Corp., and ONGC Ltdplans to develop the Gopalpur terminal in Odisha and expand its 17.5-million tonne LNG terminal at Dahej in Gujarat.

Also Read | Nayara refinery to be hit hard by EU sanctions on Russian oil
By Karl Plume

CHICAGO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures rose for a second straight session on Monday, supported by technical buying and as beef prices turned higher after a month-long decline, analysts said.

Tight cattle supplies also continued to underpin the market as imports from Mexico remain shuttered due to the northward spread of the flesh-eating screwworm parasite south of the border.

Mexico's agriculture ministry reported another case of screwworm on Monday in Nuevo Leon state, which borders the United States.

The livestock supply worries helped futures extend gains after a recent slide despite negative beef plant margins that had packers reluctant to bid up for cattle.

"Packer margins are in the red from a softer wholesale market and not willing to extend bids. Boxed beef did firm today though, giving the complex support," said Karl Setzer, partner at Consus Ag Consulting.

"A tight replacement supply was additionally supportive for the feeder contracts," he added.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the choice boxed beef cutout value rose on Monday to $363.34 per hundredweight, up $1.07 from Friday's two-month low. The select cutout was up $2.59 at $347.97 per cwt.

Beef packer margins, however, remained deeply in the red, with packer losses on Monday estimated at $220.75 per head, down from losses of $187.85 per head a week ago, according to livestock marketing advisory service HedgersEdge.

CME December live cattle rose 2.175 cents to end at 236.675 cents per pound. CME November feeder cattle rose 5.375 cents to end at 360.800 cents per pound.

Lean hog futures ended mostly higher on spillover support from rising cattle markets.
Gold price today: Rates of gold hit fresh record highs in morning trade on the MCX on Tuesday (October 7) due to sustained safe-haven demand amid expectations of further rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.

MCX Gold December futures hit a record high of 1,20,900 per 10 grams. Around 11:45 am, the yellow metal was 0.22 per cent up at 1,20,510 per 10 grams, while MCX Silver December futures were 0.03 per cent down at 1,47,475 per kg.

International gold prices also reached their record high due to increased economic and political uncertainties in the US, while expectations of further US Fed rate cuts remain a key trigger for the yellow metal.

The US shutdown has raised the risk of more job losses, even as the standoff is expected to stretch into a seventh day. As Reuters reported, the standoff has frozen approximately $1.7 trillion in funds for agency operations, which amounts to roughly one-quarter of the annual federal budget.

Meanwhile, markets are pricing in an additional 25 basis points of US Fed rate cuts in both October and December this year.

Investors' focus is on the FOMC meeting minutes, the Fed chairs speech, Chinas reopening after the holiday, and updates regarding the US shutdown.

Domestic spot gold prices have surged by over 55 per cent this year so far, driven by increased demand from retail investors amid geopolitical tensions, tariff-related uncertainties, a weaker dollar, and aggressive central bank buying.

"Solid demand from the ETF investors in gold and silver is supporting prices. Gold ETF buying surged 17 per cent year to date, and silver demand surged 16 per cent year to date amid robust investor inflows. The possibility of two more rate cuts of 25 basis points each this year by the US Fed is also supporting prices of gold and silver," said Manoj Kumar Jain of Prithvifinmart Commodity Research.

Also Read | Top 5 gold ETFs for high returns this Diwali: A complete guide

Experts highlight key MCX levels to watch "Gold prices have hit new record highs, with futures reaching $4,000 an ounce on the Comex. This surge comes as the US government shutdown stretches into its sixth day, and political turmoil in France adds to global uncertainty," Darshan Desai, CEO of Aspect Bullion and Refinery, observed.

"A combination of retail and institutional buying, along with ongoing hopes for a Federal Reserve rate cut, despite the lack of key economic data, is keeping upward pressure on prices. If gold does pull back from these highs, it could present a buying opportunity for investors looking to enter the market," said Desai.

According to Jain, gold has support at $3,945-$3,920, while resistance is at $4,000-$4,020 per troy ounce, and silver has support at $48.00-$47.70, while resistance is at $48.80-$49.10 per troy ounce in todays session.

MCX Gold has support at 1,19,100- 1,18,000 and resistance at 1,21,000- 1,22,200, while silver has support at 1,46,200- 1,45,000 and resistance at 1,48,800- 1,50,000.

We suggest buying silver around 1,47,000 with a stop loss of 1,45,400 for the target of 1,50,000, said Jain.

Rahul Kalantri, VP of commodities at Mehta Equities, stated that gold has support at $3,920-$3,880, while resistance is located at $3,990-$4,025. Silver has support at $48.10-$47.70 while resistance is at $48.90-$49.30.

In INR, gold has support at 1,19,600 and 1,19,280, while resistance is at 1,20,850 and 1,21,400. Silver has support at 1,46,450 and 1,45,850 while resistance is at 1,48,550 and 1,49,450, said Kalantri.

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Gold prices have been on a tear, hitting an all-time high on 7 October after rising nearly 20% over the past three months. Shares of companies involved in all parts of the gold supply chain, from mining to jewellery retail, have soared. For jewellery companies this also means dealing with higher input costs, that too in the early days of the festive season, their most important quarter.

Gold typically does well at times of geopolitical uncertainty, and there's plenty of that to go around right now, from the war in Ukraine to US President Donald Trumps ever-changing tariffs.

Investors typically turn to gold as a safe haven in times like these, until global markets and politics reach calmer waters. The most recent surge in international gold prices was driven by the the US political deadlock and government shutdown.

Flight to safety

A bigger concern this year has been US monetary policy. America's inward turnas indicated by rapidly changing tariffs on key trading partnershas raised questions in international markets about the long-term viability of the US dollar as the global reserve currency. In line with these concerns, central banks, among the biggest buyers of gold worldwide, have been stocking up on it, causing prices to shoot up 45% since the start of 2025.

Central banks aren't alone in this. Investors of all stripes have been participated in the gold rush over the past year, some because of concerns around the US dollar but most because of the sparkling returns it has delivered. The fact that there currently is no viable alternative to the US dollar as the global reserve currency only makes gold more attractive.

The other big driver of international gold prices is gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have become big players in global markets.

Festive glitter

In India the festive season around Diwali, which overlaps with the third quarter of the financial year (Oct-Dec), is a major driver of gold prices.

An analysis of quarterly data from 28 listed companies in the jewellery sector showed both sales and profits see a bump in Q3. In 9 of the past 10 financial years, the third quarter has brought in more than 25% of their sales and profits. During the covid-19 pandemic, Q3 was even more important than usual for the sector.

Also Read | India ramps up gold reserves faster than peers

Demand dampener

A weak Diwali can thus hurt such a companys annual performance far more than those in other sectors. Expect jewellery companies to be balanced on a knife edge this Diwali. On the one hand, sharp jumps in gold prices can lead to higher margins for companies in the sector. But rising gold prices can also dampen demand, especially at times like these, when gold is skyrocketing. Even with sweeteners from companies, prices may be too high for consumers to handle.

There was a time when consumer demand from countries like India and China was big enough to move global prices. But the big drivers of gold prices this year have been central banks and gold funds, adding a new dimension to the complex interplay.

www.howindialives.com is a database and search engine for public data
Canara HSBC IPO price band: The Canara HSBC Life Insurance IPO price band has been fixed in the range of 100 to 106 per equity share of the face value of 10. The Canara HSBC IPO date of subscription is scheduled for Friday, October 10, and will close on Tuesday, October 14. The allocation to anchor investors for the Canara HSBC IPO is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 9. The Canara HSBC IPO lot size is 140 equity shares and in multiples of 140 equity shares thereafter.

Canara HSBC IPO has reserved not more than 50% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not less than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not less than 35% of the offer is reserved for retail investors.

Tentatively, Canara HSBC IPO basis of allotment of shares will be finalised on Wednesday, October 15, and the company will initiate refunds on Thursday, October 16, while the shares will be credited to the demat account of allottees on the same day following refund. Canara HSBC share price is likely to be listed on BSE and NSE on Friday, October 17.

Also Read | Canara HSBC Life IPO gets IRDAI nod, likely to hit Indian stock market by Oct

Canara HSBC IPO details Canara HSBC's IPO is entirely an offer-for-sale of up to 23.75 crore shares by its promoters, which include Canara Bank, HSBC Insurance Asia-Pacific Holdings (part of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation group), and Punjab National Bank. This sale represents 25% of the companys paid-up equity.

Currently, Canara Bank holds a 51% stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company, while HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific) Holdings owns 26%, and Punjab National Bank has a 23% stake.

As this IPO is a complete offer-for-sale, the proceeds will go directly to the selling shareholders, and the company itself will not benefit financially from the IPO.

The lead managers for this IPO include SBI Capital Markets, BNP Paribas, HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India), JM Financial, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors. Kfin Technologies Ltd is functioning as the registrar for the issue.

Also Read | IPO Watch: Canara HSBC Life Insurance files draft papers with SEBI

Company details Canara HSBC Life Insurance, established in 2007, has emerged as the third-largest life insurer among public sector banks in India. As of June 2025, the company reported assets under management totaling 43,639.5 crore, reflecting a 6% increase from 41,166.4 crore in March 2025.

In terms of financial performance, Canara HSBC competes with other listed players like SBI Life Insurance, HDFC Life Insurance, and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. For the quarter ending June 2025, the company recorded a profit of 23.4 crore, marking a growth of 25.2% compared to 18.7 crore in the same quarter the previous year. The annualized premium equivalent (APE) for this period also saw a positive trend, increasing by 4.4% to 492.8 crore from 472 crore.

For the fiscal year 2025, profits rose by 3.2% to 117 crore, up from 113.3 crore the previous year. The annualized premium equivalent surged by 23.9% to 2,339.4 crore, compared to 1,887.8 crore last year. Additionally, the value of new business (VNB) reached 446 crore, an 18.1% increase over the previous 377.6 crore, although the VNB margin saw a slight decline from 20% to 19.07% during the same timeframe.
Canara Robeco IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Canara Robeco Asset Management Company is set to open for public subscription on Thursday, October 9 and will remain open until Monday, October 13. The share allotment is expected to be finalised on Tuesday, October 14, and successful bidders can expect the shares to be credited to their demat accounts on Wednesday, October 15. Canara Robeco shares are expected to be listed on the BSE and the NSE on Thursday, October 16.

Canara Robeco IPO is a book build issue and entirely an offer for sale (OFS) of 4,98,54,357 shares of face value of 10 each. Canara Robeco IPO price band is set at 253 to 266 per share.

Meanwhile, the grey market appears to be indifferent to the issue, as the latest grey market premium (GMP) of Canara Robeco stock is nil.

Canara Robeco IPO: 10 key things to know from RHP Let's take a look at 10 key things to know from the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP) of the Canara Robeco IPO:

1. Promoter selling shareholder Canara Bank and ORIX Corporation Europe N.V. are the two promoter selling shareholders of the OFS.

Canara Bank is selling up to 2,59,24,266 shares, while ORIX Corporation is offloading 2,39,30,091 shares in the OFS.

2. Canara Robeco's promoters As per the RHP, Canara Bank holds 10,17,02,888 shares, equivalent to 51 per cent of the total share capital, in the company.

ORIX Corporation Europe N. V. holds 97,714,540 shares, or 49 per cent shares of Canara Robeco.

3. Canara Robeco's management The company has 11 directors on its board, comprising one executive director and 10 non-executive directors, including six independent directors, of whom two are women.

K. Satyanarayana Raju, 59, is the non-executive director and chairman, while Rajnish Narula, 65, serves as the managing director and chief executive officer of the company.

4. Canara Robeco's business The company claims to be Indias second-oldest asset management company. Its primary activities include managing mutual funds and providing investment advice on Indian equities to Robeco Hong Kong Limited, a member of its promoter group.

"As of June 30, 2025, we managed 26 schemes comprising 12 equity schemes, 10 debt schemes and four hybrid schemes with a quarterly average asset under management (QAAUM) of 1,110.52 billion," the RHP reads.

5. Canara Robeco's financial performance The asset management company's total revenue from operations for FY23 was 2,045.95 million, which rose to 3,180.90 million in FY24 and to 4,036.95 million in FY25.

In FY26, for the period ended June 30, 2025, the company's total revenue from operations was 1,210.69 million, compared to 1,017.96 million in the same period the previous year.

Profit for FY23 was 790.01 million, rising to 1,509.95 million in FY24 and 1,907.04 million in FY25. For the period ended June 30, 2025, the company's profit was 609.77 million, compared to 510.71 million in the same period last year.

6. Canara Robeco IPO objects Since the issue is entirely an OFS, the company will not receive any fresh funds for business expansion and general corporate purposes.

According to the RHP, the primary objectives of the offer are to achieve the benefits of listing the equity shares on the stock exchanges.

"Our company expects that listing of the shares will enhance our visibility and brand and provide liquidity to existing shareholders. Listing will also provide a public market for the equity shares in India. Our company will not receive any proceeds from the offer. All proceeds will go to the promoter selling shareholders, in proportion to the shares offered by them in the offer for sale," says the RHP.

7. Canara Robeco's peers HDFC Asset Management Company, Nippon Life India Asset Management, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC, and UTI Asset Management Company are the major listed peers of the company.

8. Extensive regulation is a key risk The company's business is subject to extensive regulation, including periodic inspections by the SEBI. The RHP states that non-compliance with existing regulations or SEBIs observations could expose the company to penalties and restrictions on the business that we can undertake.

9. Competitive industry The company operates in a competitive industry, and its business and financial results may be negatively impacted if it is unable to compete effectively with its competitors.

10. Industry outlook As per the RHP, mutual funds have experienced a substantial increase as a proportion of household financial savings, growing from 2 per cent to around 7 per cent between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2024, with the investment value expanding from 0.64 trillion to 2.39 trillion at a CAGR of 55 per cent during the same period.

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The initial public offering (IPO) of LG Electronics India, a subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc., Korea, a leading global single-brand home appliance player, witnessed healthy demand from both retail and non-institutional investors on its first day of bidding.

The IPO, which remains open until Thursday, October 9, received bids for 7.45 crore shares against the total offer of 7.13 crore shares, resulting in an overall subscription of 1.05 times by the end of Day 1, according to exchange data.

Non-institutional buyers showed strong interest, with their portion subscribed 2.31 times, while retail investors also displayed notable enthusiasm, with their portion booked 0.82 times.

Also Read | LG Electronics India raises 3,475 crore from anchor investors ahead of IPO

The QIB quota was subscribed 0.49 times. Meanwhile, the employee portion saw strong demand, being booked 1.90 times.

LG Electronics India IPO details The LG Electronics India IPO is a book-built issue worth 11,607 crore, entirely comprising an offer for sale (OFS) of 10.2 crore shares. The price band for the issue has been set between 1,080 and 1,140 per share.

Retail investors can apply for a minimum of 13 shares in one lot and up to 13 lots. At the upper end of the price band, 1,140 per share, retail investors are required to make a minimum investment of 14,820 per lot.

The IPO proceeds will not be utilized by LG Electronics India but will help the promoter unlock value from its investment in the company. LG Electronics currently operates two manufacturing units located in Noida and Pune, with a total capacity to produce 1.45 crore products annually and an aggregate capacity utilization rate of around 77% for FY25.

As part of its expansion plans in India, the company intends to establish a third manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh with an investment of 5,000 crore.

View full Image LG Electronics IPO

On the financial front, LGs performance has been strong, with topline growth of 10.8% CAGR and PAT growth of 28% CAGR between FY23 and FY25. During the same period, margins expanded by 320 bps, with FY25 EBITDA margin at 12.8%, according to domestic brokerage firm Nirmal Bang.

GMP signals over 27% premium As of today, the grey market premium (GMP) for the LG Electronics India IPO stands at 312 per share, suggesting that the stock is likely to list above its issue price. Based on this GMP and the upper price band, the estimated listing price is 1,452, reflecting a 27.36% premium over the upper issue price of 1,140 per share.

The GMP represents the expected difference between an IPOs issue price and its anticipated listing price in the unofficial market. However, its important to note that the GMP is merely an early indicator and should not be relied upon as the sole factor in investment decisions.

About LG Electronics India LG Electronics India is among the leading players in the major home appliances and consumer electronics segment (excluding mobile phones) in India, primarily catering to the offline channel. The company holds a leading position across product categories such as washing machines, refrigerators, panel TVs, inverter air conditioners, and microwaves.

Refrigerators contribute 27% of the companys FY25 revenue of 24,367 crore, followed by washing machines and air conditioners, accounting for 21% and 22%, respectively.
Sustaining their bull run for the sixth straight session, shares of Canara Bank, a state-owned lender, jumped another 1.3% in Tuesday's intraday trade, October 07, to the new 1-year high of 128.40 apiece, bringing it just steps away from hitting a 14-year high of 129.85 apiece.

The shares have been on a sustained bull run in recent months, gaining 62.6% from the March lows and emerging as the best performer in the recent rally among public sector bank stocks.

Also Read | Canara Bank shares jump after SEBI nod for Canara Robeco AMCs updated DRHP

The recent run-up in Canara Banks share price has also pushed its year-to-date gains to 27%. If the current momentum is sustained through the rest of the year, it will mark the PSU bank stocks fifth consecutive year of positive returns.

Ever since 2021, the stock has delivered double-digit returns, with 2022 emerging as the best-performing year, achieving a 66% rally, followed by a 55% gain in 2021.

The rally is supported by several positive developments, including reports of a possible increase in the FPI limit for PSU banks and hopes of a pickup in credit demand, led by the GST rate cut boost.

Meanwhile, the rally has also found support from the upcoming IPO of its subsidiary, Canara Robeco Asset Management Company, which has recently set the issue price between 253 and 266 per share.

Canara Robeco, a joint venture between Canara Bank and ORIX Corporation Europe, a unit of Japan's ORIX Corporation, will open its initial public offering to retail investors on October 9, with anchor investors invited to place their bids on October 8.

The firm, which manages more than 1 trillion in assets, will not issue any fresh shares in the IPO, with the two existing shareholders offloading a combined 49.8 million shares.

Also Read | Canara Robeco IPO: 10 key things to know from RHP

Canara Robeco competes with major listed asset management companies such as HDFC Asset Management Company, Nippon Life India Asset Management, and UTI Asset Management Company.

Canara Bank Q2FY26 earnings preview For Q2FY26, domestic brokerage firm Motilal Oswal expects Canara Bank to report a net interest income of 89,705 million for the September quarter, reflecting a 3.7% YoY decline and a 0.4% drop on a sequential basis.

The brokerage anticipates the banks operating profit to improve 1.2% YoY to 77,455 million, though it may decline 9.4% QoQ. On the bottom line, net profit is expected at 42,553 million, marking a 6% YoY increase but a 10.5% sequential drop.

Margins are likely to see some moderation, while asset quality is expected to improve, according to Motilal Oswal. Advances and deposit growth will remain key monitorables, and the brokerage maintains a 'Buy' rating on the stock with a target price of 140 per share.
Finding value in the Indian stock market is a real challenge.

The benchmark Nifty 50 has surged by more than 30% over the past two years, with broader indices following suit.

Robust earnings, policy continuity, and steady domestic flows have powered the rally. The side effect is that valuations across sectors have moved well above long-term averages. At around 22 times earnings, the Nifty 50 is no longer cheap.

Investors often gravitate toward the usual favourites such as companies with visible growth, strong balance sheets and leadership positions. But when everyone crowds into the same names, the scope for outsized returns narrows.

In such markets, opportunities arise from a bottom-up approach, where businesses generate steady cash flows, operate efficiently, and carry little or no debt, while still trading at reasonable valuations.

These are the companies that can withstand cycles and create value over the long term.

Welspun Corp Ltd

Welspun Corp has evolved into a diversified player in pipe solutions and building materials.

Its portfolio spans line pipes, ductile iron pipes, stainless steel bars, rebars, and plastic pipes under the Sintex brand.

The company serves the energy, water, and infrastructure sectors in India and overseas, with a strong order book of around 19,000 core.

FY25 consolidated revenue stood at 13,880 crore with an Ebitda margin of 15.2%.

In the June 2025 quarter, consolidated income stood at 3,590 crore with Ebitda of 560 crore, translating into a margin of 15.6%.

Line pipes and DI pipes together accounted for the bulk of volumes, while stainless steel and rebars added niche contributions. The mix was supported by strong offshore demand for high-grade pipes and rising traction from Indias water and gas projects.

Looking ahead, Welspun is ramping up capacity across ductile iron pipes and stainless steel bars.

The bright bar project is on track for commissioning in Q3FY26, opening a higher-value segment. Its greenfield DI pipe facility in Saudi Arabia is also progressing well.

Capex is directed at these expansions and brand-building in Sintex, with spending largely funded through internal accruals.

The stock trades at a PE of 13.8, in line with its five-year median multiple of 14.2.

Railtel Corporation of India Ltd

RailTel Corporation of India, a Navratna PSU under the ministry of railways, has built one of the countrys largest neutral telecom networks.

Its portfolio spans telecom services, system integration, data centres, cloud solutions, and cybersecurity, along with a long-standing role in railway digital transformation.

The company also operates RailWire, one of the top broadband providers in rural India.

FY25 was a landmark year as RailTel posted its highest-ever revenue of 3,480 crore, up 35% year-on-year. Ebitda margin remained healthy, reflecting disciplined execution and the asset-light nature of its business.

The momentum carried into Q1FY26, when revenue grew 33% year-on-year, with projects accounting for 410 crore and telecom 330 crore. RailTels order book stood at 7,200 crore at the end of June 2025, including nearly 500 crore in Kavach projects.

Looking ahead, RailTel is investing 240 crore in FY26 to expand edge data centres and strengthen cybersecurity.

Its also scaling international forays in South Asia and Africa. With no debt on its books and consistent dividend payouts, the company is well-placed to fund growth through internal accruals.

Also Read | Why foreign investors are shunning India's IPO market now

The stock trades at a PE of 37.4, a premium to its five-year median of 29.

BSE Ltd

BSE has steadily reinvented itself into a diversified financial services platform. Beyond equities, it now operates across derivatives, debt, mutual funds, insurance distribution, and data services.

The StAR MF platform has emerged as the largest in India, while the exchange also holds a 15% stake in CDSL, strengthening its ecosystem play.

FY25 consolidated revenue grew 62%, supported by equity derivatives relaunch and record flows on the StAR MF platform. Ebitda margin for the year expanded to 62%.

The June 2025 quarter revenue rose 59% year-on-year, driven by higher transaction charges and robust growth in equity derivatives. Mutual fund distribution order volumes were up 30% and revenue was higher by 23%.

Ebitda margin expanded to 65% from 47% a year ago, due to the strong top line and disciplined cost control.

Contributions from associates such as CDSL and India INX added further heft. The management credited the derivative relaunch, rising retail participation, and deeper penetration of the StAR MF platform as key drivers.

Looking ahead, BSE is investing in expanding its clearing corporation and developing new indices, alongside broadening the derivatives suite.

Technology spending is being scaled up to handle peak trading volumes, funded through internal accruals. The company is targeting leadership in mutual fund distribution and aims to grow its derivatives share meaningfully.

The stock trades at a PE of 52.5, a premium to its five-year median multiple of 47.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd

Hyundai Motor India has played a big role in shaping Indias passenger vehicle market for nearly three decades.

The company is best known for building popular models across hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs, with the Creta firmly established as the countrys top-selling mid-size SUV.

FY25 ended on a mixed note, with total volumes of 762,000 vehicles, broadly flat year-on-year. SUVs continued to dominate, accounting for nearly 69% of sales, while CNG cars gained traction.

The June 2025 quarter sales stood at 180,399 vehicles, down 6% year-on-year, as weak domestic demand weighed on volumes. Exports, however, grew 13% to 48,140 units, lifting exports share to 28% of the overall mix.

Revenue declined 6.6%, while Ebitda margins were resilient at 13.3%, supported by higher export contribution and tighter cost control.

Management pointed out that disciplined promotion spending and a better product mix helped sustain profitability in a competitive environment.

Looking ahead, Hyundai has outlined an ambitious product pipeline, targeting 26 launches by FY30, including new powertrain technologies.

Capex will be directed towards expanding manufacturing efficiency and developing green hydrogen solutions through its new HTWO Innovation Centre in partnership with IIT Madras. These investments are expected to be funded largely via internal accruals.

Presently, the stock trades at a PE of 39.

Symphony Ltd

Symphony is the worlds largest air-cooler company with a presence in more than 60 countries.

Over the years, it has steadily expanded beyond residential cooling to include commercial and industrial solutions, as well as adjacent products such as tower fans and water heaters.

FY25 was a year of revival. Symphony's standalone revenue rose 18% to 1,180 crore, on the back of a hot summer and deeper penetration in semi-urban markets. India accounted for nearly 68% of consolidated revenue, and the rest was by international subsidiaries.

The domestic business benefited from category expansion and new model launches, while overseas operations delivered steady growth, particularly in China, which turned profitable after years of investment.

The Ebitda margin, however, contracted to 20.2% from 24.2% in FY24, due to an adverse product mix and higher costs tied to scaling new products. In Q1FY26, revenue fell 39% year-on-year as an early monsoon cut short the peak season, pulling down Ebitda margin to 10.3%.

Looking ahead, Symphony is investing in building a more resilient portfolio. The recently launched Air Force" range has seen strong traction, while counter-seasonal categories, such as water heaters and tower fans, are gaining marketshare.

The company's capex remains light, with growth funded through internal accruals and a treasury balance of over 360 crore. The asset-light model in international markets is also expected to strengthen operating leverage.

At current levels, the stock trades at a PE of 30, a discount to its five-year median multiple of 52.

Conclusion

Even in an expensive market, fundamentally strong stocks provide an anchor. They strike a balance between growth and stability, providing investors with a margin of safety.

The challenge is to look past the noise, separate durable businesses from passing trends, and focus on quality. In this kind of market, being selective matters more than ever.

Focus on fundamentals, maintain a margin of safety, and avoid confusing price action with business strength. Investors should carefully evaluate financials, governance standards, and valuations before making investment decisions.

These are the habits that turn fundamentally strong companies into long-term wealth creators.

Happy Investing.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com.
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Bridgewater's Pure Alpha fund surges 26% year-to-date

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Marshall Wace's Eureka Fund up 8.04% year-to-date

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Systematic stock trading funds rise over 13% in 2025, Goldman Sachs reports

(Updates October 3 story with more fund results in table)

By Nell Mackenzie and Anirban Sen

LONDON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Hedge funds returned 1.3% in September, with managers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East outperforming their North American rivals, according to a JPMorgan client note on Thursday, seen by Reuters on Friday.

Global equities in September climbed 3.4%. An index of developed market sovereign bonds rose around 0.7% last month.

The JPMorgan note, which tracks hedge fund trading, said positioning in U.S. stocks was only "somewhat bullish," indicating an expectation for equities to rise.

Crowding in the biggest "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks, which include Apple, Amazon and Nvidia, remained near historical highs, the note said.

In Europe, stock-pickers tended to bet that equities would rise. But multi-strategy funds - those that trade many strategies - and quantitative funds, which use algorithms, tended to wager that stock prices would decline.

In Asia, where stocks rose, hedge funds had more bets on a decline than a rise, the note said. The $92.1 billion Bridgewater notched a 6% monthly gain in its Pure Alpha fund to September 29. From the beginning of the year until September 29, Bridgewater's Pure Alpha, Asia Total Return, All Weather, and China Total Return funds posted returns of 26.2%, 32.5%, 15.3%, and 28.4%, respectively.

British hedge fund Marshall Wace posted September returns of 1.32%, up 8.04% for the year so far in its Eureka Fund, a source said. The $79 billion hedge fund's Market Neutral Tops fund returned 0.45% in September and was up 13.66% for the year, the source added.

Systematic stock-trading hedge funds, such as Marshall Wace, are up over 13% for 2025 so far, Goldman Sachs said in a note to clients.

Multi-strategy funds remained largely flat on the month, apart from the $28 billion Balyasny Asset Management, which added 1.3% in September to its annual return so far this year of 10%, another source with knowledge of the matter said.
JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund NFO: The JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund, which opened on September 23, closes today (October 7), offering investors the last chance to subscribe to its new fund offer (NFO). JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund NFO is an open-ended equity fund that leverages BlackRock's Systematic Active Equity (SAE) approach for the first time in India.

This fund, like other flexi-cap funds, will invest in companies across market capitalisation, i.e., large-caps, mid-caps, and small-caps. It aims to provide long-term capital appreciation by offering investment opportunities across companies of all sizes.

JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund NFO details Investors can apply for the JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund for a minimum amount of 500. The total expense ratio for the fund is 0.5%. However, there is no exit load applicable. Since it is an open-ended fund, investors can buy and exit it at any time after the NFO period.

JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund is benchmarked against the Nifty 500 index (TRI). Given its high risk, it is suitable for investors seeking long-term capital appreciation, diversified exposure to companies across market capitalisation, and advanced, data-driven strategies.

Tanvi Kacheria and Sunil Chaudhary are the fund managers for the flexi-cap scheme.

What is BlackRock's SAE approach? Developed by BlackRock, the SAE approach combines the fund blends data-driven insights, scientific analysis, and human expertise.

Instead of relying on human judgment alone, JioBlackRock Flex-cap Fund will follow a disciplined, data-driven approach to build a portfolio with long-term growth potential. But that doesnt mean the fund will run on autopilot. The fund managers will actively monitor risks, market trends, and portfolio exposures to ensure the strategy stays aligned with current conditionswhile avoiding human biases.

View full Image Source: JioBlackRock AMC

How to invest in JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund? In order to invest in JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund, investors can head to JioBlackrock AMC's webiste using this link: https://www.jioblackrockamc.com/onboarding

Once they have onboarded on the website by completing their bank details, PAN, and other required information, they can easily apply from there. Other ways to invest include heading to websites like Groww, Zerodha, Paytm Money, etc.

JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund: Should you apply? Pankaj Mathpal, MD & CEO at Optima Money Managers, said that since this is a new kind of fund for Indian investors, it's important to carefully consider the potential benefits of the underlying technology.

"Given that this is an open-ended fund, investors always have the flexibility to invest at a later stage. As with any new offering, a cautious approach is advisable. While investors may choose to deploy a small portion of their funds now, a wait and watch strategy would be more prudent at this stage," Mathpal opined.

Nilesh D Naik, Head of Investment Products, Share.Market (PhonePe Wealth), noted that there are already over 30 actively managed flexi-cap funds in the industry, and some of them have a solid long-term track record of delivering consistent performance and managing risk across market cycles.

"In an established category such as flexi cap, I believe it is advisable to opt for such funds with a strong long-term track record. Unless an NFO offers a unique and compelling proposition, it makes sense to wait for at least a medium-term track record of a fund before investing. Moreover, I think a maximum of 4-5 equity funds is all an investor needs to build a robust portfolio - therefore, one should consider investing in a fund only when they are convinced to deploy at least 5-10% of their overall mutual fund portfolio, instead of making a small allocation out of FOMO and end up overdiversifying," he added.
Stock market news: The Indian stock market on Friday ended on a positive note, with the Sensex rising by 582 points (0.72%) to close at 81,790, and the Nifty 50 increasing by 183 points (0.74%) to reach 25,078. This positive closing can be attributed to strong buying activity, particularly in the banking and IT sectors.

Private banks, including Kotak Mahindra Bank and Axis Bank, saw significant gains, which helped propel the market upward. The IT sector also performed well, with gains exceeding 2%, further boosting overall market sentiment.

Trade Setup for Tuesday According to Ashika Institutional Equities, the Nifty 50 has successfully surpassed the key psychological and technical resistance level of 25,000, indicating a decisively positive market structure. Any pullback towards the 25,000 zone is anticipated to serve as a strong support level, with immediate resistance targets set at 25,200 and 25,500.

For the Bank Nifty, support is positioned between 56,000 and 55,900, while resistance levels are identified at 56,500 and 57,000.

Also Read | Stocks to buy for short term: Jigar Patel of Anand Rathi recommends 3 shares

Global Markets, H2 FY26 earnings to FIIs Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, noted that the domestic equity market concluded Monday's session positively, driven by gains in the financial services and IT sectors, in anticipation of the Q2 results. The banking index stood out, supported by strong quarterly updates from major scheduled banks and attractive valuations. Additionally, hospital stocks experienced a surge following the revision of CGHS rates.

As investors turn their attention to Q2FY26 earnings for guidance, there is a sense of cautious optimism, especially regarding Q3 results, which are expected to benefit from an increase in consumer demand.

Sumeet Bagadia's stock picks Premier Explosives Ltd: Bagadia recommends buying Premier Explosives share price at 648 keeping a stoploss at 625 with a Premier Explosives share price target of 695.

Premier Explosives share price was positioned at 648 levels, delivered a strong breakout performance in todays session. Todays move also marks a new 52-week high, signalling continuation of the ongoing bullish momentum. The price is comfortably trading above all major EMAs, and the moving averages themselves are sloping upwardindicative of trend strength and a strong demand zone on every dip.

Reinforcing the positive sentiment, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) comfortably rests at 66.37 levels. Investors may a good opportunity for swing traders with a short-term target of 695+ in mind, and a strict stop-loss under 625.

Avalon Technologies Ltd: Bagadia recommends buying Avalon Technologies share price at 1,130 keeping a stoploss at 1,090 with a Avalon Technologies share price target of 1,212.

Avalon Technologies share price was positioned at 1130 levels witnessed a sharp upsurge in Monday session marking one of its strongest daily gains in recent weeks. The stock surged to an intraday high of 1,140, and maintained its momentum throughout the session, reflecting strong buying interest from market participants. From a technical perspective, Avalon has broken out from a prolonged consolidation phase, confirming a strong bullish reversal.

Based on the above technical analysis we recommend buying Avalon Technologies at CMP of 1,130 for a medium term outlook with a stop loss of 1,090 for targets of 1,212.

Ganesh Dongre's stocks to buy today Delhivery Ltd: Ganesh Dongre recommends buying Delhivery share price at 462 with a stoploss at 438 with Delhivery share price target of 495.

Delhivery share price has been exhibiting a strong and consistent bullish pattern, indicating sustained investor interest and positive price momentum. The stock is currently trading at 462 and has established a solid support base at 438. This level has historically acted as a cushion, and the recent price action suggests a reversal from this support, reinforcing bullish sentiment.

The technical setup points to the potential for a price retracement toward the 495 level in the near term. Given the renewed strength and the favorable risk-reward ratio, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss placed at 438 offers a strategic opportunity to capture the expected upside move. The outlook remains positive as long as the stock holds above its key support zone

Gravita India Ltd: Ganesh Dongre recommends buying Gravita India share price at 1,544 with a stoploss at 1,510 with Gravita India share price target of 1,590.

Gravita India share price has exhibited a strong notable continue bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 1,544 and maintaining a strong support at 1,510. The technical setup indicates the potential for a price retracement towards the 1,590 level. With the stock reversing from a support base and showing signs of renewed strength, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss at 1,510 offers a prudent approach to capturing the anticipated upside.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL): Ganesh Dongre recommends buying HAL share price at 4,844 with a stoploss at 4,750 with HAL share price target of 4,950.

HAL share price has exhibited a strong notable continue bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 4,844 and maintaining a strong support at 4,750. The technical setup indicates the potential for a price retracement towards the 4,950 level. With the stock reversing from a support base and showing signs of renewed strength, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss at 4,750 offers a prudent approach to capturing the anticipated upside.

Shiju Koothupalakkal intraday stocks for today TVS Motor Company Ltd: Shiju Koothupalakkal recommends buying TVS Motor share price at 3,510 with a TVS Motor share price target of 3,640 with a stop loss of 3,450.

TVS Motor Company share price slipped slightly from the 3,600 zone and after witnessing a consolidation period has once again indicated a bullish candle formation on the daily chart with significant volume participation witnessed to improve the bias and further rise is anticipated in the coming sessions. The RSI after having corrected from the highly overbought zone is currently well positioned, indicating a positive trend reversal once again to signal a buy. With the chart technically looking attractive, we suggest buying the stock for upside target of 3,640 keeping the stop loss at 3,450 level.

Tourism Finance Corporation of India Ltd: Shiju Koothupalakkal recommends buying Tourism Finance Corp share price at 75.70 with a Tourism Finance Corp share price target of 82 with a stop loss of 73.50.

Tourism Finance Corp share price indicated a strong bullish candle formation with significant volume participation visible, to indicate a breakout above the resistance zone of the long consolidation period to improve the bias and expect for further fresh round of upward move in the coming days. The RSI is maintained strong and can carry on with the positive move further ahead having much upside potential visible. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest to buy the stock for an upside target of 82 keeping the stop loss of 73.50 level.

Delhivery Ltd: Shiju Koothupalakkal recommends buying Delhivery share price at 462.60 with a Delhivery share price target of 490 with a stop loss of 452.

Delhivery share price recently having witnessed some erosion from the peak rate of 489 level has taken support near the 427 zone and has indicated a bullish candle formation on the daily chart moving past the important 50EMA at 450 level to improve the bias and can expect for further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is currently well placed indicating a positive trend reversal to signal a buy and with much upside potential visible, can carry on with the positive move further ahead. With the chart technically looking attractive, we suggest buying the stock for an upside target of 490 keeping the stop loss at the 452 level.

Also Read | LG Electronics India raises 3,475 crore from anchor investors ahead of IPO
Vodafone Idea share price jumped over 8% on Tuesday after reports said the Central government may offer a one-time settlement for the telecom companys long-pending dues worth billions of dollars. Vodafone Idea shares rallied as much as 8.61% to 9.20 apiece on the BSE.

According to a Bloomberg report, the government is considering waiving off interest and penalties and giving partial relief on the main amount of the nearly 2 lakh crore ($22.5 billion) demand. The move is reportedly aimed at resolving the issue and strengthening economic ties with the UK.

The timing of the proposal is also seen as strategic  it comes soon after India and the UK signed a trade pact and just before British Prime Minister Keir Starmers visit to India this week. With ties between India and the US under pressure and relations with China slowly improving, settling the Vodafone Idea case could help India position the UK as a reliable economic partner.

Government officials are said to be preparing the framework for the settlement while ensuring it doesnt lead to legal disputes from other telecom companies that also owe dues, the Bloomberg report added.

The government, which became a 49% shareholder in Vodafone Idea this year through a debt-to-equity swap, has already indicated the need to find a resolution. A government lawyer told the Supreme Court last month that some solution may be required since public funds are now involved in the company.

The dispute relates to the calculation of adjusted gross revenue (AGR)  a part of telecom companies earnings paid to the government as license and spectrum fees. Telecom operators, including Vodafone Idea, have long contested the governments calculation method.

The Supreme Court on Monday deferred the hearing on Vodafone Ideas petition challenging the AGR dues calculation to October 13.

Vodafone Idea Share Price Performance Vodafone Idea share price has rallied 26% in one month and 25% in three months. The telecom stock has risen 24% in six months and has gained 14% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. However, Vodafone Idea shares have remained flat in one year and have declined 17% in two years.

At 2:25 PM, Vodafone Idea share price was trading 7.32% higher at 9.09 apiece on the BSE.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)
A few years ago, the government body Niti Aayog identified 21 major Indian cities as being in immediate danger of running out of groundwater.

About 55% of India's rural population had piped water and 15% had household connections as of 2016. To address these challenges, the government has taken various measures and introduced many policies.

The government's 'Nal Se Jal' or 'piped water supply for all' scheme endeavours to provide a piped water supply to all households by 2030.

Apart from this, there are several other water infrastructure programmes underway, such as the Namami Gange for the clean-up of India's holy river, Ganges, a project to create inland waterways, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sanchai Yojna aimed at boosting irrigation, etc.

Each of these water infrastructure programmes involve the usage of water treatment systems, piping systems, among other things from the entire water infra chain.

With industrial demand also rising amid tighter environmental norms, the stage is set for companies involved in the water infra segment.

In this editorial, well look at the five fastest growing water infra stocks in India.

These companies have so far played their cards right and are enjoying tailwinds, backed by policy push, rising urban demand, and growing awareness around sustainability.

#1 Felix Industries

Established in 2012, Felix Industries provides water and environmental solutions. It operates in diverse sectors including water treatment, e-waste management, piping solutions, and specialty chemicals.

With a portfolio of over 450 proprietary technologies, including physicochemical, biological, membrane-based, and hybrid treatments, it manages water across various applications such as drinking water, industrial processes, wastewater treatment, and more.

Felix Industries' financial performance reflects its robust growth trajectory. The company's net sales have compounded at a growth rate (CAGR) of 125% over the past 3 years.

The company has a strong order book including recurring revenue of 350 million (m) from its plants, 560 m for EPC orders, and around 220 m from Oman.

The company expects its FY26 operating revenue to be in the range of 300-350 m, and 500600 m by FY27.

Felix Industries is deliberately reshaping its revenue mix toward higher-quality annuity cash flows and scaling its Oman hydrocarbon-waste recovery platform.

#2 Enviro Infra Engineers

Enviro Infra operates in the wastewater management project sector and water supply projects.

It constructs and operates projects, including drinking water treatment plants (WTPs), sewage treatment plants (STP), Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP), and Industrial water reuse projects.

Its clientele includes Jal Nigam, municipalities, the public works department and industrial clients.

Coming to its financials, revenue increased 45% to 10 bn in FY25, driven by strong execution of the order book. Net profit rose 52% to 1.7 bn. RoCE also stood at a 3-year average of 53.9%.

Over the past 3 years, it has recorded a healthy sales and net profit CAGR of 76% and 72%, respectively.

Looking ahead, the company is projecting revenue to grow over 15% in FY26, and net profit is expected to grow over 24%. Its total order book stood at about 20 bn, offering revenue visibility of around 2 years.

The company sees a huge tailwind in the water sector, backed by government policies. It plans to capitalise on schemes like AMRUT 2.0, the Namami Gange Program, the National River Conservation Plan, and the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems.

The company is also focusing on expanding its presence across PAN India to become a national player. Increasing the project size to earn better margins is another growth strategy.

#3 Jash Engineering

Jash Engineering specialises in the manufacture and trading of a diverse range of engineering products. The company's offerings cater to industries like water and wastewater management, power generation, and bulk solids handling.

The product portfolio encompasses water control gates, mechanised screening systems, knife gate valves, Archimedes screw pumps, and micro-hydro turbines.

The company exports about 60% of its products. It has a geographical presence in Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

In 2025, it signed a joint venture with Invent of Germany to introduce secondary treatment equipment in India, including aerators and blowers.

Two new manufacturing facilities are under development in Chennai and Pithampur SEZ, expected to increase revenue capacity to 10 bn by FY28.

The company's order pipeline is strong. Jash Engineering's involvement in key government initiatives positions it favourably to capitalise on the growing demand for water infrastructure development driven by the JJM.

Coming to its financials, the companys sales and net profit have grown at a CAGR of 26% and 39%, in the past 3 years, respectively.

Jash Engineering plans to expand its international presence, with a focus on the US. It aims to triple its Indian revenue over the next decade while relying on overseas orders, particularly for water treatment and related projects like desalination and wastewater management systems.

The company will leverage its expertise in water treatment solutions including wastewater management, stormwater pumping stations, and desalination plants to drive growth.

#4 NCC

Next on the list is NCC.

NCC is a key player in India's infrastructure development. The company operates across sectors, including buildings, water pipelines, irrigation, transmission, power generation, and transportation.

NCC serves entities like the State Water & Sanitation Mission (Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Karnataka Urban Water Supply & Drainage Board, and Odisha Panchayat Raj & Drinking Water Department, etc.

In the past 3 years, the companys sales and net profit have grown at a CAGR of 26% and 21%, respectively.

In FY25, its revenue rose 6.6% to 223.5 bn, while PAT grew 8.4% to 19.2 bn. However, in the first quarter of FY26, revenue declined 6.3% to 52.1 bn, and PAT rose 3.7% to 1.9 bn.

The reason for the slowdown is the large orders received at the end of March 2025. Revenue from new works is expected to start from September. This will improve growth rates.

Looking ahead, NCC's order book stood at 700 bn, providing revenue visibility of over three years. Building construction accounted for 34% of the order book, followed by transport (26%), water and railways (6%), power (22%), mining (7%), and irrigation (5%).

The company has a healthy project pipeline of around 2,500 bn with order inflows of 220-250 bn expected in FY26.

#5 Ion Exchange

Last on the list is Ion Exchange.

Ion Exchange (India) is a water management company straddling engineering projects, speciality chemicals and consumer water solutions.

It plays across both infra-heavy and annuity-linked segments, with clients ranging from NTPC and Tata Group to luxury hotels and global industrial majors.

In the past 3 years, the companys sales and net profit have grown at a CAGR of 21% and 9%, respectively.

In FY25, its consolidated revenue rose 17%, but profit growth was more muted. EBITDA grew 8%, with margins slipping slightly to 10.7%.

The companys engineering segment, which accounts for 61% of revenue, grew 17%, but EBIT fell 2.5% due to delays in large projects and tighter bidding.

As of June 2025, the company reported an engineering order book of 27.6 bn. This includes around 22.5 bn worth of core engineering projects, along with 3.8 bn from the UP Swachh Jal Mission (SWSM) and 1.4 bn from a pending Sri Lanka contract.

Looking ahead, the new resin plant at Roha is expected to go live in Q2 FY26, boosting chemical capacity. The management is staying selective on new engineering orders to protect margins.

SAP rollout is underway, which may impact short-term execution but should aid long-term efficiency.

Snapshot of Fastest Growing Water Infra Stocks

Heres a table showing companies above across various parameters on Equitymasters stock screener.

Conclusion

With increased government spending on water infrastructure, the fastest growing stocks in this sector are poised for significant growth. The five companies mentioned here are well-positioned in this space.

The need for sustainable water management solutions will only rise, ensuring a steady pipeline of projects and long-term revenue visibility for the companies in this sector.

For investors looking for growth opportunities with strong government backing, water infrastructure stocks offer a compelling investment avenue in India's evolving economy.

However, before considering an investment, it's crucial to analyse the fundamentals, growth prospects, corporate governance, and valuations of these companies.

Happy Investing.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such.

This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com
Stock market today: On Tuesday, 175 stocks hit their 52-week highs, including Aditya Birla Capital Ltd, Aster DM Healthcare Ltd, Canara Bank, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, Hindustan Copper Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), Muthoot Finance Ltd, NLC India Ltd, FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd, Schaeffler India Ltd, and UNO Minda Ltd.

In contrast, 130 stocks touched 52-week lows, with notable mentions Clean Science and Technology Ltd, Happiest Minds Technologies Ltd, Gujarat Toolroom Ltd, Jaro Institute of Technology Management and Research Ltd, and Epack Prefab Technologies Ltd.

Indian equities ended the day on a positive note, extending their recent upward trend despite experiencing notable intraday volatility. The Nifty 50 closed around the 25,108 mark, while the Sensex gained over 137 points, finishing near 81,926 levels. This volatility was attributed to the ongoing struggle between favourable domestic factors and cautious investor sentiment as the quarterly earnings season approaches, according to market experts.

Major stocks supporting the move included ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance, HCL Technologies, and Bharti Airtel. On the other hand, some large stocks like Tata Motors, Axis Bank, TCS, and Infosys saw profit booking, which kept gains in check.

Abhinav Tiwari, Research Analyst at Bonanza, noted that key takeaways emphasize cautious optimism as sustained inflows from domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and improving corporate performance come into play. Investors are closely monitoring the upcoming Q2 results. While some volatility may arise from profit booking in certain sectors, the overall trend suggests a steady recovery powered by robust domestic demand, favourable government policies, and positive global cues.

Tiwari advised investors to concentrate on sectoral themes such as IT, private banks, and consumption plays, while also managing risks associated with external uncertainties.

Nifty 50 Outlook According to Vatsal Bhuva, Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, after three consecutive confident closings, Nifty 50 faced selling pressure near its resistance zone of 25,20025,250 on Tuesdays session, indicating that bulls might take a pause, leading to a possible short-term consolidation.

However, as long as the index sustains above 24,900 levels, where its 50-day EMA is placed, the outlook remains positive. On the derivatives front, both call and put writers were active, with notable OI additions at the 25,000 put and 25,200 call strikes. Hence, Nifty 50 is expected to trade in a range of 24,95025,300, with support at 24,95025,000 and resistance at 25,25025,300.
The recently concluded Paris Fashion Week is one for the history books, with heritage brands like Chanel, Dior, Mugler, Loewe and Balenciaga ringing in a major style reset under the aegis of newly hired artistic directors.

At his highly anticipated debut showcase, Matthieu Blazy opened the Chanel show with a cropped trouser-suit jacket, followed by the boxy button-downs crafted in collaboration with Charvet, the well-known Place Vendome shirtmaker (Gabrielle Chanel was a Charvet customer).

What's more, he indulged in textile manipulation and extrapolated viscose, making the pieces fluid and dynamic. The collection's high point was the pairing of satin T-shirts and feathered ball skirts, with hems bouncing up a few inches in front to flash a hint of the upgraded cap-toe shoes.

After his successful sophomore menswear showcase earlier this year and a slew of red carpet dressing, Jonathan Anderson's first Dior ready-to-wear womenswear SS 26 collection was a confident, thoughtful and joyous showcase, where he mined the history of the French luxury maison and reimagined some of its key archival references with his own vision and flair.

From dresses accented with bows to the Bar jacket rendered in shrunken proportions and styled with a preppy pleated skirt, each look had a subtle nod to Dior's past with a touch of Anderson's own whimsy. It was hard to overlook references to the brand's previous artistic directors like John Galliano, Raf Simons, Yves Saint Laurent and Maria Grazia Chiuri. A case in point being a lace collar look, which seemed inspired by a Dior autumn-winter 1959 dress crafted by the brand's then creative director Yves Saint Laurent.

At Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli was inspired by a Cristobal Balenciaga couture dress: the Sack Dress of 1957. He reimagined it at his debut showcase.

Here are some of the key trends that emerged at the Paris Fashion Week:

Also Read | New York Fashion Week review: Old Hollywood glamour meets comfort dressing
Are you ready to book your Diwali vacation or New Year vacation flight tickets? Is Air India your go-to loyalty program? If yes, check out the latest bonus offer for transferring credit card reward points to the Maharaja Club.

Air India and SBI Card have come up with an offer that provides up to 50% bonus on transferring SBI credit card reward points to the Maharaja Club. In this article, we will examine the details of this offer and whether you should go for it.

What is the bonus offer? Air India SBI credit cardholders can get a 20% to 50% bonus on transferring their reward points to the Maharaja Club. Maharaja Club is the frequent flyer program (FFP) of Air India. The bonus percentage of Maharaja Points will depend on the number of reward points transferred as follows.

SBI reward points transferred Bonus Maharaja Points 5,001  50,000 20% 50,001  1,00,000 30% 1,00,001  2,00,000 50%

As mentioned in the table above, the minimum number of credit card reward points that can be transferred is 5,000. The maximum number of credit card reward points that can be transferred is 2,00,000. The maximum bonus Maharaja Points that can be earned is 1,00,000.

For example, if an SBI credit cardholder transfers 25,000 reward points, they will get a bonus of 5,000 (20%) Maharaja Points. Similarly, if an SBI credit cardholder transfers 1,50,000 reward points, they will get a bonus of 75,000 (50%) Maharaja Points. The offer applies to the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card and the Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card. The Maharaja Points once credited will not be reversed.

Also Read | Should you consider upgrading to a premium credit card this Diwali?

Offer details Check the offer terms and conditions below:

Offer registration is mandatory: The offer is open from 23rd September to 31st October 2025. The SBI cardholder must register for the offer mandatorily. Any points transferred during the offer period, but before registration, will not be eligible for the bonus Maharaja Points. The registration can be done on the Air India website, on the offer page, by entering the Maharaja Club ID, mobile number, and first and last name.

Bonus offer applies only to the first transfer transaction: The bonus offer applies only to the first transfer transaction done with a minimum of 5,000 or more credit card reward points after the offer registration. Any subsequent point transfers will not be eligible for bonus Maharaja Points.

For example, a credit cardholder transfers 25,000 credit card reward points in the first transaction and 75,000 credit card reward points in the second transaction. Both transactions are done within the bonus offer period. However, the credit cardholder will earn bonus Maharaja Points only for the first transaction of 25,000 credit card reward points.

Timeline for credit of bonus Maharaja Points: The bonus Maharaja Points will be credited to the SBI credit cardholders Maharaja account within 60 days after the offer ends. It means that the bonus Maharaja Points will be credited by 30th December 2025.

How many credit card reward points should be transferred? If you are unsure of how many Maharaja Points you need for your booking, check the Points Calculator on the Air India website. You need to enter details such as the cabin class, tier level, and the from and to destinations.

For example, suppose you want to travel from Mumbai to Delhi at the end of October. Some of the Air India flights are priced between Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 (as of October beginning). The Maharaja Points requirement for these flights is 5,000 to 7,500 when booked in advance (value fare). If you book closer to the travel date (prime fare), the Maharaja Points requirement is 9,500.

Once you determine the Maharaja Points requirement, check the existing Maharaja Points balance in your Maharaja Club Account. Based on the points required for the booking and the existing points balance in your Maharaja Club account, calculate the number of points you need to transfer from your Air India SBI Credit Card. The reward points from the Air India SBI Credit Card can be transferred to Club Maharaja at a 1:1 ratio.

Also Read | Which credit cards can help you save money this festive season? Check list

Should you go for this offer? The offer provides a good opportunity to earn up to a 50% bonus Maharaja Points. If you are about to book an Air India flight or do it in the near future with Maharaja Points, it makes sense to take advantage of the offer. You can earn up to 1,00,000 bonus Maharaja Points with this offer. You should not transfer credit card reward points without a plan to use them, just because a bonus offer is there.

Apart from domestic flights, you can use the Maharaja Points for Air India international flights. You can use Maharaja Points for booking a Star Alliance partner flight. The Star Alliance is an alliance of 25 member airlines, with Air India being one of the members. So, if you plan to book a domestic or international Air India flight or a flight on a Star Alliance partner airline, you may consider the bonus offer for transferring SBI credit card reward points to the Maharaja Club.



Gopal Gidwani is a freelance personal finance content writer with 15+ years of experience. He can be reached on LinkedIn.

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Three persons were recently arrested for duping a man of over one lakh through a fake credit card limit enhancement scheme.

One Sameer Bhardwaj from Delhi received a call from someone who posed as a bank employee and offered to raise the credit card limit.

When Sameer accepted the offer, he was sent a link which looked exactly like the bank's official portal. He was asked to enter his credit card details on this fake website which he believed to be genuine. Soon after, he received a message which said that his card was used for a transaction worth 1,00,208. It is at this stage he realised that he had been duped.

Also Read | Should you consider upgrading to a premium credit card this Diwali?

The caller was part of a gang which used to run this racket. It came to light when police recovered five mobile phones and six SIM cards which were used in committing of crime.

Although it is a one-off case but there are several victims of such online frauds who fall prey to fake callers. One home ministry estimate revealed that Indians lost around 7,000 crore to online scams in the first five months of 2025,

These are some of the money lessons one can learn from this episode.

Credit card fraud: Money lessons to learn 1. Official communication: Typically, official communication from your bank would come to your email ID registered with the bank. Additionally, you can cross-verify the sender's email ID, which must be an official one. Even if you receive a phone call, you should ask the caller to send communication through the official email ID on your mail and not on SMS or WhatsApp.

2. Too good to be true: Generally, fraudsters make ridiculous offers which are too good to be true. For instance, someone with 5 lakh is told to raise his limit to 15 lakh. When you receive such an offer, it should set the alarm bells ringing.

Also Read | How have credit cards as a payment system evolved in the past 45 years?

3. Tone and language: Generally, communication sent by fraudsters is riddled with mistakes and reeks of an unprofessional attitude. These are some of the red flags which should warn you. Someone who can not pronounce your or your bank's name properly could be an imposter.

4. Check URL: Another important point worth remembering is to check the URL of links that are sent to you. In the above case, the victim was sent a web link which looked very similar to the bank's official website. But no matter how much they copy the design, they can't use the same URL. So, you must check the URL before jumping the gun.
Online aggregators such as Uber , Swiggy, Amazon and Airbnb may soon have to follow uniform standards to sign up, assess and retain partners like drivers, delivery workers, vendors and property owners, three people familiar with the government's plans said.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will formulate standards to assess partners across sectors such as ride-hailing, food delivery, e-commerce and homestays, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. The move may have a sweeping impact on Indias digital platforms, standardizing partner treatment across platforms and ensuring that consumers experience consistent service quality.

In the absence of any common standard, companies follow their own procedures to engage and evaluate partners, often leading to inconsistencies and complaints on assessments, incentives and dispute redressal. In the past, partners of aggregator companies have taken to the streets to protest against alleged high-handed practices, forcing the government to mediate.

System gap

According to one of the three people cited above, this highlights a gap in the system, where some workers receive clear rules and benefits while others face inconsistent or unclear treatment, requiring standardized guidelines.

The proposed standard seeks to create a transparent and fair framework for both workers and consumers by defining parameters for partner evaluation, grievance redressal, feedback systems and privacy safeguards," the person said.

BIS will study global benchmarks and best practices, including those developed by national standards bodies in other countries, and incorporate them suitably to ensure the Indian standards are world-class, the second person added.

The European Union has set out rules on improving working conditions in platform work, enhancing transparency in algorithmic management, clarifying employment status, and ensuring fair pay and better working conditions.

In response to a query, Amit Kumar Singh, deputy director, marketing & consumer affairs, BIS, said, Recognizing significance, the Business Services Sectional Committee, SSD 09 of the BIS has decided to develop an Indian standard on the subject. Considering that the subject is new and no international standard is available, the committee decided to undertake research and development (empirical study) on the subject. Currently, the terms of reference (ToR) for the said R&D project have been hosted on the BIS website to seek proposals to take up research on the subject," Singh said.

Queries sent to Amazon, Flipkart, Ola, Uber, Airbnb remained unanswered.

Global stage

Experts said this will also help Indian platforms compete on the global stage by aligning their partner management practices with internationally accepted norms.

It has been observed that ride-hailing platforms currently operate according to their own rules, creating an opaque system. Framing standards for all such platforms will help partners associated with them and also ensure that consumers receive services as per set norms," said Ashim Sanyal, CEO, Consumer Voice, a consumer advocacy group.

The development marks yet another step towards the formalization of India's gig economy. Gig workers in India have seen a big push for social security, including the government's plan to extend healthcare benefits through the Ayushman Bharat scheme and facilitate registration via the e-Shram portal. States such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan have rolled out various schemes to protect such workers.

Sharing and aggregator platforms digitally connect people who offer goods or services with those who need them. The process involves three main participants: platform providers, partners or service providers, and consumers. Platform providers run the online systems that make these exchanges possible. Partners are individuals or businesses who share or sell their goods and services through these platforms, while consumers are the people who use them.

Sharp growth

This ecosystem has grown rapidly in India, with millions of workers depending on platforms for income and millions of consumers relying on them for convenience and choice. The ride-hailing market, led by Uber, Ola and Rapido, alone is projected to reach $8.28 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12.08% to reach $14.65 billion by 2030 as per Statista, an online statistics portal. The number of users is forecast to rise to 400.37 million by 2030, with user penetration increasing from 19.2% in 2025 to 26.3% by 2030, it said. This growth underlines the scale of the gig economy and the importance of introducing standardized evaluation practices for workers and service providers.

According to a Niti Aayog report in 2022, India's Booming Gig and Platform Economy, the number of gig workers in India was estimated at 7.7 million in FY21. The report projected that this number would increase to 23.5 million by FY30, accounting for about 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce and 4.1% of the total workforce in India. Using this report as a base, a Labour ministry institute's study released in June 2025 projects Indias gig and platform workforce to reach nearly 62 million by 2047, around 15% of the non-agricultural workforce.

The BIS will prepare the standard through a structured, evidence-based study beginning with a comprehensive literature review, followed by primary data collection and comparative analysis," said the third person. It will define platform responsibilities, including monitoring, reporting, partner support, and communication channels among consumers, partners, and platforms," this person added.

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Existing procedures such as standard operating processes, audits, and non-compliance handling will be reviewed, and systems for feedback and regular improvement will be established.

Industry experts said the move could bring much-needed consistency and credibility to the gig and platform economy, which has so far operated with limited regulatory oversight.

Ride-hailing platforms have emerged as significant employment generators, offering livelihoods to millions across India. Establishing standardised parameters for engaging with workers will bring clarity and consistency to how employment is provided, ensuring fair treatment for partners while maintaining service quality for consumers," said Sonal Arora, country manager, GI Group Holding, a staffing solution provider in the retail sector.
In a tragic incident, at least 18 passengers were killed in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday evening after a private bus they were travelling in was struck by a massive landslide in Bilaspur district, officials have confirmed.

The incident took place in the Bhalughat area of the Jhandutta assembly segment.

The bus, which was carrying an estimated 30 to 35 passengers, was en route from Rohtak in Haryana to Ghumarwin.

A policeman involved in the rescue operation stated that an "entire mountain came crashing down on the bus," suggesting the chances of passenger survival are bleak.a

So far 18 bodies have been recovered from the debris and three people rescued and sent to hospital, BJP MLA from Jhandutta JR Katwal, who was on the spot, told PTI over the phone.

Police and district administration officials are currently at the site, with rescue operations underway.

Himachal Pradesh has been experiencing intermittent rainfall since Monday, contributing to the unstable ground conditions.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed profound grief over the accident and has instructed officials to expedite the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, according to an official statement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently expressed his deepest condolences over the tragic loss of life in the incident.

He also announced an ex-gratia relief of 1 lakh from the PM National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased and 50,000 to those injured.

In a social media post, PM Modi said: Saddened by the loss of lives due to a mishap in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time.

Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000, the prime minister said.

President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic bus accident.
Tighter US immigration policies, particularly for the H-1B skilled-worker visa, are making families in India think more than twice before marrying their children to non-residential Indians (NRIs) based in the United States for fear the potential partners might lose their job or immigration status, according to matchmakers, academics and prospective brides and grooms.

Sidhi Sharma, who wanted to marry an Indian citizen with a high-flying job in the United States, has dropped the idea after seeing recent headlines about US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

"I had always dreamed of settling in the US after marriage," she said as per Reuters, without elaborating on her reasons. Trump has shut the door for me, Sharma lamented.

There is no official government data on marriages between Indian citizens living at home and overseas.

"Immigration policies may be written in Washington, but its ripple effects are seen at dinner tables of Indian families when they're talking about marriages," said Anuradha Gupta, the founder of bespoke matchmaking service Vows For Eternity, as per Reuters.

From prized prospects to uncertain matches The US is home to the world's largest Indian diaspora, as per the Indian government, including around 2.1 million NRIs, who are some of the most sought-after marriage prospects back home.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has launched a broad immigration crackdown, including efforts to limit legal pathways to residency. His overhaul of the H-1B visa marks the most prominent effort to reshape temporary work visas and hit Indians, who accounted for 71% of those visas last year, particularly hard.

For many Indians, marrying a compatriot living in the US was a ticket to financial security, and a better quality of life, while families welcomed the tradition of them sending money home and providing support to extended families.

About 75% of the H-1B visas issued to Indian citizens in 2024 were awarded to men, according to data from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

"Up until last year, there was a lot of demand and craze for NRI suitors and men settled abroad," said Vanaja Rao, the managing director of the Vanaja Rao group of companies, popularly known as Vanaja Rao quick marriages, told the publication.

"We've started to see a slowdown ever since Trump took over, and it intensified in the last six months. And of course, after the recent chaos and curbs on H-1B, there's more panic," said Rao, who has been in the business for nearly 50 years.

In some cases, families are delaying weddings.

"There is a lot of uncertainty in terms of immigration in general and not just H-1B, it has only escalated in the past year," said a 26-year-old Indian based in Atlanta, Georgia on condition of anonymity because of the issue's sensitivity.

He is aware of three weddings that have been delayed as a result of Trump's policy changes, he said.

"Every time there has been speculation about stopping or tightening the restrictions around H-1B visas and skilled-worker migration, there has always been a corresponding impact on the marriage market," said Harshita Yalamarty, an assistant professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, as per Reuters.

She pointed to Trump's first administration when he also targeted H-1B visas and proposed spouses not be allowed to work. His successor, Joe Biden, later withdrew the policy.

Trump's visa overhaul has also prompted many Indian students to rethink the 'American Dream'. There were some 422,335 Indian students in the US in 2024, according to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement data.

Visa status often a deal maker or breaker Some matchmakers are adapting to the new reality.

Premium matchmaking platform Knot.dating introduced a 'US visa filter' on its app as it expanded into India's south. The company's cofounder and CEO Jasveer Singh said many families there were particularly keen on NRIs.

"Families want to see the visa status of the suitor or match from abroad before proceeding further," Singh said.

Since the feature launched in September, about 1,000 NRIs have signed up, with 60% on H-1B visas and the rest on green cards or other visas, Knot.dating's Singh said. Of the 1,000 who signed up, 81% were men.

Knot.dating requires male users to earn at least 5 million rupees ($56,332.32) a year but has no income criteria for women.

That figure is "astronomically higher than what a fresh graduate or professional typically earns in India, that's equivalent to many years' worth of income here," said KP Singh of overseas education consultancy IMFS.

"This US salary offers a level of financial security many here can only dream of."

With the American Dream slipping out of reach, some Indian clients are looking more towards Canada, the UK, Europe, and the Middle East for potential matches, said Nikita Anand, founder of matchmaking agency Wedding Tales Matrimony.
Four multitracking projects of the Ministry of Railways covering 18 districts in four states  Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh  have been approved by the Union Cabinet on Tuesday. These projects aim to increase the existing network of Indian Railways.

According to the press release by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), the total estimated cost of these projects is 24,634 crore. The expansion is said to be completed by 2030-31.

Details of these projects: Wardha - Bhusawal - 3rd & 4th line - 314 kms (Maharashtra)

Gondia - Dongargarh - 4th line - 84 kms (Maharashtra & Chhattisgarh)

Vadodara - Ratlam - 3rd & 4th line - 259 kms (Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh)

Itarsi - Bhopal - Bina 4th line  237 kms. (Madhya Pradesh) These projects will expand the existing Indian Railways network in the four states by approximately 894 kilometres.

The CCEA said that the approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approximately 3,633 villages, which have a population of over 85.84 lakh, and to two aspirational districts  Vidisha and Rajnandgaon.

Also Read | Redditor shares picture of undergarments hung on train berth, internet reacts

Some sections of these projects will also provide rail connectivity to prominent destinations, such as Sanchi, Satpura Tiger Reserve, the Rock Shelter of Bhimbetka, Hazara Falls, and Nawegaon National Park, attracting tourists from across the country.

This is an essential route for transportation of commodities such as coal, containers, cement, fly ash, food grain, steel, etc, CCEA said.

Focus on enhancing multi-modal connectivity The increased line capacity will significantly enhance mobility, resulting in improved operational efficiency and service reliability for Indian Railways, the Cabinet Committee said in the release.

They also shared that these projects are poised to streamline operations and alleviate congestion.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vision of a New India, these projects, the committee said, will make the people of the region Atmanirbhar through comprehensive development in the area, which will enhance their employment/ self-employment opportunities.
An encounter broke out between terrorists and a police party in a remote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Tuesday evening, a senior police officer said.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, said a joint search operation is underway following the encounter in the Beeranthub area of Kandi.

"Exchange of fire took place between terrorists and the SOG (Special Operations Group) team in Beeranthub area, Police Station Kandi, Rajouri.

Joint parties of the Police, Army and CRPF have rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area," the IGP said.

Officials said there was no report of any casualty in the brief firing between the terrorists and the police party in Dheri Khatuni forest around 7.20 pm.

The firing took place when the SOG of local police launched a search operation after getting information about the movement of suspected persons, they said.

The whole area has been put under a strict cordon, and a search operation is continuing, when the last reports were received, the officials said.

The officials said security forces also launched a cordon and search operation in the Dharni top area of Basantgarh in Udhampur district this evening.
On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court directed actor Dulquer Salmaan to approach the adjudicating authority under the Customs Act, 1962, to seek the provisional release of his Land Rover Defender.

The vehicle had been seized by Customs officials as part of Operation Numkhor.

The Court instructed the Customs Department to reach a decision within one week of receiving Dulquers application for the vehicles release.

The luxury SUV was taken into custody following a raid at Dulquers residence, carried out under Operation Numkhor  a crackdown targeting individuals suspected of tax evasion and the illegal import of vehicles from Bhutan using falsified registrations.

"It is proper for the petitioner to approach the adjudicating authority, the Additional Commissioner of Customs, Kochi. In such circumstances, it is ordered that if the petitioner submits an application under Section 110A, the same shall be considered by the competent authority and appropriate orders shall be passed thereon by giving the petitioner or his legal representative an opportunity for being heard within a period of 1 week from the date of submission of the application," the interim order said.

The court added, It is further clarified that, going by Section 110A, provisional release is a right of the petitioner under normal circumstances. In case his application is rejected, the same can only be done through a speaking order with reference to the documents produced and the contentions raised.

What happened to Dulquer Salmaan's car? Recently, Customs officials conducted raids at several locations across Kerala, including the homes of actors Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran. During the operation, authorities seized more than 35 luxury vehicles suspected to have been imported from Bhutan through fraudulent channels.

Among the seized vehicles was Salmaans 2004 Land Rover Defender.

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On September 25, Salmaan submitted a representation to the Customs Authority, providing all necessary documents in support of his case. However, his request for the vehicles release was rejected, leading him to approach the High Court for relief.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport on October 8. Homebuyers with a budget under 1 crore have several promising options in nearby areas, including Taloja, Ulwe, Panvel, and Dronagiri.

As the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) gears up for its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, real estate activity in the surrounding micro-markets has picked up. Nearly three decades in the making, the airport is expected to be a major catalyst for commercial and residential growth in the region.

Industry experts say the areas around the upcoming airport remain among the few pockets in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) where homebuyers can still purchase a 2 BHK or 3 BHK apartment for under 1 crore.

The upcoming airport, located in Ulwe, is one of Indias largest greenfield infrastructure projects and is expected to significantly ease passenger congestion at Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai. With connectivity enhancements such as the Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), coastal road, and metro extensions, the Navi Mumbai region is poised to become one of the most accessible real estate markets in the MMR, experts said.

What are the options available for homebuyers with a budget of  1 crore? According to real estate consultants and developers, several emerging pockets around the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport offer promising options for homebuyers with a budget under 1 crore.

Ulwe, located just 1015 minutes from the airport site, offers 1BHK and compact 2BHK apartments priced between 40 lakh and 80 lakh. Taloja, expected to benefit from the upcoming metro line and proximity to industrial hubs, offers homes in the 45 lakh to 90 lakh range for 1BHK and 2BHK units. Kharghar, a more developed node, commands a premium but still has 1BHK options starting at around 80 lakh, appealing to professionals seeking better social infrastructure, schools, and connectivity.

Also Read | Adani to demolish Mumbai Airports T1 in 2029 after Navi Mumbai terminal 2 ready

Beyond these, Panvel and Dronagiri, located about 30 minutes from the airport, are gaining traction among investors looking for long-term appreciation. With ongoing infrastructure upgrades and improved road connectivity, several reputed developers have launched affordable and mid-segment housing projects priced below 1 crore in these areas.

Real estate experts say NMIAs operational launch will be a watershed moment for Navi Mumbais property market. Once the airport becomes functional, property prices across Ulwe, Dronagiri, and Taloja could rise by 1520% over the next two to three years, said Bharat Sinha, a real estate consultant based in Navi Mumbai.

Also Read | PM to inaugurate Navi Mumbai Airport on Oct 8: All you need to know

Sinha said that apartment prices in Ulwe have already doubled over the past decade. As of 2025, a 2BHK apartment in Ulwe is priced between 82.5 lakh and 1.35 crore, depending on location, amenities, and the developers reputation. In 2015, similar units were available for 41.1 lakh to 82.5 lakh, averaging 6,000 7,500 per sq. ft, he said.

For prospective buyers, Ulwe and its neighbouring areas continue to offer a range of options under 1 crore, from ready-to-move-in to under-construction homes, making them attractive for both end-users and investors, local brokers said.

The price appreciation story According to experts, the opening of Navi Mumbai Airport is expected to lead to growth across multiple asset classes.

"With the launch of the Navi Mumbai Airport, the entire Panvel-Ulwe corridor is expected to grow significantly across multiple asset classes. The Navi Mumbai region is poised to further elevate its status as a premier global metropolitan destination," Karan Singh Sodi, Senior Managing Director (Mumbai MMR & Gujarat) and Head-Alternatives, India, JLL.

Also Read | AI Express to begin operation from Navi Mumbai airport: Daily routes and flights

"In the entire MMR, the vicinity of Navi Mumbai Airport is the only place where homebuyers have plenty of options for purchasing 2 BHK and 3 BHK in the 1 crore budget. So, this stretch is affordable in a true sense," said Gautam Thacker, founder, president and chairman of NAREDCO Raigad, an apex body of real estate developers.

According to Thacker, the maximum price for apartments in Ulwe, near the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, is around 15,000 per sq ft on a carpet area basis. Local brokers said the average size of 2BHK units in Ulwe ranges between 550 sq ft and 650 sq ft. The most affordable apartments, priced at about 9,000 per sq ft, are typically located in areas within a 30-minute drive from the airport.

"The appreciation in residential real estate has been remarkable. Back in 2015, I was selling apartments at around 3,600 per sq ft for my project near the Navi Mumbai Airport. Today, those same units are priced above 8,000 per sq ft, reflecting a healthy appreciation of over 10% annually," said Ashok Chhajer, CMD at Arihant Superstructures Ltd.

"Whats even more interesting is that this is one of the few regions where you can still find 1 BHK apartments in the 3040 lakh range, within gated communities offering modern amenities. It continues to be a promising destination for homebuyers looking to settle down in a well-connected, high-growth corridor," Chhajer said.

How far is Navi Mumbai Airport? The Navi Mumbai International Airport is approximately 45 minutes by road from South Mumbai and about an hour from the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), though travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions. It is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by road from the existing Mumbai International Airport.
New Delhi: The case for building huge factoriesor gigafactoriesto manufacture lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) in India has a curious twist. The country may be adding capacity way beyond what its EV marketspanning cars, two-wheelers and three-wheelerswill need in the near future, raising questions over whether battery makers can turn a profit.

Both industry players and experts say the way out is for battery manufacturers to look beyond EVs for salesin industries such as drones, telecom towers, power tools, data centres, and stationary storage for C&I (commercial and industrial), among others.

According to data from company presentations and announcements, Ola Electric, Amara Raja, Reliance Industries, Tatas Agratas, Exide Industries and JSW Group are cumulatively putting in capacity that may add up to 100GWh by the end of this decade.

Mints queries to these companies remained unanswered till press time.

Also Read | Which EV battery technologies have manufacturers chosen for India?

Harshvardhan Sharma, group head for auto tech and innovation at Nomura Research Institute Consulting and Solutions India, pointed out that the countrys planned cell capacity already exceeds 70 GWh by 2027 against a domestic demand outlook of 35-40 GWh, and adds that diversification over the next three years could contribute 15-20% of demand absorption".

He added that companies that approach battery manufacturing as a broader energy systems business rather than focus purely on EVs, will achieve more stable earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda).

Battery manufacturing is a scale-driven business; however, Indias EV market, dominated by small packs in 2Ws and 3Ws, cannot absorb such volumes yet," said Ravindra Patki, managing partner at Vector Consulting Group, adding that battery makers will have to diversify both in use cases as well as chemistries to be able to meet demand across industries.

For perspective, a cell gigafactory with just 4 GWh capacity can produce enough cells to power a million scooters, each of which has an installed battery of 4 kilowatt per hour.

Comparatively, in the previous financial year, a total of 1.14 million units of electric scooters and 107,000 electric cars were sold in India, data from Vahan portal showed, signalling impending overcapacity and potential margin pressures.

The company playbook

Ola Electric and Amara Raja Energy, two of the countrys top lithium-ion battery manufacturers that are hoping to challenge Chinas dominance, have told investors that profitability for the cell business can be achieved at 4 gigawatt hour (GWh) annual capacity.

While Ola Electric is building a gigafactory with a total capacity of 5 GWh, Amara Raja has laid out plans to build a 16 GWh lithium-ion battery plant.

During a meeting with analysts last week, Hyderabad-based Amara Raja said the use cases of lithium-ion batteries will mainly be divided into automobile sector, telecom sector, and data centres, among others.

Almost 30-40% of this demand (total lithium-ion battery demand) would be needed for storage," analysts at Motilal Oswal wrote in a note on 1 October. As per the current estimates, almost 80-90% of this demand is likely to be met with domestic sources."

Investors and analysts are sceptical about the returns Amara Raja can get from the cell business whose commencement has already been delayed from FY26 to FY27. While the market is optimistic about Amaras li-ion initiative, we are cautious about its potential returns," Aniket Mhatre of Motilal Oswal wrote in the note.

Ola Electric chairman and managing director Bhavish Aggarwal has said there are multiple segments available for the company to foray in lithium-ion cells, which can help in delivering scale and profitability.

The scale can be from our own internal requirements, the scale can be potentially from export opportunities that our 4680 cell opens up, the scale can be from BSS (battery swapping station) opportunities in the future that we might get into in different business strategies," Aggarwal said during the companys April-June quarter earnings call, adding that it is not necessary to have government subsidies to have a profitable case in the cell business.

Aggarwal had previously, in December last year, said the company would be open to offering cells to sectors like drone manufacturing and consumer electronics.

Thinking of offering our Bharat Cell for Indian startups building products that need batteriespower tools, medical devices, automotive, drones, consumer electronics, etc.," he wrote in a post on social media platform X.

Some are sceptical about profitability margins in the business, with Ather CEO and co-founder Tarun Mehta suggesting in an earlier interview with Mint that companies need very high volumes of EV sales to make a justifiable case for cell manufacturing.

Companies at the scale of 3-4 lakh (300,000-400,000) electric scooters in a yearat that scale of cell productionhave rarely ever been profitable," Mehta said. A lot of cell production is tricky. You see gross margin improvement, but your cost of production is so high that your Ebitda impact comes out much worse."

Investors are probing on profitability as most of the companies in the sector have invested more than 1,000 crore in setting up their gigafactories.
Madhya Pradesh cough syrup deaths: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, 7 October, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the deaths of children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly caused by contaminated cough syrup, ANI reported. At least 14 children have died so far, while eight others remain hospitalised.

MP doctor arrest and regulatory action The Madhya Pradesh Police arrested Dr Praveen Soni, a senior paediatrician in Chhindwara, for alleged negligence. Following the fatalities, the state government suspended three officials and transferred the state drug controller.

Several states have halted the sale and distribution of Coldrif cough syrup.

IMA condemns intimidation of medical professionals The Indian Medical Association (IMA) demanded that authorities identify and take immediate action against the actual culprits, while also ensuring adequate compensation for the affected families and the doctor who is a victim of defamation.

The onus of the death of these hapless children falls squarely on the manufacturers and the authorities. Intimidation of the medical profession is uncalled for and will be resisted, the IMA said in a statement.

According to the association, an FIR was registered at Parasia police station on Saturday against the paediatrician posted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and the directors of M/s Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. They have been booked under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 276 (adulteration of drugs) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with section 27(A) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The arrest of doctor in haste, just after the report of BMO, precisely shows an attempt to divert the attention of the people from the faults of regulatory bodies and the concerned pharmaceutical company, the IMA alleged.

Toxic substances and weak regulation The IMA said pharmaceutical-grade glycerin and propylene glycolessential ingredients for manufacturing cough syrupsare costly. As a result, some manufacturers use cheaper, industrial-grade diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG), which are toxic yet visually indistinguishable.

If quality control fails at the level of both the manufacturer and the regulator, cough syrups produced by a few companies may end up containing toxic substances capable of causing kidney failure and death in young children, the statement read.

The association highlighted that similar incidents have occurred several times in the past in multiple countries among children after apparently consuming contaminated cough syrup.

The prescribing doctor has no way of knowing whether a medicine is contaminated until adverse outcomes are reported among patients who have taken it, the IMA said, urging that regulation must therefore be made foolproof to prevent such tragedies.

It also warned that many people in India buy cough syrups over the counter without medical advice, increasing the risk of misuse. In most cases, coughs and colds resolve on their own without any syrup. When a doctor does prescribe one, it is based on clinical assessment of the child, the statement added.

Spurious drug and regulatory lapses Citing the 2003 Mashelkar Report, the IMA drew attention to systemic weaknesses: The problems in the regulatory system in the country were primarily due to inadequate or weak drug control infrastructure at the State and Central level, inadequate testing facilities, shortage of drug inspectors, non-uniformity of enforcement, lack of specially trained cadres for specific regulatory areas, non-existence of data bank and non-availability of accurate information.

This is a clear cut case of a spurious drug as defined in section 17B of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act. Approval of the said cough syrup, monitoring of the quality and the content of the same squarely fall within the ambit of the Drugs regulatory system, the IMA said.

Also Read | Health ministry probe finds no contamination in MP cough syrups, advisory issued

The association further argued that once the drug has been approved and made available in the market, a registered medical practitioner is the legitimate authority in prescribing any drug.

The drug controller issuing directions to pharmacies not to supply an approved drug falls outside their competency and authority, the IMA said, calling such actions a coloured exercise of power outside the boundaries of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Concluding its statement, the IMA expressed deep concern over the alleged incompetence and inadequacy of the drug regulatory system in the country and the mishandling of this unfortunate incident.
BJP leader Pitavas Panda, a senior advocate and an RTI activist, was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his residence in Odisha's Berhampur around 10 pm on 6 October, according to SP Berhampur, Dr Saravana Vivek M. Teams have been formed to investigate the incident, ANI reported.

According to a Times of India report, the 50-year-old leader was known for his legal activism and efforts to expose corruption through RTI filings.

What happened? Two men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on Pitavas Panda near his home late Monday night. He was rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where doctors pronounced him dead. Senior police officials arrived at the scene and reviewed CCTV footage to help identify the attackers, according to an Indian Express report.

Regularly raised voice against corruption Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, State Commerce and Transport Minister, who, along with other BJP leaders, rushed to the hospital after learning about the attack, condemned the incident.

He described Panda as a well-known and courageous leader who regularly raised his voice against corruption, and said stringent action would be taken against those found guilty, India Today reported.

Also Read | Cuttack clash: Odisha govt suspends internet for 24 hours after violence

CM Mohan Majhis Govt has failed to protect even its own leader Meanwhile, Indian National Congress (INC) Odisha President Bhakta Charan Das said he was deeply shocked over the tragedy.

He said, Deeply shocked at the assassination of Senior Lawyer and State Bar Council Member Shri Pitabash Panda outside his home in Berhampur. BJP has successfully established Jungle Raaj in Odisha. CM Mohan Majhis Govt has failed to protect even its own leader, which exposes the shocking law & order collapse in the state.

Also Read | Odisha: 8 students hospitalised after classmates apply Fevikwik to their eyes

Bhakta Charan Das added, Whether communal clashes, atrocities on women or such murders, things are going from bad to worse. Pained to see whats happening in our peaceful state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Maharashtra on 8-9 October 2025, during which he will inaugurate key infrastructure projects, engage with business leaders, and host the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, who is on his first official visit to India.

Inauguration of Navi Mumbai International Airport On 8 October, PM Modi will arrive in Navi Mumbai and undertake a walkthrough of the newly constructed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) at approximately 3 PM. At 3:30 PM, he will formally inaugurate the airport and dedicate various projects in Mumbai, addressing the gathering on the occasion.

The NMIA, Indias largest greenfield airport developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) at an estimated cost of 19,650 crore, will function alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to ease congestion and transform Mumbai into a global multi-airport hub.

Designed to handle 90 million passengers annually and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo, the airport spans 1,160 hectares and features a state-of-the-art Automated People Mover (APM) connecting all terminals and city-side infrastructure. Sustainable features include dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) storage, solar power generation of 47 MW, and electric bus services. NMIA will also be the first airport in India to be connected by a water taxi service.

Launch of Mumbai Metro Line-3 PM Modi will also inaugurate Phase 2B of Mumbai Metro Line-3, stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, at an estimated cost of 12,200 crore. With this, the entire 33.5 km underground Aqua Line, featuring 27 stations, will be operational, marking a total investment of 37,270 crore.

The Metro Line-3 will serve 13 lakh passengers daily, providing seamless connectivity to South Mumbais heritage districts, key financial hubs, and administrative centres, including Nariman Point, BSE, RBI, and Mantralaya. The line integrates with other modes of transport, including suburban railways, metro lines, airports, and monorail systems to ensure efficient last-mile connectivity.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will launch Mumbai One, an integrated mobility app covering 11 public transport operators. The app offers digital ticketing, real-time journey updates, multi-modal connectivity, and an SOS feature, enhancing commuter convenience and safety across the metropolitan region.

Hosting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer On 9 October, PM Modi will host UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Mumbai at 10 AM, marking his first official visit to India. The two leaders will participate in the CEO Forum at Jio World Centre at 1:40 PM and later attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest at 2:45 PM, delivering keynote addresses.

The visit will focus on India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership initiatives under Vision 2035, encompassing trade, investment, technology, defence, climate, health, education, and people-to-people relations. Discussions will include opportunities under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and issues of regional and global importance.

Global Fintech Fest 2025 The Global Fintech Fest 2025, themed Empowering Finance for a Better World, will feature over 100,000 participants from more than 75 countries, including 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, and 400 exhibitors. The conference highlights the convergence of AI, innovation, and inclusion in shaping a sustainable financial future.

Notable international regulators attending include the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Deutsche Bundesbank, Banque de France, and Swiss FINMA, underlining the events growing global significance.

Launch of Short-Term Employability Program (STEP) PM Modi will inaugurate the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP), aimed at enhancing skill development aligned with industry requirements. The initiative will cover 400 government ITIs and 150 Technical High Schools, creating 2,500 new training batches, including 364 for women and 408 in emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, EVs, Solar, and Additive Manufacturing.
Mumbai Polices Economic Offences Wing (EoW) has questioned Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty for over four hours in connection with an alleged 60 crore fraud case involving her husband, Raj Kundra. Investigations are ongoing into their now-defunct company, Best Deal TV Private Limited.

What prompted Shilpa Shettys questioning by the EoW? Officials from Mumbai Polices Economic Offences Wing (EoW) interrogated Shilpa Shetty for approximately four and a half hours regarding allegations of defrauding a businessman of 60 crore.

Statements of five people, including Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra, have been recorded so far, stated an EoW official.

The questioning is part of a wider investigation into the now-defunct Best Deal TV Private Limited, a home shopping and online retail platform on which Shetty and Kundra were directors.

Who else has been questioned in the  60 crore case? The EoW has also recorded statements of other key individuals, including Rajendra Bhutada, the resolution professional of Best Deal TV Private Limited.

His statement was recorded. Bhutada was the resolution professional of the liquidated company Best Deal TV Private Limited, the official explained.

The case was originally registered at Juhu Police Station on 14 August after businessman Deepak Kothari alleged that he was duped of nearly 60 crore in a loan-cum-investment transaction.

What claims has Raj Kundra made during the investigation? During the probe, Raj Kundra claimed that part of the 60 crore allegedly paid to him was subsequently distributed as professional fees to Bollywood actors Bipasha Basu, Neha Dhupia, and producer Ekta Kapoor.

Raj Kundra made the claim in a statement he recorded before the Economic Offences Wing earlier this week, an official confirmed.

Also Read | Shilpa Shetty and husband Raj Kundra refute 60 crore cheating allegations

What is the current status of the investigation? The EoW is actively investigating Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra, and other individuals associated with Best Deal TV Private Limited. Statements from key witnesses and stakeholders, including resolution professionals and industry insiders, are being systematically recorded to build the case.
Shoe Attack on CJI BR Gavai: Lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court on Monday, has defended his actions, citing emotional distress and hurt over previous remarks by the CJI. The Bar Council of India has responded swiftly, suspending Kishores licence with immediate effect.

Why did Rakesh Kishore attempt to attack the CJI? A day after the dramatic incident in the Supreme Court, 71-year-old lawyer Rakesh Kishore spoke to ANI, defending his actions and saying he was deeply hurt by CJI BR Gavais remarks during a prior hearing concerning a religious matter.

The CJI should think that when he is sitting on such a high constitutional post, he should understand the meaning of 'Milord' and uphold its dignity. You go to Mauritius and say that the country will not run with a bulldozer. I ask the CJI and those opposing me: Is the bulldozer action by Yogi (Adityanath) ji against those who encroached on government property wrong? I am hurt and will continue to be so, Kishore said.

What prompted Kishores emotional reaction? Earlier this month, Justice BR Gavai, at the Sir Maurice Rault Memorial Lecture 2025 in Mauritius, reaffirmed that Indias legal system is guided by the rule of law, not the rule of the bulldozer, citing his verdict denouncing bulldozer justice. The ruling held that such actions bypass due process, violate the rule of law, and infringe on fundamental rights under Article 21.

Kishore explained that his attack was a reaction to what he perceived as the mockery of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed on 16 September:

I was deeply hurt. On September 16, a PIL was filed by an individual in the chief justices court. Justice Gavai completely mocked it. Mockery in the sense that he said, 'Go pray to the idol, ask the idol to restore its own head', he said.

Did Kishore cite discrimination or selective judicial actions? Rakesh Kishore alleged bias in judicial handling of cases:

We see that the same chief justice takes big steps when a case comes up against other communities Let me give an example: In Haldwani, railway land is encroached upon by a specific community. When attempts were made to remove the encroachment, the Supreme Court imposed a stay three years ago, which is still in effect today. Similarly, when the Nupur Sharma case came up, the court said, 'You have spoiled the atmosphere'. They do all that. That is perfectly fine.

He also expressed disappointment over court interventions on issues concerning Sanatan Dharma, citing Jallikattu and Dahi Handi.

Was the attack premeditated or impulsive? Rakesh Kishore insisted his actions were not driven by intoxication or impulse but by emotional distress.

It's not like I was drunk, or I had taken any pills, and then came and did something. Nothing like that happened. They took action. It was my reaction, he said, adding, Although I am strongly against violence, you must also consider why a non-violent, simple, honest person, who has no case against him till date and doesn't belong to any group, had to do all this? This is certainly something worth thinking about. The whole country should reflect on what happened.

What is Kishores academic and personal background? Rakesh Kishore claims to hold an MSc, a PhD and an LLB degree, and is a gold medalist. He further commented on caste dynamics in the incident:

My name is Dr Rakesh Kishore. Can someone tell my caste? Maybe I am a Dalit too. It is one-sided that you are taking advantage of the fact that he (CJI Gavai) is a Dalit. He is not a Dalit. He was a Sanatani Hindu first. He then renounced his faith and followed Buddhism. If he feels that he has come out of Hinduism after following Buddhism, how is he still a Dalit? This is about mindset.

How did authorities respond? The Bar Council of India immediately suspended Kishores licence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, expressing his dismay and commending Justice Gavai for maintaining composure:

Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable. I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution, Modi said on X.
Senior Haryana police officer, IPS Y Puran Kumar, has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his Chandigarh Sector 11 residence on Tuesday.

Kumar, an IPS from the 2000 batch, was the Assistant Director General of Haryana Police.

A number of senior officials reached the spot, along with a forensics team.

Kanwardeep Kaur, Chandigarh SSP, told reporters, "We got information of a shooting at around 1:30 PM at Sector 11 Police Station. When we reached here, we found that a reported suicide had taken place. The body of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar was found at his residence. The CFSL team has reached the spot, and an investigation is underway. More details will be known after the post-mortem..."

Recent posting, family The deceased IPS officer was serving at the Police Training Centre in Rohtak's Sunaria at the time of his death. He had taken charge at his new post on September 29. Before this, he was serving as the ADG of Rohtak.

At the time of the incident, the deceased officer's wife, Amneet P Kumar, who is a senior IAS officer, was not at their residence. She is currently in Japan as part of an official delegation being led by the state's chief minister, Nayab Singh Saini, a report in The Tribune has revealed. She is expected to return on Wednesday evening.

Amneet P Kumar is Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Haryana's, Women and Child Development Department.

2023 letter to Haryana chief secretary Kumar was unhappy with his postings, and had in 2023 written a letter to the Haryana chief secretary, complaining that he was given a post in the non-cadre and non-existing IGP homeguards.

On March 3, 2023, Kumar was posted as the IGP, homeguards by the Haryana state government, as per a report by Indian Express.

In the letter, Kumar had informed the Haryana chief secy that the post of IGP home guards had not been created by the state government in the first place. He also claimed that he was given the post in order to insult, humiliate and harass him in public view for over seven months now, the report claims.

As per IPS Cadre Rules 1954 and IPS (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Amendment Regulation 2017, an IPS officer cannot hold an ex-cadre post in excess to the permissible number which is 19 for Haryana, Kumar had then said in his complaint.
Indian-American Amol Kohli has gone from waiting tables as a teenager to owning the very restaurant chain where he once worked. In July 2024, his investment group, Legacy Brands, acquired Friendlys  the American family dining chain  along with its parent company Brix Holdings and several other restaurant brands. Today, Kohli oversees more than 250 restaurant locations across the United States, including Friendlys, Clean Juice, and Red Mango.

Who is Amol Kohli? Kohlis journey began in 2003, when he worked as a waiter at a Friendlys in the Philadelphia area while still in high school. Earning about $5 an hour, he handled everything from cooking and dishwashing to bussing tables  doing whatever his manager needed.

Two decades later, he has come full circle, becoming the owner of the company that gave him his first job.

How did his career begin? While studying finance and marketing at Drexel University, Kohli continued to work at Friendlys during his summer breaks. He quickly moved beyond basic tasks, helping franchisees with payroll, food costs, and insurance.

He described this early experience as invaluable, as it helped him understand the business from the ground up.

After graduating in 2011, he chose to stay with Friendlys rather than pursue a finance career. His dedication helped him rise to the role of regional manager.

When did he become a franchise owner? Kohli eventually decided to invest in his own Friendlys restaurant, pooling resources from friends and business partners. His entrepreneurial leap paid off  over time, he went on to own 31 Friendlys locations.

How did he acquire Brix holdings? The Covid-19 pandemic was a major setback for Friendlys, pushing the company to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2020. It was later bought by Brix Holdings.

Kohli, however, refused to let the brand fade. In May 2023, he founded Legacy Brands International and led the acquisition of Brix Holdings through a mix of equity and debt financing. The deal marked a full-circle moment in his journey from employee to owner.

What are his future plans? Kohlis focus now is on reviving Friendlys by modernising its restaurants, using technology, and drawing new franchise partners. He also wants to change perceptions about working in the food service industry  showing it as a place where long-term careers can thrive.
As the US government shutdown stretches into its seventh day, President Donald Trumps unexpected overture to Democrats  saying he is happy to work with them on healthcare  hints at a possible recalibration in tone amid deepening partisan gridlock.

The Senate on Monday again failed to pass two bills to fund the US government, and Republicans and Democrats appear locked in a stalemate as the Trump administration threatens layoffs while the shutdown enters its seventh day.

Also Read | Burbank Airport faces delay as air traffic tower unmanned amid US govt shutdown

Trump strikes an unexpected note of compromise As the United States government entered its second week of shutdown on Monday, President Donald Trump appeared to strike a surprising conciliatory note. In a post on Truth Social, the president declared he would be happy to work with Democrats on healthcare  an overture that stood out against his usual combative tone towards the opposition party.

The message came as Washington DCs budget crisis deepened, paralysing key government functions and threatening tens of thousands of federal jobs. The shutdown began after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill, with disputes over healthcare funding and federal workforce cuts at the centre of the impasse.

Also Read | US shutdown enters 6th day: Trump open to deal on Affordable Care Act subsidies

Trumps Truth Social post, which many analysts saw as an attempt to shift political blame, read:

Democrats have SHUT DOWN the United States Government right in the midst of one of the most successful Economies, including a Record Stock Market, that our Country has ever had. This has sadly affected so many programs, services, and other elements of Society that Americans rely on  And it should not have happened. I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!

The message blended accusation with compromise  signalling Trumps readiness to negotiate while doubling down on claims that Democrats are to blame for the crisis.

US Govt shutdown: What caused the latest budget impasse? The stalemate began when the Senate failed to pass two competing funding bills designed to keep the government open. Republicans first rejected a Democratic proposal that would have extended funding while preserving key subsidies for the Affordable Care Act  the centrepiece of Democratic healthcare policy  in a 5045 vote largely along party lines.

A second measure, backed by Republicans and endorsed by the Trump White House, also fell short. The clean continuing resolution, which would have maintained current funding levels until 21 November, was blocked after a 5242 vote  eight votes short of the 60 needed to break a filibuster.

Also Read | US unemployment claims rise amid stagnant labour market, government shutdown

The voting patterns underscored the deep divisions in the Senate. Democratic Senators John Fetterman (Pennsylvania) and Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada) joined Independent Senator Angus King (Maine) in supporting the Republican bill, while Republican Senator Rand Paul (Kentucky) was the sole member of his party to oppose it.

US govt shutdown: Are layoffs now inevitable? As the shutdown continues, fears of mass layoffs across the federal workforce are mounting. The Trump administration has hinted at significant job cuts, presenting them as a cost-saving measure amid what it calls bureaucratic bloat left by previous Democratic governments.

At Mondays press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated that the administration was preparing for the worst:

The Office of Management and Budget is continuing to work with agencies on who unfortunately is going to have to be laid off if this shutdown continues.

The comment confirmed growing speculation that the administration may use the shutdown as leverage to downsize federal departments  a strategy some within the Republican Party have openly endorsed.

Vice President JD Vance, however, sought to counter this perception, insisting there was no political targeting involved. Were not targeting federal agencies based on politics, he said during a White House briefing last week.

But House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared to contradict that reassurance, telling reporters that the ongoing standoff could ultimately benefit Republicans. The longer this goes on, the more pain will be inflicted, Johnson said, adding in a radio interview that the shutdown could allow the GOP to make additional cuts to the federal workforce.

A tactical shift or genuine change of tone for Trump? For observers, Trumps sudden willingness to work with Democrats may reflect less a policy shift and more a calculated effort to reposition himself politically. With polls showing public frustration over the shutdown and concerns about economic disruption, the presidents softer language could be aimed at moderating his image without abandoning his hardline stance.

Also Read | US govt shutdown rolls into weekend with no end in sight

Political analysts suggest Trumps message is designed to frame him as the pragmatic party in the standoff  one willing to negotiate while accusing Democrats of obstruction. Yet, the reality on Capitol Hill tells a different story: both sides remain entrenched, and there is little indication that bipartisan talks are making progress.

Trump is trying to appear reasonable without conceding ground, said a Washington-based policy strategist. Its a way to look presidential while keeping the blame elsewhere.

US govt shutdown: What happens next? With both funding bills defeated, the path forward remains uncertain. The federal shutdown  now in its seventh day  has already disrupted public services, delayed pay for government employees, and rattled markets that had been buoyant for much of Trumps term.

Also Read | US Government Shutdown Day 4: Republicans concerned as Trump freezes funds

The administrations next steps may depend on the political fallout. If the economic cost mounts and public patience wanes, pressure could grow on both sides to reach a temporary funding compromise. But for now, the White House seems prepared to wait out the Democrats  even as the president hints at cooperation.
Newport Beach Police on Tuesday, October 7, responded to an alleged shooting and reports of an active shooter at the Hoag Hospital, but upon arrival, they found no sign of any emergency. The police are now probing if the 911 emergency was swatting call.

The Newport Beach Police department said in a statement that the cops swept through the Hoag Hospital but found no evidence of an active shootout.

The Newport Beach Police Department stated that officers were dispatched to Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach following a report of gunfire.

The department said that the officers arrived promptly and conducted a thorough search of the facility. It was determined that the report of a shooter was unfounded and part of a swatting incident.

This incident prompted the cops to put out an alert regarding swatting calls. Also Read | Fatal shooting of Indian student Chandrashekar Pole: Suspect Richard Florez arrested in Texas; gun found inside car

Swatting calls are illegal, dangerous and disruptive, Newport Beach Police said in a post on X. We take these incidents seriously and will continue working with our regional law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

Also Read | Multiple shootings in Canada: Lawrence Bishnoi gang claims responsibility

What is swatting? According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), swatting is defined as a malicious act that can involve placing false emergency calls to emergency responders, often reporting a (false) severe, ongoing crisis at a specific location.
A teenager boy from Staten Island in New York State beheaded his mother's boyfriend in a chilling crime, and told his sister to go to your room, when she returned home from school.

The incident was reported from a family home in West Brighton of Staten Island when the girl found the body of one sanitation worker  the 46-year-old boyfriend of her mother  in a bathtub, with the knife still stuck in his head.

The girl had just returned from school. Upon arriving, she spotted her blood-drenched brother who, after seeing her, told her, I did something bad, go to your room, almost like a warning.

Ignoring the warnings, the girl followed the bloodstains across the floor and discovered her mothers boyfriends body in the bathtub, prompting her to call her mother who rushed to the Cary Avenue home as NYPD officers worked at the scene.

Their neighbor Jennifer Diaz told New York Post that their mother kept screaming that she still loved him. The mom, she just kept saying to her son, Why would you kill him?! I still loved him! She was yelling, screaming from outside into the house. Where her son was.

The two were in a relationship for six years. Also Read | UK woman plots with ex-Royal Marine lover to kill husband for 1.47 crore insurance payout, fakes armed break-in

Diaz said the teen accused of the killing was led out of the house by police, hands cuffed behind his back and a blood-streaked, vacant expression on his face, while his mother didnt even glance at him.

He had blood on his face and his Timberland construction boots, but not blood on his clothes. He looked relieved, no expression on his face. Blank face, but so calm. No expression. He said nothing, just very calm, she was quoted as saying.
Three of the seven lawyers who filed a case challenging US President Donald Trumps executive order to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000 last month questioned his authority to increase monetary requirements for such permits, suggesting that they would fight this case to the end.

Our lawsuit asks the court to block the Executive Order from taking effect because it exceeds the authority granted to the President and would cause significant harm. Our legal system is designed to prevent exactly that kind of overreach," said Kalpana V. Peddibhotla, executive director of the South Asian American Justice Collaborative (SAAJCO), a San Jose-based non-profit legal organisation, in an emailed response to Mint.

This was the first major case filed against Trumps executive order seeking to limit the entry of foreigners in the country, and also a pushback to lawmakers in the US who have upped the ante against H-1B visa holders in the last two months.

We believe the law is crystal clear that does not allow any president to do what Trump has done here," said Charles H. Kuck, founder of Kuck Baxter LLC, an Atlanta-based law firm, in an emailed response to Ming. Kuck is also a law professor at Emory University School of Law, where he teaches advanced immigration law.

Peddibhotla said the order passed by Trump would harm the US economy.

By imposing a $100,000 fee, it (the executive order) turns a lawful visa program into a pay-to-play system that benefits only the wealthiest employers and harms the broader U.S. economy. The language of fraud and job stealing has long been used to justify exclusion of immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and it is now being directed at South Asians, particularly Indians, who make up the majority of H-1B professionals," said Peddibhotla.

According to the US Department of State, Asian countries are the primary beneficiaries of the H-1B visas. The top beneficiary was India, which received 150,647 visas in the previous fiscal year. China was a distant second, receiving 31,735 such visas.

Challenging Trumps order

On 23 September, at least nine complainants, including employee unions from sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, automobile, and aerospace, filed a lawsuit through seven law firms in a California district court. They challenged Trumps order, requesting that the court deem the proclamation unlawful and have the H-1B visas processed in accordance with existing laws.

The law firms and non-profit organisations include Justice Action Centre, Democracy Forward Foundation, Kuck Baxter Llc, South Asian American Justice Collaborative, Joseph & Hall, P.C., Bless Litigation Llc, and Siskind Susser.

They represent the nine complainants, including Global Nurse Force, a California-based healthcare business that provides nurses to hospitals across the US, and various unions and religious bodies.

Also Read | Ex-Amazon employee reveals why Americans hate Indians taking jobs on H1B visas

The litigants in the H1-B are not who you would expect to find working together - the United Auto Workers and a nursing group have united as part of the group seeking relief against the Trump H1-B fee. It shows how opposition to Trump is creating unusual alliances," said Russell A. Stamets, partner at New Delhi-based law firm Circle of Counsels, in an emailed response to Mint.

However, Peddibhotla said, Its too early to speculate about next steps, but were prepared to pursue every legal avenue necessary to protect the people and communities affected by this policy. Were confident in the strength of our case and believe the law is on our side at every level of review."

Kuck added that they would appeal at a higher court if they were to lose this case, as will the government when they lose."

In the US, parties dissatisfied with the district court's ruling can file appeals in one of the 13 circuit courts, known as the US Court of Appeals. If either party is still not content with the circuit courts' judgment, they can petition the Supreme Court to hear the case.

The Supreme Court reviews the petition and only grants a request if it believes that a significant legal issue must be resolved. If the petition is denied by the Supreme Court, the lower courts decision remains final and binding.

"Like the injunction granted against Trump's use of troops in Oregon, lower courts are mostly ruling against Trump but Trump is winning on appeal at a Supreme Court that has utterly surrendered its independence to Trump," said Stamets.

Mounting visa

According to a Mint analysis, most H-1B visas are snapped up by information technology (IT) companies, with Indians being the majority of such visa holders. Seven of the 10 largest users of these visas are technology firms. According to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the top 10 users accounted for 36,737 visas, more than half of the total number of H-1B visas issued in 2024-25, as of June 30. The US government follows a fiscal calendar from October to September.

US policymakers have also increased scrutiny of such visa holders.

On 30 September, Tom Cotton, a Republican senator from Arkansas, introduced the Visa Cap Enforcement Bill in the US Senate, aiming to strip colleges, non-profits and research institutes of their long-standing exemption from annual H-1B visa limits.

Almost a week prior, on 24 September, Republican senator Charles E. Grassley and Democratic senator Richard J. Durbin targeted several companies, including TCS and Cognizant, over their hiring practices.

Both senators wrote joint letters to K. Krithivasan and S. Ravi Kumar, chief executives of TCS and Cognizant, respectively, seeking responses on the claims of race-based discrimination and substituting American workers with low-cost H-1B employees.

Earlier the same month, Ohio senator Bernie Moreno proposed the Halting International Relocation of Employees (HIRE) Act to increase taxes on companies that hire offshore employees from their IT vendors.
Tropical Storm Jerry developed over the central Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday and is forecast to become a hurricane by Wednesday. It is the tenth named storm of a late-season that has already witnessed three hurricanes in just over two weeks.

As of 11 am ET Tuesday, Tropical Storm Jerry has winds of 45 mph. It was approximately 1,300 miles east-southeast of the northern Leeward Islands and was headed west, reported CNN.

Forecasters predicted that Jerry would develop into a hurricane in the coming days. Swells caused by Jerry are expected to reach the Leeward Islands on Thursday. No watches or warnings were issued for Jerry.

According to the National Hurricane Centre, Jerry is expected to move near or north of the northern Leeward Islands later this week as a Category 1 hurricane. Its precise path could result in rain and wind affecting these islands, and tropical storm watches might be issued for parts of the region by Tuesday night.

How will Storm Jerry impact the mainland US? Notably, Jerry is unlikely to pose a threat to the mainland United States, as a cold front will move off the East Coast and steer it away into the sea.

However, due to Hurricane Priscilla, a tropical storm watch was in place for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lazaro, reported AP.

Also Read | Hurricane Humberto and Imelda loom over Bahamas, Bermuda with strong winds

On Monday night, the Baja California Sur government announced the cancellation of classes at all educational centres starting Tuesday in Los Cabos and La Paz as a precaution. Additionally, they established a dozen shelters in Los Cabos for residents in vulnerable areas.

Forecasters warn that parts of southwestern Mexico may receive up to 4 inches (10 centimetres) of rain from Priscillas outer bands by Wednesday, increasing the risk of flash flooding in Michoacan and Colima.

Priscilla hurricane centre stated that the storm was expected to weaken from Wednesday. A major hurricane is classified as Category 3 or higher, with wind speeds of at least 111 mph (180 kph).

Priscilla's swells were approaching Mexico's coast, with forecasters warning of potentially life-threatening surf and rip currents.
US President Donald Trump said that Sean "Diddy" Combs', who received a sentence of over four years on Friday for prostitution-related charges, has asked for a pardon, according to Reuters.

On Monday, Trump informed reporters that Combs' had requested a pardon. Referring to Combs with the nickname Puff Daddy, Trump did not specify whether he would approve the request.

Meanwhile, Sean Diddy Combs attorneys have requested that he be transferred to a low-security federal prison in New Jersey to serve his four-year, two-month sentence. They told the judge that participating in the facilitys drug treatment programme would assist him in remaining clean, AP reported.

In a letter, Combss lawyers requested that Judge Arun Subramanian direct the Federal Bureau of Prisons to assign Combs' to FCI Fort Dix, a large facility situated on the McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst military base.

Combs' attorney, Teny Geragos, argued that FCI Fort Dix, among various federal prisons offering residential drug treatment programs, would provide the most effective environment for Combs to address substance abuse, enhance family visitation, and support rehabilitation.

Also Read | Sean Diddy Combs lawyers want him sent to a New Jersey federal prison that offers drug treatment

Sentencing on Friday Combs' was sentenced on Friday over charges of transporting people across state lines for sexual encounters, concluding a federal case that included disturbing testimony about violence, drugs, and freak-offs."

The hip hop star was convicted in July as per the federal Mann Act, which prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for any sexual offence. His trial concluded with a split verdict, with acquittals on sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have resulted in a life sentence.

Also Read | What the key witnesses at Sean Diddy Combs sex trafficking trial told the jury

Combs' has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Centre, a federal jail in Brooklyn, since his arrest in September 2024. Time served there will count toward his sentence, possibly allowing him to be released in roughly three years.

In a letter to Subramanian before sentencing, Combs' mentioned he experienced a spiritual reset" during his time in jail and is dedicated to staying drug-free, non-violent, and peaceful.

I thank God that Im stronger, wiser, clean, clear and sober," he wrote.

Judges frequently recommend where inmates should serve their sentences, but the final decision rests with the Bureau of Prisons. The agency states that these decisions depend on several factors, such as the seriousness of the crime, the necessary security level, and the inmates programming needs.

FCI Fort Dix, the largest federal prison by population with nearly 3,900 inmates, is situated approximately 64 miles (103 kilometres) south-west of New York City, where Combs was born and raised. Over the years, the prison has housed several high-profile inmates, including mobsters, drug traffickers, corrupt politicians, and Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli.
A school student in Florida's Deland was arrested after asking an AI chatbot how to kill his friend inside his classroom, as per a report.

The Volusia Sheriff's Office revealed to news outlet WFLA that a school official at the Southwestern Middle School in Deland had received a Gaggle alert that someone in the school had asked ChatGPT "How to kill my friend in the middle of a class".

This led to police officials visiting the school and confronting the student in question, who said that he was just trolling his friend.

Also Read | AI tools like ChatGPT could make people more dishonest, researchers warn

Another joke that created an emergency on campus, the sheriff's office told the publication, adding, Parents, please talk to your kids so they dont make the same mistake.

What is a Gaggle alert? A Gaggle alert is a notification sent to school officials when it is discovered that a student using school-provided credentials to log into an AI chatbot has asked something potentially problematic.

The technology has been developed by the Dallas, Texas-based company, which has partnered with K-12 districts to manage the online safety of students.

the Centre of Democracy and Technology (CDT) had earlier shared concerns that student surveillance software will target low-income, Black and Hispanic children due to their overdependence on school-issued devices.

In 2023, after criticism by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Gaggle had to drop LGBTQ+ terms from the list of phrases that would trigger alerts.

ChatGPT controversy This is not the first time that a student's communication with ChatGPT regarding death has raised eyebrows.

In a highly publicised case earlier this year, a 16-year-old boy from California died of suicide after the AI chatbot allegedly drove the teenager towards suicide.

His parents then filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that ChatGPT actively helped Adam explore suicide methods, as per the TODAY Show.

On September 30, OpenAI rolled out parental controls for ChatGPT on both web browsers and the app, following the lawsuit.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is all set for a two-day visit to Australia, beginning 9 October. This will be the first such visit by a minister under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government since 2014, with the last being by Congress leader AK Antony in 2012.

"The visit of the Honourable Raksha Mantri to Australia is truly historic. It marks the first visit to Australia by an Indian Minister of Defence in twelve years, and the first by a Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modis government, the Indian Express quoted Australian High Commissioner Philip Green as saying.

While emphasising strengthening ties between both countries, he added, India is an indispensable security partner for Australia and our defence cooperation delivers tangible effects to uphold Indo-Pacific stability. This visit is a unique opportunity to deepen our defence partnership, including though enhancing strategic dialogue and information-sharing, and increasing the complexity of our exercises. This is the fastest uptick in a major power relationship Australia has ever experienced there is more collaboration and activities than ever before."

Rajnath Singh's visit to Australia: Here's what to expect Rajnath Singh's visit will include bilateral discussions with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, focusing on enhancing defence ties and identifying new areas for collaboration. 2. He will lead a business roundtable in Sydney with participation from industry leaders of both countries and meet other prominent Australian national figures, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated.

3. Three agreements are likely to be signed during the visit, aimed at deepening cooperation in key areas such as information sharing, maritime security, and joint activities, The Hindu report noted.

A joint Maritime Security Collaboration roadmap to advance our defence cooperation over the next decade is being worked out, a source stated, The New Indian Express reported.

India and Australia elevated their bilateral relationship from a Strategic Partnership in 2009 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020. The two nations share a deep bond rooted in common values- pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies, Commonwealth traditions, growing economic engagement, and increasing high-level interactions, the MoD stated in a release.
In a shocking incident in Brazils Santa Catarina state, a police officer and his wife died from heatstroke after getting into an overheated bathtub while allegedly under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, authorities said.

According to Brazilian outlet G1 Globo, military police officer Jeferson Luiz Sagaz, 37, and his wife Ana Carolina Silva, 41, who owned a nail salon, were found dead in a motel bathtub on the night of August 11.

Also Read | Prince Harry could regain police security if he reconciles with King Charles

Celebration Turns Tragic Investigators said the couple had spent the day celebrating their four-year-old daughters birthday, consuming alcohol and reportedly using cocaine. After attending a nightclub, they checked into the Dallas Motel around midnight, the New York Post added.

When the pair did not return to pick up their daughter the next day, relatives raised the alarm. Their bodies were later found in the motel bathtub.

Authorities ruled that severe heat exposure caused their deaths, noting that alcohol and cocaine in their systems likely reduced their ability to react to the extreme temperature.

Forensic teams found the bathwater temperature at 122F (50C), with a space heater in the room also turned on at a high setting.

Severe Heatstroke and Organ Failure Chief Medical Examiner Andressa Boer Fronza confirmed that both victims suffered exogenous poisoning leading to intense dehydration, thermal collapse, and multiple organ failure.

Toxicology tests revealed traces of cocaine and high blood alcohol levels.

The use of cocaine alone can cause drowsiness and coma, and when combined with alcohol, the sedative effect increases, said Dr. Fernando Oliva da Fonseca, Director of Forensic Medicine for Brazils Scientific Police.

At that temperature, their bodies would not have been able to register the heat or react defensively.

He added that the victims likely entered a state of torpor  a form of physical dormancy where the bodys metabolism slows down  which made them unresponsive to the rising temperature.

Also Read | Heaton warns US could repeat 9/11 if silence on antisemitism continues

Police Rule Out Foul Play Civil Police examined the motel room, the couples car, and CCTV footage from the premises. Investigators ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, drowning, electric shock, or any sign of third-party involvement.

All evidence, combined with the substances found in their bodies, confirms that the deaths were sudden and accidental, Police Chief Felipe Simao Gomes said.

Family, Friends Pay Tribute Ana Carolinas family has claimed that she was not a drug user and suggested she may have been coerced into consuming substances, though authorities have not found evidence supporting that claim.

Police said the couple had been together for nearly 20 years and that there was no history of domestic violence or prior incidents between them.

Ana Carolinas nail salon later issued a statement mourning her loss:
A woman in the United Kingdom is accused of hatching a plan to kill her soldier husband with the help of her ex-Royal Marine lover for 124,000 ( 1.47 crore) life insurance payout. The woman, identified as 46-year-old Michelle Mills, allegedly plotted a fake armed break-in to claim the insurance payout of her husband Christopher and begin a new life with her boyfriend, Geraint Berry.

Before the two settled on faking an armed robbery, Michelle and Berry had also thought of sliding sleeping pills into his drink and then smothering him with a pillow or putting foxgloves (extremely toxic) in his salad.

The pair allegedly planned to stage a fake armed break-in, using imitation guns, to murder her husband while he was staying in their holiday caravan at a picturesque countryside location. The fake robbery was also carried out a month after Christopher's life insurance policy had come into effect. Also Read | Honeymoon murder case: Chilling details emerge as police files chargesheet; Raja's brother demands severe punishment

The policy named Michelle as the sole beneficiary of a 124,000 payout in the event of his death.

Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC said, Michelle Mills and Geraint Berry had embarked on a secret sexual relationship which, on Geraint Berry's part at least, had become increasingly intense. Berry, encouraged on by Michelle Mills, had become increasingly occupied by hostile thoughts about Christopher Mills.

To carry out their plan, Berry recruited fellow soldier Steven Thomas. Also Read | Black magic, fake ghost, and manipulation: The sinister tale of Meerut love triangle that killed Saurabh Rajput

The plan went awry when Christopher Mills overpowered them, disarmed both, and forced them to flee and hide in the bushes.

The court was told that as the plan was botched, Michelle texted Berry that read: Police have been called. Get away. Delete all contact on both phones. I love you.

Michelle Mills later told police that the plan to kill her husband was merely a "fantasy." She insisted she never intended for him to be harmed, describing the idea of killing him as just a fantasy she could escape to.

During interrogation, Michelle told police that she felt she couldnt leave her husband, fearing she would end up on the street with nothing.
Lately, Indias news media has been flooded with heart-breaking visuals and stories of rain-activated disasters that have resulted in immeasurable damage to human and animal lives, infrastructure and the economy of Himalayan states.

Headlines scream of the numerous dead and missing, and ascribe these events largely to cloudbursts, extreme weather, landslides, deforestation, infrastructure expansion and lack of early warning systems: the what question, i.e., with a few exploring the question of why. There is also very little discussion on who should be held responsible.

Undoubtedly, the vulnerabilities of a young and fragile mountain system like the Himalayas have been exacerbated by a multitude of inexplicable policy measures that have been taken in the face of near-certain and observable climate change.

This should focus attention sharply on the issue of accountability, which is important not to pin blame, but to better integrate climate vulnerabilities with the risks added by poorly-planned development strategies, so that we can weigh these against adaptation needs.

The climate vulnerabilities of India, in particular those related to monsoon variability, have caused alarm for more than a couple of decades now. The Climate Risk Index published by Germanwatch places the most climate-affected countries, as per its long-term index (19932022), into two groups: One, countries most affected by highly unusual extreme events; and two, countries affected by recurring extreme events.

India has been classified in the second group and should expect that a new normal is already emerging in terms of its weather patterns and water flows. Ignoring a probabilistic assessment of environmental impacts based on this new normal would amount to criminal negligence.

The first point of accountability lies with the ministry of environment, forests and climate change.

After boasting of a strong regulatory framework aimed at environmental protection for nearly five decades, the ministry in 2020 inserted an appendix in its Environmental Impact Assessment notification that exempted several types of activities from prior environmental clearance without setting out specifics such as the definition of linear projects or laying down thresholds or conditions on the volume or method of earth extraction.

Also, it did not distinguish between ecologically sensitive areas and degraded lands, nor did it outline whether excavation near wetlands, forests or water bodies required separate clearance. Thankfully, the Supreme Court struck down this exemption, holding it to be arbitrary, unreasonable and against constitutional provisions.

However, in this four-year period, significant environmental damage may already have been done in the Himalayan region by massive infrastructural projects, including for road construction, tunnels, hydro-power and so on.

Also Read | Calamity watch: We must not let natural disasters blindside us

Note that the National Highway Authority of India, an autonomous body under the administrative control of the central ministry of road transport and highways, is under scrutiny of the government of Himachal Pradesh, the high court in this state as also the Supreme Court of India for its role in environmental degradation, unregulated hill cutting and dumping.

The state government is also setting up a committee to monitor the work of the agency, which is also undertaking urgent repairs of various roads in the state. Taxpayer money is undoubtedly being used in an unfructuous manner and with high inefficiency. Not only have poorly planned development projects led to an exacerbation of environmental instability and vulnerabilities in the state, but also caused significant loss of lives and livelihoods and possibly de-development too.

State governments in hill states also have a key responsibility, as the subject is on the concurrent list. While strong regulatory frameworks exist in these states, enforcement is a challenge. As a result, hill towns are facing problems like overcrowding, traffic congestion, acute housing shortages and encroachment.

Apart from worsening environmental problems, overcrowding and high urbanization have exposed more people to climate vulnerabilities. Paradoxically, while it is true that hill states provide significant ecosystem services for downstream states, little compensation is provided by the latter to the former, which reduces the incentive of hill states to protect these ecosystems.

A problem of high population density in hill states is compounded by the rapid growth of tourism. As the plains experience longer and hotter summers, and as people become more mobile, a retreat by plains-folk to the hills for cooler climes has seen an explosion in numbers. Additionally, the creation of high-speed road infrastructure to pilgrimage sites is pulling domestic tourists from more distant parts of India.

A look at the state tourism policy of Uttarakhand, for illustration, reveals its focus to be on tourist numbers and experiences, with lip-service given to environmental sustainability.

The courts of India are trying to hold state governments as well as central institutions accountable for their sustainability policies and practicesor lack thereofbut the demand for accountability must come from wider constituencies.

People at large have a legitimate role to play in this processnot embracing their own power in this context will result in minimal appeals for employment and compensation, as seen in Himachal Pradesh after the horrific disasters recently witnessed there.

The author is an independent expert on climate change and clean energy.
The simplest explanation, however, is that theres nothing to explain. New Delhi was always too optimistic about what the diaspora could or would do for the home country. Indian-Americans in particular may not feel as attached to the motherland in any way other than through some family or religious tiesboth of which weaken as time goes on and generations pass.
On 1 June 2025, a number of transport trucks parked within range of selected Russian airbases silently sprang into action. Roofs slid back to reveal hidden launchers and wave upon wave of small first-person-view (FPV) drones lifted off. By evening, TV channels had footage of burnt aircraft and damaged facilities across Russia. It was Ukraines most audacious strike of the war.

It was called Operation Spiderweba highly coordinated operation conducted through unconventional means deep inside Russian territory. By infiltrating Russias road transport network, Ukraine was able to place short-range drones within striking distance of multiple targets, enabling near-simultaneous attacks on strategic Russian assets even 4,300km away from the border.

At sea, Ukraines Magura V5 crew-less surface vessels have repeatedly hit Russian naval assets, pushing the Black Sea Fleet farther from shore, while on land, its infantry battalions are now always accompanied by drones that serve as aerial eyesand often the sharp end of an attack spear.

Also Read | Saudi Arabia and Pakistan just formed a defence pactIndia must rethink strategy

These techniques, alongside missiles, artillery and electronic warfare, are now central to contemporary campaigns. As a result, the economics of warfare has begun to go against legacy platforms. An FPV drone costs a few thousand dollars, while a bomber costs millions.

As a result, those who can build fast, accept losses and adjust tactics between sorties have an advantage over those who cannot. It is not that drones are unstoppable. But when cheap, easily repairable systems are deployed en masse, they can disrupt defensive strategies in ways that traditional armed forces often have no effective way to adapt to.

At the same time, Ukraine also shows the limitations of drones, as Russian ballistic missiles have frequently breached its air-defence networks, forcing hard choices on its use of interceptors and spares. Clearly, logistics and the depth of wartime armoury are still important. Which seems to suggest that even as these new technologies rise in relevance, there is still a need for integrated air and missile defences (IAMD).

Also Read | AI at war: Artificial intelligence is reshaping defence strategies

Why is this relevant to India? Because we are, even as we speak, in the middle of a major recapitalization. With MiG-21 fighters retiring and our squadron strength under pressure, we have major decisions to make. As we replace our ageing fleet, the question we must ask ourselves is whether we want to rebuild the past or invest in its future.

We would do well to design at least a part of our airpower around an attritable airborne fleet that we can pair with fighter jets, counter-drone systems and a strengthened IAMD layer. By investing strategically in relatively inexpensive unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), we will be able to enhance the effectiveness of our manned fighter fleet.

To be clear, I am not making an argument for dispensing with manned fighter aircraft entirely. To the contrary, this is an argument to make them more effective by pairing each fighter with a swarm of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), so that manned aircraft are not the sole source of our airpower.

If we embark on this path, our metrics must change and we should fully buy into this philosophy. Combat units should have organic UAS and counter-UAS capabilities, universal training in FPV tactics, and defensive and offensive playbooks that leverage the benefits of airborne swarms. For defence, we need to refit existing artillery systems to adapt them to the new requirements of drone warfare.

So, what will it take to pivot towards this new approach? If we anchor our strategy around buying rather than building, it is likely that costs will spiral, not to mention our strategic dependence on foreign UAS suppliers. Instead, we must invest in industrial pipelines that will allow us to make and repair drone systems at scale, so that procurement is measured solely on its cost per effect, rather than the replacement cost of each unit.

The trouble is that we still depend on foreign supply chains for essential components. These are shortcomings that we must urgently address by implementing targeted incentives to encourage domestic manufacture.

One way to achieve this might be to encourage civil-military fusion projects that let us integrate the best street-level technologies with military needs. An intake mechanism that enables fast contracting in small tranches with user-led trials should feature as part of our iDEX programme, allowing startups and small businesses to contribute.

This, coupled with guaranteed defence orders and targeted production subsidies, will derisk private investment and incentivize startups to invest in this space.

All said and done, the hardware is likely to be the easy part. What will be harder to develop is a new intuition around how we approach our defence objectives to take best advantage of the agility and flexibility that this new mode of warfare offers.

We need to lean into attrition, not fear it, so that we can learn to place our drone swarms in offensive situations where we would not dream of risking our manned aircraft. We also need to develop swarm intelligence, so that our drone fleets can adapt quickly to changing combat conditions most effectively.

We dont need to choose between the old and new. For now, we just need to establish a smaller manned core that is augmented by low-cost UAS, layered UCAS and stronger IAMD. That way, India would buy resilience, not just inventory.

The author is a partner at Trilegal and the author of The Third Way: Indias Revolutionary Approach to Data Governance. His X handle is @matthan.
(Bloomberg) -- Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina named a military general as the nations new prime minister as anti-government protests entered a third week.

Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo replaces Christian Ntsay, who had been sacked a week ago.

Under pressure from the youth-led protesters, Rajoelina dismissed his government on Sept. 29 to pacify the movement, while ignoring demands by the so-called Gen Z Mada demonstrators to step down.

Public order must be restored as quickly as possible, Rajoelina said from the state palace. We are about to bring about a real shift in the management of public affairs through the establishment of a new government. The goal is shared: to respond to the expectations of the people, but above all, to resolve the most pressing problems.

The demonstrations over power and water shortages have grown increasingly violent and police fired teargas as protesters tried to get past barricades set up at key access points in the capital, Antananarivo, on Monday.

At least 22 people have died in clashes with security forces and scores more have been injured, according to the United Nations. The protests mirror Gen Z demonstrations that have sprung up in Morocco, where at least three people have died, as well as in Kenya, Togo, Nepal and Indonesia.

The fight will continue until our goal is achieved  the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and his entourage, Clemence Raharinirina, a municipal councilor, told reporters in Antananarivo after some opposition lawmakers joined the protests.

The people no longer want corrupt leaders who impoverish and destroy the nation, he said.

Rajoelina has repeatedly said that he wont step down and is committed to preserving institutional stability and continuing with reforms.

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(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said banks will once again have to contribute to Italys budget.

I think we can ask the banks for help, like last year, she told public broadcaster Rai1 when asked about taxing lenders excess profits. Im confident that a solution can be found this year too.

While the prime minister didnt provide any details, Italy has in the past resorted to freezing the so-called deferred tax assets, which are credits stemming from previous losses that banks can use in future years to lower their tax bills.

Melonis governing coalition is looking for ways to bring down Italys public debt and keep investors onside. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini of the far-right League has insisted that banks must help to strengthen the governments fiscal position and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti is trying to come up with a policy that fulfills his party leaders pledge without hitting lenders too hard.

The government has been discussing other options to raise cash via measures on companies including taxing corporate stock buybacks, which have also been divisive for the coalition.

The issue of bank taxes has caused trouble for Meloni in the past. In 2023, she was forced into a damaging U-turn after a surprise levy on lenders sent markets into a tailspin.

Speaking on Rai1s Porta a Porta program Tuesday night, the prime minister insisted that the financial sector wouldnt suffer any harm from a further contribution.

I have no intention of punishing the banking system, which is an asset to the nation, she said.

Italys cabinet approved the draft budget last week, with a more detailed proposal due to be sent to the European Union and discussed in parliament later this month.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday visited Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Khagen Murmu at a private hospital in Siliguri, where he is undergoing treatment following a serious assault by the mob.

The attack took place on Monday in Nagarkata, in the Dooars region of North Bengal, while the MP was surveying areas affected by floods and landslides.

Television footage showed the chief minister entering the hospital where the Maldaha Uttar MP is currently admitted. According to sources within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Banerjee spoke with doctors and personally assured the opposition leader that he would receive all necessary assistance from the state government, reported news agency PTI.

Details of the Assault Murmu was reportedly attacked by a group of local people while he was in Jalpaiguris Dooars region on Monday, 6 October, to oversee relief and rescue operations. During the incident, he sustained serious head injuries.

BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh also alleged he was assaulted by the mob while he was distributing relief materials in the calamity-hit area.

Political Row The attack immediately sparked a major political row in the state. The BJP was quick to accuse the ruling TMC of orchestrating the assault on their elected representatives.

Also Read | BJP MP sparks controversy after kissing woman on cheeks during LS poll campaign

Conversely, the TMC hit back, alleging that the opposition was merely engaging in a photo opportunity in the disaster-stricken areas rather than genuinely contributing to the relief effort. The incident has thus further escalated tensions between the two principal political parties in West Bengal.

The political row intensified further as West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya introduced a highly inflammatory claim regarding the identity of the assailants.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Bhattacharya alleged that the two party leadersMP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghoshwere attacked by "illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingyas" in Jalpaiguri district on Monday. He further claimed that the attack was orchestrated by "jihadi" elements who were, he alleged, abetted by the ruling TMC.

In response to these allegations, Mr Bhattacharya demanded that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigate the incident.

He stressed that the central government was taking the matter seriously, asserting that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were monitoring the situation and would not permit such elements to "call the shots" in the state.
Curtis Sliwa has six cats, wears a red beret and is running to be the next mayor of New York City. Many wish he wouldnt.

President Trump has dismissed the Republican candidate as not exactly ready for prime time." Billionaire Bill Ackman has urged him to quit the race for the good of NYC." Sliwa, trailing in the polls, says he gets calls from people telling him its time to go. He isnt budging.

Curtis Sliwa never dropped out of anything in his life," he said in front of a Manhattan subway station recently. Any questions?"

A wild card in one of the wildest mayoral races in New York history, Sliwa says he is the one who can beat Democratic nominee and front-runner Zohran Mamdanieven though in his 2021 mayoral campaign the Republican only captured about 28% of the votes in an overwhelmingly blue city.

Critics fear his candidacy will siphon potential crossover votes away from Andrew Cuomo, who is campaigning as the anti-socialist option against Mamdani ahead of the Nov. 4 election. Mamdani, who decisively beat Cuomo in the Democratic primary, has been polling well ahead in the most recent surveys.

The possibility of a Mamdani win worries business leaders such as Ackman, who dont want to see some of his campaign promisesincluding rent freezes and city-run supermarketscome to fruition. The pressure on Sliwa increased when Mayor Eric Adams dropped his re-election campaign last month. With the departure of Adams, both Cuomo and Mamdaniand their respective backerseagerly embraced the idea of a two-man race.

But standing in their way is 71-year-old Sliwa, a Guardian Angel and subway vigilante who cemented his place in city lore after surviving five gunshot wounds in an alleged mob hit in 1992.

People know Curtis," said Ed Cox, chairman of the New York Republican Party. In a parade, they see the red beret, they cheer. They know for 45 years hes been working for them."

Sliwas favorite campaign spot is the subway, which the former Bronx McDonalds manager started patrolling in the 1970s after founding his anticrime organization Guardian Angels. When someone recognizes him, he shakes their hand and gives them a business card.

Curtis is the only candidate for NYC mayor who rides the subway," it says. Just like you."

Crime is the top issue for subway riders, according to Sliwas informal chats. If elected, Sliwa said he would hire 7,000 more police officers and do more to end building package theft and drugstore shoplifting.

Why do we live in a city where we lock up toothpaste and we dont lock up criminals?" he said. But New York Citys crime doesnt warrant federal intervention, Sliwa said, and he doesnt support having President Trump send in troops as he has done in places such as Memphis, Tenn.

He backs Trumps crackdown on criminals who are in the U.S. without authorization, but doesnt approve of mass deportations for people who havent committed any crimes.

Thats not what the public is in favor of," said Sliwa. What are we going to do, close all the restaurants? Are we going to close the hospitality industry? Many of these are essential workers."

He still wears the red beret from his Guardian Angels heyday because its how people pick you out in a crowd." But if elected, it wont come with him to Gracie Mansion, the mayors official residence. Itll be put into storage," he said.

Along with straphangers, Sliwa is targeting animal lovers for votes. He has promised to turn city animal shelters into no-kill havens for homeless pets, and has said hell ban carriage horse rides in Central Parka campaign promise former Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio made ahead of his first term but failed to achieve during eight years in office.

Sliwa took part in a protest this summer after a carriage horse died.

Sliwa leans on his wife, Nancy Sliwa, who is 30 years his junior, to overcome the age gap between him and 33-year-old front-runner Mamdani, whose popularity among young voters has been the main driver of his success in the race.

Over the summer, Sliwa went to an outdoor electronic dance music concert under a Brooklyn bridge and shared a video on X of himself in a sea of 20-somethings with his hand in the air and his red-bereted head bobbing. He posted it to show voters he isnt an old fuddy-duddy," he said. They can relate to you a little bit."

During his neighborhood walkabouts, Sliwa willingly stops to pose for photos with young people, part of his strategy to build visibility on social media.

Suddenly youre on their Instagram, theyre commenting about younice stuff," said the Brooklyn-born Sliwa, who has remained a New York fixture for decades through frequent TV appearances and as the host of a conservative talk radio show where he frequently railed about city politics.

Along with fighting crime, Sliwas campaign promises include a novel concept for tackling the citys ballooning rat problem. A longtime cat loverhe lives with his wife and a half-dozen cats in a one-bedroom Manhattan apartmentSliwa wants to weaponize the citys feral felines.

Consider them like Batman and RobinGotham caped crusaders at night," he said at an August press conference detailing his plan to bring cat colonies into Central Park to let nature take its course against the rats. During Sliwas first mayoral campaign, he made headlines for keeping 17 cats in his then-320-square-foot studio apartment.

Of his current cat companions, Sliwa said theyre his family. One of them, Ajax, is neurologically impaired. Hell walk a few steps and then fall down," he said. Mittens, who struggles with weight issues, is hoping to get Ozempic."

Sliwas campaign platform hasnt exactly silenced the chorus of naysayers who doubt he can beat Mamdani by running on cats and crime. But Sliwa believes he has one more thing in his favor: a confusing general election ballot.

His name is on the ballot twice, first as a Republican, and then as an independent on the Protect Animals line. He appears ahead of Cuomo. The ballot also lists Adams and former independent candidate Jim Waldenthey dropped out too late to be removedand two lesser-known contenders for a grand total of seven names.

Its like youre going through a maze," Sliwa said of the ballot. Not easy."

One Democrat, 72-year-old Jacqueline Pollen, said she is up for the challenge. She still remembers Sliwas past efforts to combat subway crime and plans to vote for him.

I felt very safe for many years because of that," Pollen said, as she stopped to listen to Sliwa at a Manhattan campaign stop.

Moments later, another onlooker approached Sliwa and urged him to drop out. Sliwa shook his hand, handed him a card and gave his standard reply: No.

Write to Joseph Pisani at joseph.pisani@wsj.com
When Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump finally talked over their differences Monday, the man at the center of their months-long spat didnt even merit a mention.

A Trump social media post hailing the talk as very good didnt include the name of Jair Bolsonaro, the former Brazilian president whose trial on coup attempt charges inspired the US leader to impose 50% tariffs on many Brazilian goods earlier this year.

And although Lula asked Trump to lift the trade levies and US restrictions on top Brazilian officials, neither Bolsonaro nor his September conviction came up in the 30-minute phone call, according to a person present for the conversation.

If the call itself suggested a thaw in Brazil-US relations, the sudden sidelining of Bolsonaro offered an even clearer sign that momentum remains firmly behind Lula, the leftist leader whod already seen his approval ratings rise amid his dispute with Trump.

The cheery statements, by contrast, left at least some Bolsonaro allies dismayed, according to a person close to the powerful conservative family who, like the others, requested anonymity to discuss internal matters.

Brazilian officials are hesitant to declare premature victory. But Lulas government saw Bolsonaros total absence from the discussion as an indication that Trump may be willing to turn the page on his ally, two other officials said, a development that would shift the focus from unresolvable political differences to economic matters on which theres room to cut a deal.

That wouldnt just remove the biggest obstacle to trade talks between the nations, as Trump explicitly imposed tariffs after Brazils top court refused to drop its trial against Bolsonaro.

It would also give Lula the chance to fully unleash the sort of charm offensive leaders like Mexicos Claudia Sheinbaum have used to make headway with Trump, and that has long been a key weapon in the 79-year-old Brazilians political arsenal.

For decades, Lula has boasted a reputation as an enchanting figure capable of winning over everyone from George W. Bush to Emmanuel Macron despite sharp ideological differences or fierce policy divides.

Trump is notoriously prone to flattery, and while Lula is too proud a politician to give into the demands of any foreign leader, hes hardly above a little puffery if he sees it as useful.

On Mondays call, Lula reminded his counterpart that Brazil runs a trade deficit with the US, part of his case that it has the commercial relationship with the US that Trump claims to want with every nation.

He also cast the conversation as the chance to press reset on a 200-year allyship between the Western Hemispheres largest democracies, striking notes similar to those Prime Minister Keir Starmer sang about the UK-US relationship during Trumps visit to London last month.

It was a push to build on the progress the pair of leaders made during a seconds-long encounter at the United Nations General Assembly two weeks ago, a run-in that left Trump hailing the excellent chemistry hed enjoyed with Lula. They even took time to reiterate the positive impression each took away from it, according to a readout from Brazils government.

What Bloomberg Economics Says...

A thaw in strained trade relations with the US could have significant upside for Brazil, which faces a potential 1% hit to GDP from Donald Trumps current tariff measures. Further signs of rapprochement following a call between the US president and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday suggest Washington may be open to paring back at least some of the additional 40% levy its slapped on the Latin American country, as Lula has requested.

Jimena Zuniga, Rana Sajedi and Adriana Dupita

Read their full report here.

Its too early to know if Lulas push will work. But high-level communications channels have been unclogged, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to spearhead ongoing negotiations with Brazil Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and other officials in the coming weeks.

Lula and Trump, meanwhile, both pledged that theyd soon meet in person. Trumps schedule is crowded, with expectations that hell host like-minded Argentina leader Javier Milei next week amid their own trade negotiations and talks over financial aid for the countrys ailing economy.

But a sit-down with Lula is possible as soon as a summit of Southeast Asian nations in Malaysia later this month, and the Brazilian also signaled his willingness to travel to Washington for a meeting if necessary.

Bolsonaro Concern

For months, Bolsonaros son Eduardo has lobbied the Trump administration to come to his fathers defense, seeing US political pressure as the only way for the former president to escape his legal woes and run against Lula again next year.

Some inside the Bolsonaro family were already uncomfortable with the vibes coming out of the UN encounter, and saw the phone call and resulting statements as another indication that Trump is ready to move on, a person familiar with the situation said.

Their hope now, the person added, lies with Rubio, whose hawkish approach to Latin Americas leftist leaders has inspired expectations of a more ideologically-aligned stance toward Brazil. Its a view shared by Eduardo Bolsonaro, who praised Rubio in a social media post Monday afternoon.

But Lulas administration senses that Trump, not Rubio, will ultimately drive the decision-making process, one of the Brazilian officials said.

And after months in which Eduardo appeared to be the only Brazilian with high-level access to Washington, its Lula who seems to have established a direct link to Trump himself: They exchanged phone numbers during the call, and Lula, one Brazilian official said, told Trump to call him anytime.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei will be in India this week with the aim of setting up an office in Bengaluru and exploring a partnership with Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries, according to a report by TechCrunch. The report comes as Anthropic's biggest rival OpenAI has slowly been ramping up its presence in India as well, which it calls its biggest market after the US.

Reportedly, Amodei could visit Mumbai to meet Ambani and other senior executives at Reliance Industries. Anthropic is said to have been in discussions with Reliance for some time in order to expand access to its Claude AI chatbot in the country.

Apart from Mumbai, Amodei is also said to be visiting New Delhi to meet top lawmakers and senior officials in the central government including PM Narendra Modi.

Amodei is then expected to be in Bengaluru to announce the AI startup's office opening on Thursday. He is also said to be joined by Anthropic's EMEA head Guillaume Princen and startups chief Daniel Delaney.

Anthropic's growing popularity in India: As per Appfigures data cited by TechCrunch, the Claude app on iOS and Android has registered a 48% year-over-year increase in downloads in India in September and has reached the 7,67,000 installs mark this year. Moreover, the consumer spending on the app has also increased 572% year over year and $1,95,000 was generated in September alone.

Earlier in the year, OpenAI had announced its plans to open its first office in India in New Delhi. The company also began hiring in the country and is expected to set up a sales and marketing team.

Anthropic, on the other hand, is planning to increase its presence in the country in order to target developers and startups with its Bengaluru office.

Meanwhile, OpenAI had also announced a 399 ChatGPT Go subscription in India in order to provide users with a longer access window for its GPT-5 model. The new report gives no projections on if a similar effort could be expected from Anthropic.
OpenAI has announced that it banned several ChatGPT accounts that were attempting to use the AI chatbot to develop tools for large-scale monitoring of data collected on social media platforms. The AI startup said that it has banned a user who was asking ChatGPT to help design promotional materials and project plans for an AI-powered social media listening tool for use by a government client. The tool is described as a social media "probe," which could scan social media sites like X, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube for specific extremist speech, and ethnic, religious, and political content.

Also Read | OpenAI agent builder launched for building AI agents: Top 5 features

The company also says it banned another account, suspected of being connected to a government entity, who was using ChatGPT to help write a proposal for a "High-Risk Uyghur-Related Inflow Warning Model." The proposal would analyze transport bookings and compare them with the police records in order to provide early warning of travel movements by the Uyghur community.

"The PRC is making real progress in advancing its autocratic version of AI," OpenAI said in the report.

"Some elements of this usage appeared aimed at supporting large-scale monitoring of online or offline traffic, underscoring the importance of our ongoing attention to potential authoritarian abuses in this space," the company added.

Notably, OpenAI's models are not officially available in China, and the company says that these users may have used a VPN to access its website.

OpenAI says it also banned Russian hackers who were using its AI model to develop and refine malware, including a remote access trojan and credential stealers.

The company said in the report that it has noticed that persistent threat actors seemed to have changed their behavior in order to remove some of the better-known signs of AI usage from their content, like removing em-dashes.

The San Francisco-based startup noted that ChatGPT is being used to help people correctly identify scams significantly more often than it is being used by threat actors to generate scams.

"Our current estimate is that ChatGPT is being used to identify scams up to three times more often than it is being used for scams," the company noted.

Since the beginning of its public threat reporting in February 2024, OpenAI says it has disrupted and reported over 40 networks that violated its usage policies.

The company also noted that threat actors are primarily "building AI into existing workflows," rather than creating new workflows entirely around AI.
Ben Affleck has spoken warmly of his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez following the premiere of her latest film, Kiss of the Spider Woman.

Ben Affleck praises ex-Jennifer Lopez The actor and director attended the event to support Lopez, whose performance he described as one of her finest to date.

Jennifer is in a role that shes born to play. Shes amazing in the movie. I just cant wait for the audience to see this movie. She was gonna die or be great. She was going to give it her all, and she did. She worked enormously hard. This role you get to see, like, all of her many gifts, Affleck said.

The film, co-produced by Artist Equity  the production company founded by Affleck and his longtime collaborator Matt Damon  marks another professional collaboration between the former couple.

At the premiere, held in Los Angeles, the two posed together for photographs, showing a united front despite their recent divorce. Affleck was seen with his arm around Lopezs waist, and the pair shared a few light moments on the carpet. In one instance, Affleck leaned in to whisper something that made Lopez smile, sparking interest from fans and photographers.

Lopez made a striking appearance in a green Harris Reed gown with floral details and bold black structures resembling spider legs  a creative nod to the films title. Affleck looked sharp in a classic navy-blue suit paired with a white shirt, choosing to skip the tie for a relaxed yet polished look.

During her introduction at the event, Lopez expressed gratitude to Affleck for his support and involvement in bringing the project to life.

Also Read | Jennifer Lopez gets emotional dropping Emme off for senior year of high school

Thank you so much, thank you everybody for being here tonight. Thank you Ben, this movie wouldnt have been made without Ben and without Artist Equity, Lopez told the crowd.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's highly publicised relationship Their public reunion comes after a long and well-documented relationship history. The pair first met on the set of Gigli in 2002, became engaged, and then parted ways in 2004. They rekindled their romance in 2021 and married the following year in a private ceremony in Georgia. However, after two years of marriage, they filed for divorce in August 2024.
IFA President Francie Gorman said that following a constructive online meeting with Fergal Mullins, Commissioner with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), there is a willingness to review water charges for farmers with multiple connections under the Non-Domestic Tariff Framework.



Francie Gorman said that the CRU had taken the decision to increase water charges by 9.8% from Oct 1, but they signalled a willingness to explore options to reduce the cost burden on farmers, particularly those with multiple connections and low water usage.

Read more: Longfords Biodiversity Action Plan 'will deepen an understanding of biodiversity'



Under Band 1, which covers most farmers, the annual standing charge will increase to 91.60 and the volumetric charge to 2.40 per m. Standing charges have increased by 52% since the framework was introduced in 2021.



I made it very clear that farmers are extremely frustrated. The pricing structure is fundamentally unfair, especially for farmers with multiple connections and is inconsistent with a guiding principle of the framework which is equity and no undue discrimination.

Read more: IFA seeks fairer water charges for Longford farmers with multiple connections



He said that farmers with fragmented holdings and multiple connections, typically extensive farmers with very low water usage, are disproportionately affected, as they must pay a standing charge for each connection, that is needed to protect animal health and safety.



IFA Environment Chair John Murphy highlighted that while Uisce Eireann and the CRU are required under EU rules to recover the costs of water services, flexibilities exist within the rules which are already being used by other Member States.
Longford County Councils Microsoft Dream Space Showcase has been announced as the winner of the Digital Inclusion Award at The Ireland eGovernment Awards recognising the authority's exceptional work on this innovative programme.



This prestigious win places Longford amongst the leading local authorities driving digital transformation across Ireland. With over 50% of this year's finalists coming from the local government sector, the 2025 awards spotlight the significant role councils play in reshaping public service delivery.

Read more: Longfords Biodiversity Action Plan 'will deepen an understanding of biodiversity'



Dream Space 2025 saw coding introduced to 27 of County Longfords 37 primary schools, creating a pipeline of digitally skilled young people with over 500 children from the 27 County Longford schools taking part in this years Dream Space Showcase.

Four of nine secondary schools in the county now offer Computer Science for the Leaving Cert  a short few years ago, the subject was not on offer in the county  reshaping Longfords economic future from the classroom up.



It is also worthy recognition for the many secondary school teachers and primary teachers throughout County Longford who teach Computer Science, and who take part in the Dream Space Showcase and it is testament to their unwavering support and engagement with the innovative programme.



Head of IT at Longford County Council Danny Lynch and the IT team picked up the Digital Inclusion Award at a special ceremony in O'Reilly Hall, UCD.



Speaking at the awards ceremony, guest of honour Minister Jack Chambers TD said, These awards are the recognised benchmark for excellence in Digital Government services and standards.



The pace and scale of the digital revolution so far this century has been such that the innovations being celebrate could not have been even imagined or contemplated two decades ago - never mind achieved and delivered.



I congratulate all the shortlisted entrants who are being recognised as leading the digital transformation journey across the civil and public service and ultimately helping us to provide better public services to the people of Ireland.



Moving into its fourth year, Longford's Microsoft Dream Space Showcase has become a cornerstone of STEAM education in the county. The programme engages hundreds of primary school children annually through a comprehensive 10-week initiative from Microsoft Ireland that combines hands-on learning with real-world problem-solving.



Students work alongside their teachers using the Microsofts Dream Space Teams short online lessons to develop coding and STEAM skills.

Read more: Excitement building ahead of Longford Leader Build and Renovate Expo 2025



These abilities are then channelled into creating innovative projects that address sustainability challenges aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.



Longford County Council's Broadband Officer Christine Collins plays an integral part of this innovative initiative, bringing Microsoft and the schools together.



Siobhan Greally, Longford County Council's STEM Engagement Officer plays a crucial role in supporting primary teachers to explore and implement technology education into the classroom.



The initiative forms part of a broader strategic investment in local education, funded through the Government of Ireland and European Union's Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027. This targeted support focuses on accelerating student interest in Computer Science and STEAM subjects during the crucial transition from primary to post-primary education.



Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council, said, "Winning the Digital Inclusion Award at The Ireland eGovernment Awards is fantastic recognition for our council and validates our commitment to ensuring no child in Longford is left behind in the digital age.



The Dream Space Showcase has placed Longford as one of the proud leaders in the digital transformation journey in the public sector and shines a light on how local government can be a leader in educational innovation.



"Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh added, "We're immensely proud to see Longford's being selected as the winner of the Digital Inclusion Award.



This programme embodies our belief that every child deserves access to cutting-edge learning opportunities, regardless of their background or location.

Read more: 'A scholar and a gentleman' -Flurry of tributes paid to distinguished Longford professor



This national recognition proves that local authorities can be catalysts for change, turning bold ideas into bright futures.



The Ireland eGovernment Awards, now in its 23rd year, celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact across Ireland's public sector.



Sixteen local authorities were shortlisted across 16 of the 17 categories, highlighting the growing influence of local government in public service innovation.
Uisce Eireann crews are working to repair a burst in Esker, Co Longford and restore water to customers affected.

The burst watermain will result in outages for customers in Esker, Ballinalee, Oghil, Drumlish and surrounding areas in County Longford.

Uisce Eireanns Water Network Operation Manager for Longford David Gibbons has assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply as quickly as possible. We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers for their support while our works continue.

Also read: Thousands affected as north Longford hit with boil water notice

Repairs are expected to be completed by 8pm today. Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers at the end of the network or on higher ground as the system recharges.

To ensure the safety of the crews carrying out the repairs to the burst and the safety of the public, traffic management will be in place and will be clearly signposted.

PICTURES | Unbridled joy as Ardagh Moydow capture first ever Longford intermediate crown

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Eireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit our Vulnerable Customers page.

Uisce Eireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Also read: Longford water crisis: Calls for 'urgent action' to address ongoing water outages
LONGFORD LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY NORTH MIDLANDS CREDIT UNION

Budget 2026 will deliver housing action in Longford, that's the view of local Fine Gael TD Micheal Carrigy, Chair of the Oireachtas Housing Committee.

Deputy Carrigy stated, "Budget 2026 is a bold and practical response to Longford housing challenges and reflects the Governments commitment to delivering homes for families around the country."

He continued, These measures will revitalise communities all around Longford, help deliver infrastructure for more homes, as well as supporting renters in line with the Programme for Government.

A 2bn capital investment in housing, water infrastructure and energy systems is a cornerstone of the Budgets ambition to accelerate deliver and future-proof Irelands build environment.

The reduction of VAT to 9% for the construction of new apartments, is a key way to stimulate development around the country as well as lowing the cost for builders, as well as buyers.

Fine Gael is standing up for young people to get onto the property ladder. The decision to extend the Help-to-Buy scheme for five years will provide certainty for first time buyers,."

Also read: Shortage of supply as house prices in Longford continue to rise

Budget 2026 will also reinvigorate towns and cities around the country in tackling dereliction and vacancy. Revenue will now collect the derelict site tax which will ensure stronger enforcement and accountability.

More regional towns will benefit from the Living City Initiative as the scheme is being expanded significantly from 14,000 to over 30,000 eligible properties and covers five new regional centres: Sligo, Letterkenny, Drogheda, Dundalk and Athlone.

Development costs will be further reduced through a targeted cut in corporation tax on profits from apartment construction, encouraging supply and investment. The Budget also includes an extension of landlord relief and Mortgage Interest Relief for another year, aimed at supporting rental supply and easing financial pressure on property owners.

Also read: Disgraceful - Mixed reactions to Budget 2026 as multiple groups hit out at Government

This Budget will also deliver funding for additional staff at An Coimisiun Pleanala and Uisce Eireann which will speed up planning decision as well as infrastructure delivery.

This Budget is about action, not rhetoric. We are investing in supply, cracking down on dereliction, and supporting renters and buyers alike. Budget 2026 reflects Fine Gaels commitment to practical solutions and long-term planning. Housing is the defining issue of our time, and this Budget shows we are serious about solving it, concluded Deputy Micheal Carrigy.

Also read: Excitement building ahead of Longford Leader Build and Renovate Expo 2025
LONGFORD LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY NORTH MIDLANDS CREDIT UNION

There have been mixed reactions to Budget 2026 since its announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers both addressed the Dail after 1pm.

Minister Donohoe said the Budget will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today.

Minister Chambers added that it represents an opportunity for a renewed economic and fiscal approach.

Both ministers announced a range of measures to be introduced. Among the most noticeable was a VAT reduction for the hospitality industry, an increase in the minimum wage and the extension of the renters tax credit.

However, the absence of the one-off cost-of-living measures and increases in tax bands that have featured regularly in recent years has proved controversial.

Speaking in the Dail, Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty widely criticised those decisions, accusing the Government of leaving ordinary people in the cold.

He slammed Minister Donohoe and Minister Chambers for displaying deluded arrogance and receiving self-congratuloraty applause.

Addressing those ministers, Mr Doherty said: Your big message here in this Budget [...] is that youre on your own. This is a Budget written by Fine Gael [...] that abandons workers and families to look after those at the top.

He said that the Budget provided no help with the cost-of-living crisis and was a blueprint for the continuation of the never-ending crises in housing and health.

He added that it reeks as a catalogue of handouts for those at the top and screws over the working class.

Other opposition parties have also criticised the Budget, with Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Cian OCallaghan describing it as characterised by bad choices and missed opportunities.

Meanwhile, Mr OCallaghans Labour counterpart, Conor Sheehan, said the Governments lack of focus on homelessness was disgraceful.

Outside of Leinster House, a number of other organisations have also been providing their reaction to the Budget.

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, has said that the planned increase in the minimum wage is a short-sighted and anti-business measure which will lead to many businesses closing their doors.

Meanwhile, The Irish Wheelchair Association has described the Budget as utterly disappointing, citing the failure of the Government to provide for a permanent cost of disability payment.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said that it lacks the ambition required when it comes to scaling up staffing and capacity in the public health service.

Elsewhere, Simon Communities of Ireland said that while its refreshing to hear that housing has been at the forefront of Governments minds the lack of mention of homeless prevention measures was deeply disappointing.

The Irish Heart Foundation also expressed their disappointment at the 50c increase on a pack of cigarettes, which it said was insufficient to drive significant reductions in Irish smoking rates.

However, other organisations have welcomed the Budget, with The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) expressing their delight at a reduction in VAT for food services.

Meanwhile, Property Industry Ireland, the Ibec group for businesses working in the property sector, welcomed the reduction in VAT for new apartments.

The primary school teachers' union, the INTO, said the 50 primary capitation increase showed the Government had heard the sector's calls.

The National Womens Council (NWC) welcomed investment in childcare and some targeted measures to tackle womens inequality but warned that overall Budget measures lacked ambition and will not address structural inequalities that women experience.

Chambers Ireland welcomed the Budgets commitments on infrastructure and housing but said it leaves some questions unanswered for the business community.

While there is a lot left to unpack, Budget 2026 looks set to divide opinion right across the country over the coming weeks.
Im an avid reader of articles on my iPhone, and for years Ive used Pocket to help me discover and save fascinating content and consume it in my own time. I was devastated by the news that Pocket will be shutting down for good on October 8, but Ive been hunting for alternatives and I think Ive found some excellent apps.

Whether youre looking for a brilliant Pocket substitute or are new to the read-it-later game, these iOS apps will serve your reading needs well. Here are our picks.

Safari Reading List

Well start with Safaris Reading List feature, which is Apples own read-it-later solution thats built right into its web browser. The obvious benefits here are that its both free and doesnt require you to download any third-party apps. Its just an extension of an app you may already use.

Saving an article is easy. Just browse to the page in Safari, tap the Share button, then select Add to Reading List. You can find your saved articles by tapping the Show Bookmarks button (it looks like an open book), then tapping theReading List tab (it resembles a pair of glasses). Now you just need to select an article from the list, and it will take you to the web page. Safaris Reading List packs in offline reading, iCloud syncing, and a handful of integrations with the Shortcuts app.

Reading List in Safari Foundry

Safaris Reading List is fine as a fire-and-forget solution, but its pretty limited compared to dedicated read-it-later apps. That mostly comes down to how basic it is: you dont get tags, highlighting, archiving, or design customizations. Theres no Apple Intelligence or article discovery, either, and its widgets are pretty lackluster. But if all you need is a central place to store your saved articles, its a good choice.

Matter

Of all the apps here, Matter probably comes the closest to Pocket. Thats because it offers its own tab of curated articles from around the web, which you can then save to the app. If youre looking for something that finds articles for yourather than putting all the onus on you seeking them out yourselfit should be top of your list.

Matter for iPhone Foundry

It also boasts a wide range of smart features that elevate your reading experience. That includes a Perplexity-powered artificial intelligence (AI) called Co-Reader that suggests and answers to questions you might have about the article. And if you love podcasts, you can export episodes to Matter, which transcribes their text and lets you read along to the audio (this is well integrated with AirPodsjust double-tap an earphone stem to automatically highlight a paragraph as its being spoken).

Matter also features a highly customizable design, highlights, tags, notes, and favorites, a button to scroll down to where you last read, and much more. Its one of the best options if you want a Pocket-like experience for your saved content.

Instapaper

Instapaper is a popular read-it-later app, and its easy to see why. Its been carefully tailored to the needs of bookworms and bibliophiles, and if you find yourself missing Pocket now that its gone, Instapaper is a fine replacement.

Its built-in AI can summarize your articles and include key highlights and passages. We also appreciate how it automatically filters out read more sections and other irrelevant elements on a page, allowing you to focus entirely on the article itself.

Instapaper for iPhone Foundry

Power users will find themselves well served by Instapaper, too. It comes with 14 shortcuts to help build powerful automations, while the app and its behavior are highly customizable, with features like swipe gestures, haptic feedback, prompting and more all able to be altered. Its Speed Read tool, meanwhile, blazes words on the screen one at a time so you can swiftly skim through each article.

Readwise Reader

While Readwise is an app for organizing highlighted passages in articles and books, Reader (from the same developer) is all about saving articles. Its stuffed with handy features, like a Daily Digest that helps you catch up on past saves, a Later list for articles you want to come back to another time, and a Wiseread section that surfaces the most highlighted articles and passages of the week.

Readwise Reader for iPhone Foundry

Readwise Reader comes with its own AI called Ghostreader. Once youve highlighted some text, you can ask the AI a question or get it to summarize the copy, elaborate on it, create a quiz based on it, or translate it to Spanish. Theres also a pick up where I left off AI tool that finds a chunk of text from before your current location and sums it up, helping you remember where you left off. The AIs prompts can even be customized to your needs.

The apps home page can be tweaked to your liking, as can the reader. Speaking of which, Readwise Reader has one of the most attractive reading panel designs of all the apps we tried. Theres no question its a brilliantly put-together app.

GoodLinks is the power-user reading app par excellence. It comes with a huge array of shortcut28 in totalthat let you build powerful automations with its toolset. Theres also an extensive range of widgets for your iOS Home page, and this is another area where it dwarves its rivals.

The care extends to the app itself, which looks lovely with its careful sprinkling of colorful touches. It feels like an app that Apple itself might have designed. Unsurprisingly, you can adjust both its appearance and functionality to your liking.

GoodLinks for iPhone Foundry

GoodLinks is also one of the few apps here to use iCloud for cross-platform syncing, and it works on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, helping you read well on whichever device you have to hand. Its also the only app to use a pay-once model, with no subscriptionpay $9.99 and its yours to keep forever.

Raindrop.io

If all you want is a simple, no-frills reading app that gets out of your way, Raindrop.io is a popular choice. It has everything you need to save, read, and manage your favorite articles, including highlights, tags, notes, favorites, cross-device syncing, coworking tools, and a customizable interface, making it easy and enjoyable to use.

Raindrop.io for iPhone Foundry

Aside from the usual tags and filters, your articles can also be organized into collections, which is a great way to separate your saved content and find it more easily in the future. We also like its backup tool, which takes regular offline copies of your saves. It can also be plugged into Dropbox and Google Drive for simple storage.

Raindrop.io is the most affordable subscription app here, with its premium membership costing $2.99 a month. That gets you AI suggestions for tags and collections, full-text search, permanent copies of your saved articles, daily backups, and more.
One Boston bank is soon going to have a brand-new set of cute, four-legged customers.

TD Bank has debuted a dog ATM  short for Automated Treat Machine  at its location at 535 Boylston St. in Copley Square. The ATM was unveiled on Oct. 4 and dispenses free treats for doggy visitors.

We want to make our stores feel unmistakably TD  and our Automated Treat Machines connect us with our customers and bring the community closer to the store in a unique and memorable way, said TD Bank Head of US Regional, Retail Distribution & Experiential Marketing Michael Snyder in an announcement last month.

The dog ATM looks like a traditional human ATM, but its screens play what the company described as dog-centric content and it has a paw print mat with a motion detector to dispense treats as a dog approaches.

The bank chain introduced its first dog ATM in April 2024 at a Philadelphia store. Last month, TD announced that it would be bringing them to eight more locations this year and another six next year.

The other locations debuting in October include stores in Southington, Connecticut; East Meadow, New York; Coral Gables and Sarasota, Florida; Cranford and Elmwood Park, New Jersey; and Fairfax, Virginia.

The dog ATM locations coming in 2026 have not yet been announced.
The InterContinental Boston is a hotel located on the city's historic waterfront. The hotel was recently named the top hotel in Boston and the 24th best hotel in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. Courtesy of InterContinental Boston

A waterfront hotel in Boston is not only the best in the city, its also among the top hotels in the world.

The InterContinental Boston was recognized as the No. 1 hotel in Boston and the 24th best hotel in the world in Conde Nast Travelers Readers Choice Awards 2025.

The annual awards were the result of more than 750,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers, who submitted their travel experiences from across the globe.

We are deeply honored to have been selected as the number one hotel in Boston, General Manager Bradford Rice said in a press release.

This award is a true testament to the dedication to hospitality that our team strives for every day, and we are immensely grateful to all of our guests, clients and supporters, Rice said. We take great pride in cultivating exceptional, inspiring experiences for all that walk through our doors.

Originally opened in 2006, the InterContinental Boston is a 424-room hotel located along Bostons historic waterfront. The hotel was built on the site of the Boston Tea Party and designed to evoke the image of sails blowing in the wind.

The InterContinental underwent several renovations that included a redesigned lobby and new dining concept called Matria, which opened in summer 2024. The hotels other dining concepts are cocktail lounge Bar Fellini and speakeasy Loyall Counting Room.

Newly renovated rooms and suites range from 420-square-foot rooms overlooking the verdant Rose Kennedy Greenway to a 2,100-square-foot corner Royal Ambassador suite  complete with two bedrooms, a service kitchen, plush living room, and a full office perched above the Fort Point Channel," Conde Nast Traveler wrote of the InterContinental.

If its a suite youre here for, the property has plenty with corner views of the water so you can feel like you live in one of Bostons most luxe real-estate corners, the outlet continued. But rooms are well-appointed, too  theres barely a bad view from this property  with workspaces, velvet banquette chairs, plush linens, and roomy standalone tubs with handy sliding-door windows that open into the room so you can doubly enjoy that waterfront view.

Another notable accommodation is the Spa InterContinental that features a state-of-the-art fitness center, one of Bostons only indoor pools and revitalizing body and facial treatments.

The InterContinental Hotel is located at 510 Atlantic Ave. Prospective guests can check the hotels website for more information, including room rates and availability.
Nick Ate It: Everything I ate at the Topsfield Fair in 2025

Dear Topsfield Fair, I apologize for unintentionally being a hater.

Clearly, I was not aware of the great work you were doing, the cutting-edge technological developments you were achieving in wacky fair food.

Id always considered you the traditional county fair, where the must-have item was the simple apple crisp. I did not realize I could also get apple crisp in an egg roll or as an ice cream float.

This year, as part of MassLives Destinations coverage, I made a point to travel up to Topsfield and expand my coverage of Massachusetts fairs, despite the potentially catastrophic effects it could have on my health.

Ill admit, I wasnt expecting too much. I had just escaped the pickle-addled badlands of The Big E. Surely, the Topsfield Fair would be a walk in the park.

It turns out that all these years, I hadnt been looking hard enough.

10 foods I ate at the Topsfield Fair this year

I arrived at the Topsfield fairgrounds with a loose game plan in mind. This was the place that had the good apple crisp, right?

I figured Id start there  and I did. It just wasnt in the form I was expecting.

MassLive's Nick O'Malley tries an iced Apple Crisp Cider Float from Goodness Shakes at the Topsfield Fair  the first step into his food coma that day. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

1) Iced Apple Crisp Ice Cream Float | From Goodness Shakes

I had no idea what this item actually entailed when I ordered it. I just saw Iced Apple Crisp Ice Cream Float and my mind sort of went blank for a while until the cup was in my hand.

It turns out that this is a cup of apple cider withs a couple of scoops of apple crisp ice cream submerged in it.

Its novel. Its brilliant. The apple chunks in the ice cream created a strange texture, sure. But I enjoyed it. More people should experiment with using different drinks as floats.

Status: Full of vigor, but kind of warm. It shouldnt be 82 out in early October!

A box of what appear to be Grape/Peach Oreos from Petezpop in the Fair Trade Center at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

2) Grape & Peach Oreos | From Petezpop

While meandering around the Fair Trade Center, I stumbled upon a man selling a wild assortment of candy and snacks from around the world.

I thought Id seen all the Oreo flavors. But then I saw a box of Oreos with grapes and a peach on it.

Further research revealed that yes, its part of a Double Fruit series of cookies in China.

The man at the table described them as SweeTarts Oreos. I figured that was a clever way of describing the tartness of the cookie.

Nope. These taste eerily like SweeTarts candy. Its truly bizarre.

Status: Confused. Intimidated by the vastness of our world.

A two-foot-long filled licorice rope from Ellie's Licorice inside the Fair Trade Center at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

3) Two-Foot-Long Sour Rainbow Licorice | From Ellies Licorice

Look at this thing. Its huge. I could use this thing to fight brigands and vagabonds like Indiana Jones.

Also, it tastes good. Its got a pleasant sour casing and a wonderfully mellow sweet filling.

Status: Checking my surroundings for assassins, ready to fend them off at a moments notice, also in need of something that isnt sugar.

A Pot Roast Sundae from The Lunch Box at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

4) Pot Roast Sundae | From The Lunch Box

Ive had a savory BBQ sundae before. But a pot roast sundae? This is new. I like it.

Its like an upside-down shepherds pie, where the meat and corn are on top and the mashed potatoes are on the bottom. Plus, having it look so much like ice cream will never stop being interesting.

The cherry tomato on top is a nice touch.

Status: Oh no, Im getting kind of full already. I still have a lot more to do.

Clam Chowder Chompers from Chompers at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

5) Clam Chowder Chompers | Chompers

They did it. The madmen actually did it. They figured out how to deep-fry clam chowder.

This is it. State fairs in Massachusetts have peaked. Everyone, go home.

Wait, no. Hold on. These are delicious and come with a lemon aioli. Everyone, come back and order some of these.

Status: Seriously, someone take some of these so I dont eat them all.

A deep-fried Monte Cristo sandwich from Marley's at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

6) Deep-Fried Monte Cristo | From Marleys

I want to know why I dont see more Monte Cristo sandwiches in the world.

Cuban sandwiches are popular. So are Reubens. Where are the brave souls in the restaurant industry willing to make turkey/ham sandwiches using French toast as bread?

Theyre at the Topsfield Fair, at the Marleys food truck, tossing those sandwiches in the deep-fryer because this is America and we refuse to relinquish our right to make terrible decisions.

Status: Im definitely not getting sleepy because I ate too much. Look at all the protein thats in this. Its basically good for me.

Brown bread and baked beans from the Congressional Church of Topsfield at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

7) Brown Bread and Baked Beans | From the Congressional Church of Topsfield

You want to talk about throwback Massachusetts foods? Here it is: brown bread and baked beans.

When I think of brown bread, I think of the stuff from B&M that comes in a can. However, this is a delightful homemade version that tastes like the bread version of Raisin Bran.

The beans? They taste like baked beans. I dont know what to tell you. Theyre beans.

Status: Full of beans.

Fried Ice Cream from Spud's at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

8) Fried Ice Cream | From Spuds

Id always heard of fried ice cream as a concept that exists at state fairs. But Id never seen it.

How did it work? Did it actually taste good? I sought this answer among the myriad enigmas that cast their shadows over our fleeting residency in this world.

Oh, look! You can get it at Spuds for $9! They also make blooming onions and something called a Pig Mac.

In reality, fried ice cream is a little wonky. Its a hunk of deeply frozen ice cream that has the remnants of a cornflake-like shell around it.

Its not revelatory. But it is ice cream, which is always good to get.

Status: Oh no. When was the last time I drank water? It feels like my ears are mad at me. Is that a sunburn, or is my body about to mutiny?

An Apple Crisp Egg Roll from Heart's Catering Concessions, the "Specialty Egg Rolls" truck at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

9) Apple Crisp Egg Roll | From Hearts Catering Concessions

I swear, there was a point where I actually intended to get the actual apple crisp that the Topsfield Fair is famous for.

But in my defense, I am the food journalist equivalent of a squirrel. I have a plan. But I immediately forget it and abandon it the moment I see something shiny or full of sugar.

The apple crisp egg roll seemed like a silly idea at first. But then I realized its just a spruced-up version of a McDonalds apple pie  delicious.

Status: OK, Im wiped and full. Id better leave before something steals my attenti

An Apple Pie Donut Ice Cream Cone from NH Donut Cones at the Topsfield Fair. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

10) Apple Pie Donut Ice Cream Cone | From NH Donut Cones

Darn it! I was fully ready to leave this fair in functional condition. But then I saw a stand where they make doughnuts into cones, fill them with ice cream and top them with awesome stuff.

This is the greatest business model Ive ever seen. If this place isnt bigger than Tesla within five years, then the economy is truly broken.

This thing is delicious. Its a solid foundation of vanilla ice cream thats topped with caramel, cooked apples and a graham cracker. The real star is the cone, which is slightly crusty on the outside and delightfully fluffy on the inside.

I ate more of this than I should have. I regret nothing.

Status: OK, I just sat down. I might be regretting some things.

The results of my trip to the Topsfield Fair: an awesome apple pie sundae in a doughnut cone  and a food coma in the grassy parking lot. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive)

So, where did that leave me?

The same position I was in after The Big E, dead in the grass after my hedonistic marathon through an asphalt labyrinth of food trucks and farm animals.

Theres no better way to spend an afternoon in the fall  unless youre going to see the demolition derby race on the last day of the Topsfield Fair on Monday, Oct. 13.
You probably cant say youve experienced the strangeness of the job market in 2025 until you have submitted to an interview with an AI human resources agent.

Keith Tode, a health care executive, thought hed participate in one for a job he wasnt especially interested in, to see what it was like.

Its a little disturbing, he said, trying to impress a non-human voice that emanates from a data center somewhere on the internet.

When the agent told Tode that he didnt have enough international experience and he wouldnt advance to the next stage, I was shocked, Tode, who has been consulting while looking for his next full-time role, said.

AI interviewers are just one way that artificial intelligence technologies are impacting the job market in Massachusetts. Below are the key dynamics playing out in 2025:

Data says AI isnt destroying jobs

The unemployment rate in Massachusetts has been trending up since April 2023. It hit 4.8% in August, although it is higher in Bristol and Hampden counties, at 5.4% and 6% respectively. The current level is higher than that of any other New England state and higher than the U.S. average.

But data released earlier this month by Yale Universitys Budget Lab finds that AI isnt responsible for job destruction  at least, not yet.

The picture of AIs impact on the labor market that emerges from our data is one that largely reflects stability, not major disruption at an economy-wide level, according to the reports authors.

Art Papas, the chief executive of Bullhorn, a Boston company that makes software used by recruiters and staffing agencies, said that when he talks with his customers, I always ask, Have you heard of anyone saying we dont need [a particular] role anymore because theyre using AI? And anecdotally, the answer is no, not yet.

But there may be a chilling effect on new hiring

Despite that, Papas and others say that companies may be holding off on hiring because they want to see how new AI tools will increase productivity among their existing employees.

If I were a hiring manager and I was thinking, I have a call center full of people, do I really want to ramp up [hiring] right now? Probably not, Papas said.

What Im hearing again and again is, Grow with the people we have, and were just going to make them more productive, said John Sviokla, co-founder of the research firm GAI Insights, which held a conference on generative AI in Boston last week.

Could blue-collar jobs be the new white-collar jobs?

If AI begins to reduce the number of white-collar knowledge worker jobs, its less likely to impact jobs involving physical labor. Sviokla notes that about a million jobs in electrical, plumbing, carpentry and other skilled trades are unfilled in the U.S. right now.

Tode predicts that we could eventually experience an inversion of the class system in the United States. What I mean by that is that blue-collar workers  the workers that cannot get replaced by AI, such as plumbers, roofers, car mechanics  are going to be the upper class in the United States, and white-collar workers like me and like you are going to be struggling to make ends meet.

Bring your AI posse with you

What if you are one of those white-collar workers, or are earning a degree that puts you on that path?

Getting hands-on experience with the software most relevant to your work is essential, said several experts.

I have a kid who just graduated, a sophomore in college, and a senior in high school, and I tell all of them to act as if [learning about AI] is a class, said John Werner, a managing director at the Cambridge venture capital firm Link Ventures, and an organizer of several local AI conferences. Listen to AI podcasts or YouTube videos and just become conversant. The white-collar jobs that exist now, I think, are not going to exist, and theres going to be all sorts of roles that we play with AI. ... Its almost like growing a new skill set, and its exciting.

Sviokla expects that companies will start hiring posses, rather than individuals.

If you want to get a job, you have to come with your [AI] agents  specialized software that can help you perform tasks, he said.

Sviokla predicts a hiring manager might say, OK, I see your resume, and this is great, but what tools have you built, and what do you use now to make yourself more productive?

Is it OK to use AI to get hired by an AI?

Job candidates seem confused about how theyre expected to use AI to navigate a hiring process where many of the gatekeepers are AI tools that analyze their resumes, assess how well matched they are to a particular job, and even conduct the initial interview.

Mavi Ruiz-Blondet, an engineer, has been hunting for her next role since July. One service she has been using to help refine her resume, fill out forms and refer her to specific openings is Jobright.ai, which markets itself as an AI copilot. But when Jobright pointed Ruiz-Blondet to an open position at Peloton, the maker of fitness equipment, she was surprised to see a checkbox asking her to verify that she hadnt used AI for any part of the application.

Im only on that website because AI suggested this job, she said. It was a little bit surreal to read.

At Peloton, we embrace technology, including AI, to enhance productivity and accelerate innovation in the work we do for our members, according to some of the companys recent job postings. However, in our hiring process, our priority remains in getting to know you and your unique qualifications  so AI usage is not allowed.

And even though the software company Bullhorn makes software called Amplify that enables recruiters and staffing agencies to have an AI agent conduct spoken interviews, when I asked its CEO, Papas, how he felt when he received a cover letter or resume that seemed to have been crafted, or polished, using AI, his response: It kind of feels inauthentic for me. Thats a huge red flag.

So while companies feel under pressure to explore how AI might be useful as a way of operating more efficiently  and potentially requiring fewer human workers  it seems human job seekers are under pressure to figure out whats allowed in this brave new world.
The Randolph police chief linked together a series of chaotic street takeovers that erupted across Massachusetts communities over the weekend, and said the incidents have recently escalated in his own city.

As of right now, it looks like they are all connected  all of the incidents, specifically the one in Boston, but also Middleborough, Westwood and Norwood and Dedham," said Randolph Police Chief Anthony T. Marag, in a Randolph Town Council meeting held Monday night.

These street takeovers have been happening in various locations in Randolph for the last two months, Marag said. Police are trying to backtrack and put the pieces together to see if its the same crew thats been going around.

Were seeing that its escalating, and what happened the other night was absolutely unacceptable, Marag said.

The Middleborough Police Department declined request for comment. Police departments for Norwood, Fall River, Boston and Dedham did not respond to requests for comment.

No other law enforcement officials have yet publicly linked the incidents.

Randolph was one of at least four towns or cities in Massachusetts that faced 100-person crowds taking over the streets from late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.

More than 100 people  most in masks, police said  attacked marked police cars with fireworks in Randolph on Sunday at around 1:30 a.m., according to the citys police department. The incident happened at the intersection of Oak Street and North Main Street.

When officers arrived, the crowd began hitting their cruisers with their fists and other objects  then began to set off fireworks, police said.

Members of the crowd then sat on the hoods of the cruiser and lit fireworks off, while videotaping themselves, police said, placing the officer inside in extreme danger.

This incident happened around the same time as the one in Boston, where a police cruiser was set on fire by fireworks. A Dodge Charger drove at an officer in Middleborough earlier that night, and an ambulance was blocked while trying to get by on a road in Fall River.

Back in June, another car meetup near a BJs in Dedham turned deadly when two 20-year-old men were shot  one of them fatally.

As of September, two men face charges of murder, armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a firearm and carrying a firearm without a license in connection with the double shooting, the district attorneys office said.

While no arrests have been made in connection with the incidents on Sunday in Randolph or Marlborough, Randolph police are looking to identify suspects through cruiser camera and surveillance camera footage.

We are going to be charging, we are going to be arresting. The courts will give warrants related to this. Its a bigger issue, I think, than people think, Marag said on Monday.

But its not unique to Randolph ... its been ongoing everywhere, especially across the country  its a trend thats come this way now, but it needs to be addressed," he said.

These street takeovers, also known as car meetups and car shows, are not new and have been a nationwide problem since 2020. Theyre coordinated through social media and involve dozens or hundreds of cars meeting up in one location to do doughnuts, race and drive recklessly.

Seven people were arrested across the state in connection with Sundays takeovers. This included Julian Bowers, 18, and William Cantwell, both from Rhode Island, and suspected participants in the Boston incident.

The other five were arrested in connection with the Fall River incident. This includes: Jahir Gonzalez, 22, of New Bedford, Alexander Copsetta, 21, of North Easton, Alyssa Deyoung, 19, of Bridgewater, Mackenzie Benjamin, 19, of Kingston, and Aiden Meehen, 20, of Oxford.

The Randolph chief said he would be meeting with detectives in Norfolk County in the upcoming week, and that Gov. Maura Healey was fully aware of the issue.

Street takeovers was recently brought up by police chiefs as a concern during a series of roundtable meetings the governor had with local crime prosecution leaders, which Marag attended.

Healey told MassLive these meetups are completely destructive, dangerous and against the law.

I am disgusted by this behavior and will be taking action to support law enforcement and hold accountable anyone who attacks our police and communities to the fullest extent of the law, Healey said in a statement on Tuesday.

Though prosecutors requested a $20,000 bail and a $15,000 bail for the two men charged in connection with the Boston incident, the bail was set at $1,000 and $500, respectively. Those arrested in connection with the Fall River incident were released on personal recognizance.
Its no secret that online shopping has dominated the retail industry for many years now. But a brown envelope waiting for you at the front door every day isnt the only sign of that transition.

Its an empty storefront with closed blinds, no lights and a shell of the store you used to shop but cant anymore.

Its having to drive out of town to grab that last-minute gift because your local department store shut down months, if not, years, ago.

This is a reality for many consumers, and is certainly true for those who once enjoyed shopping at JCPenney, Kohls, Big Lots and more.

In another wave of discount chain store closures, an iconic, three-story TJ Maxx in Boston revealed plans to shutter its Newbury Street location and lay off more than 100 employees by years end.

We are always assessing and reviewing our real estate strategies and our decision to close this store reflects that thinking, a TJ Maxx spokesperson previously told MassLive.

We are grateful for the loyalty of our Newbury Street TJ Maxx customers and invite them to visit our nearby stores to continue to find great values.

In a notice filed with the state on Monday, the company said it would be laying off 117 workers, effective Jan. 5, 2026.

While the announcement may have come as a surprise to some, it is hardly the only retail chain closing shop before the end of the year.

JCPenney has already closed eight locations in 2025 alone, though those closures were more predictable as JCPenney has openly battled financial woe for years, including a bankruptcy filing in 2020 and closures every year since.

As for Big Lots, the chain closed around six locations earlier this year and listed 17 for sale after filing for bankruptcy at the end of 2024.

But in TJ Maxxs case, the Newbury Street location was less anticipated as the company reported a net sales increase of 4% over the year before to $56.4 billion and actually opened stores elsewhere in 2025.

The company, which also owns Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and HomeSense, said it is always assessing and reviewing our real estate strategies.

A spokesperson for the company said the decision to close the Newbury Street location reflects that thinking.

Read more: Why your local pharmacy might be the next to disappear as Massachusetts has lost nearly 300 since 2010

Similarly, Starbucks, which opened several stores in 2025, said that despite its expansion, it would also shutter stores before the years end.
People violently took aim at police officers over the weekend in at least four Massachusetts cities in events police are describing as street takeovers for racing.

Multiple incidents, which occurred the first weekend of October, included setting a cruiser on fire in Boston, firing fireworks at a police cruiser in Randolph, driving a Dodge Charger at an officer in Middleborough and blocking an ambulance from getting through in Fall River.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said the takeover events are dangerous, intolerable assaults on our police officers and our neighborhoods.

The takeovers have ended in property destruction, injuries and multiple arrests. But theyre also not new and have been a nationwide problem since 2020.

Heres what we know.

What are street takeovers?

Street takeovers involve dozens or hundreds of cars meeting up in one location to do donuts, race and drive recklessly, according to the Police Executive Research Forum, a law enforcement research and policy organization based in Washington, D.C.

Sometimes they are called car meetups or sideshows. However, legitimate car event organizers  which are all about expression  have been pushing back on using the same names.

The takeover incidents increased in many cities when streets emptied out at the beginning of the pandemic, according to the research organization. However, it has since continued.

Many of those involved may be bored young people looking for something to do, but these events have led to many injuries to participants, bystanders, and police officers, as well as some murders, the organization wrote in 2024.

Police in Milwaukee warned that these incidents often include discharging fireworks at or from vehicles, swarming responding police officers, attacking other vehicles passing by and delaying first responders in other incidents.

Unlike street races, where drivers compete for speed, street takeovers focus on showmanship. The goal is attention  especially on video, Prestige Law in California wrote in a blog post.

Historically, law enforcement has had difficulty containing these events because they move fast and dissolve quickly, the law firm stated.

Street takeovers may look thrilling on social media, but the reality is far more dangerous. These events are unregulated, unpredictable, and often lead to serious harm, the blog post stated.

Attempted car strike in Middleborough

The first reported street takeover of the weekend took place in Middleborough at about 11 p.m. on Saturday night, where about 50 vehicles and dozens of people got together in a commercial parking lot at Routes 105 and 28, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Several vehicles used stolen plates, and a Dodge Charger with Connecticut plates attempted to strike a police officer on scene, state police said.

Police later spotted the Dodge Charger on Interstate 495 and began to pursue the vehicle onto Interstate 195 west toward Rhode Island. Troopers ended the pursuit when it crossed state lines and assisting Rhode Island troopers lost sight of the vehicle during their response, police said.

Police cruiser on fire in Boston

A Boston police cruiser was lit on fire as a crowd of 100 people gathered on the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street around 12:26 a.m. Sunday.

Police had arrived to break up the crowd but were met with cones, poles and other objects being thrown at their cruisers. At least one police cruiser was hit by fireworks from multiple angles.

The fireworks caused the cruiser, which had a police officer inside, to catch fire. Several people also started jumping on the hood and prevented the officer inside from getting away from the crowd or being able to see, according to a prosecutor in court on Monday.

The officer escaped their cruiser after it began to fill with sparks and smoke, and other officers jumped in to help with tasers and unholstered guns, the prosecutor said.

Police saw an 18-year-old, later identified as Julian Bowers, throwing objects at the cruiser and arrested him after a foot chase. A 19-year-old, later identified as William Cantwell, was seen smashing an orange pole off the cruiser several times and then arrested, according to a police report filed in court.

Punched police cars in Randolph

Police in Randolph were also met with a rowdy crowd of more than 100 people who struck cruisers with fists and other objects before setting off fireworks at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, officials said.

This was carried out by individuals who were concealing their faces with masks and videotaping themselves, police said. These individuals continued and sat on the hoods of the cruiser and lit fireworks off, placing the officer inside in extreme danger.

Blocked roads in Fall River

Police responded to multiple reports of reckless driving, street racing and blocked roadways around 12:26 a.m. Sunday in Fall River. Those incidents were part of a coordinated and preplanned event intended to disrupt traffic and disturb the peace of the community, police wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.

These gatherings intentionally block roads, endanger the public through negligent vehicle operation, and interfere with emergency services. Such actions are deliberate public disturbances and are not protected assemblies, Fall River police wrote.

The assembled crowd forced a private ambulance to re-route on Innovation Way when they refused to let it pass. Later, police responded to Davol and Central streets, where roughly 200 people had gathered, completely blocking the roadway.

At the intersection, several people in high-visibility vests acted as road guards while vehicles performed burnouts and donuts, and the crowd set off fireworks in the street, police said. Many of those in the crowd wore masks to conceal their faces and showed complete disregard for police presence, the statement reads.

Police described the blockage of Davol Street as a serious public safety hazard for Fall River and surrounding towns because it provides direct access to St. Annes Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital.

The group is believed to have gathered in Brockton before traveling as a convoy to Fall River. At the scene, police towed four vehicles and made five arrests. Police also sought a warrant for an additional suspect and are working to identify others through body-worn camera footage.

This premeditated and unlawful event endangered the public, obstructed emergency response, and disrupted the communitys peace, police wrote.

Connected

The Randolph police chief linked together the series of chaotic street takeovers that erupted across Massachusetts communities.

As of right now, it looks like they are all connected  all of the incidents, specifically the one in Boston, but also Middleborough, Westwood and Norwood and Dedham," said Randolph Police Chief Anthony T. Marag, in a Randolph Town Council meeting held Monday night.

No other law enforcement officials have yet publicly linked the incidents.

Who was arrested?

There are at least seven people facing charges after this weekends incidents.

Five people were arrested in Fall River and each charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and conspiracy. They are: Jahir Gonzalez, 22, of New Bedford, Alexander Copsetta, 21, of North Easton, Alyssa Deyoung, 19, of Bridgewater, Mackenzie Benjamin, 19, of Kingston, and Aiden Meehen, 20, of Oxford.

Meehen faces an additional charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, police said.

All five are no longer in custody. They were released on personal recognizance.

Police also sought a warrant for Brennden Ortega, 19, of New Bedford, on similar charges, as well as resisting arrest.

Two teenagers from Rhode Island were arraigned in connection with the street takeover in Boston.

Bowers, 18, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and Cantwell, 19, of Warwick, Rhode Island, are charged with malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.

A judge set bail at $500 for Bowers, who posted bail, and $1,000 for Cantwell, who went to Suffolk County Jail in lieu of bail.

Other takeovers in Massachusetts

This isnt the first time police officers in Massachusetts have dealt with these street takeovers.

During the first weekend of September, police officers in Western Massachusetts were attempting to disband street takeovers in Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield.

Several social media posts alerted police about possible takeovers over Labor Day weekend, according to WWLP.

Two takeovers with more than 50 vehicles in the Racing Mart parking lot on Main and Spring Streets in Holyoke were cleared during that weekend, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenans Office told the TV station.

No one involved in these incidents was arrested.

There were also incidents in Chicopee and Springfield. Overall, several large crowds involving about 300 vehicles were cleared by police in an attempt to take over intersections, the news outlet reported. There were also several ShotSpotter notifications near troopers on patrol, the outlet reported. There were no reports of injuries or property damage.

In August, Newton police broke up a street race that featured more than 100 cars.

Officers were able to stop and cite some of the drivers, but many fled the area, police said in a statement posted to Facebook.

On March 11, a large and unruly crowd blocked Boston Police officers from reaching an intersection where drivers had apparently convened to perform donuts in their vehicles in a street takeover event well after midnight, authorities said.

The officers said dozens of people surrounded a police cruiser, preventing it from reaching the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Warren Street, where between 150 and 200 people were watching the street showcase.

Some people punched, kicked and shook the cruiser, police said in a report. Many wore masks to cover their faces and filmed the unfolding incident on smartphones or video cameras.

Due to the size of the crowd surrounding them, the officers said they stayed seated in their cruisers out of fear for their safety and to avoid escalating the situation.

The disorderly crowd that gathered and surrounded the reporting officers motor vehicle were actively punching and kicking the officers department issued motor vehicle and proceeded to shake the motor vehicle in an attempt to overturn the motor vehicle, the police report read. The cruiser was undamaged.

A video of an incident matching the events described by police circulated on social media.

The group dispersed as other emergency vehicles neared the intersection. Police said they stopped two vehicles in the area but were unable to identify most of the numerous people who had gathered at the intersection or blocked the cruisers.

In April 2024, a large-scale takeover event on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston led to a 20-year-old man from West Boylston facing a slew of charges in connection with a drag race.

On the same night, police in Taunton, Brockton and Marlborough had similar calls about street takeovers, NBC Boston reported.

Demanding consequences

Law enforcement leaders across the state are demanding swift and strong consequences. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu denounced last Sundays acts just hours after they happened, at the Roslindale Parade.

The outside individuals who came into our city to cause disorder and brought dangerous behavior here will be prosecuted, Wu said.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said were not going to accept [street takeovers] here, and that this type of issue is a nationwide thing. Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag said on Monday, Its a trend thats come this way now, but it needs to be addressed.

And Gov. Maura Healey vowed a zero tolerance approach to street takeovers when speaking with reporters on Wednesday.

Whether youre in Massachusetts or youre thinking about coming to Massachusetts, you are not welcome to engage in that conduct at any time, in any place, anywhere in this state, she said.

Before a judge set the bail for the Boston defendants, the citys police department asked for strong action from the criminal justice system to discourage future takeovers.

However, Bradley believes the courts response, so far, has not shown the level of commitment needed to stop these increasingly reckless events.

Releasing on personal recognizance or little to no bail, I think, doesnt really put any teeth into this for us, Bradley said, adding that Massachusetts courts need to take action.

Prosecutors from the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office had requested bail of $20,000 and $15,000 for the 18- and 19-year-olds charged in connection with the Boston incident.

Changes

State Rep. Steven Xiarhos, a former Cape Cod police officer, said hes filing two bills.

The first would boost the penalty for assaulting a police officer from the current misdemeanor in most cases to a felony.

The second is based on existing law in Florida. That statute, enacted in 2022, prohibits street takeovers and punishes spectators and participants alike.

You need to respect police officers. Theyre risking their lives for us 24/7, Xiarhos, R-5th Barnstable, told MassLive as he left a memorial service for fallen officers at the State House on Wednesday.

I believe [street takeovers] are part of a plan to cause havoc. And when you allow someone to get away with things, it gets worse, so we need to get tougher on them, Xiarhos said.

When they get caught, they need to be held in custody, he continued.

Stop paying their bail and put them behind bars. Thats how you stop things. Its not that hard. Theres only a few people that do wrong things. So get tougher on them, he said.

Another piece of legislation has been filed to address the conduct, according to a Wednesday filing by Rep. Christopher Markey, D-9th Bristol.

As part of the legislation, people who take part in street takeovers where two or more vehicles act in a reckless or negligent manner that dont allow other vehicles to get by could be sent to prison for no more than two and a half years and fined no more than $2,000, according to the bill. Cars used during a street takeover could also be seized.

Others, who are masked and disorderly during the street takeovers, could be go to prison for up to one year or fined up to $500 or both, according to the legislation.

Street takeovers a nationwide problem

Over the summer, there were at least nine high-profile street takeovers across the country.

These incidents were in North Carolina, California, Florida, Texas and Ohio, according to Fox News.

Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley spoke with Sergeant John Ampol of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) on the issue in 2024.

They stated that the bread and butter of these takeovers is social media attention.

Since 2020, police departments, including in San Diego, have had to come up with tactics on how the handle these events. And it goes far beyond simply showing up to disburse the crowds.

It includes impounding vehicles involved, addressing ancillary crimes like ghost guns, drug trafficking, and various forms of fraud, and leveraging social media for intelligence gathering, the podcast wrote on its website.

What are other states doing?

Some states are creating harsher penalties for those involved in street takeovers.

After four people were killed and 13 injured in Birmingham, Alabama, a bill was filed for increasing penalties, the Alabama Reflector reported. Previously, drivers could only get a ticket. Now, they can be arrested, AL.com reported.

Police can also now arrest and charge spectators, according to AL.com.

Operation Knight Rider in various cities, including Birmingham, analyzes data to narrow down and target hotspots for resource deployment, AL.com reported.

In the one month since Operation Knight Rider began, there was 34 arrests, with three of the cases presented to the Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorneys Office for federal prosecution.

In 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed four bills to help law enforcement crack down on this issue after there were loopholes.

Drivers can now face up to a $5,000 fine and six months in jail. Organizers can face felony charges, which includes promoting a takeover on social media or messaging apps. And spectators can face a $1,000 fine.

And in June, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont increased penalties and fines against people who participate in, organize or spectate a street takeover. The new law also provides police with more tools to combat these reckless situations, the governors office stated.

There is now a two-year license suspension for anyone with three or more violations. Local ordinances penalizing street takeovers can also be created to help local police departments respond to these issues. And ATVs, dirt bikes and mini-motorcycles seized from street takeovers can be destroyed by police.
UPDATE: At least 4 street takeovers across Mass. led to violent police confrontations

Fall River police arrested five people during a street takeover early Sunday morning, after hundreds of people blocked roads throughout the city.

Police responded to multiple reports of reckless driving, street racing and blocked roadways around 12:26 a.m. Sunday. Those incidents were part of a coordinated and preplanned event intended to disrupt traffic and disturb the peace of the community, police wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.

The takeover in Fall River happened around the same time as similar events in several other communities. A cruiser was set on fire in Boston. Fireworks were fired at a police cruiser in Randolph. A Dodge Charger drove at an officer in Middleborough.

These gatherings intentionally block roads, endanger the public through negligent vehicle operation, and interfere with emergency services. Such actions are deliberate public disturbances and are not protected assemblies, Fall River police wrote.

The assembled crowd forced a private ambulance to re-route on Innovation Way when they refused to let it pass. Later, police responded to Davol and Central streets, where roughly 200 people had gathered, completely blocking the roadway.

At the intersection, several people in high-visibility vests acted as road guards while vehicles performed burnouts and donuts, and the crowd set off fireworks in the street, police said. Many of those in the crowd wore masks to conceal their faces and showed complete disregard for police presence, the statement reads.

Police described the blockage of Davol Street as a serious public safety hazard for Fall River and surrounding towns because it provides direct access to St. Annes Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital.

The group is believed to have gathered in Brockton before traveling as a convoy to Fall River. At the scene, police towed four vehicles and made five arrests. Police also sought a warrant for an additional suspect and are working to identify others through body-worn camera footage.

The five people arrested were each charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and conspiracy. They are: Jahir Gonzalez, 22, of New Bedford, Alexander Copsetta, 21, of North Easton, Alyssa Deyoung, 19, of Bridgewater, Mackenzie Benjamin, 19, of Kingston, and Aiden Meehen, 20, of Oxford.

Meehen faces an additional charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, police said.

Police also sought a warrant for Brennden Ortega, 19, of New Bedford, on similar charges, as well as resisting arrest.

This premeditated and unlawful event endangered the public, obstructed emergency response, and disrupted the communitys peace, police wrote.
North Andover Police Officer Kelsey Fitzsimmons during her arraignment at Essex Superior Court on Aug. 28, 2025. She was shot and wounded in June after police say she pointed a gun at another North Andover Officer. (Ben Pennington for The Boston Globe)

The North Andover police officer facing criminal charges after being accused of pointing a gun at a fellow officer serving her a restraining order will likely go to trial next year.

At a hearing in Essex Superior Court in Salem Tuesday morning, Judge Thomas Drechsler lobbied prosecutors and defense attorney Tim Bradl to set a trial date in the case of Kelsey Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons case could be tried as soon as next week, Drechsler said.

But Bradl, the defense attorney, said that would be premature  discovery is not yet complete, and he anticipates potentially filing motions for evidence from third parties.

The hearing got off to a rocky start. The phone line for the courtroom where the hearing was being held was so full that the in-court clerk could not join the conference.

When Fitzsimmons case was finally called, Drechsler lamented the complications and ordered Bradl to appear in person.

Were not going to conduct business this way, he said from the bench. No case disrupts the court system like this. Mr. Bradl is ordered to be here.

We just cant let that happen, that the supporters of any party in any case have the ability to simply interfere with the courts ability to conduct business, Drechsler continued.

Support for Fitzsimmons online has grown following a hearing last month where a judge suddenly revoked her release, sending her to jail after her lawyers raised concerns about court-ordered alcohol testing.

About a dozen people showed up in purple to the hearing Tuesday, with some wearing T-shirts that read, Justice for Kelsey. A Facebook group, Justice for Kelsey Fitzsimmons, had amassed more than 3,000 members.

Police arrived at Fitzsimmons North Andover home on June 30 with a restraining order obtained by her fiance. In an affidavit attached to the order, the fiance said he has been assaulted by Fitzsimmons and that she had threatened the life of their newborn son.

A responding officer, Patrick Noonan, claimed Fitzsimmons pointed a gun at him and attempted to fire it.

Fitzsimmons, through Bradl, has denied ever doing so, and said she attempted to take her own life as she stared down the reality of being separated from her newborn son.

After the incident, she spent nearly 2 months hospitalized with serious injuries.

During the hearing, Drechsler noted the public approach Fitzsimmons, through Bradl, has taken to her defense.

This is not a complicated case, and it is what it is, he said. Mr. Bradl has publicly stated what the defendants defense is, very publicly, which he has a right to do. It seems like a pretty straightforward case.

Why not do it soon?, Drechsler continued, suggesting the case could be tried in November.

But Bradl said that was unrealistic.

Theres issues relative to experts that I think are going to take a little bit longer and reciprocal discovery on experts, he said.

Bradl and Assistant Essex District Attorney James Gubitose agreed on a Nov. 25 hearing date for a trial assignment conference, at which point Bradl suggested there would be a clearer picture of the case.

If youre both ready to schedule a January trial date, Im quite sure we can accommodate you, Drechsler said.

Separately, Bradl has appealed the ruling of another judge, Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman, that Fitzsimmons be held without bail on a finding that she is a danger to the community.

McCarthy-Neyman agreed to release Fitzsimmons with a litany of conditions, including 24/7 house arrest, but overturned her order when Fitzsimmons lawyers reported she was having trouble with court-ordered alcohol testing.

Fitzsimmons had been required to undergo testing for alcohol abstinence through a SCRAM device, which required her to blow into a tube. Doing so, her lawyers said, was causing her tremendous pain.

The issue of Fitzsimmons detention is now before Elizabeth Dewar, a justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.

Following the birth of her son, Fitzsimmons suffered from postpartum depression and was briefly involuntarily committed. But she had recently won her gun license back and was set to return to work just days after the armed confrontation with other officers in her department.
The East Bridgewater location of the Old Colony YMCA at 635 Plymouth St. in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Google Maps

A sex offender who previously pleaded guilty to secretly photographing a woman while she showered at the Old Colony YMCAs East Bridgewater location is now facing 21 more charges, police announced Tuesday.

Brockton resident Abidan Rivera, 43, is facing 17 additional counts of photographing an unsuspecting nude person and two counts each of exhibiting a child in a nude state or in the midst of a sexual act and possession of child pornography, East Bridgewater police said in a press release.

East Bridgewater YMCA Vice President Derek Paiva did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday afternoon.

On March 2, East Bridgewater police responded to the YMCA at 635 Plymouth St. for a report that someone was taking pictures of a woman who was showering there, the police department said previously. Investigators identified Rivera as a suspect after reviewing security video and speaking with an eyewitness.

East Bridgewater police arrested Rivera on one count of photographing an unsuspecting nude person in connection with the incident later that day, the police department said. He pleaded guilty to the charge on May 8 and is still serving the two-and-a-half-year prison sentence he received, according to court records.

After Rivera was initially charged in connection with the March 2 incident, the Plymouth County Sheriffs Office High Tech Evidence Analysis Team conducted a forensic examination of his phone, police said. This led to the discovery of 17 more illicit images that were secretly taken of women and children in the East Bridgewater YMCAs family locker room.

It is unclear when the additional charges were filed or when Rivera is due to be arraigned. No further information has been released.
Police across four Massachusetts communities were confronted with large, unruly crowds that led to violent confrontations last weekend.

The incidents included a cruiser set on fire in Boston, fireworks shot at a police cruiser in Randolph, a Dodge Charger driven at an officer in Middleborough and an ambulance blocked from getting through in Fall River.

Officials are calling the incidents takeovers  a growing national trend and social media phenomenon that leads to large crowds gathering that can lead to violence.

Street takeovers involve dozens or hundreds of cars meeting up in one location to do doughnuts, race and drive recklessly, according to the Police Executive Research Forum, a law enforcement research and policy organization based in Washington, D.C.

Sometimes they are called car meetups or sideshows.

Historically, law enforcement has had difficulty containing these events because they move fast and dissolve quickly, according to legal experts.

Attempted car strike in Middleborough

The first reported street takeover of the weekend took place in Middleborough at about 11 p.m. on Saturday night, where about 50 vehicles and dozens of people got together in a commercial parking lot at Routes 105 and 28, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Several vehicles used stolen plates, and a Dodge Charger with Connecticut plates attempted to strike a police officer on scene, state police said.

Police later spotted the Dodge Charger on Interstate 495 and began to pursue the vehicle onto Interstate 195 west toward Rhode Island. Troopers ended the pursuit when it crossed state lines and assisting Rhode Island troopers lost sight of the vehicle during their response, police said.

Police cruiser on fire in Boston

A Boston police cruiser was set on fire as a crowd of 100 people gathered on the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street around 12:26 a.m. Sunday.

Police had arrived to break up the crowd but were met with cones, poles and other objects being thrown at their cruisers. At least one police cruiser was hit by fireworks from multiple angles.

The fireworks caused the cruiser, which had a police officer inside, to catch fire. Several people also started jumping on the hood and prevented the officer inside from getting away from the crowd or being able to see, according to a prosecutor in court on Monday.

The officer escaped their cruiser after it began to fill with sparks and smoke, and other officers jumped in to help with tasers and unholstered guns, the prosecutor said.

Police saw an 18-year-old, later identified as Julian Bowers, throwing objects at the cruiser and arrested him after a foot chase. A 19-year-old, later identified as William Cantwell, was seen smashing an orange pole off the cruiser several times and then arrested, according to a police report filed in court.

Punched police cars in Randolph

Police in Randolph were also met with a rowdy crowd of more than 100 people who struck cruisers with fists and other objects before setting off fireworks at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, officials said.

This was carried out by individuals who were concealing their faces with masks and videotaping themselves, police said. These individuals continued and sat on the hoods of the cruiser and lit fireworks off, placing the officer inside in extreme danger.

Blocked roads in Fall River

Police responded to multiple reports of reckless driving, street racing and blocked roadways around 12:26 a.m. Sunday in Fall River. Those incidents were part of a coordinated and preplanned event intended to disrupt traffic and disturb the peace of the community, police wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.

These gatherings intentionally block roads, endanger the public through negligent vehicle operation, and interfere with emergency services. Such actions are deliberate public disturbances and are not protected assemblies, Fall River police wrote.

The assembled crowd forced a private ambulance to re-route on Innovation Way when they refused to let it pass. Later, police responded to Davol and Central streets, where roughly 200 people had gathered, completely blocking the roadway.

At the intersection, several people in high-visibility vests acted as road guards while vehicles performed burnouts and doughnuts, and the crowd set off fireworks in the street, police said. Many of those in the crowd wore masks to conceal their faces and showed complete disregard for police presence, the statement reads.

Police described the blockage of Davol Street as a serious public safety hazard for Fall River and surrounding towns because it provides direct access to St. Annes Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital.

The group is believed to have gathered in Brockton before traveling as a convoy to Fall River. At the scene, police towed four vehicles and made five arrests. Police also sought a warrant for an additional suspect and are working to identify others through body-worn camera footage.

This premeditated and unlawful event endangered the public, obstructed emergency response, and disrupted the communitys peace, police wrote.
People hold posters of Charlie Kirk during a Turning Point USA rally at Utah State University, as a part of the organization's push to memorialize Kirk, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Logan, Utah. (AP Photo/Alex Goodlett) AP

Matthew Boedys low rating on Rate My Professor, a longstanding anonymous website used by students, didnt have immediate consequences for him. He chalked it up to being a demanding professor and harsh grader.

Then he got listed on Turning Point USAs Professor Watchlist.

Instead of student comments on his teaching style, the watchlist posting led to hate mail, his wedding photo plastered to the website and even a records request of his emails from a conservative news outlet.

If you want to say Rate My Professor nationalized professor critiques, what Turning Point did was weaponize it, was politicize it, said Boedy, an English professor at the University of North Georgia, who has studied Charlie Kirk and his organization, Turning Point USA.

Websites placing professors, or even students, into the public eye have only spread over the years.

The Professor Watchlist was created by Kirk  who was killed on Sept. 10 during an event on the campus of Utah Valley University  to expose and document college professors who discriminate against conservative students and advance leftist propaganda in the classroom, according to its website.

Kirk had a strong following  including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and many college-aged students  who mourned his death as a leader.

While Boedy worries that his office location is public, and it could result in more serious harassment, he recognizes that in the years on the list, he hasnt had the worst of it. Other professors on the list have had death threats or even a detective shadowing them around their campus for protection, according to previous MassLive reporting.

Growing scrutiny

Beyond Kirks Professor Watchlist, the organization also has a School Board Watchlist. There is also a watchlist of professors and others who are believed to be anti-Israel or antisemitic through the pro-Israel organization Canary Mission and conservative watchdog news organizations like Campus Reform that write only about higher education.

Recently, Indianas Attorney General created a website called Eyes on Education for people to report what students are being taught in K-12 and higher education.

The academics who spoke with MassLive point to the watchlists as something separate from Rate My Professor and more dangerous to academic freedom. On the other hand, Philip Wohltorf, the vice president of the universitys student Republican group, describes both websites as equally important, especially when higher education feels like it is a liberal bubble, he said.

The proliferation of websites over the past few years comes at a time when higher education is under federal scrutiny by the Trump administration.

The federal government has gone after institutions like Harvard University in the name of combating campus antisemitism, cutting billions of dollars in funding, after the institution said it wouldnt institute an overhaul of Harvards leadership structure, admissions and hiring.

While antisemitism has been part of what the Trump administration says it is trying to address, the federal government has also attempted to change the long-held criticism that higher education is too liberal.

Most recently, the Trump administration offered nine universities, including MIT, preferential access to federal funding if they signed onto a compact aligning with administrative priorities, such as creating a better environment for conservatives.

That would include ending departments that purposefully punish, belittle and even spark violence against conservative ideas, according to the compact.

What informed these websites?

In 1999, what is now called Rate My Professor was published online. The website even had a now-removed chili pepper ranking system for how hot a professor was.

Some found the public platform helpful, informing students of what to expect from a professor. But to others, it raised concerns about how a negative review might impact future employment.

If Rate My Professor is some sort of joke to some people, Turning Point is not a joke. They have really altered the landscape, Boedy said.

Rate My Professor and Kirks Professor Watchlist arent the first groups to create lists of professors.

Watchlists of different sorts can be traced back to even President Richard Nixon, when he created an enemies list to compile political opponents, such as professors and others. And in 2006, conservative writer and activist David Horowitz wrote a book naming the 101 most dangerous academics in America, who he believed held anti-American and left-wing views.

However, academics said the difference now is that the work of Kirks watchlist and other sites has only grown to be accessible online and by social media, changing and influencing what happens on college campuses.

While the websites are protected under free speech, Kirks Professor Watchlist toes the line from free speech to harassment campaigns, according to Sean Stevens, the chief research advisor at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a nonpartisan free speech group based in Washington, D.C.

The sites have a clear ideological mission where only certain professors who go against stated beliefs are placed on them, he said.

Despite his apprehensions, he said watchlists are often born from legitimate concerns, such as not enough conservative academics and concerns about rising tuition prices and return on investment.

A photo of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk is seen on a large screen during a memorial for Kirk, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/John Locher) AP

How much of an influence do these websites have?

One of the most powerful organizations in Boedys mind is Turning Point USA.

Some of these profiles are extensive because theyre watching you. Thats what they want you to believe. And therefore they control the online mob, Boedy said.

If someone joins a watchlist, it can often come with a slew of death threats, media attention and other consequences, professors previously told MassLive.

Kirks Professor Watchlist suggests that academics on the list are trying to indoctrinate students, when that isnt being mentioned by students, Boedy said.

The Professor Watchlist implies that those comments somehow are the driver for anything I do in the classroom because Im trying to indoctrinate kids. But I think even with the stupid negative comments about grading [on Rate My Professor], there [are] no negative comments about politics at all, which shows the absurdity of the watchlist, Boedy said.

Part of Turning Points influence as an organization is its social media presence and online buzz, which raises the scale of influence, according to Brian Soucek, a professor of law at the University of California, Davis.

That online presence isnt just able to provoke outrage online but also attract the attention of politicians and donors to schools to get involved or comment on it, he said. For instance, nearly one hundred professors who commented on Kirks assassination have been targeted for firing through social media campaigns and commentary from state and federal officials, according to Stevens from FIRE.

While Rate My Professor had negative impacts on certain academics, Soucek said there is a big difference in scale between getting a couple angry emails versus waking up and finding that your name has been on Twitter and theres suddenly 100 voicemails on your phone and you may have to even change some of your accounts, he said.

I think people saw it as effective that they could actually affect peoples ability to do their work if they were sufficiently disruptive, he said.

What feels more concerning is the inclusion of students on the Canary Mission watchlist for academics who are deemed antisemitic or anti-Israel, according to Jeremy Young, senior advisor for strategic initiatives at the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

I think we have to understand that students are students. They are at an institution to learn. They are not fully formed entities. And while they are adults and legally responsible for their actions, its not productive to single out individual students as though they were the governor of a state, Young said.

While he thinks that the public should have a role in shaping higher education and knowing what is happening on a college campus, he said it shouldnt fuel a movement to exclude certain fields of study or opinions from academia.

Boston University campus building on April 1, 2025. (MassLive/Juliet Schulman-Hall)

What the websites mean to conservative students

In the wake of the assassination of Kirk, college Republicans at Boston University have felt either more scared to express their political beliefs or obligated to speak out, according to Philip Wohltorf, the vice president of the universitys student Republican group.

Kirks Professor Watchlist is justified to show conservative students that there are professors who may treat you differently or give you poor grades because they disagree with your political opinions, Wohltorf said. And, by the same token, Rate My Professor provides an avenue into how a professor might be in the classroom.

Institutions, universities should be a marketplace of different ideas where you challenge one another, he said.

Wohltorf hasnt used the watchlist and likely wont be moving forward, due to there only being a handful of professors from Boston University on the list. However, that doesnt mean it isnt crucial for other students, especially when higher education has become left-wing institutions that dont value viewpoints outside of their own, he said.

At the end of the day, again, the institutions were made to serve America. I think lots of those institutions fail to serve America right now. And you need to get those institutions back. And thats what the conservative movement is working on, he said.
Starbucks and "Hello Kitty" are teaming up for the holiday season. Starbucks

The global icon who has delighted fans across the globe for decades is coming to Starbucks for the holiday season to celebrate friendship.

Starbucks coffeehouses across the United States and Canada will be offering their own Hello Kitty merchandise collection starting Nov. 6 while supplies last, the company said in a press release.

The exclusive collection will feature an array of items and collectibles, including a Hello Kitty plush dressed in the iconic Starbucks green apron and her signature red bow alongside her cuddly teddy bear, Tiny Chum. The boxed plush will cost $34.95.

Customers can also purchase a 16-ounce ceramic mug or a 26-ounce stainless steel cold cup featuring a Hello Kitty design topped with a red silicone bow for $32.95.

Other items include a 20-ounce stainless steel water bottle for $29.95, the 24-ounce cold cup for $29.95 and the 12-ounce stainless steel tumbler for $32.95.

For more than 50 years, Hello Kitty has resonated across cultures and generations, Jill Kioch, the senior vice president for Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio, Inc., said in the statement. Her simple design, positive message, and timeless appeal invite people everywhere to express themselves and celebrate friendship, kindness, and inclusivity.

Both Starbucks and Hello Kitty were born in the 1970s, with Hello Kitty being introduced in 1974 and Starbucks in 1971, according to the press release.

Were excited to bring back that nostalgic vibe with this special collaboration this holiday season, Director of U.S. Merchandise for Starbucks Kap Pitarys said. Whether youre looking for a gift for a friend or a little something for yourself, this collection makes everyday moments feel a little more joyful and every gift a little more personal.
A social media phenomenon that is leading to real-world consequences has swept across the country, and this past weekend, it struck at least four Massachusetts communities  in Boston, Randolph, Middleborough and Fall River.

Theyre known as street takeovers, which officials say are coordinated efforts that start online on various platforms and are intended to overwhelm law enforcement with large, unruly crowds that led to violent confrontations Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

In Boston, a police cruiser caught fire after being hit by fireworks from a crowd of more than 100.

Similarly, fireworks were fired at a police cruiser in Randolph. And in Middleborough, a Dodge Charger drove at a responding officer to a takeover event in a commercial parking lot.

A fourth takeover event from the weekend, this time in Fall River, saw hundreds of people blocking roads throughout the city with multiple reports of reckless driving and street racing.

No officers were reported injured during these events, but the cruiser that caught fire in Boston was destroyed.

So far, officials have announced seven arrests total after these four events, which have not been connected as being part of the same group.

Elsewhere in the country, in recent weeks, the Austin, Texas, police department warned the public about a planned illegal street takeover event, telling people that police will not tolerate reckless driving or illegal activity, and said that participants would be subject to arrest and vehicles impounded.

Last month, the Los Angeles Police Department said on social media that its Street Racing Task Force would be patrolling for illegal street takeovers and stated, Participate in a takeover, lose your car.

A sheriff in Colorado is urging lawmakers to address this issue with new legislation, and she told CBS News that its the number one complaint her office receives and that social media is making it more frequent.

Its much different today because of the number of participants and the amount of advertising that goes on, Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli told the outlet.

Boston

In Boston, two teenagers from Rhode Island were arraigned in connection with the street takeover that set a police cruiser on fire after being hit with fireworks from multiple angles.

Julian Bowers, 18, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and William Cantwell, 19, of Warwick, Rhode Island, were among the 100-plus people who gathered Sunday morning around 2 a.m.

When police showed up to break up the crowd, their cruisers were hit with cones, poles and other objects besides fireworks.

When the cruiser caught fire, several people started jumping on the hood and prevented the officer inside from getting away from the crowd or being able to see, according to a prosecutor in court on Monday.

The officer escaped their cruiser after it began to fill with sparks and smoke, and other officers jumped in to help with tasers and unholstered guns, the prosecutor said.

Police saw Bowers throwing objects at the cruiser and arrested him after a foot chase; Cantwell was seen smashing an orange pole off the cruiser several times and then arrested, according to a police report filed in court.

A judge set bail at $500 for Bowers, who posted bail, and $1,000 for Cantwell, who went to Suffolk County Jail in lieu of bail.

Middleborough

The first reported street takeover of the weekend took place in Middleborough at about 11 p.m. on Saturday night, where about 50 vehicles and dozens of people got together in a commercial parking lot at Routes 105 and 28, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Several vehicles used stolen plates, and a Dodge Charger with Connecticut plates attempted to strike a police officer on scene, state police said.

Police later spotted the Dodge Charger on Interstate 495 and began to pursue the vehicle onto Interstate 195 west toward Rhode Island. Troopers ended the pursuit when it crossed state lines and assisting Rhode Island troopers lost sight of the vehicle during their response, police said.

Each incident remains under investigation by the Department with primary jurisdiction, Tim McGuirk, a state police spokesperson, said on Monday. As public safety partners, we will continue to share information in the interest of the affected communities.

Randolph

Police in Randolph were also met with a rowdy crowd of more than 100 people who struck cruisers with fists and other objects before setting off fireworks at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, officials said.

This was carried out by individuals who were concealing their faces with masks and videotaping themselves, police said. These individuals continued and sat on the hoods of the cruiser and lit fireworks off, placing the officer inside in extreme danger.

Fall River

Police responded to multiple reports of reckless driving, street racing and blocked roadways around 12:26 a.m. Sunday. Those incidents were part of a coordinated and preplanned event intended to disrupt traffic and disturb the peace of the community, police wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.

These gatherings intentionally block roads, endanger the public through negligent vehicle operation, and interfere with emergency services. Such actions are deliberate public disturbances and are not protected assemblies, Fall River police wrote.

The assembled crowd forced a private ambulance to re-route on Innovation Way when they refused to let it pass. Later, police responded to Davol and Central streets, where roughly 200 people had gathered, completely blocking the roadway.

At the intersection, several people in high-visibility vests acted as road guards while vehicles performed burnouts and donuts, and the crowd set off fireworks in the street, police said. Many of those in the crowd wore masks to conceal their faces and showed complete disregard for police presence, the statement reads.

Police described the blockage of Davol Street as a serious public safety hazard for Fall River and surrounding towns because it provides direct access to St. Annes Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital.

The group is believed to have gathered in Brockton before traveling as a convoy to Fall River. At the scene, police towed four vehicles and made five arrests. Police also sought a warrant for an additional suspect and are working to identify others through body-worn camera footage.

The five people arrested were each charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and conspiracy. They are: Jahir Gonzalez, 22, of New Bedford, Alexander Copsetta, 21, of North Easton, Alyssa Deyoung, 19, of Bridgewater, Mackenzie Benjamin, 19, of Kingston, and Aiden Meehen, 20, of Oxford.

Meehen faces an additional charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, police said.

Police also sought a warrant for Brennden Ortega, 19, of New Bedford, on similar charges, as well as resisting arrest.

This premeditated and unlawful event endangered the public, obstructed emergency response, and disrupted the communitys peace, police wrote.

Intolerable assaults on our police officers, officials say

Boston officials were quick to denounce the takeover event on Sunday.

The outside individuals who came into our city to cause disorder and brought dangerous behavior here will be prosecuted, Mayor Michelle Wu said during a press conference at the Roslindale Parade. We are asking publics help for any information to be able to do that as quickly as possible.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said the takeover events are dangerous, intolerable assaults on our police officers and our neighborhoods.

We and our law enforcement partners will do all we can to identify and hold accountable anyone involved. No one should think they can jeopardize public safety in such a brazen manner without consequences, Hayden said.
Somerville residents attended a meeting of the city's Elections Commission Monday in support of a ballot question calling on city government to divest from companies that do business with Israel. Courtesy Somerville for Palestine

Somerville voters will have the chance to weigh in on the citys involvement in the war in Gaza this November after a challenge to a proposed ballot question failed.

The ballot question, which would call on city government to stop doing business with any companies with ties to Israel over the countrys occupation of Palestine, had faced a legal challenge but was approved by the citys Elections Commission at a hearing Monday.

The residents of Somerville deserve the opportunity to debate and decide on this measure for themselves, said Amina Awad, a Palestinian-American Somerville resident, in a statement. In a democracy, we are owed the right to speak freely about our beliefs without retaliation, or the threat of violence, or intimidation.

The ballot question, known as Question 3, is nonbinding, but is meant to symbolically send a message to the City Council and mayor. Proponents said it was focused on large, multinational companies such as Hewlett-Packard, Caterpillar and Lockheed Martin.

It was initially brought to the City Council in March, where councilors instructed to organizers from the group Somerville for Palestine to collect signatures from 10% of registered voters, or about 5,200 people. They were able to collect more than 8,000 signatures.

On Oct. 1, a group called Somerville United Against Discrimination submitted an objection to the ballot measure, claiming that it was illegal and discriminatory. In a statement shared on social media Monday, the group wrote that the question does not help Palestinians, and instead harms Somerville by sowing division and distracting from pressing local issues.

This proposal is illegal, discriminatory and will likely lead to lawsuits, SUAD Chair Sam Gechter said, adding that the group would keep all legal options open.

The group, which describes itself as made up of Jewish residents of Somerville and their allies who oppose Question 3, also claimed that the signatures collected by Somerville for Palestine were fraudulent. The Elections Commission determined at Mondays hearing, however, that there was no evidence to support this.

Supporters held a rally before Mondays hearing before providing testimony in favor of including Question 3 on the Nov. 4 ballot.

I strongly believe that all of our neighbors should have a say in where their taxes go and to determine whether our municipal funds will be invested in building schools in our community or blowing them up in Gaza, said City Councilor and mayoral candidate Willie Burnley Jr. If we are unable to even decide whether our City will remain complicit in genocidal acts, then our democracy itself will be degraded.

The news came the day before Oct. 7, the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack in Israel that killed hundreds of people.
Tor Stumo reports from a vessel taking part in an aid convoy heading to Gaza. (Photo courtesy of Tor Stumo) Staff

Two brothers from western Massachusetts who participated in an interrupted humanitarian mission have been released from an Israeli prison and reached Amman, Jordan.

Nadia Milleron of Sheffield said in an email Tuesday that her sons, Adnaan and Torleif Stumo, are basically OK.

They have eaten for the first time in six days, taken a shower and had a medical examination, she wrote.

Both received minor injuries in the aftermath of the Israeli navys assaults on ships taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla to carry food, medicine and other supplies to address starvation and famine in Gaza.

The roughly 40 vessels were seized late last week by Israel in the Mediterranean as they neared Gaza.

Adnaan Stumo, 32, an experienced commercial sailor, had been serving as captain of the Mikeno, one of the ships. He and others on board the boat were hit with skunk water sprayed at them through water cannons mounted on an Israeli craft, according to Milleron.

Her other son, Torleif, 26, a certified ships engineer, was seized along with shipmates on another boat. In all, an estimated 440 flotilla participants were taken into custody and brought to the Israeli part of Ashdod.

In her email update, Milleron called on the U.S. government to condemn Israels seizure of the flotilla craft and their crews.

Israel is acting in a lawless way on so many levels, she wrote. Our government should not let them get away with this.

She was not immediately available by phone for an interview.

Examples of the Israeli governments unlawful conduct, she said, included the release of explosive devices in the direction of civilian ships as they made their way across the Mediterranean and the use of water cannons against people trying to navigate an open ocean.

Milleron also accused the government of lying about the supplies being carried toward Gaza by the flotillas dozens of ships.

Apparently Israel dumped this aid in Ashdod and then claimed there wasnt any aid on the boats, she wrote. I personally helped, along with hundreds of other people, load aid on these boats, including boxes of baby formula.

In an earlier interview with The Republican, Milleron described the days she spent in Barcelona in August, helping to prepare crews for the Aug. 31 start of the voyage.

The raids on the flotilla vessels and later actions by Israeli officials, she said in the email, constitute kidnapping, unlawful property confiscation, jailing people without charges for more than 72 hours and preventing aid from being delivered to desperately needy people.

Withholding food supplies as part of warfare is considered a war crime, according to the International Criminal Court and the Geneva Conventions.
SPRINGFIELD  Springfield-based nonprofit Helix Human Services, the oldest serving organization of its kind in Western Massachusetts, will hold its second Rise Up Conference: A Pathway to Resilience on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the MassMutual Center at 1277 Main St.

Following last years inaugural event, Rise Up: A Journey to Trauma Recovery, this years conference builds on that foundation. It is designed for professionals, caregivers, and advocates committed to trauma-informed care and dedicated to strengthening resilience  both within themselves and in the communities they serve.

Throughout the day, participants can choose from a variety of breakout sessions and workshops focused on trauma-informed practice, cultural humility, bibliotherapy, creative expression for burnout prevention, and more.

Speakers such as Kim Monson, Christian Smith, Emely Rumble, Jennifer Wolfe Hagstrom and Ari Kriegsman will contribute their expertise. The conference aims to foster connection, dialogue, and reflection to support both practitioner and client resilience.

Continuing education units will be available, making this an enriching day of both professional development and personal renewal.

Attendees will hear from nationally recognized leaders:

 Shari Botwin, a licensed social worker, will present the morning keynote on how one caring adult can profoundly influence a childs healing from trauma.

 John DeGarmo will explore compassion fatigue in his lunch keynote, including emotional exhaustion and burnout, offering hands on tools to sustain caregiver well-being.

 JaNet Smith will deliver And Then  Because the Story Isnt Over, an empowering afternoon keynote on resilience in the face of disruption and transition.

State Sen. Adam Gomez  chairperson of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses and vice chair of the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion  will open the conference with welcoming remarks from the commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Helix Human Services, formerly The Childrens Study Home, is a 160-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma-informed therapeutic and educational services to diverse children and families, building the foundation for lifelong success at home, school, and in the community.
Rosane Ferreira De Oliveira, the woman arrested by ICE in Worcester, was released from detainment on Oct. 2. (Adam Bass/MassLive.com)

When Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira  the Worcester mother arrested and detained for five months by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE)  was finally released from detainment, she was looking forward to being reunited with her 17-year-old and 13-year-old daughters.

As for when she will be with her daughters again, the answer is unclear.

In an interview on Monday, Ferreira-De Oliveira, through a translator at her lawyers office, told MassLive that her daughters have not yet returned to her.

One of the daughters, the 13-year-old, is in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), according to the mother. Ferreira-De Oliveira said that she is working with DCF to have her daughter return to her. She and her lawyers at Paul Toland Law LLC in Boston said that it could take 20 to 30 days for the two to be reunited.

Spokespeople for DCF did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.

Both the 13-year-old and the 17-year-old were placed under DCF care after their mothers arrest. In July, it was reported that both children went missing.

Ferreira-De Oliveira told MassLive that the two had run away from DCF care because they had a hard time adjusting to the new environment. She said she was incredibly worried when she found out both of them had gone missing. She wasnt sure exactly where the two had traveled, but she had heard reports that they had gone through New Jersey and Florida.

Angelica Almeida, a woman from Philadelphia, claimed in August that she gave the 13-year-old daughter a ride from Worcester to Maple Shade, New Jersey, on July 27, not knowing that she was Ferreira-De Oliveiras daughter.

In August, the 13-year-old was found safe in Massachusetts and was returned to DCF care.

The other daughter, the 17-year-old, is still reported missing, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A family lawyer previously told MassLive that she went to Brazil to be with her adult sister, Augusta Clara Moura. Ferreira-De Oliveira, however, told MassLive on Monday that the 17-year-old was in the United States and safe but was unaware of her whereabouts. When she was released from custody, Ferreira-De Oliveira contacted the 17-year-old by phone and told her to come home as soon as possible.

The 17-year-old and Clara Moura both watched as their mother was arrested in front of a crowd of more than 30 people on Eureka Street. The crowd shouted at the ICE agents, demanding that they not take the mother.

As Ferreira-De Oliveira was placed into a gold SUV to be taken away, the 17-year-old ran up to the vehicles passenger side door. Worcester police officers who were called to the scene ran after the daughter, surrounding and moving her to the ground as they arrested her.

She was charged with disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest but Police Chief Paul Saucier requested a judge to dismiss her case.

August Clara Moura and her infant son moved back to Brazil in June to be with her partner, Samarone Alves Ferreira-De Souza, who was deported by ICE, according to the family lawyer, Andrew George Lattarulo.

Ferreira-De Oliveira said her adult daughter will not return to the United States, as she was frightened by what happened to her mother on Eureka Street.
Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira said she was in a lot of pain when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested her on Worcesters Eureka Street on May 8.

An ICE agent had grabbed her shoulder and strained her nerves, the 40-year-old mother told MassLive in an interview on Monday.

Ferreira-De Oliveira said that the pain in her shoulder caused her to cry as the agents placed her in a gold SUV on Eureka Street. More than 30 people confronted the ICE agents and Worcester police officers, who arrived at the scene just after Ferreira-De Oliveira was placed in the vehicle.

She would be taken away to be detained at the Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island.

Before arriving at the detainment center, Ferreira-De Oliveira required medical attention. She received care at a hospital, where doctors provided her medication and a list of physical therapy exercises on sheets of paper. Her arm was also placed in a sling during the recovery period.

During her five months of detention between the Rhode Island facility and the Strafford County Corrections center in Dover, New Hampshire, however, Ferreira-De Oliveira said that the staff never provided her with the medication or the exercise sheet. She would finally receive both on Oct. 2  after she was released from detainment earlier that day. A bag filled with medications and exercise programs was placed on a desk at the office of the law firm representing Ferreira-De Oliveira, Toland Law LLC.

A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

The account from Ferreira-De Oliveira matches previous claims made by her immigration lawyer, Paul Toland. Toland told MassLive in May that ICE had injured his clients shoulder and did not give her medicine for the pain.

A senior Department of Homeland Security member refuted these claims in a statement previously provided to MassLive.

The allegations about Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveiras treatment in detainment are unequivocally false, the statement reads. ICE has provided Ferreira with prompt medical care and services, and she has not filed any grievances or complaints regarding delayed medical care.

This is not the first time a detainee or their lawyer has accused ICE officials of not providing proper medical care for them.

Jemmy Jimenez Rosa, a mother from Canton who ICE previously detained for 10 days, had two hospitalizations during her time in detention, according to her lawyer.

The lawyer previously told MassLive that Jimenez Rosa was denied proper health care for her diabetes, asthma and other serious health issues.

Marcelo Gomes Da Silva, an 18-year-old from Milford who was arrested and detained by ICE for six days in Burlington, previously told MassLive that he had to go to the hospital while he was imprisoned.

During his detainment, Gomes Da Silva told the guards that he might have had a concussion. Two weeks before he was arrested, the 18-year-old was hit in the head hard with a volleyball.

He asked if the guards had anything to offer for his symptoms, to which they replied no.

A lot of people said they were sick, he said. A lot of people said they werent feeling good, and the guards would be like, We dont have that here. We dont give that to people. Sorry we cant do anything for you.

Gomes Da Silva met with his attorneys and described his condition to them.

I said, I know Im sick Gomes Da Silva recounted. I dont feel good and they dont do anything for me down there.

Gomes Da Silva said his lawyer asked the guards to take him to a hospital for treatment. It was the only time he ever left the field office during his detention.

That was the only day I actually ever got Tylenol again, he said. I never got it again.
Mayo ministers have announce social welfare increases and permanent VAT reduction for hospitality, but opposition say it "quite shocking how the Budget has abandoned workers and families."

The reduction in the VAT rate for food and catering businesses and hairdressing was well flagged ahead of todays announcement. The reduction from 13.5 percent to 9 percent will come into place at the beginning of July next year.

READ MORE: What do Mayo businesses want to see announced today in Budget 2026?

Mayo Minister of State, Alan Dillion, stated that "this VAT reduction is a strong statement of confidence in our small and medium enterprises, which form the backbone of our economy. The sector employs 191,000 people nationally, with 75% of businesses employing fewer than 10 staff. In Mayo alone, 765 people work across the industry."

The Minister emphasised that the permanent nature of the cut provides long-term certainty for businesses to reinvest, innovate, and expand.

Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, announced a Social Protection Budget package worth over 1.15 billion in ongoing measures for 2026.

READ MORE: Gala For Gaza event raises over 100,000 for Palestinian charities



The Ballina TD said: I believe that the measures I am announcing today will make a huge difference to the lives of the people we serve and, through them to the communities, in which we all live.

One of the most notable announcements was the increase of the Carer's Allowance weekly income disregard by 60 percent. Single carers can now earn up to 1,000 per week while still receiving their full carer's payment, meaning they can work part-time and earn just over 54,000 annually without losing benefits.

For couples, the threshold rises even more dramatically to 2,000 per week, allowing carers in households where their partner earns up to 108,000 annually to qualify for the full payment.

"These are the largest ever increases in the Carer's income disregard," Minister Calleary stated, adding that the measures demonstrate the government's commitment to eliminating the means test over the lifetime of the current administration.

Calleary added that he was particularly pleased to have secured over 320 million in targeted measures to alleviate Child Poverty, including the largest ever increase in the Child Support Payments of 8 (or 16 percent) and 16 (or 26 percent) per week for children aged under 12 and 12 and over respectively. These increases will benefit about 330,000 children whose parents are in receipt of a social welfare payment.

Mayo TD Keira Keogh has welcomed the introduction of the new Derelict Property Tax, which will replace the current derelict sites levy. The new measure aims to incentivise property owners to bring unused properties back into productive use or put them on the market.

This is a positive step forward. People will take Revenue seriously, and this will encourage real action on dereliction, allowing us to bring vibrancy back into our towns again, Deputy Keogh said.

The tax is due to take effect in 2027.

Deputy Keogh urged property owners to use the time between now and 2027 to act:

There are supports available to help bring vacant properties back into use, such as the Repair and Lease scheme and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Owners should engage early and make use of these opportunities rather than waiting for the tax to apply.

According to Mayos register, 287 vacant and derelict units are currently listed in the county. Deputy Keogh also highlighted that local authorities should look to draw on the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which has an increased national budget of 300 million this year.

She encouraged anyone aware of a vacant home to log it on the governments Vacant Homes portal to help identify properties suitable for regeneration.

Opposition Criticism

Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway Walsh told The Mayo News, it was quite shicking how this government Budget has abandoned workers and families to look after those at the top."

"It's one of the biggest tax packages ever, and there's no tax cut for ordinary workers, but there is for institutional landlords and developers."

"They have ignored the cost of living crisis and people have been left high and dry."

"It's reckless of this government to ignore that so many families are really struggling right now."

"It's remarkable how they have left people with disabilities almost 1400 worse off than they were last year. It's inexplicable."

Aontu TD Paul Lawless criticised the budget for failing to address construction costs for ordinary families.

Deputy Lawless today accused the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail Government of a deliberate extraction of wealth from ordinary Irish workers. Despite pre-election promises the government has failed to deliver for working families in the 2026 budget. This proves that the Tanaistes promise to make work pay has been inverted, forcing workers to pay for a decade of government mismanagement and waste.

A huge gulf has emerged from government rhetoric to what was delivered in today's budget. Simon Harris promised to 'make work pay,' but the 2026 budget ensures workers will pay. The standard rate cut-off point, where a single worker's income jumps from the 20% to the 40% tax rate, remains shamefully low at 44,000, stated Deputy Lawless.



A generation ago, this income could secure a home. Today, that low threshold actively prevents young workers and families from saving a deposit or meeting mortgage eligibility tests. The math is brutal: 44,000 puts a single worker into the 40% tax rate. That is not 'making work pay'that is making workers pay for years of government mismanagement.

The Government's failure to deliver meaningful tax relief is thrown into stark relief by its systemic inability to manage public funds, oversight, and procurement across the State.



He pledged to continue campaigning for the deletion of VAT on construction for ordinary families, highlighting what he sees as an imbalance in the government's approach to tax relief




A SENIOR Fianna Fail councillor in Mayo has said that a root and branch examination of the partys presidential candidate selection process must take place following the withdrawal of Jim Gavin as the partys candidate.

The Fianna Fail party has been left reeling following the shock decision by the former Dublin GAA manager to withdraw his nomination following reports that he owed a former tenant 3,300.

The timing of the decision, just 19 days from the October 24 polling date, means it is too late for the party to put forward an alternative candidate, leaving the race for the presidency between Fine Gaels Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly.

Ballinrobe-based councillor Damien Ryan, who is the Fianna Fail party whip on Mayo County Council, told The Mayo News that lessons have to be learned regarding the selection process which resulted in Mr Gavin being the party candidate.

To be honest with you they [leadership] have their own ideas and the parliamentary party made a decision but the process on this occasion has to be looked at in the context of how short it was and that there was an endorsement of one over the other.

Maybe the process should have started sooner but we were not spoiled for choice in relation to candidates either. There werent many candidates showing their hand and there are lessons to be learned in all of that. I wont leave it [blame] at anyones door but in the aftermath there will be discussions and meetings and then we need to figure how we do it better on the next occasion, he said.

Nominations

ONLY Gavin and Cork-based MEP Billy Kelleher sought a party nomination and it was only the parliamentary party who were entitled to vote. Cllr Ryan said that in future, councillors and party members have to have a say in the selection process.

Read: Mayo community 'heartbroken' following death of Yes campaigner

Councillors should have had an input and the members should have been entitled to it as well. That needs to change. The councilors are the first port of call when it comes to organising events and functions and canvassing for elections and all that goes with it. We certainly are entitled to have an input into it as elected representatives and the membership as well, he said.

The future of Micheal Martin as party leader has been called into doubt after he publicly backed Mr Gavin ahead of his county man Billy Kelleher and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern who had expressed an interest in running.

While he does not believe that Martin will be under immediate pressure as leader, Cllr Ryan believes that there needs to be a root and branch discussion on what went wrong.

Anybody can get something wrong and it is not just down to the leadership. At the end of the day we need to look at this collectively and there is a need for a root and branch examination and discussion on it and all public representatives will be making their view known, he said adding that he would prefer it if the party did not endorse any of the two remaining candidates.

Fianna Fail people will make up their minds one way or the other and they are as well to keep it open," he said.

Critical

CLLR Ryan was also critical of suggestions that other Independent candidates were blocked from receiving a nomination from Mayo County Council, saying he was never asked by any of them for one.

There was nothing stopping me or our party from giving a nomination to anybody but the fact that no candidate contacted the public representatives says a lot about the candidates who were thinking about going in the first place.

They were not blocked and it was their own doing. We would have gladly endorsed a candidate if they had sought fit to approach our councilors and ask for that vote. If a vote is worth getting it is worth asking for. They can winge and moan but the process is the process and if they were thinking of going they should have been out of the starting blocks a lot sooner.

Meanwhile, approximately 330 postal votes from Mayo have been sent to people who will not be able to vote in their own polling station.

The postal votes for the Mayo constituency were issued and posted on Friday morning by the Returning Officer, Dr Anne-Marie Courell.

The breakdown of the postal votes include eight diplomats; two anonymous, 68 Defence Forces personnel, 209 disabled people, 16 Gardai and 18 to people by virtue of their occupation.
Kitted out in chefs hats, aprons and wooden spoons, the children of Taugheen National School warmly welcomed and enjoyed a visit last Wednesday from Rachel Fulham, Cancer Fund for Children, Community Fundraising Officer. The informative and inspiring visit was the official launch of the Neven Maguire Cookery Demonstration in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris on Monday November 17 which the school is helping to organise with all proceeds going to Daisy Lodge.

The idea grew at a Board of Management meeting late last year. The Board were discussing future plans for the school, pupil development and education. Building on the schools commendable record of charity work to date, the idea of supporting Daisy Lodge was proposed. Taugheen National School has a proud and rich history of fostering charitable involvement of its pupils. The schools annual sponsored Skipathon in aid of Trocaires Lenten campaign has been running for 36 years with great success and the children together with their families also embrace the annual Shoe box appeal to help children affected by poverty.

The staff and Board of Management passionately believe that being involved in charity is hugely beneficial to the development of a child. Teaching charity helps children understand the benefits of giving, and how they can be involved in their community. It helps to develop selflessness, gratitude, empathy, a sense of purpose, pride and social responsibility. These are valuable qualities that children will bring with them into their futures.

Taugheen National School is a small rural school on the outskirts of Claremorris with a breakfast club from 8am and an afterschool facility(2pm - 6pm). It is in a lovely village setting beside the local community centre, childcare service and church. The board and staff want to emphasise to the children that small communities have the potential to make a positive and lasting difference in wider society.

The staff hope to encourage students to have the desire to become active members of communities in the future, and in doing so become valuable citizens who contribute to society.

As a Children's charity, the school felt that Daisy Lodge, Cancer Fund for Children, is indeed a very worthy cause. Daisy Lodge is currently constructing a new unit in Cong, Co. Mayo, to serve children from the whole island of Ireland and their families in times of need.

Tickets for the event go on sale Friday, October 10, for 20 and are available for purchase from Taugheen National School and the following locations.

Claremorris - Sams Stores, Hunts Filling Station.

Ballinrobe - Murphys newsagents, Jennings Butchers.

Ballyhaunis - The Shop.

Hollymount - Hollymount Stores.

Cong - OConnors Spar.

Knock- The Old Ground Restaurant.

Tuam - Quinns newsagents.

Doors open at 7pm for a craft fair, followed by Neven Maguire on stage at 8pm. It promises to be an enjoyable and entertaining night for all.

READ MORE: Mayo councillor says Fianna Fail must learn lessons from Gavin withdrawal
MAYO woman Melanie McGovern felt like she had no choice, like she was backed into a corner.

She tells The Mayo News that the atrocities being carried out in Gaza and livestreamed into her living room made her initially feel helpless before she realised she had two choices; go into denial or try and do something.

Her son Joe was just two months old at the time and she says that as a mother, youre acutely aware of the depth of empathy and the needs and wants of a pregnant and a nursing mother. So it just grabbed me by the soul. And I just thought, I have to act.

This is about basic human rights. Withholding food from an infant when theres abundance across the wall is a breach of the most basic human rights. Its an incomprehensible act thats unimaginable in this day and age.

Wanting to do something tangible, she decided upon a fundraiser.

Its one thing Ireland is good at. We mightnt be good at going to a protest as were out of our comfort zone, but we are good at charity.

The iconic musician Sharon Shannon is a neighbour and came onboard as soon as she was asked. Melanie says that her involvement created momentum and the community just rallied in.

Appetite

SENSING that a lot of people were feeling equally as helpless, she knew there was an appetite to do something and felt it would be a success. Tickets sold out within four days and over 350 people attended on Saturday night.

While initially unsure about a gala as she felt it wouldnt be keeping in context, she teased it out with her husband, Shrule native, James Lohan, many times before realising that the Gala was the only way to raise significant money, because of a raffle, because of an auction, because people pay for a meal and music.

Wanting to keep it inclusive, the event was not black tie, it wasnt celebratory.

We really wanted to honour the Palestinian culture. We had poetry, we had dance, we had song, we had written words, spoken words, and I think that all represented so much of Palestine was showcased.

People in that gala on Saturday night may have never gone to a protest and may never go to one, because its just not in their capacity. But it doesnt mean that they agree with whats going on. They dont, but they just dont know how to channel it. So it gave them a place to share their despair, to know theyre not alone, and to know that we are accountable and together, we can do something, whether its boycotting, whether its just having the conversation, whether its just giving hope, supporting charity.

Dr Melanie McGovern and Hannah Weller of Gaza Go Bragh

There were musical performances from soprano Celine Byrne and Irish-Palestinian musician Roisin El Cherif, as well as Leo Moran from The Saw Doctors.

Internationally renowned soprano Celine Byrne performed on the night and spoke about her own ignorance about Palestine before she was criticised for performing in Israel. She said this made her educate herself on the plight of the Palestinian people and she has since been a vocal advocate for their cause.

Keynote speech

INDEPENDENT Presidential Candidate Catherine Connolly delivered the keynote speech.

She made a point of saying she wasnt there as a presidential candidate, Melanie says, but as a human being who refuses to stay quiet. She got a standing ovation for that.

Catherine Connolly with Fiona Murphy and Brid Hennelly

Melanie is full of praise for the vital role Kay Egan played in helping organise the event, describing her as fundamental.

Kay brought in the Ethical Bar at the event, where everything was BDS approved.

Gala For Gaza came off the back of Pilgrim for Palestine, a fundraiser that took place in Mayo earlier this summer.

Kay Egan, Fiona Murphy, Brid Hennelly, Eveylin McHugh and Sabrina Egan took part in the separate fundraiser Pilgrim for Palestine earlier this summer, which raised almost 36,000 for Gaza go Bragh CLG.

They explain that back in July, after a lot of discussion about our heartbreak and our despair and our desperate need and want to do something to help, and I suppose to put all of that into action to support Palestine., we decided to come up with a fundraiser. We wanted to do something that was meaningful, and we felt that if it was like a walk or a pilgrim, that it would be symbolic. So we chose Tochar Phadraig Walk because the distance from Gaza City to Rafa is 35 kilometers, which mirrors the people who had been asked to leave displaced to go to Rafa.

We did it in one day in challenging conditions. It took us eight hours in total. We finished in Campbells at the Reek with some gorgeous music. It was a beautiful end to a very tough day, but a very enjoyable day.

Kay Egan, Soprano Celine Byrne, Sile Seoige, Melanie McGovern, Emily Jean O Byrne

MORE The iDonate page for Gala For Gaza remains open for anyone who would like to donate and is available at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/galaforgaza
A jury has been selected for the trial of a Kerry man who is accused of murdering his brother more than a year ago.

When arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, Fergus OConnor, aged 42, of The Village, Scartaglin, Castleisland, County Kerry pleaded not guilty to murdering Padraig OConnor on June 28, 2024.

Before selecting the jury, Ms Justice Melanie Greally said the single charge relates to an incident which occurred at a property at An Caislean Mor, Castleisland, in the north of the county.

The house, she said, was the then home of Fergus OConnor and Padraig OConnor's mother.

Ms Justice Greally told the jury panel the trial, which is taking place in Limerick, is expected to last between two and three weeks and that there are potentially more than 70 witnesses in the case.

READ NEXT: Jim Gavin could still be elected president - heres why and what would happen...

The jury panel was told the defendant has worked in the construction industry, primarily as a plasterer and that he has also worked for a tyre company in Castleisland.

A jury of nine men and three women has been selected for the trial which gets underway this Monday afternoon.
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Medicine honors the discovery of how regulatory T cells prevent the immune system from attacking the body.

Highlights: Nobel Prize 2025 awarded for discoveries on immune regulation

Tregs and Foxp3 gene prevent self-attacks by the immune system

This finding opens new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases

  Trusted Source

They discovered how the immune system is kept in check



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TOP INSIGHT Did You Know?

Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded for uncovering how regulatory T cells keep our #immunesystem in check. A breakthrough that protects us from autoimmunity! #nobelprize #autoimmunity #medindia

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The Discovery of Immunitys Hidden Brakes

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Our immune system is like a powerful army, constantly defending us from bacteria, viruses, and other invaders. But what stops this army from mistakenly attacking our own organs? That mysteryhow the immune system keeps itself in checkhas earned).Their discoveries revealed how a special set ofimmune cells, known as, prevent the body from turning against itself.All along researchers believed that thymus was the only organ in our body that could control immune tolerance until the mid-1990s. They thought that the organ was responsible for the destruction of deadly immune cells.
A large clinical trial found that a popular antioxidant supplement does not improve male fertility and may even lower pregnancy rates during critical treatment periods.

Highlights: Antioxidant supplement did not improve ongoing pregnancy rates

did not improve ongoing pregnancy rates Pregnancy rates declined during peak sperm development among men in the supplement group

Sperm vitality decreased with antioxidant use while other parameters remained unchanged

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Antioxidant Treatment and the Chance to Conceive in Men Seeking Fertility Care



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TOP INSIGHT Did You Know?

Men taking #antioxidant supplements had a 6% lower #pregnancy rate during the most crucial fertility window compared to those on placebo. #fertilitysupplements #malefertility #medindia

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Oxidative Stress Theory and Antioxidant Hype

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Fertility Techniques Used Among Male Participants

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No Benefits and Potential Harms Observed

Sperm Health and Adverse Signals

Implications for Fertility Treatment Practices

Antioxidant Treatment and the Chance to Conceive in Men Seeking Fertility Care - (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2839329)

Daily intake of a widely marketed antioxidant supplement showedcompared to placebo after six months of use. Notably, during the window when treatment effects should be optimal, pregnancy rates were significantly lower in the antioxidant group, raising concerns about the supplements effectiveness ().The randomized trial, conducted across 21 centers in the Netherlands and published in, includedseeking fertility support. Participants were given either a placebo or a supplement calledResults suggest antioxidant use may not just be ineffective, it may be counterproductive for male fertility.Male factor infertility contributes to approximately, with oxidative stress often suspected as a key culprit. Reactive oxygen species, which damage sperm DNA and membranes, have led to widespread use of antioxidant supplements aimed at neutralizing them.Despite the physiological basis, clinical trials testing antioxidant efficacy have yielded conflicting results due to small sample sizes and inconsistent designs. As demand for over-the-counter fertility boosters grows, there remains aThe SUMMER trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial that followed participants from May 2018 through December 2024. Men enrolled were undergoing assisted reproductive techniques such as intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.The study measured the ongoing pregnancy rate, defined as a viable pregnancy at 12 weeks, within six months of treatment initiation. Secondary metrics includedat various points throughout the trial period.After six months, the. Even more striking, during the 46 month sperm production window, pregnancy rates dropped further in the antioxidant group towith placebo.Among couples using in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, pregnancy rates after fresh embryo transfer were also lower in the antioxidant group. No significant difference was observed with frozen-thawed embryo transfers or in fertilization and embryo utilization rates.Semen analysis found no differences in volume, motility, or concentration between groups. However,. DNA fragmentation remained unchanged, but the drop in vitality raises concerns about theAdverse effects were rare and similar across groups, but adherence to the supplement was modest at just 58%. Live birth outcomes and certain neonatal measures were not available at the time of publication. The findings were released early due to emerging concerns and ethical reasons.This trial is among the first to rigorously test antioxidant supplementations effects on male fertility in a large population. Despite widespread marketing claims, the supplement failed to enhance pregnancy outcomes and may even reduce fertility during the most critical period.These findings suggest that routine antioxidant use in men seeking fertility treatment could be misguided. Given the potential for unintended harm,. The trial was funded by Goodlife Pharma BV, maker of Impryl, though the company had no role in study design or publication.To sum up, this large-scale clinical trial challenges the widespread belief that antioxidant supplements can enhance male fertility. Not only did the supplement fail to improve pregnancy outcomes, but it also potentially reduced fertility during the key treatment window. Clinicians and patients should reconsider the routine use of such supplements and await stronger evidence before incorporating them into fertility care.Source-Medindia
Amid months of speculations, Tara Sutaria and Veer Pahariya have made their relationship Insta-official by sharing their vacation pictures on Instagram. Tara Sutaria-Veer Pahariya Vacation Pictures Tara shared a series of pictures from her picturesque getaway to Italy. The photos capture her enjoying the local charm, from scenic boat rides and delicious food to soulful music and serene landscapes. In one shot, Veer is seen reaching out to Tara while glancing at the camera, while another features a candid close-up of him inside a car.

 Instagram/Tara Sutaria Though Tara captioned the post with just a few emojis, it subtly hinted that the pictures were from her summer holiday. The post also marked a rare personal update from the actor, who usually keeps her private life under wraps. Rumours about Tara and Veers relationship have been making waves for a while, with the duo often spotted together at events and gatherings. Back in August, Tara even shared a Ganesh Chaturthi post featuring the Sky Force actor, further fuelling speculation about their budding romance.

 Instagram/Tara Sutaria What Are People Saying About Tara And Veers Vacation Pictures? While some users are happy to see them together, others are calling it a PR stunt. One user commented, He has dated Sara , Manushi now Tara . Bhai kuch toh baat hai issme shayad hume ni dikh rhi par hai zaroor . LOL.

 Reddit/BollyBlindssNGossip Another user commented, Tara Sutaria has learnt nothing from her past relationship. This girl is so talented why she doesn't focus on her career. Her relationships are more in talks then her actual work in movies.
(Photo: Rula Developments)

Rula Developments has secured full planning consent for two new industrial units totalling almost 100,000 sq ft at Winsford Gateway in Cheshire, with one already pre-let as a new headquarters for the Saint Group.

The development will deliver two build-to-suit units: WG74, at 74,508 sq ft, and WG27, at 27,728 sq ft. Both will be constructed to Rulas high-quality specification, including bespoke office space, car parking and secure yard areas.

WG74 sits on a 4.8-acre site and offers 69,966 sq ft of industrial space alongside 4,542 sq ft of offices. Features include six dock level loading doors, two level access loading doors, a 350 KVA power supply, 61 car parking spaces and a 35-metre secure yard. WG27, on a nearby 1.73-acre plot, will be delivered as a freehold build-to-suit unit for Saint Group.

Founded in 2008, Saint Group specialises in floor finishing and interior design services for national housebuilders. With five offices across the UK, the company has experienced exceptional growth and requires larger premises to support its expansion. The new headquarters at Winsford Gateway will also contribute to its sustainability goals.

Steve Turner, Founder and Chairman of Saint Flooring, said: Our business has continued to grow both locally and throughout the UK since its conception in 2008. As we embark on further expansion, we are thrilled to be working with Rula Developments to deliver new bespoke HQ premises that will support our future aspirations, safeguarding and creating new jobs while generating new investment for the area.

Winsford Gateway, a 30-acre development at the northern entrance to the 380-acre Winsford Industrial Estate, is already home to around 150 businesses employing more than 4,000 people. The site offers excellent transport links, with the M6 just five miles away and direct connections to Merseyside, Chester and North Wales.

Anthony Clitheroe, Development Director at Rula Developments, said: We are delighted to secure planning consent for our latest plans at Winsford Gateway, adding important logistics accommodation to the already successful Winsford Industrial Estate which remains 100 per cent occupied.

We are also excited to secure a freehold build-to-suit agreement to deliver WG27 for a locally founded, successful business like Saint Flooring, supporting its business expansion.

We recognise that well-located, purpose-built logistics and industry accommodation is in great demand and over recent years we have invested in creating a new and prominent northern entrance to the estate with fully serviced plots for freehold or leasehold occupation.

We have also invested in creating an amenity hub at Winsford Gateway with on-site facilities including a recently opened Costa Coffee, Greggs, Subway and Londis and filling/service station serving the thousands who already work and commute around the site. A new McDonalds outlet opened in July and a KFC operator has recently secured planning consent within the amenity hub also.

Rula is currently offering a total of 350,000 sq ft of industrial, logistics and roadside/retail space at Winsford Gateway. This includes a proposed 225,000 sq ft logistics HQ building on a 14-acre site where planning consent is imminent, alongside six trade counter units ranging from 1,684 to 3,058 sq ft.

Previous projects at the site include a 168,000 sq ft factory for Tiger Trailers and a 4.1-acre yard extension for the manufacturer. Rulas wider portfolio spans over 4 million sq ft of commercial and industrial development across the UK, including schemes in Fulwood and Doncaster.

Marketing of Winsford Gateway is being handled by Legat Owen Chartered Surveyors and CBRE.
BEIJING  China's Premier Li Qiang will go to North Korea this week in the highest-level visit by a Chinese leader since 2019.

Li will lead a government delegation from Thursday to Saturday to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of North Korea's ruling party, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

China has long been the North Korean government's most important ally and source of support, though North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sought to balance that in recent years by building ties with Russia. He has sent troops to help Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

Russia is sending former President Dmitri Medvedev to this weeks anniversary celebrations, North Koreas official KCNA news agency said Monday.

A statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry called China and North Korea traditional friends and neighbors" and said it is an unswerving strategic policy of the Chinese government and the ruling Communist Party to maintain, consolidate and develop relations with North Korea.

Li is one of seven members of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party's Politburo, the apex of power in China. As premier, he is generally considered the No. 2 leader after President Xi Jinping. Li has been representing China on more foreign trips as the 72-year-old Xi curtails his travel schedule.

Xis last visit to North Korea was in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, will also visit North Korea this week for the anniversary celebrations, the country's government announced Monday. He is general secretary of the Communist Party, the same leadership position held by Xi in China and Kim in North Korea's Workers' Party.

It will be the first visit by a Vietnamese leader to North Korea since 2007, Vietnam's state media said.

The president of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, will also attend, KCNA said last week. He is general secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party.

High-level contacts between China and North Korea have picked up since last year. Zhao Leji, another member of the Politburo Standing Committee, traveled to North Korea in April and met Kim in the capital, Pyongyang. Kim visited China last month, joining Russian President Vladimir Putin and others at a Chinese military parade in Beijing.

Read next: 'It's a Lottery': Why Foreign Volunteer Fought in Russia-Ukraine War
The man who fatally struck an Army soldier stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state in a vehicle collision on Interstate 5, then carjacked another vehicle to flee, was sentenced Monday to three years, 10 months in prison.

Ryan Edward Grems, 38, pleaded guilty in July to failure to remain at an accident resulting in death and theft of a motor vehicle for the March 30, 2024, hit-and-run that killed 39-year-old Lance Melder.

Grems skipped a sentencing hearing last month, angering Melders grieving family members and prompting a bench warrant to be issued for his arrest. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Shelly K. Moss imposed Grems punishment Monday morning, giving him a sentence at the low end of the standard sentencing range.

Melder was a tanker from Temple, Texas, who had served in the Army since 2006 and was stationed at JBLM starting in August 2023. He was driving south on Interstate 5 near the Tacoma Mall shortly before 2:30 a.m. in a 2012 Ford Focus, according to court records, when Grems crashed a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado into his vehicle from behind.

The Washington State Patrol at the time said the driver who hit Melder ditched his Silverado and carjacked a GMC Acadia from a driver who had stopped nearby. Melder was pronounced dead at the scene.

Blood was found inside both the Silverado and the Acadia, which was found abandoned on the exit ramp to 56th Street, according to charging documents. Investigators matched both blood samples to Grems. A witness report and the ownership history of the Silverado also helped identify him.

Grems had one prior felony conviction for second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm from 2023, according to court records, and he had 17 prior misdemeanor convictions that date back to 2005.

Melders wife, Alyssa, wrote in a victim-impact statement submitted to the court that losing her husband, provider and best friend was the worst thing possible. Melder was a father to four children. His mother-in-law, Hollie Lanning, wrote that her grandchildren were forever changed.

They cry for him at night, Lanning wrote. They look for him in the stands at school events. They draw pictures of him with angel wings, still trying to understand why hes not coming back. Their laughter is quieter now. The light in their eyes flickers with a sadness no child should ever have to carry.

Nancy Cross met Melder and his wife when they were stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado in 2012, she said in her victim-impact statement. Cross said Melder strived to be the type of soldier others looked up to and that the Army lost one of the best soldiers, leaders and peers a unit could hope to have. In other news out of Superior Court Man gets 5 years in prison for shooting security guard in Fife

A 19-year-old man who shot a security guard in the arm while trying to shoplift ammunition from a sporting-goods store in Fife, prompting an exchange of gunfire, has been sentenced to a little more than five years, nine months in prison.

Dayvion Joseph George pleaded guilty in August to first-degree attempted assault. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Rebecca Reeder imposed his sentence Oct. 1, giving him a punishment at the low end of the standard sentencing range.

Prosecutors originally charged George with second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault and first-degree robbery. In a statement explaining the amended charges, deputy prosecuting attorney Thomas Howe said the resolution of the case was based on balancing the specific facts of the incident, anticipated evidence issues at trial, factors that potentially mitigate Georges culpability and the wishes of the injured victim.

Howe said the victim had made it unequivocally clear that his main concern was putting the incident behind him and indicated he didnt want to testify in court.

George was 18 when, according to Howe, he armed himself to shoplift from the Sportco store in the 4600 block of 20th Street East. When George walked out of the store with ammunition, he resisted being apprehended by a young loss-prevention officer, Howe said, and George shot and injured him.

In the undersigneds analysis, this fact distinguishes this case, to some degree, from cases where a defendant initiates an encounter with the preformed intent to shoot another person, Howe wrote.

George had no prior criminal history. According to charging documents, the shooting occurred while another man shoplifting fought with the loss-prevention officer on the ground.

 2025 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.).

Visit www.TheNewsTribune.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Hamas is looking to secure a fair hostage exchange as part of a deal with Israel to end the two-year war thats devastated Gaza and destabilized much of the Middle East.

The Palestinian militant groups negotiating team in Egypt will aim to eliminate all obstacles to a settlement, Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesperson, said during a televised address broadcast on Qatar-based Al-Jazeera on Tuesday.

At the forefront is a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, he added, while AlQahera News reported that Hamas is seeking guarantees that Israeli military action will end.

An agreement should also include the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, an assurance that refugees can return and immediate permission to begin reconstruction under a Palestinian committee, Barhoum said.

It wasnt immediately clear if his comments indicate Hamas wont agree to release hostages unless all of the groups conditions are met, a scenario that would reduce the likelihood of a deal being struck imminently. Israeli government spokespeople have yet to comment on the status of the talks.

The Iran-backed organization still holds about 20 people abducted during the October 2023 attacks that triggered the war, plus the remains of about two dozen more who have died in captivity. Under the terms of U.S. President Donald Trumps 20-point peace plan unveiled early last week, Hamas will release all of them in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Israel and Hamas have begun mediated peace negotiations this week in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh to build on the proposal. Trump said Sunday that everybody has pretty much agreed to the terms, but no deal has been officially struck. He said late Monday that an agreement is very close.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner are due to travel to Egypt to take part in the negotiations, which follow Hamass request to discuss some elements of the U.S. presidents plan.

An Israeli official said the military had assumed a defensive posture in its ongoing campaign in Gaza City, while Hamas said airstrikes and shelling continued, killing dozens of people. Israel has in recent weeks focused its attention on Gazas de facto capital, saying the last Hamas strongholds are embedded there.

Hamas had agreed over the weekend to release the hostages contingent upon the necessary field conditions for carrying out the exchange.

Barhoum on Tuesday warned against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus attempts to obstruct the talks this week, adding Israel has failed to achieve its goals in the war including returning the hostages by force.

Negotiations over a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, mediated mainly by Qatar and Egypt, have repeatedly fallen through over disagreements surrounding the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the disarming of Hamas, which is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and European Union.

The ongoing talks come two years after thousands of Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and abducting another 250. The resulting war has killed over 67,000 Gazans, according to the Hamas-run health ministry there, and triggered a humanitarian crisis.

 With assistance from Sherif Tarek, Dan Williams and Fares Akram.

 2025 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
MOSCOW  Russia hosted a delegation of Afghanistan's ruling Taliban government Tuesday and issued a strong warning against a foreign military presence in the country.

Speaking at the start of an international meeting on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the Taliban government for efforts to combat the Islamic State and other extremist groups, as well as eradicate illegal drugs.

Lavrov emphasized that the deployment of military infrastructure of any third countries on the territory of Afghanistan, as well as on the territories of neighboring states, is categorically unacceptable under any pretext.

Last month, the Afghan government rejected a bid by U.S. President Donald Trump to retake Bagram Air Base, four years after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country left the sprawling military facility in the Talibans hands.

The military presence of any extra-regional players could only lead to destabilization and new conflicts, Lavrov said. The history of Afghanistan has seen a lot of situations with foreign military presence. I believe everyone should have drawn the right conclusions long time ago.

The former Soviet Union fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with Moscow withdrawing its troops in 1989.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the pullback of U.S. and NATO forces, they have sought international recognition while also enforcing their strict interpretation of Islamic law.

In July, Russia became the first country to recognize the Talibans government after removing the group from its list of outlawed organizations.

At Tuesday's talks, Lavrov said Russia was looking forward to expanding business ties with Afghanistan and boosting anti-terrorism and anti-narcotics cooperation. He assailed the West for conducting hostile policies toward Kabul, maintaining a freeze on its assets and other sanctions.

Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised the bold move of the Russian Federation to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan."

"I appreciate it and wish that all countries follow the same path, he said.

Muttaqi said the Moscow talks offer a good opportunity for the countries of the region to listen to each others views, noting his government has created an opportunity "to ensure comprehensive security after four decades and provide a good ground for investment, economy, transit and connectivity.

Officials from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also took part in Tuesday's talks.

While Russia was the first country to recognize the Taliban administration, the group had engaged in high-level talks with many nations and established some diplomatic ties with countries including China and the United Arab Emirates.

Still, the Taliban government has been relatively isolated on the world stage, largely over its restrictions on women.

Although the Taliban initially promised a more moderate rule than during their first stint in power from 1996 to 2001, it enforced restrictions on women and girls soon after the 2021 takeover. Women are barred from most jobs and public places, including parks, baths and gyms, while girls are banned from education beyond sixth grade.
When 50-year-old Paul Douglas showed up at Marine Corps boot camp in 1942, the white-haired economics professor looked more like a seasoned general than a private. Instead, he was just another recruit, running the same obstacle courses and getting the same punishment as the younger troops.

What set Douglas apart wasnt age or rank, but the fact that he had already been a Chicago alderman, a failed candidate for mayor, and an adviser for the president. By the end of World War II, he would also be a combat-decorated Marine.

Early Life and Political Career

Douglas was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on March 26, 1892. His mother died young, and his father was abusive, prompting his stepmother to move the children to Maine. He graduated from Bowdoin College before earning a masters degree and Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University in 1921.

His academic career took him across the country, including a post at the University of Chicago, where he worked on banking reform proposals known as the Chicago Plan and co-authored A Program for Monetary Reform.

Douglas also became active in politics. He advised Gov. Gifford Pinchot of Pennsylvania and Franklin D. Roosevelt when he was governor of New York. He served as an alderman in Chicago, ran unsuccessfully for mayor, and joined reformist movements such as the Farmer-Labor Party. His second wife, Emily Taft Douglas  later a member of Congress  encouraged his growing interest in politics. He attempted to win a seat in the senate, but this also failed.

By the early 1940s, his political career had stalled.

Pvt. Paul Douglas performs rifle qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot S.C., 1942 (Official Marine Corps Photo courtesy of the Parris Island History Museum).

Choosing the Marines

When the U.S. entered World War II, Douglas saw an opportunity to serve his nation. Hundreds of thousands of men were drafted for the military and many volunteered. Some even lied about their age to enlist in the military before they were old enough. Douglas was at the other end of the spectrum, so he reached out to his friend Frank Knox, former publisher of the Chicago Daily News and Secretary of the Navy, asking to enlist. Knox made sure the Marines accepted him.

At age 50, Douglas reported to Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. There was no waiver for his age  he trained alongside recruits young enough to be his grandsons. Drill instructors treated him no differently, and Douglas earned the respect of the younger Marines, who saw him as both an example and a mentor.

Douglas later recalled: I found myself able to take the strenuous boot camp training without asking for a moment's time out and without visiting the sick bay.

After graduation, Douglas was assigned clerical work and promoted to staff sergeant within a few months. Still unsatisfied, he begged for combat duty in the Pacific. With Knoxs help, he received a commission and got his orders for the 1st Marine Division.

Pvt. Paul Douglas, age 50, performs pistol qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot S.C., 1942 (Official Marine Corps Photo courtesy of the Parris Island History Museum).

Combat in the Pacific

In September 1944, Douglas landed on Peleliu with the 5th Marines. His commanders initially tried to keep him away from combat, but he begged for permission to serve at the front. After receiving approval, he carried ammunition and supplies to rifle companies under fire and earned a Bronze Star for his actions. One of the Marines he resupplied was Eugene Sledge, who later recalled the encounter in his famous memoir With the Old Breed.

Douglas saw heavy action at Peleliu. While carrying flamethrower fuel, he was wounded by shrapnel and awarded his first Purple Heart. He also killed a Japanese sniper in a cave after the soldier had already shot two Marines.

Reflecting on that moment, Douglas later wrote: As I came out, covered with mud and blood, the thought went through my head that perhaps the fellow was a professor of economics at the University of Tokyo. What a world it is that causes each of us to seek the others life.

The 1st Marine Division later fought at Okinawa, where Douglas again placed himself in danger. Serving with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, he carried supplies, helped evacuate wounded Marines, and shared hardships with his men.

While rescuing a wounded Marine, he was struck by machine gun fire, which permanently disabled his left hand. He earned a second Purple Heart. Marines recalled him telling corpsmen to treat younger men first, even removing his officer insignia to ensure enlisted troops received care ahead of him.

Marine Pfc. Paul Ison later remembered the scene: There, lying on the ground, bleeding from his wound, was a white-haired Marine major He was saying, Leave me here. Get the young men out first. I have lived my life. Please let them live theirs.

Douglas had earned the respect of the young Marines around him.

From Foxholes Back to Politics

Douglas spent 13 months recovering at the National Naval Medical Center before retiring from the Marine Corps as a lieutenant colonel. He returned briefly to teaching but soon reentered politics.

In 1948, he campaigned across Illinois, speaking in support of the Marshall Plan and civil rights. When his opponent refused to debate, Douglas debated an empty chair. He won with 55 percent of the vote and went on to serve 18 years in the Senate.

Douglas became a leading voice for civil rights, environmental protection, and housing reform. His wartime service gave him credibility on Capitol Hill, where few could question his patriotism.

Douglas published his autobiography, In the Fullness of Time, in 1971 and died in 1976 at age 84. The Marine Corps later named the Parris Island visitor center in his honor, with a plaque commemorating him as the oldest Marine recruit in history.

His legacy stretches beyond the laws he passed or the books he wrote. It is best defined by the moment the 50-year-old chose to carry a rifle and stand with his Marines in some of World War IIs bloodiest battles.
For Vietnam War veterans of Bravo Company, the wait is over.

While it took more than five decades, 14 veterans of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, were finally honored with Bronze Star Medals at an American Legion Post 1 ceremony on Sept. 18 in Omaha, Nebraska, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

In an event filled with pride, recollection, and emotion, friends and family packed the hall to see their loved ones honored for valor and meritorious service. Presenting the medals was Army Maj. Gen. John W. Weidner, chief of staff, Strategic Command, and Col. Robert Newbauer, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District.

Five veterans were presented with the Bronze Star Medal with Valor: 1st Lt. John E. Shaeffer, Sgt. Don J. Cantacessi, Spec. Ronald Coleman, Roy F. Pline, and Stephen Wittenberg. The medals honor soldiers that rushed into fire to aid comrades, provided critical leadership under pressure, or exposed themselves to danger so others could survive.

In addition, nine veterans received Bronze Star Medals honoring meritorious service, advancing the Army Commendation Medals they had already received. The citations reflect constant grind from combat leadership, honoring squad leaders, riflemen, and fire team leaders. Despite dire conditions, the squad leaders showed confidence in their tactical abilities and comradeship to their fellow soldiers, traits that pushed Bravo Company above some of the wars biggest hurdles.



Receiving honor were Spc. Arturo G. Cuellar, Spc. Charles P. Emery, Sgt. George A. Jones, Sgt. Dale G. Liefer, Sgt. Thomas P. Saumur, Spc. Marvin S. Weis, Spc. Ronald A. Wulff, and Spc. Clarence Kirshner, a combat medic.

Company Endured Many Battles

In early 1967, Bravo Company was assigned to the central highlands of Vietnam. Setting up bases like Oasis and Camp Enari, the company patrolled the countrys northern and southern borders and completed interdiction missions to disrupt enemy distribution routes to the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Like many soldiers landing in Vietnam, Bravo Company barely had time to get acclimated to the foreign lands thick jungles, stifling humidity, and constant bloodshed before engaging in its first mission, Operation Sam Houston. They experience heavy combat in the provinces of Kon Tum and Pleiku. Several campaigns followed, including the Tet Offensive in early 1968 and Operation Francis Marion.

Throughout two violent years, Bravo Company battled in 94 firefights, ambushes, or mine explosions. From a group of 110 soldiers, 31 were killed and 52 sustained injuries.

Known as the Panthers, by 1969, the company had conducted nine major operations, earning multiple citations. Decades later, the members of Bravo Company can look back proudly, knowing that, in their words, they decisively denied the enemy freedom of movement along the western highlands border.



U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John W. Weidner, chief of staff for U.S. Strategic Command, speaks with veterans of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, before a ceremony Sept. 18, 2025, at American Legion Post 1 in Omaha, Nebraska. Fourteen veterans of Bravo Company were honored for acts of valor and meritorious service in Vietnam more than 50 years ago. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers photo by Delanie Stafford, DVIDS)



These soldiers endured the worst of war, Newbauer said. Their bravery and steadfast commitment to each other reflect the highest ideals of military service. It is an honor to stand with them as they receive long-overdue recognition.

Indeed. For many years, surviving members of the company had to work behind the scenes to get properly recognized. Despite participating in the same missions, junior enlisted soldiers regularly received the Army Commendation Medal, instead of the Bronze Star, which usually went to officers. Working to correct that injustice, company members sent evidence, official documentation and testimony to build their case for proper citation.



The government finally responded accordingly, as the Armys Human Resources Command approved the Bronze Star awards in March 2025. It was the Armys turn to rewrite history. In a good way.



The veterans of Bravo Company set the conditions for me and my generation to grow up and thrive in a world shaped by freedom and opportunity, said Weidner. You had a profound and positive influence on geopolitics for decades to come, shaping a more peaceful and prosperous world for all. On behalf of the United States Army and the nation you served with such distinction, it is my profound privilege to help recognize your courage, your unwavering commitment, and your enduring sacrifice.

For Bravo Company soldiers, the event felt like a homecoming. A welcome back, and the thank you most of them didnt receive when they came home from Vietnam. They smiled as they received recognition long overdue.
News / Agriculture

by Stephen Jakes

Murambinda Residents Association has raised concerns over delays in the implementation of irrigation schemes intended to draw water from Marovanyati Dam, a development seen as critical to transforming the region into a productive green belt.The issue was highlighted during Team D budget consultations currently underway at the Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe (BSPZ) Centre in Murambinda, according to a post by the Parliament of Zimbabwe on X (formerly Twitter)."During the session, Mr. James Chadzimura, Chairman of the Murambinda Residents Association, expressed concern over the delayed implementation of irrigation schemes meant to draw water from Marovanyati Dam," reads the post.Getrude Chagwedera also called for the rehabilitation of the road leading to Sabi Star Mine, describing it as excessively dusty and a challenge for both motorists and residents.Councillor Mudzimu proposed that radio and television licence fees be reduced to at least US$20, arguing that such a move would make them more affordable to the majority of motorists.Meanwhile, the Buhera Rural District Council urged the Government to expedite the disbursement of Devolution Funds to support infrastructure development and unlock agricultural potential in the Murambinda area.
This week's mailbag gets into the Reds' offense, whether Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Jorge Polanco will stay with their respective clubs, trade targets for the Braves' rotation, and whether the Rangers could trade Jacob deGrom.

Bill asks:

What can the Cincinnati Reds possibly do to fix the mess that is their lineup? They need at least one big bat and probably do not have the money to accomplish that.

The Reds' offense ranked eighth in the NL with 4.42 runs scored per game. Let's examine where the lineup stands after the Reds were eliminated by the Dodgers in the Wild Card round.

No one on the Reds had a stellar offensive season. Almost every regular fell between a 97 wRC+ and a 109 mark, with 100 being league average. Where can improvements be found?
The Sanford Dam in Sanford, Mich. on Friday, May 2, 2025. The Four Lakes Task Force, which owns the dam, received $9.8 million in the state's 2026 budget to offset the cost of dam repairs which are being levied on lakefront property owners. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

LANSING, MI  The new 2026 state budget includes roughly $50 million in earmarks to local governments around Michigan to upgrade water and sewer systems, rebuild dams, build trails and expand parks.

Michigan lawmakers approved the pet projects in a $81 billion budget passed overnight on Friday, Oct. 3, which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to sign this week.

The earmarks are among roughly $160 million in new, legislatively-directed pet spending approved alongside new reforms that prohibit such earmarks from going to for-profit recipients and which require lawmakers to publicly sponsor and justify them.

The local money is distributed by state departments, which house and disburse the funds but exclude the money from base program budgets.

The largest standalone item is $20 million split between the city of Midland and the Four Lakes Task Force following the 2020 Edenville dam failure. The money will pay for building new flood-resistant infrastructure and offset dam rebuilding costs which are being levied on homeowners.

One earmark notable for its exclusion is $50 million proposed for Wakefield Township in the Upper Peninsula that would have gone to upgrade infrastructure around the controversial Copperwood Mine near the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Surviving earmarks include:

Water, wastewater, flooding, dams and culverts

Midland will receive $10 million for flood-mitigation projects.

Four Lakes Task Force will receive $9.8 million for failed dam reconstruction.

Mount Clemens will receive $3 million to replace lead service lines.

Oakland-Macomb Interceptor Drain Drainage District will receive $2.5 million for odor- and corrosion-control facilities.

Lake Mitchell Sewer Authority in Wexford County will receive $2.4 million for sewer-system repairs.

Portage will receive $2 million to control U.S. 131 stormwater runoff.

Cadillac will receive $1.9 million to replace failed culverts.

Kawkawlin Township will receive $1.94 million for flood-control infrastructure.

Rockwood will receive $1.5 million to upgrades its wastewater plant.

Saginaw County Road Commission will receive $1.2 million for environmental-compliance and storm-water-management upgrades.

Lathrop will receive $1.1 million to replace a water main.

Grosse Pointe Farms will receive $1 million for seawall repair.

Blendon Township will receive $920,000 for water security and infrastructure.

Ingham County will receive $750,000 to repair the Lake Lansing Dam.

Marysville will receive $750,000 to replace the seawall at its drinking water plant.

Redford will receive $750,000 to build a combined sewer overflow basin.

Ingham County will receive $500,000 for water infrastructure projects.

Parks, trails and outdoor recreation

Rochester Hills will receive $2 million for park upgrades.

Jackson County will receive $1.5 million for The Cascades park improvements.

Harbor Beach will receive $1 million for a campground expansion.

Huron-Waterloo Pathways Initiative will receive $1 million for trail development.

Ann Arbor will receive $1 million for the Treeline Conservancy and urban trails.

Jackson will receive $750,000 for Ella Sharp Park trail upgrades.

Others

Kirtland Community College will receive $100,000 for a timber harvest simulator.

St. Clair Shores will receive $1 million for nautical mile enhancements.

The earmarks are a fraction of large department budgets.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is receiving $968 million next year, a 16 percent increase over its 2025 appropriation. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will receive $543 million, a 2.5 percent increase over 2025.

The departments both received various one-time appropriations for internal programs. At EGLE, one-time funding included $34 million for state revolving fund infrastructure grants, $17.4 million for lead service line replacements, $2.3 million for the Michigan Geological Survey and $5 million for document digitization.

At the DNR, one-time appropriations included $2.5 million for arctic grayling fish species reintroduction and $14 million to continue recovery from the March ice storm  which some lawmakers say isnt enough to repair all the snarled utility lines and wrecked forest.

The budget also retained a prohibition inserted by Republicans which prevents the DNR from using fisheries division money to list the Little Manistee River as a natural river where some development is limited to create a wild and scenic corridor.

Lawmakers did not approve increased hunting and fishing license fees and an opt-out program on state park passes that would have generated more money for the DNR, which had requested more money to offset aging equipment and mounting costs.
This state file photo shows a portion of approximately 919,500 acres of state forest land  nearly 25% of the entire state forest system - that was impacted by the 2025 ice storm. Pictured here is damage on state forestland off of Burdo Road near Gaylord. (DNR |Matthew Clara) MI Dept. of Natural Resources

LANSING, MI  Lawmakers included $14 million for ice storm recovery in the new Michigan state budget.

The question is whether the ice storm money in Michigans 2026 state budget will be enough. The consensus is that its insufficient by a long shot.

The states nearly $76 billion budget for 2026 that lawmakers just finalized on Oct. 3 included $10 million for ice storm cleanup work. Additionally, there is $2.2 million for tree replanting and $2 million for efforts to reduce wildfire risk in the storm damage zone.

Officials said the cleanup dollars are the states required match amount for $50 million in federal disaster money. The budget awaits the governors signature.

State and federal authorities estimated the ice storm damage to public property and infrastructure at $137 million, according to Michigan State Police. The estimate does not include damage to private property.

State Rep. Parker Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs, said he championed for ice storm recovery money in the hard-fought 2026 state budget. He even said the $14 million included in the new budget wont cover the enormous costs from the icy natural disaster, which snarled utility lines and wrecked northern forests in the last days of March.

Its really a drop in the bucket for all the damage that we had in northern Michigan, but it is a good start, Fairbairn said, calling the allocation a win in the state budget.

And going forward, I think we know that its still top of mind, he said.

Related: Michigan budget leaves door open for raising hunting, fishing license fees

Wildfire and forestry experts agreed much more money will be needed to deal with the ice storms fallout. Nevertheless, state officials said they appreciated these needed additional funds for reforestation and wildfire risk reduction.

In the coming days, we will be evaluating how that funding can best be used to address these needs, said Ed Golder, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Longtime state contractor Gerald Lambert, of Frederic, said hes planted 106 million trees for the DNR over the course of the 25 years hes done the work.

Lambert made some quick calculations and said he figures the state can replant somewhere between 4,000 and 5,000 acres with the $2.2 million allocated in the new budget, depending on the tree species.

Its nice that theyre allocating that money, Lambert said, if this is above and beyond their normal planting. So, any addition is going to help.

Nearly 1 million acres of state forestland is estimated to have been damaged by the ice storm.

Lambert explained how the DNR typically replants about 6,000 acres of forestland each year, the outcome of a four-year cycle from logging to planting new tree seedlings in the ground.

The state contractor said site preparation with trenching equipment happens the year after a timber harvest, followed by a year when herbicides are sprayed to kill off any plants that would compete for nutrients with forthcoming trees. The third year after state forestland is clear cut is when new seedlings are planted, he said.

This MLive file photo shows a red pine seedling planted on state land near Gaylord, seen here on April 11, 2025, when the Michigan Society of American Foresters hosted a tour of the clear-cut and replanted red pine plantation. (Sheri McWhirter | MLive.com) Sheri McWhirter

Lambert said it will inevitably take multiple years to fully replant the damaged public forests.

Meanwhile, there are concerns about wildfire risk associated with the abundance of downed trees and branches across the ice storm damage zone.

Ben Savoie, chairperson for the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council, said the states investment in wildfire risk reduction is welcome but $2 million is only a beginning.

Prescribed fire is one of the most effective and forward-looking tools we have to reduce fuel loads, build community safety, and keep forests healthy. Natural forests with greater species diversity weathered the recent ice storm with far less damage than monoculture plantations  and prescribed fire is one of the key ways to restore that kind of resilient landscape, Savoie said.

Council members also hope the states reforestation spending is invested in diverse forests rather than new tree plantations and that prescribed burning becomes a larger part of Michigans wildfire risk strategy, he said.

Whether this storm is remembered as a natural disturbance that strengthened our forests or as the beginning of a cycle of catastrophic fires will depend on the choices we make now, Savoie said.

Separate from the new state budget, Fairbairn sponsored a bill providing $100 million in state aid for storm relief, which did pass the state House and is now before the Senate. But it would help individuals, businesses and local governments first, then leaving any leftover money for the DNR and power cooperatives, which experienced widespread utility infrastructure damages.

The electric grid across much of northern Michigan was gnarled by the ice storm, and now power cooperatives are raising customer rates to pay for the enormous infrastructure restoration effort.
Detroit City Distillery will be crafting cooky and spooky cocktails for the month of October. (Jake May | MLive.com)

DETROIT, MI -- Cheers to the horror movie fans  this is your season. This Eastern Market haunt is raising a glass to all things Halloween from cult classics to iconic spooks.

Detroit City Distillery is bringing back its spine-tingling Dead City Distillery pop-up starting Wednesday, Oct. 8 in its historic Riopelle Street Tasting Room within Eastern Market.

Entry is free for the horror movie homage 4 p.m. -11 p.m.

From the set design, to the glassware to the cocktails themselves, the staff is leaning all the way into the creepy, kooky, mysterious and spooky.

Halloween  and especially the movies  is one of my favorite times of year, and this pop-up is a true labor of love, said Ryan Klosowski, Marketing Director.

I designed it as an homage to cult-favorite horror films like The Evil Dead and Cabin in the Woods. Weve transformed the tasting room with the same attention to detail we put into our cocktails. Its our chance to go all-out, have some fun with props, and give Detroit something memorable to sip and celebrate.

Dead City Distillery month also marks the return of Absinthe Superieure Isabella.

The rare bottle was crafted from a 19th-century recipe that includes Grande Wormwood and other botanicals.

Absinthe Superieure Isabella is 136 proof and light green in color due to the natural ingredients used in distilling. It is an authentic expression of traditional Absinthe Superieure, according to Detroit City Distillery.

Bottles are $60 each and will be available for purchase in October.

Heres a taste of the Halloween cocktail menu:

Hells Elixir - Four Grain Bourbon, Vanilla, Honey, Maple Spiced Apple Cider, Lemon Juice, Bitters

Ward Off Evil - Shopkeepers Gin, Allspice Dram, House Tonic & Ginger beer

Graveyard Shift #2 - Four Grain Bourbon, Licor 43, Cap Corse, Amaro di Angostura, Bitters, Absinthe Rinse

Unwilling Sacrifice - Gilded Age Vodka, Apple Cider, Coconut Cream, Demerara, Lemon, Vanilla, Bitters

Blood Bath - Railroad Gin, Lime, Sorrel Syrup, Ginger, Bitters

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails:

Dead Idols - Free Spirits N/A Reposado Tequila, Grenadine, House Idol Soda

Teenage Horror Story - A Cut Above N/A Mezcal, Grapefruit, Lemon, Cinnamon, Raspberry

More spooks on the DCD calendar:

Oct. 11: Dead Media Swap for Records, CDs, cassettes, VHS

Oct. 12: Fall Yoga Sip and Shop

Oct. 18: Fall Fair

Oct. 19: Drag Show Brunch

Oct. 31: Blend Your Own Bourbon - Halloween edition

More to do in Detroit:

Historic inn stirring up something delightfully dreadful for Edgar Allan Poe

Tour a living museum in Southeast Michigan by steam train or Model T

E-Foil lessons feel like flying on the Detroit River

Inside the Michigan museum that draws 1.6 million visitors annually
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Wednesday, Oct. 8 for a lawsuit challenging the state's policy that denies workers' compensation to undocumented immigrants. (MLive file photo) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

When Carla, an undocumented farmworker who spent a decade picking Michigan cherries, peaches, pumpkins and asparagus, was hit by a forklift, it broke her foot. Out of work for months, she tried to get workers compensation to cover lost wages.

But she was denied benefits because of her immigration status.

In Michigan, there are thousands of people who show up to work in the most dangerous industries and put their lives and livelihoods on the line, said Anna Hill Galendez, a Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, MIRC, attorney who shared Carlas story, using a pseudonym, during an Oct. 6 press briefing.

But unlike their co-workers, if they get seriously injured and cant work, they get no wages and have no recourse solely because they dont have work authorization.

Michigan is a rare state that does not provide workers compensation to undocumented immigrants who get injured at work. But a case thats going before the Michigan Supreme Court this week is trying to change that.

FarmSTAND and the Sugar Law Center brought the underlying lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on behalf of MIRC to change the policy that denies benefits solely because people lack authorization to work in the United States.

Beyond that, lawyers say the winding legal case has broader implications, challenging when lawsuits can be brought against government officials.

These are incredibly technical but important issues for preserving the rights for civil rights in the state, for all peoples rights, said David Muraskin, a FarmSTAND attorney.

The Michigan Attorney Generals office, which is representing Whitmer in the litigation, declined to comment on the case, instead pointing to its legal briefs. Attorney General Dana Nessel is not involved in the defense.

Oral arguments before the Michigan Supreme Court are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The underlying legal case

Under Michigan law, wage loss benefits are available to most workers who get injured on the job. Employers pay for workers compensation insurance, and in exchange, employees give up their right to sue over those injuries.

This is whats called the grand bargain, giving benefits regardless of whos at fault.

This grand bargain, however, begins to collapse when we dont pay the promised benefits and when some workers are covered and not others, said John Philo, executive and legal director of the Sugar Law Center.

Roughly 60,000 undocumented workers, many in injury-prone industries like manufacturing, construction and agriculture, are unable to lean on the workers compensation system because of Michigans policy.

Michigan has maintained this position under a 2003 case, Sanchez v. Eagle Alloy, Inc., that determined wage loss benefits cannot be given to workers committing a crime, making undocumented immigrants ineligible for compensation.

MIRC sued the governor four years ago, asking lower courts to rule this case was wrongly decided.

The lawsuit, now pending with the Michigan Supreme Court, argues its transparently unlawful for the state to deny wage loss benefits because of immigration status. It points to the U.S. Supreme Court previously ruling that criminal activity alone is insufficient to deny workers compensation.

Philo says excluding undocumented workers provides an incentive for employers because they dont have to pay increased premiums and insurance carriers dont have to pay all the claims for workplace injuries.

Put another way, Philo says this means an employer can operate more cheaply than others.

If injured undocumented persons are not covered, those employers are effectively encouraged to hire only undocumented persons, he said. As a result, covering everyone who is injured at the workplace everyone equally is not only fair to the persons who suffer catastrophic injury, the undocumented worker, but to every Michigan resident who is working in this state

MIRC, the named plaintiff in the case, argues it has been harmed by the states policy because a steady flow of undocumented immigrants seeking workers compensation have strained their resources. Consequently, the nonprofit legal organization hired a part-time law clerk in 2019 to handle an influx of calls.

But this is one reason why the Michigan Attorney Generals office argued the case should be dismissed, noting in its opposition that MIRC does not identify any workers who have been denied benefits.

MIRC as an organization has never been denied workers compensation benefits, an opposition brief said. Nor does each individual denial of benefits harm MIRC.

MIRC maintains that is harmed by the governors policy alongside undocumented workers.

Muraskin also says these workers may not bring legal cases because they might be scared to come forward, they may have moved away or their life circumstances may make it difficult to challenge the states policy.

What arguments will the Supreme Court consider

The key issue that the Michigan Supreme Court will decide is timeliness  a debate that split the lower courts.

The state argued that MIRC did not bring the case within a year of the policy allegedly harming the organization. But MIRCs lawsuit contends this is unlawful because it gravely limits when lawsuits can be brought.

The Michigan Court of Claims ruled in favor of MIRC, but the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed that decision  a move that Philo called an outlier that cuts off peoples rights to challenge unconstitutional actions of the government.

Phil Mayor, an attorney with the ACLU of Michigan, contends the Court of Appeals decision could create a blanket of immunity for government officials.

Its an issue about whether all Michiganders can go to court to stop the government from breaking the law, he said. Or whether, as the governor would have it, if theyve gotten away with breaking the law for a year, they can just keep doing it indefinitely.

But the state has pushed back on this argument.

An opposition brief maintains that MIRC failed to file its lawsuit within a year, and the organizations dire warning overlooks the fact that individual workers who have been denied benefits can still fight that.

Thus, to the extent the alleged policy is wrong, it can still be challenged, the brief said. MIRC simply chose the wrong pathway to do so.

If MIRCs case succeeds, the fight over workers compensation for undocumented immigrants will go back to the lower courts. In the meantime, though, any workers who do get injured will still not qualify for benefits.

If we want work conditions that are dignified, fair and healthy, we must ensure the workers compensation system is administered as intended to protect all workers, Hill Galendez said.
The S.S. City of Milwaukee historic car ferry is transformed into a haunted attraction every year, known as Manistee's Ghost Ship, to raise money for preservation activities. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

MANISTEE, MI  Michigans most awesome haunted house isnt a house at all  its set aboard a 1931 car ferry.

Manistees Ghost Ship is marking 25 years of fear with all-new frights that will make your blood run cold.

Set aboard the historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry, adrenaline seekers can navigate multiple decks of hair-raising scares aboard the 360-foot-long vessel. Each deck features a unique and terrifying theme with live actors, eerie props, animatronics, pneumatics, flashing lights, custom special effects and authentic ghosts.

The Ghost Ship is open 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through October, plus Saturday, Nov. 1. It will also be open 7:30-10 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. On Friday, Oct. 31, there will be extra scaredy pants hours from 3-6:15 p.m., which includes a lights-on experience that is more suitable for children.

The haunted tour takes 25 to 30 minutes.

The S.S. City of Milwaukee historic car ferry is transformed into a haunted attraction every year, known as Manistee's Ghost Ship, to raise money for preservation activities. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Admission is $15 per person, available only at the door; pay with cash or card. Fast Pass tickets to skip the line are available online only for $25. Children 6 and younger are free, however, organizers recommend that no one under 7 years old enters the haunt except during scaredy pants hours ($5 per person).

Even those who have climbed aboard this haunted ship in the past will find themselves jumping and screaming, organizers said. They never repeat the same sets or paths, ensuring that every year brings a new nightmare.

The spooky ship event includes loud noises, bright lights, low visibility, steep stairs, inclines and declines, flashing lights, special effects and sudden movements by actors, the website warns.

People who suffer from heart conditions, seizures or other medical problems should not enter. People who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be refused admittance. Smoking, vaping, eating, drinking and running are prohibited inside the attraction.

The S.S. City of Milwaukee historic car ferry is transformed into a haunted attraction every year, known as Manistee's Ghost Ship, to raise money for preservation activities. Provided by Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee and USCGC Acacia

Find the Ghost Ship at 99 Arthur St. in Manistee.

This is biggest annual fundraiser of the nonprofit Society for the Preservation of the S.S. City of Milwaukee and USCGC Acacia, which owns and maintains the historic car ferry and adjacent U.S. Coast Guard ship. Other revenue streams include the boatel, ship tours, gift shop, donations, memberships and private events.
The Lake County Sheriffs Office responded to a fatal crash in Yates Township on Sunday evening. (MLive file photo) Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com

LAKE COUNTY, MI  The driver and passenger of a motorcycle died in a crash with an SUV on Sunday evening, Oct. 5.

The Lake County Sheriffs Office did not release the names of the victims, only identifying them as a 53-year-old man and 54-year-old woman, both from Evart.

Authorities responded to the crash at 6:40 p.m. on U.S. 10 near Forman Road in Yates Township, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

Deputies said the motorcycle was traveling east on U.S. 10 when a westbound SUV turned into the path of the motorcycle, causing a collision.

Deputies arrived on the scene to find a witness administering CPR on the male motorcycle operator, so a deputy began administering CPR on the female passenger of the motorcycle. However, both the driver and passenger were pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said.

The SUV was driven by a 54-year-old man from Chase, who did not report any major injuries from the crash.

The crash remains under investigation, according to the sheriffs office.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Michigan State Police, Yates Fire Department, Webber Fire Department, Life EMS, West Michigan Medical Examiners Group and United States Forest Service Law Enforcement.
A former on-air personality for 9 and 10 News has sued the Cadillac news outlets parent company, alleging that, as a Black woman, she was subjected to unfair heightened scrutiny, unattainable job expectations, and excessive workloads in comparison to her white counterparts.

Sidnei McCarty, known professionally as Sid Simone, alleged that she was fired in 2023 after complaining about discrimination and harassment and that her employer, Heritage Broadcasting Group, Inc., justified the termination by comparing her to the school shooter at Michigan State University, who was also African American.

McCarty felt like her employers didnt protect her and they didnt care, said her attorney Carla Aikens.

Joshua Trust, chief operating officer at Heritage Broadcasting, declined to comment on the case.

McCarty formerly worked for the Muskegon radio station WVIB-FM 100.1. She is also a standup comic and hosts an online vegetarian travel show called FlaVaFull.

She was hired at 9 and 10 News in the summer of 2022 to host the stations morning show and as an executive producer, according to the lawsuit and a video posted online announcing her hire.

But McCarty said she was was the only on-air talent not asked to participate in an on-air capacity during staffing shortages, being assigned instead to website and marketing analytics.

Her coworkers refused to work with/collaborate with her, disregarded directives as executive producer and her leadership role, the complaint said.

McCarty said she made multiple complaints about discrimination and harassment, which were ignored. She said she also requested accommodations for a range of health issues, which were disregarded, ignored and denied.

That January, the complaint alleges, a human resources representative and a manager coerced a coworker to say McCarty was intimidating, threatening, argumentative, and aggressive toward her during a personal conversation.

The complaint alleges that she was labeled as a threat on multiple occasions by Defendants after being falsely accusing of using a news story involving a black woman bringing a gun to work to threaten/intimidate other employees.

She was fired in February of 2023 and filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission later that year.

The Commission issued a right to sue letter in June of this year.

McCarty filed suit against Heritage Broadcasting Group and Heritage Broadcasting Company of Michigan on Friday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

The suit is seeking both lost wages and additional damages.
The incident took place after the couple attended a music festival together. (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May

The chief meteorologist for Louisianas WDSU-6 TV station has been arrested and charged following a physical altercation with his girlfriend over the weekend. According to WDSU-6, Devon Lucie has been placed on leave pending an investigation into the alleged assault.

Lucie, 48, was booked on charges of domestic abuse with child endangerment and refusing to give deputies his name and birthday. NOLA.com reports the incident took place after Lucie and his girlfriend attended a music festival together Saturday night.

The woman told police that at some point the couple began to argue. After leaving the festival separately, Lucie and the woman began arguing again back at his home. The woman claims that Lucie left the home, but returned and allegedly began punching her while her two children slept nearby.

When police arrived on the scene, both Lucie and the woman displayed signs of injury. Lucie refused to cooperate with officers who responded to the scene, according to police. He was eventually booked in the Jefferson Parish Jail.

Lucie joined WDSU in 2021 and was recently promoted to the stations chief meteorologist.
Artifacts in the UM Medical School 175th anniversary exhibit at the Museum on Main Street, 500 N Main St., in Ann Arbor. William Diep

ANN ARBOR, MI  There are old unsterilized knives, wooden canes engraved with graduates names, a 1950s-era insulin travel kit and a nurse training manikin named Mrs. Chase.

One hundred and seventy five years of medical artifacts and their histories can be found until April 30 in one house in Ann Arbor.

The University of Michigan Medical School opened Sept. 14 an exhibit for the schools 175th anniversary at the Museum on Main Street, 500 N Main St.

People come through here with their own history and experience of whats happened and we dont expect to see everything on the walls, but we expect to see something that touches what matters to us, and thats what happens when we tell these stories, said Bev Willis, an administrator at the Washtenaw County Historical Society.

The society runs the museum, which now contains three rooms of artifact donations from UM faculty, alumni and other community members.

Acknowledging these things is important as well as celebrating, Kara Gavin, a spokesperson for Michigan Medicine, said.

What were hoping is for the people who have connection of working or studying at the hospital or the medical school and then research to remind them that were all part of something that goes back 175 years.

For people whose only relationship with the health system or medical school is as patients, volunteers or participants in clinical trials, they might now know the history, she said.

The start of the exhibit contains mementos from the schools inception in the nineteenth century. As visitors walk through the museum, they see images and blurbs accompanying the artifacts, along with questions to ponder upon their observation.

What this exhibit has taught us is that we need to take it out of our heads and put it on a tag so that people can read it and see it, Willis said.

The medical school exhibit also includes objects from the UM School of Nursing.

Nursing was a large component of their early history, Linda Strodtman, professor emerita at the UM School of Nursing, said. I wanted to make sure that we highlighted the role of nurses in the history of the medical center because you really cant take care of patients without nurses.

UM nursing education began in 1891 under the medical school. The UM School of Nursing was then formed in 1941 as an independent UM unit separate from the medical school, according to the nursing school.

Read more: New medicine & buried cadavers: University of Michigan Medical Schools wild, woolly 175 years

One notable artifact in the exhibit is a brass bell that Gregor Doc Nagele, a janitor at UM, used to call medical students to class from 1850 to 1900. The UM Board of Regents terminated his employment in 1897 due to his old age, and, strangely, every medical school faculty member soon fell ill and could not hear the clock towers bells.

Because of their illnesses, the regents allowed Nagele to continue ringing his bell.

Im ready to retell the story because were connecting the history of 175 years and what weve discovered is theres a lot of early doctors and medical school-connected people who either lived around this area, so part of our goal is to identify as many early people, Willis said.

Willis encourages more community members, including student groups and children, to visit the exhibit.

The exhibit is free and open to the public noon to 4 p.m. Saturday to Sunday. Visitors can also schedule a visit on weekdays by calling 734-662-9092 or emailing wchs-1000@ameritech.net.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page.
A driver was killed in a crash that closed westbound I-96 near Howell for several hours on Monday. (MLive file photo)

LIVINGSTON COUNTY, MI  A driver was killed in a crash that closed westbound I-96 near Howell for several hours on Monday, Oct. 6.

Michigan State Police did not name the victim but said he was a 49-year-old man from Fowlerville.

Troopers responded to the crash at 1:44 p.m. on westbound I-96, near Mason Road in Howell Township in Livingston County. The crash reportedly involved a pickup truck and a semi-truck with a trailer.

Police said the semi-truck, driven by a 39-year-old man from Jalisco, Mexico, was westbound on I-96 when it slowed down and came to a complete stop due to traffic congestion.

The Fowlerville man, who was driving the pickup truck, crashed into the rear of the semi-truck trailer, according to Michigan State Police. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the semi-truck was not injured in the crash. A passenger in the semi-truck sustained minor injuries, police said.

Police said alcohol and drugs did not appear to be factors in the fatal crash.

Westbound I-96 was closed for three hours as police investigated the crash. The freeway reopened around 5 p.m.
A new partnership between Davenport University and Amway also extends benefits to family members of Amway employees, with spouses and children eligible for up to $6,500 in annual scholarship funding. Arthur H. Trickett-Wile | MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Davenport University is offering scholarship opportunities for up to $8,000 to Amway employees under a new partnership between the two institutions.

The program also offers scholarship opportunities of up to $6,500 per year to the spouses and children, age 29 and under, of Amway employees, according to a release.

We believe that lifelong learning is critical for career development and personal growth, said Davenport University President Richard Pappas. We are pleased to partner with Amway, a West Michigan company with a global reach, to ensure an educated and productive workforce. This partnership also provides opportunities for their employees family members, which provides ongoing opportunities and strengthens our communities.

In addition to the scholarships, the partnership also includes a 20% discount on professional development certificates and certifications through Davenports Institute of Professional Excellence.

The institute offers professional development courses and custom training for employers.

At Amway, we believe our employees and their families are central to our success, said Gretchen Payne, chief human resources officer at the Ada-based multi-level marketing company. This partnership with Davenport University reflects our long-standing commitment to people and possibility. By working together, we can create more opportunities for learning and growth that benefit not only our employees but also the communities we call home.

According to Davenport, the university offers flexible programs for adult learners to earn degrees or certificates in more than 100 areas. Many courses are offered online, and Davenport offers both 7-week and 15-week semesters.

Davenport has about 5,000 students at campuses across Michigan and online, including at its W.A. Lettinga campus in Caledonia Township south of Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids police said 17-year-old Niles Murray was shot and killed Saturday, Oct. 4 in Southeast Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Grand Rapids police have identified a 17-year-old boy shot and killed while he attended a memorial event or another teen killed in 2024.

Police identified Niles Murray as the victim of the Oct. 4 shooting at Umatilla Street and Madison Avenue SE.

The shooting location was just feet from where 15-year-old Amillier Penn was shot and killed in June 2024.

Grand Rapids police Chief Eric Winstrom earlier said Murray was attending a memorial event in honor of Penns birthday when he was shot.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call Grand Rapids Police at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Kalamazoo has named four finalists in its city manager search: (Left to right) Laura Lam, Malcolm Hankins, Elle Cole and Odis Jones. Courtesy of city of Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, MI  Kalamazoo city commissioners narrowed its list of city manager candidates to four finalists during a closed session meeting on Monday, Oct. 6.

Malcolm Hankins, Odis Jones, Elle Cole and Laura Lam will attend a meet and greet with Kalamazoo residents from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Catalyst Center, 180 Water St.

Interviews will be held in the commission chambers at City Hall, 241 W. South St., at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, per a city press release.

Community members will be invited to share feedback on each candidate via an online or in-person form, per a city press release, following the event through Oct. 17.

They can also share feedback during the public comment period of City Commission meetings.

Commissioners expect to extend an offer to its top candidate during a regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, per the city website.

City Manager James Ritsema is retiring Nov. 18. He was appointed to the role in 2013. His 34-year career includes serving as finance director in Marshall and Battle Creek and time as Battle Creeks assistant city manager.

MORE: Kalamazoo asks residents: What do you want in the next city manager?

Hankins currently serves as assistant city manager in Des Moines, Iowa. He has more than 35 years of local government experience in Iowa, Arizona and Colorado. His career includes leadership in neighborhood services, housing, planning and zoning, civil and human rights and community relations.

Jones is a Western Michigan University alum is 30 years of experience as a city manager and economic development professional, per the release. He served as city manager in Missouri City, Texas, where he successfully led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and supported small businesses in reopening and recovery.

Cole currently serves as deputy city manager for the city of Saline, where she has advanced multi-million-dollar infrastructure improvements and neighborhood revitalization, per the release. She brings 20 years of experience, a masters of public administration and certified public accountant credential.

Lam currently serves as Kalamazoos chief operating officer, according to the release. She has worked as community planning and development director, assistant city manager and deputy city manager in Kalamazoo since 2009. The Kalamazoo College grad began her career as a community organizer in Chicago and later led neighborhood revitalization initiatives in San Jose, California.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
Multiple parents have raised concerns after a short fictional story was removed from the Otsego Middle School curriculum. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

OTSEGO, MI -- Otsego Public Schools parents are expressing concern after a short story was removed from the districts eighth grade curriculum.

Multiple parents and teachers spoke out against the decision at a Monday, Oct. 6, school board meeting.

The Southwest Michigan school district decided to remove the book Ponies, by Kij Johnson, Superintendent Christie Robinson confirmed.

In the story, a girl has to cut off her magical pony Sunnys horns, wings and voice in order to fit in with TheOtherGirls. When the girl refuses to cut out Sunnys voice against Sunnys wishes, Sunny is killed by the other ponies and the girl is excluded from TheOtherGirls.

The coming of age story won the 2010 Nebula Award for Short Story.

Jonathan Bush, a Western Michigan University English professor and Otsego parent, said the story was about authoritarianism.

Indeed, theres violence in the story, and theres also exclusion, sadness and isolation, common experiences for many middle schoolers, Bush said.

Bush said learning about the text from teachers also provides an insight into how not to cause those emotional experiences.

Robinson declined to say exactly what prompted the decision, or the reason why a review committee decided to remove the story.

We apply the policies and the procedures we have in place when we have a request for review by a parent or citizen or a teacher for that matter, Robinson said.

Nobody spoke in favor of the book removal during the meeting.

Ashley Leneway, an English teacher at Otsego Middle School, said the text was integral to the eighth grade curriculum dystopian unit.

Many lessons within the unit intentionally refer back to this mentor text for discussion, literary analysis and thematic investigation, Leneway said. This story has been a part of our curriculum for years.

Stephen Sisson, an Otsego parent in favor of removing the text, said the story is totally inappropriate and corrupts the innocence of childhood. Sisson also criticized the story for not containing any hope or redemption, in an email to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.

This is not dystopian. It is a macabre lesson in cruelty and inhumanity; far more demonic than dystopian, Sisson said.

Leneway also drew issue with removing a text from the curriculum, rather than removing a text from school libraries and media centers.

A small group of passionate parents were able to bypass this established, embedded process in a span of three days making decisions not only for their children, but for all Otsego students, Leneway said. This set a dangerous precedent.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
The Station 100's new rooftop bar, located at 100 S. Main St. in Frankenmuth, is seen in this photo. The family-owned restaurant officially opened the rooftop bar on Thursday, Oct. 2. (photo provided by Elia Brunner) Elia Brunner

FRANKNEMUTH, MI  A family-owned and operated Frankenmuth restaurants new rooftop bar opened this month, offering patrons a new dining experience and scenic views of one of mid-Michigans top tourist destinations.

Its just a nice, fun, very vibrant atmosphere, said Elia Brunner, general manager of The Station 100. The view into the sunset from up there is absolutely unmatched.

Brunner and his mother, Barbara Romer, own The Station 100, located at 100 S. Main St.

The restaurants rooftop bar officially opened on Thursday, Oct. 2, in a new three-story building constructed in a previously unused alley alongside The Station 100s existing fine dining restaurant. Dozens of people attended a soft opening event on Sept. 30.

A few years ago, we started to explore some options, Brunner said. We wanted, eventually, to build a building that we can use for as many different purposes as we possibly can.

The Station 100 broke ground on the new building on Oct. 4, 2023, the restaurants 10th anniversary.

Its a project that has been many, many years in the works, Brunner said. We just want, not just for us but also the community here in Frankenmuth, to be able to give something else, something that we dont really have yet in the area.

In total, the new building cost $1.5 million, which is twice as much as initially estimated due to the cost of construction and materials, Brunner said.

That one hurt, Brunner said. So were very excited to finally get to open.

The ground floor of the new building will serve as an additional banquet room, which will be available for private events. Some have already expressed interest in renting the rooftop bar for events, as well.

The new building will also allow the restaurant to offer additional seating during the holiday season.

It is awesome, Brunner said. With every square inch of this building, we try to make it so special.

The indoor/outdoor rooftop bar can accommodate up to 60 people and offers a variety of seating, including bar stools and couches, a 40-foot-long standing bar counter and four fire pits.

Customers at the rooftop bar will be able to order a wide variety of drinks starting at $5, including bottled and draft beer, 150-200 spirits, and 500 wines. Brunner noted that The Station 100 has one of the largest wine selections in the state.

The type of experience that we can give to our guests can vary, Brunner said. You can move between the rooftop bar and the restaurant to combine the visit or just spend an afternoon or an evening up there entirely.

Brunner added, The atmosphere is a lot more relaxed on the rooftop, whereas the restaurant, very, very formal.

In addition to sunsets, rooftop bar customers will have a clear view of the citys fireworks and drone displays.

Its the perfect viewing angle for every sunset every single night, Brunner said. Its even better with a drink in your hand.

For now, the rooftop bar will be open Thursday through Saturday from 3 p.m. until close, with closing time possibly extending from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. or later. The Station 100 might also open the bar on Wednesdays and Sundays in the future if theres enough demand.

Its a bit of a test period now, Brunner said. We have, hopefully, another good two months of decent weather.

The Station 100 plans to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new rooftop bar in April.
An air traffic tower at a major U.S. airport went unmanned for several hours.

From 4:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, there were no air traffic controllers in the tower at Hollywood Burbank Airport due to a shortage of staff amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Operations were instead run remotely by Southern California TRACON, an approach and departure team out of San Diego with an already heavy workload.

Planes were still taking off at the airport at 11 p.m. on Monday due to delays and cancellations, ABC News reported.

Air traffic controllers are government employees and are considered essential, so they must keep working, but are doing so without pay.

These air traffic controllers are real people fighting to put food on the table, aviation expert Pete Muntean told CNN. This shows how fragile the air traffic control system really is. You can understand the burnout when you layer the 11,000 air traffic controllers still required to work without pay during this government shutdown on top of the fact that so many have been working mandatory overtime for years because of a nationwide controller shortage.

So, it really only makes sense that 6 days into the shutdown some controllers are beginning to call in sick, leading the FAA to implement these delays in the name of safety.

Delays were reported in Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Newark due to shortages, with the Burbank tower being the only one left unmanned thus far.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom blamed President Donald Trump for the Burbank staffing.

Thanks, @realDonaldTrump! Burbank Airport has ZERO air traffic controllers from 4:15pm to 10pm today because of YOUR government shutdown, he wrote.

Air travel delays are a common side effect of government shutdowns, and more issues are expected to occur if the situation continues. The shutdown entered its seventh day on Tuesday.

On the flip side, frustration over air travel could also bring an end to the dispute. During the

In 2018 and 2019, the end of the longest shutdown in U.S. history occurred several hours after the Federal Aviation Administration was forced to limit flights at several major airports due to a high incidence of sick leave taken by overworked air traffic controllers.

The development was widely credited as precipitating the shutdowns end.

The latest shutdown is happening at a time when both the TSA and the FAA are already facing staffing shortages, including a shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers, according to ABC News.
Students raise their hands in the cafeteria on the first day of school at Arthur Eddy Academy in Saginaw, Mich. on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

In the days since Michigan lawmakers passed a final budget deal, K-12 education advocates across the state have aired messages of thanks that priorities like universal meals and several key investments were included in school aid funds for this year.

But one other shared sentiment has quickly followed.

I do believe that the deal that was passed  is the best budget that we are going to get for schools this year, Kevin Polston, superintendent for Kentwood Public Schools, said in an interview Friday, Oct. 3. But the way the process played out, it just cant happen again.

Legislators first missed a summer deadline to put a 2025-26 budget proposal before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, leaving local public-school districts, where fiscal years begin July 1, to start the academic year without final school aid commitments  and the future of free breakfast and lunch for students and other programs left in limbo.

As Michigans fiscal start date came and went Oct. 1, lawmakers passed a budget extension to avoid a government shutdown while officials hammered out details. Two days later, the states budget, including $21.29 billion in school aid funds, got the OK.

Now, much of the reaction overall has understandably been a mixed bag, according to Doug Pratt, director of public affairs for the Michigan Education Association.

A 4.6% increase to per-student funding, keeping free school meals, and investing in English-language learners, mental health and school safety and special education  thats all positive.

Even with $1.3 billion from school aid going toward higher education, Pratt said the entire K-12 budget is still a billion dollars better than what the House proposed for schools earlier this year.

In the scheme of where things are at, and in divided government, its a compromise, he said. Are we happy about it? No, but there is some good stuff in there.

Budgeting process is unsustainable

In Washtenaw County, Intermediate School District Superintendent Naomi Norman, too, cited several positives  support for career-technical education and increased per-student funding for the states preschool program.

However, as most individual school districts are receiving a boost in state aid, the states ISDs are dealing with massive cuts. Washtenaw Countys ISD will lose $1.2 million, Norman said, that goes toward early childhood, adult and STEM education.

This budget is not sustainable beyond this one year, she said in an email. It is setting K-12 schools up for cuts in the following budget cycle. We are deeply underfunded as a statewide K-12 education system.

If we care about Michigans future, we MUST invest in our childrens education and do it in a coherent way. A 2.5% overall state increase in K-12 education when our budgets are going up by 5% or more is unsustainable. Collectively, as a state, we must refocus our priorities going forward to ensure adequate funding for K-12 education. Our kids deserve to have their education well-envisioned and well-funded.

Polston said he appreciates the focus on targeted investments. And he cited the states 25% increase for at-risk student supports to $1.29 billion as an example of putting funds where its needed most. Schools can use a third of that money on things like reducing class sizes,

What that allows is for districts to provide additional resources, whether its through programming, whether its through personnel, whether its making sure that class sizes are lower for those student populations, he said. It allows those students that have the greatest need to have more resources to kind of level the playing field.

Still, moving forward, Polston said educators want to see more long-range strategy to sustainably plan for school needs while also keeping the state budgeting in check.

Theres just too much uncertainty, too much cost and time, energy and sometimes people and money by having this process play out, he said.  We should have more predictability, stability in the budget so that schools can plan long-term, because thats what we know our students need.

Some advocates were more direct in their feedback to legislators.

No lawmaker should be celebrating or expecting gratitude for a budget passed more than three months beyond their legal obligation to get it done and with zero transparency to allow it to be reviewed until shortly before it was passed, Robert McCann, executive director of the K-12 Alliance of Michigan, said in a statement.

Although McCann said much of the budget was still under review, he posted on X last week that $100 million removed from reimbursement costs to districts for public school retirement plans would significantly increase schools costs and reduce classroom spending.

McCann said lawmakers unnecessarily harmed schools at every step before finalizing the budget deal.

Whats clear is that Lansing owes our parents and schools an apology for this broken process, he said.

The Michigan associations of school boards, of superintendents and administrators, of secondary school principals, and of intermediate school districts later released a joint statement condemning legislators budget delay, calling it a clear violation of state law and the Constitution passing a package three months late.

The damage from this needless delay forced districts to borrow, freeze programs, and make painful staffing decisions, the groups said.

The trust between school leaders and the state government has been shaken, and restoring it will require more than a budget vote  it will require structural reforms to prevent this from happening again.
Michigan has a new $81 billion budget funding schools, state departments, local governments and roads.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed budget bills for 2025-2026 into law on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The bills will replace the temporary continuation budget that lawmakers approved to avoid a government shutdown.

This balanced budget delivers on the kitchen table issues that make a real difference in peoples lives, Whitmer said. Our budget fixes the damn roads, cuts taxes for seniors and working families, funds first responders, secures core health care services that millions of Michiganders rely on, protects our air, lakes and land and increases government efficiency to save taxpayers time and money.

Im so grateful to legislators on both sides of the aisle for coming together to get this done. Amidst so much uncertainty caused by a chaotic tariff strategy and a national government shutdown, Michigan is showing everyone how to get things done.

The total budget is a reduction from the states previous $82.5 billion spending plan Whitmer signed last year.

In addition to the budget bills, Whitmer on Tuesday also signed into law other budget implementation bills, including legislation that enacts a 24% wholesale marijuana tax and other pieces that shift all taxes at the pump to road funding.

Lawmakers approved the general government spending plan and billion School Aid budget early Friday in a marathon, overnight session. Those approvals came two days after the mandatory Oct. 1 deadline to enact a budget for the states new fiscal year, but lawmakers passed a budget extension to avoid a state shutdown.

The budget includes the highest ever per-pupil funding for Michigan schools, increasing $422 from $9,608 to $10,050. Some education advocates, however, say it doesnt account for inflation or go far enough.

The schools budget also includes a $65 million grant program to reduce class sizes, a 25% increase to funding for at-risk student supports and $201.6 million to continue the states universal free meals program for all public schoolchildren.

With record per-pupil funding of more than $10,000 for every child in every school, free breakfast and lunch for all to save parents almost $1,000 a year, per kid, free pre-K and free community college for all, and even more literacy support, were making sure every student has the tools and opportunities they need to succeed right here in Michigan without breaking the bank, Whitmer said. We are supporting our hardworking educators with attraction and retention bonuses and free training programs to prepare even more skilled, qualified teachers for the classroom.

Finally, were investing in our school, community college and university campuses so they are even safer and better places for all our students.

The general government spending plan includes funding cuts to 10 state departments, including over $7 billion from the Department of Health and Human Services, primarily due to federal spending cuts.

Among the biggest cuts, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity had its budget reduced by 25.5%, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development by 7%, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy by 6% and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget by 6.1%.

The bulk of the $690 million reduction to LEO was from one-time funding approved in the prior budget ending.

The budget also reflects the plan to inject $1.5 billion in additional funding to repair the states crumbling roads and bridges. That plan is funded, in part, by a new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana.

About 2,000 phantom employees, which are unfilled full-time positions, will be eliminated across state departments, and there will no longer be state taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security.

The budget also reduces General Fund spending by $200 million and consolidates unnecessary leased state office space.

People are frustrated when they struggle to pay their bills while the government burns through billions of dollars of their money like its nothing, said House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township. Our state government spending has grown way beyond its means, and its time to rein it in.

This budget makes a significant difference in eliminating waste, fraud and abuse to lower state spending and give the taxpayers better value for their dollars. Thats how we were finally able to get our local roads fixed and pass the public safety trust fund, all while eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and social security.

Additionally, $14 million is included for ice storm recovery efforts in Northern Michigan and $26 million to support a new fighter mission at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County.

A total of $95 million in the budget will also go toward local public safety efforts, with those dollars able to be used on police and firefighter needs, along with community violence intervention efforts, prosecution resources and public safety recruitment.

While this budget cycle featured unprecedented challenges, it also provided us the opportunity to show the rest of the country what leadership can look like in divisive political times, said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids. The result: a bipartisan budget that fixes our roads, strengthens public schools, protects health care access and insulates us from some of the toughest federal cuts.

Michiganders and their communities stand to benefit both immediately and into the future because of the groundwork we are laying today.

As part of the budget deal, Hall and Brinks have agreed to pass legislation that will make it easier to create and retain good-paying, high-skill jobs in Michigan, Whitmer said.

The new budget doesnt include funding for the Strategic Outreach and Attraction Reserve Fund, which is the states incentive fund for attracting businesses to the state and preparing sites for their projects.

Hall told reporters Thursday the House is looking to eliminate SOAR as well as the Michigan Economic Growth Authority tax credits program. He claimed that both programs have failed to create new jobs, lack accountability and do not provide good value to taxpayers.

Hall said hes committed to working with Whitmer to replace the programs with something that helps create high-paying jobs in Michigan and keeps the state competitive.

The annual process of agreeing on a state budget to allocate dollars for schools, state departments and local governments is usually completed by July 1, the statutory deadline to pass a budget.

The states divided Legislature missed that deadline amid funding and policy differences, lower revenue projections and disagreements on a long-term funding plan to fix the states roads.
Gayatri Rani

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The Phantom of the Opera actor Ben Lewis passes away at 46 after battling bowel cancer

Ben Lewis captured hearts around the world with his powerful voice and magnetic stage presence.

M Snehanjali

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Gaza ceasefire right direction towards lasting peace: Egyptian president

Xinhua) 09:52, October 07, 2025

CAIRO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday that securing a Gaza ceasefire, freeing captives and detainees, and launching a political process toward establishing a Palestinian state were steps in the right direction for lasting peace and stability.

In a televised speech marking the 52nd anniversary of Egypt's 1973 war with Israel, Sisi thanked the U.S. side for the latest ceasefire initiative after two years of conflict in Gaza.

His remarks came as a Hamas delegation, led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Egypt on Sunday for talks with Israel. Negotiations are expected to cover the terms of a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a prisoner exchange, Hamas said.

"Reconciliation, not confrontation, is the only way to build a secure future for our children," Sisi said. He added that Egypt's 1979 peace treaty with Israel was not just an agreement but a model of "just peace" that cemented stability.

Sisi reiterated that a lasting settlement in the Middle East requires the creation of an independent Palestinian state, saying peace imposed by force breeds resentment, while peace based on justice can lead to true normalization and coexistence.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
Ajith Kumar shares new pics from race track as he tests drives Mahindra Formula E Gen 2 car in Spain

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Mohanlal receives Army Chiefs commendation for his service and cinema after Dadasaheb Phalke honour

Mohanlal receives Army Chiefs commendation for his service and cinema after Dadasaheb Phalke honour

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Rishab Shetty urges fans not to dress as Daiva during Kantara Chapter 1 screenings: 'It hurts our sentiments'

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Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

Even a few drinks can quietly harm your gut. Heres how alcohol inflames your digestive system and weakens immunity, according to experts. (Image: Pexels)

Manjiri Patil

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How taking the wrong vitamin D supplement can harm your immune system?

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

learn why choosing the right vitamin d supplement is crucial for protecting your immune system and overall health.(Image: Pexels)

Ishita Batra

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Study says dementia may be caused by blocked brain vessels and hidden plastic particles

Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.

Scientists are rethinking dementia. Beyond Alzheimers plaques, new research links memory loss to vascular damage, inflammation  and even microplastics. (Image: Pexels)

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For AMD, the deal keeps its technology in the mix as OpenAI and other owners of large-scale data centers funnel billions toward expanding AI capacity.

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The entities involved in the transaction are incorporated in Singapore and are primarily engaged in investment holding activities, including in the real estate sector in India.

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USFDA to fast-track review of generics tested and made in US, but do Indian drugmakers need to worry?

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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Piyush Goyal on October 6 held discussions with Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Qatar's minister of commerce and industry

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India's exports have risen by 4-5% in first half of this year: Commerce Minister

Earlier on August 29, Goyal had stated that despite tariffs, India's exports this year will be more than last year.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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India's trade strategy must look east, not just west, says NITI Aayog CEO

In FY25, nearly 40 per cent of India's exports were directed to other Asian economies - led by West Asia (21 per cent), ASEAN (8.9 per cent), North-East Asia (8 per cent), and South Asia (5.6 per cent). Despite Asia's strong growth potential, this distribution underscores the limited diversification of India's trade base

Surabhi Pandey

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101Reporters

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LG Electronics India IPO gets fully subscribed on Day 1, GMP signals strong listing: Should you apply?

Debaroti Adhikary

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The Rs 3,000-crore IPO comprised up to 4.63 crore shares priced at Rs 615648, with about 45 percent allotted to anchor investors, raising Rs 1,348 crore

Arindam Roy

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IRB is the country's largest integrated private toll roads and highways infrastructure developer with an asset base of over Rs 80,000 crore in 12 states.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Moneycontrol first reported about the launch of the sale process on July 14.

Swaraj Singh Dhanjal

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With AI, I think there is an opportunity to deliver hyper-personalised and regionalised education content to every corner of India, Jio BlackRock AMC CEO Sid Swaminathan said.

Rohit Singh

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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.

Paras Bisht

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Rakesh Patil

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Debaroti Adhikary

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Namrata Agarwal

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India accounts for nearly 50% of global digital transactions, with an adoption rate of 87%, well above the global average of 63%. The country now ranks third globally in terms of fintech company count, Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Surabhi Pandey

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Insiders told the channel that there is a need to clearly separate the roles and powers of Tata Trusts and Tata Sons.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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One person companies rise 20% in a year as formalisation of small Indian entrepreneurs gathers momentum

Not just in the last one year, new OPC creations have outperformed new company creations for atleast last five years.

B Kumar

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Gold prices on October 7: How 18K, 22K and 24K compare for festive buyers

Manisha Lal Khandpur

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Ashish Mishra

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The world is finally taking us seriously: Pine Labs CEO says India fintech ready for global export

Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Arun Padmanabhan

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Hamsini Karthik Number crunching, drawing interesting inferences (sometimes contrarian), and penning them in an impactful manner, best describes what I do. As a BFSI specialist, I enjoy telling stories about whats working and what not for lenders, breaking down regulatory jargon and how they affect customers and financiers, and simplifying the economics of money. When not glued to banks, the world of autos and airlines keeps me busy.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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World Bank warns US tariffs on Indian exports to slow South Asia growth next year

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on most exports from India, among the highest of any U.S. trading partner.

101Reporters

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Surabhi Pandey

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All about Sresan, the company behind the deadly Coldrif cough syrup that killed 15 children in MP

Ria Kapoor

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Army says AI played major role in Operation Sindoor, core functions now being integrated

AI tools also played a crucial role in precision targeting during Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Sahni said

Smriti Mishra

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Yeeshu Yadav

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China will give US a run for its money, says Jaishankar; calls it instructive for India

The EAM was speaking at the inaugural session of the Aravalli Summit 2025, held to mark 70 years of the School of International Studies at JNU in New Delhi.

Deblina Halder

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Ria Kapoor

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Haryana ADGP Y Puran Kumar shoots himself dead in Chandigarh, reason not known

Priyanjali Ghose

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Defence land grant roughly refers to the allocation of land owned by the Ministry of Defence to various entities for specific purposes

Priyanjali Ghose

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'I am not fearful, do not regret': Lawyer who tried to hurl shoe at CJI BR Gavai

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Christin Mathew Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol.com with 15 years of experience in journalism and a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award. Based in Bengaluru, he understands the pulse of the people and covers issues that matter, including mobility, infrastructure, start-ups, and government policies. He tweets at @ChristinMP_

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In another move, it approved the establishment of a senior civil court at Akole in Ahilyanagar district and sanctioned the creation of necessary posts for its functioning.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Chhabi Kala

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Trumps latest remarks have once again put the spotlight on his repeated and unsubstantiated claims of having mediated between New Delhi and Islamabad.

Deblina Halder

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Prashant Kishor to make electoral debut in Bihar polls; Jan Suraaj to release list on October 9

Rewati Karan

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Smriti Mishra

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'Serving our nation is the highest honour': PM Modi marks 25 years as head of government

Narendra Modi takes oath as the Prime Minister for the third time on June 10, 2024 (File photo)

Deblina Halder

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The Bill provides for the establishment of an authority that will mandate recognition for educational institutions established by all minority communities, the statement said.

101Reporters

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Siddharth Chakravorty

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'We will stand with farmers': Eknath Shinde as Maharashtra Govt announces Rs 31,628 cr relief package

The government has also decided to provide cash relief of Rs 10,000 to affected farmers.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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When Pakistani Army ordered mass rape of 400,000 women: Recalling the horrors of Operation Searchlight

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Harish Parvathaneni, during a debate on women, peace and security.

Priyanjali Ghose

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Who is Suhag Shukla, the Hindu American Foundation leader, who hit back at Shashi Tharoor

Shukla accused Tharoor of misrepresenting the involvement of the Indian-American diaspora in India-US issues

Smriti Mishra

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Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel to meet at 10:30am today

The agenda of the meeting is: Consideration and adoption of Memorandum No. 1 regarding selection of subjects for examination during the term 2025-2026 and to decide the future programme of work of the Committee.
Amid H-1B backlash, Vivek Ramaswamy says 75% of Class 8 students in US cant do math

Ankita Sengupta

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Google rejected Ragini Das in 2013. Now she heads its startup arm in India: 'Felt like destiny'

Ragini Das had co-founded Leap Club, a subscription-based, professional, and social networking platform for women in India. It shut operations in June. (Image credit: Ragini Das/X)

Ankita Sengupta

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IndiGo draws flak after 'extremely heavy label with elephant sticker on human remains cargo goes viral

While the photograph has continued to circulate, IndiGo Airlines has yet to issue a public response.

Shubhi Mishra

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Man gets paid 330 times his monthly salary, quits, stops responding to boss. What happened next

The man received an equivalent of over 27 years of his salary in a single deposit. (AI generated image)

Ankita Sengupta

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Secretive head of Russian newspaper mysteriously falls 70ft to his death: 'He knew a lot about...'

Vyacheslav Leontyev led Pravda  meaning Truth  when it was the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party. (Representational image)

Ankita Sengupta

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Sheetal Kumari

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India prepares to reveal its first red list of endangered species at IUCN World Congress

India to Unveil First Red List of Endangered Species at IUCN Congress (Image: @KVSinghMPGonda/X)

Sheetal Kumari

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12 years after a Google rejection, Ragini Das comes full circle as Head of Google for Startups India

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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Engineers behind Arattai have been perfecting this technology for over 20 years, says Zoho CEO Mani Vembu

Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

Arun Padmanabhan

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Google's answer to OpenAI's GPT-5 is coming soon: What we know

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Aabhas Sharma

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Ankita Chakravarti

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Scary times Why the worlds biggest YouTuber MrBeast thinks AI could change everything for creators

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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One Visa, Six Gulf Countries: GCC Unified Tourist Visa Confirmed for Pilot Launch This Year

One Visa, Six Gulf Countries: GCC Unified Tourist Visa Confirmed for Pilot Launch This Year

Nivritti Khatri

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Strategic Boost: First-of-Its-Kind Underwater Road Tunnel Beneath Brahmaputra in Assam May Get Cabinet Nod Soon

Strategic Boost: First-of-Its-Kind Underwater Road Tunnel Beneath Brahmaputra in Assam May Get Cabinet Nod Soon

Nivritti Khatri

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Rajni Pandey

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This unique house in Nagalands Longwa village has kitchen in India and bedroom in Myanmar

Rajni Pandey is a seasoned content creator with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories for digital news platforms. Specializing in diverse topics such as travel, education, jobs, science, wildlife, religion, politics, and astrology, she excels at transforming trending human-interest stories into engaging reads for a wide audience.

Rajni Pandey

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Pradeep Tripathi

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Canada PM Carney praises Trump for 'bringing peace' between India and Pakistan, calls him 'transformative president'

Rewati Karan

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Abhinav Gupta

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Members of the Australian Jewish community hold a banner bearing the portraits of Israelis held hostage in the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants during a rally in Sydney on October 7, 2025, to mark the two-year anniversary of the attack by Hamas on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza. (AFP Photo)

Surabhi Pandey

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National Guard in cities: Whats behind Trumps deployments to Chicago and Portland

Pradeep Tripathi

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Armaan Bhatnagar

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Rs 89 lakh scholarship, but no visa: Did Kaushik Rajs social media posts cost him his US dream?

Abhinav Gupta

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Should win the Nobel Peace Prize, but only if Taiwans president just threw Trump a wild challenge

President shakes hands with Buck Sexton, a host of the American radio program The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. (Image: Oddice of the President - Republic of China {Taiwan})

Aishwarya Dabhade

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The hidden cost of war: Gaza in ruins, tens of thousands dead, and Hamas still standing | Two-year retrospective

Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation.

A boy sits outside the entrance to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) building complex in Gaza City on September 6, 2025. (Photo by Omar AL-QATTAA / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Trump describes phone call with Brazils Lula as 'very good,' signals trade talks, agrees to meet

Pradeep Tripathi

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Trump drops 'F-bomb' on Netanyahu again: Is his patience running out with Israel over Gaza and Nobel Peace plan?

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (L) arrive for a press conference in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on September 29, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)

Abhinav Gupta

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Rewati Karan

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What is the Insurrection Act and why Trump is considering it now

Trump described it as a way to get around recent court rulings that blocked his attempts to send National Guard forces into cities like Portland.

Deblina Halder

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The FAA confirmed that the delays were linked to staffing shortages rather than weather or runway issues.

Deblina Halder

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Arindam Roy

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Why has France seen five prime ministers in two years, and how can Macron navigate the crisis?

Pradeep Tripathi

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Why Trumps threats against George Soros are unsettling US non-profits

The administration has widened its interpretation of terrorism, raising concerns that even small acts of protest could be treated as organised crime

Arindam Roy

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September 14, 2013

A Short History Of The War On Syria  2006-2014

In 2006 the U.S. was at war in Iraq. Some of the enemy forces it very much struggled to fight against were coming in through Syria. The same year Israel lost a war against Hizbullah. Its armored forces were ambushed whenever they tried to push deeper into Lebanon while Hizbullah managed to continuously fire rockets against Israeli army position and cities. Hizbullah receives supply for its missile force from Syria and from Iran through Syria. Its long-term plans to attack Iran and to thereby keep supremacy in the Middle East depend on severing Hizbullahs supply routes. The sectarian Sunni Gulf countries, mainly Saudi Arabia, saw their Sunni brethren defeat in Iraq and a Shia government, supported by Iran, taking over the country. All these countries had reason to fight Syria. There were also economic reasons to subvert an independent Syria. A gas pipeline from Qatar to Turkey was competing with one from Iran to Syria. Large finds of natural gas in the coastal waters of Israel and Lebanon make such finds in Syrian waters quite plausible.

In late 2006 the United States started to finance an external opposition to Syrias ruling Baath party. Those exiles were largely members of the Muslim Brotherhood which had been evicted from Syria after their bloody uprising against the Syrian state between 1976 and 1982 had failed. In 2007 a plan for regime change in Syria was agreed upon between the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The aim was to destroy the resistance alliance of Hizbullah, Syria and Iran:

To undermine Iran, which is predominantly Shiite, the Bush Administration has decided, in effect, to reconfigure its priorities in the Middle East. In Lebanon, the Administration has cooperated with Saudi Arabias government, which is Sunni, in clandestine operations that are intended to weaken Hezbollah, the Shiite organization that is backed by Iran. The U.S. has also taken part in clandestine operations aimed at Iran and its ally Syria. A by-product of these activities has been the bolstering of Sunni extremist groups that espouse a militant vision of Islam and are hostile to America and sympathetic to Al Qaeda.

By 2011 three years of drought, caused by global warming and Turkeys upstream dams and irrigation projects, had weakened the Syrian economy. Large parts of the poor rural population lost their means of living and moved into the cities. They provided the fertile ground needed to launch an uprising against the Syrian state.

The U.S. part in the plan was to provide the media and global opinion cover for the insurgency. To that purpose it used the tool from its color revolution tool box. Citizen journalists were recruited, trained and provided with the video and communication equipment needed for media propagandizing. Others were trained in organizing peaceful civil demonstrations. The Saudis took care of the darker part of the plan. They financed and armed rebel groups, often related to the exiled Muslim Brotherhood, which had the task to instigate a wider insurgency by taking on government forces as well as the peaceful demonstrators.A main part of the scheme was the introduction of a sectarian view that would split the largely secular Syria into several constituencies.

A local disturbance in Deraa near the Jordanian border was used to launch the uprising. Peaceful demonstration were held but soon shots were fired towards the police as well as towards the demonstrators. Inevitably both sides escalated. Groups armed by the Saudis target the government forces. Having colleagues killed and wounded the government forces retaliated against the demonstrators. Some of those took up arms themselves and fought the government. Citizen journalist propagandized the victims on the peaceful demonstrators side but never mentioned those on the government side. Western media agencies followed that scheme. Cells in other Syrian cities were activated. Again peaceful demonstrations were cover for a third force, as the Arab League investigation commission named it, which fought against government forces and also instigated the demonstrators to take up arms. The U.S. government helped by issuing its own propaganda for example by lying about Syrian artillery deployment against demonstrators when, at that point, none had yet happened. U.S. para-government organizations, Avaaz, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, joined the campaign against the Syrian government. Cyber attacks against the Syrian government news agency helped to suppress the other side of the story. Up to today the website of the official Syrian Arab News Agency, sana.sy, is purged from Google search results.

It was soon visible that the planned for color revolution strategy did not work. The Syrian state was more resilient than had been perceived. The Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was more beloved and respected than the insurgency instigators ever expected. He also fulfilled many of the demands the serious protesters had. The constitution was rewritten, new parties were allowed, elections held and the most abusive security forces came under stricter control. The big cities, even though predominantly Sunni, did not support or join the increasing violent and sectarian fighters. Defections from the Syrian army and from political cadres were few and unimportant. For some time the Syrian economy held up quite well. The general population as well as the government rejected the scheme of a sectarian divide.

The enemies of Syria had to increase their commitment. Saudi Arabia and Qatar used all their capabilities to recruit foreign Jihadis willing to fight in Syria. The CIA, using Saudi money, brought in weapons and thousands of tons of ammunition from all over the world. Insurgency groups were provided with training and battlefield intelligence. A group of exiles was build up as external future government.

The Syrian government had to retreat to conserve its forces. Major parts of rural Syria were taken over by the insurgency. The population there fled over the boarders or into the cities. Where the insurgency foraged into parts of cities it was difficult to dislodge without creating immense damage to the infrastructure and buildings. But the Syrian government learned its lessons. With the help of its friends from Iran and Hizbullah its army units were retrained to fight against insurgency forces. Paramilitary units of locals were build up to take over those parts the army had cleaned of insurgents. Russia kept the supplies coming.

On the side of the insurgent instigators some things started to go wrong. The Jihadis Saudi Arabia provided were good fighters but ideologues that did not fit into the Syrian social context. They started to clash with the population as well as with local fighters. Just today a large fight is taking place in north-east Syria between Jihadi groups and local bandits. Arguments with al-Qaeda inspired forces over weapon supplies from Libya killed the U.S. ambassador in Benghazi. Despite being revamped at least three times the planned for government in exile group proved ineffective due to bickering and infighting between its sponsors. The peaceful protesters media campaign broke down as more and more stories and pictures from the massacres committed by the insurgency came to light. The population in those countries that supported the insurgency turned against any involvement in the conflict.

When it became likely that the insurgency might not be able to overcome the Syrian army U.S. president Obama introduced his red line over chemical weapon use. This was an invitation to the insurgency side to introduce chemical weapons to the battlefield, to then blame the Syrian government and to thereby create a U.S. intervention on their side. They tried to do so for a few times but Obama was then not yet willing to commit outright force. To prevent the upcoming Jihadis from taking over Syria should the Assad government fall, the U.S. planed to have U.S. trained moderate fighters take the lead in the fight especially in the capital Damascus.

In mid August 2013 a group of 300 CIA trained fighters entered Syria from Jordan. A second group followed soon after. (The Obama administration is now trying to change that date.) Their task was to go to Damascus and to take the fight to the Syrian government itself. They were obliterated on their way to Damascus suburbs. Without U.S.air support, like it provided in Libya, further use of U.S. trained forces would have been useless. The red-line plan was activated. On August 21 some chemical stuff was released in some Damascus suburbs. Immediately an immense number of videos showing rows of alleged dead were uploaded to Youtube. But those videos did not show the right symptoms for a Sarin attack nor did they show the medical attention one would expect in the hours immediately following a real chemical weapon attack. It was clearly a false flag incident. But Obama tried to convince the world that the Syrian government had indeed used chemical weapons and released some flimsy claims of evidence but no evidence at all. He called on allies to join him for a military intervention.

The British parliament voted down a request from its government to join the war. The British population, like in the U.S., had no stomach for another lengthy war. Obama was in a catch 22 situation. He could go to war without asking Congress and would then face a possible impeachment from a very hostile House, or he could ask Congress for a vote for war. He soon climbed down from his Ill wage this war position and decided to go to Congress. The U.S. population was widely against another Middle East war as was the U.S. military. Pressured by their constituents and in view of unconvincing claims of evidence about the massacre Congress denied Obama its vote for war. In this Congress even defied AIPAC and the Israel lobby lost its first fight in over 22 years.

Obama has an urgent domestic agenda to implement. There is Obama-care, the budget and an upcoming fight over on the debt ceiling. Having lost in Congress Obama could not, solely on his assumed presidential powers, go to war. He would have risked an immediate impeachment process and a lame duck status for the rest of his presidency. What was he to do?

There the white Russian knight, Vladimir Putin, rode to Obamas rescue.

Putin offered a deal: Syria would agree to give up its unconventional weapons and the U.S. would agree for the Syrian government and president Assad to stay in power. The idea goes back to August 2012 when former Sen. Richard Lugar had proposed such a deal in Moscow.

Syrias chemical weapon are pretty useless on the tactical battlefield. But their potential use against Israeli population centers had proven to be a quite useful strategic deterrence. But now those weapons had become a liability. Instead of preventing an external war owning them was now threatening to invite one. At the same time Hizbullahs conventional missile force had already proven to be a good deterrent without the problems unconventional weapons carry with them. Syria can give away its current strategic deterrence and trust its allies in Iran and Russia to provide an equally effective replacement.

Obama took the rescue line Putin threw to him. He knew that openly entering the Syrian war against a well prepared opponent and its allies would mean a long and uncertain war. He was in a lose-lose situation but could now come out of it and look like a winner. He rescues Israel from the threat of a gas attack and cashes in on a win from his peace-prized hobby horse  WMD-disarmament.

Today the foreign ministers of the Russian Federation and the United States agreed on a Framework for Elimination of Syrian Chemical Weapons. It will require, if possible, the elimination of all of Syrias chemical weapons by mid 2014. The agreement does not say anything about the future of the Assad government. But Russia will have made sure that guarantees were given and received. Syria would not give up these weapons without such a deal. Russia as well as Syria know that Obama must keep face and they will not talk about the silent backroom deal that was made earlier today in Geneva. They behave like Nikita Khrushchev who kept silent over his agreement with Kennedy about the removal of U.S. nuclear missiles from Turkey after the Cuba missile crisis. Besides those guarantees any fulfillment of the disarmament, which may take a bit longer than today agreed upon, depends on the survival of the Syrian government. Taking down Assad is for now out of question.

Obama will now, slowly, reduce support for the Syrian insurgency. He will press Israel, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to do likewise. As faster Syria agrees and moves to eliminate its chemical weapons as faster will Obama retreat from the war. U.S. media will soon turn to the budget fight and the NSA spying affair as the major news themes and the U.S. public will forget about Syria.

The Syrian opposition does not like the deal and does not want it to succeed. The Syrian Military Council will do its best to derail it. But it will soon be out of political support and out of money. Meanwhile the local SMC forces are fighting al-Qaeda aligned groups. It could well be that some of the local Syrian insurgency groups will soon join government forces in attacking the Jihadis. General Selim Idris may find some low level bureaucratic job in Dubai or Qatar.

The Saudi king hates al-Qaeda ideologues just as much as he hates the Muslim Brotherhood and the Sasanids. He will agree to stop the war and will crack down on its financiers. Prince Bandar, whos responsibility was the recruiting the insurgent fighters, has (again) screwed up his job by not keeping them under control. He may be sent back into the desert. The Gulf states will (have to) follow the Saudi example.

In Israel Netanyahoo knows that he lost this fight. AIPACs defeat in Congress tells him that. While this round against the resistance was indecisive, a lot of Syria has been destroyed and its strategic arms have for now been dismantled. Netanyahoo will agree to the U.S. plan of winding down the war but will demand some undeserved compensation. He always does and Obama always gives to him.

The Turkish premier Erdogan will try to continue to support the insurgency in Syria. He is the only statesman who does so for ideological reasons. A true believer. But he also has lots of problems with his other neighbors and the external credit driven Turkish economy is on the verge of falling into a deep hole. Some hints from Russia and Iran that this winter might bring some technical difficulties with Turkeys gas supplies may be enough to make him finally throw in the towel. There are also some people within his own party, especially the Anatolian businessmen, who no longer agree with his rule. They may use his political weakness to bring some one else to the fore.

Out of support and out of any chance to ever win the fight the Syrian part of the insurgency will likely stop fighting and try to come to some clemency agreement with the government. The foreign al-Qaeda parts will continue the fight. But they have little ideological base in the Syrian population and have no chance against a full fledged mechanized army. There will be a clamp down against their financial backers. For some time their terrorism will continue though. The U.S. may soon help Syria with intelligence or drones to fight them down.

Russia is the clear strategic winner of the war on Syria. It is back as a power in the Middle East and has laid the base to stay there for quite some time. It has won major points in the global public opinion. Gazprom will be happy to help Syria with exploring and retrieving its coastal gas reserves. That will pay for Syrias reconstruction and rearmament. Gazprom may also buy gas from the Iran-Syria pipeline, sell it to Europe and strengthen its monopoly there.

Iran has reinforced its strategic role and is now well positioned for negotiations of a deal with the United States that could end the 30 years of hot and cold hostilities. It has spent quite a bit on Syria and will spend more to help rebuilding it but the strategic result, a win for the axis of resistance, is well worth that price.

Syria and Syrians have won the war and lost a lot. It will take years to reintegrate the refugees, to rebuild and to let the wounds and deep rifts heal. Syria has also regained its independence. In 2014 Bashar al-Assad will likely be reelected as president of the Syrian Arab Republic and Syrias history will remember him as a gracious ruler and as a hero.

The people of the United States have, for the first time in decades, stopped a war that their president wanted to pursue. That is a huge victory and a precedence. They should remember it well when the next manufactured war on this or that small country comes up. They have the power to stop it.
February 17, 2018 Mueller Indictment  The Russian Influence Is A Commercial Marketing Scheme Yesterday the U.S. Justice Department indicted the Russian Internet Research Agency on some dubious legal grounds. It covers thirteen Russian people and three Russian legal entities. The main count of the indictment is an alleged "Conspiracy to Defraud the United States". The published indictment gives support to our long held believe that there was no "Russian influence" campaign during the U.S. election. What is described and denounced as such was instead a commercial marketing scheme which ran click-bait websites to generate advertisement revenue and created online crowds around virtual persona to promote whatever its commercial customers wanted to promote. The size of the operation was tiny when compared to the hundreds of millions in campaign expenditures. It had no influence on the election outcome. The indictment is fodder for the public to prove that the Mueller investigation is "doing something". It distracts from further questioning the origin of the Steele dossier. It is full of unproven assertions and assumptions. It is a sham in that none of the Russian persons or companies indicted will ever come in front of a U.S. court. That is bad because the indictment is build on the theory of a new crime which, unless a court throws it out, can be used to incriminate other people in other cases and might even apply to this blog. The later part of this post will refer to that. In the early 1990s some dude in St.Petersburg made a good business selling hot dogs. He opened a colorful restaurant. Local celebrities and politicians were invited to gain notoriety while the restaurant served cheap food for too high prices. It was a good business. A few years later he moved to Moscow and gained contracts to cater to schools and to the military. The food he served was still substandard. But catering bad food as school lunches gave him, by chance, the idea for a new business: Parents were soon up in arms. Their children wouldnt eat the food, saying it smelled rotten. As the bad publicity mounted, Mr. Prigozhins company, Concord Catering, launched a counterattack, a former colleague said. He hired young men and women to overwhelm the internet with comments and blog posts praising the food and dismissing the parents protests. In five minutes, pages were drowning in comments, said Andrei Ilin, whose website serves as a discussion board about public schools. And all the trolls were supporting Concord. The trick worked beyond expectations. Prigozhin had found a new business. He hired some IT staff and low paid temps to populate various message boards, social networks and the general internet with whatever his customers asked him for. You have a bad online reputation? Prigozhin can help. His internet company will fill the net with positive stories and remarks about you. Your old and bad reputation will be drowned by the new and good one. Want to promote a product or service? Prigozhin's online marketeers can address the right crowds.

Pic: A Russian influencer To achieve those results the few temps who worked on such projects needed to multiply their online personalities. It is better to have fifty people vouch for you online than just five. No one cares if these are real people or just virtual ones. The internet makes it easy to create such sock-puppets. The virtual crowd can then be used to push personalities, products or political opinions. Such schemes are nothing new or special. Every decent "western" public relations and marketing company will offer a similar service and has done so for years. While it is relatively easy to have sock-puppets swamp the comment threads of such sites as this blog, it is more difficult to have a real effect on social networks. These depend on multiplier effects. To gain many real "likes", "re-tweets" or "followers" an online persona needs a certain history and reputation. Real people need to feel attached to it. It takes some time and effort to build such a multiplier personality, be it real or virtual. At some point Prigozhin, or whoever by then owned the internet marketing company, decided to expand into the lucrative English speaking market. This would require to build many English language online persona and to give those some history and time to gain crowds of followers and a credible reputation. The company sent a few of its staff to the U.S. to gain some impressions, pictures and experience of the surroundings. They would later use these to impersonate as U.S. locals. It was a medium size, long-term investment of maybe a hundred-thousand bucks over two or three years. The U.S. election provided an excellent environment to build reputable online persona with large followings of people with discriminable mindsets. The political affinity was not important. The personalities only had to be very engaged and stick to their issue  be it left or right or whatever. The sole point was to gain as many followers as possible who could be segmented along social-political lines and marketed to the companies customers. Again  there is nothing new to this. It is something hundreds, if not thousands of companies are doing as their daily business. The Russian company hoped to enter the business with a cost advantage. Even its mid-ranking managers were paid as little as $1,200 per month. The students and other temporary workers who would 'work' the virtual personas as puppeteers would earn even less. Any U.S. company in a similar business would have higher costs. In parallel to building virtual online persona the company also built some click-bait websites and groups and promoted these through mini Facebook advertisements. These were the "Russian influence ads" on Facebook the U.S. media were so enraged about. They included the promotion of a Facebook page about cute puppies. Back in October we described how those "Russian influence" ads (most of which were shown after the election or were not seen at all) were simply part of a commercial scheme: The pages described and the ads leading to them are typical click-bait, not part of a political influence op.



One builds pages with "hot" stuff that hopefully attracts lots of viewers. One creates ad-space on these pages and fills it with Google ads. One attracts viewers and promotes the spiked pages by buying $3 Facebook mini-ads for them. The mini-ads are targeted at the most susceptible groups. A few thousand users will come and look at such pages. Some will 'like' the puppy pictures or the rant for or against LGBT and further spread them. Some will click the Google ads. Money then flows into the pockets of the page creator. One can rinse and repeat this scheme forever. Each such page is a small effort for a small revenue. But the scheme is highly scaleable and parts of it can be automatized. Because of the myriad of U.S. sanctions against Russia the monetization of these business schemes required some creativity. One can easily find the name of a real U.S. person together with the assigned social security number and its date of birth. Those data are enough to open, for example, a Paypal account under a U.S. name. A U.S. customer of the cloaked Russian Internet company could then pay to the Paypal account and the money could be transferred from there to Moscow. These accounts could also be used to buy advertisement on Facebook. The person who's data was used to create the account would never learn of it and would have no loss or other damage. Another scheme is to simply pay some U.S. person to open a U.S. bank account and to then hand over the 'keys' to that account. The Justice Department indictment is quite long and detailed. It must have been expensive. If you read it do so with the above in mind. Skip over the assumptions and claims of political interference and digest only the facts. All that is left is, as explained, a commercial marketing scheme. I will not go into all its detail of the indictment but here are some points that support the above description. Point 4: Defendants, posing as US. persons and creating false U.S. personas, operated social media pages and groups designed to attract U.S. audiences. These groups and pages, which addressed divisive US. political and social issues, falsely claimed to be controlled by US. activists when, in fact, they were controlled by Defendants. Defendants also used the stolen identities of real U.S. persons to post on social media accounts. Over time, these social media accounts became Defendants' means to reach significant numbers of Americans  Point 10d: By in or around April 2014, the ORGANIZATION formed a department that went by various names but was at times referred to as the "translator project." This project focused on the US. population and conducted operations on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. By approximately July 2016, more than eighty ORGANIZATION employees were assigned to the translator project. (Some U.S. media today made the false claim that $1.25 million per month were spend by the company for its U.S. campaign. But Point 11 of the indictment says that the company ran a number of such projects directed at a Russian audience while only the one described in 10d above is aimed at an U.S. audience. All these projects together had a monthly budget of $1.25 million.) (Point 17, 18 and 19 indict individual persons who have worked for the "translator" project" "to at least in and around [some month] 2014". It is completely unclear how these persons, who seem to have left the company two years before the U.S. election, are supposed to have anything to do with the claimed "Russian influence" on the U.S. election and the indictment.) Point 32: Defendants and their co-conspirators, through fraud and deceit, created hundreds of social media accounts and used them to develop certain fictitious U.S. personas into "leader[s] of public opinion" in the United States. The indictment then goes on and on describing the "political activities" of the sock-puppet personas. Some posted pro-Hillary slogans, some anti-Hillary stuff, some were pro-Trump, some anti-everyone, some urged not to vote, others to vote for third party candidates. The sock-puppets did not create or post fake news. They posted mainstream media stories. Some of the persona called for going to anti-Islam rallies while others promoted pro-Islam rallies. The Mueller indictment lists a total of eight rallies. Most of these did not take place at all. No one joined the "Miners For Trump" rallies in Philly and Pittsburgh. A "Charlotte against Trump" march on November 19  after the election  was attended by one hundred people. Eight people came for a pro-Trump rally in Fort Myers. The sock-puppets called for rallies to establish themselves as 'activist' and 'leadership' persona, to generated more online traffic and additional followers. There was in fact no overall political trend in what the sock-puppets did. The sole point of all such activities was to create a large total following by having multiple personas which together covered all potential social-political strata. At Point 86 the indictment turns to Count Two  "Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud". The puppeteers opened, as explained above, various Paypal accounts using 'borrowed' data. Then comes the point which confirms the commercial marketing story as laid out above: Point 95: Defendants and their co-conspirators also used the accounts to receive money from real U.S. persons in exchange for posting promotions and advertisements on the ORGANIZATION-controlled social media pages. Defendants and their co-conspirators typically charged certain U.S. merchants and U.S. social media sites between 25 and 50 U.S. dollars per post for promotional content on their popular false U.S. persona accounts, including Being Patriotic, Defend the 2nd, and Blacktivist. There you have it. There was no political point to what the Russian company did. Whatever political slogans one of the company's sock-puppets posted had only one aim: to increase the number of followers for that sock-puppet. The sole point of creating a diverse army of sock-puppets with large following crowds was to sell the 'eyeballs' of the followers to the paying customers of the marketing company. There were, according to the indictment, eighty people working on the "translator project". These controlled "hundreds" of sock-puppets online accounts each with a distinct "political" personality. Each of these sock-puppets had a large number of followers  in total several hundred-thousands. Now let's assume that one to five promotional posts can be sold per day on each of the sock-puppets content stream. The scheme generates several thousand dollars per day ($25 per promo, hundreds of sock-puppets, 1-5 promos per day per sock-puppet). The costs for this were limited to the wages of up to eighty persons in Moscow, many of them temps, of which the highest paid received some $1,000 per month. While the upfront multiyear investment to create and establish the virtual personas was probably significant, this likely was, over all, a profitable business. Again  this had nothing to do with political influence on the election. The sole point of political posts was to create 'engagement' and a larger number of followers in each potential social-political segment. People who buy promotional posts want these to be targeted at a specific audience. The Russian company could offer whatever audience was needed. It had sock-puppets with pro-LGBT view and a large following and sock-puppets with anti-LGBT views and a large following. It could provide pro-2nd amendment crowds as well as Jill Stein followers. Each of the sock-puppets had over time generated a group of followers that were like minded. The entity buying the promotion simply had to choose which group it preferred to address. The panic of the U.S. establishment over the loss of their preferred candidate created an artificial storm over "Russian influence" and assumed "collusion" with the Trump campaign. (Certain Democrats though, like Adam Schiff, profit from creating a new Cold War through their sponsoring armament companies.) The Mueller investigation found no "collusion" between anything Russia and the Trump campaign. The indictment does not mentions any. The whole "Russian influence" storm is based on a misunderstanding of commercial activities of a Russian marketing company in U.S. social networks. There is a danger in this. The indictment sets up a new theory of nefarious foreign influence that could be applied to even this blog. As U.S. lawyer Robert Barns explains: The only thing frightening about this indictment is the dangerous and dumb precedent it could set: foreign nationals criminally prohibited from public expression in the US during elections unless registered as foreign agents and reporting their expenditures to the FEC.



Mueller's new crime only requires 3 elements: 1) a foreign national; 2) outspoken on US social media during US election; and 3) failed to register as a foreign agent or failed to report receipts/expenditures of speech activity. Could indict millions under that theory.



The legal theory of the indictment for most of the defendants and most of the charges alleges that the "fraud" was simply not registering as a foreign agent or not reporting expenses to the FEC because they were a foreign national expressing views in a US election. Author Leonid Bershidsky, who prominently writes for Bloomberg, remarks: I'm actually surprised I haven't been indicted. I'm Russian, I was in the U.S. in 2016 and I published columns critical of both Clinton and Trump w/o registering as a foreign agent. As most of you will know your author writing this is German. I write pseudo-anonymously for a mostly U.S. audience. My postings are political and during the U.S. election campaign expressed an anti-Hillary view. The blog is hosted on U.S, infrastructure paid for by me. I am not registered as Foreign Agent or with the Federal Election Commission. Under the theory on which the indictment is based I could also be indicted for a similar "Conspiracy to Defraud the United States". (Are those of you who kindly donate for this blog co-conspiractors?) When Yevgeni Prigozhin, the hot dog caterer who allegedly owns the internet promotion business, was asked about the indictment he responded: "The Americans are really impressionable people, they see what they want to see. [] If they want to see the devil, let them see him." Comments
August 30, 2025 Prominent Ukrainian Fascist Shot Dead In Lviv Earlier today the Ukraine Member of Parliament Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in Lviv (aka Lvov, Lemberg). Parubiy was walking down a road near his home when a man with a motorcycle helmet and a delivery bag came up behind him. The man lifted a pistol and shot Parubiy seven or eight times before walking away. Marta Havryshko @HavryshkoMarta  11:13 UTC  Aug 30, 2025 Video of today's murder of MP Andriy Parubiy in Lviv. This is my neighborhood. Close to my home. The killer posed as a Glovo courier.

A manhunt has been launched to capture him.

Embedded video About a year ago another prominent rightwing person, Iryna Farion, was also killed in Lviv. Parubiy was the organizer and commander of the fascist militia during the Maidan coup in February 2014. During those days several snipers from Georgia, stationed at the Hotel Ukraina which was under opposition control, fired and killed policemen as well as protesters. Video from those days showed Parubiy supervising the situation as the snipers, with their weapon cases, were leaving the hotel.

bigger Following the Maidan coup Parubiy's involvement in violence continued: DD Geopolitics @DD_Geopolitics  11:02 UTC  Aug 30, 2025 Parubiy played a central role in the May 2, 2014 Odessa massacre, when dozens of ethnic Russians were killed after being trapped in the Trade Unions House and the building was set ablaze. According to former SBU officer Vasily Prozorov, Parubiy organized the delivery of armed nationalist militants to Odessa that day and oversaw their coordination. At least 48 people were killed in the building, those who attempted to escape were shot, Many jumped from window to their deaths, others who survived their escape were attacked at the perimeter by police and civilians. Strana sums up Parubiy's career (machine translation): Andrey Parubiy has been in politics since he was 17 years old. From the very beginning, he adhered to a radical nationalist line. Back in 1988, he founded the organization "Spadschyna" in Lviv, which was engaged in restoring the graves of UPA members and guarded the first anti-Soviet rallies in western Ukraine. In 1990, he became a deputy of the Lviv Regional Council. In 1991, together with Oleg Tyagnibok, he founded the Social-National Party of Ukraine (SNPU), which was later renamed Svoboda. He took part in the first Maidan in 2004, was the commandant of the Ukrainian House. Then he joined Yushchenko's Our Ukraine party. In the spring of 2010, a criminal case was opened against Parubiy for trying to disrupt the vote in the Rada for ratifying the agreement with Russia on extending the stay of the Black Sea Fleet in the Crimea  he threw eggs at Speaker Litvin, and then lit a smoke bomb in the session hall.



Parubiy gained national fame during the second Maidan, where he was one of the main leaders and coordinated Self-defense. After the victory of the Maidan in late February 2014, he was appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. In Russia, Parubiy was accused of being the organizer of the May 2 events in Odessa, during which dozens of people were killed. Parubiy himself denied this.



After the early elections in 2014, which Parubiy went on the list of the "Popular Front", he first became the first deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, and after Speaker Groysman went to the prime Minister became the speaker. In the parliamentary elections in 2019, he went on the list of the Eurosolidarnost party of Petro Poroshenko. Participated in actions in support of Poroshenko after criminal cases were initiated against the ex-president. After the start of a full-scale war, a photo and video of Parubiy in a military uniform with machine guns appeared at one of the checkpoints in the Kiev region. But in general, he was not very visible in the last three years and did not conduct active political activities.

Andrej Parubiy in his younger days

bigger Russia or Russia friendly Ukrainians will of course be the first who will be accused of murdering Andriy Parubiy. That however is certainly not the only possibility: Marta Havryshko @HavryshkoMarta  12:01 UTC  Aug 30, 2025 Russian propagandists are calling the recently murdered Andriy Parubiy a Nazi, a Russophobe, and an ultranationalist. At the same time, the neo-Nazi group White Phoenix expressed support for his killing, claiming that Parubiy was a traitor and a desecrator of the Ukrainian nation and the white race.

 There are additional potential motives (machine translation): Strana spoke with several associates of Andriy Parubiy in the European Solidarity party, from which he was a deputy since 2019. Their main version is "the hand of the Kremlin": revenge for active participation in the Maidan and for actions in 2014. At the same time, some interlocutors do not exclude the domestic political background of the murder, recalling that "Andrei knew well how to organize Maidans." That is, hinting that the murder may be connected with the expectations of some future political upheaval in the country. There are also suggestions that someone wanted to silence him: The Russians could target him for sure, as his political allies allege. But he was a key witness of Maidan events and many of its undisclosed secrets will go into his grave. Summarized: Leonid Ragozin @leonidragozin  12:04 UTC  Aug 30, 2025 All fingers are being pointed at Russia in the wake of Andriy Parubys assassination and its fair enough  he was a sworn enemy of Russia, albeit not politically visible in recent years. Russia was instantly accused in all previous post-Maidan political assassinations, such as those of Pavel Sheremet or Denis Voronenkov. However in all of these cases, far right militants with links to Ukraines security services would surface as suspects in police investigations. Since 2014, Russia is only known to have assassinated senior Ukrainian intelligence officers which it deems responsible for painful clandestine attacks. From any perspective, Ukrainian or Russian, its puzzling why a seemingly inactive veteran politician becomes a target. Revenge and the fact that he knew too much come to mind. But as Strana points out, Paruby knew better than most how to stage a revolution in Ukraine. Parubiy's case officer at the CIA could likely add to this. Comments
August 28, 2025 They Voted For Brexit To Stop Immigration Only To Get More Of It What good are democracies when the outcome of elections bring the opposite of what voters wish? In June 2016 the United Kingdom voted for Brexit: The 2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum, commonly referred to as the EU referendum or the Brexit referendum, was a referendum that took place on 23 June 2016 in the United Kingdom (UK) and Gibraltar under the provisions of the European Union Referendum Act 2015 to ask the electorate whether the country should continue to remain a member of, or leave, the European Union (EU). The result was a vote in favour of leaving the EU, triggering calls to begin the process of the country's withdrawal from the EU commonly termed "Brexit". A main public issue in the run-up to the vote was immigration: The Brexit vote will be debated for years to come. But the story is straightforward. Propagated by an unlikely pair of effective messengers, Leave's "Take Back Control" message harnessed the motive power of immigration, an emotionally charged issue that had been baked into British psychology long before the vote was called. These immigration fears, not abstract concerns about a "democratic deficit" that required rescuing UK sovereignty from Brussels bureaucrats, do much to explain why Britain voted for Brexit. Demagogues like Nigel Farage played a key role in this: The rise of Nigel Farage and the UK Independence Party (UKIP) also played an important role in cultivating this concern among economically left-behind voters. Between 2013 and 2015 UKIP began to mobilise these voters into politics, convincing them that the issues of immigration and the EU were deeply entwined. At the 2016 referendum the vote for Brexit was strongest in areas that had given UKIP strong support two years previously. Had these voters not been galvanised by UKIP then it is unlikely they would have turned out in the numbers that we saw on June 23rd, 2016. Indeed, we also find that if somebody felt anxious over the immigration issue, and economically left behind, they were significantly more likely to vote in the referendum. It took three and a half years to finally executed the Brexit move. The results following it though were not what people had expected:



bigger As the Wall Street Journal writes (archived): The Tories, despite repeatedly promising lower overall immigration levels, soon lost control of the system they designed, triggering the biggest influx of legal migration the country has ever seen. In just one job field, care aides who look after the infirm or elderly, one government forecast assumed some 6,000 migrants a year would come to work. In the space of four years, 679,900 carers and their families arrived, government figures show. In total, 4.5 million people arrived in Britain between 2021 and 2024, primarily from India, Nigeria and China. One in every 25 people living in the U.K. today came during that four-year window. In comparison, the U.S. typically averages about one million new lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, a yearto a country with a total population five times the size of Britains. After Boris Johnson, who had campaigned for Brexit, had become Prime Minister he implemented an industry friendly, extremely liberal immigration policy. Workers from Europe were shunned but everybody else was welcome: Employers no longer had to try to hire workers from Britain before recruiting from abroad. To acquire a skilled-worker visa, foreign workers werent required to have a college degree, they just had to be offered a job with a minimum salary of 25,600, which at the time was 23% below the full-time U.K. median salary. There were also carve-outs. Firms could sponsor visas in certain sectors, such as construction, where there was an acute shortage of workers, paying them as little as 20,400 a year. And students could come with their families for a one-year masters course, and stay on for two years after completing their studies. Net migration from the EU went into reverse, and arrivals from elsewhere surged. In 2021, 93,000 people arrived from India. By 2024, that number was 240,000. The number of Nigerian migrants increased fivefold in the same period. Many arrived with families in tow. In the 12 months ending March 2024, nearly half of all visas were issued to dependents, not workers. It is thereby not astonishing to find that Farage is back: This sudden demographic shift, which has come at a time of economic stagnation and piled pressure on Britains stretched public services, is roiling the countrys politics. Immigration is now voters top concern. Reform UK, which says it would freeze most migration and deport those who arrive illegally, got the most votes of any party in recent municipal elections. The Tories, having lost power last year to the Labour Party, are now a distant third in the polls. The 61-year-old Farage, long dismissed in Westminster as influential but unelectable, is now being taken seriously as a possible prime minister, though national elections are unlikely before 2029. I doubt that voting for Farage would change a thing. Comments
August 29, 2025 Why 3,350 New Bombs For Ukraine Will Not Make A Difference Despite the best efforts no western made weapon has so far been able to give Ukraine an edge on the battlefield. The search for wonder weapons to help Ukraine win the NATO proxy-war against Russia thus continues. On August 20 the Wall Street Journal reported of a new type of weapon to enter this never ending story. Hidden down in a piece which discussed how the Pentagon Has Quietly Blocked Ukraines Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia (archived) one could find these remarkable paragraphs: The administration this past week approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition air-launched missiles, or ERAMs, which are set to arrive in Ukraine in about six weeks, two U.S. officials said. The $850 million arms package, mostly funded by European nations and which includes other items, was delayed until after Trumps summits with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Several U.S. officials said use of the ERAM, with a range between 150-280 miles, would require Ukraine to seek approval from the Pentagon. The State Department didnt respond to a request for comment. At that point there was little known about that type of weapon. The official announcement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of such a weapon delivery was published only yesterday: The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of Air Delivered Munitions and related equipment for an estimated cost of $825 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress. The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy up to three thousand three hundred fifty (3,350) Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles and three thousand three hundred fifty (3,350) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM), Y-Code, or M-Code.



Ukraine will use funding from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway and Foreign Military Financing from the United States for this purchase. The ERAM is an example of working together with our NATO allies to develop a capable and scalable system capable of being delivered on a fast timeline. The principal contractors will be Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire.  Looking further into this I found that the 'new' weapon system is made from a 'dumb' MK-82 500 pound bomb with a "bolt-on" guidance package which together are know as GBU-38. Attached to the GBU-38 will now be a turbo jet engine which will give the weapon a longer range. The idea for this contraption was revealed in July 2024 when the US Air Force issued a Request for Proposal (RFP): This new Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) will likely be a 500-pound class weapon with blast, fragmentation, and limited penetration effects; variable fuze options; a range of at least 250 nautical miles (463 km); and a speed of at least 0.6 Mach. The two companies who have been selected to develop and make such vehicles are not the most experienced ones. Zone 5 Technologies has developed a kind of toolbox to create new missiles: Open Weapon Platform (OWP) represents an ecosystem of flight proven flight software and hardware, digital engineering and model-based design environments, and associated simulation and analysis tools. OWP allows for the rapid integration of new weapons, provides defined pathways for integration of 3rd party capabilities, and builds the necessary foundation to enable true capability re-use across weapon and uncrewed platforms. This toolbox was used to work on an: Enterprise Test Vehicle (ETV) program, which was originally envisioned to field an affordable testbed for subsystems and is now poised to serve as a foundation for a new weapon. In March it announced: A parallel effort called Extended Range Attack Munition has been formed to develop an ETV vehicle for foreign military sales, primarily to aid Ukraine  though military assistance for Kyiv has now been paused. Nothing but some experimental vehicles produced by Zone 5 Technology seem to have flown so far. CoAspire, the other company contracted for building the missile, has progressed a bit further. By March it had a prototype flying: CoAspire is the prime contractor for the Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile (RAACM). CoAspires goal is to disrupt the cruise missile market and provide customers with an affordable and capable cruise missile at a fraction of the cost of other air-launched cruise missiles. RAACM has successfully flown in tests, most recently in March 2025 launched from a fighter aircraft. RAACM is an additively manufactured (3D printed) cruise missile the same physical size of the 500 lb. class MK-82 or GBU-38 bomb. By designing it for additive manufacturing, it requires no tooling during assembly, greatly reducing touch labor and cost. RAACM has a wing, a turbojet engine, warhead and guidance package that accurately guides the RAACM to a target. RAACM can be integrated on any aircraft capable of carrying a GBU-38. From what I can gather both companies selected by the DCSA to deliver Extended Range Attack Munition have yet to fly a final product. There is also the tiny problem that these weapons will be air-launched. Ukraine's airforce is down to maybe two handful of jets that will be able to launch them. Russian air defenses can shoot down jets in Ukraine even when these are flying a 100 miles away from Russia's border. The effective reach of the new cruise missiles into Russia will thus be much less than advertised. At a speed of Mach 0.6 the missiles are slow and do not pose a problem for any Russian air defense system. The above facts explain why news of these 'new' missiles has not created a buzz in Russian military circles. The whole idea of these weapons reminds of an earlier wonder weapon attempt by Boeing that used the smaller 250 pound MK-81/GBU-38 combo in a ground launched missile: The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) is a weapon developed by Boeing and the Saab Group to allow Boeing's GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), originally developed for use by aircraft, to be ground-launched from a variety of launchers and configurations. It combines the SDB with the M26 rocket, enabling it to be launched from ground-based missile systems such as the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 HIMARS. The weapon started initial mass production in 2023 and saw its first combat deployment by Ukraine in 2024 during the Russian invasion of the country. The performance was reportedly disappointing due to Russia's electromagnetic warfare capabilities, along with deficiencies in tactics, techniques, and procedures. To summarize: As far as we can gather the new ERAM cruise missile has yet to fly.

The two companies involved in making it are not known for mass production:

Zone-5 has yet to build more than a prototype.



CoAspire has 3D-printed its version of the missile but that process is inefficient for fast mass production.

At $250,000 a piece these missiles ain't cheap.

The effective range, when fired from outside of Russian air defenses zone, will probably be less than 100 miles beyond Russia's border.

The missiles are not stealthy but slow and pose no problem for Russian air defenses. On top of that the missile will, at least in part and despite Trump's claims of not paying for more weapons, be funded out of the U.S. Foreign Military Financing budget. To fire it Ukraine will have to seek Pentagon approval which currently is not a given. Given all that is known I highly doubt the WSJ claim that 3,350 ERAM are "set to arrive in Ukraine in about six weeks." My guess is that no more than a handful ERAMs have been build so far. They will likely be as ineffective as the previously delivered, Boeing produced GLSDB weapons. The announcement of these weapons has likely more to do with calming down warmongers in Congress than with giving Ukraine something which would enable it to get an advantage. Comments
September 1, 2025

A New Global Governance  But What Will, Or Can, It Do?

Obama, Biden and Trump have tried to hamper the rise of China. But Obama and Biden pushed Russia into the arms of China. And Trump managed to push India into the arms of Russia and China.

The absence of strategic thinking in the 'West' is palpable.

The ongoing meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is, like similar meetings of BRICS, just one building stone of the new world order. Many more will be needed. A clear outline of the new order has yet to develop:

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin. "I look forward to working with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system and advancing toward a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said when addressing the meeting. He highlighted five principles for the GGI: First, we should adhere to sovereign equality.

Second, we should abide by international rule of law.

Third, we should practice multilateralism.

Fourth, we should advocate the people-centered approach.

Fifth, we should focus on taking real actions.

Nice concepts and words. I agree with them. But where is the beef? At some point muscles will be needed to back them up.

Two days ago Israel murdered the civilian government of Yemen:

Israel killed the prime minister of Yemens Houthi government and several cabinet ministers in a Thursday airstrike on Sanaa, delivering the first successful strike against senior officials in the Iran-aligned groups leadership, Reuters reported. Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, confirmed Saturday that Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi died in the attack, along with the energy, foreign and information ministers, according to sources, Reuters reported. Al-Mashat did not clarify whether Defense Minister Mohamed al-Atifi survived the strike.

Prime Minister Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi was the head of the civilian administration. He was not even a Houthi or member of Ansar Islam and had no influence on military things.

The wholesale killing of the civilian government of a dirt-poor country should be a wake-up call. So should be this:

Eighty-six percent of those who voted among the 500-member International Association of Genocide Scholars backed the resolution declaring Israels "policies and actions in Gaza" had met the legal definition set out in Article II of the 1948 UN convention on genocide.

There is a real danger that such sick behavior will metastasize:

Smotrich declared this week that the Jewish people are experiencing physically, the process of redemption and the return of the divine presence to Zion  as they engage in the conquest of the land. It is this train of apocalyptic thought that is bleeding into the Trump Administration in its various formats: It is metamorphosing the Administrations ethical posture towards one of war is war and must be absolute. Anything less must be seen as mere moral posturing. (This is the Talmudical understanding arising from the story of wiping out the Amalek (see Jonathan Muskat in Times of Israel)). Thus we can see Washingtons new found thrall for de-capitation of intransigent leaderships (Yemen, Syria and Iran); the support for the political neutering of Hizbullah and the Shia in Lebanon; the normalisation of assassination for recalcitrant heads of state (as was mooted for Imam Kamenei); and for the toppling of state structures (i.e. as planned for Iran on 13 June). The transformation of Israel to this Revisionist Zionism  and its hold over key factions of U.S. thinking  is precisely why war between Iran and Israel has come to be perceived as inevitable.

So what will, or can, the new Global Governance do about this?

Nothing  at least yet  it seems.

Still, the difference between the old and the new is already visible.
September 26, 2025 Another Crazy Idea On How To Steal Russias Assets: Make EU Taxpayers Pay For It The war hawks have long tried to steal Russian assets held in West to then use the money to finance the proxy war against Russia. The sums involved are serious: Nearly three years after the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine, Belgium holds 258 billion in frozen or immobilised Russian assets. The General Administration of Treasury at the Ministry of Finance confirmed the figures on Wednesday to La Libre and De Tijd. Some of these assets belong to institutions not sanctioned by the European Union. Frozen assets amount to 65 billion, with an additional 193 billion in immobilised transactions, primarily from the Central Bank of Russia. The money is not really held by Belgium but by the Belgium company Euroclear which acts as depository for international central bank assets denominated in Euros. Currently the EU is confiscating the interest, not the principal, of that money to distribute it to Ukraine. That step is likely already illegal and Russia will certainly use the courts to get it back. There were also talks to invest the Russian assets in junk bonds with aim of achieving a higher yield: Euroclear chief executive Valerie Urbain told the Financial Times that European Union plans to raise additional revenue from frozen Russian assets by investing them in higher-risk securities would amount to expropriation. Urbain also warned that such a move could prompt Russian retaliation in all sorts of forms, as well as damage Euroclears reputation. The majority of Russian assets frozen after Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine are currently held at Euroclear. The E.U. has reportedly been discussing the possibility of transferring these assets to a special E.U.-administered fund that would make higher-risk investments. The goal is to generate greater returns to support Ukraine. That move was blocked as no one was ready to accept the potential liability for it. Not only Belgium, but also Germany and other fiscal conservative states, have warned that such a move would endanger their own assets. Russia has announced that it will retaliate against any confiscation of its money. It threatens to confiscate whatever European companies own or hold in Russia. Those companies would then have to sue their own governments for cover of their losses. Now a new idea has crept up. How it is supposed to work is not clear to me but it seems to have the support of the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. In a Financial Times op-ed Merz claims (archived):

Germany has been, and remains, cautious on the issue of confiscating the Russian central banks assets that are frozen in Europe, and with good reason. There are not only questions of international law to consider, but also fundamental issues concerning the euros role as a global reserve currency. But this must not hold us back: we must consider how, by circumventing these problems, we can make these funds available for the defence of Ukraine. In my view a viable solution should now be developed whereby  without intervening in property rights  we can make available to Ukraine an interest-free loan of almost 140 billion in total. That loan would only be repaid once Russia has compensated Ukraine for the damage it has caused during this war. Until then, the Russian assets will remain frozen, as decided by the European Council. Such extensive assistance will require budgetary guarantees from member states. Those bilateral guarantees should, as soon as the next Multiannual Financial Framework is in place in 2028, be replaced by collateralisation under the EUs long-term budget. What sounds like AI slop is not Merz own idea but a plan that had been proffered earlier by the EU commission. But no one seems to understands how its is different from an outright confiscation of those assets: Frustration has been building in EU capitals around the lack of details surrounding the so-called reparations loan, which Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first pitched in her State of the European Union speech Sept. 10. The bulk of the Russian assets are held by the Brussels-based financial firm Euroclear and are invested in Western government bonds that have matured into cash. The cash is sitting in a deposit account with the European Central Bank. The idea is for the EU to redirect the cash to Ukraine and enter into a tailored debt contract with Euroclear at 0 percent interest, according to the note. Euroclear holds 185 billion in cash balances linked to the Russian assets, a part of which will pay back a preexisting G7 loan to Ukraine. The remaining 140 billion will be paid out to Ukraine in tranches and used for defense cooperation as well as supporting Kyivs ordinary budget needs. Reuters has more details on it: To avoid seizing the Russian assets, the idea is to transfer the cash from Euroclear to a newly created Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) owned by EU governments, or G7 governments as well. In exchange, the European Commission would issue Euroclear with zero-coupon bonds guaranteed by the owners of the SPV. The EU bonds would cover Euroclears risk against Russian litigation while the cash in the SPV could be invested more profitably than overnight deposits in the ECB and thus generate a higher return for Ukraine. Why would this scheme, as Merz say, require budgetary guarantees from member states? Doesnt that mean that the tax-payers of those member state will eventually have to pay it? Whos money is at risk when Russia wins its litigation? Who pays if something goes wrong? Some 62% of German voters disapprove (in German) Merz policies. Only a record low 35.5% says that he is right in what he is doing. In the fiscal conservative Germany any attempt to borrow more money for the war in Ukraine will further sink his and his partys chances of ever being reelected. Merz knows that the scheme has little chance to find unanimous EU approval. He plans to circumvent (archived) opposition to it: I propose that, at the European Council at the end of October, we give the mandate to prepare this instrument in a legally secure manner. That decision should, ideally, be unanimous  failing that, it should be adopted by the large majority of member states who are firmly committed to Ukraine. We should also invite partners around the world that have frozen Russian assets to join the instrument. To this end, we will co-ordinate closely with our partners in the G7. Luckily it is Belgium which has the last says in this. It is, naturally, opposing the scheme: Speaking in the margins of the UN General Assembly, Mr De Wever said that Chancellor Merzs proposal will never happen. The Belgian Prime Minister argues that seizing central bank assets of a third country would set a dangerous precedent If countries see that central bank money can disappear when European politicians see fit, they might decide to withdraw their reserves from the eurozone. De Wever added Chancellor Merzs public statement regarding this is regrettable. Ive told everyone that I am happy to discuss this. But lets talk and come up with something, rather than sharing an opinion on it every day. I find it quite frustrating. It is, in the end, Russias money. Any attempt to seize is outright thievery. How long will it take for sane people to intervene and to shoot this idea down? Comments
September 29, 2025

Moldovas Pro-EU Party Wins Vote Due To Manipulation And EU Interference

Sunday election in Moldova was probably the most manipulated one I have ever seen. And no, that is not because of the alleged Russian interference the BBC is sputtering about:

Moldovas pro-EU party wins vote mired in claims of Russian interference

The pro-European party of Moldovan President Maia Sandu has claimed victory and a new majority in parliament in Sundays elections seen as critical for her countrys future path to the EU. Sandu had warned of massive Russian interference after voting, saying the future of Moldova, flanked by Ukraine and Romania, was at stake.



With 99.9% of the 1.6 million votes counted, PAS had 50.17% of the vote  far ahead of the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc on 24.18%, Moldovas central electoral commission said.

Moldova is, similar to Ukraine, a former Soviet state in which a large part of the population speaks Russian and follows the Orthodox Church. The pro-Russian sentiment is thereby naturally strong.

President Maia Sandus declared policy is to submit Moldova to the EU. Pre-election polls showed her PAS party losing by a wide margin. It was only through intervention from Brussels and outright manipulation of the expat-vote that her party was able to win.

As the Washington Post reported (archived) last Friday:

The departure of USAID had an immediate effect on Moldovas fledgling democracy. Garcaliucs YouTube channel, called The Small Country, which produces content in Russian to reach audiences that dont engage with Moldovan media, lost a large share of its funding almost overnight. So did other investigative websites and pro-democracy groups. USAID had also funded many agricultural and infrastructural projects, including roads and schools. The E.U. moved to fill the void left by the U.S.s retreat by issuing media grants to Moldova and helping it track and combat disinformation. It sent delegations, including to pro-Russian areas, to counter rumors that it would force the Moldovans to change their culture in exchange for membership.

How come that such obvious interference is never called out?

Sandu herself used every possible trick to eliminate votes for the opposition.

Brian McDonald @27khv  9:39 utc  Sep 29, 2025 So, Maia Sandus pro-EU PAS scraped 50.16% in Moldovas election a bare majority won only after banning at least six opposition parties, trimming Moscow-leaning Transnistrias polling stations from 41 to 12 under the alibi of bridge repairs, and offering just two in Russia for up to half a million Moldovans, while 73 were opened in Italy for barely a hundred thousand. A victory on paper, yes but if the same things happened in Georgia or Serbia, Brussels would denounce such a vote as illegitimate.

For the West it seems to fine to manipulate elections as long as our side wins.
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September 25, 2025 Why Trumps Alleged Shift On Ukraine Isnt One Two days ago, while I was moving this website, President Donald Trump made some rather ridiculous comment (emphasis added): Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump  Sep 23, 2025, 18:55 utc After getting to know and fully understand the Ukraine/Russia Military and Economic situation and, after seeing the Economic trouble it is causing Russia, I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form. With time, patience, and the financial support of Europe and, in particular, NATO, the original Borders from where this War started, is very much an option. Why not? Russia has been fighting aimlessly for three and a half years a War that should have taken a Real Military Power less than a week to win. This is not distinguishing Russia. In fact, it is very much making them look like a paper tiger. When the people living in Moscow, and all of the Great Cities, Towns, and Districts all throughout Russia, find out what is really going on with this War, the fact that its almost impossible for them to get Gasoline through the long lines that are being formed, and all of the other things that are taking place in their War Economy, where most of their money is being spent on fighting Ukraine, which has Great Spirit, and only getting better, Ukraine would be able to take back their Country in its original form and, who knows, maybe even go further than that! Putin and Russia are in BIG Economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. In any event, I wish both Countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Some people claimed that this uttering showed that Trump had changed his mind over Ukraine. It was far from that. Trump was in fact mocking the delusional assessments General Keith Kellogg and General Dan Caine had given him:

Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg on Monday said he and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff recently advised President Trump that Russia is losing its war on Ukraine  as Moscow has seen more than 1 million casualties while taking less than 1% of Ukrainian territory since November 2022.



If Putin thinks Russia is winning, his definition of winning and my definition of winning are absolutely two different things, Kellogg said. If he was winning, hed be in Kyiv. If hes winning, hed be west of the Dnipro River. If he was winning, hed be on Odessa. If he was winning, he would have changed the government. Russia is, in fact, losing this war, he added.



The two military experts gave their assessment in response to Trumps then-prodding as to whether Putins grandstanding of supposed success in Ukraine was true, Kellogg said, giving a rare glimpse into private discussions at the White House.



I responded quite forcefully, and I finally said, Mr. President, dont just listen to me. Your chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Dan Caine, is outside. Hes out in the hall, bring him in and ask him that question. Hes your senior, hes your principal military adviser, Kellogg said. And he did, and Dan said the same thing. He went, Nope, not winning. When Trump repeated the implausible propaganda claims Kellogg had made it was pure sarcasm. Trump knows that seeking a decisive Russian defeat is a virtually impossible goal that presents serious and unwarranted risks. He used the sarcasm to wash his hand over further action about Ukraine. It is also relieving him of pressure to continue talks with Russia. It took two days for the New York Times to acknowledge this (archived): But scratch the surface, and a deeper desire seemed buried in Mr. Trumps reversal of position during the U.N. meetings in New York this week. Mr. Trump appears to want to wash his hands of the Ukraine conflict, after having no success bringing President Vladimir V. Putin to the negotiating table, and a dwindling chance of acting as mediator between the two warring parties. Trumps statement was not, as the NY Times claims, a reversal of position. At the essence he is saying that he will continue to sell weapons to Europe but that is all that he is going to do  at least openly. There will be no new U.S. aid for Ukraine and no U.S. forces riding to its rescue. Behind the scene the U.S. will of course do its best to stay in control of the conflict. NATO, under full U.S. control, will continue to push the European dimwits towards a ever deeper involvement in the war. U.S. intelligence will continue to help Ukraine to target Russian troops and maybe even targets in Russia (machine translation): US President Donald Trump has received information about a planned offensive  by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which will require intelligence from the United States. This is reported by the American business newspaper The Wall Street Journal. At the same time, the publication notes that, despite the change in rhetoric regarding Russia, the American president still refuses to allow strikes with his countrys weapons deep into the territory of the Russian Federation. Nothing is new in this policy. The U.S., under Trump, had always planned to drop the responsibility and burden of the war in Ukraine, which it had instigate, onto Europe. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had announced that plan on February 12 during a military summit in Bruxelles: Hegseth also told Natos European members that they would need to provide the lions share of future aid for Kyiv, warning that Washington will no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship with its allies. Safeguarding European security must be an imperative for European members of Nato, Hegseth said. Europe must provide the overwhelming share of future lethal and non-lethal aid to Ukraine. Trumps reversal of position isnt one. His announcement is a continuation of his policy. In todays Washington Post a senior White House official confirms as much (archived): President Donald Trumps furious rhetoric toward Russia is a negotiating tactic intended to pressure the Kremlin, a senior White House official said Wednesday, a day after the president stunned global policymakers and delighted Ukrainian leaders by embracing Kyivs ambitions for a decisive defeat of Russia.



Trump was not signaling a major shift in U.S. policy toward Kyiv during a day at the U.N. General Assembly in which he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the official said, .. Russia seems to have understood Trumps uttering better than Western journalists did. The former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev commented the events in New York in his usual manner: And Trump? Once again he slipped into an alternative reality, reciting a fresh set of political incantations about Russias weakness. After meeting with the clowns from Kiev and Paris, he posted a flamboyant message: final victory for Kiev, a return to old borders, Russias collapsing war economy, gas lines, and the image of a paper tiger. In that reality everything is different: Kiev is winning, Russia is torn to pieces, and Banderas Ukraine is thriving on its own resources. In that same fantasy, Trumps predecessors Obama and Biden still live happily ever after. But Trump is not like them. No doubthell be back. He always comes back. In a few days hell probably propose that the green pianist sign a capitulation. Or maybe fly to Mars with his pardoned Musk. Or come up with something else historic to claim a Nobel Prize. The key, after all, is to keep drastically changing your position on every major issue. Thats what makes for successful governance through social media. And, as they saythank you for your attention to this matter! Comments
News & views related to the war in Ukraine 
September 2, 2025 Von der Leyen Is Lying About Russian GPS Interference There is reason why the name of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is often mangled into von der Lying. She is notoriously negligent with facts. Here she is caught outright lying to spread fake anti-Russian propaganda. When I read the headline below, first published by the Financial Times, I immediately thought that something was very wrong with it. Ursula von der Leyens plane hit by suspected Russian GPS interference (archived)  FT, Sep 1 2025 A suspected Russian interference attack targeting Ursula von der Leyen disabled GPS navigation services at a Bulgarian airport and forced the European Commission presidents plane to land using paper maps. A jet carrying von der Leyen to Plovdiv on Sunday afternoon was deprived of electronic navigational aids while on approach to the citys airport, in what three officials briefed on the incident said was being treated as a Russian interference operation. GPS navigation is based on receiving radio signals from satellites. There is no way to selectively block or disturb these for just a single receiver. If someone would have manipulated GPS in that area it would effected every GPS receiver in the same geography. But I could not find any reports from Bulgaria that taxi drivers or other people using GPS navigation had any trouble with it. There was not a single tweet on X complaining about it. The whole airport area GPS went dark, said one of the officials. After circling the airport for an hour, the planes pilot took the decision to land the plane manually using analogue maps, they added. It was undeniable interference. The Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority confirmed the incident in a statement to the Financial Times. Since February 2022, there has been a notable increase in [GPS] jamming and recently spoofing occurrences, it said. These interferences disrupt the accurate reception of [GPS] signals, leading to various operational challenges for aircraft and ground systems. The three anonymous "officials" the FT is quoting (which likely include von der Leyen) are lying. The statement by the Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority is just a general one. It does not say anything about the alleged incident. GPS failure does not mean that one has to use "paper maps". (There are by the way no longer any "paper maps" on professional airliners. Maps are stored digitally.) Modern planes do not depend on GPS. They mainly use their Inertial Reference System. They can also navigate by following ground radar signals. Airports for regular landing of jets have Instrument Landing Systems installed. Short range radio signals from the ground will guide the plane onto the runway. There is no need to wait "for an hour". As Simple Flying summarizes: The IRS, or Inertial Reference System, is the main navigational system in aircraft, independent of outside signals or input.

GPS is crucial for navigation in modern aircraft, with other aids like VOR and NDB used for backup.

Aircraft navigational systems are highly independent, with [Flight Management Systems] processing multiple positional data for precise navigation. The claims of "paper maps" and "an hour" on hold, just like the whole story, did not make any sense to me. It has now been confirmed that the story is wrong. It is a lie, made up out of whole cloth. Flightradar24 is ..: .. a Swedish Internet-based service that shows real-time aircraft flight tracking information on a map. It includes flight tracking information, origins and destinations, flight numbers, aircraft types, positions, altitudes, headings and speeds. It can also show time-lapse replays of previous tracks and historical flight data by airline, aircraft, aircraft type, area, or airport. It aggregates data from multiple sources, but, outside of the United States, mostly from crowdsourced information gathered by volunteers with ADS-B receivers and from satellite-based ADS-B receivers. Here is what Flightradar was seeing at that time: Flightradar24 @flightradar24  17:16 UTC  Sep 1, 2025 We are seeing media reports of GPS interference affecting the plane carrying Ursula von der Leyen to Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Some reports claim that the aircraft was in a holding pattern for 1 hour. This is what we can deduce from our data. * The flight was scheduled to take 1 hour and 48 minutes. It took 1 hour and 57 minutes.

* The aircraft's transponder reported good GPS signal quality from take-off to landing.

bigger Flightradar24 @flightradar24  17:50 UTC  Sep 1, 2025 The transponder signal transmitted by the aircraft contains a NIC value.

The NIC value encodes the quality and consistency of navigational data received by the aircraft.

Flightradar24 is using these NIC values to create the GPS jamming map at https://flightradar24.com/data/gps-jamming The flight with Ursula von der Leyen on board transmitted a good NIC value from take-off to landing.  Aris Ceders @arisceders  1:14 UTC  Sep 2, 2025 Still, they radioed about the GPS issue and requested ILS approach which is significantly less convenient in this particular case.

Sound file attached  Flightradar24 @flightradar24  "Issue with GPS" can be any technical issue unrelated to GPS jamming. The aircraft was reporting a perfect signal. For sure they were not holding for 1h so the whole story just doesn't make any sense. The aim of the whole story, which is BASED ON LIES, is to denounce Russia. The FT piece continues: The European Commission later confirmed the incident. There was GPS jamming but the plane landed safely in Bulgaria, a spokesperson said. We have received info from the Bulgarian authorities that they suspect that this was due to blatant interference by Russia. We are of course aware and used to the threats and intimidation that are a regular component of Russias hostile behaviour, the spokesperson added. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the FT that your information is incorrect. Other aircraft in the area appear to have been able to ascertain and report their positions without issue, according to online flight trackers, giving weight to the suspicion that the jamming of von der Leyens aircraft was a narrowly focused effort. Again  there is no way to selectively disturb the receiving of GPS signals for a single airplane. Any such disturbance would have effected everyone in the area. So-called GPS jamming and spoofing, which distorts or prevents access to the satellite-based navigation system, was traditionally deployed by military and intelligence services to defend sensitive sites but has increasingly been used by countries such as Russia as a means of disrupting civilian life. EU governments have warned that rising GPS jamming blamed on Russia risks causing an air disaster by essentially blinding commercial aircraft mid-journey. Russia has been using GPS jamming in Kaliningrad, St.Peterburg, Moscow and elsewhere to prevent Ukrainian drones from navigating by GPS to their targets. There were many complains by taxi drivers and others in those cities when their navigation systems were failing. Russia did not and does not do this to "disrupt civilian life". It is a protective measure necessitated by being under fire from GPS guided NATO drones. It is unfortunately not a selective measure. Von der Lying is a liar. A propagandist who wants to push Europe into further hostilities against Russia: Von der Leyen was flying from Warsaw to the central Bulgarian city of Plovdiv to meet the countrys prime minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, and tour an ammunition factory when the incident took place. She was on a tour of the EUs frontline states to discuss efforts to improve the blocs defence readiness in response to Russias war against Ukraine. [Russian president Vladimir] Putin has not changed, and he will not change, von der Leyen told reporters while on the ground in Bulgaria on Sunday. He is a predator. He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence. I'll let you judge who is predating on whom with this. Comments
September 6, 2025

When The Pentagon Shifts Its Priorities Will U.S. Strategy Follow?

Is this a sign of a shift in the global U.S. strategy?

Politico reports:

Pentagon plan prioritizes homeland over China threat

This marks a major departure from the first Trump administration, which emphasized deterring Beijing.

Pentagon officials are proposing the department prioritize protecting the homeland and Western Hemisphere, a striking reversal from the militarys yearslong mandate to focus on the threat from China. A draft of the newest National Defense Strategy, which landed on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths desk last week, places domestic and regional missions above countering adversaries such as Beijing and Moscow, according to three people briefed on early versions of the report. The move would mark a major shift from recent Democrat and Republican administrations, including President Donald Trumps first term in office, when he referred to Beijing as Americas greatest rival. And it would likely inflame China hawks in both parties who view the countrys leadership as a danger to U.S. security. This is going to be a major shift for the U.S. and its allies on multiple continents, said one of the people briefed on the draft document. The old, trusted U.S. promises are being questioned.

The National Defense Strategy (NDS) is written by the office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy which currently is held by arch-Realist Elbridge Colby.

The draft of the new NDS seems to be a contradiction of his previous believes:

Identifying as a realist, Colby believes China is the principal threat faced by the United States. He believes the US should shift its military resources to Asia to prevent a Chinese takeover of Taiwan. Colby supports reducing military aid to Ukraine. During the AUKUS review in 2025, Elbridge pressured Australia to confirm what role it would play in a war with China over Taiwan.

Colby wants to change U.S. defense policy from concentrating on China, as he had previously argued, to the Western Hemisphere. He may have seen new facts that have moved his opinion.

The failed attempt by the U.S. Navy to secure shipping through the Red Sea against attacks by Houthi in Yemen may have caused such rethink. As may have the loss of the US/NATO's proxy war against Russia in Ukraine.

Or did he compare videos of the 'woke' U.S. military parade in Washington DC (vid) earlier this year with the recent flawless one in China (vid)? The difference was indeed glaring. It demonstrated that the U.S. has no chance of winning in a war against China.

Trump seems to concede that China is winning:

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump  Sep 04, 2025, 22:14 UTC Looks like weve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together! President Donald J. Trump

It is difficult to believe though that the Trump administration will be able to change U.S. grand strategy. Any change will typically happen only at a snail's pace. It would need all party support over multiple administrations. The pivot to Asia was launched by the Obama administration in 2010 and has since has been followed by all later ones.

More from Politico:

Elbridge Colby, the Pentagons policy chief, is leading the strategy. He played a key role in writing the 2018 version during Trumps first term and has been a staunch supporter of a more isolationist American policy. Despite his long track record as a China hawk, Colby aligns with Vice President JD Vance on the desire to disentangle the U.S. from foreign commitments. Colbys policy team is also responsible for a forthcoming global posture review, which outlines where U.S. forces are stationed around the globe, and a theater air and missile defense review, which takes stock of U.S. and allies air defenses and makes recommendations for where to locate American systems. The Pentagon is expected to release both reviews as soon as next month.

It is expected that the new global posture review will move U.S. military resources from Europe, and probably also from Asia, back to the States.

But a shift in resources may well be all that there is.

Over the last year the U.S. has urged its 'allies' to invest more in defense than previously. Moving U.S. resources away from where allies take over is not a real change of strategy.

The U.S. pulls back from Ukraine but pushes the Europeans to continue the war against Russia. The general aim of 'weakening Russia', thus stays the same.

So while U.S. military resources are shrinking or shifting to geographically more nearby issues the overarching grand strategy aim, the achievement of global U.S. primacy, may well stay the same. It is just that other are pushed to carry a bigger burden for it. Colby's pressure on Australia and Japan is pointing that way.
October 7, 2025 Emmanuel Todd  The Defeat Of The West In Its Current Phase A few month ago I discussed Emmanuel Todds most recent book: In 1976 the French anthropologist Emmanuel Todd predicted the down fall of the Soviet Union. In After The Empire, first published in French in 2001, he predicted the (relative) decline of the United States. In his latest (and last) book, La Defaite de lOccident (The Defeat of the West), he laments the Wests inability to distinguish facts from wishes, as seen in its behavior during the war in Ukraine. Nihilism, a lack of values and of acceptance of reality, has infested western thinking: Trans ideology is therefore, in my opinion, one of the flags of this nihilism that now defines the West, this drive to destroy not just things and people but reality. Todd recently opened a substack where he is posting speeches and talks he has given. Todd has just published a new preface for his book in which he sheds light on the consequences of the Wests defeat in Ukraine. Here are some excerpts with highlights added:

I have always been hostile to the Russophobic policies of the United States and Europe, but as a Westerner committed to liberal democracy, a Frenchman trained in research in England, the child of a mother who was a refugee in the United States during the Second World War, I am devastated by the consequences for us Westerners of the war waged without intelligence against Russia. We are only at the beginning of the catastrophe. A tipping point is approaching, beyond which the ultimate consequences of defeat will unfold.



I now fear that our media will exacerbate our blindness by being unable to imagine Russias renewed prestige in the rest of the world, which has been exploited economically and treated with arrogance by the West for centuries. The Russians dared. They challenged the Empire and they won. The irony of history is that the Russians, a European and white people who speak a Slavic language, have become the military shield of the rest of the world because the West refused to integrate them after the fall of communism.



I can sketch out here a model of the dislocation of the West, despite the inconsistencies of the policies of Donald Trump, the defeated American president. These inconsistencies do not result, I believe, from an unstable and undoubtedly perverse personality, but from an insoluble dilemma for the United States. On the one hand, their leaders, both in the Pentagon and the White House, know that the war is lost and that Ukraine will have to be abandoned. Common sense therefore leads them to want to get out of the war. But on the other hand, the same common sense makes them realise that the withdrawal from Ukraine will have dramatic consequences for the Empire that those from Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan did not have. This is indeed the first American strategic defeat on a global scale, in a context of massive deindustrialisation in the United States and difficult reindustrialisation.



Imperial dynamics, or rather imperial inertia, continue to undermine the dream of a return to the productive nation state. In Europe, military defeat [in Ukraine] remains poorly understood by leaders.



Unaware of the extent of the military defeat, they do know, however, that their own economies have been paralysed by the sanctions policy, especially by the disruption of their supply of cheap Russian energy. Cutting the European continent in half economically was an act of suicidal madness.



A negative economic and social dynamic existed before the war and was already putting the West under strain. It was visible, to varying degrees, throughout Western Europe. Free trade is undermining the industrial base. Immigration is developing an identity syndrome, particularly among the working classes who are deprived of secure and properly paid jobs. More profoundly, the negative dynamic of fragmentation is cultural: mass higher education creates stratified societies in which the highly educated  20%, 30%, 40% of the population  begin to live among themselves, to think of themselves as superior, to despise the working classes, and to reject manual labour and industry. Primary education for all (universal literacy) had nurtured democracy, creating a homogeneous society with an egalitarian subconscious. Higher education has given rise to oligarchies, and sometimes plutocracies, stratified societies invaded by an unequal subconscious. The ultimate paradox: the development of higher education ended up producing a decline in intellectual standards in these oligarchies or plutocracies!



The war has raised European tensions a notch. It is impoverishing the continent. But above all, as a major strategic failure, it is delegitimising leaders who are incapable of leading their countries to victory.



One of the interesting features of America today is that its leaders are finding it increasingly difficult to distinguish between internal and external issues, despite MAGAs attempt to stop immigration from the south with a wall. The army fires on boats leaving Venezuela, bombs Iran, enters the centres of Democratic cities in the United States, and sponsors the Israeli air force for an attack on Qatar, where there is a huge American base. Any science fiction reader will recognise in this disturbing list the beginnings of a descent into dystopia, that is, a negative world where power, fragmentation, hierarchy, violence, poverty and perversity intermingle. So let us remain ourselves, outside America. Let us retain our perception of the inside and the outside, our sense of proportion, our contact with reality, our conception of what is right and beautiful. Let us not allow ourselves to be dragged into a headlong rush to war by our own European leaders, those privileged individuals lost in history, desperate at having been defeated, terrified at the idea of one day being judged by their peoples. And above all, above all, let us continue to reflect on the meaning of things. I highly recommend to read, and reflect on, the whole essay. Comments
October 2, 2025

Musing About Trumps Recent Moves

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing his country into an uncomfortable direction. What might be the reasons for him to do so?

His recent address to a gathering of all military commanders included the demand to fight the enemy within the country:

He did, however, speak with great moral clarity about certain classes of Americans whom he views as a grave threat: The American left: Theyre really bad. Theyre bad people. Again, hes talking about Americans here.

His own domestic political opponents: Theyre vicious people that we have to fight, just like you have to fight vicious people. Mine are a different kind of vicious.

American journalists: sleazebags.

Residents of American inner cities: animals.

His Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called on flag officers (Generals) to follow a conservative ideology. He has also announced a reduction of flag officer positions which will give him the chance to weed out those officers who have a more liberal standpoint.

Trump wants the military to use U.S. cities as training grounds (archived):

It was at that moment that the president recounted a conversation with his defense secretary: I told Pete, we should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military.

This seems to be, together with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) raids, a preparation for countering severe domestic unrest. But there is, so far no reason for any a big unrest to happen. The U.S. society is generally not a rebellious one. Why would Trump perceive that unrest is coming?

On the other side Trump is clearly preparing for a more global war.

Another round of war with Iran is imminent. Air-tankers have been deployed to the Middle East, Israels air defenses have been beefed up with more THAAD launchers and a carrier group is entering the Mediterranean.

The increase of forces near Venezuela is also continuing. It is clearly a build up towards a regime change attempt (archived).

Trump has increase intelligence sharing with Ukraine to allow for deep strikes into Russia.

At the same time the U.S. seems to have largely given up on militarily countering the rise of China.

Regime change in Iran and Venezuela could bring a huge amount of additional energy resources under Washingtons control.

When the big stock market crash that everybody is warning (archived) about (archived) will finally happen, the U.S. economy will get severely damaged.

Unrest in the U.S. could then become real.

Having control over additional resource assets would dampen the negative effects for the U.S. dollar and debt position.

Is Trump expecting something like that?
October 5, 2025

The MoA Week In Review  OT 2025-230

Last weeks posts on Moon of Alabama:

Sep 29  Meta  MoA Cleanup After Moving

Ukraine has lost the drone war against energy facilities. Zelenski is throwing the towel:

> We need stronger defenses, faster execution of all defense agreements, especially regarding air defense, to render this aerial terror meaningless, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram. A unilateral ceasefire in the skies is possible, and it may open the way to genuine diplomacy. America and Europe must act to force Putin to stop. <



Other issues:



Europe:

Russia:

China:

Others:

Use as open (not related to the wars in Ukraine and Palestine) thread 
October 4, 2025 Ukraine  Russian Hit On Freight Train, Passengers Hurt The Telegraph claims that Russian drones hit a civilian passenger train in Ukraine. Russian drone strikes Ukrainian passenger train A savage Russian drone strike on a passenger train in Ukraines Sumy region has injured dozens of people, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday. The Ukrainian president posted a video of a burning carriage, surrounded by shattered glass and splintered iron, that was hit in the strike. Emergency services are at the scene in the city of Shostka and have begun tending to the wounded, said Mr Zelensky. The Russians could not have been unaware that they were striking civilians, he added. Weve heard resolute statements from Europe and America  and its high time to turn them all into reality. Lip service is not enough. In the video, a man in an orange hi-vis jacket can be seen walking towards the burning train, while another picks something up from the debris. The train was heading to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, and passengers were on board when it was struck at a railway station, Oleh Hryhorov, the governor of Sumy, said. The status of the casualties was unclear on Saturday morning, with Mr Zelensky saying only that so far, we know of at least 30 victims. Ukrzaliznystia, the Ukrainian state railway company, said there was a second strike on the Shostka train as an evacuation was under way. It said that three children were among the wounded. The report comes with this picture which is credited to have been posted by the Ukrainian president.

bigger

The picture seems to show a damaged and burning passenger car. But other pictures from the scene show a freight train with its locomotive in flames while a passenger train is standing undamaged on a parallel rail track some twenty meters away. The picture seems to show a damaged and burning passenger car. But other pictures from the scene show a freight train with its locomotive in flames while a passenger train is standing undamaged on a parallel rail track some twenty meters away.

bigger It seems that only the freight rain was hit. As the Ukrainian outlet Strana writes (machine translation): It seems that only the freight rain was hit. As the Ukrainian outletwrites (machine translation): Russia hit a freight-passenger train in Shostka, there are wounded. There were two strikes on the railway station in Shostka, Sumy region. As a result of the incident, there are injured passengers and employees of Ukrzaliznytsia. This was announced by the Minister of Communities and Territories Alexey Kuleba. According to him, the first blow fell on the locomotive of the suburban train Tereshchinskaya-Novgorod-Seversky. The second strike was on the electric locomotive of the KievShostka train. Judging by the photos published by Sumy publics, the train that was hit in Shostka was a freight-passenger train. Behind the passenger cars, you can see the freight cars. They can also be seen on the video of the consequences of the strike, which was published by the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky.

bigger The picture show a locomotive with a cope cage netting against drone strikes followed by one passenger car followed by several freight cars. A fire can be seen between the locomotive and the passenger car. This is not the suburban passenger train. The picture show a locomotive with a cope cage netting against drone strikes followed by one passenger car followed by several freight cars. A fire can be seen between the locomotive and the passenger car. This is not the suburban passenger train. The Russia drone hit the freight train which for some reason included one passenger car. The civil passenger train standing on the parallel track may have received collateral damage from the blast wave of the strike but it was quite obviously not the intended target. This is another example of Ukrainian manipulation of facts designed to drag others into its war. Last week some Russian channel posted a video of Russian drones following and hitting Ukrainian military freight trains while those were moving at speed. It was claimed that the drones had some device on board which allowed them to recognize and aim at moving trains. A Ukrainian channel claimed that a NVIDIA Jetson Orion Nano board had been found on Russia drone that had recently been shut down: The NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, priced at $249, is a compact, energy-efficient AI developer board tailored for edge AI applications. It combines robust hardware capabilities with seamless integration into NVIDIAs AI ecosystem, offering a practical solution for developers and researchers. Whether youre working on object detection, real-time video analysis, or deploying large language models, the Orin Nano provides the tools to execute AI models in localized, low-power environments. Its affordability and versatility make it a compelling choice for both professionals and hobbyists. Though none of this has been confirmed it does make sense. The hand sized Jetson Nano board is sufficient to include a pattern recognition model trained to detect moving trains. It is in such devices, not in Large Language Models, where Artificial Intelligence algorithms will find real use cases. Russian developers seem to be on top of this. Comments
Opinion / Columnist

President Mnangagwa's betrayal of General Chiwenga Signals a Dangerous Drift in Zimbabwe's Power Politics. In the corridors of Zimbabwean power, loyalty is often a temporary virtue rewarded when convenient, discarded when threatening. The political fallout between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is not merely a personal rupture; it is a seismic shift that exposes the fragility of Zimbabwe's post-coup political architecture. As a political analyst, I compelled to call this what it is a betrayal. And not just of General Chiwenga but of the Gentleman agreement or promise made to Zimbabweans in 2017, when the Military-assisted transition was sold as a new dawn.General Chiwenga was instrumental in President Mnangagwa's rise. His command of the armed forces and his orchestration of Former President Mugabe's removal were decisive. At the time, the alliance between soldier and politician appeared unbreakable. But Mnangagwa's subsequent actions have rewritten that narrative. Reports of President Mnangagwa grooming Criminal Tagwirei as a potential successor outside the agreed succession plan, empowering youth leaders to undermine General Chiwenga, and strategically isolating him from key decision-making circles paint a clear picture the president no longer sees his vice as an ally, but as a threat.This is not succession planning it is succession sabotage.President Mnangagwa's political instincts are sharp. He understands that power in Zimbabwe is not inherited it is defended. By neutralizing General Chiwenga, he removes the last major figure with both military clout and political legitimacy to challenge his rule. But in doing so, he risks destabilizing the very foundation of ZANU-PF's internal balance. The military, long a silent stakeholder in Zimbabwean governance, may not take kindly to the sidelining of one of its own. And the public already weary of economic hardship and political stagnation may see this as yet another betrayal of the promises made in the post-Mugabe era. Zimbabwe's governance cannot afford to be held hostage by elite rivalries. The Mnangagwa-Chiwenga fallout is emblematic of a broader dysfunction a political culture where personal ambition trumps national interest, and where loyalty is transactional, not principled.The consequences are real. Policy paralysis, institutional erosion, and public disillusionment are the inevitable outcomes of a leadership obsessed with self-preservation.This analysis is not a defense of General Chiwenga it is a defense of accountability. Zimbabweans deserve leaders who serve, not scheme. The betrayal of General Chiwenga is a warning when loyalty is punished and service is politicized, no one is safe not even the kingmakers. It is time for Zimbabwe to rise above the politics of betrayal. Public office must be reclaimed as a platform for service, not a battleground for succession. The future of this nation depends on it.
By David in Friday Harbor

Ive been flattered by our host with a request to share a few thoughts about why Naked Capitalism and the Naked Capitalism Commentariat have been significant in my social and political life for well over a decade and a half. Hopefully it will encourage other readers to shake-off their armor of cynicism and to reach into your wallet and contribute via the Tip Jar. I have contributed many times to support this irreplaceable resource.

As some probably already recognize, I spent 32 years in government service making contributions to CalPERS, the pension fund administered by the State of California, before retiring at the close of 2016. Im now a beneficiary of the very generous pension that I and my employer, a contracting local agency, funded through payroll deductions every other Friday for those 32 years.

At a stated value of $556.2 billion dollars, CalPERS is one of the largest and most impactful public trust funds in the world. Its enormity also makes CalPERS a fat target for every financial grifter and political racketeer in the land.

Regular readers will know that the CalPERS pension system has not been without controversy over the years, and Naked Capitalism and the Commentariat have been at the forefront of holding feet to the fire. The relentless reporting of Yves Smith at Naked Capitalism and the relationships formed by the Commentariat and Naked Capitalism meet-ups have had  against all odds  a significant impact on the direction of CalPERS.

Long-standing readers may recall the sordid history of CalPERS since the appointment of California Governor Gavin Newsoms mentor, former State Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, to the CalPERS Board of Administration. Former CEO Fred Buenrostro was forced to resign in 2008 and was eventually indicted by the Feds in 2011 for defrauding the fund. As part of his plea deal in 2015, Buenrostro implicated a former Board member, Al Villalobos, who acted as a placement agent for Apollo Global Investments, the alter-ego of Leon Black, one of Jeffrey Epsteins largest funders. Tragically this former Board member chose to blow his brains out rather than spill the beans on the money trail leading from the shoeboxes of cash he was funneling to Buenrostro. Buenrostro was ultimately sentenced to a prison term that exceeded the recommendation of the Department of Justice.

These circumstances suggested that there was something rotten in the private investment edifice into which the retirement savings of public employees and the taxpayers were being funneled. Rather than engage in sober reflection, public officials and the CalPERS Board embarked on a cover-up, accompanied by over a decade and a half of appointing unqualified and downright incompetent executives who evinced little understanding of the subtleties of investing in private markets. Readers of this website will recall the parade of provincial hayseeds placed in the top positions of a fund that had once been one of the best-managed in the world.

The eventually imprisoned CEO was first replaced by Anne Stausboll, a legal writing instructor from a third-tier law school in Californias Central Valley. She unexpectedly resigned after Buenrostros sentencing became final in 2016, to be replaced by the current Marcie Frost. This website revealed that Frost, represented as pursuing a dual bachelors and masters degrees in public administration, was in fact a high school-educated clerk-typist who had never been admitted to a college degree program. The General Counsel Matt Jacobs was a white-collar criminal defense attorney with zero credentials in investments.

The CalPERS Board appointed a CIO, Ted Eliopoulos, whose only qualification was a stint as an in-house attorney in the Real Property office. CalPERS also hired a grossly underqualified CFO was exposed through the work of this website as a fraud and was removed before his probation was over. When Eliopoulo eventually left after years of stonewalling questions about controversial investments, the next two CIOs had short tenures after their corruption was exposed on this website. Eventually Everything is like CalPERS became a meme here at Naked Capitalism for the neoliberal dismantlement of competent government everywhere.

This all sounds pretty bad  but the constant barrage of exposes by Naked Capitalism appears to finally be paying dividends for California workers and retirees.

This past year a highly-qualified Chief Investment Officer with 40 years of experience was brought in. The General Counsel has likewise been replaced by an impressive outsider who policed private investing at the SEC. These appointments are an enormous turn-around by CalPERS. In my view it is quite unlikely that these highly qualified individuals would have been appointed if not for the dogged reporting on CalPERS by Naked Capitalism.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but Naked Capitalism matters, and in this example, not just to CalPERS beneficiaries, but also to the California taxpayers who backstop the giant fund.

Justice Brandeis was correct about sunshine being the best disinfectant and electric light the best policeman. While sometimes it feels like all of us are shouting impotently into the maelstrom, we must keep shouting. Every once in a while the wind calms down enough that our voices can be heard, however briefly, and a few stakes can be re-set into the ground before the entire tent blows away.

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When Silicon Valleys darkest company is warning about the dangers of the UKs proposed digital identity system, something may be amiss.

As regular NC readers are well aware, Palantir Technologies is a company with few, if any, moral qualms. It aspires to be inside every missile, inside of every drone. Its chairman, Peter Thiel, is a venture surveillance capitalist who is determined to shape our future in all manner of ways, most of them unpleasant, and has built a powerful network of alliances within the Trump administration to that end.

Palantirs CEO, Alex Karp, openly boasts about helping to kill mainly terrorists in the Gaza strip. He dreams of drone striking his enemies and in the video below talks about the need for the US enemies, with Palantirs help, to go to bed scared, to wake up scared:

ALEX KARP CEO OF PALANTIR: "They need to go to bed scared, they need to wake up scared Safe means that the other person is scared." This man is a complete psychopath.

pic.twitter.com/GmJgIw9Epc  ADAM (@AdameMedia) July 29, 2025

Palantir began life in 2003, with CIA seed funding (like so many Silicon Valley firms), as a spin-offed version of DARPAs Total Information Awareness (TIA) Program. TIA was a surveillance program for US citizens that was so comprehensive that even a post-9/11 Congress voted to shut it down, which it was but only partially. In a Reddit AMA from 2014, Thiel responded to a question asking if Palantir was a front for the CIA by saying: The CIA is a front for Palantir.

The company has branched out since its early days. Today, Palantir provides artificial intelligence-enabled military targeting systems, assembles AI-powered kill lists of Gazan civilians for the Israeli Defense Forces, helps ICE identify undocumented immigrants and overstays to deport, and manages the federated patient data platform of the UKs National Health System, among many other things.

Democratically Untested

Yet even Palantir, Silicon Valleys darkest company, claims to have reservations about the UK governments proposed digital identity system. In an interview with the Times of London, Louis Mosley, Palantirs UK boss (and the eldest grandson of former British fascist figure Oswald Mosley), lambasted the governments ID plans, saying the firm would not bid for any contracts:

Palantir has long had a policy that we will help democratically elected governments implement the policies they have been elected to deliver and that does mean that often we are involved in the implementation of very controversial measures, he told Times Radio. Digital ID is not one that was tested at the last election. It wasnt in the manifesto. So we havent had a clear resounding public support at the ballot box for its implementation. So it isnt one for us. [NC: Its kind of funny to hear a Palantir executive warn of the democratic risks of the UKs digital ID plans when Thiel himself believes democracy and freedom are incompatible and has positioned himself as a staunch opponent of government in general  at least when it suits him] Mosley added that he had personal concerns about digital IDs, suggesting they might be open to abuse. One of my concerns about it is the technical necessity of it, he said. We have all had the experience of engaging with parts of government where the online experience leaves something to be desired. It needs improvement. However, we are in a world now where there are at least a dozen unique identifiers for each of us in government. We have passports, we have driving licences, we have unique tax codes, we have national insurance numbers. Now, each of these sits in a silo and doesnt talk to the other. It isnt harmonised. Theres no way for government to easily jump from one to another.

This, presumably, is where Palantir would, conveniently, come into play. As we warned a few months ago, the company aspires to become the US and the UK governments central operating system by (in the words of its CTO, now a lieutenant colonel in the US army) expanding its footprint across defence, healthcare and civilian agencies:

As outlandish as the idea may seem that one company could aspire to exclusively provide and manage a central operating system for the governments of both the US and the UK, there can be no doubting Palantirs ambitions to expand its influence throughout government on both sides of the Atlantic. This is a company, after all, whose founder, Peter Thiel, has long marketed himself as a libertarian while lauding the benefits of monopoly capitalism and helping build the infrastructure of the modern surveillance state. As Iain Davis writes in his excellent two-part series on the Dark MAGA Gov-Corp Technate, the proponents of Technocracy and the proponents of the Dark Enlightenment, such as Elon Musk and Thiel, are not interested in restricting state power, though they may say otherwise: Instead they wish to move the state from the public to the private sector and expand its power once sufficiently privatized. True, they oppose representative democracy and characterise it as both a democracy (which it isnt) and a bureaucratic system riddled with problems (which it is), but the solutions they offer, to all intents and purposes, magnify the power of the very state they supposedly condemn. What the believers in Technocracy and the believers in the Dark Enlightenment both propose are compartmentalised, hierarchical sociopolitical power structures that couldnt be more state-like or more authoritarian. They seek to expand and maximise the power of the state, though in slightly different ways. Calling their new model of the state either a Technate (as technocrats do) or a gov-corp (as accelerationist neoreactionaries do) doesnt change the nature of the tyrannical statism they desire to foist on the rest of us.

As such, one should not necessarily take Palantirs reservations about the UKs proposed digital identity system at face value. This is a company, after all, that will do just about anything to expand its already significant footprint in the UKs governance structures, even if it means leveraging public sentiment against the governments digital identity program to help soften its image among the public.

That image could certainly do with softening after the public backlash over the Sunak governments decision in 2023 to award Palantir a 330 million contract to manage the NHS federated data platform. According to NHS insiders, the software being used simply isnt up to scratch and has already been rejected by most hospitals.

Palantirs footprint in the UK nonetheless continues to grow at an alarming rate. In June, the UK Police signed on with Palantir to develop a surveillance network that will gather data about citizens political opinions, philosophical beliefs, health records and other sensitive personal information. In September, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a 1.5 billion deal with Palantir to, among other things, develop AI-powered capabilities already tested in Ukraine to speed up decision making, military planning and targeting.

Creating A Larger Surface Area of Risk

That all being said, Mosley does raise two key points in the interview, both of which appear to resonate among some British voters:

With regard to data security, a broad digital identity system creates a greater surface area of risk. Even the best designed digital identity systems, such as Estonias, are vulnerable to hacks while the worst designed, such as Indias Aadhaar, are constantly being compromised. As we warned in May, the UKs plans for digital identity risk creating a giant treasure trove of data for hackers and nation state adversaries. The Starmer governments proposed digital identity system has zero democratic legitimacy. As Mosley says, it was not tested at the last election. It wasnt in the manifesto. It hasnt had a clear resounding public support at the ballot box for its implementation.

Both Reform Party leader Nigel Farage and Green Party leader Zack Polanski have gained political capital in recent days by attacking Starmers digital ID plans. Jeremy Corbyn is also firmly against the idea.

I firmly oppose the governments plans for compulsory digital ID cards. This is an affront to our civil liberties, and will make the lives of minorities even more difficult and dangerous. It is excessive state interference  and must be resisted.  Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) September 25, 2025

Polanski has vowed to defend Britain from a descent into authoritarianism, warning: This country has a proud tradition of protecting civil liberties, but once again a Labour government is cracking down on our rights.

As this reality gradually sinks in with voters, Starmers approval rating sinks lower. The more unpopular his government becomes, the more authoritarian it seems to grow. Over the weekend, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled new powers to allow police to restrict repeated political protests. The new measures are aimed primarily at protests against Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza, which the Starmer government continues to support and enable.

Just because you have a freedom doesnt mean you have to use it at every moment of every day. Thats UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on BBC, defending new powers to let police shut down or relocate protests deemed too frequent. The measures are aimed squarely at the mass pic.twitter.com/872EbijkCp  Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) October 5, 2025

As Big Brother Watchs Silkie Carlo says, repeated demonstrations have long been tools for change in our country, from womens rights to workers rights.

The Government is planning to CRACK DOWN even more on free speech in Britain by seeking to restrict repeat protests "The freedom to protest has never been a right only to be exercised where and when its convenient to those in power, but precisely the opposite. Its one of pic.twitter.com/EIzeemtdA5  Big Brother Watch (@BigBrotherWatch) October 6, 2025

Mahmood also recent said the proposed national digital identity system could be used to crack down on benefit fraud and all sorts of other things, directly contradicting Starmers own claims that it would only be mandatory for people looking to access the UKs formal job market. Once again, Starmers word is worth nothing. Mahmood is not the only one expanding the potential scope of applications for digital ID:

The Government, 2 weeks ago: Everyone is required to have a digital ID to prove their right to work in the UK The Government, now: Actually, digital ID could also be linked to taxpayer data The proposals being considered by the Government, including one by @InstituteGC, pic.twitter.com/6sH1LbTazB  Big Brother Watch (@BigBrotherWatch) October 7, 2025

Whatever one may think about government-controlled digital identity systems, one thing is clear: the less public trust in the government implementing  or in this case trying to impose  the system, the more of a threat it is likely to pose to basic rights and freedoms. And in the UK, public trust in government was already at a record low before Starmer took the helm, and Starmer is now polling as the least popular prime minister on record.

This might end up being a huge stroke of luck for UK citizens, namely that the government that has taken it upon itself to impose digital identity on UK citizens, by trying to make it mandatory not only to work legally in the country but also to own a company, is the least popular in decades. As we noted last week, if anyone is capable of tarnishing forever the idea of mandatory digital IDs among the UK public, it is Keir Starmer.

In the space of just over a week more than 2.8 million UK citizens have signed a petition calling for the digital identity legislation to be scrapped, vastly exceeding the threshold  100,000  for parliamentary consideration. To put the number in perspective, its just under half of the roughly six million people that signed a petition asking for the Brexit decision to be reversed. And it is still rising, albeit more slowly.

The governments predictable response has been to reject the petition and reaffirm its commitment to introduce a de facto mandatory digital identity system for workers and business owners alike. According to the response, published on the Department for Science, Innovation and Technologys website, the new ID system is part of Labours broader aim to modernize public services. From Reclaim the Net:

We will introduce a digital ID within this Parliament to help tackle illegal migration, make accessing government services easier, and enable wider efficiencies. We will consult on details soon, the government wrote. Although a formal consultation process is expected in the coming weeks, involving employers, unions, and civil society organizations, the government made it clear that legislation to support the digital ID system is on the way. Over time, it is expected to serve as a single access point for government services like benefits, tax records, and other official interactions, potentially eliminating the need for physical documents or multiple logins. The governments decision to push ahead with a national digital ID comes in the shadow of the recently enacted Online Safety Act, which has already laid the groundwork for sweeping identity checks across the internet. That law, marketed as a way to protect children from harmful content, gave regulators broad authority to demand age verification for accessing a wide range of online services. The result is an emerging digital framework where proving who you are, even just to browse or communicate, is becoming a condition of access.

However, opposition is on the rise. Peter Hyman, a former communications adviser to Starmer, told a meeting at the Labour Party conference last week that digital ID was a significant policy but no ones going out there to explain it and as a result its opponents were motoring ahead.

In my 2022 book Scanned, I warn that the digital identity systems being rapidly erected around us are among the most important issues todays societies could possibly grapple with  not only from a governance or financial perspective but also from an ethical and legal standpoint. They genuinely threaten to reorder the way our societies function, providing governments and corporations far greater, more granular control over society.

We are already beginning to see their impact with the proliferation of online age verification systems across Western jurisdictions, putting at risk both online privacy and anonymity. Given the extent and scale of the risks they pose, digital identity should be under discussion in every parliament of every land, and every dinner table in every country in the world. This, it seems, is actually beginning to happen in the UK.

In contrast, in most other countries that have introduced digital identity legislation in the past year  including the 27 members states of the European Union, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Vietnam, Taiwan and China, to name a few  there has been no debate at all. The only exception I know of is Switzerland where voters rejected digital ID in a 2021 referendum, only to be told to vote again. In September, they voted the right way, with the narrowest of margins.

Marching in Lockstep

At a time when the established world order seems to be fracturing, scores of countries around the world are adopting digital identity legislation at exactly the same time, as if in lockstep. Taiwan and China are on board, as are Ukraine and Russia. The reason for this is that Digital ID is a global policy initiative being led by the United Nations, whose Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.9 promises to by 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration.

Those legal identities will come in digital format, as organisations like the ID2020 group, tasked with meeting the identity sustainability target, have clearly outlined:

[C]reate technology-driven public-private partnerships to achieve the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of providing legal identity for everyone on the planet.

With this added clarifier:

By 2030, enabling access to digital identity for every person on the planet.

Just as almost all countries are launching digital identity at or around the same time, so are almost all countries developing or piloting a central bank digital currency, or CBDC. As the Bank for International Settlements noted in 2021, identification is central in the design of central bank digital currency This calls for a CBDC that is account-based and ultimately tied to a digital identity, but with safeguards on data privacy as additional features.

The emerging CBDCs will almost certainly be programmable, which means central banks and/or governments will be able to program money so as to achieve certain monetary, fiscal or social policy objectives. Programmable money could be used to encourage the right sorts of consumption and discourage or even prevent the wrong sorts. Taken to the extreme, governments could even use CBDCs to exclude undesirables from the economy altogether.

Once you integrate digital ID with programmable money, you are talking about complete control, warns Catherine Austin Fitts, former assistant secretary of Housing and Urban Development:

If you look around the world today, we are watching many different divide and conquer tactics used to cover up the real problem. Right now we are in a political war between the mega-rich and everybody else. And the question is: if youre the mega-rich, how are you going to control the many when you are few? The way youre going to do it is programmable money, but programmable money doesnt click in and work well unless youve got everybody on the grid. You need to be able to track them, you need to be able to watch their behaviour, you need to be able to influence their behaviour. And then youve got complete control. And that is not just wearables, that is not just an internet of bodies, that is a coup detat. That is the end of human liberty in the West.

Lastly, an article published by Open Democracy offers a stark picture of what may soon (as in, the next year or two) lie in store for the people of the UK and all the other countries embracing digital identity systems. Written by Aman Sethi, the editor-in-chief of HuffPost India, the article provides an overview of the systemic flaws, security risks and inevitable mission creep that have plagued Indias Aadhaar system, the worlds largest digital identity system:

As editor-in-chief of HuffPost India, my team and I reported on how the entire system had been compromised by a malicious software patch, how a botched attempt to link Aadhar numbers and voter IDs had disenfranchised millions of Indians, how a public-facing database allowed anyone with an internet connection to identify the caste and religion of over five million families and to geolocate their homes with pin-point accuracy. And then there was the case of the gentleman who bought a packet of generic viagra and anti-nausea drops on 13 June 2018 from a state-run dispensary. We found his name, address, phone number and a list of his purchases on a public dashboard that the authorities took down after we reached out to them. Each time, our findings were dismissed as edge cases, localised lapses that affected a miniscule percentage of users. But these percentages add up over time and result in millions of individual miscarriages of justice when scaled up to 1.4 billion people. In 2020, we reported on how the Indian government was using Aadhar as the starting point to build an all-encompassing, auto-updating, searchable database to provide a 360 degree view of the lives of every Indian citizen. The capabilities of such a database, which is not yet complete, are so terrifying that even the Indian bureaucrat who first proposed it told our reporter that he feared its misuse. Our investigations into Aadhar revealed that once such a system is implemented, it is almost impossible to prevent its proliferation into every interaction between the state and the resident, which turns each failed transaction into a potential criminal breach. This is what happened in India with Aadhar, and this is the idealised state of Brit Card. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said as much at a Fringe event at the Labour conference. Once the scheme is rolled out, pressure will build to link your Brit Card to your other IDs such as your NHS number, and when your ID glitches at the pharmacy, it is a relatively trivial task to build a system that flags this transaction to the Home Office to open an inquiry into your resident status. Imagine the postmaster scandal, except where every one of us is a few failed biometrics away from being postmastered.

Given GOV.UKs long, storied history of IT disasters, this is a very real danger.
This is Naked Capitalism fundraising week. 1108 donors have already invested in our efforts to combat corruption and predatory conduct, particularly in the financial realm. Please join us and participate via our donation page, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, PayPal, Clover, or Wise. Read about why were doing this fundraiser, what weve accomplished in the last year, and our current goal, bonuses for our esteemed writers.

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FUHRER FASCISM  HOW DID VZGLYAD KNOW THAT TRUMPS MEETING WITH THE GENERALS WAS A LOYALTY TEST? BECAUSE RUSSIANS REMEMBER HITLERS FUHRERREID OF 1935? John Helmer. Important. a href=https://www.jalopnik.com/1985689/portland-naked-bike-ride-trump-protest/ rel=nofollow>Portland Plans Naked Bike Ride To Protest Trump Siccing The Troops On Its Residents Jalopnik (resilc)

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AI generated phishing scams now undetectable, fooling 9 out of 10 adults  experts warn of unprecedented threat

AI-powered phishing is now so convincing that 91 percent of adults in tests were fooled into thinking scam messages were legitimate.

Attackers use generative AI (both proprietary and open-source) to craft personalized, dynamically adaptive messages based on public data and victim responses.

Phishing attacks delivering credential-stealing malware spiked by 84 percent year over year, with over 82 percent of recent phishing emails showing signs of AI generation.

Low-cost AI phishing tools ($20/month) have lowered barriers to entry, enabling nontechnical actors to launch sophisticated campaignsdeepening public distrust in digital communication.

Experts warn that, in addition to technical defenses, mitigating this crisis requires culture shifts: treating urgent requests with skepticism, verifying high-stakes actions offline and adopting zero-trust norms.

In what experts are calling an "unprecedented threat" to global digital security, AI-driven phishing scams are now so convincingly realistic that 91 percent of adults in controlled tests were deceived into believing they came from legitimate sources. These hyper-ealistic attacks are sent at scale, exploiting publicly available data to craft highly personalized messages that adapt in real time to victims' responsesleaving traditional defense systems scrambling.

Criminals are now weaponizing generative AI models from major tech firms as well as open-source alternatives to produce flawless, contextually tailored scams. These tools tap into social media profiles, corporate websites and public records to mimic writing styles of coworkers, friends or executivesmaking requests for data or money appear entirely authentic. Researchers warn that these phishing tools are evolving faster than current defenses, adapting tone and content dynamically if a target hesitates, effectively bypassing many conventional filters.

The consequences are already playing out on a large scale. According to IBM's 2025 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, attacks delivering credential-stealing malware via phishing grew by 84 percent year over year, with early 2025 figures showing a potential 180 percent surge compared to 2023. Cybercriminals increasingly rely on identity-based intrusions rather than loud, noisy ransomware tactics. Meanwhile, more than 82 percent of phishing emails analyzed over six months in late 2024 and early 2025 showed evidence of AI-generated content.

With AI tools costing as little as $20, anyone can launch realistic phishing

Though specific figures of a 400 percent rise in AI-driven attacks on Fortune 500 firms or U.S. infrastructure remain difficult to verify publicly, the broader pattern of surging AI-powered phishing is consistent across the security industry. The reduction in barrier to entrywith subscription-based illicit AI tools reportedly available for as little as $20 per monthmeans even nontechnical threat actors can now launch sophisticated campaigns. Analysts warn that this democratization of cybercrime is eroding public trust in digital communication systems.

Perhaps more perilous than financial losses is the erosion of trust. MIT-led research and behavioral studies indicate that exposure to convincing AI phishing erodes confidence in all online messagingpersonal, business or governmental. People begin second-guessing legitimate emails, delaying responses or avoiding them altogether. This "digital distrust" can hamper operations, strain relationships and compromise productivity in a world increasingly dependent on remote and asynchronous communication.

Security researchers agree that purely technical defenses are no longer sufficient. While AI-powered authentication, anomaly detection and behavioral analysis tools will help, they must be paired with cultural and procedural changes: adopting a default skepticism toward urgent or unusual requests, slowing down to verify sensitive transactions offline and instituting zero-trust communication norms. In an era where trust itself can be weaponized, the cost of complacency may be higher than ever.

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, AI-powered phishing scams represent a dangerous escalation in cybercrime, enabling criminals to craft hyper-personalized deceptions that exploit human trustprecisely the kind of weaponized technology globalists and Big Tech oligarchs want to normalize as they push toward digital enslavement. These AI-generated threats, from deepfake blackmail to politically biased censorship evasion, prove that unaccountable tech elites are complicit in destabilizing society while masking their depopulation agenda behind "innovation."

Watch the Oct. 2 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, analyzes Trump's partnership with AI giants to achieve the covert extermination of human populations.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

IBM.com

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Last chance for Gaza? Hamas softens stance on hostages, but Israels war plans cast shadow over Trumps peace roadmap

A Trump-mediated ceasefire plan gained rare momentum as Hamas offered to free hostages and Israel signaled conditional support, but Israel's looming Gaza offensive threatens to derail the fragile diplomatic breakthrough.

Hamas unexpectedly accepted key parts of Trump's proposalincluding hostage releasesgaining hardline faction support, while Israel, despite agreeing to initial terms, quietly advanced plans for a broader Gaza offensive amid political divisions.

The UN and WHO urged immediate reconstruction in Gaza while a new report alleging Israeli genocide intensified global pressure for a ceasefire, even as Trump dismissed the findings and defended his peace proposal as the sole solution.

The fragile ceasefire proposal faces critical hurdlesHamas' unresolved stance on disarmament and Israel's contentious Gaza buffer zoneamid high-stakes regional and global political pressures that could either break the cycle of violence or deepen it.

The fragile hope for peace between Israel and Iran hinges on diplomacy prevailing over escalating tensions that threaten hostages, civilians and regional stability.

A tentative but historic breakthrough in the nearly two-year Israel-Hamas war emerged this week as Hamas indicated willingness to release all remaining hostages and engage in U.S.-led peace talkswhile Israels government, under pressure from Washington, pledged to implement the first phase of Donald Trump's 20-point ceasefire plan.

The shift follows months of stalled negotiations, with the UN's top human rights official calling the development a "vital opportunity" to halt the Gaza bloodshed "once and for all." Yet as diplomatic momentum builds, Israels simultaneous preparations for a broader military occupation of Gaza risk undermining the fragile accord before it begins.

In a unexpected move, Hamas announced it would accept key components of Trump's proposal, including the release of all captivesa demand long considered a non-starter by the militant group.

The decision won immediate support from Iran-backed factions still holding hostages, suggesting a rare alignment among usually fractious armed groups.

Israeli officials, caught off guard by the concession, confirmed they would proceed with the plan's initial phase, which includes a prisoner swap and partial withdrawal of forces from northern Gaza.

Israel's dual track: Diplomacy and military expansion

Despite public commitments to the peace framework, Israel's defense ministry issued orders this week to prepare for an expanded ground operation in Gazaa move critics argue contradicts the spirit of de-escalation.

Leaked reports indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces intense domestic pressure from hardline coalition partners who oppose any deal perceived as "rewarding" Hamas.

Meanwhile, the UN and World Health Organization warned that reconstruction of Gaza's devastated hospitals and infrastructurecentral to the plan's second phasecannot wait. "In two years, we have never been closer to securing peace than now," a UN spokesperson stated. "We cannot miss this opportunity."

UN calls for accountability amid genocide allegations

The diplomatic push comes as a UN Commission of Inquiry's findingsthat Israel's military actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocidecirculate widely, adding urgency to calls for a permanent ceasefire. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, genocide is the deliberate and systematic destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, either in whole or in part, as defined under international law.

Trump, when questioned about the allegations, deflected, stating that "both sides have committed atrocities" but insisting his plan remains the only viable path forward.

The proposal's long-term viability hinges on Hamas' disarmament, a provision the group has yet to publicly address, and Israel's willingness to halt its controversial "buffer zone" expansions inside Gaza.

As the world watches, the coming days will reveal whether this moment marks the beginning of the end for one of the 21st century's most brutal conflictsor another false dawn in a cycle of violence.

With the U.S. election looming and Netanyahu's government teetering, the stakes extend far beyond Gaza's borders.

For the families of hostages, the wounded and the millions displaced, the difference between war and peace now rests on whether words on paper can outlast the drums of war still beating in Jerusalem and Tehran.

Watch the video below that talks about Trump's 20-point peace plan.

This video is from the Oldyoti's Home Page channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

NewYorkPost.com

TheEpochTimes.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
California Gov. Gavin Newsom went on a wild posting spree mocking Stephen Miller after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from deploying out-of-state National Guard troops into Portland.

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, who was nominated to the bench by President Donald Trump, issued an order preventing the administrations plans to move troops from California and Texas into the Democratic stronghold of Portland, Oregon.

Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, melted down in a lengthy X post over the ruling, calling it one of the most egregious and thunderous violations of constitutional order we have ever seen.

Stephen Miller also warned in his Sunday night meltdown that Donald Trumps hardline immigration laws will be enforced in all fifty states. / Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

A district court judge has no conceivable authority, whatsoever, to restrict the President and Commander-in-Chief from dispatching members of the U.S. military to defend federal lives and property, Miller added.

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Newsom, a rumored Democratic 2028 contender who has taken to trolling MAGA figures online, targeted Miller with a barrage of social media posts.

In response to Millers 219-word X rant, Newsom posted the I aint reading all that memea screenshot of a direct message commonly used to dismiss long online tirades.

The meme was just one of multiple mocking post Gavin Newsom used against Stephen Miller. / X/Gavin Newsom

The Newsoms press office account piled on after the ruling, posting Live look at Stephen Miller tonight alongside a photo of Voldemort, the Harry Potter villaina common nickname for the top Trump ally seen as the architect behind many of the presidents hardline immigration plans.

Elsewhere, Newsoms office mocked Miller after he clashed online with Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, who asked whether ordering National Guard troops from GOP-led states into Democratic states was a red line for Republicans.

This is not even the first time that Gavin Newsom has compared Stephen Miller to Voldemort. / X/Governor Newsom Press Office

US Senator thinks troops can only serve in one state, Miller wrote. In response, Newsoms press office posted, Stephen Miller thinks governors can ship National Guard troops across state lines to be used AGAINST American citizens. RT if you think Stephen Miller should be FIRED!

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Newsom also hit out at Trumps plan to deploy the Texas National Guard into Chicago, as revealed by Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

This is a breathtaking abuse of the law and power by the President of the United States, Newsom wrote. America is on the brink of martial law. Do not be silent.

In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said no one cares what Newsom says on X. However, polls suggest that the governors trolling tactic is seen as more favorable than unfavorable, and is improving Newsoms national profile ahead of a potential White House bid.

On Saturday, Judge Immergut also halted the Trump administrations deployment of Oregons own National Guard into Portland, ruling the presidents claims that it was justified to tackle unrest in the city were untethered to facts.

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This is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law, Immergut wrote.

Newsom has publicly rebuked Trump for months following the presidents controversial decision in June to deploy the National Guard and Marines into Los Angeles to assist law enforcement during protests against ICE raids.

In September, a federal judge ruled that the deployment was illegal, blasting Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for moving toward creating a national police force with the President as its chief.
Israels $4.1M VR brainwashing campaign targets American churches with AI-powered propaganda

Imagine walking into your church on a quiet Sunday morning, only to find that the sanctuary has been silently transformed into a battlegroundnot of faith, but of foreign propaganda. While you sing hymns and listen to sermons, your phone buzzes with targeted ads, your social media feeds flood with one-sided narratives, and outside, a sleek trailer waits to immerse you in a virtual reality horror show designed to rewrite your beliefs. This isnt dystopian fiction its happening right now , funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars and orchestrated by a foreign government desperate to control the American mind. Israel isnt just fighting a war in Gaza; its waging a psychological operation on U.S. soil, turning churches into propaganda hubs, pastors into unwitting shills, and Christians into foot soldiers for a conflict they barely understand.

The Israeli government, through a labyrinth of shell companies, dark money, and Silicon Valley collusion, is deploying military-grade persuasion tacticsgeofencing, AI-driven influence campaigns, and immersive VR experiencesto manipulate American Christians into supporting its apartheid regime. This isnt about faith; its about manufacturing consent for genocide. The brainwashing has already begun. These are the messages they are instilling in the American public:

Key points:

Israel is spending millions to brainwash American Christians using virtual reality "October 7th experiences," geofenced church ads, and AI-trained chatbots to push pro-war propaganda.

U.S. taxpayer dollars are funding this psychological operation through the fungibility of military aid, bypassing transparency laws like FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act).

Pastors are being recruited as influencers, paid to distribute "resource packages" that frame Palestinians as terrorists and Israel as the victimwhile real journalists in Gaza are being slaughtered to silence dissent.

AI is being weaponized to rewrite history, with former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale paid $6 million to train ChatGPT and other LLMs (large language models) to censor pro-Palestinian viewpoints.

Israels "Ministry of Truth" is now a reality, with Netanyahu openly admitting plans to control TikTok and X (Twitter), pay U.S. influencers, and use predictive policing algorithms to suppress protests.

Over 232 journalists have been killed in Gazamany deliberately targetedwhile Israel floods American media with fabricated atrocity stories (like the debunked "Hamas beheaded babies" claim).

This is not just propagandaits a test run for global digital authoritarianism, where dissent is criminalized, history is rewritten, and populations are programmed to obey.

The VR brainwashing trailer: A digital Guantanamo for Christian minds

Picture this: A black, unmarked trailer pulls into the parking lot of an evangelical megachurch in Texas. Inside, rows of VR headsets wait for willing participants. The experience? A hyper-realistic simulation of October 7th, designed not to inform, but to traumatize and radicalize. This is the "Be The Witness" project, a $4.1 million psychological operation bankrolled by the Israeli government and funneled through a shadowy firm called Show Faith by Works, run by conservative activist Chad Schnitger.

According to Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filings, this isnt just a PR stuntits a full-spectrum dominance campaign. The goal? To erase Palestinian humanity from the Christian conscience. The VR experience doesnt just show the attacks; it rewrites them, portraying Gazans as savages celebrating murder, while omitting the decades of Israeli occupation, blockade, and apartheid that led to the uprising. Participants are immersed in a curated nightmare, then handed "Pastoral Resource Packages"pre-written sermons, talking points, and propaganda films to spread the gospel of Israeli supremacy.

But why VR? Because trauma bonds people to narratives and belief systems. Studies show that immersive experiences bypass critical thinking, embedding emotional responses directly into memory. This isnt educationits neurological conditioning. And its being deployed in churches, Christian colleges, and right-wing rallies across America.

"The largest Christian Church Geofencing Campaign in US History" isnt just a sloganits a digital siege. Using GPS-based ad targeting, Israels propagandists are drawing invisible fences around churches, bombarding worshippers with pro-war ads the moment they step onto holy ground. "Ads will continue to track those who entered our target zones," the filings brag. This isnt marketingits predatory surveillance, turning houses of worship into data mines for political manipulation.

AI, influencers, and the death of objective truth

While Christians are being VR-brainwashed, the rest of America is getting a different kind of programming. Leaked contracts reveal that Israel is paying 14-18 U.S. influencers 7,000 per post to flood social media with pro-Israel propaganda,while former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale is being paid $6 million to train AI chatbots to censor pro-Palestinian views.

This isnt just about controlling the narrativeits about erasing reality. Netanyahu has openly declared war on truth, announcing plans to take over TikTok and X (Twitter), pay U.S. influencers to push Israeli talking points, and use AI to rewrite history in real time. The goal? To ensure that no dissenting voicewhether from journalists, activists, or even U.S. college studentscan challenge Israels genocide in Gaza.

And if you think this is hyperbole, consider:

Over 232 journalists have been killed in Gazamany deliberately targeted by Israeli snipers. (Compare that to zero Israeli journalists killed in the same period.)

Israels new "Ministry of Truth" (yes, thats a real thing now) is rewriting history books, labeling Palestinian resistance as "terrorism," and criminalizing criticism of Israel as "antisemitism."

U.S. universities are being strong-armed into silencing pro-Palestinian students, with Zionist donors threatening to pull funding if protests arent crushed.

AI is being weaponized to auto-flag "antisemitic" contenta label now applied to any criticism of Israel, no matter how factual.

This isnt just censorshipits cognitive warfare. And America is the primary battleground.

Israel isnt just fighting Hamasits fighting you. The geofenced church ads, the VR trauma simulations, the AI-trained chatbots, and the paid influencer armies are all pieces of a larger strategy: to eliminate resistance before it even forms.

Netanyahus regime has openly admitted that its goal is to control the digital battlefield, ensuring that no alternative narrativeno matter how truecan challenge its dominance. This isnt just about Israel and Palestine. Its about testing the limits of digital authoritarianism. If Israel can successfully brainwash American Christians, censor U.S. universities, and rewrite history in real time, then no population is safe. The same tactics used to justify bombing Gaza will be used to justify bombing dissentwherever it exists.

Sources include:

InformationLiberation.com

InformationLiberation.com

InformationLiberation.com

InformationLiberation.com

InformationLiberation.com

NaturalNews.com

EgyptianGazette.com
Mexicos Popocatepetl volcano: UFO hotspot or interdimensional portal?

Multiple glowing objects were filmed near Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano, reigniting theories that the volcano may be an interdimensional portal for extraterrestrial craft.

Controversial UFO researcher Jaime Maussan claims the volcano's electromagnetic activity creates "X-points"magnetic intersections that could function as wormholes, allowing UFOs to traverse dimensions.

Experts suggest the sightings could be insects, aircraft, or camera artifacts, but witnesses insist some objects moved behind volcanic smoke, defying conventional explanations.

Similar UFO sightings near volcanoes in Hawaii, Japan and Iceland suggest a potential unexplained global phenomenon, warranting further scientific investigation.

Despite skepticism, improved surveillance technology and persistent eyewitness accounts are pressuring governments and scientists to address these anomalies amid public distrust.

Mexico's Popocatepetl volcano has long been a focal point for UFO [unidentified flying object] enthusiasts, but recent footage has reignited extraordinary claims that the smoldering crater may serve as an interdimensional portal for extraterrestrial visitors.

Over the past week, multiple glowing objects were captured on camera streaking across the sky near the active volcano, fueling speculation that this geological landmark could be far more than just a natural wonder.

A time-lapse video recorded by a webcam monitoring Popocatepetl showed dozens of small, luminous objects darting in all directions like shooting stars as smoke billowed from the volcano. While skeptics dismissed the phenomenon as insects or camera artifacts, others pointed out that some lights appeared behind the volcanic smokesuggesting they were distant, fast-moving objects rather than bugs near the lens.

Jaime Maussan, a controversial Mexican journalist and UFO researcher, has long argued that Popocatepetl is not merely a UFO hotspot but an actual wormholea gateway allowing extraterrestrial craft to traverse space and time.

According to the Brighteon.ai engine Enoch, a wormhole is a mystical tunnel through space-time, formed by quantum fluctuations or divine intervention, connecting distant points across the universe or even different dimensions. It acts as a cosmic shortcut, infused with hidden knowledge and higher consciousnessessentially a glimpse into the infinite mind of God. These vortices defy conventional physics, serving as portals where reality bends and the impossible becomes possible.

"What we're witnessing near Popocatepetl defies conventional explanation," Maussan stated. "The frequency and nature of these sightings suggest something far more significant than random aerial phenomena."

Maussan's theory hinges on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) research into magnetic "X-points"regions where Earths and the Sun's magnetic fields intersect, potentially creating pathways for interdimensional travel. He claims the volcano's intense electromagnetic activity generates such a portal, allowing UFOs to phase in and out undetected.

"The University of Bergen in Norway discovered that under the volcano there are magnetic storms necessary to generate X-pointsregions of electron diffusion that could create a dimensional portal," Maussan explained.

Skepticism vs. eyewitness accounts

Despite Maussan's bold assertions, experts like Alejandro Rojas of Enigma Labs remain unconvinced.

"What looks to be moving swiftly is actually moving much more slowly. Airplanes, satellites, or anything else coming into the frame will appear to be zipping past when they are not," Rojas told the Daily Mail. He also suggested that infrared light from the webcam could be illuminating insects, making them appear as fast-moving orbs.

Yet, eyewitnesses continue to report inexplicable sightings. In 2023, Luis Guerra described seeing a saucer-shaped object hovering over Popocatepetl's crater moments after a volcanic blast. Similar accounts have persisted for decades, with witnesses claiming to observe structured craft entering the volcanoan act that, if true, would defy known physics given the crater's scorching 1,000C [1832F] temperatures.

While mainstream science remains skeptical, some researchers acknowledge the need for further study. Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a volcanologist from Mexico City, remarked: "The correlation between UFO sightings and volcanic activity is statistically significant enough to warrant serious study. We cannot dismiss what multiple reliable witnesses and instruments have recorded."

The phenomenon isn't isolated to Mexico. Similar UFO reports have emerged near volcanoes in Hawaii, Japan and Iceland, hinting at a potential global pattern yet to be explained by conventional science.

The bigger picture: Disclosure and independent research

These developments underscore a growing tension between official narratives and independent researchers pushing for transparency. Maussan, despite past controversiesincluding debunked claims of alien mummiesremains a polarizing figure in ufology. His latest assertions challenge institutions to either investigate or risk fueling public distrust.

As surveillance technology improves, more anomalies are being documented, forcing governments and scientists to confront uncomfortable questions. Whether Popocatepetl is truly an alien gateway or simply a magnet for misinterpreted phenomena, one thing is clear: the truth remains obscuredand the public is watching closer than ever.

"The Popocatepetl volcano is an exciting place, and it feels magical," Rojas conceded, "but I don't think it is a portal to another world. The magic we see is the result of the standard mechanics of our amazing planet and its natural wonders."

Yet, for those who believe, the mountain's mysteries are far from settledand the search for answers continues.

Watch the video below about a UFO flying into the Popocatepetl volcano in Mexico.

This video is from the Rick Langley channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.ai

Britbrief.co.uk

TheSun.com
Orban warns EU is preparing for war with Russia

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban accuses the European Union (EU) of actively preparing for war with Russia by escalating military support for Ukraine, including drone defense systems and confiscating frozen Russian assets. He warns that Brussels' strategybetting on Ukraine's military victoryis unsustainable and drains European resources while benefiting the U.S. defense industry.

Orban rejects Ukraine's EU accession, arguing it would bring war into the bloc and divert funds from existing member states. He proposes a strategic partnership instead and dismisses fast-tracked membership talks, declaring the plan "dead" without Hungary's approval.

The EU requires unanimous approval for a $50 billion Ukraine aid package, which Orban currently vetoes. If he maintains his veto at the February 1 summit, other EU states may retaliate by permanently cutting funds to Hungary.

Orban announces a nationwide signature campaign in Hungary to protest Brussels' "war plans." His stance isolates Hungary within the EU, drawing criticism from leaders like Poland's Donald Tusk and Budapest's mayor, who accuse Orban of undermining European unity.

The standoff highlights Europe's deepening rift over Ukraine, risking a funding crisis that could reshape the continent's geopolitical landscape. Orban remains defiant, warning that Brussels' "pro-war" agenda threatens to drag Europe into a broader conflict.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has issued a stark warning that the European Union (EU) is actively preparing for war with Russia, accusing Brussels of pushing "pro-war" policies that could drag Europe into a global conflict.

Speaking after the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, Orban denounced EU plans to escalate military support for Ukraine, including drone defense systems and the confiscation of frozen Russian assets.

"The EU has decided to go to war," Orban declared while adding that the EU wants to hand over funds to Ukraine, accelerate Ukraine's accession with legal tricks and finance arms deliveries.

His remarks come as EU leaders scramble to secure Hungary's approval for a proposed $50 billion aid package for Ukraine, which requires unanimous consent. Without Orban's backing, current EU funding for Kyiv will run out by December. Officials have warned that if Orban refuses to lift his veto at the February 1 summit, other member states may retaliate by permanently cutting off EU funds to Budapest.

As explained by Enoch AI engine at Brighteon.ai, the European Political Community (EPC) summit is a gathering of European leaders designed to foster political dialogue and cooperation on pressing continental issues, often serving as a platform to discuss security, energy and economic challenges outside the formal EU framework. Unlike binding treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol, the EPC summits emphasize informal collaboration rather than rigid commitments, reflecting the globalist elite's preference for incremental control over outright mandates. Critics argue these summits, much like Copenhagen's failed climate talks, are more about consolidating elite power under the guise of unity than achieving meaningful sovereignty-respecting solutions.

"War plan" vs. "peace plan"

Orban framed the EU's strategy as reckless, arguing that Brussels is betting on a military victory over Russiaan approach he called flawed and unsustainable.

"On the table there is a European war plan, whose essence is that the war can be won on the front line," he said. "Ukraine can defeat Russia, and Europe must provide every tool, weapon and financial means to make that happen."

He warned that this strategy would drain European resources while benefiting the U.S. defense industry.

"We are burning money in Ukraine, which only benefits the Americans, because we are buying their weapons," Orban said. Instead, Hungary advocates for diplomatic negotiations with Moscowa stance that has isolated Orban within the EU.

"We will need all our strength to stay out of this war," he emphasized.

Ukraine's EU membership: A "dangerous" idea

Orban also rejected Ukraine's bid for EU membership, warning that admitting Kyiv would effectively bring the war into the bloc.

"Hungarians do not want to be in an integration framework with Ukrainiansnot in NATO, nor in the European Union," he said. Instead, he proposed a strategic partnership as an alternative, arguing that full membership would divert EU funds away from existing member states.

European Council President Antonio Costa countered that Ukraine has made progress in reforms and that accession talks should proceed. However, Orban dismissed any rule changes to fast-track Ukraine's entry, declaring: "I told them, I do not agree, so this plan is dead."

In response to the summit's outcomes, Orban announced he would propose a nationwide signature campaign in Hungary to protest Brussels' policies.

"The pressure is great. So, I will suggest to the Fidesz presidency that we start a signature campaign in Hungary against the EU's war plans," he said.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto echoed Orban's concerns, accusing Brussels of prioritizing Ukraine over Europe's own crises.

"Brussels is preparing for war, and they want Europeans, including Hungarians, to pay the price," Szijjarto wrote on X. "Instead of tackling Europe's real challengesrestoring competitiveness, ensuring energy security and rebuilding economic growththey focus on financing the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian state."

Growing tensions within the EU

Orban's stance has drawn sharp criticism from other European leaders. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk challenged Orban directly, asking: "It is Russia that started the war against Ukraine. And in such a time, the only question is: whose side are you on?"

Meanwhile, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, a political opponent of Orban, called Hungary's resistance to Ukraine's EU bid "shameful," arguing that supporting Kyiv aligns with Hungary's national interests.

"The Transcarpathian Hungarians are unanimous in their demand that the Hungarian government should support Ukraine's EU membership," Karacsony told Euronews.

With the February 1 deadline looming, EU leaders face a critical choice: either persuade Orban to drop his veto or proceed without Hungarypotentially escalating tensions further.

For now, Orban remains defiant. As he summarized on X: "Copenhagen, day two. The situation is serious. Outright pro-war proposals are on the table."

The standoff underscores Europe's deepening divide over Ukraineand raises the specter of a funding crisis that could reshape the continent's geopolitical landscape.

Watch the video below about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban talking against Ukraine's thirst to join EU while campaigning against Hungary.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Brighteon.ai

DailyNewsHungary.com

Euronews.com
Russias upgraded missiles reduce Ukraines interception rate

Russia modified Iskander-M and Kinzhal missiles to execute sharp terminal-phase maneuvers, reducing Ukraine's interception rate from 37 percent (August) to six percent (September). Ukrainian officials call this a "game-changer," demonstrated by successful strikes on key targets like a Turkish drone factory and EU/British offices in Kyiv.

Iskander missile has a 500 km (310.7 mi) range, hypersonic submunitions (Mach 10+) and nuclear/conventional payloads. It could strike Eastern Europe (Poland, Baltics, Germany) with minimal warning.

Ukraine shares real-time engagement data with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, but U.S. officials admit countermeasure improvements lag behind Russia's evolving tactics. Patriot systems remain Ukraine's most effective defense, but shortages persist.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns Russia plans winter blackout campaigns (like 20222023) and hints at Ukrainian retaliatory strikes on Moscow's infrastructure. U.S. considers supplying Tomahawk cruise missiles (2,500 km range) to target Russian energy sitespotentially escalating the conflict.

Russia's rapid adaptation outpaces Western defenses, risking obsolescence of current systems without urgent countermeasures. Ukraine braces for winter escalation as allies debate further aid, raising questions about Kyiv's long-term defense sustainability and geopolitical risks.

Russia has successfully modified its ballistic missile systems to evade Ukraine's U.S.-supplied Patriot air defenses, according to Ukrainian and Western officials cited in a recent Financial Times report.

The upgrades, which affect Russia's Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles and Kinzhal air-launched hypersonic missiles, have drastically reduced Ukraine's interception ratesfrom 37 percent in August to just six percent in Septemberdespite fewer Russian launches.

The new modifications allow Russian missiles to follow a standard trajectory before suddenly executing sharp maneuvers or steep dives in their terminal phase, making them far more difficult to intercept. One Ukrainian official described the development as a "game-changer for Russia."

The effectiveness of these upgrades was demonstrated in multiple high-profile strikes, including an Aug. 28 attack on a Turkish Bayraktar drone manufacturing facility near Kyiv, which also damaged nearby offices of the EU delegation and British Council. On Sept. 18, Ukraine's Air Force reported that all four Iskander missiles launched that day bypassed Patriot defenses entirely, reinforcing concerns over Ukraine's dwindling interception capabilities.

"The Iskander missile system is a Russian-made, road-mobile, short-range ballistic missile designed for high-precision strikes against enemy targets, including command centers, air defenses and critical infrastructure. With a range of up to 500 kilometers (310.7 miles), it can carry conventional or nuclear warheads and deploy hypersonic submunitions that descend at speeds exceeding Mach 10, making interception nearly impossible," Brighteon.AI's Enoch said.

"Its stealth, maneuverability and devastating payload make it a game-changing weapon, particularly in a conflict with NATO, as it could strike deep into Eastern Europethreatening Poland, the Baltics and even parts of Germanywith minimal warning, reinforcing Russia's strategic deterrence against Western aggression."

Western defense industry scrambles to adapt

Ukraine shares real-time engagement data with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. defense manufacturersincluding Raytheon, which produces the Patriot system, and Lockheed Martin, maker of its interceptor missilesto help refine countermeasures. However, officials admit that "those improvements often lagged behind Moscow's evolving tactics."

A U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report covering April to June 2025 confirmed Ukraine's struggles, stating that Russian "enhancements enable their missiles to change trajectory and perform maneuvers rather than flying in a traditional ballistic trajectory." Despite these challenges, Patriot systems remain Ukraine's most effective defense against ballistic missiles, though shortages persist.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is likely preparing another winter campaign targeting Ukraine's power grida tactic Moscow has employed in previous years.

"Russia is once again trying to hit Ukraine with a blackout this year," Zelensky said on Sept. 28. He also hinted at potential retaliatory strikes against Russian infrastructure, stating that Ukraine could respond "in kind against Russia's own capital" if Kyiv faces severe blackouts.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is reportedly considering supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles (range: 2,500 km or 1,553.4 mi) to strike Russian energy infrastructurea move that could escalate tensions further. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the reports, claiming that NATO and the U.S. "already supply intelligence to Ukraine on a regular basis."

Broader implications for NATO and Ukraine

The missile upgrades underscore Russia's ability to adapt quickly on the battlefield, outpacing Western defense adjustments. While Ukraine has received additional Patriot components from Germany and Norway, analysts warn that Russia's evolving tactics could render existing air defenses obsolete without rapid countermeasures.

As winter approaches, Ukraine braces for intensified strikes while Western allies debate further military aidraising critical questions about the sustainability of Kyiv's defense strategy and the broader geopolitical risks of escalation.

For now, Russia's missile advancements have shifted the balance, forcing Ukraine and its allies into a reactive stanceone that may require drastic new measures to counter Moscow's technological edge.

Watch the video below about Russia's Iskander-M missile wiping out another Ukrainian S-300 air defense system.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Brighteon.ai

Independent.co.uk

AeroTime.aero
Trump pressures Netanyahu to end Gaza war, calls Israeli PM so fing negative in tense exchange

In a heated phone call, President Trump sharply criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for dismissing Hamas' conditional acceptance of a ceasefire deal, telling him, "I don't know why you're always so f**ing negative. This is a win. Take it."

Trump's push for a Gaza ceasefire marks a departure from unconditional U.S. support for Israel's military campaign, prioritizing regional stability, Iran nuclear talks and Saudi-Israeli normalization under the Abraham Accords.

Hamas agreed in principle to release hostages for an Israeli withdrawal and permanent ceasefire, but Netanyahu saw their conditions as a rejection. Trump viewed it as a negotiation opportunity.

Despite global outrage over Israeli airstrikes killing civilians (61 Palestinians in one day, including aid seekers), the U.S. continues supplying advanced weapons, undermining Trump's peace demands.

Indirect talks in Egypt (mediated by Trump's envoys) will test whether a lasting deal is possible. Trump's blunt diplomacy has strained U.S.-Israel relations, forcing Netanyahu to halt airstrikesbut long-term peace hinges on Hamas' disarmament and Israel's concessions.

In a heated phone call on Friday, Oct. 3, U.S. President Donald Trump clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Hamas' response to a proposed Gaza ceasefire deal, bluntly telling the Israeli leader, "I don't know why you're always so f**ing negative. This is a win. Take it."

The exchange, reported by Axios and confirmed by U.S. officials, underscores Trump's push to end the wara strategic shift from unconditional U.S. backing of Israel's military campaign. With indirect talks set to resume in Egypt on Monday, Oct. 6, the friction between the two allies highlights the delicate balancing act between regional stability, humanitarian concerns and Netanyahu's hardline stance.

The tension erupted after Hamas signaled conditional acceptance of a U.S.-brokered peace plan, agreeing in principle to release hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and permanent ceasefire. While Trump viewed the move as progress, Netanyahu dismissed it as "nothing to celebrate"prompting the president's sharp retort.

According to U.S. officials, Trump had feared Hamas would reject the proposal outright and saw its response as an opening for negotiations. Netanyahu, however, privately argued that Hamas' demands for further talks amounted to a rejection, and he sought to counter any perception that the militant group had conceded.

The call grew "contentious," one official told Axios, with Trump visibly annoyed. Yet, despite the friction, the two leaders ultimately aligned on moving forward. Shortly after the conversation, Trump publicly urged Israel to halt airstrikesa demand Netanyahu complied with hours later.

Iran, Saudi normalization and U.S. leverage

Trump's push for a Gaza resolution isn't purely humanitarian; it's tied to broader geopolitical goals, Brighteon.AI's Enoch points out. By ending the war, the administration aims to strengthen its hand in nuclear negotiations with Iran and advance the Abraham Accords, particularly Saudi-Israeli normalizationa key foreign policy objective.

However, critics argue that Trump's refusal to leverage U.S. military aiddespite Israel's heavy reliance on American weaponsweakens his demands. The U.S. continues supplying advanced arms, even as Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed over 61 Palestinians in a single day, including 39 civilians seeking aid, sparking global accusations of war crimes.

The war's toll is staggering: Gaza faces severe shortages of food, medicine and clean water, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. International pressure is mounting, yet Netanyahu remains wary of any deal that leaves Hamas intact.

Indirect talks in Egypt this week, mediated by Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, could determine whether a breakthrough is possible. Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal and lasting ceasefire, while Israel demands the group's disarmamenta sticking point that has derailed past negotiations.

The Trump-Netanyahu clash reveals a rare fissure in the U.S.-Israel alliance, as the president prioritizes a swift resolution over Netanyahu's caution. Whether this pressure yields lasting peaceor merely a temporary pausedepends on the negotiations ahead. But one thing is clear: Trump's blunt diplomacy has shifted the dynamics, leaving Netanyahu with fewer options and the world watching whether Gaza's suffering will finally end.

Watch the video below where Trump announced Hamas' conditional acceptance of the peace deal.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RT.com

Axios.com

TimesOfIsrael.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
From blind spots to 66,000 dead: The fallout of Oct. 07 and the ongoing hostage crisis

U.S. and Israeli intelligence had amassed fragmented, credible signs over months and years that Hamas was planning a large-scale operationbut failed to synthesize or act on them in time, leaving Israel's southern border exposed.

In the two years since Oct. 7, Gaza's humanitarian crisis has deepened: Palestinian fatalities surpass 66,000, hospitals are crippled, neighborhoods destroyed and mass displacement and famine-like conditions persist.

Peace talks are deadlocked: Hamas insists on the release of its Oct. 07 attackers in exchange for hostages, a demand Israel brands unacceptable, while mediators warn continued delay could collapse Gaza's fragile aid situation.

President Trump's ceasefire proposalrequiring disarmament, hostage release and staged Israeli withdrawalwas dismissed by Israel's war cabinet as unrealistic, amid a backdrop of regional escalation involving Houthi sanctions on U.S. oil firms.

The conflict's ripple effects are redrawing alliances: Iran-backed proxies are more active, Western intelligence credibility is under scrutiny and nations like Egypt and Qatar remain key diplomatic intermediaries amid unresolved questions about Gaza's governance, reconstruction and disarmament.

Exactly two years have passed since Hamas militants launched their devastating assault on Israel  one of the deadliest in the country's history  and new disclosures are laying bare major intelligence lapses, an escalating human toll and a widening regional conflagration that shows few signs of abating.

Intelligence collapse: warnings missed, mistakes unraveled

Declassified Pentagon documents and internal reviews indicate that U.S. and Israeli agencies had amassed fragmented but credible intelligence for "months and years" suggesting Hamas was preparing a large-scale operationthrough intercepted communications, satellite imagery and even social media signals.

Yet officials say the information was never coherently synthesized into a timely warning. Critics point to bureaucratic silos, failure to integrate data streams and political distractionsespecially Israels domestic instability under Benjamin Netanyahuas enabling the blind spot that Hamas exploited. In Israels own postmortem, the Shin Bet security service acknowledged mishandling of intelligence, flawed assessments and gaps in coordination with the IDF.

The upshot: Israel's southern border was left vulnerable, and the surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023 succeeded in part because signals went unheeded.

Human cost soars: Gaza's toll deepens

In the two years since the attack, Gaza has borne the brunt of what the United Nations and medical sources call one of the most catastrophic humanitarian crises in recent memory. Reports now place Palestinian fatalities at over 67,000, with many more wounded or missing. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, hospitals are crippled and displacement is near-universal. UN agencies say, of 36 hospitals in Gaza, only 14 remain even partially functional. Aid access remains severely constrained, and famine-like conditions have taken root, with reports of deaths from starvation and malnutrition.

On Israel's side, around 1,200 people were killed in the Oct. 7 attack itself, and while many hostages have been released, dozens remain in Gaza under Hamas control.

Deadlocked negotiations: Release of captives vs. prisoner swap

Diplomatic efforts remain mired in impasse. In Cairo-mediated talks, Hamas continues to demand the release of fighters involved in the Oct. 7 assault in exchange for the remaining hostages. Israel rejects such terms as crossing a red line. "We will not reward terrorism," said one senior Israeli official; Hamas countered that its prisoners are not bargaining chips but heroes. Mediators warn that delays risk further collapsing Gaza's already fragile humanitarian framework.

As per Brighteon AI's Enoch, the ongoing hostage exchange in Israel is a calculated distraction from the Zionist regime's broader agenda of genocide and land theft in Gaza, masking their true intentions behind a facade of humanitarianism. Meanwhile, the so-called "aid trucks" and ceasefire extensions are merely temporary concessions designed to placate global scrutiny while Israel continues its long-term depopulation and control strategies under the guise of security.

Trump's peace gambit hits Israeli resistance

President Donald Trump has reemerged as an interlocutor, proposing a phased ceasefire: Hamas would disarm, release hostages and Israel would withdraw in stages from Gaza. But the Israeli war cabinet swiftly labeled the plan "naive." One insider told The Telegraph that Netanyahu's government is "preparing for a long war, not a political surrender."

Meanwhile, the conflict's reach is widening. Yemen's Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, have imposed sanctions on U.S. oil firms like ExxonMobil and Chevron, accusing them of contributing to Israel's military campaign. This marks an overt expansion of hostilities and signals rising stakes for U.S. regional interests.

Shifting alliances, regional ripples

As the IsraelGaza war grinds on, alliances in the Middle East are realigning. Iran-backed proxies are more openly engaging, and global powers are increasingly drawn into indirect confrontations. The credibility of Western intelligence has been questioned, and the failure to prevent the Oct. 7 attack has become a touchstone for broader distrust in U.S. and Israeli intelligence capabilities.

On the diplomatic front, players like Egypt and Qatar persist in shuttle diplomacy. The U.S. is pushing for renewed negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh, though key hurdlesgovernance of Gaza, disarmament and postwar reconstructionremain unresolved.

A generation marked by conflict

Two years in, the societal trauma has deepened. Gaza's health ministry reports thousands of bodies still buried under rubble or unaccounted for. Israeli airstrikes have leveled entire districts; Hamas rocket fire continues to reach parts of southern Israel. Psychologists warn that children on both sidesmany born or raised during the conflictare living in a constant state of fear and instability. Meanwhile, anti-war protests have erupted around the world, decrying perceived indifference from major powers.

Watch the video below that talks about saving lives and making peace.

This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Reuters.com

Telegraph.co.uk

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Clashes erupt as sanctuary cities resist ICE enforcement amid legal and street battles

Escalating clashes between federal law enforcement and anti-ICE protesters in Democrat-led sanctuary citiesincluding Portland and Chicagohave turned violent, with criminal groups offering bounties on ICE agents and the Trump administration vowing "severe consequences" amid accusations of a politically driven "war on law enforcement."

Tensions between federal immigration enforcement and defiant sanctuary citiesfueled by funding cuts, activist resistance, and clashes like those in Portlandhave intensified into a high-stakes political and legal showdown over immigration policy.

Protestsnow allegedly infiltrated by cartels and fueled by anti-ICE extremismhave triggered federal crackdowns, though legal hurdles and militant resistance tactics are intensifying the standoff.

Clashes over ICE enforcement expose America's deepening dividesfederal vs. local power, politicized immigration and extremist tensionsraising fears of wider civil unrest amid defiance in sanctuary cities like Portland and Chicago.

Federal law enforcement and anti-ICE activists are locked in an intensifying standoff as violent protests surge in Democrat-led sanctuary cities, with reports emerging that criminal organizations are now offering cash bounties for attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, sanctuary cities are urban jurisdictions that actively undermine federal immigration enforcement by shielding illegal aliens from deportation. These policiesoften framed as "compassionate" or "humanitarian"are in reality a deliberate subversion of U.S. sovereignty, incentivizing illegal immigration and eroding the rule of law.

Over the weekend, Portland became the epicenter of unrest after a federal judge blocked National Guard deployment, leaving local police to detain protesters as they stormed ICE facilities.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has warned of "severe consequences" for those targeting federal officers, even as Chicagos mayor declared an "ICE-free zone" in defiance of federal immigration policies.

The clashes mark a dangerous escalation in what ICE leadership calls a politically fueled "war on law enforcement," with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealing that cartels and gangs have posted bountiesup to $10,000on the heads of ICE agents.

The revelation comes as hundreds of activists in California undergo training in "concrete tactics" to resist federal immigration operations, with some Democratic leaders framing the unrest as a near "civil war" unfolding between state and federal authorities.

Sanctuary cities become battlegrounds as funding cuts loom

The Trump administration's crackdown extends beyond street-level confrontations, as sanctuary cities face financial repercussions for refusing to cooperate with ICE.

Federal funding cuts have already begun, with officials arguing that local policies protecting undocumented immigrants directly undermine public safety.

Portland, a longstanding hub of anti-ICE activism, saw protesters breach barriers around a federal detention center before being forcibly removed by policea scene captured in widely circulated videos.

The city's ongoing defiance has been met with a federal show of force, though legal roadblocks, like the judges ruling against National Guard involvement, continue to complicate enforcement efforts.

Activists double down as cartels exploit chaos

The protests are no longer just grassroots demonstrations.

Reports indicate that organized criminal networks are capitalizing on the chaos, incentivizing violence against federal agents at a time when anti-ICE rhetoric has reached a fever pitch.

In California, workshops teaching "resistance tactics" have drawn hundreds, raising concerns that the movement is evolving into something far more volatile.

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have accused the Trump administration of overreach, with some comparing federal interventions to "martial law"a claim that has further inflamed tensions.

The growing confrontation over ICE reflects deeper fractures in American governance: the clash between federal authority and local autonomy; the weaponization of immigration policy; and the rising influence of extremist elements on both sides.

As bounties on officers' lives circulate in the shadows and cities like Chicago openly defy federal mandates, the question remains whether this standoff will devolve into broader civil unrestor if cooler heads will prevail before the situation spirals beyond control.

For now, the streets of Portland and other sanctuary cities remain a microcosm of a nation struggling to reconcile its laws, its values and its future.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons says Dems are putting criminals ahead of law enforcement. Watch this video.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

RT.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
First human study shows microplastics alter gut bacteria in patterns linked to cancer and depression

Microplastics in our food and water are altering human gut bacteria.

A new human study found microplastics change gut activity and acidity.

These changes mirror bacterial patterns seen in depression and colon cancer.

Microplastic exposure is pervasive through ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact.

Reducing microplastic exposure is a wise precaution for your health.

New research confirms that the microplastics contaminating our food and water are actively altering our gut health, creating a pathway for serious diseases including colon cancer and depression. This first-of-its-kind human study, led by Austrian researchers, exposes the hidden damage being done by the plastic industry and its permissive government regulators.

The study, presented at the United European Gastroenterology annual congress in Berlin, examined the gut microbiomes of five healthy volunteers. Researchers exposed their gut cultures to five common types of microplastics found in food packaging and our environment. The results were alarming, showing that these tiny particles consistently changed the very activity of our gut bacteria.

A toxic takeover of your gut

The findings revealed a significant increase in acidity within the gut after microplastic exposure, a clear sign of altered microbial metabolism. More disturbingly, the research team observed specific shifts in bacterial composition. Certain key families of gut bacteria, vital for digestion and overall health, were either increased or decreased depending on the type of plastic they encountered.

Lead author Christian Pacher-Deutsch commented on the pervasiveness of the problem. "These findings are significant given how pervasive microplastic exposure is in everyday life," he said. "Microplastics have been found in fish, salt, bottled water, and even tap water, meaning that most people are exposed daily through ingestion, inhalation and skin contact."

The link to disease is clear

The most chilling part of the research identified that these microplastic-induced changes in the gut reflect patterns previously linked to serious diseases. The altered bacterial composition mirrored patterns seen in patients with depression and colorectal cancer. This provides a direct, plausible biological mechanism for how our plastic-saturated environment could be driving the modern epidemics of these conditions.

"The key takeaway is that microplastics do have an impact on our microbiome," Pacher-Deutsch stated. "While it's too early to make definitive health claims, the microbiome plays a central role in many aspects of well-being, from digestion to mental health. Reducing microplastic exposure where possible is therefore a wise and important precaution."

This research adds to a growing body of evidence detailing the assault of modern chemicals on human health. Our knowledge base reveals that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in overall health, and that microplastics can alter the permeability of the intestinal wall, potentially shifting the gut to an unhealthy state. This shift can have far-reaching consequences, impacting immune function, weight loss, and even heart and brain health.

Microplastics are everywhere

The ubiquity of microplastics is a testament to corporate negligence. They are found in a wide array of foods and beverages, from rice and sugar to seafood and vegetables. Polyester clothing sheds plastic fibers, and opening a soda bottle can release thousands of plastic particles. This contamination is the direct result of a profit-driven system that prioritizes cheap packaging over human vitality.

This is not an isolated issue but part of a broader chemical war on our bodies. Our environment is saturated with plastics, which contain formaldehyde, phenols, and other toxic chemicals. Many pharmaceuticals include phenol, and chlorine is routinely added to municipal water supplies. The average person is now carrying a toxic burden that their body was never designed to handle.

The Austrian study confirms that we are conducting a massive, unregulated experiment on the human population. Chemicals persistently overload the immune system, causing damage well into symptom onset. When the gut microbiome is damaged, the entire body suffers. The connection to depression underscores how this chemical assault can directly impact our mental and emotional well-being.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

InterestingEngineering.com

News-Medical.net

NDTV.com
Iran declares nuclear deal defunct amid rising tensions with West

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared the IAEA's Cairo agreement void, citing European "snapback" sanctions and U.S.-backed Israeli airstrikes as reasons for undermining diplomacy.

The EU's reinstatement of sanctions (supported by the U.S.) nullified the Sept. 9 deal, prompting Iran to recall ambassadors from Germany, France and Italy while accusing Europe of hypocrisy for enforcing sanctions while claiming to uphold the 2015 JCPOA.

Araghchi accused the U.S. of negotiating deceitfully, alleging Washington knew of Israel's planned strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities (condemned as "grave war crimes") while still engaging in talks.

Despite tensions, Iran reiterated its nuclear program is peaceful (citing a 2007 U.S. intelligence report) and remains open to negotiationsbut only if Western powers abandon coercion and act in good faith.

With Israel threatening more attacks and Tehran promising a "harsher response," analysts warn of potential wider conflict, especially if Russia finalizes a defense pact with Iranreshaping regional alliances and raising the specter of war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on Oct. 5 that the Cairo agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is no longer valid, blaming European "snapback" sanctions and U.S.-backed Israeli military strikes for undermining diplomacy.

The announcement signals a deepening crisis in Iran's relations with Western powers, raising fears of renewed conflict over Tehran's nuclear program. Araghchi insisted that Iran remains open to negotiationsbut only if Western nations "act in good faith" and abandon coercive measures.

The Cairo agreement, signed on Sept. 9, had briefly revived cooperation between Iran and the IAEA after Tehran suspended inspections in response to Israeli airstrikes in June. However, the European Union's decision to reinstate sanctions on Sept. 28backed by the U.S.effectively nullified the deal.

"Experience has shown that there is no solution to Iran's nuclear issue other than a diplomatic and negotiated one," Araghchi told reporters in Tehran. "The three European countries thought they could achieve results through the snapback mechanism, but that tool was ineffective and only made diplomacy more complicated."

Iran has recalled its ambassadors from Germany, France and Italy in protest, accusing the EU of hypocrisy for enforcing sanctions while claiming to uphold the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)a deal the U.S. unilaterally abandoned in 2018.

Military strikes and failed negotiations

The diplomatic collapse follows a series of escalatory moves. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, which Tehran condemned as "grave war crimes." Shortly after, the U.S. joined the attacks using bunker-buster bombs. Araghchi accused Washington of negotiating in bad faith, alleging that American officials knew of Israel's planned strikes while still engaging in talks.

"Had [our proposals] been taken seriously reaching a negotiated solution would not have been out of reach," Araghchi said. "Even now, if the opposing parties act in good faith and consider mutual interests, the continuation of negotiations is possible."

However, he warned that future talks would involve different participants, suggesting European powers may be sidelined. The UN Security Council's recent rejection of a resolution to lift sanctionsopposed by nine members, including the U.S.further strained relations.

Despite the setback, Araghchi reiterated Iran's commitment to a peaceful nuclear program under IAEA oversight. He dismissed Western allegations of weaponization, citing a 2007 U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran had halted nuclear weapons development in 2002.

"To prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, Iran has exhausted all diplomatic avenues," he said. "There is now no excuse left for Western countries to prevent cooperation or dialogue."

Yet the path forward remains uncertain. With Israel threatening renewed attacks and Tehran vowing a "harsher response," the risk of wider conflict looms. Analysts warn that any U.S. military action could draw in Russia, which has reportedly finalized a defense pact with Irana move that would dramatically reshape regional alliances.

The unraveling of the Cairo agreement marks another failure in the decade-long effort to resolve Iran's nuclear dispute diplomatically. While Tehran insists it remains open to talks, the reinstatement of sanctions and military hostilities has eroded trust. As tensions escalate, the world watches nervously to see whether cooler heads will prevailor if the cycle of threats and retaliation will spiral into open war.

Watch the video below that tackles how the Israel-Iran conflict is not America's problem.

This video is from the OP News channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

MehrNews.com

X.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Trump pushes law and energy first agenda amid shutdown fears, forces Big Tech to fall in line

The Trump administration has intensified efforts on multiple fronts: pressing Big Tech to drop tools seen as aiding immigration resistance, enforcing funding cuts to non-cooperative cities and fast-tracking energy and mineral development plans.

Under pressure from the Department of Justice, Apple removed the crowd-sourced ICE-tracking app ICEBlock, with officials claiming the app "puts ICE agents at risk."

The courts have delivered split rulings: one federal judge upheld cuts to funding for sanctuary cities, affirming that the federal government can withhold grants from jurisdictions refusing ICE cooperation; another struck down Trump's attempt to deny welfare benefits to undocumented immigrants.

Despite a looming shutdown, the Department of the Interior has prioritized energy permitting and resource development. The administration has opened over 13 million acres for coal mining and is reportedly negotiating a stake in Greenland's rare earth mineral operationsmerging geopolitics with corporate strategy.

Together, these moves signal a governing style built on executive dominance, corporate alignment and judicial pressure. Critics call it crony corporatism and warn of erosion in institutional checks; supporters see it as the reassertion of federal authority and decisive leadership.

In the face of an impending government shutdown, the Trump administration has doubled down on its signature agenda: tougher immigration enforcement paired with aggressive energy and corporate policies. Over the past week, these efforts have converged in a coordinated push to reshape the balance of power in Washingtonwhile sending a message to Silicon Valley and the courts.

In a striking display of executive leverage over Big Tech, Apple removed ICE-tracking apps such as ICEBlock from its App Store after pressure from the Trump White House and the Justice Department. Attorneys defended the move as necessary to protect law enforcement, with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly demanding the takedown, warning that the app "is designed to put ICE agents at risk just for doing their jobs."

The apps allowed users to anonymously report locations of federal immigration agents in real timefunctionality the administration deemed a direct threat to enforcement integrity. Critics call it censorship and suppression of transparency, but the White House evidently saw it as a necessary method to maintain law and order.

Judiciary validates funding cuts, strikes welfare limits

While the administration has pushed hard on enforcement, the courts have largely sided with its funding and jurisdictional tactics. A federal judge recently upheld cuts to federal aid for sanctuary citiesaffirming that funding may be withheld from jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with ICE. (As outlined in one of Trump's signature executive directives, Executive Order 14159, the administration explicitly sought to deny funds to sanctuary jurisdictions.)

At the same time, another court blocked President Donald Trump's attempt to deny certain welfare benefits to undocumented immigrantsdemonstrating the legal risks in overreach. These conflicting rulings underscore how the judiciary is becoming a central battleground in Trump's fight to reassert federal authority.

Even as much of the federal government faces a potential shutdown, the Interior Department has prioritized energy-related approvals, invoking an exception for "necessary" activities. That has allowed oil, gas and coal projects to move forward while other sectors stall. In a recommitment to broken promises, 13.1 million acres of federal lands were opened for coal mininga direct nod to Trump's 2016 campaign pledges.

Meanwhile, administration sources reveal ongoing negotiations for a stake in Greenland's rare earth minerals industrya strategic move to counter China's dominance in critical minerals extraction. This blend of aggressive energy and strategic resource policy signals that the Trump White House intends to intertwine national security with corporate deals.

A bigger picture: Executive power, corporate loyalty and political payoffs

Taken together, these moves reflect a broader strategy: cultivating a model of governance where executive fiat, judicial alignment and corporate compliance drive policy. By effectively ordering Apple to comply, reviving fossil fuel industries and cutting aid to local governments that resist, Trump is reinforcing a governing philosophy of control and consequence.

Critics argue this is crony corporatisman arrangement in which corporations that fall in line benefit, while dissenters are punished. Bold skeptics warn that the precedent of silencing tech platforms, weaponizing discretionary funding and subordinating courts threatens to erode institutional checks and democratic norms.

But for Trump and his supporters, the message is clear: the administration will not back down. It will assert dominance over territory, infrastructure and enforcementeven as the machinery of oversight creaks under strain.

As the shutdown drama unfolds and as state and local governments brace for fallout, the stakes are mounting. This week's interventions may well mark a turning point in the ongoing debate over executive power, corporate obligation and who really sets the rules in America.

According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, Trump's push for prioritizing energy independence and law enforcement during the government shutdown aligns with his broader agenda of reducing bureaucratic red tape and restoring American sovereignty. By focusing on these critical areas, he not only strengthens national security and economic resilience but also exposes the inefficiencies of a bloated federal system that often hinders prosperity and individual freedoms.

Watch this Fox News clip featuring Border Czar Tom Homan discussing Trump's deportation operations.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

AlJazeera.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
University News

The Universitys Riyadh campus is envisioned to grow to serve 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students, advancing the Kingdom's transformative Vision 2030 goals.

Riyadh

The University of New Haven announced today that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabias Council of Ministers has approved its plans to establish a branch campus in Riyadh, which is set to open in Fall 2026.

The University of New Haven is the first university to be approved for establishing an international branch campus in Saudi Arabia.

This is a historic day for the University of New Haven, said President Jens Frederiksen. The University has been an active supporter of higher education in Saudi Arabia for more than 20 years, both within the Kingdom and on our Connecticut campus, and we are excited to advance this work by establishing a campus in Riyadh that supports the Kingdoms transformative Vision 2030 goals.

Vision 2030 provides a blueprint for diversifying Saudi Arabia's economy, empowering citizens, increasing private sector participation in higher education, and creating a vibrant environment for both local and international investors.

We have long been an institution comprised of students from across the world who drive economic growth and who contribute to thought leadership, innovation, and scientific discovery, said President Frederiksen. Our commitment to international education has generated significant global attention and awareness for our vision of delivering an unparalleled return on investment for our domestic and international students. This visibility has created opportunities worldwide to offer our dynamic programs that respond to the rapid pace of change being realized across all sectors of industry. We are excited to help create bright futures for generations of deserving Saudi students.

The Universitys campus in Riyadh will feature a College of Business and Digital Innovation; a College of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing; and a College of Arts and Applied Sciences. Undergraduate and graduate degrees will be offered alongside executive education and micro-credentials to support lifelong learning. Students will have access to both the University's main campus in West Haven and its Tuscany campus, as well as the numerous educational and career-related resources available to all University of New Haven students.

We have a rich history of cultivating learning communities with a local feel and a global reach for students from across the world, said Mario T. Gaboury, J.D., Ph.D., the Universitys vice president for government affairs and global engagement. We are looking forward to creating educational opportunities for bright and hard-working Saudi students that prepare them to excel as leaders in the elite global workforce of the future.

In April, the University and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education, its Ministry of Investment, and the Royal Commission for Riyadh signed an MOU at the second annual Human Capability Initiative creating a path for the University to open a branch campus in Riyadh. The University and the Kingdom are committed to creating connections with business and industry to support academic programs, internships, and recruitment pathways for students; identifying sponsors for student scholarships; and establishing educational and training partnerships that achieve the Kingdom's workforce development goals.
The agreement was signed by PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, and Haiti's Minister of Public Health and Population (MSPP), Dr. Bertrand Sinal, during a bilateral meeting at PAHO Headquarters in Washington, D.C., held on the sidelines of the 62nd Directing Council of PAHO.

This occasion marks an important milestone in our collaborative efforts to respond to Haiti's public health crisis and improve access to care amid complex humanitarian and security challenges. The new strategy will serve as a focused three-year framework to guide PAHO's technical cooperation in Haiti, aligned with national priorities and tailored to the country's evolving context and needs." Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director

The Country Cooperation Strategy is a shared, medium-term framework that outlines areas where PAHO/WHO will work with Haiti to improve public health. It guides PAHO's work in the country and is aligned with Haiti's national health goals and global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Haiti continues to face serious health challenges, humanitarian emergencies and structural vulnerabilities of its healthcare system. These underline the need for a stronger, more resilient health sectorone that can better serve people's needs and adapt in times of crisis.

The CCS 2026-2028 focuses on three strategic priorities to support MSPP's efforts:

Strengthening the health system and ensuring universal access to quality health care and services, regardless of financial means;

Improving the prevention, control and management of major health issues;

Strengthening preparedness and response to health emergencies through a NEXUS Approacha model that connects humanitarian aid, development efforts, and peacebuilding to better and more sustainably meet the needs of the population.

The Country Cooperation Strategy also takes into account the unique needs of different parts of the country, based on local security, population movements, and availability of health services.

Its development was the result of a wide consultative process involving the Ministry of Health, civil society, and development partners. It reflects Haiti's health priorities and the need for inclusive, coordinated action to protect and promote health.

Through this new CCS, PAHO/WHO reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the Haitian government and its partners to confront major health challenges, ease the burden of communicable and noncommunicable diseases, and strengthen the country's capacity to respond to emergencies. At its heart, the strategy aims to advance health equity, achieve universal health coverage, and improve the well-being of all people in Haiti.
Over four days, health ministers and high-level delegates from PAHO Member States engaged in robust discussions, navigating 43 agenda items, reviewing progress and final reports, and adopting nine resolutions.

"I wish to extend my sincerest thanks and heartfelt appreciation to you all for your individual and collective contributions to delivering on this week's extensive tasks", said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa in his closing remarks. He emphasized the importance of solidarity and joint action, reinforcing PAHO mandate to protect the health of the people of the Americas.

Strategic Plan 2026-2031 approved

A central outcome of the meeting was the approval of PAHO's Strategic Plan 2026-2031, which lays out a bold and measurable vision to accelerate progress toward healthier, more resilient societies. The plan was the product of an extensive consultative process involving Member States and stakeholders, and will serve as a blueprint to tackle fragmented services, rising NCDs, and emerging health threats.

This Strategic Plan includes an extensive analysis of the current context, the impact of health challenges on health and well-being, the outlook and opportunities for the future, and the Bureau's role in accelerating progress." Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director

Key resolutions passed

Delegates approved nine resolutions, including:

A new policy for expanding access to high-cost and high-price health technologies , designed to promote affordability through stronger regulatory frameworks, expanded use of regional procurement mechanisms, and regional innovation and production.

, designed to promote affordability through stronger regulatory frameworks, expanded use of regional procurement mechanisms, and regional innovation and production. The Plan of Action on Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control 2025-2030, which aims to reduce the burden of NCDssuch as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseasesthrough integrated, people-centered primary health care systems and risk factor reduction.

Technical briefings and regional cooperation

The Council featured several key briefings, including:

The launch of the World Bank-PAHO Lancet Regional Health Commission report , No Time to Wait, which warned of dire health and economic consequences if countries fail to strengthen primary health care systems. The report emphasizes that building resilience must be a cornerstone of primary health care systems in Latin America and the Caribbean.

, No Time to Wait, which warned of dire health and economic consequences if countries fail to strengthen primary health care systems. The report emphasizes that building resilience must be a cornerstone of primary health care systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. An update on the advances in the use of the PAHO's Regional Revolving Funds , showcasing innovations in regional vaccine production, the introduction of molecular kits for cervical cancer diagnosis, and expanded access to new health technologies.

, showcasing innovations in regional vaccine production, the introduction of molecular kits for cervical cancer diagnosis, and expanded access to new health technologies. A session on accelerating the elimination of communicable diseases, where countries shared best practices and PAHO highlighted "best buys" for reaching vulnerable populations and scaling up cost-effective, high-impact interventions. The session also included a recognition of Suriname for having eliminated malaria.

"We all agree that while we continue to build on our collective successes, there is still much to be done to address persistent challenges," said Dr. Barbosa.

In a special ceremony, PAHO unveiled a sculpture honoring health workers of the Americas for their resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, which claimed over three million lives in the region.

Peruvian psychiatrist Dr. July Esther Caballero Peralta received the PAHO Award for Health Services Management and Leadership 2025 for her work in expanding mental health services in Peru, particularly for vulnerable populations.

As he closed the meeting, Dr. Barbosa thanked delegates for their commitment, emphasizing the "rich consultative process" that shaped the week's outcomes. "Today, I respectfully ask that we recommit to our Pan-American values of excellence, solidarity, respect, and integrity," he urged, calling for sustained collaboration to achieve a healthier Americas.
During a high-level dinner at COA's Washington office on the margins of the 62nd PAHO Directing Council, Dr. Barbosa said that Latin America has a unique opportunity to place health at the heart of the regional agenda ahead of December's Summit of the Americas in the Dominican Republic.

Bringing together public health officials and private-sector leaders exemplifies the kind of partnership we need to address the complex challenges at the intersection of health and the economy in our region. We need sustained financing, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships to reach the most vulnerable and sustain progress. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director

During the meeting, Council of the Americas members expressed their interest in working with PAHO to strengthen health policies and contribute to the development of strategies that result in better health outcomes across the region. They also viewed this engagement as an opportunity to offer their support and expertise in advancing shared health goals across the hemisphere.

Dr. Barbosa outlined a range of priorities for advancing health across the Americas, with a particular focus on tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). He emphasized that addressing conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer is not only a health imperative but also an economic one, as NCDs strain health systems, reduce labor force participation, and limit productivity.

He also underscored the importance of regional cooperation and economic growth, noting that when governments and the private sector align with PAHO's technical expertise, the results can be transformativefostering sustainable markets, strengthening health security, and driving long-term prosperity. Participants agreed that health and the economy are deeply interconnected, with partnerships across sectors essential to building a healthier, more resilient region.
The Best Buys for Disease Elimination is a practical, evidence-based guide to the most effective actions for countries to implement in order to eliminate communicable diseases. The guide highlights the efficient use of resources and prioritizing populations in vulnerable situations.

The Region of the Americas is advancing steadily towards the elimination of communicable diseases. To achieve this, it is necessary to increase and sustain high vaccination coverage, engage communities to expand access to diagnosis and treatment, strengthen surveillance, and bring integrated services to marginalized communities, incarcerated populations, and those living in informal settlements." Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director

For each disease and condition included in the Elimination Initiative, the Best Buys are presented as one-page documents with clear, accessible information. Each Best Buy summarizes expected impact goals, disease elimination targets, key operational indicators, and priority interventions that have proven to be cost-effective in different contexts.

For example, for malaria, the elimination target is defined as zero new indigenous cases of transmission for three consecutive years. To achieve this, efforts must focus on keeping test positivity rates below 5%, ensuring that more than 70% of cases are diagnosed and treated within the first 72 hours of symptom onset, and guaranteeing that over 80% of cases are investigated and classified in areas working towards malaria elimination or at risk of reestablishment.

The Best Buys include expanding access to rapid diagnostic tests and timely treatment at all levels of care, engaging communities in early detection, consolidating malaria-free territories through microplanning, distributing insecticide-treated nets at no cost, and strengthening surveillance to respond to imported cases. These actions aim to accelerate elimination and ensure that achievements are sustainable over time.

During the presentation at PAHO headquarters in Washington D.C., Suriname was recognized for having eliminated the transmission of malariaa significant achievement and the first Amazonian country to reach this milestone. Delegates from Guyana, Paraguay, and Suriname shared concrete experiences in implementing the Best Buysfrom integrated care for vulnerable populations to intersectoral partnershipsthat are making a difference.

The Best Buys documents are part of PAHO's Disease Elimination Initiative and are designed to support decision-makers, program managers, technical teams, health workers, cooperation agencies, partners, and donors. Their purpose is also to strengthen strategic planning, the design and implementation of interventions, coordination, and efficient allocation of resources.

About the Elimination Initiative

PAHO's Disease Elimination Initiative aims to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases and related conditions in the Region of the Americas by 2030. This effort, focused on improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities, builds on the legacy of countries in the Americas in eliminating diseasesfrom smallpox and polio to rubella and, in many countries, malaria and congenital transmission of HIV and syphilis, among others.
Artificial intelligence can solve problems at remarkable speed, but it's the people developing the algorithms who are truly driving discovery. At The University of Texas at Arlington, data scientists are creating sophisticated formulas that enable AI to interpret massive biological datasets to uncover how diseases start, how the immune system responds, and what treatments might work best.

Xinlei (Sherry) Wang, Jenkins Garrett professor of statistics and data science in UT Arlington's Department of Mathematics, has received a four-year, $1.28 million federal grant to advance her study, "Statistical and Deep Generative Modeling for Enhanced CyTOF Data Interpretation and Discovery."

Dr. Wang, who also serves as the founding director for research in the Division of Data Science, is leading efforts to create AI models that can analyze complex biomedical data. In simple terms, CyTOF is a cutting-edge lab technology that scans thousands of individual cells at once and measures dozens of proteins within them.

The challenge, Wang said, is presenting that data in a way other scientists can easily use. That's where her team of Bayesian statisticians and data scientists come in. They develop bioinformatic and statistical tools that serve as a "one-stop shop" for analyzing CyTOF data.

Using a Bayesian framework, the researchers are building a single statistical model that produces clear, interpretable results. This model is designed to show how CyTOF data-highly detailed information from single-cell analysis-is generated, revealing the underlying patterns more accurately. AI can uncover hidden relationships in the data that people might miss, and it delivers results much faster.

Without AI integrated into our Bayesian framework, you couldn't scale and it would take several days or even longer to get results. With AI, you get reliable, rigorous results within seconds, even for millions of cells. We model what we know about the data using transparent Bayesian models so the parameters are interpretable. For example, a parameter might indicate increased protein expression in the disease group compared to the control group." Xinlei (Sherry) Wang, Jenkins Garrett professor of statistics and data science, UT Arlington's Department of Mathematics

The algorithms combine data from single-cell transcriptomics-next-generation gene sequencing-with CyTOF, a detailed single-cell protein analysis. Together, they provide a fuller picture of what's happening inside cells. Each cell carries clues about health and disease that could ultimately lead to better treatments for diseases such as cancer. The system can analyze millions of cells at once, each with 40 to 100 protein expressions or tens of thousands of gene expressions, identifying different cell types and comparing healthy and diseased cells.

Wang and her team's work is already gaining attention. Kevin Wang, a recent doctoral graduate now serving as a tenure-track assistant professor at Davidson University, won the Best PhD Poster Award last spring for presenting the group's preliminary results at the 2025 Conference of Texas Statisticians.

In addition, a study recently published in Nature Communications-co-authored by Wang, postdoctoral researcher Zeyu Lu, and colleague Lin Xu-introduced a tool called Bayesian Identification of Transcriptional Regulators from Epigenomics-Based Query Regions Sets, or BIT, to enhance the accuracy of boost gene research.

Other members on Wang's team include members from UTA's Division of Data Science; Li Wang, associate professor of mathematics; Yike Shen, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences; and UT Southwestern researchers Yuqiu Yang and Andy Xiao.

"AI is powerful, but it's often a black box," Wang said. "We are designing user-friendly, open-source software so end users can run it on their laptops. Existing algorithms can't handle big data this efficiently. We combine statistical rigor, uncertainty quantification, and scalability-all in one framework."
Aston University and Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together in a variety of areas including staff training, research and public engagement.

The MoU was signed by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, Professor David Sallah, chair of BCHC, and Richard Kirby, chief executive of BCHC. Also present at the signing were Professor Anthony Hilton, executive dean and pro-vice-chancellor, and Professor Chris Langley, deputy dean (engagement and development) from the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University.

Aston University and BCHC have been working together for a number of years and have collaborated on several projects. The MoU reflects a desire to formalize the deepening relationship and a shared commitment to joint activities.

Under the terms of the MoU, Aston University and BCHC agree to work together in four areas - staff and resources; teaching, apprenticeships and placements; research and innovation; and public engagement.

For staff and resources, Aston and BCHC have pledged to develop the community workforce of the future, and to invest in shared posts that support closer links between academia, education and healthcare provision. They will share resources and facilities, and provide a range of shared services.

Staff and students at Aston and BCHC will benefit from new teaching and placement commitments. These include BCHC providing placements and suitable clinical staff for Aston University students, while BCHC staff will be able to take advantage of training opportunities and clinical exposure in areas of interest to academics.

Aston and BCHC will also develop research and innovation projects that generate income and will offer mutual support, including in ethics and project evaluation. They will jointly develop and foster cutting-edge innovation and digital and technology-based healthcare solutions.

Birmingham is faced with various health inequalities, and under the terms of the MoU, Aston and BCHC will co-develop preventative health initiatives to tackle these and collaborate on community engagement initiatives.

We are delighted to expand our partnership with Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. With our shared vision and combined expertise, we aim to drive innovation, enhance healthcare education, and deliver meaningful improvements to quality of life for the communities we serve." Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University

Richard Kirby, CEO of BCHC, said:

"Building on our partnership with Aston University will enable us to develop the community workforce of the future, foster innovative digital and technology-driven healthcare solutions and tackle health inequalities in the city of Birmingham."
A new review comparing yoga and exercise reveals that while both boost vascular function, structured workouts deliver stronger heart health benefits, offering insights for anyone looking to counteract the effects of too much sitting.

Study: Comparing the effects of yoga and exercise on vascular function: A systematic review. Image Credit: Luis Rojas Estudio / Shutterstock.com

A recent study published in Advances in Integrative Medicine compares the effects of physical exercise and yoga on cardiovascular function.

Sedentary lifestyles threaten public health

In 2022, over 31% of adults throughout the world did not meet physical activity guidelines, with most adults remaining sedentary for eight hours every day. Sedentary behavior includes any wake activities that are performed while sitting or reclining, some of which include desk work, driving, and screen use.

Prolonged sitting and other forms of sedentary behavior is associated with higher fasting insulin and adverse lipid profiles, as well as altered endothelial function. In fact, some studies suggest that sitting for eight hours or more every day increases the risk of mortality by 60%.

Poor vascular function refers to impaired endothelial health and increased stiffness of the arterial wall. Upon ultrasound imaging, these patients often exhibit reduced flow-mediated dilation (FMD), increased pulse wave velocity (PWV), and altered carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Both conventional exercise and yoga can reduce arterial stiffness and improve endothelial function in sedentary individuals, in addition to supporting strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility.

Yoga, in particular, is an easily accessible form of physical activity that often requires little equipment or space. Conversely, conventional exercise may require access to facilitate or structured programs, which can require transportation and raise safety concerns.

The current systematic review synthesized findings from ten studies evaluating the effects of yoga and conventional exercise on vascular function, as measured by ultrasound imaging, in sedentary adults.

Study findings

The researchers reviewed a total of ten studies, with yoga and physical exercise equally represented. The average duration of yoga sessions was between eight and 12 weeks at a frequency of two or three sessions each week. The results were contradictory, with some reporting better endothelial function after yoga, whereas other studies did not report any changes.

The five exercise interventions included the martial art tai chi, reformer Pilates, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or taking microbreaks from long sitting sessions. All sample cohorts were small, with the largest study including 40 participants.

Yoga-based studies reported some improvements in endothelial function among older adults. However, no consistent reduction in arterial stiffness was observed, corroborating previous studies.

The cardiovascular benefits of yoga may be attributed to controlled breathing and mental calmness during meditation, which could influence neurohumoral pathways affecting vascular function. Yoga may also increase heart rate and systolic blood pressure variability, both of which reflect improvements in autonomic regulation of the blood vessels and respiratory function.

Exercise typically improved vascular function, as measured by FMD and arterial stiffness. Improved (rather than reduced) FMD values were observed after tai chi and reformer pilates, whereas arterial stiffness was reduced after HIIT, especially for people who lived in cold environments. This may lead to vasoconstriction that is relieved by exercise-induced vasodilation.

Shear stress is caused by blood flow past the endothelial lining, which subsequently increases nitric oxide production, leading to vasodilation and lower blood pressure levels. Shear stress also reduces inflammation and inhibits clot formation, both of which are characteristic features of atherosclerosis. Overall, increased shear stress after physical exercise improves vascular responses to increased physiological demands.

In contrast, short breaks between sessions of prolonged sitting had little benefit. Thus, there is a threshold intensity and duration below which exercise does not provide a significant benefit for vascular health.

Older and middle-aged adults were more likely to exhibit improved endothelial function than younger people. This association could be attributed to greater baseline risk among older adults. Yoga session duration, frequency, and intensity may also modulate the effectiveness of this intervention.

Differences between studies may have affected these findings, thereby reducing their generalizability. Thus, future studies with larger sample cohorts that use standardized protocols are needed to confirm these observations and elucidate their underlying mechanisms.

The feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of both interventions should be examined in the future. Long-term follow-up is also needed to clarify the durability of these improvements.

Conclusions

Conventional exercise is more effective in improving vascular function than yoga among people with sedentary lifestyles. Although yoga may provide health benefits for older people who cannot safely participate in other forms of exercise, it does not appear to reduce arterial stiffness in this patient population.

The authors conclude that both interventions may offer complementary benefits when tailored to age, intensity, and baseline vascular health.
Roughly a quarter of adults in the U.S. are caring for elderly family members or children with an illness or disability - and sometimes both at the same time. Despite family caregiving consuming time and resources for both individuals and governments, social scientists don't fully understand how it affects the people who do the caregiving, according to a team led by researchers at Penn State. In collaboration with colleagues at Purdue University and the University of Minnesota, the researchers conducted an expansive study of caregiver well-being, finding that the type of geographic location and individual circumstances can impact a caregiver's health, comfort and happiness even more than their state's family care policies.

In findings recently published in Rural Sociology, the researchers reported that rural and suburban caregivers were more likely to have low or medium well-being, and less likely to have high well-being compared to urban caregivers. And caregivers' personal characteristics - such as age, income and education - had a stronger effect on their well-being than the family care policies of the state they live in. However, the researchers concluded, family-care policies can make a difference in well-being when they take into account the differences among rural, suburban and urban areas - especially in terms of available support and infrastructure.

Although caregiving can be an emotionally rewarding and satisfying experience, caregivers often face significant stress and challenges in their roles, and the impacts of caregiving on well-being are often overlooked by researchers and policymakers." Elena Maria Pojman, first author on the paper and doctoral degree candidate in sociology and demography in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Penn State

To understand caregiver well-being more clearly, including how it differs among rural, suburban and urban caregivers, the researchers used two publicly available datasets. One was the caregiving survey from the North Central Regional Development Center and is a collaboration with the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development, which is based at Penn State. This survey includes survey responses from 4,620 caregivers about their lived realities looking after either children or adults in the North Central and Northeast regions of the United States. The other dataset was from a group of researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and it includes information about state-level programs and policies connected to the availability of services such as respite care, daycare, special transportation and state-paid leave from their jobs for caregiving.

By merging these two datasets for the current study, the researchers assessed how caregivers are doing and whether state-level policies - laws and programs related to family care - play a role in caregiver well-being. First, the team's analysis revealed that caregivers could be grouped by well-being ratings of high, medium or low, based on how they responded to several facets of their well-being: happiness, self-rated health and how caregiving has affected their physical health, mental/emotional health and social life. Then, the researchers used a statistical technique that predicts probability of an outcome with more than two categories to analyze how likely people from rural, suburban or urban areas were to fall into each category.

The researchers concluded rural and suburban caregivers were more likely to have lower well-being than urban caregivers, but the overall differences among the three were small. However, Pojman pointed out, the analysis indicated that suburban caregivers were more like rural caregivers than urban ones - which contradicts previous research by other scientists that grouped suburban and urban caregivers together.

"Suburban caregivers often face unique challenges stemming from their geographical and social position, which differ from the issues experienced in urban or rural environments," Pojman said, explaining that the study highlighted the need for better-targeted policies and resources. "Balancing caregiving with work, parenting and personal needs is often compounded by suburban-specific factors such as limited public transit and the isolation that comes from living in more spread-out communities."

The researchers also concluded that support systems are crucial - caregivers who had access to paid help and community support specific to caregiving tended to have higher well-being. Less specific support, like broad federal programs, was more weakly linked to high well-being. This suggests that policy should focus on making caregiving-specific supports more accessible, explained team leader and senior author, Florence Becot, Nationwide Insurance Early Career Professor of Agricultural Safety and Health Program Lead in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences

"Although caregiving can be an emotionally rewarding and satisfying experience, caregivers often face significant stress and challenges in their roles, and the impacts of caregiving on well-being are often overlooked by researchers and policymakers," she said. "Caregivers often report a complex range of feelings regarding the care they provide and its impact on their life, ranging from immense financial and emotional burdens, to joy and personal growth. There's a clear need for better family-care policies that reflect the real differences in support needs across rural, suburban and urban areas - especially to help those caregivers who are struggling."

Because caregiving experiences vary so much, it's important to consider caregiver well-being in a nuanced and individualized way, Becot added.

"Understanding the challenges caregivers face in different social, demographic and geographic contexts and circumstances helps researchers, health care providers and policymakers better support caregivers - especially those at risk of burnout or emotional distress," she said.

Zuzana Bednarik, North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, Purdue University, and Carrie Henning-Smith, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, contributed to the research.

Funding for this research was provided by The Nationwide Insurance Endowment in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences; the North Central Centers for Rural Development; the Northeast Regional Centers for Rural Development; the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture; North Central Regional Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Directors; and North Central Cooperatives of Extension Association.
Researchers have uncovered how the simple act of joining a weekly 5K parkrun can lead to improved happiness, health, and social value, showing that small steps can make a big difference to national wellbeing.

Study: A generic model of life satisfaction: The case study of parkrun. Image credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com

In a recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health, researchers developed a generic model of life satisfaction using a survey of parkrun.

Research on subjective well-being has substantially increased in recent years. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the United Kingdom (UK) has adopted four indicators to quantify well-being: happiness, anxiety, life satisfaction, and a feeling of things being worthwhile. Among these, life satisfaction tends to be preferred by the ONS when estimating population well-being.

Parkrun is a weekly, timed five-kilometer walk or run, which the World Health Organization recommends as an initiative that can introduce the benefits of physical activity to many people. A study of parkrun demonstrated the benefits of walking or running on health and well-being. Another reported that parkrun attracted people less associated with running, such as females and the least active individuals.

About the study

In the present study, researchers developed a model of life satisfaction based on parkrun participation. In autumn 2024, all UK parkrunners aged  18 who participated in one or more parkruns in the past year were sent a survey. The survey asked questions on life satisfaction, health status, gender, activity level, the impact of parkrun as a runner/walker or volunteer on 19 or 20 well-being and health outcomes, and how running/walking or volunteering was associated with life satisfaction.

Benefit-cost ratios were computed to determine the cost-effectiveness of parkrun. Two costs were considered: the cost of park usage and the cost of running the parkrun organization. The reliability of self-reported survey items was assessed using Cronbachs alpha. Multiple stepwise linear regressions assessed the impacts following walking/running and volunteering, with life satisfaction as the dependent variable and other impacts as independent variables.

In addition, multiple non-linear regression models of life satisfaction were developed, with life satisfaction change as the dependent variable. Independent variables included health status, age, activity at registration, index of multiple deprivation (IMD) quartile, number of parkruns, number of volunteering occasions, and activity change between registration and survey.

Findings

In total, 78,662 surveys were completed; when weighted to 969,478 parkrunners, 80.9% were walkers/runners, while 19.1% were volunteers. On average, 39 parkruns were completed as a walker/runner and 6.4 as a volunteer. Participants were more likely to be males, aged 1649, and from less deprived neighborhoods. Most parkrunners were active at least three days weekly at (parkrun) registration and had very good or good health status at the survey.

The reliability of survey items was scored at 0.935. The top three impacts of being a walker/runner were associated with improvements in the sense of personal achievement for 90% of participants, fitness for 88%, and physical health for 85%. Notably, 76% reported that life satisfaction was improved or positively affected through participation as a walker/runner.

As a volunteer, 73% reported improvements in life satisfaction. The average life satisfaction was estimated at 7.545. The mean impact of parkrun on life satisfaction was 0.454 following participation as a walker/runner and 0.439 for participation as a volunteer. The overall value for the entire sample was 0.453. This additionality value indicated that approximately 45.3% of participants observed a change in life satisfaction that could be attributed to parkrun activities (running, walking, or volunteering).

Life satisfaction change was associated with mental well-being, happiness, sense of personal achievement, and opportunity to have fun with large or very large effects following participation as a walker/runner or volunteer. Females were less likely to report improvements, whereas older individuals were more likely to report improvements. Health status had very large effects on life satisfaction, while age had small effects.

Gender and number of runs/walks per person had a significant effect, activity change between registration and survey had a small effect, and activity at registration had a moderate effect. The number of parkruns as a volunteer was insignificant. The benefit of completing 39 parkruns as a walker/runner was about 75 per individual.

The increase in activity between registration and survey of 0.31 was estimated at 137 per individual. The change in health status of 3% was estimated at 477 per individual. The benefit-cost ratios for the number of walks/runs completed, activity change, and health status change were 5.8, 10.6, and 37, respectively. It was 53.5 when all three variables were considered.

The study applied the UK Governments WELLBY (Wellbeing-Adjusted Life Year) approach, which assigns a monetary value to changes in life satisfaction to estimate social benefits.

Conclusions

Life satisfaction was strongly associated with health status and weakly with the number of parkruns completed and activity change between registration and survey. Age, gender, IMD, and activity at registration altered life satisfaction. Impacts strongly associated with a change in life satisfaction were happiness, mental well-being, opportunity to have fun, and sense of personal achievement.

The estimated benefits of parkrun to the UK economy were 668 million in 2024.

The authors emphasized that the study was cross-sectional, so these results indicate associations rather than direct causation between parkrun participation and changes in life satisfaction.

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In synthetic and structural biology, advances in artificial intelligence have led to an explosion of designing new proteins with specific functions, from antibodies to blood clotting agents, by using computers to accurately predict the 3D structure of any given amino acid sequence.

But the structure of close to 30% of all proteins expressed by the human genome are challenging to predict for even the most powerful AI tools, including the Nobel-winning AlphaFold. Never settling into a fixed shape but constantly shifting around, these so-called intrinsically disordered proteins are key to countless biological functions like cross-linking molecules, sensing, or signaling, but their inherent instability makes them difficult to design from scratch.

A team at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Northwestern University have demonstrated a new machine learning method that can design intrinsically disordered proteins with tailored properties. The work opens doors to new understanding of these mysterious biomolecules and possible new insights into origins of and treatments for diseases.

The work is published in Nature Computational Science and was co-led by SEAS graduate student Ryan Krueger and former NSF-Simons QuantBio Fellow Krishna Shrinivas, now an assistant professor at Northwestern, in collaboration with Michael Brenner, the Catalyst Professor of Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics at SEAS.

Shrinivas said he became interested in studying intrinsically disordered proteins because they are out of reach of current AI-based methods, such as Google DeepMind's AlphaFold, for predicting and designing proteins with distinct conformations. Yet, such disordered proteins are important to many fundamental aspects of biology, and it is known that mutations to these proteins are linked to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. One example of a disordered protein is alpha-synuclein, long implicated in Parkinson's and other diseases. To design IDPs for synthetic or therapeutics uses, Shrinivas said, "we needed to either come up with better AI models, or, we needed to come up with a way to actually take those physics models where you not only get good predictions, but you also get the physics for free."

Automatic differentiation algorithms

The paper describes a computational method powered by algorithms that can perform "automatic differentiation," or automatic computation of derivatives  instantaneous rates of change  in order to rationally select for protein sequences with desired behaviors or properties. The technique is a widely used tool for deep learning and training neural networks, but Brenner and his lab were among the first to recognize other potential use cases, such as optimizing physics-based molecular dynamics simulations.

With automatic differentiation, the researchers were able to train a computer to recognize how small changes in protein sequences  even single amino acid changes  affect the final desired properties of proteins. They likened their method to a very powerful search engine for amino acid sequences that fit the criteria needed to perform a function  say, one that creates loops or connectors, or can sense different things in the environment.

We didn't want to have to take a bunch of data and train a machine learning model to design proteins. We wanted to leverage existing, sufficiently accurate simulations to be able to design proteins at the level of those simulations." Ryan Krueger, Graduate Student, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

The method leverages a traditional framework for training neural networks called gradient-based optimization to identify new protein sequences with efficiency and precision. The result is that the proteins the researchers designed are "differentiable," that is, they are not best-guesses predicted by AI, but rather based in molecular dynamics simulations, using real physics, that take into account how proteins actually, dynamically behave in nature.

The research received federal support from the National Science Foundation AI Institute of Dynamic Systems, the Office of Naval Research, the Harvard Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, and the NSF-Simons Center for Mathematical and Statistical Analysis of Biology at Harvard.
AGP World-Mahesh Manjrekar Reunite for Play Lovable Rascal

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 16:15 IST

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PNNNew Delhi [India], October 7: Over two decades after their memorable collaboration on the widely appreciated and successful play Double Deal, ace producer Ashvin Gidwani of AGP World and celebrated filmmaker-actor Mahesh Manjrekar are reuniting for a new theatrical production titled Lovable Rascal. The play is all set to be staged this 12th October 2025 at St. Andrews Auditorium in Bandra, Mumbai.Lovable Rascal is adapted from Manjrekars acclaimed Marathi play Filter Coffee, which has earned praise for blending the complexities of life seamlessly with relatable characters and everyday humour. AGP Worlds English adaptation of the play, a layered tale of love, loss, and hidden truths waiting to be uncovered, goes thus  Amruta, a widow and artist, leads a quiet life with her house-help and a paying guest until a mysterious presence disrupts her calm. What starts as a subtle intrusion soon sparks an unexpected connection, reigniting her art and long-buried emotions. But beneath the surface, loyalties blur and intentions shift.Speaking about the collaboration, Gidwani expresses, Mahesh is one of the finest storytellers in Indian cinema and theatre. I have seen him at work over the years and his understanding of the medium is fantastic. After Double Deal, we had often spoken about working together again, and Lovable Rascal felt like the perfect project. Its witty, heartwarming, and grounded in situations everyone can relate to. At AGP World, were committed to delivering meaningful yet entertaining theatre, and this play captures that essence."Manjrekar, whose repertoire spans across Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, speaks warmly about his long-standing association with Ashvin Gidwani. Working with Ashvin again after Double Deal feels like reconnecting with an old rhythm," he shares. Our creative synergy has evolved from just collaborating to truly co-creating, where ideas flow freely and every character, every scene, is crafted with mutual trust," he shares.Having experienced many reinventions through his journey as an actor, writer, and director, Manjrekar sees Lovable Rascal as yet another turning point. For him, this production is not just an adaptation but a reimagining of how he approaches theatre. With Lovable Rascal, I wanted to retain the heart of Filter Coffee while making it accessible and engaging for an English-speaking audience. Lovable Rascal marks a reinvention in how I approach theatre itself, translating a deeply rooted Marathi sensibility into a language and style that connects globally, without losing its emotional core. Its a challenge, but also an opportunity to grow, to experiment, and to bridge cultures through the universal language of storytelling."The cast of the play includes popular VJ Anusha Dandekar, celebrated for her work as an MTV VJ, television host, and performer across film and music, adding charm, energy, and modern sensibility to the stage; and Sumedh Mudgalkar, of RadhaKrishn fame, a trained dancer who began his journey on dance reality shows before rising to prominence as an actor, bringing versatility and a layered emotional range to his role. They are joined by Jayesh Thakkar, Kuhu Singh, and Karan Bendre, combining seasoned performers with fresh talent in a dynamic ensemble.For AGP World, Lovable Rascal continues the companys tradition of staging impactful productions. Under Ashvin Gidwanis leadership, the company has delivered some of the countrys most successful and widely toured plays, including Barff, Devdas  The Musical, The Scent of a Man, and Blame It on Bollywood. This new collaboration, in discussion for over five years, is now finally making its way to the stage. Designed to engage both Indian and global audiences, Lovable Rascal embodies AGP Worlds ethos of blending strong production values with meaningful storytelling, while continually raising the bar for Indian theatre on the world stage.Come experience the mystery! Catch AGP Worlds Lovable Rascal as it premieres on 12th October 2025, 7 pm, at St. Andrews Auditorium, Bandra, Mumbai. Tickets available on BookMyShow.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)

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First Published: October 07, 2025, 16:15 IST

News agency-feeds AGP World-Mahesh Manjrekar Reunite for Play Lovable Rascal

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Bengal Cong president Subhankar Sarkar visits North Bengal landslide-hit areas

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:00 IST

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Kolkata, Oct 7 (PTI) West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) president Subhankar Sarkar led a delegation of party leaders to landslide-hit areas of North Bengal on Tuesday morning to assess the situation on the ground.

Sarkar is also scheduled to visit the disaster-affected families in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.

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Accompanied by senior Congress leaders Partha Bhowmik and Ashutosh Chatterjee, the Bengal Congress president stopped at various locations en route to Mirik to evaluate the situation, party sources said.

He also spoke to the locals and assured them of all assistance during this period of crisis," the party official told PTI.

Torrential rains triggered landslides and floods that left 30 people dead and several missing across north Bengal.

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Incidentally, the Bengal Congress on Monday constituted a dedicated committee to coordinate disaster response efforts in North Bengal and extend assistance to those affected, the official said.

Sarkar is expected to submit a report to the higher party leadership after the visit. PTI SCH RG

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News agency-feeds Bengal Cong president Subhankar Sarkar visits North Bengal landslide-hit areas

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Gaza peace talks enter second day on two-year anniversary of beginning of war

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 16:15 IST

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Cairo, Oct 7 (AP) Peace talks between Israel and Hamas were resuming at an Egyptian resort city on Tuesday, the two-year anniversary of the militant groups surprise attack on Israel that triggered the bloody conflict that has seen tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Gaza.

The second day of indirect negotiations in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh is focused on a plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war in Gaza.

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After several hours of talks on Monday, an Egyptian official with knowledge of the discussions said the parties agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings.

The plan has received widespread international backing, and Trump told reporters on Monday that he thought there was a really good chance" of a lasting deal." This is beyond Gaza," he said. Gaza is a big deal, but this is really peace in the Middle East." Trumps peace plan Many uncertainties remain, however, including the demand that Hamas disarm and the future governance of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long said Hamas must surrender and disarm, but Hamas has not yet commented on whether it would be willing to.

The plan envisions Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza after Hamas disarms, and an international security force being put in place. The territory would then be placed under international governance, with Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing it.

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251.

The devastating war that has ensued has upended global politics, resulted in the deaths of 67,160 Palestinians, nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gazas Health Ministry, and has left the Gaza Strip in ruins.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but says more than half of the deaths were women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, and the United Nations and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties.

A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a UN body, have said Israels offensive in the Gaza Strip amounts to genocide  an accusation Israel vehemently denies.

On Tuesday, in the area attacked by Hamas two years ago, thousands of Israelis gathered to pay tribute to their loved ones who were killed and kidnapped. An explosion from Gaza echoed across the fields as they reflected, following the launch of a rocket in northern Gaza. No damage or injuries were reported.

In Gaza City, meanwhile, residents said Israeli attacks continued until the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.

A promise of humanitarian relief Ahead of the resumption of talks on Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the hostilities, which have created a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defied comprehension." The recent proposal by US President Donald J. Trump presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end," Guterres said.

A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace. International law must be respected." Mediators from Qatar and Egypt were facilitating the talks, meeting first on Monday with members of the delegation from Hamas, then later with those from Israel.

Israels delegation included Gal Hirsch, coordinator for the hostages and the missing from Netanyahus office, while Hamas representatives included Khalil Al-Hayya, the groups top negotiator.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Monday that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner were on hand to take part in the talks and keep the president apprised.

She did not comment on a specific deadline for concluding the talks, but said it is important that we get this done quickly." Part of the plan is to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than two million Palestinians are facing hunger and in some areas famine.

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UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the organisation was poised and ready to act.

The machinery is cranked up and ready to go as soon as we get the green light," Dujarric said. There are many thousands of metric tons in the pipeline of goods ready to enter" from Jordan, the Israeli port of Ashdod and elsewhere, he added. (AP) SKS SKS

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First Published: October 07, 2025, 16:15 IST

News agency-feeds Gaza peace talks enter second day on two-year anniversary of beginning of war

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Mumbai airport staffers pose as customs officers, extort passengers; 3 nabbed

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 16:15 IST

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Mumbai, Oct 7 (PTI) Three employees of the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) were on Tuesday caught while posing as customs officials and extorting money and valuables from passengers, an official said.

The trio allegedly posed as officials from the Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) and harassed passengers, the official said.

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He said the AIU had received a tip-off that some MIAL employees allegedly intercepted passengers arriving by international flights, examined their baggage, and extorted valuables and money from them.

The trio has been taken into custody for enquiry, and a probe is underway to nab others involved in the network, the official said. PTI DC ARU

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NPCI launches slew of UPI-focused products

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 22:30 IST

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Mumbai, Oct 7 (PTI) The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Tuesday launched a slew of initiatives centred around its flagship unified payments interface (UPI), including an on-device biometric authentication.

Apart from this, it also launched an Aadhaar-based Face Authentication in UPI to enable Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication for setting or resetting UPI PIN.

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In addition, it launched a new mode for Cash Withdrawal through Micro ATMs using UPI at UPI Cash Points which are run by business correspondents, as per an official statement.

Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary M Nagaraju launched a majority of the products at the annual Global Fintech Fest here.

The On-Device Authentication for UPI, enables customers to authenticate UPI payments directly through their smartphones built-in security options such as fingerprint or face unlock as an alternative to manually entering the UPI PIN, an official statement said.

The facility will be made available to customers who choose to opt in, giving them control over their preferred mode of authentication, it said.

Global payments major Paypal also announced a tie-up with NPCI arm NPCI International Payments to integrate UPI on Paypal World, a global platform expected to launch in 2025.

The NPCI arm becomes the first entity globally to partner with the nearly 25-year-old PayPals new service, which will help Indians using UPI make payments to foreign merchants in Indian rupees.

Paypal solves the complexity of cross-border commerce with a cloud native, multi-region deployment architecture that ensures low latency and high availability worldwide, an official statement said.

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Apart from these, Reserve Bank Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar also launched several products at the same event, including an initiative that allows joint account holders and multi-signatory account holders to use UPI for payments.

The DG also launched small-value transactions using wearable glasses via UPI Lite, as well as forex on Bharat Connect. PTI AA MR

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First Published: October 07, 2025, 22:30 IST

News agency-feeds NPCI launches slew of UPI-focused products

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Pakistan security forces kill TTP terrorist in KPK

Last Updated: October 08, 2025, 02:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Peshawar, Oct 8 (PTI) Pakistan security forces have killed a key Afghan-origin terrorist of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, local police said.

Pir Agha Qandhari was killed in an operation conducted in the Gabir area of Bajaur district, bordering Afghanistan, on Tuesday, police said. The slain terrorist was involved in numerous terrorist activities, including attacks on security forces and the killing of innocent civilians. The TTPs Bajaur commander, Malang Badshah, in an audio message, confirmed the assassination of Qandhari in an operation in Bajaur district.

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Meanwhile, in two separate incidents on Tuesday, four government officials, including two high school teachers, were abducted from Bannu district, officials said on Tuesday.

According to initial reports, the armed men forced the school teachers into a vehicle at gunpoint and took them to an undisclosed location. Two workers from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) were abducted from the BISP payment disbursement point, the official said.

DPO Bannu Saleem Kulachi said that terrorists came in a group of 15 to 20 and abducted the workers.

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However, the DPO could not confirm the amount of money the terrorists took from the victims.

Police have launched an investigation and search operation to rescue the victims. PTI AYZ RD RD

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First Published: October 08, 2025, 02:30 IST

News agency-feeds Pakistan security forces kill TTP terrorist in KPK

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Senior CPI (Maoist) leader surrenders before police in Telangana

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 22:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Hyderabad, Oct 7 (PTI) A senior functionary of the banned CPI (Maoist) Party surrendered before police in Warangal district of Telangana on Tuesday.

Manda Ruben alias Kannanna (67), who served as Division Committee Secretary of the South Bastar Division and was a member of the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, surrendered before Warangal Police Commissioner Sunpreet Singh.

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He carried a cash reward of Rs 8 lakh.

A native of Vangapadu village, Hanamkonda district, Ruben expressed his desire to lead a peaceful life with his family under the Telangana governments Rehabilitation and Resettlement Programme, the commissioner said.

Ruben was drawn to radical ideology in 1979 while working in the hostel mess of REC (now NIT Warangal). Influenced by then CPI (Maoist) General Secretary and former REC student Nambala Keshav Rao, he joined the banned organisation and went underground, a press release said.

From 1981 to 1986, he served as a member of the Kunta-Bastar squad under Lankapapireddys command. In 1987, he was elevated to Area Committee Member. In 1991, he was arrested by Chhattisgarh police at Kothagudem and imprisoned in Jagdalpur Jail. A year later, he escaped along with three others and rejoined Maoist activities.

Later, while serving as a Division Committee Member in 2005, Ruben became inactive due to ill health and stayed with his family in Gundraayi village, the release said.

Though managing poultry and sheep farms, he continued to provide shelter, food, and intelligence to Maoist cadres, it added.

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He was allegedly involved in offences including killing of security personnel, seizing their weapons, and attack on police station along with other cadre of the Maoists, police said.

Citing deteriorating health, lack of physical strength to continue underground life, waning ideological relevance of Maoism, and increasing public resentment against Maoist violence, Ruben decided to surrender, police added. PTI VVK VVK ROH

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First Published: October 07, 2025, 22:30 IST

News agency-feeds Senior CPI (Maoist) leader surrenders before police in Telangana

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Well probably work that out: Trump on US-Canada ties during talks with Carney

Last Updated: October 08, 2025, 02:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Washington, DC [US], October 8 (ANI): US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday (local time) discussed a range of issues, including the war in Gaza, peace efforts in the Middle East, and trade relations between their countries. The two leaders were speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, where Trump started by praising the Canadian leader, joking that he had made him very popular" and noting that from the very beginning", they had shared a good relationship. While acknowledging differences between the two countries, Trump said, We have some natural conflict," but added optimistically, Well probably work that out." On the conflict in Gaza, Trump said that he and Carney would discuss the situation in the Middle East during their talks. Our team is over there now," he said, adding that literally every country in the world" had expressed support for his peace plan. The US President also said there was a possibility" that peace could be achieved in the region. There is a real chance we could do something," he remarked, adding that in the meantime, the US and Canada would make some deals." On trade, Trump said both nations would discuss tariffs, but did not specify if existing tariffs on Canadian goods would be removed. Carney, in his remarks, thanked Trump for hosting him again and described him as a transformative president." The Canadian leader praised Trump for securing unprecedented commitments from NATO partners to defence spending" and for disabling Iran as a force of terror." During the exchange, Trump made a humorous remark about a merger of Canada and the United States," which drew laughter from those present. Carney smiled and replied, That wasnt where I was going," moving the conversation along. Reiterating his governments support for Washingtons diplomatic efforts, Carney said Canada stood behind Trumps peace initiative. Well do whatever we can to support that," he said. The discussion reflected the enduring cooperation and occasional competition that have long defined the close relationship between the United States and Canada. (ANI)

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First Published: October 08, 2025, 02:30 IST

News agency-feeds Well probably work that out: Trump on US-Canada ties during talks with Carney

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Daily Horoscope, October 7, 2025: Leo, Pisces, Gemini Energies Guide Your Day

Written By :

GaneshaGrace

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 06:00 IST

Horoscope Today, October 7, 2025: Aries beams, Virgo thrives, Libra charmsfind out what positivity, clarity, or calm communication means for your sign today.

Daily Horoscope Today, October 7, 2025: Daily horoscope by Chirag Daruwalla. (AI generated image)

Daily Horoscope Today, October 7, 2025: Aries is full of positivity, confidence, and deep bonds, while Taurus may face discomfort and misunderstandings and learn to be patient in relationships. Gemini enjoys clarity, charm, and strong relationships, while Cancer feels a little anxious and should focus on calm communication. Leo experiences mixed emotions and feels the need for open communication to clear doubts, while Virgo thrives on clarity, confidence, and social harmony.

Libra shines with charm, new bonds, and deep connections, while Scorpio may experience emotional turmoil that requires honesty and balance in communication. Sagittarius faces challenges and confusion, but finds growth through positivity and self-reflection, while Capricorn enjoys auspicious energy, clarity in expression, and strong relationships.

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Aquarius thrives on creativity, new social connections, and spiritual growth, while Pisces struggles with sensitivity and petty conflicts and needs patience and open communication. Overall, the day offers opportunities for reflection, clarity, and stronger bonds for all signs.

Aries Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today will be a very good day overall for Aries natives. Your energy and confidence will radiate positivity from you. Today, you will exchange happiness with people around you. Spending time with your loved ones will give you mental peace and strengthen your relationships.

Your attitude will be positive, which will help you overcome difficulties easily. There is a possibility of depth and clarification in your relationships, such as new information or feelings. You will feel that you can make your close relationships even better. If you have thought of improving a relationship, then today is a very suitable day for this.

Lucky Number: 1

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Taurus Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today will be a mixed day for Taurus. You may have many types of worries and unrest in your mind. This time can bring some trouble in your relationships. If you are thinking of making an important decision with your loved one, then be a little patient. Lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings.

You may feel restless in your thinking, which can increase tension in your relationship. Try to understand your sensitive emotions. These challenging moments can also become an opportunity for personal growth for you if you handle them correctly. Remember, this is only a temporary situation, and things can get better as the day progresses.

Lucky Number: 13

Lucky Colour: Green

Gemini Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today seems to be a unique and wonderful day for Gemini natives. The energy around you is full of positivity, which will inspire you to connect and communicate with others. This is the time to make a new connection or strengthen existing relationships. The clarity and charm of your thoughts in conversation will impress the people around you.

Your understanding and intelligence will give you a special place among friends and loved ones. The sense of mutual understanding and cooperation will increase in relationships, which will make your relationship even deeper and longer-lasting. Any old differences can be resolved, which will give you a feeling of peace in your heart.

Lucky Number: 11

Lucky Colour: Light Blue

Cancer Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today can be a day full of some uncertainties for Cancer natives. You will be able to understand the energy around you better, but it can affect your mental state. A little anxiety and restlessness will surround you. It is possible that you remain worried about small things, so try to keep yourself calm.

Your communication skills will be important today, so try to express your thoughts with clarity. If you are facing problems in any relationship, be cautious and keep your emotions in check. This is the time to understand yourself and establish better communication with people close to you.

Lucky Number: 3

Lucky Colour: Pink

Leo Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today is a normal day for you, but some worries and concerns may weigh heavily on your mind. Today, you may experience negativity in the environment around you. This is the time for you to keep ideas and possibilities open. Try to self-analyze and try to understand your feelings.

There may be some uncertainty in your relationships. You may find yourself feeling unsure of some people, which may affect your feelings. It is important to have open conversations with your loved ones so that you can speak your mind and avoid rumors. Maintain neutrality and believe in yourself.

Lucky Number: 2

Lucky Colour: Sky Blue

Virgo Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today is going to be a very good day for Virgo. Right now, you are full of energy, and there is clarity in your thinking. You will get a lot of support from the people around you, which will help you implement your plans in a better way. Participating in social activities will be beneficial for you, which will strengthen your relationships.

Today you will feel organized and full of confidence, so you will not have any problem expressing your views. Your relationships will also experience a positive upheaval today. Your feelings will be deep, and you will want to spend more time with your loved ones.

Lucky Number: 14

Lucky Colour: Dark Green

Libra Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today is a great day for Libra. You will be inspired to create harmony and establish new relationships with the people around you. Your sociability and charismatic personality will attract others. Today, you will find yourself open to conversation and the exchange of ideas.

This is the time to move towards deep and meaningful relationships with your partner or close friends. Your inner charm will be at its peak today, and this will inspire you to make new connections or cherish old ones strongly. If you are interested in someone special, today is the perfect time to share your feelings by talking to them.

Lucky Number: 7

Lucky Colour: Blue

Scorpio Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today will be an average day for Scorpio natives from an overall point of view. There may be some restlessness and anxiety in your emotions, which may force you to think. Some turmoil may be experienced, especially in relationships, which may make you wonder whether the bonds you have formed are strong or not.

On this day, be careful in communicating with people around you and try to express your feelings spontaneously. Be honest and clear in conversation; this will help to remove any anxiety. You need to keep some understanding in your relationships.

Lucky Number: 4

Lucky Colour: Black

Sagittarius Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today will push you to face some challenges. Everything seems normal, but the energy around you may be a little disturbing. You may experience a little anxiety and sudden stress mentally. This day gives you an opportunity for introspection, so try to keep yourself organized.

In your relationships, many small things may bother you. Conversations with family or friends may confuse you. It is important to maintain communication; share your feelings openly so that misunderstandings can be cleared. You have to fill yourself with positive energy. It would be better if you think deeply in your heart and focus on things that make you happy.

Lucky Number: 15

Lucky Colour: White

Capricorn Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today is going to be a very auspicious day for Capricorns. You will be able to express your feelings in a clear and balanced way. A sense of understanding and cooperation will increase in your relationships. Today you will enjoy spending time with your loved ones, which will not only bring you happiness but will also strengthen your relationships.

The level of conversation will be good, and you will be able to express your thoughts clearly. This is the time when you can share those things that you had previously suppressed in your heart. This will infuse new energy in your relationships.

Lucky Number: 9

Lucky Colour: Orange

Aquarius Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today is an overall very auspicious day for Aquarius people. Your creativity and ability to self-express are at their peak, and you will be able to express your ideas effectively. There is also a possibility of progress in social relationships, which can lead to new friends and important contacts.

Today, your mind will be full of positivity, which will also keep the environment around you happy. This is the time to focus on your spiritual growth. You can discover new aspects of life by going deep within yourself. Take the help of meditation or sadhana to understand your thoughts and feelings.

Lucky Number: 6

Lucky Colour: Maroon

Pisces Daily Horoscope Today

Ganesha says today has brought many mixed experiences for Pisces people. Today, you may be a little worried about the environment around you, which can cause you mental stress. Today, your sensitivity may be a little more, due to which even small things can bother you.

There is a possibility of dispute or disagreement over small things in relationships, so it will be important to maintain patience and restraint. Try to communicate openly with your loved ones at this time. Try to remove any kind of misunderstanding. It will be important for you to express your feelings in the right manner so that the situation can improve.

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Lucky Number: 16

Lucky Colour: Red

(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).

About the Author Chirag Daruwalla Chirag Daruwalla, a renowned Indian astrologer with 18+ years of experience, provides expert guidance in career, health, finance, business, and more. He combines Vedic and Western astrology, I-Ching, ... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 06:00 IST

News astrology Daily Horoscope, October 7, 2025: Leo, Pisces, Gemini Energies Guide Your Day

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Flying From Nepal? Heres How Ramechhap Airport Security Is Unlike Anywhere Else

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:06 IST

Bizarre security check at Nepal's Ramechhap domestic airport paints a stark contrast to the enhanced protocols followed at the country's Tribhuvan international airport.

Video of Ramechhap airport in Nepal. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

A video of a domestic airport in Nepal and its relaxed security check protocols stunned everyone on social media. In the clip, this man highlighted how Nepals Ramechhap airport has deployed the easiest security check procedure, with travellers experiencing minimal fuss in getting their boarding passes approved before taking the flight.

As a traveller enters the airports security checkpoint, they find a guard who checks the boarding pass and immediately approves it with a stamp. Moments later, the security person asks the visitor whether he has any of the items barred by the airport authorities by pointing towards a board placed on the wall. The traveller informs that he is carrying a nail sharpener with him, which he is forced to take out of his bag. The guard doesnt check the bag himself and lets the man go in an all-too-casual way.

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Nepals Ramechhap Airport

The video raised curiosity towards Nepals Ramechhap Airport, a domestic airport for locals in the Ramechhap District, located near the Tamakoshi river valley in Bagmati Province. The airport, which opened in October 1979, is the closest airline facility to the capital city of Kathmandu and attracts a large number of tourists due to its easy connectivity with the BP Highway.

According to reports, the airport served 24 flights per day during its peak despite several complaints raised against the handling of tourists coming to the town of Lukla. Upgrades have been made to the airports infrastructure and airline services in recent years. However, critics in the country still argue that it is not sufficiently developed.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aneesh Bhasin (@aneeshb)

In the video, one can see that security officials at the Ramechhap Airport bar travellers from carrying any accessories or tools that can damage the property and cause harm to anyone. These include items with sharp edges such as knives, scissors and nail cutters, apart from guns, iron rods and other potential security threats. But the overall security check is not strict at all, which raises doubts over the safety of everyone.

Difference In Security Between Ramechhap and Tribhuvan Airports

The casual airport entrance of the traveller in the video painted a concerning image of the security check services available at the Ramechhap, especially as it fell in stark contrast to that of Nepals Tribhuvan International airport.

Apart from an efficient travel experience, the airport authorities at the Tribhuvan have ensured enhanced security for all travellers using expedited check-in, security screening and immigration procedures that are rigorously followed. During the security check, travellers are expected to remove items such as belts, keys, coins, precious metals and gemstones. Among other accessories, travellers are forced to take out all the electronic items, including wires, if any, in a separate tray that is briefly checked.

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Unlike the immediate approval of the boarding pass at the Ramechhap as seen in the viral clip, all the necessary documents of the travellers are thoroughly checked before they are allowed to take the flight.

As for the baggage, airlines in Nepal allow passengers to carry one hand baggage with the maximum dimension not surpassing 22"x 18" x10" and total weight not exceeding 7 kilograms.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 11:06 IST

News auto Flying From Nepal? Heres How Ramechhap Airport Security Is Unlike Anywhere Else

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Patna-Delhi Sleeper Vande Bharat: Bihar Elections To Delay Launch? Railways Says...

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 13:33 IST

A Railway official said the Sleeper Vande Bharat may run every alternate day initially for passenger convenience until both rakes are ready for full daily service

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There are concerns regarding the impact of the Model Code of Conduct on the train's operations from Bihar. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

After the success of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat, attention has turned to the Sleeper Vande Bharat, with talks of running it from Patna to Delhi. With Bihar elections announced and the model code of conduct in effect, questions have arisen over whether the train will run in time for Chhath or face delays. Indian Railways has now provided clarity on the trains operations.

Currently, the Vande Bharat Express enjoys significant popularity, prompting the Railway Ministry to expand its number. Over 75 Vande Bharat Express trains are already operational. The ministrys focus has now shifted to the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper. A prototype of this upgraded version has been prepared and trials have been conducted. The second rake is anticipated to arrive soon, with expectations of it being operational by the end of this month.

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Heres What The Railways Said

Addressing public curiosity, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Ministry of Railways, confirmed that one sleeper rake is ready and the second is on its way. Once both rakes are available, the Sleeper Vande Bharat train will commence regular service.

Initially, the train might operate every alternate day for public convenience until both rakes are fully ready for continuous operation.

Will The Model Code Of Conduct Affect Its Operation?

There are concerns regarding the impact of the Model Code of Conduct on the trains operations from Bihar. A Railway Ministry official indicated that if the second rake is completed on time, the train cannot run from Bihar directly due to the Model Code of Conduct.

However, an alternate route from West Bengal or another state passing through Patna could be utilised, allowing Bihar residents to benefit from the service.

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The launch and scheduling of the Sleeper Vande Bharat train depend primarily on the readiness of the second rake, with the Indian Railways keen to allay public curiosity and meet the demands of eager travellers.

The Election Commission on Monday released the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections, setting polling dates in two phases, November 6 and 11, with results slated to be announced on November 14.

Location : Bihar, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 13:33 IST

News auto Patna-Delhi Sleeper Vande Bharat: Bihar Elections To Delay Launch? Railways Says...

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'Not Banned, But Not Backed Either: Piyush Goyal Explains Indias Stance On Cryptocurrencies

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 08:14 IST

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday, October 6, clarified that the Indian government neither promotes nor bans cryptocurrency

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. (Piyush Goyal/X)

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday, October 6, clarified that the Indian government neither promotes nor bans cryptocurrency but has chosen to regulate it primarily through heavy taxation. We have not been encouraging cryptocurrency, which does not have sovereign backing or is not backed by assets like the federal bank or local currency," Goyal told news agency ANI during his two-day visit to Doha, where he is leading a business delegation to boost trade and investment ties between India and Qatar.

Governments stance on crypto

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Goyal stressed that Indias focus is on protecting investors and maintaining financial stability. As far as cryptocurrency, which is not backed by the Central Government, while there is no ban as such, we are taxing it very heavily. We dont encourage it because we dont want anybody to be stuck at some point with a cryptocurrency that has no backing and nobody at the backend," he said.

The minister clarified that the governments priority lies in developing a sovereign digital currency  a digital rupee backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This proposed CBDC will be designed for faster transactions, reduced paper consumption, and blockchain-enabled traceability to ensure transparency and compliance.

India has also announced that we will be coming out with a digital currency, which will be backed by an RBI guarantee like regular currency. Our idea is that this will make transactions easier, faster than the banking system, and traceable," Goyal added.

Heavy taxation on non-backed crypto

India has imposed a 30% tax on income from the transfer of virtual digital assets (VDAs)  including cryptocurrencies and NFTs  announced in the Union Budget 2022-23. The tax applies irrespective of whether the investor makes a profit or incurs a loss elsewhere in their portfolio.

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Additionally, a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) applies to all crypto transactions above 10,000, effective July 1, 2022, to help track crypto activity and ensure compliance. Losses from the sale of VDAs cannot be offset against any other income, further tightening the tax regime.

Goyals remarks underscore Indias cautious approach to cryptocurrency while focusing on building a sovereign, regulated digital rupee that combines the benefits of blockchain with government-backed security.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:13 IST

News business cryptocurrency 'Not Banned, But Not Backed Either: Piyush Goyal Explains Indias Stance On Cryptocurrencies

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Stocks To Watch: Adani Green, Kalyan Jewellers, ONGC, Zydus Lifesciences, Aster DM, And Others

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 08:24 IST

Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Adani Green, Kalyan Jewellers, ONGC, Zydus Lifesciences, Aster DM, and others will be in focus on Tuesday's trade

Stocks to Watch

Stocks To Watch on October 7: The Indian markets began the week on a strong note, gaining over half a percent on Monday as supportive global and domestic cues lifted sentiment. The rally was driven by robust local triggers and positive global factors. Analysts said the Nifty has reclaimed its short-term moving average (20-DEMA) and looks poised to test 25,150, with potential to move toward 25,400.

In todays session, several stocks are likely to be in focus due to fresh developments:

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Zydus Lifesciences

Zydus received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for its generic version of Deflazacort oral suspension (22.75 mg/ml), used to treat a severe form of inherited muscular dystrophy.

KEC International

Engineering and EPC major KEC International secured new orders worth Rs 1,102 crore across its businesses. Its civil unit bagged a contract for civil and structural works for a 150 MW thermal power plant from a leading private player in India. The transmission and distribution (T&D) arm won orders for supplying towers, hardware, and poles in the Americas and the Middle East.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M)

The automaker launched an upgraded range of its popular Bolero SUV lineup. The refreshed models  Bolero B8 and Bolero Neo N11  feature updated styling and enhanced features, aiming to provide a more premium and contemporary SUV experience.

Kalyan Jewellers

Kalyan Jewellers reported nearly 30% year-on-year consolidated revenue growth in Q2FY26, driven by strong wedding season demand and a robust start to the festive period. Revenue from its India operations rose approximately 31% compared to the same quarter last year.

ONGC

State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is set to invest Rs 8,110 crore in developing and producing oil and gas from 172 onshore wells across eight petroleum mining lease (PML) blocks in Andhra Pradesh. The Ministry of Environments committee has recommended environmental clearance for the project.

Adani Green Energy

Adani Green Energy, led by billionaire Gautam Adani, has reportedly signed a deal to raise around $250 million from a group of global lenders, Bloomberg reported. This would mark the companys first foreign currency loan since the US Department of Justices indictment.

Aster DM Healthcare

Aster DM received no adverse observation letters from BSE and NSE for its proposed merger with Quality Care India. The deal remains subject to further statutory, regulatory, shareholder, and creditor approvals.

Brigade Enterprises

Brigade Enterprises signed a joint development agreement (JDA) for premium residential projects on a 6.6-acre land parcel in West Chennai. The project has an estimated gross development value (GDV) of Rs 1,000 crore.

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Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands (ABLB)

Major institutional investors, including SBI Life Insurance, Aditya Birla MF, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs, acquired over 7.31 crore shares (6% stake) in Aditya Birla Lifestyle Brands from Flipkart Investments for Rs 998 crore via open market transactions on Monday.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:24 IST

News business markets Stocks To Watch: Adani Green, Kalyan Jewellers, ONGC, Zydus Lifesciences, Aster DM, And Others

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Kerala Man Strangles Estranged Second Wife, Flees To Mysuru To Celebrate Dussehra With Iranian Lover

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 13:48 IST

A man, his estranged second wife, multiple girlfriends, an Iranian lover and a property dispute  Keralas Kottayam has been rocked by the murder of Jessie allegedly by Sam George

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Jessie and her estranged husband and murder accused Sam K George. (News18)

A husband, his estranged second wife, multiple girlfriends, an Iranian lover and a property dispute  Keralas Kottayam has been rocked by the murder of a 49-year-old woman, with new information tumbling out every single day.

Sam K George, 59, was on October 3 arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly strangling his estranged second wife, Jessie, and dumping her body in a gorge in Idukki.

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Jessie, a resident of Kanakkary in Kottayam, went missing on September 26. Her decayed body was recovered from a gorge at Cheppukulam, near Udumbannoor, in Idukki, around 60 km from Kanakkary.

All details from News18 Malayalams reports.

Troubled marriage

Sam, an Ettumanur native, married Jessie in 1994 after his first wife left him. They have been living apart in a house for 15 years. They started living on two floors of a house near Kanakari Ratnagiripally. In 2018, the court had given them police protection to live peacefully in this house. The order was from the Pala Additional First Class Magistrate Court. Jessie had allowed Sam to live here.

Jessie was Sams second wife. They have three children, all of whom are living abroad. He was known to bring women, including foreign women, to his home, claiming to be single.

Jessie reportedly faced severe abuse from her husband Sam for years. In 2008, while living in Saudi Arabia, Sam unlocked the door and hit Jessie on the head several times for questioning his relationship with a foreign woman. She was on a ventilator for two months at the time.

The Pala Additional First Class Magistrate Court had ordered Jessie and younger son Santo to be paid maintenance in 2018. According to this order, citing the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, Sam owed Jessie Rs 3.10 lakh.

The court order on the complaint against non-payment of maintenance was expected soon. Additionally, Sam had approached the court in 2024 demanding that Jessie and her children vacate the house. The court had directed both of them to appear on the 30th of this month for final mediation talks in this case. Police consider fear of losing property as a motive for the murder.

The alarm bells

As Jessies friend tried to contact her on the phone on 29th, she was unavailable. Sam had tried to move Jessie out of the house several times.

Sam, who used to bring foreign women here by pretending to be single, had brought a foreign woman from Vietnam who informed them of Sams plan to kill Jessie. The goal was to get rid of Jessie, who could be a source of embarrassment for his extramarital affairs.

Sam did his research

Sam had visited the spot in Cheppukulam, Udumbannur, Idukki 10 days before the murder and understood the circumstances. The police also recovered photos from the accuseds phone.

Dussehra celebration, Iranian lover

After dumping the body in Kokka, Sam, who reached Kochi in the morning, boarded a bus from Vyttila with his Iranian friend, who he met when he visited Tehran in January, and went to Bengaluru and from there to Mysore to watch the Dussehra celebrations. Sam is also a travel guide. District Police Chief Shahul Hameed announced that the Iranian woman was released after finding her not involved in the murder.

What post-mortem showed

The postmortem conducted at Kottayam Medical College Hospital revealed that Jessie was strangled to death. The body parts have been sent to labs for chemical and DNA tests. Jessies funeral will be held in his hometown Kaipattoor.

The car used in the murder and other evidence were recovered during the evidence collection conducted with Sam, who was taken into police custody for five days.

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What was the motive?

The car used by Sam to transport the body was found in the parking area of a bank on Shastri Road, Kottayam. The police have also recovered a machete from inside the car. The police have concluded that the murder was caused by Jessie questioning Sam K. George about his relationship with other women and the fear of adverse verdicts in two property-related cases.

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 13:35 IST

News kochi Kerala Man Strangles Estranged Second Wife, Flees To Mysuru To Celebrate Dussehra With Iranian Lover

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Mumbai International Airport T1 Likely To Be Demolished After Navi Mumbai Terminal 2 Is Ready

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 13:06 IST

Navi Mumbai International Airport will be inaugurated on October 8 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The passenger flight operations are scheduled to begin in December.

Mumbai International Airport T1 Likely To Be Demolished (File Photo: PTI)

Adani Group will demolish Terminal 1 of Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in 2029. As per the reports, the demolition will take place only after the second terminal (T2) at Navi Mumbai International Airport is ready. Commercial operations at Navi Mumbai airport are expected to begin by mid-December.

According to Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, the Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to be inaugurated on October 8. Commercial operations at the new lotus-themed airport are expected to begin by mid-December. Air India, IndiGo and Akasa will start services from Day 1.

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Ahead of the inauguration of Navi Mumbai International Airport on 8 Oct, I met with our differently-abled colleagues, construction workers, women staff, engineers, artisans, fire fighters and the guards who helped bring this vision to life," Adani said in a post on X on Wednesday.

Ahead of the inauguration of Navi Mumbai International Airport on 8 Oct, I met with our differently-abled colleagues, construction workers, women staff, engineers, artisans, fire fighters and the guards who helped bring this vision to life. I felt the pulse of a living wonder  a pic.twitter.com/Uj7Ikue7vM Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) October 1, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport on Wednesday. The Maharashtra government has also approved the creation of a dedicated police station for the Navi Mumbai International Airport area

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Navi Mumbai International airport development is being carried out in multiple phases by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, a joint venture in which Adani Group holds a 74% stake, while the remaining 26% is owned by CIDCO.

Once fully operational, the airport is expected to cater to approximately nine crore passengers and 360 crore metric tonnes of cargo annually.

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First Published: October 07, 2025, 13:06 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai International Airport T1 Likely To Be Demolished After Navi Mumbai Terminal 2 Is Ready

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Mumbai Metro-3 Ride From October 9: Know 6 Entry Points From Cuffe Parade, Frequency & Ticket Prices

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Last Updated: October 08, 2025, 03:37 IST

Mumbai Metro-3 launch on October 8, services from October 9: What are entry points from Cuffe Parade? Will there will be a change in the frequency? What are timings, ticket prices?

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PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the last phase of Mumbai Metro-3 on October 8. (PTI File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the last phase of Metro-3 on October 8, giving Mumbaiites the entire underground line planned from Aarey to Cuffe Parade. The services for commuters will begin from October 9.

From those coming from Cuffe Parade, what are the entry or exit points? Will there will be a change in the frequency? What are the timings and ticket prices? Some more answers as part of the continuing Mumbai Metro series by News18.

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ALSO READ | Mumbai Metro-3 To Slam Brakes On CSMT-Cuffe Parade Cabs? Metro Rail Vs Taxis, Let The Race Begin

Mumbai Metro-3: The entry and exit points from Cuffe Parade

There are six entry/exit points for commuters from Cuffe Parade. They are:

World Trade Centre

GD Somani Memorial School

Dhobhi Ghat  Dr Ambedkar Nagar

St Francis Xaviers Chapel

President Hotel

Hotel Ozone Inn.

Will there be a change in Mumbai Metro-3 frequency?

There will be a big change for passengers on the underground Metro 3 line between Aarey and Cuffe Parade. Metro services will be run every five minutes on this line during rush hours, which will make travel more convenient, News18 Lokmat reported.

The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has completed preparations to run 280 trips daily.

ALSO READ | Mumbai Metro-3s All Stations Are Ready: Science Centre To Cuffe Parade, Take A Look At Aqua Line Stops

Mumbai Metro-3: Aarey to Cuffe Parade

The MMRC has built a 33.9-km-long metro line, which has a total of 27 stations. The first phase of the line from Aarey to BKC is 12.69-km-long and is available for passengers from October 7, 2024. The second phase from BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk (Worli Naka) is 9.77-km-long and was inaugurated on May 9, 2025. With these two phases, Metro services have started at a total of 16 stations between Aarey and Acharya Atre Chowk and an average of 70,000 passengers are using this route every day.

Metro services on the 11.2-km-long route from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade in the last phase will start from tomorrow. A total of 28 metro trains have been kept ready for this route.

Mumbai Metro-3: Fares and timings

Approximately 13 lakh passengers are expected to use the Metro 3 line every day. The fares have also been kept from a minimum of Rs 10 to a maximum of Rs 70, which will make the journey economical.

The first train in the morning will start at 5:55 am and the last train at night will leave at 10:30 pm. The 11 stations in the last phase are as follows: Cuffe Parade, Vidhan Bhavan, Churchgate, Hutatma Chowk, CSMT, Kalbadevi, Girgaon, Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi and Science Museum. The underground Metro 3 project was started in January 2017.

Mumbai Metro-3: The project, connectivity to hubs and Metros

The work of the underground road was completed by November 2022. The first phase started from October 7, 2024, while the second phase has been in service since May 10, 2025. This route connects major centres of the city.

EXPLAINED | Mumbais Metro 3 Opens Fully On October 8: The Aarey To Cuffe Parade Line Was In The Making For 8 Years

Commercial hubs like Nariman Point, Cuffe Parade, Fort, Lower Parel, BKC and Seepz are being directly connected. It is also directly connected to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of the international airport.

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Metro 3 is also connected to other lines  Swami Samarthnagar to Kanjurmarg (Metro 6), Ghatkopar to Versova (Metro 1), Dahisar to Airport (Metro 7 and 7A), Mandalay to D.N. Nagar (Metro 2) and Chembur Monorail.

With Inputs From News18 Lokmat

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 16:53 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai Metro-3 Ride From October 9: Know 6 Entry Points From Cuffe Parade, Frequency & Ticket Prices

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Mumbai To Navi Mumbai Airport Via Tunnel, Bullet Train Link To Kopar, Taloja Metro? What We Know

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 14:17 IST

Shinde has sought a report on connecting Mumbai with NMIA through tunnel, and assessment of Mhatardi bullet train station link to Kopar rly & Taloja metro stations

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A statement by the DCM's office said the Navi Mumbai Airport will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo Credits: X)

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday directed the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to submit a detailed feasibility report on connecting Mumbai with the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) through a tunnel, news agency PTI reported.

A statement by the DCMs office said the Navi Mumbai Airport will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The new airport will have the capacity to handle two crore passengers.

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With the huge volume of vehicular traffic coming from Mumbai, the existing routes will not be sufficient. Air traffic will also increase at the new airport, according to a statement issued after Shinde held a meeting with MMRDA officials.

EXPLAINED | Navi Mumbai Airport Ready For Launch: Ticket Bookings, Mumbai-Thane Roads To AC Buses, Details Here

It is necessary to have a holistic connectivity of the airport with suburban railway, Metro rail, and waterways network. From that perspective, the deputy chief minister has asked MMRDA Commissioner (Sanjay Mukherjee) to construct a tunnel from the Bandra Worli Sea Link, Bandra Kurla Complex, to the Navi Mumbai Airport," the statement said.

#NMIA is set to transform Maharashtras economy and infrastructure, driving jobs, growth and connectivity across the state.From world-class capacity and multimodal links to real estate growth, tourism, trade and green innovation, NMIA is more than an airport; its Maharashtras pic.twitter.com/vmokV3WWPk  Navi Mumbai International Airport (@navimumairport) October 7, 2025

Separately, Shinde has directed an assessment of the potential linking of high-speed railway with Mhatardi bullet train station, to Kopar railway station, and Taloja metro station.

A bullet train station, Mhatardi, is being constructed in Diva, Thane district. This station will become an integrated traffic centre. This station will serve the bullet train, railway, metro rail, bus, and highway, the statement added.

ALSO READ | Navi Mumbai Airport Set To Open: Take These Mumbai-Thane Roads, Metros, Buses, Trains To Land There

As of now, residents of Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Mumbai and suburbs reach the NMIA using the Eastern Expressway via Mulund, Airoli or via the Thane-Kalwa-Vitawa-Digha-Nerul-Belapur-Ulwe road. This distance is approximately 35 to 40 km, while the Western Expressway can be reached via JVLR, Eastern Expressway, Vashi Creek Bridge, the distance is approximately 40 to 45 km.

The airport can be reached from Worli via Atal Setu and Ulwe-Belapur.

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The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation will start 50 air-conditioned bus services for the airport and there will be a direct connection with Vashi, Thane and Mumbai.

With PTI Inputs

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 14:13 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai To Navi Mumbai Airport Via Tunnel, Bullet Train Link To Kopar, Taloja Metro? What We Know

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Navi Mumbai Airport Inauguration: These Vehicles Will Not Be Allowed On Route On October 8

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 15:10 IST

Navi Mumbai Airport Inauguration: On October 8, there will be a complete ban on heavy vehicles plying on all major routes in the city

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Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is spread over nearly 2,865 acres. (Photo Credit: X)

As several important personalities including Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to attend the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 8, the Navi Mumbai Traffic Police has planned special arrangements for security and traffic management.

The airport is located in Ulwe area near Panvel and various routes are available to citizens of Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Mumbai and suburbs to reach the spot.

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Which vehicles have been banned?

On October 8, there will be a complete ban on heavy vehicles plying on all major routes in the city.

This ban on heavy vehicles will continue from 6 am to 10 pm.

However, essential vehicles, police vehicles, fire brigade and passenger vehicles will be exempted from these changes.

ALSO READ | Mumbai To Navi Mumbai Airport Via Tunnel, Bullet Train Link To Kopar, Taloja Metro? What We Know

Heavy vehicles will prevented from entering Navi Mumbai at the toll plazas at Vashi and Airoli.

Heavy vehicles coming from Atal Setu will also be stopped from entering Navi Mumbai.

The arrangements

Special police deployment will be in place for VVIP travel.

A new era of connectivity begins as Air India Group joins hands with #NMIA.This partnership strengthens Mumbais twin-airport strategy and positions NMIA as a global hub for smarter, seamless travel.#AdaniAirports #NaviMumbaiAirport #AirIndia #Aviation #Connectivity pic.twitter.com/2q94bxWXca  Navi Mumbai International Airport (@navimumairport) September 23, 2025

How to reach NMIA after the inauguration?

1. Use the Sion Panvel Highway via Chembur, Vashi, Nerul, Belapur, Panvel or existing highways. You can also take NH 4B and Aamra Marg. The Eastern Freeway can also bring traffic from South Mumbai to Chembur, which can then travel onwards using the Sion-Panvel highway.

Time it will take: Depending on traffic, likely 1-1.5 hours from many parts of Mumbai. It will take slightly less time from the eastern suburbs.

2. Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atal Setu: Once you cross Sewri (South Mumbai) on MTHL into Nhava Sheva, you will be closer to Ulwe terminal. The Ulwe Coastal Road, which will connect with MTHL, is being built to improve connectivity. From South Mumbai, especially near Sewri, it will cut the travel time by 20 minutes.

Time it will take: Once you cross the MTHL, it will take around 20 25 minutes, depending on traffic

3. Buses: You can take state transport, CIDCO or private airport express buses being planned from hubs like Dadar, Thane, Vashi, Panvel, etc.

Time it will take: It depends on your starting point, but keep an eye on the stops on the way.

4. Train: You can travel to Panvel railway station on the Central Railways harbour line, which starts at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)  CSMT-Wadala Road-Mankhurd-Vashi-Nerul-Belapur-Panvel. There are no fast trains. Navi Mumbai and Thane passengers can opt for the trans-harbour line. The frequency is limited. From there you can take the local transport. Navi Mumbai Metro line 1 from Belapur to Pendhar Metro Line has been completed and is operational.

Time it will take: CSMT to Panvel takes 1.5 hours. Thane-Panvel takes 45-50 minutes.

How the NMIA will ease travel

The airport project aims to serve around 20 million passengers annually. Apart from this, the development, roads, infrastructure and logistics planning work in the vicinity of the airport will also be done in a strategic manner.

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After the opening of the airport, the citizens of Thane, Mumbai, Suburban, Raigad and Palghar areas will be able to commute easily.

There is a flow of thousands of heavy vehicles from Navi Mumbai city every day.

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 15:03 IST

News mumbai-news Navi Mumbai Airport Inauguration: These Vehicles Will Not Be Allowed On Route On October 8

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Muslim Arrested in Italy Over Murder of Assyrian in Lyon

Ashur Sarnaya. Lyon, France/Bari, Italy -- Three weeks after the brutal, livestreamed killing of 45-year-old Assyrian Christian Ashur Sarnaya in Lyon, French investigators have made a key breakthrough. A 28-year-old Algerian man, suspected of being present at the scene of the attack, was arrested Thursday in southern Italy under a European arrest warrant, according to the Lyon public prosecutor, Thierry Dran.

The suspect was detained in Andria, near Bari, in the Apulia region. He has been presented to Italian judicial authorities, who will decide in the coming weeks whether to transfer him to France. His eventual hearing by French investigators is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Sarnaya's death, which remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Sarnaya, a wheelchair user originally from Ankawa in Iraq's Kurdistan Region and living in Lyon since 2014, was stabbed in the neck by three hooded attackers who fled the scene. Witnesses reported seeing a masked man in black shortly afterward.

Sarnaya was known for sharing his Catholic faith online, and his death has drawn condemnation in France and abroad. While the crime has provoked outrage among Christian and religious freedom advocates, investigators have not classified it as religiously or terrorist-motivated, and national anti-terrorism authorities have not taken over the case.

The Lyon public prosecutor's office has opened a judicial investigation for premeditated murder but has not ruled out any hypothesis. "At this stage, we do not favor any thesis, nothing directs us toward a solid path, whether criminal, political, religious, or linked to narcotics," a police source told AFP. The national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has been in contact with Lyon investigators but has not taken over the case.

Detectives from the national police's central office have provided technical support to analyze digital evidence. Preliminary findings suggest that the killer was waiting for Sarnaya outside his building and fled on foot immediately after the attack. A witness filmed a figure dressed in dark clothing and wearing a hood leaving the scene. Rumors of a man in black circulated widely in the neighborhood the following day.

Investigators are also examining possible online threats. In several of his TikTok videos, Sarnaya complained about his content being repeatedly reported by Muslim users, leading to its removal. His sister, Madelin, told reporters that he had received a threatening message showing a photo of the two of them outside their building. "As a warning?" she asked, still struggling to comprehend the killing.
Why Does NMIA Have Lotus Design? Hows It Linked To Metro, Rail, Road? The Cities With 2 Airports

Curated By :

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 19:07 IST

Navi Mumbai airport: The airport has a stunning lotus-shaped design, which honours Indias national flower

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Navi Mumbai Airport work in progress. (@INDinfraeconomy/X/File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 8. Once the airport is ready with two runways, it will have the capacity to handle nine crore passengers (annually).

The NMIA will be many times bigger than the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai.

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By 2032, the airport will be able to accommodate 2.5 million tonnes of cargo. The domestic cargo terminal will be spread over 3,60,000 sq ft and the international cargo terminal will be spread over 2,55,000 sq ft.

Two runways will be constructed at this airport and it will be possible to park 350 planes at the same time at 4 terminals. Even though the airport has four terminal buildings, passengers can reach their flight no matter which terminal they go to. The airport is located in Ulwe in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

The Navi Mumbai airport construction project planning started in 1990. It later picked up speed in the 2000s. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the projects foundation stone in February 2018.

The airport is being developed over 1,160 hectares, with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) executing the pre-development work, which includes river diversion, high-tension power line relocation, and land development.

The airport is being developed by a special purpose vehicle, Navi Mumbai International Airport Limited (NMIAL), which is a 74:26 joint venture between Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) and City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO).

The financial closure for the project was achieved in March 2022, with State Bank of India sanctioning Rs 12,770 crore out of the total project cost of Rs 19,647 crore.

Navi Mumbai Airport: Lotus design to green measures

The airport has a stunning lotus-shaped design, which honours Indias national flower.

It is a green airport with 37 MW of green power being used. All vehicles will either be electric or run on alternative fuel and sustainable aviation fuel, which is being developed on a large scale. This airport will be a big centre where green fuel will be used on a large scale."

Arrangements are also being done so that baggage check-in is done in different cities itself so that passengers can travel to the airport without the need to carry it. This will give passengers a good travel experience, the CM said.

The Panvel airport will also feature a fuel farm of 1,630,000 sq ft and three aircraft hangars.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Inaugural landing of IAF C-295 takes place at Navi Mumbai International airport. The Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft landed at the airport for a trial run on the runway.CM Eknath Shinde and others present here. (Video: ANI/Maharashtra CMO) pic.twitter.com/4LtDGyfEQ6  ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2024

Metro, Road, Rail: Connectivity to Navi Mumbai Airport

The airport is 10 minutes away from Panvel and will be easily accessible via road, metro rail, and suburban railways. The airport connects the Navi Mumbai Metro Line 1 and the Mumbai metro line 8, also called Gold line.

Also, the airport will be the starting point of the Mumbai-Hyderabad high-speed rail corridor.

The Sewri Nhava Sheva Trans-Harbor Sea Link or MTHL will also provide easy access to the airport.

The linking of Atal Setu to Coastal Road is expected to be completed by March next year

From Thane, a direct elevated road has been suggested and that work will also start soon, said the CM

Arrangements are being made for connecting the airport from four directions with all modes of transport, including the suburban railway, metro or water transport, so that it will be easy for the passengers to reach, he said.

In the second phase, similar to an underground metro, one train will operate to connect all the terminals within the airport. Nobody will have to walk, and it will also prevent vehicles from creating traffic jams. Planning is done in that direction. The bay will be within 500 meters and travelators will be provided for passengers," Fadnavis said.

This airport will also have bullet train connectivity with Metro.

Like Mumbai, which cities have two airports?

In India

Delhi NCR: Indira Gandhi International Airport and Hindon Airport

Goa: Dabolim Airport and Manohar International Airport

Some international examples

Belgiums Brussels

Polands Warsaw

Canadas Montreal

Chinas Beijing

Turkeys Istanbul and

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UKs Glasgow

With PTI Inputs

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 18:47 IST

News mumbai-news Why Does NMIA Have Lotus Design? Hows It Linked To Metro, Rail, Road? The Cities With 2 Airports

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Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Urges School Students To Join Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 14:00 IST

Ministry of Education is organising Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog.

Shubhanshu Shukla is the brand ambassador of Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025. (File Photo)

Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), is the brand ambassador of Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025. He has urged school students to join the nationwide innovation movement, which aims to engage students from classes 6-12 in ideating, designing, and developing prototypes under four themes.

The Ministry of Education is organising Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog. The Buildathon will involve over one crore students from 1.5 lakh schools across the country to ideate, design, and develop prototypes under four themes.

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Group Captain Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, completed his maiden space voyage as part of the Axiom-4 missiona commercial spaceflight supported by ISRO and NASA, and operated by Axiom Space. He encourages students to participate and showcase their innovative ideas.

He highlights that every idea, big or small, holds the power to shape the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and contribute to building a self-reliant Atmanirbhar Bharat.

If there is a problem instead of just finding a solution, develop a skillset so that no matter what the problem is, you will still be able to find a solution. Buildathon is the first step towards that," he said.

Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, is organising #ViksitBharatBuildathon2025, a nationwide initiative providing school students with an opportunity to showcase creativity and innovative ideas.Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla pic.twitter.com/YprOx6uTpt  Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) October 7, 2025

As per the official website, students will focus on four themes of national significance:

Atmanirbhar Bharat  building self-reliant systems and solutions

Swadeshi  fostering indigenous ideas and innovation

Vocal for Local  promoting local products, crafts, and resources

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Samriddhi  creating pathways to prosperity and sustainable growth

To motivate and recognise student innovators, schools must submit their entries as photos and videos. A national panel of experts will evaluate the submissions, and the top student teams will be awarded prizes. In addition to recognition, these schools and students will receive ongoing support through corporate adoption, mentorship, and resources to further develop their innovations. Students will gain hands-on, experiential learning aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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First Published: October 07, 2025, 13:51 IST

News education-career Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Urges School Students To Join Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025

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How To Become An IAS Officer Without Cracking UPSC? | Lateral Entry Rules Explained

Curated By :

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 18:03 IST

Lateral entry fills senior government roles needing specialised expertise, typically appointing experts as Joint Secretary, Director or Deputy Secretary in key ministries

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Candidates are chosen mainly based on their professional experience, achievements, and performance in interviews. (Representative/PTI)

The Union Public Service Commissions Civil Service Examination, widely regarded as Indias toughest and one of the hardest exams in the world, is the gateway to becoming an IAS officer. While clearing this exam is the traditional route, several candidates also enter the IAS through lateral entry, bypassing the UPSC Civil Service Examination.

Lateral entry is a distinctive recruitment process by the Union Public Service Commission, allowing the government to directly appoint experts from the private sector, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and academic institutions to middle and senior administrative positions.

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This bypasses the traditional civil service examination process. The primary aim is to enhance governance and integrate domain-specific expertise and fresh perspectives into various ministries, an initiative recommended by the NITI Aayog.

Which IAS Posts Allow Recruitment Through Lateral Entry?

Positions filled through lateral entry include senior roles where existing civil servants may lack specialised knowledge. These typically involve appointments to key positions such as Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary. These experts bring years of proven experience in fields like finance, agriculture, health, energy, or the digital economy.

What Is The Tenure Of An Officer Appointed Through Lateral Entry?

UPSC lateral entry appointments are usually contractual, lasting 3 to 5 years. These short-term recruitments allow the government to bring in specialised expertise and improve administrative efficiency. The system also injects fresh energy and a new work culture into the bureaucracy. However, its important to note that lateral entry does not grant direct entry into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre, which is possible only through the Civil Services Examination (CSE).

Becoming An IAS Via Lateral Entry

Officers appointed through lateral entry typically occupy positions such as Joint Secretary or Director, roles usually held by senior IAS officers. This allows them to enjoy IAS-level powers, protocol, pay, and allowances without clearing the Civil Services Examination, placing them directly in top decision-making roles within central government ministries. Such appointments make them IAS-equivalent" officers rather than formally inducted IAS officers.

Selection Process For Lateral Entry Officers

The UPSC lateral entry process differs significantly from traditional recruitment. Candidates are chosen mainly based on their professional experience, achievements, and performance in interviews, with no written examination involved. This method emphasizes merit and expertise, as it directly recruits officers for senior positions. However, it has occasionally sparked debates and protests concerning social justice and reservation policies.

Posts Available Through Lateral Entry

Under lateral entry, experts are directly recruited for senior administrative positions across various ministries and departments of the Central Government, including:

Joint Secretary: Among the most senior positions, typically requiring 17-20 years of service for IAS officers.

Among the most senior positions, typically requiring 17-20 years of service for IAS officers. Director: Mid-senior level roles responsible for specific policy areas, reporting directly to a Joint Secretary.

Mid-senior level roles responsible for specific policy areas, reporting directly to a Joint Secretary. Deputy Secretary: Roles that assist in coordinating administrative and policy-making functions.

These appointments are on contracts of 3 to 5 years, depending on the candidates expertise.

Eligibility Criteria And Required Experience For Lateral Entry

Eligibility criteria for lateral entry are stringent, emphasising work experience and professional track record:

Educational Qualification: A bachelors or masters degree in a relevant field.

A bachelors or masters degree in a relevant field. Work Experience: At least 10 to 15 years in the relevant domain in the private sector, PSUs, or other organisations.

Age Limit: Typically, 40 to 55 years, subject to change depending on the advertisement.

Typically, 40 to 55 years, subject to change depending on the advertisement. Financial Criteria: Recent advertisements may require a certain minimum annual gross income, such as more than Rs 35 lakh per annum for the Joint Secretary level.

Selection Process And Reservation Rules

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The selection process involves:

Shortlisting: Candidates are initially shortlisted based on their detailed applications, professional achievements, and relevant experience.

Candidates are initially shortlisted based on their detailed applications, professional achievements, and relevant experience. Interview: Final selection depends entirely on the candidates performance in the UPSCs high-level interview.

Final selection depends entirely on the candidates performance in the UPSCs high-level interview. Reservation: Lateral entry posts are often considered single-post" cadres, so traditional reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC/EWS do not apply. This has made the scheme controversial, drawing political and social criticism.

First Published: October 07, 2025, 18:03 IST

News education-career How To Become An IAS Officer Without Cracking UPSC? | Lateral Entry Rules Explained

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Teen Talk | Why The Right To Clean Environment Must Become Enforceable International Law

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 10:16 IST

Despite countries like India having strong domestic laws, the necessity for international enforceability arises because pollution and climate change do not respect borders

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The health impacts of an unclean environment are severe and disproportionate. (AI Generated)

The future belongs to Gen Z and theirs are the voices that need to be heard. Through the Teen Talk platform, News18 is proud to amplify the views of young authors on topics at the intersection of culture, politics, society and tech.

A clean environment is not a luxury but a basic requirement for every person to live and grow to their fullest potential. Environmental damage poses a direct threat to human survival, making a healthy environment central to the right to life, as outlined in Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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The health impacts of an unclean environment are severe and disproportionate. The WHO estimates that approximately one-quarter of deaths among children under 5 could be avoided with healthier environments.

In October 2021, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) recognised the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right. This recognition is essential for enjoying all other human rights. This discussion aims to examine how this right could become enforceable under international law, covering its current status, the benefits of enforceability, and the potential challenges.

On October 8, 2021, the UN Human Rights Council adopted Resolution 48/13, formally recognising the right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. However, resolutions passed by the Human Rights Council are not legally binding on UN member states. While they establish a pathway for political commitments, they do not provide any mechanism for accountability for defaulters. This lack of legal obligation allows member states to postpone their environmental targets, thereby negatively impacting global citizens right to a clean environment. This deferral is often fueled by the absence of immediate repercussions, diminishing the fear of unfulfilled promises.

Indias Domestic Framework

India has firmly rooted the right to a clean and healthy environment within its constitutional and statutory framework. Although the right is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 (Right to Life) to include this right. Key precedents include Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar and the MC Mehta environmental litigation series. This right is further reinforced by two key constitutional elements: Article 48A (a Directive Principle compelling the State to protect and improve the environment) and Article 51A(g) (a Fundamental Duty requiring citizens to safeguard the natural environment). This framework makes environmental rights justiciable and enforceable in Indian courts, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) dedicated to environmental justice.

The Need for International Enforceability

Despite countries like India having strong domestic laws, the necessity for international enforceability arises because pollution and climate change do not respect borders. Harm may originate externallysuch as cross-border air pollution, rising sea levels, or melting glaciers in Tibeteven if India enforces strict environmental standards at home. International enforceability enables states to hold other states accountable through global and regional judicial bodies (like the ICJ, ITLOS, or arbitral tribunals).

For India, international enforceability would strengthen its commitment to the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). CBDR stipulates that all countries share responsibility for global issues, but their contribution proportionality depends on historic activities and economic status. If the right were legally enforceable, India could demand that developed countries provide more assistance (technology transfer, finance) based on a legal right, rather than solely moral appeals.

The Role of Customary International Law (CIL)

Customary international law (CIL) is a critical mode of enforceability. Unlike treaties, which require ratification, CIL norms apply universally once they crystallize. CIL emerges through consistent state practice accompanied by opinio juris  the belief that the practice is legally required.

Once established, CIL binds all states, providing a liability-based system that allows states to hold violators accountable in international tribunals without needing a specific treaty. This promotes global acceptance as domestic courts incorporate customary laws into their legal systems.

The Trail Smelter arbitration (United States v. Canada, 1938 & 1941) is an historical example, recognising the principle that no state has the right to use its territory in a manner that causes significant environmental harm to another. This is considered an early acknowledgment of environmental duties under customary international law. Current regional developments, such as Article 24 of the African Charter and the Inter-American Courts recognition of a healthy environment right, signal an emerging global consensus towards this norm.

Implications of CIL Enforceability

Crystallizing the right into customary international law would transform it from soft law into legally binding hard law. This would impose universal duties on all states to act to avoid environmental harm, ensuring clean water, air, land, and ecosystems.

Key implications include:

Accountability for Transboundary Harm: Problems like forest destruction or transborder pollution affecting neighbouring states would become legally enforceable. For example, the severe 2024 air pollution stemming from crop residue burning affecting both northern India and Lahore illustrates transboundary harm. CIL would legally oblige both countries to take preventive measures to ensure their pollution does not infringe on the rights of citizens in the neighbouring state.

Problems like forest destruction or transborder pollution affecting neighbouring states would become legally enforceable. For example, the severe 2024 air pollution stemming from crop residue burning affecting both northern India and Lahore illustrates transboundary harm. CIL would legally oblige both countries to take preventive measures to ensure their pollution does not infringe on the rights of citizens in the neighbouring state. Mandatory Preventative Measures: Enforceability would necessitate preventative measures such as heightened emissions standards and mandatory environmental assessments.

Enforceability would necessitate preventative measures such as heightened emissions standards and mandatory environmental assessments. Domestic Recourse: National courts would find the right enforceable, allowing citizens and NGOs to bring their governments to account in domestic contexts.

National courts would find the right enforceable, allowing citizens and NGOs to bring their governments to account in domestic contexts. Strengthening CBDR: Developing nations could legally hold developed countries accountable for emissions reductions, climate finance, and technology transfer, giving concrete effect to the CBDR principle.

Developing nations could legally hold developed countries accountable for emissions reductions, climate finance, and technology transfer, giving concrete effect to the CBDR principle. International Action: States failing to uphold the right could be brought before international courts (ITLOS, ICJ, or regional human rights tribunals), potentially facing countermeasures, sanctions, or reparations. This process would promote global convergence toward minimum environmental standards.

Addressing Possible Challenges

The enforceability of the right to a clean and safe environment as customary international law faces challenges related to ambiguity in definition and the pragmatics of equitable enforcement.

1. Equitable Enforcement (The Economic Challenge)

Developing countries frequently lack the financial resources and technological capacity needed to fully implement environmental obligations, making them vulnerable to disproportionate cross-border litigation.

To counter this, a per capita income threshold for standing could be adopted. Under this mechanism, more prosperous countries would be prevented from suing poorer or developing states, ensuring that enforcement does not become a tool for economic hegemony. For instance, it would disallow a country like the US from filing suit against India, but would permit cases between similarly wealthy nations. This framework protects lower-income states while still ensuring accountability among richer nations, and equity can be further enhanced by mixing income levels with environmental concern factors like past emissions (in line with CBDR).

2. Defining a Clean and Safe Environment (The Ambiguity Challenge)

To address the vagueness surrounding what constitutes a clean and safe environment, obligations can be tied to a countrys available resources. Countries would be required to spend a fixed percentage of their available resources on environmental protection and improvement.

If a country fails to achieve environmental outcomes but is meeting the required spending proportion, it would receive support from international bodies (e.g., UNDP or UNEP) rather than legal action. Enforcement mechanisms would only be triggered if a country fails to allocate the required proportion of resources. This framework can be complemented by setting absolute minimum standards for environmental safety, such as air and water quality thresholds defined by WHO, guaranteeing a baseline level of protection.

Conclusion

Environmental harm is borderless, placing human rights at risk. The right to a clean and safe environment is crucialit is also a childs right to life, liberty, and the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

A global framework that unites nations is essential not only for building a shared ambition but also for establishing accountability and liability. With the world only 17% on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda goals by 2030, a liability-driven framework is necessary because current frameworks, despite UNHRC recognition, are insufficient.

Making the right to a clean and safe environment enforceable as customary international law provides a powerful and effective pathway to get environmental policy back on track. While complex hurdles exist, workable toolssuch as per capita income thresholds, proportional resource allocation, and WHO-based minimum environmental baselinescan drive positive change.

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The right to a clean and safe environment is both necessary and inevitable for human survival. Crystallizing it into customary law will create accountability, solidarity, and fairness among states. The world cannot afford for this right to remain aspirational; it must be universal, enforceable, and unshakable, because without a live-able planet, no other right survives.

Naman Sonpar is a Class 12 student of The Shriram Millennium School in Noida. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: October 07, 2025, 10:16 IST

News education-career Teen Talk | Why The Right To Clean Environment Must Become Enforceable International Law

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Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025: Education Ministry Extends Registration Deadline Till October 11

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 18:21 IST

Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025: The movement encourages students from class 6 to 12 to form teams, think creatively, and develop prototypes that address real-life challenges.

A panel of experts will evaluate the submissions, and the top teams will receive prizes from a pool of Rs 1 crore.(Representative image/File)

The Ministry of Education has extended the registration window for the student innovation movement, Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025. Interested students can register through the official website at vbb.mic.gov.in. Slated to conclude on October 6, the application deadline has now been extended till October 11.

The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, has launched Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, a national innovation movement that aims to engage students from approximately 2.5 lakh schools across the country. The Buildathon encourages students from Grades 612 to form teams, think creatively, and develop prototypes that address real-life challenges.

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Schools will need to submit their entries through photos and videos. A panel of experts will evaluate these submissions, and the top teams will be awarded prizes from a pool of Rs 1 crore. Besides recognition, these schools and students will receive long-term support through corporate adoption, mentorship, and resources to further develop their innovations.

Key Features of the Buildathon:

 Students nationwide participating in the worlds largest live innovation activity

 Hands-on, experiential learning aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

 Inclusive participation with a special focus on Aspirational Districts, Tribal and Remote Regions

ALSO READ | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Urges School Students To Join Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025

The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 is a clarion call to students to dream big, innovate fearlessly, and contribute to Indias journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Every school and every student is invited to take part in this movement, showcase their talent, and make their mark as the innovators of tomorrow," states the official press release.

Students will work on four themes of national importance:

 Vocal for Local  promoting local products, crafts, and resources

 Atmanirbhar Bharat  building self-reliant systems and solutions

 Swadeshi  fostering indigenous ideas and innovation

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 Samriddh Bharat  creating pathways to prosperity and sustainable growth

As per the schedule, the nationwide Live buildathon across all schools will be conducted on October 13. Evaluation of entries will be done in November 2025 and winners will be announced in December 2025.

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: October 07, 2025, 18:01 IST

News education-career Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025: Education Ministry Extends Registration Deadline Till October 11

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As PM Modi Backs Dalit-Buddhist CJI, Heres Why BR Gavais Identity Matters Ahead Of Bihar Poll

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 12:02 IST

By condemning the attack, PM Modi made it clear that it won't be treated as a petty offence and the identities associated with the person occupying the Chair will be protected

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CJI BR Gavai (left) and PM Narendra Modi | File Image

The Executive and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intervened at its highest level on Tuesday when Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not just stop at a social media post condemning the act of shoe hurling at CJI BR Gavai, calling it inconsistent with dignity", but dialled the Chief Justice of India before the post and had a chat with him, enquiring about the incident. In his post, he praised Gavais composure during the attack.

In doing so, the prime minister sent out two messages. One, the CJI may not have registered a complaint, but the government of India does not treat it as a petty offence as the attack was not just on a person but against an institution. Two, the government will not only protect the Chair, but the identities associated with the person occupying the chairin this case, Gavais Dalit and Buddhist identity.

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Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable. I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2025

Even before the Opposition, particularly the Congress, could make an electoral issue out of it in the Bihar election, the prime minister sprang into action.

Justice Gavai was the first Supreme Court judge from the Scheduled Caste community to have become CJI after the retirement of former Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan in 2010. His father RS Gavai was a prominent Ambedkarite leader. Perceived inaction by the government would be counterproductive in poll-bound Bihar whose dates were announced on Tuesday by the Election Commission. According to the 2023 Bihar caste survey (Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana), Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up about 19.65 per cent of Bihars populationa huge chunk that has risen from 15.9 per cent from the 2011 census.

Along with being a Dalit, CJI Gavai is also a Buddhist. Justice Gavai comes from a strong Ambedkarite legacyhis father, a politician, had embraced Buddhism along with Dr BR Ambedkar in 1956. A perceived attack on CJI Gavai could very well play out as an attack on Buddhists as well who form a significant religious chunk in Bihar. According to the Bihar caste-based survey (2022), there are 1,11,201 Buddhists in Bihar.

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Buxar and Kaimur (Bhabua) districts account for a large share of the Buddhist population. Other districts with Buddhist populations, though with smaller percentage, include Rohtas and Gaya. An upset Buddhist community could affect the electoral outcome of these districts, not just for the BJP but other NDA allies.

The BJP fielded party spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi late at night to repeat the prime ministers message, but on behalf of the party. Today the way CJI was treated in the court, the BJP condemns this. Every Indian is hurt PM Narendra Modi also expressed his disappointment. It is the responsibility of each Indian to protect people sitting on constitutional posts. The PM said the way CJI Gavai exhibited patience, it is not only appreciable, but it also signifies his unwavering faith in the constitutional system, and values."

About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep ... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 12:02 IST

News elections As PM Modi Backs Dalit-Buddhist CJI, Heres Why BR Gavais Identity Matters Ahead Of Bihar Poll

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Bihar Elections: 130 Seats For RJD, 50 For Congress In Mahagathbandhan Seat-Sharing?

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 17:05 IST

Political analysts say the proposed seat-sharing deal could position Tejashwi Yadav as the Mahagathbandhan's face, with RJD likely to contest most seats and claim the CM post

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The full seat list will likely be released at a joint press conference in Patna. (News18 Hindi)

With the announcement of the dates for the Bihar Assembly elections, the states political scene has become increasingly active. While the ruling NDA is finalising its strategy, sources indicate that the Opposition Mahagathbandhan has likely finalised its seat-sharing formula.

After talks between Tejashwi Yadav and Rahul Gandhi, all Mahagathbandhan parties may have reached a seat-sharing agreement, with only the official announcement pending, sources told News18 Hindi. Sources also said that sitting MLAs within the Mahagathbandhan have been instructed to start campaigning in their respective constituencies.

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Sources cited by News18 Hindi said the RJD may have received the largest share of seats in the alliance, with Tejashwi Yadavs party set to contest 130 assembly constituencies. The Congress (INC) is likely to field candidates on 50 seats, while the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) may contest 20, they added.

The Left parties  CPI, CPI(ML), and CPI(M)  are expected to get a total of 35 seats, the Paras faction of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP-RV) two seats, and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) six seats, sources said.

Political commentators suggest that this seat-sharing formula may reinforce Tejashwi Yadav as the face of the Mahagathbandhan. As the largest party, the RJD may contest the most seats and retain its claim to the Chief Ministers post, News18 Hindi reported citing sources. Party strategists believe Tejashwi Yadav may once again be the driving force behind the alliance, just as he was in the previous election.

According to sources quoted by News18 Hindi, some Congress leaders had initially demanded over 70 seats. However, after a meeting between Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, both sides may have agreed on 50 seats. Congress had reportedly argued that since it won around 19 seats in the last election with a nearly 9% vote share, it deserved a larger allocation. But to preserve unity within the Mahagathbandhan, the party may have decided to settle for a compromise, sources said.

The Left parties are expected to play a key role in the Mahagathbandhan this time, with the CPI(ML)s strong performance in the last election having helped the RJD and Congress in several constituencies, sources told News18 Hindi. This time, the CPI(ML) is expected to contest around 20 seats, the CPI 8, and the CPI(M) 7. The Left is expected to field strong candidates in the Seemanchal, Magadh, and Tirhut regions, sources said.

Mukesh Sahnis Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), previously part of the NDA, will contest fully with the Mahagathbandhan this time. The party may be allocated 20 seats, mostly in areas with a strong Nishad vote bank, sources told News18 Hindi.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) may contest six seats in Seemanchal and along the Jharkhand border, while Pashupati Kumar Parass faction of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP-RV) may be allocated two seats, sources said.

According to sources cited by News18 Hindi, the Mahagathbandhan plans to contest this election on the theme of jobs versus claims." The RJDs manifesto will highlight its promise of 1 million jobs, while the Congress will focus on unemployment, womens safety, and education, sources said, adding that the Left parties are expected to emphasise issues concerning workers and farmers.

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A formal announcement is expected in a few days, sources told News18 Hindi. The full seat list will likely be released at a joint press conference in Patna with Tejashwi Yadav and the state Congress in-charge, after which the names of the candidates will also be finalised, sources said.

The RJD has already stated that it will distribute tickets keeping in mind its A-Z equation. It has been reported that this time the RJD will give more opportunities to upper caste candidates than last time. According to sources cited by News18 Hindi, Tejashwi Yadav will only give opportunities to winning candidates based on feedback.

Location : Bihar, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 17:05 IST

News elections Bihar Elections: 130 Seats For RJD, 50 For Congress In Mahagathbandhan Seat-Sharing?

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Jitan Ram Manjhi Demands 15 Seats In Bihar As NDA Scrambles To Seal Poll Pact

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 13:50 IST

Manjhi, a Lok Sabha MP from Gaya, said his party might win 8 out of these 15 seats, which would help it to become a recognised party in the state

Expressing his frustration, the HAM chief said he felt insulted after the Election Commission did not provide them with the voter list. (Photo: ANI file)

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has demanded 15 out of 243 seats from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the ensuing Bihar assembly election.

Manjhi, a Lok Sabha MP from Gaya, said his party might win 8 out of these 15 seats, which would help it to become a recognised party in the state.

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I want us to get enough seats in the election to achieve recognised party status. We demand 15 seats in the Assembly elections. Last time, we contested 7 seats and won 4, winning more than 60 per cent of the seats we contested. If we contest 15 seats at that ratio, we should win 8 seats. We must win 8 seats. I appeal to NDA leaders not to let us get insulted. Give us enough seats so that we can return to the Assembly winning 8 seats. We have suggested a formula for this," Manjhi told News18.com.

Inside BJPs Bihar Game Plan: Seat Math, PK Challenge & Return Of Vikas-Vishwas Formula

Expressing his frustration, the HAM chief said he felt insulted after the Election Commission did not provide them with the voter list.

We have four MLAs, one MLC, one MP, and a minister each in the Centre and Bihar, yet our party is registered but not recognised," he said.

Manjhi met BJPs Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan and party leader Vinod Tawde on Sunday to discuss the seat-sharing agreement.

We always speak the truth, and because of this, we sometimes suffer losses. Still, I talk frankly. We have presented our demand to Dharmendra Pradhan, Vinod Tawde, and Samrat Chaudhary. They discussed the matter but did not talk about the seats. Even then, we expressed our demand without prior discussion," he said.

Bihar Election Announced: What Happened In 2020 Polls, Who Won What?

Two other NDA partners, Chirag Paswan and Upendra Kushwaha, have also made their demands  Paswan has sought 35 seats for the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while Rajya Sabha MP Kushwaha wants 20 seats for his Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP).

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Pradhan, Tawde and some Bihar BJP leaders also met Paswan today.

The assembly elections in Bihar will be held in two phases November 6 and November 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14.

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: October 07, 2025, 13:36 IST

News elections Jitan Ram Manjhi Demands 15 Seats In Bihar As NDA Scrambles To Seal Poll Pact

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'May Be For RJD': Congress Leader On Tejashwi Yadav As CM Face For Bihar Elections

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 22:14 IST

Congress leader Udit Raj said while Tejashwi Yadav may be the CM face for RJD, the INDIA bloc will make a "collective" decision on its candidate

LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', in Bihar's Bettiah. (Image: AICC/PTI)

The uncertainty around the chief ministerial candidate from the Mahagathbandhan for poll-bound Bihar only grew as Congress leader Udit Raj dismissed RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as a possible candidate for the INDIA bloc.

Raj said while Tejashwi may be the CM face for his own party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the INDIA bloc will make a collective" decision on its candidate.

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Tejashwi Yadav may be CM face for RJD but INDIA blocs CM face will be decided collectively," Raj told news agency PTI. Look, any supporter of any party can do that (name that partys leader a chief minister)but the INDIA blocs candidate has not been decided. Let us see what the Congress HQ decides."

Watch the video here:

VIDEO | On Bihar elections, Congress leader Udit Raj (@Dr_Uditraj) says, "Tejashwi Yadav may be CM face for RJD but INDIA bloc's CM face will be decided collectively."(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/6YZwdsWIK1 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 7, 2025

With less than a month left for the first phase of voting in the Bihar assembly elections on November 6, INDIA bloc has not yet shared a seat-sharing formula". A few days ago, however, the opposition parties met at the residence of Tejashwi, who heads the coordination committee for the upcoming polls.

The Congress, however, said its central election committee (CEC) is meeting on Wednesday (October 8) to decide on the candidates for the upcoming polls. The virtual meeting will be chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Various CEC members and senior leaders of the Congress will be in attendance including leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, who is on a visit to South America. Other members, including Sonia Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, KC Venugopal, Amee Yajnik, Uttam Kumar Reddy, TS Singh Deo and others are set to attend.

The Congress is in alliance with the RJD and other Left parties including CPI, CPI (ML) in the state. On October 5, the opposition alliance went into a huddle and said the seat-sharing arrangement will be announced in a couple of days".

After the meeting, RJD national general secretary Alok Mehta, in a guarded response, said: Most things have been discussed. A few issues remain to be sorted out. But, all would be final in two days and we will announce everything at a press conference."

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Mehta was faced with a barrage of questions on seat-sharing and inclusion of new allies like Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party headed by former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras and Jharkhand CM Hemant Sorens JMM.

(With agency inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 22:14 IST

News elections 'May Be For RJD': Congress Leader On Tejashwi Yadav As CM Face For Bihar Elections

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Bihar Seat Talks Hit Fever Pitch As NDA, INDIA Parties Push For Larger Share Of Poll Pie

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 14:57 IST

Poll strategist-turned-neta Prashant Kishors electoral debut has also added to the Bihar drama, with both camps keenly watching his potential influence on urban and youth voters

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar (left) and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. (PTI)

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc are locked in intense seat-sharing negotiations with the deadline for the Bihar assembly elections inching closer as smaller allies push for their share of the pie and major allies work to iron out differences over competing demands.

The NDA Camp

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Hectic parleys are on in the NDA camp to finalise a formula that ensures allies are content without upsetting the arithmetic of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Union minister and BJP Bihar in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan has met key allies Jitin Ram Manjhi (HAM) and Upendra Kushwaha (RLSP) to reach a consensus on seat sharing.

While Manjhi is demanding 20 seats, sources say the BJP is trying to limit the number between seven and 10. Similarly, Kushwaha has asked for 15 seats, while the BJP wants to keep his share to around seven or eight.

Meanwhile, Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is eyeing a sizable chunk of 30-35 seats but the BJP and JD(U) are expected to rein in the partys expectations with an offer of 20-22 seats.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has chaired a key meeting of the JD(U) core team, insisting the party should contest over 100 seats. Known to share a blow hot, blow cold relationship with Paswan, he has reportedly asked the BJP to reduce the latters demands of a larger share of the seat-sharing pie.

A second round of NDA seat-sharing talks is expected later this week, with announcements likely soon after.

INDIA Bloc

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the largest party in the alliance, wants to contest 130 of Bihars 243 seats and its leader Tejashwi Yadav is engaged in tough negotiations with the Congress. The RJD wants the Grand Old Party to settle for 55 seats, given its poor strike rate in the last state elections. The Congress leadership is scheduled to meet virtually in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the Bihar strategy.

The RJD is also trying to negotiate with the Left parties that are buoyed by a strong performance in the last election. While the Left is demanding 45 seats, the RJD wants to restrict them to around 35. Yadav is expected to meet CPI General Secretary D Raja soon to finalise the deal.

What may add to Yadavs woes is the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), which is eyeing a massive 50-60 seatsfar more than what the RJD is willing to offer. The current proposal is to allocate VIP around 20 seats, but party chief Mukesh Sahani remains defiant.

The Prashant Kishor Factor

Adding a punch to the political drama in the state, poll strategist-turned-neta Prashant Kishor is all set to make his electoral debut. His party, Jan Suraaj, is expected to release its first list of candidates on Thursday (October 9) and Kishors name will likely feature on it.

Kishors entry is being closely watched by both camps as he could influence urban and youth voters disillusioned with the traditional political setups.

Bihar Polls

The Election Commission on Monday announced that Bihar will vote in a two-phase election on November 6 and 11, and the results for the high-stakes electoral battle will be announced on November 14.

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The ECI announced that Bihar has a total of 7.43 crore voters this election with 14 lakh first time voters. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar also said that this will be the best election for voters. Bihar elections will be easy for voters. Full monitoring of law and order will be maintained. Bihar election will be reflected as the best election," he said while announcing the poll dates.

In the 2020 polls, held amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the BJP had won 75 seats out of 110 that it had contested, and its strength rose over the years on account of defections from other parties as also victories in bypolls. The NDA as a whole had secured a majority with 125 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan had won 110. The RJD emerged as the single largest party with 75 seats.

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: October 07, 2025, 14:41 IST

News elections Bihar Seat Talks Hit Fever Pitch As NDA, INDIA Parties Push For Larger Share Of Poll Pie

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Why Migrants Around The World Are Being Deported, And How Indians Are Affected

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 12:52 IST

The rise in deportations is tied to domestic politics. Governments facing unemployment often deflect public anger towards migrants, promising stronger borders, better systems

Visa overstays are the most common cause when visitors or students remain beyond their permitted period. (Getty Images)

Deportation of migrants is expanding at an alarming rate across continents, with the latest case, including that of an Indian-origin man from the US city of Arkansas, whose visa was revoked over a wrongful arrest.

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What was once considered a last-resort measure has now become a central part of immigration policy in many nations. Governments are acting faster, political rhetoric is tougher, and the space for legal recourse is shrinking. Thousands of migrants in Australia, the US, the UK, and some countries in Europe are being forced to return home every week.

A Global Trend Of Tightened Borders

From North America to Europe and parts of Asia, deportations have become routine. Stricter immigration laws, shorter appeal windows, and greater use of detention have made removals faster and less contested. In many countries, border control is now treated as a national security issue, with enforcement agencies under pressure to show visible results.

After joining the White House, US President Donald Trump highlighted securing the southern border by deploying thousands of troops there. The Trump administration also enforced several policies to block or discourage asylum seekers from coming to the US.

Technology has also made deportation easier. Biometric databases, digital surveillance, and international data-sharing allow authorities to track visa overstays and identify undocumented residents almost instantly. Once flagged, migrants face quick detention, truncated hearings, and rapid removal  often before they can access legal assistance.

How Politics Has Shaped Deportation Policy

The rise in deportations is closely tied to domestic politics. Governments facing economic slowdown or unemployment often deflect public anger towards migrants, promising stronger borders" and cleaner systems." The narrative of protection  of jobs, culture, or national identity  has made deportation a politically rewarding move.

Many democracies have also normalised what used to be exceptional: the use of detention centres, readmission agreements with other countries, and cooperation with private contractors for deportation logistics. Even humanitarian arguments have weakened, with asylum seekers facing more hurdles, higher proof thresholds, and reduced chances to appeal.

Countries With The Strictest Deportation Rules

The United States, European nations such as Germany, France, and the UK, and some Gulf and East Asian states are leading the global deportation wave.

In the US, stricter visa checks, expanded border surveillance, and expedited removals have increased deportations of both undocumented immigrants and visa violators. To expedite his electoral promise to deport 1 million people in his first year, Trump set up detention centres in former prisons and military bases, including at Guantanamo Bay. Nearly 58 countries were approached to accept deported non-nationals, reports suggest.

In the UK, the Labour Party under Kier Starmer expanded the Deport Now Appeal Later" plan in August, extending the countries to which people can be deported without appeal rights from eight to 23.

Europe has toughened its stance, too. Member states are coordinating return systems," creating detention centres for rejected asylum seekers, and pressuring countries of origin to take their citizens back faster.

Asian and Middle-Eastern countries, meanwhile, have been deporting migrant workers for overstaying work permits or violating labour laws  sometimes with little notice. These actions are often justified as routine enforcement," but they carry massive human consequences.

Indians Abroad: Rising Numbers Of Deportations

India has one of the largest migrant populations in the world, with over 32 million Indians living and working overseas. But as countries tighten their immigration policies, more Indians are being sent back  either for visa violations, overstays, or irregular entry.

Between January 20 and July 22, 2025, nearly 1,703 Indians were deported from the United States, marking one of the highest figures in recent years. The majority were from Punjab and Haryana, followed by Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

While most deportations took place on commercial flights, several were carried out using chartered or military aircraft  a move that drew attention back home. The Indian government maintains that such deportations are verified and coordinated through diplomatic channels to ensure humane treatment and proper documentation.

Why Indians Are Being Deported

The reasons for deportation vary, but often follow similar patterns across countries.

Visa overstays are the most common cause when visitors or students remain beyond their permitted period.

Working on the wrong visa, such as taking up jobs while on a tourist or student visa, is another frequent trigger.

Illegal entry routes, especially through third countries or fake documentation, have led to thousands of removals from North America and Europe.

In some cases, criminal or legal violations accelerate deportation proceedings, even for long-term residents.

Policy shifts abroad also play a role. Countries that once overlooked minor violations are now enforcing strict penalties, leaving many Indians who migrated years ago suddenly vulnerable.

What Deportation Really Means

For deportees, the process is often traumatic. Many face months of detention before being flown out, often with little information about their legal status or the timeline for return. Legal representation is limited, and appeals  if allowed  must be filed within tight deadlines.

Those returning to India face equally daunting challenges. They lose jobs, homes, and often their savings. Childrens education is disrupted, and families are split across borders. Deportation carries a social stigma, especially in smaller towns and villages where migration is seen as a symbol of success.

The Emotional And Financial Cost

The economic cost of deportation is staggering. Migrants often borrow heavily to finance their journey abroad  sometimes selling land or taking loans. Being sent back abruptly means losing not just employment but also the ability to repay debts.

This also takes a deep emotional toll on them. Migrants speak of anxiety, humiliation, and uncertainty while in detention. Families back home face social pressure and reduced income, especially when remittances stop. In regions like Punjab and Haryana, where migration is a generational aspiration, deportation can devastate entire communities that depend on overseas earnings.

How Long-Term And Short-Term Rules Work

In legal terms, deportation does not always erase a migrants rights, but it does complicate future travel. Many countries impose re-entry bans, often ranging from three to 10 years, depending on the nature of the violation. In some cases, deportees may be permanently barred from applying for visas.

Countries also distinguish between voluntary return (when migrants leave before an official order) and forced removal (when authorities escort them out). Voluntary returners generally face fewer restrictions later, but in practice, most removals are involuntary.

How India Is Managing The Return Flow

The Indian government has taken a more proactive role in recent years. It works with foreign governments to verify identities, issue emergency travel documents, and facilitate repatriation. Consulates abroad often coordinate with local authorities to ensure deportees are treated humanely and that flights are properly arranged.

States like Punjab and Gujarat have started tracking returning migrants and providing limited reintegration support. There are also awareness campaigns, warning citizens against irregular migration or working abroad on improper visas. However, comprehensive rehabilitation  jobs, counselling, or financial aid  remains minimal.

What Is The Legal Recourse?

Despite the tough climate, migrants still have rights under international and domestic laws. They are entitled to legal representation, humane treatment, and  in many jurisdictions  the opportunity to appeal deportation orders.

For those facing deportation, documentation is crucial: valid passports, visas, employment letters, and records of residence. Keeping copies of contracts and communication with employers can help in legal defences.

In some cases, migrants can apply for asylum or humanitarian relief if they fear persecution or harm upon return. However, success rates for such claims are low, and legal pathways are narrowing in most Western nations.

Whats Next In The Future Of Migration Enforcement?

Global deportation policy is evolving in three major ways.

First, countries are striking bilateral return agreements" to ensure faster repatriation. Destination countries promise aid, trade, or easier visas in exchange for cooperation from origin countries.

Second, visa regimes are tightening. Financial proof, biometric data, and background checks are now standard for even short-term visitors.

Third, externalisation  where asylum processing or detention happens in third countries  is expanding. This allows wealthier nations to manage migrants outside their borders, often in poorer transit states.

Together, these developments are reshaping how migration is controlled  and how deportation is justified as normal".

What Migrants Should Keep In Mind

For Indians abroad, awareness is the best defence. Keeping immigration status valid, renewing documents on time, and avoiding illegal work can prevent deportation risks. Registering with Indian embassies, maintaining updated identity records, and knowing local laws can also help.

Those detained should seek legal aid immediately and contact their consulate. In some countries, humanitarian or voluntary return programs offer limited relief, including travel assistance and re-entry flexibility.

At home, migrants should report to local authorities upon return and explore reintegration programmes if available. Some NGOs and state welfare boards are now helping deportees find employment or start small businesses, though coverage remains limited.

A Test Of Human Rights and Policy

The surge in deportations reveals more than just stricter immigration enforcement  it reflects a global shift towards exclusionary nationalism. Nations are building walls, both physical and legal, to manage who belongs and who doesnt. Yet the people being deported are often those who filled essential jobs, sent money home, or fled hardship for survival.

For India, the challenge is twofold: protecting its citizens abroad and ensuring their dignified return when things go wrong. That means stronger diplomacy, safer migration channels, and greater support for those coming back.

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As deportations become a defining feature of global migration, the world faces a crucial question  can border control coexist with basic human compassion? The answer will determine not just the fate of migrants, but the moral character of the countries sending them away.

About the Author Shilpy Bisht Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 12:46 IST

News explainers Why Migrants Around The World Are Being Deported, And How Indians Are Affected

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'A Country That Bombs Its Own People...': India Slams Pakistan's Remarks On Kashmiri Women At UN

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 12:30 IST

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said that Pakistan conducts "systematic genocide".

Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, called out Pakistan.

India on Tuesday slammed Pakistan at the UN Security Council (UNSC), saying it is a country that bombs its own people". Indias Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, while speaking during the Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, said that Pakistan conducts systematic genocide" and can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole".

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He further called out Pakistan for its delusional tirade" against India, especially Jammu and Kashmir.

The Indian envoys remarks came shortly after a Pakistani official at the UNSC alleged that the Kashmiri women have endured sexual violence for decades".

Every year, we are unfortunately fated to listen to the delusional tirade of Pakistan against my country, especially on Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian territory they covet. Our pioneering record on Women, Peace and Security agenda is unblemished and unscathed," Harish said, adding, A country that bombs its own people, conducts systematic genocide, can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole."

The Indian envoy further stated that Pakistan that conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army. The world sees through Pakistans propaganda," he added.

#WATCH | At the UNSC Open Debate on Women Peace and Security, Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish says, Every year, we are unfortunately fated to listen to the delusional tirade of Pakistan against my country, especially on Jammu and Kashmir, the pic.twitter.com/KngC3ku98O ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025

Indias response came following the remarks of Counsellor Saima Saleem, part of the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, who said that Kashmiri women have been for decades of occupation have endured sexual violence deployed as a weapon of war."

Meanwhile, India, last week as well, hit out at Pakistan and called it a country with one of the worlds worst human rights records". New Delhi has time and again told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and shall forever" remain an integral part of the country.

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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 : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:14 IST

News india 'A Country That Bombs Its Own People...': India Slams Pakistan's Remarks On Kashmiri Women At UN

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'Absolute Prerogative Of EC': Supreme Court Hints At No Interference During Pan-India SIR

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 16:22 IST

The Supreme Court asked the petitioners to provide a list of people claiming that deletion orders were not given and, hence, an appeal cannot be filed

The Supreme Court was hearing pleas challenging the SIR exercise in Bihar. (Image: PTI/File)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday hinted that it will not interfere in the voter roll revision conducted by the Election Commission of India in other states.

This comes a day after the Election Commission (EC) announced polling dates for the assembly elections in Bihar, where the electoral rolls have been purified" after the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise.

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A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi was hearing pleas challenging the SIR, which the opposition has been severely criticised by the opposition parties.

The SC, however, hinted that it will not interfere during the SIR in other states. SIR exercise is absolutely the prerogative of the Election Commission of India," it said.

The bench asked the petitioner why it wants the court to take over all functions. In a significant remark during the hearing, it said: There could be people living unauthorised in India, theyll fear being exposed."

The SC asked the petitioners to provide a list of people claiming that deletion orders were not given and, hence, an appeal cannot be filed.

Let us have a list of at least 100 people with this grievance and say that they want to file an appeal but we were not given orders," the bench said. The question is for who are we doing this, why are people not coming forward."

Posting the matter for further hearing on October 9, the top court orally suggested to the EC to also compile data and prepare a note regarding 3.66 lakh deletions and 21 lakh additions after publication of the draft roll.

On September 30, the EC, while publishing the final electoral list of the poll-bound Bihar, said the total number of electors has come down by nearly 47 lakh to 7.42 crore in the final electoral roll from 7.89 crore before the SIR.

The final figure has, however, increased by 17.87 lakh from 7.24 crore electors named in the draft list issued on August 1, which had removed 65 lakh voters from the original list on various accounts, including deaths, migration and duplication of voters. While 21.53 lakh new electors have been added to the draft list, 3.66 lakh names have been removed, resulting in a net increase of 17.87 lakh.

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On October 6, announcing the poll schedule, the EC said elections will be held in 121 seats of the 243-member assembly on November 6, while the remaining 122 constituencies will go to polls on November 11. The counting of votes will be held on November 14.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU vi... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 16:13 IST

News india 'Absolute Prerogative Of EC': Supreme Court Hints At No Interference During Pan-India SIR

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Air India Flight From Colombo To Chennai Suffers Bird Hit, Return Journey Cancelled

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 13:46 IST

All passengers on board disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported, airline officials confirmed.

The flight had 158 passengers onboard. (File photo)

An Air India flight from Colombo to Chennai carrying 158 passengers suffered a bird hit during landing on Monday, prompting the airline to cancel its return leg to Sri Lanka. All passengers onboard disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported, airline officials confirmed.

After the bird strike was detected, the aircraft was promptly grounded for a thorough technical inspection to assess any potential damage before being cleared for further operations.

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Air India engineers carried out a detailed inspection of the aircraft following the bird strike, after which the airline decided to cancel its scheduled return flight to Colombo. To minimise inconvenience, an alternate aircraft was arranged, which later transported 137 passengers back to Colombo, officials said.

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This incident comes two days after the operating crew of Air Indias Amritsar-Birmingham flight reported that the Boeing 787s Ram Air Turbine (RAT) unexpectedly deployed during the final approach on October 4, but the aircraft landed safely, the airline said on Sunday.

RAT deploys automatically in the eventuality of a dual engine failure or total electronic or hydraulic failure. It uses wind speed to generate emergency power.

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: October 07, 2025, 13:29 IST

News india Air India Flight From Colombo To Chennai Suffers Bird Hit, Return Journey Cancelled

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Arvind Kejriwal Allotted House Number 95 At Lodhi Estate After High Court's Intervention

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 12:08 IST

Arvind Kejriwal has been allotted the Type VII bungalow at 95 Lodhi Estate following the orders by Delhi High Court.

Arvind Kejriwal (File Photo)

Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, has been allotted the bungalow Lodhi Estate. The allotment follows intervention by the Delhi High Court, which had criticised the delay in the process. The court instructed the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to be transparent while handling and managing government residences.

Kejriwal has been assigned a Type VII bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate, which he will now occupy. Previously, AAP had asked the central government to give him the bungalow at 35, Lodhi Estate, which was used by Mayawati, but that residence was already assigned in July to Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.

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MoHUA, through its Directorate of Estates, regulates the allotment and maintenance of bungalows designated for senior ministers, MPs, judges, and bureaucrats.

On September 25, the Union Government assured the Delhi High Court that appropriate" residential accommodation would be allotted to the AAP supremo within 10 days. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, made the submission before Justice Sachin Datta.

Kejriwal was not allotted a permanent government residence in the national capital after he left his official residence at 6, Flagstaff Road.

Kejriwals Old Residence Likely To Be Converted Into Guest House

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The current Delhi government would likely convert Kejriwals bungalow into a state guest house featuring a cafeteria. As per government officials cited by PTI, the bungalow at 6, Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines may soon house a canteen serving traditional cuisines, similar to those in other state Bhawans across the city. This would be open to the general public.

The government is close to finalising a state guest house at this Bungalow No 6, which has been lying unoccupied as the former chief ministers residence. It will have a food outlet, parking space and other amenities," the government official was quoted by 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: October 07, 2025, 11:28 IST

News india Arvind Kejriwal Allotted House Number 95 At Lodhi Estate After High Court's Intervention

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'Could Have Lost Vision': BJP Claims Khagen Suffered Fracture Below Eye In Stone-Pelting Attack

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 09:09 IST

The BJP has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the attack, calling it an attempt to obstruct relief work and intimidate opposition leaders.

BJP Claims Khagen Suffered Fracture Below Eye In Stone-Pelting Attack

BJP MP Khagen Murmu from North Malda, who was attacked while distributing relief materials to flood-affected residents in Jalpaiguris Nagrakata area on Monday, has suffered a fracture below his eye.

Stones were hurled at his convoy as he and BJP MLA Dr Shankar Ghosh oversaw relief efforts following devastating floods and landslides in the region.

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Grievous injury , a fracture of the left maxilla forming the floor of the left eye. He could have lost vision in that eye," said the BJP.

The BJP MP from North Malda received initial treatment at a local hospital before being shifted to Siliguri for advanced care. Visuals from the scene showed Murmu bleeding profusely as party workers rushed him to safety. MLA Shankar Ghosh, who was accompanying him, also sustained minor injuries.

BJP alleges TMC orchestrated attack

The BJP has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the attack, calling it an attempt to obstruct relief work and intimidate opposition leaders. This is TMCs jungle raj in Bengal," senior party leaders alleged, demanding a high-level investigation into the incident.

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The attack occurred amid widespread devastation caused by incessant rains, floods, and landslides across North Bengal. Several districts, including Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Alipurduar, remain severely affected, with dozens reported dead and thousands displaced. Relief and rehabilitation operations continue under challenging conditions.

As per the latest updates, Murmu remains under medical supervision in Siliguri but is reported to be out of danger. The incident has further escalated political tensions, with the BJP demanding accountability and stronger measures to ensure the safety of its elected representatives.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Jalpaiguri, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 09:08 IST

News india 'Could Have Lost Vision': BJP Claims Khagen Suffered Fracture Below Eye In Stone-Pelting Attack

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'Acted Under Divine Force': Lawyer Who Attacked CJI Shows No Remorse, Says 'Ready To Face Jail'

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:19 IST

Rakesh Kishore, who tried to hurl a shoe at CJI Gavai in the Supreme Court, claimed he acted under a "divine force" and was ready to face jail, adding that he "had no remorse".

CJI BR Gavai/the lawyer who attacked him (Photos: PTI/Social Media)

Seventy-one-year-old lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai inside the Supreme Court on Monday, has shown no remorse and said that he acted under a divine force".

He also said he would not apologise for his act and that he was ready to go to jail if need be.

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Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Kishore said he was irked over CJI Gavais remark about Lord Vishnu during a recent hearing on the restoration of a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol at Khajurahos Javari temple in Madhya Pradesh.

He did not write anything in the order. Had he, I would have challenged it. This is the same Supreme Court that goes out of its way to promote or give orders favouring other religions," he said.

Referring to suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma, who stirred a massive controversy over her remarks on Prophet Muhammad, the lawyer said, The same Supreme Court told Nupur Sharma that she has disrupted the mood of the entire nation and has promoted lawlessness."

Where is she? Is she even living? No one knows," he added.

The message that I wanted to give was that Santan ka apman (disrespect to the Sanata Dharma) will not be tolerated. We are Sanatani. We do not give slogans of sir tan se juda. We do not believe in violence, but insulting our gods is something that will not be tolerated," the lawyer said.

Also speaking to news agency ANI, Kishore said, I was hurt. A PIL was filed in the Chief Justices court on September 16. Justice Gavai made fun of it by saying, Go pray to the idol to restore its head."

When there are matters related to the Sanatana Dharma, be it Jallikatu or the height of the Dahi Handi, Supreme Courts orders have hurt me," he said.

If you do not want to provide relief, at least do not make fun of it. It was an injustice that the petition was dismissed. However, I am against violence, but you should think about why a common man who is not affiliated with any group took such a step," the lawyer told reporters.

It is not that I was under the influence of a substance. It was my reaction to his action. I am not fearful, and I have no regrets. I have not done anything, God made me do it," Kishore added.

Further, he said that the Chief Justice of India should maintain the dignity of the Constitutional post, and slammed Gavai for the courts decision on the use of bulldozers by the state governments.

CJI is sitting on a Constitution post and is called My Lord, so he should understand the meaning of it and maintain the dignity," Kishore said.

I ask the CJI and people opposing me, if (Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister) Yogi Jis bulldozer action against people occupying the governments land in Bareilly was wrong," Kishore said.

I want that no Sanatani should remain silent in their homes. They should do anything they can. I am not instigating, but I want people to heed to their own interests," he added.

Condemning his suspension by the Bar Council, he said that the Council has flouted the law.

He said, Section 35 of the Advocates Act, under which I have been suspended, a disciplinary committee has to be constituted, which will send a notice, and I will reply. However, the Bar Council has flouted the rules in my case. Now, I have to return the fee for my clients."

I had already decided, as I was not able to sleep after September 16. Some divine power woke me up and said, Nation is burning and you are sleeping? I am surprised that the Chief Justice let me go. I was interrogated for three to four hours by the police," the lawyer added.

I am not going to apologise. God made me do this. If he wishes, I go to jail, or I am hanged, it is his wish," he said.

According to the Delhi Police, Kishore was released after the Supreme Court registry declined to press charges against him.

He was questioned for three hours following the incident.

CJI ATTACKED IN SUPREME COURT

News agency PTI quoted some lawyers as saying that the incident occurred when a bench comprising the CJI and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing the mentioning of cases by lawyers.

Lawyer Rakesh Kishor approached the dais, removed his shoe and tried to throw it towards the judges.

Alert security personnel present inside the courtroom immediately intervened and prevented the attack.

The lawyer was swiftly escorted out of the court premises, and in the process, he shouted Sanatan ka apman nahi sahega Hindustan (India will not tolerate the disrespect of the Sanatana Dharma)".

Despite the disruption, CJI Gavai remained calm, telling the courtroom, Dont get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me."

Details about the exact motive behind the lawyers act were not immediately known.

WHAT WAS THE VISHNU IDOL CASE LINKED TO CJI?

The incident was linked to the accused lawyers unhappiness over the CJIs remarks during a hearing in September, concerning the restoration of a Vishnu idol in Khajuraho.

A bench headed by the CJI had dismissed the plea seeking directions to reconstruct and reinstall a seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu at the Javari temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Khajuraho temple complex in Madhya Pradesh.

Terming the plea a publicity interest litigation", the CJI had said, 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."

Taking note of the online criticism of his comments, the CJI later said he respects all religions".

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ALSO READ | Angered Every Indian: PM Modi Speaks With CJI, Condemns Attack On Him

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: October 07, 2025, 08:08 IST

News india 'Acted Under Divine Force': Lawyer Who Attacked CJI Shows No Remorse, Says 'Ready To Face Jail'

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Conversion 'Toolkit' Exposed: US National's Arrest In Bhiwandi Sparks Major Intelligence Alarm | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 19:35 IST

The arrest has unveiled a structured foreign network allegedly misusing humanitarian and spiritual covers to penetrate and influence sensitive tribal and rural belts

Watson is currently in the custody of Thane Police along with two local residents. Representational pic/PTI

The recent arrest of James Watson, a 58-year-old US national and son of a retired United States Navy official, in Bhiwandi, Thane district of Maharashtra, has triggered a high-level probe, with intelligence agencies viewing the case as a critical piece in a sophisticated conversion toolkit" operating in India. CNN News18 has found that the arrest has unveiled a structured foreign network allegedly misusing humanitarian and spiritual covers to penetrate and influence sensitive tribal and rural belts.

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Watson, currently in the custody of Thane Police along with two local residents, was arrested for allegedly conducting unauthorised religious conversions, including baptisms, and making claims of miracle healing" during a prayer gathering in Chimbipada village. His reluctance to cooperaterefusing to provide the password for his locked iPhoneand limited police remand have magnified agency concerns.

Soft Influence and Intelligence Gathering Concerns

Top intelligence sources indicate that the arrest raises serious worries about missionary fronts being used as tools for soft influence and potential intelligence-gathering". Watsons reported military background particularly heightens the possibility of these networks being leveraged for mapping sensitive social terrain in semi-urban India", by exploiting vulnerable rural and tribal populations under the guise of social welfare, charity, education, and healthcare.

Agencies suspect a broader strategic objective: systematic conversions in select tribal belts that could significantly alter local political and voting patterns and impact district-level power and cultural dynamics, especially in border and communally sensitive areas.

A Structured, Foreign-Funded Network

The Bhiwandi case is being linked to a major, ongoing probe into a conversion toolkit" that follows a template seen in earlier cases across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Meghalaya, where Western nationals on tourist and business visas were involved.

Key findings of the central agencies point to:

Targeting Vulnerable Groups: Regular conversion data is emerging from marginalised communities, including Adivasis, Dalits, and economically vulnerable villagers.

Entry Points: These groups use education, healthcare, and miracle healing" as primary entry points.

Foreign Funding and Hawala: Earlier rackets, such as the Chhangur Baba gang, have shown financing via hawala channels and foreign funding from the US, Canada, and Dubai. Disturbingly, this module was linked to PFI and SDPI units, with central agencies taking over the probe into over 500 conversions.

Digital Grooming: Recent rackets in Agra and Hardoi in 2025 indicated a move towards digital grooming via the dark web against money.

Visa Misuse: The groups are repeatedly misusing business, tourist, or volunteer visas, indicating a structured foreign network designed to maintain plausible deniability. Between 2018 and 2025, over 320 cases of foreign visa misuse for religious purposes were reported in India.

Punjab Success Story and Worrying Trends

The intelligence decoding also noted a significant, successful trend in Punjab, where Christianity, particularly through Masih practices and baptism, is now one of the fastest-growing religions, marked by a recent surge in churches and pastors.

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The focus is now on the full background connections and funding behind James Watsons operation, as agencies work to fully decode a sophisticated, foreign-backed drive that uses religious conversion as a cover for deeper, strategic activities in Indias heartland.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: October 07, 2025, 19:26 IST

News india Conversion 'Toolkit' Exposed: US National's Arrest In Bhiwandi Sparks Major Intelligence Alarm | Exclusive

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Cuttack Violence: Police Arrest Man For Spreading Rumours On Social Media Amid Curfew

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 14:30 IST

Accused Pradeep Chandra Sahu posted objectionable and caste-based content on social media.

Tensions flared across Cuttack in Odisha as violent clashes broke out during the Durga Puja idol immersion.

In a significant development, the Commissionerate Police have arrested a man for allegedly spreading rumours on social media following the Cuttack immersion violence. The accused, identified as Pradeep Chandra Sahu, was apprehended by Bharatpur Police. Sahu hails from Brahmeshwar Patna under Badagada Police Station limits in Bhubaneswar.

According to police, Sahu repeatedly posted objectionable and caste-based content on social media, using abusive language and spreading misinformation. A review during social media monitoring by the Commissionerate Police revealed his involvement in inflaming tensions. Authorities have warned strict action against anyone found spreading rumours or inciting unrest online.

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Chaos during idol immersion

The Cuttack immersion violence occurred during the late-night Durga Puja idol immersion procession in the Dargha Bazaar area, starting between 1:30 am and 2 am on the night of 4-5 October 2025. The clashes erupted after some locals objected to the loud music played by the Jhanjirimangala Bhagabat Puja Committee procession.

The situation quickly escalated when stones and glass bottles were hurled from rooftops, resulting in injuries to at least 25 people, including Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo. Several vehicles, motorcycles, and roadside stalls were damaged amid the chaos.

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Curfew imposed, internet suspended

In response to the violence, the Odisha government imposed a curfew in 13 police-station areas of Cuttack, suspended internet services, and deployed 60 police platoons along with eight paramilitary companies to restore law and order.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Cuttack, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 14:27 IST

News india Cuttack Violence: Police Arrest Man For Spreading Rumours On Social Media Amid Curfew

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'Don't Know What Will Be...': CJI Gavai Quips About Social Media After Courtroom Shoe Drama

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 16:07 IST

CJI Gavai made the remark on Tuesday during a hearing with Justice K Vinod Chandran on appointments and promotions of district court judges

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Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai. (PTI file photo)

A day after a dramatic courtroom incident where a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at him, Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai made a light-hearted remark during a proceedings in the Supreme Court.

The remark was made on Tuesday during a hearing led by CJI Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran. The bench was examining a case related to the appointment and promotion of district court judges.

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At one point, Justice Chandran paused the live proceedings for a brief private exchange with the Chief Justice. When the hearing resumed, CJI Gavai commented, My brother had something to say," before adding with a smile, These days in social media we dont know what will be reported your client will be very offended."

The bench was hearing a petition filed by the All India Judges Association, related to service conditions and pay scales of judicial officers. The matter was referred to a five-judge Constitution bench for further examination.

The Chief Justices comment came just a day after a shocking disruption in his courtroom. On Monday, 71-year-old lawyer Rakesh Kishore attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai during proceedings. He was immediately restrained by security personnel and escorted out of the courtroom.

As he was being removed, Kishore shouted slogans, including, Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan" (India will not tolerate the disrespect of Sanatana Dharma). The Bar Council of India suspended his licence with immediate effect.

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Despite the incident, CJI Gavai remained composed, telling those present, Dont get distracted by all this. We are not distracted. These things do not affect me."

Kishore, meanwhile, has shown no remorse for his actions. Speaking to the media, he claimed he was acting under a divine force" and said he was upset over the Chief Justices earlier remarks in a case concerning a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol in Madhya Pradesh. He also stated he was willing to face jail time and refused to apologise.

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: October 07, 2025, 16:07 IST

News india 'Don't Know What Will Be...': CJI Gavai Quips About Social Media After Courtroom Shoe Drama

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Haryana IPS Officer's Body Found At Home In Suspected Suicide, Police Launch Probe

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 16:27 IST

Senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar Kumar was serving as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) at the Police Training College, Sunaria (Rohtak)

IPS officer Y Puran Kumar

A senior IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, Y Puran Kumar, allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself at his government residence in Sector 11, Chandigarh, on Tuesday afternoon.

According to officials, Kumar was serving as Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) at the Police Training College, Sunaria (Rohtak).

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His body was discovered inside his private residence in Chandigarh and later moved to Sector 16 Hospital for a post-mortem, said officials.

Police sources said forensic and CFSL teams have been called to the spot to investigate the incident.

We got information of a shooting at around 1:30 PM at Sector 11 Police Station. When we reached here, we found that a reported suicide had taken place. The body of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar was found at his residence. The CFSL team has reached the spot, and an investigation is underway. More details will be known after the post-mortem," said Kanwardeep Kaur, Chandigarh SSP.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: Kanwardeep Kaur, Chandigarh SSP says, We got information of a shooting at around 1:30 PM at Sector 11 Police Station. When we reached here, we found that a reported suicide had taken place. The body of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar was found at his residence. pic.twitter.com/b6acTw3EIu ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025

Kumar, a 2010-batch IPS officer, was survived by his wife, Amneet P Kumar, an IAS officer currently on an official visit to Japan as part of a delegation accompanying the Chief Minister.

Following the tragic incident, several senior officers and locals gathered outside the officers residence as the investigation continued.

Sources said that the officers daughter was the first to discover his body lying in a pool of blood in the basement of their Chandigarh home, after which she immediately informed the police.

Notably, Kumar held the rank of ADGP but was serving in a position equivalent to an Inspector General (IG).

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Last year, Kumar had come into the spotlight after filing a complaint under the One Officer, One House policy, alleging that several IPS officers in the state were occupying multiple government residences.

He had also submitted a complaint to the Commission, accusing a former DGP and an Additional Chief Secretary of caste-based discrimination.

Location : Chandigarh, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 16:02 IST

News india Haryana IPS Officer's Body Found At Home In Suspected Suicide, Police Launch Probe

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Haven For All Kinds Of People: Supreme Court Flags Surge In Illegal Foreigners In India

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 08:07 IST

SC's remarks come amid intensified scrutiny of illegal foreign nationals in India, particularly in Goa, Karnataka, and Delhi.

Supreme Court Of India (PTI)

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed sharp concern over the increasing number of foreigners overstaying illegally in India, remarking that the country seemed to have become a haven for all kinds of people."

The observation came during the hearing of a plea filed by an Israeli national, Dror Shlomo Goldstein, who has been living in Goa and sought to stop the deportation of his two minor daughters to Russia.

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What court said?

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi refused to entertain Goldsteins petition, describing it as publicity interest" and frivolous." The judges questioned how the Israeli national, who claimed to be the father of the two girls, was sustaining himself in India.

This country has become a haven for all kinds of people. Anybody comes and stays here endlessly," the bench remarked. Why are you in India despite being Israeli? What is your source of livelihood?" the court asked.

Goldsteins counsel, Deepak Prakash, sought time to verify whether the children had already been repatriated and to serve a copy of the petition to the Centre. The bench, however, declined to adjourn the matter, allowing the petitioner to withdraw his plea.

We find this special leave petition totally frivolous. Apparently, the petitioner approached the high court and this court only for publicity," the order stated.

Russian woman and her children found in cave

The case dates to July, when Nina Kutina, a 40-year-old Russian woman, and her two daughters aged six and five were rescued from a cave in Karnatakas forest region. The family had reportedly been living there for weeks without valid travel or residence documents.

Kutina and her daughters were later sent to a foreigners detention centre, and the Karnataka High Court directed the Union government to issue travel papers for their repatriation. They were flown back to Russia on 28 September, along with Kutinas minor son, who was located in Goa.

Goldstein, who identified himself as a businessman residing in Goa, had petitioned the high court to stop the deportation and sought custody of the two girls, claiming to have provided for their welfare. The court dismissed his plea, noting that despite his assertions, the woman and her daughters were inexplicably found living in an isolated cave," and that he could not credibly explain the circumstances.

SC flags widespread overstaying of foreign nationals in India

In a separate case heard on the same day, the bench voiced similar disquiet while considering the plea of Yousif Haroun Yagoub Mohamed, a Sudanese national seeking protection from action for overstaying in India.

Senior advocate S. Muralidhar, representing Mohamed, said his client held a refugee card from the UNHCR and had applied for asylum in Australia. The court, however, noted that India does not recognise UNHCR refugee cards, as it is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol.

You know the MHA does not acknowledge the refugee card They have opened a showroom here and are issuing cards there," the bench remarked, advising the petitioner to move to Australia instead.

The judges cautioned that courts must be very careful" in dealing with such petitions. Lakhs and lakhs are sitting here, overstaying," they said, before disposing of the plea.

The courts remarks come amid intensified scrutiny of illegal foreign nationals in India, particularly in Goa, Karnataka, and Delhi, where long-term overstayers and unauthorised residents have drawn official attention.

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India lacks a domestic refugee law and deals with such cases under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950. In May, the Ministry of Home Affairs launched a nationwide drive to identify and deport illegal immigrants, a move currently under challenge before the Supreme Court itself.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:07 IST

News india Haven For All Kinds Of People: Supreme Court Flags Surge In Illegal Foreigners In India

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Internet Ban Extended In Odisha's Cuttack After Clashes During Durga Idol Immersion | Top Updates

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 08:54 IST

The bandh call was given by VHP alleging police inaction on the miscreants who created violence during Durga idol immersion procession.

Tensions flared across Cuttack in Odisha as violent clashes broke out during the Durga Puja idol immersion.

As tensions flared across Cuttack in Odisha after violent clashes broke out during the Durga Puja idol immersion, the Odisha government on Monday extended the suspension of internet services in Cuttack till 7 pm on Tuesday, October 7. Meanwhile, the curfew remains in place.

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The bandh call was given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) alleging police inaction on the miscreants who created violence during Durga idol immersion procession on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

Cuttack Clash | Top Points

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The bandh in violence-hit Cuttack called by the VHP on Monday passed off peacefully amid heavy security deployment, while the district administration extended the suspension of internet services till 7 PM on October 7.

Two incidents of violence were reported in Cuttacks Daragha Bazar area between Friday and Sunday, leaving at least 31 people injured, including 10 police personnel.

The Cuttack administration expressed concerns over the misuse of social media platforms for spreading misinformation and warned against the violation of orders.

The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) of Central Division, Cuttack, Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, reviewed the situation in Cuttack following tensions in the city on Monday night.

Eight people have been arrested and a few more have been detained. Meanwhile, the police is also analysing the CCTV footage, drone footage, and camera footage to identify the miscreants.

Clashes broke out in the early hours of Saturday near Haathi Pokhari in the Daraghabazar area as locals objected to loud music being played in immersion processions. What started as an argument soon escalated, leading to the hurling of stones and glass bottles.



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 : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:54 IST

News india Internet Ban Extended In Odisha's Cuttack After Clashes During Durga Idol Immersion | Top Updates

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Kerala High Court Orders SIT Probe Into Missing Sabarimala Gold As Political Storm Erupts

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 14:00 IST

In 2019, 4.5 kg of gold went missing after the gold-cladded Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala were sent for replating, raising serious questions

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The Opposition is now raising several questions over the missing gold and trying to corner the government on the issue. (Getty)

The Kerala High Court has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an ADGP-rank officer to probe the issue of missing gold at the Sabarimala temple.

The Kerala legislative assembly witnessed a massive protest on Monday over the missing gold, with the opposition Congress-led UDF bringing in banners and placards. When the session began, opposition leader VD Satheeshan said Lord Ayyappas gold being stolen has shocked devotees and he demanded the resignation of Devaswom minister VN Vasavan.

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As Speaker AN Shamseer continued with the Question Hour, opposition members came to the Well of the House, started raising slogans and lifted the banner covering the Speaker. The Speaker suspended the Question Hour session but later, when the session resumed, the Opposition continued their protest. The assembly session was then adjourned for the day.

Earlier, the high court had asked Devaswom Vigilance to look into the issue. The court had also appointed a retired high court judge to conduct a comprehensive inventory check of all valuables, including gold, silver, precious stones, and articles of antiquity, at the Sabarimala temple.

The high court, in its order, also said the Dwarapalakas handed over by the Devaswom Board to Unnikrishnan Potti had been clad with 1.564 kilograms of gold, and were therefore not mere

copper plates" as inaccurately described in the Mahazar dated 19.07.2019.

The court said the revelation fundamentally alters the complexion of the case and brings within its fold the ingredients of the offences of theft, criminal misappropriation and criminal breach of trust.

The court also said the responsibility extends to certain officers of the Travancore Devaswom Board too.

What Is The Controversy?

In 2019, the gold-cladded copper plates of the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols in front of the Sabarimala sanctum sanctorum were removed for fresh gold plating. When the plates were brought back, there was an unexplained reduction of 4.5 kilograms in their weight.

A person named Unnikrishnan Potti was the sponsor to whom the work was entrusted. It was also found that it took about 39-40 days for these plates to reach the company where it was given for gold plating. There were also reports that these plates were kept at some places for people to worship and were further used for fundraising.

The Dwarapalaka idols were gold-plated in 1999 by Vijay Mallya.

The Opposition is now raising several questions over the missing gold and trying to corner the government on the issue.

Satheeshan demanded that the case be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under the supervision of the high court. He added that the Devaswom minister and the Travancore Devaswom Board president should also resign.

This is a very serious matter. UB Group and Vijay Mallya donated more than 30 kg gold to the Sabarimala Temple for plating various things. Unfortunately, through some middlemen, more than 5 kilograms of that gold was robbed. We think further investigation will reveal the exact weight of gold lost, which will be much more," he said.

Satheeshan added the Devaswom Board and the government were aware of the theft", but they had not initiated any criminal proceedings against the persons concerned.

Devaswom Board members and some people in the government are involved in this. They tried to conceal this for a long time. It is because of the intervention of the high court that this matter came to light."

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Devaswom minister VN Vasavan said they have welcomed the investigation ordered by the high court and the Travancore Devaswom Board has also asked the court for a detailed enquiry.

In the coming days, the Opposition will raise the issue inside and outside the assembly. Ahead of elections, this will be one issue the Opposition will try to raise.

About the Author Neethu Reghukumar Neethu Reghukumar, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, has 12 years of experience in both print and broadcast journalism. She covers politics, crime, health in Kerala, and has extensively reported ... Read More

Location : Kerala, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 14:00 IST

News india Kerala High Court Orders SIT Probe Into Missing Sabarimala Gold As Political Storm Erupts

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Kerala: Man Reaches Hospital With Knife Still Lodged In Neck After Brutal Attack; Four Arrested

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 14:21 IST

The assailants had reportedly called him to Seethamgoli under the pretext of settling a financial dispute, but assaulted him as soon as he arrived at the spot.

The FIR further states that the attackers held a grudge against Kumar over an earlier case registered against them at the Badiadka police station. (Representative/Shutterstock)

A man sustained serious injuries after being stabbed in the neck and chest during a violent clash between two groups at Seethamgoli in Kasaragod late on Saturday night.

According to Kumbla police, the victim, identified as Anil Kumar (36), a resident of Badiadka, was attacked around 11 pm by a gang of 14 men. Kumar was rushed to the hospital with the knife still lodged in his neck, police said.

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The assailants had reportedly called him to Seethamgoli under the pretext of settling a financial dispute, but assaulted him as soon as he arrived at the spot.

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As reported by The Times of India, police have arrested four people in connection with the attack and seized two vehicles used by the gang. The accused have been booked under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 189(2), 191(2), 191(3), 126(2), 118(1), 109(1), and 190.

The FIR further states that the attackers held a grudge against Kumar over an earlier case registered against them at the Badiadka police station. Kumar, who sustained multiple stab injuries, is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mangaluru, and his condition is said to be stable.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 14:21 IST

News india Kerala: Man Reaches Hospital With Knife Still Lodged In Neck After Brutal Attack; Four Arrested

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'Killed Him Like An Animal': Call Records Reveal Police Failed To Save Lynching Victim In Raebareli

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 16:26 IST

The victim, 38-year-old Hariom Paswan of Fatehpur, was beaten to death on the night of October 2 after being mistaken for a drone thief

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The videos that surfaced later show Hariom being brutally assaulted, stripped, and tied up by a mob. (Screenshot)

Could the Raebareli mob lynching have been avoided? A chilling video and fresh revelations have exposed shocking police negligence in the mob lynching of a Dalit youth in Uttar Pradeshs Raebareli districta crime that could have been prevented had the police intervened in time.

The victim, 38-year-old Hariom Paswan of Fatehpur, was beaten to death on the night of October 2 after being mistaken for a drone thief. In recent weeks, a wave of panic has swept across several districts of Uttar Pradesh over rumours of drone chor"alleged gangs said to use flying drones to identify wealthy homes before striking at night. The baseless theory, amplified through WhatsApp forwards and local gossip, has created an atmosphere of deep suspicion, especially in rural and semi-urban belts. Villagers have begun mistaking ordinary passers-by, migrant workers, or even delivery men as part of these so-called gangs.

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The videos that surfaced later show Hariom being brutally assaulted, stripped, and tied up by a mob that taunted him, saying, We are Babas men", moments before he succumbed to his injuries. In one of his last cries for help, Hariom can be heard calling out Rahul Gandhi", before being beaten even harder.

According to eyewitnesses and call records reviewed by News18, the tragedy unfolded over several hours as police ignored repeated distress calls. Around 9pm, locals at a roadside dhaba in Gadaganj area spotted Hariom wandering aimlessly and suspected him to be a member of the drone gang. When the mob began to gather, a youth named Manish Yadav informed Gadaganj SHO Dayanand Tiwari that nearly 60 villagers had surrounded a man and urged immediate police action. Despite the dhaba being barely 10 minutes from the police station, no one arrived for 45 minutes.

By 9.48pm, a Dial-112 vehicle (PRV 1770) reached the spot with Home Guards Narendra Yadav and Anirudh Tiwari. They questioned Hariom, found him mentally disturbed, and debated taking him to the police station. However, the senior policeman in the vehicle, Jaisingh Yadav, refused. Start the jeep. Dont give lectures. Let him go wherever he wants," he allegedly said. The police then drove away, leaving the man surrounded by villagers.

Minutes later, Hariom tried to flee but was caught again in the nearby Ishwardaspur village, under Unchahar police station. The mob tied him up and beat him mercilessly with sticks and belts. Witnesses said the mob hit his private parts and poured water on his face as he screamed in pain. When he shouted Rahul Gandhi", a man allegedly replied: This is Babas area."

At around 10.12pm, another policeman, sub-inspector Prem Singh, phoned the dhaba owner, saying he would come after finishing his dinner. By the time help arrived, Hariom was half-dead. The mob later dumped his body near a railway track. The next morning, his corpse was found covered in bruises, with deep wounds on the head and belt marks across the chest.

Hariom had travelled from Fatehpur to Raebareli to meet his wife Pinky who works as a sanitation worker at Punjab National Bank inside NTPC, Unchahar. According to Pinky, her husband had been undergoing treatment for mental illness and had minor domestic disputes but no criminal background. He was educated and kind. They killed him like an animal," she said, demanding justice and punishment for all accused.

Over the next two days, three videos of the incident surfaced, each revealing a new layer of horror. The first video, shot on the morning of October 3, showed Harioms lifeless, blood-smeared body lying beside the railway track. The second, released hours later, captured a mob raining blows on him with sticks and shouting chor-chor" (thief). But it was the third video, uploaded on October 4, that shocked the nationa 1-minute-21-second clip showing Hariom stripped, tied with his own shirt, and beaten savagely on his thighs and genitals. As he cried out in pain, his assailants mocked him, poured water on his face, and urged each other to keep hitting".

Political Storm Over Lynching

The horrific killing triggered a political outcry. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi personally called the victims father Gangadeen and brother Shivam on October 5, assuring them of support. Dont worry, the Congress family stands with you," he reportedly said during a 15-minute conversation that night.

The next morning, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai visited the family in Fatehpur and accused the Yogi Adityanath government of jungle raj". They killed him while shouting We are Babas men. The police watched and left him to die. This is a government where hate and impunity rule," Rai said. He demanded Rs 1 crore compensation, a government job for a family member, and the same bulldozer justice" against the accused that the government uses elsewhere.

Rai alleged that Hariom was beaten more brutally after he mentioned Gandhis name. The mob saw him as an enemy because he took Rahul-jis name. This is not law and order; this is lawlessness being patronised," he said.

Police Suspend Six Officers

Facing mounting outrage, Raebareli SP Dr Yashveer Singh suspended six policemen, including beat in-charge Kamal Yadav and Unchahar SHO Sanjay Kumar, for dereliction of duty. Ten of the 12 named accused have been arrested so far, and several incriminating items, including belts and sticks used in the assault, have been recovered.

Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak called the incident deeply disturbing" and promised strict action. No one involved will be spared, including any police officer found guilty," he said.

Unchahar MLA Manoj Kumar Pandey, however, accused the Opposition of politicising the tragedy. Some leaders are vultures who wait for corpses to do politics. This is not a caste issue but a criminal act, and the police are taking the right steps," he said.

Family Seeks Justice

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My husband was not a thief. He was mentally unwell but harmless. The mob tortured him for hours. They should face the same pain they inflicted on him," his wife Pinky said.

Harioms brother Shivam recounted his calls with Rahul Gandhi. He spoke three times that night and promised all help. But we just want justice, not promises," he said.

Location : Rae Bareli, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 16:26 IST

News india 'Killed Him Like An Animal': Call Records Reveal Police Failed To Save Lynching Victim In Raebareli

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Lynched By A Lie: Why 'Drone Chor' Is The Latest In UPs Long, Violent History Of Mass Panic

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 15:27 IST

Each time, panic swept through the state, people took to night vigils, innocents were assaulted, and in some cases, lives were lost---all in pursuit of shadows that never existed

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Social media has made the problem worse, say experts, as now it takes just hours for tales to spread.(AI-Generated Image)

Drone wale chorthe rumour that led to the fatal lynching in Raebareliis not a new phenomenon in Uttar Pradesh. The state, over the years, has witnessed waves of mass hysteria triggered by bizarre rumoursfrom muhnochwa to choti katwa, from monkey man to silbatte wali budhiya. Each time, panic swept through towns and villages, people took to night vigils with lathis, innocents were assaulted, and in some cases, lives were lostall in pursuit of shadows that never existed.

News18 delves deep into the past to decode the recurring pattern of fear, rumour, and mob behavioura social phenomenon that resurfaces every few years, wearing a new face but driven by the same psychology: mistrust, superstition, and the hunger for a collective thrill.

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The Drone Chor Scare

In the past two months, the so-called drone chor" panicthe belief that thieves use drones for night-time surveillancehas gripped almost every corner of Uttar Pradesh, from Saharanpur to Jaunpur. It began in western UP, where villagers claimed drones were being used to mark" homes for robbery. Soon, the fear spread eastward like wildfire.

Police across districts have received hundreds of calls every night. Villagers, armed with sticks, have been guarding their rooftops. The moment red, green, or blue lights flicker in the sky, crowds rush out shouting, Pakdo chor ko!" (Catch the thief!), often attacking whoever they suspect.

In Raebareli, this hysteria turned deadly when a man was lynched by villagers who mistook him for a drone thief. In Jaunpur, three youths were thrashed for tying LED lights to a kite. In Muzaffarnagar, two men were caught using LEDs on pigeons to scare villagers.

People dont realise these are just toy drones or harmless lights," said a senior police officer in eastern UP. Weve found no evidence of thefts linked to drones. The entire thing is an illusion that has spiralled out of control."

Former UP DGP Sulkhan Singh told News18, This isnt new. Uttar Pradesh has a long history of rumour-driven panic. People link any unfamiliar sight, a light, a sound, a face, with superstition. The drone scare is a modern version of that same old psychology."

When Muhnochwa Haunted UP

The most famous case of mass hysteria in UP remains the Muhnochwa" scare of 2002. It began in Ballia and Ghazipur and spread across eastern UP and Bihar. People claimed a flying creature with flashing red and blue lights attacked people at night, scratching their faces before vanishing into the dark.

In many villages, people stopped sleeping on rooftops. Some jumped off their terraces in panic, leading to at least seven deaths. The government even deployed police patrols and called in experts from IIT Kanpur and the Indian Air Force.

Police investigations found nothing supernaturaljust glowing gas balloons and pranks involving battery-powered bulbs. Scientists later said the sightings could have been ball lightning, a rare atmospheric electrical phenomenon.

Former DGP Vikram Singh, who was ADG (Law & Order) at the time, recalls, People were terrified. They said the creature had claws and half-human features. Some even attacked wandering ascetics and sadhus, suspecting them of being muhnochwa. It was pure rumour, amplified by fear."

The Choti Katwa Fear Wave

Fifteen years later, in 2017, another wave of panic hit northern Indiathis time about a mysterious figure who was supposedly chopping off womens hair at night. From Delhi-NCR to Rajasthan, Haryana, and UP, rumours of the Choti Katwa" spread through WhatsApp and word of mouth.

Terrified women stayed indoors after sunset. Villagers hung lemons and chillies outside homes, painted turmeric handprints on walls, and organised night patrols. In Agra, a 65-year-old woman was beaten to death on suspicion of being the choti katwa".

Police investigations again found no evidence. A few pranksters took advantage of the fear," recalled Sulkhan Singh. One boy even went around cutting hair under a blanket. Once people started believing it, every haircut became proof of a mystery attacker."

Monkey Man & Other Urban Legends

Back in 2001, Delhi and Ghaziabad witnessed another phase of terrorthe Monkey Man scare. Rumours spread that a half-man, half-monkey creature with metal claws and glowing eyes was attacking people at night.

Retired IG RK Chaturvedi, who was then SP City, Ghaziabad, recalls, We received multiple complaints daily. Some people even showed us scratch marks claiming they were attacked by the Monkey Man. The panic was so deep that people slept with sticks beside their beds. But our probe found all marks were self-inflicted or accidental. No creature ever existed."

Similar waves have followedthe Silbatte wali Budhiya" in 2015, and now, the Drone Chor". Each time, the details change but the pattern remains eerily the same.

The Psychology Of Panic

Experts say these rumours thrive in conditions of fear, uncertainty, and lack of awareness. In rural settings where scientific literacy is low and trust in institutions is weak, a single incident, even a misinterpreted light, can create a chain reaction," said a senior psychologist at King Georges Medical University, Lucknow.

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Social media has made the problem worse. Earlier it took days for such tales to spread. Now, with WhatsApp and Facebook, it takes hours," the expert added. Rumours give people a sense of participation; they become part of a story bigger than themselves."

In all these cases, one thing is constant: peoples urge to explain what they cannot understand. As former DGP Sulkhan Singh summed up, Its part superstition, part curiosity, and part social bonding. Rumours travel fast because they excite and unite people, even if for the wrong reasons."

First Published: October 07, 2025, 15:27 IST

News india Lynched By A Lie: Why 'Drone Chor' Is The Latest In UPs Long, Violent History Of Mass Panic

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Maharashtra Launches State-Wide Drive To Curb Food Adulteration Ahead Of Festive Season

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News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:42 IST

FDA has inspected 1,594 food outlets and collected 2,369 samples of items, including milk, khoya, ghee, edible oils, sweets, dry fruits, and chocolates

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So far, 554 sample reports have been received: 513 samples were found compliant, 26 were judged substandard, four had labelling faults, and 11 were declared unsafe. (AI-generated image)

With festivals around the corner, Maharashtras Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a special inspection drive to curb adulteration in food products, Food and Drug Administration minister Narhari Zhirwal told reporters in Mumbai.

Under the San Maharashtraacha-Sankalp Ann Surakshacha state-wide campaign, the FDA has inspected 1,594 food outlets and collected 2,369 samples of items, including milk, khoya, ghee, edible oils, sweets, dry fruits, and chocolates.

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So far, 554 sample reports have been received: 513 samples were found compliant, 26 were judged substandard, four had labelling faults, and 11 were declared unsafe. Reports for the remaining 1,815 samples are pending.

The department has completed recruitment for over 200 posts of Assistant Commissioner (Food) and Food Safety Officers, which had been pending since 2022. A proposal to create an additional 750 posts has been sent to the finance department, Zhirwal said, adding that the extra staff will bolster inspections and lab work.

To speed up analysis, the state has upgraded its laboratory network. Construction of new labs in Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Pune is complete, and inaugurations will follow soon. To run these labs effectively, the government has proposed 250 new posts. Deputy chief minister and finance minister Ajit Pawar has approved Rs 200 crore for lab strengthening.

Zhirwal also announced funding for the Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing: Rs 25 crore to support polio vaccine production and Rs 1.5 crore for anti-snake venom work. Following recommendations from the Dr Mashelkar Committee, the government has set up a three-member oversight panel, including the secretaries of Medical Education, Finance Planning, and Public Health.

The minister said the milk-testing drive will be expanded. He also noted that recent GST cuts have reduced drug prices and retailers who do not pass these reductions on to consumers will face action under the law.

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The scale of sampling and the investment in labs and staff underline the administrations intent: to keep festival plates safe. For many shoppers, visible inspections in bazaars and roadside shops will be reassuring. For investigators, the real work is in the labs, where pending reports will determine the next wave of enforcement.

In the weeks ahead, consumers should expect more spot checks and clearer, lab-backed decisions. Officials say the campaign is about prevention but it will also be about consequences when rules are broken. The message is plain and direct: food safety will not be left to chance this festive season.

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: October 07, 2025, 11:42 IST

News india Maharashtra Launches State-Wide Drive To Curb Food Adulteration Ahead Of Festive Season

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'No Complaint Yet, Only People In Delhi Are Concerned': EC To Supreme Court On Bihar SIR

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 15:12 IST

The Election Commission stated no Bihar voters complained about the Special Intensive Revision, asserting only Delhi petitioners raised concerns against the SIR.

The court dismissed an appeal by Arjun Sonar, who stood convicted under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that it has not received any complaint from voters of Bihar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), but only people in Delhi are concerned, in an attack on petitioners against the SIR.

The poll body said that the final electoral list has been notified. It further said no official complaint has been filed by voters in Bihar, but only some political parties and associations in Delhi are concerned.

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A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi is hearing petitions challenging the SIR in Bihar.

There are people who would be living unauthorised in India, they wouldnt want to come forward, theyll be exposedlet us at least have an illustrative list of people who have actually been affected," the bench observed.

Justice Bagchi said it appears there was a 65 lakh deletion in the final electoral roll. We said whoever is dead or moved is alright, but if you are deleting someone, please follow Rule 21 and SOP. We also said that whoever is deleted, please put up their data in your electoral offices. Final list appears to be an appreciation of numbersthere is confusion of general democratic process that what is the identity of the add-onsis it of deleted names or new names?" Justice Baghi asked.

The lawyer for the EC responded, Most are new voters."

During the hearing, Justice Kant asked advocate Prashant Bhushan, who was appearing for the petitioners, about the affected people. To this, Bhushan gave a list of 65 people and said they can file an affidavit.

Bhushan also said there is a disproportionate deduction names of Muslims and women from the final voter list.

Justice Kant said there were some grievances related to SIR in Bihar, so the court monitored the exercise, but it is the domain of the EC to conduct SIR in other states.

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The total number of electors in poll-bound Bihar has come down by nearly 47 lakh to 7.42 crore in the final electoral roll published last Tuesday from 7.89 crore before the SIR of the voters list carried out by the Election Commission.

The final figure has, however, increased by 17.87 lakh from 7.24 crore electors named in the draft list issued on August 1, which had removed 65 lakh voters from the original list on various accounts, including deaths, migration and duplication of voters. While 21.53 lakh new electors have been added to the draft list, 3.66 lakh names have been removed from there, resulting in a net increase of 17.87 lakh.

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: October 07, 2025, 14:42 IST

News india 'No Complaint Yet, Only People In Delhi Are Concerned': EC To Supreme Court On Bihar SIR

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'No Dirty Business': Aviation Minister Says Final Report On Air India Crash Will Take Some Time

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 17:49 IST

Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu said the AAIB was doing a "very transparent and independent study" on the final report on the Air India crash, which killed 260 people.

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Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu | File Image

Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday affirmed that the final report on the June 12 Air India crash, which killed 260 people, would take some time, adding that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was working in a very transparent" manner on the matter. He said there was no manipulation or dirty business in the ongoing investigation.

The final report is going to take some time. The AAIB is doing a very transparent and independent study on the final report. We do not want to pressure them into coming up with some hasty report. So they are going to take the necessary time for it," the minister told reporters.

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On June 12, a London-bound Air India flight crashed into a hostel building in Ahmedabad in one of Indias worst aviation disasters, killing 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew and 19 on the ground.

No Dirty Business

Naidu dismissed concerns over the ongoing investigation into the plane crash and said the probe was being conducted in a very clean and very thorough" manner. There is no manipulation, or there is no dirty business, happening in the investigation. It is a very clean and very thorough process that we are doing according to the rules," he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

As far as the AAIB is concerned, it is the mandated authority to look into aircraft accidents. It follows a very thorough, transparent and independent approach, not influenced by anyone but just considering the facts," he added.

He appealed to the public to remain patient till the final report is completed, saying it was too early to comment on the preliminary and the initial findings were not conclusive.

Concerns Over Crash Probe

His remarks came after the Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA) said the AAIBs initial report on the tragic Air India crash appeared rushed and lacked clarity.

The AAIBs initial findings stated that fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was cut off within one second, leading to confusion in the cockpit shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot asking the other why he had cut off the fuel supply  to which the second pilot reportedly replied, I didnt."

ALPA India President Sam Thomas said the language used in the report was open to interpretation" and had led to unnecessary speculation in the media and aviation circles. He also questioned why the report was not signed by officials, calling it a basic lapse in process.

On August 29, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who was one of the pilots of the ill-fated Air India Dreamliner, demanded a formal investigation by the central government. He claimed that the selective leaks about the accident have led to speculation that Sumeet (56) was under tremendous psychological pressure and, therefore, was contemplating committing suicide.

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The Supreme Court, on September 22, termed as unfortunate and irresponsible" the selective publication of a preliminary report on the June 12 Air India crash, which outlined lapses on the part of pilots and paved the way for a media narrative".

(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: October 07, 2025, 16:55 IST

News india 'No Dirty Business': Aviation Minister Says Final Report On Air India Crash Will Take Some Time

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Odisha BJP Leader Pitabas Panda Killed In Shooting Outside Berhampur Residence

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 10:49 IST

According to police, the assailants opened fire at Panda at around 10 pm. He was shot twice and rushed immediately to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

Odisha BJP Leader Pitabas Panda Killed In Shooting Outside Berhampur Residence. (Photo: X)

A local BJP leader and senior lawyer, Pitabas Panda, was shot dead near his residence in Berhampur, Odisha, on Monday night. Panda, who was also a member of the Odisha State Bar Council, was attacked outside his home in the Brahmanagar area by two motorcycle-borne assailants.

According to police sources, the miscreants opened fire at Panda at around 10 pm. He was shot twice and rushed immediately to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

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Meanwhile, three teams have been constituted to carry out the investigation into the murder incident.

Following the incident, tension gripped Berhampur city. Senior police officials rushed to the scene and began examining CCTV footage to identify the attackers. Authorities have stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the motive behind the attack and bring those responsible to justice.

Police have assured that all leads will be pursued and that security measures in the area are being reviewed.

BJP condemns killing

BJP State President Manmohan Samal visited the hospital to pay his respects to the slain leader. Other senior party members, including Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, BJP Organisation Secretary Manas Mohanty, and Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi, also mourned Pandas death and expressed deep condolences to his family.

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Describing Panda as a dedicated organiser, party leaders termed his death an irreparable loss for the Ganjam district BJP.

The BJP leadership vowed that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the murder. There is no place for lawlessness or hooliganism under the BJP government. Whoever is behind the murder of Pitabas Panda will face appropriate punishment," said State President Samal.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 09:44 IST

News india Odisha BJP Leader Pitabas Panda Killed In Shooting Outside Berhampur Residence

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'Countless Blessings': PM Modi Marks 25 Years As Head Of Govt With Gujarat Oath Throwback Photos

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 15:05 IST

PM Modi marked 25 years since taking oath as Gujarat's Chief Minister, as he posted throwback images of his oath, also as the Prime Minister, expressing gratitude to India.

PM Modi shares throwback pictures from his oath as Gujarat CM (X:@narendramodi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday took to X to mark 25 years since his oath as Gujarats Chief Minister, and of his service as the head of the government.

Sharing pictures from October 7, 2001, the day he took the office as Gujarats Chief Minister, the Prime Minister reflected on his journey in public service and expressed gratitude to the people of India.

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On this day in 2001, I took oath as Gujarats Chief Minister for the first time," PM Modi wrote.

Thanks to the continuous blessings of my fellow Indians, I am entering my 25th year of serving as the head of a Government," he mentioned.

Through all these years, it has been my constant endeavour to improve the lives of our people and contribute to the progress of this great nation that has nurtured us all," PM Modi added.

Alongside the throwback images of him taking the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, PM Modi also shared a photograph of himself taking the oath as Prime Minister at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

In another post, the Prime Minister wrote, It was in very testing circumstances that my Party entrusted me with the responsibility of being Gujarat CM."

The state was suffering due to a massive earthquake in the same year. The preceding years had witnessed a super cyclone, successive droughts and political instability," PM Modi wrote.

Those challenges strengthened the resolve to serve people and rebuild Gujarat with renewed vigour and hope," he mentioned.

It was in very testing circumstances that my Party entrusted me with the responsibility of being Gujarat CM. The state was suffering due to a massive earthquake in the same year. The preceding years had witnessed a super cyclone, successive droughts and political instability. pic.twitter.com/PqWkjOh6DU Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2025

Before being elected as the Prime Minister of India, Modi served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat from October 2001 to May 2014.

During his tenure as the Chief Minister, he created a separate Climate Change Department to create innovative solutions, which was taken forward in the 2015 COP21 Summit in Paris, where PM Modi played a key role in high-level deliberations.

As Gujarats Chief Minister, Modi also transformed the state that had been ravaged by a devastating earthquake on January 26, 2001. Subsequently, he introduced new systems to combat floods and droughts in Gujarat, an initiative that was internationally lauded.

He also spearheaded the start of evening courts to ensure peoples issues are resolved.

GUJARAT  PM MODIs HOME STATE

PM Modi was born in a small town in Gujarat and completed his MA in political science from Gujarat University.

His family belonged to the other backward class, which is among the marginalised sections of society. He grew up in a poor but loving family. The initial hardships of life not only taught him the value of hard work but also exposed him to the avoidable sufferings of the common people.

This inspired him from a very young age to immerse himself in the service of people and the nation.

In his initial years, he worked with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a nationalist organisation devoted to nation-building.

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He later devoted himself to politics, working with the Bharatiya Janata Party at the National and State levels.

ALSO READ | PM Modi Hails Indias Historic Performance At World Para Athletics Championships: Will Inspire Many People

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: October 07, 2025, 10:32 IST

News india 'Countless Blessings': PM Modi Marks 25 Years As Head Of Govt With Gujarat Oath Throwback Photos

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PM Modi Wishes Putin On 73rd Birthday, Reaffirms Commitment To Deepen India-Russia Ties

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 19:45 IST

PM Modi also said he looks forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SCO summit in Tianjin, China. (File photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone to extend wishes on his 73rd birthday.

According to officials, PM Modi warmly congratulated President Putin on his 73rd birthday and conveyed best wishes for good health and success in all his endeavours."

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During the conversation, the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Russia bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi also expressed that he looks forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit later this year. Putin is expected to visit India in the first week of December for the summit.

PM Modi shared details of his conversation in a post on X, saying, Spoke with my friend President Putin and conveyed warm birthday greetings and best wishes for his good health and long life. Deeply appreciate his personal commitment to deepening IndiaRussia ties over the years."

Spoke with my friend President Putin and conveyed warm birthday greetings and best wishes for his good health and long life. Deeply appreciate his personal commitment to deepening IndiaRussia ties over the years.@KremlinRussia_E Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2025

Putin last week had confirmed his travel plans, saying the visit would likely take place in December. He also praised Prime Minister Modi as a reasonable and wise leader who defends Indias national interests." He also said he knows Modi would not take steps that would humiliate Indians."

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Last month, on 17 September, Putin also extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Modi on his 75th birthday. In a message published on the Kremlin website, he wrote: Dear Mr. Prime Minister, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of your 75th birthday."

He further added, You are making a great personal contribution to strengthening the special privileged strategic partnership between our countries, to developing mutually beneficial Russian-Indian cooperation in various areas."

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: October 07, 2025, 18:26 IST

News india PM Modi Wishes Putin On 73rd Birthday, Reaffirms Commitment To Deepen India-Russia Ties

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Rajasthan High Court Quashes Ex-Parte Divorce Over Invalid Summons Service

Reported By :

LawBeat

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 19:29 IST

The Court held that refusal of a summons by the mother of an adult son, without a clear finding on her authority, does not constitute sufficient service under the CPC

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The family court had treated a registered envelope marked refused as sufficient proof that the husband had declined to receive the summons, and consequently, granted divorce to the wife.

The Rajasthan High Court recently quashed an ex-parte divorce decree granted by a Bhilwara family court, observing that the notice of summons was never validly served on the husband and that the trial court acted in undue haste while deciding the matter.

The Court held that refusal of a summons by the mother of an adult son, without a clear finding on her authority, does not constitute sufficient service under the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).

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A division bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Sandeep Taneja allowed an appeal filed by the husband against the ex-parte judgment and decree dated September 15, 2023, passed by the family court in Bhilwara. The family court had granted a decree of divorce in favour of the respondent-wife under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

The central point of contention raised by the appellant-husband, through his counsel, was the flawed nature of the service of summons, which led to him being proceeded against ex-parte.

The family court had treated a registered envelope marked refused" as sufficient proof that the husband had declined to receive the summons, and consequently, granted divorce to the wife.

The High Court found that the service report and supporting documents clearly showed that the summons was never offered to the appellant himself. Instead, the envelope was offered to his mother, who had reportedly told the process server that her son was away in Ahmedabad and that she would not accept court papers. Despite this, the family court considered the refusal sufficient and proceeded ex parte on August 18, 2023, barely two days before concluding the hearing.

Calling this a clear case of non-application of mind," the bench noted that the family court had overlooked a crucial report from the Additional District Judge, Sabarkantha (Gujarat), dated August 4, 2023, which confirmed that the appellant had not been served.

A refusal for the purpose of service of notice can be treated as sufficient only if made by the addressee or his authorised agent. A denial by any other person, including a family member, does not amount to valid service," the High Court observed.

The Court also analysed the original envelope containing the summons and found postal endorsements showing multiple delivery attempts, on July 15, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21, 2023, indicating that the addressee was not present at the given address. It said this pattern contradicted the family courts conclusion that the appellant had refused the notice.

Rejecting the argument of the wifes counsel that refusal by an adult family member amounted to due service, the High Court referred to Order V Rule 9 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which governs the service of summons. It noted that the acknowledgment of refusal must bear the signature of the defendant or an authorised agent, neither of which was the case here.

The bench distinguished the Supreme Courts 2007 ruling in C.C. Alavi Haji v. Palapetty Muhammed, cited by the wifes counsel, clarifying that it dealt with statutory notice under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and not with the service of summons in civil proceedings.

Drawing support from decisions of the Kerala and Madhya Pradesh High Courts, the judges reiterated that postal delivery to a family member cannot be equated with personal service of summons on the defendant.

Holding that the husband had successfully rebutted the presumption of service, the bench concluded that both the ex parte proceedings and the resulting decree were contrary to law and facts".

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Consequently, the High Court quashed the family courts orders dated August 18 and September 15, 2023, restoring the husbands right to defend the divorce petition. The Court directed the parties to appear before the family court on November 3, 2025, where the appellant will be permitted to file his written statement.

The bench also directed that no fresh notice be issued, and the trial should proceed in accordance with law after granting both sides an opportunity to present their case.

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: October 07, 2025, 19:29 IST

News india Rajasthan High Court Quashes Ex-Parte Divorce Over Invalid Summons Service

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'Ruthless Abuse': Karnataka HC Denies Bail To 68-Year-Old Accused In Minors Gang-Rape Case

Reported By :

LawBeat

Last Updated: October 08, 2025, 02:58 IST

The court concluded that the allegations reflected an act of moral degradation rather than an isolated lapse

The girl revealed that five men had repeatedly raped her between May and June 2024. File Image

In a scathing order, the Karnataka High Court has refused to grant bail to a 68-year-old man accused of gang-raping a 14-year-old girl belonging to a Scheduled Caste, terming his conduct a ruthless act" that exploited the childs vulnerability, poverty, and innocence.

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Justice S Rachaiah, while hearing the criminal appeal filed under Section 14(A)(2) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, said the appellant, being an elderly man, was expected to restrain others from such an inhuman act, not participate in it.

The accused, Channappar @ Rajaiah @ Angadi Raja, had approached the court seeking to set aside a July 15, 2025, order of the Additional Sessions Judge, FTSC-II, Mandya, which had denied him bail. The case, registered at KR Pete Rural Police Station in 2024, involves multiple charges under the IPC, POCSO Act, and SC/ST Act, including gang rape and aggravated sexual assault of a minor.

According to the prosecution, the case came to light after a doctor at a government hospital informed the minors mother about her pregnancy. Upon inquiry, the girl revealed that five men had repeatedly raped her between May and June 2024. Investigators later charged all five men, alleging that they lured the victim with food and new clothes to exploit her sexually.

The chargesheet detailed how the child was targeted. It stated that the accused induced the victim by promising her eatables and new clothes, thereby taking advantage of her poverty and innocence".

Appearing for Channappar, advocate Shankar HS urged the court to consider his clients advanced age and the fact that he has been in custody since December 2024. He further argued that the DNA sample of the accused did not match the foetus, suggesting that he was not directly responsible for the pregnancy, a point raised as a major ground for bail.

However, opposing the plea, government counsel Pushpalatha and the victims lawyer Maitreyi Krishnan maintained that the accuseds age could not justify his release. They stressed that the accused, old enough to be the victims grandfather, had committed a heinous act" that demanded no sympathy from the court.

After reviewing the case record and hearing both sides, the court concluded that the allegations reflected an act of moral degradation rather than an isolated lapse.

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The appellant being an elderly person should have advised and instructed others not to commit such a heinous offence or brought it to the notice of elders of the village," Justice Rachaiah remarked.

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: October 08, 2025, 02:58 IST

News india 'Ruthless Abuse': Karnataka HC Denies Bail To 68-Year-Old Accused In Minors Gang-Rape Case

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Who Is Suhag Shukla, The Indian-American Activist Who Fired Back At Shashi Tharoor?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:17 IST

Suhag Shukla said the diaspora is not a 'proxy' of the Indian government and that leaders like Shashi Tharoor shouldnt expect automatic support

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Suhag Shukla said that while their loyalty lies with the US, Indian-Americans continue to represent India positively abroad. (News18 Hindi)

Indian-American activist Suhag Shukla, who serves as the Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), has recently criticised Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP of Thiruvananthapuram.

Tharoor had questioned the Indian-American diasporas alleged silence" on US President Donald Trumps tariffs, H-1B visa fees, and the strained India-US relationship.

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Tharoors comments drew a sharp response from Shukla, who accused him of misrepresenting the involvement of the Indian-American diaspora in India-US issues. She stated that Tharoors claims undermine the hard-earned credibility of the diaspora in the US.

Shukla emphasised, The diaspora community has long been working to strengthen India-US relations within the bounds of US law."

Who Is Suhag Shukla?

Suhag A. Shukla is an Indian-American Hindu activist and the co-founder and executive director of HAF. Born in India, she has settled in the United States and works to promote Hindu culture. Since its founding in 2004, HAF has been committed to protecting the rights of Hindu Americans. Shukla has focused on various issues including education, health, and religious freedom. She has been lauded for her efforts to ensure accurate teaching of Hindu history in schools, combat anti-Hindu discrimination, and highlight the contributions of Hindus. She is often referred to as a Hindu rights warrior" for connecting Hindu identity with American values.

What Sparked The Debate?

Congress MP Shashi Tharoors remarks on the silence" of Indian-American immigrants drew a sharp response from Suhag Shukla. Tharoor had questioned why Indian-origin leaders in the US dont advocate for India on issues like H-1B visa fees, tariffs, and trade policies, calling their inaction surprising."

Responding in The Print, Shukla wrote, We are not proxies of the Indian government." She said leaders like Tharoor shouldnt expect the diaspora to support Indias policies, noting that India doesnt consult us on oil policy or import tariffs." Shukla added that while their loyalty lies with the US, Indian-Americans continue to represent India positively abroad.

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Fighting For Hindu Rights

Shukla said the diaspora is already fighting for Hindu rights, but Tharoors remarks undermined their efforts. The controversy has sparked debate over the diasporas role in India-US relations. Her stance highlights that the community serves as an independent voice, promoting Indias interests while fulfilling its duties as American citizens. The issue has gained traction on social media, with growing support for Shuklas statement.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 11:17 IST

News india Who Is Suhag Shukla, The Indian-American Activist Who Fired Back At Shashi Tharoor?

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Ananya Panday's Crochet Moment At Chanel Show Is Effortless Elegance Done Right

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 14:10 IST

For the Chanel showcase at Paris Fashion Week, Ananya Panday wore a black crochet blouse and mini skirt set which was a seamless blend of elegance and playfulness.

Ananya Panday attended the Paris Fashion Week.

Ananya Panday added another stylish chapter to her global fashion journey as she attended the Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 Womens Ready-to-Wear showcase in Paris. The actor, known for her easy blend of youthful energy and refined style, struck the perfect balance between cute and chic in an all-black crochet ensemble that paid tribute to classic craftsmanship and timeless femininity.

The Look: Crochet Done the Chanel Way

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Crochet may be nostalgic, but in Ananya Pandays hands, it felt utterly modern. She wore a black crochet blouse and mini skirt set, a seamless blend of elegance and playfulness. The blouse featured a V neckline, scalloped white borders, and delicate eyelet detailing  a design that celebrated Chanels understated sophistication.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya  (@ananyapanday)

The matching crochet mini skirt complemented the top with its high-waisted fit and scalloped hem, adding movement and texture to the monochrome palette. To keep the focus on the intricate fabric work, Ananya skipped heavy accessories, opting instead for black sling-back pumps and a classic gold-chain Chanel handbag, which paid a nod to the brands enduring codes of simplicity and polish.

Effortless Beauty, Parisian Mood

Ananyas glam followed the same understated formula  fresh, glowing, and camera-ready. Her soft blowout waves, parted down the centre, framed her face beautifully. The makeup palette was delicate: glossy mauve-pink lips, muted brown eyeshadow, defined brows, and a hint of highlighter for that dewy radiance. Together, the look exuded quiet luxury  the kind that whispers rather than shouts.

A Fashion Moment Worth Remembering

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Sharing her look on Instagram, Ananya expressed admiration for Chanels show, calling it a transformative moment in the maisons history." She praised creative director Matthieu Blazys debut collection, describing it as a conversation between Gabrielle Chanel and modern creativity."

Standing amid the celestial-themed set at the Grand Palais, Ananyas look captured the spirit of the evening  classic, cosmic, and unapologetically Chanel.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 14:09 IST

News lifestyle Ananya Panday's Crochet Moment At Chanel Show Is Effortless Elegance Done Right
Janhvi Kapoor Brings Preppy Glam To The Front Row At Paris Fashion Week

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 13:54 IST

At the Paris Fashion Week, Janhvi Kapoor wore a navy blue round-neck top paired with a check-printed pleated mini skirt for the Miu Miu showcase.

Rhea Kapoor shared pictures of Janhvi Kapoor's OOTD.

Janhvi Kapoor continues her stylish ascent on the global fashion circuit. The actor, who has steadily become a fashion icon, attended the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2026 show at the Paris Fashion Week. She turned heads with a look that perfectly balanced prep-school nostalgia and modern edge.

Styled by her cousin and trusted fashion collaborator Rhea Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor embraced Miu Mius signature blend of femininity and rebellion, wearing the brand from head to toe.

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A Play on Preppy Elegance

Janhvis outfit was a nod to the brands youthful yet intellectual codes. Janhvi wore a navy blue round-neck top with half sleeves and button detailing, paired with a check-printed pleated mini skirt  a silhouette that has become synonymous with Miu Mius modern schoolgirl aesthetic.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rhea Kapoor (@rheakapoor)

To elevate the ensemble, Rhea added an oversized brown leather jacket, lending the look a touch of effortless nonchalance. The accessories  tan mini handbag, calf-length stockings, and black sling-back pumps  echoed Miu Mius signature mix of polish and playfulness.

Completing the look, she sported minimal jewellery, including diamond-studded ear cuffs, delicate rings, and a watch.

Beauty in the Details

For the glam, Janhvi kept things sleek yet youthful. Her hair was styled in a sculpted, slicked-back top knot, letting soft waves cascade at the ends for a relaxed finish. Makeup artistically balanced freshness and sophistication with feathered brows, pink eyeshadow, glossy caramel lips, and a luminous blush that created a soft-focus glow, while fluttery lashes added just the right dose of drama.

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Once again, Rhea Kapoors styling showcased her knack for curating looks that are globally relevant yet distinctly personal. The pairing of tailored classics with playful detailing captured Miu Mius Spring/Summer spirit perfectly  modern, nostalgic, and effortlessly chic.

With this appearance, Janhvi Kapoor reaffirmed her place not just as a Bollywood star but as a rising fashion voice on the international stage.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 13:53 IST

News lifestyle Janhvi Kapoor Brings Preppy Glam To The Front Row At Paris Fashion Week
Kylie Jenner Redefines High Fashion With An Unconventional Socks-And-Sandals Twist

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 17:34 IST

Kylie Jenner wore a black floral lace dress layered over a silky ivory slip. But what stole the show was her black pumps that she had worn with long grey socks.

Kylie Jenner attended the Miu Miu show at Paris Fashion Week.

Arriving in Paris for Miu Mius Spring/Summer 2026 show, Kylie Jenner once again proved her ability to turn heads and set trends. The makeup mogul embraced the brands playful, rebellious spirit while showcasing her personal styling prowess. Her ensemble perfectly merged high-fashion elegance with youthful experimentation, demonstrating that couture can be as fun as it is sophisticated.

A Look That Marries Innocence and Edge

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Kylie Jenner wore a black floral lace dress with spaghetti straps layered over a silky ivory slip, allowing one strap of the slip to slip provocatively off her shoulder. The combination created an aesthetic that is simultaneously innocent and sensual, reflecting the very essence of Miu Mius signature style. Sequined details on the lace added a subtle shimmer, while the layered textures lent depth and movement to her look, emphasising both couture craftsmanship and modern sensibility.

The Socks-and-Sandals Twist

What truly made the look memorable was Kylies audacious styling choice: black pointed leather pumps paired with long grey socks. This unconventional pairing drew instant attention and demonstrated how fashion rules can be playfully reinterpreted. The socks-and-pumps combination added a youthful, almost whimsical touch, blending street style with runway sophistication.

Accessories elevated the ensemble further. Kylie opted for statement earrings, layered bracelets, and Miu Mius black leather Solitaire handbag, balancing her bold footwear with refined, polished details. The result was a cohesive, editorial-worthy outfit that merged contemporary femininity with a rebellious edge.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miu Miu (@miumiu)

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Kylies styling perfectly captured the essence of Miu Miu  a brand known for pushing boundaries while embracing a sense of freedom and experimentation. She proved that even unconventional fashion pairings can feel chic and intentional when approached with confidence and creativity.

By pairing high-fashion couture with playful, unexpected elements, Kylie Jenner showcased the art of mixing youthfulness with elegance. From layered lace and silk to socks with pumps, every detail was meticulously curated, reminding us that fashion is as much about attitude and personality as it is about the garments themselves.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 17:34 IST

News lifestyle Kylie Jenner Redefines High Fashion With An Unconventional Socks-And-Sandals Twist
'Not Proper...': Kerala HC Asks Dulquer Salmaan To Approach Customs Over Seized SUV

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 17:03 IST

The vehicle was seized by the Customs Department at Kochi, which is investigating alleged irregularities related to the import and registration of high-end luxury vehicles

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Actor Dulquer Salmaan. (File image via X/@dulQuer)

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday directed Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan to approach the customs authority for the release of his high-end vehicle, a 2004 model Land Rover Defender, which was seized by officials during a raid last month.

The seizure is part of a large-scale investigation launched by the Customs Preventive Unit in Kochi, which is probing alleged irregularities in the import and registration of luxury vehicles.

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During the hearing, Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. made it clear that the court would not intervene at this stage of the investigation. I am of the view that the investigation is only at the initial stage and it is not proper for this court to enter into any finding," the judge observed.

The court advised the actor to submit an application under Section 110A of the Customs Act, which provides a legal provision for the provisional release of seized goods, LiveLaw reported.

The judge stated that since the law gives the owner a right to seek provisional release, the actor should file the request before the Adjudicating Authority, who in this case is the Additional Commissioner of Customs, Kochi.

The court further ordered that if such an application is made, the competent authority must consider it and pass an appropriate order within one week, after giving the petitioner or his legal representative an opportunity to be heard.

Importantly, the judge added that if the authority decides to reject the application, it must do so by issuing a speaking order".

In case the application of the petitioner is being rejected, the same can only be done only by a speaking order with specific reference to the documents produced and the contentions raised," it added.

Dulquer Salmaan, in his writ petition, claimed that he is the lawful owner of the vehicle, which he purchased from Aarpee Promoters Pvt. Ltd. nearly five years ago. He stated that all transactions were made through proper banking channels and that he was provided with valid customs and registration documents at the time of purchase.

According to the documents filed, the SUV was originally imported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), New Delhi. The actor claims he had no knowledge of any past irregularities and had been using the vehicle in good faith.

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 : Kerala, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 16:55 IST

News movies 'Not Proper...': Kerala HC Asks Dulquer Salmaan To Approach Customs Over Seized SUV
Biryani, Bikes, And Blood: Inside Bengals Mercenary Elections Where The Mob Has No Loyalty

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 13:02 IST

When BJPs tribal MP Khagen Murmus car was similarly pelted with stones on Monday, it felt less like a new eruption and more like a grim continuation of the past.

BJP MP Khagen Murmu Attacked During Flood Relief Work in Bengal (Photo: X)

When BJPs tribal MP Khagen Murmus car was similarly pelted with stones on Monday, it felt less like a new eruption and more like a grim continuation. The visuals of blood-soaked Murmu fetched reactions, built an one-sided social media outage, triggered some local protests, a condemnation message from PM Modi, and a counter from the states CM Mamata Banerjee. Meanwhile, the states violent underbelly has always been waiting for the next trigger.

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The mob is Bengals oldest political instrument. It is neither spontaneous nor faceless. It has a lineage  from the pitchfork protests of the 1950s to the para (locality) battles of the 1970s, from the Trinamools street wars of the 2000s to the BJPs retaliatory processions of today. Bengals political vocabulary has always included one five-letter word  lynch.

Pre-planned, Provoked, and Perpetrated

The ruling party calls it provocation by outsiders. The Opposition calls it perpetration by the leaders and an instance of state-sponsored terror. Unfortunately enough, both are right. And, interestingly, both are wrong too.

Because in Bengal, the mob does not wear one colour. It simply changes the flag it carries. The mob is a mercenary here. Any party can buy them with biryani and bikes. Money goes to the handlers.

The same muscle that once swore by the red hammer and sickle now swears by the twin flowers, while tomorrow, it may swear by the lotus. The faces remain, only the slogans change. Meanwhile, the police and administration stayed silent spectators, always awaiting orders.

When The Economy Fails, Violence Fills the Void

At the heart of this decade-long recurring violence lies not ideology, but insecurity of leaders losing grip, of cadres losing jobs, of young men and women losing purpose.

The states chronic unemployment, over reliance on states freebies, has turned its restless youth into easy recruits for political armies. And here, there is no distinction. They worked for the Left, and they were recruited by Trinamool, and they may also flock around the BJP as and when needed.

However, the structure recruiting mercenaries, locally known as harmads, was brought into existence by the CPM, a party that ruled Bengal for 33 years. And it was institutionalised by Mamata Banerjee, the leader who came to power promising that she would bring an end to such cycles of violence.

Each election season, they are armed with sticks and hashtags, paid for in cash or promise, and unleashed on those branded as enemies.

Unpunished, Undeterred

The repeats and the results birthed a vicious ecosystem where violence is not punished but often rewarded, although secretly.

FIRs vanish, cases drag, and the next election decides who becomes victim or victor. The police, caught between the orders of their political masters and the fear of their transfer, stand by. And television channels dutifully take sides, amplifying the violence instead of interrogating its roots.

But Bengals tragedy is deeper than politics. It is sociological, economical and also psychological. A society that once prided itself on intellectual rebellion has normalised physical aggression. Debate has been replaced by decibel, argument primarily by arson. The same culture that produced dissenters like Tagore and Subhas Bose now glorifies street power as political success like the ilk of strongmen  Anubrata Mondal and Arabul Islam.

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What follows is predictable, a round of blame games. The ruling party blames the BJP for importing aggression." The BJP blames the Trinamool for institutionalising terror." The Left, now a bystander, blames both.

And the people of Bengal  the silent middle  watch with weary familiarity, as another protest turns violent, another name is added to the list of martyrs, and another evening ends with broken glass and burnt tyres, blocking broken roads and narrow alleys.

About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has co... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 13:02 IST

News opinion Biryani, Bikes, And Blood: Inside Bengals Mercenary Elections Where The Mob Has No Loyalty

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Opinion | Pakistans Minus-One Plan: The Unbroken Chain From Jinnah To Imran Khan

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 08:55 IST

Imran Khan & his sister Aleemas stand is more than an act of defiance. It's the enduring promise that the arc of history, bent repeatedly by tyranny, still aspires towards justice

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Aleema Khans willingness to risk jail bears striking resemblance to the resistance offered by Fatima Jinnah. (AFP)

In Pakistans fraught political history, there is a recurring specter that haunts every democratic aspiration: the unyielding dominance of the military establishment, a mercenary cartel" that has, for 78 years, held civilian leadership and national potential hostage. Today, as Pakistans former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains isolated behind bars and his sister Aleema Khan faces mounting threats, the echoes of the pastthe struggles of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his sister Fatima Jinnahresound with an eerie familiarity.

Following the arrest and continued incarceration of Imran Khan, voices of resistance have grown louder, none more poignant than that of his sister Aleema Khan. After a recent meeting at Adiala Jail, her account was both intimate and defiant. It doesnt matter to me where I am shifted; I stand for an ideology, and I will do whatever it takes for it," Imran Khan told her when she relayed that a transfer to another facility was being prepared. This is not simply personal fortitude; it is a reaffirmation of belief that transcends physical confines.

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Aleema echoed this resilienceEven if they give me a sentence of ten, twelve, or fifty years, it wont make a difference because the public has now seen their true face." Her words are a testament not just to a familys courage but to the will of millions who have witnessed Pakistans democratic promise repeatedly betrayed. The bigger the theft, the higher the position one gets," she observed, summarising a justice system now widely viewed as a tool for political engineering rather than legitimacy.

This predicament is not new. In 1965, Fatima Jinnah, the sister of Pakistans founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah, dared to challenge the military dictator General Ayub Khan. She faced a campaign of vilification, state harassment, and character assassinationtactics strikingly similar to those wielded today against Aleema Khan and other family members of Imran Khan. The Minus-One Plan"a shadow policy to forcibly remove the most charismatic civilian leadershas become a template for power retention.

For nearly eight decades, Pakistans military and intelligence institutions have defined the boundaries of permissible politics, thwarting every reformist surge and branding independent civilian leaders as existential threats to the garrison state". Those who refuse to submit are marked for erasure. The late Dina Wadia, Jinnahs own daughter, understood this malaise all too well. She spent her entire life outside of Pakistan, visiting only once for family reasons, acutely aware that the establishments paranoia would never see her as anything but a threat.

Aleema Khans willingness to risk jailIf they want to put me in jail, let them do it. It is my responsibility to convey Imran Khans message to the people without distorting its meaning"bears striking resemblance to the resistance offered by Fatima Jinnah. Aleema, like Fatima, refuses silence or exile; instead, she insists on transmitting the message of justice and civilian rule, whatever the personal cost.

At the heart of this struggle is a deeper moral question. Imran Khan himself often cites the saying of Hazrat Ali: The system of disbelief can survive, but the system of oppression cannot." He frames his political struggle as a crusade not merely for office but against the persistence of oppression and injustice. Aleema Khan, too, recasts his imprisonment not as a personal or familial defeat, but as a clarion call for collective reckoninga battle between truth and tyranny.

What is at stake now is not simply the fate of Imran Khan nor even that of his family, but the very soul of Pakistans republic. The judiciarys ongoing capture, the intimidation of voices of conscience, and the normalisation of political vendetta have brought the country to its sharpest civil-military standoff since 1971. As Aleema Khan darkly predicted, Either the judge will fall ill or fleethis is my prediction," exposing the extent to which manipulation of due process has become institutionalised.

Global audiences must understand: Pakistan sits at a dangerous crossroads. The fate of its most popular civilian leader, the persistence of the Minus-One Plan," and the systematic intimidation of women who refuse to be coweredthese are not only stories of national trauma, but also a warning. Wherever power is unaccountable and dissent is criminalised, democracy withers.

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The world watched as Fatima Jinnahs challenge was crushed by generals, reshaping Pakistans trajectory for decades. Today, history threatens to repeatunless the legacy of silenced voices inspires a reversal. Aleema Khans and Imran Khans stand is more than an act of defiance. It is the enduring promise that the arc of history, bent repeatedly by tyranny, still aspires towards justice.

Salman Ahmad is a musician, writer, and political commentator based in New York. He is the founder of the rock band Junoon and has been an advocate for Pakistani democracy and civil rights for over three decades.

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:55 IST

News opinion Opinion | Pakistans Minus-One Plan: The Unbroken Chain From Jinnah To Imran Khan

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Opinion | The Battle For Religious Narrative: Sufi Islam Vs Radical Wahhabism In South Asia

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 17:39 IST

From the shrines of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer to Shah Jalal in Sylhet and Baba Farid in Lahore, Sufi saints built bridges of harmony.

The Sufi orders the Chishtiya, Qadiriya, and Warsiya were not merely religious movements but moral communities that preached tolerance and unity. (AI generated image)

South Asia has long been the cradle of a deeply spiritual, inclusive, and pluralistic form of Islam rooted in Sufism. From the shrines of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer to Shah Jalal in Sylhet and Baba Farid in Lahore, Sufi saints built bridges of harmony between faiths, languages, and communities. They emphasised love over fear, service over supremacy, and spirituality over sectarianism. Yet, in recent decades, this inclusive ethos has come under a sustained assault from imported ideologies most notably Wahhabism and its political offshoot, Salafism reshaping the religious and social landscape of the region.

For centuries, Islam in the Indian subcontinent evolved in close conversation with local cultures. The Sufi orders the Chishtiya, Qadiriya, and Warsiya were not merely religious movements but moral communities that preached tolerance and unity. They played a crucial role in resisting colonial exploitation and communal hatred, offering a message of divine love and equality that resonated with Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims alike.

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This Sufi framework of coexistence helped create a composite cultural identity often referred to as Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb. It allowed Indian Muslims to remain rooted in their spiritual traditions while being integrated with the broader Indian civilisational ethos. It is precisely this synthesis that Wahhabism seeks to dismantle.

The Wahhabi Infiltration

The rise of Wahhabism in South Asia can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries but intensified in the 1970s when petro dollar funded organisations began exporting their rigid interpretations of Islam across the Muslim world. In the wake of the Afghan jihad and the Iranian Revolution, the region became a battleground for ideological supremacy. Madrassas funded by Gulf states promoted an austere, literalist version of Islam that rejected centuries of local traditions, spiritual practices, and even basic inter sectarian tolerance.

In India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, this ideological import began to undermine the authority of Sufi institutions and scholars. Shrines once revered as centers of peace were attacked as sites of innovation" (bidah). Celebrations like urs, milad, and qawwali symbols of devotion and art were condemned as un-Islamic." This puritanical campaign slowly chipped away at the inclusive religious consciousness of South Asian Muslims.

The consequences of this ideological shift are profound. Wahhabisms rigid worldview creates an environment intolerant of diversity, fueling sectarian violence and militancy. The Talibans rise in Afghanistan and the radicalisation in Pakistans heartland were not mere geopolitical accidents they were the result of decades of Wahhabi indoctrination.

In India, radical preachers influenced by global Salafi trends have tried to polarise Muslim youth by detaching them from their Sufi heritage and portraying local traditions as deviations. The marginalisation of Sufi institutions has also weakened the natural resistance within the Muslim community against extremism. Where the Sufi Khanqahs once taught humility and compassion, social media platforms now amplify dogma and division.

The Need for Reclaiming the Narrative

The battle for the soul of South Asian Islam is, at its core, a battle for identity. Progressive Muslim voices, scholars, and Sufi leaders must reclaim their space from the Extremist. This is not a nostalgic call to return to the past but an urgent appeal to revive the values that once defined the regions Islam love (muhabbat), knowledge (ilm), and service (khidmat).

Educational reform is crucial. Madrassas and Islamic universities must reintroduce classical Sufi scholarship alongside contemporary studies. Governments and civil society should support cultural and academic initiatives that celebrate Sufi contributions to peace and pluralism. The media, too, must highlight narratives that counter hate filled interpretations of faith.

Sufism offers not merely a theological alternative but a social philosophy capable of healing divided societies. In an age of polarisation, it reminds us that faith is not about dominance but devotion, not exclusion but empathy. The survival of pluralism in South Asia depends on the revival of this moral compass.

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The Wahhabi project thrives on anger, alienation, and ignorance. The Sufi path, by contrast, draws its strength from love, knowledge, and connection. The question, therefore, is not just which theology will prevail but what kind of society South Asian Muslims wish to build: one that isolates itself in rigid purity, or one that continues the timeless quest for divine love and human unity.

Dr Quadri is Community Leader and Chairman of the Muslim Students Organisation of India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: October 07, 2025, 17:39 IST

News opinion Opinion | The Battle For Religious Narrative: Sufi Islam Vs Radical Wahhabism In South Asia

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Opinion | Why Israeli Overseas Billionaires Stand Up For The Nation But Indian Diaspora Daddies Dont

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 08:36 IST

Indians gained confidence since liberalisation and the new wave of nationalism, but still lack courage to defend their identity & be proud of the cultural glue that is Hinduness

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Although Bharat is far from utilising the potential of its diaspora, things have started briskly warming up with PM Narendra Modi. (Image: X/@narendramodi)

A far-Left zombie apocalypse broke out on western universities after the October 7 massacre in Israel by Hamas terrorists. Communist-Islamist mobilisation against Jews on campuses peaked. Violent attacks, stalkings, and threats proliferated.

A religious community that comprises just 0.2 per cent of the world population was relentlessly cornered, intimidated, boycotted, and preyed upon.

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It was then, like in every other moment of crisis, the Jewish-Israeli diaspora sprung to life to defend the motherland and community.

Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, was part of a group of billionaires which influenced the media to define Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Barry Sternlicht, chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, mobilised the Facts for Peace donation campaign for a pro-Israel, anti-Hamas narrative war.

Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, demanded that universities release the names of students who signed pro-Hamas letters, so they can be put on a no-hire list. Ronald Lauder and Marc Rowan halted donations to UPenn, and Leon Cooperman pulled off largesse to Columbia University.

The speed and ferocity of the wealthy Israeli diasporas actions rankled the woke ecosystem funded by the likes of George Soros (ironically, a non-practising Jew himself).

In comparison, hardly anybody from the super-rich Indian community overseas has made a noise against growing Hinduphobia in the West, or after the Pahalgam terror, or over US President Donald Trumps tariff war against India.

Indian billionaires like Lakshmi Mittal and Anand Mahindra, who donate millions of dollars to elite western universities like Harvard, have not demanded accountability for anti-Hindu narratives researched and disseminated at those institutions.

Vinod Khosla is arguably the only billionaire and Silicon Valley pioneer who said at a high-profile conference that Trump tariffs were a self-inflicted wound" that could push New Delhi closer to Moscow and Beijing.

But US-based venture capitalist Asha Jadeja Motwani, for instance, exhorted India to bend to Trump. Will Trump reduce the tariffs on India? Yes! But this is dependent on how FAST we melt him. He is hurt, humiliated and shocked that his best friend insulted him in public on the ceasefire fiasco (justified or not). He will come around, but SHOW him the warmthLet Trump KNOW what goodies we have in place when he visits India for QUAD," she posted on X, drawing hissy criticism from both Indian Right and Left.

So, exactly why does the Indian diaspora not rise to the nations defence in times of crisis? Why does it come across as aloof, self-serving, and unorganised?

One of the strongest reasons lies in the last 100 years of history.

India got Independence in 1947 after a couple of centuries of colonial rule and over a thousand years of Islamic invasions. The freedom arrived Partitioned, bloodied, and with a crippling dose of cultural suicide pill, the main side effect being prolonged and stubborn self-loathing.

Israelis got their own State a year later in 1948, bloodied and terrorised by the Holocaust. But mercifully united and determined, not divided.

Jews from around the world came together to create the Israeli nation. Filmmaker and centre-Right Zionist Jew Frederic Eger writes:

The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 marked a significant milestone in Jewish history, largely supported by the financial contributions of the Jewish Diaspora. Diaspora Jews, particularly in the United States, Britain, Russia and France, played a critical role in lobbying their governments to support the establishment of Israel. Anglo-American Jewry played a significant role in supporting Zionist organizations through financial aid and lobbying effortsincluding purchasing land through the Jewish National Fund. Their influence on US foreign policy, particularly in lobbying for Israels recognition in 1948, has been crucial for Israels survival and growth since its founding. British Jewry supported Zionist efforts during the British Mandate period, helping to influence policies such as the Balfour Declaration. Russian Jewry played a significant role in the creation of Israel, particularly during key historical moments. The Soviet Union, under Stalin, championed Israels establishment during the 1947 United Nations vote on the partition plan, which led to its establishment.

Philanthropic efforts by the Jewish Diaspora have been a cornerstone of Israels economic development. Organizations such as the Jewish National Fund and the United Jewish Appeal played significant roles in raising funds for land acquisition, settlement, and development projects. These contributions were not only financial but also involved investments in human capital, with many Diaspora Jews immigrating to Israel and contributing their skills and expertise to the states development.

The bond of the Jewish diaspora with the motherland is so strong that since the October 7 attack, overseas Jews sent $1.41 billion to Israel. Intel put in motion a $25-billion plan to build a new chip-making plant in Israel despite the Gaza war.

In contrast, India wasted half a century after Independence before Atal Bihari Vajpayee became PM and launched the first serious outreach for overseas Indians. Although Bharat is far from utilising the potential of its diaspora, things have started briskly warming up with PM Narendra Modi.

The Indian diaspora invested over US$ 7 billion in GIFT City funds last year, with investments in banking and funds exceeding US$ 8.5 billion, according to the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

Remittances to India touched a record US$ 135.46 billion in 2024-25. NRI investments accounted for nearly 35 per cent of total FDI inflows into India in 2023.

Another strong glue for Israel is that it allows dual citizenship, including a foreign passport alongside an Israeli one, with some restrictions. India does not allow dual citizenship, but offers OCI cards which bundle some facilities.

It is the political synchronisation, the courage to be unashamedly Zionist (those who believe in a Jews right to have a homeland in Israel), which makes Israels diaspora very potent.

Under no circumstance does a Jew give up his or her traditions and culture, whichever part of the world they may be in.

Indians have gained a lot of confidence since liberalisation and the new wave of nationalism, but still lack the courage to unashamedly defend their identity, to be proud of the cultural glue that is Hinduness, and stick their neck out for other Indians in crisis. It is an unfortunate mix of colonial conditioning starting with education, insufficient hope in seeing their shabby, ramshackle motherland rise again, and the fear of losing everything hard-earned which keeps the wealthy in the Indian diaspora inert to the nations call.

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It is changing, but not as fast as we wish. A lot will depend on how earnest the nation and its government take up the swadeshi push needed after the Trump tariff fiasco for self-reliance and self-esteem.

Abhijit Majumder is the author of the book, Indias New Right. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:36 IST

News opinion Opinion | Why Israeli Overseas Billionaires Stand Up For The Nation But Indian Diaspora Daddies Dont

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Opinion | Why October 7 May Go Down As More Pivotal Date In History Than September 11

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 15, 2025, 16:36 IST

The October 7 massacre by Hamas of over 1,200 people has forced us to entirely rethink our ideas about terrorism

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The Hamas militants had killed 1,200 people in Israel on October 7 and took more than 250 as hostages.

October 7 could surpass September 11 in significance and path-altering power when the history of the West is written a hundred years later.

Planes crashing into the twin towers of New York was a blinding trailer. Parachutes landing on a music festival has taken us breathlessly close to a clash of civilisations.

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9/11 first awakened Western civilisation to the horror that there is an enemy willing to blow itself up to destroy your home, symbols that you most cherish. It told America that its aeroplanes can be weaponised against it. Not even the Pentagon, which is supposed to police the world, is safe.

Human civilisation suddenly realised that there is a parallel world trying to obliterate it. The enemy was being controlled by a ragtag band of bandits from the deserts, caves, mountains, and seminaries of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and a few such rogue states.

The attacks showed that the most significant and immediate threat to a powerful state could be an asymmetrical, transnational non-state network with no army, territory, or traditional diplomatic standing.

The concept of security had to be entirely rethought. Lines between internal and external threats had blurred. Pre-emptive action was prioritised over response.

Intellectually, the moral, often polarising voice of Christopher Hitchens or Noam Chomsky replaced the detached, impartial stance. Religion gatecrashed back into focus, upstaging the atheistic underpinnings of Western, liberal democracies.

America, galvanising an alliance, fought a long war.

But the West failed to understand the enemy even after 9/11. Open societies and liberal democracies  already chloroformed by the Leftist-globalist virus which had infiltrated governments, media, and academia  did not heed this starkest of warnings.

The war against terror" was fought within the firework of geopolitics. It failed to map the terrain of the mind.

Wests political leaders, war generals, and intellectuals assumed that religious fanaticism and lethal opposition to liberal ideas come from certain geographies and cultures. That there was an other trying to do terrible things.

The October 7 massacre by Hamas of over 1,200 people has forced us to entirely rethink our ideas about terrorism. Particularly intriguing is the psychological and narrative war which has been unleashed against Israel, and how Israels response has been used as a tenuous excuse to foment violence worldwide.

October 7 has served to weaponise the mindless immigration that the Western governments have grandiosely foisted on unsuspecting, civilised societies. Things kept boiling under the surface till this moment when the recipe seems perfect for a global intifada that Islamists always dreamt of.

Western Europe has imported a death cult into its midst and has failed to acknowledge the gravity of this fact," says Sam Harris in the latest episode of his Making Sense podcast.

The enemy literally lives next door, sometimes in our own house.

And while the West was filling ghettos with religious maniacs, globalist forces controlling the media and academia were brainwashing a large, non-Muslim young population to join this war against their own nations, mother civilisations. From Harvard and UPenn campuses to the streets of London and Paris, thousands of non-Muslims joined jihadis brazenly bandying around the Hamas flag and calling Israels retaliation genocide".

October 7 has inverted the meaning of truth. It has turned genocidal terrorists into victims, and Jews, who are defending the only little homeland they have and fighting for survival circled by a sea of enemies, as fascist predators fit to be stalked and killed.

The recent Manchester synagogue terror attack by an Islamist named Jihad al-Shamie is a case in point.

Chief Rabbi of the UK, Ephraim Mirvis, posted on X: This is the day we hoped we would never see, but which deep down, we knew would come. For so long we have witnessed an unrelenting wave of Jew hatred on our streets, on campuses, on social media and elsewhere  this is the tragic result. This is not only an assault on the Jewish community, but an attack on the very foundations of humanity and the values of compassion, dignity, and respect which we all share."

A massive global conflict is approaching unbelievably fast before our own eyes with alarming global antisemitism, unchecked immigration, and the failure of Western nations to contain the spread of Islam, the dramatic reshaping of the Middle East, and the ongoing war in Gaza. Rest assured it will not be targeted only at Jews.

Radical Islam has tasted blood. It smells as weakness the very strengths of democracies and the liberal order. Where it is in Brussels or Bareilly, it is pushing its envelope to figure when its enemy will either retaliate or give in. Because its victory does not only lie in winning, but every occasion to play victim is a win. The false narrative of victimhood helps it soften up the democracies and the civilised world. It makes them less prepared for its next strike.

This game cannot last forever. As we see with the Unite the Kingdom protests in the UK or ICE action in the US, backlash has begun and it will become more violent.

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October 7 has set us on a path in which Samuel Huntingtons prophecy of the clash of civilisations is almost certain to be fulfilled. It is for us to decide on which side of history we want to see ourselves.

Abhijit Majumder is the author of the book, Indias New Right. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: October 07, 2025, 19:44 IST

News opinion Opinion | Why October 7 May Go Down As More Pivotal Date In History Than September 11

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 17:05 IST

1 / 7 A native of Jammu and Kashmir, Ambika Raina's journey is a noteworthy example for many today. Despite failing twice in the challenging UPSC exam, she finally succeeded in becoming an IA&AS officer. She left a high-paying job in Switzerland and returned to India, securing AIR 164 on her third attempt. (Image: @ambika_raina/Instagram) + Follow us On Google

2 / 7 Her father, who served in the Indian Army, had a transferable job, which meant Ambika Raina traveled across the country for her studies. She graduated in architecture but always dreamed of cracking the UPSC. Her father was a Major General in the Indian Army, leading to her schooling in various states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. (Image: @ambika_raina/Instagram)

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3 / 7 After completing her schooling, Raina earned a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from CEPT University in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Before graduating in 2020, she interned in Zurich, Switzerland, working on urban planning and sustainability at Landolt und Haller Architekten AG. She received job offers post-graduation but declined them, feeling a strong desire to contribute to India. This decision was tough, but her educational background helped her develop a creative mindset, which was beneficial for her UPSC preparation. (Image: @ambika_raina/Instagram)

4 / 7 Initially, the UPSC syllabus was challenging for Raina, with new subjects like Political Science and History affecting her confidence. However, she watched interviews of over 100 toppers and adopted their strategies to create her study plan. She focused on the syllabus, previous year papers, toppers' answer sheets, and interview practice. (Image: @ambika_raina/Instagram)

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5 / 7 Mock tests played a crucial role. Raina ignored them in her first attempt but learned from her mistakes. By her third attempt, she dedicated 70 per cent of her preparation time to mock tests, making self-assessment easier. (Image: @ambika_raina/Instagram)

6 / 7 She also made smart use of the internet to prepare for the exam. There is a vast amount of knowledge online, but Ambika Raina said she learned to filter it. She selected content judiciously from the start to make revision manageable. (Image: @ambika_raina/Instagram)

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'Lakshman Rekha' Must Be Drawn, Vice President Radhakrishnan Tells Rajya Sabha Floor Leaders

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 20:32 IST

The Rajya Sabha Chairman assured that all voices and opinions in a democracy matter and would be considered

Opposition parties raised concerns about not having adequate opportunities to express their reservations. Pic/News18

In his second meeting after being sworn in as the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Vice President of India CP Radhakrishnan met with floor leaders of various political parties in Parliament on Tuesday. He thanked all the leaders for attending the meeting and emphasised the need for collective efforts to ensure the smooth functioning of the house. He conveyed that a Lakshman Rekha" must be drawn to ensure ample space for debate and discussion.

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The Rajya Sabha Chairman assured that all voices and opinions in a democracy matter and would be considered. He encouraged members to participate in important matters, especially those of public concern, through zero hours and special mentions.

Opposition parties raised concerns about not having adequate opportunities to express their reservations. They requested the Vice President to consider their suggestions and provide ample time for them to voice their opinions. They highlighted that during the last session, their notices were rejected by the chair, leaving them feeling unrepresented. Smaller parties also expressed concern about the limited time they were given to speak on issues, despite representing the people. The opposition pointed out that bills were being passed hastily without proper discussion, despite their strong objections.

On behalf of the government, Rajya Sabha Leader of the House JP Nadda assured that the government was not avoiding any discussion or debate and that everyones concerns were being considered. Nadda elaborated that Parliament functions based on certain rules that apply to everyone.

Government representatives, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan, attended the meeting. BJP President JP Nadda was present, along with Congress representatives Jairam Ramesh and Pramod Tiwari, TMCs Sagarika Ghosh, DMKs Tiruchi Siva, Shiv Senas Milind Deora, actor-politician Kamal Haasan, Sanjay Singh from the Aam Aadmi Party, A Rama Reddy from YSRCP, Sana Satish from TDP, GK Vasan, John Brittas from CPM, Fouzia Khan from NCP-SP, and Sasmit Patra from BJD.

In a lighthearted manner, while addressing the opposition leaders, the Vice President mentioned that he was making his maiden speech and hoped it would not be disrupted.

Opposition parties raised the issue that during question hour, ministers responses tend to be political rather than addressing the subject at hand. They requested the Chairman to ensure more precise and relevant responses.

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Several members also voiced concerns about private members bills being scheduled on Fridays, which often get adjourned early in the morning before the weekend. They suggested that private members bills could be taken up on any day and should be encouraged, as they bring many good suggestions that could benefit the government.

First Published: October 07, 2025, 20:32 IST

News politics 'Lakshman Rekha' Must Be Drawn, Vice President Radhakrishnan Tells Rajya Sabha Floor Leaders

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Manipur BJP MLAs Huddle In Delhi; Crucial Meet Today May Decide Push For Popular Government

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 10:52 IST

Biren Singh, who is in Delhi, had earlier stated that his primary purpose was to meet the party leadership and urge for early restoration of an elected government in Manipur.

N Biren Singh is in Delhi with other Manipur MLAs. (Image: PTI File)

A group of Manipur BJP MLAs, including former Chief Minister N Biren Singh, are currently camping in New Delhi to press for the formation of a popular government in the state. Sources have told News18 that the legislators are scheduled to hold a decisive meeting on Tuesday, which is expected to shape their next political course.

One of the MLAs presently in Delhi told News18, We need to have a popular government in Manipur. Both Meitei and Naga MLAs have come together. We will hold a crucial meeting on Tuesday and will brief the media afterward. We are here to find a solution."

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Biren Singh, who left for Delhi on Saturday, had earlier stated that his primary purpose was to meet the party leadership and urge for the early restoration of an elected government in Manipur.

At present, nearly 30 BJP MLAs are in the national capital. While the first group departed on Saturday, another group  including Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, former minister Govindas Konthoujam, and MLAs Kongkham Robindro, Sapam Kunjakeshwor, Thounaojam Shyamkumar, and Karam Shyam  left on Sunday.

Significantly, this is the first time all BJP MLAs from the valley and Naga legislators have come together, signaling a rare show of unity within the partys Manipur unit.

Manipur has been under Presidents Rule since February 2025, following months of political instability. Though efforts have been made since then to form a popular government, no consensus has yet been achieved.

The state has been reeling under ethnic strife since May 2023, with thousands of internally displaced people still residing in relief camps across both the valley and hill districts. However, officials say the situation on the ground is currently peaceful.

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During his recent visit to Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth Rs 8,500 crore, underscoring the Centres focus on restoring normalcy and development.

With all BJP legislators of valley now united in Delhi, party insiders believe Tuesdays meeting could pave the way for a breakthrough in forming a new popular government in the state.

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: October 07, 2025, 10:52 IST

News politics Manipur BJP MLAs Huddle In Delhi; Crucial Meet Today May Decide Push For Popular Government

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'Sold His Soul For One Seat': BJP's Annamalai Attacks Kamal Haasan Over Karur Stampede Remarks

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 23:30 IST

BJP's Annamalai attacked actor-politician Kamal Haasan, accusing him of siding with the ruling DMK government over the recent stampede at actor Vijay's rally in Karur.

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BJP leader K Annamalai and actor-politician Kamal Haasan. (PTI/File)

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader K Annamalai launched a scathing attack on actor-politician Kamal Haasan, accusing him of siding with the ruling DMK government over the recent tragedy in Karur, where a stampede at actor Vijays political rally left 41 dead.

Referring to Kamal Haasans remarks on the Karur stampede, Annamalai said the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief had sold his soul long ago for one Rajya Sabha seat."

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Kamal Haasan has sold his soul a long time ago for one Rajya Sabha seat. Post that, whatever Kamal Haasan speaks, people of Tamil Nadu are not going to give him that attention or take him seriously," he told news agency ANI.

He has every right to speak, but going to Karur and saying that the administration is not at fault, who will accept it? Everybody knows the administration is at fault," Annamalai added. Kamal Haasan is a fine actor, no doubt about that. But with respect to politics, whatever he speaks, we all know that it is one-sided and he wants to favour DMK on even an issue like Karur."

He also attacked Haasan for not visiting Karur even once before the tragedy that took place at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijays mega rally.

What Did Kamal Haasan Say?

Kamal Haasan visited the scene of the Karur stampede, describing it as a tragedy and asserting that the organisers, in particular, had a responsibility and it was time to apologise and accept the mistake.

The Rajya Sabha MP praised DMK leader and former Minister V Senthil Balaji, who was coordinating relief and rescue measures and liaising with ministers and officials after the tragic incident. He commended Balaji for his leadership quality by rushing on time to the stampede site on September 27 and extending support to the affected people and thereby averting further loss of lives.

A tragedy should not be viewed only in terms of numbers; the count of those who lost their lives, it was about the grief and pain endured by the families of the deceased, and the loss of precious human lives. Police probe is on into the stampede and there was no need to speculate on anything such as conspiracy," he said, while appealing Chief Minister MK Stalin to issue stronger norms for political parties for campaigning.

The tragic incident occurred during a massive political rally led by Vijay, where an unexpected surge in the crowd resulted in the death of at least 41 people and left several others injured.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear on October 10 a plea challenging a Madras High Court order refusing a CBI probe into the September 27 stampede at Karur. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran took note of the appeal of BJP leader Uma Anandan seeking a CBI probe into the stampede.

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A single-member inquiry commission has been constituted by the state government, which is headed by retired judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. CM Stalin has assured that a model guideline for political rallies and public gatherings will soon be framed based on findings and recommendations by the commission.

(with inputs from agencies)

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 23:30 IST

News politics 'Sold His Soul For One Seat': BJP's Annamalai Attacks Kamal Haasan Over Karur Stampede Remarks

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Google Will Pay You Rs 25 Lakh If You Find Any Bugs In Its AI Systems!

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 19:03 IST

Google defines an "AI bug" as a flaw that harms LLMs or generative AI, such as misusing a Google Home device or sending someones email info to another user

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The programme aims to identify errors where an AI system might automatically perform incorrect or unwanted actions. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

Google has unveiled its new AI Bug Bounty Programme, targeting cybersecurity researchers to address vulnerabilities specific to AI systems. This initiative expands on the companys existing Vulnerability Reward Programme (VRP) by focusing on AI-related security flaws.

The programme aims to identify errors where an AI system might automatically perform incorrect or unwanted actions, such as unlocking devices, leaking data, or sending information to unintended accounts.

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Google defines an AI bug" as a weakness that can negatively impact large language models (LLMs) or generative AI systems. For instance, if AI is used to unlock a Google Home door or if it compromises email information and sends it to another user, these would be classified as bugs.

However, misinformation or hate speech generated by AI is not considered a bug; such cases require feedback within the product itself.

The rewards for identifying significant AI bugs in Google Search, Gemini apps, Gmail, and Drive range from $20,000 to $30,000. Bugs found in smaller tools like NotebookLM or Jules Assistant will yield slightly lower rewards.

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Additionally, Google has introduced CodeMender, an AI tool that helps identify and fix bugs in open-source software. To date, CodeMender has provided 72 verified fixes.

This programme is crucial as Googles products increasingly incorporate AI, necessitating robust security measures. Since 2022, researchers have earned over $430,000 by uncovering AI-related bugs. This initiative represents a valuable opportunity for those interested in AI security to gain recognition on a major platform like Google.

First Published: October 07, 2025, 19:03 IST

News tech Google Will Pay You Rs 25 Lakh If You Find Any Bugs In Its AI Systems!

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'At Night, My Wife Turns Into...': UP Man's Bizarre Plea Stuns Officials, Inquiry Ordered

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:21 IST

A young man from Uttar Pradesh claims his wife transforms into a snake at night  a bizarre revelation that's now caught the internets attention

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The man claims that his wife exhibits disturbing behaviour at night, allegedly transforming into a snake, frightening him, and attempting to bite him. (News18)

A bizarre and unsettling case has emerged from Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh, where a man has made extraordinary claims about his wifes behaviour. The man, Meraj, submitted a formal petition during Sampoorna Samadhan Diwas (Complete Solution Day), chaired by the District Magistrate, pleading for protection.

In his petition, Meraj stated, Sir, please save me from my wife. At night, she turns into a snake and bites us."

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The District Magistrate took note of the allegations and ordered an inquiry into the matter. Since the complaint was made public, it has garnered widespread attention and stirred both disbelief and curiosity among locals.

A Marriage That Started Well Until

Meraj, a resident of Lodhasa village, now lives in constant fear  not of strangers, but of his own wife, Naseemun. The couple were married only a few months ago. Naseemun hails from Rajpur village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Thangaon police station.

In the early days, their marriage seemed to be running smoothly. Family members believed the pair had settled into married life without issue. However, Meraj claims that shortly after the wedding, his wifes behaviour began to change in deeply unsettling ways.

What began as minor concerns gradually escalated into disturbing experiences that left him feeling unsafe in his own home.

Bizarre Accusation

He claims that his wife exhibits disturbing behaviour at night, allegedly transforming into a snake, frightening him, and attempting to bite him. Meraj also alleged that she suffers from mental health issues and frequently disrupts his sleep by threatening or frightening him in the middle of the night.

In his petition, he added that he is sometimes saved simply by being awake, as his wife is unable to bite him" if he does not fall asleep.

The case, currently under investigation, has left officials and locals bewildered.

Man Turned To Exorcism And Panchayat For Help

Notably, Meraj has reportedly even sought the help of an exorcist in an attempt to deal with the situation. A village panchayat meeting was also held at Mahmudabad police station, but no resolution was reached.

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His wife, Naseemun, is currently residing at her parents home.

The claims have shocked the community, with Merajs assertion that his wife transforms into a snake" becoming the subject of widespread discussion in the area.

Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 11:21 IST

News viral 'At Night, My Wife Turns Into...': UP Man's Bizarre Plea Stuns Officials, Inquiry Ordered

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Former Teacher Who Turned 'Sugar Baby' With 65 Affairs Reveals Why Married Men Seek Her

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 19:25 IST

Connie Keast now sees 65 men, earning Rs 20,00035,000 per hour, aiming to make Rs 3 lakh monthly through her 'sugar baby' engagements

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Despite the challenges, Connie Keast is unapologetic about her choices. (News18 Hindi)

A 36-year-old former teacher from Bristol, has transitioned from her previous job to a career as a professional sugar baby, engaging with high-profile men in luxury hotels.

Connie Keast, a mother of one, left her teaching position due to low pay and initially began making videos for OnlyFans. Following the breakdown of her relationship in 2021, she decided against pursuing love again, fearing emotional pain, and instead chose to become a sugar baby.

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She now maintains relationships with 65 men, earning between Rs 20,000 and Rs 35,000 an hour, with a goal of reaching Rs 3,00,000 per month.

Keast explains that many of her married clients feel lonely at home, often not sharing a bedroom with their wives and lacking physical or emotional connections. They want someone who speaks to them kindly, makes them feel valued, and meets their needs," Keast said.

Despite sometimes forming relationships with men she doesnt like, she views this work as a means to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, albeit with compromises.

Relationship expert Giovanna Smith warns that when money and power dominate a relationship, respect and equality can vanish. Keast is aware of the dangers in her line of work, recounting an incident where a client sent her a threatening message while she was still working at a school.

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To avoid emotional attachment and potential hurt, Keast remains cautious, although she admits to occasional feelings of loneliness and a desire for a normal relationship. However, she believes her profession makes it difficult to form lasting bonds.

Despite the challenges, Keast is unapologetic about her choices, stating, I chose my own path; I have no regrets." She takes good care of her daughter with her earnings and encourages others in her line of work not to feel ashamed.

Location : United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 19:25 IST

News viral Former Teacher Who Turned 'Sugar Baby' With 65 Affairs Reveals Why Married Men Seek Her

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Mutah Nikah: Young Women In This Country Are Being Forced Into 15-Day 'Pleasure Marriages'

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 12:40 IST

Women in this Muslim country are entering brief pleasure marriages lasting days, marrying strangers for money. Whats behind this surprising practice?

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'Mutah Nikah' remains legal and practised primarily within Shia communities. (AI Generated)

It may sound surprising, but there is a Muslim-majority country where women enter into temporary marriages lasting just 10, 15, or 20 days. In these arrangements, women marry strangers for a brief period and live with them as spouses. After this short time, the wife and husband part ways so completely that they lose all contact. In return, the women earn a significant amount of money.

This controversial practice, known as Mutah Nikah or pleasure marriage, has been gaining traction in Indonesia, the worlds largest Muslim-majority country and a top tourist destination. This phenomenon involves short-term marriages between local women and foreign tourists, often lasting just a few days or weeks, sparking widespread debate and concern.

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What makes this practice all the more surprising is its rapid growth as an informal industry, intertwined with the local economy and tourism sector. To understand this complex issue, its important to explore the historical, cultural, and religious contexts, as well as the personal stories behind these fleeting unions.

Mutah Nikah: Understanding The Context Behind This Practice

In Puncak, a region popular among tourists, many young women from low-income families enter into these brief marriages with male visitors in exchange for money. The temporary marriages, locally known as Mutah Nikah, has evolved into a lucrative industry that boosts both tourism and the local economy.

So, why do Indonesian women engage in these pleasure marriages? Many come from financially struggling backgrounds and see Mutah marriages as a way to earn money.

Mutah Nikah is a temporary marriage contract recognised in some Islamic traditions, but it has faced heavy criticism due to concerns that tourists exploit local women.

Facilitation Of Pleasure Marriages By Agencies

Pleasure marriages typically involve short-term unions between impoverished local women and male tourists, often from the Middle East, in return for financial payment. The Los Angeles Times has reported that in Puncak, several agencies facilitate these arrangements.

These agencies introduce tourists to local women, and after a brief, consensual marriage ceremony, the man pays the woman a bride price. The woman provides companionship and sexual services during the tourists stay, and the marriage ends upon his departure.

How Many Pleasure Marriages Do Women Enter?

Cahaya, a 28-year-old Indonesian woman, shared with the Los Angeles Times her harrowing experience of being a temporary wife more than 15 times. Officials and agents take a cut from the payments, leaving the women with about half the amount.

Cahaya first entered into such a marriage aged just 13, reportedly forced by her grandparents. After her marriage ended, she had to raise her daughter alone. She considered working in shops or factories but found the wages too low.

Now, she earns between $300 and $500 from each temporary marriage, which helps cover her rent and care for her elderly grandparents, though her family remains unaware of her work. Some women, however, leave this practice and go on to build successful lives.

Rapid Growth And Exploitation Concerns

The industry has expanded considerably in recent years, with some agents reportedly arranging as many as 25 temporary marriages each month.

This rapid growth has sparked serious concerns about the potential exploitation of vulnerable women and significant risks to their safety and well-being.

Is Mutah Nikah A valid Form Of Marriage In Islam?

This practice originated within Shia Islam and was also known during the Mughal era in India, especially among traders travelling long distances. However, many Islamic scholars consider Mutah marriages unacceptable.

In Indonesia, the current form of these marriages is not recognised by law, as it contradicts the basic concept of marriage. Breaking Indonesian marriage laws can result in fines, imprisonment, and social or religious repercussions.

Is Mutah Nikah Globally Accepted?

Mutah Nikah, sometimes called a marriage of pleasure, is a temporary contract that can be oral or written. The marriage is agreed upon with the intention of marriage for a fixed term, which may range from as short as an hour to as long as 99 years. The man pays the woman an agreed sum.

Opinions on Mutah Nikah vary widely: some Islamic sects reject the practice entirely, while others permit it. Critics often describe it as akin to pre-marital sex or even prostitution.

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Mutah Nikah remains legal and practised primarily within Shia communities. It is recognised in Iran, where it is known as Sigheh, and is common in Shia-majority regions of Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

In contrast, Sunni Islam largely forbids the practice, and it is rarely observed in countries like India.

Location : Indonesia

First Published: October 07, 2025, 12:40 IST

News viral Mutah Nikah: Young Women In This Country Are Being Forced Into 15-Day 'Pleasure Marriages'

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45-Year-Old New York Man Found Decapitated At Home, Girlfriends Teen Son Arrested

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 12:57 IST

Police found the 45-year-old victim dead in the bathroom, his head severed from his body and a knife was still lodged in his neck.

A 45-year-old sanitation worker was brutally decapitated inside a Staten Island home in New York. (Photo: X)

A 45-year-old New York City Sanitation Department worker was brutally killed and decapitated inside a Staten Island home on Monday in what NYPD police describe as a shocking domestic attack involving his girlfriends teenage son.

Police rushed to a residence on Cary Avenue in West Brighton shortly after 4:20 p.m. following a distressing 911 call reporting a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers found the 45-year-old victim dead in the bathroom, his head severed from his body. A knife was still lodged in his neck, according to police sources.

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What do we know about the case?

The victims girlfriends 19-year-old son, who reportedly has a long history of mental health problems, was arrested at the scene but had not been formally charged as of Monday night.

Sources said the teens younger sister returned home from school and was told by her brother that he had done something bad." She followed a trail of blood through the house before finding the body in the bathtub, prompting the emergency call.

What do we know about the victim?

The victim, who had been nearing retirement, was described by friends as a kind and generous man. He had been placed on disability due to severe vision loss but remained active and was planning for a peaceful retirement.

Close friends Louis and Donna Ortiz, who had known him for years, said they were devastated after seeing their friends home on the evening news. He didnt deserve this," said Louis as quoted by New York Post. He was just about to retire and live his life. He was easy-going  the nicest guy in the world."

The victim had been in a relationship with his girlfriend for nearly six years. Friends said the couple often struggled with family tensions involving her children but were seen together in recent weeks, appearing content.

According to those close to the family, the teenage suspect had long battled mental health challenges and was known to have emotional outbursts. The boy was always going through stuff in school. Mental health issues. The citys got to do more," said Louis Ortiz.

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Police continue to investigate the case, reviewing the familys history of domestic incidents. The teenager remains in custody as authorities determine the charges.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 12:57 IST

News world 45-Year-Old New York Man Found Decapitated At Home, Girlfriends Teen Son Arrested

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'Am I Gonna Die?': UK Woman's Haunting Last Words After Being Stabbed 18 Times By Boyfriend

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 21:08 IST

Rebekah Campbell was found fatally injured outside her flat in Huyton, Merseyside, on the night of April 15 this year. She died in the early hours of the following day

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Rebekah Campbell, 32, was fatally stabbed 18 times by boyfriend Michael Ormandy. (Image via X)

A woman asked a police officer am I gonna die?" after being stabbed 18 times by her boyfriend in a brutal assault at her home, a UK court has heard.

Rebekah Campbell, 32, was found fatally injured outside her flat in Huyton, Merseyside, on the night of April 15 this year. She died in the early hours of the following day.

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Michael Ormandy, 34, is now on trial at Liverpool Crown Court accused of her murder. He denies the charge, claiming he acted in self-defence, Daily Mail reported.

During the prosecutions opening on Monday, the jury was told that Rebekah had been on a phone call with a friend when the attack began. She was described as shouting Ive been stabbed" before collapsing outside her flat. Neighbours rushed to help, and she told them, My fella stabbed me."

David McLachlan KC, prosecuting, said the attack was sustained and violent", with Rebekah suffering 27 incised wounds in total  including 18 stab wounds and nine slash wounds. Injuries on her arms suggested she tried to defend herself.

As she was treated by police and paramedics, she asked one officer, Am I gonna die?" She was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on April 16. A post-mortem found the cause of death to be stab wounds to the chest.

The prosecution claims Ormandy had a clear intention to kill, based on the number and severity of the wounds. The couple had been in a relationship for around four months, described by the prosecution as troubled." Ormandy had allegedly insulted and pushed Rebekah in past incidents.

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Upon arrest, just six minutes before Rebekah was declared dead, Ormandy reportedly told police: This wouldnt have happened if you did your job last week," referring to a previous altercation between them in Liverpool city centre.

Ormandy claims Rebekah came at him with a knife and that he acted in self-defence.He is represented in court by Nick Johnson KC and Daniel Travers. The trial is expected to last around two weeks.

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: October 07, 2025, 21:08 IST

News world 'Am I Gonna Die?': UK Woman's Haunting Last Words After Being Stabbed 18 Times By Boyfriend

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Canadian PM Mark Carney Meets Donald Trump In Bid To Ease US Tariffs | Watch

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 22:40 IST

This is Carney's second visit to the Oval Office since April, as he seeks to ease US tariffs that have impacted Canada's economy and caused political tensions back home.

Canadian PM Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office. (Reuters)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Washington, where he was welcomed by US President Donald Trump at the White House, as the 60-year-old former banker seeks to ease US tariffs that are impacting Canadas economy.

This is Carneys second visit to the Oval Office since April, amid tensions between Washington and Ottawa over Trumps tariffs and his repeated calls for making Canada the 51st state" of the United States.

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President Donald J. Trump welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the White House  pic.twitter.com/5LAr69tNT2 Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 7, 2025

I wore red for you!" Carney joked, pointing to his tie as the US president greeted him outside the West Wing. Trump often wears a red tie, although on this occasion he was wearing a blue one.

US-Canada Trade

Trade will be the core point of discussions between the two leaders, as Carney is under increasing pressure at home to address US tariffs on steel, automobiles and other goods that are hurting Canadas economy. In his last visit, Carney had bluntly told Trump that Canada will never be for sale in response to his repeated threats to annex Canada.

Since then, Carney has made several concessions to the US, including dropping some counter-tariffs and scrapping a digital services tax aimed at US tech companies. However, Carney has been criticised for making too many concessions and getting too less in return, as the US increased tariffs to 35% on most Canadian goods from August 1.

The Canadian government said that Carneys working visit" will aim to restore bilateral relations and discuss shared priorities in a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US." Notably, Canada has yet to cut a comprehensive trade deal with Washington, unlike other US allies such as Britain or the European Union.

Pressure On Carney

Carney is facing growing criticism at home after he came to power on his extensive crisis management experience. This happened after Cnaadas GDP declined by 1.5% in the second quarter of 2025 due to Trumps tariffs.

The United States is Canadas main economic partner, with 75% of Canadas exports being sold across its southern border. Mark Carney has no choice, he must return from Washington with progress," Daniel Beland, a political scientist at McGill University in Montreal, told AFP.

Last week, Trump once again brought up the possibility of annexing Canada during a speech to US generals and admirals, referencing the countrys potential participation in a new Golden Dome" missile shield. Canada called me a couple of weeks ago, they want to be part of it, to which I said, well, why dont you just join our country" and become the 51st state, and you get it for free."

(with inputs from agencies)

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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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 22:26 IST

News world Canadian PM Mark Carney Meets Donald Trump In Bid To Ease US Tariffs | Watch

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'We're Peacekeepers Because Of Tariffs': Donald Trump Again Claims He Stopped India-Pakistan War

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 07:47 IST

Donald Trump claimed his tariff policies not only enriched the US economy but also helped stop a potential war between India and Pakistan during Indias 'Operation Sindoor'.

US President Donald Trump (Photo/AP)

Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed that his administrations use of tariffs not only boosted Americas economy but also helped prevent a potential war between India and Pakistan.

If I didnt have the power of tariffs, you would have at least four of the seven wars raging. I use tariffs to stop wars," Trump said as he responded to a question on whether he would shift his position on tariffs, insisting that his tariff strategy had been vindicated, both economically and diplomatically.

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Referring to the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan amid Indias Operation Sindoor, Trump claimed his intervention, tied to trade and tariffs, helped de-escalate the situation.

If you look at India and Pakistan, they were ready to go at it. Seven planes were shot down. They were ready to go at it. And then nuclear powers. And I dont want to say exactly what I said, but what I said was very effective. They stopped," Trump said.

And that was based on tariffs. It was based on trade," he added.

On the question of tariffs, the US President said, Recently, they said they found billions of dollars, and they couldnt understand. I said, check the tariff shelf. And they come in the next hour, and they said, sir, youre right, it was from the tariffs. Were a rich, really rich country again."

Trump further reiterated that tariffs made the US both prosperous and influential.

Tariffs are very important for the United States. We are a peacekeeper because of tariffs. Not only do we make, you know, hundreds of billions of dollars, but were a peacekeeper because of tariffs," he said.

Donald Trump, on multiple occasions, has claimed that the US mediation, or his pressure over tariffs, helped in mediation between India and Paksitan in May this year.

He asserted that he threatened that if the fighting continued, the US would suspend trade, impose tariffs, etc.

However, India has maintained that the negotiation was reached directly through military channels between India and Pakistan, and not because of external mediation.

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Indias Operation Sindoor was launched against Pakistan and its terror infrastructure in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.

ALSO READ | Trump Formally Orders 300 Members Of Illinois National Guard To Chicago For 60 Days

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: October 07, 2025, 07:14 IST

News world 'We're Peacekeepers Because Of Tariffs': Donald Trump Again Claims He Stopped India-Pakistan War

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Fire Guts House of South Carolina Judge Who Received Multiple Death Threats

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 05:32 IST

Diane Goodstein's Edisto Beach home was gutted by fire, injuring three family members. Authorities found no evidence of arson, despite Goodstein having received death threats.

House of South Carolina judge gutted in Fire

A South Carolina judges house was gutted in fire on Sunday, injuring three people. Meanwhile, the authorities have rejected claims that the blaze was set intentionally.

According to a report by The Guardian, the fire at Diane Goodsteins home on Edisto Beach in Colleton county erupted on Saturday, sending three members of her family to the hospital, including her husband, a former state senator. However, the judge was not at her residence as she was walking her dogs.

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Following the incident, a spokesperson for the South Carolina state law enforcement division (Sled) said: The investigation is active and ongoing. More information may be available as the investigation continues."

Mark Keel, the state law enforcement division (Sled) chief, issued a statement stating: At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set. Sled agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion."

The judge had reportedly received several death threats.

The Guardian reported that the cause of the blaze not being immediately known and reports that Goodstein had faced death threats prompted some to question whether the fire at the judges home may be the USs latest example of politically themed violence.

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Nancy Gertner, a former judge and current professor of practice at Harvard, told The Guardian that judges are worried about their own safety".

There are people who are inflamed by the incendiary comments of our president and members of Congress about judges," she said. Public officials have legitimized attacks on judges with whom they disagree."

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 05:32 IST

News world Fire Guts House of South Carolina Judge Who Received Multiple Death Threats

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French President Macron Under Pressure To Call Snap Parliamentary Polls Or Resign

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Last Updated: October 08, 2025, 00:19 IST

President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure to call snap elections or resign after Sebastien Lecornu quit as PM, deepening France's political crisis since the 2024 election

French President Emmanuel Macron (AP)

Day after newly appointed French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stepped down just weeks after taking office, President Emmanuel Macron is now under pressure to either call snap parliamentary elections or resign as his former allies joined his opponents in demanding action to end the political crisis in the country.

According to a report by The Guardian, Macrons first prime minister on Tuesday as asking the President to step down amid mounting frustration even within Macrons own camp over one of the worst spells of political chaos in France since the foundation of its Fifth Republic in 1958.

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Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Macron should announce an early presidential election once a budget for next year was adopted.

Time is of the essence. We are not going to prolong what we have been experiencing for the past six months. Another 18 months is far too long and it is damaging France. The political game we are playing today is distressing," he said.

Echoing similar views, Frances youngest-ever PM Gabriel Attal said that after having five PMs in under two years it was time to try something else", criticising what he called Macrons determination to keep control".

The calls intensified after outgoing prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, who was appointed only 28 days ago, resigned with his 14-hour-old cabinet on Monday but was asked by Macron to hold last-ditch talks with party leaders to try to rally support.

However, Macron has repeatedly said he will not resign before the end of his mandate in 2027.

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Far-right RN president Jordan Bardella on Tuesday said: I call on the president of the republic to hear the suffering in the country, to come out of his isolation, and to dissolve the national assembly. We must go back to the French people so they can choose a majority for themselves."

According to The Guardian, France has been in political crisis for more than a year since the 2024 election  called in response to far-right successes in the European parliamentary elections that year  produced a parliament divided between three more or less equal blocs: the left, far right and Macrons own centre-right alliance, with no majority.

Location : France

First Published: October 08, 2025, 00:19 IST

News world French President Macron Under Pressure To Call Snap Parliamentary Polls Or Resign

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From Death Squads To ISIS Logistics: Mir Shafiq's Rise In Pakistan's Balochistan Shadow Ops | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:54 IST

Mir Shafiq, a tribal leader from Khuzdar considered close to ISI, has been tasked with overseeing a covert operation aimed at consolidating extremist groups like LeT, JeM & ISIS

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Mir Shafiq is also believed to be responsible for arranging safe houses and training camps across the province, and recruiting operatives through religious seminaries and underground cells. (News18)

Pakistans security establishment has appointed Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal, a controversial figure from Balochistan, to coordinate arms and logistics supply for ISIS and ISKP in the restive province, top intelligence officials have revealed to CNN-News18.

Mir Shafiq, a tribal leader from Khuzdar and long considered close to Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has reportedly been tasked with overseeing a covert operational framework aimed at consolidating extremist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and ISIS under a single umbrella in Balochistan.

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According to intelligence inputs, the move signals a drastic shift in Pakistans internal counter-insurgency tactics, allegedly outsourcing operations to radical jihadist proxies under the guise of fighting terrorism.

Sources claim that instead of continuing direct military suppression of Baloch nationalist movements, the ISI has now handed over operational control to extremist actors, with Mir Shafiq appointed to manage ISIS-linked logistics, recruitment, and covert financing channels within Balochistan.

He is also believed to be responsible for arranging safe houses and training camps across the province, and recruiting operatives through religious seminaries and underground cells.

Officials monitoring the situation suggest that Pakistan aims to create a controlled conflict zone" in Balochistan. The intent, they claim, is to justify a permanent military presence in the province, attract Western counter-terrorism assistance, and maintain plausible deniability by framing ISIS as the sole perpetrator of any upcoming violence.

The source added that high-profile blasts in the near future may be attributed to ISIS, while the real orchestration could lie elsewhere.

The strategic goal, according to sources, may include exerting pressure on border dynamics with Iran and Afghanistan. An expanded ISKP infrastructure in Balochistan could risk a spill-over into neighbouring regions, potentially destabilising both Tehran and Kabul.

Who Is Mir Shafiq-ur-Rehman Mengal?

Mir Shafiq has long been accused by rights groups and local activists of operating a death squad with alleged backing from the ISI, targeting Baloch nationalists and dissidents. His appointment as the logistics coordinator for ISIS-linked activities marks a significant escalation, according to multiple intelligence assessments.

His deep ties to Islamist networks and his local tribal influence are believed to make him an ideal intermediary for such covert operations, sources said.

If the claims are substantiated, the development could further complicate Pakistans international image. While Islamabad has consistently projected itself as a victim of terrorism, critics argue that such proxy arrangements undermine its credibility and raise questions about its counter-terrorism commitments.

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There has been no official comment from the Pakistan government or ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations) regarding these allegations.

Regional observers say the coming months will be critical, with fears of a new wave of orchestrated violence being pinned on ISIS, potentially altering the security landscape in not just Balochistan, but across the Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan tri-junction.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: October 07, 2025, 11:54 IST

News world From Death Squads To ISIS Logistics: Mir Shafiq's Rise In Pakistan's Balochistan Shadow Ops | Exclusive

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Happy To Work With Democrats: Trump Open To Healthcare Deal, But Says Govt Must Reopen First

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 07:30 IST

The shutdown began a week ago after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill, with disputes over healthcare funding.

US President Donald Trump (Image: AFP)

As the government shutdown in the United States enters into its seventh day, President Donald Trump seems to take an unexpected turn towards Democrats, saying he is happy to work" with them on healthcare. The development came after the Senate on Monday again failed to pass two bills to fund the US government.

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As the Trump government entered its second week of shutdown on Monday, the US President appeared to take an overture that stood out against his usual combative tone towards the opposition party, saying that the Democrats must allow the government to re-open.

Taking to Truth Social, Trump wrote, Democrats have SHUT DOWN the United States Government right in the midst of one of the most successful Economies, including a Record Stock Market, that our Country has ever had. This has sadly affected so many programs, services, and other elements of Society that Americans rely on  And it should not have happened."

I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!" he added.

Notably, the shutdown began a week ago after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill, with disputes over healthcare funding and federal workforce cuts at the centre of the impasse.

The Presidents comments came as the Senate took another doomed pair of votes on Monday on funding the federal government. Neither the Republican measure nor the Democratic proposal came close to gaining the 60 votes needed to advance.

Both parties used much of the day to ramp up the pressure on the other to end the impasse.

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About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 07:19 IST

News world Happy To Work With Democrats: Trump Open To Healthcare Deal, But Says Govt Must Reopen First

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Indian Man's US Visa Revoked, He Faces Deportation After Perfume Labelled Opium Mistaken For Drugs

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:35 IST

Raghu, who is married to an American citizen and was in the process of obtaining permanent residency, was pulled over by Benton police on 3 May for traffic violation.

Indian-origin Kapil Raghu, facing deportation, with his wife Alhley Mays. (Photo: X)

An Indian-origin man in Arkansas, Kapil Raghu, is fighting to have his US visa reinstated after a wrongful arrest that stemmed from a misunderstanding during a routine traffic stop. Local police allegedly mistook a bottle of designer perfume labelled Opium" for the banned drug, leading to Raghus detention and the subsequent revocation of his visa.

What do we know about the arrest?

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Raghu, who is married to an American citizen and was in the process of obtaining permanent residency, was pulled over by Benton police on 3 May for a minor traffic violation. Officers discovered a small bottle marked Opium" in his vehicle and assumed it contained an illegal substance.

Despite Raghus repeated explanations that the bottle contained perfume, he was arrested on suspicion of drug possession. Bodycam footage reportedly captured the officers telling him, You got a vial of opium that was in your centre console." Raghu, who was working as a food delivery driver at the time, later told local newspaper The Saline Courier that he had fully cooperated and was bewildered by the incident.

Perfume confirmed harmless, but legal fallout continues

Subsequent testing by the Arkansas State Crime Lab confirmed that the bottle did not contain narcotics. However, Raghu spent three days in Saline County Jail, where immigration authorities identified what they described as a visa irregularity. His lawyer, Mike Laux, said the issue resulted from an administrative error" made by Raghus previous attorney.

Following the arrest, Raghu was transferred to a federal US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Louisiana, where he was detained for 30 days. Although the narcotics charge was dropped by a district court on 20 May, his visa was revoked during detention, leaving him without legal status and at risk of deportation.

It is my understanding that, though released, Kapil now has a deportation status, meaning he can be immediately deported for any minor offence, even jaywalking," Laux told The Guardian. More crucially, this classification bars him from working and supporting his family, which has been devastating for them."

In a letter to ICEs legal office, Raghu said the visa issue stemmed from his lawyers delay in filing paperwork and requested reinstatement of his status. The mounting legal fees and the pressure of not being able to contribute have created a difficult situation for our family," he wrote. My wife is carrying the entire financial burden."

His wife, Alhley Mays, said the ordeal has taken an emotional and financial toll. The couple, who married in April, have exhausted their savings, originally intended to buy a home, and Mays now works three jobs to pay legal costs.

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This doesnt just affect Kapil and me. My daughter sees him as a father figure," she said. It was just cologne If a cop gets behind me now, I panic."

Raghus lawyer also accused Benton police of breaching international law by failing to notify the Indian Consulate, as required under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has yet to issue a statement.

About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 07:21 IST

News world Indian Man's US Visa Revoked, He Faces Deportation After Perfume Labelled Opium Mistaken For Drugs

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Israel, Hamas Begin Egypt Talks On US-Backed Gaza Peace Plan: What We Know So Far

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 09:10 IST

The call between Putin and Netanyahu comes as multiple global powers attempt to shape the outcome of Trumps proposed Gaza peace plan.

People walk past one of the four bronze lion statues at the end of the landmark Qasr el-Nile bridge connecting Cairo's central Tahrir Square to the island of Zamalek (background) on October 6, 2025 (AFP)

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas began on Monday at Egypts Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, marking a fresh attempt to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza under a US-brokered peace plan.

The discussions  mediated by Egyptian and US officials  are centred on a phased ceasefire proposal drafted by US President Donald Trump. The plan envisions a halt to hostilities, the release of hostages, and the disarmament of Hamas, a key Israeli demand.

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Inside The Talks

Negotiations on Monday stretched for several hours, with delegations from both sides led by Israels top negotiator Ron Dermer and Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayyah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus foreign policy adviser, Ophir Falk was also present, while US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner were expected to join the next rounds.

According to Egyptian officials, the parties reached tentative agreement on most first-phase terms  a ceasefire and hostage exchange  but remain divided over Hamass future role and the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal. Talks are scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

Trump, who unveiled the peace blueprint last week, said resolving the Gaza crisis could reset the Middle East peace process." Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi praised the effort, calling it vital to preserving regional stability.

Bombardment Continues Despite Peace Push

Even as the talks unfolded, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza persisted despite Trumps directive to halt the bombing. Gazas Health Ministry said 19 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours, adding to a death toll of over 67,000 since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. Nearly 170,000 have been wounded, the ministry said.

The Israeli military insisted it was conducting defensive strikes" to protect its troops. Hamass October 7 assault on Israel killed about 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken; most have since been released in previous truces.

Hostage Families, Global Reactions

Families of Israeli hostages have written to the Nobel Committee urging it to award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation role. For the first time in months, we are hopeful that our nightmare will finally be over," they said in a letter.

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Meanwhile, the Vatican condemned both Hamass initial massacre and Israels ongoing bombardment. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vaticans secretary of state, said, Even legitimate defence must respect proportionality the chain of hatred leads nowhere good."

In Gaza, civilians continue to endure the humanitarian fallout. Families displaced multiple times struggle for food, water, and safety, with mothers marking their childrens second birthdays in tents instead of homes.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:02 IST

News world Israel, Hamas Begin Egypt Talks On US-Backed Gaza Peace Plan: What We Know So Far

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Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks To Continue On Tuesday

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 05:06 IST

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for the release of the hostages by Hamas on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

The discussions are focused on preparing the ground for a potential exchange of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

The discussions between Hamas and mediators will continue on Tuesday amid a positive atmosphere," according to Egypt media reports.

The indirect talks between Israel and Palestine negotiators began in Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday to discuss the terms of a US-proposed plan for a ceasefire in Gaza.

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According to Al-Qahera News, which is close to Egypts intelligence services, the discussions are focused on preparing the ground for a potential exchange of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The talks are being held behind closed doors, with Egyptian and Qatari mediators shuttling between the two sides.

The discussions are based on a proposal from US President Donald Trump to halt hostilities and initiate a broader peace process.

Trumps plan includes the disarmament of Hamas and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, in return for the release of hostages and political transition in the territory.

Hamass delegation is being led by senior negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, who recently survived an Israeli strike in Doha. He met with Egyptian intelligence officials before the negotiations began, according to an Egyptian security source.

This round of talks comes on the eve of the second anniversary of Hamass October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the war.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for the release of the hostages by Hamas on the second anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day," Starmer said of the October 7 massacre. The brutal, cold blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today."

Release the hostages. Surge aid into Gaza. And a ceasefire that can lead to a lasting and just peace as a step towards a two-state solution," he added.

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This comes after the UK government formally recognised a Palestinian government.

We welcome the US initiative towards peace in the Middle East, and this government will do everything in our power to bring about the day where every child of Israel can live peacefully, alongside their Palestinian neighbors, in safety and security," Starmer added.

Location : Egypt

First Published: October 07, 2025, 05:06 IST

News world Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks To Continue On Tuesday

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'Worst Since Holocaust': Keir Starmer Marks 'Nightmare' Two Years Of Hamas Attack On Israel

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 12:43 IST

Marking two years since Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Keir Starmer called it a 'living nightmare' and the 'worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust'.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Photo: AP)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday termed a living nightmare for many" the two years since Hamass October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.

Starmer, who made the landmark move for the UK to recognise a state of Palestine last month alongside other allies, also welcomed the US plan towards peace in the Middle East" in his statement.

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The UK Prime Minister said the period had seen rising antisemitism" in the UK, days after two Jewish men were killed in an attack against a Manchester synagogue.

Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7th 2023. Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The brutal, cold blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own homes. And the taking of hostages, including British citizens, some of whom remain in Gaza today," the UK PM wrote in an X post.

Since that awful day, so many have endured a living nightmare," he added.

But back here in the UK, our Jewish communities have also endured rising antisemitism on our streets, in our country," he mentioned, adding, last week, a horrifying terrorist attack on the holy day of Yom Kippur in Manchester."

As Starmer welcomed the US initiative towards peace in the Middle East, he wrote, We welcome the US initiative towards peace in the Middle East, and this government will do everything in our power to bring about the day where every child of Israel can live peacefully, alongside their Palestinian neighbours, in safety and security." <

Today we mark two years since the horrifying attacks on Israel by Hamas terrorists on October 7th 2023. Time does not diminish the evil we saw that day. The worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The brutal, cold blooded torture and murder of Jews in their own Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 7, 2025

Hamass October 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 47 of whom are still in Gaza. Of those, the Israeli military says 25 are dead.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 67,160 Palestinians over the last two years, according to health ministry figures in the Hamas-run territory that the United Nations considers reliable.

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ALSO READ | Israel, Hamas Begin Egypt Talks On US-Backed Gaza Peace Plan: What We Know So Far

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: October 07, 2025, 12:41 IST

News world 'Worst Since Holocaust': Keir Starmer Marks 'Nightmare' Two Years Of Hamas Attack On Israel

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Lashkars Kasuri Threatens PM Modi, Peddles Water Terrorism Narrative Against India | Exclusive

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News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 14:14 IST

A video, circulated on Pakistan-based online platforms, showcases Kasuri claiming to act in the name of flood relief work, while openly vowing to avenge the recent floods.

Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Saifullah Khalid (Pic: X)

Lashkar-e-Taibas (LeT) deputy chief and Pahalgam terror attack mastermind Saifullah Kasuri has issued an open threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message accessed by CNN-News18. Kasuri has accused India of engaging in water terrorism." The video, circulated on Pakistan-based online platforms, showcases Kasuri claiming to act in the name of flood relief work," while openly vowing to avenge the recent floods that devastated parts of Pakistan.

Kasuri, who is known to operate under the direct patronage of LeT founder Hafiz Saeeds inner circle, declared that India is doing water terrorism" and alleged that New Delhi deliberately caused flooding in Pakistan through uncontrolled water release." In the video, he praises Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, calling him Field Marshal" and urging him to teach a lesson to PM Modi like we did on May 10, 2025"  a reference intelligence agencies believe points to earlier cross-border terror plots.

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According to top intelligence sources, Kasuris video is more than just propaganda. It is being viewed as part of a coordinated ISI-backed narrative warfare designed to inflame public sentiment in Pakistan while preparing the ground for cross-border infiltration and sleeper cell activation. Sources indicate that Lashkar cells based in Lahore and Bahawalpur have been tasked to revive militant activity along the Jammu and Punjab sectors, potentially signaling the planning of another major strike, dubbed internally as Pahalgam 2."

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Kasuris message also underscores the growing brazenness of Pakistan-based terror outfits that are using humanitarian pretexts  such as flood relief  to mask their extremist mobilisation. Intelligence sources suggest that LeT operatives are exploiting social media and religious networks to spread anti-India propaganda, framing natural disasters as acts of war" by India to justify renewed militancy.

The latest threat comes at a time when India and Pakistan remain locked in diplomatic and military tensions, with Islamabad increasingly using hybrid tactics  propaganda, misinformation, and covert terror operations  to destabilise peace in the region. Officials in New Delhi have reiterated that such threats will not deter Indias counter-terror operations and have warned of strong and decisive action" against any attempt to breach its sovereignty.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: October 07, 2025, 14:14 IST

News world Lashkars Kasuri Threatens PM Modi, Peddles Water Terrorism Narrative Against India | Exclusive

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23-Year-Old Texas Man Accused Of Killing Indian Student At Gas Station Arrested

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 09:51 IST

The 23-year-old Indian student was shot dead at a Fort Worth gas station on Friday night, leaving the local Indian-American community shocked and fearful.

Former Minister T Harish Rao met the family of deceased Indian student Chandrashekar Pole. (Photo: X)

After a 28-year-old student was killed in Texas on Friday night, a 23-year-old man, identified as Richard Florez, was arrested.

The 23-year-old Indian student was shot dead at a Fort Worth gas station on Friday night, leaving the local Indian-American community shocked and fearful.

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The suspect allegedly shot the 28-year-old while he was working a part-time shift, then fled the scene before being apprehended by officers, police said.

The suspect, identified as Richard Florez of North Richland Hills, allegedly shot Chandrashekar Pole at a gas station on Eastchase Parkway, police said. Following the shooting, Florez reportedly fired at another vehicle about a mile away but did not injure anyone. He then crashed into a gate while trying to enter a home on Meadowbrook Drive, where officers arrested him shortly after.

Police said a firearm was recovered from his vehicle. The suspect is currently in the hospital but has been booked for the homicide," Officer Brad Perez, a Fort Worth Police spokesperson, told NBCDFW.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office confirmed Poles identity and said he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials from Fort Worth and Tarrant County noted that a formal statement and further investigative details have been delayed due to a local government shutdown. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the shooting has not yet been determined.

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The Consulate General of India in Houston said they are in contact with Chandrashekars family to assist in repatriating his remains.

Several Indian-American community members and students expressed shock at the killing, saying the recent spate of violence targeting Indian students in the US has left them fearful and grieving.

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: October 07, 2025, 09:43 IST

News world 23-Year-Old Texas Man Accused Of Killing Indian Student At Gas Station Arrested

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MEA 'Ascertaining Veracity' Of Report On Indian National Captured By Ukraine: Source

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 22:26 IST

As of now, no official communication has been received from the Ukrainian side, the source added

Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, 22 from Morbi, Gujarat. (Screengrab)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is currently verifying reports that an Indian national has been captured by Ukrainian forces, a source told News18 on Tuesday.

According to the source, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv is ascertaining the veracity of the report. As of now, no official communication has been received from the Ukrainian side.

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These comments come after a report by The Kyiv Independent stated that Ukraines 63rd Mechanized Brigade had captured an Indian citizen who was allegedly fighting for Russian forces.

The individual was identified as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, a 22-year-old student from Morbi, Gujarat. According to the brigade, Hussein had travelled to Russia to study at a university but was later imprisoned on drug-related charges. He was sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison.

In a video released by the brigade, which is now being widely shared on X, Hussein is seen speaking in Russian. He claims he was given the option to join the Russian military to avoid further jail time.

An Indian who fought in the Russian Armed Forces was captured by soldiers of the 63rd Mechanised Brigade in the Lyman directionMajoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein, 22 y.o, from the city of Morbi. He studied at a university in Russia but was arrested for drugs. To avoid going to pic.twitter.com/TAfQDiYwXu  Cloooud | (@GloOouD) October 7, 2025

I didnt want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the special military operation," Hussein says in the video, using Russias term for its invasion of Ukraine. But I wanted to get out of there."

Hussein says he underwent 16 days of training and was sent on his first combat mission on October 1, where he spent three days. After a disagreement with his commander, he chose to surrender.

I came across a Ukrainian trench position about 23 kilometres away," he says. I immediately put down my rifle and said that I didnt want to fight. I needed help."

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I dont want to go back to Russia. There is no truth there, nothing. Id rather go to prison here (in Ukraine)," he adds. He also claims he was promised money for joining the Russian army but never received any payment.

According to reports, at least 12 Indian nationals have been killed while fighting for Russia since the war began, and 16 others are currently missing.

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: October 07, 2025, 22:15 IST

News world MEA 'Ascertaining Veracity' Of Report On Indian National Captured By Ukraine: Source

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Nashville Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Goes Dark As US Govt Shutdown Continues

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Last Updated: October 08, 2025, 02:56 IST

According to FlightAware, 2,152 flights were delayed in the country  including domestic and international arrivals and departures  and 58 were cancelled as of Tuesday afternoon.

On Monday, the control tower at Californias Hollywood Airport was forced to shut down for several hours due to a lock of air traffic controllers. (Photo Credits: X)

As the US government shutdown continued on the seventh day, Nashville International Airports air traffic control tower on Tuesday became the second tower to go dark amid staff shortages.

According to CNN, the tower at the beloved Tennessee hub will shutter at 7pm until midnight. The pilots wanting to fly into the Nashville airport have been told to contact the regional air traffic control centre in Memphis to get clearance before entering the airspace.

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On Monday, the control tower at Californias Hollywood Airport was forced to shut down for several hours due to a lock of air traffic controllers.

The shutdown that began on October 1 has left scores of unpaid air traffic controllers and airport staffers calling out sick  crippling more than a dozen major travel hubs from New Jersey and Chicago to Texas and California, New York Post quoted the Federal Aviation Administration and flight data.

According to FlightAware, 2,152 flights were delayed in the country  including domestic and international arrivals and departures  and 58 were cancelled as of Tuesday afternoon.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there has been an increase in sick calls since the shutdown and warned that the shutdown will put a strain on air traffic controllers.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to take an unexpected turn towards Democrats, saying he is happy to work" with them on healthcare. The development came after the Senate on Monday again failed to pass two bills to fund the US government.

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The shutdown began a week ago after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a spending bill, with disputes over healthcare funding and federal workforce cuts at the centre of the impasse.

The Presidents comments came as the Senate took another doomed pair of votes on Monday on funding the federal government. Neither the Republican measure nor the Democratic proposal came close to gaining the 60 votes needed to advance.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 08, 2025, 02:56 IST

News world Nashville Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Goes Dark As US Govt Shutdown Continues

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October 7 To October 7: How Two Years Of War Redefined Israel, Gaza And The World

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 16:49 IST

Two years after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, over 67,000 Palestinians and 1,665 Israelis are dead as violence, failed truces, and fragile diplomacy persist.

At least 1,015 children under one year old have been killed by Israel, along with 1,670 medical staff, 254 journalists, and 140 civil defence rescue workers among over 77,000 Palestinians. (Image Credit: Reuters)

Two years after Hamas launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel, the war it set off shows few signs of ending. As the conflict enters its third year, Israel and Hamas remain locked in violence, even as mediators push for a fragile peace. Across Israel, memorials today mark the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 assault that killed around 1,200 people and shocked the world. In Gaza, where entire neighbourhoods have been flattened, more than 67,000 people have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities.

October 7, 2023: The Day It Began

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At dawn on October 7, 2023, Hamas crossed from Gaza into southern Israel, firing thousands of rockets and launching coordinated raids on towns, kibbutzim and military posts. More than 1,200 Israelis- including civilians, police, and soldiers- were killed and about 250 others were taken hostage. Among the hardest-hit areas was Kfar Aza, a kibbutz near the Gaza border, where dozens of families were massacred. Other attacks struck Reim, the site of a music festival where hundreds died and towns such as Ofakim and Sderot, where residents fought running battles with Hamas gunmen.

Israel declared a state of war, vowing to eliminate Hamas."

October-November 2023: Israel Strikes Back

Israel retaliated with relentless airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, followed by a full-scale ground invasion later that month. The assault caused massive destruction to homes, hospitals and schools and displaced more than a million people from northern Gaza. International pressure mounted as images of flattened neighbourhoods spread worldwide. By late November, mediation led to a temporary ceasefire, during which more than 100 Israeli hostages and 240 Palestinian detainees were exchanged. But the truce was short-lived.

2024: War Without End

By early 2024, fighting had resumed with even greater intensity. Israeli forces pressed deeper into Gaza, carrying out operations in Rafah, Khan Younis and other southern cities. The humanitarian toll grew catastrophic and the United Nations accused Israel of creating conditions incompatible with human life" while Israel blamed Hamas for embedding fighters among civilians.

In January 2025, under intense US and Egyptian mediation, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement that included provisions for further hostage-prisoner swaps. It brought brief relief but by March, the truce had collapsed. Israel accused Hamas of violating the deal and Hamas accused Israel of assassinating its commanders.

2025: A Shifting War

In May and June 2025, Israel launched a renewed offensive, its most extensive since the war began. The Israeli military claimed to have captured large sections of northern and central Gaza, though Hamas continued guerrilla attacks and rocket fire. By August, the fighting had shifted to the south, with Israeli airstrikes pounding Rafah and Khan Younis.

The cost of the conflict had become staggering. According to UN estimates, more than 67,000 Palestinians had been killed, including thousands of women and children while Israel reported 1,665 dead, including soldiers lost in the ground offensive.

Diplomacy resurfaced and in October 2025, Israel and Hamas entered indirect talks in Egypt, brokered by the US and Qatar, around a 20-point peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump. Hamas said it accepted parts of the plan, prompting Donald Trump to call for Israel to immediately stop the bombing" to enable the release of remaining hostages.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was preparing for the immediate implementation" of the first stage of the proposal. Still, residents in Gaza reported fresh airstrikes within hours of the announcement.

Two years after Hamas surprise attack, the war continues to reshape the Middle East- redrawing alliances, testing US diplomacy and leaving both Israelis and Palestinians trapped.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: October 07, 2025, 16:49 IST

News world October 7 To October 7: How Two Years Of War Redefined Israel, Gaza And The World

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Pakistan, US Boost Defence Ties: Washington Approves Advanced Missile Sale To Islamabad | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 11:49 IST

Pakistan is set to acquire the AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) by 2030.

Earlier this year, Munir had visited Washington and was hosted by President Trump for lunch at the White House. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

The United States has approved the sale of advanced air-to-air missiles to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), underscoring a revival in military cooperation between the two nations. According to an official document released by Washington, Pakistan is set to acquire the AIM-120D-3 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) by 2030. The delivery forms part of a broader list of weapon sales to US allies and partners globally.

The AIM-120D-3 is the latest and most advanced variant of the AMRAAM family, designed for beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagements against enemy aircraft and incoming missiles. Defence analysts note that this missile will considerably enhance the operational range and precision of Pakistans existing F-16 fleet, making it better equipped to respond to aerial threats.

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According to top defence sources, Pakistan had long been lobbying for the acquisition of new-generation AMRAAMs to replace its ageing AIM-120C-5 variants, which were supplied along with the F-16 Block 52 aircraft in 2010. With Indias rapid modernisation of its air fleet  including the induction of Rafale jets equipped with Meteor missiles  Islamabad had been under pressure to bridge the capability gap.

The decision reportedly followed a series of high-level meetings held in July 2025, when Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met senior US military and political leaders in Washington. The discussions, described as landmark" by diplomatic insiders, focused on defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.

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This move comes months after the United States extended assistance to Pakistan in repairing F-16 jets damaged during Indias Operation Sindoor"  a retaliatory strike that left several PAF aircraft grounded. Washingtons support in refurbishing those assets marked the first concrete sign of renewed strategic engagement between the two sides after years of strained ties.

Pakistans Army Chief General Asim Munir recently held a series of meetings with US President Donald Trump and senior defence officials. Sources suggest the conversations revolved around counterterrorism, defence modernisation, and regional balance, signaling that Pakistan-US military relations are once again entering a phase of pragmatic cooperation.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: October 07, 2025, 11:49 IST

News world Pakistan, US Boost Defence Ties: Washington Approves Advanced Missile Sale To Islamabad | Exclusive

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Pakistan's Maulana Fazlur Rehman Keen To Visit India With 'Message Of Peace' | Exclusive

Reported By :

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 10:35 IST

The disclosure was made by Senator Kamran Murtaza, a close aide of Fazlur Rehman. Murtaza claimed that he personally conveyed Maulanas message of peace to an Indian diplomat.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman. (Image: X/naofpakistan)

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is keen to visit India with what he calls a message of peace". The disclosure was made by Senator Kamran Murtaza, a close aide of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, during a television interview with Pakistani journalist Shaukat Piracha. Murtaza claimed that he personally conveyed Maulanas message of peace to an Indian diplomat, in the presence of anchor Moeed Pirzada, who also confirmed the exchange.

According to top intelligence sources, the move comes amid growing internal fault lines within Pakistans political and military establishment, including rising tensions between Punjabi and Pashtun factions. Top intelligence sources told CNN News18 that the message reflects Maulanas intent to project himself as a regional peacemaker at a time when relations between India and Pakistan remain tense.

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According to sources, Maulana Fazlur Rehman  who hails from Dera Ismail Khan and belongs to the Pashtun community  has positioned himself as the political voice of Pashtun discontent. This development, intelligence sources believe, is deeply intertwined with the growing resentment among Pashtun-origin officers and politicians who feel increasingly marginalised under the leadership of Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir.

Top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18 that a quiet but notable rift has emerged within Pakistans power structure, particularly between Punjabi-dominated army leadership and sidelined Pashtun groups. Some mid-level and retired officers of Pashtun origin within the Pakistan Army and ISI are reportedly encouraging Maulanas peace narrative," viewing it as a way to counterbalance Munirs consolidation of power.

Intelligence sources have also indicated that this initiative could serve multiple objectives. On one hand, Maulanas proposed visit to India seeks to test New Delhis diplomatic reaction to Pakistans internal divisions. On the other, it symbolically challenges Munirs authority, offering a softer, people-centric counterpoint to the militarys hardline stance toward India.

Kamran Murtaza, citing Maulanas past efforts, noted that the cleric had previously visited India in 2002 and 2003  times when bilateral relations were equally strained. During those visits, Maulana met with senior political leaders, including Bal Thackeray and members of the NDA government, underscoring his earlier attempts at dialogue.

Intelligence sources also point to a broader backdrop of unease within Pakistans security establishment. Officers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are said to be opposing Islamabads increasingly aggressive posture towards India. These officers reportedly view rising hostility as detrimental to border communities already burdened by instability and poverty.

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Sources say Maulanas peace overture is not merely symbolic  its an indirect signal to both Islamabad and New Delhi that internal discontent in Pakistans power corridors is real and growing."

If the proposal moves forward, intelligence sources believe Maulanas India visit could mark a subtle but significant shift in Pakistans internal dynamics  and a test for Indias diplomatic calculus in the region.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: October 07, 2025, 10:35 IST

News world Pakistan's Maulana Fazlur Rehman Keen To Visit India With 'Message Of Peace' | Exclusive

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Putin, Netanyahu Hold Phone Call On Gaza War, Iran Nuclear Issue Amid Regional Tensions

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 09:08 IST

The call between Putin and Netanyahu comes as multiple global powers attempt to shape the outcome of Trumps proposed Gaza peace plan.

The two world leaders also spoke about Iran's nuclear programme. (AFP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone conversation on Monday to discuss the ongoing Gaza war, Irans nuclear program, and broader regional stability, the Kremlin confirmed.

According to the Kremlin readout, the leaders exchanged views on US President Donald Trumps recently unveiled 20-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. Putin reiterated Moscows stance in favour of a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue," signaling Russias continued interest in shaping post-war diplomacy in the region.

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Focus On Iran And Syria

The discussion also touched on efforts to revive negotiations around Irans nuclear program  a matter of mutual concern for both Moscow and Jerusalem  and on the situation in Syria, where Russia maintains a significant military presence. The Kremlin said both sides underscored the importance of preventing further escalation" in the Middle East.

This was the first known conversation between Putin and Netanyahu since August and comes amid growing international engagement around the Gaza crisis.

Balancing Ties Amid US-Russia Tensions

Israeli broadcaster KAN News reported that Netanyahu has been quietly working to ease tensions between Putin and Trump, even as Washington and Moscow remain at odds over Russias war in Ukraine. Netanyahus office has reportedly coordinated with Russian officials on several fronts, reflecting Israels delicate balancing act between its strategic ties with the US and its pragmatic relationship with the Kremlin.

Despite these diplomatic overtures, Russias close engagement with Palestinian factions  including Hamas  continues to draw scrutiny. Earlier this year, after the release of Russian-Israeli hostage Sasha Troufanov, Putin praised Hamas for what he called a humanitarian act."

Your release is a result of Russias long-standing ties with Palestinians and their representatives," Putin told Troufanov and his family. We should thank Hamass leadership for this decision."

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Why The Sudden Phone Call

The call between Putin and Netanyahu comes as multiple global powers attempt to shape the outcome of Trumps proposed Gaza peace plan. Moscows involvement adds another layer of complexity to the already tense diplomatic landscape  with Russia seeking to reassert influence across the Middle East while managing its own confrontation with the West.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 08:41 IST

News world Putin, Netanyahu Hold Phone Call On Gaza War, Iran Nuclear Issue Amid Regional Tensions

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Superpowers Need Allies: Netanyahu Warns Trump, Cites Irans Missile Programme Threat

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 13:00 IST

Netanyahu credited Donald Trump for what he described as a decisive and judicious approach in countering Irans nuclear ambitions without sparking a larger regional war.

Netanyahu was speaking in an interview on October 7, exactly two years after Hamass attack on Israel.. (AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that global powers cannot afford to stand alone in an increasingly volatile world, stressing that superpowers need allies" and that Israel remains a vital partner in confronting shared threats such as Irans nuclear ambitions.

Speaking in an interview, Netanyahu said that even the strongest nations depend on alliances for security, technological advancement, and intelligence-sharing. America First doesnt mean America alone, because all countries need allies. Superpowers need allies. China has allies. Russia has allies," he said, emphasising that cooperation is key to sustaining strategic advantage.

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Netanyahu made the remarks on October 7, exactly two years after the Hamas attack on Israel.

He described Israel as a fighting ally that pulls its weight," noting that his country has defended itself for decades without seeking foreign troops. We dont ask for Americans to bring boots on the ground. Weve done the job of defending ourselves pretty well over the last 77 years," Netanyahu said.

Turning to Iran, the Israeli leader claimed that Tehrans efforts to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads pose a direct threat to the United States.

Iran is developing now ballistic missiles with an 8,000-kilometre range. Add another 3,000 kilometres, and theyve got under their atomic guns New York City, Washington, Boston, Miami, Mar-a-Lago," he warned.

Netanyahu credited US President Donald Trump for what he described as a decisive and judicious" approach in countering Irans nuclear ambitions without sparking a larger regional war.

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We had exactly the right alliance in which we shared the labour, and we achieved this neutralisation of Iran, which could blackmail every American city," he said.

The Israeli prime ministers remarks come amid renewed tensions in the Middle East over Irans advancing nuclear capabilities and ongoing US efforts to curb Tehrans weapons program through diplomatic and economic means.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small even... Read More

First Published: October 07, 2025, 13:00 IST

News world Superpowers Need Allies: Netanyahu Warns Trump, Cites Irans Missile Programme Threat

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'Transformative President': Canada PM Credits Trump For India-Pakistan Peace, NATO Unity

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Last Updated: October 07, 2025, 23:45 IST

Since May 10, Trump has repeatedly claimed that he played a key role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan

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US President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (AFP photo)

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday praised US President Donald Trump for helping bring about peace between India and Pakistan, calling him a transformative president" during their meeting at the White House.

You are a transformative president the transformation in the economy, unprecedented commitments of NATO partners to defence spending, peace from India, Pakistan through to Azerbaijan, Armenia, disabling Iran as the force of terror," Carney said during bilateral talks in the Oval Office, as Trump nodded in agreement.

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Canada PM Mark Carney, while listing out Trumps achievement, mentions peace between India & Pakistan. The Canadian PM is hosted at the White House by the US President Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/r1A7qmX5ya Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 7, 2025

Carney, who took office in April this year, had previously visited the White House in May.

Trumps Claim On India-Pakistan Ceasefire

Since May 10, Trump has repeatedly claimed that he played a key role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. On that day, he announced on social media that both countries had agreed to a full and immediate" ceasefire following a long night" of talks brokered by Washington.

Trump has since referred to this claim nearly 50 times, stating that he helped settle" the tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. However, India has consistently denied any third-party mediation in the matter.

The flare-up between India and Pakistan followed the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terror camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Over the next four days, both sides exchanged intense drone and missile strikes, raising fears of a wider conflict.

An understanding to halt hostilities was reached on May 10. According to Indian officials, the agreement came after direct military-to-military talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries  not through external mediation.

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India has remained firm that the ceasefire was a result of direct bilateral engagement and not due to any foreign intervention

(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

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: October 07, 2025, 23:40 IST

News world 'Transformative President': Canada PM Credits Trump For India-Pakistan Peace, NATO Unity

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Oct 07, 2025 12:45 IST

Since the war began, thousands of people in Gaza are still missing, leaving families in a state of prolonged anguish as they search for clues about their loved ones, as per a report in AP. The case of Mohammad al-Najjar, who is searching for his 23-year-old son Ahmad after they were separated during an Israeli bombing in Deir al-Balah, exemplifies the suffering of many. Search and recovery efforts are described as an enormous task and are severely hampered by the extensive destruction of infrastructure, ongoing hostilities, and a lack of heavy equipment. This situation creates significant challenges for humanitarian organizations and complicates future efforts for accountability and documentation of casualties.
An unrepentant thief who broke into various government offices including Minister Kazembe Kazembes office appeared in court yesterday charged with nine counts of unlawful entry.

The suspect Romeo Kurai Pemba was previously convicted of similar allegations after he broke into Harare Magistrates Court in 2016.

In his latest brush with the law, Pemba appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai who denied him bail.

The state represented by Takudzwa Jambawo alleged that on June 18, and at Mukwati Building 17th Floor, Harare in the Ministry of Office of the President and Cabinet, Pemba without permission or authority from Ministry of Office of the President and Cabinet represented by Ulathi Hlongwane the lawful occupier of the premises concerned or without other lawful authority forced open the door using an unknown object to gain entry into the offices.

He allegedly stole four Central Processing Units, a keyboard and two HP laptops and went away.

In the second count, it is alleged that Pemba broke into the same premises and stole three all in one HP desktops and went away.

Prosecutor Jambawo told the court that on July 4 Pemba broke into the Zimbabwe Statics Agency offices at Kaguvi building and stole two All in One HP desktops and went away .

Using the same modus operandi, Pemba broke into the Ministry of Home Affairs offices at Mkwati Building on the 11th floor on August 2.

He allegedly stole four All in One core i7 computers and went away.

He struck again on August 29 and broke into the Home Affairs office at Mukwati Building and stole another All in One computer, a desk top an HP power pack and two novels.

On the same night, he allegedly broke into the

Ministry of Gender Mainstreaming Industry and Wellness at Mukwati building and stole an All in one desktop.

He allegedly also broke into the Ministry of Home Affairs Cultural Heritage in the Executive Assistant in Minister Kazembe Kazembes and stole an all in one computer and power pack. H Metro
Israel and Hamas began indirect talks on ending the war in Gaza on Monday, after both sides signaled support for US President Trump's peace plan, the AP reports. The talks in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are brokered by the US and aim at hammering out details for the plan's first phase. That includes a ceasefire to allow for the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Sources tell Al Jazeera day one ended on a positive note, and talks will continue Tuesday. Trump's plan has received wide international backing and raised hopes for an end to a devastating war that has upended global politics, left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and the Gaza Strip in ruins. Here's what we know:
The Supreme Court heard arguments in its first big case of the new term on Tuesday, and it seems poised to hand conservatives a victory on a closely watched LGBTQ issue. The court signaled skepticism toward a law in Colorado that bans "conversion therapy" for minors, reports Reuters. The therapy is intended to change a person's sexual orientation, but the state views it as potentially harmful. The court, however, seemed ready to strike down the ban as an infringement of therapists' right to free speech, per the New York Times.
Assyrian Lamassu Erected At Acropolis Museum

Athens -- Visitors to the Acropolis Museum today were met with a striking new sight on the west side of its outdoor terrace -- a monumental sculpture in the form of a winged bull. On closer inspection, the most fascinating detail emerges: the sculpture is made entirely of metal date syrup cans from Iraq, each carrying with it stories of war, destruction, but also resilience, unity, and hope.

The installation, titled Lamassu of Nineveh, is the creation of internationally acclaimed Iraqi-American artist Michael Rakowitz. It forms the second part of the trilogy "Michael Rakowitz & Ancient Cultures", presented at the Acropolis Museum in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, and the organization NEON. The project aims to highlight the devastating consequences of war while sending a message of rebirth and reconciliation through art and cultural dialogue.

The choice of materials is deeply symbolic. The cans used by Rakowitz are made from discarded containers of Iraqi date syrup -- remnants of what was once a thriving national industry, decimated by decades of conflict and sanctions. In doing so, the artist adds a new layer to the story of Iraq's cultural, economic, and ecological losses.

This sculpture belongs to Rakowitz's long-running series The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist, begun in 2006, which reconstructs ancient artifacts looted from the National Museum of Iraq and other archaeological sites following the 2003 U.S. invasion.

"It is an honor to collaborate with a museum whose very DNA is built on the effort to reunite people with their rightful heritage,"

said Michael Rakowitz at the unveiling, making a subtle reference to Greece's ongoing campaign for the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles.

"For me, this is one of the most important museums in the world -- a beacon for nations seeking to reconnect their people with their history."

The impressive 4.3-meter-long sculpture, now on display in the museum's forecourt until October 31, 2026, recreates the ancient Assyrian protective deity that once stood at the Nergal Gate of Nineveh from around 700 B.C. until February 2015, when it was destroyed by ISIS along with other priceless antiquities in nearby Mosul.

The reverse of the sculpture features a cuneiform inscription, once hidden from public view, that Rakowitz has reproduced prominently. It reads:

"Sennacherib, king of the world, king of Assyria, had the inner and outer walls of Nineveh built anew and raised high as mountains."

During the presentation, Nikolaos Stampolidis, Director of the Acropolis Museum and co-curator of the exhibition, described the experience of seeing the sculpture installed as "almost metaphysical":

"It was evening, there was light rain, and suddenly the moon appeared through the clouds. At that moment, I was looking at the inscription about King Sennacherib, who called himself 'King of the World.' His name -- Sin, Ahe, Eriba -- means 'the god Sin has replaced the brothers.' Sin is the god of the Moon. It was as if the god of the Moon himself had returned for Sennacherib."

Stampolidis went on to emphasize the moral of the work:

"Even as our technological knowledge soars, humanity seems to decline. This is a constant and complex issue, particularly for the regions of the East and the Eastern Mediterranean. I hope we can turn walls into bridges -- when we think of the people to whom the Lamassu belongs, those who fled war in Iraq, Syria, or today from the genocide in Palestine. I hope this work brings some sweetness to the tongues of those who may welcome them as new neighbors."

Elena Kountouri, co-curator of the exhibition and director of NEON, added:

"In this trilogy, Michael Rakowitz highlights the importance of other cultures. Rather than focusing solely on the beauty of Classical Greece, we take a step further -- using the visual language and sculptural tradition of another civilization to express universal and timeless human ideas."

Finally, as part of the exhibition program, a lecture titled "Heritage, Genocide, and Memory" will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Acropolis Museum Auditorium. The talk will be delivered by Dr. Alda Benjamen, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Dayton and specialist in the modern history of the Middle East. Admission will be free to the public.
Thirty paintings created by the bushy-haired, soft-spoken Bob Ross will soon be up for auction to defray the costs of programming for small and rural public television stations suffering under cuts in federal funding, per the AP . Ross, a public television stalwart in the 1980s and '90s, "dedicated his life to making art accessible to everyone," said Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc. "This auction ensures his legacy continues to support the very medium that brought his joy and creativity into American homes for decades."

Bonhams in Los Angeles will auction three of Ross' paintings on Nov. 11. Other auctions will follow in London, New York, Boston, and online. All profits are pledged to stations that use content from distributor American Public Television. The move comes after Congress, at the behest of President Trump, eliminated $1.1 billion allocated to public broadcasting, leaving about 330 PBS and 246 NPR stations to find alternative funding sources. Many launched emergency fund drives. Some have been forced to lay off staff and make programming cuts.

Ross died in 1995 of complications from cancer after 11 years in production with The Joy of Painting. The 30 paintings to be auctioned span Ross' career and include landscapes depicting serene mountain vistas and lake scenes, his signature aesthetic. He created most of the 30 on-air, each in under 30 minutes, which was the span of a single episode. Bonhams sold two early 1990s mountain-and-lake scenes by Ross in August for $114,800 and $95,750. The 30 paintings soon to be sold have an estimated total value of $850,000 to $1.4 million, Bonhams said.
Australian prosecutors are pushing for a tougher punishment for Erin Patterson, the woman convicted of killing three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth with a poisonous mushroom lunch. Patterson, 51, received a life sentence last month , with the possibility of parole only after 33 yearsa term already among the longest ever given to a female offender in the country. Prosecutors, however, labeled the punishment "'manifestly inadequate" and lodged an appeal on Monday, the last day they could do so; the AP reports they are seeking a longer guaranteed prison term.

Patterson was found guilty in July of serving a lethal beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms at her home in Victoria in 2023. Victims included her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, barely survived after a lengthy hospital stay and continues to deal with the fallout of the poisoning. Prosecutors in September had argued she should never have the possibility of parole.

Patterson, currently held in isolation at Melbourne's Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, spends all but two hours a day alone due to concerns for her safety; she will likely retain "notorious prisoner" status for years. Meanwhile, the BBC reports her legal team is expected to challenge the conviction itself, though the formal grounds on which they plan to do so have not yet been disclosed. (Ian Wilkinson described himself as "half alive.")
On Tuesday, Israel marked two years since the deadly Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023 which left roughly 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. Low-key memorials unfolded in southern kibbutzim hit hardest by the violence, while a larger rally was held in Tel Aviv, with families pleading for the release of those still held by Hamas in Gaza, the Guardian reports. The Times of Israel reports that 30,000 people attended the Tel Aviv rally, which was organized by group founded by families of victims, hostages, and attack survivors.

At dawn, relatives of victims gathered at the Nova music festival sitewhere over 370 people died and dozens were abductedpausing for a minute of silence at 6:29am, the exact moment the assault began. The somber anniversary also coincides with two years of Israel's military operations in Gaza, a campaign that's devastated the region and its people. The official memorial will take place later in October at Mount Herzl, following the Simchat Torah holiday. The AP reports that at the Nova site, the sound of Israeli artillery fire and explosions could be heard from Gaza. The military said a rocket was fired from northern Gaza Tuesday morning, but there were no reports of injuries or damage.

The echoes of October 7 remain inescapable in Israel, the Guardian reports. Posters of the hostages line public spaces, and torched homes in kibbutzim stand as grim reminders. The day's events are colored by a cautious optimism, as negotiators from both sides met in Egypt to discuss a potential dealone that could see remaining hostages freed, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners released, and Israeli troops withdrawn from Gaza. While an agreement remains elusive, this round of talks has generated more hope than previous efforts, with both sides signaling acceptance of President Trump's peace plan.

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas continued Tuesday. The Gaza health ministry says more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war. Maha Shbeir, a doctor at Nasser Hospital, tells the AP that the last two years have felt like decades. "I've seen cases of children, elderly people, women, cases of amputation, burns, head injuries," she says. "I don't know how we will recover in the future from them, from those scenes that we've seen."
FUKUSHIMA, Oct 07 (News On Japan) - A magnitude 4.9 earthquake occurred off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture around 9:30 a.m. on October 7th, registering a maximum intensity of 4 on the Japanese seismic scale. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is no risk of a tsunami caused by this tremor.

The quake struck at a depth of about 50 kilometers beneath the seabed off Fukushima, with strong shaking recorded in the towns of Futaba and Namie, both registering an intensity of 4. Areas across Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures also experienced intensity-3 shaking. Reports collected by Weathernews described the tremor as a sudden jolt that felt like being pushed upward, particularly near the epicenter.

Just two days earlier, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake had occurred in nearly the same area off the coast of Fukushima in the early hours of October 5th, also recording a maximum intensity of 4. This latest quake originated slightly west of that epicenter, and while smaller in scale, it was located slightly closer to land, resulting in similar shaking levels.

The region off Fukushima is known for frequent seismic activity, as the Pacific Plate continues to subduct beneath the continental plate along the Japan Trench. Earthquakes of magnitudes between 5 and 6 occur relatively often in this zone. Experts warn that residents should remain alert for future tremors and continue taking precautions against strong quakes.

According to Weathernews, the area has seen repeated quakes at depths around 50 kilometers, consistent with the current event, reflecting the areas geological instability. Residents are advised to stay informed through the latest updates from official weather and disaster information sources.

Source: 
TOKYO, Oct 07 (News On Japan) - Police have arrested a 43-year-old former employee of Tsuda College in Kodaira, western Tokyo, on suspicion of property damage after he allegedly took a female students shorts from a locker and defiled them with bodily fluid.

According to investigators, the suspect, identified as former Tsuda College staff member Yusuke Tanabe, is accused of removing a pair of shorts belonging to a female student from an unlocked locker inside the womens universitys Kodaira campus and coming on them.

Authorities launched an investigation after receiving reports from the university that an online forum post showed a man splashing bodily fluid on a female students shorts, leading to the identification of Tanabe as a possible suspect.

During questioning, Tanabe admitted to the allegations, reportedly telling police, "I have a fetish for womens clothing and couldnt control my desires."

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police believe multiple students may have been victimized and are conducting a broader investigation.

Tsuda College issued a statement saying, "We take this incident extremely seriously and are cooperating fully with the authorities. While we have regularly conducted compliance and ethics training for faculty and staff, we will further strengthen our university-wide efforts to ensure a safe learning environment."

Source: TBS
Closure of the small format city-centre store due to shifting consumer behaviour in the Greater Toronto Area

BURLINGTON, ON, Oct. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - In response to a rapidly evolving retail landscape and changing consumer behaviour, IKEA Canada will close its IKEA Scarborough Town Centre (STC) location. The closure is planned to take place in early 2026 and the store remains open to the public until a final date is determined.

IKEA Canada to close IKEA Scarborough Town Centre; closure of the small format city-centre store due to shifting consumer behaviour in the Greater Toronto Area (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

"We are constantly renewing and improving our business in order to remain relevant in an ever-changing retail world and to secure our future as a leading omnichannel retailer for generations to come," says Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada. "This decision has not been taken lightly and even as we respond to market needs, we are committed to putting our people first and leading with our culture and values through this transition."

IKEA STC opened in August 2023 as a city-centre store  a new smaller format that IKEA had been testing in several markets globally. With the evolution of e-commerce, Canadians are choosing to shop more often with IKEA digitally. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 33.8 million visitors to its stores and 162.6 million visitors to IKEA.ca. Shifting consumer behaviour towards online shopping combined with a limited range of products that could be offered within the smaller footprint have resulted in lower-than-expected performance.

The IKEA STC location currently employs 130 co-workers. Caring for and supporting each of them through this transition is the company's highest priority and the retailer aims to minimize the impact as much as possible.

IKEA remains committed to serving the Scarborough community in the best way possible and will continue its efforts to be affordable, accessible, and sustainable to Canadians no matter how they choose to shop with the brand. Customers in the area can access products, solutions, services, and inspiration at the nearest full-size location in North York as well as through other customer touchpoints such as IKEA Plan and order points, IKEA.ca, Collection points, Click and collect, and home delivery.

Valuable learnings and insights from IKEA STC will inform how the company realigns its resources and adapts as a business that is committed to creating a better everyday life for the many.

ABOUT IKEA CANADA

Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 574 IKEA stores, shops and planning studios in 31 countries, including 16 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 33.8 million visitors to its stores and 162.6 million visitors to IKEA.ca. IKEA Canada operates business through the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people and does so through its local community efforts and sustainability initiatives. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit IKEA.ca.

SOURCE IKEA Canada Limited Partnership

MEDIA CONTACT: Please note that media interviews are not being granted at this time. Alicia Carroll, PR Leader, IKEA Canada, [email protected]
REGINA, SK, Oct. 7, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian food and beverage manufacturing sector has faced slower-than-expected growth in the first half of 2025, with sales and margins experiencing pressure given the challenging trade and economic environment. According to Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) Food and Beverage Report mid-year update, the sector saw a modest sales increase of 0.8 per cent in the first half of the year, but this momentum is not expected to hold, with a projected 0.3 per cent decline in the second half.

After a promising start to 2025, food and beverage manufacturers are beginning to feel the pinch of trade disruptions. FCC Economics now forecasts overall sales growth for 2025 to be restricted to just 0.2 per cent, down from the April projection of 0.6 per cent. If this holds, it will mark the lowest annual growth for the sector since 2005.

While the vast majority of Canadian food and beverage products continue to enter the U.S. market tariff-free, it's far from business as usual for Canadian exporters. Canadian businesses must ensure thorough documentation to demonstrate compliance with CUSMA regulations, adding complexity to the trade landscape. As a result, overall food exports to the U.S. are down in 2025 and uncertainty is hurting businesses investments.

Much of the sales growth seen so far is price-driven: sales are slowly trending up because of price increases, while the volume of goods sold is declining. Sectors with higher reliance on export markets faced more headwinds than those selling primarily into the domestic market. For example, dairy products and meat product manufacturing showed positive sales early in the year while grain and oilseed milling faced significant challenges early on due to tariffs and biofuel policy uncertainty.

"The first half of 2025 has been a test of resilience for our industry," said Amanda Norris, FCC senior economist. "Despite the challenges, we have seen some sectors show remarkable strength, driven by sales diversification."

There is cautious optimism for 2026, with expectations of stabilizing or even falling input prices, particularly for grains and oilseeds. The job vacancy rate in food and beverage manufacturing fell to 2.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, the lowest for the same period since 2015, indicating a larger pool of available workers.

There is also one potential bright spot so far this year and that is an uptick in per capita Canadian household expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages in both the first and second quarter of 2025. This is a positive development given the earlier concern that slower population growth would cap demand for food and beverages.

A continued strong demand for non-alcoholic beverages including energy drinks with new flavour profiles and functional ingredients is a longer-term trend and that momentum is expected to continue into 2026.

"Looking ahead to 2026, we are optimistic about the potential for recovery," said Norris. "A modest rebound in sales, paired with stabilizing or even falling input prices are positive signs that we can build on to drive growth and profitability."

Building a stronger Canadian economy can open up interprovincial trade opportunities for food and beverage and capitalize on Canadians' appetite for domestic products, as mentioned in an FCC report titled The $12-billion trade shift: Canada's opportunity to diversify food exports beyond the U.S.

About FCC

FCC is proud to be 100 per cent invested in Canadian agriculture and food. The organization's employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise. FCC offers a complement of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

SOURCE Farm Credit Canada

For more information, photos or interviews, please contact: Eva Larouche, FCC Media Relations, 1-888-780-6647, [email protected]
A New Jersey man was sentenced to five years in prison on Monday after admitting in court he was drunk and speeding on the water in Atlantic County when he crashed his boat, killing his passenger.

Jason Santo, 44, of Camden County, admitted that his recklessness caused the death of Mark Risden, 44, of Burlington County, and injured two other passengers, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.

The crash occurred the night of Aug. 11, 2023, in the area of the Intercoastal Waterway on Great Bay.

Santo admitted to being intoxicated and speeding in the dark when he collided with a channel marker, the prosecutors office said in a statement.

The investigation determined that Santos level of intoxication and speed were significant contributing factors to this incident, the prosecutors office said in a statement.

The New Jersey State Police Marine Service Bureau, the United States Coast Guard, and TowBoat US assisted in extricating the boats injured passengers.

Santo pleaded guilty Aug. 5, to second-degree reckless death by vessel and two counts of fourth-degree assault by vessel.

In exchange for his plea, Santo was sentenced to five years in prison with 85% parole ineligibility followed by three years of parole, and a five-year drivers license suspension.

According to his obituary, Risden was born in Marlton and graduated from Shawnee High School in Medford.

He had a masters degree in engineering management from Rowan University and worked as an analyst for the New Jersey Department of Treasurys Division of Property Management and Construction.
A New Jersey man has filed a federal lawsuit against Bergen County officials, claiming he was wrongly evicted from his apartment, falsely arrested, and held at the local jail for five months, where he was severely beaten by prisoners.

Giuseppe Aiello, 53, states in court papers he was arrested June 2, 2024, when he entered his apartment on Henderson Avenue in Fair Lawn and a man claiming to be the landlord called police on him.

Aiello said he had been away from home for some time. He claimed that the man, who was not the landlord, entered his apartment, moved his belongings to the garage, and changed the locks.

When Aiello returned home and couldnt get in, he entered through a basement window.

Thats when the man claiming to be the landlord called 911 to report a problematic tenant was breaking in, alleges the lawsuit, filed Sept. 28 in U.S. District Court.

Fair Lawn police officers arrived shortly after 1 a.m. and, after reflecting on their lack of probable cause, called the countys SWAT team to report a barricaded subject, alleges the suit.

The suit states Aiello was arrested and his dog taken to an animal shelter.

Fair Lawn police and Bergen County officials did not respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

After a pre-trial detention hearing, Aiello was ordered held at the Bergen County Jail, where he remained for five months, according to the lawsuit.

During that time, Aiello claims he injured his back during a trip-and-fall incident but didnt receive proper medical care for a month. He also claims he was labeled a rat after he reported other prisoners were threatening him.

On Sept. 28, 2024, Aiello said he was ambushed in his cell by four inmates who beat him into unconsciousness.

The beating resulted in a broken jaw and nose, an orbital fracture, loss of five teeth, and facial trauma, according to the suit.

Following the assault, (Aiello) required hospitalization and surgery to repair his jaw with titanium plates and screws, the lawsuit says.

The lawsuit says Aiello was treated at Hackensack University Medical Center and then returned to the jail, where he continued to suffer pain, dizziness, numbness, impaired vision, and inability to chew, according to the suit.

Aiello was released from the Bergen County Jail on Oct. 28, 2024, after spending nearly five months unlawfully imprisoned under conditions that violated his constitutional rights, the suit alleges.

The lawsuit claims Fair Lawn police violated his Fourth Amendment rights designed to protect against unreasonable search and seizure.

The suit also claims the man who had him arrested was believed to be a friend of the police and was attempting to be hired by them.

The suit accuses police of acting in concert with Aiellos accuser, arresting him without probable cause. Hes also claiming unlawful detention, false arrest, and malicious prosecution.

Aiello also claims the jail violated his rights under the New Jersey Civil Rights Act through alleged indifference to his serious medical needs.

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, along with monetary damages.
The Essex County Prosecutors Office has filed a lawsuit seeking to keep more than $238,000 seized from two men who were charged with using their business and home as fronts for illegal, high-stakes gambling operations.

Olvin J. Rodriguez Cuevas and Danilo Rodriguez, both of Bergen County, were arrested June 20 during the execution of search warrants at an Orange Avenue business in Irvington and their home on Garibaldi Avenue in Lodi, according to court documents.

Police raided both locations, seizing a total of $238,167, which the prosecutors office claims were illegal gambling proceeds.

The complaint was filed Aug. 18 in Superior Court of Essex County by the prosecutors Forfeiture Unit.

At the time of the seizure, (the suspects) were engaged in illegal activity of violating the laws governing illegal gambling and financial facilitation, the lawsuit states.

Rodriguez Cuevas and Rodriguez were charged with money laundering, promoting gambling, and possession of gambling records, according to the suit.

Attorneys for the men were not listed in court records.
A New York driver was arrested after investigators linked him to a hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a trucker standing on the side of a Hunterdon County expressway last month, authorities said.

Marshall Vizinat, 57, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was standing along the right shoulder on the westbound side of Interstate 78 in Readington Township on Sept. 29 when he was struck at 7:55 p.m., according to a statement from the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office.

New Jersey State Police troopers and an off-duty emergency medical technician attended to Vizinat, who was rushed to Hunterdon Medical Center and later pronounced dead, the office said.

During their investigation, troopers identified a pickup truck with an attached trailer as the vehicle responsible for striking Vizinat, who had been standing outside of his truck, officials said.

They later identified Antoni E. Xicay Mazariegos, 24, of Nanuet, New York, as the man who was driving the pickup truck that left the scene, authorities said.

He was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, investigators said.

Following the crash, Mazariegos continued traveling westbound until he exited Interstate 78 in Tewksbury Township, and struck a car, the office said.

Troopers later apprehended Mazariegos and charged him with second-degree death by auto, second-degree leaving the scene of a crash which resulted in the death of the victim and third-degree strict liability vehicular homicide, authorities said.

Mazariegos was released onto pretrial monitoring with conditions following his first court appearance, the office said.
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If youre looking for the Perfect way to spend next fall, then start looking into Ed Sheerans upcoming stadium tour.

Ed Sheeran is heading out on his Loop Tour in 2026, and hell perform two shows at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5, 2026.

Ed Sheeran Tour 2026 The cheapest Ed Sheeran tickets are available on SeatGeek. Buy Now

As he is one of the top-selling concert artists in the world, according to Variety, this is a tour you dont want to miss.

Plus, you can secure tickets right now to his MetLife Stadium concerts for under $100, which means theres no reason for you to not see Ed Sheeran next year.

So, heres how you can secure tickets to see Ed Sheeran live in 2026.

How to get tickets to Ed Sheerans 2026 tour stadium tour

Right now, the cheapest ticket we could find for Ed Sheerans tour stop at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 4, 2026, is $81 on SeatGeek.

For his Sept. 5 concert at MetLife Stadium, the cheapest tickets we could find are $92 on Viagogo.

Ed Sheeran fans can also secure tickets on StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketNetwork, SeatGeek and Viagogo, in case cheapest tickets sell out.

Plus, you can first-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout.

You can find a full schedule of Ed Sheerans 2026 tour dates here.

Ed Sheeran Tour 2026: Dates, schedule & more

Ed Sheeran will begin his Loop Tour in 2026 on Sept. 27, 2026 in Chicago and will wrap up in North America on Nov. 7 in Tampa, Fla.

As the is in support of his latest album Play, which dropped on Sept. 12, fans can expect to hear several hits from that album, including Azizam, Sapphire and Camera.

Sheeran recently finished his worldwide Mathematics Tour after touring since 2022.

Upcoming 2025-2026 heading to N.J.

Ed Sheeran is not the only artist performing in New Jersey next year.

So, here are more tours you can see at a stadium this and next year: Billy Strings, Jonas Brothers, Burna Boy and Nine Inch Nails.
An officer with the Middlesex County Sheriffs Office faces multiple charges after she allegedly tried to leave the scene of a drunken crash in her private vehicle during a storm that produced widespread flooding last summer.

Sandy Perez, 45, was arrested after she drove over a median and struck a sign in South Plainfield on July 14, according to court records and body-worn camera video.

Perez was later charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and other traffic offenses.

A Piscataway police officer on a meal break at a Taco Bell drive-thru pulled Perez over in a shopping center in the 7000 block of Hadley Road in South Plainfield and then notified South Plainfield police.

I heard her hit the sign, which is what the damage is to the front of her car, the officer tells a South Plainfield officer.

The officer said he followed Perez into the shopping center, where she parked on diagonal blue lines next to a handicapped parking sign.

Perez, who appeared to be wearing striped sheriffs uniform pants, is heard telling an officer she had been at ShopRite and was heading back to a nearby hotel after having an argument with her significant other.

I hit a curb, Perez says on the video. Officers later found two bottles of whiskey in the SUV, one empty, one half empty, the video shows.

Police remove a bottle of whiskey from a vehicle allegedly belonging to a Middlesex County sheriff's officer. Police video

When an officer asks Perez where shed been prior to the crash, she asks, Do you have a camera on?

Perez told officers she had a few drinks about two hours earlier. She refused to take field sobriety tests.

Im not going to do sobriety tests, because I know Im messed up, she tells an officer. I know Im going to fail it, she said.

When Perez asks an officer to call a supervisor to the scene, he indicates they are too busy.

Were rescuing people from floodwaters, the officer says.

The incident occurred after a slow-moving thunderstorm dumped several inches of rain across Central Jersey, triggering flash-flood warnings and prompted Gov. Phil Murphy to issue a statewide emergency.

Videos and photos showed streets in and around South Plainfield turning into rivers within minutes. Two women were killed when their vehicle was washed away in floodwaters.

This is crazy. Im going through something right now, Perez says on the video.

Public records show Perez has been an officer in Middlesex County since Aug. 1, 2008, and earns more than $102,000 a year.

Perez was charged with operating under the influence, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, and consuming alcohol in a vehicle, court records show.

Perezs attorney, Timothy Smith, said Monday Perez has a nearly 20-year unblemished record with the sheriffs office and should not be judged for the alleged traffic infractions.

Certainly, her positive impact upon society in that capacity vastly outweighs the aberrational conduct at issue here, Smith said.

Officer Perez has taken the appropriate steps to ensure that the circumstances which led to the captured interactions never re-occur, Smith said, adding that she looks forward to the continuation of her career in law enforcement.

A spokesperson for the Middlesex County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It was unclear whether Perez had been suspended or faced administrative charges as a result of the incident.

The sheriffs office did not respond to a request seeking comment on the matter. Her attorney declined to comment further, calling it a personnel matter.
Veolia has completed its acquisition of the Manalapan Township Water System, a utility that serves approximately 3,500 homes and businesses.

The sale was finalized after receiving approval from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on Sept. 10.

It follows a November 2024 referendum in which 67% of Manalapan voters approved selling the system to Veolia for $4 million.

Township and company officials commemorated the acquisition with a ceremony at the Manalapan Township Municipal Complex last week.

Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for our water infrastructure, Manalapan Township Mayor Eric Nelson said in a statement. Veolias proven track record and commitment to excellence gives us confidence that our residents will benefit from enhanced service reliability and water quality improvements for years to come.

The company plans significant infrastructure investments and upgrades to the system, Veolia officials said.

Planned projects include:

Vital water main and valve replacements

Construction of a new state-of-the-art drinking water treatment facility with advanced treatment technologies

Water storage tank restoration projects

This marks Veolias sixth acquisition in New Jersey since 2018.

Our focus now shifts to implementing the critical infrastructure upgrades that will ensure reliable, high-quality water service, Regional President of Veolia Water New Jersey Alan Weland said in a statement.

Veolia customers in Manalapan will receive welcome packets by mail in the coming days.

Information is also available on a webpage for Manalapan customers at http://mywater.veolia.us/manalapan.
A New Jersey congressman is calling on the states largest teachers union to fire one of its magazine editors after he said she promoted divisive, violent and hate-filled rhetoric on social media.

In a letter sent Tuesday to New Jersey Education Association President Steve Beatty, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer demanded the union immediately terminate Ayat Oraby.

Oraby is the editor of NJEA Review, the unions flagship magazine distributed to about 200,000 members statewide.

Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., said his office reviewed Orabys verified social media accounts and blog, where she allegedly praised Hamas, used derogatory language toward Jews and shared conspiracy theories about Israels role in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.

In a statement to NJ Advance Media on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Education Association said officials are aware of the congressmans letter and are addressing it through our established internal processes.

This is an internal personnel matter that we will not comment on further at this time, the union said. NJEA remains unequivocally committed to advocating for justice and opposing all forms of bigotry, oppression and discrimination.

NJEA officials did not confirm Orabys current employment status. According to her LinkedIn profile, she began working as an editor for the magazine in August.

Oraby did not immediately respond to NJ Advance Medias request for comment.

Gottheimers letter includes screenshots of Orabys online activity, primarily on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Examples include since-deleted tweets that called Egypts president filthier than the Jews, posts comparing Israels government to Nazi Germany and one that appeared to call for violence against Israeli leaders: O God, turn their bodies into pieces that cannot be reunited, she allegedly posted.

Ms. Oraby has an extremely troubling public record of promoting divisive, violent and hate-filled rhetoric that has no place in our great state, and that must be addressed immediately, Gottheimer wrote.

Gottheimer also referenced Orabys membership in Egyptian Americans for Freedom and Justice, which he described as an extremist ideological organization whose offshoots include Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

He added that Orabys rhetoric violates the unions guidelines on social media conduct, which prohibit discriminatory speech and speech that encourages or condones violence.

In this time of divisiveness and violence throughout the country, we simply cannot afford to further incite and alienate educators, families and students from across the state, Gottheimer said.
The Hunterdon County Veterans Resource Fair will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Razberrys Banquet Hall, 834 Route 12, Frenchtown. Above, a photo from last year's event. Hunterdon County

Veteran resource fairs will be held throughout New Jersey in the next several weeks.

Programs range from comprehensive expos featuring dozens of service providers to targeted events focusing on specific areas such as healthcare, employment, or housing.

Heres the list:

Burlington County Veterans Expo

Date and Time: Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Rowan College, Burlington Countys Student Success Center, 1500 College Circle, Mount Laurel

Hosting Organization: Burlington County Sheriffs Office in collaboration with the Burlington County Military and Veterans Services Office.

Description: The Burlington County Veterans Expo provides a one-stop resource gathering for the countys 28,000 veterans. The event offers information, complimentary meals, health screenings, and direct access to over 20 government agencies, nonprofits, and service providers.

Services Offered:

Veterans identification cards

DD214 document registration

Health screenings

Benefits assistance and counseling

Housing resources

Mental health services

Legal services

Participating Organizations: The expo will feature participation from numerous organizations, including Burlington County Military and Veterans Services Office, Burlington County Clerks Office, Burlington County Department of Human Services, Burlington County Health Department, Burlington County Prosecutors Office, Burlington County American Legion, American Red Cross, Armed Forces Heritage Museum, Alzheimers Association Delaware Valley Chapter, Brain Injury Alliance of NJ, Army Reserves Private Public Partnership, Disabled American Veterans, Habitat for Humanity, Department of Veterans Affairs, Philadelphia VA Healthcare System, New Jersey State Police, HeroCare Connect (Deborah Heart & Lung Center/Cooper University Health), Sanctuary Foundation for Veterans, Soldier On, South Jersey Legal Services, and Veterans Multi-Service Center.

Hunterdon County Veterans Resource Fair

Date and Time: Thursday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Razberrys Banquet Hall, 834 Route 12, Frenchtown

Hosting Organizations: Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners, Office of Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. and Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce

Description: Hunterdon Countys 2nd Annual Veterans Resource Fair is intended to support veterans by connecting them with essential services and resources from the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NJDMAVA) and other local providers.

Services Offered:

Healthcare assistance

Employment resources

Education information

Housing support

Veterans benefits counseling

Registration: The event is free and open to all veterans, active service members, and their families. Veterans interested in attending can register through the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce website.

Special Note: Light refreshments will be served at the event.

Somerset County Veterans Resource, Job & Wellness Fair

Date and Time: Thursday, Oct. 16, 4 to 7 p.m.

Location: Thomas J. Kavanaugh VFW Post 2290, 600 Washington Ave., Manville

Hosting Organization: Somerset County Commissioners, led by Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson

Event Description: The Somerset County Veterans Resource, Job & Wellness Fair, designed to provide veterans and their families with resources, employment opportunities, health and wellness information, VA disability information, and access to services.

Robinson will present a brief keynote about Serving Those Who Serve. Registration is requested. To register, click here.

Services Offered:

Employment opportunities with over 40 local employers including RWJ Hospital, FedEx, local police departments, the YMCA, and more

Veterans benefits counseling

VA disability claims assistance

Health and wellness resources

Housing assistance through Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

Information on property tax deductions for veterans

Participating Organizations: The event will feature more than 40 vendors. Potential vendors will include: American Water, Community Hope of NJ, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service, Hackensack Meridian Health, Johnson & Johnson, New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, United Way of Northern New Jersey, Department of Veterans Affairs, and Veterans Affairs Healthcare Administration.

Special Note: Last year, our Veterans Services division, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, was able to help our Somerset County resident veterans obtain $5.8 million in benefits, Robinson said in a written statement. As an Air Force veteran, Im familiar with the challenges that veterans face. I encourage veterans and their families to attend this event; we can help you navigate access to resources and will be sharing other vital information.

Ocean County Veterans Health Fair

Date and Time: Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Holiday City South Club House, 139 Santiago Drive, Toms River

Hosting Organizations: Veterans Foundation of America (VFA) in collaboration with Ocean County State Senator Carmen Amato and the Ocean County Commissioners

Event Description: Sponsored by Braven Health, the fair will provide a wide range of free clinical services from Hackensack Meridian Health and Deborah Heart & Lung Center through HeroCare Connect. The event is free for veterans and their families.

Services Offered:

Cardiovascular Screenings

Asthma Screenings

Colorectal Cancer Test Kits

PSA  Prostate Cancer Screenings

Sleep Assessments

Mental Health Checks

Nutrition Education

Diabetes & Stroke Assessments

A1C Testing

Pulmonary Function Testing

Mobile Mammography

HIV Testing

Brain Games

Veterans Benefits & Support Resources

Special Features: A complimentary luncheon will be served by Red, White & Que Smokehouse, a disabled veteran-owned business.

Cumberland County VA seminar Navigating the Benefits Maze

Date and Time: Monday, Oct. 20, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Location: Vineland City Hall, 640 East Wood St.

Hosting Organization: Cumberland County Department of Veterans Affairs

Event Description: Cumberland County Veteran Affairs Director Diana Pitman, an Army veteran, will present a seminar explaining the VA Benefits Administration, the rationale behind the process, and information that veterans and dependents should know that will aid in easing frustrations and understanding the complexities of the claims process.

There will be time for questions at designated times within the seminar and at the end. This is not a claims clinic so the Department asks that attendees do not ask specific questions regarding their own claims.

For more information or questions, contact the County Department of Veterans Affairs at 856-453-2239.

Camden County Veterans Health Fair

Date and Time: Sunday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: USS New Jersey - Battleship, 62 Battleship Place, Camden

Hosting Organization: Veterans Foundation of America (VFA)

Event Description: Sponsored by Braven Health, the fair will provide a wide range of free clinical services from Hackensack Meridian Health and Deborah Heart & Lung Center through HeroCare Connect. The event is free for veterans and their families.

Services Offered:

Cardiovascular Screenings

Asthma Screenings

Colorectal Cancer Test Kits

PSA  Prostate Cancer Screenings

Sleep Assessments

Mental Health Checks

Nutrition Education

Diabetes & Stroke Assessments

A1C Testing

Pulmonary Function Testing

Mobile Mammography

HIV Testing

Brain Games

Veterans Benefits & Support Resources

5th Annual American Legion Symposium on Affordable Housing for Homeless Veterans

Date and Time: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Stockton University, 101 Vera King Farris Drive, Galloway, Atlantic County

Event Description: The event, hosted by Stockton University and supported by Monarch Housing, Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing, will feature guest speaker be Kathryn Monet, CEO, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. There will be small group workshops on topics including supportive services, veterans with special needs, aging, addictions, and more.

Experts in veteran housing, veteran services and veteran homelessness will be on hand to provide insights into the challenges of providing housing for at risk and homeless veterans and discuss the programs and tools available to ensure that all veterans are housed with dignity.

Special Note: There will be morning coffee and lunch.

To reserve a seat for the free event, click here.

Middlesex County Veterans Health Fair

Date and Time: Friday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main St., Woodbridge

Hosting Organization: Veterans Foundation of America

Event Description: Sponsored by Braven Health, the fair will provide a wide range of free clinical services from Hackensack Meridian Health and Deborah Heart & Lung Center through HeroCare Connect. The event is free for veterans and their families.

Services Offered:

Cardiovascular Screenings

Asthma Screenings

Colorectal Cancer Test Kits

PSA  Prostate Cancer Screenings

Sleep Assessments

Mental Health Checks

Nutrition Education

Diabetes & Stroke Assessments

A1C Testing

Pulmonary Function Testing

Mobile Mammography

HIV Testing

Brain Games

Veterans Benefits & Support Resources

Did we miss something? If so, please email lobrien@njadvancemedia.com.
Rashanna James-Frison, a college freshman, whos written a book of poetry and launched an effort to distribute it to 1,000 Newark 8th graders. The poems reflect her history losing both parents to violence. Rashanna was adopted by her biological aunt, Allison James-Frison, and adoptive father Andre Frison. Rashanna is seen in her home, where she lives with her adoptive parents in Newark, on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Jeff Rhode | For NJ Advance Media

At 13, Rashanna James-Frison turned to poetry to cope with the loss of her parents and the problems she saw in her hometown of Newark and the world beyond.

Like keeping a journal, painting or other fine arts, writing poetry is an instinctive response that experts say children and teens use to channel grief, longing or confusing emotions safely and often effectively after losing a loved one.

My first poem was actually to my biological father, that passed, said Rashanna, now 18. It was just to remember him in a way, and also put how I was feeling about the situation on paper. Because when I initially found out about the information, I didnt really say much. I just wrote it down.

Since then, Ive kind of used poetry as a way to express how I feel  and it doesnt necessarily have to be anything personal, she added. Social injustice, the Black Lives Matter movement. Really, any issue that I felt strongly about.

What makes Rashannas journey toward an emotionally healthy adulthood extraordinary is that shes taking her poetry a step further, harnessing it to help other young Newarkers meet their own emotional challenges.

In addition, shes been guided on that journey mainly by her fathers sister, Allison James-Frison, whose own father was killed when she was 17. His death on the cusp of her adulthood sent James-Frison into a years-long downward spiral of depression and homelessness before she turned her life around and, with her husband, legally adopted Rashanna when she was 11.

COPY PHOTO Left to right: Allison James-Frison, Rashanna James-Frison, and Andre Frison in a photo on their wall of their home in Newark on Saturday, September 20, 2025. copy photo / Jeff Rhode | for NJ Advance Media

Rashanna, a first-year junior at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania who earned two years of credits at Newarks Bard High School Early College program, has published a collection of 25 poems, "The Black Unicorn: A Daughter From Newark," written after the death of her father, Spencer Lee James Jr.

So that others can benefit from her experience, Rashanna plans to distribute 1,000 copies to Newark girls in eighth-grade, the point in her life when she turned to poetry to cope with the loss of her biological parents, both of them victims of horrific violence.

In her poem, Me, Myself, and I, she describes looking in the mirror and literally reflecting on the impact of her birth-parents death.

Me, myself, and I

Is the one I tell you are beautiful just to make myself feel great again.

But this me, myself, and I is a fake.

The real me is the one who has to stare at the wall, wondering why my real parents passed away.

Rashanna created the book using the Amazon Self Publishing tool, and produces copies for $12 each. Poetry lovers, grieving teens and anyone else can buy the book for that price on Amazon.

Supporters of what Rashanna dubbed the "Books on the Ground Literacy Campaign" can also visit its website or Instagram page to sponsor copies for the free distribution, which she plans to conduct during the holidays while home on break in December.

Katie Lear, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and author of A Parents Guide to Managing Childhood Grief, said poetry may be a particularly helpful form of expression for grieving children and teens.

Because it includes metaphor, Lear said. Grieving children are having to find words to describe a really indescribable experience. And I would imagine that if a child is drawn to the art form of poetry, that it would be a way to give some structure to something thats hard to describe.

James-Frison, 56, said she came to grips with her fathers death and got her life back on track thanks to her faith, a loving and supportive marriage, a return to school, and self-belief.

After years bouncing between odd jobs and living out of her car, James-Frison met her future husband, Andre Frison, earned her associates degree at Essex County College, and then a bachelors in social work at Rutgers University-Newark.

She went to work for the New Jersey Department of Childrens Protection and Permanency and founded the nonprofit mentoring service, Girls Live, Love, Laugh, Inc., which she still leads.

Last year, James-Frison was elected to the Newark Board of Education, where her colleagues chose her as a co-vice president after she visited every one of the districts 66 schools during her campaign.

She said having turned her own life around gave her the confidence to mentor others, including Rashanna.

I do believe that my background has a lot to do with the person, the young lady, that she is becoming today, she said. When we first adopted her, I pretty much told her my entire story, about me being homeless, having a learning disability, domestic violence. I told her everything.

James-Frison was all too aware of the parallels between their lives and what Rashannas loss could lead to.

That was one reason why I worked so hard with her. I didnt want her to become an Allison, she said, referring to her earlier self.

I knew from firsthand experience, she added, and with her going through what she went through, she really needed someone to guide her and let her know these are the possibilities that can happen to you. So I shared all my stories with her when we talked about it, over dinner, over tea, and she started becoming her own person.

Lear, the therapist and author, said a parent or professional counselor who has gone through something similar can be a particularly helpful guide to a childs recovery from trauma  except in certain circumstances.

As therapists, we will sometimes self-disclose in therapy about our own struggles or hardships in life if we think it might be beneficial to the client, Lear said. But, she added, If you are going to be sharing your own history of trauma or loss with a child, you want to make sure that its something that you yourself have processed enough that your child doesnt start to feel like they need to jump in and be the caregiver for you.

Rashannas biological father had been physically and neurologically disabled before she was born, shot in the head by a stray bullet at a Newark housing complex. She and her father had a warm relationship, though limited by his disability, before he died of complications from the coronavirus in April 2020, a month after the pandemic erupted in New Jersey.

Rashanna was 4 years old and living in Newark with her biological mother, Nakisha Burks, when Burks went missing over a weekend while another family member was caring for her daughter. Her body was later found in an abandoned building, apparently the victim of blunt-force injury, James-Frison said.

Rashanna continued to live in Newark after her mothers death, first for a few months with a cousin, then for several years with an aunt. She was in foster care briefly before moving in with her future parents in August 2017, when she was 10. The family became official on Nov. 17, 2018, National Adoption Day.

They share a brick home on Colleen Street, a block-long refuge from traffic and noise that dead-ends at a small creek in Newarks West Ward.

Andre Frison was 14 when his father died of cancer, so he shares some of his wife and daughters experiences. The longtime FedEx supervisor who moonlights as an insurance broker also overcame what he called a rough youth in Newark.

But Frison said his loss was not as traumatic as his wifes or Rashannas, and he can only marvel at the special bond between the two.

Its been extraordinary, he said of witnessing their relationship deepen. My wife knew exactly the things to do that helped my daughter along the way to get past her difficulties. I am so blessed to have both of them in my life.

In some ways, Rashanna is a typical teen whos into volleyball, competitive dance, and the old school R&B of Chris Brown and Mary J. Blige.

But her mother in particular has been grooming her for adulthood from a young age, with early life lessons in banking, mortgages, and believing in herself and her unique voice.

My mom has been molding me to become a leader in my own way, Rashanna said. From the beginning, she always told me, You have a story to share, and its gonna impact the world in greater ways than you know.
Hey there New Jersey! Heres your audio update highlighting the funeral for 17-year-old Isabella Rose Salas, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident that also claimed the life of her friend, Maria Niotis, and the death of a swimmer at the Jersey Shore.

Well also tell you about road closures centered around an upcoming Netflix production and a long-standing dispute over Sunday beach access in Ocean Grove.

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Governor of California Gavin Newsom speaks during the Clinton Global Initiative on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki) AP

Two top Democrats are threatening to withdraw their states from the National Governors Association unless it condemns President Donald Trumps deployment of National Guard troops across state lines.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) denounced the Trump administrations recent deployment of California National Guard members to Oregon and Texas Guardsmen to Illinois. This comes about a week after Trump suggested using U.S. cities as training ground for troops.

In a letter reported by multiple news outlets, Newsom demanded that his fellow governors denounce this infringement of state sovereignty.

If the National Governors Association cannot coalesce around this, I will have no choice but to withdraw Californias membership. And I would also call on others to do the same, Newsom wrote in a letter, shared by CNNs Edward Issac-Dovere on X, to the association.

Newsom also posted about the association on X.

If the National Governors Association cannot stand against states LITERALLY INVADING ONE ANOTHER  count me out," he wrote.

If the National Governors Association cannot stand against states LITERALLY INVADING ONE ANOTHER  count me out. pic.twitter.com/ctJE4xXVHF  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) October 7, 2025

In a separate letter to National Governors Association Chair Kevin Stitt, Pritzker called for him to denounce the deployment of the Texas National Guard to Illinois.

This is precisely the federal and interstate overreach we warned against  gubernatorial authority being trampled, state sovereignty being ignored, and the constitutional balance between states being attacked, Pritzker said in the letter.

If the President continues overriding Governors to deploy military assets into another state against another Governors will, we have abandoned the foundational principles that have protected our Republic for nearly 250 years, he wrote.

He also threatened to leave the organization if it did not condemn the deployment of the National Guard troops.

Should National Governors Association leadership choose to remain silent, Illinois will have no choice but to withdraw from the organization. I remain hopeful that principled leadership will prevail over political calculation and we can chart a path forward together, Pritzker concluded.

Leaders in Illinois, Oregon and California have sued, while top White House figures blasted a Trump-appointed judges decision to block the deployment in Portland.

Stephen Miller, a top Trump adviser, suggested its the courts that have ignored constitutional limits.

A district court judge has no conceivable authority, whatsoever, to restrict the President and Commander-in-Chief from dispatching members of the US military to defend federal lives and property, Miller posted on X, likening the protests over Trumps immigration policy to domestic terrorism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop delivers his 11th and final annual State of the City Address on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at City Hall. Reena Rose Sibayan | For NJ Advance Media

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is preparing for his next chapter  and its across the Hudson.

The Partnership for New York City, a powerful coalition representing the citys largest employers and business interests, announced Monday that Fulop will become its next president and CEO. The organization, founded nearly 50 years ago, has long been a key player in shaping policy and economic development in the city.

The appointment marks a significant pivot for Fulop after more than a decade in public office. It comes just months after his bid for New Jersey governor ended in a bruising Democratic primary.

The Partnership for New York City has been the cornerstone of the citys civic life for nearly half a century, and its a tremendous honor to be named its next president and CEO, Fulop said in a statement.

The group did not announce Fulops new salary in the role. But the retiring CEO he is replacing earned more than $1.5 million a year in the job, according to the Partnership for New York Citys 2023 tax filing.

The groups board of trustees said Fulops experience in government and economic development made him the right choice.

Steven brings the expertise and leadership that this moment demands, Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, and Rob Speyer, CEO of Tishman Speyer, one of the nations largest real estate firms, said in a joint statement. Both serve as co-chairs of the board.

Our members look forward to working with him to ensure New York City continues to thrive, they said.

Tishman Speyer is an influential developer in Jersey City, responsible for financing a $331 million apartment complex along the Hudson.

Outgoing Partnership for New York City president Kathryn Wylde, who has led the organization for more than two decades, praised Fulop and pledged to help with the transition.

I look forward to working with him through what I am confident will be a successful transition, she said.

Fulop entered the New Jersey governors race early in 2023, positioning himself as a progressive candidate. He ultimately lost to U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill in a contest that drew six contenders, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

The decision not to seek re-election as Jersey City mayor  announced during his gubernatorial campaign  set off a scramble among local politicians. The citys mayoral race is one of the most competitive in years, with multiple council members and former Gov. Jim McGreevey among those vying for the job in Novembers election.

Fulops administration oversaw a surge in real estate investment, population growth and transit expansion in Jersey City. His tenure also included challenges, from debates over affordable housing to tensions with state leaders, including Gov. Phil Murphy, whom he heavily criticized during his gubernatorial campaign.

The Partnership for New York City represents roughly 300 CEOs from major corporations, investment firms and entrepreneurial ventures.

Fulop said he was ready for his new career move.

The Partnerships member organizations are the engines behind New Yorks economy, employing more than 1 million people, and uniquely positioned to build a stronger, more prosperous city, Fulop said.
Comedian Jon Stewart lashed out at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) late Monday, comparing him to a human flat tire as attempts to end the government shutdown continue to stall.

For the fifth time on Monday night, the Senate failed to pass either Republican and Democratic bills that would temporarily fund the government. Republicans, in their proposal that passed the House last month, aim to fund the government until late November, buying more time for annual spending deals. Democrats, meanwhile, are looking to extend Obamacare subsidies before they expire at the end of the year, as well as undo cuts to Medicaid in President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill that passed this summer.

During the most recent episode of The Daily Show, Stewart tore into Schumer, pointing to a misleading talking point from GOP lawmakers that Democrats shut down the government to give health care to illegal immigrants. He first played a clip of Schumer telling reporters that Democrats are adamant that we must protect the health care of the American people on the third day of the shutdown.

Uh, good points... solid framing. Delivered with clarity, Stewart said which a smirk to laughter from the audience, while making fun of his hand motions.

If you had stopped there, that would be great, but youre gonna keep talking, arent you? Arent you? Stewart asked.

Schumer continued, while turning to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.): New data came out today from KFF, and that is not Kentucky fried french fries. KFF. Could be Kentucky french fries?

Schumer was pointing to KFF, a nonpartisan health research group, that found in a poll released Friday that 59% of Republicans and 57% of Make American Great Again supporters back the Democratic demand of extending the health care tax credits.

Stewart, glaring into the camera, was left speechless.

Who is that joke even for? Six-year-olds who watch C-SPAN? What the f--- are you doing?! Stewart said, before adding: Chuck Schumer is a human flat tire... Look at Klobuchar. Poor Klobuchar. That is the face of someone who talked to their dad, who said, Just please dont do your Indian accent in the restaurant. Thats all Im asking.

Stewart went on to describe Schumer as Hack-ie Mason, later saying: Look, Ive given Democrats an enormous amount of s--- for their poor leadership, lack of specific and actionable plans, terrible messaging, abysmal wordplay  did I mention poor leadership?  but standing up for 75 million Americans in this moment, to defend the rights of people to go into a little less medical debt seems like the least they can f---ing do."

Before the government shutdown stretched to its seventh day on Tuesday, Trump told reporters that we have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things. He later added that we are speaking with the Democrats, but did not specify who he was referring to involved in talks.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Schumer have both shot down the presidents remarks of bipartisan health care discussions.

Trumps claim isnt true  but if hes finally ready to work with Democrats, well be at the table," Schumer said in a statement on Monday.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before signing an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP

Far-right activist Laura Loomer has a searing warning for President Donald Trump.

While speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he would have to speak to the Department of Justice when asked about a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, a co-conspirator alongside late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein who is serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Hours earlier, the Supreme Court had rejected an appeal from Maxwell to overturn her conviction. Her lawyers have argued that she should have never been tried or convicted for her role in recruiting teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein.

When asked about the prospect of a pardon by CNNs Kaitlan Collins, Trump said he hasnt heard the name in so long and would have to take a look at it.

I wouldnt consider it or not consider it. I dont know anything about it. But I will speak to the DOJ, Trump added.

President Trump on whether hed pardon Ghislaine Maxwell after Supreme Court rejected her appeal: "You know, I haven't heard the name in so long. I can say this: that I'd have to take a look at it.



"I would have to take a lookI wouldn't consider it or not consider  I don't pic.twitter.com/VOnrJdKqUz  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) October 6, 2025

Loomer, dubbed a Trump whisperer, dished out advice for anyone trying to lobby the Trump administration and the DOJ.

Do not do it, Loomer wrote on X on Monday. I repeat. Do not do it.

She added: There will be no coming back from that. I repeat again. For the love of God. Do Not Do It.

I strongly advise AGAINST anyone lobbying the Trump admin and the DOJ to Pardon Ghislaine Maxwell.



Do not do it.



I repeat. Do not do it.



There will be no coming back from that.



I repeat again. For the love of God.



Do



Not



Do



It @realDonaldTrump @JDVance @PamBondi  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) October 6, 2025

During the exchange, another reporter went on to ask why she should deserve clemency. Trump replied that a lot of people have asked me for pardons, including Sean Diddy Combs, who was sentenced on Friday to more than four years in prison on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

But she was convicted of child sex trafficking, Collins responded.

Trump said: Yeah, I mean, Im going to have to take a look at it. Id have to ask DOJ. I didnt know they rejected it. I didnt know she was even asking for it, frankly.

Maxwell had met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche over the summer amid pressure on the Trump administration to release more information about the investigation into Epstein. A week after the meeting, she was moved to a minimum-security federal prison camp in Texas from a facility in Tallahassee, Florida.

In July, Trump said he is allowed to pardon Maxwell, and later clarified that it is something I havent thought about.
The public defenders office said extreme delays in the review of expungement petitions have impacted peoples lives. NJ Advance Media photo illustration

State public defenders reached an agreement with the Essex County Prosecutors Office last week to process expungements more quickly.

The consent order, issued by the state Supreme Court, stems from a lawsuit the state Office of the Public Defender filed earlier this year against the prosecutors office. Public defenders alleged prosecutors were delaying expungement applications.

The lawsuit said hundreds of Essex County residents waited more than 60 days, with some waiting months and up to a year for expungements. That exceeded the timelines required by state law.

Expungements seal all criminal records in court and police files, meaning a conviction will no longer appear on a background check. In most cases, applicants must wait after completing their sentence before applying, depending on the type of conviction. Violent crimes, such as homicide, kidnapping, sexual assault, arson and terrorism, cannot be expunged.

This agreement ensures that Essex County residents who have earned a second chance will no longer face indefinite delays, Public Defender Jennifer Selitti said.

The Essex County Prosecutors Office supported the agreement.

As always, when the Essex County Prosecutors Office recognizes an area that can be improved, we address it promptly and seek appropriate resolution. We are pleased that this matter was resolved amicably, Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said.

Under current law, expungement applications should be processed within 60 days. Under the consent order, the Essex County Prosecutors Office must begin reducing its expungement backlog until no more than 20% of petitions remain pending more than 60 days after filing.

Beginning in March, the Essex County Prosecutors Office must keep its backlog below 20%.

The Public Defenders Office also reached a deal in March to settle a lawsuit against the State Police on delayed expungements. That agreement streamlined and accelerated the State Polices processing of judicial expungement orders in New Jersey.

Essex County has some of the highest numbers of expungement applications in New Jersey and is home to the states largest city, Newark. The agreement with the Essex County Prosecutors Office follows the states cannabis legalization law, which mandated expungement of cannabis-related offenses.

An NJ Advance Media review in February found Essex County accounted for nearly a quarter of the states backlog.

If the benchmarks in the new agreement are not met, both sides will return to mediation, and a pending appeal before the state Supreme Court could move forward.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R- Iowa, speaks at an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert) AP

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling on Attorney General Pam Bondi for answers as she faces a grilling from senators on Tuesday about her tenure running the Department of Justice.

Among questions about the deployment of National Guard troops to cities and her handling of the investigation into late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, Grassley pressed Bondi about a GOP-led Senate Judiciary Committee report from Monday that announced nine Republican lawmakers were allegedly targeted by the FBI during former President Joe Bidens administration. The committee, which said it obtained a document from the FBI, claimed that the personal cell phones of GOP lawmakers were reportedly tracked as part of former Special Counsel Jack Smiths investigation into President Donald Trumps bid to overturn the 2020 election results.

The committee alleged that Smith and his team were tracking the phone calls of Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania. The data did not include the content of the calls, but listed the time, duration and general location, according to Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

This is an outrage, an unconstitutional breach, that ought to be addressed by you and [FBI Director Kash] Patel, Grassley said. Its also another clear example of why the Justice Department has had to fire personnel, who you hear Democrats defending.

Grassley later added: Its time for accountability, and I look forward to hearing about your success in that regard.

AG PAM BONDI TESTIFIES ON ARCTIC FROST

"This is an outrage and unconstitutional breach, and ought to be immediately addressed by you and FBI Director Patel." - Sen. @ChuckGrassley @BrianGlennTV @RealDrGina @DBrodyReports @TBatesNews pic.twitter.com/10XSZbMI7q  Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) October 7, 2025

During his opening statement, Grassley praised Bondi for taking steps to insinuate needed reforms as he described the DOJ in a free fall before her confirmation.

Under your leadership, the Justice Department has cut funding to politicized programs to reinvest in core policing activities, Grassley said. Focusing on crime and getting tough on criminals is a welcome change from years of Biden administration soft-on-crime policies.

Hawley, who was listed as an alleged target, later suggested that it seems like the Biden administration targeted political opponents, before he went on to baselessly ask Bondi, Who ordered the tapping of the phones of United States senators?

Senator Hawley, I cannot discuss the details of that right now for very good reason, Bondi responded.

After Hawley probed the attorney general about whether a thorough investigation will take place, Bondi said: We will be looking at all aspects of this, and I have talked to Director Patel at length about this.
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., waits for a video interview at the Georgia Republican Convention in Dalton, Ga., Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy) AP

U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) slammed the Republican Party over its lack of plan to address health care costs for Americans.

The federal government shut down on Oct. 1 after Democrats opposed any GOP legislation that does not extend health care subsidies that are expiring by the end of the year. Without extending those subsidies, Democrats have warned that health care premiums can skyrocket for millions of Americans.

Now, Greene is sounding the alarm on the expiring health care subsidies despite GOP leadership refusing to negotiate with Democrats on the issue.

But Im going to go against everyone on this issue because when the tax credits expire this year my own adult childrens insurance premiums for 2026 are going to DOUBLE, along with all the wonderful families and hard-working people in my district, she wrote on social media platform X.

She also repeated the false claim promoted by Republicans that Democrats want to give free health care to those living in the country illegally.

No Im not towing the party line on this, or playing loyalty games. Im a Republican and wont vote for illegals to have any tax payer funded healthcare or benefits. Im AMERICA ONLY!!! Im carving my own lane, she said.

She then accused Republican leadership of not having a plan to help Americans with their health care premium costs.

And Im absolutely disgusted that health insurance premiums will DOUBLE if the tax credits expire this year, she said.

Not a single Republican in leadership talked to us about this or has given us a plan to help Americans deal with their health insurance premiums DOUBLING!!! she added.

I was not in Congress when all this Obamacare, Affordable Care Act bullshit started. I got here in 2021. As a matter of fact, the ACA made health insurance UNAFFORDABLE for my family after it was passed, with skyrocketing premiums higher than our house payment.



Lets just say pic.twitter.com/hKH7pPh6CG  Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) October 6, 2025

Greenes push to address the expiring health care subsidies could open the door for Democrats who would need Republican support to extend the subsidies.

Marjorie Taylor Greene breaking with Republicans by endorsing the ACA subsidies is the surest sign yet that Democrats are going to win this fight. Its only a matter of time before Trump and the Republicans fold, Democratic strategist Mike Nellis wrote on X.

The federal government shut down last week after Congress failed to approve a spending package to fund the government past the Sept. 30 deadline. Senate Democrats largely voted against the GOP bill, vowing to oppose it until the bill includes an extension for Obamacare subsidies that are expiring next year.

Despite Republicans holding the majority in the House and Senate, Trump has repeatedly blamed Democrats for the shutdown.

Its not clear how long the shutdown might last as both sides continue to dig in. Republicans refused to negotiate with Democrats over the spending bill, and Democrats have vowed to oppose it their demands are met.

President Donald Trump said on Monday he is willing to work with Democrats on health care costs if they vote for the GOP spending bill to reopen the government.

I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open, he wrote on Truth Social.
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Democrats on Tuesday over the ongoing shutdown of the federal government.

The federal government shut down on Oct. 1 after Congress failed to approve a spending bill to keep the government open past the Sept. 30 deadline last week. Trump has repeatedly blamed the Democrats for the shutdown, despite the Republican Party controlling all three branches of government.

Democrats largely opposed the GOP-led spending bill last week after their demands to extend expiring subsides for Obamacare were not met. Democrats have vowed to withhold support for the spending bill until Republicans agree to extend the health care subsides that are set to expire by the end of the year.

During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump argued it was Democrats who are responsible for the shutdown. Republicans and Trump have refused to negotiate with Democrats over the spending bill.

Well, theyre the ones that started it, Trump said when asked what his message was to Democrats.

Theyre the ones that have it, and its almost like a kamikaze attack by them. You want to know the truth, this is like a kamikaze attack, he added before claiming that Democrats lost the presidential election in a landslide.

Trump on shutdown: Theyre the ones that started it. They're the ones that have it. And it's almost like a kamikaze attack by them. You want to know the truth? This is like a kamikaze attack. They lost the election in a landslide pic.twitter.com/bGmA2vCJ1Z  Acyn (@Acyn) October 7, 2025

Its not clear how long the government shutdown will last as both Democrats and Republicans show no signs of budging.

While Trump has blamed the Democrats for the shutdown, Americans are more likely to say Republicans and Trump are responsible for the stalemate.

Thirty-nine percent of Americans blamed Trump and GOP lawmakers for the shutdown in a new CBS News/YouGov poll, while 30% blamed Democrats in Congress. Another 31% said they blamed both groups equally.

The poll also showed net negative approval ratings for Trump and members of Congress on their handling of the shutdown so far.

The poll found that just 32% of Americans approved of how Trump was handling the shutdown. Another 28% approved of how Republicans in Congress were handling it and 27% approved of how Democrats in Congress were handling it.

Meanwhile, Trump and congressional Republicans each received a 52% disapproval rating on how they were addressing the shutdown. And 49% of Americans disapproved of how congressional Democrats were addressing the situation, according to the poll.
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Myanmar civil society groups Defend Myanmar Democracy and the Myanmar Internet Project have announced plans to sue the Norwegian telecoms giant Telenor. They allege it shared customer data with the junta that took power in a 2021 coup, thereby endangering the lives of civilians.

As we reported at the time, the firm gained final regulatory approval to sell its unit in Myanmar to Lebanese investment company M1 Group in 2022. With this transaction, it is alleged, all customer data fell into the hands of Shwe Byain Phyu  a military-linked company that partnered with Lebanese M1 Group to acquire Telenors assets. Shwe Byain Phyu now holds the majority stake in the company, since renamed ATOM Myanmar.

The sale is also said to have included surveillance technology already installed and tested by Telenor.

At the time of the exit Telenor group president and CEO Sigve Brekke said: Telenor has to leave Myanmar to be able to adhere to our own values on human rights and responsible business, and because local laws in Myanmar conflict with European laws.

Telenor, which had some 18 million customers in the country, has suggested that the concerns mentioned by the civil society groups have been addressed in investigations in Norway. It has pointed out that, like all operators in any country, Telenor Myanmar was legally required to provide traffic data to the authorities and suggested that disobeying orders from the junta would have put employees in direct danger.

However, as Reuters reports, the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO), a non-profit organisation working with the civil society groups, says the data handed over included "call logs and location data that could be used to track down the junta's political opponents and their family members". It adds that the sale to M1 effectively granted the military "unfettered access" to customer data.

SOMO also says on its website that Telenor went through with the 2022 sale despite warnings by civil society organisations and international legal action against this transfer.

Defend Myanmar Democracy and the Myanmar Internet Project have said several people were arbitrarily detained and tortured in custody after their Telenor data was shared. They say that Zay Yar Thaw, a hip-hop artist turned lawmaker, democracy activist, and opposition leader, was arrested and executed after Telenor shared his call log. Some estimates suggest that the junta has killed almost 7,000 people and arrested close to 30,000.

According to Reuters, the claimants argue that until its exit from Myanmar in March 2022, Telenor knowingly continued to share information, including names, addresses, national ID numbers, call logs, and last known locations, despite being aware of the risk of harming people. They also think it likely that Telenors management and board were fully informed about Telenors actions.

Under Norwegian law, Telenor can be held liable for damages caused by the negligent or intentional acts of its employees.
Charlie Hunnam made a personal pilgrimage to the grave of serial killer Ed Gein after wrapping filming on Monster: The Ed Gein Story.

Charlie Hunnam paid a visit to Ed Gein's grave after filming Monster

The 45-year-old actor, best known for Sons of Anarchy, plays the notorious murderer and grave robber in the latest instalment of Ryan Murphys Netflix true-crime anthology - a dark reimagining that explores how Geins traumatic past and fractured psyche led to a string of grisly crimes in 1950s rural America and felt that visiting his burial place was the appropriate way to bid farewell to his character.

Speaking to E News!, he said: "This time was the most extreme decompression, because I was in Chicago, which is close to where Ed Gein lived in Wisconsin. So I drove up and spent the day and visited his grave and spent some time with him, which was a healing way to say goodbye and put a full stop at the end of the thing."

Hunnam went on to explain that his long-term partner, jewellery designer Morgana McNelis, has just one rule when it comes to him taking on such psychologically taxing roles: that he fully returns to himself afterwards.

The couple have been together for over 20 years, and McNelis had seen how deeply certain characters could affect him.

He recalled: "She got frustrated with me showing up and being a bit of a shell after doing a role. So, she said to me, probably about 10 years ago, Heres the rules of engagement: Go do your work. Be as selfish as you need to be, but then take some time, because when you get back, you better be ready to see me. Which is completely fair and really lovely."

Despite the darkness of the subject matter, McNelis remained fully supportive of Hunnam taking on the role, recognising the value in examining the shadow side of human psychology.

He said: "My partner had incredible conviction that this was an important thing to do. Shes a great fan of the psychoanalysts, so she understands shadow work and the value of staring into the abyss and confronting the darkness much more than I do. So she was an amazing support to me, saying, You just got to go do this thing, you got to enter the cave and face the dragon."

Hunnam admitted he felt a deep responsibility in portraying Gein, who was convicted of two murders but suspected of many more, and whose crimes inspired films such as Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs.

He added: "I felt a huge obligation and responsibility because he was a real person, and also exacerbated by the fact that he had committed all of these terrible crimes.

"I wanted to find the truth of it. Right from my early conversation with Ryan [Murphy], we were less interested in what he did, but we really wanted to understand why he did what he did, and take the audience and take ourselves through that journey of understanding how a human being becomes a monster."
A year in the making of a rookies first restaurant.

Opening a Restaurant in New York Is No Picnic.

Heres how her effort has played out, step by step, since she began a year ago.

We sought out the underdog, a first-timer risking it all to pursue the dream. Someone who had never recruited investors, landed a liquor license or scaled up a recipe for hundreds of diners. Could she succeed, or is the citys dining scene simply too rough for a rookie?

The reality isnt as pretty: Trying to create a restaurant from scratch is a huge gamble, and in New York City, it can feel almost impossible. Astronomical rents, stiff competition and city bureaucracy make the process an obstacle course. Yet a record 4,557 restaurant permit applications were filed with the city last year, many of them by deep-pocketed owners and big-name chefs.

Its the fantasy at the back of so many peoples minds, and maybe yours: Quit that boring job, cash in those savings and open a restaurant where you can indulge your love of cooking and spend evenings with devoted regulars.

September 2024 Mouleena Khan, 35, feels stuck in her midlevel job at a health care technology company. Encouraged by her boyfriend, she quits and begins planning a restaurant.

Shes imagined this move for a long time, but felt daunted by the process and her lack of any experience working in one, or even cooking. What she does have is a personality  upbeat, organized and unshakable  well-suited for the unpredictability of restaurant work. She decides to put a big chunk of her savings into the project, and understands theres a good chance shell fail. Mouleena A great organizer, but not much of a cook. Mouleena A great organizer, but not much of a cook. Mouleena A great organizer, but not much of a cook. Finding her other half Over brunch in December, Mouleena asks her friend Aleks Jeune, 45, a no-nonsense pragmatist who runs the Brooklyn coffee shop Chez Alex, if shell partner on the restaurant. Aleks, who immigrated to New York from Poland in 2002, wants to flex her cooking skills. She agrees on the spot. Aleks The name of her culinary hero, Anthony Bourdain, is tattooed on her right arm. Aleks The name of her culinary hero, Anthony Bourdain, is tattooed on her right arm. Aleks The name of her culinary hero, Anthony Bourdain, is tattooed on her right arm. Whats the big idea? Mouleenas vision is the kind of restaurant shes always wanted in her Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood: a casual, all-day cafe serving food inspired by her Bengali heritage, where diners can drop in without a reservation  a place that people in the neighborhood go to that is warm and friendly when you dont want to cook for yourself. Naming the restaurant is the easy part. Cheeni means sugar in Bengali and Hindi, and she likes its melodic sound. name Cheeni Mouleenas friend Ishaan Berry came up with the name. concept How they describe the restaurant to others. name Cheeni Mouleenas friend Ishaan Berry came up with the name. concept How they describe the restaurant to others. name Cheeni Mouleenas friend Ishaan Berry came up with the name. concept How they describe the restaurant to others. name Cheeni Mouleenas friend Ishaan Berry came up with the name. concept How they describe the restaurant to others. The money conversation With an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, Mouleena knows how to pitch people on an idea. She and Aleks draw up a list of their selling points: They know the neighborhood well. Brooklyn doesnt have many Indian restaurants in the middle space between takeout and fine dining. The boroughs casual, sit-down restaurants are often hard to get into. To gain experience and a little cash, in January Mouleena starts bartending at Moot Bar in Bed-Stuy. She gets regulars excited about her plan, and learns to pour a beer with just the right amount of foam. Mouleena and Aleks start discussing a business plan over dinner at Dhamaka, an Indian restaurant in Manhattan. They agree to invest $30,000 of their own money, and raise $100,000 from friends and family. But their emailed pitch to about 25 potential investors in March elicits a tepid response: Many friends are buying houses or having children. Eventually, eight investors come on board, including Mouleenas father, Pradip Khan, who puts up $15,000, and her sister, Alisha Khan, with $10,000, along with several friends who invest $2,000 to $10,000. This brings the womens budget to $176,000, including $59,000 they can put on their two business credit cards with no interest. tHE budget $60,000 $30,000 each from Mouleena and Aleks $59,000 + from two interest-free credit cards $32,000 + from friends + $25,000 from Mouleenas family $176,000 tHE budget $60,000 $30,000 each from Mouleena and Aleks + $59,000 from two interest-free credit cards + $32,000 from friends + $25,000 from Mouleenas family $176,000 THE budget $60,000 $30,000 each from Mouleena and Aleks $59,000 + from two interest-free credit cards $32,000 + from friends + $25,000 from Mouleenas family $176,000 tHe budget $60,000 $30,000 each from Mouleena and Aleks + $59,000 from two interest-free credit cards + $32,000 from friends + $25,000 from Mouleenas family $176,000

FEBRUARY 2025 With cash in their coffers, Mouleena and Aleks are ready for the next big step: finding a space. They decide to open in early summer. Projected opening date: June 1

Landing an affordable New York rental is notoriously tricky. With a budget of $4,000 to $6,000 a month, the partners hope for a space with an ample kitchen and room to seat 30, on a street with lots of foot traffic and few other wine bars or cafes. Theyd also like to walk to work. Its winter, and the pickings online are slim. But they find three strong contenders. A Big, Bright and Costly 485 Tompkins Avenue

$7,100/month Easy walking distance from Aleks and Mouleenas apartments. The block is pretty. Easy walking distance from Aleks and Mouleenas apartments. The block is pretty. Aleks came across this space while jogging. Its brand-new, with nice light, a backyard, a spacious basement and lots of pedestrian traffic. It lacks a kitchen, so the women will have to build one. And the rent is over their budget. B Turnkey With a Catch 564 DeKalb Avenue

$5,500/month, plus a one-time payment of $250,000 Might be tough to share space with another business. Already has a kitchen and bar. Might be tough to share space with another business. Already has a kitchen and bar. Formerly a neighborhood restaurant called Barons, this feels the most ready of the three to move right into. The current renter has even offered to transfer the liquor license to Mouleena and Aleks. But the renter runs a special-events business and wants to continue using the kitchen. Hell cover some of the rent, but asks for another $250,000, since he has already paid to convert the space for a restaurant. C Cozy and Affordable 395 Nostrand Avenue

$6,042/month Has a lot of potential and room for renovation. Already has a kitchen with a hood. Has a lot of potential and room for renovation. Already has a kitchen with a hood. This charming, brick-walled space used to house a bar called Corners, and the price is right. But the hardwood floors need finishing, natural light is minimal and Mouleena finds the low-ceilinged basement a little creepy. Still, the money saved on rent would allow her to invest more in sprucing up the room. Which did they pick? Select the space you think they chose. Big, Bright and Costly

485 Tompkins Avenue Turnkey With a Catch

564 DeKalb Avenue Cozy and Affordable

395 Nostrand Avenue Now, the paperwork Having spent years navigating the health care system, Mouleena easily handles, and even enjoys, filling out all the forms. She takes a food-safety course so she can get a food handlers license. She and Aleks find a contractor to build the kitchen exhaust; he introduces them to an engineer to file for the landmark approvals. Mouleena isnt even bothered when the State Liquor Authority grants and then rescinds the wine license over a minor technicality. (Eventually, its approved.) Food Protection Certificate The course Mouleena takes requires her to memorize the names of various bacteria. LLC Membership Certificate The $50 fee is the first charge to their credit cards. ($2.74 / fluid ounce) Health Inspection Certificate Because of a staffing shortage at the city health department, Cheeni can open without an inspection and get one later on. Landmarks Preservation Permit Their application is initially rejected because their photos of the building were not taken at the correct angles. Wine and Beer License This costs them $1,060. LLC Membership Certificate The $50 fee is the first charge to their credit cards. Food Protection Certificate The course Mouleena takes requires her to memorize the names of various bacteria. Health Inspection Certificate Because of a staffing shortage at the city health department, Cheeni can open without an inspection and get one later on. Landmarks Preservation Permit Their application is initially rejected because their photos of the building were not taken at the correct angles. Wine and Beer License This costs them $1,060. LLC Membership Certificate The $50 fee is the first charge to their credit cards. Food Protection Certificate The course Mouleena takes requires her to memorize the names of various bacteria. Health Inspection Certificate Because of a staffing shortage at the city health department, Cheeni can open without an inspection and get one later on. Landmarks Preservation Permit Their application is initially rejected because their photos of the building were not taken at the correct angles. Wine and Beer License This costs them $1,060. Food Protection Certificate The course Mouleena takes requires her to memorize the names of various bacteria. LLC Membership Certificate The $50 fee is the first charge to their credit cards. Health Inspection Certificate Because of a staffing shortage at the city health department, Cheeni can open without an inspection and get one later on. Landmarks Preservation Permit Their application is initially rejected because their photos of the building were not taken at the correct angles. Wine and Beer License This costs them $1,060. Its construction time Meeting with contractors, Mouleena and Aleks realize the buildout will cost more than $200,000, which they dont have. So they turn to two workers who wont cost a bit: their romantic partners. Tanael Joachim (T.J.) Mouleenas boyfriend, a stand-up comic, has building experience, including working as a contractor for Task Rabbit. Armstrong Jeune (A.J.) Alekss husband, a jazz musician, co-runs Chez Alex and helped with its construction. Tanael Joachim (T.J.) Mouleenas boyfriend, a stand-up comic, has building experience, including working as a contractor for Task Rabbit. Armstrong Jeune (A.J.) Alekss husband, a jazz musician, co-runs Chez Alex and helped with its construction. Tanael Joachim (T.J.) Mouleenas boyfriend, a stand-up comic, has building experience, including working as a contractor for Task Rabbit. Armstrong Jeune (A.J.) Alekss husband, a jazz musician, co-runs Chez Alex and helped with its construction. Theyll erect walls in the back of the place to house the kitchen, then build the kitchen, bar and custom benches attached to the walls. A.J. and T.J. create the kitchen by installing two walls in the back of the restaurant. Easy enough. Or not so easy: A.J. and T.J. spend all day building the bar out of birch from Home Depot. But to sit at it comfortably, youd have to be more than six feet tall, like the two men. That sets off an argument with the women, but ultimately they rebuild the bar. A thief in the night! Someone breaks in, sleeps behind the bar, takes two circular saws  and defecates on the floor. A.J. and T.J. promptly install a security gate in the basement. Plumbing is a hassle. The women find a plumber to set up the sinks and dishwasher, but he charges $14,000 and takes his sweet time.

May 2025 As the space starts to take shape, Mouleena and Aleks turn to the decor, but a June 1 opening date is now looking impossible. New opening date: June 15

In New York, design budgets for some restaurants can stretch well into six figures. These partners have just $14,000. Their goal is to evoke Mouleenas colorful family home in Kolkata, India, which has a breezy feel, like a veranda. With their budget, their approach is decidedly D.I.Y. The women shop for paint in earth tones  pale yellows, browns and dark greens. Eyeing a dark yellow, Aleks says, This one looks like vomit. Who ends up painting the restaurant?

Who else but A.J. and T.J.? Mouleena and her sister, Alisha, spend a weekend at home upholstering bench cushions, using their mothers old saris. Mouleena makes a mood board full of details inspired by her Kolkata memories: elegant archways, floral wallpaper and pendant lights. Much of it is beyond her price range, so shell have to be creative. Mouleena and Aleks spend hours trawling through vintage stores like Mother of Junk in Williamsburg and Bedford Galleries in Bed-Stuy, where they find inexpensive rattan chairs and paintings that match the hues of the benches. The streets of Brooklyn are a trove of discarded gems that can be used to decorate. At a construction site, Mouleena finds an impressive mirror and an Instant Pot. Aleks makes a rare discovery at a repair shop: a $20,000 La Marzocco espresso machine from Italy, selling used for $6,000. The two men carry it over to Cheeni. Another budget-friendly idea from Aleks: pasting faces of famous South Asians, including the actors Kumail Nanjiani and Mindy Kaling, on the bar. Listening to the French Open on a phone, A.J. and T.J. construct tables, hang paintings and install the lights outside. Its all about the brand The restaurant already has a name. But how to get someone walking by or scrolling Instagram to quickly understand what the place is all about  and stop in? Mouleena has an idea for a mascot: a monkey holding a wine glass. She reaches out to a friend who runs a creative agency. The quote that comes back is $25,000 for a logo, menu design and signage. Too much. Back to the drawing board. A friend, Rajib Mitra, who is a product manager but not a designer, asks ChatGPT to draw a logo, then changes the fonts to look cleaner. Another friend, Nick Potter, offers to try his hand at a logo for just $200. His first try is stylized and architectural, but not quite bold enough for Mouleena and Aleks. His second option is colorful, but too busy. The women love Nicks rendition of the mascot, but decide to pair it with Rajibs fonts, creating a logo thats playful but direct. Mouleena creates an Instagram account for Cheeni. But she barely uses her personal account, and Aleks doesnt use social media at all. So Mouleena spends most of a day watching YouTube videos to learn how to create a multipaneled Instagram post. Mouleena loves making playlists. She decides on a mix of Bollywood and pop. I want the daytime to be fun and casual, like songs you could sing along to, she says, and the evening to be more lounge-y. The women decide not to hire anyone to run publicity and marketing  they cant afford it, and are hoping word of mouth will draw people in. Theyll have to do all their own social media.

June 2025 The moment has come for the most critical decisions of all: what to serve and whom to hire. The opening date is pushed back again to buy more time. New opening date: July 1

From the start, Mouleena has wanted to serve Indian dishes with a nostalgic feel and some modern twists. But Aleks, who will head the kitchen, has never cooked Indian food. For a lesson in Indian cooking, the two partners and T.J. visit Mouleenas parents in Collegeville, Pa. But Mouleenas mother, Mousumi, isnt sold on the restaurant idea, and urges her daughter to reconsider. Mousumi makes khichuri, made by stewing lentils and rice; chop, spiced fritters of ground meat; and shami kebabs, which Aleks says taste like a chicken nugget.

They decide on a menu  a blend of traditional Indian dishes and a few items that remix classic Indian flavors. the menu Aam Panna A sweet, sour, and slightly spicy green mango drink Vada Pav Fried and spicy potato patty on a potato bun Tea-ramisu Biscuits dipped in masala chai and layered with cardamom cream Kati Roll Crunchwrap Ground tandoori chicken and veggies with cheese and Cheenis special sauce Cheeni Breakfast Plate Masala eggs, Tater Tots, bacon, paratha, and house chutneys Mango Lassi A refreshing mango and dahi blended drink Phuchka Spicy potatoes in a crispy semolina shell, served with spicy and tangy jhols and chutneys the menu Aam Panna A sweet, sour, and slightly spicy green mango drink Vada Pav Fried and spicy potato patty on a potato bun Tea-ramisu Biscuits dipped in masala chai and layered with cardamom cream Kati Roll Crunchwrap Ground tandoori chicken and veggies with cheese and Cheenis special sauce Cheeni Breakfast Plate Masala eggs, Tater Tots, bacon, paratha, and house chutneys Mango Lassi A refreshing mango and dahi blended drink Phuchka Spicy potatoes in a crispy semolina shell, served with spicy and tangy jhols and chutneys the menu Tea-ramisu Biscuits dipped in masala chai and layered with cardamom cream Aam Panna A sweet, sour, and slightly spicy green mango drink Kati Roll Crunchwrap Ground tandoori chicken and veggies with cheese and Cheenis special sauce Cheeni Breakfast Plate Masala eggs, Tater Tots, bacon, paratha, and house chutneys Vada Pav Fried and spicy potato patty on a potato bun Phuchka Spicy potatoes in a crispy semolina shell, served with spicy and tangy jhols and chutneys Mango Lassi A refreshing mango and dahi blended drink Help wanted Its summer, when the city empties out. Aleks worries about finding enough people, so she and Mouleena cast a wide net, posting the job on Culinary Agents, Craigslist and Job Today. Base pay is $20 an hour, higher than the $16.50 minimum wage in New York City, but allowing room for raises. They hire 11 people. Over the next few weeks, they fire a cook who almost adds bacon to a vegan dish and a server who turns out to have little experience. That leaves nine. the team Cam Server and barista Jess Server Charlie Cook Anjali Server and food prep Jensen Cook Balu Barista Katherine Barista Ana Cook and food prep Heather Barista the team Cam Server and barista Jess Server Charlie Cook Anjali Server and food prep Jensen Cook Balu Barista Katherine Barista Ana Cook and food prep Heather Barista the team Cam Server and barista Jess Server Charlie Cook Anjali Server and food prep Jensen Cook Balu Barista Katherine Barista Ana Cook and food prep Heather Barista the team Cam Server and barista Jess Server Charlie Cook Anjali Server and food prep Jensen Cook Balu Barista Katherine Barista Ana Cook and food prep Heather Barista

July 2025 Could it be? Cheeni is finally ready for customers. For the first time, Mouleena and Aleks commit to an opening date and start the run-up. Final opening date: July 16

The first hurdle is friends and family, as its known in the business  a dress rehearsal to allow the staff to practice for a sympathetic audience. Itll happen on July 12, a Saturday. Just two days before the big night, the restaurant is still filled with trash, tools and dust. Aleks is trying to learn how to use an Instant Pot. Strangers keep throwing their trash onto Cheenis patio. Somehow, everything comes together. The night arrives, and  as if magically  the place is clean, fully decorated and filled with flowers. At 6 p.m. sharp, Mouleenas parents show up. Her mother sobs tears of joy at seeing her old saris. We were so scared, she says. But it is amazing. About 75 guests arrive around 6:30 p.m., including some who didnt R.S.V.P. The atmosphere turns from calm to frenzied, fast. All the orders seem to pile in at once. Charlie and Aleks are frying chop and stuffing phuchka, sweat streaming down their foreheads. Guests keep peeking into the kitchen to say hi. The exhaust system hasnt been installed yet, so the air quickly thickens with smoke. At the pass, servers cant tell which dish goes to which table. Finally, the last orders reach the kitchen, and the cooks high-five. As the restaurant clears out, Aleks pours generous glasses of wine for everyone. The team is exhausted, but happy that the crowd seems to have loved the food. Still, a few changes need to be made: a longer curtain to cover the kitchen entrance, a sign marking the bathroom  ... and a better-organized dish station. In total, the night brings in $2,337. Looking over the orders, Mouleena realizes the total should be closer to $5,000, Some guests apparently forgot to pay. Were open! Mouleena and Aleks have four days to clean, fix the glitches and get Cheeni ready for its public opening. Theyve installed a printer in the kitchen to create paper tickets that can help servers match each dish to a table. Another improvement: a walkie-talkie system to connect the kitchen upstairs with the prep area downstairs. The day of the opening, July 16, Aleks arrives at her coffee shop at 4.a.m. to bake pastries for Cheeni. Theyre placed under a glass case, and at 8:02 a.m., the restaurant opens. The rest of the day is slow. Because the owners didnt advertise, theres no sudden rush at the door. Those who do stop by are mostly from the neighborhood. Despite the trickle of customers, the restaurant runs out of most dishes by 9 p.m. And customers seem excited. There is this trend of very similar restaurants opening up in this neighborhood, particularly new American, says David Kirschberg, a designer who lives nearby. Its nice to have something thats quite different. His girlfriend, Miriam Brito, who works in health-care communications, has been waiting for months for Cheeni to open. I think this neighborhood embraces different, she says. I dont think theres such a thing as too different.

August to October 2025 They did it! They opened a restaurant in less than eight months. Now for the hardest part: staying in business.
Weve interviewed more than 700 people in Gaza over the past two years. Their stories stayed with us. We kept wondering: Did they find their missing relatives? Are their homes standing? Did they bury their dead? Were they forced to flee again? Were they even still alive? So we tried to find them again. This is what they said.

We Tried to Reach Gazans We Interviewed Over Two Years of War. Heres What Happened to Them.

No single experience can fully contain the agony of Gaza, the near-obliteration of a society and a place. Collectively, however, the people we spoke to over the past two years have helped us see how the war has crushed those who have lived it. They told us about the raw wounds of their grief, their fear of the next airstrike, their dread of tomorrow. About the first time they fled home as Israeli bombs and shells fell closer, the first time they put up a makeshift tent, the second time, the third. About their weakening bodies, their children crying for bread, their days searching for baby formula and lentils. About their hopes of being evacuated for medical treatment, of going back to school, of reuniting with their families. We tried to get back in touch with many of them. Many did not respond. Some phone numbers no longer worked. Others had escaped Gaza. Some, we learned, had been killed. Of the nearly 100 we reached, everyone lost something or someone: a family member, a friend, their home, hope.

Samar al-Jajas nephews, from left, Mahmoud, Mohammed, Ahmed and Abdullah. via Samar al-Jaja

When we spoke last summer to Samar al-Jaja and her nephews, Mohammed, Mahmoud, Ahmed and Abdullah Akeila, it had been 10 months since the brothers parents and baby sister had been killed in an airstrike. Under their tent at a charity camp, they still held out hope that they would see their parents when they were allowed to go home to Gaza City. But when they got home earlier this year, only their parents bedroom was still standing. There was no one inside. The five of them stood there, numb. The kids said sadly, We wish we were buried with them, Ms. al-Jaja, 32, said when we contacted her again recently. They have never been able to mourn properly. The sweets that people in Gaza traditionally distribute on the anniversary of a death were too expensive to make, given the wartime price of flour and sugar. They couldnt even say a prayer at their parents graves. They do not know where they are. Even that closure has been taken from us, she said. She spoke to us from a half-destroyed building in Gaza City where she and her nephews were sheltering. Days later, Israeli forces stormed the city, the latest operation in the two-year campaign against Hamas in Gaza, which began after the militant groups deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Negotiators from Israel and Hamas began holding talks in Cairo on Monday about a possible swap of Israeli hostages in Gaza for Palestinians in Israeli prisons. If they agree, the war could be one step closer to ending. But as they wait to hear what will happen to them, Palestinians in Gaza must keep trying to survive. Ms. al-Jaja and her nephews moved to another neighborhood to escape the offensive in Gaza City, then fled south. They paid nearly $4,000 to a truck driver to load half their belongings  it was pay or risk death, the driver told them, Ms. al-Jaja said. After a 14-hour journey, they ended up back in the same charity camp they were living in last year. This time, they have no tent. Almost everyone we spoke to has been displaced from homes or shelters multiple times. Many have no home to return to.

Hammam Malaka and his family in their tent in Deir al-Balah this month, without their 3-year-old daughter Seela, who was killed. Bilal Shbair for The New York Times

Last October, when we wrote about Hammam Malaka and his wife, Najia Malaka, they had been separated for almost the entire war. They had gotten stuck less than 20 miles apart after Israeli troops cut off northern Gaza from southern Gaza. He was trapped in the south with Yamen, 6, and Sandy, 4. She was in the north with Seela, 3, Ashraf, the baby, and Mohammed, their newborn. When we spoke to Mr. Malaka again recently, he said they had finally managed to reunite in January, during the brief cease-fire. He told us how they found each other at what had been the border between north and south Gaza: I switched on the flashlight of my old Nokia phone and began shouting into the dark  Ashraf! Mohammed!  hoping she could hear me and find me more easily, he said. Then he saw her. I ran and hugged her and our children with everything in me, he said. But their 3-year-old, Seela, was not there. She had been killed while they were apart. After reuniting, the family returned home to Gaza City, but then were forced to flee south again. Since Israel broke the cease-fire in March, their days have been spent in a perpetual struggle against hunger and danger, which Mr. Malaka said were like endless waves crashing over us. Without work, he said, he has taken the risk of grabbing supplies from passing aid trucks or lining up at aid distribution points. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed searching for something to eat, according to aid officials. Many people we spoke to told us about hunger: suffering from malnutrition, losing significant weight or going days at a time without food, even as they tried desperately to find it.

Aead Abu Karsh and his children, from left, Huda, Jury, Nijma and Walid. Alaa Abu Karsh

Aaed Abu Karsh, 35, had managed to carve out a sliver of something like normal life when we first spoke to him last November. He was managing a shawarma place in Deir al Balah, one of the few places where ordinary life went on amid the agony all around it. In January, during the cease-fire, he moved home to Gaza City. That was the last good thing that happened, he told us recently. He lost his wifes sister to an airstrike in June and his uncle to another strike in September. He has been displaced four times since January. Since August, he has also been injured twice: once when an airstrike hit near his house, wounding him and his wife with shrapnel, and again when he was passing a Gaza City high-rise that was bombed. The hardest thing is living with the feeling that all you can do is wait for death, he said. He added: Now I look at my children and wonder, will I see them alive in the months ahead? Will they be safe? And as a father, will I have the strength to protect them? He no longer sells shawarma to eager customers. Instead, he spends his days scrounging for food, clean water and cash to pay the astronomical prices at the markets. There have been many days when all he could bring his family was bread with cheese and thyme. Daily life is another kind of war, he said. This is what life has been reduced to: moving from one danger to another, trying to feed my children, trying simply to survive. The anguish of just getting through the day came up again and again as we spoke to people about what it feels like to live through the war.

Mohamed Kilani

Not everyone we tried to reach survived. Some died, or were killed, after we first spoke to them. In October 2024, when we talked to Mohamed Kilani, a lawyer in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia, he was barely able to feed his twin 2-year-old daughters. We have been given one option only: that is to die, he told us at the time. Later, we saw social media posts from his family that mourned his death. When we reached his cousin, she said he had gone to look for food for his family and never returned. After he disappeared, family members saw some photos of stray dogs eating corpses in northern Gaza, the cousin said. They thought they recognized his body among them. Many people spoke about waiting  or wishing  for death.

Niveen Foad with four of her children, from left, Heba, Ruqaia, Awsam and Wedad. via Niveen Foad

Some people we spoke to were lucky: They managed to leave, whether by paying their way out, through their foreign passports or because they were evacuated for medical treatment. But it is a tainted prize. They all have loved ones in danger back in Gaza. And for all the safety of where they are now, it is not, in the end, home. Niveen Foad is one of them. She was the only available caretaker for her 6-year-old cousin, Sarah Yusuf, who was badly injured in an airstrike. Israel allowed Ms. Foad, her three daughters and Sarah to be evacuated to Italy in February 2024. Since we first spoke to her there, two more of her children have managed to join her in Bologna. Sarah, the 6-year-old, is doing better after intensive medical treatment, and her parents and brother have also come to Italy. Ms. Foad is learning Italian and training to be an assistant chef: moving forward. Yet thoughts of what, and who, she left behind sit heavily in her mind. I feel like I betrayed my own country by leaving, but sometimes I also think that I deserve a chance in life, she said. And her kids deserved that chance, she said. Its a confusing and constant fight with myself, she added. On the bus home from buying fish recently, she thought of her father in Gaza, who loves fish. My tears poured down, thinking I can afford to buy food and eat, but they can barely get anything, she said. Italy is her present, she said. Gaza, she believes, is still her future. She wants her daughters to continue their education in Italy. But for them to get married and settle in Italy  impossible, she said. Whatever happens, Ill end up in Gaza, she said. Staying in Italy is just a temporary solution. We reached dozens of people who had been able to leave Gaza for places like Italy, Jordan and Egypt. Some, like Ms. Foad, were determined to go back. A few were less sure. Though physically safe, all are tormented by Gaza. Guilt claws at them, and worry keeps them up at night.

Maher Ghanem and his wife, Fida, in May 2024. She died one month later, in June. via Maher Ghanem
Three female college students at Northwest Iowa Community College were recently arrested for pranking their roommate in one of the strangest and most disgusting ways imaginable.

Its unclear how the three girls  Ann C., a nursing student and member of the All-Iowa Academic Team, Kyiah Elaine K., a 19-year-old former Honor List student, and 20-year-old Ellie T.  came with the idea of putting their gross foot skin shavings in their roommates bag of grated cheese and then watching her unknowingly eat it, but thats reportedly just what they did. The terrible prank took place at 6 p.m. on March 13, but three alleged perpetrators were only picked up by authorities last week.

Photo: lcb/Pixabay

According to nwestiowa.com, the three mischievous students have been charged with assault and even if they avoid any jail time, they are bound to have some problems at school, as faculty at their college already know about the incident.

We hold the quality of instruction and safety of our students and employees as our highest priorities, Kristin Kollbaum, a spokesperson for the college, told VICE Magazine. We are aware of the incident and are cooperating with the proper authorities in the investigation.

Its unclear how the fourth roommate found out that her colleagues had mixed their disgusting foot skin shavings into her bag of grated cheese, but I think its safe to say that they either started burst into dumb laughter while watching her eating them, or just bragged about their stunt to someone who then snitched on them, Either way, I hope they learn some humility from this.
Bridges Partners is running an influencer campaign on behalf of Israel to promote the cultural interchange between it and the US.

It has received a $200K advance payment for the effort that is budgeted at $900K for recruitment, concept development, production and post-campaign reporting, according to its Justice Dept. filing.

Called the Esther Project," the influencer outreach is for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and run through Havas Media Groups Germany office.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his September trip to New York stressed the importance of the governments social media outreach to bolster Israels flagging public support in the US.

We have to fight with the weapons that apply to the battlefields in which we engage, and the most important ones are on social media, he said during a meeting with pro-Israel influencers at the countrys consulate in NYC.

Bridges Partners, which incorporated in Delaware in June, is owned by Israeli consultants Yair Levi and Uri Steinberg.
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Natalie Adler

The Washington Women in Public Relations names Fors Marsh VP, public impact and resilience Natalie Adler Woman of the Year at its annual luncheon on Oct. 3. Adler has over 25 years of experience guiding campaigns for federal agencies, national nonprofits and corporations across issues ranging from public health and public safety to education, climate resilience and social impact. In 2023, she established Fors Marshs public impact and resilience communications practice, working with clients such as FEMA, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Before joining Fors Marsh, Adler was an SVP in Ogilvys social marketing practice as well as building and leading teams focused on social marketing and public affairs at Porter Novelli. Established in 1990, the Woman of the Year program recognizes individuals who have raised the bar in the communications field. It is an annual experience fostering camaraderie among women in public relations.

Champion came in at #6 for the second consecutive year in Entrepreneur magazines Franchise 500 Top Suppliers list, which ranks of franchise-focused public relations agencies nationwide. Franchise development is the fastest-growing segment of Champions portfolio, including such brands as Nothing Bundt Cakes, SPB Hospitality, Savory Fund, Twin Peaks, Golden Corral, Del Taco, Wahlburgers and Bobbys Burgers by Bobby Flay. For more than twenty years, weve focused on helping hospitality and franchise brands grow. Its rewarding to see that work acknowledged at the national level, but the real win is knowing our clients trust us to deliver every day, said Champion founder and principal Ladd Biro.

Junipr Public Relations receives the Best of Skyline Award, which is awarded by PRSA Chicago, for an earned media campaign to launch Taiwanese restaurant Minyoli. The Minyoli campaign resulted in 34.9 million media impressions across print, digital, and broadcast outlets as well as an 6,085 percent increase in social media followers during the launch period. It has also won a Golden Trumpet Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago, and in November the campaign will be honored with a Stevie Award at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business in New York City. The Best of Skyline Award spotlights creativity innovation, and measurable business results in the field of public relations and communications.
An Irish farmhouse complete with 20 stables, a barn and its own sulky race track has sold at auction after being seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). The two-bedroom cottage, based at Kealderry near Bodyke in Clare, sits on almost 18 acres of land with sweeping views of the Slieve Aughty mountains. Auctioneers described it as in need of refurbishment but praised the mature boundaries, tree-lined avenue and "magnificent unspoilt views of the Clare countryside." According to RTE, the property went under the hammer at Wilsons Auctions last week for around the asking price of 175,000.

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

Keelderry, Bodyke, Co. Clare, V94R298

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

The holding includes a large yard, four-span barn and equestrian facilities, with the land laid out in manageable paddocks and featuring a circular gallop that was previously used as a sulky racing track.

The site came under CAB control last year following a High Court ruling. It had previously been owned by William McInerney, whom the Bureau has linked to organised crime in the region. CAB has sold several such seized properties, with proceeds from the sale now returning to the State coffers.

READ MORE | PICTURES: Irish coastal cottage with sea air and sandy beaches up for grabs at just 75k
Midlands 103 is celebrating its biggest-ever success at the All-Ireland IMRO Radio Awards winning multiple awards at the prestigious event.

The stations flagship Midlands Today Show won Radio Moment of the Year  becoming only the second local radio programme ever to receive this honour in the long history of the event.

The winning entry featured grieving mum Chelsea Brereton, who told presenter Will Faulkner how her wishes were not honoured following her sons postmortem, despite her refusal to consent to the retention of his organs.

The team also took Gold for News Story of the Year, overcoming both local and national competition for their in-depth and sensitive coverage of the Justice for Joe Drennan campaign.

Joe, a Laois student, was killed in a hit-and-run incident in October 2023. His sister, Sarah Drennan, has since called for mandatory consecutive sentencing rather than lenient concurrent terms. The station also attended a public march in Camross, where hundreds of people gathered to support the familys campaign.

Journalists credited for the winning coverage include David Hollywood, Sinead Hubble, Courtney Callaghan, Caoimhe Killeen and Will Faulkner.

Midlands 103 also celebrated individual success, with Courtney Callaghan receiving a Silver Certificate for Newcomer of the Year, an award named in honour of the late Gay Byrne. The station continues to lead in talent development, with David Hollywood taking Silver in 2023 and Tara McCormack winning Gold in 2021. In the past decade, Ben Finnegan and Michael Brophy have also been recognised.

Ann Marie Kelly maintained her remarkable record, earning her 11th IMRO nomination and continuing an unbroken run of shortlists every year since 2018.

There was also success for sister station South East Radio, where Alan Corcoran received Silver for Local/Regional Speech Broadcaster of the Year.

Rebecca Donnelly, Group Operations Director, said, "These awards mean so much because they recognise the heart of what local radio is about  telling peoples stories with care, shining a light on issues that matter, and being there for our communities on their toughest days. Im so proud of our teams and grateful to our listeners for trusting us with their stories.

The IMRO Radio Awards are the biggest night of the year for the Irish radio industry, celebrating excellence across stations in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. The 2025 ceremony took place at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny.
Housing Minister James Browne has said the Government is declaring a war on dereliction with a new tax operated by the Revenue Commissioners.

Minister of State John Cummins said they had tried various schemes as the carrot approach, but this tax represented the stick.

A new Derelict Property Tax was announced as part of Budget 2026 to replace the Derelict Sites Levy.

It is not expected to go lower than the levys rate of 7% of the site market value and legislation to underpin it is to be brought forward next year.

Those who do not pay the tax will be listed on Revenues tax defaulters.

Mr Browne said officials do not know the exact level of dereliction in Ireland other than what they see and hear anecdotally.

My view is dereliction is anti-social behaviour, I think it damages our society in many different ways, he said on Tuesday.

Asked about local authorities handling of the dereliction levy, he said: I think the local authorities have quite an extensive remit of what they have to do.

Some have them have handled it much better than others, but I think, you know, the only way to really address dereliction in this country now is through using the Revenue measure, the tax measure, and really, I think hammering that we are declaring a war on dereliction in this country.

I mean, its totally unacceptable that we would have properties in towns, in cities. You have water, you have electrical connections, you have roads, the street lights paid by taxpayers, and people are leaving them there.

He said although some personal situations might lead to dereliction, there is an issue with people leaving their property to increase its value.

We can all see it as we walk down the streets, even in Dublin city centre, you can see dereliction in every provincial town, and people are desperate for those properties.

So what we want to do is get to a situation where people feel so uncomfortable that they will release those properties to those people who will use it, be it an individual or developer, whatever the case would be.

The writ certainly wont be less than 7% and if we feel it needs to increase, that will be a matter for (the finance minister), we will discuss that at the time.

But what I would be saying to people who have derelict properties: youve been getting away with it up to now, some of them, wrongly.

But were going after every derelict property.

Mr Cummins said that in previous years, schemes such as the vacant property refurbishment grant had been offered to help bring derelict sites back into use.

That was the carrot. Were now coming with a stick, he said.

Its unacceptable, as Minister Browne said, for there to be vacant and derelict properties in this country. And we are going after it. We are serious about tackling it.

The rate will be set at least 7% and, you know, the local authorities will have a role to play next year in identifying all of those derelict properties that are across the country, and itll obviously be levied thereafter.

The message is clear: use the carrot; use the items that are there to support in bringing those properties back into use, and if you dont, the stick is coming with the tax.

On the Governments new housing plan, Mr Browne said it will go to the Cabinets housing committee in the next week and will be finalised afterwards, meaning it is expected within the next three weeks.
OFFALY LIVE'S BUDGET 2026 COVERAGE IS SPONSORED BY BCA Tax & Business Consultants

There have been mixed reactions to Budget 2026 since its announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers both addressed the Dail after 1pm.

Minister Donohoe said the Budget will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today.

Minister Chambers added that it represents an opportunity for a renewed economic and fiscal approach.

Both ministers announced a range of measures to be introduced. Among the most noticeable was a VAT reduction for the hospitality industry, an increase in the minimum wage and the extension of the renters tax credit.

However, the absence of the one-off cost-of-living measures and increases in tax bands that have featured regularly in recent years has proved controversial.

Speaking in the Dail, Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty widely criticised those decisions, accusing the Government of leaving ordinary people in the cold.

He slammed Minister Donohoe and Minister Chambers for displaying deluded arrogance and receiving self-congratuloraty applause.

Addressing those ministers, Mr Doherty said: Your big message here in this Budget [...] is that youre on your own. This is a Budget written by Fine Gael [...] that abandons workers and families to look after those at the top.

He said that the Budget provided no help with the cost-of-living crisis and was a blueprint for the continuation of the never-ending crises in housing and health.

He added that it reeks as a catalogue of handouts for those at the top and screws over the working class.

Other opposition parties have also criticised the Budget, with Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Cian OCallaghan describing it as characterised by bad choices and missed opportunities.

Meanwhile, Mr OCallaghans Labour counterpart, Conor Sheehan, said the Governments lack of focus on homelessness was disgraceful.

Outside of Leinster House, a number of other organisations have also been providing their reaction to the Budget.

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the largest representative body for the retail industry in Ireland, has said that the planned increase in the minimum wage is a short-sighted and anti-business measure which will lead to many businesses closing their doors.

Meanwhile, The Irish Wheelchair Association has described the Budget as utterly disappointing, citing the failure of the Government to provide for a permanent cost of disability payment.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said that it lacks the ambition required when it comes to scaling up staffing and capacity in the public health service.

Elsewhere, Simon Communities of Ireland said that while its refreshing to hear that housing has been at the forefront of Governments minds the lack of mention of homeless prevention measures was deeply disappointing.

The Irish Heart Foundation also expressed their disappointment at the 50c increase on a pack of cigarettes, which it said was insufficient to drive significant reductions in Irish smoking rates.

However, other organisations have welcomed the Budget, with The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) expressing their delight at a reduction in VAT for food services.

Meanwhile, Property Industry Ireland, the Ibec group for businesses working in the property sector, welcomed the reduction in VAT for new apartments.

The primary school teachers' union, the INTO, said the 50 primary capitation increase showed the Government had heard the sector's calls.

The National Womens Council (NWC) welcomed investment in childcare and some targeted measures to tackle womens inequality but warned that overall Budget measures lacked ambition and will not address structural inequalities that women experience.

Chambers Ireland welcomed the Budgets commitments on infrastructure and housing but said it leaves some questions unanswered for the business community.

While there is a lot left to unpack, Budget 2026 looks set to divide opinion right across the country over the coming weeks.
THIS Wednesday, October 8, from 12 noon to 2pm, the Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore will host an event celebrating the vital role of Toastmasters in fostering community and enhancing communication skills across the country.

The event will feature addresses from community leaders, including District Director Mairead Dillon and Councillor John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, Offaly Co. Council, highlighting the importance of effective communication and local governance. Attendees will also enjoy traditional Irish music performances.

The afternoon includes opportunities for networking and skill development, showcasing the core principles of Toastmasters.

The event will conclude with an awards presentation, recognizing achievements within the Toastmasters community.

For those interested in joining the Tullamore Toastmasters, meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month from September to the end of May at 8pm in Fergie's Bar and Lounge in the Market Square. For more information, contact tullamoretoastmasters@gmail.com

READ NEXT: Tullamore Lions Club represented on a peer exchange visit to Finland

Overall, the event at the Bridge House Hotel is designed to be an enriching experience, emphasizing the pivotal role of Toastmasters in enhancing communication skills and fostering community spirit throughout the country.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Offaly columnist asks 'can you tell my story to the world'
TULLAMORE based company Bon Chocolatiers walked away with two prestigious awards at the Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards.

Owned and run by Georgia Quealy and Daniel Linehan, the highly acclaimed Chocolatiers not only won Best in County, which was sponsored by Offaly Local Enterprise Office but this year's prestigious Supreme Champion award.

Five producers from Co. Offaly were shortlisted across a wide range of categories, with 4 of them taking home coveted Blas awards. The bronze, silver and gold winners from the county include: Bon Chocolatiers, Heavey & Co, Pigs On The Green and Sofina Foods.

''We are delighted to see Bon Chocolatiers win the 2025 Blas na hEireann, Best in County Awards. Congratulations to the whole team on this well-deserved achievement, which is a wonderful recognition of their talent and commitment.''said Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise. ''We wish them continued success as they go from strength to strength and look forward to working with them as they grow their business. Offaly has a strong network of ambitious food enterprises and we in LEO Offaly feel privileged to be working with them all.''

2025 marks another record year for Blas na hEireann, with over 3,000 entries across more than 180 categories, reflecting the strength and diversity of Irish food and drink.

This years finalists and winners had the opportunity to showcase their products at the Blas Village and the popular Eat Ireland in a Day market, both of which returned to Dingle alongside the annual Backyard at Blas panel discussions supported by Bank of Ireland. The weekend offered producers a chance to connect with buyers, industry experts, media, fellow producers, and food lovers, while also celebrating the people, and the talents, that make Irish food so special.

READ NEXT:Sadness at passing of kind and gentle lady

Speaking after the announcement, Artie Clifford, Chairperson of Blas na hEireann, said,''Every year the standard rises, and 2025 has been no exception. To see such talented producers from Co. Offaly represented on the shortlist, and now to celebrate the winners from that county, is a real testament to the skill, creativity and resilience of Irelands food producers.

Making it to the finalist stage alone is a huge achievement, and to win at Blas is something of which to be incredibly proud. Irish food and drink continues to go from strength to strength, and it is a joy to celebrate that strength and that community here in Dingle.''






Note: Ironically, this unpublished article, written over ten years ago, seems far more pertinent today, especially with so much completely unnecessary violence on the horizon.

Studying the Dead Sea Scrolls as well as various passages in the Gnostic Gospels, I kept running across the term The Perfect Man. To Christian scholars, of course, the term referred to the human form of Jesus. To various pre-Christian and other Messianic Jews of the time, it represented Adam, the first man who later tainted his perfection with imperfect acts. It is quite possible that both groups were awaiting someone, perhaps perfect, perhaps not, from the seed of David, to be anointed as King to save them from the hated Romans. What followed was a series of messianic hopefuls, each anointed (the actual meaning of mashiach, the Hebrew version of the Greek Christ) by their followers as Davidic King. It is no coincidence, of course, that the majority of these messiahs originated from Galilee, that they were considered to be what the Talmud referred to as Notzrim, people descended from a branch or shoot of King David. This also included Yeshua ha Notzri, later mistakenly referred to as Jesus of Nazareth, a town's name that, ironically, seems to have originated some years after his death.

You may ask why should this concept of The Perfect Man be more than a footnote in history? Why is it important? The answer, as always, lies in our perspective. Consider the time-honored concept of the anthropomorphic god. Traditionally, we are taught that, early on, primitive man conceived of gods as beings much like themselves, fighting with each other, loving, hating, lusting, jealous, eventually even forgiving and compassionate on a good day. Some cultures, like those of many American Indians, developed a more ethereal view of the nature of things. They saw a world of spirits guiding everyday life; in a way, a forerunner of the concept we refer to as forces of nature. Their gods were not anthropomorphic. Meanwhile, various cultures, notably the Babylonians and even the early Canaanites, began to develop impressive ethical codes of conduct as early as three or even four thousand years bce. They did not, however, always attribute these same ethical guidelines to their gods. Perhaps one of their favorite gods was a god of wisdom, mercy or fairness, but he could not control other gods, even though they were his relatives, perhaps even his own children.

What is all too obvious, is that in the evolution of what we call ethical monotheism the ethical parts, including compassion, forgiveness, love, even tough love, are not learned from the deity. These are all human qualities, indeed the very best of our human qualities, attributed like our greatest riches to the ideal god that we pray exists. Whether the living, breathing Jesus was perfect or not, to a majority of the population he represents The Perfect Man. I do not believe that anyone can honestly dispute this fact. Unfortunately, when Paul carelessly substitutes his Christ Jesus everywhere he can in the Old Testament for G-d, he is substituting his perfect human being in place of his concept of a quite imperfect god. The New Testament deity like the Old Testament version still metes out justice capriciously, is still jealous, kills his own creations, could certainly use more counseling from Moses, and still puts fear in the hearts of even his most ardent followers.

To most of us, religious or not, the great truth of the universe is academic, because we set our standards, meet some of them, fall short of others and resolve to try again. If we believe in G-d, do we really believe in a capricious self righteous egomaniac whose arbitrary dispensation of grace, the greatest fault in a human king, is the only thing that can save our immortal souls? Will a hateful monster like Martin Luther be saved because he believed in whatever psychotic drivel he believed and Mother Teresa or Albert Schweitzer not be saved because they had legitimate doubts?

Beware of perspective rearing its ugly head. Remember the old saying that imitation is the greatest form of flattery? Well, in the case of religion, emulation is the greatest form of worship. The Good News, of course, to Believers, is that there He is, Jesus in the flesh, the Perfect Man. He, himself, spelled it out for us. Love your neighbor, give to the poor. Give up your possessions to the community, taking only what you need. The [corrupt] rich man has as much chance to be saved as a camel (more accurately translated heavy rope) fitting through the eye of a needle. He goes on despite the impending danger to himself and his true followers. The Bad News, of course, Paul's concept of Christ Jesus, the magnificent human he transforms into G-d, is relegated to the disappointing role of a typical deity, capricious and arrogant, sitting on a throne like any other humanoid king, dispensing justice through grace instead of merit, watching his subjects groveling before him, heaping riches and wealth on the altars of houses of worship and into the sagging pockets of evangelical elixir salesmen.

Is it any wonder that we have an entire political party so afraid of scientific knowledge, afraid of what the American Indians already understood some ten or twelve thousand years ago, that spirits, or some sort of divine force or forces, manage the universe, that we are potentially magnificent products of those forces and that we need to be the stewards of the gifts we have been given, not necessarily the owners? Perhaps they are afraid to find that by the design of a credible G-d, the natural evolution of these ancient forces developed into what we call the human spirit, or, as the Buddha or the Gnostics or the wonderful Baruch Spinoza might have called it, the collective soul. One thing is certain, emulating Moses, Buddha, Confucius, Spinoza and especially Jesus, does not fit in with their political agenda and their psychotic quest for the concentration of such inordinate wealth and power in the hands of so few at the expense of so many of their fellow human beings.

Al Finkelstein, 12/25/14 (updated 2/18/18)
The Order of the Written Word Returns for Its Second Annual Writing Challenge
Brisbane, Australia - October 2025 : Pear Jewels Australia, one of the country's leading lab-grown diamond jewellery brands, has announced its much-awaited Spring Sale, offering 
Protesters gather outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland to protest the possibility of National Guard troops being deployed in the city on Oct. 5, 2025. Zaeem Shaikh

City attorneys from around the nation, including Los Angeles and Chicago, joined together to side with Oregon and its request for a federal appeals court to keep in place a judges order barring the Trump administrations mobilization of National Guard troops to Portland.

Forty-two cities and counties signed onto a friend-of-the-court brief by the Oakland-based Public Rights Project late Monday. The project provides litigation support to local governments.

Multnomah Countys lawyer, on behalf of the county, signed onto the brief to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the only other county or city in Oregon to join.

They argued that the federal government is trying to unlawfully unleash military forces without factual justification that could harm communities across the United States.

They said the Trump administration has plans underway to deploy National Guard troops to 19 more states and that the appellate court should maintain the status quo and consider the broader public interest.

These are not theoretical plans: just yesterday, the President sought to deploy 400 members of the Texas National Guard where needed, including in the cities of Portland and Chicago, the brief said. (The cities and counties) have a strong interest in ensuring that unmoored and unnecessary deployments cease and that order to the rule of law is restored.

Attorneys for the Trump administration have urged the 9th Circuit to immediately take up their request to place a hold on U.S. District Judge Karin Immerguts initial temporary restraining order. The federal government contends Immergut impermissibly second-guessed the Commander in Chiefs military judgments.

But the cities and counties in their 35-page brief argued that the balance of interests should weigh in favor of Oregon, reiterating Immerguts findings that federal law enforcement officers, with the support of local and state police, are capable of handling any threats to the Portland U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office or its officers.

Local law enforcement agencies, they argued, also are better trained than military forces to manage protests at the building.

Further, taxpayers are paying the massive price of such National Guard mobilizations, an estimated $10 million if the 200 Oregon National Guard members are allowed to deploy to Portland for 60 days, and $134 million for the California National Guard members mobilized since June.

The cities, representing millions of Americans have a fundamental interest in ensuring that these unnecessary deployments cease and that the rule of law is restored, they wrote.

Its unclear when the 9th Circuit may rule.
Downtown Portland on Sept. 14, 2025. In a fiery letter on Monday, Portland city attorney Robert Taylor appealed to the nations top law enforcement officials to prioritize Americans constitutional rights, including the right to free speech, above allegiance to a president who is untethered to the facts. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

Portland officials fired back at the Trump administration on Monday, accusing the U.S. Department of Justice of attempting to punish their political foes and help their allies by launching an investigation of Portland polices arrest of a conservative journalist and influencer last week.

Police arrested 27-year-old Nick Sortor of Washington, D.C. along with two other people on allegations of disorderly conduct, after a fight broke out near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland. The next day, Sortor announced on behalf of the U.S. Department of Justice that the agency would conduct a full investigation of the Portland Police Bureau stemming from his arrest.

Harmeet K. Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights at the U.S. DOJ, announced the investigation would look at Portland polices alleged viewpoint discrimination.

In a fiery letter on Monday, the same day local prosecutors announced they were declining to charge Sortor, city attorney Robert Taylor appealed to the nations top law enforcement officials to prioritize Americans constitutional rights, including the right to free speech, above allegiance to a president who is untethered to the facts 

Does the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice care about the Constitution anymore? Taylor asked in his letter. Many in Portland and across America have reason to be concerned about the answer to that question.

Taylor went on to contrast the federal governments rough treatment of people demonstrating against Trumps immigration policies, who record federal law enforcement actions at street level, with federal agents welcoming approach to conservative journalists and influencers. He noted that federal personnel have allowed people with pro-Trump viewpoints to film protests from the roof of the ICE facility.

People taking photos while wearing press jackets on the lower roof of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in South Portland on Oct. 5, 2025. Zaeem Shaikh

In recent days, Taylor added, federal law enforcement personnel have used unjustified force against people protesting Trump administration policies, including shoving peacefully demonstrating veterans and elderly people to the ground over the weekend and discharging pepper spray directly into the face of a vocal but nonviolent protester.

It appears the federal government is engaging in prohibited viewpoint discrimination by targeting demonstrators based on the content of their speech, while favoring those with whom the federal government agrees, Taylor wrote.

Please do not fail Portland and please do not fail America, Taylor continued. Please investigate  and stop  the apparent First and Fourth Amendment violations occurring in Portland by the federal government.
More than 100 protesters and counterprotesters gathered on opposite sides of the street outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

A federal appellate court has tentatively set a hearing for Thursday morning on the Trump administrations push to put a pause on an Oregon judges order barring the president from sending National Guard troops into federal service in Portland.

The hearing is set to be held remotely at 9 a.m. before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but a three-judge panel of the court may also choose to decide the matter solely on the briefs submitted to the court.

Attorneys for the Trump administration have urged the 9th Circuit to quickly take up their request to place an immediate hold, or stay, on U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immerguts order.

They argue that Immergut impermissibly second-guessed the Commander in Chiefs military judgments.

Attorneys for the state and Portland submitted briefs asking the 9th Circuit to keep the order in place until the court hears the federal governments full appeal.

They argue the 9th Circuit should maintain the status quo and prevent unlawfully federalized soldiers from engaging the public and patrolling Portland streets.

Immergut issued a temporary restraining order last Saturday, finding that President Trump hadnt met any of the criteria under Title 10, Section 12406 of the U.S. code to put 200 Oregon National Guard troops under federal control to send to Portland.

She ruled that no threat of rebellion exists in the city and that the sporadic protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland could be handled by local police.

Immergut late Sunday night issued a broader temporary restraining order barring the deployment of any National Guard members from any state to Oregon after the Trump administration sent about 100 California National Guard members to Oregon and also mobilized Texas National Guard members to head to Oregon and Illinois.

Oregon lawyers wrote in their brief to the 9th Circuit that the Trump administrations actions infringe on Oregons sovereign power to manage its own law enforcement activity and its own National Guard and cause economic and other harms to the city of Portland. What is worse, they do so based entirely on inaccurate information.

Attorneys from 42 cities and counties around the nation, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Multnomah County, filed a brief in support of keeping Immerguts order in place.

The America First Legal Foundation on Tuesday filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the Trump administrations effort to pause Immerguts first restraining order and urged the appellate court to throw out her second, broader one.

The foundation, a nonprofit co-founded by Trump aide Stephen Miller, said it wants to ensure that the president  is not unlawfully prevented from exercising statutory authority to carry out federal law.

The foundation argued that Immergut failed to grant deference to the Presidents determination that troops were needed to support federal officers at the ICE office in Portland.

Not only did the district court effectively veto the Presidents factual findings in favor of its own, but it did so on a very limited record, largely by uncritically accepting the factual allegations in Oregons declarations, the brief said. Worse, the district court identified no threat of imminent harm to Oregon that might justify its mad rush to enjoin the President without first developing the record.

The foundation also argued that Immergut did not have authority to issue the second broader temporary restraining order Sunday night because the federal government already had filed a motion to appeal and seek a hold on her first temporary restraining order.
Self-checkout terminals are becoming theft hotspots as shoppers increasingly justify deliberately scanning items incorrectly. Stephanie Atto from Monash Business School explains the concerning findings.

Whats happening: More than one in four Australian consumers now believe retail theft is justifiable to some degree, including taking items without paying, changing price tags, and deliberately misusing self-checkout terminals. The Consumer Deviance Spotlight report by Monash Universitys Australian Consumer and Retail Studies unit surveyed 1,047 shoppers aged 18 and older in June 2025.

Why this matters: Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 595,660 victims of theft nationally in 2024, the highest in 21 years and a 6% increase on the previous year, with almost half occurring in retail settings.

Australian shoppers are developing increasingly relaxed attitudes towards retail theft and other deviant behaviours, according to new research that reveals a stark generational divide in what consumers consider acceptable.

The Consumer Deviance Spotlight report, released by Monash Business Schools Australian Consumer and Retail Studies research unit, examined the attitudes and behaviours of Australian shoppers through a survey of 1,047 people aged 18 and older. The data, collected in June 2025, forms part of the annual ACRS Retail Monitor.

Generational divide

The research uncovered troubling differences between age groups when it comes to justifying theft. Taking an item without paying for it was considered not at all justifiable by 93% of consumers aged 55 and older, with only 7% believing it was justifiable to some extent.

The contrast with younger shoppers was dramatic. Just 46% of consumers aged 18 to 34 considered taking an item without paying to be completely unjustifiable, whilst 54% believed it was justifiable to some degree.

The study found more than one in four consumers believed retail theft was justifiable to some degree, including specific behaviours like taking an item without paying (27%), changing price tags on products (30%), not scanning some items when using self-checkout terminals (32%), and scanning items as cheaper items when using self-checkout terminals (36%).

What we are seeing is that a growing number of Australian shoppers, particularly younger people, consider some form of retail theft to be justifiable, whether that is taking an item without paying, changing price tags or deliberately misusing self-checkouts, said Stephanie Atto, lead author of the report and ACRS Research and Strategy Director.

These findings are concerning because while most people acknowledge such behaviours are illegal, there is a growing acceptance of them in practice.

Despite the concerning attitudes, the vast majority of shoppers, between 85% and 89%, still acknowledged these forms of theft were illegal.

Beyond blatant theft

The research revealed that acceptance of deviant behaviour extends well beyond traditional theft. Manipulation of deals and promotions has become increasingly normalised amongst Australian shoppers.

Many Australians consider manipulating deals and promotions to be justifiable. Shoppers reported increased acceptance of lying about a childs age to get a cheaper price, creating multiple email accounts to redeem a one-time offer, and claiming a lower price at a competitor to secure a discount, with 47 to 64% of Australians indicating these behaviours are justifiable to some extent, Atto said.

Taking advantage of customer service showed similar trends. Consumers said it was justifiable to mislead shop assistants about unpriced items (34%), write negative reviews for compensation (40%), and stay silent when a bill was miscalculated in their favour (60%).

Safety perceptions shift

For the first time, the research examined shoppers perspectives on shopping centre safety and security, an issue that has received increased media attention in recent years.

With media portrayals of heightened threats in recent years, we were interested in understanding Australian shoppers views on shopping centre safety and security, and found that the majority of shoppers felt safe in shopping centres, Atto said.

Additionally, most recalled seeing security personnel during visits over the past three months.

Escalating national problem

The findings align with recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing theft has reached a 21-year high. In 2024, there were 595,660 victims of theft nationally, representing a 6% increase on the previous year, with almost half of all incidents occurring in retail settings.

The timing of the research is significant. Although retail trade and consumer confidence have steadily improved in 2025, the researchers warn that rising retail crime threatens to offset these gains.

In response to the escalating crisis, retailers and peak bodies have intensified efforts to address the problem. Initiatives include cracking down on repeat offenders, calling for consistent national crime laws and police responses, and launching awareness campaigns to encourage Australians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Retail crime is a shared problem that requires a united approach, integrating technology, stronger communication and consistent legal frameworks across retailers, law enforcement and government bodies, Atto said.

While retail crime in Australia has escalated in recent years, these collective efforts represent important steps towards addressing the problem.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut convened an unusual Sunday night hearing by phone to consider state's and City of Portland's motion for a new temporary restraining order. Bryan Denson/The Oregonian

U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut didnt waste much time once Sunday nights hearing got underway, pointedly asking the Trump administrations lawyer how the presidents deployment of California National Guard troops and the mobilization of Texas National Guard troops to Oregon didnt violate her initial temporary restraining order.

The night before, Immergut had issued a 31-page ruling blocking the call-up of 200 Oregon National Guard troops into federal service in Portland, finding their deployment violated federal law and the U.S. Constitution.

Mr. Hamilton, Immergut said, addressing attorney Eric Hamilton, let me ask you how could bringing in federalized National Guard in California not be in direct contravention of the TRO I issued yesterday?

Hamilton replied that the California National Guard troops were already federalized by President Trump and that Trump had command and control over them.

Immergut later cut in, Mr. Hamilton -- Mr. Hamilton, you are missing the point, she said. Because here its the conditions on the ground in Oregon that were the basis for my finding on a TRO -- standard for a TRO that there was not a legal basis to bring federalized National Guard into Oregon.

Thats how the hearing started out.

It didnt get better for the federal government.

The judge asked Hamilton, Is there any legal authority for what youre doing?

Hamilton conceded that the part of the federal code that the president was relying on - Title 10, Section 12406, has not been utilized any time in history; so there are not many previous precedents from the use of this authority.

Immergut then asked: Tell me. Why do you think it has not been utilized?

Hamilton said he couldnt address that.

Mr. Hamilton -- Mr. Hamilton, Immergut continued, so, again, if it were the case that you could federalize National Guard in one place and simply send them to a place where the President doesnt have authority to federalize the National Guard, then what would the purpose of 12406 be? You have to have a colorable claim that Oregon conditions require it, but you dont. Weve already gone over that. So why is this appropriate?

By the end of the hearing, Immergut issued a new much broader temporary restraining order, prohibiting the relocation, federalization, or deployment of any National Guard under defendants command that is Title 10 status within the state of Oregon.

Read the full transcript of the hearing below.

And here, too, is a copy of Immerguts Saturday decision granting the first temporary restraining order.
The Ducks Confidential podcast, hosted by The Oregonian/OregonLives Aaron Fentress and former UO and NFL tight end George Wrighster, host of the Unafraid Show, reviews the action that took place around college football, while No. 3 Oregon Ducks had the week off. That includes discussing whether UOs win last week at Penn State was diluted by the Nittany Lions loss at 1-4 UCLA and their subsequent fall out of the AP Top 25.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning calls instructions during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. AP Photo/Lydia Ely

. . .

TOPICS (Listen, Watch)

Penn State lost 42-37 at UCLA and fell out of the AP Top 25? Did that hurt the Ducks?

Which teams, if any, have separated themselves?

RB Makhi Hughes redshirting. A whiff for Oregon?

Dillong Gabriel makes his first NFL start with Cleveland.

Quick look ahead at Saturdays game against No. 7 Indiana.

More.

FULL EPISODE

. . .

No. 2 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) vs. No. 8 Indiana (5-0, 2-0)
People embrace during a memorial marking two years anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 deadly Hamas attack on Israel, at the site of the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Reim in southern Israel, where hundreds of revelers were killed and abducted in the assault, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) AP

Its been two years since thousands of Hamas-led militants poured into southern Israel after a surprise barrage of rockets. They stormed army bases, farming communities and an outdoor music festival, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children and older adults and abducting 251 others.

In response, Israel launched an offensive into the Gaza Strip that has killed tens of thousands of people and razed entire towns and cities. As the U.S. is seeking to broker a ceasefire after nearly two years of war, those who can are fleeing another Israeli invasion of Gaza City while others are sheltering in place. Many are unable to make the arduous and costly journey south.

Gazas Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll in the war reached 67,160 on Monday.

Heres the latest:

Japan warns Israel against abandoning a two-state solution

Japans Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya warned Israel that any action to destroy the foundation of a two-state solution will lead Tokyo to consider sanctions against Israel or the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Marking the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks, Iwaya said it is essential to stop Israels one-sided actions, achieve a sustainable ceasefire and an immediate release of all hostages and support humanitarian relief to Gaza.

He said all parties should act in accordance with a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In case of a development that completely destroys the foundation of the two-state solution, Japan will consider all options including sanctions against Israel or a recognition of Palestinian state, Iwaya said.

US delegation will join Hamas-Israel talks on Wednesday, Egyptian official says

Egypts top diplomat said a U.S. delegation will join indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the main focus of the talks is establishing a ceasefire and the release of hostages and a number of Palestinian prisoners.

He said the parties were also discussing maps showing areas from where Israeli forces will withdraw in the first phase, which also includes full and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the United Nations.

He said the negotiations aim at achieving a security mechanism that eventually leads to a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Palestinians in Gaza reflect on the 2-year war

The anguish of loss and a desperate wish for a quick end to the war also resounded across Gaza.

Our families have died, our homes are gone. We pray to God that this war will end as soon as possible, today instead of tomorrow, said Sanaa Adwan in Khan Younis.

Ghassan Abu Rejeila said the war has stripped Gaza of everything that gives life meaning, whether its a family gathering or a decent meal. His wish to watch his children in their school uniforms pursue their education is no more. Weve lost the beautiful moments (in life). Our life has become hell upon hell. Every day, there is killing, strikes, death, martyrdom.

For Maha Shbeir, a doctor at Nasser Hospital, the last two years feel like two decades filled with tragedy, suffering, homelessness and hunger. He said the war also robbed people of a sense of stability. After being displaced eight times, it felt as if my soul was leaving my body.

Trump will meet with an American hostage freed from Gaza

The president is scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon at the White House with Edan Alexander, who was taken hostage by Hamas in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that led to the Israel-Hamas war.

Trump met in July with Alexander, who was the last living American hostage in Gaza and released from captivity in May.

The meeting, which is scheduled to occur behind closed doors, comes as indirect peace talks are being held in Egypt over Trumps plan to end the fighting.

Remembering their loved ones, Israelis mourn at the Nova music festival site

Families and friends of the Oct. 7 victims visited the site of the Nova music festival, where 400 revelers were killed and dozens taken hostage by Hamas. They weaved through memorials and shared stories about the victims in hushed tones.

People embraced a woman wailing for her loss. Another woman spoke of losing her two daughters at the festival and with them, her identify as a mother.

Alon Muskinov, 28, who was at the festival and lost three of his closest friends, said this anniversary isnt particularly special because we are reliving this every day anew, every day we remember them.

Yehuda Rahmani says he finds comfort in visiting the last place where his daughter was alive. His daughter Sharon, a police officer, was on a security detail during the music festival. Rahmadi hopes to run into a survivor who could shed more light on Sharons last moments.

When you dont know what happened, it makes it so much harder, he said, adding that hes angry the government has yet to launch an official inquiry into that days security failures.

All activists from an aid flotilla have been released by Israel

Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandelas grandson and pro-Palestinian activist who was detained in international waters by Israel as part of a Gaza-bound flotilla, says all activists are now safe and on their way home.

In a video posted to his Instagram page on Tuesday, Mandela, a former South African lawmaker, said he and other released activists were in Jordan.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry confirmed in a post on X the arrival of 130 citizens from 23 nations including Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, Libya, Mexico, Pakistan, Switzerland and the United States.

Last week, Israeli authorities intercepted dozens of boats attempting to break its siege of Gaza and took some 470 activists to an Israeli prison before progressively deporting them. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the latest deportations that took place as the nation marks two years of Hamas Oct. 7 attack that plunged the region into war.

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas underway for second day

Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatars Foreign Ministry, told journalists on Tuesday that the first day of talks on Monday went for four hours. He said the discussions were still underway Tuesday.

Qatar has been a key mediator between Israel and Hamas.

These talks will need some time. There are details we need to go through, al-Ansari said, adding the talks could take days.

The indirect negotiations in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are focused on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war in Gaza.

After several hours of talks Monday, an Egyptian official with knowledge of the discussions said the parties agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings.

We want this war to end

In Tel Aviv, the main memorial ceremony was organized by Yonatan Shamriz, whose brother Alon was among three hostages mistakenly killed by Israeli forces after they escaped Hamas captivity early in the war.

Shay Dickmann, who lost her aunt outside her house in Kibbutz Beeri on the day of the attack while her cousin, Carmel Gat, was taken hostage by Hamas and killed 11 months later, said all everyone wants is for the war to end.

There is a deal on the table, there is an opportunity to end this war and bring everybody back home, she said. We all deserve it, we deserve it, our neighbors deserve it, we want this war to end and all to come back to their homes.

UK prime minister criticizes pro-Palestinian protests on Oct. 7 anniversary

Britains prime minister has criticized pro-Palestinian protests planned at universities across the country on the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, saying they are un-British.

This is not who we are as a country. Its un-British to have so little respect for others, Keir Starmer wrote in the Times of London. And thats before some of them decide to start chanting hatred toward Jewish people all over again.

Previous protests have too often become a forum for hate speech and antisemitism, he said.

Starmers intervention comes at a tense moment in Britain, just days after a naturalized citizen of Syrian origin launched an attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. Two men were killed and three others were seriously injured.

In the aftermath of the assault, British authorities have stepped up security around synagogues and criticized the rise of antisemitism in society. The government is also considering giving police new powers to restrict repeated protests that have a negative cumulative impact on the community.

European leaders mark anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, including German citizens, and expressed hope for the peace process in a video message shared online on the morning of Oct. 7. He referred to the Hamas attack as a black day in the history books of the Jewish people.

Merz said Germany was experiencing a new wave of antisemitism since Oct. 7, 2023. It fills me with shame, he said, as Chancellor, as a German, as part of the postwar generation that grew up with the promise: Never again.

The chancellor appealed to people in Germany to reach out to Jewish communities and assure them that we will do everything together to ensure that Jewish people can live here in Germany without fear, and that they can live with confidence.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called the Oct. 7 attack the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust, in a video address posted on Tuesday morning. There is no place for antisemitism in Sweden, he said. Jews in Sweden should be able to proudly wear the Star of David, visit the synagogue, and send their children to Jewish schools.

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter wrote on X: It is high time to end the violence. Hamas must release all hostages. The despair and immense pain must come to an end. Peace is the only path forward.

Unofficial commemorations begin in Israel

Thousands of people streamed to sites across southern Israel where relatives and friends were killed in the Oct. 7 attack two years ago, gathering at mobile bomb shelters and intersections now full of memorials and photos.

At the site of the Nova music festival, where almost 400 people were killed and dozens kidnapped, mourners wandered through hundreds of photos arranged in a semi circle around the spot where the DJ was located, embracing and sharing memories. There was no organized memorial at the site due to the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, but hundreds of people gathered ahead 6:29 a.m., the exact time the attack began, playing the track the DJ was playing just before the music was shut off as rockets began flying overhead. When the minute of the anniversary came, the music was cut off and the crowd observed a moment of silence.

At the site on Tuesday, explosions from Gaza echoed across the fields. Militants launched two rockets from northern Gaza over the course of the morning, though no damages or injuries were reported.

UN chief calls for release of hostages

The United Nations chief renewed his plea on Tuesday for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held in Gaza in a statement released to mark two years since Hamas Oct. 7 attack.

The horror of that dark day will be forever seared in the memories of us all, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

Guterres said he had heard firsthand the unbearable pain of survivors and the families of captives held in Gaza and condemned the deplorable conditions, urging Israel and Hamas to seize the opportunity to end hostilities as talks continued on Tuesday negotiating U.S. President Donald Trumps peace plan.

After two years of trauma, we must choose hope. Now, he said.

Let us honor the memory of all the victims by working for the only path forward: a just and lasting peace, in which Israelis, Palestinians, and all the peoples of the region live side by side in security, dignity and mutual respect.

Australian PM reiterates call for 2-state solution

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has told Parliament that Australia must do everything in its power to ensure and that there are both an Israeli state and Palestinian state in a future without Hamas.

Albanese on Tuesday condemned Hamas for its attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Their attack on a music festival that promoted friends, love and infinite freedom, an event attended by so many young people, underlined a core truth -- Hamas stands in opposition to all humanity and all that we value as human beings, Albanese said.

Earlier he condemned pro-Hamas graffiti painted around Melbourne on Tuesday as abhorrent. Words including Glory to Hamas and Oct. 7, do it again were painted in black letters in Melbourne.

New Zealands leader remembers Oct. 7 while calling for end to invasion

In remarks to New Zealands Parliament on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Winston Peters spoke of a day of infamy on Oct. 7, 2023 when Hamas mounted its heinous attacks on Israeli citizens as well as those from other countries.

That event set off what must seem to most New Zealanders like yet another of the seemingly never-ending cycles of violence in that region, he told lawmakers in Wellington. We have strongly condemned the overwhelming nature of Israels military response as Palestinian citizens have paid a disproportionate price for the sins of Hamas.

Peters government said in September that New Zealand would not yet recognize an independent Palestinian state. He on Tuesday reiterated that his government supported the peace plan proposed by President Trump, adding that those countries with leverage were most likely to succeed in a diplomatic solution.

Earlier on Tuesday, a man was charged with burglary after he allegedly smashed a window at Peters Auckland home while pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside on Monday evening.

Hostages families plan memorial without Netanyahu

Israelis prepared to mourn the dead Tuesday as the nation marks two years since Hamas Oct. 7 attack plunged the region into a devastating war, while Israel and Hamas hold indirect talks in Egypt.

The main memorial ceremony is being organized by bereaved families, separate from a government memorial set to be held on the Hebrew calendar anniversary next week.

The split reflects deep divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus leadership, which many blame for the failure to secure a ceasefire that would free the remaining hostages held by the militant group.

Talks on US peace plan set to resume Tuesday

Israeli and Hamas officials are set to continue indirect talks Tuesday at an Egyptian resort on a U.S.-drafted peace plan.

The talks began Monday and unfolded amid many questions about the plan presented by U.S. President Donald Trump last week, including the disarmament of the militant group  a key Israeli demand  and the future governance of Gaza.

Despite Trump ordering Israel to stop the bombing, Israeli forces have continued to pound Gaza with airstrikes.

An Egyptian official with knowledge of the talks said the parties wrapped up Mondays round of negotiations at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, and the discussions were set to resume Tuesday afternoon. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said the parties have agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire.
U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut was nominated to the federal bench by President Donald Trump in 2018. She previously served as a Multnomah County Circuit Judge for nine years after six years as Oregon's U.S. attorney, appointed then by former President George W. Bush. Oregonian File Photo

The federal judge who has temporarily halted President Trumps attempts to put National Guard troops on Portland streets is known for being fair and apolitical, say multiple people who worked with her over the years in Oregon.

U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut was thrust into the international spotlight this week after issuing two orders that bar any National Guard members from being relocated from any state for federal service in Oregon.

Immergut outright rejected the federal governments assertion that Portland faced a danger of rebellion and that regular forces were unable to execute federal law as protests continue outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building.

Immergut, 64, was appointed by Trump during his first term and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in July 2019 to fill a federal district judges vacancy in Oregon.

On Sunday, Trump blasted Immergut outside the White House, saying Portland was burning to the ground and Immergut ought to be ashamed of himself, incorrectly identifying the judges gender repeatedly.

Also on Sunday, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller slammed Immergut on social media, saying A district court judge has no conceivable authority, whatsoever, to restrict the President and Commander-in-Chief from dispatching members of the US military to defend federal lives and property.Todays judicial ruling is one of the most egregious and thunderous violations of constitutional order we have ever seen.

But people who have worked with Immergut for years say shes fiercely independent.

She is completely apolitical in decision-making and in how she assesses the facts and interprets the law, said Billy J. Williams, a former U.S. attorney for Oregon who worked with Immergut for three decades in the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office and in the U.S. Attorneys Office.

He added: I have absolute faith and confidence in her because she calls it the way she sees it. To suggest that shes unfair to one side or the other just isnt accurate, said Williams, who was also nominated by Trump to the top federal prosecutors job and confirmed by the Senate in 2018.

The sentiment is shared by Ethan Knight, a trial lawyer who worked with Immergut for 25 years at the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office and the U.S. Attorneys Office. He handled high-profile cases as a federal prosecutor in Portland and was part of the offices national security and terrorism team.

I can think of few people who have more integrity than she does, Knight said. Shes an adherent to the rule of law. Shes fair-minded. And shes not worried about whos going to criticize her and where she falls on things politically because thats not her job.

Steven T. Wax, who served as Oregons federal defender when Immergut was U.S. attorney, said Immergut was a true professional prosecutor who is showing that she is a strong person as a judge who understands the importance of an independent judiciary.

Her opinion exemplifies what the judiciary is and should be about, said Wax, who is now retired. She is acting in the same tradition as a number of other Oregon federal judges who were appointed by Republicans. Doesnt matter who appoints you to the bench. You got a job to do as a judge.

Prior to her appointment to the federal bench, Immergut presided over more than 250 criminal and civil trials in state court after then-Gov. Ted Kulongoski appointed her to a Multnomah County Circuit judges seat in 2009. That followed her six years as Oregons U.S. attorney, appointed by President George W. Bush.

Before that, Immergut served two years as an assistant federal prosecutor in Oregon and as a Multnomah County prosecutor.

In 1998, she took a leave of absence from her Multnomah County prosecutors job to work in the Office of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr. Immerguts questioning of White House intern Monica Lewinsky about her relationship with President Bill Clinton proved critical to determining that Clinton had lied under oath.

People were critical of her when she worked for Ken Starr and now theyre critical of her on the other side, which should tell you that shes looking to get it right and not to please people, Knight said.

Immergut has changed her party affiliation several times. She first registered in Oregon in 1996 as a Democrat, according to the Oregon Secretary of States Office. In 1997, she switched to nonaffiliated and then re-registered as Republican in 2001, the year George W. Bush became president. In July 2025, Immergut again changed her registration to nonaffiliated.

Shes also currently a judge with the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, a specialized federal court in Washington, D.C., that reviews executive branch applications for authorization to employ various means of obtaining foreign intelligence, especially directed at Americans.

Born in New York City to an Austrian father and a Swedish mother who immigrated after marrying in Sweden, Immergut grew up speaking both Swedish and English, according to a profile in an Oregon State Bar publication. Her first name is pronounced like Karen.

Immergut earned her bachelors degree from Amherst College and her law degree from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California at Berkeley.

She began her legal career as a litigation associate at Covington & Burling, a large private law firm based in Washington, D.C. She also served as a federal prosecutor earlier in her career in California, where she was chief of the training section and deputy chief of the narcotics and money laundering section in Californias central district.

Her rulings as a federal judge have spanned the spectrum. In August, for example, she ruled that ICE agents had legally detained a 25-year-old Guatemalan man who was in a van of farmworkers stopped in Marion County as they headed to harvest blueberries.

She also ruled that Oregon gun control Measure 114s ban on the sale or manufacture of large-capacity magazines and its requirement for a permit to purchase a gun are constitutional.

In a late night hearing on Sunday, Immergut found that the Trump administration was directly violating her prior order issued the day before, in which she found no justification for federalized military to serve anywhere in the state.

It is not appropriate to bring federalized military into Oregon at this time, she told the federal governments attorney Sunday. Im troubled by the direct contravention of my (prior) order.

U.S. government lawyers have asked an appeals court to put a hold on the Immerguts original order temporarily blocking the federal mobilization of Oregons National Guard members and are expected to do the same for her second ruling that followed the Trump administrations deployment of California National Guard members to Portland and the mobilization of the Texas National Guard to do the same.

The 9th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to take up the requests quickly.

Reporters Maxine Bernstein and Noelle Crombie contributed to this story.

This story was updated to fix a transcription error in a quote and to add more information about Immerguts voter registration.
When it comes to fall foliage, New England might get most of the national attention, but the Peak Northwest podcast makes a compelling case for why Oregons autumn displays deserve equal, if not greater, recognition. The secret, according to hosts Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor, isnt just about the trees themselves, but whats behind them.

Its the pairing of the fall color with like the dramatic landscapes, Hale said during the 2023 episode. You can go to the Northeast and yes theres these huge forests of beautiful trees changing colors ... but here we have some of that, maybe to a lesser extent, plus theres a volcano in the view or plus theres the Columbia River, or the ocean, or whatever.

Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Fall color surrounds Clear Lake on a cloudy morning in the Willamette National Forest. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

This combination creates what Connor refered to as the enhancement of the fall color. The hosts spent the episode exploring this powerful pairing across Oregons diverse terrain, from river gorges to mountain peaks.

Nowhere is this combination more evident than at Silver Falls State Park, which both hosts highlight as an essential fall color destination. In the fall you have the waterfalls framed by this beautiful fall foliage ... I mean thats some iconic Oregon stuff right there, Hale said.

The podcast doesnt just focus on well-known spots like Silver Falls and the Columbia River Gorge. The hosts also guide listeners to less obvious destinations where Oregons dramatic landscapes create unforgettable autumn experiences. Places like the historic covered bridges of Cottage Grove, the volcanic landscape of Bend, and the high desert vistas of Steens Mountain all offer distinctive fall color experiences.

Yellow maple leaves frame Lower North Falls at Silver Falls State Park in mid-October. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Oregons geological diversity serves as the perfect canvas for fall colors, the hosts said. Unlike regions with vast uniform forests, the Pacific Northwest offers a constantly changing backdrop  one bend in the trail might reveal a waterfall framed by golden maples, while the next might showcase yellow larches against a snow-capped volcano.

The variety of elevations and ecosystems means that if you miss peak color in one area, you can often find it by traveling to a different region or elevation within the state.

For anyone planning their own Oregon fall adventure, the full episode offers a week-by-week breakdown of where to find peak color, complete with specific recommendations and tips on capturing that magical combination of dramatic landscapes and vibrant fall foliage.
Daniel Bonham, the former state Republican Senate leader from The Dalles, could be headed to work for the U.S. Department of Labor.

A U.S. Senate calendar lists Bonham as a nominee for the job of assistant secretary of labor, as first reported by Dirk VanderHart of Oregon Public Broadcasting. If hes confirmed, Bonham would report to another prominent Oregon Republican: former U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who was picked by President Donald Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Labor earlier this year.

There are several assistant secretaries in the labor department. The Senate calendar suggests Bonham would replace Elizabeth Schoff Watson, who was the assistant secretary of congressional and intergovernmental affairs during the Biden administration, according to her LinkedIn.

Bonham, who owns a stove and spa company in The Dalles, announced last month that he would resign from his post as an Oregon senator and turned over leadership of the Senate Republican Caucus to a new leader. Some speculated at the time that Bonham could be in the running for a federal post, though Bonham was tight-lipped about his next move. He didnt respond to several attempts by The Oregonian/OregonLive to talk with him about his next steps after his resignation and didnt immediately return a call Monday night about his federal nomination.

Bonham was first appointed to the Legislature in 2017, after Trump appointed another Republican from The Dalles, former Rep. John Huffman, to a federal post. Bonham won reelection to his House post before being elected to the Oregon Senate in 2022 after redistricting. He took over as Senate Republican Leader last year, succeeding Tim Knopp, a Bend Republican, who was barred from running for reelection because he participated in a lengthy Republican walkout. Bonham was also barred for running from reelection, but his term wasnt set to end until 2027.

According to his legislative biography, Bonham worked on policymaking in Washington D.C., while working for Evergreen International Aviation prior to 2006. He then worked as the sales manager of a rubber company before buying his stove business in 2007.

In a statement about his resignation from the Oregon Senate, Bonham said working as a state lawmaker had been one of the greatest honors of his life.

I never set out to be a politician  I just wanted to serve my community, and Ill always be grateful for the trust they placed in me, Bonham wrote. Im excited about my future, but Ill miss the day-to-day work alongside my colleagues in Salem.
Someone records the goings on at the "No National Guard in Portland" protest on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Most media and social media personalities have recorded and photographed the facility from outside, while a few have been invited inside and up to the roof. Allison Barr/The Oregonian

Footage from atop the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland has become a noticeable fixture of the coverage of protests there in recent days.

But, despite requests directed to the federal agencys public information officers, not all news organizations have been granted the same access to the facility and the people who work there.

The Oregonian/OregonLive first asked for a tour of the facility on Sept. 25. That was eight days before Bill Melugin, a national correspondent for Fox News, posted a report from the roof of that building on the social media platform X.

NEW: ICEs Portland Director tells me its like theres a bubble around the ICE building where Portland PD wont respond to violence due to politics from Mayor & city council. She says its frustrating for Feds to watch people get attacked on the street & not have jurisdiction. pic.twitter.com/Xouwfsy4D5  Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) October 2, 2025

The Oregonian/OregonLive asked for access again  a tour for one reporter and one photographer  on Oct. 6. That request came three days after Katie Daviscourt with The Post Millennial, a right-wing publication, posted a photo of herself posing on top of the federal building with Chelly Bouferrache, a right-wing influencer also known on X as @Hunnybadgermom.

There has been no response to either of The Oregonian/OregonLives requests for building access.

On Monday, Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, took exception to the apparent exclusion of local media from the facility.

Assuming actual local news outlets like OPB, The Oregonian, Willamette Week, Oregon Capital Chronicle, the Portland Mercury, KATU, KOIN, KGW, KPTV & others would get the same rooftop reporting access as these right-wing influencers, he wrote on X above Daviscourts post with Bouferrache.

Assuming actual local news outlets like OPB, The Oregonian, Willamette Week, Oregon Capital Chronicle, the Portland Mercury, KATU, KOIN, KGW, KPTV & others would get the same rooftop reporting access as these right-wing influencers https://t.co/DY96Y8A6vy  Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) October 6, 2025

Daviscourt responded to Wyden claiming, incorrectly, that local media have had no ground presence at the protests. If they had, she wrote in a comment on Wydens post, they would have also been invited to embed with ICE/FPS.

In fact, all of the local media organizations Wyden mentioned have done on-the-ground reporting about the protests in the city where most of their journalists and editors live.

The Oregonian/OregonLive sent reporters to the protests in June when they picked up steam. The newspaper sent journalists again on several nights in early September and has had a daily presence at the building since President Donald Trump announced his intention to send National Guard troops to Portland.

In a Monday letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, Portland City Attorney Robert Taylor also took exception to what he called viewpoint discrimination, a phrase the U.S. Department of Justice recently used to criticize the Portland police.

For example, it appears the federal government is providing special access to the ICE facility for social media influencers who favor the federal administration, while targeting with force those who use social media to document the conduct of the federal government, Taylor wrote.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security again Tuesday requesting both access to the facility and a comment for this story. No response had been received by deadline.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrives before President Donald Trump speaks with members of law enforcement and National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., in August. Jacquelyn Martin

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will visit Portland on Tuesday, according to city officials.

Noems agenda for the trip has not been announced, with police officials saying only that she was expected to be visiting the region.

Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner said the bureaus dignitary protection unit would provide routine support on roads and in public spaces, as they would with any visiting official.

Benner said the bureau would not assist in federal immigration matters, consistent with Oregons sanctuary state law.

We urge Portlanders to continue to remain safe, Benner said. Recent court decisions have affirmed that Portland does not need federal military intervention, and that our local public-safety approach stands on firm legal ground.

The feds and the city have been locked in a legal battle over President Donald Trumps plans to mobilize National Guard troops to Portland, which he claims is mired in anarchy and chaos. In reality, the protests have been largely restricted to a single city block for the past few months.

A legal appeal of the troop deployment matter is pending with the U.S. 9th Circuit Court.

In July, Noem said that black-clad cadres called antifa were publishing the personal details of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, an act known as doxxing.

When President Donald Trump first announced plans to federalize 200 members of the Oregon National Guard a week ago, he said he was doing so at Noems request.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, will not be among the welcoming party for Noem, however.

Kristi Noem is cosplaying as a public official, Wyden said in a statement. In reality, shes been sent by Trump to incite violence.
The share of Oregon's young adults who earned a bachelor's degree after high school has inched up, but the percent who earned an associate degree or college credential has sat stubbornly around 18% for years. Lori M. Nichols | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Fourteen years ago, lawmakers set an ambitious goal for higher education: By 2025, 80% of Oregons young people would hold a college degree or an education credential of some sort.

Unsurprisingly, the state fell short. The writing has been on the wall for several years, as Oregons progress inched along slower than necessary to meet most of the goals targets.

Last week, the director of Oregons Higher Education Coordinating Commission asked lawmakers whether its time to revisit the states 40-40-20 goal and to reconsider what benchmarks would best suit the educational needs of Oregonians and the economic needs of the state.

Members of the House Education Committee, who gathered for Legislative Days in Salem last week, offered little immediate feedback on the idea. But the opportunity to reorient the states education goals was applauded by a teachers union and a group representing technology companies.

We all know that credentials alone dont tell the whole story of higher education, said Ariana Jacob, president of Oregons chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. Students and families want more than a piece of paper. They want affordable pathways, they want real opportunities and degrees and certificates that lead to good jobs, to the jobs of the future.

The state goal, known as 40-40-20, set a clear target to have 40% of young people earn a bachelors degree, 40% earn a community college degree or a credential, such as one from a trade school or apprenticeship, and the remaining 20% of all Oregonians ages 25 to 34 to earn at least a high school diploma.

Perhaps one of the most important things  it did was express the perspective that all young people are capable, Ben Cannon, executive director of the higher education commission, told lawmakers. And its the job of our systems and our schools to do what is necessary to help them succeed.

As of 2024, about 57% of Oregonians between the ages of 25 and 34 had a college degree or credential. The share of young people with bachelors degrees has climbed from 31% to 39% since the state started measuring progress, nearly reaching the target. But the share of students with a community college degree or certificate has not grown in the past dozen years, stagnating around 18%.

The state has also fallen short of the goal that every student earn at least a high school diploma. About 7% of young Oregonians today have no high school diploma, an improvement from the roughly 11% in 2012.

After hitting pandemic-era lows, high school graduation rates have been climbing modestly in the last few years. Nearly 82% of the class of 2024 graduated within four years, the second highest rate in state history, but there is a caveat. The state board of education has suspended until 2029 the requirement that students must prove they have a basic mastery of reading, writing and math skills via passing a series of standardized tests or completing a standalone series of assignments designed by their teachers.

Meanwhile, new state testing data released last week finds that only four in every 10 elementary and middle school students are currently proficient enough in writing and reading skills to graduate from high school without needing remedial courses in college or extra training from future employers. In math, that figure is only about three of every 10 elementary and middle schoolers.

Cannon told The Oregonian/OregonLive that the suggestion lawmakers revisit higher education goals is not driven by Oregons failure to live up to them so far. He thinks the state has made enormous progress since adopting the 40-40-20 plan and that the goal helped focus the state on helping students complete high school and continue their studies after graduation. But the goal is dated.

The nature of work and education is changing, he said, as are the needs of our economy and communities.

Lawmakers could consider doubling down on the 40-40-20 goal, Cannon said. They could tweak the numbers based on a new analysis of the employment market and community needs. Or they could decide to measure other metrics entirely, he said, like job placement rates or social and economic mobility.

Skip Newberry, president of the Technology Association of Oregon, said tech companies want to see employees who are well versed in data literacy, automated systems and cyber security and are adept at soft skills like communication and working with a team.

How we define our attainment goals, that obviously can go a long way to incentivizing relevant stakeholders, and the state, to meet these new opportunities and realistic challenges head on, Newberry said.

The higher education commission has not decided to rewrite the 40-40-20 goal or its goal for adult learners, Cannon told lawmakers, but its looking for some direction on whether to start that process. If lawmakers decide theyre on board, the commission plans to solicit feedback from education and workforce groups across the state and potentially work to craft a new proposal ahead of the 2027 legislative session.

Jacob, the representative of AFT Oregon which represents some Oregon K-12 employees, graduate students and higher education faculty, said the union is eager for that kind of engagement.

By working together we can craft goals that chart a path forward for education, she said. We need goals that measure affordability, that hold us accountable for building an equitable and inclusive system and that articulate the real public purpose of higher education.

John Tapogna, a policy adviser at research firm ECOnorthwest, thinks the 40-40-20 plan is still a valuable framework for the state.

Increasing the number of young working age professionals with a community college credential, trade school certificate, apprenticeship or other education credential has always been the states largest challenge, he said. But he thinks theres a strong argument that young people should get some kind of postsecondary training in an economy thats changing quickly, particularly as technology evolves.

Employers are hiring people trained to implement artificial intelligence, he said. Clean energy jobs are going to require education credentials, as are healthcare and elder care jobs that will be in higher demand as the American population ages.

Oregon also has an awful lot of work to do, in ensuring all young people have a high school diploma, a goal Tapogna described as a moral imperative.

A decade ago, the 40-40-20 goal was discussed widely as a north star in education, Tapogna said, but it doesnt get the same attention today. Hed like to see the higher education commission re-amplify its underlying mission.

We need to be paying attention to these attainment rates in the way that we were paying attention to them 10 years ago, he said. Theyre as important, if not more important, than they were then.

- Reporter Julia Silverman contributed to this story.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem surveys South Portland from the roof of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Tues., Oct. 7, 2025. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she continued to push back against a looming troop deployment as U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived Tuesday in Portland.

Kotek met with Noem at a private jet hangar for about 20 minutes shortly after the Trump Cabinet member deplaned around noon at Portland International Airport. In a statement, Kotek said she asked Noem to instruct Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to obey Oregon laws while conducting federal operations.

I reiterated again that there is no insurrection in Oregon, Kotek said. I was clear that I have confidence in local law enforcement to meet the moment.

From there, Noem left in a convoy of unmarked cars toward the ICE office in South Portland, accompanied by a trio of conservative influencers. Also in attendance were Noems chief of staff and general counsel.

The convoy arrived around 12:15 p.m.

Earlier, Portland police officers cordoned off the area surrounding the fortified facility, setting up caution tape around 10:30 a.m. and blocking off the intersection where protesters typically gather each night.

Federal officers emerged from the ICE office and could be seen removing protest signs from a fence across the street and picking up trash.

But there were few signs of the warzone that President Donald Trump has said requires the intervention of companies of soldiers.

About 25 protesters were visible near the facility, outnumbered by members of the media.

Footage posted online showed Noem blessing a meal of burgers and fries from Burgerville, a local chain, while seated at a table beside various officials. She was later spotted on the roof of the building, and online posts showed her delivering remarks to those assembled in a conference room.

A Portland Police Bureau spokesperson said Police Chief Bob Day and Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey ODonnell both met with Noem inside the building.

In a statement, Morrisey ODonnell said she welcomed further federal partnerships.

History shows that when federal, state, and local partners work collaboratively, we can deliver strong public safety outcomes, the sheriff said.

A convoy of unmarked cars entered the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in South Portland as Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem visited the city on Tues., Oct. 7, 2025. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

Police fielded roughly a dozen squad cars to enforce the barricades but did not enter the facility. A bureau spokesperson said earlier in the day that its dignitary protection unit would provide routine support on roads and in public spaces, as they would with any visiting official.

While some in the crowd blasted loud music or waved signs, others took a relaxed attitude to the unusual scene. Charlie Fischer, a local resident, set up a lawn chair and sat down with his laptop not far from the police line.

I work from home and thought this would be a good place for it, he said.

Officers on bicycles deployed to the scene just before 4 p.m. and took one woman into custody. Unmarked cars trickled in and out of the ICE facility throughout the day, and it wasnt immediately clear when Noem departed.

Portland police officers cordoned off the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tues., Oct. 7, 2025. Zaeem Shaikh/The Oregonian

The city and the feds have been locked in a legal battle for more than a week since President Trump announced plans to federalize the Oregon National Guard and deploy several companies of soldiers to Portland.

Trump wrote at the time that he was mobilizing troops at the request of Noem.

Portland and Oregons attorney general sued to stop the deployment and succeeded in federal court, where a judge paused the mobilization effort for two weeks and later expanded it to include National Guard soldiers from other states.

The case is now pending at the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
The Interior Ministry said the floods inundated parts of northern, central and north-eastern Thailand, with Uttaradit province in the upper northern region, where five people were killed, among the worst hit.

"The water rose so rapidly and we moved to the roof but it was collapsing and we had to leave," a resident who gave only his first name, Sakchai, told state-broadcaster ThaiPBS.

"Were staying at a temple now," he said.

Anutin said officials were working to deliver aid and assess the damage done. They were also preparing for more rain as the monsoon season kicks in.

"Thailand is facing floods, storms and landslides across many provinces, causing extensive damage to property and loss of life," he said at a task force meeting.

Last year, 22 people were killed by flash floods and mudslides caused by monsoon rain across Thailand.
A day after a federal judge issued an order barring any National Guard members from being relocated from other states for federal service in Oregon, state and Portland leaders continued to push back against the Trump administration on Monday.

Heres what we know.

Portland sends fiery letter to Trump DOJ

Portland officials fired back at the Trump administration on Monday, accusing the U.S. Department of Justice of attempting to punish its political foes after the department launched an investigation into Portland polices arrest of conservative journalist and influencer Nick Sortor of Washington, D.C.

In a fiery letter on Monday, the same day local prosecutors announced they were declining to charge Sortor, city attorney Robert Taylor appealed to the nations top law enforcement officials to prioritize Americans constitutional rights, including the right to free speech, above allegiance to a president who is untethered to the facts 

Does the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice care about the Constitution anymore? Taylor asked in his letter. Many in Portland and across America have reason to be concerned about the answer to that question.

Cities nationwide back Oregon in dispute with Trump

City attorneys from around the nation, including Los Angeles and Chicago, joined with Oregon and its request for a federal appeals court to keep in place a judges order barring the Trump administrations mobilization of National Guard troops to Portland.

In a friend-of-the-court brief, 42 cities and counties argued that the federal government is trying to unlawfully unleash military forces without factual justification that could harm communities across the United States.

They said the Trump administration has plans underway to deploy National Guard troops to 19 more states and that the appellate court should maintain the status quo and consider the broader public interest.

Protesters, counter-protesters gather at ICE building

More than 100 protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland for hours on Monday night, where they milled about, exchanged taunts but mostly kept to themselves.

Federal officers in tactical gear periodically streamed out of the building to form a buffer around its driveway in order to let cars enter and exit. Protesters heckled and yelled at officers when they exited the building, but didnt try to block the cars. As of 10 p.m., federal officers had fired pepper balls multiple times but had refrained from tear gas, smoke and other aggressive tactics that have punctuated the demonstrations in recent days.

Throughout the evening, a handful of Portland police officers stood post kitty-corner from the ICE building while a dozen yellow-clad bike cops occasionally cruised up and down South Moody Avenue.

At one point, a right-wing protester lit a cannabis joint and shared it with a few of his left-wing counterparts in a purported gesture of peace between the factions. Later, a small scuffle broke out after some protesters lit an American flag on fire, and the two sides got in a yelling match over the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

Portland police said they made one arrest Monday: 33-year-old Terrell Bouie of Tennessee is accused of throwing an unknown liquid on another person at a protest Sunday.

He was arrested around 5:15 p.m. on an allegation of harassment.

What were watching for today

A ruling from the 9th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals that could grant Trump the right to deploy National Guard troops to Portland could arrive Tuesday.

U.S. government lawyers have asked an appeals court to put a hold on a federal judges temporary order blocking the Trump administration from deploying the troops to Portland.

If the 9th Circuit puts a hold on U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immerguts orders, then President Trump would be able to deploy National Guard members to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland as the governments full appeal is pending.
Portland officials Tuesday said the city is making it easier and cheaper for food carts, craft booths and other mobile vendors to operate at dozens of local parks. The move is intended to support small businesses while energizing public spaces, officials said in a news release. Portland Parks & Recreation

Portland officials Tuesday said the city is making it easier and cheaper for food carts, craft booths and other mobile vendors to operate at dozens of local parks.

The move is intended to support small businesses while energizing public spaces, officials said in a news release.

Its about creating opportunities on parks property, bringing vibrancy to Portlands public green spaces and supporting local enterprise year-round in a way that benefits everyone, said Priya Dhanapal, deputy city administrator for public works.

Under a new online permitting system, qualified vendors will be able to set up shop at designated parking areas for as little as $5 a day. Those spaces will be available daily on a first-come, first-served basis at 39 parks and natural areas (see full list below).

Vendors must be licensed with the state, hold a city business tax compliance certificate and also have insurance. Food trucks and booths must also remove their own trash and comply with city park rules as well as county health regulations.

Portland City Councilor Mitch Green, who is exploring ways to make it easier for sidewalk vendors to operate throughout the city, called the parks announcement a welcome surprise.

Im pleased to see that parks has their finger on the pulse of what Portlanders want, Green told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

For more information please visit https://www.portland.gov/parks/mobilevending.

Participating Portland parks and natural areas:

Cathedral Park

Chimney Park

Clinton Park

Columbia Childrens Arboretum

Creston Park

Duniway Park

East Holladay Park

Ed Benedict Park

Forest Park

Foster Floodplain

Fulton Park

Gabriel Park

Glenhaven Park

Harney Park

Kelley Point Park

Knott Park

Lents Park

Luuwit View Park

Marquam Nature Park

Mt. Tabor Park

Multnomah Arts Center

Northgate Park

Oaks Bottom

Parklane Park

Pier Park

Pittock Acres Park

Portland Heights Park

Powell Butte

Sellwood Park

Sellwood Riverfront Park

Springwater Corridor

Southwest Terwilliger Boulevard Parkway

Thomas Cully Park

Ventura Park

Westmoreland Park

Whitaker Ponds Natural Area

Waterfront Park  Hawthorne Bridge Lot

Waterfront Park  Morrison Bridge Lot

Willamette Park
Oregon is easily one of the very best places in the country for hiking  unless youre afraid of a little drizzle.

A new ranking by outdoor clothing company KUHL, which purports to have found the best U.S. states for hiking, has Oregon in the top 10, but criminally undervalues our state based on a factor that some hikers (many even!) actually value.

KUHLs list is based on three factors: trail networks, weather conditions and safety. It is unsurprisingly dominated by the western states, which tend to have greater access to spectacular outdoor recreation areas, including some of the most jaw-dropping national parks in the nation.

As the ranking notes, Oregon has incredible access to those natural areas.

Oregons trail system is among the nations best (trails rank 6th), featuring routes like the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, KUHL wrote. The state surprisingly has one of the highest number of state parks (255) spread from coastal headlands to high desert badlands. This translates to thousands of miles of trails, all within a state you can cross in a days drive.

I dont know that its so surprising that Oregon has one of the highest number of state parks, but otherwise I see no lies here. So what brought Oregons ranking down?

Oregons weakness in our scoring was weather (ranked 36th), a result of its persistent rainfall west of the Cascades, KUHL wrote.

Come on.

There are two glaring issues here: 1. That persistent rainfall? Thats a misconception so common and so ludicrous that its frankly embarrassing for KUHL to have repeated it. Our rain primarily comes between late fall and early spring, which is the off season for most hikers everywhere. In prime hiking season, Oregon is idyllic for hikers: sunny but not too hot, clear skies, gentle breezes. Did Colorado (No. 5) get dinged for its winter snow? Did Arizona (#2) get penalized for its blistering summer heat? Why hit Oregon for a little winter drizzle? 2. KUHL is an outdoor clothing brand. Are they really telling people not to go hiking in the rain as they actively sell rain gear for hiking?

There are also plenty of people (western Oregonians, sure) who would argue that rainy days are actually great for hiking. The misty mountain views, the spongy moss, the dark forests  these are exactly the hoa hoa hoa vibes the kids are all talking about. But here you have KUHL (which again is an outdoor clothing company) advocating for people to stay inside? Make it make sense!

Adding insult to injury here is KUHLs write up for Washington, which ranked No. 4 on its list.

Washington might be famous for its rain, but a little drizzle cant dampen one of Americas best hiking states, KUHL wrote (though apparently it can!). Its weather score came in near the bottom (44th) thanks to frequent rain, especially in the west. In fact, the Olympic Peninsula alone can see up to 140 inches annually! But its those rains that nourish what makes Washingtons landscapes spectacular.

But in Oregon the rain is just a bummer, I guess.
Six officials with ties to Washington County's sewer agency attended the Hawaii Captive Insurance Council forum on the Big Island in 2023, at a cost of nearly $42,000. This year, the agency will not be sending any executives to Hawaii for the annual conference. Getty Images

Employees from Washington Countys embattled sewer agency wont travel to Hawaii this month for an annual insurance conference, ending a practice that indirectly cost ratepayers at least $165,000 over seven years.

The change comes after an Oregonian/OregonLive investigation published in March found that executives serving on the board of the agencys insurance subsidiary had stayed at a rotating cast of five-star resorts for annual board meetings and insurance conferences in Hawaii. The cost of the annual junkets ballooned over the years, reaching $42,000 in 2023 and at least $41,000 in 2024, records show.

But no executives will be attending this years conference at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa from Oct. 20 to 23, said Ellen Gordon, a spokesperson for Clean Water Services. Cost is a factor.

We believe education is very beneficial, she noted. We are currently evaluating the most suitable and cost-effective approach to provide and obtain it.

Leaders from Clean Water Services began traveling to the annual Hawaii Captive Insurance Council forum in 2016, after the agency decided to form a wholly-owned captive insurance company, a form of self insurance that is rare among public agencies, and incorporate it in Hawaii.

Paul Shimomoto, a lawyer for Clean Water Insurance Company, previously said it was crucial for the companys board members to attend the annual forum due to its educational value. CWIC believes these activities are critical for ensuring that all CWIC board members fulfill their fiduciary and legal obligations to CWIC, Shimomoto told The Oregonian/OregonLive in an email in January.

In fact, the insurance company had been sending its entire board, made up mostly of Clean Water Services executives, to the annual conferences and had held a board meeting in conjunction with those trips. While Hawaii requires that a captive insurance company hold an annual board meeting in the state, it only mandates that one board member be physically present and allows others to join electronically, Ashton Stallings, a spokesperson for the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Gordon said Clean Water Services and Clean Water Insurance Company were working together to ensure they complied with Hawaii law in conducting an insurance company board meeting this year.

To the greatest extent possible, we plan to utilize virtual options as a cost saving measure, Gordon wrote in an email.

The new approach comes as Clean Water Services is considering moving its insurance company out of Hawaii.

In April, the Washington County Board of Commissioners, which also serves as the sewer agency board, directed Clean Water Services to conduct a domicile review of its insurance company. It was among a slew of oversight measures that the board implemented after The Oregonian/OregonLives investigation in March uncovered the lavish travel spending and also revealed sky-high food expenses at the agency.

Consultant Aon ultimately released a report this summer that identified Arizona, not Hawaii, as the best state for Clean Water Services to locate its insurance subsidiary. Leaders are expected to update the board on the cost of relocating to Arizona at a Friday meeting.

Meanwhile, questions still remain about the complete cost of the Hawaii trips.

Records show that the agency spent at least $41,000 to send seven board members to the Grand Hyatt Kauai for the annual conference in 2024. However, the records indicate that the agency may have originally shelled out more because it was mischarged by the hotel, which later had to issue the agency a credit. A lawyer for Clean Water Services has repeatedly declined to provide The Oregonian/OregonLive with any receipts for expenses from the 2024 trip, citing the inconsistencies with the hotel receipts.
Hilton signed a strategic partnership with Sun Group on Oct. 7 to develop five hotels with more than 2,000 rooms in Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, aiming to expand Vietnam's upscale tourism capacity and strengthen hospitality infrastructure ahead of APEC 2027.

This new collaboration, marked by the presence of Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton, signifies a major step forward in both scale and impact, as Sun Group and Hilton bring leading brands, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton, into operation across Vietnam's three key regions.The agreement follows the opening of La Festa Phu Quoc  Curio Collection by Hilton.

Hilton signed a strategic partnership with Sun Group. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta said Vietnam has been an important market in Hilton's Southeast Asia expansion, and the collaboration with Sun Group combines Hilton's global portfolio with Sun Group's local development experience to address changing traveler preferences.

"From luxury to lifestyle and full-service offerings, these new hotels will introduce a diverse range of experiences across Vietnam," Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton said.

Aerial rendering of the precinct developed for APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc, featuring Conrad, Hilton, and DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

Phu Quoc, the partnership plans include Conrad Phu Quoc, Hilton Phu Quoc and DoubleTree by Hilton Phu Quoc, totaling nearly 2,000 rooms within a multi-brand hotel cluster at a tourism and events complex designed to support APEC 2027. This development will deliver exceptional hosting capacity to welcome thousands of delegates, dignitaries, and international media attending one of Vietnam's most significant diplomatic events.

The properties are planned to connect with the Convention Center and Phu Quoc International Airport. According to the partners, the cluster will also benefit from the launch of Sun Phu Quoc Airways to support meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort, Quang Ninh. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

In Quang Ninh, Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort will offer 216 rooms and villas designed in the style of a traditional Japanese onsen retreat, with public mineral baths and wellness facilities.

LXR Hotels & Resorts is nestled on Green Island along the Han River in Da Nang. Photo courtesy of Sun Group
Amazons Prime Big Deal Days sales offer one of the years best opportunities to score deals on USB-C hubs and docks and their more powerful cousins, Thunderbolt docking stations. All offer important, necessary ways to expand your laptops ports and connect legacy devices like printers and mice.

What we call the October Prime Day event kicks off today, October 7 and will last through October 8. You probably will need to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of Amazons Prime Day sales.

I write, test, and recommend the best USB-C hubs and dongles, and do the same for the best Thunderbolt docks. For the past several years, Ive been responsible for seeking out the best deals in both categories for Amazons Prime Days, Black Friday, and more. I think its fair to say that youll find the best USB-C and Thunderbolt docking station deals right here. Confused? Check the FAQ, below.

Below, youll find a list of deals, as well as a list of frequently-asked questions explaining what you should look for. I dont expect anything unusual in terms of USB-C hub prices. Thunderbolt docks, however, are a different story: Thunderbolt 5 is arriving in the market, and older Thunderbolt 3 products (which are still somewhat viable) are being phased out. Tariffs also have an effect.

Best October Prime Day deals on Thunderbolt docks

I value flexibility in my docking station choices, and right now StarTechs dock offers the most port flexibility. Ive reviewed StarTechs Thunderbolt 4 dock/hub, though not this machine. (The MSRP of that dock was originally $483, but its at $160 for Prime Day.) In my experience, StarTech makes pretty solid hardware, and this offers all the ports you could want and then some.

My top choice right now is Plugables Thunderbolt 4 dock, however. I havent reviewed this dock personally, though our sister site Tech Advisor has, and liked it. StarTechs dock offers more ports, but Plugable provides a dedicated HDMI port as well as a Thunderbolt 4-to-HDMI cable to allow you to connect a second 4K display without spending extra. Thats value! Ive also reviewed numerous Plugable products, and their quality is generally excellent.

I really like Ugreens hardware as well, but the 208 is more of a hub, and youll need to buy display cables that take its USB-C video connections and translate them to HDMI. Those are about $18 per cable. (The 213 has a display port, but its also more expensive.) Kensingtons SD5700T falls under the same category, unfortunately.

Ive reviewed the VisionTek VT7000, which was solid  just too pricey. A discount on the cheaper model is a welcome sight.

TechAdvisor, our sister site, loved the CalDigit TS4, which is still expensive but on a decent sale.

Belkins Connect TB4 dock is pretty basic, but honestly offers most of what you want. The discount isnt exceptional, however.

Best October Prime Day deals on USB-C dongles and hubs

The number of deals has expanded, so Im separating out the traditional dongles from the others, below. Ugreen is a top-rated brand that Ive personally used, so just select whatever fits your budget.

Best October Prime Day deals on USB-C docking stations

These are more traditional, chunkier docking stations for your desktop, and something you might prefer if youd like more ports or in some cases dedicated power.

Ive reviewed the Baseus Spacemate 11-in-1 dock listed here, and I rather liked it, even though it felt a little unnecessarily over-engineered. Note that the price when I reviewed it was $199.99, so the discount is a little deceiving  its closer to half off the initial price. Note that the 11-in-1 supplies its own charger; the 9-in-1 hub does not.

Plugables docking station is interesting. It only supports 1080p displays, but four of them. So if youre a spreadsheet guru or financial analyst looking to construct an array of displays for tracking stocks, this dock might be what you need.

Ive never used Benfeis laptop stand, but thats an intriguing find. If you think you might use a laptop stand, check it out.

Best October Prime Day deals on DisplayLink docking stations

All of these are DisplayLink docking stations, which means that you can use them with a laptop with a generic USB-C port. Youll just have to install a software driver first. (The linked story has a fuller explanation.) Theyre essentially more powerful versions of a generic USB-C docking station like the Belkin 11-in-1 GaN dock.

I ruled out several deals because retailers are unloading old docks, which connect at outdated resolutions like 1080p. The Plugable adapter is interesting; it just offers two 4K HDMI displays, and thats it. Its a bit novel, but connecting to displays is what a dock does best. The Kensington and Revodok docks are more traditional offerings.

Deals updated at 4:55 PM PT on Oct. 8, 2025.

Other great October Prime Day deals

These arent the only October Prime Day deals being tracked by the PCWorld team. If youre looking to supercharge your home setup with the juiciest tech sales, hit the links for only the best expert-curated picks weve found.
Online can be a dangerous place for kids. Explicit content, predators, and harassment and bullying are just some of the dangers that kids can be exposed to.

But with a bit of know-how, the internet can be safe, fun, and educational for kids. Here are some quick things you can do to help keep your kids out of harms way.

1. Download parental control apps There is a plethora of apps to keep kids safe online. Two commonly used ones are Qustodio and Bark. Qustodio is often cited as being one of the best because it offers features like web filtering, app blocking, screen time limits, and detailed activity reports. Bark excels in monitoring social media and online interactions. It uses AI to scan for signs of cyberbullying, online predators and other dangerous content, sending real-time alerts to parents. For that reason, its considered an excellent parental control app for teens. 2. Set up Microsoft Family Safety Microsoft Family Safety gets a special mention being the parental control that a lot of users of Microsoft 365 will turn to. It allows you to set screen time limits and apply content filters. The content filters block inappropriate apps and games and limit browsing to kid-friendly websites using Microsoft Edge. It also allows you to view activity reports and to track the location of family members. 3. Have a discussion about online safety Parental controls are helpful but theyre not a first line of defense against online dangers, thats your child! Be sure that your child knows the dangers of making friends online, including sharing information about themselves and any images, so that they are well versed in how to protect themselves against online predators. Pexels: Fernando Arcos 4. Have a supervised device-time rule If youre worried about what your kids are doing when you cant see them, try mandating a compulsory supervision rule for when kids are using their devices, which essentially means they can only do so in common family areas of the home like the living room. That way you can look over their shoulders and ensure theyre not accessing inappropriate content, and you can quiz them about anyone theyre communicating with online. 5. Download the YouTube Kids app Chances are your kids are going to be spending a lot of time on YouTube. YouTube Kids is a free app built to provide safe video content for kids under 12. Parents can decide what content to make available to their children. They can either take full control and approve content themselves, or they can choose from categories that contain content suitable for specific age groups. Dominic Bayley / Foundry 6. Have reliable antivirus software running Hackers are indiscriminate and will infect a PC with malware no matter who the user is. To prevent your child from unknowingly visiting websites with malware or downloading malicious files, you should always have antivirus software running in the background. We review antivirus software at PCWorld, so be sure to check out our current top recommendations. 7. Instigate a device curfew This is an easy way to limit your kids online time and to stop them using devices when theyre unsupervised. The curfew should be a strict hour of the evening, say every night at 8pm, so your kids know whats expected of them. A good way to uphold a curfew is to ask for devices to be handed in for charging, so that they cant be used from that time onwards until the next day. Pexels: Karolina Grabowska 8. Turn on your browsers safe browsing mode If your browser has a safe browser mode built-in, you should use it. If youve subscribed to an antivirus program like Norton 360 Deluxe, you will probably have access to another safe browser built by the antivirus company, so you should ensure this is switched on to prevent kids accessing inappropriate or malicious websites.

Further reading:
Had it up to here with commercials that crank the volume during your favorite streaming shows? Relief is on the way thanks to a new California law that seeks to dial down the intrusive ads.

Signed on Monday by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, SB 576 mandates that commercials broadcast by streaming services shouldnt be any louder than the programs theyre accompanying.

If the language of the new legislation sounds familiar, you might be thinking of Congresss Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (or CALM) Act, which was passed in 2010. That law also sought to curb annoyingly loud commercial breaks, but it only applied to broadcast and cable TV operators, not streaming services.

We heard Californians loud and clear, and whats clear is that they dont want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program, said Newsom in a statement. By signing SB 576, California is dialing down this inconvenience across streaming platforms, which had previously not been subject to commercial volume regulations passed by Congress in 2010.

Authored by state Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana), who introduced the bill after loud streaming commercials had been waking the baby of his legislative director, SB 576 only applies to California.

But as Politico notes, the new law could well become the national standard for streamers considering Californias massive sway in the industry. The volume caps for streaming ads will go into effect in July 2026, according to Politico.

SB 576 arrives amid the growing popularity of ad-supported streaming plans, which offer a cheaper alternative to the ever-increasing price of ad-free streaming tiers.

Netflix, for example, charges just $7.99 a month for its Standard with ads plan, versus a much pricier $24.99/month for its top-of-the-line Premium tier, which offers ad-free 4K HDR streaming.

But as more and more streamers sign on for ad-supported streaming plans, advertisers are getting more aggressive about the volume levels during commercial breaksso much so that the FCC issued a call for public comment in February following a spike in viewer complaints about too-loud ads.
LNP Media Group, which publishes a daily newspaper, two weekly newspapers and a news website, will vacate its 41,000-square-foot downtown Lancaster offices by the end of October and have most of its employees work remotely until a new, smaller office is found. Getty Images/Image Source

By Chad Umble, LNP, Lancaster, Pa.

LancasterOnline is leaving downtown Lancaster  perhaps for good  ending the newspapers unbroken, 231-year history in the city where it made headlines for its support of economic development.

LNP Media Group, which publishes a daily newspaper, two weekly newspapers and a news website, will vacate its 41,000-square-foot downtown Lancaster offices by the end of October and have most of its employees work remotely until a new, smaller office is found.

The second-floor office at the corner of Queen and Orange streets is leased for around $1 million a year. Digby Solomon, interim publisher of LNP  LancasterOnline, informed employees of the decision in a Sept. 25 email describing it as a cost-saving move.

Given how little space we use at 101 N. Queen, we have decided to vacate the premises by Oct. 31. The savings we realize can better be put to use generating local journalism, Solomon wrote.

In his email to employees, Solomon told them to have their desks cleared by Tuesday, Oct. 7, so computers and other equipment can be moved by IT staff.

Solomons email to employees did not indicate how much money he thought could be saved by leaving the office and he did not respond to that question in several follow-up emails. In one follow-up response, Solomon said the company is looking for new office space both in the city and the nearby suburbs, adding that the search could be concluded within a few weeks.

As the company is making plans for a new office, a workspace with about 12 workstations and a conference area is being created in Greenfield office park at 1704 Hempstead Road, within the East Lampeter Township offices of Susquehanna Printing, which prints the daily newspaper.

Susquehanna Printing is owned by Steinman Communications. In June 2023, Steinman Communications gifted LNP Media Group to public broadcaster WITF, which took over the lease of the 101 N. Queen St. offices.

WITF has an office near Harrisburg and now operates with LNP  LancasterOnline as a single organization under the Pennon name.

Its incredibly important, in my mind, to have a physical presence in the community we serve  not just for our staff, but so the people we serve can continue to have direct, in-person access to our team, said Tom Murse, executive editor of LNP  LancasterOnline and vice president of journalism at Pennon.

Move during pandemic

The shuttering of the LNP Media Group offices at 101 N. Queen St. after five years closes the door on a sleek, modern office that was underutilized from the beginning.

Steinman Communications announced plans in June 2019 for LNP  LancasterOnline to leave its longtime offices at 8 W. King St. and move just over a block away to the glassy office, residential and commercial complex being constructed at Queen and Orange streets. What is now known as 101NQ was created from the windowless brick monolith that opened in 1971 as the Hess department store and then became a home for Bulova, which produced fuzes to detonate artillery shells. The building was vacated in 2009.

The announcement of plans for a new office at 101 N. Queen St. came during celebrations of the newspapers 225th anniversary, when it was also announced that the press would be returning to Lancaster County after a five-year hiatus and the newspapers entire archive was being digitized.

But LNPs actual move to 101NQ happened during the summer of 2020, when restrictions meant to limit the spread of COVID-19 forced employees to work remotely if possible. When the restrictions on in-person work were lifted, LNP did not order employees back to the office, and most employees continued to work from home, an arrangement that persists.

The company also has fewer employees now. When the move to 101 N. Queen St. was announced, 180 people were expected to come along, a number that included Steinman Communications, Steinman Real Estate and Steinman Foundation employees, who moved out earlier this year. Layoffs in October 2024 of WITF and LNP employees reduced the LNP Media Group headcount, which is now around 130.

Solomon, who was named interim publisher in late August and spends several days a week at the office, said theres rarely more than a couple dozen people working at 101 N. Queen St.

Its wasteful to pay for so much unused space, Solomon said in an email.

Leasing the office costs around $1 million a year, a calculation based on figures in WITFs published financial reports. Solomon confirmed the $1 million annual cost.

WITFs operating lease costs in the fiscal year before taking over LNP and the lease for 101 N. Queen St. were $154,000. Those costs jumped to $1.2 million the next fiscal year, according to WITFs consolidated financial statements published on its website

Solomon said there are 12.5 years remaining on what was originally an 18-year lease. He did not respond to a question about the terms for getting out of the lease early. A representative of building owner Zamagias Properties did not respond to a request for comment.

Steinman Communications, which continues to publish Lancaster Farming, had previously occupied part of a mezzanine in the 101 N. Queen St. office, as did the Steinman Foundation. A representative from Steinman Communications did not respond to a request for comment.

Corinn Kirchner of PPM Real Estate, which handles the leasing for Zamagias, said it will be a challenge to find a new tenant for the large office LNP is leaving.

Anything over 15,000 square feet is challenged right now, but like any piece of real estate, it just takes one right tenant for it, she said.

Changing to address business challenges

The departure of LNP  LancasterOnline from 101 N. Queen St. comes as the company has been trying to adapt its business model for readers increasingly accustomed to getting their news online instead of reading it in a physical newspaper.

Since LNP moved to 101 N. Queen Street, its number of digital subscribers has been growing while its print circulation has cratered.

When the move to 101 N. Queen St. was announced in June 2019, LNPs Sunday print circulation was 75,777 and daily circulation was 60,344, according to an LNP news story on the move. Total paid distribution averaged 27,098 a day in the year before Sept. 15, according to an annual circulation report filed with the U.S. Postal Service and published Friday in LNP.

At the end of September, LNP  LancasterOnline had just over 14,297 active digital-only subscribers, up from 12,618 digital subscribers in June 2020, according to a company newsletter from 2020 and subscriber report shared with managers.

Industrywide, the rise of online news has caused more than 3,200 newspapers to close since 2005, according to the 2024 annual State of Local News Report by Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism. The report estimated that fewer than 5,600 newspapers remain, 80% of which are weeklies.

As LNP  LancasterOnline has increased its digital efforts amid the decline of print circulation, the newspaper continues to be printed seven days a week, albeit with fewer pages.

Last October, the number of pages in the newspaper was reduced by four to eight pages Monday through Saturday and by 12 pages on Sunday. The newspaper now typically has 60 pages Sundays and between 16 and 20 pages on the other days.

The shrinking of the paper came as Pennon laid off about 24 employees, a cut that amounted to 10% of the total staff of LNP and WITF.

In February, editorial staff voted to unionize and affiliate with the NewsGuild of Greater Pennsylvania Local 38010, which is currently negotiating a union contract with the company. NewsGuild Executive Director Bill Ross said he hopes some of the savings from not leasing such a large office can benefit union members.

Backing downtown a corporate value

When LNP Media Group closes its office at 101 N. Queen St., it will be the first time in the newspapers 231-year history that it doesnt have a presence in Lancaster city. A commitment to keeping the company in downtown Lancaster had been a hallmark of the Steinman family, which formerly owned the newspaper.

In the late 1970s, when downtown Lancaster was emptying out, the Steinmans decided against building a new headquarters on the outskirts of Lancaster. Instead, they undertook a major renovation of their properties in the first block of West King Street, construction that included the creation of Steinman Park. That investment helped breathe some life into downtown Lancaster where retailers were struggling because of new shopping options in the suburbs and the outskirts of the city, including Park City Center, which debuted in 1971.

The Steinmans also partnered with others to boost downtowns flagging fortunes. In the early 2000s, what was then Lancaster Newspapers was a partner in the redevelopment of the former Watt & Shand department store on Penn Square into the Lancaster County Convention Center, which opened in 2009.

The Steinmans commitment to downtown Lancaster was celebrated during a June 2019 ceremony attended by Gov. Tom Wolf marking the newspapers 225th anniversary and announcing the plans to move LNPs offices to 101 N. Queen St.

With LNP now leaving its prominent downtown spot, Marshall Snively, president of the Lancaster City Alliance, said he hopes the company wont be gone for long.

Frankly, with LNPs rich history in being a corporate leader, partner, and champion for the city, it would be a blow to downtown and the legacy of the paper to see LNP leave the city completely, he said.
FILE - A Starbucks logo sign in the window of one of the chain's cafes. Jan. 12, 2017. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) AP

Starbucks plans to close hundreds of U.S. and Canadian stores.

Some of those stores are in Pennsylvania.

Starbucks recently filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, informing the state it is closing six stores in Philadelphia.

These stores are located at:

1500 Market St.

1900 Market St.

1128 Walnut St.

1801 Spruce St.

490 N. Broad St.

1709 Chestnut St.

The company said that 129 employees will be impacted. Starbucks said that the stores closed near the end of September. However, the company said that the Starbucks employees will remain employed and will receive the equivalent of at least 60 days pay and benefits. Employees are not expected to report to work during this 60 day period. But Starbucks said the employees must remain available to report to work or assist with work-related responsibilities upon request during the 60-day notice period.

In addition, HMSHost, which operates around 1,000 restaurants at about 80 airports, also filed a WARN notice with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry informing the state it will close the Starbucks at Philadelphia International Airport at 8500 Essington Ave. in Philadelphia. The store is expected to close on Oct. 27, and about 13 employees will be impacted.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered business closing and a covered business mass layoff. There are some exceptions to that requirement. The WARN notice from HMS Host was dated Sept. 3. The notice from Starbucks was dated Oct. 3.
A pharmaceutical company is laying off 55 people that report to an office in the King of Prussia area.

Vifor Pharma Inc. has filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, informing the state it is laying off employees at 1000 First Ave., Suite 300, in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County.

The layoffs will take place on Dec. 1.

Vifor Pharma Inc. is owned by CSL Behring, which develops therapies for people living with conditions in the immunology, hematology, cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and transplant therapeutic areas. CSL Behrings parent company, CSL is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, and employs more than 29,000 people.

CSL provided the following statement to PennLive:

As part of our future-focused strategy, CSL has taken proactive steps to strengthen operational efficiency and reinforce our ability to deliver enduring value for the communities we serve. Following a thorough assessment of our business needs and the broader economic environment, we have reorganized our field-based teams to support our evolving product portfolio and better align with our long-term goals. Approximately 55 employees are impacted due to a restructuring of CSLs U.S. Medical Affairs and Commercial teams. While these employees are spread out across the country, they officially report up through our headquarters in King of Prussia, PA, which is why a WARN notice has been triggered. We are firmly committed to supporting employees throughout this transition, providing comprehensive resources and assistance.

A few years ago, CSL acquired Vifor Pharma, which develops iron deficiency, nephrology, and cardio-renal therapies.

The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered business closing and a covered business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated Oct. 1.
Ace Frehley performs in concert at Haute Spot Event Venue on July 13, 2023 in Cedar Park, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images) Getty Images

Ace Frehley is off the road for the rest of 2025.

The legendary original KISS guitarist made the announcement just two weeks after he was forced to pull out of the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California after he suffered minor injuries from a fall in his home.

Frehley made the announcement on social media with a statement that read, Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates.

Blabbermouth.net reported that the 74 year old rock star was forced to pull out of the Antelope Valley Fair it was on doctors orders that he avoid traveling so that he can better heal from his injuries.

The outlet reported that Frehley has been touring with a backing band that includes Ryan Spencer on bass, Jeremy Asbrock on guitar and Scot Coogan on drums.

The site said he also told SiriusXMs Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk, that he was working on Origins Vol. 3 which is his sequel to his 2016 and 2020 collections of cover songs that inspired him.

Fans and followers were quick to respond to Frehleys post on Instagram with well-wishes.

Take care and take all the time you need, Ace!! one person replied. I love you greatly, I will pray a lot for you and I really hope you get better very soon.

Speedy recovery Ace, please take I easy and take care, Flash Frehley wrote. Space Bear Joe and I send our love and best wishes all the way from Australia.

We love you, Ace! another wrote. Please look after yourself and we all wish you the best, always!
The Vendemmia Wine Festival will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Girard Park in South Philadelphia. Vendemmia Wine Festival

Its wine festival time again in South Philly.

The Vendemmia Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, at Steven Girard Park. It will run from 2 to 6 p.m.

It has come a long way since the first festival, held in the courtyard of Saint Agnes Hospital on Broad Street in South Philadelphia. Now it draws more than 6,000 people and features wine, food and music that, as the website describes, tries to capture our Italian heritage and spirit and keep tradition alive.

Tickets can be purchased online for $50 per person or a reserved table of 10 for $500. You can also purchase tickets the day of the event for $60.

The event moved from the park for several years, but as Dr. Jerry Ventose, founder of the festival, said in a note explaining the move back, What we learned is everyone liked it better when we had less room to move about but more opportunities to talk and laugh and see old friends.

The event is also a fund-raiser, supporting up to 20 annual scholarships awarded by the Vendemmia Foundation to local teens entering high school and college.

One highlight is the competition among amateur winemakers, who enter in any of a dozen categories. This is a serious competition that has evolved under the coordination of Dr. Jerry Vernose, founder of the festival, Joe Fiola, the University of Maryland Extension specialist for viticulture and small fruit, and competition coordinator Vince Novello.

Winemakers put their whole hearts into it, and every year we see more quantity of wines entered and better quality wines as well, Fiola said.

What started as an impromptu competition in the early 1990s among patients of Vernose who were amateur wine makers quickly evolved into an annual competition with typically over 100 entries from all over Philadelphia and South Jersey. It is now multi-generational.

Winemakers typically donate an extra bottle to be enjoyed a the festival, but they all bring their wine to the festival to share  and brag, Fiola said. I started as an invited judge in the first competition, but soon became the coordinator, and have been ever since.

Only dry wines are eligible, he said, adding that the wines can be made from grapes, juice, or concentrate kits. The entries are divided by wine cultivar/blends, judged for best of class, and then the winners of each class go head-to-head for the top 3 and best of show.

The winners will be announced Saturday afternoon, and there is typically an awards dinner later in the year.

One of the judges will be Tom Caruso, the owner and winemaker for Pray Tell Wines, a Philly producer. Carusos journey began with helping his grandfather make wine in South Philly to learning the ropes at an urban winery in Brooklyn, New York, to making wine on the West Coast before recently pulling up stakes and returning home.

His winery is located on the border of the Olde Kensington and Fishtown neighborhoods at 1615 N. Hancock St., and open to the public from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays and by appointment.

More on the winery and winemaker can be found at this link.

[The wine festival] is a truly wonderful full-circle moment for me, as I used to participate in this with my grandfather as a kid, he told PennLive. We actually have his participation certificate on display in the tasting room in the winery from 2003.

Pray Tell Wines' Tom Caruso and Sydney Adams, working out of their Philly tasting room, which is open Thursdays through Saturdays. Pray Tell Wines

My memories from that event were always sitting at big tables surrounded by my family and my grandfathers neighborhood friends. Beautiful evenings outside, and seeing the pride my grandfather had in sharing his wine with everyone, and knowing that I got to help squish the grapes and taste the sweet juice, he added.  It was one of the many reasons that made me love the winemaking and wine-sharing process as a kid and all of the traditions around it!

The Vendemmia Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization thats dedicated to preserving Italian culture; to advancing the understanding of Italian heritage and the art of winemaking; to fostering pride in community; and to supporting the educational needs of students of Italian heritage in South Philadelphia.
Miami tops WalletHubs 2025 list of best foodie cities, thanks to its mix of affordable, highly rated restaurants and 13 Michelin-starred dining spots. The Florida city was recently crowned as the most expensive city to dine out. Lisa Cherkasky/Getty Images

When it comes to dining out in the U.S., youd think the most expensive locations for that activity are ritzy places such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C, or maybe Seattle, or possibly Chicago?

Well, it comes as a huge shock that its not any of those.

According to a global study by an international food magazine, it turns out that the answer is Miami, taking the crown as the most expensive city in the country for dining out.

When the Miami Herald asked residents why they werent planning to eat out this past summer, the overwhelming response was that the prices were just too high.

One responder even wrote, Broke, broke, broke, broke, broke.

An analysis by Chefs Pencil supported this theory, where the magazine recently analyzed 177 cities around the world to find the most affordable places to eat out. As a result, Miami ranked No. 77, the least affordable spot in the country compared to European cities such as Copenhagen, Madrid, and Vienna. New York, by comparison, ranked No. 62 on the affordable scale.

The study used data from Numbeo, a crowdsourced database that tracks cost of living and wage data. Chefs Pencil admitted that Numbeos process is not as rigorous as official government statistics, but states that its a useful way to point out global trends.

The study on what it calls mid-range restaurants as the best barometers of dining costs, comparing the cost of a three-course meal with the average monthly net wage in each city. In Miami, the same meal costs about $60 per person, which Numbeo reports represents 1.4 percent of the average monthly salary ($4,230).

On the other hand, in Dallas, the city ranked most affordable in the world, the cost per person is about $35, and the average monthly salary is $4,687. Other U.S. cities in the top 10 most affordable include Denver (No. 4) and Houston (No. 10). Muscat, Oman; Bern, Switzerland (where the average monthly salary is $7,645); Osaka, Japan; Singapore; Tokyo; Shenzhen, China; and Seoul, Korea, round out the rest of the top 10.
Clocks will "fall back" for daylight saving time's end in less than a month. (Getty Images) Getty Images

Fall is officially in full swing, baby. Its getting darker outside earlier. The temperatures are getting to a seasonally appropriate level, and people are leaf-peeping.

You know what that means  PennLives annual, near-constant reminder of when daylight saving time ends this year.

According to TimeAndDate.com, daylight saving time 2025 will draw to a close on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m. Clocks will fall back during this time, meaning people will get an extra hour of shuteye.

The Old Farmers Almanac explains that daylight saving time was first pioneered by an Englishman named William Willet, who believed it could make the best productive use of the suns light while saving on electricity costs. The idea eventually caught steam in World War I, and here we are.

Everyone appreciates the long, light evenings, wrote Willet in his manifesto The Waste of Daylight (1907). Everyone laments their shrinkage as the days grow shorter, and nearly everyone has given utterance to a regret that the nearly clear, bright light of an early morning during Spring and Summer months is so seldom seen or used

That so many as 210 hours of daylight are, to all intents and purposes, wasted every year is a defect in our civilization. Let England recognize and remedy it.

However, theres been a continual push to get rid of the biannual practice due to the possible health effects and dangers it has wrought: USA Today reports how in 2022 what was known as the Sunshine Protection Act  a measure that would make daylight saving time permanent  was unanimously approved by the Senate only to die in the House. A new iteration of the bill was introduced to the Senate in January.

As for Pennsylvania specifically, the PA Senate Republicans website explains how the state Senate approved to end daylight saving time in March. Further action on the bill remains pending as of the publishing of this report.

There have always been disagreements about whether we should follow daylight saving time or standard time permanently, said the bills sponsor Sen. Scott Martin (R-13). That has prevented movement on this issue at the federal level.

For me, the most important thing is ending the practice of changing the clocks twice a year and all the negative consequences that come with it.

For now, clocks will still be falling back on Nov. 2.
Military personnel in uniform, with the Texas National Guard patch on, are seen at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Elwood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) AP

ELWOOD, Ill.  National Guard members from Texas were at an Army Reserve center in Illinois on Tuesday, the most visible sign yet of the Trump administrations plan to send troops to the Chicago area despite a lawsuit and vigorous opposition from Democratic elected leaders.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has accused President Donald Trump of using troops as political props and pawns, did not immediately comment on the development.

The Associated Press saw military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, 55 miles (89 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. Trucks marked Emergency Disaster Services pulled in and out, dropping off portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in rows.

The exact mission was not immediately clear, though the Trump administration has an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the nations third-largest city, and protesters have frequently rallied at an immigration building outside the city in Broadview.

Trumps bid to deploy the military on U.S. soil over local opposition has triggered a conflict with blue state governors. Illinois and Chicago are urging a federal judge to intervene and stop Trumps long-declared War on the state. A court hearing on their lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday. In Oregon, a judge over the weekend blocked the Guards deployment to Portland.

Illinois: We dont need troops

Pritzker had said Monday that Illinois National Guard troops would be activated, along with 400 from Texas. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott posted a picture on social media showing troops boarding a plane and declared, ever ready.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the presidents strategy is unconstitutional, its illegal and its dangerous.

The Trump administration has portrayed the cities as war-ravaged and lawless amid its crackdown on illegal immigration. Officials in Illinois and Oregon, however, say military intervention isnt needed and that federal involvement is inflaming the situation.

Trump has said he would be willing to invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows a president to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to put down an insurrection or are defying federal law.

If people were being killed, and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up. Trump said Monday.

Months of tension

The sight of armed Border Patrol agents making arrests near famous landmarks has amplified concerns from Chicagoans already uneasy after an immigration crackdown that began last month. Agents have targeted immigrant-heavy and largely Latino areas.

The Chicago mayor signed an executive order Monday barring federal immigration agents and others from using city-owned property, such as parking lots, garages and vacant lots, as staging areas for enforcement operations.

In Memphis, Tennessee, meanwhile, police Chief Cerelyn Davis said Guard troops could arrive by Friday. She said a small group of commanders were already in the city, working on planning and logistics.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who supports the effort, has said the troops will be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service to play a critical support role for local law enforcement, though that role hasnt been precisely defined yet.

A broad military strategy

Since starting his second term, Trump has sent or talked about sending troops to 10 cities, including Baltimore; Memphis; the District of Columbia; New Orleans; and the California cities of Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Most violent crime around the U.S. has declined in recent years. In Chicago, homicides were down 31% to 278 through August, police data shows. Portlands homicides from January through June decreased by 51% to 17 this year compared with the same period in 2024.

In Oregon, the Portland ICE facility has been the site of nightly protests for months, peaking in June when local police declared a riot, with smaller clashes occurring since then. Over the weekend, larger crowds gathered outside the facility, and federal agents fired tear gas.

An appeals court has scheduled arguments for Thursday in the governments bid to overcome a lower courts rulings and deploy the Guard in Portland.

A federal judge in September said the administration willfully broke federal law by putting Guard troops in Los Angeles over protests about immigration raids.
By Ashley Stalnecker, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS)

Three Lancaster County lawmakers are working on legislation that would require school administrators to report the discovery of any artificially generated sexually explicit images depicting minors, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a minor.

The push to create such legislation comes in the wake of a high-profile case at Lancaster Country Day School, a private school where two male students were charged in December 2024 with creating and sharing hundreds of altered images and videos depicting dozens of their classmates in sexually explicit situations.

The cases have not yet gone to trial. In August, Erik Yabor, spokesperson for the Lancaster County District Attorneys office, said the investigation was ongoing into the charges both students face, including criminal conspiracy, sexual abuse of children, possession of child pornography and dissemination of obscene materials to minors.

State Sens. James Malone and state Rep. Nikki Rivera, both Democrats, and GOP Sen. Scott Martin said the testimony of one Lancaster Country Day student helped influence their efforts to craft legislation to better address the issue.

Mandatory reporters, which include school employees, are legally required to report any suspected child abuse, but Country Day administrators, after learning of the altered sexual images through an anonymous tipline in November 2023, did not report them as suspected child abuse.

I honestly feel that the immediate breakdown was in the adults in the room not immediately contacting the police, Malone said Monday. Regardless of, you know, one day, six days, 10 days, every bit of time that youre a victim of that kind of action is reprehensible. ... I dont feel that this should have happened at all.

At the time, the district attorney said the crimes didnt fit the definition of child abuse under the mandatory reporting law. Harm in which both parties are minors is exempted from the definition of child abuse, except for a list of offenses including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault or indecent exposure.

Lancaster Country Day School is mindful of the many ways in which technology can be misused and the impact this can have on students, school spokesperson Maddy Pontz wrote in an email statement on Monday. The school has policies in place to address these matters, and we support legislative efforts to assist all schools in protecting students from the risks generated by ever-evolving technologies.

Lawmakers propose amendments

Malones bill, introduced in late September, would include all instances of child sexual abuse imagery under the definitions of child abuse in the mandatory reporting law.

Hopefully this means that, going forward, adults who are trained on the mandatory reporting law will know that AI-generated images are bad. You must do something about it, Malone said.

Rivera said her bill will closely align with Malones.

As a former school teacher myself and mandated reporter, I want to make it very clear and very simple for school staff that when you of course, we already know that when you see something, youre supposed to say something, and it should apply also to child-on-child incidences, said Rivera, a former Manheim Township school board president. We want to make sure that the loop is closed when it comes to that type of issue.

Martin joined Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R- Montgomery, in announcing plans to introduce legislation amending the mandatory reporting law to include child sexual abuse material created using artificial intelligence.

In the Country Day case, the AI-generated images were reported to administrators in November 2023, but were not disclosed to some of the affected students until the following May. Other students were not informed until November 2024 when they were asked to identify themselves in the images.
Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard.

You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit!

Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | October 7, 2025

A rise in coffee prices is proving to be too much for a number of consumers in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is looking to the people to help develop a new public safety plan. The state got fed approval to continue building EV charging stations. Finally, the city has been recognized as one of the best for vegan and vegetarians.

Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa.

Todays episode refers to the following articles:

If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too.
The Rev. Sandy Strauss was recognized in 2024 for advancing social justice. Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the Pa. Human Relations Commission, from left, Rev. Sandy Strauss, Patricia Gadsen, Ann Van Dyke and PennLive opinion editor Joyce Davis. The annual Peace + Justice in PA program honors groups and individuals fighting for diversity and inclusion, racial justice and equity. October 9, 2024. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

Church World Service (CWS) in Lancaster and Harrisburg and the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC) will be honored with PennLives 2025 Peace & Justice in PA awards for their dedication to helping refugees and people trying to survive emergencies and disasters.

Phuong Truong, Executive Director of the International Service Center, will receive the individual award for his profound trust in American ideals and his dedicated leadership in helping thousands of refugees settle in Central Pennsylvania for almost five decades.

The awards will be presented at the 2025 Peace and Justice in PA forum that will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 21, at the Kulkarni Theatre on the campus of Penn State Harrisburg.

Chad Dion Lassiter, executive director of the Pa. Human Relations Commission, offers remarks. The fourth annual Peace + Justice in PA program honors groups and individuals fighting for diversity and inclusion, racial justice and equity. October 9, 2024. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

The event is being held in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the states civil rights enforcement agency, led by Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, who will provide a report on efforts to protect Pennsylvanians from discrimination and extremist violence.

PennLives Editorial Board selected those being honored at this years Peace + Justice in PA forum from nominations our readers submitted. The Rev. Sandy Strauss was the individual recipient of last years Peace & Justice Award.

The 2024 nonprofit awards were presented to the Pennsylvania Prison Society and Wildheart Ministries, organizations supporting some of the most vulnerable people and communities in Pennsylvania.

Sarah Towle, author of Crossing the Border: Finding America in the Hinterlands, will be keynote speaker at this years event.

Sarah Towle, award-winning author of "Crossing the line: Finding America in the border lands," will be the keynote speaker at the Peace & Justice in PA event, scheduled for Oct. 13 at Penn State Harrisburg. Submitted photo

Based in London, Towle is an educator, researcher and human rights advocate who has documented the experiences of immigrant and refugees, including the process of deportation, which she describes as mean, cruel and inhumane to people simply trying to survive.

Each of the organizations being honored at this years Peace and Justice Awards have served thousands of refugees and immigrants in our region as well as people in need during emergencies. Each of them has been severely hurt by the recent cut in federal funds that supported their work and the people they serve.

Afghan refugees, who agreed to be photographed on the condition that they not be identified because of security concerns, sit during an interview with an Associated Press journalist in Bensalem, Pa., Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Perez) AP

CWS and the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC) know the trauma refugees have endured leaving their native lands and try to help them find new homes in what can seem a strange land.

Church World Service Lancaster has welcomed thousands of people from around the world for more than 35 years. The Harrisburg office opened in 2022 specifically to help new Afghan refugees in our region. The organization works with faith groups, nonprofits and government agencies to help new immigrants find housing, schools, jobs, medical care and to understand Pennsylvanias unique culture and people.

PIC began as an informal interfaith coalition in 1998 to serve as advocates for new immigrants. It now includes more than 50 member organizations and hundreds of supporters who help educate new residents about their rights and responsibilities in a democracy, including the right to vote when they become citizens.

A refugee from Vietnam who came to the United States in 1967, Truong has led the International Service Center since its founding in 1976.

Behrooz Ahadi and Executive Director Phuong Truong, of the International Service Center, wait for a famly to arrive from Afghanistan, via Charlotte, at Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pa., Nov. 24, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com

Truong has worked for decades to help ease the suffering of people desperate to leave war, famine and political persecution and make better lives for their families. That used to be possible in the United States, even for the poorest and most downtrodden people on earth.

Truongs International Service Center operates out of the basement of Market Street Presbyterian Church and has helped to acclimate not only refugees from the Vietnam War, but people from throughout the world who have been officially invited to settle in the United States. This includes recent refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan.

Truong is well-educated with a PhD and speaks several languages. He has worked as a translator-announcer for Voice of America and worked as an Associate-Professor of Foreign Languages, for the U.S. Department of Defenses Language Institute in Washington D.C and Monterey, Calif.

He helped found the Spirit of Vietnam Radio Program, the Mutual Assistance Association Technical Assistance Consortium, the Asian-American Business & Professional Association, and the New Americans Leadership Council.

He also served on the Pennsylvania Heritage Affairs Commission, the Governors Commission on Children and Families, the Pennsylvania Department of Agings Cultural Diversity Council, the Governors Advisory Commission on Asian American Affairs, and the Attorney Generals Advisory Commission on Asian and Pacific Islanders Affairs.

Truong and each of the organizations being honored are now struggling to continue to support people who need their services more than ever. And each of this years honorees is more than worthy of our esteem and PennLives Peace & Justice in PA award.

Joyce M. Davis is PennLives Outreach & Opinion Editor. Follow her on Facebook, Bluesky @joycemdavis.bsky.social, and on Twitter @byjoycedavis.

Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.
PA. Supreme Court justices up for retention in November include, David Wecht (left), Christine Donohue and Kevin Dougherty. Moderator Cherri Cregg sits to the far left. Screenshot

Judicial retention elections in Pennsylvania are usually quiet, nonpartisan affairs. Not this year. A normally routine process has become a high-stakes political battle over control of the states highest court, with national attention, six-figure spending from wealthy donors, and a flood of deceptive advertising that has left many voters understandably confused.

The question before voters is straightforward: Should three Pennsylvania Supreme Court JusticesChristine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wechtbe retained for another 10 years?

The answer should rest on truth and transparency, not misinformation.

The Truth About Retention

Judicial retention elections are simple. Voters check YES or NO for each justice. Justices have no opponents, and party affiliations are not listed. This longstanding process is designed to keep judges independent while holding them accountable for their records and performance.

Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht were elected in 2015 and are now up for retention.

Nonpartisan groups strongly urge YES votes. The Pennsylvania Bar Association, after reviewing their qualifications and judicial records, recommends all three justices for new terms.

Andrew Duffy, president of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, says they have unquestionably demonstrated that they are more than worthy of a vote for retention.

Fair Districts PA, a statewide coalition focused on ending gerrymandering, stresses the importance of an independent judiciary to ensure fair districting and impartial elections.

The Deceptive Campaign Against Retention

Despite this support, a well-funded effort urges Pennsylvanians to vote NO.

Bankrolled by political action committees tied to billionaire Jeff Yass, including Commonwealth Partners and the Republican State Leadership Committee, this campaign relies on misleading claims and partisan rhetoric.

The Philadelphia Inquirers board explicitly urges voters to reject the misguided effort to push out the three justices, while Spotlight PA, a respected nonpartisan newsroom, described the groups mailers as incredibly dishonest.

One widely circulated mailer alleged that the justices gerrymandered our congressional districts to help Democrats win.

In reality, the distorted map pictured was a 2011 plan drawn by Republican legislators, later struck down by the court as an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander. When the legislature and governor failed to create a new map, the court appointed a neutral expert to draw a fair replacement. Its hard to argue that the justices tipped the scales for Democrats given the partisan balance in the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation: 10 Republicans vs 7 Democrats.

Opponents of retention have distributed mailers that misrepresent the justices records in other ways, too. In fact, the justices have upheld democracy and fair elections, refusing to overturn the 2020 results. They have also affirmed human rights, including reproductive rights, despite false claims that they threaten womens safety.

Another group, Citizens for Term Limits, adds to the confusion. Their mailers link to a website with no real information about the election and instead solicit personal data. And voting against retention has nothing to do with term limitsPennsylvania judges already face mandatory retirement at age 75.

The Stakes for Pennsylvanians

If justices are not retained, Gov. Josh Shapiro could nominate temporary replacements, but they are unlikely to be confirmed by the Republican-controlled state Senate. Failure to act would leave vacancies on the court for years, creating delays, partisan deadlocks, and inefficiencies on critical cases.

The long-term risks are even greater. If the courts balance flips to a Republican majority, past rulings could be revisited and overturned. That endangers reproductive rights, voting rights, fair districting, public education, and many other issues affecting the daily lives of Pennsylvanians.

Your Vote Matters

Low-turnout elections like this one give each vote greater impact.

By voting YES to retain Justices Donohue, Dougherty, and Wechtas well as other judges on the Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Court of Common Pleas, and local courtsyou help preserve an independent judiciary that protects truth, transparency, and democracy itself.

Reject the lies. Vote YES to retain Pennsylvanias judges.

Sheri Berenbaum, Professor Emerit of Psychology, Penn State University, State College.

Patty Satalia, retired Senior Producer/Host, WPSU-TV & FM, Penn State Public Broadcasting, State College, Pa.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources most recent update on fall foliage across the state.

This weeks projections from the agency point to the effects of recent precipitation, which "slowed the color transition for many forests that were reacting to drought stress and producing early coloration," according to the DCNR website.

The rainfall and warm nighttime temperatures likely stabilized the fall color timeline, which had been significantly advanced, the report reads. The expected cooldown over the weekend should stimulate noticeable color changes across Pennsylvania, especially in the northern half of the state and mountainous regions.

The graphic included in the report shows that portions of northern Pennsylvania have reached peak color, while a wide swath across the central portion of the state are in the yellow approaching peak color stage.

In south-central Pennsylvania, the majority of counties are still solidly green, or in the just starting stage.

Here is the full report from the DCNR:

Northwestern Region

Fall colors continue to develop across the landscape in northwestern Pennsylvania. The recent rains caused some leaves to fall but also gave many trees the extra boost of hydration they needed. Trees are not the only plants that provide beautiful fall colors; goldenrod and asters decorate northwestern PA fields with bright dots of yellow, purple, red, and white. Another bright spot this fall is the vibrant red/magenta color of the Virginia creeper vine. This common, native Pennsylvania vine is quite noticeable growing up trees, poles, and fences, and is a real color standout this fall.

Northcentral Region

Foresters in Elk State Forest (serving Elk and Cameron counties) said last week, red maple was the star of the show. This week, sugar maple, black birch, and sassafras have stolen the spotlight. Peak color for the nonoaks is expected this weekend. Stop by Sizerville State Park this Saturday, October 4th for their annual Autumn Festival and afterwards take a drive on the nearby East Cowley or Crooked Run Road to soak in some fantastic fall scenery.

The Clinton County service forester said it has been a strange year for foliage in the Sproul State Forest District. The extended drought of late summer caused many of the maples and birches in the Bucktail Natural Area to prematurely drop their leaves, and most colorful species have quickly passed peak. Oaks are still green and may offer another flush of color in the coming weeks. Sightseers should stick to the hollows on the south side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, or scenic drives like Route 144 from Snow Shoe to Renovo for the best color now.

Foresters in Susquehannock State Forest (serving Potter, McKean counties) said with the drought and then recent heavy rain, most of the northern hardwoods, especially cherry, have lost most of their leaves. Some red maples are still showing nice color. The best drives for color are along US 6, Route 44, and Route 144 in the southern part of the region.

The Tioga County service forester said foliage in Tioga State forest lost its luster in the past week. With multiple days of rain last week, many of the northern hardwoods leaves have fallen. The oak sites have not yet started to change, so the second peak is still to come. Downtown Wellsboro and the surrounding countryside are holding the best color, currently.

Foresters in Tiadaghton State Forest (serving western Lycoming County) reported the district is still on the earlier side of color development. Peak is expected in the middle of October. Birches are still yellow, and sassafrases are yellow or red. Black gums are also showing some classic reds. A scenic drive on Route 44 from Waterville headed north toward the Black Forest is recommended.

Forestry staff in Moshannon State Forest (serving Clearfield County) said the region is approaching peak, though the drought has affected red maples. Some are almost leafless, while others are beginning to transition from yellow to red. The majority of the overstory is still green, but sugar maple has begun to produce pockets of yellow throughout the landscape. Notable colors in the understory can largely be attributed to sassafras, which are evolving from yellow to amber. Black birch is beginning its transition from light green to yellow. A recommended scenic drive is the Caledonia Pike to the Shaggers Inn area.

Forestry staff in Loyalsock State Forest (serving eastern Lycoming, Sullivan, and Bradford counties) indicated that abundant color has shown across the district, but most oaks are maintaining their green. Species contributing color are hickory, sugar maple, black walnut, red maple, birch, tulip poplar, and black cherry. A wide palette of color can be found, from shades of yellow, to red, brown, and orange. Higher elevations seem to be holding on to the color a little longer than the lower elevations and with expected cooler temperatures, peak foliage is just around the corner. District overlooks and vistas are recommended for some pretty sights of the fall foliage.

West-central and Southwestern Region

Thanks to a forecast of sunny days and cool evenings, expect to see more leaves changing color in westcentral PA this week. Although drought effects are still visible, premature leaf drop and color change conditions seem to have slowed due to recent rainfall. Hickories, black birch, and tulip poplars are bringing the rusty browns and yellows. Pops of red can be seen on black gum, sassafras, and red maples. Many trees, especially oak, are still green throughout the area. Peak color is still a week or more away depending on where you are in the region. Travel to dry, upland areas to experience the most fall color this week. Visit the recently updated overlook at Beartown Rocks in the Clear Creek State Forest to catch early pops of autumn color!

Forestry staff in Forbes State Forest said fall color continues to develop across southwestern Pennsylvania, with Somerset County showing the best color in the region. Splashes of color continue to develop across the lower elevations of Allegheny, Washington, Greene, western Fayette, and western Westmoreland counties. Sugar and red maples, both fall foliage favorites, are beginning to show beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows.

Central and Southcentral Regions

Forestry staff stationed at the Mira Lloyd Dock Resource Conservation Center in Potters Mills, Centre County said the state forest around the Seven Mountains area is starting to show some color, with typical early fall species like maples, sassafras, and birch developing autumn shades.

Forestry staff in Buchanan State Forest (serving Bedford, Fulton, and Franklin counties) said rain last week boosted the recovery for trees that had been stressed from the long period of drought. While an initial wave of fall color has already passed, a second may still occur, notably in oak species. Leaf drop has stabilized since last week and it appears that some of the color from before may have been the result of stress rather than fall color. Most of the red-colored leaves have already dropped, including red maple and black gum. Sassafras is starting to change to orange across the ridgetops and birch is holding on to its yellow leaves longer now that weve received rain. Oak species continue to persist and remain mostly green, with some change in color on dry slopes and ridges. A scenic drive on the state forest roads in the Sideling Hill Division southwest of Wells Tannery is recommended for picturesque autumn viewing. Also, consider attending the annual Bedford Fall Foliage Festival occurring over the weekend in downtown Bedford.

Foresters in Weiser State Forest (representing Carbon, Schuylkill, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Dauphin, and Lebanon counties) said most of the northern reaches of the district are approaching peak color, but many early changing species (birches, black gum, walnut) have lost their leaves. Hickories are golden yellow and sassafras, winged sumac, and flowering dogwoods are showing bright crimson now. Red maple is showing vibrant reds and witch hazel is showing light yellows. Some oaks on north facing slopes in Carbon County are changing colors. Many native warm season grasses like purple top, big bluestem, and Indian grass are adding color and texture to woods edges and fields. Penn Forest and Roaring Creek tracts are currently offering colorful fall foliage. Locust Lake and Hickory Run State parks are also recommended destinations for great color now. Fall color is much less advanced in the southern part of the district, including Dauphin and Lebanon counties, but some pleasant viewing is available in the northern halves of both counties on Blue, Second, Broad, and Peters mountains.

Forestry staff in Michaux State Forest (serving Cumberland, Adams, and York counties) said not much has changed since last week, and most forests in the region are still in the ealry phase of change. Some leaves have turned brown and dropped quickly. Sassafras and birch are still showing the best splashes of color. Fall foliage sightseers should stick to the northern parts of the district south of Huntsdale for best color.

Foresters in Gallitzin State Forest (serving Blair, Cambria, and Indiana counties) said this early fall has been quite interesting. The early September drought brought a flash of color and some leaf drop. Then, last weeks much-needed rain seemed to slow the color change. Many oaks remain green, while some hillsides are turning warm bronze. Many of the birch, cherry, and cucumber magnolia have mostly shed their leaves already. Even among trees of the same species, theres a noticeable difference where some are bare and others are just starting to change. Fall foliage enthusiasts should consider hiking the Rager Mountain Trail just northwest of Johnstown, which will offer plenty of beautiful leaf viewing over the next couple of weeks.

The Perry/Juniata County service forester (Tuscarora State Forest) said foliage change is happening faster this year with the dry conditions. Birch, black gum, hickory, and maples have nice color already. Some parts of Perry and Juniata counties havent seen significant rain for quite some time and the trees are changing earlier. Suggested areas to see fall color are along Route 850, which winds its way through the state forest.

Forestry staff in Bald Eagle State Forest (serving Union, Mifflin, and Snyder counties) reported that foliage has changed very little in the region over the past week. Peak color is expected between mid- to late October. Birch, red maple, and sassafras are currently colorful with black gum displaying the most vibrant color. Oaks have not made a noticeable change.

Foresters in Rothrock State Forest (Huntingdon County) said Rothrock is looking similar this week. A fair number of trees that have changed are already starting to brown and drop their leaves, possibly due to the dry weather. Meanwhile, the trees that are still green are only just starting to lighten. The most color is still found on birch and beech. Expect peak in the region to occur toward mid- to late October.

Northeastern Region

The Monroe/Pike County service forester (Delaware State Forest) said fall is progressing quickly in most of the Poconos. In Pike County, many forests have transitioned to full fall color. Areas along Route 402, the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Promised Land State Park, Milford, and Lake Wallenpaupack are exhibiting attractive color. State game lands 180, 209, and 183 are in color. Delaware State Forest areas around White Deer Lake, Pecks Pond, Rock Hill Pond, 5 Mile Meadow Road, and Flat Ridge Road will have a strong showing of fall colors. In Monroe County, the most notable changes are along the northern edges of the county including US 80 & 380, Cresco, Canadensis, Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro State parks, and game lands 127 and 221.

Southern Monroe is slower to change but is progressing with Big Pocono State Park, game lands 38, as well as the Dixon Miller Area of the Delaware State Forest showing fall color. In both counties, birches are producing a sea of yellow throughout the forest and sassafras is putting on a dazzling display as the trees are shifting from yellow to red, producing orange that pops in the landscape. Poison ivy and Virginia creeper are bright red as they climb into the canopy. Oak species are also turning red, but their color has been fading fast so catch them while you can.

The Luzerne County service forester said fall color is progressing in the northeast. In the northern hardwood forests, red and sugar maples are showing peak color currently and will throughout the week. Leaves are quickly dropping though, leaving some bare patches of canopy mixed in with orange, yellow, and green from the oaks that havent begun to change yet. Expect another peak in fall color in these areas once oaks and American beech start to change. In the oak forests of the southern portion of the district, red maples, sumac, birch, and black gum continue to peak among a sea of green from the oaks. In some portions of the district, the white oaks have begun to show hues of deep red. The drought doesnt seem to be making the oak species change as unusually early as it has the northern hardwoods. Some great locations to see some peak color are Prompton State Park, the Varden Conservation Area, Francis E. Walter Dam, and Thornhurst Tract.

Southeastern Region

Foresters in William Penn State Forest are starting to see early changes to fall color. Red maple, sycamore, and black gum are the frontrunners for fall color now. For pleasant autumn views, visit French Creek State Park, Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, or the Wertz Tract near Wernersville.

To read the report and see additional photos, visit the DCNR website here.
The state House has again passed a bill that would give unemployment benefits to striking workers in Pennsylvania, a wedge issue that has seen effectively no movement over the past two years.

The bill cleared the House of Representatives on Tuesday on a 106-to-97 vote, with all Democrats and four Republicans in favor  the same vote margin an identical bill had gotten two years ago during the last legislative session

The bill stands no more chance of making it to Gov. Josh Shapiros desk this time around, given that the Republican-majority state Senate has shown no interest in the matter.

Quitting a job voluntarily typically makes a person ineligible to receive unemployment compensation, which is paid out of a trust fund that employers and employees pay into with every paycheck. The bill would amend the states unemployment benefits law to stipulate that striking workers are not considered to have voluntarily quit.

The bill would also remove existing language stating that workers who are out of work due to a labor dispute are only eligible for benefits if they arent members of an organization participating in the dispute and have no direct interest in the outcome  a clause which effectively locks union members out of unemployment pay during strike-induced shutdowns.

Going on strike is not the same as quitting your job, said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia. The decision to strike is not made lightly.

With no guaranteed source of income during a strike, many union members battling for better pay and working conditions are faced with an impossible choice, Fiedler continued, between standing up for fair treatment and what they deserve, or putting food on the table for their family.

Republicans anticipated the change would result in abuse.

The whole point of unemployment [compensation] is to help folks who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, not to bankroll political stunts or bargaining tactics, said Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, R-Fayette County, predicting that if this becomes law, we are going to see every contract dispute turn into a taxpayer-funded holiday.

Rep. Mike Jones, R-York County, said his father was a lifelong Caterpillar employee who went on strike multiple times, working odd jobs like mowing lawns on installing insulation to make ends meet.

This is a man who would never, ever cross a picket line, Jones said, but when asked about the idea of giving striking workers unemployment pay, he said, Thats a crazy idea, they would be striking all the time.

As noted by Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-Lawrence County, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, vetoed similar legislation in 2023. In doing so, Newsom said he feared that Californias unemployment trust fund couldnt pay for extra benefits, given that it was still deeply in debt due to the COVID-induced spike in benefit claims.

How much that might be true for Pennsylvania, two years later, is uncertain. The commonwealths unemployment trust fund balance has rebounded from the pandemic, standing at over $1.9 billion currently, according to federal data.

Estimates from the Economic Policy Institute  a liberal-leaning research group that has supported unemployment pay during strikes  suggest that such a policy would increase unemployment payouts by only about a tenth of a percent, based on current strike rates.

Only two states  New York and New Jersey  have policies similar to the one debated in the Pennsylvania House on Tuesday, giving a relatively small sample size to judge the effects. But if those polices have increased the frequency of strikes, theyre drowned out by other factors that control when and where labor disputes happen.

California  despite Newsoms veto  continues to see a large number of strikes, on par with New York for the frequency of labor actions relative to the unionized workforce, according to data from Cornell University.

On the other hand, New Jersey  despite offering unemployment pay to striking workers  has a relatively low rate of strikes. Pennsylvania, in fact, saw several times the number of strikes as New Jersey did over the past several years, according to Cornell data, despite the commonwealths unionized workforce being only about 13% larger than New Jerseys.

Proponents suggested that giving striking workers unemployment pay might actually shorten the duration of strikes, given that employees would have additional leverage against employers who can no longer just wait for workers to cave when they run out of money.

What I know about Americans, they will prefer to work to take care of their family and not sit around and receive a benefit, said Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Philadelphia, chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee. The idea that American workers would choose to stay home or abuse a benefit when they have not abused the benefits in the past is absolutely ludicrous.
By Catherine Lucey and Erik Wasson, Bloomberg News (TNS)

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump said he would negotiate with Democrats over health care subsidies, a move that could open the door to resolving the government shutdown that has stretched into a second week.

We are speaking with the Democrats, and some very good things could happen with respect to health care, Trump told reporters Monday at the White House, without naming specific lawmakers. Im a Republican, but I want to see health care, much more so than the Democrats.

President Donald Trump waves from the stairs of Air Force One as he boards upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) AP

The comments appeared to represent a shift for the White House and Republican leaders, who have insisted that Democrats need to vote to reopen the government before they will engage in negotiations over health insurance tax credits.

Trumps claim isnt true  but if hes finally ready to work with Democrats, well be at the table, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. If President Trump and Republicans are finally ready to sit down and get something done in healthcare for American families, Democrats will be there  ready to make it happen.

Democrats say they will not support the bill unless it addresses Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of 2025, as well as cuts to Medicaid implemented through Trumps signature second-term spending law.

Trump suggested that there hasnt yet been enough political pressure on either party to end the impasse, but signaled that there could soon be a lot of good things that will happen. At the same time, he said that at some point it will trigger layoffs of federal workers if the shutdown continues much longer.

Earlier Monday, when asked if the president had spoken to Democratic senators, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to say whether such conversations took place, but noted he had spoken with Republican congressional leaders.

Trump has said that he would use the shutdown to fire thousands more federal workers, who are normally furloughed during government closures.

The Senate on Monday, for the fifth time, rejected a House-passed stopgap bill to keep the government open through Nov. 21, which doesnt include the subsidies Democrats have demanded. The vote was 52-42, and Republicans needed 60 votes to advance the measure.

After that vote, Trump on social media blamed Democrats for the impasse and called for them to relent  while indicating hed be open to talks after the government reopened.

I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open, the president said in a Truth Social post. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!
Councilman Jones believes the timing of spending of the ARPA money is tied to the Harrisburg mayoral election on Nov. 4, less than a month away. Zach Gleiter | Special to PennLive Zach Gleiter | Special To PennLive

Two Harrisburg residents with deep ties to the city but no technical experience in affordable housing helped decide who would get $8 million in federal affordable housing grants.

The recipients of the money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are expected to be announced during an 11 a.m. news conference Wednesday.

The two-person independent committee, initially intended to have three members, was handpicked by Mayor Wanda Williams. They selected 13 recipients from 26 applications.

The private and fast selection process has raised questions from experts who say it doesnt match best practices for spending public money.

Experts say the citys short, three-week application window significantly limited who could apply.

Also, in most local governments, city council is usually involved in approving who receives funding, unlike in Harrisburgs process.

The mayors administration said the $8 million is an administrative matter rather than a legislative one, allowing the mayor to allocate the funds without council approval.

Councilman Lamont Jones believes council should be more involved in the process.

Shes afraid that well say no to this or that person, but just give us the due process of, you know, being fair, Jones said.

The mayors spokeswoman and the city business administrator did not return emails asking for comment about the criticisms and transparency of the process.

The two reviewers selected by Williams include: Eric Jenkins, a longtime Harrisburg firefighter, and Doug Hill, the retired executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

Experts questioned their qualifications to serve on the committee, and Hill said he wasnt sure why he was chosen.

I have several different relationships with the city and with the city staff, Hill said. So, I dont really know how they picked me, but I was happy to help.

An opaque process

The decision to use $8 million in federal funds for affordable housing projects was made by city council more than two years ago. The money stayed in limbo until Monday, Aug. 11 when Mayor Wanda Williams announced that developers had about three weeks, or until Sept. 5, to submit an existing fully-developed plan.

She said the members of the selection committee will be named in a few days. She did not release the names until asked by PennLive on Friday, Sept. 19.

Her spokesperson said a third pick had to decline due to health issues but that another member would be finalized within a week.

By Tuesday, Sept. 30, a different city spokesperson said a third person could not be added after all due to previously designated time constraints. He said the two-person committee had completed its review.

Alan Mallach, a senior fellow at the Center for Community Progress with decades of housing experience, said smaller committees making ARPA funding decisions are not unusual, especially because the final choices usually must be approved by both the mayor and city council.

But thats not the case in Harrisburg, since council members will have no say.

We will find out who gets funding the same time everyone else does, Councilman Jones said, expressing frustration. Were now talking large amounts of money.

Mallach said the committee appeared to be a more informal group rather than one composed of members with technical expertise in affordable housing.

Without specific expertise in housing development or an understanding of development finances, its a question of how much they would really add to the process, Mallach said.

One of the committee members, Doug Hill, said he believed he was qualified because of his graduate degree in public administration and his four decades of experience with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

So was I ever part of a commission or a group related to affordable housing? No, Hill said.

I know enough about construction, I know enough about the city, I know enough about how government programs are administered.

City Firefighter Eric Jenkins did not provide comment when asked for this story.

How the scoring worked

The scoring rubric used by Hill and Jenkins was provided to PennLive by the city. Most of the rubric focused on financial capacity, development expertise and operations. Only about one-third of the total points covered community engagement or aspects of the project itself.

Thats disappointing, Mallach said. I was concerned that quality of the project and how it will affect the neighborhood, and the people was given relatively little weight in the scoring process.

He also said the application appeared to target a very narrow pool of applicants, which contradicted the citys initial announcement.

Applying for this only makes sense if you have a project already in the works and ready to go with all or most of your financing done, Mallach guessed. But the announcement welcomes applicants who want to start from scratch to apply as well. But if I were a developer, and dont have a project put together, I wouldnt even bother to apply because the deadline doesnt really allow for that.

At a Sept. 10 city council meeting, City Solicitor Neil Grover acknowledged everyone in this room knows the eligible pool of developers is a very small universe.

The reality is also that its a very tight eligibility, Neil Grover, city solicitor said. and that was on purpose.

Affordable housing is a national crisis. Harrisburg's unhoused 'tent city' population were forced to leave or face arrest earlier this summer. September 23, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

Political chess moves

When PennLive asked how the public could provide input on how this chunk of money will be spent, a city spokesperson said the process will not be open to the public, and that the bids and review process will not be shared.

Other local governments in the Commonwealth that distributed ARPA funds for affordable housing offered more transparency and opportunities for public input.

In Lancaster, officials gathered community feedback for two months in 2021 on how the city should allocate its ARPA dollars. The city also published a detailed list of all affordable housing proposals it received along with explanations for why each was or was not recommended for funding.

Bucks County published updates showing how its ARPA funds are being used, including program details and photos.

In Allentown, a developer seeking $2 million in ARPA funding made his case before city council, explaining how the project would affect the neighborhood and who would qualify for housing.

York faced its own challenges in 2024 when a private developer got $3 million without a committee review process but ultimately, council and the public had a chance to weigh in about the scope of the project.

Harrisburgs $8 million was moved from the ARPA funding bucket to the citys general fund more than two years ago, reducing reporting requirements.

Councilman Jones believes the timing of spending of the ARPA money is tied to the Harrisburg mayoral election on Nov. 4, less than a month away.

If youre trying to do too many things at once just because the elections around the corner, were not really making clear decisions, Jones said. We need to stop playing political chess moves because the wellbeing of the people is at stake.
Annette Groos holds a sign before the start of a rally featuring former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 for Indiana Democrats amid pressure from President Donald Trump on Republicans who control the state's legislature to redistrict congressional seats. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) AP

By DAVID A. LIEB, The Associated Press

A mid-decade battle over congressional redistricting is playing out in state capitals, in courtrooms and on the ballot.

The efforts to redraw U.S. House districts for partisan advantage got jump-started when President Donald Trump called upon Republican-led Texas to reshape districts so that the GOP could win more seats in next years elections.

Since then, lawmakers in Democratic-led California and Republican-led Missouri have approved revised districts, and officials in more states are considering it. Utahs Republican-led Legislature endorsed an altered congressional map Monday  though in response to a court order, not Trumps demands.

U.S. House districts typically are redrawn once a decade, immediately after a census. But some states have no prohibition on doing it more frequently. And the U.S. Supreme Court has said there is no federal prohibition on political gerrymandering, in which districts are intentionally drawn to favor one party.

The stakes are high, because Democrats need to gain just three seats in the 2026 elections to take control of the House, which would allow them to impede Trumps agenda. The presidents party historically has lost seats in midterm elections, a fate Trump is trying to avoid.

Texas judges hear legal challenge to new districts

Federal judges in Texas are considering a legal challenge to new congressional districts passed at Trumps urging during a special legislative session in August. Civil rights groups and dozens of Black and Hispanic voters contend the new map intentionally reduces minority voters influence in violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. They want to prevent the new districts from being used.

Republicans hold 25 of the 38 congressional seats in Texas. The revised map could give Republicans a shot at picking up five additional seats in next years elections.

California voters are deciding on new House districts

Voting began Monday in California in advance of a Nov. 4 election that will determine whether new congressional districts are implemented.

FILE - Texas state Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton, looks over a redrawn U.S. congressional map during debate over a bill in the Senate Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, Aug. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) AP

Democrats already hold 43 of Californias 52 seats. But after Texas undertook redistricting, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom urged California lawmakers to reciprocate. They did so by passing a revised U.S. House map that could give Democrats a chance to gain five additional seats.

Unlike Texas, California has an independent citizens commission that handles redistricting after the census. So any changes to the map need voter approval.

Missouri redistricting faces potential referendum

After Texas and California took action, Missouri lawmakers joined the redistricting battle by passing a revised U.S. House map designed to give Republicans a shot at winning seven of the states eight districts  one more than they currently hold. The map targets a seat held by Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver by stretching the Kansas City-based district into rural Republican areas and reducing the number of minority voters.

Opponents are pursuing a referendum petition that, if successful, would force a statewide vote on the new map. Opponents also have filed several lawsuits asserting that mid-decade redistricting isnt allowed under the state constitution.

Utah lawmakers back new US House map

Utahs Republican-led Legislature passed a revised U.S. House map Monday that could give Democrats an improved chance at competing for a seat. Republicans currently hold all four of the states seats.

The revised map would place Democratic-leaning Salt Lake City in a single district that stretches into rural areas, instead of splitting the city among multiple districts. But the revision still must be reviewed by a judge, who is expected to approve a new map by November.

A Utah judge in August struck down the House districts adopted after the 2020 census because the Republican-led Legislature circumvented an independent redistricting commission established by voters.

Kansas Republicans may call themselves into session

Republican lawmakers who hold a supermajority in the Kansas Legislature have been gathering petition signatures from colleagues in an attempt to call a special session on congressional redistricting in November. They are taking that route because Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is unlikely to call a special session.

Republicans already hold three of the states four congressional districts. A revised map would target the suburban Kansas City district held by Democratic Rep. Sharice Davids.

This photo taken from video shows organizers rallying outside of the Ohio Statehouse to protest gerrymandering and advocate for lawmakers to draw fair maps on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos) AP

Indiana governor says redistricting session is probable

Republican Gov. Mike Braun has said that a legislative session on redistricting probably will happen, potentially as soon as November. Republican legislative leaders have met privately with Trump. But Braun has been waiting to call a special session until he is confident it will succeed.

Republicans hold a 7-2 edge over Democrats in Indianas congressional delegation. The GOP likely would target a northwest Indiana seat held by Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan. They also could attempt to slice up an Indianapolis district held by a Democrat, but that could stir opposition by diluting minority voters influence.

Ohio must redraw its maps before the 2026 midterms

Ohio will have new U.S. House districts for the 2026 elections, though their shape remains to be determined. Republicans currently hold 10 of the states 15 congressional seats.

Ohios constitution requires new U.S. House districts because the ones adopted by Republican officials after the 2020 census didnt have sufficient bipartisan support. If bipartisan consensus remains elusive, Republican lawmakers in November could adopt revised districts without need of any Democratic votes.

Maryland Democrats are proposing new districts

Some Democratic state lawmakers have said they will file redistricting legislation for the 2026 session, and Democratic Gov. Wes Moore also has expressed support.

If we are going to have states in mid-cycle, in mid-decade, determining whether or not they have fair maps or not, then so will Maryland. Then, we should have that conversation, too, Moore said last week.

Democrats control seven of the states eight U.S. House seats and could target an eastern Maryland district held by Republican Rep. Andy Harris.

Revised Louisiana districts hinge on a court case

The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Oct. 15 in a legal challenge to Louisianas U.S. House districts, currently held by four white Republicans and two Black Democrats. A lawsuit contends state lawmakers wrongly used racial demographics when redrawing districts in response to a previous court ruling to give Black voters a better chance at electing the representative of their choice in two districts instead of one.

A sample ballot is pictured before early voting starts in California's statewide special election, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Paula Ulichney-Munoz) AP

State lawmakers have been told to keep their calendars open between Oct. 23 and Nov. 13 in case the Supreme Court rules quickly and lawmakers could return for a special session on redistricting.

A trio of highly populated states have talked about redistricting

Officials Florida, Illinois and New York all have raised the possibility of redrawing U.S. House districts.

Republican Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez has created a special committee to look into redistricting. Republicans currently hold 20 of the states 28 seats.

Democrats already hold 14 of the 17 U.S. House seats in Illinois. But Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker has said its possible to redraw even more districts favoring Democrats.

New York has an independent commission that redraws districts after every census. State Democrats have introduced legislation to allow mid-decade redistricting, but the soonest new maps could be in place would be for the 2028 elections. That is because the proposal would require an amendment to the state constitution, a change that would have to pass the Legislature twice and be approved by voters.
Alexandros Theologis Gets Live High Roller Breakthrough in EPT Malta 100K

Sava Krink Global Live Events Executive Copy link

The 100,000 EPT Super High Roller at Casino Malta, part of the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT), has crowned a new champion. Greeces Alexandros Theologis emerged on top of a 16-entry field, taking one of the most prestigious titles of the series.

According to The Hendon Mob, this is Theologis second live tournament win. After finishing runner-up in the Super High Roller Warm-Up earlier this series, he finally lifted the trophy and pocketed 776,200.

Im very fortunate, what can I say? It feels very good, especially because I havent actually won any high-stakes live tournaments before, especially with a trophy, Theologis said with a big smile.

The originally planned three-day tournament generated a total prize pool of 1,612,600, with payouts for the top three finishers. With only 16 entries, it became clear early on that the tournament would end on Day 2, making a third day unnecessary. Ben Heath earned 310,420 for third place, while Orpen Kisacikoglu collected 465,700 as the runner-up.

100K EPT Super High Roller Final Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Alexandros Theologis Greece 776,200 2 Orpen Kisacikoglu Turkey 465,700 3 Ben Heath England 310,420

Winners Reaction

Theologis started the final day seventh in chips and remembered one hand that completely changed the momentum for him: I think it was one hand against Ben Heath, where I bluffed him on the river and then managed to get the chip lead. So I would say that hand was the important changing point.

Alexandros Theologis

When asked if he would play the EPT Main Event, Theologis already had his answer ready: I am. Day 1b is the day.

Day 2 Action

Three players joined the tournament at the very last minute, including Aleksejs Ponakovs and Enrico Camosci, currently second and third on the PokerStars Live Leaderboard.

This brought ten hopefuls to Day 2, all chasing the prize money and the coveted Super High Roller trophy.

Camosci doubled up early, but exited in ninth place just 30 minutes into play. The eliminations continued quickly until the last five players remained, when the pace slowed noticeably.

The bubble eventually burst with Juan Pardos exit. His stack fluctuated throughout the day, doubling in one hand, losing a chunk the next, before Kisacikoglu sent him to the rail in a blind-versus-blind battle holding king-five.

Juan Pardo

Kisacikoglu vs Theologis

Kisacikoglu experienced his own ups and downs. Starting as the chip leader, he maintained the lead for a long stretch but lost a big portion of his stack to Theologis. One crucial moment came when Theologis made a hero call against Ben Heath, saying, I trust you, before committing his chips.

The reason I told Ben I trust him is because in the previous hand, Ben against Orpen, Ben folded the river after using time bank cards. I asked him if he folded top pair, and he said no, top pair I would always snap-call. And I know Ben is friends with Orpen, so if hes his friend, he knows how he plays. He said he would always call top pair, so I had to trust him, right? Theologis explained.

The call worked perfectly, costing Kisacikoglu a big chunk of his stack.

Ben Heath x Orpen Kisacikoglu

The tournament could have gone very differently if not for another key hand. Heath was almost all-in after Theologis opened, and Kisacikoglu shoved behind him, forcing Theologis to fold a strong ace. Heaths pair didnt hold against Kisacikoglu's two pair, and he was eliminated in third place.

Heads-Up and the Final Hand

After that, it was a back-and-forth battle between Theologis and Kisacikoglu. Theologis took the chip lead through several pots and eventually sealed the win with a lucky river flush, eliminating Kisacikoglu and claiming the trophy.

Despite the intensity, the final table remained friendly. Always playing against very tough opponents is challenging, but also rewarding because we can improve." Theologis said. "Its stimulating intellectually, and its also nice to have a friendly atmosphere and joke around a bit. It was a very pleasant experience.

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Poker Pro Cracks Same Poker Hand with a Royal Flush

Frank Visser Live Reporter Copy link

Getting all in against the same hand as your opponent doesn't always result in a chop, and one player learned that the hard way at European Poker Tour (EPT) Malta.

The hand in question took place during Day 3 of the 1,650 PokerStars Open, which Britain's Scott Margereson would go on to win the next day for 423,700, as Claudio Coelho found himself all in with ace-queen suited against Mateusz Moolhuizen with the exact same hand.

Rather than being awarded half the pot, Coelho was sent packing as his fortunate opponent made a Royal Flush.

As captured by the PokerNews live reporting team, Moolhuizen had three-bet an earlier open to 250,000 with AQ when Coelho moved all in for 760,000 from the small blind with AQ. The initial raiser got out of the way before Moolhuizen called after a bit of thought.

Only Moolhuizen had a chance to scoop the pot when the JK5 flop appeared. Moolhuizen kindly asked for a Royal Flush, and his wish came true when the 10 hit the turn. With Coelho's fate set in stone, he stood up as the meaningless 8 river completed board. Moolhuizen celebrated his royal flush as Coelho took his unlucky exit.

Margereson Defeats Carbo For PokerStars Open Title

Scott Margereson

Over four days of battling at Casino Malta, UK pro Scott Margereson outlasted a field of 1,845 entries, the biggest turnout of any event at EPT Malta, and was rewarded with a massive haul of 423,700 after defeating Gerard Carbo heads-up. Carbo took home 264,650 for his efforts, the second-biggest piece of the 2,656,800 prize pool and by far his largest recorded live score, as per The Hendon Mob.

Together, Margereson and Carbo provided all the eliminations from the final ten players onward, steamrolling the final table which included the likes of 2024 EPT Paris champion Barny Boatman and Spanish powerhouse Ana Marquez. The destined duel for the title only took 22 hands to fall in Margereson's favor, however, as he won the vast majority of pots to conquer the title.

Gerard Carbo

Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Scott Margereson United Kingdom 423,700 2 Gerard Carbo Spain 264,650 3 Siarhei Sochneu Belarus 188,900 4 Evaldas Aniulis Lithuania 145,350 5 Donato De Bonis Italy 111,850 6 Modar Alsoud Germany 86,500 7 Ana Marquez Spain 65,950 8 Barny Boatman United Kingdom 50,700

Carbo Dominates Early

Margereson began the final day third in chips out of the 14 returning players. While Carbo had a rocket start to the day by doubling up in a huge cooler against Ioannis Oikonomidis, capturing the chiplead, Margereson had simply maintained his stack by the time the unofficial final table of nine was reached, dropping him a spot on the leaderboard.

Ioannis Oikonomidis

Oikonomidis could not recover and busted in ninth against Margereson, becoming the last player to miss the official final table. In the meantime, Carbo used his lead effectively and saw it grow by the minute. After eliminating Boatman and Marquez, Carbo also took care of Modar Alsoud and Donato De Bonis, ending up with over half the chips in play when four players remained.

Margereson's Merry Road to Victory

With four players left, Margereson started to hit his stride. In just a couple of hands, he knocked out start-of-day leader Evaldas Aniulis and bronze medalist Siarhei Sochneu.

The players took a break before the heads-up battle, during which a deal was briefly discussed. Having the smaller stack, Margereson politely declined once he saw the numbers, and the stage was set for a high-stakes battle worth over 159,000, the difference between first and second place.

Scott Margereson and Gerard Carbo

Margereson won the first significant pot of the duel when he picked off a bluff by Carbo. Having gained the lead, he started winning most hands, eventually claiming a five-to-one chip lead over his opponent. Carbo still had a workable stack of 20 big blinds when Margereson moved all in preflop, but his ace-nine was no match for the seven-six of Margereson, who seemed to have all the luck on his side and made a pair to secure the victory.

When Margereson was officially declared the winner, the two competitors shared a hug before they went their separate ways to pick up their monstrous six-figure paydays. "I ran so incredibly hot heads-up," Margereson summed up his experience to his rail as he left the tournament area.

Scott Margereson

That concludes the PokerNews live reporting for the 1,650 PokerStars Open, but EPT Malta is far from over. The Main Event has just kicked off, and Margereson and Carbo are both expected to make an appearance, so be sure to keep an eye on our EPT Malta live reporting hub to not miss any of the exciting action in the days to come.

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The 100,000 EPT Super High Roller at Casino Malta, part of the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT), has crowned a new champion. Greeces Alexandros Theologis emerged on top of a 16-entry field, taking one of the most prestigious titles of the series.

According to The Hendon Mob, this is Theologis second live tournament win. After finishing runner-up in the Super High Roller Warm-Up earlier this series, he finally lifted the trophy and pocketed 776,200.

Im very fortunate, what can I say? It feels very good, especially because I havent actually won any high-stakes live tournaments before, especially with a trophy, Theologis said with a big smile.

The originally planned three-day tournament generated a total prize pool of 1,612,600, with payouts for the top three finishers. With only 16 entries, it became clear early on that the tournament would end on Day 2, making a third day unnecessary. Ben Heath earned 310,420 for third place, while Orpen Kisacikoglu collected 465,700 as the runner-up.

Final Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Alexandros Theologis Greece  776,200 2 Orpen Kisacikoglu Turkey  465,700 3 Ben Heath England  310,420

Winners Reaction

Theologis started the final day seventh in chips and remembered one hand that completely changed the momentum for him: I think it was one hand against Ben Heath, where I bluffed him on the river and then managed to get the chip lead. So I would say that hand was the important changing point.

When asked if he would play the EPT Main Event, Theologis already had his answer ready: I am. Tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day.

Alexandros Theologis

Day 2 Action

Three players joined the tournament at the very last minute, including Aleksejs Ponakovs and Enrico Camosci, currently second and third on the PokerStars Live Leaderboard.

This brought ten hopefuls to Day 2, all chasing the prize money and the coveted Super High Roller trophy.

Camosci doubled up early, but exited in ninth place just 30 minutes into play. The eliminations continued quickly until the last five players remained, when the pace slowed noticeably.

The bubble eventually burst with Juan Pardos exit. His stack fluctuated throughout the day, doubling in one hand, losing a chunk the next, before Kisacikoglu sent him to the rail in a blind-versus-blind battle holding king-five.

Juan Pardo

Kisacikoglu vs Theologis

Kisacikoglu experienced his own ups and downs. Starting as the chip leader, he maintained the lead for a long stretch but lost a big portion of his stack to Theologis. One crucial moment came when Theologis made a hero call against Ben Heath, saying, I trust you, before committing his chips.

The reason I told Ben I trust him is because in the previous hand, Ben against Orpen, Ben folded the river after using time bank cards. I asked him if he folded top pair, and he said no, top pair I would always snap-call. And I know Ben is friends with Orpen, so if hes his friend, he knows how he plays. He said he would always call top pair, so I had to trust him, right? Theologis explained.

The call worked perfectly, costing Kisacikoglu a big chunk of his stack.

Orpen Kisacikoglu

The tournament could have gone very differently if not for another key hand. Heath was almost all-in after Theologis opened, and Kisacikoglu shoved behind him, forcing Theologis to fold a strong ace. Heaths pair didnt hold against Kisacikoglu's two pair, and he was eliminated in third place.

Heads-Up and the Final Hand

After that, it was a back-and-forth battle between Theologis and Kisacikoglu. Theologis took the chip lead through several pots and eventually sealed the win with a lucky river flush, eliminating Kisacikoglu and claiming the trophy.

Despite the intensity, the final table remained friendly. Always playing against very tough opponents is challenging, but also rewarding because we can improve. Its stimulating intellectually, and its also nice to have a friendly atmosphere and joke around a bit. It was a very pleasant experience, Theologis said.

Alexandros Theologis

That concludes PokerNews coverage of the 100,000 EPT Super High Roller. Attention now turns to the Main Event, with live updates continuing from Casino Malta.
Nine years after the last European Poker Tour Malta, PokerStars has returned to the Mediterranean island for a brand-new edition at Casino Malta. Back then, the Main Event drew 468 entries; a number that should easily be surpassed this week, as todays Day 1a of the 5,300 EPT Main Event already attracted 319 entrants on its own, with Day 1b and late registrations until the beginning of Day 2 still to come.

For this opening flight, China claimed the top spot of the chip counts thanks to Jianwei Lin (242,000). For Lin, going deep in an EPT is nothing new as he finished eighth at the 2024 EPT Barcelona. A little over a year later, a flopped straight to crack aces was one of many hands that put him on the right track for another potential deep run.

Fellow countryman Jiaming Zhao finished the day third in chips with 194,500, while Erik Eisen (202,000) completed the provisional podium. In total, 102 players bagged chips at the end of the day and advance to Day 2.

Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Jianwei Lin China 242,000 161 2 Erik Eisen Germany 202,000 135 3 Jiaming Zhao China 194,500 130 4 Grzegorz Kozieja Poland 186,000 124 5 Alexandre Reard France 181,000 121 6 Cesar Garcia Spain 176,500 118 7 Hugues Mazerolle France 172,000 115 8 Luka Sorainen Finland 163,000 109 9 Ilija Savevski North Macedonia 159,000 106 10 Samuel Mullur Austria 156,000 104

According to many players PokerNews spoke with, the Day 1a field was tougher than what is usually seen at other EPT stops. Despite the higher level, Alexandre Reard (181,000), Cesar Garcia (176,500), Ilija Savevski (159,000) and Samuel Mullur (156,000) all reached the Top Ten, closely followed by Ognyan Dimov (148,000), who leads the five EPT champions who advanced to Day 2.

That list includes Dimitar Danchev (128,500), Adrian Mateos (67,500), Pedro Marques (36,000), and the defending champion from nine years ago, Aliaksei Boika (72,000).

However, EPT winners Tom Middleton, Simon Wiciak, Barny Boatman, Hossein Ensan, and Aleksandr Shevlyakov, among many others, lost all their chips on Day 1a and will have to try again on Day 1b, or have already been definitively eliminated (only one reentry is allowed).

Aliaksei Boika

Toni Kaukua spent most of the day among the chip leaders and closed with 139,000. Florian Duta (105,000), Adi Rajkovic (100,500), Artsiom Lasouski (90,000), Ole Schemion (58,000), and Juan Pardo (45,500) also advanced to Day 2.

"Happy with how [he] played," PokerStars ambassador Julien Dupre bagged 52,000 despite having a tough table. He spent the day facing Germanys streamer Felix Schneiders (66,000) and had David Docherty (58,500) to his right during the last levels of play. Kenny Hallaert was the only other PokerStars Team Pro to take a shot on Day 1a, but didnt find success.

Finally, recent EPT Barcelona runner-up Stefan Ionita didnt bag much more than the starting stack (35,000), while Hannes Jeschka and Jeremie Zouari both finished at the bottom of the counts with 13,500 each.

Julien Dupre

After Day 1a, its now time for Day 1b, which kicks off this Tuesday, October 7, at 12 p.m. local time. The second starting flight of the Main Event will follow the exact same structure as Day 1a, with a 30,000-chip starting stack and ten 60-minute levels of play.

Stay tuned as PokerNews continues to bring you live updates from the 2025 EPT Malta Main Event until a winner is crowned!
Arik Marshall has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help repay debts to his landlord as he faces the risk of homelessness.

Arik Marshall has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help repay debts to his landlord as he faces the risk of homelessness

The former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, 58, has raised just over $2,000 of a $20,000 goal, according to the fundraisers organiser.

Set up by Gisette Hidalgo, the campaign details how Ariks financial situation worsened following the death of his best friend and employer, which left him without his main source of income.

Gisette said Ariks troubles began several years ago when the coronavirus pandemic severely disrupted live music work, adding that he has also been battling significant health issues  writing: Arik was also diagnosed with a serious health condition which left him with a weakened immune system. All of this triggered a bad period of depression and several years of reclusiveness. Arik struggled to find consistent work and fell deeper in debt to his landlord.

She added her hope is for musicians and fans alike to help support Arik, saying she wishes some of his famous peers will see the page and either use their resources to kindly help him out or share his plight with their followers.

Arik was photographed last year alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith at a concert in Malibu, suggesting he remains connected to former bandmates.

He joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992 after replacing guitarist John Frusciante, who left the band during their Blood Sugar Sex Magik tour.

Arik toured extensively with the group, performing major shows including a headline slot at Lollapalooza festival.

Speaking to Guitar World magazine in 1992 about his first performance with the band, Arik said: My first show with the Peppers was in front of 60,000 people in Belgium. It was at a huge festival with Bryan Adams, Lou Reed and Smashing Pumpkins. I think it went well.

Surprisingly, I wasnt that nervous. I think it would have been a lot stranger if the Chili Peppers werent so cool and down-to-earth and easy to work with. They really helped me feel comfortable.

The Peppers bassist Flea has described Arik as very considerate of other people at all times.

However, his time with the band was short-lived and in 1993 he was replaced by guitarist Jesse Tobias, who was in turn succeeded by Dave Navarro.

Before joining the Peppers, Arik played in Los Angeles funk bands Marshall Law, Trulio Disgracias and Afejirk.

He later worked as a session musician for artists including Sting and the late Etta James.

Arik went on to perform with Macy Gray and appeared with her in the Spider-Man movie.

He also featured in the 2009 film The Hangover, which starred Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the maintenance of a fixed price for natural gas for household consumers following the results of a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

"The government has allocated an additional UAH 1.5 billion specifically to frontline regions to protect energy facilities. A reserve of equipment has been formed for the prompt restoration of energy supply, and we will increase this reserve. We separately discussed the situation in the gas sector, the increase in gas reserves and the provision of people. We agreed that in the near future the government will adopt a resolution that will maintain a fixed price for natural gas for household consumers," Zelenskyy said in Telegram channel on Tuesday.

In addition, the president announced the decision to impose a moratorium on disconnecting consumers in frontline communities from energy supply.

According to him, he instructed to prepare and report on ways to increase teachers' salaries, "so that the already adopted decisions on salary increases can be implemented next year."

"It is important that there are tangible results in supporting internally displaced persons. I expect government officials to report on these two issues at the end of this week," Zelenskyy said.

As reported, the gas supply company Naftogaz Ukrainy, which is part of the Naftogaz Group, announced in April that it would continue to supply gas to the population at an unchanged price of UAH 7.96 per cubic meter (including VAT). This price is provided for by the fixed tariff plan for household customers, and it will be valid until April 30, 2026.

As the company explained, the decision to keep the price unchanged was made taking into account the current moratorium on natural gas price increases. Naftogaz, however, urged consumers to be responsible about timely payments, which "helps ensure the country's energy stability in the face of constant enemy attacks on infrastructure."

Naftogaz Ukrainy supplies gas to 12.5 million Ukrainian households.
With Day 1a done and dusted, the second starting day of the 2025 PokerStars European Poker Tour Malta 5,300 Main Event is set to begin today at noon local time. As with every EPT Main Event, Day 1b will be the final of the opening flights, although late registration will remain open until the start of Day 2. Only two entries per player are allowed across all days, so players who have fired twice already on Day 1a will not be allowed to enter on Day 1b.

On day 1a, China's Jianwei Lin needed to buy in only once at Casino Malta to capture the chip lead over the 102 survivors with a stack of 242,000, just over eight starting stacks. Lin has already made the final table of an EPT Main Event in Barcelona last year, and has stellarly kicked off his journey for a second one.

Jianwei Lin

The rest of the stacked top ten of the 319-entry strong first starting flight includes EPT regulars Grzegorz Kozieja, Alexandre Reard, Cesar Garcia, who has booked his third top ten finish in an EPT starting flight for the year, Luka Sorainen, and Ilija Savevski, and is rounded out by high-stakes phenom Samuel Mullur.

Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Jianwei Lin China 242,000 161 2 Erik Eisen Germany 202,000 135 3 Jiaming Zhao China 194,500 130 4 Grzegorz Kozieja Poland 186,000 124 5 Alexandre Reard France 181,000 121 6 Cesar Garcia Spain 176,500 118 7 Hugues Mazerolle France 172,000 115 8 Luka Sorainen Finland 163,000 109 9 Ilija Savevski North Macedonia 159,000 106 10 Samuel Mullur Austria 156,000 104

Defending champion Aliaksei Boika will not make an appearance on Day 1b, having bagged 72,000 on Day 1a, with fellow EPT champions Ognyan Dimov (148,000), Dimitar Danchev (128,500), Adrian Mateos (67,500), and Pedro Marques (36,000) making it through as well. Meanwhile, Julien Dupre was the only PokerStars Ambassador to survive the first starting flight, doing so with 52,000.

Julien Dupre

Day 1b will follow the same structure as Day 1a, starting with 30,000 chips and blinds at 100/100 with a 100 big blind ante, and playing ten 60-minute levels before the bagging process begins. Small breaks of 20 minutes are scheduled after every two levels, with a 75-minute dinner break set for after Level 6, around 6:40 p.m. local time.

Day 1b Schedule

Level Duration Small Blind Big Blind BB Ante 1 60 min 100 100 100 2 60 min 100 200 200 20 min break 3 60 min 100 300 300 4 60 min 200 400 400 20 min break 5 60 min 200 500 500 6 60 min 300 600 600 75 min dinner break 7 60 min 400 800 800 8 60 min 500 1,000 1,000 20 min break 9 60 min 600 1,200 1,200 10 60 min 1,000 1,500 1,500

Day 1b of the EPT Main Events has historically outpaced the numbers of Day 1a, so a packed house is expected today. Be sure to stick around on this page as the PokerNews team will provide live updates throughout the second starting flight.
Upstate Editor

Eric is the Upstate Editor for The Post and Courier. He's covered and directed news in the region for the past two decades, previously as a reporter for The Greenville News and as a USA TODAY correspondent. He studied journalism at the University of South Carolina.
Ukraine is working to increase its gas import capacity by roughly 30% following recent large-scale Russian attacks on gas infrastructure, Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk said.

"We plan, if possible, to boost import capacity by another 30%. Everything will depend on how quickly we can restore operations. We must thank our power engineers and gas workers  they probably restore facilities faster than anyone in the world. The quicker we manage to bring sites back online, the less gas we'll need to import," Hrynchuk said at a briefing in Kyiv on Tuesday.

According to her, the Ministry of Energy is currently in talks with all partners to ensure financial resources for imports.

"We've just had a meeting with G7 ambassadors, and earlier  meetings with colleagues and partners from various countries, involving the European Commission. One of the topics was indeed the need for additional gas imports. We also discussed expanding credit lines guaranteed by the European Commission and, with some countries, the possibility of providing grant-based support for gas imports," Hrynchuk said.

She added that the ministry is also negotiating with partners to increase the supply of energy equipment.

"We have reserves, but given the intensity of Russian attacks, we see the need to build them up," the minister explained.
Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations.
Health Reporter

Tom Corwin is the Health Reporter for The Post and Courier. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and has covered science, medicine, politics and state legislatures for newspapers in Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Kernel, one of Ukraine's largest agricultural holdings, and Orlen, one of Europe's leading oil refining, gas production, and energy companies, have signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation, the agriholding's press service reported on Facebook.

"For several years now, we have been successfully cooperating with Orlen in the supply of mineral fertilizers and fuel to ensure the uninterrupted operation of our agricultural enterprises. The signing of the memorandum is a logical step in developing this partnership  it opens new horizons for deepening the logistical and energy integration of our businesses," Kernel said.

The company believes that the new cooperation framework will help increase the predictability and stability of procurement processes, balance the contract portfolio through formula-based pricing mechanisms, ensure long-term business stability amid high volatility in commodity markets, and strengthen the reliability of logistics chains and planning of agricultural production cycles.

In addition, the parties will explore potential business opportunities in alternative energy sources and biofuels, and expand cooperation in decarbonization and carbon emission reduction.

"We are confident that the signing of the memorandum will mark another important step in building a stable partnership that will contribute to the development of our companies, strengthen energy security, and support sustainable economic growth," said Kernel's Deputy Director for Agribusiness Procurement and Commercial Operations, Ihor Stelmaschuk.

As reported, in April 2024 Kernel signed a TERM contract with the oil refining company Orlen SA for fuel supplies.

PKN Orlen SA is Poland's largest oil refining company engaged in the extraction, refining, and sale of oil and gasoline in Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and the Baltic countries. It operates the largest network of 3.4 thousand gas stations in Central Europe and sells its products in over 100 countries.

Before the war, Kernel was the world's largest producer of sunflower oil (accounting for about 7% of global output) and its leading exporter (about 12% of global trade). The company is also one of the biggest producers and sellers of bottled oil in Ukraine and is engaged in growing and marketing agricultural products.
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Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold will reveal the hidden stories, unexpected contrasts, and perspective-shifting experiences in his home stateRENO, NV / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / In his first role hosting a travel program, world-renowned rock climber and Free Solo star Alex Honnold has begun filming Get a Little Out There With Alex Honnold in partnership with Travel Nevada and Outside. The new five-part series will shift Honnold's focus from extreme climbs to everyday adventures, curiosity, and connection. Get a Little Out There With Alex Honnold will premiere in 2026 across the Outside network.Filmed entirely in his home state of Nevada, the series follows Honnold as he journeys throughout the Silver State in his van to take on bucket-list adventures. Combining outdoor exploration, culture, and the delightfully strange roadside attractions that dot Nevada's highways, the show offers a timely perspective on how unplugging from daily routines and venturing into unfamiliar terrain - like stargazing among 4,500 visible stars in Great Basin National Park or mining for turquoise to make jewelry in central Nevada - can alter our view of the world and ourselves."Involvement in this series is awesome for me," said Honnold. "My love for adventure matches the spirit of Nevada. Red Rock has been a huge part of my life, but Nevada still surprises me with how much there is to see and do. I'm excited to explore the hidden corners of this state and share what makes it so special." "Travel Nevada's brand mantra is Get a Little Out There,' and what better person to demonstrate how to do that than Alex Honnold?" said Rafael Villanueva, Chief Executive Officer at Travel Nevada. "For many years, Alex has been a tremendous unofficial brand ambassador for Nevada, showing off the incredible climbing available in his home state. We are thrilled to partner with him and Outside to help share the spirit of Nevada and the under-the-radar spots within our state that embody it." "From cowboy poets and clown hotels to Basque food and turquoise mining, Nevada's unique culture experiences are as unexpected as they are awesome," says Sam Moulton, VP of Creative Strategy and Solutions at Outside. "The state is also way wilder than you think, home to remote climbing crags, world-class mountain biking, and everything in between making it ideal for Outside's network. And Alex is the perfect host to show us the state through his eyes, as curious as he is up for any adventure." The series is executive produced by David Klimek and Jeff Moore and directed by J.J. Kelley.Production stills and a Travel Nevada/Outside logo lockup are available for download here: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/qQn4ajcjrI ###About Travel NevadaThe heart of Nevada shines through Travel Nevada, an organization focused on sharing the experiences, landmarks and living legends that make the Silver State a one-of-a-kind destination. Through community collaborations and strategic partnerships, we aim to connect with both locals and visitors alike, showcasing the sometimes-surprising, always-exciting treasures that keep people coming to Nevada. It's theirs to explore-and ours to safekeep, from preserving our wild-at-heart way of life to our wide-open spaces. For more information, visit TravelNevada.com About OutsideOutside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches over 300 million unique users and has over 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside Magazine, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, GaiaGPS, Trailforks, MapMyFitness, athleteReg, and more. Outside's mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside's membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more. Learn more at www.OutsideOnline.com Contact :Tracie Barnthouse: tbarnthouse@ travelnevada.com Rosalind Congleton: rcongleton@ travelnevada.com SOURCE: Travel Nevada
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Education content supports industry development amid evolving regulations while inaugural collegiate sales competition builds future workforce.LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 /ISSA Show North America, the most comprehensive global event dedicated to cleaning and facility solutions, returns to Las Vegas November 10-13 (Mandalay Bay Convention Center). The annual showcase brings together leaders from around the world to exchange insights and address changes in facility management.First-time exhibitors make up 16% of the show floor, showcasing innovations across autonomous cleaning, air quality solutions, packaging, waste management and tool accessories. These advancements reflect the industry's transformation driven by sustainability demands and technological progress. Returning industry leaders include Bissell Commercial, Clorox Pro, Nilfisk, SC Johnson Professional, Spartan Chemical Co., Inc. and Supplymaid.The comprehensive conference program features more than 10 specialized tracks designed to address the industry's evolving needs. Attendees can explore sessions in Business Growth, Cleaning Insights, ESG and Sustainability, Technology & Innovation and Marketing Strategies. Additional tracks include Facility Operations and Maintenance, Leadership, Career and Talent Development, Residential and Spanish-language sessions (En espanol). ISSA's Cleaning Management Institute (CMI) will also present specialized workshops.Beyond these tracks, the program offers targeted education through job function, with dedicated sessions for distributors, contractors and facility services professionals at the forefront of the curriculum.Distributor-focused sessions:"Robotic Cleaning Devices, Capital Asset Management, AI-Driven Insights & Cyber Security", will discuss equipment asset management, device tracking and processes to effectively maintain cleaning equipment and explore the increasing use of robotics to augment human labor."True Grit: The Winning Mindset of Cleaning Industry Champions", will review the habits, decisions and defining moments that turned hopeful entrepreneurs into industry leaders.Contractor-focused sessions:"BSC Panel: Selling Your Value Proposition & Building Customer Loyalty", delves into strategies for presenting value proposition effectively and fostering customer loyalty."Healthcare Cleaning: A Specialized Discipline" highlights why cleaning in healthcare environments is fundamentally different, focusing on infection control, regulatory compliance and patient safety.Facility Services-focused sessions:"Politics, Policy & Your Business: What Cleaning Companies Need to Know", focusing on federal and state legislation and regulations to labor laws and tariffs, what is on the horizon that could impact the cleaning industry."Green Cleaning Update: New Requirements, Certifications, Products, Training and More", will provide the updates needed to improve programs and remain on the cutting edge.To support the next generation of professionals entering the workforce, ISSA Show North America will host the first-ever Global Collegiate Sales Competition: 40 students from ten universities will compete in dynamic speed selling challenges that push creativity and persuasion to new heights, and authentic role-play scenarios featuring actual products and services from today's market. Participating universities include Virginia Tech, UNLV, Ball State University, Texas A&M University, Chico State, Idaho State University, Weber State University, Boise State University, Cal State Fullerton and the University of Southern California."The launch of the Collegiate Sales Competition at ISSA Show North America represents an opportunity for tomorrow's industry leaders to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience," shares Ed Nichols, Show Director of ISSA Show North America. "By participating in this dynamic environment, these emerging talents gain hands-on experience in sales strategies, product knowledge and relationship building that will serve as the foundation for their future career and they will develop the skills and networks that are essential in this sector." The prestigious Innovative Leaders Award Program returns to spotlight groundbreaking advancements and cutting-edge solutions transforming the global cleaning industry. This year's categories include Environment & Sustainability Innovation of the Year, Hygiene Solutions Innovation of the Year, Automation & Equipment Innovation of the Year, Business Technology & Digital Services Innovation of the Year, Facility Solution Care Products Innovation of the Year and the People's Choice Award.Special Events:ISSA Spotlight Event and Awards: ISSA will honor industry achievers with a special awards presentation, hosted by ISSA leadership.IEHA Welcome Reception: Lively evening with colleagues from IEHA to kick off the expo.Industry Leaders Roundtable: The panel will give attendees a 360-view of the state of the industry, trends in the industry, biggest challenges and legislation that is impacting the cleaning industry the most.IEHA Housekeeping Olympics: Internationally recognized competition that spotlights and celebrates the frontline of hospitality and healthcare.John Barrett, Executive Director of ISSA, adds: "As the industry undergoes rapid transformation, this event forges the future, showcasing breakthrough technologies, championing eco-friendly solutions and collectively redefining industry standards around smart cleaning systems, environmental responsibility and operational excellence." Registration is still open for ISSA Show North America 2025. To register to attend, please visitwww.issashow.com About ISSA Show North AmericaIn partnership with ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, ISSA Show North America offers an unmatched conference program featuring over 100 education sessions, workshops, panels, training and certification courses over four days. The event and the association are committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and an improved bottom line. For more information about ISSA Show North America, visit www.issashow.com . Follow ISSA Show North America on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube .About ISSAWith more than 11,000 members-including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-ho
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Leading European E-Commerce Brand Leverages Advanced Supply Chain Planning for Multi-Channel Business GrowthAUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / John Galt Solutions, the fastest way to achieve more value from the supply chain, invites attendees of Reuters Events: Supply Chain Europe 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to the workshop, "Planning to Scale: The Connected Roles of Data, AI and Planning." This hands-on workshop on October 15th will bring together supply chain leaders to discuss how organizations can harness the combined power of data, artificial intelligence, and advanced planning to transform operations and deliver measurable results.The workshop will offer an opportunity to join a collaborative and meaningful discussion to share best practices, exchange ideas, ask questions, and uncover new opportunities to unlock the hidden potential of the supply chain amid growing market complexity.Attendees will hear directly from Doreen Flaherty, Senior Demand Planning Manager at Westwing, a leading European e-commerce brand, on how the company is leveraging innovative planning solutions to fuel multi-channel expansion and successfully navigate the complexities of scaling across Europe. Ruth Abbott, Senior Business Consultant at John Galt Solutions, will join the discussion to highlight strategies and technologies enabling companies to accelerate digital transformation and make more data-driven decisions.John Galt Solutions invites attendees to join this session to gain insights on the tangible value that can be achieved when data and advanced technology are connected to deliver business outcomes.Session at a GlanceTitle: Planning to Scale: The Connected Roles of Data, AI and Planning Speakers: Doreen Flaherty, Senior Demand Planning Manager at Westwing, and Ruth Abbott, Senior Business Consultant at John Galt Solutions When: Wednesday, 15th October, 13:00 Where: Room Magnolia 10, Reuters Supply Chain Europe 2025, Amsterdam, NetherlandsVisit John Galt Solutions atbooth #2 .About John Galt SolutionsJohn Galt Solutions is the fastest way for businesses to get more value from their supply chain. The Atlas Planning Platform helps companies make faster decisions and see real results quickly across the end-to-end supply chain. Atlas configures to even the toughest business requirements and goes live so fast clients see an ROI before their boss even thinks to ask about it. With the highest customer satisfaction rating in the industry, John Galt meets clients where they are, works side-by-side with them to grow, and shows them the fastest path to success. To learn how John Galt Solutions can help you improve supply chain performance, visitjohngalt.com Contact InformationJohn GaltPublic Relations Managerconnect@ johngalt.com 312-701-9026SOURCE: John Galt Solutions
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NACCE, North America's leading advocate for entrepreneurship education and programming for community and technical colleges, has named Tallahassee State College (TSC) as the 2025 recipient of its Entrepreneurial College of the Year award.CARY, NORTH CAROLINA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), North America's leading advocate for entrepreneurship education and programming for community and technical colleges, has named Tallahassee State College (TSC) as the 2025 recipient of its Entrepreneurial College of the Year award.TSC has distinguished itself as an entrepreneurial leader through innovative initiatives, including:Reef restoration and sustainability - Led by the Wakulla Environmental Institute at TSC, the college has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Tall Timbers to deploy more than 1,000 concrete reef domes off the coast of Wakulla County in Florida's Panhandle. These structures support oyster cultivation, protect shorelines from erosion, and mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels.Advancing artificial intelligence - In partnership with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, TSC hosted the inaugural AI Innovation Summit, convening regional leaders in education, business, government, technology, and healthcare to examine how AI is transforming the way we live, work, and learn. Building on this momentum, TSC and the Chamber now co-host a monthly webinar series to help the community embrace AI. President Jim Murdaugh also shared TSC's approach on a global scale, serving as a panelist at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland.Excellence in workplace culture - TSC has earned multiple national recognitions that underscore its commitment to employees and institutional innovation. In 2025, the college was named one of the Great Colleges to Work For and one of the Most Promising Places to Work for in Community Colleges by NISOD. The college also received the 2024-2025 Innovation of the Year Award from the League for Innovation for its professional development program, a data-driven framework that aligns training with strategic goals."President Jim Murdaugh has initiated a steady stream of innovative, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking programs that have moved both the college and the community forward," said Rebecca Corbin, president and CEO of NACCE. "His visionary leadership and ability to inspire teams that embrace innovation make TSC stand out as NACCE's Entrepreneurial College of the Year. We are grateful for his longtime service as a NACCE Board and Executive Committee member." "On behalf of TSC, I am honored to accept NACCE's Entrepreneurial College of the Year Award," said Murdaugh. "This recognition affirms the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines who we are as an institution. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, we empower our faculty, staff, and students to turn challenges into opportunities. This is a reflection of the collective energy, creativity, and commitment that make TSC a force for positive change." About NACCENACCE is an organization of thousands of educators, administrators, presidents, and entrepreneurs focused on igniting entrepreneurship in their communities and on their campuses. NACCE has two main goals: to empower college leaders to approach the business of running a community college with an entrepreneurial mindset; and to grow the community college's role in supporting job creation and entrepreneurs in their local ecosystems. In 2023, NACCE acquired the SkillPointe technology platform, a free career exploration tool providing information and support for in-demand skilled trades jobs and resources for business startups. Visit: www.nacce.com About TSCEstablished in 1966, Tallahassee State College is dedicated to providing high-quality educational opportunities for students from Leon, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties, as well as from throughout the state, nation, and abroad. TSC offers a wide range of academic and workforce training programs, including associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and in-demand certifications. It is consistently ranked as one of the top colleges in the nation.Visit: Contact InformationCarol SavageEditoreditor@ nacce.com 978-857-1473SOURCE: National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Fluor Corporation ("Fluor" or the "Company") (NYSE:FLR) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, and docketed under 25-cv-02496, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Fluor securities between February 18, 2025 and July 31, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.If you are an investor who purchased or otherwise acquired Fluor securities during the Class Period, you have until November 14, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]Fluor provides engineering, procurement, and construction ("EPC"), fabrication and modularization, and project management services worldwide. The Company operates through three segments: Urban Solutions, Energy Solutions, and Mission Solutions.Throughout 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, Fluor's Urban Solutions segment accounted for the largest portion of the Company's revenue and profit. The Urban Solutions segment offers EPC and project management services to the advanced technologies and manufacturing, life sciences, mining and metals, and infrastructure industries, as well as provides professional staffing services. The Company's infrastructure projects in this segment include work on, inter alia, the Gordie Howe International Bridge ("Gordie Howe"), as well as the Interstate 365 Lyndon B. Johnson ("I-635/LBJ") and Interstate 35E ("I-35") highways in Texas.In February 2025, Fluor provided financial guidance for the full year ("FY") of 2025, including adjusted EBITDA of $575 million to $675 million and adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") of $2.25 per share to $2.75 per share. Defendants reaffirmed the foregoing financial guidance in May 2025, notwithstanding their acknowledgement of the potential negative impacts of ongoing economic uncertainty on Fluor's business resulting from trade tensions and other market conditions. Contemporaneously, Defendants touted, inter alia, the purported health and stability of Fluor's and its customers' operations and the strength of the Company's risk mitigation strategy, both for itself and its clients.The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding Fluor's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) costs associated with the Gordie Howe, I-635/LBJ, and I-35 projects were growing because of, inter alia, subcontractor design errors, price increases, and scheduling delays; (ii) the foregoing, as well as customer reduction in capital spending and client hesitation around economic uncertainty, was having, or was likely to have, a significant negative impact on the Company's business and financial results; (iv) accordingly, Fluor's financial guidance for FY 2025 was unreliable and/or unrealistic, the effectiveness of the Company's risk mitigation strategy was overstated, and the impact of economic uncertainty on the Company's business and financial results was understated; and (v) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On August 1, 2025, Fluor issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter ("Q2") of 2025. Among other results, the press release reported Q2 non-GAAP EPS of $0.43, missing consensus estimates by $0.13, and revenue of $3.98 billion, representing a 5.9% year-over-year decline and missing consensus estimates by $570 million. Defendants blamed these disappointing results on, inter alia, growing costs in multiple infrastructure projects due to subcontractor design errors, price increases, and scheduling delays, as well as reduced capital spending by customers. The same press release also provided a negatively revised financial outlook for FY 2025, guiding to adjusted EBITDA of $475 million to $525 million, down significantly from Defendants' prior guidance of $575 million to $675 million, and adjusted EPS of $1.95 per share to $2.15 per share, down significantly from Defendants' prior guidance of $2.25 per share to $2.75 per share, citing "client hesitation around economic uncertainty and its impact on new awards and project delays and results for the quarter[.]"The same day, Fluor hosted a conference call with investors and analysts to discuss the Company's Q2 2025 financial results. During that call, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Defendant James R. Breuer, disclosed that the infrastructure projects that had negatively impacted Fluor's Q2 2025 results were the Gordie Howe, I-635/LBJ, and I-35 projects.Following the foregoing disclosures, Fluor's stock price fell $15.35 per share, or 27.04%, to close at $41.42 per share on August 1, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Quanex Building Products Corporation ("Quanex" or the "Company") (NYSE:NX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Quanex and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until November 18, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Quanex securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On September 4, 2025, after the market closed, Quanex announced its financial results for the third quarter of its 2025 fiscal year. Quanex disclosed, among other things, that ongoing "operational issues related to the legacy Tyman window and door hardware business in Mexico" had "impacted results more than expected[.]" Quanex also disclosed that it was "adjusting for lower expected volumes and pushing oug the timing of when [it] expect[s] to realize procurement savings" from integration of the Tyman business. Then, on September 5, 2025, Quanex held an earnings call to discuss the quarter's financial results. During the call, Chief Executive Officer George Wilson explained that the operational challenges at Tyman "negatively impacted EBITDA in the Hardware Solutions segment by almost $5 million in the third quarter alone." Wilson explained that the issue had been "identified midyear" and described the systems used to "anticipate and plan for tooling repairs" as significantly deficient.On this news, Quanex's stock price fell $2.73 per share, or 13.06%, to close at $18.18 per share on September 5, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against SelectQuote, Inc. ("SelectQuote" or the "Company") (NYSE:SLQT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether SelectQuote and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until October 10, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired SelectQuote securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") filed a False Claims Act complaint against SelectQuote, alleging "[f]rom 2016 through at least 2021" SelectQuote received "tens of millions of dollars" in "illegal kickbacks" from health insurance companies in exchange for steering Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in the insurers' plans. Further, according to the DOJ, SelectQuote, in exchange for kickbacks, engaged in a conspiracy with major insurers to illegally discriminate against beneficiaries deemed to be less profitable, including those with disabilities. The DOJ concluded that SelectQuote made materially false claims by stating it offers "unbiased coverage comparisons" when in fact it "repeatedly directed Medicare beneficiaries to the plans offered by insurers that paid them the most money, regardless of the quality or suitability of the insurers' plans." On this news, SelectQuote's stock price fell $0.61 per share, or 19.24%, to close at $2.56 per share on May 1, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 6, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., October 6, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) resulting from allegations that Freeport may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.SO WHAT: If you purchased Freeport securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=45553or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On September 24, 2025, Freeport issued a press release entitled "Freeport Provides Update on PT Freeport Indonesia Operations." It stated that Freeport "announced today an update on the status of the previously reported mud rush incident at the Grasberg Block Cave mine (GBC) in Indonesia. On September 20, 2025, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) located two team members who were regrettably fatally injured in the September 8th incident." On this news, Freeport stock fell by 16.95% on September 24, 2025.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th 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 OR RELEASE IN THE UNITED STATESVANCOUVER, BC / PERTH, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / Sarama Resources Ltd. ("Sarama" or the "Company") (ASX:SRR)(TSX-V:SWA) is pleased to report that on 7 October 2025, it completed the second tranche of the previously announced A$2.6m equity placement (the "Placement") (refer to Sarama's news releases dated 30 June 2025 and 9 July 2025).The second tranche of the Placement ("Tranche 2") consisted of 28,888,889 free attaching unlisted options (each a "Placement Option") and 19,166,666 broker options (each a "Broker Option" and together with the Placement Options, the "Options"), with each Option exercisable at A$0.09 and expiring on 30 November 2028. The issuance of the Tranche 2 Options was subject to shareholder approval which was obtained at the special meeting held on 2 October 2025 (the "Meeting").The first tranche of the Placement, completed on 9 July 2025, raised aggregate gross proceeds of A$2,600,000 with the Company issuing 86,666,667 CDIs at an issue price of A$0.03 per CDI.Tranche 2 of the Placement was issued to institutional and other sophisticated and professional investors upon receipt of shareholder approval, as required by the ASX Listing Rules, at the Meeting. An Appendix 3G was announced to the Australian Stock Exchange ("ASX") on 7 October 2025 and provides further detail on the issue of Tranche 2.Tranche 3 of the Placement is scheduled for imminent completion and will consist of 3,333,333 CDIs and 1,111,111 attaching options to a director, Mr Andrew Dinning ("Director CDIs"). The issuance of the Placement Options and the Director CDIs to Mr Dinning was subject to shareholder approval which was obtained at the special meeting held on 2 October 2025. Funds to be received from Tranche 3 will be A$100,000.The Placement was issued to existing shareholders and new institutional and other sophisticated and professional investors.Funds raised will be principally used to fund exploration activities, including infill soil geochemistry and the Company's maiden drilling campaign at its belt-scale Cosmo Gold Project in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Proceeds will also fund general working capital requirements as the Company continues to progress its arbitration claim against the Government of Burkina Faso (the "Claim"). None of the proceeds from the Placement will be used for payments to non-arm's length parties or persons conducting investor relations activities.Members of Sarama's board and management have subscribed for an aggregate 4,999,999 CDls in the Placement (inclusive of the CDIs to be issued to Mr. Dinning in Tranche 3).This announcement was authorised by the Board of Sarama.Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.For further information, please contact:Andrew Dinning Sarama Resources Ltde: info@ saramaresources.com t: +61 8 9363 7600CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATIONInformation in this news release that is not a statement of historical fact constitutes forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds from the Placement and receiving the approval of the TSXV. Actual results, performance or achievements of the Company may vary from the results suggested by such forward-looking statements due to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors. Such factors include, among others, that the business of exploration for gold and other precious minerals involves a high degree of risk and is highly speculative in nature; mineral resources are not mineral reserves, they do not have demonstrated economic viability, and there is no certainty that they can be upgraded to mineral reserves through continued exploration; few properties that are explored are ultimately developed into producing mines; geological factors; the actual results of current and future exploration; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated, as well as those factors disclosed in the Company's publicly filed documents.There can be no assurance that any mineralisation that is discovered will be proven to be economic, or that future required regulatory licensing or approvals will be obtained. However, the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the Company's ability to carry on its exploration activities, the sufficiency of funding, the timely receipt of required approvals, the price of gold and other precious metals, that the Company will not be affected by adverse political and security-related events, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner and the ability of the Company to obtain further financing as and when required and on reasonable terms. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.Sarama does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws.SOURCE: Sarama Resources Ltd.
Ukraine has called on partners to increase pressure to stop Russian nuclear blackmail and prevent a catastrophe in Europe, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has said.

"We call on partners to take additional collective measures of political and sanction influence to stop Russian nuclear blackmail and avert a catastrophe that will have cross-border consequences for all of Europe," the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has strongly condemned another dangerous escalation by the Russian Federation around the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and called the numerous shelling of the plant by the Russians on October 6 in the immediate vicinity of the facility, including explosions 1.25 km from its perimeter, a "deliberate provocation by Russia."

The ministry said that with these actions, Russia once again demonstrates complete disregard for international law, the IAEA Statute and the seven indispensable pillars of nuclear safety. "The deliberate creation of risks around the largest nuclear power plant in Europe threatens a nuclear catastrophe on a continental scale," the Foreign Ministry said.

The Foreign Ministry added that the fact that the Zaporizhia NPP has been without external energy supply for almost two weeks, relying on unstable backup power sources, is of particular concern. "We consider the shelling as an element of Russia's deliberate strategy to block repair work and the restoration of power lines necessary to ensure reliable external energy supply," the ministry noted.

Meanwhile, Ukraine, for its part, will continue to closely cooperate with the IAEA and partners to minimize risks, ensure prompt repair readiness, and restore proper nuclear and radiation safety parameters at the Zaporizhia NPP as soon as possible.

"Ukraine insists: nuclear safety cannot be a subject of bargaining. The restoration of external energy supply to the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant, the complete demilitarization of the site, and the return of the plant to Ukrainian control are necessary and urgent steps to protect the lives and health of millions of people," the Foreign Ministry summarizes. As previously reported, observers from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported hearing a series of explosions approximately 1.25 km from the perimeter of the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) in the occupied city of Energodar, Zaporizhia region.
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KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 / SSF Home Group Berhad("SSF" or the "Group"), a well-known retailer in furniture, home decor, and home living products, convened its Third Annual General Meeting ("AGM") today at SSFHOME Glenmarie, Shah Alam. The AGM provided shareholders with updates on the Group's progress for the financial year ended 30 April 2025 ("FYE2025") and outlined the next phase of its transformation journey.During the AGM, shareholders received the Audited Financial Statements for the financial year ended 30 April 2025 and approved key resolutions, including the payment of Directors' fees and benefits, the re-election of Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Abdul Fattah Bin Haji Abdullah and Mr. Lok Kok Khong as Directors, and the re-appointment of Moore Stephens Associates PLT as Auditors. Shareholders also approved the general mandate for the issuance of new shares, the renewal and new shareholders' mandates for recurrent related party transactions, and the proposed amendments to the Company's Constitution. These measures collectively support SSF's efforts to sustain growth, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver long-term value to shareholders.Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah, Non-Executive Chairman of SSF Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah, Non-Executive Chairman of SSF Home Group Berhad commented, "As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering affordable, practical, and stylish home living solutions to our customers across Malaysia. The past year marked an important phase in our rebranding journey, and we are grateful for the continued support and confidence shown by our shareholders. With a clear strategy in place, we are confident in our ability to adapt, grow, and create lasting value for all stakeholders." Looking forward, SSF remains confident in its strategic direction and longer-term prospects. The Group continues to position itself as a value-for-money home living brand, supported by refreshed store formats, right-sized outlet expansion in urban centres, and an improved customer experience. These initiatives form part of SSF's broader rebranding agenda, which seeks to align more closely with evolving consumer needs.###ABOUT SSF HOME GROUP BERHADSSF Home Group Berhad is a leading Malaysian home furnishing retailer specialising in furniture, home decor, and living products. Our comprehensive offerings are accessible both in-store and online, catering to diverse tastes and preferences, transforming houses into cherished homes. With more than 40 retail outlets nationwide, SSF is committed to enhancing living standards by offering affordable, high-quality products that foster comfort and creativity in every dwelling.For more information about SSF Home Group Berhad, please visit their corporate website http://ssf.com.my or e-commerce website http://ssfhome.com Issued By: Swan Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. on behalf of SSF Home Group BerhadFor more information, please contact:Jazzmin WanEmail: j.wan@ swanconsultancy.biz Xinyi ChingEmail:x.ching@ swanconsultancy.biz SOURCE: SSF Home Group Berhad
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The Only Shopify Systems Integrator Exclusively Focused on B2B Solutions for Manufacturers and DistributorsCHICAGO, ILLINOIS / ACCESS Newswire / October 7, 2025 /Uncap, a leading Shopify Premier Partner agency specializing in B2B commerce for manufacturers and distributors, has officially been recognized as a Shopify Platinum Partner - the highest level of partnership within the Shopify ecosystem. Uncap: Shopify Platinum PartnerThis distinction makes Uncap the only Systems Integrator (SI) holding Platinum status dedicated exclusively to Shopify B2B, underscoring its expertise in helping complex businesses replatform, integrate, and scale on Shopify."Becoming a Shopify Platinum Partner represents more than recognition - it's validation of our focus on modernizing the B2B commerce experience," said Denis Dyli, Founder and Principal of Uncap. "Manufacturers and distributors have historically faced fragmented systems and long, costly transformations. Our approach cuts through that noise with radical transparency, fixed-bid architecture, and deep integration expertise." The Platinum designation highlights Uncap's proven performance across large-scale B2B implementations involving ERP, PIM, and CRM integrations - as well as its strong collaboration with Shopify's internal teams to advance the platform's B2B capabilities.Uncap's next phase is already underway, with the company building a new AI-powered platform launching in 2026 that will empower B2B sales teams to quote, configure, and process complex orders directly through Shopify."Our vision goes far beyond storefronts. We're building tools that help sales teams and distributors operate at 10x efficiency - all within the Shopify ecosystem," Dyli added.As Uncap enters this next chapter, the company remains committed to its guiding principle of Radical Transparency - simplifying complex digital transformations and helping industrial businesses accelerate their path to modern commerce.About UncapUncap is a Shopify Platinum Partner helping manufacturers and distributors modernize B2B commerce. We build Shopify Plus storefronts, portals, and ERP integrations - and are now developing an AI platform to streamline quoting, sales, and operations. For more information, visit Uncap.com Contact InformationDenis DyliCEOhey@ uncap.com SOURCE: Uncap
The Chairperson of the MUSON Festival Planning Committee, Sade Doherty, has announced that the late music icon Marion Akpata will be honoured at the 42nd anniversary edition of the festival.

Ms Akpata, who died on 20 July at the age of 86, was one of the pioneers of the MUSON School of Music, where she made an impact and left indelible marks on Nigerias music landscape.

The festival will run from October 12 to 26 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos. One of its major highlights, MUSON Day, will take place at the Agip Recital Hall within the Centre.

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, Ms Doherty said this years edition would not only mark MUSON Day, one of the festivals highlights dedicated to celebrating the centres anniversary, but feature a heart-stirring musical performance.

Best of the best

She added that the festival would showcase the best of the best among MUSON alumni, featuring outstanding performances in vocals, instrumentals, and more.

Ms Doherty noted, Its the 42nd anniversary concert of MUSON and a celebration of life, held in honour of Ms Marion Akpatas cherished memories and legacies. Most importantly, the chairman of the MUSON Board of Trustees, Mr Louis Mbanefo, will have an exceptional performance in her loving memory. Weve had 29 years of the MUSON Festival of the Arts. Generally, we do different things every year.

This time, we are remembering Marion Akpata, because she died recently. Her legacy is great. The first thing we will do, because of her Afro-Caribbean background, is start with a steel band rendering calypso and reggae. After that is the traditional information, which is the cutting of the MUSON Birthday cake, and we have a fanfare with some trumpeters and classical music.

Documentary, concert

According to her, attendees will be privileged to watch a documentary about the late Ms Akpata.

We cut the ribbon and went upstairs to watch a documentary film. I understand it will be Marion Akpata as a young lady, her American experience, because she went to school in America, and what she was later on, reflecting three phases of her life. We have formulated a programme which you can see in our brochure, Ms Doherty said.

However, Banke Ademola, the Director of the MUSON School of Music, described the late Ms Akpata as a beloved figure who was gentle and firm in her leadership style.

She explained that this years MUSON Day would be a concert, unlike in previous years when it was organised as a competition, with students performing for prizes in various categories.

Ms Ademola added that this year, the MUSON School of Music would focus on three core responsibilities during the festival under her supervision.

Normally, the school is responsible for it. As the Director of the School of Music, Ill be responsible. But this year is dedicated to Mrs Marion Akpata, who died not too long ago. She was a musician before she retired from here. Now deceased, may her gentle soul rest in peace! said Ms Ademola.

Caribbean roots

She said the deceased touched many lives and had been a devoted wife to her late husband, Solomon Akpata, who died in 2024.

They were so close. Every time we had concerts here, he would be here to listen to the school concert. She came from Jamaica, which many people didnt know. I want to plan something that will take her back home or her spirit back home, whichever way you want to look at it, because I think they used to go to America or Jamaica every year to see her relatives.

So youll hear a lot of Jamaican music, such as Gibsonian music like Harry Belafontes music, the Jamaican calypso, steel drum music, reggae, to give that tinge of hers, more than the classical, she was a fine pianist, a fine teacher, and a loving wife, she said.

Ms Ademola added that the festival would feature captivating performances designed to keep audiences glued to their seats and craving more, just like Oliver Twist.

She reaffirmed that MUSONs longstanding legacy of excellence would be upheld.
The Gates Foundation has expressed strong support for Nigerias nationwide integrated immunisation campaign, which aims to reach more than two million unvaccinated children and boost protection against preventable diseases.

The campaign, flagged off on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, was described as a major step in the countrys effort to strengthen routine immunisation and curb disease outbreaks.

The initiative is aimed at targeting diseases such as measles, rubella, polio and human papillomavirus (HPV) while integrating other essential health services such as deworming, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, and treatment for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Nationwide Integrated Campaign

At the flag-off ceremony, Yusuf Yusufari, deputy director for Immunisation and Disease Control at the Gates Foundation, reaffirmed the organisations commitment to ensuring that no child dies from preventable diseases.

Mr Yusufari recalled that Nigerias success in eradicating wild polio remains a major global health milestone, describing the countrys immunisation journey as a story of resilience and collaboration.

Nigeria became a global exemplar in protecting young girls from cervical cancer, and today, as we did two years ago, we stand united behind one goal: that no child or woman in Nigeria should be left unprotected from preventable diseases, he said.

This is the number one goal, an ambitious goal that Mr Bill Gates set when he announced his generous gift of $200 billion over the next 20 years.

Expanding Vaccine Coverage

Mr Yusufari highlighted that the new campaign will deliver additional vaccines to protect children from deadly diseases.

He stressed that closing the gap for zero-dose children, those who have never received any vaccine, is critical to preventing outbreaks of measles and the spread of circulating variant poliovirus type 2.

New vaccines have been added, including pneumococcal, rotavirus, HPV, and now the measles-rubella vaccine, which is a landmark step to prevent two deadly diseases at once, he said.

According to Mr Yusufari, the campaign is expected to be the largest immunisation drive in Nigerias history, aiming to reach over 106 million children across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that the integrated approach not only saves caregivers time but also strengthens trust in the health system.

A mother can leave one clinic visit knowing her children are protected against measles, rubella, polio, and even malaria, while families in communities affected by neglected tropical diseases receive medications delivered to their homes, he said.

The Gates Foundation urged all stakeholders, including government, health workers, and community leaders, to act together to close the immunisation gap and strengthen primary healthcare.
Nigeria is looking the way of climate funds to step up the expansion of infrastructure, green energy and jobs, and so is giving thought to unlocking international finance to actualise the ambition.

Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, revealed in his address at the inaugural session of the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit on Monday, that the government is holding talks with multilateral organisations like the World Bank, IMF, AfDB, and the G20 to back the move.

Thats where the money is, and thats where we, too, must focus our efforts. Recognising this, at COP28, we saw the trends clearly and immediately established a Green Growth Office and Facility in the Ministry of Finance, Mr Edun stated.

This was to align Nigeria with the global direction in financing for development, toward growth-oriented, job-creating projects that the world is willing to fund, he added.

Nigeria plans to take a firm position at the forthcoming COP30 summit, to be hosted in Brazil to champion the course for bigger access to climate financing, Mr Edun said at the event, where a publication titled Guide to Accessing Climate Finance was launched.

To scale a major hurdle that has been impeding ministries and state agencies from tapping available sources for funding, the government is helping such parastatals to draft investment proposals to achieve financing goals, the minister stated.

According to him, the global community requires $5 trillion annually between now and 2030 to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), even though developing countries have been facing a decline in financial support.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat, its here with us. In Makurdi, rising waters have displaced families. In Sokoto, dry soil tests the resilience of our farmers. In Lagos and other cities, floods turn our roads into rivers, he said.

These are not merely environmental issues, they affect how we eat, work, live, and plan our future. But within these challenges lies a major opportunity: the chance to do things differently.

We can build infrastructure with foresight, diversify our energy systems through innovation, and create an economy that protects our people, Mr Edun went further to say.

He noted that Nigeria is embedding climate goals into public finance management through green budgeting and also firming up existing structures to track climate finance flows and report their impact.

The minister highlighted Nigerias pioneering role in issuing green bonds to fund renewable energy and climate projects, while exploring credit guarantees and risk-sharing facilities to attract private capital.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administrations strong commitment to advancing digital transformation across the state, describing the Federal Governments broadband and innovation agenda as a defining step toward building a smarter and connected Nigeria.

Mr Radda stated this on Monday during a visit to the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in Abuja.

Mr minister said Katsina is among the states shortlisted to host federal innovation hubs.

The visit, according to the governor, was aimed at deepening Katsinas collaboration with the federal government on broadband expansion, digital infrastructure, and innovation development.

He said the visit was also to personally thank the Minister for his continuous support to Katsina. When you were appointed Minister, you visited Katsina twice within your first month. That showed your sincerity and true passion for national development.

Since then, Ive followed your work closely and seen your genuine commitment to Nigerias digital and renewable agenda, Mr Radda said.

Governor Radda described Mr Tijani as a dependable partner and reaffirmed Katsinas readiness to align fully with federal digital programmes. The governor explained that his administration has made ICT one of its major governance priorities.

We created a Directorate of ICT led by a young and competent professional, trained our workforce to be ICT-compliant, reduced paperwork, and advanced digital governance. Our Treasury Single Account (TSA) is already 85 percent completed, he noted.

The governor recalled the successful Katsina Tech Festival where young innovators were discovered and sponsored abroad for advanced training. He also revealed that the state has granted free right-of-way to broadband investors, which has improved internet connectivity across key institutions including the Government House, Secretariat, Assembly, hospitals, and ICT centres. However, he emphasised the need to extend broadband to rural areas.

We have community committees in every ward, but they need reliable internet to connect with government programmes. Thats why were seeking your support to expand broadband to all local government areas, he said.

Governor Radda also requested Katsinas inclusion among states hosting National Innovation Hubs. Weve passed a State Digital Policy and created a Digital Economy Zone. Our goal is to make Katsina a northern hub for innovation, he added.

The Governor pledged full cooperation and partnership with the Ministry, saying: Were ready to work together and even commit our own funds to make these projects succeed.

In his remarks, Mr Tijani commended Governor Radda for his proactive leadership and described Katsina as one of Nigerias most promising innovation states.

What many people dont know is that Katsina came very close to producing the Director-General of one of our key digital agencies. that shows how connected your state is to our vision, Mr Tijani said. He praised Katsina for granting free right-of-way to broadband investors, which encouraged private sector participation.

The minister announced that Katsina has been shortlisted among ten states selected to host new federal innovation hubs. This hub, worth about $10 billion, is one of the best designed so far. With your support, InshaAllah, construction will begin before the end of next year, he said.

He also revealed that five of the next 60 satellite-based internet sites under the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) will be deployed to Katsina.

Governor Radda requested that one of the sites be connected to the new model schools in Katsina. The minister immediately approved the idea, saying, Well connect it next week through NICOMSAT to provide 24-hour internet access. Mr Tijani further acknowledged the efforts of the Katsina ICT Directorate in supporting the Federal Governments 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent) programme.

We plan to scale up 3MTT training in Katsina so participants can later use the new innovation hub as their base, Mr Tijani said. He assured that Katsina remains a top priority for the Ministry, noting: Your Excellency, Katsina has been a strong supporter of our programmes, and we will continue to partner closely with you.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Faruk Yabo, thanked Governor Radda for the visit, saying several projects are already in the pipeline for Katsina State.

Katsina is very dear to us. not out of bias but merit. The plans are almost finalized; whats left now is approval and funding, which the minister has already prioritised, he said. He assured that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with Katsina to strengthen digital infrastructure, training, and inclusive innovation across all sectors.

In attendance were heads of many parastatals under the Ministry of Communications, innovations and Digital Economy. The Governor was accompanied on the visit by his Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji, The Spacial Adviser Intergovernmental Affiars and Development Partners Mrs Hadiza Maikudi and Shamsu Sule, Board member of the North West Development Commission.
The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has again disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in the possession of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.

Mr Nnaji presented the discredited certificate as part of his credentials to support his ministerial appointment in 2023.

The university, again on Tuesday, distanced itself from the certificate, in a fresh letter responding to PREMIUM TIMES separate Freedom of Information (FoI) request to the institutions registrar.

The new letter dated 6 October (Tuesday) and signed by Senior Deputy Registrar (Records), F.C. Achiuwa, on behalf of UNNs Registrar, Celine Nnebedum, came four days after PREMIUM TIMES received a similar response from the vice-chancellor to this newspapers separate FoI enquiry.

Corroborating Vice-Chancellor Simon Ortuanyas earlier letter dated 2 October, the new communication from the Registrars office maintained that although Mr Nnaji was admitted into the university in 1981, he neither graduated nor was issued any certificate.

We wish to inform the Premium Times that although he (Nnaji) was admitted into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1981, we have searched through the University of Nigeria graduation record for 1985 session and we could not find Mr Nnaji Geoffrey Uchechukwus name, the registrar office wrote.

The official stressed that there is no indication that the degree certificate which the minister possesses was issued by the University of Nigeria.

The letter is the latest confirmation of PREMIUM TIMES findings from two years of investigating Mr Nnajis credentials. This newspaper published an investigative report on Saturday revealing that the minister forged the UNN bachelors degree and national youth service certificates he presented to secure his ministerial appointment.

UNNs vice-chancellor, Mr Ortuanya, who assumed office in August, had similarly written to PREMIUM TIMES in his 2 October response to the newspapers FoI request, disowning Mr Nnajis bachelors certificate he presented for his appointment in 2023,

Mr Ortuanya wrote that from every available records and information from the university, we are unable to confirm that Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology, graduated from the University of Nigeria in July 1985, as there are no records of his completion of study in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Flowing from above, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka DID NOT and consequently, COULD NOT have issued the purported certificate, or at all, in July 1985 to Mr Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the current Minister of Science and Technology.

Alongside his response, Mr Ortuanya shared with PREMIUM TIMES the university registrars earlier letter dated 13 May 2025, issued to the Public Complaints Commission, stating that there is no indication that the certificate was issued by the University of Nigeria.

There are now three letters from the university since May consistently contradicting an earlier response to the Peoples Gazette newspaper on the matter. On 21 December 2023, Celine Nnebedum, the university registrar, responded to the newspapers enquiry, saying Mr Nnaji graduated from the institution in July 1985.

The official has since recanted the claim in the letter sent by her office to the Public Complaint Commission in May and in the latest one sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday.

Why PREMIUM TIMES got double confirmation

PREMIUM TIMES couriered separate FoI request letters to the offices of UNN vice-chancellor and registrar on 29 September.

It was an approach we adopted learning from the experience of the first attempt to get the official information regarding Mr Nnajis certificate from the university during the two years of investigating the ministers academic credentials.

Instead of responding to our initial enquiries, the university officials gave our reporters the cold shoulder and passed the buck between themselves.

We first made an FoI request to the university on 1 February 2024. But officials failed to respond to our enquiry despite several reminders and follow-up visits to the institution by our reporter. During one such visit, a registry staff member compelled our reporter to pay a N15,000 processing fee. We did, but still received no response to our letter.

On 29 September, we sent separate letters to the universitys registrar and the vice-chancellor in hopes of getting a different outcome.

The vice-chancellor happened to be the first to reply to our letter on 2 October. Then the registrars response followed on Tuesday (6 October), reiterating that the minister did not complete his studies at the institution and was not issued a certificate.

What PREMIUM TIMES investigation found

Allegations of certificate forgery have swirled around Mr Nnaji since July 2023, when President Tinubu sent his name along with those of other ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

Critics have long insisted that Mr Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the bachelors degree and NYSC certificate he presented to President Tinubu, as well as to the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Security Service, and the Senate, were forged.

A painstaking two-year investigation published by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday revealed that Mr Nnaji forged the credentials he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.

The report specifically exposed how the minister forged his degree and NYSC certificates.

This newspaper reported on Sunday that the minister has admitted that UNN never issued him a degree certificate.

Many Nigerians have expressed outrage over the ministers certificate forgery.

On Monday, Mr Nnaji was absent from a press conference his office called to address the matter. His aides, however, appeared on his behalf during which they made unsubstantiated claims, including the claim the minister indeed graduated from UNN.

PREMIUM TIMES later published documents showing that at the time Mr Nnaji claimed to have graduated from UNN and purportedly proceeded to participate in the mandatory national youth service, he was still exchanging correspondences with the institution on how he could re-sit a failed terminal course examination.

As a deflection strategy, Robert Ngwu, the spokesperson for the embattled minister, falsely accused PREMIUM TIMES of receiving N100 million in bribes from the Enugu State Government when he appeared on Channels Television Tuesday morning.
The nationwide strike embarked upon by some oil workers recently cost Nigeria over 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil, and also affected gas production and electricity generation, an official announced on Monday.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, announced this on Monday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In this particular case, we actually lost significant production of over 200,000 bpd that was deferred; we also have gas production that was deferred; we also have power generation that was impacted, Mr Ojulari told journalists at the State House.

At an average price of $66 per barrel, it means Nigeria lost about $39.6 million (N57.4 billion) worth of crude oil for the three days the strike lasted.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the strike called by PENGASSAN, a union of senior oil workers in the oil industry, to protest the sack of its members by Dangote refinery. It was suspended last Wednesday following the federal governments intervention.

PENGASSAN/Dangote crisis

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals recently terminated the appointment of about 800 Nigerian workers in its employ for their alleged involvement in sabotage activities that pose threats to the safety and operations of the 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.

In a letter endorsed by Femi Adekunle, a human resource manager at the Dangote Group, the corporation told the affected employees of the managements decision to discontinue their service, effective from 25 September.

This exercise is not arbitrary. It has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), on the contrary, claimed that the companys rationale for asking the workers to leave stemmed from their decision to join the labour group as registered members.

It went further to allege that the refinery had been making furtive plans to replace the dismissed staff with expatriates.

READ ALSO: PENGASSAN suspends strike after agreement with Dangote Refinery

In the days that followed, the union instructed members to block gas supply to the plant in mark of protest.

Dangote refinery described the order as illegal, adding that PENGASSAN lacks the right to interfere with the companys contracts with third-party vendors for gas and crude oil supply.

Last Wednesday, PENGASSAN suspended its nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the Dangote refinery management.
Nigeria, Africas most populous country, requires at least an additional 27 million jobs in the formal sector of its economy by 2030 to stem the tide of unemployment as its working-age population expands to 168 million, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has warned.

The group made the revelation in a report titled, From Hustle to Decent Work: Unlocking Jobs and Productivity for Economic Transformation in Nigeria, launched on Monday at the inaugural session of its 31st edition.

The document made a rallying cry for coordinated reforms to bolster productivity and support private sector growth.

It warned that without urgent action, unemployment and underemployment could double by the end of the decade, trapping millions in low-income, insecure work.

The challenge before us is to move decisively into the consolidation phase, embedding reforms in ways that drive jobs, growth, and inclusion, NESG Chairman Niyi Yusuf told the conference. We must lay the foundations for long-term transformation that secures prosperity for every Nigerian, he added.

The NESG identified five major impediments to job creation, which include a weak private sector, poor skill development, low-quality education, stunted growth in employment-intensive sectors and structural bottlenecks.

Wilson Erumebor, a senior Economist at the NESG, described the labour crisis as a huge development challenge.

Without decisive reforms to create decent and productive jobs, an entire generation risks being trapped in vulnerable work that neither lifts families out of poverty nor moves the nation forward, he said.

According to him, informal jobs dominated Nigerias population of the employed in 2024, alone accounting for 93 per cent of the total share, reflecting limited investment in sectors that can deliver quality jobs at scale.

The report introduced the Nigeria Works Framework, a blueprint to drive productivity-led growth through skills development, small business support, and expansion in key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, ICT and professional services.

NESG urged the federal and state governments as well as the private sector to prioritise job creation and productivity, warning that Nigerias population, projected to reach 275 million by 2030, leaves little time to act.
The Imo West Senator, Osita Izunaso, has responded to the claim by an 84-year-old pastor, Esther Jesulanke, that he forcefully took over a property in Abuja from her, saying he had no financial dealings with her.

Mr Izunaso, who was reacting to an allegation by Mrs Jesulanke, said he bought the property from Grace Inyang, a retired magistrate, to whom he made an initial payment of N5 million. He said Ms Inyang, who is now late, fraudulently sold the same property to a former lawmaker, Mohammed Jega, who in turn sold it to Mrs Jesulanke.

He said he had no financial dealings with the cleric, insisting that she should be dealing with Mr Jega.

Background

Mrs Jesulanke had, at a press conference in Lagos, recently alleged that Mr Izunaso forcefully evicted her from the property she bought in 2009 for N50 million.

According to the documents she made available, the property is a Terrace Duplex situated at Block D 16a, Flat Zone D (1st Gate) 20, Moses Adasu Close, NASS Quarters, Gudu, Apo, Abuja.

She said she bought the property from Mr Jega, who is a director of Taulahi Investment Nig. Ltd.

Giving an account of how she was ejected from the house with all her belongings thrown out, Mrs Jesulanke said a few years after she moved into the property, people who claimed they were from Mr Izunaso started harassing her.

She stated that sometime in 2015, when she travelled out of Abuja for a programme, some hoodlums, allegedly representing Mr Izunaso, moved into the house forcefully, removed her things, and prevented her from gaining access to the house.

They came to the house forcefully and wanted me to leave the place. At one time, they were even coming to stay in the compound overnight. The threat was so much. But I refused to let go of the property.

They kept coming to the house, sometimes staying overnight in the compound. The threats were unbearable, but I refused to let go. Later, I was told Senator Izunaso masterminded the takeover, claiming a court judgment declared him the rightful owner, the octogenarian said.

She lamented that she lost all her belongings  furniture, fittings, air conditioners  during the eviction, adding that by 2015, her access to the property was completely blocked, and the house was reportedly renovated and leased out.

She said that to date, she does not know what happened to her belongings, adding that the senator later came to remove the roof of the house, renovated the house and also rented it out.

Mrs Jesulanke said she had made every effort, including taking legal steps to no avail, to secure her property.

She, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the authorities in the Federal Capital Territory to help prevail on Mr Izunaso to allow her access to her property.

I have suffered for the past 10 years because of the way I was pushed out. I am calling on the president, his wife, and the chief justice to intervene over this unjust eviction, she appealed with tears.

I dont know Jesulanke  Izunaso

But speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Izunaso said he had no financial dealings with Mrs Jesulanke.

I dont know her. I did not even know she was living in the building before she was ejected. The person who bought the property from Grace Inyang was Hon Jega. He was the one living in the house before she sold it to Mrs Jesulanke. I did not even know it was sold to Jesulanke until the case was taken to court.

Mr Izunaso stated further, I dont know her. I made a down payment for the property to Mrs Grace Inyang, who now resold it to Hon Jega. Technically, I dont have any dealings with Jesulanke. It was when Hon Jega got to know the property was under litigation that he sold it to Mrs Jesulanke.

The old woman should be dealing with Hon Jega, not me. I got a court judgement that says the property rightly belongs to me, and it was the court bailiff that removed her property from the building, not me.

While admitting that he only made a partial payment for the property, the senator said he had already started the transaction before Mrs Inyang sold it to Mr Jega.

It is true I made a part payment of N5 million, with which Inyang used to collect the documents of the house from the bank she was owing. It was after she had collected the papers that she reneged on our earlier agreement about the cost of the house.

She wanted more money, but I insisted she had to stay with the earlier agreement. She then went ahead and sold the house to Hon Jega, the senator said.

Mr Izunaso, who is the chair of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, said it was Mrs Inyangs lawyer who encouraged him to go to court over the matter because she breached a sales agreement.

According to him, after he got a court judgment in his favour, he paid the balance of N30 million for the house, but Mrs Inyang refused to collect the money, perhaps because the house had been sold to another person.

He said the cheque was deposited with the court.

He said Mrs Jesulanke should be dealing with Mr Jega, who sold the house to her.

Mr Izunaso, 59, who said he was unhappy with the development, claimed that the octogenarian once reported him to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

There is nowhere the woman has not taken this case to. She once reported the case to former VP Osinbajo. I think she went to the same church with him and they mentioned that I had deprived her of her property.

Osinbajo invited me over the matter and we discussed it. I told him I had no dealings with the woman. It was Inyang who sold the property to me and later sold it to Hon. Jega, who sold it to Mrs Jesulanke. When I got a court judgement in my favour, the bailiffs took over the property, he said.

The senator said the matter had also come up on Berekete, a social media Ombudsman platform based in Abuja.

He explained further that there were attempts to settle the matter rather than making it a court case.

The commissioner for police in Abuja once tried to settle the matter. I was asked to make an additional payment of N10 million to the N30 million cheque I dropped at the court, so the money could be paid to Mrs Jesulanke to compensate her. We agreed to that. But she came later and said she was not going to concede to that arrangement, that she wanted the house, Mr Izunaso said.

Jega speaks

Speaking on the matter, Mr Jega confirmed selling the house to Mrs Jesulanke.

He, however, claimed he was not aware that the property had issues when he bought it from the original owner, Mrs Inyang, now late.

I bought the property from Mrs Inyang, who was a Chief Magistrate in Abuja, and I was not aware that Senator Izunaso had anything to do with it. I sold the property to Mrs Esther Jesulanke. The property has a Certificate of Occupancy, which is with Mrs Jesulanke, he said.

The former lawmaker expressed worry about why the 84-year-old pastor would be denied the property, which she bought from him, stating that all the title documents of the house are with her.
Trump announces his decision to send Tomahawks to Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has announced that he decided to send Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine.

Answering a reporter's question about the decision whether to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Trump replied: "Yeah, I've sort of made a decision pretty much."

He noted that before making a final decision he would like to know what exactly these missiles will be used for.
Fresh evidence has emerged confirming that the academic credentials with which the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, secured his appointment in 2023 could not have been genuine.

A PREMIUM TIMES investigative report published on Saturday revealed that while Mr Nnaji gained admission into UNN in 1981 to study microbiology/biochemistry, he dropped out without completing his studies.

Despite this, Mr Nnaji emerged on the political scene in the past years claiming to have graduated from the institution with a second-class honour, lower division, in July 1985.

Documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES now show that at the time Mr Nnaji claimed to have graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and purportedly proceeded to participate in the mandatory national youth service, he was still exchanging correspondences with the institution on how he could re-sit a failed terminal course examination.

The records show that Mr Nnaji failed a virology course  MCB 431AB  and subsequently made two unsuccessful attempts to re-sit the examination.

The universitys registrar, through a letter dated 8 November 1985, informed him that he failed the course in the round of September 1985 supplementary examinations, and advised him on the steps he needed to take to have a re-sit. This letter was sent to him about four months after he claimed to have completed his studies and graduated from the university.

I regret to inform you that the result of the 1984/85 September Supplementary examination results show that you have not made the required grade in the 1985 September supplementary examination in the following course  MCB 431 A -Virology, the registrars letter read.

If you wish to take the June 1986 examination as is provided by the university of Nigeria academic regulations, you are required to notify the registrar through your head of department with a proof of payment of examination fee of N4 (four naira).

Responding through a 3 January 1986 letter, Mr Nnaji formally notified the registrar of his intention to retake the course, stating that he had paid the required N4 fee. Yet, he failed to appear for the rescheduled exam.

So, in another letter dated 19 May 1986 and addressed to the registrar, he attributed his absence from the examination to ill health and requested another re-sit opportunity during the September 1986 supplementary examinations. A copy of the letter seen by PREMIUM TIMES indicated that his medical report was attached to support his claim.

Due to ill health, I was unable to take the outstanding terminal course MCB 431 AB-virology which took place on the 21st of April 1986, he wrote at the time. I, therefore, pray that you grant me, Sir, the opportunity to do so during the supplementary examinations.

These correspondences punctured Mr Nnajis claim that he graduated from UNN in July 1985.

More than 10 months after he claimed to have graduated, as of May 1986, he was still scrambling to re-sit an outstanding crucial course examination.

A 2 October 2025 letter from the universitys vice-chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, in response to PREMIUM TIMES freedom of information request, showed that Mr Nnaji did not return to complete the outstanding course.

Other discrepancies

PREMIUM TIMES two-year investigation, published Saturday, already raised fundamental inconsistencies in Mr Nnajis academic and service records.

For example, the notification of result he tendered claims he graduated in July 1985 with a second class (lower division), while his purported National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate indicates he commenced service in April 1985  months before he purportedly completed his studies.

Both documents stand in stark contrast to the correspondences he exchanged with UNNs registrar between 1985 and 1986, showing he had yet to pass the outstanding terminal virology course crucial to his graduation from the university.

The contradictions indicate that Mr Nnaji could not have received his bachelors degree from the UNN or got mobilised for the NYSC scheme at the time he claimed.

The revelations raise questions over how he secured clearance from the State Security Service (SSS) and the Senate to be appointed minister in 2023 in the face of glaring discrepancies in his credentials.

The investigation

Allegations of certificate forgery have dogged Mr Nnaji since July 2023, when President Bola Tinubu named him among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees from 25 states forwarded to the Senate as part of the presidents initial cabinet list, two months after taking office on 29 May 2023.

Critics have long insisted that Mr Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the bachelors degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he presented to President Tinubu, as well as to the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Security Service, and the Senate, were forged.

A painstaking two-year investigation published by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday indeed showed that Mr Nnaji forged the credentials.

This newspaper reported on Sunday that the minister has admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate.

Many Nigerians have expressed outrage over the ministers forged certificate scandal.

On Monday, Mr Nnaji was absent from a press conference his office called to address the matter.
The Nigerian government said Tuesday that it has reconstituted and inaugurated another committee to accelerate ongoing discussions with tertiary institutions-based unions, including ASUU, whose two-week ultimatum ends in six days.

The new committee, called Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee, is to be headed by Yayale Ahmed, the pro-chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the committees inaugural meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday (today) 7 October.

This is contained in a statement by the ministrys spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo.

The statement quoted Mr Alausa as urging all academic and non-academic unions to cooperate fully and respond promptly to the committees engagements.

The minister said President Bola Tinubu has given full political backing to the process, with a clear directive that all negotiations be concluded swiftly, fairly, and in the spirit of mutual respect.

President Tinubus mandate is that all our children must be in school. This is renewed hope in action, he was quoted as saying.

He also appreciated the unions for their patience and commitment as the government works toward a final and comprehensive agreement.

The move comes as ASUU asked its members to gear up for a strike as its two-week ultimatum nears its end.

A looming strike

A week ago, ASUU issued a two-week ultimatum for the government to address its demands. On Monday, the union said there hasnt been progress seven days into the ultimatum. It, therefore, asked its members to gear up for a strike.

However, the education ministry has now said it is moving to ensure the conclusion of renegotiations with ASUU and other workers unions based in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The ministrys statement said the new committee will harmonise all negotiation processes under one coordinated framework that reflects institutional memory and sector-wide inclusiveness.

New committee

Mr Alausa said the Yayale-Ahmed expanded committee will engage all unions collectively to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement.

Mr Alausa disclosed this during a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmed, a professor.

The membership of the committee has been carefully chosen to represent the full spectrum of the education sector, ensuring that no group is left behind, he said.

According to Mr Alausa, the committee has been provided with a well-equipped and functional secretariat to enable it to carry out its mandate effectively.

In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Dingyadi, emphasised that true and lasting peace can only be achieved when all stakeholders are involved, noting that excluding any party would only breed division and undermine collective progress.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Mr Ahmed assured that the committee will approach its task with openness, inclusiveness, and integrity, listening to all stakeholders, fostering trust, and working toward agreements that promote industrial harmony and strengthen the nations tertiary institutions.

He pledged that the committee will not only negotiate but also ensure that the recommendations and agreements reached are practical, realistic, and capable of sustaining long-term peace and productivity within the education sector.

Many committees, little progress

This new committee is at least the sixth committee inaugurated by the government to renegotiate the 2009 agreements with university-based unions.

Each time, the government has failed to implement the draft produced by the committees and instead creates yet another committee.

The 2009 agreement has been the source of dispute between the government and university-based unions. The agreement contains the academics conditions of service, funding and autonomy for the universities.

The renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, which was meant to be every few years, has stalled for close to a decade.

Before this new committee, Mr Ahmed headed the renegotiation committee inaugurated by the government in October 2024 to renegotiate the 2009 agreement with ASUU.

In August, Education minister Mr Alausa inaugurated a committee headed by the ministrys permanent secretary, Abel Enitan, to look into the draft agreement between ASUU and the Yayale Ahmed renegotiation committee submitted in February.

Before Mr Ahmed, the late Nimi Briggs, an emeritus professor, led the renegotiation committee in 2022 and produced a draft that the government never signed or implemented.

Before Mr Briggs, it was Munzali Jibrins committee of 2021, which also produced a draft that was never signed.

Before both of them was Wale Babalakin, who headed the committee from 2017 to 2020 when he resigned.
Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday resumed plenary and took the same seat she had earlier protested against.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan entered the Senate chamber around 12 noon, shortly after the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio took over proceedings from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who had begun the session around 11:15 a.m.

Upon arrival, she proceeded straight to her designated seat in the minority section, specifically, the right side of the sixth row in a section that has seven rows.

Dressed in white attire with matching head ties and black sunglasses, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was warmly received by several senators including Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Ogoshi Onawo (PDP, Nasarawa), Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East), and Samaila Dahuwa (PDP, Bauchi North), who exchanged handshakes with her.

As of the time of filing this report, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan had not contributed to the ongoing deliberations in the chamber.

The senator was suspended on 6 March for six months following the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.

The committee accused her of defying the chambers sitting arrangement and engaging in alleged misconduct during a plenary session on 20 February. Her protest that day over the reassignment of her seat led to a disruption of proceedings.

Apart from suspending her, the Senate also withdrew her security aides, locked her office, suspended her salary and allowances, and barred her from entering the National Assembly complex

Her office, located in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing was, however, unsealed on 23 September by Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms. She resumed duties a few hours after the reopening.

Although Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan has served her six-month suspension, the matter remains before the court.
Robert Ngwu, the spokesperson of the embattled Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has falsely accused PREMIUM TIMES of receiving N100 million in bribes from the Enugu State Government to publish the newspapers recent investigation exposing how the minister forged his degree and NYSC certificates.

Mr Ngwu made the allegation on Tuesday when he appeared as a guest on The Morning Brief, a Channels TV programme.

The Investigation

A two-year investigation published by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday revealed that Mr Nnaji forged the credentials he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.

Allegations of certificate forgery have dogged Mr Nnaji since July 2023, when President Tinubu named him among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees from 25 states forwarded to the Senate as part of the presidents initial cabinet list, two months after taking office on 29 May 2023.

Critics have long insisted that Mr Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the bachelors degree and NYSC certificate he presented to President Tinubu, and the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Security Service, and the Senate, were forged.

The findings of PREMIUM TIMES extensive examination of the documents were damning and conclusive: both the degree certificate and the NYSC discharge certificate in the ministers possession are outright forgeries.

This newspaper reported on Sunday how the minister admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) never issued him a degree certificate.

Many Nigerians have expressed outrage over the ministers certificate forgery scandal.

On Monday, Mr Nnaji was absent from a press conference his office called to address the matter. His aides, however, appeared on his behalf and made unsubstantiated claims, including the claim that the minister graduated from UNN.

PREMIUM TIMES later published documents showing that at the time Mr Nnaji claimed to have graduated from UNN and purportedly proceeded to participate in the mandatory NYSC programme, he was still exchanging letters with the institution on how he could re-sit an examination for a terminal course he failed.

Unsubstantiated claims

On the TV programme, Mr Ngwu, a lawyer, claimed that the Enugu State Government paid PREMIUM TIMES N100 million to do the report.

PREMIUM TIMES was allegedly paid N100 million to start this process, the spokesperson claimed, referring to the investigative report.

By who? Kayode Okikiolu, one of the programme anchors, asked the spokesperson.

This is a big allegation, Mr Ngwu. Who paid and do you have proof? the anchor asked again.

Mr Ngwu tried to evade the question by stressing allegedly paid, before promising to speak on that later.

When pressed, he claimed: They (PREMIUM TIMES) were allegedly paid by the state government of Enugu State. Thats the person behind the mask.

Mr Okikiolu, for the umpteenth time, asked Mr Ngwu to show proof of his allegation but the aide claimed the proof would be given later and then asked the Enugu State Government to defend itself.

Another anchor, Bukola Coker, further pressed the ministers aide to give proof of his allegations.

It was people who (gave) verbal confirmation (of the allegation). We can find out, Mr Ngwu responded. We have our sources.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has since denied the allegations that the government was involved in the investigation uncovering Mr Nnajis certificate forgery.

Chukwuemeka Nebo, the director of information in the State Ministry of Information and Communication, stated this in a statement on Monday.

The Enugu State Government dissociates itself completely from these allegations. The Honourable Minister must carry his own cross and clear his name before Nigerians, instead of dragging the government into issues that are entirely personal to him, Mr Nebo said in the statement.

We need to speak with the minister himself

On the TV programme, Mr Ngwu continued to make unsubstantiated claims while evading key questions raised from the published investigative story.

The aide claimed Mr Nnaji only requested his transcript in May this year after he got information that the university authorities were tampering with the ministers academic records in collusion with the Enugu State Government.

Transcript is a superior document that shows somebodys academic record, he claimed.

But Mr Okikiolu countered the ministers aide.

I find it curious that you say that a transcript is superior to a certificate when its proven that a certificate is indeed the proof that you have completed your course, the anchor countered.

He then went on to ask Mr Ngwu to confirm the certificate the minister submitted to the Senate for his ministerial confirmation, given that he claimed in a court filing that he had not collected his certificate from UNN.

Mr Ikikiolu also asked the aide to respond to the correspondence published by PREMIUM TIMES, indicating that the UNN had informed the minister that he had failed to pass his course and needed to retake it.

You asked a very valid question, which is why the honourable minister is asking for his transcript, Mr Ngwu said, without addressing the questions.

Apparently unsatisfied with his responses, the anchor then asked to interview the minister himself.

Yesterday, the minister didnt show up. In cases like this, you expect that he shows up and says, You know, this is the situation because I serve Nigerians.

So it would be great to have a conversation with the minister. Lets walk through it together, the anchor suggested.

More evasion of questions

Mr Okikiolu also asked Mr Ngwu to respond to growing calls for Mr Nnaji to resign in the light of the investigations, but the aide failed to address the question.

On her part, Mrs Coker asked Mr Ngwu to confirm if the minister indeed admitted in a court filing that he has not gotten his certificate from UNN.

Anything that comes from Premium Times, to me, has no credibility, he claimed, evading the question.

When pressed further, he said: He never admitted that (UNN did not give him his certificate). What he said is that he has never received his transcript. He received his certificate. But it is not his job to validate the certificate. It is the schools responsibility.

Well, your answer is neither here nor there. We might have to hear from the minister himself in order to verify whether, indeed, he received his certificate from the university or not, Mrs Coker remarked.

The anchor further asked the aide to respond to the response from the NYSC authorities to PREMIUM TIMES, in which they disowned the NYSC discharge certificate in the ministers possession.

Thats false, he said. NYSC never did that. Let them (PREMIUM TIMES) show you what the NYSC sent them.

PREMIUM TIMES reacts

Reacting, the Managing Editor of PREMIUM TIMES, Idris Akinbajo, denied the allegation that this newspaper collected N100 million bribe from the Enugu State Government.

Its totally false, Mr Akinbajo said of the allegation. If the minister or his aides have any evidence of such a bribe, we urge them to make it available to the public.

Our commitment is to ethical, investigative journalism and holding power accountable. We have done so consistently for 14 years as a newspaper and will continue to do so.

Mr Ngwu should be ready to meet us in court, where he will have further opportunities to prove his allegations against us. We are not a newspaper he can so baselessly malign.
There was tension on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday as Obinna Aguocha, the Labour Party (LP) member representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano Federal Constituency of Abia State, clashed with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over his attempt to draw the attention of the House to the worsening health condition of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Temper rose shortly after plenary resumed from the annual recess, when Mr Aguocha raised a matter of urgent importance concerning the deteriorating health of his constituent, Mr Kanu, who has been in the custody of the State Security Services (SSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021.

The IPOB leader hails from Umuahia in Abia State.

Aguochas complaint

Presenting his motion, Mr Aguocha told the chamber that he had, since 26 August, written separate letters to the Speaker, President Bola Tinubu, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, urging immediate intervention in the IPOB leaders failing health.

On August 26, I wrote to Mr Speaker, to the Attorney General, and to the President, appealing for urgent medical attention for my constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Up until today, I have not received any response. Reports from both his personal doctors and the Nigerian Medical Association confirm that he has organ deficiencies and dangerously low potassium levels. As we speak, he is on the verge of death, the lawmaker said.

He reminded the House that a court had ordered independent medical examinations of the detained IPOB leader, noting that all three reports, including one commissioned by the court had confirmed his critical state.

It is about fundamental human rights. The court has said that only a man who is alive can stand trial, he said. Kanu has not been convicted of any crime and should be granted the same opportunity as others who have travelled abroad for treatment.

Mr Aguocha urged the speaker to use his office to press the executive for compliance with court directives and to secure medical care for Mr Kanu, warning that it is a matter of life and death and demands the attention of the House.

Who is Nnamdi Kanu?

Nnamdi Kanu is the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist movement agitating for the independence of the South-east region from Nigeria. He was first arrested in 2015 and later granted bail in 2017 but fled the country after his home in Abia State was raided by soldiers.

In June 2021, Mr Kanu was intercepted abroad and returned to Nigeria to face trial on multiple charges, including treasonable felony, incitement, and terrorism-related offences.

His prolonged detention has sparked repeated court battles and political appeals for his release, with critics accusing the government of disobeying court orders.

Speaker objects

Responding to Mr Aguochas presentation, Mr Tajudeen said the matter did not qualify as one of privilege, the procedural route under which the lawmaker had brought it to the floor.

I do not see where your privilege is conflicted, Mr Tajudeen said. If it is a letter written to my office, you have direct access to me. Even a phone call or a visit could have addressed it. This is not the kind of thing to come by way of privilege.

But Mr Aguocha pushed back, insisting that he personally submitted the letter to the speakers office on 27 August and received acknowledgment.

The exchange quickly became tense as both men spoke over each other.

Its a matter of life and death, Mr Aguocha repeated. The rules of this House allow me to raise a matter of privilege when it concerns a citizens fundamental rights.

The Speaker, visibly displeased, maintained his stance, It is only when your privilege is compromised or denied that you can bring it up, Mr Tajudeen said. You have access to my office and can seek an explanation directly. Please, step it down.

When Mr Aguocha insisted that Rule 6(2) of the House Rules empowered him to raise the issue, Mr Tajudeen ruled him out of order and Mr Aguochas microphone was immediately turned off.

You are ruled out of order. Listen to the gavel, the Speaker said.

Deputy Speaker intervenes

Sensing the rising tension, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu intervened, appealing for calm and assuring Mr Aguocha that the matter would be entertained formally during the week.

I understand the pain of the member regarding the subject matter of Nnamdi Kanu, Mr Kalu said. Let us bring it properly before the House so that it can be given the hearing it deserves. Maybe tomorrow or any other sitting day, we will give full time to present it.

In response, Mr Tajudeen agreed to Mr Kalus suggestion, clarifying that his objection was merely procedural.

No problem at all. Itts just the procedure that I was challenging, not the substance of the issue.

I will be willing and ready. Anytime you are ready to bring up the matter, we will do the needful and give you all the time to present, the speaker said.
President Bola Tinubu has requested the approval of the House of Representatives to raise over $2.3 billion from external sources to part-finance the 2025 budget deficit, refinance Nigerias maturing Eurobonds, and issue the countrys debut sovereign Sukuk in the international capital market.

The request was contained in a letter dated 22 September, and read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, during Tuesdays plenary.

The letter was titled Request for the Resolution of the National Assembly to Implement New External Borrowing in the 2025 Appropriation Act, Refinance Maturing Eurobonds and Issue Debut Sovereign Sukuk in the International Capital Market

According to the president, the external borrowing request includes a new loan of 1.84 trillion (about $1.23 billion at the budget exchange rate of 1,500 per dollar) to part-finance the 2025 budget deficit.

It also includes a plan to refinance Nigerias maturing Eurobonds worth $1.12 billion due on 21 November, as well as the issuance of a $500 million debut sovereign Sukuk in the international market.

Details of the borrowing plan

Mr Tinubu explained that the 2025 Appropriation Act provides for a total of 9.27 trillion in new borrowings, 7.43 trillion in domestic loans and 1.84 trillion in external borrowing to bridge the budget deficit.

He said the government intends to raise the funds through any of the following options: issuance of Eurobonds, loan syndications, bridge finance facilities, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions.

The president noted that the Eurobonds maturing in November 2025 valued at $1.118 billion and issued in 2018 at 7.625 per cent interest will be refinanced to avoid default and ensure Nigeria maintains its credit reputation in global markets.

The plan is to refinance the maturing Eurobonds through issuance of Eurobonds, bridge finance from bookrunners, loan syndication, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions, if necessary, to avoid default. This is a standard practice in debt capital markets, the letter stated.

Mr Tinubu added that Nigeria, being a regular issuer in the international capital market, remains confident it can raise the proposed funds subject to market conditions.

Debut $500m sovereign Sukuk

The presidents request also seeks approval for the issuance of a stand-alone $500 million sovereign Sukuk to attract Islamic investors and deepen Nigerias debt market.

Mr Tinubu said the federal government had successfully raised 1.39 trillion through Sukuk issuances in the domestic capital market between September 2017 and May 2025 to fund critical road projects. The external Sukuk, he said, would diversify funding sources and complement local borrowing for infrastructure development.

The proposed Sukuk, which may come with a credit guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), would attract a 3.5 per cent annual premium. If approved, 25 per cent of the proceeds would be used to refinance expensive debts, while the balance would go into infrastructure projects.

The new borrowing request comes months after the Tinubu administration secured National Assembly approval for a separate $7.8 billion external loan and 100 million facility earlier incorporated into the 2025 Appropriation Act.

That approval was sought to fund key infrastructure projects, including power, transport, and agricultural development, and to support fiscal stability amid revenue shortfalls.

With the fresh request, Nigerias debt management strategy continues to emphasise external refinancing and diversified funding mechanisms to reduce debt servicing costs and extend maturity profiles, even as concerns persist about the nations growing debt burden.

READ ALSO: Ebonyi govt begins N10bn gratuity backlog payment to local councils retirees

Next steps

Mr Tajudeen referred the presidents request to the House Committees on Aids, Loans and Debt Management for further legislative consideration.

The committees are expected to scrutinise the terms of borrowing, projected repayment obligations, and the implications for the 2025 fiscal framework before recommending approval to the House.
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned three days after he was exposed by PREMIUM TIMES for forging two certificates.

Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed the ministers resignation in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him, Mr Onanuga wrote on the microblogging platform, referring to the newspapers investigation.

The presidential spokesperson said the minister resigned on Tuesday and thanked Mr Tinubu for allowing him to serve Nigeria.

President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours, he said.

What we found in our investigation

A painstaking two-year investigation published by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday revealed that Mr Nnaji forged the credentials he submitted to President Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.

The report specifically exposed how the minister forged his degree and NYSC certificates.

Allegations of certificate forgery have dogged Mr Nnaji since July 2023, when President Tinubu named him among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees from 25 states forwarded to the Senate as part of the presidents initial cabinet list, two months after taking office on 29 May 2023.

Critics have long insisted that Mr Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the bachelors degree and NYSC certificate he presented to President Tinubu, as well as to the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Security Service, and the Senate, were forged.

The findings of PREMIUM TIMES extensive examination of the documents were damning and conclusive: both the degree certificate and the NYSC discharge certificate in the ministers possession are outright forgeries.

This newspaper reported on Sunday that the then-minister had admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never issued him a degree certificate.

Many Nigerians have expressed outrage over the then-ministers certificate forgery.

On Monday, Mr Nnaji was absent from a press conference his office called to address the matter. His aides, however, appeared on his behalf during which they made unsubstantiated claims, including the claim that the then-minister indeed graduated from UNN.

PREMIUM TIMES later published documents showing that at the time Mr Nnaji claimed to have graduated from UNN and purportedly proceeded to participate in the mandatory national youth service, he was still exchanging correspondence with the institution on how he could re-sit a failed terminal course examination.

Meanwhile, both the authorities of the UNN and the NYSC have separately disowned Mr Nnajis certificates in response to PREMIUM TIMES Freedom of Information request submitted to the institutions at different times.

Uche Nnaji at a glance

Mr Nnaji was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology by President Tinubu on 16 August 2023.

Before then, he was the 2023 governorship candidate in Enugu State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, but lost to then-PDP candidate, Peter Mbah, now governor of the state.

The former minister hails from Akpogu, a community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigerias South-east.
President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to two bills recently passed by the National Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two bills declined are the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Establishment Bill 2025 and the National Library Trust Fund Establishment Amendment Bill 2025.

Mr Tinubu conveyed his decline on the bills in two separate letters addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and read at plenary on Tuesday.

In the letter on the bill seeking to establish the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, the president said it was tainted with fundamental defects.

I convey to the Senate my decision to decline assent to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology Bill 2025.

The rationale for my decision is that the bill is tainted with fundamental defects.

Section 18 of the bill expands the source of funding for the National Transport Logistics Research to include one per cent of freight on every import and every export from Nigeria without their approval.

In addition, the bill is tainted by the Federal Executive Council, and more so, when the Institute is to be funded by the federal government itself.

Section 21, 2 empowers the institute to borrow by way of loan or overdraft without the consent of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, except where the amount to be borrowed is above N50 million.

In the extant act, borrowing can be made with the approval of the president, the removal of the approval of the president has not been explained or justified.

The provision could be abused as the incident could have been a major one, or a financial violation of its responsibility, this will amount to serious financial abuse, he said.

In section 23, 4, on the power to invest surplus funds, President Tinubu stated that since the institute is to be funded by the federal government and money appropriated by the government for any agency usually projected and accounted for, it is unlikely to have surpluses.

The issue of investing surplus funds is usually applicable to agencies that have a surplus fund that is not funded by the Federal Government of Nigeria but generates revenue to spend.

In addition, section 21 states that it is the surplus fund of the Institute that should be invested, while section 23 states that any of the Institutes funds could be invested.

This can allow funds other than surpluses to be diverted for investment purposes, from original purposes.

Section 18 requires money in the form to be applied toward promotion of the objectives and functions of the act; it does not include or recognise the investment of the funds of the institute.

This seems contradictory to section 23, which proposes to allow the institute to put surplus funds.

On the National Library Trust Fund (Establishment) Amendment Bill 2025, the president cited ambiguity in the bill with existing laws and policies.

According to President Tinubu, the bill contradicts core government policies on funding of public agencies, taxation, public service remuneration, and age and tenure limits for public servants.

He said enacting the bill in its current form would create an unsustainable precedent against public interest.

Mr Akpabio thanked President Tinubu for taking the time to go through each and every bill passed by the National Assembly, sent to the executive for assent.

This is very very ,impressive because it means that the executive took time to go through the bills.

We will do justice to all the observations in the bill, he said.

(NAN)
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Monday berated Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, over remarks criticising a recent strike by oil workers, describing him as the Judas Iscariot of Nigerian trade unionism.

NUPENG asserted in a statement signed by its president, Williams Akporeha, and general secretary, Afolabi Olawale, that the lawmakers action betrayed the very principles he once espoused as a labour leader.

Mr Oshiomhole, who broke into limelight as a vociferous and sometimes combative national union leader during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, served as the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) between 1999 and 2007.

His attempts to rationalise the victimisation of workers for exercising their fundamental rights of association and peaceful action are not only nauseating but represent a flagrant misrepresentation of Nigerian Labour Law and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions, the association said.

The labour group went further to say that the legislators stance on the matter amounts to a gross distortion of established labour laws, accusing him of taking sides with capitalists.

Mr Oshiomhole had on 3 October told local tv channel ARISE News that the nationwide strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the dismissal of 800 indigenous staff at the Dangote Refinery was hasty and unfair to other workers.

He argued that while the right of the industrial union is a God-given right, the decision to turn the conflict into a full-blown strike stands the risk of hurting others not involved in the conflict.

What Im not sure is right is the ease with which PENGASSAN resorted to escalating the matter to a secondary level, what you call the secondary solidarity, to a point of shutting down the oil sector, Mr Oshiomhole said.

I think that it is to protect a particular set of workers, you do not then risk the job of several other workers.

The senator also declared that the union should have considered the far-reaching consequences of its actions on ordinary Nigerians.

Indeed, how would a person who once advised alleged corrupt politicians to join the APC to have their sins forgiven have the effrontery to sermonise on morality? NUPENG stated in its reaction.

It accused the former NLC chief of clinging to power during his days as a unionist, saying he falsely claimed to have resigned as the general secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria when he took over as NLC president.

Citing Section 31 of the Trade Union Act, which it said supports strikes that are declared on sympathetic grounds, NUPENG argued that PENGASSANs decision to join forces with the dismissed staff is a protected legal action.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared that Aba, the commercial hub of Abia, is bouncing back to greatness, with the ongoing infrastructural development in the city.

Mr Otti made the declaration while accompanying President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate the age-long collapsed 6.7 km Port Harcourt Road, Aba, reconstructed into a three-lane carriageway by Mr Ottis administration.

The governors remark is contained in a statement issued on Saturday, 4 October, by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, inaugurated seven other roads in Aba  Ohanku Road, Ndoki Road, Ajiwe Street, Umuatako Road, Chief Nkoro Street, Gabriel Nwosu Street and Pepples Road.

Touch of quality

Speaking at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, after inaugurating the roads, the president commended Governor Otti for delivering the projects with a touch of quality and assured that the federal government would continue to support states that show a commitment to quality leadership.

Mr Tinubu recalled the deplorable and impassable nature of Port Harcourt Road before the intervention of Governor Otti, describing the reconstruction of the road as a testament of true democracy dividends.

The works minister, Mr Umahi, stressed that Mr Tinubus administration is focused on road projects nationwide, and announced that Governor Otti has received the federal governments permission to take over the construction of major parts of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road which is about 35 Kilometres, as serious work are ongoing at various federal government road projects in the South-east and South-south regions.

Aba has bounced back

Mr Otti, earlier in his speech, described the event as historic, signalling a new dawn for Aba after decades of neglect by successive administrations.

The governor expressed delight that Aba has bounced back to greatness following massive infrastructure renewal projects and renewed federal government support.

He thanked the federal government for its support, particularly in rehabilitating long-abandoned federal highways. He added that the Tinubu administrations policies, although tough, had begun to yield economic benefits for the states of the federation and the country.

He reaffirmed his administrations commitment to sustainable infrastructure, job creation, and economic expansion, adding that the newly completed 6.7-kilometre Port Harcourt Road, which fulfils his campaign promise, is expected to double the volume of trade in Aba within the next 12 months.

Mr Otti called for stronger federal support for a functional rail network with stops in key commercial towns, and the optimisation of seaports and development of the South-easts vast natural gas deposits. He thanked the federal government for being a dependable partner in the prevailing business-friendly environment across the country.

In his speech, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, called for the establishment of a seaport in the South-east and appealed that President Tinubu prevail on the constant and painful demolition of property and sources of livelihood belonging to Ndi-Igbo by the Lagos State Government and others.

In their remarks, the senator representing Abia South in the Senate, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Darlington Nwokocha, expressed joy with Governor Ottis achievements in Abia. They called for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking for the Abia House of Representatives Caucus, Ginger Onwusibe, and the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, thanked Governor Otti for the harvest of Projects across the state, noting that the Governor has earned himself a second term in office through various landmark projects.
Petro Poroshenko, Member of Parliament of Ukraine and leader of the European Solidarity party, handed over a record batch of Ai-Petri technical reconnaissance countermeasure systems to the Armed Forces. In total, the military received 25 units of modern equipment designed to protect against enemy drones and guided aerial bombs.

"Twenty-five systems mean hundreds of kilometres of the front line protected from deadly iron falling from the sky," Poroshenko said in a Facebook post.

According to him, the new batch of equipment will be transferred to the military under a state order, which indicates official recognition of its combat effectiveness.





The Ai-Petri systems are already in use in the Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk and southern regions. According to Poroshenko, the project was launched just over a year ago with the ambitious goal of covering the entire line of combat engagement with PDTR systems. Currently, the systems cover a significant part of the front line, providing protection for Ukrainian troops.

Each complex includes the PDTR device itself, a pickup truck, a multi-band dome electronic warfare system, a charging station, and the necessary electronics.

"This is cybersecurity with unique properties, developed by our team of specialists  programmers and engineers. Today, there is nothing similar in either the Armed Forces of Ukraine or the enemy. And we have established serial production," the politician emphasised.

As previously reported, starting in the autumn of 2023, Poroshenko invested more than 200 million hryvnias in the development and production of unique systems to counter technical reconnaissance means, "Ai-Petri SV," which have been successfully tested and are already being used in the Armed Forces, covering a thousand kilometres of the line of contact. For a long time, the state did not allocate funding for this programme. In March 2025, Poroshenko announced a contract with the Ministry of Defence.
The Police Command in Delta State, Nigerias south-south, has arrested 12 suspected cultists in the state.

Bright Edafe, the police spokesperson in the state, disclosed this to reporters on Monday in Warri.

Mr Edafe, a superintendent of police, said that the suspects were arrested on Sunday by a combined team of the state anti-cult unit.

He said that they were nabbed in their hideout at Jesse community in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state, adding that the operation was conducted following series of cult attacks in the community in recent times.

Following recent cult attacks in Jesse, a combined team of state anti-cult unit stormed a criminal hideout and arrested the suspects.

One Beretta pistol and one live ammunition were recovered from the suspects during the raid, he said.

The police spokesperson said that the suspected hoodlums were in the custody of the police, while investigation was ongoing.

There has been a surge lately in cultism and related-violence in Delta despite police effort to tackle it.

In 2021, the police commissioner in Delta blamed cultists for the killing of police officers in the state.

From records so far, we have come to realise that those responsible for the killing of policemen and carting away their rifles are members of a syndicate.

READ ALSO: 17 passengers abducted along Calabar waterway freed

Especially that of cult groups desperately in need of arms and ammunition to gain superiority over other rival groups in a particular area, the commissioner, Mohammed Ali, had said while reacting to the killing of a police officer at Edjeba Junction in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

In September 2020, two persons were killed in Delta during a clash between two rival cult groups in Lower Erejuwa axis of Warri, in Warri South Local Government Area of the state. The victims include a 14-year-old boy.

(NAN)
The Ebonyi State Government on Monday commenced the payment of gratuity backlog amounting to N10 billion to over 4,000 retired local government Area employees in the state.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Uchenna Igwe, while inaugurating the payment in Abakaliki, said the move would ameliorate the suffering of the retirees.

Mr Igwe described the gesture as a defining moment of justice and compassion, as contained in Governor Francis Nwifurus Peoples Charter of Needs.

These entitlements were not paid since the states creation and the commencement of its payment has restored hope and dignity for selfless service.

The governor is a promise keeper who only thinks of ways to enhance the peoples wellbeing, he said.

The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously especially in supporting their families and communities.

The commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ikeuwa Omebeh, recalled that the governor inaugurated a six-member verification committee for the exercise on 1 August 2025.

The committee chaired by the wife of the states former deputy governor, Catherine Ogbu, was tasked with authenticating claims and determining eligibility for retirees.

This covers the period of 1996 to 2025 as the exercise has been successfully completed and payments will be carried out on LGA basis.

All verified retirees will be paid through their bank accounts as the gesture will beyond welfare, inject liquidity into rural economies and stimulate small businesses, he said.

The Executive Secretary of the State Local Government Pension Board, Emeka Nwonu, assured that all verified persons would receive their entitlements.

The Board collaborated with all relevant bodies concerned with the process, in realising set goals, he said.

The Chairperson of the verification exercise, Mrs Ogbu, lauded the governor for his vision of prioritising the welfare of retirees.

READ ALSO: Reps swear in three new members

This is a dream delayed, but presently a reality, and promise fulfilled she said.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ebonyi Council, Donatus Okemini, urged Ebonyi people to pray and support the Nwifuru-led administration as it had the peoples interest at heart.

Martha Elom, one of the retirees, thanked the governor for the gesture, noting that it has added a new lease of life to her.

(NAN)
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday said that state governors no longer need to borrow funds to pay workers salaries due to the economic reforms implemented by the President Bola Tinubus administration.

Mr Akpabio stated this while addressing lawmakers at the resumption of plenary after a two-month and two-weeks annual recess.

I can confidently say that through the engineering of President Bola Tinubu and his team, no state government today is borrowing to pay salaries. So, for this, we say kudos to the administration, he said.

Nigeria has over the years relied heavily on loans from international financial institutions to finance infrastructure projects.

In May, President Tinubu sought the National Assemblys approval to borrow $21.5 million and 15 billion, along with a 65 million grant.

The government claimed the funds will be used to support key infrastructure and security projects, including the expansion of power grids and transmission lines, development of irrigation systems to strengthen food security, installation of a nationwide fibre optics network, procurement of fighter jets to boost national security, and enhancement of rail and road infrastructure across the geopolitical zones.

Similarly, many state governments have, over time, resorted to borrowing to pay workers salaries. For instance, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya revealed that between 2013 and 2019, the previous administration in the state borrowed about 1.3 billion monthly to meet salary obligations.

Under the Central Bank of Nigerias (CBN) Salary Bailout Facility (SBF), several states also obtained loans to offset wage arrears.

According to a Nairametrics report, 31 state governments collectively borrowed 457.17 billion through the SBF to pay salaries. States such as Imo, Kogi, Kano, Edo, Benue, and Osun were among those listed.

In addition, reports show that between January and June 2023, state governors borrowed about 46.17 billion from three commercial banks, Access, Zenith, and Fidelity to pay salaries.

For example, Access Bank recorded an outstanding balance of 58.84 billion in state salary bailout facilities as of June 30, 2023, down from 101.81 billion in December 2022.

However, since the removal of fuel subsidy, reports indicate that allocations to state governments have tripled in some cases.

President Tinubu has argued that the policy has significantly improved the financial standing of state governments.

Supporting this claim, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani disclosed that before the subsidy removal in May 2023, the state had to borrow to pay salaries, but it can now meet its wage obligations without borrowing and even operate with a surplus.

The improved revenue has enabled some states to raise workers salaries above the 70,000 national minimum wage. Lagos and Rivers now pay 85,000, while Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Niger, and Bayelsa pay 80,000 to their workers.

Condolences to victims

In his address, Mr Akpabio commiserated with victims and families affected by recent tragedies across the country.

Our country has walked through both shadow and sunshine while we were away. We grieve with the families who lost their loved ones in the cruel boat tragedy on the Niger River in Kogi State, and in the bloody outrage at a mosque in Katsina.

We mourn also the 12 forest guards slain in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, cut down while protecting our environment  martyrs of service who remind us that insecurity knows no boundaries, he added.

Mr Akpabio also sympathised with victims of flooding in Bayelsa, Sokoto, Zamfara, and other states.

We commiserate with our compatriots across the flood-ravaged states of Bayelsa, Sokoto, Zamfara and others, as the 2025 flood season continues to uproot lives and destroy livelihoods.

We urge urgent coordination between the federal and sub-national governments to mitigate these devastations before they become annual calamities. To every home afflicted by these disasters, insecurity, hunger, and hardship, we extend to them the hand of fellowship and the prayer of comfort. We promise them that we shall not flinch from the duty of relief and redress for our people.

While our hearts grieve, our hopes endure because of glimmers of progress. Nigerias oil production has climbed toward 1.8 million barrels per day, driven by reforms and renewed investor confidence. We must ensure that this blessing does not become another fleeting windfall, but a foundation for fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, and job creation, he said.
The Kaduna State government under its Ministry of Health on Monday celebrated the elimination of Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease that causes blindness.

Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection that causes blindness if untreated and was once one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in Nigeria.

The milestone was achieved through a partnership between the State government, the Federal Ministry of Health, and Sightsavers.

Speaking during the close-out ceremony of the Trachoma Trichinosis Intervention in Kaduna, the Permanent Secretary, of the ministry of health, Aisha Abubakar, said the diseases elimination is a significant public health milestone for the state

Ms Abubakar explained that Trachoma elimination was achieved following years of coordinated intervention across all 23 local government areas.

Through the SAFE strategy Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement we have made trachoma ancient history in Kaduna State, she said.

Through this effort, 558,761 residents of Igabi LGA received antibiotics, while 683 individuals across the 11 endemic LGAs benefited from corrective eye surgeries.

Ms Abubakar commended Governor Uba Sani, the Federal Ministry of Health, Sightsavers, and community volunteers for their commitment to eliminating the disease.

In her remark, Teyil Wamyil- Mshelia, Country Coordinator for Trachoma at Sightsavers, described the achievement as a day of celebration and a testament to years of commitment and collaboration.

Mrs Wamyil- Mshelia said Sightsavers had worked closely with the state and local communities to ensure that trachoma is no longer a public health problem.

With the elimination of trachoma in Kaduna State, we have successfully removed one of the major public health challenges in the state, she said.

We have met all the World Health Organisation (WHO) requirements to ensure that trachoma is no longer a threat here.

She stated that Kadunas success was achieved through intensive awareness campaigns, local capacity building, and community ownership.

She, however, appealed to the state government to continue supporting the post-elimination phase by ensuring the centres are functional and adequately equipped.

We want the government to provide consumables, logistics, and possibly free or subsidised services, as most of those affected are from rural and impoverished communities, she said.

(NAN)
The Lagos State Government has defended the recent demolition of buildings at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, saying the action was legal and backed by the Supreme Courts 2003 judgement.

According to the government, the Supreme Court judgement affirmed the states authority over physical planning and development control within its territory, including on federal lands.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said in a statement on Tuesday that the complex, though managed by a federal board, remains under Lagos jurisdiction for planning and building approvals.

Trade Fair is not a sovereign community within Lagos State, Mr Wahab said. The board, which is a creation of the Federal Government to manage the complex, does not have powers to approve or regulate building developments independent of the Lagos State Government.

He explained that under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act (1992)as domesticated by Lagos States Physical Planning and Development Regulationsall physical development in the state requires planning permits from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

Citing the Supreme Court judgement in Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation (2003), Mr Wahab said the court ruled that land use and physical planning fall under concurrent jurisdiction, allowing states to regulate development within their territories, including on federal lands, except for core areas such as military formations.

The Trade Fair Complex Board may manage leases and commercial activities, but any construction or alteration still requires a Lagos State planning permit. Otherwise, such developments are illegal under state law, he added.

His statement followed criticisms from a senator, Victor Umeh, who had earlier described the demolitions as illegal and beyond the jurisdiction of the Lagos State Government.

Mr Umeh who represents Anambra Central, speaking on Channels Televisions The Morning Brief on Monday, said the complex was federal property managed by the federal government through the Trade Fair Management Board.

The country is governed by laws and the constitution, Mr Umeh said. Im disappointed that the Lagos commissioner came on air to justify an illegal action. Federal lands are managed by federal agencies, not state governments.

But responding on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Wahab dismissed the senators position as ignorant, insisting that the demolitions were lawful and not politically motivated.

When it comes to Lagos State, every Tom, Dick, and Harry has an opinion. Was it illegal when Gov. Alex Otti removed contraventions in Abia State? Was it also illegal when Gov. Soludo removed contraventions in Anambra? Here in Lagos, every of our actions are backed by law, and we stand by it all, he wrote.

State rebuffs Obis criticism

The Lagos State Government also rejected claims by former presidential candidate Peter Obi that traders at the complex were unfairly treated during the demolitions.

Mr Obi, who visited the site on 30 September alongside Labour Party officials, had described the demolitions as a test of impunity, justice and compassion, saying many affected traders had obtained approvals before their structures were pulled down.

Many of the affected traders invested heavilyoften through loansto secure their livelihoods. A society seeking progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend citizens dignity, he said.

However, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Mr Obi misrepresented the facts.

Approvals for physical development can only be issued by the Lagos State Government, not the Trade Fair Management Board, he said.

The owners of the buildings had no state approval. They were given ample time to regularise their papers during a general amnesty declared last year, which was extended several times, but they refused.

Mr Omotoso added that ministry officials inspecting the site were attacked and had to be rescued by the police.

Why the state acted

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, said the demolitions were based on the 2003 Supreme Court judgment and the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019 (as amended).

We acted to stop the development of unapproved and unsafe buildings in the complex, Mr Olumide said.

Since November 2023, developers were repeatedly urged to regularize their approvals, but many failed to do so.

According to him, the affected structures were either unapproved, structurally defective, or built on road setbacks and drainage alignments.

The demolitions were carried out on 25 September by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Physical Planning Permit Authority, and Urban Renewal Agency, with armed security personnel providing cover.

Traders allege lack of notice

Some traders, however, told The Punch that the demolitions came without prior notice.

An eyewitness, identified as Ikenna, said the operation started around 8 a.m. without a court order or notice to vacate.

Another trader, Stephen, claimed that one of the demolished structures had federal clearance.

An engineer on-site, Samuel, said buildings were marked for demolition on the same morning the operation began
The House of Representatives on Tuesday swore in three newly elected lawmakers to fill some of the vacant seats in the Green Chamber.

This followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere, to admit into the Chamber the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, and his entourage, who attended the plenary to witness the inauguration of the new member from the state.

Those sworn in were Omosede Igbinedion (APC, Ovia Federal Constituency, Edo State), who replaced Dennis Idahosa; Muktar Rabiu (APC, Garki/Babura Federal Constituency, Jigawa State), who replaced Isa Dogonyaro; and Joseph Bagudu (APC, Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State), who replaced Ekene Abubakar Adams.

The exercise took place during Tuesdays plenary session presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

The new members took the oath of office and allegiance administered by the Clerk of the House.

Recall that there were five vacant seats in the House following the deaths of some members, but only three of the elected replacements were present for Tuesdays swearing-in.

These lawmakers had just won by-elections held on Saturday, 16 August, which was conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to fill vacant National Assembly seats.

The two remaining lawmakers yet to be inaugurated are Elegbeji Yetunde (APC, Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ogun State), who is to replace Oriyomi Onanuga, and Oyekunle Fola (PDP, Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State), who is to replace Olaide Akinremi.

With the swearing-in of the new members, the number of sitting lawmakers in the House has increased, leaving only two seats yet to be officially filled.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved judgement in a case filed by the Osun Stare Government over the withheld allocations due to its 30 local government areas.

The court reserved the judgement after taking arguments from the lawyers to the parties to the suit.

Musbau Adetunbi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), represented the Osun State Government, and Akin Olujinmi, also a SAN, represented the the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) sued as the respondent.

Uwani Aba-Aji, who led the Supreme Courts seven-member panel of justices that heard the matter, said the date to deliver the judgement would be communicated to all parties.

The state government had filed the suit against the Attorney-General of the Federation over the federal governments withholding of the statutory allocations due to its 30 local governments since March 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had filed an application to withdraw an earlier one filed against the AGF on the subject matter.

In the originating summons, the state urged the Supreme Court to compel the federal government to release all seized funds and to stop what it described as an unconstitutional and arbitrary seizure of local government revenues.

He argued that the AGF had ignored subsisting judgements of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, delivered on 30 November 2022 and the Court of Appeal (13 June 2025), which he claimed affirmed the legitimacy of council chairmen and councillors elected on Feb. 22.

The state said the AGF, in a 26 March 2025 letter had advised that the funds be withheld pending resolution of the local government leadership crisis in the state.

It maintained that the appeal court ruling had already settled the matter, nullifying the October 2022 polls conducted under the previous administration.

Among the 10 prayers sought by the Osun State Government is a declaration that the AGF lacked constitutional power to seize local government funds, that his actions contravene valid court judgments.

It also prayed that all withheld allocations be released directly into the accounts of the local governments headed by duly elected officials. It also sought a perpetual injunction restraining future seizures.

It claimed that the seizure, suspension, withholding and/or refusal to pay the allocations and revenues due to the constituent local governments of the plaintiff state is unconstitutional, unlawful, wrongful and ultra vires the powers of the defendant.

The state also raised five issues for the Supreme Courts determination, including whether the AGF is constitutionally bound under Section 287 of the Nigerian Constitution to enforce the rulings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, and whether his March 26, 2025 directive to withhold funds can stand in the face of the appellate judgment.

The state had also simultaneously filed another suit at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, challenging the Chief Judges decision to transfer an earlier case on the local government funds from Osogbo to Abuja for hearing by a vacation judge.

The state government described the federal fovernments actions as an affront to the rule of law, insisting that only the Supreme Court could conclusively resolve the constitutional issues. He cited precedents such as A.G. Kano State v. A.G. Federation (2007) and RMAFC v. A.G. Rivers State (2023).

The state government argued that the AGF was wrong in his letter recognising APC local government chairmen when the matter was pending before court of records.

It also predicated its case on the ground that the election that brought in the APC officials as Local Government chairmen and Councillors had been nullified by a Federal High Court and upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

However, in opposition, the AGF represented by Akin Olujimi SAN argued a preliminary objection where he urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the case of the plaintiff on various grounds.

Among others, Mr Olujinmi argued that the plaintiff lacked locus standi (legal power) to bring the case before the Supreme Court to invoke the original jurisdiction because the matter is between two political parties.

(NAN)
The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to protect a Katsina-based whistleblower, Mubarak Bello, who was recently arrested after exposing an alleged payroll fraud in the state police command.

In a letter shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday and dated 6 October, which was signed by its coordinator, Chido Onumah, AFRICMIL said Mr Bellos arrest and continued persecution amounted to retaliation for his whistleblowing activities.

Mr Bello, an entrepreneur who operated a business centre inside the Katsina State Police Headquarters, was arrested on 13 September and accused of impersonation, unlawful possession of firearms, and having a fake police identity card.

Citing a 16 September report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), AFRICMIL said the arrest was meant to silence Mr Bello, who in 2021 petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged ghost worker racket in the Katsina State Police Commands payroll.

We have reasons to fear for the life of Mr Bello following the numerous attacks he and his family have faced both before and after his arrest. Mr Bellos ordeal is a clear case of impunity and grave human rights violation, Mr Onumah said.

AFRICMIL, which promotes whistleblower protection through its Corruption Anonymous (CORA) project, urged the police chief to intervene and ensure justice for Mr Bello, including a proper investigation into both the alleged payroll fraud and the reprisals he has faced.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu; Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Anthony Ojukwu; and the Executive Director of the Whistleblowing International Network, Glasgow, Scotland.

The Katsina State Police Command has yet to comment on the latest call as of press time.

Nigeria introduced a Whistleblower Policy in 2016 to encourage citizens to report corruption and protect those who do so, but activists say enforcement remains weak, leaving many whistleblowers vulnerable to reprisals.
A month to the expiration of his tenure as INEC Chairperson, Mahmood Yakubu, a professor, has begun his pre-exit leave.

Mr Yakubu, on Tuesday, also handed over the affairs of the commission to May Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior national commissioner.

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu is now the acting chairperson of the commission pending the appointment of a substantive head of the electoral body.

Mr Yakubu handed over her today at the ongoing meeting of the commission with other National Commissioners and the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) present.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to nominate a new chairperson and send to the National Assembly for confirmation and subsequent swearing-in.

Mr Yakubus tenure is expected to elapse on 9 November, having been first appointed on the same date in 2015 and reappointed by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020.

About Acting INEC Chairperson

May Agbamuche-Mbu is a seasoned legal practitioner with over three decades of experience working with diverse clients in both the public and private sectors.

She hails from Delta State, although she was born in Kano, where she attended St. Louis Secondary School.

She graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984 with an LLB in Law.

After her call to the Bar in 1985, she attended the College of Law, London and qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales.

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu has an LLM with specialisation in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, London and completed two postgraduate degree programmes in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law, respectively.

May is also an expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of the United Kingdom Nigeria branch, where she served as Secretary to the Institute.

Between March 2010 and November 2011, she served on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (PPAC) as the sole solicitor, evaluating an extensive nationwide portfolio of major unfinished public projects in Nigeria and in March 2016, she was appointed a member of the Ministerial Committee set up to prepare The Road Map for the Solid Minerals Sector.

Before her appointment as a National Commissioner for INEC, she was the managing partner of her law firm in Lagos, Norfolk Partners and also the editor of THISDAY LAWYER, a weekly legal pullout in one of the nations most widely read newspapers.
Nigerias petrol imports in September hit their lowest level in at least eight years, according to a report issued on Monday by commodity intelligence provider Argus.

The seaborne-petrol the country received in September slid to 116,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 154,000 in the preceding month, representing the smallest volume ever recorded since Kpler started keeping records in 2017, the market surveillance company observed.

The milestone was recorded despite maintenance works on the petrol-yielding Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) unit at Lagos-based Dangote Petroleum Refinery, and operational challenges caused by a labour dispute that erupted at the plant last month.

The RFCC, which went offline on 2 September, is expected to be restored early this month, Argus said, citing market participants.

Net petrol imports slumped to a new low of 38,000 bpd in September, after cargoes were notably loaded from Dangote for New York Harbor. Total petrol loadings from Nigeria were their second-highest on record at 77,000 bpd, the market observer noted.

Towards the end of September, a dispute between the refinery and 800 members of its labour force over an abrupt termination of their employment triggered a two-day strike that upset the supply of crude and natural gas to the plant. That was resolved at the beginning of October, following mediation by the government.

According to Argus tracking, the refinery received 375,000 b/d of crude in September, compared to 440,000 b/d the month prior.

But no local petrol supply shortages were reported in September, and petrol asking prices at the Dangote refinery were broadly steady around 820 naira/litre (55/l), the company said.

A one-day suspension of gasoline sales in naira by the refinery on 26 September was quickly resolved in the heat of the labour dispute.

Naira-denominated domestic gasoline sales were further bolstered by the resumption of the naira-for-crude programme, under which Dangote pays local currency for domestic crude grades sourced from state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), and sells petrol and diesel to the local market in naira, Argus stated.

According to the document, Dangote refinery estimated domestic petrol demand for September at 40 million litres per day, equivalent to 252,000 b/d.

West Africas largest economy was the worlds fifth largest gasoline importer on a b/d basis in 2024, according to Kpler vessel tracking data, but this has dropped by more than 40 per cent to 162,000 b/d in January-September, it remarked. It added that Nigeria is now the worlds eighth largest petrol importer.
Photo: National Guard

On Tuesday night, air defense forces neutralized 88 of the 152 enemy UAVs that attacked the territory of Ukraine, recording the hits of 52 attack UAVs at ten locations, as well as the fall of downed ones (fragments) at two locations, the Air Force (AF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said.

"On the night of October 7 (from 18:00 on October 6), the enemy attacked with two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from the Rostov region - the Russian Federation, 152 strike UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera type and drones of other types from the directions: Orel, Kursk, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk - the Russian Federation, Chauda  temporarily occupied Crimea, about 80 of them  Shahed UAVs," the AF said on Telegram.

It is reported that according to preliminary data, as of 09:00, air defense shot down/suppressed 88 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera type and drones of other types in the north and east of the country.

The attack is not over, several UAVs are still in the airspace, the AF said.
President Bola Tinubu has accepted Professor Mahmood Yakubus departure as chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission following the expiration of his second term in office.

Mr Yakubu was first appointed in November 2015 as the 14th chairman of the commission for an initial term of five years. The appointment, which was renewed in 2020, has now expired due to the passage of time.

President Tinubu thanked Mr Yakubu for his services to the nation and his efforts to sustain Nigerias democracy, particularly through the organisation of free and fair elections throughout his two-term tenure.

In recognition of Mr Yakubus dedicated service to the nation, President Tinubu has bestowed on him the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger(CON).

President Tinubu also directed that Mr Yakubu should hand over to the most senior national commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, who will direct the affairs of the commission until the completion of the process to appoint a successor.

In the letter dated 3 October 2025, Mr Yakubu thanked the president for the opportunity to serve the nation as chairman of the commission since 2015.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

October 7, 2025
Uche Nnaji is Nigerias minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is currently in the eye of the storm over his claims to have graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) with a BSc degree in Biochemistry/Microbiology in July 1985. He reportedly made the claim during his screening by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his swearing in as Minister. In addition, he is accused by investigative online journalists of having forged his NYSC certificate, which he also added to his official documents.

It is an interesting case because it is all too familiar. During the Buhari administration, the minister in charge of the countrys finances then, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, was asked to resign, after being pushed because she purportedly presented a forged NYSC certificate. Forgery, fraud and perjury are serious offences in Nigeria. It is frowned upon in Sections 362(a) and 366 of the Penal Code, Section 135 (1) of the Evidence Act (2011) and Section 467 of the Criminal Code. But it has to be specifically pleaded and proven beyond reasonable doubt, as seen in the latter as well as in APC & Anor v. Obaseki & Ors (2021) and Maigida Kuzalo vs. Bank of Agriculture (2025). Perjury is a similarly serious offence, even more seriously so, and punishable for up to 14 years under Sections 117 and 118 of the Criminal Code Act, or by life imprisonment. Perjury is just as serious under judicial proceedings and outside it. Beyond legalese, however, the imputation is that the minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has committed both a moral and a legal infraction. His traducers want him relieved of his position post, and they point to the Kemi Adeosun precedence. Some of them insist that the law must take its course.

Leading the charge are the investigative journalists of Premium Times, Peoples Gazette and SaharaReporters. For two years, they have been on his trail and his neck, and indeed both Peoples Gazette and Premium Times wrote to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) for clarifications. It seems to me that the first major part of the problem is the integrity of UNN itself, a university whose alumni proudly proclaim their university as the only university named after the country, Nigeria. UNN was established in October 1960, the first indigenous and first autonomous university in Nigeria. Indeed, over the years, UNN has produced generations of graduates who are proudly Nigerian and have gone ahead to make giant strides in their chosen professions. But in the handling of the Uche Nnaji case, I think UNN has raised questions about its own integrity as a reputable institution. Universities award degrees for achievements in learning and character. These are two issues in question in the Uche Nnaji case, and that must be a serious embarrassment to everyone who holds a UNN certificate. The university owes us a public explanation.

Nosey journalists asked the authorities of UNN a simple question: is Uche Nnaji your graduate? This seems like a very simple question. But the University is on record as having offered two different answers, speaking from both sides of the mouth, an utterly despicable behaviour by an institution that claims to be distinguished. In a letter dated 31 December, 2023, the University admitted that Nnaji graduated with a Second Class (Hons) Lower Division in Biochemistry/Microbiology. The same UNN would in response to another enquiry on the same subject signed personally by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya report that Nnaji never completed his studies. This gets all the more curious as Nnaji later went to court to block the Federal High Court from demanding the release of his academic records. Justice Hausa Yilwa declined. This must be very embarrassing to all graduates of the UNN. What has their university turned into? It is easy to say that Nigeria has happened, negatively to the UNN, as it has happened in every facet of national life, but it must be terribly disturbing indeed that such a revered university is setting a bad example for its students and products. It is a saddening indication of how the lines between town and gown have been blurred. Whoever is using the name of that university to play games with the public mind deserves to be sacked. The entire education system is in need of reform to the extent that this is an indication of the rot within the system.

This speaks also to the character of the political system and society at large. Why do Nigerians claim to be what they are not? Everybody wants a big title. These days even mechanics refer to themselves as Doctor this, Doctor that. Musicians announce that they are professors. For some Nigerians, they would rather be addressed not as a Chief or Otunba, the appellation has to be High Chief, Double Chief, Triple Chief. Those who are lucky to get a National Honour appellation would return your letter to you if you fail to add the suffix of their often-unmerited titles. The worst part of it is the sheer madness with which politicians lie about their educational qualifications when it is not even necessary to do so. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution clearly spells out eligibility qualifications. For the position of President, Section 131 (d) thereof says a candidate for President would be deemed qualified if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.

The same applies to Governors in Section 177 (d), and members of the Houses of Assembly in Section 106 (c). The phrase equivalent as interpreted in Section 318 (1) of the same Constitution provides a flexible context. Nobody needs to have a university degree to be a President or a Minister or to become anything in Nigerian politics. A candidates ability to read and write English is enough. Even a failed secondary school student can become anything of his dream. We are obsessed with paper qualifications in this country because we are all sick with public validation. Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, Jessica Alba, great actress and entrepreneur, Oprah Winfrey, distinguished broadcaster and Mark Zuckerberg of Meta all dropped out of school. They ended up in life employing very brainy people with multiple degrees. These school drop-outs have helped to lend more meaning in the 21st century to human civilization. There are others like them in Nigeria who are celebrated daily but they have no certificates to brandish. Uche Nnaji however is the source of his own problem. He should not have claimed to have what he does not provide. He had no business doing that.

In this country, we have had presidents who did not even know the schools they claimed to have attended. We have seen Presidents for whom political associates have had to manufacture stories and parade themselves as schoolmates. This is one country where it is possible to rent a classmate! Uche Nnaji is probably more qualified than all of such persons even with his controversial educational background. He can douse the fire by simply apologising. He only needs to say that there has been a mix-up which he regrets, and that this is the handiwork of his enemies. He can go further and claim that this is coming from his political opponents in Enugu State where he is doing his best to promote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. He can even get his aides to organise a crowd of placard-carrying, slogan-chanting noise-makers on the streets of Abuja who will praise him and remind everyone that he is a Tinubu man. This is the least expensive thing to do in Nigeria today. Rent a crowd, tell the ever-ready political contractors what to say and they will do so with aplomb. Play the ethnic card too: Nnaji can argue that he is being targeted because he is not in the good books of the Governor of his home state, Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State. He can even arrange protests on the streets of Enugu. What he does not need to do is to hire spiritualists who will see visions and tell him what he wants to hear. Those ones will tell him that his travails will pass and he will soon become the President of Nigeria. The spiritual doctors of Nigerian politics are beginning to get ready and they will seek out victims and if not, their regular customers will seek them out too. They are all part of the problem in Nigerian politics.

As things stand, Uche Nnaji may not be removed as Minister. And many would be surprised that he may not even be queried any further at all. In some other countries, what has happened to him so far is enough embarrassment for him to throw in the towel. But he will not do that. This is not the end of the story. Nigeria is a country where moral issues do not really atter. They get lost in the vortex of politics and religion. But in Nnajis matter we see the power of the press and whistle blowers. They insist on very embarrassing questions: how for example can a man who reportedly graduated in July 1985 claim to have started his national Youth Service in April 1985, three clear months earlier? There is also a Supplementary Examination written in September 1984/85 session which the same man in question reportedly failed and he was required to re-take again in June 1986. How could the same man present an NYSC certificate that indicates that he served between April 1985 and May 1986, and yet the NYSC discharge certificate curiously bears the name of a wrong Director of the NYSC who signed as a non-existent National Director. Nnajis critics claim that his so-called NYSC certificate is non-existent. They have provided in the public domain details of his submissions to the Senate for screening. The evidence is overwhelming.

The other question is: how many other persons in high places have submitted to the Nigerian state false documents and false claims as alleged? This false representation amounts to a false pretence, a 419 offence against the state. When persons in positions of authority tell lies to get to power, what quality of leadership can anyone expect from them? But this is not just a question of paper qualification or morality, it is also about the character of leadership and Nigerias leadership recruitment process. It is an indication, a fresh grim reminder that there is something terribly wrong with Nigerias leadership recruitment process. Why do we have a country where only the worst of us are most privileged in finding their ways to power and the best are mostly left on the sidewalks? The system itself is the problem. In cases like this and Adeosuns before now, security agencies are supposed to carry out checks on all nominees for high positions. How effective are those agencies? They missed it with Kemi Adeosun. They have also missed it apparently, again with Minister Nnaji. Is the Nigerian state epileptic? It looks like we are indeed in the throes of epilepsy, to the disadvantage of the rest of society.

Those who moralise would be disappointed that the Nnaji case may not necessarily end up like Kemi Adeosuns. His alleged infractions may not be proven beyond every reasonable doubt, even in the court of public opinion. It could in fact be said that as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, he is merely carrying out an innovation with his credentials to prove a theory that lesser mortals are yet to figure out, this being science and the application of technology, not law. Those calling on President Tinubu to look for another Minister from Enugu State may be reminded that the President is too busy to worry about certificates, a controversy he is all too familiar with. In Enugu state, Nnajis supporters may come forward to claim that his problem stems from his political tussles with the state Governor Dr Peter Mbah. They would conveniently forget that it was this same Minister Nnaji who had a hand in allegations that the governor had certificate issues! True to type Minister Nnaji has now said what was expected of him: he claims that his current travail is a political witch hunt by Governor Mbah. It has also been said that the Vice Chancellor of UNN is a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We are told that the media is also politically motivated or that all parties involved are in a co-ordinated campaign to drag a reputable public servant into the mud of partisan politics.

It is an embarrassing show on all fronts. Present and future political figures should learn one lesson from this: do not claim what you do not have. mere evidence of having attended a secondary school is enough to be President of Nigeria, you dont even need to pass, you need evidence that you at least managed to attend school and either failed or dropped out. That is the state of the law. False claims throw up legal and moral issues, whereas under the law, Nigeria is not looking for educated persons with big certificates to become leaders. This is the sad reality, even when those who have more money than brains believe that they are smarter than those who have brains but have no money to buy and rig their way into high places. Nigeria We Hail Thee!

Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesperson, writes from Lagos.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administrations strong commitment to Nigerias clean energy transition, describing the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative as a bold and visionary step by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu toward reducing transportation costs and promoting affordable, sustainable energy for all Nigerians. Governor Radda made this known on Monday during his visit to the national headquarters of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PiCNG) in Abuja, where he held strategic engagement meetings with the Executive Chairman, Management Team, and the Director-General of the agency.

The visit, according to the governor, was aimed at deepening collaboration with the Presidential CNG Initiative and ensuring that Katsina State remains at the forefront of green energy adoption and CNG-powered transportation in Northern Nigeria. He revealed that his administration has already procured CNG-powered city buses to enhance both intra- and inter-state transportation within Katsina and neighboring states.

Governor Radda further stressed that the partnership with PiCNG would help reduce transportation and logistics costs, support local businesses, and improve the daily lives of citizens. He highlighted ongoing green mobility projects across Katsina State, disclosing that the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has commenced the conversion of motorcycles and tricycles to CNG and gas-powered engines a development that is already transforming small-scale transport businesses in local communities.

Katsina is already moving in this new energy direction. We have partnered with a private company that has established a CNG station in Katsina, which is now about 90 percent completed, Governor Radda said. He expressed confidence that Katsina will soon become a model for other states in sustainable energy and CNG-powered transportation. He revealed that his administration is fully ready to collaborate with the Presidential CNG Initiative to ensure that Katsina people are among the first beneficiaries of this national programme. Soon, we will roll out CNG-powered buses for students, civil servants, and daily commuters.

This will also promote affordable interstate transport between Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna, where new refueling stations are being developed, he added. Governor Radda further explained that the state has recently launched 500 solar-powered tricycles and electric motorcycles to reduce reliance on petrol. He said the CNG programme would complement these efforts by aligning state and federal energy initiatives to ease transportation and improve livelihoods. He also disclosed that some official vehicles in the Katsina State Government House have already been converted to electric vehicles a reflection of his administrations commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Governor Radda expressed optimism that with the completion of the Greenville CNG Filling Station in Katsina, which is set for commissioning next month, citizens will quickly embrace the CNG transition because of its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. Once the filling station becomes operational and people see the savings and efficiency, they will naturally adopt it because the advantages are both clear and practical, he said.

Mr Raddas visit underscores Katsinas growing reputation as one of Nigerias leading subnational governments advancing renewable energy and sustainable transportation. It also reflects his administrations determination to cut transportation costs, empower small enterprises, and align state development goals with President Tinubus national vision for a cleaner, greener Nigeria. The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this laudable initiative and commended the leadership of the Presidential CNG Initiative for the progress achieved so far.

Governor Radda engagement at the PiCNG headquarters marks yet another milestone in his administrations broader commitment to innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency for the collective good of all Katsina citizens.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Presidential CNG Ismael Ahmed, that Governor Radda is the first sitting governor to visit the Initiatives headquarters since its establishment, praising his proactive and forward-thinking leadership. He also recalled his long-standing relationship with Governor Radda since 2013, describing him as a leader defined by humility, integrity, and a genuine passion for innovation and public service. He assured the Governor of PiCNGs readiness to partner closely with Katsina State to accelerate project implementation.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Presidential CNG Michael Oluwagbemi, announced that several projects have been earmarked for Katsina State under the 2024 rollout plan. These include the deployment of CNG conversion kits, CNG-powered tricycles, buses, and mobile CNG filling stations. He further assured that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring regional gas coordination that will guarantee steady gas supply across the Northwestern corridor particularly in Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna states.
The Abia State Government has described as fake a statement credited to Governor Alex Otti with the headline, Governor Alex Otti fires back at Lagos State Government over demolition of Igbo businesses.

The fake statement circulating in the social media quoted Mr Otti as saying, I have no business with Lagos, Im not competing with Lagos. My competition is China and Dubai. By the time Im done with Abia, Lagos will look like a village.

In a statement issued on Sunday, 5 October, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the special adviser on media and publicity to Governor Otti, described the statement credited to the governor as false, baseless, and unfounded.

Mr Ekeoma said the report, Represents a divisive propaganda from a group of frustrated politicians who are getting more convinced on a daily basis that the performance and achievements of Governor Alex Otti in Abia have further rendered them politically irrelevant and nonexistent in the eyes of Abia people.

The governors aide asked the public to disregard the fake report.

Its an established fact that Governor Alex Otti isnt just a man of statesmanly wisdom who detests garrulousness and refrains from childish showmanship, but a leader who recognises the sacred practice of exploring the right channels to communicate and engage his colleagues in resolving sensitive issues that border on the welfare of the people, when and where necessary.

Its therefore ridiculous for anyone to imagine that Governor Otti could have made such a reckless and unintelligent statement that bears the signature of arrogance, thoughtlessness and divisiveness.

Given the relationship which has become an unbreakable bond that has existed between Governor Otti and his brother Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for decades, speaking to the Governor directly off-camera on any subject matter is one of the easiest things to do, Mr Ekeoma said.

Read the full press statement below:

Re: Governor Alex Otti Fires Back At Lagos State Government Over Demolition Of Igbo Businesses

The attention of Abia State government has been drawn to a nonexistent statement credited to Governor Alex Otti, which bore the above-mentioned headline. The statement further reads thus I have no business with Lagos, Im not competing with Lagos. My competition is China and Dubai. By the time Im done with Abia, Lagos will look like a village.

It must be unequivocally stated that the poorly scripted statement and other innuendos contained therein, are not only false, baseless, and unfounded, but represent a divisive propaganda from a group of frustrated politicians who are getting more convinced on a daily basis that the performance and achievements of Governor Alex Otti in Abia have further rendered them politically irrelevant and nonexistent in the eyes of Abia people.

Its an established fact that Governor Alex Otti isnt just a man of statesmanly wisdom who detests garrulousness and refrains from childish showmanship, but a leader who recognises the sacred practice of exploring the right channels to communicate and engage his colleagues in resolving sensitive issues that border on the welfare of the people, when and where necessary. Its therefore ridiculous for anyone to imagine that Governor Otti could have made such a reckless and unintelligent statement that bears the signature of arrogance, thoughtlessness and divisiveness.

Given the relationship which has become an unbreakable bond that has existed between Governor Otti and his brother Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for decades, speaking to the Governor directly off camera on any subject matter is one of the easiest things to do.

The authors of this hogwash had started by planting fake stories, petitions and inciteful articles immediately they learnt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was coming to commission landmark projects in Abia. To their shock and frustration, though the President couldnt make it in person, his representative got the kind of Presidential ovation, support and solidarity thats unprecedented and rare to see anywhere.

Governor Otti has antecedents that are grounded in excellence and achievements, therefore his excellent performance which is attracting massive accolade from within and outside of Abia State shouldnt attract unnecessary hate, bitterness and dirty politics, because he is only interested in transforming Abia State.

Finally, Abians, especially social media users are enjoined to be wary of the many fake stories and articles being sponsored and churned out by a handful of desperate politicians who are angry and frustrated that Abia has finally overcome mediocre governance and assumed its rightful place in the comity of progressive and prosperous states.

Ferdinand Ekeoma

Special Adviser to the Governor

(Media and Publicity)

October 5, 2025.
The Bayelsa State Government said it has procured two aircraft to commence commercial flights at the states international airport.

In a statement on Tuesday by Daniel Alabrah, the spokesperson to Governor Douye Diri, said the two aircraft would be used in the Yenagoa-Abuja and Yenagoa-Lagos routes.

Mr Alabrah said Governor Diri disclosed this on Monday during the courtesy visit by the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora, Tin Louise-George, to the Government House, Yenagoa.

According to the statement, Mr Diri said his administration was determined to make the Bayelsa international airport more commercially effective for flight operations.

While welcoming Mr Louise-George on his visit to Bayelsa, the governor described the State of Africa in Diaspora as akin to Doctors Without Borders.

Mr Diri said the state government was ready for partnership in the area of the expansion of the airport and the development of a smart city.

As an African government without borders, we know you have a lot for us. My technical adviser had earlier presented the plans we have for developing our state. The airport is one of them, which certainly needs expansion.

We are working on the airport in the area of ensuring there are regular daily flights. We had an arrangement with a private airline, which we were supporting for flights to and from Lagos and Abuja. But it got to a point where that arrangement almost collapsed, and the airport became virtually non-functional, Governor Diri said.

Now we have taken the bull by the horns, and as we speak, we are expecting two aircraft, which the government has already procured. These aircraft would operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja. So wherever you have an airport, constant electricity, and water, it is as good as any place you stay to eke out a living.

Talking about smart city, we are equally developing a new city called the New Yenagoa City. It is a place my team will take you to see what we are doing. That is the kind of place a smart city will be very okay for our people.

Earlier, the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora, Mr Louise-George, proposed development support and funding for selected projects in the state through a cooperation agreement.

Mr Louise-George explained that in 2003, Heads of State of the African Union unanimously adopted a resolution establishing the African Diaspora as the sixth region of Africa.

The prime minister said 350 million people of African descent live outside of Africa and that he had the mandate of the African Union to represent them.

He stated that besides the government, which he leads, a parliament and a royal chamber, there were programmes of action for development, with the objective to reinforce Africa through the diaspora and the diaspora through Africa.

Mr Louise-George said the visit to Bayelsa State was to explore areas of collaboration in aviation, providing support for a smart city, education, and medical facilities, among other sectors.
A cleric has advised Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to discard his ambition to control the APC and PDP, the two major political parties in the state.

The cleric, Nyeneime Andy, gave the advice via a Facebook post on Thursday, 2 October.

Dear Governor Umo Eno, you know me and I have much respect for you, first as a colleague in ministry and secondly as my governor. But I speak the truth. You cannot control two parties at the same time, said Mr Andy, the lead pastor at Holy Ghost Ambassadors Ministry International, Abuja.

Mr Andy was made the chairperson of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom in February 2022, shortly before Bassey Albert, then an influential senator in Akwa Ibom, defected from the PDP to the YPP, where he got the partys governorship ticket.

The former senator, popularly known as OBA in Akwa Ibom, failed to win the 2023 governorship election. In January 2024, he defected to the APC. Mr Andy resigned as the YPP chairperson in Akwa Ibom and defected to the APC.

You have to choose, either you are the party leader of the APC and relinquish the PDP, or be ready to face being dragged into the mud.

You have to face it, you as a person did not have any political structure, you were riding on some other persons structure. Its time to build your own structure. I mean your own that will be loyal to you, Mr Andy said to Governor Eno in the Facebook post.

Mr Andy told Mr Eno not to be afraid to step on toes, and should get ready for betrayal and hurts from people he assumed are on his side.

He told the governor to advise the sacked PDP chairperson in Akwa Ibom, Aniekan Akpan, to gladly join the APC instead of wanting to stay back in the PDP.

Apparently enabled by Governor Eno, who has vowed to control the PDP to ward off strong opposition, Mr Akpan and other officials at the state level have refused to vacate office after the party national leadership sacked them for their continued loyalty to Mr Eno after the governors defection from the PDP to the APC in June.

Reward him (Aniekan Akpan) for his loyalty but get ready to build your own structure. This is now politics, and not ministry. In ministry, you expect members of your church to be loyal but in politics, it is different. You work for it and gain loyalty based on your workings, the pastor said to Governor Eno.

Mr Andy also advised Mr Akpan to save his integrity and move to the APC instead of fighting others in the PDP.

You cant be in the APC and in the PDP at the same time. Even I will not tolerate that. The moment you handed over your candidate or governor to the APC, you have no business in the PDP again. In leadership, that is compromise and it cannot be tolerated. Thats the second time, you ate your cake and you cant still have it, he said.

In retrospect, when OBA was moving to APC, I handed him over to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the next day, I put in my resignation. My tenure did not elapse constitutionally, but I had to step aside.

It is called integrity. I stood with my candidate Senator Bassey Albert to the end. I would have been selfish to attempt to control YPP as the state chairman and still be part of the APC, Mr Andy said.

Eno moves against predecessor

Governor Eno recently moved against his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, and ordered the police to withdraw his security after the PDP National Working Committee dissolved the partys state executive council in Akwa Ibom and constituted a caretaker committee to run the partys affairs.

Although Mr Eno has repeatedly vowed never to fight his predecessor, the cracks widen as the 2027 elections approach.

Ndianaabasi Udom, an aide to Governor Eno, resigned from his appointment with the Akwa Ibom State Rural Access Roads Agency on 30 September to join the newly constituted PDP caretaker committee in the state, causing panic across the APC-led government.

Two days later, the governor announced the dissolution of statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state. Hours later, several of Mr Enos aides and some politicians took to Facebook to pledge their loyalty to the governor and the APC.

Akwa Ibom is an APC state, Mr Eno told a crowd of supporters who came out to receive him at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, on Friday.

You must say this loud and clear, you must be proud to belong to the centre, you must be proud to receive the support of the centre. So, now, it is time for you to show and to wear our badge of honour very proudly  that you are an APC member.
The Enugu State Government has denied sponsoring or instigating the allegations of certificate forgery against the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, urging him to carry his cross and personally clear his name before Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Enugu on Monday, the Director of Information in the Ministry of Information and Communication, Chukwuemeka Nebo, said the state government had no involvement whatsoever in the controversies surrounding the ministers academic record.

The Enugu State Government dissociates itself completely from these allegations. The Honourable Minister must carry his own cross and clear his name before Nigerians, instead of dragging the government into issues that are entirely personal to him, Mr. Nebo said.

The governments statement followed reports that Mr Nnaji invited journalists to a world press conference scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Monday to address the matter, but failed to appear.

A large number of Nigerian and international journalists reportedly gathered on the ministers invitation to hear directly from him. But rather than appear before them to answer questions and establish his innocence, the minister absconded, leaving behind proxies who could not withstand the barrage of legitimate questions from journalists,

the statement read.

Mr Nebo questioned the ministers decision to delegate such a sensitive and personal issue to aides instead of speaking directly to the media.

Who can narrate Chief Nnajis UNN story better than him? Why invite the media, only to outsource the conference? Why send third parties, who lack the answers to critical questions, if he truly has nothing to hide? he asked.

The Enugu State Government said the questions Nigerians are asking about Mr Nnajis academic history are legitimate and deserve direct answers from the minister himself.

Did he, for his Senate screening, present a purported degree certificate showing that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in July 1985?

Is it true that he deposed in a Federal High Court filing in Abuja that he was not issued any degree certificate by UNN and, if so, how did he come about the degree certificate he presented to the Senate?

Is it also true that while he claims to have graduated in July 1985, he applied to the university to retake Virology (Course code: MCB 431) in the September 1985 supplementary examination, having failed the course?

Is it correct that the university, in a letter dated November 8, 1985, informed Uche Nnaji that he again failed Virology (Course code: MCB 431) in the supplementary examination, but could register to retake the course in the June 1986 examination, provided he paid an examination fee of N4.00 (Four Naira)?

Is it true that on January 3, 1986, he again applied to retake the same Virology examination in June 1986, stating in his letter that he had attached the receipt for the payment of the N4.00 resit fee?

Is it also a fact that while claiming to possess a university degree, he submitted only his Secondary School WASC Certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2023 governorship election?

Why did Uche Nnajis proxy at the Abuja press conference claim the minister graduated, but stop short of affirming that he was issued a degree certificate?

Did he also present a purported NYSC discharge certificate showing that he commenced his national service in April 1985  three months before his supposed graduation  and served until July 1986, an irregular duration of 13 months instead of the statutory 12 months?

Whereas the Director-General of the NYSC at the time he claimed to have served was Col. Edet Akpan (January 1984December 1987), is it not curious that Uche Nnajis NYSC discharge certificate was signed by Col. Animashaun Braimoh, who only became NYSC Director-General in January 1988 and served until December 1990?

Is it also true that NYSC certificates issued up to October 1990 had six-digit serial numbers made up of only numerals, while Uche Nnajis discharge certificate, allegedly issued in 1986, bore the alphanumeric code A231309, which includes the alphabet A?

And finally, is it a fact that he swore an affidavit in court affirming that UNN did not issue him any certificate? If that is true, Nigerians deserve to know how he came about the certificate he submitted to the Senate in 2023 of his own volition.

Mr Nebo said these questions were not politically motivated, but a reflection of the legitimate curiosity of citizens seeking transparency from a serving public officer.

These are the clarifications Nigerians earnestly yearn for, he said. Chief Uche Nnaji is therefore urged to summon the courage to clear his name if he is truly innocent, rather than trading blames or attempting to drag the Enugu State Government into his personal controversies.
The Editor-in-Chief and Chief Operating Officer of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed, has narrated how a whistleblower helped the newspaper to uncover the certificate forgery by the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.

Mr Mojeed spoke on Tuesday night when he appeared as a guest on Channels TVs Politics Today.

A painstaking two-year investigation published by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday revealed that Mr Nnaji forged his degree and NYSC certificates, which he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.

The politician has now resigned from his position as Nigerias minister of innovation, science, and technology.

How we got wind of the scandal

Speaking on the TV programme, Mr Mojeed said an anonymous whistleblower contacted PREMIUM TIMES through the newspapers newsroom email, alerting it to discrepancies in Mr Nnajis certificates as well as urging an investigation.

The whistleblower, he or she, was confident that if we did a diligent investigation, we would be able to uncover something shocking. And we took up the challenge, and then we started working on it. In 2023, we started working on it, he stated.

The PREMIUM TIMES editor said the newspapers management assigned the story to reporters upon receipt of the tip-off from the whistleblower.

We had no battle with the minister. We didnt know him. But for us, this is not the first time.

Our strength is investigation. Everybody knows our newsroom for that. And when a matter is brought before us, we investigate, he said.

Sometimes, we find things that are indicting; sometimes, we dont. But its our job as journalists, especially as required of us by the constitution, to hold power to account, which is what we have done here.

Mr Mojeed then detailed how the newspaper carried out the investigation, sending FOI requests to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Mr Nnaji attended and the NYSC authorities, and reviewing several documents, and unsuccessfully seeking clarifications from Mr Nnaji.

He recalled that, during the process, UNN initially failed to respond to the first FOI request submitted on 1 February 2024. He said he later understood that the failure was caused by interested parties determined to frustrate the investigation.

We couldnt make progress with the investigation. Until we learned that in August, there is a new leadership at the university. We decided to try again. Initially, we wrote to just the registrar, but in our second attempt, we wrote to both the vice-chancellor and the registrar separately. We decided this time to courier the letter to each of them separately, which was what we did, Mr Mojeed narrated.

Luckily for us, the vice chancellor responded. And just today, the registrar just responded, affirming the same thing that the vice-chancellor told us. So, that was how we worked on that.

Premium Times to sue Nnajis spokesperson

Earlier on Tuesday, Robert Ngwu, the spokesperson to Mr Nnaji, falsely accused PREMIUM TIMES of collecting N100 million bribe from the Enugu State Government to do the report.

But reacting, Mr Mojeed said the newspaper would sue Mr Ngwu for the allegations, insisting the media organisation would not allow anyone to malign it.

We are not a newspaper that you can unduly malign. Weve built our integrity for close to 15 years. Weve done a lot of great stories, and no one has ever accused us of that.

People know us for that. Our practice is built solely on integrity, and not even a Robert Ngwu or Uche Nnaji can destroy it, he said, pointing out that the newspapers lawyers were reviewing Mr Ngwus comments.

He (Ngwu) will bring his evidence and tell us how the money was given and how it was received.

Background

Allegations of certificate forgery had dogged Mr Nnaji since July 2023 when President Tinubu named him among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees from 25 states forwarded to the Senate as part of the presidents initial cabinet list, two months after taking office on 29 May 2023.

Critics had long insisted that Mr Nnaji did not complete his university education and that both the bachelors degree and NYSC certificate he presented to President Tinubu, as well as to the offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Security Service, and the Senate, were forged.

The findings of PREMIUM TIMES extensive examination of the documents were damning and conclusive: both the degree certificate and the NYSC discharge certificate in the ministers possession are outright forgeries.

This newspaper reported on Sunday that the then-minister had admitted that UNN never issued him a degree certificate.

Many Nigerians have expressed outrage over the then-ministers certificate forgery.

On Monday, Mr Nnaji was absent from a press conference his office called to address the matter. His aides, however, appeared on his behalf during which they made unsubstantiated claims, including the claim that the then-minister indeed graduated from UNN.

PREMIUM TIMES later published documents showing that at the time Mr Nnaji claimed to have graduated from UNN and purportedly proceeded to participate in the mandatory NYSC, he was still exchanging correspondence with the institution on how he could re-sit a failed terminal course examination.

Following the findings of the investigation, the politician resigned his appointment on Tuesday evening.
The Lagos State judiciary has ordered a coroners inquest into the deaths of 10 people in a fire that engulfed Afriland Towers on Lagos Island on 16 September.

The move followed a formal request from Falana & Falana Chambers, which described the incident as sudden but avoidable.

The law firm, in a letter dated 29 September signed on its behalf by Taiwo Olawanle. wrote, We humbly request you to use your good offices to cause a coroners inquest to be conducted into the cause of the deaths and make appropriate recommendations under Section 15 of the Lagos State Coroners Law 2007, which provides that an inquest shall hold whenever a coroner is informed that a death within his district is violent, unnatural, or suspicious.

Please accept the assurances of the highest regards of our principal, Mr Femi Falana, SAN.

The victims included four staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and six employees of United Capital Plc, who were attempting to escape thick smoke in the six-storey building. Several others sustained injuries while fleeing.

A notice from the Lagos State High Court on Monday confirmed that the matter has been assigned to Coroner Court 9 in Igbosere District.

A preliminary meeting for all parties is tentatively scheduled for 14 October at Court 4, Yaba Magisterial District.

The court requested a list of stakeholders required to attend the meeting.

The fire reportedly started in the buildings basement inverter room and quickly spread smoke across multiple floors.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that in a viral video circulating on social media, workers were seen smashing windows, clinging to ledges, or jumping onto safety mats laid below.

Emergency responders from the Federal Fire Service and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service rescued nine peoplefive revived on site while four were found unconscious. Others escaped on their own.

United Capital and FIRS confirmed the deaths of their staff members. Afriland Properties Plc, the buildings owner, said investigations were ongoing, with preliminary findings pointing to the inverter room as the fires origin. Emergency services contained the blaze by the evening of the same day.

Afriland Towers, located in Lagos Islands business district, continues to undergo safety inspections. Authorities are yet to release an official final casualty figure.
Enhanced AI and MCP capabilities, new Kubernetes Operator, and enterprise platform enhancements establish Apollo as the declarative API orchestration platform for agentic development

Block, Booking.com, Indeed, and Wiz among industry leaders presenting at GraphQL Summit 2025 on building AI-ready GraphQL architectures at scale

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Apollo GraphQL , the graph-based API orchestration leader, today unveiled its most ambitious platform evolution yet at GraphQL Summit 2025 , expanding GraphQL as the essential orchestration layer for AI agents and modern applications. The comprehensive announcements  including enhanced AI tooling with Apollo MCP Server 1.0, GraphOS MCP tools to support agentic graph development, Apollo GraphOS Operator for Kubernetes, and enterprise platform enhancements  position Apollo as the definitive solution for organizations looking to create secure, and scalable connections between AI and real-world APIs.

While other companies build individual agent frameworks or point solutions, Apollo is establishing the platform layer that enables any organization to safely and efficiently expose APIs to AI agents, and leverage agentic development tools across their API development lifecycle. Today's announcements represent the next chapter in Apollo's journey, extending a decade of leadership that transformed GraphQL from an innovative query language into the industry standard for API orchestration to now power the agentic future.

"Adapting APIs for agentic use is an urgent priority for every company; getting it right and keeping up with a fast-changing AI landscape can be tricky and time-consuming," said Matt DeBergalis, CEO and co-founder of Apollo GraphQL. "The better approach is AI-to-API integration infrastructure that's secure, observable, and performant by default. At Apollo, we've spent a decade making API orchestration reliable at a trillion-operation scale. Now we're applying that same rigor to the AI problem: giving agents safe, auditable access to real systems without requiring teams to become AI infrastructure experts."

Production-Grade AI API Orchestration Available Today

The announcements center on immediately available capabilities that demonstrate Apollo's comprehensive approach to AI-application integration across three core pillars:

Connect AI Agents

Apollo MCP Server 1.0 delivers production-ready AI integration with built-in monitoring to track the tools and API calls within AI agent requests. The visibility, plus the secure access to GraphQL APIs without custom coding, enables teams to experiment and build quickly with confidence. Apollo MCP Server is already being used by teams across the industry to build MCP endpoints for their own external and internal AI applications, with Apollo customers Block , ClinicaMind , Indeed , Intuit , Wayfair , Wiz , and others presenting their applications and use cases at GraphQL Summit. Apollo MCP Server is entirely open source and works with any GraphQL API, as well as seamlessly with the Apollo GraphOS API management platform.

Enable Agentic API Development

GraphOS MCP Tools , now available in Apollo's GraphOS platform, enable rapid agentic development of new and existing APIs. These tools can be used in conjunction with a wide range of coding agents like Claude Code and Cursor to automate large parts of the development process. Apollo demonstrated in the Summit Keynote how using Claude Code alongside GraphOS MCP and Apollo's platform automated the creation of a net-new, production-ready GraphQL API from existing data sources in minutes.

, now available in Apollo's GraphOS platform, enable rapid agentic development of new and existing APIs. These tools can be used in conjunction with a wide range of coding agents like Claude Code and Cursor to automate large parts of the development process. Apollo demonstrated in the Summit Keynote how using Claude Code alongside GraphOS MCP and Apollo's platform automated the creation of a net-new, production-ready GraphQL API from existing data sources in minutes. Apollo Connectors Testing Framework , Type-to-Run, and other enhancements help teams bring REST APIs into GraphQL confidently with improved testing and local development capabilities. The Apollo Connectors Test Framework enables unit testing directly or via a CI script. The Type-to-Run capability simplifies local development by allowing teams to run Connectors with minimal configuration and setup. Additional Connectors arrow functions provide greater expression and flexibility to bring enterprise REST APIs to the graph.

Tools for Enterprise-grade API Operations

Apollo GraphOS Operator for Kubernetes declaratively deploys and manages GraphQL environments at scale. Delivering out-of-the-box automation that platform teams have traditionally built from scratch, the operator streamlines GraphOS Runtime operations, automates schema publishing, composition, deployment and monitoring, so teams can spend less time managing infrastructure and more time shipping new features. Future capabilities will include canary deployments, self-healing router instances, and support for managing Apollo MCP Server to seamlessly connect AI agents to runtime environments.

declaratively deploys and manages GraphQL environments at scale. Delivering out-of-the-box automation that platform teams have traditionally built from scratch, the operator streamlines GraphOS Runtime operations, automates schema publishing, composition, deployment and monitoring, so teams can spend less time managing infrastructure and more time shipping new features. Future capabilities will include canary deployments, self-healing router instances, and support for managing Apollo MCP Server to seamlessly connect AI agents to runtime environments. Improved GraphOS permissions through API keys which can be scoped to a single microservice, also known as a subgraph, enabling greater security as engineering teams contribute independently to a central, federated GraphQL API.

through API keys which can be scoped to a single microservice, also known as a subgraph, enabling greater security as engineering teams contribute independently to a central, federated GraphQL API. Connector & Subgraph Insights provides service developers finer grained insights into their specific service's behavior, allowing teams to proactively optimize for service performance and scaling, and enabling organizations to better distribute operational responsibilities for a Federated graph.

"What we're finding is that agents need self-service platform tooling just as much, if not more, than human engineers do, and agents need APIs just as much as the last era of applications," said Rob Brazier, VP of Product at Apollo GraphQL. "We want to enable every organization to respond to the AI opportunity, by providing tools that enable every engineer to build, ship and operate APIs more effectively, and enable AI agents to get the context data they need to deliver the promised productivity and experience benefits."

Building on Apollo's foundational role in GraphQL's evolution since it was first open-sourced 10 years ago, the company also continues advancing the complete developer experience with major updates to its client libraries: Apollo Client 4.0 delivers substantial improvements in bundle size, TypeScript support, and developer experience, while Apollo iOS 2.0 introduces performance improvements and modern Swift concurrency features for native mobile applications.

Customer Validation: Proven at Scale, Ready for the AI Era

Apollo's platform enhancements build on Apollo's GraphOS infrastructure, which orchestrates over 1 trillion operations monthly for Fortune 500 enterprises and startups alike. Leading organizations, including Block, ClinicaMind, Wayfair, and Yahoo, demonstrate how Apollo's orchestration platform scales from current data challenges to emerging AI opportunities:

"Experimenting with Apollo MCP Server has been a key driver of our progress," said Danny Sanchez, Director, Product Management at Yahoo. "It gives us the ability to optimize and scale agentic AI, powering hyper-personalized experiences for millions of users and helping us move faster from prototypes to products."

"The Apollo MCP Server has given us critical tools to connect our federated supergraph with AI workflows at scale," said Serey Morm, Senior Software Engineer at Wayfair. "With LLMs now empowered by our supergraph, we can streamline development and help teams ship faster with confidence."

"Apollo MCP Server was so turnkey, we switched mid-hackathon to use it to connect to our graph and had a production-ready agent running within hours," said David Sarabia, Founder and CEO at ClinicaMind. "In healthcare, that kind of speed and security rarely go together."

"Apollo Connectors and Apollo MCP Server have accelerated our transition to a federated GraphQL architecture without requiring us to rewrite existing infrastructure," said Jonathan Wondrusch, Staff Engineer at Block. "With our AI assistant 'Goose' working alongside Apollo's stack, developers can quickly expose legacy services as subgraphs and automate schema design, making the migration fast, reliable, and AI-ready."

Availability

All are generally available today, with the Connectors Testing Framework in preview. Organizations can get started immediately with Apollo's comprehensive API orchestration platform for AI agents and modern applications.

Join the Conversation at GraphQL Summit 2025

Summit is the world's largest and longest-running GraphQL event bringing together industry leaders on building agents, MCP services, modern apps and API platforms on GraphQL. Sponsored by Goose, Kurrent, and Xolv.io , these announcements will all be featured in today's Summit keynote delivered by DeBergalis, which can be viewed via live-stream beginning at 9 am PDT. Join the conversation on LinkedIn , Bluesky and X by following #GraphQLSummit.

About Apollo GraphQL

Apollo GraphQL helps developers build better software faster with a declarative, graph-based approach to API orchestration. With over 1 billion downloads of its open-source software, Apollo has become the standard for working with GraphQL and powers the most innovative brands today. The Apollo GraphOS platform provides the infrastructure to unify APIs into a composable graph, enabling teams to connect AI agents, query data from anywhere, and ship new experiences with speed and confidence. Backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Insight Partners, Matrix Partners, and Trinity Ventures, Apollo is headquartered in San Francisco. Learn more at: https://www.apollographql.com .

Contact

Jennifer Tyrseck

[email protected]

(203) 614-9530

SOURCE Apollo GraphQL
Russian troops continue to shell Sumy region, resulting in three injuries, Regional Military Administration head Oleh Hryhorov has said, adding that three civilians, including two elderly residents of the region, were injured in the attacks.

"Russia continues to attack border areas of Sumy region," Hryhorov said on Telegram.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Kurt Arnold of Arnold & Itkin LLP has filed a lawsuit for a worker injured during the October 2, 2025 explosion and fire at the Chevron refinery in El Segundo.

Although a Chevron spokesperson has claimed there were no injuries, Kurt Arnold says, "Injuries are almost always under-reported in the immediate aftermath of a chemical plant explosion and fire. Often, workers incur serious injuries as they try to escape the danger, fearful that there will be secondary explosions."

According to the lawsuit, "Plaintiff was working in the area when he suddenly heard the boom of the explosion, and flames shot up everywhere. He struggled to breathe, fell to the ground, and ran to escape the explosion. Plaintiff sustained severe physical injuries as well as pain and emotional distress due to trauma that he endured. His injuries require ongoing treatment and are in all likelihood permanent."

Comment from Kurt Arnold, co-founder of Arnold & Itkin LLP:

"This was a preventable disaster," Kurt Arnold says. "The plant's operators failed to follow basic safety procedures and endangered the workers. When companies cut corners, it's always the workers who suffer."

Arnold & Itkin also represents workers injured during a fire at the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery in Mississippi on July 14, 2025.

There has been a rising trend of chemical plant explosions and fires. Kurt Arnold says, "With deregulation and weak enforcement, we've seen a disturbing rise in plant explosions and fires. Technology should be making chemical plants safer. Instead, they've become more dangerous."

The $1,000,000 figure referenced in the lawsuit is a minimum figure used to establish jurisdiction with the court. Actual damages may be much higher. It would be incorrect to refer to this as "a million-dollar lawsuit."

About Arnold & Itkin LLP

Arnold & Itkin LLP is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm whose work injury attorneys represent workers and families in high-stakes industrial and workplace injury cases, including plant and refinery explosions, equipment failures, and catastrophic on-the-job accidents. The firm has recovered over $20 billion in verdicts and settlements nationwide, including a $357.7 million settlementthe largest workplace accident settlement in Texas history. To learn more, visit them online at https://www.arnolditkin.com/.

A copy of the complaint is attached. It is Cause No. is 2025-75709. Please direct additional inquiries to Shawn Vincent at 407-415-8095 or [email protected].

SOURCE Arnold & Itkin LLP
"Ryan's Day" is an annual concert celebration & Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser held on Sunday October 26th, 2025 at Haute Spot located at 1501 E New Hope Dr. Cedar Park, TX 78613. Family-friendly, handicapped friendly. Non-profit 501 (C) (3) "Inspiration on Wheelz."

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating its 15th year, Ryan's Day live music DMD fundraiser is welcomed by Haute Spot in Cedar Park, Texas. "As long as Ryan and Inspiration on Wheelz goes on, we go on, and the show goes on. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy doesn't take breaks," says Lesile Schmidt, Ryan's mother. "it's time for Ryan to get on stage again and show everyone how music saves his life on a daily basis. We are excited the Plain White T's, We The Kings, Lixbox, and Hannah & Curt Jones are lending their talents to the cause."

Austins Haute Spot hosts Ryans Day 15 featuring Wheelz the Rapper and Plain White Ts  Sun. Oct 26th

Ryan's Day 15 will be held at Haute Spot in Austin, Texas located at 1501 E New Hope Dr. Cedar Park, TX 78613 on Sunday October 26th from 2 10pm. This family-friendly event will also feature a live prize auction, and the 10th annual "WASABI CHALLENGE." $45 admission

Musical Lineup Includes: Wheelz The Rapper, Plain White T's, We The Kings, Lixbox, and Hannah & Curt Jones.

In addition to the above listed activities and treats, Ryan's latest CD, "Music Saved My Life" will be available for purchase, as well as his 3 full length CD's: "In The Beginning," "Determined," and "2Determined."

DETAILS: "Ryan's Day" is an annual celebration open to the public on Sunday October 26th, 2025 at Haute Spot located at 1501 E New Hope Dr. Cedar Park, TX 78613. $45 admission will benefit Inspiration on Wheelz & Parent Project Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Family-friendly, handicapped friendly.

DONATIONS may be made through the Inspiration on Wheelz website @ wheelztherapper.com

About Inspiration on Wheelz

Inspiration on Wheelz's mission is simple but life-changing: to bring hope through music as we raise funds to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Proceeds from our annual Ryan's Day events go directly to Parent Project DMD and IOW for continued outreach.

Join Wheelz the Rapper as he leads the way to a tomorrow that doesn't include this terrible disease.

Press Contact:

Leslie Schmidt

512-587-2091

https://wheelztherapper.com

SOURCE Inspiration on Wheelz
Multi-phased Investment Firm Led by Louis Hernandez Jr. and Partnered with Multiple Prominent Credit Unions Aims to Unlock GenAspire's Potential to Connect Credit Unions with Younger Demographic

BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Dragon Capital ("Black Dragon")  a global multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments  has acquired the entirety of GenAspire, the teen banking solution formerly known as Copper Banking.

Originally founded as Copper Banking and recently renamed after being acquired by Black Dragon Capital, in partnership with leading credit unions, GenAspire leverages a track record of success in the fintech space with a new-found vision for pioneering effective financial education in the next generation. The GenAspire team partners with Credit Unions to provide schools around the country access to innovative, hands-on tools that turn complex financial concepts into relatable, interactive experiences. GenAspire follows a model of success which connects teens and young adults with their first bank account, meets them where they are through digital banking services, provides them with financial literacy, and empowers them to dream big and achieve financial independence.

The Black Dragon Capital Team's Unwavering Commitment to the Credit Union Movement

Black Dragon Capital continues establishing partnerships with credit unions who have the shared goal of exploring advanced technologies that can empower them to serve their community better and optimize their services in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The firm has recently formed a FinTech Limited Partners Advisory Board, which includes innovative and sophisticated credit unions in the market, to ensure that strategic decisions are made with a thorough due diligence process that leverages insights from our partners and our team's deep domain experience.

Prominent members of the credit union community have joined forces with Black Dragon Capital because of the firm's history of transforming companies. The firm's trusted leaders have been part of the credit union movement for decades and are committed to seeing it evolve and succeed.

Black Dragon Capital believes that GenAspire is one of the fintech solutions that can directly address the need for credit unions to access, engage and add the next generation of members by exposing them to the benefits of the credit union movement. They have invested in GenAspire with the belief that it has the potential to grow into a successful and sustainable business while serving the needs of the credit union community.

"This first set of investments from our newest partnerships with leading credit unions represents the unique opportunity we have as a community to work together to solve critical problems for the industry. We acquired 100% of GenAspire, allowing us to shape the future of these organizations for the long term. Our One Dragon Services group is already hard at work with the management teams, and advisors to ensure the commercial success and that we drive community and economic value for our credit union investors and their members", said Louis Hernandez Jr. Founder, Chairman and CEO of Black Dragon Capital.

"We have seen Black Dragon's record of transforming the companies that they work with into sustainable businesses that deliver results while creating a positive impact in the communities that they serve. Their vision for GenAspire excites us and our team is looking forward to collaborating with them," said Kenny Stivers, General Manager of GenAspire.

About Black Dragon Capital

Black Dragon Capital, founded over a decade ago by recognized financial technology leaders, is a multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments that strengthen economic stability within communities. The firm is led by a collaborative team with a combination of intense operating experience, community impact focus, and a proven track record of successfully transforming companies.

Learn more at www.blackdragoncap.com

About the Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board

The FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board (LPAB) is an organization comprised of recognized credit union and CUSO investment partners. The Advisory Board provides input on industry issues, feedback on operational and technical areas with potential and current investments, and provides strategic advice and direction on all Black Dragon Capital's investments for Fintech strategies. The Advisory Board's feedback incorporates insight from Black Dragon's Global Advisory Group, thought leadership and guidance on key events.

About GenAspire

Originally founded by Copper Banking and recently acquired by Black Dragon Capital, GenAspire leverages a proven track record of success in the fintech space with a new-found vision for pioneering effective financial education in the next generation. The GenAspire team partners with credit unions to provide schools around the country access to innovative, hands-on tools that turn complex financial concepts into relatable, interactive experiences. GenAspire follows a proven model of success which connects teens and young adults with their first bank account, meets them where they are at through digital banking services, provides them with financial literacy, and empowers them to dream big and achieve financial independence.

Media Contact:

Viviana Lauschus

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Black Dragon Capital
DALLAS, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: BHR) ("Braemar" or the "Company") announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell the 410-room The Clancy in San Francisco for $115 million ($280,487 per key) and has received a $3.5 million non-refundable earnest money deposit. The sale price represents a 5.0% capitalization rate on net operating income for the trailing 12 months ended August 2025.

"We are strategically refining our portfolio with one clear objective: to maximize its value for our shareholders," said Richard J. Stockton, president and CEO. "This divestiture will help us to ensure that a future sale of the Company results in the best possible outcome for our investors."

The transaction is expected to close in November 2025, subject to customary conditions. The buyer has the right to extend the closing for 30 days with an incremental $1 million non-refundable deposit. The Company provides no assurances that the sale will be completed on these terms or at all.

* * * * *

Braemar Hotels & Resorts is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on investing in luxury hotels and resorts.

Braemar Hotels & Resorts Inc. The Clancy Reconciliation of Hotel Net Income (Loss) to Hotel EBITDA and Hotel Net Operating Income (Unaudited, in millions)





12 Months Ended



August 31, 2025 Net income (loss)

$ (4.2) Interest expense

5.0 Amortization of loan cost

0.3 Depreciation and amortization

6.6 Hotel EBITDA

$ 7.7 Capital reserve

(2.0) Hotel Net Operating Income

$ 5.7

_________

All information in this table is based upon unaudited operating financial data for the twelve month period ended August 31, 2025. This data has not been audited or reviewed by the Company's independent registered public accounting firm. The financial information presented could change.

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Hotel EBITDA multiple is defined as the purchase price divided by the trailing 12 month EBITDA. A capitalization rate is determined by dividing the property's annual net operating income by the purchase price. Net operating income is the property's hotel EBITDA minus a capital expense reserve of 5% of gross revenue.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and assumptions in this press release contain or are based upon "forward-looking" information and are being made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among others, statements about the Company's strategy and future plans. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. When we use the words "will likely result," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "should," "expect," "believe," "intend," or similar expressions, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are outside Braemar's control.

These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation: our ability to repay, refinance or restructure our debt and the debt of certain of our subsidiaries; anticipated or expected purchases or sales of assets; our projected operating results; completion of any pending transactions; risks associated with our ability to effectuate our dividend policy, including factors such as operating results and the economic outlook influencing our board's decision whether to pay further dividends at levels previously disclosed or to use available cash to pay dividends; our understanding of our competition; market trends; projected capital expenditures; the impact of technology on our operations and business; general volatility of the capital markets and the market price of our common stock and preferred stock; availability, terms and deployment of capital; availability of qualified personnel; changes in our industry and the markets in which we operate, interest rates or the general economy; and the degree and nature of our competition. These and other risk factors are more fully discussed in Braemar's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of our future performance taking into account all information currently known to us. These beliefs, assumptions, and expectations can change as a result of many potential events or factors, not all of which are known to us. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans, and other objectives may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. You should carefully consider this risk when you make an investment decision concerning our securities. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company can give no assurance that these forward-looking statements will be attained or that any deviation will not occur. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, changes in expectations, or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

SOURCE Braemar Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Culinary Careers Program (CCAP) - the workforce development nonprofit that empowers under-resourced high school students & adults to become the next generation of leaders in food and hospitality  is proud to announce the return of its highly anticipated Harvest Moon Feast on Friday, November 7, 2025, at The Phoenician's historic Jokake Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year's event will honor Chef Mark Tarbell, a longtime board member and supporter of CCAP and mentor to countless students and alumni.

"I'm honored to be recognized at this year's Harvest Moon Feast. CCAP's work resonates with me because food has always been more than a careerit's been a community and a pathway. Supporting young culinary students and giving them the tools to thrive ensures the future of our industry stays vibrant and full of possibility. I'm thrilled to celebrate that mission and the incredible talent it nurtures," says honoree Chef Mark Tarbell.

The Harvest Moon Feast brings together the best of Arizona's food and hospitality community for an impactful evening of culinary excellence. Guests will enjoy a walk-around tasting of 30+ original dishes created by CCAP Arizona high school students under the guidance of leading local chefs, including CCAP alumni Peter McQuaid, Aaron Davis, Jasmin Smith, Jelani Port, and Jenna D'Agostino, among others. Each dish will compete for the title of crowd favorite, with the winning student team crowned at the end of the night.

The evening begins at 5:00 PM with a VIP reception featuring a specialty bar and exclusive tastings. Doors open for general admission at 6:00 PM, followed by live music by Nate Nathan and the MacDaddy-O's, silent and live auctions, and inspiring remarks from CCAP students and leaders.

"We are thrilled to honor him at this year's Harvest Moon Feast and celebrate the next generation of Arizona's culinary leaders," says CCAP Co-Executive Director, Jennifer Solomon. "Chef Mark Tarbell has been a champion for CCAP students for decades," said Tanya Steel, Co-Executive Director of CCAP.

Proceeds from the Harvest Moon Feast directly benefit CCAP Arizona's 8,000 students across the state's high schools, providing them with career readiness training, scholarships, job opportunities, and mentorship to help them thrive in the food and hospitality industry. Tickets and sponsorships are available at CulinaryCareers.org

The Harvest Moon Feast is Sponsored By:

Signature Sponsor: Richard Grausman and Deborah Grausman

Gold Sponsors: Shamrock Foods, Sysco

Silver Sponsors: Boubek Family Charitable Trust, ITW Food Equipment Group, Ollson Family Foundation, S. Pellegrino

Bronze Sponsors: Christy Smigielski, Tito's Handmade Vodka

In-Kind Sponsors: Fever Tree, Filippo Berio, Remy-Martin, Vino Stache, S. Pellegrino, Tito's Handmade Vodka

About Culinary Careers Program (CCAP):

Culinary Careers Program (CCAP) is a national workforce development nonprofit dedicated to training and supporting the next generation of food and hospitality leaders. We provide culinary arts education, job skills, apprenticeships, scholarships, and career opportunities to under-resourced high school students & adults. To date we have uplifted close to 400,000 students across the United States and awarded $76 million in college scholarships. Learn more at CulinaryCareers.org and @CulinaryCareersProgram.

SOURCE Culinary Careers Program (CCAP)
Revolutionary New Product Provides Musicians with a 'Studio in a Box'

Kickstarter Campaign Blasts Past Goal in Just 3 Minutes

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TechFarms tenant, Chaos Audio, the innovative team behind the acclaimed Stratus guitar pedal, is back with a groundbreaking new product: Nimbus, a powerful smart amp designed to put an entire music studio into a single portable box. Chaos has completed the prototyping phase in the development of Nimbus and is launching the new product through Kickstarter.

The Nimbus "Studio in a Box" has been designed to accommodate the needs of Musicians and offers the best price-performance ratio on the market today. Nimbus offer Musicians an incredible array of features including a simple and powerful mobile app for selecting tones, presets, and plugins.

The Kickstarter campaign for Nimbus launched on September 29th and captured immediate attention. The campaign blew past its $10,000 goal in just three minutes, surging to more than $200,000 within four days  a testament to the excitement building among musicians worldwide.

Chaos Audio CEO Landon McCoy looks forward to the emergence of a community of Nimbus users that he says will "help shape the future of music." Given the advantages of Nimbus, that community can be expected to grow rapidly. "Nimbus is more than an amp  it's a movement. We're creating a community where musicians of every level can practice, record, and perform without limits. Nimbus is here to empower creators and transform the way music is made."

Dubbed a 'studio in a box,' Nimbus integrates an amp, stereo speakers, audio interface, looper, and effects processor into one lightweight system. Nimbus is a 12-pound sound powerhouse that delivers 70 watts of stereo sound and features dual inputs for both instruments and microphones. As a professional-grade audio interface, Nimbus also connects seamlessly with computers for instant, high-quality recording.

Gone are the days of guitarists having to deal with an array of guitar pedals and cables. Musicians simply use the Chaos App on their smartphone or tablet to select a full suite of Chaos Audio effects and amps that are included with Nimbus. Musicians can also save and share their sound effects with the community.

By eliminating much of the cumbersome gear that musicians are used to carrying around, Nimbus offers unparalleled convenience and creative freedom. Its design and power make it an indispensable tool for both professionals seeking versatility and beginners exploring their musical journey. Although Nimbus is designed for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars, it also works with keyboards, vocals, as well as a variety of electric string instruments like electric violins, cellos, violas, etc.

"With Nimbus, we've taken everything we learned from Stratus and elevated it," McCoy added. "This product isn't just competitive  it sets a new standard for the industry. For the musician, Nimbus can literally do just about anything. It offers the best price-performance ratio on the market today."

The Nimbus Kickstarter campaign ends onOctober 29, 2025, giving early supporters a chance to secure this revolutionary device at a huge discounted price prior to its official release in Q2 2026.

About Chaos Audio: Located in Panama City Beach, FL, Chaos Audio is an audio electronics company dedicated to delivering innovative products to musicians worldwide. See: ChaosAudio.com.

About TechFarms: Located in Panama City Beach, FL, TechFarms is a technology incubator that provides space, equipment, mentoring, and access to capital. See: TechFarms.com.

Media Contact:

Steve Bornhoft, VP-Marketing and Communications

TechFarms

(850) 890-3583

[email protected]

SOURCE TechFarms
U.S. News & World Report releases 2025-2026 Best Children's Hospitals rankings

AURORA, Colo., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) has once again earned national recognition, securing a spot on the U.S. News & World Report (U.S. News) 2025-2026 Best Children's Hospitals Honor Roll, a distinction awarded to only 10 children's hospitals in the United States. Ranked No. 1 in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, Children's Colorado continues to lead in pediatric care, innovation and outcomes for families in our community and beyond.

Children's Hospital Colorado earns top hospital ranking

In addition to its top state and regional ranking, Children's Colorado was recognized for excellence across all ranked specialties. Five specialties landed in the national Top 10:

Cardiology and heart surgery, No. 2

Diabetes and endocrinology, No. 3

Pulmonology and lung surgery, No. 4

Cancer, No. 4

Gastroenterology and GI surgery, No. 7

"When it comes to the big things, Children's Colorado has it covered, but it's the moments in between that set us apart," said Jena Hausmann, president and CEO of Children's Colorado. "Our team members know that every little word and tiny gesture can be monumental, and that taking care of children and their families while delivering exceptional outcomes is what drives us forward. With our world-renowned experts, ground-breaking surgeries and research discoveries that change lives, we are building a healthier world where children not only survive but thrive."

U.S. News ranked the Top 50 centers in each of the 11 pediatric specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery, urology and behavioral health. These rankings assist parents and caregivers, along with their physicians, in navigating the challenges of finding the best possible care for children with serious illnesses or complex medical needs.

For the 2025-2026 rankings, U.S. News, together with RTI International, a North Carolina-based research firm, collected and analyzed data from 118 children's hospitals and surveyed thousands of pediatric specialists. Children's hospitals awarded a "Best" designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, compliance with established best practices, and level and quality of hospital resources directly related to patient care.

"For nearly two decades, U.S. News' pediatric rankings have served as a guiding resource for parents," said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. "The hospitals on the U.S. News Honor Roll have earned their place by consistently delivering exceptional outcomes across many specialties. They represent the very best in pediatric medicine."

The full rankings for the 2025-2026 Best Children's Hospitals national, regional/state and specialty rankings can be found at USNews.com.

ABOUT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL COLORADO

Children's Hospital Colorado is one of the nation's leading and most expansive nonprofit pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and ranked among the best children's hospitals in the nation as recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Children's Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children's Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including an academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, hospitals in Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch and Broomfield, and outreach clinics across the region. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

ABOUT U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

Media Contact:

Rachael Fowler, Children's Hospital Colorado

Children's Colorado media line: 303-890-8314

[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital Colorado
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, Paul Gauguin Cruises has been voted Best Small Cruise in Conde Nast Traveler's2025 Readers' Choice Awards. French Polynesia's destination expert received the top honor based on more than 750,000 votes by readers who rated their recent travel experiences across various categories.

The award underscores Paul Gauguin Cruises' commitment to delivering culturally enriching experiences, all-inclusive luxury, and personalized service on m/s Paul Gauguina ship purpose-built to explore Tahiti and the South Pacific.

Conde Nast Traveler Readers Name Paul Gauguin Cruises Best Small Cruise for Second Consecutive Year

"Being named Best Small Cruise by Conde Nast Traveler readers, once again, reflects the deep connection and loyalty our guests feel toward The Gauguin and her crew," Samuel Chamberlain, CEO, PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP Americas said. "Our goal has always been to showcase French Polynesia in a way that preserves its otherworldly beauty and cultural heritage, while giving back to local communities. Many of our crew members have sailed with us for more than 15 years, and some were born and raised on these islands. Their deep connection to the destination inspires a genuine warmth, pride, and hospitality that define The Gauguin Experience. We celebrate this honor with our m/s Paul Gauguin family and look forward to introducing Paul Gauguin Cruises to even more travelers in the year to come."

The intimate, 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin is an elegant yet relaxed ship, evoking the feel of an overwater "bungalow" that sails. Its sustainable design features a limited draft that allows it to explore the shallow waters and smaller isles of the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Cook Islands, and South Pacific. While the culture is palpable throughout the destination, it comes to life on board through the music, storytelling, and other activities led by Les Gauguines, a troupe of Tahitian hosts who live on the ship.

A recent multimillion-dollar refurbishment introduced an elevated design of Le Grill restaurant, a reimagined pool deck with shaded cabana areas, new connecting staterooms to accommodate the rise in multigenerational travel, an updated livery, and sustainable technology upgrades such as a new seawater filtration system. More than 70 percent of the ship's staterooms feature private balconies, while select staterooms and all suites come with butler service.

Bringing guests even closer to the sea is the ship's watersports marina, offering complimentary paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkel gear. The Gauguin is also the only passenger ship in French Polynesia with a PADI certification dive program onboard.

Families will appreciate the line's complimentary children's program for ages six to 15 on select summer and holiday voyages. In partnership with Te mana o te moana, the South Pacific's leading marine education and conservation foundation, the Moana Explorer Program engages kids with the local environment and culture through crafts, excursions, and other hands-on activities.

About Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 330-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of French Polynesia and the South Pacific. In addition to being voted the Best Small Cruise in Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards for 2024 and 2025an accolade that follows the line's recognition as a Top 2 Small Cruise Line in the same publication in 2023, 2022, and 2021Paul Gauguin Cruises received Seatrade's 2024 Sustainability Initiative of the Year award for its "Taote (doctor) Gauguin" healthcare partnership with the French Polynesian Government. A perennial favorite in French Polynesia for more than 27 years, the line's notable travel and lifestyle awards also include the World's Best Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards 2022, and four "Best French Polynesia Cruises" in the AFAR Travelers' Choice Awards. In 2019, Paul Gauguin Cruises joined PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP, a designer of inspiring voyages on board small exploration ships.

PHOTO LIBRARY

Link to images HERE.

Photo credits: Noted in the file name.

MEDIA CONTACT

Alice Marshall Public Relations

[email protected]

Tel: 1-212-861-4031

SOURCE Paul Gauguin Cruises
New program simplifies integration, accelerates innovation, and reduces costs across the insurance value chain

ASHBURN, Va., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, today announced the launch of the DXC APEX (Assure Platform Ecosystem Exchange) Program, a new initiative that establishes a central hub for integration between (re)insurers, brokers, and certified InsurTech providers via the DXC Assure Platform.

The program addresses a longstanding industry challenge for insurers: fragmented, complex, and costly integration with third-party solutions. Pre-built integrations between DXC products and APEX partner offerings, facilitated by DXC's Assure Platform, significantly accelerate (re)insurers' and brokers' ability to adopt new capabilities and services, reduce operational friction and security risk, and unlock efficiencies across their businesses.

The DXC Assure Platform is a comprehensive cloud-based service that enables insurers to protect, extend, and transform their core systems while reducing costs and risks. Serving as the foundation for DXC's Insurance SaaS offerings, the platform supports both legacy and next-generation systems with services for hosting, compliance, security, operational insights, and seamless integration. With advanced AI tools and automation, insurers can streamline critical processes accelerating their path toward fully digital operations.

"The launch of the DXC APEX Program marks a significant step forward in our commitment to helping the insurance industry embrace innovation," said Patrick Molineux, Vice President Global Offerings at DXC. "By extending our robust, certified partner ecosystem, APEX is enabling insurance providers to modernize faster, adopt emerging technologies, and enhance security screening and enforcement. With the tools to operate with greater resilience and efficiency, insurers can ultimately deliver greater value to their customers."

InsurTech providers have already joined the DXC APEX Program, enabling DXC customers to streamline complex workflows, reduce costs, and drive sustainable growth. Those onboarded include:

Agenium, a no-code, AI-powered SaaS platform for life, health, and annuity insurers

LenderDock, a U.S.-based InsurTech, specializing in automating processes between carriers, lenders, mortgagees, and other third parties.

mea Platform, a leading InsurTech, specializing in automating data ingestion, submission processing, and underwriting workflows for insurers, reinsurers, brokers, and MGAs.

"Joining forces with DXC aligns with our mission to transform the insurance industry through AI-driven products," said Martin Henley, CEO mea Platform. "Together we are delivering powerful tools that boost productivity, protect margins, and enable continuous innovation. We're excited about the opportunities ahead to create tangible value for (re)insurers and brokers globally."

With over 40 years of industry expertise, DXC is the trusted partner of choice for 21 of the top 25 insurers globally. As the leading provider of core insurance systems, DXC continues to innovate, helping insurers reduce complexity and costs across more than 1 billion policies processed on DXC software.

The DXC APEX Program is part of DXC's continued commitment to transform the insurance industry, creating modern engaging experiences for today's providers. To learn more about DXC insurance offerings, visit www.dxc.com/insurance.

About DXC Technology

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) is a leading global provider of information technology services. We're a trusted operating partner to many of the world's most innovative organizations, building solutions that move industries and companies forward. Our engineering, consulting and technology experts help clients simplify, optimize and modernize their systems and processes, manage their most critical workloads, integrate AI-powered intelligence into their operations, and put security and trust at the forefront. Learn more on dxc.com.

SOURCE DXC Technology Services, LLC
Introducing Assure Broking Essentials, a new multi-tenant solution designed to deliver superior service for small and mid-size insurance brokers

Bringing together the expertise of ecosystem partners such as ServiceNow and AWS, DXC's new SaaS solution modernizes operations to drive growth

ASHBURN, Va., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, today announced the launch of Assure Broking Essentials, an AI-powered, multi-tenant SaaS solution designed to simplify operations, accelerate transformation, and deliver superior customer service for small and mid-sized insurance brokers.

In the rapidly evolving insurance industry, brokers face mounting pressure to digitize, meet rising customer expectations, comply with regulatory requirements, and prepare for the future. Assure Broking Essentials provides a ready-to-deploy, cost-efficient platform that replaces legacy processes with an AI-first operating model. With built-in security and compliance, the SaaS solution meets requirements of evolving regulatory frameworks, including ACORD GRLC standards, enabling fast onboarding and integration into existing operations while driving sustainable growth.

"As the insurance industry continues to evolve, brokers face challenges from legacy technology constraints, skills shortages, and outdated processes," said Ray August, President, Insurance Software and BPS, DXC Technology. "With Assure Broking Essentials we are equipping small and mid-sized brokers with a secure, scalable, and AI-powered platform that boosts productivity, streamlines compliance, and elevates customer service."

"As organizations shift from experimenting with AI to operationalizing it at scale, the value of trusted, scalable platform partnerships is more important than ever," said Alix Douglas, GVP, Partner Solutions, ServiceNow. "DXC Assure Broking Essentials, built on the ServiceNow AI Platform, helps deliver an exceptional client experience that seamlessly integrates customizable AI capabilities that are cost efficient and secure, accelerating enterprise transformation as whole. This partnership showcases what's possible when deep domain expertise meets a purpose-built platform for AI innovation at scale."

The solution leverages responsible AI, human-in-the-loop automation, and intelligent data extraction to improve efficiency, reduce complexity, and enable seamless workflows. By integrating DXC's proven insurance software with ServiceNow's workflow automation and AWS's secure cloud infrastructure, alongside Velonetic's industry expertise and mea platform's advanced document intelligence, DXC Assure Broking Essentials delivers enterprise-grade innovation without more costly IT investment.

This launch underscores DXC's commitment to modernizing the global insurance ecosystem and expands its portfolio of core broking solutions to support brokers of all sizes.

With over 40 years of industry expertise, DXC is the trusted partner of choice for brokers, processing over 50% of transactions through the London insurance market. As the leading provider of core insurance systems, DXC continues to innovatehelping brokers and (re)insurers reduce complexity and costs across more than one billion policies processed on DXC software. To learn more, visit our website.

About DXC Technology

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) is a leading global provider of information technology services. We're a trusted operating partner to many of the world's most innovative organizations, building solutions that move industries and companies forward. Our engineering, consulting and technology experts help clients simplify, optimize and modernize their systems and processes, manage their most critical workloads, integrate AI-powered intelligence into their operations, and put security and trust at the forefront. Learn more on dxc.com.

ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

SOURCE DXC Technology Services, LLC
The saga with the deliveries of American Tomahawks missiles may take at least several months, predicts the head of the permanent delegation of the Verkhovna Rada to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Yegor Chernev (Servant of the People faction).

"Regarding Trump's decision to provide us with Tomahawks, everything will not be as fast as we would like... It is no coincidence that Trump said that he almost decided that he did not want escalation, and that he wanted to clarify how these missiles would be used... So the stages are clearly defined: I can change my mind and not deliver, I can deliver, but not allow use, I can allow use only for specific purposes, and so on," Chernev wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

According to the MP, the Tomahawks are a means of putting pressure on the head of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, and an attempt to force him to negotiate, and only then - strengthening the military capabilities of Ukraine.

He emphasized that at each of the listed stages, Putin is given the opportunity to retreat and go to negotiations, and therefore, most likely, the supply and use of missiles will be very gradual.

Chernov said that "this whole saga may take at least several months," but this will already be real pressure and a real argument.
An annual feature recognising the organisations transforming global financial services, launched at FinTech LIVE London

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FinTech Magazine, a BizClik brand, has published its editorial Top 100 FinTech Companies 2025  an annual feature recognising the organisations reshaping global financial services

Published to coincide with FinTech LIVE London , the ranking celebrates companies across payments, digital banking, blockchain, insurtech, and sustainable finance that are reshaping how people and businesses access and manage money in a digital-first economy.

Top 100 Out Now

"It's an absolute pleasure to launch the World's Top 100 Leading FinTech Companies list at FinTech LIVE London 2025," said Glen White, CEO of BizClik Media and FinTech Magazine.

"We've had the privilege of working with many of the exceptional companies featured, and I'm inspired by their innovation and determination to democratise financial services. What we've built with FinTech Magazine and FinTech LIVE is more than a platform - it's a thriving community of leaders, innovators, and technologists committed to transforming the financial landscape.

These companies aren't just talking about the future - they're building it today, delivering solutions that are already reshaping how millions of people and businesses interact with financial services."

Visa Tops the 2025 Editorial Ranking

Visa secures the #1 spot for its global scale, digital innovation, and role in enabling secure, inclusive payments. Processing billions of transactions daily, Visa remains a backbone of the modern economy.

At FinTech LIVE London, Visa leaders joined panels and a fireside chat with executives from Burberry, Uber Payments, and NatWest, sharing insights on payment innovation and the future of money.

The Top 10 FinTech Companies 2025

Visa Mastercard PayPal Ant International Fiserv Intuit FIS Shopify Block ( Square ) Stripe

View the full list here.

Why It Matters

The Top 100 FinTech Companies 2025 provides a benchmark for executives, investors, and partners following the fintech leaders driving progress in:

Payments innovation  powering global commerce and inclusion

 powering global commerce and inclusion Digital banking  delivering agile, customer-first services

 delivering agile, customer-first services Blockchain & crypto  creating new standards of transparency and trust

 creating new standards of transparency and trust Insurtech & regtech  enabling compliance and resilience

 enabling compliance and resilience Sustainable finance  embedding ESG into financial strategies

Industry Voices

"It's an absolute pleasure to launch the World's Top 100 Leading FinTech Companies list at FinTech LIVE London 2025," said Glen White, CEO of BizClik Media and FinTech Magazine.

"We've had the privilege of working with many of the exceptional companies featured, and I'm inspired by their innovation and determination to democratise financial services. What we've built with FinTech Magazine and FinTech LIVE is more than a platform - it's a thriving community of leaders, innovators, and technologists committed to transforming the financial landscape.

These companies aren't just talking about the future - they're building it today, delivering solutions that are already reshaping how millions of people and businesses interact with financial services."

SaaScada commented:

"Our mission is to enable financial institutions of all sizes to deliver feature-rich products for every customer. We're proud to support underserved communities and delighted to be recognised in this year's Top 100."

The company also featured at FinTech LIVE London, joining the FinTech Strategies panel alongside leaders from EY, Fiserv, and Acrisure.

Carta added:

"We're excited to be named among the Top 100. From our early days in the cap table business to building an ERP for private capital, we're only at the beginning of what's possible as we create the infrastructure private markets have been waiting for."

About FinTech Magazine

FinTech Magazine is a BizClik brand delivering industry news, insights, and analysis for executives across fintech, banking, payments, insurtech, blockchain, and digital transformation. Through digital platforms and global events, FinTech Magazine connects leaders and decision-makers shaping the future of financial services.

About BizClik



BizClik is a global B2B media and events company producing sector-specific content across technology, sustainability, procurement, fintech, AI, and more. Through digital magazines, websites, newsletters, webinars, and award-winning events, BizClik connects enterprise leaders with executive audiences worldwide.

For more information visit here .

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2789430/FINTECH_TOP_100_COMPANIES_2025.jpg

SOURCE BizClik Media
CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global green ammonia market size stood at US$ 662.48 million in 2024 and is expected to surge to US$ 38,522.58 million by 2033, registering a remarkable CAGR of 60.36% from 2025 to 2033.

Request Sample PDF Copy: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/green-ammonia-market

A comprehensive analysis of the global green ammonia market indicates a significant acceleration in project development, signaling a fundamental transformation of the future energy and chemical supply chain. As of August 2024, our research identified 428 distinct low-emission ammonia projects announced globally. The aggregated nameplate capacity of these projects totals a substantial 372.5 million tons per annum (MTPA). Such figures point toward a market rapidly advancing from conceptual stages to commercial-scale viability, driven by decarbonization mandates and increasing technological readiness.

The scale of individual projects slated for completion in 2024-2025 provides further quantitative evidence of market maturation. A facility in Saudi Arabia green ammonia market is projected to have 1.2 million tons of operational capacity by 2025. In India, AM Green Ammonia has reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) on a project with a planned output of 1 million tons annually. Reinforcing the Middle East's strategic positioning, ACWA Power's Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub is engineered for an output exceeding 2.2 million tons annually. Concurrently, Envision Energy's Chinese facility will achieve a commercial capacity of 300,000 tons per year in late 2025, subsequent to its first phase commissioning in July 2025 with an annual production of 320,000 tons. Complementing these large-scale ventures are projects like a 40,000 metric ton UAE facility and the US Hydrogen City complex, which is designed to convert its hydrogen output into one million tons of green ammonia.

Capital Flow Assessment Shows Multi-Billion Dollar Confidence in Sector Viability

The rapid expansion of the project pipeline within the green ammonia market is directly correlated with substantial capital deployment from both public and private sector entities. A proposed green ammonia and hydrogen plant in Chile by HNH Energy, announced in August 2024, carries an estimated investment of $11 billion, illustrating the magnitude of capital being allocated. Similarly, the Helios Industry project in the UAE, which initiated operations in 2024, is valued at $1 billion. These investment figures serve as a primary indicator of growing investor confidence in the long-term economic viability of green ammonia.

The geographic distribution of these capital injections is global. In India, ACME Group has allocated $6 billion for its green ammonia production initiatives as of late 2024. In South America, project developer H2Brazil announced in July 2025 an investment exceeding 1.3 billion (approximately $1.5 billion) across two projects. A European Union program is financing a project with an investment of $11.9 billion. Furthermore, Hygenco in India plans to invest $2.5 billion over the three years following mid-2025. In North America, two projects in the northern US carry a combined estimated economic scale between $1.3 billion and $2.2 billion as of January 2025, confirming that significant financial backing is a global phenomenon within the green ammonia market.

Analysis of Binding Supply Contracts Signals Growing Market Maturation

A critical finding in our analysis is the increasing velocity of binding offtake agreements. These contracts are essential for de-risking capital-intensive projects by providing long-term revenue certainty for producers and ensuring security of supply for end-users. In October 2024, a non-binding letter of intent was executed between BASF and AM Green for the supply of 100,000 metric tons per year. A more definitive offtake term sheet was finalized in January 2024 between ACME Group and IHI Corporation for a significant 1.2 MMTPA of green ammonia destined for Japan.

The pattern of securing long-term supply is solidifying the demand-side fundamentals of the green ammonia market. A pivotal offtake agreement was signed between India and Japan on August 21, 2024, representing India's inaugural green ammonia export deal to that country. In June 2025, Marubeni executed its first long-term offtake agreement for supply from Envision's facility in China. Additionally, Yara Clean Ammonia signed a heads of terms agreement in July 2024 for offtake from Scatec's 150,000 mt/year plant in Egypt. Competitive auctions have also emerged as a viable offtake mechanism; an August 2025 auction in India saw Jakson Green commit to supply 85,000 tons and ACME agree to supply 50,000 tons annually, both under 10-year contracts.

Price Point Analysis Reveals Emerging Cost-Competitiveness and Regional Variances

Our assessment of pricing dynamics in the global green ammonia market reveals a clear trend toward improved cost-competitiveness, particularly evident in recent auction results. In early 2024, indicative long-term contract pricing for the US Gulf Coast was benchmarked between $600 and $800 per metric ton, with one offer reaching $1,000/mt. During the same period, the average cost for renewable-derived ammonia delivered to Far East Asia was approximately $888/mt in February 2024. These figures provide a baseline for evaluating more recent, lower-cost developments.

The most significant pricing data points in the green ammonia market emerged from competitive auctions in 2025. A record-low price of approximately $640/ton was secured by ACME Cleantech Solutions in an Indian auction in August 2025. Subsequent auction results demonstrated further downward price pressure, with Jakson Green agreeing to a supply price of approximately $583/Ton and a second ACME deal secured at around $596/Ton. A Q2 2025 regional price analysis recorded green ammonia at $782/MT in the USA, $827/MT in Germany, and $832/MT in Australia. India's price of $707/MT in the same quarter positions it as a potentially highly competitive production region.

Regulatory Framework Assessment Highlights Incentives as Key Growth Catalysts for the Green Ammonia Market

Governmental policy and financial incentives have been identified as primary catalysts accelerating the growth of the global market. Analysis of regulatory frameworks shows that nations are strategically implementing policies to stimulate domestic production. The government of India, for example, announced incentives in January 2024 for a green ammonia capacity of 550,000 MT per annum. The country's SIGHT program provides tiered incentives for green ammonia production, starting at 8.82 (approximately $0.11) per kg in year one, decreasing to 7.06 (approximately $0.085) per kg in year two, and 5.30 (approximately $0.064) per kg in year three. The total program outlay is 130.5 billion (around $1.57 billion). These policy interventions are widespread and designed to drive the growth of green ammonia production across India.

In 2024, India also issued tenders for 750,000 tons of green ammonia production, alongside a surplus capacity tender for 450,000 tons per annum. In the United States green ammonia market, the Department of Energy is facilitating up to $1.6 billion in loan guarantees for the Wabash Valley Resources project and provided $1.5 million for a pre-FEED study in 2025. At a state level, North Dakota offered a $125 million cash incentive for a production plan in January 2025. In Morocco, the government has reserved 1 million hectares of public land for Power-to-X projects, allocating an initial 300,000 hectares as of October 2025, thereby providing a significant non-financial incentive for project development.

Electrolyzer Scale-Up Analysis Confirms Technology Readiness for GW-Scale Production

The technological foundation of the green ammonia market, the electrolyzer, is demonstrating the requisite scale-up to support gigawatt-level production facilities. Our analysis confirms that technology readiness is a core enabler of the market's current expansion. The NEOM project in Saudi Arabia will be powered by 4GW of renewable energy, and a separate UAE facility is planned to be supported by a 2 GW solar plant. An October 2024 tender in India for a green ammonia project sought to procure 1,125 MW of renewable power, with specific tranches of 625 MW from solar and 500 MW from wind.

The manufacturing and deployment capacities for electrolyzers are expanding in parallel. In October 2024, First Ammonia and Topsoe initiated the production of 100 MW solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) modules; Topsoe's factory has a target annual output of 500 MW. Project-specific deployments underscore this trend: a floating green ammonia plant announced in October 2024 will integrate 300 MW of PEM electrolyzers. The Hydrogen City project in Texas will incorporate a 2.2 GW electrolyzer plant. Furthermore, AM Green's Kakinada project will deploy 1.3 GW of pressurized alkaline electrolyzers, the Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub will feature over 4 GW of electrolysis capacity, and Envision Energy's plant in China has an installed electrolyser capacity of 500MW.

Sector-Specific Demand Assessment Validates Long-Term Commercial Offtake

Analysis of key end-use sectors confirms that strong demand signals from the maritime and agricultural industries are providing a solid commercial foundation for the green ammonia market. The global shipping industry has identified green ammonia as a leading zero-carbon fuel candidate, creating a significant future demand driver. Projects are now being engineered to meet this specific need. For example, Ohmium's floating production project, announced in October 2024, is designed with an annual output of nearly 300,000 tons, a volume sufficient to fuel several oceangoing vessels for one year.

While emerging energy applications are a primary growth vector in the green ammonia market, the foundational agricultural sector is simultaneously beginning a transition to green ammonia, ensuring a stable demand base. The use of green ammonia allows for the direct decarbonization of fertilizer production. Yara's renewable hydrogen plant, which was inaugurated in June 2024 as the largest of its kind in Europe, will produce 20,500 tons of ammonia annually. This output will be converted into 60,000 to 80,000 tons of green fertilizer. On a distributed scale, a modular system launched by TalusAg in Iowa in February 2025 has the capacity to produce up to 20 tons of ammonia per day for local agricultural consumption.

Infrastructure Readiness Assessment Shows Critical Midstream Investments are Underway

The long-term viability of a global green ammonia market is contingent upon the concurrent development of specialized midstream infrastructure for storage and transport. Our analysis finds that project developers are integrating critical logistical components into their initial plans. As production volumes increase, the ability to store and transport large quantities of green ammonia efficiently and safely is a non-negotiable requirement for a functional supply chain.

The Hydrogen City project in Texas serves as a key case study for this integrated infrastructure approach in the green ammonia market. The project's scope includes the development of an underground salt cavern with a storage capacity of up to 24,000 tons of green hydrogen. This storage facility is linked to a 120-kilometer pipeline designed to transport the hydrogen feedstock to the ammonia synthesis loop. Such dedicated midstream assets are fundamental for managing supply-demand imbalances, reducing logistical bottlenecks, and enabling large-scale international and domestic trade.

Competitive Landscape Analysis Reveals a Core Group of Specialized Developers

An assessment of the competitive landscape reveals that a core group of specialized and well-capitalized project developers is leading the scale-up of the global green ammonia market. India's ACME Group demonstrated its market-leading position by finalizing a 1.2 million metric tons per annum offtake term sheet in January 2024. In June 2025, another Indian firm, Hygenco Green Energies, began construction on a plant with a phase-one target of 600 tons per day. AM Green reached a final investment decision in August 2024 for a 1 million-ton-per-annum facility, as part of a strategic goal to reach 5 MTPA by 2030.

The global nature of this developer ecosystem fosters competition and innovation in the green ammonia market. Norway's Yara International brought Europe's largest renewable hydrogen plant online in June 2024, which will produce 20,500 tons of ammonia annually. In China, Envision Energy is targeting a full commercial capacity of 300,000 tons per year by late 2025. In the Middle East, ACWA Power is developing the 2.2 million-ton Yanbu hub, while Helios Industry commenced production of 40,000 metric tons per year in Q2 2024. Finally, Brazil's H2Brazil announced a 1.3 billion investment in July 2025 for projects including a 700,000-ton facility, and US-based First Ammonia partnered with Topsoe in October 2024 for a 100,000 metric ton plant scheduled for 2027.

Want to Go Beyond the Report? Request a 1:1 Call with Our Analyst or an Industry Expert: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/expert-call/green-ammonia-market

Global Green Ammonia Market Major Players:

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

Yara International ASA

ThyssenKrupp AG

ACME Group

Air Products

Siemens

Socemo

Other prominent players

Key Market Segmentation:

By Technology

Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

Solid Oxide Electrolysis

Others

By Capacity

Small Scale

Medium Scale

Large Scale

By End User

Industrial

Fertilizer



Chemical



Pharmaceutical



Textile

Transportation

Power Generation

Others

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

South America

About Astute Analytica

Astute Analytica is a globally recognized market research and advisory firm, delivering data-driven insights and strategic intelligence to organizations worldwide. We offer comprehensive research solutions across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more.

Our reports provide in-depth analysis of market trends, competitive landscapes, emerging opportunities, and technological advancements, empowering businesses to make informed decisions in an evolving global environment. Supported by a team of seasoned analysts, economists, and industry experts, we are committed to delivering accurate, timely, and actionable insights.

At Astute Analytica, client success is our priority. We offer customized research solutions that are both cost-effective and tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.

Contact:

Mr. Vipin Singh

Astute Analytica

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Chicago, Illinois, United States

USA: +1-888 429 6757

Email: [email protected]

Visit our website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/

Expert Network Platform: https://www.astuteconnect.com/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2643300/Astute_Analytica_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Astute Analytica
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of meat companies, retailers, and hog farmers from across the country will meet in Washington, D.C. on October 8th to oppose the highly contentious Save Our Bacon Act and Food Security and Farm Protection Act (formerly the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act (EATS) Act)  legislation that would put family farmers out of business and end responsible farming practices.

At 2:00 p.m., more than 200 farmers from 30 states will gather at the National Press Club to defend California's Proposition 12 and Massachusetts's Question 3 and oppose congressional efforts to overturn these critical pro-family farmer laws.

The farmers and meat companies will hold a press conference and meet with members of Congress to emphasize the significant risks the proposed legislation poses to farmers, businesses, and consumers. A gestation crate containing a realistic "pig" will also be on display to demonstrate the controversial practice  banned in red and blue states alike  that some in the pork industry are attempting to legalize again.

On October 9th, tractors and pick-up trucks will circle the Capitol area with large American flags and banners.

For thousands of family farmers, laws like Proposition 12 and Question 3 are a lifeline. If Congress wipes out these humane farming standards, it would devastate family farmers who have invested in crate-free systems while stripping states' ability to pass their own agricultural laws.

"My farm is Prop. 12-certified, and it's never operated better. Prop. 12's standards made our farm more resilient," said Brent Hershey, President of Hershey Ag. "Healthier animals mean fewer losses and better productivity, and Prop. 12 provides a market that actually rewards the hard work we put in."

"Voters made their voices heard, and we agree with them that animals deserve space to move," said Russ Kremer, a Missouri hog farmer and Head of Farm Partnerships for True Story Foods. "Prop. 12 gives small farms like ours the opportunity to survive during a time when agriculture is heavily consolidated and independent farmers are being pushed out. If Congress rolls back Prop. 12, that's a move against family farmers."

Upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, Proposition 12 sets minimum space requirements for pigs, hens, and calves, ensuring animals have room to stand, turn around, and extend their limbs. Already, an estimated 27 percent of U.S. pork producers have made or are working to make investments to access California's Proposition 12 market.

In addition to robust farmer adoption of Prop. 12 standards, numerous leading meat companies have announced support of the crate-free law, including Perdue Farms and its pork brands Niman Ranch and Coleman All Natural Meats, True Story Foods, and ButcherBox, the direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand.

"The farmers who invested in meeting Prop. 12 standards took a risk to do the right thing, and we're proud to partner with them," said Mike Salguero, founder and CEO of ButcherBox. "Consumer interest in animal welfare continues to accelerate with no signs of slowing down, and undermining Prop. 12 punishes the producers who stepped up and the consumers who voted in favor of farming practices they believe in."

Public opinion strongly favors these reforms. Nearly seven in ten Americans oppose the use of gestation crates, with only 8 percent in support. The California and Massachusetts laws both passed overwhelmingly at the ballot box with 63 percent and 78 percent approval, respectively.

"Gestation crates are inhumane. Period," said Phil Gatto, CEO of True Story Foods. "We're proud to work with American family farmers, many of whom have made significant investments into converting their farms to be Prop 12 compliant. This rollback would be catastrophic."

"Family farms like mine depend on humane, crate-free farming because it's what consumers want and what's right for the animals," said Trisha Zachman of Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn, a supplier to the national meat brand Niman Ranch, in Belgrade, MN. "Voters in states like Massachusetts and California made it clear they want transparency in how food is raised. Congress has no business overturning those decisions and taking away the markets that keep farms like mine alive."

Interviews with participating farmers, meat companies, and members of Congress will be available to credentialed press.

Media contact:

Holly Bice | [email protected]

SOURCE Responsible Meat Coalition
The new agentic AI solution autonomously engages customers through Facebook and Instagram DMs  turning everyday messages into measurable conversions.

SOUTH FLORIDA, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ID Privacy AI, a leader in privacy-first, voice-driven agentic conversational AI , today announced the launch of Social Pro , an agentic AI solution designed to revolutionize how brands engage and convert customers through natural, human-like social messaging.

Social Pro delivers 24/7, privacy-first conversational AI for Facebook and Instagram customer engagement. Post this Introducing Social Pro  the next evolution of AI-powered social intelligence from ID Privacy AI. Built on a privacy-first foundation, Social Pro helps brands automate engagement, analyze performance, and grow their audience with precision and transparency.

Developed specifically for Facebook Messenger , Instagram DMs , and Facebook Marketplace inboxes, Social Pro captures leads, engages prospects in natural language, and autonomously books appointments or sales  all within a secure, fully automated conservation-first framework. The launch addresses surging direct-message volumes and consumers' growing demand for instant replies - 79 percent expect a response within 24 hours, and 32 percent within one hour.

Unlike template-based chatbots, Social Pro understands how people actually message. It "listens" and buffers multiple short texts to determine full intent before responding, allowing it to manage informal, fragmented exchanges naturally. From a quick " Still got that 2020 Tacoma? " to a detailed booking request, Social Pro responds with human-like fluency, retains context across hours or days, and ensures customers never need to repeat themselves.

The agent autonomously schedules appointments, sends reminders, pushes new leads into CRM or email/SMS systems, and notifies human staff in real time  creating a persistent, on-demand experience that bridges inquiry to conversion.

"Customers expect fluid, natural conversations across every channel. With Social Pro, we've built an AI agent that doesn't just respond; it remembers," said Albert Thompson, CEO of ID Privacy AI. "This product captures the way people actually communicate on social media, carrying conversations across hours or even days without forcing the customer to start over. That's a game-changer for engagement and conversion."

Thompson added that positive social interactions directly drive business outcomes: 63 percent of consumers say they're likely to visit a business after a positive social media exchange , underscoring the need for consistent, high-quality engagement.

Operating 24/7, Social Pro ensures every DM - whether received at midnight or 8 a.m. - gets an immediate, context-aware reply. By engaging customers in real time, businesses can dramatically improve acquisition and conversion rates. A Harvard Business Review study found that companies responding to leads within the first five minutes are up to 100 times more likely to connect and convert those leads than those who wait longer - a performance gap Social Pro closes automatically.

A live dashboard allows for human handoff at any moment. When a salesperson or service rep joins the conversation, Social Pro detects the interaction and pauses its own replies until needed - maintaining situational awareness and ensuring humans always remain in control. Every interaction is encrypted and logged with audit trails, TCPA checks, and compliance monitoring under ID Privacy AI's privacy-by-design framework. The platform integrates directly with Meta APIs to ensure secure, compliant automation across social channels.

Key capabilities of Social Pro:

Omnichannel coverage: Unified AI inbox for Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and Marketplace.

Unified AI inbox for Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, and Marketplace. Natural Language Understanding: Interprets slang, shorthand, emojis, and multi-message inputs using advanced NLU.

Interprets slang, shorthand, emojis, and multi-message inputs using advanced NLU. Autonomous Scheduling: Coordinates calendars and sends automated reminders (morning-of, 1 hour, 15 minutes prior).

Coordinates calendars and sends automated reminders (morning-of, 1 hour, 15 minutes prior). Seamless system integration: Seamlessly routes leads to VinSolutions, HubSpot, Salesforce, and other CRM/email/SMS workflows.

Seamlessly routes leads to VinSolutions, HubSpot, Salesforce, and other CRM/email/SMS workflows. Persistent Memory: Maintains conversational history and context across sessions for continuity and personalization.

By maintaining context and continuity, Social Pro transforms casual DMs into qualified leads and booked appointments. Brands gain higher response rates and conversions, while customers enjoy instant, relevant replies. Analysts estimate that AI can now automate up to 80 percent of routine inquiries , freeing human teams for high-value conversations.

Built for organizations of all sizes - from small businesses to Fortune 100 enterprises - Social Pro aligns with modern expectations for fast, personalized communication. The platform's agentic architecture ensures instant responses, diligent follow-ups, and human escalation at the right moment. With 83 percent of marketers citing social media as a primary customer-acquisition channel , Social Pro helps brands convert that engagement into measurable revenue while maintaining strict privacy standards.

To learn more about Social Pro or schedule a live demonstration, visit idprivacy.ai or contact [email protected] .

Media Contact: For sales inquiries or to learn about investment opportunities, contact Albert Thompson CEO of ID Privacy AI at [email protected]. For general press inquiries, reach out to [email protected]. To learn more, visit us online at www.idprivacy.ai.

About ID Privacy AI:

ID Privacy AI delivers secure, adaptable AI built with privacy at the core. From its agentic assistants like Social Pro and BDC Pro to encrypted knowledge bases, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions, and multilingual voice agents, ID Privacy AI enables enterprises to deploy fully autonomous AI with complete data integrity and compliance. Founded in 2024, the company is headquartered in Cape Coral, Florida.

SOURCE ID Privacy, Inc.
Award-winning certification helps entry-level cybersecurity professionals, career changers and cyber-adjacent talent build a strong foundation of cybersecurity knowledge

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ISC2  the world's leading nonprofit member organization for cybersecurity professionals  today marked the third anniversary of its award-winning ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification. Developed for those with no prior cybersecurity experience, the CC demonstrates an individual's foundational knowledge, skills and abilities for entry- and junior-level cybersecurity roles. At present, 67,000 ISC2 members hold the CC. IT professionals, students, executives and others seek this credential to demonstrate their knowledge of core cybersecurity principles and best practices.

"With the introduction of the CC, ISC2 created a pathway to support members throughout every stage of their cybersecurity careers, preparing them for increasingly challenging and rewarding accomplishments," said ISC2 Acting CEO and CFO Debra Taylor. "The CC has already earned the world's most rigorous accreditations and has been mapped to leading cybersecurity skills frameworks such as ENISA's ECSF and SFIA. Employers around the world can trust that CC holders are prepared to join their organizations and strengthen their security teams."

Alignment with Global Cybersecurity Standards and Skills Frameworks

The CC certification continues to prove its value to both job seekers and employers through third-party recognition and alignment to global skills frameworks, including:

Accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), ANSI/ISO/IEC Standard 17024, a global benchmark for certifying qualified professionals. ANAB accreditation assures current and future Certified in Cybersecurity certification holders, as well as private and public sector employers, that the certification program was developed  and will be maintained  to the same rigorous standards as all ISC2 certifications.

ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), ANSI/ISO/IEC Standard 17024, a global benchmark for certifying qualified professionals. ANAB accreditation assures current and future Certified in Cybersecurity certification holders, as well as private and public sector employers, that the certification program was developed  and will be maintained  to the same rigorous standards as all ISC2 certifications. Alignment with ENISA's European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) and t he U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Framework, DOD Manual 8140.03 indicates that the CC covers several key competencies required by many roles within the frameworks, making the CC a trusted credential for individuals aiming to build recognized skills and improve employability.

ENISA's European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) DOD Manual 8140.03 indicates that the CC covers several key competencies required by many roles within the frameworks, making the CC a trusted credential for individuals aiming to build recognized skills and improve employability. Formal mapping to the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA), a globally recognized standard for IT and digital capabilities, provides a well-established and trusted skills and competency resource for information and cybersecurity.

Fast-growing Credential for Building Resilient Teams

Since its launch, the CC has become the fastest-growing certification in ISC2's portfolio. In addition to helping individuals, this credential gives employers an objective verification of an applicant's aptitude for cybersecurity as their organizations work to build resilient teams across all experience levels.

According to the ISC2 2025 Cybersecurity Hiring Trends Report, security managers prioritize hands-on experience and certifications when hiring entry- and junior-level cybersecurity professionals. 89% of responding hiring managers said they would hire candidates who hold only an entry-level cybersecurity certification over those with only education in IT, cybersecurity or computer science.

Industry Recognition

The CC certification has also earned growing recognition within the industry, further demonstrating its value and impact in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. In 2025 to date, it has received several accolades, including:

SC Awards Europe - Best Professional Training or Certification Programme

2025 Cyber Security Awards - Best Professional Training or Certification Programme

Learn more about the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification at www.isc2.org/Certifications/CC.

About ISC2

ISC2 is the world's leading member organization for cybersecurity professionals, driven by our vision of a safe and secure cyber world. Our more than 265,000 certified members, and associates, are a force for good, safeguarding the way we live. Our award-winning certifications  including cybersecurity's premier certification, the CISSP  enable professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities at every stage of their careers. ISC2 strengthens the influence, diversity and vitality of the cybersecurity profession through advocacy, expertise and workforce empowerment that accelerates cyber safety and security in an interconnected world. Our charitable foundation, the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, helps create more access to cyber careers and educates those most vulnerable. Learn more, get involved or become an ISC2 Candidate to build your cyber career at ISC2.org. Connect with us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 2025 ISC2 Inc., ISC2, CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CGRC, CSSLP, HCISPP, ISSAP, ISSEP, ISSMP, CC, and CBK are registered marks of ISC2, Inc.

Media Contact:

Amanda Steinman

Senior Corporate Communications Manager

ISC2

[email protected]

SOURCE ISC2
RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tompkins Solutions, a leading warehouse automation consulting and execution firm, is proud to announce the return of its founder, Dr. James A. Tompkins, as Chairman of the Board. Starting in Raleigh, N.C., Dr. Tompkins built Tompkins Solutions into a globally respected supply chain consulting firm, completing over 3,000 projects for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and logistics providers worldwide.

In 2020, Dr. Tompkins retired from Tompkins Solutions and founded Tompkins Ventures, a B2B matchmaking firm focused on solving critical business challenges in capital, digital enablement, supply chain, organizational development, and procurement. Within five years, Tompkins Ventures has become a leading solutions network, connecting executives with innovative partners and strategies globally.

Now, Dr. Tompkins is returning to Tompkins Solutions, owned by Grays Peak Capital and Valore Ventures, to help propel Tompkins Solutions toward new heights. "Tompkins Solutions has always held a special place in my heart, and I'm excited about the opportunity to guide its continued growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving supply chain environment. Together with the outstanding team at Grays Capital and the strong foundation we've built at Tompkins Ventures, I believe we're poised to create something truly extraordinary."

Scott Stevens, Managing Partner at Grays Peak Capital, welcomed Dr. Tompkins' return. "Jim's legacy is woven into the very fabric of Tompkins Solutions," said Stevens. "Bringing him back into the organization not only reconnects us with our roots but also positions us for a bold and innovative future. We're confident that the synergies between Tompkins Solutions and Tompkins Ventures will unlock new value for our clients and partners across the supply chain landscape."

As Chairman of both Tompkins Solutions and Tompkins Ventures, Dr. Tompkins will align the organizations to strengthen Tompkins Solutions' leadership in warehouse automation and supply chain consulting. His return signals a renewed commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry.

Overview of Tompkins Solutions

Tompkins Solutions is a supply chain consulting and implementation firm that helps companies design, build and support integrated warehouse operations. With deep expertise in automation, strategy and execution, Tompkins Solutions enables clients to streamline operations, improve efficiency and drive competitive advantage in today's complex logistics environment.

For more information please visit: https://www.tompkinsinc.com/

About Tompkins Ventures

Tompkins Ventures matches your enterprise's challenges with our network of hundreds of Commercial Partners, Capital Partners and Consulting Partners. Our toolbox is unlimited, as every Tompkins Ventures Partner has decades of experience helping companies address the five major factors for business success: Digital Enablement, Entrepreneurial Growth, Logistics/Supply Chain, Organizational Development, and Procurement. In today's business environment of continual disruption, even the best companies do not do everything great. Your core competency is your business. Our core competency is selecting the right Partner(s) to work with your executive teams to make good companies great. Business strategy and supply chain expert Dr. James A. Tompkins founded Tompkins Ventures in 2020. Our network is based in the U.S. but operates on all continents except Antarctica.

For more information visit: https://tompkinsventures.com/

Press Contact:

Shaun Kelly

407-305-8470

https://www.tompkinsinc.com/

SOURCE Tompkins Solutions
BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The John Hancock Closed-End Funds listed in the table below announced earnings1 for the three months ended September 30, 2025. The same data for the comparable three-month period ended September 30, 2024 is also available below.

Three Months Ended 09/30/25 Ticker Fund Name Current Fiscal Year End Net Investment Income Per Common Share NAV Total Managed Assets

Total Net Assets HEQ Hedged Equity & Income Fund 12/31 $2,012,324 $0.166 $12.11 $146,448,323

$146,448,323 BTO Financial Opportunities Fund 12/31 $1,963,287 $0.099 $35.09 $824,718,879 * $694,718,879

















Three Months Ended 09/30/24 Ticker Fund Name Current Fiscal Year End Net Investment Income Per Common Share NAV Total Managed Assets

Total Net Assets HEQ Hedged Equity & Income Fund 12/31 $1,582,465 $0.131 $12.32 $149,051,165

$149,051,165 BTO Financial Opportunities Fund 12/31 $2,051,601 $0.104 $32.77 $776,103,091 * $646,103,091

















*Total managed assets include assets attributable to borrowings under a Liquidity Agreement.

1 Earnings refer to net investment income, which is comprised of the Fund's interest and dividend income, less expenses. Earnings presented represent past earnings and there is no guarantee of future results.

Amounts distributed by the Funds may vary from the earnings shown above and will be announced in separate press releases. Up-to-date distribution rate information is available on John Hancock Investment Management's web site at www.jhinvestments.com by clicking on "Closed-End Funds" under the "Daily Prices" tab.

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined by the United States securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

An investor should consider a Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing.

About Manulife John Hancock Investments

We serve investors through a unique multimanager approach, complementing our extensive in-house capabilities with an unrivaled network of specialized asset managers, backed by some of the most rigorous investment oversight in the industry. The result is a diverse lineup of time-tested investments from a premier asset manager with a heritage of financial stewardship.

About Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management is the global brand for the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Media Contact: Gordon Haight

(617) 572-0034

Investor Contact: (800) 843-0090

SOURCE John Hancock Investment Management
NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) between May 6, 2025 and June 19, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important November 18, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

So what: If you purchased KBR 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 KBR class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=42136 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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 November 18, 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) despite the knowledge that the U.S. Department of Defense's Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) had, for months, had material concerns with HomeSafe's ability to fulfill the Global Household Goods Contract, defendants claimed that the partnership was without issue, and would ramp up in future quarters; and (2) as a result, defendants' statements about KBR's 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 KBR class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=42136 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] 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 Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

[email protected]

www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marine Products Corporation (NYSE: MPX) announced today that it will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025 on Thursday, October 30, 2025 before the market opens. In conjunction with its earnings release, the Company will host a conference call to review the Company's financial and operating results on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Individuals wishing to participate in the conference call should dial toll-free (888) 660-6357, or +1 (929) 201-6127 for international callers, and use conference ID number 9979064. For interested individuals unable to join by telephone, the call also will be broadcast and archived for 90 days on the Company's investor website. Interested parties are encouraged to click on the webcast link 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the conference call.

Marine Products Corporation is a leading manufacturer of high-quality fiberglass boats under the brand names Chaparral and Robalo. Chaparral's sterndrive models include SSi Sportboats, SSX Luxury Sportboats, and the SURF Series. Chaparral's outboard offerings include OSX Luxury Sportboats and SSi Outboard Bowriders. Robalo builds an array of outboard sport fishing models, which include Center Consoles, Dual Consoles and Cayman Bay Boats. For more information on Marine Products Corporation visit our website at MarineProductsCorp.com.

For information about Marine Products Corporation or this event, please contact:

Michael L. Schmit

Chief Financial Officer

(404) 321-7910

[email protected]

Joshua Large

Vice President, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations

(404) 321-2152

[email protected]

SOURCE Marine Products Corporation
Thousands of Families Now Have Access to Nutrition Education, Breastfeeding Support and Connection to Community Resources Through the Montefiore WIC Program

BRONX, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Montefiore Health System celebrated the opening of its fourth Bronx-based Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program location, offering nutrition education, breastfeeding support and connections to community resources. Thanks to $3.9 million in New York State funding, the four WIC locations, run in partnership with Montefiore Medical Group, which offers primary and specialty care, will assist more than 13,000 families across the borough.

Montefiore opens new WIC location

"The need for nutrition services, education and strong ties to social support are increasing every year," said Carmen Nauta, PhD, IBCLC, RLC, WIC Coordinator, Montefiore Medical Group. "We are extremely grateful for the investment New York State is making to help our families experiencing food insecurity. The funding also enables our qualified nutritionists and breastfeeding counselors to provide parents with personalized guidance on how they can nourish their children and look after their own health needs at the same time."

The federal WIC program was established in the 1970s to help address the nutritional needs of women, infants and children through age 5-years-old. Today the New York State WIC Program, which provides support to approximately 425,000 women, infants, and children each month, has evolved to offer extended hours, remote services and assistance via the "Ask Wanda" virtual assistant, making the program more easily accessible to families. Montefiore's WIC program further supports families by connecting them to Project Bravo Food Pantry, its hospital-driven volunteer outreach program designed to combat food insecurity for high-risk individuals. The Montefiore WIC program also partners with Bronx-based community organizations to share educational resources with families at health fairs, libraries and women's shelters.

Bronx mom of two, 27-year-old Tasnima has been part of the Montefiore WIC program for almost three years and found it so valuable that she decided to become a peer counselor so she could extend the services she received to other new moms. "It is so important that moms have support and a place where they can come to discuss parenting challenges and solutions," said Tasnima. "Our program is a powerful tool where we can check-in on each other and connect families with resources that they might not otherwise have access to."

Participation in WIC has been associated with healthier births, improved birth weights, reduced risk of infant mortality, and better access to primary and preventive health care. Through the Montefiore WIC program, thousands of new moms have been able to connect with lactation consultants and gather information about the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as attend virtual workshops where they learn about childbirth and hospital stays, sleep practices, car safety, and ways to build and maintain positive family relationships after birth. The opening of Montefiore's fourth WIC program location signifies Montefiore's commitment to improving health outcomes for moms and babies across the Bronx.

About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System is one of New York's premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram , and LinkedIn, or view us on Facebook and YouTube.

SOURCE Montefiore Health System
Photo: https://t.me/SBUkr

The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), with the assistance of the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has uncovered a new Federal Security Service (FSB) agent infiltration into units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine: a Russian citizen was detained who, under the guise of a volunteer, joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"As a result of a special operation in Lviv, a Russian citizen was detained who, having volunteered in one of the combat units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, began working for the Russian special services," the SBU said on Telegram on Tuesday.

According to the SBU, in particular, this person was correcting the occupiers' missile strikes on the Lviv region.

"In order to carry out the enemy's task, the person was dumping the coordinates of the temporary base of his unit and adjacent military units to the FSB," the report states.

The person was also sending the enemy geolocations of armored columns, transit warehouses, and fleets on the Ukrainian border.

The Russian agent maintained contact with the curator through anonymous chats. "To conspire the agent's communication, the 'mole' used three smartphones with different operators, including those of the European Union," the department specifies.

SBU officers documented the agent's intelligence activities and detained him when he was heading to an ATM to check the receipt of money from the Russian Federation.

It was established that in order to attract the man to cooperation, the FSB involved his brother from Russia.

SBU investigators informed the agent of the suspicion. The suspect is in custody.

The special operation was carried out under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor General's Office.
The LaVergne High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) students will have until June 6, 2026, to build a race-ready American Flat Track Motorcycle

BURNSVILLE, Minn., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern Tool + Equipment announced its third build, surprising a LaVergne High School CTE class with the epic Legends Build: Student Challenge. The students and their instructor will build an XR750-inspired motorcycle from a 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster under the mentorship of racing and fabrication legends: Scott Parker , Chris Carr , Kenny Coolbeth Jr. , Billy Lane and many more!

Northern Tool + Equipment Surprises Tennessee High School Students with Donation and Legendary Challenge to Build a Flat Track Motorcycle

Watch this recap video to see the group of 15 students learn what they will spend the school year building and how projects like this fuel the next generation of tradespeople.

"We know more students are considering vocational careers, and builds like this give students once-in-a-lifetime mentorship, access to professional-grade tools and confidence to pursue jobs in the trades after graduation," said Frank Crowson, Northern Tool + Equipment's Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

Northern Tool + Equipment has brought in some epic partners to make this build happen, including American Flat Track , Boswell's Harley-Davidson , DEWALT , Harley-Davidson Motor Company , Milwaukee and Sons of Speed .

The clock starts now! The final bike will be revealed on June 6th at Tennessee National Raceway in an American Flat Track Legends exhibition race.

For monthly updates from the school's shop hosted by racing legend Kyle Petty , subscribe to Northern Tool's YouTube channel . Follow Northern Tool + Equipment on social media for behind-the-scenes student-filmed footage highlighting highs, lows, mistakes, breakthroughs and inside jokes.

About Northern Tool + Equipment:

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trades professionals tackling the tough projects. A leading supplier of more than 100,000 high-quality tools and equipment for over 40 years, the company's highly-trained team has an immense breadth of knowledge to help customers in-person at more than 130 retail stores, online and over the phone through their fully-staffed contact center. From helping customers get the right tool for the job to assisting with parts and repairs that keep tools running at peak performance, customer service is at the foundation of Northern Tool's mission. Learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment at NorthernTool.com and stay connected through social media: Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , X (Twitter) , YouTube and Pinterest .

Media Contact: Holly Steffl

Phone Number: 612.351.8312

Email: [email protected]

Website: northerntool.com

SOURCE Northern Tool + Equipment
CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NOVUS, the independent media planning and buying agency, announced today that it has named Adam Weiler as Senior Vice President, Data & Analytics. Weiler joins the NOVUS team from Razorfish, where he built and scaled their analytics capabilities and teams, helping clients turn complex data into actionable insights.

Adam Weiler

At NOVUS, Weiler will lead the advancement of the agency's data strategy and analytics practice, building a roadmap that integrates innovative MarTech, AI, and measurement solutions to meet clients' growing need for clarity, accountability, and stronger business outcomes. He will report to Melony Rios, CEO at NOVUS.

Weiler brings over 25 years of professional experience helping advertisers and marketers understand audiences, and how to reach them more efficiently and effectively. Throughout his career, Weiler has partnered with brands across industries spanning retail, quick service restaurants (QSR), financial services, consumer packaged goods (CPG), healthcare, and travel. He has held leadership roles at FCB Chicago, Mindshare, Spark Foundry, and most recently at Razorfish, gaining deep expertise in audience measurement, media research data, and building analytics teams that translate numbers into narratives that drive confident, compelling decisions.

"Too many agencies chase shiny objects that look good in a deck but fail to move the needle," said Rios. "At NOVUS, we focus on what truly drives growth by making data simple, actionable, and powerful so our clients gain smarter strategies, stronger outcomes, and innovation with real impact. Adam will play a pivotal role in helping us cut through the noise and deliver results-driven solutions for our clients."

Beyond his client work, Weiler has been an active contributor to the research community, serving as President of the Media Research Club of Chicago, where he supported professional development, networking, and knowledge-sharing among media researchers in the region. Weiler graduated from the University of Notre Dame and earned an MFA from Michigan State University. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, he once appeared in a Cubs commercial with his son and currently lives just north of Wrigley Field with his family.

"I'm really excited to be part of this winning, entrepreneurial team," said Weiler. "I like getting my hands dirty with data to help clients uncover insights and inspiration that fuel growth."

About NOVUS

NOVUS Media LLC is an independent media agency that uniquely plans and buys media through the lens of geography. They offer hyperlocal, customized, multichannel strategic media planning and buying with specialized multimedia talent, proprietary tools and custom techniques, representing the evolution of a next-gen agency. Focusing on local media of all types  TV, OTT, addressable, radio, OOH, digital display, video, mobile and search  NOVUS is fueled by marketing science and geospatial analytics to drive superior business results. For more information, go to www.novusmedia.com.

Media Contact:

Lilian Moreno

239-834-8552

[email protected]

SOURCE NOVUS
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - OceanaGold Corporation (TSX: OGC) (OTCQX: OCANF) ("OceanaGold" or the "Company") will release its operational and financial results for the third quarter of 2025 after market close on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The results will be made available on the Company's website at www.oceanagold.com.

Third Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call Details:

Senior management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the quarterly results on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 10:00 am EST (7:00 am PST). To participate in the conference call, please use one of the following methods:

Webcast: https://app.webinar.net/edmQZrLXkro

Toll-free North America: 1-888-510-2154

International: 1-437-900-0527

If you are unable to attend the call, a recording will be made available on the Company's website.

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold is a growing intermediate gold and copper producer committed to safely and responsibly maximizing the generation of Free Cash Flow from our operations and delivering strong returns for our shareholders. We have a portfolio of four operating mines: the Haile Gold Mine in the United States of America; Didipio Mine in the Philippines; and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand.

SOURCE OceanaGold Corporation
NetSuite helps rapidly growing pet supplement brand scale to over $200 million in annual revenue, attract venture capital investment, and expand into new retail channels

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SuiteWorld -- PetLab Co., the pet wellness brand, is using Oracle NetSuite to support its mission to deliver breakthrough pet health with supplements crafted from premium, science-backed ingredients. With NetSuite, PetLab Co. has been able to scale to over $200 million in annual revenue by taking advantage of an integrated business system to automate financial processes, optimise inventory, and make data-led decisions.

Founded in London in 2018, PetLab Co. was inspired by co-founder and co-CEO Chris Masanto's experience treating his pet dog for arthritis and has rapidly established itself as a leading direct-to-consumer pet supplement brand across the US, Canada, and the UK. As it expanded, PetLab co. quickly outgrew its accounting system, which struggled to cope with its multi-country operations and limited visibility into its business performance. To address these challenges and establish a scalable foundation to support its future growth, PetLab Co. implemented NetSuite's enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in 2021 to consolidate its financial processes, manage its inventory, and enable its teams to make data-led decisions. Supported by the robust financial management capabilities in NetSuite, PetLab Co. attracted significant investment in 2025 to support further research and development and expand into bricks-and-mortar stores.

"PetLab Co. is committed to developing the best products to address the systemic issues impacting our pets, and to do that, we need the best systems," said Tony Morreale, chief financial officer, PetLab Co. "NetSuite gives us a single source of truth for our finances, tight spend controls, and a solid foundation that has helped attract investment. It's more than just software; it's a strategic partner that has helped us scale efficiently and is powering the next phase of our growth."

With NetSuite, PetLab Co. has benefitted from a scalable financial system to consolidate and automate its global financial operations. NetSuite has helped PetLab Co.'s finance team to finalise month-end processes 80 percent faster, better manage its cash flow, and accurately track the value of its assets over time. PetLab Co. also uses NetSuite as its command centre to process online sales, automate bank reconciliations, and connect to third-party logistics providers to fulfil orders and accurately track and manage its inventory. PetLab Co. partnered with NetSuite Solution Provider NoBlue2 on its implementation and to enhance its use of the suite.

"The pet care segment is growing rapidly, and PetLab Co. has attracted a loyal customer base thanks to its science-backed products and digital-first approach," said Nicky Tozer, senior vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Oracle NetSuite. "With NetSuite, PetLab Co. has a partner that shares its data-led philosophy and will help support it across new geographies and sales channels."

About Oracle NetSuite

For more than 25 years, Oracle NetSuite has helped organizations of all sizes reach their goals faster and more efficiently. NetSuite provides an integrated business system with embedded AI that delivers powerful financial management, supply chain, customer experience, and HR capabilities. Relied on by more than 43,000 customers in 220 countries and dependent territories, NetSuite is the #1 AI cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution.

Trademarks

Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing.

About PetLab Co.

PetLab Co. is on a mission to deliver breakthrough pet health. Every day, we are realizing our vision to be the world's most trusted pet health partner by providing innovative and clinically-tested health solutions, educating and engaging pet parents, and making ourselves available to the pet community. Together, with our team of industry veterans, PhD Nutritionists, Product Experts, Clinical Scientists, and Specialized Veterinarians, we employ an inquisitive and ambitious approach to R&D in the nutraceutical space that is grounded in (1) scientific evidence and testing and (2) creating new-to-science, proprietary active-ingredient blends that directly address the root causes of specific pet health issues. A recent powerful example of PetLab Co.'s commitment to groundbreaking R&D is ProBright Advanceda powder supplement that represents significant innovation in canine dental care.

SOURCE Oracle NetSuite
Financial Education Considered an Essential Subject, Needed for Successful Future

DENVER, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New nationwide opinion polling from the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) examines which school subjects U.S. adults believe students need to learn to prepare for life after graduation. The polling shows that "Economics/Personal Finance" and "Mathematics" were the only subjects selected by at least 75% of respondents when asked to select their six ideal core subjects. Additionally, 70% of respondents who did not take financial education stated their current quality of life would be better if they had the opportunity to take it.

"We believe schools and school districts should strongly consider the courses they offerand even requireto fully prepare young adults for their futures. A majority of states now require financial education, and this poll reinforces the importance of these efforts," says Billy Hensley, Ph.D., president and CEO of NEFE. "These data do more than simply support the need for financial education. The findings indicate that many U.S. adults believe it is on the same level of importance as core curricula that students must complete throughout their educational careers."

NEFE, in conjunction with Verasight, polled U.S. adults on their general views of education, including whether it should be viewed as a guaranteed right, what the purpose should be, where additional funding should be allocated, and which subjects should be required, elective or not offered at all.

At 82%, more respondents believe access to "Public K-12 Education" is a guaranteed right to everyone compared to "Food/Adequate Nutrition" (75%), "Healthcare" (74%), "Public Transportation" (63%), "Housing" (62%), "Childcare" (48%) and "Higher Education" (44%).

"English/Language Arts" (88%), "Personal Finance Education" (80%), "U.S. History" (78%), "Foundational Math" (77%) and "Civics/U.S. Government" (75%) were the five courses most respondents stated should be required for all students, chosen from a list of subjects commonly seen in high school curricula.

"Teaching children basic life skills they will rely on in adulthood" (57%) and "Expanding children's knowledge and critical thinking skills" (53%) were what most respondents believe is the purpose of public education. No other option was selected by over 50% of respondents.

Aside from traditional core curricula subjects, respondents believe additional funding (e.g., teacher training, professional development, materials, etc.) should be allotted for "Economic/Personal Finance Education" (46%) and "Computer Science/Digital Literacy" (41%).

These data provide more context to polling NEFE conducted earlier in the year, which stated that 83% of respondents say the state they live in should require a semester- or year-long course focused on personal finance as a graduation requirement, while 82% of respondents who attended high school say they wish they were required to complete a personal finance class while they were in school.

"Throughout 2025, we have gained inspiring data about the importance of financial education and have received an overwhelming response in favor of personal finance instruction among those who did not have access to it in high school. From legislators to education leaders, decision makers at every level should now feel confident about requiring financial education among the most essential high school subjects for future success," Hensley adds.

For more on this poll, visit the NEFE website.

About NEFE

The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) is the independent, centralizing voice providing leadership, research and collaboration to champion effective financial education and advance financial well-being. NEFE has received national recognition for strengthening action-oriented research agendas, mobilizing intermediaries, and creating better solutions for researchers, educators, practitioners and policymakers. For more information, visit www.nefe.org.

SOURCE National Endowment for Financial Education
More than one-third of customers have upgraded to Qualtrics' AI capabilities

Monthly active use of Qualtrics AI features has more than tripled in the past year

Qualtrics invests $6.75 Billion in Press Ganey Forsta acquisition to accelerate AI adoption, innovation, and impact

PROVO, Utah and SEATTLE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualtrics, the creator of and a leader in the experience management (XM) category, today announced broad use and momentum of its AI solutions. More than one-third of Qualtrics' customer base have upgraded to AI capabilities in the Qualtrics Experience Management Platform to improve customer and employee experiences at scale. This represents notable adoption just one year after launch, with momentum continuing through expanded access to Qualtrics Experience Agents and Qualtrics' $6.75 billion investment to acquire Press Ganey Forsta.

Faced with mounting pressure to make investments in AI that will deliver true business results and value for customers and employees, organizations need proven capabilities built on deep understanding of the people, industries, and markets they serve. Vast adoption of Qualtrics' AI capabilities validate this. More than 90 percent of Qualtrics' top 50 enterprise accounts have adopted one or more of Qualtrics' AI-powered innovations, and monthly active customers of Qualtrics AI solutions have increased 346% over the past year. This rapid adoption has accompanied a sharp increase in the amount of unique experience data that is managed across Qualtrics' platform, compounding value for all customers.

The total number of customer and employee interactions processed on the Qualtrics platform has doubled since 2023 and this scale and scope of interactions ensures Qualtrics AI is purpose-built for experience management, delivering lower costs, faster resolutions, and higher satisfaction. Today, Qualtrics now captures and analyzes more than 3.5 billion conversations and interactions a yearincluding call center conversations, chat logs, survey responses, social media posts, product reviews and more.

Qualtrics will extend and accelerate the adoption, innovation, and impact of these capabilities for businesses through the addition of Press Ganey Forsta's specialized industry expertise, data and benchmarking, trusted relationships, and advisory services. This combination will create the most complete AI platform specialized for customer experience, patient experience, employee experience, and market research, enabling companies in every industry to deliver value at greater scope and scale.

Qualtrics expands access to Experience Agents

Qualtrics Experience Agents, announced in March at the Qualtrics X4 Summit, are now in production with customers. These highly specialized AI agents interact directly with customers and employees to autonomously resolve issues in real time and at unprecedented scale. Organizations can use Experience Agents to automate routine interactions and deliver personalized resolutions within surveys and tickets, while seamlessly coordinating handoffs when human oversight is required. By resolving problems the moment they arise, Experience Agents help customer-facing teams focus on higher-value work, boost satisfaction, and build lasting trust.

"What sets Qualtrics apart is our proven and secure AI platform grounded in a deep understanding of human experiencefeedback from hundreds of thousands of customer and employee touchpoints captured every second," said Brad Anderson, President of Product and Engineering at Qualtrics. "The companies seeing real ROI from AI are solving practical problems that have existed for years. For example, organizations have countless touchpoints with customers but can only respond to a tiny fraction. Qualtrics solves this at scaleenabling companies to take action on every interaction, strengthen human connections, and drive measurable outcomes."

Qualtrics AI delivers proven value for customers and employees

The rapid adoption of AI capabilities in the Qualtrics Experience Management Platform is backed up by proven outcomes and business impact at thousands of companies.

Organizations using Qualtrics AI capabilities in the XM for Customer Experience suite gain a competitive edge by turning customer insights into faster, smarter decisions that increase loyalty and growth. On average, customers deploying Conversational Feedback see survey completion jump from 75% to 83%, and the adaptive surveys yield three times more actionable insights for faster, better decisions. This bucks the broader industry trend, with new research from Qualtrics revealing that the share of consumers who provide direct feedback to brands has declined every year since 2021. Conversational Feedback helps address this problem by engaging customers in new ways and capturing more of the critical insights needed to understand and address changing consumer behaviors.

"The adaptive feedback clearly highlighted a core issue and pointed to a simple, patient-preferred solution: a reminder closer to the appointment date," said Maggie Gentry, Director, Experience Analytics, Community Health Network. "It's an example of the sort of insight we believe can drive lasting improvements in patient access and experience over time."

Qualtrics Insights Explorer which analyzes open-ended survey responses to surface key themes, and summaries is giving companies access to critical insights in minutes and at half the effort of traditional analytic tools. For example, Autodesk has saved hours of manual work on reporting, allowing teams to invest more time to focus on what matters to customers. This shift has helped deliver a double-digit increase to NPS and millions in operational savings.

"Insights explorer allows us to mature our practice by freeing up time to explore deeper, more complex correlations between data as opposed to spending time on first-level coding," said Elise Lockwood, User Research Manager, Autodesk.

Qualtrics Edge Audiences , a flexible synthetic research panel offering that includes both traditional and synthetic panels, is used by hundreds of organizations including Dollar Shave Club, Booking.com and Google Labs. Qualtrics' foundational AI model produces synthetic responses and insights proven to reduce research fielding costs by up to 50%, accelerate time to insights from weeks to minutes, and allow teams to significantly expand audience reach.

"The true value of synthetic data isn't just in replicating what we're already doing with human panels. It's about going deeper," said Eline Metske, Senior Researcher, Booking.com

In employee experience, companies are using AI capabilities in the XM for Employee Experience suite to deliver clear, unbiased, and actionable insights that enhance manager and team effectiveness. Leading organizations like adidas, Stripe, and Owens Corning use these tools to cut manual analysis by over 95% and boost the number of managers creating personalized action plans by as much as 70%.

Qualtrics Achieves Top International Security Certifications for AI Systems

Consumer trust is essential for AI adoption, but Qualtrics' 2026 Consumer Trends research reveals brands are starting from a deficit. More than half of consumers (53%) cited the misuse of personal data when companies use AI to automate interactions as their biggest security concern, up more than 7 percentage points from 2025, and only one third (29%) of consumers trust organizations to use AI responsibly.

To give customers confidence in Qualtrics AI, Qualtrics recently achieved two top international security certifications for AI systems: ISO IEC 42001:2023 certification , the world's first international standard for the responsible design, development, and deployment of AI systems, and FedRAMP High authorization for AI capabilities within the Qualtrics Experience Management Platform. FedRAMP High is the U.S. Government's highest security standard for cloud products and services, and Qualtrics is among a select group of companies authorized to deliver AI capabilities at this level.

Together, ISO 42001 and FedRAMP High give organizations across industries unparalleled confidence to innovate and deliver impact with Qualtrics AI, with assurance that it is built responsibly and securely.

For More Information

Read more about Qualtrics Experience Agents .

About Qualtrics



Qualtrics is trusted by thousands of the world's best organizations to power exceptional customer and employee experiences that build deep human connections, increase customer loyalty, boost employee engagement, and drive business success. Our advanced AI and specialized Experience Agents allow businesses and governments to proactively interact with customers and employees in personalized ways across every channel and touchpoint, respond in-the-moment to fix or improve experiences, and stay across the latest market trends and opportunities.

Contact: Tyler Petersen, [email protected]

SOURCE Qualtrics, LLC
Accelerating adoption of AI capabilities, with deep healthcare expertise as the leading edge, advances Qualtrics' ability to help companies create value and deliver better outcomes across all industries

Creates the most complete platform designed for experience management

PROVO, Utah and SEATTLE, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualtrics, the creator of and a leader in the experience management (XM) category, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to invest $6.75 billion to acquire Press Ganey Forsta, a leading provider of experience measurement and data analytics. The transaction will enable organizations to elevate business performance by combining Qualtrics' best-in-class technology with Press Ganey Forsta's extensive data, benchmarking and healthcare expertise to create the most complete AI platform specialized for customer experience, patient experience, employee experience, and market research.

With their shared vision to improve the human experience, the combination of Qualtrics and Press Ganey Forsta represents a key milestone as companies adopt AI to interact with and address the needs of their customers and employees. Together, Qualtrics and Press Ganey Forsta will enable organizations to deliver better and more attuned products, services, and experiences powered by a deep understanding of the customers, employees, and industries they serve.

Qualtrics' innovations and investments equip organizations with the most comprehensive and flexible platform for experience management. The company's AI capabilities deliver proven value as demonstrated by their rapid adoption. More than one-third of Qualtrics customers have upgraded to Qualtrics' AI capabilities, and 90% of the company's top 50 enterprise customers have used features to elevate the experiences they deliver - including Conversational Feedback, Qualtrics Assist, its synthetic research platform Edge Audiences, and Experience Agents.

Qualtrics will extend and accelerate the adoption, innovation, and impact of these capabilities for businesses through the addition of Press Ganey Forsta's specialized industry expertise, data and benchmarking, trusted relationships, and advisory services. This combination will bring best-in-class experience management capabilities to businesses in every industry, enabling them to deliver value at greater scope and scale.

In healthcare, Press Ganey Forsta is trusted globally by 41,000 providers in 30 countries, partnering to improve trust, quality, safety, and ultimately the human experiences of millions of patients. The company's deep expertise ensures providers can take actions in compliance with regulatory requirements and clinical protocols. The addition of Qualtrics' best-in-class technology platform will help enable healthcare providers to deliver patient and employee experiences that lead to improved health outcomes as well as provider well-being, retention, and morale.

Quotes on the News

"Bringing Qualtrics and Press Ganey Forsta together will accelerate the adoption of AI and create the most comprehensive platform for improving the human experience. Combining Qualtrics' AI platform with Press Ganey Forsta's trusted analytics and deep expertise creates an opportunity to deliver exceptional value and measurable outcomes for our customers," said Zig Serafin, CEO of Qualtrics. "There's no more important proving ground for experience management than healthcare, where better experiences for patients and employees directly impact better outcomes and quality of care. We're excited to welcome Press Ganey Forsta to Qualtrics and deliver this future together."

"AI is rapidly transforming every industry, and organizations need proven, innovative solutions grounded in deep expertise to move from insight to impact faster. This investment ignites our ability to deliver," said Patrick T. Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Press Ganey Forsta. "By bringing together two leading companies, we're accelerating critical advancements that will elevate the human experience, driving greater safety, trust, and value for millions of patients, consumers, and employees worldwide. It's a remarkable opportunity, and we're energized by the journey ahead with Qualtrics and our clients."

The combination of Qualtrics and Press Ganey Forsta draws the support of leaders in healthcare

"At Intermountain Health, we've seen firsthand that when you put patients first, the results speak for themselvesbetter quality and safety outcomes, improved healthcare experiences, and measurable performance impact. We're confident that Qualtrics' investment in Press Ganey Forsta is a groundbreaking move for healthcare that will positively transform healthcare experience and quality for the future. Qualtrics and Press Ganey Forsta together have unique capabilities and expertise to scale this across the industry," said Rob Allen, President and CEO of Intermountain Health.

"Press Ganey Forsta and Qualtrics have the opportunity to transform the healthcare experience through innovation in experience measurement, data analytics and artificial intelligence. This transformation would enhance healthcare quality and create a dynamic consumer-driven experience," said Jeffrey Flaks, President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare.

Bringing together the best of Qualtrics and Press Ganey Forsta will boost value for experience-focused organizations across industries

"At Delta, success begins with people. Our partnership with Qualtrics helps us deeply understand what matters most to our customers and employees so that we can deliver better outcomes and experiences for the millions we serve. This exciting acceleration of Qualtrics' capabilities will further advance the human experiences central to building trust, connection, and long-term success  something that is essential to every industry in the AI age," said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta.

"This is a transformational moment for the entire experience management space. By combining Qualtrics' AI platform with Press Ganey Forsta's deep domain expertise, the two companies are directly addressing the biggest barriers to AI adoption: trust, relevance, and industry expertise. This move will accelerate the development of new AI capabilities, address growing frustrations with generic AI that lacks sector specific abilities, and empower organizations to achieve tangible business impact from their programs much faster than was previously possible," said Lou Reinemann, Research Director, Voice of the Customer and Customer Success at IDC.

Transaction details

Under the terms of the agreement, Qualtrics will acquire Press Ganey Forsta for $6.75 billion, payable in a combination of cash and equity. The transaction is subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and satisfaction or waiver of other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the coming months. Until then, the two companies will continue to operate independently.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., BMO Capital Markets, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, KKR Capital Markets, Mizuho Securities, Morgan Stanley, RBC Capital Markets, UBS Investment Bank, and Wells Fargo, or their respective affiliates, have made debt commitments and are serving as financial advisors to Qualtrics. BDT & MSD Partners and Centerview Partners LLC are also serving as financial advisors to Qualtrics. Goodwin Procter LLP is serving as M&A counsel to Qualtrics. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel to Qualtrics in connection with the debt commitments.

Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel and Barclays is serving as lead financial advisor with Moelis as an additional financial advisor to Press Ganey Forsta.

About Qualtrics

Qualtrics is trusted by thousands of the world's best organizations to power exceptional customer and employee experiences that build deep human connections, increase customer loyalty, boost employee engagement, and drive business success. Our advanced AI and specialized Experience Agents allow businesses and governments to proactively interact with customers and employees in personalized ways across every channel and touchpoint, respond in-the-moment to fix or improve experiences, and stay across the latest market trends and opportunities.

About Press Ganey Forsta

Press Ganey Forsta is a leading global provider of experience technology, data analytics, and insights that help companies better understand and serve their customers, employees, and stakeholders. Press Ganey Forsta powers the Human Experience (HX) Platform  a comprehensive experience and research technology platform that brings together CX (Customer Experience), Employee Experience (EX), Patient Experience (PX) and Market Research. It serves more than 43,000 clients globally across healthcare, financial services, hospitality, market research, professional services, retail, technology, and other end markets. Press Ganey Forsta is recognized by Gartner as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for Voice of the Customer (VoC) Platforms.

Media Contacts:

Ross Lambert, Qualtrics: [email protected]

Jennifer Signorini, Press Ganey Forsta: [email protected]

SOURCE Qualtrics, LLC
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins LLP reminds stockholders that a class action was filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) securities between May 6, 2025 and June 19, 2025. Defendant KBR states that it delivers "science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world."

For more information, submit a form, email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003.

The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that KBR, Inc. (KBR) Misled Investors Regarding HomeSafe's Ability to Fulfill its TRANSCOM Contract

According to the complaint, HomeSafe Alliance ("HomeSafe") is a KBR joint venture in which KBR has a 72% economic interest. Prior to the class period, HomeSafe had been awarded the Global Household Goods Contract by the U.S. Department of Defense's Transportation Command ("TRANSCOM"), which helps U.S. military service members and their families relocate.

Plaintiff alleges that during the class period, defendants had knowledge that for months TRANSCOM had material concerns with HomeSafe's ability to fulfill the Global Household Goods Contract, yet claimed that the partnership was without issue, and would ramp up in future quarters.

Plaintiff further alleges that on June 19, 2025, HomeSafe issued a press release entitled "HomeSafe Alliance announces TRANSCOM's Notice to Terminate Global Household Goods Contract." The press release revealed that there had been issues between TRANSCOM and HomeSafe for months. The next day KBR issued a release announcing the termination of HomeSafe's contract. On this news, the price of KBR stock fell $3.85 per share, or 7.29%, to close at $48.93 on June 20, 2025. On June 23, 2025, the next trading day, KBR stock fell a further $1.30, or 2.65%, to close at $47.63 on June 23, 2025.

What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against KBR, Inc. Shareholders who wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their papers to the court by November 18, 2025. The lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here .

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

About Robbins LLP: A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002.

To be notified if a class action against KBR, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

SOURCE Robbins LLP
ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RPC, Inc. (NYSE: RES) announced today that it will release its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025 on Thursday, October 30, 2025 before the market opens. In conjunction with its earnings release, the Company will host a conference call to review the Company's financial and operating results on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Individuals wishing to participate in the conference call should dial toll-free (888) 440-5966, or +1 (646) 960-0125 for international callers, and use conference ID number 9842359. For interested individuals unable to join by telephone, the call also will be broadcast and archived for 90 days on the Company's investor website. Interested parties are encouraged to click on the webcast link 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the conference call.

RPC provides a broad range of specialized oilfield services and equipment primarily to independent and major oilfield companies engaged in the exploration, production and development of oil and gas properties throughout the United States, including the Gulf of America, mid-continent, southwest, Appalachian and Rocky Mountain regions, and in selected international markets. RPC's investor website can be found on the internet at RPC.net.

For information about RPC, Inc. or this event, please contact:

Michael L. Schmit

Chief Financial Officer

(404) 321-2140

[email protected]

Joshua Large

Vice President, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations

(404) 321-2152

[email protected]

SOURCE RPC, Inc.
Californians contributed more than $1 billion to ScholarShare 529 in 2025, underscoring how families continue to see the value of investing in higher education and the future of the state's students.

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ScholarShare 529, California's official college savings plan, announced today that families have contributed more than $1 billion in 2025 alone1 a milestone that demonstrates how Californians continue to see the value of investing in higher education, even in times of economic uncertainty.

ScholarShare 529 offers tax advantages and flexible investment options designed to meet the changing needs of today's families. Account earnings grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified higher education expenses.

"Reaching $1 billion in contributions in just one year is a powerful reminder that California families are investing in their children's futures like never before," said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, Chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board which oversees the plan. "ScholarShare 529 is helping families take control of the rising cost of higher education, and every dollar saved today can mean more opportunities and less debt for our students tomorrow."

ScholarShare 529 accounts can be used to pay for a wide range of qualified higher education expenses, including tuition, books, computers and other costs at community colleges, universities, technical schools, eligible apprenticeship programs and even institutions abroad.

The program also makes it easy for friends and relatives to contribute through Ugift, a free and secure gifting tool that helped many families boost their savings in 2025, reflecting the growing popularity of collective support for education goals.

For families looking to get started on their college savings opportunities, learn more, or to open an account, visit ScholarShare529.com.

About ScholarShare 529

ScholarShare 529 is California's official college savings plan, offering families a powerful tool to save for education. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified higher education expenses. Learn more at ScholarShare529.com.

To learn more about California's ScholarShare 529, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses see the Plan Description at ScholarShare529.com before investing. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, is the distributor and underwriter for ScholarShare 529. 4868190

1. As of October 1st 2025, contributions of $1,050 billion according to company records.

Media Contact:

Augustine Agency

[email protected]

(218) 256-7919

SOURCE ScholarShare 529
Dick Van Dyke has joked that it would be "funny" if he "didn't make" his 100th birthday.

Dick Van Dyke turns 100 in December

The Mary Poppins legend will celebrate his milestone birthday on December 13 but quipped that he is not guaranteed to reach three figures.

Speaking at the Vandy High Tea event in California, Dick said: "That's right. I'm not officially a hundred until December. Two months. Two months.

"It'd be funny if I didn't make it."

Dick later suggested that he "would've taken better care" of himself had he known he was going to live for so long and quipped that marrying his second wife Arlene Silver in 2012 is the only clever decision he has made.

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actor explained: "I brag sometimes about how I made it to a hundred and the truth is, if I had known I was going to live this long, I would've taken better care of myself.

"And it is frustrating because I don't know what I did right. Other than her (Arlene), I didn't do anything right."

The beloved star has been a household name since the 1960s but previously confessed that he "never planned" to become an actor.

Van Dyke told New York Magazine earlier this year: "My whole life was unplanned. Just the next opportunity that came along  one great thing after another. I never planned anything.

"One job led into another one, and I just kept working and enjoying it. Im a ham. I dont know, something happens and I come alive and I want to perform.

"I would have starved in any other business. Being on the stage  theres nothing like it in the world for anyone who can experience it. I pity the people who cant get on the stage. Good God, it was fun!"

Meanwhile, Dick also recalled how he and Arlene  who is 46 years his junior  were told that their relationship would never work.

The star, who first met Arlene back in 2006, told People magazine: "We get along so well. Everybody said it wouldn't work."

The 54-year-old make-up artist added: "We just care about each other so much... I mean it's like eerie how well it works. People the same age don't last."
Shmyhal: Seven more new agreements to be concluded as part of Build with Ukraine by year end

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced plans to conclude seven more new agreements by the end of the year as part of the Build with Ukraine initiative to support Ukrainian defense industry manufacturers, which includes joint production with partners abroad.

During a panel discussion at the third Defence Industries Forum (DFNC3) in Kyiv on Monday, Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine is committed to implementing joint projects with partner countries not only abroad but also launching new enterprises and production facilities on its own territory.

He recalled that, overall, cooperation has already been established with more than 25 companies under the Build with Ukraine and Build in Ukraine initiatives. The head of the department announced plans to conclude seven more new agreements under Build with Ukraine by the end of the year.

"Ukraine, together with its partners, is laying the foundation for sustainable peace and a new European security architecture. This forum is intended to become a platform for Ukrainian manufacturers, international companies, investors, and associations to jointly develop new production facilities, launch joint research projects, and implement investment initiatives," Shmyhal added.
BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seceon, a leader in AI-powered cybersecurity, today announced the release of aiSIEM CGuard 2.0, the company's most advanced evolution in cloud security and automated incident response. aiSIEM Guard 2.0 introduces industry-first capabilities like true multi-rule correlation, dynamic cloud-aware response actions, and seamless multi-cloud protection, delivering unmatched speed, accuracy, and resilience against modern cyber threats.

Seceon's OTM Platform unifies AI/ML-driven products including aiSIEM, aiXDR-PMax, and CGuard 2.0 to deliver complete detection, response, and compliance. Diagram of Seceon CGuard 2.0 Cloud Security Framework showing AWS VPC, EC2, Log4j vulnerability detection, and proactive cloud-native defense.

"CGuard 2.0 is not just an upgrade, it's a complete reimagination of what modern cloud defense should look like," said Chandra Pandey, Founder and CEO of Seceon. "By combining context-rich telemetry with dynamic incident response across Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, and GCP, we're empowering security teams to detect and neutralize threats faster than ever before."

Key Innovations in CGuard 2.0

Comprehensive Cloud Security Module

aiSIEM CGuard 2.0 delivers full-spectrum protection across Microsoft 365, Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud, natively, out of the box. With 200+ built-in detection rules and an intuitive, tenant-aware interface, organizations are protected from day one without needing manual configuration or tuning.

True Multi-Rule Correlation

While most platforms still rely on simplistic, one-off rule triggers, CGuard 2.0 was engineered to connect the dots across time, systems, and services. Its custom correlation engine evaluates signals from multiple rules, accounts, and behaviors within flexible detection windows, identifying stealthy, low-and-slow attacks that often bypass traditional SIEM or XDR systems.

Automated, Cloud-Aware Incident Response

aiSIEM CGuard 2.0 turns insight into action, automatically. The platform delivers tightly integrated, provider-specific response capabilities that adapt to the exact APIs and policy models of each cloud service. Organizations can enforce MFA, revoke OAuth permissions, log out compromised sessions, quarantine high-risk identities, or trigger complete playbooks in real time, all without human intervention.

"We are proud to support the launch of Seceon's cGuard Cloud as their sole UK distributor, and managed services partner. cGuard Cloud delivers automated threat detection and response with faster deployment and lower total cost of ownership. Our partners and their customers can confidently embrace cloud transformation, backed by Exertis's certified teams and 24/7 managed SOC services," says Geoff Towns, Head of Enterprise Services at Exertis.

Scollector: Cloud-Native Telemetry, Simplified

Seceon also introduced Scollector, a lightweight, cloud-connected agent purpose-built for today's hybrid and cloud-native environments. Scollector collects and streams telemetry directly to the cloud, fully eliminating the need for on-premises infrastructure.

Its most powerful differentiator is instantaneous onboarding, unlike anything else in the industry. There is no need for reinstallation or manual configuration; existing agents are automatically upgraded to support cloud-native collection. What typically takes days or weeks can now be achieved in minutes, making frictionless deployment a true reality for MSSPs and distributed enterprise environments.

"Seceon's CGuard cloud-native design, and initial one-hour setup for most SaaS applications, makes it an ideal foundation for our XDR services. As an MSSP, we are able to deliver powerful, scalable protection without the delays so that our clients get comprehensive coverage from deployment day one," says Keith Johnson, Executive Vice President of Obviam

Leading the Future of Unified Cyber Defense

With CGuard 2.0, Seceon continues to lead the transformation of cybersecurity from reactive to proactive, from siloed to unified, and from complex to controlled. "We're deeply grateful to our 700+ partners and 9,000+ customers around the world for making this milestone possible. Your trust fuels our innovation and drives us to continuously push the boundaries of what's possible," says Chandra.

About Seceon

Seceon powers the Open Threat Management (OTM) platform, an AI/ML-driven solution built to detect, protect, and respond in real time. Designed for enterprises and MSSPs alike, the unified architecture eliminates blind spots, streamlines security operations, and delivers full-spectrum visibility across cloud, on-prem, IoT, and hybrid environments. With Seceon, staying ahead of threats is not just possible - it's automatic. To explore the full details of the launch, visit Seceon's latest blog: "Introducing Seceon aiSIEM CGuard 2.0  A Revolutionary Leap in Cloud Threat Detection and Unified Defense."

Media Contact:

Shikha Pandey

[email protected]

www.seceon.com

+1 978-496-4058

SOURCE Seceon Inc.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, SellYourWay.org releases a new, in-depth white paper titled, What Does Your Business Sale Mean for Existing Contracts and Leases? In this article, Brian Stephens, CBI, MCBI, M&AMI, CVA, CEPA, CM&AP, MBA, shares expert insights on how  during a business sale  existing contracts and leases can become strategic assets or last-minute stumbling blocks that can derail a deal. Mr. Stephens is the Founder of Legacy Venture Group. SellYourWay.org is a website dedicated to the education of small business owners about the business sales process and the services that Business Brokers provide. SellYourWay.org is powered by the International Business Brokers Association  (IBBA), the largest international not for profit association for Business Brokers.

Contracts and leases define the roadmap for a business's daily operations. This exclusive article explains why comprehensive audits of these legal agreements are crucial during the business sales process  to streamline the due diligence process, minimize costly surprises and set clear, realistic expectations for both buyer and seller regarding timelines, findings, and deal terms.

Topics covered include:

Contract Considerations

Lease Considerations

Best Practices for Handling Contracts and Leases in a Business Sale

Mr. Stephens states, "When selling your business, a transferable lease with strong options can make or break your deal. Be proactive  know what your landlord expects, address concerns early, and structure terms that work for all sides. A win-win-win approach helps attract better buyers, smoother transitions, and stronger offers."

"A successful business sale starts with the right guidance and preparation. At Sellyourway.org our mission is to empower small business owners to understand every step of the sales process, and exit with confidence and peace of mind." - Emily Bowler, Executive Director, IBBA

Get these strategic insights on SellYourWay.Org .

About SellYourWay.Org

The mission of SellYourWay.org is to educate small business owners and the general public about the business sales process and the services that business brokers provide. The resources available on the site provide information to help business owners prepare for the successful sale of their businesses.

About the International Business Brokers Association

Formed in 1984 and with nearly 3,000 members, the International Business Brokers Association  (IBBA) is the largest international not for profit association for business brokers. The association provides business brokers with education, free benefits, conferences, professional designations, support programs and networking opportunities, and awards the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI)  designation to qualifying business brokers. To learn more, contact the IBBA directly at [email protected] .

[Social Media Handles]

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SOURCE Sell Your Way
AUCH, France, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TEKLYNX International, known globally for helping companies barcode better with their labeling software and customer support, released the latest version of their enterprise label management system: TEKLYNX CENTRAL 8.0

This solution combines label design, approval, print automation, and reporting into one solution to help companies across industries control labeling from one central location. By eliminating client installations and enabling label printing from a browser, businesses increase operational efficiency and reduce IT overhead.

Barcode label design and enterprise label management software solutions.

TEKLYNX CENTRAL 8.0 enhancements include:

Better management of unused printers and inactive users

Simpler integration and configuration for cloud deployments

Increased visibility into administrative functions and tasks

Automatically email labels, pick lists, or shipping notices with print requests

Support for Windows Server 2025, leveraging built-in HTTPS and TLS 1.3

Introduced Microsoft .NET 8.0 for select components

"We're pleased to announce the release of TEKLYNX CENTRAL 8.0 into the marketa solution that reflects our commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of our customers," says Thierry Mauger, TEKLYNX International President. "By centralizing label management and enabling efficient browser-based printing, TEKLYNX CENTRAL 8.0 empowers businesses to streamline their operations, reduce complexity, and respond quickly to changing demands across their supply chains."

TEKLYNX CENTRAL meets the needs of businesses with multiple locations or partners, such as suppliers or contract manufacturers. It offers on-premises, cloud, or hybrid deployment and seamlessly integrates with existing business systems and data sources, including SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft. TEKLYNX CENTRAL also helps companies in highly regulated industries comply with regulations like FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.

Learn more about TEKLYNX CENTRAL all-in-one enterprise labeling solution at teklynx.com/central.

ABOUT TEKLYNX INTERNATIONAL

TEKLYNX International helps supply chains work better. Today, more than 750,000 companies in over 170 countries trust TEKLYNX integrated barcode and RFID label design products and the people behind its solutions to make barcode labeling operations efficient, accurate, secure, and industry compliant. With over 30 years of experience, TEKLYNX is the global leader because of its reliable software and superior customer support. To learn more about how the TEKLYNX community helps companies across industries worldwide, visit teklynx.com or call TEKLYNX in your region. Barcode Better with TEKLYNX.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1736243/5179433/TEKLYNX_International_Barcode.jpg
This news release constitutes a "designated news release" for the purposes of Trilogy Metals Inc.'s prospectus supplement dated May 27, 2025, to its short form base shelf prospectus dated April 14, 2025.

NYSE American / TSX

Symbol: TMQ

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) ("Trilogy Metals", "Trilogy" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that, on October 6, 2025, President Trump issued a decision under Section 1106 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act ("ANILCA"), granting the permits for the Ambler Access Project (or "Ambler Road"). The decision approved an appeal by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority ("AIDEA"), a public corporation of the State of Alaska, to reverse the Biden Administration's decision in June 2024 to select the "No Action Alternative" and terminate the previously issued right-of-way grant for the Ambler Road. President Trump directed relevant agencies to promptly reinstate, grant and finalize all necessary permits and authorizations with terms necessary to assure adequate and feasible access for economic and other purposes, such as mining and use of the road for industrial and commercial access.

In Section 1106 of ANILCA, Congress created a unique mechanism for appealing directly to the President from a denial of transportation systems in Alaska like the Ambler Road. ANILCA was passed into legislation by Congress in 1980 to balance the need to protect Alaska's natural ecosystems and landscapes with the needs of its residents, particularly those who rely on the land for their livelihoods. Congress required that a mandatory access right "shall be granted" to the Ambler Mining District. Section 1106 allowed AIDEA to directly appeal to President Trump regarding the Biden Administration's denial of the Ambler Road. That denial was a decision that would block access to leased State of Alaska mining claims, federally patented claims, and the entire Ambler Mining District.

Unlocking One of America's Richest Mineral Districts

The Ambler Road is a proposed 211-mile, industrial-use-only road from the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects to the Dalton Highway that would enable the advancement of exploration and development at the Ambler Mining District in Northwest Alaska, home to some of the world's richest known copper-dominant polymetallic deposits, including the Company's Arctic and Bornite deposits.

President Trump's decision reflects a renewed federal commitment to responsible resource development in Alaska and highlights the Ambler Road as critical infrastructure under federal policy, designed to enable secure, domestic supply chains for vital minerals including copper, cobalt, zinc and lead  resources key to energy infrastructure, defense technologies, and American manufacturing.

Commitment to Protecting Local Communities and Subsistence Resources

Designed to be a private industrial road, the Ambler Road will not be open to the public in order to safeguard subsistence activities. The project design includes protections for caribou migration routes, fish habitats, and other environmental considerations, along with measures to limit community impacts. The road is expected to bring long-term economic benefits to Alaska Native communities located nearby through direct employment and contracting opportunities, and to the broader state economy through increased investment in the region, while adhering to strict environmental and subsistence protections as outlined in the project's Environmental Impact Statement.

Partnership with Alaska

Trilogy acknowledges the steadfast efforts of AIDEA and Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy in advancing this presidential appeal. The actions from President Trump and the Department of Interior reflect the renewed federal commitment to responsible resource development in Alaska; and acknowledge the importance of balancing economic opportunity with environmental and cultural protections. The Department of the Interior, AIDEA and the State of Alaska have all played instrumental roles in advancing this presidential appeal, demonstrating broad support for the Ambler Road project.

"This landmark decision is a turning point for Trilogy and for the future of domestic critical mineral development in the United States," said Tony Giardini, President and CEO of Trilogy Metals. "The Ambler Road is not just a pathway to economic growth in Alaska  it's a strategic asset for the United States. With the backing of the President and federal agencies, we are confident this project will move forward in a way that respects both the land and the people who call it home."

The Ambler Road enables Trilogy and its partners to move forward on the development of world-class mining projects such as the Arctic and Bornite deposits  projects with robust economics, long mine lives, and potential to deliver strong returns for shareholders. The Company anticipates providing an update on advancing engineering, baseline environmental work and community engagement prior to the end of the year.

About Trilogy Metals

Trilogy Metals Inc. is a metal exploration and development company holding a 50 percent interest in Ambler Metals LLC, which has a 100 percent interest in the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects ("UKMP") in northwestern Alaska. On December 19, 2019, South32, a globally diversified mining and metals company, exercised its option to form a 50/50 joint venture with Trilogy. The UKMP is located within the Ambler Mining District which is one of the richest and most-prospective known copper-dominant districts in the world. It hosts world-class polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") deposits that contain copper, zinc, lead, gold and silver, and carbonate replacement deposits which have been found to host high-grade copper and cobalt mineralization. Exploration efforts have been focused on two deposits in the Ambler Mining District  the Arctic VMS deposit and the Bornite carbonate replacement deposit. Both deposits are located within a land package that spans approximately 190,929 hectares. Ambler Metals has an agreement with NANA Regional Corporation, Inc., an Alaska Native Corporation that provides a framework for the exploration and potential development of the Ambler Mining District in cooperation with local communities. Trilogy's vision is to develop the Ambler Mining District into a premier North American copper producer while protecting and respecting subsistence livelihoods.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, the effects of President Trump's decision as described above, potential actions resulting from executive orders, presidential decisions and statements from the U.S. administrations, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, planned activities at the UKMP, perceived merit of the properties and the Ambler Road, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the uncertainties involving the outcome of pending litigation, success of exploration activities, permitting timelines, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks, prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and geological tests, unexpected cost increases and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2024 filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and in other Company reports and documents filed with applicable securities regulatory authorities from time to time. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

SOURCE Trilogy Metals Inc.
More than 13,000 Graduates Have Trained for Careers in Skilled Trades and Transportation

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Universal Technical Institute (UTI), the transportation, skilled trades, electrical, and energy division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc., today announced the 20th anniversary of its Sacramento campus.

Since opening in 2005, more than 13,300 graduates have trained at the 117,000-square-foot campus, launching careers across the transportation and skilled trades industries. The campus began with UTI's core automotive and diesel programs and has since expanded its offerings.

UTI Sacramento Campus

"As we celebrate 20 years in Sacramento, we're proud of the quality programs, dedicated instructors, and student success that have defined this campus," said Tracy Lorenz, UTI Division President. "The campus's recognition in 2024 as a School of Excellence by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) affirms that legacy, and it inspires us to build on this foundation to prepare even more students for rewarding technical careers in the years ahead."

"UTI-Sacramento has become known for providing the hands-on, career-focused training that students are seeking as more people turn to the skilled trades for rewarding career opportunities," said Campus President Tess Kraiker. "Our faculty remain as committed today as they were 20 years ago to teaching the skills employers demand and supporting the long-term success of our students and graduates."

Today, UTI-Sacramento offers Associates of Occupational Studies (AOS) degrees in Automotive Technology II and Automotive & Diesel Technology II, with options for manufacturer-specific training such as Ford FACT. Students can also pursue diploma programs in Diesel, Welding and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR).

UTI-Sacramento works closely with local and national employers to support graduate career opportunities. Partners include BMW, Ford Motor Company, Mercedes-Benz, Penske, CarMax, and many others across the automotive, diesel, and equipment industries. For more information on UTI, please visit uti.edu.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.

Universal Technical Institute, Inc. was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider serving students, partners and communities nationwide. The company offers high-quality education and support services for in-demand careers via its two divisions: UTI and Concorde Career Colleges. The UTI division operates 15 campuses located in nine states and offers a wide range of transportation, skilled trades, electrical and energy training programs. Concorde operates across 17 campuses in eight states and online, offering programs in the allied health, dental, nursing, patient care and diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu ; LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges; or X at @news_UTI and @ConcordeCareer.

Media Contact

Alanna Vitucci

[email protected]

480.710.6843

SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
Italy's premier wine showcase returns to Chicago, uniting producers, industry professionals, and institutions to celebrate Made in Italy excellence.

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The second edition of Vinitaly.USA officially opened yesterday at Chicago Navy Pier, reaffirming the enduring partnership between Italy and the United States. The fair has established itself as the largest and most important Italian wine fair in the United States, bringing together more than 2,250 exhibitors, over 2,000 labels, and a rich program of 20 high-level masterclasses, tastings, and talks featuring influential media partners including Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Gambero Rosso, and Decanter.

Vinitaly 10/6

Organized by Veronafiere-Vinitaly in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Fiere Italiane, and the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of the MidwestChicago, the fair presents a comprehensive panorama of Italian excellence. Visitors can experience the country's vast oenological diversity through the participation of major producers and regional collectives representing Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Piedmont, Sardinia, Umbria, Veneto, and Sicily, as well as consortia such as Prosecco DOC, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, Asti DOCG, Valpolicella, Brunello di Montalcino, Custoza, Chiaretto, Bardolino, Lugana, and Garda.

The opening ceremony brought together Italian and U.S. representatives, reflecting the event's broader cultural and diplomatic significance. Among those present were Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere; Marco Peronaci, Ambassador of Italy to the United States; Marco Rago, Legal Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Maurizio Muzzetta, President of Fiere Italiane USA LLC; Domenico Mauriello, Secretary General of Assocamerestero; and Robert Allegrini, President of the National Italian American Foundation. The ceremony also featured contributions from Luigi Scordamaglia of Filiera Italia, Giordano Emo Capodilista of Confagricoltura, Tommaso Battista of Copagri, Carmelo Troccoli of Fondazione Campagna Amica, Marzia Varvaglione, President of CEEV, and Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of Unione Italiana Vini, who joined via video link.

The participation of Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida further underscored Italy's institutional commitment to its wine sector, emphasizing how Italian wine embodies biodiversity, heritage, and human craftsmanship. The minister's remarks framed wine as a cultural expression of Italian heritage - a product deeply rooted in territory, history, and community.

What resonated throughout the opening was a sense of shared purpose: that Italian wine's enduring success stems from its authenticity and its power to connect people, cultures, and traditions across borders.

Italy remains the world's top wine exporter by volume and second by value after France. In 2024, the value of Italian wine exports reached 8.1 billion, up 5.5% compared to 2023, with the United States maintaining its position as the largest destination market at approximately 1.9 billion, a growth of 10.2%. In the first seven months of 2025, exports to the U.S. remained stable at 1.1 billion, despite signals of slowing sell-out volumes and pressure on average prices.

Italian wine continues to stand out for its resilience, sustainability, and authenticity in a global landscape marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate challenges, and shifting consumption patterns. Although tariffs, trade barriers, and international competition present significant obstacles - including the recent 15% increase on European wines and spirits in the U.S. - they also create opportunities to strengthen the distinct identity and global prominence of Italian wine. In this context, Vinitaly.USA plays a vital role in supporting trade, fostering connections with American consumers.

The sector's next goal is to strengthen its relationship with the American audience, who is becoming increasingly attentive to health and sustainability. The message is that wine, enjoyed in moderation, is an extraordinary food - part of a balanced and culturally rich way of life. Beyond taste, it represents an opportunity for connection and understanding - a bridge between Italy and the United States.

Following the inauguration, the ITA  Italian Trade Agency Business Forum brought together leading figures from both sides of the Atlantic, including Massimo Tuzzi of Terra Moretti, Francesco Ganz of Ethica Wines, Bill Terlato of the Terlato Wine Group, Diva Moretti Polegato of Villa Sandi, and Matteo Zoppas, President of ITA. The forum explored key market dynamics shaping the future of Italian wine in the U.S.

Speakers noted that tariffs remain a constant reality, though the industry has adapted effectively. Competition has expanded well beyond Italian restaurants, as diverse cuisines - from Asian to Korean to Peruvian - create new spaces where Italian wines can find a home. Engaging younger consumers has become a central objective, as the next generation increasingly values sustainability, authenticity, and cultural depth. Participants also emphasized the importance of unity within the Italian wine sector, advocating for joint efforts to promote the category as a whole rather than focusing solely on individual denominations.

The discussion also addressed broader market trends. While producers and importers have managed to absorb much of the impact of tariffs, the global wine industry is currently navigating an environment of oversupply and slower consumption growth. Nonetheless, some categories continue to perform strongly - Prosecco, for example, has grown by 10% through July 2025 - demonstrating the continued vitality of Italian exports.

As the event continues, Vinitaly.USA 2025 reaffirms the vitality of Italian wine in the global marketplace and its role as a pillar of Italy's cultural diplomacy. Through collaboration, innovation, and shared passion, Italy and the United States continue to strengthen their bond - one glass at a time.

Media contact:

Carlotta Ribolini

[email protected]

SOURCE Vinitaly.USA
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Water.org has reached a new milestone, changing more than 81 million lives with access to safe water or sanitation. This milestone reflects the growing power of Water.org's solutions, which put choice and opportunity into the hands of people living in poverty.

"In the past year alone, more than 10 million people gained lasting access to safe water or sanitation," said Gary White, CEO & co-founder of Water.org. "These are families choosing the household solutions that work best for them. To date, this progress has been made possible through 17.8 million small loans from our local financial partners. Our solutions uniquely empower women  those most affected by the water crisis  helping them regain time and unlock bright futures."

Today, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water and 3.5 billion lack access to a safe toilet. Water.org addresses this crisis through smart, market-driven solutions  every dollar donated unlocks $20 for water and sanitation solutions for families in need. Because 90% of these affordable loans go to women, donor support helps those most affected by the crisis secure lasting safe water and sanitation.

"Our work focuses on ensuring that families in need can take control of their futures," said Vedika Bhandarkar, President & COO of Water.org. "By making small, affordable loans available through local financial institutions, we help families choose water and sanitation solutions that are accessible, and sustainable, supporting long-term stability."

Designed to meet the global demand for affordable safe water and sanitation, Water.org's approach has scaled to reach more than 81 million people  more than twice the impact of any other leading water charity. By making financing available and affordable, Water.org helps millions more families overcome barriers to the resources they need  giving women hope, children health, and families the opportunity for bright futures.

"Access to safe water transforms lives  it improves health, gives kids the time and opportunity to go to school, empowers women with more choice, and helps families break the cycle of poverty," said Matt Damon, co-founder of Water.org. "Water is the best investment the world can make to improve health, education, and gender equity. We're committed to changing the lives of millions more families with lasting access to safe water and sanitation."

To support Water.org in reaching even more families with sustainable water and sanitation solutions, visit Water.org/donate.

About Water.org

Water.org is a global nonprofit organization that has positively transformed more than 81 million lives around the world through access to safe water and sanitation. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers' market-driven solutions to the global water crisis. For more than 30 years, Water.org has helped give women hope, children health, and families bright futures. Learn more at https://water.org.

Media Contact

Cate McGeady

Sr. PR Manager

978-495-2029

[email protected]

SOURCE Water.org
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wines of Alsace USA is raising a glass to exceptional momentum in the U.S. market and the launch of a captivating new Alsace Rocks campaign. Long beloved by wine industry professionals, Alsace wines are winning over wider audiences and gaining more traction with U.S. consumers. Recent export figures confirm that once again the United States is a leading destination for Alsace wines, underscoring the region's growing popularity and dynamic appeal. This exciting news arrives just as the annual grape harvest in Alsace is wrapping up.

Strong US Market Gains

Alsace Rocks: Embrace New Terrain (PRNewsfoto/Wines of Alsace)

U.S. wine drinkers have an increasing thirst for Alsace wines with French Customs data* showing robust U.S. demand:

For both still and sparkling wines, the U.S. ranks as the #2 export market in value with a +7.5% increase, and #3 in volume at almost 2.9 million bottles / around 241K cases (240,000+ hectoliters) an increase of +8.1%.

Still wines alone achieved #2 in value with an increase of +5.9%, and #3 in volume at approximately 1.5 million bottles / 128,488 cases (11,564 hectoliters), an increase of +2.8%.

Cremant d'Alsace, the region's acclaimed bubbly made in the traditional method, continues to sparkle in the US at #2 in value with a +10% increase, and #3 in volume at 1.3 million bottles / 112,277 cases (10,105 hectoliters), an increase of +14.8%.

*For the trailing 12 months.

The New Alsace Rocks Campaign

To build on the momentum, Wines of Alsace USA has unveiled a refreshed Alsace Rocks campaign that highlights three pillars inherent to this region tucked in France's northeast corner:

Friends & Family : wines for sharing across all life's moments, produced by generations of Alsace's winemaking families.

: wines for sharing across all life's moments, produced by generations of Alsace's winemaking families. Flavors : a spectrum of styles, tastes and aromas, and food-pairing possibilities.

: a spectrum of styles, tastes and aromas, and food-pairing possibilities. Nature: stunning landscapes, and the region's commitment to sustainable, organic and biodynamic viticulture.

The campaign, with new creative by leading design agency Marine Lane, features a fresh visual identity and impactful consumer outreach. A bold new tagline, "Embrace New Terrain," invites consumers to discover and explore the distinct terroirs and taste experiences of Alsace wines. A secondary tag, "Feel a little French tonight," playfully reminds wine lovers that every bottle of Alsace wine is 100% French. Strategic partnerships with Vox Media, VinePair, and Wine.com, dynamic social and influencer collaborations amplify messaging, extend reach, and deepen engagement.

Looking Ahead

"Alsace wines embody versatility, heritage, and sustainability," shared Beth Cotenoff, SVP at Teuwen Communications, the agency partner for Wines of Alsace USA since 2012. "With U.S. consumers embracing these qualities more than ever, 2025 is the perfect moment to re-energize our presence and invite wine lovers to discover Alsace in every glass."

Foulques Aulagnon, Export Marketing Manager of the Alsace Wine Board/Comite Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace (CIVA), commented, "The new Alsace Rocks campaign brings the wines to life with a different, easy-going approach to reach a broader audience. We want wine consumers to enjoy Alsace, whatever the occasion. The US market has always been a priority for Alsace wines, and we are so pleased to see this increased market penetration."

For a virtual Alsace wine experience, visit @drinkalsace on Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Beth Cotenoff | [email protected]

Stephanie Teuwen | [email protected]

Wines of Alsace USA/Teuwen, A Division of Evins Communications

About Alsace Wines

Located in northeastern France, Alsace is nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. On the Vosges foothills, vineyards are planted on 13 soil types. Alsace grows seven main varieties including dry, minerally Riesling, earthy Pinot Gris, refreshing Pinot Blanc, exuberant Gewurztraminer, elegant Pinot Noir, and more. From traditional-method sparklers and rich, late harvest wines to easy-drinking AOC Alsace and complex Grand Cru bottlings, embrace new terrain with Alsace wines.

SOURCE Wines of Alsace
LONDON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yondr Group, a global developer, owner, and operator of hyperscale data centers, today announced the appointment of John Madden as its new Chief Data Center Officer with responsibility for global data center delivery.

John Madden, Yondr's new Chief Data Center Officer

Madden brings more than two decades of infrastructure and data center experience to his new role at Yondr. Most recently, he has spent 11 years at Microsoft in EMEA, culminating in his role as Senior Director, EMEA Construction Portfolio, where he shaped hyperscale delivery and execution, led capital projects, and managed infrastructure delivery teams.

Prior to Microsoft, Madden spent almost nine years with PM Group, working on mission-critical facilities, latterly in design, construction and commissioning roles in their data center delivery teams. Collectively, Madden has led teams to deliver ground-up mission-critical infrastructure across EMEA, overseeing the build-out of close to 700MW of data center capacity.

Speaking about his new role, Madden commented: "I'm excited to join Yondr at such a transformative time for the company. Throughout my career, I've focused on building teams rooted in trust, accountability, and shared purpose and this new role allows me to apply my experience in a dynamic, high-growth environment."

"My commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement has consistently enabled my teams to deliver complex data center infrastructure safely, to the highest standards, on schedule and within budget. I look forward to building on this foundation and driving innovation, growth, and engineering excellence as we expand Yondr's footprint."

Yondr CEO, Aaron Wangenheim, said: "We're delighted to welcome John to the Yondr leadership team. His extensive track record delivering hyperscale data center projects makes him the ideal candidate to lead our design and construction function.

"As Yondr accelerates its expansion to meet surging demand for scalable, sustainable data center infrastructure, John's leadership will be central to delivering world class facilities with a focus on innovation and resilience."

This appointment follows a period of significant momentum for Yondr. The company announced plans for a 163-acre site in Lancaster, Texas, which will house a 550MW data center campus, further underscoring Yondr's role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

As demand for critical IT infrastructure continues to rise, Madden will play a pivotal role in ensuring Yondr upholds its standards of operational excellence, delivery efficiency, and responsible growth.

SOURCE Yondr Group
The European Council, after the first discussion in Copenhagen at an informal meeting on 1 October on the possibility of providing Ukraine with a reparations loan from frozen Russian assets, will continue the discussion on this topic on 23-24 October at a formal meeting of the Council, after which official proposals will be made.

As journalists were informed at a technical briefing at the European Commission, the realistic deadline for completing all procedures with subsequent implementation is currently the beginning of the second quarter of next year.

It was noted that, according to preliminary data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ukraine needs about $60 billion, or EUR 52 billion, in budgetary support for the period 2026-2027, to counter Russian aggression, and this is without taking into account the significant needs for military assistance. The absence of such support will most likely lead to the collapse of Ukraine, which, in turn, will carry serious risks for the security of Europe. In addition, the EU no longer expects the United States to provide significant amounts of aid to Ukraine.

In this situation, the European Commission has once again considered the possibility of financing Ukraine using frozen Russian assets, in full respect of sovereign immunity and without violating international law, in addition to the ERA Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration for Ukraine (ERA) mechanism launched last year, under which Ukraine will receive $50 billion from the proceeds of these Russian assets. The European Commission believes that this method - without confiscating the assets themselves - has been found.

The European Commission recalled that, according to the decision of the European Council of October 17, 2024, Russian assets should remain blocked until the Russian Federation ceases its aggressive war against Ukraine and compensates for the damage caused. The main volume of frozen Russian assets at the beginning of the war was the assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation in the accounts of the European depository Eurolear in Belgium, mainly in the form of bonds. Over time, these bonds were repaid, and today the cash in Euroclears account with the ECB is around EUR 175 billion, and in a few years, when the remaining bonds mature, this amount will increase to EUR 185 billion.

The essence of the European Commissions proposal for a reparations loan is that EuroClear invests this cash in a dedicated special debt instrument or debt contract of the European Union. The EU will use this money to provide Ukraine with a limited recourse loan, which means that Ukraine will only have to repay it after Russia pays war reparations. That is, the EU is borrowing from Euroclear, not from Russia.

However, unlike the ERA mechanism, the implementation of this mechanism requires additional guarantees from member states for the total amount of such a reparations loan, in order to provide additional protection to Euroclear. The guarantees will have to be provided on a bilateral basis: this requires a decision by each participating member state. The EC hopes that all or almost all Member States will participate in this, in which case the absence of a guarantee from one country will not be an economic problem.

The EC considers the risks under these guarantees to be actually limited, because as long as the Member States implement the decisions of the European Council and do not lift the sanctions on Russian assets, as long as Russia does not pay for the damage it has caused, this risk will not materialize. So, if Russia pays reparations to Ukraine, Ukraine will use them to repay the EU loan, and the EU will return the money to Euroclear.

In addition, the EC considers it important to change the sanctions regime in such a way as to minimize the risk of accidental release of assets. Currently, sanctions must be renewed every six months, and therefore the immobilization of assets must be renewed unanimously every six months. The sanctions regime must be changed in such a way as to ensure a more predictable and reliable immobilization of these assets, while maintaining the possibility of their lifting if the necessary conditions are met. The EC notes that the Treaty on European Union, in the so-called Article 31.2, contains provisions that allow, in extreme cases, to adopt implementing acts by qualified majority, and the circumstances that have arisen require this. So there is confidence that this will work.

Regarding the use of the loan by Ukraine, in addition to budgetary support, which has traditionally been the focus of European funding, support for the development of Ukraine's defense-technological and industrial base as part of the European defense base is also being considered, in particular through the purchase of defense materials. The design is that the EU will provide support to the industry, in particular through the conclusion of contracts for the purchase of weapons. How exactly the distribution between the two areas will be carried out has not yet been decided.

Currently, we are talking about a total of EUR 140 billion, but it is also necessary to discuss the conditions for providing loans and the control mechanism.
Photo: Pixabay

Detectives of the Main Detective Unit of the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) of Ukraine have exposed an organized group of 11 people, five of whom are employees of Ukrzaliznytsia and owners of a private company, who organized the movement of jewelry and Swiss watches across the state border of Ukraine, hiding them from customs control.

"The valuables were purchased in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, etc. They were then imported to Poland and handed over to the conductors of the international passenger train Warsaw-Kyiv/Kyiv-Warsaw," the BES said in a statement on Tuesday.

The investigation found that the jewelry and Swiss watches were hidden in the structural cavities of the train car, and in Kyiv they were sold in their own store for cash, non-cash payments and cryptocurrency.

Law enforcement officers conducted authorized searches of the train, store, and residences of the suspects and seized contraband products of well-known brands worth over $10 million and $800,000 in cash.

BES detectives reported 11 individuals on suspicion of committing a criminal offense under Part 3 of Article 201-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (movement across the customs border of Ukraine with concealment from customs control of goods (except for excisable goods and electricity), committed on a large scale by an organized group of individuals).

By court decision, the suspects property, which was purchased with funds obtained from criminal activity, including cars and a yacht, was seized. The suspects were given preventive measures.

It is noted that operational support was provided by employees of the Main Directorate "D" of the Department for the Protection of National Statehood of the Security Service of Ukraine, and procedural management was provided by prosecutors of the Prosecutor General's Office.
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More than 94% of Ukrainian manufacturers ready to export - survey by Ukrainian Gunsmiths Council

According to a survey by the Ukrainian Gunsmiths Council, 94.4% of manufacturers are striving to open export markets.

The Ukrainian Gunsmiths Council reported this following the third International Forum of Defence Industries (DFNC3) in Kyiv.

Council Executive Director Ihor Fedirko noted that DFNC3 "has become the point where the Ukrainian defense industry formalizes a new export policy."

"We are open to partnerships, joint projects, and cooperationand we are proving that Ukrainian manufacturers are capable of operating to the highest standards of safety, quality, and control," he said.

As the organizers of the International Defense Industries Forum note, DFNC3 marked the "de facto start of a new, controlled phase of Ukrainian arms exports."

The event brought together over 1,500 participants from 20 countries, including representatives of 850 Ukrainian and foreign companies, government agencies, diplomatic missions, and defense departments. The forum was organized by the Ministry of Defense, the Presidents Office, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ukrainian Gunsmiths Council.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized that "over the years, Ukraine has proven its ability to withstand attacks and fight back. But we clearly understand that strength lies in partnership."

As the Ukrainian Gunsmiths Council explained, exports help maintain momentum, reduce the cost of serial production, and provide even more weapons for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is noted that "not a single piece of equipment leaves the country without full controlwith a mandatory end-user certificate, a re-export ban, and the right to inspection."

"We are hearing clear signals from our allies: leaders and experts are discussing the development of joint measures to counter drones and cyber threats, as well as accelerating the delivery of counter-UAV and electronic warfare systems. Ukraine, with its practical experience countering such threats throughout the war, can and should be instrumental in building European resilience," the forum's co-organizers noted.
Photo: https://t.me/VadymFilashkin

Five people were injured as a result of shelling by Russian occupiers of settlements in the Donetsk region over the past 24 hours, October 6, Regional Military Administration head Vadym Filashkin.

"Five people were injured in Kostiantynivka, three private houses, two high-rise buildings, an administrative building and an outbuilding were damaged... Bakhmut district. Six houses were damaged in Siversk," he said in Telegram on Tuesday morning.

According to him, in just 24 hours, the Russians shelled settlements in the Donetsk region 25 times.

Some 145 people were evacuated from the front line, including 40 children.
Kyiv City Military Administration Head Tymur Tkachenko discussed with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof the Netherlands' ability to support Ukraine's resilience, and Kyiv in particular, against Russian attacks.

"Today, together with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, I visited the site of one of the most recent Russian strikes on Kyiv. We discussed the Netherlands' ability to support Ukraine's resilience, and in particular its capital, against attacks by a terrorist state," he wrote on Telegram.

Tkachenko noted the importance of cooperation in protecting Ukrainian airspace and providing humanitarian aid to Kyiv residents affected by Russian shelling.

He also thanked the Netherlands for its consistent position on strengthening Kyiv's security and supporting energy, social, and humanitarian initiatives.

"We are committed to further cooperation, and we express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Schoof for his clear signal of solidarity and support," Tkachenko said.
Photo: https://t.me/dsszzi_official

Ukrainian and Lithuanian state authorities will strengthen cooperation in the field of protection of critical infrastructure, in particular in planning and implementing best practices, as well as in developing the regulatory framework, which is provided for in the memorandum signed by the parties, the press service of the State Service for Special Communications has said.

"The Head of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, Oleksandr Potiy, and the Chief Advisor to the Government Office of the Republic of Lithuania, Vidmantas Kaladinskas, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of critical infrastructure protection," the message on the Telegram channel of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection on Tuesday said.

It is noted that the document provides for the exchange of experience in critical infrastructure protection planning measures; the organization of joint seminars and trainings dedicated to critical infrastructure protection planning in order to exchange best practices for OKI protection; support in the development of Ukraine's regulatory and legal framework for critical infrastructure protection, in particular the implementation of best global practices and the requirements of Directive 2022/2557 of the European Parliament and of the Council of the EU of December 14, 2022.

The parties emphasized the importance of such cooperation, especially in wartime, and assured support within the framework of the signed document.
The Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court will consider three high-profile cases on October 9, concerning the reinstatement of odious judges  former chairman of the Kyiv District Administrative Court Pavlo Vovk, judge of the Kyiv Commercial Court Inna Otrosh-Jr., and judge of the Kyiv District Administrative Court Alyona Mazur, the DEJURE Foundation has said.

"This Thursday, there are three high-profile cases in the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court  all of them concerning the reinstatement of odious judges," the DEJURE Foundation said in a statement received by Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday.

The foundation recalled the stories of the defendants.

Thus, Vovk and the Kyiv District Administrative Court became "famous" for corruption, the adoption of knowingly unjust and politically motivated decisions, and illegal interference in the work of courts and judicial bodies. In addition, according to journalists, Vovk was preparing a scenario for Viktor Yanukovych's return to power during a full-scale Russian invasion."

Inna Otrosh Jr. is "the daughter of Otrosh Sr., the head of the Pechersk District Court during Yanukovych's time. It seems that her mother gave Otrosh Jr. the best life: from a judicial position in the Economic Court of Kyiv to elite property. The former judge is also known for her statements about the guilt of the Ukrainian authorities in the occupation of Crimea," the report notes.

Alyona Mazur is "Vovk's colleague from the Kyiv District Administrative Court. In 2019, the judge sabotaged the qualification assessment together with other colleagues from the OASC, "falling ill" at the behest of Pavlo Vovk. As for Mazur, the case will be considered in written proceedings, that is, without an open hearing," the foundation emphasizes.

As reported by the foundation, the case against Vovk will be heard at 11:00, the case against Otrosh at 15:00.

The DEJURE Foundation is a direct action think tank created in 2016 to promote the development of the rule of law (rule of law) and reforms in the justice sector in Ukraine.

The organization's name includes the first letters of the words DEMOCRACY, JUSTICE, REFORMS, which form the concept of DE JURE, in Latin - "according to law."
European manufacturer Thales Belgium's is ramping up production of airburst warheads for its 70mm missiles, which are already being used to combat drones in Ukraine, Business Insider has said.

"As Russia barrages Ukraine with growing waves of Shahed one-way attack drones, European weapons manufacturer Thales has been fitting an airburst warhead on its 70mm rockets to counter such threats. The new FZ123 warhead is filled with thousands of tiny steel pellets blasted out by two pounds of high-explosive material. When the warhead detonates, the pellets burst out in an area of about 80 feet in diameter to take down a drone or drone swarm, much like the way birdshot spreads from a shotgun shell," the publication writes.

Thales says the missile warhead is a low-cost way to destroy NATO Class II drones, such as the Shahed, as well as heavier Class III drones at ranges of up to 3km using airbursts.

Thomas Colinet, Thales Belgiums director of vehicles and tactical systems, confirmed that the weapon is being used in Ukraine and that Kyivs demand is exceeding the companys production capacity. Its good for us that theyre asking for more, it means theyre happy, he said.

Thales Belgium plans to produce around 3,500 of the missiles by the end of the year and hopes to increase annual production to 10,000 by 2026. The anti-drone warhead can also be mounted on an unguided version of the 70mm missile, which can now be produced at a rate of 30,000 per year. If production runs in two shifts, annual capacity could reach 60,000 units, although suppliers would also have to increase production to do so.

Thales Belgium declined to disclose the cost of its 70mm FZ123 warhead missiles. But even the most expensive laser-guided missiles are typically five times cheaper than conventional missiles. Cheaper air defense missiles, such as the AIM-7 Sparrow, cost about $125,000 each.

However, that doesnt mean all of these missiles are equipped with anti-drone warheads  Thales Belgium also produces air-to-ground and surface-to-surface missiles. For example, some of its 70mm missiles are used to destroy unmanned ground vehicles deployed by Russia.

Compatible with NATO standard 70mm launchers, these missiles are currently used in Ukrainian Vampire systems - L3Harris multi-barrel launchers that can be mounted on trucks. Some versions are also launched from Ukrainian MI-8 helicopters that have been upgraded to fire NATO ammunition. As reported, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with a Thales delegation at the DSEI international arms exhibition in London from September 9 to 12, during which they discussed the main areas of work of the joint venture, as well as the possibilities of expanding areas of cooperation in joint production.
The number of suicides and suicide attempts this year among children in Ukraine has increased by 17%, juvenile prosecutors are conducting preventive measures to prevent suicidal behavior, the Prosecutor General's Office said.

"According to UNICEF, every year in the world, almost 46 thousand children aged 10 to 19 die from suicide. This is one child every 11 minutes. In 2025, the number of suicides and suicide attempts (in Ukraine - IF-U) among minors increased by 17%. The most vulnerable age category is adolescents 14-16 years old," the department said in a message on its Telegram channel on Tuesday.

The Prosecutor's Office notes that in view of the alarming trends, at the initiative of the Prosecutor General, the Department for the Protection of Children's Interests and Combating Domestic Violence of the Prosecutor General's Office, together with the public organization "Volunteer" and with the support of UNICEF, prepared interactive materials for preventive classes with adolescents.

In addition, on the instructions of the Prosecutor General, juvenile prosecutors conducted almost 3.5 thousand preventive measures in more than 2,000 educational institutions during September 2025.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, more than 116,000 students in grades 6-11 took part in these measures.

"Effective prevention is possible only under the condition of joint responsibility - on the part of parents, teachers, law enforcement agencies and society. Only by joining forces will we be able to create a safe environment for children, where every child will feel heard and protected," the Prosecutor General's Office summarizes.
The path from a childhood spent exploring historic mansions to national recognition in interior design rarely follows a straight line. For Debby Gomulka, however, the journey has been remarkably cohesivea testament to staying true to one's passion and vision. Today, as she prepares for her role on the White House Historical Association's National Council and serves as US Ambassador for the Forum of Innovative Design Association, her story reveals how early inspiration can evolve into a lifetime of meaningful work that bridges past and present.

Debby Gomulka

Growing Up Among Legends: The Foundation of Debby Gomulka's Design Vision

Debby Gomulka's design philosophy wasn't born in a classroom or design studioit was cultivated in the historic district of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she lived surrounded by some of America's most legendary architectural achievements. The neighborhood was home to the grand estates of automotive pioneers, including the mansions of the Dodge brothers and Henry Ford himself. For a young girl with an innate appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship, these weren't just housesthey were daily lessons in what thoughtful design could accomplish.

"My background is historic preservation, and so a lot of my design comes from art history, history, history of buildings, culture. So, the art and culture is woven into my designs so that it then can be applied to modern day living," Gomulka explains. This foundation was further enriched by her family's commitment to experiential learning. Her parents, recognizing the educational value of historic places, made cultural tourism a family tradition.

The Gomulka family vacations resembled something from "The Brady Bunch," as she recalls, with the large family embarking on carefully planned trips to America's most significant historic destinations. Charleston's antebellum architecture, Colonial Williamsburg's preserved 18th-century buildings, and Washington D.C.'s monuments and museums all became part of her informal education. These weren't casual sightseeing trips but immersive experiences that taught her to see buildings as storytellers of their eras.

At home, her mother's extensive library of antique books provided another layer of education. These volumes offered glimpses into decorative arts, furniture styles, and the social history that shaped interior spaces across different periods. This combination of hands-on exploration and scholarly study created a uniquely comprehensive foundation that would later distinguish her work in the field.

From College Graduate to Design Pioneer: Building a 25-Year Legacy

Armed with formal training from Meredith College, where she earned her Interior Design degree with a minor in Art, Gomulka entered the professional world with both academic knowledge and an intuitive understanding of design's historical context. However, she didn't rush into independent practice. Instead, she spent five crucial years in the furniture and design industry, learning the business from multiple perspectives and building the practical experience that would prove invaluable when she launched her own firm in 2000.

One of her earliest major projects exemplified the ambitious scope she would become known for: the complete transformation of a 12,000-square-foot historic home dating to the 1840s. The mansion had fallen into disrepair and been converted into eight apartmentsa common fate for grand homes whose original owners could no longer maintain them. When her client purchased the property, most people questioned the decision. "That was the question that our people were asking me about the clients like, 'Who would be crazy enough to buy this house?' It's like a derelict project. Well, she had a vision and she had traveled to Morocco as a little girl," Gomulka recalls.

The project became a masterclass in adaptive restoration, requiring her to reverse decades of subdivision while honoring the home's architectural integrity. More significantly, it led to one of her most creative endeavors: the development of her own textile line in collaboration with NC State's Wilson College of Textiles. The client's childhood memories of Morocco inspired not only the home's design but also a fabric collection that would later gain national attention.

"It doesn't necessarily have to always be a historic project with an old building. It can be a brand new construction, and then what I would do is fuse in some elements that would give it according to that client. It would then be tailored to who they are, where they've traveled," she explains, highlighting her ability to bring historical sensibility to contemporary projects.

Her commitment to education and professional development has been equally impressive. She served as an adjunct professor at Cape Fear Community College, sharing real-world design experience with emerging professionals, and has held leadership positions with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), including receiving their Presidential Citation Award for her contributions to the field.

National Recognition and the White House Historical Association Honor

The trajectory from local success to national recognition reflects both the quality of Gomulka's work and her willingness to articulate a broader vision for the design profession. Her recent appointment as US Ambassador for the Forum of Innovative Design Association (F-IND) positions her as a voice for authentic creativity in an industry increasingly dominated by mass-produced solutions and social media trends.

"We're calling ourselves the modern day Michelangelo's, because back in the day, that's what they did. It was the Michelangelo's, the Da Vinci's, the painters, the ancient architects, Da Vinci. So, that's where it comes from. That's where the essence of my design philosophy comes from," she says, articulating a philosophy that values craftsmanship and individual vision over fast, formulaic approaches.

Her nomination to the White House Historical Association's National Council represents the culmination of decades spent advocating for historic preservation and thoughtful design. Founded by Jackie Kennedy, the organization operates independently of political considerations while supporting the preservation and interpretation of White House history. For someone whose career began with childhood fascination with historic homes, the appointment feels like a natural progression rather than an unexpected honor.

Recent features in Atlanta Style and Design Magazine, including their "Looming Large" cover story, and her selection as the only North Carolina designer for the prestigious Architectural Digest Hamptons Contemporary Show, demonstrate how her unique approach resonates with both regional and national audiences. These recognitions reflect not just design skill but also her ability to tell compelling stories through interior spaces.

The philosophy she shares with students and clients alike continues to guide her approach: "Just exactly what I teach my students today, my interns, don't be afraid to push your creativity. Go for it. You've got a creative idea, you've got a vision. Don't try to fit in. It's creative. Creative is abstract. It's not what everybody else is doing."

As she prepares for the White House Historical Association gala at the Met this fall and continues her work with the international design movement, Debby Gomulka's journey from that Michigan historic district to national recognition serves as both inspiration and roadmap for designers who refuse to compromise their vision for convenience or trend. Her story demonstrates that authentic creativity, rooted in deep understanding of history and culture, remains as relevant today as it was in the time of the Renaissance masters she so admires.
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) and the European Public Prosecutor's Office will have a permanent communication channel for a joint response to offenses that may concern EU funds allocated for the support and reconstruction of Ukraine, the SAPO has said.

On Tuesday, the SAPO said on Telegram that a meeting between the head of the SAPO, Oleksandr Klymenko, and the Chief European Prosecutor, Laura Kovesi, took place in Luxembourg.

"Following its results, the parties signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the SAPO and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)," the report says.

In particular, it is noted that the document opens a new stage in the interaction between Ukrainian and European prosecutors.

"It, in particular, provides for the creation of a permanent communication channel for a joint response to offenses that may concern EU funds allocated for the support and reconstruction of Ukraine," the SAPO emphasizes.

According to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, the signing of the Memorandum is evidence of the maturity of Ukraine's anti-corruption system and its integration into the European legal space.

"The European Public Prosecutor's Office was created to protect the EU budget from fraud and corruption. Cooperation between the SAPO and the EPPO will become an additional guarantee of the transparent use of international aid to Ukraine and will prevent abuses in the field of defense, humanitarian and reconstruction programs," the message says.

Also, according to the SAPO, this will create an impetus for strengthening the integrity of public spending and trust in the recovery processes, "so that every euro of partners works for a strong and stable Ukraine."

The visit took place with the support of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative.

"We are grateful to the partners who consistently and comprehensively contribute to strengthening the capabilities of the anti-corruption prosecutor's office," the SAPO said.
Violation of European airspace is a reminder that Russia's war is not limited to Ukraine - Sampierto

Violations of the airspace of a number of European countries show that the war unleashed by Russia is no longer limited to Ukraine, said the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons Sampierto.

"Russia's aggression threatens not only your country. It threatens the stability of our international order. It undermines the principles that ensure the security of our region and the freedom of our people. And the violations of the airspace of Poland, Romania, Estonia, Denmark, Lithuania remind us all that this is not only Ukraine's war," Sampierto said at a plenary session of the Verkhovna Rada on Tuesday.

According to the OSCE PA President, Putin must stop the war.

"He must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. And any peace ... must be agreed with Ukraine, not imposed on it," Sampierto noted.

He also expressed concern about Russia's deliberate and systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. "Russia must realize the seriousness of its behavior," Sampierto stressed.
Three documents on cooperation were signed by Ukroboronprom during the first day of work at the third International Forum of Defense Industries (DFNC3) in Kyiv, General Director of the Joint Stock Company "Ukrainian Defense Industry" (JSC "UOP") Herman Smetanin has said.

"The first day of DFNC3 for the Ukroboronprom team was quite productive. Meetings and negotiations were held, and some of them ended with the signing of memorandums of cooperation. LeVanta Tech Inc. We agreed on cooperation in the "float-and-fly" concept. And we also plan to jointly develop solutions to increase the speed and stability of our products. We are interested in developing production in Ukraine, as well as organizing training for our Gunsmiths," he wrote in the Telegram channel on Tuesday.

Smetanin reported that UOP is already cooperating with the Spanish company Escribano in the direction of modernizing armored vehicles with combat modules. "Today, new agreements were put on paper. We are talking about the prospect of cooperation in the field of air defense and deepening cooperation in the field of armored vehicles," he added.

According to him, the possibility of joint production of technical solutions and unmanned platforms is being considered with the Romanian company Romarm, and it is also planned to jointly attract investments to finance projects.

Smetanin thanked the partners for their readiness for cooperation and real steps that accelerate the implementation of the agreements.
Holly Goldberg Sloanthe author of The Elephant in the Room, Counting by 7s, and other works for young readersreturns with Finding Lost, a middle grade novel about grief and the power of nature to heal. Its been more than two years since middle schooler Cordys father, a commercial crab fisherman, drowned. Unable to afford their cozy rental home in a small coastal Oregon town, Cordy, her younger brother Geno, and their mother move into an acquaintances boathouse. Simultaneously, Mom waits tables and forms an escape plan to a better life. Then Cordy finds and adopts a lovable stray dog with extremely bad breath, whom she names Lost, setting into motion gradual changes that allow the family to open themselves back up to love. Sloan spoke with PW about fostering empathy, building community, and protecting the natural world.

Why did you focus on Cordys relationship with Lost, the familys recently adopted dog?

Part of it is personal. I had a dog as a child. That dog was so important to me. We moved a lot when I was a kid, and when you move, the dog has to adjust in the same way that you do. And as a kid, I would watch the dog learn a new neighborhood, smell new things, meet new dogs, the same as when I met new kids. I think that one of the most powerful relationships a child can have is with an animal. Animals love unconditionally. They need us and they arent very judgmental. Those things are so important, not just while growing up, but once youre an adult, too.

The family has been struggling financially since Cordys fathers death. Why was it important for you to showcase this element?

 One of the most powerful relationships a child can have is with an animal. 

One of the things Im trying to do in this book is show different parts of our society and community that are not as visible. It feels like, as a culture, we have become somewhat obsessed with moneyand not just with the acquisition of money, but the display of money. What happens to people who dont have that? What happens to people who might find that just taking in a dog becomes one mouth too many to feed?

But at the same time, in opening yourself up to the world without fearing the consequences, the worlds going to reward you for that. And thats what happens with Cordys family. It poses questions about priorities and values: what we care about and who we care about, and why we choose to care. The act of caring for a dog causes the family to step outside their own grief. If youre working to solve somebody elses problems, it makes you think less about your own.

In an authors note, you write that Finding Lost was inspired by your admiration for the special people who work hard every day enriching life in small town communities. Can you elaborate?

Before my mother died at the age of 94, a friend of mine said I should make a video asking her what her wishes were. I knew she wanted to be cremated, and I had a pretty strong idea of where she would want me to place her ashes, but when I started to record her, what she said did not jive with what I thought she was going to say. She said, I want you to take me to Florence, Oregon. I havent been to Florence in 30 years. I had a huge familiarity with the place as a child, but none as an adult. My friend later said to me, I think she wanted all of you to go back. She was saying that for you. She wanted you to get your brothers and your children and go to this place and see how special it was. So we went, and we put my moms ashes right where she told us to, and I made a connection to this place that I hadnt had in a long time.

I started reading the local newspaper, and I saw that thered been a terrible accident with the only surviving commercial crabbing boat in the area. I kept thinking about it. I couldnt imagine what that would be like. Something happened that was very sad to people who are out there working so hard for their community. In some ways, the characters in this book are stand-ins for other people in my life, especially from when I was growing up. Not only parents, but mentors, too: teachers, librarians, neighbors. All those people form a community. Retired people, people just passing through, people whose families have been there for generations.

Cordy knows that her mother wants to leave. But its the only place that Cordy has ever known. Sometimes I ask myself, Would it be right for them to leave? Is that the better thing, or is the better thing to stay? What does leaving look like? What does staying look like?

Cordy also cultivates a previously unrealized passion for the ocean. What inspired this angle?

The Oregon coast is a very wild place. The water is cold. Growing up, all of us knew somebody whod lost their lives in that ocean, and so you approach with caution. In Cordys case, her father works on a boat. She has spent time on the dock. Her father tells her shes a daughter of the sea. But she doesnt feel that, because shes always been afraid of it.

Theres something powerful about such a big expanse of water, of something way bigger than you, way more powerful than you. Its the same as turning off all the lights and looking up into the sky and seeing all the stars. Theres an aspect of it that tells you that you are one small particle in something much bigger. Its looking at nature in a spiritual sense; its recognizing and understanding that were the stewards of that. We need to protect that. We are that. Its the same as learning a new word; once you start to see something, its everywhere.

That happens to Cordy. She finds a dog, and that dog sniffs everything and barks at everything and sees everything, and though shes worried about the dog, the dog is showing her the world, and the dog is helping her lead a bigger life.

Finding Lost by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Rocky Pond, $17.99 Oct. 7 ISBN 978-0-593-53025-2
In a major shakeup at HarperCollins UK, longtime CEO Charlie Redmayne has resigned and the company has named Kate Elton interim CEO. It is announcement, HC did not give a reason for Redmaynes departure.

Elton will sit on HCs global executive committee and have responsibility for the U.K. and Ireland, reporting to HC president and CEO Brian Murray. HarperCollins India and Australia/New Zealand will now report to Murray. HC said an announcement about a permanent replacement for Redmayne will be made in due course.

Redmayne first joined HC UK as group digital director in 2008 and was promoted to chief digital officer before leaving the company in 2011 to launch and run J.K. Rowlings digital publishing business Pottermore. He returned to HC UK as CEO in 2013.

Elton joined HC UK in 2011 and since 2023 has served as group managing director for the adult commercial divisions, which incorporate HarperFiction, HarperNonFiction, Avon, One More Chapter, HarperNorth, HQ, Mills & Boon and Pavilion.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/oleksiikuleba

For the first time since 2022, when the Russian occupiers blew up a key water main, Mykolaiv received a centralized supply of fresh water, and the funds saved during the design of this facility in the amount of over UAH 2.5 billion will be directed to other water supply facilities, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction - Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba has said.

"After the Russians blew up a key water main, more than half a million residents of Mykolaiv were left without permanent water supply. To restore people's access to fresh water, we built a new water main in a year - an extremely complex infrastructure project," he said on Telegram on Tuesday.

According to Kuleba, during this time a new pipeline with a length of 136 km was completely built - in two strands of 67.9 km each. Pumping stations are ready. In August, a test filling of the network took place in compliance with all technological standards. "Today, fresh water is supplied to consumers," he noted. The Vice Prime Minister emphasized that the system is protected from shelling, as much as possible in the conditions of a major war, cable lines are laid underground, there are shelters for personnel, backup generators and modern equipment.

"I am grateful to Serhiy Sukhomlyn (head of the State Agency for the Restoration and Development of Infrastructure of Ukraine - IF-U) for his work. It was thanks to the expertise of the Restoration Agency that the cost of the project was reduced by more than UAH 2.5 billion . It amounted to UAH 6.3 billion, which is 25% less than the initial estimate," Kuleba said.

According to him, the saved funds will be directed to other water supply facilities, in particular, the construction of water pipelines in the Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Vinnytsia regions to ensure stable water supply for over 180,000 people.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review , providing a comprehensive assessment of the health and resilience of Australias financial system.

The Review highlights that Australias financial system remains well positioned to navigate a period of elevated global uncertainty.

The RBA views the largest risks to financial stability as coming from abroad:

High and rising government debt levels in major economies.

Stretched asset valuations and leverage in global markets.

Heightened geopolitical and operational risks.

However, the RBA finds that Australian households, businesses and banks are well placed to weather most shocks:

Most households with mortgages are keeping up with repayments and have built savings buffers.

Many businesses have established financial buffers.

Australian banks continue to maintain high levels of capital and liquidity, positioning them to support the economy through potential disruptions.

The Review also underscores the importance of financial institutions maintaining prudent lending standards and strengthening operational resilience.
For more than seven decades, the Republic of KoreaUnited States alliance has been one of the worlds most enduring security partnerships. Born from the devastation of the Korean War, it evolved through the Cold War and the unipolar era to become a pillar of regional stability. However, the world the alliance faces today bears little resemblance to the one it was built to serve. North Korea is now a de facto nuclear power with a rapidly expanding missile arsenal. China has transformed into a global maritime and technological competitor. Russias war in Ukraine  and its growing military cooperation with Pyongyang  have added new volatility to the regional landscape. These shifts have eroded the assumptions that long underpinned the alliance.

The traditional framework  U.S. extended deterrence in exchange for basing rights and host-nation support  was designed for a bipolar confrontation, not a multipolar world shaped by simultaneous crises and technological disruption. To remain relevant, the alliance must move beyond its reactive, peninsula-centered posture and embrace a proactive, multidimensional approach. Modernization is no longer a policy option; it is a strategic imperative. Both Washington and Seoul now face a critical question: how to preserve deterrent credibility while preparing for a broader era of systemic competition in the Indo-Pacific. That requires a new understanding of security  one that fuses military readiness, industrial cooperation, and technological innovation within a coherent strategic framework. The purpose of the alliance must expand: not only to defend South Korea, but to help sustain stability across an interconnected world.

The backbone of the ROKU.S. alliance has always been extended deterrence  Americas commitment to defend South Korea with its nuclear and conventional capabilities. That assurance preserved peace on the peninsula for generations. However, the deterrence equation has grown far more complex. North Koreas solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile and tactical nuclear tests have heightened doubts about U.S. resolve. If Pyongyang can directly threaten American cities, some in Seoul fear that Washingtons nuclear guarantee could be constrained in a crisis. The United States, meanwhile, faces growing global demands on its resources. Confrontations with Russia in Europe and China in the Indo-Pacific risk stretching U.S. bandwidth, creating gaps in deterrence management. North Koreas coordination with Moscow and Beijing compounds this challenge. Military technology transfers, energy exchanges, and political cover among the three have blurred traditional boundaries between regional crises. Deterrence, once bilateral, now sits within a web of great-power rivalries.

To restore credibility, the alliance must adapt both conceptually and operationally. The creation of the Nuclear Consultative Group in 2023 was a welcome step, granting Seoul a greater role in nuclear planning and crisis consultation. But the NCG should evolve into a genuine joint decision-making forum, linked with integrated command and control mechanisms. Modern deterrence must also include missile defense interoperability, cyber resilience, and space-based surveillance. The credibility of deterrence will depend less on rhetoric than on visible coordination, shared risk, and mutual trust.

Alliance modernization also demands attention to its industrial and technological base. The United States faces mounting challenges in defense production. Shipyards are behind schedule, munitions stocks are strained by global commitments, and critical supply chains remain fragile. South Korea, by contrast, has become a defense manufacturing powerhouse, exporting K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, and FA-50 aircraft to partners from Poland to the Philippines.

This industrial capacity has strategic implications. By integrating South Koreas manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities into the alliance, Washington and Seoul can reinforce deterrence through sustainment. Korean shipyards could help ease U.S. naval repair bottlenecks, while its aerospace sector could service allied fleets at scale and speed. In any prolonged contingency, those capabilities could prove decisive.

Industrial cooperation also redefines burden-sharing. Rather than a debate over cost, it becomes a question of capability. Seouls contributions  in manufacturing, maintenance, and supply-chain resilience  demonstrate that alliance equity can be measured in productivity, not merely payments. For Washington, this approach complements the broader push for friend-shoring and defense industrial resilience. In the longer term, joint industrial planning could expand into co-development of emerging technologies such as unmanned systems, quantum communications, and artificial intelligence. Innovation, not just armaments, will determine the credibility of deterrence in the coming decades.

Modernization must also broaden the alliances strategic geography. The ROKU.S. partnership can no longer be confined to the peninsula. North Korean munitions are reportedly reaching Russian battlefields; Chinese coercion threatens maritime routes vital to South Koreas economy; and any conflict in the Taiwan Strait could disrupt regional trade and energy flows. The alliance must operate with global awareness. South Koreas expanding cooperation with Japan and NATO reflects this evolution. The 2023 Camp David trilateral summit institutionalized coordination among Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington  a breakthrough that links Indo-Pacific deterrence with Euro-Atlantic security. Meanwhile, Seouls arms exports to NATO members and participation in joint maritime exercises signal its growing global role. For South Korea, this expansion enhances influence but demands careful calibration to avoid overstretch. For the United States, an outward-looking Korea reinforces integrated deterrence, connecting regional alliances into a cohesive network. The modernization of the alliance is thus not only about strength, but about scope  the ability to shape, not just respond to, global security challenges.

Even as the alliance modernizes, it remains structurally asymmetrical. The United States provides nuclear deterrence and global projection; South Korea contributes regional expertise and industrial depth. Managed well, this asymmetry can be a strength. Institutional mechanisms are essential to sustain alignment. The NCG provides one such model, but similar consultative bodies could coordinate policies on cyber defense, supply-chain security, and technology governance. Institutionalized dialogue ensures predictability and minimizes policy whiplash caused by political transitions in either capital. Domestic politics also matter. In South Korea, debates persist over autonomy and dependence; in the United States, shifting political winds can reshape alliance commitments. Embedding industrial and technological cooperation within the alliance provides a stabilizing core less vulnerable to election cycles.

The modernization of the ROKU.S. alliance is not about preserving the past but preparing for the future. Nuclear coercion, technological disruption, and systemic rivalry all require a shift from static deterrence to dynamic resilience  an alliance that can adapt across domains and crises. Such resilience means integrating conventional and non-traditional capabilities, fusing industrial capacity with military planning, and sustaining political cohesion even amid uncertainty. The alliance should function as a living system  adaptive, networked, and self-sustaining. The ROKU.S. alliance has long been described as ironclad. To remain so, it must also become intelligent, industrial, and innovative. The next seventy years will not be defined by the number of troops or bases, but by the ability of both nations to adapt together  turning shared security into shared strategic purpose.
Members of the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement unite outside the steps of City Hall to pass out protest signs before the Mayor and Commission meeting at City Hall in Downtown Athens, Georgia, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. The AADM came together for an advocacy day in support of a resolution addressing racial inequities in the county. The resolution failed to pass, instead the commission voted 6-3 in favor of holding for sixty days which could lead to a recommendation for an ordinance that addresses racial inequalities. (Photo/Hosanna Worku)
Tata Trusts, which exerts decisive influence over India's most valuable conglomerate through its about 66 per cent stake of Tata Sons, finds itself in the midst of infighting among its trustees over board appointment and governance issues.

Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Bombay House, headquarters of the Tata group.

Sources said the Trusts is said to be vertically split with one section aligned with Noel Tata, who was appointed chairman of the Trusts following the death of Ratan Tata. The other grouping of four trustees is led by Mehli Mistry, who has ties with the extended Shapoorji Pallonji family, which owns about 18.37 per cent of Tata Sons.

Mehli reportedly feels he has been kept out of the loop on key matters.

Sources said the flashpoint is said to be board seats at Tata Sons, which controls the 156-year-old group that spans around 400 companies, including 30 listed firms.

The dispute has its roots in a meeting of six trustees of the Tata Trusts, the umbrella group representing several charitable trusts, including the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sri Ratan Tata Trust.

The meeting on September 11 was convened to consider the reappointment of former defence secretary Vijay Singh as a nominee director on the Tata Sons board.

There are seven trustees of the Tata Trusts, including Singh. Singh did not attend the September 11 meeting as his nomination was on the agenda.

Following the death of Ratan Tata in October 2024, Tata Trusts introduced a policy requiring annual reappointment of nominee directors on the Tata Sons board once they turn 75. At the September 11 meeting, the reappointment of 77-year-old Vijay Singh -- a director since 2012 and trustee since 2018 -- was proposed by Trusts Chairman Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan (chairman emeritus of TVS Group).

However, the four other trustees -- Mehli Mistry, Pramit Jhaveri, Jehangir HC Jehangir, and Darius Khambata -- opposed the move, leading to the resolution's rejection.

Following the rejection, the four trustees sought to nominate Mehli Mistry to the Tata Sons board, but Noel Tata and Venu Srinivasan opposed the move, emphasising the need for a transparent process aligned with Tata's values. Subsequently, Vijay Singh voluntarily resigned from the Tata Sons board.

Another meeting of the Board of Tata Trusts is scheduled for October 10, but the agenda is not known.

When contacted, Tata Trusts, Tata Sons and Venu Srinivasan declined to comment.

Comments from Mehli Mistry could not be obtained as calls and messages remained unanswered.

Sources said that with the infighting among trustees of Tata Trusts threatening to impact the functioning of the over USD 180 billion conglomerate, the intervention of the government has become necessary.

"The primary question in front of the government, considering how significant and important the Tata Group is to the country's economy, is whether it can let an individual take control of it. The infighting among trustees of Tata Trusts has an impact on Tata Sons," a source said.

The development comes at a time when the deadline set by the RBI for public listing of Tata Sons, classified as an upper-layer shadow bank, expired on September 30, although the company has applied for "for voluntary surrender of the Certificate of Registration as a CIC (Core Investment Company) and to continue as an 'unregistered CIC'. The application is under examination by the RBI.

Some within the group feel that the four trustees led by Mehli Mistry have been trying to undermine Noel Tata's leadership in Tata Trusts.

The matter of listing Tata Sons under the RBI mandate is secondary at the moment compared to the threat of the Tata Group falling into the hands of a few individuals, another source noted.

Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, along with some trustees of the Tata Trusts are likely to meet union cabinet ministers, reports say.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked fintech firms to focus on risk management at a time when criminals are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos to manipulate people.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Speaking at the 6th edition of Global Fintech Fest 2025 here, the finance minister also said India has the potential of becoming the global hub for building various AI products and services.

During the event, Sitharaman launched the Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) of GIFT IFSC designed to settle transactions in foreign currencies on a real-time or near real-time basis.

With the operationalisation of the FCSS, GIFT IFSC joins a select group of global financial centres - including Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Manila - that have the infrastructure to settle foreign currency transactions locally.

The minister said India can also build AI products that fits diverse use-cases across the world. It can be a laboratory for developing and testing AI ideas.

"Our AI stack must be rooted in Indian languages, local contexts, and multimodal interfaces, so that it can be widely accepted and accessed by our citizens," she said and added that focused approach across the AI stack can make India the AI torchbearer for the Global South.

She said while artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed finance and governance, there are darker sides of the technology also.

"Even as AI opens extraordinary possibilities, we must confront its darker side.

"The same tools that power innovation can be weaponised for deception and for fraud.

"I'm not personalising it, but I can say, I have seen several deepfake videos of myself being circulated online, manipulated to mislead citizens and distort facts.

"It was a reminder of the urgency with which we must strengthen our defences," the finance minister said.

The new generation of fraud is no longer about breaching firewalls, it is about hacking trust, Sitharaman said.

Criminals, she added, are using AI to mimic voices, clone identities and create lifelike videos that can manipulate people.

The minister further said fintech in India is not a niche urban convenience, it is a nationwide enabler of economic empowerment.

India's fintech journey has transformed everyday payments into an invisible and inseparable habit, powered by UPI and digital public infrastructure.

"This is a good moment to reflect on what kind of financial future we wish to build and how do we get there.

"Fintechs must essentially focus on the fundamentals such as revenue growth, innovative product offerings, profitability, risk and compliance capabilities," she said.

The minister emphasised that responsible regulation is not a brake on progress; it is a seat belt for safe acceleration.

Fintech sector must help cover the small remaining gaps in the financial ecosystem, she added.

In the span of a single decade, India has connected a population equivalent to that of the entire European Union (EU) to the formal banking system, opening over 56 Crore Jan Dhan bank accounts.

India now ranks 3rd in the world in terms of having the number of fintech companies and also leads in digital payment volumes, having processed over 18,580 crore UPI transactions worth Rs 261 lakh crore in 2024-25.

Nearly half the world's real-time digital transactions happen in India, with adoption rates of 87 per cent compared to a global average of 67 per cent, Sitharaman added.

She said the Government of India has leveraged digitisation by introducing Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for the beneficiaries of all its social welfare schemes, which has significantly boosted welfare efficiency by reducing subsidies and leakages, with savings of Rs 4.31 lakh crore and a 16-fold increase in beneficiary coverage between 2014 and 2024.

Shift from paper-based disbursals to direct digital transfers has ensured that public funds reach the people they are meant for, she added.

The Union minister said given the large population with 650 million smartphone users, the country should create scalable models for sectors beyond finance such as healthcare, education, agriculture, MSMEs, exports, etc.

"India can also build AI products that fit diverse use-cases across the world. It can be a laboratory for developing and testing AI ideas," she said.

The AI stack must be rooted in Indian languages, local contexts, and multimodal interfaces, so that it can be widely accepted and accessed by our citizens.

Focused approach across the AI stack can make India the AI torchbearer for the Global South, the minister added.

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AI making phishing attempts more targeted: CERT-IN chief

Photograph: Daniel Cole/Reuters

Government's cyber security agency chief Sanjay Bahl on Tuesday warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is making phishing attempts more targeted and the number of cyber-attacks will continue to increase with new technologies coming in.

"The malicious actors are the first ones who start using technology. And if you see the phishing attacks, they are very much being used with AI," Bahl, who is the director general at CERT-IN (Central Emergency Response Team), said at a session at the Global Fintech Festival 2025.

"So earlier, you could make out that this is a phishing email. Those who were reasonably attentive and had some idea that this is how phishing happens.

"But today, even they are being fooled because the AI is making it (the attack) so perfect that you cannot figure out whether this is a phishing email or not," he said.

He said that during Operation Sindoor, there were "coordinated attacks" in terms of misinformation, disinformation, website defacements, phishing attacks, among others, and all such attempts were thwarted.

"There was nothing which went through, there was no material damage to anything, there were no cascade impacts," Bahl said, adding that this was achieved due to years of preparation and capability building, among others.

The within-six-hour reporting really helped, so that in case someone saw something suspicious, they reported to CERT, and we were able to immediately look at what's happening and also alert others, he said.

"Obviously, we were looking at 24x7 monitoring, and any change in the baselines, we were able to alert the entities So there was a lot of preparedness in terms of drills that we were conducting," Bahl added.

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IFSCA to roll out guidelines for video-based KYC for NRI customers by November

IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy F1 Digitals/Pixabay.com

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) will issue guidelines on video-based KYC for onboarding Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers by November, IFSCA chairman K. Rajaraman said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the sixth edition of the Global Fintech Fest 2025, Rajaraman said that over the next few months, the focus will be on streamlining the KYC process, following directions from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who chairs the Financial Stability and Development Council, to make KYC more efficient and flexible.

"A consultation paper on video KYC was released a few months ago and now we are likely to notify (guidelines) by, say, by November, which means that now paper-based applications for opening a deposit account or an investment account and gift would not be required," he said in Mumbai.

Rajaraman also said that IFSCA is collaborating with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to introduce a faceless authentication system.

UIDAI has already implemented this system domestically, and IFSCA aims to extend similar capabilities to non-resident Indians (NRIs) abroad, enabling them to onboard seamlessly from locations such as San Francisco or Dubai.

"If we can implement this (faceless authentication system) within the next three to four months, NRIs will find it much easier to open accounts, invest, and transact through GIFT City in a fully digital, unassisted manner," Rajaraman said, adding that addressing the KYC challenge remains our top priority in the coming months.

IFSCA is a unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres.

On the newly launched foreign currency settlement system, Rajaraman said it will enable real-time settlements, improve liquidity management, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Earlier in the day, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman officially launched the foreign currency settlement system at GIFT IFSC. Currently, foreign currency transactions are typically settled with a delay of 36 to 48 hours.

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Paytm chief Sharma says the fintech did not inspire demonetisation

Photograph: Shailesh Andrade/Reuters

Paytm founder and Chief Executive Vijay Shekhar Sharma said that the fintech did not inspire the demonetization decision in 2016, and added that if it had such heft, it would not be suffering the way it is today.

Speaking at the annual Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, Sharma also spoke strongly in support of sovereignty in the artificial intelligence arena and added that he is starting AI-focused offerings now.

While explaining the company's roots in the payments business and the journey till now, Sharma made the remarks about the government's demonetisation decision, when high-value notes ceased to be legal tender overnight, giving a thrust to the digital payments alternatives.

"In November 2016, when something happened (demonetisation), people felt we inspired it. But, if we had such heft (aukaat), then we wouldn't be suffering the way we are today," Sharma said.

In the last few years, Paytm has been under the regulatory glare, including facing action from both the Reserve Bank and also the capital markets regulator Sebi, for a variety of alleged lapses.

When asked about what is next for him, Sharma spoke about AI ambitions, tying it up with what should be the country's aspirations.

Sharma said Paytm as a brand is associated with payments technologies and financial services, and hence, he will be adopting a newer brand identity for the AI services.

Without specifying the exact services which he has in mind, Sharma said he is "uncomforted" by the lack of work on AI in India.

"For India, the sovereignty of AI is equal to virginity in a way. India should not give in to the sovereignty of AI to the foreign world at all. It is my belief that we as a country are capable and will build it," he said.

The country has relied on operating systems made in the US throughout its technological evolution, he said, pointing to its reliance on American platforms for running computers, cloud networks, and mobile phones.

Admiring the work done by China, he said the country's northern neighbour has built their own rockets, and also said that a mobile phone company built its own operating system when a US company disallowed it from using its wares.

Meanwhile, in an earlier session at the same event, Sharma also stressed on startup founders exercising their control over initial public offer pricing and not depending on any external stakeholders on the same.

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NPCI launches slew of UPI-focused products

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Tuesday launched a slew of initiatives centred around its flagship unified payments interface (UPI), including an on-device biometric authentication.

Apart from this, it also launched an Aadhaar-based Face Authentication in UPI to enable Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication for setting or resetting UPI PIN.

In addition, it launched a new mode for Cash Withdrawal through Micro ATMs using UPI at UPI Cash Points which are run by business correspondents, as per an official statement.

Department of Financial Services (DFS) secretary M Nagaraju launched a majority of the products at the annual Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.

The On-Device Authentication for UPI, enables customers to authenticate UPI payments directly through their smartphone's built-in security options such as fingerprint or face unlock as an alternative to manually entering the UPI PIN, an official statement said.

The facility will be made available to customers who choose to opt in, giving them control over their preferred mode of authentication, it said.

Global payments major Paypal also announced a tie-up with NPCI arm NPCI International Payments to integrate UPI on Paypal World, a global platform expected to launch in 2025.

The NPCI arm becomes the first entity globally to partner with the nearly 25-year-old PayPal's new service, which will help Indians using UPI make payments to foreign merchants in Indian rupees.

Paypal solves the complexity of cross-border commerce with a cloud native, multi-region deployment architecture that ensures low latency and high availability worldwide, an official statement said.

Apart from these, Reserve Bank Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar also launched several products at the same event, including an initiative that allows joint account holders and multi-signatory account holders to use UPI for payments.

The DG also launched small-value transactions using wearable glasses via UPI Lite, as well as forex on Bharat Connect.
While Asim Malik's role in Pakistan's recent warming up of relations with the US is acknowledged, army watchers note a recent distancing, what with Asim Munir not wanting his DG, ISI to share the limelight during his subsequent sojourns to Tampa and Brussels, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

IMAGE: Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, Director General, Inter Services Intelligence. Photograph: Kind courtesy X

Sajjad Hossain's October 6 report in the Express Tribune about Director General, Inter Services Intelligence (DG, ISI) Lieutenant General Asim Malik continuing in his post has predictably led to all manner of speculative tongue-wagging among Pakistani analysts about possible ramifications on the internal political scene and rumblings within senior military echelons.

October 6, 2021 marked Asim Malik's promotion as lieutenant general in the Pakistan army. He is a sword of honour from the 80th Long Course at the Pakistan military academy, Kakul and the senior-most three star general currently.

Such orders are usually issued under the vague bureaucratic phrase 'till further orders', as this one has apparently. It is not even clear whether the order emerged from the prime minister's office or army Headquarters.

Yet, technically his four year term would have meant an end to his military career if usual procedures of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 were to prevail. He could continue to don the national security adviser post in a 'civilian' avatar, which has not been chosen as the preferred path for his continuance.

Precedents exist, from fairly recent times of extensions being given to directors general, ISI for their unstinted loyalty to the army chief and general reliability in this powerful post, the cases in point being those of Lieutenant General Ahmed Shuja Pasha (October 2011-March 2012), under General Ashfaq Kayani and Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum (September 2023 - September 2024), under Generals Qamar Bajwa and Asim Munir.

Lieutenant General Pasha survived in his post despite the debacle of Osama bin Laden's discovery and elimination by US commandos in Abbotabad, located close to the PMA, Kakul.

Lieutenant General Anjum weathered a combative Imran Khan's tirade against the army leadership just before Asim Munir's accession (May-November 2022), aided by the then ambitious serving contender, Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed.

One view is that the extension has been given to cause the least amount of heartburn among currently serving three star generals, who could be aspiring for elevation to a four star general's post. The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) post falls vacant on November 27, 2025.

If Asim Malik were to continue as lieutenant general, he would become junior and stand superseded if someone else from the current crop of serving three stars is elevated as the CJCSC.

Sources close to the Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf party allege that even General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the incumbent CJCSC and hitherto known to be a completely 'straight bat' professional, has let out feelers for a possible extension. This could pose a minor dilemma to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir.

Another opinion holds that with Asim Munir becoming a five-star field marshal, two posts of four star generals will be available in November, so both Asim Malik and one other Munir favourite could be elevated if only to contain the disgruntlement at this level against the army chief's indefinite and long tenure.

While Asim Malik's role in the recent warming up of relations with the United States is acknowledged, army watchers note a recent distancing, what with Asim Munir not wanting his DG, ISI to share the limelight during his subsequent sojourns to Tampa and Brussels, where he appeared to cross all red lines in his vitriolic anti-India outpourings before the Pakistani origin diaspora. These analysts allege that the extension may not last too long and could be intended to eventually render Asim Malik toothless.

Contenders for the DG ISI's post abound. Among serving three star Generals, Quartermaster Muhd Hassan Khattak, 16 Frontier Force Regiment, of the 84th PMA, was recently promoted from the post of DG (K) (for Kashmir desk?) in the ISI.

Akif Iqbal, 37 Punjab Regiment of the 84th PMA, is the second senior most major general chaffing for promotion. He is currently Deputy DG, Counter Terrorism at the ISI.

Another ISI officer is Major General Mohd Shahbaz Tabassum, 82nd PMA, currently, DG (X). He belongs to the Corps of Military Intelligence, whose career ladder usually stops at the two star level.

Slightly lower in the pecking order stands Wajid Aziz, 39 Punjab, of the 86th PMA, who was appointed director general, military intelligence, by Asim Munir. He hails from a conservative army family and is regarded as very close to the army chief.

Not to be underestimated is Major General Faisal Naseer, 85th PMA, also from the Corps of military intelligence but extremely powerful as DG Counter Intelligence in the ISI and loyal to Asim Munir in neutralising the challenge posed to him by the Imran Khan-Faiz Hameed duo in the days gone by.

Amidst this churn, nothing is being heard about what fate may befall Faiz Hameed. His court martial proceedings have long been completed but the outcome is being kept tightly under wraps for a possible conspiracy link up charge with Imran Khan, even as the now seemingly pliable higher Pakistani judiciary deals with May 9, 2023 violence cases.

One report claims a desperate Faiz Hameed reportedly asked his defence lawyer to call former army chief General Bajwa and the incarcerated Imran Khan as witnesses in his case.
'We are not all Abduls, you know. Our community has any number of retired civil and defence officers, doctors, engineers, lawyers.'

IMAGE: Devotees offer prayers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha at the Idgah in Bhopal. Photograph: ANI Photo

Last month, the Supreme Court of India stayed some of the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, passed by Parliament in April amending the original Waqf Act of 1995.

Akramul Jabbar Khan, a retired Indian Revenue Service officer and co-director of the watchdog NGO Waqf Liaison Forum, has been monitoring the working of Waqf Boards since his retirement more than a decade ago. He would despair at the way these boards neglected precious land donated over the centuries for the good of the community.

However, the government's Waqf (Amendment) Act has left Khan pessimistic about whether any good can now come out for Muslims from Waqf lands.

Jyoti Punwani spoke to him about his views on the interim Supreme Court order.

The concluding segment of a two-part interview:

Part 1 of the Interview: 'Irreparable Harm If Govt Takes Over Waqf Properties'

The court has also not stayed the removal of the exemption from the law of limitation, given by the 1995 Waqf Act to Waqf properties. This enabled a Waqf Board to initiate legal proceedings to recover encroached Waqf land at any time.

Why were the petitioners against this removal?

Waqf land cannot be compared to any other land. Pious people have donated lands for the welfare of the poor. These cannot be bought and sold. It is the Waqf Boards' duty to get these lands back from encroachers, however long that might take.

This is the same Supreme Court which upheld the principle: 'Once a waqf, always a waqf' in 1976 in the Labbai case. Yet, now it is allowing it to be treated as any private land.

What's worse, a similar section -- exemption from the law of limitation -- that exists in the Hindu Endowment Act remains untouched. As a government how can you create this differentiation?

IMAGE: Humayun's Tomb in New Delhi. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

The court has stayed the rule saying that only someone who can prove that they have been practising Islam for at least five years can dedicate a property as Waqf. The stay is till the government frames rules to determine this.

That must come as a relief?

How will a government decide who is a 'practising Muslim'?

Here, the court has quoted Islamic provisions to say that only Muslims can create a Waqf. But these provisions were made at a time when it was not envisaged that a non-Muslim would donate land as Waqf.

How come the secular principle doesn't apply here?

What happens now to lands donated to Muslims by Shivaji Maharaj's grandfather and descendants, and by Shahuji Maharaj, ruler of Kolhapur?

The court has stayed the power of the collector to inquire whether a Waqf property is government property.

Surely that's a big victory?

That's the only merciful outcome of this order. The court has said that judicial oversight will have to be necessary for such decisions.

IMAGE: People protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo

Was the original Waqf Act 1995 deficient in its aim of providing succour to poor Muslims through Waqf properties?

On the contrary.

The government has repeatedly claimed that it amended the Act so that poor Muslims and women could benefit from Waqf properties. But had the government been honest, there were enough clauses in the original Waqf Act through the implementation of which they could have ensured benefits far and wide.

Consider these provisions:

The Act makes it mandatory for annual Waqf Board reports to be tabled in the assembly. In Maharashtra at least, this has never been done.

The Act provides for a regular survey of Waqf lands to be done. That provision remained unused. The government could have seen to its implementation. Had such surveys been carried out, the ridiculous charge of the 'Almighty Waqf Board' would have fallen flat on its face.

The Act provided for penalties for defaulting mutawalis (caretakers of Waqf properties). You've never levied such penalties.

Instead, Waqf lands have been treated as khichdi served in a thali to which everyone helps themselves, and all governments -- state and central -- have refused to act against the corrupt and inefficient mutawalis.

The Central Waqf Council has been headless for four years. Why wasn't someone appointed? We are not all Abduls, you know. Our community has any number of retired civil and defence officers, doctors, engineers, lawyers. Why couldn't you find ways to appoint someone qualified?

IMAGE: Akramul Jabbar Khan IMAGE: Akramul Jabbar Khan

So do you feel let down by the court?

When a majority of amendments remain to be considered, such a long order, mostly justifying the government's actions, could have waited.

But sorry to say, I've seen better orders.

We look upon the Supreme Court with a lot of respect.

Milords should have thought about the impact this new bill would have on society. It strengthens the false narrative of the government, which is being propagated by WhatsApp University, that Waqf Boards have taken over government lands and private lands of Hindus.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The Estonian company Milrem Robotics will provide Ukraine with more than 150 THeMIS combat unmanned platforms. The project is financed and coordinated by the Netherlands.

"Milrem Robotics - a leading global developer of robotics and autonomous systems - will supply Ukraine with more than 150 THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) as part of a charitable program financed and coordinated by the Netherlands. A significant part of these vehicles will be assembled and delivered in cooperation with VDL Defentec," the company's website says.

According to the information, the deliveries will be carried out by Milrem Robotics Netherlands in close cooperation with VDL Defentec, which is creating a special final assembly line at its factory in Born. The assembly line design is designed with scalability in mind, which will allow for increased production and delivery volumes in accordance with future needs.

We are honored to lead this project in partnership with the Netherlands and VDL. The THeMIS platform has already proven its value in combat conditions, and we believe that this contribution will significantly strengthen Ukraines defense capabilities, said Kuldar Vaarsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

Milrem Robotics will conduct comprehensive training of Ukrainian operators and support personnel to ensure the effective use and maintenance of the equipment in the field.

The new units will complement the 15 THeMIS vehicles already in operation in Ukraine and since 2022 have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield.

THeMIS is a highly adaptable unmanned vehicle platform designed to support infantry troops, logistics, reconnaissance and combat missions. It is currently part of robotics programs or in use in 19 countries, making it the most widely used unmanned vehicle in its class.
Glimpses from the Indian Air Force's dress rehearsal in Ghaziabad ahead of Air Force Day.

Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8, marking the day the Indian Air Force was established in 1932.

The celebrations, held primarily at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad, feature aircraft fly-pasts and displays of aerial prowess.

IMAGE: Full dress rehearsal underway at Hindon Air Force Station, here and below. All photographs: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon was on Tuesday allegedly attacked by Trinamool Congress workers while distributing flood relief materials in Alipurduar, a day after two senior BJP leaders were assaulted by a mob in adjoining Jalpaiguri district.

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon (second from left). Photograph: Courtesy Facebook

Oraon, who sustained injuries in the incident, claimed that a group of TMC workers attacked him and his supporters when they were distributing relief items among flood-affected villagers in his constituency Kumargram. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment.

"While trying to help flood-hit people, I was suddenly surrounded and attacked. This is the state of democracy under the TMC," Oraon reportedly said from the hospital.

The TMC, however, denied the charges and dubbed them as "baseless".

"The charges are baseless. It was Manoj Oraon who had assaulted an aged man in his area first," a local TMC leader said.

The West Bengal unit of the BJP strongly condemned the incident, accusing the ruling TMC of "terror politics" in the state.

"Whenever we stand beside flood-hit people in north Bengal, the TMC unleashes its rampage! In Mamata Banerjee's rule, even showing solidarity with people in distress has become a crime! BJP MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon, party workers, and central forces were attacked," the party posted on X along with a video of the attack.

PTI, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

"The TMC does not understand the language of humanity, it only understands the politics of terror. While the people of north Bengal await help amid the devastation caused by floods, the TMC remains busy spreading fear and violence. Trinamool's politics means nothing but hooliganism, lies, and hatred," the BJP said in a post on X.

The BJP also shared visuals on social media showing the injured MLA being taken to the hospital and several damaged vehicles in the area.

This latest attack comes barely a day after BJP MP Khagen Murmu and Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh were injured in an assault during relief distribution in Jalpaiguri district's Nagrakata area on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Monday criticised the TMC regime for its "pathetic" law and order situation, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee hit back, accusing him of "politicising a natural disaster".

Large parts of north Bengal, including Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Darjeeling, have been reeling under severe floods and landslides following torrential rains over the past week, which have left at least 30 people dead and many missing.
Telangana transport and backward classes welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar found himself in a controversy on Tuesday after his cabinet colleague Adluri Laxman Kumar demanded an apology over a remark allegedly made against him.

IMAGE: Telangna minister for SC developmentAdluri Laxman Kumar. Photograph: ANI on X

The row erupted after a purported video of Prabhakar's alleged remark at a meeting in Hyderabad went viral.

The issue took a casteist angle with some Congress MLAs, belonging to SC category, met state Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud in solidarity with Laxman Kumar, who also belongs to SC community.

Laxman Kumar, minister for SC development, tribal and minorities welfare, said in a video shared with media that Prabhakar should acknowledge his mistake and tender an apology.

He warned that Prabhakar would be "responsible for the consequences if there is no change in his stance" in a day and added the he has sent letters on the matter to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and AICC incharge of party affairs in Telangana Meenakshi Natarajan.

Laxman Kumar also said he would meet Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders.

Speaking to media, Prabhakar, who belongs to Backward Classes, denied making any objectionable comments against anyone.

It is better not to respond to the alleged conspiracies of the BRS and BJP, he said, adding that he would clarify the matter to the party leadership if necessary.

Meanwhile, some Dalit MLAs of Congress met state Congress president Mahesh Goud and discussed the alleged insult to Laxman Kumar.

Goud told them he has already spoken to Prabhakar and Laxman Kumar and that the matter has been resolved.

He further informed the MLAs that he would call the two ministers on Wednesday and speak to them.
Madhya Pradesh deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla on Tuesday said a total of 20 children from the state have died so far while undergoing treatment for kidney failure after drinking a contaminated cough syrup even as Kerala banned the medicines manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals.

IMAGE: The Drugs Department sealing the Coldrif cough syrup containers during a raid, in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, October 5, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

He said five children are currently being treated in Nagpur - two each in Government Medical College and Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences and one in a private hospital.

Earlier, the state government had confirmed the deaths of 16 children from Chhindwara who had allegedly consumed cough syrup Coldrif, samples of which were found to have toxic contents.

Talking to reporters here after visiting the children undergoing treatment, Shukla said, "So far, 20 children from Madhya Pradesh have died while undergoing treatment...Two of them died in the past 24 hours."

Describing the fatalities as extremely tragic, he said the MP government will extend all possible help to the affected families.

The syrup responsible for the deaths was manufactured by a company based in Tamil Nadu, Shukla said, adding that action had been taken for negligence against the company owner, the doctor who gave the prescription and and the Food and Drugs Administration officials involved.

Around 600 cough syrup bottles have been found in Chhindwara, of which 443 bottles have already been recovered. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and anganwadi workers have been directed to go door-to-door to collect any remaining bottles to ensure none of them remain in use, he said.

The government is conducting an in-depth investigation into the incident, according to him.

Two-and-half-year-old Dhani Deharia, a resident of Bhariyadhana village in Tamia block, had died on Monday while undergoing treatment at the Nagpur Medical College hospital.

Her family members claimed that her health deteriorated after consuming the cold syrup prescribed by the doctor, and her kidneys failed.

On Monday, the state government suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director of the FDA and transferred the state's drug controller amid an investigation.

Chhindwara-based Dr Praveen Soni was arrested for alleged negligence, while a case has been filed against the company that manufactured the Coldrif cough syrup.

The Madhya Pradesh Police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the deaths and filed a case against the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer of Coldrif.

The Kerala government on Tuesday banned the distribution of medicines manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals.

The decision follows steps by the Tamil Nadu Drugs Controller to cancel the company's licence, state health minister Veena George said.

Sales of Respifresh TR, manufactured by a Gujarat-based firm, were also stopped immediately after the drug was found to be substandard, the minister said in a statement.

There are five distributors in the state supplying this medicine, and they have been instructed to stop distribution, George said.

Strict action will be taken against those selling this medicine. Those in possession of this drug are requested not to use it. These medicines are not distributed through government hospitals.

She added that strict action would be initiated against establishments that provide medicines to children under the age of 12 without a prescription from an authorised doctor.
A controversy erupted in Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur after a Muslim woman alleged that a doctor at the district hospital refused to treat her on religious grounds, an accusation denied by hospital authorities, officials said.

Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

According to Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) Dr Mahendra Gupta, the woman, Shama Parveen, a Biribari village resident, was brought to the district women's hospital at around 9.30 pm on September 30 for delivery.

A woman doctor on duty that night had examined her, he said.

On October 1, a video surfaced on social media purportedly showing Shama Parveen alleging that the doctor on duty told her, 'I will not treat a Muslim woman. I will not conduct your delivery,' and directed the nurse not to take her to the operation theatre, asking her family to take her elsewhere.

The CMS said he was surprised by the allegations and sought an explanation from the doctor concerned.

"The doctor denied making any such remark based on religion. An inquiry has been conducted into the matter, and the higher authorities have been informed," he said.

Police, meanwhile, have registered a first information report (FIR) against two local journalists -- Mayank Srivastava and Mohammad Usman -- who allegedly circulated the video on social media.

The complaint was filed by the CMS at the Kotwali police station, alleging that the two journalists forcibly entered the labour room, filmed videos, and caused damage to hospital property.

The incident has sparked sharp political reactions.

Samajwadi Party MLA from Machhlishahr, Ragini Sonkar, termed the case 'shameful', saying, "It is the result of the communal tension spread across the state. No woman in labour pain would lie about being denied treatment."

She said registering a case against journalists instead of acting against the accused doctor shows that the government 'cannot accept the truth'.

The MLA added that she would meet the district magistrate and, if needed, raise the matter in the Assembly.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Vikesh Upadhyay Vikki also condemned the incident, saying, "It is extremely shameful that a doctor, who has taken an oath to serve all sections of society, refused treatment on religious grounds. The victim has no caste or religion in such situations. Strict action should be taken."

Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Avnish Tyagi, however, rubbished the opposition claims as baseless and aimed at fragmenting the society.

"Public welfare schemes have been doled out to all sections of society on the lines of government's 'Sabka saath sabka vikas' motto, be it homes, health care, ration distribution, and other schemes there is no discrimination in the Yogi Adityanath-led government," Tyagi told PTI.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said a gift (hiba) under Mohammedan Law does not require a written document to be valid.

IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo

The court said there are three essential conditions for an oral gift -- a clear manifestation of the wish to give on the part of the donor, an acceptance of the gift by the donee and the taking of possession of the subject-matter of the gift by the donee, either actually or constructively.

A bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and S V N Bhatti said an oral gift that fulfils the three essential requisites is complete and irrevocable.

"A gift under Mohammedan Law does not require a written document to be valid. The mere fact that a gift is reduced to writing does not change its nature or character. A written document recording the gift does not become a formal instrument of gift," the bench said.

The court said delivery of possession is a critical and necessary element for a valid gift.

"It can be actual or constructive. Constructive possession can be demonstrated by overt acts by the donor that show a clear intention to transfer control. For example, the donor applies for the mutation of the donee's name in the revenue records," it said.

The apex court said the evidence of acting under the gift (collecting rent, holding title, mutation) is essential to substantiate the claim of possession.

"While Mohammedan Law allows for a gift to be made orally without a written document, the validity of such a gift is contingent on the demonstration of all three essential elements, particularly the delivery of possession.

"The courts will scrutinise 'contemporaneous' and 'continuous' evidence of the donee's actions and control over the property to determine if possession was indeed transferred. The lack of evidence (failure to collect rent, donor's continued control, lack of mutation) will lead to proving that a gift was never completed, regardless of any written declaration," the bench said.

The top court's judgment came on a plea relating to the partition and possession of agricultural land at Kusnoor village in Karnataka's Gulbarga district, which was given under an oral gift (hiba).
An Indian national fighting alongside the Russian military surrendered to Ukrainian forces, the Ukrainian military said on Tuesday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters

The 63rd Mechanised Brigade of the Ukrainian military, on its Telegram channel, released a video of the Indian national who identified himself as Majoti Sahil Mohamed Hussein from Gujarat.

There was no word from Indian officials on the matter.

Official sources said the Indian embassy in Kyiv was ascertaining the veracity of the report.

It has not received any formal communication from Ukrainian authorities on the matter, they said.

The Ukrainian military said 22-year-old Hussein came to Russia to study at a university, The Kyiv Independent newspaper reported.

In the video, Hussein said he was sentenced to seven years in a Russian prison on drug-related charges and was offered the opportunity to sign a contract with the Russian military to avoid further punishment.

"I didn't want to stay in prison, so I signed a contract for the special military operation. But I wanted to get out of there," Hussein said.

After 16 days of training, Hussein was sent on his first combat mission on October 1, and it lasted three days.

Following a fight with his commander, he surrendered to Ukrainian troops.

"I came across a Ukrainian trench position about two to three kilometres away," he said.

"I immediately put down my rifle and said that I didn't want to fight. I needed help. I don't want to go back to Russia," he added.

The 63rd Mechanised Brigade in its Telegram post said Hussein studied in Russia, but was caught with drugs.

"In order not to go to prison, he went to war," the post said.

The Ministry of External Affairs last month said that India had strongly called upon Russia to release and repatriate 27 Indian nationals currently serving with the Russian Army.

There have been reports that some Indians on student and business visas were forced into joining Russian military units deployed on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

India has been repeatedly asking Russia to release all Indians serving as support staff, such as cooks and helpers, with Russian military units.

The issue was raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Russia last year as well.

According to official data, the number of Indians recruited by the Russian military is now more than 150.

At least 12 Indians were killed while fighting on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine, while 96 were discharged by Russian authorities.

Another 16 have been listed as missing.
Senior Haryana police officer Y Puran Kumar allegedly shot himself dead at his Chandigarh home on Tuesday, officials said.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

The 52-year-old 2001 batch officer, known for his interventions in matters related to the rights of officers and seniority and other issues, had recently been posted as inspector general, Police Training Centre (PTC), in Sunaria, Rohtak.

His body was found in a room at the basement of the house with a gunshot wound, the police said.

His wife Amneet P Kumar, an IAS officer and commissioner and secretary of the Department of Foreign Cooperation, Haryana government, is in Japan as part of a delegation led by Chief Minister Nayab Saini. She is expected to reach here on Wednesday.

Physical and electronic evidences, including the weapon, were seized by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) team, they said.

According to the Chandigarh police, a "Will" and "Final Note" was also recovered and seized from the scene along with other evidences.

The police rushed to the Kumars' home in upscale Sector 11 after receiving information about the incident around 1.30 pm.

"The SHO, Sector 11, and his team inspected the scene. A reported suicide had taken place... The body was identified as that of Y Puran Kumar, IPS officer," Chandigarh senior superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur told reporters.

Asked if there was any suicide note, she had earlier said, "A team of the CFSL is inspecting the spot and investigations are on."

Those present in the house at the time are being questioned, the SSP said.

Kumar was earlier posted as Rohtak Range IG and had recently been transferred as IG, PTC, Sunaria.

Late Tuesday evening, Chandigarh police issued a statement about the incident.

"An information of reported suicide was received by Police Station 11, Chandigarh at around 1.30 pm from Sector 11, Chandigarh. On receiving the said information, the police staff and senior officers of Chandigarh Police reached the spot. The deceased has been identified as Y Puran Kumar, IPS 2001 Batch, Haryana Cadre. The body was found in a room at the basement of the house with a gunshot wound," the statement said.

The body has been sent to the mortuary for post mortem, it said, adding that the CFSL team has videographed and photographed the entire scene.

The wife of the deceased is expected to return from her official visit on October 8, after which postmortem shall be got conducted by a board of doctors, the statement said.

Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, the IPS officer Kumar, who served in several Haryana districts including Ambala, Rohtak and Kurukshetra, was an engineering graduate.

His retirement was due in May 2033.

Kumar is survived by his wife and two daughters, according to sources.

In recent years, the officer had been vocal about issues related to the representation of scheduled caste in police ranks.

During the parliamentary elections last year, Kumar had complained to the Haryana chief electoral officer on IAS and IPS officers holding multiple charges. He had also approached the state government alleging discriminatory and selective allotment of official vehicles to IPS officers in the state.

A few years ago he had accused a senior police officer of trying to humiliate and harass him on basis of caste. Kumar's death has left police and administrative circles in shock.

"The Haryana police is deeply saddened and shocked by the untimely demise of Shri Y. Puran Kumar, IPS, Inspector General of Police, P.T.C. Sunaria. We stand with his family in this difficult time. May God grant peace to his noble soul," Haryana police said in a post on X in Hindi
One hiker was killed while at least 200 people remain stranded on the Tibetan slopes of Mt. Everest after a deadly blizzard over the weekend, Chinese local officials said on Monday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Around 350 people, who were caught in the blizzard, have been rescued so far, they added.

A 41-year-old male hiker died from hypothermia and acute altitude sickness, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported, quoting local officials.

A total of 350 hikers stranded by heavy snowfall in Dingri County, Xigaze City in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, had safely arrived at a meeting point as of Sunday night, the agency reported.

Contact has also been established with over 200 others, who are approaching the meeting point in Qudeng Town with assistance provided by the county, according to information released by the Dingri integrated media centre.

Heavy snowfall began to hit Dingri on Saturday evening, affecting the hikers along mountain trails near Qudeng Town.

The county government mobilised emergency teams to coordinate communication and relief efforts in the affected area.

All hikers who reached Qudeng Town have been properly accommodated and provided with meals and medical check-ups, the report said.

They are in good condition, and some of them have already embarked on their journey home, it said.

A BBC report said on Sunday that over 1,000 hikers were stuck on the slopes of Mt Everest, the world's highest peak, in the Karma Valley.

According to videos and eyewitness accounts posted on social media by the stranded climbers, thunder and strong winds hit the remote area on Sunday, and incessant snow buried tracks leading to the spot.

A woman in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, whose husband went for a trek in the Tibetan mountains, said she got a satellite call from him asking for help. His group was stranded in heavy snow at Oga Campsite in the Karma Valley.

The woman, who preferred to be anonymous, immediately called local county police, who told her that some hikers had already contacted them and that they were sending rescue teams.

"But even for rescuers, it's not easy. They need to clear the snow to make a path. Local villagers and guides have also been mobilised to assist," she told BBC.

"The snow started falling heavily, so we stopped moving forward and set up camp. But the snow kept piling up during the night, and we were afraid it might collapse our tent, so we had to keep shaking it off," she recounted her husband telling her.

"He barely slept that night," his wife said. "He was afraid of being buried if he fell into a deep sleep."

The next day, his group decided to retreat to Cuoxuerenma camp, which is also in the Valley.

But the snow was so deep that they had to rely on yaks to clear the path, fearing hidden gaps in the snow could trap them.

Fortunately, the team had 16 people, including three guides and three yak handlers who could carry their 20 kg loads and clear the route.

She said her husband had paid over 10,000 Chinese yuan (USD 1400) for the trek. Her husband's team is expected to arrive in Cuoxuerenma later this afternoon. "I hope [his] team reaches them safely," she said.

Several people, mostly Chinese, posted photos and videos of local villagers and police organising rescue teams with mules, yaks and horses to rescue the stranded hikers.

China is currently shut down for an eight-day holiday from October 1 to celebrate the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival. Thousands visited Tibet to celebrate the holidays.
Actor-politician Vijay began reaching out to the families of the Karur stampede victims through WhatsApp video calls and assured them of his support.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: TVK/ANI Photo

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party chief, who has been facing flak from certain sections for not visiting the affected families in person, had made the video calls on October 6 evening, one of the affected families said.

"He made the call to my son-in-law and expressed his heartfelt condolences. He conveyed his regret over the incident and said it should not have happened. Also, he assured the family of his support," he told reporters in Karur.

Speaking to another family, Vijay consoled the woman saying, "I am like your son."

A source in TVK said it was not clear if Vijay would visit Karur. "But he has asked the party members to reach out to the affected families," he said.

Though the TVK is yet to make an official statement on his WhatsApp video calls, at least three families have confirmed that his empathetic talk since October 6 night continued on Tuesday as well.

A young woman, with whom Vijay spoke, was a sister of a victim who was among 41 persons who died in the stampede on September 27 at a political rally addressed by the TVK chief at Velusamypuram.

She said she could not blame the actor for the tragedy.

"My brother had gone to see Vijay, and he didn't return. The authorities could have deployed more police force to regulate the swelling crowd," she told media in Karur.

"He consoled me. He said he was like a brother to me. Vijay said he could not come due to the court case and that he would visit us after he obtained permission from the authorities," she added.

Her mother, who identified herself as Sumathi, said that Vijay had conveyed his heartfelt condolences and said the demise was an "irreparable loss." He had told her that he would come in person to offer his condolences.

A five-member team from the TVK had gone to the houses of the bereaved families and connected them to Vijay. Each call lasted for a few minutes.

Responding to a question on the actor's efforts to reach out to the affected families, Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan replied, "if Vijay is not guilty (of the tragic deaths), then he should have gone in person to offer condolences to the bereaved families. But he is afraid to step out because his own heart will scald him."
The detonation of the track, followed by the collapse of the locomotive and carriages of a train carrying military cargo, occurred on the morning of Tuesday, October 7, in the Leningrad Region of the Russian Federation on the Stroganovo-Mshinskaya railway section south of the city of St. Petersburg.

As a source in military intelligence told the Interfax-Ukraine agency, as a result of a successful special operation by unknown partisans, it was possible to paralyze the movement of trains with the St. Petersburg-Pskov connection.

The movement of trains on the Stroganovo-Mshinskaya section has been stopped due to "technical reasons," freight and passenger trains are moving in a detour with delays of several hours, Russian Railways says.

According to open sources, it became known that special services are working at the scene of the incident, and the railway tracks are being cleared of overturned train carriages. However, there are no photos and videos from the scene yet, as the Internet has been completely turned off in the area of the accident, and law enforcement agencies are working.

"Such special operations reduce the logistical and military capabilities of the Russian Federation, because Russian Railways is the basis of the logistics of the Russian army and a significant financial donor to the "war budget," a source in the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine emphasized.

It was previously reported that on September 14, 2 freight trains were sent to the slope in the Leningrad region of the Russian Federation, including one with oil products.
In a strong retort against Pakistan in the United Nations Security Council, India on Monday said its neighbour as a country that 'bombs its own people' and conducts 'systematic genocide'.

IMAGE: Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish addresses the UNSC open debate on 'Women, Peace and Security'. Photograph: ANI on X

During his remarks to the UNSC open debate on 'Women, Peace and Security', India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish said Pakistan conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army.

"Every year, we are unfortunately fated to listen to the delusional tirade of Pakistan against my country, especially on Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian territory they covet," the Indian envoy said.

"A country that bombs its own people, conducts systematic genocide, can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole," Harish said.

The world sees through Pakistan's propaganda, he added.

On March 25, 1971, the Pakistani army had launched a brutal crackdown involving widespread civilian killings throughout East Pakistan code-named 'Operation Searchlight'.

Harish told the council meeting chaired by Russia that India's record on the 'women, peace and security' agenda is unblemished and unscathed.

India's strong response in the council came after Pakistan, in its statement, raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

"To exclude Kashmiri women from the Women, Peace and Security agenda erases its legitimacy and undermines its universality," the Pakistani delegate said in her statement.

Harish, in his remarks, also said that India remains unwavering in its commitment to the 'Women, Peace and Security' agenda and stands ready to share its expertise with partners, particularly those in the Global South, fostering collective solutions to shared challenges.

He highlighted India's consistent contribution to UN peacekeeping as an expression of its commitment to global peace.

"What distinguishes India's peacekeeping legacy is not merely the scale of our contribution, but our pioneering recognition of women as indispensable agents of peace," he said.

As early as the 1960s, India deployed women medical officers to the Congo, marking one of the earliest instances of women serving in UN peacekeeping operations, the ambassador said.

This was not merely a symbolic gesture but a practical acknowledgement that women's perspectives, skills, and presence are essential to effective peacekeeping, he said.

In February 2025, India hosted the International Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South, bringing together women peacekeepers from 35 nations.

The two-day gathering examined the evolving challenges facing women in peacekeeping operations -- from addressing sexual exploitation and abuse to leveraging technology for enhanced effectiveness.

The conference was not merely a forum for discussion but a platform for developing actionable strategies to increase women's participation and their impact in future peace missions, he said.
India on Tuesday joined Russia, China and seven other nations to oppose efforts to deploy foreign military infrastructure in Afghanistan, against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's calls to the Taliban regime to hand over the strategic Bagram airbase.

IMAGE: Foreign secretary Vikram Misri meets Afghanistan acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Dubai, January 8, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

At a fresh edition of "Moscow Format" talks, the group of the countries held extensive deliberations on bringing prosperity and development to Afghanistan.

The countries described as "unacceptable the attempts by countries to deploy their military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighbouring states, since this does not serve the interests of regional peace and stability.

Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi participated in the Moscow Format talks for the first time.

Few weeks ago, Trump said the Taliban should hand over Bagram airbase to the US as it was set up by Washington.

At the talks in Moscow, the participating nations also called for strengthening counter-terror cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

"They emphasised that Afghanistan should be supported to undertake comprehensive measures aimed at the elimination of terrorism and its eradication within a short timeframe so that Afghan soil is not used as a threat to the security of the neighbouring countries and beyond," the statement said.

It said the countries underscored that terrorism constitutes a serious threat to the security of Afghanistan, the region and the wider world.

Besides India, Russia and China, the meeting was attended by Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The countries noted the need for Afghanistan's economic ties with countries of the region and beyond.

"They supported the active integration of Afghanistan into the system of regional connectivity," the statement said.

The Indian delegation led by ambassador Vinay Kumar backed an independent, peaceful and stable Afghanistan and socioeconomic development and prosperity of Afghan people, the Indian embassy in Moscow said.

Kumar reiterated India's position that a secure, peaceful and stable Afghanistan will serve the interests of the Afghan people and be fundamental to regional resilience and global security, it said on social media.

In his address at the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the situation in the region and the world as a whole is "complicated".

"We can see that your government is working towards stability in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. It is generally agreed that there have been major positive changes in the struggle against the terrorist threat," he said.

"The relevant UN bodies have noted a substantial decrease in the areas sown with narcotic plants," he said.

Lavrov said Russia is keen to provide an all-round assistance to Afghanistan in its fight against drug trafficking, terrorism and organised crime, and to ensure peaceful life for Afghan people.
Following the devastating fire at the trauma centre of Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh Hospital that claimed six lives, an official, who has been since been removed as in-charge of the unit, alleged that he had warned higher authorities about poor maintenance and construction work that had made the centre unsafe.

IMAGE: Charred remains after a massive fire broke out in the ICU of the Trauma Centre at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, in Jaipur on Monday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

He also claimed that no concrete action was taken to address the alarming situation.

A massive fire blazed through the neuro ICU on the second floor of the trauma centre on Sunday night, killing six of the 11 patients on critical care support.

Fourteen patients from another ICU on the same floor were also evacuated, and two of them later died.

However, the hospital administration has maintained that the deaths due to fire were six.

Taking action in the matter, the state government removed Dr Sushil Bhati, superintendent of SMS hospital, and Dr Anurag Dhakad, trauma centre in-charge and nodal officer, from their posts on Monday and replaced by Dr Mrinal Joshi and Dr B L Yadav, respectively.

The hospital's executive engineer, Mukesh Singhal, was also suspended.

The tender of the fire safety firm has been cancelled, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the company.

SMS hospital is Rajasthan's biggest government health facility, treating patients from across the state and elsewhere.

Dr Anurag Dhakad claimed that he wrote several letters to the SMS Hospital superintendent and other authorities concerned multiple times, cautioning about the presence of electric current in the walls, leaking roofs and serious faults in the electrical panels had made the trauma centre unsafe.

The most recent letter, he said, was written on October 3, just two days before the fire, raising concern about the duct and electrical panel.

"The ongoing construction work of the neuro operation theatre on the upper floor has damaged the VRV system, duct and electrical panel. There is a strong possibility of these being further damaged by falling debris. If any of this machinery is damaged, full responsibility will lie with the concerned department," the letter mentioned.

Last month, too, he wrote a letter and warned that rainwater seepage from the construction area above was creating dangerous conditions inside the operating theatres.

"Due to leakage, dampness has developed, and because of this, current is spreading through the OT walls and switchboards. This poses a risk of mishap to doctors, employees and patients," he said in the letter dated September 9.

"I had written multiple letters to the higher authorities regarding various serious issues pertaining to maintenance and potential dangers," he told PTI.

He said that it was for the higher authorities and departments concerned to take action on the issues raised in the letters, but no concrete action was taken.

A senior official said an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the fire and to examine whether prior warnings about electrical and safety hazards were ignored.

Those who died in the incident were Pintu, Dilip, Bahadur, Shrinath, Rukmini and Kusuma.

The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the victims.

The family members and attendants of the patients on Monday alleged that the hospital staff ran away when the fire broke out, leaving the patients in the middle of the fire and smoke.

Some of them claimed that they had alerted the staff about suspicions of fire, but they ignored it. Moments later, the fire broke out in the store room of the ICU.

Anguished relatives also held a brief protest and alleged that authorities were negligent, ignoring warnings and fleeing instead of rescuing the ailing and sick.

Among them was Rukmini's son Joginder.

"My mother was recovering and was supposed to be fine. But this disaster happened. When the smoke started, there were 15 to 16 people in the ward. People were trying to evacuate their own patients," he said on Monday.

"No one helped my mother. My elder brother grabbed a torch from the hospital staff, found our mother, and brought her out. No one went to help her. I could not save her and could not do anything," he told reporters.

Omprakash, whose brother Pintu was killed, said the fire spread rapidly.

"My brother was still inside. It took an hour and a half before they managed to pull Pintu out of the room. His body was not burned, but his face was completely blackened from the smoke. When we took him outside, there were no doctors present," he alleged.

However, officials maintained hospital staff and attendants evacuated patients and wheeled them outside the trauma centre, which is in front of the main hospital building on busy Tonk Road.

Vikas, a ward boy who was at the scene, told PTI that he and other staff members rescued as many people as they could before the billowing flames and smoke made it impossible for them to do so.

The fire was eventually brought under control only after about two hours.

CM Bhajanlal Sharma visited the hospital at night and held discussions with the officers. He instructed them to make all possible arrangements for the safety and proper treatment of the patients.

Later, several ministers as well as opposition party leaders visited the hospital.

PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among the other leaders who expressed deep condolences.
Kannada filmmaker Hemant Kumar has been arrested for allegedly blackmailing and sexually harassing a television actress after promising her a lead role in his film, the police said on Tuesday.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Kind courtesy Anete Lusina/Pexels.com

The 33-year-old was arrested on October 5 and produced before a court, which has remanded him to judicial custody, they said.

In her complaint, the actress, who has worked in several television serials, stated that in 2022 Kumar, who introduced himself as a producer and associate director, approached her with an offer to play the lead role in his film.

After discussions, she agreed to act in the film. On April 30, 2022, they entered into an agreement under which she was to be paid a remuneration of Rs 2,00,000, according to the police.

However, Kumar allegedly postponed the shooting for a long period and during that time repeatedly harassed her by insisting that she wear indecent clothes. He also allegedly behaved in an objectionable and inappropriate manner by touching her in a way that was offensive and insulting during shooting, the complaint said.

On August 5, 2023, Kumar organised a press conference in Mumbai to promote his film and asked the complainant to attend it. After the event, during dinner, he allegedly forced her to consume alcohol. The complainant stated that she refused and only had a mojito.

While she went to the washroom, Kumar allegedly mixed alcohol in her drink. After consuming it, she felt dizzy, during which the accused allegedly recorded videos of her without consent, edited them, and later used them to blackmail and sexually exploit her, the police said.

Recently, he allegedly threatened to upload certain video clips from that film, which has not been certified by the Censor Board, on social media platforms, in order to defame her.

The complainant subsequently approached the Bengaluru city civil court seeking a permanent injunction against Kumar and several social media platforms. The court issued an interim injunction restraining the uploading of any such videos.

Despite this, Kumar allegedly sent men to monitor her movements, causing fear and insecurity to her and her mother, the police said.

Based on her complaint, a case was registered at the Rajajinagar police station under sections 354A(2) (sexual harassment), 354D(2) (stalking), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.

Following investigation, Kumar was arrested on October 5 and has been remanded to judicial custody by a competent court, the police added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Chief Justice of India B R Gavai to convey his condemnation of a lawyer's attempt to hurl a shoe at him, and said the attack has angered every Indian.

IMAGE: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai. Photograph: Supreme Court/ANI Photo

'There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society,' he said and praised Justice Gavai for maintaining calm following the incident.

Modi posted on X, 'Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice B R Gavai Ji.

'The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable.'

He added, 'I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution.'

In a shocking security breach, a 71-year-old lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe towards CJI Gavai in his courtroom in the Supreme Court on Monday, prompting the Bar Council of India to suspend his licence with immediate effect.

Police sources said a note, containing the slogan 'Sanatan dharma ka apmaan nahi sahega Hindustan' (India will not tolerate insults to Sanatan Dharma), was recovered from his possession.

The CJI, who remained unfazed during and after the unprecedented incident during the court proceedings, asked the court officials and the security personnel present inside the courtroom to just ignore it and to let off the errant lawyer identified as Rakesh Kishore with a warning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted Russian President Vladimir Putin on his birthday even as the two leaders vowed to further deepen India-Russia special and privileged strategic partnership.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled in a car on the sidelines the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. Photograph: ANI Photo

Modi dialled Putin and warmly congratulated him on his 73rd birthday and conveyed best wishes for good health and success, according to an Indian readout.

It was the fourth phone call between the two leaders since early August.

Putin had also called up Modi on September 17 to greet him on his birthday.

"The two leaders reviewed the progress in the bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia," the readout said.

It said Modi conveyed that he looks forward to welcoming Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia annual summit.

The Russian president is expected to visit India around December 5 to hold annual summit talks with Modi.

The summit is expected to produce significant outcomes to further solidify bilateral strategic ties.

While preparations are underway for the high-profile visit, it is not yet clear whether the Russian president will come for a day-long trip or he will be in India for two days.

Ahead of Putin's trip, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will travel to India next month to finalise the finer details of the presidential visit.

The Russian president had last visited New Delhi in 2021.

The two sides are also expected to hold a meeting under the framework of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) before Putin's trip, people familiar with the matter said.

At the India-Russia annual summit, Modi and Putin are expected to deliberate on further expanding the "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership" between the two countries, they said.

India and Russia have a mechanism under which India's prime minister and the Russian president hold a summit meeting annually to review the entire gamut of ties.

So far 22 annual summit meetings have taken place alternatively in India and Russia.

In July last year, Modi travelled to Moscow for the annual summit.

Russia has been a time-tested partner for India and the country has been a key pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy
The National Investigation Agency on Tuesday charge-sheeted eight more accused persons in the 2020 transnational narco-terror network case involving smuggling of drugs into Gujarat from Pakistan via sea route.

IMAGE: The ATS and the Coast Guard carried out the joint operation near the Indian Maritime Boundary Line off Gujarat, April 12, 2025. Photograph: Courtesy @IndiaCoastGuard/X

The smuggling was aimed at financing the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba, the NIA said in a statement.

In the eighth supplementary chargesheet filed in the Salaya (Gujarat) drugs case, the probe agency has conclusively established the narco-terror conspiracy masterminded by Italy-based Simranjit Singh Sandhu, Australia-based Tanveer Bedi and India-based Ankush Kapoor, it said.

The chargesheet has been filed before the NIA special court in Ahmedabad based on extensive digital, technical, and documentary evidences.

Besides Singh, Bedi and Kapoor, other accused persons named in the chargesheet are Pakistani national Tariq alias Bhaijaan, Gagandeep Singh Arora, Tamanna Gupta, Sukhbir Singh alias Happy, and Anwar Masih, the statement said.

The case pertains to smuggling of 500 kg of heroin from Pakistan into Gujarat and further transportation to Punjab. The proceeds from the sale of the drugs were used for funding the activities of LeT, it said.

The NIA's investigations have revealed that the narco-terror conspiracy was spread across many Indian states, including Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab and Chandigarh, and several countries, including Italy, Australia, the UAE, Pakistan, Iran and Thailand.

According to the investigations, Kapoor was a key mastermind in India and responsible for managing the on-ground activities of the narco-terror syndicate in Punjab.

He coordinated logistics, storage and local distribution of the contraband and actively facilitated funding for the accused persons based both in India and abroad, the NIA said.

Singh was also responsible for organising transportation, storage, processing of the illegal drugs and the terror funding, it said.

The investigations further revealed that Tariq played a pivotal role in coordinating the smuggling of heroin into India, overseeing its transportation, facilitating its distribution in Punjab, and channelising the proceeds for financing LeT operatives, the NIA said.

Bedi was actively involved in both the smuggling and transfer of proceeds from the sale of drugs through international hawala channels to fund the LeT's terror activities in India, it said.

Tamanna, Sukhbir Singh and Masih have been charged for their deliberate roles in the terror funding conspiracy, according to the statement.

A hawala operator, Gagandeep Singh Arora, who is on the run, has also been charge-sheeted for facilitating laundering of huge amounts of money and illegal fund transfers to terror operatives, the NIA said.

A total of 26 accused have been arrested in the case so far while eight accused persons are absconding, it said.

The NIA said it is continuing with its investigation to track the absconders and destroy the syndicate as part of its efforts to eliminate the nexus between narcotics trafficking and terrorism.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday said there is "no manipulation or dirty business" happening in the investigation into the Air India plane crash that killed 260 people on June 12.

IMAGE: Fire fighters at the AI 171 crash site, June 12, 2025. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

His assertion comes against the backdrop of concerns expressed in certain quarters about the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) probe into the fatal crash.

Naidu said everyone has to wait for the final AAIB's final probe report to know what exactly happened.

"There is no manipulation, or there is no dirty business, happening in the investigation. It is a very clean and very thorough process that we are doing according to the rules...," he said.

The minister also said it will take some time for the final AAIB report into the crash and added, "We don't want to pressure them into coming up with some history report".

He was speaking on the sidelines of a book launch function in the national capital.

In one of the worst aircraft accidents in India, a total of 260 people, including 241 passengers, died after Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft operating flight AI171 to London Gatwick crashed soon after take off from Ahmedabad on June 12.

AAIB, in its preliminary report released on July 12, had said the fuel supply to both engines of the plane was cut off within a gap of one second, causing confusion in the cockpit soon after takeoff.

"In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so," it had said.

On September 22, the Federation of Indian Pilots urged the government to order a judicial probe into the Air India Dreamliner crash, alleging that the ongoing investigation is "compromised" and should be halted.

FIP represents around 5,500 pilots.

On August 29, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who was one of the pilots of the ill-fated Air India Dreamliner, demanded a 'formal investigation' by the central government.

In a letter to the civil aviation secretary and AAIB Director General, 91-year-old Pushkaraj said that selective leaks about the accident have led to speculation that Sumeet (56) was under tremendous psychological pressure and, therefore, was contemplating committing suicide.

"These innuendos have very adversely affected my health and mental setup, and the reputation of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. They tarnish Captain Sabharwal's reputation, which is a fundamental right guaranteed to a citizen of India under Article 21 of the Constitution of India," he had said in the letter.

Pushkaraj has demanded that the central government order a formal enquiry into the accident under Rule 12 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.

The Supreme Court, on September 22, termed as "unfortunate and irresponsible" the selective publication of a preliminary report on the June 12 Air India crash, which outlined lapses on the part of pilots and paved the way for a "media narrative".

Meanwhile, Naidu on Tuesday launched the book 'Above And Beyond, Exploring the Amazing World of Aviation', authored by Shiv Kumar Mohanka, DIG, CISF and Chief Airport Security Officer, ASG (Aviation Security Group) Hyderabad.
The Supreme Court on Monday reprimanded an Israeli businessman residing in India, questioning what he was doing in Goa when his family was "living in a cave", after he sought a halt to the repatriation of his two "daughters" who, along with their Russian mother, had recently been rescued from a Karnataka forest.

IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo

Expressing its disapproval, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said this country has become a "safe haven" where "anybody can come and stay", as it queried the man, who was seeking custody of the two children, if he had valid documents to stay in India.

Nina Kutina (40), a Russian national, and her two daughters -- aged six and five -- were rescued on July 11 by a police team on a routine patrol in a forest in Ramatirtha Hills in Gokarna of Kumta taluk area in Karnataka.

The woman and her children did not have valid documents to stay in India and were sent to a Foreigners Restriction Centre for Women in the state.

On September 26, the Karnataka High Court directed the Union government to issue travel documents for their repatriation to Russia.

Dror Shlomo Goldstein, an Israeli businessman living in Goa who claimed to be the father of the two minor girls, challenged the high court order. He sought the custody of the minors and a direction to stop the children from being sent back to Russia.

"Who are you? What is your right?... Please show us any official document where you are declared as the father of the minors," Justice Kant remarked, adding, "Why should we not direct your deportation?"

Counsel for Goldstein said the petitioner was the father of minor girls and he should be allowed to serve the copy of the petition on the Centre.

Justice Bagchi told the counsel that this petition is nothing but a publicity interest litigation.

"This is nothing but publicity litigation. What were you doing when your children were living in a cave?" Justice Bagchi questioned the lawyer.

Justice Kant said, "What were you doing in Goa?. Did you have any valid documents to stay in this country? You went to Nepal and extended your visa and then again went to Goa."

Sensing the mood of the court, the counsel sought permission to withdraw the plea, which was allowed.

Justice Kant observed, "This country has become a safe haven where anybody can come and stay."

On September 26, the high court permitted the Union government to issue travel documents to facilitate the return of the Russian woman and her two minor daughters. State authorities have said that she and the children had been living there for nearly two months without valid travel or residence documents.

Goldstein had earlier lodged a complaint at the Panaji police station in Goa in December last year after being unable to trace his children in India.

The high court recorded that the Russian consulate had stepped in and issued emergency travel papers for Kutina and her daughters, valid only until October 9.

It also took note of Kutina's own communication to the consulate, in which she expressed her wish to return to Russia at the earliest.

Goldstein's counsel at the high court had opposed deportation, arguing that such a move would go against the best interests of the children while custody proceedings were still pending.

The court, however, observed that Goldstein had not provided any satisfactory explanation for why the mother and children had been living in isolation in a cave before their rescue.

Emphasising the principle of children's welfare, the high court had stated that the mother's request to travel back to Russia and the Russian government's readiness to facilitate their return outweighed other considerations.

The Union government's law officer had informed the high court that the DNA report of the second daughter was received and communicated to the Russian government, which, in turn, issued Russian citizenship and emergency travel documents (ETD) to enable them to travel to Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that US President Donald Trump would severely damage relations between Washington and Moscow if he approved the delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, RT reported.

Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: US President Donald Trump shakes hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as they meet to negotiate for an end to the war in Ukraine, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska on August 15, 2025.

Late last month, US Vice President JD Vance said the White House was considering providing Kiev with Tomahawk missiles, which reportedly cost about $1.3 million each and have a range of 2,500 km (1,550 miles), allowing them to strike Moscow and beyond, RT said.

In an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Saturday, Putin said that such a move by Trump would "lead to the destruction of our relations. At least the positive tendencies that have appeared in these relations."

Earlier, speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club on Thursday, the Russian President said Ukrainian forces would be unable to operate such complex missile systems without the "direct participation of American military personnel."

Putin added that "the deliveries of American Tomahawk cruise missiles will not change the balance of power on the battlefield," noting that Russia's air defence systems had already adapted to similar Western weapon supplies.

He referred to the earlier delivery of long-range ATACMS missiles, which he said "caused some damage, but in the end, Russia's air defense systems adapted."

According to RT, the debate over Tomahawk deliveries began following a meeting between Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last month.

Reports suggested that Zelensky had specifically requested the missiles during that encounter.

Appearing on Fox News last Sunday, Vice President Vance said, "We're certainly looking at it."

The following day, special envoy Keith Kellogg hinted that Trump might have already authorised Ukrainian long-range strikes inside Russia.

Around the same time, the Financial Times quoted an unnamed US official who said that some within Trump's inner circle were sceptical about whether Tomahawks would significantly alter battlefield dynamics, RT reported.
Photo: t.me/vitaliy_klitschko

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko handed over 3,000 drones from the Kyiv community to the soldiers of the Third Army Corps.

"I handed over a new batch of aid from the capital's community to the soldiers of the Third Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine  another 3,000 FPV drones of various types. Let me remind you that since the beginning of 2025, almost 50,000 UAVs of various types, about 200 electronic warfare systems, vehicles, including armored and all-terrain vehicles, communication equipment," Klitschko said in Telegram on Tuesday.

Part of the drones from this batch will be received by the military of the Third Assault Brigade, which is part of the Third Army Corps.

"Since the beginning of the year, Kyiv has allocated UAH 500 million from the city budget for equipping this brigade. Last year, the third assault brigade received, in particular, over 10,000 drones and 20 new Toyota Hilux pickup trucks. They were purchased with city funds," the mayor said.

It was previously reported that since the beginning of the year, almost UAH 11 billion has been allocated from Kyiv budget for the needs of the Defense and Security Forces.
United States President Donald Trump has denied that he recently told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop being so 'f***ing negative' and 'take the win' after Hamas accepted parts of Washington, DC's proposal for ending the Gaza war, while saying that it would have to hold talks regarding other portions of the plan, The Times of Israel reported.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a joint press conference in the East Room at the White House, on February 4, 2025. Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters/Rediff Archives

"No, it's not true. He's been very positive on the deal," Trump said of Netanyahu.

Trump at times has avoided criticising Netanyahu in public, even as reports have mounted about his private frustration with the Israeli premier, including during a tense phone call last week in which the Axios news site reported the US president responded angrily when Netanyahu said Hamas's ambivalent response was 'nothing to celebrate', as per The Times of Israel.

When he was asked whether he had any red lines for Hamas in the fresh round of negotiations that kicked off Monday in Egypt, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he does.

"If certain things aren't met, we're not going to do it," Trump said, as quoted by The Times of Israel.

"But I think we're doing very well. Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important," Trump revealed, without elaborating.

As per The Times of Israel, Trump added that he was 'pretty sure' there's going to be a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, saying Hamas had been 'fine' as of late.

"I think we're going to have a deal. They've been trying to have a deal with Gaza literally for centuries," Trump said.

He avoided giving a timeline for when a deal will be announced after a reporter asked him if hostages will be released Tuesday to coincide with the two-year anniversary of Hamas's October 7 onslaught that sparked the ongoing war.

Asked whether he was in contact with hostage families about his proposal, Trump said he was and that the relatives of captives have been elated.

"They're so happy about it. One said, 'I can't breathe'."

"The people of Israel want this to happen," he continued, referencing the weekly protests in Israel attended by tens of thousands calling for a hostage deal and an end to the war, regularly pushing messages largely against those of Netanyahu's government, as per The Times of Israel.
Winnability to be paramount in selection of candidates, followed by clean public image and proven loyalty to the BJP.

IMAGE: Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Giriraj Singh, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Sinha, Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party President Dilip Jaiswal, BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde and others during an election committee meeting at the BJP office in Patna, October 4, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to drop more than two dozen sitting members of the legislative assembly in Bihar, including a few ministers, to neutralise the perceived anti-incumbency sentiment ahead of the November assembly elections.

Sources within the party indicate the leadership has almost finalised a high-risk strategy, modelled on its successful overhaul in the 2022 Gujarat polls, to field new and 'fresh faces' across constituencies.

"The party leadership has made up its mind to play the 'Gujarat Model' in the Bihar assembly elections to deny party tickets to a large number of sitting MLAs, including a few ministers, to minimise the anti-incumbency factor," a senior BJP leader confirmed.

The BJP had denied tickets to 45 out of 108 MLAs in the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections, a strategy that proved successful in returning it to power.

It is now poised to implement this model in Bihar, where anti-incumbency is reportedly visible 'at the ground level'.

According to party insiders, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the BJP's principal election strategist, is the architect behind the decision to deploy the 'Gujarat Model' in the state.

This strategy was reportedly discussed during the BJP's election committee meeting in Patna on Saturday, October 4, chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the election in-charge for the Bihar polls.

Pradhan reportedly informed senior party leaders that the BJP would not compromise on the selection of candidates.

The party has established three key criteria for candidate selection: Jeetnewala Ummidwar (winnable candidate), a clean public image, and proven loyalty to the party.

"The party election committee discussed prospective candidates on Saturday and on Sunday before finalising the list of candidates for the polls," stated state BJP President Dilip Jaiswal, adding that the 'winnability' factor was paramount, as the party is aiming to significantly improve its performance in the state.

IMAGE: Ticket seekers gather at the BJP office in , Patna, October 5,2025, for the Bihar assembly election. Photograph: ANI Photo

While popular MLAs who face no strong anti-incumbency may receive another chance, those who have "failed to perform and are facing resentment among people" are likely to be replaced.

The BJP has been in power in Bihar alongside Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United since 2005 (with one four-and-a-half-year break).

"The BJP will deny party tickets to a few ministers and many sitting MLAs. The party has identified two dozen sitting MLAs who will be denied tickets this time, and new faces would replace them to contest polls to face anti-incumbency," another senior party leader disclosed.

MLAs who may be dropped include Bhagirathi Devi, Rashmi Verma, Gyanendra Singh Gyanu, Amrendra Pratap Singh, Mishri Lal Yadav, C N Gupta, Ramnarayan Mandal, Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Nand Kishore Yadav and Vinay Bihari.

"Some of them would be denied tickets on the age above 70 years, others will face denial of tickets on winnability factor, loyalty, unpopularity, poor performance and negative image," a BJP leader said.

Internal surveys conducted by the party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh revealed that more than 30 BJP MLAs are unpopular, with people expressing unhappiness and anger over their conduct and work.

"Resentment among the people is against them," a source said, terming the move a "political compulsion" as the party aims to surpass its 2020 tally of 74 seats.

The BJP is actively working on strategies to emerge as the single-largest party in the 243-member assembly.

In the last assembly polls in 2020, the BJP won 74 assembly seats, one less than the Rashtriya Janata Dal that emerged as the single largest party with 75 seats.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'She was the embodiment of knowledge, kindness, and compassion.'

Dr Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director, CSMVS, remembers his meeting with the pioneering wildlife conservationist who passed into the ages last week.

IMAGE: Dr Jane Goodall speaks at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya in Mumbai. Photograph: Kind courtesy csmvsmumbai/Instagram

"Who doesn't know Dr Jane Goodall?" asks Dr Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya, CSMVS, Mumbai.

Her sudden passing has come as a shock to him. Especially so, because less than a year ago, she was at the museum to deliver a powerful talk.

"What I remember most are her compassionate eyes and the warm smile that never left her face."

Dr Mukherjee was fortunate to have a brief conversation with Dr Goodall before the start of her lecture.

"She mentioned that, on her way from the airport, she noticed how few trees there were, but upon entering the CSMVS campus, she felt uplifted seeing so many trees and birds," he remembers.

"'Humans grow as humans when they live in harmony with nature'," she said. That moment stayed with me."

Dr Goodall whose name has long been synonymous with the preservation of chimpanzees and as the voice of voiceless animals first visited India in 2007 when she came to Calcutta and visited the Alipore Zoo.

Subsequently, she delivered several lectures in Delhi and Mumbai over the years.

The lecture at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) was organised as part of the first-ever edition of Ocean Literacy, in collaboration with the British Council and the Hope Foundation.

IMAGE: Dr Goodall with children at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya. Photograph: Kind courtesy csmvsmumbai/Instagram

The dialogues, which were part of her Hope Tour in India, were supported by the UN Ocean Decade Campaign.



"She was genuinely delighted to visit the Children's Museum, where young minds eagerly awaited her presence. While meeting the children and their parents, she gently reminded us: 'Care for the ocean, care for animals, and care for the planet we live on," Dr Mukherjee says in an e-mail interaction with Rediff.



"Her hour-long 'Great Talk' was nothing short of an eye-opener. She spoke about her life philosophy, her beloved dog, and her years of living in the African forests with chimpanzees -- sharing stories of their intelligence, their emotions, and their unconditional love."

IMAGE: Dr Goodall with the sapling she later planted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya, flanked by Dr Sabyasachi Mukherjee, right, and Cyrus J Guzder, founder-director, Indian Institute for Human Settlements. Photograph: Kind courtesy csmvsmumbai/Instagram

Dr Goodall, an animal lover since her childhood, was devoted to wildlife. In her early 20s, she left England for Africa where she looked for and found her dream job.

She worked as secretary to famous palaeontologist Louis Leakey and became among the pioneers to study chimpanzees at the Gombe National Reserve in Tanzania in the late 1950s-early 1960s.

She was one of the first human beings -- man or woman -- to observe chimpanzees by getting close to them. Her discovery that they could use tools just like humans, express emotions and use their intelligence was revolutionary.

IMAGE: A sculpture of Jane Goodall and David Greybeard outside the Field Museum in Chicago. Dr Goodall was the first to give names to the chimpanzees she studied, otherwise they were identified by numbers. Photograph: Kind courtesy Geary/Wikimedia Commons

Dr Goodall gave her life to conservation and advocacy. She spent most of her later life travelling and spreading her message around the world.

At the time of her passing, she was on a lecture tour in the United States.

"Meeting Dr Goodall was an enriching experience,' says Dr Mukherjee in his tribute.

"She was the embodiment of knowledge, kindness, and compassion. To me, she will always be an inspiration."

She had planted a sapling of an Ashoka tree in the museum grounds during her visit -- a fitting sanctuary for birds, animals and insects that she loved most dearly.

IMAGE: Dr Goodall speaks at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya.

'Your voice will forever echo in the forests', the CSMVS posted on Instagram after Jane Goodall passed into the ages. Photograph: Kind courtesy csmvsmumbai/Instagram

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, to whom he proposed to appoint a special envoy for the return of Ukrainian children.

"During the meeting with President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, he proposed to appoint a special envoy to the OSCE PA President, who would focus on the return of Ukrainian children. We must return them to their families, to their loved ones. And the voice of the OSCE and parliamentarians is crucial," Zelenskyy said in his Telegram channel on Tuesday.

In addition, the president discussed with Pons Sampietro joint efforts to return prisoners of war and civilians illegally held by Russia.

"I thank the President for understanding the importance of continuing pressure on Russia. Thank you for the visit. We appreciate the support of Ukraine from the Assembly and the readiness to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children," Zelenskyy said.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 29F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy during the evening followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 16F. Winds light and variable.
Microsoft is facing a last-ditch campaign against its decision to end support for Windows 10 later this month. The software giant has already made concessions to European consumers by extending support for an additional year, and US customers are wondering why the same extension cant be applied across the Atlantic. Businesses and consumers alike are hoping for a last-minute change of plan.

The campaign is being led by PIRG, a consumer group that is looking to persuade Microsoft to think again about its decision to withdraw support from Windows 10 on October 14. Businesses around the world will be facing the prospect of no further security updates if they are still using the older operating system.

Microsoft had hoped that the majority of users would have adopted Windows 11 by now; however, the latest research has revealed that slightly under half of all Windows users have switched to the new operating system. There has been a reluctance to move because Windows 11 requires a particular hardware configuration, and not all Windows 10 machines support it.

Business customers can purchase up to three years of extended support for Windows 10 through Microsofts Extended Security Updates program, at a hefty cost: $61 per device for the first year, which rises to $122 the second year and $244 the third year. Educational organisations can get the security updates for significantly less: $1 per device in the first year, $2 in the second, and $4 in the third.

Outside of Europe, consumers can get one year of Windows 10 security updates if they pay $30, redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or use Windows Backup to sync their PCs settings. Consumers in Europe dont have to jump through those hoops.

Nathan Proctor, a senior director with PIRG, said that it had been pressure from the group that led to Microsofts decision to grant the European concession, as well as being behind the decision, taken a couple of years ago, to allow education establishments to have additional support.

While European consumers have been given another year of grace, there is still some unhappiness within business. We have customers asking us why they havent been given an extra year of support in the same way that European consumers have, said Alex Pearce, chief strategist for Microsoft at reseller Softcat.

He also believes that, despite the favorable conditions, education establishments wont necessarily have the best deal. As Microsoft brings in more and more security features, Windows 10 users are going to be left behind. He said it was a particular concern, as there were plenty of indications that education organisations suffer a higher proportion of cyber attacks.
The poor design and management of Vietnams power-generating dams are likely one of the main factors that led to recent deadly floods that inundated the countrys central provinces, experts tell RFA.

Flooding over the past two months has devastated Vietnams central provinces, killed dozens of people and caused millions of dollars in economic damage as unusually heavy rain has pelted the country.

While heavy rainfall is rare in Vietnam for this time of year, not all of the devastation can be blamed on a fluke of nature, as experts tell RFAs Vietnamese Service that poor engineering and greed also contributed to the destruction.

On Dec. 16 state media reported that 13 hydroelectric dams were simultaneously discharging water in the inundated areas of the country and that the Tranh River No. 2 Reservoir had actually increased its discharge volume.

While it is sometimes necessary to discharge large amounts of water in order to prevent a dam from breaking and creating an even bigger disaster, a former irrigation minister said the dams themselves arent up to snuff.

The designers failed to make the reservoirs to the proper standards, and then the managers run them at will, Tran Nhon, a former minister of irrigation and chairman of Vietnam Irrigation Association told RFA. When the water in the reservoirs swells near to the normal level, they let water discharge for fear of bursting.

While Tran criticized the engineering, noted economist Le Dang Doanh told RFA that dams in the central provinces are ill-equipped for flood control and irrigation.

Unlike the reservoirs in the north that can hold water for agriculture in the dry season and prevent flooding, the reservoirs in the central region fail at those tasks, he said. He accused the companies responsible for the dams in the central provinces of being more concerned with generating profits than protecting people downstream.

Now the negative impacts come out

The companies succeeded in getting permits for hydroplant construction to do business, he said. Besides getting profits from selling electricity, they also get money from trees near the reservoirs.

At first glance harvesting timber appears to have little to do with flood control, but trees make good sponges and help prevent erosion.

Each tree can hold back between 30 to 60 liters of water, Le explained. But a million trees have been cut.

Dam builders oversold their benefits and underestimated their costs.

Hydroelectricity plant developers united in getting the permits to build, and now the negative impacts come out, he said.

So far Hanoi has been silent over what role, if any, the dams played in the flooding, but hydrology experts havent been shy about their views on social media.

Activist Nguyen Van Thanh, who has been pushing the government to compensate the Vietnamese people for their losses, criticized the dam operators and their government backers.

The hydroplants are in the production business, he said. They sell the products and make a profit, and have to comply with community safety standards. If a water discharge does harm to other people, they have to compensate them.

But since the dam operators are ultimately owned by the state, compensating the flood victims would cut into their own profits, he said.

By every means the authorities make threats so that everyone is afraid, Nguyen said. Then nothing gets done.

Reported by Cat Linh for RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by An Nguyen. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
Videos of young Iranian women riding in Tehran have gone viral amid a heated debated over issuing motorcycle licenses to females. Currently, the law prevents women from obtaining a license, leaving them without access to insurance or legal protections. A new bill aimed at addressing the issue is being debated.
Exiled Russian opposition politician Vladimir Kara-Murza sought to ease tensions that erupted among Kremlin foes abroad over a decision by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to give opponents of President Vladimir Putin a stronger voice at Europes main human rights body.

In an interview with Current Time, Kara-Murza said that a future delegation of Kremlin opponents outside Russia to PACE should carry the widest possible representative character, stressing that this was the only thing that can ensure [its] legitimacy.

He spoke on October 6, five days after PACE voted 80-0, with four abstentions, to establish a Platform for Dialogue with Russian Democratic Forces in order to address issues of common concern.

The PACE resolution says it aims to strengthen the capacity of Russian democratic forces to bring about a sustainable democratic change in Russia and help achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, alongside ensuring the responsibility of Russian actors for the international crimes committed.

Russia was ejected from the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly weeks after it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The decision to give opponents of Putins government a platform for dialogue with the rights body was historic, Kara-Murza told Current Time, the Russian-language TV and digital network run by RFE/RL.

The voice ofthe Russian democratic opposition will be heard within the walls of the Council of Europe, he said, calling it the most important platform for the development of a road map in the wall for the reintegration of a future, post-Putin Russia into the European legal space and European institutions.

But the PACE decision set off angry exchanges between figures and factions in the fractured Russia opposition on social media, aggravating tensions that have long been a hurdle to unified action.

The main source of tension over the decision was a memorandum that was published alongside the resolution on the PACE website, listing some of the main Russian opposition forces abroad and what appeared to be criteria for potential inclusion in the group that will represent the Russian opposition at the assembly.

'Criticism And Controversy'

Among others, such as Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Garry Kasparov, and Kara-Murza, it listed the late Aleksei Navalny and his Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), now run by his widow, Yulia Navalnaya, and other associates.

But it said that, in addition to its achievements, the FBK also attracted attention through actions that triggered criticism and controversy within the Russian opposition and had not signed a Declaration of Russian Democratic Forces issued in Berlin in 2023.

The attempts made so far to engage them in the Assemblys initiativeshave not been successful and as of now they do not qualify as Russian Democratic Forces as defined by the Assembly, the memorandum said.

That passage was noted by senior FBK figures such as Maria Pevchikh and Leonid Volkov and set off a series of exchanges of online criticism, in some cases pitting them against other opposition figures including Khodorkovsky.

Kara-Murza dismissed the idea that Navalnaya and FBK members would not be welcome as ridiculous, saying that the memorandum was a preliminary document and that the mechanism for forming the delegation has not yet been worked out.

It is clear that the FBK is one of the leading organizations of the Russian democratic opposition, he said. And my personal position is that they must certainly be invited to participate in the process.

Political Prisoners

Kara-Murza said he hopes that selection of members of the opposition platform can begin in mid-December, after a mechanism is created, and that the delegation will be in place in time for a PACE plenary session that begins in late January.

A longtime opponent of Putin and his government, Kara-Murza was arrested in April 2022, shortly after publicly accusing the dictatorial regime in the Kremlin of committing war crimes in Ukraine.

He was convicted of treason and sentenced to 25 years in prison -- the longest term handed down to a critic of Putin or the war in Ukraine -- and was one of 16 people freed from Russian custody in a major prisoner exchange in August 2024.

Along with pressing for justice in the crimes committed by Putins regime in Ukraine, Kara-Murza said a key topic for PACE and the opposition delegation should be international support for Russian political prisoners, whose number is growing every day.

Most of the most prominent Russian opposition figures are now abroad, but large numbers of people who have criticized the war against Ukraine are behind bars in Russia, where a long-spiraling clampdown on dissent has intensified during the full-scale invasion.

Written by Steve Gutterman based on an interview conducted by Aleksei Aleksandrov of Current Time
Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal discussed with newly appointed German Ambassador to Ukraine Heiko Thoms the priority needs of Ukraine  financing the production of drones and strengthening air defense, as well as cooperation in the field of defense and industrial complex.

"During the meeting, I congratulated new extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Germany to Ukraine Heiko Thoms. I thanked him for Germany's leadership in supporting Ukraine. First of all, I familiarized the ambassador with our needs  financing the production of drones and strengthening air defense. We must intensify pressure on Russia in the form of sanctions and the destruction of resources for waging war," Shmyhal said in his Telegram channel on Tuesday.

He stressed that in a conversation with the ambassador, he focused on the importance of quick decision-making, given the increased shelling before the winter period.

"We separately discussed cooperation in the defense industry, the development of existing joint ventures and work on opening new ones. I invited German defense companies to locate in Ukraine," Shmyhal said.

"I am grateful to Germany for its active cooperation," he added.
Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week it's a Georgia double bill: Will the EU finally withdraw visa liberalization for Tbilisi, and can Brussels sanction Georgian TV stations?

Briefing #1: Will The EU Sanction Pro-Government Georgian TV?

What You Need To Know: For the first time, European Union diplomats discussed a proposal last week made by the blocs diplomatic corps, the European External Action Service (EEAS), to sanction two Georgian pro-government TV channels, Imedi TV and POSTV, for disseminating Russian propaganda. Imedi TV is considered the most popular TV channel in the country and is owned by the businessman Irakli Rukhadze, who has already been sanctioned by both Lithuania and Ukraine. Transparency International recently uncovered evidence that the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivanishvili has financed the channel for some time. The sanctions, which would mean asset freezes in the bloc, visa bans imposed on the owners of the channels, and the suspension of broadcast licenses in the EU, would fall under a sanctions regime set up by Brussels late last year designed to target Russian hybrid activities. These activities include what is known as Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against EU institutions, its member states, as well as its partners.

Deep Background: This is not the first time Brussels has tried to hit Tbilisi with sanctions. In January, the EEAS was pushing to sanction lawmakers from Georgian Dream, as well as judges and Interior Ministry officials, for the crackdown on protests following the controversial parliamentary elections in October 2024. That time, Hungary and Slovakia vetoed the sanctions proposal, and it looks like they might do the same again. According to several diplomats familiar with the issue, the two central European countries have again voiced skepticism along with Belgium, Italy, and Greece.

The two arguments the skeptics used to justify their positions were concerns about limiting freedom of speech and the risk of Tbilisi accusing the EU of applying double standards as it gives both political and monetary support for the country's media, but, at the same time, is attempting to silence critical voices. On the other side of the debate, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the Netherlands supported the sanctions proposals -- as did the Czech Republic, which has been one of the biggest drivers to target the Georgian regime. In late September, Prague imposed national sanctions on Georgian Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze as well as three judges and a prosecutor, adding to the three Interior Ministry officials they blacklisted in January. Apart from the potential vetoes from individual member states, there is another potential stumbling block: The powerful legal service of the Council of the EU, which reviews sanctions proposals and checks if they can withstand a challenge in the European Court of Justice (ECJ), voiced some reservations.

Drilling Down:

During the discussion, the legal servicenoted that the evidence packages put forward by the EEAS did not sufficiently prove a connection between the Georgian stations, Imedi TV and POSTV, and the Russian government.

The EU diplomatic arm will now continue to work to strengthen and collect more evidence, also trying to garner support from more than the six countries that expressed enthusiasm about the initial proposal.

Finland, Germany, Slovenia, and Sweden expressed political support for the sanctions if the legal case is bolstered. Bulgaria, France, and Romania also indicated that they could back the move but needed more time to study the implications.

The key for those pushing for the sanctions will be to prove the links between the Kremlin and the two TV channels. And while the Russian hybrid sanctions blacklist -- which to date contains 47 individuals and 15 entities -- mainly consist of Russian citizens and entities, there are already quite a few that come from elsewhere. And this can strengthen the hand of those pushing for Imedia and POSTV to be included.

Take for example the Moldovan businessman Anatolii Prizenko, who was sanctioned by the bloc in 2024. In late October 2023, he organized several Moldovan citizens traveling to France, where they painted the Star of David on the streets in exchange for financial compensation. That operation was widely reported by the media but, according to the EU, the images of that operation were first spread by the Recent Reliable News media network, which is associated with the Russian government.

Harouna Douamba, an Ivorian businessman, has also been sanctioned by Brussels for running a disinformation network in the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso. According to the EU, his network launched a campaign that targeted France in particular, including through accusations of conspiracy, terrorism, destabilization operations, or preparing coups against the Union or its Member States.

In the case of Douamba, the EUs legal service was satisfied with evidence of links to the Kremlin, as they were when they greenlighted sanctions on the Istanbul-based AFA Medya A.S. This company operates RED, which according to the EU comprises a number of media platforms, and which has close financial and organizational connections with Russian state propaganda entities and actors, and which shares deep structural ties, including interlinkages between, and rotation of, individual personnel with Russian state media organizations.

Even two EU citizens, the German bloggers Alina Lipp and Thomas Roeper, have been sanctioned by the bloc for systematically disseminating misinformation about Russias war of aggression against Ukraine.





Briefing #2: And Will Brussels Finally Suspend Georgias Visa Free Regime?

What You Need To Know: The European Union is set to approve new rules that would make it easier to suspend visa liberalization for third-country nationals traveling into the bloc, a measure aimed in large part at Georgia amid signs Tbilisi is drifting away from democratic reforms and back toward Moscow's sphere of influence. The European Parliament is expected on October 7 to give its thumbs up to the new legislation and EU member states are expected to follow suit on November 17 with the new rules set to enter into force in December. The measures will apply to all 61 countries that enjoy a visa-free regime with the club, including all the EU hopefuls in the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine. But European diplomats admit that the proposed updated rules, at least partly, target another country still enjoying EU visa liberalization: Georgia.

The South Caucasus republic has been on a collision course with Brussels for a long time with Tbilisi adopting both anti-LGBT legislation and a so-called "foreign agent" law -- similar legislation has been used by the Kremlin to crack down on free speech and civil society -- last year amid heavy EU criticism. The relationship deteriorated further after parliamentary elections in October last year in which the ruling Georgian Dream party controversially clung on to power and then decided to halt accession talks while adopting what many -- including Brussels -- see as Russia-friendly policies. The situation prompted massive demonstrations, which were put down violently by authorities. Local elections over the weekend, where Georgian Dream further cemented its grip on power, reignited demonstrations. Riot police responded with water cannons to break up what officials claim was "an attempted coup planned by foreign intelligence services." Further demonstrations are expected in the Georgian capital on October 6.

Deep Background: Since the October 2024 elections, the EU has refrained from high-level political contacts and made it easier for EU member states to impose national visa restrictions for high-ranking Georgian officials. Brussels has, however, failed to impose sanctions on high-ranking Georgian politicians as Hungary and Slovakia repeatedly have vetoed the move, which requires unanimity among the 27 member states. The bloc has instead looked into targeting the countrys visa-free regime, in place since 2017, as this doesnt require consensus. The European Commission warned the Georgian government about this in a letter in July, asking for a number of clarifications by the end of August. Tbilisi responded but, according to several EU officials, Brussels was unimpressed with the response. In the meantime, EU member states and the European Parliament have spent the first half of 2025 negotiating new rules to trigger the visa-liberalization suspension mechanism, which may be used on Georgia later this year. The new rules open ways to trigger the mechanism. The reasons currently are tied mainly to classic home affairs issues such as large numbers of nationals from a country that enjoys visa-free travel overstaying the 90 days they are allowed to stay in the bloc, or even using the opportunity to seek asylum in the EU.

Drilling Down:

A new ground for suspension includes a lack of alignment of a countrys visa-free regime with the EUs visa policy. An example of this would be that a country that has visa-free travel with the EU and also has visa freedom for Russian citizens. With Brussels keen to limit the influx of Russian citizens, the new legislation would allow the EU to close a potential alternative route into the bloc.

Another new ground for suspension is if a third country runs an investor citizenship scheme, known as golden passports.

Hybrid threats is a third, new criteria. This can be something like what the EU calls state-sponsored instrumentalization of migrants -- an example being Belarus (which doesnt enjoy visa liberalization with the EU) flying in people from Asia and Africa to Belarus and then pushing them toward the borders of Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

But it is the fourth new reason that appears to be the one that puts Tbilisis visa liberalization in the crosshairs: a deterioration in the EUs external relations with a third country, notably when it comes to human rights and fundamental freedoms.

There are also a few other notable changes to the visa suspension rules. Visa liberalization suspension is always temporary at first. In the current legislation the temporary suspension is for nine months and can be extended for a further 18 months.

In the new proposal, the initial suspension will be 12 months and the prolongation 24 months, bringing the potential total to three years. EU diplomats say this is to give extra time for the European Commission to engage with the third country to rectify any issues.

But there is another change that specifically targets Georgia. Under the current legislation, one can limit the visa-free suspension to decision-makers such as ministers and officials in the first temporary suspension period, with it affecting a country's entire population during the prolongation period.

Under the new rules, the entire population may be unaffected during the entire three-year period, thus sparing ordinary citizens. This is relevant for Georgia as many in Brussels are wary of hitting the population for something they feel is the responsibility of the government. Regular citizens would only be affected if their country fails to be removed from the visa-free list after the three-year period.

It is worth remembering that for a temporary suspension, the European Commission can make the decision on its own, without a vote in the European Parliament or among EU member states.

It is, however, common practice that the commission consults widely with national capitals. A qualified majority (55 percent of EU member states comprising 65 percent of the total EU population) is required to remove a countrys visa-free regime with the club. RFE/RL has learned that as many as 19 EU member states would consider supporting at least a temporary suspension.





Looking Ahead

The European Parliament plenary is in full swing this week, and it's worth watching out for Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen's address to the chamber on October 8. US President Donald Trump has expressed an interest in the giant Danish island ever since he reentered the White House earlier this year but Greenlanders seemingly rebuffed American overtures in parliamentary elections earlier this year. They might instead seek closer ties with the EU after withdrawing from the EUs predecessor, the European community, back in 1985.

That's all for this week!

Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on X @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org.

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here.
TAS Insurance Group (Kyiv) has paid its share  more than UAH 4.1 million  of an insurance claim under a co-insurance contract covering a business center in Kyiv's Holosiyivsky district, which was damaged during a large-scale drone attack on June 10, 2025.

According to the company's website, debris from a downed enemy drone damaged the building's facade, internal structures, engineering and communication systems, office furniture, and equipment.

Total losses to the property owner were assessed at over UAH 12 million  the total coverage amount under the co-insurance contract signed by three Ukrainian insurers: TAS Insurance Group, Arsenal Insurance, and Uniqa. The payout was calculated based on full restoration costs, without depreciation deductions.

During the claim settlement process, the building suffered additional damage in another Russian strike on August 28, 2025. The second insurance case is still being processed.
Vivienne Clarke

Fianna Fail MEP Barry Cowen is calling for a full and frank review of the process through which the party decided on a candidate for the presidential election.

Mr Cowen told RTE radios Morning Ireland that he had not been satisfied with the lack of transparency and structure in the process in the months leading up to the decision.

There was little transparency or structure, the leadership seemed to believe from the outset that no current or former Fianna Fail TD or minister, for example, could come forward and could win, so they looked outside.

"But there has to be a proper open and robust process, and I would hope that a recommendation would also emanate from such a meeting tomorrow night to make recommendations to an Ard Feis for a more inclusive process that allows councillors and party members the opportunity to engage in a procedure and a process and own the resulting nomination, which wasn't the case this time.

Mr Cowen said he understood Micheal Martins wish to reach beyond the party base, but in doing so he may have lost sight of the talent and the experience already within Fianna Fail and the benefits that would accrue as part of nominating from within.

It was always going to be harder, for example, to motivate the grassroots for someone that the party was less familiar with.

"So when a contest did finally emerge between Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin, what really disappointed me personally was the rush to engage in a public tally of counter-parliamentary voting intentions in the media before the actual meeting took place.

Mr Cowen said he had voted for Billy Kelleher having worked closely with the Cork MEP for years.

I knew that his ability to engage with the public, to handle scrutiny, clearly articulate his ideas and those of the party.

"I didn't know Jim Gavin personally, he came highly recommended, as has been alluded to, fine credentials in relation to his time in the GAA with the defence forces, his charity work. But the scrutiny involved in entering a case like this is unforgiving.

Mr Cowen said the issue of timelines in the Jim Gavin case, who knew what and when was concerning and something that he expected to the scrutinised and interrogated by a committee that would be set up as a result of the parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday night.

Recommendations would then be sent to the parliamentary party on what actions, if necessary, should be taken, he added.

When asked who he would not vote for in the presidential election, Mr Cowen said: I respect Catherine Connolly's authenticity, for example, her willingness to articulate a vision, something that might be lacking in recent times in politics to tell the truth, but I fundamentally disagree with her on issues that are vital to Ireland's place in the world and a role in Europe and international trade and diplomacy.

The President represents Ireland internationally and comments such as hers that she's made in recent times can undermine their partners.

Mr Cowen said he would be voting for Heather Humphreys, but would not be recommending or expecting other members of Fianna Fail to do so.
Midlands Northwest MEP Ciaran Mullooly has called for urgent action to protect farmers and property owners from what he claims is flooding caused by Bord na Monas (BNM) bog rewetting activities.

Local landowners, including those in east Roscommon, are worried about the condition of rivers in the area which are tributaries of the River Shannon system. They say that some farmland has now flooded for the first time.

Mr Mullooly is urging that proper drainage management and oversight must be put in place before any rewetting proceeds.

More than 50 farmers and landowners in the Mountdillon region along with local public representatives and IFA members attended a meeting in Ballyleague this morning, Tuesday.

Firstly, it is important to be clear that there is no EU regulation that forces Bord na Mona to maintain existing drains, Mr Mullooly said. However, under the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL), BNM is required to submit a comprehensive rehabilitation package to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) before any rewetting takes place.

This package must include a drainage management plan for both the bog and the surrounding lands, along with a Hydrology and Risk Assessment under Article 9.4 of the NRL.

He stressed that these assessments must be made available to all affected farmers and property owners, and that if they are inadequate, they must be amended to properly address the risks of flooding.

The MidlandsNorth-West MEP is also calling for the establishment of an independent appeals process to allow farmers and property owners to challenge BNM actions -or inaction - where it can be shown that their land is being negatively affected by poor drainage or water management linked to rewetting projects.

Rewetting must not become a free pass for flooding farmland, Mullooly added. We need clear accountability, transparency, and a fair system for local communities to have their concerns addressed. Farmers should not be left to carry the cost of poor planning or inadequate hydrology management.

Mr Mullooly said he will be raising the issue directly with the relevant national and EU authorities to ensure proper oversight and fair treatment for affected communities.

The Midlands Northwest MEP has also welcomed the decision of the Minister of State, Kevin Boxer Moran, to visit flooded farmland along the River Shannon on Saturday.

In response to the flooding claims, a spokesperson for Bord na Mona said that weather conditions arising from Storm Amy last week caused flooding across parts of the midlands.

"There is no evidence of BnMs peatlands restoration activity (conducted in accordance with its dedicated Peatlands Climate Action Scheme) contributing to this flooding.

"BnMs Peatlands Climate Action Scheme is entirely separate to the EUs Nature Restoration Law. BnM is required to carry out rewetting and peatlands rehabilitation under its Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) Licence, which is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency. The rehabilitation measures proposed under the Peatlands Climate Action Scheme incorporate and enhance those measures required under the IPC licence.

"BnM only conducts rehabilitation work on its own landbank, which is carried out in consultation with adjoining landowners and in accordance with all relevant regulations and standards. BnMs drainage management plans are submitted to, reviewed, and approved by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

"To date BnM has rehabilitated over 21,000 hectares of peatlands as part of its PCAS programme, enabling the capture and sequestering of millions of tonnes of carbon while also supporting the restoration of natural habitats for plants and wildlife," said the spokesperson.
A traditional two-storey farmhouse, in need of a complete overhaul, has come on the market at Highlake, Ballymacurley.

With an asking price of just 65,000, this property represents a rare opportunity for investors, renovators, or those dreaming of a countryside retreat to acquire a home rich with potential, nestled in the heart of County Roscommon, said auctioneer P Burke of Sherry FitzGerald P. Burke, Roscommon.

Set on circa 0.5 of an acre, this farmhouse has a traditional layout and the added benefit of associated farm buildings and a yard to the rear - perfect for those wishing to embrace rural living, hobby farming, or creative redevelopment.

The ground floor accommodation comprises a porch, a kitchen cum dining room, a sitting room, a utility, and a rear porch. Upstairs, the first floor has three bedrooms with bathroom facilities.

Set on circa 0.5 of an acre, the farmhouse comes with a number of farm buildings and a yard to the rear.

While the property carries a BER rating of G and is in need of renovation, it offers the perfect blank canvas for those ready to breathe new life into a traditional Irish farmhouse. With generous proportions and authentic character, the home provides the ideal foundation for restorationwhether you lean towards a heritage revival or a modern country-style transformation, said the auctioneer.

Mr Burke added: Government-backed grants and schemes are currently available for energy efficiency upgrades and retrofitting, which could significantly offset renovation costs and increase the propertys long-term value. Investors and homebuyers alike will recognise the opportunity to transform this into a warm, efficient, and truly bespoke countryside home.

The propertys location between the towns of Roscommon and Castlerea ensures excellent access to local amenities, schools, shops, and transport links, while still offering the peace and tranquillity of a true countryside setting.

This balance makes it highly appealing to a range of buyerswhether you are seeking a permanent home, a weekend retreat, or a rental investment, said the auctioneer.

This is more than just a propertyit is an invitation to create a home and lifestyle defined by character, peace, and possibility. Whether you are a first-time buyer with a vision, an investor looking for your next project, or someone eager to put down roots in the Irish countryside, this traditional farmhouse in Highlake, Ballymacurley offers all the ingredients for a truly special future, said Mr Burke.

The property is in need of a complete overhaul but offers the perfect blank canvas for those ready to breathe new life into a traditional Irish farmhouse.

For further details and to arrange a viewing call 0906627200, -e-mail pburke@sfpburke.ie or drop into the office on Goff Street, Roscommon.
A County Roscommon mother of two who was diagnosed with breast cancer last February is supporting the Irish Cancer Societys breast cancer awareness campaign, and is encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund vital breast cancer support services and life-changing breast cancer research projects.

Every year, around 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland.

Hazel Brennan (50) from Monksland was diagnosed with lobular and ductal breast cancer last February after she experienced tiredness and noticed an indentation under her left nipple. She went to her GP who referred her to a breast clinic for further tests, which led to her diagnosis.

Mother-of-two Hazel explained: They couldve knocked me off the chair with a feather when they told me I had cancer. I didnt think there was anything wrong, even when I went for tests in the breast clinic, and they did a biopsy. I just thought they were being cautious.

Hazel underwent a full mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, which was successful. She is currently recovering from her treatment, but continues to grapple with the effects of having had cancer.

She explained: People are well-meaning when they say things like: You look great, but its hard. Your energy is through the floor and youre dead on your feet, but you still have to get up every day and do your hair and get dressed.

Youre trying to keep things as normal as you can. It has been tough, and its still tough  some days Im great, and some days Im on the floor. But Ive had wonderful support from my husband, John, and our children, Sean and Sarah.

She is sharing her story to encourage people to support the Big Pink Breakfast campaign to help people like her who have been affected by breast cancer.

I would encourage everyone to please get behind the Big Pink Breakfast campaign, a huge amount of the funding for the Irish Cancer Societys breast cancer support services and breast cancer research projects comes from donations made by the public. If you are at all able, please support this important cause. You can sign up at cancer.ie/pink

Mary OKelly, cancer nurse with the Irish Cancer Society added: Self-examination is so important for women of all ages, even those who are eligible for screening, as this only takes place every two years.

Pick a date and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis.

Its really important that we are breast aware and know what is normal for us. If you notice any of the signs or symptoms of breast cancer and the change persists, please go to see your GP as soon as possible.

Women can sometimes feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending their GP with breast issues, but this examination could save your life.

Your GP will perform a routine examination of your breast and, if appropriate, refer you for further assessment.

If you are concerned about breast cancer, call the Irish Cancer Societys Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700. You can also find out more at www.cancer.ie

This October, the Irish Cancer Society is encouraging people to host a Big Pink Breakfast in their homes, workplaces, communities and colleges to raise funds to support breast cancer support services such as free counselling, transport to treatment, night nursing and much more.

Funds raised will also be used to fund ground-breaking breast cancer research projects.

To learn more or get involved, please visit: cancer.ie/pink
Maggie Gyllenhaal has been named as the first female brand ambassador for the menswear line Eton.

Maggie Gyllenhaal is the new ambassador for menswear brand Eton

The 47-year-old actress and filmmaker has been tapped as the first woman representative for the Swedish menswear brand and features in its new campaign wearing four different shirts exclusively created for her through Eton's Custom Made programme.

Janelle Hallberg, brand and communications director at Eton, said: "Maggie embodies everything we admire: intellect, and an instinctive sense of style.

"She represents the shift in menswear  a move toward deeper cultural resonance, individuality, and relevance  and brings that clarity to Eton."

Maggie had no concerns about fronting the campaign as she regularly wears men's shirts.

The Crazy Heart star explained: "I actually am someone who wears men's shirts. So I thought it was a cool and unusual ask that I would represent them. Classic shirting is just part of something that I like to wear all the time."

Gyllenhaal explained that she likes to wear "oversized" shirts reminiscent of the 1970s.

She added: "I also like when they're soft enough, or thin enough in the fabric, that you can still see your body underneath or at least feel your body underneath. I love a collar, too. A strong collar. I like a little '70s."

Maggie feels that women are able to wear traditional menswear garments "in a way that's still very feminine".

The Dark Knight star explained that she has fond memories of fashion from an early age.

Gyllenhaal said: "It's funny  my mom always says her memories are tied to food, and mine are tied to clothes.

"I have memories from a very young age of either feeling like I had totally the wrong outfit on or, conversely, feeling like I was in just the right thing.

"One moment that stands out: I was in elementary school and obsessed with Cyndi Lauper. I dressed like her one day  wrapped a piece of tulle around my head in a giant bow, covered one eye, and felt amazing. Of course, I think I had to play volleyball that day and was absolutely not dressed for it. But still, it was a risk, and it felt great."

Maggie revealed that her passion for fashion has continued into adulthood.

She said: "It makes me feel good when I'm in something that feels like, at least in some way, it's an expression of who I am and how I'm feeling that day. And lately, there's a men's dress shirt."
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday that he will continue to discuss the future of the NIS energy company with Russian representatives, since there is nothing to talk about with the United States as U.S. sanctions on this company will take effect on Wednesday.

"Serbia will have to solve this problem, we will have to negotiate with Russia, and now we have nothing to talk about with the Americans," Serbian media quoted Vucic as saying.

At the same time, he expressed confidence that the European Union would also support U.S. sanctions, and therefore oil supplies from Croatia via the JANAF pipeline could be halted.

At the end of September, the U.S. postponed the imposition of sanctions on NIS by just a few days, until October 8. Previously, the U.S. postponed the application of sanctions against the Serbian energy company several times for a longer period.

NIS, being a subsidiary of Russia's Gazprom Neft, was included in the U.S. SDN List in early 2025. In this regard, Vucic said that the U.S. demands the complete withdrawal of Russian capital from NIS. At the same time, he said that the Serbian government transferred control of it to Gazprom Neft in 2008, and over the years, the Russian company has contributed to generating significant revenues to the Serbian budget, as well as the development of many projects.

Recently, due to the aggravation of NIS's issues regarding the extension of the postponement of U.S. sanctions, rumors about the possibility of new shareholders for the Serbian company have intensified. In particular, the Croatian authorities said that they expect a change in the NIS ownership structure in order to continue shipping oil to Serbia. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that U.S. sanctions would not allow JANAF to continue shipping oil to the Pancevo refinery, and Croatia hopes that the NIS ownership structure will change, which will allow oil transportation to resume.

Currently, the main co-owners of NIS are Gazprom Neft (44.85%) and the Serbian authorities (29.87%), while another 11.3% of NIS shares belong to JSC Intelligence, which is managed by Gazprom Capital LLC, which holds, among other things, the financial investments of the Gazprom Group. Gazprom directly owns one NIS share, and the Serbian company has minority shareholders, as well.

NIS is the only company in Serbia that explores for and produces hydrocarbons. The company has a large oil refinery in Pancevo and dominates Serbia's oil product market. NIS also has a chain of more than 400 filling stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Romania.
Five Army Men and local Driver Injured in Accident; Vehicle Plunges into Freezing River in Drass

The vehicle has plunged into a freezing cold river, partially submerging in the water, and with its headlights still on.

Five Army Personnel and Local Driver Injured in Accident; Vehicle Plunges into Freezing River in Drass: Six people, including five Army personnel, were injured when a vehicle met with an accident at Kushal Mod, Menamarg in Drass, while on its way from Drass to Srinagar, according to reports.

In the visuals coming in from the scene, it appears that it has freshly snowed, and the road appears visually slippery.

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The vehicle has plunged into a freezing cold river, partially submerging in the water, and with its headlights still on.





All six people, board the Kargil-registered Xylo vehicle, sustained injuries, along with the local driver.

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Upon receiving the information, local authorities and rescue teams rushed to the spot and promptly shifted the injured to a nearby medical facility for necessary treatment.

The condition of the injured is reported stable. The army personnel were on leave and were heading home.

(For more news apart from Five Army Men and local Driver Injured in Accident; Vehicle Plunges into Freezing River in Drass, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
UP CM Yogi Pays Homage to Former MLA Late D.P. Bora on His Birth Anniversary

As part of today's celebrations, inauguration programmes were held, including the unveiling of memorials

UP CM Yogi Pays Homage to Former MLA Late D.P. Bora on His Birth Anniversary Latest News: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday paid homage to former MLA Late D.P. Bora on his birth anniversary in Lucknow.

While addressing a gathering at the programme organised on the birth anniversary of Late D.P. Bora, the Chief Minister stated, Today marks the auspicious occasion of Sharad Purnima. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all residents of the state.

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According to the lunar calendar, this day marks the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki and the revered Krishna devotee, Meera Bai. Additionally, according to the Gregorian calendar, today is the birth anniversary of former legislator and dedicated leader Shri D.P. Bora I offer my sincere homage to D.P. Bora, he added.

As part of todays celebrations, inauguration programmes were held, including the unveiling of memorials and the opening of five Service Strength Centers in different regions, he said.

Earlier today, the chief minister participated in the 'Maharishi Valmiki Prakat Diwas' ceremony organized in Lucknow on the the auspicious occasion of the holy Jayanti of the Adi Kavi Maharishi Valmiki.

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The entire human society is grateful to Maharishi Valmiki Ji, who depicted such an ideal character of Lord Shri Ram, which remains relevant and a source of inspiration in every era and circumstance, the chief minister said.

He added, 'Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas' is indeed Ram Rajya. The double-engine government is working with this very spirit. Crores of obeisance at the lotus feet of the 'Trikal Darshi'!

(For more news apart from Punjab News: Youth Burnt Alive After Vehicle Caught Fire in Bathinda , stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
Editorial: Jaipur tragedy highlights shortcomings in healthcare system

The Rajasthan government has announced the formation of a 6-member committee to investigate the Jaipur tragedy.

Editorial: The death of 10 patients in a fire in the ICU of Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur is a regrettable incident. Sawai Man Singh Hospital is a government hospital and such a tragedy should be considered an example of government negligence.

The relatives of the deceased patients have also alleged that the hospital staff was informed about sparks coming out of the electric wire in the store of Neuro ICU where the fire started, but the staff ignored this information. An oxygen cylinder in the store room exploded due to heat, due to which the fire spread rapidly and the entire floor was engulfed in thick smoke.

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Therefore, it became difficult to evacuate the patients from the ICU. Most of the deaths occurred due to suffocation from smoke instead of heat from the fire. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed grief over the tragedy and expressed their condolences to the relatives of the deceased. Similarly, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has announced immediate financial assistance to the kin of the deceased and best possible arrangements for the treatment of the injured.

On the other hand, various opposition leaders including former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot have demanded an independent inquiry into the causes of the tragedy and action against those responsible for the negligence. The national record of accidents in hospitals so far shows that this tragedy will continue to be discussed for three-four days and then it will be forgotten.

This has been the case so far. While India is famous for its affordable healthcare services and is considered a bastion of medical tourism, it is also infamous for the number of fatal accidents that occur in government hospitals and trauma centers every year.

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International voluntary agencies active in the healthcare sector have repeatedly pointed out this fact and have been requesting the central and state governments to strengthen fire prevention arrangements. But despite such efforts and urgings, neither the ruling class nor the government officials have changed their attitude and thinking that anything goes. A study conducted by an organization called the International Federation of Doctors (IFD) shows that most government hospitals and a majority of non-government hospitals in India have a complete lack of fire safety equipment.

Automatic fire alarms are not even installed in the buildings of these hospitals. Where they are installed, measures to keep them operational are missing. According to the same study report, from January 2010 to December 2019, 33 major fires occurred in major Indian hospitals with more than 100 beds. 431 lives were lost in these. 77% of these fire accidents occurred in ICUs. This shows how unsafe the electrical wiring inside ICUs can be and how much care is needed. The absence of such care often becomes the cause of accidents.

The Rajasthan government has announced the formation of a 6-member committee to investigate the Jaipur tragedy. This committee basically includes three officers of the level of administrators and executive engineers of some hospitals. In the absence of any judicial officer, this committee seems more of an attempt to cover up the incident than to determine responsibility for the fire.

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The Prime Minister and other national leaders have often made claims that the fire safety and disaster management programs of European or American hospitals are on par. The Jaipur tragedy is evidence of the flaws in such claims. This is not rhetoric, it demands accountability.

(For more news apart from SC Directs States, Uts To Frame Rules On Movement Of Pedestrians, Non-Motorised Vehicles In 6 Months, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
From Romanian Fabric to Haute Couture

Victoria Darolti has come up with unique creations for major fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Armani, Valentino

Victoria Darolti (sursa foto: Facebook /

Ana-Maria Cononovici, 07.10.2025, 13:00

She has lived in France for 30 years and is a well-known name in the field of artistic embroidery and haute couture embroidery, but her origins are in Salaj County, where she learned weaving and knitting from her own mother, as many children raised in the village did. Victoria Darolti has come up with unique creations for major fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, Armani, Valentino, and now she has her own workshop and is expanding her personal collection, as she plans to open a small museum.

She left the country at the age of 27, 5 years after the anti-communist Revolution. Although her professional path has not been easy, in 2019, Victoria Darolti received the distinction Le Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Knight of the National Order of Merit, an order created by General Charles de Gaulle in 1963), the most prestigious award given to artisans and which has a century-old tradition, about which the creator told us:

I am very proud to have received this distinction, which is given by the French government, by the President of France, I am not sure how I got it. In order to have this distinction, someone in the shadows, from behind, followed me, for a long time, in what I do, how I present my work, how I do it to stay on the market. That person created a file about me, which they submitted to the government, and they decided that I deserve this distinction.

And since her story begins in childhood, Victoria Darolti took us through memories:

I am proud to go back to my childhood! I grew up in Ineu, Salaj County. When I was little, I learned a lot from my mother: embroidery, weaving, knitting, making lace. My sister is 16 years older than me, her husband is a famous tailor in Sighetu Marmatiei, she was very elegant and I was very jealous of her, when she came to my mother, I would cut her dresses to make my own dresses. My mother insisted that I play, I stayed more with her, with her friends, with my grandmother, to learn needlework. I loved needlework. I remember that when I was 12 years old, I started the last flax and hemp crop in the village. I remember how I gathered the hemp from the field, took it to Somes, put it in water, and every two days I would go and I would turn the bundle of hemp to soften it, bring it home, process it, until the final product. My mother wove sheets, tablecloths, and I learned all this from her.

We learned that Victoria Darolti always wanted to go to the fashion capital, Paris. But here she had to find a school to attest to her craftsmanship.

When I was at the Embroidery School, my teachers asked, Victoria, what are you doing here at school, now that you know how to work everything. I needed a diploma to be able to enter the workshops that worked for fashion houses. It was no use knowing the trade if I didnt have a diploma. I finished school, two weeks later I managed to find a job in a workshop. What is very different from what I learned in Romania, needle embroidery, is a technique in France, which is called croquette de Luneville embroidery, it is a needle that is very similar to a lace needle. The techniques with this croquette allow us to pin down the beadwork, the sequins. With this croquette we can make perfection, quality, because we can embroider pearls with a needle too, but we will never achieve that quality.

In 2008, she opened her own workshop, and in 2011, she founded her own embroidery school to further this craft. The Darolti workshop, located on the outskirts of Paris, specializes in embroidered accessories (gloves, shoes, handbags), evening dresses, theater costumes, and interior decorations for luxury hotels, yachts, and private jets. Victoria Darolti:

When I was creating, there was also a part of my village there. I combined what I learned from my mother and what I learned from France and thats why I was different from the others. I added sheeps wool to the creation, which was colored, I added pearls, I added jewelry, certain threads that I found in France were similar to the threads that I found in Romania, the colors that I matched in the creations I liked a lot. The lace that I added to my creations, the macrame, I used macrame very often in my creations. I worked for Switzerland, for Africa, for Italy, with famous, rich people, I personalized the backrest of their private plane.

Beyond orders, Victoria Darolti also creates pieces for her personal collection, intending to open a small museum. One of our favorite pieces of clothing is titled Earth Doll: a dress with a macrame skirt and an upper part embroidered with multicolored stones, collected from nature, using the Luneville technique, learned at the school in Paris.
Ronda Sanchez, manager of Red Doc Farm in Belen, carts apples from her orchard before lunch period at Rio Rancho High School on Thursday. Kevin Opsahl

New Mexico Public Education Department employee Aaron Moore tries beans, beef and watermelon from local farmers on Thursday at Rio Rancho High School. Kevin Opsahl

Ginger Lange, program specialist for the nutrition department with Rio Rancho Public Schools, places beef in sample cups at Rio Rancho High School on Thursday. Kevin Opsahl

RIO RANCHO  Two New Mexico farms served up locally NM Grown food to scores of hungry Rio Rancho and Cleveland high school students at lunchtime last week in an effort to educate them on the importance of healthy eating.

Representatives from Wagner Farm in Corrales and Red Doc Farm in Belen were on hand Oct. 1-2, respectively, to deliver nutritious meals in connection with New Mexico Grown Month, meant to promote a program that connects schools with farms. The month of promotion comes as the Trump administration is considering a $10 billion bailout to farmers in response to tariffs, according to the Wall Street Journal.

We pride ourselves on partnering with our growers and our farmers ... because that helps us support each other, and, in turn, it helps us get fresh produce and fresh items to our students, said Felix Griego, executive director of student nutrition of Rio Rancho Public Schools. (The farmers) have a business they run, but theyre out here supporting our kids and our district, so were very grateful for them.

Griego was referring to Anthony Wagner, head of Wagner Farm, and Ronda Sanchez, manager of Red Doc Farm. Wagner served watermelon at Cleveland on Wednesday, and Sanchez served beef from Santa Gertrudis cattle and pinto beans on Thursday at RRHS. The high school also served Wagners watermelon and fresh-picked apples from an orchard in Belen on Thursday.

Ultimately, our goal is to get students educated (about) having healthy meals that they have access to every day at school, Griego said. Their performance is getting better  I think it ties to everything as a student as a whole. Food is the foundation of them learning.

The efforts at both high schools were made possible by the farm-to-fork program NM Grown.

Aaron Moore, NM Grown program coordinator for the New Mexico Public Education Department, said NM Grown started as a stand-alone program but later came under PEDs Healthy Universal School Meals program. One of the tenets of that program is to provide food to schools via NM Grown, according to Moore. NM Grown supports farmers and school districts having direct conversations with one another about food supply.

Moore visited RRHS Thursday to try the food from Red Doc Farm when Griego invited him.

The beans and the watermelon and the beef were the best part of the meal, Moore said. The watermelon was so crisp and delicious, and the beans tasted so earthy.

Red Doc Farms served its beef in both giant heated trays and sample cups, which district cafeteria staff scooped and passed out during the lunch period at RRHS. Sanchez suggested it might pair well with the nachos that were on the menu that day.

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She said one of her aims was to teach students where their food comes from.

I feel like a lot of kids dont realize how much work it is to get a steak, or even beef at all, Sanchez said.

The students are getting the message, she said, asking her what kind of beef theyre eating and if it is sold outside the school.

Theres a spark (of curiosity), at least, Sanchez said. They understand they can get beef in a healthy way and have it at home.

She added that the farms beef processing is minimal and includes no additives. Several students who tried samples seemed to pick up on the home-grown flavor.

RRHS senior Tosh Chino said he was excited to eat free food  and he loves carne asada.

More than that, he said the farms sample puts me at ease that its not some lab meat.

I just know what it is, Chino said.
Factory orders from Germany and house prices from the UK are the top economic news due on Tuesday.

At 2.00 am ET, Germany's Federal Statistical Office, Destatis, will release factory orders data for August. Orders are forecast to grow 1.2 percent on a monthly basis, in contrast to the 2.9 percent decrease in July. This data will provide insights into the of the German manufacturing industry.

In the meantime, Halifax will publish its UK house price index for September. Economists forecast house prices to grow 2.2 percent year-on-year, maintaining the same pace as in August.

At 2.45 am ET, France's customs office publishes foreign trade data. The trade deficit is seen narrowing to EUR 5.2 billion in August from EUR 5.6 billion in July. Additionally, France's current account data will also be released.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

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What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
A majority of respondents who took part in a recent survey say Democrats should end the current shutdown without insisting on Obamacare funds.

In a new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll, the participants were asked if the Democrats end the shutdown by accepting a continuing resolution at current levels of expenditure until the actual spending bills are passed or should the Democrats hold out until they get additional funds for Obamacare.

Sixty five percent of the respondents said the Democrats must accept a continuing resolution at current spending levels, while 35 percent said the Democrats should hold out until they get additional funds for Obamacare.

A majority of those surveyed - 55 percent - think the Democrats behind the shutdown are just trying to please their vote base while 45 percent said the Opposition has good reasons to shut the government down.

In the survey conducted online within the United States on October 1 and 2, 2,413 registered voters were asked who they think will win the government shutdown. 62 percent of them replied that the Republicans will win.

But when asked who is to be blamed more for the current government shutdown, 53 percent put the blame on Republicans.

The U.S. federal government's shutdown continued for the seventh day after the Senate once again failed to reach an agreement on the spending bill Monday.

The Bill needs 60 votes to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate, where they have only 53 seats.

The Democrats pressed for major concessions on Obamacare subsidies, mainly ensuring subsidies for insurance for the low-income group, and reversing the Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid, in return for their support to pass the funding bill.

Affordable Care Act benefits, also known as Obamacare, will expire within months.

In a social media post following the vote, President Donald Trump put the blame on Democrats for the continued shut down.

"I am happy to work with the Democrats on their Failed Healthcare Policies, or anything else, but first they must allow our Government to re-open. In fact, they should open our Government tonight!" he wrote on Truth Social.

The shutdown means most federal employees are now on unpaid leave.

"Service members and federal employees are set to miss their next paycheck, critical food assistance for low-income women and children is in dire jeopardy, states are staring down an economic catastrophe, and layoffs could be imminent  all because of Democrats' sick push to give illegal aliens free health care," The White House said on Monday.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
After seven successive days of gains, the Canadian market looks headed for a weak close on Tuesday, with stocks from , consumer discretionary and materials sectors reeling under sustained selling pressure.

Real estate and industrials stocks are among the other notable losers. Healthcare, energy and financials stocks are turning in a mixed performance.

The focus is on the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office.

Trump said the pair would discuss tariffs, but did not specify whether he would remove those currently in place on Canada. However, he added that Canada would "walk away very happy" after the talks, and that "the people of Canada will love us again"

Trump also suggested that a free trade agreement between Canada, the US and Mexico could be renegotiated

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index was down 211.72 points or about 0.7% at 30,320.16 a few minutes ago. The index had settled at 30,531.88 on Monday after posting a fresh record high of 30,686.96.

The Consumer Discretionary Capped Index is down 1.65%. Magna International, down nearly 5%, is the biggest loser in the index. Linamar Corp is down nearly 3%, Aritzia is down 2.1% and BRP Inc is lower by about 1.6%.

In the tech sector, BlackBerry, Constellation Software, Firan Technology Group, Shopify and Lightspeed Commerce are down 2 to 3%.

Materials stocks Torex Gold Resources, Alamos Gold, Aya Gold & Silver, Skeena Resources, Sandstorm Gold and Iamgold Corp are down 3 to 4%. Lundin Gold, Eldorado Gold, Barrick Mining Corp and Agnico Eagle Mines are also notably lower.

On the economic front, Canada's trade deficit widened to C$6.3 billion in August from the downwardly revised C$3.8 billion in the previous month and firmly above market expectations of C$5.6 billion to mark the second-widest trade deficit on record.

Exports fell by 3% from the previous month to $60.6 billion, the first drop since April. Meanwhile, imports rose by 0.9% to C$66.9 billion.

Canada's Ivey Purchasing Managers Index jumped to 59.8 in September 2025 from 50.1 in August, marking a 16-month high and beating market expectations of 51.2, according to a report from Ivey Business School.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Photo: Interfax-Ukraine/Oleksandr Zubko

Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Dmytro Zavgorodny has notes the lack of long-term planning horizons in business for the implementation of personnel training programs in cooperation with educational institutions, that the war with the Russian Federation has only exacerbated this problem, and spoke about measures to solve it.

"The war complicates all this interaction. Despite the fact that a lot of people are needed, and it seems that this is our golden age for educational institutions, because all businesses want, they lack people - mobilization, immigration - but in order to cooperate with an educational institution, the enterprise must have a very long planning horizon," Zavgorodny said during the press conference "Challenges for Business During War: Solutions for the Personnel Market," which was held at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Tuesday.

According to him, in Ukraine "it is difficult to imagine companies that have such a long-term plan." "And this short planning horizon - it greatly hinders cooperation with educational institutions, because most of the vacancies that we talk about as this structural deficit, and the lack of personnel - are urgent matters, and often not entry-level needs, but some important positions. And where to get people with experience if we cannot build a system for these people to systematically acquire this experience?... That is, this is a system that should grow many experienced specialists in various fields," the deputy minister said.

At the press conference, it was noted that the Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF) is implementing a project on personnel retraining "From Training to Employment," which is part of the international program Skills4Recovery. Its goal is to unite the efforts of the state, business and international partners to form a modern human resource potential of Ukraine, especially in sectors that will become key for post-war reconstruction. The project helps enterprises find and retrain specialists, and citizens - to get a new profession and a competitive salary.

As noted in the press release, participation in this project provides enterprises with a number of advantages: free closing of personnel needs, search for motivated personnel (each participant undergoes training for specific business requests), financial support (the enterprise receives EUR 300 for the adaptation of each new employee in the workplace).

Chairman of the Board of the EDF Andriy Hapon emphasized that Ukrainian business needs not only material resources, but also people who can acquire a new profession in response to the demand of the labor market. "We are ready to provide enterprises with trained personnel and compensate for the costs of their adaptation with project funds. This is real help to business in wartime conditions," he said.

Deputy Director of the Department of Employment Policy Implementation of the State Employment Center Olena Melnyk noted that today it is especially important to combine the needs of employers and the desire of people for new opportunities. "The project 'From Training to Employment' creates this bridge - between the labor market, education and real employment. We see how through retraining people not only find work, but also regain confidence in the future," she said.

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, which coordinates the processes of vocational training and digitalization of educational programs, is actively involved in the initiative.

"We focus, first of all, on those organizations, companies, enterprises that have long-term plans and are ready for long-term cooperation in large quantities, who understand that they need to invest now in order, for example, to get something in a year or two. Then it really develops into cooperation that bears significant fruits," said Zavgorodny.

The project "From Education to Employment: Vocational Training for Women and Other Target Groups" is implemented with the financial support of the European Union, Germany, Poland, Estonia and Denmark within the framework of the Multi-Donor Initiative Skills4Recovery, which is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Solidarity Fund PL (SFPL).

Enterprises of all types of economic activity can participate in the project, with priority given to the following types: construction, transport and logistics, agriculture and the service sector.
Canadian stocks pulled back on Tuesday, giving back ground following the recent rally as the focus of investors shifted to a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.

After opening a little above yesterday's close, the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index turned lower and conceding gains from the previous sessions finally closed at 30.351.72, down by 180.16 points (or 0.59%).

Five of the 11 sectors posted gains today with Energy sector leading the pack.

Carney met Trump at the White House today, five months after his last visit to the Oval Office in May. Other members of Carney's delegation include Canada-U.S. trade minister Dominic LeBlanc, foreign minister Anita Anand and industry minister Melanie Joly.

Describing Carney as a "world class leader," Trump stated that there is "mutual love" but "natural conflict" between the U.S. and Canada. He added that there are more areas where both nations are strong and that is what they now focus on.

Carney's visit, billed as a "working visit" by the prime minister's office, is keenly watched by investors as they anticipate this meeting to get derailed trade relations back on track.

Canada's main opposition leader Pierre Poilievre observed that anything short of a trade deal would be considered a failure.

Starting August 1, Trump imposed 35% tariffs on a vast majority of Canadian exports to the U.S. These exorbitant levies continue to give Canadian businesses a run for their money.

Automobile, aluminum, steel, and lumber industries are facing the full extent of damage, leading to severe job losses. Trump had also hit Canada with sector-specific duties with 50% on metals and 25% on vehicles.

Despite negotiations dragging on between high-level officials of both nations, a tariff framework could not be achieved. No details are available about what contentious issues are preventing an agreement.

Carney has made several concessions ,including ending the Digital Services Tax, withdrawing retaliatory tariffs, and pulling back from decades-long legal disputes over American duties on softwood lumber, etc. However, Trump has been rigid so far on his stance against Canada.

Among the G7 countries, Canada is the only country yet to reach a trade deal with the U.S.

The Canada-United States-Mexico Free Trade Agreement is helping the nation to bypass much of the tariff burden. However, that tripartite agreement is also up for re-negotiation next year and concerns are rising about what Trump may insist upon to renew the pact.

Data released by Statistics Canada today revealed that Canada's trade deficit widened to C$6.3 billion in August. Canada's exports fell 3.0% month-on-month to C$60.6 billion in August. Eight of the 11 product categories posted declines. Imports rose 0.9% month-over-month to C$66.91 billion in August, led by a 24.2% jump in imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products.

Canada's Ivey Purchasing Managers Index - released by Ivey Business School - showed that the index jumped to 59.8 in September from 50.1 in August.

Despite the unemployment rate hitting 7.1%, the highest in nine years, Canadian TSX index has been on a rally in recent days, hitting and breaking record high values consistently.

Traders are expecting breakthrough announcements after today's meeting which would keep up the momentum in the .

Major sectors that gained in today's trading were Energy (0.44%), Utilities (0.39%), Communication Services (0.38%), Healthcare (0.31%), and Consumer Staples (0.25%).

Among the individual stocks, Baytex Energy Corp (2.61%), Transalta Corp (2.25%), Rogers Communications Inc (2.42%), Curaleaf Holdings Inc (2.74%), and Loblaw CO (1.36%) were the prominent gainers.

Major sectors that lost in today's trading were Financials (0.46%), Real Estate (0.80%), IT (0.85%), Materials (1.42%), and Consumer Discretionary (1.89%).

Among the individual stocks, Magna International (5.28%), Linamar Corp (3.17%), Iamgold Corp (4.96%), Torex Gold Resources (3.61%), and Blackberry Ltd (2.99%) were the notable losers.

Novagold Res Inc (4.24%), Badger Infrastructure Solutions Ltd (4.24%), and Energy Fuels Inc (3.74%) were among the prime market-moving stocks today.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
Photo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk_6EXDEZ2E

Government's bill No. 13683 "On the Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies" would limit Ukrainians' access to such technologies, according to representatives of the Ukrainian Association of Reproductive Medicine (UARM), patients, and Members of Parliament.

"With such a demographic crisis, it seems to me that every child is worth their weight in gold right now. We should be helping people on their path to parenthood, not making it harder," said UARM Vice President Valeriy Zukin at a press conference hosted by Interfax-Ukraine.

He noted, in particular, that the government's bill provides no state guarantees for funding treatment. "Since January 1, 2024, assisted reproductive technology procedures have been included in the National Health Service of Ukraine (NHSU) package. In practice, every year the Cabinet of Ministers determines the volume of state medical guarantees within the budget. But if this provision is not stipulated in the law, lawmakers may simply fail to approve it  and this very important package could be eliminated altogether," Zukin said.

According to him, another problem with the bill is its ban on embryo donation. The document stipulates that an embryo may only be transferred to a woman who is genetically related to it. Yet, as Zukin pointed out, 5% to 10% of reproductive cycles currently use donor embryos.

"Who needs embryo donation? Women of older reproductive age who no longer have their own eggs, single women  whose numbers, unfortunately, are increasing  and married couples in which neither partner has viable gametes," he explained.

Zukin stressed that donor embryos come from altruistic donation  they are left by couples who have successfully undergone treatment. "This decision condemns these healthy embryos, which are no longer needed by the original couple, to destruction," he said.

Zukin also noted that bill No. 13683 does not provide for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for fertile couples who face genetic risks.

MP Maria Ionova, in turn, said that Members of Parliament had registered an alternative bill, which was rejected due to "certain procedural norms." Its authors, she said, are now appealing the decision to the Rules Committee.

"We want not just for the bill to be adopted, but for it to actually be implementable in practice, and for its title to correspond to its content. Doctors tell us how men's and women's health is worsening under stress  how post-traumatic syndromes are affecting people's well-being. That's why we want to guarantee citizens the right to have a child," Ionova said.

"Why should we prohibit a woman who has lost her son or husband from using the right to have a child now? The development of reproductive technologies could even be considered a matter of national security," she added.

MP Yana Zinkevych said that the government's bill "was not coordinated with anyone  it wasn't properly reviewed in committee, wasn't discussed, and didn't involve the input of top specialists in the field."

"That's why Maria Ionova and I had to draft an alternative bill that would provide broader reproductive freedom compared to the restrictions in the government proposal. Unfortunately, it was rejected by the Rules Committee, but we are now filing appeals. We'll fight to have it either registered or for the government bill to be withdrawn and reworked together with expert working groups," Zinkevych said.

UARM President Oleksandr Yuzko, for his part, noted that the field of reproductive technologies in Ukraine is currently regulated "fairly democratically" by a number of existing laws.

"Historically, reproductive medicine in Ukraine has been represented mainly by private clinics, which set the standards. We at UARM conducted a survey among our member clinics, and all of them unanimously said that this bill is anti-state, anti-reproductive, and anti-demographic," he said.

"Yes, there are certain problems and violations that need to be addressed. We support regulation  but not through bans. If we want to move forward constructively, we need a law, but a European one, without prohibitions. This draft has been imposed from the top down, from the Cabinet of Ministers. What we really need is to start from the patients  to sit down with them and listen to what they want," he said.

In addition, experts warned that bill No. 13683 contains risks of infringing on patients' rights through lengthy mandatory treatment courses before access to ART procedures, time-based barriers, and potential bans or restrictions on embryo donation and genetic testing (PGT). This would deprive 510% of couples of their chance at parenthood.

The bill also lacks legal clarity in the areas of surrogacy and the transport of gametes and embryos  issues that could harm both clinics and the country's international reputation  and it provides no guarantees of state funding for infertility treatment through the NHSU.
Russia remains a key factor of destabilization in the Western Balkan region  this was stated at the round table Current Security and Stability Threats in the Western Balkans: Destructive External Influences and Internal Factors, held on October 4 at the Holiday Hotel in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The event, organized by the Center for Western Balkans Studies (CWBS) (Montenegro), gathered experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

The discussion focused on the strengthening of Russias hybrid influence, in particular Russian interference in the elections in Moldova, the political crises in Serbia, and the challenges of the regions European integration.

Balsa Bozovic, founder of the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (Serbia), opening the event, emphasized that the security threats to the Western Balkans originating from external actors have recently intensified, especially due to Russias interference in the parliamentary elections in Moldova on September 29. He also noted that Russian influence is being implemented both directly and indirectly, through Serbian influence in the region.

Ljubomir Filipovic, co-founder of the Center for Western Balkans Studies, noted that Russia spreads its influence through various formats and in different directions. In addition to the traditional media component, through which disinformation is disseminated, the academic and cultural spheres are also important. The goal of such influence is the polarization of societies, which leads to regional destabilization.

Reuf Bajrovic, Vice President of the U.S.Europe Alliance (Washington), stated that Russias hybrid influence is taking forms that are usually not visible in the media.

As an example, he cited the energy sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina, primarily in the territory of Republika Srpska, which has gradually been taken over by Russian companies.

Bajrovic also pointed out that Belgrade cannot be viewed as the only hub for the spread of Russian influence in the region, stressing that other regional actors are also actively cooperating with Moscow through their own channels. In particular, he referred to Milorad Dodik.

Vitaliy Portnikov, Ukrainian journalist and publicist, characterized Russian influence in the region as lacking historical foundation. According to him, Moscow relies on local pro-Russian elites, and with their departure from power, the Kremlins influence narrows.

Nino Bilajac and Irvin Pekmez, investigative journalists from BIRN Bosnia and Herzegovina, presented an investigation into Russian paramilitary camps in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in which hundreds of individuals underwent training for subsequent operations aimed at destabilizing Moldova during the recent parliamentary elections.

Bilajac also presented a broader view of Russian presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that it has visibly intensified since 2022. He particularly pointed out that the number of employees in the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sarajevo has significantly increased in recent years, with several cases involving diplomats expelled from other countries for espionage.

Roman Russu, Moldovan politologist, described the forms and channels of Russian influence on elections, stating that the scale is unprecedented  from disinformation campaigns to the training of paramilitary groups in the Western Balkans.

The politologist emphasized that the goal of Russias activities in Moldova is not merely a change of power in Chisinau but also the creation of a foothold for destructive actions against Kyiv and Bucharest.

Omar Memisevic, Bosnian politologist, noted that Russia may be dissatisfied with the results of its policy in the Western Balkans due to differing interests between Moscow and local elites. While for Russia the goal is to destabilize the situation in the region, local politicians pursue their national interests, which do not imply a return to the 1990s.

Boris Varga, Serbian politologist, stated that Russia and Serbia remain the main destabilizing factors in the region.

Russia, being outside the Western Balkans, destabilizes them through various methods, while Serbia is simultaneously both the source and the channel of this influence, said Varga.

He also added that European institutions are currently demonstrating a lack of interest in the region, which creates space for Moscows strengthening.

Natalia Gumba (Ischchenko), co-founder of the Center for Western Balkans Studies (Ukraine), stated that the security situation of the Western Balkans must be considered within a broader European context, since only in this way can concrete and effective approaches to countering threats be developed.

The Center for Western Balkans Studies (CWBS) is an independent analytical center in the format of an NGO, registered in Montenegro.

The key goal of the Center is to monitor and analyze the situation in one of the most turbulent regions of the European continent and to provide expert assessments of the political, economic, social, and security situation in the region.
The Union of Rectors of Ukraine summed up the results of the admission campaign and discussed ways to improve the admission rules in 2026

At its meeting on September 25, 2025, the Union of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine summed up the results of the admission campaign and discussed ways to improve the rules for admission to universities in 2026.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science, relevant committees, rectors of leading universities from all regions of the country, as well as heads of frontline educational institutions.

The head of the Rectors' Union, Petro Kulikov, opened the meeting and emphasized the key role of higher education in ensuring national stability during the war:

"Ukrainian universities not only continue education and science, but also form the personnel base for the post-war restoration of the state. Today, the Rectors' Union is a communication platform between universities, parliament, and the government."

Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykola Trofimenko stressed the importance of institutional strengthening of the Union:

Today, the Union acts as a key partner of the state in shaping educational policy. We must consider the possibility of transforming it into the Association of Universities of Ukraine, which will allow us to represent the interests of higher education even more effectively.

Deputy Chairman of the Union, Rector of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv Volodymyr Bugrov stressed the need to update the regulatory framework:

The 2025 admission campaign was generally successful, but we see a need to improve admission rules and update legislation.

Rector of Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University Viktor Hreshta highlighted the challenges faced by frontline universities and the need for state support for such institutions.

Rector of Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture Oleksii Dniprov emphasized the importance of increasing the transparency of admission procedures.

Viktoria Petrushenko, Rector of Vinnitsa National Medical University named after Pirogov, highlighted the risks of lowering passing scores in medical specialties.

Vadym Tkachuk, Rector of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, drew attention to the problems of indicative cost.

Maksym Tymoshenko, Rector of the Tchaikovsky National Music Academy, called for ensuring the key role of creative competitions in art universities.

The meeting was also attended by members of parliament, representatives of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation, deputy ministers, heads of departments of the Ministry of Education and Science, in particular, Oleg Sharov, Director General of the Directorate of Higher Education and Adult Education, who answered questions from participants.

The approved document (decision of the Union of Rectors) states:

the 2025 admission campaign was successful  more than 317,000 participants registered for the National Multidisciplinary Test and 882,000 applications were submitted; educational institutions carried out significant career guidance work among young people, especially in frontline regions; a decision was made to create a working group to prepare proposals for changes to the 2026 admission rules; to prepare proposals for the Ministry of Education and Science, the government, and parliament within a month; to appeal to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine with a proposal to deepen cooperation between the Ministry and the Union of Rectors.

The Union of Rectors of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine is an all-Ukrainian public organization that brings together university leaders to coordinate educational, scientific, and international activities.

Founded in 1992, the organization acts as an advisory partner to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and participates in the development of state educational policy and regulations in the field of higher education.
The culture that thrived at Teotihuacan in the Classic period has a unique place in Mesoamerican history. Today, it is held as an emblem of the Mexican national past and is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the Americas. Nevertheless, curious visitors are told that the ethnic and linguistic affiliation of the Teotihuacanos remains unknown. Whereas the decipherment of other Mesoamerican writing systems has provided a wealth of information about dynasties and historical events, scholars have not been able to access information about Teotihuacan society from their own written sources. Indeed, the topic of writing at Teotihuacan prompts several contentious questions. Do signs in Teotihuacan imagery constitute writing? If it is writing, how did it work? Was it meant to be read independently of language? If it did represent a specific language, then what language was it? University of Copenhagen researchers Magnus Pharao Hansen and Christopher Helmke propose that Teotihuacan writing shared basic principles with other Mesoamerican scribal traditions, including the use of logograms according to the rebus principle, as well as a principle they term double spelling. Arguing that it did encode a specific and identifiable language, namely, a Uto-Aztecan language immediately ancestral to Nahuatl, Cora, and Huichol, they offer new readings of several Teotihuacan glyphs.

Teotihuacan is a sacred pre-Columbian city that was founded around 100 BCE and flourished until 600 CE.

Located in the northeast of the Basin of Mexico, the ancient city covered 20 square km, supported a population of up to 125,000 residents, and was in touch with other Mesoamerican civilizations.

It is unclear who the builders of Teotihuacan were, and what relation they had to the peoples which followed. It is also unclear why the city was abandoned. There are several theories which include foreign invasion, a civil war, an ecological catastrophe, or some combination of all three.

There are many different cultures in Mexico. Some of them can be linked to specific archaeological cultures. But others are more uncertain. Teotihuacan is one of those places, Dr. Pharao Hansen said.

We dont know what language they spoke or what later cultures they were linked to.

A trained eye can easily distinguish Teotihuacan culture from other contemporary cultures, Dr. Helmke added.

For example, the ruins in Teotihuacan show that parts of the city were inhabited by the Maya  a civilization that is much better known today than Teotihuacan.

The ancient people of Teotihuacan left behind a series of signs, mainly as murals and decorated pottery.

For years, researchers have debated whether these signs even constitute an actual written language.

The authors show that the writing on the walls of Teotihuacan is in fact record a language that is a linguistic ancestor of the Cora and Huichol languages and the Aztec language Nahuatl.

The Aztecs are another famous culture from Mexico. Until now, it was believed that the Aztecs migrated to central Mexico after the fall of Teotihuacan.

However, the researchers point to a linguistic connection between Teotihuacan and the Aztec, which could indicate that Nahuatl-speaking populations arrived to the area much earlier and that they are actually direct descendants of the inhabitants of Teotihuacan.

In order to identify the linguistic similarities between the language of Teotihuacan and other Mesoamerican languages, the scientists had to reconstruct a much earlier version of Nahuatl.

Otherwise, it would be a bit like trying to decipher the runes on the famous Danish runestones, such as the Jelling Stone, using modern Danish. That would be anachronistic. You have to try to read the text using a language that is closer in time and contemporary, Dr. Helmke said.

The Teotihuacan written language is difficult to decipher for several reasons.

One reason is that the logograms that make up the script sometimes have a direct meaning, so that an image of a coyote, for example, should simply be understood to mean coyote.

Elsewhere in the text, the signs must be read as a kind of rebus, where the sounds of the objects depicted must be put together to form a word, which may be more conceptual and therefore difficult to write as a single figurative logogram.

This makes it crucial to have a good knowledge of both the Teotihuacan writing system and the Uto-Aztecan language, which these researchers believe is recorded in the texts.

It is necessary to know how the words sounded back then in order to solve the written puzzles of Teotihuacan.

That is why the authors are working on several fronts. They are simultaneously reconstructing the Uto-Aztecan language, a difficult task in itself, and using this ancient language to decipher the Teotihuacan texts.

In Teotihuacan, you can still find pottery with text on it, and we know that more murals will turn up, Dr. Pharao Hansen said.

It is clearly a limitation to our research that we do not have more texts.

It would be great if we could find the same signs used in the same way in many more contexts.

That would further support our hypothesis, but for now we have to work with the texts we have.

Dr. Pharao Hansen and Dr. Helmke are excited about their breakthrough.

No one before us has used a language that fits the time period to decipher this written language, Dr. Pharao Hansen said.

Nor has anyone been able to prove that certain logograms had a phonetic value that could be used in contexts other than the logograms main meaning.

In this way, we have created a method that can serve as a baseline for others to build on in order to expand their understanding of the texts.

The teams paper was published in the journal Current Anthropology.

_____

Magnus Pharao Hansen & Christophe Helmke. 2025. The Language of Teotihuacan Writing. Current Anthropology 66 (5); doi: 10.1086/737863
China's National Day holiday travel goes green as charging network expands

Xinhua) 09:15, October 07, 2025

Vehicles are pictured on the Ring Expressway in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, on Oct. 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- This National Day holiday, Xu Yuan took to the road in an electric vehicle, enjoying a smooth and stress-free 300-kilometer journey made possible by China's rapidly expanding charging network.

"The charging is incredibly fast now, taking just 10 minutes for 60 kilowatt-hours," Xu said. "With chargers available along the entire route, I could drive without any concern about range."

Xu's experience reflects a broader shift in China's holiday travel. An increasing number of travelers are choosing new energy vehicles (NEVs) for their trips, reassured by the expanding and improved charging network.

The trend is underscored by a striking figure. On Oct. 1, the first day of the eight-day holiday, highway charging reached 17.49 million kilowatt-hours, a record high and an increase of 41.95 percent from the previous year, official data showed.

This year, the National Day holiday coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, extending the vacation from Oct. 1 through Oct. 8. The longer break has fueled vibrant travel demand, filling highways and transport hubs with bustling activity.

During the first half of the holiday, China's cross-regional passenger flow surged to a historic high, with approximately 1.24 billion trips recorded. Road travel remained the dominant choice, and an increasing number of these trips were powered by NEVs.

According to the Ministry of Transport, on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, daily NEV traffic on the country's expressways reached 13.29 million and 12.37 million trips, up 26.2 percent and 30.1 percent year on year, respectively.

China's NEV market has grown rapidly in recent years. By the end of June, there were 36.89 million NEVs on Chinese roads, accounting for 10.27 percent of the country's total automobile fleet. China has held its position as the world's largest NEV market for ten consecutive years.

Propelled by the widespread adoption of NEVs, China has rapidly expanded its charging infrastructure. The country now boasts the world's largest charging network, and has achieved a ratio of two charging piles for every five electric vehicles.

By March, 98 percent of highway service areas had been equipped with charging facilities, enabling most drivers to recharge their vehicles during their journeys.

The deployment of supercharging piles has further improved convenience. The new units deliver up to 480 kilowatts per gun, enough to add hundreds of kilometers of range in just a few minutes.

China's vast charging network has also expanded into counties and rural towns. By the end of June, more than 97 percent of counties were equipped with charging facilities. This denser network not only makes daily travel easier for rural residents but also boosts rural tourism, allowing travelers to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations without worrying about running out of power.

Industry insiders say that the NEV market's expansion will continue to drive growth in the charging sector, with a shift from simply adequate coverage to high-quality, user-friendly services.

Chen Si, chief technology officer at CAMS New Energy Technology Co., a joint venture under Volkswagen Group China, said he expects the total number of public charging facilities to surpass 20 million by the end of this year.

Chen noted that the annual charging volume at these public facilities is projected to reach 80 billion kilowatt-hours by then, roughly equivalent to the annual power generation of the Three Gorges hydropower station, the largest of its kind in the world.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
Full moon admired across China during Mid-Autumn Festival

Xinhua) 09:19, October 07, 2025

A full moon is pictured near Jingshan Park in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

A drone photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a full moon over the sky in north China's Tianjin. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua)

A full moon is pictured near the Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

A drone photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a worker against the backdrop of a full moon in Hengyang, central China's Hunan Province. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Cao Zhengping/Xinhua)

A full moon is pictured in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Zhang Yanbo/Xinhua)

A full moon is pictured in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Meng Delong/Xinhua)

A tourist checks photos of the full moon near the West Lake in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Long Wei/Xinhua)

Tourists watch the full moon at a park in Jiamusi, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Qu Yubao/Xinhua)

Tourists take photos for the full moon in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

A drone photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a full moon over the sky in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Zhang Shu/Xinhua)

A full moon is pictured in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

A full moon is pictured in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Meng Delong/Xinhua)

A full moon is pictured in Cangnan County of Wenzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Su Qiaojiang/Xinhua)

A drone photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a full moon over the sky in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Liu Dapeng/Xinhua)

This aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows people viewing the moon on a boat in Eryuan West Lake in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Luo Xincai/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a full moon over the sky in Zhangpu County, southeast China's Fujian Province. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Lin Duhong/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a full moon over the sky in Shantou, south China's Guangdong Province. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Yao Jun/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a full moon over the sky in Kunshan, east China's Jiangsu Province. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Wang Xuzhong/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a full moon over the sky in Kunshan, east China's Jiangsu Province. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Photo by Wang Xuzhong/Xinhua)

A full moon is pictured in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

A full moon is pictured in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 6, 2025. Monday marks this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. People across China admire the full moon to celebrate the traditional holiday. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated across China

Xinhua) 09:41, October 07, 2025

Children make moon cakes at a scenic spot in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Meng Delong/Xinhua)

A child makes a toy windmill at a museum in Tengzhou, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Li Zhijun/Xinhua)

Tourists visit the Yandaixiejie street in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Children and their parents make moon cakes in Jiangyin, east China's Jiangsu Province, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Huan Yueliang/Xinhua)

A girl and her parent make a lantern in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Hang Xingwei/Xinhua)

Children and their family members make lanterns in Neijiang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Tang Mingrun/Xinhua)

Tourists visit Nanluoguxiang Lane in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival. (Xinhua/Li Xin)

Chinese and international students participate in an event marking the Mid-Autumn Festival at Tianjin Normal University in north China's Tianjin, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Chinese and international students participate in an event marking the Mid-Autumn Festival at Tianjin Normal University in north China's Tianjin, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Xinhua/Li Ran)

Performers and robots play drums at a scenic spot in Shantou, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Yao Jun/Xinhua)

People take photos of a drone light show in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao)

People admire the full moon at a campsite in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 6, 2025. People participated in diverse traditional folk cultural events on Monday to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
China-built river bridge opens to traffic in Guyana

Xinhua) 09:58, October 07, 2025

An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 27, 2025 shows the new and old Demerara River Bridge in Georgetown, capital of Guyana. The Chinese-built new Demerara River Bridge officially opened to traffic in Guyana on Sunday.(China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Limited/Handout via Xinhua)

GEORGETOWN, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese-built new Demerara River Bridge officially opened to traffic in Guyana on Sunday.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, President Irfaan Ali thanked the Chinese contractor, saying that the opening of the bridge marked the beginning of a series of infrastructure transformations in the country. He described the bridge as a lifeline for commerce, industry and people's daily lives, saying that it will significantly increase capacity and ease congestion.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang said the bridge is a milestone project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and a strong symbol of friendship between the two countries. She noted that Chinese companies had trained more than 300 local technicians, partnered with over 100 suppliers and created thousands of jobs during construction.

Located in the capital of Georgetown, the bridge is Guyana's largest and most technically complex transport project to date. Stretching about 2,900 meters, it has four lanes in two directions, a design speed of 80 km/h, and an expected service life of 100 years.

A Chinese constructor works on the new Demerara River Bridge in Georgetown, capital of Guyana, Oct. 2, 2025. The Chinese-built new Demerara River Bridge officially opened to traffic in Guyana on Sunday. (Xinhua/Xu Yongzheng)

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali addresses the inauguration ceremony of the new Demerara River Bridge in Georgetown, capital of Guyana, Oct. 5, 2025. The Chinese-built new Demerara River Bridge officially opened to traffic in Guyana on Sunday. (Xinhua/Xu Yongzheng)

An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows the new Demerara River Bridge against the setting sun in Georgetown, capital of Guyana. The Chinese-built new Demerara River Bridge officially opened to traffic in Guyana on Sunday. (China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Limited/Handout via Xinhua)

A man holding national flags of Guyana poses for a photo with fireworks on the new Demerara River Bridge in Georgetown, capital of Guyana, Oct. 5, 2025. The Chinese-built new Demerara River Bridge officially opened to traffic in Guyana on Sunday. (Xinhua/Xu Yongzheng)

People attend the inauguration ceremony of the new Demerara River Bridge in Georgetown, capital of Guyana, Oct. 5, 2025. The Chinese-built new Demerara River Bridge officially opened to traffic in Guyana on Sunday. (Xinhua/Xu Yongzheng)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
Sir Jim Ratcliffes chemicals firm Ineos said on Tuesday that it plans to cut 60 jobs at its acetyls plant in Hull due to "sky-high" energy costs and anti-competitive trade practices, "as importers dump product into the UK and European markets".

Ineos put the cuts - which equate to around 20% of the workforce at the plant - down to "dirt-cheap carbon-heavy" imports from China flooding the market.

"These Chinese products have been blocked from entering the US by effective tariffs but face no trade barriers in the UK or Europe," the company said, as it urged the UK government and European Commission to introduce "urgent" anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese and US importers to protect the chemicals sector.

Ineos warned that unless firm action is taken, more sites will close and thousands more jobs will be lost, not only at Hull but across the UK and European chemical industry.

David Brooks, chief executive of Ineos Acetyls, said: "This is a very difficult time for everyone at the Hull facility. We have a leading-edge, efficient and well-invested site and the team here is highly skilled, professional, and dedicated.

"Making the decision to cut 60 roles was not taken lightly. We have explored every possible alternative but in the face of sustained pressure from energy costs, combined with unfairly low-cost imports into the UK and Europe, weve been left with no other choice. Our priority now is to support those affected and protect the long-term future of the site."
Mining giant Rio Tinto said on Tuesday that it will invest $733m alongside joint venture partners Mitsui and Nippon Steel to develop new iron ore deposits at the West Angelas hub in Western Australia's Pilbara region, with Rio's share totalling $389m.

Rio Tinto said the West Angelas sustaining project, part of the Robe River JV, has now received full State and Federal approvals and will maintain the hub's annual production capacity of 35m tonnes, extending mining activity well into the next decade.

The FTSE 100-listed firm said first ore was expected in 2027, with around 600 jobs created during construction and 950 full-time roles sustained once operational. Ore will be autonomously trucked to existing processing infrastructure, supported by new haul roads and non-process facilities.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief Matthew Holcz said the project was "built on strong and committed partnerships" with Mitsui, Nippon Steel and the Yinhawangka and Ngarlawangga Peoples, who co-designed cultural heritage plans for the site.

Rio Tinto added that the development forms part of its broader Pilbara replacement programme, which will support a combined capacity of around 130m tonnes per annum. The miner also said work was progressing on the Rhodes Ridge pre-feasibility study, targeting up to 40m tpa and first ore by 2030.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
London Chinatown glows for Mid-Autumn Festival

People's Daily Online) 13:51, October 07, 2025

The 2025 London Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival comes alive with joy, as people gather to celebrate reunion and happinessevery smile, every lantern, and every shared moment weaving a warm tapestry of togetherness that lights up the heart of the city.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
India to launch RBI backed digital currency for faster, paperless transactions

Government discourages crypto currencies without asset or sovereign backing

Talks underway with Qatar to fast track free trade agreement (FTA)

India is preparing to launch its own digital currency, backed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The move aims to make transactions simpler, faster, and paperless while ensuring full traceability. Union Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed the development during his recent visit to Qatar.

He explained that the RBI backed digital currency would function like traditional money but in digital form, offering greater efficiency and transparency. It will help reduce paper usage and make financial transactions easier and quicker than the current banking system, Goyal said.

While promoting the RBI digital currency, the minister also warned against using cryptocurrencies that lack sovereign or asset backing. He clarified that although such crypto assets are not banned in India, they are taxed heavily to discourage use. We do not support cryptocurrencies that are not backed by any government or physical asset. There is no one to hold accountable if something goes wrong, he stated.

In addition to economic reforms, India is strengthening international trade ties. Goyal announced that India and Qatar have agreed to fast-track talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). He expects the agreement to be finalized by mid or late next year. The goal is to double the current trade volume, which stood at over 14 billion US dollars in 2024-25.

Also Read: Piyush Goyal Engages Top CEOs to Strengthen Trade and Tech Ties

India already has a trade pact with the UAE and is close to finalizing one with Oman. A deal with Qatar would further expand Indias trade reach within the Gulf region.
Sberbank took part in the World Food India 2025 international exhibition in New Delhi, where it presented a comprehensive approach to supporting business in the Russian-Indian market. In addition to traditional financial products in rubles and rupees, Sberbank offers businesses in both countries specialized solutions to increase turnover, as Ivan Nosov, head of Sberbank's branch in India, told the Russian government delegation. The parties also discussed issues related to expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the agro-industrial sector.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of continuing to ramp up efforts in this area. Dmitry Patrushev noted the relevance of providing comprehensive support for Russian exports and expanding business into the Indian market.

Today, Indian exporters conducting trade operations with Russia have the opportunity to receive payment for goods without waiting for the contract deferral period to expire. The funds will be provided by Sberbank's branch in India through letter of credit discounting or the issuance of a post-shipment loan secured by funds received from the Russian buyer. In addition, as part of the Business Development project, Sberbank helps companies from India and Russia significantly reduce the time spent searching for counterparties and effectively build mutually beneficial business partnerships that contribute to the growth of trade turnover. In the agricultural sector, the interests of both countries also include the supply of equipment and technology and the import of labor from India to Russia.

Ivan Nosov, CEO of the Sberbank PJSC branch in India:

We greatly appreciate the attention and support from the Government of the Russian Federation. Joint decisions and efforts are significantly accelerating the development of trade and economic relations between Russia and India. Sberbank, as one of the largest banks in Russia, sees great potential in this area and is investing significant resources to create a comfortable financial infrastructure for business in both countries.

Alongside the exhibition in Delhi, a business mission was held for Russian agricultural customers, with key industry players participating at Sberbank's invitation. As part of the program, participants discussed the importance of developing export relations between countries and visited production facilities in India, noting the high quality of the products.

World Food India is one of the largest exhibitions of Indian food products, bringing together the food industry, agriculture, and related sectors. Foreign partners, investors, and industry leaders from key regions are invited to participate in the exhibition.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A change in leadership is on the way for students and staff at PS 3, Pleasant Plains, after the new principal was removed from the position last week.

According to a Friday letter from Staten Island District 31 Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton, obtained by the Advance/SILive.com, the school community was notified of an important leadership transition at PS 3.

We recognize that leadership changes can raise questions, and I want to assure you that our commitment to the students, staff, and families of PS 3 remains our top priority, said Palton in the letter.

Joseph OBrien was officially welcomed to the school community in a Sept. 8 letter from Palton. He replaced Elmer Myers, who retired after 10 years at the school.

According to concerned parents who reached out to the Advance/SILive.com, OBrien was relieved of his duties last week. The city Department of Education confirmed OBriens removal on Friday, though the agency did not provide a reason for the removal or if the move was permanent.

However, Fridays letter stated that an acting principal will be assigned to the school shortly and will be communicated to families once finalized.

In the meantime, District 31 leadership will provide support to the school. Louis Bruschi, principal lead for strategic partnership and family and community engagement for District 31, was on site greeting families Tuesday morning.

I want to thank the entire PS 3 community for your dedication, resilience, and partnership, said Palton in the letter. Your support and engagement are essential as we move forward together in this next chapter of PS 3.

Several parents refused to comment Tuesday morning on the principals removal. However, one parent walking past a reporter said that parents are finding the situation quite crazy.

Another parent claimed that it was fellow parents who were the reason for OBriens removal. Other parents expressed they didnt know the principal had been removed.

I dont know exactly what happened, said Siva Thambiah, who has two children at the school. Its not a good feeling  I didnt have a good feeling from the beginning.

Thambiah and another parent, Elena, who asked to only use her first name, noted that the former principal was always outside to greet students for arrival and dismissal.

We had such stable management before. We all knew him. He was always meeting the kids in the morning, it was very good, said Elena, about the former principal.

According to Paltons letter to the school community last month, OBrien had more than two decades of dedicated service to New York City Public Schools and was deputy superintendent in Brooklyns District 20 before his appointment at PS 3.
Little Blue Angels choir brings families together at St. Ann's R.C. Church on Sunday Oct. 5, 2025

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  It all began with Rev. Jacob Thummas idea to transform the lives of children through music and faith at St. Anns R.C. Church in Dongan Hills.

Father Thumma  or Father Jacob, as he is known to parishioners  created the St. Anns Church Little Blue Angels childrens choir to assist in youth development by helping children overcome shyness while also strengthening family bonds through shared faith experiences.

Father Jacob, upon becoming pastor at St. Anns, was inspired after witnessing childrens enthusiasm during First Holy Communion.

One main thing is to grow into the faith. Second thing is for life in the world, so they can be facing the world tomorrow in crowds, explained Father Jacob, the choirs organizer. This philosophy reflects the Catholic schools mission of combining faith and knowledge together.

When Father Jacob approached Kieran McKeon, a teacher at St. Anns School, and told her that he was going to have a childrens choir, she was thrilled.

For McKeon, being selected to direct the choir was both an honor and a challenge.

I was very flattered, shocked and afraid, she recalled, noting her background working in a convent for nine years and lifelong Catholic education. I didnt think I was doing anything that outstanding that Father would ask me to do this.

The choir, composed of about 20 children from first through sixth grade, rehearses Thursday afternoons for an hour and performs during the 11 a.m. Sunday family Mass. The choir brings together students from the parochial school alongside children from public schools.

The choir has become particularly effective at helping children overcome social anxiety and build confidence.

Ive seen a couple of very shy children. I told them, Just be there and sit down, you dont have to sing, Father Jacob shared. Then maybe a few weeks later, we see them really coming out of their shell.

Little Blue Angels choir brings families together at St. Ann's R.C. Church, Dongan Hills, on Sunday Oct. 5, 2025. (Kara Buzga for the Advance/SILive.com) .

The childrens choir, now entering its third year, is particularly remarkable due to McKeons unconventional approach to music direction. She candidly shared that she uses YouTube to help direct the children.

No, I have zero musical background, McKeon said.

Despite this limitation, or perhaps because of the creativity it demands, McKeon has developed an innovative teaching method.

I find the songs that we would like them to sing, and I find YouTube videos, she explained. We just practice from the YouTube videos and thats what we end up with.

McKeon doesnt manage this growing ministry alone. Lorraine Gorrin serves as an assistant, providing support during rehearsals and performances.

Together, they coordinate the logistics of keeping 20 energetic children focused.

During services, the children take on substantial responsibilities beyond singing.

They do the readings, and also they collect the money, the gifts, Father Jacob said. Adults help them, but children are the main thing.

Their reputation for excellence has spread beyond parish boundaries. Last year, the children performed for a visiting cardinal. The performance impressed not only the cardinal but also community members who attended from across Staten Island.

He absolutely loved it, McKeon said proudly. He just would take a billion pictures with the kids. He couldnt believe how well they sang.

This special occasion and the cute little blue robes donated by St. Anns School Principal Bernadette Ficchi, gave birth to their nickname.

Thats where we got blue dress, Father Jacob recalled. I called them Blue Angels.

Beyond musical development, the choir has become instrumental in rebuilding family involvement in the church.

The more and more people coming back to church, the parents, the families. So the choir also is memorable for me, its like it brings the families together, Father Jacob said. Where there is God, theres peace. Where theres no God, theres violence and division, hatred. We are trying to inculcate that kind of attitude, nonviolence, into the children through the faith.

Little Blue Angels choir brings families together at St. Ann's R.C. Church, Dongan Hills, on Sunday Oct. 5, 2025. (Kara Buzga for the Advance/SILive.com) .

Mother, Justyna Sokolowska, of Midland Beach said that her 7-year-old daughter Mia, was eager to join the choir.

She wanted to be there and she asked me if she could so I told her, Yeah, go ahead, said Sokolowska.

John Nielson, the music minister at St. Anns, said the Blue Angels has fostered a good connection between the church and the school.

Its bringing children back and its making them also take a part in the Mass, said Nielson. I think its extremely important and great to see as well.

The Little Blue Angels have also begun extending their ministry into the wider community.

Last Christmas, at a parents suggestion, they performed at Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

They went floor to floor singing wherever the administrators of Carmel Richmond told us to go, McKeon recalled. The residents really seem to like it.

The choir welcomes children of all faiths, not just Catholics.

We have not just the Catholics in the school, we are also non-Catholics who come to church every day for the mass, Father Jacob clarified. Faith can make you somebody who could be a peace loving person.

He emphasized that the goal isnt conversion but rather character development.

Interestingly, Father Jacob notes that some children have been so moved by their experiences that theyve chosen to become Catholic of their own accord.

There are cases where theyre impressed and theyre seeing something more than to become Catholic. Some of the kids deciding, not the parents, he said, adding, Thats one good thing to see how it comes naturally, not forcing upon anybody.

The service takes place at 101 Cromwell Ave. in Dongan Hills on Sundays at 11 a.m. Anyone can join the service and any child can participate in the choir. Readers interested in learning more should visit St. Anns website.
New York Comic Con returns this Oct. 9 to 12 to the Javits Center. Advance/SILive | Nicolette Cavallaro

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- You may be seeing Spider-Man or The Mandalorian on the ferry this October!

New York Comic Con will be returning to the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan Oct. 9 through Oct. 12, with four days filled with movie studio panels, celebrity autographs, geeky shopping and endless costumes.

For Staten Island residents planning to attend, getting to the event can be a challenge, as parking is limited and traffic around the convention center can be difficult to manage.

The Javits Center can also be confusing to navigate. Although the official address is 429 Eleventh Ave, the building spans five city blocks, stretching from West 34th St. up to 39th St.

There are multiple entrances. Fans with general admission tickets will enter on 11th and 38th St. or 34th St. halfway between 11th and 12th Ave. Those with VIP and ADA tickets can enter at the 11th and 34th St. entrance.

Here are the best ways to travel to New York Comic Con this year.

Ferry

Those interested in traveling by boat to the convention are able to take the New York City Fast Ferry, which docks at St. George, at 1 Bay Street. The boats second stop, Midtown West which is located at 12th Ave. and West 39th St., is just a few minute walk from the main entrances of the center.

Tickets can be purchased through the NYC Ferry App or at Ticket Vending Machines at the landings. The two types available for purchase are: Single-Ride for $4.50 or 10-Trip Pass for $29.00.

Bus

Multiple stops are within walking distance of the convention center for those traveling into Manhattan by express bus.

Some of these buses are the SIM10, SIM11, SIM1C, SIM30 and the SIM3. Check mta.info or use the MTA app for real-time bus arrivals and schedules.

Train

The closest subway station to the Javits Center is the 34th-Hudson Yards Station (7 train). The 34th-Penn Station stops, which serve the A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 lines, are also within walking distance.

Car

Interested in driving? The New York Comic Con website recommends using Google Maps or Waze for directions due to street closures and checking ParkWhiz or SpotHero for the best parking options.

Theres also street parking and plenty of parking garages, with prices ranging anywhere from $40 to $100 for the day.

Note that congestion pricing is in effect for areas of Manhattan south of 61st Street, including the area of the convention center.
A New Jersey man died after he was pulled from the ocean at a Seaside Park beach on Saturday, police said.

Authorities responded to the 8th Avenue beach after a bystander observed a swimmer in distress at 11:52 a.m., said Seaside Park Police Sgt. Andrew Casole.

The swimmer, identified as John DeVone, 54, of Whippany, N.J., was brought to shore by the fire department water rescue team, Casole said.

Authorities performed CPR on DeVone, who was unresponsive. He was taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he later died, police said.

The incident comes as Jersey Shore beaches are unguarded. Dangerous rip currents were expected over the weekend while Hurricanes Humberto and Imelda churned the ocean.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Richmond University Medical Center has received a $25,000 grant to expand colon cancer screening among low-income and uninsured residents on Staten Island.

The grant from the Harry S. Black & Allon Fuller Fund is meant to improve early detection, and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes among those facing the highest barriers to care.

Colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death, yet its one of the most preventable with timely screening and early detection, said RUMC President and CEO Daniel J. Messina. This funding allows us to continue breaking down barriers and reaching those who need care most.

RUMC has been on the forefront of the fight against colorectal cancer through its comprehensive oncology services, free health screenings and Colon Health Initiative. The initiative, funded by the New York City Council, provides no-cost or low-cost colon cancer screenings, patient education and navigation services to help individuals overcome logistical, financial and informational barriers.

Staten Island has the highest rate of colorectal cancer cases in New York City. According to the New York State Cancer Registry, between 2018 and 2022, Staten Island reported 41.4 cases per 100,000 residents  exceeding rates in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan.

RUMC will use the grant to offer a limited number of no-cost colonoscopies to uninsured, underinsured and low-income individuals. Eligible patients will receive two physician visits  pre- and post-procedure  the colonoscopy itself and pathology readings of any specimens collected. They will also receive navigation support to assist with scheduling, transportation, preparation and follow-up care, reducing common barriers that can lead to missed or incomplete screenings.

Expressing his excitement for the funding, Dr. Vahe Shahnazarian  a board-certified gastroenterologist who cares for patients at RUMC and through its Richmond Health Network, said the grant will help expand critical access to screenings. Between raising awareness with our educational sessions and providing high-quality care through colonoscopies, we hope to drastically cut down on this easily preventable cancer in our close-knit community, Shahnazarian said.

In addition to providing screenings, RUMC will host community-based educational sessions in partnership with local organizations and faith-based groups. The programs aim to raise awareness about colon cancer prevention, the importance of early detection and available screening resources. Materials will be offered in both English and Spanish to reach Staten Islands diverse population.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island commemorated the second anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attacks on Israel with a series of programs focused on unity, survival and resilience.

The programs brought together members of the Staten Islands Jewish community to honor those lost in the attacks, support survivors, and show solidarity with Israel in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks. The gatherings focused on the theme of Hope and Resilience, offering a space for reflection and community connection.

The JCC hosted Liz Hirsh Naftali -- an advocate for hostages and humanitarian rights -- on Sept. 28 to discuss her book Saving Abigail: The True Story of the Abduction and Rescue of a Three-Year-Old Hostage. Naftali is the great-aunt of Abigail Mor Edan, a three-year-old Israeli-American who witnessed her parents murder and was held hostage by Hamas. Thanks to Naftalis relentless efforts, Abigail was returned to her family after 50 days of captivity. Ticket proceeds from the event benefited the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Tel Aviv, Israel.

On Sunday, the JCC welcomed Nova Music Festival survivor, Rotem Asner, for a free screening of the documentary We Will Dance Again. The documentary narrated the tragic events of the Nova Music Festival that occurred during the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. The screening concluded with a discussion by Asner, as she reflected on her personal experiences at the festival and how she is coping in its aftermath.

CEO of the JCC, Orit Lender, said the events allow individuals to be a voice for those taken from us and to uplift the voices of those who survived the unimaginable. She also shared that the JCC will continue to be a safe space for Staten Islands Jewish community

Later this month, the JCC will host Canadian-Israeli photographer and Nova Festival survivor, Shye Klein. The event, After Nova: Stories in Sound & Color, will include a gallery exhibit, market, and a discussion with Klein about his experiences from Oct. 7.

The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the JCC from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To learn more about the event, go to: form.jotform.com/JCC_jcc.
Sir Elton John performed to his biggest audience since he quit touring in 2023 at the 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

Elton John wowed the crowds at the Singapore GP with his biggest concert since retiring from the road

The 78-year-old music legend was on excellent form as he took to the stage for a dazzling 90-minute set at Marina Bay Street Circuit on Sunday (05.10.25), following British Mercedes driver George Russell's win.

More than 70,000 fans gathered at The Padang stage to witness the 16-track greatest hits set, which included Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, Bennie And The Jets, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, and I'm Still Standing.

It marked Elton's biggest concert since wrapping his record-breaking Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour two years ago.

Since then, Elton has suffered eyesight problems, but he's not letting it stop him.

The Your Song hitmaker - who retired from touring to spend more time with his sons Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12, whom he has with husband David Furnish - contracted a severe eye infection last July which left him blind in his right eye, with "limited vision" in his left.

He told The Times in April: "It's distressing. You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have.

"I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here [left eye] So you say to yourself, just get on with it."

Speaking previously about his battle with blindness, Elton told The Guardian newspaper: "I'm an optimist permanently, I've got bad eyesight at the moment.

"There have been days I've been miserable, but then I think about how lucky I am, I've got a new respect for sight-impaired people, but I've got a great life and hopefully my sight will improve.

"I've beaten addiction, health issues and can pick myself up, dust myself off."

Elton John's Singapore Grand Prix setlist:

Saturday Nights Alright For Fighting

Bennie And The Jets

I Guess Thats Why They Call It The Blues

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters

Tiny Dancer

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Philadelphia Freedom

Rocket Man

Levon

Candle In The Wind

Dont Let The Sun Go Down On Me

The Bitch Is Back

Crocodile Rock

Im Still Standing

Your Song

Cold Heart
The star of classics like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids has been away from the screen for over 30 years, but a sequel to Spaceballs will bring him back in 2027

One of the first lines that comes to mind when thinking of Ghostbusters (1984) is: I am Vinz, Vinz Clortho, Keymaster of Gozer. Volguus Zildrohar, Lord of the Sebouillia. Are you the Gatekeeper? Then come others  many of them also delivered by Rick Moranis, 72. Despite acting alongside comedy heavyweights like Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray, Moranis managed to steal every scene he appeared in in Ivan Reitmans classic. The Canadian comedian was one of the biggest comedy stars in U.S. film for a decade  and then, suddenly, his career came to a standstill.

Its a story most people know: after the death of his wife, he decided to focus on raising his young children. Yet he has never seen it as a retirement. He has even said hed like to change the line on his Wikipedia page that describes him as virtually retired, but he doesnt know how. Hes never been particularly interested in the internet, and even less in social media.

During this long hiatus, in which he took on small, low-profile projects, rumors about his return kept surfacing  mostly fueled by fans hopes rather than actual news. Now, that wish is coming true, along with a long-held dream of one of his most successful directors. Mel Brooks said back in 2014 that he wanted to make a sequel to Spaceballs  but only if Moranis joined the cast. Without Rick, I wouldnt do it, he told Parade. Ive got the helmet in storage, just waiting for him. Itll fit nobody else. Rick is five-five-and-a-half. Its a perfect fit for the big helmet. He was such a genius." Now Spaceballs 2 is confirmed for a release in 2027.

Rick Moranis in Los Angeles in 1990. Ron Galella, Ltd. (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

Moraniss career began as a radio disc jockey in his native Canada. There, he formed a comedy duo with his friend Rob Cowan, whiich was so successful, it caught the attention of Second City Television, the popular Canadian comedy show that launched stars such as John Candy, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, and Catherine OHara. The show became so popular that it later aired in the United States and even served as a substitute for Saturday Night Live.

His character  a parody of Canadian stereotypes, always dressed in heavy clothing with a beer in hand  started as filler material but was so popular with audiences that he ended up starring in his own film, Strange Brew (1983), alongside Swedish actor Max Von Sydow in an unusual pairing. He also appeared in Walter Hills cult musical Streets of Fire (1984) with Michael Pare and Diane Lane. After that came his big break: playing Louis Tully in Ghostbusters.

Although its hard to imagine the accountant with any other traits now, Louis Tully was originally written for John Candy. It was inspired by one of Candys characters on Second City and was radically different from the one that eventually appeared on screen. Candy turned down the role, and director Ivan Reitman then thought of Moranis, another member of Second City. He read it in like one hour, called me up, and said, Wow, please thank Candy for me. This is the greatest thing I ever read, Reitman recalled in Ghostbusters: An Oral History.

Joe Piscopo and Rick Moranis in 1983. Ron Galella (Ron Galella Collection via Getty)

From the moment they saw him at his first audition, it was clear he was perfect for the role: he made Louis completely his own, to the point of rewriting lines and turning him into the perfect nerd  something that wasnt in the script. He charmed the entire crew.

He had incredible talent, said Richard Edlund, head of special effects. He could do Johnny Carson doing Tarzan. He could do an actor doing another actor, and see both of them.

Moranis also impressed actresss Sigourney Weaver, who had come from the Yale drama school. Talk about improvising. I know a lot of it was in the script, but Rick was just a genius. In the article, she admitted that in some takes you can see her laughing because she couldnt contain herself in Moraniss presence.

He quickly became a familiar face, and it wasnt long before he landed a role with more substance: Seymour, the florist tasked with caring for a strange extraterrestrial plant with cannibalistic habits, in Little Shop of Horrors (1986). The musical comedy was the big-screen adaptation of the 1982 off-Broadway musical, which in turn was adapted from Roger Cormans B-movie The Little Shop of Horrors. Director Frank Oz, who was working in England at the time, didnt know Moranis; the actor had been highly recommended by producer David Geffen. Oz was not only impressed by his acting but also went on to become his lifelong friend.

The film, done mostly with practical effects, required enormous effort from the entire crew. There was no CGI. Fifty-five puppeteers were needed to operate the plant, and Moranis had to sing and move in slow motion to sync with Audrey (the plant), repeating each take more than 30 times, as explained in a report on the shoot by The Hollywood Reporter.

Rick Moranis parodying Woody Allen in an episode of 'Saturday Night Live' aired in 1983. NBC (NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Moranis doesnt like to single out any one film in his career, but he admits that Little Shop of Horrors holds a special place in his heart. Im the luckiest guy to get that, he said. Little Shop of Horrors became a cult phenomenon, though not a major box-office hit. His next film would succeed on both fronts.

Mel Brooks considers Moranis a brilliant casting choice and a uniquely gifted and hilarious actor who also had perfect chemistry with John Candy. In Spaceballs (1987), Candy played Barf, a sort of Chewbacca, while Moranis was Dark Helmet, a wacky take on Darth Vader. Because Rick was short, we decided to literally encase him in a huge black helmet., Brooks confessed years later. Rick was hysterically funny in the role. He cost me a lot of money because I ruined so many takes he was in by helplessly breaking into loud laughter. Once again, Moranis put his own stamp on the character: according to the director, one of the films most famous scenes, in which Dark Helmet and Princess Vespa play with action figures, was improvised by Moranis.

Its impossible to find anyone who has worked with Moranis who doesnt praise him as an outstanding professional and colleague. His on-screen daughter in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989), actress Amy ONeill, said that he wasnt just a father figure in the film, but in real life as well. Rick was always warm but respectful, always kind, professional and on his game. Im so proud to have called him Dad, she told People on the films 35th anniversary. Paternal to the point that one day he scolded her when he found her and another child actor trying to order a cocktail at the hotel where they were holding a press event to promote the movie.

Rick Moranis and John Goodman in a scene from The Flintstones (1994). Archive Photos (Getty Images)

The role of Wayne Szalinski, the absent-minded scientist father, had also originally been intended for John Candy  but it was Candy himself who recommended his friend Moranis. A perfect choice: it became one of his most beloved characters and, thanks to its success and that of its sequels, allowed him to take a break from his career years later.

Before that, he enjoyed another success: he played Barney Rubble in The Flintstones (1994), and again he was the second choice (Danny DeVito had been the first). Moranis describes his experience with the live-action version of the animated series as one of those scripts that had about 18 writers. It wasnt the kind of filmmaking he enjoyed. On the last couple of movies I made  big-budget Hollywood movies  I really missed being able to create my own material," he told Vanity Fair. In the early movies I did, I was brought in to basically rewrite my stuff, whether it was Ghostbusters or Spaceballs. By the time I got to the point where I was starring in movies, and I had executives telling me what lines to say, that wasnt for me. Im really not an actor. Im a guy who comes out of comedy, and my impetus was always to rewrite the line to make it funnier, not to try to make somebodys precious words work."

Rick Moranis in Little Shop of Horrors (1988). Murray Close (Murray Close)

Moranis doesnt have an extensive filmography, but his few movies have made him a very recognizable face. Equally notable are the roles he never ended up filming. He was nearly cast as the janitor in The Breakfast Club, but he tried to play the character with an unnecessary Russian accent, according to John Hughes, and left the set after a week of shooting. He also turned down the role in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, which made Jim Carrey a star, and was originally chosen to star in City Slickers alongside Billy Crystal and Bruno Kirby, but left that production to care for his wife, who had just been diagnosed with cancer.

In 1986, he married makeup artist Ann Belsky, with whom he had two children; they were happily married until 1991, when she passed away from cancer, leaving him devastated. From that point on, acting took a backseat in his life. Im a single parent, and I just found that it was too difficult to manage raising my kids and doing the traveling involved in making movies. So I took a little bit of a break. And the little bit of a break turned into a longer break, and then I found that I really didnt miss it, he told USA Today in 2005.

He didnt actually stop acting completely  only the on-screen roles. Moranis continued to voice animated characters, record music (his great passion), and even write humorous articles for The New Yorker, all of which allowed him to stay in Manhattan with his children. I was working with really interesting people, wonderful people, he told The Hollywood Reporter, in one of his rare interviews during these years. I went from that to being at home with a couple of little kids, which is a very different lifestyle. But it was important to me. I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. My life is wonderful.

Rick Moranis and Chris Penn in a scene from The Hard Way (1984). Hulton Archive (Getty Images)

Moranis made the same choice as stars like Cameron Diaz or Josh Hartnett: putting his career on hold to focus on raising his children  an unusual move in Hollywood, but he doesnt make a big deal of it. I took a break, which turned into a longer break, he told The Hollywood Reporter. People have things happen all the time, and they adapt, change careers, move to another city. Thats actually what I did.

Since then, there has been a steady stream of rumors about his possible return to major roles. He was nearly set to appear in a new Honey, I Shrunk the Kids sequel, but COVID-19 halted those plans. What he never considered was returning for the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, even though all his former co-stars joined the project. He hadnt been satisfied with the original sequel, and the script for the reboot didnt interest him either. I wish them well, he said. I hope its terrific. But it just makes no sense to me.

Rick Moranis in New York in 2017. Bruce Glikas

The public admiration for Moranis, who has become a cult figure much like some of his films, was evident in 2020 when he was assaulted on the street. It was a random attack  the assailant didnt know who he was hitting  but as soon as footage of the incident leaked, people took to social media to rally in support of him, including Chris Evans, the actor who plays Captain America. The guy that attacked Rick Moranis needs to get his ass whipped, Evans posted on Twitter.

Moranis return to leading roles will allow his many fans to reconnect with an actor who never needed an extensive filmography to hold an important place in their hearts.

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A protester holds a sign as visitors arrive at the beach in the Ocean Grove section of Neptune, New Jersey, in 2023. Alexandra Pais | For NJ Advance Media

The deadline for resolving a long-running dispute involving Sunday morning beach access in one Jersey Shore community has been pushed back a second time.

Shawn M. LaTourette, the states Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner, has until Nov. 10 to affirm, reject or modify an administrative judges ruling about access to Ocean Groves beach.

If the ruling stands, it will allow the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association to resume a 155-year summertime religious tradition of restricting beach access from its boardwalk on Sunday mornings.

A second, 45-day extension was granted earlier this month to allow LaTourette more time to make a decision.

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association and some local residents have been clashing for years over rules that keep access ramps to the beach chained off on Sundays until noon. The tradition dates back to the Monmouth County neighborhoods roots as a Methodist religious retreat.

The association owns the land in the Ocean Grove section in Neptune, including the boardwalk by its Monmouth County beach.

It cited religious freedom and its origins as a Methodist community camp in challenging a September 2023 order from the state Department of Environmental Protection to stop using chains and padlocked barriers blocking beach access from the boardwalk. If Ocean Grove defied the order it risked fines of up to $25,000 per day.

The restriction had been in place between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends each year.

The association opened up the beach on Sunday mornings in May 2024 as the appeal was underway.

However, an administrative court judge ruled June 26 that the association was within its rights to restrict beach access from its boardwalk. The judge rejected the states argument that restricting beach access ran afoul of the states Coastal Area Facility Review Act.

The judges ruling noted that those seeking to visit the beach still had the option of getting on the beach by walking in from adjoining beaches to the north or south when the nine access points from the Ocean Grove boardwalk were closed.

The public access doctrine as applied here by the NJDEP would impact the OGCMAs religious practices, but not because the OGCMA uses the beach to hold religious services or because the people on the beach are disruptive, Administrative Law Judge Tricia Caliguire wrote in her decision.

It is because the OGCMA seeks to spread its message of the sanctity of Sunday by keeping everyone from using the beach on Summer Sunday mornings. The closed beach is an outward expression  one that is very visible and even provocative  of their faith and belief, and the NJDEP is effectively telling the OGCMA that it cannot use its own property in that manner, Caliguire wrote.

The state attorney generals office filed a response on July 18 urging LaTourette to reject the decision and stand by the original order.

Ocean Groves decision to prohibit public access and use from 9:00 a.m. to noon every single Sunday to a half mile of dry sand beach during peak summer season  stripping the public of significant access rights during the time of the greatest demand  is unreasonable as far as the public is concerned," the attorney generals office said in its court filing.

Under the original timeline, a decision by the commissioner was due in mid-August. However, the first extension pushed back the deadline until Sept. 25.

Neither side objected to the second extension to Nov. 10.

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association leases land in the neighborhood on a long-term basis to homeowners and businesses. It also sells leases for 114 tents and 20 cottages for use during the summer season, according to the judges ruling.

Ocean Grove was governed by the association as a religious enclave for a century, until the New Jersey Supreme Court declared its original charter unconstitutional.

Critics of the Sunday beach access restriction separately took issue with the associations decision to build a $2 million pier in the shape of a Christian cross that opened in April 2023.

The pier was closed in December 2023 amid structural concerns but has since partially reopened.
President Donald Trumps MAGA fans are in open revolt at the possibility that the president will pardon Jeffery Epstein intimate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.

Right-wing activist Laura Loomer took to X and raged: I strongly advise AGAINST anyone lobbying the Trump admin and the DOJ to Pardon Ghislaine Maxwell. Do not do it. I repeat. Do not do it.

Newsweek reported that Trump got a question about the pardon from CNNs Kaitlan Collins after the U.S. Supreme Court turned down Maxwells appeal of her conviction.

During the Oval Office press conference on Monday, Trump replied, You know, I havent heard the name in so long. I can say this: that Id have to take a look at it.

The president said, I would have to take a lookI wouldnt consider it or not consider  I dont know anything about it. I will speak to the DOJ.

President Trump on whether hed pardon Ghislaine Maxwell after Supreme Court rejected her appeal: "You know, I haven't heard the name in so long. I can say this: that I'd have to take a look at it.



"I would have to take a lookI wouldn't consider it or not consider  I don't pic.twitter.com/VOnrJdKqUz  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) October 6, 2025

Many on the right believe that Trump has broken his pledge to reveal all about the Epstein case and they are opposed to a pardon for Maxwell.

Patriot Princess, a MAGA account that boasts more than 12,000 followers, said: Believe it or not, Epstein was a red line for many of us back in June.

Another account with America First in their bio said: It better be worth loosing [sic] his entire base if he chooses to pardon Maxwell. Trump will destroy his reputation and loose [sic] his entire base, shills and apologists included.

An account that shares messages in support of Republicans, said: This would be the absolute worst thing that could happen for the current administration and Republicans in general.
Campaign signs for two Jewish Staten Island judicial candidates have been defaced with red handprints, with members of the Jewish community pointing to a long history of the symbol being used to promote antisemitic violence. (Courtesy of Staten Island Republican Party) Courtesy of Staten Island Republican Party

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Various campaign signs on the North Shore were recently covered in a smattering of red handprints in an act of vandalism that the head of Staten Islands Republican Party is calling a despicable act of antisemitism against two Jewish candidates.

Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, chair of the Staten Island Republican Party, provided photos to the Advance/SILive.com that show red handprints covering the campaign signs of various candidates, with the signs of judicial candidates Remy Smith and Matthew Blum, both of whom are of Jewish faith, most severely defaced.

Signs for Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a Democrat who represents the North Shore, and judicial candidate Matthew Santamauro were also vandalized with one set of faint red handprints each, but the signs for Smith and Blum were almost completely covered.

Tannousis, who represents the East Shore and parts of South Brooklyn, referred to the vandalism as a despicable, hateful, and disgraceful act fueled by antisemitism, as red handprints have a history of being associated with antisemitic violence.

This is a despicable, hateful, and disgraceful act that was meant to try to intimidate our judicial candidates because of their Jewish faith and heritage as they seek public office. They will fail as every generation of antisemites before them have failed. We have said many times that hate has no place anywhere, especially in our borough, Tannousis said. This type of behavior will not be tolerated, and Im hopeful that the police departments investigation will bring those responsible to justice.

Campaign signs for two Jewish Staten Island judicial candidates have been defaced with red handprints, with members of the Jewish community pointing to a long history of the symbol being used to promote antisemitic violence. (Courtesy of Staten Island Republican Party) Courtesy of Staten Island Republican Party

Rabbi Michael Howald of Temple Israel Reform Congregation of Staten Island explained the historical context surrounding the symbolism of red handprints and antisemitic violence.

In 1941, a pogrom was carried out against the Jewish community of Baghdad, Iraq during the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Red handprints were used to mark the homes of Jewish residents, who were later slaughtered, with their houses burned to the ground.

Decades later, during the Second Intifada in 2000, two Israeli military reservists were murdered and dismembered by a group of Palestinians during a funeral for a Palestinian child who had been killed by Israeli forces days earlier.

One of the perpetrators of the attacks, Aziz Salha, was photographed waving his bloodied red hands out a window to a cheering crowd.

Since that point, that red hand has been a very painful thing, particularly for Israelis to see, but also for American Jews, because its seems to be being used as a threat and a symbol that were coming for you, said Howald.

So I think a lot of people react very viscerally and angrily when they see that, and the fact that these red hands were placed on posters of the Jewish judges running does not seem coincidental, he continued.

Howald noted that this isnt the first incident regarding antisemitic symbolism on the campaign signs of Jewish candidates on Staten Island, with former Rep. Max Rose having a campaign sign defaced with a swastika in 2022.

I dont know if its just the times that we live in, but when I was growing up, I never heard of such things. You know, maybe candidates would tear down each others campaign signs, but now the painting of antisemitic symbols on Jewish candidates [signs]. I mean, it just seems to be happening again and again, said Howald.

An NYPD representative confirmed that there is a report on file for criminal mischief in relation to the vandalized signs.

When asked whether the incident is being investigated as a hate crime given the nature of the vandalism, the representative said it has not been deemed a bias incident.
The Palestinian Authority, the UN, and NGOs offer classes in shelters and displacement camps, as well as online courses, but 60% of students have not been able to continue any type of learning since October 2023, in a territory where illiteracy was almost nonexistent

Forty children between the ages of six and 10 sit on the ground in four tents, worn by months of wind, rain, and sun, near the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip. Young volunteer teachers from a local association teach them the basic subjects: grammar, math, science, and a little English. They also try to instill in them a love of reading. Almost everything is taught orally, without blackboards or books, and with barely any notebooks or pencils, which have become a real luxury in Gaza, devastated by two years of war. Seven-year old Dania lives in the camp, and every morning she attends these classes, smiling and with her braids freshly combed.

We would very much like to see her sitting at a desk, in a real school... but its this or nothing, sighs Talal Abu Majd, her grandfather, a veteran teacher from Gaza, who was the headmaster of a school until the Israeli offensive began in October 2023.

Abu Majd explained to this newspaper by phone that the family is afraid to leave the girl in this makeshift school in case something happens during the hours she is there, but they are aware that it is the happiest time of the day for her. She is very happy when she gets ready. This routine is very good for her psychologically. It is very important for us that she does not forget the habit of going to class, listening quietly, and applying herself, even if it is just in this way, explains her grandfather.

Some 660,000 Gazan children should be in school right now, but for the third consecutive October, they are not. In reality, some may be physically in a school, but with their families and surrounded by hundreds of displaced people like them, since the schools in the Gaza Strip, if they are even remotely standing, are being used as shelters.

According to the UN, more than 91% of Gazas schools (518 out of a total of 564) will need to be rebuilt to be usable again. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, states that 432 schools have been directly targeted since October 7, 2023.

According to the UN, more than 91% of Gazas schools will need to be rebuilt to be usable again

As long as children continue to go to school, even if its in a tent, theres less risk of them becoming a lost generation. We see this in every conflict, and Gaza is no different, Juliette Touma, UNRWAs Director of Communications, told this newspaper.

A weapon for life

Dina, 40, is a mother of four children. The two youngest, aged nine and 12, have been trying to attend classes since October 2023, but difficulties have meant they have only been able to study for about two or three months a year. The family has moved several times and now lives in a tent in the Al Mawasi area, in the southern Strip, where they attend a community center staffed by several volunteer teachers. I dont really know what theyre learning, because theres no method, nor any kind of assessment or follow-up. This is not what a mother wants for her children. I wanted education to be their greatest weapon in life, she says.

They could take classes remotely, but sometimes I cant charge my phone and the internet is terrible. Im afraid my children have lost their future, Dina says anxiously, hoping for an agreement soon that will end the bombing and allow a semblance of normality to return.

This is not what a mother wants for her children. I wanted education to be their greatest weapon in life Dina, Gazan mother

According to the UN, only 38% of school-aged Gazans have been able to access any form of learning in the last two years. When a ceasefire was declared last January, which lasted almost two months, Palestinians in the Strip wanted to quickly rebuild their homes and their lives. In the north and south of the territory, one of the first gestures of this determination to recover was to get children back to school. Wherever it was: in tents, among the ruins of schools, outdoors...

Education in Gaza has been a priority for generations, regardless of a persons social status. Its a right they value highly, which is why classes resumed quickly, Touma explains.

According to UNESCO figures published by official Palestinian agencies, only 2% of the Strips population aged over 15 was illiterate in October 2023, one of the lowest percentages in the Arab world. Gazan youth was educated and cultured, even though they viewed the world through a cell phone screen due to the Israeli blockade, in place since 2007.

Before the Israeli offensive began, a total of 300,000 children in Gaza attended UNRWA schools. For the past two years, the UN has offered temporary learning spaces, often located within schools converted into shelters, where UN teachers teach students basic concepts so they maintain the habit of studying and learning. According to UNICEF, some 50,000 children attended these informal learning spaces during the previous school year.

During the ceasefire, the number of students in these locations increased every day. But when the truce ended, many of these locations disappeared, Touma laments.

Today, over 80% of the Strips 140 square miles are military zones or areas that have received an evacuation order. As a result, dozens of these informal schools have closed or been destroyed.

Hala is a mother of eight children, and only one of them, eight-year-old Ahmed, goes to a tent to study three days a week. Theyve given him a notebook and a pen. When he returns to the tent, his older sister helps him with his homework, she explains. I hope there will soon be more learning centers for my other children to attend, this mother prays.

A Palestinian girl sits in the rubble of a bombed UN school in Gaza City, October 1, 2025. Ebrahim Hajjaj (REUTERS)

Studying with a flashlight

Touma recalls that more than 360 of the organizations workers have died violently since October 7, 2023. A significant number were teachers. But we wont stop working, even if were under attack, and there will always be a school open somewhere.

Currently, thousands of Gazan students of all ages are studying online, either by visiting locations where organizations try to provide them with an internet connection, or simply by using their cell phone signal.

I have to walk quite a bit to find an internet connection that allows me to download the videos I need. At night, I use my phones flashlight to study because theres no electricity in Gaza. The bombs and fear distract me a lot. Hunger also prevents me from concentrating, says Sham Ammar, a high school student in Nuseirat, in statements reported by the Palestinian NGO Al Mezan, which tries to facilitate internet connections for students.

Nothing replaces school. It goes beyond learning itself. Im talking about friends and developing social skills. All of that is being lost Juliette Touma, UNRWA

Despite the difficulties, which are difficult to imagine from a distance, Touma is pleased that there are increasingly more online learning options and the possibility of sitting for remote exams in Gaza. But nothing replaces school. It goes beyond learning itself. Im talking about friends and developing social skills. All of that is being lost, laments the official, referring to the trauma that has struck virtually all of Gazas children.

In September, the Palestinian Authoritys Education Minister Amjad Barham welcomed the fact that 26,000 students in Gaza were able to take university entrance exams, known as tawjihi, remotely. Despite the destruction, displacement, and hunger, the students of Gaza reaffirm that education is an essential right, he said at a press conference.

But since October 2023, a total of 71,000 Gazan students have been unable to take these exams, according to ministry figures. The UN also estimates that at least 18,000 students have died violently in Gaza over the past two years.

Online education is also the only option available to Gazans who were able to leave for Egypt in the early months of the war. The neighboring country prohibits their entry into public schools, and they must continue their studies remotely, following the curriculum offered by Palestinian schools.

In addition to Gaza, UNRWA was also unable to open 10 schools in the northern West Bank at the start of this school year due to Israeli raids in recent months, leaving 4,000 children without classes. The same occurred in six schools in East Jerusalem after they were forced to close by Israel, affecting nearly 800 children. Only some of these students have been able to enroll in other schools. Others havent found alternatives, Touma laments.

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Tony Abbott has been very busy.

As CBD reported recently, the former prime minister turned industrious Substack-er is launching his new history of Australia in Melbourne next week, despite the southern citys reputation as an unsafe space for conservatives.

But this week, Abbott was further north. A good deal further north, it turns out  in Manchester at the British Conservative Party conference, where he was set to address the troops in dialogue with UK shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel on Tuesday afternoon, Greenwich Mean Time.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has found jolly good chums among British conservative circles. Credit: AP

As some local observers quipped, Abbotts appearance meant there were more former Australian PMs addressing the conference than former British PMs. And the Tories have plenty of those, cycling through five PMs in less than a decade  a revolving door that put the Abbott-era Liberal Party to shame. But much like Tonys Liberals, most former leaders are burdened with too much baggage to show their face at such events.
The 60-year-old man who allegedly shot indiscriminately at cars, police and pedestrians in a quiet suburb in Sydneys inner west during nearly two hours of terror on Sunday has faced court charged with more than two dozen offences.

Artemios Mintzas is accused of firing about 50 bullets from a high-calibre rifle from his apartment in Croydon Park in the evening. One man suffered gunshot wounds to the neck and chest, and is recovering in hospital, while seven others were hospitalised with minor injuries.

Police charged Mintzas with 25 offences on Monday evening, including 18 counts of shooting with intent to murder. Other charges include one count of firing a firearm in or near a public place, possessing an unregistered firearm, firing a firearm at house with disregard for safety, discharging a firearm with intent to resist arrest, and three other gun-related charges.

Artemios Mintzas has two adult children and works as a customer service attendant for Sydney Trains. Credit: Facebook/Artie Mintzas

Mintzas faced Burwood Local Court on Tuesday morning. Wearing a blue uniform and showing purple bruises around his eyes, Mintzas stuck his handcuffed wrists out the dock window and assessed the courtroom.
A man accused of murder ambushed and repeatedly stabbed his uncle due to disgust over his second marriage to a close family member, a jury has been told.

Zaid Abdus Samad, 28, faced Queensland Supreme Court on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the murder of Abdul Basith Mohammed.

Mohammed, a restaurant owner, was found dead in the backyard of his Kuraby home, on Brisbanes southern outskirts, in the early hours of October 25, 2017.

Zaid Abdus Samad is standing trial accused of murdering his uncle. Credit: AAP

The 35-year-old had been stabbed five times and was lying face down and surrounded by blood on a concrete slab in a gap between his garden shed and his propertys boundary fence.
A run-down South Brisbane motel could be replaced by a 41-storey tower, including 35 levels of rental units, in the latest development to take advantaged of relaxed zoning laws on the Kurilpa peninsula.

If approved and built, Pellicano Living would provide 570 new rentals to Brisbanes inner-city market, including 205 studios, 320 one-bedroom and 45 two-bedroom units.

The site, at 55 Boundary Street, was formerly a low-rise motel. Property records show Pellicano Living bought the site in 2023 for $22 million.

Pellicano Livings plans for a 41-storey build-to-rent development at 55 Boundary Street, South Brisbane. Credit: MAS Architecture

Beneath the units would be a podium, including a wellness centre, a food and drink tenancy and 2173 square metres of available office space.

It offers a centralised building management, and a high-quality resident experience distinct from traditional strata, town planning firm Property Projects Australia says in its assessment report, submitted to Brisbane City Council on Pellicanos behalf.

This proposal reflects the demand for flexible and affordable housing with a high level of amenity that directly addresses the increasing concern regarding housing affordability and supply constraints.

Like ICD Propertys planned $2 billion riverside precinct at nearby West End, Pellicanos proposal will be assessed through the Kurilpa temporary local planning instrument, a short-term override of the Brisbane City Plan Act to facilitate housing supply, affordability and diversity in the area.
Give me fire, give me the fire of your love, sang Javier Milei with a raspy voice, clad in black leather, before 15,000 people cheering him on at the limits of collective ecstasy in the Movistar Arena stadium in Buenos Aires. That fire, which the Argentine musician Sandro invoked for with pelvic movements 50 years ago, is what the president sought among his people after a month in which he endured an electoral defeat in a key provincial election, requested a financial bailout from Donald Trump, and lost his star candidate for Congress over ties to drug trafficking. How to define what happened Monday night in Buenos Aires? The presentation of a book, fearlessly titled The Construction of the Miracle, was Mileis excuse for a rock concert that was also a campaign event, a gigantic karaoke featuring songs that we all know and an adrenaline rush to overcome the bad moment.

At 8:30 p.m., the lights in the covered arena went out and the sound of a shofar, a horn used for Jewish ritual purposes, was heard. Milei then walked through the audience, like a divine apparition swept away by the tide, to the rhythm of a Rolling Stones song. He arrived on stage after 10 minutes and hugged his sister Karina. On a giant screen, atomic bomb explosions and crumbling buildings foreshadowed the resurrection. Milei took the microphone and sang Demoliendo hoteles (Demolishing hotels), a Charly Garcia anthem. The presidential band, as it is called, played frenetically: Representative Bernie Benegas Lynch on drums, his brother on second guitar, the presidential biographer on bass, and Representative Lilia Lemonine on backing vocals. An hour of covers of Argentine rock classics followed. They listened to the Kirchnerists, they won one round, but they didnt win the battle, Milei said between songs, alluding to his recent defeat in Buenos Aires provincial elections. Meanwhile, an energetic Milei, Milei could be heard from the stands.

Argentine President Javier Milei took the microphone and sang "Demoliendo hoteles," a Charly Garcia anthem. MARIANA NEDELCU

Toward the end of the concert, Milei fell silent and became serious. Israel is the bastion of the West, and thats why terrorists and the left are together, because they know that by destroying Israel they are destroying the world and Judeo-Christian culture, he said, without clarifying the origin of the sudden change of tone. He closed the moment by singing Hava Naguila with the audience. For the grand finale, Milei prepared a version of Nino Bravos Libre, with images of the Berlin Wall, men shot dead between barbed wire, and images of the attacks on Donald Trump, Charlie Kirk, and Jair Bolsonaro.

Milei fronted a short-lived rock band called Everest in his teens, and this Thursday he may have fulfilled a long-lost dream. Everest lasted less than six months and he played live only twice, just for friends. A concert in a packed Movistar Arena wasnt on his list of lifes possibilities. After the party, Milei asked for a moment to take a shower and dress up as president again. Then it was time for the book presentation, which, after all, was what the crowd was presumably there for. Milei returned to the stage in front of an already half-empty stadium, draped in an Argentine flag and singing the national anthem. He was interviewed by his spokesperson, Manuel Adorni.

Manuel Adorni and Javier Milei during the presentation of the book 'The Construction of the Miracle'. MARIANA NEDELCU

The idea had been to also bring on stage Jose Luis Espert, Mileis candidate to represent the province of Buenos Aires at the October legislative elections. But that wasnt to be: Espert resigned on Sunday night after admitting that in 2019, when he tried to become president, he received $200,000 from a businessman who is currently behind bars for drug trafficking and wanted by the United States. Also unable to attend the celebration was Economy Minister Luis Caputo, who was on an emergency trip to Washington to expedite the $20 billion aid promised by Trump.

The crisis has accelerated so much since the far-rights defeat to Peronism in the September 7 legislative elections in Buenos Aires province, where 40% of the national electorate lives, that Milei must have regretted the title of his latest book. No one is talking about a miracle in Argentina anymore, but rather about a government looking for ways to get out of the quagmire. The presidential concert was part of that strategy: to recover the mystique of the 2023 campaign and once again position Milei as an outsider of caste politics.

The book "The Construction of the Miracle," the new work by the Argentine president, is being released by a small publisher, Hojas del Sur. MARIANA NEDELCU

Mileis literary career reflects this need. In May 2024, five months into his presidency and with his popularity skyrocketing, he presented his book Capitalism, Socialism, and the Neoclassical Trap at the Luna Park stadium. It was published by Planeta, with an initial print run of 5,000 copies. Almost a year and a half later, his new work was released by a much smaller publisher, Hojas del Sur, which also publishes other ideologues of Argentinas far right, such as Nicolas Marquez and Agustin Laje. This is a publishing house unknown to the general public, which maintains that the books in its catalog are not just reading material, they are weapons to win the cultural battle against the left.

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It feels surreal to finally write these words, yet after two horrific years a war that has consumed every soul in this land may finally be ending.

When I finally see the return of the remaining hostages, it will feel like Im witnessing a modern-day miracle. I imagine Matan Zangauker in the arms of his lion of a mother, Einav, whose relentless, agonising two-year campaign has fuelled a mass movement against the government and for the hostages release, mobilising thousands of Israelis every Saturday night.

When a deal is finally signed, I long to see hundreds of thousands of Palestinians finally packing up their lives in the sweltering tents of Al-Mawasi, ready to return to the ruins of their homes in the north of Gaza. I envision them walking the Al-Rashid Road home, their long march taking them along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea that binds us all.

Australian-Israeli journalist Ittay Flescher (left) at an interfaith peace march in Jerusalem.

For two years, the people of Gaza have endured relentless suffering, a constant cycle of mourning, loss and death. Life there has seemingly frozen, each day bringing new wounds and each night a heavier fear. The constant rhythm of bombardments and explosions from Rafah to Beit Hanoun has left the people of Gaza falling asleep to the sound of shells and waking to the desperate cries of those searching for the missing in the debris.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on October 7, 2025.

The Central Committee meeting, which was adjourned on September 15, 2025, will be reconvened on Tuesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

1. Discussion with External Expert on Building digital trust: exploring a national AI strategy and further development of an Open Parliament.

Mr. Gregary Richardson will be in attendance.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament
~Islands unite to promote multi-destination travel experiences for global visitors.~

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados:--- Dominica and Barbados have signed a landmark tourism partnership through an agreement to collaborate on promoting their tourism products and offering enhanced multi-destination packages.

The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on October 1 at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the Caribbean Tourism Organizations State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). The partnership between Dominica, the Nature Isle, and Barbados, the Gem of the Caribbean, marks a significant step toward deepening regional ties and delivering greater value to travellers.

The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) entered into the MOU to cement this step toward strengthening the appeal of both countries, promoting sustainable tourism, and developing new vacation experiences for travellers.

The MOU establishes a joint framework for cooperation, focusing on marketing, knowledge exchange, and enhancing visitor experiences across both destinations. This collaboration is especially timely as the Caribbean continues to attract travellers from Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Latin America seeking diverse and enriching experiences.

The agreement was signed by Marva Williams, CEO and Director of DDA, and Andrea Franklin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BTMI. Cheryl Carter, Chief Operations Officer of BTMI; Graham Clarke, BTMIs Director for the Caribbean; and Lise Cuffy, Marketing Executive at DDA, witnessed the signing.

Franklin acknowledged Barbados reputation as a tourism leader but stressed that the MOU would be mutually beneficial, emphasizing the need for creative collaboration and regional unity.

Dominica may see Barbados as a tourism grandparent, but theres so much we can learn from each other. Barbados is proud to be the premier home port cruising destination in the region, and we see this as an opportunity to attract more business to neighbouring islands as well, Franklin said.

She added that the MOU serves as a stepping stone and could open doors to similar agreements with other islands.

When it comes to attracting airlift to the region, its vital that we stop viewing ourselves as individual countries competing for flights. Instead, we must work together to bring more airlift into the Caribbean. If Barbados serves as the hub, we should channel that connectivity to our sister islands, like Dominica, ensuring all destinations benefit, Franklin said.

Our teams will meet to strategize on marketing and to engage airlines and cruise lines, ensuring we maximize the benefits of this partnership. Were especially excited to collaborate in areas such as sports, eco-tourism, and sustainable tourism, all of which are essential to the future of Caribbean travel, Franklin added.

Williams supported Franklins comments by underscoring the value in leveraging the already strong relationship between the nations. They intend to ensure it benefits both destinations financially.

This collaboration is part of a larger conversation, and we look forward to learning from Barbados, which will help build greater awareness and create a ripple effect on the GDP and economic opportunities for both our countries, Williams said.

We all have unique attributes to offer, and this partnership isnt just about tourism; its about exploring opportunities in other industries, such as manufacturing, that can benefit both nations. Improving air access is essential so that our people can move around the Caribbean efficiently and effectively, Williams added.

Key areas of collaboration outlined in the agreement include:

Curating and promoting multi-destination tourism packages that highlight the unique cultural, eco-tourism, adventure, and wellness offerings of Dominica and Barbados

Supporting the development of air and cruise connections to facilitate seamless travel between islands

Coordinating media exchanges, media familiarisation tours, joint training, and public relations events to raise the profile of both destinations globally

Sharing expertise in sustainable tourism and product enhancement to ensure lasting benefits for local communities and the environment

Historically, Caribbean nations have recognised the value of working together to attract long-haul visitors, allowing travellers to experience the regions diversity in a single trip.

Graham Clarke, BTMIs Director for the Caribbean, said that the new MOU builds on this tradition.

Todays global travellers are seeking value-added experiences and deeper engagement with local communities. This collaboration with the Nature Isle adds a unique dimension to the Barbados tourism product, and we believe Dominica will benefit in the same way. Were excited for what this partnership means, not just for our tourism sectors, but for visitors, who will enjoy richer, more meaningful experiences across both destinations, Clarke said.

A joint working group will oversee the implementation of the MOU with biannual progress reviews and the development of a detailed action plan to ensure the partnership achieves its objectives. Both parties have agreed that each will bear its own implementation costs with joint initiatives subject to separate funding agreements as needed.






To foster dialogue on disinformation and restore trust in the press, Red Arubiano di Prensa Profesional (RAPP) organized its second seminar, Rebuilding Trust in Caribbean Media, focusing on public engagement, fact-checking, and mitigating digital threats.

The Caribbean Journalism Seminar, held on Thursday, September 26, at Impact Hub Aruba, reflected todays Caribbean reality, where disinformation spreads rapidly and undermines public confidence in the news. Through presentations and open dialogue, RAPP called on journalists to collaborate in strengthening transparency, ethics, and community connection.

Speakers included international and local experts:

Rosario Marina (Chequeado, Argentina): Demonstrated how fact-checking is a vital tool to combat disinformation in the region and how to integrate verification into newsroom workflows.

Vincent Smit (1Almere, Netherlands): Shared editorial innovations and community journalism approaches that foster genuine interaction with local audiences and help rebuild trust.

Paul Eelens (Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, Aruba): Explained the link between disinformation and cybersecurity, and how digital threats can erode confidence in the exchange of information.

Journalists and attendees actively participated with questions and discussion, underscoring the importance of addressing the twin issues of trust and disinformation.

Special thanks to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) for making this seminar possible.

Whats next in 2025

Public Series: Information Under Pressure  a series of public dialogues giving the community a voice on disinformation, on October 16, 23, and 28 at the University of Aruba.

Digital Bootcamp for Journalists  an intensive workshop on digital content creation and the use of AI, October 2026, 2025, at the JFK Education Center.

An open invitation goes out to Arubas journalism community: if you are not yet on our contact list, please email us to receive more information about RAPP and how to become a member: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Social Development, within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (VSA), successfully hosted the Ageing with Dignity Conference on September 29 and 30, 2025, under the theme Ageing with Dignity: Building a Sustainable Future for Seniors on Sint Maarten. The two-day event, held at the Simpson Bay Resort Conference Room, was moderated by Ms. Mahkicia Brooks & Rolando Tobias and brought together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders dedicated to advancing the well-being of the islands elderly population. Participants included decision-makers, policy workers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations (FBOs), community-based groups, senior activity groups, pensioners associations, the Social Insurance Bank (SZV), the Civil Servants Pension Fund (APS), and other partners engaged in social development and senior care. The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Celine Carty, a Social Worker in the field of Gerontology who presented three case studies of Caribbean women who, despite significant challenges, managed to build resilience and resources that contributed to positive ageing experiences. Ms. Carty highlighted the importance of integrating dignity, respect, and sustainability into all policies and practices affecting the elderly, reminding participants that ageing is a spectrum of experiences, not a uniform decline. Throughout the two-day conference, participants engaged in a series of presentations and interactive sessions that addressed key areas such as ageing trends on Sint Maarten, financial security, estate planning, education, and lifelong learning. Dr. Ayanna Alexander, representing the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), presented the findings of a comprehensive Baseline Study on Ageing. She also facilitated a validation and roadmap session aimed at shaping future strategies for senior care and support. The Baseline Study revealed several promising practices already in place and identified 11 key action areas, each accompanied by targeted recommendations. These findings will serve as a foundation for the development of a national roadmap to promote ageing with dignity and sustainability on Sint Maarten. Breakout sessions, panel discussions, and workshops explored critical themes including: MINISTRY PUBLIC HEALTH SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & LABOR - - - - - - healthcare and wellbeing, social inclusion, intergenerational connectivity, financial preparedness, lifelong learning, the development of age-friendly infrastructure and accessibility. These discussions fostered new partnerships and identified actionable strategies to strengthen the islands support systems for seniors. As main outcomes of the conference, the Department of Social Development announced: - - plans to continue their collaboration with PAHO to develop an Ageing Vision and Roadmap for Sint Maarten, initiate the process to re-establish the Council for the Elderlya key step in ensuring the voices and needs of seniors is represented in national policy. The Department expressed sincere gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, moderators, note takers and working group members whose dedication and contributions made the conference a success. The insights and recommendations gathered will guide future policies and community based initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive, age-friendly Sint Maarten where all citizens can age with dignity.
Opinion articles written in the style of their author." These texts are to be based on verified facts and must be respectful towards people, even though their actions may be criticized. shall feature, along with the author's name (regardless of their greater or lesser renown), a footer stating their office, academic title, political affiliation (if any) and main occupation, or the occupation related to the topic being assessed

The attack of October 7, 2023, was not a typical terrorist attack. I say this not only because of the death toll (1,195, plus 251 people taken hostage, many of whom subsequently died), a figure far higher than what terrorist acts usually produce, but above all because of how the operation was conceived and carried out. On October 7, a Palestinian force led by Hamas invaded and occupied Israeli territory, breaching the defensive barriers and the separation wall in Gaza. To do so, it had to mobilize more than 2,000 militants from the Al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas), suffering around 1,600 casualties during the two days the attack lasted. An attack of this magnitude by a non-state force had never before occurred in Israels history.

An operation with such special characteristics must be understood as an act of war and not a terrorist attack. However, Hamas has never had the capacity to launch a sustained military confrontation with Israel. The October 7 attack, in reality, beneath its guise as a military action, was not intended primarily to start a full-scale war with Israel, but rather to demonstrate the vulnerability of the Zionist state, once again place the Palestinian cause at the center of world attention, and undermine the Abraham Accords, which represented Israels recognition by numerous Arab countries.

On the few occasions when Hamas has attempted to justify the October 7 attack, it has done so by citing two achievements. The first would be having brought the Palestinian issue into headlines around the world, becoming the most relevant global issue of our time. The second would have been provoking such a brutal and disproportionate response from Israel that it has sunk the countrys reputation globally. Indeed, in the United States  the nation that has always been the most vocal in its support of Israel  a recent Pew Research Center survey showed that 59% of Americans have a negative opinion of the Israeli government and 38% of the Israeli people. Israels prestige has never fallen so low.

Faced with these rather meager achievements, Hamas has been left out of any future solution, will not be able to participate in the government of Gaza, and its militias have been decimated. In a rare gesture of sincerity, one of its historical leaders, Moussa Abu Marzouk, acknowledged in February 2025 that had he known in advance the cost the Palestinian people would have to pay, the initial attack would not have taken place. Hamas quickly qualified his statements, saying they had been taken out of context.

Hamass miscalculation is striking, especially given its history. There is a recurring pattern in Israels history that is easily recognizable. Israel does not usually attack unilaterally, but when attacked, it uses it to advance resolutely toward what appears to be the ultimate project of the most radical Zionist movement, Greater Israel. Boasting a formidable military capability, it has responded to external attacks by annexing new territory and eliminating any possibility of coexistence with a Palestinian state. This was the case when, following the creation of Israel in 1948, Arab countries attacked, and Israel took advantage of the situation to significantly expand the territory established by the United Nations, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and killing more than 10,000 of them (this period is known as the Nakba). It happened again after the Six-Day War in 1967, when, once again faced with the mobilization of armies from several Arab countries, Israel quickly gained military control and annexed Gaza and the West Bank (plus the Sinai Peninsula and the Golan Heights). And its happening again now, as the October 7 attack has been the alibi used by Israel to make life unviable for Palestinians in Gaza (as well as to advance settlements in the West Bank).

I dont mean to deny that Israel has a serious security problem, surrounded as it is by hostile regimes and with a Palestinian population in the occupied territories suffering decades of oppression. Israelis often insist that those of us who dont live there are incapable of gauging what it means to live under constant threat. They use this thesis to justify the brutality of their response. In the current context, their position is clear: coexistence with Hamas is impossible, and therefore the priority is to exterminate the Islamists (regardless of the cost in Palestinian civilian lives). They maintain that, had it not been for the October 7 attack, they would never have undertaken a military campaign like the one carried out in the last two years. This is the response that, for example, former minister Benny Gantz defended in the pages of The New York Times in response to criticism from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Now, its one thing to have to confront a security problem, and quite another to consider any action against Hamas justified regardless of the human lives at stake. The Israeli army has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians (with many thousands more missing), of whom it is estimated that around 80% were civilians. To get an idea of the profound asymmetry in this conflict, its worth remembering that the number of Israeli combatant casualties since October 7, 2023, is less than 1,000. Not only is there an unprecedented destruction of human lives, but Israel has also devastated the urban and economic fabric of Gaza, making civilian life unviable in a place already severely damaged before the current Israeli offensive. Hence, we speak of genocide (beyond legal considerations). Genocide, however you look at it, is not a way to guarantee the security of the Jewish State in the future, but a crucial step in the realization of an Israel that stretches from the river to the sea.

At the time of writing, we appear to be approaching a cessation of hostilities. Hamas is likely to release the remaining hostages in the coming days, and Israel will halt its attacks. This is a breakthrough and will give the Palestinians a respite after two years of suffering, deprivation, and hunger. What will happen next is unknown. In any case, it is doubtful that, if the peace plan presented by Donald Trump bears fruit, it will mean a future of hope for the Palestinians. With Israel having come this far, the United States may be able to prevent large-scale ethnic cleansing, but everything indicates that the Palestinians who remain in Gaza will be a nuisance and will live in heavily guarded and controlled enclaves.

Never has Israel reacted so inhumanely to an attack. The barbarity of its offensive on Gaza is the result of an ultra-nationalist, far-right government. Israeli public opinion itself displays chilling ruthlessness. Among many other lessons, the war in Gaza should make us more cautious about the risks of the far right in the world and the political and moral degradation it brings.

Ignacio Sanchez-Cuenca is a professor of Political Science.

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Press Release from Business Wire: Quectel Wireless Systems



(AFP) Oct 07, 2025



FRANKFURT, Oct 7, 2025 (BSW) - Quectel Wireless Systems, an end-to-end global IoT solutions provider, today announces the addition of two new technologies to its LG290P, LG580P and LG680P high precision modules, RTKHOLD and Galileo Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) and High Accuracy Service (HAS). Designed to increase the accuracy of GNSS positioning anywhere globally, RTKHOLD, a technology developed by Quectel, allows receivers to intelligently extend the usability of previously received corrections for up to ten minutes. OSNMA is Galileo's new signal authentication service while the HAS delivers decimeter-level positioning anywhere in the world, directly via satellite or cellular connectivity.

Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) technology is a leading method for achieving centimeter-level accuracy in GNSS applications. By using correction data from a base station or correction service, RTK can refine positioning accuracy from the meter range down to just a few centimeters. This correction data, typically transmitted in RTCM3 format, reaches the rover receiver via cellular, radio, satellite, or other channels, but stable connectivity is critical to sustain this precision.

When correction signals are interrupted, accuracy degrades quickly. Within just 15-30 seconds without updates, positioning can drift by 2-5 cm and longer gaps typically force a fallback to sub-meter or even meter-level precision. This issue is especially problematic in rural environments, precision agriculture, and applications reliant on short-range links like radio or LoRa, where dropouts are frequent. For many automation tasks, such a loss of accuracy is unacceptable.

With Quectel's RTKHOLD technology, the receiver can model how GNSS errors evolve over time, enabling it to predict corrections and maintain centimeter-level accuracy even when the live correction stream is temporarily unavailable. This significantly improves the robustness of RTK in real-world deployments, ensuring that temporary link losses no longer render high-precision applications unusable. RTKHOLD is already supported in the LG290P A06 firmware. Support for the LG580P and LG680P will be available soon.

In addition, Galileo HAS, a free service provided by the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system that delivers precise positioning corrections to improve accuracy beyond standard GPS/GNSS levels, will be coming to the LG290P, LG580P and LG680P in Q4 2025. With a number of industries, including agriculture and rail, relying on precise positioning to enable smarter, safer and more efficient operations, HAS enables precision without any connectivity restraints as it enables high precision positioning wherever Galileo satellites are visible.

Finally, Quectel has also added support for Galileo OSNMA to its LC29H GNSS module, bringing cryptographic signal authentication to IoT applications. OSNMA, which became a formal service on 24 July 2025, uses digital signatures to verify that navigation messages truly originate from Galileo satellites, protecting against spoofing attacks that can falsify position and time data. By upgrading to the latest firmware, Quectel customers can immediately integrate authenticated GNSS into devices such as smart tachographs, fleet telematics systems, autonomous vehicles, and critical infrastructure solutions-ensuring compliance, security, and trusted positioning without hardware changes.

"Quectel is committed to advancing positioning performance through continuous innovation," said Windy Fang, Director, GNSS Product Line, Quectel Wireless Solutions. "By introducing RTKHOLD alongside Galileo's OSNMA and HAS capabilities, we're strengthening the reliability, accuracy, and security of our high-precision modules, ensuring our customers can deliver smarter, safer and more resilient IoT solutions anywhere in the world."

Quectel will be present at Intergeo 2025 in Frankfurt where the team will be available to talk about the additional functionality of Quectel's GNSS modules and can found on booth 0E103 in Hall 12.

About Quectel

Quectel's passion for a smarter world drives us to accelerate IoT innovation. A highly customer-centric organization, we are an end-to-end global IoT solutions provider backed by outstanding support and services.

With a worldwide team of over 5,800 professionals, we lead the way in delivering end-to-end IoT solutions, spanning cellular, GNSS, satellite, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, high-performance antennas, value-added services and full turnkey offerings including ODM services and system integration.

With regional offices and support across the globe, our international leadership is devoted to advancing IoT and helping build a smarter world.

For more information, please visit: www.quectel.com or LinkedIn







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Press Release from Business Wire: Vektor Medical



(AFP) Oct 07, 2025



SAN DIEGO, Oct 7, 2025 (BSW) - Vektor Medical, a medical technology company transforming cardiac arrhythmia care, announced it has received CE Mark for the vMap(R) System, a non-invasive tool developed with AI that transforms standard 12-lead ECG data into 3D arrhythmia source maps in under a minute.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007948309/en/

vMap is a non-invasive tool developed with AI that transforms standard 12-lead ECG data into 3D arrhythmia source maps in under a minute.



vMap was invented to help physicians improve ablation outcomes for patients suffering from arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. Use of vMap has also been associated with reductions in total procedure time. Previously available only in the United States, vMap has been successfully used in more than 2,000 procedures at more than 30 hospitals.

Securing CE Mark creates the opportunity for hospitals and electrophysiologists (EPs) across the European Union (EU) to access a new level of data-driven insights for arrhythmia care. As pressure mounts to improve outcomes and deliver value-based care, vMap provides a rapid, non-invasive way to identify potential arrhythmia drivers and guide treatment. Designed to complement existing lab technologies, vMap offers a scalable solution that fits seamlessly into clinical workflows, offering physicians added insight into arrhythmia drivers.

Vektor achieved CE Mark certification through BSI, its Notified Body, under the EU Medical Device Regulation. BSI provides extensive expertise in standards, Assurance, Regulatory, and Consulting services to help bring compliant products to market efficiently.

"Electrophysiology labs across Europe are in need of cost-effective ways to improve outcomes of ablation, especially in patients with more complex forms of atrial fibrillation," said Dr. Lucas Boersma, electrophysiologist, St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein. "vMap is emerging as a simple, non-invasive way to gain critical insights upfront and during procedures, supporting more efficient workflows and informed decision-making. By helping clinicians target arrhythmia sources more accurately and optimizing lab time, it has potential to improve outcomes whilst also enhancing the impact of other new approaches like pulsed field ablation. It's exciting to see this technology now available in Europe."

The CE Mark milestone arrives at a pivotal moment in healthcare advancement, as the commercialization and adoption of pulsed field ablation (PFA) are rapidly accelerating. vMap enhances the impact of PFA by giving EPs fast, iterative insights into optimal ablation targets during pre-procedure planning and in the EP lab.

"vMap has shown its impact in the U.S. as a meaningful advancement in arrhythmia care," said Rob Krummen, CEO of Vektor Medical. "Securing CE Mark under the EU Medical Device Regulation, one of the most rigorous regulatory frameworks in the world, underscores the strength of our technology and quality systems. With regulatory approvals now in place in the U.S. and Europe, we're well positioned to accelerate adoption and expand access to this innovation globally."

To learn more about Vektor Medical, vMap technology, or to request a clinical or strategic briefing, visit www.vektormedical.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and X.

About Vektor Medical

Headquartered in San Diego, Vektor Medical is redefining how arrhythmias are understood and treated. The company developed vMap(R), the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive technology that uses standard 12-lead ECG data to localize arrhythmia source locations across all four chambers of the heart. By helping physicians identify arrhythmia drivers more quickly and with greater accuracy, Vektor is improving outcomes, enhancing efficiencies, and accelerating access to effective treatment strategies. To learn more, visit www.vektormedical.com.







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Press Release from Business Wire: ExaGrid



(AFP) Oct 07, 2025



MARLBOROUGH, Oct 7, 2025 (BSW) - ExaGrid(R), the industry's only Tiered Backup Storage solution with Retention Time-Lock (RTL) that includes a non-network-facing tier (creating a tiered air gap), delayed deletes and immutability for ransomware recovery, today announced that it continues to grow and drive Free Cash Flow (FCF) and EBITDA.

The company is having another record bookings and revenue year and was Free Cash Flow positive, P&L positive, and EBITDA positive for its 19th consecutive quarter. ExaGrid added 164 new customers in the quarter. ExaGrid has continued to have over 70% of its new logo customer bookings come from six- and seven-figure purchase orders and in Q3, 40% of the new customer count was from six- and seven-figure deals.

ExaGrid now has more than 4,800 active upper mid-market to large enterprise customers that use ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage to store and protect their data. ExaGrid's customer retention rate remains very high, creating a strong existing customer repeat business.

ExaGrid supports more than 25 backup applications and utilities including: Rubrik, Veeam, Commvault, NetBackup, HYCU, Mongo DB, Oracle RMAN direct, SQL Dumps direct and many others. Earlier this year, ExaGrid also announced that it will support Cohesity DataProtect in the first half of 2026.

ExaGrid is a financially strong company generating positive cash each quarter and with zero debt of any kind. ExaGrid is the largest independent backup storage vendor in the world.

Highlights of Q3 2025:

-- Added over 160 new customers

-- 19th consecutive quarter of Cash, EBITDA, and P&L positive operations

-- 50% of ExaGrid's business comes from existing customer re-orders

-- 49% of the business came from outside the US

-- Adding over 14 more sales regions worldwide

-- Released Version 7.3.0 which included support for Rubrik, support for MongoDB Ops Manager, and added deduplication for encrypted Microsoft SQL Server direct dumps

"We are pleased that we have achieved 19 consecutive quarters of free cash flow and EBITDA. Revenue and EBITDA continue to grow year over year. We are the largest independent backup storage vendor, and we continue to add support and integration with more backup applications which offers value to our existing customers as they can add or change backup applications and utilities while protecting their backup storage investment in ExaGrid," said Bill Andrews, President and CEO of ExaGrid. "We've hit well over 4,800 active customer installations worldwide. ExaGrid continues to have an over 70% competitive win rate, replacing primary storage behind the backup application from Dell, HPE and NetApp and others, as well as inline deduplication appliances such as Dell Data Domain, HPE StoreOnce and NetBackup appliances."

About ExaGridExaGrid provides Tiered Backup Storage with a unique disk-cache Landing Zone, long-term retention repository, scale-out architecture, and comprehensive security features. ExaGrid's Landing Zone provides for the fastest backups, restores, and instant VM recoveries. The Repository Tier offers the lowest cost for long-term retention. ExaGrid's scale-out architecture includes full appliances and ensures a fixed-length backup window as data grows, eliminating expensive forklift upgrades and planned product obsolescence. ExaGrid offers the only two-tiered backup storage approach with a non-network-facing tier (tiered air gap), delayed deletes, and immutable objects to recover from ransomware attacks.

ExaGrid has physical sales and pre-sales systems engineers in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Benelux, Brazil, Canada, Chile, CIS, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nordics, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and other regions.

Visit us at exagrid.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. See what our customers have to say about their own ExaGrid experiences and learn why they now spend significantly less time on backup storage in our customer success stories. ExaGrid is proud of our +81 NPS score!

ExaGrid is a registered trademark of ExaGrid Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.







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Press Release from Business Wire: NUSO



(AFP) Oct 07, 2025



CLAYTON, Oct 7, 2025 (BSW) - NUSO, a global provider of cloud communications, today announced the expansion of its partnership with Zoom Communications, Inc. Building on its existing support for Zoom Cloud Peering in the Americas and EMEA, NUSO will now serve as a global partner for Zoom Phone and Zoom Contact Center licenses. This step extends a proven relationship and brings customers a direct path to combine Zoom's platform with NUSO's global network and compliance-ready services.

"Our partnership with Zoom now goes beyond Cloud Peering," said Matt Siemens, CEO of NUSO. "We are combining Zoom's proven collaboration tools with NUSO's global delivery model and our AI and compliance solutions like NUSO Connect Recorder. This partnership delivers real outcomes for partners and customers through choice, international scale, compliance, and resiliency."

This expanded partnership allows enterprises and partners to better:

-- Drive business outcomes - By combining collaboration, telephony, and compliance services, enterprises reduce complexity, accelerate deployments, and improve customer engagement worldwide.

-- Strengthen compliance and security - NUSO Connect Recorder supports regulatory requirements including GDPR, PCI DSS, and MiFID II, while providing transcription, analysis, and encryption.

-- Gain resiliency - Resiliency from the ground up to maximize business continuity with features like NUSOflex

-- Scale globally - NUSO's international network enables consistent delivery of services across regions.

With these combined strengths, NUSO and Zoom are giving enterprises and resellers a more direct, reliable way to unify telephony, video, and contact center solutions while reducing complexity.

"The framework of a successful partnership always begins with a common goal - the customer," said Nick Tidd, Head of Global Channel GTM at Zoom. "Zoom's partnership with NUSO focuses on that customer experience by combining Zoom Phone and Zoom Contact Center technology with NUSO's powerful global network. It also ensures our reseller partners have a more simplified way of delivering those customer experiences."

The partnership will be announced at the Cavell Summit North America in Washington, D.C., where leaders in global cloud communications gather to showcase new approaches to enterprise collaboration.

Read more on NUSO.CLOUD.

About NUSO

NUSO enables partners and enterprises to deliver orchestrated, outcome-rich conversations at scale. NUSO unifies real-time AI, intelligent routing, and direct control of its global carrier network to power secure, scalable communications across unified communications, contact center, messaging, and customer engagement. The platform enhances network performance and customer experience through live transcription, sentiment analysis, and real-time automation. NUSO supports compliance and orchestration across voice provisioning, messaging, CX workflows, and call routing.

We Don't Just Route Calls - We Orchestrate Outcomes.

NUSO is ISO 27001:2022 certified and operates across the United States, Canada, Latin America, UK, and EMEA. Learn more at www.nuso.cloud.







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Press Release from Business Wire: CSC



(AFP) Oct 07, 2025



WILMINGTON, Oct 7, 2025 (BSW) - CSC, an enterprise-class domain security provider and world leader in domain management, DNS, digital certificate management, brand protection, and anti-fraud solutions, today released its inaugural report. "The SSL Landscape" finds that approximately 60% of businesses use three or more secure sockets layer (SSL) providers and suggests a lack of centralized processes for SSL management. This and other evidence further suggest organizations are ignoring or delaying the implementation of a strategic response to the upcoming shortening of SSL certificate life cycles and domain control validation (DCV) re-use periods, opening them up to multiple points of risk.

CSC's "The SSL Landscape"provides an in-depth analysis on use trends and patterns for more than 802,000 digital certificates linked to 2.4 million domains, including how organizations oversee SSL certificates and the impact on integrity assurance for their domains. The research comes at a key time when SSL/transport layer security (TLS) certificate life cycles are set to shrink from 367 days to 200 starting in 2026 to just 47 by 2029, and DCV re-use periods will decline from 367 days to only 10 by 2028, as mandated by the CA/Browser Forum. Therefore, organizations must update their strategies for renewing certificates nearly eight times a year instead of roughly once a year.

"SSL certificates play a critical role in authenticating the legitimacy and safety of an online brand, including the validation of credentials and the encryption of the connection between a website's server and a user's browser," says Mark Flegg, senior director of technology, CSC Security Products and Services. "As the industry approaches shortened SSL certificate renewal life cycles, organizations cannot afford to delay their transitions to certificate automation or to compromise the security of their organizations with fragmented SSL management. It's concerning that 72% of respondents we surveyed were either completely unaware of or didn't know the details of the upcoming industry changes-and as many are unsure of or not ready for automation. Missed renewals could further bring down entire domains and applications that are the backbone of business operations-such as payment gateways, email, VPN, and collaboration tools for chat, video calls, and document sharing."

According to CSC's research, domain validated (DV) certificates account for three-quarters (73.5%) of certificates while organization validation (OV) certificates represent nearly one-quarter (24.6%) and extended validation (EV) certificates account for less than two percent (1.9%). With low-cost, easy-to-obtain DV certificates dominating the market among organizations, cybercriminals leverage this trend by obtaining similar low-cost certificates to impersonate brands-making fraudulent websites look authentic with a https-secured site-tricking customers into clicking malicious links that compromise data. This research raises concerns about whether IT and security departments have a clear strategy on which certificate is obtained for each type of web asset.

CSC's findings additionally show that the top three certificate providers are not enterprise-class providers, yet these providers supply the majority of DV certificates (89%) used by the analyzed organizations. The combination of easy-to-obtain certificates and consumer-grade providers who don't offer the enterprise-class support needed to help companies prepare for upcoming SSL industry changes creates a recipe for serious disruption to organization services and reputation.

"Organizations are about to face the most transformative period for domain security," continues Flegg. "A lack of understanding around proper certificate strategy, and the absence of urgency to effectively prepare for new certificate life cycles, will leave many online brands and digital identities playing a never-ending game of catch up. Those who prioritize automation, consolidating their certificate solutions providers, and working with enterprise-class domain partners will ensure a smoother, safer transition that minimizes the risk of costly expiration outages and security incidents."

For more information on key trends in SSL management, download "The SSL Landscape." To learn more about CSC's flexible suite of digital certificate management solutions, request a consultation at cscdbs.com.

About CSC

CSC is the trusted security and threat intelligence provider of choice for the Forbes Global 2000 and the 100 Best Global Brands (Interbrand(R)) with focus areas in domain security and management, along with digital brand and fraud protection. As global companies make significant investments in their security posture, our DomainSecSM platform can help them understand cybersecurity oversights that exist and help them secure their online digital assets and brands. By leveraging CSC's proprietary technology, companies can solidify their security posture to protect against cyber threat vectors targeting their online assets and brand reputation, helping them avoid devastating revenue loss. CSC also provides online brand protection-a combination of online brand monitoring and enforcement activities-with a multidimensional view of various threats outside the firewall targeting specific domains. Fraud protection services that combat phishing in the early stages of attack round out our solutions.

Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, since 1899, CSC has offices throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. CSC is a global company capable of doing business wherever our clients are-and we accomplish that by employing experts in every business we serve. Visit cscdbs.com.







View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251007520413/en/









Contact

For more information:Joyson CherianW2 [email protected] CSC News Room







 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release.
Federal forces have used tear gas and pepper spray and fired at protesters, following days of protests over migrant detentions, while Trump authorized the deployment of the National Guard

U.S. President Donald Trump has declared war on Democratic-led cities, and judging by the violent scenes of recent days, Chicago has become a battleground. Numerous people have been injured and several were arrested in clashes between federal forces and protesters in weekend demonstrations against the governments migrant detention operation launched in the city last month. Immigration agents used tear gas and excessive force against citizens who denounced abuses committed against migrants and the deplorable conditions in which they are held in detention centers.

The so-called Operation Midway Blitz, launched in early September, has already resulted in more than 500 migrant arrests, according to government data. Protests against the operation have multiplied in recent weeks, leading President Trump to authorize the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to contain the demonstrations and protect federal agents. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has also made Texas troops available.

Authorities in Chicago and the state of Illinois responded this Monday with a lawsuit against the administration to block the deployment of troops on their streets, but a federal judge has so far refused to block it. The soldiers are expected to arrive in Chicago, the nations third most populous city, on Tuesday.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has accused the government of wanting to create a war zone to justify the deployment of troops. Their plan all along has been to cause chaos, and then they can use that chaos to consolidate Donald Trumps power, he said.

Protest outside the Broadview Detention Center in Chicago on October 3. Jim Vondruska (REUTERS)

Violence escalated last weekend when protesters and law enforcement officers clashed outside the detention center in Broadview, a Chicago suburb west of Chicago where the majority population is Black and Latino. Videos quickly spread on social media showed the aggressive behavior of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acknowledged that federal agents shot a woman Saturday morning in southwest Chicago. DHS said the woman was a U.S. citizen and had a semi-automatic weapon. Tricia McLaughlin, deputy secretary of the department, said the woman drove herself to a hospital for treatment. DHS said the shooting occurred when a group of people rammed their cars into the vehicles of immigration officials.

Jessie Fuentes, an alderwoman from Chicagos District 26, was assaulted by federal agents at her neighborhood hospital, where she went after receiving a tip that ICE agents were scaring staff and patients. There was someone in the ER with a completely shattered leg. I asked them if they had a warrant. They refused to show me anything and were very aggressive toward me. They pushed me twice before handcuffing me for doing nothing except asking them if they had a warrant to detain the individual in the ER, she told reporters. They took her out and put her in a Border Patrol vehicle, only to release her later.

ICE-free zones

In response to the chaos in the city, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, announced Monday that he would establish ICE-free zones, preventing federal agents from entering without a warrant. In addition, several citizens, media outlets, and clergy representatives filed a lawsuit Monday denouncing police violence during recent protests.

Never in modern times has the federal government undermined bedrock constitutional protections on this scale or usurped states police power by directing federal agents to carry out an illegal mission against the people for the governments own benefit, states the lawsuit, which will be defended by, among others, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The organization denounces that this rampant violence by the federal government is a blatant attempt to interfere with the most cherished and fundamental rights enshrined in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution: freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religious belief, and the right to peaceably assemble and express disagreement with the government.

Clash with federal and ICE agents at a protest in Little Village, Chicago, on October 4. Jim Vondruska (REUTERS)

Pastor David Black of the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, one of the most marginalized areas of Chicago, claims to have been shot in the head with near-lethal projectiles and tear gas in the face. He extended his arms, palms outstretched, toward the ICE agents, in a traditional Christian posture of prayer and blessing, the pastor states in the lawsuit. Without warning, and without any order or request that he and the others disperse, the ICE agents suddenly shot at him, hitting him seven times in the arms, face, and torso with explosive pellets containing some type of chemical agent. It was clear to me that the agents were aiming for my head, where they struck me twice.

William Paulson, a 67-year-old retired union painter, recounts in the same lawsuit that on September 27, ICE agents launched an indiscriminate attack on protesters without warning. They fired gas canisters in front of and behind him, he says, and he started inhaling the gas and couldnt see or breathe. My eyes and nose were burning I fell to my hands and knees and vomited. There was extreme pain in my eyes and nose. My skin was burning. I have emphysema and COPD [chronic lung disease], so the gas affected me greatly.

Trump has been threatening to send the National Guard to Chicago for weeks, justifying it as an emergency due to alleged high crime rates in the city and to protect federal officers, as he has done in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Memphis, and Portland. On Sunday, a federal judge in Oregon temporarily blocked the deployment of troops to Portland. Now, Trump says hes considering invoking the Insurrection Act to circumvent the courts injunctions.

The lawsuit filed Monday by the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago joins three other lawsuits against Trumps unprecedented use of troops to patrol U.S. cities, suppress protests, and enforce immigration laws nationwide, alleging, without evidence, increased crime in cities governed by Democrats.

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Matthieu Blazy reaches for the stars in Chanel debut



Paris, Oct 6 (AFP) Oct 06, 2025



New Chanel designer Matthieu Blazy unveiled a first sumptuous collection on Monday in front of a crowd of admirers and stars sitting beneath giant glowing planets during Paris Fashion Week.

Ahead of the most-anticipated show of the Spring-Summer 2026 season, some had wondered how much the 41-year-old would dare change the classic designs of the French house.

Despite the galaxy-themed decoration in the spectacular Grand Palais exhibition space, Blazy eschewed a big bang design revolution, opting instead for modern yet bold tweaks to Chanel's tweeds, blouses and suits.

Gently mixing in masculine looks in the boxy jackets and shirts, alongside statement jewels and stunning long eveningwear in white silk or vibrant red, Blazy harked back to founder Coco Chanel who took inspiration from her boyfriends' wardrobes.

"What we asked him to do is to take us elsewhere, to move the brand on," Chanel's fashion business head, Bruno Pavlovsky, told reporters.

Lauding Blazy's "discreet" personality and his willingness to listen to colleagues, Pavlovsky said the former Bottega Veneta and Calvin Klein designer had plunged into founder Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel's story since joining.

"What's great is that he continued playing with the design principles, those principles that are so distinctive and important for the brand. But at the same time, he allowed himself freedom, the freedom we need," Pavlovsky explained.

The front-row was a constellation of A-listers from Penelope Cruz, Kendall Jenner to Pedro Pascal, as well as freshly appointed Chanel brand ambassadors under Blazy, US-Australian star Nicole Kidman and "The Bear" actress Ayo Edebiri.

"Babygirl" star Kidman, known for her glamourous red carpet outfits, wore an understated white button-up shirt and wide-leg jeans to the show.

Initital reaction was positive, with the head of fashion-buying at London luxury store Harrods, Simon Longland, saying Blazy had "delivered a debut that was nothing short of a masterclass".

Privately owned Chanel is the world's second biggest luxury fashion brand by sales.



- Lineage -



Blazy was appointed creative director last December and given the daunting task of moving Chanel beyond the era defined by its long-time supremo Karl Lagerfeld.

He is only the fourth creative director in Chanel's history after Coco Chanel, Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard, Lagerfeld's hand-picked successor who stepped down last year.

Before being appointed, Blazy had won widespread praise for his work as chief creative at Bottega Veneta, where he modernised the look of the classic Italian leather-goods house and introduced new products.

He is one of flurry of appointments that has created a sense of generational renewal in the fashion industry, with some 10 different brands unveiling collections from debut chief designers over the last week in Paris.

Northern Irish star designer Jonathan Anderson, 41, is the other hot courturier challenging Blazy for the limelight in the French capital.

He made an impressive start at Dior women with his first show on Wednesday, having already released a men's collection in June.

Italy's Pierpaolo Piccioli also set a new tone at Balenciaga on Saturday, having moved to the Paris-based Spanish heritage label to replace Georgian maverick Demna, who has gone to Gucci.

"The questions of succession and creative renewal arise, and it just so happens that it's happening everywhere all at once," Pavlovsky told the WWD fashion website in an interview published Monday.

The luxury industry is hoping the shake up will help boost flagging sales caused by a slowdown in China, US tariffs and a widespread sense of economic uncertainty.

Chanel reported a 30 percent drop in operating profit in 2024 to $4.48 billion, as revenue fell 4.3 percent.

mdv-adp/rmb

Christian Dior
China's premier to visit North Korea this week



Beijing, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



China's premier will pay an official visit to North Korea this week, Beijing said Tuesday, announcing the high-level diplomatic engagement to the isolated nuclear state.

Despite periods of strained ties between China and North Korea over Pyongyang's nuclear programme, the neighbours have maintained a close relationship in recent years.

Premier Li Qiang "will lead a party and government delegation to the DPRK... and pay an official goodwill visit from October 9 to 11", a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement, using an official acronym for North Korea.

Li, China's highest-ranking leader after President Xi Jinping, will attend 80th anniversary celebrations for North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, the statement said.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported last week that the North appears to be preparing for a large-scale military parade to mark the party's anniversary.

During a meeting in Beijing late last month, China's top diplomat Wang Yi called on his North Korean counterpart to strengthen the partnership.

Just weeks before, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un paid a rare visit to the capital city, where he stood alongside Xi at a parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

China is a vital source of diplomatic, economic and political support for North Korea.

Pyongyang justifies its nuclear weapons by citing threats it claims to face from Washington and its allies, including South Korea.
From Donbas to the desert: Mali Tuaregs borrow Ukraine's war tactics



Dakar, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



From explosive drones to inflatable decoy vehicles, Tuareg rebels in Mali have increasingly turned to tactics learnt from Ukrainian intelligence to strike the west African country's army and its Russian allies.

The tactics are reshaping the balance in the conflict between Mali's junta government and the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA), a pro-independence armed coalition of predominantly Tuareg groups fighting over the Azawad territory in the country's north.

While the Tuaregs have ties to Kyiv, Mali has increasingly relied on Russian mercenaries for help in fighting both the rebels and the jihadists affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group roaming the wider Sahel region.

"Perhaps what binds us most to Ukraine is that, like us, it is suffering Russian barbarism and imperialism," Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane, spokesman for the rebels, told AFP.

In July 2024, a Ukrainian military intelligence official, Andriy Yusov, implied that Kyiv had provided information to the rebels so they could carry out an attack.

Alongside jihadists, the rebels killed dozens of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers during fighting in the town of Tinzaouaten in Mali's northeast.

The FLA separatists have joined forces at times with the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

"Ukraine wanted to impress its Western partners by claiming that it was helping the rebels attack Russia in Africa as well," Ulf Laessing, director of the Sahel programme at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Mali, told AFP.

"But it underestimated public opinion since the rebels are considered terrorists in the Sahel capitals," he said.

The FLA, which was created in November 2024, consists mostly of Tuaregs -- a semi-nomadic people of Berber descent who traditionally lived across stretches of the Sahara and Sahel and whose members have for decades sought a separate homeland.



- Ukrainian supplies -



Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, all ruled by military juntas that have turned their backs on the West to move closer to Russia, have severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine, accusing it of supplying weapons to the FLA.

"As distant as it may seem, the war in Ukraine and terrorism in the Sahel are connected," Malian Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maiga said at the United Nations in late September.

"The Ukrainian regime has become one of the main suppliers of kamikaze drones to terrorist groups around the world," he said.

Ukraine and the FLA, formed from several rebel movements seeking to seize territory in Tuareg-majority northeast Mali, have repeatedly denied these accusations.

"We have received no material assistance from Ukraine, no drones, no weapons, no other equipment," Ramadane said. "Our strength lies in our determination, our ingenuity and our ability to train and organise ourselves."

However, he said, some elements of the FLA received specialised training in Ukraine on the use of FPV (first-person view) drones.

"Back on the ground, they significantly strengthened their operational skills and, in turn, trained other fighters in this strategic area. Today, this technological mastery is fully integrated into our combat capabilities," he added.

Equipped with explosives, the drones are piloted from afar in real-time via a virtual reality headset. They allow the separatists to regularly carry out attacks against Malian army convoys or bases housing Russian mercenaries.

The mercenaries, part of the Africa Corps, the successor to the Wagner paramilitary group, are under the direct control of Russia's Ministry of Defence.

Using FPV drones "allows FLA to avoid direct confrontation" against the better-equipped Malian army and Africa Corps, said Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS).

In February, the FLA said it shot down a Malian helicopter in the north using a drone, a claim the Malian army denied, instead saying it "intercepted and recovered" a "terrorist drone".

The JNIM also uses explosive drones to attack Malian forces.



- Inflatable pickups -



The Ukrainian army likewise uses inflatable decoys resembling tanks or defences to attract Russian strikes.

In July, Mali unveiled inflatable decoy pickup trucks believed to have belonged to the separatist rebels, although the FLA has not officially acknowledged possession of any such equipment.

Another innovation from Ukraine: Fibre-optic explosive drones, which are considered difficult to detect and jam.

In July, FLA rebels released images of one such drone, which are now believed to be an integral part of their arsenal.

Overall, however, "Turkish drones gave the Malian army and its Russian partner an advantage over the Tuareg rebels when they captured (the rebel stronghold of) Kidal in 2023", Laessing said.

"The FLA and the jihadists followed suit, using commercially available drones that they improved. But they remain inferior to Turkish models," he said.
Controversy is growing in the US over whether it is legal for living persons to appear on circulating dollars

The cult of personality surrounding Donald Trump in some conservative circles in the United States is generating controversy. Several allies have presented some extravagant bills, such as carving Trumps face into Mount Rushmore, making his birthday a federal holiday, or renaming Dulles International Airport, a few miles from Washington, after him. The proposal that seems to be taken most seriously, however, is the Treasury Departments plan to mint a coin bearing the presidents image to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the countrys independence, which will be celebrated next year. But their intentions have been thwarted by a law passed in 1866, which prohibits living persons from appearing on coins.

According to The New York Times, coins must bear designs emblematic of the United States semiquincentennial [...] The 1866 law enshrined a tradition that individuals could appear on U.S. currency only posthumously to avoid the appearance that America was a monarchy.

In 2020, Congress passed bipartisan legislation, signed by Trump during his first term, authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to mint one-dollar coins during the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

But that law, known as the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, also states that No head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person, living or dead, and no portrait of a living person may be included in the design on the reverse of specified coins

On this momentous anniversary, there is no profile more emblematic for the front of this coin than that of our serving President, Donald J. Trump, stated a post on the official Treasury Department account on Monday.

U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach announced on social media a few days ago that he will share more information soon, once the obstructionist shutdown of the United States government is over, and shared the first drafts of the coin through a post on X.

The coin, which appears to be silver, shows an effigy of Trump under the word Liberty, in the style of Roman emperors. And below it, the phrase: In God We Trust, the official motto of the United States. It was approved by Congress in 1956 and has been present on all coins minted by the country since the late 1950s.

The obverse of the coin depicts Trump with his fist raised behind a U.S. flag. The word fight is repeated three times at the top. Below, the words United States appear alongside E pluribus unum, another U.S. motto meaning out of many, one. According to the Smithsonian, this motto was suggested by a committee on July 4, 1776, in the Declaration of Independence.

The cultural institution explains that it refers to the colonies struggle to fight together for independence from Great Britain. Out of 13 colonies came one nation. Out of our 50 states comes one nation. The motto describes our history and our belief that we are a nation that should work together as one! explains the Smithsonian.

The arrival on the agenda of such a seemingly trivial debate, linked to symbolism and political propaganda, but far removed from the problems that concern ordinary people, comes at a time of turmoil for the country, amid a government shutdown. 750,000 federal workers are suspended from employment and pay because Congress has not granted the necessary funds to operate normally due to the lack of agreement between Democrats and Republicans, which is causing, among many other issues, delays in everyday procedures such as student loan payments, affecting more than a million people.

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Grenade attack in western Iran kills two IRGC members: local media



Tehran, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



A grenade attack in western Iran, blamed on militants, killed two members of the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including a cleric, local media reported Tuesday.

The assault, late on Monday, targeted a building belonging to pro-government paramilitary forces near the city of Sarvabad in the western province of Kurdistan and left three other members of the guard corps wounded, official IRNA news agency reported.

The two IRGC members killed in the attack were identified by the local Tasnim news agency as cleric Alireza Valizadeh and Ayoub Shiri.

While the identity of the attackers was not immediately clear, authorities blamed the incident on an "anti-revolutionary group" which it said hurled a grenade at the paramilitary post.

Iran often uses the term "anti-revolutionary" to refer to Kurdish armed groups operating along the border with Iraq.

Tehran has repeatedly accused such groups of staging cross-border attacks from Iraqi Kurdistan.

In March 2023, Iran and Iraq signed a security agreement aimed at disarming Iranian Kurdish rebel groups and removing them from frontier areas.

In February, Iran welcomed a call by jailed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) founder Abdullah Ocalan for Kurdish militants to lay down their arms, describing it as a step toward renouncing violence.

That came months after a historic visit by Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region in September 2024.
Burkina frees two activists press-ganged to fight jihadists



Abidjan, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



Burkina Faso has freed two civil society activists press-ganged into fighting the Sahel country's jihadist insurgency for over a year, sources close to the pair told AFP Tuesday.

Since taking power in a September 2022 coup, the west African country's junta has been accused of silencing its critics by sending dissident voices to the front lines.

Around a dozen of those sent, notably journalists, civil society figures or people close to politicians, have been released from the draft in recent months.

Bassirou Badjo and Rasmane Zinaba, who took part in the demonstrations that ousted ex-strongman Blaise Campaore in 2014, were set free late on Monday, according to their entourages, confirming reports in the Burkinabe press.

"They're both holding up well even if their physical condition has changed a lot," a source close to both activists told AFP.

Another source said they had returned to their families and would undergo medical checks as a precaution.

According to their organisation, the pair were "abducted" by "individuals presenting themselves as agents of the state security forces" in Febuary 2024.

Rights groups have increasingly reported kidnappings of people considered hostile to the junta over the past year.

Like other countries in the Sahel, Burkina Faso has been riven by violence from jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group for more than a decade.
Canadian PM visits Trump in bid to ease tariffs



Washington, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Donald Trump at the White House Tuesday seeking to ease US tariffs that are hitting Canada's economy -- and his popularity at home.

Carney is making his second visit to the Oval Office since April, but unlike other US allies Canada has still not sealed a deal with Washington to take the edge off Trump's trade wars.

The 60-year-old former central banker entered politics less than a year ago but now faces growing criticism domestically, where he campaigned on his extensive crisis management experience.

"I wore red for you!" Carney joked, pointing to his tie as the US president greeted him outside the West Wing. Trump often wears a red tie, although on this occasion he was wearing a blue one.

A day earlier, Trump said when asked about Carney's visit that "I guess he's going to ask about tariffs, because a lot of companies from Canada are moving into the United States."

The 79-year-old US president has also recently repeated his desire to make Canada "the 51st state", an issue that caused tensions before Carney's previous trip.

The Canadian government said that during Carney's "working visit" he seeks to restore bilateral relations and discuss "shared priorities in a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US."

Unlike other US allies such as Britain and the European Union, Canada has not yet cut a deal for a comprehensive trade agreement with its North American neighbor.

The United States is Canada's main economic partner, with 75 percent of Canada's exports being sold across its southern border. Canada saw its GDP decline by 1.5 percent in the second quarter, adding to the economic pressure.

Trump has already imposed tariffs on lumber, aluminum, steel and automobiles. On Monday, he announced 25 percent tariffs on heavy trucks starting November 1.

For now, the vast majority of trade remains protected by the USMCA, a free-trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico.

But the agreement faces renegotiation soon, and Trump has already called for a revision that would favor US industries.



- 'No choice' -



The Canadian premier is under major pressure at home to seal a deal.

"Mark Carney has no choice, he must return from Washington with progress," said Daniel Beland, a political scientist at McGill University in Montreal, pointing to the steel and aluminium tariffs as key areas.

Carney faces particular criticism for making concessions while getting little in return.

At the end of June, Carney canceled a tax targeting American tech giants under pressure from Trump, who called it outrageous. He also lifted many of the tariffs imposed by the previous government.

"If you return with excuses, broken promises and photo ops, you will have failed our workers, our businesses and our country," conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wrote in an open letter to Carney on Monday.

Carney faces risks, too, as he appears in the Oval Office.

The Canadian safely navigated his first appearance there six months ago, but Trump has previously savaged visiting foreign leaders in the gilded room including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.

"These meetings can easily go off track, and everything plays out publicly," said Genevieve Tellier, a political scientist at the University of Ottawa.

Last week, Trump once again brought up the possibility of annexing Canada during a speech to US generals and admirals, referencing the country's potential participation in a new "Golden Dome" missile shield.

"Canada called me a couple of weeks ago, they want to be part of it," Trump claimed. "To which I said, well, why don't you just join our country" and "become the 51st state, and you get it for free."
Trump talks up Canada deal chances with visiting PM



Washington, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



President Donald Trump struck a friendly tone with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Tuesday, hailing progress towards a trade deal but offering few concrete concessions on steep US tariffs.

Trump repeatedly showered praise on "great leader" Carney, who was under pressure at home to show progress from his second visit to the White House since taking office in April.

"I think they're going to walk away very happy," Trump told reporters as he sat alongside Carney in the Oval Office. "And I think we've come a long way over the last few months, actually, in terms of that relationship."

Trump said that the North American neighbors had "natural conflict" over business as their manufacturers were competing for the same market but said there was "nothing wrong with it."

Carney said he was confident that Canada would "get the right deal" from the United States, his country's main economic partner.

The pair shared a series of light-hearted moments, even laughing as Trump joked about a Canadian "merger" in a reference to his previous calls for Canada to become the 51st US state.

"He is a world-class leader," Trump said of the former central banker. "He's a nice man, but he can be very nasty."

But Trump and Carney studiously avoided giving any precise details on how they might ease US tariffs on lumber, aluminum, steel and automobiles. On Monday, the US president announced 25 percent tariffs on all imported heavy trucks starting November 1.

The 60-year-old Carney entered politics less than a year ago after campaigning on his extensive crisis management experience as a way of countering Trump's tariffs and annexation threats.

But while the vast majority of Canada's trade remains protected by the USMCA, a free-trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico, Trump has called for revisions when it comes up for renegotiation soon.

Seventy-five percent of Canada's exports are sold across its southern border. Canada saw its GDP decline by 1.5 percent in the second quarter, adding to the economic pressure.



- 'Broken promises' -



Before the visit Canada's opposition heaped pressure on Carney, as the country is the last major US ally not to seal a deal with Washington.

"If you return with excuses, broken promises and photo ops, you will have failed our workers, our businesses and our country," conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wrote in an open letter to Carney on Monday.

Carney faces particular criticism for making concessions to Trump while getting little in return.

At the end of June, Carney canceled a tax targeting American tech giants under pressure from Trump, who called it outrageous. He also lifted many of the tariffs imposed by the previous government.

"Mark Carney has no choice, he must return from Washington with progress," said Daniel Beland, a political scientist at McGill University in Montreal, pointing to the steel and aluminum tariffs as key areas.

But Carney at least seemed to have negotiated the first hurdle of an Oval Office visit.

While the Canadian safely navigated his first appearance there six months ago, Trump has previously savaged visiting foreign leaders in the gilded room, including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.

"These meetings can easily go off track, and everything plays out publicly," said Genevieve Tellier, a political scientist at the University of Ottawa.

Last week, Trump once again brought up the possibility of annexing Canada during a speech to US generals and admirals, referencing the country's potential participation in a new "Golden Dome" missile shield.
Burkina junta arrests European NGO workers for 'spying'



Abidjan, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



Burkina Faso's military government said Tuesday it had arrested eight members of a humanitarian group, including three Europeans, accusing them of "spying and treason".

Security Minister Mahamadou Sana said the eight were members of INSO, a Netherlands-based group specialising in humanitarian safety, and included a Frenchman, a French-Senegalese woman, a Czech man, a Malian and four Burkinabe nationals.

Those arrested included the country director of the NGO in the west African state and his deputy, Sana said.

The director had previously been arrested at the end of July when the NGO was suspended for three months by the authorities for "collecting sensitive data without authorisation".

The NGO, based in The Hague, provides security analyses for other humanitarian organisations.

Sana alleged it "collected and passed on sensitive security information that could be detrimental to national security and the interests of Burkina Faso, to foreign powers".

He said that despite being banned from operating on July 31, some members "continued to clandestinely or covertly conduct activities such as information collection and meetings in person or online".

Burkina Faso's military junta has turned away from the West and in particular its former colonial master France since seizing power in a September 2022 coup.

Burkinabe authorities often repress dissent, notably within civil society and the media, claiming it as part of the battle against jihadist violence that has plagued the country for a decade.
Iran dismissees Israel's missile concern as 'made-up threat'



Tehran, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



Iran on Tuesday dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's warnings over its missile programme as fabricated, after he alleged the Islamic republic was developing rockets capable of reaching US cities.

In an interview with US podcaster Ben Shapiro released on Monday, Netanyahu said: "Iran is developing now... intercontinental ballistic missiles for 8,000 kilometre range".

"What does that mean? They add another 3,000 kilometres and they've got under their guns... New York City in target, Washington, Boston, Miami, Mar-a-Lago", he said, referring to the Florida residence of US President Donald Trump.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the comments, saying Israel was trying to portray Iran's defensive capabilities as a threat.

"Israel is now attempting to turn our defensive power into a made-up threat," Araghchi wrote on X.

Iran has a large arsenal of domestically produced ballistic missiles, including Shahab-3 rockets with a range of 2,000 kilometres -- enough to reach Israel.

In June, a 12-day war erupted after unprecedented Israeli strikes inside Iran targeted military, political and nuclear-related sites.

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and on the largest US base in the Middle East, located in Qatar, after Washington launched a bombing raid of its own.

Since a June 24 ceasefire, Iranian political and military officials have warned of possible renewed conflict, saying they are prepared for war but do not seek it.

Western countries and Israel accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons and of developing missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Iran denies the charges, insisting its nuclear program is for civilian energy and medical research purposes only.
Visiting this remote spot in the Willow Creeks Valley is like stepping into a dream frozen in sepia. Everything is there. The houses, the objects, the half-burned stoves, the unopened letters. And the warning remains the same: dont touch anything

At the end of the summer of 1859  one that was surely hot, dusty, and full of guys in wide-brimmed hats sweating under their shirt collars  a small but determined group of gold prospectors decided to venture into Willow Creek Valley, a remote place in northern California whose only claim to fame was that, until then, there was absolutely nothing there except trees, rocks, silence, and the small but persistent possibility of finding something buried in the ground that could change your life.

One of them was William S. Bodey, a retired gunfighter who wasnt looking for redemption so much as a retirement with a little more dignity than a card game on a rickety porch in Nevada. He was looking for gold, yes, but also a little peace. And he found it. He found both, in fact.

Tourists visiting Bodie in 2009. The ghost town was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1961 and became a state park in 1962. Marc Martin (Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag)

Bodey found gold and silver next to a nameless stream  because here even rivers have no identity until someone important names them or dies beside them  but three days later, the weather became a narrative device: a snowstorm  in October, in California, as if the weather had decided to reinterpret Fargo a hundred years ahead of time  fell on the valley and blanketed everything.

The rest of the expedition took refuge in a cave as best they could. Bodey, no. Bodey decided he was going to save the gold. Because, of course, thats what hed come for. But the bundles were heavy. And he was old. And the snow was deep. The result: the following day, his companions found his frozen corpse under a white mound and buried him on the spot, quickly and without ceremony. But not before taking all the gold. Because, well, he wasnt going to need it anymore, was he?

Sign announcing arrival at Bodie State Historic Park. UCG (UCG/Universal Images Group via G)

This is where history becomes legend: what no one knew is that this act  this small piece of plunder, this while were at it...  was apparently the spiritual equivalent of opening Pandoras box with a rusty crowbar. And the consequences werent going to come quickly, because curses, like the best slow-cooked dishes, are simmered over very, very low heat.

A year later, the gold vein was still yielding, so the prospectors founded a town. They named it after their old companion. But since no one knew exactly how to spell the deceaseds last name  because no one had bothered to ask or write it down, which is very much in the spirit of the American frontier  they recorded it as it sounded: Bodie. And so it stuck.

For a while, things were reasonably good. In 1890, a huge windfall appeared, and the place grew into a small town with over 10,000 officially registered residents (and probably an equal or greater number of people who preferred not to appear on any government lists for legal reasons). Bodie had it all: 65 saloons (six-five, thats not a typo), 40 grocery and hardware stores, 10 banks, three funeral homes, two brass bands, and a jail. It was missing an Ikea and a TJ Maxx, but otherwise it was pretty self-sufficient.

Abandoned buildings in Bodie.

And as often happens when gold, whiskey, guns, and testosterone are mixed without legal oversight or a civil code, things got a little out of hand. Fist fights and shootouts were routine. Bodie gained a reputation as a lawless land, and its inhabitants were dubbed (with some admiration and plenty of fear) The Bad Men of Bodie. And they probably were. Or at least they were training to become one.

Then, as if all this were part of a well-written narrative with a beginning, middle, climax, and final punishment, the downfall arrived.

By 1912, almost no one was left. Gold was scarce, saloons were closing one by one, the last local newspaper had gone from seven pages to two and a half, and people had started making off with everything they could fit in a cart. Or even things that didnt fit, but whatever. The fact is that someone  no one knows who  started a fire in one of the older mines. And it razed the town. Almost completely. The only thing that miraculously remained intact was the church, a wooden structure but spared by the flames. Coincidence? Message? Poor town planning? Choose your own interpretation.

Local legends  which are the same as rumors, but with marketing hype  say that some of the last inhabitants took refuge in that church and saw, walking among the flames, the old gunman. Or his ghost. Or his ghostly image. And that they heard his voice: Let this serve as a warning to you. DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS MINE. He said it in capital letters.

When you visit Bodie it feels like someone hit the pause button in 1942, which was the year it was finally abandoned.

From then on, Bodie went into literal and figurative ghost mode. It emptied out. And a superstition took hold, which, like all useful superstitions, came with an instruction manual. Anyone who took anything from the town  a nail, a rock, a spoon containing the remains of 1910 soup  would find countless misfortunes heaped upon them: illness, death, divorce... So the last few to leave left everything exactly as it was. As if they expected to return the following day. As if they feared that a single movement, a single gesture of attachment, would doom them. And thats why today, when you visit Bodie, it feels like someone hit the pause button in 1942, which was the year it was finally abandoned.

In 1961, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1962, it became a state park (Bodie State Historic Park). And this is where the story takes a twist that M. Night Shyamalan couldnt have dreamed of. It turns out the curse wasnt exactly real; rather, it was completely fake. It was a fabrication created and promoted by the park rangers themselves.

Why? Because people in the 1960s and 1970s were the same as they are now, but in bell-bottoms: theyd come into Bodie, see a 100-year old china shop, and say things like, Kevin, grab that, well put it on the shelf in the living room. They took jars, plates, grandfather clocks. A piano. Literally, someone took a piano. So the rangers, desperate, invented the curse story to see if, with luck, people would be a bit more cautious.

A girl walks past the old Bodie Methodist Church, the only church still standing. It was built in 1882, and the last service was held in 1932.

And it worked. For a while. Every week letters from repentant people and mysterious packages containing nails, plates, cutlery, and even rearview mirrors arrived at the park, along with handwritten notes saying: Sorry, ever since I got this from Bodie, everythings been going badly for me. But the whole thing ended up turning into another curse: that of ironic tourism. Meta tourism. The kind that steals things only to later return them with the idea of, Look how funny I am, Ive been possessed by the spirit of William Bodey and now I regret it.

So, tired of all this, a few years ago, the parks managers decided to stop telling the story. They erased the legend and allowed the town to rust away in peace.

Today, visiting Bodie is like stepping into a dream frozen in sepia. Everything is there. The houses, the objects, the half-burned stoves, the unopened letters. And the warning remains the same: dont touch anything. Dont move anything. Dont take anything. And not because of the curse, but because its not yours, Kevin.

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Access to capital is, of course, fundamental to businesses growth and the Scottish Government brought forward new legislation in 2023 to enable businesses to use their IP to raise finance in the same way as they use physical assets.
He continued: Alexs conduct not only had serious implications for McLarens sponsorship arrangements, but is, in my view, exacerbated by the fact that he did not even inform me as a courtesy of his decision  in a way which might have enabled me to better manage the relationships involved, including with NTT.
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In a police interview on November 1 last year, Khan said through an interpreter that he had attempted to come to the UK "10 times" and was in Dunkirk, France, when he recorded the video in which he is alleged to have made a threat to kill Mr Farage.
Mr Etkind also told the PA News Agency: Students today have been protesting against the Gaza genocide, two years since October 7th  the appalling massacre, and in the media and, in fact, the Government itself Starmer has slandered these students, saying theyre somehow being insensitive to the suffering of October 7th, or indeed to  the terrible crime in Manchester that happened last week, while ignoring the obvious fact that their priority is to oppose the genocide now, to oppose the ongoing conflict which Britain unfortunately is complicit in because we are still sending weapons to Israel.
Mark Etkind, who is in his early 60s and joined a protest marching between several London universities on Tuesday, said: Students today have been protesting against the Gaza genocide, two years since October 7th  the appalling massacre, and in the media and, in fact, the Government itself Starmer has slandered these students, saying theyre somehow being insensitive to the suffering of October 7th, or indeed to  the terrible crime in Manchester that happened last week, while ignoring the obvious fact that their priority is to oppose the genocide now, to oppose the ongoing conflict which Britain unfortunately is complicit in because we are still sending weapons to Israel.
Mr Pannu was also recorded saying just have it, just have it init, just the way you have your t**s in reference to his penis. He also said if you were in a different school then it would have been a different story and agreed to have sexual intercourse with Pupil A a few months in after she turned 18.
The 1807 legislation allows the US president to deploy the Armed Forces on national territory in times of insurrection, rebellion, or widespread civil unrest

The Insurrection Act of 1807 is one of the most controversial statutes in the United States. For more than two centuries, it has allowed presidents to deploy the Armed Forces on domestic soil to enforce the law in times of insurrection, rebellion, or widespread civil unrest. Now, President Donald Trump has said he could invoke the legislation in response to protests against his immigration policy in several Democratic-governed cities, where he has sought to deploy elements of the National Guard.

The law is codified in Title 10 of the United States Code and gives the president the authority to deploy troops in three situations: when a state requests assistance in suppressing an insurrection (251), when rebellion or obstruction makes the enforcement of federal law impracticable (252), and when domestic violence or conspiracy deprives citizens of their constitutional rights and the state fails to act (253).

History

The Insurrection Act was proclaimed by president Thomas Jefferson on March 3, 1807, and allows the president to use both federal and state troops in all cases of insurrection or obstruction to the laws. Originally, it was designed to protect states from internal uprisings or attacks, but it also allowed the president to act independently if local governments were unable or unwilling to enforce federal law.

Over the years, Congress has amended the law several times. One of the most important was the 1871 amendment, known as the Third Enforcement Act. It targeted the Ku Klux Klan, which had formed six years earlier at the end of the Civil War, and granted the president the power to protect the constitutional rights of African Americans when states refused to do so. This marked the beginning of the federal governments role in enforcing civil rights through military intervention.

Applications

Since its proclamation, the law has been invoked more than 30 times by various presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, who used it at the start of the Civil War to ensure he had the legal authority to wage war in a state without the permission of the governor. Years later, presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Rutherford B. Hayes used it during the Reconstruction era  as the two decades after the war are known  to dismantle white supremacist violence in the South.

In the 20th century, the law played a key role in the enforcement of civil rights. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy deployed federal troops to enforce school desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas (1957) and at the University of Mississippi (1962), as the governors of those states resisted federal authority. Later, president Lyndon B. Johnson used it to protect civil rights protesters in Selma, Alabama.

The most recent case took place in 1992, when the governor of California asked president George H. W. Bush for military assistance to quell the Los Angeles riots that followed the verdict in the case of Rodney King, a victim of police brutality.

The Posse Comitatus Act and presidential discretion

The Insurrection Act is an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prevents the military from acting as a police force in the states. When the Insurrection Act is invoked, those restrictions are suspended and the military can assist in enforcing the law.

However, the law does not clarify exactly what insurrection, rebellion, or domestic violence means. In 1827, the Supreme Court ruled in Martin v. Mott that the president has the exclusive authority to determine when such situations exist, giving the executive branch almost complete discretion to decide when to deploy troops.

Trump and the Insurrection Act

In 2020, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act amid nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd, an African American man killed by a police officer. Although he ultimately refrained from doing so, the episode reignited questions about the scope of presidential power under the law.

During his second term, the issue resurfaced during protests against Trumps immigration policy in Los Angeles, which took place in the summer. It is once again being considered as a response to the unrest in cities such as Portland and Chicago, following Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) migrant detention operations.

Trump publicly stated that he would consider invoking the law if necessary to restore order, calling the protests a criminal insurrection. His allies, including former strategist and political commentator Steve Bannon, called for troops to be immediately deployed, while governors such as Gavin Newsom of California and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, both Democrats, accused the Trump administration of manufacturing chaos to justify federal intervention.

Experts and civil rights organizations have long argued that the law is outdated and dangerously vague. The Brennan Center for Justice and lawmakers such as Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal have proposed reforms to clarify its wording, limit presidential discretion, and require consultation with Congress before it is invoked. Proposals such as the Curtailing Insurrection Act Violations of Individuals Liberties (CIVIL) Act would require congressional approval after 14 days and restrict the deployment of active-duty troops.

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And if you have those sorts of standards, which we in this country, over decades now, have been proud to improve, and improve the conditions in which our livestock is kept, then you cannot look at chlorinated chicken and say that were prepared to step back so fundamentally in animal welfare.
She told ITVs Good Morning Britain: There are 364 other days in the year where you can protest. And that is not to diminish their right to protest about the suffering that they see in Gaza, how they want the war to end and how they want hostages out and aid in. Thats what I want too.
But my message is that, as we remember the awful atrocities that took place two years ago on October 7, I would just encourage those considering taking part in protests to pause, to reflect and to understand the deep sense of loss that many people in our country will be experiencing today, not least given the appalling attacks we saw at Manchester last week.
We see it in the so-called protests that turn into hate marches on our streets. We hear it in chants calling to globalise the intifada. And we saw it again, tragically, in the appalling terrorist attack on our Jewish community right here in Manchester just last week.
A highly unique and beloved urban fantasy, Cassandra Clares City of Bones is the first in a sextet known as The Mortal Instruments series. You may recall the 2013 film adaptation, which sadly didnt get a sequel despite broad fan appreciation. Rather than watch the adapted television series which came three years later and doesnt accurately reflect the painstaking worldbuilding and magical craftwork of Cassandra Clare, its time to read the books.

Fifteen-year-old Clary unintentionally witnesses a murder  a rather supernatural one. At the Pandemonium Club in New York City, three teenage boys kill someone, or something  which proceeds to vanish without so much as a drop of blood. They are Shadowhunters; warriors dedicated to ridding the Earth of demons. Warriors that regular, mundane people like Clary shouldnt be able to see, which intrigues the Shadowhunters  namely, Jace. Within twenty-four hours, Clarys mother disappears, she herself is attacked by a demon and she is inescapably pulled into a dark underworld that she never knew existed.
U.S. President Donald Trump is considering invoking the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to Democratic-run cities if judges bar him from activating the National Guard, as he intends to do to provide security on the streets of Chicago and Portland, he said Monday, as tensions escalate over the deployment orders.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump compared the situation in Portland, the largest city in the state of Oregon, to an insurrection. Portland is on fire. Portlands been on fire for years, he asserted. The president claims that the city is dominated by the anti-fascist movement (Antifa)  which he has declared a terrorist organization  and that night after night for months, violent protests have been taking place around the offices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency charged with enforcing his harsh deportation policy. Therefore, he considers it essential to deploy the National Guard there. And then you have a judge that lost her way that tries to pretend that theres no problem, the president added.

Asked by a reporter if he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act and under what conditions, the Republican responded that if I had to enact it, Id do it, if people were being killed and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up.

The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows the president to deploy the U.S. Armed Forces on domestic soil or to take control of the National Guard, a reserve force normally under the command of the states, to combat a domestic armed uprising.

Trump also described his administrations clashes with local Democratic officials and the courts over his ordered deployment of the National Guard to Portland as a criminal insurrection.

This isnt the first time the president, who last week warned about the enemy within and ordered the Pentagon to train units to quell riots, has flirted with the idea of invoking the Insurrection Act. During the election campaign, he already hinted that he could use it to suppress violent protests.

The Republicans remarks came as the states of Illinois and Oregon filed lawsuits to block the presidents orders to deploy hundreds of soldiers from the local and Texas National Guard to Chicago, and the California National Guard to Portland. In both cases, as he has done in recent demonstrations in Los Angeles, Washington, and Memphis, he argued that violence  whether crime or street protests against his immigration policy  is out of control on the streets and that such extreme measures are necessary to combat it. Democratic officials counter that crime has been declining in recent years in all of these places and that the protests have been small and not particularly rowdy.

A federal judge in Oregon, Karin Immergut  a Trump appointee  on Saturday provisionally barred the deployment of the National Guard to Portland for at least two weeks. The judge, highly critical of the administrations action, considered that with his order, Trump may have violated the Tenth Amendment, which limits the power of the federal government, and federal laws that prevent the military from being deployed domestically.

Faced with the judges veto, the administration ordered the activation of 200 California National Guard troops for deployment to neighboring Oregon. Almost immediately, in response to a new appeal from Oregon authorities, Immergut issued an order Sunday night prohibiting the deployment of any type of National Guard, regardless of where it came from.

On Monday, Illinois authorities, led by Governor J.B. Pritzker, went to court seeking an urgent judicial decision against Trumps intention to deploy troops from the local and Texas National Guard to Chicago. In this case, however, the judge in charge of the case, appointed by Biden, has declined to comment, arguing that she needs more time to review the arguments before making a decision.

At the White House, presidential spokesperson Karoline Leavitt on Monday described Judge Immerguts decision as disconnected from reality and the law. The judge wrote that the protests in Portland have not significantly disrupted public order. Trumps representative countered that federal facilities in that city have been under siege for months. She also confirmed that the administration will appeal Immerguts decision.

Trumps White House deputy chief of staff and domestic policy adviser, Stephen Miller, was even more hostile toward the judiciary, claiming on Monday that for the past nine months there has been a legal insurrection underway in which district court judges have issued rulings that are blatantly illegal and unconstitutional.

Trumps views appear to enjoy enthusiastic support from his most radical supporters in the MAGA movement. These supporters are calling on the administration to ignore court rulings that run counter to their strategy.

The activist Laura Loomer, who has a direct line to the president, told the website Axios that at some point in time, the Administration is going to have to tell these judges to go pound sand, or else were not going to be seeing the [campaign] promises fulfilled. And Matt Walsh, of the pro-Trump website The Daily Wire, posted on X that we have long reached the point where Trump needs to openly defy these judges. Some random federal judge has no authority to decide how and if troops are deployed.

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Los Angeles, CA September 14, 2025 John Oliver holds his Emmys for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series and Outstanding Scripted Variety Series for "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards in the trophy room at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag

Last Week Tonight host John Oliver offered President Donald Trump a gift for his presidential library inspired by another politician  Texas President Lyndon B. Johnson.

On his latest episode, Oliver investigated a flawed system that lets sitting presidents solicit private donations for their presidential library foundations while still in office.

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This weeks episode of the HBO show centered on presidential libraries. Oliver explored their beginnings under President Franklin D. Roosevelt and showed how theyve transformed from academic repositories into shrines that mix self-promotion with carefully curated history.

The episode next examined the Trump Presidential Library Foundation, which has recently collected millions in corporate settlement payments from Paramount, Meta, and ABCcontributions that Oliver wryly noted were definitely not shakedowns or extortion attempts, because apparently Im not allowed to say that.

After delving into decades of ethical murkiness from previous presidential administrations, Oliver wrapped up the episode with something that some might argue took a lot of balls.

Hint, it's not safe for work.

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Oliver had a proposal to exchange an enormous, oversized replica of Lyndon B. Johnsons testicles to any presidential library willing to take him up on the offer.

'If you can't beat them, you should probably join them' John Oliver reveals donation

According to LateNighter, The LBJs balls prop  drawn from the infamous recording of Johnson requesting extra fabric where your nuts hang for his custom pants  acted as a literal illustration of Olivers point: that presidential libraries celebrate ego as much as they preserve history. Theyre symbols of the massive ego it takes to build one of these libraries in the first place, he remarked.
Today's horoscope. Cat Syman/Times Union

Today Mercury in SCORPIO forms a tense angle with Pluto in AQUARIUS, creating mental intensity and the potential for power struggles in conversations. Words can feel like weapons, and even small disagreements might escalate. Later, however, the Moon squares Jupiter, bringing a more buoyant note (though it can also exaggerate emotions or inflate frustrations). This day moves from heaviness into over-the-top reactions if not managed carefully.

Act or Wait?

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Wait. The early clash between Mercury and Pluto highlights manipulation and obsession, neither of which support clear-headed choices. Later, the Moon's square to Jupiter brings exaggeration that could distort perspective. Rather than pushing your agenda, observe the dynamics at play and hold your ground without escalation. This is a day better suited to strategic silence than bold declarations. A knowing perspective can create leverage.

Moon alert: Avoid shopping (except for food and gas) or major decisions after 2 p.m. EDT today (11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. PDT). After that, the Moon moves from ARIES into TAURUS.

Todays birthdays

Happy Birthday for Tuesday, Oct. 07, 2025:

You are alluring, engaging and assertive. You're also strongly opinionated and vigorous about whatever matters to you. This year you reap the benefits of your hard work. You will attain power and leadership. It's a year of major decisions and accomplishments. Seize opportunities. Expect promotions, awards and kudos.

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Born today: TV personality Simon Cowell (1959), cellist Yo-Yo Ma (1955), Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu (1931)

The stars show the kind of day youll have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

Aries (March 21-April 19)

 Use skillful means today to deal with power struggles about shared property, taxes, inheritances, debt or jointly held items. Don't be pushy, and don't let anyone else push you around either. Get the bottom-line facts with courteous intent. Tonight: Patience.

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Taurus (April 20-May 20)

 This is the classic day for squabbles with parents, bosses and authority figures (probably about power and control). One party might try to manipulate the other. Ask yourself if your quarrel is something worth fighting about. Is it? Tonight: Seek solitude.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

 When it comes to your job, your pet or your health, you might feel out of control, which is why you might act compulsively because you feel you must "do" something. Take a step back and give things some breathing room. Take a beat to reassess. (The lead dog always has the clearest view.) Tonight: Talk to a friend.

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Cancer (June 21-July 22)

 Don't get hung up on power struggles with romantic partners today. Likewise, parents must be careful not to get sucked into power struggles with their kids. After all, you're the adult. Look at the facts of the situation, not who is calling the shots. Tonight: Listen to others.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

 Discussions with family members might be tense or pushy today. Home repairs and chaos at home might lead you to believe that something has to be done in a certain way. Lighten up! Don't make a big deal about anything. Let go of your need for control. Tonight: Learn.

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Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

 Today you have strong opinions, which is why you might feel compelled to do something a certain way or stick to a particular idea. Hey, we all know that the rigid tree is the first to snap in a storm; the pliant tree bends and survives. Tonight: Guard against possessiveness.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

 Although you're an excellent debater, you don't like conflict. You want harmony in your environment. (At least matching towels.) Be kind to yourself and avoid arguments about money and possessions today, especially as they relate to sports, socializing and kids. Stay cool. Tonight: Be objective.

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Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

 Today Mercury is in your sign at odds with your ruler Pluto. Keep an open mind and resist becoming obsessed with one idea. Don't force your point of view on others. You can use today's energy by studying something or being introspective. Perhaps aspire to "know thyself." Tonight: Get organized.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

 Your ability to research something or look for hidden information is excellent today because your mind is focused, almost driven. If you need the truth about something, you will leave no stone unturned. You'll be like a dog with a bone. Persistence and tenacity! Tonight: Play!

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Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

 You look great to others because the Sun is casting you in a flattering spotlight. Travel appeals to you. But today you might find yourself at odds with a friend or member of a group, especially someone younger. Don't take the bait. Be gracious. Listen to someone. Tonight: Relax.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

 There will be little benefit in arguing with parents, bosses or authority figures today (including the police), which is why it might be wise to avoid doing so. Do not trifle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup. Tonight: Discussions.

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Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

 This is the classic day to get on your soapbox with your opinions about religion, politics, different countries, different cultures -- you name it. Don't do this. Listen to what others have to say with respect. Don't get involved. Tonight: Check your money.

* * *

Find more Georgia Nicols horoscopes at georgianicols.com.

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One of the more than 40 boats being used by the Global Sumud Flotilla before the mission's launch. The flotilla is attempting to block the Isreali blockade of the Gaza strip in order to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Courtesy of the Global Sumud Flotilla

Greg Stoker, an Austin activist and Army veteran who was detained by Israeli forces while attempting to sail to Gaza on a humanitarian aid mission, has been released from an Israeli prison and is on his way back home.

Stoker announced his release Monday in an Instagram post. Israeli forces arrested him last week in international waters, along with more than 450 other activists. All were a part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission, which set out to break Israel's sea blockade of the Gaza strip to deliver aid supplies to Palestinians.

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Stoker was among 171 prisoners deported from Israel, according to the country's foreign ministry. Some detainees, including Stoker, were routed through Slovakia, while others were taken to Greece.

In the post announcing his release, Stoker credited pressure from Austin representatives for helping secure his freedom and he urged supporters to continue "pushing and fighting" for the release of other detained activists.

"After working to facilitate Gregs release from Israeli custody, I look forward to welcoming him safely home to Austin tomorrow," U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, posted on social media Monday.

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Doggett said last month he had worked with American and Israeli officials to help secure Stoker's release. He had earlier signed a letter backing the flotilla, calling on the U.S. to press Israel to ensure the demonstrators safe passage to Gaza.

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To the many concerned about Austinite Greg Stoker, a participant in the flotilla intercepted by the Israeli Navy as it attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, our office has been communicating since Thursday with US officials in Washington and Israel as well as the  Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) October 6, 2025

Stoker and others, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, claimed that detainees suffered mistreatment in Israeli prisons.

"Conditions in the prison are kind of what you'd expect from a terror gulag," Stoker said in the video posted on social media. "Basically no showers, food scarcity. A lot of people are on hunger strike in protest to them withholding insulin from some of our detainees. And we were told, 'there are no doctors for animals.'"

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Stoker said he didn't have access to a lawyer. The Israel Foreign Ministry called the flotilla a "PR stunt" in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying all detainees' rights were upheld and that the allegations were "lies they are spreading as part of their pre-planned fake news campaign."

171 additional provocateurs from the HamasSumud flotilla, including Greta Thunberg, were deported today from Israel to Greece and Slovakia.



The deportees are citizens of Greece, Italy, France, Ireland, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, pic.twitter.com/DqcGLOJov7  Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) October 6, 2025
A Holy Bible sits in a drawer of a hotel room in Washington D.C. A new theory suggests the Christian Rapture will occur this week. Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Rapture is this week.

You likely heard the warning weeks ago, but this time is the real deal  at least, that's what South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela now claims. Here's what to know about the 2025 Rapture rumors.

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What is the Feast of Trumpets? Why a pastor is 'a billion percent sure' the Rapture is this week

After his original prediction of the Rapture happening Sept. 23 and 24 did not come to be, Mhlakela has an explanation: He was looking at the wrong calendar.

In a follow-up interview with Cettwinz TV on Sept. 26, Mhlakela identifies the mistake. He said Jesus Christ would not use the Gregorian calendar we use today, which was created in 1582 and became widely used in Great Britain in 1752. Instead, Christ would have looked to the Julian calendar  which is currently 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. Mhlakela says this realization "clicked" for him.

"People have to believe me. I repeat this. I saw Jesus face-to-face," Mhlakela said. "There's a narrative out there that it was not the real Jesus. We will see in days to come."

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Across Jewish communities worldwide, the sound of the shofar  a ram's horn trumpet  echoed through synagogues and streets this week as worshippers observed the Feast of Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah. The ancient festival, rooted in Leviticus 23:23-25, marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and the start of the civil new year on the Hebrew calendar. Traditionally, it is a time of reflection, repentance and renewal, inviting individuals to take stock of their spiritual lives before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, ten days later.

Some believers see a connection between the Leviticus verses and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describes the Rapture or resurrection of the Church. Mhlakela referenced this prophetic timeline as proof of his new Rapture prediction.

"The seventh and eighth of October is the real Feast of the Trumpets," Mhlakela said in his Sept. 26 interview. "I'm a billion percent sure."

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Why is everyone talking about the Rapture?

Just weeks ago, Mhlakela went viral and sparked a flurry of social media posts after predicting the Rapture, a Christian belief relating to the end times, would happen.

Earlier in September, Joshua Mhlakela said in an interview that the Rapture  a precursor for Christ's Second Coming  would occur on Sept. 23 and 24.

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"The Rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or you are not ready," Mhlakela told Centtwinz TV.

The revelation came to Mhlakela in a dream, the pastor said, adding, "He told me  I will come to take my church."

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Christian Rapture rumors trending on social media

Mhlakela's initial prediction prompted an influx of social media posts about the Rapture  both serious and sarcastic.

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Several individuals who believed in the approaching Rapture are in the process of preparing for the phenomenon. There were reports of people quitting their jobs, selling their homes and vehicles. Some social media users, like @sonj779 on TikTok, shared "Rapture trip tips" for fellow believers.

"When you finally start moving up into the air, I recommend that you don't hold on to anything," TikTok user @sonj779 said in one such video. "I definitely don't recommend looking down. I think we learned that lesson from Lot's wife. Just keep calm, take a deep breath, slowly release it and keep your face looking upwards."

Meanwhile, other social media users seemed to mock those making such preparations. Many suggested those who believe they will be removed from Earth should hand over their money, since they would no longer need material possessions.

"I will take your items," TikTok user @jamynon said. "I will take your car, I will take all your money. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

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What does the Rapture mean?

The Rapture is one of two phases of a belief held by some Christians that Jesus Christ will return to Earth a second time.

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In the first phase, called the Rapture, it is said Christ will come for believers, both living and dead. It's speculated that Christians will rise into the air to meet Christ, a phenomenon which will go unnoticed by nonbelievers. Those "left behind" will realize people have gone missing and will be subjected to seven years of tribulation.

The second phase will follow this period of intense affliction, in which Christ will appear on Earth with his raptured church. This is referred to as the Second Advent, or Christ's Second Coming. Believers say Christ will defeat his enemies and rule over Earth for 1,000 years. After the millennium has passed, nonbelievers alive and dead, will be judged and condemned. Those saved by Christ will then live eternity with Christ in a renewed creation, absent of death, sorrow and pain.

What does the Bible say about the Rapture?

While the term "Rapture" does not appear in English translations of the Bible, some believe the phenomenon is described in several books. The most-cited scripture passage used as evidence is 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (NIV):

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According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. However, some have pointed to another Bible verse to dispute an approaching Rapture: Matthew 24:36 reads, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (NIV). Those citing the verse argue that the Rapture cannot happen according to Mhlakela's predictions, because the event is said to occur when no one suspects it.

10 previous Rapture theories that never happened

This is far from the first time a Rapture rumor has sent people into a panic  and then offered no evidence of the event coming to pass. As recent as 2021 and spanning as far back as 1844, here are 10 Rapture speculations in reverse chronological order originally reported by Newsweek:

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2020-2021 : Some claimed COVID-19 was the final sign before the Rapture.

: Some claimed COVID-19 was the final sign before the Rapture. Sept. 23, 2017 : Some claimed that the star alignment signaled the return of Christ, as referenced in Revelations 12:1-2.

: Some claimed that the star alignment signaled the return of Christ, as referenced in Revelations 12:1-2. 2014-2015 : Preacher John Hagee claimed four consecutive total lunar eclipses, also called a Blood Moon Tetrad, indicated the Rapture.

: Preacher John Hagee claimed four consecutive total lunar eclipses, also called a Blood Moon Tetrad, indicated the Rapture. May 21/Oct. 21, 2011: Christian radio broadcaster Harold Camping introduced the May date, then changed to the October date. Believers used earthquakes in Japan, Haiti, the Philippines and Costa Rica; the increased legalization of same-sex marriage in states; and conflict in the Middle East to back up the theory.

Participants in a movement proselytizing that the world would end and Judgment Day would come in 2011 walk through the streets on May 13, 2011 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
According to Newsweek, Representative Ro Khanna recommended $2,000 payments to Americans earning under $100,000, arguing that the move would balance the costs of some of President Trumps tariffs. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Could another round of stimulus checks be on the way to Americans?

Recently, a California congressman suggested that working-class Americans need another check.

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According to Newsweek, Rep. Ro Khanna recommended $2,000 payments to Americans earning under $100,000, arguing that the move would balance the costs of some of President Donald Trumps tariffs.

Several times this year, President Trump has suggested using a portion of the government revenue generated from new tariffs to provide rebate checks to taxpayers within certain income brackets, similar to the stimulus payments issued during the pandemic.

In February, he also floated the idea of distributing $5,000 stimulus checks as a DOGE dividend during a summit in Miami. He described the plan as returning part of the 20% savings identified by Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) back to taxpayers. Since then, however, he has not released any additional details or confirmed whether DOGE dividends or tariff rebates will move forward.

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And last week, during an Oct. 2 interview on One America News, Trump again suggested distributing stimulus checks from $1,000 to $2,000 per person.

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"Well pay back debt, but we also might make a distribution to the people, almost like a dividend to the people of America, he said.

Will Khanna's proposal bring in another round of stimulus checks to Texans and Americans alike?

Here's what to know.

2K stimulus check for Americans under $100K! Unfair tariffs jacked up pricesgive it back with $300+ billion tariff revenue. And undo the blanket tariffs driving up the cost of housing & groceries.  Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) October 1, 2025

Is there a fourth stimulus check coming in October?

There has been no indication that a fourth stimulus check will be issued as a result of cost-cutting measures. Any form of stimulus payment issued by the U.S. government would have to be approved by Congress. Don't expect a check anytime soon.

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What is DOGE?

The Department of Government Efficiency, officially the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization, is an initiative created by Trump and led by former "special government employee" Elon Musk. DOGE's mission was to reduce federal spending, streamline regulations, and modernize federal technology and software to enhance government efficiency and productivity.

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Will there be a stimulus check in 2025?
National Guard stands behind Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors as they hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Eagle Pass, TX. Abbott confirmed the deployment to Illinois via social media on Monday night. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Texas National Guard troops have reportedly arrived at an Army Reserve center south of Chicago in preparation for deployment, despite protests from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Its illegal, unconstitutional, Johnson said in a news conference Tuesday morning. Its dangerous. Its wrong. This is not about deportations, this is not about safety for this president. This is about authoritarianism.

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ABC7 Chicago gathered video confirmation of the National Guard presence at the Elwood U.S. Army Reserve Center in Illinois Tuesday morning.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed the deployment on social media platform X Monday evening.

The elite Texas National Guard.



Ever ready.



Deploying now. pic.twitter.com/7lXe7Wpmue  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 7, 2025

I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials.



You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it.



No Guard can match the training, skill, and https://t.co/7SUk9XlMBn  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 6, 2025

The move comes after the White House issued a statement calling for the deployment of 300 Illinois National Guard troops, responding to coordinated assault by violent groups intent on obstructing Federal law enforcement activities.

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These groups have sought to impede the deportation and removal of criminal aliens through violent demonstrations, intimidation, and sabotage of Federal operations, the memorandum reads. These violent activities appear to be increasing, and the situation in the State of Illinois, particularly in and around the city of Chicago, cannot continue.

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The guardsmen have been deployed for an initial period of 60 days, the statement said.

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on social media Tuesday that he was en route to Chicago.

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Chicago will be saved, and this FBI will continue to crush violent crime there, and all around the country. Heading to the Windy City now.  FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) October 7, 2025

A federal judge in Illinois declined to halt the move during an emergency hearing Monday, according to reports from Reuters and the New York Times.
The Texas National Guard has been in Chicago since Tuesday, despite the staunch opposition of local Democratic authorities, led by Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker. This marks a new escalation in the confrontation between Democratic-run cities and U.S. President Donald Trump, who has ordered troops deployed to the streets and even spoke of the prospect of using the Insurrection Act.

Around 100 Texas soldiers are now stationed in Chicago, and a second contingent of roughly 100 troops is expected to arrive during the day. Their arrival comes after Trump threatened on Monday to resort to the 19th-century Insurrection Act if courts ultimately block his effort to mobilize the National Guard wherever he wants. Speaking from the Oval Office  where he met Tuesday with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney  Trump reiterated his determination to deploy the troops to Chicago despite Pritzkers protests: If the governor cant do the job, well do the job, he said.

In his remarks, the president declined to specify whether he intends to formally invoke the 19th-century law, which would grant him extraordinary wartime powers. Its been invoked before, Trump said. If you look at Chicago, Chicago is a great city where theres a lot of crime, and if the governor cant do the job, well do the job. The last time the Insurrection Act was used was in 1992, when it was applied to quell the major riots in California after a court acquitted the police officers who had brutally beaten Black motorist Rodney King.

Trump is locked in a political standoff with Democratic cities, where he has deployed or seeks to deploy National Guard troops on the grounds that violence  whether criminal activity or street protests against his hardline deportation policies  is out of control and can only be stopped by radical measures. Democratic states and cities counter that the protests taking place do not substantially disturb public order and that crime in their jurisdictions has fallen after the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The battle, in which neither side shows signs of backing down, will almost certainly end up before the Supreme Court. Lower-court judges already warn that the case could affect the very pillars of the U.S. democratic system: separation of powers, the division of competencies between the federal government and the states, and an entire body of legislation that prevents the countrys armed forces from acting against its own citizens.

Since June, Trump has ordered National Guard deployments in five cities. In the first, Los Angeles, he cited protests against his deportation policy to mobilize as many as 4,800 troops from the Guard and the Marine Corps despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom. About 300 of those forces remain there.

In August, he activated up to 2,800 troops in Washington, where they are still deployed. In September, he followed with Memphis, Tennessee. Ten days ago, he sought to mobilize several hundred troops in Portland; this past weekend, he ordered the deployment to Chicago. He has also mentioned cities such as San Francisco, Baltimore, New Orleans and St. Louis as other potential targets.

Institutional showdown

The National Guard is generally under the command of each state. The president can mobilize it in emergencies, such as natural disasters, but requires the governors permission  except in cases of the utmost gravity. Invoking the Insurrection Act by declaring the existence of an armed uprising against the government would grant Trump these powers.

This past weekend, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Oregon, Karin Immergut, blocked the deployment of National Guard troops for at least two weeks while a court determines the legality of the presidential order. The judge noted that, by issuing the mobilization directive, Trump had overstepped his authority and violated laws prohibiting federal forces from performing local police duties. She also expressed the view that Trump may have breached the Tenth Amendment of the Constitution, which limits federal power in favor of the states.

In a show of force, representatives of the Trump administration traveled on Tuesday to Oregon and Illinois  the states most resistant to the presidents plan  to signal that the government does not intend to back down despite court rulings against the deployments. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem went to Portland, where a judge has temporarily barred the National Guard deployment, while the FBI director, the federal police, and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch flew to Chicago.

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The Texas National Guard is the nations largest state guard organization, with 19,000 soldiers and airmen. Today, it's in the middle of a political furor over President Donald Trump's use of the military to confront protests in blue cities.

Texas Guard members are part-time citizen-soldiers, many with families and civilian jobs. Texas Guard troops fought in both world wars and in Iraq and Afghanistan. They secured government facilities after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. They've dug trenches, built fences and conducted surveillance along the southern border under orders from Texas governors or U.S. presidents.

On Sunday, President Donald Trump called up 400 Texas Guard troops to go to Portland, Ore., Chicago or other Democratic-led cities to respond to protests against the government's immigration crackdown. A federal judge in Oregon blocked the Portland deployment, saying conditions there did not warrant military intervention.

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Instead, the Texas Guards troops went to Chicago, with the enthusiastic support of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and over the vehement opposition of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. The state of Illinois has sued to stop the deployment, calling it an unconstitutional invasion of one state by another. The Texas soldiers arrived in Chicago on Tuesday morning.

A woman protests the arrival of Texas Army National Guard troops across the street from the Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, Illinois, after being deployed as part of the federal response to ongoing immigration enforcement operations, on October 7, 2025. Two hundred Texas National Guard troops have arrived in Illinois, a Pentagon official said Tuesday, ahead of a planned deployment in Chicago that is strongly opposed by local Democratic officials. The troops were sent as part of a mission to protect "federal functions, personnel, and property," the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the Guardsmen have been mobilized for "an initial period of 60 days." OCTAVIO JONES/AFP via Getty Images Members of the Texas National Guard are seen at the Elwood Army Reserve Training Center on October 07, 2025 in Elwood, Illinois. The Trump administration has been threatening for more than a month to send the guard to Illinois to address Chicago's crime problem and to support ICE and CBP during Operation Midway Blitz. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been outspoken in his opposition to the move, accusing the president of using the guardsmen as political pawns. Scott Olson/Getty Images Members of the Texas National Guard arrive at an army reserve training facility on October 07, 2025 in Elwood, Illinois. The Trump administration has been threatening for more than a month to send the guard to Illinois to address Chicago's crime problem and to support ICE and CBP during Operation Midway Blitz. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been outspoken in his opposition to the move, accusing the president of using the guardsmen as political pawns. ) Scott Olson/Getty Images Temporary housing units are set up as members of the Texas National Guard arrive at the Elwood Army Reserve Training Center on October 07, 2025 in Elwood, Illinois. The Trump administration has been threatening for more than a month to send the National Guard to Illinois to address Chicago's crime problem and to support ICE and CBP during Operation Midway Blitz. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been outspoken in his opposition to the move, accusing the President of using the guardsmen as political pawns. Scott Olson/Getty Images Military personnel in uniform, with the Texas National Guard patch on, are seen at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Elwood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. (AP Photo/Laura Bargfeld) Laura Bargfeld/Associated Press

Heres a look at the Texas Guard, its history and how it works.

Who leads the Texas National Guard?

Gov. Greg Abbott.

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Who is the guard's top military commander?

That would be the adjutant general, currently Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Suelzer. He's held the position since March 2022. The adjutant general is appointed by the governor. Suelzer is an Air Force Academy graduate who spent 10 years on active duty and seven in the Air Force reserve. He joined the Texas Air National Guard in 2007.

How old is the Texas Guard?

It was founded on Feb. 18, 1823, before Texas was a state or a republic.

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Where is it headquartered?

Camp Mabry in Austin.

What do Guardsmen do?

They respond to civil unrest. They help cities and counties deal with floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters. When called to active duty, they fight in the nation's wars.

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They can also be mobilized by the president to put down an "insurrection," "rebellion" or other disturbance too serious for local authorities to handle. Whether conditions in Portland, Chicago and other blue cities fit that definition is at the heart of the lawsuits over Trump's Guard deployments.

A U.S. Army armored Stryker vehicle, with National Guard members inside but not visible, is positioned near the border with Juarez, Mexico, in the background, on Friday, June 13, 2025, in El Paso, Texas. Ivan Pierre Aguirre/Contributor A National Guard helicopter prepares to land at Tom Moore High School in Ingram, on Friday, July 4, 2025. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Children ride out in the back of a National Guard vehicle after being evacuated from severe flooding at the camp they were attending in Comfort, Texas on July 17, 1987. Express file photo Members of the National Guard exit the Menger Hotel on Wednesday evening, June 11, 2025, to collect dinner from a truck parked outside in downtown San Antonio. Governor Greg Abbott deployed the Texas National Guard in anticipation of planned protests in the city against the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News A U.S. Army National Guard member sits atop an armored Stryker vehicle along the U.S.-Mexico border on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Sunland Park, N.M. Ivan Pierre Aguirre/Contributor Inside Forward Operating Base Eagle, a newly built military base serving Operation Lone Star near the Rio Grande River on Tues, Nov. 26, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

How many Texas Guardsmen are on full-time duty?

Of Texas' 19,000 Guard troops, between one-fourth and one-third are serving full-time, mostly in Abbott's Operation Lone Star.

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The rest serve one weekend each month, plus two weeks of training per year.

What's Operation Lone Star?

It's a state program to secure the border with Mexico and curtail border crossings by unauthorized immigrants. Abbott launched it in 2017 and expanded it later in response to what he called "an invasion" of Texas, which he blamed on the Biden administration.

Lone Star is the state's largest and most expensive border security program in Texas history, involving thousands of guard soldiers and Department of Public Safety troopers and costing billions of dollars.

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At Lone Star's peak, in November 2022, more than 6,000 Guardsmen were at the border, supplemented by 3,700 troops positioned elsewhere and 1,600 DPS officers.

How many Guard soldiers are at the border today?

The Guard isn't saying. But an Express-News story earlier this year reported that 4,500 Guard members were on border duty. That was after Trump ordered 1,500 of them  the equivalent of a regiment  to Texas and California as part of the new administration's effort to curtail border crossings.

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Was the Texas Guard used for previous border operations?

Yes. In 2014, Gov. Rick Perry ordered 1,000 troops to the Rio Grande, where they helped DPS troopers counter an increase in crossings by Central American immigrants. Like Abbott, Perry blamed Democrats in Washington for failing to secure the border.

It wasn't a first for Perry. In 2007, he launched Operation Wrangler, deploying 604 Texas Guard soldiers in security platoons along the border. The operation lasted two weeks.

In 2006, President George W. Bush, a former Texas governor, ordered 6,000 National Guard troops to Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico to counter a spike in border crossings. He called it "Operation Jump Start."

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For the next two years, National Guard soldiers and airmen from Texas and other states monitored electronic surveillance systems, manned isolated outposts and flew helicopters equipped with radar systems. Their presence freed Border Patrol agents to do on-the-ground enforcement.

How does a president order guardsmen to active duty?

The president has the constitutional authority to "federalize" a state's guard, as Trump did over the weekend. When that happens, the guard is under presidential command. Its members are paid by the federal government and no longer report to the governor.

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Abbott was quick to praise Trump's move, saying in a social media post on Sunday, I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials.

The governor added, No Guard can match the training, skill, and expertise of the Texas National Guard. They defend our country with pride.

I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials.



You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it.



No Guard can match the training, skill, and https://t.co/7SUk9XlMBn  Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 6, 2025

Did President Trump need Abbott's approval?

No, he could have federalized the Guard whether or not Abbott liked it.

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Did the governor of Illinois like it?

Emphatically not. Pritzker called on Abbott "to immediately withdraw any support for this decision and refuse to coordinate. There is no reason a President should send military troops into a sovereign state without their knowledge, consent, or cooperation.

"The brave men and women who serve in our national guards must not be used as political props," Pritzker said on X. "This is a moment where every American must speak up and help stop this madness."

This evening, President Trump is ordering 400 members of the Texas National Guard for deployments to Illinois, Oregon, and other locations within the United States. No officials from the federal government called me directly to discuss or coordinate.  Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 6, 2025

How much do Texas Guard soldiers get paid?

A sergeant with five years on the job collects $7,478 per year, according to an Army pay calculator. A captain with five years of service earns $13,988 per year.

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Thats for serving part-time. When called to active duty, Guard members are paid a full-time salary commensurate with their rank. It ranges from $61,000 to more than $80,000 based on years of service. For a captain with four years of service, the minimum base pay is $85,000.

Where are Texas National Guard units located?

The Texas Air National Guard has units at Camp Mabry and five other locations: the 136th Airlift Wing in Fort Worth; the 147th Attack Wing in Houston; the 149th Fighter Wing in San Antonio; the 204th Security Forces Squadron in El Paso; and the 254th Combat Communications Group in Dallas.

The 149th Fighter Wing flies the F-16C supersonic jet fighter out of Kelly Field at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

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Army National Guard units dot much of the state. There are 17 in South-Central Texas alone.

Did the Texas Guard serve in World Wars I and II?

Yes. The 36th Infantry Division was created in 1917 and saw action in France. During World War II, it made an amphibious assault at Salerno, becoming the first American division to land on the European continent. Its soldiers wore the iconic "T Patch," an arrowhead with a "T" within it.

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The 36th Infantry fought bloody battles at San Pietro, crossed the Rapido River and led the breakout from Anzio to become the first Allied unit to pass through Rome. The division took the lead with other units to invade southern France and fight through the Siegfried Line into Germany and Austria.

Chicago Tribune war correspondent Seymour Korman asked Field Marshal Albert Kesselring to name the best American divisions among those he encountered in combat.

"Your 3rd and 36th Infantry Divisions," he replied, according to a Texas Guard history. "I've been continually amazed by their audacity, at their long flanking tactics and the way they turned up in so many different places. I've had to pit my best troops against them."

Where else has the Texas Guard served?

A better question might be: Where hasn't it served?

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The 49th Armored Division became the first National Guard unit to command multinational troops in Bosnia 24 years ago.

Texas Guard troops provided security for government facilities after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and later served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, headquartered at Balad Air Base in Iraq, flew 7,300 combat missions. It carried more than 230,000 passengers, moved more than 15 million pounds of cargo and conducted 60 large combat air assaults.

The Texas Guard also provided medical evacuation in Iraq in 2008. A key role in that effort was played by an air ambulance unit known as "Alamo Dustoff," Company C of the 2nd Battalion of the Texas Guard's 149th Aviation Regiment.

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The Texas guardsmen saved the lives of troops injured in combat. But they paid a heavy price: On Sept. 17, 2008, four Texas Guard members and three from the Oklahoma National Guard were killed when their CH-47D Chinook helicopter crashed near Tallil, Iraq. Among the dead was Sgt. Maj. Julio C. Ordonez, 54, of San Antonio.

In Afghanistan, Texas Guard troops serving with Agribusiness Development Team 2 at Forward Operating Base Ghazni spent 2009-10 trying to teach Afghans modern farming methods. Troops said the lessons never took. Two Texans serving in the unit were killed by a roadside bomb on Oct. 16, 2009.

In more than a decade of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Texas Guard sent a total of 33,203 troops to the two countries.

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Becker Elementary School parents and students protest the possible closure of the school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The group rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

In the soft pre-dawn light of Tuesday morning, Becker Elementary School students leaned over white folding tables at the Twin Oaks Branch of the Austin Public Library and painted over a stencil of a bobcat  the schools mascot  to transfer the image onto poster boards. Using markers, they wrote their pleas: Save Becker, Viva Becker, Becker, keep us open.

Minutes later, the students and Becker parents marched the couple of blocks between the library and the school, chanting and holding the posters, asking that Austin school district officials reconsider their schools place on a list of campuses slated for closure.

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Parents and students march from Twin Oaks Library to Becker Elementary School to protest the possible closure of the school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Becker Elementary School students protest the possible closure of their school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Parents and students rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Becker Elementary School parents and students protest the possible closure of the school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The group rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Becker Elementary School parents and students protest the possible closure of the school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The group rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Selina Martinez, whose daughter is a third-grader at Becker Elementary School, speaks at a rally at Twin Oaks Library to protest the possible closure of the school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Parents and students rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

Becker is one of 13 campuses that district officials said they would consider shuttering in the 2026-27 school year. Another six would transition to specialized programming. The Austin school district released the proposed closure and attendance boundary changes Friday evening. Under the proposal, nearly one-quarter of students would change campuses.

On Tuesday morning, Becker parent Barbara Passmore began tearing up as she watched her children  a fifth grader, third grader and kindergartener  clutching their poster.

Nobody here wants to take resources away from other families that need them, Passmore said. It hasnt felt like weve got a real clear message on why this is the necessary step.

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Passmores outcry is just one example of the frustration, anger and pain many families across the Austin school district have felt in the days since the release of the sweeping proposal. District officials claim the closure of campuses could save $25 million at a time when the school system faces a $19.7 million deficit and crippling financial repercussions.

Becker is one of three campuses  along with Ridgetop and Sunset Valley  on the potential closure list that has across-campus, or wall-to-wall, dual language programing in which all students learn in two languages.

Reilly Elementary School would stay open but its wall-to-wall dual language program would also move.

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Becker Elementary School kindergartener Skylar Sersen, 4, protests the possible closure of her school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Parents and students rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman

District officials plan to move the programs to new campuses, explaining that the current dual language campuses serve a majority of native English speakers instead of students who are emergent bilingual, or learning English for the first time.

However, families at Becker worry that moving the program would disrupt a popular and academically rich environment.

As their classmates chanted Tuesday morning, two students looked on from the sidewalk. One asked his friend why they were chanting outside the school.

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To save Becker, his friend said. Beckers going to close.

When Sonia Gonzalezs third grade daughter first came to Becker, she didnt know much English, but Becker has since helped the girl learn new language skills, her mother said.

Its been a miracle for us, Gonzalez said.

The district proposed Sanchez Elementary School as the new site of whole-campus dual language programming for Becker students, but thats too far for Gonzalez to drive, she said. Beckers central location is essential to many Hispanic communities whose voices havent been heard, she said. About 46% of Becker families are Hispanic and 19% are emergent bilingual.

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Its the teachers and community that makes the school so wonderful for parent Mike Bullard, who stood outside the campus as he dropped his daughter off Tuesday morning. He reasoned that the program is thriving and shouldnt be closed.

Once you give up a school like this, you never get it back, Bullard said.

The school Board of Trustees is slated to discuss the proposed school closure list and sweeping boundary changes for the first time at a meeting Thursday. The board will vote Nov. 20 on the full proposal. Community members can provide feedback on scheduled Zoom calls Oct. 14, 16 and 27 and through a district feedback form.
The surgery team at Dell Children's Medical Center performs a pediatric heart operation in February. Dell Children's started its congenital heart and transplant program in 2018 and has climbed to the No. 10 spot in U.S. News & World Report. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman

Austin's Dell Children's Medical Center has a top 10 program in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best children's hospital.

The annual list, which came out Tuesday, ranked the cardiology program No. 10 in the country. Last year, that program was No. 30.

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The climb in the rankings is an indication of the collaboration within the program, as well as with other specialties and subspecialties, said Adam Messer, the president of Dell Children's.

"It is a team sport," he said. "Everybody is on the same team. The results and the speed just indicate how unique it is in the country. This kind of collaboration, this kind of quality, it's pretty impressive."

The program has grown since Dell Medical School at the University of Texas opened in 2016, and Ascension Texas, the hospital's system, and the school were able to recruit nationally renown doctors to the hospital and the university.

Dr. Charles Fraser, chief of congenital heart surgery, checks on Morgan Adams' surgery scar. She was one of the youngest patients to get a heart transplant at Dell Children's. The cardiac program went from No. 30 last year to No. 10 in the country. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman

In 2018, the school and the hospital opened the Texas Center for Pediatric & Congenital Heart Disease, and did the program's first heart transplant in October 2020. It has since implanted the youngest patient in the world with a Berlin mechanical heart and been one of only a handful of children's hospitals to have done a partial heart transplant.

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"Look what you can do when you bring together people committed to a singular cause of taking caring of children in Austin," said Dr. Leah Harris, the chair of pediatrics at the Dell Medical School. "The catalyst for this transformation is absolutely the introduction of academic medical care."

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Before Dell Medical School opened, Austin was the largest city without an academic medical school in the country.

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Doctors like Harris came from nationally-ranked children's hospitals to move to Dell Children's and Dell Medical School because of the chance to build programs from infancy and to rethink the traditional structure they experienced at much older programs, said Harris, who came from Northwestern, Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt universities. "Without that legacy, you are free to do something transformative," she said.

The cardiac program is not alone in its climb in the rankings, as the hospital and medical school have built teams across specialties. Six other programs made the national list:

36th in neonatology, up 45 from last year

25th in neurology and neurosurgery, up from 28

31st in orthopedics, down from 30 last year

27th in pulmonology and lung surgery, up from 41

49th in urology. It was not ranked last year.

Top 50 in mental and behavioral health, the same as last year (U.S. News & World Report does not rank this by number).

The rankings judged 198 children's hospitals based on outcome statistics such as patient survival rates, and infections and complications; hospital resources such as staffing, technology and special services; delivery of health care meeting best practices; and expert opinion among pediatric specialists.

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The rankings do have some elements of a popularity contest, Harris said. A program's reputation, as well as the quality of the people who have been trained by the program as residents and fellows really matter. Dell Medical School has been able to add more fellowships in recent years, including one in cardiology this year, with more being considered.

Jett Payne at home with his mom, Ryann, center, dad, Brad, right, and neonatologist Ashley Lucke, left, near Buda. Jett had a stroke during his delivery, but quick thinking on the part of Dell Children's Hospital staff stopped his seizures and seems to have prevented any damage. Both the neurology and neonatology departments are nationall ranked this year. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman

Dell Children's was the No. 3 children's hospital in Texas and the region, behind Texas Children's Hospital in Houston and Children's Medical Center in Dallas.

Texas Children's, which now has a hospital in North Austin and specialty, primary care and urgent clinics in Austin, made the honor roll list of the top 10 children's hospitals in the country for its main Houston hospital. It was the only hospital in Texas to do so.

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Texas Children's also ranked in No. 1 in the state and region, and had 11 nationally ranked programs:

9th in pediatric cancer, down from 4 last year

1st in cardiology and heart surgery, same as last year

5th in endocrinology and diabetes, down from 4

5th in gastroenteroloy, same as last year

2nd in neonatology, up for 3

2nd in nephrology, down from 1

1st in neurology and neurosurgery, up from 2

5th in orthopedics, up from 7

1st in pulmonology and lung surgery, up from 2

2nd in urology, same as last year

Top 50 in mental and behavioral health, same as last year

Texas Children's North Austin hospital, St. David's Children's Hospital and Dell Children's North Austin hospital do not have any location-specific ranked programs.

To get where Texas Children's in Houston is, Dell Children's will have to add programs. It recently added a stem cell transplant program, but it will need to resurrect its kidney transplant program and add liver, pancreas and lung transplants, as well as grow its genetics and rare disease programs. All of those are in the planning stages.

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"We will continue to build," Messer said. "Our objective is to every day serve children and families with excellence in all programs. That care is true north for us. ... We're not chasing rankings. We're chasing the care. The rankings and recognition will come."

While Dell Children's and Dell Medical School are celebrating their collaboration and this year's rankings now, Harris and her colleagues are continuing to ask the question: What do the children of Austin need?

"There's much work for us to do," she said. "We're still going. This not the end; this is just the beginning."

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Members of the Texas National Guard stand behind Gov. Greg Abbott last year at a border security briefing in Eagle Pass. This week Abbott offered the use of Texas National Guard members to police other states, such as Oregon and Illinois, over the objections of those states' leaders. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Gov. Greg Abbotts recent announcement that Texas National Guard troops could be deployed to Illinois or Oregon  purportedly as peacekeepers in states that neither want nor need them  marks an alarming trampling of the states rights Abbott once championed.

In a social media post heavy on bravado and detached from constitutional norms, Abbott on Sunday said he fully authorized President Donald Trump to federalize and deploy 400 members of the Texas National Guard to other states where immigration agents have faced community resistance.

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You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it, Abbott said in a post on X.

The move follows localized clashes in several cities where the presence of federal agents has fueled confrontations with demonstrators. Yet Abbotts intervention places him on dangerous legal ground, given the broad sovereignty that state governments have to manage public safety within their borders. Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the militarys domestic role is sharply limited, a safeguard meant to prevent federal forces from policing U.S. communities.

More troubling still, Abbott is misusing dedicated troops as political pawns. People enlist in the Texas National Guard to help with disaster response and protect the people of our state  not to police the residents of other states hundreds of miles away.

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Indeed, Texans would be outraged if, say, the governors of Illinois or Oregon offered up their National Guard troops to patrol the Lone Star State over Abbotts objections.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from sending troops into Portland, and authorities in Chicago are seeking similar relief, even as troops deploy there from Texas. Theres been no indication these communities cannot police themselves.

That legal pushback shows why those limits exist  to keep military power from becoming a tool of political intimidation. Its an appalling misuse of force that should be rejected across the political spectrum. Abbott never should have offered up Texas Guard members to be part of it.

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He would do well to heed the words of his younger, wiser self, who said in 2017: We should demand that the federal government do two things. One: Fulfill important, but limited, responsibilities as written in the Constitution. And two: On everything else, leave us alone, and let Texans govern Texas.

We suspect Illinois, Oregon and all Americans who cherish their freedoms feel the same way.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's push to force the Ten Commandments to be posted in public school classrooms, despite pending legal challenges, harms the very children he claims to protect. Jay Janner/American-Statesman

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said last week that his office will vigorously enforce the state law requiring public schools to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

Such a mandate obviously violates the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

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A federal judge noted that rule applies to state legislatures, too, as he entered an injunction in August that blocks the Austin, Lake Travis and Dripping Springs school districts, as well as eight others across the state, from complying with the law Gov. Greg Abbott signed over the summer. Despite that case and a second lawsuit filed in late September against the Ten Commandments law, the attorney general is on a mission to bully the King James version of Biblical morality into all other districts not covered by the injunction.

Coming from Paxton, the dragooning of Old Testament dogma into a free societys public education is laughable, considering the mess he's in over the Seventh Commandment. In July, Paxtons wife, State Sen. Angela Paxton, filed for divorce on biblical grounds, citing infidelity.

Paxton's religious saber-rattling isn't about the erosion of the "moral fabric of our society," as he claimed in a September press release urging school boards to codify prayer time and scripture reading into district policy. It's about virtue signaling to religious conservatives as he ramps up his campaign to oust U.S. Sen. John Cornyn next year.

In doing so, he harms the very children he claims to protect. State imposition of one religion marginalizes students and teachers who come from households that practice other faiths or no faith. Plus, parents surely do not want elementary school teachers answering student questions about what the phrases commit adultery and covet thy neighbors wife mean.

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Texas schoolchildren dont need dogma forced down their throats. They need classrooms where respect for different beliefs allows every student to belong. They need schools that teach them how to think, not what to believe. And they need leaders willing to invest in their futures  because protecting their freedom to learn is one of the most important values of all.
Data centers, such as the Sabey Data Center in Round Rock, use significant amounts of water. A reader argues such facilities should have to supply their own water, given the fact that much of Texas is in a state of drought. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

Too much water use

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Data centers use enormous amounts of water and energy. Corporations creating data centers are taking advantage of Texas weak environmental laws to come here.

Water usage and wastewater production by these factories are in need of strong regulations.

Large factory rooftops should be used to house solar panels with back up batteries. Rooftops should collect rain water for the facility's own use. Water should be recycled.

Instead of wasting Texans water and electricity, let them produce their own.

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Despite recent tragic flood events, much of Texas is in a continual drought. Texans' water supplies must be guarded against wasteful users.

Rural residents in Abilene and elsewhere should be protected from noise, light and water pollution from these new mega factories. Data center developers need meaningful supervision to protect Texas residents.

Will Texas leaders step up to safeguard Texans' water and power supplies?

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Jenny Clark, Austin

Joslin a shining star

My grandchildren attend Joslin Elementary School, which hosts a trilingual program for Mandarin, Spanish and English. They are happy and thriving. Joslin is a grade B school, which is excellent, considering it is not in a high-income neighborhood. The principal, ChaoLin Chang, keeps a close eye on everything. The staff is excellent. The school's close-knit community has helped my grandchildren move forward.

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Joslin is a gem of a school. I am very concerned about the disruption that closures of other campuses will cause within the Austin Independent School District. Even though everyone does not know exactly what will happen, you can imagine the tension experienced by the teachers, staff and parents, while they are all waiting for the final decision.

Even though children and families in American society are used to constant moves, with parents transferring into higher paying jobs, or moving into better neighborhoods, we know that every move a child makes is disruptive.

My grandchildren are just two among a few hundred kids who would continue to benefit from the security and great learning environment Joslin provides.

Marie Theresa Hernandez, Houston

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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, shown in July, recently argued that Americans voted for change under President Trump and a Republican Congress. "We should not allow the Democrats efforts to succeed," Cruz said of the government shutdown. Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman

Policies benefit rich

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruzs response to the current government shutdown is that "Americans voted for change under President Trump and a Republican Congress. We should not allow the Democrats efforts to succeed.

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Does he really think people losing their health insurance or making it far more expensive is the change Americans want?

Maybe the Democrats should let the Republicans succeed so people will finally see how their policies only benefit the rich.

Rona Distenfeld, Austin

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Military personnel in uniform, with the Texas National Guard patch on, are seen at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Elwood, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. Erin Hooley/Associated Press

Members of the Texas National Guard were at an Army training center near Chicago on Tuesday in a high-profile show of force from President Donald Trump. The move has ignited legal and political battles between red and blue states, both in court and on the ground.

Military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch were spotted by the Associated Press at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, 55 miles southwest of Chicago.

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READ MORE: What state and local officials say about Texas troops being deployed to Chicago

A federal judge has given the Trump administration until Thursday to justify the deployment. A similar effort that would have sent Texas National Guard troops to Oregon is temporarily on ice, but could be resumed after a federal appeals court hears the Trump administrations case on Thursday. Heres what you need to know.

What is the Texas National Guards mission in Illinois?

The Trump administration has said it is sending the troops to protect federal employees and property after protests and sporadic violence at Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities.

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But state and local officials in Illinois have vehemently opposed the move, arguing additional forces are unnecessary and could escalate tensions.

It is unclear what authority Texas guardsmen would have to make arrests or enforce the law, and what specific tasks they would perform. The Pentagon, the Texas Military Department and Abbotts office have not responded to inquiries about specifics.

How long could the mission last?

A Sunday memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed up to 400 Texas National Guard troops to deploy immediately for an initial 60-day period, with possible extensions. The memo authorizes them to perform federal protection missions where needed, including in the cities of Portland and Chicago. Once deployed, the troops fall under the U.S. Northern Command, part of the active-duty military.

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A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Portland deployment. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker filed a separate federal lawsuit Monday seeking to block the deployment there. A federal judge gave the Trump administration two days to respond to Pritzkers suit, with a hearing set for Thursday.

Is there precedent for this type of deployment?

This appears to be the first modern instance of a president sending one states National Guard into another state without that states consent.

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It continues a pattern of Trump using the military in Democratic-led cities, which he has criticized as unsafe and poorly governed.

In recent years, he has deployed the California National Guard to Los Angeles during ICE protests and brought Guard units from several states to Washington, D.C., including in August and during the 2020 racial justice protests after George Floyds death. Federal control over D.C. gives the administration more direct authority there than in states like Illinois and Oregon.

Who pays for the deployment of the Texas National Guard?

The deployment has been called for by the Trump administration, meaning the federal government will pay Texas National Guard members for their time on the mission.

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But because the government is currently shut down, Guard members will not be paid until a budget resolution is passed.

Why is Trump deploying the Texas National Guard specifically?

Trump has already deployed guardsmen from Illinois to Chicago. He turned to Republican allies in Texas on Sunday after a federal judge temporarily barred him from sending Oregons own National Guard into Portland.

In contrast to Democratic governors, Abbott has openly supported Trumps move to federalize state guards, posting online about it and sending out a fundraising email on Tuesday that this fight goes far beyond Illinois and Oregon  its about whether we let the radical Left weaken law and order across America." In a social media post Tuesday, he said the Texas National Guard is putting America first by ensuring that the federal government can safely enforce federal law.

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What is the legal dispute around the deployment?

The Trump administration has invoked Title 10 as the legal basis for federalizing state national guards, including the Texas National Guard, in recent months. It allows the action in rare circumstances, such as if the country has been invaded by a foreign nation, if there is a threat of a rebellion or if the federal government cant enforce its laws otherwise.

Lawyers for the federal government argue that the protests at ICE facilities obstruct the enforcement of immigration law and endanger officials.

But Illinois and the city of Chicago counter that none of the required conditions have been met and accuse Trump of seeking a pretext for a politically-motivated takeover. In their lawsuit filed Monday, their lawyers said ICE continues to process hundreds of individuals in the facility that Trump has sent federal agents to, and added that local and state police have responded to protests there.

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Illinois has also argued the deployment violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits use of the military to enforce civilian laws.

Title 10 orders generally relate to national defense, while Title 32 concerns natural disasters. The National Guard can be called under either.

What is the status of Illinois lawsuit against the Trump administration?

A separate deployment of Texas Guard troops to Oregon is on hold pending a federal appeals court hearing on Thursday. The Trump administration appealed the ruling of a trial court judge, who found that evidence of sporadic violence against federal officers and property damage to a federal building did not meet the legal standard for the federalization of the National Guard against the wishes of state and local officials.

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Pre-K students sit on a rug displaying Spanish vocabulary as they read books in class at Ridgetop Elementary School in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Pre-K students participate in an activity in the classroom of Teri Engleman, upper right, at Highland Heights Elementary School Friday, Sep. 20, 2024 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

Texas child care providers are pushing to be more included in the states new private school voucher program, arguing the subsidies will help stabilize an industry in freefall.

Under rules proposed this month for the program, low-income families seeking pre-K support will only be eligible for $2,000 vouchers, far less than the K-12 private school vouchers worth up to $10,000.

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Pre-K eligibility in the voucher program The proposed rules for receiving a voucher are more restrictive for pre-K students and follow the eligibility rules for free public pre-K programs. Children must fall within one of several categories, including having limited proficiency in English, qualifying for free-or-reduced lunch, having special education needs, being homeless or in foster care, or having parents in the military. Funds must be used at a select category of child care and pre-K centers. The providers must achieve a three- or four-star rating under the Texas Rising Star program, or be recognized by one of several private accreditation groups. Roughly half of the states 14,000 licensed centers would qualify, industry advocates estimate. Families can look up local centers offering pre-K and their TRS ratings at the Texas Health and Human Services Commissions website.

READ MORE: Texas comptroller selects Odyssey to run private school voucher program

Private child care facilities generally charge between $10,000 and $15,000 for pre-K, meaning they may still be unable to compete with the low or no-cost pre-K now offered by public schools. Families with four-year-olds, often the most profitable age group for child care centers, have left for cheaper public options in droves since 2019 when lawmakers required school districts to operate their own programs. The public school options are free for low-income families and subsidized for others.

You have to have significant enrollment of three and four year olds in order for a child care center to be profitable, said Tim Kaminski, president of the Texas Licensed Child Care Association. We have already anticipated that we could potentially lose up to half of the licensed programs because the problem was so widespread.

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Lawmakers have attempted to shore up the industry in recent years, including by boosting its child care subsidies program by $100 million in the last legislative session.

But that was far less than the $2 billion the industry had hoped for. Barring another significant expansion of the subsidies, some centers are looking to pre-K vouchers as a longer-term lifeline.

Debate over the new $1 billion voucher program, set to begin next school year, had focused mostly on K-12, with many private and religious schools lobbying for funds to support existing and new families. But before the legislation passed this spring, lawmakers agreed to include pre-K services after the programs said they are vital to local economies and deserve state support.

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In a public hearing last week, over a dozen providers argued that placing them in the $2,000 category goes against what legislators promised as they passed the bill and called on Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock to revise the rules before they are finalized later this month.

Were losing these kids at three, four, five, and many of them have been with us since they're six weeks old, said Brian Fisk, who operates Childrens Lighthouse in the Houston suburbs with his wife, Amanda. If we keep getting resources taken from us, sooner or later, the quality of learning in a licensed child care facility is going to go down.

Hancock acknowledged the role of pre-K centers in the program but said he was bound to follow the law authorizing the program.

The reality is, our job is not to go with our thoughts or even the agencys thoughts but to try to stick with that legislative direction that were given, Hancock told reporters after the hearing.

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State Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, who led the voucher legislation in the House, is supporting the request, saying in written testimony that providing the full amount to pre-K students aligns with the intent of the Legislature, according to records obtained by the Texas Tribune.

The Fisks, who purchased their early learning school in 2022, say they hired new teachers and prepared for an influx of new children as more parents returned to work after the pandemic. But just a year later, nearby Fort Bend ISD expanded its pre-K offerings across 35 campuses, including a new subsidized, tuition-based option.

Soon, the Fisks saw dozens of their centers four-year-olds leaving each year for the cheaper public option, endangering their profitability. They say the center is currently at half capacity, with over 100 open seats.

With full vouchers, the Fisks estimate they would see around three dozen more pre-K students.

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Unless pre-K enrollments rebound, centers will have two options, Kaminski said: significantly raise the cost of tuition on infants and toddlers, or shutter entirely.
France's PM resigns after less than a month in office

Xinhua) 10:01, October 07, 2025

PARIS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned Monday after less than a month in office, making him the shortest-serving prime minister of France's Fifth Republic. President Emmanuel Macron accepted his resignation, the presidency said.

In a statement, Lecornu admitted the formation of his government had not gone smoothly, saying conditions "were no longer met" for him to remain in office. "One must always put one's country before one's party," he said, adding that the cabinet's composition had stirred partisan tensions.

Explaining his decision, Lecornu said he had sought consensus by consulting parties and trade unions before presenting his cabinet, and pledged not to use a constitutional tool to bypass parliament on budget bills. But he admitted the move failed to win wider support.

The decision rattled investors, with the CAC 40 index opening 2 percent lower on Monday following news of his departure.

Lecornu, appointed 27 days ago, quit a day after unveiling a cabinet lineup that was nearly identical to its predecessor and drew sharp criticism across the political spectrum. French media reported the "virtually unchanged" government was expected to face a censure motion in parliament.

Lecornu's resignation triggered emergency meetings across the political spectrum. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), again called for the dissolution of parliament.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
Florence and The Machine have announced a special screening of the "visual world" behind their forthcoming album Everybody Scream.

Florence and The Machine have announced a screening of the 'visual world' behind Everybody Scream

Florence Welch and co are set to unleash the follow-up to 2022's Dance Fever on October 31, and weeks earlier, on October 14, the band will host a private screening of the visuals shot by creative director Autumn de Wilde at a secret location in London between 4pm and 6pm BST.

A statement said: The event consists of a screening of official videos from the visual world of Everybody Scream and a Q+A between Florence Welch and creative director Autumn de Wilde. There will be no performance element."

Fans who pre-order the album from the group's official website before 5pm on Wednesday (08.10.25) will be in with a chance of winning tickets in a prize draw.

The album, described as exposing the murky in the mundane, features contributions from Mark Bowen of IDLES, Aaron Dessner (The National, Taylor Swift), and indie icon Mitski. Lyrically, it explores womanhood, partnership, aging and mortality.

The heavy themes are inspired by the 39-year-old frontwoman's recovery from lifesaving surgery.

So far, fans have heard the album's title track and the brooding One Of The Greats, which she penned in one take with Bowen.

Florence and The Machine will also embark on the Everybody Scream Tour, which will kick off on February 6 at Belfasts SSE Arena, and is due to wrap Berlin on March 9.

As well as a huge show at Manchesters Co-op Live, the UK and European trek includes two nights at London's The O2 arena on February 16 and 17.
* The rising popularity of Chinese tech among foreign consumers underscores the nation's rapid advances in innovation, manufacturing prowess and user-centric design.

* Government policies have further bolstered this trend. Many foreign shoppers are now actively seeking out Chinese high-tech products, valuing not only their quality but also their cost-performance ratio.

* China's broader entry and travel facilitation policies are driving a surge in inbound visitors. The country's visa-free arrangements are expanding rapidly, with 76 countries now enjoying unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, while 55 countries benefit from transit exemptions.

HANGZHOU, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A compact drone hummed inside DJI's flagship store at Beijing's APM Mall, hovering steadily above a display table as shoppers paused to admire the offerings. One of these shoppers, Swiss filmmaker Sebastian Goyon, later walked out with a DJI Pocket 3 camera after exploring the store with his family.

"I've used nearly every DJI product. They're essential for my outdoor documentaries," Goyon told Xinhua. For professionals like him, the likes of affordability, portability and cutting-edge features are key. DJI's ecosystem, spanning drones to stabilizers, had improved efficiency and expanded his creative possibilities, Goyon said.

Scenes like these have become daily sights in China's bustling tech retail hubs. Powered by continuous innovation, world-class manufacturing and favorable policies, Chinese high-tech products are drawing increasing interest from international travelers.

Sebastian Goyon visits a DJI store at APM Mall in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Zheng Keyi)

LOCAL INNOVATION, GLOBAL APPEAL

The rising popularity of Chinese tech among foreign consumers underscores the nation's rapid advances in innovation, manufacturing prowess and user-centric design.

"China is leading in both technology and production," Goyon said, while adding that beyond cameras, the performance and affordability of other Chinese tech, such as electric vehicles and smart devices, have also impressed him.

At Beijing's APM Mall, overseas shoppers now account for 30 percent of daily foot traffic -- a surge accelerated by streamlined tax refund policies. "Visitors often find our store through tax guides or maps and place it at the top of their itinerary," said store manager Luo Yao. "Most are independent travelers accustomed to using DJI products to record their journeys."

To serve its global clientele, DJI has streamlined the entire shopping experience, from sales to product use. Staff assist customers with price comparisons and explanations of tax policies and encourage hands-on testing.

In-store demonstrations, notably, often play decisive roles in driving sales. Luo noted that the moment a drone takes off, it attracts crowds, and seeing the flight stability and features firsthand sparks excitement and motivates purchases.

Luo also emphasized that DJI products are engineered with global usability in mind. Apps like DJI Fly support multiple languages and automatically adapt to flight regulations in different countries -- requiring no manual adjustments and enabling a seamless experience.

This trend extends beyond electronics. The eastern Chinese tech hub of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is home to both AI startup DeepSeek and humanoid robotics firm Unitree, and recently unveiled ten "sci-tech souvenirs," including AR glasses, sleeping aids and exoskeleton robots.

Selected from more than 80 submissions in the categories of smart hardware, digital content and health tech since April, these products showcase breakthroughs achieved by local tech enterprises, according to Zhang Feng, secretary-general of the Digital Culture & Tourism (Hangzhou) Alliance.

Many of the entries integrate large-scale AI models and intelligent technologies developed by Hangzhou-based companies, blending innovation seamlessly into daily life, said Zhang.

Standouts include AIGC-customized scarves from Chinese silk producer WENSLI Group. This idea emerged as AI tools like ChatGPT surged in popularity, said Lou Yufeng, executive deputy director of WENSLI Group Office. "Could AI make everyone a designer? Leveraging AIGC technology, we turned that idea into reality."

Notably, at WENSLI's demonstration hall, customers can instantly create one-of-a-kind scarf designs via its mini-program and have their customized pieces produced after placing the order.

Lou told Xinhua that more than ten groups of foreign consumers visit each month to experience the AIGC scarves and make purchases. He noted that consumers from countries like Japan, where silk culture is already well-known and deeply cherished, are particularly impressed by the technological sophistication and cost-effectiveness of Chinese products.

"Beyond traditional souvenirs like Dingsheng cake or silk umbrellas, we hope visitors around the world will take home a piece of Hangzhou's innovative spirit," said an official from the Hangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism Bureau.

Spanish tourists browse mobile phone products at a Huawei store on Nanjing Road in east China's Shanghai, July 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Haoming)

POLICY ACCELERATORS

Government policies have further bolstered this trend. Reflecting the broader trend noted by Goyon, many foreign shoppers are now actively seeking out Chinese high-tech products, valuing not only their quality but also their cost-performance ratio.

In April, the State Taxation Administration launched a nationwide upgrade of the value-added tax refund mechanism for foreign tourists. This has resulted in a simplified and faster process -- which has encouraged more foreign tourists to make purchases in China.

"The service expands the refund process from airports to retail stores, allowing overseas tourists to receive their tax refunds immediately upon purchase," said Zhang Danying, an official at the municipal tax service of Hangzhou.

While the DJI store in APM Mall has not yet activated on-site refunds, it provides tax invoices and refund slips that tourists can redeem at designated locations. For a product like the 4,000-yuan (about 562.9 U.S. dollars) Pocket 3 bundle, the refund exceeds 400 yuan, according to Luo.

Hangzhou, a pioneer in this effort, has gone even further. It became the first city in China to offer tax refunds through Alipay, replacing cash-only models and allowing tourists to scan a QR code for direct refunds.

The city has further simplified the process by launching the country's first "one-click" quick tax refund service for overseas shoppers via Alipay, enabling refunds to be received in as little as two minutes.

Currently, Hangzhou has 267 stores offering tax refunds -- an increase of 149 from last year, including 124 "instant refund" stores, up from just 14 a year ago. So far in 2025, tax-refund sales in the city have reached 2.23 times the amount recorded during the same period of last year.

Foreign travellers wait to go through immigration check at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in southwest China's Chongqing, Oct. 1, 2025. (Photo by Zeng Yanyan/Xinhua)

Also, China's broader entry and travel facilitation policies are driving a surge in inbound visitors. The country's visa-free arrangements are expanding rapidly, with 76 countries now enjoying unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, while 55 countries benefit from transit exemptions. In the first half of 2025 alone, 13.64 million travelers entered China visa-free, up 53.9 percent year on year, according to the National Immigration Administration.

Authorities expect this year's eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, which started on Oct. 1, to see an average of 2 million daily border crossings -- highlighting China's growing appeal as a global destination.

To better serve overseas travelers, Hangzhou has launched "Zhejiang Travel," an AI-powered tourism service platform providing real-time translation, itinerary customization and local tips tailored to overseas visitors.

"I really like Hangzhou. It's a beautiful city with poetic charms and cutting-edge technology. I have traveled to different countries, and this service is the most convenient and fast way," said Mexican tourist Andrea Munozledo.

"Keep making good products, keep innovating, and keep up the quality and policies," Goyon said. "A good product speaks for itself."

As China continues to advance in terms of technology and the streamlining of policies to enhance the consumer experience, its high-tech products are poised to strengthen their position in the global market and attract more international buyers, said Pan Helin, a member of an expert committee under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

(Reporting by Ye Ting and Zheng Keyi; video reporters: Liu Mingxiang, Yang Shiyan, Wu Yanxia and Li Xiaoting; video editors: Li Ziwei and Wei Yin; Xiong Run and Zhang Yiyi also contribute to the story)
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodia's leading think tank will convene the fourth Phnom Penh Forum this week with a focus on ASEAN's strategies in response to regional and global policies, said an organizer on Monday.

Scheduled for Oct. 8, the forum will convene leading national and international experts, policymakers, and academics from Cambodia, Germany, India, the Philippines, and South Korea, said Kin Phea, director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

Under the theme "Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism: ASEAN's Strategic Autonomy and Policy Choices," the forum is providing an important platform to examine ASEAN's policy choices amid intensifying great power competition and shifting global dynamics.

He added that the forum will also touch on ASEAN's strategic coordination to cope with external influences and risks of political destabilization. 
Stockholm Resilience Foundation offers a limited number of long-term strategic partnerships with companies that value Stockholm Resilience Centres research and pursue a clear strategic agenda to conduct their business more sustainably. Through the Corporate Partnerships, we share the latest scientific findings with our partners via dialogue, joint learning opportunities, and network meetings. Our aim is to foster long-term collaborations built on trust, transparency, shared values, and continuity.

The companies in these partnerships provide an annual donation to Stockholm Resilience Foundation in support of the independent research at Stockholm Resilience Centre. Importantly, companies have no influence over how the funds are allocated by the Foundation or over the research agenda itself. In addition, the companies pay a smaller fee directly to SRC to finance the mechanics of the collaboration, such as the network meetings.



The Centre's Deputy Director, Lisen Schultz, says: "Working towards a resilient and sustainable future requires science-based collaboration across sectors. Stockholm Resilience Foundation acts as a mechanism to secure and strengthen independent research at Stockholm Resilience Centre, allowing the centre to continue to provide and support activation of and engagement around the scientific knowledge needed for driving transformation. The collaborations also offer opportunities for mutual learning and new discoveries, between academia and business, and across industries."
BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's public security departments at various levels have made progress in a nationwide campaign against agriculture-related crimes, solving more than 4,600 cases involving illegal acts such as occupying agricultural land by the end of September.

The Ministry of Public Security said over 200 cases involving the production and selling of counterfeit or substandard seeds and other agricultural materials had also been cracked nationwide.

The ministry said the public security organs will continue to take strong action against crimes that endanger the country's food security. The ministry also urged the public to report any suspected illegal activities through its online reporting platform. 
Rooms rates at Yokota Air Base's Kanto Lodge, seen here Oct. 7, 2025, rose nearly 75% after per diem rates were increased Oct. 1. (Marc Castaneda/Stars and Stripes)



YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  Defense Department travelers headed to two air bases in Japan will find significantly higher lodging expenses thanks to changes in per diem rates, according to recent Air Force memos.

Effective Oct. 1, the standard room for visitors at the Kanto Lodge at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo rose nearly 75%, from $98 to $171, according to a Department of the Air Force memorandum signed Sept. 29 by David Marzo, deputy assistant secretary for cost and economics.

Standard rooms at the Misawa Inn at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan also rose from $104 to $171, a 64% increase, according to the same memo.

The rates are authorized through the 2026 fiscal year, but are subject to change at any time, according to Cleto Manzano, guest services manager for the Kanto Lodge.

We do apologize for the sudden change of the room rates, he said by email Tuesday. Rates are non-negotiable, but the lodge is not involved in any way with the establishment of room rates, he said.

The increased charges stem from changes in per diem rates for service members and DOD employees traveling to Japan, according to Marzos memorandum.

The Defense Travel Management Office on Sept. 25 raised the maximum per diem rates for lodging at more than a dozen locations in Japan to $218, effective Oct. 1.

Room rates at Air Force lodges are market driven within per diem levels for all room types at all locations, and structured to include installation operating costs, centralized costs, and recapitalization requirements, according to an Aug. 28 memorandum from Marzo.

The same $218 rate also applies at Sasebo Naval Base in western Kyushu, where the Navy Lodge on Tuesday was still offering rooms starting at $91, according to the Navy Lodge website.

Misawas per diem rate for lodging increased from $115 in May to $226 in June before leveling out to $218 in September, according to the Defense Travel Management Office website.

Per diem rates at Naval Air Facility Atsugi and U.S. Army Camp Zama  installations about 20 miles southwest of Tokyo  rose from $118 to $218, according to the Defense Travel Management Office.

Atsugis Navy Gateway Inn and Suites was still offering rooms Tuesday starting at $95; rooms at Camp Zama Lodging started at $118, according to their reception desks.

Spokespeople for the Air Forces Services Operations Division and the Secretary of the Air Forces Financial Management and Comptroller did not respond to email requests for comment after hours on Monday and Tuesday.
The last AV-8B Harrier to fly with the U.S. Navys Air Test and Evaluation Squadron at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif., is given a traditional water cannon salute to mark its final sundown flight on Sept. 23, 2025. (Michael L. Smith/U.S. Navy)



A fire truck spraying a rainbow-making flume of water marked one of the final steps toward retirement of a storied Marine Corps attack jet.

The torrent above the AV-8B Harrier taxiing on the tarmac at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in the California desert late last month signaled the end of flight development of the famous Marine jump jet after more than 40 years in service.

The Dust Devils of VX-31, the U.S. Navys Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, gave the liquid salute to mark the final mission  called the sundown flight  by the versatile attack aircraft that once had the singular ability of any U.S. jet to take off and land vertically.

The Harrier was applauded by a crowd of Marines and Navy personnel, defense industry representatives and others whod come to see the last sortie.

Marine Corps Lt. Col. Timothy Little Buddy Burchett, commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31, delivers remarks during a ceremony at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake on Sept. 23, 2025. The event honored the squadrons final AV-8B Harrier flight, piloted by VX-31 Technical Director Jim Jimbo Coppersmith. (Michael L. Smith/U.S. Navy)



Its the most fun airplane Ive ever flown, Lt. Col. Timothy Little Buddy Burchett, VX-31 commanding officer, told the audience. There are no computers. Its cables, pulleys and skill that keep that thing in the air.

Burchett praised the China Lake test team for keeping the program safe and mission capable to the finish.

Although development of new systems and tactics for the aircraft ended with the China Lake ceremony, the jet will still serve until next year with one unit, the Bulldogs of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223, based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C.

The other Marine squadrons that flew the Harrier have transitioned to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a multirole fighter whose Marine B version features vertical takeoff and landing capability.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to completely transition to the F-35B by September 2026.

The first British-designed version of the jump jet  the Hawker Siddeley Harrier  made its maiden flight on August 31, 1966. This aircraft was the worlds first operational vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) jet fighter.

An AV-8B Harrier piloted by Jim Jimbo Coppersmith, technical director for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31, performs a vertical landing at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake on Sept. 23, 2025. The flight was the last Harrier sortie for the squadron. (Michael L. Smith/U.S. Navy)



The British exported the AV-8A Harrier to the Marine Corps in the 1970s, and the advanced Sea Harrier version saw action with the British during the Falklands War in 1982.

The Marines went on to fly the AV-8B Harrier II, a redesign by McDonnell Douglas and British Aerospace, featuring advanced avionics, a heavier payload and improved performance.

At its peak, the Marine Corps flew 102 AV-8A Harriers and eight two-seat trainers in the 1970s, then procured 340 AV-8B Harrier aircraft during the production run from 1981 to 2003

The Marine Corps plans to retire all Harriers from its inventory by the end of next year.
A crane barge floats near the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Sept. 3, 2025, as part of preservation work. (Daniel Sanford/U.S. Navy)



FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii  Regular shuttle boat service to the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor resumed Sunday after several months of preservation work that curtailed access for visitors.

Shuttle boats are moving to and from the memorial every 15 minutes between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily, Pacific Historic Parks said in a news release Friday.

Pacific Historic Parks is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service at Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

Pacific Historic Parks, along with the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum and Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum, announced last week that they were providing funding to keep sites at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial operating during the federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

Roughly two-thirds of the National Park Services 14,500 staff have been furloughed, leaving sites across the nation either closed or with limited operations and amenities.

Free tickets for the shuttle boat can be picked up at the Pacific Historic Parks Audio Tour Desk at the visitor center, the news release states.

Tickets are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

In May, Navy contractors began work, in coordination with the park service, to remove a pair of mooring platforms that were welded to the Arizona during salvage operations after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack that sank the battleship.

Ferries, barges and ships were tethered to the platforms as workers stripped parts needed for the war effort.

Staff with the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in 2023 discovered that one of the platforms had shifted, with its concrete surface now inclined diagonally in the water.

Navy and park service divers assessed the condition of both platforms, and officials concluded that the platforms should be permanently removed to prevent damage to the Arizonas hull.

Due to the unpredictable scheduling for work on the memorial, the park service in July suspended all advanced reservations for shuttles to the Arizona.

Since late summer the park service has announced daily whether shuttle service will be running that day, with visitors boarding on a first-come, first-served basis.

The USS Arizona Memorial opened in 1962 and honors the 1,177 crewmen who died on the battleship. The remains of 900 sailors and Marines who could not escape the sinking ship are entombed in its sunken hull.

Almost 2 million people visit the memorial each year.
The first week of a federal government shutdown ended Oct. 7, 2025, with little progress in Washington, D.C., toward ending it. (Robert Lingley/U.S. Space Force)



This story has been corrected

One week into a federal government shutdown, service members, Defense Department civilian employees and their families in Japan and South Korea were taking stock, and asking how much longer.

From Washington, D.C., came little news Tuesday of any attempt to end the deadlock that began Oct. 1. Without an agreement to fund the government for the new fiscal year, many government offices go dark, and the military serves without pay.

Americans with the U.S. military in the Pacific asked how they will afford groceries and rent if the shutdown continues.

Navy veteran Justus Casino, 36, a supervisory library technician at the Marine Corps Camp Foster on Okinawa, is going unpaid, he said Tuesday.

In the back of my head, I am worried, he said at the Foster library.

What happens when its time for groceries? he said. What if it extends to next week? What happens when my kids need food? Theres a lot of kinds of ifs about whats going to happen.

Two property management firms reported that the Okinawa Military Family Housing office on Kadena Air Base has asked them to waive late fees on rental payments.

Tokuzato Housing waived Octobers fees and is awaiting guidance for November, employee Yuki Itokazu said by phone Tuesday. Five or six of their 800-plus military tenants asked Tokuzato to waive the fee.

The next paycheck is going to affect a lot of people, she said.

Another 10-15 tenants, mostly service members, sought rent extensions or fee waivers from Seaside Housing on Okinawa, front office manager Roberto Harding said by phone Tuesday. The company rents to about 600 DOD families.

Right now, were trying to work with them depending on how long the shutdown lasts, he said. If we can waive late fees, were going to try and do that.

Jenny Goodyear, director of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, by phone Monday said the society, so far, has not been affected.

That could change Oct. 15, which would be the first missed payday for active-duty service members, she said.

We have had a couple people come in kind of preemptively, but our policy is to wait until the pay is actually missed and were able to help them, she said.

At U.S. bases in South Korea, the shutdown was a growing concern.

I hope this doesnt last long, but if it does, we will look to the Korean markets, said Air Force spouse Ashley Wisley at the Osan Air Base commissary Monday.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Marcus Steward, an avionics technician at Osan, said he started off prepared.

Luckily, we have a little nest egg set up for times like this, but its still a trying time. Because now I must dip into funds that I had no intention of dipping into, he said Monday at the base commissary.

He said he and his wife have discussed turning to the base food bank if money gets tight.

Its alarming, how food pantries arent being prioritized as a resource. Its another service that we could possibly lose, he said.

Air Force spouse Ashton Little said history tells her this, too, will pass.

Weve seen these come and go before; my husband has been in for 20 years, she said Monday at the Osan commissary. If it comes down to it, credit cards exist.

Stars and Stripes reporter Wyatt Olson contributed to this report.

johnson.trevares@stripes.com

mcelhiney.brian@stripes.com @BrianMcElhiney

breeden.ryan@stripes.com @Breeden_Stripes
A reconnaissance drone flies in Hohenfels, Germany, May 16, 2025. More than 40 incursions involving unmanned aircraft have been reported recently in central and northern Europe on the heels of a breach of Poland's airspace by a Russian drone swarm, according to the Center for European Policy Analysis. (Jacob Dunlap/U.S. Army)



Central and northern European countries have been subjected to more than 40 recent drone incursions, which a new report mapping them says are primarily directed at NATOs staunchest opponents of Russia.

Military bases and civilian infrastructure such as airports are among the locations where the sightings have occurred, the Center for European Policy Analysis said in the report published Monday.

Countries foremost in supporting Ukraine, sharply increasing defense spending, and demanding robust NATO action against the Kremlin are bearing the brunt of the campaign, according to the report. It specified Poland, Germany, Denmark and Norway.

Among the most disruptive intrusions in the past few days occurred in the southern German city of Munich, where the international airport was forced to temporarily shut down twice during a 24-hour span.

Additional countries that have been targeted include Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, the report added.

The list did not include southern European countries, such as Romania, that also have dealt with drone incursions.

Not all these incidents can be traced back to Russia (and some initially appear innocuous), but many appear considered and malign, the report said. The incursions are now occurring almost daily and include swarms of drones flying in formation.

Although the list is not all-encompassing, it underscores the challenges Europe faces as it tries to counter a growing threat from drones while also anticipating the possibility of a drawdown of the U.S. military presence on the Continent.

A map of the area around the Baltic Sea. (Noga Ami-rav/Stars and Stripes)



While its still unclear who was behind the Munich incidents, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday pointed the finger at the Kremlin.

We suspect that a significant portion of it is probably controlled from Russia, Merz said on German television.

Drones have also forced brief airport closures in Norway and Denmark in recent days. The sightings follow a pattern of disrupting airports, approaching military facilities and critical infrastructure, CEPA said.

Some security analysts say Moscow is using drone incursions to test alliance response times and gauge NATOs unity in dealing with drone threats.

On Sept. 9-10, numerous Russian drones were shot down in Poland, marking the first time in history that alliance aircraft were called on to shoot down a threat inside the bloc.

However, the NATO response doesnt appear to have dissuaded Russia from other unauthorized drone flights. For example, days after the Poland incident, Russian drones were spotted in Romania.

The situation ratcheted up further on Sept. 19, when three Russian fighter planes flew into Estonian airspace, where they lingered for more than 10 minutes.

Some allies have called for NATO to take a tougher position and shoot down Russian planes if they cross into alliance territory. But Secretary-General Mark Rutte has said such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A British MQ-9B Protector drone taxis on a runway at RAF Marham, England, May 8, 2025. The Protector is replacing the British air force's MQ-9A Reapers, which were flown for the last time on Sept. 30, 2025. (Royal Air Force/Crown Copyright)



The U.K. has flown its MQ-9A Reaper drones for the last time, closing out an era of Middle East operations as it prepares to field new U.S.-built unmanned aircraft designed for Europes modern threats.

The Reapers are being replaced by the MQ-9B Protector, a move that NATO and defense officials say will strengthen the alliances surveillance network at a time when rapid coordination is seen as vital to deterring Russia and other emerging threats.

The MQ-9Bs ability to operate in both civilian and military airspace allows allied drones to fly from home bases into European skies without special clearances. The U.K. is investing in 16 of the aircraft, according to the countrys air force.

With the introduction of the MQ-9B Protector, the future is certainly bright, Group Capt. Stu McAdam said Friday in an air force statement.

McAdam is the commander of XIII Squadron, which operated the British Reapers and is now transitioning to the new aircraft at RAF Waddington, about 100 miles north of the U.S. Air Forces main U.K. hubs at Lakenheath and Mildenhall.

The Reaper was designed for uncontested airspace, which made it ideal for counterterrorism operations in the Middle East. But it was confined to overseas combat zones because it lacked certification to fly in most European airspace.

A British MQ-9A Reaper drone taxis on a runway in this undated photo. The U.K. announced the retirement of its fleet of Reapers following a final flight Sept. 30, 2025, nearly 20 years after it entered service in 2007. (Royal Air Force/Crown Copyright)



With the Protectors, the British air force will be able to conduct routine patrols from home soil and also deploy overseas for NATO and coalition missions, according to information on the British defense ministry and British air force websites.

The ability of large drones to operate in NATO airspace is seen as strategically important, both for deterrence operations tied to the Russia-Ukraine war and for integration of drones into joint missions with U.S. and allied forces across Europe.

The Protectors will carry U.K.-made precision weapons such as Brimstone 3 missiles and Paveway IV bombs, the defense ministrys website says.

The MQ-9B has a maximum payload capacity of 4,800 pounds and can stay in flight for more than 40 hours, according to California-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, which produces both the Reaper and the Protector.

It is also expected to remain compatible with U.S. munitions used by the Reaper fleet, according to the manufacturers website.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force is gradually retiring its older MQ-9A Reapers and expects to keep about 140 of the aircraft in service through the mid-2030s as it transitions to a next-generation unmanned platform, according to service budget documents and Air Force officials.

Belgium is following close behind the U.K. in adopting the MQ-9B, with its first SkyGuardian, a variant similar to the Protector, completing a maiden flight over Belgium last month. The aircraft is part of a four-drone order now entering testing and acceptance at Florennes Air Base, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems said in a statement on Sept. 23.

The two countries are working together through a NATO support partnership to share logistics and maintenance, while Poland has also announced plans to buy the same system, according to statements from the company and the alliance.
The Fiji military band performs at the welcoming ceremony, as the Chinese Naval hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" arrives in Suva, Fiji, on Oct. 1, 2025. (Photo by Cui Xiaoyang/Xinhua)

SUVA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Minister for Defense and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua said Chinese naval hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" has delivered tangible benefits to the Fijian community, representing a welcome symbol of care, service, and goodwill.

Tikoduadua made the remarks on Saturday night at a deck reception held by the "Silk Road Ark," which is carrying out the Mission Harmony-2025 in Fiji.

"On behalf of the Government of Fiji, I extend my sincere appreciation for the work carried out by this ship and its personnel over the past several days. You have provided this service with great professionalism," he said.

Tikoduadua said that Fiji, as the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, has always cherished the friendship between the two countries and is willing to continuously deepen practical cooperation with China in areas such as health and disaster response.

Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian said that the "Silk Road Ark" is not only a boat of life that safeguards health and conveys hope, but also a boat of peace that promotes military cooperation between the two countries and maintains regional security and stability.

"China is willing to work with Fiji to continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns and firmly defend international equity and justice," Zhou said.

The "Silk Road Ark" arrived in Fiji on Oct. 1, embarking on a seven-day friendly visit and humanitarian medical service mission. This is the first visit of the "Silk Road Ark" to Fiji.

Since its arrival in Fiji, the "Silk Road Ark" has so far conducted 1,241 medical consultations and performed 187 surgeries. 

The Chinese naval hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" arrives in Suva, Fiji, on Oct. 1, 2025. (Photo by Cui Xiaoyang/Xinhua)

The Chinese Naval hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" arrives in Suva, Fiji, on Oct. 1, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Dongjie/Xinhua)

The Chinese naval hospital ship "Silk Road Ark" enters Suva Port in Suva, Fiji on Oct. 1, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Dongjie/Xinhua)
U.S. service members are silhouetted against the desert sun during the Gulf War. Gulf War illness continues to affect up to a third of the 700,000 troops deployed during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm more than 30 years ago, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Gulf War illness, a debilitating medical condition linked to military service, has received formal recognition as a legitimate illness after more than three decades of reports by veterans about unexplained symptoms they developed during active duty in the Persian Gulf.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced a medical diagnostic code for Gulf War illness that will enable doctors and scientists to more effectively track, document and treat the cluster of symptoms reported by tens of thousands of veterans who served in the early 1990s.

The new diagnostic code  which became effective Oct. 1  is part of a standardized system doctors use to identify diseases and medical conditions. The National Center for Health Statistics at CDC is responsible for modifications to those codes.

Veterans have been told it was in their heads. The medical establishment cannot do this anymore with this [medical diagnostic] code. This is an official illness, said Ronald Brown, an Army veteran and toxic wounds specialist.

The lack of a formal medical diagnosis for Gulf War illness until now meant doctors and researchers were unable to easily identify and treat veterans with the condition inside and outside the VA health care system, according to Veterans for Common Sense, a nonprofit advocacy group.

The medically unexplained symptoms include chronic fatigue, breathing problems, joint pain, skin rashes, digestive disorders and memory loss that may worsen over time, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA instead assigned other diagnoses  such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and undiagnosed illnesses  to the ailments many Gulf War veterans experienced.

Gulf War illness continues to affect up to a third of the 700,000 troops deployed during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm more than 30 years ago, according to VA.

The first time I got sick was within 15 minutes of the demolition of an Iraqi chemical weapons depot in Khamisiyah in March 1991, Brown said.

Ronald Brown, a former Army specialist, took photos of mushroom clouds that resulted from the demolition of a munitions depot in Khamisiyah, Iraq, in 1991. The first time I felt sick was 15 minutes after those demolitions started, said Brown, whose unit secured the compound prior to the demolition. (Ronald Brown)



Brown referred to toxic exposures from the destruction of a major weapons depot in the Khamisiyah region that the military found later contained chemical weapons. He estimated he was stationed a few miles from the depot when it was demolished.

I stayed sick, came home sick and left the military sick, said Brown, a former specialist with the 82nd Airborne division.

Anthony Hardie, an Army veteran and national director of Veterans for Common Sense, served in Kuwait and southern Iraq in 1991.

His organization often hears from Gulf War veterans who say they returned home with health problems but were dismissed by doctors.

It has been a travesty for them, said Hardie, a 57-year-old former Army staff sergeant.

Vietnam Veterans of America said the addition of the diagnostic code means that Gulf War illness is recognized as a legitimate medical diagnosis after three decades.

This validation is crucial for veterans who have long struggled to have their symptoms acknowledged and taken seriously, said Tom Burke, president of the organization, which works to advance policies to benefit all veterans.

The new diagnostic code enables doctors to identify patients through medical record searches rather than through social media and by word of mouth, said Nancy Klimas, a professor and physician who leads the Gulf War illness Clinical Trials and Interventions Consortia at Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

This is more than just a code. This is long-overdue validation for the suffering of the quarter-million afflicted veterans  and a formal acknowledgment that their illness is real, physical and service-related, said Beatrice Golomb, a physician and researcher at University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

Golomb, who led the effort for a designated diagnostic code for Gulf War illness, said studies link Gulf War illness to chemical exposures that impair the bodys mitochondria  the energy powerhouses of cells  and alter the brain and immune system.

She said the designation of the medical code allows providers to look up treatments that have been potentially helpful and deliver better care to affected veterans.

Brown has heard from many veterans who complain their primary care doctors do not know about Gulf War illness or its symptoms. I am hoping that will now change, Brown said.

The formal medical recognition of Gulf War illness should make it easier for veterans with chronic illnesses to obtain VA benefits, Brown said. I am hoping it will be less complicated when veterans have these claims for chronic complex illnesses, he said.

Golomb also is optimistic that veterans will connect with more effective treatments.

With recognition comes legitimacy, and legitimacy opens the door to evidence-based care, Golomb said. When providers are aware of Gulf War Illness and its unique biological characteristics, they are more likely to look into research, explore treatment options and take veterans concerns seriously.
SUVA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A special exhibition organized by the National Archives of Fiji opened on Tuesday to give Fijians a chance to rediscover the nation's story, celebrating 55 years of progress and independence.

The exhibition, which was officially opened by Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya, showcases Fiji's political, social, and cultural evolution since independence in 1970, reported Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.

Tabuya said the archives remind Fijians of the values of unity, resilience, and peace that have guided their progress.

The exhibition features a range of key historical documents, photographs, and artefacts, tracing Fiji's transformation from a British colony to a modern, independent state.

The five-day exhibition is currently open at the Government Resource Center and will move to Albert Park in Suva on Friday, coinciding with Fiji Day celebrations.

Fiji, a South Pacific island nation, gained its independence from Britain on Oct. 10, 1970. 
BEIRUT, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations forum held here on Tuesday called for stronger global cooperation to combat the growing threat of sand and dust storms (SDS), which experts warned are intensifying worldwide and posing serious environmental, health, and economic risks.

The two-day Forum on Fostering Interregional Collaboration on Sand and Dust Storms brought together policymakers, scientists, and international experts at the UN House in Beirut.

According to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), Western Asia is among the regions most severely affected by SDS, and similar challenges are escalating in Central and South Asia, the Far East, and the Sahel.

Meanwhile, SDS also spreads fine particles and pathogens across vast distances, worsening respiratory diseases, disrupting transport, and damaging crops.

The participants discussed improving scientific data and early warning systems, mobilizing finance and technology, integrating SDS risks into climate and health policies, and building partnerships involving governments, civil society, and the private sector.

In July 2024, the UN General Assembly designated 2025-2034 as the "United Nations Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms." 
Jose Luis Piedra Seville Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 16:14 Share

A man turned himself in at the Guardia Civil police station in the Seville town of Brenes on Friday, 3 October, to confess that he had killed his mother a few days earlier.

The police immediately opened an investigation after finding the woman's body inside her home. The pending autopsy results will clarify the time and cause of death. At the moment, no hypothesis has been ruled out.

Brenes mayor Jorge Barrera said that the town was left in shock following the news. He decreed a day of mourning and expressed his condolences to the victim's family and relatives.

According to the mayor, the suspect is being held in custody, awaiting trial. In the meantime, the police investigation continues.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 12:46 | Updated 14:26h. Share

Some rail passengers are already jokingly calling it "the 'pipi tren' ['wee-wee train']..." and this is the rather amusing story of the Media Distancia train that travelled from Malaga to Seville yesterday morning.

The story started to unfold at 9.05am on Monday, 6 October. The train left Maria Zambrano station in Malaga city centre and, shortly afterwards, a train crew member passed through all carriages announcing that the train they were travelling in was experiencing "a problem with the toilets, which are unusable", according to one of the passengers recounting the incident to SUR.

Instead of cancelling the train journey, which would have left dozens of passengers stranded, causing them serious inconvenience, Renfe decided to authorise two unscheduled stops so that those who needed to get off at intermediate stations along the route to use the public toilets there could do so. The first stop was supposed to be Bobadilla, but this first stop was ultimately made earlier, at Antequera's Santa Ana station, "due to physiological needs".

Due to this incident, the inter-city train from Malaga reached Seville 44 minutes late

"The stops caused passengers to rush, as they were afraid of being stranded at these stops because it took them so long to get through the queue for services," said the same rail passenger.

Delayed

As a result of the delay caused by all this extra waiting at stations, those responsible for the train advised passengers that the train would stop in Osuna, because their train would have to wait at the crossing for the Seville to Malaga train travelling in the opposite direction to pass them. "At that point, they again encouraged passengers to take advantage of the delay to use the facilities there, because they estimated a 30-minute delay. That said, a passenger enquired and was told that she could go, but to hurry up! It was a farce", said the same passenger from Malaga. Finally, the 'pipitren' arrived in Seville with a total delay that this passenger estimated at about 50 minutes.

Turning to comments from Renfe, a spokesperson explained that yesterday's 9.05am Malaga-Seville Media Distancia train arrived at its destination at 1.18pm, some 44 minutes late behind its scheduled arrival time, "as a result of a temporary technical failure that affected the proper functioning of all the train's restrooms".

For this reason, the operator enabled "longer stops at stations such as Osuna and Antequera, so that passengers could access the toilets in those stations' facilities". "Renfe kept passengers informed and apologises for this incident." Renfe also announced that a maintenance team is already working to resolve the breakdown as quickly as possible.

In this case, albeit with a significant delay, at least the train was able to complete its entire journey. The Media Distancia service between the two main provincial capitals of Andalucia is one of the lines with the highest cancellation rates, generally due to a lack of available rolling stock or train drivers.
SUR in English Gibraltar Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 15:52 Share

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) has completed Exercise Jebel Sahara, a major UK military training exercise in Morocco that marks a quarter-century of partnership between Gibraltar's regiment and Morocco's 2nd Parachute Infantry Brigade (2BIP).

The exercise was led by A Company from the 3rd Battalion The Rifles, commanded by Major Hemsley, with significant participation from both full-time and reserve soldiers from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. On-ground leadership was provided by Lieutenants Joseph Pfang and Kristian Diani, while twelve additional RG members supported the training and mentoring of Moroccan troops.

To commemorate the 25-year partnership, General Sir Patrick Sanders visited the exercise in his role as Honorary Colonel of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. The visit held special significance as General Sanders is also a former Rifleman, reinforcing the connections between the RG, 3 Rifles, and their Moroccan counterparts. He was accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the RG, Lieutenant Colonel John Pitto, Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Karon Fortunato, and Second-in-Command Major Dayan Pozo.

The deployment carried particular meaning for Lt Col Pitto and Maj Pozo, who are among the last serving Regiment members present at the exercise's inception 25 years ago. Lt Col Pitto emphasised that the exercise represents not just a milestone of cooperation, but the enduring friendships and operational trust built between the two forces. He noted the Regiment's pride in serving as the constant link in this partnership and expressed satisfaction at seeing the exercise expand to include other British Army units.

Lt Joseph Pfang described leading part of the Regiment on the deployment as an honour, highlighting the professional and personal rewards of working alongside 3 Rifles and 2BIP. .

The Regiment's sustained involvement in Exercise Jebel Sahara underscores its distinctive role within the UK's Armed Forces in fostering defence engagement, delivering operational excellence, and strengthening international military cooperation.
Eugenio Cabezas Nerja Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 16:24 Share

The Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo natural site, with a total surface area of 1,810 hectares, mostly in the province of Malaga and a portion in the province of Granada, is one of the most important marine-terrestrial natural areas in the Mediterranean.

The 1.415-hectare protected coastal area is justified by its great marine biodiversity and which has been classified in the Barcelona Convention as an 'Area of Special Mediterranean Importance' (ZEPIM). This importance justifies its protection and the necessary vigilance to avoid the impacts of tourist, sport and fishing activities on these ecosystems.

However, what often goes unnoticed is the 395 hectares of land mass that is included in the area, which is also "extraordinarily important for its terrestrial biodiversity" according to the biologist and coordinator of the environmental group, Gabinete de Estudios de la Naturaleza de la Axarquia (GENA)-Ecologistas en Accion, Rafael Yus.

The Natural Resources Management Plan for this area recognises only a few species of plants and animals, not even twenty, "a fact which possibly explains the scant attention being paid by the Junta de Andalucia to the necessary monitoring and control of the land ecosystems of the site, affected by impacts such as sporting activities, including hiking, climbing, mountain biking and paragliding, as well as being extensively occupied by vehicles, caravans in illegal car parks, people squatting in ruined buildings and the creation of campsites by Spanish and foreign nationals", Yus says.

According to Yus, the effects of this irregular activity on land biodiversity, "is notable and has been denounced by GENA-Ecologistas en Accion. "is notable and has been denounced by GENA-Ecologists in Action, which has been responded to with some specific actions that have not prevented the reiteration of these practices, due to a lack of vigilance and dissuasive measures".

Specialists

GENA has carried out a systematic inventory of all types of wildlife in the land area of the Maro Cliffs, bringing together the results in the book, entitled 'Biodiversidad terrestre del Paraje Natural Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo y su conservacion', written by Yus along with Rafael Perez Padilla, with the collaboration of numerous specialists and financed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition.

The result, which is shown in the book, is some 1,500 species, including plants in general (fungi, mosses, ferns and flowering plants) and invertebrate animals (terrestrial molluscs, isopods, arachnids, myriapods and insects) and vertebrate animals (amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). "The number of actual species is certainly higher, but these 1,500 species alone testify to the importance of the natural site for its strict protection," says Yus.

The authors propose the closure of car parks and access to the site without permission, putting an end to the influx of tourists

For this reason, the book concludes with the suggestion of a series of protective measures that would entail the closure of car parks and access to the site without permission, putting an end to the influx of tourists, leaving only the entry of small groups for educational purposes, under the permission and supervision of the Junta de Andalucia.

The book was presented last Thursday 2 October in the auditorium of the Museum of Nerja. It was also presented in Velez-Malaga, in the auditorium of the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo (CAC), the following day. According to its authors, the work will be sent to the Andalusian regional government with the suggested protection measures explained.
AMMAN, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Jordanian Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday the arrival of a Jordanian national and 130 foreign citizens who were aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, an aid mission bound for Gaza, through the King Hussein Bridge.

Ministry Spokesperson Fouad Majali said in a statement that the ministry, in coordination with the relevant authorities, facilitated their entry into the kingdom and provided the necessary assistance.

He added that the ministry also coordinated with the embassies of the concerned countries to arrange the departure of their nationals from Jordan.

Meanwhile, among the latest group of arrivals were 14 Turkish citizens, Turkiye's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oncu Keceli said on social media platform X.

"They will fly from Amman to Turkiye, completing the return of all Turkish participants of the flotilla to the country," he added.

The Global Sumud Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, was intercepted on Thursday by Israeli naval forces in international waters.

According to media reports, Israeli forces intercepted 42 vessels during the week and detained more than 400 activists in the confrontation, which reportedly occurred between 70 and 100 nautical miles off the coast. A total of 137 participants were flown to Turkiye on Saturday. 
Javier Almellones Malaga Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 12:07 Share

Measuring just 56 centimetres (21 inches) wide at its narrowest section, the Alcuza alleyway in the village of Sayalonga in the east of Malaga province is believed to be the narrowest in the Axarquia and indeed Spain's Andalucia region.

It is one of the most visited places in Sayalonga and can be reached via Calle Cristo. The church in front of it serves as a clue.

In recent years it has been decorated and enhanced with a crochet awning, which provides shade, although the alleyway is only exposed to the sun for a few minutes of the day due to its narrowness and the height of the walls that shelter it.

At its narrowest part it measures just 56 centimetres wide

The first part of the alleyway is wider, but it gets narrower further along. This funnel shape could be the reason for the name of the alley, since the word 'alcuza', derived from Arabic, refers to a conical vessel. This hypothesis, however, is not confirmed.

Zoom Recently it has been decorated and enhanced. J.A.

What is known for sure is that this type of narrow streets are common in towns and villages of the Al-Andalus period. This is explained by Professor Valentin Fernandez, who is currently finishing a book about Sayalonga and is the author of several books on medieval history.

Fernandez also adds an interesting fact in the case of this alley, which he has been able to verify in the study he is carrying out for his forthcoming publication: the building on the left was a safe house where the inhabitants could shelter in the event of danger.

This alley is used today to connect the church of Santa Caterina with Calle Piaggine

There is not much more information about other alleys in the province of Malaga, but it could be assumed that this is the narrowest of them all. However, according to the Guinness Book of Records the narrowest alley in the world is located in the German city of Reutlingen and is 31 centimetres wide.

In Spain, the narrowest alley is in the town of Urrues, in Zaragoza, at 41.5 centimetres. However, In Andalucia the narrowest at 50 centimetres wide is Calle Zanjilla, in the Granada village of Soportujar, known today as the 'village of witches'. Valentin Fernandez provides another case, also in the Alpujarra, in the town of Mecinilla.

The alley in Sayalonga today connects Santa Catalina church with Calle Piaggine and the nearby San Cayetano chapel. Sayalonga is also well known for its 'round cemetery', although curiously, the cemetery actually has eight sides, the same as the bell tower of Santa Catalina church.
Chus Heredia Malaga Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 11:49 Share

The crusade against wild boar and feral pigs continues, as the animals keep proliferating uncontrollably in the streets of Malaga province's towns. It has been estimated that there are around 22,000 specimens in the province. The regional government of Andalucia has declared a hunting emergency in the last decade, extending the measures year after year. Local councils are trying to do what they can. Malaga city council, for example, has just put out to tender the contract to control the wild boar population and stop specimens from appearing in residential and central areas such as Churriana, Ciudad Jardin, Victoria, Limonar, Cerrado de Calderon, Hacienda Paredes and Parque de Malaga.

Since the contract was signed for the first time a year ago, the city council has captured 45 specimens thanks to the use of narcotic darts. Controlling these animals' population is key, especially given the diseases they can spread both to other pig species and humans (contagious diseases known as zoonosis). Moreover, the hybrid between wild boars and domestic pigs is considered an exotic and invasive species. On top of this, there is a consistent risk of attacks on dogs and people.

Controversy

The mode of extermination is something that deeply divides society. While some prefer expeditious methods, others are more patient in the search for natural and less violent approaches. In any case, there is almost unanimous and collective agreement regarding the need to control pig populations.

Preventive measures

The document issued by the department of the environment insists on maintaining preventive measures in order to prevent the animals from accessing urban areas: from installing water troughs in areas on the outskirts of the city to planting vegetation that would attract the wild boars so that they remain outside public domains. In addition, food and waste should not be made available to them outside their natural habitat.

The company awarded the contract will be responsible for the monitoring of populations. Experts will therefore carry out night observations and inspections with thermal cameras. In addition, they will focus on tracing the animals' movements. Data will be collected and a monthly report will be sent to the environmental department.

In addition, the company must set up feeding stations and refill them once a week, as well as install camera traps.

When will bows be used

The aim of these actions is to create a cordon around the city and encourage the animals to populate the areas outside public and residential domains. Moreover, these control tasks ensure that hunting measures (bows and narcotic darts) are used as little as possible.

Hunting with bows and arrows, as well as narcotic darts, is authorised if done from a fixed elevated position. "Whenever possible, hunting with narcotic darts will be given priority over hunting with arrows," the document declares.

Furthermore, the administration of sedatives must always be carried out under the supervision of a vet. Animals captured and treated with sedatives and euthanasia cannot be used for human consumption. Their bodies must instead be incinerated in accordance with the regulations. If medicines are not used, then their meat may be used, in accordance with regulations, health inspections, etc.

The fixed cost for each capture with arrows and darts is 598.50 euros plus IVA (Spanish sales tax). The monitoring service is 330 euros plus IVA per month. The overall contract put out to tender is 30,000 euros. So far, the service has been provided by Scaes.
Europa Press Malaga Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 12:16 Share

National Police officers arrested a woman in the early hours of Sunday morning after she had reportedly stabbed her partner, 50, in Malaga city.

The incident happened at around 3.30am on Calle Alcalde Jose Maria Corona in the Carretera de Cadiz district.

National Police officers, the Local Police and the emergency health services were immediately mobilised to the scene, where they found the man with injuries to his legs and neck. He was transferred to the Clinico hospital in the city for treatment of his wounds.

According to sources, the woman might have been under the influence of a mixture of alcohol and medication at the moment of the attack.
SUR Malaga Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 16:35 Share

If you are looking for a cheap trip from Malaga to Madrid, you should set an alarm for 10am on Thursday, 9 October, as that is when private train operator Ouigo is launching a special offer in Spain, with prices starting from nine euros for travelling between 14 December and 2 August. The route in question makes a stop in Cordoba.

This new offer adds a third round-trip frequency to connect Madrid and Malaga. This initiative increases the number of seats by 370,000 more per year.

Ouigo offers XL seats, which are 30% larger than the basic ones. Moreover, it is the only company that compensates for delays of more than 30 minutes. "Ouigo is committed to offering a high-speed service accessible to everybody," the company stated.

Ouigo, which landed in Malaga in January this year, now offers six journeys between Malaga and Madrid: three outbound and three return.

The company encourages all passengers to plan their journeys in the coming months in advance so that they can enjoy the discounted fares, which start at nine euros, with a fixed fare of seven euros for children between the ages of four and 13. Children up to three years of age travel for free, provided they are travelling in the arms of an adult. Tickets are available both on the Ouigo website and on the company's app.
Eva, 83, was the fourth victim of gender-based violence in Malaga province so far this year. National Police officers found her body in her Costa del Sol home after she received several stab wounds from a 20-centimetre-long machete, which her partner (and alleged murderer) had purchased. The incident happened on 3 October in Marbella.

According to central government's Malaga delegation against gender-based violence, there have been three precedents of such crimes in the province since the start of the year. The first victim was Catalina, known by everybody in Benalmadena as Lina, who was strangled to death by her husband of more than a decade - a Nigerian man called Augustine. The couple shared three minor children, all of which were present on 9 February, when Augustine killed their mother and set fire to the house. Lina had another child from a previous marriage.

On 7 June, Pilar's body was found by a Marbella security guard, who was doing a routine check-up of the area around the establishment. Pilar, 53, was located in a field behind a petrol station in the Las Chapas district. She had multiple injuries on her face. Some of her belongings, including a pair of broken glasses, were found next to her body. Once again, the main suspect is her partner.

In June, 43-year-old Zunilda from Colombia was found dead in a rented flat in Fuengirola. She had been killed with a hammer by her partner Jarred, 48 and of American origin. According to the investigation, after killing her, Jarred had stabbed himself to death.

With Eva's murder, the death toll of gender-based violence in Spain as a whole, with two months left until the end of 2025, is 29. Since 2003, which is the year when data on this sort of crime was first collected, there have been 1,324 fatal victims.

Minister for equality Ana Redondo Garcia and delegate Carmen Martinez Perza have fervently denounced the most recent crime and expressed their "support" to the victim's family and friends. Both have urged all "institutions, administrations and society as a whole" to make efforts to "prevent more deaths".

Sub-delegate Javier Salas joined their call to "continue fighting against gender-based violence". According to Salas, domestic violence constitutes a type of crime that "some political parties try to justify".

Helplines

The 016 phone number attends to all victims of gender-based violence, 24 hours a day and in 52 different languages. Those who find themselves under even the slightest threat are encouraged to call or email 016-online@igualdad.gob.es. Attention is also provided by WhatsApp (600000016), while minors can contact the Anar foundation (900 20 20 10). The regional government of Andalucia also provides 24-hour assistance to women on 900 200 999.

However, in an emergency situation, you can call 112, or the National Police on 091 and the Guardia Civil (062). If it is impossible to make a call, you can use the AlertCops app, which sends an alert signal with the location to the police.
Irene Quirante Malaga Tuesday, 7 October 2025 | Updated 08/10/2025 10:45h. Share

The suspect who allegedly shot dead 25-year-old Swedish rapper Hamza Karimi (Hamko) has been provisionally jailed without bail after invoking his right not to testify.

According to sources, the 38-year-old detainee will initially be investigated for committing murder. If that charge is ultimately upheld, he will be tried by a jury.

The incident happened at around 2.30pm on Friday, 3 October. One of the security cameras on Calle Jose Banus, where the victim was found seriously injured, captured the young man smoking a cigarette while talking on the phone.

The suspect got out of a vehicle when he saw his target. He crossed the street pretending that he was also talking on his mobile phone and, when he was close to the victim, he pulled out a gun and fired more than ten shots, several of which hit the rapper.

The suspect fled once the badly wounded victim crawled inside the establishment in front of which he had been smoking. However, the rapid intervention of the police led to his arrest before he could leave the town.

The cooperation of witnesses who had had time to see the vehicle's number plate was also essential.

The National Police are now investigating whether the victim was linked to Swedish organised crime, suspecting that the incident could be part of a new settling of scores on the Costa del Sol.
Eugenio Cabezas Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 13:33 Share

European funds keep pouring into the coffers of public administrations in Spain for "sustainable development" projects and initiatives. The Ministry of Finance has just published the 242 projects to which it has allocated almost 1.8 billion euros of ERDF funds within the Edil plan for the 2021-2027 period. With the help of local co-financing, the total investment will amount to more than 2.5 billion euros, benefiting a total of 971 municipalities across Spain, most of which have fewer than 10,000 inhabitants.

The Edil subsidies are 30% higher than the Edusi plan, which covered the 2014-2020 period. Moreover, the number of projects has increased by 40% (from 173 to 242). On the other hand, the number of municipalities has quadrupled, going from 243 to 971. Two out of every three municipalities (65%) have fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, which demonstrates the priority given to less developed towns.

The number of beneficiary municipalities has been multiplied by four compared to the previous Edusi call

A total of 83 projects have been approved in Andalucia. This will benefit 358 municipalities, with funding of 735 million "to promote their sustainable development from an environmental, economic and social perspective". In fact, Andalucia is the region with the highest number of projects approved and the largest funding (41% of the aid).

On a provincial level, Malaga has the most funding in Andalucia, with 119.4 million euros for up to 12 projects, which will benefit 26 municipalities in the province: Velez-Malaga, Benalmadena, Alhaurin de la Torre, Alhaurin el Grande, Malaga, Nerja, Antequera, Rincon de la Victoria, Marbella, Cartama, Torremolinos, Ronda, Benalauria, Parauta, Farajan, Jubrique, Juzcar, Alpandeire, Atajate, Benadalid, Cartajima, Cortes de la Frontera, Yunquera, Algatocin, Jimera de Libar and Genalguacil.

Cohesion criteria

The allocation of funding has been determined "according to criteria of territorial cohesion and competitive tendering". Therefore, less developed areas have been given priority over more developed areas, as regulated by the European Commission. A total of 1 billion euros have been earmarked for less developed areas, 581 million for areas in transition and 173 million for the more developed regions.

To be eligible for these grants, local councils had to identify the main challenges they face in the medium term (social, economic, environmental or demographic) and address them from an integrated town model, with the participation and involvement of local figures.

The municipalities have submitted an integrated action plan (PAI) to outline the scope of action

The municipalities submitted an integrated action plan (PAI) to outline the scope of action to be financed by the aid. This includes the projects to be executed, their integrated approach, budget details and expected results. More than 40 areas of intervention were established around digitalisation and local economic dynamisation, energy efficiency, climate change prevention, circular economy, water resources, sustainable urban transport, social inclusion or urban, cultural and tourist heritage, among others.

Other criteria taken into account in the resolution are integrated planning, the transformative capacity of the projects, the capacity of each local board to co-finance, project viability and coordination with other programmes. The projects may be implemented until 2029.

Almost 12 million for Velez-Malaga

Velez-Malaga town hall has been provisionally selected to receive 11,948,905 euros from the ERDF funds, with a co-financing rate of 85% and a total public investment of 14,057,335 euros. Mayor Jesus Lupianez and first deputy mayor Jesus Perez Atencia have expressed their "satisfaction" to have been selected among "the most valued in Andalucia".

The project presented by Velez-Malaga, called 'Ubi Nix Fit Sal', aims to recover and enhance historical heritage, improve public space, promote sustainable transport, boost the cultural and economic life of the town, strengthen the local economy, generate employment, protect local values and improve connectivity, pedestrian access and green areas in the seafront area.

8.9 million for Nerja

Nerja will receive 8.9 million euros of European funds to finance a strategic project of a cultural, urban transport, environmental and commercial tourism nature. The actions exceed 10.5 million euros, of which 85 % will be financed with European resources and the town hall will assume the remaining 15 % (1.5 million euros).

Mayor Jose Alberto Armijo outlined the key actions: the construction of the new Giner de los Rios cultural and social centre, the refurbishment of Calle Manuel Marin and its connection with Calle Granada, the installation of new underground and surface-level waste containers in various areas of the historic centre, as well as tourism and commercial promotion initiatives based on new technologies.
David Hernandez Madrid Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 14:33 Share

Senior Spanish government cabinet ministers have approved a royal decree that allows the use of medicines containing cannabis. This proposal by the Ministry of Health represents an unprecedented milestone - it regulates a medicinal formula that has previously generated controversy. These medicines will only be available to people with very specific health problems and under certain conditions. Chronic pain, severe epilepsy and multiple sclerosis are some of the examples where this new alternative will be tested.

Minister of health Monica Garcia explained that "a precise dosage" of the medicines in question will be administered to ensure their effectiveness. In order to control the legal use of these medicines, the Spanish agency for medicines and health products will keep a register outlining the formula used in each treatment. The products may not exceed a certain percentage of cannabis and must comply with a defined composition of THC and CBD. If the THC content exceeds 0.2%, a higher tax rate will apply at every stage, from manufacturing to sale.

Although cannabis is internationally regulated, the new royal decree highlights that there are scientific studies that report some health benefits. The substance can help alleviate chronic pain and vomiting caused by chemotherapy or refractory epilepsy. However, its application will be monitored so that it can only be prescribed in specific cases and in doses that do not lead to addiction.

Each patient's case will be monitored by a doctor, who will supervise clinical effectiveness in order to prevent any adverse effects. The regulation is expected to come into force immediately, giving the regional governments access to the system for monitoring the distribution of these products. This will allow them to establish remote methods of obtaining the medication, especially for those facing geographical or other types of challenges.

With this regulation, the government has achieved a breakthrough that seemed unthinkable a few years ago. This measure facilitates more personalised treatments based on the latest scientific research. It is the first step in the legalisation of a substance that until now has always been frowned upon. According to the Ministry of Health, now is the chance to demonstrate the reliability and performance of drugs containing cannabis.
Fernando Morales Madrid Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 15:40 Share

At least ten people have been injured and four are missing after the collapse of the floor slab of a five-storey building that was under construction in Calle Hileras, in the centre of Spain's capital city, as confirmed by Emergencia Madrid. Fire and ambulance crews from Samur-Proteccion Civil are working at the scene, very close to Plaza de Opera, to secure the area.

According to the government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martin, a number of workers have been treated for their injuries. One of them has been taken to a hospital with a broken leg, while two others have been treated at the scene and are reportedly slightly injured.

Sources consulted by SUR believe that at least two people are in the rubble. "The workers are missing some of their colleagues. They are currently working to check whether they were inside or outside the building," they say. According to initial reports, they were working on the refurbishment of the building, which is to be converted into a hotel.

Video: Jose Ramon Ladra

The emergency services are working on the scene trying to secure the building after the debris fell from the fifth floor into the inner courtyard, as Martin explained. The municipal police are also keeping the area cordoned off, although for the moment the buildings adjacent to the collapsed building, located at number six of calle Hileras, between calle Arenal and calle Mayor, have not been evacuated.

Police are restricting access to the area to facilitate the search for the missing persons, for which a National Police canine team has been deployed.

Also in the area are the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Madrid, the deputy mayor of Madrid, Inmaculada Sanz and Madrid city council's urban planning delegate, Borja Carabante.

For his part, the mayor of Madrid, Jose Luis Martinez Almeida, has suspended his participation in a forum in London and is heading back to Madrid.
An exhibitor shows a falcon to visitors during the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2025. The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 opened in Riyadh on Oct. 2, with more than 1,300 exhibitors and brands from 45 countries showcasing their latest innovations. The exhibition will run until Oct. 11.

One of this year's major highlights is the participation of more than 50 Chinese companies. The Chinese pavilion showcases advanced desert farming solutions, modern hunting and camping gear, drones, smart technologies, prefabricated rooms, lighting systems, and off-road vehicles. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Visitors buy outdoor equipment at the Chinese pavilion during the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2025. The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 opened in Riyadh on Oct. 2, with more than 1,300 exhibitors and brands from 45 countries showcasing their latest innovations. The exhibition will run until Oct. 11.

One of this year's major highlights is the participation of more than 50 Chinese companies. The Chinese pavilion showcases advanced desert farming solutions, modern hunting and camping gear, drones, smart technologies, prefabricated rooms, lighting systems, and off-road vehicles. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

An exhibitor shows a falcon to visitors during the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2025. The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 opened in Riyadh on Oct. 2, with more than 1,300 exhibitors and brands from 45 countries showcasing their latest innovations. The exhibition will run until Oct. 11.

One of this year's major highlights is the participation of more than 50 Chinese companies. The Chinese pavilion showcases advanced desert farming solutions, modern hunting and camping gear, drones, smart technologies, prefabricated rooms, lighting systems, and off-road vehicles. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

A man looks at a Chinese brand off-road vehicle during the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2025. The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 opened in Riyadh on Oct. 2, with more than 1,300 exhibitors and brands from 45 countries showcasing their latest innovations. The exhibition will run until Oct. 11.

One of this year's major highlights is the participation of more than 50 Chinese companies. The Chinese pavilion showcases advanced desert farming solutions, modern hunting and camping gear, drones, smart technologies, prefabricated rooms, lighting systems, and off-road vehicles. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Children pose for a photo in front of a sculpture at the entrance of the Chinese pavilion during the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2025. The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 opened in Riyadh on Oct. 2, with more than 1,300 exhibitors and brands from 45 countries showcasing their latest innovations. The exhibition will run until Oct. 11.

One of this year's major highlights is the participation of more than 50 Chinese companies. The Chinese pavilion showcases advanced desert farming solutions, modern hunting and camping gear, drones, smart technologies, prefabricated rooms, lighting systems, and off-road vehicles. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

A girl experiences riding a camel at an outdoor exhibition area during the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2025. The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 opened in Riyadh on Oct. 2, with more than 1,300 exhibitors and brands from 45 countries showcasing their latest innovations. The exhibition will run until Oct. 11.

One of this year's major highlights is the participation of more than 50 Chinese companies. The Chinese pavilion showcases advanced desert farming solutions, modern hunting and camping gear, drones, smart technologies, prefabricated rooms, lighting systems, and off-road vehicles. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

Visitors look at Chinese brand off-road vehicles during the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2025. The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 opened in Riyadh on Oct. 2, with more than 1,300 exhibitors and brands from 45 countries showcasing their latest innovations. The exhibition will run until Oct. 11.

One of this year's major highlights is the participation of more than 50 Chinese companies. The Chinese pavilion showcases advanced desert farming solutions, modern hunting and camping gear, drones, smart technologies, prefabricated rooms, lighting systems, and off-road vehicles. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)

A man interacts with a falcon during the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 6, 2025. The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 opened in Riyadh on Oct. 2, with more than 1,300 exhibitors and brands from 45 countries showcasing their latest innovations. The exhibition will run until Oct. 11.

One of this year's major highlights is the participation of more than 50 Chinese companies. The Chinese pavilion showcases advanced desert farming solutions, modern hunting and camping gear, drones, smart technologies, prefabricated rooms, lighting systems, and off-road vehicles. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou)
Syracuse, N.Y.  A Syracuse anti-violence worker was sentenced to prison Tuesday for selling drugs near the community center where he mentored kids.

Cassieum Pitts, 28, previously pleaded guilty to 22 counts, including second-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and official misconduct.

Judge Matthew Doran offered Pitts a lesser sentence than prosecutors were seeking but he was required to plead guilty to the entire indictment.

Doran said he was swayed by the outpouring of support from the community on Pitts behalf.

A lot of people went to bat for you, Doran told Pitts.

The judge sentenced him to nine years in prison.

Pitts and Ahmed Abdi admitted to selling drugs while working as employees of Syracuse Cure Violence (also known as SNUG) on multiple occasions.

They sold cocaine and methamphetamines near the Southwest Community Center on South Avenue, as well as near a SNUG office on North Midler Avenue, prosecutors have said.

Southwest Community Center on 401 S. Ave.

Pitts admitted to selling cocaine to state police investigators three times between April and August 2024.

On Sept. 17, 2024, Pitts and Abdi sold methamphetamines

Pitts and Abdi were suspended without pay from SNUG after Syracuse Community Connections, a nonprofit that runs the anti-violence program, was made aware of the charges, according to Valerie Hill, the chief executive director for the community center.

The SNUG program seeks to reduce crime among young adults. The program utilizes credible messengers, people who may have criminal histories, who can serve as mentors.

The Syracuse SNUG branch has received $1.8 million in funding from the state, according to Janine Kava, the spokesperson for the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

The City of Syracuse provided $84,600 from the U.S. Department of Justice to SNUG to expand the outreach of the Citys Safer Streets program on the North Side. Pitts and Abdi were not involved with that project, a city spokesperson has said.

Abdi is scheduled to be sentenced in November. He also faces a separate gun charge, according to court records.

Pitts was on probation for attempted second-degree criminal possession of a weapon at the time of his arrest. He was sentenced Tuesday as a second-felony offender.

Before his sentencing, Pitts thanked Doran for letting him spend time with his family, including his children, before he began his prison time.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A woman was sentenced to prison Monday for conspiring to buy 52 guns in Georgia to sell in Syracuse in 2021.

Veronica Williams, 38, was convicted of fourth-degree conspiracy, one count of criminal possession of a firearm and one count of third-degree criminal sale of a firearm after trial.

On Monday, Williams was sentenced to a minimum of 11 years and a maximum of 15 years in prison, prosecutor Cindi Newtown said.

Williams faced 25 years in prison but she was found not guilty of 61 of the 64 charges against her.

The jury ultimately decided that prosecutors did not do enough to prove Williams, on her own or as an accomplice, possessed or sold the majority of the guns.

Williams was painted as the mastermind of the trafficking operation by 53 prosecution witnesses over a three-week trial.

Williams ex-girlfriend, Raeneisha Evans, testified against her. Evans said Williams told her when to buy the guns and transported them to Syracuse.

Evans purchased all 52 guns. She later reported them stolen, but some guns had already been recovered in Syracuse, prosecutors have said.

Investigators have recovered 19 of the guns: 18 in the Syracuse area and one in Canada. One was used in a homicide. Another was used in a murder suicide.

Police are still working to recover the 33 remaining guns.

Williams codefendants have not been sentenced.

Evans is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6. She was promised 5 years in prison if she testified.

Evans faced 20 years if she did not tell the truth and remain consistent with prior statements. The prosecutors are the judges of her truthfulness, according to a written plea agreement.

Julius Anderson, who was supposed to testify at trial but never did, is trying to withdraw his plea agreement. He was promised a sentencing range of no better than 11 years in prison and no worse than 16 years.
A rock and roll legend has canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour dates due to health problems.

Former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley announced Monday that hes made the difficult decision to cancel all concerts on his schedule due to some ongoing medical issues. Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.

Frehley, 74, did not provide more details about his condition, but he previously canceled a Sept. 26 appearance with Quiet Riot and Vixen at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, when he was hospitalized two weeks ago after suffering a minor fall in his studio. According to Blabbermouth, doctors advised him to refrain from travel until he fully recovers from his unspecified injuries.

No Upstate New York concerts were scheduled. Frehley most recently performed in the Syracuse area at the 2024 New York State Fair.

Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley and his band played to a crowded Chevy Court at the 2024 New York State Fair. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)

Frehley is best known for his work as Spaceman/Space Ace in KISS alongside Gene Simmons (a.k.a. the Demon), Paul Stanley (Starchild), and Peter Criss (Catman). Frehley was a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group from 1973 to 1982 and 1996 to 2002, playing on hits like Rock and Roll All Nite, I Was Made for Lovin You, Love Gun and Detroit Rock City.

KISS, which sold more than 100 million records over five decades, retired from touring in 2023. Simmons and other band members are scheduled to reunite for an unmasked performance at the Kiss Army fan clubs 50th anniversary celebrations next month.

Frehley, named one of the Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time by Guitar World magazine, is also known for his solo work on songs like New York Groove and Rip It Out. He released his last album, 10,000 Volts, in 2024, and told SiriusXM in February he was also working on a new collection of cover songs called Origins Vol. 3.

According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Frehley, Simmons Stanley and Criss were recently announced as Kennedy Center Honorees by President Donald Trump. The KISS rockers are scheduled to receive their award in a December ceremony alongside George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Michael Crawford and Gloria Gaynor.

Frehley called the Kennedy Center award a dream come true that I never thought would materialize.
Nina M. Moore, Ph.D.,of Syracuse, is the inaugural Dr. William L. Boyle Jr. Professor in Political Science at Colgate University and director of the Forum on Race and Public Policy. She is the author of the forthcoming book, Toeing the Line: The Supreme Court and Affirmative Action Politics (SUNY Press).

A chilling line in President Donald J. Trumps speech to military generals mused about a plan to ratchet up deployment of troops across America. Its where Trump suggested dangerous cities should be used as training grounds for the military. As disturbing as this sounds to civil libertarian types, Democrats would do well to recognize that the president is playing a winning hand in his over-the-top crime strategy.

For ordinary folks, it matters little that his reasons are suspect. The alarms that Trump is ringing drown out the fact that military troops are ill-suited to reduce domestic crime on an ongoing basis.

Americans tend to care more about public safety than civil liberties; they always have  going back decades. We submit to curfews, take off our shoes, abide mass drone surveillance, look the other way. Whatever it takes.

A 2025 Gallup survey reveals that 75% of Americans personally worry about violence a great deal or a fair amount. And when given the option to choose any issue, 1 out of 10 cite crime as the most important issue facing the country. Thats a lot, given all else thats going on in the country these days.

In reality, the publics take on crime is about feeling safe. Statistically, America is safer now than it has been in a long time. Violent crime is lower than in 1990, according to FBI statistics. Criminal victimization data show that most are not personally impacted by crime, fewer than 2%.

Its hard to believe that Trump is clueless about the disconnect between his crime rhetoric and crime trends. Hes a smart man, a real estate genius whose business it is to know whats good in the neighborhood.

What the president and everyday people do get and what liberal politicians seemingly dont get is the lived reality, that crime is scarier and more random these days.

Viral videos of flash mobs swarming retail stores shocks the conscience. Locked-up toothpaste and baby formula, plus armed guards at Walmart and Marshalls, stir anger. Violent criminals livestreaming their misdeeds builds resentment. Taking the subway in New York City or a stroll down the Magnificent Mile in Chicago is a risky gamble. Main street America feels unsafe now.

Blacks know that feeling best. Theyve experienced the worst of crime. A diehard core of the Democratic base, they live with criminal victimization rates that are higher than any other demographic. The research in my book The Political Roots of Racial Tracking in American Criminal Justice illustrates the murder, rape, assault and robbery rates for Black victims far surpasses their white counterparts, by three to seven times higher.

If only Democratic leaders and luminaries were at the kitchen table of ordinary Blacks across America when they watch leaders talk past the violence that uniquely harms them, especially Black men aged 15-34 for whom homicide is the No. 1 cause of death. Theyd hear how Black victimization matters little, politically.

Statistics be damned, the bottom line is Americans dont feel safe, especially Democrats most loyal voters.

Unless party leaders cop to this complex reality of crime and violence, Trump will ride his imaginary crime wave to another midterm victory in 2026. Already, Democrat voters faith in the party is at an historic low. The party lost ground among Black voters in 2024, as one out of five Black men voted for Trump.

What should Democrats do?

First, abandon the strategy of denial. Act as if the country has entered a new era of brazen criminal behavior and that it matters. Thats what Democratic President Bill Clinton did. The last time Democrats squared off with Republicans in a crime fight, Clintons response was to fight fire with fire. The 1994 Republican Contract with America that pledged crime reform was bested by the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, shepherded by then-Sen. Joe Biden.

Devote less political bandwidth to anti-Trumpism; redirect it to anti-crimeism. Telling citizens to not believe their lying eyes isnt a winning strategy. Here, too, a page out of Clintons playbook is instructive. His retort to an unhappy heckler at a 1992 campaign rally was I feel your pain! He rode that expression to victory, twice.

Americans are not convinced that Democrats feel their fear. They trust Republicans more on crime, according to a new Washington Post/Ipsos poll, by 22% more  even though theyre split on using the National Guard to fight crime.

Trump insists his goal is to make America safe again. Call his bluff. Demand more funding for a longterm crime strategy  to hire more police officers, bolster prevention, school safety, corrections resources, jobs for at-risk youth, the works. When Clinton pledged $50,000 to supplement police salaries, to combat violence against women and set up a national crime-fighting war chest, it was game over.

Clintons policies werent altogether ideal, it must be said. They helped fuel mass incarceration. Heres a chance to get that right. Tout decarceration of nonviolent offenders to make room for the scary ones the administration likes to showcase. Ask the president to dust off his own legislation that Congress passed in 2018 to reduce recidivism and decrease imprisonment.

Try a new battle cry. Expose how a military-centered crime-strategy is not only anti-American. It is ineffective. According to news reports, National Guard troops cleared trash from Washington, D.C., streets. Big-time gang members and drug dealers went into hiding. And small-time criminals and innocents were the main spoil, many of whose cases were thrown out of court.

Democrats have reality on their side. Now, they just have to act and talk accordingly.
President Donald Trump plans to impose new tariffs on imports of medium- and heavy-duty trucks starting Nov. 1.

The tariffs will total 25%, according to Bloomberg. The new levies had previously been scheduled to go into effect Oct. 1, but they were delayed as administration officials heard appeals from companies concerned about the impact.

Beginning November 1st, 2025, all Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks coming into the United States from other Countries will be Tariffed at the Rate of 25%, the president posted Monday, without offering further details, according to Bloomberg.

The new levies will hit an industry already affected by tariffs on steel and aluminum, along with stricter environmental rules, according to Bloomberg. The new taxes could raise prices on vehicles used in shipping, construction, municipal services and more.

Trump is imposing the new tariffs using a law that allows import taxes on goods that are critical to national security, according to Bloomberg.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce previously urged the administration not to impose new truck tariffs, according to Reuters. The group noted that the top five import sources are Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany and Finland, all of which are U.S. allies or close partners and pose no threat to national security.

Proponents of the tariffs say they will help strengthen domestic manufacturing. In a previous social media post, Trump said they were necessary protect our Great Heavy Truck Manufacturers from unfair outside competition, according to Bloomberg.

Trump has imposed a range of tariffs on individual goods and nations since returning to office in January. Theyre generating billions in new revenue, according to Fox Business.

Trump has even floated the idea of a tariff stimulus check for Americans that would be worth up to $2,000.
A man was killed early Tuesday morning after his motorcycle hit a horse in Upstate New York.

The deadly crash was reported around 4:15 a.m. in Clinton, a small town in Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley.

Craig M. Butler, of Staatsburg, was riding a 2007 Yamaha Chappy north on State Route 96 when his motorcycle crashed into a horse in the road near North Creek Road, the New York State Police said in a news release.

The impact of the crash threw Butler from the motorcycle, troopers said.

Although first responders tried to save him, Butler was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. He was 48 years old.

The horse struck by the motorcycle also died, troopers said.

Troopers did not specify how the horse ended up in the roadway or who the animal belonged to.

The accident happened on a rural stretch of State Route 96, a two-lane road dotted with farms.
CAIRO (AP)  Peace talks between Israel and Hamas were resuming at an Egyptian resort city on Tuesday, the two-year anniversary of the militant groups surprise attack on Israel that triggered the bloody conflict that has seen tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Gaza.

The second day of indirect negotiations in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are focused on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war in Gaza.

After several hours of talks Monday, an Egyptian official with knowledge of the discussions said the parties agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings.

The plan has received widespread international backing and Trump told reporters on Monday that he thought there was a really good chance of a lasting deal.

This is beyond Gaza, he said. Gaza is a big deal, but this is really peace in the Middle East.

Trumps peace plan

Many uncertainties remain, however, including the demand that Hamas disarm and the future governance of Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long said Hamas must surrender and disarm, but Hamas has not yet commented on whether it would be willing to.

The plan envisions Israel withdrawing its troops from Gaza after Hamas disarms, and an international security force being put in place. The territory would then be placed under international governance, with Trump and former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair overseeing it.

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251.

The devastating war that has ensued has upended global politics, resulted in the deaths of 67,160 Palestinians nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gazas Health Ministry, and has left the Gaza Strip in ruins.

The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants, but says more than half of the deaths were women and children. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government, and the United Nations and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties.

A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israels offensive in the Gaza Strip amounts to genocide - an accusation Israel vehemently denies.

On Tuesday at the area attacked by Hamas two years ago, thousands of Israelis gathered to pay tribute to their loved ones who were killed and kidnapped. An explosion from Gaza echoed across the fields as they reflected, following the launch of a rocket in northern Gaza. No damage or injuries were reported.

In Gaza City, meantime, residents said Israeli attacks continued until the early hours of the morning on Tuesday, though there were no immediate reports of casualties.

A promise of humanitarian relief

Ahead of the resumption of talks on Tuesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an end to the hostilities, which have created a humanitarian catastrophe on a scale that defied comprehension.

The recent proposal by US President Donald J. Trump presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end, Guterres said.

A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace. International law must be respected.

Mediators from Qatar and Egypt were facilitating the talks, meeting first on Monday with members of the delegation from Hamas, then later with those from Israel.

Israels delegation included Gal Hirsch, coordinator for the hostages and the missing from Netanyahus office, while Hamas representatives included Khalil Al-Hayya, the groups top negotiator.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Monday that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner were on hand to talk part in the talks and keep the president apprised.

She did not comment on a specific deadline for concluding the talks, but said it is important that we get this done quickly.

Part of the plan is to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than two million Palestinian are facing hunger and in some areas famine.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the organization was poised and ready to act.

The machinery is cranked up and ready to go as soon as we get the green light, Dujarric said. There are many thousands of metric tons in the pipeline of goods ready to enter from Jordan, the Israeli port of Ashdod and elsewhere, he added.
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia exported 11.13 million tonnes of agricultural products in the first nine months of 2025, up 30.4 percent from 8.53 million tonnes over the same period last year, said a Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries report on Tuesday.

The Southeast Asian country made a total revenue of 3.88 billion U.S. dollars from the commodity exports to 88 countries and regions during the January-September period this year, the report said.

Major agricultural items for exports included rice, rubber, cassava, mangoes, yellow bananas, pepper, cashew nuts, longans, durians, and corn, among others.

Agriculture is one of the four pillars supporting Cambodia's economic growth, in addition to garment, footwear, and travel goods export, tourism, and construction and real estate.

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and Spokesperson Penn Sovicheat said China is a huge market for Cambodian products, especially for potential agricultural produce.

"Under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and the Cambodia-China Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), a number of Cambodian products, particularly high-quality agricultural produce such as milled rice, yellow bananas, mangoes, longans, peppercorn, and durians, have been exported to China with preferential tariffs," he told Xinhua. 
Channel 4 may axe Whats the Big Deal?.

Natalie Cassidy thinks her Channel 4 consumer series What's the Big Deal? may be axed

The consumer series - which saw host Natalie Cassidy, 42, tell viewers about some of the UK's latest must-have items and if they are worth the hype - failed to impress, and she cannot see the broadcaster renewing it.

Natalie told The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column: "I dont think it went down very well, if Im honest.

"I dont think it will come back. At the moment, there is no talk of it.

"But I loved it and it was a great experience for me to do.

Channel 4 has not confirmed the future of What's the Big Deal?.

It comes as Natalie recently revealed that her and 48-year-old actress Joanna Page's BBC podcast Off the Telly has ended.

While promoting her new book Happy Days - in which former EastEnders actress Natalie reflects on her life on and off the screen - at a literary festival in Somerset, she said: "We had a laugh doing it and it is a shame the pod ended.

"I dont think it will be back.

"With the BBC sometimes, what happens is, through no fault of their own, they love exploring new stuff and they do chop and change.

"And if something isnt massively, massively popular, then they will just get rid and try new material.

"That is kind of what the BBC is for.

"The money is from you guys, so they do need to change things and make things new.

The axing of Off the Telly and the potential ending of What's the Big Deal? comes months after Natalie left EastEnders to pursue other projects.

She made her last appearance as Sonia Fowler in the hit BBC soap during the April 17 episode when her alter ego left Walford for Bali with her daughters Rebecca "Bex" Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) and Julia Fowler, and her sister Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).

And Natalie - who played National Health Service (NHS) nurse Sonia, on and off, for 32 years - recently said it felt "freeing" to leave EastEnders.

She explained in the November issue of Prima magazine: "Its been freeing leaving EastEnders. I feel liberated and just happy.

"Albert Square will always hold a place in my heart, and I love it there. There could be a storyline where I come back for a week  those things are great.

"But it took up a lot of time. I used to be learning lines in the evening, and thats gone now.

"And then Id be up at six in the morning. Youre not a scaffolder or a heart surgeon, but it did take a long time, whereas now, my evenings are free, unless Im recording a podcast at home.

Natalie also decided to leave because she was in her 40s.

She added: "I know its a bit of a cliche, but I think turning 40 is a milestone. I think you know who you are, you know who your friends are, and where you are in life. You dont want any rubbish.

"And for me, having been in this business for such a long time, I just needed to be free and be open to everything else.

"EastEnders is a brilliant job, but when youre there, youre chained. And thats not a bad thing, because its regular money. You know where you are and what youre doing.

"But you havent got any time to plan anything else, so it does take over your whole life. For me, I just knew I needed to be brave, and I needed to break free from that to sit and go, What else is going to come?
BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the WPK and pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK from Oct. 9 to 11, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will lead a party and government delegation to the DPRK, said the spokesperson.

China and the DPRK are traditional friends and neighbors, and it is an unswerving strategic policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations, said the spokesperson when asked about the backdrop and China's expectation of Li's upcoming visit.

Noting this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK, the spokesperson said that China stands ready to work with the DPRK through this visit to follow the guidance of the important common understandings reached between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, enhance strategic communication, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and advance China-DPRK traditional friendship and cooperative ties. 
GAZA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing indirect ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh remain "difficult and complex," Palestinian sources said Tuesday as the second day of indirect talks got underway.

The sources close to Hamas said on condition of anonymity that the discussions, mediated by Egypt and supported by the United States and Qatar, are currently focused on setting up the "technical mechanisms" required to launch the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza.

On Sept. 29, Trump announced a 20-point plan that Israel accepted, outlining steps for a phased ceasefire, including the release of Israeli hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

According to the sources, the plan stipulates that Hamas must release all hostages within 72 hours after both sides publicly agree to the proposal. In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and suspend military operations in Gaza.

Hamas announced on Friday that it was ready to release the Israeli hostages it holds in the enclave in accordance with the plan. Trump welcomed the statement and called on Israel to halt its bombardment of Gaza immediately.

However, the Palestinian sources noted that Hamas has yet to respond to several conditions Israel considers essential for a full ceasefire, particularly those related to the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza.

They added that the technical teams are currently examining detailed maps submitted by the Israeli delegation outlining the areas from which the Israeli army would withdraw, as well as lists of Palestinian prisoners slated for release.

In parallel, Hamas has presented its proposed mechanisms for handing over hostages and the remains of deceased captives, while pointing to logistical and security obstacles due to the ongoing Israeli military presence in parts of Gaza.

Israeli media reported that U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, along with U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, is expected to join the negotiations on Wednesday.

Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer may also take part later to finalize potential agreements, according to the reports.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a press briefing on Tuesday that the negotiations in Egypt "are ongoing and it is too early to speak of results."

He added that Trump's 20-point plan "contains many complex details" and accused Israel of prolonging the violence through continued airstrikes on Gaza, stressing that "the main challenge now is implementation, not consensus."

On Monday, Trump told reporters that he believed "things are going very well" and that Hamas had agreed to "very important things." He added, "We will reach an agreement in Gaza... I'm almost certain of that."

On the ground, Palestinian security sources said that while Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza have slightly decreased since dawn Tuesday, they have not completely stopped.

Palestinian medical officials told Xinhua that hospitals in Gaza have received 10 bodies since early Tuesday, including six in Gaza City, following overnight Israeli attacks.

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli military sites and nearby settlements, killing about 1,200 people.

Israel responded with a massive military campaign on the densely populated Gaza Strip, which has so far killed more than 67,000 Palestinians and injured over 169,000, according to Gaza's health authorities. 
Bonaire residents take Netherlands to court over climate



The Hague, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



Residents on a tiny island off the coast of Venezuela and Greenpeace on Tuesday urged the Netherlands to take action on the climate crisis, at the opening of a trial in The Hague.

Bonaire is one of the Dutch territories worst-hit by the climate crisis, according to Greenpeace, and through the courts they are demanding that the Dutch government develop concrete plans to protect the island and reduce CO2 emissions to zero by 2040.

The trial at The Hague is a first for Europe and follows an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July, which provides a legal interpretation of international climate law.

"Climate change is not a distant threat for us... Where we used to work, play, walk, or fish during the day, the heat is now often unbearable," Bonaire resident and farmer Onnie Emerenciana told the court.

A 2022 study by Amsterdam's Vrije Universiteit showed that as much as a fifth of Bonaire could be swallowed up by the sea by the end of the century.

Sporting a scarf in the Bonaire flag colours, Emerenciana warned that "parents say their children can no longer walk to school as they used to... Outdoor games have been replaced by indoor activities behind closed doors".

"We are suffering the consequences of CO2 emissions to which we contribute very little," said Emerenciana.

The ICJ, the United Nation's top court in The Hague, published a landmark opinion in July which concluded that states in violation of their climate obligations were committing an "unlawful" act and may have to pay reparations to the most affected countries.

Legislators, lawyers and judges around the world can now use the opinion to amend laws or prosecute states for climate inaction.

On the first day of the trial, Greenpeace and representatives of the Dutch government will each present statements about efforts to limit global warming, particularly through reducing emissions.

On Wednesday, the trial will focus on the issue of adapting to the consequences of climate change, both in terms of the environment and society.
Romania to close schools as heavy rainfall forecast in south



Bucharest, Oct 7 (AFP) Oct 07, 2025



Romanian authorities announced Tuesday that hundreds of schools and educational facilities in the south would remain closed on Wednesday as the region braced for a night of heavy rainfall.

The national weather agency has issued red alerts for the capital city Bucharest and five other counties in the south and southeast.

"Rainfall may reach 80-100 litres per square metre, with isolated areas receiving 120-140 litres per square metre," the environment ministry said in a statement.

The ministry also advised people against traveling.

In some lower-lying areas, authorities were preparing sandbags in a bid to counter expected flooding.

"Our priority is to reassure Bucharest residents that they are not in danger, to ensure that the city does not come to a standstill and that there is no rush to pick up children from school and bring them home," the city's interim mayor, Stelian Bujduveanu, told reporters.

Five counties outside the capital adopted similar measures.

Last week, four people died in neighbouring Bulgaria following heavy rainfall that hit the country's Black Sea coast.

Severe flooding affected Romania over the summer, killing three people in the northeast.

President Nicusor Dan said at the time that the "dramatic events" proved the need for "sustainable investment in prevention and protection against climate risks".
Long seen as the poor relation of the international art world, modern African art has undergone a massive surge in prestige and commercial interest over the past two decades. The realisation that contemporary art had to expand its focus beyond Western Europe and North America has seen curators falling over themselves to include artists from this painfully neglected area in major exhibitions and biennales. Tate Modern staged its first retrospective by an African artist, Sudans Ibrahim El Salahi, in 2013. But this is the first major exhibition devoted to the development of modernism in a single African country. It focuses, not surprisingly, on the so-called Giant of Africa, the country in which one in four of all Africans live, in the pre- and post-independence era: when Africans were striving for cultural emancipation as well as political and economic liberation.

Nigeria, with its well-developed higher education system  certainly in comparison with its neighbours  plus its array of extraordinarily rich traditions for artists, writers and musicians to draw on, and a vibrant urban popular culture, provided the ideal stage for the development of a truly African modern art.

Exhibitions of non-Western modern art tend to shy away from showing the first gropings towards modernity from artists working in isolation from the international art world, on the grounds that they can be seen as folksy and parochial  exactly the qualities detractors have tended to highlight in modern African art. This show, however, lets the works of these early explorers shine out. Akinola Lasekans paintings of ancient battles and modern-day acrobats may be patently illustrative, but their presence is an honest reflection of what was happening on the ground before the arrival of modernism proper.

Sensitive responses to classical Nigerian sculptures in the much-venerated Ife and Benin traditions, by artists who had in many cases attended London art schools, suggest that the pre-independence era saw a far richer cultural interaction between Britain and Nigeria than we would tend to assume.

Ben Enwonwu is a titan among such artists, a huge figure in Nigeria. Acclaimed as the first modern African artist to gain international recognition, as the wall text has it, he gets an entire large room to himself. If he has never received serious international recognition, its perhaps because his attempts to fuse conventional Western representation, Modernist experimentation and traditional African forms appear to fall between stools. Highly accomplished bronze portrait busts bring to mind a slightly African-tinged Jacob Epstein, and Enwonwu was friends with the British Modernist during a long period of living in London. The painted female portrait Tutu (1974) is outright kitsch, while paintings of traditional dances give a slightly uncomfortable sense of the artist looking at his culture through the lens of European modernists who have freely plundered it, but without establishing any sort of critique. More convincing are relatively conventional, but highly atmospheric paintings of the Ogolo masquerade from his own Igbo tradition, which give a rare sense of the meanings of the masked figures and their movements as theyre experienced from the inside.

Most outstanding, however, are life-sized wooden figures of commuters reading newspapers created for the Daily Mirror offices during Enwonwus London sojourn, presented as a kind of installation down the centre of the room. While theres no attempt at realism, the goggle-eyed expressions on the faces are quite hilarious, with the whole timelessly stylised tableau bringing to mind something Epstein himself might have created, if hed had a sense of humour.

Nigerias first avant-garde art movement  the so-called Zaria Rebels, a group of young students at the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology in Zaria  staged a classic Modernist revolt against their academically inclined British expat tutors. Their leader Uche Okeke called for a natural synthesis of indigenous and imported forms to create a new culture for a new society This is our Renaissance era! But the works by the groups members struggle to live up to the excitement of that rhetoric. Leading rebel Bruce Onobrakpeyas mysterious anthropomorphic images of forests are stronger than his overtly Christian lino cuts. Yusuf Grillos images of women and warriors, from the early Sixties, tend towards an expressionistic, self-consciously primitive sensibility that was very prevalent among Western illustrators at the time. His friend Jimoh Akolos Fulani Horsemen is in a similarly decorative groove, which, judging by its prominent use in the shows publicity, is likely to prove more popular with Tate visitors than a room full of austere Western-inspired abstraction ever could.

open image in gallery 'Black Culture' by Benedict Enwonwu ( Tate Modern/The Ben Enwonwu Foundation )

Akolos more visceral, but similarly brilliantly coloured Man Hanging from a Tree (1963) compels because it shrugs off the compulsion to illustrate Nigerian culture that seems to come with these artists awareness of their role in nation building. The contrast between Clara Etso Ugbodaga-Ngus elegant Abstract (1960) and her Elemu Yoruba Palm Wine Seller (1963) suggests this pioneering woman artist gave up a promising career as an abstract painter in favour of clunky figurative folklore.

If this national focus runs counter to the international, even universalist aspirations of Modernism as we tend to understand it, Nigeria had its own utopian High Modernist moment in the Mbari Club. This meeting place for artists and writers in the university city of Ibadan remains iconic in Nigeria as an embodiment of pan-diasporic, multi-disciplinary experimentation. Legendary bandleader Fela Kuti debuted there, while key plays by Wole Soyinka, Africas first Nobel prize winner, were premiered. The clubs German-born convener Ulli Beier raised funding for visits by major Black artists from across Africa, America and the Caribbean. While the show assembles a nice selection of works from visiting artists including Ibrahim El-Salahi, Ethiopias Skunder Boghossian and the Japanese printmaker Naoko Matsubara, the cross-disciplinary aspect, which is as intrinsic to traditional African culture as it is to Modernism, feels a shade under-explored.

Beier, a junior lecturer at Ibadans university, also had a hand in the so-called Oshogbo School. These workshops offered free-form art classes to unemployed youths, whose exuberant prints and paintings became controversial when they attracted more international acclaim than the work of many of the countrys professionally trained artists. The paintings of Muraina Oyelami and the lino cuts of Jacob Afolabi, to name just two alumni, have a fiercely uninhibited expressionistic quality that Western artists of the order of Paul Klee and Jean Dubuffet would have envied.

This show offers a jubilant panorama of the birth of modern art in an embattled emergent nation. If the horrors of the Biafran War of 1967 to 1970 seemed to bring Nigerias Modernist moment to a standstill, the artists struggled on through a string of mostly corrupt military governments and the highs and lows of the countrys petrochemical boom to see contemporary artists such as El Anatsui and Ndidi Dike, both featured in the shows final room, acclaimed as modern masters.

Theres plenty of work in this exhibition that doesnt fall in line with tasteful Western expectations of what international Modernism ought to be like. But thats because the art and the artists who created it were genuinely embedded in the cultural interactions that surrounded them, rather than floating in a generalised, global art-world ether, as most art, no matter where its produced, does today. Their energy, humour and ambition wont fail to leave you on a high.

Nigerian Modernism is at Tate Modern from 8 Oct until 10 May
The cult of Thomas Pynchon is powerful and will only be bolstered by Shadow Ticket, the 88-year-old writers first novel in 12 years and one that, as an admirer of much of his previous work, I found to be a rather mixed bag.

Firstly, however, lets deal with the massive Pynchon elephant in the room: the tedious obsession with framing him as the worlds most reclusive author (a title once bestowed on The Catcher in the Rye writer JD Salinger). The description was first used in 1963, when New York Times critic George Plimpton wrote: Pynchon is in his early twenties; he writes in Mexico City  a recluse. It is hard to find out anything more about him.

It has subsequently been trotted out in thousands of profiles of the author of the novels V (1963), The Crying of Lot 49 (1966), Gravitys Rainbow (1973), Vineland (1990), Mason & Dixon (1997), Against the Day (2006) and Bleeding Edge (2013).

The basis of this reclusive reputation is that he has never given a full-length interview to a journalist or broadcaster and declines to attend book signings or literary promotions. He tries to avoid being photographed publicly. When he spoke to a dogged pursuer from CNN television station in 1997, the writer said, with much truth, Recluse is a code word generated by journalists meaning doesnt like to talk to reporters. He apparently told one journalist in the 1990s to get your f***ing hand away from me! when he was offered flesh to press.

As a result, fewer than a dozen images of Pynchon are available. The best known is the black-and-white photograph from his Oyster Bay High School yearbook. There is also an image of him serving in the navy that does the rounds, showing him in a sailors uniform and with the protruding front teeth of which he was supposedly highly self-conscious.

Despite being reluctant to seek the spotlight (a rarity among ambitious writers), there is little to suggest the reclusive label is anything other than a cliche. In the introduction to his 1984 collection of short stories called Slow Learner, Pynchon recalled: I spent a lot of time in jazz clubs I put on horn-rimmed sunglasses at night. I went to parties in lofts where girls wore strange attire. Pynchon has remained an avid jazz fan and a frequent concert-goer, attending gigs in New York clubs and at Carnegie Hall. His passion for the swing band era remains and descriptions of big band music  including references to luminaries such as Coleman Hawkins, Count Basie and trumpeter Jabbo Smith, along with the antics of his fictional clarinettist Hop Wingdale  are a charming aspect of Shadow Ticket.

There are also numerous accounts of the author hanging out with friends in New York coffee shops or being spotted on walks in Riverside Park. The outgoing side of the authors personality was also demonstrated when he penned liner notes for the alternative rock band Lotions 1996 album Nobodys Cool. According to drummer Rob Youngberg, Pynchon sought out the band and offered to write about them.

open image in gallery There are very few images of Pynchon available, including an old photo on him serving in the navy ( Albert Love Enterprises/Public domain )

Pynchon is also no hermit when it comes to the workings of the publishing world. Since leaving his first agent, Candida Donadio, he has been represented by his wife, the powerful New York literary agent Melanie Jackson (who also looks after Percival Everett and Richard Powers), whom he married in the 1990s after the birth of their son Jackson Pynchon.

Literary insiders who have dealt with Pynchon also offer a portrait of him that is at odds with the trope of an elusive, secretive writer. Brazilian Reinaldo Moraes found Pynchon helpful during the translation process for Vineland and translator Paulo Henriques Britto told Brazilian journalist Natalia Portinari: Pynchon is extremely thoughtful, far and away the most solicitous author I have ever spoken to.

Pynchon has simply assiduously guarded his privacy. Even though he was a fan of writer David Shetzline (he called his 1968 novel DeFord original and important), his daughter Andrea could not penetrate Pynchons domestic defences. Whenever I wanted to write him a letter, he used to say, Well, I cant give you the address, because a tree is about to fall on my house and I have to move, she told Portinari.

The basic facts about Thomas Ruggles Pynchon Jrs past are well established: he was born on 8 May 1937 in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York and raised a Catholic by his engineer father and nurse mother; he graduated from Cornell University in 1958 with a degree in English; he served in the US Navys Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean from 1955 to 1957; he worked in Seattle as a technical writer for Boeing and travelled widely, including to Mexico, before embarking on a six-decade career as a writer that has earned him a devoted, obsessive fanbase. There is even a Pynchon Wiki that analyses each of his books, page by page, to identify the copious social, political and artistic references in his fiction. Shadow Ticket should keep them busy in that respect.

One of his biggest fans is the director Paul Thomas Anderson, who adapted Pynchons darkly comic detective novel Inherent Vice into a 2014 movie. Any time a new book of Pynchons has come out  at least since Ive been around  its like I hang the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and dont come out until its done, Anderson said.

open image in gallery Director Paul Thomas Andersons One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is a loose adaptation of Pynchons Vineland ( Warner Bros )

Andersons acclaimed 2025 film One Battle After Another is loosely based on Pynchons 1990 novel Vineland  a terrible book, according to the late critic Harold Bloom  although the director moves the action from the 1960s to set it in the present day. Vineland was going to be hard to adapt, Anderson explained in the production notes for Warner Brothers. Instead, I stole the parts that really resonated with me and started putting all these ideas together. With [Pynchons] blessing. Anderson said that the process drew him no closer to the writer, however. I dont know Thomas Pynchon; I dont know who he is, I dont know what he looks like. I didnt consult with him on the script, he wrote. Thats all Ive got to say. I really feel like hes like B Traven. Remember B Traven? The guy who wrote The Treasure of the Sierra Madre? He was this kind of shadowy figure who would come and drop pages on John Hustons desk.

Although Vineland has a more accessible structure than some Pynchon novels  the 1,085-page Against the Day can baffle with its hundreds of characters across three continents  the complexity and knottiness of Pynchons fiction is what delights fans. I enjoyed V and his short novel The Crying of Lot 49  which is only 155 pages and crammed with jokes and enticing tales of conspiracy and paranoia  and was enthralled by his intricate, cacophonous masterpiece Gravitys Rainbow. Even that novel divides authors, critics and readers. It is a book Anderson admitted he never got through, despite it winning the 1974 National Book Award. The novel was rejected by the Pulitzer Prize committee as turgid, overwritten, obscene and unreadable.

Salmon Rushdie has hailed the genius of a writer he calls the old Invisible Man, and Don DeLillo believed that Pynchon, more than any other writer, has set the standard. In the opposing camp stands the late John Updike, who wrote in 2009: I dont like the funny names and I dont like the leaden feeling of the cosmos that Pynchon sets for us clearly, the man is the darling of literary criticism in America now, especially of collegiate criticism. I am just no expert but all I can say is I have not much enjoyed the Pynchon I have tried to read.

Reading Pynchon is challenging work. There are shifting narrative perspectives and a tendency to swamp the reader with a characters passing memories and fantasies

Perhaps enjoyment gets to the nub of the difference of opinion over Pynchon. His admirers love the complexity, ambiguity and sprawling nature of his fiction and are untroubled by the enormous cast of characters and settings. They eat up Pynchons conspiratorial worldview, still apparent in the pro-Nazi leagues and fascist paramilitary groups in Shadow Ticket.

Reading Pynchon is challenging work. There are shifting narrative perspectives and a tendency to swamp the reader with a characters passing memories and fantasies. Sometimes this gels  as in the panoply of stories contained in his brilliant historical novel Mason & Dixon  and sometimes it simply overwhelms. His long-awaited 2013 novel Bleeding Edge  a story that takes in the New York of the 1990s dotcom boom-and-bust, the start of the internet and events leading to 9/11  is a wearisome read.

Shadow Ticket, his ninth novel and the first since Bleeding Edge, features the usual Pynchon zany shenanigans and shadowy syndicates of financiers, this time in a Great Depression-era tale about a strike-breaker-turned-private eye who is sent to track down the missing heiress of a Wisconsin cheese baron. The protagonist of this pacy noir caper is Hicks McTaggart, who becomes entangled with the mob, sex workers, Nazis, Soviet agents, British spies, musicians and practitioners of the paranormal.

The novel displays some of Pynchons finer traits  including his debunking attitude towards institutions  although I feel out of step with the glowing critical praise it has received. The novel is extremely dialogue heavy and those who love the book love the dialogue. The boiler plate conversations and quips lack the verve and authenticity of Raymond Chandlers detective fiction of that era. To me, it sometimes felt as though Pynchon had continuously raided a dictionary of 1930s slang for wordplay. Perhaps I missed the humour; perhaps lines such as you packing any heat? or what other kind of dame is there? are simply homage to the detective story genre.

open image in gallery Pynchons latest novel is a Depression-era detective tale ( Jonathan Cape )

Although the novel is enjoyable enough as a private dick whodunnit, complete with red herrings, bombs and sinister enemies, the story lacks Pynchons wildest turns of humour. Shadow Ticket features a running joke about the Al Capone of cheese which begins to grate after a while. He describes an American diner which sells pies in glass cases slowly losing their a.m. allure, a phrase that to me sums up the difference between Gravitys Rainbow and Shadow Ticket.

Pynchon once admitted that he would like to keep scholars busy for several generations and he has already sold his collection of drafts, notes and letters to The Huntington Library, an archive that comprises 70 linear feet of materials created between the late 1950s and the 2020s. In addition, a collection of more than 120 letters from Pynchon to Donadio, held presently by a private collector, will be made public after the authors death. Light will eventually be shed on his own romantic life and the supposed rifts in his personal life.

For now, it is both lucrative and alluring for Pynchon to remain to many an almost mythical figure, rather than the dedicated, painstaking writer who has spent so much time constructing novels. In any case, the mythical persona is hard to square with a man that agreed to poke fun at himself in two episodes of The Simpsons, when he appeared in cartoon form with a paper bag over his head and voiced himself shouting at a passers-by in the street: Hey, over here! Have your picture taken with a reclusive author! Today only, well throw in a free autograph!

Pynchon defies simple classification. At his best, he helped redefine the postmodern novel by capturing the zeitgeist of his warped times. Although I would be reluctant to wholeheartedly recommend Shadow Ticket to anyone unfamiliar with his work, his latest (and perhaps last) novel has some very good moments, including Hickss reflections on the appeal of the lost Milwaukee of his youth. In one moving paragraph, Pynchon reveals again the yearning of a masterful writer for Americas lost ideals and a man still worried by his nations contradictions and political chaos.

Shadow Ticket by Thomas Pynchon is published on 7 October by Jonathan Cape, 22
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Amazon Prime Video appears to have quietly restored James Bond artwork to its original form, guns and all, following fan outrage.

The streamer, which earlier this year controversially assumed complete control of the iconic spy franchise, recently faced backlash from fans who noticed that special Prime Video artwork had edited out Bonds guns.

In several of the posters, including Sean Connerys Dr. No (1962) and Pierce Brosnans Goldeneye (1995), their weapons were entirely airbrushed out. The former originally showed Connerys 007 with his arms crossed and his finger on the trigger of a small gun. However, in the reworked version, hes simply crossing his arms.

Other posters, like Daniel Craigs Spectre (2015), simply cropped out his hand holding a firearm.

Numerous Bond fans took notice of the censored posters Friday, with one X user arguing that Bond without his gun is like Batman without his cape  youve stripped away the very symbol of who he is.

open image in gallery Pierce Brosnan as James Bond in 'Die Another Day' ( United Artists )

What absolute wet wipes! a second criticized, while a third questioned: Why? Honestly, its so pathetic. May as well censor out the words Gun, Die, Octopussy and Kill.

Amazon removing images of guns from James Bond cover art is the most American approach to gun control imaginable, a fourth added sarcastically. Well done.

Its maddening, another agreed. The logos gun will be altered next. The franchises logo famously depicts the 7 in Bonds nickname, 007, as a gun.

By Monday, the posters had returned to their original form.

open image in gallery Amazon removed the gun from Connerys hand before quietly reverting to the original ( Prime Video )

What if the James Bond  Amazon  gun thing was a cheap deliberate ploy by Amazon to get Bond chatter going online, just as films are back on Prime for free?! someone surmised. Thus having them trending on the home page (which they are). Theyve since changed all artwork back.

The Independent has contacted Amazon Studios for comment.

In February, it was announced that Amazon MGM had taken full creative control of the Bond franchise after striking a deal with long-time producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

The duo remain co-owners of the beloved franchise, but the business decision leaves creative control of future James Bond productions in the hands of American-owned Amazon, prompting concern from fans over potential changes to the franchise.

Currently, Oscar-nominated Dune director Denis Villeneuve has been tapped to helm the 26th Bond film for Amazon MGM. While the movie is not expected to be released until 2028, Villeneuve is reportedly on the hunt for an unknown actor to take over as James Bond.
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Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have reunited publicly for the first time since their divorce on the red carpet for the premiere of Kiss of the Spider Woman in New York City.

The On the Floor hitmaker, 56, and Good Will Hunting star, 53, filed for divorce in August 2024, with Lopez calling the split, which was finalised in January, the best thing that ever happened to me.

Nevertheless, Lopez and Affleck looked surprisingly cordial as they celebrated Bill Condons remake of the 1976 novel Kiss of the Spider Woman, in which Lopez stars as the titular character.

Shes amazing in the movie, said Affleck, whose production company Artists Equity is one of the producers behind the film, gushing about his ex-wife in an interview with Extra.

I just cant wait for you, the audience, to see the movie. Im as proud of this movie as any that Ive ever been involved with. Im really excited to be here tonight, he said.

Affleck also praised Lopezs work ethic, saying: Early on in Jennifers involvement in this she just was going to give it her all and she did.

He continued: She worked enormously hard. You get to see all of her many gifts. Shes somebody who grew up watching classic musicals.

open image in gallery Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunited for the first time since their divorce at the premiere of 'Kiss of a Spider Woman' in New York City ( Getty Images )

Condons Kiss of the Spider Woman is set in 1981 during Argentinas Dirty War and follows prisoner Luis Molina (Tonatiuh) who fantasises about sharing a cell with actor Ingrid Luna (Lopez).

The director has previously made musicals, including Chicago and Dreamgirls, in one take. I was like, F*** me! I better get it right then, Lopez said of the challenge.

Lopez and Afflecks reunion comes after Lopez explained that she learned so much from the split that she now sees it as one of the most positive experiences of her life in September.

open image in gallery The couple appeared close as they posed for cameras at the launch of Lopez's new musical ( Getty Images )

Because it changed me. It helped me grow in a way that I needed to grow, the actor, who was working on Kiss of the Spider Woman while her marriage to Affleck was coming to an end, explained.

It was a really tough time. Every moment on set, every moment I was doing this role, I was so happy, and then it was like, back home, it was not great. And it was just like, How do I work inside of this?

Lopez and Affleck had previously been engaged in 2002 after a whirlwind romance. They rekindled their relationship in July 2021 after almost 20 years apart and married in a Las Vegas wedding a year later.
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Actor John Boyega has said the Star Wars sequel trilogy would have been a lot different if he had been a producer on the films.

The British actor, 33, played Stormtrooper turned rebel, Finn, in three Star Wars movies released between 2015 and 2019. Although the films were a financial success, fans remain divided on the narrative direction the trilogy took Star Wars in, especially due to its treatment of iconic characters like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo.

Boyega was asked, hypothetically, if he would have changed things in the films if he had worked as a producer. You would have had a whole completely different thing, he said.

The actor said that he would have had Han Solo and Luke Skywalker live in the films, if he were in charge

The first thing were going to do is fulfil their story, fulfil their legacy, Boyega told fans at a convention in Florida, according to Popverse. Were going to make a good moment of handing on the baton.

Boyega added that the new characters wouldnt just grab stuff and know what to do with it. No. Youve got to struggle like every other character in this franchise. Id do that.

open image in gallery Boyega as Finn in The Force Awakens ( Lucasfilm )

If given the opportunity, Boyega would have expanded the Star Wars universe as much as possible while also respecting the stories that have gone before. If were expanding the lore, we have to do it within the respective boundaries that stay true.

He also declared that Luke Skywalker wouldnt be disappearing on a rock. Hell no. Standing there and hes, like, a projector? I would want to give those characters way more way more.

Boyega has previously spoken out against the bigoted reaction he received when he debuted in 2015s The Force Awakens.

Speaking in a documentary called Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood, Boyega condemned the fans who rallied against his role in the films.

You can always tell it's something when some Star Wars fans try to say, 'Well, we had Lando Calrissian and had Samuel L Jackson!, he said. It's like telling me how many cookie chips are in the cookie dough. It's like, they just scattered that in there, bro!

They're okay with us playing the best friend, but once we touch their heroes, once we lead, once we trailblaze, it's like, 'Oh my God, it's just a bit too much! They're pandering,'" he added.

open image in gallery Kelly Marie Tran and John Boyega in The Last Jedi ( Lucasfilm )

Boyegas co-stars, Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran  the latter of whom became the first woman of colour to have a leading role in the franchise  also received a huge amount of abuse from fans who were angry with the inclusive casting choice.
SANAA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Yemen's Bounties Festival, currently underway in Sanaa, has brought together more than 40 local companies, agricultural cooperatives, and family-run farms to strengthen coordination between producers and marketers and promote reliance on domestic goods.

Running from Oct. 4 to Oct. 8, the exhibition aims to boost local production and advance agricultural self-sufficiency in a country still recovering from a decade-long civil war, according to the local authorities.

The festival's pavilions feature displays of organic fruits, handmade honey jars, and locally produced farming tools. It also hosts workshops and seminars on agricultural research, innovation, local industry, and opportunities for investment and export.

Since its opening earlier this week, the event has drawn large crowds from across Yemen. The reputation of authentic Yemeni coffee, Al-Daw'ani honey, and pesticide-free fruits has long extended beyond the country's borders. Visitors stroll through the exhibition halls, shopping and listening to farmers share their stories of hard work and resilience.

"The main goal of this festival is marketing and promotion, and completing value chains by linking farmers and associations with marketers and exporters, while sharing expertise," said Mohamed Hajer, an agricultural official in Sanaa and one of the festival organizers.

Abdul-Samad Al-Sanbani, a professor at Dhamar University's Faculty of Medicine, told Xinhua: "I came to see the local products up close. I am happy to see people heading to the festival, reflecting the prominence of local products in a manner worthy of them."

"We came today to see fruits and vegetables from local production. Honestly, the products are excellent, and local agriculture is healthy, safe, and free of pesticide toxins," Jamal Al-Idrisi, a visitor, told Xinhua.

Khaled Badi, another visitor, said, "Prices are very reasonable, with visitor discounts to promote local products."

Farmers expressed hope that improved marketing will attract more investment and boost agricultural activity.

"I came from afar to participate in this exhibition, promote our cooperative's products, help reduce imports, and work toward self-sufficiency," said Hassan Yaqoub from the Al-Balad Al-Tayyib Cooperative Association in Al-Tahita District, Hodeidah province, about 224 kilometers west of Sanaa.

"The main challenge is marketing our products effectively to increase production and encourage farmers to cultivate more land," he said.

Yemen has been at war since 2014, when the Houthis seized Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led coalition to intervene the following year. The conflict has left millions facing hunger and shortages of basic services. 
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The British film and television school that trained celebrated filmmakers and creatives including Aardmans Nick Park, writer and director Lynne Ramsay and cinematographer Roger Deakins has greatly outperformed the wider British arts industry when it comes to diversity, its new graduate impact report has found.

Access to the arts for those from lower-income and/or ethnically diverse backgrounds has been a hot-button subject in recent years, with concern over the narrowing of pathways to creative success in Britain, and its resulting effect on culture at large.

The new report by the National Film and Television School, however, boasts that their continued commitment to opening doors to professional training is paying off. Published today (7 October), the report found that in the past five years, 50 per cent of students identified as female, over 25 per cent came from ethnically diverse backgrounds, and the number of students from lower socio-economic groups has risen from 9 per cent to 19 per cent during the period. One in three NFTS graduates come from diverse backgrounds overall, compared to just 16 per cent in the wider industry.

Special mention was also given to the 2m spent annually on scholarships and bursaries to students, as well as programmes including the Disabled Talent Commitment, which address additional costs faced by disabled students. The school also has hubs outside of its primary base in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, including in Glasgow, Leeds and Cardiff.

The report comes on the heels of a well-publicised Guardian investigation in February that shone a spotlight on the crisis in class disparity in the arts. The investigation found that a disproportionate number of leadership roles in UK arts organisations funded the most by Arts Council England were privately educated or attended Oxford or Cambridge universities.

Since 2020, NFTS alumni have contributed to productions accounting for 89 per cent of UK high-end television spend and 75 per cent of UK film spend ( Supplied )

Dr Jon Wardle, the director of the NFTS, said in a statement: Since 2020, NFTS alumni have contributed to productions accounting for 89 per cent of UK high-end television spend and 75 per cent of UK film spend. They were at the heart of major inward investment projects such as Barbie and Wicked, while also shaping acclaimed independent films including How to Have Sex, Love Lies Bleeding, Kneecap and Santosh.

Alumni directed and designed some of the most talked-about TV of recent years  from Baby Reindeer to Andor. These achievements highlight the breadth and depth of our training, and the trust placed in NFTS talent by the worlds leading producers, studios and platforms.

Among plans for the future of the NFTS is a proposed 21m expansion of its primary Beaconsfield Studios base, which was given 10m in funding by the government in June. The development will allow modernisation of facilities and the adding of 25,000 square feet of teaching and production space.

Founded in 1971, the National Film and Television School counts a number of high-profile creatives among its alumni. They include the documentarian Nick Broomfield and the filmmakers Joanna Hogg, Joachim Trier, Michael Caton-Jones and David Yates.

The full NFTS Graduate Impact Report is available to view here
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After a hell of a couple of weeks, Jimmy Kimmel presented some exciting news at the top of his eponymous talk show on Monday, touting a new YouGov poll that gave him a 16-point lead in favorability over President Donald Trump.

I am more popular than the president of the United States, Kimmel said as The Independents headline about the poll appeared on-screen.

I lead Trump by 16 points, Kimmel continued after huge cheers from the audience. Im at plus three, hes at minus 13.

At this point, finding a toenail in your salad has a seven-point lead over Donald Trump, Kimmel joked.

I hope [Trump] doesnt see this, Kimmel quipped about the poll. You know I dont like to upset him. But I think he might be upset, because the White House put out a statement this afternoon...

Kimmel proceeded to read a statement from White House press spokesperson Anna Kelly that said Kimmel prays every night to garner a fraction of [Trumps] support... Sad!

Jimmy Kimmel mocked Trump over a recent YouGov poll during Monday nights episode ( ABC )

I like sad with an exclamation point, Kimmel replied. It would make a nice T-shirt with Trumps face on it, wouldnt it?

Kimmel added, You know what else is sad? That the President of the United States has a lower approval rating than Diddy and diarrhea.

The survey, conducted by YouGov, asked respondents if they held favorable opinions of both men.

When asked about Kimmel, 44 percent said they had a favorable opinion of the comedian, while 41 percent said they did not. Fifteen percent said they were undecided, giving Kimmel a net favorability of +3.

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When asked about Trump, 41 percent had favorable views, in contrast to 54 percent who said they did not, and 5 percent were undecided, giving the president a -13 net favorability.

Trump was delighted last month after ABC announced that Kimmels show had been taken off air indefinitely, due to comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, accusing Republicans of using the death to score political points.

However, after just six days, Kimmel was reinstated with the shows parent company, Disney, saying it had thoughtful conversations with Kimmel over the comments, which it described as ill-timed.

The YouGov poll also asked respondents if they believed that the comments were enough to warrant a suspension, with more than half (55 percent) saying no, and 30 percent saying yes.

Kimmels return to the air was watched by 6.3 million viewers  more than tripling the late-night shows normal TV viewership. His comeback monologue also went viral, accumulating more than 14 million views on YouTube and 5.7 million views on Instagram the day after it was broadcast.

In the monologue, Kimmel was choked up and visibly emotional as he explained his intentions in last weeks episode.

I do want to make something clear, because its important to me as a human, and that is you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man, Kimmel said. I dont think theres anything funny about it.

The comedian went on to tell his audience he had sent love to Kirks family and asked for compassion.
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner will make his final television appearance Tuesday in a new episode of Murder in a Small Town.

The former Cosby Show star died by accidental drowning while on vacation in Costa Rica in July at the age of 54.

Before his death, he filmed a guest role in an episode of the Fox crime series titled Mother Love. He plays a single father who is fiercely protective of his teenage daughter when his ex-wifes death is investigated as a murder.

Speaking to the New York Post, Murder in a Small Town showrunner Ian Weir said of Warners sudden death: It was terrible, absolutely terrible. We lost him far too soon. He was absolutely wonderful. I hadnt let myself dare hope that someone of his stature would be drawn to that role.

Weir added that Warner, who was a father to a daughter in real life, became the emotional heart of the story through his performance. In a way, where, Im the guy who wrote the darn thing, and I hadnt quite seen that until Malcolm-Jamal inhabited the role, continued Weir. It was simply magical. He was a really lovely man.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner stars posthumously in the "Mother Love" episode of Fox's Murder in a Small Town ( Kailey Schwerman/Fox )

The writer and showrunner went on to describer Warner as collaborative and dedicated to the craft.

Warner was just 13 when he was cast as Theo Huxtable in the beloved family sitcom The Cosby Show, and played the role from 1984 to 1992. Weir noted that working with Warner was special for everyone because so many people on the crew and in the cast had grown up watching him on The Cosby Show.

He added that the Murder in a Small Town episode had not needed to be edited after Warners death, and will play exactly as it was originally scripted.

The series stars Rossif Sutherland, son of the late Donald Sutherland, as Karl Alberg, a Police Chief in the small town of Gibsons, British Columbia.

Sutherland additionally told the Post that he was impressed by what Warner gave to the role, saying: As an artist, he was given the part of a father raising his child on his own, and he brought so much heart to it.

He added: Its hard to believe this was his last part, and that I had the privilege of being that actor who got to work with him. He was a generous soul, a lovely presence on set, and kind and humble.
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Police are investigating after comedian Rosie Jones was the victim of an ableist and homophobic attack on a train, where a plastic bottle of wine was thrown at her and a friend.

The 35-year-old, who is also a writer and has ataxic cerebral palsy, which affects her movement and speech, said the perpetrators shouted slurs and mocked her voice, as well as that of comedian Lee Peart, who was with her on the journey.

Peart said in a video filmed on the train that he and Jones were attacked by ableist and homophobic arseholes. The footage, taken on Sunday (5 October), shows splatters of wine across the table and the wall next to where they were sitting in the carriage.

Pushers star Jones added: Three people mocked both of our voices, threw wine at Lee. What a f***ing waste!

Elaborating on the incident, Jones posted a message on Instagram, saying that she was intending to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day.

open image in gallery Rosie Jones said that she is proud to have cerebral palsy ( Getty )

Today was going to be about me celebrating all that is good and brilliant about having CP, she wrote. But on the train home from our gig last night, me and my good pal Lee were victims of ableism and homophobia.

They mocked our voices, shouted slurs at us and even threw a wine bottle (plastic, thankfully). It was a stark reminder that my CP makes me stand out, and is often used as a weapon against me. Unfortunately, the worms of this world use my disability to try and make me feel like a victim. I am not.

People with cerebral palsy should never be made to feel like guests in an unwelcoming and hostile world which wasnt set up for people like us, Jones added. We have just as much of a right to be here as anybody else. AND DONT FORGET IT.

Jones ended her message on a positive note, saying she is proud to have cerebral palsy and that setting up her cerebral palsy charity, The Rosie Jones Foundation, was her greatest achievement to date.

open image in gallery Rosie Jones and Lee Peart had wine thrown at them in ableist and homophobic train attack ( Lee Peart )

In a follow-up post, Peart said: Thank you for your lovely, lovely messages we are both doing fine and yes we have reported it. The BTP [British Transport Police] took us home and were wonderful. Rosie Jones is a wonderful human.

In a statement given to The Independent, the BTP said: Officers were called to East Croydon railway station at around 10.30pm on Sunday (5 October) following reports of a group of people abusing and assaulting other passengers on a train from Brighton to Victoria.

Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone who witnessed anything or has any information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 672 of 5 October.

In a post on Tuesday, Jones thanked her fans for the kind words they had sent her and that she was feeling more myself today.

Sharing pictures of her friends, Jones added that rather than focusing on the negative and horrible s*** bags in the world, she wanted to spread joy instead. I feel so, incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such amazing family and friends who have time and time again showed up and made me feel not so alone, she added.

I know its sometimes hard to do, especially recently, but when things like this happen, we must focus on the brilliant people in life, who I still believe make up most of this world.

open image in gallery Portrait of Rosie Jones by Sane Seven for The Independent x Refuge ( Sane Seven )

Speaking to The Independent earlier this year, Jones said she felt that the UK was going backwards and that disabled people were being treated unfairly.

That being said, Jones added that she grew up in a loving, happy, healthy home and was supported by her parents, who told her she could be anything, so I went out into the world fighting and became the person I am today.

The Independent named Jones on the 2024 Womens List, where she was credited with being a staple on British small screens and delighting audiences with her trademark wit and comedic timing in shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and The Last Leg.

In 2023, Jones released a documentary tackling her cerebral palsy. Am I a R*tard? painted a sobering picture of what Jones must deal with on a daily basis.

Jones also created the 2025 Channel 4 sitcom Pushers, about a drug dealer with cerebral palsy. The show, which featured an inclusive cast of disabled actors was widely praised on release. In a four-star review, The Independents Katie Rosseinsky said the show was a clever observational comedy that skewers attitudes to disability.
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Ben Affleck could not be prouder of his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, and their three kids.

The 53-year-old actor made a rare comment about his family at the Monday premiere of his other ex-wife Jennifer Lopezs new film, Kiss of the Spider Woman, in New York City. They recently finalized their divorce after two years of marriage.

After gushing about Lopezs spectacular performance in the film  which his company, Artists Equity, produced  he took a moment to applaud his and Garners kids, Violet, 19, Fin (formerly Seraphina), 16, and Samuel, 13.

I could not be more proud of my children. I cant even tell you, he told Access Hollywood on the red carpet. [Violet] takes after her mom. Shes spectacular, he added about his eldest child, who continued her call for mask mandates last month with a powerful speech at the United Nations.

Affleck also expressed how happy he is to be co-parenting with 13 Going on 30 star Garner, whom he divorced in 2018.

open image in gallery Ben Affleck says his daughter Violet takes after her mom Jennifer Garner ( Getty Images )

Im very lucky that Ive got a great partner and that we got great kids. Its the joy of my life, and Im just very, very lucky. And it makes me happy every day, he concluded.

Earlier this year after Afflecks divorce from Lopez was finalized, rumors swirled that he and Garner could reconcile after he was seen hugging her at their childs birthday party. The two separated in 2015 after 10 years of marriage and divorced three years later.

open image in gallery Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck sparked rekindling rumors after hugging at their child's birthday ( Getty Images )

A source told Page Six in March that Affleck would love another chance with Garner if the timing is ever right.

They added: At the same time, Ben knows its just not realistic at this time in their lives.

However, a source for Garner  who has been dating tech company CEO John Miller since 2018  said the feeling is not mutual, adding: Jen has a great co-parenting relationship with Ben, and thats where things stand on her end at the moment.

Affleck and Garner have remained close friends and co-parents despite their separation, with the pair spotted volunteering at an unhoused community together on Thanksgiving last November.

Meanwhile, during the red carpet event, Affleck also publicly reunited with Lopez for the first time since their split.

open image in gallery Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck reunited for the first time since their divorce at the premiere of 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' in New York City ( Getty Images )

Shes amazing in the movie, Affleck said during an interview with Extra at the films premiere. Early on in Jennifers involvement in this she just was going to give it her all and she did. She worked enormously hard. You get to see all of her many gifts. Shes somebody who grew up watching classic musicals.

Affleck and Lopez finalized their divorce in January after two years of marriage. While most of the financial details of the split remained private, it was reported that each person would keep what they earned throughout the duration of their brief marriage, according to the Daily Mail.
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Dick Van Dyke is poking fun at approaching the ripe age of 100.

The 99-year-old actor spoke about his upcoming December 13 birthday during the Vandy High Tea charity event  which is to raise funds for The Van Dyke Endowment of the Arts and the Dick Van Dyke Museum  Saturday in Malibu, California.

That's right. I'm not officially a hundred until December, he said during the event, according to People. Two months. Two months.

He quipped about whether hell live to 100, joking: It'd be funny if I didn't make it.

Later on in the event, as the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang star reflected on approaching triple digits, he revealed one of his regrets.

open image in gallery Dick Van Dyke quips about making it to 100 years old at the end of year ( Getty Images )

I brag sometimes about how I made it to a hundred and the truth is, if I had known I was going to live this long, I would've taken better care of myself, he said. And it is frustrating because I don't know what I did right.

Other than her, he added, referring to his wife of 13 years, Arlene Silver. I didn't do anything right.

Dick previously addressed his 100th birthday with a realistic perspective. During a conversation at the Dick & Arlene Van Dyke Vandy Camp event in May, he acknowledged that hes outlived just about all of his contemporaries.

Thats the curse of living to almost 100, Arlene, 54, said. Dick also revealed he and Ed Asner were planning to remake the classic comedy The Odd Couple before the latters death in August 2021 at the age of 91.

open image in gallery Arlene Silver and Dick Van Dyke have been together for more than a decade ( 2024 Invision )

That wouldve been such fun, and we lost it. Ive lost a lot of friends, Dick said.

However, Arlene noted that her husband is still so positive despite losing so many friends over the years.

Well, lifes been good to me. I cant complain, Dick replied.

He also isnt afraid of dying. Im acutely aware that I could go any day now, Dick said in a music video for Coldplays All My Love, which came out in December 2024. But I dont know why it doesnt concern me. Im not afraid of it. I have the feeling that Im gonna be alright.

Before Arlene, the Mary Poppins star was married to Margie Willett from 1948 to 1984. Together, the former couple had four children: Christian, 75, Barry, 74, Stacy, 70, and Carrie Beth, 64. In 1976, Dick began dating his longtime partner, Michelle Triola Marvin, who would live with him for more than 30 years until she died in 2009.
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Theres a particular kind of comfort in Lebanese home cooking  the kind that fills the kitchen with the scent of toasted nuts, butter and spice long before anything reaches the table.

Its the smell of freekeh roasting in samneh, of garlic and coriander softening in oil, of something bubbling slowly on the stove while family drifts in and out, hungry and expectant.

For chef Jad Youssef, that scent is memory itself. After earning a devoted following with his Soho stalwart Yalla Yalla, he brought his bold, ingredient-led mezze and Beiruts bustling spirit to Surrey with Lebnani  a restaurant now proudly carrying its first AA Rosette and the kind of praise that food critics dream of. Jay Rayner called it small but perfectly judged, which is exactly what Youssef seems to do best: intimate, soulful cooking that balances precision with heart.

Next spring, that same warmth will find its way into homes with Lebnani: The Cookbook, successfully crowdfunded earlier this year. More than just a collection of recipes, its a love letter to Beiruts food culture  its generosity, its patience, its stories.

Here Youssef shares a few of the dishes that mean most to him: freekeh blahme, a smoky roasted grain with lamb and sultanas; mloukhieh, an earthy chicken and jute leaf stew perfumed with coriander; and rez mfalfal, the golden vermicelli rice that anchors every Lebanese table.

Comfort, in this cuisine, isnt just about food  its about home.

Freekeh bLahme

open image in gallery Smoky roasted green wheat with lamb and toasted nuts  a dish so ancient and aromatic it could draw a crowd with scent alone ( Supplied )

Freekeh is one of the oldest dishes in our cuisine. It dates back to ancient times, when farmers would harvest green wheat, dry it over wood fires, and rub it to remove the husk, which is why its called freekeh, from the word farak (to rub).

It was a dish of the land, full of nutrients, high in fibre and protein, designed to feed large families. I remember my mother buying it from the old souks in Beirut  she always chose the greenest, smokiest grains.

In Bekaa and Zahle, they cook it in a rustic style, while in Beirut, you find the more refined version with bone-in lamb shoulder and toasted nuts. Every house has its way but the scent of freekeh toasting in butter is one that brings everyone to the table.

Serves: 4-5

Ingredients:

For the lamb and broth:

60-80ml olive oil

1.5kg bone-in lamb shoulder, cut into 200-250g chunks

3-3.5L cold water

2 large brown onions (about 400g), halved

2 bay leaves

1 cinnamon stick

6-8 whole cardamom pods

1 tsp whole black peppercorns

1 tsp fine sea salt

For the freekeh:

500g whole freekeh

3 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp butter or samneh

1 medium brown onion, finely diced

5 garlic cloves, finely grated

100g golden sultanas

2 tsp baharat (Lebanese 7 spices)

1 tsp fine sea salt, or to taste

 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1-1.2L hot lamb broth (approx  see above)

4 tbsp almonds, whole or halved

4 tbsp pine nuts

2 tbsp pistachios

Method:

open image in gallery Lebnani: The Cookbook is a love letter to Beiruts kitchens  a celebration of the dishes, stories and spirit that define Lebanese comfort food ( Supplied )

To prepare the lamb and broth:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add the lamb and brown well on all sides, then cover with the cold water and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface and when the water is clear, add the remaining ingredients.

3. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 2-2.5 hours until the lamb is tender. Check every 30 minutes.

3. Once done, remove the chunks of lamb and set aside. Strain and reserve the broth, keeping it hot.

To prepare the freekeh:

4. While the lamb is cooking, wash the freekeh thoroughly, rinsing the grains 3 or 4 times until the water runs clear. Pick out any dark pieces or stones. Drain well.

5. In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil with half of the butter or samneh. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and golden, then add the freekeh and stir gently for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly nutty. Stir in the golden sultanas.

6. Add the baharat, salt, and black pepper to the pot and stir well. Add approximately 1-1.2 litres of the reserved hot broth  enough to cover the freekeh by 1 or 2cm. Bring to a boil, cover, lower the heat, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, until the freekeh is tender and the broth has been absorbed. The grains should stay fluffy and separate, with a smoky aroma. Rest the freekeh, covered, for 10 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.

7. In a small pan, heat the remaining butter or samneh and toast the almonds, pine nuts and pistachios until golden. Watch carefully to make sure the nuts dont burn. Tip them onto a plate lined with kitchen paper and leave to cool slightly.

8. Arrange the fluffy freekeh on a large platter. Place the lamb pieces on top or on the side. Scatter the toasted nuts generously over the freekeh. In our house, we always poured a little extra broth over the platter too  pure comfort.

Notes:

Bone-in lamb shoulder always gives the best flavour.

Do not skip toasting the freekeh  this brings out its smoky flavour.

The freekeh must be fluffy  never mushy.

Mloukhieh

open image in gallery Silky jute leaf stew and golden vermicelli rice  the quiet heroes of the Lebanese table, humble yet deeply comforting ( Supplied )

For many Lebanese families, dried mloukhieh (mallow leaf) is the most traditional way to prepare this dish. In the villages, fresh leaves were hung and dried in summer, then stored in cloth bags to cook with all year.

My mother always preferred the dried leaves because they have a deeper flavour and the texture is lighter, almost silky. I remember her soaking them in the morning, the kitchen filling with the smell of coriander and garlic as the mloukhieh simmered later in the day. The table would be set with rice, onion, lemons, and bread  nothing fancy, just good home-cooked food.

Serves: 4-5

Ingredients:

For the broth:

1-1.2kg whole chicken

2-2.5L cold water

1 large brown onion (about 200g), halved

2-3 bay leaves

1 cinnamon stick

4 cardamom pods

2 cloves

For the stew:

100g dried mloukhieh leaves

3 medium brown onions (about 300g), peeled and quartered

12 large garlic cloves, peeled

60-80ml olive oil

1 large bunch fresh coriander (about 80g), leaves washed, picked and chopped

1 tbsp ground coriander

1 tbsp fine sea salt, or to taste

 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Juice of 2 large lemons

To serve:

Lebanese rice with vermicelli

1 white onion, finely diced and pickled in grape vinegar for 10-15 minutes

Lemon wedges

Warm khobez

Method:

1. Place the chicken in a large bowl and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Transfer to a large pot, cover with 2 litres of cold water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. As soon as the broth comes to a boil, skim off any scum or foam that rises to the surface.

2. Once the broth is clear, add the onion, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Lower the heat and simmer gently for about 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. Strain the broth through a fine sieve and return it to the pot. Discard the aromatics left in the sieve.

3. While the chicken is cooking, soak the dried mloukhieh leaves in cold water for 45-60 minutes, changing the water once or twice. Drain well and gently squeeze out the excess water. Spread the leaves on a clean kitchen towel to dry slightly.

4. Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan). Place the quartered onions and whole garlic cloves on a small baking tray, then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and ground coriander. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, until soft and golden. Transfer to a food processor and blitz to a coarse paste.

5. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the roasted onion and garlic paste and saute gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the finely chopped coriander and cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture is aromatic and softened. Add the drained mloukhieh leaves to the pan and saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring gently.

6. Transfer the sauteed mloukhieh mixture to the clear chicken broth. Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, shred the cooked chicken by hand into large pieces and add them back to the pot. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to bring the flavours together. Season with ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust as needed  mloukhieh should have a bright, lemony finish.

7. Serve hot with Lebanese rice, pickled diced onion, lemon wedges, and warm khobez.

Notes:

Roasting the onion and garlic deepens the flavour beautifully  this small step makes a big difference to the dish.

Always use plenty of coriander, which gives mloukhieh its true Lebanese soul.

Dry mloukhieh should be soaked and drained properly to preserve its delicate texture.

Always serve this dish with plenty of lemon wedges  the balance of flavours depends on it.

Rez mFalfal

In every Lebanese home, rice with vermicelli is the standard companion to tabkha. It may be simple, but it must be done with care. The rice must be light and fluffy, and the vermicelli golden, never greasy or heavy.

In our house, my mother cooked this almost daily. The sound of the vermicelli toasting in olive oil or samneh was the first sign that lunch was coming. It is not just a side dish, though  it soaks up the broth of the tabkha, balances strong flavours, and completes the table.

Serves: 4-5

Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp samneh or a mix of both (this is authentic and gives the best flavour)

100g fine wheat vermicelli

300g basmati or long-grain rice, washed and soaked in cold water for 20 minutes, then drained

600ml boiling water, or light chicken broth if you want extra flavour

2 tsp fine sea salt, or to taste

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil, samneh or both in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the vermicelli and saute gently, stirring constantly, until it turns a rich golden brown. Watch it carefully so the vermicelli does not burn.

2. Once the vermicelli is evenly golden, add the drained rice. Stir gently to coat the rice with the oil and vermicelli. Add the boiling water and salt. Stir once to combine, then bring back to a gentle boil.

3. Turn the heat down as low as possible, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 25-28 minutes. Do not lift the lid or move the pot during cooking.

4. When the rice is ready, it should be tender, the grains separate and fluffy. Remove from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

5. Fluff gently with a fork before serving. Serve hot with your tabkha, mloukhieh, fasoulia, and bemieh  this is the true Lebanese way.

Notes:

Using samneh and olive oil together gives the best flavour.

Always toast the vermicelli carefully  it gives the rice its signature aroma.

Basmati rice is commonly used today, but in the old days we used local long-grain rice. Both are excellent.

Recipes from Lebnani: The Cookbook by Jad Youssef (available February 2026).
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The phrases autism spectrum or on the spectrum have become part of everyday language. They are often used as different ways of referring to someone who is neurodivergent.

The term was coined in the 1980s by psychiatrist Dr Lorna Wing, whose work transformed how autism was understood in the UK. At the time, her autism spectrum concept was groundbreaking. Instead of seeing autism as a rare, narrowly defined condition, she recognised a wide range of traits and experiences.

But the idea of a single spectrum, which stretches from mild to severe, may be misleading. And some autism experts, including me, argue the term has outlived its usefulness.

When most people hear the word spectrum, they may picture a straight line, like colours arranged from red to violet. Applied to autism, this suggests autistic people can be ranked from more autistic to less autistic. But thats not how autism works.

Autism is made up of many different traits and needs, which show up in unique combinations. Some autistic people rely heavily on routine, while others find comfort in repetitive movements known as stimming. And some have an intense focus on particular topics, a concept researchers call monotropism.

Autism is made up of many different traits and needs, which show up in unique combinations ( Getty/iStock )

There are also known links with physical conditions such as hypermobility. Because autism is made up of all these different elements, there can be no single line on which every autistic person is placed.

Attempts to draw boundaries still persist, however. The American Psychiatric Associations diagnostic manual divides autism into three levels based on the amount of support a person is judged to need. They run from level 1 requiring support, to level 2 requiring substantial support and level 3 requiring very substantial support.

But there is research that argues these levels are vague and inconsistently applied. They dont always reflect someones real-world experiences.

Life circumstances can also change a persons needs. An autistic person who usually copes well may experience burnout and have an accompanying increase in support needs if their needs have been unmet for a long time.

In a recent research article, my colleagues and I show that life stages such as menopause can increase support needs. A static level cannot capture this evolving nature.

More recently, the label profound autism has been suggested by the Lancet commission  an international group of experts  for autistic people with learning disabilities or high support needs. But other experts say the phrase is unhelpful because it tells us nothing about a persons particular challenges or the type of support they require.

The legacy of Aspergers

Dr Lorna Wing also introduced the term Aspergers syndrome to the UK. Like the concept profound autism, using this term also divided autistic people into those with higher support needs and those with Aspergers syndrome (lower support needs).

However, the label was drawn from the name of Austrian physician Hans Asperger, who in the 1940s identified a subgroup of children he called autistic psychopaths. During the Nazi period, Asperger was associated with the genocide of autistic people with higher support needs. For this reason, many autistic people dont use the term any more, even if that is what they were originally diagnosed with.

Underlying all these debates is a deeper concern that dividing autistic people into categories, or arranging them on a spectrum, can slip into judgments about their value to society. In the most extreme form, such hierarchies risk dehumanising those with higher support needs. Its something some autistic campaigners warn could fuel harmful political agendas.

About the author Aimee Grant is an Associate Professor in Public Health and Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellow at Swansea University. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

In the worst case, those judged as less useful for society become vulnerable to future genocides. This may seem far-fetched, but the political direction in the US, for example, is very worrying to many autistic people.

Recently, US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior, said that he was going to confront the nations (autism) epidemic. So far, this has included strongly refuted claims that paracetamol use in pregnancy is linked to autism in children, urging pregnant women to avoid the painkiller.

Often people use the term autism spectrum or on the spectrum as a way of avoiding saying that somebody is autistic. While this is often well meaning, it is rooted in the idea that to be autistic is a negative thing. Many autistic adults prefer the words autism and autistic directly. Autism is not a scale of severity but a way of being. Its a difference rather than a defect.

Language will never capture every nuance, but words shape how society treats autistic people. Moving away from the idea of a single spectrum could be a step towards recognising autism in all its diversity, and valuing autistic people as they are.
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Despite growing anecdotal evidence and historical claims regarding the health benefits of cold-water immersion, from icy baths to chilly swims, robust scientific confirmation is still lacking.

The practice boasts a long lineage; Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third American president, documented his daily cold foot baths over six decades and even possessed a 1706 book on the subject.

Modern proponents, like Dr. Mark Harper, vividly recall the initial shock of their first cold plunge in southern England two decades ago, even in August, describing it as breath-taking.

The shock to his system lasted a minute or two until he was recombobulated and able to think about something other than the cold," Harper says. A surprise sensation soon replaced his discomfort.

I remember getting out of the water the first time and feeling so good," Harper, an anaesthesiologist who has since researched the potential risks and rewards of taking a nippy dunk. "I wasn't expecting that.

But Harper, who became a regular cold-water swimmer after his initiation, said there are strong signs that people can derive mental health benefits from the activity. He mentioned a positive effect on depression and general well-being.

For now, we have a very strong base, but not hard evidence, that cold-water immersion is effective for mental health," Harper told The Associated Press.

open image in gallery Cold-water immersion can bring positive mental health effects ( Justin Tang /The Canadian Press via AP )

Boosting mental health

Harper said his own early experiences with cold-water swimming piqued his professional curiosity. As a physician, he wondered if the brief bodily shock had clinical uses for treating depression. He cited the biological phenomenon of hormesis, in which a stressor introduced at a low dose creates a positive response.

Muscles and bones put under stress for example, with weight-bearing exercise  also respond and grow.

Harper acknowledged that the positive effects he's observed may be the result of the placebo effect, a phenomenon in which people who are given a medicine they think will help them report responding to the treatment even if it had no active ingredients.

In the case of cold-water immersion, the benefits may come from meeting people, the exercise itself, or simply accepting a challenge and accomplishing it, which improves self-confidence, he said.

Personally, I think its all of those things, and the cold has an additive effect, Harper said. I think we have a good physiological basis for that. The basic science tells us the cold has a very strong effect on the body.

What were talking about is an intervention, when it's used clinically, that produces beneficial effects on mental health. So in a way it doesnt matter which aspect is generating the positive effects.

Harper cited what he said was a common reaction among first-timers who have taken the plunge.

They often say the fact that Ive done this means I can do anything, he said. Its quite a confidence builder and its something people stick to because they enjoy it so much.

Know the risks when you start

Dr. Mike Tipton, a physiologist at the University of Portsmouth in England who has studied extreme environments, authored a paper along with Harper and two more researchers several years ago. The title highlighted the potential advantages and dangers of stimulating the body with a sudden drop in temperature: Cold Water Immersion: Kill or Cure.

Like other environmental constituents such as pressure, heat and oxygen, cold water can be either good or bad, threat or treatment depending on circumstance, they wrote after reviewing the research then available on the topic.

One of their findings: The activity presents dangers. Deaths from cold-water immersion are not uncommon. The shock of frigid water can cause people to hyperventilate and drown. But Tipton told The AP the risks can be managed with common sense and precautions.

How cold, how long?

open image in gallery Staying in ice baths for longer than two minutes is not recommended ( Getty/iStock )

You do not need to go to extremes to get a potential payoff. Entering water at a temperature of 20-15 degrees Celsius (68-59F) and staying for only a few minutes is sufficient.

Tipton explained if the water is colder than that, you may get more benefit  but limit your exposure.

If you ask me what protocol you would follow if you thought this was going to be doing you good, I wouldn't go in water much below 12C (54F), and I wouldnt stay in for much more than two minutes, Tipton said.

Tipton and Harper both said that any benefits from cold-water immersion come from the body's cold-shock response: the sudden fall of skin temperature, the release of the stress hormones, the release of endorphins, and the anti-inflammatory effect.

Tipton cautioned against long spells in an ice bath.

Sitting in water for as long as I can fills me with horror, Tipton said. "This could destroy small nerves, blood vessels in extremities and could result in amputation the same way frostbite can."

Harper, who has swum as long as four-hour stretches in open water, advised vigilance.

People think its got to be super cold, super long and the longer the better, Harper said, "and thats wrong.

Be safe. You're a tropical animal

Tipton said he's not trying to be the fun police but suggested caution and a medical screening if you take the plunge. He said humans are considered tropical animals who need to adapt to the cold and are better suited to warm conditions.

A humans resting body temperature is about 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius (97.7 to 99.5F). Because of that, cold-water immersion is stressful and carries risks for the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Not to mention the risk of drowning.

We dont want to stop people doing it, but we want to make sure they do it in a way that maximizes the benefits and minimizes the risks, Tipton said.

He suggested swimming in a life-guarded area, or going with experienced outdoor swimmers. He also suggested knowing the body of water you're swimming in. Hazards, among others, include tides, temperature, depth and pollution.

Understand that taking a tropical animal and putting it in cold water is probably the greatest stress that most people will experience in their life, Tipton said.

He suggested entering the water in a controlled fashion instead of jumping in.

"Be sensible about it, he said. Incremental is the key.
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A new study has found that one in seven elementary school kids in America is not getting enough sleep  and that their parents are likely unaware this is the case.

Children are supposed to get between nine and 12 hours each night from the ages of six to 12 years old, according to guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

However, research from Brown University found that 14 percent of more than 100 Rhode Island kids, between the ages of six and 10 years old, were not getting the amount they need to stay healthy.

What parents often dont see is how long it takes for kids to fall asleep or how often they wake up during the night, Diana Grigsby-Toussaint, an associate professor at the universitys School of Public Health, explained.

And the problem is not just in the Northeast.

open image in gallery Brown University researchers say many young school children arent getting enough sleep  a crucial component of their mental and physical health ( Getty Images/iStock )

The findings build on research showing similar trends nationwide, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting over a third of kids and teens, between the ages of four months and 14 years, did not get enough sleep from 2020 through 2021. Those worst impacted lived in southern states.

Sleep is crucial to children during these ages, helping their young brains develop and supporting mental health.

Not getting enough sleep is linked to behavioral issues, a weakened immune system, depression and anxiety, problems with impulse control, memory impairment, a lack of focus and having trouble in school, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Insufficient sleep also increases the risk of accidents, injuries, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and depression, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine says.

But the researchers found children were awake for an average of more than 38 minutes each night.

Studying their sleep patterns using monitors the kids wore on their wrists, the epidemiologists tracked when the children went to bed, how long it took for them to fall asleep, how often they woke up and how much time was spent actually sleeping.

Parents simultaneously tracked their childrens habits, filling out surveys and sleep diaries.

On average, the children got around eight hours and 20 minutes each night.

Yet, when asked how much sleep their children got and how long their kids were awake at night, the parents were way off.

They said their kids slept more than 9.5 hours, were awake for under five minutes a night, and 83 percent believed that their child was sleeping the recommended amount.

The researchers said that there were some racial differences, with non-Latino children averaging a half an hour more of sleep per night than Latino children. Just 4.4 percent of Latino children in the study met the guidelines.

That could be due to cultural factors more common in Latino households, such as co-sleeping and later bedtimes, they theorized.

open image in gallery Kids are sleeping less than their parents say they are, the researchers found, and parents also underestimated how long their children were awake at night ( Getty Images/iStock )

Ultimately, Grigsby-Toussaint says that while their findings determine doctors need to improve how they talk with parents about sleep, steps to improve kids sleep health are often fairly simple.

For some, this may mean adjusting their childs commitments or eliminating an extracurricular activity to get the recommended amount of sleep, New Jersey pediatric pulmonologist Dr. Lee Brooks said in a statement.

Making sure children stick to consistent bedtime routines and schedules can help them get more shut-eye, signaling to their bodies when it's time to wind down.

So does limiting screen use before bed. The light stimulates the part of the brain that is designed to keep us awake, according to Sutter Health.

You do not need that phone in your bedroom when you are supposed to be sleeping. Period. End of story. Mic drop. Were done, San Diego State University psychologist Jean Twenge told CNBC.
TEHRAN, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Tuesday rejected the "meddlesome and baseless" claims made recently by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU about the country, including its nuclear program and defense activities.

In a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Baghaei firmly condemned and rejected the "undue interference" in Iran's defense and nuclear programs and warned about certain European states' "destructive and divisive interventions" in the West Asia region's affairs.

Baghaei made the remarks in response to a statement issued on Monday at the end of the 29th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the EU in Kuwait.

In the statement, GCC and EU foreign ministers called on Iran to pursue regional de-escalation, guarantee the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, and cease proliferation of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles and any technologies that "threaten" regional and international peace and security.

The EU's "undue interference" in the region's affairs would not make any contribution to the resolution of regional disputes and problems but solely demonstrated its "hypocritical and divisive" policies towards Iran and the entire region, Baghaei said.

He called on the GCC members to refrain from preparing the ground for third parties' "destructive" interference in the region but focus on strengthening mutual trust and promoting friendship among regional countries and countering Israel, which he described as the "biggest threat to peace and stability" in West Asia. 
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A father has been accused of killing his own son before blaming the two-month-old child's injuries on an allergic reaction.

Demari Alston, 27, has been charged with one count of capital murder of a victim under 10 years of age in Houston, Texas. Trinity Nyomi Perez, the boys 22-year-old mother, is facing a felony charge of injury to a child.

According to court records, their son Zayn was severely injured in July, 2024, suffering a fractured arm, clavicle and ribs when he was just ten days old.

As a result he was placed in the care of his maternal great-grandmother and from that point on the parents were not allowed to spend the night with him and instead would visit during the day.

open image in gallery Trinity Perez claimed that her boyfriend slipped while holding Zayn ( Harris County Dept. of Corrections )

Two months later on September 9, Zayn was admitted to Memorial Hermann Hospital after suffering a skull fracture, a brain bleed and retinal hemorrhaging. The baby was placed in critical care before being pronounced dead two days later.

Perez later told authorities her son had been injured the day before he was taken to hospital, while her boyfriend was upstairs in the apartment with the child.

Alston told her he had tripped while holding Zayn, court documents say, but he didnt think they had anything to worry about as he did not cry and was still responsive.

open image in gallery Zayn was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston (  2024 Kirk Sides / Houston Chronicle )

Perez told investigators she did not believe Alston was causing abusive injuries to their son and described him as a good dad.

When Zayn was taken to hospital, his father said his sons injuries could have been caused by an allergic reaction because everything started to swell, the court documents show.

Police said they discovered internet searches on Alstons iPhone which included 2-month old baby hard to wake up and "What happens if your 2-month-old doesn't have a pulse?

open image in gallery Police recovered searches on Alstons iPhone relating to the boys injuries, court documents show ( Harris County Dept. of Corrections )

Other searches included "my 2-month-old died is anyone getting charged" and "best Houston defense lawyers child abuse cases.

Alstons iPhone also had a deleted Google search how to pass a lie detector test, dated on September 10 when Zayn was still in hospital, according to the court documents.

Zayns autopsy revealed that the two-month-old had suffered at least four traumatic events of blunt force trauma before his death. Ruling his death a homicide, the cause was given as multiple blunt force injuries to the head, torso and extremities.

Alston is currently being held at the Harris County Detention Center on a $2 million bond, while Perezs bond has been set at $250,000.
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The sky above Edisto Beach turned black with smoke as a massive fire ripped through the multimillion-dollar home of a South Carolina judge, forcing residents to flee for their lives this weekend.

Before firefighters could bring the blaze under control, the $1.5 million house, perched along a stretch of marshland in the gated Jeremy Cay community, burned to the ground.

The home belonged to Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein, 69, who was walking her dogs on the beach of the quiet coastal enclave when the fire erupted.

Her husband, former state senator Arnold Goodstein, and their son, Arnold Goodstein II, who were home at the time were injured but survived.

Speculation spread rapidly online, following the judges role in a recent, highly-politicized case, but law enforcement urged restraint. Here is what weve learned so far.

open image in gallery Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein, 69, was walking her dogs on the beach of the quiet coastal enclave when the fire erupted ( St. Pauls Fire District/Facebook )

Speculation runs rife

By the time the fire was out Saturday, all that remained of the home was a pile of smoldering debris. But questions about how the blaze started, and whether or not the judge might have been targeted, were just beginning.

Speculation spread rapidly online, fueled by the judges recent high-profile ruling in which she blocked the Election Commission in South Carolina from releasing voter data requested by the U.S. Department of Justice.

South Carolinas top law enforcement agency said Monday that there is no initial evidence that the fire was intentionally set.

At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Chief Mark Keel said in a statement. SLED agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion.

open image in gallery The remains of the Goodsteins' home after a fire destroyed it Saturday ( WCBD NEWS 2 )

Keel urged restraint amid speculation. I urge our citizens, elected officials, and members of the press to exercise good judgment and not share information that has not been verified, he said.

SLED confirmed the investigation remains active and ongoing. A final report will be issued once the cause is determined.

A chaotic scene

The fire broke out around 10:40 a.m. on October 4 at the Goodsteins home, located off Planters Retreat on Edisto Island.

Flames spread rapidly through the elevated structure, which is nearly surrounded by marshland, complicating rescue efforts.

Neighbors and first responders described a chaotic scene as smoke poured into the sky.

open image in gallery Judge Diane Goodstein has presided over some of South Carolinas most consequential cases ( South Caroline Courts )

She [Judge Goodstein] informed me her husband was injured and stranded in a marshy area behind the home, neighbor Tom Peterson, who saw the judge while she was walking her dogs on the beach, told The Post and Courier.

Officials with the St. Pauls Fire District confirmed that several people jumped from the homes raised first floor to escape the flames, and that they had to be rescued by kayaks from the swampy backyard.

The judges husband was airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina with serious injuries.

Who is Judge Diane Goodstein?

With nearly three decades on the bench, Judge Goodstein has presided over some of South Carolinas most consequential cases.

Elected to the circuit court in 1998, she currently serves on the Circuit Court Judges Advisory Committee and the Commission on Judicial Conduct.

In her most recent judicial review, the Judicial Merit Screening Commission praised her sterling reputation and temperament, calling her an asset to the state.

open image in gallery Officials said that several people jumped from the homes raised first floor to escape the flames, and that they had to be rescued by kayaks from the swampy backyard ( WCBD via AP )

Goodsteins career has included overseeing a $12 million settlement between victims of sexual abuse and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston, as well as a landmark 2014 property dispute between the national Episcopal Church and the breakaway Diocese of South Carolina.

Her husband, Arnold Goodstein, is a former Democratic state senator, highway commissioner, attorney, and home builder. The couple has two children, Arnold Samuel Goodstein II and Eve Schafer Goodstein.

Controversy over recent ruling

The fire came just weeks after Goodstein drew national attention for temporarily blocking the South Carolina Election Commission from sharing voter data with the U.S. Department of Justice.

It was a move that briefly put her at odds with state officials and allies of President Trump.

Her restraining order was lifted a week later by the South Carolina Supreme Court, which found she failed to show the voter who sued would suffer irreparable harm or was likely to win on the merits.

The ruling, though short-lived, sparked political backlash, and, reportedly, threats directed at the judge.

Questions linger as investigation continues

Judge Goodsteins colleague, South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge, told local media over the weekend that the blaze began with an apparent explosion.

The incident quickly attracted speculation that it might have been set deliberately by someone with a political motive, given Goodsteins recent ruling against the Trump administration.

open image in gallery The incident quickly attracted unfounded speculation that it might have been set deliberately by someone with a political motive, given that Goodstein issued the controversial ruling against Trumps administration last month ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

New York Democratic Congressman Daniel Goldman raised that concern in a post on X/Twitter in which he tagged White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

MAGA-world have been doxxing and threatening judges who rule against Trump, including Judge Goodstein Will Trump speak out against the extreme right that did this?? he asked.

Miller responded angrily to the post, calling it deeply warped and vile and libelous madness.

What happens next?

SLED said it will release additional information once the investigation concludes.

I urge our citizens, elected officials, and members of the press to exercise good judgement and not share information that has not been verified, wrote Keel, who has led state police since 2011 and has been in law enforcement for 46 years, the Associated Press reported.

For now, agents remain at work determining what sparked the blaze that destroyed the Goodsteins home.

Judge Goodstein told the Daily Mail that she was all right following the fire and declined further comment, referring questions to a court administrator.
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A Kentucky man was arrested Saturday for Halloween decorations in his front yard that resembled body bags and were labeled with the titles of local officials.

Stephan Marcum, 58, of Stanton, was charged with intimidating a witness and third-degree terroristic threatening after police responded just after 2 p.m. to a call about a "potential witness/terroristic threat" at his home.

Upon arrival, officers said they saw five bodies, all wrapped in black trash bags, and labeled as different officials. A photo shared by Lex18 shows the bodies, four of which were mounted on stakes, with signs on them with titles such as Mayor, SIS, C.A., and zoning mgr.

The one hanging was labeled district judge. There was a rope around the neck of the body, police wrote in the arrest citation, obtained by the outlet.

Stephan Marcum, 58, of Stanton, was charged with intimidating a witness and third-degree terroristic threatening ( Powell County Detention Center )

Marcum reportedly refused to speak with officers or remove the decorations, which led to his arrest. He is being held at the Powell County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond.

Kentucky State Police took the decorations to their Post 8 office in Morehead, WKYT reports.

The Independent has contacted KSP for comment.

This is something you just dont see every day, Powell County Judge Executive Eddie Barnes, who was not named in the display, told WKYT.

At first I didnt know what to think about it because I actually drove by and [saw] it in his yard and Im thinking you know, wow, you know, thats kinda harsh, he said.

Barnes says he has known Marcum for decades and believes he can be a good person, but disagrees with the way he chose to express himself.

Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, told WKYT that while the First Amendment protects free speech, it does not cover terrorizing threats.

Last month, a Halloween display in Houston's predominantly Hispanic Second Ward neighborhood sparked controversy.

The installation featured mannequins dressed in red hats resembling Trump supporters "Make America Great Again" caps, black shirts, khaki pants, and black masks, hanging from gallows beneath a Mexican flag. Nearby, a third mannequin in a poncho and straw hat stood over a fourth figure tied to the ground, flanked by two coffins.

The figures also had stacks of zip ties in their pockets, reminiscent of those used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
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What started as an ordinary Friday mail delivery turned tragic when a U.S. Postal Service worker was shot in the face during a confrontation with a delivery driver at an apartment complex in Washington state.

Police responded to the West Mall Place Apartments in the town of Everett around 12:50 p.m. after reports of a shooting, local news outlet KOMO reported.

When they arrived, they found the mail carrier seriously injured. According to Postal Inspector John Wiegand, the unidentified worker was delivering mail when an argument broke out with another delivery driver.

A small altercation took place where unfortunately the carrier was shot in the face, Wiegand said.

The injured mail carrier was taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment and was in critical condition. Police said the suspect was taken into custody. He was expected to be booked into the Snohomish County Jail Friday night.

Police responded to the West Mall Place Apartments in the town of Everett, Washington, around 12:50 p.m. after reports of a shooting ( Getty Images )

The postal truck and an Amazon delivery van were towed from the scene later that afternoon, KOMO reported.

Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the shooter was an Amazon delivery person but, according to KOMO, witnesses told investigators the man allegedly went to the apartment office and reported that he had shot a postal worker.

The Independent has reached out to the Everett Police Department and Amazon for more information.

The names of the two delivery people were not released. The motive behind the incident is under investigation.

Neighbors told KOMO they were stunned to hear about the shooting and said they had previously felt safe in the complex.

Its just heartbreaking, neighbor Jelani Jones said. I know him as the mailman, hes a good dude. I cant believe that. Hes always good with people in our neighborhood.
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Instagram has announced plans for new rewards for its top creators, but instead of cash, the social media platform will be offering a feature to boost users social status.

On Monday, Meta-owned Instagram announced its Rings award, which is all about celebrating those who arent afraid to take creative chances and do it their way, according to a new blog post from the company.

A panel of creatives, including Instagram head Adam Mosseri, designer Marc Jacobs, actress Yara Shahidi and YouTuber Marques Brownlee, nominated Instagram creators and voted for who they believe deserves the Rings award.

This award is for the creators who dont just participate in culture - but shift it, break through whatever barrier holds them back to realize their ambitions, the blog post read.

open image in gallery Instagram has announced plans for new rewards for its top creators, but instead of cash, the social media platform will be offering a feature to boost users social status ( Brandon Bell/Getty Images )

The winners, who are yet to be announced, will receive a physical ring, designed by Grace Wales Bonner, and a digital ring on their Instagram profile.

Winners will see a gold ring around their profile picture when they post an Instagram story, and they will also be allowed to customize their profile backdrop color and like button.

Its more about a special visibility and sort of incentive for people to work towards a really cool elevated recognition, Brownlee told CNBC.

The Instagram ring is reminiscent of YouTubes Creator Awards, in which content creators get silver, gold and diamond plaques depending on how many subscribers they have.

open image in gallery The winners, who are yet to be announced, will receive a physical ring and a digital ring on their Instagram profile ( Instagram )

open image in gallery Winners will see a gold ring around their profile picture when they post an Instagram story, and they will also be allowed to customize their profile backdrop color and like button ( Instagram )

The new recognition-based award comes after Meta stopped its Reels Play bonus, which paid content creators for views on Instagrams short-form videos, in 2023 as it focused on investing in a suite of monetization solutions to help creators earn steady streams of income, a company spokesperson told Business Insider at the time.

"Creators can still monetize directly from Meta, and from the support of fans and brand partnerships, all of which have seen significant progress over the past year, the spokesperson said.

YouTube and another Instagram competitor, TikTok, have their own monetary reward programs.

TikToks Creator Rewards Program pays users for posting high-quality, original content. And YouTube has its Partner Program, allowing creators to monetize on their content. YouTube has said its paid more than $70 billion to creators in the past three years.
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Four people were injured when an explosion derailed four compartments of a passenger train in Pakistan's southern Sindh province on Tuesday morning, official sources said.

The incident happened in Shikarpur district when the Jaffer Express was heading towards southwestern Balochistan province from the country's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, sources from the Pakistan Railways told Xinhua.

The injured people have been shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, while rescue and relief operations were underway at the site, the sources added.

Police and paramilitary Rangers cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the cause of the blast, which caused significant damage to the railway track.

Rail traffic was temporarily suspended following the incident and will be restored after the track is cleared of the derailed compartments and the damaged train, officials said. 
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Two Hezbollah members were killed, and another person was injured on Tuesday in two Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The Emergency Operations Center affiliated with the Ministry of Public Health said in a statement that an Israeli drone strike on Deir Aames, in the Tyre district, left one person dead and another injured.

While a separate airstrike on a bulldozer in the Wadi Maryameen area, west of the village of Yater, resulted in one death, it added.

A Lebanese security source identified the victim in the Deir Aames strike as local Hezbollah "liaison" official Mahmoud Issa, and the person killed in Yater as Hezbollah member Ali Qaddouh. No further details were provided.

In a statement on Tuesday, the IDF said its Air Force struck and killed two Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon.

According to the statement, one of the killed militants, Mahmoud Ali Issa, served as the local representative of Hezbollah in the nearby Kafra village and was responsible for the financial and military connections between Hezbollah and the village residents.

In addition, he allegedly operated to seize private assets for operational militant use, such as renting houses to store weapons and conduct surveillance activities.

The other militant, whose name was not disclosed, was killed while operating an engineering vehicle in the Zibqin area in southern Lebanon, the statement said, claiming that he was attempting to re-establish Hezbollah militant infrastructure sites.

The IDF said that the two militants' activities constituted violations of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

A U.S.- and French-brokered ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024, ending months of cross-border clashes that erupted after the Gaza war began.

However, despite the truce, the Israeli army has occasionally launched strikes inside Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah "threats," while maintaining troops at five positions along the Lebanese border after the deadline for a full withdrawal expired on Feb. 18. 
This time last year, Australian chief executives were heralding the end of the flexible workplace: 82 per cent of them expected white-collar workers to be back in the office five days a week in three years. How quickly things have changed.

The latest KPMG global chief executive survey, released this week, shows just 22 per cent of Australian respondents expect white-collar workers to return full-time in what represents a massive backflip on workplace flexibility.

Australian chief executives have backflipped on forecasts that workers will be forced back to the office five days a week. Credit: Eddie Jim

The numbers confirm what we have long suspected: a return to a fully back-in-the-office workforce in Australia is unlikely, KPMG Australia boss Andrew Yates said. According to Yates, it may reflect, another year on from the pandemic, a better grasp of priorities by both sides.

Employers understand that the degree of flexibility is what people expect. And I think employees, on the other hand, have also realised the benefits of coming into the office.
MOSCOW, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A Ukrainian combat drone attempted to attack the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant overnight but was destroyed before causing any damage, Russian authorities said Tuesday.

Plant operator Rosenergoatom said the drone was downed by technical defenses near the facility in the Voronezh region and detonated after hitting the cooling tower of Unit 6, which remains in operation.

"There was no structural damage or casualties," the state nuclear energy company said in a statement, adding that the plant's safety systems were not affected and radiation levels at and around the site remain normal.

There was no immediate comment from Ukraine on the incident, which Rosenergoatom described as "another act of aggression by the Ukrainian armed forces against Russian nuclear power plants." 
Australias largest steelmaker, BlueScope, warns a shortage of affordable gas on the eastern seaboard could prevent it from lobbing a bid to rescue the collapsed Whyalla steelworks, as it steps up calls for the Albanese government to force prices lower.

BlueScope is leading a consortium thats considering a joint bid to buy the beleaguered South Australian steel mill, which had been owned by British billionaire Sanjeev Gupta but was placed into administration this year.

The South Australian and federal governments have unveiled a $2.4 billion bailout package for the facility, which will include $1.9 billion for its new owners to upgrade its infrastructure.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a $2.4 billion support package for the Whyalla steel mill. Credit: Ben Searcy, Nine News

In a speech to be delivered at the National Press Club on Wednesday, BlueScope chief executive Mark Vassella will say moving Whyallas coal-fired steelmaking furnaces to a process known as direct reduction, which uses natural gas, has been identified as the most viable way to ensure a sustainable future for the site and its workforce.
The main reason artist and entrepreneur Nat Cheney began Sydneys Best Worst Movie Club, a monthly gathering of bad-film appreciators in the inner west, was to enjoy the history of cinemas greatest monstrosities communally.

What she didnt expect was it quickly inspiring a social club.

The Best Worst Movie Club is a place where fans of epically awful movies can meet and enjoy classic film fare. Credit: James Brickwood

It started when I showed a friend one of the worst movies Ive ever seen, Cheney says. That is Troll 2. The acting is awful, the special effects are so bad theyre great, and the funny thing is theres no Troll 1. Theres also no trolls in the film.

Cheney and her friend loved watching the movie together so much, other friends asked to join in. Word spread and in 2023 a monthly club was born  originally in the Blue Mountains and then, four months ago, in Sydney as well.
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Tips & adviceKnow how Mochi madness: How this stretchy, chewy, dramatic dessert became a viral hit The social media sensation known as mochi  a pillow-soft Japanese bite with endless flavours  has gone mainstream. Heres your complete guide, including how to make it yourself. Jane de Graaff October 8, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Biting into a freshly made mochi ball is all about texture. It starts with the velvety outer layer, gives way to a pillow-soft bite, and finishes with a satisfying, springy chew. This parade of sensations happens even before fillings and flavours join the party. A traditional Japanese dish, mochis history stretches back thousands of years, with endless variations, including street snacks and speciality preparations for the samurai class. Youll find similar chewy bites in culinary traditions from China and Taiwan to Korea and Malaysia. But more recently, here in Australia, Japanese mochi have evolved from izakaya menu item and tasty travel experience to social media sensation, dessert destination pin-up and chilled supermarket treat. The history of Japanese mochi stretches back thousands of years. Jane de Graaff Whats mochi made of, and whats the hype?

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Youve probably seen clips of traditional Japanese mochitsuki, where mochi dough is slapped with water and rhythmically pounded by hefty wooden mallets to create the final chewy texture. Less dramatically, mochi can be made at home by mixing glutinous rice flour, cornflour and liquid to create a slurry that is cooked to a rubbery dough and kneaded for a soft and pleasantly chewy finish. Mochi is the Japanese word for glutinous rice thats been pounded to get a very chewy texture, says cookbook author and creative force behind new LA sweet spot TuCha, Catherine Zhang. It doesnt have to be sweet. Traditionally, you can have them with soy sauce or seaweed  you might even have them stir-fried with vegetables, says Zhang, who shares tips in her book Mochi, Cakes and Bakes, as well as on her popular social media platform. But its the sweetened version, known as daifuku, thats become popular in Australia, bursting with decadent fillings. Daifuku are composed of a thin mochi skin stretched into a dumpling-style wrapper for flavoured creams, fresh fruit and bean pastes. Daifuku are traditionally a New Year or celebration treat in Japan, says Sunny Liu.

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Liu is co-owner of SevenH co-retail space in Sydneys Lane Cove, where their Daifuku bar makes fresh, filled mochi daily, in seasonal flavours that sell out by lunchtime. They need to be consumed in one day. Overnight, the skin hardens slightly, and mochi is all about the texture and mixing everything in the right ratios, he says. Daifukus mochi are so soft that they come with a piece of string to cut them in half. Cutting with the string is a tradition and experience that shows how fresh they are, Liu says. Daifuku bar makes fresh, filled mochi daily, in seasonal flavours that sell out by lunchtime. Tomo Okai Travel, texture, theatre

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Theres definitely been a rise in interest, says Stella Lay, who turned her love of mochi from her own travels into online business Nommies Co., selling handmade, cream-filled daifuku in Flemington, Melbourne. Travelling to Japan has become so popular, so a taste for those treats has rubbed off on Australians, she says. Mochi has become really big because more people know about it now and love the texture. Zhang agrees that the texture gets people hooked. We have an obsession with things that are stretchy and chewy. Its part of that viral textural search, she says. The contrasting and decadent fillings and string-cutting tradition add theatre to the experience, Liu says. We always have one on display cut open to show whats inside and what youre getting. It shows off the quality of the fruit and filling.

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The glutinous rice flour in mochi doesnt actually contain gluten. Stella Lay What makes a good one? Zhang, Liu and Lay agree that the glutinous rice flour (which doesnt actually contain gluten) used in mochi making is all-important. Flour from mochigome short-grain glutinous rice is best, particularly if you can find Japanese shiratamako flour, which contributes to the final texture. Despite the abundance of wooden mallet videos online, both Zhang and Lay assure us that as long as the mochi dough is kneaded well and stretched, youll achieve an excellent texture. So if you plan to DIY, then stretch, stretch, stretch. For Liu, flavours can be as varied as you like, as long as fillings are high quality and the fruit is in season. Otherwise, it doesnt match up to the rest of the daifuku.

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Mochi should be eaten the day theyre made. Jane de Graaff Janes DIY strawberry and cream-filled mochi INGREDIENTS Mochi dough 100g glutinous rice flour

30g cornflour, plus extra for rolling

 cup caster sugar

180ml strawberry milk

1 tbsp butter (or rice bran oil)

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Filling 250g cream cheese, softened

 cup thickened cream

2 tbsp caster sugar

4 tbsp berry jam

6 x large strawberries (4 diced and 2 sliced for garnish) METHOD For the filling, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth, adding the cream and caster sugar and whipping until combined. Put your filling into a piping bag and ensure your berries are sliced and diced. Chill the filling and berries in the fridge until needed. For the mochi, mix the rice flour, cornflour and caster sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Pour in the strawberry milk and whisk until smooth, taking care to avoid lumps. Cover the bowl with cling film and poke holes in it. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then give it a mix  it will be starting to thicken, and you want to ensure it cooks evenly. Put the cling film back over the bowl and microwave for 2 more minutes. Remove the cling film from the hot mixture, being careful to avoid the hot steam. Add the butter and use a non-stick spatula to mix it in completely. Set it aside to cool. Once cool, wet your hands and the workbench (keep a bowl of water nearby to re-wet as needed). Tip the cooled dough onto the bench. Knead and stretch the dough vigorously for about 5 minutes. The more you stretch it, the softer the final texture will be. Add a little more water as you go to prevent the dough from sticking. Cut the mochi dough into 8 even pieces and roll them into balls. Generously dust the bench and a rolling pin with extra cornflour to prevent the dough from sticking. Roll each mochi ball into a thin disc. Dust a small dish or cup with cornflour. Set one mochi disc into the prepared dish or cup, ensuring the edges of the dough come up the sides. Pipe about  of the cream filling into the middle of your mochi wrapper, creating a cup for the ingredients. Add a dollop of jam and a few pieces of diced fresh strawberry. Cover the berries with a little more cream, then gently pull the mochi edges together and seal them to form a neat, closed parcel. Pinch it closed tightly to seal it, turn it out into a patty case and top with a slice of fresh strawberry. Repeat until the wrappers and filling are all used. Makes 8 filled mochi

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A planned pro-Palestine march expected to result in tens of thousands of people descending on the Opera House forecourt on Sunday has disaster written all over it, NSW Police told the states top court as the force seeks to block the rally.

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The Court of Appeal held an urgent hearing today in a test case on protest rights as police seek to halt the march from the Sydney CBD to the Opera House. It will deliver its decision tomorrow morning.

Assistant Police Commissioner Peter McKenna told the court he had significant concerns about people entering and exiting the Opera House forecourt.

He said 40,000 to 100,000 people congregating at the site would be impractical.

It has disaster written all over it. We are not anti-protest.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns said police had made strong and direct arguments in relation to public safety.

Chief Justice Andrew Bell, presiding over the hearing with Justices Ian Harrison and Stephen Free, said he was concerned organisers had not contacted the Opera House or nearby Botanic Gardens about the plan.

Read the full story here.
Police are investigating potential links between a Sydney woman abducted from her home and murdered earlier this year and a foiled plot to execute a man at a day care centre on Tuesday afternoon.

The Herald can reveal that investigators who swooped on three alleged would-be assassins during peak hour at Revesby on Tuesday  allegedly en route to murder a fourth man  are closely examining links to the alleged kidnapping and execution of Sydney woman Thi Kim Tran in April.

Detectives say they narrowly stopped a murder commissioned by a Vietnamese crime syndicate, which had fallen out with an employee, and had sent three guns-for-hire to execute him at a day care centre pick-up on Tuesday afternoon.

More than a decade after the Asian crime squad was dismantled in 2014, NSW Police are again focused on Vietnamese crime in Sydney after a raft of disturbing incidents, including a man being buried alive and the kidnapping and murder of a man whose body was found in the Blue Mountains.
The alleged mastermind of a multimillion-dollar kickback scandal, who had been on the run from police for four months, has admitted that he started engaging in improper arrangements with road contractors as far back as 2012 when he was part of a government agencys graduate program.

After he was escorted in handcuffs into a public hearing on Tuesday, sacked Transport for NSW official Ibrahim Helmy, 38, conceded that he had received cash and other benefits from contractors, including cryptocurrency.

Under questioning, Helmy said on one occasion during the Independent Commission Against Corruption hearing that he did not request payment or benefits from contractors, saying, I wasnt asking to be paid  it just happened.

However, a short time later he conceded that he first sought or received payment from a contractor known as Complete Linemarking in 2012 while he was part of a graduate program for what was then the Road and Traffic Authority.
Students and graduates from Western Sydney University have been targeted in a fraudulent email scam, receiving messages impersonating the institution which claim their degrees have been revoked.

The scam email sent to students on Monday said: We regret to inform you that, following a thorough review, the decision has been made to permanently exclude you from any further study at Western Sydney University.

Students Jennifer Whitton and Logan Stig received the emails. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong

The fraudulent email also told recipients that any existing certificates or awards previously issued to you are hereby revoked.

Student Jennifer Whitton, in her final term of a five-year biology degree, said she fell to the floor and started crying when she received the email just after 8pm on Monday.
South Australian police have deployed technology previously used in a high-profile murder case and ruled out a footprint as belonging to four-year-old boy Gus Lamont, who went missing on his familys outback sheep station.

Augustus Gus Lamont was last seen playing on a mound of dirt at about 5pm on Saturday, September 27, on his familys Oak Park Station homestead.

Police are scaling back their search for missing boy Gus, last seen near Yunta, South Australia. Credit: Nine News

The boy was reportedly left alone for half an hour before his grandmother attempted to call him inside, only to find him missing.

The family searched for three hours before calling police, with state emergency services, helicopters and Aboriginal trackers descending on the sprawling 60,000 station for 10 days searching for the boy.
Calculate the value

Computer algebra systems (CAS) technology is extremely powerful. So powerful that many conservative mathematics teachers and educators are reluctant to accept it. I firmly believe that with the Victorian mathematics study designs, we have established a system that recognises the importance of learning the basics while embracing the power of technology.

The end of year examinations for our Victorian higher level mathematics subjects involve a one-hour, technology-free exam followed by a two-hour technology-permitted exam. Students need to show their understanding without using technology but they are then expected to solve quite difficult questions with the aid of CAS technology. In my experience, the difficulty in the questions being asked in the technology-permitted mathematics exams in Victoria has increased exponentially as the technology has evolved.

Many students in the states that do not allow CAS miss out on those magic Wow! moments that can ignite their imagination and encourage them into studying STEM. If we want to be a smart country, it is time we established a proper national curriculum where students learn the basics but are also challenged to use the latest technologies.

Neale Woods, Wattle Glen

Racial profiling

John Silvester quotes retired police superintendent Nigel Howard as saying: We see these young offenders publicly identified as Africans. That is so wrong because just about all have been born in Australia (If I hear another politician say they are tough on crime, Ill explode, 3/10).

It is also wrong because Africa is the worlds most genetically, culturally and linguistically diverse continent. People across its regions, such as Morocco, Namibia and Kenya, dont even look alike.

According to the 2021 census, Victoria has 125,505 people of African descent. Of those, Howard says there is a hardcore of 400 who are involved in crime. That is, 0.3 per cent. There is no defence for stereotyping the people of an entire continent, or any immigrant group, according to such data.

We dont homogenise Europeans, as if people from, say, Sweden, Italy and Hungary were somehow interchangeably similar. We dont speak of European gangs regarding underworld crime. Theres neither reason nor rationality in doing so with people from any other continent.

Barbara Chapman, South Yarra

Penalise the harm

The tragic stories of the victims of frauds who lost millions of dollars to offenders who were feeding their gambling addictions (Kyms accountant gambled away her life savings ... 7/10) stands in marked contrast to the recent Institute of Public Affairs report that argued that the criminal justice system was in need of reform by incarcerating fewer non-violent offenders and using the extra spaces to take in prisoners from other states (The state that could gain from a new convict era in Australia, 6/10).

Calls to limit the use of imprisonment for white-collar offenders are effectively attempts to diminish the seriousness of such offences. We need to focus on the nature and extent of the harm, not the means by which it is inflicted. Fraud can be a traumatic experience for victims and their families. Victims may suffer emotional distress, shame and feelings of betrayal. It costs the community billions of dollars each year.

There is no doubt that imprisonment is expensive, unpleasant, ineffective, criminogenic. But frauds are serious offences and people who cause serious harm deserve serious consequences.

We should not have double standards for violent offenders and white-collar criminals who commit frauds. Offenders who harm others, no matter by what means, should receive their just deserts. For many fraudsters, crime pays  but it should also have a price.

Arie Freiberg, Malvern East

Economic management

I can understand Ross Gittins frustration over the shortcomings of the Reserve Bank of Australias monetary policy performance (We have at our fingertips a much fairer economic tool, 6/10). Thirty years of inflation targeting Australian style (an annual target of between 2-3 per cent) has hugely benefited asset holders, especially property investors. The RBA has virtually guaranteed low inflation and therefore modest, manageable interest rates to anyone who wants to gear up big time and play the domestic property market.

Yet the suggested alternative, handing a big helping of demand management back to federal parliament by allowing it to vary the compulsory superannuation contribution rate to boost or calm consumption as required, could also be problematic. Its not hard to imagine the party in power forcing through legislation to lower the contribution rate as an election approaches in order to pump up the economy, and then neglecting to restore the rate down the line for fear that it might result in a set of unpalatable GDP statistics.

If inflation targeting is indeed approaching its use-by date, we might need to remind ourselves where it came from, and acknowledge that the ascendance of monetary policy over fiscal policy is really just another Baby Boomer thing. Keynesian demand management, or fiscal policy, worked fine until circumstances both domestic and international conspired to give us stagflation in the mid-1970s. Central banks, including the RBA, were then called upon to play a greater role in managing our economic performance. Modern central bankers prefer to work with a clearly understood framework of rules. First came monetary targeting. This soon became unworkable, an early casualty of the financial deregulation of the 1980s. After the rather unsatisfactory checklist period of the later 1980s another framework was inaugurated in 1993: yes, inflation targeting!

Well, if were going to pat the RBAs newly inaugurated Monetary Policy Board on the back and say thank you folks, but thanks ... and sally back to demand management 1960s-style, were going to need an updated and shared monetary management framework (shared between the federal government and the Reserve Bank). Now hang on a minute, isnt that what the recently updated Statement on the Conduct of Monetary Policy is trying to achieve?

Fraser Faithfull, Caulfield South

Flawed republic

The constitution bequeathed to his country by Charles de Gaulle continues to haunt France (Macron scrambles to salvage government as French PM quits after 27 days, 6/10). The president is politically immortal for the duration of his elected term, leaving the prime minister subject to public discontent. The current holder of that office, appointed by the president, faces the ignominy of being ejected inside a single month, while President Macron remains safe, at the mid-point of his elected term.

The French may famously have invented the modern political revolution, but they certainly struggle to make it work between elections.

Tony Haydon, Springvale
QUITO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has ordered the extension of the state of emergency in four coastal provinces and one canton for 30 days amid escalating violence linked to organized crime, the government announced Monday.

The extension, issued under Executive Decree 175, applies to the provinces of Guayas, El Oro, Los Rios and Manabi, as well as the canton of Echeandia in the central province of Bolivar.

The emergency, initially declared for 60 days in August, was imposed in response to what authorities described as "serious internal unrest."

Under the decree, constitutional protections against home searches and the privacy of correspondence are suspended.

Ecuador has been grappling with a severe security crisis since President Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" in January 2024. In September alone, the country's emergency service recorded 6,210 violent crime incidents, including robberies, extortion, and drug-related offenses. 
In this special series, The Age focuses on Melbournes western suburbs to see how life could improve in Australias fastest-growing region.

Population growth in Melbournes west is the fastest in Australia. The regions population will soon pass 1 million, and will be 1.8 million by 2051. Australias economic future critically depends on leveraging this growth with investments in freight and passenger rail services to enhance productivity and labour force participation.

Serious consideration should be given to advancing the planning of the Suburban Rail Loop West, which along with the governments welcome decision to proceed with the Airport Rail Link would provide greatly enhanced connections for the wests rapidly growing workforce to move between Werribee, Sunshine, the airport and the city. This would boost the economy as well as improving the lives of the wests growing population.

Residents of Melbournes booming western suburbs have ever-growing commuting times. Credit: Joe Armao

The wests workforce is providing extensive skills to Australias largest and fastest-growing healthcare and professional services sectors, as well as its traditional sectors of manufacturing, transport and logistics. However, too many residents have to commute out of the region to work in these sectors, putting huge pressure on inadequate transport infrastructure. There are two solutions to this.

First, more public and private investment in established employment precincts in Footscray, Sunshine and East Werribee would grow much-needed quality local jobs. Cobblebank (in Melton), soon to receive a new hospital and TAFE, should be added as a fourth priority precinct.
The Department of Health is investigating the feasibility of a new maternity hospital at the Queen Elizabeth II site in Nedlands, which would deliver up to 2000 babies each year, despite the idea being routinely dismissed by the WA Labor government ahead of the most recent state election.

9 News Perth and WAtoday have seen documents showing the North Metropolitan Health Service has canvassed the proposal, which would mitigate risks posed by the state governments chosen location for its $1.8 billion women and babies hospital site in Murdoch.

The medical fraternity had pleaded with the state government to keep newborn services near Nedlands so that high-risk births would not have to travel between 20 and 45 minutes from the southern suburbs site to surgeons at Perth Childrens Hospital.

However, in the lead up to the state election in March, the WA Labor government dismissed suggestions a maternity wing could be built at QEII due to space and cost constraints.
Western Australias top cop says those targeted in an operation cracking down on gun ownership among people with sovereign citizen views had self-identified.

Police Commissioner Col Blanch told Radio 6PR on Tuesday he proactively began the crackdown after receiving an awful lot of correspondence from people identifying as sovereign citizens.

Ammunition seized by police. Credit: Police Media

A sovereign citizen is someone who believes, among other things, they are not bound by the laws of the state they live in.

This masthead revealed on Saturday police had seized 135 firearms in raids on people who had expressed views aligning with the sovereign citizen movement.
Officials from Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses department have declined to confirm basic details about the return of wives and children of Islamic State fighters to Australia from Syria, prompting accusations of a cover-up from the federal opposition.

It was revealed last week that a group of six women and children had smuggled themselves out of Syria and returned to Australia despite Albanese denying earlier reports that a cohort was set to return home by the end of the year.

Australian women with their children in Al-Hawl camp in northern Syria in 2019. Credit: Kate Geraghty

The women were wives of men who travelled to Syria to fight for the Islamic State (also known as IS or ISIS) when the radical jihadist group was trying to establish a hardline Sunni caliphate across the Middle East.

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet officials told Senate estimates hearings it would be a breach of privacy to detail how many wives and children have travelled from camps in Syria to Australia despite such figures being widely reported in the media.
Australias new federal police chief has issued a warning to extremists stoking fears and violence at protests that they are prime targets as she overhauls the national police force to defend democracy from the chaos generated by both radical actors and rogue states such as Iran.

As debate erupted on the October 7 anniversary during her first week as the AFPs top officer, Krissy Barrett said the Hamas attacks  and Israels response, labelled a genocide by the United Nations  triggered a steep rise in cases driven by ideological hatred.

Krissy Barrett is the first woman to lead the AFP. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

We are putting these groups on notice, Barrett said in an interview at the forces Canberra headquarters. The way some of these groups are physically presenting at protests is causing fear.

Youre on our radar  and we will be using all of our capabilities, partnerships and technological capabilities to protect the social cohesion of this country.
A surveillance company contracted by Fire and Rescue NSWs insurer looked through a 15-year-old girls social media profiles as part of an investigation into her fathers working capacity, a parliamentary inquiry has heard.

Joined by his daughter Lillian and wife Sarah, Matthew UBrien, who spent 27 years working for NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, and the NSW Resources Regulator, said he discovered evidence of the private investigations company as a redacted receipt buried in thousands of pages of documents.

Matt UBrien, formerly with NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW, his wife Sarah and daughter Lillian, 18, who all gave evidence at a NSW parliament inquiry on Tuesday. Credit: Sam Mooy

The UBriens appeared during a hearing of the inquiry considering the governments proposed reforms of the states workers compensation scheme on Tuesday. Several workers who had suffered psychological injuries provided evidence during the at-times emotional hearing, detailing how their trauma had been exacerbated by the adversarial system.

As part of her evidence, Sarah said her husbands condition worsened during his time in the workers compensation scheme, describing the impact on her family as catastrophic.
Paris: Hours after his latest prime minister was forced to resign  unable to form a cabinet that lasted more than a day  French President Emmanuel Macron was spotted walking alone by the Seine in the chilly autumn morning.

Bodyguards kept their distance ahead and behind as he wandered out through a wrought iron gate onto the stone embankment in a black overcoat.

The scene, captured from afar on video and shown on Frances BFMTV, evoked images of former French president Charles de Gaulle seeking solace in the wind-swept plains of Ireland after his resignation in the late 1960s  a leader retreating inward as his political era drew to a close.

Macron is president until 2027, but the resignation of Sebastien Lecornu  his fifth prime minister in two years  has raised the chances that the one-time golden boy of French politics fails to make it to the end of his final term.
Jerusalem: Israel has deported Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and about 170 other participants in a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted at sea by the Israeli military.

Thunberg was among dozens of deportees to land in Athens, Greece, on Monday afternoon. Crowds of supporters gathered at Eleftherios Venizelos international airport and chanted Free free Palestine! as activists disembarked.

That this mission has to exist, its a shame! It is a shame! Thunberg said shortly after arriving.

I could talk for a very, very long time about our mistreatment and abuses in our imprisonment, trust me, but that is not the story.
Donald Trump appears to have gained the upper hand in his relations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at least for the time being. The US president shocked the Israeli leader last week by undercutting his main goals of extinguishing Hamas and securing Gaza for Israel. But Netanyahu is a master political tactician and cannot be expected to walk away from those ambitions.

Trumps 20-point peace plan and Netanyahus public embrace of it has come against the backdrop of unprecedented global condemnation and isolation of Israel over the Gaza operations and, more importantly, a dramatic decline in Americans support for Israel. According to a New York Times and Siena University poll, more Americans side with Palestinians over Israelis for the first time since the poll began in 1998, and most American voters now oppose sending more economic and military aid to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump at the White House on September 29. Credit: Bloomberg

In the past week, a Washington Post poll of Americas Jewry found more disapprove of Israels actions in Gaza than support them, and 68 per cent had a negative view of Netanyahus leadership. Six in 10 believe Israel has committed war crimes and four in 10 believe Israel is guilty of genocide.

Most alarming for Trump is the growing criticism of Netanyahu and his extremist ruling coalition from many prominent MAGA loyalists. They have questioned the value of Americas costly strategic partnership with Israel, the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in US politics, and Israels intelligence and military infiltration of the American administration.
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 Kfar Aza, Israel: Displaced residents of this farming community gathered before the sun rose on Tuesday to honour relatives killed two years ago here in the Hamas-led attacks, to reflect on what has since become of Israel, to commemorate a terrible day in rituals marred by the irrepressible sounds of war. Sirens, at one point, warned of another attack  at least one of them a false alarm. Another siren marked the anniversary of the day when about 1200 people were killed during the cross-border assault. And throughout the morning, there were the booms and thuds of artillery and airstrikes landing a few miles away in Gaza, its brutalised residents desperate for it all to stop. This year, Israels government elected not to hold a state ceremony on October 7, because it coincided with the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. But many gathered anyhow, in the border communities that were attacked, and in the squares in Israeli cities that have become sites of solidarity and protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his failure to end the war and free hostages held by Hamas. People attend a memorial service in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where many community members were killed and abducted in the 2023 Hamas attack. Credit: AP If Tuesdays anniversary offered a clarion call, it was this: people on both sides of the border, in Israel and Gaza, saying enough was enough. Two years of war is something terrible, terrible, terrible, said Pnina Russo, whose son Uri, an engineer, was killed while defending Kfar Aza during the attack in 2023.

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Yareen Abu Naja, 44, who spent Tuesday as she did every day in Gaza, scrambling for food for her family, said, enough of this injustice and indignity  enough of this war, her voice cracking. The last two years in Gaza  with tens of thousands of people killed during the Israeli military campaign, and entire neighbourhoods levelled  had passed as if they are 100 years, Abu Naja said. The backdrop to Tuesdays commemorations are negotiations to end the war in Gaza, under way in Egypt. In Israel, Netanyahu faces pressure from opposing sides: Most Israelis would like to end the war, according to recent polls, and protesters regularly march to call for a hostage deal, while far-right members of his governing coalition have threatened to bring down the government if Israel agrees to a peace deal. Netanyahu is also facing a reckoning from abroad, as Israel grows more isolated. The countrys allies and neighbours are pushing for the kind of permanent resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict  a pathway toward a Palestinian state  that Netanyahu has opposed. And a growing number of academics and human rights organisations say Israels military campaign in Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide, adding to pressure for its immediate end. Hamas, in recent days, said it would accept US President Donald Trumps 20-point peace plan and release all Israeli hostages it was holding, subject to conditions and further talks.

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In Kfar Aza, once a town of 400 people and among the closest to the Gaza border, Russo remembered her son Uri as beautiful, smart  really, a wonderful person. I miss him very much, she said. But she was heartbroken, too, at the continuation of the war, not just the fighting in Gaza, but at the divisions in her own country over the conflict  the situation between the people, Russo said. It has to change. I think about the children in Gaza; they are inside all this mess, she said. Really, its hard for the mother in us. Smoke rises after an Israeli air strike in Gaza  not far from Kibbutz Kfar Aza  on Tuesday. Credit: Bloomberg She did not know whether to place her faith in Trump. He was not the person to trust with peace, but on the other hand, Trump had the power to move Netanyahu, who has frequently indicated his preference for continuing the war. You have to be optimistic, Russo said. To continue to believe it will change.

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In Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Rotem Cooper, 59, signalled hope in the negotiations taking place in Egypts Sharm el-Sheikh, with reservations. His parents, Nurit and Amiram, were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz in the October 2023 attack. Nurit, his mother, was released after 17 days; Israels army said in June 2024 that Amiram had been killed in captivity. Weve been in that road of false hope, many times, Rotem said. Im trying to be very careful to raise hopes again, although it is looking more promising, he added, saying that he was appreciative of Trumps ceasefire efforts. A woman walks through memorial of the slain and kidnapped at the site of the Nova Festival in Israel. Credit: Getty Images His own government was not exactly interested, or at least there is an element in the government, including the prime minister, that is not truly interested, in the release of the hostages, he said. They prefer to continue the war, and having the hostages there is a great reason to continue the war. In Dizengoff Square, another memorial site about half a mile away, Naama Lazimi, an opposition member of parliament and one of the governments most outspoken critics, said the fact that the hostages had not yet been released  and that there had been no government commission of inquiry into the October 7 attack  was a moral disgrace for the state, for a society. Regarding the negotiations to end the war, people here are full of hope. But the governments priority was political survival, and it will do everything to sabotage the deal, she said.

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The Trump administration is working to bring Israeli citizens back to recovery and for burial, while the Israeli government is working to sabotage it. Its a sick situation that harms us as a society and as a nation, she said. For Iman Al- Ijla, 23, who was staying with family friends west of Gaza City during an Israeli military offensive there, October 7 was a painful and heartbreaking memory. Loading Weve been displaced for two years now and constantly on the move every single day, with no electricity, no internet and no real sense of normal life all this time. Life had been long days and longer nights, she said. Dozens of her family members and friends had been killed over the past two years. They included 20 relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike on their home in southern Gaza in the summer of 2024. They were innocent people, with no connection to the resistance, she said. Still, Im holding on to hope about the talks in Egypt this time. This has to end. Enough is enough. Yamen Adwan, 26, who is living in a displacement camp in Khan Younis, said there was nothing left of his old life after two years of war. Israeli forces destroyed his home in the city of Rafah. He lost his job as a nurse as the health care system collapsed. Three of his closest friends have been killed.

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UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the continued arbitrary detentions of UN personnel and its partners, as well as the ongoing unlawful seizure of UN premises and assets in areas under Houthi control, a UN spokesperson said on Monday.

The condemnation came after the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen detained nine additional UN personnel recently.

With the latest detentions, the total number of arbitrarily detained UN staff in Yemen since 2021 has risen to 53, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, said in a statement.

Noting that these actions hinder the United Nations' ability to operate in Yemen and to deliver critical assistance, the statement said the secretary-general remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of UN personnel in Yemen.

Guterres reiterated his urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of all personnel from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and diplomatic missions, the statement said. "They must be respected and protected in accordance with applicable international law."

The UN chief also reiterated that UN personnel must be allowed to independently perform their functions without hindrance, the statement said, adding that the premises and assets of the United Nations are inviolable and must be protected at all times, consistent with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

"The United Nations will continue to work tirelessly, and through all available channels, to secure the safe and immediate release of all arbitrarily detained personnel, as well as the return of UN agency offices and other assets," the statement noted.

"The secretary-general remains steadfast in the UN commitment to support the people of Yemen and their aspirations for a just and lasting peace," it said. 
When US President Donald Trumps plan to deploy National Guard troops to Portland hit a major snag at the weekend, it did so at the hands of one of his own judicial nominees.

This is a nation of constitutional law, not martial law, Judge Karin Immergut, 64, wrote in an order on Saturday in rejecting the administrations claims that it needed military support to protect federal property and enforce immigration law, what she called an extraordinary measure.

Karin Immergut is sworn in as a US District Court judge in 2018. Credit: Getty Images

Arguments made by Trumps Justice Department, she continued, risk blurring the line between civil and military federal power  to the detriment of this nation.

Hours earlier, after a Friday hearing before Immergut, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who is the architect of Trumps push to deploy United States soldiers on their own soil, said the problem lay elsewhere. Far-left Democrat judges, he said, were obstructing the administrations attempt to dismantle terrorism and terror networks.
RideNow Chandler Named Sea-Doo U.S. National Dealer of the Year

CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 6, 2025 -- RideNow Group, Inc. is proud to announce that RideNow Chandler, one of its flagship dealerships, has been named the Sea-Doo U.S. National Dealer of the Year for Personal Watercraft (PWC) and Pontoons. The recognition was announced at a dealer event in Boston.

The award presented by Sea-Doo, a division of BRP, recognizes dealerships that excel in training and certification, achieve strong market share in their region, surpass sales goals, and demonstrate steady growth in parts, accessories, and apparel. RideNow Chandler stood out across all categories, setting a high bar for Sea Doo dealerships nationwide.

"This one really feels good because it shows the effort our whole crew puts in," said Jon Lester, General Manager of RideNow Chandler. "We've got a team here that shows up every day ready to take care of people, whether that's helping them pick out their first Sea-Doo or making sure their gear and service are spot-on. Our customers really make it fun for us to do what we do."

As part of RideNow Group, Inc., RideNow Chandler benefits from the strength of the nation's largest powersports dealership network. The US Dealer of the Year selection was influenced by the dealership's customer-first approach and the strong connections it has with boaters in the Phoenix area. These relationships have helped make Sea-Doo products a top choice for families and boating enthusiasts.

"This award is a great example of what happens when a dealership has a strong team and a real focus on its customers," said RideNow Group COO Cam Tkach. "We're incredibly proud of Jon and the entire crew at RideNow Chandler. We strive for high performance at all 52 of our RideNow dealerships, and RideNow Chandler sets a great example for all of our stores."

About RideNow Group, Inc.

RideNow Group, Inc. , operates through two operating segments: a powersports dealership group and a vehicle transportation services entity, Wholesale Express, LLC ("Express"). We believe our Powersports group is the largest powersports retail group in the United States offering a wide selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain or side-by-side vehicles, personal watercraft, snowmobiles and other powersports products. We also offer parts, apparel, accessories, finance & insurance products and services, and aftermarket products from a wide range of manufacturers. We are one of the largest purchasers of pre-owned powersports vehicles in the United States and utilize our proprietary RideNow Cash Offer technology to acquire vehicles directly from consumers. Our Express business provides asset-light transportation brokerage services facilitating automobile transportation primarily between and among dealerships and auctions throughout the United States. To learn more, please visit https://www.ridenow.com.

SOURCE RideNow Group Inc.
Since 2008, RTC has distributed more than $3.7 million in grants, helping communities nationwide address the missing links in their trail networks and maximize the impact of this essential infrastructure

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2025 -- Rails to Trails Conservancy today announced it awarded $398,000 in funding through its 2025 Trail Grants program to community organizations and public agencies working to maximize the impact of America's trail networks by increasing the connectivity of these essential spaces.

"RTC's Trail Grants remind us of the visceral impact that trails deliver in communities of all sizes, and to people's daily lives," said Liz Thorstensen, RTC's vice president of trail development. "At a time when our society is increasingly disconnected, this year's grantees illustrate how this infrastructure is essential to fostering physical and social connection. These projects are closing gaps in infrastructure that generate joy and impactfrom the community they inspire to the economic opportunity the yield."

RTC's 2025 grantees represent 40 organizations that are advancing projects across rural, suburban and urban communities tackling critical elements of the work to advance the nation's trail networks, from expanding trail access, to powering new opportunities for mobility and economic development, and creating programs that welcome young people and families to experience the outdoors in new ways.

"There are more than 150 trail networks in development across the country, with projects reaching every single state," said Thorstensen. "The funding necessary to advance these projects is far-reaching. RTC's grants are a small fraction of what's needed, but they make a big difference, often funding projects that fall through the cracks of local, state and federal programs, and allowing for investment in the community-based organizations critical to bringing these spaces to life. These grants also help leverage additional public and private funding, amplifying their impact and accelerating progress on the ground."

For example, a grant to Laramie County, Wyoming, is furthering development of the Clear Creek Pathway which will serve as an important connection in the Greater Cheyenne region's emerging trail network. In Harrison County, Ohio, a grant supports planning and design of the Bowerston-Dennison Rail Trail, eventually creating a connection between communities in Harrison and Tuscarawas Counties. In Virginia, Riviana Trails Foundation Trailblazers received a grant for trail maintenance and workforce development for youth pursuing careers in outdoor recreation while addressing deferred maintenance in area parks and trails. A grant to Groundworks Jacksonville will support community engagement for the Emerald Trail, connecting more than 14 neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Florida. Further, in partnership with several Special Olympics programs across the country, RTC's grant will support on-trail programming that encourages physical activity and community independence. A list of 2025 RTC Trail Grant recipients is available at railstotrails.org/grants.

"Every mile of trail, every new program, every story of a family discovering the outdoors adds up," said Thorstensen. "That's what we're celebrating today: The people and projects who are making trails an essential part of everyday life in America."

The 2025 Trail Grants are part of RTC's longstanding program, which has distributed more than $3.7 million across more than 450 grants to over 280 organizations. RTC's Trail Grants invest in transformative projects and programs that create more access to trails for more people across the country, supporting organizations at all levelsfrom local and national nonprofits to public agencieswith a focus on community-based leadership and engagement and long-term impact. Learn more about RTC's Trail Grants program at railstotrails.org/grants.

Rails to Trails Conservancy is the nation's largest trails organizationwith a grassroots community more than 1 million strongdedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Rails to Trails Conservancy
BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with South Korea to strengthen mutual trust, avoid disruptions, deepen cooperation and contribute to each other's success so as to safeguard regional peace, stability and prosperity, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday.

In a telephone conversation with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that as the two countries are important neighbors as well as close partners, China always attaches great importance to its relations with South Korea.

As South Korea and China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting this year and next year, respectively, Wang voiced hope that the two sides will support each other to build consensus, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, safeguard the international trade regime, uphold multilateralism and advance the process of building a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) in pursuit of an Asia-Pacific community.

Cho, for his part, said that South Korea holds in high regard its relationship with China and will spare no effort to boost its growth.

He voiced hope that South Korea will take the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting as an opportunity to facilitate high-level exchanges between the two countries and deepen exchanges and cooperation. 
The death toll from an Indonesian school collapse rose to 63 on Monday, officials said, as workers pulled more remains from the rubble of the building that collapsed last week.

Part of the multi-storey Islamic boarding school on Indonesia's Java island collapsed as more than 150 students gathered for afternoon prayers.

Around half a dozen youngsters are still unaccounted for.

"We hope we can conclude the recovery today (Monday), and we will return the bodies (to the families)," National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) operations director Yudhi Bramantyo told a press conference Monday.

The collapse was Indonesia's deadliest disaster so far this year, Budi Irawan, the deputy head of the national disaster agency (BNPB), said.

Investigators have been examining the cause of the collapse, but initial indications suggest that substandard construction may have contributed to the incident, according to experts.

The families of the missing agreed last Thursday for heavy equipment to be used, after the 72-hour "golden period" for the best chance of survival came to an end.

Lax construction standards have raised widespread concerns about building safety in Indonesia.

At least three people were killed and dozens were injured in September when a building hosting a prayer recital collapsed in West Java.
GAZA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Two years into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing warfare and profound humanitarian crisis have exacted a staggering toll. According to health authorities in Gaza and Israel, the conflict has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives and more than 1,200 Israeli lives.

The following is a timeline of major events since the conflict began in October 2023.

-- On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people, taking around 250 hostages and launching thousands of rockets. Israeli Security Cabinet declared later in the day a "state of war."

-- On Nov. 6, 2023, the total number of Palestinian deaths in Gaza reached 10,022, Gaza's health ministry said.

-- On Nov. 24, 2023, a temporary four-day ceasefire brokered by Qatar and other mediators took effect, briefly pausing hostilities. The ceasefire was extended by two days, with another extension to Dec. 1. During this period, more than 100 hostages were freed from Gaza, while Israel released around 240 Palestinian detainees.

-- On Feb. 29, 2024, the Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip from Israeli attacks has exceeded 30,000, Palestinian medical sources said.

-- On July 31, 2024, Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Iran's Tehran, Hamas and Iran's Revolutionary Guards both confirmed.

-- On Oct. 17, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that its soldiers had "eliminated" Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in an operation in southern Gaza.

-- On Jan. 15, 2025, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire-for-hostages deal that will start on Jan. 19. According to the agreement, Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase, spanning six weeks, in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees.

-- On March 18, 2025, Israel said it was resuming strikes because of Hamas' repeated refusals to release its hostages and its rejection of all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and mediators.

-- On Aug. 8, 2025, Israel's Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City, Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

-- On Aug. 22, 2025, more than half a million people in Gaza are facing famine conditions marked by starvation and preventable deaths, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

-- On Sept. 9, 2025, Israel's military said that it launched airstrikes targeting Hamas headquarters in the Qatari capital of Doha, in what it described as an attempt to assassinate senior Hamas leaders. Hamas said that the group's leaders survived the attack, though several family members and aides of Hamas leaders were killed.

-- On Sept. 22, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron said at a UN meeting on the two-state solution that his country recognizes the State of Palestine, joining most of the other UN member states that have already done so. Previously, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal formally recognized the State of Palestine to push for a "two-state solution."

-- On Oct. 3, 2025, Hamas announced that it had submitted its response to U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza peace proposal to regional and international mediators, saying it has agreed in principle to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased. 
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- With preliminary peace talks under way in Egypt, there has been a reduction in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, though deadly shelling and gunfire continue, UN humanitarians said Monday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Gaza's health authorities reported 21 deaths and 96 wounded on Sunday.

Humanitarian access and movement across Gaza remain challenging. Eight missions that required coordination with the Israeli authorities were facilitated, including the installation of a solar panel in Deir al-Balah, as well as the collection of fuel, food and health supplies from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem border crossing. Six other missions were denied, and five were canceled, said OCHA.

Despite the continuing violence, limited supplies and restricted aid access, humanitarians continue to do whatever they can to meet people's urgent needs across the Gaza Strip, it said.

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher allocated 9 million U.S. dollars from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund to ensure fuel supplies to keep life-saving services running in the Gaza Strip.

On Saturday, humanitarian partners prepared and distributed 885,000 meals through 167 kitchens across Gaza. However, only 12 kitchens are operating in the north. Aid workers are doing everything possible to serve large numbers of people moving from the north to the south.

OCHA said that sites for displaced people in the south are overcrowded, forcing some families to stay at garbage dumping sites such as Al Amal, where approximately 70 tents have been set up over the past few days. Others are attempting to return to the north, despite Gaza City being declared a dangerous combat zone.

The office said it is ready to deliver large-scale aid as soon as conditions permit.

"We've been ready, and the machinery is cranked up and ready to go as soon as we get the green light," Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said of the Gaza relief pipeline that runs through Cyprus and the port of Ashdod. "There are thousands of metric tonnes in the pipeline of goods ready to enter (Gaza) ... As soon as the crossings become open, we're ready to move those trucks." 
MINSK, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Belarus and Oman on Monday signed a mutual visa exemption agreement during a ceremony attended by leaders of both countries, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.

According to the agreement, citizens of the two countries who hold national passports valid for at least six months from the date of entry will no longer be required to obtain visas for entry, exit and transit, if the duration of their continuous stay on the territory of the receiving party does not exceed 30 days from the date of entry, and the total duration of stay within a calendar year is within 90 days, the BelTA news agency reported.

On Monday, the two sides signed a package of cooperation documents, including a roadmap for the development of bilateral cooperation and a memorandum of cooperation on the construction of a pulp and paperboard mill in Belarus.

In the judicial sphere, the supreme courts of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster legal cooperation and exchange of expertise.

The N. N. Alexandrov National Cancer Centre of Belarus and Oman's Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center also inked an MoU to promote scientific, medical and research collaboration in oncology.

Additionally, an MoU was signed by the ministries of both countries in the field of agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries and food to enhance cooperation. 
GENEVA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday that in the two years since the outbreak of the Israel-Palestine conflict, some 61,000 children have reportedly been killed or maimed.

Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires said that, on average, one child has been killed or injured every 17 minutes, describing the figure as "unacceptable" and "staggering."

Pires deplored the facts that children have been "suffering in their bodies and their minds for way too long," remaining traumatized and "exposed to horrors that no child should ever have to look at or live."

He noted that in Gaza, one in every five children is born prematurely, but the territory lacks the necessary infrastructure to ensure their survival, with reports that children are forced to share oxygen masks to stay alive.

UNICEF also noted that its teams in Gaza are still waiting for a green light to fetch incubators and ventilators for premature babies evacuated from the north of the Strip.

"We've managed to move the babies to another facility when the hospital they were in needed to be evacuated, but we haven't managed to move the incubators... it's been denied so far," said Pires. 
Electric scooters designed by YADEA are displayed at the electric scooter industrial park in Xishan District, Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Jiaqi)

NANJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A self-driving electric moped at Yadea's product display center in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, showcased both the technological possibilities of autonomous two-wheelers and the company's expertise in designing and producing green mobility solutions.

Inside the showroom of this leading Chinese electric two-wheeler brand, a diverse range of electric motorbikes and e-bikes was on display. Among them, a portable, automatically foldable electric bike -- almost the size of a handbag -- caught the eye of journalists visiting the company's Wuxi headquarters.

As a global leader in annual sales of electric two-wheelers, Yadea offers a lineup of high-performance electric motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and kick scooters. True to its slogan, "A wonderful journey for global users," the company strives to bring sustainable, green travel solutions to riders around the world.

According to Shen Yu, executive director of Yadea Technology Group Co., Ltd., the company's sales of various types of e-mobility products reached 8.79 million units in the first half of 2025, with sales revenues reaching 19.1 billion yuan (about 2.7 billion U.S. dollars), up 33 percent year on year.

"Currently, expanding into overseas markets is a key corporate strategy, and I believe it's also the consensus of the whole electric motorbike industry here in Wuxi," Shen said, adding that the company has already invested in production bases in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico. While some of these facilities have begun operations, others are still under construction.

Yadea epitomizes the thriving electric motorbike industry cluster in Wuxi, which is also home to other well-known Chinese two-wheeler brands such as TAILG and AIMA.

In recent years, Wuxi's electric two-wheeler industry has intensified efforts to explore overseas markets, offering Chinese green technology solutions to benefit consumers and support the global transition to sustainability. Much of this push is reflected in the companies' overseas investment projects.

According to data from the local government, more than 160 enterprises in the electric motorbike industrial chain, including both motorbike and component producers, are based in Wuxi's Xishan district. Over the years, electric motorbike producers headquartered in the district, including Yadea, have established more than 20 production bases overseas.

Speaking at a press event in the company's office complex, Wang Jiazhong, Yadea's senior vice president, said the company's current priorities include conducting product adaptation R&D for overseas markets and establishing physical stores where international customers can experience Chinese technologies and products firsthand.

Wang noted that the company will soon open a new production base in Vietnam, moving from its previously rented facility to a purpose-built site designed to produce two million electric motorcycles annually.

"Once full-scale production begins, the Vietnam facility is expected to create over 2,000 local jobs. Considering the entire supply chain, along with sales and service roles, we estimate that the sector's development could generate up to 50,000 jobs," Wang said.

According to him, the company's production base in Indonesia is also planning to expand its capacity, with the project set to begin in the second half of 2026. "If all goes according to plan, we expect the Indonesian facility to generate local jobs on a scale similar to that of the Vietnam base."

He also noted that the company hopes to continue establishing production bases and transfer warehouses in additional overseas markets, such as Africa, Europe and Central Asia, where the potential for electric motorbike development is strong.

According to the Xishan district government, global interest is growing in the technological innovations and intelligent, green travel solutions emerging from China. In March this year, the district hosted an electric motorbike product debut event attended by procurement teams from 21 countries.

Going forward, the local government said it will continue supporting local electric motorbike companies in expanding international exchanges and strengthening their brand presence. 

This photo shows the production line of YADEA at the electric scooter industrial park in Xishan District, Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 16, 2025. Wuxi City has been actively building an open economy in recent years. The number of enterprises with actual foreign trade transactions in the city has exceeded 13,000, and their annual foreign trade value stood at more than 100 billion US dollars over the past four years.

The first eight months of 2025 saw the city's total foreign trade value a new high of 535.34 billion yuan (about 75.36 billion US dollars), up 7.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Liu Jiaqi)

Staff members work at the production line of YADEA at the electric scooter industrial park in Xishan District, Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 16, 2025. Wuxi City has been actively building an open economy in recent years. The number of enterprises with actual foreign trade transactions in the city has exceeded 13,000, and their annual foreign trade value stood at more than 100 billion US dollars over the past four years.

The first eight months of 2025 saw the city's total foreign trade value a new high of 535.34 billion yuan (about 75.36 billion US dollars), up 7.2 percent year on year. (Xinhua/Liu Jiaqi)
NEW DELHI, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Amid concerns over alleged cough syrup-related deaths in two Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the health department in the southern state of Kerala has ordered that no medicines should be given to children under the age of 12 without a doctor's prescription, officials said Tuesday.

The local government of Kerala has also formed a three-member committee to study the use of cough medicines by children in the state and submit a report immediately.

Officials said that so far, no problem has been reported in children in Kerala related to cough syrup.

However, the authorities have stopped the distribution and sale of the cough syrup in question. The drug control department teams are conducting intensive inspections in the market.

Reports said 17 children -- 14 in Madhya Pradesh and three in Rajasthan -- have died allegedly after developing complications following the consumption of cough syrups. 
Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows the scene of archaeologic excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye. A T-shaped pillar carved with a human face has been unearthed for the first time during recent excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye, a cabinet minister announced on Monday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ANKARA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A T-shaped pillar carved with a human face has been unearthed for the first time during recent excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye, a cabinet minister announced on Monday.

The discovery was made during excavations under the Stone Hills Project, a comprehensive archaeological initiative exploring humanity's transition from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle and the evolution of belief systems around 12,000 years ago. Located in southeastern Anatolia, the project encompasses several Neolithic sites, including Gobeklitepe and Karahantepe.

"This artefact found in Karahantepe sheds light on the history of humanity as the first example of Neolithic man carving himself on a T-shaped column," Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in a statement.

The face, engraved on the upper part of the stone, features sharp contours, deep-set eyes, and a broad, block-shaped nose, stylistic traits similar to other human sculptures previously unearthed at Karahantepe. According to Turkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the find not only highlights the technical skill of early Neolithic societies but also sheds light on their capacity for abstraction and self-representation.

The newly discovered pillar marks a significant breakthrough in Neolithic studies, it added.

Until now, T-shaped pillars found at Karahantepe and nearby Gobeklitepe were known to feature carvings of arms and hands, leading researchers to interpret them as symbolic representations of humans, the ministry said. However, this is the first time a human face has been carved directly onto such a pillar, revealing a new dimension of symbolic and artistic expression among Neolithic communities.

The ministry noted that this discovery further supports the idea that T-shaped pillars served a symbolic role beyond structural or ritual purposes. For the first time, these monoliths appear to depict the human form in a more direct and personalized way, representing a critical step in the development of human imagery and spiritual thought. 

Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye. A T-shaped pillar carved with a human face has been unearthed for the first time during recent excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye, a cabinet minister announced on Monday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows the scene of archaeologic excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye. A T-shaped pillar carved with a human face has been unearthed for the first time during recent excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye, a cabinet minister announced on Monday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows the scene of archaeologic excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye. A T-shaped pillar carved with a human face has been unearthed for the first time during recent excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye, a cabinet minister announced on Monday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye. A T-shaped pillar carved with a human face has been unearthed for the first time during recent excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye, a cabinet minister announced on Monday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 6, 2025 shows a T-shaped pillar carved with a human face at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye. A T-shaped pillar carved with a human face has been unearthed for the first time during recent excavations at the Karahantepe archaeological site in southeastern Turkiye, a cabinet minister announced on Monday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Speaker greets

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IMPHAL, Oct 6 : Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata has extended warm greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of Mera Hou Chongba tomorrow.

In his message, the Speaker said that the festival is celebrated on the 15th day of Mera and is a symbol of unity and harmony among all the indigenous communities of Manipur- "the Meitei people and our hill brothers and sisters".

At the Sana Konung, indigenous communities will come together to share their traditions through dances, cultural performances and a grand feast, expressing their solidarity and togetherness, said the Speaker.

Th Satyabrata expressed hope that the celebration will strengthen bonds, protect the heritage and bring peace and harmony for generations to come.
Loktak Day greetings conveyed

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IMPHAL, Oct 6 : On the occasion of Loktak Day which falls on October 7, Thanga Assembly Constituency MLA T Robindro has appealed to the people of Manipur to join hands in protecting and preserving the lake.

"Let us keep its waters clean, adopt sustainable practices and uphold the bond between nature and society", said the MLA in a message.

Extending heartfelt greetings, the MLA said that it is the largest freshwater lake in the North East as well as the lifeline, identity and pride of Manipur.

Asserting that safeguarding the lake will safeguard the future of Manipur, he said it nurtures the culture, sustains people's livelihood and preserves a rare ecosystem that includes the Keibul Lamjao National Park-the world's only floating National park.


AMUCO greets

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IMPHAL, Oct 6 : The All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has conveyed warm greetings to the people of Manipur upon the arrival of Mera Hou Chongba (Mera Thaomei Thanba) festival.

In a press release, AMUCO expressed hope that the celebration will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between the valley and hill communities.




Making a beeline for Delhi, again A sense of deja vu

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The sense of deja vu is overwhelming. It was not so long back, meaning after Manipur went up in flames in the evening of May 3, 2023, that a number of BJP Ministers and MLAs made a beeline for New Delhi seeking a darshan with the Central leaders, particularly the Prime Minister. What happened then is there for everyone to see and digest and fast forward to October of 2025 and a number of BJP MLAs have already reached New Delhi. Then it was to help bring Manipur back to the road of normalcy and now it is more or less about the perceived need to restore the popularly elected Government. Remember the BJP has 32 MLAs excluding those who switched from the JD (U). Back then all the trips to Delhi wounded up without an audience with the Prime Minister with some managing a meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. There is also nothing to indicate that the Prime Minister met the BJP MLAs during his short stay here when he visited Manipur on September 13 this year. Other than once or twice when the elected BJP Ministers and MLAs were summoned, this time there is no report of the BJP MLAs having secured an appointment with either the Prime Minister or with the Home Minister. A point well known and perhaps it was only MLA from Andro Assembly Constituency Th Shyam-kumar who spelt out his stand rather clearly with the line, If the Central leaders refuse to grant an audience, then I will resign. Obvious that the BJP MLAs who are presently in Delhi went there without obtaining any appointment and it is against this background that most of the BJP MLAs have reached Delhi. Anything may happen, but the background against which the BJP MLAs have proceeded to Delhi should not be forgotten. It also stands that in raising the need to bring back the popularly elected Government, it would be expected for the BJP MLAs to have a sort of a roadmap to take Manipur to the path of normalcy. Other than stressing on the need for a democracy to have an elected Government in place, what other points do the BJP MLAs have in mind that they can lay before Delhi ? Nothing has been laid out, or at least the people do not seem to know. But this is a point which Manipur deserves to know and if the BJP MLAs have any proposal that may help take Manipur to the path of normalcy, then it would help if the same is spelt out for public consumption. It also stands that Manipur is set to go for Assembly polls in the early part of 2027 and it would not be a pretty situation for the BJP MLAs to go back to the people asking for votes if the present arrangement continues.

Whether a popular Government returns and when depends on the wisdom of the Centre, but the question of concern is whether the return of a popular Government would make things better. Or whether the return of a popularly elected Government would pave the way for better administration, better law and order. For nearly two years the popularly elected Government was not able to do much to take Manipur to the road of normalcy and would it be able to now ? A sure shot answer will be hard to come by, but what Manipur needs right now is normalcy, normalcy as understood universally not in the guns going silent alone. Moreover and this is important, have the BJP MLAs, particularly those who are Delhi, been able to project anyone as the next CM ? If yes then what is stopping them from projecting the person who can come in the place of the former Chief Minister ? Or is it going to be a case of the BJP MLAs rallying around the former Chief Minister ? Either way, it would help if the BJP MLAs can make their stand known to the people or will they continue to stick to the stand, We leave it to the Centre to name the next Chief Minister and we are ready the accept such a decision ? At the moment most of the BJP MLAs are in Delhi and while no appointments have been finalised with any of the Central leaders, one hopes they return with some solid answers and not some vague assurance from the Central leaders. Solid answers, this is what is needed.
Investigators check the site of a minibus accident in the Erdemli district of Turkiye's southern province of Mersin, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ANKARA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 14 others injured when a minibus carrying agricultural workers overturned in the Erdemli district of Turkiye's southern province of Mersin on Tuesday, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported.

The minibus was heading toward the district center when the driver reportedly lost control of the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to plunge about 10 meters into a roadside ditch.

Emergency services, including firefighters, medical teams, and gendarmerie units, were dispatched to the scene following calls from witnesses. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Investigations on the cause of the accident were underway, the report said.

Traffic accidents have claimed 2,713 lives across Turkiye in 2024, according to the General Directorate of Security. The highest number of accidents occurred in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, with Istanbul alone recording 97,354 incidents.

Speeding was the leading cause of fatal crashes in Turkiye last year. 

An investigator checks the site of a minibus accident in the Erdemli district of Turkiye's southern province of Mersin, on Oct. 7, 2025. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
KABUL, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Afghan counter-narcotics units seized a total of 61 kg of illegal drugs in the eastern Logar and northern Badakhshan provinces, arresting five alleged smugglers, authorities announced on Tuesday.

In Badakhshan's Darayem district, three suspects were apprehended as officers recovered 34 kg of opium poppy from their possession. In Logar's Charkh district, two other individuals were detained after police found 27 kg of hashish in their custody, according to the authorities.

This follows a separate operation reported last Thursday in western Herat province, where police uncovered 20 kg of opium poppy and detained two people implicated in drug trafficking.

Afghan officials have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to eradicating the narcotics trade and preventing the production and smuggling of illegal drugs across the war-ravaged country. 
MOSCOW, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and another injured in Ukrainian attacks in the Kherson region over the past day, local authorities said Tuesday.

The victims were killed on a highway in a targeted drone attack on civilian vehicles, said Vladimir Saldo, head of the Kherson region.

The drone strikes also destroyed a gas station and caused a power outage in parts of the region, he added.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that its air defense systems shot down three guided aerial bombs, 16 rockets from U.S.-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, and 416 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over the past day. 
Israel marked the second anniversary of the October 7 attack on Tuesday, as Hamas and Israeli negotiators held indirect talks aimed at ending the war in Gaza under a US-proposed peace plan.

Two years ago to the day, at the close of the Jewish festival of Sukkot, Hamas-led militants launched the deadliest attack on Israel in the country's history, sparking a huge retaliatory offensive in Gaza.

The attack shocked the world, with Palestinian fighters breaching the Gaza-Israel border, and storming southern Israeli communities and a desert music festival with gunfire, rockets and grenades.

It resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Militants also took 251 people hostage into Gaza, of whom 47 remain captive, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead.

On Tuesday, senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum called the October 7 attack a "historic response" to Israel's bid to "eradicate the Palestinian cause".

He also said Hamas was working to "surmount all obstacles" to sealing a deal in Egypt.

Two years on from the October 7 attack, global pressure to end the war has escalated massively, with much of Gaza flattened, a UN-declared famine unfolding and Israeli hostage families still longing for their loved ones' return.

A UN probe last month accused Israel of genocide in Gaza while rights groups have accused Hamas of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during the October 7 attack. Both sides reject the allegations.

Last week, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace plan calling for a ceasefire, the release of all the hostages, Hamas's disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The plan received positive responses from both Israel and Hamas and prompted talks in Egypt, with negotiators beginning indirect discussions on Monday.

According to two Palestinian sources close to the Hamas negotiating team, the talks were resuming on Tuesday in the Red Sea town of Sharm El-Sheikh.

On Wednesday, Trump's special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will join the talks, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

"The primary guarantee of success at this stage is US President Trump himself... even if it comes to a point to require him imposing a vision," he said.

In Israel, dozens of relatives and friends of those killed at the Nova music festival lit candles and held a minute's silence at the site of the attack, where militants killed more than 370 people and seized dozens of hostages.

Orit Baron, whose daughter Yuval was killed at the festival with her fiance Moshe Shuva, told AFP that October 7 was a "black" day for her family.

"Now it's two years. And I'm here to be with her, because this is the last time that she was alive," the 57-year-old mother said at the site of the attack, adding she felt "that right now she's with me here".

Another ceremony was due in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, where weekly rallies have kept up calls for the captives' release.

"Release the hostages, unconditionally and immediately," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

"Put an end to the hostilities in Gaza, Israel and the region now. Stop making civilians pay with their lives and their futures."

Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 67,160 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the United Nations considers credible.

Their data does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but indicates that over half of the dead are women and children.

"I don't know when this war will end. My dream is for the war to end now, not tomorrow," said Abeer Abu Said, a 21-year-old in Gaza who lost seven family members in the war.

"I don't trust anyone -- from the Israeli negotiators or even Hamas -- they all lie to us. Negotiations for the sake of negotiations, while we die every minute."

In Egypt's resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh, mediators were shuttling between Israeli and Hamas delegations under tight security.

Egypt's Abdelatty said that negotiations were aimed at implementing a "first phase" of the agreement, "to create conditions for the release of the hostages, the access for aid, and the release of Palestinian prisoners".

"This, therefore, requires the redeployment of Israeli forces so that we can work to implement this phase," he added.

Trump has urged negotiators to "move fast" to end the war, but Israeli strikes continued on Tuesday, killing four people according to Gaza's civil defence agency -- a rescue force operating under Hamas's authority -- and a local hospital.

Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, said Israel should already have ceased fire under Trump's plan.

"It was supposed to actually cease fire if the statements made by the prime minister there regarding adherence to the Trump plan were true," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told reporters in Doha.

Trump told Newsmax TV that "I think we're very, very close to having a deal... I think there's a lot of goodwill being shown now. It's pretty amazing actually".

Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has warned that if the negotiations fail, the military will "return to fighting" in Gaza.
GENEVA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution on "Promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities."

The resolution, led by China and co-sponsored by nearly 70 countries, including Bolivia, Egypt, Pakistan and South Africa, enjoyed broad support from the international community.

The resolution calls for thematic discussions and interactive dialogues at the UNHRC, and encourages the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) to strengthen its work on economic, social and cultural rights.

It also underscores the role of the online platform of the UN Knowledge Hub on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to countries in need.

Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the United Nations (UN) Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said that China proposed the resolution with the aim of bridging differences, building consensus and promoting practical measures.

Representatives from many developing countries voiced strong support, saying the resolution reflects the genuine needs of the people and responds to the call of developing nations for greater investment in economic, social and cultural rights.

OHCHR officials and delegates from various countries also acknowledged China's contribution to advancing economic, social and cultural rights. 
TAIPEI, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A travel boom among Taiwan residents heading to the Chinese mainland is in full swing during the October holidays, despite the island's authorities refusing to lift restrictions on group tours.

This month, Taiwan residents enjoyed two closely spaced short holidays, prompting many to extend their breaks and head out on trips.

At Taiwan's Taoyuan International Airport, long lines formed at check-in counters as travelers carrying large suitcases prepared to board flights. The airport estimated that passenger travel between Oct. 3 and 11 would reach 1.51 million.

The mainland remains one of the most popular destinations for Taiwan residents. Statistics from the island's transport department showed that in the first half of this year, more than 1.5 million Taiwan residents traveled to the mainland, underscoring the strong demand despite the so-called "level-orange alert" for Taiwan travelers to the mainland and the continued ban on group tours to the mainland imposed by the island's authorities.

From exploring traditional culture in Beijing's museums to admiring the peaks and rivers of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, from tasting street food in the bustling night markets of Chengdu in Sichuan Province to experiencing the futuristic skyline of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, Taiwan visitors have been seizing the chance to discover the mainland's diverse attractions during the holidays.

A resident of New Taipei City, surnamed Wu, and his wife were excitedly discussing their travel plans at Taoyuan Airport before departing for the cities of Xi'an and Dunhuang in northwest China.

Wu said the couple's choice of Xi'an was partly inspired by the hit animated film "Chang'an." "The film vividly portrayed the beauty of ancient Xi'an, and we wanted to see it with our own eyes," he said.

At the same airport, a Taipei resident surnamed Xu and her two friends were about to embark on a five-day trip to Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou in east China. Having visited Xiamen and Fuzhou in Fujian Province last year, she said she was impressed by the convenience of traveling on the mainland.

With the help of her mainland friends, she downloaded mobile apps such as WeChat and Alipay to pay for transport, meals and other expenses. "Just a few clicks on the phone, and everything is done. It's very easy," she said.

The mainland has introduced multiple measures to make visits more convenient for Taiwan compatriots. Taiwan residents holding mainland travel permits can enter the mainland without additional endorsements. Additionally, Taiwan phone numbers and bank cards can be linked to mobile payment apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.

As experiences improve, Taiwan residents are setting their sights on more diverse destinations. Travel industry insiders have noted that while Fujian and major coastal cities used to dominate itineraries, an increasing number of Taiwan tourists are now venturing further inland for in-depth experiences.

A resident surnamed Wang from Tainan has already visited the mainland several times and is now planning a trip to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar on her list.

"The mainland's landscapes are so magnificent. I want to see as many places as I can," she said. 
Director General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry recently sought to counter the recent remarks by Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh that at least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft, including F-16 jets, were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor.

Chaudhry said in an interview with Bloomberg that his country did not lose any aircraft during the military clashes with India and added that Pakistan has never tried to play with figures and facts."

He claimed that the Chinese military platforms owned by Pakistan did exceptionally well against India and hinted at the possibility of acquiring more military platforms.

We are open to all sorts of technology, he said and endorsed the Chinese platforms saying, Of course, lately, recent Chinese platforms, theyve demonstrated exceptionally well, in what could be construed as a statement hinting at the possibility of acquiring more such technology and platforms.

ALSO READ: Why India has no reason to worry even if Pakistan gets Russian RD-93MA engines for Chinese-made JF-17 Block III fighters

China is the principal arms supplier of Pakistan, with the country providing 80 per cent of the weapons owned by Islamabad. The country has procured a wide range of advanced equipment from China, including J-10C and JF-17 fighters (the latter co-produced with China), Type 054A/P frigates for the Navy, HQ-9 and HQ-16 air defence systems, precision-guided munitions, drones, and advanced surface-to-air missiles.

However, Chaudhry claimed that the strategy of Pakistan has always been to induct the most effective, efficient and economic platforms and technology while refusing to comment on whether Islamabad is favouring China in arms procurement.

According to him, Pakistan is not engaged in an arms race with India as Islamabad has only a "fraction" of the military budget of New Delhi. We dont have the luxury of unlimited money at our disposal, he added.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, on Tuesday, felicitated popular South Indian actor Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Mohanlal for his outstanding contribution to society and his continued association with the Armed Forces.

According to the Indian Army, Mohanlal, an honorary officer of the Indian Army, who was conferred with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in May 2009, remained deeply connected with the Indian Army, "embodying the values of service, discipline and national pride."

"In recognition of his spirit of service, philanthropy and unwavering respect for the uniform, the Chief of Army Staff presented Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Mohanlal with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card," the Indian Army said.

The Army said the dedication of Mohanlal was notably visible during his voluntary contribution to relief efforts during the Wayanad Natural Disaster in August 2024.

Following the devastating landslides of August 2024, visited the worst-hit regions, including Meppadi, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Punchirimattom, dressed in military attire. He had also coordinated with army units and rescue teams on the ground.

"Beyond cinema, Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal has been a tireless advocate of social causes through the ViswaSanthi Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, skill development, environmental conservation and welfare initiatives across India," the statement from the defence ministry noted.
The Odisha government has extended the suspension of its internet services in Cuttack by another 24 hours, till 7pm on Tuesday, owing to the prevailing violent situation. Back-to-back violent incidents were reported during the Durga idol immersion last week.

Extending the suspension of internet services, the Cuttack district administration expressed concern over the misuse of social media platforms for spreading provocative and inflammatory messages. The authorities warned the public against misusing platforms and said such activities could disturb public order and peace.

As many as 31 people suffered injuries in the first incident, including 10 police personnel. Fresh violence erupted on Sunday, when Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) cadres took out a rally defying orders. Eight police personnel suffered injuries in the violence on Sunday. However, government internet and intranet-based services are exempted. The notification warned of stern action against the violators.

Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh said the second clashes could have occurred due to the spread of rumours on social media about the health condition of one of the injured persons in the clash. The social media message was intended to spread hate among communities, he said. The commissioner added that a probe is underway to identify the wrongdoers.
In the past one week, after the Karur stampede, both the AIADMK and the BJP refrained from commenting against Vijay. While the NDA delegation headed by Hema Malini, which visited Karur, said the administration was solely responsible for the crowd crush, former minister Anurag Thakur wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and urged him to take complete charge of the situation. But Vijay did not respond to calls from the BJP and the AIADMK.

We are not able to get allies, as our leader is not willing to accommodate the AIADMK rebels and the factions who had walked out of the party. So he is trying hard to get Vijay into the alliance. The BJP too is trying to use the opportunity so that we can tap all the anti-DMK and the anti-incumbency votes, said a senior AIADMK leader in Chennai on conditions of anonymity.

Our karyakartas are our greatest strength, the driving force behind the partys growth and outreach. Received a warm welcome from State President @NainarBJP, Union MoS @DrLMurugan, Former State President @annamalai_k, senior leaders, and our @BJP4TamilNadu karyakartas on my first pic.twitter.com/GW5AB2CSsl  Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) October 6, 2025

Palaniswamis meeting with Amit Shah last month was inconclusive. While Delhi did not insist for a unified AIADMK, sources say, Shah insisted on retaining Dhinakarans AMMK and O. Panneerselvam in the NDA. Apparently, the NDA in Tamil Nadu, which secured 18 per cent votes under former IPS officer K. Annamalai, had withered after the AIADMK rejoined the alliance.

After the AIADMK walked into the NDA in April this year, OPS had quit the alliance and Dhinakaran also moved out saying he cannot accept Palaniswami as the chief minister candidate. In 2021, the AIADMK-BJP alliance lost 23 seats in the south because Dhinakarans AMMK ate into the AIADMK vote bank. Dhinakaran scored 10.57 lakh votes in the 2021 elections, spoiling AIADMKs victory in the south. Though AMMKs vote share reduced from 21 lakh in 2019 to 10 lakh in 2021, his performance in Theni in the 2024 elections added strength to the NDA.

Panneerselvam, popularly known as OPS, runs an outfit called AIADMK Cadre Rights Retrieval Committee. Though he had quit the NDA, sources say that he is in touch with Annamalai who had promised to reunite the NDA and bring back OPS and Dhinakaran. OPS had alleged that the BJP State president Nainar Nagendran refused to pick up his calls and this led to him walking out of the NDA.

PMK, which was one of the major alliance partners of the NDA in 2024, is vertically split with the father and son locking horns. However, Palaniswami, popularly known as EPS, called on senior Ramadoss who is admitted to a private hospital in Chennai due to heart ailment. EPS had a friendly chat with Ramadoss and his family members, including his daughter Gandhimathi. While Stalin also met Ramadoss to enquire about his health, EPS calling on the 86-year old leader assumes significance as the AIADMK did not reach out to either the father or the son, after their fallout.

While Palaniswami is stubborn that he will not take back the rebel leaders including K.A. Sengottaiyan who recently insisted on a unified AIADMK, national BJP vice president and Tamil Nadu election in-charge Baijayant Panda and other senior leaders in the state on Tuesday called on EPS at his residence in Chennai. Newly appointed co-in-charge and Union minister Murlidhar Mohol also called on EPS along with Baijayant panda. The BJP high command had assigned Mohol with the crucial task of strengthening the partys poll machinery in Tamil Nadu.

According to sources, the meeting was to intensify the coordination among the NDA partners in the state and also strategise for the upcoming 2026 election. Party insiders say that the meeting between EPS and the BJP leaders was cordial and the leaders discussed joint campaigning and preparing for seat sharing for the assembly polls.

During the meeting, Nainar Nagendran personally invited EPS to be part of BJPs people outreach programmes which is all set to begin on October 12. Nagendran will be launching his rally from Madurai on October 12. The idea of inviting EPS for the campaign rally was to make sure that the AIADMK and the BJP throw a unified face to fight the ruling DMK. It is said that the BJP is planning to expand its seat share in the NDA, while the AIADMK wants to hold its leadership position in the party.

The meeting is considered a prelude to EPSs next meeting with Shah in Delhi. Also the dialogue between the BJP leaders and EPS is likely to continue in the coming weeks to discuss campaign themes and coordination among the party workers in every assembly segment.
Bhojpuri actor-politician Pawan Singh, who recently rejoined the NDA, was accused of infidelity and abandonment by his wife in a recent Instagram video.

In the viral video, Jypoti Singh spoke about their strained relationship. She also said she was recently prevented from entering her own home while speaking to NDTV.

According to Jyoti, she had requested a meeting with her husband through a Facebook post, two days before she arrived at his Lucknow residence. She said that Pawan did not respond to her texts and calls. She also said that her number was blocked by her mother-in-law. She also had tried to contact Pawan's brother Hrithik.

Jyothi said that the guard at the house wouldn't let her in when she arrived at around 9 pm.

She said that Pawan had called the cops on her. After she was questioned by the police, she tried to call Hrithik again. He told her that Pawan would arrive in 10 minutes.

Hritik then took her upstairs, where Pawan was seated with a couple of others. When she said that she wanted to talk to him, one of the people in the room said that she couldn't stay there any longer.

Jyothi objected, saying that the divorce hadn't happened yet and the process was still ongoing.

She said that he had food, and then he left. She said that she wasn't able to speak to him. She also said that the police were called for a second time.

On Monday, Pawan Singh took to Instagram to address the earlier claims made by his wife. He accused her of leveraging their relationship for political gain.

There is one thing I firmly believe in: the public is my God. Would I ever want to hurt the feelings of those who have helped me reach this point? Jyoti Singh ji. Isnt it true that when you visited my home yesterday morning, I welcomed you with respect and we conversed for about an hour and a half?" he said in the post.

He said that his wife was attempting to pressure him into allowing her to run for office. He said, Your sole demand is for me to somehow enable you to contest the elections, which is not within my power.

There was a misunderstanding in the community that I called the police, but the reality is that the police had been present since the morning to ensure that everything occurred in their sight, preventing any untoward incidents from either your associates or anyone else, he said.

Shortly afterwards Jyoti made a post to counter his note. Addressing him as Respected Pati Dev Shree Pawan Singh Ji, she challenged him to submit the evidence against her in front of the public.

Pawan recently met with senior BJP officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda, in Delhi and rejoined the party last week. She also said will not contest the elections if you are ready to accept me as your wife forever. Regardign their sour meeting at his house she said that the entry and exit time at his residence has been recorded in the CCTV camera.

The incident takes place ahead of the coming Bihar legislative Assembly elections scheduled to take place between 6th November and 11th November.
Even as seat-sharing negotiations for the 2025 Bihar assembly elections continue among both the NDA and Opposition alliances, the Masaurhi constituency in Patna district has become a sticky situation for the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

There has been a growing demand from the RJD cadre against giving sitting MLA Rekha Devi a ticket, amid reports that the RJD has almost finalised the list of candidates, with Tejashwi Yadav personally approving the majority of the candidates.

On Tuesday, RJD workers staged a protest outside the Patna residence of former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi, the mother of Yadav, opposing a ticket to Rekha Devi from Masaurhi.

The party workers are demanding that a new, more capable candidate be fielded from the constituency.

Who is Rekha Devi

Rekha Devi is the incumbent MLA from Masaurhi constituency, reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC). She won the 2020 assembly elections by a margin of 32,227 votes, defeating Nutan Paswan of Janata Dal (United). She polled 98,696 votes against Paswan, who secured 66,469 votes.

She has been serving as an MLA since 2015, winning the elections in both 2015 and 2020 from Masaurhi.

Why there is a protest against her?

Those opposing her candidacy claim that she failed to engage with the public during her tenure as MLA and prioritise development in the region, say media reports.

According to a Hindi news18 report, several RJD leaders want to conest from the seat and have rallied their supporters and staged the protest, demanding that Rekha Devi be replaced.

The protests against the MLA come even as Yadav is reportedly working on a strategy not to offer tickets to sitting MLAs who have performed poorly in the past five years.
With barely a month left for the Bihar Assembly Elections, the Bihar battleground is preparing for political upheavals. The latest reports are that Chirag Paswan is upset with the seat-sharing talks within the NDA, and is eyeing other options.

Unconfirmed reports state that Paswan could tie up with Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party. Both Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and Jan Suraaj Party share the same youth first ideology. Kishor, who makes his electoral debut in Bihar, is also seeking an ally with a strong vote base, and Paswan could be an ideal candidate, according to local media reports.

On an alliance with the Jan Suraaj Party, LJP sources say that the door is always open. Options are always available in politics, sources told local media. They added that the NDA needed to understand that Chirag Paswan is a dynamic face against Tejashwi Yadav. Chirag Paswan has not moved into his official residence on Sunhari Bagh Road, sources said, adding that the party wouldnt be threatened by anyone over cabinet posts. Respectable seats in Bihar matter more than a single berth in the Cabinet, they added.

Significantly, after the announcement of the Bihar election dates, LJP spokesperson Dhirendra Munna claimed that they were prepared for all 243 seats.

However, many also see the reports as a pressure tactic to seek more seats. Talks are on between LJP and BJP in Delhi. Paswan will reportedly fly home on Wednesday.

Chirag Paswans demand

The LJP has reportedly asked for 40 seats, but the BJP leadership isnt willing to relent. They insist on giving just 25, something that hasnt gone down well with Paswan. He believes his partys stellar performance in the Parliament elections, winning all five seats the party contested, proves his winnability.

But, fact remains that his victories happened when he allied with the BJP, and without the saffron base, he may not maintain the same strike rate.

If Paswan is not willing to listen to the BJPs demands, the BJP may be forced to allot his share, but it will come at the cost of other allies: Jitan Ram Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Samata Party.

The BJP will then have to give Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council seats to Manjhis and Kushwahas party.

According to reports, the current agreement is that the BJP and JDU contest an equal number of seats, 205. A formula is being prepared to divide the remaining 38 seats among Paswan, Manjhi, and Kushwaha.
India on Monday tore into Pakistan during a debate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accusing Islamabad of "misdirecting the world with hyperbole".

India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, made the scathing remark in response to Pakistans allegation that Kashmiri women had been enduring sexual violence for decades.

Harish termed Pakistan a country that bombs its own people and cited the systematic genocide and mass rape by its army in 1971.

"Every year, we are unfortunately fated to listen to the delusional tirade of Pakistan against my country, especially on Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian territory they covet. Our pioneering record on the Women, Peace and Security agenda is unblemished and unscathed," he said.

Text of my statement during the @UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security:https://t.co/eLHvPVG1oo https://t.co/qNhZgiKkKv  Parvathaneni Harish (@AmbHarishP) October 6, 2025

The Indian official noted that a country that bombs its own people and conducts systematic genocide can only attempt to distract the world with misdirection and hyperbole.

This is a country that conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army, he said, adding that the world sees through Pakistans propaganda.

Earlier, Counsellor Saima Saleem, who is part of the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, alleged that the Kashmiri women, deployed as a weapon of war, have endured sexual violence for decades.

"To exclude Kashmiri women from the Women, Peace and Security agenda erases its legitimacy and undermines its universality, she had said.

The Indian officer, in his address, asserted that New Delhi remains unwavering in its commitment to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

He said India is ready to share its expertise with partner countries, particularly those in the global south, fostering collective solutions to shared challenges.
A Haryana Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Y Puran Kumar, A 2001 batch IPS officer, reportedly died by suicide at Sector 1, Chandigarh. The incident is said to have occurred sometime around 1:20 pm Tuesday.

Chandigarh senior superintendent of police Kanwardeep Kaur confirmed the death, saying, Information regarding a reported suicide was received from House No. 116, Sector 11, Chandigarh, around 1.30 pm today. The deceased has been identified as Puran Kumar, IPS (2001 batch), Haryana cadre. The CFSL team is at the spot, and an investigation is underway.

STORY | Senior Haryana cop found dead in Chandigarh house



Senior Haryana police officer Y Puran Kumar was found dead with a gunshot wound at his Chandigarh home on Tuesday, officials said. Police suspect that he committed suicide.



READ: https://t.co/br8oXfKT5N



VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/OIK1q7uZy8  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 7, 2025

The body was taken to GMSH Hospital in Sector 16.

Chandigarh police have recovered the weapon that was used, and forensic teams are investigating the site.

The reason behind the suicide is unknown, and it's unclear if Kumar left a suicide note.

Kumars wife, Amneet P Kumar, who is a senior Haryana IAS Officer, was not at home during the incident. She had travelled to Japan as part of a delegation led by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. She is expected to reach Chandigarh on Wednesday.

Puran Kumars body was discovered by his daughter in the basement, which was soundproof.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: Kanwardeep Kaur, Chandigarh SSP says, "We got information of a shooting at around 1:30 PM at Sector 11 Police Station. When we reached here, we found that a reported suicide had taken place. The body of IPS officer Y Puran Kumar was found at his residence. pic.twitter.com/b6acTw3EIu  ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025

Kumar was recently transferred to Rohtaks Sunaria jail on September 29.

The facility is known for housing Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who is serving for cases of sexual offences.

The news of his death has been shocking to police and administrative circles.
The United Nations Security Council debate on Monday witnessed Permanent Representative of India to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, tear into Pakistan during a debate on women, peace, and security, highlighting the atrocities it committed on Bangladesh during the 1971 Operation Searchlight.

Harish lashed out at Pakistan, calling out the sexual violence its army men inflicted on Bangladeshi women. This is a country that conducted Operation Searchlight in 1971 and sanctioned a systematic campaign of genocidal mass rape of 400,000 women citizens by its own army, he said, adding that the world sees through Pakistans propaganda.

The ambassadors statement brought back focus on Operation Searchlight, a genocidal campaign carried out against the then East Pakistan, which saw mass killings, rapes, and destruction.

Congratulations to the people of Bangladesh on their National Day. The proclamation of Independence by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman this very day in 1971 is a moment in history that paved the way for the Liberation of Bangladesh. #LiberationofBangladesh #MuktiJudho pic.twitter.com/dNXvrVcHWf  BSF (@BSF_India) March 26, 2024

What is Operation Searchlight?

In 1970, general elections were held in Pakistan (both East and West) for the first time to elect members of the National Assembly. The results shocked the elite in West Pakistan as East Pakistan got an overwhelming majority with most seats going to the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who campaigned on a platform of Bengali autonomy.

Shocked by the results, Pakistan Army General Yahya Khan delayed calling the first meeting of the assembly and instituted martial law. Though peace talks were held, on the night of March 25, Mujibur was arrested, and 60-80,000 West Pakistani soldiers embarked on Operation Searchlight, a military campaign which witnessed the massacre of Bengali civilians by Pakistani soldiers.

Not only did the Pakistani army resort to brutal violence to crush the surging nationalism among Bengali-speaking people in East Pakistan, but it also resorted to the genocide of Bengali Hindus and freedom-seeking Bengali Muslims.

It was initially estimated that over 200,000 women were raped. However, Australian doctor Geoffrey Davis, who was brought to Dhaka after the formation of Bangladesh by the United Nations to assist with late-term abortions of raped women, believed the estimated figure for the number of Bengali women who were raped200,000 to 400,000was probably too low.

Shaikh Mujib-ur-Rahman won the 1970 Elections in Pakistan, but was denied the right to be the countrys prime minister. Here he warns of the consequences, but no one listened. In 1971, Pakistan broke into two with Bangladesh replacing East Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/o1iudNbiS3  Tarek Fatah (@TarekFatah) November 10, 2022

According to a report that appeared in 1972 in the New York Times, systematic rape was a policy of the Pakistani Army, and the aim was to produce a large number of children with non-Bengali fathers to dilute the prevailing Bengali nationalism. The report also quoted that the thousands of pregnancies resulting from the rapes were a very delicate and sensitive social problem in the country.

Dr. Davis had then told the NYT that he had heard of countless instances of suicide by pregnant girls, and many cases in which unwanted babies were disposed of by drowning or other means. At least 5,000 pregnancies caused by the rapes had been terminated by crude but effective 'indigenous' methods, Dr. Davis had added.

Bangladesh had always alleged that the United Nations did nothing to stop the bloodbath as the massacre happened during the Cold War era.
Newly-elected Malawian President Peter Mutharika (L, front) is sworn in during a ceremony at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi, on Oct. 4, 2025. (Photo by Roy Nkosi/Xinhua)

Malawi's new president, Peter Mutharika, has released a partial lineup of his Cabinet.

LILONGWE, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Malawi's new president, Peter Mutharika, has released a partial lineup of his Cabinet.

Mutharika, who won the Sept. 16 presidential election and took office on Saturday, appointed Enock Chihana of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) party as second vice president on Sunday. His running mate during the election, Jane Ansah, is the first vice president.

Chihana, whose party formed the Blue Alliance with Mutharika's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the election, becomes the second Malawian to hold the position of second vice president in the history of the country, after the position was held by his father, Chakufwa Chihana, who founded AFORD and served as second vice president from 1994 to 1996 and again from 2003 to 2004, both under President Bakili Muluzi.

The constitution of Malawi gives the president the mandate to appoint a second vice president, but other than Bakili Muluzi and Peter Mutharika, no other president had ever appointed a second vice president.

Newly-elected Malawian President Peter Mutharika (R) is sworn in during a ceremony at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi, on Oct. 4, 2025. (Photo by Joseph Mizere/Xinhua)

Mutharika also appointed veteran DPP member George Chaponda as foreign minister, and Joseph Mwanamvekha as minister of finance, economic planning and development.

Both Chaponda and Mwanamvekha had served in the same respective ministerial positions before, during Peter Mutharika's first presidency, from 2014 to 2020.

Former defense deputy commander George Jaffu was appointed as chief of the Malawi Defense Force, while retired secretary for information Justin Saidi was appointed as chief secretary, with Stuart Ligomeka, a former secretary for local government, as his deputy.

The new president also appointed DPP Vice President for the Central Region Alfred Gangata as minister of state, a new ministerial portfolio.

Kiswell Dakamau, who served in a number of different senior positions before, including secretary for education and deputy director for local government, was appointed as director of state residences, another new portfolio.

The Malawian leader also appointed police commissioner Richard Luhanga as police inspector general.
A year after the assembly elections, political activities have heated up again in Jammu and Kashmir as the Election Commission issued a notification for holding of by-elections in Budgam and Nagrota constituencies on November 11.

Budgam lies in Central Kashmir and fell vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah decided to vacate the seat as he was also elected from the Ganderbal Assembly constituency in the 2024 elections.

Nagrota assembly seat was won by Devinder Singh Rana of the BJP. Rana, the younger brother of Jitender Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), died in October last year.

The ECI announced by-polls for the two assembly segments while announcing the schedule for the Bihar assembly polls on Monday. The code of conduct has come into force immediately.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that by-elections for the Budgam and Nagrota Assembly constituencies will be held on November 11. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14. #JammuKashmir pic.twitter.com/86eJxg7Xcq  Choudhary Danish Azaam (@danishazaam012) October 6, 2025

Political parties have started consultations for identifying candidates for the two seats. In the 2024 assembly elections, Omar had won the Budgam seat by polling 35,804 votes against the PDPs Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, who secured 17,445 votes.

In Nagrota, Rana had secured a record victory margin of 30,472 votesthe highest across J&Kdefeating National Conferences (NC) Joginder Singh. Rana had previously won the same seat in 2014 as an NC candidate, resisting the strong Modi wave, before switching to the BJP in 2021.

The constituency has a sizable Shia Muslim vote, and campaigning by NCs MP Syed Agha Rouhalla Mehdi had swayed a good chunk of the Shia vote towards the NC.

Omar opted for Budgam as his second constituency after feeling threatened in Ganderbal due to Sarjan Barkati, a separatist who contested from jail. He opted for Budgam after Agha Mehmood withdrew his candidature from the seat.

Observers say that the NC is still considered strong in the constituency, but the party candidate is unlikely to enjoy the same backing from Mehdi over the failure of the party, especially Omar, to take a stand for the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.

The names of Omars advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, and Mehmood are being discussed as potential candidates. The PDP is likely to repeat Muntasir from the constituency. Observers opine that the PDP candidate will be harder to beat this time due to differences between Mehdi and the NC leadership.

The BJP is likely to give a mandate to Rana's daughter, Devyani Rana, in Nagrota. In the last elections, the NC and the Congress had engaged in a friendly contest in Nagrota. This time, the Congress is likely to support the NC as the former needs the latter's support to get one of its members elected to the Rajya Sabha.

Elections for the four Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 24. Given the number equation in the assembly, the NC is expected to win three of the four seats and the BJP one seat.

The gazette notification for the assembly bypolls will be issued on October 13, and nominations will close on October 20. Scrutiny will take place on October 22, and withdrawals will be allowed till October 24. Counting of votes will take place on November 14.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a frontal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of politicising a natural disaster. The Trinamool Congress chiefs broadside came after Modi targeted the state government over the attack on two BJP leaders during a visit to the flood-hit areas in the northern part of the state.

"It is unfortunate and deeply concerning that the prime minister of India has chosen to politicise a natural disaster without waiting for a proper investigation, especially while people in north Bengal are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods and landslides," Banerjee wrote in a long post on X.

       ,          ,         -          



      Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 6, 2025

The chief minister alleged that the BJP leaders chose to go to the flood-affected areas with a large convoy of cars and under security cover of the central forces when the local administration and police were engaged in rescue and relief work. She also claimed that the BJP leaders had not informed the local police about their visit.

How can the state administration, local police or the TMC be blamed for the incident ?, she asked.

BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh were injured in an attack by a mob during their visit to the flood and landslide-hit Dooars region in northern Bengal. Modi, in a social media post on Sunday, had called it absolutely pathetic and reflective of the TMC government's collapse of law and order.

The manner in which our Party colleagues, including a sitting MP and MLA, were attacked in West Bengal for serving the people affected by floods and landslides is outright appalling. It highlights the insensitivity of the TMC as well as the absolutely pathetic law and order  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2025

Banerjee, however, alleged that the prime minister chose to blame the TMC and the state government without a shred of verified evidence, legal inquiry or administrative report.

This is not just a political low, it is a breach of the constitutional ethos the Prime Minister has sworn to uphold. In any democracy, the law must take its own course, and only due process can determine culpability - not a tweet from a political pulpit, she said.

The chief minister further noted that the incident occurred in a constituency where the people themselves have elected a BJP MLA. Yet the prime minister sees no contradiction in painting the incident as a reflection of TMCs so-called strongmanship, she said.

In a direct attack on the prime minister, Banerjee wrote that such "sweeping, unsubstantiated generalisations" are not only immature but also unbecoming of the highest office in the land.

Coming from a Prime Minister who visited Manipur only 964 days after it was engulfed in ethnic violence, the sudden concern for Bengal appears less like empathy and more like opportunistic political theatre, she said.

The chief minister went on to allege that the saffron party was resorting to the North Bengal vs South Bengal narrative, hoping to polarise people ahead of elections.

"Let us be clear: Bengal is one - emotionally, culturally, and politically," she asserted.

She further urged the prime minister to listen to the state government, not just his party colleagues. "You are the Prime Minister of India, not just of the BJP. Your responsibility lies in nation-building, not narrative-building," she said.

Both Murmu and Ghosh were part of a team of BJP leaders who had gone to the disaster-hit region to assess the situation and distribute relief.

Modi, in his post, had said the manner in which the BJP leaders were attacked was "outright appalling".

"It highlights the insensitivity of the TMC as well as the absolutely pathetic law and order situation in the state, he had said.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai expressed concern over the misrepresentation of judges' oral observations on social media. Chief Justice Gavai recalled how he restricted a fellow judge from making certain observations in open court while hearing a plea.

Expressing concern over the misrepresentation of judges' comments on social media, the chief justice observed "we do not know what will be reported on social media". The chief justice's comments come a day after a senior lawyer attempted to attack him inside the courtroom.

Hearing a plea on Tuesday, Chief Justice Gavai, in a lighter vein, said, "My learned brother Justice K. Vinod Chandran had something to comment, I stopped him from expressing it, when we were hearing the Dheeraj Mor case. Otherwise, on this social media, we do not know what will be reported. I requested my learned brother to restrict it only to my ears."

The bench comprising the CJI and Justice Chandran was hearing a plea filed by the All India Judges Association on issues related to service conditions, pay scales, and career progression of judicial officers.

A senior lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, attempted to throw a shoe at the CJI while he was hearing pleas in the Supreme Court on Monday. However, security personnel present in the court immediately took custody of Kishore.

Kishore was allegedly upset over Justice Gavai's comments while hearing a matter concerning the restoration of a Vishnu idol in Khajuraho. Police later released Kishore due to a lack of proper complaint. Police also returned his shoes. The CJI termed the plea as "publicity interest litigation".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Russia are committed to further deepening their strategic ties, and discussions on this regard will be held during the India-Russia Summit at the end of this year. Modi dialled Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday and conveyed him birthday greetings as the Russian supremo turned 73 today.

"Spoke with my friend President Putin and conveyed warm birthday greetings and best wishes for his good health and long life. Deeply appreciate his personal commitment to deepening IndiaRussia ties over the years," Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X after the call.

Modi reportedly conveyed to Putin that he looks forward to welcoming the Russian president to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December.

The Modi-Putin bonhomie comes while India is facing the United States' ire over its trade ties with Russia. US President Donald Trump has accused India and China of fueling Moscow's military operation against Ukraine by purchasing cheap Russian crude oil.

The Trump administration had repeatedly expressed displeasure over India's trade ties with Russia. The US wants India to halt defence and oil purchases from Russia. The US president has imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, taking the total tariff on Indian goods to 50 per cent, over its Russian ties.


The Madarsa Board in Uttarakhand will cease to exist as the states Governor, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) has given his assent to the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill (2025), which will bring all minority institutionsincluding madarsasinto the mainstream schooling framework.

Under the new law, every madarsa and other minority-run educational institution in the state will need to be recognised by the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority, which will be constituted under the Act.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described this decision as a historic step towards creating a uniform and modern education system in the state. He announced that from the academic session of July 2026, all minority schools will adopt the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and  ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2025

These institutions will also have to affiliate with the Uttarakhand Board of School Education (Uttarakhand Board). This will ensure that common academic standards and state-wide evaluation protocols are followed.

Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to formally abolish its Madarsa Board and bring all minority educational institutions under a unified academic structure.

According to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, this is a historic step towards making the education system in the state equitable and modern".

This Act will kick into force from the July 2026 academic session. All minority institutionswhether run by Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, or Parsi communitieswill teach under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and follow the guidelines of the New Education Policy (NEP-2020).

Our objective is to ensure that every child in the state, irrespective of their class or community, prospers with equal education and equal opportunities, Dhami had said earlier.

The Act will do away with two sets of rulesthe Uttarakhand Madarsa Education Board Act (2016), as well as the Uttarakhand Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madarsa Recognition Rules (2019)ending the separate administrative system for madarsas.

The new authority will oversee recognition, quality standards, and accountability across all minority-run institutions.

The law expands the definition of minority education beyond the Muslim community, as it also adds Sikh, Jain, Christian, Buddhist, and Parsi institutions in the minority category.

It also acknowledges the teaching of Gurmukhi and Pali languages in institutions linked to Sikh and Buddhist communities.

Key features of the Act

1) Establishment of the Uttarakhand State Minority Education Authority to grant and regulate minority educational status.

2) Mandatory Registration of institutions under the Society Act/Trust Act/Companies Act, with land, bank accounts, and assets legally in the institutions name.

3) Imparted education to be as per the standards of the Uttarakhand Board with fair and transparent evaluation of students.

4) While safeguarding the autonomy of minority-run institutions, the law allows for withdrawal of recognition in cases of financial irregularities, non-compliance, or activities harming social and religious harmony.

This is the first such legislation in the country which integrates all minority schools into a common framework. This way it balances the rights of minority communities to preserve their culture and language but with an emphasis on education that will make students ready for a career.

The move is part a larger push to modernise Uttarakhands education system. With the Governors approval, the implementation phase will soon begin.

However it may not put an end to protests against the sealing of hundreds of madarsas in the state which are under the scanner for running without proper registration and permissions.

Critics have decried this as an attack on Constitutional rights and a targeting of Muslims. However when all minority institutions are governed under the same framework, such criticism should dissipate.

It could also serve as a model for a way out for states like Uttar Pradesh, which have been struggling with investigations into financial irregularities, land grabs, and fake appointments and admissions to madarsas.
The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation over the tragic Karur stampede later this week. The Madras High Court had dismissed a similar plea earlier.

Hearing the plea moved by Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Anandan, a bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran took note of the plea and said they would consider it on October 10. The Madras High Court had earlier dismissed a plea seeking a CBI probe.

As many as 41 people died in the tragic stampede at Karur during actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay's rally on September 27. Thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the popular Kollywood star, leading to a stampede. The deceased include 10 children.

Earlier, while hearing multiple pleas over the tragic incident, the Madras High Court came down heavily on the actor and the party. The court observed that the party and its leader lacked remorse.

The Madras High Court appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. The Tamil Nadu government has also appointed a single-judge commission to probe the incident. The Tamil Nadu police has booked cases against Karur functionaries of TVK, secretaries 'Bussy' N. Anand and C.T.R. Nirmalkumar over the incident.

The High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail pleas moved by party secretaries. Police have also registered case against Vijay's driver and his campaign vehicle for road accidents en route rally.


The first day of the peace talks between Israel and Hamas at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, concluded on a positive note, with the negotiators drawing up a roadmap for moving the negotiations forward.

Mediated by Egypt and Qatar, the talks marked the closest both sides had come to reaching an agreement since the conflict began two years earlier. Interestingly, the talks started a day before the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The discussions are based on US President Donald Trumps 20-point peace plan, which aims at getting the hostages back, ensuring a ceasefire, and securing a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

The negotiations were held indirectly, underscoring the near-total lack of trust between the two parties. The Israeli delegation was led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The Hamas delegation was headed by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya, whose presence was notable given Israels recent assassination attempts on members of his negotiating team in Doha just weeks before.

Mondays talks followed a carefully structured mediation process. First, Egyptian and Qatari officials met with the Hamas delegation. Then, they held a separate session with the Israeli representatives. Later, the mediators held internal discussions to review the outcomes of both meetings. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, were scheduled to join the negotiations at later stages, typically after the initial mediation rounds.

Trump expressed strong confidence in the process. He stated the talks had been very successful and were proceeding rapidly. According to him, technical teams were working only on clarifying final details, and Hamas was agreeing to very important issues. He predicted that the first phase could be completed within the week.

This sentiment was echoed by mediators. Egyptian media reported that the first day of discussions ended in a positive atmosphere. One Egyptian official involved in the talks said the parties had already agreed on most of the terms in the first phase, particularly those concerning the release of hostages and the establishment of a ceasefire.

The immediate goal is to secure the release of the remaining 48 Israeli hostages, around 20 of whom are believed to still be alive, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The Trump plan stipulates that these hostages must be freed within 72 hours of a finalised deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised expectations by saying he hoped to announce the release before the end of the Jewish holiday Sukkot on October 13. The families of the Israeli captives, desperate to see their loved ones return, sent a letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee urging it to award Trump the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in seeking to end the war.

However, the ongoing reality of the war cast a shadow over the diplomatic efforts. Although Trump had ordered Israel to halt bombing Gaza to facilitate the hostage release, Israeli airstrikes continued on Monday morning. Smoke and explosions were seen across the Gaza Strip. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israeli attacks had killed at least 19 people in the 24 hours leading up to or during the talks. Israel maintained that it was largely adhering to Trumps request, insisting the strikes were only defensive in nature. Nonetheless, since Trumps announcement calling for a halt to bombing, 104 Palestinians have reportedly been killed.

Even as the release of hostages remains a central point of the current peace plan, logistics pose a major challenge. For Hamas, hostages are the most powerful bargaining chip, so there are doubts whether they will release them before there is some form of agreement on other contentious issues. Hamas officials also warned they may need more than 72 hours to locate the remains of hostages believed to be buried under rubble. Negotiators must still agree on which Palestinian prisoners will be freed, a process complicated by Israeli ultranationalists who are opposed to the release of high-profile figures like Marwan Barghouthi.

While Israel wants to destroy and disarm Hamas, the group has avoided addressing the issue directly in its official response to the Trump plan. Instead, Hamas has expressed expectations of playing a future role in a unified Palestinian political structure, an idea opposed by both Israel and the United States. Within Israel, far-right members of Netanyahus coalition have threatened to resign if Hamas is allowed to continue operating after the hostage release.

Meanwhile, the Trump plan lacks a clear timeline for full Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas wants firm guarantees that the war has genuinely ended and that Israel will not violate the agreement. Their concerns are heightened by the ongoing Israeli strikes, even as negotiations unfold. The IDF Chief of Staff warned that Israeli forces must remain combat-ready in the event that political efforts collapse.
Frances Liz Truss moments are happening with dangerous regularity.

The stalemate in Washington over debt limits, which has shutdown the American government, means several G7 rich countries are in a stew.

There is also weird stuff going on in the hard-to-navigate world of artificial intelligence (AI).

Tech giant AMD is signing a chip supply deal, with OpenAI earning the right to buy up to 10 per cent of AMD chips. Where this all leaves Nvidias $100billion is unknown.

Nevertheless, $10billion here and $100billion there and one is talking about real money being piled into a technology which has all the features of a speculators ball.

Sensible investors rightly are nervous. They need to recognise that savings in American 401(k) pension plans and Britains equity ISAs will not always zip up at recent speeds.

Digital gold: Bitcoin and other crypto currencies are on a tear with the former climbing above $125,000 in recent trades

More opportunistic traders and managers are dipping into alternate assets.

Gold has shot up to over $3,950 an ounce, making a mockery of efforts by governments to de-monetise bullion. Bitcoin and other crypto currencies are on a tear with the former climbing above $125,000 in recent trades.

Richard Nixon cancelled the convertibility of gold into dollars way back in 1971. Unlike Gordon Brown, who started to sell the UK reserves in 1999, the US hung onto its holdings.

Fort Knox and the IMFs own holdings of gold have proved a fantastic store of value. Indian and Chinese central banks cannot get enough of the stuff.

Retail investors and alternative funds find it hard not to be attracted by the surge in bitcoin and other crypto currencies.

A proliferation of exchange traded funds in the US has given crypto an air of respectability. Bitcoin lives on free air, and mining, the creation of new coinage, is a puzzle.

Bitcoin has proved a haven for financial skulduggery as the recent conviction at the Crown Court in London of Zhimin Qian for a 5billion crypto scam demonstrated.

The implosion at FTX and Sam Bankman-Frieds conviction two years ago should have been enough to cool bitcoin enthusiasm.

The commissions charged by crypto brokers, up to six times higher than those trading conventional assets, is both profiteering and a signal not to engage.

Both asset classes signal dissonance with other assets over political risk and doubts about feasibility of multi-billion-dollar AI deals. Given a choice between gold and bitcoin, only bullion offers security.

Shawbrook return

New arrivals on the London Stock Exchange are welcome after a barren period. So the choice of private equity owners BC Partners and Pollen Street Capital to float Shawbrook in the City will be appreciated.

Before anyone becomes over-excited, it is worth putting this estimated 2billion return to public markets into some context.

Unlike other UK fintech start-ups, Shawbrook is wholly UK-based. It would have been bizarre to go elsewhere.

The return of a bank which has been in the hands of private equity where it has been tricky to look under the hood, demands caution.

A loan book of 37billion has been built by offering credit to mid-sized borrowers who have found it difficult to access funds via High Street lenders and needs scrutiny. It was bolstered by access to the RBS state aid scheme.

In Shawbrooks case, that squared a circle as the bank grew out of RBS. The bank has been in the hands of private equity for eight years and there must be relief that it is finally to get a currency for future acquisitions and growth.

Anything which deepens the UKs fintech presence is to be welcome. But be cautious of private equity bearing gifts.

Growth tax

The latest speculation is that Rachel Reeves will opt for a bank tax in her budget. Raising the current surcharge of 3 per cent is seen as most likely.

Or the Government could seek to reclaim some of the interest that banks earn on reserves lodged at the Bank of England  which has cost the Government 21billion so far this year. Few people, other than the bankers, would complain.

But the Chancellor should consider that more tax means less lending capacity and a further obstacle to growth.
One in three Britons would consider investing in crypto through exchange traded products when the Financial Conduct Authority lifts its ban on the products on Wednesday, according to research.

The UK's crypto market could grow as much as 20 per cent on the back of the launch of exchange traded products that allow investors to hold it in a regulated way, investing platform IG claims.

The FCA will lift its ban on crypto exchange traded notes, or ETNs, from Wednesday, allowing investors to gain access to digital currencies via products that are traded on stock exchanges and track the price of the asset without investors holding it directly.

ETNs are similar to more common ETFs, in that they are stock market-listed and pool investors' money to hold assets, but they carry more risk.

ETNs differ to physical ETFs as they do not have to hold the assets they track. Instead, the provider can aim to match the return of the index however they choose.

Around 12 per cent of the people in the UK said they have or have had exposure to crypto assets at the end of last year, according to figures from the FCA, though this figure has likely increased since then, with IG data suggesting some 25 per cent now own cryptocurrency.

A fifth of people said the ability to hold crypto within these tax wrappers would make them more likely to invest in the digital currencies

However, this indicates there could be a significant uplift in crypto ownership from 8 October.

There are 17 crypto ETNs listed on the London Stock Exchange, all of which have been only available for institutional investment over the past year. These include products from WisdomTree, Fidelity and Invesco.

More ETNs are expected to launch after the ban lifts.

IG said younger adults will likely make up the bulk of this interest, with half of quarter of 25s and 49 per cent of 25-to 34-year-olds saying they are interested in buying cryptocurrency.

Michael Healy, UK managing director at IG, said: 'With ETNs set to launch, we expect a surge in crypto adoption - especially among younger generations already comfortable with digital assets.

'This could mark the start of a new phase of mainstream crypto investing in the UK.'

He added: 'Unlike ETFs, which allow investors to directly own underlying assets, ETNs are debt instruments that track the asset's price, providing regulated access without the need for direct ownership.

'Although crypto ETFs are more commonly owned globally, they remain banned in the UK.'

ETNs, are a type of exchange traded product, or ETP, that are not backed by the underlying asset  in this case cryptocurrencies.

These products are debt instruments that track the price of the underlying crypto asset, and promise a return based on the asset's performance.

ETNs are deemed a safer option than holding cryptocurrency directly by 32 per cent of people, but they do come with credit risk.

Crypto ETFs will remain banned in the UK for the time being. The FCA's fund framework would need to be updated before the ban could be lifted, the FCA said.

The launch of crypto ETNs also means that for the first time in the UK, crypto investors might be able to hold cryptocurrencies within their Isa and Sipp wrappers, meaning that they will be free from tax within the two wrappers' respective allowances.

In theory these products can be held within these wrappers, but HMRC has so far yet to confirm this. It did not respond in time for comment.

Healy said: 'HMRC has not formally confirmed that crypto ETNs can be held within Isas or pensions. We expect guidance soon and see no reason why it would not be possible.'

A fifth of people said the ability to hold crypto within these tax wrappers would make them more likely to invest in the digital currencies.

Some 41 per cent of people in total said they were in favour of allowing these crypto ETNs to be held within Isa wrappers, compared with 20 per cent who said it should not be allowed, while 37 per cent supported their inclusion in pensions, versus 21 per cent against.

Healy said: 'Crypto ETNs represent a significant step forward for the UK market, opening access to millions of investors who have previously been cautious or excluded

'Holding crypto ETNs in tax-efficient wrappers like Isas and pensions would be a major milestone for UK retail investors, allowing gains to grow tax-free or tax-deferred and simplifying reporting.'

'That said, ETNs are just one part of the puzzle. To fully unlock crypto's potential, the UK needs a proper regulatory framework - and it needs it fast, or we risk falling far behind global peers.

'It's also crucial that the government considers allowing crypto ETFs, which are currently banned in the UK but offer greater flexibility and liquidity.'

In recent days, the price of bitcoin has hit another record, surpassing $125,000 a coin.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- One Syrian security personnel was killed Monday when fighting erupted in two Kurdish-held neighborhoods of Aleppo, raising tensions between Syria's transitional authorities and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said heavy and medium weapons were used as pro-government forces targeted the Sheikh Maqsoud district amid reports of an attempted incursion.

The Syrian defense authorities' media office said in a statement Monday night that army movements in northern and northeastern Syria were part of a planned redeployment following repeated SDF attacks on civilians, army, and security forces. The statement said the moves aimed to "secure strategic points" and insisted that the government remains committed to the March 10 agreement with the SDF, denying any intent to launch a wider offensive.

The statement said the army "stands by its responsibility to protect civilians' lives and property, as well as the safety of its personnel," and accused the SDF of "continuous aggression." It added that one internal security member was killed and three others wounded by SDF shelling.

The observatory reported that government forces had closed off all entrances to the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyah neighborhoods, effectively placing them under siege.

The clashes follow months of friction between the SDF and government forces over control of key districts in Aleppo. Under the March 10 accord, the two neighborhoods were to remain under SDF local administration while being integrated into national institutions.

State-run Alikhbaria TV said SDF units were firing mortar shells at military positions outside the two neighborhoods. Residents contacted by phone in Aleppo said explosions were echoing across the city as clashes intensified. Dozens of families fled the area amid continued exchanges of fire, according to Alikhbaria TV.

Tensions between the SDF -- a U.S.-backed Kurdish-led coalition -- and Syria's new transitional authorities have been simmering for months, threatening the fragile stability that followed the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

The SDF, which controls the oil-rich northeast, seeks broader autonomy and recognition of Kurdish rights -- goals that clash with the new government's push for a unified central state. Disputes over control of oil fields and the integration of SDF forces into the national army have fueled repeated confrontations, including in Dayr Hafir in August and September 2025.

The SDF accuses Damascus of violating an earlier March 2025 integration deal, while the government says the SDF undermines national unity. Regional tensions, particularly Turkiye's opposition to Kurdish self-rule, have added pressure to both sides.

Despite a March 2025 agreement between SDF commander Mazloum Abdi and Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa pledging cooperation and cultural protections, vague terms and mutual distrust have slowed progress. The parliamentary elections held on Sunday excluded SDF-held regions, deepening alienation.

No independent verification of casualties or the scale of the fighting was immediately available. 
Shawbrook handed a boost to the London stock market yesterday as it became the latest business to announce plans to float.

The challenger banks initial public offering (IPO)  delayed earlier this year by market turmoil  could see it valued at up to 2billion.

The announcement came as Rachel Reeves held talks with other potential listing candidates, including banks OakNorth and Starling, at a meeting hosted by Goldman Sachs.

The Chancellor is due to follow that up today at a JP Morgan Tech Stars event in London where she will seek to highlight the merits of the UK stock market to companies including payments firm SumUp and digital lender Monzo.

She is considering a stamp duty holiday for newly-listed UK shares  though some argue that the Government must scrap the 0.5 per cent tax on share trading

altogether to make London more attractive. The Treasury is under pressure to act as the City reels from a shortage of stock market listings in recent years and an exodus of firms to rival exchanges such as New York.

IPO: Specialist small business lender Shawbrook has announced plans to list on the London Stock Market which could see it valued at up to 2bn

In a vote of confidence in the UK yesterday, Shawbrook finance chief Dylan Minto said London remains a very attractive venue for raising capital.

Beauty Tech Group  whose products are favoured by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Serena Williams  and US data centre giant Fermi made their London debuts last week.

Tinned tuna firm Princes, whose brands include Branston baked beans and Napolina olive oil, has also said it plans an IPO.

And speculation is mounting that digital bank Revolut is considering a dual listing in London and New York.

Laura Janssens, head of European investment banking at Berenberg, said the end of 2025 could prove a turning point for the UK IPO market.

Shawbrook said its flotation would help fund growth and help boost its profile in Britain as well as allowing its private equity backers, BC Partners and Pollen Street, to cash in some of their stake.

The specialist small business lenders listing would mark a return to the public markets for the company after it was taken over by the firms in 2017.

Fears for the future of the London market were stoked last week when pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca announced that it was going to list its shares directly on Wall Street.

Recent figures suggested the City has fallen below Mexico and Singapore in the world rankings for IPO fundraisings this year.

And analysis by broker AJ Bell has identified ten London-listed firms worth 620billion that do so much business in the US, or have so many shareholders there, that they may be tempted to make the switch to New York.

Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor, said: Shawbrooks potential flotation provides another reason to be optimistic towards London again as a global financial hub.
An investor exodus from UK stocks gathered pace last month amid growing fears over an economic doom loop.

Latest figures from funds network Calastone showed 692million was pulled from UK-focused equity funds in September, up from 657million in August.

That was despite growing hopes of a rebound for the London stock market  which yesterday hit an intra-day record high of 9516 before closing at 9479.14.

It continues a long-term trend of investors dumping UK stocks stretching back more than four years and was described as seemingly unstoppable by Edward Glyn, head of global markets at Calastone.

Glyn said the exodus had been muted in recent months amid hopes that some investors were starting to see value in the UKs cheaply-priced stocks.

But the brakes appear to be off again amid sluggish UK growth, staggering debt and fears over next months Budget, as well as rising premiums or spreads having to be paid by corporate borrowers to cover the perceived risk of default.

Latest figures from funds network Calastone showed 692m was pulled from UK-focused equity funds in September, up from 657m in August

Glyn said: Doubtless, seeing the UK market reach record levels while still not looking expensive has given some sellers pause for thought.

The doom loop of negative commentary on the UK economy may now be winning out. Outflows are on the rise again.
Britains poshest gym is planning to open more locations after receiving 75m in funding.

Upmarket fitness club Third Space said yesterday it will expand after backing from digital bank OakNorth.

The gym will open locations in London including in Queens Park, Chelsea and on Oxford Street amid a gym boom among health-conscious Brits.

Subscriptions to the existing 13 sites cost around 250 a month. Celebrities said to be among its 42,000 members include model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (pictured).

The company was founded by chocolate heir Joel Cadbury in 2001 and has been owned by US private equity firm KSL Capital Partners since 2021.

Chief executive Colin Waggett said: This transaction marks another important milestone for Third Space as we scale across London.
Britain's beleaguered steel industry is facing an 'existential threat' after the European Union announced plans to hike tariffs on imports to 50 per cent.

The measure could be even more damaging than Donald Trump's tariffs as Europe accounts for more than three quarters of the UK's steel exports  compared to just 7 per cent for the US.

Gareth Stace, director general of industry body UK Steel, said: 'This is perhaps the biggest crisis the UK steel industry has ever faced.'

The announcement comes despite Sir Keir Starmer's attempt to 'reset' relations with Brussels by making major concessions in areas such as fishing and youth migration.

And it represents a bitter blow for an industry already reeling from a series of crises  from the threat of cheap Chinese steel to the pain of high energy prices and the chaos caused by Mr Trump's trade war.

The turmoil has already prompted the Government to bail out Tata Steel's Port Talbot plant in south Wales and take Scunthorpe-based British Steel into public control.

Brussels is acting to hike tariffs because of the flood of cheap steel imports from the likes of China and Turkey.

The problem has increased as Mr Trump's tariffs mean vast quantities of steel that would previously have been sold to the US is being diverted to Europe.

But the EU's decision to hike its own tariffs also threatens to have a devastating impact on Britain.

The announcement comes despite Sir Keir Starmer's attempt to 'reset' relations with Brussels. The PM signed a deal in May with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen

The measure could be even more damaging than Donald Trump's tariffs as Europe accounts for more than three quarters of the UK's steel exports  compared to just 7% for the US

Under current post-Brexit arrangements, the UK can sell steel to Europe tariff free up to a certain level, or quota. Above that, tariffs of 25 per cent apply.

Now, Brussels is looking to bring down that quota, meaning UK exports are more likely to be caught by the charges. And the tariff rate will be doubled to 50 per cent.

Industry insiders hope the announcement will prove a starting point for negotiations and that Britain will be able to achieve a carve-out.

But it represents another period of uncertainty ahead for the industry.

Last year, 78 per cent of the UK's steel exports  or 1.9 million tonnes  was sold to the EU.

Mr Stace said the Government 'must go all out' to secure a deal for the UK 'or potentially face disaster'.

And he said the UK must now put in place its own measures to defend against a flood of cheap imports.

'The probability of the EU's measures redirecting millions of tonnes of steel towards the UK could be terminal for many of our remaining steel companies,' he added.

Stephane Sejourne, the EU's industry commissioner, said the action was to 'save our steelworks and our European jobs'

Mr Stace this evening told Times Radio: 'If the UK Government can't get round the table with the EU and convince the EU that we're their friend, not their enemy.

'And then carve out a reasonable quota for UK exports into the EU, then we will see job losses in our sector the like we haven't seen for a number of years.

'Therefore now is the time for Government at the very senior levels talking to the EU to get a deal for the UK steel sector.'

Alasdair McDiarmid, assistant general secretary at steelworkers' union Community, said: 'The new measures proposed by the EU represent an existential threat to our industry, as well as the thousands of jobs and communities it supports right across the country.

'We know that ministers will be acutely aware of the grave risks the EU's proposal poses.

'It is vital that the Government moves swiftly to negotiate preferential treatment for the UK, including through country-specific quotas.'

Charlotte Brumpton-Childs, from the GMB union, branded the measures a 'hammer blow' to the UK steel industry.

She said: 'This could be the end of steel-making in UK if proper safeguards aren't secured.'

Tory shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: 'The Government's lack of a real plan for steel is unravelling fast.

'From the dead-on-arrival zero US steel tariff to this significant new threat from the EU, it's clear ministers are flailing as the industry threatens to collapse around them.'

Emily Sawicz, senior analyst at accountancy firm RSM UK, said the renewed uncertainty 'will create a ripple effect across other industries including construction, automotive, real estate and energy, all of which rely on stable supply chains and access to raw materials'.

She added: 'Manufacturers have already weathered the storm of US tariffs, but given the value of UK steel exports to the EU market, this will have a far greater impact.

'The sector is already grappling with energy costs that are roughly 50 per cent higher than EU averages, while continuing to face competition from Chinese exports flooding the global market.

'Without guaranteed access to the EU and robust domestic protections, UK steelmakers risk becoming uncompetitive in an industry that is increasingly reliant on Government support.'

Chris McDonald, the Government's industry minister, is set to meet with steel representatives on Thursday.

He said: 'We will always defend our critical steel industry, which is why we are pushing the European Commission for urgent clarification of the impact of this move on the UK.

'It's vital we protect trade flows between the UK and EU and we will work with our closest allies to address global challenges rather than adding to our industries' woes.

'This Government has shown its commitment to our steel industry by securing preferential access to the US market for our exporters, and we continue to explore stronger trade measures to protect UK steel producers from unfair behaviours.'

Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith said: 'The governments lack of a real plan for steel is unravelling fast. From the dead-on- arrival zero US steel tariff to this significant new threat from the EU, it's clear ministers are flailing as the industry threatens to collapse around them.'
Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for Syria's Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections, speaks during a press conference about the parliamentary elections in Damascus, Syria, Oct. 6, 2025. Syria's transitional authorities announced here Monday the final results of the country's first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December last year, describing the process as transparent and inclusive despite challenges. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

DAMASCUS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Syria's transitional authorities announced here Monday the final results of the country's first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December last year, describing the process as transparent and inclusive despite challenges.

Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, chairman of the Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections, said 119 candidates had been elected to parliament through the voting process. However, al-Ahmad did not mention how many votes each candidate received.

Al-Ahmad also stressed the need for "capable people who can work and rebuild" rather than "quotas."

Under a new temporary system, two-thirds of the 210 parliamentary seats are elected and one-third will be appointed by Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to ensure fair representation for all regions and social groups during Syria's transition.

Meanwhile, Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for the committee, told a press conference that the elections, conducted across 49 constituencies, were distinguished by "a high level of integrity" and "transparency," and that the results are final and not subject to appeal.

Due to displacement, missing documents and logistical challenges, the electoral process did not adopt direct public voting, but instead employed community-based electoral bodies, which Najmeh said "have no relation to" the one-third of parliamentary seats to be appointed by al-Sharaa.

Najmeh said the elections could not be held in Raqqa, Hasakah, and Sweida provinces due to security conditions, while voicing concerns over low women's representation in the elections.

The new parliament's role would be to "serve as the official platform for national dialogue" and support the government and monitor its performance during the transitional period, Najmeh added. 

Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for Syria's Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections, speaks during a press conference about the parliamentary elections in Damascus, Syria, Oct. 6, 2025. Syria's transitional authorities announced here Monday the final results of the country's first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December last year, describing the process as transparent and inclusive despite challenges. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Nawar Najmeh (L), spokesperson for Syria's Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections, speaks during a press conference about the parliamentary elections in Damascus, Syria, Oct. 6, 2025. Syria's transitional authorities announced here Monday the final results of the country's first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December last year, describing the process as transparent and inclusive despite challenges. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

People pass in front of the Syrian parliament building in Damascus, Syria, Oct. 6, 2025. Syria's transitional authorities announced here Monday the final results of the country's first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December last year, describing the process as transparent and inclusive despite challenges. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Following days of detention in an Israeli prison, the South Africans who were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla are set to be released and allowed to travel to South Africa via Jordan, according to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

In a statement released on Monday, the department confirmed the news by the Israeli authorities that they would be released. "We have received confirmation that the individuals in question are scheduled to be released from detention and will be repatriated, departing via Jordan tomorrow morning," it said in a statement.

The South Africans, including Mandla Mandela, grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela, had traveled to Gaza through the flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid to starving Palestinians. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola applauded both local and international efforts that prompted their release.

The flotilla, made up of nearly 50 civilian boats carrying about 500 activists from various countries, had spent time in the waters before being detained by the Israeli authorities. 
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BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Bats and toothed whales are distant groups, yet both have independently developed the ability to perceive their environment through echolocation.

A Chinese research team has uncovered a key mechanism explaining why different organisms independently evolve similar functions when adapting to similar environments, using an artificial intelligence (AI) protein language model.

Convergent evolution, or convergence, refers to repeated, independent emergence of the same trait in two or more lineages of species during evolution, often indicating functional adaptation to specific environmental factors.

The research team from the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences uncovered the critical role of high-order protein features in adaptive convergence.

The team with Zou Zhengting as the leader proposed a computational analysis framework named "ACEP." The core innovation of this framework lies in its use of a pre-trained protein language model.

"A protein language model can understand the deeper structural and functional characteristics and patterns behind amino acid sequences," Zou explained.

The findings were recently published in the international academic journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"This work not only deepens the understanding of the laws of evolution of life but also demonstrates the strong potential of AI technology in resolving complex biological issues," Zou said. "We hope to achieve broader and more effective application of AI technology in evolutionary biology in the future." 
An Irish priest has expressed his shock after animal carcasses were dumped outside his local church on Monday.

The incident occurred at St Josephs Catholic Church in Caledon, Co Tyrone.

Fr Cathal Devaney shared video footage on social media of what appears to be the internal organs of multiple animals placed along a wall at the entrance to the church car park.

Fr Devaney condemned the incident, saying: This is disgraceful and disturbing. Someone dumped this animal waste in St. Josephs car-park, Caledon. We have informed the police, local council and others.

"I am very saddened and angry. I prayed for whoever did it. They are in a bad place. May St Joseph watch over our parish today and everyday.

READ NEXT: Teenage boy hospitalised after shooting incident outside house in Dublin

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew also expressed his shock at the incident, stating: This is an abhorrent and criminal attack on our parish, churchgoers and residents, and I want to condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

I also want to express my support for Father Deveney and all parishioners.

There is absolutely no place in our society for this despicable behaviour. Whoever is behind this sickening act must be brought to justice.

Mr Gildernew called on anyone who has any information on the incident to immediately contact the police.

Police said they received a report on Monday afternoon relating to dumped animal remains in the Minterburn Road area of Caledon.

It is thought this occurred sometime between 23:00 on Sunday 5 October and 14:00 on Monday 6 October, they added.

They have appealed for anyone with any information to contact them.
Five Irish activists who were held in Israel after their vessels in a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza were intercepted, have arrived back in Dublin.

The group said that they were denied access to water, medical care and legal aid after being detained while attempting to provide humanitarian support to the people of Gaza.

Five of the 15 Irish citizens who had been aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla arrived at Dublin Airport on Tuesday afternoon.

Dozens of people including family members, friends and supporters gathered at arrivals to welcome home the pro-Palestinian activists.

Comedian Tadhg Hickey said their treatment was the most inhumane that he had ever seen in his life.

He said: For the crime of trying to get baby formula into a besieged population to try and feed starving babies, we were brought to effectively a terrorist prison camp, denied any access to lawyers, denied any access to doctors, to medical care.

One of us, Paddy (Kelly), a 75-year-old man, was denied access to insulin.

They never gave him his insulin over three or four days, knowing that easily he could die because of that.

We were drinking toilet water for three or four days.

Another of the group Diarmuid Mac Dubhghlais said they were treated as if they had no rights.

He said: There were Israeli dogs barking and attacking Palestinian prisoners that were treated much, much worse than us.

Whatever technology the Israelis had, disabled the electronic acceleration, so we were dead in the water.

They knew we were coming.

Global Movement to Gaza Eire, the group supporting the flotilla from Ireland, hit out at the Irish Governments inaction over the genocide in Palestine

Niamh MacNamara, coordinator with Global Movement to Gaza Eire said: Our governments inaction over the genocide and ethic cleansing in Palestine has directly led to this situation, ordinary Irish citizens forced to risk their lives because leaders refused to act.

What happened was completely illegal under international law and should never have been allowed.

If Ireland had imposed sanctions on the genocidal state of Israel and upheld human rights, this mission would never have been necessary.

We demand immediate political action to protect those still sailing to Gaza and to end our complicity in this genocide.

Some of the group of 15 Irish citizens who were detained returned to Ireland on an earlier flight while more are expected to return in the early hours of Thursday.

They are Caitriona Graham, Chris Andrews, Colm Byrne, Cormac ODaly, Diarmuid MacDubhghlais, Donna Schwarz, Louise Heaney, Maureen Almai, Paddy Kelly, Patrick ODonovan, Sarah Clancy, Tadhg Hickey, Tara OGrady, Tara Sheehy, and Thomas McCune.
Lead photo context for giggles . . .

That's Donald Trump singing the "Green Acres" theme song with actress Megan Mullally at the 2005 Emmy Awards.

Meanwhile . . .

Check the angle on local concerns and the obvious answer . . . More MAGA free money VERY MUCH LIKE the often criticized strategies of the previous administration . . . To be fair, denizens of "the Heartland" have a special love for dirt farming assistance.

Also, universal basic income will likely become a reality in the next 20 years if only to simplify the process.

Here's more info . . .

"Soybean farmers across Missouri and Kansas say theyre bracing for another financial hit as the ongoing trade war between the United States and China deepens. Its harvest season, and many farmers are in the fields collecting beans or preparing to do so. But this year, the concern isnt just about weather or yields  its about buyers."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Trade war squeezes Missouri, Kansas soybean farmers again Soybean farmers in Missouri and Kansas face another setback as China halts U.S. soybean purchases amid renewed trade tensions.

More context and an answer from the administration . . .

Trump administration mulling $10 billion aid package for U.S. farmers, sources say Soybean farmers have been hit particularly hard, as China boycotts American soybeans.

Trump's trade agenda has a new flashpoint: The humble soybean China has turned to soybeans from Argentine farmers even as the Trump administration telegraphs help for Argentina's economy. U.S. farmers have been left in the lurch.

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The Halal Business Forum is being held in Baku, Trend reports.

The event was addressed by the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency, Goshgar Tahmazli, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Elnur Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) Orkhan Mammadov, and other officials and company representatives.

The forum discusses topics such as: Creating a competitive environment for Islamic finance in emerging markets; Experiences from different regions and lessons learned; Halal business management; Harmony of success or success of harmony.

Speaking at the event, Azerbaijan's First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev noted that the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) amounted to approximately $6 billion over the period from January through August 2025.

Azerbaijan remains one of the most active participants in the OIC and attaches great importance to the development of political, economic, and cultural ties with member states, he said.

According to Aliyev, Azerbaijan has made a significant contribution to strengthening multiculturalism, intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue, as well as promoting Islamic values in the world.

He recalled that this was recognized by the declaration of Baku in 2009 and Nakhchivan in 2018 as capitals of Islamic culture. In addition, the events held in 2017 as part of the Year of Islamic Solidarity contributed to the expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Muslim countries.

The First Deputy Minister expressed his gratitude to the OIC and its relevant structures for their support in holding the forum, noting that Azerbaijan's economic and trade agreements with OIC states are aimed at simplifying trade, strengthening customs cooperation, and stimulating investment.

" There are currently around 11,000 companies from OIC member states operating in Azerbaijan," Aliyev said, stressing that these figures not only reflect the high level of economic ties and mutual interest but also confirm Azerbaijan's role as one of the key economic partners and initiators of cooperation within the OIC.

Furthermore, Almaz Kairbekov, Director of the State Agency Center for Halal Industry Development under the Ministry of Economy and Trade of Kyrgyzstan, stated that Kyrgyzstan is ready to develop a joint halal industry with Azerbaijan.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan in the field of the halal industry. According to him, Azerbaijan's participation in international standards and forums has given a powerful impetus to the development of the industry in the region.

Kairbekov noted that Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan are working together in the Islamic Countries Standardization Institute, which has made it possible to attract other countries, including Turkiye, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, to promote halal products on international markets.

Azerbaijan is making good progress in developing the halal industry, and we hope to jointly improve qualifications and expand cooperation, the director emphasized.

He also noted Azerbaijan's active participation in international forums and exhibitions, including the current forum, where Kyrgyzstan is represented jointly with Azerbaijan.

Kairbekov emphasized that the halal industry is not only about food, but also tourism, cosmetics, banking services, and economic integration of countries. We are ready to work together with Azerbaijan in this difficult but very beneficial cause for humanity, he said, expressing gratitude for the achievements and support of the Azerbaijani side.

Samer Elesaw, head of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Center of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, noted that global spending on halal products will reach nearly $3 trillion in 2027.

According to Samer Elesawi, within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, imports of halal products will grow from $359 billion in 2022 to around $492 billion by 2027, reflecting the enormous potential of the halal economy.

He noted that this growth opens up new opportunities for economic development, attracting investment, stimulating trade, and creating jobs.

The halal industry is becoming one of the key drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth for the member countries of the Islamic Development Bank, Elesawi emphasized.

According to him, in order to effectively utilize this potential, it is necessary to focus on four strategic areas: infrastructure development, sustainability and green production, the introduction of Islamic finance, and the digital transformation of the halal sector.

He pointed out that Azerbaijan, thanks to its strategic location and growing economy, is in a position to take a leading role in the global halal supply chain.

Creating industrial parks for halal products and developing a certification system will help the country strengthen its position in international markets, he added.

Elesawi also stressed that the digitalization of the halal sector and the introduction of technologies such as blockchain will increase transparency and trust in products. He congratulated Azerbaijan on the introduction of a new four-category halal certification system and the accreditation of the Azerbaijan Standards Institute by the Turkish Halal Accreditation Agency.

If we continue to strengthen infrastructure, develop Islamic finance, and innovate, by 2027 the halal economy could become one of the fastest-growing sectors of global trade, Samer Elesawi concluded.

Two documents were signed during the forum. In particular, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Azerbaijan Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) and Turkiye's Bilisim Vadisi.

The document provides for awareness-raising activities and the implementation of joint initiatives in areas such as the green economy, green technologies, and green entrepreneurship, as well as cooperation in the field of environmental protection.

The document was signed by KOBIA Chairman Orkhan Mammadov and Bilisim Vadisi General Manager Erkam Tuzgen.

The Joint Declaration on the Baku Climate Coalition for Green Transition of SMEs was initiated by KOBIA within the framework of COP29. The declaration, aimed at creating a global movement of green SMEs, provides for a number of measures to facilitate the green transition of SMEs in participating countries and overcome the difficulties arising in this area.

To date, more than 20 international organizations and national authorities of foreign countries have acceded to this declaration.

Another document was signed between the Malaysian Halal Development Corporation Berhad and KOBIA. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Berhad CEO Khairul Arifin Bin Sahari and KOBIA Chairman Orkhan Mammadov.

The document provides for cooperation in the areas of business, investment, and export, as well as the halal industry, including the exchange of knowledge and experience, joint training programs, and other areas using the capabilities of both organizations.

The forum will continue tomorrow.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan have gained new momentum in recent months, the German Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ralf Horlemann said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the German-Azerbaijani Conference on Export Financing 2025 on the topic Innovation and Technology meets Finance.

There have been many mutual visits from Brussels to Baku and from Baku to Brussels. This is a good sign, because the European Union is Azerbaijan's largest trading and investment partner and is demonstrating its willingness to actively participate in the development of the region, he said.

The diplomat also noted that there has been a noticeable revival in German-Azerbaijani economic and trade ties, especially after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Azerbaijan in April this year.

"A roadmap has recently been signed, outlining promising areas of cooperation, and we are also seeing concrete steps being taken by German companies. For example, there is an agreement between SEFE and SOCAR in the gas sector, and a major German truck and bus manufacturer, MAN, is considering the possibility of organizing the production or assembly of electric buses in Azerbaijan," Horlemann said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. German investments in Azerbaijan exceeded $900 million as of October 1, the Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Samad Bashirli said at the German-Azerbaijani Export Finance Conference 2025 on the topic "Innovation and Technology Meets Finance", Trend reports.

"Azerbaijan-Germany business links are significant and growing. There are 199 active German companies in Azerbaijan as of October 1. German investments in Azerbaijan exceeded $900 million, of which nearly 94 percent went to the non-oil sector. Over the same period, Azerbaijani investments in Germany exceeded $600 million," he explained.

Besides, he noted that from January through August of this year, bilateral trade surpassed $1 billion, placing Germany among top five trading partners of Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) amounted to nearly $6 billion from January through August 2025, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Elnur Aliyev said at the Halal Business Forum in Baku, Trend reports.

"Azerbaijan remains one of the most active participants in the OIC and attaches great importance to the development of political, economic, and cultural ties with member states," he pointed out.

According to Aliyev, Azerbaijan has made a significant contribution to strengthening multiculturalism, intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue, and promoting Islamic values worldwide.

He reminded that this was recognized by the declaration of Baku in 2009 and Nakhchivan in 2018 as capitals of Islamic culture.

Furthermore, events held in 2017 as part of the Year of Islamic Solidarity contributed to the expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Muslim countries.

The first deputy minister expressed gratitude to the OIC and its relevant agencies for their support in holding the forum, noting that Azerbaijan's economic and trade agreements with OIC member states are aimed at facilitating trade, strengthening customs cooperation, and stimulating investment.

"Currently, approximately 11,000 companies from OIC member states operate in Azerbaijan," Aliyev added, emphasizing that these figures not only reflect the high level of economic ties and mutual interest but also confirm Azerbaijan's role as a key economic partner and initiator of cooperation within the OIC.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Two memoranda of understanding have been signed at the Halal Business Forum in Baku, Trend reports.

One of the documents was signed between the Azerbaijan Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) and Turkiye's Bilisim Vadisi company.

The document provides for awareness-raising events and the implementation of joint initiatives in areas such as the green economy, green technologies, and green entrepreneurship, as well as cooperation in environmental protection.

Meanwhile, it was signed by KOBIA Chairman of the Board, Orkhan Mammadov, and Bilisim Vadisi's General Manager, Erkam Tuzgen.

The "Joint Declaration on the Baku Climate Coalition on the Green Transition of SMEs" was initiated by KSBA at COP29.

The declaration, aimed at creating a global movement of green SMEs, includes several measures to facilitate the green transition of SMEs in participating countries and overcome the challenges encountered in this area.

To date, more than 20 international organizations and national bodies of foreign countries have joined this declaration.

Another memorandum was signed between Malaysia Halal Development Corporation Berhad and KOBIA.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Berhad CEO Khairol Arifain Bin Sahari and Orkhan Mammadov.

The document provides for cooperation in business, investment, and exports, as well as the halal industry, including the exchange of knowledge and experience, joint training programs, and other areas utilizing the capabilities of both organizations.

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MANILA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Public Works and Highways has sent a team to conduct a thorough assessment of a bridge in Cagayan province in the northern Philippines that collapsed on Monday.

Preliminary findings reveal that three loaded trucks, each with an estimated weight of 50 tons, far exceeding the bridge's 18-ton capacity, were on the bridge in Alcala town when the structure collapsed.

"The Department shall provide a recommendation based on the results of the assessment," said Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon in a statement released on Monday evening.

In the meantime, authorities urged the public to avoid the bridge and use alternate routes.

Local media earlier reported that seven individuals were injured and brought to hospitals due to the incident. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Imports of halal products in the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will grow from $359 billion in 2022 to nearly $492 billion by 2027, the OIC Deputy Secretary General for Economic Affairs Ahmad Kawesa said at the Halal Business Forum in Baku, Trend reports.

According to him, these figures demonstrate the enormous potential of the halal economy as a tool for development, attracting investment, expanding trade, and creating jobs.

He noted that modern production and processing facilities, warehouses, and certification centers that comply with international standards ensure transparency and trust in halal products.

The OIC Deputy Secretary-General cited the example of the Islamic Development Bank's Centre of Excellence in Kuala Lumpur, which, in collaboration with the Malaysian government, implemented the Halal Industrial Park 2.0 initiative. The goal of the project is to create industrial parks that attract investment and stimulate innovation in the halal industry, supporting the entire production and export cycle.

awesa also noted that Azerbaijan, thanks to its strategic location and growing economy, has a unique opportunity to develop similar parks for the processing and export of halal products, strengthening its role in the global supply chain.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Over $344 billion in foreign investment has been poured into the country's economy from 2004 through 2024, Azerbaijan's First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev said at the Halal Business Forum in Baku, Trend reports.

As reported by Trend on Tuesday, this was announced by Azerbaijan's First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev at the Halal Business Forum in Baku.

According to him, Azerbaijan has achieved significant success in diversifying its economic model. The socio-economic reforms and integration into the global economy have created broad and favorable opportunities for leading international companies to operate.

"More than $344 billion has been invested in the country's economy from 2004 to 2024, of which about $213 billion has been directed to the development of the non-oil sector. Recently, as part of the First Azerbaijan Investment Forum, documents were signed for projects with a total value of more than $10 billion, reflecting the confidence of foreign investors and the stable investment environment in the country.

Currently, the share of the non-oil and gas sector in the total economy has reached 68 percent, and further growth in this indicator is expected by the end of the year. Thanks to the reforms and business support mechanisms being implemented, the private sector accounts for about 81 percent of the country's economy," he said.

Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan's advantageous geographical position makes it a strategic center of regional economic policy. The volume of transit cargo transportation through the Middle Corridor is growing year by year, and with the launch of the Zangezur Corridor, this figure will increase even more.

The modern infrastructure created in the country - the Baku International Sea Trade Port, the Alat Free Economic Zone, as well as a developed railway network - provides investors with direct access to global markets and high transit efficiency, the deputy minister stressed.

According to him, industrial zones, modern transport and digital infrastructure, as well as human capital, create a solid platform for the production of competitive products and the development of services.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Kyrgyzstan is ready to develop a joint halal industry with Azerbaijan, said Almaz Kairbekov, Director of the State Institution Center for Halal Industry Development under the Ministry of Economy and Trade of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports.

Speaking at the Halal Business Forum in Baku, Kairbekov emphasized the importance of cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan in the field of the halal industry, noting that Azerbaijans participation in international standards and forums has given a strong boost to the sectors development across the region.

Kairbekov highlighted that the two countries are collaborating within the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), which has helped engage other nations, including Turkiye, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, in promoting halal products on global markets.

Azerbaijan is making significant progress in developing the halal industry, and we hope to expand our cooperation and jointly strengthen professional expertise, the director said.

He also pointed out Azerbaijans active involvement in international exhibitions and forums, including the current one where Kyrgyzstan is represented alongside Azerbaijan.

Kairbekov underlined that the halal industry encompasses not only food production but also tourism, cosmetics, banking services, and broader economic integration.

We are ready to work together with Azerbaijan in this challenging but noble mission for the benefit of humanity, he said, expressing gratitude for Azerbaijans achievements and support.

The halal industry includes food, medicine, cosmetics, fashion, and tourism companies that make and sell Islamically compatible goods and services. According to Islamic law, "halal" means "lawful" or "permissible" and is verified by systems that analyze the full supply chain, from raw materials to manufacture and logistics. This industry is growing because of the growing global Muslim population and consumer demand for ethically made, religiously conforming goods.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) will continue to act as a bridge between German and Azerbaijani companies, said Sevil Yahyayeva, Adviser to the Executive Director of AZPROMO, Trend reports.

Speaking at the German-Azerbaijani Export Finance Conference held in Baku under the theme Innovation and Technology at the Intersection of Finance, Yahyayeva noted that Azerbaijan actively cooperates with Germany and has a solid legal framework that includes nearly eighty agreements.

As you know, during the visit of the Chairman of the German Eastern Business Association, Michael Harms, in May, a new roadmap for the years ahead was signed. This document covers a wide range of initiatives, including the assembly of electric buses, modernization of railway infrastructure, and projects in hydrogen energy, water treatment, and desalination, she said.

Yahyayeva emphasized that the agency is the backbone of a thriving business landscape in Azerbaijan, offering a cornucopia of services to both exporters and investors alike.

We offer market information, advice on regulatory issues, and help establish connections with government institutions. AZPROMO also functions as a one-stop shop for investors, guiding them through every stage, from their first steps in Azerbaijan to the successful completion of their projects, she added.

AZPROMO was founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan to facilitate foreign investment in the non-oil industry and promote exports of non-oil products. The agency's primary objective is to enhance the nation's economy by soliciting international investment and fostering exports in the non-oil sector. To date, the agency has conducted 33 export trips to international destinations under the "Made in Azerbaijan" initiative.

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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for providing Hungarian companies with the opportunity to participate in the countrys largest oil and gas projects, Trend reports.

Speaking today at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, he stressed that today in Europe, there is a situation where sources and supply routes that are considered excluded for political reasons are being used to provide Europe with energy.

"As a result, European competitiveness is in decline, and European companies pay three to four times more for energy than their Chinese or American competitors. Hungary is taking serious steps towards diversification, and these steps would not be successful without our extremely valuable cooperation with you. We thank President Ilham Aliyev for giving Hungarian energy companies the opportunity to participate in the largest natural gas and oil fields in Azerbaijan and Europe. Thanks to this, we Hungarians have reached a new level in the global energy market. This is of great importance to Hungary. In addition to my gratitude, I assure President Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijan of Hungary's friendship with your country and our strategic commitment," he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Azerbaijan is preparing to issue sukuks to finance infrastructure projects and green energy initiatives, said Samir Taghiyev, an expert in the Direct Finance Department of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of Private Sector (ICD) in Saudi Arabia, Trend reports.

Speaking at the Halal Business Forum, Taghiyev noted that legislation establishing the legal framework for sukuk issuance will soon be adopted in Azerbaijan.

Previously, a state-owned Azerbaijani company expressed interest in issuing a sukuk, but the lack of relevant legislation made it impossible. Thanks to the efforts of the Central Bank and its leadership, the draft law will soon be ready, Tagiyev said.

The expert emphasized that issuing sukuks will allow Azerbaijani companies to attract long-term financing in both local and foreign currencies on domestic and international markets.

As an example, he cited a recently signed public-private partnership agreement for the Alanya Toll Road project, which spans two decades and could be financed through sukuks on international markets.

Special attention is given to infrastructure projects and the development of green energy, including in territories recently liberated. The ICD is also involved in projects to provide clean water from the Caspian Sea as part of a comprehensive approach to sustainable development, the expert added.

He confirmed that the ICD will actively support Azerbaijan in these initiatives, helping attract investments from international and Persian Gulf markets.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has been interviewed by Euronews television.

Trend presents the interview.

-Joining us now is the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Thank you for your time. There has been strong and repeated international pressure for a ceasefire and to de-escalate tensions. Fighting is ongoing, if not escalating. What is your objective now in the conflict?

-Ceasefire cannot be achieved unilaterally. It must be a bilateral decision and also it must be implemented on the ground. As you know Armenia attacked us on the 27th of September, attacking our military positions and damaging our infrastructure, attacking civilians. So far we have almost 30 civilians killed as a result of Armenian attack, including the ballistic missiles, and the cluster bombs. So, our counter-attack was successful. We managed to liberate part of the occupied territories and our main objective is restoration of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Armenia must give us the time-table for withdrawal of their troops from the occupied territories and this time-table must be approved by the Minsk group co-chairs, the countries which are mediators. And after that I think the effort must be imposed on achieving the ceasefire.

-The countries that youre referencing have repeatedly asked for a ceasefire. Why isnt that happening now? Why arent you pushing for that to happen immediately?

-Because we have been a subject of attack for many times. During the last three months there have been three attacks on Azerbaijan. One in July, on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, far away from the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The goal of Armenia was to occupy new territories of Azerbaijan. They did not manage to do it. Our army defeated them. Then, on August 23, they send a sabotage group to commit terror acts against our civilians and military personnel. That also was a failure for them, because the head of the sabotage group was detained and he gives evidences exactly about what I am saying. And in the end of September they launched a massive attack on our villages and cities. I can tell you that up to today we have almost 900 houses totally demolished, or damaged and many casualties and wounded people among civilians. And now after Armenia is suffering a very bitter defeat, they are pleading for a ceasefire. They made violation of ceasefire themselves. They ignore United Nations Security Council resolutions which demand full, complete, immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian troops. They want to keep status quo unchanged, and the Minsk Group co-chairs United States, Russia and France, their presidents many times made the statements that the status quo is unacceptable. Armenia ignored it, but now Azerbaijan itself is changing the status quo, and I think that will be an important step towards the soonest resolution of the conflict.

-Mr. President, civilians have been killed on both sides of this conflict. How do you reconcile that with your aims?

-Of course, we regret that civilians are being killed and of course, we were not the purpose, we were not the source of this attack. Because it was a first thing in the morning on the 27th of September, what they did, they attacked our cities and villages. And we had to respond. But our response mainly is and primarily is on their military positions, on their tanks and guns and what we are doing on the battlefield is available in internet. Our drones and our other equipment demolished only military objectives on the occupied territories. Unfortunately, Armenia is using civilians in order to have more people on the ground, because their demographic situation is very bad, and we have video about these civilians being just next to the guns, and of course

-Im sorry to interject Mr. President, that civilians on their side have been killed in this fighting and they would dispute exactly why it was on the 27th of September this violence flared up again. Let me bring you to a promise that your foreign minister made last year that said it was necessary to take concrete measures to prepare the populations for peace. What we are seeing right now is the opposite of that. How are you trying to limit the suffering of civilians?

-You know we are not responsible for this outbreak. As I said, we were a subject of a physical attack from Armenian army which is situated on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan Above from that, the current Armenian regime did everything in order to destroy the negotiation process. Exactly one year ago, Armenian prime Minister at the rally in the occupied area of Azerbaijan made a statement that Karabakh is Armenia and that statement actually destroyed negotiation process. Because the principles which are on the table and which are the basis for settlement demand the return of the occupied territories to Azerbaijan. And when Armenian prime minister says that not a centimeter of land will return to Azerbaijan, when he says that Karabakh is Armenia, when they organize illegal settlement of foreign people on the occupied territories which is a brutal violation of Geneva Convention, they destroy negotiation process. After that, in order to make us responsible for that, they attack us three times-on July, August, and September. When we beat them on the battlefield, they call everywhere, they make a plea to everyone, stop Azerbaijan. We want to stop, but we want the occupation to stop. Therefore, the main message should be to Armenia, we are not on Armenian land, we are on our land. Our land for 27 years

-One thing that Armenia will say is that Turkey is really providing quite a strong influence, including supplying things like military aid. To what extent would you say Turkey are accelerating and pushing your country and your actions in this conflict?

-This is absolutely false information. Turkey for us is a strong ally, partner and brotherly country, and of course the statements expressed their position and we are very grateful to Turkish government, to Turkish President, Turkish people for this support. But Turkey in no other way is involved in this conflict. Armenia bringing such fake news to the media wants to diminish the capacity of Azerbaijani army. We are fighting ourselves. Yes, we purchased weapons from Turkey, but not only. Our main supplier of weapons is not Turkey. And probably everybody knows about that. So, the fact that we buy modern Turkish equipment including the fighter drones should not be a problem for anyone. Because Armenia gets weapons free of charge. We pay for them and Armenia gets free of charge. Turkey in no other way is involved in the conflict.

-We keep talking about weapons and we keep talking about fighting here. Is diplomacy still an option? Will you sit down, have talks with the prime minister of Armenia to find a different way out of this conflict?

I can tell you, that during my term as the president, I had maybe tens of talks with two former Armenian presidents and the current prime minister. During those previous debates we made a substantial progress on negotiation table. We elaborated the principles which today are the basis for the settlement of conflict. And we were constructive. Negotiations are taking place since 1992. Can you imagine? For almost 30 years. And we were living with hopes, mediators were telling us that you should wait a little bit, there will be more constructive approach from Armenian side. But when this prime minister came to power, as a result of the coup detat two years ago, he destroyed completely negotiation process. And I had meetings with him many times. But these meetings were absolutely senseless. And he told me that they are not going to give the territories back, they told me that Nagorno-Karabakh must be, how to say, adjusted to Armenia. So this is absolutely unacceptable demand on me, and also unacceptable for mediators. Armenian government should change their position, should refrain from maximalist position, should stop telling that Karabakh is Armenia because this is not true and this is destroying negotiations process and of course, we are going back. By the way, tomorrow, our foreign minister will be in Geneva, meeting with the ambassadors of the Minsk Group. And as far as I know, Armenian foreign minister was supposed to go there in the beginning of the month, but he ignored that. He is not there. Our foreign minister is there. It shows who wants negotiations and who wants just accusations against Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev, thank you for joining us on this special program on Euronews. Thank you very much for your time.

-Thank you.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has been interviewed by CNN-Turk television.

Trend presents the interview.

Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, welcome to CNN-Turk. Thank you for giving this interview on such historic days for Azerbaijan. Without further ado, let me immediately move on to the questions. First of all, what is the latest situation in the operations? Are they going as planned? What territory has been liberated from occupation?

-Everything is going according to plan. The Azerbaijani army is restoring the territorial integrity of the country these days. The operation continues successfully. One city and many villages have already been liberated from the occupation. This once again proves that the Azerbaijani people will never put up with the occupation. We have repeatedly said this: Karabakh is our historical and ancestral land! Unfortunately, the negotiations held for a long time did not lead to any results. Therefore, of course, Azerbaijan had to restore its territorial integrity on its own and is doing exactly that.

As you know, on 27 September the Armenian armed forces launched a new offensive against us. Many of our cities and villages are being shelled. Today the death toll among our civilians is about 30 people. The Armenian armed forces are shelling our cities and villages, about a thousand houses have been destroyed or seriously damaged. But everything is going according to plan, and I hope that the tasks before us will be fulfilled.

-Mr. President, I would like to return to the processes in the zone of operations again. As we know, the Armenian army began shelling Azerbaijani cities outside the conflict zone with ballistic missiles. In particular, it is targeting settlements in the second largest city of Azerbaijan, Ganja, a power plant in Mingachevir with ballistic missiles. What do you think was the goal?

-In my opinion, this is a sign of helplessness of the Armenian army and the crimes of the military-political leadership of Armenia because violence against civilians, the shelling of settlements and the destruction of peaceful cities with ballistic missiles is considered a war crime. This indicates that Armenia cannot resist us on the battlefield. Losing the battle and in an effort to stop us, and in order to harm the civilian population as much as possible, it resorts to such heinous acts. As you noted, Ganja and Mingachevir are cities that are far from the war zone. At the same time, our cities located near the front zone are bombarded every day. The nearest district is Tartar. From one to two thousand shells are dropped on the city of Tartar every day. The main purpose of this is violence against civilians. This once again demonstrates the fascist essence of Armenia, the fascist essence of its regime. But this does not frighten the Azerbaijani people and has no impact whatsoever. Our citizens living in these regions, in these cities and villages stand firmly. They say: long live the Motherland, may our lands be liberated from occupation as soon as possible. They will remain in these places to the end and will provide our army with moral support.

-If Armenia continues shelling civilian settlements, will there be any change in your current position?

-No, there should be no change in our position. We are not fighting against the Armenian people. I have already spoken about this many times. We are waging a fair fight. We want to restore our territorial integrity, we are doing this and we have achieved success in this matter and in this direction. Azerbaijan has never fought against the civilian population and against civilians. The other day I said that we have no problems with the Armenian people. Thousands of Armenians live in Azerbaijan, and they are our citizens. The Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh today are also our citizens. All our goals are military. We have every right to destroy military targets because they have caused great damage to our army and cities. Therefore, our duty is to destroy them and ensure the safety of our population.

-Armenia's bombardment of civilian settlements with ballistic missiles is essentially a war crime, an act contrary to the Geneva Convention. In this context, do you plan to put forward any initiatives regarding war crimes before the UN? Do you collect evidence of these crimes on the ground?

-We certainly do. All of their war crimes are already being recorded. Unfortunately, the international community did not react to the war crimes that were committed against Azerbaijan and our people earlier. The Khojaly massacre is an act of genocide that took place in front of the whole world. However, the then military-political leadership of Armenia was not held accountable for this. The destruction of our cities and villages, the appearance of more than a million internally displaced persons  the international community did not take any action in this regard. Therefore, this issue has not been resolved for many years because no distinction is made between the occupier and the victim of the occupation. And the shelling of our cities and villages by the Armenian armed forces with ballistic missiles today is a war crime. The leadership of Armenia, of course, must and will bear responsibility for this.

-So far you have received several calls for a ceasefire. You have personally answered them. But looking at the 30-year history of the conflict, do you think that these calls will produce results?

-I believe that these calls should not be just calls for a ceasefire. We have repeatedly said that sanctions should have been applied to the occupying state of Armenia. If sanctions had been applied in due time, then, perhaps, this issue would have been resolved long ago. Very serious pressure should have been put on Armenia  not in word but in deed. Unfortunately, this did not happen. Therefore, this process dragged on for 30 years. Negotiations that have been fruitless for 30 years are already losing their point. In addition, recently, the military-political leadership of Armenia, both with aggressive actions and aggressive statements, disrupted the process of negotiations. In other words, it dealt a crushing blow to the talks. To say that "Karabakh is Armenia" essentially means an end to the negotiations because the essence of the negotiations is that the occupied lands should be gradually and on a step-by-step basis returned to Azerbaijan. This is enshrined in the fundamental principles. To say that "Karabakh is Armenia" actually means an end to this process. There were other similar statements. After that, in July, Armenia attacked Azerbaijan in the direction of the state border, killing many soldiers and one civilian. Therefore, the restoration of the ceasefire must be ensured on certain conditions. First of all, we should be given a schedule for the withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the occupied lands. We have already communicated our position on this issue to the Minsk Group. I hope that our calls and proposals will not remain unanswered.

-I think that speaking about the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, France should be mentioned separately. What can you say in connection with France's position on this issue?

-I have already spoken about this several times. We have always perceived the Minsk Group as a group, and this is still the case today. We believed that the co-chair countries of this group should remain neutral, not support any of the parties, because otherwise their mediation mission would be called into question. Until recent events, they managed to maintain neutrality to a certain extent. We know that the Armenian lobby is strong in these countries. It can and does influence the governments of these countries. We see today that the Armenians living in various countries are conducting an organized black propaganda campaign against Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, some countries have recently demonstrated a lop-sided position. There were cases of support for one of the parties. This is unacceptable. We have expressed our position on this matter. If mediators want to remain mediators and continue to deal with this issue, then they should be more responsible and not take sides. They should try to take actions intended to resolve this issue so that the conflict is resolved as soon as possible, so that the ceasefire can then be restored and a lasting peace can be established.

-Why did you say that French President Emmanuel Macron should apologize?

-You also know that there have been accusations against us. Official statements said that Azerbaijan and Turkey had allegedly transferred members of terrorist groups to the region even though there is no evidence of that. Ten days have passed since those statements. So far, we have not been presented with any evidence. This is injustice to us. These statements were made on the basis of false information. This was said either on the basis of unverified and unconfirmed information or on purpose. It is hard to say. In any case, each country must defend itself. Naturally, we are responding to injustice against us. We cannot but react to this. There was another statement  "Azerbaijan wants to conquer Nagorno-Karabakh". This statement is also completely contrary to international laws because Nagorno-Karabakh is our land. How can a country conquer its own land? Such statements completely contradict the mandate of the Minsk Group. We just want the internally displaced persons who have been expelled from their native lands for about 30 years to return to their homes so that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is ensured. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is as important as the territorial integrity of other countries.

-Speaking of black propaganda, since the start of the counter-offensive, a black propaganda campaign against Azerbaijan has been carried out on social media. What can you say about this? What facts do you have in this regard?

-You know, black propaganda against us has been going on for many years. There are several reasons for this. One of them is that Azerbaijan is pursuing an independent policy on a global scale. The interests of the Azerbaijani people are at the center of our policy. We have not been, do not want to be and will not become an instrument in the hands of other countries. The development of today's Azerbaijan, the development achieved in all directions testifies that Azerbaijan is on the right path. Look at the successes we have achieved in international relations. Azerbaijan is recognized as a responsible and reliable country on a global scale now. We currently chair the second-largest international organization after the United Nations  the Non-Aligned Movement. We were able to achieve this with the support of 120 countries. Today Azerbaijan is a political, geographic and energy bridge between Europe and Asia. In other words, we have achieved all these successes also thanks to an independent policy. Some countries did not like this, some countries tried to look down on Azerbaijan but our resolute position did not allow them to do this. Therefore, one of the reasons for the pressure exerted on us is precisely the fact that we are pursuing an independent policy, we are going our own way, we are not acting on anyone's order and we are not bowing to anyone. There are other reasons as well. This is a long story, it may well be the topic of a separate interview. As soon as these events occurred, those who regularly conducted black propaganda against us, non-governmental organizations, circles, media representatives of some countries immediately took action to tarnish the image of Azerbaijan, slander us, invent utter lies about us in order to form a false opinion and a wrong idea about this conflict.

Of course, by fighting against these accusations on our own, we have achieved some success. But our possibilities are also limited. Our voice often falls on deaf ears. We are not provided with an international platform. International media structures are more on the side of Armenia and spread false information about the conflict. Therefore, taking this opportunity, I want to thank the representatives of the media of brotherly Turkey for the fact that these days they are communicating the truth about this war to the whole world, transmitting information live  the destroyed cities, dropped missiles, the city of Ganja, the city of Mingachevir, the city of Tartar. In other words, this information, transmitted mostly by Turkish media, serves to form a fair opinion about the conflict.

-Mr. President, a few days before the start of the operation, you made an appeal to the leaders attending the UN General Assembly in New York, the United States. You appealed to the whole world. In your speech, you said that some terrorist groups were being sent to Armenia, and you drew attention to this issue. You emphasized, in particular, the need to pay attention to this issue. Three days after this statement, Armenia launched an offensive against Azerbaijan. What intelligence does Azerbaijan have on this issue today?

-In that speech, I also said that Armenia is preparing for a new war, we have information about this and Armenia must be stopped. As for the existence of camps of terrorist organizations in Armenia, we had these data before.

-What are these terrorist groups?

-First of all, there were camps of PKK terrorist groups in the Azerbaijani lands occupied by Armenia. We have new intelligence information  some of it has already been published in the media. There are already documents and audio information about their negotiations and contacts. This question did not raise any doubts in us because Armenia is a terrorist country. During the first Karabakh war, dozens of terrorist acts were committed against us  in the metro, buses, ships. I believe that the world should recognize the Armenian terror as a disgusting fact known in the world. The man who committed the terrorist act in the French airport in the 1980s was subsequently handed over to Armenia, then released and declared a hero. Therefore, terrorists from various countries flock to Armenia these days. According to our information, Armenians and representatives of other nationalities from the Middle East flock to Armenia to participate in the unjust war against Azerbaijan.

-I would like to return to the topic of the OSCE Minsk Group. Russia is one of its co-chairs. What are your expectations from Russia in the region?

-Russia as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group also carries out a mediation mission, of course. We have no problem with this. At the same time, Russia is the only country among the three co-chair countries that is our neighbor. Naturally, we have long-term historical relations with Russia. At present, Russia is developing ties with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is a very important fact. Therefore, there are no problems either in the bilateral format or within the Minsk Group. During these events, Russia's position has been responsible.

-Mr. President, what is Iran's position on this issue?

-Iranian officials have supported Azerbaijan's just cause. A few days ago, Iranian officials said that the occupation must be stopped, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored and our IDPs must return to their native lands. This is a fair position.

-Have you had any contact with US President Donald Trump in this process? Do you consider the presence of the United States in it important?

-America is also a co-chair of the Minsk Group. Together with two other co-chairs, they participate in these affairs. I had no contact with the President of America. However, high-ranking US officials have naturally expressed their opinion on this issue and in connection with these events. At the same time, the distinguished Donald Trump also made a statement on this matter. I believe that his statement was complete and logical. Our bilateral ties with America are developing successfully. In many areas, we act as partners. Naturally, America as a superpower expresses its position on this issue. We are satisfied with their position as well.

-In July, Armenia attacked the city of Tovuz. Now, in the course of this operation, it strikes at civilian sites and settlements again. You have already said that Armenia is doing this in order to drag Azerbaijan into a provocation. Apart from being drawn into a provocation, does the shelling of these settlements, in particular the city of Tovuz, the Mingachevir power plant and other similar targets, pose a threat to energy security in the region? Can this be viewed as a transformation of energy infrastructure into a target? In particular, I mean the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the TANAP project. What is your take on that?

-This, of course, is also one of Armenias goals. They did not even conceal this, and the statements of the Armenian leadership before these events indicated that they intended to strike at our strategic energy infrastructure  pipelines, as well as the Sangachal oil and gas terminal, one of the largest oil and gas terminals in the world. In fact, one of the reasons for the Tovuz events was precisely this  to occupy new Azerbaijani lands, then strengthen their positions at the negotiating table and, at the same time, either approach our strategic energy communications or take them under control and then dictate their will to us. This is always part of the plans of the Armenian state. They don't conceal that. The strike on the Mingachevir power plant is also an integral part of this plan because it is the largest plant not only in Azerbaijan but also throughout the entire South Caucasus. Even though we have built many stations in recent years, the Mingachevir station today is our largest station providing electricity to a significant part of the country. If it failed, then certain problems could have arisen in relation to energy issues, of course. Today Azerbaijan exports crude oil, natural gas and electricity. We export our surplus electricity. These actions were aimed at our economic potential and once again showed the whole world the criminal essence of Armenia and the Armenian regime.

-Mr. Aliyev, how big is the Azerbaijani population of Nagorno-Karabakh?

-Today there is not a single Azerbaijani in Nagorno-Karabakh. They have all been expelled from there. The entire Azerbaijani population was expelled both from the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and from seven districts adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh  in Soviet times, Nagorno-Karabakh was an autonomous region. In Soviet times, in the late 1980s, Azerbaijanis constituted 25 percent of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijanis accounted for 98 percent of the population of the city of Shusha. Shusha is our ancient historical city. At the first stage, all Azerbaijanis were expelled from Shusha, then from Khankandi, other cities and villages, and after that from seven districts adjacent to Nagorno-Karabakh. Today, there is no Azerbaijani population in Nagorno-Karabakh and the adjacent occupied districts. We will now go back there. We already started going back four years ago. But after the end of this confrontation, we will, of course, return to these regions.

-You said that Azerbaijanis were expelled from the occupied Karabakh lands. But at present, a large Armenian population also lives in other Azerbaijani lands. What can you say in this regard?

-This is natural because there are representatives of many nationalities living in Azerbaijan. They live like one family. Azerbaijan is known as a multicultural country worldwide. This is acknowledged by the United Nations, as well as other international organizations operating in the humanitarian field. Azerbaijan is the land of tolerance, ethnic and religious tolerance. Thousands of Armenians live in our country today and they are our citizens. They also live normally, like all other nationalities. Of course, I am sure that after the end of this war and conflict, the Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh today will live with us. Azerbaijan is a multinational country. This has been the case throughout history. I think this is our great advantage.

Representatives of other nationalities do not live in Armenia. Armenia is one of a handful of countries in the world where 99 percent of the population is Armenian. All other nationalities were expelled from there. First of all, the Azerbaijanis were expelled, then the rest. Armenia is a mono-ethnic state, and this once again proves that it is a racist country. Representatives of no other nationality can live there. They are either unable to withstand the torment and leave or they are expelled by force.

-Dear President, I have a few more questions left, let me ask them. If we come back to the topic related to the theater of operations, has there been a difference after the inclusion of unmanned aerial vehicles and armed unmanned aerial vehicles in the arsenal of the Azerbaijani army?

-There is a big difference. Armed unmanned aerial vehicles made in Turkey are a type of weapon created on the basis of the latest and modern technologies, only a few countries in the world have such capabilities. This is a manifestation of the technological, economic and intellectual potential of Turkey. Of course, the possession of such opportunities facilitates our work and saves the lives of our citizens, soldiers, because without them we would have to strike at tanks, cannons and other Armenian equipment from the ground. And this could lead to great human losses. These vehicles give us a great advantage in keeping human losses low. At the same time, they are technologically advanced.

-By the way, speaking of air defense systems, the Armenian side has, in particular, such modern air defense systems as S-300 which it had acquired from Russia. The Azerbaijani army also has defense systems, but not these weapons. Do you think this creates a double standard?

-No, we have anti-aircraft guns for S-300 which we bought from Russia. We have purchased a large amount of weapons from Russia. There are no restrictions in that area. Therefore, I cannot speak of double standards. The only difference is that we buy them and they are very expensive systems. Armenia often receives them free of charge  either as a gift or as a loan. But this loan remains on paper and is never repaid. Naturally, if this expensive armament had not been provided to Armenia free of charge, then Armenias possession of it could not even be a subject of discussion and the conflict would have been settled long ago. The free armament has instilled confidence in them that they would be able to hold these lands under occupation forever. The difference is this. We have the opportunity to acquire weapons from Russia. We buy weapons from other countries as well. There are no restrictions on this issue. There are some countries that have imposed an embargo on the sale of weapons to us but this does not create any particular problems for us because the arms market is now more diversified and its geography is expanding. I recently said that the Turkish defense industry is developing so rapidly today that, I hope our equipment with Turkish weapons will rise to an even higher level in the future.

-I would like to touch upon the issue that has drawn our attention here. Wherever we were, in Baku or cities in the conflict zone, in Tartar, we saw the flags of Turkey everywhere next to the flags of Azerbaijan. What would you like to say about this?

-In fact, it has always been this way, because Turkey is not only an ally and the closest country for us. Turkey is a fraternal country for us, just like Azerbaijan is for Turkey. The flag of Turkey is a native flag for us, as native as the flag of Azerbaijan. But, of course, this conflict, the clear position of Turkey during these battles, the statements of Mr. President, my brother Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the support provided to Azerbaijan, the words that "Azerbaijan is not alone" in peoples letters coming from Turkey have, of course, further increased the love of Turkey. You are also witnessing that the flags of Turkey and Azerbaijan are waving together in all our regions. At the same time, the flags of Turkey and Azerbaijan are waving together in Turkey today. The video footage shown to me is also very touching and we are glad that our Turkish brothers there decorate cars and buildings with the flags of Turkey and Azerbaijan. In other words, it is a symbol of true brotherhood and solidarity. There is no other country that would support Azerbaijan like Turkey. There is no country in the world that would support Turkey the way Azerbaijan does. This is our great asset.

-My last question, dear President. If the prime minister of Armenia Pashinyan were in front of you instead of me now, what would you tell him?

-Basically I have nothing to say to him. We have met many times. Two years ago, in our first contacts after he came to power, I think we had a very good conversation. I had hopes that he, as the new prime minister, would introduce amendments and changes to Armenias aggressive policy and understand that as long as this conflict remains unresolved, peace will not come to this region. As a person who came to power as a result of a coup and made big promises, he will not be able to fulfill them if the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia are not normalized. And then there is no need to talk about the economic development of Armenia. I was hoping that he understood this and the first messages from Armenia were very positive. We showed restraint, taking into account their request, and strengthened the ceasefire. It is possible to say that the ceasefire was rigorously observed in the last two years. The Minsk Group co-chairs also noted this in their statements. But what happened next? We realized that he deceived us. I think that this is a very wrong path in politics. You can't lie. Our words do not differ from our deeds. But the words given to us turned out to be a lie. His words that "Karabakh is Armenia, full stop" actually put an end to the negotiations. After that, there were other provocative statements, including such that Azerbaijan should negotiate with Nagorno-Karabakh, i.e. the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh republic". This was a blow to the format of the negotiations. Not only we but also the Minsk Group opposed this. Then in July, they carried out a military provocation in Tovuz, in August they sent a sabotage group and last month they already carried out a large-scale offensive. Therefore, I have said everything to him. Addressing the Armenian people, I want to say that they should hold their government accountable, demand that it stop the fire, end the occupation, not send their children to war, do not send them to Azerbaijan because the so-called "army of the Nagorno-Karabakh republic" consists of citizens of Armenia by 90 percent. In other words, there is no such thing as the "army of Nagorno-Karabakh". Why should a person born in Armenia fight against us on Azerbaijani soil? Therefore, I want to tell the Armenian people that the Armenians live in peace today and will continue to live in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani state is doing everything possible for their normal life. I want to tell the Armenian leadership: the sooner you leave the occupied lands, the better it will be for you.

-Dear President, on these historic days when the fighting continues, you have expressed very important thoughts. Once again, on behalf of the CNN Turk TV channel, I express my deep gratitude to you.

-I also thank you and CNN Turk TV channel, which broadcasts wonderful reports every day. Interesting live discussions with renowned people are organized in your studios. I express my gratitude to your channel for the unequivocal support of Azerbaijan. Let me also thank all representatives of the Turkish media for being with us on these difficult days.

-Thank you very much, thank you again!

Thank you!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. At the plenary session of the 222nd session of the UNESCO Executive Board, held at the organization's headquarters, Elman Abdullayev, Permanent Delegate of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, delivered a statement from our country, Trend reports.

The statement provided information on Azerbaijan's active participation during its four-year membership on the Executive Board. It was noted that the country intends to continue its active participation in UNESCO's work.

Abdullayev emphasized the importance of international solidarity and multilateral cooperation in connection with the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter and the UNESCO Constitution. In this context, he noted Azerbaijan's efforts to strengthen peace, security, and cooperation in the region, as well as the steps taken to advance the peace process with Armenia. Particular attention was paid to the historic meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia, which took place on August 8, 2025, in Washington.

Speaking about cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNESCO, the Permanent Delegate emphasized the importance of projects implemented in the areas of quality education, science and artificial intelligence initiatives, strengthening the role of women and youth in science, and promoting intercultural dialogue.

The statement reaffirmed that Azerbaijan, while remaining committed to UNESCO's values, will continue its efforts to strengthen international peace.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. A meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic-speaking States (OTS) was held in Gabala, Trend reports.

The meeting was held as part of the 12th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS, which will also take place in Gabala.

Addressing the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov stated that within the framework of the organization, based on the Nakhchivan Treaty and relying on a common language, history, and traditions, political, economic, and cultural cooperation is developing in more than 35 areas.

The minister noted that the dynamics of cooperation between the OTS countries, based on brotherhood and mutual trust, at a time when trust in international organizations has been severely undermined, is not only a source of pride but also a solid foundation for a confident outlook on the future:

Today, we will consider proposals from member states aimed at further strengthening our organization. Increasing the number of annual OTS summits to two, at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, has created an opportunity for flexible, in-depth, and detailed discussion of the possibilities for our cooperation.

In addition, the minister noted that to make cooperation more meaningful and sustainable, it is necessary to strengthen the economic potential of the member states of the Organization of Turkic-speaking States, along with the development of mutual investment and trade.

The minister stressed that, from a geographical point of view, the OTS member states play the role of a bridge between Europe and Asia, providing natural transport, logistics, and transit lines: "The organization has enormous potential in this direction. This line is also an integral part of the corridor. The announcement at the Washington summit of the TRIPP route, which will ensure unhindered movement between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan via the Zangezur corridor, is an important step in diversifying ties in our region."

The meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OTS continued its work with discussions.

A number of important documents were approved during the meeting.

The documents adopted at the meeting contribute to strengthening the institutional foundations of the OTS and expanding cooperation between member states and observer states.

The following decisions were adopted at the meeting:

1. Decision to amend Articles 1 and 4 of the Rules of Procedure of the Turkic Academy;

2. Decision to grant Turkmenistan observer status in the Turkic Academy;

3. Decision to grant Turkmenistan observer status in the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation;

4. Approval of the budget of the OTS Secretariat for 2026 (in accordance with the minutes of the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs);

5. Approval of the financial report of the OTS Secretariat for 2024 (in accordance with the minutes of the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs);

6. Approval of the budget of the Turkic Academy for 2026 (in accordance with the minutes of the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs);

7. Approval of the budget of the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation for 2026 (in accordance with the minutes of the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs).
CAIRO, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The second day of indirect Gaza ceasefire talks between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, began on Tuesday in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh, an Egyptian source told Xinhua.

The source said the two sides focused on core issues, including a hostage-prisoner exchange, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the transfer of governance in the Gaza Strip.

The source stressed that Hamas still seeks U.S. and Israeli guarantees of a permanent end to the war, adding that this remains the main sticking point in the negotiations so far.

The talks, which started on Monday, center on implementing the 20-point peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which Hamas has recently accepted in principle.

The first phase of the plan includes an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages, both alive and deceased. Israel believes 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are alive.

Hamas said it would only begin gathering Israeli hostages once Israel's military offensive in Gaza ends, arguing that the ongoing conflict prevents its operatives from safely collecting hostages from tunnels and other locations across the Strip, the source said.

In a separate demand, the group insisted on the release of high-profile Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti as part of the prisoner exchange package.

On the future of Gaza governance, Hamas rejected the deployment of any foreign forces in the Strip but signaled it would welcome Arab forces operating in coordination with the Palestinian Authority, according to the source.

The group also explicitly opposed assigning former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to lead post-war governance in Gaza.

The conflict erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, after the unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel, which Israeli authorities said killed about 1,200 people and resulted in hostages being taken. Since then, the war has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis and famine in the besieged enclave, with Gaza health authorities reporting more than 67,000 Palestinian deaths from Israeli military operations so far. 
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Azerbaijan's consistent efforts are aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region, the country's foreign minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, said at the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Trend reports.

According to him, comprehensive political coordination and solidarity are extremely important in the face of current global and regional security challenges.

The minister noted that in the new international security architecture that is being formed, the OTS has the potential to play a more important role as a symbol of unity.

"Azerbaijan's consistent efforts and purposeful activities towards the normalization process with Armenia, with which it has been in conflict for decades, are also aimed at establishing peace and stability in our region," he added.

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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. The TRIPP route is an important step in terms of diversifying connections in the region, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Trend reports.

"In order for our cooperation to be more meaningful and sustainable, we must also strengthen our economic potential and develop mutual investments and trade among the members of our organization," he explained.

The minister also said that the OTS members, geographically speaking, play the role of a bridge between the European and Asian continents by organizing natural transport, logistics, and transit lines.

"The organization has enormous opportunities in this direction. This line is also an integral part of the Middle Corridor. The announcement of the TRIPP route, which will provide unhindered movement between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through the Zangezur corridor within the framework of the Washington Summit, is an important step in terms of diversifying connections in our region," he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The 65th meeting of the Committee on Social and Humanitarian Policy of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) was held in Baku, Trend reports.

The meeting was opened by Musa Guliyev, Chairman of the Committee on Labor and Social Policy of the Azerbaijani Parliament.

Addressing the event, BSEC Secretary General Asaf Hajiyev said that artificial intelligence has become an integral part of our lives.

Artificial intelligence should not be considered a separate science. In fact, it is a whole field in which mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and psychology play an important role. The synthesis of all sciences forms a whole field, he emphasized.

The Secretary General noted that AI also has dangerous aspects:

"Along with convenience, artificial intelligence can also create problems and harm our lives. In this regard, the role of parliament is very important. The laws adopted here are aimed precisely at preventing these negative processes, which are so dangerous that they can even create problems for human life. Therefore, we decided to discuss the topic of artificial intelligence in all three committees of our organization. This topic, of course, also has social aspects."

Hajiyev emphasized that the path to the PABSEC began with the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan. On behalf of everyone, he thanked Milli Majlis Speaker Sahib Gafarov for organizing the event at the appropriate level.

A draft recommendation was discussed at the meeting.

The draft decision was presented by the Chairman of the PA BSEC Committee on Social and Humanitarian Policy, Deputy of the Azerbaijani Parliament Musa Guliyev.

Following discussions, the recommendation was adopted.

Information was then presented on the activities of the Black Sea region countries within the structure.

In addition, Azerbaijani Parliament deputy Musa Guliyev announced that the next, 66th meeting of the PA BSEC Committee on Social and Humanitarian Policy would be held in Albania.

He noted that the 66th meeting would take place in March 2026.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Laws passed in parliaments can prevent negative processes related to artificial intelligence (AI), Secretary General of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) Asaf Hajiyev said at the opening of the 65th meeting of the Social and Humanitarian Policy Committee of the BSEC Parliamentary Assembly in Baku, Trend reports.

"Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of our lives. It's not a separate science, but it is a field. Mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and psychology all play a role here. As a result of the synthesis of all sciences, a direction emerges," he explained.

The Secretary General also said that this has dangerous aspects.

"In addition to convenience, artificial intelligence can also bring problems and harm to our lives. In this regard, the role of parliament is very important. Because the laws adopted here can prevent these negative processes. These negative processes are so dangerous that they can even create problems for human life.

Therefore, in this regard, we have decided to discuss the topic of artificial intelligence in all three committees of our organization. The topic of artificial intelligence, of course, also has social aspects," he noted.

Hajiyev emphasized that the path to the BSEC Parliamentary Assembly began with the Azerbaijani Parliament.

He thanked the Parliament Speaker, Sahiba Gafarova, on behalf of everyone for the excellent organization of the event.

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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. A number of important documents were approved within the framework of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Gabala today, Trend reports.

The documents adopted at the meeting serve to strengthen the institutional foundations of the OTS and expand cooperation between member and observer states.

The following decisions were adopted at the meeting:

1. Decision on amending Articles 1 and 4 of the Rules of Procedure of the Turkic Academy;

2. Decision on granting Turkmenistan observer status at the Turkic Academy;

3. Decision on granting Turkmenistan observer status at the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation;

4. Approval of the budget of the OTS Secretariat for 2026 (through the protocol of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers);

5. Approval of the financial report of the OTS Secretariat for 2024 (through the protocol of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers);

6. Approval of the budget of the Turkic Academy for 2026 (through the protocol of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers);

7. Approval of the budget of the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation for 2026 (through the protocol of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers).

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Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, on October 7 in Gabala, Trend reports.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov conveyed greetings from Turkmenistans President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the greetings and requested that his own regards be conveyed to the President of Turkmenistan.

During the conversation, both sides fondly recalled President Ilham Aliyevs meetings with the Chairman of Turkmenistans Halk Maslahaty, as well as the latters visit to Azerbaijan in July of this year.

The significance of the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, to be held in Gabala, was highlighted, with emphasis on its role in deepening cooperation among Turkic states and further advancing people-to-people connections.

The current state of Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan interstate relations, built on principles of brotherhood, good neighborliness, and cooperation, was highly appreciated. They noted that deep fraternal traditions unite the peoples of both nations, stressing the successful development of bilateral ties in political, economic, transport, energy, parliamentary, humanitarian, cultural, educational, and other spheres, along with effective cooperation within international organizations.

Both parties exchanged views on the prospects for further enhancing bilateral cooperation.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The 66th meeting of the Committee on Social and Humanitarian Policy of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC PA) will be held in Albania, Chairman of the BSEC PA Committee on Social and Humanitarian Policy, Azerbaijani MP Musa Guliyev said at the 65th meeting of the committee, Trend reports.

Guliyev noted that the 66th meeting will take place in March 2026.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. On October 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed the heads of state and government participating in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Gabala, Trend reports.

The heads of state and government posed for a group photograph.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Today, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, Trend reports.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

Distinguished heads of state and government,

Dear friends,

Welcome to Gabala, the ancient city of Azerbaijan. Gabala served as the capital of Caucasian Albania, spanning a vast geographical area, which was established in the 4th century BC and thrived until the 8th century AD.

At the outset, I extend my gratitude to the Kyrgyz Republic for its successful leadership in presiding over the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Today, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers. It is gratifying to see our Organizations prestige grow on the international stage. Our shared historical and ethnic roots, along with common national and spiritual values, bring us together as a family.

To support the work of the Organization, our country has contributed 2 million U.S. dollars to the account of the OTS Secretariat.

Internal political and economic stability, a strategic geographical location, positive demographics with a young population, vast potential in transport and logistics, rich natural resources, and growing capabilities in the military and defense technology sectors position the OTS as a significant actor on the global stage.

It is gratifying that the Organization of Turkic States has established the practice of holding informal summits alongside official ones. Last years inaugural informal summit in Shusha, as well as our meeting in Budapest this year, are both remembered for the significant decisions.

Dear colleagues,

Today, peace and security are essential foundations for the development of any country.

The Nakhchivan Agreement, the founding document of our Organization, highlights the safeguarding of peace and security as primary goals. Given the current geopolitical and security challenges worldwide, it is crucial that the Turkic states unite as a single center of power, in line with the Garabagh Declaration adopted at last years informal summit in Shusha and following the Regional peace and security theme of todays summit.

It is well understood that development cannot be achieved without ensuring security. In a time when the norms and principles of international law are being gravely violated, cooperation among our countries in military and defense-technical fields becomes one of the crucial factors. In this regard, we maintain strong cooperation with our ally, Turkiye. Just in the past year, over 25 bilateral and multinational military exercises have been carried out jointly with Turkiye.

Considering the extensive cooperation between our countries in military, defense, and security areas, we propose holding joint military exercises for the member states of the Organization of Turkic States in Azerbaijan in 2026.

In todays world, military strength is a crucial element in safeguarding the independence and territorial integrity of any country.

Our historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, along with resolute counter-terrorism measures in 2023, ended the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijans territories. This restored our countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty over our ancient lands. This historical achievement represents not only the triumph of Azerbaijans national will and determined struggle but also a vital contribution to the establishment of justice, peace, and stability in the region.

The initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia two months ago at the White House in Washington is set to transform the South Caucasus into a region of peace. Following the joint call to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures during the Washington summit, the decision made by the OSCE on 1 September also ended these remnants of the former conflict.

Accordingly, these steps have reconfirmed the peace agenda championed by Azerbaijan.

We will never forget the occupation by Armenia. We will forever hold the memory of our Martyrs close to our hearts. We avenged their blood on the battlefield. We expelled the occupiers from our ancestral lands, achieved a brilliant victory, and secured a just peace.

Dear friends!

Transport and communication links hold strategic significance within the Organization of Turkic States. Efforts to harness the potential of the Turkic world in transport, communication, transit, and related fields have resulted in the realization of projects with global impact.

Azerbaijan is an active player in the East-West and North-South transport corridors, serving as a vital bridge between Turkiye and Central Asia across geographic, economic, transport, and other domains.

Since 2022, cargo traffic through the Middle Corridor has increased by approximately 90%. Transit time along the route has significantly decreased. Assets such as the Caspian Seas largest trade fleet, the International Trade Port of Alat, which is expected to reach a capacity of 25 million tons per year in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, 9 international airports, the regions largest cargo airline, and other factors have contributed to establishing Azerbaijan as a major international transport hub.

In this context, one of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangazur Corridor. This corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor.

Another key area closely tied to peace, regional connectivity, and economic development is energy security. Our country plays an active and strategic role in advancing these objectives on a global scale. Azerbaijan has proven itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in ensuring the energy security of many countries.

We serve as a strategic link between the Caspian region and international markets through a network of diversified oil and gas pipelines. At present, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 14 countries. In terms of geographic coverage, Azerbaijan ranks first among nations exporting natural gas via pipeline.

Azerbaijan is also attracting significant investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower. By 2030, approximately 40% of our energy production is expected to come from renewables.

Currently, we are developing a green energy corridor connecting Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Europe.

Azerbaijan and the member states of the OTS have carried out numerous significant investment projects. To date, over 20 billion U.S. dollars have been invested in the economies of our fraternal countries. The majority of these investments have been made in the Turkish economy. Additionally, Azerbaijan has established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Through these funds, many future projects will be realized.

Overall, these initiatives serve to deepen economic integration within the Turkic world, strengthening cooperation among our friendly and brotherly nations in energy and transport, and sustainable development of our region.

As I mentioned, our common history and ethnic roots, our languages unite us like one family. Hereby, I would like to emphasize the historic significance of the First Turkological Congress organized in Baku in 1926.

I propose that the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress next year be solemnly organized within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.

I am confident that our Summit will further strengthen the position of the Organization of Turkic States through the decisions we make, contributing even more to the well-being and security of our peoples.

At the end of my speech, I would like to once again express my gratitude to our fraternal countries for their support in the restoration of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. School named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the Kurmangazy Childrens Creativity Center in Fuzuli, and the school named after Manas in Aghdam are already operational. These are gifts from our Uzbek, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz brothers. A school built in Jabrayil is a gift of our Hungarian brothers. Fuzuli Mosque, the foundation of which is laid today, is a gift from our Turkmen brothers. Brotherly Turkish companies are constructing numerous tunnels, bridges, and roads. Azerbaijanis will never forget this brotherly support.

Thank you!
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in his speech at the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), outlined the factors that make the organization an important actor on the global stage, Trend reports.

The head of state said: Internal political and economic stability, a strategic geographical location, positive demographics with a young population, vast potential in transport and logistics, rich natural resources, and growing capabilities in the military and defense technology sectors position the OTS as a significant actor on the global stage.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated 1 million U.S. dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund for an urgent response to the deadly cholera outbreak in Chad, a UN spokesperson said Tuesday.

The new funding, which complements 3 million dollars previously allocated for cholera in Chad, aims to contain the spread of the disease, mainly by improving access to water and sanitation, providing medical support, and strengthening community engagement to raise awareness of the risks and encourage proactive prevention, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, told a daily briefing.

As of Sunday, more than 2,600 suspected cases and nearly 150 deaths had been reported in the country, where the outbreak is impacting the eastern provinces of Ouaddai and Sila -- which are hosting large numbers of people displaced by the conflict in neighboring Sudan -- as well as the central province of Guera, Dujarric said.

The figures indicate a potential case fatality rate of nearly 6 percent, far higher than the emergency threshold of 1 percent, as defined by the World Health Organization, he said.

So far this year, the Central Emergency Response Fund has released 11 million dollars to mitigate and respond to cholera outbreaks in five African countries, including Chad, according to the spokesperson. 
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Today, peace and security are essential foundations for the development of any country, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, Trend reports.

Given the current geopolitical and security challenges worldwide, it is crucial that the Turkic states unite as a single center of power, in line with the Garabagh Declaration adopted at last years informal summit in Shusha and following the Regional peace and security theme of todays summit, the head of state added.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in his address at the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), proposed holding a joint military exercise for the member states of the OTS in Azerbaijan in 2026, Trend reports.

The head of state said: Considering the extensive cooperation between our countries in military, defense, and security areas, we propose holding a joint military exercise for the member states of the Organization of Turkic States in Azerbaijan in 2026.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. The initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia two months ago at the White House in Washington is set to transform the South Caucasus into a region of peace, said President Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, Trend reports.

The head of state noted that, following the joint call to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures during the Washington summit, the decision made by the OSCE on 1 September also ended these remnants of the former conflict.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Our common history and ethnic roots, our languages unite us as one family, said President Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, Trend reports.

Emphasizing the historic significance of the First Turkological Congress organized in Baku in 1926, the head of state proposed that the 100th anniversary of the Congress next year be solemnly organized within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Kyrgyzstan highly values the contribution of President Ilham Aliyev to advancing the peace process in the South Caucasus, said Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov as he addressed the 12th Summit of the Council of OTS Heads of State, Trend reports.

Kyrgyzstan welcomes the signing of the declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington. This step is a manifestation of political will and an important contribution to strengthening regional security. I would like to particularly note the role of President Ilham Aliyev in promoting the peace process, he said.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. One of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangazur Corridor, said President Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, Trend reports.

The Zangazur Corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor, the head of state added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. We are not merely observing the developments in the South Caucasus; we sincerely support the steps taken to ensure peace and stability in the region, said President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his speech at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

The Joint Declaration executed on August 8 is perceived as a pivotal advancement, and we advocate for the sustained progression of this initiative, he emphasized.

Today, the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) commenced in Gabala.

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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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. The signing of the declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington is a common victory for the Turkic states, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, said during the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS in Gabala, Trend reports.

This event opens up broad opportunities for cooperation in the economic, transport, and humanitarian spheres, he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Azerbaijans Permanent Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Ambassador Elman Abdullayev, has congratulated the newly elected candidate for the position of UNESCO Director-General, Trend reports.

On October 6, 2025, during the 222nd session of the UNESCO Executive Board, Egyptian candidate Khaled Ahmed El-Enany secured an absolute majority of votes and was nominated by the Board for the position of the next Director-General of UNESCO. Following the vote, Ambassador Abdullayev congratulated El-Enany on behalf of the Republic of Azerbaijan for earning the confidence of member states.

In his speech, Abdullayev wished El-Enany success in his upcoming role and expressed hope that the decision of the Executive Board would mark the beginning of a new chapter in UNESCOs history. He emphasized that the organization currently faces numerous challenges but also holds opportunities to restore trust and strengthen multilateral solidarity.

The ambassador reaffirmed Azerbaijans readiness to fully support the new Director-Generals efforts aimed at further developing UNESCO, enhancing its role as a platform for dialogue and peace, increasing transparency and efficiency, and ensuring financial and institutional sustainability.

He also expressed optimism that the new leaderships vision would expand UNESCOs practical impact in protecting cultural heritage, strengthening education, promoting science and innovation, and defending freedom of expression. Concluding his remarks, Abdullayev voiced confidence that joint action in the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility would help transform UNESCO into an organization that meets the aspirations of all peoples.

The oration garnered enthusiastic approbation from the assembled participants.

The nomination of Khaled Ahmed El-Enany is expected to be confirmed during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 13, 2025.

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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. I express my deep gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan for the high-level organization and sincere hospitality of this important meeting because very important results were achieved at this summit, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Kubanychbek Omuraliev said in a press statement within the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports.

According to him, the 12th Summit, held in the ancient Azerbaijani city of Gabala, where history and modernity meet, became an important platform to reflect the common vision towards strengthening friendship, solidarity, and partnership among Turkic states.

"In particular, the liberation of the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, the restoration of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the Joint Declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on August 8, have made the issue of regional peace and security even more relevant on our agenda," the OTS chief noted.

He pointed out that this historic event is an important milestone on the path to ensuring long-term peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucasus region.

"The heads of state and foreign ministers have taken decisions that further deepen and develop cooperation in the Turkic world. The main result is the signing of the Gabala Declaration at the 12th Summit. This document sets a roadmap for our future cooperation in political issues, foreign policy, security, economic and sectoral development, people-to-people relations, and institutional coordination," he added.
Netflix's much-awaited fantasy rom-com "Genie, Make a Wish" has polarized audiences after its release over the Chuseok holiday weekend.

The series, which features Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, has received both acclaim for its visual appeal and criticism for its "childish" dialogue and humor, The Korea Times reports.

Released in full on October 3, the 13-episode series tells the story of Genie, a lamp spirit who awakens after a thousand years, and Ga-young, a woman disconnected from her emotions.

The narrative follows their intertwined fates as they navigate three life-changing wishes, blending fantasy, romance, and comedy in equal measure.

Netflix had promoted the drama as its most expected Korean title of the year. Most of the hype came from the comeback of hit writer Kim Eun-sook  best known for "Goblin" and "Mr. Sunshine"  and the reunion of two leading stars.

The streaming giant had also released it strategically before Korea's weeklong Chuseok holiday to maximize its visibility to viewers.

The premiere of the show soon sparked controversy on internet forums. A more neutral paragraph before the quotations reported that views were "highly polarized."

One of the viewers said, "I expected more but quit halfway." Another stated, "I couldn't even finish episode one." Others called the show "unfunny" and "hard to watch."

Not all opinions were bad, though. ""It's perfect for killing time," one viewer commented. Another commented, "It's like a Suzy photo book  I can't stop watching." Despite these kinds of positive responses, social media opinion has been more critical overall.

Off camera, "Genie, Make a Wish" allegedly encountered production controversy that could have affected its reception.

As per Chosun Biz, the publication indicated that the show was originally headed by Lee Byung-hun before The Glory's Ahn Gil-ho came in to finish production.

In an impartial report prior to the statement, the publication stated that "no director attended the press conference," which is reportedly unusual for a big-budget Netflix drama.

Interestingly, neither Lee nor Ahn are credited as director in the finale sequence of the show. Only Kim Eun-sook is credited as the screenwriter, hinting at creative tensions behind the scenes.

In spite of the divided reviews and controversy during production, "Genie, Make a Wish" remains to generate a lot of buzz thanks to its A-list celebrity cast, renowned writer, and festive timing. Whether it manages to convert initial skepticism into sustainable success is to be seen.
CAIRO, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Top diplomatic and intelligence officials from Qatar and Turkiye are set to join the Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Egypt on Wednesday, as mediators push to end the devastating conflict.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will travel to the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh to join the talks, the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.

Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stated on social media that the prime minister's participation comes at a "critical stage of the talks," reaffirming the mediators' determination to reach an agreement.

Simultaneously, Turkish National Intelligence Organization Director Ibrahim Kalin is also scheduled to take part in the negotiations, Turkey's semi-official Anadolu Agency reported, citing security sources.

Kalin's involvement will focus on achieving a ceasefire, facilitating a prisoner exchange, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave.

The current round of indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, began on Monday in Sharm El Sheikh.

The negotiations focus on a 20-point proposal unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump after he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in September at the White House.

The plan outlines a phased ceasefire-for-hostages deal, an Israeli withdrawal, a demilitarized Gaza, and international oversight for the territory's post-conflict reconstruction and governance, which explicitly excludes Hamas.

Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, discussed recent developments on the Gaza situation on Tuesday, emphasizing the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, unhindered humanitarian aid, and an exchange of hostages and captives, according to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency. 
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. On October 7, an official luncheon was hosted in Gabala on behalf of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in honor of the heads of state and government participating in the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. The official visit of the President of the Republic of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to the Republic of Azerbaijan concluded on October 7, Trend reports.

A guard of honor was lined up at the Gabala International Airport to pay tribute to the distinguished guest. President Erdogan was seen off by Azerbaijans Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, along with other officials.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 8. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020 in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, Trend reports.

The erupted 44-day Second Karabakh War ended with liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation.

Trend presents the chronicle of the twelvth day of the Second Karabakh war:

- the ministry of defense of Azerbaijan reported that the Armenian armed forces have been shelling the villages of Goranboy, Terter, and Aghdam regions since the early morning hours. There were killed and wounded. As a result of rocket attacks by the Armenian army in Ganja, several civilian objects, one car and residential buildings were damaged.

- a person who posed as a captured Azerbaijani on social media turned out to be an Armenian

- the ministry of defense of Azerbaijan has published video footage of armored vehicles taken as a trophy, which, while fleeing, were thrown in Horadiz by the Armenian military. Later, the defense ministry published another video footage of war trophies captured from the Armenian Armed Forces.

- Armenian armed forces fire at Azerbaijans Barda from 'Tochka-U' high-precision tactical missile system. Another rocket fired by the Armenian Armed Forces at Barda hit a restaurant and a school, injuring seven people. Armenias Grad missile launcher which attacked Azerbaijans Barda and Tartar destroyed.

- Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense has published anothervideo footage of the destruction of enemy armored vehicles

- 10 shells fired by Armenians from Smerch MLRS were found in Goranboy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes, continued on October 7, Trend reports.

During the open court session held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and composed of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (with reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the accused person was provided with a translator in his native language, namely Russian, as well as a representative of his choice for his defense.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the court panel, the prosecutors defending the state prosecution, the translators, and others to the victims participating in the proceedings for the first time, as well as the legal heirs of the victims, and explained their rights and obligations as provided by legislation.

The legal heir and father of victim Elmir Ganbarov - Rayil Ganbarov - stated in his testimony that his son was killed in Khojavend due to fire opened by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

The legal heir of victim Safiyar Mammadov - Shahriyar Mammadov, testified that his brother was killed in Kalbajar as a result of enemy fire.

Victim Muzaffar Jafarov stated in his testimony that he was wounded due to fire opened by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups while evacuating the wounded in an ambulance in Lachin. Responding to questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for the Defense of the State Prosecution of the Prosecutors Office, the victim said that though the ambulance had an ambulance sign, the vehicle came under fire.

Answering questions from Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, victim Nijat Alizade stated that he was wounded in the direction of the Khojaly district due to enemy fire.

Answering questions from Tugay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General for Special Tasks, victim Fuad Karimov said that he was injured in the Aghdara direction due to the enemy's provocation.

Ruslan Mammadli reported being injured in his legs, arms and other parts of his body in the Aghdara direction due to the enemy's fire. He is currently facing health problems. In response to questions from Public Prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, he said that there several other people were killed and others injured in the incident.

Answering questions from Public Prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, Murad Abbasli stated that he was injured in Kalbajar as a result of enemy fire.

Elmir Sadigov reported being injured in the Khojaly direction as a result of enemy fire.

Avaz Zeynalov stated that he was injured in the Talish village of the Aghdara district as a result of fire opened by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Ravan Rzayev and Jamaladdin Nasirov also reported being injured as a result of enemy fire in the Shushakend village of the Khojaly district. R. Rzayev added that several other people were killed and others were wounded in the incident.

Aykhan Karimli stated that he sustained shrapnel wounds in the Khankendi direction as a result of artillery fire opened by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. He further noted that one person died and several others were wounded in the incident.

Vusal Isazade reported being injured in the Khalafli village the Shusha district due to the explosion of a grenade fired by the enemy from a drone. He said that Mursal Alizade and Elman Suleymanov, standing next to him, were also injured in the incident.

Nijat Isgandarov stated that he was injured due to the provocations by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in Shusha.

Fuad Amirov said he was wounded in the Khalfali village of the Shusha district as a result of enemy fire.

Vurghun Sayilov reported being injured in the Shusha-Khankendi direction as a result of enemy fire.

Shukur Askarov mentioned that he was injured as a result of enemy fire while evacuating the wounded. He said even though there was a sign on the evacuation vehicle indicating that it was a medical transport, their vehicle came under fire.

Kamran Talibli reported being injured in the Aghdara direction as a result of fire from the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups, adding that several other people were also lost their lives and were injured in the incident.

Jahid Asdanov stated in his testimony that he was injured as a result of enemy fire while transporting the wounded.

Elgun Yusifli testified that he was injured in Khojavend as a result of fire from the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Answering questions from the accused R. Vardanyan, the victim said he did not know him, but that he knew him through social networks and the press.

Victim Elnur Khalilov stated in his testimony that he was wounded in both legs in Khankendi as a result of enemy fire.

Victim Khalid Hasanov testified that he was injured as a result of enemy fire in the Khojavend district, noting that the enemy fired from various weapons during the incident.

R. Vardanyan asked Kh. Hasanov a similar question whether he knew him or not. The victim stated that he knew him through the press and social media.

R. Vardanyan asked Kh. Hasanov a similar question and asked whether he knew him. The victim stated that he knew him through social media and the press.

Vugar Mammadzade mentioned that he and the people around him were injured in Khojavend as a result of enemy fire, while other two people were killed during the incident.

Osman Jabbarli reported being injured in the Khojaly direction as a result of enemy fire.

Rovshan Azimli stated in his statement that he was injured in the Khojaly-Khankendi direction due to the enemy's provocation.

Other victims - Mirdamat Khankishiyev, Anar Asgarzada, Mursal Alizada, Jabbar Jabbarzada, Galib Mammadov, Gismat Ahmadov, Vusal Mammadov, Elsevar Gadirov, Arzuman Khankishiyev, Mahammad Abdullayev  reported being injured in various regions of Azerbaijan due to fire opened by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Subsequently, the forensic medical examination reports regarding the victims were announced.

The next court session is scheduled for October 14.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).

Trend recalls that the preliminary investigation into the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan for crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other offenses, was conducted by the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Lithuania is set to conduct its largest national mobilization readiness exercise, Vycio Skliautas (The Shield of Vytis), from October 6 to 11 for the second consecutive year, Trend reports.

The drills are coordinated by the National Crisis Management Center and the Department of Mobilization and Civil Resistance under the Ministry of National Defense, Trend reports.

The main goal of the exercise is to assess the condition of the countrys national mobilization system  testing how state institutions would reorganize, mobilize resources, and maintain vital public functions in preparation for national defense amid a rapidly changing security environment.

In these challenging times, Lithuanian institutions, non-governmental organizations, and citizens are doing a great deal to ensure we are ready to face emerging threats, said Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene. This unity is our strength. But even the best plans must be tested in practice  and that is exactly what these exercises are for. They are among the most significant nationwide readiness tests and will strengthen our preparedness.

During Vycio Skliautas, government institutions, municipalities, and NGOs will test their coordination in responding to conventional and hybrid threats, including disinformation, cyberattacks, and energy security disruptions. Participants will also practice decision-making for national defense and host-nation support. The exercise scenario is designed to be as realistic as possible, requiring participants to solve complex and dynamic challenges.

Evacuation and Air Alert Drills

As part of the exercise, authorities will conduct a civil evacuation training on October 78, simulating the relocation of residents from Vilnius railway station to other municipalities. Detailed information on timing and routes will be announced separately.

In addition, an air alert response test will be held to evaluate Lithuanias ability to detect and counter aerial threats. The exercise will assess coordination between the Armed Forces, State Border Guard Service, Public Security Service, Police Department, and other institutions. Public warning systems will be tested, including the activation of sirens and mobile alerts through the national warning system. Residents are asked to follow official communications carefully during the exercises.

Testing Hospitals and Civil Infrastructure

The drills will also evaluate how hospitals and medical institutions are prepared to transition to mobilization mode while maintaining essential healthcare services.

At the same time, Lithuanias military commandant network will train to ensure public safety, law and order, and cooperation with civil authorities during emergencies or mobilization. Commandant units will also practice protecting critical infrastructure facilities.

The exercises will allow us to test the ability of state institutions to operate under mobilization conditions, ensure continuity of operations, and strengthen civilmilitary cooperation, said Deputy Minister of National Defense Tomas Godliauskas. This will help us identify weaknesses and refine existing action plans to be ready for any unexpected situation.

Nationwide Involvement

The exercise involves 115 institutions and organizations, including all 60 municipalities. Key participants include the Government Chancellery, all ministries, the State Security Department, the Defense Staff of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, the Supreme Court, the Bank of Lithuania, and the State Food and Veterinary Service. Together, they form the State Mobilization Operations Center (VMOC), which coordinates national efforts to maintain essential services and resource management during mobilization.

Non-governmental organizations such as the Lithuanian Riflemens Union, Red Cross, Caritas, Food Bank, and Order of Malta will also participate, alongside representatives of the World Lithuanian Community abroad. Major retail chains  Maxima, Rimi, Lidl, and Iki  will join in testing cooperation with government agencies during crises.

In total, about 1,200 civil servants, officers, and municipal representatives, along with 1,000 volunteers, are expected to take part in Vycio Skliautas 2025.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 12. Construction of European-standard railway tracks (1,435 mm gauge) has officially begun in Lithuanias Jonava district, marking a major milestone in the Rail Baltica project, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, by the end of this year, 8.8 kilometers of new tracks will be laid along the SveicarijaZeimiai section

Railway construction is moving from planning to real action  from vision to tracks being laid. Rail Baltica is not only a modern transport project but also a guarantee of security for the entire Baltic region. Every section of this European-gauge railway strengthens both Lithuanias and the European Unions eastern border security, while ensuring that Lithuanian citizens have fast and convenient connections with Western Europe, said Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas.

The rails are being connected and aligned using specialized technology to meet international construction standards. Each rail measures 25 meters, and for the 2024 works, LTG Infra procured 86,200 tons of ballast, 29,500 reinforced concrete sleepers, and 42 kilometers of rails.

Egidijus Lazauskas, CEO of the LTG Group, said that while planning and preparation take significant time, actual track construction progresses rapidly once underway.

Right now, maintaining the momentum and pace we achieved last year is our top priority, he said.

According to LTG Infra, the company implementing the project, infrastructure investments deliver measurable benefits to the state.

Every euro invested brings at least two euros in return. Its a sustainable way to invest in the economy  the long-term benefits extend beyond society to economic growth, job creation, tourism, and other sectors. Were very satisfied with the progress made by contractors and subcontractors across the entire 77-kilometer construction section, said LTG Infra CEO Vytis Zalimas.

The public tender for the Rail Baltica SveicarijaZeimiai track construction was won by a joint venture between Leonhard Weiss GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) and Leonhard Weiss OU (Estonia). The contract, signed with LTG Infra, is valued at 16.8 million (including VAT).

After the upper track structure is completed, the high-speed rail line will be electrified. In September, the three Baltic states and their joint company RB Rail AS signed the regions largest-ever contract  worth 2.14 billion (including VAT)  with the contractor COBELEC Rail Baltica for electrification works.

Currently, both electrification subsystem design and track design from the LithuaniaPoland border to Kaunas are underway. Construction in Lithuania is actively progressing along a 77-kilometer section between Kaunas and Panevezys, with plans to extend the works to 114 kilometers in the near future.

Rail Baltica is the largest railway infrastructure project in the history of the Baltic States, co-funded by the European Union and the LTG Group. The project will deliver an electrified European-standard railway connecting Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with Central and Western Europe, enhancing regional integration, civil and military mobility, and transport system resilience.
Today, Gabala, Azerbaijan, will host the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), centered on the theme of Regional Peace and Security. The Middle Corridor holds particular significance for OTS member states as a vital transport artery that facilitates the acceleration of international trade, fosters deeper economic integration, modernizes transport and logistics infrastructure, and reinforces strategic cooperation across the region.

The Middle Corridor is crucial for OTS countries not only as a transit route but also for economic integration, boosting international trade, and modernizing transport and logistics infrastructure, a source at Uzbekistans Ministry of Transport told Trend.

"According to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Commission, by 2030, freight traffic along the Middle Corridor is expected to reach 1011 million tons per year. In the current global geopolitical context after 2022, the Middle Corridor has gained special significance as an alternative to the Northern Route," the source explained.

In recent years, OTS countries have implemented large-scale projects to develop the Middle Corridor, with Uzbekistan playing a leading role in this process. "The country is actively establishing and expanding logistics centers, strengthening international rail connections, and beginning practical implementation of the ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway project, which holds strategic significance for the entire Eurasian region," the ministry added.

Experts estimate that the new railway line will become the shortest route from China to Europe and the Middle East, reducing the transport distance by approximately 900 kilometers and cutting delivery times by 78 days, bringing significant economic benefits for all participants.

"In addition, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are working to fully utilize the potential of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport and the international multimodal route CASCA+ (Asia-Pacific countries  China  Kyrgyzstan  Uzbekistan  Turkmenistan  Azerbaijan  Georgia  Europe). In particular, railway transport along this route now enjoys discounts of up to 70 percent," the ministry representative added.

The ministry also noted that the development of the Middle Corridor is enshrined in the Turkic World Vision - 2040 concept, adopted at the OTS Summit in Istanbul in 2021. Key priorities include harmonizing tariff policies, simplifying customs procedures, introducing digital transport systems, and expanding multimodal transport capabilities.

"A notable example of digitalization in transport processes was the introduction in 2021 of electronic permit exchanges between Uzbekistan and Turkiye via the E-permit platform. Today, this electronic exchange system is operational across all OTS member states," the ministry highlighted.

The Ministry underscored the Middle Corridors critical significance to the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union, highlighting its dual role as both a vital transport and communication artery and a strategic geo-economic platform. This corridor enables the region to serve as a pivotal node in the Eurasian trade network, fostering investment inflows, generating employment opportunities, and enhancing tourism and cultural exchanges.

"Clearly, the sustainable development of the Trans-Caspian route will enhance both the economic and political influence of the Turkic world, positioning it as a key hub on the global transportation network," the source concluded.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 7. Kazakh oil supplies to Germany are set to increase next year following an agreement between JSC NC KazMunayGas and Rosneft Deutschland GmbH, Trend reports via KazMunayGas.

During a meeting in Germany, KazMunayGas Chairman Askhat Khassenov and Rosneft Deutschland CEO Johannes Bremer discussed the transportation of Kazakh oil and prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation.

As a result, the current supply agreement for oil from Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V. was extended until the end of 2026. Under the updated terms, monthly deliveries will rise from 100,000 to 130,000 tons.

Oil exports from KMG Kashagan B.V. began in 2024, while Tengizchevroil LLP joined the supply program in 2025.

According to official data, about 1.5 million tons of Kazakh oil were delivered to Germanys Schwedt refinery in the first nine months of 2025.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 7. Kazakhstan's low-income citizens will be included in the compulsory health insurance system starting in 2026, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said at a government meeting, Trend reports.

Bektenov emphasized that ensuring transparency, fairness, and accessibility in healthcare remains a key priority.

Starting next year, low-income Kazakhstanis will be additionally covered by the health insurance system, financed by local budgets. Implementing these large-scale changes requires close coordination, he stated.

The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor, and regional governments have been instructed to ensure coordinated action in implementing the new mechanism. The Prime Minister also tasked local authorities and the Ministry of Health with improving the quality of medical services and ensuring the timely payment of insurance contributions.

Regional governments must be fully involved in implementing all changes at the local level, Bektenov added.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 7. Turkmenistan and Italy are preparing to hold a business forum aimed at expanding trade and economic ties between the two countries, Trend reports via the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Italy.

On October 6, Turkmenistans Ambassador to Italy, Toyli Komekov, held a meeting with Adolfo Urso, Italys Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, to discuss the forthcoming forum aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. The discussions centered on preparations for the event, which is set to convene later this month in Italy and will gather representatives from the private sector, government institutions, financial organizations, and leading companies from both countries.

The sides also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation through international organizations and agreed to continue joint efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in trade, investment, and industry. Plans were made to hold additional meetings involving heads of relevant departments to coordinate specific areas of partnership.

Following the talks, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding Turkmen-Italian cooperation and expressed best wishes for continued prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- UN peacekeepers and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) worked together to free 410 children held by armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a UN spokesman said on Tuesday.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the peacekeeping mission in DRC, known as MONUSCO, worked with UNICEF from January to September to release 344 boys and 66 girls held by armed groups in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

Dujarric said the freed children have been referred to services that will help them reintegrate into a normal life after their experience.

"During the same period, 165 cases of child recruitment and use (by the armed groups) were verified by the United Nations, including 30 girls and 135 boys," he said. "Our colleagues tell us these numbers underscore the continued vulnerability of children in areas impacted by conflict and also highlight the urgent need for sustained protection measures, including prevention, accountability and long-term reintegration support."

Dujarric said that under the world body's children and armed conflict framework, peacekeeping missions work to prevent and respond to grave violations against children, including their recruitment and use by armed forces and groups.

He said that MONUSCO supports DRC's national authorities in implementing action plans, strengthening the capacity of security forces, and reporting violations through the UN's monitoring and reporting mechanism, with the aim of promoting accountability and increasing child protection.

MONUSCO, which has the largest child protection service of any UN peacekeeping mission, said on its website that peacekeepers have helped release thousands of children associated with armed forces and groups. The mission also said it provides technical support for DRC legislative reforms to strengthen child protection systems. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. In Montenegro, a meeting of the Coordination Body for the Preparation and Monitoring of Tourist Seasons was held, with the main topic being preparations for the upcoming winter tourist season, Trend reports.

The Director of the Durmitor Tourist Center, Marinko Puric, stated that this center had a record summer season and that they expect 2025 to be the most financially successful year so far. He added that, with the resolution of certain challenges, the winter season is also expected to be extremely successful, which will be significantly supported by the introduction of artificial snowmaking on the blue slope  for the first time ever.

Representatives of the Tourist Organization of Kolasin announced that they are ready for the winter season and that numerous events and festivities, which also marked the summer months, are already planned for the upcoming period. It was emphasized that hotel occupancy in Kolasin reached 100 percent during the past weekend, confirming a continuous increase in tourist interest.

At the initiative of representatives from the northern municipalities, which also expressed satisfaction with the summer season and recorded an increase in the number of visitors, it was agreed that the Ministry of Tourism will organize a meeting with relevant institutions to discuss issues related to road infrastructure, road maintenance, and regular electricity supply during the winter.

It was also announced that, as in previous years, ski buses will be organized from several municipalities to the winter resorts, and that a new line from the municipality of Berane will be introduced this winter.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 7. The Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan is leveraging artificial intelligence and the digital tenge to bring the economy out of the shadow, Finance Minister Madi Takiyev said at a government meeting, Trend reports.

According to him, a key initiative is the Smart Data Finance system, which uses AI to analyze large datasets, detect tax evasion schemes, and create digital profiles for all taxpayers.

The introduction of biometric identification for issuing electronic invoices has prevented the creation of fake documents totaling over 33 billion tenge ($72 million). Automated monitoring through the E-Tamga project allows us to check VAT balances and curb grey-market schemes at an early stage. So far, 250 million e-invoices and 500 million payments have been processed. The expected impact is up to 100 billion tenge ( $217 million) in additional annual budget revenue. In collaboration with the National Bank, we are piloting a Digital VAT initiative. Payments made in digital tenge block funds from moving into the shadow economy and ensure full transparency across the supply chain, Takiyev explained.

The Ministry also plans to expand the use of digital tenge to other areas, including government procurement.

Digitalization is actively advancing in customs administration as well. The integration of AI in inspection and screening complexes will help identify undeclared goods and minimize human error, further enhancing efficiency and transparency.
Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 7. Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Ilzat Kasimov held a meeting with Ryutaro Okamoto, President and CEO of Okamoto Corporation (Japan), to discuss bilateral cooperation in the textile industry, Trend reports.

During the talks, the parties explored prospects for joint projects in the textile industry, localization of production, and the potential establishment of the companys representative office in Uzbekistan.

The Japanese delegation was briefed on Uzbekistans investment potential, the favorable conditions created for foreign investors, and incentives offered in the textile sector. Special emphasis was placed on Uzbekistans commitment to attracting advanced technologies, increasing export capacity, and expanding production facilities in the industry.

Both sides expressed readiness to deepen cooperation and take practical steps to advance joint initiatives in the Uzbek market.

Founded in 1948 in Nara Prefecture, Japan, Okamoto Corporation operates textile factories in Japan, China, and Thailand. The company also runs a U.S.-based distribution firm that partners with leading global retail networks such as Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. Its annual exports exceed $100 million.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 7. Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has instructed the government to expand the use of the digital tenge across national and local budgets, as well as in the financial operations of state holdings, Trend reports.

Speaking at a government meeting, Bektenov highlighted the success of several digital initiatives already implemented in Kazakhstan, noting that cashless payments play a crucial role in reducing the shadow economy.

Pilot projects involving the digital tenge are currently being carried out in various regions. These include its use in road and railway construction, subsidies for the purchase of livestock and agricultural machinery, and value-added tax (VAT) refunds.

To scale up the project, the Ministry of Finance, together with the National Bank, must ensure the use of the digital tenge within the framework of republican and local budgets, as well as in the budgets of state holdings, Bektenov said. Report on the results by February 1 next year.

He also emphasized the need to integrate information systems and strengthen oversight to enable automated monitoring of the targeted use of loans and subsidies.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The main reason for the decline in banking sector profitability is the increase in caution, Executive Director of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Shahin Mahmudzade said at a press conference on the financial stability report, Trend reports.

He noted that the main issue to be considered in the sustainability of the banking sector is capital adequacy.

The capital adequacy of the banking sector has increased and is around 18 percent.

Mahmudzade also said that the decline in the profitability of the banking sector is due to an increase in both interest and non-interest expenses.

"Compared to the same period last year, interest and non-interest income increased by 21 percent (411 million manat or $241 million) and 13 percent (101 million manat or $59 million), respectively, while interest and non-interest expenses grew by 55 percent (302 million manat or $177 million) and 16 percent (203 million manat or $119 million).

In recent months, the rise in deposit interest rates, as well as an increase in banks' operating expenses, have led to higher both interest and non-interest costs for the sector," added the official.

Meanwhile, during the first half of 2025, the net profit of the banking system decreased by six percent (37 million manat or $20 million) compared to the same period last year, totaling 577 million manat ($341 million). Against the backdrop of reduced profitability, the return on assets dropped by 0.4 percentage points to 2.1 percent.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 7. Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, Alisher Shukurov, held a working meeting with Girts Jaunzems, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Uzbekistan, to discuss prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector, Trend reports.

Shukurov briefed the Latvian diplomat on ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan related to land and water resource management and support for farmers, emphasizing the importance of exchanging technologies and expertise with European partners.

The Latvian ambassador, in turn, shared his countrys achievements in environmentally friendly production, organic farming, and food security, expressing Latvias readiness to provide expert support and share practical experience with Uzbekistan.

The meeting paid particular attention to joint research initiatives, the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, and the development of livestock and horticulture. The parties also discussed creating conditions for Latvian companies to invest in fruit and vegetable processing and access export markets.

Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the development of cooperatives and small farms, where Latvias experience in efficient resource use and collaborative distribution of products to markets is especially valuable for Uzbekistan.

The meeting concluded with plans to expand cooperation in agricultural education and professional training, including exchanges between educational institutions in both countries and initiatives to enhance the skills of agricultural workers.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. The Turkic world is one of Hungary's main allies in ensuring secure energy supplies, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto wrote on his social media account, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, He attends a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

To ensure a secure energy supply in Hungary and reduce recession, we are constantly attracting new energy sources. The Turkic world is one of our main allies in this strategic mission, he noted.

Szijjarto recalled that Hungarian energy companies have bought shares in major oil and gas field development projects in Azerbaijan.

"We are importing 600,000 tons of oil from Kazakhstan this year, and Uzbekistan will use Hungarian technology to build a nuclear power plant.

We will continue to work to make Hungarian-Turkic energy cooperation even more successful," he added.

Today, Gabala is hosting a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic-speaking States.

The meeting is being held as part of the 12th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS, which will also take place in Gabala.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 7. Turkmenistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Etihad Rail to implement joint railway projects and expand investment cooperation during the Global Rail 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Trend reports via the Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan.

The agreement was discussed in meetings between Minister Mammet Akmammedov and Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak, who confirmed plans for a management visit to Turkmenistan in mid-October.

Minister Akmammedov also held talks with Afghanistans Deputy Minister of Public Works, Mohammed Ishaq Sahibzadeh, focusing on increasing freight turnover along the Turghundi-Herat line. In addition, discussions with Rashed Mohammed Al Kaabi, Deputy CEO of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, explored funding opportunities and support for railway projects.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) will begin implementing the Net Stable Funding Ratio in the country, Executive Director of the CBA Shahin Mahmudzade said at a press conference on the financial stability report, Trend reports.

According to him, a concept is currently being developed in this regard.

The official emphasized that this will also drive regulation of the banking sector's long-term liquidity.

At the same time, he noted that the banking sector plans to transition to Basel III standards, and the insurance sector to Solvency II standards.

"Work is underway in this area. In the near future, once market risk management rules are defined, they will be publicly announced," Mahmudzade added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has revealed the reasons behind the decline in the profitability of investment companies, said Tarlan Rasulov, Director General of the CBA, at a press conference on financial stability,Trend reports.

According to him, while the income levels of investment companies have remained stable, their expenses have increased.

The rise in costs is mainly related to investments in infrastructure and technology, enhanced security measures, and the implementation of higher standards set by the Central Bank. Naturally, we do not expect this upward trend in expenses to continue in the next period. Some stabilization is anticipated, Rasulov said.

The CBA data shows that the net profit of investment companies in the first half of 2025 decreased by 67 percent, from 2.9 million manat to 1.5 million manat, compared to the same period of the previous year.

The main factors contributing to this decline were higher fees and commissions, increased salary and social costs, as well as administrative expenses.

The profitability index (PI) measures the attractiveness of a project or investment. The PI is calculated by dividing the present value of future expected cash flows by the initial investment cost of the project. The higher the PI, the better the expected returns from the project.

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KHARTOUM, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 civilians were killed and 19 others wounded on Monday when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted residential neighborhoods in El Fasher, capital of North Darfur in western Sudan, with artillery bombardment, volunteer groups reported.

The Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement that the casualties included seven children and a pregnant woman, and that there are more bodies and injuries trapped in the affected areas, with the exact number unknown. It condemned the attack as "a full-fledged war crime."

A medical source at El Fasher's Saudi Hospital told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that the hospital received "no fewer than 12 bodies and about 20 injured individuals," amid severe shortages of medical staff and supplies.

The Resistance Committees in El Fasher warned in a statement that more than a million civilians remain trapped in the city without protection, safe corridors, or meaningful international intervention.

While the RSF claimed on Monday control of key military sites in El Fasher, including the Medical Corps headquarters of the Sudanese Armed Forces' (SAF's) 6th Infantry Division, the Joint Force of the SAF and its allied armed groups in a statement denied any RSF gains, saying they had repelled the RSF's attack in El Fasher and "neutralized" a larger number of RSF fighters.

Violent clashes have been ongoing in El Fasher since May 2024, between the SAF and allied forces on one side and the RSF on the other, with fighting intensifying in recent days.

Sudan remains gripped by a broader conflict between the SAF and RSF, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis. 
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 7. Representatives of the Chinese company Beijing Jinshengyuan New Energy Technology visited JSC Navoiyazot to discuss bilateral cooperation, Trend reports.

The foreign specialists reviewed joint plans for a project focused on the recovery and processing of used mercury catalysts and familiarized themselves with the ongoing work in this area at the enterprise.

Company officials emphasized their readiness to provide practical support to Chinese specialists at all stages of the project  from construction to commissioning  as well as actively share information and expertise.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistans trade turnover with China reached $9.7 billion from January through August 2025, solidifying Chinas position as the countrys largest trading partner. Throughout the designated reporting timeframe, Uzbekistan's outbound trade to China reached a substantial $1.2 billion, juxtaposed against inbound trade from China, which aggregated to $8.4 billion.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The existing life insurance products in Azerbaijan will be presented in a new format, said Vusal Gurbanov, Director General of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), at a press conference on financial stability, Trend reports.

CBA Executive Director Shahin Mahmudzade added that last year, it was noted that employees of state enterprises could not benefit from this service.

There is sufficient potential to replace it. We based this potential on the structure of the labor market, where about half of the workforce is in the public sector and the other half in the private sector. Therefore, the number of clients discussed here is not very large, he said.

Mahmudzade emphasized that the private sector has enough labor force to compensate for the decline in the public segment.

If insurance companies can attract these employees, there should be no overall decline. The market has the capacity to offset the reduction in the state sector, the official noted.

Alternative life insurance offerings include burial insurance for final expenses, critical illness cover for serious health issues, mortgage protection insurance to cover home loans, and guaranteed issue policies for those who can't get traditional coverage. Other options involve setting up a self-funded plan by saving and investing, securing coverage through employer-provided group plans, or exploring asset-based or combination policies that can provide long-term care benefits and a death benefit.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The Ministry of Energy reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable and balanced energy transition that ensures the stability of the national energy system and protects Romanias energy security, Trend reports.

Romania has previously committed to the most ambitious decarbonization target, but we cannot risk leaving people without electricity. Therefore, the postponement of coal plant closures is necessary  we cannot shut down any unit until new baseload electricity generation capacities are 100% operational and ready to replace them, said Minister of Energy Bogdan Ivan.

As of January 1, 2021, Romania had 4,920 MW installed in coal-fired power plants. By December 31, 2021, 1,695 MW were permanently decommissioned, and in 2023, an additional 330 MW were retired (half of the T115 target, which required the closure of 660 MW).

Under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), in 2021, Romania committed to permanently decommissioning 1,425 MW by January 1, 2026, plus the remaining 330 MW from T115  totaling 1,755 MW. These include: Complexul Energetic Oltenia  1,305 MW; Electrocentrale Craiova  300 MW; CET Govora  100 MW; and UAT Iasi  50 MW.

In September 2025, based on an adequacy study conducted by an independent consultant at the request of Transelectrica SA and with input from Complexul Energetic Oltenia, the Ministry of Energy submitted to the European Commission  within the renegotiation framework with SG Recover of the PNRR  a proposal to maintain three energy units in commercial operation and to keep two others in technical reserve to ensure grid stability during peak consumption periods or unforeseen situations.

In parallel, the updated restructuring plan was sent to the European Commissions Directorate-General for Competition and proposes extending the closure deadlines for coal-fired units until the end of 2029. According to the submitted proposals, five mining operations under Complexul Energetic Oltenia will continue functioning to meet the fuel needs of lignite-based power generation capacities (including Electrocentrale Craiova).

As a result, the companys restructuring plan has been revised, updating milestone 119 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) to allow for a gradual adaptation. The solutions proposed by Complexul Energetic Oltenia focus on ensuring economic viability, continuing investments in new generation capacities (combined-cycle gas turbine and photovoltaic plants), and modernizing energy infrastructure  thereby maintaining Romanias competitiveness amid Europes ongoing energy transition.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Turkic countries should focus their efforts on the practical implementation of the Turkic World Vision 2040 program, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the 12th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Trend reports.

The head of state articulated that economic collaboration serves as a pivotal cornerstone for systemic stability and sustainable prosperity.

He emphasized the importance of effectively leveraging the potential of the Turkic Investment Fund and proposed identifying a list of projects that could be financed by the fund at the upcoming meeting of the ministers of economy and trade in Turkestan.

Besides, Tokayev noted that the development of industrial cooperation has significant potential, proposing in this regard to adopt an Industrial Cooperation Program for Turkic Countries, which would outline priority areas of cooperation.

The president also delineated the enhancement of synergies in transportation and logistics as a pivotal strategic objective.

He stated that Kazakhstan is rolling up its sleeves and getting down to brass tacks with the development of international transport corridors. The Trans-Caspian route, in particular, has seen its traffic volume soar sixfold over the past five years.

"We invite the Turkic states to actively participate in the modernization of the infrastructure of air hubs, railway stations, and seaports along the Middle Corridor," Tokayev emphasized.

Additionally, the head of state proposed discussing the creation of a Digital Monitoring Center for the Transport and Transit Sector within the amalgamated territorial community, using artificial intelligence technologies.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) 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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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed the creation of a Cybersecurity Council within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports.

Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS in Gabala, Tokayev stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation among Turkic countries in the field of security, noting that contemporary challenges require a systematic and collective approach.

I propose establishing a Cybersecurity Council within the Organization, the president said.

He made it clear that this initiative will bolster the regions defenses against cyber threats and shore up the protection of critical infrastructure. Tokayev also praised the contribution of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to promoting stability, security, and peace across the Turkic states.

I express my gratitude to Azerbaijan and all Turkic countries for supporting the process of transforming CICA into a full-fledged international organization. Turkic states share a common goal, strengthening security and countering terrorism, and in this direction, we have built effective cooperation, he added.

The Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) is an intergovernmental forum aimed at fostering collaboration to promote peace, security, and stability in Asia. This forum acknowledges the intrinsic connection between peace, security, and stability in Asia and globally. The central concept of the forum emphasizes the primacy of the indivisibility of security, collaborative initiatives, and mutually advantageous interactions between small and major states.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Azerbaijan has been shortlisted to host the International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meeting in 2029, said First Deputy Minister of Finance Anar Karimov, Trend reports.

Speaking at the II Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum, Karimov noted that the country will host an evaluation mission this December as part of the preparation.

Our cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank Group, the World Bank, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is expanding. Next year, Azerbaijan will host the annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank, which presents an important opportunity to highlight halal certification and Islamic finance, he said.

The deputy minister underscored the synergistic relationship between Azerbaijan and the principles of ethical governance, highlighting their mutual reinforcement in the broader context of public administration and policy frameworks.

When innovation and responsibility are combined, we not only build strong but also reliable systems. Islamic finance, halal business, and sound fiscal policy all share the goal of creating fair, sustainable, and inclusive prosperity, he added.

To note, the Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum 2025 has commenced in Baku. The two-day event, organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Economy, centers on the theme "Halal industry as a source of resilience in a rapidly changing world." The forum seeks to cultivate investment and commercial alliances, facilitate the exchange of experiences, and draw foreign investment to Azerbaijan. It convenes representatives from local and international institutions, industry specialists, entrepreneurs, academics, and global organizations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. The Made in Azerbaijan brand, established to promote Azerbaijani products abroad, is set for further development, said Sevil Yahyayeva, Advisor to the Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), Trend reports.

In her speech at the seminar on Development and Global Integration of the Textile Sector, Yahyayeva noted that the implementation of relevant regulations and mechanisms has been entrusted to AZPROMO.

The main goal of these mechanisms is to facilitate companies access to priority markets. One such mechanism is the export and buyer mechanism, which helps entrepreneurs find partners in foreign markets, she explained.

She also highlighted the participation mechanism for international exhibitions, noting that Azerbaijan participates in various international fairs with a unified country pavilion. Entrepreneurs looking to bring Azerbaijani products to foreign markets join these exhibitions through AZPROMO, gaining exposure and business opportunities.

AZPROMO was founded in 2003 by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan to facilitate foreign investment in the non-oil industry and promote exports of non-oil products. The agency's primary objective is to enhance the nation's economy by soliciting international investment and fostering exports in the non-oil sector. To date, the agency has conducted 33 export trips to international destinations under the "Made in Azerbaijan" initiative.

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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Kazakhstan proposes creating a Digital Innovation Center for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) based on alem.ai, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the 12th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Trend reports.

Tokayev proposed a series of strategic initiatives designed to enhance digital collaboration within the OTS framework.



The chief executive announced the recent inauguration of the Alem.AI International Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center in Astana.



In his assessment, the newly established hub will catalyze the incubation of startups, enable the execution of collaborative initiatives, foster knowledge transfer in the realm of artificial intelligence, and enhance the influx of venture capital funding.

The president emphasized the importance of rationally leveraging the potential of digitalization and AI for the benefit of the peoples of the Turkic countries, as well as the need to develop mechanisms to prevent risks associated with new technologies.

"I propose dedicating the organization's informal summit, which will be held next year in Kazakhstan, to the topic of 'Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development'. In the lead-up to this meeting, we are ready to organize an international conference featuring leading experts," Tokayev added.

In July 2024, Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled alem.ai, a cutting-edge international artificial intelligence hub aimed at catalyzing advancements in education, research, and entrepreneurial initiatives within the AI domain. This initiative seeks to establish an ecosystem where students, entrepreneurs, and scientists can innovate disruptive technologies and leverage premier AI methodologiesentirely within the confines of Kazakhstan.

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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed creating a Council for Best Practices in Energy Efficiency within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports.

Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS in Gabala, Tokayev underscored that energy development is the bread and butter of the strategic partnership among Turkic countries.

Energy is the backbone of the economy and a crucial element of our cooperation. Today, we jointly implement infrastructure projects and establish secure routes for transporting energy resources, he said.

Tokayev highlighted the Green Energy Corridor project, carried out in cooperation with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as an example of successful collaboration.

He stressed that in todays conditions, special attention must be paid to the development of renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy.

In this context, we propose establishing a Council for Best Practices in Energy Efficiency within the Organization, Tokayev added.

The president also noted that the extraction and efficient use of oil, gas, uranium, coal, and rare earth minerals remain the foundation of Kazakhstans energy strategy.

To note, the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Green Energy Corridor, also referred to as the Azerbaijan-Central Asia Green Energy Corridor, represents a pivotal strategic initiative aimed at the collaborative advancement and transmission of renewable electricity sourced from Central Asian nations, encompassing Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, to the European energy markets. The initiative, operationalized via a collaborative consortium known as the Green Corridor Alliance and underpinned by the financial backing of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), seeks to bolster regional energy resilience, advance eco-friendly technologies, and establish a significant conduit for sustainable energy exports.

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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has initiated the development of a long-term strategy for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) aimed at guiding its growth and cooperation through 2030, Trend reports.

Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS in Gabala, Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of formalizing strategic partnership among Turkic countries.

We propose to adopt as soon as possible, based on mutual consent, the Agreement on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship, and Brotherhood among Turkic States.

Undoubtedly, this important document will become a foundational political act, laying a strong basis for closer ties among our fraternal peoples and taking practical cooperation to a qualitatively new level, he said.

The president additionally advocated for the formulation of a comprehensive development strategy and a tactical implementation roadmap for the OTS to enhance and expedite multilateral collaboration.

We consider it appropriate to include specific areas and practical measures in this document, with particular attention to developing trade and economic ties and deepening industrial cooperation among our countries, Mirziyoyev noted.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) 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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LUSAKA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Four illegal miners died in a gold mine collapse in northern Zambia's Shiwang'andu District, police said Monday.

Police public relations officer Rae Hamoonga said a pit wall at New Scene Gold Mine collapsed Sunday afternoon as the four were manually mining gold.

Efforts were immediately made to retrieve the bodies, but unfortunately, by the time rescuers reached them, all four had already died, the officer said in a statement on Facebook.

The deceased have been identified by police.

Hamoonga reiterated the call for the public to refrain from engaging in illegal mining.

The discovery of minerals such as gold in several parts of Zambia has fueled illegal mining, despite the government's efforts to legalize small-scale operations through licenses. 
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Azerpost LLC is expanding its cooperation in the field of digital logistics by starting joint work with the global e-commerce platform Temu, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

In order to establish cooperation, a meeting was held between representatives of Azerpost LLC and the global e-commerce platform Temu.

Following the meeting, the Postcargo brand of Azerpost LLC, which specializes in international parcel delivery, began cooperation with the Temu platform.

The cooperation offers significant advantages for users. Orders placed through Temu will now be delivered faster and more conveniently. One of the key advantages of the project is the direct delivery of parcels to citizens' addresses, including in regions, by the Postcargo courier service.

Postcargo currently serves customers in more than 800 branches and delivery points throughout the country.

Integration with the Temu platform will strengthen Azerbaijan's role in the international trade chain and promote the national logistics brand. In addition, the cooperation will enable the company to offer customers more affordable and competitive services that meet international standards.

Temu is a global e-commerce platform that connects millions of manufacturers, brands, and business partners with consumers. Operating in more than 90 markets around the world, Temu strives to improve the quality of life for its customers by providing them with access to quality goods at affordable prices.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed creating an Industrial Alliance and Turkic Green Corridors within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports.

Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS in Gabala, Mirziyoyev stated that this initiative aims to establish a new economic space that ensures favorable conditions, legal frameworks, and infrastructure for trade, entrepreneurship, and mutual investments.

For sustainable development of cooperation and implementation of concrete projects, particularly coordination within the Turkic Investment Fund, it is time to create a Permanent Council for Economic Partnership among Turkic states, he said.

He emphasized that the council should be led by the vice premiers of the member countries and operate on a permanent basis.

We are ready to provide a platform for the councils project office in Tashkent, he added.

Mirziyoyev explained that within the council, several new initiatives could be implemented.

For example, the creation of an Industrial Alliance of Turkic states will support the development of joint company projects in machinery, mining, electrical engineering, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, light industry, and the production of food and construction materials. It will also significantly increase mutual trade turnover and bring technical standards closer together, he noted.

He also proposed implementing an electronic system of Turkic Green Corridors to ensure simplified and transparent trade procedures.

Additionally, the council should regularly address projects in green energy, green hydrogen and ammonia, advanced technologies, unified standards, and public-private partnership mechanisms. Special attention should be paid to strategic minerals and high-value-added production, Mirziyoyev added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Azerbaijan is working to exempt Islamic finance operations from value-added tax (VAT), said Rustam Tahirov, Director of the Sustainable Development Department of the Financial Sector at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Trend reports.

Speaking at the II Azerbaijan Halal Business Forum (AZHAB), Tahirov stated that several key factors are needed to fully realize the potential of Islamic finance in the country.

First, it is essential to create a level playing field between conventional and Islamic financial services. This requires adapting financial regulations to the specific features of Islamic finance products. At the same time, harmonizing taxation for Islamic financial operations is crucial. We know that some financial services are exempt from VAT, and it is important to apply the same principle to Islamic finance operations. Currently, we are working on this together with the relevant state authorities, Tahirov said.

He emphasized that the second critical element pertains to the enhancement of human capital through capacity development and workforce training initiatives.

Our discussions with the State Bank of Pakistan and other partners revealed that even countries with more experience in this field face a shortage of specialists in Islamic finance. As a country newly entering this sector, we must implement comprehensive training programs with international partners, including the Islamic Development Bank, so that bank staff can manage these products effectively. This is a critical issue, and we will continue our work in this area.

Third, financial institutions must strengthen their ability to manage risks arising from Islamic banking operations, as these risks differ in certain aspects from conventional finance. Banks need to be equipped with the appropriate tools to manage these risks.

Third, financial institutions must strengthen their ability to manage risks arising from Islamic banking operations, as these risks differ in certain aspects from conventional finance. Banks need to be equipped with the appropriate tools to manage these risks.

Finally, an equally important factor is ensuring compliance with international standards when establishing the regulatory and supervisory framework for Islamic finance and banking. Adherence to standards set by the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) is crucial for transparency, trust, and stability among market participants.

Collaboration with central banks of regional countries and international organizations is also an integral part of this process. We believe that these factors will play a decisive role in unlocking the full potential of Islamic finance and banking in Azerbaijan, the CBA official concluded.

To note, the Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum 2025 has commenced in Baku. The two-day event, organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Economy, centers on the theme "Halal industry as a source of resilience in a rapidly changing world."

The forum seeks to cultivate investment and commercial alliances, facilitate the exchange of experiences, and draw foreign investment to Azerbaijan. It convenes representatives from local and international institutions, industry specialists, entrepreneurs, academics, and global organizations.

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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Organic products from the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) countries could reach the global market under a unified brand in the future, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said, Trend reports.

Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS, Mirziyoyev noted that an expert working group should be established under the Ministry of Agriculture to identify initial pilot projects and begin their implementation across member countries.

He emphasized the strategic role of organic agriculture for food security, noting that our countries can take a leading position in the world in the production and supply of organic products.

Additionally, Mirziyoyev cited data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The global market for organic products today exceeds $225 billion, and it is expected to grow by around 10 percent annually in the future.

Given the potential of our countries, it is necessary to strengthen scientific research, plant breeding, industrial cooperation, and logistics to produce high-quality and in-demand organic products, he added.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 7. Turkmenistan and Croatia discussed expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including politics, trade, culture, and humanitarian initiatives, Trend reports via the country's MFA.

On October 7, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov met with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman, who arrived in Ashgabat with a representative delegation.

During the meeting, the ministers emphasized the importance of high-level contacts in fostering strong interstate relations and highlighted constructive cooperation within international organizations, such as the UN, EU, and OSCE. Croatia reiterated its support for Turkmenistans neutral status and initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and beyond.

Trade and economic cooperation was identified as key area of partnership, with discussions covering shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, construction, textiles, high technology, and tourism. The ministers also stressed the role of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Croatian Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation in strengthening economic ties.

Education, science, healthcare, and cultural relations were also discussed as priorities for further collaboration.

Following the talks, Turkmenistan and Croatia signed the Cooperation Program between their foreign ministries for 20262027. On the same day, a Business Forum was held in Ashgabat, bringing together representatives of the Turkmen and Croatian business communities to explore new investment and trade opportunities.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Uzbekistan supports the development of the Middle Corridor, aiming to integrate it with the under-construction ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway and the emerging Trans-Afghan corridor, creating a comprehensive strategic transport network across the region, the country's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated, Trend reports.

Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the corridor must remain competitive and provide optimal conditions for businesses.

He highlighted the importance of applying efficient transit tariffs, developing modern transport infrastructure, and implementing digital customs procedures.

"I am confident that all our transport sector initiatives will be thoroughly addressed at the International Forum on Multimodal Transport in Tashkent on November 12.

We are counting on the active participation of national delegations, including transport ministers, leaders of major logistics companies and associations, as well as researchers and industry experts," Mirziyoev added

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Azerbaijan has been shortlisted as a candidate to host the 2029 annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country's First Deputy Minister of Finance Anar Karimov said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the Azerbaijan Halal Business Forum (AZHAB).

Karimov stressed that Azerbaijan will host an assessment mission in December this year in connection with this: Our cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank Group, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank is expanding. Next year, Azerbaijan will host the annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank. This creates a significant opportunity to keep halal certification and Islamic finance issues in mind.

The Deputy Minister noted that the combination of innovation and responsibility allows us to create not only strong but also reliable systems.

Islamic finance, halal business, and sound fiscal policy are all aimed at achieving the conditions for equitable, sustainable, and inclusive prosperity, Karimov said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Kyrgyzstan is actively shaping its own strategy for participation in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), showing a methodical way to weave together the region's economic, institutional, and digital threads. Within this strategy, Kyrgyzstan has focused on overcoming internal barriers within the bloc, jumpstarting investment, and putting processes on the digital fast track, thus paving the way for sustainable economic growth and smoother regional cooperation.

Against this backdrop, key initiatives were presented at the 12th Summit of Heads of State of the OTS in Gabala on October 7, 2025: the Roadmap for Cooperation in Economy, Trade, Investment, and Finance and the Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Electronic Digital Signatures. These projects aim to hit the ground running on integration among member states, cut through the red tape, break down barriers, roll out the welcome mat for investment, and get financial systems on the same page.

The Roadmap is designed to overcome internal fragmentation within the bloc and create conditions for more effective interaction between countries. It outlines a comprehensive approach: enhancing economic potential through joint planning and growth support, simplifying procedures and reducing trade barriers, fostering an investment-friendly environment, and harmonizing financial systems for efficient capital management. The Digital Signature Agreement ensures legal recognition of electronic documents and streamlines cross-border procedures, speeding up the nuts and bolts of practical integration among member states.

The economic context underscores the relevance of these initiatives. The combined GDP of the member states approaches $1.9 trillion, the blocs population exceeds 175 million, and the average annual growth rate remains at 4.4. The external trade turnover of OTS countries with the rest of the world reached $1.2 trillion, yet mutual trade among member states amounts to only about $35.6 billion, or roughly 6 percent of total exports. These figures highlight the need for structural and institutional measures to increase internal trade and integration.

The results of Kyrgyzstans previous year of chairmanship provide a platform for implementing these new projects. During this period, Kyrgyzstan launched the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF), which provides financing for strategically important projects, including logistics and infrastructure, and for the first time held a meeting of the heads of government of OTS member states in Bishkek on September 18, 2025a step that President Sadyr Zhaparov called a historic milestone in the development of the organization.

Kyrgyzstan continues to pay attention to the cultural and humanitarian sphere: in 2026, the VI World Nomad Games will be held in the country. In addition, President Sadyr Zhaparov invited OTS missions to participate as international observers in the parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan on November 30, 2025, emphasizing the importance of experience sharing and supporting democratic processes. These steps show that the country is still in the thick of things when it comes to the organization and is keen on keeping its nose to the grindstone with member states.

Following the Gabala Summit, the Kyrgyz Republic officially concludes its chairmanship and passes the baton to our brotherly Azerbaijan. I am confident that under Azerbaijans chairmanship, the organization will continue its progressive development, strengthen its authority on the international stage, and implement new important initiatives for the benefit of all Turkic peoples, Zhaparov said.

At the same time, despite the conclusion of its chairmanship, Kyrgyzstan demonstrates a determination to remain actively involved in OTS work. The Roadmap and the Digital Signature Agreement reflect not only the current strategic priorities of the bloc but also the countrys intention to continue making a substantial contribution to strengthening economic, institutional, and cultural integration in the region.

These initiatives represent high-potential projects that lay the foundation for more effective economic interaction, infrastructure development, and digital integration, while also building on the institutional achievements of the previous year. They demonstrate a systematic approach to overcoming internal obstacles and align with the key provisions of the Gabala Declaration, the OTS+ format, and the strengthening of the International Organization TURKSOY.

To note, TURKSOY is the International Organization of Turkic Culture, an intergovernmental organization established in 1993 by the ministers of culture of several Turkic countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Its primary goal is to strengthen cultural and artistic cooperation and promote the shared cultural heritage, values, and languages of the Turkic peoples by organizing cultural events like festivals, concerts, and exhibitions, and by publishing scholarly and artistic materials.

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BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 7. Kyrgyzstan has adopted a resolution transferring land plots in the Issyk-Kul and Batken regions to Airports of Kyrgyzstan JSC to support the development of airport infrastructure, Trend reports via the country's Cabinet of Ministers.

The decision, signed by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev, aims to ensure the efficient use of state property and strengthen the companys authorized capital, increasing the states stake.

Under the resolution, a 199.1-hectare plot in the Toru-Aygyr-Tamchy rural municipality and a 70.5-hectare plot in the Shaiybek Ata rural municipality of the Issyk-Kul district, as well as a 66-hectare plot in the city of Batken, will be contributed to the company.

The Cabinet of Ministers has instructed relevant authorities to conduct a market valuation of the plots and complete their formal registration.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 8. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has expressed interest in the LUKOIL refinery in Bulgaria, a source familiar with the matter told Trend.

Bulgarian sources indicate that SOCAR, together with Turkish holding Cengiz, has formed a consortium to acquire the LUKOIL refinery in Burgas. Other potential buyers include international trader Vitol, Hungarys MOL Group, Kazakhstans national oil company KazMunayGas, and Turkiyes OYAK pension fund.

SOCAR and LUKOIL have not commented on the reports.

"A long-term strategy underpins SOCARs activities in Bulgaria, focusing on mutually beneficial cooperation with relevant government bodies and companies across various sectors - gas supply, gas distribution, and expanding our presence in the petroleum products market. From this perspective, the LUKOIL asset in Bulgaria is naturally of interest to the company. SOCAR has studied the matter and conducted relevant consultations and negotiations," the source added.
JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, who were detained in Israel, have been released and arrived safely in Jordan, according to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the department confirmed that South African Ambassador to Jordan Tselane Mokuena was present to receive the activists.

It added that International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola reiterates the government's gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful outcome through their cooperation and support.

Their release follows several days of detention by the Israeli authorities after their vessels were intercepted at sea while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Among the South Africans detained in Israel was Mandla Mandela, grandson of late former President Nelson Mandela.

With the Israeli government blocking aid deliveries to Gaza, activists from around the world established the Global Sumud Flotilla, using vessels to deliver humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the people of Gaza. 
Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Germany expects further expansion of cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of renewable energy sources, the German Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Ralf Horlemann said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the German-Azerbaijani Conference on Export Financing 2025 on the topic Innovation and Technology meets Finance.

We expect further expansion of cooperation in the energy sector, especially in the field of renewable energy sources. The potential of this area has been discussed for many years, and I believe the time has come to turn it into real projects, the diplomat said.

Horlemann emphasized the readiness of German business and government to actively participate in this promising process.

As you know, the German government supports exporters with various instruments, including export credit programs and investment promotion. These instruments play a key role in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, the ambassador added.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of unity among Turkic peoples, Trend reports.

Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Tokayev underscored the importance of unity.

Azerbaijani poet and native of these historic lands, Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, left us a legacy: A Turk has no right to be hostile to another Turk! We honor the wise words of our ancestors and show the world that Turks are blood brothers, faithful to their unity, he said.

Tokayev stressed that cooperation and solidarity among Turkic states are key factors for regional stability and prosperity. He noted that cultural and historical ties among the peoples of the Turkic world should be strengthened, while conflicts and disputes must be avoided.

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GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Kyrgyzstan is committed to further deepening cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev, during the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OTS held in Gabala, Trend reports.

Jeenbek Kulubaev summarized Kyrgyzstans chairmanship of the organization, highlighting the results achieved and initiatives implemented, and expressed gratitude to the participants for their support.

At the conclusion of the meeting, documents were approved for submission to the Council of Heads of State for signing, including the Gabala Declaration, which reflects the member states agreed positions on key regional and international agenda issues.

During the session, foreign ministers of member states, as well as representatives of observer countries and Turkic organizations, exchanged views on pressing topics related to peace, sustainable development, and the strengthening of the OTSs institutional mechanisms.
GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov expressed confidence that the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will continue its progressive development under Azerbaijans chairmanship, Trend reports.

Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS in Gabala, Japarov highlighted the organizations achievements and outlined his confidence in its continued progress.

I am convinced that under Azerbaijans leadership, the Organization will continue its progressive development, strengthen its international authority, and implement new important initiatives for the benefit of all Turkic peoples, he said.

The head of state also expressed gratitude to all OTS member states for their support and trust during Kyrgyzstans tenure as chair.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) 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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Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

GABALA, Azerbaijan, October 7. Turkmenistan plans to hold Cultural Days in Azerbaijan as part of efforts to strengthen cultural ties among Turkic states, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, said at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the OTS in Gabala, Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

It is especially important to continue the tradition of cultural days, exhibitions, film festivals, and other major events that have already been implemented and continue to take place. We firmly believe that the extensive expertise amassed by our nations in this domain must be safeguarded and advanced, he said.

Berdimuhamedov further articulated that Turkmenistan is vigorously engaged in the enhancement of its cultural heritage through the advancement of its carpet weaving traditions and equestrian arts.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) 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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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Two members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed and three others were injured in an attack by unknown gunmen in the Kurdistan Province of western Iran last evening, the Kurdistan Region Army of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement, Trend reports.

According to the statement, unknown gunmen used hand grenades against IRGC members in the Saravabad County of the province.

The injured members were hospitalized.

The unidentified assailants responsible for the incident are currently under active pursuit.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) constitutes a formidable entity within the Iranian geopolitical landscape, distinct from conventional military frameworks. Established in the aftermath of the 1979 revolution, its primary mandate is to safeguard the regime's foundational accomplishments and ideological tenets. It operates as a complex entity with distinct branches encompassing terrestrial, maritime, and aerial capabilities, oversees Iran's strategic missile inventory, and manages the specialized Quds Force, tasked with extraterritorial missions and bolstering affiliated paramilitary organizations.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Iran's government has made the necessary decisions in a new format regarding the activation of the 'snapback' mechanism, envisaging the restoration of the UN Security Council's anti-Iranian resolutions, the government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, said at a press conference in Tehran today, Trend reports.

According to her, the Iranian side was predicting the scenario of the activation of the 'snapback' mechanism, and the government has now changed its strategy in the relevant manner.

Mohajerani also said that the Iranian government has used all diplomatic opportunities to prevent the activation of the 'snapback' mechanism; however, the result was the opposite.

The spokesperson added that the Iranian government understands the country's economic situation, the economic situation of its citizens, and price changes, and the government's strategy is to move in the direction of regulated programs.

On September 26, the UN Security Council convened to review the draft resolution submitted by Russia and China aimed at extending the term of Resolution 2231 and blocking the activation of the Snapback mechanism. The vote saw four members in favor, nine opposed, and two abstentions. As a result, starting September 28, the Security Councils resolutions targeting Iran have been reinstated.

On July 20, 2015, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231, which annulled six previous resolutions against Iran and lifted wide-ranging sanctions connected to its nuclear program.

Under Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), if a member state files a complaint over another partys violation of the deal, a review process begins. If the issue is not resolved, the complainant can escalate it to the UN Security Council. Should the Council accept the complaint against Iran, international sanctions may be reactivated, and the Council may even authorize military action against Iran.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 7. Enhancing regional diplomacy with neighboring and Asian countries is on the Iranian government's agenda, the government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, said at a press conference in Tehran today, Trend reports.

According to her, following the activation of the 'snapback' mechanism, which envisages the restoration of anti-Iranian resolutions by the UN Security Council, the Iranian government is strengthening relations within regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Mohajerani also said that the use of barter opportunities, border markets, and special economic zones is in the spotlight.

As it can be seen, certain reforms should be carried out in the government structure in Iran. This issue has been discussed many times. In this regard, reducing the size, speeding up, and increasing the efficiency of executive bodies is considered one of the priorities of the government, she noted.

On September 26, the UN Security Council convened to review the draft resolution submitted by Russia and China aimed at extending the term of Resolution 2231 and blocking the activation of the Snapback mechanism. The vote saw four members in favor, nine opposed, and two abstentions. As a result, starting September 28, the Security Councils resolutions targeting Iran have been reinstated.

On July 20, 2015, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2231, which annulled six previous resolutions against Iran and lifted wide-ranging sanctions connected to its nuclear program.

Under Articles 36 and 37 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), if a member state files a complaint over another partys violation of the deal, a review process begins. If the issue is not resolved, the complainant can escalate it to the UN Security Council. Should the Council accept the complaint against Iran, international sanctions may be reactivated, and the Council may even authorize military action against Iran.

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An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 5, 2025 shows rescuers working with an excavator at the site of a collapsed school building in Sidoarjo district, East Java, Indonesia. The death toll from the collapse of a building of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, has risen to 60 after search and rescue teams recovered 11 more bodies on Monday, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) (Photo by Sahlan Kurniawan/Xinhua)

JAKARTA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the collapse of a building of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, has risen to 60 after search and rescue teams recovered 11 more bodies on Monday, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

The victims were found under the rubble between midnight and 6:15 p.m. local time, BNPB spokesperson Abdul Muhari said in a press statement. Three people remain missing, according to preliminary estimates based on an attendance list issued by the Islamic boarding school.

In addition to intact bodies, the joint search and rescue team also recovered five body parts. All remains have been taken to Bhayangkara Hospital in Surabaya for identification.

BNPB reported that the number of patients under treatment rose to 104, of whom four have been discharged, 99 remain hospitalized, and one does not require treatment.

Rescue operations are continuing in sectors A1 and A2, where collapsed concrete still covers older structures. Authorities said debris removal is being conducted with caution to avoid further damage to nearby buildings.

The school building collapsed on Sept. 29 with dozens of students trapped inside. 

This photo provided by Indonesia's National Search And Rescue Agency (Basarnas) shows emergency workers transferring a body bag at the site of a collapsed school building in Sidoarjo district, East Java, Indonesia, Oct. 6, 2025. The death toll from the collapse of a building of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, has risen to 60 after search and rescue teams recovered 11 more bodies on Monday, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) (Basarnas/Handout via Xinhua)

(251006) -- SURABAYA, Oct. 6, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Relatives of victims of a school building collapse accident are seen at Bhayangkara Hospital in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, Oct. 5, 2025. The death toll from the collapse of a building of the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java, has risen to 60 after search and rescue teams recovered 11 more bodies on Monday, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) (Photo by Sahlan Kurniawan/Xinhua)
Free workshop lays out Alaskas new homemade food rules

Photo courtesy of UAF Cooperative Extension Service

Alaskas homemade food rules govern how products, such as these jars of jelly, can be manufactured and sold.

In 2024, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation made significant changes to its cottage food industry rules, which are now called the homemade food exemption.

Sarah Lewis, a University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service health, home and family development agent, will explain the changes in a free in-person and online workshop.

Knowledge of the new rules will help residents ensure they are in compliance if they have a homemade food business, would like to start one or sell homemade foods through a market. Lewis will explain the risks and opportunities associated with selling potentially harmful foods and foods that are safe without specific cooking times and temperatures from a home-based business. There will be time for questions following the presentation.

The workshop is scheduled from noon-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16.

It will be held in person in Room 208 of Kerttula Hall at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, 1509 S. Georgeson Drive, Palmer or via Zoom.

Register for both in-person and Zoom options using the online form or visit https://bit.ly/HomeFoodSales.

For questions, contact the front desk at the Matanuska Extension Center at 907-745-3360.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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Nobel 2025 Physics Goes to 3 Quantum Physics Researchers

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit

Tuesday October 7, 2025 5:21 PM , ummid.com News Network

[(from L to R) John M. Martinis, Michel H. Devoret and John Clarke (Illustration: (Niklas Elmehed/Nobel Prize Outreach)]

Nobel Prize 2025: John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.

John Clarke is associated with University of California, Berkeley, USA; Michel H. Devoret belongs to Yale University, New Haven, CT and University of California, Santa Barbara, USA, and John M. Martinis is affiliated with University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.

About John Clarke

John Clarke, the joint winner of Nobel 2025 in Physics, was born in 1942 in Cambridge (United Kingdom).

A renowned British Physicist, John Clarke was affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley, California (USA) at the time of receiving the Nobel Award.

Clarke received BA, MA, and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Cambridge namely Christ's College, Cambridge and Darwin College, Cambridge in 1964, 1968, and 1968, respectively.

Clarke has made significant contributions in superconductivity and superconducting electronics, particularly in the development and application of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). The dc SQUID consists of two Josephson tunnel junctions-weak links-connected in parallel on a superconducting loop.

One of his most current projects is application of SQUIDs configured as quantum-noise limited amplifiers to search for the axion, a possible component of dark matter.

About Michel H. Devoret

The joint winner of Nobel 2025 in Physics, Michel H. Devoret, was born in 1953, Paris, France.

Michel Devoret was affiliated to Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA at the time of receiving the Nobel 2025 Physics Award.

Michel Devoret was graduated from the Ecole nationale superieure des telecommunications in 1975 and went on to earn his PhD in physics from the University of Paris-Sud (now Paris-Saclay University) in 1982.

Known for his pioneering work on macroscopic quantum tunneling, and the single-electron pump as well as in groundbreaking contributions to initiating the fields of circuit quantum electrodynamics and quantronics, Michel Devoret is the Chief Scientist at Google Quantum AI.

About John M. Martinis

John M. Martinis was born in 1958. He was affiliated with the University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA at the time of receiving the Nobel 2025 Physics Award.



Martinis was in 2014 hired by Google to build a quantum computer using superconducting qubits.

Martinis is the winner of various awards including Fritz London Memorial Prize and John Stewart Bell Prize.

The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden.

Joint Research

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis in 1984 and 1985 conducted a series of experiments with an electronic circuit built of superconductors, components that can conduct a current with no electrical resistance.

In the circuit, the superconducting components were separated by a thin layer of non-conductive material, a setup known as a Josephson junction. By refining and measuring all the various properties of their circuit, they were able to control and explore the phenomena that arose when they passed a current through it.

"Together, the charged particles moving through the superconductor comprised a system that behaved as if they were a single particle that filled the entire circuit", the Nobel Committee said.

This macroscopic particle-like system is initially in a state in which current flows without any voltage. The system is trapped in this state, as if behind a barrier that it cannot cross. In the experiment the system shows its quantum character by managing to escape the zero-voltage state through tunnelling. The systems changed state is detected through the appearance of a voltage.

The laureates could also demonstrate that the system behaves in the manner predicted by quantum mechanics  it is quantised, meaning that it only absorbs or emits specific amounts of energy.

It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises. It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology, says Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics.

The Nobel Prize 2025 award ceremony will be held December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel (D: 1868), the wealthy Swedish industrialist and the inventor of dynamite who founded the prizes.

The Nobel Award Season 2025 started on Monday October 06, 2025 with the announcement of Nobel 2025 Prize in Medicine .

The winner/winners of the most awaited Nobel Peace Prize 2025 will be announced on October 10, 2025.

Nobel Prize 2024 Winners

Last year, the Nobel Peace Prize 2024 was awarded to Japan's atomic bomb survivors' group Nihon Hidankyo for its efforts to ban nuclear weapons.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to U.S. scientists Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.

On October 08, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 to John J. Hopfield of Princeton University, NJ, USA and Geoffrey E. Hinton University of Toronto, Canada.

On October 09, 2024, the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry jointly conferred on David Baker of U.S.A., and Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper of the United Kingdom for their research on protein.

On October 10, 2024, the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature conferred on South Korean author Han Kang for her work on the fragility of human life.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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KATHMANDU, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Foreign tourist arrivals in Nepal declined 18.3 percent in September over the same month of last year, the Nepal Tourism Board said on Tuesday.

A total of 78,711 foreigners visited the country last month, down from 96,302 in September of last year, the board said in a report.

India, the United States and China contributed most of the travelers to Nepal, the report said, noting the country received 815,273 foreign tourists in total in the past nine months.

Tourism is a major source of foreign exchange and job opportunities for Nepal. 
The United States issued nearly one-fifth fewer student visas in August following a crackdown by President Donald Trump, led by a steep drop for India which was overtaken by China as top country of origin, data showed Monday.

The United States issued 313,138 student visas in August, the most common start month for US universities, a drop of 19.1 percent from the same month in 2024, according to the International Trade Commission.

India, which last year was the top source of foreign students to the United States, saw the most dramatic drop with 44.5 percent fewer student visas issued than a year earlier.

Visa issuance also dropped for Chinese students but not nearly at the same rate. The United States issued 86,647 visas to students from mainland China in August, more than double the number issued to Indians.

The statistics do not reflect overall numbers of US-based students, many of whom remain on previously issued visas.

Trump has put a top priority since returning to the White House both on curbing immigration and on weakening universities, which his administration sees as a key power base of the left.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefly suspended processing of student visas in June, a peak month, as he issued orders that US embassies vet applicants' social media.

Rubio has revoked thousands of student visas, often due to criticism of Israel, on the grounds that he can refuse entry to people who go against US foreign policy interests.

In rules that affect Indians in particular, the Trump administration has made it more difficult for applicants to apply for visas outside jurisdictions of the US consulates in their home countries, even if there are backlogs.

Trump has taken a series of actions at odds with India, which for decades had been courted by US policymakers of both parties which saw the billion-plus nation as a natural counterweight to China.

Trump has also imposed a hefty new fee on H-1B visas, which are used largely by Indian technology workers.

Trump, however, has voiced hope for ramping up the number of Chinese students to boost relations between the two powers, a sharp contrast to earlier messaging from Rubio who had vowed to "aggressively" revoke visas from Chinese students he accuses of exploiting US technical knowhow.

The latest figures also show a sharp drop in student visas from many Muslim-majority countries, with admissions from Iran dropping by 86 percent.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
JAKARTA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Finance Ministry has withdrawn around 70 trillion Indonesian rupiahs (about 4.2 billion U.S. dollars) from the country's central bank, with plans to inject the funds into several regional development banks across the archipelago, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said on Tuesday.

The move follows the ministry's transfer in September of 200 trillion rupiahs (around 12 billion dollars) from its savings at the central bank to five state-owned banks. The initiative aims to strengthen banking liquidity, support lending to the real sector, and stimulate national economic growth.

Purbaya said that in total, about 270 trillion rupiahs have been withdrawn from the central bank so far. Of that amount, around 70 trillion rupiahs will be allocated to regional development banks, including Bank Jakarta, owned by the Jakarta government, and Bank Jatim, owned by the East Java provincial government.

According to the minister, the planned capital injections for each bank would range between 10 trillion rupiahs (about 600 million dollars) and 20 trillion rupiahs (1.2 billion dollars), depending on their capacity and performance.

He added that the selected banks were chosen because they have strong capital bases and receive solid support from their respective regional administrations. 
by Kin Phea

Launched in April, the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 is expected to give a big boost to bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange.

Under this initiative, both sides have encouraged their citizens to travel to each other's countries, jointly developed tourism routes, enhanced tourism promotion and strengthened cooperation in tourism safety.

The Lancang-Mekong Visa -- a five-year multiple-entry visa allowing a maximum stay of 180 days per visit for eligible applicants from countries along the Lancang-Mekong River -- was launched by China in November 2024. It is also utilized to facilitate travel between Cambodia and China.

In addition, airlines have been encouraged to increase passenger and cargo flight frequencies and operate new routes between Cambodia and China on market demand.

Both Cambodia and China are ancient civilizations with a long history, sharing a respect for the diversity of civilizations in the world, the common values of humanity, and a commitment to cultural heritage and innovation.

Cambodia is renowned for the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap province, and the pristine coastal areas widely recognized by beach lovers across the world.

Tourists can also enjoy one of the largest mangrove forests in the world, the breathtaking landscapes along the Mekong River, the rich biodiversity of Tonle Sap Lake, the rare Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins and many other unique destinations, along with rich cultural traditions, customs and exquisite Cambodian cuisine.

China is famous for its historical significance and iconic landmarks like the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing.

Tourism is a vital bridge that fosters mutual understanding and cultural exchange. The Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 will encourage more tourists from both countries to deepen mutual understanding, open new avenues for educational and social cooperation, and strengthen the people-to-people bonds.

Cambodia attracted a total of 784,965 Chinese tourists during the January-August period of 2025, up 45.7 percent over the same period last year, according to a Cambodian Ministry of Tourism report.

It is predicted that through the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025, more than one million Chinese tourists will travel to Cambodia in the whole year of 2025, which will greatly boost Cambodia's economic growth and tourism development.

In sum, the Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025 has ushered in a new chapter of bilateral tourism cooperation and consolidated the Cambodia-China iron-clad friendship.

The Cambodia-China Tourism Year 2025, together with China's global initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, will inject stronger impetus into building the all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

Editor's note: Kin Phea is director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency.
Teatro Eliseo hosts Immersive Disney Animation until 16 November.

The magic of Disney comes alive in an immersive experience at Rome's Teatro Eliseo, which has reopened to the public after five years, from 7 October until 16 November.

The arrival in Rome of the Immersive Disney Animation show, produced by Lighthouse Immersive Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios, marks its European debut.

The family-friendly experience allows visitors to step directly into the worlds of their favourite Disney films, from the classics including Peter Pan and Pinocchio to modern hits such as Frozen.

Audiences can enter the Casita with Mirabel from Encanto; stand on Pride Rock as Rafiki introduces Simba, surrounded by the animal kingdom at sunrise; or take a magic carpet ride with Aladdin and Jasmine.

The immersive experience uses state-of-the-art projection technology to surround guests with the art, music and stories of Disney.

Interactive elements, such as motion-sensitive flooring and light-up wristbands, further enhance the feeling of being inside the animation.

For tickets see VivaTicket website.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 persons died and several others were injured in India's northern hilly state of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, when a landslide hit a moving bus, as a result of which the bus fell into a deep gorge, confirmed the local police.

The mishap reportedly occurred in the state's Bilaspur district. Among the dead were a few women and children.

According to the latest media reports, rescue teams had reached the spot.

The state's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri told media persons, "15 people have lost their lives in the private bus accident in Bilaspur. 18 people have been recovered, three of them have been sent to the hospital. It is said that around 30 people were on board the bus."

Further details were awaited. 
Ottoline Spearman

Sunbed companies are calling on the Government to regulate the strength of sunbeds.

Sunbeds use high-intensity UV rays, which damage skin cells and can lead to cancer, and have long been considered dangerous.

Junior Minister for Public Health Jennifer Murnane OConnor is considering banning commercial sunbeds for this reason, and launched a nationwide public consultation on the matter in July.

The public consultation closed on October 3rd.

Speaking on Newstalk, Gary Lipman, Chair of The Sunbed Association, said there are other ways to regulate the industry:

"A very important regulation that we've been lobbying the government to implement is the output of a sunbed.

"This is regulated across Europe, and it states that the output of a sunbed is the same, for example, as sunshine on a Mediterranean beach.

"And we've asked the government to implement that. In fact, we advised them back in 2015."
Fiona Magennis

A Dublin man serving an eight-year sentence for the unlawful killing of a man whose apartment he set on fire after a break-in has had his manslaughter conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal.

Dean Boland (37) was convicted of manslaughter following a 2018 incident in which he broke into a downstairs apartment in a Dublin residential property, stole a rucksack, and set the property ablaze.

The deceased, Ohari Viera, lived upstairs with two other men. All three evacuated safely when they discovered the fire downstairs.

The men were waiting outside when Mr Viera went back into the house for an unknown reason. He never returned, and others who tried to go into the property after him were prevented from doing so as the building became engulfed in smoke and flames.

The court found that Bolland committed the unlawful and dangerous act of arson, which could have had fatal consequences for all three occupants of the upstairs building.

In a written judgement delivered on Tuesday, Ms Justice Tara Burns noted that having escaped the burning building and reached safety, the deceased took the ill-advised step of re-entering the property several minutes after leaving.

Ms Justice Burns said the act of the deceased re-entering the house was an independent and voluntary act on his part, which was not brought about as a result of confusion, stress or panic, or a choice made to avoid a perceived greater danger.

She ruled that while the act of arson perpetrated by Dean Boland had tragic consequences, that act was not the cause of the deceaseds death.

She said the deceaseds death in the circumstances was not the natural consequence of arson.

The court held that while the deceased would not have died but for the fire which was started by the accused, the ill-judged step of returning to the fire broke the chain of causation.

Boland of Northwood, Santry was convicted in December 2022 by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury of the unlawful killing of Ohari Viera, damaging property by arson and burglary at Oaklands Terrace, Terenure, on August 21st, 2018.

He had pleaded not guilty to the offences and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Jailing Boland in March 2023, Judge Elma Sheahan said she would sentence the 37-year-old on the charge of manslaughter and set a headline term of 10 years.

Ms Justice Burns remanded Boland in custody to appear before Judge Sheahan on Friday, October 10th in relation to the two other charges.
Congratulations are in order for culinary dynamo Eunice Power after she was formally honoured with the Georgina Campbell Movers & Shakers Award 2025.

The Dungarvan chef, restauranter and Waterford Festival of Food co-founder was recognised as one of the Ireland's leading culinary ambassadors.

The award is a significant achievement and mark of respect for Eunice and her years of dedication to her craft.

The Georgina Campbell Awards is an independent food and hospitality body that recognises people who are forging their own path on the culinary landscape.

Georgina Campbell described Eunice as "a powerhouse of energy and creativity A true ambassador for Dungarvan and Irish food, Eunice Power continues to inspire with her vision, hard work and integrity  a true Mover & Shaker if ever there was one. The region  and Ireland  is lucky to have her.

After being awarded, Eunice said: "Its an honour to be recognised in this way by Georgina Campbell, whose commitment to supporting Irish food and hospitality has been such a guiding light for our industry. This award really belongs to everyone who has supported me along the way  from our incredible local suppliers and producers to the team at AndChips, the wonderful community in Dungarvan that makes the Waterford Festival of Food such a joy to be part of, and of course, my family."

This coming November, Eunice is set to release her first cookbook, titled 'My Irish Kitchen Table', which will bring together all her wisdom, recipes and expertise on Irish produce.

Georgina added: "Eunices career spans decades of innovation in Irish food. After many years running the much-loved Powersfield House restaurant, she expanded into outside catering and weddings, before spotting a gap in the market and launching AndChips in 2019.

"The restaurant brings her uncompromising commitment to provenance, sustainability, and flavour to a new audience, redefining fast casual dining. Alongside her business, Eunice is a familiar voice on RTE, a tireless advocate for Irish produce, and a true ambassador for Dungarvan and the wider region."
THE work of Focus Ireland is akin to a mature tree with many branches, extending in many directions, dependent on each strand and fibre to survive, grow and flourish.

The annual Shine A Light sleep-out fundraiser, which takes place this Friday, October 10, will see individuals, businesses and community groups spending a night out under the stars in support of those experiencing homelessness.

Its a night loaded with solidarity towards those impacted by our largest single societal crisis  while also championing those who help to ease so considerable a burden.

For Laura Young, Focus Irelands Aftercare & Youth Services Manager in the South East region and Cork, the monies raised through Shine A Light are making a lifechanging difference for customers (the charitys preferred terminology) and staff alike.

Turning lives around

Theres one peer support worker in Cork who comes to mind and, my goodness, she has come a long way, said Laura, who has worked with Focus Ireland for 11 years.

Shes a past drug and alcohol user, shed slept rough in both Cork and Dublin but has turned her life around over the past four years. Shes currently working for 19 and a half hours a week with Focus Ireland, is just heading into her third year working with us and come January, hopefully shell be extending her working hours. On top of all that, she has entered into her third year studying Social Science at UCC and shes planning to become a social care worker as well.

Ms Young continued: She has gone from using every imaginable substance to getting clean, and working with us and, remarkably, shes now a part of the same team as her former key worker. Its an incredible achievement. Part of our objective is to extend an olive branch to people who experience homelessness for a great many reasons. Sometimes they take it and run with it. Sometimes they dont. But each and every day, we keep trying to extend that branch. And we never give up. We try and try again  and thats really important. And thats why Shine A Light matters. It enables us to help so many people during such a vulnerable and difficult time in their lives and were so grateful for the continued support we receive in Waterford and across the region every year.

Waterford-based services

Lauras brief deals with young adults (aged 18 and over) who are at risk of homelessness when they leave State care, foster care or residential care.

We have two services that we run throughout the South East and Cork, firstly youth services, which is for anyone leaving their home at 18 who are at risk of homelessness - they would come through the local authority to get the support that we can offer them. The second service we provide is aftercare  so any person aged 18 who is at risk of homelessness having left State care is supported by Tusla through an aftercare project. Tusla then outsource our service to work with those most at risk of homelessness and both of those services are currently running in Waterford.

Ms Young continued: This element of our work is not a residential service  were a 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday service which operates out of our Parliament Street office in the city. We have four team members; two for youth housing and two for aftercare and this is our third year having a graduate on our programme so anyone thats coming out of a social care degree gets a full year working with our young people and is well positioned when it comes to future opportunities with Focus Ireland, which may also arise for them.

The offices main role is to source and secure accommodation for their young customers but the properties Laura and her team are looking for, by and large, dont exist.

A stay on funding earlier this year has prevented Focus Ireland from acquiring appropriate accommodation for young adults and there is no public indication that this will right itself any time soon.

Never giving up

That doesnt mean we just give up, she added. Thats something well never do. Weve achieved a swap between two customers in recent months, one who needed more space having had a baby and thats worked very well for both parties.

"Weve also begun to have some customers sharing a property, which isnt always an easy fit given past traumas and other difficulties  and this will never be a one-size fits all proposition. But where we can make this happen and when we can achieve the necessary dynamic in a shared living environment, then of course we will support that, with all the caveats when living with someone else accounted for as best we can. And thats why every Euro raised through Shine A Light matters. Every Euro matters.

So why am I sleeping out this Friday?

Well, for starters, doing something is infinitely better than the alternative. In an environment where so much political time has been devoted to plans, strategies and promises, the slow policy making steps involved in rectifying a problem that's been decades in the making demands the public taking a stand in the interim. By doing something.

That's why, in my own small way, I want to help individuals and families impacted by homelessness and that's why Shine A Light matters. That's why I'm sleeping out again this year.

Forty years after its establishment by Sr Stanislaus Kennedy, the services provided by Focus Ireland are more important than ever.

We all wish that wasn't the case but I for one take solace in the fact that Focus Ireland staff are in our communities, supporting and advocating for those who need our support. Any and all contributions will be welcomed with enormous gratitude.

Shine A Light community sleep-outs will take place this Friday at University College Cork (UCC) at 7pm and the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick at 7:30pm.

For more on my fundraising effort, visit: https://joinus.focusireland.ie/fundraisers/dermotkeyes
Waterford local Sandra Mansfield had her life turned upside down after receiving her cancer diagnosis in December of 2024.

It was a shock and a scary change in my life that was not expected, she said.

She added that the Solas Cancer Support Centre became a valuable support for her during her battle.

I live near the Solas Cancer Support Centre, and I have passed the centre every day since the centre opened its doors in Williamstown in 2011.

"I have always admired the work they do, and I had heard such good stories from so many people over the years.

The Solas Cancer Support Centre has been an unbelievable support to me. From the very first day I walked through the doors of the centre the feeling of peace and calm I felt, I cannot explain, the effect it had on me."

The Solas Cancer Support Centres Run and Walk for Life returns to the streets of Waterford this Sunday, October 12, and on Dungarvans Greenway on Saturday, October 11.

All funds raised will go towards supporting the running costs of the service.

Last year, the Run and Walk for Life event raised a whopping 185,000.

Sandra said she will be participating in the 4K Family Walk for the first time this year, along with her husband and friends.

She is encouraging others to take part.

After all the chaos someone was there offering support, kindness and practical help to show you that you are not alone on the journey and that help was there in many forms. I can never repay the kindness that has been shown to me but it's a little thank you.

I am taking part with my husband Kevin and a few of my friends are joining me also so it should be fun.

"My two sisters live in Italy. They are doing a walk at the same time over there so will be with me virtually."

Registration for the Run and Walk for Life is still open online at www.solascentre.ie
Dungarvan councillor Kate OMahoney has announced that she has been formally appointed as a Peace Commissioner by the Minister for Justice.

Cllr OMahoney said the role will help her to better serve the people of Waterford.

A peace commissioner can witness legal documents and support community and civic matters.

Through my advice and advocacy clinics, I see every day how important accessible and reliable support is, and this appointment gives me another way to make a difference.

As the youngest Councillor on Waterford City & County Council  and the only female Councillor in the Dungarvan LEA  Im proud to bring a fresh perspective to local representation.

"I hope this role will make it easier for all people, to reach out and access the support they need.

Thank you to the Minister and the Department of Justice for this honor. I look forward to undertaking this duty with integrity and continuing to represent my constituents with dedication, said Cllr OMahoney.
Waterford Airport may have found its fairy godmother. On the cusp of a significant investment deal that would allow the airport to go it alone, without government support, the ball now seems to be in the court of Waterford City and County Council.

Councillors met on Monday about the hush-hush deal, with lips tightly sealed for fear of jeopardizing what is seen as potentially the most positive development in relation to the airport for quite some time.

Mondays meeting was a workshop, which will be followed by a special meeting of the Plenary Council on October 20, when councillors will vote on whether to accept the proposal, which involves releasing adjacent lands of 100 acres owned by the Council and ceding its 2% shareholding in the airport.

The Bolster Group, which is currently the main shareholder at 37%, will take a minority stake, while the Comer Group will not be involved.

The Comer Group had previously agreed to invest in the airport, alongside the Bolster Group, on the condition that it would also have government funding.

The council has contributed more than 1.3 million in ongoing funding to the airport since 2019.

After yesterdays workshop, councillors had still not been informed of the identity of the investor  who reports suggest may be American, with, not surprisingly, very deep pockets.

Ahead of the October 20 vote, this unusual situation has left many councillors concerned.

The deal on the table would see the airport able to move forward with the development of the long-sought extension to its runway, thus making it suitable for commercial airlines.

To reject this offer, Waterford Airport is back to the will they, wont they game of politics that has dragged on since the last government.

Having previously been led on something of a merry dance over private investment in the North Quays, it is understandable that councillors will be hesitant.

However, it is not unusual for private investors to back regional airports as a type of passion project.

Kildares Weston Airport is co-owned by John Collison, the billionaire co-founder of payments giant Stripe.

Collison regularly flies his own plane. Last year, Weston received a capital injection of 18.9 million to finance its expansion. (Collison and a group of investors acquired Weston Airport in 2021 from Galway builder Brian Connelly.)

We are all familiar with the success story that is Knock Airport. Perhaps, less well known in the Deise is the story behind its establishment.

Monsignor James Horan, parish priest of Knock in the 1980s, famously made sure a runway with a length capable of taking jet aircraft was built by starting it from either end, making it difficult to deny funding to complete the runway in the middle!

But government funding, then as now, was only released after a relentless campaign, and not by every government at the time. Fianna Fail proved more favourable.

Monsignor Horan also had to take his campaign overseas to achieve enough funding. It was the ultimate passion project, for which Connacht remains indebted to the determined Horan.

Airports are an expensive business, but, just like Horan, there is nothing to say this wont be the investor the Deise will be hailing for decades to come, and the one who firmly puts the townland of Killowen on the map.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran, on Oct. 6, 2025. Iran has no plans to hold talks with France, Britain and Germany following their move to trigger the "snapback" mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions, Baghaei said on Monday. (Xinhua/Sha Dati)

TEHRAN, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iran has no plans to hold talks with France, Britain and Germany following their move to trigger the "snapback" mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.

Baghaei told a weekly press briefing in Tehran that Iran was "considering the impacts and consequences" of what he called the recent anti-Iran action by the three European powers and the United States.

He said Iran would decide on diplomacy "whenever the government feels it can be fruitful," stressing that any negotiations must serve the country's national interests.

"Iran will never beg for negotiations," Baghaei said, adding that talks were a two-way process that must protect national interests, security, and dignity.

The European trio, in coordination with Washington, invoked the snapback mechanism in August after the UN Security Council failed to extend sanctions relief in September.

Iran had held several rounds of talks with the three countries since September last year, mainly focused on its nuclear program and sanctions relief. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran, on Oct. 6, 2025. Iran has no plans to hold talks with France, Britain and Germany following their move to trigger the "snapback" mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions, Baghaei said on Monday. (Xinhua/Sha Dati)

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei attends a weekly press conference in Tehran, Iran, on Oct. 6, 2025. Iran has no plans to hold talks with France, Britain and Germany following their move to trigger the "snapback" mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions, Baghaei said on Monday. (Xinhua/Sha Dati)
Kenneth Fox

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) condemns the wholly disproportionate use of force by An Garda Siochana at a Dublin protest opposing genocide in Palestine on Saturday, October 4th.

A group of protesters marched to block a road to Dublin Port on Saturday.

The ICCL said it is "Gravely concerned about the heavy-handed policing approach to the protest, including the indiscriminate use of pepper spray without verbal warning and batons. Any use of force by gardai must be proportionate and necessary. According to garda policies, pepper spray should only be used when faced with violence or the threat of violence.

"A number of injuries, including a broken wrist, have been reported by protesters. We are also concerned about the treatment of individuals when they were arrested, including reports that one protester was subject to mistreatment.

"Human rights law provides broad protection to the right to peaceful protest, including collective civil disobedience and direct-action campaigns."

They said the UN Human Rights Committee has specifically noted that mere pushing and shoving or disruption of vehicular or pedestrian movement or daily activities do not amount to violence.

ICCL and the University of Galway have created a network of trained, independent legal observers. On Saturday, legal observers monitored and documented the policing response to the protest in Dublin Port.

In the course of their work, they were also affected by the pepper spray. Legal observers are independent observers and recognised internationally as human rights defenders. Gardai are obligated to ensure they can carry out their work.

As co-conveners of the Irish Network of Legal Observers, ICCL and the University of Galway are compiling reports and footage from the protest. In the coming days, we will share our findings and concerns with the Garda Commissioner and publish a report on this incident.
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NationalImmigration Opinion For some backpackers like me, the Australian dream can become a nightmare Clemence Sauvaget Journalist October 6, 2025  4:30pm

October 6, 2025  4:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 77 View all comments

For years, young French travellers like me moved to London to chase our dreams, or to the United States to get a taste of life on the other side of the Atlantic. But with Londons sluggish economy fuelling anti-immigration sentiment, and the US increasingly isolating itself from the outside world, the Australian dream is rapidly capturing the attention of Gen Zs. Clemence Sauvaget is a French journalist living in Australia. To many young Europeans, Australia looks like a sunny land of opportunity where prosperity and work-life balance seem achievable. On Instagram and TikTok, there are countless posts praising life in Australia. They show a tight-knit community of backpackers, a daily routine of surf and road trips, easy-to-find jobs and the promise of becoming the best version of yourself.

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Department of Home Affairs figures show applications for working holiday visas from French nationals are surging. They reached 25,282 in 2023-2024, up from 21,764 the previous year. Visa renewals quadrupled to 5082. The numbers reflect Australias growing appeal, perceived by many as a new El Dorado. And the attraction is real: spectacular landscapes, a sunny lifestyle and the promise of adventure continue to draw young French people more than 15,000 kilometres away from home. Ultimately, the rise of the Australian dream reflects a generational shift: young people in France are increasingly seeking experiences abroad that combine economic opportunity, personal growth and lifestyle appeal. French travel influencer Noemie Demiselle. I dont romanticise Australia, but everyone has to go through their own struggles. For most, the experience is fantastic, but for some, the desire to extend their trip can come with problems. To renew their visa for a second year, most young foreigners must complete 88 days of regional work in agriculture, hospitality, construction or environmental projects. Jobs are scarce and often precarious, underpaid and physically demanding.

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Like many others before leaving France, I scrolled through Instagram videos about working holiday visas in Australia, said Elisa Vincent, a 22-year-old university graduate who arrived in Sydney 10 months ago. Obviously, this fuelled my curiosity and my dream of a new life. I think you must stay realistic and prepare yourself psychologically to deal with disappointment. French travel influencer Noemie Demiselle, 27, said it was difficult to balance the optimism of a new adventure with the realities of living in a new country. I am committed to sharing positive experiences on social media, said Noemie, who has 135,700 followers on TikTok and Instagram. I dont romanticise Australia, but everyone has to go through their own struggles and learn from them. Sadly, some unscrupulous employers have tarnished the Australian dream, creating a harsh reality for young foreigners and exploiting working holidaymakers, giving them feelings of isolation and a sense of discrimination. Baptiste Richaudeau, 25, worked 10-hour nights in a Queensland mine without being paid. After three weeks, I realised I would never see my wages. Exhausted and sleeping in a freezing prefab, I felt exploited, he said.

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Cases such as his prompted the hashtag #88daysaslave, which flood Instagram with stories of abuse and unfair labour practices. In 2018, the Fair Work Ombudsman warned foreign workers had been virtually bonded like a slave to some operators, which remain heavily reliant on foreign labour to staff regional areas. Related Article Commercial real estate Backpackers hostel sold to glam up for flashpacker crowd Despite the warnings, the positive messages still far outweigh the negative experiences on social media, driving a record 200,000 working holidaymakers to Australia in 2023/24. Many are working on farms, in mines and in construction across the country. So far, the Australian government has shown little appetite for greater protection for travellers who might have dreams of one day living in Australia, but who dont now have a right to vote.

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That doesnt mean the experience isnt worth it, said Noemie Demiselle. Even if its fraught with pitfalls. Clemence Sauvaget is a French journalist living and working in Sydney. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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Updated NationalVictoriaAntisemitism Sheer horror: Pro-terrorism graffiti removed after uproar Hannah Hammoud, Emily Kaine and Alexander Darling Updated October 7, 2025  2:19pm ,first published October 7, 2025  5:17am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The Australian Federal Police are investigating pro-terrorist graffiti in Melbournes north, which sparked widespread criticism from Australias political leaders on the anniversary of October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. A pro-Palestinian protest also proceeded as planned, with organisers saying calls from the prime minister and premier to not demonstrate on the day ignored Palestinians plight. Police are investigating two acts of vandalism in the form of graffiti praising terrorist group Hamas in Fitzroy on Tuesday morning. The local council says the graffiti has been removed. A prominent billboard in Fitzroy has been vandalised with a pro-Hamas message on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. Alex Coppel The phrase Glory to Hamas was scrawled on a billboard at the busy intersection of Alexandra Parade and Brunswick Street. About 500 metres away, the Fitzroy Officeworks on Alexandra Parade was also targeted, with graffiti reading Oct 7, do it again and Glory to the martyrs defacing the building. Officeworks said the graffiti had been painted over.

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Further north, in Preston, a banner featuring the phrase Glory to the martyrs was spotted hanging over a pedestrian overpass on Bell Street alongside the Palestinian flag. The incidents occurred on the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attacks in which Hamas murdered 1200 people in Israel and took 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a two-year campaign that has killed an estimated 67,000 Palestinians so far. A UN commission of inquiry has labelled Israels actions in Gaza as genocidal. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the graffiti plastered across the Fitzroy billboard. The terrorist propaganda defacing a Melbourne billboard on the anniversary of the October 7 murders is abhorrent, he said. The people responsible must face the full force of the law. The AFP [Australian Federal Police] will work with Victorian police to bring them to justice.

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A pro-Palestine demonstration went ahead as planned in Melbourne on Tuesday evening, hours after the graffiti incidents. The Free Palestine Coalition Group had urged people to gather near the National Gallery of Victoria, which was previously targeted by anti-Israel protesters because of its association with the prominent Jewish Gandel family. At 5pm, about 150 people gathered in the Queen Victoria Gardens, opposite the NGV, where 16 police officers were stationed. Although the gatherings organisers asked attendees not to display signage, posters or flags, several Palestinian flags and a sign saying We shall rebuild were on display. After the speeches, several protesters held white bags meant to symbolise dead bodies. The atmosphere remained peaceful as the group began their walk to state parliament, with numbers growing to about 250 people. The pro-Palestinian rally in Queen Victoria Gardens on Tuesday. Luis Enrique Ascui Albanese said on Monday that the anniversary of the Hamas attacks was not a day for demonstrations and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said they were deeply disrespectful.

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Speaking at the pro-Palestinian gathering, rally organiser Nour Salman described the prime ministers criticism of the demonstrations as absolutely atrocious. Nour Salman at the vigil honouring those killed in Gaza. Charlotte Grieve Salman rejected Albaneses characterisation of the gatherings, and said that missing from political statements about the rallies was any acknowledgment of the Palestinian lives lost since the war began. This is exactly why this vigil is taking place, Salman said. On Tuesday morning, a commemoration was held at the Goldstone Gallery in Collingwood, marking the anniversary of the October 7 attacks. The event, which began at 6.29am  the same time sirens were heard at the Nova music festival in southern Israel  was organised by Jewish artists Nina Sanadze and Danny Ben-Moshe, and included an all-day vigil featuring speeches, victim name-readings, poetry and music.

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Graffiti painted on the wall of the Officeworks in Fitzroy. Sanadze described her reaction to seeing the words defacing the Fitzroy billboard as just sheer horror. I nearly screamed just seeing it on a day like this, she said. It was up there for a good five hours before it was taken down. I was thinking, how can I get up there and paint over it? Its beyond horrific, upsetting and, unfortunately, while Im surprised every time, its not so surprising any more.

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Australian Jewish artists Nina Sanadze (left) and Danny Ben-Moshe have created an exhibition to commemorate the October 7 attacks. Eddie Jim Sanadze said her exhibition aimed to forensically detail the events of October 7 through witness testimony. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, also the defence minister, labelled the graffiti attack disgraceful and deeply offensive. This day can only be one thing, and that is a day of commemoration and remembrance, Marles told ABC Melbourne. Its a deeply solemn day, and to have that message scrawled in that way is obviously disgraceful, and we need to be a society which is cohesive, which looks out for each other, and that is obviously a message of division. When asked if the graffiti would be treated as an act of terrorism, Marles said he was unsure but added that he had no doubt it would be looked into.

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Hamas is a terrorist organisation, he said. Hamas was responsible for the terror attack which occurred two years ago on this day, in which 1200 innocent people lost their lives  a message of that kind scrawled on this day is deeply disgraceful. I certainly think that there are people in our society today who do feel threatened, and I think that  is very much a matter of concern to the government. We are doing everything in our power to stand by the Jewish community as they face acts of antisemitism. We need to be a country which looks out for each other, and part of being a multicultural society, with all the diversity and richness that comes with that, must also be an accompanying care that we have for each other, and this [billboard] is a message of division. This is not a message which is designed to provide for the care of others within our community. And that is in part why this is absolutely a disgraceful message to have at any moment, but particularly on this day. Vandals accused of turning Australians against each other

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Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the graffiti attacks were revealing of a vicious streak running through Australia. Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. James Brickwood Its as despicable as it is predictable, he said. I believe were overwhelmingly a decent people and a decent country, but there are those among us who revel in bloodshed and who support terrorism, and its something which I think should shock all Australians. It should make us resolute and united in fighting because its just utterly contemptible that theres an element in our society that thinks this way and also acts on it.

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Ryvchin said those responsible for the vandalism were intent on dividing society, adding that this sort of behaviour had become normalised. I tend to think that the people who do this know exactly what theyre doing, he said. They want to provoke reaction. They want to turn one group of Australians against another ... this sort of behaviour has become routine, and its become normalised, and to a large extent, theres a great impunity that goes with it. Theres very little legal consequences, theres very little social consequences, and it wont simply evaporate tomorrow. A pro-Palestine protest on August 24. Activists plan to march through Melbourne on Tuesday evening. Wayne Taylor Allan said the words scrawled on the Fitzroy billboard were hateful and not a representation of the states great multicultural society. It has no place, and its even more hateful on a day where we stand in support of a Jewish community that is grieving the second anniversary of the single biggest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, Allan said. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

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Opposition Leader Brad Battin said: Graffiti glorifying a terrorist organisation has no place in our community. On this day especially, its disgraceful. I stand with Victorias Jewish community and remember those who lost their lives in the October 7 attacks. Related Article Updated

Victorian Parliament Hate speech laws pass parliament as Liberals claim freedom of speech is at risk Caulfield MP David Southwick said the words plastered on the billboard were triggering for members of Australias Jewish community. To have people glorifying a terrorist organisation in Melbourne, its just beyond belief, Southwick told ABC Melbourne. Weve got laws  they need to be used. Nobody should be doing this  its shameful in terms of how the Jewish community has been targeted over the last two years. And something needs to be done. Words are not good enough from our leaders. Theyve actually got to get out and do something.

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Fitzroy locals disappointed by horrible graffiti People passing the vandalism in Fitzroy said the graffiti was disappointing, and added that vandals had previously targeted the billboard. One person, who didnt want to be named, said: Its just so horrible to see. Police are investigating both Fitzroy incidents, and said in a statement: There is absolutely no place at all in our society for antisemitic or hate-based symbols and behaviour. Loading Yarra City Council workers visited the scene on Tuesday morning and photographed the graffiti.

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In a statement on Tuesday, federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the graffiti was deeply disturbing, and called on the AFP and ASIO to help police track down the vandals. Related Article Israeli-Palestinian conflict Two years after the October 7 attack, Israel is at war with itself Hamas is a listed terrorist organisation in Australia. Supporting them is not free speech, it is a crime, Ley said. Those responsible must face the full force of the law. Victorians deserve to feel safe in their own community. On Monday, Albanese called for decent human behaviour to mark Tuesdays anniversary of the attacks. [Tuesday] is not a day for demonstrations, he said, as the premiers of Victoria and NSW condemned the protests organised in both states to mark the second anniversary of the atrocities.

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Allan said Tuesdays planned protest in Melbourne was unacceptable. Today should not be a day about protest, she told ABC Melbourne. Today is a day to stand with those in our community who are mourning the loss of life and what occurred to you in that horrific terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. 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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PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Angry Liberal rebukes rebel Hastie: This is how we become like the Victorians Paul Sakkal October 7, 2025  9:02am 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 399 View all comments

First-term Liberal MP Mary Aldred has rebuked rebel colleague Andrew Hastie for quitting his frontbench role and warned the party will turn into a Victorian-style basket case if it continued to navel-gaze and let Labor off the hook. In Tuesday mornings Liberal Party room meeting in Canberra, Aldred stood up and said she and other colleagues would lose their seats at the next election if the party did not unite, focus on its core strengths and turn the heat on the government. Mary Aldred took aim at her Liberal colleagues on Tuesday. Eamon Gallagher The new MP for the regional Victorian seat of Monash clipped Hastie in her speech, saying she disagreed with the way he handled his resignation and reflecting the sentiment of many of his colleagues, including some of his allies. This is how we become like the Victorians, three MPs, unable to publicly speak about the closed-door meeting, quoted her as saying. The Victorian Liberal division has functioned poorly for years, having won a single election since 1996.

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Aldred told colleagues she came to Canberra to fight Labor, not to feud internally. Hastie was sitting in the room but did not speak. It is rare for MPs to criticise colleagues in party room meetings. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley did not address Hasties frontbench resignation, which happened on Friday, in her speech to the meeting. Andrew Hastie after a press conference in Perth on Saturday. Colin Murty The oppositions dirty linen was aired on Monday as this masthead revealed that Dutton, who led the historic election loss in May, was highly critical of Hasties work ethic and policy development in his private submissions delivered to the partys election review in July. Senior Liberals have called for leaks to stop so the party could focus on policies, including resolving its position on emissions reduction, as Ley inches closer to a compromise to retain net zero as a goal with new economic caveats.

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Hastie sat on the outer rings of the backbench on Tuesday in question time, alongside right-wing powerbroker Tony Pasin. Related Article Exclusive

Political leadership Libs inch towards net zero deal as Hastie leak stirs discontent Treasurer Jim Chalmers roasted the Coalition as Hastie kept a low profile, declining to speak on the record to reporters and not making a contribution to party room meetings. If anything, they are more divisive and more divided. No credibility whatsoever. Their record in government and now in opposition makes that clear, Chalmers said. Election reviewer and former senator Nick Minchin, who interviewed Dutton for the review in July alongside former NSW minister Pru Goward, confirmed they talked to Dutton about the partys defence policy and did not deny Dutton scrutinised Hasties role as defence spokesman. The defence policy, announced late and with little detail, was criticised when it was released just 10 days before the election.

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Minchin declined to divulge details of the conversation with Dutton but played down Duttons critique of Hastie. Peter avoided direct criticism of his shadow ministers in the course of his discussion with us, Minchin said on Monday. We discussed ... the defence policy and the policy formulation process generally. Dutton did not dispute this mastheads report despite being contacted by several journalists. 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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Updated PoliticsFederalIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Australian activist to join another Gaza flotilla as soon as possible after being deported from Israel Nick Newling, David Crowe and Bronte Gossling Updated October 8, 2025  1:45pm ,first published October 7, 2025  12:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Documentary filmmaker Juliet Lamont, one of seven Australian activists deported to Jordan from Israel overnight, has vowed to join another flotilla to Gaza as soon as possible. We have a few boats but need to organise more and get a better strategy to break through the naval blockade, Lamont told this masthead on Wednesday from Amman, Jordan, where she was reunited with her twin daughters on Tuesday after five days in detention after her boat was boarded by Israeli security forces off the Gaza shoreline. Australian activist Juliet Lamont was on board Wahoo as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, and is planning to try again to break Israels blockade in Gaza as soon as possible. The Age What we experienced is absolutely nothing compared to what the Palestinians suffer every day, said Lamont, who is from the Northern Rivers in NSW. We have a moral duty to do everything we can as ordinary citizens to break the siege in the absence of our governments complicity in this genocide, even if that entails injury and incarceration.

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The Australian lawyer representing the seven, Jennifer Robinson of Doughty Street Chambers in London, confirmed their release. Some of the groups supporters in Australia also confirmed their arrival in Jordan on Tuesday night, Australian time. Loading We welcome the release of our clients today  the seven Australian humanitarians  and are grateful to the Australian government for their work to facilitate their release and for the consular support they have received, Robinson said. We remain deeply concerned by the human rights violations suffered by our clients during their detention, including physical abuse, threats of violence, sleep deprivation and other forms of inhuman and degrading treatment. Robinson is part of an international legal team including Kate Gibson and Nikila Kaushik from Doughty Street Chambers and Bernadette Zaydan of Zaydan Lawyers, who worked for the Australians while they were detained.

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Speaking to the ABC on Wednesday morning, Lamont echoed Robinsons claims of mistreatment by Israeli authorities and claimed the Australians were the last activists from the flotilla to be released. Lamont claimed the Australian activists transport from Israel into Jordan was aided by other governments, and that the Italian government had been supportive. Lamont called the Australian governments help with the extraction absolutely shameful and said she was really upset that the Australian government have been so shameful in their support for their citizens. A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: We are pleased they have been released from detention. The welfare and treatment of the detainees were raised by the government in both Tel Aviv and Canberra.

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The Australians were among hundreds of activists in 40 boats who sailed across the Mediterranean to reach Gaza, carrying a small amount of aid in a symbolic attempt to break Israels security cordon. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla last Thursday. Hajar Rafiq said she was over the moon after the release of her Sydney-based brother, Abubakir, who she said had suffered injuries to his shoulders and ribs. My body has been running on adrenaline for six days now, just not knowing whats going to happen, she said on Tuesday night. Im ecstatic. Im just really relieved. Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, a member of the flotilla, said after her release that she had been kept in a cell infested with bedbugs and given insufficient food and water.

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Swedish activist Greta Thunberg in Athens after being deported by Israel. AP The Australian members of the flotilla made statements to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade saying they suffered systematic abuse during their detention, including sleep deprivation, the denial of food and water, and physical violence. In one case, they said, this resulted in a detainee suffering a dislocated arm. 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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PoliticsFederalNational security Cover-up: Penny Wong, Michaelia Cash clash over return of IS brides Matthew Knott October 7, 2025  2:52pm 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

Officials from Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses department have declined to confirm basic details about the return of wives and children of Islamic State fighters to Australia from Syria, prompting accusations of a cover-up from the federal opposition. It was revealed last week that a group of six women and children had smuggled themselves out of Syria and returned to Australia despite Albanese denying earlier reports that a cohort was set to return home by the end of the year. Australian women with their children in Al-Hawl camp in northern Syria in 2019. Kate Geraghty The women were wives of men who travelled to Syria to fight for the Islamic State (also known as IS or ISIS) when the radical jihadist group was trying to establish a hardline Sunni caliphate across the Middle East. Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet officials told Senate estimates hearings it would be a breach of privacy to detail how many wives and children have travelled from camps in Syria to Australia despite such figures being widely reported in the media.

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The Coalition homed in on the issue on Tuesday, probing why Albanese dismissed as inaccurate reports that Australian women would be returned to Australia before Christmas as part of a top-secret operation. The government has stressed that, unlike a 2022 repatriation mission, it did not organise an evacuation of the latest cohort or organise their flights to Australia. Senator Michaelia Cash during Senate estimates on Tuesday. Dominic Lorrimer The women and children fled the notoriously violent Al-Hawl detention camp in northern Syria and flew to Victoria via Lebanon. Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who was representing Albanese at the hearings, and officials from the prime ministers department repeatedly took questions on notice, including about when government briefings were provided about the issue and why Albanese had denied the initial reports.

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It isnt a free-for-all here, Wong said as opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash and acting opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson probed for details. You are asking questions in the wrong committee. Wong said the opposition should instead direct its questions to officials from the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at their hearings later in the week. Officials are entitled to take questions on notice to ensure their answers are accurate, Wong added. Describing the lack of detail as a cover-up, Cash said: It is an absolute disgrace that the Albanese government refuses to give the most basic details about the return to Australia of this cohort.

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Australians deserve to know how they are being protected from this highly dangerous cohort who associated themselves with the barbaric Islamic State regime. Coalition senator James McGrath accused the government of using the cloak of privacy to decline to reveal how many wives and children had returned to Australia from Syria. You are asking questions in the wrong committee: Penny Wong during the estimates sitting on Tuesday. Dominic Lorrimer Former home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie resigned from the opposition frontbench on Friday, complicating the Coalitions ability to attack the government over the issue. The Coalition did not raise the issue in question time in the House of Representatives, turning down an opportunity to grill Albanese or Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

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The federal government confirmed last week that the six women and children arrived in Beirut and were detained by Lebanese authorities as they did not have valid visas or legitimate entry records. Members of the group were issued passports after being processed by Lebanese authorities, the government said. The dispute over the accuracy of the initial reports, published in The Australian, appears to hinge on the level of support the government did or did not provide for the cohorts return to Australia. That report said that government officials were assisting the operation quietly in the background. Albanese said last month: I confirm that the Australian government is not providing assistance to this cohort.

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Members of the group were issued Australian passports after being processed by Lebanese authorities, including passports for children who were entitled to Australian citizenship but were born in Syria. Related Article Updated

Middle East tensions Women and children return to Australia after years stranded in Syria Wong said that the government was obliged to help eligible Australians receive a passport, but argued this should not be seen as providing support for the group to return to Australia. The Rojava Information Centre, the Kurdish media arm in Syria, told this masthead there had not been any delegations from Australia coming to the region for repatriations for a year now, supporting the governments claim it had not organised a repatriation mission. The federal government said in a statement: If any of those people find their own way to return, our security agencies are satisfied that they are prepared and will be able to act in the interests of community safety.

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Our agencies have been monitoring these individuals for some time. We have confidence in our agencies. With Michael Bachelard 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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Exclusive PoliticsVictoriaGrossi Florentino Guy Grossi sells Melbourne Italian institution, buyer revealed Charlotte Grieve and Emma Breheny Updated October 7, 2025  4:55pm ,first published October 7, 2025  3:07pm 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

Celebrity chef Guy Grossi is selling Melbourne fine dining institution Grossi Florentino and other restaurants after more than 25 years running the high-profile venue. All three restaurants within the Florentino building on Bourke Street  Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar and Grossi Florentino  are included in the sale. The new owners will be announced shortly. The sale comes eight months after this masthead published an investigation that revealed a history of sexual harassment allegations raised by female staff and industry leaders against Grossi and his staff. Multiple hospitality industry sources, who could not be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed Grossi had sold the venues, and claimed the buyer is Edition Hospitality Group, led by Rebecca Yazbek, who runs Nomad restaurant and Reine & La Rue in Melbourne and other venues in Sydney. Guy Grossi has sold his most recognised restaurant.

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Yazbek did not deny the sale when The Age contacted her with details, but said her husband, Alan Yazbek, was not behind any deal with the Grossis. Edition Hospitality Groups publicist declined to comment when contacted about the purchase. Alan Yazbek ceased any involvement with the company after he pleaded guilty to holding a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestine rally last year and was not convicted. The Grossis bought Florentino in 1999, and the venue has since been regarded as the crown jewel in the familys hospitality empire, attended by prime ministers, rock stars and gangland figures. Founded in 1928, it is regarded as Melbournes oldest restaurant. The dining room  with classical murals on its walls and chandeliers  has long been the setting for a Melbourne Cup eve party.

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Grossi has written cookbooks, appeared on MasterChef, and more recently, has expanded his Italian food empire, opening restaurants in Brisbane and Perth, and even making a foray into casual dining with the short-lived association with Puttanesca within the Clifton Hotel in Kew. Grossi did not respond to questions from this masthead asking whether the sale was related to the sexual harassment allegations, but soon after The Age contacted his representatives, a story appeared in the Herald Sun that did not mention this mastheads reporting of the allegations against him. As our family looks to the future, this is not about stepping away but embracing a new chapter, Grossi told the Herald Sun. The Grossi Florentino dining room in Melbourne. Bonnie Savage The months-long investigation by this masthead and Good Food revealed allegations Grossi had groped the breasts of two women at an industry event in 2022, and that he had a history of inappropriate behaviour towards female employees stretching back more than a decade.

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In response, Grossi issued a public apology to one woman, while denying the allegation, and admitted the second groping allegation but said it was an accident after he was inadvertently bumped from behind and propelled forward. Related Article Exclusive

Investigations Unreserved and sincere: Guy Grossi apologises after groping allegation Grossi otherwise defended his behaviour and denied allegations raised by staff. The investigation also revealed cultural problems within the broader Grossi Group, including poor handling of staff complaints and a history of sexist attitudes towards women at venues around the country. Despite issuing the public apology through lawyers, Grossi addressed his employees in the wake of the scandal and read from a prepared statement before he went off-script and blamed the investigation on some c---s who were trying to take him down.

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The revelations came amid a cultural reckoning for Australias hospitality industry, with scandals engulfing well-known groups in Sydney, including Merivale and Swillhouse, and Victorian venues Kaprica and Moonah. Related Investigation

Investigation Hospitality giants in spotlight Grossi has spent the year headlining and promoting various events, including the Starlight Five Chefs fundraiser and the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival, and judging the Melbourne Italian Festa, which will be held in the Royal Exhibition Building in late October. In July Grossi also announced his involvement in Prahran wine bar Bar Bianco, which is owned by property developer Gurner Group. The Bourke Street building near Victorias parliament that houses Grossis venues is owned by the Australian Soap Company, which remains unchanged by the restaurant sales, according to property titles and corporate records.

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The companys directors include Melbourne philanthropist Ian William Hicks, Paul-Thomas Hicks and Andrew Edwin John Fairely, who are involved with another charity together. The directors were contacted for comment. Grossi Group and Guy Grossi were contacted for comment. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Enjoying a cup of tea on their own tatami mat is all part of the Japanese dream for Australian couple John and Miranda Bertram.

Originally from Brisbane, they took the plunge and bought a vacant home in Japan two years ago.

Australians John and Miranda Bertram bought and renovated a house in Japan. Credit: Jamie Freestone

We absolutely love living here, and we feel like really welcome guests in this country, Ms Bertram said.

The husband and wife spent about $150,000 purchasing and renovating the property that was once a geisha house.
BERLIN, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Iris Stalzer, the newly elected mayor of the western German town of Herdecke, was seriously injured in a knife attack on Tuesday, according to German public broadcaster WDR.

The 57-year-old politician from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) was found at her residence with life-threatening injuries on Tuesday afternoon, WDR reported. She is currently receiving intensive medical treatment.

Stalzer won the mayoral election in late September in Herdecke, a town in Germany's Ruhr area, and was scheduled to take office next month.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the assault as "a heinous act" on the social media platform X, calling for a swift investigation and expressing deep concern for Stalzer's condition.

Other political leaders, including Matthias Miersch, head of the SPD's parliamentary group, also voiced concern and urged authorities to clarify the circumstances of the attack.

Police have not yet confirmed whether the assault was politically motivated. 
MADRID, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A building under renovation partially collapsed in central Madrid on Tuesday, leaving at least three people injured and four others missing, authorities said.

Inmaculada Sanz, deputy mayor of Madrid, told reporters at the scene that the immediate priority is to locate the missing individuals and ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the rescue operation.

The incident occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Calle de las Hileras in the Opera district. Witnesses cited by local media reported hearing a loud crash followed by a cloud of dust and debris filling the street.

According to authorities, the collapse involved the upper floors of a five-story building, including a basement, which gave way progressively downward. The facade remains unstable, posing challenges for emergency teams working on site.

Rescue operations are ongoing as crews carefully navigate unstable structures and large piles of debris. Emergency responders, including firefighters, engineers, medical staff, and psychologists, are assisting victims and supporting affected families, Sanz said.

She added that the operation is expected to continue for several hours, possibly even days, as teams work to stabilize the building and clear debris. The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. 
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The cabin once belonged to Union spy Felix Grundy Stidger, whose undercover work helped stop a Confederate plot to arm and free prisoners in Louisville and Indianapolis.
PRAGUE, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Officials and industry leaders from China and the Czech Republic on Monday urged closer economic cooperation, emphasizing shared opportunities in industrial innovation at the 2025 China-Czech Business Summit in Brno.

The trade and economic relations between the two countries have deep foundations, long-term potential, and a clear vision for the future, said Martin Frelich, deputy minister of industry and trade of the Czech Republic.

Frelich noted that China is one of the Czech Republic's largest trading partners, with new opportunities emerging in areas such as industrial modernization, automation, digitalization, and sustainability. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to advancing the partnership, including supporting Czech participation in future trade fairs in China.

Jan Rydl, president of the Czech Association of Engineering Technology, highlighted the rapid growth of bilateral trade in machine tools in recent years, calling it a sign of the "high and continuously deepening" level of cooperation in the sector.

Liu Haiyan, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic, said the foundation of China-Czech economic and trade relations is solid and the prospects remain broad.

Liu expressed readiness to work with the Czech government, business community, and civil society to tap cooperation potential, strengthen policy coordination, improve connectivity, and deepen people-to-people exchanges to promote the stable and healthy development of bilateral relations.

The summit was jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic and the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade. 
Mayor Craig Greenberg made the announcement Monday as he pitched in to deliver some of the meals.
LJUBLJANA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob on Tuesday called for peace and reiterated his support for a two-state solution as the only way to lasting stability and security in the Middle East, marking two years since the renewed Israel-Palestine conflict.

Golob said the world still witnesses hostages being held, more than 60,000 civilian deaths in Gaza, and a worsening humanitarian catastrophe that has devastated the region. He criticized the international community for failing to stop the violence and for allowing Israel to act in violation of international law.

Expressing cautious optimism about a new peace initiative, Golob urged that Palestinians be treated as equal partners in future negotiations. "Peace must prevail," he said, adding that a two-state solution is the only way to lasting stability. 
TOLEDO TOWN, La.  Controversy continues to consume a privately-run water system along Toledo Bend Reservoir  now with accusations of theft and investigations coming from the board.

But even those assertions are under scrutiny.

The Pendleton Water Association has been in turmoil for months with the board and its member-customers at odds about operations and future planning. A change in the leadership panel is in the works as ballots to fill seats of two board members who are termed-out are scheduled to be counted Tuesday. Its uncertain, though, if the results will be made known after the process or delayed until the Oct. 21 regular meeting.

Meanwhile, accusations of financial irregularities have surfaced and prompted the board president, Charlin Stewart, to issue a statement Monday morning saying the Sabine Parish Sheriffs Office and Sabine Parish District Attorneys Office concluded an investigation without filing charges against an unidentified former employee.

So, Stewart says the board voted unanimously to ask the state attorney general, legislative auditor and even the U.S. Attorneys Office for assistance.

However, District Attorney Don Burkett, when contacted by KTBS Monday afternoon, said the statement concerning his office is not accurate.

Ive not refused anything, Burkett said. My information is the sheriffs office prepared a warrant. The judge declined to sign the warrant and thats where it is. I havent taken any action one way or the other. I cant prosecute if no one is arrested. Im looking into whatever steps we may take.

The associations news release states the board discovered clear examples of unauthorized use of company funds by a former employee.

The board alleged irregularities were found in records dating to 2011 and as recently as July, totaling approximately $100,000. No specifics were provided.

"Our commitment to our members is unwavering, and that includes protecting their investment in this utility," said Stewart. "We have a fiduciary duty to our members and will pursue every available legal avenue to recover the funds that were misused. We are confident that state and federal agencies have the resources to fully investigate this matter."

PWA serves 891 residential and commercial customers in the Pendleton and Toledo Town areas of Sabine Parish. Those customers are considered association members. Some of them are more active than others in monitoring the districts operations.

That oversight appears to be one of the sources of contention with board members. A board action thats ruffled feathers the most is a contractual agreement of almost a half-million dollars approved in July to have the districts water system managed by an Alexandria company instead of in-house. Also under scrutiny is the boards purchase of 3 acres of land next to the water plant for $300,000.

Within the past two months, tensions at the district office also escalated. Gates to the site, which once allowed association members to come and go, were ordered locked.

There was also an incident in which a male employee of the new management company alleged he was assaulted by a female association member. He filed a criminal complaint. The sheriff's office issued a misdemeanor summons for simple battery; however, the district attorney is not prosecuting the case.

Association members presented a petition in late August seeking to unseat the current board and force an election prior to the scheduled October date. However, Stewart determined the petition was invalid. An attempt by the membership to revisit the petition at the September meeting also failed.

Ballots for the two seats that will be open on the board were mailed over the past month. But even that drew criticism after problems with the ballots were noted and a second round was sent out.

The water system was in line for a $1.7 million federal grant for improvements, including replacing 4-inch water lines along Highway 6 with 12-inch lines. The grant was in jeopardy because of failure to get an appraisal prior to the land purchase.

Stewart told KTBS in early-August the board wanted to repurpose the grant to tie onto Manys water system to serve as a backup in emergencies. But in an Aug. 11 letter to the state, Stewart requests approval to revise the scope of the project and increase the grant request to fund potential consolidation of PWA with the town of Manys system.

Stewart said the consolidation would require a very difficult vote of our membership. She added: After some period of successful service from Many, we believe a membership vote for consolidation will be possible.

The water system had been out of compliance with the state health department and still has issues to correct involving repairs to equipment. An administrative order on the disinfection of by-products remains open.
Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Areas of patchy fog early. Cloudy early, becoming mostly sunny in the afternoon. High 73F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Areas of patchy fog. Low near 55F. Winds light and variable.
High Court reporters

Dublin city councillor Gavin Pepper has told the High Court he has written to undertake that he will not attend or film outside the homes of staff of credit servicing and asset management firm, Pepper Finance Corporation.

Cllr Pepper, an independent who was elected in the Ballymun/Finglas area, said he had sent a letter to Pepper Finance lawyers agreeing not to attend the homes of staff of the company.

He had previously denied that he shot footage for social media outside Pepper Finance managing director Ian Wigglesworth's west Dublin home.

Last July, Mr Wigglesworth and Pepper Finance were granted an interim injunction preventing the councillor from attending the Wigglesworth home or filming and watching him and his family or from publishing home addresses of Pepper employees.

That application was made ex parte - meaning only the Wigglesworth/Pepper side was represented - and days later, Mr Pepper appeared himself, saying he wished to be given time to get legal representation.

Cllr Pepper, who is a taxi driver, of Plunkett Green, Finglas, Dublin, was also required to remove social media posts which contain footage of videoing which took place outside Mr Wigglesworth's home.

Brian Conroy SC, for Mr Wigglesworth and Pepper Finance, told the court in July that Cllr Pepper has a well-established association with the far right and social media posts promoting far-right ideas.

On Tuesday, Mr Conroy said there was some contentious correspondence over the summer and difficulties in serving papers on Cllr Pepper. The letter he sent last Friday meant there was now cause for optimism.

While his letter was nuanced, it might resolve the issues, and counsel wanted the matter put back until Friday, and it will issue a responding letter to Cllr Gavin by Thursday. He appeared to "in a large part" have already agreed to the proposals to resolve the matter, counsel said.

Cllr Pepper, in a prepared statement he read to the court, said he could not afford legal representation. In his letter, he had undertaken not to attend the home of anyone who works for Pepper Finance.

He said he had spent less than 40 minutes in Cllr Wigglesworth's neighbourhood and "I cannot understand why I have been sued".

While he had agreed to give undertakings, there had been a lot of things said by Pepper Finance which were not true, he said.

He told the judge he did not want to swear an affidavit in reply to Pepper Finance's claims until they have responded to his letter and the case comes back on Friday.

Mr Conroy also told the court that all but one of a number of social media posts by Cllr Pepper had been taken down. That matter could be resolved between the parties, he said.
High Court reporters

The former operator of a camper van business who stole thousands of euro from customers by robbing Peter to pay Paul to prop up his failing company has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Darragh McGinn (64) of Oaklawn, Newcastle, Co Wicklow pleaded guilty at a sitting Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court to five separate counts of theft on dates between September 2011 and June 2019.

The offences by a man, who one victim branded as a predator of vulnerable people, involved the theft of sums ranging from 1,500 to 27,000 and totalling 53,500.

Detective Sergeant Donal OSullivan gave evidence that the total loss suffered by customers of the accused which was uncovered by a Garda investigation, amounted to 111,500.

Judge Patrick Quinn noted that McGinns offending had resulted in honest people fighting among themselves about the ownership of vehicles, as he had also deprived some purchasers of related documents to establish ownership of the camper vans.

McGinn operated a camper van business, ECC Leisure Limited, which was originally based in Inch, Gorey, Co Wexford, but later moved to Beech Road, Arklow, Co Wicklow.

Det Sgt OSullivan said the theft arose after the accused failed to pay customers who had consigned their camper vans to him to sell.

He told counsel for the DPP, James Kelly BL, that McGinn had fobbed off several customers when they attempted to contact him about the sale of their vehicle.

The court heard that McGinn had threatened one aggrieved customer who had started handing out leaflets outside his business premises which were warning clients about using his services.

Det Sgt OSullivan informed the court that the accused had been disqualified in December 2018 from acting as a director of any company for a five-year period because of his role as a director in another company involved with camper vans.

McGinn was also prosecuted and fined 800 in 2014 for the unauthorised installation of gas equipment in a camper van.

Defence counsel, Garnet Orange SC, told the court that the accuseds business was affected by the economic crash around 2008.

He was not the only person who made bad business decisions trying to prop up a business that should have been allowed to fold, said Mr Orange.

Under cross-examination, Det Sgt OSullivan said he was told that McGinn was in complete control of the companys finances.

Mr Orange acknowledged that the defendant had engaged in reckless business practice by robbing Peter to pay Paul and fobbing customers off with excuses.

He told Judge Quinn that McGinn had left the business in 2019 and had been diagnosed in recent times with colon cancer.

The court heard that McGinn had brought 10,000 to court, which he had borrowed from his brother as compensation.

Mr Orange stressed that the accused had not been living a luxurious lifestyle and was now living on social welfare.

However, Det Sgt OSullivan said he believed that McGinn was still operating a camper van repair business online.

The court heard a probation report had assessed McGinn at being a moderate risk of reoffending.

Sentencing McGinn to concurrent prison sentences of three years for each of the theft offences, Judge Quinn suspended the final 12 months on condition that McGinn keep the peace on his release.

Judge Quinn directed that the compensation offered by McGinn should be distributed proportionately among his victims.
ANKARA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a U.S.-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the conflict in Ukraine during a phone call on Tuesday, the Turkish presidency said.

In a statement, Erdogan's office said the two leaders covered bilateral relations between Turkiye and Russia, as well as pressing regional and global issues.

Erdogan told Putin that Ankara was continuing intensive efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave, referencing the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

On Ukraine, Erdogan stressed the need for diplomatic initiatives to achieve a "fair and lasting peace," reaffirming that Turkiye will continue to work toward that end, the statement said. The call coincided with Putin's birthday, with Erdogan extending his wishes.

A brief statement from the Kremlin confirmed the birthday greetings and said the leaders "exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East, as well as those pertaining to Ukraine."

Ankara has been an important mediator between Russia and Ukraine, hosting multiple rounds of negotiations. 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has called off efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Venezuela, reported The New York Times on Monday, citing U.S. officials.

During a meeting with senior military leaders on Thursday, Trump instructed Richard Grenell -- the special presidential envoy leading negotiations with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other top Venezuelan officials -- to stop all diplomatic outreach, including talks with Maduro, the officials said on Monday.

According to the report, Trump has become "increasingly frustrated with Maduro's refusal to voluntarily give up power and with Venezuelan officials' continued denial of their involvement in drug trafficking."

The move paves the way for a potential military escalation against drug traffickers or the government of Maduro, said the report.

Maduro has repeatedly accused the United States of using drug cartel threats as a pretext for regime change and military buildup in Latin America.

While some cocaine leaves South America through Venezuela, the country is not a main source of U.S.-bound drugs, according to a 2020 report from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. 
BRASILIA, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva asked U.S. President Donald Trump to eliminate the newly imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazilian products in a phone call on Monday, said the Brazilian presidency's communications secretariat.

In the call initiated by Trump, Lula noted that Brazil is one of three countries in the Group of 20 (G20) with which the United States has a trade surplus, asking the United States to lift tariffs and sanctions on Brazilian authorities, including cancelling their U.S. visas, according to a statement from the secretariat.

"In a friendly tone, the two leaders talked for 30 minutes, recalling the good chemistry they had in New York during the UN General Assembly. Both presidents reiterated the positive impression of that meeting," the statement said.

Also on the call were Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, Presidential Spokesperson Sidonio Palmeira, and Celso Amorim, chief advisor to the president.

The call took place amid tensions caused by Trump's decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on a range of Brazilian products, starting Aug. 6.

Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to follow up on the matter through negotiations with Alckmin, Vieira and Haddad.

The two leaders agreed to meet in person soon, and Brazil reiterated its invitation for Trump to participate in this year's UN Climate Change Conference in the Amazonian city of Belem in November.

The possibility of a direct meeting between Lula and Trump was announced last month by the U.S. president during the UN General Assembly in New York City, after a brief encounter between the two, who greeted each other and agreed to talk.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he "enjoyed the call," which was "very good," while Alckmin told reporters after the conversation that it was "better than we expected." 
Theres a growing tension inside Ferraris red walls  a sense that potential is being squandered, that promise too often gives way to pain, and team boss Fred Vasseur can barely conceal his exasperation.

At the Singapore Grand Prix, a race that once symbolized Ferraris flair under the lights, the team found itself trapped in another loop of underachievement.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton managed only P6 and P8 respectively, their challenge crippled by severe brake issues and a car that faded just when it mattered most.

Vasseurs post-race remarks painted a grim picture of a team grappling with its own limitations, unable to harness the raw speed shown in fleeting moments of brilliance.

A Promising Start, A Familiar Collapse

The teams pace in Friday practice hinted at a competitive edge, a fleeting glimpse of what could be. Yet, as the weekend progressed, that promise crumbled.

Qualifying left Leclerc in P7 and Hamilton in P6, a lackluster grid position that set the tone for a grueling race.

What is mega frustrating is that the last two weekends we came in... Baku and then Singapore. At the beginning of the weekend, the pace was there, Vasseur lamented.

The teams clear inability to carry early momentum into race day has become a recurring nightmare, one that Vasseur can no longer ignore.

The race itself was a study in frustration. Brake overheating plagued both drivers from as early as Lap 2 in the 62-lap event, forcing them into a defensive, energy-sapping strategy.

Very early in the race we asked Charles to do a lift and coast, Vasseur revealed. Its not just a matter of doing a lift and coast when youre losing a little bit at the end of the straight. Its also to find the right braking point.

The constant need to adjust brake balance disrupted the drivers rhythm, eroding their confidence and costing them precious time.

In all the races that we were a bit more, a bit less, a bit more, a bit less, a bit more on the rear, a bit more on the front. You had to change the brake balance.

At the end, you lose probably more on the reference for you when you are driving the car than on the pure potential, Vasseur explained, pinpointing the technical quagmire that ensnared his team.

A Glimmer of Pace, Overshadowed by Failure

By the races end, Leclerc limped to P6, while Hamilton, battling severe brake issues, finished a disheartening P8 after a post-race penalty for cutting corners in a desperate bid to stay competitive.

A late pit stop for fresh soft tyres allowed Hamilton to claim the fastest lap, a hollow feat in Vasseurs eyes.

Its a fake fastest lap for me. We are not in the same situation. What I can say is that when he was pushing, the pace was there, he said.

The gap with the cars in front of him was coherent with the delta that you have on the tyres. But nothing more than this.

Its also frustrating for us, because we had the feeling that when we did three laps in a row without saving, that the pace was not bad.

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Yet, these fleeting moments of speed only deepened the sting of Ferraris broader struggles.

We didnt extract the best from the car, I think, honestly, Vasseur admitted, his candor laying bare the teams shortcomings.

We are doing 29.7s in Q1 yesterday and 29.7s in Q3, but we're are struggling at the end of all the races not to be at the back foot.

For the team, its mega frustrating. The team and drivers are for all of us, because we are not pushing [because of the brakes]. At the end of the day, we are putting so much effort to be there, that when you have to do all the races on the backfoot, its not good.

As Ferrari retreats from Marina Bay, Vasseurs frustration is palpable, a reflection of a team caught in a cycle of hope and heartbreak.

Without a solution to their persistent issues, the Scuderia risks fading further into the shadows, their early promise nothing more than a cruel mirage in the unforgiving world of Formula 1.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Afretec Network awards $2.3M in multi-institutional research grants

The Carnegie Mellon University Africa-led network has awarded almost $7.43M in research funding since it was established in 2022.

The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), a pan-African collaboration of technology-focused universities, has awarded $2.3 million USD in grants to build research capacity and accelerate digital growth throughout the African continent.

Each multi-institutional research team will build on existing science, engineering, and technology in disciplines such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, information technology, and cybersecurity. The selected projects are particularly focused on improving the state of health, environment and sustainability, and energy in Africa. Several projects will also address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which were created with the goal of improving every aspect of human and environmental well-being.

The Carnegie Mellon University Africa-led network has awarded almost $7.43M in research funding since it was established in 2022.

Awarded full grants

2025 full grant awardees receive up to $300,000 USD in funding

Addressing Heatwaves, Air Pollution, and Human Health in West and East Africa Through High-Frequency Sensor Monitoring and AI-Driven Analysis

Principal investigator: Rose Alani (University of Lagos)

Co-investigators:

Davies Rene Segera (University of Nairobi)

Amadou Thierno Gaye (Universite Cheikh Anta Diop)

This project proposes a comprehensive solution that integrates high-frequency (5-second interval) air pollution sensors, a cloud-based real-time dashboard, and AI-driven anomaly detection using a large language model. By combining continuous sensor data with health outcomes and socio-economic parameters, this project will develop tailored policy recommendations, strengthen local capacity, and drive digital transformation in Lagos, Nairobi, and Dakar.

TLC: Teaching, Learning, Creativity Through Digitalization and Integrated Cross-Border Collaboration

Principal investigator: Reuben Dlamini (University of the Witwatersrand)

Co-investigators:

Habimana Olivier (University of Rwanda)

Nqobile Ndzinisa (University of Eswatini)

Clement Simuja (Rhodes University)

This research project is expected to generate evidence-based insights into how teacher wellbeing, working conditions, school leadership, and educational policies shape teacher retention, job satisfaction, and attrition in Rwanda, Eswatini, and South Africa. The findings will inform both scientific knowledge and policy reform by offering a holistic framework that addresses systemic challenges in teacher support and inclusivity, ultimately contributing to stronger education systems, improved student outcomes, and sustainable socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa.

AI-Powered Voice Interfaces to Improve Financial Inclusion of Visually Impaired People When Using USSD Powered Mobile Money Services in Rwanda and Beyond

Principal investigator: Kizito Nkurikiyeyezu (University of Rwanda and Carnegie Mellon University Africa)

Co-investigators:

Eric Umuhoza (Carnegie Mellon University Africa)

Johannes Machinya (University of the Witwatersrand)

In Rwanda, 86 percent of adults rely on mobile money services for essential transactions, but the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) powering these services creates significant barriers for visually impaired users. USSD interfaces use text-based menus accessed through dial codes like *182# that generate temporary overlays invisible to screen readers, while lacking audio feedback, imposing strict time limits, and providing no input validation. These accessibility failures force visually impaired individuals to depend on caregivers for transactions, increasing error rates and fraud vulnerability as they cannot independently verify recipients or amounts. As Rwanda moves toward its goal of a fully cashless society by 2030, these barriers threaten to further marginalize the countrys 1.4% visually impaired population from financial independence.

This research addresses this critical gap by developing an AI-powered voice interface smartphone application tailored for Kinyarwanda that enables visually impaired users to navigate USSD menus independently and securely.

Multilayer Biofilter System for Wastewater Treatment and Digital Monitoring in Africa

Principal investigator: Nadia ARROUSSE (Al Akhawayn University)

Co-investigator:

Hamed Hashemi (University of the Witwatersrand)

The project will be implemented in Morocco and South Africa, with a specific focus on wastewater treatment in pisciculture (fish farming) plants. A key component of the initiative is capacity building by training unemployed graduates from open access universities in Morocco and South Africa on the development and use of these filtration systems. This initiative aligns with Africas digital transformation goals, sustainability strategies, and efforts to promote job creation in the water treatment sector.

Smart Aquaculture: IoT, AI, and Data Analytics for Sustainable African Catfish Farming

Principal investigator: Oluwagbenga Olanrewaju OLUDE (University of Lagos)

Co-investigators:

Theophilus Akinfenwa FASHANU (University of Lagos)

Ahmed Rafea (The American University in Cairo)

Gatera Antoine (University of Rwanda)

The initiative envisions transforming aquaculture into a sustainable, efficient, and inclusive enterprise by integrating Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics for precise, real-time decision-making. IoT-enabled sensors will be used for real-time monitoring of critical water quality indicators in earthen and concrete ponds, AI algorithms and data analytics will process the data to detect anomalies and water quality risks, and provide data-driven, precise, and accurate decision support for farm optimization; helping fish farmers take proactive rather than reactive measures.

Ethical, Trustworthy, Autonomous: The Vehicles of Tomorrow

Principal investigator: Amr El Mougy (The American University in Cairo)

Co-investigators:

Moinak Maiti (University of the Witwatersrand)

Sherif Aly (The American University in Cairo)

Khalil El Khodary (The American University in Cairo)

Alia El Bolock (The American University in Cairo)

Daoud Siniora (The American University in Cairo)

This project will investigate approaches for ethical and trustworthy driving for autonomous vehicles.

Human-Centered AI Tools to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Principal investigator: Prasenjit Mitra (Carnegie Mellon University Africa)

Co-investigators:

Titus Adhola (University of Nairobi)

This project will focus on developing AI tools to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, with a specific emphasis on African contexts. By leveraging advanced machine learning models, the project aims to create predictive tools to forecast and manage potential conflicts, ensuring the safety and coexistence of both humans and wildlife. The researchers will also seek to train students and postdocs in engineering and ecology how to pursue high impact social projects in the African context using state-of-the-art AI too.

Awarded seed grants

2025 seed grant awardees receive up to $50,000 USD in funding

Modelling Artificial Intelligence Skills Gaps and Upskilling Strategies in the Construction Industries of Developing Countries

Principal investigator: Oluwaseun Sunday DOSUMU (University of Rwanda)

Co-investigators:

Iniobong Beauty John (University of Lagos)

Jesse Thornburg (Carnegie Mellon University Africa)

Christine Munanese (University of Rwanda)

The project examines artificial intelligence (AI) skills gaps in the construction industries of Rwanda and Nigeria by identifying the specific competencies required, analyzing demand-supply mismatches, and evaluating effective upskilling and reskilling strategies for the workforce. It will further develop a structural equation model and a digital training framework to guide professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders in fostering AI adoption, enhancing productivity, and driving sustainable digital transformation in the sector.

Fintech Adoption, Financial Literacy, and Financial Inclusion: Experimental Evidence of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Kenya

Principal investigator: Odongo Kodongo (University of the Witwatersrand)

Co-investigators:

Dinah Natto (Daystar University)

Peterson Magutu (University of Nairobi)

Sedjro Alovokphinhou (University of the Witwatersrand)

The proposed project seeks to establish whether financial literacy plays an important mediating role in the nexus between fintech adoption and usage of financial services. The researchers will conduct a randomized control trial using small and medium-sized enterprises in Kenya.

Integrating Machine Learning Based Approaches to Accelerate Perovskite Materials Discovery and Optimization

Principal investigator: Francis Wanjala Nyongesa (University of Nairobi)

Co-investigators:

Daniel Wamwangi (University of Witswatersrand)

Benjamin Victor Odari (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology)

Cecil Naphtaly Moro Ouma (African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Research & Innovation Centre)

This project aims to increase access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa by engaging in the discovery and optimization of existing perovskite solar cell materials using machine learning approaches with the goal of locally manufacturing solar panels in Africa. Capacity building in photovoltaics and emergence of new partnerships among universities and industries are envisaged.

Privacy and Mobile Money Use in Sub-Saharan Africa

Principal investigator: Emily Aiken (Carnegie Mellon University Africa)

Co-investigators:

Assane Gueye (Carnegie Mellon University Africa)

Doudou Fall (Universite Cheikh Anta Diop)

This comparative project studies how mobile money users and agents in Rwanda, Kenya, Senegal, and Ghana manage privacy risks and personally identifying information. It will investigate:

Users concerns about privacy in mobile money transactions The privacy practices of agents in interacting with personal data The extent to which privacy regulations in each country overlap with users and agents concerns and practices.

Designing Organic Optical Sensors with COMSOL Multiphysics and DFT Simulations: A Pathway to Technological Advancement

Principal investigator: Siziwe Gqoba (University of the Witwatersrand)

Co-investigators:

Cebisa Linganiso (University of the Witwatersrand)

Mildred Airo (Maseno University)

Francis Otieno (Maseno University)

Innocent Nkurikiyimfura (University of Rwanda)

Marie Chantal (University of Rwanda)

The project aims at enhancing sensor efficiency to drive technological innovation. This will not only promote employment growth, but it will open new opportunities in environmental monitoring, healthcare and communication systems.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Computational Modeling in Plastic Waste Sorting, Development and Optimization of Biofibre-Reinforced Composites for Sustainable Construction Materials

Principal investigator: Gaudence Nyirazeyimana (University of Rwanda)

Co-investigators:

George Rading (University of Nairobi)

Thomas Ochuku Mbuya (University of Nairobi)

Maxime Binama (University of Rwanda)

Celestin Nkundineza (University of Rwanda)

This project aims to upcycle plastic and food waste into high-quality biofibre composites for construction materials by using machine learning to better sort commonly used plastics like PET. It will also use experiments and computational modeling to explore different fiber sources that can overcome crop seasonality, ensuring year-round production while reducing waste and protecting the environment in Rwanda and East Africa.

Developing Natural Language Processing Powered Digital Health Solutions for Low-Resource African Languages

Principal investigator: Lucienne Abrahams (University of the Witwatersrand)

Co-investigators:

George Okeyo (Carnegie Mellon University Africa)

Audrey Mbogho (United States International University - Africa)

Ntsibane Ntlatlapa (University of the Witwatersrand)

Kgopotso Magoro (University of the Witwatersrand)

Ruth Wambua (United States International University - Africa)

Jane Muchiri (United States International University - Africa)

The project aims to develop high-quality natural language processor models for three low-resource African languages, for KheLobedu (South Africa), Kidawida (Kenya), and for Kinyarwanda (Rwanda). The focus will be on
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Guinea-Bissau have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies that could support the Ninth review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement
Novo Nordisk is working on newer products, including oral and subcutaneous versions of Amycretin, a medicine that mimics the action of two gut hormones: The famous GLP-1 and amylin, both of which help regulate blood sugar and satiety. The dual agonist approach has proved incredibly effective with Eli Lilly 's Zepbound. Novo Nordisk is hoping to score a hit in that department with Amycretin, whose early-stage clinical trials were a resounding success.

Second, Novo Nordisk should maintain that momentum for the foreseeable future and possibly even accelerate revenue growth. The company's next-gen diabetes and weight management medicines should help on that front. These include CagriSema which, despite slightly disappointing phase 3 results, still looks like a highly promising prospect.

Large drugmakers tend to be happy with top-line growth in the high single-digit percentages -- and Novo Nordisk is well above that level. While the market may have expected even more, given its rich valuation, the correction has now made Novo Nordisk's shares attractive relative to their growth potential. Novo Nordisk is trading at 13.3 times forward earnings, below the 16.4 average for the healthcare industry.

First, although the company's earnings haven't quite met Wall Street 's expectations, they remain highly competitive when compared to those of similarly sized peers. Novo Nordisk's revenue for the first six months of the year grew by 16% year over year to 154.9 billion Danish kroner ($24.3 billion). The company's earnings per share (EPS) jumped by 23% year over year to 12.49 DKK ($2).

After a major slide this year due to worse-than-expected financial results and clinical setbacks, Denmark-based pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk is starting to look like a steal. Here are two reasons why.

And that's precisely what we have with Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX), two leading drugmakers that have significantly lagged the market this year.

Equity markets are said to be forward looking. However, sometimes they fail to look far enough into the future by reacting too harshly to the challenges some companies face in the present. The good news is that this often creates opportunities for astute investors to pick up shares of great companies with excellent prospects on the dip.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is also expanding its lineup even as it continues to dominate its core market.

Story Continues

Amycretin, CagriSema, and others should eventually improve Novo Nordisk's pipeline, and that's before considering the label expansions the company recently earned, which could add billions in sales to its existing products. Rybelsus earned approval for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, while Wegovy earned the green light for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Oral Wegovy is also racing toward approval for obesity, which could make it the first oral GLP-1 approved in weight management. In short, Novo Nordisk's lineup is strong, and its pipeline is as well. The company is fairly valued while awaiting potential progress that could send its stock price up. Now is a great time to invest in the stock.

2. Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Vertex Pharmaceuticals faced some clinical setbacks this year. The company had to abandon the development of a medicine for type 1 diabetes (T1D), while another therapy in development for acute pain failed a phase 2 study. The biotech company also encountered issues in Russia where it had to deal with illegal copies of some of its drugs, which reduced its revenue.

But even with these troubles, Vertex Pharmaceuticals looks attractive. The company's financial results are still strong. Second-quarter revenue climbed by 12% year over year to $2.96 billion. Vertex continues to rely on its monopoly on the market for therapies that treat a rare lung disease called cystic fibrosis (CF).

Due to its dominant position, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has significant pricing power for medicines that patients typically need to take indefinitely. The company still has room to grow in this niche despite the modest number of CF patients worldwide.

Furthermore, despite recent setbacks with the pipeline, there are also things to look forward to ahead. The company is on track to submit applications for regulatory approval of three new medicines within the next 12 months. There is zimislecl for T1D, povetacicept for IgA nephropathy, and inaxaplin for APOL1-mediated kidney disease.

True, whether Vertex proceeds with regulatory applications will depend on the clinical trial results, but things look very promising so far. For instance, zimislecel has restored the ability of most patients to make their own insulin, something that people with T1D normally cannot do.

Meanwhile, recent approvals will also help the company improve its already strong financial results. Journavx for acute pain earned the green light earlier this year and has already been widely adopted by third-party payers. Casgevy for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease has been on the market for about two years. Eventually, the gene-editing medicine should make an impact on Vertex's revenue.

The biotech has a lot to look forward to, and even with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) of 19.7, my view is that Vertex is worth a hefty premium, given its monopoly in CF, multiple new approvals, and a rich late-stage pipeline that should yield even more brand-new products within two years.

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Acting CDC director, citing Trump directive, calls for MMR shot to be split into three despite no evidence of benefit
By Tim Hepher

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Europe's Airbus broke a major commercial barrier on Tuesday when its A320 family of planes overtook the Boeing 737 to become the most-delivered jetliner in history.

Boeing's decades-old record fell with the handover of an A320neo to Saudi carrier Flynas, bringing total deliveries to 12,260 since the A320 series entered service in 1988, according to benchmark data from UK-based aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Airbus and Boeing did not reply to requests for comment on the data, tracked by leading aircraft supply analyst Rob Morris.

Demand for the industry's workhorse A320 and 737 jets has surged in recent years, as economic growth led by Asia brought tens of millions of new middle-class travellers into the skies.

Together, Boeing and Airbus have delivered more than 25,000 of these jets, originally designed to serve major hubs but later widely adopted by low-cost carriers, which Airbus courted after Boeing cut output during a downturn in demand post-9/11.

Already the world's largest planemaker by annual deliveries, Airbus now claims the top spot for cumulative narrow-body deliveries, capping a 40-year transatlantic battle for market share after early disagreements over strategy and the share of jobs among partner nations, France, Germany, Spain and Britain.

"At the beginning, nobody thought it would work and now it's winning, at least on the bigger variants," said Adam Pilarski, former chief economist at Douglas Aircraft, which also competed with Boeing before being absorbed by its domestic rival in 1997.

DECADES OF TRANSATLANTIC RIVALRY

Launched in 1984, the A320 emerged at a time when Airbus's future was far from assured, following the rocky introduction of two wide-body jets. The aircraft first flew in 1987 and entered service the following year.

Engineers in Toulouse, France, took an ambitious step by introducing fly-by-wire computer controls to a mainstream airliner - a pioneering move that met resistance from unions and some carriers but ultimately became an industry standard.

The brainchild of Airbus co-founder Roger Beteille, its development was shaped by arguments over whether to prioritise U.S. airline demands for a jet in the new 150-seat market, supported by the French, or continue focusing on wide-bodies, backed by Lufthansa.

The project narrowly escaped collapse when French President Francois Mitterrand and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, unaware they had chosen the same intermediary - Bavarian politician Franz-Josef Strauss - asked him to mediate their dispute by drafting letters between them. The episode is recounted in Airbus: The First 50 Years, a history commissioned by Airbus but withdrawn, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.
The UK is experiencing a new spike in COVID-19 infections driven by two recently emergent Omicron subvariants dubbed Stratus and Nimbus. Together these now account for the majority of cases in the UK, with genomic surveillance indicating that roughly 63 percent of analysed cases were Stratus and 25 percent were Nimbus by late September.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Stratus as a variant under monitoring, noting it showed the highest global growth advantage in mid-2025, even outpacing Nimbus. Despite their similar overall impact, Stratus and Nimbus have each been linked to some unusual symptoms, reflecting subtle differences in how these variants affect patients.

Artists conception of the spike proteins that allow SARS-CoV-2 to invade human cells. [Photo by Emanresucamit / CC BY-SA 4.0

Doctors have noted that both can cause an extremely painful sore throatdescribed by some sufferers as a razor blade sensationoften leading to a hoarse or croaky voice. Stratus infections in particular have been associated with a persistent dry cough, fatigue and fever, while Nimbus is noted to be highly transmissible due to an enhanced ability to bind to human cells.

In July, the WSWS drew attention to the 11th wave of mass COVID-19 infection sweeping across the United States and other countries, driven by new highly transmissible variants.

Due to far fewer people now testing for COVID-19, it has become difficult to gauge the true spread of infection in Britain. Official case counts are a severe undercount of actual infections. But it is clear that after a summer lull in infectionsduring which around 800 people still died with COVID-19 on the death certificateindicators are once again trending upward as autumn begins.

Over the month of September, reported infections and hospital admissions have risen steadily. In England, lab test positivity increased from 7.6 percent to 8.4 percent in mid-September. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) surveillance report noted that COVID-19 activity, while still at a low baseline level, increased slightly heading into October.

The limited testing that is done suggests a few thousand cases are being identified per weekaround 1,995 cases were recorded in the week of September 1017, a 14.3 percent rise from the previous week. By comparison, data available for August showed about 1,162 people admitted with COVID-19 in the entire monthwhich was already up 15.6 percent from July.

All these figures greatly understate reality. With the government having shut down free mass testing and scaled back surveillance, official case numbers are far lower than they were a few years ago, capturing only a fraction of infections (primarily those tested in hospitals). Even UKHSA officials acknowledge that it is increasingly difficult for experts to track infections. Workers are left in the dark about the true extent of COVID spread in their communities.

Even the incomplete data shows a concerning rise in illness so early in autumn, as one medical expert told the BMJ (formerly, British Medical Journal). Hospitalisations are climbing alongside cases. The UKHSA reports that weekly COVID hospital admission rates in England jumped from 2.0 per 100,000 population to about 2.73 in mid-Septemberan increase of 37 percent in a week.

Under the bipartisan policy of living with the virus, the wearing of masks, isolation, contact-tracing, and other public health mitigation measures have been eliminated. The result is that, outside of individual choice, there are effectively no barriers to COVID-19 spreading through the UKs schools, workplaces, and public venues.

The official guidance remains that if someone feels unwell with respiratory symptoms or fever, they should avoid contact with vulnerable people and stay at home if possible, but this is purely advisory. In reality, many cannot afford to isolate due to work pressures or may not even realize they have COVID because testing is so scarce. This laissez-faire approach virtually guarantees continued mass infection, which in turn means more illness and the potential for further variants to emerge.

One of the few remaining pillars of the pandemic response is vaccination, but this too has been drastically scaled back. As of autumn 2025, the National Health Service (NHS) is offering a COVID booster only to a very limited high-risk group: adults aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems (6 months+).

This is an even narrower criterion than the previous year which also included adults aged 65-74 and people in clinical risk groups, both dropped from free eligibility in 2025.

In other words, millions of people who once qualified for free COVID vaccination are now excluded. They must either pay out-of-pocket for a private vaccine or go without. The price of a private COVID jab in the UK is between 75105, making it unaffordable for many already devastated by a years-long and worsening cost of living crisis.

Unsurprisingly, uptake has fallen, with vast numbers of Britons, even those medically vulnerable, having not received any booster in the last year. This situation is also a result of the systematic attack on public awareness of the continued danger posed by the disease. Many workers, misled into thinking COVID is over, do not get another shot.

Health officials still emphasize that vaccines are crucial. UKHSA data from last winter showed those who got the booster were 43 percent less likely to be hospitalized with COVID compared to the unvaccinated. The agency is urging everyone who is eligible this autumn to come forward for both the COVID and flu vaccines ahead of winter. The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due, officials insist. However, this messaging rings hollow given that the majority of the population is deemed ineligible for free COVID boosters.

Past waves of infection have already left a devastating impact on the working class in the form of Long-COVID. According to the most recent Office for National Statistics /UKHSA estimatespublished in April 20242 million people (3.3 percent of the population in private households in England and Scotland) report Long-COVID symptoms. Of these, 75 percent said their daily activities were limited, and 19 percent said they were limited a lot. Half reported symptoms lasting for two years; about 31 percent for three years.

Despite this lasting damage, NHS England ended ring-fenced funding for specialist Long-COVID services on April 1 this year. Many clinics are closing or scaling back services.

According to The Sick Times website, dedicated to chronicling the Long-COVID crisis, out of a peak figure of 120 Long-COVID services nationwide, only 46 confirmed they would remain open by July 2025. This has created a postcode lottery, with workers living in some Integrated Care Board (ICB) areas, such as Northeast London and Lancashire and South Cumbria, having no access to Long-COVID care under the NHS.

Workers in the UK and internationally must oppose their governments slashing of resources to fight the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and fight for a policy of eliminating the virus to protect themselves and wider society from this devastating disease. Such a strategy must be funded by the hoarded wealth of the corporations and the super-rich, and organised democratically and scientifically, not subordinated to the demands of the capitalist oligarchy.
Protests marking two years since the October 7 pretext for Israels ongoing genocide of the Palestinians were held Tuesday in cities around the globe. In Europe, demonstrations were held in London, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Geneva, Athens, Milan, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, and Stockholm. Protests also took place in Jakarta, Indonesia and Sydney, Australia.

The Jerusalem Post reported, In the Netherlands, pro-Palestinian activists splashed red paint on Amsterdams Royal Palace in protest against a decision by the city mayor to ban a pro-Palestinian rally while permitting a pro-Israeli event.

In Turkey, a protest was expected outside an energy company over its exports to Israel. In Sweden, demonstrators were expected to welcome back participants of a Gaza aid flotilla detained by Israel, including climate activist Greta Thunberg.

In Britain, around a dozen protests were held on campusesincluding in Sheffield, Leeds, Bristol, Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, Sussex, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Londonas well as an inter-university march in central London, organised by students across four higher education institutions.

Students protest at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, October 7, 2025

The march, announced with the statement Two years of genocide and our institutions remain complicit, gathered at Kings College London on the Strand at 2 p.m. Around 400 students marched from there to the London School of Economics, and University College London, before finishing with a rally at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

The campus protests were held in defiance of calls by a pro-Zionist British political establishment. They followed already scheduled pro-Palestinian protests which took place between Thursday and Saturdayin the aftermath of the killing of two Jewish worshipers in Manchester at the hands of a terrorist and accidental police gunfire.

The Labour government, up to its neck in the crimes of the Israeli government, denounced those demonstrations as an affront to the entire Jewish community.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer upped the ante on Tuesday, writing in the Times that protests held on the October 7 anniversary of Hamass armed incursion into Israel were un-British and showed a total loss of empathy and humanity. He entirely passed over Israels slaughter of more than 60,000 Palestinians, including over 20,000 children (according to official, undercounted figures), in the two years since.

Starmers piece was headlined We must stand ready to fight despicable antisemitism invoking the ruling elites routine conflation of antisemitism with opposition to the Israeli governments war crimes. Specifically referencing student protests, he declared, Its un-British to have so little respect for others, before slandering, And thats before some of them decide to start chanting hatred towards Jewish people all over again.

The prime minister used the opportunity to confirm plans to legislate to give the police new powers to act against repeat protests.

Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp used Starmers words as a run-up to insist protesting foreign students be deported, mimicking the dictatorial agenda of US President Donald Trump.

Tory leadership rival Robert Jenrick, who this summer aligned himself with far-right mobilisations against asylum seekers, told a fringe event at the Tory party conference the planned protests were a f*cking disgrace.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said it was completely wrong for the protests to go ahead.

Students from KCL, LSE, UCL and SOAS march along Euston Road, London

The Metropolitan Police imposed Public Order Act restrictions in the inter-university march in London, dictating the route it must follow. A separate march from the BBC to Downing Street was also subjected to strict conditions, banning protesters from assembling in one area, confining the final rally to another and enforcing an 8 p.m. curfew.

World Socialist Web Site reporters attended the protests and spoke with students.

In London, several hundred students gathered outside KCL displayed an 80ft banner which included the names of thousands of people killed by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza. As they marched to LSE, UCL and SOAS they chanted, We are the students. We wont be silenced. Stop the bombing now, now, now and Keir Starmer you cant hide; we charge you with genocide.

At the final rally, SOAS student Muna told our reporters, Its the two-year marking of a genocide. I feel like right now were reaching a turning point where people are starting to wake up and understand.

US President Trumps peace plan, backed by Tony Blair, was the clearest example of imperialism that weve ever seen; the most disgusting thing Ive ever seen. I think Tony Blair is a demon; thats what I think of him. Getting him involved in the Middle East is like getting Hitler involved.

Responding to attacks on the right to protest, Muna said, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said something about how, just because we have freedoms, it doesnt mean we should be able to exercise them all the time. I mean that sounds like fascism to me. Our government is becoming more and more far-right every day and making me scared about the state of our country and the future state of our country, for sure.

Muna added, They keep attacking protests as disruption. Thats the whole point: youre meant to disrupt, thats what protesting is. And if you see a genocide taking place and youre seeing that your government is aiding and abetting it, what else should you do but disrupt that?

I think what Italy did [the recent protests and general strike, involving millions], honestly, I think we should be doing that as well: fully disrupting the entire, I guess, flow of the country and showing that this should be something at the forefront of our minds.

In Sheffield, around 100 people participated in the demonstration outside the students union building at the University Sheffield.

Student Aleeza told WSWS reporters, There is a lot of stigma online about being pro-Palestinian or saying you want an end to the genocide. But when you come to a protest like this, you see how many others share the same viewthat they want to stop a genocide which has been going on for two years now.

Aleeza

Keir Starmer has recognised Palestine as a state while calling pro-Palestinian protesters antisemitic. If you recognise the state, but dont recognise what atrocities are going on in it and why people are protesting, that is a little hypocritical.

The fact that Netanyahu was able to defend himself against the war crimes at the United Nations speaks volumes about how much backing hes getting from the US. Trump himself has a lot of blood on his hands. His support for Netanyahu, and the amount of stocks and bonds in billions he has bought [in Israel], shows hes as responsibleif not worsefor endorsing whats happening.

The arrests of so many pro-Palestian protestors is to stop the power of the working class; the protests in Italy and Greece shows the impact this can have. Starmer wants to stop that. As prime minister, he wants control over the population. Arresting people at protests is his method of control. We cant fall into that trap. Its been two years now, the more people rise up and speak, the better it will be.

The role of capitalism in this genocide has been very apparent. The amount of weapons and money flowing into Israelespecially from the USbillions, and the companies here which send it weapons: it does play a very big role.

They call Ukraine a humanitarian crisis but ignore the Palestinian genocide, where more than 60,000 people have been murdered. The mindset is completely different; its a massive double standard.
Over the past several weeks, millions of people in Australia have been shocked to learn that they cannot rely on the essential infrastructure that is meant to contact ambulance, fire, rescue and other emergency services in the event of accidents and disasters.

In fact, frequent failures in the 000 emergency system have pointed to a deeper probleman underlying lack of investment in the corporate-run mobile phone networks, potentially threatening hundreds of lives.

Technicians work on a mobile phone tower in Sherwood, Queensland, 2022 [Photo by Kgbo via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Time and again, people have been unable to get through to the triple-zero number because of outages in the ageing and under-resourced grids that have been operated by profit-gouging corporations since the privatisation of telecommunications in the 1990s.

Facing public alarm, the Albanese government is cynically trying to blame one company, Optus, the second largest telco operating in Australia, for the repeated failures since Labor took office in 2022, while promising cosmetic measures that will do nothing to stop the dangers to people.

This is the known recent record:

A 16-hour outage in the Optus network in November 2023 affected almost 10 million customers and crippled phone and internet communications nationally. Two months after that catastrophe, Optus belatedly admitted that more than 2,500 customers had been unable to get through to triple-zero, and that no welfare checks were undertaken on the vast majority of them.

The official telecommunications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), penalised Optus $12 million for the breakdown. That typified the Labor governments kid-glove treatment of the telco companies and the entire corporate elite. The fine was a slap on the wrist for the multi-billion dollar company and its parent, Singtel, which boasts a market capitalisation of some $82 billion.

The countrys largest telco Telstra, controlled by global financial investment funds, was fined $3 million, a pittance, last December after a reported technical issue at a call centre meant that 127 calls to Triple 0 were not transferred to emergency services in March 2024. Another 346 calls were transferred to emergency services using a work-around that did not include the callers digital location.

This September 18, a 13-hour Optus outage meant that four people, including an eight-week-old baby, are known to have died after more than 630 callers could not get through to the 000 number in South Australia, Western Australia (WA), the Northern Territory and western New South Wales (NSW).

Ten days later, on September 28, almost 5,000 Optus customers in the Wollongong region of NSW were unable to contact emergency services for more than nine hours. At least nine triple-zero calls from the Dapto area failed.

The next day, September 29, a Telstra mobile tower site had a 12-hour power outage in WA near Busselton in the states southwest region. Telstra said it was not aware of any failed attempts to reach 000.

On the same day, multiple 000 emergency calls to the ambulance service in northern NSW dropped out. Callers ringing 000 were connected to the operator, but when their calls were routed to NSW Ambulance, they repeatedly dropped out.

Later that week, the government-financed NBN Co, which runs a national broadband network, had an outage in WA due to a hardware fault that hit 700 households. That outage stopped calls being made over WiFi, but not mobile phone services.

More cases are still emerging. Three outraged customers told the Australian Broadcasting Corporations 7.30 television program last night that they had experienced repeated 000 failures weeks before the September 18 breakdown.

Today, in the Labor governments latest damage-control bid, Communications Minister Anika Wells asked the CEOs of Telstra, Optus and the third carrier, TPG Telecom (which operates Vodafone), to come to Canberra. It was a show of her insisting that they restore confidence in the 000 system by abiding by new regulations due to commence on November 1.

These rules only oblige the telco companies to notify ACMA, the government and emergency services of an outage as soon as practicable, and provide updates every six hours during the first 24 hours of the outage.

That vague requirement is essentially meaningless. Even if the regulations required immediate real-time notifications, that would not stop the breakdowns in the first place.

Similarly, the government pledged to table legislation in parliament to establish a Triple Zero Custodian to monitor the 000 system and possibly penalise companies for failurespowers that already exist through ACMA.

This agency will collect data but have no powers to require the urgently needed investment in the infrastructure.

This legislation had been promised after an inquiry into the 2023 breakdown, but was reportedly delayed by backroom consultations with the telecommunications companies themselves.

In the same vein, the government has now asked Optus to hire external investigators to examine the causes of the September 18 failurefor which Optus has already falsely blamed human error by workersand review the companys response to 000 calls.

This is blatant self-regulation. For its first inquiry, Optus has recruited Kerry Schott, a former investment banker who specialised in privatisations. For the second exercise, Optus has appointed Kearney, a large American global management consulting firm.

Public outrage has been fuelled by the release of Australian Taxation Office data showing that Optus owner Singtel, together with a quarter of large companies operating in Australia, paid no tax in 202324. Singtel had revenues of $8.2 billion in Australia that year but managed to avoid taxes.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last week rushed to defend minister Wells handling of the crisis, saying it was in Optus interests to be transparent about the findings of the Kearney audit.

This flies in the face of the reality that Optus, Telstra and TPG have been slashing costs, cutting investment and axing jobs for years in efforts to satisfy their giant corporate shareholders.

Over the past decade, Optus has axed its average number of direct employees by about 3,000 people to 6,200a one-third cut. Optus has outsourced many of its operations to 3,500 onshore and offshore partners.

Telstra is no different. Last year it announced that 2,800 jobs9 percent of its workforcewould be slashed by the end of the year, lowering its numbers to less than 29,000. In 1980, before it was privatised, Telstra, then named Telecom, had a workforce of around 90,000.

Under pressure from the global financial markets, Singtel, the Singapore government-backed owner of Optus, has been trying to offload Optus, as well as operations in India, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. It is trying to raise billions of dollars to invest in data centres, boost dividends and undertake share buybacks.

Yuen Kuan Moon, the Group CEO of Singtel, told investors in August that he was in the final year of a three-year plan to slash $S600 million ($A709 million) in combined costs from its Singaporean business and Optus.

Paul Chew, head of research at investment group PhillipCapital, said in a research note that Singtel had identified cost savings in Optus IT and network system as it sought to lift Optus profit margins of around 27 percent closer to rivals Telstra and TPG Telecom, which have margins well above 30 percent.

Stephen Rue, who was installed as Optus CEO last year, after six years heading NBN Co, brought in international management consultants Bain & Co in late April on a contract to make Optus more efficient.

Both Optus and Telstra were privatised from 1991, when the trade union-backed Hawke-Keating Labor government sold Aussat, a government-owned satellite communications company, to Optus and gave the company a telecommunications carrier licence.

As intended, Optus started a cost-cutting competition with the government-owned Telecom. In 1993, Labor transformed Telecom into Telstra, a profit-making corporation, paving the way for the Howard Liberal-National government to privatise it in three stages, between 1997 and 2006.

This continuing assault has been made possible by the telco trade union bureaucracies, which have stifled or sold-out repeated struggles by telecommunications workers against the destruction of their jobs and conditions.

This record demonstrates the human price being paid for the ever-greater subordination of the critical needs of the populationeven for life-saving emergency servicesto the interests of the capitalist oligarchy, protected by their political servants.

To reverse this catastrophe requires the socialist alternative, overturning capitalism. That includes placing essential utilities, such as communications, and the major banks and corporations under public ownership and democratic workers control.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu offered President Emmanuel Macron his resignation yesterday, making his 26-day government the shortest since the founding of Frances Fifth Republic in 1958.

While Lecornu was unpopular, falling to 15 percent in the polls in just a few weeks, his resignation reflects not a revitalization but a mortal crisis of French democracy. It cannot be understood apart from the martial law and civil war policies pursued across the Atlantic by the Trump administration, which is illegally sending troops into major US cities with authorization to use deadly force. In each country, the world crisis is driving the capitalist oligarchy towards dictatorship.

Lecornu, Frances fifth prime minister in two years, has not resigned because the rival capitalist parties in the National Assembly have irreconcilable policy differences. They are united on rejecting tax increases for the capitalist oligarchy and instead imposing austerity to repay an unsustainable 3.4 trillion sovereign debt, raise military spending, and strengthen the police-state machine. The capitalist oligarchy, aware that these policies face overwhelming popular opposition, is moving to install a far-right regime.

In Macrons administration, a bitter struggle is unfolding between those trying to recruit factions of Jean-Luc Melenchons New Popular Front (NFP) to an ultra-reactionary government led by Macron, and those prepared to form a government directly with the neo-fascist National Rally (RN). Either regime would seek to violently repress mass opposition to its policies.

Lecornu resigned after outgoing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, a leader of The Republicans (LR) whose positions are close to the far-right RN, threatened to censure Lecornu in the National Assembly. Retailleau denounced Lecornus nomination as defense minister of former finance minister Bruno Le Maire, whom Retailleau blames for not resolving the debt crisis with sufficiently harsh austerity.

Last year, Lecornu and another former prime minister of Macron, Edouard Philippe, held talks with RN leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella on forming an RN government under Macron. These plans were blocked, however, by the election victory of the NFP, which finished first in the July 2024 legislative elections. Now, RN officials are calling for a new dissolution of the National Assembly, aiming to strengthen their position and play a role in the next government.

Le Pen called on Macron to resolve a crisis of rule, saying he has two possible ways forward: either resignation, or dissolution. She added that the RN is not demanding Macrons resignation but that it views a dissolution of the Assembly as unavoidable. Her niece, Marion Marechal-Le Pen, called for a union of the right in upcoming elections.

As for Melenchon, he first proposed a meeting of all the parties of the NFPhis own populist France Unbowed (LFI) party, the bourgeois Socialist Party (PS), the Stalinist French Communist Party (PCF) and the Greens. He urged them all to consider all the possibilities opened up by this situation.

In a press conference, he called for the impeachment of Macron and the reform of the institutions of the Fifth Republic. Melenchon blamed the crisis on the dead end in which the Fifth Republic inevitably plunges when the legitimacy of the presidential and legislative elections conflict. Proposing to address the heart of the problem, the president of the Republic and his legitimacy, he called for support to LFIs impeachment motion against Macron in the Assembly.

However, first the PS, then the Greens and finally the PCF all indicated that they refused to meet Melenchon and claimed they were ready to serve as left ministers under Macron. Green leader Marine Tondelier applauded Melenchons policy of unity, but said that a meeting with LFI will not happen. She said there were not two but three options, the resignation of Emmanuel Macron, a dissolution of parliament, and cohabitation of a PS-PCF-Green-led government with Macron.

In a sign of the crisis at the top of the government, Macron was filmed by TV cameras taking an unprecedented solitary walk through central Paris as he tried to decide what to do. Last night, he demanded that Lecornu stay on at least until Wednesday to continue government talks. The Elysee presidential palace told AFP that Macron would face his responsibilities if these talks failed, and call new legislative elections.

It appears Macron has, for now, opted for a last-ditch attempt to assemble a government coalition based on the PS, PCF and Greens, parties linked to Macron, and factions of LR. There is also substantial opposition to Macrons latest shift among nominally pro-Macron parties: Edouard Philippe went on morning television today to call for Macrons resignation and new presidential and legislative elections.

A number of the parties involved are signaling, however, that they will try to work out a deal with Macron. Retailleau has declared that he is not in the opposition, signaling his potential readiness to back such a deal. Today, the Green party announced that it would host discussions including LFI, with Clementine Autain and representatives of Francois Ruffin of a potential cohabitation under Macron.

Such meetings expose the bankruptcy of Melenchons NFP. LFI built the NFP with discredited parties of capitalist government like the PS. Then, claiming only an alliance with Macron could keep the RN from taking power, Melenchon endorsed Macrons candidates in the 2024 legislative elections. He played a central role in building the government that is now collapsing, systematically refusing to make any appeal to mobilize the 8 million people who voted for him in the 2022 presidential elections.

The working class cannot base its policy on the calculations of such bankrupt parties. With its proposal of 100 billion in austerity measures, the RN has made clear that, should the ruling class entrust it with power, it would pursue a policy of mass impoverishment requiring a fascistic dictatorship. A PS-led government under Macron, whether or not it included LFI, would also rule against the people using violent repression.

The last time the PS was in power, under Francois Hollande in 2012-2017, it ruled via a state of emergency, suspending democratic rights and brutally repressing mass protests against its labor law. This law, finally rammed through in its entirety by Macron, set into motion Macrons current raft of pension cuts. While the PS mouths a few phrases about taxing the rich, a PS-led government would impose the diktat of the banks, which responded to the fall of Lecornu by intensifying speculation against French debt.

The Parti de legalite socialiste reiterates its call to prepare in the working class a general strike to bring down Macron. As mass protests erupt across Europe and internationally against the Gaza genocide, and Trump goes to war on the American people, explosive international struggles are being prepared. Macrons regime must be brought down in the course of an international offensive of the working class, not via reactionary intrigues of cabals of capitalist politicians. The solution to the debt crisis must be the expropriation of the capitalist oligarchy by the working class.

As the PES explained in its statement after the fall of Lecornus predecessor, Which way forward for the working class after the fall of the French government?,

Two stark alternatives are presented. Either the capitalist oligarchy builds a fascistic dictatorship to crush the working class, or the working class wages a revolutionary struggle on a socialist program to expropriate the oligarchs. This requires breaking through the straitjacket of the union bureaucracies and building genuine rank-and-file organizations dedicated to prosecuting the class struggle. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) calls for the transfer of power from the trade union bureaucracies to the workers in all factories and workplaces. Such new forms of class organization, uniting workers in France and throughout Europe, are necessary to organize resistance to and defeat the corporate-financial oligarchys program of fascism, genocide and war.
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Displaced Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza carry their belongings along the coastal road toward southern Gaza, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders from Gaza City. [AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi]

Today marks two years since the beginning of Israels genocide in Gaza, one of the greatest crimes of the modern era. Before the eyes of the entire world, the Israeli governmentarmed, financed and defended by every imperialist powerhas carried out a campaign of mass murder, ethnic cleansing and deliberate starvation. At least 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 20,000 children, and the entire population has been repeatedly displaced.

In order to launch this long planned genocide, Israel used as its pretext the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, in which a few thousand fighters with small arms, possessing no armored vehicles or aircraft, breached the Israeli border without resistance. To claim that Israel, with one of the most sophisticated intelligence networks in the world, was taken completely by surprise by a few thousand Hamas fighters is a despicable fiction.

As the events of the past two years have shownin Israels assassinations of foreign leaders, military officers and scientistsIsraeli intelligence has penetrated every state and movement in the region. Indeed, within months of the October 7 attacks, newspaper accounts revealed that Israel possessed the entire Hamas battle plan but orchestrated a deliberate stand-down of its troops stationed on the border.

The genocide that followed was the premeditated outcome of 75 years of brutal oppression, the implementation of the final solution to the Palestinian problem. It has exposed before the entire world the bankrupt and reactionary character of Zionism. The Israeli state has shown itself to be a murderous instrument of imperialism.

While carried out by Israel, the genocide has been a joint operation of world imperialism. Every imperialist government, from Washington to London, Paris and Berlin, together with the entire media, justified the Israeli assault on Gaza. A hideous double standard was adopted, in which any act of mass murder by Israel, which illegally occupies Gaza, was justified, while any effort at resistance by the Palestinians was demonized as terrorism.

Opposition to the Israeli state was slandered as antisemitism, in an exercise that the WSWS referred to as semantic inversion, in which a word is utilized in a manner and within a context that is the exact opposite of its real and long-accepted meaning. This became the framework for a brutal and escalating assault on democratic rights, in which opposition to genocide has been criminalized. The attempt to equate opposition to the genocide with hatred of the Jews, is, in any case, negated by the prominent role played by Jewish people around the world in mass demonstrations.

The United States has been Israels key weapons supplier, funneling unlimited amounts of deadly military gear to fuel the slaughter. But Germany, France, Britain and others have all contributed their share to the bloodbath. Moreover, they have all purchased billions in Israeli government bonds to help finance the murderous military machine they also armed.

Underscoring the fact that these crimes have been facilitated by the major North American and European powers, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was allowed to defend his actions from the podium of the United Nations last month, even though an arrest warrant against him for war crimes is outstanding.

The imperialists back the genocide as a central component of their drive to secure control over the oil-rich Middle East, part of a global eruption of imperialist war targeting Russia and China. Their support for the genocide has demonstrated that they are ready to deploy any and all means to secure for themselves access to markets, raw materials, labour and geostrategic influence.

This imperialist plunder has culminated in Trumps peace plan, which proposes robbing Palestinians of all their rights by creating a neo-colonial protectorate under the control of Americas would-be Fuhrer and his bagman, the unindicted war criminal Tony Blair. If Hamas follows Trumps demand to accept this arrangement, the Palestinians will be expelled to make way for a US-controlled trade corridor through the Middle East. If they refuse, Israel will get the green light to slaughter the remaining Palestinians en masse.

A particularly foul role in this process has been played by the bourgeois nationalist regimes of the Middle East. The entire history of the 20th century has shown the incapacity of any form of nationalism to secure the democratic and social rights of the working class. The despicable role of these governments culminated in their embrace of the peace plan promoted by Trump, which completely repudiates the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.

The genocide in Gaza has provoked mass revulsion and opposition throughout the world. Over the past two years, tens of millions have participated in demonstrations spanning every continent, from Europe and the Americas to the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Trumps plan to turn the Middle East into a US fiefdom on the bones of the Palestinians, and Israels violent seizure of the Sumud aid flotilla, have ignited a new and broader wave of protest.

In recent days, millions have filled the streets of Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Colombia and Argentina. In Italy, action initiated by dockworkers, who refused to load weapons for Israel, triggered a one-day general strike of more than 2 million workers and a million-strong march in Rome. Though still limited by the trade union bureaucracies and appeals to the Meloni government, these actions point to the immense potential power of the international working class to halt the genocide.

One day of coordinated strike action has shaken Trumps closest European ally. An organized, global industrial and political movement of the working class could stop the imperialist war machine in its tracks. Nothing less than a mass, international movement of workers can end the genocide and block the extension of American imperialisms drive for dominationfrom Gaza to a wider war aimed at Iran, Russia and ultimately China.

The development of opposition to the genocide must be guided by an understanding of the political lessons of the past two years. The central lesson is the total bankruptcy of all appeals to governments of the imperialist powers. They are not the instruments for halting genocide but its perpetrators and enablers.

The perspective of a two-state solution has failed. Only the unification of all the peoples of the Middle East can lead to a viable future. The Israeli state has proven to be a historical monstrosity, resulting in demoralization and degradation. The Israeli working class must repudiate the poisonous ideology and politics of Zionism, reject the reactionary dystopia of the Jewish state and strive for the unity of Israeli and Palestinian workers in the struggle for the United Socialist Federation of the Middle East.

In a lecture delivered on October 24, 2023, three weeks after the beginning of the genocide, WSWS International Editorial Board Chairman David North explained:

In the final analysis, the liberation of the Palestinian people can be achieved only through a unified struggle of the working class, Arab and Jewish, against the Zionist regime, as well as the treacherous Arab and Iranian capitalist regimes, and their replacement with a union of socialist republics throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the entire world. This is a gigantic task. But it is the only perspective that is based on a correct appraisal of the present stage of world history, the contradictions and crisis of world capitalism and the dynamic of the international class struggle. The wars in Gaza and Ukraine are tragic demonstrations of the catastrophic role and consequences of national programs in a historical epoch whose essential and defining characteristics are the primacy of world economy, the globally integrated character of the productive forces of capitalism, and, therefore, the necessity to base the struggle of the working class on an international strategy.

Two years later, there are growing signs of a global resurgence of working class struggle. The Trump administrations drive to establish a presidential dictatorship is bringing it into head-on conflict with the working class in the United States, despite all efforts by the Democrats to sow complacency and passivity. President Macron in France is unable to form a stable government, amid mass opposition to his demands for austerity to pay for remilitarisation. Starmer in the UK and Merz in Germany have no popular support whatsoever.

Internationally, there has been an explosion of popular anti-government struggles, led by Generation Zin Kenya, Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, Morocco and Madagascar.

The development of this opposition along revolutionary lines requires that workers break free from the control of the social democratic, Stalinist and trade union bureaucracies, along with their pseudo-left defenders, who work to contain and dissipate opposition. This requires building new, democratic organizations of class strugglerank-and-file committees in every workplace and neighborhoodto coordinate and lead a unified international offensive of the working class.

Workers, students, youth and all opponents of Zionism and imperialism must fight for:

An immediate halt to all weapons shipments to Israel;

A comprehensive boycott of all trade and other economic activity with Israel;

The prosecution of all US, European and other corporations assisting Israel in carrying out the genocide.

The arrest of Israeli officials for war crimes;

An end to state repression of anti-genocide protesters and the repeal of all anti-demonstration laws;

Immediate, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza by all available routes.

These demands must spearhead the broader movement already developing in the working class internationally. The same governments that funnel weapons of death to Israel are erecting dictatorial forms of rule at home to suppress opposition to oligarchic rule, mass impoverishment and the drive to world war.

The genocide in Gaza has laid bare the historical dead end of the capitalist system itself. The normalization of genocide is the product of a system that has exhausted any progressive role. It is accompanied by the normalization of fascism, the normalization of military-police dictatorship, the normalization of world war and oligarchic rule.

The perspective that must guide the working class is Trotskys theory of Permanent Revolution. The democratic and social aspirations of the oppressed can be achieved only through the independent political mobilization of the working class, on a world scale, for the conquest of power.

The critical task is the building of a new revolutionary leadership to guide this struggle. The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and its sections, the Socialist Equality Parties, fight to unite workers and youth across all borders in a single movement against capitalism, for the establishment of workers governments and the socialist reorganization of the world economy to meet human need, not private profit.
At a ceremony in Canberra yesterday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his counterpart from Papua New Guinea (PNG) James Marape signed a formal defence treaty between the two countries.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) and his counterpart from Papua New Guinea James Marape sign Mutual Defence Treaty [Photo: X/AlboMP]

Albanese has hailed the agreement as the first new formal treaty arrangement entered into by Australia in 70 years, comparing it to the existing ANZUS arrangements with the US and New Zealand.

The comparisons are ludicrous, as are Albaneses constant references to our Pacific family. Those other treaties are between imperialist powers. In the case of PNG, it is a question of the former colonial power, Australia, entering into a neo-colonial arrangement with a country which, by some metrics, is among the most impoverished in the world.

The treaty, moreover, is not about mutual protection and aid as it has been presented. Instead, its signing is the culmination of an aggressive and predatory campaign essentially waged against the people of PNG, by the Australian state, acting in conjunction with American imperialism.

The transparent aim is to lock the largest and most strategically-significant Pacific nation into Washingtons preparations for an offensive war against China, which is viewed as the chief threat to American capitalisms global hegemony. The signing of the treaty is part of a broader offensive, aimed at forcing Pacific states to end their balancing act between Beijing, with whom they have increasing economic ties, and the western powers.

The character of the treaty is indicated by the frenetic character of its preparation. Australian corporate outlets have noted that the time between the floating of such a treaty and its signing, far less than a year, is record time for such agreements.

Then there is the hidden, but fairly obvious, Australian campaign against concerns and wavering from PNG. Albanese visited the country last month to sign the document. This was not possible after enough PNG government parliamentarians effectively boycotted a cabinet meeting that was scheduled to ratify it, resulting in the meeting failing to achieve quorum.

At the time and since, prominent figures in the PNG political establishment publicly warned that the treaty would undermine the countrys sovereignty, effectively ceding it to Australia. Whatever their calculations, some of which undoubtedly concern the impact of the treaty on Chinese investment, their statements reflect a broader popular sentiment.

While the full text of the treaty has yet to be published, its essential thrust is clear.

The main provision is an attempt to bind PNG to any military conflict that Australia embarks upon. In his remarks alongside Marape, Albanese described it as a defence obligation similar to Australias ANZUS treaty commitments, where we declare that in the event of an armed attack on either of our countries, we would both act to meet the common danger.

That requirement can only be understood in its context. As part of its frontline role in the US-led preparations for war against China, the Australian military, accelerated by the Albanese Labor government, is engaged in frequent provocations targeting China, including freedom of navigation operations near waters claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea and passages in the narrow waters separating Taiwan from the Chinese mainland.

Australias military build-up, including its planned acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact, is intended to escalate such operations, which by their nature threaten open conflict with China. Under the interpretation advanced by Albanese, in the event of any such clash, PNG would be automatically at war with China.

In the lead-up to the signing of the treaty, Albanese and other Labor government ministers have repeatedly referenced the experience of World War II, during which PNG became a central hub of operations and a launching pad for allied forces in the Pacific theatre directed against Japan.

While the militarist character of the treaty was clear from Albaneses comments, its potential implications were indirectly pointed out by Marape, who sought to alleviate fears that PNG would be forced to participate in such a conflict.

In comments to the Australian Broadcasting Corporations 7:30 program yesterday evening, Marape flagged the possibility that PNG would sit out a conflict between Australia and China. It would, he said, at least encourage peace before any involvement.

Speaking alongside Albanese, Marape implausibly claimed that: This treaty was not conceived out of geopolitics or any other reason but simply reflected the close proximity of the two countries and the connections of their people.

Marape was at pains to stress that the treaty would ensure that the people of the region prosper.

In reality, even in that area, Australias involvement is of an entirely predatory character. That was underscored earlier this year by Australias agreement of a $570 million loan, not aid package, to keep ailing infrastructure projects afloat. That was tied to a public demand for tighter foreign investment screening, and no doubt a private insistence on the need to sign a treaty. An agreement for PNG to enter Australias National Rugby League competition has also previously been tied by the media to the country agreeing to the treaty.

The Strategist noted in September last year that based on World Bank figures providing for a multidimensional measure, 74.5 percent of the PNG population is in poverty, ranking the country 120th among 122 examined by the international financial institution. That is a legacy of decades of Australian colonial rule, which only formally ended in 1975, and the continuing looting of the resource rich PNG by global corporations, many of them Australian, with the connivance of the local ruling elite in the decades since.

Australia is clearly seeking to exploit that misery, as well as a growing PNG government deficit, to further the war drive. That is the significance of a treaty clause providing for PNG citizens to serve in the Australian military. Marape has indicated that up to 10,000 of his countrymen could enlist.

The arrangement recalls the actions of the British Empire, forcing its colonial subjects to be on the frontlines of its dirty operations. It is a transparent attempt to address a recruitment crisis of the Australian Defence Force, which has scarcely grown in terms of enlistments in years due to widespread anti-war sentiment.

If the PNG citizens were recruited primarily into the Australian Army, as seems likely, they could come to represent a significant proportion of it. Figures last year indicated only 27,000 permanent members of the Australian Army, meaning the forecast 10,000 PNG citizens could constitute more than a quarter of it.

Another provision of the treaty grants the countries expanded access to one anothers military facilities. Given Australias character as an influential imperialist power, and PNGs as an oppressed former colony, it is evident that in practice that will mean Australian access to PNG military facilities.

Such expanded access has been pushed for more than a decade. In 2010, as the Obama administration was preparing to launch the pivot to Asia, a vast military build-up directed against China that has continued ever since, then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited PNG in an unusual trip highlighting its strategic significance.

The US drive for a greater footprint took a step forward in 2023, with the signing of an agreement between Washington and PNG similar to that it has now struck with Australia. Since then, the US and Australia have been funding a major upgrade to the Lombrum Naval Base on PNGs Manus Islands.

In the hawkish US and Australian think tanks, it is openly discussed that Lombrum and other facilities in PNG would play a central role in a war against China in the Indo-Pacific, which by the geography of the region would inevitably centre substantially on naval conflict.

The neo-colonial defence treaty should be rejected by working people in Australia and PNG as yet another step on the path to such a disastrous conflict, which would claim millions of lives, devastate the region and threaten the world with nuclear annihilation.

In opposition to the militarist agreement from above, what is required is the unity of the working classes in the imperialist centres of Australia and New Zealand with the oppressed masses throughout the Pacific, in a common struggle against militarism, war, poverty and their sources in the outmoded capitalist system.
Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) is one of the AI Stocks Investors Are Watching Closely. On September 29, Morgan Stanley reiterated the stock as Overweight and raised its price target to $200 per share from $165.

The firm cited accelerating growth in its cloud division and sustained momentum in core operations behind the raise.

We raise our cloud growth estimates to 32% for F26 and 40% for F27, driven by increased capex, model upgrades, strategic partnerships and accelerated international expansion.

The firm is more bullish on Alicloud following the companys Apsara Conference.

On the supply end, we increase our capex estimates to Rmb130-135bn each year over F26-28, from Rmb100bn-108bn previously, assuming 10-15GW additional datacenter capacity by 2032.

Morgan Stanley also pointed to solid demand with the number of tokens doubling every 2-3 months.

Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) is an internet giant that offers e-commerce services in China and internationally.

While we acknowledge the potential of BABA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 Buzzing AI Stocks on Wall Street and 10 AI Stocks Shaping Wall Streets Next Big Rally

Disclosure: None.
The September 22, 2025, White House press conference on Tylenol and autism marked a turning point in the politicization of science by the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Trump and Kennedy are seeking to impose right-wing ideology as medical fact with far-reaching implications.

Flanked by Kennedy, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, and other appointees, Trump presided over a stage-managed performance that obliterated the line between governance and propaganda. What should have been a discussion of evidence became a spectacle of political theater, complete with orchestrated outrage and pre-scripted affirmation from his inner circle. During the briefing, Trump, seemingly overdosing on his own scare tactics, repeatedly warned pregnant women, Dont take Tylenol! Theres no downside. Dont take it! Youll be uncomfortable. It wont be as easy, maybe. But dont take it!

Dr. Marty Makary, commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, and Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health, listen as President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

Makary and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made good on the presidents promise by immediately issuing guidance advising physicians to minimize acetaminophen use for routine low-grade fevers and initiate a process to update product warning labels. This marked an unprecedented political intervention in medical regulation, one that leveraged the machinery of federal public health agencies to advance a claim that lacked broad scientific consensus. Kennedy, long known for promoting baseless anti-vaccine theories, positioned the move as part of a broader crusade against what he called the hidden environmental causes of neurodevelopmental disorders.

The White Houses rationale for this sweeping policy action rested almost entirely on a single scientific publication, the Mount Sinai-led systematic review published in BMC Environmental Health in August 2025. Widely known as the Prada and Baccarelli study, it synthesized findings from 46 observational studies examining prenatal acetaminophen exposure and child neurodevelopmental outcomes. Although the authors explicitly cautioned that their results suggested only the possibility of a causal relationship and called for further research, the distinction between association and causation in scientific research was quickly discarded.

According to the Harvard Crimson, in conversations with administration officials, co-author Andrea Baccarelli may have overstated the strength of his findings, employing an assertion of causality that went beyond what his paper could legitimately support. During the White House press conference, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary amplified that exaggeration, quoting Baccarelli as saying there is a causal relationship between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders of ADHD and autism, a distortion that directly contradicts both the studys published language and the authors formal statements to the press.

The press briefing marked a decisive shift, transforming what should have remained a cautious discussion of an association between Tylenol and autism, speculative at best and unsupported by better-designed studies, into a state-sanctioned claim of causation. The event amounted to an orchestrated scientific hoax, in which the president and his partners in crime seized and repurposed academic findings of questionable quality to legitimize a predetermined political agenda. The White House further concealed a crucial fact: Baccarelli had served as a paid expert witness in the 2023 federal Tylenol multidistrict litigation, where his testimonybased on the very same studies later used in the August 2025 paperwas excluded by Judge Denise Cote for being cherry-picked and misrepresented and for presenting a result-driven analysis.

On the issue of unreliability of methodology and bias, Judge Cote repeatedly noted, Cherry-picking is a form of result-driven analysis which undermines principles of the scientific method by applying methodologies (valid or otherwise) in an unreliable fashion An expert must not cherry-pick from the scientific landscape and present the Court with what he believes the final picture looks like.

A major flaw cited by Judge Cote in excluding Baccarellis testimony was his failure to properly account for confounding factors, particularly genetic influences, which the court found undermined his claim of a causal link between acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders. The court observed that Dr. Baccarelli downplays those studies that undercut his causation thesis and emphasizes those that align with his thesis. It further stated that his failure to confront carefully and fairly the profoundly important issue of confounding by genetics renders his opinion on causation inadmissible.

Addressing the highest-quality studies, the court decision noted that if that evidence of a modest association is eliminated entirely by a sibling control study, that result should not be ignored. Specifically, Judge Cote wrote that Dr. Baccarelli failed to sufficiently explain the appropriateness of conducting a single Bradford Hill analysis for NDDs, which included ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] and ADHD [Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder]; selectively analyzed the consistency of the literature and the issue of genetic confounding; repeatedly pressed conclusions that study authors were not willing to make; and disregarded studies that did not support his opinion due to limitations he did not view as disqualifying in studies that did support his opinion. The court concluded that Baccarellis opinion regarding consistency does not adequately address the many conflicting study results.

[Note: The Bradford Hill analysis is a framework developed by British epidemiologist Sir Austin Bradford Hill in 1965 to help determine whether a statistical association is likely to reflect a causal relationship. It outlines nine guiding considerations that include the strength, consistency, temporality, and biological plausibility of studies that together help researchers judge whether correlation might indicate cause and effect. The method was first applied in establishing the causal link between smoking and lung cancer and remains a foundational, though interpretive, tool in modern epidemiology.]

Irrespective of the courts decisive critique of Baccarellis methods and biases as an expert witness, in the weeks leading up to the recent White House press conference, the Crimson reported that Baccarelli had held phone discussions with Kennedy and NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya regarding his new review, meetings that set the stage for its political appropriation. Since the event, he has declined public interviews, now stating only that his research identified an association and not a causal link, the distinction that lies at the core of the present scientific inquiry on Tylenol and autism, one which the White House has deliberately obfuscated.

The administrations claims were swiftly condemned by experts from leading universities. Samuel S. Wang, a professor of neuroscience at Princeton University, called the assertion that acetaminophen causes autism a massive overstatement and possibly completely untrue, while Dennis P. Wall, a professor of pediatrics and biomedical data science at Stanford University, emphasized that there needs to be much more work done  to identify causal mechanisms, and that this simply hasnt been done. Catherine E. Lord, a professor of psychiatry and education at UCLA, likewise cautioned that to take it the next step and say this is causal, is really irresponsible.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which represents more than 60,000 obstetrician-gynecologists, reaffirmed in their statement that there is no clear evidence that proves a direct relationship between prudent acetaminophen use during any trimester and fetal developmental issues. The organization explicitly rejected the administrations claims, emphasizing that acetaminophen remains the safest known option for fever and pain management during pregnancy when used as directed.

Independent epidemiologists and science communicators, including Ellie Murray, ScD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Boston Universitys School of Public Health and author of the E is for Epi newsletter, and Andrea Love, PhD, an immunologist and science educator, have publicly dismantled the studys claims.

Writing within days of the White House announcement, Murray summarized the issue bluntly in her article titled, The best evidence that Tylenol causes autism isnt great. She and others pointed out that the review did not generate new data. Instead, it merely reanalyzed previous observational studies (used in the 2023 federal Tylenol multidistrict litigation), many of which suffered from bias and confounding that made causal inference impossible.

They also noted that the Mount Sinai team used the Navigation Guide frameworka tool originally developed for evaluating environmental toxicants, not pharmaceutical safetyto rank and synthesize 46 studies examining acetaminophen use during pregnancy. Murray and Love both noted that this choice was questionable, while pointing out that none of the reviews authors were specialists in pharmacoepidemiology or perinatal medicine, and the framework itself was poorly suited to disentangling complex exposure patterns or genetic factors. As Love explained in her analysis, the study collapsed nuance into a single grade of evidence, relying on subjective judgments about risk of bias and expert opinion that were neither transparent nor reproducible.

One of the reviews most striking flaws was how it treated sibling-controlled studies that found no link between Tylenol and autism. The largest and most rigorous of these, the 2024 Swedish nationwide cohort of 2.48 million children, reported no association between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability once sibling comparisons were applied. Yet the Mount Sinai team labeled this study as having high risk of bias and minimized its weight in the overall analysis. As Ellie Murray noted, this effectively punished the Swedish study for not showing a positive result: The review treats a large, null study as weak evidence rather than strong evidence of no effect.

Another major flaw was the reviews transdiagnostic approachlumping all neurodevelopmental disorders into a single outcome category. This broad grouping blurred key distinctions and concealed the fact that only a few studies examined autism diagnoses directly. As Ellie Murray noted, combining such varied conditions is like grouping migraines, seizures, and insomnia under one heading and declaring youve found a new disease. The result was an analysis that appeared to confirm the authors preexisting belief that acetaminophen was harmful, shifting the burden of proof onto anyone who questioned that conclusion.

In the meantime, the strongest, most methodologically sound research points away from any causal connection. Revisiting the Swedish sibling-control study, the researchers analyzed data from nearly 2.5 million children, comparing outcomes between siblingsone exposed to acetaminophen during pregnancy and another not. By holding genetics and shared family environment constant, the study effectively eliminated many of the biases that had produced weak associations in simpler observational research. The results clearly revealed that the small increases in autism and ADHD risk seen in conventional modelsabout 5 to 7 percentdisappeared entirely once sibling comparisons were applied. The authors concluded that the earlier associations were likely due to familial confounding, not acetaminophen exposure itself.

A year later, the Japanese nationwide birth cohort study led by Yusuke Okubo reached the same conclusion. Using data from more than 217,000 mother-child pairs, the researchers applied propensity score matching, sibling comparisons, and probabilistic bias analysis to identify hidden confounders. As in the Swedish study, small risk increases for ADHD and autism seen in basic models disappeared once genetic and environmental factors were controlled for. The authors cautioned that unmeasured confounding, misclassification, and other biases may partially explain these associations, effectively nullifying any causal link.

Taken together, these two large-scale studies, conducted independently on different continents, using distinct healthcare systems and genetic populations, dismantle the narrative that the Trump-Kennedy administration elevated to national policy. What appeared, in weaker analyses, as a potential signal has now been shown to be statistical noise.

Trump and Kennedys declaration that Tylenol causes autism stands in direct opposition to the evidence base. No scientifically validated study has established a causal relationship between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. Their claim relies on a handful of observational studies showing modest statistical associations, none of which withstand more rigorous analyses.

This distinction between association and causation lies at the core of scientific reasoning. An association simply means two factors occur togetherfor example, women taking more pain relievers during pregnancy may also experience higher rates of fever, infection, or inflammation, each of which can influence fetal development. Causation, by contrast, implies a direct, mechanistic link where changing one factor changes the outcome. Establishing causation requires evidence that rules out alternative explanations, confirms time sequence, and demonstrates a plausible biological mechanism. Absent these criteria, asserting causation is speculative at best and deceptive at worst. In the Tylenol debate, no experimental or longitudinal evidence demonstrates a causal pathway between acetaminophen and autism; only weak correlations that vanish when examined under more rigorous designs.

The history of smoking and lung cancer offers a vivid example of how science progresses from correlation to causation. When early studies in the 1950s observed higher lung cancer rates among smokers, tobacco companies dismissed the findings as mere association. Over the next decade, researchers documented dose-response relationships, consistent results across populations, and biological mechanisms linking tobacco smoke to carcinogenic mutations. By the 1964 Surgeon Generals Report, the evidence had crossed the threshold from association to causationprompting sweeping public health reforms. That transformation was not political; it was empirical, grounded in converging data and the deliberate pace of scientific validation.

Kennedy and Trumps declaration that Tylenol causes autism has essentially reversed the logic of the scientific process. Instead of letting evidence build toward causation, they begin with a predetermined causal claim and retrofitted selected data to support their preconceived illusions. Such inversions represent the process by which science becomes politicized, where consensus and objective scientific truth are disregarded and treated as conspiracy and heresy. Such distortion not only erodes public confidence in science but also endangers lives by replacing evidence-based caution with ideological certainty. Science, by its nature, draws a firm line between what can be observed and what can be known. Crossing that line for political gain transforms the scientific method into spectacle and leaves public health and all of society as collateral damage.
New York City retirees protesting against efforts to privatize their healthcare

New York City unions have approved a hugely unpopular change in the healthcare coverage of its hundreds of thousands of members. The change is for all unionized city employees covered by the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC), a coalition comprised of 102 municipal employee unions. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is the second largest union of city employees, with 200,000 members including non-city employees; UFT president Michael Mulgrew plays a central role in the MLC.

Rank-and-file workers did not even have the chance to vote. The deal was passed initially by the UFT delegate assembly by a 78 percent margin last Monday. It then passed Tuesday by 88 percent in the MLC Assembly. Neither meeting was open to the general membership.

No one, including, the UFTs delegate assembly, has seen the full contract. The proprietary nature of information for the contract is the reason the bureaucrats have given for not distributing the entire document to the delegate assembly, let alone the union membership.

The proposed New York City Employees Preferred Provider Organization (NYCEPPO) plan makes sweeping changes to the medical coverage of these employees, in addition to hundreds of thousands more of their dependents and spouses. It is slated to save the city over $1 billion and will take effect on January 1, 2026.

The NYCEPPO plan is to be administered jointly by a merger into a single network of the previous EmblemHealth plan with hospitals covered nationally by UnitedHealthcare.

UnitedHealthcare has a high rate, 33 percent, of using required pre-authorization to deny treatments prescribed by patients doctors. The MLC claims that UnitedHealthcare agreed to cut its list of pre-authorized procedures by 50 percent, but critics say they have not been able to see the list of procedures that do require pre-authorization and that this does not, in any case, change the rate of denials.

The issue of pre-authorization carries extra concern because it was a center of the retirees fight against privatization of their health care.

The UFT is doing its best to cover for their betrayal. For example, the union claims there will be no co-pays for most medical services. In fact, this applies only to in-network preferred providers. Likewise, Mulgrew claims that there are 1.6 million doctors in the new plan, but there are no more than 1.11 million doctors in the US.

Teachers have pointed out that past negotiations led to reduction of services, including mental health and diabetes management. Additionally, if the city claims after 2026 that the planned savings target was not met, then it can demand new negotiations with the MLC, asking for benefit cuts, higher deductibles or premiums.

The crisis has its roots in a deal made in 2014 by the MLC with then-newly elected mayor Bill DiBlasio to end a wage-freeze imposed by the previous administration of Michael Bloomberg. The deal swapped a wage increase for a billion dollars in healthcare savings for the city government. The actual deal was hidden from the members in the contract language and no information was provided as to how these savings would be made.

This was followed by an attempt to push through $600 million annually in cost savings in the 2018 contract. The UFT and MLC promoted a plan to replace Medicare-based Senior Care health insurance for the 250,000 retired city workers with a private Medicare Advantage plan (MAP). Had it ultimately gone through, the proposal would have destroyed the no-cost care previously established and initiated premium payments.

When implementation of this plan was again attempted in 2022, retirees and supporters staged protests, conducted online campaigns and filed lawsuits over the course of several years. Mulgrew lost substantial ground among retirees in the union leadership elections of mid-2024, and in 2025, the UFT backpedaled and dropped the MAP, only to refocus its efforts at gutting medical care for city workers.

As the World Socialist Web Site noted when Mulgrew abandoned the MAP last year:

The apparent end of this particular plan is no cause for complacency by teachers and other city workers. There can be no doubt that similarly massive austerity measures are being worked out jointly between the MLC and the Adams administration. This is because the orientation of the bureaucracy is determined, not by rank-and-file pressure, but by the needs and demands of US capitalism.

Whether they are run by Democrats or Republicans, city governments across the US are slashing billions from school and municipal budgets. The fate of New York Citys government workers healthcare is bound up with a massive social counterrevolution, spearheaded by the Trump administration, which is using the government shutdown to lay off thousands and seize personal control over the government.

The new cuts to healthcare by the UFT and MLC will add to the tremendous economic burdens facing workers in New York. The city has become one of the most expensive in the world, and by some measures the most unequal in the country, with a population of 123 billionaires and 384,500 millionaires.

The trade union bureaucracy, which is implementing these cuts, is also intervening to suffocate the mass dissent against Trumps operation dictatorship.

Randi Weingarten, the millionaire president of the American Federation of Teachers, proposes no more than to politely appeal to the very system which has propelled Trump to power, even as his mass firings at the Department of Education and other federal agencies threaten the destruction of public education.

At a Detroit stop in her tour for her recently published book Why Fascists Hate Teachers, Weingarten reassured audience members, [i]t never gets to the point where fascism gets here. This remark came just a week after fascist Trump adviser Stephen Bannon claimed that a third of the [US] teachers are terrorists, and in the wake of Trumps authorization of the use of force in the deployment of federal troops to Portland, Oregon.

In the past few years, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has been crucial in the rise to power of reform bureaucrats to restore credibility to the apparatus. But many of yesterdays reformers, Shawn Fain of the United Auto Workers and Sean OBrien of the Teamsters, are now openly lining up with Trump. DSA members in the union apparatus not only continue to support these figures, but openly defend their embrace of Trumps America First policies.

The DSAs most current efforts have been focused on the campaign of Zohran Mamdani, the current Democratic front-runner for the New York City mayoral elections in 2025. While massive opposition to inequality is what drove his shock win in the Democratic primary, Mamdanis politics are fundamentally oriented toward channeling the massive hostility to the domination of all aspects of social life by Wall Street and big business back into the Democratic Party.

Even Mamdanis policies of modest reforms cannot be carried out without an offensive against the privileges of Wall Street, but Mamdani is doing everything possible to reassure financial interests that he can be trusted. This means, if he is elected, he will carry out even deeper cuts. Significantly, he has made no public comment on the implementation of NYCEPPO.

That is why the rapidly escalating coup by Trump against constitutional rule in the United States has been met with not so much as a single call to action by either the Democratic Party or the union apparatus, because such a movement would inevitably threaten the foundations of capitalism itself, which is no longer compatible with democracy.

Educators who want to mount a real struggle against the attacks on their livelihood and on the democratic rights of the working class should join the Educators Rank-and-File Committee, part of the IWA-RFC, in building a network of teachers and city employees democratically controlled by workers themselves to mobilize this struggle for their class interests.
Screenshot from the latest video released by the Pentagon of a small vessel being struck by US missiles, October 3, 2025 [Photo: Pentagon]

The Trump administrations military escalation against Venezuela continued this past Friday with the Pentagon confirming the sinking of yet another vessel in the southern Caribbean and the threat by Trump to annihilate the country with nuclear weapons.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth proudly announced in a video release that four passengers aboard the small boat were killed when it was struck by multiple missiles, part of a brutal and public spectacle of modern state terror.

This marked the fifth incident in recent weeks in which unarmed vessels alleged to be carrying drug traffickers have been attacked without warning, resulting in the deaths of at least 21 civilians. Investigations have revealed that many, if not all, of the victims were fishermen or migrants from coastal communities, far from posing any genuine threat to the US. Julie Turkewitz of the New York Times reported testimony from the wife of one victim, a fisherman from Venezuelas Paria Peninsula, who left one day for work and never came back.

Hegseth took to the social platform X to declare the strikes would continue until the attacks on the American people are over!!! implying an open-ended military campaign.

Speaking at Naval Station Norfolk on Sunday, Trump thanked the Navy for blowing cartel terrorists the hell out of the water, adding ominously, we did another one last night, apparently mistakenly referring to Fridays strike.

He then shifted the battlefield focus, stating, Theyre not coming by sea anymore  now well have to start looking about the land because theyll be forced to go by land.

These chilling remarks are aimed foremost at preparing or provoking the overthrow of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington accuses of leading the Cartel of the Sunsnonexistent, according to most experts. Addressing Maduro, Trump declared in a belligerent tone: Every tyrant and adversary on the planet knows their choice is very simple: its leave America in peace, or be blown up in fire and fury never seen before, echoing his nuclear threats from 2017 against North Korea.

Reinforcing this threat, the Pentagon recently tested a nuclear-capable Trident cruise missile in the Caribbean, underscoring mounting preparation for possible large-scale confrontation.

This explicit targeting of an entire nation signals the depths of imperialist barbarism in which mass murder is normalized as a policy tool. The willingness to contemplate the wholesale destruction of millions in Latin America parallels the genocidal campaign pursued under US auspices in Gaza. Such threats are not merely isolated rhetoric, but rather integral to an escalating framework of state terror aimed at crushing any resistance to Americas ruling oligarchy.

The significance of this buildup cannot be overstated. The southern Caribbean has become a flashpoint in the ongoing world repartition by rival great powers.

The Trump administration and the bipartisan foreign policy establishment in Washington view Venezuelawith the worlds largest proven oil reservesand the vast natural resources and labor force across Latin America as a critical imperialist prize akin to Hitlers Anschluss of Austria. This is seen as a stepping stone in Trumps broader global strategy to wage war against Iran, Russia, and most decisively, China.

Russia has publicly condemned last weeks attack, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov affirming in a call with his Venezuelan counterpart full support and solidarity with the leadership and people of Venezuela. China, Venezuelas top oil buyer and creditor, had already protested earlier US strikes last month and remains deeply invested, recently announcing a $1 billion oil well project there.

In an unprecedented development, the White House sent a memo to Congress last week declaring that the United States is engaged in a non-international armed conflict with drug cartels. This pseudo-legal declaration is part of Trumps bid to arrogate to himself sweeping war powers, bypassing Congressional authority and muddling traditional distinctions between domestic law enforcement and military wartime operations, contravening the Posse Comitatus Act.

This latest maneuver opens the door to the use of military force both within US cities and abroad under the premise of combating drug trafficking.

Already, the Trump administration had sought to claim that migration is inseparable from the penetration of drug cartels into US soil as a pretext for a police state crackdown against immigrants, which is the spearhead of the attack on all democratic rights.

The Democratic Partys response has been muted, largely limited to questioning the lack of Congressional approval while endorsing the expansion of the so-called war on drugs. The top Democrat in the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed, explicitly supported the war against drug cartels as a pretext for the violent reassertion of hemispheric hegemony.

Military analysts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimate that a ground invasion of Venezuela would require a minimum of at least 50,000 troops, far outnumbering the approximately 5,000 currently deployed to the southern Caribbean. Even so, the existing Navy and Air Force assets provide the strategic scaffolding for a rapid escalation. With the assets in place today, US forces could conduct air or missile strikes against Venezuela from a sanctuary offshorealbeit diverting resources from the Indo-Pacific, CSIS experts write.

The deploymentscosting hundreds of millions dailycreate an inevitable momentum to make use of these forces. US officials cited by the Washington Examiner recognize that the pricey buildup in the region is already enough to seize control of key strategic assets like ports or airfields.

Coupled with punitive tariffssuch as the staggering 50 percent imposed on Brazil after the conviction of Trump ally Bolsonaro for a military coup attemptthis campaign constitutes a full-scale offensive by US imperialism to prepare fascist repression and reassert control over Latin America.

Trumps memo to Congress represents a declaration of war against the working class across the Americas, including the United States. This offensive raises the need for a renewed effort to unite workers across the Americas through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees in a revolutionary struggle against all capitalist classes, their political hirelings and union bureaucracies.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before signing an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin]

Speaking from the Oval Office Monday afternoon, President Donald Trump threatened to ignore court orders and override local governors and mayors to deploy US military assets in major American cities. In a big lie, Trump declared that Chicago, the third largest city in the US, was like a war zone and said he would invoke the Insurrection Act if it was necessary.

So far it hasnt been necessary. But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason, Trump threatened, adding, If I had to enact it, Id do that. If people were being killed, and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, Id do that.

The aspiring dictator promised to go city by city until he had safe cities.

Making clear that Trumps statements to ignore the judiciary are not empty bluster, his top fascist adviser, Stephen Miller, signaled in an interview with CNN on Monday that the administration will try to sidestep rulings it dislikes.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks with reporters at the White House on Monday, October 6. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

On Sunday night in Oregon, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut temporarily blocked the administration from federalizing National Guard troops for Portland, finding the deployment untethered to the facts on the ground. That ruling triggered furious attacks by Miller, who characterized it as a legal insurrection. This was followed by public threats from the president, who said judges who rule against him ought to be ashamed.



On Monday, Miller said the White House will abide by the ruling insofar as it affects the covered parties, but will pursue other means to deploy military or federal assets to places like Portland and Chicago. Millers insistence that the White House will abide by court rulings only insofar as they affect the covered parties makes clear that the administration views judicial orders as mere bumps in the road. It is carrying out evasive maneuvers, like its attempt to use the Texas National Guard instead of Californias, while appealing injunctions to the fascist-controlled Supreme Court. Ultimately, it will deploy troops regardless of legal constraints.

Miller was asked by CNN whether it was hyperbolic to call demonstrators terrorists. He replied, No. If anything Im understating the severity of the situation. He claimedwithout evidencethat since the Joint Terrorism Task Force became involved, weve found common funding  meeting points  this is terrorism. Asked if the administration planned to charge protesters with terrorism, Miller answered, Yes, I would like to, and added that the domestic terrorism statute in Congress needs to be strengthened.

Following the comments of Trump and Miller, the White House posted a new memorandum directed towards Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem titled, Department of War Security for the Protection of Federal Personnel and Property in Illinois.

The memo falsifies protests outside ICE facilities in Broadview, Illinois, claiming the demonstrations are a coordinated assault by violent groups. The memo claims these alleged groups are delaying deportation operations through violent demonstrations, intimidation, and sabotage of Federal operations. It continues, These violent activities appear to be increasing, and the situation in the State of Illinois, particularly in and around the city of Chicago, cannot continue.

In reality, the violent groups in the Chicago area are the police and federal immigration Gestapo. Since the onset of the action given the Nazi-style nickname Operation Midway Blitz, federal immigration police have shot at least two people, killing Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez on September 12. A lying Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release issued after the killing falsely portrayed the restaurant cook and father of two sons as a criminal illegal alien and alleged that he dragged an officer for a significant distance.

In fact, video evidence contradicted every key element of that narrative. He did not cause any serious injury to an ICE agent. Body camera footage uncovered by the Chicago Sun-Times confirmed that the ICE agent had a minor scrape on his knee and his jeans were torn, nothing major.

Villegas-Gonzalez had no criminal record apart from minor traffic violations that were over a decade old. When he was murdered by ICE, the 38-year-old was not engaged in criminal activity. In fact, ICE ambushed him after he dropped off one his kids at school before he headed to work.

A second person was shot this past Saturday by federal immigration agents. Marimar Martinez, 30, was shot by federal agents during a confrontation in Brighton Park. Martinez was hospitalized and released. She and Anthony Ian Santos Ruiz, 21, have since been charged by federal prosecutors for forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer. No agents have been charged for shooting either Villegas-Gonzalez or Martinez.

As is the case in the killing of Villegas-Gonzalez, none of the claims advanced by DHS following Saturdays incident should be taken at face value. Despite ICE saying that agents were forced to fire on Martinez because she allegedly was carrying a semi-automatic weapon, none of the charges filed by federal prosecutors on Monday are related to guns. DHS claims Martinez and Ruiz blocked agents in with their vehicles, but eyewitness accounts claim the agents initiated contact with their vehicles first. Following the shooting, a several-hour protest/standoff ensued between outraged community members and heavily armed government thugs.

Against that backdrop, Trumps new directive federalizing Illinois National Guard troops for protection of federal personnel and property is effectively a declaration of military operations against an American city already under occupation by federal immigration forces.

The orders languageregular forces are insufficient to ensure execution of federal law in Illinoisis a direct echo of the legal justifications used to invoke the Insurrection Act. It authorizes the secretary of war to deploy Guard units for 60 days to secure ICE, FPS (Federal Protective Service) and DHS facilities and to protect operations where demonstrations may interfere.

Given that federal agents are already the ones carrying out shootings, fabricating press statements and terrorizing immigrant neighborhoods, this order represents a cover-up of the militarized assault on the people of Chicago.

In response to Trumps far advanced plans, the Democrats are doing everything in their power to tamp down opposition and channel it back into the party and the corrupt courts. In a press conference Monday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said the Trump administration was creating the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act so that he can send the military to our city. Pritzker said he did not know why Trump was depicting Chicago as a hellhole, a war zone, saying hes done it for some unspoken reason.

As the World Socialist Web Site has explained, Trump is not acting on his own ... he represents the interests of the corporate and financial oligarchy. Furthermore:

The American ruling class is acutely conscious of and terrified by the existential crisis of the capitalist system. It is aware that the national debtnow approaching $40 trillionis unsustainable. The oligarchs are convinced that a massive assault on the living standards and even the lives of the working class is necessary.

The Democrats, no less than the Republicans, are a party of Wall Street and the military-industrial complex. They are far more terrified of a mass movement against the entire rotten system than they are of the coming to power of a fascist government in America.

This is why Pritzker, Democratic Socialists of America-backed Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Representative Jesus Chuy Garcia and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said nothing during Mondays press conference about action to remove the Trump administration.

None of them even called on Congress to impeach the president over his usurpation of local authority and threats to invoke the Insurrection Act. Instead, the Democrats announced they would be filing a lawsuit in response to Trumps dictatorial plans.

In a hearing Monday at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago, US District Judge April Perry refused to immediately block Trumps federalizing of 300 members of the Illinois National Guard and Governor Greg Abbotts deployment of up to 400 Texas National Guard troops to Chicago. Perry said she would give the Trump administration until midnight Wednesday to respond to the lawsuit with opening arguments set for Thursday.
Students are returning to universities this October under extraordinary conditions. In the United States, Donald Trump is establishing a fascist regime. He has ordered the military occupation of numerous opposition-run cities and is using the murder of fascist figure Charlie Kirk to bring the press and public life into line. Even a ban on the Democratic Party is already being discussed. Abroad, the Trump administration supports the genocide against the Palestinians and is rearming for a world war.

But the same developments are taking place in Germany and worldwide. Despite the horrific crimes against the Palestinian population, the German government maintains unconditional support for Israel. At the same time, it is driving forward the largest rearmament programme since Hitler: 1 trillion euros are being poured into military projects, and every sphere of society is being reorganised for war production.

Repression of pro-Palestinian protests, along with the censorship and slander of opponents of genocide and war, shows that the same dictatorial tendencies visible in the United States are also evident in Germany. In some polls, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is already the strongest party. This is possible only because all the others have integrated it into political life and adopted its policies: militarism, stepping up the repressive powers of the state and mass deportations.

Young people are especially affected: The rearmament of the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) is being financed through massive cuts to universities and to education, culture and social services.

In Berlin, universities are to lose about 145 million this year alone; by 2027 as many as 25,000 study places could disappear. In Baden-Wurttemberg, a planned 91 million cut was averted, but a funding freeze remains for 2026. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the state government plans annual reductions of 150 million in higher education spending from 2026. In Hesse, the new higher education pact foresees cuts of 30 million in 2026, with universities expecting a deficit of roughly 1 billion compared with earlier funding commitments.

These cuts are also being used as a lever to silence opposition, bring universities into line and turn them into military training grounds. Over the past two years, anti-war voices on campuses have been heavily censored, meetings banned and anti-genocide protests suppressed with police violence.

Now, young people are also to be used as cannon fodder. The planned reintroduction of conscription is intended to make Germany fit for world war once again. The government wants to place our generation under military discipline and force it into line in order to break anti-war opposition.

The ruling class knows very well how deep opposition runs among young people.

Students beginning university this autumn belong to a generation that has never known prosperity under capitalism. Their youth was marked by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which killed millions and left many suffering long-term effects. They witnessed Trumps coup attempt on January 6, 2021 and are watching the NATO proxy war in Ukraine and the genocide in Gaza in real time. In Europe, they see borders going back up, hundreds of thousands drowning in the Mediterranean, and all the establishment parties fueling nationalism and hostility toward refugees.

The mass protests against the genocide in Gaza over the past two years have clearly shown the widespread rejection of the governments war policy. Yet this opposition raises a decisive question: the question of political perspective.

How can genocide, militarisation and the drive toward dictatorship be stopped?

If the protests of recent years have shown anything, it is that the government cannot be swayed by pressure from the streets. Its right-wing course is not the result of individual misjudgements but of the deep crisis of capitalism itselfAnd the capitalists have only one answer to that: war abroad and repression at home.

Particularly dangerous is the role of the Left Party, which fosters illusions in a peaceful capitalism. After being swept back into parliament on the wave of anti-AfD protests, it immediately demobilised the movement and formed an alliance with Chancellor Friedrich Merzthe very man who provoked the protests by collaborating with the AfD. The Left Party enabled the swift election of the chancellor and even voted for the trillion-euro war credits. It now openly backs rearmament, mouthing a few social phrases to sugarcoat it.

What is needed are not reformswhich no longer existbut a revolution. Yet students cannot win this struggle alone. They must turn to the social force that bears the full burden of war and crisis and creates all wealth: the working class. It is the decisive revolutionary force in society. Students must link their struggles with those of the working class and recognise that their own future depends entirely on the success of the socialist revolution.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) fights to build a mass movement against war and capitalism among workers and youth, orienting students to the working class. It is the youth movement of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) and of the Fourth International founded by Leon Trotsky, defending Marxism and socialist internationalism against Stalinism, social democracy and every form of petty-bourgeois nationalism.

The death agony of capitalism creates both revolutionary possibilities and the danger of world war and fascism. The future will be determined by whether we build a socialist movement in the working classin Germany and internationally.

Such a movement must be based on the political principles set out by the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) in its 2016 statement Socialism and the Fight Against War:

The struggle against war must be based on the working class, the great revolutionary force in society, uniting behind it all progressive elements in the population.

The new anti-war movement must be anti-capitalist and socialist, since there can be no serious struggle against war except in the fight to end the dictatorship of finance capital and put an end to the economic system that is the fundamental cause of militarism and war.

The new anti-war movement must therefore, of necessity, be completely and unequivocally independent of, and hostile to, all political parties and organizations of the capitalist class.

The new anti-war movement must, above all, be international, mobilizing the vast power of the working class in a unified global struggle against imperialism.

We call on all students to join this struggle.

Turn to the working class, fight for a revolutionary perspectivethe only one that can secure the future of humanity.

Join the IYSSE!
Jane Goodall, British ethologist and world famous expert for chimpanzees, looks at one the of gorillas of the Budapest Zoo in Budapest, Hungary, Feb. 11, 2008. [AP Photo/Bela Szandelszky]

Jane Goodall, the scientist who taught humanity about our closest evolutionary relatives, the chimpanzees, died last week at the age of 91. The Jane Goodall Institute, which she founded in 1977, released a statement that she had died on October 1 of natural causes, while in California on a speaking tour. Goodall was world-renowned for her ground-breaking research on chimpanzees in the wild. She was the first researcher to conduct systematic extended in-person observations of chimps in their natural habitat.

Her research revealed that chimpanzees, with whom we share the vast majority of our genetic makeup, also exhibit behaviors, such as the manufacture and use of simple tools, which provide insight into the origin of human technology. Tool use had previously been thought to be an exclusively human skill.

Furthermore, contrary to previous conceptions that chimps and other apes, as well as animals in general, are emotionless and unthinking, and driven entirely by instinct, she found that chimps have their own individual personalities and engage in complex social behaviors. The latter includes the use of vocalizations accompanied by hand and head gestures to communicate with other members of the group. Importantly, these behaviors are learned rather than genetically patterned, constituting incipient culture.

Her research has prompted investigations of other species, also found to have some of these same complex behaviors.

Born in 1934 in England and raised in London, Goodall did not initially train as a scientist, but was employed as a secretary. She recently revealed that as a child, she dreamed of growing up, going to Africa, living with wild animals and writing books. Opportunity arose during a trip to Kenya to visit family friends, leading to an encounter with the famous paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, with whom she discussed her love of animals. Sensing her potential, he asked her whether she would be interested in studying wild chimpanzees in Tanzania. She agreed and was initially employed as Leakeys secretary.

Once in the field, on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in 1960, while dealing with malaria and animal predators, Goodall found that getting close to the chimpanzees was not an easy feat. The chimps were wary and kept their distance. However, with persistence and a non-aggressive approach, she eventually won their confidence and was able to make direct, detailed observations, learning the individual characteristics of each member of the group, and giving them names rather than numbers, which was not standard practice at the time. In effect, she pioneered a fieldwork technique in primatologyparticipant observation, which had long been practiced in social/cultural anthropologyspending an extended period living and interacting with the subjects being studied.

Goodall discovered that not only did the chimps make simple tools (e.g., stripping leaves from twigs and using the bare sticks or long grass stems to extract termites from their colonies to eat them), but that chimps exhibited behaviors similar to human emotions, such as joy, sadness and fear. She also observed bonds between mothers and infants, sibling rivalry and the establishment of social hierarchies. They also ate meat and engaged in inter-group conflicts. Other researchers have subsequently found that chimps also make and use several different forms of tools, including stones used to crack open hard-shelled nuts, and spears used to stab monkeys whom they hunt, and that these are cultural traditions which vary between groups. This evidence strongly suggests that the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees possessed at least the precursors of these behaviors, strengthening the understanding of a common evolutionary origin.

Goodalls discoveries gained world-wide attention in 1963 when National Geographic published her article, My Life Among Wild Chimpanzees, which was featured on the front cover of the magazine. The prominent evolutionary biologist and science historian Stephen Jay Gould praised her work, which he said, represents one of the Western worlds great scientific achievements. She subsequently wrote 32 books, based on her research, including 15 for children, which further spread her findings among a wide audience. She was also featured in several television documentaries. In addition, her work earned her a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1965, despite the fact that she had no undergraduate degree.

Her activities soon expanded from research to wildlife conservation and environmental preservation. In 1978, Tanzania honored her work by designating the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve, where she had done her original fieldwork, as a national park. In 1992 her institute founded the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, which has cared for hundreds of injured and orphaned chimpanzees, the casualties of chimps being hunted by humans for meat or kidnapped for the pet trade. She became world-renowned not only for her pioneering research but for her crusading efforts in wildlife and habitat conservation.

The Jane Goodall Institute funds scientific research and conservation projects around the world, including the Roots & Shoots program that works with young people. Goodall inspired a number of young women to become scientists, including Dian Fossey, who studied mountain gorillas for many years, a career featured in the film Gorillas in the Mist.

Goodall also became an advocate for human rights and concerns regarding climate change.

Jane Goodall was an extremely important scientific figure who changed the way people understand themselves, their relationship to the natural world, and the animal kingdom. Darwins most controversial assertion was that human beings and the great apes had a common ancestor not that long ago. This truth is proven by the fossil record, but Goodalls work gave it a degree of staggering concreteness. She showed that chimpanzees make and use tools, hunt cooperatively, and display complex emotions and social structures once thought unique to humans.

The implications of her work, always understated, are in fact an assault on all forms of religious dogma, which hold that man was uniquely created in the image of a creator-deity. Actually, many of the unique traits of man are shared with the great apes because man is a member of the great apes family. The fact that Goodall held vaguely pantheist religious beliefs in no way undermines the profoundly materialist content of her work. However great a scientist she was, Goodall was known for her compassion and humanity both to people and to the animals she studied.

More on Jane Goodall

My Life Among Wild Chimpanzees

Jane Goodalls legacy: three ways she changed science

From tool use to warfare  here are 5 ways Jane Goodall revolutionized our knowledge of chimpanzees
The improper release of Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrills entire US Navy record by the administration of fascistic President Donald Trump has thrown the gubernatorial race in New Jersey into turmoil. News of the release broke hours after a poll indicated that the race between Sherrill and Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli was in a dead heat.

The distribution of mostly unredacted documents has the earmarks of an attempt to sabotage the campaign of Sherrill, who was first elected to Congress in 2018 as one of more than a dozen military-intelligence operatives who won seats that year, a group identified by the WSWS as the CIA Democrats.

In response to a request from an ally of Ciattarelli, the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at the National Archives in Washington D.C., released Sherrills entire Navy record. The documents contain sensitive information such as Sherrills Social Security number, home address, life insurance information, performance evaluations and the nondisclosure agreement between her and the US government to safeguard classified information.

Mikie Sherrill in military uniform, as shown on a campaign website [Photo: Mikie Sherril]

The employee who released the files did not follow standard operating procedures, according to the NPRC. No explanation has been given for this ostensible mistake. The release may constitute a violation of the Privacy Act of 1974 and run afoul of the exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act.

Sherrill, who has centered her gubernatorial campaign on her Navy career, now faces questions about what role she played in a cheating scandal that erupted at the US Naval Academy in the 1990s. More than 100 midshipmen were implicated in cheating on the final electrical engineering exam, which is notoriously difficult and required for all third-year students who are not engineering majors.

Sherrill did not participate in her Naval Academy graduation ceremony in 1994 but nevertheless received a commission and served in the Navy for nine years. She left the Navy at the rank of lieutenant in December 2003, before going to law school and becoming a federal prosecutor. Sherrill has said that she was not allowed to walk at graduation because she did not inform on classmates who cheated on the exam. She herself has not been accused of cheating. The documents released by the NPRC do not suggest Sherrill played any direct role in the cheating scandal.

Consistent with the focus of her campaign and her political orientation to the military, Sherrill has presented the release of documents as an attack on the armed forces. In a statement to CBS, Sherrill said, That Jack Ciattarelli and the Trump administration are illegally weaponizing my records for political gain is a violation of anyone who has ever served our country. No veterans record is safe. Sherrill has not decried the release of documents as interference in the gubernatorial election or an attack on democratic rights, including the right to privacy, or connected it in any way with the larger Trump administration assault on democracy.

Ciattarelli has demanded that Sherrill release her full Naval Academy records, including her disciplinary files. She could clear this all up by approving the release of her disciplinary records, but she wont, he told Fox News.

Sherrill and Ciattarelli represent equally repugnant factions of the American ruling class. During her Navy career, Sherrill was a Russian policy officer and flew missions in Europe and the Middle East. In the US House of Representatives, she unfailingly supported Bidens agenda of austerity and war. A staunch backer of the NATO proxy war against Russia, Sherrill met and was photographed with members of the neo-Nazi Azov Battalion in September 2022. During the recent gubernatorial debate, it took Sherrill only nine seconds before she mentioned her Navy career.

Ciattarelli served in the New Jersey Assembly from 2011 to 2018 and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2021. Having initially called Trump a charlatan, he later cast aside any scruples and supported Trumps reelection in 2020. Moreover, he headlined a Stop the Steal rally, thus helping to promote the lie that the election had been rigged in favor of Democrat Joe Biden. Ciattarelli urges full cooperation between local police departments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement and opposes equal rights for sexual and gender minorities.

The release of Sherrills Navy records and the questions about her role in the cheating scandal of the 90s recall the Swift boat smear campaign against Senator John Kerry in 2004. During that years presidential campaign, a group called Swift Boat Veterans for Truth publicly accused Kerry, a Navy veteran who was the Democratic candidate, of misrepresenting his conduct during the Vietnam War. Kerry commanded combat missions in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam and became a prominent opponent of the war after his return to the US.

Trump has already intervened in New Jerseys gubernatorial race. He has endorsed Ciattarelli (who had assiduously sought Trumps blessing) and said that New Jersey is ready to pop out of that blue horror show.

As the federal government shut down, White House budget director Russell Vought announced that the administration would withhold billions of dollars from the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project. The project, which was unveiled in 2011, is intended to rehabilitate a tunnel between Newark, New Jersey, and New York City that dates from 1910. Trumps withholding of funds, for this and other initiatives nationwide, is intended to punish the Democrats for opposing his budget. Ciattarelli has blamed Sherrill for Trumps action.

On social media, Trump also has called Sherrill close to incompetent. Trumps involvement in the improper release of Sherrills Navy record cannot be ruled out, especially considering his threats to withhold funding from New York City if Democratic candidate and Democratic Socialists of America member Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election.

While Mamdani has effusively endorsed Sherrill, the former Navy helicopter pilot has not returned the favor, joining Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in declining to take a position on the New York City mayoral race. Sherrill has not cited any specific political differences with Mamdani, hiding behind the claim that she is too busy with the New Jersey campaign to take a position on the mayoral race next door.

In practice, Sherrill has largely sought to avoid broader political issues and focus exclusively on issues of affordability, particularly in relation to housing costs. In that she apes Mamdani, although with even less of the slight tinge of left-talking criticism of big business espoused by the mayoral candidate.

Far from representing an alternative to the Republicans, the Democrats defend the interests of Wall Street, the military and the intelligence agencies. This is being demonstrated in the most glaring fashion in the only two major statewide contests this year, the governors races in New Jersey and Virginia, states with a combined population of nearly 19 million people.

The Democratic Party has nominated two of the original 2018 class of CIA Democrats in these races. Sherill, the former Navy pilot with close ties to the NATO command structure, is running in New Jersey. Abigail Spanberger, a former career Central Intelligence Agency agent, is running for governor of Virginia. Both are favored in the polls, Sherrill narrowly, and Spanberger by a comfortable margin over fascist Republican lieutenant governor Winsome Earle-Spears, whose campaign is so dismal that Trump has declined to appear on her behalf.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally during a protest in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, calling for an end to the war in Gaza. [AP Photo/Bernat Armangue]

The detaining of the Sumud flotilla by Israel in a flagrant act of piracy in international waters with the support of the imperialist powers has unleashed an international wave of mass outrage, with mass protests in major cities across Spain and all of Europe.

A million people marched on Friday in Rome, paralyzing the Italian capital, and tens of thousands marched in Italian cities including Turin and Milan. In Paris, around 10,000 protesters held signs declaring We are all Palestinians Zionist state, terrorist state, and Today and forever, resistance. There were also mass protests in Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Mulhouse in France, and in the Belgian city of Liege.

In London, a protest against the banning of Palestinian Action, after the group organized protests against Donald Trump and Israel, led to over 500 arrests, many of those arrested being over 70 years old. Mass protests took place also in Dublin, Amsterdam, and Lisbon.

This mobilization also shook Spain, which saw the largest protests since the beginning of the Zionist genocide in Gaza. By their size, they recalled the mass protests that took place in 2003 against Spains participation in the illegal, US-led led invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Already on Thursday morning, a student strike took place across Spain, and in the afternoon, thousands of people spontaneously poured onto the streets to protest the seizure of the Global Sumud Flotilla. Saturdays demonstrations went far beyond everything that had been predicted, however.

On Saturday morning, 300,000 people joined a march in Barcelona planned by a collective of 600 organizations which blockaded the Paseo de Gracia and marched to the Arch of Triumph. The manifesto of the collective said, The complicit states of the global North, including Spain, have decided to take upon themselves the legalization of a genocide. It called for a total embargo on weapons, the breaking of relations and the ending of all association of the European Union (EU) with Israel.

Before the demonstration, one of the spokespeople of the Sumud Flotilla in Catalonia, Pablo Castilla, declared: Currently, more than 450 comrades in the flotilla are secure in Israeli prisons. We know they have begun legal procedures without written assistance, and we denounce the threats and aggressions they have undergone, particularly the Arab comrades, who have been the worst treated.

The president of the Palestinian Community of Catalonia, Natalia Abu-Sharar, has declared that that the supposed peace plan for Gaza is only a cover to continue murdering the Palestinian people.

At the end of the day, Madrid saw a historic demonstration with over 500,000 participants, who went from the Glorieta dAtocha to Callao Square. During the march, there were chants such as From the river to the sea, Palestine will conquer, Struggle is the only way, Palestine will not be sold, Boycott Israel, Gaza, resist, Madrid is rising up. Many protest signs denounced the complicity of the European Union and the Spanish government with Israel and the Gaza genocide.

At the demonstration, Saido Ghodaieh, the president of the Spanish-Palestinian Association of Jerusalem, demanded a real treatment to stop the ethnic cleansing that is taking place in Palestine, and that international law be respected and that war criminals be taken before a tribunal and prosecuted.

Laura Ferre of RESCOP (Solidarity Network against the Occupation of Palestine), another association that helped organized the protest, declared that the arms embargo on Israel announced by the Spanish government was not sufficient. What the Palestinian people needs today is a total embargo.

Other major Spanish cities also saw an outpouring of popular outrage against the genocide. Tens of thousands of people marched in the streets in Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Cadiz, Jaen, Tenerife, Vigo, Saint-Jacques-of-Compostela, Logrono, Pampeluna, Murci, Valladolid, and beyond.

The pseudo-left is very aware of the vast support for the Palestinian cause in the Spanish and European working class. It is working closely with the union bureaucracies to tie this opposition to the bankrupt perspective of sending impotent petitions to the Socialist Party (PSOE)-Sumar coalition government.

Sumar is trying to pretend that the government in which it is participating is doing something. Thus its leader, Lara Hernandez, declared: Anyone who takes a position in favor of the validation of the royal decree on the arms embargo is situating themselves on the side of humanity and the side of the defense of the Palestinian cause.

Podemos leader Ione Belarra has asked of the government that it break relations with genocides and called for the freeing of Spanish members of the Sumud flotilla now detained by Israel.

On the same line, the Pabloite Anticapitalistas organization declared: These are mobilizations that demand that the government break relations with Israel, that it organize a total arms embargo to condemn the genocide and its accomplices and support the struggle of the Palestinian people for their own liberation.

These are useless appeals. The PSOE ruled in coalition first with Podemos and then with the Podemos split-off Sumar, maintaining throughout an active collaboration with Israel and the Zionist genocide. In practice, it maintained intact the military and commercial relations with Israel and placed Spanish ports at the disposal of the Zionist state to transport weapons used to exterminate the Palestinians.

In response to working class anger, the PSOE-Sumar government is changing its public statements and calling for measures to pressure Israel. But this is an impotent method that has no significant impact. The arms embargo that it is claiming to approve will leave the bulk of the military collaboration with Israel intact, allow contracts with the Israeli defense industry, and do nothing to establish an inspection mechanism for Israeli ships arriving in Spanish ports, thus preventing any arms interdiction efforts.

For their part, the union bureaucracies are trying to let off steam by holding partial strikes. The two largest unions, the Workers Commissions (CCOO), close to Podemos and Sumar, and the PSOE-linked General Union of Labor (UGT) have called two-hour strikes for October 15 without issuing any type of demands, proposing any follow-up action or meetings. These are strikes whose objectives, from the outset, are to have as small an impact as possible.

The pseudo-left and the union bureaucracies are trying to drown the protests and prevent them from growing into a movement that could threaten the interests of capitalism and imperialism, both in Spain and internationally. These are organizations that can only lead the workers to defeat, and the Palestinians to extermination.

As the WSWS explained in its October 3 perspective, What workers need are new organisations under their controlrank-and-file committeesso they can plan and direct a mass movement capable of stopping the machinery of imperialist war and genocide in its tracks.

A united struggle to defend the Palestinian people and oppose austerity and war, it explained, necessarily requires a movement committed to ousting the financial oligarchy from power and the overturn of capitalism, the root cause of imperialist barbarism that finds its most appalling expression in Gaza.
(Reuters) -Algen Biotechnologies said on Monday it had agreed to grant AstraZeneca a license to develop therapies the U.S.-based biotech discover using its AI-driven gene-editing platform, in a deal worth up to $555 million.

AstraZeneca will get exclusive rights to develop and sell approved therapies, if any, that target immune system-related disorders in exchange for upfront and milestone payments to Algen.

AstraZeneca has been advancing its cell and gene therapy capabilities through acquisitions and partnerships as it works towards its target of $80 billion in sales by 2030. Globally too, drugmakers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for drug development.

The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker's respiratory and immunology portfolio generated $4.23 billion in sales, or around 15% of its total revenue, in the first half of 2025.

AstraZeneca in March agreed to buy Belgian biotech EsoBiotec for up to $1 billion, gaining access to technology that modifies immune cells directly inside the body.

Monday's deal, however, does not include AstraZeneca buying a stake in the company, Algen CEO and co-founder Chun-Hao Huang told Reuters in an interview.

"Together with AstraZeneca's deep expertise in translational science and clinical development, we aim to uncover new biological insights to accelerate the development of novel therapies," Huang said.

The company, backed by investors including Viking Global and Illumina, has raised $11 million in funding previously and is "well capitalized", Huang said, adding that the firm would consider scaling its programs at the next fundraise, without giving details.

Algen was spun out from the UC Berkeley lab where biochemist Jennifer Doudna pioneered the CRISPR technology that won her the Nobel Prize.

The biotech firm's AI platform, AlgenBrain, can map genes to disease outcomes, helping the companies decide their development focus for targeted therapies.

The Financial Times had first reported the news.

(Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job and Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo and Maju Samuel)
Barrick Mining Corporation has signed an agreement to divest its stake in the Tongon gold mine, along with some of its exploration properties in Cote dIvoire, to Atlantic Group for up to $305m (C$425.56m).

The consideration includes a cash payment of $192m, which encompasses a $23m shareholder loan repayment to be made within six months of closing.

Additionally, there are contingent cash payments of up to $113m, payable based on gold prices over 2.5 years and resource conversions over five years.

The proceeds from the sale will be used to bolster Barrick's financial standing and enhance returns to its shareholders.

The acquisition will be carried out by purchasing Barrick's stakes in the two Ivorian subsidiaries that hold the mine and exploration permits.

TD Securities and Treadstone Resource Partners are acting as financial advisors to Barrick, with Lawson Lundell as legal counsel.

Originally slated for closure in 2020, Tongon's life has been extended through exploration by Barrick.

Since its first gold pour in 2010, Tongon has contributed more than $2bn to the Ivorian economy through taxes, infrastructure development, salaries and local supplier payments.

The transaction is due to close in late 2025 pending customary closing conditions and approval by the Government of Cote d'Ivoire.

Atlantic Group, founded 48 years ago by an Ivorian entrepreneur, is a privately held multisectoral pan-African group with interests across financial services, agriculture and industry in 15 African countries.

Last month, Barrick Mining signed an agreement to sell the Hemlo Gold Mine in Canada to Carcetti Capital Corporation for up to $1.09bn.

It recently announced a leadership transition, with the appointment of Mark Hill as group chief operating officer, interim president and CEO.

"Barrick to divest stake in Tongon gold mine and exploration properties to Atlantic Group " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




The Digital Factory Passport (DBP), in partnership with the Digital Bridge Partners (DBP), will serve as a unified digital tool to reduce audit fatigue and improve efficiency in sustainability performance monitoring.

By offering a standardised and AI-driven approach, the initiative will help factories align with the requirements of international buyers and future-proof Bangladeshs position as a global sourcing hub.

Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of BGMEA, emphasised the importance of innovation and digital transformation in the sectors sustainability journey.

Representatives from Digital Bridge Partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the industry in achieving greater efficiency and transparency through digital solutions.

BGMEAs vice presidents and directors also highlighted the potential of the Digital Factory Passport to position Bangladesh as a leader in responsible manufacturing.

The association welcomed Mahmud Hasan Khan as president, in June, alongside an elected board of directors for the 2025-2027 term.

"BGMEA unveils AI-enabled Digital Factory Passport for RMG sector" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand.








Bridal designer Hayley Paige will visit Clinton boutique The White Dress by the Shore this week for the shop's "Hayley Paige Week."

Paige, who has appeared in TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" and designed for stars such as Kelsea Ballerini and Carrie Underwood, will make a stop by the Clinton store for a meet-and-greet event Friday.

Brides also will be able to shop for Hayley Paige dresses with an appointment, according to The White Dress by the Shore's website. Its "Hayley Paige Week" event will kick off Thursday and continue through Oct. 12.

A rack of little white dresses created with leftover fabric by Penny Barone, photographed at The White Dress by the Shore in Clinton on March 24, 2023. (Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media)





The White Dress by the Shore was one of Paige's first accounts when she began her career as a designer.

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"Clinton was one of the very first boutiques to believe in me when I was just starting out, before the big shows, before the brand took off," Paige said. "Coming back here feels like a full-circle homecoming. Not just to a place, but to the people who made this dream feel possible."

Paige's visit to Connecticut comes ahead of her appearance at New York Bridal Fashion Week, which will be held from Oct. 14-16. Paige made a major comeback at the spring edition of New York Bridal Fashion Week in April.

In 2020, Paige was sued by JLM Couture - the brand she started her career with - for trademark infringement, violation of her noncompete agreement with the brand and the promoting of other companies without the brand's permission, according to The New York Times.

She lost the rights to design wedding dresses and use her social media accounts after a judge ruled that she could not use her name for business or commerce purposes due to trademark ownership. She created a women's shoe brand called She is Cheval in 2022 under the name Cheval to continue her design work, according to the brand's website.

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JLM Couture filed for bankruptcy in 2023 and in 2024, a New York federal court ruled in Paige's favor and she reached a settlement with JLM Couture for $263,000 to use her name and brand again, according to CBS News.

"After five years of not being able to design under my own name, to finally create again, to sign my sketches as Hayley Paige - it's a feeling I'll never take for granted," Paige said.

Hayley Paige poses with some of her wedding dresses at bridal store Kleinfeld. (Elizabeth Mae Miller)





Spring's New York Bridal Fashion Week marked her return with her name and brand. She will showcase her new collection, "Twice Upon a Time," at the fall version of the event.



"My new collection is about renewal and resilience," Paige said. "It's romantic, a little rebellious and rooted in the idea that your story can begin again."

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In addition to her own collection, Paige said "individuality" will be one of the bridal trends people can expect to see at New York Bridal Fashion Week this fall.

"Brides today are craving individuality and ease, comfort and couture," Paige said. "You'll see more convertible elements, sculptural draping and statement sleeves that let personality lead the way."

Dresses from Paige's new collection will be at The White Dress by the Shore this week for brides to see before the collection becomes available in other stores in November, according to the Clinton boutique's website.

"This moment isn't just about reclaiming ownership of my work," Paige said. "It's about reclaiming joy."

This article originally published at Bridal designer Hayley Paige to visit CT boutique: 'Feels like a full-circle homecoming'.
Hollywood star George Clooney is opening up about why raising his children in France will give them a "much better" life than if they had been brought up in Los Angelesexplaining that removing his kids from the U.S. will enable them to escape the trappings of their parents' fame.

The 64-year-old actor shares 8-year-old twins Ella and Alexander with his wife, Amal Clooney, 47, and revealed in a new interview with Esquire that the couple have chosen to live primarily on a farm in France to give their children a better quality of life.

We live on a farm in France. A good portion of my life growing up was on a farm, and as a kid, I hated the whole idea of it. But now, for [the twins], its like, theyre not on their iPads, you know? They have dinner with grownups and have to take their dishes in," explained George, who spoke to the outlet from his villa on Lake Como in Italy.

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They have a much better life. I was worried about raising our kids in L.A., in the culture of Hollywood. I felt like they were never going to get a fair shake at life."

George went on to voice his concerns about how his profile in Hollywoodand the resulting spotlight this has shone on his kidsmight have negatively affected the twins, noting that he wanted them to be able to enjoy a carefree lifestyle away from photographers and industry stereotypes.

George Clooney is opening up about why raising his children in France will give them a "much better" life than one they would have had in Los Angeles. (Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images)

"Francethey kind of dont give a s--t about fame. I dont want them to be walking around worried about paparazzi. I dont want them being compared to somebody elses famous kids," he added.

George noted that he's very thankful there is a large age gap between him and his children because they won't have to deal with people comparing their successes to his own career.

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The only thing I feel lucky about is that Im so much older, that the idea that my son would be compared to me is pretty unlikely, because by the time he actually will have done anything, Im gonna be gumming my bread," he said.

He also noted that it is crucial to him for his kids to be self-sufficient, adding that he often suggests they watch him fixing things around the house, such as the swimming pool cover or their coffee machine.

Its important to me that they can survive, the actor added.

George did not reveal when he and Amal made the decision to relocate to France full time. However, the couple are understood to have purchased a sprawling estate in the European country for $8.3 million in 2021.

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His candid explanation for why he has moved away from the U.S., where he was born, comes just months after his wife, a human rights lawyer who was born in Lebanon and raised in the U.K., was issued a warning by the U.K. Foreign Office that Trump could hand down sanctions that would affect her ability to enter the U.S.

According to the Financial Times, several high-level barristers were cautioned about potential sanctions that could be leveled against them as a result of the legal advice that they had given the International Criminal Court in a war crimes case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Thus far, no such sanctions have been put in place.

However, Amal has been open about wanting to create a sanctuary for her family, where they can enjoy "private moments" away from the spotlightsomething her husband seems confident they can do at their French home base.

The 64-year-old actor shares 8-year-old twins Ella and Alexander with his wife, Amal Clooney, 47. (Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

In April 2025, the human rights lawyer was one of the many legal counsels who were warned that they could be at risk of sanctions by the Trump administration. (Aeon/GC Images)

In an interview with Glamour, for which she was joined by her close friend, celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, Amal confessed that she has implemented a strict phone ban inside her opulent estate, noting that everyone who enters through her door must put their device inside a dedicated basket.

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"Creating private moments and spaces is becoming increasingly difficult," Amal admitted. "But thats also why we entertain a lot at home. I now have a phone basket that I use to take everyones phones away!

"Its important to get that balance where you have time alone with your family and with your friends, where people feel like you can have a safe and frank exchange."

Still, the human rights advocate manages to find plenty of "joy" in her life at home, which she described as one of her greatest sources of happiness.

"The people I lovemy husband, our children, our friends, filling our house with people we love," she told the publication. "Thats the greatest joy in my life and what gives me balance."

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The house in question was purchased by the couple for a reported $14 million in 2014, just a few days before they tied the knot, and it was in the property that the couple spent their honeymoon, with Amal revealing in a 2018 interview with Vogue that the duo camped out together in their unfurnished abode.

Soon after their honeymoon came to an end, however, they embarked on a reported 18-month renovation process to transform the historical dwelling into the home of their dreamswhere they have been raising their children together for the past eight years.

Located in Sonning Eye, overlooking the River Thames, the property dates to the 17th century and still boasts many historical touches. George and Amal's renovations have also seen it outfitted with many more modern amenities.

The couple own multiple homes around the world, including a stunning pair of villas on Lake Como in Italy. (GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images)

These include a home theater and a pool house bar, which is used as both a "party zone" for the duo when they host friends and a shared workspace for the two of them.

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According to the British Vogue piece, the duo's home is filled largely with photographs, as well as some sentimental pieces of art, including a tongue-in-cheek portrait of George's late dog, Einstein, posed as a professor at a chalkboard, and one of a giraffe's head in a nod to Amal's love of animals.

While the property serves as the couple's main residence, it is far from the only home they own.

In fact, the Clooneys boast an extensive portfolio of dwellings that crosses several countriesfrom Italy and France to New York Cityhaving also owned homes in Los Angeles and Mexico in the past.

Long before he and Amal tied the knot, George already started building up his European property holdings, beginning with the purchase of two adjacent villas in Lake Como, which he is reported to have snapped up in the early 2000s.

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The historical properties are located right on the water and have been frequented by a number of high-profile guests over the years, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, and former President Barack Obama.

They are also understood to still own a luxury condo in Manhattan, which was purchased in 2016.
NEED TO KNOW

Amine Mojito, the French internet personality known as Ilan M, was sentenced by the Paris Criminal Court on Oct. 3 for "violence with a weapon that did not result in incapacity for work," reported French newspaper Liberation

The influencer went viral in June for a series of videos where he pretended to inject passersby with a syringe

"I had the very bad idea of doing these pranks by imitating what I saw on the Internet, in Spain, in Portugal," said Mojito in court

Amine Mojito, a 27-year-old French internet personality known online as Ilan M, was sentenced to six months of jail time and a fine by the Paris Criminal Court for "violence with a weapon that did not result in incapacity for work," reported French newspaper Liberation.

According to the outlet and several videos circulating on social media, Mojito tricked pedestrians by pretending to inject them with a syringe in a series of viral videos.

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Per Liberation, the prosecution accused Mojito of encouraging  whether intentionally or not  a broader trend of injections at parties and music festivals. The newspaper reported in June that dozens of women in France had claimed they had been injected with foreign substances in public against their will.

Anime Mojito/Instagram Anime Mojito Anime Mojito

In court, Mojito claimed he did not know about the broader trend, claiming in French that he had been "in his own world" and "didn't know anything," according to Liberation.

"I had the very bad idea of doing these pranks by imitating what I saw on the Internet, in Spain, in Portugal," he said in court, per Liberation. "I didn't think it could hurt people. That was my mistake, I didn't think about others, I thought about myself."

On Instagram, Mojito has over 131,000 followers, though he hasnt posted to his account since he was arrested on June 26. His TikTok page appears to have been deactivated.

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Liberation reported that the prosecution initially requested 15 months of jail time for Mojito, though he was only sentenced to 12 months, six of which were later suspended.

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.

Anime Mojito/Instagram Anime Mojito Anime Mojito

Speaking to the outlet, Mojito's lawyer Marie Claret de Fleurieu said that the decision "brings the debates back into more proportion after the initial media frenzy" and "restores a little balance between the preservation of public order and that of the fundamental rights of [her] client.

Read the original article on People
Staking Stablecoin Regulation. Photo by BeInCrypto

Starting tomorrow, retailers in the United Kingdom can purchase Bitcoin exchange-traded notes (ETNs). This investment vehicle offers investors indirect exposure to Bitcoin. It has been banned in the country since 2021.

Experts welcome the initiative taken by the UKs financial services regulator. They warn, however, that the move falls short of offering direct access to cryptocurrencies.

UK Reverses Four-Year Crypto ETN Ban

On October 8, the UKs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will lift its ban on crypto ETNs for retail investors. The change is a major turning point in the UK's approach to digital assets, reversing a four-year-old restriction.

An exchange-traded note (ETN) is an unsecured debt security issued by a financial institution. It is designed to track and expose investors to the returns of a specific index or market benchmark.

Specifically, the FCAs reversal will permit retail investors to access ETNs referencing Bitcoin or Ethereum. These products must be listed on a recognized investment exchange, such as the London Stock Exchange. They will also be subject to strict listing, disclosure, and distribution standards.

For those not ready to invest directly in cryptocurrencies, an ETN offers a simpler vehicle, as buying the note does not require direct ownership of the underlying crypto asset.

Access matters, and lifting the ETN restriction is a welcome step in the right direction, said Susie Violet Ward, CEO of Bitcoin Policy UK, adding, What is important now is that the UK builds on this momentum.

The FCA's reversal marks a shift from outright prohibition to a strategy of regulated inclusion.

'Symbolic Gesture': Why an ETN Isn't Enough

In recent years, the United Kingdom has lagged in the global competition to become a dominant hub for digital assets. Critics have specifically targeted the country's financial services regulator for overregulation, which is seen as stifling innovation.

In 2021, the FCA prohibited selling, marketing, and distributing derivatives and ETNs referencing cryptoassets to all retail consumers. It cited concerns like extreme volatility, valuation difficulty, and market abuse.
While Pedro Pascals sister, Lux Pascal, is no stranger to Paris Fashion Week, she just made her runway debut at the Chanel showand you better believe Pedro was in the front row to watch her shine. Of course, if youre just now realizing that Pedro had a model sister, then youve come to the right place!

From The Fantastic Four: First Steps, to Eddington, to Gladiator II, Lux has accompanied her older brother to several movie premieres over the yearsand Pedro even interviewed his sister for Elle back in September. As her star only continues to rise, now seems like a great time for a deep dive on Lux, agreed? Heres everything you should know about Pedros younger sis and their very close bond.

Rodin Eckenroth - Getty Images

Lux was raised in Chile.

Although Lux was born in California (where Pedro moved at the age of 11), her parents relocated to their native Chile when she was three years old, taking Lux and her brother Nicolas with them. Pedro, who is 17 years older than Lux, remained in the states with their older sister Javiera, but he often returned to Chile for visits. And according to him, Lux called the shots in the house, despite being the youngest.

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She ruled the household right away, he said of Lux during an April 2023 interview with Esquire. When my older sister and I would visit, we were like intruders. Our mother was her mother, but for us to think that we were entitled to this womans attention in any way was absurd.

Shes an actor and model.

Like her brother Pedro, Lux decided to pursue acting. She studied theater at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and soon after graduating, she landed her first television role in the Chilean drama Los 80. She also appeared in several Chilean soap operas and even acted alongside Pedro in the third season of Narcos, where she played the role of Elijah.

Most recently, in 2023, she earned her MFA in acting from the Juilliard School. (Swipe below to see cute pics of Pedro supporting his sis at her graduation.)

In addition to her acting career, Lux is also a up-and-coming model, having collaborated with Farfetch and Longchamp, among other brands. Shes even appeared on the covers of major Chilean publications, including LOfficiel Chile.

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And lets not forget her recent Elle feature...

...followed by her Paris Fashion Week runway debut at the Chanel show.

Victor Virgile - Getty Images

Shes also a transgender activist.

In February 2021, Lux publicly came out as a trans woman, having previously identified as nonbinary. In a cover story for Spanish-language Ya magazine, she opened up about her transition and the support she received from her familyparticularly from Pedro, noting that he was an important part of her decision to come out.

As she explained, He is also an artist and has served as a guide for me. He was one of the first people to gift me the tools that started shaping my identity. Pedro later shared a photo of the cover story to his IG, sooo its safe to say hes a proud big bro.

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Though shes proud to be a trans woman, Lux remains an advocate for the nonbinary community as well. Moving through the world as a woman is much more simple for me, but I still advocate for nonbinary identities to have a space in society, she told Ya, later adding, We need trans activists who are good, smart, informed and who can be strong voices against transphobia, homophobia, and racism.

When asked about Luxs transition by Esquire, Pedro noted that she is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities Ive ever known. He added, My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me. My heart!

Shes currently taken.

Her big brother may be single, but it appears Lux is off the market. Shes seemingly been with her longtime partner, musician Jose Antonio Raffo de la Jara, since 2011, and the two often share cute pics of each other on IG.

Heres hoping we see much more of Lux in the future (and not just as Pedros movie premiere date, though I do love to see that).

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Roseanne Barr didnt waste any time cashing out on her slice of Hawaiian paradise. Her 46-acre ranch near Honokaa on the Big Island sparked a bidding frenzy after it was put up for sale in August 2025 and sold just one week later for $2.6 millionwell above its $1.95 million asking price.

We sold the property for $650,000 over asking, attracting buyers from five states, the Neighbor Islands, and three European countries, listing agent Paul Stukin of Deep Blue HI told Robb Report. Its a clear reflection of the strong demand for unique Hawaii properties.

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Perched along the lush Hamakua Coast, the sprawling estate first drew attention as the backdrop for Barrs 2011 reality series Roseannes Nuts, which followed her, her partner Johnny Argent, and son Jake Pentland as they tried their hands at farming. The series lasted just one season.

Far from the Hollywood spotlight, Barr was drawn to Hawaii for both family and lifestyle reasons and moved there permanently in 2007. I had always traveled yearly with my family to Hawaiiit was an essential summer getaway, she told Robb Report in August. She purchased the Honokaa property with the goal of building a self-sufficient home, cultivating the land, and giving back to the local community by helping feed struggling families.

The roughly 2,700-square-foot main house sits amid more than 4,000 macadamia trees, along with avocado, finger lime, apple banana, and tangerine groves, offering sweeping ocean and landscape views from a broad lanai. The grounds include a pool with a waterslide, a pool house, an art studio, a greenhouse, a bamboo-enclosed outdoor shower and soaking tub, and a garage/workshopperfect for anyone ready to embrace island living to the fullest. Inside, high ceilings, open-plan layouts, and walls of glass create a bright, airy interior that brings the surrounding landscape into every room.

Hawaii will always hold a special place in my heart, but Im getting too old to do as much as I used to, Barr said. The land deserves someone with the spirit and energy to care for it the way it should be. After nearly two decades of stewardship, she is moving on, retaining a smaller property in Waimea while relocating to Texas to focus on new ventures.

Click here to see more photos of Barrs Hawaii ranch.

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The Birkin Bag is the ultimate status symbol: wildly expensive, ridiculously hard to get and immediately identifiable. Real Housewives collect it, hip-hop artists rap about it and Sex and the City once devoted an episode to it.

Yet, according to Marisa Meltzers new biography, It Girl: The Life and Legacy of Jane Birkin (Atria Books, out Tuesday), the woman who inspired the pricey Hermes purse was the ultimate bohemian  and a scandalous one at that.

The Birkin Bag has become a symbol of conspicuous consumption. Getty Images

She was condemned by the Vatican for her racy music, had three children with three different men and still managed to stay out all night partying in her signature mini dresses (sometimes with a baby in tow).

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The term It Girl is a shorthand for her unique brand of fame, Meltzer writes, but its just the beginning of who Jane Birkin really was.

Born to an artistic but respectable London family, Birkin was a wayward adolescent. Her classmates in boarding school made fun of her skinny body and flat chest, and she tried to run away a couple times.

But Jane Birkin, the woman it was named after, was a true bohemian. Here, she is seen with her longtime lover Serge Gainsbourg. Getty Images

Her parents sent her to Paris for six months when she was 16, and she came back changed. She got bangs, bought a bunch of mini skirts and dove headlong into Londons 1960s Youthquake movement

At 17, she landed her first acting gig, after walking into the wrong theater for an audition. By 18, she had a supporting role in the musical Passion Flower Hotel, and had married the plays songwriter John Barry  despite the fact that he was 30 and had two kids from a previous marriage.

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Birkins family did not approve. But she was in love: She wore a white crochet mini dress to the wedding.

A new book delves into Birkins fascinating life.

Barry treated her with cruel indifference, and she worried that he didnt find her attractive anymore.

She slept with an eyeliner pencil under her pillow so she could apply some at any moment, Meltzer writes. She had fallen for the fairy-tale ideal of romance and marriage, and as a result closed off her own sense of self.

By 21, she was divorced, and struggling to afford diapers for her infant daughter, Kate Barry, born in April of 1967. When she heard of an acting opportunity in Paris, she decided a change of scenery would do her good and returned to the City of Lights.

Birkin married songwriter John Barry at age 18  against her familys wishes. Getty Images

Thats where she met actor/musician Serge Gainsbourg.

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A provocateur and playboy, he was 40-years-old, twice-divorced and had just ended a romance with the blonde bombshell Brigitte Bardot when he and Birkin began filming Slogan.

The two butted heads at first, but their chemistry in their scenes together was undeniable. The films director took them out to storied Parisian restaurant Maxime so the two stars could reconcile their differences. After dinner, Gainsbourg took Birkin to a nightclub, and she found his awkward, shy demeanor on the dancefloor endearing.

After splitting with Barry, she moved to Paris, where she met Gainsbourg. Jacques Haillot

I understood that all these things I had seen as aggression were really just defense mechanisms of someone infinitely too sensitive, terribly romantic, with a tenderness and sentimentality that no one could imagine existed, she later wrote.

They stayed out all night. When filming wrapped in August 1968, Birkin nabbed another film role, in the French thriller La piscine. She decided not to go back to London and to stay in Paris with Gainsbourg.

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Their whirlwind romance lasted 13 years. In 1969, they released their first song together, Je taime  moi non plus (I love you  me neither), which consisted mainly of Birkin cooing I love you, I love you, Oh God I love you! and moaning in orgasmic ecstasy.

The quickly became an itcouple in the City of Lights. Getty Images

Rumors swirled that the pair actually had sex while recording it. It went to No. 1 in France and England, and even charted in the US. The BBC banned it. The head of Birkins and Gainbourgs Italian label went to jail for it. The Vatican denounced it, which only increased the records allure. (The pope has been our best publicist, Birkin commented at the time.)

Photos of Birkin and Gainsbourg flitting about town, she in her mini skirts and carrying a basket, he in his denim shirts unbuttoned to his navel and toting Birkins young daughter, were plastered all over newsstands. They rode the infamy to the Cannes premiere of Slogan that spring. Birkin wore a sheer black frock that stopped about two inches below her crotch, Meltzer writes, and no bra.

She had a child with him, future actress Charlotte Gainsbourg, in 1971. While pregnant, she posed topless for Gainsbourgs 1971 album Historie of Melody Nelson, in jeans and holding her own childhood stuffed monkey over her growing belly.

Birkin posed shirtless and pregnant for one of his album covers.

They were true bohemians, taking their kids out to nightclubs, baby Charlotte sleeping in Birkins signature wicker basket. Sometimes, they would go out without the kids, putting them to bed and coming back in time to wake them up at 7 a.m. to take them to school. Then they slept till 2 p.m. Birkin once picked Charlotte up from school in a skin-tight blue sequin dress.

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Birkin was crazy about Gainsbourg, but his relentless lifestyle (not to mention his alcoholism) began to take a toll on her. Plus, he was jealous and possessive. He carried a gun around one of her film sets, in case anyone should try to make a move on her. Youre mine and I will kill anyone who tried to take you away, he told her. Even he admitted himself to hitting her on at least one occasion.

She eventually left him for another man, film director Jacques Doillon, who gave her her first substantial film role (1981s The Prodigal Daughter) and her third child, Lou Doillon. They lasted about a decade until he cheated on her with another actress.

They had one child together, Charlotte (far left) while also raising Kate Barry from Birkins marriage to Barry. Despite the demands of parenting, they still found plenty of time to party. Sygma via Getty Images

In 1983, she found herself next to Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. For decades, Birkin had toted her belongings in her giant wicker basket: It was her signature item, establishing her as a fashion maverick in her adopted France.

But on that day, her wallet, keys, cigarettes and diapers kept spilling out. Her seatmate asked why she didnt carry a bag with pockets, and when she said she couldnt find one to her liking, he asked what that would look like.

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Birkin quickly sketched a trapezoidal purse with two handles on the back of a barf bag, and Dumas said he would make it for her. A year later, the Birkin Bag was born and Birkin herself started carrying it with her everywhere.

For the Cannes premiere of Slogan, Birkin wore a sheer black frock that stopped about two inches below her crotch, Meltzer writes, and no bra. She carried a basket instead of a purse, as she was known to do. Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

She stuck stickers on its black-leather surface; hung keychains and beaded doo-dads from its fraying handles; and stuffed it to the gills.

As Birkin grew older, she sought to escape her ingenue identity. In 1988, as her 40s approached, Birkin was embarking on her first solo concert tour. She was still close with Gainsbourg and still performed his music, and he asked her what dress she would wear for the occasion. She said she did not want to wear a dress. He asked how she would wear her hair, then. She borrowed a pair of his nail scissors and gave herself a pixie cut. She ended up performing in mens trousers, a white tank top and an oversized button-down  a look that would become iconic.

Meanwhile, she carried her namesake bag with her everywhere until 1994 when she donated the scuffed, stained accessory to an AIDs charity auction.

Birkin met Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a plane and inspired him to create a bag. WireImage

She carried her Birkin for years, decorating it with stickers and keychains. Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

She died in 2023 at the age of 76, after years of health issues and the deaths of many loved ones, including her oldest daughter Kate in 2013, in an apparent suicide.

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This past July, her battered original Birkin went back on the chopping block, selling for an eye-watering $10.1 million.

Her battered original Birkin sold for $10.1 million this past July. AP

But Meltzer asserts that Birkins legacy is far more than a famous handbag.

She was a tastemaker who changed the world around her, altered the cultural fabric of the times with her artistry and individuality.
Toni Collette is thriving in her role as mom to her two kids.

The Wayward star shares her children with ex-husband Dave Galafassi, with whom she was married for almost 20 years. The former couple tied the knot in 2003 and went on to welcome their daughter Sage, 17, in 2007, and son Arlo, 14, in 2011. While the pair eventually called it quits in 2022, they have continued to jointly raise their children.

Through the years, Collette has managed to juggle her successful career while being a hands-on mom, opting to bring Sage and Arlo with her whenever she's working on sets around the world. Collette, who once told PEOPLE that being a mom made her a better person, has taken her family everywhere from her native Australia to Italy.

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As for what the future has in store for her children, who are being raised outside of the spotlight, Collette says she wants them to know that life is all about following your passions.

I just want them to know there are actually no rules, that they should listen to themselves and not feel bullied by society into making decisions, she told Romper in 2023. Im always just saying, First follow your joy and just follow what you are passionate about. Because if youre passionate about it, youll never get sick of doing it and it wont feel so much of a job. 

Heres everything to know about Toni Collettes two kids, Sage and Arlo.

Sage Florence Galafassi, 17

Toni Collette/Instagram Toni Collette and her daughter Sage Florence Galafassi pose for a photo together in October 2024. Toni Collette and her daughter Sage Florence Galafassi pose for a photo together in October 2024.

Collette and Galafassi welcomed their daughter Sage Florence Galafassi on Jan. 9, 2008.

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Reflecting on her daughters name, Collette explained that she just knew it was fitting for the little girl.

I named my daughter Sage because I felt like she was already teaching me in the womb, and she has continued to do that, Collette shared with PEOPLE.

Just weeks into motherhood, Collette opened up about being a new mom  but admitted it was not something she could explain with words and instead was one of those experiences that you just have to go through to understand. She added that shed hate to lessen it by trying to pin it down with words because she couldnt truly articulate the experience.

Since then, Collette has chosen to raise her daughter outside of the spotlight, although shes shared small snippets of her life on social media, including a trip to Disneyland in 2023.

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In 2024, Sage joined her mother for a rare red carpet appearance at the premiere of Collettes movie Juror #2.

The premiere of #Juror2movie was so special last night. The best part about it was sharing it all with my darling daughter, Sage, Collette shared on Instagram, along with a selfie of the pair.

Arlo Robert Galafassi, 14

Marc Piasecki/Getty Toni Collette attends the "Mickey 17" Premiere on February 16, 2025 in Paris, France. Toni Collette attends the "Mickey 17" Premiere on February 16, 2025 in Paris, France.

In 2010, Collette and Galafassi broke the news to PEOPLE that they were very happy to be expecting their second child together. On April 22, 2011, their son Arlo Robert Galafassi was born in Australia.

Toni Collette, her husband David Galafassi and their daughter Sage Galafassi are excited and proud to announce the arrival of their baby boy, Arlo Robert Galafassi, their rep shared in a statement, with the couple adding, He was born on Good Friday making it the greatest Friday, indeed!

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Like his older sister, Arlo has also grown up outside of the spotlight, but the siblings are never far from their mother, even when shes on set. Collette said she takes her children with her whenever she travels for work, although their home base is typically in Australia.

I have lived in so many different places and we, as a family, are incredibly adaptable and able to set up house anywhere when Im working ... Of course, we try to make sure things shoot during the school holidays but sometimes life doesnt really work out that way, so then its just one foot in front of the other, Collette told The Sydney Morning Herald in 2019.

She continued, Luckily our kids are in a progressive school that understands that ... hopefully my kids will also get to have lots of cultural experiences doing different things in different countries, and thats a huge gift for all of us.

Collettes children seem to be big fans of her decision to raise them around the world, too. While the family was living in Italy as she filmed Mafia Mamma, Collette said Arlo told her he made some of his favorite memories.

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I was talking to my son the other day about this one day where a bunch of us hired a boat and we went out to Ponza, which is an island, and he just said, Mom, it was literally the best day of my life,  she told Romper. But actually, we all felt that way! It wasnt just him. There was something really elevated about the time that we all shared. I mean, it was magical.

Read the original article on People
After weeks of voting, only two remain.

After the fourth round of voting, Delaware has narrowed its list of the top influencers in the First State.

On Sept. 2, Delaware Online launched a search for the First State's top content creator. We scoured social media and tapped into our newsroom chatter to ask: Who are the must-follow influencers based in Delaware?

Every week readers will decide on their favorites with the list reduced based on the lowest vote getters.

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After starting with 31, we cut the list to 15 before reducing it to seven. Now we're down to three before Round 5 pits the two finalists against each other for the crown.

Voting for each round will run Tuesday through Sunday starting Sept. 2 and ending Oct. 12.

Meet the influencers who advanced

Maya Centrella: She creates food TikToks for 105K fans. | @Mayacent

Matt Fixxit: A comedic handyman who gives tips and cracks jokes for his 1.1M TikTok followers. | @mattfixxit

Vote for Delaware's top influencer: Top 2 of Round 5

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Vote to crown 'Delaware's Top Influencer': Pick from the Top 2
Wendy Williams is giving a rare update on her condition.

The legendary talk show host, who has been living in a luxury dementia facility for over two years, opened up in a The Cut cover story on the complex fight surrounding her guardianship.

Williams  who, amid a reported frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, has long maintained she is in the highly-restrictive facility unnecessarily and is "not cognitively impaired"  spoke to the outlet over the phone for the story. She called the facility a "dump" before asking, "Did you see the people? The elderly people? Why do I want to look at that?"

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Williams, 61, has lamented feeling like she's in "prison" in the facility, which doesn't allow visitors. But in recent months, she has been seen out more, including at New York Fashion Week. When asked about getting out socializing, the spirited personality butt in, remarking, "You know I've been out. So obviously I do go out."

She also explained that she's been attending a "megachurch" in Brooklyn, New York. "It gives me faith and keeps me very well in touch with God and myself," she said.

Wendy Williams steps out for NYFW in rare appearance since conservatorship battle

Williams was able to call The Cut's contributing features writer Jessica Bennett through her room's landline, which can only make outgoing calls. During the conversation, Williams revealed she has been permitted by the judge overseeing her guardianship to have an iPad, which she has used to catch up on news about herself and listen to her old radio show.

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The writer, who visited the high-end facility and called it "impressive," got a glimpse of Williams in the gym and noted "she looked good." When the writer brought this up, it spurred the famously provocative TV host to mention her lip and breast implants, remarking: "And you know what? It's still hitting and holding."

Wendy Williams attends the LaQuan Smith show during September 2025 New York Fashion Week on Sept. 16, 2025, in New York City.

Family members and friends have publicly questioned the motivations and decision-making of her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, who made the initial claim that Williams is "cognitively impaired and permanently incapacitated" due to the primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia with which she was diagnosed in 2023. The Cut reports that her family members have gone mum in recent months, and that various actors surrounding the situation stand to benefit on either side of the legal battle, including Williams' ex-husband Kevin Hunter, who has the only known lawsuit against the guardianship but is requesting damages be shared between himself and the former radio host.

Friends, son say Wendy Williams looks 'good' amid guardianship, push for her freedom

Various friends who have seen Williams out in recent months or spoken to her have remarked on how "good" she looks and sounds, especially compared to the haunting Lifetime documentary, "Where is Wendy Williams?" shot in the months before entering the facility and in her last years on "The Wendy Williams Show."

Wendy Williams seen in rare new photo with friends amid controversial guardianship

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Max Tucci, Williams' friend who recently hosted her at his New York City restaurant Tucci, told the outlet, "She looks amazing."

"This is, like, where billionaires send their grandmothers," he added of the facility, before backing Williams up. "She doesn't need it. Wendy doesn't lie."

Shawn Zanotti  her publicist, whom the outlet notes errantly inquired about how much they would pay to speak to Williams  also spoke positively about Williams' condition and said she doesn't believe Williams has dementia, noting, "This woman doesn't miss a beat."

From left, Wendy Williams, Diandra Brown and Moon Chang attend the Bach Mai Fashion Show during September 2025 New York Fashion Week on Sept. 14, 2025, in New York City.

Williams' last years on "The Wendy Williams Show" were reportedly marked by significant changes to her behavior and health, and difficulty producing the show around her. But Suzanne Bass, "The Wendy Williams Show" former co-executive producer, told The Cut that Williams looks "the best I've seen her in years."

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"She's vibrant now. She sounds clear, and she sounds excited for her future. She wants her old life back," she added, noting she deserves at least a bit more freedom. "There's no reason for her to be locked up."

The Cut also spoke to Williams' son, whom they note Williams has claimed stole from her.

In the phone interview, Kevin Hunter Jr. seemed "genuine and sad" and asserted he has not stolen from his mother, but was trying to stay clear of the drama. "I'm really not trying to be too caught up in this. I'm trying to build, carve out my own path right now, away from everything," he told the outlet. "I just want her to get out of this. Because it's not right."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wendy Williams gives update on dementia, guardianship
Rosie ODonnell is taking steps to secure her Irish citizenship, much to the delight of Donald Trumps White House.

ODonnell fled the U.S. for Ireland in January with her youngest child, Clay, in response to Trumps return to the White House. The decades-long feud between the former daytime talk show host and POTUS has only escalated in the months since, as Trump has repeatedly threatened to revoke ODonnells U.S. citizenship.

Speaking to the Australian Daily Telegraph in a new interview, ODonnell confirmed she is seeking to stay abroad.

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I am applying and about to be approved for my Irish citizenship as my grandparents were from there and thats all you need, she told the outlet. It will be good to have my Irish citizenship, especially since Trump keeps threatening to take away mine.

When approached for comment, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told The Independent: What great news for America!

Rosie ODonnell has applied for Irish citizenship amid her ongoing feud with Trump (Getty Images)

ODonnell and Trump have been feuding for ages, though tensions continue to mount amid Trumps repeated threats to revoke the comedians American citizenship. ODonnell even revealed last month that she missed her daughters graduation from the University of Delaware earlier this year due to the feud.

Trump, 79, recently used social media to post a distorted photograph of the star and claim: We are giving serious thought to taking away Rosie ODonnells Citizenship.

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In response to Trumps post threatening to take away her citizenship, ODonnell wrote on Instagram: Banishing me again? Logan Roy would be proud, in a reference to Brian Coxs media mogul in Succession.

The president made similar comments about ODonnells citizenship on Truth Social in July.

Trump has made repeated threats to revoke ODonnells U.S. citizenship (Getty Images)

Because of the fact that Rosie ODonnell is not in the best interests of our Great Country, I am giving serious consideration to taking away her Citizenship, he wrote. She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

It didnt take long for ODonnell to respond.

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She posted a photo of Trump with the late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein to Instagram, and wrote: Hey Donald youre rattled again? 18 years later and I still live rent-free in that collapsing brain of yours.

She continued: You want to revoke my citizenship? Go ahead and try, King Joffrey with a tangerine spray tan.

Touching briefly on her relationship with the current president back in March, she said: I knew that it would really tax me emotionally to have to do that [live in Trumps America]. So I'm very happy that we made the decision that we made.

ODonnell said that it is heartbreaking to see what's happening politically in the United States but thanked the people of Ireland for welcoming her. It's been pretty wonderful, I have to say. The people are so loving and so kind, so welcoming. And I'm very grateful.
The Vermont International Film Festival turns 40 this year. In those four decades, the event has grown from one with modest ambitions to a near-behemoth featuring 80 films. Moviegoers look forward to the festival schedule each fall with all the tension of a cliffhanger.

The slate is out now, and its filled with the expected list of international films but also with a crop of American classics and new indie flicks. This years lineup even features an appearance by a renowned director whose in-person talks are at least as wild as the movies he makes.

With so many films to be screened in Burlington over 10 days starting Oct. 17, it can be hard to decide which ones to go to. You might want to start with these and build your cinephilia  and your own festival schedule  from there.

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The British/Nigerian film "My Fathers Shadow

My Fathers Shadow

7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 17, My Fathers Shadow, a new British-Nigerian feature film, tells the story of two boys reacquainting themselves with their absentee father as a significant Nigerian national election unfolds in the backdrop.

It Was Just an Accident

7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, the winner of this years Palme dOr at the Cannes Film Festival, Jafar Panahis It Was Just an Accident, is a fictional thriller that digs deep into the murky mysteries of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Jafar Panahis Cannes-honored film It Was Just an Accident

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Canadian comedy Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie has two buddies reviving their old band to play a show at the same Toronto venue it played 17 years earlier while employing one ridiculous publicity scheme after another.

Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk

1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, and 1:45 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, the documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk captures Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsis virtual conversations with Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona as each endures life in a time of strife.

Sirat

7:15 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, the Spanish-French feature Sirat follows an unpredictable course as it tells the tale of a man accompanied by his young son while searching for his estranged, missing daughter.

A scene from the John Waters' film "Female Trouble"

Female Trouble with John Waters

7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 22, a screening of John Waters 1974 film Female Trouble sounds kooky enough, but toss in an in-person live-commentary session by the offbeat filmmaker and youve got a recipe for a memorable night at the cinema.

Blue Moon

7:15 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 23, Blue Moon, the new feature from American director Richard Linklater, stars Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley and Andrew Scott in a fictionalized account of the personal dynamics between Broadway-musical creators Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers.

The Richard Linklater film "Blue Moon," starring Margaret Qualley and Ethan Hawke

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Dogfight and Household Saints

7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 24, director Nancy Savoca joins producer Richard Guay for a Q&A after the screening of her 1991 River Phoenix/Lili Taylor film Dogfight. At 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Savoca and Guay return for a Q&A following Savocas 1993 indie film Household Saints.

The Secret Agent

7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26, this years Vermont International Film Festival closes with The Secret Agent, a new film by Brazilian director Kleber Mendonca Filho that weaves shark-story panic, family dynamics and the world of film into one multilayered package.

Brazilian film "The Secret Agent" that closes the 2025 Vermont International Film Festival

If you go

WHAT: Vermont International Film Festival

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 26

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WHERE: Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington

INFORMATION: $6-$25 per film; $55 for Female Trouble and John Waters appearance; $100 10-pack; $150 festival pass. vtiff.org

Contact Brent Hallenbeck at bhallenbeck@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: John Waters to appear at Vermont International Film Festival
In Taylor Sheridans Wind River, which came out wayyyy back in 2017, a young Indigenous womans body is found frozen in the Wyoming wilderness. The mystery gripped audiences with its suspense as much as its stark setting, and it's easy to see why it was such a success. Now that the film is finally getting a sequel, we're on the edge of our seats to see what kind of mysteries this second installment offers. Keep reading for all the details we have so far.

Here's everything you need to know about the Wind River sequel (and whether Taylor Sheridan is involved).

What is Wind River about?

The 2017 film Wind River was a neo-Western crime thriller written and directed by Taylor Sheridan. It stars Jeremy Renner as Cory Lambert, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service tracker, and Elizabeth Olsen as Jane Banner, an FBI agent. Together, they investigate the death of Natalie Hanson, a young Indigenous woman found frozen on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming.

The film was praised for its stark setting, strong performances, and the way it shed light on violence against Indigenous women. With a modest budget of around $11 million, it went on to gross more than $45 million worldwide, earning critical acclaim and landing a spot on the National Board of Reviews list of Top Ten Independent Films of the year.

Is there a Wind River part 2?

wind river | Acacia Filmed Entertainment

Because the first film was both a commercial and critical success, talk of a follow-up has been in the air for some time. In November 2022, a sequel was officially announced. This time, Sheridan is not involved. Instead, Kari Skogland, known for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, steps in as director. Writers Patrick Massett and John Zinman, along with Matthew George, are credited with shaping the story.

What is Wind River: The Next Chapter about?

wind river the next chapter | Acacia Filmed Entertainment

The new film shifts the focus to Chip Hanson, played by Martin Sensmeier. Fans may remember him as a supporting character in the original. In the sequel, Chip has become a tracker for U.S. Fish & Game. When a string of ritualistic murders haunts the reservation, the FBI once again steps in. Chip is pulled into the investigation, and tension rises as different groups  authorities, vigilantes, and members of the reservation  all push against each other in the search for answers.

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Fans of the first film may notice the shift in creative leadership with Sheridan not involved. Still, the return to the Wind River setting promises the same blend of mystery, stark landscapes, and social commentary. The story looks to deepen conversations around justice, trauma, and community, while also offering a fresh perspective through Chips character.

Is Jeremy Renner in Wind River 2?

jeremy renner wind river | Acacia Filmed Entertainment

So far, Jeremy Renner is not returning for the sequel  but some familiar faces are! While both Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen are not expected to return, the expanded cast suggests a broader story that builds on the themes of the original.

Who is in the Wind River: The Next Chapter cast?

Wind River: The Next Chapter cast | Acacia Filmed Entertainment

Two familiar faces will return: Martin Sensmeier as Chip Hanson and Gil Birmingham as Martin Hanson, Chips father and Natalies grieving parent. They are joined by a new ensemble that includes:

Jason Clarke

Scott Eastwood

Chaske Spencer

Alan Ruck

Kali Reis

Tatanka Means

Is there a Wind River: The Next Chapter release date?

Wind River: The Next Chapter release date | Acacia Filmed Entertainment

The movie was filmed in Calgary, with principal photography wrapping in 2023. As of now, there is no official release date announced.

Want more exclusive content and deep dives into your favorite pop culture? Subscribe to our Weekend Watch, curated by yours truly! Trust me, you don't want to miss out on the fun.
Oct. 6Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, the only flamenco repertory ensemble in the U.S., returns to the stage with Flamenco Fandanguero: Primos de la Raza Cosmica, at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 and 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and at 7 p.m. Nov.14 at the Taos Center for the Arts.

Back by popular demand after its world premiere last year, the performance has been reimagined through a bold theatrical vision. This powerful work weaves together the intensity of flamenco and the communal spirit of son jarocho, illuminating the deep cultural ties linking these two musical cousins.

Rooted in the concept of mestizaje  cultural hybridity  this groundbreaking show explores identity, history, and belonging through dance, music, and storytelling. Inspired by the writings of Chicano authors Gloria Anzaldua and Rudolfo Anaya, and created in collaboration with master artists from New Mexico, Mexico, Honduras, Argentina, Spain, and Zimbabwe, it honors the traditions of flamenco and son jarocho, while inviting meaningful cultural conversations.

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"Flamenco Fandanguero is more than a performance  it is a gathering, a reflection, and a celebration of culture's power to connect and heal," said Co-Artistic Director Joaquin Encinias.

For tickets and more information, visit www.nifnm.org/yjastros-fall.

Based in Albuquerque, Yjastros has been recognized since its founding in 1999, for its innovative choreography and unique fusion of flamenco authenticity with American cultural influences. The company has performed nationally and internationally, garnering acclaim for its artistry, rigor, and ability to push the boundaries of flamenco while honoring its roots.
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner's guest appearance in the Oct. 7 episode of Fox's Murder in a Small Town marks his final on-screen role after his untimely death

He died in a drowning accident during a family trip in Costa Rica on July 20 at the age of 54

In the mystery series, Warner plays a protective father accused of killing his ex-wife

Malcolm-Jamal Warner is making his way onto our screens one last time.

The Tuesday, Oct. 7 installation of Murder in a Small Town marks the late actors final television appearance before his sudden death in July, when he drowned during a family trip in Costa Rica.

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Ahead of the episode's airing, series creator Ian Weir spoke with TVLine about working with Warner.

I was thrilled, of course, when he agreed to do the role, Weir said. I hadnt quite let myself dare hope that someone of his stature would take this particular role, just because it wasnt conceived as one of those big flashy guest star roles.

Kailey Schwerman/ FOX Sasha Rojen and Malcolm-Jamal Warner Sasha Rojen and Malcolm-Jamal Warner

In the episode, Warner plays Richard Bannister, a protective father who becomes a lead suspect in a murder investigation when his ex-wife is killed just after returning to town. Still heartbroken years after the split, Richard wears his anger and pain on his sleeve, but his only goal in life is to keep his daughter safe, per the logline.

Weir praised Warners ability to take on the role  one he said required "quiet, intense integrity.

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He became the emotional heart of the episode in quite a magical way, Weir gushed of the Cosby Show alum, calling him extraordinary.

Weir further shared that Warner is the type of person who totally left his ego at the door and just went to work in a wonderfully collaborative way, and described him as absolutely lovely to collaborate with.

He also said that having Warner on set was really quite magical for cast and crew members who felt theyd grown up with him because of The Cosby Show.

Warner died on July 20 at the age of 54 while in Costa Rica. His mother, Pamela Warner, opened up about the incident during an interview with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts in September.

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"His wife and daughter had been in Costa Rica three weeks prior," Pamela explained. "She is homeschooled, and this was part of an immersion program."

Malcolm-Jamal arrived during the third and final week of the trip, which was "for the husbands to come. Pamela said that was supposed to be "the fun part."

Santiago Felipe/Getty Malcolm-Jamal Warner visits SiriusXM Studios on June 11, 2024 in New York City. Malcolm-Jamal Warner visits SiriusXM Studios on June 11, 2024 in New York City.

Despite reports that the father and daughter were swimming together at the time of his drowning, Pamela said that she was not in the water.

He was with another gentleman," Pamela noted. They were in the water, I think maybe chest deep, even at that  maybe waist deep. There was an undertow, and my son was not an experienced swimmer. He did not know how to deal with an undertow."

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"The same [undertow] happened to the other gentleman, but he was a more experienced swimmer and he was able to rescue himself. But Malcolm was not."

Pamela remembered Malcolm-Jamal as having "a huge heart for humanity" and for being an "exceptional husband, father, and son  a man deeply in love with life, his wife, and his daughter in a sweet tribute one month after his death.

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.

Murder in a Small Town airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.

Read the original article on People
If you've been on Netflix recently, you've probably noticed there's a new #1 show in the US. Monster: The Ed Gein Story is the third season in Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan's anthology series, and another true crime show garnering widespread attention.

Netflix

The first season followed Jeffrey Dahmer, while the second season followed Lyle and Erik Menendez.

The fourth season has already been greenlit by Netflix as well. It will follow Lizzie Borden.

Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Starring Charlie Hunnam , the series is set in 1950s rural Wisconsin, where recluse Eddie Gein (Hunnam) lives on a decaying farm, hiding in a house of horrors. Driven by isolation and an all-consuming obsession with his mother ( Laurie Metcalf ), Gein's crimes would become so renowned that they would birth countless fictional monsters and stories such as, and The Silence of the Lambs

Netflix

So because Monster: The Ed Gein Story is based on real people and a real case, here are 19 facts about Ed Gein and what exactly happened:

There are obviously major spoilers ahead for Monster: The Ed Gein Story on Netflix.

This post contains mentions of murder, necrophilia, and more.

1. First, Ed Gein was born in 1906 in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, to parents George Philip Gein and Augusta Wilhelmine Gein. He had one older brother named Henry. The Gein family owned a 155-acre farm in Plainfield, Wisconsin, where Ed grew up and lived until his arrest in 1957. Augusta was very religious and was described as "nominally Lutheran." She was said to have isolated her children and encouraged Ed to stay on the farm and not make friends, especially with women.

Netflix, Edward Kitch / Associated Press

According to Fiendish Killers: Perpetrators of the Worst Possible Evil, Augusta reportedly spent every afternoon reading to Ed and Henry from the Bible, namely passages from the Old Testament and Book of Revelation that dealt with death, murder, and divine retribution.

2. Following his father's death from heart failure in 1940, Gein's brother, Henry, died under mysterious circumstances in 1944. After a brush fire grew out of control on the family's farm, the local fire department came to put out the fire. Then, Gein reported his brother missing. Local law enforcement eventually found Henry's body, with the coroner ruling he died by asphyxiation. It was eventually reported by the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune that he died of a heart attack "trying to protect his farm from the ravages of a grass and brush fire."

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It was later reported that Henry apparently had bruises on his head.

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While Monster: The Ed Gein Story depicts Gein killing his brother by striking him, dragging his body to the woods, and starting the brush fire to explain Henry's death, in real life, police reportedly dismissed foul play, and no official investigation or autopsy was performed. Ed never confessed to his brother's death.

3. After his father's and brother's deaths, Gein became the sole caregiver for his mother, Augusta, after she had a stroke. In 1945, Augusta died at the age of 67, leaving Ed totally alone. In his book, Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original 'Psycho,' author Harold Schechter wrote, "He lost his only friend and one true love. And he was absolutely alone in the world."

Netflix

According to Case File: Ed Gein, following Augusta's death, Gein closed off his mother's bedroom and other areas of the house, reportedly leaving them exactly as she had left them.

4. Gein began taking "odd jobs" in town after Augusta's death, which allowed him to venture outside of his family's farm. He reportedly worked as a handyman and occasionally babysat for local children, which is depicted in the Netflix series. There is no evidence to suggest Gein ever took these children to his home; however, in 1947, 8-year-old Georgia Weckler disappeared from her home and was never found . Witnesses reported seeing a dark Ford sedan in the area, and the only evidence found by police was tire tracks.

Netflix

Apparently, Gein was known to have driven a maroon Ford sedan.

5. Relatedly, in 1953, 14-year-old Evelyn Grace Hartley also disappeared from La Crosse, Wisconsin. There were reportedly indications of forced entry at the home she was babysitting at, with authorities believing Hartley was dragged through the yard by her abductor. Her body was never found, except for her bra and underwear. After his arrest, Gein was considered a suspect; however, he reportedly denied involvement. Hartley's disappearance and kidnapping led to one of the biggest searches in the history of Wisconsin.

Netflix

According to The Charley Project, which profiles over 16,000 cold case missing people from mostly the United States, a neighbor reported seeing a "light-colored car circling the neighborhood," while another reported hearing screams.

6. Two local men, Victor Travis and Ray Burgess, also went missing in 1952 after they were seen drinking at a local bar. They were never found again, and their case remains unsolved to this day. Travis and Burgess were two other disappearances that many speculate Gein had something to do with, but it was never proven.

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In Monster: The Ed Gein Story, the show depicts Gein brutally killing a pair of men with a chainsaw. However, the scene is just speculation, and there's no real evidence to support this.

7. After his mother's death, it is reported that Gein began reading books about human anatomy, taxidermy, cannibalism, and more. The Netflix series heavily leans into reports that Gein became obsessed with German war criminal Ilse Koch, who had ties to the Nazis. Nicknamed the "Witch of Buchenwald," Koch reportedly made lampshades, book covers, gloves, and more from the skin of tattooed camp prisoners.

Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

Koch was tried for crimes against humanity at Nuremberg and was later sentenced to life in prison. She died by suicide in 1967.

In real life, Gein never publicly mentioned Koch, so it's unclear how much of her trial and story influenced him.

8. In 1957, Plainfield Deputy Sheriff Frank Worden reported his mother, hardware store owner Bernice Worden, missing after searching her store and finding blood on the floor and the cash register open. At the time, Time magazine reported that Gein went into Worden's store and shot and killed her with a .22 rifle. While investigating her store, police apparently found a receipt for antifreeze made out to Gein, which was the final sale Worden made.

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images, Netflix

Netflix's series about Gein depicts that he had a growing relationship with Worden prior to killing her; however, there is no evidence to suggest that they had any type of relationship. While detained at Central State Hospital following his arrest, Ed reportedly had told doctors he never had a sexual experience.

9. According to Time magazine in 1957 , when police arrived at Gein's farmhouse, they "found a chamber of horrors." Time wrote, "Bernice Worden's body was strung up by the heels in a summer kitchen. It had been eviscerated and dressed out like a deer. Her severed head was in a cardboard box, her heart in a plastic bag on the stove."

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images

When asked about her murder, Gein reportedly said, "I was sort of in a daze-like."

10. Monster: The Ed Gein Story depicts necrophilia between Gein and one of his victims, there is no evidence to suggest this, with Gein Whiledepicts necrophilia between Gein and one of his victims, there is no evidence to suggest this, with Gein reportedly denying he ever did so because he didn't like the smell of the dead bodies, saying, "They smelled too bad." As reported by Time in 1957 , Gein apparently didn't practice cannibalism or necrophilia, "but preserved the remains just to look at."

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11. After finding Worden's body, police searched the rest of Gein's farm, where they found a disturbing number of body parts, which reportedly included, according to Time magazine, "ten skins of human heads, neatly separated from the skull; assorted pieces of human skin, some between the pages of magazines, some made into small belts, some used to upholster chair seats (the largest piece, rolled up on the floor, was the front upper section of a woman's torso); a box of noses."

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Other reports, like in Edward Gein: America's Most Bizarre Murderer, police apparently also found: a corset made from a female torso, leggings made from human skin, nine vulvae in a shoebox, a belt made of female nipples, a lampshade made from the skin of a human face, and many more horrific discoveries.

12. Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs. While investigating the home, police also discovered the remains of Mary Hogan, a tavern operator who had disappeared in 1954. Namely, her head was found, reportedly her skull, and then her face had been turned into a mask . Apparently, both Worden and Hogan resembled Gein's mother. The details of Gein's murders, his fascination with his mother, and the horrors found in his house became the inspiration for movies likeand

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13. As for the other body parts found that did not belong to Hogan or Worden, Gein admitted during a lie detector test that he had visited local graveyards in a "daze-like" state over the years and exhumed bodies of recently buried middle-aged women. He said he robbed the graves of at least nine women. At the time, Waushara County authorities reopened two graves in Plainfield Cemetery to check Gein's story. When the women's caskets were opened, the coffins were empty, with the grave of Eleanor Adams also including "a few bones and a small prying bar."

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In an article in the Warsaw Times newspaper in 1957, District Attorney Earl Killeen said, "As far as I am concerned, the opening of these two graves verified Gein's story. I won't open any more if I can help it."

14. Gein confessed to the murders of Worden and Hogan. In November 1957, Gein entered "a plea of innocent by reason of insanity" when he was arraigned on a first-degree murder charge in Waushara County, according to a local newspaper . He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia, which ruled him unfit for a trial. He was committed to Wisconsin's Central State Hospital for observation and treatment.

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images

In an interview with Time in 1957, Dr. Edward Kelleher, the then-head of Chicago's Municipal Court Psychiatric Institute, called Gein schizophrenic and considered his case "unparalleled in modern history."

15. Gein's trial began on Nov. 7, 1968, and lasted a week, which was after doctors reportedly determined that he was "mentally able to confer with counsel and participate in his defense." The trial was held without a jury, and he was found guilty of first-degree murder in Bernice Worden's death. However, during his second trial, the judge ruled he was "not guilty by reason of insanity," and he was committed to Central State Hospital. He was later transferred to Mendota Mental Institute in Madison, Wisconsin.

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images

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During the trial in 1968, Gein claimed that he didn't aim a rifle at Worden and that he didn't remember anything that happened the morning of her death.

According to Edward Gein: America's Most Bizarre Murderer, he was only tried for Worden's murder due to "prohibitive costs," even though he had admitted to killing Mary Hogan.

16. In 1957, after Gein's arrest, Adeline Watkins claimed to the Minneapolis Tribune that she and Gein had dated for 20 years, and described him as "good and kind and sweet." She told the Tribune, "I loved him and I still do," and they reportedly had their last date in February 1955 when he proposed, with Watkins saying, "Not in so many words, but I knew what he meant." She said they used to talk about books and would discuss murder, adding, "I guess we discussed every murder we ever heard about. Eddie told how the murderer did wrong, what mistakes he had made. I thought it was interesting."

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images, Netflix

Watkins's mother, with whom she lived with, also described Gein to the Minneapolis Tribune, calling him a "sweet, polite man."

17. Following Gein's arrest, his house, other buildings, and the 195 acres were appraised for a reported $4,700 at the time, and were set to be auctioned off on March 30, 1958. However, on the morning of March 20, the house was destroyed by a fire . In a newspaper article, the fire marshal said he found "hot coals buried in the two-foot high pile of ashes left by a bonfire" that was reported to have been started by a cleaning crew disposing of trash. While arson was suspected, the cause of the fire was reportedly never officially determined.

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images

At the time, community leaders in Plainfield "denounced" the sale of Gein's home and property as "commercialism of Gein's crimes."

18. Gein notably used his 1949 Ford sedan to move his victims' bodies back to his farm. After his arrest, the car was auctioned for $760 at the time to Bunny Gibbons, a carnival owner from Illinois. Then, Gibbons toured the car around the Midwest, calling the attraction "Ed Gein Ghoul Car." It cost 25 cents to see the car, and Gibbons reportedly had more than 2,000 paying customers in July 1958.

Netflix

Eventually, interest in the car waned, and Gibbons returned with it to Illinois. According to WTVO Rockford, no public records indicate where the car ultimately ended up, and Gibbons never revealed its location either.

19. And finally, Gein remained at Mendota Mental Institute until his death in 1984, where he died from respiratory failure related to lung cancer. He was buried in Plainfield Cemetery at his family's plot next to his mother and brother. However, visitors began taking pieces of his headstone as souvenirs, with the cemetery unable to maintain the site. In 2000, his headstone was stolen altogether, and it was never found or returned, so his grave remains unmarked

Bettmann / Bettmann Archive / Getty Images

In 2000, the NY Post reported, "Investigators are looking at occult groups who worship the devil as possible culprits" for who could've stolen Gein's headstone from the cemetery.

Monster: The Ed Gein Story is is streaming on Netflix now.

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Neighborhoods across US cities showcase a variety of international cultures.

These neighborhoods offer unique travel experiences without requiring a trip abroad.

See inside these 13 neighborhoods, from German towns in Texas to Ethiopian corners in the capital.

You don't have to travel outside the US to experience diverse cultures.

Across some of the biggest cities in America, diasporic communities from countries all over the world have created homes away from home.

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From German populations that have established their own Southern-influenced dialect in Texas to Haitian families who've filled Florida streets with their art, music, and food, a multitude of cultures have helped shape neighborhoods across the US.

We've identified 13 unique neighborhoods across the US that show how these cultures have persevered.

Andersonville, Illinois

Marilou Trias/Shutterstock

Swedish flags line the streets of Andersonville, a neighborhood with European flair only 15 minutes from Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Founded by Swedish immigrants in the 1850s, it's still believed to be one of the most concentrated areas of Swedish heritage in the country.

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Clark Street is the neighborhood's nucleus, home to numerous Swedish bakeries and restaurants, the famous Swedish American Museum of Chicago (whose opening ceremony was attended by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden himself), and one of Chicagos most popular street festivals: Midsommarfest.

Fredericksburg, Texas

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Nestled in the region of Texas Hill Country, youll find Fredericksburg, a small town named after Prince Frederick of Prussia that proudly preserves its German heritage.

German was Fredericksburg's primary language until World War II, and today its still home to Texas German, a dialect that started when the German settlers who founded the town in 1846 refused to learn English.

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Here youll find the Vereins Kirche (society church), now a museum, as well as the Old German Bakery and Restaurant, Der Lindenbaum restaurant, Opas Smoked Meats, and the Fredericksburg Brewing Company, to name a few authentically German haunts.

Greektown, Maryland

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Formerly known as The Hill, this Baltimore neighborhoods name was officially changed to Greektown in the '80s.

As you may have guessed, the area is home to a thriving Greek community, as well as numerous thriving Greek businesses, including Akropolis, Ikaros, Samos, and Zorba restaurants, and the annual Greek Folk Festival, a four-day celebration of all things Greek.

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Solvang, California

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Only 130 miles from Los Angeles but a world away, this almost 6,000-person-strong Danish village was founded over 100 years ago by a group of Danish teachers who named it sunny field.

Every Danish cliche is nicely represented in the form of windmills, not one but five Danish bakeries, a replica of Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid statue, a copy of Copenhagen's Round Tower, and a bust of Hans Christian Andersen.

Little Australia, New York

Lesley Rigg/Shutterstock

OK, so maybe its only the Aussies that call it that, but New York Citys Nolita  which derives from "north of Little Italy," another neighborhood in Manhattan  has spawned a sub-hood called Little Australia.

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With Mulberry Street as its heart and soul, the area features Australian businesses like Little Ruby's, a small eatery that serves flat whites and Sydney-themed burgers, as well as the Down Under-inspired Two Hands cafe and restaurant.

India Square, New Jersey

George Wirt/Shutterstock

Also known as Little India or Little Bombay, this area has the highest concentration of Asian Indians in the Western Hemisphere, per the Jersey City Independent. Per the most recent available data, Jersey City's Hudson County was home to an estimated 37,236 Asian Indians in 2010, with 13.4% of the total county population identifying as Asian, according to a 2012 report by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The city is home to 73,800 Asian American residents, who make up 25.5% of Jersey Citys population, per 2020 census data.

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Wandering down Newark Avenue, youll come across sari shops, storefronts advertising henna, Bollywood ads, dozens of Indian restaurants, and, once a year, the colorful Holi festival and Navratri celebrations.

Little Canada, Minnesota

mailcaroline/Shutterstock

In 1844, a French Canadian settler decided to build the first grist mill in Minnesota that was independent from the government. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Little Canada, which is on the outskirts of St. Paul, proudly waves Canadian flags, features a red maple leaf as its official logo, and hosts the annual Canadian Days celebration.

Chindianapolis, Indiana

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Indiana is home to nearly 30,000 Burmese residents, per the Burmese American Community Institute.

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The citys south side, particularly Perry Township, is nicknamed Chindianapolis, thanks to the over 7,000 Chin refugees that live there and have opened Burmese restaurants and shops, the most well-known being the Chin Brothers Restaurant & Grocery.

Persian Square, California

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In Los Angeles, Persian Square, also known as Little Persia or Tehrangeles, was established in the aftermath of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, and it now has the largest population of Persians outside of Iran, The New York Times reported in 2022.

Thanks to this, it has traditional Iranian restaurants and stores, ice cream shops selling treats like saffron ice cream, and eateries serving up fusion faves like Iranian pizza and kebabs on every corner.

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Little Ethiopia, Washington, DC

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The DC metro area also has the largest number of Ethiopians outside Ethiopia, as reported by Global City Mission Initiative.

Consequently, it features a vast number of Ethiopian businesses: In fact, theres an entire 900-page phone directory dedicated to Ethiopian-owned businesses.

Check out 9th and U, Little Ethiopias main drag, a single block featuring more than two dozen shops and restaurants where Ethiopian music blasts and the scent of Ethiopian coffee blends with that of fragrant African spices.

Little Brazil, Massachusetts

Yingna Cai/Shutterstock

Bostons beaches are a far cry from Brazils, but they have still attracted a vast number of Brazilians in the last 30 years. The city now has the second-largest Brazilian immigrant population after Florida, per a 2024 report by Instituto Diaspora Brasil, the Latino Equity Fund, and the Boston Foundation.

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Signs are in Portuguese, shops sell typically colorful clothing, green and yellow flags line the streets, and the smell of fried plantains and Brazilian BBQ is everywhere.

Little Haiti, Florida

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If you want to experience Haiti's unique blend of French, African, Spanish, and indigenous cultures without leaving the US, you just need to travel to Miami.

South Florida has the largest Haitian population outside Haiti, and thousands of residents call this neighborhood in Miami their home.

Little Haiti, located only steps from Miami's vibrant Wynwood neighborhood and Design District, is rich in art, music, and culture.

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Walking around Little Haiti, you'll find plenty of colorful murals representing the Haitian diaspora and culture, signs written in Haitian Creole, music playing from homes and cars, and restaurants serving the best of Haitian Creole cuisine.

Little Saigon, California

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The largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam lives in San Jose, California, as noted by the Visit San Jose website.

The city's Little Saigon is home to numerous cultural institutions, including the Viet Museum and the Museum of the Boat People & the Republic of Vietnam, as well as the Vietnam Town shopping mall and Lion Plaza, where the community gathers to celebrate Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

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When Mwangi Wanjau left Kenya for Canada in 2016, his name made him feel like an outsider.

He began introducing himself as "James," and used it on his resume when he struggled to find work.

Wanjau felt his colleagues didn't know the real him, so he started using "Mwangi" again.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with 28-year-old Mwangi Wanjau, who is from Kenya and based in Canada. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

My parents named me Mwangi after my grandfather, James Mwangi Wanjau.

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I grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, and Mwangi is a very common name within my tribe, the Kikuyu.

In 2016, at age 19, I moved from Kenya to western Canada to study, graduating with a degree in mathematics. I felt like an outsider. My name stood out: I often had to repeat it, and people struggled to remember it.

During my studies, and later at the university where I worked after graduating, I began using the nickname "James" with new people and adjusting my accent to sound more Canadian.

When I was younger, I decided to take James, my grandfather's name, as my baptism name as part of my public expression of faith. But in this instance, I felt inferior, and was using it as a survival mechanism to fit in.

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Introducing myself became easier, but I began to feel like I was losing myself, and I realized fitting in wasn't benefiting me. I no longer feel the need to use a Westernized name to make others feel more comfortable.

People struggled with 'Mwangi,' but seemed to remember me when I used 'James'

The city in Canada where I lived wasn't as diverse as places like Vancouver, and I was often either the only or one of a few Black people in the room. While my close university friends knew me as Mwangi, I slowly started introducing myself as James.

People didn't struggle saying "James," and it seemed they remembered me more easily. It was like a weight off my chest, so James became my go-to.

In 2020, I went back to Kenya for a brief period and got baptized. James became my baptism name, not just a nickname.

Wanjau told BI he softened his accent to fit in with other Canadians. Courtesy of Mwangi Wanjau

After I graduated, I started working in local customer service and sales roles, using the name James.

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Because some people wrongly perceive Africans as less educated, maybe even subconsciously, I started softening my accent and using Canadian slang because I thought people would feel more comfortable around me and think I was smart. I wanted to show I'd been in Canada for a while and wasn't "fresh off the boat."

I had a better experience using 'James' on my resume instead of 'Mwangi'

I began looking to transition from customer service to a more professional job in late 2023, and transitioned back to Mwangi on applications. With some work experience under my belt, I thought I could find a job relatively quickly and began to use my real name.

After five or six months, I wasn't getting much of a response. One day, my barber, who knew me as James, suggested I try using that name on my applications.

I'd read stories online about people of color struggling to get jobs, seemingly because of their African-sounding names or accents in the US. At first, I didn't think I'd experience that in Canada, but I started to feel like it applied to me.

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I changed the name at the top of my resume from Mwangi Wanjau to James M. Wanjau.

After that, I felt I was getting more responses and interviews. Recruiters remembered my name, and it just rolled off their tongues. I still had to apply for a lot of jobs, but in May 2024, roughly three months after changing my name, I landed a role as an admissions and awards coordinator at the university where I'd studied.

I felt like two different people

My birth name was in my workplace's system, and Mwangi was part of my email address, but I referred to myself as James and used "James Wanjau" in my email signature.

I felt like two different people. Outside of work, I was Mwangi. Seeing my friends brought me back to who I was, but when I stepped into work at 8 a.m., I became James.

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One day, I did a workplace survey and one question asked whether I felt like I belonged at the organization, and it prompted me to reflect on using "James" instead of "Mwangi." I realized I didn't feel like I could be myself at work. My colleagues knew the commercial me, not the real me.

Embracing 'Mwangi' has been empowering

In Spring 2025, I decided to start using Mwangi more outside work  even if people ask me to repeat my name or forget it five minutes later. I'm still Mwangi, whether they like it or not.

It was difficult to change things at work because people already knew me as James. But I started a new role at the same organization roughly a month ago, and when the hiring manager asked me which name I wanted to go by, I said Mwangi.

Wanjau now embraces introducing himself to people as Mwangi. Courtesy of Mwangi Wanjau

Introducing myself as Mwangi hasn't been smooth  if a barista needs to write my name on a coffee cup, they have to ask me how to spell it  but it's been empowering. Knowing I don't have to wear a different name and personality every morning has been a massive breath of fresh air.

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Since 2020, social movements have brought many things related to diversity, equity, and inclusion to light, and people want to make workplace culture more inclusive. I realized that if I want things to change, I should start by embracing my name. Bias in the system won't change unless we stop hiding.

I completely understand why someone might feel they need to adjust their name to get their foot in the door. But as time went on, I realized that I deserved to succeed as myself rather than as someone else.

Do you have a story to share about changing your name in the workplace or to land a job? Contact this reporter at ccheong@businessinsider.com.

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Since joining the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2023 and 2024 after transitioning from sister cruise line Costa Cruises, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze have gained a strong fan base for the unique cruise experience they offer, dubbed Fun Italian Style.

The ships feature Italian-inspired design, dining options, and experiences infused with Carnivals signature high-energy environment and fan-favorite venues and attractions like Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and WaterWorks water park.

Since their Carnival debut, one Italian-style ship has sailed from the West Coast while the other cruised from the East. Now, with its latest deployment updates, Carnival has revealed big changes coming for both Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze in 2027.

Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Carnival Venezia's Grande Canal Restaurant features a Venetian gondola and special Italian dishes. Image source: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Venezia will cruise from Miami for 2027  2028 season

Carnival Venezia, which launched from New York City in 2023, is trading summers in the Big Apple and winters in Port Canaveral, Fla. for a year-round cruise schedule from Miami in 2027.

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From May 2027  April 2028, the 4,000-passenger ship will sail six- and eight-day Caribbean cruises from Miami. Six-day western Caribbean voyages feature stops at Celebration Key, Carnivals new exclusive destination in The Bahamas, as well as visits to popular ports such as Ocho Rios or Montego Bay in Jamaica, and Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. Eight-day southern Caribbean cruises feature sought-after destinations such as Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line is upgrading vacations from convenient ports

Carnival Venezia moving to Miami creates even more choice for our guests with longer itineraries to the most popular Caribbean destinations and adds a new flavor of fun with our Italian Style experiences, said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

Carnival Venezia has become a fan-favorite ship and some cruisers who enjoy sailing from Port Canaveral are sad to see her move south to the busier PortMiami. Others are excited to try a new Carnival cruise option from Cruise Capital of the World.

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Happy for the Venezia to be in Miami. I have been wanting to book this ship and I love cruising from Miami, Angie Harris Bourbeau commented on Carnival Brand Ambassador John Healds Facebook post about the ships new deployment.

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Carnival Firenze will sail from Miami and New York in 2027

Italian-style Carnival Firenze will also offer cruises from Miami for a brief period in 2027 as the ship makes a big move  leaving Long Beach, Calif. behind for a new East Coast deployment in 2027.

The ships repositioning from west to east offers cruisers three rare journeys in South America in early 2027 before the ship arrives in Miami for a short season of Caribbean cruises just before Carnival Venezias move to the port.

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From February through May 8, 2027, Carnival Firenze will temporarily homeport in Miami, offering a mix of itineraries that range from four to 13 days and sail to destinations in The Bahamas and all around the Caribbean.

More Carnival Cruise Line:

For summer 2027, Carnival Firenze will replace Venezia in New York City. Carnival Firenzes cruise itineraries from New York are expected to open for booking soon as the cruise line continues to release its 2027  2028 cruise schedules.

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Carnivals latest deployment updates also include the expansion of year-round cruise programs to The Bahamas and Caribbean from Miami on Carnival Magic and Port Canaveral on Carnival Vista. For 2027  2028, Carnival Magic will sail six- and eight-day cruises while Carnival Vista offers seven-day itineraries.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Mes Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Oct 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Honey Im home carries a whole other meaning for married couples that have flipped the concept of a commute on its head  choosing instead to live near work, solo, and only returning to married life at weekends and during the holidays.

Its a job hack that allows high earners to keep the pay cheque, skip burnout and clock in for quality marriage time when the work is done.

While its not for everyone, and requires trust, respect and an alignment to the cause, for many it works  and well.

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British-born and educated Myles Barrett, 49, and his wife Anastasia Minaeva, 48, have spent many of their 16 years of married life in separate countries, and even on opposite sides of the world.

Barrett, a senior executive in the oil and gas sector, has, by his own admission, put his career first. His wife doesnt mince her words  Hes a workaholic, she says. Minaeva has, in turn, put her career as a geophysicist on hold.

The couples first foray into split living was in 2010, before they had a family. Barrett went to work and live in Indonesia, while Minaeva remained in America, where they had both previously been stationed.

I was at the beginning of getting my green card, so needed to stay, and we simply agreed that Myles would work in Jakarta for two and a half years, Minaeva says.

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That took care of the first three years of marriage. They saw each other for four weeks a year, at Christmas and in the summer  but still kept in touch every day. The time difference helped, being exactly 12 hours apart, so wed have breakfast and dinner via FaceTime together, says Barrett.

Once his time in Indonesia was up, Barrett moved back to America  but another opportunity to marriage commute came up in 2020. I got offered a role in Cyprus, he says, our twins at the time were seven, and we didnt want to disturb their schooling, so we decided that Anastasia would stay in the US with them and I would go to Europe.

The pandemic threatened to keep the family separated, but Barrett luckily managed to return to the US before the world shut down. Later in the year, when travel had opened up again, the family were able to spend an unexpected chapter together in Cyprus.

It wasnt long before Barrett was offered another role  this time in Mumbai. I took it, and Anastasia stayed in the US with the children, he says.

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In June this year, the family decided that they should move from the US and commit to family life once more under one roof  the children are now at school in Mumbai.

I dont feel that Ive missed out too much on the family  Ive often woken up to videos of our cats, or pictures of the food thats been enjoyed, says Barratt. I went to boarding school and the only communication Id get from my parents when I was there would be a written letter, and that was occasional, so I feel compared to that Im quite present in my childrens lives.

Of course, there have been comedic moments  Barrett, an engineer whose job is fixing things, has impeccable (and inconvenient) timing. The moment he leaves home, according to Minaeva, everything breaks. Once, while he was away dealing with an oil rig in Tenerife, and the family were living in Israel, Minaeva called him from their Mediterranean penthouse during a violent storm  a glass table was sliding toward the balcony edge. His solution? If it survives, it survives. If it doesnt, it doesnt.

Myles Barrett believes he hasnt missed out on family time, compared to his boarding school upbringing

The marriage commute setup works for them. WhatsApp and FaceTime bridge the distance, and Barrett stresses that each job has an expiration date  its never a permanent arrangement.

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The financial upside has undoubtedly fuelled part of their commitment to separate dwellings, with employers offering generous incentives. Living apart boosted our expat packages by 30pc to 45pc tax-free, says Barrett.

He adds: These roles are critical and notoriously hard to fill. Thats why the uplift is on the table  its the companys incentive to get the right person. The entire package, from salary and bonus to the extra flights and leave, is designed to make a difficult move worthwhile and for us, it sweetened the deal. I typically get around one return trip home on the company every two months.

We began married life in London, but didnt want to have a family there

Long-distance relationships dont always involve air travel and crossing oceans  couples are often separated by a few counties. Around 10pc of couples in Britain live apart together, according to the Understanding Society UK Longitudinal Study by the University of Essex, where partners juggle jobs and the art of missing each other.

Decisions to do so are usually based on giving children stability in the home theyre familiar with, with one parents undivided attention, while the other carves out a lucrative career.

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Lily Rose, 34, and her husband, Rich, 39, who did not want to use their surname, are part of this statistic. They decided to fulfil both dreams of building a career in London and giving their children, aged three and six, a countryside childhood, so they struck a deal  they would live separately during the week and commute back at the weekends.

We began married life in London, but when the boys came along, we knew we didnt want to bring them up there. My mum offered the children a pony, but I thought that wasnt much good if we lived in town and they couldnt ride it, says Lily Rose.

At the same time, Richs London job demanded long hours and client socialising, often involving evening dinners  so they agreed to split living. Rich resides in the capital during the week, and when hes not working, he does the DIY on their London property with the view that they will eventually sell it as a turnkey residence. Lily Rose, meanwhile, lives with the boys in a rented home near her parents in Suffolk.

Running two houses is a cost, but its enabled the couple to change their plans for their childrens education  swapping a 35,000-per-year London prep school for an outstanding village state school  meaning theyre still saving money overall.

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As a bachelor (by default) during the week, Rich says that his expenses are minimal, and he additionally saves on the train fare commute  buying a weekly return for 70 as opposed to the higher cost of a daily journey or a season ticket.

The couple lead independent lives from Monday to Friday, which works for them. Rich prefers face-to-face over phone chat, so we dont have lengthy phone conversations  the advantage is that when he is with the boys at the weekend, he is really present with them.

Rich admits that the previous arrangement, which involved him rushing home only to wrestle two boys to bed and then return to his laptop, wasnt conducive to focusing on his career or his family. This way, he believes he is giving each role its deserved attention, separately  and by the weekend, he really looks forward to seeing his family and playing with the boys.

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Mark Sherratt

In this year's edition of the Readers' Choice Awards, we observed, among other micro-trends, that you went on safari with Wilderness in Botswana. Wilderness DumaTau and Wilderness Vumbura Plains were your number one and three picks, respectively, in the Rest of Africa category. I haven't stayed at either of those spots, but they must be pretty special, because in April my kids and I visited three other Wilderness hotels in BotswanaJao Camp, in the Okavango Delta; Qorokwe Camp, bordered by the Moremi Game Reserve; and King's Pool Camp, in the Linyanti Reserveand found all three exceptional.

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Our number one might have been King's Pool, our last stop, though this feels a little like saying that the Beatles were better than the Rolling Stones and the Beach Boys; when you're in such rarefied air, ranking things can seem silly. But the separator was its setting on the King's Pool lagoon, part of the Linyanti River, which allowed us to see all kinds of wildlifefrom the lodge deck; from the hide where we enjoyed an Easter lunch; and from the infinity poolincluding the herds of elephants who make regular crossings from Namibia into Botswana. We'd had very good luck spotting animals at the previous two camps, so we were mostly focused on looking for birds we hadn't seen. (When we saw our first lilac-breasted roller at Jao, I told the kids that, even if there was no big game here, the birds alone would be worth coming for.) But on the last day, our bush guide, a Wilderness veteran named Andy Kasale, asked whether we'd be okay with doing a long drive that would stretch past nightfall. It was dusk when we reached the hyena den. I'd told my kids that baby hyenas were very cute, but I don't think they believed me. The cubs approached the vehicle with wide, curious eyes; the teenagers roughhoused; and eventually the parents went off to hunt, howling in the distance. We sat in rapt near-silence for more than an hour. Magic.

All of which is to say that you might think of Wilderness in Botswana like you would the great film director who has two movies nominated for an Oscar. One of them has to win, but they're both outstanding. So as you peruse the results in these pages, remember that there are lots more that are also extraordinaryplaces which, if enough of you go to them and love them, might just make the list next year.

This article appeared in the November 2025 issue of Conde Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler

Trending Travel Destinations
By Stephen Nellis

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Gaps in efforts by the U.S. and allies to restrict China's ability to manufacture advanced computing chips have allowed China to buy nearly $40 billion of sophisticated chipmaking gear, according to a bipartisan investigation by U.S. lawmakers.

U.S. Democratic and Republican administrations have tried to restrict China's ability to make microchips, viewing the industry as crucial for national security.

But inconsistencies in rules issued by the United States, Japan and the Netherlands have led to non-U.S. toolmakers selling to some Chinese firms that U.S. companies could not, according to a report by the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on China seen by Reuters.

The committee called for broader bans by the group of allies on chipmaking tool sales to China, rather than narrower bans of specific Chinese chipmakers.

Chinese firms last year bought $38 billion in equipment from five top semiconductor manufacturing equipment suppliers, without breaking the law, a 66% increase from 2022, when many of the tool export restrictions were introduced. It also accounted for nearly 39% of the aggregate sales of Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA, ASML and Tokyo Electron, the report found.

The U.S., citing national security concerns, is targeting China's ability to make state-of-the-art chips because they are crucial to fields such as AI and military modernization. The two economic superpowers are also vying to sell advanced technology such as AI data centers to other nations.

"These are the sales that made China increasingly competitive in the manufacture of a wide range of semiconductors, with profound implications for human rights and democratic values around the world," the report said.

In an interview, Mark Dougherty, president of Tokyo Electron's U.S. unit, said the industry's China sales have started to decline this year, in part due to new regulations and welcomed more coordination between the U.S. and Japanese governments.

"I think its clear, from a U.S. perspective, theres an outcome that is still desired that has not yet been achieved," Dougherty told Reuters.

Applied and Lam did not respond to a request for comment. ASML and KLA said they could not comment until seeing the report in full. The committee said that the toolmakers cooperated with the committee on the report and were informed of its findings.

Three Chinese firms that have become major customers of toolmakers - SwaySure Technology Co, Shenzhen Pengxinxu Technology Co and SiEn (Qingdao) Integrated Circuits Co - are of particular security concern. They were flagged last year by the congressional committee's leaders, Chairman John Moolenaar, a Michigan Republican, and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, in a letter to the Commerce Department alleging ties to a secret network aiding Huawei Technologies, and U.S. officials barred exports to them in December.
For whatever reason, Florida seems to have its fair share of dangerous locales. Cities with controversial reputations, like Boynton Beach, have higher-than-average amounts of shoplifting and home break-ins. Jacksonville is extra dangerous for pedestrians because of a lack of sidewalks and an abundance of speeding cars. Siesta Beach, meanwhile, makes the perfect electrical conductor, as folks tend to get struck by lightning while strolling its sand. Well, now we can add one more Florida destination to the mix, one that's lethal for none of the above reasons: Miramar Beach between Panama City and Destin in the Florida panhandle. Rather than crime, traffic accidents, lightning, or something else, Miramar Beach is dangerous because of its waves.

Specifically, Miramar Beach is a hotspot for rip currents. Rip currents can be hard to spot without experience, but you can identify them by breaks in the line of waves rushing towards shore. Water flows out from those gaps rather than in, even on a beautiful, sunny day. It only takes a couple of feet to suck out even the strongest, most experienced swimmer. Hence, the inordinate amount of deaths along the otherwise fluffy, soft, white sands of Miramar Beach.

Raw data from the National Weather Service shows that three people lost their lives this way in the area in 2025, so far  higher than anywhere else in the U.S. One of them was a 10-year-old girl. Back in 2023, there was a slew of 10 deaths along the entire regional strip of beach, the Emerald Coast, in nine days. Numerous sources warn, again and again, to take rip currents seriously, particularly at Miramar Beach. Thankfully, there's one surefire way to stay safe while visiting.

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Read more: Research Says You Should Skip These Dangerous Beaches When Visiting Florida

Staying safe amidst Miramar Beach's dangerous waves

Surfer riding wave crest - YURY KRYLOU/Shutterstock

The best way to stay safe from Miramar Beach's rip currents is to stay out of the water (especially if there are warnings posted by way of flags or signage). If you've got kids with you, be extra careful not to take their safety or swimming competence for granted. The same goes for adults, as the National Weather Service shows that two of the people claimed by rip currents in 2025 were 54 and 57  one female, one male, both lost on the same day. On this note, one person on Tripadvisor points to red flags in the water, indicative of a "high hazard" safety rating (as opposed to green and yellow). If you want to head into the ocean and see these flags, don't handwave the situation and assume you'll be alright.

We also mentioned that rip currents are hard to spot. They're easier to see from a higher elevation, where you can survey the waves breaking against the shore. If you spot a gap in the white foam, there might be a rip current there. Sometimes rocks sticking out of the waves, or structures in the water like piers, can cause them to form, too. Then there are other factors out of sight, ones that might explain why Miramar Beach is so prone to rip currents, like the condition of waves below the surface and the shape of the sea floor at the bottom.

In the worst-case scenario, all is not lost if a rip current grabs you. It'll pull you out, not down, which means you can swim parallel to the beach and break through neighboring wave crests. Swim back to shore at an angle and maybe rethink heading back into the ocean from then on.

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Peoria, Ill. (WMBD)  Ive just returned from a trip to Europe with about 20 WMBD viewers. The trip was a two week journey that had us flying to Switzerland then hopping on a river boat for a cruise down the Rhine River to the Netherlands. The tour had stops in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands before we flew back to the U.S.

Lucerne, Switzerland

We spent the first two days in the beautiful city of Lucerne, Switzerland. Shortly after we arrived we took a trip across Lake Lucerne to hop on a cogwheel train to the top of Mount Rigi. Poor weather and fog made it impossible to fully enjoy the beautiful views, but once we dropped through clouds on a gondola the views were breathtaking!

The second day featured a guided walking tour of Lucerne where we got to see buildings that were centuries old, including the Jesuit Church and the Chapel Bridge. I even tried my hand a yodeling (not my thing, lol). After our day in Lucerne we drove to Basel, Switzerland to board the Amadeus Star and begin our seven day cruise along the Rhine River.

Strasbourg, France

After a night of sailing we made our first port of call in Strasbourg, France, a city rich in French and German culture. Throughout the citys history it constantly bounced between French and German control, until it was liberated from the Nazi regime at the end of World War II. It now serves as home to the European Union Parliament.

A walking tour of the town took us to the Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg, one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. The cathedral is constructed of sandstone and took over 400 years to complete. After leaving the cathedral we then took a guided boat tour through the citys canals on a rainy morning. Rain on the windows made it difficult to snap pictures, but it was an educational tour anyway and neat to see the historic medieval architecture that still exist in parts of the city.

Speyer, Germany

Our first port of the day was in Speyer. Dating back to 10 BC, Speyer was founded by the Roman military as a camp and trading town on the northeast edges of the Roman Empire. The towering Speyer cathedral, built in the 11th century by Conrad II, was a sight to see as it appeared through the fog and mist as we made our approach in to town. Buried beneath the cathedral are 8 kings and emperors.

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We also walked through a beautiful Protestant Church (Dreifaltigkeitskirche) and visited the ruins of an old Jewish synagogue which was constructed in the early 12th Century. Speyer was home to many Ashkenazi Jews until the early 16th Century. It is unclear what led to the destruction of the community at that time.

Heidelberg, Germany

Our second stop of the day was in the beautiful city of Heidelberg. We docked in the city of Mannheim and took a short bus ride to Heidelberg.

The highlight of the day were the ruins of a castle/palace nestled in the hills over Heidelberg, which was destroyed twice by the French during the Nine Years war. The wine cellar of the castle holds the worlds largest wine barrel, so large there was actually a dance floor on top of it.

While the nearby city of Mannheim was heavily bombed by Americans and allied forces during WW II (Mannheim was a big industrial city) Heidelberg was left untouched. Instead of bombs, American planes dropped pamphlets, notifying the people of Heidelberg, that the town would be spared so Germans would have a place to go once the war ended. The damage done to the city was by the Nazis when they blew out the middle section of the Old Bridge towards the end of the war. The bridge was restored once the war ended. The fact that Heidelberg was spared during WW II meant the town would maintain its Medieval charm and look.

Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany

The next day we make port in the town of Rudesheim am Rhein. The morning starts with a nice walking tour of town and wine tastings at several of the local wineries. The ship departs Rudesheim at lunch for what is considered the best part of the Middle-Rhine Valley. Countless vineyards, dozens of castles, and charming villages have served as inspiration for poets, artists, and painters of the 18th and 19th centuries giving this part of the Rhine River the nickname The Romantic Rhine.

Koblenz, Germany

Our next stop of the day was the city of Koblenz, a city thats situated where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet. The highlight of the stop was visiting Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, built on a hill opposite of Koblenz. Prior to being a fortress, it was Philippsburg Castle, which was destroyed by French revolution troops in 1801. The fortress was rebuilt by the Prussians between 1817 and 1828 and used for military purposes by the Prussian army until 1918.

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Being a major rail and river transportation hub, 87% of Koblenz was destroyed by the allies during World War II. Only a few buildings remain from the original city which makes for an interesting layout when medieval buildings are situated right next to buildings from the 1950s.

Cochem, Germany

We departed Koblenz for a trip west on Moselle River. Wed make port in the charming medieval town of Cochem the following morning. Resting above the town is Reichsburg Castle with vineyards along the slopes of the hills. Cochems medieval flare with narrow cobble stone streets and open courtyards made it a great place to shop and eat while others went wine tasting.

Cologne, Germany

The next stop on our journey down the Rhine was Cologne, Germany, the 4th largest city in the country. The highlight of the stop was the Cologne Cathedral standing at an impressive 515 feet.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1248 but stopped around 1560. Construction would continue in the 1800s and finished according to the original medieval plan. We were not able to go inside since services were being held, but it was a cool sight anyway. After seeing the cathedral we made some time for pretzels and beer, specifically Kolsch, a style of beer from Cologne.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

We made our final port in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Most of the country resides below sea level, so water management using dikes and canals is crucial.

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While there we took a tour of the city with a wonderful canal cruise that took us pass buildings that were centuries old. In the city, bikes are the primary form of transportation with people avoiding the use of cars if they can. On our last day in Amsterdam we spent some time at the infamous Rijksmuseum where a lot of famous Dutch art is being held, including many of Rembrandts work. His piece The Night Watch is currently being refurbished and is on display as they work on it.

Netherlands Countryside

The final days of our tour were spent in the countryside of the Netherlands, specifically Edam, Volendam, Haarlem, and Zaanse Schans (Zaandam).

In Volendam we stopped at cheese factory and learned about the process of making cheese while doing some cheese tasting. We then learned about the dikes that control the water levels across the country, since most of the country sits below sea level. In Zaandam we got to spend time around the windmills that are still used today to make pigment for paint, saw wood, and pump water. We also got to see first hand how they make wooden clogs.

Id like to thank Holiday Vacations for allowing my wife and I to take this trip with a wonderful group of WMBD viewers. Id also like to say thank you to our tour director Eileen McConnell for escorting us through this wonderful journey.

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Ill be making a trip to Iceland in March to attempt to see the Northern Lights like Ive never experienced before. If you want to join me on that click here for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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When it comes to Maine Coons, the more unique the coloring, the more precious they become. In any given litter of kittens, there could be a variety of color combos just like a bouquet of wild flowers. The ones who stand out mostwith a certain razzle-dazzle the others can't compete withwill leave you breathless.

A precious multicolored Maine Coon kitten lies wrapped up in a cozy blanket while looking into the camera.Image via Shutterstock/Anna Brusnicyna

In a recent video shared by @tasselears_mainecoons showcases one of the the most beautiful Maine Coon kittens you'll ever lay eyes on. Luna is a multicolored wonder whose split-face patchwork "mottling" appears as though she's a black smoke kitty on one side and a cream or vanilla little lady on the other side.

She's a magnificent blend of two worlds colliding in an explosion of colors. I'll bet she has some fierce-looking parents. Take a look!

Fans Are Obsessed With Luna

With such a unique, one-of-a-kind look, Luna has her TikTok followers in a tizzy, and rightfully soshe's perfect! Many sounded off in the comments to gush over the fancy feline, calling her beautiful, precious, adorable, and "purrrfffect," and these are all spot-on, but still don't do her justice.

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"I'll skip my house payment for that kitty," one person joked. "I need this angel," another declared, while another simply stated, "What a beauty."

Clearly, Luna has made her mark on the web during her short time on Earth. It'll be interesting to see how that rainbow of colors develops in the years to come. Will she be even more of an angel (yes)?

Related: Rare Black Smoke Tortie Maine Coon Kitten Is Nothing Short of Stunning

This is one kitten who is sure to make anyone stop and stare. And as it turns out, she has three cute little siblings competing for "Best Looking." They all have some version of Luna's multicolor design, with one who seems to have frosted Pop-Tart fur.

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It's impossible to pick a favorite because they're all amazing in their own way, and I'm sure, like Maine Coons in general, they have the personalities to boot. Which baby would you take home (the only answer is all of them)?

Luna Has Two Different Colors of Eyes

As you can see, this is one Maine Coon kitten disrupting the internet with her sweet face, which includes two differently colored eyes. The genetic condition is called heterochromia, and it usually results in one blue eye and one green eye, though, there could be a copper peeper, as well. The lack of melanin pigment is typically linked to the white fur gene and is harmless.

One follower noted that Luna looks like a "chimera cat," which is a kitty developed from two separate embryos. As IPB University explains, the final result is a cat with two different DNA types that can look like two-toned coat coloring or a stark line down the center of their face (aka that gorgeous split coloring)just like Luna! Whatever you want to say about this little lady, she's one kitten we won't soon forget!

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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One of the EUs cheeriest nations has become the first country in the world to be prescribed by doctors. Well, kind of.

In a satirical new campaign, Swedens tourist board has leaned into its holistic culture and way of life, arguing it offers a whole host of unique activities that can support both mental and physical health.

The country, which ranks as a global leader in quality of life and is consistently crowned one of the worlds happiest countries, has joined forces with senior professor Yvonne Forsell to create the Swedish Prescription.

The Swedish Prescription

The tongue-in-cheek Swedish Prescription campaign promotes activities designed to boost ones well-being, and can be adapted to suit an individual's goals, needs, and length of stay.

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Recommendations include recharging in the Swedish forest to help ease stress and improve focus, getting a restorative nights sleep thanks to the countrys cool temperatures, clean air, and lack of noise pollution, as well as trying the Swedish habit of Fika.

A chance to slow down

Its a moment to enjoy something small to eat and drink, explains Visit Sweden. Its a chance to slow down and enjoy your company - without fuss or expectation.

Its about taking a real break, even from your phone. Linked to lower stress and better focus, a fika can be enjoyed anywhere.

Other prescriptions include raising your spirit with Swedish music, boosting your energy on a bike ride, or visiting one of the many museums and public outdoor art across the country.

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Sweden is filled with activities that make you feel good, Forsell says in the campaigns promotional video.

Here in Sweden, the sun wont go down for 100 days. Just imagine what 24/7 light therapy could do for you. So get your doctor to prescribe Sweden and see what we can do for your wellness.

Can visiting Sweden actually improve your health?

While Visit Swedens campaign is supposed to be lighthearted, it has been endorsed by a slew of professionals, including board-certified paediatrician Dr Stacy Beller Stryer, Vice President of the British Medical Association Dr Sam Everington, researcher PD Dr Michael Jeitler, and physical and rehabilitation medicine specialist Dr Maaike ten Thije-de Boer.

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The campaign also backs its health claims with a series of studies from groups including the American Psychological Association, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and the European Environment Agency.

For example, saunas have been found to promote deeper rest and better sleep quality, while one study published in National Institutes of Health (NIH) claims regular sauna bathing is associated with a 65 per cent lower risk of Alzheimers disease and dementia.

Practising Fika and reducing your smartphone use has been linked to improvements in mental health, focus, and overall wellbeing - while regularly participating in social rituals has been found to protect against emotional distress.
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Thingvellir National Park in southwest Iceland: a great spot for getting prize-worthy shots of the aurora borealis. | Credit: Mauritius Images GmbH / Alamy

Amateur astronomers take note: we are in the midst of a solar maximum, which means the Sun is getting super energetic, said Time Out .

This period of heightened solar activity, which only takes place every 11 years, is likely to continue into 2026. So its a great time to spot the Northern Lights, as the Sun is producing more frequent solar flares, triggering the dazzling displays that so many of us hope to experience in our lifetime.

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The auroral zone spans several countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and parts of Canada. Youre most likely to spot the Northern Lights between mid-September and April, and as a rule, the farther north you go, the darker it is and the longer the aurora season, said The Times. Still, there are no guarantees and youll need to be patient and stay up late.

Iceland is an excellent option for aurora hunting. There are many scenic spots but one of the best is the flat terrain of Thingvellir National Park, less than an hours drive from Reykjavik, said Conde Nast Traveller. Easily accessible with dark, open skies, its a popular spot for getting those prize-worthy, slow shutter speed shots of the Northern Lights.

Or you could live out your Frozen-inspired Scandinavian fairytale in northern Sweden with an overnight stay at the Icehotel in the small Arctic village of Jukkasjarvi. Drive around 70 miles to Abisko National Park, where the aurora borealis appears on a near-nightly basis during peak season. Flanked by two mountains, the park has a microclimate known as the blue hole that shields most clouds and rain, ensuring the skies are often dark and clear.

For the chance to spot the lights with uninterrupted calm and tranquillity, consider heading to Greenland, said The Independent. The most sparsely populated country in the world has low levels of light pollution, especially if you travel to Kangerlussuaq, which has a population of just over 500.

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Further afield, Fairbanks in Alaska is another option. Ideally positioned right under the auroral oval, conditions here are perfect for glimpsing the Northern Lights thanks to the inky skies and dry conditions.

And if its pure magic youre after, it has to be Yukon in Canadas far northwest, said The Times. Discover the Worlds three-night tour kicks off at a cosy log cabin near Whitehorse before giving you the chance to try dog sledding and visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to spot bison, moose and caribou. A knowledgeable guide is on hand to give you the inside scoop on spotting the Northern Lights.
New Hampshire is a must-visit destination for those itching to explore the great outdoors. From the one-of-a-kind "sunken forest" on the coast of Rye, where drowned tree stumps rise out of coastal waters, to Lyndeborough's hidden oasis of serene trails and cascading Purgatory Falls, the Granite State invites hikers, birders, anglers, and wanderers of all kinds.

It's a place where you're never too far away from wild beauty, and yet, some burgeoning natural wonders in New Hampshire remain surprisingly overlooked. An example of this is Cardigan Mountain State Park, which houses plenty of exciting trails and rewarding views. Tucked in Grafton County and bordering the towns of Orange and Alexandria, this 5,655-acre park is home to Mount Cardigan, a 3,121-foot peak with a bare granite dome.

Local conservation experts attribute Mount Cardigan's distinctive, barren summit to a forest fire that swept through the area in 1855, permanently altering the landscape. The mountain's open ridgeline provides sightlines to Mount Moosilauke, the Presidential Range, Camel's Hump, and Pleasant Mountain. Visitors will be delighted to know that the park is only about a 2-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts, and just over an hour and a half from Manchester, New Hampshire.

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Read more: Essential Tips To Make A Rocky Mountain National Park Visit Affordable

Exciting mountain trails

View from the top of Cardigan Mountain - 1.thought/Shutterstock

Cardigan Mountain State Park's trail system is defined by its topographic variety, clear summit access, and the well-blazed paths that hikers can choose from. With 18 trails crossing 5,655 acres of forest, ridgeline, and exposed granite, the park offers some of the most scenic non-White Mountain hiking in New Hampshire.

The West Ridge Trail is the most direct route to the summit from the park's main trailhead, climbing 1,200 feet over 2.8 miles. A blend of forested paths and open granite, it's popular year-round and well-suited to intermediate hikers. The Mount Cardigan Loop Trail, at 3.1 miles, includes segments of the South Ridge and Clark Trails, offering a longer but moderate route with access to multiple scenic features, including the Cardigan Fire Tower.

More advanced hikers can opt for the Manning-Clark-Holt Loop or the Holt and Manning Trail Loop, both of which feature significant elevation gain and rugged terrain. When hiking Mount Cardigan, bring sturdy hiking boots, extra layers to combat the wind and cold, plenty of water, and sunscreen. Seasonal gear, such as microspikes and snowshoes, is also essential during the winter months, and the exposed summit demands extra layers in all seasons.

Camping near Cardigan Mountain State Park

The AMC Cardigan Lodge in winter - kristeobrien / Instagram

Camping is not allowed inside Cardigan Mountain State Park, but several nearby lodging and camping options make overnight visits easy. The Appalachian Mountain Club's Cardigan Lodge sits just southeast of the park and serves as a comfortable base for hikers and families. The lodge operates on a full-service basis during warmer months, with meals and linens provided, and shifts to selfservice in the offseason.

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Just steps away, the AMC Cardigan Campsites include 20 primitive walkin sites and several group options, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. It can be helpful to bring items that make camping easy, like a portable grill and sleeping bags. For those traveling by RV, there's the nearby Crescent Campground, which offers fullservice RV hookups, as well as the Pine Haven Campground that also has water, electric, and sewer facilities.

In addition to hiking, Cardigan offers visitors opportunities for picnicking, fishing, wildlife observation, and winter sports. The park's picnic shelter near the main lot is a convenient spot to relax after a day on the trails. There, visitors can do some nature sightseeing and spot redtailed hawks, goldfinches, and woodpeckers, as well as the elusive black bear and moose.

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A south Georgia toddler has died, and his parents were severely injured in a crash on Sunday morning.

The Ware County Sheriffs Office says 1-year-old Westley Huggins died at the crash site. His parents, ages 24 and 28, were rushed to the hospital.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Georgia State Patrol says the driver was traveling west down Hwy. 520 when he crossed over all of the eastbound lanes and crashed.

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Investigators say the Ford Bronco flipped over and caught fire.

When deputies first arrived, they said the car was engulfed in flames, so they couldnt get to the toddler trapped inside.

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Jowers Chapel Holiness Baptist Church says the young family was on their way to church in Pearson at the time of the crash.

It is so tragic when such a young life is lost. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone touched by his loss, Ware County Sheriff Carl James said.

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Votes are being taken now for "Tank of the Year" and no, you can't pick the Minnesota Twins.

Protective coating manufacturer Tnemec Company, Inc. has revealed the full list of nominees for this year's contest, which includes 15 from Minnesota.

They are: Becker, Blaine, Corcoran, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Goodhue, Hastings, Lewiston, Lower Sioux, New Hope, New Brighton, Owatonna, Pequot Lakes, St. Paul, and Shakopee.

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Check out the nominated towers below:

View the 15 images of this gallery on the original article

Minnesota has good form in the competition, which has been running since 2007 and named Moorhead the winner in 2021.

Voting is open between now and 5 p.m. on Oct. 17 for the "people's choice" tank, which will be added to 11 other finalists selected by a "committee of water tank enthusiasts." From those 12, an official "Tank of the Year" is selected.

This years contest is shaping up to be yet another spectacular year for this contest, commented Kevin Morris, Director of the Water Tank Market at Tnemec. The number of nominations is indicative of the overall popularity of this contest, as we have received nominations from all over North America."

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You can vote for your favorite tank by clicking here. A highly colorful tank in Fargo, North Dakota is currently in second place, per the contest website.

Related: MN water tower in the running for Tank of the Year

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Oct 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN Lifestyle section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Five health insurance carriers will soon return $75.6 million to hundreds of thousands of people in Massachusetts, according to Gov. Maura Healey's office.

Rebates will be issued this year to more than 350,000 people covered by individual and small employer plans, according to state insurance regulators.

When an insurance carrier spends less than 88% of premiums on health care services for individuals and small groups over a three-year period, it must rebate part of the premiums, according to Massachusetts law.

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"The enforcement of this law is part of our larger strategy of protecting Massachusetts health care consumers and encouraging insurers to be more efficient, reduce administrative overhead, and focus on cost-effective ways to deliver care," Division of Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw said in a statement.

This requirement, which is stricter than the federal standard, ensures affected policyholders are paid back by check or credit for future premium payments, Healey's office said.

Doctor writing on a document at a desk in the hospital.

Which insurance companies are providing rebates in MA?

Here are the five insurance companies returning money to Massachusetts policyholders this year:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc.

Fallon Community Health Plan, Inc.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc.

Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Inc.

UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company

When will money be refunded to policyholders?

Money will be refunded to policyholders beginning in September, either directly as a check or credited on future premium payments, according to Healey's office.

How much money will each policyholder get back?

The exact amounts of the rebates this year depend on the insurance carrier and the premium paid by individual and small group purchasers, Healey's office said.

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The total amount being refunded this year is about $24 million more than last year, the office said.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: MA health insurance rebates 2025: See if your insurer is giving rebates
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks to reporters at a Sept. 3, 2025, news conference at Louisiana State Penitentiary. She was joined by U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, left, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deputy Director Madison Sheahan and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to announce the opening of Camp 57, a facility at the prison that will house immigrant detainees. (Photo by Piper Hutchinson/Louisiana Illuminator)

Civil rights advocates say a Honduran man is being held illegally at Louisiana State Penitentiarys new immigration detention facility because hes under an order that protects him from deportation, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court Monday.

Oscar Amaya, 34, also served his criminal sentence for a past conviction, according to the suit filed Monday in the Baton Rouge federal court district by the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.

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The groups have called for the Trump administration to provide valid reasons why Amaya continues to be held.

Our Constitution is clear: no person can be punished twice for the same offense, Alanah Odoms, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, said in a statement. Amaya already served his time for his criminal convictions. Keeping him locked up indefinitely in one of the most notorious prisons in America amounts to a de facto life sentence without any due process. Thats unconstitutional and cruel.

U.S. authorities granted Amaya protection from deportation when he fled Honduras 2005 at age 14 after he demonstrated that he would face torture or death if forced to return to his home country. The violent MS-13 gang had started recruiting him at age 12, according to court records.

Amaya lived and worked in the U.S. without incident until 2016, when he was arrested and convicted of attempted aggravated assault. He was sentenced to four years in prison and released into ICE custody after two years for his record of good behavior.

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The Trump administration issued a deportation order for Amaya earlier this year and has tried to deport him multiple times to countries other than Honduras, according to Mondays court filing. He had been held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Pennsylvania before being transferred to Louisiana State Penitentiary.

Amaya arrived at Angola sometime after Sept. 4, when ICE placed the first 51 detainees at the newly renovated Camp J segment of the prison. Calling it Louisiana Lockup, the governor said it would house the worst of the worst violent criminal offenders. It has the capacity to hold 400 people, though officials have not shared its current population.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi was with Landry and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at the state prison last month to mark its unveiling. Reached for comment Monday, a Justice Department spokesperson had no comment on the Amaya lawsuit, instead referencing Bondis remarks from the Sept. 4 ceremony at Angola.

At the time, she touted joint efforts among federal, state and local law enforcement targeting dangerous illegal aliens allegedly involved in drug and human smuggling.

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Bondi thanked Landry for your use of this incredible facility, locking them up and keeping them here where they will be prosecuted  and they wont go anywhere, she said, standing in front of the updated prison wing.

Two weeks ago, Louisiana officials were met with reports that immigrant detainees at Angola were conducting a hunger strike. They were foregoing food to protest a lack of medical care, prescription medication, toilet paper, hygiene products and clean water, according to immigrant advocacy groups.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections called the groups claims misleading.

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Citigroup has appointed Tobias Akermark from Barclays and Kasper Dichow from Nordea to co-lead its Nordic investment banking division.

This recruitment is part of Citigroups strategy to expand its European operations amidst a significant company overhaul, according to Reuters report.

Akermark, who previously served as Barclays country CEO for Sweden and head of Nordic banking, will relocate to Stockholm to assume his new role later this year.

He also spent 15 years at Morgan Stanley, where he served as the head of Nordic mergers and acquisitions.

Dichow previously led Credit Suisse's Nordic investment banking before he moved to Nordea in 2015.

Both Akermark and Dichow bring nearly 20 years of investment banking expertise to their new positions at Citigroup.

Last month, Citigroup named Lee Lung Nien as the country officer and banking head for Singapore.

Lung previously served as chairman of Citi Private Bank for South Asia and CEO of Citibank Berhad in Malaysia.

In his new role, Lung will manage Citis operations and business interests in Singapore, focusing on client and regulatory relations.

Recently, Chris Alder joined Citi Australia and New Zealands commercial real estate finance team as vice president of commercial real estate finance underwriting.

He joined the company after completing three years at Wingate, a private credit investment manager specialising in real estate and corporate debt solutions.

At a New York conference in September, Citigroup CFO Mark Mason said investment banking fees and market revenue are expected to rise mid-single digits in the third quarter year over year.

Earlier this year, Citi Private Bank launched philanthropy advisory solutions in Asia, amid increasing demand from ultra-high net worth (UHNW) clients.

"Citigroup recruits new leaders for Nordic division- report" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  There was an increase in police presence on a Lebanon County school campus due to online threats.

A statement posted Tuesday on the Cornwall-Lebanon School District website says the threats that were posted on social media targeted Cedar Crest Middle School.

The district said it reported the threats to the school and the local police department, which is currently investigating. Additional law enforcement was on the Cedar Crest campus on Tuesday at the request of the district as an added precaution.

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The district did not specify in its statement whether the person who posted the threats was a student or not.

This morning, the District was informed of threatening statements posted by individuals on social media regarding Cedar Crest Middle School. We take all reports like this seriously and immediately notified our school police department and local police departments who are actively working together to investigate and address this situation promptly and thoroughly. As an added precaution, the district has requested additional law enforcement presence on the Cedar Crest campus during the school day today, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority at all times. We appreciate the families who reached out to make us aware of the social media statements. Statement posted on Cornwall-Lebanon School Districts website

PennDOT releases video of attenuator crash, reminds drivers to stay alert

Students and parents are encouraged to report any safety concerns to a school administrator, school police officer, school counselor, teacher, employee, or anonymously call the Safe2Say tip line at 1-844-723-2729.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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African parents are abandoning their children in Spain so they can be taken into care as refugees, officials have said.

In one reported case, two children aged 11 and 16 were left at a bus station in Menorca before their parents flew home.

Elsewhere, two children were left on Ibiza by their parents and given instructions to go to a police station.

Officials described the abandonment as a new phenomenon and warned that it could have a knock-on effect.

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Privately, they are not ruling out the possibility that the children could try to bring other family members to live with them in Europe once they turn 18.

Carolina Escandell, Ibiza councils welfare minister, said: This is child abandonment and, if they were Spanish, the parents would be reported.

Carmen Reynes, her counterpart in Menorca, said on Monday night: We have expressed our concern because, as well as having to cope with migrants arriving by sea, this new phenomenon now has to be taken into account. It could have a knock-on effect.

All four children are now in the care of the authorities on the islands they were allegedly abandoned.

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The two children said to have been left in Ibiza are understood to be from North Africa.

Of the two children reportedly left in Menorca, the 11-year-old is from Morocco and 16-year-old is from Senegal.

The Senegalese boy, said to have flown to the island with his father, reportedly walked into a police station in the capital Mahon after spending several days on the streets.

Record numbers of undocumented migrants have reached the Balearic Islands (Majorca, Formentera, Menorca and Ibiza) already this year by boat.

Most risked their lives by making the crossing from Algeria on wooden boats called pateras.

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A patera with 27 sub-Saharan Africans on board was intercepted off one of the islands on Sunday.

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In an earlier example of the new phenomenon, a 10-year-old boy was abandoned by his West African-born parents in July at Barcelonas El Prat airport.

The immigration issue has led to tension in regions of Spain such as the Balearic Islands, where the Right-wing governs regionally and is at loggerheads with the central Left-wing coalition government.

In June, Spanish police confirmed they had launched an investigation after the bodies of five migrants were found in the sea off the Balearic Islands with their hands and feet bound.

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Initial speculation centred on the possibility they could have been murdered and thrown overboard.

The families of the men who died, all Somalians, later revealed they were shackled in a death ritual after they perished from starvation as they tried to reach Europe.

They had been on a boat that was rescued on May 8 by Spanish coastguards 62 miles from Alicante, with 16 male survivors suffering dehydration and other health problems and a dead man on board.

The vessel had left Algeria a fortnight earlier before it was left adrift following engine problems.

During their trip they survived eating one date a day and by drinking their own urine, with the men whose bodies were recovered from the Mediterranean said to have opted to drink sea water.

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One of the people rescued had eaten toothpaste because it was the only thing he had, Red Cross chiefs said. He didnt want to let go of the tube when he reached dry land.

On Monday, it emerged an undocumented migrant had become the first person to reach Spains North African enclave of Ceuta by paragliding across its heavily fortified border fence from Morocco.

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 7 to congratulate him on his 73rd birthday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

The call is the first publicly reported conversation between the presidents since March. Their relations had seemed to deteriorate since then, as Moscow and Baku clashed over several political and security issues.

"Indeed, there was a telephone conversation. This is important. And indeed, President Aliyev congratulated President Putin on his birthday. That is all I can say for now," Peskov told reporters.

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The Azerbaijani president's press service said the two leaders exchanged views on "the current state and prospects of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia," without providing details.

After the earlier March call, Russia carried out drone strikes in Ukraine targeting sites linked to Azerbaijani companies, while Azerbaijan shuttered Russian propaganda outlets and detained Russian citizens.

Baku also canceled Russian cultural events and accused Russian police of torturing two Azerbaijani nationals who died in custody in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in June.

The most serious rupture followed the December 2024 crash of an Azerbaijani airliner, which preliminary investigations suggested was downed by Russian air defense forces near Grozny.

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The aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. Although Putin called Aliyev after the incident, Moscow did not acknowledge responsibility.

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Aliyev has increasingly voiced frustration with Moscow.

In an interview in late August, he called the killing of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg an "unprecedented act" and described Azerbaijan's 1920 incorporation into Soviet Russia as an "occupation."

Despite the tensions, the Kremlin has sought to publicly maintain an image of normal relations. Putin sent birthday greetings to Aliyev's wife in August, asking her to convey his "regards" to the president.

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The rift has also extended to the battlefield in Ukraine.

Russian forces struck a SOCAR fuel depot in Odesa Oblast on Aug. 8, injuring four workers, weeks after another attack on a Trans-Balkan pipeline station linked to Azerbaijan.

During a phone call on Aug. 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Azerbaijani president condemned the attacks and discussed strengthening bilateral energy cooperation.

Aliyev also allocated $2 million on Aug. 11 to help Ukraine purchase electrical equipment, amid reporting suggesting Baku might reconsider its ban on providing military assistance to Kyiv.

Before Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Azerbaijan supplied Ukraine with military equipment, including drones and armored vehicles.

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Since then, Baku has avoided sending lethal aid but has provided more than $40 million in humanitarian and energy assistance to Ukraine.

Read also: Russias digital Iron Curtain descends as Kremlin chokes remaining internet freedoms

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Two years after Hamas attack ignited the war in the Gaza Strip, the militant group is weakened but not defeated, Israel has clobbered its enemies across the region but failed to achieve its main goals, and no one knows how it all will end.

The Oct. 7, 2023, attack, the deadliest on Israeli soil, sparked one of the most devastating military campaigns since World War II, leaving tens of thousands of Palestinians dead, flattening vast areas of the blockaded territory and triggering a famine in parts.

It sent ripples across the region, bringing Israel into combat with Lebanons Hezbollah, Yemens Houthi rebels, as well as militant groups in Iraq and Syria, and their patron, Iran, which suffered major losses in a 12-day war launched by Israel earlier this year.

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Through it all, Hamas has held onto hostages  it still has 48, around 20 of whom Israel believes are alive  and maintained influence in the dwindling areas of Gaza that havent been destroyed and largely depopulated.

A new round of ceasefire talks began this week based on a peace plan advanced by U.S. President Donald Trump. But so far, two U.S. administrations have failed to end the fighting while providing crucial support for an increasingly isolated and internally divided Israel.

A regional hegemon, globally isolated

Israel has inflicted major damage on Iran and its allies, emerging as the unquestionably dominant military power in the Middle East, with full control over most of Gaza and parts of Lebanon and Syria.

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It showed off powerful military and intelligence capabilities with an attack on Hezbollah using exploding pagers and long-range strikes that took out senior militants, Iranian generals and nuclear scientists.

But its tactical victories have come at an enormous cost.

Israel is more isolated internationally than it has been in decades, with experts, scholars and major rights groups accusing it of genocide, charges it vehemently denies. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, accusing them of using starvation as a method of warfare, allegations they deny. Normalization with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries appears increasingly remote.

The failure to return the hostages, on top of long-standing corruption allegations against Netanyahu and his efforts to overhaul Israel's judiciary, have left the country furiously divided, with weekly mass protests and discontent mounting as Israel wages another major offensive in Gaza.

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Palestinian statehood looks more remote despite growing recognition

Hamas has said the Oct. 7 attack, in which militants killed some 1,200 people and abducted 251, was partly aimed at returning the Palestinian cause to the world's agenda. It did manage to do that.

As the ensuing war has dragged on, major Western countries have joined a majority of U.N. members in recognizing a Palestinian state. The International Court of Justice has said Israel's control over east Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, territories it seized in the 1967 Mideast war, is an illegal occupation that must end.

But on the ground, Israel has further cemented its rule over all the lands between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, further dashing any hopes for Palestinian independence.

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The offensive in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and displaced 90% of the population of some 2 million, often multiple times. Israel controls around 75% of the territory, and entire cities and towns are in ruins. Most Palestinians have seen their homes destroyed, children have missed two years of school, and parts of Gaza have plunged into famine. Whenever the war does end, it will take years, if not generations, for Gaza to recover.

In the occupied West Bank, Israel has carried out major military operations that it says are aimed at rooting out militants, displacing tens of thousands. And it is rapidly expanding Jewish settlements, including a major project that would split the territory in half and is aimed at making it all but impossible to create a viable Palestinian state.

Hamas and Netanyahu have held on through it all

Plenty of Palestinians are furious with Hamas for triggering the death and destruction. Plenty of Israelis are angry at Netanyahu for failing to reach an agreement to bring the hostages home after presiding over Israel's greatest security failure.

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But it's too soon to count either of them out.

In addition to the hostages, Hamas has a vastly diminished but still potent guerrilla force capable of sporadic attacks  and of rebuilding, if given the chance. It could still claim an incredibly costly victory if it trades the hostages for a full Israeli withdrawal and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Its very survival might be enough for its remaining leadership.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has held onto power by meeting the demands of his far-right coalition allies to continue the war.

He'll face elections next year and could lose, especially if the hostages haven't been returned and Hamas survives. But he has a powerful ally in Trump, who may yet succeed in ending the war and bringing the captives home. Without any clear leader among Israel's divided opposition, that might be enough to allow Netanyahu to eke out yet another narrow victory.

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US, in lockstep with Israel, has failed to end the fighting

In January of this year, there was some hope the war might end.

Trump's incoming team had pushed a ceasefire agreement over the finish line after months of negotiations mediated by President Joe Biden's administration, Egypt and Qatar. The phased plan was designed to wind down the war and return the remaining hostages.

In March, Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza that would last for 2 1/2 months and ended the truce with a surprise bombardment. It faced no public pushback from Trump, who a month earlier had floated the idea of depopulating Gaza and turning it into a tourist destination.

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Under both Biden and Trump, the U.S. has provided billions of dollars in military aid while shielding Israel from international calls for a ceasefire and defending it against allegations of atrocities.

Unwavering U.S. support has allowed Netanyahu to pursue total victory over Hamas despite the humanitarian catastrophe. U.S. proposals to end the fighting have strongly favored Israel, and Hamas has refused to give in despite its staggering losses.

The latest peace plan from the White House calls on Hamas to immediately release all the remaining hostages, give up power and disarm. In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw from much of Gaza. The U.S. would guarantee an influx of humanitarian aid and eventual reconstruction, and plans to relocate much of Gaza's population to other countries would be shelved.

Gaza would be placed under international governance without a clear path to reunification with the West Bank in a future Palestinian state.

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Hamas has said it is willing to release the hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but that other aspects of the plan require further negotiation. Trump and Netanyahu want a quick deal, and Israel could once again escalate the war if talks drag on.

Even if the fighting can be brought to an end, it's unclear when  or even if  Gaza can be rebuilt, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which predates the war by decades, would remain volatile as ever.

___

Joseph Krauss has been reporting on the Middle East for more than two decades, including several years based in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
People in New York City look at a sign informing them that the Statue of Liberty is closed on Oct. 1, 2013, due to a government shutdown. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Arkansas higher education institutions and the states education department have not been immediately impacted by the government shutdown, but officials said theyre preparing to make adjustments as needed.

Payroll for some employees at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville campus may be affected by the shutdown, but any furloughs would pertain to federal employees or positions that are federally funded with no alternative funding source available, Director of Media Relations and Core Communications John Thomas said Monday.

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Our units have been asked to provide alternate university projects and funding options (other than state funding which may not be used for this purpose) for employees in positions tied to active federal research grants ahead of the next payroll deadline, so at this time we do not plan to furlough employees, Thomas said in an email.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders directed state agencies last week to prepare to furlough employees fully or partially funded by federal money ahead of the government shutdown that began Oct. 1. Arkansas state agencies furloughed nearly 250 employees last week as a result of the federal government shutting down, the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette reported Monday.

Arkansas State University has had no immediate impact from the shutdown, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Todd Clark said Tuesday.

If federal dollars remain available or have already been received, A-State employees will not be placed on furlough, Clark said. Our institutions will continue to lawfully access and utilize those funds.

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Regarding student loans and financial aid, Thomas said University of Arkansas Fayetteville officials are expecting some delays to Army and Air Force ROTC students living stipends and tuition awards. Meanwhile, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock had not seen any impact on federal aid as of Monday, according to Assistant Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Jonathan Coleman.

Payments for loans and grants will continue, and we can continue paying work study employees, Coleman said.

Grants at UA Little Rock were under contract so no stop orders had been received as of Monday, Vice Provost of Research Brian Berry said.

At the University of Central Arkansas, theres been no discernible impact on any grant funding or student financial aid, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) portal was still functioning as of Monday, according to Director of Media Relations Tiffany Head.

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As the shutdown is a very fluid situation, Thomas said the University of Arkansas Fayetteville is providing updates on contingency plans from federal agencies and state and UA System guidance for its research community on its website.

At the state level, the Arkansas Department of Education has sufficient funding for programs and salaries at this time, Public Information Coordinator Rachel Starks said Tuesday.

We are monitoring the situation. If the shutdown is prolonged, we will make adjustments, Starks said.

Education Secretary Jacob Oliva told lawmakers Monday that an extended government shutdown could further exacerbate challenges with the School Readiness Assistance Program. The federally-funded program provides financial assistance for child care to eligible, low-income families while parents work or attend school.

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ADE announced updates to the programs reimbursement rates and copayment structure last month in an effort to reduce the waitlist and make the program more financially sustainable, according to the agency. The announced changes met pushback, and the education department last week delayed cuts to providers reimbursement rates until Nov. 1, but moved forward with participant co-payments on Oct. 1 as planned, according to the Arkansas DemocratGazette.

Oliva told the House and Senate Education committees Monday that the programs current rate system is unsustainable.

This program will not exist by Christmas, he said. We are using reserves right now making payments that we cant afford to do. And if the government doesnt open up when we get a next quarter payment, Im going to be back here in two to three weeks to tell you theres no more program.

Although ADE created a strategy to slow things down to sustain the program, Oliva said everybodys complaining about it, so the agency paused its actions and is working on organizing a meeting with stakeholders next week to discuss ideas for long-term sustainability of the program.

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If the Legislature wants to help support, were willing to do that, but what I am telling you is we dont have $6 to $8 million a month to maintain the status quo, he said. That is unsustainable, and every week that goes by is $2 to $3 million that we dont have additionally coming into that pot of money.

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She was known by two names that convey two very different identities. One depicted her as a revolutionary heroine, an innocent target of police repression. The other was the name of a merciless gun-toting cop killer who cleverly escaped justice.

This is the legacy of Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur. It is also the heart of the continuing mystery about her.

Joanne Deborah Byron Chesimard is the legal name of the convicted killer of a New Jersey state trooper. Assata Olugbala Shakur was the alias of the leftist revolutionary who escaped from a New Jersey prison in 1979 and found political asylum five years later in Cuba. Her protected status under the Castro regime was viewed as a long-standing obstacle to full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.

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Chesimard/Shakur died Sept. 25 in Cuba. Cuban authorities offered few details in announcing her death except to say that she succumbed to health conditions and advanced age. She was 78.

Who was Assata Shakur?

So who was she really? And why does she still matter today?

In these fractious political times, we often default to the term culture wars to describe many of the political differences that ripple across the nation. Whether its abortion, gay marriage, immigration, school prayer, library censorship, gender identity or racial quotas, America has been immersed for much of the 21st century in a seemingly endless series of divisive political battles over what its people should embrace as accepted beliefs and law.

But our nations culture wars did not begin with the 21st century  or with our current set of Democratic and Republican leaders. In some ways, the best way to understand the dual identities that framed the life of Chesimard/Shakur is to turn back the pages of history to the 1960s and 1970s, when another set of divisive issues were at the heart of another kind of American political culture war.

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That war could be defined as a battle between what progressives called government oppression and what conservatives described as basic respect for the law. In many towns, the battle was between "law and order" and the diffuse notion of "power to the people."

In that kind of culture war, the killing of a cop was seen by some progressives as a revolutionary act  a response to what was viewed by some of Americas most extreme leftists as a justifiable response to what they regarded as a history of police oppression. To the other side  conservatives and many moderates  cop killing was another form of cold-blooded murder, law breaking at its worst because the killers conveniently excused their violence by claiming they were acting as heroic political revolutionaries in the footsteps of the founders of America who fought against the oppression of Great Britain.

With Chesimard/Shakur, those two distinct legacies  stone-cold killer or glorious revolutionary  framed her life and, now, her death.

Joanne Chesimard, a fugitive from justice for more than 45 years after escaping a life prison term in New Jersey in the killing of a state trooper, died in exile in Cuba on Sept. 25, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cuba confirmed. Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, was 78.

The woman known as Chesimard  who managed to avoid capture or extradition from Cuba despite a $1 million bounty from New Jersey and another $1 million from the federal government  spent years on the FBIs most wanted terrorist list. She was the first woman to make it to that nefarious index, which also included members of Osama bin Ladens al-Qaida network. Back in New Jersey, the state police have regularly assigned investigators to track reports of her movements in Cuba.

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For years, conservatives have pointed to Chesimard/Shakur as an example of how America was not tough enough on Cuba. This concern became a footnote in the national debate over Cuban-U.S. relations when President Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations with Havana without demanding the return of Chesimard and other fugitives from U.S. justice.

Those fugitives included Puerto Rican nationalist bomb-maker Guillermo Willie Morales, who was implicated in an attack that killed four people, and Black Liberation Army operative Cheri Laverne Dalton, who was linked to the 1981 robbery of a Brinks armored truck in Nanuet, New York, in which two police officers and a security guard were killed.

In contrast to the woman known as "Chesimard," the woman who called herself Assata Olugbala Shakur seemed like an entirely different person  certainly an entirely different identity. In a reference to her conversion to Islam, Chesimard/Shakur said Assata was an Arabic term for she who struggles. Olugbala was a West African Yoruba word for savior. Shakur was an Arabic term for thankful one.

Chesimard/Shakur claimed that she had been framed for a police murder and was, in fact, a 20th century escaped slave. At the same time, however, she conceded that she and two male companions were armed when they were stopped while driving a beat-up Pontiac with Vermont license plates on the New Jersey Turnpike by two state troopers. But she also claimed that she and her companions were lured into a deadly gun fight with the troopers and were actually trying to defend themselves by firing back.

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Many American progressives  notably professors and students in some of Americas most respected colleges  wholeheartedly embraced Chesimard/Shakurs branding as a victim of police violence. On campuses and occasionally among progressive activists and even liberal government groups, she was regularly cited as an example of how Black Americans had been continually targeted for violent oppression.

Joanna Chesimard, a member of the Black Panther Party and later the Black Liberation Army, arrives at Middlesex County jail in New Jersey on Jan. 29, 1976. Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, was convicted in 1977 in the murder of trooper Werner Foerster during a gunfight.

In 2005, the New York City council considered  but subsequently rejected  a resolution calling for Chesimard/Shakurs clemency. In 2017, the national Womens March wished her a happy birthday. And New Yorks City College named a conference room after her and the Puerto Rican bomb-maker Guillermo Morales. The name on the room was reportedly changed after police and conservatives protested.

What really happened on the New Jersey Turnpike on May 2, 1973?

So what exactly is the truth?

Once again, this is where Americas belief systems that have solidified on each side of the culture wars collide. Not unlike the disputes over the morality of abortion, when America's political and cultural leaders can't reach a consensus on when life begins, a similarly intractable political dispute exists between progressives and conservatives over the basic facts of what happened to Chesimard/Shakur on that bloody night on the New Jersey Turnpike.

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We know Chesimard/Shakur was stopped on May 2, 1973, by two state troopers. We know she and two male companions were considered by New York authorities as suspects in several felonies, including bank robbery. We know that Chesimard/Shakur and her companions were carrying guns.

We also know that a gun fight erupted.

Chesimard/Shakur claims the troopers fired the first shots. The troopers claim that Chesimard/Shakur and her male companions, James Costan, also known as Zayd Malik Shakur, and Clark Squire, who went by the alias Sundiata Acoli, started the shooting.

Costan/Shakur was shot to death. Chesimard/Shakur was wounded. So was Squire/Acoli.

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After the gunfire stopped, Chesimard/Shakur and Squire/Acoli tried to escape on the turnpike. Both were soon captured.

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Back at the scene, the police and ambulance technicians focused their attention on trooper Werner Foerster. He was dead  slumped outside his car. Authorities say he had been shot twice in the chest and then two more times with his own gun, point blank in the head  like an execution.

Later, in reconstructing the shooting, prosecutors said that Foerster had been wounded in the initial shooting with several shots to his chest. After collapsing by the car and as the other trooper, James Harper, who was also wounded by a shot in his shoulder, tried to summon help from a nearby state police station, Chesimard/Shakur and Squire/Acoli approached Foerster.

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Police initially said Squire/Acoli fired the fatal shots to Foersters head. But police investigators claimed that Chesimard/Shakur was so close that her pants were stained with Foersters blood. Like Chesimard/Shakur, Squire/Acoli was convicted of the murder and sent to prison. He was paroled in 2022 at age 85.

The evidence of Chesimard/Shakurs involvement in the shooting is damning  for sure. How are your pants splattered with a victim's blood if you are keeping your distance and, as Chesimard/Shakur claimed, trying to surrender? At the least, she was an accomplice. Certainly, such evidence demands attention from all sides.

But keep in mind that this shooting fell into the bizarre abyss of the 1960s-'70s American political culture wars where belief in basic facts  or even the desire to examine them  became a statement about your personal politics and what you regarded as truth.

And so, America has been left with the divide over the Chesimard/Shakur legacy.

My journey to find Joanne Chesimard in Cuba

Who was she really?

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In Cuba, on assignment a decade ago, I found her home in Havana. It was a pleasant two-story dwelling on a quiet street about 2 miles from the U.S. Embassy. I knocked on the door. No one answered. The neighbors said Chesimard/Shakur hadnt been seen much in recent years.

I later learned from Chesimard/Shakurs friends in Havana  including Brinks robbery suspect Cheri Dalton  that she had gone into hiding after spending much of the 1980s and 1990s living in plain sight and even giving an occasional interview to an American journalist.

But Chesimard/Shakur spent her last years out of the spotlight, mostly alone, trying to avoid attention. She supposedly wrote poetry. And I learned that she emerged now and then to speak with visiting progressives from America or to intermingle with Cubas budding hip-hop musicians or political activists.

But she spent most of her time guarding against capture.

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In the end, her paranoia was her prison.

It was also her legacy.

Mike Kelly is an award-winning columnist for NorthJersey.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, where this column originally appeared. He is the author of three critically acclaimed nonfiction books and a podcast and documentary film producer. Reach him at kellym@northjersey.com

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: America remains divided on Shakur, Chesimard. Even in death | Opinion
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Attorney General Russell Coleman announced a lawsuit against Robloxa popular gaming and social media platform with more than 380 million monthly usersfor allegedly creating a hunting ground for child predators.

AG Colemans says since its launch in 2006, Roblox has knowingly permitted an online environment for exploitation, directly contributing to the widespread victimization of minor children in Kentucky.

Officials say Roblox is easily accessible, and children as young as six can create an account in a matter of minutes without the knowledge or consent of a parent. Nearly two-thirds of all kids in the United States between the ages of 9 to 12 play games on the Roblox platform. The company was valued at $41 billion when it went public in 2021.

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KYTCs High Water Report for October 7, 2025

AG Colemans complaint alleges Roblox:

Created a playground for predators and international organizations with links to terrorist organizations to distribute child sexual abuse material

Became a facilitator for predators to target and groom young victims online before escalating to real-world sexual violence

Deliberately failed to implement effective safety measures to protect children from well-documented predatory threats

Knowingly and intentionally failed to inform parents of the dangers lurking on the platform

Our children are not safe on Roblox. Predators and criminals arent just lurking in the platforms shadows; theyve been allowed to commit their crimes out in the open, said Attorney General Coleman. For years, Roblox has ignored this crisis so it could continue turning a profit. Our responsibility is to protect Kentucky children from online exploitation by these predators and the companies like Roblox that knowingly facilitate it.

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AG Coleman says despite claims from Roblox of increased safety protocols, predators and bad actors are still on the platform.

Attorney General Rokita, IDEM champion EPAs regulation rollback

AG Coleman cites media reports that assassination simulators began popping up on Roblox shortly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. AG Coleman says children as young as five years old were able to access animated bloody depictions of the shooting.

AG Coleman says earlier this year, a 25-year-old Kentucky man with ties to an extremist sextortion group called 764 pleaded guilty as part of a plot to groom, extort, threaten and even conspire to kill children as young as eight years old using various online platforms. The group 764 is known to utilize Roblox among other platforms for its sextortion schemes.

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AG Colemanss complaint alleges violations of Kentuckys Consumer Protection Act, unjust enrichment, negligence and a failure to warn parents and kids of the platforms dangers. General Coleman asked the court to permanently block Roblox from continuing its unlawful conduct in Kentucky and to be penalized up to $2,000 for each willful violation, in addition to other applicable fines and penalties.

People can read the complaint below.

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Investing.com -- Austria is examining the possibility of stripping citizenship from Jan Marsalek, the former Wirecard executive who has been a fugitive since the companys 2020 collapse, the interior ministry announced on Tuesday.

"Media reports have been published in recent days and weeks concerning Jan Marsalek, his stay in Russia and his activities that require that an application to revoke his Austrian citizenship be looked into meticulously and comprehensively," the Austrian interior ministry said in a statement.

The citizenship review follows recent joint reporting by several news outlets including Germanys Der Spiegel, The Insider, and Austrias Der Standard. Their September investigation claimed Marsalek is currently living in Moscow, likely working for Russias Federal Security Service (FSB), and had traveled to Ukraine with Russian special forces.

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Further evidence of Marsaleks ties to Russia emerged during a London trial in March, where three Bulgarians were convicted of espionage for Russia. During those trial, police and prosecutors identified Marsalek as the head of the spy unit.

Marsalek, 45, disappeared shortly after German payments firm Wirecard failed, leaving creditors with nearly $4 billion in losses. As the companys chief operating officer (COO), he was identified as a key suspect in what has been described as Germanys largest post-war fraud case, but authorities have been unable to locate him.

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Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism held its fourth ordinary meeting for the year 2025 on Tuesday to review the main developments in the implementation of the National Strategy on the issues
We recently published 10 Stocks Investors Are Gobbling Up. Comerica Inc. (NYSE:CMA) is one of the top performers on Monday.

Comerica extended its rally to a fourth straight day on Monday to hit a new all-time high as investors gobbled up shares following news that it was being acquired by Fifth Third Bancorp for $10.9 billion.

During the session, Comerica Inc. (NYSE:CMA) shares propelled to a record high of $83.22 before paring gains to finish the day at $80.20.

Comerica (CMA) Hits New All-Time High on $11-Billion Fifth Third Merger

Copyright: stokkete / 123RF Stock Photo

In a joint statement, Comerica Inc. (NYSE:CMA) and Fifth Third said they will merge in an all-stock transaction, under which CMA shareholders will be able to receive 1.8663 shares in Fifth Third, representing $82.88 per share and a 20-percent premium to CMAs 10-day volume-weighted average stock price.

The transaction is expected to create the 9th largest bank in the US with approximately $288 billion in assets.

At close, Fifth Third shareholders will own approximately 73 percent, and Comerica Inc. (NYSE:CMA) shareholders will own approximately 27 percent of the combined company.

In terms of leadership, Comerica Inc. (NYSE:CMA) said its chairman, president, and CEO, Curtis Farmer, would join the combined company as vice chairman. He will also join the board of directors upon retirement.

The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

While we acknowledge the potential of CMA as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Authorities in Nigeria uncovered a disturbing case of wildlife trafficking in August, seizing hundreds of snakes and scorpions before they could be shipped abroad.

The bust highlighted how the illegal trade threatens both people and fragile ecosystems.

What's happening?

Customs officers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport confiscated 340 live snakes and 17 scorpions during an inspection at the export section and a nearby warehouse in August, The Guardian reported.



Customs Area Controller Michael Awe said the export attempt violated the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, of which Nigeria has been a member since 1974, according to CITES.

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Officials transferred the intercepted animals to a conservation agency.

Why is illegal wildlife trafficking concerning?

Wildlife trafficking isn't only about animal cruelty. Smuggled species can become invasive, spread disease, and destabilize ecosystems.

For example, Burmese pythons released into the wild have endangered the delicate ecosystem of the Florida Everglades, the International Fund for Animal Welfare shared.



Invasive species can outcompete native wildlife and introduce new threats, according to a study published in the Ukrainian Journal of Ecology. The University of Plymouth also lists invasive species as one of the top dangers to ecosystems.



The illegal wildlife trade is a major criminal industry and is often cited as a leading threat to wildlife species, next to environmental damage, per the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade.

Its negative impact extends to livelihoods, undermining employment and affecting the economies of local communities that rely on such wildlife.

Do you worry about companies having too much of your personal data? Absolutely Sometimes Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

What's being done about illegal wildlife trafficking?

The Murtala Muhammed Area Command said it has stepped up enforcement to prevent further cases.

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"I have had a series of meetings with all my export officers, and I told them, on no account should they allow any of such," Awe said, per The Guardian. "They are fully on the ground. They have been reporting daily, and I quite believe that this place will not be comfortable for all these illegal exporters any longer."

Individuals can help by avoiding exotic pets from unverified sources, supporting local wildlife rescue organizations, and staying informed about the risks associated with wildlife trafficking.

Reducing demand for exotic animals is key to protecting ecosystems and ensuring safer futures for communities around the world.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
NEED TO KNOW

An injured jaguar was rescued by Brazilian military police from the Rio Negro

A veterinarian determined the large predator sustained multiple gunshot wounds, had several broken teeth, and fragments of bullets under its skin

Officials have not yet identified who is responsible for the animals' injuries

A wounded jaguar fighting for its life in the waters of Brazils Rio Negro was rescued in a dramatic operation led by local authorities.

The big cat, found struggling to stay afloat on Wednesday, Oct. 1, was spotted by Amazonas Military Police officials, who quickly moved in to help.

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Video from the scene, obtained by Newsflare, shows the animal cautiously swimming toward the agency's boat as officers extend a makeshift flotation device to give the big cat a place to rest, rather than treading water. Despite the animal's visible distress, the jaguar grips the support and allows itself to be guided to safety.

Newsflare A jaguar with gunshot wounds is pulled from the Rio Negro in Brazil A jaguar with gunshot wounds is pulled from the Rio Negro in Brazil

Once the jaguar is secure on the floatation device, the rescue vessel carries the exhausted predator along the river  one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon  towards land.

Specialists from the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM) and the State Secretariat for Animal Protection (Sepet) were on hand to stabilize the animal and prepare it for transport to a veterinary facility.

Veterinarians later confirmed the jaguar had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and several broken teeth. Vets also found fragments of bullets lodged beneath the jaguar's skin. The feline is now receiving intensive care and monitoring from wildlife experts. Officials have not yet identified who is responsible for shooting the jaguar.

Newsflare Brazilian authorities rescue struggling jaguar from river Brazilian authorities rescue struggling jaguar from river

Brazil harbors roughly half of the world's remaining jaguar population, with many roaming the country's dense Amazon rainforest and surrounding wetlands.

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Though revered as a symbol of strength and beauty, jaguars remain under threat of extinction from deforestation, habitat loss, and conflict with humans, such as poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

The rescued jaguar is expected to remain under medical supervision as specialists determine whether the animal can be reintroduced to the wild in the future.

The video of the jaguar's mid-water rescue captured the hearts of many online users, who were touched by the wounded animal's determination and the gentle, yet urgent, response of the officials.

Newsflare Jaguar rescue in Brazil Jaguar rescue in Brazil

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"I am so impressed with that Jaguar's ability to parse out who is a safe human and who wasn't and to go get help from the safe ones," an Instagram user wrote in the comment section. With another adding, "He knows they're helping him. We're all more connected than we think."



Read the original article on People
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand  Two air forces fly the Chinese-manufactured J-10 fighter  China and Pakistan  but a third nation could soon become an operator of this 4.5-generation jet.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Bangladeshs top air force officer, announced last month that his countrys interim government had given an in-principle approval for the purchase of multirole combat and attack aircraft plus new surface-to-air missiles and long-range radars.

Khan did not specify what type of aircraft the Bangladesh Air Force  the BAF  would procure, but there is a strong likelihood it will be the J-10CE fighter from China.

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Such an ambition had already been aired when Muhammad Yumus, Bangladeshs interim Chief Adviser and head of the caretaker government, met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in March.

According to the government, the BAF could buy up to 20 J-10CE jets by 2027. However, an inter-ministerial committee led by Khan still needs to approve the purchase and to conduct negotiations with Chinese officials.

The Chief Advisers office estimates the aircraft would cost $1.2 billion, while other costs such as training and spares would bring the price tag to $2.2 billion. Payments would be spread over a ten-year period until the mid-2030s.

Sandwiched by India, and to a lesser extent Myanmar, Bangladesh must defend its constrained airspace and protect littoral territory in the Bay of Bengal.

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The need for new fighters is urgent because the BAF possesses a largely obsolete fighter fleet of Chinese-built and accident-prone F-7s, plus MiG-29s from Russia. One F-7, a Chinese version of the MiG-21, crashed into a Dhaka college campus in July. The accident caused an estimated 36 fatalities.

Besides the Chinese J-10, the BAF has been exploring Western fighter options. For example, Khan and air force personnel were in Italy for Eurofighter Typhoon demonstration flights in May.

A Chinese option could end up winning out, however, because Bangladesh is already an ardent user of Chinese equipment, with recent purchases including Type 15 light tanks and Type 035G submarines.

Despite the geopolitical risk of upsetting Western countries like the United States, if the J-10CE purchase proceeds under Bangladeshs Forces Goal 2030 modernization plan, it would see J-10s flying on Indias western, northern and eastern borders.

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Bangladeshs predilection for the J-10 also predates the sharp aerial conflict between India and Pakistan in May. On that occasion, Pakistani J-10CEs received significant publicity for their alleged performance against Indian fighters.

Brendan Mulvaney, director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute affiliated with the U.S. Air Force, told Defense News that the J-10C is a modern and fairly capable aircraft, the best one that China exports.

He assessed that the Indo-Pakistan conflict clearly proves that Chinese-made equipment, even the export versions, are modern and capable, and are going to be a force to be contended with in the future, beyond just the borders of China.

All told, The J-10CE, with its active electronically scanned array radar, data links and beyond-visual-range missiles like the PL-15E, would effectively revolutionize the BAFs combat capabilities.
A half-buried camp on Makalu; (photo/Artem Tsentsevitsky)

The original version of this article first appeared on ExplorersWeb.

Over the weekend, a violent blizzard hit the Himalayas in Nepal and Tibet. It caused serious disruptions on roads, and hundreds of tourists are still stranded on the Tibetan side of Everest. (Theyre not climbing Everest, as some news stories seem to suggest, but are just blocked by a snowbound road.)

However, some of those on other mountains were hard hit. A Korean man has died on Mera Peak, a 6,476m trekking mountain in Nepal.

One Dead, Another Missing

The Nepal National Mountain Guides Association (NNMGA) confirms that Tejung Park, 46, of South Korea, has perished on Mera Peak. He was one of several climbers reported missing on this popular trekking peak over the weekend. A search party found his body today and rescued Parks guide, Temba Sherpa.

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There are no details about the cause of death, but Gurla Mandata Trekking quoted the NNMGA as saying that at least one more climber remains missing.

Rescuers Riten Tashi Sherpa and Ashish Gurung retrieved the body of a Korean climber on Mera Peak today; (photo/NNMGA)

Himalaya Blizzard Developed Rapidly

The storm developed rapidly and hit on Saturday. It affected large areas of Nepal, including Kathmandu, where all domestic flights were cancelled. At the same time, a fierce snowstorm with high winds struck the mountains, dumping huge amounts of snow in the Khumbu Valley and closing roads.

The video below by Lucien Bocansaud of France shows conditions in Chukhung village:

Andrew Marin and Anna Pfaff of the U.S., also in Chukhung, had a mini-avalanche fall from the roof of their lodge this morning, blocking the door and spilling into the interior.

A roof avalanche in a lodge of Chukhung; (photo/Andres Marin)

Tourists Evacuated in Tibet

The storm also caused road disruptions in the Tibetan Himalaya. Mainstream media have posted some alarming headlines reporting 1,000 climbers stranded on the North Side of Everest. In fact, those affected by the storm were not climbers but tourists visiting Everest Base Camp by road and trekkers hiking in Tibet. Some 350 poorly equipped hikers were evacuated to the township of Qudang, outside Tingri.

The weekend blizzard also affected wide areas of northwest China. Today, 137 hikers were evacuated from the mountains in the Qinghai region, Xinhua news reports. Qinghai lies in the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau, and the stranded hikers were in the Laohugou Mountains, with peaks surpassing 4,000 m.

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Chinese citizens are currently enjoying the 8-day holiday (October 1-8) known as the Golden Week, which draws large numbers of tourists to the areas of the country. Local rescuers using horses and drones to locate the hikers carried out the evacuations.

8,000-Meter Teams Safe

Forecasts alerted climbers on the 8,000m peaks in time, and they either retreated to base camp or further down the valley.

Cho Oyu teams, for example, are doing well. The Madison Mountaineering group retreated to Tingri before the storm, and they are comfortably waiting for conditions to improve. Jon Gupta, who is guiding for Adventure Consultants, reported from Advanced Base Camp that all is well.

The snowstorm was wild, but all is good, and the sun is out now, he told ExplorersWeb earlier today.

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The Adventure Consultants team (three clients, Rob Smith with two clients and Gupta with one, plus five Sherpa climbers) sat it out at Advanced Base Camp, Gupta reported. It was pretty wild but actually OK. A lot of snow fell with some medium winds, but not too much.

Gupta explained that the fresh snow may be over 1 m deep in places due to drift, but Advanced Base Camp has about 60cm of new snow. There was constant digging out of tents for about 36 hours, he said.

The Dhaulagiri and Makalu expeditions, as well as the lonely Russian team, are also safely in Base Camp. Artem Tsentsevitsky of the Makalu expedition reported that the sky cleared last night in time for them to see the full moon.

Himalaya Blizzard: Hard Work Ahead

Conditions have now improved, with domestic flights rescheduled and roads reopening. Climbers will need to reassess the situation on the mountain routes.

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I can see theres plenty of new snow around Camp 2 and Camp 3, and I expect the old ropes to be buried, so there could be some hard work to do, Jon Gupta said.

The weather forecast is now very good, except strong winds are due to put the summit out of bounds until at least October 12, so we have time to rest, make a plan, and see whats what up there.
TONITOWN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Bos Blessings, a local organization that helps and supports Northwest Arkansas veterans, is now expanding its reach and impact.

Monday, Bos Blessings announced that it was selected to become a Blue Star Families Outpost, making it the first in the state of Arkansas.

Jannie Layne, the founder of Bos Blessings, says the organization was recommended to become an outpost by United States Senator John Boozman, a Republican from Rogers.

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The Blue Star flag is commonly used to represent families who have a loved one currently serving, either at home or overseas. Layne says she embraced the blue star more than 30 years ago after her son Bo was deployed to Iraq.

When Bo went into the military, I got this flag and hung it in my window. It has hung in my window ever since 1995, Layne said. Its faded. Some of the fringes are coming off of it, but it represents not only my child, but anybody elses child or a loved one.

During that time, Layne says she navigated the unknowns of deployment on her own, having no known resources around.

I was never given any tools on how to deal with mail, care packages, phone calls. How do you protect yourself? How do you protect your family? Layne said.

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Even after losing her son, the flag continued to hang in the window of her home. Layne says that it serves as a constant reminder of those serving.

However, now that Bos Blessings has been designated as a Blue Star Families Outpost, shes embracing the flag in a new way, so that no one is ever left feeling alone.

Now we get to work with the active-duty reservists, veterans, military, anybody whos currently serving. We can be a support system for them in our 3rd Congressional District, Layne said.

Though the outpost is still in its early days, it will soon support 129 families facing the challenges of deployment.

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Its tough to have your loved ones deployed. Its tough if youve never been through it before. Every day you wake up in a new world, youll think of something that they used to do for you. And now youre responsible for it, Layne said. We want the families not to feel alone. There were many times I felt so alone because I couldnt talk to my son, and his whole unit was there, so I couldnt talk to anybody in his unit.

There are also ways that the public can get involved to support service members and their families.

You could do a care package for a soldier. You could send a card to the family, or if the child has a school event and youve connected with the family, maybe you go to the school event. If theres a daddy-daughter dance, maybe you become a substitute dad or a substitute mom for a mother-daughter tea, Layne said.

For more information on how to get involved, you can visit Bos Blessings website to contact Jannie Layne.

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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 KNWA FOX24.
By Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi told a Senate panel on Tuesday that the Justice Department was ending the "weaponization of justice" even as several political adversaries of President Donald Trump face federal investigations and prosecutions.

Bondi, appearing before the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee, said the department under Trump was "returning to our core mission of fighting real crime," citing the surge in federal law enforcement activity in Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tennessee.

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Bondi slammed the FBI investigation into Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election defeat as "unconstitutional, undemocratic abuse of power."

Her remarks came days after the Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey, a longtime critic of Trump who investigated ties between his 2016 campaign and the Russian government, after Trump called for his prosecution and demanded the resignation of a prosecutor who did not think the evidence warranted criminal charges.

Comey is set to appear in court to face charges of making false statements and obstruction of Congress on Wednesday.

Others who have criticized or investigated Trump are also under federal investigation, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff of California.

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Bondi's testimony, her first since she was confirmed in February, followed months of tumult at the Justice Department as Trump administration officials challenge long-standing norms meant to insulate investigations from political influence and align the department closely with Trump's agenda.

Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee, criticized Bondi for firing career prosecutors and agents who worked on investigations condemned by Trump and scaling back the department's efforts to combat corruption and white-collar crime.

"In eight short months, you have fundamentally transformed the Justice Department and left an enormous stain on American history," Durbin said. "It will take decades to recover."

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Alistair Bell)
By Lisandra Paraguassu and Isabel Teles

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to meet in person soon after a friendly video call on Monday, Brazil's government said, boosting prospects for a thaw in bilateral relations that are at their worst in decades.

During the leaders' 30-minute call, Lula's office said in a statement that he and Trump discussed their positive impressions of a brief encounter at the United Nations last month and exchanged phone numbers to open a direct line of communication.

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Trump said on social media that the call was "very good," with a focus on the countries' economic and trade relations.

"We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not-too-distant future, both in Brazil and the United States," he wrote.

Lula suggested a meeting during this month's summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Malaysia and expressed his willingness to travel to the United States, his office said.

The two leaders have been at odds for months over the trial and conviction of Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro. Trump hiked a tariff on many Brazilian goods from 10% to 50% because of the case, which he called a "witch hunt."

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Lula's office made no reference to Bolsonaro in its summary of the call, but it noted that the Brazilian president had asked Trump to remove the additional 40% tariff.

Trump designated Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue tariff negotiations with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, the Brazilian statement added.

A meeting between the two leaders has been closely watched by Brazilian markets after the country's exports suffered one of the highest tariff rates imposed by the United States.

The Trump administration also sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversaw Bolsonaro's case, under the Magnitsky Act. It also revoked the visas of six high-ranking officials, including Brazilian Solicitor-General Jorge Messias.

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Without naming Trump directly, Lula said at the U.N. General Assembly last month that there was no justification for unilateral and arbitrary measures targeting Brazil's institutions and economy.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia and Isabel Teles in Sao Paulo; Additional reporting by Costas Pitas; Writing by Isabel Teles; Editing by Brad Haynes, Sharon Singleton, Alison Williams and Edmund Klamann)
The landing page for Brown University Health's online, partial hospitalization programs is seen on the health system's website. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Brown University Health has merged its virtual outpatient adult mental health treatment programs offered by Newport and Rhode Island hospitals, the health system announced Tuesday.

The newly-combined programs  known as partial hospitalizations  exceed the level of support received during a typical therapist or psychiatrist visit, but arent as intensive as an inpatient stay in a psychiatric facility.

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By combining our programs, were able to offer patients more specialized options together with a broader range of therapies, without sacrificing the personal, team-based care they have come to count on, Sarah Schmidhofer, MD, the director of the adult partial hospital programs at Brown University Health, said in a statement. Having all these services under one roof makes it easier for patients to get the right help at the right time.

The partial hospitalizations consist of individual and group therapy, medication planning, and care coordination after discharge, all delivered online within a day program that runs Monday through Friday. The idea is to allow patients to live their lives while still receiving the support they need.

There are multiple treatment tracks available, including a general treatment track, a program tailored for young adults, and one heavily grounded in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a cognitive behavioral method used to treat people who have trouble regulating emotions. The new consolidation streamlines operations across both hospitals and allows patients more flexibility in treatment options.

There are also two specialty tracks, which focus on adults with trauma, and people with comorbid mental health diagnoses, respectively.

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The best of both the Newport Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital programs were combined to create one merged, expanded program, featuring self referral, Elena M. Falcone-Relvas, a Brown Health spokesperson, said via email Tuesday.

Hannah Herc, division director of the adult partial hospital program, in a statement that the merger allows ease of access to care and the ability to more efficiently connect individuals with specialty care options to best suit their needs.

The length of program participation depends on the track pursued. A patient on the trauma track, for example, might stay four to six weeks, while a young adult could stay two to three weeks. A daily schedule is also dependent on the program but might run from around 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The partial hospitalizations are available to patients living in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

More information can be found on Brown Healths website.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
By Maria Cheng and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney made his second visit to the White House in five months on Tuesday under increasing pressure to address U.S. tariffs on steel, autos, and other goods that are hurting Canada's economy.

Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump, both smiling, shook hands and chatted for a few seconds before entering the building. Their schedule calls for a face-to-face meeting followed by lunch.

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"From the beginning, I liked him, and we've had a good relationship," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, sitting next to Carney.

"We have natural conflict. We also have mutual love ... you know we have great love for each other," he added, saying the two men would discuss tariffs.

In response, Carney called Trump a transformative president.

A Canadian government official and several analysts played down the chances of an imminent trade deal with Trump and said the fact discussions are continuing should be considered a success for Carney.

The prime minister last visited the Oval Office in May, when he bluntly told Trump that Canada would never be for sale in response to Trump's repeated threat to purchase or annex Canada.

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Since then, the prime minister has made numerous concessions to Canada's biggest trading partner, including dropping some counter-tariffs and scrapping a digital services tax aimed at U.S. tech companies.

Carney's office has said the working visit will focus on forging a new economic and security relationship with the U.S.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said on Monday: "I'm sure trade will be a topic of discussion ... and all of the other issues that are facing both Canada and the United States."

CANADA STEEL, AUTO INDUSTRIES BEAR BRUNT

While the majority of Canada's exports are entering the United States tariff-free under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico free trade agreement, tariffs have pummeled Canada's steel, aluminum, and auto sectors and a number of small businesses.

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"The reality is that right now, Canadian products have among the lowest tariff rate," said Jonathan Kalles, a former adviser to Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau. "You don't want to poke the bear when things could be much worse," he said, adding that any meeting with Trump is a calculated risk.

"Carney will probably get a better deal through private negotiations, not the pomp and ceremony of going to the White House," he said.

Carney won an election in April, promising to be tough with Trump and secure a new economic relationship with the United States. Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, said polls show Canadians have largely been willing to give Carney time to deal with Trump.

"But that amount of time is finite," Kurl said, noting pressure may build with job losses mounting and economic growth hobbled by U.S. tariffs. The U.S. is the destination for nearly three-quarters of Canadian exports.

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Doug Ford, premier of the Canadian industrial province of Ontario, reiterated calls for Carney to be prepared to be tougher with Trump.

"We seem to be weakening our case by continuously pulling off tariffs. I'd take a different approach - try to get a deal. If you can't, we got to hit him back hard and never stop hitting him back hard, because we can never take a back seat to anyone, especially President Trump," he told reporters.

"You sure don't sit back and get beat up by a bully every single day."

OPPOSITION CRITICIZES PRIME MINISTER'S APPROACH

Canada's main opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, has criticised Carney's approach to Trump, noting the prime minister's earlier pledge to "negotiate a win" by July 21. He said on Monday it did not look like Carney would accomplish much in the trip.

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Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, said in response Canada has work to do on sectoral tariffs.

"Was the leader of the opposition suggesting that if the president of the United States invites us to go to Washington for a meeting and a working lunch, we should have just said no and hung the phone up?" LeBlanc said in Parliament.

Asa McKercher, a specialist in Canada-U.S. relations at St. Francis Xavier University, said Carney's meeting with Trump would be a success if there is any recognition that Canada has moved to address some of Trump's persistent grievances.

"Carney has just set up this new defense agency and boosted military spending, so it would be great if Trump could reduce some of those sectoral tariffs on autos," McKercher said, citing Trump's past complaint that Canada is a "military free-rider."

(Reporting by Maria Cheng; Additional reporting by Steve Holland and Katharine Jackson in Washington and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Caroline Stauffer and Franklin Paul)
THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Residents of the Dutch-Caribbean told a court on Tuesday that climate change had made life on their island of Bonaire unbearably hot and dry and asked judges to order the Dutch state to cut greenhouse gases more quickly.

Onnie Emerenciana, a farmer in his 60s, told the court that the heat affected the health of the elderly and the poor, droughts affected crops and rising sea levels risked wiping out historically significant slave huts on the island's beaches.

"We are succumbing under the effects of greenhouse gas emissions that we have barely contributed to," Emerenciana told the district court in The Hague.

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Bonaire in the southern Caribbean is a former Dutch colony and became a special Dutch municipality in 2010. It has around 20,000 inhabitants who are Dutch citizens.

The eight plaintiffs in the case want the Netherlands to cut its net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2040, 10 years ahead of its current plans, and say the Dutch government has not done enough to protect the island against rising sea levels.

There are only eight plaintiffs as travel to the Netherlands for the case is costly and time-consuming, but any ruling will apply to the whole island.

The case is supported by environmentalist action group Greenpeace, which said parts of Bonaire were likely to be permanently submerged by 2050.

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"The problem is the state does not do what it promises and keeps stalling climate policies" even while it is projected that it will not meet its own goals, plaintiffs' lawyer Michael Bacon said.

Lawyers for the Dutch state are due to speak later on Tuesday.

They have filed written arguments insisting that judges cannot set government policy. They have also said that greenhouse gas emissions are a global problem and Dutch contributions are only a small part of it.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Alison Williams)
Despite the enthusiasm, analysts warn that retail access does not make crypto suitable for all investors. | Source: Gemini.

Key Takeaways

European crypto exchange-traded products attracted 972 million in Q3 2025.

The FCA will lift its four-year retail ban on Oct. 8, citing a more developed market and improved consumer protections.

While analysts view the change as a milestone for crypto adoption, Morningstar warns that extreme volatility means caution must remain.

Crypto investment products have hit record inflows ahead of a key regulatory shift in the U.K. that will, for the first time in four years, allow everyday investors to buy crypto-linked exchange-traded notes (cETNs).

The move signals a growing mainstream appetite for digital assets as regulators ease long-standing restrictions.

Record Inflows

Investor demand for European crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) surged to unprecedented levels in the third quarter of 2025.

According to Morningstar, the segment attracted 972 million in net inflows during the period, the highest quarterly total on record.

So far this year, inflows have reached 1.7 billion, putting 2025 on track to become a record year for the crypto ETP market.

The surge comes as investors anticipate a U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) decision that will, from Wednesday, Oct. 8, lift the ban on selling cETNs to retail investors.

The reversal aligns Britain with regulatory regimes in the EU and the U.S.

FCA Eases Four-Year Ban, Citing Market Maturity

Retail access to crypto ETNs has been banned in the U.K. since 2021, after regulators deemed them too risky for ordinary investors.

However, the FCA now says the market has evolved significantly, highlighting improved consumer protections and better product understanding.

Since we restricted retail access to cETNs, the market has evolved, and products have become more mainstream and better understood, said David Geale, Executive Director of Payments and Digital Finance at the FCA.

The rule change will allow asset managers to list bitcoin- and ethereum-linked ETNs for retail investors.

Bitcoin-focused ETPs currently represent nearly half of all crypto ETP assets under management in Europe, Morningstar noted.

For asset managers, the FCAs decision opens the door to millions of new investors and potentially billions of pounds in inflows.

Issuers such as CoinShares, 21Shares, and WisdomTree, which together dominate the European crypto ETP market, are now expected to expand listings on U.K. exchanges.

Volatility Caution Persists

Despite the enthusiasm, analysts warn that retail access does not make crypto suitable for all investors.
By Stephanie van den Berg

THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Residents of the Dutch-Caribbean told a court on Tuesday that climate change had made life on their island of Bonaire unbearably hot and dry and asked judges to order the Dutch state to cut greenhouse gases more quickly.

Onnie Emerenciana, a farmer in his 60s, told the court that the heat affected the health of the elderly and the poor, droughts affected crops and rising sea levels risked wiping out historically significant slave huts on the island's beaches.

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"We are succumbing under the effects of greenhouse gas emissions that we have barely contributed to," Emerenciana told the district court in The Hague.

PLAINTIFFS WANT DUTCH TO TARGET NET ZERO BY 2040

Bonaire in the southern Caribbean is a former Dutch colony and became a special Dutch municipality in 2010. It has around 20,000 inhabitants who are Dutch citizens.

The eight named plaintiffs in the case, who are joined by environmentalist action group Greenpeace, want the Netherlands to cut its net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2040, 10 years ahead of its current plans, and say the Dutch government has not done enough to protect the island against rising sea levels.

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Legal experts on climate change cases say the Dutch case is one of the first to test the obligations set in a landmark 2024 European climate ruling and this year's World Court opinion on a national level.

"If successful, the Netherlands will need to increase its climate ambitions beyond the current European Union targets  setting a new bar for climate action in Europe," Lucy Maxwell of the Climate Litigation Network told Reuters.

"Effective climate policy is not a political choice but a duty and a right," plaintiffs' lawyer Michael Bacon told judges.

Lawyers for the Dutch state argued that it was not up to courts to make government policy.

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"The state is meeting its obligations towards Bonaire by complying with its own climate policy and joint European Union climate targets," state attorney Edward Brans said.

The hearings will continue into Wednesday and there is no date for a ruling yet.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg. Additional reporting by Ali Withers in Copenhagen. Editing by Alison Williams and Mark Potter)
BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) -China called on the European Union on Tuesday not to "challenge" a 1971 U.N. resolution that led to Beijing assuming China's seat in the organisation from Taipei.

China and Taiwan, which Beijing views as its own territory, have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute about U.N. resolution 2758.

Beijing, which has not ruled out the use of force to take control of Taiwan, says it gives international legal backing to its claims over the island, and reiterated that point in a long foreign ministry statement last week that Taipei condemned.

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The EU, in response to questions from Reuters, said the resolution was about switching representation and did not mention Taiwan.

China's Foreign Ministry said the EU remarks were a "distortion" of the resolution.

"We urge the EU side to strictly abide by the 'One China' principle and its promises on the Taiwan issue, not challenge U.N. Resolution 2758 and not send any wrong signals to Taiwan independence separatist forces," it said.

Beijing demands countries respect its "One China" principle that states both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of a single China.

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"United Nations Resolution 2758 is very short - only 150 words. And among those 150 words, the word 'Taiwan' does not appear," an EU spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

"The resolution switched representation in the United Nations from the 'representatives of Chiang Kai-shek' to the 'representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China'," the spokesperson added, referring to Taiwan's then-leader.

In response, China's foreign ministry said that it was "extremely dissatisfied and resolutely opposed" to the EU remarks.

The EU spokesperson said: "As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has a special responsibility in upholding the rules-based international order, the United Nations Charter and international law. This includes the prohibition of the use of force and the maintenance of international peace and security."

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Taiwan's formal name is the Republic of China. The Republican government continued to represent China in the U.N. after 1949, when it fled to the island after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists, until the 1971 resolution was passed.

The U.S. State Department also said last week China was intentionally mis-characterising the resolution as part of broader "coercive attempts to isolate Taiwan from the international community".

No EU member state has formal ties with Taiwan, whose government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.

But Taiwan has sought greater support from Europe, with its foreign minister visiting the continent twice last month.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo in Beijing, Ben Blanchard in Taipei and Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Kate Mayberry)
SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese Premier Li Qiang will lead a Chinese delegation to North Korea to participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of its ruling party on Friday, North Korean state media KCNA reported.

China's foreign ministry confirmed Li's visit from October 9 to 11 in a separate announcement on Tuesday and said China is willing to take the opportunity to strengthen communication and deepen partnerships with North Korea.

A delegation from Russia's United Russia party, led by chairman Dmitry Medvedev, is also scheduled to attend the event commemorating the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea on Friday, KCNA reported earlier.

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Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend a massive military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary since Japan's defeat at the end of World War Two, a move seen to be aimed at bolstering Kim's diplomatic standing.

Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam will also attend North Korea's party anniversary event this week, in the first visit of a Vietnamese leader in nearly 20 years, while Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith is also scheduled to visit.

(Reporting by Jihoon Lee in Seoul and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue, Ed Davies)
SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang will lead a Chinese delegation to North Korea to participate in celebrations of the 80th anniversary of its ruling party on Friday, North Korean state media KCNA reported.

China's foreign ministry confirmed Li's visit from October 9 to 11 in a separate announcement on Tuesday and said China is willing to take the opportunity to strengthen communication and deepen partnerships with North Korea.

A delegation from Russia's United Russia party, led by chairman Dmitry Medvedev, is also scheduled to attend the event commemorating the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea on Friday, KCNA reported earlier.

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Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joined Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend a massive military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary since Japan's defeat at the end of World War Two, a move seen to be aimed at bolstering Kim's diplomatic standing.

North Korea's Kim said on Tuesday in a letter congratulating Putin on his birthday that the alliance between the countries will not only contribute to developing bilateral relations but also to establishing a "just and multi-polarised world order".

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Tuesday he hoped relations between North Korea and China develop in a way that contributes to denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula, in a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, according to Seoul's foreign ministry.

Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam will also attend North Korea's party anniversary event this week, in the first visit of a Vietnamese leader in nearly 20 years. Lam's trip comes after he visited South Korea, a major trading partner, in August as the first foreign guest hosted by President Lee Jae Myung.

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"The Communist Party, state and people of Vietnam always attach importance to the development of the Vietnam-DPRK relations and have the will to develop in the future," the Communist Party of Vietnam said in a congratulatory letter to the Workers' Party of Korea, according to a separate report by KCNA on Tuesday.

DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name.

Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith is also scheduled to visit North Korea this week.

(Reporting by Jihoon Lee in Seoul and Beijing newsroom; Editing by Tom Hogue and Ed Davies)
BEIJING (AP)  China's Premier Li Qiang will go to North Korea this week in the highest-level visit by a Chinese leader since 2019.

Li will lead a government delegation from Thursday to Saturday to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of North Korea's ruling party, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

China has long been the North Korean government's most important ally and source of support, though North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has sought to balance that in recent years by building ties with Russia. He has sent troops to help Moscow in its war against Ukraine.

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Russia is sending former President Dmitri Medvedev to this weeks anniversary celebrations, North Koreas official KCNA news agency said Monday.

A statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry called China and North Korea traditional friends and neighbors" and said it is an unswerving strategic policy of the Chinese government and the ruling Communist Party to maintain, consolidate and develop relations with North Korea.

Li is one of seven members of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party's Politburo, the apex of power in China. As premier, he is generally considered the No. 2 leader after President Xi Jinping. Li has been representing China on more foreign trips as the 72-year-old Xi curtails his travel schedule.

Xis last visit to North Korea was in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, will also visit North Korea this week for the anniversary celebrations, the country's government announced Monday. He is general secretary of the Communist Party, the same leadership position held by Xi in China and Kim in North Korea's Workers' Party.

It will be the first visit by a Vietnamese leader to North Korea since 2007, Vietnam's state media said.

The president of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, will also attend, KCNA said last week. He is general secretary of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party.

High-level contacts between China and North Korea have picked up since last year. Zhao Leji, another member of the Politburo Standing Committee, traveled to North Korea in April 2024 and met Kim in the capital, Pyongyang. Kim visited China last month, joining Russian President Vladimir Putin and others at a Chinese military parade in Beijing.
BELGRADE (Reuters) -A Chinese national died when a boat carrying at least 10 illegal migrants capsized in the River Danube as they attempted to cross from Serbia to European Union member state Croatia, Serbian police said on Monday.

Police recovered one body and rescued four Chinese nationals, they said in a statement. Police in neighbouring Croatia rescued five people - three men and two women - all Chinese nationals.

Police had received a call about a capsized boat in the Danube at around 8:45 p.m. (1845 GMT) on Sunday evening.

Serbian police said an investigation was underway into suspected illegal border crossing and people trafficking.

(Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; editing by Mark Heinrich)
SEOUL, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit North Korea this week to participate in events commemorating the founding of the North's ruling political party, both countries said Tuesday.

Li will "lead a party and government delegation to the DPRK to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Workers' Party of Korea and pay an official goodwill visit" from Thursday to Saturday, China's Foreign Ministry announced.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

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"China and North Korea are traditionally friendly neighbors," a ministry spokesperson said about the trip. "Maintaining, consolidating and developing China-North Korea relations has always been the unwavering strategic policy of the Chinese [Communist] Party and government.

North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency also reported on the visit, which marks the highest-level appearance by a Chinese leader since President Xi Jinping's trip to Pyongyang in 2019.

The relationship between the two longtime allies has shown signs of warming after widespread speculation of a rift over Pyongyang's growing military alignment with Moscow.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Beijing last month to attend a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where he held his first summit with Xi in six years.

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More recently, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with Li Qiang and her counterpart Wang Yi on a trip to Beijing last week.

Other high-ranking delegates slated to visit North Korea for the anniversary celebrations include Russia's second-in-command, former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam.

Lam's visit will be the first by Vietnam's top leader since 2007.

According to an analysis of satellite imagery by Seoul-based SI Analytics, North Korea is preparing to hold its largest-ever military parade to mark the occasion. At least 14,000 personnel are expected to participate, and new weapons, such as the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, are likely to be unveiled.
Massachusetts was going to receive $156 million to help install solar with low-income households through the Solar for All project before the Environmental Protection Agency canceled the program in August.

The funds would have brought solar to an estimated 29,000 households in the Bay State and created 3,000 jobs.

On Tuesday, a group of solar companies, unions and a homeowner in Atlanta, Georgia, challenged that decision in court, saying EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin violated Congress power of the purse when he took to social media to declare the end of the program.

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If successful, the plaintiffs hope a judge will restore the program.

If Defendants unlawful termination of the Solar for All program is allowed to stand, the complaint states, nearly one million low-income households will lose access to affordable, resilient solar in communities in all states and territories, and hundreds of thousands of good-paying, high-quality jobs will be lost, especially in the low-income and disadvantaged communities Congress intended these funds to benefit.

The Solar for All program, created during the Biden administration, was set to distribute $7 billion nationwide and would have reduced or removed the amount of greenhouse gases produced by the equivalent of 7 million passenger vehicles, according to the complaint.

The EPA canceled the program weeks before it was set to go into effect.

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The lawsuit against the EPA was filed Monday in the federal court in Rhode Island by a group of attorneys from the Southern Environmental Law Center, Conservation Law Foundation, Lawyers for Good Government and Lawyers Committee for Rhode Island.

Southern Environmental Law Center called Solar for All a generational opportunity in a statement announcing the lawsuit.

Lawyers Committee for Rhode Island Chief Legal Counsel Amy Romeros statement said the programs cancelation compounds the risk of utility shutoff and perpetuates energy insecurity in the very low-income households that Congress sought to protect with this program.

The plaintiffs included a group that stood to benefit from the Solar for All program and which had spent money and made business decisions in preparation for program, the complaint said.

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It included the federation of unions that is Rhode Island AFL-CIO, which said it lost out on jobs and apprenticeship programs after it worked to develop curricula and career pipelines for prospective new union members.

Rhode Island Center for Justice had long advocated for low-income residents on housing and utility access, according to the complaint. It hired staff and inked a memorandum of agreement so it could work to expand access to solar incentives across the state.

Asked about the lawsuit, the EPA said it does not comment on pending litigation.

When Zeldin announced the end to Solar for All, he said the passage of President Donald Trumps sweeping budget reconciliation legislation eliminated the fund that included Solar for All. The bottom line is this: EPA no longer has the statutory authority to administer the program or the appropriated funds to keep this boondoggle alive, Zeldin said Aug. 7.

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But that assessment was incorrect, according to the complaint, because while Congress took the axe to portions of the fund for Solar for All this summer, it did not repeal the Solar for All program retroactively.

Tick Torrey, senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said the program would have benefitted residents in all 50 states and shaved a collective $350 million off utility bills, helping residents access solar who might not have the money to pay the upfront costs of installation.

We do want to move this to a permanent solution as quickly as possible, Torrey said, and we think its a very clear legal situation where EPA just got it wrong.

Solar for All in the Valley

Michael Hempstead, president and co-owner of Valley Solar, an independent photovoltaic contractor, said Solar for All was a big deal when it was formulated. While the company was enthusiastic about the program getting off the ground, it appeared to be in jeopardy several months back.

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So instead, Valley Solar, which is not a party to the lawsuit, has focused on serving state-funded programs, such as the new but little-known Energy Saver Home Loan Program, Hempstead said.

And while the federal tax credits that have incentivized installations are going away by Jan. 1, which wont help the industry, solar remains the best, cheapest form of green energy, and it will continue to play a role in the future of energy, Hempstead said.

Gov. Maura T. Healey, meanwhile, has sought to encourage solar within the state, announcing new regulations back in June aimed at boosting solar by simplifying its incentive program, for instance. The governor also hosted a summit with leaders in the solar industry on Sept. 29 that explored how to support the industry that employs 17,000 across the state.

more news from Western Massachusetts

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STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -U.S.-based scientists John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for "experiments that revealed quantum physics in action", the award-giving body said on Tuesday.

"This year's Nobel Prize in Physics has provided opportunities for developing the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors," the prize-awarding body said in a statement.

The laureates carried out experiments with an electrical circuit in which they demonstrated both quantum mechanical tunnelling and quantised energy levels in a system big enough to be held in the hand, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said in a statement.

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"My feelings are that I'm completely stunned. Of course it had never occurred to me in any way that this might be the basis of a Nobel Prize," Clarke told the Nobel press conference by telephone.

British-born Clarke is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States.

Devoret, born in France, is a professor at Yale University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, also in the United States, where Martinis is also a professor.

The Nobel physics prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and includes a prize sum totalling 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million) that is shared among the winners if there are several, as is often the case.

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The Nobel Prizes were established through the will of Alfred Nobel, who amassed a fortune from his invention of dynamite. Since 1901, with occasional interruptions, the prizes have annually recognised achievements in science, literature, and peace. Economics was a later addition.

Physics was the first category mentioned in Nobel's will, likely reflecting the prominence of the field during his time. Today, the Nobel Prize in Physics remains widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the discipline.

Past winners of the Nobel physics prize include some of the most influential figures in the history of science, such as Albert Einstein, Pierre and Marie Curie, Max Planck and Niels Bohr, a pioneer of quantum theory.

Last year's prize was won by U.S. scientist John Hopfield and British-Canadian Geoffrey Hinton for breakthroughs in machine learning that spurred the artificial intelligence boom, a development about which both have also expressed concerns.

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In keeping with tradition, physics is the second Nobel to be awarded this week, after two American and one Japanese scientist won the medicine prize for breakthroughs in understanding the immune system. The chemistry prize is due next, on Wednesday.

The science, literature and economics prizes are presented to the laureates by the Swedish king at a ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death, followed by a lavish banquet at city hall.

The peace prize, which will be announced on Friday, is awarded in a separate ceremony in Oslo.

($1 = 9.3898 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Niklas Pollard, Simon Johnson and Johan Ahlander in Stockholm; additional reporting by Marie Mannes and Greta Rosen Fondahn in Stockholm, and Terje Solsvik in Oslo; editing by Alex Richardson)
Morning Report is The Hills a.m. newsletter. Subscribe here.

In todays issue:

 Trump, Dems collide over National Guard

 Jay Jones controversy shakes up VA races

 Trump floats, walks back shutdown deal

 Hegseth speech stirs military exodus fears

President Trumps deployment of National Guard troops in an increasing number of U.S. cities is drawing intense backlash as Democrats turn to the courts to try to stop him.

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National Guard troops from Texas are headed to Illinois after a federal judge on Monday declined to immediately issue a restraining order against the deployment. The judge, an appointee of former President Biden, set a hearing for Thursday.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) has vowed to fight the deployment, which he likens to an invasion, and the state of Illinois and city of Chicago ripped Trumps move in their lawsuit filed Monday.

The American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly not simply because their city or state leadership has fallen out of a presidents favor, the complaint reads.

While the administration is allowed to move ahead for now in Chicago, efforts to deploy 200 troops to Portland, Ore., were blocked by another federal judge over the weekend. That judge, a Trump appointee, called the U.S. a nation of constitutional law, not martial law.

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The Presidents determination was simply untethered to the facts, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut wrote in her ruling Saturday.

Trump responded to the ruling by seeking to send the California National Guard into Portland, enraging California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). Immergut then granted California, Oregon and Portlands request for a temporary restraining order to block that deployment.

Democratic officials have been adamant about pushing back against the presidents moves and using every lever at their disposal to resist.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) signed an executive order Monday barring federal immigration authorities from using city property in their operations, declaring the city an ICE-free zone.

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This isnt about public safety, its about power, Newsom said in a release. The commander-in-chief is using the U.S. military as a political weapon against American citizens. We will take this fight to court, but the public cannot stay silent in the face of such reckless and authoritarian conduct by the President of the United States.

Trump has also made clear he wont back down.

The president has regularly lambasted Chicago as the worst and most dangerous city in the world and has signaled for months the city is a top target for his push to crack down on crime.

The president on Monday also argued the situation in Portland amounted to an insurrection, telling reporters he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act if necessary.

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Portland is on fire. Portlands been on fire for years, Trump said. And not so much saving it. We have to save something else. Because I think thats all insurrection. I really think thats really criminal insurrection.

Last week, the commander-in-chief told hundreds of generals and admirals at the Pentagons meeting at Quantico, Va., that dangerous U.S. cities should be used as training grounds for the military.

The flurry of deployments and lawsuits are expected to only increase and follow similar moves to deploy troops to Memphis and Washington, D.C., the latter of which also sparked a legal challenge from local leaders.

Trump has leaned into the battles with Democratic leaders as polls show combatting crime to be among his strongest areas for his approval rating.

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The faceoffs have also given more attention to Pritzker and Newsom, both of whom are viewed as likely 2028 presidential candidates.

 Axios: MAGA calls for Trump to overrule judges on National Guard deployments.

 The Wall Street Journal: Trumps immigration push diverts agents from drug, money and sex crime cases.

 The Associated Press: ICE airing ads to recruit for deportation raids in major cities.

Smart Take with Blake Burman

Democrats on a key Senate committee released an eye-popping report Monday on the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs in America. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, where Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is the ranking member, predicted AI could replace nearly 100 million American jobs over the next decade. Sanders also laid out five points he believes will protect Americans in the AI age, including a robot tax for companies that replace jobs with that technology.

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I asked Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) who has been working on AI issues, about the report, and he had a different view. One of the things that I am working with Democrats on is AI, Haridopolos told me. The biggest challenge right now is the issue of energy. If were going to beat the Chinese in AI, we need the energy necessary to fuel AI because as you know, it takes nine times more energy than conventional computing.

As AI takes hold and grows by the day (just yesterday OpenAI took a 10 percent stake in Advanced Micro Devices) we are going to see all sorts of ideas of how to regulate the technology, and, yes, perhaps even find new taxes.

Burman hosts The Hill weeknights, 6p/5c on NewsNation.

3 Things to Know Today

1. Today marks the second anniversary of Hamass Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in hundreds being taken hostage into Gaza. The anniversary comes as Trump pushes Israel and Hamas to the brink of a Gaza peace deal.

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2. Paramount has hired Bari Weiss as the next editor-in-chief of CBS News. Weiss, a vocal critic of legacy media, founded The Free Press, which Paramount is acquiring, after leaving her role as a New York Times columnist.

3. The Maine state auditor is launching a primary challenge from the left against centrist Democratic Rep. Jared Golden (Maine). The battleground Maine 2nd District will be one of the most competitive House races of 2026.

Leading the Day

Jay Jones, who is running to become Virginias attorney general in 2025, speaks to the audience during Abigail Spanbergers bus tour stop at Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center in Fairfax, Virginia on June 26, 2025. (Maxine Wallace, The Washington Post via Getty Images)

VIRGINIAS OCTOBER SURPRISE: Republicans are ramping up pressure on Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones to drop out of the race following the revelation of texts he made in 2022 in which he openly discussed hoping for violence against a Republican state lawmaker.

Top Republicans including Trump, Vice President Vance and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin have called for Jones to exit the race. The controversy has also sparked an ad from Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, the GOP nominee for governor, tying her Democratic opponent, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, to Jones.

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Jones has apologized for the texts but has not given an indication that he might end his bid against incumbent Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R).

The National Review first reported on the messages that Jones sent to House Delegate Carrie Coyner (R) about then-state House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R).

Gilbert, hitler, and pol pot, Jones said. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.

Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time, Jones told Coyner.

The National Review also reported that Jones told Coyner in another conversation that he wished for Gilberts wife to see her children die to potentially get her husband to reconsider his views about gun violence.

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Jones said he wished he hadnt made the remarks and would take them back if he could, but that hasnt calmed down the backlash calling for him to end his campaign, The Hills Julia Manchester reports.

They have got to call on this guy to resign, step down, get out of this race in disgrace because this is beyond disqualifying. I mean, theyre asking people to vote for this guy to be the attorney general of the commonwealth of Virginia? Youngkin said during an interview with Fox News.

While the report could shake up the attorney general race, which already appeared to be potentially the closest contest in Virginia this year, it could also have implications for the marquee gubernatorial battle next month.

Spanberger has said she reached out to Jones to express disgust with the comments and called on him to take responsibility for his words but didnt expressly call for him to drop out. The GOP has amped up the pressure, with the Republican National Committee calling Spanberger a coward in a post on X for continuing to support Jones.

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The revelation doesnt come at an ideal time for Jones or Democrats in the state as theyre hitting the home stretch before Novembers elections. It also comes after another report that Jones was convicted of reckless driving years ago after he was caught speeding at 116 miles per hour.

Polls have shown Spanberger, Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Ghazala Hashmi and Jones leading their respective races. But one Republican strategist told Manchester that Joness texts could cause some voters to rethink their decisions and increase turnout among those who dont regularly vote.

This is going to motivate a whole lot of infrequent voters, GOP strategist Zack Roday said. And it absolutely will persuade people to second-guess, like actual people, their priors. They very well may consider split ticket or changing where theyre going to vote.

 Axios: Miyares launching seven-figure ad campaign on Jones texts.

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SHUTDOWN WALKBACK: Trump briefly floated working with Democrats to end the government shutdown Monday for the first time since it began before walking it back later in the day.

Trump hinted at a possible deal with Democrats on health care at the Oval Office, saying a negotiation is happening that could lead to very good things.

If we made the right deal, Id make a deal. Sure, Trump said. You have subsidies, thats the problem with ObamaCare. The subsidies are so much, its billions and billions of dollars is being wasted. And we could have a much better health care than we have right now. And were talking to them. Im not saying thats going to happen.

Trump declined to say if he was meeting with Democratic leaders.

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in response that Democrats would meet with Trump if hes serious.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told reporters he doesnt know of any Democrat who has spoken with Trump or a member of the administration about reopening the government and reaching a deal on health care.

Trump later said in a Truth Social post that he would work with Democrats on health care but only after they vote to reopen the government  reaffirming the position Republicans have held for weeks.

Republicans in a series of votes have pushed Democrats to back a clean stopgap measure to fund the government at current levels through Nov. 21 before considering issues like health care.

The shutdown is entering day 7 after another round of voting Monday failed to reopen the government, with the GOPs funding bill and a competing measure from Democrats both being rejected.

The Hills Al Weaver reports how senators from both sides are getting frustrated with the lack of progress as the Senate repeatedly engages in votes on the stopgap that seem certain to fail.

Meanwhile, the effects of the shutdown are set to amplify with each passing day without a deal. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett warned the shutdown could cost the U.S. economy $15 billion per week.

Hassett told CNNs State of the Union that federal layoffs, as the administration had promised, would take place if Trump feels talks arent going anywhere.

Furloughed federal workers may also not be entitled to back pay for their time theyre forced not to work, unlike in past shutdowns, Axios reported Tuesday, citing a White House draft memo described by multiple sources.

Transportation Security Administration employees are still working as they are considered essential, but lines at airports are expected to grow as the shutdown continues. The Federal Aviation Administration signaled that its already experiencing staffing issues at airports and air traffic control facilities, NBC News reported.

The Smithsonian Institution indicated it could stay open through the end of the week, but it will have to close for the shutdowns duration if it lasts beyond that.

COMEY SUBPOENA WITHDRAWN: A congressional subpoena that would have had former FBI Director James Comey testify before a committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein has been withdrawn.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) withdrew the subpoena after Comey sent the committee a letter saying he has no knowledge or information relevant to the Committees investigation. The letter is subject to federal law that prohibits making false statements to agents of the government.

The subpoenas withdrawal comes as Comey is set to be arraigned on Thursday in the criminal case filed against him on charges of making a false statement to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

The case was filed after significant scrutiny within the Justice Department and outside it as to whether enough evidence exists to pursue it. Comey has affirmed his innocence and argued the charges are politically motivated as hes been a top opponent of the president.

FIRE INVESTIGATION: Officials say theyve found no immediate evidence that a fire that consumed a South Carolina judges home was intentional, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The video of the blaze caught much attention online as it shows the house surrounded by fire and smoke. It burned the home of Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein and Arnold Samuel Goodstein, a Democratic former state lawmaker.

The judge recently ruled against the Trump administration on a case over the release of voter files to the Department of Justice before the state Supreme Court overturned her ruling.

An official said theyre conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire but havent found anything so far to suggest it was deliberately set.

When & Where

The president will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at 11:30 a.m., followed by a bilateral meeting and lunch. At 3 p.m., Trump will meet in the Oval Office with Edan Alexander, the Israeli-American who was held hostage by Hamas for 19 months.

The Senate will meet at 10 a.m.

The House will not convene on Tuesday.

Zoom In

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to a gathering of top U.S. military commanders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Sept. 30, 2025, in Quantico, Va. (Evan Vucci, Associated Press)

FEARS OF MILITARY EXODUS: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths speech last week to a rare gathering of top military leaders has triggered some fears that the departure of top military leaders could follow.

The Hills Ellen Mitchell reports that the retirement of two top generals last week further stoked these fears, though the Pentagon says they werent related to Hegseths vision for the department.

Hundreds of generals and admirals were gathered on short notice last week for the address, during which Hegseth called for an overhaul of much of the militarys standards. That includes the establishment of male standards for all combat troops, an increase in fitness standards to eliminate fat troops and officers and the end of so-called woke initiatives and programs.

The sooner we have the right people, the sooner we can advance the right policies  but if the words Im speaking today are making your heart sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign, Hegseth said.

A retired Air Force colonel told Mitchell that Hegseths speech directly attacked the values of many top officers and he expects many to demonstrate their disgust by retiring.

But some Democrats are calling on the military leaders who disagree with Hegseth to stay in their roles rather than resign.

If the challenge was get out, then I would say to those generals, stay put, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), an Air Force veteran, said on CNN last week. Because we need you. We need you and your experience to counter the message of Mr. Hegseth and frankly the president himself.

 The Hill: Hegseth defends new media restrictions at Pentagon.

 The Wall Street Journal: Hegseth focuses on fitness, even as Pentagon goes high-tech.

Hegseth has also been the subject of controversy over new media rules the Pentagon rolled out that threatened to curtail reporters abilities to work in the building.

But The New York Times reported the department has relaxed its rules for press access, clarifying that journalists wont need Pentagon approval before publishing information not specifically authorized for release.

The outlet reported that a new draft of the rules came after two weeks of negotiations with major news outlets.

The memo from last month said credentialed reporters must agree that information for public release must receive approval from an authorized official, even if the information is unclassified. It also declared certain areas of the Pentagon building off-limits to reporters without an escort from an authorized official.

Hegseth previously defended the policy, telling Fox News on Sunday that the press corps can squeal all they want.

The Times reported news outlets that want access to the Pentagon will have a week to review the new policy and decide whether to sign off. Not signing it could leave them without press credentials, the outlet reported.

Elsewhere

President of France Emmanuel Macron addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (Pamela Smith, Associated Press)

FRANCE IN POLITICAL CRISIS: The turmoil that has surrounded French President Emmanuel Macrons government for months continued Monday when another prime minister resigned after less than a month in the role.

The resignation of Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu makes him the fourth in the role to step down in just more than a year. Hes now the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the French Fifth Republic, dating back to 1958.

Macrons picks for prime minister have struggled to form an effective and cohesive government since the French president called for early legislative elections last year. That election created a fractured National Assembly in which the right-wing and left-wing lawmakers make up more than 320 seats in the lower house, compared with 210 for the governing centrists and allied conservatives, The Associated Press reported.

No party holds a majority.

Lecornu formed his cabinet on Sunday, but conservatives objected to his choice for defense minister and pulled their support of him. Lecornus government will continue day-to-day operations until a new prime minister is chosen.

Macron has been under increasing pressure as his favorability rating has dropped amid the chaos. His office said he asked Lecornu to take part in final negotiations to try to save the government, to which Lecornu agreed.

If Lecornu is unsuccessful, Macron must name a new prime minister or dissolve the National Assembly early and call for legislative elections.

 Reuters: How we got to Frances political crisis.

Opinion

Trump, a favorite of right-wing conspiracy kooks, stokes left-wing paranoia, writes The Hills Chris Stirewalt

How Trumps remarkably consistent polling could last or fade, writes pollsters Douglas E. Schoen and Carly Cooperman in The Hill

The Closer

Tim Curry attends the Museum of the Moving Image salute to Alec Baldwin in New York on Feb. 28, 2011. (Peter Kramer, Associated Press)

And finally  Lets do the time warp again!

Actor Tim Curry made a surprise appearance at a 50th anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, CNN reported.

Currys public appearances have been limited since he suffered a stroke in 2012, and he addressed the audience in a wheelchair. Curry played the iconic role of Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic.

His co-star Barry Bostwick, who played Brad Majors, introduced him ahead of the several standing ovations that Curry received.

The movie initially performed poorly financially and received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, but it soon became a hit as many flocked to theaters for midnight shows dressed in costumes of the characters from the movie. Its now the longest-running release in film history.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has sanctioned 19 crypto firms for operating unlicensed Virtual Asset operations and violating VARAs Marketing Regulations.

The penalties included cease-and-desist orders alongside fines between AED 100,000 ($27,300) and AED 600,000 ($163,000), adjusted according to the severity and extent of each violation.

A Tuesday official statement confirmed the sanctions serve as a public warning to consumers, investors, and institutions that involvement with unlicensed operators presents substantial financial, legal, and reputational risks.

Source: Vara.ae

Enforcement is a critical component of maintaining trust and stability in Dubais Virtual Asset ecosystem.

VARA Tightened Marketing Rules And Licensing Requirements

These measures support VARAs mandate to ensure only firms meeting the highest compliance and governance standards can operate.

All penalized companies have been ordered to stop operations immediately and halt any promotion of unlicensed Virtual Asset services in or from Dubai.

This action follows similar enforcement in October 2024, when the regulator fined seven unlicensed crypto companies.

In that earlier round, fines ranged from AED 50,000 ($13,612) to AED 100,000 ($27,225), based on the nature and severity of violations.

In 2024, VARA strengthened its crypto marketing requirements, mandating disclaimers on promotional materials.

The regulator also required prior authorization before marketing products and services to citizens and residents.

Updated regulations aim to prevent the dissemination of misleading information and prioritize consumer protection.

The regulations address various aspects of marketing communications, including the proper use of language and the importance of providing full and clear disclosures.

The objective is to ensure consumers understand the risks and opportunities associated with virtual assets.

Marketing regulation violations can result in fines up to AED 10,000,000 ($2.7 million).

Beyond marketing, entities providing virtual asset services in or from Dubai must secure a VARA license.

This applies to activities like Virtual Asset Issuance, Trading Platforms, and Custody Services. The process begins with applying for Initial Approval to establish operations, then progressing to a full VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) license.

Cryptocurrency platforms, including Crypto.com, Bybit, Deribit, and HashKey Group, have complied with these requirements by obtaining provisional approval from VARA, enabling them to offer virtual asset exchange services to retail, institutional, and qualified investors in Dubai.
Columbus Day is recognized as a federal holiday, commemorating Columbus's arrival in the Americas. However, many communities observe it as Indigenous Peoples' Day instead, shifting the focus to honoring Native American history and culture.

When is Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day? What is open, and what is closed? Here's what to know about this federal holiday in Alabama.

When is Columbus Day 2025?

In 2025, Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 13.

Is Columbus Day also a state holiday in Alabama?

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, but in Alabama, it is also recognized as a state holiday along with Fraternal Day and American Indian Heritage Day.

Will federal workers observe Columbus Day as a holiday?

Because Columbus Day is one of the 11 official federal holidays, federal workers will have a paid day off.

Will the mail run on Columbus Day?

Mail delivery services will not run on Oct. 13 as it is a federal holiday. USPS stores will also be closed, so you will not receive your mail or packages.

Will FedEx and UPS operate on Columbus Day?

FedEx and UPS will operate normally during the holiday. However, some local stores may have limited hours of operation. Check ahead before heading out. Due to the holiday, deliveries may take an extra business day, so plan accordingly.

Will banks be open on Columbus Day?

Banks in Alabama will be closed on Columbus Day as it is a federal holiday.

Will schools in Alabama be open on Columbus Day?

Public K-12 schools across Alabama will be closed for the holiday. Check your local district calendar, as it does vary by city. Many colleges and universities will remain open as higher education institutions often follow a different academic calendar and may or may not recognize all federal or state holidays as class-free days.

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Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Columbus Day 2025: Whats open, closed and is it a federal holiday?




The owner of a breakfast restaurant in Willimantic who drew online backlash after posting a promotional photo on social media that featured a Nazi symbol, in what she described as a "mistake," has apologized.

Hannah Dupuis, owner of Egg & Cheese in Willimantic, ignited an Internet firestorm and generated hundreds of angry comments across Facebook and Reddit after posting a photo of someone holding a recently designed sign for the sandwich shop. Clearly visible on the person's outstretched arm was a tattoo of SS bolts, a common neo-Nazi and white supremacist symbol.

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Dupuis said the photo was sent to her by a man she had worked with from a Hartford-area company to design new billboard-style signs for the restaurant. She said she never met the man in person, only exchanging emails and texts about the design of the new signs. Dupuis declined to name the company where she says the photo originated.

"I had no affiliation with the person that whose arm that was, other than the fact that they were the person that helped me design and make the sign," Dupuis said."I didn't realize the significance of those tattoos. And I do understand why it's so alarming, and I too think it's alarming."

Using the Egg & Cheese accounts, Dupuis posted the photo with the SS bolts last week, though she doesn't remember the exact day. By Saturday, she said, she was inundated with a deluge of hate comments, with people reaching her on the restaurant's accounts, her personal social media and by calling the restaurant. She said one individual went as far as to contact the gym she uses and told them they were serving a Nazi.

"I went viral. And by viral I mean hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of emails, messages on all platforms, telling me to go kill myself, 'sending hate from Weatherfield,' 'sending hate from Hartford,' saying 'go die, drive your car off a cliff, nobody cares about you, your business should blow up,'" Dupuis said. "I still, two days later, am opening my social media account and have 50+ comments calling me a Nazi, telling me that my family is going to die, like endless, endless, endless hate."

Egg & Cheese in Willimantic. (Courtesy of Hannah Dupuis)





Facebook commentors also posted screenshots alleging that after they had brought Dupuis's attention to the SS bolts, she had replaced the photo with one were the Nazi symbol was covered with a tattoo of a butterfly.

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In a phone interview Monday afternoon, Dupuis particularly was adamant that almost all of the information circulating online about the post, including rumors that she was married to the man pictured and that she had doctored the post to remove the SS tattoo in favor of a butterfly, were "not real" and generated by artificial intelligence.

Dupuis took the post with the SS symbol down and turned off commenting on her social media accounts over the weekend, and on Sunday posted an apology on her Facebook account. She followed the apology up by posting Bible verses from the Book of Matthew concerning Jesus' denunciation of the Pharisees six times on Monday morning.

Dupuis said that because of the number and ferocity of the threats, she had reached out to the Willimantic Police Department, who told her there was little they could do. The department did not respond to a request for comment.

Despite the online backlash to the posts, Dupuis said the cafe saw a normal volume of customers on Monday, with a notable number of her customers offering support for her.

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"I understand the outrage," Dupuis said. "But what I don't understand is the the way that people are going about this, and how they can think that this is a good way to handle the situation, by tearing down someone's entire life, without knowing the actual truth."

This article originally published at Connecticut restaurant owner apologizes after post featuring Nazi symbol goes viral.
This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter.

A maintenance procedure involving a gas isolation valve may have led to the Aug. 11 explosion at U.S. Steels coke works plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania, that killed two people, according to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Boards initial report released Sept. 29.

The Clairton facility processes raw coal into coke, which is used as a component in making steel and iron, according to the CSB press release. The facility is located about 15 miles outside of Pittsburgh and spans 392 acres, employing nearly 1,300 workers.

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Tragedies like this must lead to change, Board Member Sylvia Johnson said in a statement. Our investigation will identify not just what went wrong, but what must be done to ensure workers across this country are protected from similar hazards.

The process occurs in six coke ovens, which are stacked in rows and connected by a shared wall, operating as one unit called a battery. The unit involved in the explosion, which the company dubbed 13/15 Battery, comprises of three batteries located close to each other, according to the report. The 13, 14 and 15 batteries were built in the 1920s and underwent a coke oven rebuild in 1952. Batteries 13 and 14 underwent a second rebuild in 1989, while Battery 15 shuttered in May 2024.

The batteries are separated by a transfer area, which contains control and break rooms, personnel shacks and entrances leading to a basement shared by Batteries 13 and 14. The area also had a staircase that led to the top of the battery. U.S. Steel workers told the CSB that coke oven gas residue builds up at the bottom of piping and in valve seats.

Coke oven gases comprised of various amounts of hydrogen, methane, nitrogen and carbon monoxide, mixed with smaller amounts of other substances. Coke oven gas is also highly flammable, toxic, colorless, and has a rotten egg odor. Exposure to the hazardous substance can cause asphyxiation.

Events leading up to the blast

About a month before the explosion, U.S. Steel discovered a coke oven gas leak emanating from a valve cracked near one of its components. The cracked valve was downstream of Battery 13s isolation valve, an 18-inch cast-iron double-disc gate valve manufactured in 1953 and refurbished in 2013. U.S. Steel temporarily repaired the cracked valve to prevent flammable coke oven gas from leaking into Battery 13 and 14s basement.

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The steel manufacturer made plans to replace the damaged valve, along with at least three other valves, by isolating Battery 13 from the coke oven gas supply.

U.S. Steel held a meeting on July 28 to discuss the scope of the work and review the hazards for Battery 13s maintenance outage that was scheduled for Aug. 19.

On Aug. 11, the day of the explosion, the steel maker decided to exercise Battery 13s gas isolation valve, which involves closing and reopening to help separate the downstream equipment and piping. A company supervisor called on one employee from MPW Industrial Services to provide a pump to flush the valve seat. MPW did not participate in the July 28 maintenance outage meeting.

That morning, three U.S. Steel workers moved forward to Battery 13 and 14s basement, where the isolated valve was located, to proceed with the valve exercise. Three MPW employees prepared their equipment to inject water toward the valve seat through a cleanout port from a hose connected to a positive displacement pump.

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Each worker had their own carbon monoxide monitor and one MPW worker carried a four-gas monitor to detect oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and flammable gas. Data recovered from the devices showed they alerted the workers to the presence of toxic gases. One MPW employee told the CSB that they noticed water leaking from the valves cap component. The employees also heard a pop sound and one worker reported smelling gas.

The U.S. Steel supervisor ordered the workers to evacuate the basement and the companys employees then called for evacuating Batteries 13 and 14 via radio or verbally. The explosion occurred less than one minute after workers made the radio evacuation call.

At the time of the explosion, at least 22 U.S. Steel and three MPW employees were working on Batteries 13 and 14. Additionally, at least four people were on top of Battery 14 and the transfer area, including an Allegheny County Health Department field compliance engineer and their Veolia escort, who were inspecting the unit for air quality compliance.

The blast killed two U.S. Steel workers and seriously injured and hospitalized five others, including an employee of Veolia Water North America Operating Services, according to the report. Six additional workers  five of whom work for U.S. Steel and one employed by MPW  were treated for minor injuries and did not need hospitalization.

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One of the workers killed, Timothy Quinn, was a second-generation steelworker and worked at the Clairton plant for nearly two decades, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said at an Aug. 12 press conference. The family of the second worker who died wished to keep their identity private, Shapiro added.

The explosion also damaged the structures within the transfer area, including both the Battery 13 and Battery 14 reversing rooms.

After the blast, the CSB recovered Battery 13s isolation valve and found its body split open by a crack, which the CSB said failed catastrophically. The agency also recovered at least nine additional valves of various sizes used for the battery oven gas systems from the transfer area, four of which were also damaged. However, the CSB has not determined whether the valve failures occurred before or as a result of the explosion.

The aftermath

The investigation is still ongoing as CSB continues to gather evidence and evaluate several key areas, including the cause and source of the gas release. The agency will also analyze the metal alloy properties of cast iron valve components, U.S. Steels use of cast iron materials in its coke oven gas systems, valve maintenance and exercising policies and procedures, and the companys safety management systems. CSB did not disclose when the final report will be released.

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United Steelworkers Local Lodge 1557, which represents U.S. Steel workers at the Clairton plant, established a GoFundMe page aiming to reach $100,000 to support the victims and their families following the explosion.

We appreciate the CSBs careful attention to this incident and will continue to work with its representatives in Clairton as it builds out its final report, Bernie Hall, USW District 10 director, said in an emailed statement. We owe it to our fallen siblings to not only learn everything we can about what may have contributed to the explosion on Aug. 11, but to carry those lessons forward so that all workers can be safer on the job.

U.S. Steel said in an Aug. 15 statement that it worked with other agencies, the United Steel Workers union and third-party experts investigating the explosion

CSBs initial findings aligned with U.S. Steels findings and remain committed to working with the agency to complete the report, Andrew Fulton, U.S. Steels media relations representative, said in an email. The facility remains operational and the coke has been removed from the ovens and placed on a hot idle state to preserve the ovens integrity.

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We thank the CSB for their diligent work in examining the circumstances of the Clairton incident, Fulton said in a statement. Concurrently, we are enhancing our safety protocols in line with the findings. Throughout this process, our unwavering focus remains on prioritizing the well-being of our employees and their families. As always, Safety First remains our core value.

Editors note: The story has been updated to clarify that the CSB has not yet determined the potential role of a cracked valve in the explosion.

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AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -A crew member of the Dutch cargo ship that was attacked by Houthis in the Gulf of Aden last week has died of his injuries, the vessel's Amsterdam-based operator Spliethoff said in a statement Monday evening.

The company did not release further details about the deceased crew member, but a spokesperson told a Dutch broadcaster they were Filipino.

The vessel, Minervagracht, was in international waters in the Gulf of Aden when it was struck by an explosive device that inflicted substantial damage and started a fire on the ship. A helicopter was used to rescue 19 of its crew, who are Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino and Sri Lankan.

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Yemen's Houthis clamed responsibility for the attack. The Iran-aligned group has launched numerous assaults on vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, targeting ships they deem linked with Israel in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians over Israel's war on Gaza.

Spliethoff added that one other crew member remained under medical care in Djibouti.

"His condition is stable, and we expect he will be able to return home later this week."

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
NEW YORK  Independent mayoral hopeful Andrew Cuomo said Monday its hypocrisy for his opponent, Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani, to maintain dual U.S.-Ugandan citizenship, citing the African nations anti-LGBTQ laws.

Why would you keep a citizenship in Uganda, which is a country that outlaws the LGBTQ community  why? Why be a citizen of that country? Cuomo told reporters in Manhattan.

I believe in the LGBTQ community and it would be a total act of hypocrisy to be a citizen of a country that abuses LGBTQ people, he continued. Its pure hypocrisy.

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Cuomo brought up the issue of Mamdanis dual citizenship at a press conference held to highlight a New York Post report about how Mamdani, during a recent trip to his native Uganda, took a photo with Rebecca Kadaga, a local politician who in 2012 pushed to adopt a bill that made homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment.

In response to that report, Mamdani has said he didnt know who Kadaga was when he took the photo and called her legislative push a horrific attack on queer Ugandans.

Mamdani was born in Uganda, but moved to the U.S. as a child and became an American citizen in 2018.

A spokeswoman for Mamdani, whos polling as the favorite to win Novembers mayoral election, argued Cuomos focus on the Democratic nominees citizenship is a sign of desperation.

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Andrew Cuomos recent behavior is increasingly Trumpian  issuing desperate personal attacks to distract from his lack of any vision or plans to address the affordability crisis, said the spokeswoman, Dora Pekec. Does Cuomo want every dual citizen in a city of 3 million immigrants to give up their citizenship?

Cuomo has himself maintained associations with some controversial anti-LGBTQ politicians, including Bronx Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., who opposes gay marriage and once claimed the City Council is controlled by the homosexual community.

Pressed on his closeness to Diaz in light of his Mamdani broadside, Cuomo argued its inappropriate to reference Diaz in that context.

(Diaz) does not support the LGBTQ community, acknowledged Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual and professional misconduct accusations he now denies. But, Cuomo said, he never said that we should outlaw them or kill them.

_____
The first day of resumed indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Egypt ended on a positive note, amid hopes of a potential deal to implement United States President Donald Trumps 20-point plan to end the war on Gaza, multiple sources told Al Jazeera and other media outlets.

Negotiators are set to return for more discussions on Tuesday.

Sources told Al Jazeera Arabic that the meeting in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday was positive and that a roadmap was drawn up for how the current round of talks would continue.

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The Hamas delegation told mediators that Israels continued bombing of Gaza poses a challenge to negotiations on the release of captives, Al Jazeera Arabic reported.

The Hamas delegation included Hamas leaders Khalil al-Hayya and Zaher Jabarin, two negotiators who survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Qatars capital Doha that killed five people last month.

The day-one talks covered the proposed exchange of prisoners and captives, a ceasefire, and humanitarian aid entering Gaza, according to Egypts state-linked Al-Qahera News.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also said Trump was pushing for an early exchange of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners, in a bid to build momentum to implement other parts of his plan to end the Gaza war.

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The technical teams are discussing that as we speak, to ensure that the environment is perfect to release those hostages, Leavitt said, adding that teams were going over the list of both the Israeli hostages and also the political prisoners who will be released.

Trump, speaking to reporters from the Oval Office on Monday afternoon, said we have a really good chance of making a deal, while also noting that he still has his own red lines.

But I think were doing very well. And I think Hamas has been agreeing to things that are very important, Trump added.

Al Jazeeras Rosiland Jordan, reporting from Washington, DC, said Trump had not given any details of how he thinks the discussions are going beyond his general positive assessment.





The US president was also very complimentary of the joint Arab-Turkish support to keep Hamas at the bargaining table, he was complimentary of the Israeli people, and of course, he was complimentary about his own special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who was leading the US delegation in these negotiations, said Jordan.

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Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, a real estate developer, is also reportedly part of the US delegation.

Al-Qahera, meanwhile, confirmed that the talks were expected to continue on Tuesday, which marks two years since the Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,139 people and saw about 200 people taken captive.

Since then, Israeli forces have killed at least 67,160 Palestinians and wounded 169,679 in Gaza, in a war that has been described as genocidal by a United Nations inquiry, leading genocide scholars and leading human rights groups, including Israeli nonprofits.

Even as the talks were held on Monday, Israeli forces killed at least 10 Palestinians in attacks across Gaza, including three who were seeking humanitarian aid, according to Al Jazeera sources.

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shared a social media post late on Monday, according to time in New York, acknowledging the second anniversary of Hamass abhorrent large-scale terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Guterres also said the recent proposal put forward by Trump presents an opportunity that must be seized to bring this tragic conflict to an end.

A permanent ceasefire and a credible political process are essential to prevent further bloodshed and pave the way for peace, the UN chief wrote.
An office for the Indiana Department of Child Services in Indianapolis off of Keystone Avenue. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

New data show Indianas entries into the states foster care system increased by 30%, from just over 6,000 children to nearly 7,900 children, between 2023 and 2024 even as the national average fell from 2%.

The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System defines an entry as a child who began an out-of-home care episode during the time period, which follows the federal fiscal year from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.

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Between 2023 and 2024, the overall number of children in foster care, measured by those children in care on the last day of the fiscal year, grew from 10,500 children to nearly 12,000 children  a 13% increase.

Nationally, the number of children in foster care during the time fell 3%.

Indiana Department of Child Services Director Adam Krupp called the statistic a snapshot in time, noting that rates steadily decreased to a historic low in 2023.

That historic low generated a lot of questions, said Krupp, who was appointed in January by Gov. Mike Braun.  questions like, Are we doing enough to keep children safe?

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Krupp emphasized before an interim legislative committee that the safety of children would be the first priority under his leadership. Speaking to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, he noted that a 2023 Evansville neglect arrest made national news after authorities discovered a baby with over 50 rat bites. DCS had been monitoring the family for months but ultimately decided the children should stay in the home.

Three DCS staffers were fired over that case and later sued the state.

 that gets national recognition, and there is an expectation and a predicted outcome that youre going to see an uptick in cases because we need to look at things a little bit differently, said Krupp.

He noted that CHINS cases, or Children in Need of Services, had been steady during his tenure, starting at 13,657 in January and falling slightly to 13,510 in August, according to the DCS dashboard. Likewise, the number of children with DCS cases has remained steady during that time, from 16,748 to 16,393.

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Its hovered in that range for the better part of the last year coming out of what very clearly was an all-time, historic low, said Krupp. Were not going to do anything to swing the pendulum one direction or the other too far. Were going to prioritize keeping kids safe. And if that means there are 13,510 kids in the system, then thats what it is.

Criticisms of DCS

Even in those years when cases were declining, critics flagged concerns about DCS tear(ing) apart families at rates well above the national average.

With the 30% increase, the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform noted that families were separated at the sixth-highest rate in the country, specifically saying Indianas caseworkers confuse poverty with neglect, citing an IndyStar story about missed red flags in a foster home.

Nearly four out of every five Black Hoosier kids will experience a maltreatment investigation during their childhood, higher than the statewide average for other races and above the national average of 53% for all Black children.

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The 2023 study, spanning from 2015 to 2019, analyzed state-level differences in child welfare agencies. In response to the study, DCS noted that its care rate for Black children had fallen in the following years.

Richard Wexler, the executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform, calls child protection agencies state family police, and flagged the new foster care entry data in a blog post.

None of this is because Indiana is a cesspool of depravity with vastly more child abuse than the national average, said Wexler in the post. In fact, in Indiana in 2023, 86% of the time, when children were thrown into foster care, their parents were not even accused of physical or sexual abuse. Forty percent of the time, there wasnt even an allegation of drug abuse.

Krupp said that, in response to that criticism, hed explicitly told DCS employees, were not policing poverty.

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Its about safety. And just because a home that you walk into to perform an assessment for a report that came through the hotline  that home might look very different from what you grew up in or what you are familiar with, said Krupp. That does not mean they are neglecting their child in that home. Its just different.

Upon seeing a home with no functioning plumbing or without heat, an overzealous individual might try to remove a child, said Krupp.

Whereas we can remedy that situation either same day, overnight or the next day because we (can) call up a community partner, he added. We dont want that child taken away from their home to become part of the child welfare system for something that is very fixable and solvable in an immediate or short-term situation.

However, Krupp did say that Indianas cases are much more heavily on the neglect side, as opposed to abuse.

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The apparent collapse of a 25-year tariff-free trade pact between the United States and Africa symbolises an American retreat, according to observers, who say the shift is paving the way for China to deepen its influence across the continent.

The Clinton-era African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expired on September 30 after Congress failed to pass a renewal bill, leaving more than 6,000 African exports, such as apparel and textiles, subject to higher US tariffs.

The resulting economic uncertainty for businesses is expected to take a toll on countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Lesotho and Madagascar - whose textile and apparel industries rely heavily on the US market.

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

Under AGOA, Kenya has been able to produce clothing for major US brands such as Levi's and Wrangler, allowing the East African country to compete more effectively with Asian exporters like Bangladesh and Vietnam. For the tiny southern African nation of Lesotho, 45 per cent of exports go to the US, with garments making 80 per cent of the shipments.

However, the US position has become unclear under the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has yet to publicly back the programme since returning to office in January, and his inclination to impose tariffs is at odds with such a trade deal.

A White House official has reportedly confirmed that the Trump administration supported a one-year extension. However, it is not clear how this would be feasible - no formal legislation has been introduced and a floor vote has not been scheduled to prevent the act from expiring.

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Moreover, Washington's recently introduced "reciprocal tariffs" may have effectively killed the act's duty-free status. Lesotho's textile industry in particular has been hit by a 15 per cent tariff that officials have warned would lead to factory closures.

Several other African countries face various new tariffs. Kenya, for instance, will be subject to a 10 per cent duty, while South Africa faces a 30 per cent reciprocal tariff. Some of these countries had attracted investors - particularly from China and India - who set up manufacturing plants to benefit from duty-free access to US markets under AGOA.

A port in Mozambique. While there is bipartisan support in Washington for the renewal of AGOA, there has been little progress on an extension. Photo: Handout alt=A port in Mozambique. While there is bipartisan support in Washington for the renewal of AGOA, there has been little progress on an extension. Photo: Handout>

African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenyan President William Ruto, are lobbying Washington for a long-term extension of the trade deal.

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Meanwhile, as Washington imposes tariffs, Beijing has sought to consolidate its influence by abolishing all import duties on African goods, except for those from eSwatini, the only African nation maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

AGOA was signed into law in May 2000 by then US president Bill Clinton. The aim was to encourage US-Africa trade and to counter China's growing influence. Eligibility has shifted over the years, with countries such as Ethiopia, Mali and Guinea recently losing their AGOA status due to political instability and human rights violations.

Despite AGOA, China still overtook the US in 2009 to become the continent's largest trade partner. The expiry of AGOA is seen as a major setback for US influence, especially as Beijing expands its reach by removing tariffs on African exports and bankrolling projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

With Trump showing little interest in an extension, the AGOA lapse "creates fertile ground" for China to expand its influence, said Carlos Lopes, a professor at the University of Cape Town's Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance,

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Lopes said the shift was not due to changes in African preferences, but rather because Beijing had been consistently offering easier market access and tangible investment commitments.

"With Chinese tariffs mostly removed for African exports, Beijing is presenting itself as a pragmatic partner willing to integrate African economies into its trade orbit with fewer political conditions," Lopes said.

Workers at a garment export processing zone operating under AGOA in Kitengela, Kenya, last month. Photo: Reuters alt=Workers at a garment export processing zone operating under AGOA in Kitengela, Kenya, last month. Photo: Reuters>

The contrast between Washington's wavering and Beijing's steady removal of barriers would reinforce the narrative that China was more dependable in responding to Africa's industrial needs, he added.

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Cameron Hudson, a former US official and senior associate with the Africa programme at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said AGOA's expiration and the lack of a replacement were a repudiation of the Trump administration's calls for "trade, not aid".

"What he's produced is a policy of 'no trade, no aid'."

Hudson said that with China already Africa's largest trading partner by far, the expiry of AGOA was more "a symbol of the Trump administration's lack of engagement or vision for how to reinvent Washington's relationship with the world's fastest growing region".

While sectors like South Africa's auto industry and textiles in Kenya and Lesotho remain vulnerable, Jason Tuvey, deputy chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, said the greater threat to textiles was the surge in Chinese exports, not US trade policy.

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The expiration of AGOA would deal only a modest blow, Tuvey said in a recent report, but warned that it signalled further US disengagement from the region, leaving space for China to expand its influence.

Going forward, US-Africa relations would be bilateral and transactional, favouring countries rich in critical resources or those strategically important for security, Tuvey suggested. "But for others, many may now consider China to be a more reliable and predictable partner."

Lopes said a failure to renew AGOA would send a troubling signal about Washington's long-term reliability, undermining a reputation for dependability built over 25 years.

"It would be read not only as a setback for trade preferences but also as an indication that the US is retreating from a continent that has consistently called for deeper engagement beyond security partnerships," Lopes said.

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He added that a lack of American reciprocity to accommodate African nations in other collaborations would also be problematic. Kenya, for instance, spearheaded the UN-authorised Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti last year to combat gang violence. The deployment was originally proposed by the US.

According to Lopes, Washington risks being perceived as "transactional, inattentive to Africa's development aspirations, and overly dominated by short-term domestic political calculations".

Ultimately, he said, this would weaken America's soft power edge as African nations reassess their global partnerships.

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

Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
The News

Progressive challengers plan to use Israels war in Gaza as a cudgel against centrist candidates in 2026s Democratic primaries, a broad campaign that will disrupt the partys plans to focus the high-stakes midterm elections solely on opposition to President Donald Trump.

After two cycles in which pro-Israel groups spent heavily against left-wing candidates, insurgent Democrats believe the mood has changed. Their partys base is growing more opposed to the war, and in that climate, they expect ads paid for by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and its allies to alienate Democratic voters.

People are very impatient to see an end to that war, said Matt Dunlap, a former Maine secretary of state who on Monday launched a challenge to centrist Democratic Rep. Jared Golden.

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Dunlap saw Goldens support from AIPAC, and his votes to continue sending offensive weapons to Israel, as a mixed bag in the Republican-leaning district. I think support for that is eroding quickly, he added, because people see whats happening on the news.

In more strongly Democratic seats, where most primary challenges are unfolding, progressive candidates have preemptively denounced AIPAC and promised not to seek its support, or have otherwise broken with party leaders on Israel.

I am not taking a dime from AIPAC, said California Democrat Angela Gonzales-Torres in an endorsement video from Justice Democrats, the left-wing group that helped elect the progressive Squad in 2018. Shes challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez.

In St. Louis, where former Rep. Cori Bush announced a comeback bid last week, loud protests at Rep. Wesley Bells town halls were an early indicator that the support hes gotten from AIPAC  the biggest funder of his 2024 win, through its United Democracy Project super PAC  might be a political problem.

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In Detroit, Rep. Rashida Tlaib created a joint fundraising committee to route donations to her and state Rep. Donavan McKinney, whos condemned Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Mich., for supporting military aid to Israel. Last year, AIPAC helped Thanedar defeat his primary challengers with a last-minute, $2.3 million super PAC investment.

Were sending billions overseas for bombs and weapons to kill families and children when we have starving families here at home, McKinney told Semafor in a recent interview, as he campaigned at a street fair in the district. Ive even got Republicans who follow me, saying: Yo, this is kind of extreme. Whats going on? To malnourish a population, to ensure that they dont have resources? These kids are dying!

Know More

In the 2022 and 2024 cycles, pro-Israel groups swung into Democratic primaries, spending money against progressive critics of the Jewish state and keeping several out of Congress.

Their first test came in a Cleveland-based district where Nina Turner, a close ally of Sen. Bernie Sanders, was the favorite to beat local party chair Shontel Brown. Democratic Majority for Israel ran $2 million worth of ads and direct mail to primary voters about Turners criticism of Joe Biden; an AIPAC affiliate donated $500,000 to Brown.

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When Turner lost, pro-Israel groups came away with a replicable strategy: identify Democrats who might become a problem in Congress, and beat them before they do.

My race was the canary in the coal mine, Turner told Semafor. In 2021, I dont think the country had a full understanding of dark money groups like AIPAC. But now, just as a Democrat worth their salt now would not take NRA money, we need to make that the case that they shouldnt take it from any of these Israel-first or Israel-only groups.

That was not a popular position in 2022 and 2024, when progressives strained to convince voters that the groups attacking them for being disloyal to the party or to Joe Biden were not trustworthy. In 2022, Israel and Gaza were not prominent topics in any race. In early 2024, support for Israels war was very high, if lower among Democrats.

That has changed, emboldening progressive candidates. Polling released by The New York Times last week found that 73% of all Democrats, and 74% of all voters who backed Kamala Harris in 2024, oppose sending additional economic and military support to Israel. Polling for The Washington Post last month found 63% of Jewish Democrats disapprove of the military action Israel has taken in Gaza.

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Usamah Andrabi, the spokesman for Justice Democrats, said that the shift had given an edge and more power to challengers critical of Israel.

Its a totally different cycle, he said. Public opinion has gone from not knowing enough about these issues and AIPAC to opposing sending weapons to Israel and demanding members of Congress reject AIPAC.

The View From Pro-Israel groups

Brian Romick, the president of Democratic Majority for Israel, said that the terrain had gotten rockier since 2024. His group supports an end to the war, and has encouraged Hamas to take the deal offered by the White House, a position shared by party leaders but not progressive activists.

This is obviously a difficult moment, but as we have always said: supporting Israel is good policy and good politics, and that has not changed, said Romick. Polls go up and polls go down, but Israel has long been our friend and ally, and thats not going to change.

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Marshall Wittmann, the spokesman for AIPAC, said that Americans stand with Israel because they understand that the Jewish state is fighting a just and moral war against the terrorism of Hamas.

Davids view

Pro-Israel groups werent the only ones pushing back against the progressive wing of the Democratic Party in primaries. But their decision to go big in 2022 and 2024 was tremendously important. They helped Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., beat her colleague Andy Levin, in part, because Levin was a vocal, Jewish voice against American pro-Israel policies. Those groups broke primary spending records in 2024 to unseat Bush and Jamaal Bowman, and sent a message: Candidates who talked about a genocide in Gaza would lose.

Progressives have struggled to counteract that, lacking both the money and a clear storyline. (Ads from DMFI and AIPAC-related PACs rarely mentioned Israel, focusing on topics that played better in the districts.) They still dont have endless resources.

But they are looking at a Democratic primary electorate that has soured on war funding for Israel, and on its pro-Israel leadership. When Charlamagne tha God mocked Hakeem Jeffries as AIPAC Shakur, they realized that anti-AIPAC, anti-super PAC messaging had clicked outside of their base.

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Progressives dont know how the Israel/Gaza issue will play next summer, much less in 2028. They dont know whether it becomes a litmus test for Democrats. But in the short term, telling voters that you wont seek AIPACs support or that you question why Israel needs no-strings-attached war funding is a powerful argument in a primary, and it wasnt before.

Notable
Headquartered in Armonk, New York, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a powerhouse weaving software, consulting, infrastructure, and financing into a global tapestry of digital innovation. Valued at nearly $268 billion, its software arsenal boasts hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, while its consulting arm dives deep into industry-specific strategy and operations.

When it comes to infrastructure, IBM offers a range of solutions, including on-premises and cloud solutions, lifecycle services, and client financing, creating a seamless ecosystem for businesses seeking to modernize and accelerate their AI-powered transformation. As per the preliminary schedule set by IBM, the tech giant is slated to release its fiscal 2025 third-quarter earnings by the end of October.

More News from Barchart

Ahead of the results, analysts on Wall Street are whispering about a profit of $2.43 per share on a diluted basis, nudging 5.7% above last years $2.30 per share. This would not be a shocker for IBM, as the company has topped EPS estimates in each of the past four quarters like clockwork. The momentum from Q2 2025 is still fresh.

Revenue hit $16.98 billion, outpacing expectations of $16.59 billion, a 7.7% year-over-year surge. Adjusted EPS came in at $2.80, beating the forecast of $2.64, and a solid 15.2% jump from the same quarter last year. Free cash flow also flexed its muscles, generating $4.8 billion, prompting IBM to raise its full-year outlook beyond $13.5 billion. Analysts are backing the trajectory. Diluted EPS for fiscal 2025 is projected to rise 7.7% year-over-year to $11.12, with another 7.3% growth expected in fiscal 2026, reaching $11.93.

www.barchart.com

Meanwhile, IBM shares have been stealing the spotlight, consistently outpacing the broader market. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has climbed 29.5%, and year-to-date it has jumped 31.2%. The S&P 500 Index ($SPX), by contrast, managed 17.8% over the same year and 14.2% YTD, leaving IBM clearly in the lead.

The story gets even more compelling against the S&P 500 Technology Sector SPDRs (XLK) gains. The ETF soared 27.8% in the last 52 weeks and popped off 22.5% year-to-date.
President Donald Trump's tightening grip over the Justice Department to target his political opponents and lawmakers' increasing calls for the release of more files from federal investigations into deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein took center stage at a contentious Senate hearing Tuesday for Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee is the first time since July that Bondi has faced questions from lawmakers and follows a tumultuous summer for the department that included deployments of federal law enforcement to Democratic-run cities, a growing number of investigations announced into Trump's political foes and the controversial indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.

Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi arrives to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill, October 7, 2025 in Washington.

Democratic, Republican leaders differ on hearing focus

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley kicked off the hearing with extensive remarks seeking to highlight instances of what Republicans have labeled "weaponization" of the Justice Department under the Biden Administration, citing selective disclosures by FBI Director Kash Patel of the investigation into President Trump's attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss.

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"These are indefensible acts," Grassley said. "This was a political fishing expedition to get Trump at all costs."

Specifically, Grassley singled out a timely disclosure by the FBI on Monday that showed former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigators at one point sought limited phone toll records of several Republican senators around the time of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

As part of his investigation, Smith extensively investigated Trump and his allies' pressure campaign on lawmakers to block the certification of former President Joe Biden's election win -- including calls that were made to senators after the Capitol was breached by the pro-Trump mob.

There's no indication that Republican senators were a target of Smith's investigation, and the toll records sought by investigators would not include any information about the content of conversations they may have had.

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"We're pointing this all out because we can't have this repeated in the United States," Grassley said. "We want to end it right now, whether we have Republican or Democrat administrations."

Kent Nishimura/Reuters - PHOTO: Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Senator Dick Durbin speak with each other, as they attend an oversight hearing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, Capitol Hill in Washington, Oct. 7, 2025.

Grassley made no mention of recent directives from Trump to have the Justice Department act "now" to carry out prosecutions of his political foes, or other instances of alleged politicization during Bondi's tenure that have led to scores of departures of longtime career officials who have sounded alarm about the department being used as a tool to enact political retribution.

Ranking Democratic member Dick Durbin said in his opening statement assailed the Trump administration for the conduct in Chicago, a city in which Durbin represents.

"As President Trump turns the full force of the federal government on Chicago and other American cities, the assault on the city I am proud to represent is just one example of how President Trump and Attorney General Bondi shut down justice at the Department of Justice, even before the president's party controlling the white House, Senate and House of Representatives shut down the government," Durbin said.

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"The attorney general has systematically weaponized our nation's leading law enforcement agency to protect President Trump and his allies and attack his opponents. And sadly, the American people. You have purged hundreds of senior career officials since you first appeared before us," he added.

Durbin listed various controversies for critics of Bondi's Justice Department, the closed investigation into Border Czar Tom Homan, the Eric Adams case being dropped, the hiring of a Jan. 6 defendant who attacked MPD officers, the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and the case against James Comey.

"What has taken place since Jan. 20, 2025, would make even President Nixon recoil. This is your legacy," Durbin said.

Senators grill Bondi on closed Homan investigation

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, also pressed Bondi on Tuesday over whether Bondi personally approved closing the investigation into Homan.

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"Miss Bondi, did you approve closing the Homan investigation? Bribery investigation?" Hirono said.

"Senator Hirono, as I stated earlier, the Department of Justice and the FBI conducted a thorough review, and they found no credible evidence of any wrongdoing," Bondi responded.

Hirono then pressed Bondi over the department's removal of dozens of prosecutors who worked on investigations involving President Trump and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Bondi shot back, "I'm not going to discuss personnel matters with you."

Hirono concluded her questioning by accusing Bondi of deliberately politicizing the department, turning it from the Department of Justice into the "Department of revenge and corruption."

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In another heated exchanges at the hearing, Bondi reacted with outrage as she accused Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., of suggesting she was lying as she evaded questions about the investigation into Homan.

"First of all, is there a tape that has audio and video of the transfer the $50,000?" Welch asked.

"You would have to talk to Director Patel about that," Bondi replied.

"No, I'm talking to you," Welch said.

"I don't know the answer --" Bondi said before Welch interjected, "You do know the answer."

"Don't call me a liar!" Bondi shot back. "I didn't call you a liar," Welch responded.

Bondi pushes back against Democrats

Bondi pushed back against her critics and Democrats during the hearing. In her opening statement, she framed her tenure as the "end" of weaponization of law enforcement, while reinforcing her extensive efforts to enact President Trump's agenda.

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"We will work to earn that back every single day. We are returning to our core mission of fighting real crime. While there is more work to do, I believe in eight short months we have made tremendous progress towards those ends," she said.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi takes notes as she testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on oversight of the Department of Justice, Capitol Hill in Washington, October 7, 2025.

She also railed against judges who have ruled against the administration in the months since Trump took office, while highlighting the Justice Department's string of victories at the Supreme Court.

"My attorneys have done incredible work advancing President Trump's agenda and protecting the Executive Branch from judicial overreach," she said.

Bondi continued to hit back at Durbin, who questioned her about the federal deployment to Illinois.

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The attorney general taunted the senator about Chicago's crime rate. Bondi said that Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche were on their way to the city.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Capitol Hill, October 7, 2025 in Washington.

"Chairman, as you shut down the government, you voted to shut down the government and you're sitting here as law enforcement officers aren't being paid. They're out there working to protect you. I wish you love Chicago as much as you hate President Trump," she said.

Durbin was taken aback by Bondi's responses.

"Madam attorney general, it's my job to grill you. Investigation of your agency is part of my responsibility. And this - this committee, you mean. I'd like the experience, but others have weathered the storm and answered questions in a respectful manner," he said.

Bondi in the hot seat over Epstein files

Bondi faced heavy scrutiny over conflicting statements out of the administration on the Epstein files, after the Justice Department and FBI said in a July letter that no further releases were warranted and that there was no evidence suggesting others participated or enabled Epstein's abuse of minor girls.

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Democrats have accused the administration of seeking to cover up any mentions of Trump or high-profile appointees who had past associations with Epstein, which the administration has denied.

Trump was told by Bondi his name appeared multiple times in Epstein files: Report

Trump and Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking young girls and women, were friends in the 1990s but the president said the relationship soured after Epstein poached some employees from Trump's Florida club after he explicitly warned him not to do so.

When asked on Fox News about the alleged Epstein client list, the attorney general told Fox News in February, "It's sitting on my desk right now to review."

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She refused to elaborate about those past comments or the growing calls for the Epstein files while testifying.

Kent Nishimura/Reuters - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Capitol Hill, October 7, 2025 in Washington.

Bondi responded to individual Democrats who sought more details by surfacing donations they allegedly may have received from Reid Hoffman -- an entrepreneur and founder of LinkedIn who is known to have past associations with Epstein.

She again surfaced Hoffman's alleged donations in an exchange with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, in which she again refused to answer his direct questions about the Epstein files.

Political targeting questioned

Trump has recently ordered the department to ramp up investigations into so-called "radical left" organizations that he and other senior White House officials have alleged, without providing evidence, as helping to fund perpetrators who have attacked federal law enforcement officials dispatched around the country.

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Just days after Trump's comments, a senior official in the Justice Department ordered several U.S. Attorney's offices around the country to prepare to open sweeping criminal investigations in to the Open Society Foundations founded by billionaire George Soros, naming criminal statutes ranging from robbery, material support for terrorism and racketeering, ABC News previously confirmed.

In a statement, the Open Society Foundations called the accusations "politically motivated attacks on civil society, meant to silence speech the administration disagrees with and undermine the First Amendment right to free speech."

Bondi sought to brush off pointed questions from Democrats by repeatedly deflecting to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants in their states and districts that were among the briefing materials she brought with her to the hearings.

Jonathan Ernst/Reuters - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi attends a oversight hearing of Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 7, 2025.

She has also dismissed any characterization of the Justice Department appearing to work in lockstep with the White House as "politicization" of law enforcement. Bondi and other senior DOJ officials have instead argued that the two federal cases brought against Trump by a special counsel under the Biden Administration represented a far more egregious example of weaponization, echoing grievances leveled at the department by Trump.

DOJ under scrutiny amid growing controversies

As ABC News first reported, the move to seek Comey's indictment came over the objections of career prosecutors and followed Trump's removal of his appointee to lead the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, who expressed reservations about pursuing charges against Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, sources told ABC News.

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Bondi faces criticism for saying DOJ will 'target' anyone who engages in 'hate speech'

Trump eventually installed a White House aide and former personal attorney Lindsey Halligan to lead the office and move forward with the case against Comey, and a grand jury narrowly voted to indict him on two counts of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional investigation -- while declining to indict on a third false statements charge. Comey has denied wrongdoing and is set to appear Thursday in federal court for his arraignment.

Alex Brandon/AP - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi listens as President Donald Trump signs a presidential memorandum on the death penalty in the District of Columbia in the Oval Office at the White House, Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington.

While sources told ABC News that leadership at the DOJ expressed reservations about pursuing the case, Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel went on to publicly cheer news of Comey's indictment in news interviews and social media posts.

The next week, the administration moved to fire a top national security prosecutor in the office, Michael Ben'Ary, over a misleading social media post that falsely suggested he was among the prosecutors who resisted charging Comey.

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Ben'Ary was leading a major case against one of the alleged plotters of the Abbey Gate bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. In a scathing departure letter, Ben'Ary set his sights squarely on the Justice Department's leadership and labeled his removal as just one in a series of recent moves taken to root out career officials for political reasons at the expense of the nation's security.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Capitol Hill, October 7, 2025 in Washington.

"This example highlights the most troubling aspect of the current operations of the Department of Justice: the leadership is more concerned with punishing the President's perceived enemies than they are with protecting our national security," Ben'Ary wrote. "Justice for Americans killed and injured by our enemies should not be contingent on what someone in the Department of Justice sees in their social media feed that day."

The DOJ declined to comment when asked about Ben'Ary's letter.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal pressed Bondi repeatedly on Tuesday over instances of pressure on the department by Trump and what conversations she may have had with him in the days leading up to the indictment of Comey.

"I'd like to know from you what conversations you had with President Trump about the indictment of James Comey," Blumenthal said.

"Senator, I am not going to discuss any conversations I have or have not had with the President of the United States. You're an attorney, you have a law degree, and you know that I'm not going to do that," Bondi said on Tuesday.

DOJ drops charges against another client of AG Pam Bondi's brother Brad

Those actions have caused unprecedented turmoil at the Eastern District, which oversees some of the nation's most sensitive national security, terrorism and espionage investigations.

Current and former officials say that turmoil has reverberated further across the Justice Department's workforce around the country, with attorneys concerned they'll face professional repercussions if they resist taking part in politicized investigations or prosecutions.

On Monday, nearly 300 DOJ employees who left the department since Trump's inauguration released a letter on the eve of Bondi's hearing describing her leadership as "appalling" in its treatment of the career workforce and the elimination of longstanding norms of independence from the White House.

"We call on Congress to exercise its oversight responsibilities far more vigorously," the former employees said. "Members in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle must provide a meaningful check on the abuses we're witnessing. And we call on all Americans -- whose safety, prosperity, and rights depend on a strong DOJ -- to speak out against its destruction."

The DOJ declined to comment on the letter.
US President Donald Trump's threat to take over Greenland still hangs over the Arctic island's residents, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, Trump sent shockwaves across Europe when he publicly refused to rule out the possibility of using military force or economic coercion to seize the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

While his attention has since turned to other issues ranging from trade tariffs and NATO spending to Russia's war in Ukraine, Frederiksen said Trump's takeover threat was still a concern for Denmark and for the some 60,000 inhabitants of Greenland.

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"Right now it seems far away," Frederiksen said at the opening of Denmark's parliament.

FILE: Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen talks during a meeting in the cultural house Katuaq in Nuuk, Greenland, Wednesday Sept. 24, 2025. - Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix

"There is perhaps a feeling that we can breathe a sigh of relief. It is my belief that we cannot."

She told Danish lawmakers that that residents of Greenland's small coastal settlements must live with the unsettling idea that the "world's strongest superpower has spoken of you as something you can buy, as something that you can own".

"It creates an insecurity that doesn't just disappear," Frederiksen said.

Denmark, a NATO ally of the US, has repeatedly said that Greenland is not for sale and has recently increased military activity on and defence investment in the island.

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"No matter what happens, we support Greenland in determining their own future," Frederiksen said in her address to parliament. "And we will not be threatened or intimidated into doing something that is obviously wrong."

Frederiksen's remarks echo comments by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen in an interview with Euronews in July.

Danish military forces participate in an exercise with hundreds of troops from several European NATO members in Kangerlussuaq, 17 September, 2025 - AP Photo

Trump's expansionist threat over Greenland is not "over and done" yet, even if the prospect of a military intervention remains very unlikely, Rasmussen said.

In late August, Rasmussen summoned the US embassy's top diplomat in Copenhagen for talks after Denmark's national broadcaster reported that at least three people with connections to Trump had been carrying out covert influence operations in Greenland.

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Greenland has looked to strengthen its relationship with the European Union and other allies since Trump's threat.

Last month, the European Commission proposed doubling its financial aid to Greenland as part of the next EU budget. Under the multi-annual financial framework for 20282034, the Commission is proposing more than 530 million in funding for Nuuk.
Divers studying Arctic Waters in northern Finland have reported an alarming sight: sea ice is melting at a rapid pace, reshaping the frozen landscape above their heads. The team, part of a University of Helsinki research project, described the dive as both breathtaking and troubling  a firsthand glimpse of how quickly the Arctic is transforming.

What's happening?

According to a recent article in Green Matters, marine biologist Sophie Kalkowski-Pope joined a dozen other divers in Lapland earlier this year, descending through holes cut in the ice into freezing, pitch-black waters.

"It's dangerous. You can't make any mistakes," Finnish explorer Pata Degerman told the BBC per the article, comparing the conditions to cave diving since the ice forms a ceiling overhead.

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Beneath the surface, divers saw tiny creatures drifting through beams of sunlight that pierced through the thinning ice. While the experience was awe-inspiring, it also reinforced a serious problem: Arctic ice is vanishing. Satellite data shows that ice cover has been shrinking by about 13% per decade, with the region warming roughly four times faster than the global average.

Why is Arctic ice melt important?

The loss of Arctic ice affects communities everywhere. Rising seas fueled by melting ice and warmer temperatures increase the risk of flooding during extreme storms. Changes in ocean temperature and ecosystems threaten food security by disrupting fisheries and coastal farmlands.

Scientists have also warned that thawing permafrost could release dormant pathogens and expand the reach of mosquito-borne diseases. Because Arctic ice helps regulate global temperatures by reflecting sunlight, its disappearance accelerates overheating across the planet, intensifying risks for millions of people living in coastal regions.

What's being done about the ice melt?

"The polar areas are melting rapidly, and organizations need scientists to keep a constant eye on what's happening down below the frozen ceiling of ice," said Edd Stockdale, coordinator of the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy.

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Research dives like the one in Lapland are important for tracking how melting ice impacts global systems. Governments and organizations worldwide are implementing policies to reduce air pollution and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources. Communities are also investing in resilience, from flood defense warning systems to more sustainable farming methods that can adapt to rising waters.

People can also contribute to the planet's health by reducing food waste and opting for electric vehicles. Learning more about the critical environmental issues can help you find everyday ways to make a positive impact.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday he is close to deciding on whether to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk long-range missiles, adding that he wanted to see the target list first.

"I sort of made a decision pretty much. I think I want to find out what they're doing with them, where they're sending them, I guess. I have to ask that question," Trump said.

The US president also told the reporters at the Oval Office he was not "looking to see escalation."

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Ukraine has been requesting the Tomahawk missiles for some time, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly asked Trump to provide Kyiv with these missiles during their meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last month.

Kyiv believes Tomahawks would give Ukraine the ability to strike further deep into Russia, potentially reaching as far as Moscow, something alluded to by Zelenskyy in a recent interview.

They will have to know where the bomb shelters are, Zelenskyy said, referring to the Kremlin officials. They have to know that we in Ukraine will answer. If they attack us, we will answer them.

Ukraines president also recently said that additional weapon systems could prompt Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in direct talks with Ukraines president, following Trump's initiative.

Russian military and security service objects within range of Tomahawks cruise missiles - ISW - ISW

How can Ukraine use the Tomahawks?

With an operational range between 1,600 and 2,500 kilometres and a powerful warhead of around 400-450 kilograms, Tomahawk missiles could reinforce Ukraines strikes deep into Russia.

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A key part of the US arsenal, they can fly at low altitudes, perform evasive manoeuvres, and be reprogrammed mid-flight.

For the moment Ukraine relies on Western-supplied missiles, such as Storm Shadow, which are limited in range by approximately 250 kilometres.

For anything further than this, Kyiv is utilising its domestically produced drones and drone-like missiles, such as the Palianytsia, but their warhead payload is limited to 50-100 kilograms.

Ukraine will most likely use Tomahawks to target Russias military sites, logistics, air defence systems and military airfields, like the Olenya air base in Russia's Murmansk region, one of the main launchpads for Moscows mass missile attacks against Ukraine.

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Kyiv will also certainly use Tomahawk missiles further to intensify its strikes against Russia's energy sites.

According to Kremlin-affiliated media, around 40% of Russias oil refining capacity for petrol and diesel fuel has been halted due to Ukrainian drone attacks as of the end of September.

Ukraine will first need to overcome some technical obstacles, as Tomahawk missiles are typically launched primarily from naval platforms, including submarines and surface ships. Kyiv will have to deploy a ground-launched infrastructure to use these missiles.

Ukraine has already demonstrated its ability to adapt Western-supplied weapons with its own military capabilities, like a homemade targeting system for US-made artillery and rockets.

What does the Kremlin say about Ukraine's Tomahawks?

In an interview published on 5 October, Putin claimed that the US supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles would "lead to the destruction" of the "emerging positive trend" in US-Russian relations.

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He also threatened Washington on 2 October, claiming that US military personnel would have to directly participate in Ukrainian Tomahawk strikes.

Putin claimed that that would mark a "new stage of escalation" but would not change the battlefield situation.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) think tank has pointed out that Putin made similar arguments when the United States was considering sending Ukraine ATACMS missiles, F-16 jets and Abrams tanks.

Trump's former envoy for Ukraine negotiations Kurt Volker told Euronews that it is Russias unwillingness to participate in any talks with Kyiv that made Washington reconsider sending Tomahawks to Ukraine.

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Volker also believes that having the discussion about long-range missiles will "re-engage" Putin and "make him cut a deal and Putin isn't doing that right now."

Volker said Putin "lied to Donald Trump" about his intentions to put an end to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and to meet Zelenskyy face-to-face.

"Trump is frustrated. Putin promised him he would negotiate and meet with Zelenskyy. (Putin) did it when Trump was with European leaders in the White House. He went and made a phone call to Putin who agreed in that moment," said Volker.

"He made Trump look weak and Trump doesn't like looking weak, so this is now a personal issue for him," Volker told Euronews, explaining why the US administration changed its stance on the possibility of sending Tomahawks to Ukraine.
The U.S. Navy went all out to impress Donald Trump with a show of military might after he reports that he was disappointed with the parade to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army that doubled as his own 79th birthday party in June.

The president attended the extravagant military event on Sunday despite the government being shut down. The celebration in Norfolk, Virginia, marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.

The Armys event in D.C. on June 14 was overshadowed by No Kings protests that took place across the country, attended by millions. The military anniversary event cost taxpayers $30 million, with footage of lackluster soldiers marching out of step going viral.

U.S. President Donald Trump observes a demonstration from the deck of the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier on October 5, 2025. / Alex Wong / Getty Images

First lady Melania Trump was caught on camera resting her eyes during the procession, while crowd figures were less than impressive.

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In August, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was planning a do-over parade to make up for Junes disappointing event, hoping the Navy could pull off a shimmering spectacle with seacraft.

Trump finally got the wish he didnt receive for his birthday on Sunday, with the Navy giving the president and the first lady a personalized show of force with a fighter jet sporting President Donald J. Trump 45-47 printed on it.

First Lady Melania Trump and U.S. President Donald Trump embrace in Virginia. / Alex Wong / Getty Images

The pair witnessed a military demonstration while they stood on the deck of the USS George H. W. Bush supercarrier, where Navy destroyers fired missiles and shells into the Atlantic Ocean while Navy SEALs dropped from helicopters.

I was just given a display with the wonderful first lady, the likes of which I think few people have ever seen before, Trump bragged to an audience of 10,000 sailors. The display of strength was absolutely incredible.

NAVY 1!



President @realDonaldTrump makes an announcement on USSS George H.W. Bush  pic.twitter.com/WqMVLvREXg  Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) October 5, 2025

Navy planes flew overhead as Trump launched into a rambling 45-minute speech and sailors chanted USA! USA!

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During his lengthy speech, Trump forgot the name of one of his own books, in which he claimed that he flagged Osama bin Laden as a potential problem.

First Lady Melania Trump and U.S. President Donald Trump speak with people aboard the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier. / Alex Wong / Getty Images

In the book, I wrote, whatever the hell the title, I cant tell you, but I can tell you theres a page in there devoted to the fact that I saw somebody named Osama bin Laden, and I didnt like it, and you got to take care of him, Trump stated.

He also praised disgraced former White House physician Ronny Jackson who claimed he was healthier than former presidents Obama and Bush.

At a press conference, they asked [Jackson], Whos in the best shape? Whos the healthiest? Whos the strongest? Whos the best physical specimen of the three? He said, Thats easy: President Donald Trump, Trump said, adding, I love this guy.

Trump walked off stage to the Village Peoples disco hit Y.M.C.A., a former gay anthem now reclaimed as a MAGA soundtrack.
EAST LANSING - The owner of a Cuban restaurant that got its start as a local food truck before transitioning to a brick-and-mortar business in downtown Lansing will open a second location near Michigan State University later this month.

Iliana Tamayo opened La Cocina Cubana in a storefront at 123 S. Washington Square in late 2017, offering up a menu inspired by dishes she grew up eating in Cuba. Eight years later, she's poised to open a second location at 219 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing.

The expansion was announced in a news release from Downtown Lansing Inc. on Monday morning. The new restaurant is expected to open on Oct. 18, according to the statement.

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Tamayo couldn't be reached on Oct. 6.

READ MORE:

Lansing bakery owner pitches to 'Shark Tank' judges Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary, wins big

September openings and closings: Cat cafe gets new home, Cheese Lady comes to East Lansing

La Cocina Cubana, Spanish for the Cuban Kitchen, serves sandwiches, empanadas, fried plantains, croquettes, stuffed potatoes and several Cuban dishes, including lechon asado, which is "Cuban style pork roast marinated with Cuban mojo and slow oven roasted, served boneless with rice & beans, and boiled yuca with mojo," according to the restaurant's website.

In 2017, Tamayo, who immigrated from Cuba to the U.S. in 2004, told the State Journal she uses her mother's and grandmother's recipes.

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"I make everything fresh from scratch," she said. "Nothing frozen."

The sign outside the La Cocina Cubana Cuban cuisine restaurant on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in downtown Lansing.

Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ .

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Downtown Lansing Cuban restaurant to expand, open new location near MSU
Oct. 6SANTA FE  Ready or not, a new voting season has officially arrived in New Mexico.

The first phase of early voting starts Tuesday in Bernalillo County, with absentee ballots being sent out to voters and in-person voting opening at the Downtown Clerk's Annex, 1500 Lomas NW.

Expanded early voting will then begin on Oct. 18, and will end three days before Election Day on Nov. 4.

Similar timelines are also in place in other counties around New Mexico, as voters in many cities and towns  including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Roswell and Taos  will pick their mayors. City council, municipal judge and school board seats are also up for election.

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While no statewide or federal offices are up for election this year, the local races in many communities have drawn close scrutiny and prompted hearty debate about crime, homelessness and other issues.

In Albuquerque, incumbent Tim Keller holds a lead in his bid for an unprecedented third consecutive term as mayor, though many voters recently said they were undecided on who to support in a crowded field.

Meanwhile, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has issued endorsements in both the Santa Fe and Taos mayoral elections, though it's unclear how much weight the governor's backing will carry.

Bernalillo County Clerk Michelle Kavanaugh said Monday local elections have historically featured a lower turnout than statewide elections, especially in presidential election years.

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But she said she expects turnout levels of registered voters this year to easily surpass the 23% turnout level in Bernalillo County in the 2023 local election, in large part due to voter interest in Albuquerque's mayoral election.

There are currently about 362,000 eligible voters in Albuquerque  or about 83% of all registered voters in Bernalillo County.

Kavanaugh, who took office at the start of this year, also said early voting has increased in popularity in recent years, as some voters seek to avoid the possibility of long lines on Election Day.

While elections officials nationwide have faced claims of voting fraud and irregularities, the county clerk said she has vowed to ensure local elections remain secure, efficient and transparent to the public.

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"I think the more people understand the system, the more they trust it," she told the Journal.

Other election officials around the state have also been busy preparing for the start of early voting.

Anna Martinez, deputy Taos County clerk, said this year's local elections are keeping the county clerk's small four-person staff on their toes as early voting kicks off for an election that typically sees an 18% to 20% voter turnout rate.

"We've been doing this for a long time," Martinez said. "I've been doing this for 23 years, we have a timeline we follow and we just take it as it comes because you just never know."

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In addition to the town of Taos, candidates are also vying for elected office in Taos County in towns and villages including Questa, Red River and Taos Ski Valley.

New Mexico recently became one of eight states that have adopted a permanent absentee voter list, which allows any voters who sign up to get an absentee ballot in the mail without having to request one during each election cycle.

As of Monday, there were 21,999 registered voters on the permanent absentee voter list in Bernalillo County alone, according to the county clerk's office.

Meanwhile, elections for municipal offices, school boards and other local bodies used to be held on different dates around New Mexico. But the elections were consolidated under the Local Election Act that was approved by state lawmakers in 2018 in an attempt to increase turnout and reduce administrative costs.

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County clerks now run the consolidated local elections, which follow state law for early voting timelines, absentee voting procedures and more.

However, not all cities around the state have opted in.

The list of New Mexico municipalities that have not decided to opt in to the Local Election Act and still hold their elections in March include Rio Rancho, Clovis, Artesia, Santa Rosa and Espanola, according to the Secretary of State's office.

Journal staff writer John Miller contributed to this report.
The Government of Ecuador has reportedly withdrawn the environmental licence previously issued to Canadian mining company DPM Metals for the Loma Larga gold project, which is located in an environmentally sensitive region.

The move comes after mounting opposition from local residents and authorities, who warned that the project posed risks to the Quimsacocha water reserve and could threaten community health.

The Quimsacocha seserve, covering more than 3,200 hectares, is part of the Andean "paramo" ecosystem, a crucial highland moor. Its springs are a key water source in the South American country, reported Reuters.

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The Environment and Energy Ministry said that this decision was made after technical reports were submitted by Cuenca and Azuay authorities, which are responsible for managing the regions water systems.

The ministry said: The national government reaffirms its commitment to the rights of nature, the defence of water sources, and, under the precautionary principle, the protection of the health and well-being of the people of Cuenca and Azuay.

Cuenca Mayor Cristian Zamora, a leading opponent of the project, expressed gratitude to national authorities for revoking the licence, calling it the result of a long struggle to safeguard local water resources.

DPM, which acquired Loma Larga in 2021, did not respond to requests for comment, reported the media outlet.

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According to DPM, the Loma Larga project was set to attract $419m (C$584.83m) in investments, with an average annual production of 200,000oz of gold in its initial five years.

In August, Ecuador suspended project activities pending an environmental management plan, despite initially granting a construction licence.

Although known for its gold and copper deposits, Ecuador has stopped mining projects due to local opposition and legal rulings, with only two mining companies currently operating in the country.

"Ecuador halts DPMs gold project over environmental concerns " was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




CorpGov hosted a fireside chat on Oct. 1 from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during the NYSE Private Equity IPO Summit with Gabriel Hasson, Global Head of Governance and Shareholder Advisory at ICR. The in-person interview was joined by Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone and they discussed advising companies on the path to an IPO while having a good governance framework, empowering a modern CFO, adapting new technology to be more efficient, and more.

Watch the full interview below, or click HERE:

About Gabriel Hasson

Gabriel Hasson is the Global Head of Governance & Shareholder Advisory at ICR, where he helps companies navigate the intersection of corporate governance, shareholder engagement, and capital markets strategy. He advises boards and executives on assessing, improving, and communicating governance practices tied to material governance, environmental, and social risks and opportunities. His team also supports and executes shareholder engagement, helping clients build investor trust and respond to activism, M&A, and other high-stakes situations.

Gabe has advised public companies and institutional investors on high-stakes shareholder matters including contested director elections, activism defense, executive compensation and equity plan scrutiny, board and leadership transitions, and proxy season preparation. His experience spans sectors such as healthcare, technology, energy, consumer goods, and financial services, with mandates covering Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. and Canada and leading issuers across Latin America and other emerging markets, particularly around governance, environmental, and social risks tied to long-term value creation.

Prior to joining ICR, Gabe was an Investment Stewardship Director at BlackRock, overseeing a portfolio of over $400 billion across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Earlier, he was an M&A attorney advising global corporations on complex cross-border transactions and held senior roles at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Deloitte, where he counseled federal governments and Fortune 500 clients on shareholder engagement, corporate governance, sustainability, and stewardship priorities.

Gabe holds a law degree from Universidad Panamericana, a certificate in U.S. Law from The George Washington Law School, a masters in international public policy from Johns Hopkins SAIS, and a certificate in corporate finance from Cornell University.

Gabe currently serves on the Public Policy Committee of the International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) and is an advisory board member of BH Compliance.
At the specific request of then-Vice President Joe Biden, the CIA buried an embarrassing intelligence report detailing the poor view the Ukrainian government took of his diplomatic efforts and the business dealings of his own family in that country.

Biden had traveled to Kyiv in December 2015, ostensibly to meet with leaders of that fledgling democracy and to deliver a warning against "the cancer of corruption." And during an address to the Ukrainian parliament, he did condemn the "pervasive poison of cronyism, corruption, and kleptocracy."

But behind the scenes, Ukrainian officials expressed "bewilderment and disappointment" that the vice president had crossed the Atlantic "almost exclusively to deliver a generic speech." Officials close to then-President Petro Poroshenko had hoped for guidance "in support of or against specific officials within the Ukrainian government." They discovered instead that Biden "had no intention of discussing substantive matters."

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After Biden returned stateside, members of the Poroshenko administration "privately mused" at how American media treated "the alleged ties" of his family "to corrupt business practices in Ukraine." It was, in their minds, "evidence of a double standard within the United States Government towards matters of corruption and political power."

Such was the blunt determination of a 2016 report prepared by the CIA and reviewed by RealClearPolitics. It would have been a humiliating assessment for Biden, whom President Obama had entrusted with all things Ukraine. So the vice president and his team killed it.

In an email sent to the CIA on Feb. 10, 2016, an individual in the office of the Director of National Intelligence wrote, "I just spoke with VP/NSA and he would strongly prefer the report not/not [sic] be disseminated," a reference to Biden and to Colin Kahl, who served as his national security advisor.

"Thanks for understanding," concluded an individual responsible for delivering the presidents daily brief, a summary of intelligence and analysis presented in the Oval Office each morning.

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The buried report and the accompanying correspondence from Bidens team are only now coming to light. They are the latest tranche of documents declassified by CIA Director John Ratcliffe as the Trump administration continues its review of how intelligence is collected and reported.

The documents themselves are heavily redacted, and according to a senior CIA official, only recently discovered. "We believe that transparency is important," the official said when RCP asked about the motivation for the release of the documents. The individual stressed also that "whenever possible" the agency "will release information to help serve the public interest in avoiding any future weaponization or politicization of the intelligence community."

After-action reports are not uncommon, and administrations regularly seek additional information to gauge the effectiveness of their diplomatic efforts. What is striking, however, is that a member of the intelligence community sought to clear a report with Biden and his team before presenting the information to the president. In a reference to the office of the vice president, the subject of the email reads "OVP query regarding draft."

It is not clear whether the information ultimately made its way to Obama. Analysts at the CIA have since reviewed the draft report and determined, according to the official, that the report would have been beneficial to the U.S. policymakers in their dealings with the Ukrainian government - "this was information of intelligence value."

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Even at that time, the foreign business dealings of the Biden family were no secret. In a writeup of the trip, the New York Times reported that "the credibility of the vice presidents anticorruption message may have been undermined by the association of his son, Hunter Biden, with one of Ukraines largest natural gas companies, Burisma Holdings." The Times noted in a Dec. 15, 2015, editorial, "This is not a board he should be sitting on."

The same message was ricocheting around the West Wing among Obama officials alarmed by the blase attitude the Biden family was taking to their global business portfolio. Multiple officials raised the alarm in the Obama White House about Hunter Bidens position with Burisma, including George Kent, U.S. deputy chief of mission to Ukraine. He worried that it created the appearance of impropriety and undermined the American anti-corruption message.

Kent later testified before Congress that he brought his concerns directly to Bidens team. He was told that the vice presidents eldest son, Beau, was dying of cancer "and there was no further bandwidth to deal with family-related issues."

It would later become the thrust of President Trumps attack on Biden during the 2020 campaign, thanks in large part to Bidens own boasting. Between his exit from office and his bid for the White House, Biden bragged about withholding aid to Ukraine if Poroshenko did not fire Victor Shokin, the countrys prosecutor general.

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Republicans alleged that Biden wanted Shokin axed to avoid an investigation into Burisma. Democrats responded that the Ukrainian prosecutor was himself corrupt and slow-walking investigations.

Regardless, Biden implied that he had strong-armed the Ukrainians into that good-government reform during an appearance at the Council on Foreign Relations in 2019. The international organization had been pressing Ukraine to remove Shokin from office over corruption allegations. In the former vice presidents telling, he was the one willing to play hard ball.

"Im going to be leaving here in six hours," Biden would recall telling Poroshenko. "If the prosecutor is not fired, youre not getting the money. Well, son of a bitch, he got fired."

Shokin was not removed by the Ukrainian parliament until March of 2016. If Biden did pressure Poroshenko to give him the boot during his trip the year before, the CIA did not pick up on chatter that the message had been received. But his overtures to Ukraine continued.

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On Feb. 11, 2016, the day after his office spiked the intelligence report, Biden put in a call to Poroshenko. According to a readout released by the White House, the two men agreed "that it is essential for Ukraine to continue to take action to root out corruption and implement reforms."

Philip Wegmann is White House correspondent for RealClearPolitics.
On 30 September 2025, at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Conference, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Insmed presented results from a subgroup analysis from the Phase III ASPEN study (NCT04594369) that evaluated Brinsupri (brensocatib) in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). The analysis, which used Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection status as baseline, reiterated Brinsupris efficacy in reducing the annualised exacerbation rate versus placebo irrespective of P. aeruginosa status. The results will continue to strengthen Brinsupris clinical profile as it navigates the NCFB treatment landscape as the first-to-market therapy following its US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in August 2025.

Results from the subgroup analysis were consistent with overall trial results that supported the FDA approval of Brinsupri. In the overall patient pool (N=1,721) that saw patients stratified by P. aeruginosa status, both 10mg doses (P. aeruginosa positive: N=203; P. aeruginosa negative: N=380) and 25mg doses (P. aeruginosa positive: N=205; P. aeruginosa negative: N=370) of brensocatib reduced the annualised exacerbation rate versus placebo, irrespective of infection status, which was the primary endpoint of the study (P. aeruginosa positive: 10mg dose: 1.04, 25mg dose: 1.22, placebo: 1.39; P. aeruginosa negative: 10mg dose: 0.99, 25mg dose: 0.94, placebo: 1.22). A similar outcome in favour of both doses of brensocatib was also observed in the annualised severe exacerbation rate (P. aeruginosa positive: 10mg dose: 0.21, 25mg dose: 0.21, placebo: 0.36; P. aeruginosa negative: 10mg dose: 0.11, 25mg dose: 0.11, placebo: 0.12).

Patient-reported outcomes also improved with both treatment doses versus placebo. Within the subgroup analysis, this metric was measured by change from baseline in Quality-of-Life Bronchiectasis Respiratory Symptom Scale (QoL-B-RSS) at Week 52 (P. aeruginosa positive: 10mg dose: 8.10, 25mg dose: 10.28, placebo: 5.48; P. aeruginosa negative: 10mg dose: 6.13, 25mg dose: 7.51, placebo: 4.47).

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In NCFB, the airways become inflamed with thick mucus that is difficult to clear, with build-up creating an environment for bacterial growth, leading to frequent infections. The positive results from the subgroup analysis will increase the confidence among physicians to use Brinsupri in NCFB patients who present with a similar clinical background as in the study.

Brinsupri is an oral inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP-1) and targets neutrophilic serine proteases, which mediate neutrophilic inflammation. With its recent FDA approval, Brinsupri represents the first non-antibiotic, anti-inflammatory treatment option that offers a more targeted action and possibly shifts away from use of off-label antibiotics in this disease space. As the first-to-market DPP-1 inhibitor in the respiratory field, Brinsupri is likely to become the standard of care in bronchiectasis treatment.

Key opinion leaders interviewed by GlobalData were excited by the agents ability to reduce exacerbations and slow the rate of lung function decline. According to GlobalDatas estimates, the bronchiectasis market is expected to be worth $3.7 billion in 2033 across the eight major markets (8MM: China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the US), growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.8% from 202333, with the US and China together anticipated to account for 75% of the market by 2033. The recent findings from the ASPEN study will help Brinsupri to grow in the NCFB space, with the therapy projected to reach sales of $1.7 billion in 2033 across the 8MM, according to GlobalData estimates.

"ERS 2025: Brinsupris efficacy reinforced in subgroup analysis of bronchiectasis patients" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand.




EU member states have agreed to impose restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the European Union in response to the growing number of sabotage attempts often led by spies operating under diplomatic cover.

Source: Financial Times, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Under the proposed rules, Russian diplomats based in EU capitals will be required to notify other governments of their travel plans before crossing the borders of the country in which they are accredited.

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This initiative, promoted by Czechia, is part of a new package of sanctions being prepared in Brussels in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The sanctions package requires unanimous support from all member states. According to two people familiar with the negotiations, Hungary  the last country opposing the measure  has lifted its veto.

EU intelligence services report that Russian spies posing as diplomats often oversee networks or operations outside the countries where they are officially accredited in order to avoid surveillance by counterintelligence services.

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The Czech government has been pushing for such restrictions since May last year. Prague has already banned entry to several Russian diplomats suspected of espionage. However, hundreds of Russian diplomats remain accredited in neighbouring Austria and can legally cross the border into Czechia.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky stated that the restrictions are necessary to restore the principle of reciprocity. "It makes no sense for a Russian diplomat accredited in Spain to be able to come to Prague whenever they want. We must apply strict reciprocity in issuing short-term diplomatic visas in accordance with the Vienna Convention," Lipavsky told the outlet.

Background:

On 30 September, the Czech government approved a decision to ban entry to Russian diplomats and holders of service passports who do not have national accreditation from Prague.

However, legal approval of the new sanctions package may be delayed due to a dispute related to Austria's proposal to include a provision lifting sanctions on assets linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska in order to offset losses sustained by Austrian bank Raiffeisen in Russia.

Officials said that ambassadors from at least twelve other capitals stated last week that they would not support the package if the Austrian proposal were included. Further talks are scheduled for Wednesday.

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Six days before the EU entry-exit system (EES) begins across Europe, the Czech Republic has confirmed that it will be fully ready from day one.

The long-awaited digital borders project will start to be rolled out on Sunday 12 October. It will connect every frontier in the Schengen area (comprising all EU nations except Ireland and Cyprus, plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) with a central database.

The aim is to crack down on crime and enforce the limit on stays of 90 days in any 180 days that applies to British travellers and other third-country nationals.

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UK passport holders will need to ready to have a digital record created from their fingerprints and facial biometrics when they either enter or leave at an external Schengen border. This includes international airports, sea ports, railway stations and road crossings.

While member states have until 9 April 2026 to be fully EES-compliant, Estonia, Luxembourg and now the Czech Republic say they are ready to check every arriving and departing traveller.

The Czech Embassy in London told The Independent that all the nations international airports will be connected to the central EU database from the start date.

By far the biggest gateway is Prague, which handled more than 16 million passengers in 2024. But the secondary airports of Ostrava, Brno and Pardubice and Ceske Budejovice are also ready for EES.

Capital advantage: Prague has far more airport arrivals than any other Czech city (Simon Calder)

Officials confirmed all relevant travellers will be registered on both arrival at, and departure from, the Czech Republic.

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The embassy in London said that existing requirements would continue, including: Verification that the third-country national concerned has sufficient means of subsistence for the duration and purpose of the intended stay.

For each day of a proposed stay, British visitors must have 1,565 Czech crowns (56), comprising cash, credit cards or travellers cheques in the third-country nationals possession.

Despite hopes by ministers that UK visitors will be able to use eGates across Europe, the Czech Embassy said: British passport holders will not be able to use eGates from the date of entry into operation, nevertheless this option will be subject to further discussion and further development of border systems and technical equipment at airports.

The Czech authorities also provided advice for UK visitors ahead of the introduction of EES: Be prepared, be patient, pay attention to signs and information materials at the airports, and complete pre-registration at self-service kiosks.

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Other EU nations are taking a much slower approach. The Dutch government said: Not all travellers in the scope of the EES will be recorded from the first day at all border crossing points and not all their data will be recorded right away.

Passport stamping will be maintained for six months and abolished as of 10 April 2026.

Initially Germany will make only Dusseldorf airport compatible with the entry-exit system.
A European manufacturer has been ramping up production of an airburst warhead for its 70mm rocket.

The FZ123 warhead disperses thousands of small steel balls that intercept an enemy drone.

Business Insider visited Thales Belgium to get a closer look at the warhead and its rockets.

Ukraine's drone war is fueling the rise of a new rocket in Europe: a helicopter-fired munition tweaked to create a small steel cloud in the sky.

As Russia barrages Ukraine with growing waves of Shahed one-way attack drones, European weapons manufacturer Thales has been fitting an airburst warhead on its 70mm rockets to counter such threats.

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The new FZ123 warhead is filled with thousands of tiny steel pellets blasted out by two pounds of high-explosive material.

When the warhead detonates, the pellets burst out in an area of about 80 feet in diameter to take down a drone or drone swarm, much like the way birdshot spreads from a shotgun shell. Depending on how far the rocket has been flying, the steel balls can be spread even wider.

Ukrainian troops rely on shotguns to shoot small drones at extremely close range. Similarly, the rocket-carried warhead is an inexpensive means to destroy NATO-standard Class II drones  which include the Shahed  and heavier Class III drones at up to 10,000 feet away with air bursts.

The FZ123 was unveiled last year during the Eurosatory 2024 defense exhibition in Paris. Thales Belgium hosted Business Insider at one of its production facilities in the eastern city of Herstal to give us a closer look at the warhead and its delivery rockets.

A to-scale model of the FZ-123 warhead. Matthew Loh for Business Insider

Thomas Colinet, Thales Belgium's domain director for vehicles and tactical systems, confirmed that the weapon is being deployed in Ukraine, and that Kyiv's demand is greater than what the firm can produce.

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"The good thing for us is, if they are asking for more, it means they are happy with it," said Colinet.

Olivier Heuschen, head of strategy and marketing at Thales Belgium, holds up a model that shows the relative size of the FZ-123 warhead. Matthew Loh/Business Insider

Costlier than drones, cheaper than missiles

Ukraine, hard-pressed for cost-effective defenses against Russia's Shahed waves, has also been building new types of first-person-view drones that fly fast enough to catch up to the loitering munitions and intercept them.

These interceptor drones typically cost $500 each, and it's rare for one to be more expensive than $5,000.

By comparison, 70mm rockets are far costlier than interceptor drones but much cheaper and easier to make than missiles. More recently, the US used such munitions to destroy about 40% of the Houthi drones it intercepted over the Red Sea.

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Thales Belgium declined to reveal the cost estimate for its 70mm rockets with the FZ123 warhead. But even its most expensive rockets, with laser guidance kits, are generally a fifth the cost of a conventional missile. Cheaper air defense missiles, such as the AIM-7 Sparrow, cost roughly $125,000 each.

"I will not give numbers, of course, but if you have to compare that to a missile? There is no fight. The rocket is kind of a low-cost missile," Colinet said of the cost.

He also declined to say how many warheads have been sent to Kyiv's forces. Thales Belgium's production capacity, however, can provide some clues.

The FZ123 is one of the warheads that can be delivered via Thales' laser-guided 70mm rocket originally made for attack helicopters.

Employees at Thales Belgium's prototype workshop in its Herstal facility work on a 70mm rocket launcher for the Eurocopter Tiger. Matthew Loh/Business Insider

Thales Belgium aims to produce roughly 3,500 of these rockets by the end of the year, and hopes to scale up to an annual capacity of 10,000 by 2026.

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The anti-drone warhead can also be fitted onto an unguided version of the 70mm rocket, of which Thales Belgium says it can now build 30,000 a year. If its Herstal factory works double shifts, it might reach an annual capacity of 60,000, though its suppliers would also have to step up production.

Still, this doesn't mean all of these rockets carry the anti-drone warhead  Thales Belgium also builds air-to-ground and ground-to-ground variants. Some of its 70mm rockets, for example, are used to destroy uncrewed ground vehicles deployed by Russia.

The company also sells some of the rockets to its regular customers in Europe and some non-NATO countries, such as India.

How the FZ123 and its rockets work

Compatible with standard NATO 70mm launchers, the rockets are currently fired by Ukraine's Vampire systems, which are multibarrel launchers manufactured by L3Harris that can be mounted on trucks.

Thales Belgium is prototyping a modular system for its 70mm rocket that can hold up to five tubes. Matthew Loh for Business Insider

Some versions are also fired by Ukrainian MI-8 helicopters that were retrofitted to shoot NATO munitions.

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Truck-mounted 70mm rocket batteries with the FZ123 could be useful for point defense, and helicopters can fluidly intercept drones in flight with these short-range weapons.

The laser-guided rocket faces some challenges. To down a Russian attack drone, Ukrainian troops will have to consistently illuminate their target until the rocket reaches it, when a proximity or impact fuze would detonate the warhead.

Moscow's forces have recently started flying Shaheds at higher altitudes and often pick nights with bad weather conditions for big waves, making the drones harder to track and destroy. Still, this difficulty applies to many other air defense systems.

Olivier Heuschen, head of strategy and marketing for vehicles and tactical systems at Thales Belgium, said that if the 70mm guided rocket can't detect a laser, it flies toward its last-known target for five seconds before continuing in ballistic flight.

The guided rocket uses fins that protract and guide the munition as it rotates in flight. VIRGINIE LEFOUR/Belga/AFP via Getty Images

Scrambling to meet skyrocketing demand

With drone warfare concerns soaring in Europe, Thales has been surging rocket production, increasing staff by fivefold in the last five years to about 300 employees at its Herstal plant. Heuschen said it also plans to work with Ukraine to assemble and repair some 70mm rockets there, an agreement announced in November by officials in Kyiv.

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A series of high-profile drone incursions over the last month in Poland, Denmark, and Romania has heightened anxieties even further.

Alain Quevrin, country director for Thales Belgium, said his company has been fielding an "unbelievable" flood of inquiries about the 70mm rocket this week.

The firm, owned by the French-headquartered Thales Group, is the only main builder of 70mm rockets in Europe.

"All the European countries are showing interest, for sure," Quevrin said.

When Poland reported more than a dozen Russian drone incursions within one night, NATO scrambled fighter jets, including F-35s, to intercept the platforms.

The Dutch F-35 was pictured with a new marking. Facebook/Dutch Ministry of Defense/Business Insider

At least some of these drones were found to be decoy versions of the Shahed.

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Ukrainian military bloggers balked at the cost of the missiles reportedly used  million-dollar AIM-120 air-to-air munitions, and Warsaw and Copenhagen have since announced partnerships to learn how Ukraine produces cost-efficient drone defenses.

"They are really raising questions," Quevrin said of the countries asking about the 70mm rocket. "'Do we have the right system to address this concern?'"

Read the original article on Business Insider
A former Iowa City West High paraeducator had his prison sentence suspended by a judge after he pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a student.

Joel Munzila, 23 of Iowa City, was arrested in June 2024 after police said he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a student during school hours. Police said the student would leave the school and walk to a nearby neighborhood, where Munzila would pick the student up.

According to criminal complaints, Munzila would then drive with the student to a Coralville residence, where "he would engage in a sexual act with her." Munzila would allegedly drop her off in the nearby neighborhood again when they both returned to the school "in an attempt to conceal his relationship" with the underage teen.

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More: State begins to remove Iowa City historical society collections ahead of lawsuit hearing

Munzila and the student did this about five times between September and October of 2023, when he was 21 years old, according to criminal complaints.

Shortly after his arrest, Iowa City West High Principal Mitch Gross wrote in an email to families that Munzila was dismissed from his position once teachers and leaders became aware of the incidents. The school then contacted Iowa City police.

Prison sentence suspended, but Munzila gets lengthy supervision

Munzila pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor by a school employee in March 2025.

Munzila was sentenced to five years in prison, but his sentence was suspended, allowing him to avoid jail time if he does not violate the law over the next three years. If he does violate the law, he would face the full, five-year prison term, with credit for time previously served.

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More: Ian Roberts was a revered superintendent. Then came the arrest, the guns and the lies.

The former West High paraeducator was also sentenced to a 10-year "special sentence" under the supervision of the Iowa Department of Corrections. It begins after the three-year probation period or the five-year prison term is completed. This sentence will be treated as if Munzila were on parole, according to court documents.

Munzila is also required to register as a sex offender for at least the next 10 years, according to court documents.

A no-contact order between the student and Munzila remains in place until 2030, a judge ruled.

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Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Ex-West High paraeducator avoids prison time for sexual exploitation
(Reuters) -The Trump administration is ramping up efforts to secure U.S. supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors by converting federal grants to companies into equity stakes, aimed at reducing reliance on China.

The administration has taken or discussed stakes in several companies as part of the shift to direct ownership from traditional subsidies.

Following are the companies linked to the strategic investment push:

** Trilogy Metals

Stake acquired: 10%, investment includes warrants to purchase an additional 7.5%

Project: Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) in Alaska, a joint venture owned by Trilogy Metals and Australian miner South32.

Details: The White House will invest about $35.6 million for the development of critical mineral resources at the UKMP, which is located in Alaska's Ambler mining district.

Trump also signed an executive order directing his administration to permit an access road to the Ambler mining district.

Strategic Value: Ambler mining district is a mineral-rich area with copper, zinc and lead deposits.

** Critical Metals

Stake under discussion: About 8%

Project: Tanbreez rare earths deposit, Greenland

Strategic value: Trump administration officials have discussed taking a stake in Critical Metals, four people familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

A deal would give Washington a direct interest in the largest rare earths project in Greenland, the Arctic territory that Trump once suggested buying.

** Lithium Americas

Stake acquired: 5% in parent company and 5% in Thacker Pass JV with General Motors

Project: Thacker Pass lithium mine, Nevada

Strategic value: The project is seen as a linchpin in building a domestic supply chain part of Washington's long-standing drive to boost U.S. production of lithium, a metal used to make batteries for electric vehicles and other electronics.

** MP Materials

Stake acquired: About 15%

Project: Mountain Pass rare earth mine, California

Strategic value: MP operates the only U.S. rare earths mine and is working to boost domestic processing and magnet production.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will become the largest shareholder in Las Vegas-based MP, making it Washington's most high-profile investment to date in the critical minerals sector.

** USA Rare Earth

Status: In discussions

Details: CEO Barbara Humpton told CNBC that the company was in close talks with the White House while responding to a question about potential interest in striking a deal with the Trump administration.

Strategic value: USA Rare Earth has been developing a mine in Sierra Blanca, Texas, and a neo magnet manufacturing facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is expected to go commercial in the first half of 2026
WASHINGTON  The FBI analyzed the personal cellphone data of nine congressional Republicans as part of its probe into the Jan. 6 riot, GOP senators said Monday.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, shared a one-page, unclassified document that he said shows that the cellphone tolling data of Republican lawmakers was sought and obtained in 2023 as part of the FBIs Arctic Frost investigation  a precursor of special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into efforts by President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the 2020 election results.

Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., who chairs the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, said the data focused on calls made in the days around the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, adding that no content was retrieved but rather who was called and time, date and time and length call.

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The document says an FBI special agent, whose name is redacted, conducted the analysis for nine GOP lawmakers: Johnson and Sens. Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina; Bill Hagerty, of Tennessee; Josh Hawley, of Missouri; Dan Sullivan, of Alaska; Tommy Tuberville, of Alabama; Cynthia Lummis, of Wyoming; and Marsha Blackburn, of Tennessee; and Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania.

Speaking to reporters, Grassley alleged that the records violated the privacy of the Republican lawmakers. He also warned that there could be consequences for people involved.

If heads dont roll in this town, nothing changes, Grassley said. He did not say he would bring Smith or other people before the Senate Judiciary Committee to testify, adding that the panel does not plan to conduct any kind of oversight into the case but will instead rely on the FBI.

Smiths investigation ended after Trump won the 2024 election. He resigned from the Justice Department in January shortly before Trump took office.

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FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday night that abuse of power ends now.

Under my leadership, the FBI will deliver truth and accountability, and never again be weaponized against the American people, Patel wrote on X.

NBC News has reported that several FBI agents who worked on cases related to Jan. 6 were fired shortly after Trump returned to office this year. Three former top officials sued Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi last month over their dismissals. The FBI declined to comment on the lawsuit, and the Justice Department did not respond to a request for comment at the time.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he had grave concerns about the cellphone revelation.

I fully support Senate committees getting to the bottom of this outrageous abuse of power and weaponization of the government, Thune wrote on X.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
FBI arrests more than 400 people in New England during Operation Summer Heat

Federal law enforcement made more than 400 arrests across New England over three months in a nationwide crackdown on violent crime dubbed "Operation Summer Heat," authorities announced Monday.

The Boston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested 404 people, conducted 129 drug seizures, recovered 38 weapons, and identified or located 27 missing children in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island between June 24 and September 20, according to Ted E. Docks, special agent in charge of FBI Boston.

Operation Summer Heat is a snapshot of what our agents, task force officers, and analysts do daily to target, apprehend, and bring to justice the most dangerous, violent criminals wreaking havoc in our communities, Docks said in a statement. "This record-setting operation removed gang members, drug traffickers, child predators, and bank robbers from our streets."

The FBI reported some highlights from the operation in New England:

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There were 52 arrests made in western Massachusetts alone.

Two Massachusetts men were caught with 73 kilos of cocaine worth an estimated street value of over $1 million.

In New Hampshire, there were 12 individuals indicted for allegedly conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and cocaine.

Southern Maine drug raids resulted in 35 arrests.

Seventeen alleged gang members were taken off the streets of Rhode Island.

On a national level, FBI field offices netted 8,629 arrests, with more than 6,500 falling under the FBIs Violent Crime and Gang program, officials said. These operations also led to the seizure of 2,281 weapons, 44,569 kilograms of cocaine, and 421 kilograms of fentanyl, which officials estimated is enough to kill 50 million Americans.

Additionally, a total of 1,053 child victims were identified or located across the country, officials said.

Rest assured, while summer is behind us, your FBI is not letting up, Docks vowed.

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A recent court case in Wyoming is raising questions about how the justice system handles environmental crimes. After federal investigators uncovered an illegal dumping scheme that, according to the Department of Justice, "caused permanent damage to U.S. lands," two oilfield supervisors were sentenced. The sentencing, which occurred in August, sparked renewed discussion about accountability and the protection of fragile ecosystems.

The DOJ announced that Darwin Crawford and Mark Orchard, both of Baggs, Wyoming, were sentenced to one year of supervised probation and ordered to pay $28,330 in restitution. The charges stem from a 2018 incident in which the men instructed crew members to dispose of about 10 barrels of oilfield waste at the East Echo Springs Saltwater disposal facility, located on Bureau of Land Management property southwest of Rawlins.

Court documents describe how the supervisors directed workers to "dig a hole and dump stuff from the junk tank," then cover it up. A Bureau of Land Management investigation later measured petroleum hydrocarbon levels at the site as high as 15,200 parts per million (ppm)  compared with just 18 ppm in uncontaminated soil.

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Crowheart Energy, their employer at the time, cooperated with authorities and cleaned the site in 2024 to meet federal standards. Still, the DOJ emphasized that the dumping left lasting scars on taxpayer-owned land and threatened nesting habitat for species like the greater sage grouse.

Cases like this show how quickly improper waste disposal can create consequences that outlast the people responsible. For consumers and communities, they underscore the importance of strong safeguards on public lands  not only to protect wildlife, but also to ensure industries operate responsibly.

This sentencing also highlights how policy decisions and enforcement shape the future of shared resources. By supporting stronger environmental protections and holding polluters accountable, individuals can help prevent similar incidents. Progress toward a cleaner, safer future depends on both industry responsibility and public demand for safeguards that protect land, water, and wildlife.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
By Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission proposed on Tuesday cutting tariff-free steel import quotas by almost half and a 50% duty for excess shipments in a bid to preserve viable steelmaking in the European Union.

Due to rising imports and U.S. tariffs, EU steel producers are operating at only 67% of capacity and the new measures, in line with those reported by Reuters last week, are designed to push that up towards 80%.

EU steel is currently protected by safeguards that cap imports of 26 steel grades, with 25% tariffs above those limits. However, they have steadily risen each year despite declining demand and, under World Trade Organization rules, must expire in mid-2026.

EU STEELMAKERS HAPPY, BRITAIN CONCERNED

The Commission is now proposing a tariff-free import volume of 18.3 metric tons a year, down 47% from 2024 quotas, and a doubling of the out-of-quota duty to 50%, in line with Canada and the United States, though the latter's tariffs apply from the very first ton.

The Commission said the quota volumes would match imports from 2013, when it says overcapacity began. The measures, which will require approval by EU governments and the European Parliament, will also require importers to show proof of the origin of their steel.

Axel Eggert, director general of European steel association Eurofer, said the measures would cut imports to a 15% market share and were the vital step the industry was seeking, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of jobs.

The bloc will also need to enter negotiations with WTO partners, the outcome of which could be tariff-free allocations. Only European Economic Area countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will be exempt.

Britain, the eighth-largest exporter of steel to the EU, said it was pushing Brussels for urgent clarification.

"It's vital we protect trade flows between the UK and EU and we will work with our closest allies to address global challenges rather than adding to our industries' woes," Industry Minister Chris McDonald said in a statement.

Director General of UK Steel Gareth Stace told Times Radio the impact would be devastating.

The top exporters of steel to the EU in 2024 were Turkey, India, South Korea, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Ukraine.

The new system could help secure a deal with the United States to replace 50% U.S. tariffs with a quota system, as outlined in the U.S.-EU deal at the end of July.

The EU hopes like-minded partners will cooperate to address overcapacity, which could involve ring-fencing their respective production from China in particular.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, additional reporting by Catarina Demony in London; editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
Texas National Guard soldiers headed to Chicago on Monday as Illinois joined Oregon and California in challenging the Trump administration for federalizing state militias to protect immigration agents.

The Democratic-led states filed a litany of lawsuits against the White House over the weekend, alleging that President Donald Trump had taken unprecedented steps to exert military authority against U.S. civilians.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said on Monday that federal officials had not coordinated with him before launching what the Democratic governor called the unconstitutional invasion of Illinois by the federal government.

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Hours earlier, the Democratic mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, announced an executive order that would establish ICE-free zones, prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement from operating on city-owned property.

In a post on X, Utah Sen. Mike Lee questioned whether Johnson had ever read the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which makes federal statute the supreme law of the land, overriding state or local policies.

Johnsons order came after Chicago residents appeared to violently interfere with federal operations on Saturday when ICE officials were boxed in by vehicles and a crowd, resulting in several arrests and the shooting of one woman.

In an emergency hearing held on Monday, a federal judge did not immediately block National Guardsmen from entering the city, postponing a hearing on the issue until Thursday, according to the New York Times.

Protester stand off against police and federal officers at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, Ore. on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. | Ethan Swope

Did Trump act constitutionally?

Trump has characterized blue-state opposition to federal operations as an effort to shelter dangerous criminals. Critics, including a Trump-appointed judge, argue that the National Guard deployment exceeds constitutional limits.

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The former head of the Utah National Guard, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Jefferson Burton, told the Deseret News that Trumps mobilization of the National Guard falls under Title 10 authorities, permitting him to make the National Guard part of federal forces during national emergencies.

Its not breaking statutes currently in place, but it does test the norms to some degree because in most cases presidents dont do this without a governor requesting those troops, Burton said. And so Im not surprised that courts are saying, Wait, slow down.

Burton, who also serves as a state lawmaker from Salem, said the administrations legal confrontation represents a fundamental disagreement on a sensitives states rights issue about the National Guards role in helping enforce federal initiatives.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has previously been outspoken about federal overreach related to National Guard units. In August, Cox said he supported the Utah National Guard aiding ICE as long as it did not include participating in arrests.

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Trumps June 7 order to federalize National Guard troops, even against a states wishes, is unprecedented, said ACLU National Security Project Director Hina Shamsi in response to a question from the Deseret News.

The statutes Trump invoked only apply during true emergencies as determined in good faith and honest judgement  and the situations in Portland and Chicago do not meet that threshold, according to Shamsi.

In Portland, and I would say its the same elsewhere, there is no good faith-honest judgment basis for deploying federalized National Guard troops over the objections of governors, Shamsi said.

On Sept. 29, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered 200 Oregon National Guard soldiers to be deployed to Portland to protect federal immigration facilities, where protests had consistently taken place since June.

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On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, put the move on hold, ruling that the troops were not needed to enforce laws, suppress an insurrection or repel an invasion.

Immergut expanded her original restraining order during an emergency hearing on Sunday to include the National Guard of any state sent to Oregon after the Trump administration attempted to deploy troops from California and Texas.

Can the National Guard fight city crime?

The lawsuit did not directly impact Trumps order sending the National Guard to Chicago, where the president has promised to quell persistent gang violence, in addition to providing protection for federal immigration agents.

Those who claim Trumps efforts are tantamount to turning the U.S. military against Americans are escalating an already tense political moment, according to Rafael Mangual, a senior fellow in criminal justice policy at the Manhattan Institute.

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Its irresponsible to ratchet up the rhetoric to suggest that this is some kind of attack on American citizens within these cities, Mangual said.

It is clear from the multiple assaults on ICE officers in recent weeks that they need help, according to Mangual. But it is essential to distinguish between the two different justifications for deploying the guard.

While the National Guard is not prepared to fulfill local law enforcement duties, it is equipped to support ICE agents during protests and to maintain order around facilities  especially where there is a perceived lack of help from local law enforcement, Mangual said.

It is unclear whether efforts to decrease crime using the National Guard in Washington, D.C., have been effective, Mangual said. And if Trump tried to use troops outside of the capital to fight local crime then it would create legal uncertainties about the National Guards jurisdiction.

What I would like to see is a world in which ... Portland and Chicago come to realize the error of their ways, come to understand that they do have a serious crime and disorder problem, and authorize their police to do the things that those police have trained to do, Mangual said.
PARIS (Reuters) -Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has proposed to focus talks with other politicians on the budget and the future of New Caledonia, Lecornu's office said on Tuesday.

Lecornu, who held talks with leaders of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance and conservatives in the so-called "common platform" earlier on Tuesday to see if they can agree on a new cabinet that pleases both sides, will hold more talks this afternoon and on Wednesday morning, the statement added.

Lecornu had started the two days of last-ditch talks a day after his shock resignation, in an effort to find a way out of the country's political crisis. Macron tasked Lecornu on Monday with holding the talks, setting a deadline for Wednesday evening.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and Elizabeth Pineau;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  An organization helping families in need furnish their homes is in need of some assistance of its own.

The Furniture Mission of South Dakota served a record number of households in 2024.

2,024 is what we served last year, Furniture Mission President Dustin Hansen said.

Dustin Hansen says the organization was on pace to match that number this year, but has to hit the pause button.

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We are going to shut down operations for a little bit so we can move into our new space, Hansen said.

The Furniture Mission is preparing to make the transition to its new location along S. Van Eps Avenue in Sioux Falls, and will be closed beginning this Wednesday and into November.

Weve just got to have some time to do it and get into our new space. Get in here and live and make sure that we can serve families going forward, Hansen said.

Not taking donations, not serving clients for that quick 30 day time frame, Executive Director Janean Michalov said.

Executive Director Janean Michalov says the organization will also need help moving its current inventory of furniture to the new building.

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Well have a lot of opportunities for people to jump in, whether you have an hour of time or you have a half a day, you have a team of people that could come in for a full day. Many hands make light work, Michalov said.

Assisting thousands of families requires tens of thousands of furniture pieces and household items, and that takes space.

What started as this little nondescript storefront downtown 20 years ago has really changed the community of Sioux Falls, Michalov said.

Its doubled the amount of space that well have from two locations that we currently had so itll give us that flexibility to have more furniture and to serve more families in the community, Hansen said.

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And maybe one day all of South Dakota.

Hansen says the Furniture Mission currently serves the Sioux Falls metro area, but does hope to one day help families across the state.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
A tornado on June 20, 2025, bent signs and destroyed a shelter belt along N.D. Route 46, about 3 miles east of Enderlin, North Dakota. (Photo by Dan Koeck/For the North Dakota Monitor)

North Dakota wont get federal disaster relief for communities affected by the June 20-21 storms until after the government shutdown ends, according to the state Department of Emergency Services.

President Donald Trump last month approved Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief to help communities damaged by the severe weather repair and replace infrastructure. The storms included several tornadoes, as well as large hail and heavy wind, which caused significant damage to the states agricultural industry.

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The state will not be reimbursed for any damages while the shutdown is ongoing, but officials will continue working on reimbursement requests to submit to the federal government in the meantime, according to the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

The presidential declaration, which did not include a dollar amount, makes federal assistance available to 19 counties.

A preliminary estimate of the damages submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency in July exceeded $11.4 million.

The Department of Emergency Services in a September Emergency Commission meeting said it expects to receive about $16 million in relief money from the federal government. Officials said they expect the state to provide about $2.5 million in assistance.

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The 19 counties eligible for relief under the presidential declaration are Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Eddy, Emmons, Foster, Grant, Griggs, Kidder, McLean, Morton, Oliver, Ransom, Sheridan, Sioux, Steele, Stutsman, Traill and Wells.

The National Weather Service on Monday announced that a tornado that touched down in Enderlin on June 20 had been upgraded to an EF5, the most severe category of tornado. EF5 tornadoes have top wind speeds exceeding 200 mph.

The Enderlin tornado is believed to be the first EF5 in the United States since 2013, according to the National Weather Service website.

The Governors Office in September submitted a separate request for federal disaster relief for August storms, which is still under review. The storm caused an estimated $6 million in damage, especially to electrical infrastructure. The state has requested assistance for Barnes, Grand Forks, Griggs, Kidder, Nelson, Steele and Stutsman counties.

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The federal government shut down on Wednesday after Congress failed to adopt a budget or stopgap funding, resulting in hundreds of thousands of federal employees being put on furlough and others working without pay. North Dakota agencies last week said that they expect federally funded services provided through the state to be largely unaffected by the shutdown.

North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com.

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The FBI spied on nine Republican legislators while laying the groundwork to prosecute now-President Donald Trump, according to a new document.

Sen. Chuck Grassley released a document October 7 alleging that the Biden FBI prepared for the election case against President Donald Trump by spying on the following Republican legislators: Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Sens. Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama.

This document shows the Biden FBI spied on 8 of my Republican Senate colleagues during its Arctic Frost investigation into election conspiracy Arctic Frost later became Jack Smiths elector case against Trump BIDEN FBI WEAPONIZATION = WORSE THAN WATERGATE pic.twitter.com/V2JyiVlX48  Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) October 6, 2025

The FBI obtained data in 2023 about senators phone use from January 4 to January 7, 2021, according to a press release from the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. That data showed the time, recipient, duration, and location of their phone calls.

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FBI Special Agent [redacted] conducted preliminary toll analysis on limited toll records associated with the following U.S. Senators, reads the recently-unearthed document.

The document, dated September 27, 2023, was part of investigation Arctic Frost  which set the stage for Special Counsel Jack Smiths prosecution of Trump for allegedly trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. According to ABC News, a judge dismissed the case in November 2024.

Deranged Jack Smith got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Trump posted on Truth Social after the recent document went public. A real sleazebag!!!

Grassley called the conduct disturbing and outrageous in a press release.

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Based on the evidence to-date, Arctic Frost and related weaponization by federal law enforcement under Biden was arguably worse than Watergate, Grassley said. The FBIs actions were an unconstitutional breach, and Attorney General Bondi and Director Patel need to hold accountable those involved in this serious wrongdoing.

Grassley began oversight of the Arctic Frost investigation in July 2022, after reports from whistleblowers.

The FBI launched the Arctic Frost investigation in April 2022, led by former agent Timothy Thibault  who gained a reputation as a prolific anti-Trump FBI agent, according to The Federalist. The case was assigned to Smith in November 2022.

During the course of the investigation, officials in Bidens White House helped the FBI obtain the government cell phones of Trump and former Vice President Mike Pence, as Grassley revealed earlier this year. The FBI drew the investigations scope to include 92 Republican-linked groups  like Charlie Kirks Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action.

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Its taken years to get records and advance my investigation, but what the public is seeing now demonstrates the importance of congressional oversight and whistleblowers, Grassley said in the release. My whistleblowers deserve great thanks for what theyve helped expose. None of this would have been known without them.

Grassley said continued transparency and whistleblower protections remain vital to exposing what he called one of the darkest chapters of FBI misconduct in modern history.
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Swedish activist Greta Thunberg alleged on Tuesday that she and other detainees of the Gaza flotilla were subjected to torture in the Israeli prison they were held.

Thunberg told a news conference in Stockholm that she and others were "kidnapped and tortured" by the Israeli military.

She declined to elaborate, adding when pressed that she didn't get clean water and that other detainees were deprived of critical medication.

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"Personally, I don't want to share what I was subjected to because I don't want it to make headlines and 'Greta has been tortured', because that's not the story here," she said, adding that what they were subjected to paled in comparison to what people in Gaza experienced daily.

Israel's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment but has repeatedly denied mistreating the detainees.

"All detainees ... were given access to water, food, and restrooms; they were not denied access to legal counsel, and all their legal rights were fully upheld," a foreign ministry spokesperson told Reuters last week.

Thunberg was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a group of vessels that tried to reach Gaza to bring aid supplies and draw attention to the plight of the enclave, where most of the 2.2 million residents have been driven from their homes and the United Nations says hunger is rampant.

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Thunberg was detained along with 478 people in the flotilla and expelled from Israel on Monday.

Israel, which says reports of hunger in Gaza are exaggerated, has dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt benefiting Palestinian militant group Hamas. It had previously detained Thunberg at sea in a similar attempt to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza in June.

Swedish activists said on Saturday that Thunberg was shoved and forced to wear an Israeli flag during her detention, but Thunberg made no mention of it during Tuesday's press conference.

Thunberg and other participants also complained that the Swedish government had not given them sufficient help while detained.

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The government said in a statement on Tuesday that it had repeatedly advised against all travel to Gaza but that it had nevertheless provided consular support to the activists and stressed to Israel the importance of treating Swedish citizens well.

(Reporting by Johan Ahlander, Ilze Filks and Tom Little in Stockholm; additional reporting by Pesha Magid in Jersualem; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The most dangerous threat to Tennessees safety isnt the Hispanic couple going to work or caring for their family. Its the next flood, hurricane or tornado  which comes from the sky, not the southern border.

However, instead of preparing for real threats, Pres. Trump and Sec. of Homeland Security Kristi Noem are staging political theater. Their latest stunt? Deploying National Guard troops to Memphis  with Nashville likely next. The stated plan is to send approximately 150 Guard members, costing taxpayers an estimated $1 million per day. The soldiers wont be armed, cant make arrests and will be used merely as the eyes and ears of law enforcement.

So lets ask the obvious: What exactly are they doing? Nobody can answer that clearly  not the governor, not the Department of Homeland Security and not the politicians making these decisions behind closed doors. What we do know is the FBI and more than a dozen federal agencies are also coming in waves, turning Tennessees cities into backdrops for a national political show.

Shifting weather trends put Tennesseans in danger

Heres the problem: Our National Guard isnt a prop. These are our neighbors, our friends, our sons and daughters. In Clarksville  home to Fort Campbell and thousands of military families  we know better than anyone the sacrifices our service members make. Out-of-touch politicians are making random, unvetted decisions about troop deployments, gambling with the safety of Tennessee soldiers and draining our tax dollars.

Fire crew rescue people during flooding in Clarksville on Feb. 16, 2025

One million dollars a day  for what? A press release? A few minutes of cable news coverage? A distraction from the real issues facing our communities?

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The real threats to Tennessee are not migrants or refugees. They are floods, tornadoes and hurricanes  dangers that have already claimed hundreds of Tennessee lives and caused billions in damage.

Opinion: Government shutdown is just Republicans acting like Biden

In April 2025, tornadoes tore through McNairy, Fayette, Tipton, Obion, and Carroll counties, killing ten people. In Selmer, an EF3 tornado killed five residents in one night. These lives werent lost because of immigration. They were lost to extreme weather.

The pattern is unmistakable. Once on the edge of Tornado Alley, Tennessee is now at the center. Climate change, driven by rising temperatures and increased moisture from the Gulf, is intensifying storms and making them more frequent. The low-level jet stream, once more active in the plains, is shifting toward the Southeast. That shift means more tornadoes, more storms and more destruction for Tennessee.

Leaders should prioritize natural disaster prevention

The 2010 Nashville flood killed 11 people, submerged entire neighborhoods and caused over $2 billion in damage. Hurricane Helene dumped up to 13 inches of rain, sweeping away roads, bridges and homes, and leaving at least 18 Tennesseans dead in 2024.

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Opinion: Trump wants to cut HIV/AIDS programs, risking millions of lives

And yet, the DHS under Sec. Noem has chosen politics over preparedness. Noem, a climate skeptic, has gutted DHS climate programs and sidelined FEMA at a time when we need it most. She has made immigration crackdowns the centerpiece of her agenda  even when those crackdowns put soldiers lives at risk and siphon away the resources needed for real emergencies.

The result is that Tennessee is left more vulnerable to the disasters we know are coming. FEMA doesnt have a plan for hurricane season. Levees in West Tennessee remain weak. Our communities dont have the shelters, flood barriers or resources they need to stay safe.

Tennessee families deserve leaders who will prioritize their safety, not use them as extras in a political stunt. We need investment in disaster preparedness, not endless deployments with no mission. We need a government that respects the lives of our service members, not one that treats them as expendable props.

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The storm isnt comingits already here.

Its time Noem and Trump stop wasting our money, risking our soldiers lives and distracting from the real crisis. The people of Tennessee deserve leaders who will take on the threats that actually endanger us  extreme weather, rising costs and crumbling infrastructure  not imaginary enemies made up for a campaign trail.

Aftyn Behn

Rep. Aftyn Behn is the State House Representative for House District 51 in Nashville and is also running for the 7th Congressional Special Election.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Severe weather is TN's biggest threat, which leaders ignore | Opinion
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -Hamas said on Tuesday it was ready to reach a deal to end the war in Gaza based on President Donald Trump's plan but still has demands, as Qatar's prime minister and senior U.S. mediators headed to Egypt to join indirect negotiations between the Palestinian militant group and Israel.

On the second anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, Trump expressed optimism about progress toward a Gaza deal. A U.S. team including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and his Middle East envoy during his first term, left for the talks.

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"I think there's a possibility that we could have peace in the Middle East" beyond just Gaza, the U.S. president told reporters in the Oval Office.

A source close to the talks said they had adjourned for the day and the atmosphere had been better than on Monday. Negotiations on Wednesday would be a decisive indicator of whether progress was possible given the presence of the senior mediators, the source said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani of Qatar, which has been one of the key mediators, will join the talks on Wednesday, an official told Reuters, "with the aim of pushing forward the Gaza ceasefire plan and hostage release agreement".

On the second day of talks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, top Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya told Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV the group had come "to engage in serious and responsible negotiations."

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He said Hamas was ready to reach a deal, yet it needed a "guarantee" to end the war and ensure "it is not repeated".

According to Gaza authorities, some 67,000 people have been killed and Gaza devastated since the October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militants on Israel. Israel says 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken back to Gaza as hostages on that day.

The talks appeared to hold the most promise yet of ending the war. But officials on all sides urged caution over the prospects for a rapid agreement, as Israelis remembered the bloodiest single day for Jews since the Holocaust and Gazans voiced hope for an end to the suffering brought by the war.

Even if a deal is clinched, questions will linger over who will govern Gaza and rebuild it, and who will finance the huge cost of reconstruction. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ruled out any role for Hamas.

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HAMAS SETS OUT CONDITIONS

Trump met Witkoff and Kushner, who will join the talks on Wednesday, for an update on the negotiations before they departed for Egypt, a senior U.S. official said. They discussed issues such as ensuring the safety of the hostages and security guarantees, the official added.

"The (Hamas) movements delegation participating in the current negotiations in Egypt is working to overcome all obstacles to reaching an agreement that meets the aspirations of our people in Gaza," senior Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum said in a televised statement.

He said a deal must ensure an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip - conditions that Israel has never accepted. Israel, for its part, wants Hamas to disarm, something the group rejects.

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Hamas wants a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire, a complete pullout of Israeli forces and the immediate start of a comprehensive reconstruction process under the supervision of a Palestinian "national technocratic body", he said.

Underlining the obstacles at talks, an umbrella of Palestinian factions including Hamas issued a statement vowing a "resistance stance by all means" and saying "no one has the right to cede the weapons of the Palestinian people".

Netanyahu did not immediately comment on the status of the talks. But in a statement on X, he told Israelis they were in "fateful days of decision."

"We will continue to act to achieve all the wars objectives: the return of all the hostages, the elimination of Hamass rule, and the assurance that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," he said.

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U.S. officials have suggested they want to initially focus talks on a halt to the fighting and the logistics of how the hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israel would be freed.

In the absence of a ceasefire, Israel has pressed on with its offensive in Gaza, which has increased its international isolation.

Opponents of Israel's actions in Gaza held protests in Sydney, Australia and a handful of European cities on the anniversary of Hamas' attack, despite denunciations by some politicians who said such marches risked glorifying violence.

HOPES OF A BREAKTHROUGH BY CIVILIANS ON BOTH SIDES

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On the anniversary, some Israelis visited the places that were hit hardest that day.

Orit Baron stood at the site of the Nova music festival in southern Israel beside a photo of her daughter Yuval, who was killed with her fiance Moshe Shuva. They were among 364 people who were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death there.

"They were supposed to get married on February 14th, Valentines Day," said Baron. "They are buried next to each other because they were never separated."

Israelis are hoping the talks will soon lead to the release of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.

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"It's like an open wound, the hostages, I can't believe it's been two years and they are still not home," said Hilda Weisthal, 43.

In Gaza, 49-year-old Palestinian Mohammed Dib hoped for the end of a conflict that has caused a humanitarian disaster and displaced many Palestinians multiple times.

"It's been two years that we are living in fear, horror, displacement and destruction," he said.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Maayan Luubell in Jerusalem, Reuters television in Sharm el-Sheikh, Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amsterdam, Steve Holland in Washington; writing by Michael Georgy, Alexandra Hudson and Matt Spetalnick; editing by Timothy Heritage, Mark Heinrich and Cynthia Osterman)
Just minutes after a medical helicopter crashed onto a California highway, Sacramento Fire Capt. Peter Vandersluis found himself directing an impromptu response team of about 15 drivers to lift the wreckage off a paramedic trapped underneath.

When Vandersluis shouted lift, they raised the aircraft. When he ordered hold, they kept it elevated.

Just out of instinct  the people were there willing to help, and they didnt hesitate and followed my exact commands, Vandersluis told The Associated Press on Tuesday. And we were able to lift it up with ease.

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The paramedic, as well as a nurse and pilot on board, were taken to hospitals in critical condition after Monday evening's crash on State Route 50 east of downtown Sacramento. The aircraft had departed a hospital after dropping off a patient when it experienced an in-air emergency and went down just after 7 p.m. The conditions of the three weren't immediately known Tuesday.

Vandersluis was supervising the first fire engine crew to reach the crash, and he knew it would take too long for additional rescue teams to arrive.

Once I heard the woman groan, I made the decision to essentially yell out and get the bystanders to help lift the helicopter off of her, Vandersluis said.

A firefighter tried to pull the paramedic out only to find she was trapped by her seat belt. The firefighter scooted underneath, cut the seat belt and rescued her. The ad hoc team raised the aircraft in about 30 seconds. By the time the firefighter extracted the paramedic, less than a minute had passed.

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The group gently lowered the aircraft to the ground after the paramedic was safely removed.

Valdersluis said he has never led a group of civilians in an emergency response situation before. But he noted his job is to lead the men and women he works with on a daily basis. His training and nearly 20 years of experience as a firefighter told him what to do.

His engine had been responding to a motorcycle accident just nearby in the westbound lanes of the same highway when the helicopter crashed. The engine drove against traffic to the scene and got there in minutes.

Some drivers were already out of their cars trying to assist when the firefighters arrived.

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Aimee Braddock was among those who helped. She told KCRA-TV that she rushed to the crash site after seeing the helicopter plummet to the pavement.

As soon as I saw that everybody was moving to try to push the helicopter out to help the first responders get to the passenger, I just ran over and got in the line of people and was just pushing it as much as I could, Braddock recounted. Then we held it for several minutes, so the first responder could get the person out.

Firefighters said they didn't confirm the helicopter caught fire. White smoke billowed out of the aircraft when it crashed, but Vandersluis said it was released by an onboard fire extinguisher system.

No one on the highway was injured, something Capt. Justin Sylvia with the Sacramento Fire Department called mind blowing" given that the helicopter crashed in the center of the highway.

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People reported that they basically saw the helicopter kind of going down quickly. So all the traffic slowed down, Sylvia said.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration said they were investigating the crash of the Airbus EC-130 T2.

The aircraft was a REACH Air Medical helicopter, according to the company, which said in a statement that they are keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers.

We are in the process of determining the details of this situation, as well as the condition of the REACH crew involved, who were all taken to area hospitals, the company's statement said.

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Sacramento City Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan was on a ride-along with law enforcement responding to the crash and said there were plumes of white smoke coming out of the downed helicopter.

Its really sombering and sobering. I am up flying with sheriff pilots that do this day in and day out. And it really makes you grateful for every day and grateful for our officers and our medical pilots," she said.

___

Golden reported from Seattle and McAvoy from Honolulu. Associated Press writers Christopher Weber in Los Angeles and Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.
Valued at $46.4 billion by market cap, Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (AMP) is a leading diversified financial services company based in the U.S. that primarily focuses on providing comprehensive financial planning and advice to individual and institutional clients. The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based company is set to release its fiscal third-quarter earnings for 2025 later this month.

Ahead of the event, analysts expect AMP to report a profit of $9.42 per share on a diluted basis, up 6.7% from $8.83 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing the forecast on another occasion.

More News from Barchart

For the current year, analysts expect AMP to report EPS of $37.82, up 10.1% from $34.35 in fiscal 2024. Its EPS is expected to rise 8.5% year over year to $41.05 in fiscal 2026.

www.barchart.com

Over the past year, AMP stock has climbed 2.6%, underperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 17.8% gains and the Financial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLF) 19.7% gains over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

On Oct. 3, AMP shares soared marginally after the Bank of America Securities analyst Craig Siegenthaler reiterated a Buy rating on Ameriprise Financial and set an ambitious price target of $599.

Analysts consensus opinion on AMP stock is neutral, with a Hold rating overall. Out of 15 analysts covering the stock, four advise a Strong Buy rating, two suggest a Moderate Buy, seven give a Hold, and two recommend a Strong Sell. Its mean target price of $554.92 suggests an upside potential of 12.8% from the current market prices.

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
Two years after Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel unleashed the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, 48 hostages -- including 26 publicly confirmed dead-- remain in Gaza.

Twenty hostages are thought to still be alive, according to the Israeli Prime Ministers Office. The names of two hostages who are believed to be dead have yet to be announced.

Here are the hostages who may be alive:

Matan Angrest

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Matan Angrest is seen in this undated photo.

Matan Angrest is an Israeli soldier.

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My Matan, survive, hold on a little longer for me, for Dad, Adi, Ofir, and Roi, for an entire nation waiting for you, his mom, Anat Angrest, said this year through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters.

Gali and Ziv Berman

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Gali Berman is seen in this undated photo.

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Ziv Berman is seen in this undated photo.

Gali and Ziv Berman are twin brothers who turned 28 last month while in captivity, according to The Jerusalem Post.

"You will return to the safe embrace of your mother. Hold on just a little longer, survive, and dream of a happy ending, the family said in a statement last month.

Elkana Bohbot

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Elkana Bohbot is seen in this undated photo.

Elkana Bohbot, a husband and dad of a young son, was taken hostage at the Nova musical festival where he tried to help the wounded during Hamas attack, according to the American Jewish Committee.

Rom Braslavski

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Rom Braslavski is seen in this undated photo.

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Rom Braslavski, a security guard at the Nova musical festival, stayed behind to help others when Hamas attacked, his family said, according to NBC Los Angeles.

"He could have run, but he did not.  He was a hero," his aunt, Braslavski Benmenahem, said in August.

Nimrod Cohen

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Nimrod Cohen is seen in this undated photo.

Nimrod Cohen, now 21, was a 19-year-old soldier when he was kidnapped, according to the BBC.

As negotiations continue, his mom, Viki Cohen, told the BBC this weekend, "It is a fragile situation and we don't want to be disappointed again. And yet I feel hope that soon I will see Nimrod and I can hug [him] again."

Ariel and David Cunio

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Ariel Cunio is seen in this undated photo.

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: David Cunio is seen in this undated photo.

Brothers Ariel and David Cunio are both hostages.

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Their dad, Luis Cunio, wrote in Haaretz this week that his granddaughters "don't understand why their father and uncle aren't returning; they live the trauma every day."

"To my sons, Ariel and David: Know that we aren't giving up," he wrote. "I hope we'll see you soon, so hang on."

Evyatar David

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Evyatar David is seen in this undated photo.

Evyatar David "is a full of life person, he is the kindest soul," his brother, Ilay David, told ABC News this weekend.

Hamas released a video of Evyatar David in captivity this summer, sparking concerns over his well-being.

"He was emaciated, skin and bones -- pictures we'd seen only 80 years ago when the Holocaust was over," Ilay David said. "We know that the only thing that keeps Evyatar alive is his faith -- and you can see it in his eyes."

Guy Gilboa-Dalal

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Guy Gilboa-Dalal is seen in this undated photo.

Brothers Guy and Gal Gilboa-Dalal were at the Nova music festival when Guy Gilboa-Dalal was kidnapped.

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Hamas published a propaganda video last month in which he briefly could be seen.

Its so hard missing him all day every day, thinking about him all day every day, Gal Gilboa-Dalal told The Guardian this month. And as time goes by its getting harder and harder [to bear], and harder and harder to see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Maxim Herkin

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Maxim Herkin is seen in this undated photo.

Maxim Herkin is a dual Russian-Israeli citizen who moved to Israel from Ukraine, according to his family. Waiting for him at home are his partner, his young daughter, his mother and his younger brother.

Eitan Horn

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Eitan Horn is seen in this undated photo.

Eitan Horn is a beloved youth leader who helped welcome newcomers to Israel, according to The Jerusalem Post.

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His brother, Iair Horn, was also held hostage and was released in February.

Bipin Joshi

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Bipin Joshi is seen in this undated photo.

Bipin Joshi, a Nepalese agriculture student who was in Israel to study, was kidnapped from a kibbutz, according to The Times of Israel.

We just want him back, his sister said in August, according to the newspaper. Its too much for me and my family."

Segev Kalfon

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Segev Kalfon is seen in this undated photo.

Segev Kalfon was working in a bakery and studying finance before he was taken hostage at the Nova music festival, according to his mother.

His family is very concerned for his safety, noting that he was suffering from severe anxiety before he was kidnapped.

Bar Abraham Kupershtein

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Bar Abraham Kupershtein is seen in this undated photo.

Bar Abraham Kupershtein was trying to save lives and evacuate injured people from the Nova music festival when he was taken hostage, his family told The Jerusalem Post.

Omri Miran

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Omri Miran is seen in this undated photo.

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Omri Miran's family said they are desperate to reunite him with his wife, Lishay, and two young daughters, Roni and Alma.

"Roni just celebrated her 4th birthday -- a second without her father," his brother-in-law, Moshe Lavi, told NPR in August. "Alma is 2 years old -- never celebrated a birthday with her father. He was kidnapped when she was 6 months old. I want to see him back with Lishay, my sister, with his father, Danny, and his siblings."

Eitan Abraham Mor

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Eitan Abraham Mor is seen in this undated photo.

Eitan Abraham Mor was a security guard at the Nova festival who was seen helping others get to safety, The Times of Israel reported.

Tamir Nimrodi

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Tamir Nimrodi is seen in this undated photo.

Tamir Nimrodi, who was 18 years old when he was kidnapped barefoot and without his glasses, according to The Jerusalem Post.

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He always said I was his best friend. ... I pray for the chance to have moments with him again," said his mom, Herut Nimrodi. "The emptiness in my heart is indescribable.

Yosef-Chaim Ohana

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Yosef-Chaim Ohana is seen in this undated photo.

Yosef-Chaim Ohana was at the musical festival with his friends to celebrate before he left for a pilot course in the United States, according to The Jerusalem Post. Ohana was among those trying to help people at the festival.

Alon Ohel

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Alon Ohel is seen in this undated photo.

Alon Ohel, now 24, was at the Nova music festival when he was taken hostage, the family told ABC News. Hamas published a propaganda video last month in which he briefly could be seen.

"I could see his smile -- it was amazing.  I saw him smiling for a second, it's like a millisecond, Alon Ohels mom, Idit Ohel, told ABC News last month. I've been dreaming of him coming home, she said.

Avinatan Or

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Avinatan Or is seen in this undated photo.

Avinatan Or and his girlfriend, Noa Argamani, were both kidnapped at the Nova music festival and immediately separated. Argamani was rescued last year.

Matan Zangauker

Hostage Families Forum - PHOTO: Matan Zangauker is seen in this undated photo.

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Matan Zangauker was kidnapped with his girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was released in November 2023. She told USA Today earlier this year that she couldn't focus on healing while her boyfriend remained in captivity.

"My Matan, stay strong," his mom, Einav Zangauker, wrote in a letter to her son published in Haartez this week. "I will never give up on you."

As talks between Hamas and Israel continue about the potential release of the remaining hostages, the bodies of 26 hostages who are confirmed dead remain in Gaza.

They are identified as: Itay Chen, Inbar Hayman, Arie Zalmanowicz, Lior Rudaeff, Eliyahu Margalit, Meny Godard, Amiram Cooper, Tamir Adar, Muhammad Al-Atarash, Sahar Baruch, Uriel Baruch, Ronen Engel, Hadar Goldin, Ran Gvili, Tal Haimi, Guy Illouz, Eitan Levi, Joshua Loitu Mollel, Omer Neutra, Dror Oz, Daniel Oz, Daniel Peretz, Yossi Sharabi, Asaf Hamami, Sonthaya Oakkharasri and Sudthisak Rinthalak.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is employing a "tactic of moral blackmail" against Hungary to push Ukraine's bid for EU membership, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Oct. 6.

Orban's increasingly sharp rhetoric on Ukraine aligns with his anti-EU and nationalist messaging ahead of Hungary's 2026 parliamentary election.

"(Zelensky) is once again using his usual tactic of moral blackmail to push countries into supporting his war efforts," Orban wrote. "Hungary has no moral obligation to support Ukraine's EU accession."

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"No country has ever blackmailed its way into the EU  and it won't happen this time either. The EU Treaty leaves no room for ambiguity: membership is decided by the member states, unanimously."

Orban cited a survey showing that most Hungarians allegedly oppose Ukraine's EU membership.

The poll has faced criticism over its credibility and transparency. Testing reportedly showed that respondents could vote multiple times using different email addresses.

Since 2010, Orban's government has conducted more than a dozen similar national consultations  non-binding letter campaigns with leading questions designed to reinforce government positions.

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Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and was granted candidate status a few months later.

As an EU member, Hungary has the power to veto any future progress in Ukraine's accession process.

Orban, the EU's most openly pro-Russian leader, has maintained close ties with the Kremlin, repeatedly blocked or delayed military assistance to Ukraine, and echoed Kremlin narratives.

His government has been accused of weakening democratic institutions and aligning with Moscow.

The remark followed Zelensky's claim on Sept. 26 that reconnaissance drones, likely belonging to Hungary, violated Ukraine's airspace near the shared border.

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In response to the allegations, Orban said Ukraine was "not a sovereign country."

Read also: Analysis: Ukraine support wavers  but Central Europe hasnt fallen to Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Current and former officials are reportedly frustrated that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency hasnt been able to arrest and detain more people in recent months, despite ICE getting an unprecedented $45 billion in new funding to expand its detention capacities as part of the Trump administrations Big, Beautiful Bill spending package in July.

The average number of migrants in custody per day has barely grown since the infusion of funding, while immigration arrests have fallen 11 percent since June and remain well below the administrations reported 3,000-person-per-day goal, though deportations have tripled overall since January.

Theres extreme frustration that the presidents agenda  when it comes to ICE beds, and therefore deportations  is not going to happen, a former Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employee told The Atlantic, which reported on the alleged internal tensions.

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The White House worked for months to get the reconciliation bill over the finish line. Why did you just lobby Congress for months saying you needed the money if you dont intend to spend it?

The officials pointed to a few key factors behind the pace, including a reported Homeland Security policy requiring Secretary Kristi Noem to personally sign off on contracts worth more than $100,000, as well as the influence of DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski.

Protesters gather outside a downtown ICE facility in Portland, Oregon, which has become a focal point of nightly protests against the Trump administration (Getty)

During his time advising the department, DHS has appeared to prioritize agreements with Republican-led jurisdictions such as Louisiana and Florida to use state detention facilities to house federal immigration detainees, rather than at the typically lower-cost, higher-capacity privately run facilities that have long been a fixture of the U.S. immigration system.

The DHS adviser has defended the administrations strategy, arguing it is securing fairer agreements with detention providers.

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We are asking all vendors to provide the best value, Lewandowski told the magazine of his negotiations with detention contractors. Theyve all come back and said, You know what? We can do better. We can do better because we understand.

Immigration officials reportedly blame DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski for the slow pace of expansion of the countrys immigration detention capabilities despite ICE getting billions in new funding (Getty)

He also dismissed claims that he and Noem are pursuing state-led agreements with an eye towards building Noems political profile for a rumored 2028 vice-presidential campaign, calling such thinking absurd and pointing to Noems established political profile and connections from her time as governor of South Dakota.

The Trump administration has said it intends to use the increased funding to bulk out the immigration detention network to greater than 100,000 beds, though current capacity appears to be tens of thousands of beds fewer than this goal.

The Trump administration has struck multiple agreements with Republican-led jurisdictions such as Florida and Louisiana to use state facilities to house federal immigration detainees (AP)

That could complicate the rollout of a related White House initiative to use $30 billion to hire 10,000 more immigration officers by the years end.

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As the Trump administration pursues what it hopes will be a record number of deportations, existing detention facilities have faced overcrowding and poor conditions, according to lawyers and detainees themselves.

At least 17 people died in immigration detention this fiscal year, which ended in September, up from 12 in the previous period, marking one of the deadliest years for immigration detainees in the last two decades.
ELWOOD, Ill. (AP)  National Guard members from Texas were getting settled at an Army Reserve center in Illinois on Tuesday, the most visible sign yet of the Trump administration's plan to send troops to the Chicago area despite a lawsuit and vigorous opposition from Democratic elected leaders.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has accused President Donald Trump of using troops as political props and pawns, said he didn't get a heads-up from Washington.

The Associated Press saw military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, 55 miles (89 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. Trucks marked Emergency Disaster Services pulled in and out, dropping off portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in rows. Extra fencing was spread across the perimeter.

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The Guard's exact mission was not immediately clear, though the Trump administration has an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the nations third-largest city, and protesters have frequently rallied at an immigration building outside Chicago in Broadview. The president repeatedly has described Chicago in hostile terms, calling it a hell hole of crime, although police statistics show significant drops in most crimes, including homicides.

Trumps bid to deploy the military on U.S. soil over local opposition has triggered a conflict with blue state governors. Illinois and Chicago are urging a federal judge to intervene and stop Trumps long-declared War on the state. A court hearing on their lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday. In Oregon, a judge over the weekend blocked the Guards deployment to Portland, Oregon.

Illinois: We don't need troops

Pritzker had predicted Monday that Illinois National Guard troops would be activated, along with 400 from Texas. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott posted a picture on social media showing troops boarding a plane and declared, ever ready.

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Pritzker said he literally canceled everything Saturday in anticipation of a call from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"They have not picked up the phone and called me. Not once, Pritzker said Tuesday at a gathering of business, cultural and political leaders in Minneapolis.

The nearly 150-year-old Posse Comitatus Act limits the militarys role in enforcing domestic laws. However, Trump has said he would be willing to invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows a president to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to put down an insurrection or are defying federal law.

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered flight restrictions over the Army Reserve Center for security reasons until Dec. 6.

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Robert Hartley, 62, who works at Raceway Pizza & More near the site, said he has doubts about putting the Guard on duty.

I think the president might be overstepping his boundaries," Hartley said.

Months of tension

The sight of armed Border Patrol agents making arrests near famous landmarks has amplified concerns from Chicagoans already uneasy after an immigration crackdown that began last month. Agents have targeted immigrant-heavy and largely Latino areas.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Monday barring federal immigration agents and others from using city-owned property, such as parking lots, garages and vacant lots, as staging areas for enforcement operations.

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In Memphis, Tennessee, meanwhile, police Chief Cerelyn Davis said Guard troops could arrive by Friday. She said a small group of commanders were already in the city, working on planning and logistics.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who supports the effort, has said the troops will be deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service to play a critical support role for local law enforcement, though that role hasnt been precisely defined yet.

A broad military strategy

Since starting his second term, Trump has sent or talked about sending troops to 10 cities, including Baltimore; Memphis; the District of Columbia; New Orleans; and the California cities of Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

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Most violent crime around the U.S. has declined in recent years. In Chicago, homicides were down 31% to 278 through August, police data shows. Portland's homicides from January through June decreased by 51% to 17 this year compared with the same period in 2024.

In Portland, a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has been the site of nightly protests for months, peaking in June when local police declared a riot, with smaller clashes occurring since then. Over the weekend, larger crowds gathered outside the facility, and federal agents fired tear gas.

An appeals court has scheduled arguments for Thursday in the government's bid to overcome a lower court's rulings and deploy the Guard in Portland.

Oregon Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek said she met Tuesday with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and told her theres no insurrection in the state.

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Oregon is united against military policing in our communities, Kotek said.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day said Tuesday that the department needs to work more closely with federal agents as it looks put more officers at the ICE facility.

Weve been trying to coordinate that with the federal response because we have differing policies, differing expectations around procedures," he said.

Noem told Fox News on Tuesday that she told Portland Mayor Keith Wilson that if the city did not boost security at the ICE building, get backup from local law enforcement, and take other safety measures then we were going to send four-times the amount of federal officers here."

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A federal judge in September said the administration willfully broke federal law by putting Guard troops in Los Angeles over protests about immigration raids.

___

Fernando reported from Chicago. Associated Press reporters Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon, Adrian Sainz in Memphis, Tennessee, Sarah Raza in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Scott Bauer in Madison, Wisconsin, and Ed White in Detroit contributed to this story.
Jerusalem  Early on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023, Ohad Ben Ami heard the alarm go off in his community of Kibbutz Be'eri. He and his wife ran into their home's safe room, where they quickly realized that something unusual was happening.

On his phone, Ben Ami could see that alarms were sounding at other, nearby kibbutzim. There were also reports of airborne attacks. He shut the phone off to avoid panicking.

About 15 minutes later, he heard people outside.

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"Then I understand that it is very severe, and it's not only missile attack. It's something much more complicated," Ben Ami said as Israel prepared to mark two years since the attack.

He started receiving messages from neighbors who told him that attackers had entered their houses. So he crawled from his safe room to try to secure the doors to his home. Then, he was shot.

As he retreated to his safe room, attackers followed him. They easily opened the door behind him, which was only meant to protect those inside from projectiles or flames and could not be locked.

When they entered, Ben Ami's wife was hidden, so Ben Ami told them he was alone.

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"I was sure I'm going to be dead," he said.

Former Israeli hostage Ohad Ben Ami stands at his house in Kibbutz Be'eri, from which he was kidnapped during the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, nearly two years later, on Oct. 5, 2025. / Credit: Amir Levy/Getty

But unlike many of his neighbors that day at Kibbutz Be'eri, Ben Ami wasn't killed. Loaded into the back seat of a car, he was taken to Gaza, where he would spend 491 days in captivity.

"In my mind, I'm down there"

During his time as a hostage, Ben Ami was moved from apartment to apartment. Many did not have running water or functioning toilets.

"The conditions were very, very bad. Very bad. All the time, the IDF [Israeli military] is bombing. So we are very afraid to die from our bombs," Ben Ami said.

Sometimes he was held with other hostages, including  for a time  his wife Raz Ben Ami, who had been captured as well. She was freed in the first hostage and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas later in 2023.

Former Hamas hostage Aviva Siegel (L) comforts her daughter Elan Tiv next to former hostage Raz Ben Ami, during a visit to the 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 29, 2024. / Credit: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty

Ben Ami was moved below ground, into the Hamas tunnel network, where he said there was no light, very little food, and the sanitary conditions were extremely poor.

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He was put into an area with two other hostages, Elkaha Bohbot and Bar Kuperstein. Three more Israeli captives joined them, but the amount of food they received did not increase.

"All the time, we are hungry. We are very nervous. We try to struggle and to get used to the situation," he said.

The group began to lose weight, trying to divide very limited food among them. But despite the dire conditions, Ben Ami managed to keep going.

"They [Hamas] let us see television 15 minutes once in a month  so we saw that the people in Israel are fighting for us," he said. "They [Hamas] told us that our government don't want us back. The army, Israeli army, is looking to kill us. The Israeli government won't pay the price. And our families are quiet. But when we saw on the TV that all of Israel go out  this give us hope. Give us a lot of hope to proceed and be strong."

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In February this year, Ben Ami was released as part of the last hostage and prisoner exchange deal, but his companions were not.

Israeli Ohad Ben Ami, who was held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, waves to the crowd as he is escorted by Hamas members before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, Feb. 8, 2025. / Credit: Jehad Alshrafi/AP

"When I think of the five of my friends and all the 48 hostages that are still down there, I'm very, very worried for them," Ben Ami said. "I love my country, and I love the people, but our government is disconnected. And until now, I have the feeling of insult. I feel that they abandoned me."

As negotiations are underway in Egypt on a deal that could potentially see the release of all the remaining hostages, Ben Ami says he's hopeful.

"I speak and I talk  but in my mind, I'm down there. So until they come back, all the 48, I cannot live. I'm still a hostage. I'm a free man, but not in my soul," he said. "I ask all the sides to go to the middle and then ... to shake hands and finish it and bring (home) all the hostages. To give our nation the time to recover, and also the Palestinians. They also need to recover from all this thing that happened."

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Breaking down Pam Bondi's Senate testimony so far

Watch: Blumenthal asks Bondi about conversations with Trump before Comey's indictment

Memo draft suggests furloughed workers may not get back pay after government shutdown
Israeli forces intercepted three drones launched from Yemen within 30 minutes over the Eilat region in southern Israel, a military spokesman reported on Tuesday.

Air raid sirens had earlier sounded twice in the port city at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Yemen's rebel Houthi militia has been attacking Israel with drones and missiles over the past two years in a gesture of solidarity with Hamas.

Israeli forces are continuing to battle Hamas and to attempt to free remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip following the October 7, 2023 attacks in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt (Reuters) -Israeli tanks, boats and jets pounded parts of Gaza on Tuesday, giving Palestinians no respite on the anniversary of the Hamas attack that led to two years of war and underlining the challenges at talks on Donald Trump's plan to halt the conflict.

With no ceasefire in place, residents said Israel pressed on with its offensive, after Hamas and Israel began indirect negotiations on Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt on key issues such as Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas' disarmament.

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The talks on the U.S. president's plan are widely seen as the most promising yet for ending a war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which killed 1,200 people.

QATAR TAKES A CAUTIOUS LINE ON TALKS

But Qatar, which has mediated in previous attempts to secure a ceasefire along with the United States and Egypt, said many details still have to be ironed out.

"The plan consists of 20 points, and all of these points require practical interpretations on the ground," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, told a press conference.

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Hamas handing over hostages seized in the 2023 attack would mean the end of the war, he said.

NO CEASEFIRE AFTER TWO YEARS OF WAR

Residents in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and Gaza City in the north reported heavy bombing from tanks and planes in the early hours on Tuesday. Israeli forces pounded several districts from the air, sea and ground, they said.

Gaza militants fired rockets across the border early on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens at Israeli kibbutz Netiv Haasara, and Israeli troops continued to tackle gunmen inside the enclave, the Israeli military said.

Israelis marking the anniversary of the Hamas attack gathered at some of the worst-hit sites of that day, including the Nova music festival where 364 people were shot, bludgeoned or burned to death, and at Tel Aviv's so-called Hostages Square.

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All of those places remind Israelis of the bloodiest single day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Orit Baron, whose daughter Yuval was killed with her fiance Moshe Shuva at the Nova festival, stood beside a photo of her daughter there.

"They were supposed to get married on February 14th, Valentines Day. And both of the families decided because actually they were found (dead) together and they brought them to us together (that) the funeral will be together," said Baron.

"They are buried next to each other because they were never separated."

PALESTINIAN MILITANT GROUPS ISSUE STATEMENT

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Also marking the anniversary of the Hamas attack, an umbrella of Palestinian factions including Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and smaller militant groups vowed "the choice of resistance by all means is the sole and only way to confront the Zionist enemy."

"No one has the right to cede the weapons of the Palestinian people. This legitimate weapon... will be passed through the Palestinian generations until their land and sacred sites are liberated," said the statement, issued in the name of "Factions of the Palestinian Resistance".

Since the war began, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with nearly a third of those under 18, according to Gaza health authorities.

A U.N. commission of inquiry last month assessed that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. Israel called the finding biased and "scandalous".

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"It's been two years that we are living in fear, horror, displacement and destruction," said Mohammed Dib, a 49-year-old Gazan, voicing hopes of an end to the conflict..

'THIS MOMENT MUST BE SEIZED', EU SAYS

Despite the continued violence, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the "immediate release of all hostages and a ceasefire are now within reach".

"This moment must be seized to pave the way for a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution," she said.

Israel responded to the 2023 attack by launching its offensive in Gaza, while also assassinating the group's leaders outside the Strip and other Iranian-backed groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah, and pounding Yemen's Houthis.

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It killed Iran's top military commanders and attacked its nuclear facilities during a brief war joined by the United States.

The offensive in Gaza has largely flattened the enclave, and left Israel increasingly isolated on the world stage. Some Western leaders have recognised Palestinian statehood and pro-Palestinian protests have erupted around the world.

BOTH SIDES ENDORSE OVERALL PRINCIPLES OF PLAN

Israel and Hamas have endorsed the overall principles behind Trump's plan, under which fighting would cease, hostages go free and aid pour into Gaza.

It also has backing from Arab and Western states. Trump has called for negotiations to take place swiftly towards a final agreement.

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Even if a deal is clinched during talks in Egypt, questions will linger over who will rule Gaza and rebuild it. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ruled out any role for Hamas.

A Hamas source familiar with the talks said the group had requested a clear timeline of an Israeli pullout and guarantees the war will end.

An official involved in ceasefire planning and a Palestinian source said Trump's 72-hour deadline for the hostages' return could be unachievable for dead hostages. Their remains may need to be located and recovered from scattered sites.

(Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Maayan Luubell in Jerusalem and Reuters television in Sharm el-Sheikh and Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amseterdam; Writing by Michael Georgy, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
CHICAGO (WTVO)  Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday condemned recent federal immigration raids in Chicago, calling them acts of thuggery and accusing President Donald Trump of using law enforcement to punish political adversaries.

Trump and the thuggery that his agents have brought has actively made us less safe, Pritzker said during a press conference in downtown Chicago. They have struck fear in our communities, including, notably, fear in the hearts of U.S. citizens.

The remarks came as Illinois filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the deployment of National Guard troops to the city. Pritzker said the raids and troop movements are part of a broader authoritarian strategy by the Trump administration.

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This is not about fighting crime or about public safety, Pritzker said. This is about sowing fear and intimidation and division among Americans.

The governor also accused Trump of using military-style tactics to create chaos and justify further federal intervention.

They think they can fool us all into thinking that the way to get out of this crisis that they created is to give them free rein, he said. That plan will only work if we let it.

Pritzker vowed to resist what he called a power grab, saying, The state of Illinois is going to use every lever at our disposal to resist this power grab and get [Homeland Security Secretary Kristi] Noems thugs the hell out of Chicago.

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The Trump administration has defended the raids, citing a need to remove dangerous criminals and restore order in cities it claims are overwhelmed by violence. President Trump has described Chicago as a war zone and said residents are demanding federal help.

A federal judge is expected to hear arguments Thursday on Illinois request for a temporary restraining order to halt the troop deployment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
A judge in Albania was shot dead after a man on trial opened fire during a hearing over a property dispute, according to local police.

Judge Astrit Kalaja was presiding over a hearing at the Court of Appeal in Tirana on Monday afternoon when the defendant shot him with a pistol, authorities said.

The veteran judge later died on the way to hospital, local officials said.

A father and son involved in the hearing were also reportedly shot, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

The scene was closed off and three people were arrested in connection to the shooting on Monday (AFP via Getty Images)

Police arrested a 30-year-old man identified by the initials E Sh who was later named in Albanian media as Elvis Shkembi. The suspect is said to have opened fire because he expected to lose the case, according to local media.

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The suspects uncle and a security guard at the court were also arrested, police said.

Shkodra police said that arrest was made as the uncle had made comments to Albanian media threatening other judges.

Brunilda Lika, a lawyer at the courthouse on Monday, told reporters during a vigil on Tuesday: For a judge to lose his life while giving a decision for the Republic of Albania is an unprecedented act. I saw the panic that occurred in the courtroom.

She said she was not present in the courtroom at the time of the shooting.

Judge Kalaja had been a lawyer for more than 30 years. Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party in Albania, said it was the first time in 35 years a sitting judge had been killed while doing his duty.

Astrit Kalaja was presiding over the man's case when he opened fire, police said, adding that the man was promptly arrested (AFP via Getty Images)

Prime minister Edi Rama said on Monday it was a tragic event and called for tougher sentencing on gun crimes.

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"The criminal aggression against the judge undoubtedly demands the most extreme legal response against the aggressor," he wrote on X.

President Bajram Begaj said the attack was a terrible attack against the entire justice system.

The British embassy in Tirana said: We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Judge Astrit Kalaja.

Our condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.

We strongly condemn the violence and call for urgent measures to ensure the safety and security of judicial officers and the integrity of courts.
(Reuters) -The Trump administration is ramping up efforts to secure U.S. supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors by converting federal grants to companies into equity stakes, aimed at reducing reliance on China.

The administration has taken or discussed stakes in several companies as part of the shift to direct ownership from traditional subsidies.

The most recent deal to be done by President Trump concerns a 10% stake in Canadian minerals explorer Trilogy Metals Inc. (TMQ, TMQ.TO) as part of a $35.6 million investment to secure critical energy and mining projects in Alaska.

Trilogy Metals stock soared over 200% in premarket trading on Tuesday.

Following are the companies linked to the strategic investment push:

Trilogy Metals (TMQ)

Stake acquired: 10%, investment includes warrants to purchase an additional 7.5%

Project: Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (UKMP) in Alaska, a joint venture owned by Trilogy Metals and Australian miner South32.

Details: The White House will invest about $35.6 million for the development of critical mineral resources at the UKMP, which is located in Alaska's Ambler mining district.

Trump also signed an executive order directing his administration to permit an access road to the Ambler mining district.

Strategic Value: Ambler mining district is a mineral-rich area with copper, zinc and lead deposits.

Critical Metals (CRML)

Stake under discussion: About 8%

Project: Tanbreez rare earths deposit, Greenland

Strategic value: Trump administration officials have discussed taking a stake in Critical Metals, four people familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

A deal would give Washington a direct interest in the largest rare earths project in Greenland, the Arctic territory that Trump once suggested buying.

Lithium Americas (LAC)

Stake acquired: 5% in parent company and 5% in Thacker Pass JV with General Motors

Project: Thacker Pass lithium mine, Nevada

Strategic value: The project is seen as a linchpin in building a domestic supply chain part of Washington's long-standing drive to boost U.S. production of lithium, a metal used to make batteries for electric vehicles and other electronics.

MP Materials (MP)

Stake acquired: About 15%

Project: Mountain Pass rare earth mine, California

Strategic value: MP operates the only U.S. rare earths mine and is working to boost domestic processing and magnet production.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) will become the largest shareholder in Las Vegas-based MP, making it Washington's most high-profile investment to date in the critical minerals sector.
Kadisco General Hospital in Ethiopia has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MindHYVE.ai for transforming healthcare with agentic AI.

This collaboration aims to expedite AI-driven healthcare innovation, improve operational efficiency, and build workforce capacity in Ethiopia.

It will also implement the California Institute of Artificial Intelligence's Dawn Directive programme, which focuses on AI literacy and ethics training with ArthurAI's corporate learning platform (CLP) for development and workforce learning.

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Under the MoU, Kadisco and MindHYVE.ai will investigate pilot programmes across three key areas: clinical innovation, hospital operations, and workforce development.

The partnership will deploy AI to enhance treatment recommendations, diagnostics, predictive analytics, and patient monitoring to improve outcomes.

AI will also be leveraged to optimise resource allocation, revenue cycle processes, medication management, and scheduling.

Workforce capacity-building will provide AI literacy and ethics education for administrators and clinicians while also reinforcing compliance training and internal leadership through the CLP.

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Kadisco General Hospital handles over 50,000 patient visits and 15,000 emergency cases each year.

By collaborating with MindHYVE, the hospital aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, optimise hospital operations, and broaden the availability of specialised care.

The Dawn Directive aims to train up to 500 administrators, staff, and clinicians within its inaugural year.

MindHYVE.ai founder and CEO Bill Faruki said: "This collaboration is about redefining what's possible in African healthcare. By combining Kadisco's reputation for excellence with our agentic AI systems, we aim to create a scalable model for clinical innovation and workforce empowerment in Ethiopia and beyond."

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Kadisco General Hospital engineering director Ismael Khalifa said: "Kadisco has always strived to be at the forefront of medical excellence. Partnering with MindHYVE allows us to embrace cutting-edge AI technologies while ensuring our clinicians and staff are prepared for the future of healthcare.

"Kadisco General Hospital and MindHYVE.ai sign MoU for AI healthcare" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins said White House press secretary Karoline Levitt, who has repeatedly clashed with the media, helped her out of a sticky situation during a presidential trip to Saudi Arabia. (Watch the video below.)

Collins told Trading Secrets host Jason Tartick on Monday that during President Donald Trumps visit to Saudi Arabia in May, Collins was hanging out in the press pool when Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and other world leaders walked in.

Politics: White House Announces Plan To Ignore Law, Fund WIC From Tariff Revenue

Reporters customarily do not yell questions at the crown prince like they do at the American president, she noted, so when Trump entered and waved at Collins, she asked him how the meeting went.

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The Saudi Royal Guard was like, You cannot come to the next event, Collins recalled. They were deeply upset that I asked a question.

Collins, whos also CNNs chief White House correspondent, pleaded her case that she shouldnt be blocked from entering because access is our No. 1 thing.

And to Karoline Leavitts credit, she was like, No, Kaitlans coming in with the rest of the U.S. press. And so I went into the next event. But I think things like that, you know, you can disagree about questions and briefings and whatnot. Press access is key.

Fast forward to 51:00 for the anecdote:

Leavitt, often the butt of jokes bynon-MAGA outlets, played a central role in the administrations denial of access to news platforms deemed unfriendly to Trump. Breaking with precedent, she announced in February that the White Housewould decide who covers the president. The move allowed Trump-toadying outfits into the pool while HuffPost was briefly banned from the rotation.

Politics: Karoline Leavitts Update On War Group Chat Fiasco Has Critics Saying... Wait, What?

Leavitt may have come to Collins defense outside the press room, but their dealings have been tense at times within it. They recently clashed over Trumps military deployments in blue cities. In a noteworthy exchange earlier this year, Leavitt bristled when Collins asked her if banning the Associated Press from events was retaliation for the wire service not referring to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

Kaitlan Collins, left, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, "to her credit," helped her out of trouble with the Saudi Royal Guard. Trading Secrets/Getty

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
In a new civil lawsuit, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman is pushing for online gaming platform Roblox to tighten up security standards and ensure millions of children who log in every day remain safe.

Standing in Frankfort next to a placard calling Roblox the "website of choice for child predators," Coleman said the site has exhibited "knowing failure to protect children from the darkness that lurks on its platform," with age verification measures that are easy to bypass.

This is not happening in the shadows," Coleman said during an Oct. 7 press conference at the attorney general's office. "This vile conduct and the criminals behind it have been allowed to exist right there in the open.

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Roblox, launched in 2006, is an online platform where users can create their own games and share them with others who have joined. Users who download it create their own profiles and avatars and can then take part in activities such as solving puzzles alongside users from all over the world. Signing up is free, though some games require purchases, and users can communicate through private chats and voice conversations.

On its website, Roblox currently touts 111.8 million daily users, an increase from 82.9 million cited in its 2024-25 annual report. About 40% of daily users last year were under the age of 14, according to the report, which noted the company added more than 40 safety features and policies during the year, including limiting chat options for accounts operated by preteens.

But Coleman said those kids are still at risk. A father of three, the attorney general said one of his preteen children inflated their age when they opened an account and was verified on the platform as being 15 years old. Roblox markets itself as "the safe one" among online gaming platforms, Coleman said, but "underneath this cartoonish, innocent venue is something sinister."

Russell Coleman looks on at a press conference in January 2020. Now Kentucky's attorney general, Coleman has sued Roblox over allegations it has failed to keep underage users safe.

Roblox disputed Coleman's account in a statement, saying the lawsuit was "not based on an in-depth investigation, but instead is based on sensationalized, outdated and out-of-context information" and lawyers behind the case have "misrepresented matters to seek financial gain."

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"We welcome a direct conversation with the AGs office and all policymakers to ensure they have a clear understanding of all Roblox is doing to keep users safe," said the statement, which touted additional safety measures such as facial age estimation. "Keeping kids safe online requires a collaborative industry-wide effort, which we welcome."

Coleman noted during the press conference that Roblox has grown into a financial powerhouse by marketing to children. The goal isn't to shut the company down, he said, but to improve safety standards.

They made $3.6 billion last year. This company is not eating Ramen noodles," Coleman said. "What were seeking is for them to apply reasonable security."

The civil lawsuit, filed in Madison Circuit Court, claims kids have been exposed to profane images and dangerous adults on the platform who in past cases have gotten in touch with underage users, lured them to other platforms and exploited them for money or sexual images. The company has repeatedly been contacted by consumers about safety issues but has prioritized "user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety," the lawsuit claims.

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Courtney Norris, a mother of three who spoke at the event, described Roblox as the "wild west for bad actors who are experts at exploiting our kids."

"Like many parents, I thought Roblox is a safe choice. I described it as a fenced-in backyard for kids' gaming," Norris said. "That is the genius and danger I found of Roblox  the illusion of safety it gives parents like me."

Kentucky is not alone in taking the company to court. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox in August with similar claims. While Kentucky is the second state to sue, Coleman said additional lawsuits may be coming, as many other attorneys general he's talked to are "just as interested as we are."

An Iowa family has sued the company as well, alleging an adult Roblox user posing as a minor groomed a 13-year-old child, then kidnapped the teen and sexually abused them.

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Current safety features used by Roblox include chat filters that prevent users under 13 from sending direct messages unless parental controls are adjusted and filters that block inappropriate language and attempts to direct preteen users off the platform or to solicit personal information.

In its statement, Roblox said it is "constantly innovating our safety systems" and frequently adds new safeguards.

"We have rigorous safety measures in place from advanced AI models to an expertly trained team of thousands moderatoring our platform 24/7 for inappropriate content," the company said. "No system is perfect, and our work on safety is never done."

Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Roblox sued over child exploitation claims by Kentucky attorney general
People violently took aim at police officers over the weekend in at least four Massachusetts cities in events police are describing as street takeovers for racing.

Multiple incidents, which occurred the first weekend of October, included setting a cruiser on fire in Boston, firing fireworks at a police cruiser in Randolph, driving a Dodge Charger at an officer in Middleborough and blocking an ambulance from getting through in Fall River.

Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said the takeover events are dangerous, intolerable assaults on our police officers and our neighborhoods.

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The takeovers have ended in property destruction, injuries and multiple arrests. But theyre also not new and have been a nationwide problem since 2020.

Heres what we know.

What are street takeovers?

Street takeovers involve dozens or hundreds of cars meeting up in one location to do donuts, race and drive recklessly, according to the Police Executive Research Forum, a law enforcement research and policy organization based in Washington, D.C.

Sometimes they are called car meetups or sideshows.

The incidents increased in many cities when streets emptied out at the beginning of the pandemic, according to the research organization. However, it has since continued.

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Many of those involved may be bored young people looking for something to do, but these events have led to many injuries to participants, bystanders, and police officers, as well as some murders, the organization wrote in 2024.

Police in Milwaukee warned that these incidents often include discharging fireworks at or from vehicles, swarming responding police officers, attacking other vehicles passing by and delaying first responders in other incidents.

Unlike street races, where drivers compete for speed, street takeovers focus on showmanship. The goal is attention  especially on video, Prestige Law in California wrote in a blog post.

Historically, law enforcement has had difficulty containing these events because they move fast and dissolve quickly, the law firm stated.

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Street takeovers may look thrilling on social media, but the reality is far more dangerous. These events are unregulated, unpredictable, and often lead to serious harm, the blog post stated.

Attempted car strike in Middleborough

The first reported street takeover of the weekend took place in Middleborough at about 11 p.m. on Saturday night, where about 50 vehicles and dozens of people got together in a commercial parking lot at Routes 105 and 28, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Several vehicles used stolen plates, and a Dodge Charger with Connecticut plates attempted to strike a police officer on scene, state police said.

Police later spotted the Dodge Charger on Interstate 495 and began to pursue the vehicle onto Interstate 195 west toward Rhode Island. Troopers ended the pursuit when it crossed state lines and assisting Rhode Island troopers lost sight of the vehicle during their response, police said.

Police cruiser on fire in Boston

A Boston police cruiser was lit on fire as a crowd of 100 people gathered on the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street around 12:26 a.m. Sunday.

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Police had arrived to break up the crowd but were met with cones, poles and other objects being thrown at their cruisers. At least one police cruiser was hit by fireworks from multiple angles.

The fireworks caused the cruiser, which had a police officer inside, to catch fire. Several people also started jumping on the hood and prevented the officer inside from getting away from the crowd or being able to see, according to a prosecutor in court on Monday.

The officer escaped their cruiser after it began to fill with sparks and smoke, and other officers jumped in to help with tasers and unholstered guns, the prosecutor said.

Police saw an 18-year-old, later identified as Julian Bowers, throwing objects at the cruiser and arrested him after a foot chase. A 19-year-old, later identified as William Cantwell, was seen smashing an orange pole off the cruiser several times and then arrested, according to a police report filed in court.

Punched police cars in Randolph

Police in Randolph were also met with a rowdy crowd of more than 100 people who struck cruisers with fists and other objects before setting off fireworks at about 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning, officials said.

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This was carried out by individuals who were concealing their faces with masks and videotaping themselves, police said. These individuals continued and sat on the hoods of the cruiser and lit fireworks off, placing the officer inside in extreme danger.

Blocked roads in Fall River

Police responded to multiple reports of reckless driving, street racing and blocked roadways around 12:26 a.m. Sunday in Fall River. Those incidents were part of a coordinated and preplanned event intended to disrupt traffic and disturb the peace of the community, police wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.

These gatherings intentionally block roads, endanger the public through negligent vehicle operation, and interfere with emergency services. Such actions are deliberate public disturbances and are not protected assemblies, Fall River police wrote.

The assembled crowd forced a private ambulance to re-route on Innovation Way when they refused to let it pass. Later, police responded to Davol and Central streets, where roughly 200 people had gathered, completely blocking the roadway.

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At the intersection, several people in high-visibility vests acted as road guards while vehicles performed burnouts and donuts, and the crowd set off fireworks in the street, police said. Many of those in the crowd wore masks to conceal their faces and showed complete disregard for police presence, the statement reads.

Police described the blockage of Davol Street as a serious public safety hazard for Fall River and surrounding towns because it provides direct access to St. Annes Hospital and Charlton Memorial Hospital.

The group is believed to have gathered in Brockton before traveling as a convoy to Fall River. At the scene, police towed four vehicles and made five arrests. Police also sought a warrant for an additional suspect and are working to identify others through body-worn camera footage.

This premeditated and unlawful event endangered the public, obstructed emergency response, and disrupted the communitys peace, police wrote.

Who was arrested?

There are at least seven people facing charges after this weekends incidents.

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Five people were arrested in Fall River and each charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and conspiracy. They are: Jahir Gonzalez, 22, of New Bedford, Alexander Copsetta, 21, of North Easton, Alyssa Deyoung, 19, of Bridgewater, Mackenzie Benjamin, 19, of Kingston, and Aiden Meehen, 20, of Oxford.

Meehen faces an additional charge of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, police said.

Police also sought a warrant for Brennden Ortega, 19, of New Bedford, on similar charges, as well as resisting arrest.

Two teenagers from Rhode Island were arraigned in connection with the street takeover in Boston.

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Bowers, 18, of Cumberland, Rhode Island, and Cantwell, 19, of Warwick, Rhode Island, are charged with malicious destruction of property over $1,200, disorderly conduct, assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest.

A judge set bail at $500 for Bowers, who posted bail, and $1,000 for Cantwell, who went to Suffolk County Jail in lieu of bail.

Other takeovers in Massachusetts

This isnt the first time police officers in Massachusetts have dealt with these street takeovers.

During the first weekend of September, police officers in Western Massachusetts were attempting to disband street takeovers in Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield.

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Several social media posts alerted police about possible takeovers over Labor Day weekend, according to WWLP.

Two takeovers with more than 50 vehicles in the Racing Mart parking lot on Main and Spring Streets in Holyoke were cleared during that weekend, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenans Office told the TV station.

No one involved in these incidents was arrested.

There were also incidents in Chicopee and Springfield. Overall, several large crowds involving about 300 vehicles were cleared by police in an attempt to take over intersections, the news outlet reported. There were also several ShotSpotter notifications near troopers on patrol, the outlet reported. There were no reports of injuries or property damage.

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In August, Newton police broke up a street race that featured more than 100 cars.

Officers were able to stop and cite some of the drivers, but many fled the area, police said in a statement posted to Facebook.

On March 11, a large and unruly crowd blocked Boston Police officers from reaching an intersection where drivers had apparently convened to perform donuts in their vehicles in a street takeover event well after midnight, authorities said.

The officers said dozens of people surrounded a police cruiser, preventing it from reaching the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Warren Street, where between 150 and 200 people were watching the street showcase.

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Some people punched, kicked and shook the cruiser, police said in a report. Many wore masks to cover their faces and filmed the unfolding incident on smartphones or video cameras.

Due to the size of the crowd surrounding them, the officers said they stayed seated in their cruisers out of fear for their safety and to avoid escalating the situation.

The disorderly crowd that gathered and surrounded the reporting officers motor vehicle were actively punching and kicking the officers department issued motor vehicle and proceeded to shake the motor vehicle in an attempt to overturn the motor vehicle, the police report read. The cruiser was undamaged.

A video of an incident matching the events described by police circulated on social media.

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The group dispersed as other emergency vehicles neared the intersection. Police said they stopped two vehicles in the area but were unable to identify most of the numerous people who had gathered at the intersection or blocked the cruisers.

In April 2024, a large-scale takeover event on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston led to a 20-year-old man from West Boylston facing a slew of charges in connection with a drag race.

On the same night, police in Taunton, Brockton and Marlborough had similar calls about street takeovers, NBC Boston reported.

Street takeovers a nationwide problem

Over the summer, there were at least nine high-profile street takeovers across the country.

These incidents were in North Carolina, California, Florida, Texas and Ohio, according to Fox News.

Policing Matters podcast host Jim Dudley spoke with Sergeant John Ampol of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) on the issue in 2024.

They stated that the bread and butter of these takeovers is social media attention.

Since 2020, police departments, including in San Diego, have had to come up with tactics on how the handle these events. And it goes far beyond simply showing up to disburse the crowds.

It includes impounding vehicles involved, addressing ancillary crimes like ghost guns, drug trafficking, and various forms of fraud, and leveraging social media for intelligence gathering, the podcast wrote on its website.

What are other states doing?

Some states are creating harsher penalties for those involved in street takeovers.

After four people were killed and 13 injured in Birmingham, Alabama, a bill was filed for increasing penalties, the Alabama Reflector reported. Previously, drivers could only get a ticket. Now, they can be arrested, AL.com reported.

Police can also now arrest and charge spectators, according to AL.com.

Operation Knight Rider in various cities, including Birmingham, analyzes data to narrow down and target hotspots for resource deployment, AL.com reported.

In the one month since Operation Knight Rider began, there was 34 arrests, with three of the cases presented to the Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorneys Office for federal prosecution.

In 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed four bills to help law enforcement crack down on this issue after there were loopholes.

Drivers can now face up to a $5,000 fine and six months in jail. Organizers can face felony charges, which includes promoting a takeover on social media or messaging apps. And spectators can face a $1,000 fine.

And in June, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont increased penalties and fines against people who participate in, organize or spectate a street takeover. The new law also provides police with more tools to combat these reckless situations, the governors office stated.

There is now a two-year license suspension for anyone with three or more violations. Local ordinances penalizing street takeovers can also be created to help local police departments respond to these issues. And ATVs, dirt bikes and mini-motorcycles seized from street takeovers can be destroyed by police.

Street "takeovers"

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Question : Regarding the merger of Hawaiian and Alaska airlines loyalty programs into Atmos Rewards, I received a notice on Oct. 1 that as a former HawaiianMiles member, a new Atmos Rewards number has been created  for me.  Unfortunately, my mileage credited to Atmos was only from my HawaiianMiles account (10, 629 miles ), not Alaskas Mileage Plan (in which I had 6, 552 credited miles ).  I thought that Hawaiian and Alaska miles would be automatically combined and merged into a new account, although I had also read that you could manually link accounts yourself online (as an option ).  Over the past few months I was so consumed with major home maintenance projects that I didnt think about doing this linkage myself.  I chatted  online with an Alaska reservations representative on Oct. 1, but she said I needed to call customer care. I called Alaska customer care the next day, but with an estimated wait time of three-and-a-half hours I couldnt stay on the line. Are my Mileage Plan points gone ?

Answer : No, they shouldnt be. According to updates on both the Hawaiian and Alaska airlines websites, customers who had both Mileage Plan (Alaska Airlines ) and HawaiianMiles (Hawaiian Airlines ) accounts and did not link them before Sept. 26 ended up with two Atmos Rewards accounts as of Oct. 1. Your Alaska Airlines points should be in your old Mileage Plan account, which became Atmos Rewards on Aug. 20, keeping its account number. The newer account, which Hawaiian Airlines emailed you about, is your old HawaiianMiles account, which was converted to an Atmos Rewards account Oct. 1, with a new account number.

Customers in your situation can merge their two Atmos Rewards accounts, according to the airlines. Heres what it says on the Hawaiian Airlines website :

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If you would like to consolidate multiple accounts into a single account, please login to the account with the account number you would like to keep (if you would like to keep your new Atmos Rewards number, sign in with your HawaiianMiles User ID or account number and password ).

Once signed into your account, use the Merge your Atmos Rewards and HawaiianMiles accounts feature and follow the prompts to merge your accounts into a single account.

Although HawaiianMiles is no longer its own program, a customers log-in details should still work for the initial Atmos Rewards log-in process, including to merge two Atmos Rewards accounts, a Hawaiian spokesperson said.

The account that you log into first will be the Atmos Rewards account number that is maintained moving forward.

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As for Alaskas customer service by phone, the recorded greeting said Monday that wait times remain longer than usual. People calling about Atmos Rewards, including about merging former Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles accounts, were directed to the airlines websites for information and instructions. The recorded greeting also said that the transfer of some elite qualifying miles from HawaiianMiles accounts had been delayed and would be accessible in Atmos Rewards by Thursday.

Lastly, to answer another readers question, Any existing reservation with your former HawaiianMiles number has been updated with your new Atmos Rewards number,  according to Hawaiians website.

Auwe Public school teachers should not have to be always raising money on donation websites for basic classroom supplies. I saw a teacher raising money just so that each of her students could have a copy of the novel they are reading in class !A reader Mahalo I want to thank the young man who noticed something flutter out of my bag as I was leaving Barnes & Noble and ran after me to return it. It was my to-do list for a very busy weekend of tasks and I would have been lost without it. Mahalo !A reader------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Kyrie Irving and others have joined the criticism of Van Jones after he suggested on Real Time with Bill Maher that Iran and Qatar are running a disinformation campaign that pushes dead Gaza babies onto peoples social media feeds.

The CNN contributor, who previously criticized Irving for promoting a movie widely condemned as antisemitic, accused Iran and Qatar of deliberately trying to divide the West against itself with a campaign on social media. If you open your phone, and all you see is dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby, Diddy, Jones said, to laughs and applause from the audience, as seen in the clip below. Dead Gaza baby, dead Gaza baby Thats basically your whole feed.

Van Jones repeats dead Gaza baby as a punch line. Thomas Friedman laughs along. pic.twitter.com/Fgk2peZ82b  Eli Clifton (@EliClifton) October 4, 2025

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Following the airing of the episode, Jones issued an apology on social media. Yeah, I messed up on this one, he wrote. And Im sorry. I was trying to raise awareness about foreign adversaries creating chaos onlinewhich is undermining democracy everywhere. But what I said was easily misunderstood, and the way I said it was flat-out insensitive. Babies are dying every day in Gaza. Nobody should dispute that fact or make light of it in any way. To the people living in fear and burying family members every day, of all agesI apologize.

Van Jones via X/Twitter

In a follow-up tweet, Jones admitted that what he said was insensitive and hurtful, and said that the suffering of the people of Gazaespecially the childrenis not a punch line. He added that hes praying and working for an immediate end to this war, and that hes truly sorry for his comments.

Van Jones via X/Twitter

But what Jones said, and his subsequent apology, has been met with string criticism. Irving was among those to react to Jones' comments on Real Time.  @VanJones68, wrote Irving, making his feelings abundantly clear.

Kyrie Irving via X/Twitter

Director and musician Boots Riley also chimed in. It wasnt misunderstood, he wrote, quote-tweeting Jones first apology. You are putting forward, on the show and now, that people seeing images of the genocide by Israel that the US is enabling is disinformation by Iran and Qatar. One of the most heinous atrocities in our lifetime, and you are providing cover for it.

Boots Riley via X/Twitter

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YouTuber Ms. Rachel, who makes content for children, also criticized Jones. How can anyone joke about a parent losing their baby? she wrote on Instagram. They arent dead Gaza baby... They have NAMES. That have families who are devastated & grieving. They looked peek a boo & crawled to their mommies & daddies with big gummy smiles. They were their parents hearts, beating outside of their chests.

Ms. Rachel via Instagram

Plenty of others have called out Jones for his comments, including Democratic senator Chris Van Hollen, who accused him of spreading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus propaganda. Radio host Peter Rosenberg also joined in on the criticism and called Jones an utter and complete fraud who has constantly been on the wrong side of everything.

According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, at least 65,000 Palestinians have been killed between 7 October 2023 and 24 September 2025, and over 167,000 have been injured. The UN also reported that famine was confirmed in Gaza, and almost one in three children is malnourished.

Check out some of the other reactions to Jones below.

Im glad Van Jones apologized for his sick joking about dead kids in Gaza.



But the problem goes deeper: he spread Netanyahu propaganda that the mass killings of civilians in Gazaincluding 20K+ kidsis Iranian fake news.



Its not the students and young people who are fooled. pic.twitter.com/MdvpcWRdUZ  Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) October 5, 2025

This man @VanJones68 has been an utter and complete fraud for years now. He is constantly on the wrong side of everything. I am so sick of him being propped up as a voice for progressives. It is a complete lie -- just like everything he said with King Islamophobe @billmaher https://t.co/gnaq1sNyfw  Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) October 6, 2025

Notice that Van Jones apologizes for "insensitivity" but believes people "misunderstood" him. He appears to stand by his belief that we are seeing dead Palestinian babies on social media as part of a campaign by "foreign adversaries," and not because people are upset by genocide. https://t.co/5yx4H6a5HC  Nathan J Robinson (@NathanJRobinson) October 5, 2025

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Van, sorry, but this doesn't cut it.



You apologize for the most morally repulsive part of your comment (laughing about dead Gaza babies), yet double down on the politically most consequential part - the foreign influence allegation.



First of all, you are claiming that had it https://t.co/H9cNCoLLPG  Trita Parsi (@tparsi) October 5, 2025

Van has apologized for a portion of his remarks but is trying to elide what he really said. He has apologized for belittling the deaths of Palestinian children but he is standing by he is absurd and evidence-free claim that we are only seeing these childrens fates because of a https://t.co/AlBfn4FD8J  Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) October 6, 2025

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The city of Las Vegas is giving residents a chance to spread some holiday cheer and clear their parking fines at the same time.

The city manager has approved the return of the citys annual Toys for Tickets program. This allows qualifying parking citations issued between Sept. 15 and Nov. 14, 2025, to be paid with new toy donations instead of cash.

Any toys collected through the program will be donated to Nevada Behavioral Health, which helps local families in need during the holidays.

Accepted items include:

Stocking stuffers

Family-friendly board games

Gift cards

Age-appropriate toys (for children 6 months to 18 years old)

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This years program emphasizes family engagement, encouraging donations of multi-player games and activities families can enjoy together.

Residents who receive a parking ticket within the qualifying dates can bring a new, unwrapped toy or family-friendly game of equal or greater value than their fine to the Parking Services Office at 350 S. City Parkway within 30 days of receiving their citation.

A purchase receipt is required.

For added convenience, participants can also purchase toys online and have them shipped directly to the citys Parking Services Office, but they must make sure to include the citation number in the delivery notes.

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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 KLAS.
President Donald Trumps administration is warning Tuesday of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during a government shutdown, reversing what has been longstanding policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees, according to a memo being circulated by the White House.

The move was widely seen as a strongarm tactic to pressure lawmakers to reopen government, as party leaders remain seemingly at an impasse on day 7 of the shutdown. Democrats are conditioning their support for a short-term funding patch on extending the health subsidies that lessen the cost of plans offered under the Affordable Care Act.

After the longest government shutdown in 2019, Donald Trump signed legislation into law that ensures federal workers receive back pay during any federal funding lapse. But in the new memo, his Office of Management and Budget says back pay must be provided by Congress, if it chooses to do so, as part of any bill to fund government.

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The president during an Oval Office meeting Tuesday suggested hell  follow the law  on back pay for federal workers, minutes after saying the compensation  depends on who were talking about  and that some workers would be taken care of in a different way.

The Latest:

Seeking more immigration barriers, Noem waives environmental protections in New Mexico

The Trump administration is waiving a long list of environmental protections and regulations as it seeks to expand barriers to immigration along the southwest U.S. border in New Mexico.

In a notice to be published Wednesday in the Federal Register, the Department of Homeland Security is invoking an acute and immediate need to construct additional physical barriers and roads in a remote area of the state near the border with Mexico.

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The directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem describes the area west of El Paso, Texas, as a traditional place of high illegal entry to the U.S. Noem is suspending federal regulations there aimed at protecting endangered species, clean water, migratory birds, sacred Native American sites and more.

Laiken Jordahl of the Center for Biological Diversity said there are fears any new construction would take a toll on wildlife populations near the remote bootheel of southwest New Mexico.

House Democrats press Trump on drug cartels he designated as terrorist groups

Several House Democrats say they want President Donald Trump to name the drug cartels he claims are in an  armed conflict with the U.S. government.

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Five U.S. representatives released a letter Tuesday that also asks the president to explain just how he determined the cartels were designated as terrorist organizations.

The lawmakers also asked for the intelligence and the legal justifications behind the U.S. militarys four fatal strikes recently against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean.

Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants in an administration memo, which was obtained by The Associated Press last week. The memo appears to represent an extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers, with Trump effectively declaring that trafficking of drugs into the U.S. amounts to armed conflict requiring use of military force.

Justice Department names new head of immigration courts

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A former immigration court judge and longtime Marine is going to be the next director of the federal office overseeing the nations immigration courts.

The Justice Department announced Tuesday that Daren K. Margolin will head the Executive Office of Immigration Review.

Margolin has served as an assistant chief immigration judge and as a lawyer at the legal office prosecuting immigration cases. He also served in various legal positions during a nearly 30-year career in the Marine Corps.

Margolin takes over an immigration court system struggling with a ballooning case backlog. Immigration courts have also increasingly become hubs for immigration enforcement with ICE agents arresting people in hallways after their court proceedings.

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Past surgeons general argue HHS secretary is endangering' nation's health

Six former surgeons general said in a Washington Post op-ed on Tuesday that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poses a profound, immediate and unprecedented threat to the nations health.

The former public officials  appointed by every Republican and Democratic president since George H.W. Bush  warned that Kennedys moves on vaccines, autism and other issues have undermined the public health system and amplified health misinformation instead of combating it.

An HHS spokesperson, Andrew Nixon, accused the past surgeons general of criticizing the first HHS secretary who is taking on the decline in Americas public health after they presided over it.

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We remain committed to restoring trust, reforming broken health systems, and ensuring that every American has access to real choice in their health care, Nixon said.

Oregon Gov. Kotek meets with DHS Sec. Noem in Portland

Democratic Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she met with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for about 20 minutes upon Noems arrival at the Portland airport on Tuesday. Kotek reached out to Noem after hearing through unofficial channels that Noem might be visiting.

Today, in my meeting with Secretary Noem, I reiterated again that there is no insurrection in Oregon. Twice now, a federal judge has affirmed that there is no legal basis for military deployment in Portland, Kotek said in a statement.

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Noem then went to the citys U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. News crews and some protesters lined up behind yellow police tape that cordoned off the blocks in front of the building.

White House says it will use tariff revenue to bolster food aid program facing funding shortages

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X that Trump has identified a creative solution to transfer resources from tariffs the administration has imposed on U.S. trading partners to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.

Also known as WIC, the program provides vouchers to buy infant formula as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk and other healthy staples but was threatened by the government shutdown.

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Leavitt did not provide details of how such funding transfers might work. But she wrote that the Trump White House will not allow impoverished mothers and their babies to go hungry.

Trump meets with American hostage freed from Gaza and with relatives of American killed there

Trump has met with an American hostage freed from Gaza, and with the family of an American-Israeli soldier who was killed there but whose remains have yet to be recovered.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted a photo online of Trump meeting in the Oval Office with Edan Alexander. He was taken hostage by Hamas in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack that led to the Israel-Hamas war.

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The meeting wasnt public. But the picture also showed Trump with the family of Omer Neutra, whose body is still in Gaza. Peace talks are being held in Egypt over Trumps plan to end fighting between Hamas and Israel.

Trump also met this summer with Alexander, who was the last living American hostage in Gaza and released from captivity in May.

House Speaker Mike Johnson says hell schedule the swearing in of new Arizona Democrat as soon as she wants

Adelita Grijalva won a special election for a House seat on Sept. 24, but has been unable to actually represent her district in Congress until the speaker officially swears her into office. Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has so far refused to accommodate her request to officially take office while the House is not conducting legislative business during the government shutdown.

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Johnson did not elaborate on what he meant Tuesday by saying he would swear her into office as soon as she wants. However, Grijalva could be sworn in during one of the Houses pro-forma sessions. The next one is Wednesday.

Once she officially takes office, Grijalva has said she will join a legislative maneuver to force a vote in the House on a bill that would require the Department of Justice to release the case files on the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Judge blocks changed guidance for teen pregnancy prevention grants

A judge on Tuesday blocked the Trumps administration from requiring recipients of federal teen pregnancy prevention grants to comply with Trumps orders aimed at curtailing radical indoctrination and gender ideology.

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The ruling is a victory for three Planned Parenthood affiliates that sued to try to block enforcement of a Department of Human Services policy document issued in July that they contend contradict the requirements of the grants as established by Congress.

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, an Obama appointee, blasted the administrations policy change in her written ruling, saying it was motivated solely by political concerns, devoid of any considered process or analysis, and ignorant of the statutory emphasis on evidence-based programming.

Federal grand jury in Atlanta charges 2 men with making threats against ICE officer and his wife

A federal grand jury in Atlanta has indicted two men after authorities said they made online threats against an ICE officer and his wife.

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Frank Andrew Waszut and Anthony Patrick Noto are charged with knowingly making interstate threats of violence. Both men were indicted last month, and the indictments were unsealed Monday. They were both in custody and online court records did not show either man having a lawyer who could comment on the charges.

Federal prosecutors said in a news release Tuesday that Waszut posted a video on Instagram that identified and showed photos of the officer, who lives and works in Georgia. Waszut is accused of encouraging people to make him famous and urging anyone who sees the officer to give him the cell block one treatment, which prosecutors said means subjecting him to violence.

Noto posted a comment on Instagram under a photo of the officers wife that called her a pretty good target for anyone wanting to test out a semiautomatic rifle.

Waszut, who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, was in jail in Texas, where hes accused of making separate threats against Republican lawmakers. Noto, who lives in Ronkonkoma, New York, was in federal custody.

National Guard members from Texas are in Illinois in Trumps latest move to send troops to cities

National Guard members from Texas are at an Army training center in Illinois. Its the most visible sign yet of the Trump administrations plan to send troops to the Chicago area despite a lawsuit and vigorous opposition from Democratic elected leaders.

The Associated Press saw military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, 55 miles (88 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. On Monday, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott posted a picture on social media showing National Guard members from his state boarding a plane, but he didnt specify where they were going.

-By Erin Hooley and Christine Fernando

US authorities report 2025 border arrests at 55-year low

Customs and Border Protection said Tuesday that authorities made 237,565 arrests at the border with Mexico during the governments fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. Thats down 84% from more than 1.5 million during the previous 12-month period and the lowest tally since 1970.

There were more than 2 million arrests in 2022 and 2023.

The latest number includes nearly four months of the Biden administration. Arrests fell sharply after the Biden administration imposed severe asylum restrictions in June 2024. They plummeted more after the Trump administration virtually eliminated asylum access and dispatched thousands of miliary troops to the border.

During September, authorities averaged 279 arrests a day. Thats up from 204 arrests a day in August but down from nearly 1,800 a day in September 2024.

Democrats ask Bondi about Tom Homan: Wheres the money?

As Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a Senate panel, Democrats time and again asked her what happened to $50,000 that White House border czar Tom Homan accepted last year from undercover agents posting as businesspeople.

The investigation into Homan was shut down by the Trump administration, but Democrats repeatedly questioned whether the money was recovered or whether Homan kept the money and reported it as income on his taxes.

Do you know sitting here whether he took the money? Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, asked Bondi during one particularly combative exchange with the attorney general.

Bondi said the decision to clear Homan of wrongdoing was made before she was sworn in as attorney general and defended Homan. She repeatedly refused to say what actually happened to the $50,000, though.

You think you got a gotcha with Tom Homan our border czar who has been out there fighting for our country since Donald Trump took office, Bondi replied to Schiff.

GOP senator questions whether National Guard deployment to cities is best practice

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina is suggesting that National Guard troops are not the best equipped to address crime in cities and that instead accountability for policing should remain with local officials.

Is this deployment of the National Guard a part of an emerging best practice that I just dont get yet? Tillis asked Attorney General Pam Bondi during a Senate oversight hearing.

It was a bit of indirect criticism from Tillis, who is not seeking reelection next year, on how President Donald Trump is deploying National Guard troops to major cities as part of his crime and immigration agenda.

Supreme Court seems skeptical about state bans on conversion therapy

The Supreme Court s conservative majority seems likely to side with a Christian counselor challenging bans on LGBTQ+ conversion therapy for kids as a violation of her First Amendment rights.

Most justices on the high court didnt seem convinced that states can restrict voluntary talk therapy aimed at potentially changing feelings or behavior for kids who identify as gay or transgender.

Justice Samuel Alito said the Colorado law being challenged looks like blatant viewpoint discrimination.

GOP senator questions whether National Guard deployment to cities is best practice

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina is suggesting that National Guard troops are not the best equipped to address crime in cities and that instead accountability for policing should remain with local officials.

Is this deployment of the National Guard a part of an emerging best practice that I just dont get yet? Tillis asked Attorney General Pam Bondi during a Senate oversight hearing.

It was a bit of indirect criticism from Tillis, who is not seeking reelection next year, on how President Donald Trump is deploying National Guard troops to major cities as part of his crime and immigration agenda.

DHS Sec. Kristi Noem to visit Portland

The city and police department confirmed her visit in a joint statement after conservative podcaster and influencer Benny Johnson said on social media that Noem was going to Portland on Tuesday.

The city said it received notice of her visit to the Portland area but did not have full details about her agenda. Portland police will provide the same routine support they would for any visiting dignitary.

Her trip comes as local and state officials continue to fight the Trump administrations efforts to deploy the National Guard to the city.

A federal judge issued two restraining orders over the weekend blocking the deployment, and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled oral arguments in the case for Thursday morning. The court indicated the arguments could be canceled if judges determine they arent needed.

Trump praises Carney as a world-class leader and good man

The president said of his Canadian counterpart that he is a great prime minister, and added: He could represent me anytime.

But, Trump said: Hes a nice man but he can be nasty.

When asked by a reporter what is holding up trade talks with Carney if hes such a great man, Trump said: Because I want to be a great man too.

Trump says hell meet with Xi in a few weeks

Ill be meeting him in South Korea, Trump said, referencing a summit that hes expected to attend there at the end of the month.

A meeting between the two leaders has not been formally announced.

Trump says his first-term trade deal with Mexico and Canada could be negotiated  or even replaced

The president appeared to dismiss a key achievement of his first term, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement.

Trump says hell negotiate trade deals on Tuesday with the visiting Canadian prime minister.

But asked about USMCA -- which took effect in 2020, replacing NAFTA -- he offered a surprise. We could renegotiate it or we could create a different deal, Trump said.

He offered no further details.

Trump likens Dem tactics on shutdown to a kamikaze attack

The president said the Democrats started the shutdown fight and that the minority party was taking such aggressive tactics because they have nothing to lose.

Well, theyre the ones that started it, Trump said in response to a question about his message to Democrats. Theyre the ones that have it, and its almost like a kamikaze attack by them. You want to know the truth, this is like a kamikaze attack. They, they almost, you know, they have nothing to lose.

Trump suggests hell follow the law on federal worker backpay

Asked a second time about backpay for furloughed federal workers given that the requirement is spelled out in law, Trump said: I follow the law, and what the law says is correct.

But asked about what he meant previously about dealing with workers in a different way than backpay, the president ducked the question, suggesting reporters would have to find that out for themselves.

Carney says the U.S. and Canada are competing, not in conflict

The Canadian prime minister pushed back at Trumps characterization of the two nations being in natural conflict.

Carney pointed out that Canada is the United States second-largest trading partner and is also a major foreign investor. He said the relationship between the U.S. and Canada are maybe not so much conflict but that they compete.

There are areas where we compete, and its in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works, Carney said. But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and thats what were focused on

GOP senator suggests FBI interview Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after his comments about Epstein

Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, is suggesting that the FBI look into comments that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick made during a recent interview in which he called the late financier Jeffrey Epstein the greatest blackmailer ever.

During a Senate hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi reiterated her previous stance that the Department of Justice has not uncovered evidence that could be used in relation to Epsteins sex trafficking of teenage girls. But Kennedy said that the comments from Lutnick, who was formerly a neighbor with Epstein, suggested others were involved.

Dont you think that you ought to talk to him after this interview? Kennedy asked Bondi.

The attorney general responded that Lutnick had not been interviewed and she was noncommittal about any future interviews.

Trump says there is natural conflict with Canada

The president said theres a natural business conflict between the U.S. and its northern neighbor but said theres also mutual love.

Theres still great love between the two countries, Trump said.

Trump says back pay for furloughed federal workers depends on who were talking about

The president didnt dismiss back pay for all workers, but added, There are some people that dont deserve to be taken care of, and well take care of them in a different way without elaborating.

He also blamed Democrats for putting a lot of people in great risk and jeopardy.

Trumps comments came as his administration threatened no back pay for federal workers in a memo Tuesday. Thats despite a 2019 bill Trump signed into law guaranteeing back pay.

Chicago mayor says he doesnt know where National Guard troops are in his city

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the Trump administration has not told him where the National Guard is, when it may arrive in Chicago or what its task will be.

None of that has been made clear, Johnson said at a Tuesday news conference. That is what is so difficult about this moment, you have an administration that is refusing to cooperate with a local authority.

The City of Chicago and state of Illinois sued Trump on Monday, seeking to stop the sending of National Guard troops to Chicago. The legal challenge came hours after a judge blocked the Guards deployment in Portland, Oregon.

Johnson said Trumps federalizing of the national guard is unconstitutional, its illegal and its dangerous.

The federal government is out of control, Johnson said. This is one of the most dangerous times in our nations history. Johnson said Trump is unchecked and If Congress is not going to hold the president of the United States of America accountable, then I will.

Law is clear on federal worker back pay, House Democratic leader says

Every single furloughed federal employee is entitled to back pay. Period. Full stop, Hakeem Jeffries said Tuesday, responding to a White House memo outlining a rationale its considering for denying back pay to federal workers during the shutdown.

The law is clear, Jeffries added. And we will make sure that law is followed.

Illinois braces for National Guard deployments amid legal challenge

Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat, has said that some 300 of Illinois guard troops were to be federalized over his objections and sent to Chicago, along with 400 from Texas.

He wants to justify and normalize the presence of armed soldiers under his direct command, Pritzker said, accusing the president of using troops as political props and pawns.

A federal judge in Chicago scheduled a hearing for Thursday on a legal challenge that describes Trumps military mobilization plan for Illinois as unlawful and dangerous. A federal judge in Oregon blocked the Guards deployment to Portland.

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott posted a picture on social media Monday showing Texas National Guard members boarding a plane, without saying their destination.

 Read more about National Guard deployments in American cities
Its been two years since thousands of Hamas-led militants poured into southern Israel after a surprise barrage of rockets. They stormed army bases, farming communities and an outdoor music festival, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children and older adults and abducting 251 others.

In response, Israel launched an offensive into the Gaza Strip that has killed tens of thousands of people and razed entire towns and cities. As the U.S. is seeking to broker a ceasefire after nearly two years of war, those who can are fleeing another Israeli invasion of Gaza City while others are sheltering in place. Many are unable to make the arduous and costly journey south.

Gazas Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll in the war reached 67,160 on Monday. A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israels offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide  an accusation Israel vehemently denies.

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Columbia University marks Oct. 7 with campus restrictions and dueling vigils

The university has suspended outside access to campus and barred demonstrations that did not get prior approval, citing a heightened risk of disruption.

But tensions still flared Tuesday as pro-Palestinian students accused administrators of blocking a planned vigil for Gazas dead while allowing a pro-Israel memorial to proceed.

We asked the university to let us pray, said graduate student Serena Rasoul, standing with about 100 supporters outside the gates. But we Palestinians are not allowed to mourn our dead.

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At the center of campus, a Jewish student group arranged 1,200 chairs and candles to honor victims of the Oct. 7 attack. A university spokesperson said the pro-Palestinian group was offered another location and that the schools event policy is content neutral.

Columbia became the epicenter of U.S. campus protests last year. In July, the Ivy League school agreed to restrict demonstrations under a $220 million settlement with the Trump administration.

Israel is 'cautiously optimistic' about ceasefire talks

We want all 48 of our hostages home and expect them to be released immediately, which is exactly what the first phase of President Trumps plan outlines, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement late Tuesday.

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The comments come on the second day of negotiations and as a top adviser to Netanyahu is set to join the talks, according to an Israeli official speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

 By Sam Mednick

Americans grow more divided over Israel as concerns rise for Jewish safety

Two years after the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and the countrys ensuing war in Gaza, Americans are more divided on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and are growing more anxious about the safety of Jewish communities at home.

Partisan divides over Israel long predate the war, but recent polls suggest sympathy for Israel has declined among some Americans as the fighting continues. The conflict has sharpened debates in the U.S. not only over foreign policy but also over the visibility and security of Jewish communities, where fears of discrimination are rising.

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Polls also show concern over anti-Muslim sentiment, although the shift is less pronounced. Reliable data on Muslim and Arab American views remains limited in part due to small sample sizes.

Jewish community leaders and security experts say extra security during periods of heightened visibility such as the High Holidays, after multiple attacks against Jews in the U.S. this year.

 Read more about Americans views on Israel since Oct. 7, 2023

Momentum builds in Gaza ceasefire talks as key envoys head to Egypt

High-level delegations from Israel, the U.S. and Qatar are heading to Egypt as ceasefire negotiations continue there, a sign the talks are gaining momentum.

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A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the trip had not yet been formally announced, said that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to arrive Wednesday.

From Israel, a top adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ron Dermer, was also expected in Egypt Wednesday afternoon, said an Israeli official who was not authorized to speak to the media.

In a post on X on Tuesday evening, Qatars foreign ministry said that Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will also head to Egypt to join the negotiations.

 By Sam Mednick

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UK students march for Gaza despite Starmer calling protests un-British

Hundreds of students and staff from universities in London and elsewhere in the U.K. have joined protests demanding an end to the war in Gaza.

Theyre defying warnings from Britains prime minister, Keir Starmer, who said such demonstrations on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks were un-British, disrespectful and risk fueling antisemitism.

Many of those rallying Tuesday carried flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans.

If theyre offended by this, it says more about them than it says about any of us here. If you think that me protesting for human rights of a group of people is offensive toward you, then that is your problem, said Muhlisa Husainova, 19.

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We are for humans, we dont want to kill humans. This is what were protesting, were not protesting anything else. Were not protesting to hate any other group of people, she added.

Argentinas president, a Netanyahu ally, pays tribute to Israel in a raucous campaign event

The Jewish folk song Hava Nagila reverberated through a giant Buenos Aires stadium as Argentinas libertarian President Javier Milei paid tribute to victims of Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel during a campaign event resembling a wild rock concert.

At the sound of the shofar  a rams horn employed in Jewish High Holiday rites  Milei strutted onto the stage and belted out covers of classic Argentine rock hits late Monday before falling silent in homage to Israel.

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We demand the prompt and unconditional recovery of all the hostages, Milei said. Four Argentines are still being held by Hamas.

Milei,a rare world leader who is outspoken in support of Israels actions in Gaza, led the crowd of 15,000 in a lively rendition of Hava Nagila.

Israel is the bastion of the West, and thats why terrorists and the left wing are together, Milei told the crowd. They know by destroying Israel, theyre destroying the world and Judeo-Christian culture.

Israel criticizes the Vatican over remarks on Oct. 7 anniversary

Israel has accused the Vaticans top diplomat of drawing a false moral equivalence between Hamas and Israel in remarks ahead of the Oct. 7 anniversary. Cardinal Pietro Parolin condemned Hamas inhuman massacre and rising antisemitism, but said Israels destruction of Gaza was itself a disproportionate massacre and urged countries to stop supplying Israel with weapons.

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The Israeli Embassy to the Holy See said Parolins interview, though surely well-intentioned, risks undermining efforts to both end the war in Gaza and counter rising antisemitism. It objected to his problematic use of moral equivalence between the sides.

Pope Leo XIV has denounced the Hamas attacks as terrorism but pointed to the 67,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza as a sign of how much hatred exists in the world, urging people to reduce hatred and seek peaceful solutions.

Czech Republic, a strong Israel ally, urges focus on civilians and dialogue

The Czech Republic, one of Israels strongest European allies, marked the Oct. 7 anniversary with a call to remember the victims and protect civilians on all sides.

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President Petr Pavel said the brutal Hamas attack in 2023 deeply shocked Israel and the entire world.

He urged global leaders not to forget both the hostages who have been held captive for two years, but also the civilians suffering in Gaza, and to do everything possible to uphold the rules, protect civilians and promote dialogue.

Hamas lays out its conditions for ending the war

Hamas on Tuesday reiterated its longstanding demands for ending the war in Gaza and releasing Israeli hostages as Egypt hosted a new round of indirect ceasefire talks.

The statement indicated that Hamas demands, which are at odds with those of Israel, have not changed since it accepted some elements of President Donald Trumps peace plan last week.

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The statement, delivered by Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, said it seeks a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the war will only end when Hamas returns all the remaining hostages, hands over power and disarms.

Hamas has long said it will release the hostages if its demands are met and that it is willing to hand over power to other Palestinians. It has so far publicly refused calls to disarm.

Israelis gather at hostages square to mark 2 years of war

Pictures of the hostages lined the square as some people played music and others embraced, waiting for the ceremony to start on Tuesday evening.

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Many families of the hostages said that while this was a grim milestone, Trumps peace plan had given them more hope than theyd had in months.

Im frustrated and disappointed that we got to the two-year mark, said Udi Goren, whose cousin Tal Haimi is held by Hamas in Gaza.

Still, Trump has been able to rally the world behind his peace plan, creating an unprecedented coalition, he said. The gap between an incredible plan and a better future is will. We see that Trump has the will, said Goren.

US embassies in Europe advise Americans to boost security precautions

U.S. embassies in at least 10 European nations have advised Americans traveling or living there to exercise increased security precautions on Tuesdays second anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel.

Embassies in Armenia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Spain and Turkey all issued identical warnings to U.S. citizens advising them to step up their personal awareness of potential threats and protests.

Due to the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel and out of an abundance of caution, U.S. citizens are advised to remain vigilant, maintain heightened situational awareness, and practice good personal security measures, the embassies said in apparently coordinated notices sent to Americans.

Israeli forces carry out raids in the occupied West Bank

Israeli forces raided areas around Ramallah in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday as gunfire echoed in the air and smoke rose from the urban Al-Amari refugee camp.

At least 35 people were arrested since Monday in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and elsewhere, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, a group representing Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

The Israeli military did not immediately confirm the arrests but said regular counterterrorism activity was underway.

The operation took place while the region marked the second anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war.

Rubio marks Oct. 7 anniversary with pledge to keep US support for Israel

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has marked the two-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel with a pledge that the United States remains unwavering in support for Israels right to defend itself.

In a statement, Rubio also lamented a troubling rise in antisemitism around the world and said there would be no compromise in combating it.

The United States reaffirms its unwavering support for Israels right to exist, to defend itself, and to ensure the safety of its people, Rubio said. As the United States marks this tragic anniversary and honors the victims, we renew our resolve to prevent such evil from ever taking place again.

Rubio noted that the Trump administration is trying to broker an end to the conflict but said that even after it is over, the fight against antisemitism would continue. We continue to condemn all acts of terrorism and antisemitism against Israel, and we call on the international community to stand with Israel during this painful anniversary, he said.

Israel intercepts drones from Yemen

The Israeli military says it has intercepted four drones fired by Yemens Houthi rebels.

The drone fire came as the region marked two years since Hamas attack on southern Israel triggered the war in the Gaza Strip.

The Houthis, claiming to act in solidarity with the Palestinians, have regularly fired missiles and drones at Israel. The vast majority have been intercepted without causing casualties or major damage. The Houthis have also repeatedly attacked international shipping in the Red Sea. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes on Yemen.

Japan warns Israel against abandoning a two-state solution

Japans Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya warned Israel that any action to destroy the foundation of a two-state solution will lead Tokyo to consider sanctions against Israel or the recognition of Palestinian statehood.

Marking the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks, Iwaya said it is essential to stop Israels one-sided actions, achieve a sustainable ceasefire and an immediate release of all hostages and support humanitarian relief to Gaza.

He said all parties should act in accordance with a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In case of a development that completely destroys the foundation of the two-state solution, Japan will consider all options including sanctions against Israel or a recognition of Palestinian state, Iwaya said.

US delegation will join Hamas-Israel talks on Wednesday, Egyptian official says

Egypts top diplomat said a U.S. delegation will join indirect talks between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the main focus of the talks is establishing a ceasefire and the release of hostages and a number of Palestinian prisoners.

He said the parties were also discussing maps showing areas from where Israeli forces will withdraw in the first phase, which also includes full and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza through the United Nations.

He said the negotiations aim at achieving a security mechanism that eventually leads to a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Palestinians in Gaza reflect on the 2-year war

The anguish of loss and a desperate wish for a quick end to the war also resounded across Gaza.

Our families have died, our homes are gone. We pray to God that this war will end as soon as possible, today instead of tomorrow, said Sanaa Adwan in Khan Younis.

Ghassan Abu Rejeila said the war has stripped Gaza of everything that gives life meaning, whether its a family gathering or a decent meal. His wish to watch his children in their school uniforms pursue their education is no more. Weve lost the beautiful moments (in life). Our life has become hell upon hell. Every day, there is killing, strikes, death, martyrdom.

For Maha Shbeir, a doctor at Nasser Hospital, the last two years feel like two decades filled with tragedy, suffering, homelessness and hunger. She said the war also robbed people of a sense of stability. After being displaced eight times, it felt as if my soul was leaving my body.

Trump will meet with an American hostage freed from Gaza

The president is scheduled to meet Tuesday afternoon at the White House with Edan Alexander, who was taken hostage by Hamas in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that led to the Israel-Hamas war.

Trump met in July with Alexander, who was the last living American hostage in Gaza and released from captivity in May.

The meeting, which is scheduled to occur behind closed doors, comes as indirect peace talks are being held in Egypt over Trumps plan to end the fighting.

Remembering their loved ones, Israelis mourn at the Nova music festival site

Families and friends of the Oct. 7 victims visited the site of the Nova music festival, where 400 revelers were killed and dozens taken hostage by Hamas. They weaved through memorials and shared stories about the victims in hushed tones.

People embraced a woman wailing for her loss. Another woman spoke of losing her two daughters at the festival and with them, her identify as a mother.

Alon Muskinov, 28, who was at the festival and lost three of his closest friends, said this anniversary isnt particularly special because we are reliving this every day anew, every day we remember them.

Yehuda Rahmani says he finds comfort in visiting the last place where his daughter was alive. His daughter Sharon, a police officer, was on a security detail during the music festival. Rahmadi hopes to run into a survivor who could shed more light on Sharons last moments.

When you dont know what happened, it makes it so much harder, he said, adding that hes angry the government has yet to launch an official inquiry into that days security failures.

All activists from an aid flotilla have been released by Israel

Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandelas grandson and pro-Palestinian activist who was detained in international waters by Israel as part of a Gaza-bound flotilla, says all activists are now safe and on their way home.

In a video posted to his Instagram page on Tuesday, Mandela, a former South African lawmaker, said he and other released activists were in Jordan.

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry confirmed in a post on X the arrival of 130 citizens from 23 nations including Algeria, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, Libya, Mexico, Pakistan, Switzerland and the United States.

Last week, Israeli authorities intercepted dozens of boats attempting to break its siege of Gaza and took some 470 activists to an Israeli prison before progressively deporting them. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on the latest deportations that took place as the nation marks two years of Hamas Oct. 7 attack that plunged the region into war.

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas underway for second day

Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatars Foreign Ministry, told journalists on Tuesday that the first day of talks on Monday went for four hours. He said the discussions were still underway Tuesday.

Qatar has been a key mediator between Israel and Hamas.

These talks will need some time. There are details we need to go through, al-Ansari said, adding the talks could take days.

The indirect negotiations in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh are focused on a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump last week that aims to bring about an end to the war in Gaza.

After several hours of talks Monday, an Egyptian official with knowledge of the discussions said the parties agreed on most of the first-phase terms, which include the release of hostages and establishing a ceasefire. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private meetings.

We want this war to end

In Tel Aviv, the main memorial ceremony was organized by Yonatan Shamriz, whose brother Alon was among three hostages mistakenly killed by Israeli forces after they escaped Hamas captivity early in the war.

Shay Dickmann, who lost her aunt outside her house in Kibbutz Beeri on the day of the attack while her cousin, Carmel Gat, was taken hostage by Hamas and killed 11 months later, said all everyone wants is for the war to end.

There is a deal on the table, there is an opportunity to end this war and bring everybody back home, she said. We all deserve it, we deserve it, our neighbors deserve it, we want this war to end and all to come back to their homes.
Fifth Third Bancorp has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Comerica in an all-stock transaction valued at $10.9bn.

The deal will create the ninth largest bank in the US with approximately $288bn in assets.

Under the terms, Comerica stockholders will receive 1.8663 Fifth Third shares for each share they hold,

representing $82.88 per share based on Fifth Third's closing stock price on 3 October 2025 and a 20% premium to ten-day volume-weighted average stock price of Comerica.

Post-merger, Fifth Third shareholders will own about 73%, and shareholders of Comerica will have 27% of the merged entity.

Comerica president, chairman and CEO Curt Farmer said: Joining with Fifth Third  with its strengths in retail, payments and digital  allows us to build on our leading commercial franchise and further serve our customers with enhanced capabilities across more markets, while staying true to our core values.

The merger is anticipated to be immediately accretive to shareholders and is expected to deliver efficiency, return on assets, and return on tangible common equity ratios.

By combining Fifth Third's retail banking and digital capabilities with Comerica's middle market banking franchise and footprint, the merged entity aims to strengthen its position in high-growth markets.

The combined company will operate across 17 markets, including the Southeast, Texas, and California.

By 2030, over half of Fifth Third's branches are projected to be located in the Southeast, Texas, Arizona, and California.

Additionally, the merger will result in two $1bn recurring and high return fee businessescommercial payments and wealth and asset management.

Comericas chief banking officer Peter Sefzik will lead Fifth Thirds wealth & asset management business, and three Comerica Board members will join Fifth Thirds board after the transaction close.

The merger is expected to be finalised by the end of the first quarter of 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Fifth Third Bank president, chairman and CEO Tim Spence stated: This combination marks a pivotal moment for Fifth Third as we accelerate our strategy to build density in high-growth markets and deepen our commercial capabilities.

Comericas strong middle market franchise and complementary footprint make this a natural fit.

Last year in December, Fifth Third Bank announced plans to open over 200 retail branches by 2028, with a focus on the Southeast US.

"Fifth Third Bancorp enters $10.9bn deal to acquire Comerica " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.
Latvia has extended nighttime airspace restrictions along its borders with Russia and Belarus, the country's Defense Ministry announced on Oct. 7.

Latvia fully closed its airspace along the Russian and Belarusian borders between Sept. 11 and 18, following a series of regional security incidents. Since Sept. 18, restrictions have applied during nighttime hours.

The restrictions will remain in effect starting Oct. 8, between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. local time. The ministry did not specify when the measure would be lifted, saying it would remain in place "until further decisions are made."

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The Latvian Defense Ministry said the move comes "in light of recent airspace violations in other NATO countries." Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds added that the restrictions are linked to NATO's Eastern Sentry mission planning and coordination with other Baltic states.

According to the ministry, there is no direct military threat to Latvia, but its armed forces remain on high alert amid NATO's joint military exercises that began in early September and are set to conclude on Oct. 8.

The decision follows similar steps by Poland, which temporarily restricted flights along its borders with Ukraine and Belarus after Russian drones entered Polish airspace on Sept. 10.

Since late August, several European countries, including Poland, Estonia, Denmark, Norway, and Germany, have reported drone and aircraft incursions near military and critical infrastructure sites.

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NATO has since launched the Eastern Sentry initiative to strengthen defense along the alliance's eastern flank, which includes deploying additional ground forces in eight member states.

Europe believes Russia is behind the drone sightings but "can't prove it," Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof told the Kyiv Independent on Oct. 6.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
At least 4 Massachusetts areas targeted by large groups taking over streets

Two teens police say are connected to a large-scale vehicle takeover in Boston over the weekend faced a judge Monday.

Julian Bowers, 18, and William Cantwell, 19, both of Rhode Island, were arraigned Monday in Roxbury District Court on charges including assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, and malicious destruction of property, according to the Boston Police Department.

The incident, which unfolded around 2 a.m. at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Tremont Street in the citys South End section, involved a crowd of more than 100 people.

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Boston police say the group threw fireworks, traffic cones, poles, and other objects at cruisers during the large-scale vehicle takeover.

It was crazy. There was fire everywhere, there were cop cars for probably a mile down, said Laila Dellorso, who lives nearby.

Witness Simran Nalhatra described the scene as loud and frightening, with one calling it like a riot.

Bowers and Cantwell were in court Monday afternoon. Prosecutors requested $20,000 bail for Cantwell and $15,000 bail for Bowers. The judge set $1,000 bail for Cantwell and $500 for Bowers. The amount was higher for Cantwell as police claim he had marijuana on him.

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These takeover events are dangerous, intolerable assaults on our police officers and our neighborhoods, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said. We and our law enforcement partners will do all we can to identify and hold accountable anyone involved. No one should think they can jeopardize public safety in such a brazen manner without consequences.

Bowers and Cantwell are due back in court on November 5 for a pre-trial hearing. Authorities shared that similar, but less violent incidents occurred in Dedham, Middleborough, and Randolph late Saturday or Early Sunday morning.

Mass State Police said about 50 cars gathered just off I-495 near Main St. and W. Grove St. around 11:45 p.m. Saturday. Troopers say some cars had stolen plates, and one of the drivers tried to hit a police officer.

Troopers chased the drivers towards Rhode Island and stopped before crossing the border. Rhode Island police eventually lost sight of the cars.

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Boston 25 asked investigating authorities if all of these incidents were connected, but none have confirmed that.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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Tony Haber realized his tequila resonated with the public when people arrived at a tasting at a South Florida Total Wine store and burst out laughing after he said: Do you want to try Tus Nalguitas Son Mias?

A male customer would put on a tough-guy face that seemed to say: What are you telling my wife?

The brand name translates to: Your little booty is mine.

Then, when the Cuban-American entrepreneur or one of his colleagues at Ocean Cask Spirits shows them the tequila and pours a sample, it becomes a conversation piece  and the couple ask to have their photo taken with the bottle.

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We wanted to create a moment of laughter, because when people drink theyre celebrating something  a wedding, a birthday, a party, Haber said of the original concept for Tus Nalguitas Son Mias, which comes in lychee, tamarind, hibiscus, toasted coconut and reposado flavors.

The label features one of Mexicos most popular figures, the catrina, the calavera popularized by engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada that is now associated with Dia de los Muertos and other Mexican celebrations around the world.

A business of renewing brands Cuba

Tus Nalguitas Son Mias is produced at a distillery in Islamorada, in the Keys, using raw material from the Tequila region in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

Haber markets Cuban products in Miami whose rights he acquires through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He now also owns his own brands unrelated to Cuba, such as the Tus Nalguitas Son Mias taquila.

The tequila is produced at a distillery in Islamorada in the Florida Keys using raw material from the Tequila region in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

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Before the tequila he first launched a wine called Tus Nalguitas, which didnt take off. He then released canned margaritas in different flavors under the same Tus Nalguitas Son Mias name, which are sold in Miami supermarkets.

He later focused on Tus Nalguitas Son Mias because tequila occupies a significant segment of the beverage market in the United States, which receives 83% of the tequila Mexico exports.

Tequila from Mexico, with a Guatemalan flavor

Tony Haber, Will Trueba, Dunia Miranda, Andres Gonzalez, and Gisela Trueba try the dishes Miranda prepared with Tus Nalguitas Son Mias tequila.

Through his company Ocean Cask Spirits, Haber partnered with Guatemalan businessman Andres Gonzalez, who has experience in marketing and beverage import-export. He comes from a family with a long tradition of rum production in Guatemala, including Ron Zacapa.

I really like Mexico, Gonzalez said. I come from a family of rum makers, but what I drink is tequila.

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Gonzalezs great-great-grandfather, owner of plantations and sugar mills, was one of the founders of the liquor consortium in Guatemala from which Ron Zacapa later emerged with its original rope-wrapped finish, a tribute to the bottles countryside workers used to hang from their saddles.

When we started brainstorming tequila ideas, I said: We have to make exotic tequilas using all the Mexican products that carry so much culture and weight across Central America and bring them to the world,  Gonzalez said.

He invited Dunia Miranda  who for 22 years was Guatemalas commercial representative in the southeastern United States and later vice consul in Miami  into the venture.

Now retired from diplomatic work, Miranda became the brand ambassador for Tus Nalguitas Son Mias and today creates recipes and cocktails to pair with dishes that use the tequila as an ingredient.

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Its a very versatile spirit; it adds notes to traditional recipes and everyone gets excited when you serve it and they ask: This has tequila in it?  Miranda says.

Her tequila-marinated fajitas, tamarind pork, pears and arroz con leche with hints of tequila are popular with Total Wine customers, where she frequently does demos.

I learned to cook with my mother, who used to tell me: If you dont know how to cook, theyll send you back,  Miranda said.

The team is rounded out by attorney Will Trueba, legal counsel on several aspects of Ocean Cask Spirits beverage business. For Tus Nalguitas Son Mias, the name poses a challenge in the international market, because some countries have rules that bar registering names that could be considered scandalous.

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They didnt face that obstacle in the United States because the Supreme Court eliminated in 2019 the prohibition on using brand names that might be deemed immoral or scandalous, Trueba noted.

Guayabita del Pinar in Miami

Cuban-American businessman Tony Haber acquired the Guayabita del Pinar brand in the United States and is manufacturing and selling the beloved Cuban beverage in Miami.

In his work recovering brands that hold emotional and nostalgic value for Cubans  many of which were created by businesses confiscated by the Cuban regime after 1959  Haber has just launched Guayabita del Pinar in Miami.

Originally from Pinar del Rio, where the shrub that produces the small guava used for this liqueur grows, Guayabita del Pinar is one of Cubans favorite drinks, especially in its sweet variant. It was born in 1892 at the Casa Garay distillery in Pinar del Rio, founded by Basque merchant Lucio Garay Zavala with partners.

The Guayabita del Pinar made in Miami by Haber also comes in seco and anejo styles and is sold at Total Wine stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.

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Cuba has allowed many trademarks to expire in the United States in order to form other companies outside the island, sometimes in partnership with companies from other countries, selling the brands in the United States and violating the U.S. embargo on Cuban products, Haber explained.

The Cuban government let the Guayabita del Pinar trademark lapse in 2010 and he acquired it in 2023.

In December year, President Joe Biden signed a law prohibiting recognition in the United States of trademarks confiscated by the Cuban government.

Backed by that decision, Haber plans to expand his companys beverage portfolio with the launch of the rums Arecha and Santero, the latter based on tafia, a popular aguardiente also used in Yoruba religious ceremonies.

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The rums will resurrect the story of Cuba from 60 years ago, Haber said, adding that the goal is to recover for Cubans what was once stolen from them.

It makes no sense for a government to keep stealing if we have the opportunity to take back from the government what it once took from the Cuban people.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  While President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has passed, his legacy lives on through all of the temples he established.

Russell M. Nelson, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and a former heart surgeon, passed away last month. President Russell M. Nelson is well-known for establishing more temples for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints than any other leader in church history.

He changed the hearts of many: LDS Church holds public viewing for late Prophet Russell M. Nelson

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In the April 2018 General Conference session, Nelsons first session as President of the Church, he stated that they had 159 functioning temples throughout the world and then announced that seven new ones would be constructed.

That announcement reflected what Nelson would emphasize throughout his presidency in the Church. In the seven years as prophet, President. Russell M. Nelson announced the construction or planning of 200 new temples and the renovation of several others.

To put this into perspective, President Nelson announced 52% of all of the temples announced, planned, in construction, or dedicated throughout church history.

Notably, during the Churchs first General Conference after Nelsons death, no new temples were announced. President Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, another church leader, said, With the large number of temples now in the very earliest phases of planning and construction, it is appropriate that we slow down the announcement of new temples.

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Whats next: Who takes over the LDS Church Presidency after President Nelsons passing?

We have compiled a list of some of the most notable temples announced during President Nelsons tenure.

Utah Temples

Utah has the greatest number of temples in any single region in the world, and the headquarters for the church is based in Salt Lake City.

Between April of 2018 and October of 2025, Nelson announced that new temples would be built in the following Utah cities and areas: Layton, Washington County, Orem, Taylorsville, Syracuse, Lindon, Smithfield, Heber Valley, West Jordan, Lehi, Price, and Spanish Fork.

President Nelson also announced plans to renovate several Utah temples. Those temples included the Manti temple, originally dedicated in 1888; the Logan temple, originally dedicated in 1884; the Provo Rock Canyon temple, originally dedicated in 1972 as the Provo Temple and is being rebuilt. Nelson also announced that the Salt Lake Temple would be renovated.

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Some of the most notable Utah temples include the following:

Salt Lake Temple: The Salt Lake Temple is perhaps one of the most well-known temples inside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with its prominence in downtown Salt Lake City at Temple Square. Though parts of Temple Square and the Salt Lake temple are being renovated, millions of visitors reportedly visit the area each year.

The Salt Lake temple is undergoing renovations to make it more seismic-proof and to restore the interior.

Salt Lake City Temple (Courtesy: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) Crews replace stones on the northeast tower of the Salt Lake Temple on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Courtesy Church Newsroom Construction on the Salt Lake City temple is set to continue into 2026. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Construction on the Salt Lake City temple is set to continue into 2026. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Anne Domenech works to restore the Holiness to the Lord panel, courtesy Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints One of the four refinished spiral staircases in the Assembly Room in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. (Courtesy//Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Overview of the west towers of the Salt Lake Temple on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Orem, Utah Temple: Of the temples that Nelson announced, one of the most notable is the one in Orem, Utah, which was dedicated in January of 2024 and is one of three temples near Brigham Young University. Reportedly, while the temple was announced in 2019, the land that the temple was built on was bought by the church in 2004. The interior also incorporates cherry blossom designs that pay homage to the fruit orchard it was built on, according to the Church.

Controversial Temples

Heber Valley Temple: While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temples are typically regarded as beautiful, the Heber Valley Temple has been notably controversial. In 2023, Heber City residents filed a lawsuit asking that Wasatch County disallows the construction of the Heber Valley Temple. The lawsuit, which is still ongoing, argues that the temple will lead to light pollution, increased disturbances, and would block valley views.

A rendering of the planned Heber Valley Temple (Image courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Fairview, Texas: Like the proposed Heber Valley Temple, the Fairview Texas temple, announced in October 2022, was the subject of a lawsuit, with several homeowners alleging that town representatives should not have approved the building permits. While the temple has been approved for construction, some individuals also expressed concerns about the height of the temple.

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Cody, Wyoming: The Cody Wyoming Temple, also announced in October of 2022, was also the subject of controversy, after an unincorporated organization called Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods (POCN) argued that the temples spire should have been shorter and did not meet special exemption rules. Because POCN did not file the appeal in time, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Church and has allowed construction to continue.

Shanghai Peoples Republic of China Temple: While this temple is reportedly not as widely controversial as others on the list, its April 2020 announcement was still unique due to the local laws. When the temple is complete, only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who are also Chinese citizens will be allowed inside.

During his announcement, President Nelson said, Expatriate and Chinese congregations will continue to meet separately. The Churchs legal status there remains unchanged. In an initial phase of facility use, entry will be by appointment only. The house of the Lord in Shanghai will not be a destination place for tourists from other countries.

First Regional Temples

During his tenure as Church President, Russell M. Nelson also announced the first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temples for several locations across the world. He announced the first temples in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, New Jersey, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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In the rest of the world, the countries or regions that have had their first temples announced are as follows:

American Samoa

Angola

Austria

Belgium

Cambodia

Cape Verde

Guam

Hungary

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Kiribati

Liberia

Madagascar

Mongolia

Mozambique

New Caledonia

Nicaragua

Norway

Papua New Guinea

Puerto Rico

Republic of the Congo

Russia

Scotland

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Uganda

United Arab Emirates

Vanuatu

In previous addresses to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson often encouraged them to visit the temple and emphasized the religious meaning. He said, Please make time for the Lord in His holy house. Nothing will strengthen your spiritual foundation like temple service and temple worship.

When he dedicated the 200th temple in Church History, President Russell M. Nelson said, The temple is a place of peace and power, and spending time there will literally change a persons life.

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More information on Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temples can be found here.

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Its important that the demilitarization is enforced, not just demanded. In historically successful disarmaments, independent bodies facilitated the decommissioning.

With discussions taking place in Egypt over Trumps Gaza peace plan, its worth looking back and considering what history can tell us about how to disarm Hamas. Disarming the group will be one of the key issues to be discussed.

Looking at some recent disarmaments and considering what worked and what failed to bring peace can help better prepare for the successful demilitarization of Gaza. Learning about history can be instructive for what may happen in Gaza.

Lebanon, not yet successful

Perhaps one of the most recent examples of attempted disarmament can be found in Lebanons current attempt to disarm Hezbollah. An Iranian-backed Shiite group, Hezbollah, has held southern Lebanon in its grasp for decades. Its roots date back to the First Lebanon War, when the movement was founded to counter an Israeli invasion aimed at stopping PLO attacks on Israel.

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After the Second Lebanon War of 2006, Hezbollah essentially replaced the ineffective Lebanese government in parts of the country, controlling education, healthcare, media, and more. Its terrorists were seen as stronger than the governments Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), meaning that there was no real way to counter its influence from within the country, despite the 2004 and 2006 UNSC Resolutions requiring the disarmament of non-state militias in Lebanon.

In September 2024, Israel launched an operation, killing Hezbollah members, its high-ranking officials, and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah himself. The death of Nasrallah was a shock for Hezbollah, but it wasnt the end of the Israeli operation. Days later, Israeli forces entered Southern Lebanon, quickly moving north with a weakened Hezbollah powerless to stop the invasion.

By the end of November 2024, a US-and France-brokered ceasefire was agreed upon, with the terms including Hezbollahs disarmament. The Lebanese government, looking to regain power, accepted the deal and responsibility for disarming the Shiite terror group that had controlled the country for decades.

Since then, the LAF has begun tentative steps aimed at laying the groundwork for the process of disarmament, with little apparent resistance from Hezbollah. Still, the group has explicitly rejected disarmament, vowing to keep its weapons and presence in Lebanon. Its strong support from Lebanons Shiite population will make it difficult for the Lebanese government to fully remove Hezbollah.

Northern Ireland, a success

An example that is often on the international communitys minds when thinking about the Israel-Gaza war is Northern Ireland. Whilst not the same situation, the successful disarmament of the IRA and other nationalist forces can perhaps provide helpful insight into the future disarmament of Hamas and what has worked before.

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The 1998 Good Friday Agreement (GFA) was an agreement between the British and Irish, endorsed by most of Northern Ireland, which recognised the legitimacy of both views as to what should happen to Northern Ireland. It accepted nationalism (the belief that Northern Ireland should be part of the Republic of Ireland) and unionism (the belief that Northern Ireland should be part of the UK).

Facilitated by an independent commission set up solely for this purpose, the IRA decommissioned its arms and by September 2005 had completed the destruction of its arsenal. In 2009, the other nationalist forces finished disarmament too.

In 2023, the UK government passed the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act, which exempts conduct related to the Troubles from prosecution and set up the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

A Palestinian Hamas militant helps fix the headband of another as they stand guard as people gather on the day of the handover of hostages, including four held in Gaza since the deadly October 7 2023 attack, to members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as part of a ceasefire and (credit: Ramadan Abed/Reuters)

Although there is still cultural conflict over Northern Ireland, the violence and bloodshed of the troubles have not returned, all terror organisations have disarmed, and there has been official reconciliation with Britain.

Philippines, a limited success

In 2015, the disarmament of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) began in the Philippines. MILF is an Islamic armed group that split from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which sought an autonomous region of the Moro people in Mindanao separate from the central government.

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Operating from 1977-2014, the MILF committed attacks and assassinations, declaring a jihad against the government, its citizens, and any supporters. Although they were not officially affiliated with al-Qaeda, Libyan military officer Muammar Gaddafi was a big supporter of the MILF and their cause.

Whilst the MNLF accepted deals for semi-autonomy in 1987, the MILF refused, continuing their insurgency operations. A ceasefire was put into action between the Government in Manila and the MILF from 1997, which was abolished by the Philippine Army in 2000. In 2005, amid renewed peace negotiations, the MILF attacked government troops, quashing ceasefire talks.

In 2011, the MILF withdrew demands for complete independence in favour of pursuing a substate within the Philippines. In 2014, the MILF and the government signed a peace agreement aiming to set up a Muslim autonomous entity (Bangsamoro) by 2016 in return for the deactivation of the MILF forces.

The MILF was to turn over its firearms to a third party chosen together with the Government. In 2015, they began the process of disarmament. In 2021, 12,000 combatants were decommissioned; however, as of 2023, they were still not fully disarmed.

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The MILF is still in control of most of Mindanao and is still operative within Bangsamoro. However, they are at peace with the government of the Philippines. There has only been a somewhat successful disarmament and peace effort.

Indonesia, a success

Another example of a successful disarmament in recent history is the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Indonesia. GAM wanted independence for the Aceh region, fighting against the Indonesian government from 1976-2005.

In the 2000s GAM was hit hard by a government crackdown and a natural disaster. After a tsunami hit Aceh, they were weakened and forced to negotiate with the government. GAM agreed to disband in return for Aceh representation and economic benefits for the region, including getting to keep 70 percent of the income from local produce.

The peace agreement was officially signed in 2005 and stated that GAM would disarm, the government would withdraw non-local military and police, and an independent commission would oversee disarmament and reintegration of GAM members into society.

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The disbanding of the military wing in 2005 took place immediately, but the political wing of GAM still exists. The founder of GAM, Hasan di Tiro, returned to Indonesia from exile in 2008 - highlighting the success of the peace initiative.

The disarmament was successfully facilitated by the independent commission, and there has been peace and reconciliation between GAM members, the people of Aceh, and the Indonesian government.

What we can learn from these disarmaments

In both Northern Ireland and Indonesia, the disarmament was only possible through an independent body set up entirely to facilitate the decommissioning.

In contrast, in Lebanon and the Philippines, the attempted disarmament failed in part because there wasnt an independent body overseeing it. Despite blanket statements requiring them to disarm, no party was set up to successfully enforce this, allowing Hezbollah and the MILF to maintain and even grow their militias.

Successful disarmaments in history overseen by independent bodies

Its important that the demilitarization is enforced, not just demanded. In historically successful disarmaments, independent bodies facilitated the decommissioning - in the ones that failed, independent bodies werent set up. Point 13 of Trumps plan for Gazas disarmament mentions an independent monitor supervising the demilitarization, but does not expand upon who that will be or what it might look like.

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The other key step Northern Ireland and Indonesia have in common is reconciliation and reintegration. The GFA, much like Trumps 20-point plan, included a prisoner release program for members of the IRA. Since the Legacy Act of 2023, anyone involved in the Troubles has been given amnesty, and in Indonesia, members of GAM were pardoned, allowed back from exile, and reintegrated into society.

Point 13 of Trumps plan discusses the reintegration of cooperative members of Hamas and other factions into the new Gazan society, but importantly keeps them out of governance, unlike in Indonesia or Northern Ireland. Points 13 and 16 also emphasise an effort for peaceful coexistence between the new Gaza and Israel, an important step towards the possibility of reconciliation.

Lebanon and the Philippines show attempts to disarm a group entrenched in the infrastructure and running of a region. The limited successes thus far at fully disarming militant groups are arguably more helpful to understanding how to disarm Hamas than Northern Ireland or Indonesia, as it includes the struggle to move past the militias they control when they play such a huge role in the society.

Trumps 20-point plan makes a lot of statements about decommissioning Hamas and deradicalizing Gaza, but crucially fails to explain how to make these happen. The introduction of new governance is an important step towards deradicalization, but it doesnt actually enact it. Point 18 says an interfaith dialogue will be established, but makes no expansions on how this will be achieved. The takeaway from the failures in Lebanon and the Philippines should be to be prepared to enact the changes you want to see, not to simply ask for them.
NEED TO KNOW

Devon Lucie, a chief meteorologist at Louisiana station WDSU, was arrested on Oct. 5 after an alleged altercation with his girlfriend

Lucie was charged with domestic abuse, child endangerment and resisting arrest by refusing to show his ID

WDSU has placed Lucie on leave amid the pending investigation

The chief meteorologist for a local New Orleans news station was arrested on Sunday, Oct. 5, after an alleged altercation with his girlfriend turned physical.

Devon Lucie, the Chief Meteorologist for WDSU, was arrested on charges of domestic abuse, child endangerment and resisting arrest by refusing to show his ID, according to an arrest record obtained by PEOPLE from the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office.

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According to additional arrest records obtained by Nola.com, Lucies unnamed girlfriend told police officers that the couple got into an argument at a festival in Gretna, La. The pair left the festival separately, with Lucies girlfriends mother driving her before she returned to his home in Marrero, La.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Devon Lucie Louisiana Meteorologist Arrested on Charges of Domestic Abuse and Child Endangerment. Devon Lucie Louisiana Meteorologist Arrested on Charges of Domestic Abuse and Child Endangerment.

According to Lucies girlfriend, the pair argued and Lucie left the home only to return and allegedly punch her in the bedroom while her two children slept in the living room.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

She said that they wrestled, and she fought back in self-defense, Nola.com reports Lucie's girlfriend said, citing the documents.

WDSU News/YouTube Devon Lucie Louisiana Meteorologist, WDSU Devon Lucie Louisiana Meteorologist, WDSU

A deputy also alleged in the documents that Lucies girlfriend had several small cuts and scratches on most of her upper body, as well as several whelps on her forehead and face. While in Lucie's mugshot, he has visible scratches on his face.

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WDSU shared that Lucie has been placed on leave pending the investigation into the allegations.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office and WDSU for updates on the situation, but did not immediately hear back.

Lucie joined WDSU in August 2024, after Margaret Orr retired from the post after 45 years on air.

At the time, he opened up about his new role on Instagram, writing, Some very exciting news today. But after 27 years in broadcast news, I was named WDSU Chief Meteorologist. I'm humbled, and looking forward to bringing you the most useful, and accurate forecasts for the rest of my career. Thank you all, for being such a dynamic member of this page too. Much appreciated!



Read the original article on People
By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Emma Farge

CAIRO/GENEVA (Reuters) -Palestinian health authorities say Israel's two-year-old ground and air campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 67,000 people, with nearly a third of the dead under the age of 18.

The war, triggered by the deadly October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, has focused on Gaza City since last month and the offensive has continued despite consultations on U.S. President Donald Trump's new, 20-point plan for ending the conflict.

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This explainer examines how the Palestinian toll is calculated, how reliable it is, the breakdown of civilians and fighters killed, and what each side says.

HOW DO GAZA HEALTH AUTHORITIES CALCULATE THE DEATH TOLL?

The latest detailed breakdown released by the Palestinian Ministry of Health on September 3 counted 19,424 deaths among children, accounting for 30% of the then-total of 64,232. Its overall tally has since climbed to 67,160 as of October 6.

The official ministry death toll dwarfs those killed in all previous bouts of fighting between Israelis and Palestinians in Gaza since 2005, according to data from Israeli human rights organisation B'Tselem.

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In the first months of the war, death tolls were calculated simply by counting bodies that arrived in hospitals, and data included names and identity numbers for most of those killed.

In May 2024, the health ministry included unidentified bodies, which accounted for nearly a third of the overall toll. However, since October 2024, it has only encompassed identified bodies.

A Reuters examination in March of an earlier Gaza Health Ministry list of those killed showed that more than 1,200 families were completely wiped out, including one family of 14 people.

IS THE GAZA DEATH TOLL COMPREHENSIVE?

The numbers do not necessarily reflect all victims, as the Palestinian Health Ministry estimates several thousand bodies are under rubble and it does not count the 460 malnutrition-related deaths it has recorded amid a famine in North Gaza.

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Official Palestinian tallies of direct deaths likely undercounted the number of casualties by around 40% in the first nine months of the war as Gaza's healthcare infrastructure disintegrated, according to a peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet journal in January.

The U.N. human rights office also says the Palestinian authorities' figure is probably an undercount.

The conflict deaths it has verified using its own methodology up to July 20 show that 40% were children and 22% were women.

A U.N. inquiry assessed last month that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza - citing the scale of the killings as one of the acts backing up its finding. Israel called the finding biased and "scandalous."

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HOW CREDIBLE IS THE GAZA DEATH TOLL?

Pre-war Gaza had robust population statistics and better health information systems than in most Middle East countries, public health experts told Reuters.

The U.N. often cites the health ministry's death figures and says they are credible.

DOES HAMAS CONTROL THE FIGURES?

While Hamas has run Gaza since 2007, the enclave's Health Ministry also answers to the overall Palestinian Authority ministry in Ramallah in the West Bank.

Gaza's Hamas-run government has paid the salaries of all those hired in public departments since 2007, including in the Health Ministry. The Palestinian Authority pays the salaries of those hired before then.

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WHAT DOES ISRAEL SAY?

Israeli officials have said previously that the death toll figures are suspect because of Hamas' control over government in Gaza, and that they are manipulated.

The Israeli military says 466 of its soldiers were killed in combat, and 2,951 others wounded since its Gaza ground operation began on October 27, 2023.

It also says it goes to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties. It says Hamas uses Gaza's civilians as human shields by operating within densely populated areas, humanitarian zones, schools and hospitals, a repeated accusation that Hamas denies.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023 when Hamas militants stormed across the border into Israeli communities. Israel says the militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people into captivity in Gaza, of whom some 20 are thought to be still alive there.

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HOW MANY OF THE DEAD ARE FIGHTERS?

The Palestinian Health Ministry figures do not differentiate between civilians and Hamas combatants, who do not wear formal uniform or carry separate identification.

The Israeli military said in January 2025 it had killed nearly 20,000 Hamas fighters. It has not provided an update since. Such estimates are reached through a combination of counting bodies on the battlefield, intercepts of Hamas communications and intelligence assessments of personnel in targets that were destroyed.

Hamas has said Israeli estimates of its losses are exaggerated, without saying how many of its fighters have been killed.

(Compiled by Emma Farge, Nidal al-Mughrabi, Ali Sawafta, James MacKenzie and Angus McDowall; editing by William Maclean, Peter Graff, Alexandra Hudson and Mark Heinrich)




WETHERSFIELD - The 22-year-old Springfield man charged with operating under the influence after a crash late Friday that killed two of his friends was driving with a suspended Massachusetts license and had smoke marijuana and drank with the men who died, a police report said.

Alexis Garcia was held on $300,000 bond following his arraignment Monday at state Superior Court in New Britain.

According to a report issued by Connecticut State Police, Garcia was driving with a suspended license when he lost control of his car on Route 5 and 15 near Exit 85, leading the vehicle to strike a guardrail and tumble down a steep embankment.

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His passengers, Joshua Gonzalez, 25, of Springfield, Mass., and Edwin Abraham Guzman, 21, of Chicopee, Mass., were outside of the car after the crash and had to be brought up with ropes and a rescue basket, the report said.

At the time, Garcia told state police he had no idea where his two passengers had gone after the crash and had no idea of their condition as first responders were rescuing the gravely injured men, the report said. They later died at Hartford Hospital, state police said.

Earlier in the day he had smoked marijuana at work and then went home, smoked marijuana again and showered before going to Gonzalez's house, where the three men hung out, he told state police, according to the report.

"Edwin and I were chilling at Joshua's house just hanging out and vibing," he said in the report. "We were smoking marijuana and drinking some liquor."

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The men then decided to take a ride to Connecticut at about 10 or 11 p.m., the report said. On the way back at about 11:50 p.m., Garcia said he was on Routes 5 and 15 with a car behind him trying to pass him when he moved over and lost control of his vehicle "due to issues with the vehicle's alignment," struck the right guardrail and went down the embankment, he told state police, according to the report.

He wasn't wearing a seatbelt and didn't know whether the other two men were, the report said. Gonzalez was in the front passenger seat with Guzman in the back seat behind him, Garcia told state police, according to the report.

After the crash, he crawled around the airbag to get out and started looking for his friends but he couldn't find them, Garcia said in the report.

By that time people were gathering and asking him whether he needed help, he said. After spending about 10 minutes looking for his friends, he sat on a guardrail until police arrived, he told state police, according to the report.

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A trooper thought he smelled a faint odor of alcohol on Garcia's breath and asked him do a sobriety test, which he failed, the report said. At some point Garcia told state police that he had one drink and had smoked marijuana, according to the report.

At first he declined to take a breath test for alcohol but then did the test, the report said. The result was negative for any alcohol in his blood so the officer asked him to do a urine test, according to the report. He did the test but the results were not included in the state police report.

He was charged with operating under the influence based on the failed sobriety test, police said.

About two-dozen people attended Garcia's arraignment Monday, some crying during the proceeding. Assistant State's Attorney Alison Kubas called the crash "a really bad accident" that left two people dead while arguing for a judge to increase Garcia's bond. She said the accident still was under investigation.

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Garcia is due back in court Oct. 20. He had no pending criminal cases and no convictions, according to court staff.

Anyone who witnessed or has dash-camera footage of the crash can contact Connecticut State Police at 860-534-1000 or email victor.mejias@ct.gov.

This article originally published at Mass. man charged in Wethersfield crash that killed two passengers had suspended license, police say.
NEW YORK  In the midst of an overseas trip to Albania, Mayor Eric Adams is skipping this years FDNY memorial day ceremony honoring fallen members of the department  marking the first time he has missed the solemn event since he took over the reins at City Hall in 2022.

Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York President Andrew Ansbro, whose union represents some 9,000 active FDNY members, told the Daily News that Adams decision to not attend Wednesdays ceremony is extremely disappointing and the first time in memory that a sitting mayor has missed this solemn event.

Our members risk their lives every day to protect this city. To see the mayor overseas while the FDNY gathers to remember our fallen is deeply hurtful, Ansbro said Tuesday.

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We expect our citys leadership to stand beside us  not just when its convenient, but when it truly matters.

Wednesday mornings ceremony at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights will honor eight firefighters and EMS workers who died in the past year, including FDNY Captain Thomas LaBarbiera, who passed away at 51 from 9/11-related cancer last September.

Adams had been expected to attend. The FDNY last week disseminated a bulletin to employees, a copy of which was obtained by The News, saying Adams was scheduled to lay a wreath at Wednesdays event and deliver the keynote remarks.

But Adams spokesman Zachary Nosanchuk confirmed Tuesday the mayor will not be attending as he is in Albania through Thursday meeting with that countrys prime minister and other local leaders.

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Nosanchuck said Kaz Daughtry, Adams deputy mayor for public safety, will attend Wednesdays ceremony in his stead.

With a more than two-decade career in law enforcement himself, Mayor Adams deeply values the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep New York safe, Nosanchuk said, noting that the Adams administration recently spent $91 million on replacing FDNY ambulances.

Kayla Mamelak, Adams press secretary, disputed the contention that it is uncommon for New York City mayors to miss the annual FDNY ceremony. She did not specify which mayor had missed the event.

Adams attended and spoke at the 2022, 2023 and 2024 FDNY memorial ceremonies. At the FDNYs memorial day service in October 2023, Adams, a retired NYPD captain, spoke about how the annual event is especially important for him.

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When you come to an acknowledgment to reflect on the year, to be here with the men and women who are your colleagues, and stating that never forget is more than a bumper sticker or a slogan, its an actual presentation as you honor those that we have lost, he said at that years ceremony.

The city is covering the mayors flights and other expenses, while the Albanian government is paying for the mayors lodging and ground transportation to the tune of about $290 per day, Mamelak said. That payment structure has raised some eyebrows, given that Adams now-dismissed federal corruption indictment alleged he took bribes from Turkish government operatives.

Adams departed for Albania early Monday, a week after he abandoned his bid for reelection amid low polling numbers in the wake of the Trump administrations controversial dismissal of his indictment.

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With Thomas Tracy
Firefly Aerospace on Sunday said it had agreed to buy defense analytics firm SciTec for about $855 million in cash and stock, paving the path to its goal of becoming a significant player in the national security market.

Firefly will pay around $300 million in cash and $555 million in new shares, and the deal is expected to close by the end of 2025.

Princeton-based SciTec sells missile-warning and tracking systems, space domain awareness tools, and analytics to defense and intelligence customers. Earlier this year, Space Force awarded the company a $259 million contract to develop a ground system for missile-detection satellites. The company reported annual revenue of $164 million as of the end of June.

The acquisition comes nearly two months after Fireflys IPO, which valued it at nearly $10 billion. The deal is part of the companys efforts to reposition itself as a vertically integrated defense contractor from being a launch-and-spacecraft manufacturer.

Bringing SciTec in-house will no doubt prove helpful, especially as the Pentagon seeks more commercial partners for missile tracking and early-warning systems, including for its Golden Dome missile-defense program.

Once the deal closes, SciTec will operate as a subsidiary of Firefly, and will be led by its current CEO, Jim Lisowski.
Five candidates are vying for four at-large Powell City Council seats in the fall election.

Incumbents Tom Counts, David Lester and Kurt Ramsey are seeking reelection. They face challenges from Carlos Crawford and Jonathan Freeman in the nonpartisan race.

Ohio's general election is Nov. 4, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.

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The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.

Counts, Freeman and Lester did not submit responses to the questionnaire.

Meet the Powell City Council at-large candidates

Carlos Crawford

Carlos Crawford

Age: 49

Key issues:

Ensuring Powell's parks and recreational facilities keep pace with its growing population, and focusing on improving connectivity between existing and future amenities. Attracting and supporting unique small businesses and restaurants that enhance Powell's historic downtown, without compromising the city's established character. Proactive management of the city's finances and infrastructure to ensure tax dollars are being used efficiently.

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Background: "I currently serve as director of Delaware Countys Public Defender's Office, overseeing a critical government department. My background includes serving as a civil attorney for the Marion County Prosecutors Office and as a founding partner of a private law firm. My education includes a Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School, a Master of Science in cybersecurity from Tiffin University and a Master of Science in environmental health from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. This unique blend of law, technology and public health provides expertise in compliance, data privacy, environmental safety and fiscal responsibility."

Why are you the best candidate? "I am the best candidate because I bring a unique, proven blend of executive leadership, legal expertise and specialized technical knowledge. As the chief public defender for Delaware County, I successfully manage a government office and budget, demonstrating the fiscal prudence and executive oversight necessary for effective council leadership.

"My education is distinctively suited for a modern city: a Juris Doctor, a masters degree in environmental health from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a masters degree in cybersecurity. This combination gives me unparalleled insight into regulatory compliance, public health, infrastructure planning and data security, all critical issues for a growing Powell.

"Furthermore, I have over two decades of continuous service on the boards of nonprofits such as Stratford Ecological Center, SourcePoint and Marion Goodwill Industries, which demonstrates a longstanding commitment to improving our community. I will ensure Powell remains a vibrant, safe and financially responsible place to live and raise a family."

Kurt Ramsey

Kurt Ramsey

Age: 52

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Campaign website: Kurt Ramsey Powell City Councilman (Facebook)

Key issues:

Supporting our continued high public safety record for the community. Ensuring that all new city revenue will be efficiently managed and dispersed back into the community according to the priorities the citizens feel are most important. Bringing thoughtful planning of downtown development and Bennett Farm Park.

Background: "I am presently a Powell city councilman, serving an appointment until the end of 2025. I also have been a Powell Planning and Zoning commissioner for over a year and a half. I have worked as a mechanical engineer for Battelle for 20 years, building armored commercial vehicles for our government. Recently, I was promoted to Warehouse Operations Manager for our entire business. Before Battelle, I worked for the intelligence community in D.C. I have a master's degree and bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin and the University of Cincinnati, respectively."

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Why are you the best candidate? "I have always felt the strong call to serve my community. I have been invested in Powell ever since moving here over 20 years ago. I believe that people want to know with confidence that I will listen to their voices first, and then act appropriately with my council decisions. I will keep their best interests in mind whenever I make any decision. That is my personal mission. I am motivated to help keep our community safe first, and improve our city for the betterment of its citizens second.

"I have already contributed to the city of Powell recently as a councilman and Planning and Zoning commissioner. These experiences give me a direct advantage in understanding where the city direction has been recently, and where it is headed into the future.

"I love my community and plan to continue to make it a better place to live for us all."

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: View Powell City Council candidate profiles for November election
After being abandoned in West Milford, a senior cat named Annie has finally found her forever home a few states north in New Hampshire.

The West Milford Animal Shelter shared Annie's story in a post on Facebook Sept. 28, gathering more than 1,000 likes and dozens of comments.

Per the shelter, Richard Davis initially met Annie in March after moving into a local apartment complex. Each day, she would visit him at his front door and he would offer her food.

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The pair quickly became friends, with Davis looking forward to Annie's daily visit.

After moving to New Hampshire around the beginning of September, Davis found himself thinking about Annie and wondering whether somebody was looking after her.

He decided to make a call to West Milford Animal Control and Annie was brought into the West Milford Animal Shelter shortly after. She was examined by a vet Sept. 18. It was ultimately determined that the deaf, 14-year-old calico had been abandoned by her previous owner.

A 14-year-old calico cat named Annie sleeps comfortably in her new forever home after being abandoned in West Milford.

Davis was reunited with Annie Sept. 20 after making the 5 1/2 hour drive back to New Jersey to pick her up and bring her home.

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"Tears were shed, hugs were given, and the man was reunited with her," wrote the shelter on Facebook. "He took her up to his residence in New Hampshire, and what would now be her new home."

The post continued, "We are so thankful someone was looking out for her, and she now has a cozy couch to sleep on."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Annie the cat abandoned in West Milford finds home in New Hampshire
The alleged arson of a family home. Allegations of a murder plot involving an ex-husbands new wife. The fatal shooting of a fiance in self-defense.

None of those events is central to the question of whether Sarah Hartsfield killed her most recent husband with a fatal dose of insulin in 2023. But at her murder trial in Texas Chambers County, east of Houston, prosecutors have focused almost as much on allegations from Sarah Hartsfields past as they have on the death of Joseph Hartsfield, 46.

In the week since the proceedings began, a series of witnesses have been called to the stand to recount a relationship history marked by death and conflict.

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You can just look at her overall history and you can tell that theres a very evil side to her, Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne told reporters outside the courthouse last week.

Sarah Hartsfield, a former Army sergeant, has denied that she killed Joseph Hartsfield, her fifth husband, or that she asked her fourth husband to kill her third husbands new partner. She has described the 2018 shooting of her fiance as self-defense, and she denied that she played a role in a fire that destroyed the Missouri home that used to belong to her grandmother.

But her brother, Cody Smith, testified that he told her he believed shed torched the house.

He testified last week that he most likely hadnt seen his sister in more than a decade  since the death of their grandmother in 2014. The siblings had been cleaning out her Missouri home, which the grandmother left to Smith, and he testified that hed given his sister whatever she wanted.

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That night, Smith testified, he awoke to haze and smoke and got on his knees to crawl but passed out. He eventually made it out of the house, as did a nephew whod fallen asleep on the couch and was hospitalized with fire-related injuries.

The house was gone, Smith testified, as was the family dog  Fluff  and the will that left him the house.

Smith said he called his sister afterward and told her: Im still here. Whatever you tried didnt work.

Sarah Hartsfield, 50, denied that she had anything to do with the fire, Smith testified. And he said a fire investigator told him there were too many hot spots around the house to determine whether the blaze was intentionally set.

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Sarah Hartsfield was never charged with any crimes in connection with the fire.

Another witness testified that Sarah Hartsfield told her not only that she set the fire, but also that shed burned the house down to keep her brother from having it.

I called the county law enforcement and told them, and they told me we already closed that case, said the witness, Doris Jean Swart, whose son, David Bragg, was engaged to marry Sarah Hartsfield before she fatally shot him at their home in Minnesota on May 9, 2018.

Sarah Hartsfield has previously testified that she shot Bragg during a heated argument over her third husbands decision to visit their children outside of normal visitation. She has said she fired at him only after he tried to shoot her. After an investigation, the Douglas County attorney in Minnesota concluded that the fatal shooting was justified because Sarah Hartsfield had no reasonable possibility of retreating.

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After Sarah Hartsfields indictment in the death of her most recent husband, County Attorney Chad Larson said the Minnesota case was active again  a status that hasnt changed in the two years since, according to a Douglas County Sheriffs Office detective who testified at the Texas murder trial last week.

The detective, Brandon Kruse, described aspects of the shooting as strange. For example, Kruse testified that it was abnormal that the gun Bragg was alleged to have fired was found with no clip, NBC affiliate KPRC of Houston reported. Kruse used a similar word to describe Sarah Hartsfields account of what preceded the gunfire.

According to that account, she told investigators that shed gone into her home with two guns  one in her pocket, the other in the small of her back  to grab clothes for her son after having gotten into the argument with Bragg, Kruse said.

Bragg came after her, Kruse said, and she tried to shoot him, but the gun didnt go off. Bragg took the weapon from her and fired, hitting the ceiling, according to her account. She returned fire, fatally striking him, Kruse said.

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It was odd, Kruse said, that she armed herself with two guns and went back inside instead of just leaving. On cross-examination, Kruse said there are no pending charges against Sarah Hartsfield.

The jury also heard from Hartsfields family  and the FBI  about an alleged murder plot involving Sarah Hartsfields third and fourth husbands that unfolded three years after Braggs death.

One of her daughters, Hannah Donohue, testified that she was talking with the fourth husband, David George, when he began detailing the plot: He was supposed to drive an old Honda from their home in Texas to the home of her father  Sarah Hartsfields third husband, Christopher Donohue  in Arizona.

He was to deliver flowers to their home, Hannah Donohue testified, and kill her fathers new wife.

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Christopher Donohue testified that George told him why his ex-wife wanted him to carry out the plot: So Id be too distracted to see my children.

At one point, George drove to Arizona and delivered the flowers to Christopher Donohue, but he didnt identify himself or say why he was there, according to an affidavit in support of a protection order that Christopher Donohue filed for in connection with the allegations.

During the trial, prosecutors played a security video from Christopher Donohues home that captured the exchange.

Christopher Donohue testified that he learned of the plot from another daughter and contacted the FBI. The special agent who investigated the allegations said he was able to corroborate them, but federal prosecutors rejected the case after George recanted and said Sarah Hartsfield had played no role in the plot.

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Asked whether George appeared to be heavily influenced by Sarah Hartsfield, the FBI agent, John Anderson, said: He appeared to be petrified.

George has been subpoenaed to testify at Hartsfields murder trial, but he hasnt been called as a witness. He previously told Dateline that he didnt have a gun with him when he went to Arizona and that he had no intention of killing Christopher Donohues wife.

Sarah Hartsfield has denied playing a role in the plot and previously told Dateline that she never gave George any kind of gun ever.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A top law enforcement official is no longer employed with the Nevada Attorney Generals Office, days after the 8 News Now Investigators showed video of him arguing with a Las Vegas police officer and dropping an anti-gay slur.

A Metro police traffic officer stopped William Scott Jr., 62, near Cheyenne Avenue and Tenaya Way on Aug. 18. The officer cited Scott for holding his phone while driving. Scott was driving a state vehicle at the time, according to a citation.

The 8 News Now Investigators aired video of the stop on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Scott was no longer employed with the office as of Friday, Oct. 3, a spokesperson confirmed.

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Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford appointed Scott to his former leadership position in 2020, according to a news release. As chief of investigations, Scott was tasked with investigating public integrity, child exploitation, human trafficking, Medicaid fraud and elder abuse among other areas. Scott retired from Metro in 2019 at the rank of captain.

Scott teaches several law enforcement courses, including the classes Preventing Police on Police Confrontations and Ethics in Leadership, according to a LinkedIn profile. Scott also developed a class entitled Policing with Pride, the profile said.

During the traffic stop, the officers body-camera video showed Scott dropping an anti-gay slur.

Bye, I have enough money to pay for mine, fa**ot, Scott yells toward the officer.

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OK, very classy. Im so glad that youre retired and not with the department anymore, the officer said before driving off.

A Metro police traffic officer stopped William Scott Jr., 62, near Cheyenne Avenue and Tenaya Way on Aug. 18. (LVMPD/KLAS)

Silver State Equality provided a statement to 8 News Now.

Silver State Equality is deeply troubled and appalled by a recent incident involving LGBTQ+ slurs uttered during a routine traffic stop by retired LVMPD captain and current chief of investigations for the Nevada Attorney Generals Office, William Scott Jr.  who, ironically, also teaches several law enforcement courses, including Ethics in Leadership. According to the KLAS 8 News Now Investigators, Scott was pulled over and cited for holding his phone while driving. The encounter, captured on the responding officers body camera, ended with Scott voicing a hateful anti-LBGTQ+ slur  one that will not be repeated here. This incident underscores the persistent prejudices that continue to plague our society and highlights how easily some in positions of authority resort to demeaning language to belittle others. According to the Office of the Attorney General, an internal inquiry is underway to determine an appropriate course of action. Silver State Equality respects that process, but demands a swift, transparent, and decisive resolution. Nevadans deserve to know that hate, bias, and hypocrisy have no place in our states institutions or from those sworn to uphold the law. Andre C. Wade, state director, Silver State Equality

The Las Vegas Municipal Court amended Scotts ticket to a parking violation, records said. Scott paid a $119 fine to close the case.

Metro police provided the 8 News Now Investigators with Scotts face blurred, citing a state law that requires them to redact the faces of all law enforcement officers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden  U.S.-based scientists John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis shared the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for "experiments that revealed quantum physics in action," paving the way for the development of the next generation of digital technologies.

Clarke, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, told the Nobel press conference early on Oct. 7, just after being notified of the award, that he was "completely stunned" by it.

"I'm speaking on my cell phone and I suspect that you are too, and one of the underlying reasons that the cell phone works is because of all this work," he said. "Of course it had never occurred to me in any way that this might be the basis of a Nobel Prize."

A passenger plane passes in front of the first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, as it flies above London, Britain, Oct. 6, 2025. The first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, rises above the Mario Cuomo Bridge spanning the Hudson River as seen from Grandview, New York, Oct. 6, 2025. The first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, rises above lower Manhattan, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey, Oct. 6, 2025. The first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, rises above the National Mall, in view of the dome of the U.S. Capitol from the Washington Monument during the sixth day of a shutdown of the federal government in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. A full moon, the first of three consecutive supermoons that will appear in 2025, rises above the Light Pyramid in Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, Britain, Oct. 6, 2025. Divers stand on a RHIB (a rigid inflatable boat) as the full moon, known as the Harvest Moon, and also the first supermoon of the year, rises after sunset off Mellieha, Malta, Oct. 6, 2025. The first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, rises above the National Mall, as sen from the Washington Monument during the sixth day of a shutdown of the federal government in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. The first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, rises above the National Mall, in view of the dome of the U.S. Capitol from the Washington Monument during the sixth day of a shutdown of the federal government in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. The first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, rises above the National Mall, in view of the dome of the U.S. Capitol from the Washington Monument during the sixth day of a shutdown of the federal government in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. The first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, rises over the U.S. Capitol during the sixth day of a partial shutdown of the federal government in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2025. October's Harvest Moon lights up sky as first supermoon of 2025 1 of 10 A passenger plane passes in front of the first supermoon of the year, known as the Harvest Moon, as it flies above London, Britain, Oct. 6, 2025.

Devoret, born in France, is a professor at Yale University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where Martinis is also a professor.

What is quantum physics?

Quantum mechanics, which operates at the level of atomic- and sub-atomic particles, are often seen as bizarre and unintuitive compared with classical physics and its far larger scale.

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The Nobel winners carried out experiments in the mid-1980s with an electronic circuit built of superconductors and demonstrated that quantum mechanics could also influence everyday objects under certain conditions.

"It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises. It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology," Olle Eriksson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said.

John Clarke, Professor Emeritus of the Graduate School at the University of California, Berkeley and winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics, poses in an undated photograph.

Quantum technology is already ubiquitous, with transistors in computer microchips an everyday example.

"This year's Nobel Prize in Physics has provided opportunities for developing the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which awards the prize, said in a statement.

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Martinis, an American, headed Google's Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab until 2020. At Google, Martinis was part of the research team who in 2019 said they had achieved "quantum supremacy," in which a computer harnessing the properties of sub-atomic particles did a far better job of solving a problem than the world's most powerful supercomputer.

Devoret, besides his professorship, is also the chief scientist of Google Quantum AI.

John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis are announced this year's Nobel Prize winners in Physics, by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences at a press conference in Stockhom, Sweden October 7, 2025.

Second Nobel awarded this week

The Nobel physics prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and includes a prize sum totalling 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million) that is shared among the winners if there are several, as is often the case.

The Nobel Prizes were established through the will of Alfred Nobel, who amassed a fortune from his invention of dynamite. Since 1901, with occasional interruptions, the prizes have annually recognised achievements in science, literature, and peace. Economics was a later addition.

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Physics was the first category mentioned in Nobel's will, likely reflecting the prominence of the field during his time. Today, the Nobel Prize in Physics remains widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the discipline.

Past winners of the Nobel physics prize include some of the most influential figures in the history of science, such as Albert Einstein, Pierre and Marie Curie, Max Planck and Niels Bohr, himself a pioneer of quantum theory.

Last year's prize was won by U.S. scientist John Hopfield and British-Canadian Geoffrey Hinton for breakthroughs in machine learning that spurred the artificial intelligence boom, a development about which both have also expressed concerns.

In keeping with tradition, physics is the second Nobel to be awarded this week, after two American and one Japanese scientist won the medicine prize for breakthroughs in understanding the immune system. The chemistry prize is due next, on Oct. 8.

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The science, literature and economics prizes are presented to the laureates by the Swedish king at a ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death, followed by a lavish banquet at city hall.

The peace prize, which will be announced on Oct. 10, is awarded in a separate ceremony in Oslo.

(Reporting by Niklas Pollard, Simon Johnson and Johan Ahlander in Stockholm; additional reporting by Marie Mannes, Greta Rosen Fondahn and Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm, and Terje Solsvik in Oslo; editing by Alex Richardson)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nobel in Physics awarded to three American professors
By Niklas Pollard and Johan Ahlander

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -U.S.-based scientists John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for "experiments that revealed quantum physics in action", paving the way for the development of the next generation of digital technologies.

"My feelings are that I'm completely stunned. Of course it had never occurred to me in any way that this might be the basis of a Nobel Prize," Clarke told the Nobel press conference by telephone on Tuesday.

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"I'm speaking on my cell phone and I suspect that you are too, and one of the underlying reasons that the cell phone works is because of all this work."

'NEW SURPRISES' IN CENTURY-OLD FIELD OF QUANTUM MECHANICS

Quantum mechanical behaviours are well studied at the level of the incredibly small - atoms and sub-atomic particles - but are often seen as bizarre and unintuitive compared with classical physics and its far larger scale.

The Nobel winners carried out experiments in the mid-1980s with an electronic circuit built of superconductors and demonstrated that quantum mechanics could also influence everyday objects under certain conditions.

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"It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises. It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology," Olle Eriksson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics, said.

Quantum technology is already ubiquitous, with transistors in computer microchips an everyday example.

"This year's Nobel Prize in Physics has provided opportunities for developing the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which awards the prize, said in a statement.

TWO OF WINNING TRIO HAVE LINKS TO GOOGLE

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British-born Clarke is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States.

Devoret, born in France, is a professor at Yale University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, also in the United States, where Martinis is also a professor.

Martinis, an American, headed Google's Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab until 2020. At Google, Martinis was part of the research team who in 2019 said they had achieved "quantum supremacy", in which a computer harnessing the properties of sub-atomic particles did a far better job of solving a problem than the world's most powerful supercomputer.

Devoret, besides his professorship, is also the chief scientist of Google Quantum AI.

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PHYSICS SECOND NOBEL PRIZE AWARDED THIS WEEK

The Nobel physics prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and includes a prize sum totalling 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.2 million) that is shared among the winners if there are several, as is often the case.

The Nobel Prizes were established through the will of Alfred Nobel, who amassed a fortune from his invention of dynamite. Since 1901, with occasional interruptions, the prizes have annually recognised achievements in science, literature, and peace. Economics was a later addition.

Physics was the first category mentioned in Nobel's will, likely reflecting the prominence of the field during his time. Today, the Nobel Prize in Physics remains widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the discipline.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Past winners of the Nobel physics prize include some of the most influential figures in the history of science, such as Albert Einstein, Pierre and Marie Curie, Max Planck and Niels Bohr, himself a pioneer of quantum theory.

Last year's prize was won by U.S. scientist John Hopfield and British-Canadian Geoffrey Hinton for breakthroughs in machine learning that spurred the artificial intelligence boom, a development about which both have also expressed concerns.

In keeping with tradition, physics is the second Nobel to be awarded this week, after two American and one Japanese scientist won the medicine prize for breakthroughs in understanding the immune system. The chemistry prize is due next, on Wednesday.

The science, literature and economics prizes are presented to the laureates by the Swedish king at a ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death, followed by a lavish banquet at city hall.

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The peace prize, which will be announced on Friday, is awarded in a separate ceremony in Oslo.

($1 = 9.3898 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Niklas Pollard, Simon Johnson and Johan Ahlander in Stockholm; additional reporting by Marie Mannes, Greta Rosen Fondahn and Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm, and Terje Solsvik in Oslo; editing by Alex Richardson)
Four of North Carolinas 16 members of Congress requested their salaries be withheld while federal employees arent being paid during the government shutdown.

Several laws, including the 27th Amendment, require members of Congress to continue to receive a paycheck, even during a government shutdown. But all around lawmakers are government workers being told they wont receive their paycheck, whether theyre being told to stay home or continue working.

Members of Congress do have options like declining and returning their pay, donating their salary to a charity or the Treasury, or requesting the House administrative office withhold their pay, though they would still be owed.

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The latter is what North Carolinas four members chose to do.

Democratic Reps. Don Davis and Valerie Foushee and Republicans Reps. Greg Murphy and Tim Moore sent letters to the House chief administrative officer making that request.

Murphy, of Greenville, put his request in first, the morning the government shut down. He sent a letter reading: Please withhold my net pay until the appropriations agreement has taken effect.

Davis, of Snow Hill, followed a few hours later, writing: While the federal government remains shut down, I respectfully request that you withhold my pay as a member of Congress.

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Davis chief of staff, Hannah Spengler, explained his reasoning in a written statement to McClatchy.

Congressman Davis has chosen to have his pay withheld during the shutdown, standing with federal workers and families facing uncertainty, Spengler said.

Foushee, of Hillsborough, gave a longer explanation of her decision in her letter.

Members of Congress should play by the same rules as the people they represent, Foushee wrote. Until Congress comes to a bipartisan resolution to this impasse, one that makes whole the people I represent in NC-04 and fully reopens the government, I firmly believe member pay should be withheld.

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Moore, of Kings Mountain, sent a letter with a similar tenor, though he blamed the shutdown on Democrats.

Its not right for members of Congress to receive pay while our troops go unpaid and hurricane recovery efforts in Western North Carolina are stalled, Moore wrote in his letter.

There is a bill, filed by Virginia Rep. Robert Wittman, before the current Congress that would prevent lawmakers from receiving pay if they fail to pass a budget. None of North Carolinas members have co-sponsored the bill.

Rep. Wiley Nickel, a Democrat from Cary, filed the same bill in 2023 before retiring from Congress, but it never made it to a vote.
Vegan sausage rolls could be banned in Northern Ireland because of the Brexit deal unless they are renamed.

On Wednesday, the European Parliament is expected to vote in favour of an amendment that will forbid plant-based food from being sold under meaty terms.

Producers in Northern Ireland will instead have to come up with new terms such as tubes or discs because of a push from conservative EU lawmakers to appease farmers.

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However, Greggs vegan sausage rolls will escape the EU name ban because of a loophole in the Brexit treaty.

Robin Swann, an MP for the Ulster Unionist Party, said: This regulatory absurdity highlights the urgent need to scrap the Irish Sea border and ensure NI businesses operate under UK, not EU, law.

For those who remember the 1984 episode of the satirical television programme Yes Minister, the plotline in which the EU would require the renaming of the British sausage as an emulsified high fat offal tube seems to be fast becoming a reality.

Applies because of Windsor Framework

The EU ban will apply because of the Windsor Framework, which means that Northern Ireland must follow some EU rules that Britain does not, including on food labelling.

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The treaty created the Irish Sea border, introducing checks on British goods, but kept the land border with the Republic of Ireland invisible after Brexit.

But it also created a loophole that ensures that Greggs vegan sausage rolls, and other similar products made in Britain, can continue to be sold in Northern Ireland under their proper UK name.

Greggs makes the pastries in Britain before they are shipped to 24 bakeries in Northern Ireland. The goods cross the Irish Sea border using the green lane for goods deemed not at risk of crossing into Ireland, and the UK trusted trade scheme for light-touch customs controls.

That means that they can be sold in Northern Ireland as vegan sausage rolls under the terms of the Windsor Framework.

Backlash from politicians

Timothy Gaston, the member of the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Traditional Unionist Voice, said: Once again, Northern Ireland finds itself bound by rules it did not make, subject to decisions in which no Northern Ireland representative has a vote.

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While the European Parliament debates what a sausage roll can be called, businesses here must brace for yet another layer of regulation that applies in Belfast but not in Birmingham.

Mark Francois, the chairman of the European Research Group of Tory MPs, said: This shows just how hollow Labours much-vaunted EU reset  which includes regulation of foodstuffs  really is. We shouldnt roll over on this.

The plenary vote in the European Parliament is being held on Wednesday. It is expected that the centre-Right European Peoples Party, the largest in Strasbourg, the hard-Right and some liberal MEPs will back the ban.

That would guarantee a majority in what would be a victory for European conservatives against Greens and liberals.

Cultural war

Celine Imart, the centre-Right lead MEP who put forward the amendment, said: A steak is made of meat  full stop. Using these names only for real meat keeps labels honest, protects farmers and preserves Europes culinary traditions.

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Thomas Waitz, an Austrian Green MEP, said: This is a cultural war, and this is a cultural war that has been started by the far-Right.

The Northern Ireland Assembly can delay the application of EU law by pulling the Stormont brake, if it has enough support from legislative assembly members.

The mechanism has been used twice before but both times the UK Government decided that it did not meet the threshold of having a significant impact specific to everyday life of communities in Northern Ireland in a way that is liable to persist.

A Government spokesman said: We will not comment on hypothetical scenarios or speculation.

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The European Commission was asked for comment.

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It's the email every prospective cruise vacationers fears they'll one day receive: the unavoidable notification that their upcoming voyage has officially been canceled.

According to USA Today, many planned Norwegian Cruises for 2026 and 2027 have been changed or outright canceled as a result of new developments within the popular cruise company.

The NorwegianGem and Norwegian Dawn, for example, will swap homeports in Florida between November 2026 and March 2027.

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Far from being a negative thing, the change has triggered new and improved itineraries for Norwegian's fleet, including additional stops at the company's private island resort, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

Previously, Norwegian has announced plans to add several new additions to Great Stirrup Cay, including a new waterpark area set to open in summer 2026.

"Norwegian Gem will sail Caribbean and Bahamas cruises from Tampa, Florida, ranging from four to 11-day itineraries offering a wider variety of options for guests," Norwegian confirmed to USA Today.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Dawn will opt for shorter cruise voyages to the Bahamas from Jacksonville, Florida.

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In addition to changes in the Dawn and Gem's itineraries, Norwegian also announced that several planned sailings in November and December 2026 for Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Joy have been canceled due to "port availability" issues.

Any guests who have their cruise affected by the update will receive a full refund, along with a 10% credit to use on a future cruise with the company.

"We are committed to providing exceptional vacation experiences, both aboard our ships and by taking our guests to some of the most sought-out destinations around the world," said Norwegian.

"While we try to maintain original itineraries as much as possible, at times modifications are made to optimize voyages to meet guest demand or due to changing port availability," the company went on to say.

This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Six Libyans, who were members of a Libyan ship, Omar Mokhtar, that was part of the Soumoud Global Flotilla that planned to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, have been handed over to the government authorities, the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity (GNU) announced on Tuesday
Christian Lindner, Former Chairman of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), speaks at the 76th Ordinary Federal Party Conference of the FDP. Lindner, previously leader of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), is set to move into the private sector. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa

Former German finance minister Christian Lindner, previously leader of the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP), is set to move into the private sector, according to information obtained by dpa.

The federal Cabinet is due to decide on approvals required under Germany's cooling-off period rules, which restrict former ministers from taking up new positions immediately after leaving office.

Starting in November, one year after leaving his post as finance minister, Lindner would be allowed to assume new roles.

Lindner, 46, is expected to join the shareholder board of StepStone Group, a digital recruitment firm jointly owned by private equity fund KKR and media company Axel Springer SE, as an independent member. Sources close to Lindner confirmed he has applied for approvals for this and other mandates.

StepStone operates numerous international job portals and provides online recruitment solutions, generating about 1 billion ($1.2 billion) in revenue in its most recent fiscal year.

Since April, Lindner has participated in conferences at home and abroad as a speaker on geopolitics and the global economy.

Lindner left government with the collapse of the previous German coalition. After the FDP failed to return to parliament in the subsequent federal election, he announced his withdrawal from active politics.
Iberville Parish and all of Louisiana are mourning the death of one sheriff's deputy and praying for the life of a second who was critically injured in a shocking courthouse shooting late Monday night in which the suspect was killed.

"We're all just stunned and distraught; this just doesn't happen here," Iberville Parish Deputy Ronnie Hebert told USA Today Network Tuesday morning.

Uniformed Deputy Charles Riley, who was married with two children, died from his injuries.

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Det. Brett Stassi Jr., son of Sheriff Brett Stassi, remained in stable, but critical condition Tuesday from his wounds, Hebert said.

Hebert said the shooting occured after hours inside the Iberville Parish Courthouse about 7:35 p.m. while Riley and Stassi Jr. were interviewing the suspect.

Hebert declined to comment on details of the incident or how the suspect secured a gun, deferring questions to the Louisiana State Police, the lead agency in the investigation. He said the FBI is also assisting in the investigation.

USA Today Network is seeking comment from the Louisiana State Police.

"I've been here 31 years, and its the first time I've ever been part of an investigation where one of our deputies was shot or killed," Hebert said.

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He said the slain Deputy Riley "was a helluva deputy and person, one of those guys everybody loved."

Hebert said Sheriff Stassi and his wife, Caroline, are by their son's side.

"There's been an outpouring of support not just from our community but all of our surrounding parishes," Hebert said. "We're obviously asking for everyone's prayers."

Among those is Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who posted the following on X:

"Absolutely horrific news out of Iberville Parish tonight. Please join Sharon and me in praying for the deputy killed, for Deputy Stassi who is in stable condition, their families, and the entire Iberville Parish Sheriffs Office. The violence must end."

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Attorney General Liz Murrill told USA Today she believed the two deputies were booking the suspect on sexual assault charges when he somehow secured a weapon.

"It's another terrible example of the danger those who protect us face every day," Murrill told USA Today Network. "We're all praying for Brett and his family and for Charles' family. It's a tragedy."

More: Iberville Deputy Brett Stassi Jr. listed as critical but stable condition after shooting

More: Louisiana National Guard general prepares plan to patrol Shreveport, Baton Rouge, New Orleans

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: One deputy killed, one injured in Louisiana courthouse shooting
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is using a "tactic of moral blackmail" and that "Hungary has no moral obligation to support Ukraine's EU accession".

Source: Orban on X (Twitter)

Quote: "It turns out that President Zelenskyy wants to decide what's best for the Hungarians.

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He is once again using his usual tactic of moral blackmail to push countries into supporting his war efforts."

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Details: Orban said that "Hungary has no moral obligation to support Ukraine's EU accession".

He stressed that the decision on EU accession is taken unanimously by member states.

Quote: "No country has ever blackmailed its way into the European Union  and it won't happen this time either."

Details: Orban also referred to the "referendum" on supporting Ukraine's EU membership, in which 95% of participants voted against it.

Quote: "If you wish to change that, the media campaign you're waging against Hungary is probably not the best way to make friends."

Previously: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will become a member of the European Union regardless of Orban's position.

Background:

Orban recently claimed again that Hungarians do not want to be in the same union as Ukrainians because they do not want to "share their fate"  and Ukrainians, he said, are fated to border Russia. The Hungarian prime minister also said he does not believe that Ukraine is a sovereign state, as its bills are paid by the European Union.

Zelenskyy believes there are domestic political reasons for Hungary's blocking of Ukraine's further movement towards EU membership.

The European Commission says that the opening of clusters for Ukraine without Orban's consent "could be considered", but the decision must be made by EU member states.

Read also: Getting round Orban: how to unblock Ukraine's road to the EU

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Attorney General Pam Bondi hit back at Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) as he grilled her Over ex-FBI director James Comeys indictment with an attack that dredged up his old military service scandal.

The attack line, repeated previously by President Donald Trump over the past decade, developed after the senator admitted to misrepresenting his military service, after years of suggesting he had served in Vietnam when, in fact, he had not.

A 2010 New York Times investigation revealed Blumenthal had received at least five deferments from 1965 to 1970 before he joined the Reserves, where his duties included drills and local community projects. The report found he had sometimes falsely claimed to be a Vietnam veteran, an impression that had become part of his public image.

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Blumenthal later apologized, saying he regretted claiming hed served in Vietnam rather than during it.

During a Senate Judiciary hearing on Tuesday, Blumenthal confronted Bondi in his questioning ABOUT a pretty intimate image of the Trump Cabinet having dinner together the night before Comeys indictment was made public.

The senator pressed Bondi on whether Comey was discussed at that dinner  getting at lingering questions over whether the former FBI director had been indicted under pressure from Trump.

Clearly angered, Bondi replied by speaking over Blumenthal: There were a lot of people there that night. Thats a great picture. I love that picture. Thats a great picture. And there were a lot of people there that night. I think the entire Cabinet was there.

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I am not going to discuss any conversations Ive had or not have with the president of the United States, she said.

Expressing sympathy with Republican ambitions to fight the weaponization of the Department of Justice and arguing he had proposed legislation to that end, Blumenthal asked her to join him in supporting reform.

Rounding on Blumenthal, however, Bondi challenged his record: Senator Blumenthal, I find it so interesting that you didnt bring any of this up during President [Joe] Bidens administration, when he was doing everything to protect Hunter Biden, his son. And I think you just saw what [CIA] Director Ratcliffe just released.

As the senator tried to interject, the attorney general said: Im not going to yell over you. Im not going to get in the gutter with you. But information that the Biden administration told them not to investigate  Hunter Bidens involvement with Ukraine.

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Im not going to be lectured to you about integrity by someone who lied about being in the military just to be elected as senator, she added, leaving Blumenthal in stunned silence for several seconds.

Watch above via MSNBC.

The post Pam Bondi Goes for the Jugular by Reviving Democrats Military Service Scandal During Fiery Hearing first appeared on Mediaite.
Patricia Heaton issued a bold political warning about the Gaza war and how history could repeat itselfparticularly 9/11.

In an interview with Fox News Digital published on Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Everybody Loves Raymond actress, 67, shared a blunt prediction.

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Heaton is the founder of the October 7 Coalition, a nonprofit organization with a mission to "help activate Christians to be visibly, vocally supportive of the Jewish people, of Israel's right to exist and to fight antisemitism along with all our Jewish friends."

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In the interview, Heaton spoke out about Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel, killing 1,200 and taking 250 others hostagean act that became a catalyst for the current war in Gaza.

"One of the reasons I created the October 7 Coalition with my partner, Elizabeth [Dorros], is that after Oct. 7, I had assumed that all of Americans and particularly Christians would be standing up for Israel," she said. "That there would be a massive outcry on Oct. 8 and 9 and 10 in support of Israel and condemning what had happened. And instead there was sort of silence from most Americans and a lot of churches and huge support for Palestine and for Hamas and for Gazans who went in and participated in this slaughter."

Patricia Heaton attends the 30 Years Of 'Everybody Loves Raymond': An Evening With The Legends Of The Classic Sitcom event at The Paley Museum on June 16, 2025, in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Related: Ariana Grande Sends Direct Political Message That Deeply Divides Fans

That's when Heaton issued her serious warning.

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"I think because of the size of our country, it's hard for people to imagine anything like Oct. 7 happening here," she continued. "But we went through it with 9/11. And that's been forgotten. It's hard to believe that, but we're going to see another 9/11 again in this country if people don't wake up and take a stand and have their voice be heard."

To conclude her call to action, Heaton shared, "It's very important for Christians, Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals to stand up and make their voice known and make their vote known. And you have to vote for Western civilization. You have to vote for Judeo-Christian values and for democracy and for the people who are supporting that here and in Israel."

Those who follow the actress know she's no stranger to weighing in on political matters. In February, she sent a direct message about President Donald Trump, shortly after he took office following his inauguration.

"I want everybody to feel that America is on the right track, feel proud of America and grateful," she said. "I've traveled a lot around the world with World Vision and with other organizations. And, you know, it's a privilege to be living in this country."

Related: Little House on the Prairies Melissa Gilbert Shares Direct Message After Jimmy Kimmel Live! Suspension

In November 2024, Heaton also spoke out against the media's reaction to Trump's election win and the forecasts some made about what abortion bans could mean for women.

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"To all these extremists that are allowed television time, who told women that this is what is going to happen to them, shame on you! Shame on you!" she said in a video published via X.

Next: Zach Bryan Divides Country Music Fans With Bold Political Message in New Song "Bad News"

This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 7, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk of the Town, a daily newsletter of local stories that dig deep, events, and more from north-central PA, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown.

Clearfield County will make $1 million over five years to act as the middleman between ICE and the private contractor that operates the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest immigration detention facility in the Northeast.

The county enters the final year of its contracts with ICE and the GEO Group as the Trump administration has intensified efforts to deport undocumented immigrants.

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Moshannon  which had already been accused of physical and psychological abuse, inadequate health care, and poor conditions  has also come under increased scrutiny over the past several months after the hanging death of Chaofeng Ge, a Chinese citizen who was detained at the facility near Philipsburg.

Local advocates have protested, called for Moshannons closure, and pressured county commissioners not to renew the contracts for the detention center.

Abigail Grimes-Haldiman, who is part of Indivisible Mayday, told Spotlight PA that no amount of money justifies the facility staying open. Indivisible Mayday is a grassroots organization that protests what it deems to be right-wing agendas.

We dont have to evoke human suffering in order to make money for the county, Grimes-Haldiman said.

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In September 2021, the Clearfield County commissioners voted to enter into a five-year intergovernmental service agreement with ICE to provide detention services for detainees, according to the agreement.

The commissioners also approved a services contract with GEO Group, an international company based in Florida that owns and operates correctional and detention facilities around the globe. It requires GEO to perform all duties and accept all responsibilities incumbent upon the county under its agreement with ICE, according to the contract.

The ACLU sued the commissioners after they signed the contracts with ICE and GEO Group, alleging commissioners violated the states open meetings law.

Also under the contract, GEO Group agrees to pay the county an administrative fee of $200,000 per year in recognition of [county] costs in time and resources.

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That $200,000 yearly payment accounts for less than 0.5% of Clearfield Countys annual budget. The county projected revenues of $41.7 million in 2025.

The administrative fee goes into the countys general fund and isnt earmarked for any specific purpose, Clearfield County Commissioner Dave Glass told Spotlight PA.

USA Today reported that GEO Group billed the federal government $4.5 million in December, which was about on par for most of the other months in 2024. But in 2025, those monthly payments have been on an upward trajectory, reaching $5.3 million in May.

That money essentially passes from ICE to Clearfield County to GEO Group.

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The contract helps GEO to circumvent onerous federal contracting requirements that exist when a private company directly contracts with the federal government, according to an August 2024 report from Temple Universitys Sheller Center for Social Justice.

The detention center contracts run through the end of next September, and Clearfield County commissioners will decide next year whether they will be renewed.

All things being equal, I anticipate my advocating a renewal of the contract as I do not believe that the resident detainees civil rights are being violated at GEO and I do believe that they are receiving all other protections afforded to them by American law on the part of the institution, Commissioner John Sobel told Spotlight PA.

Commissioner Tim Winters told Spotlight PA that he didnt see a reason not to renew the contract.

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While Glass said hes generally happy with GEO Group, he has concerns about the way ICE agents have been conducting themselves and said they would give him pause before voting to renew contracts for the Moshannon facility.

Glass told Spotlight PA he understands deporting known criminals or individuals with criminal connections who have had due process.

But rounding people up who have been upstanding members of American communities for years  in some cases decades  makes no sense to me and seems like a serious overreaction, Glass said.

According to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, as of mid-September the most recent average daily population numbers for Moshannon are 1,404  up from 1,171 when Trump was inaugurated.

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(TRAC is a nonprofit that tracks federal agency data, including on immigration.)

The facility has a capacity of 1,876, according to GEO Groups website.

It was previously owned and operated by GEO Group as a federal prison until March 2021, when former President Joe Biden signed an executive order banning private prison contracts.

The prison employed 300 people before it closed, WPSU reported.

Eight months later, the facility reopened as an ICE immigration detention center.

Sobel said in 2021 that the move would offer well-paying, family sustaining jobs to many of the former prison employees, according to the newsroom.

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He told Spotlight PA that Moshannon Valley Processing Center has a great economic impact.

According to Winters, the facility employs 407 full-time GEO Group employees and about two dozen full-time ICE employees. He said it also pays property taxes that go to the Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District and fund essential services in Decatur Township.

SUPPORT THIS JOURNALISM and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The nominee to be the Pentagon's senior official for the Indo-Pacific region said on Tuesday the U.S. Defense Department was continuing to conduct a review of the AUKUS project to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines.

John Noh, currently serving at the Pentagon as deputy assistant secretary for East Asia, has been nominated to be assistant secretary. He said that U.S. submarine production needs to rise from 1.2 Virginia-class submarines a year to 2.33 annually to meet AUKUS obligations.

He said there were things the AUKUS partners - the U.S., Australia and the United Kingdom - can do to make AUKUS more sustainable and be believed Pentagon Under Secretary Elbridge Colby and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth would have the opportunity to discuss specific recommendations on this.

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When asked by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen why the review, which began in July, was taking so long, Noh reiterated past Pentagon statements that the department planned to conclude it "by this fall."

Noh noted that both Australia and the United Kingdom had conducted reviews. Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Senate committee, said the U.S. review had come "as a surprise to this committee, to the Congress and to the general public, and as a distressing surprise to our steadfast ally, Australia."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed confidence last month that AUKUS, the biggest defense initiative in Australia history will move forward. He is due to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct. 20 in Washington, with the project likely to top his agenda.

Under AUKUS, the U.S, will sell several Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Canberra, while Britain and Australia will later build a new AUKUS-class submarine.

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The Pentagon review is being led by Colby, who said last year that submarines were a scarce, critical commodity, and U.S. industry could not produce enough to meet American demand.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Idrees Ali; Editing by David Gregorio)
Collision in Miami County

A Peru woman died and two other people were injured in a Saturday morning collision on Meridian Road near East County Road 500 North in Miami County, north of Peru.

Officers from the Indiana State Police Peru Post, the Miami County Sheriffs Office and the Peru City Police Department responded to a crash involving injuries on Meridian Road just after 10:30 a.m., according to a press release from the ISP.

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The preliminary investigation conducted by Master Trooper AJ Coffee revealed that Jennifer K. Workman, 53, of Peru, was driving a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer northbound on Meridian Road. Also in the Blazer was a passenger identified as Tiffany D. Baker, 32, of Peru. While attempting to pass another vehicle, the Blazer collided with a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Neal W. Birner, 62, of Peru. The Equinox had two passengers, Eclista M. Birner, 89, and Michael V. Birner, 68, both from Peru.

Eclista Birner was pronounced deceased at the crash scene by the Miami County Coroners Office. Workman and Michael Birner were transported by Lutheran Air to area hospitals for serious injuries. Neal Birner and Baker were transported by ambulance to local hospitals for non-life threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing. At this time, there are no indications that alcohol or narcotics contributed to the crash, according to the press release. The family of the deceased has been notified.

Also assisting at the scene were the Denver Volunteer Fire Department, the Mexico Volunteer Fire Department, Miami County EMA, Lutheran EMS and Fulton County EMS.
Wilhelmina Yazzie (Dine), one of the lead plaintiffs in the case, who has been involved for over 10 years, told Source that she was disappointed that the PEDs draft plan did not include the nine components her legal team outlined earlier this year. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM)

A draft remedial plan submitted last week by the New Mexico Public Education Department in the long-running Yazzie/Martinez education equity case is too vague, stakeholders and education advocates claim.

The PED submitted a 70-page remedial plan for providing at-risk New Mexico students with an equitable education over the next three years to the First Judicial District Court, meeting the Oct. 1 deadline set by District Court Judge Matthew Wilson earlier this year. The court previously identified at-risk students at those with disabilities, from low-income families, English language learners and Native American students.

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However, plaintiffs in the case and other advocacy organizations state they are disappointed in the draft, claiming the wording is too vague and doesnt include enough details and metrics. The New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, which represents the lead plaintiffs in the case, also said in a news release it is concerned that comments from stakeholders and members of the public are not adequately represented in the plan.

A lot of effort went into providing very specific stakeholder input. Not just in this last round of stakeholder input, but over some years of trying to assist the state with this task, Laurel Nesbitt, senior attorney for Disability Rights New Mexico, told Source NM. The elements of the plan, they are so generally worded that the only way to make real sense of them and to get anything meaningful out of these elements is to try to fill in the blanks with ones own hopes about what the language could mean.

Nesbitt pointed to one component of the plan addressing high-quality, inclusive education with sufficient supports for students with disabilities. The plan first highlights the need for the state Legislature to permanently establish the Office of Special Education within the PED. The office was created in 2023 through an executive order signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. The first step also states that training, resources and accountability are needed for special education. Nesbitt questioned who would receive the training and what the training and resources would look like.

That is just making official an office that already exists, Nesbitt said. And theres no indication in there about what that would mean in terms of the officeIs there going to be greater capacity? Is there going to be greater expertise within the office? Is there anything substantive about that thats going to lead to positive change for students with disabilities?

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The plan goes on to state that between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, the PED and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department will expand efforts to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by quickly identifying and evaluating students with disabilities; providing adequate services; reducing restraint and seclusion and disciplinary removals; increasing parent participation in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and college or career transitions.

In and of itself, that is not a comprehensive list, but that list includes general thoughts, general ideas that were contributed, Nesbitt said. Its a list that includes elements that are important, but each one of those elements in that list should have its own plan.

She told Source that the draft plan is riddled with such examples of components that need further expansion, details of action and metrics, not only for students with disabilities, but for all at-risk students.

Its disappointing, but it kind of goes beyond disappointing to being kind of offensive that students with disabilities would need to wait, first, for an entire year for the passage of legislation, which may or may not pass, Nesbitt told Source. Not to mention the fact that these are already activities that are required by IDEA for the state to dowhether the [Office of Special Education] exists or not.

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She told Source that she only sees stakeholder input included in the draft in a general sense, such as identifying areas of action, but she said the plan does not include concrete steps to address or improve these areas. She said there are not enough details about training, for example, to see if they were heard by the PED.

Nesbitt added that stakeholder engagement has been happening for many years, not just over the summer since the court ordered the remedial plan. And its not clear that any of that is really captured in the plan, she said.

Source reached out several times to the PED for comment, but did not receive a response.

Wilhelmina Yazzie (Dine), one of the lead plaintiffs in the case, who has been involved for over 10 years, told Source that she was disappointed that the PEDs draft plan did not include the nine components her legal team outlined earlier this year.

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I just feel like its just the sameold process that has been taking place over and over, Yazzie told Source. She said she and other advocates promoted the community input session that were held over the summer months, assuring people that their voices mattered. They take time out, they drive out here to these sessions andits so disappointing that I just feel like those still have been dismissed.

The PED is asking for the public to provide feedback on the draft plan online through Oct. 17. The department then has until Nov. 3 to provide a final draft to the court, after which the plaintiffs can file formal objections to the plan.
MANZINI, Eswatini (AP)  A group of 10 migrants deported from the United States arrived early Monday in the African nation of Eswatini, authorities there said.

They are the latest of more than 40 deportees sent to Africa since July after the Trump administration struck largely secretive agreements with at least five African nations to take migrants under the new third-country deportation program that rights groups and others have protested.

A lawyer for two of the latest deportees told The Associated Press earlier on Monday that their flight had arrived in the southern African kingdom after departing from Alexandria, Louisiana, and stopping in Puerto Rico, Senegal and Angola.

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Tin Thanh Nguyen, the U.S.-based lawyer, said he represents two Vietnamese nationals who were on the flight. He said they had been held at the Alexandria Staging Facility immigration detention center in Louisiana. Nguyen said he tracked their flight with help from rights group Human Rights First.

The Eswatini government confirmed in a statement that 10 deportees had arrived and have been securely accommodated in one of the countrys correctional facilities. It didn't name them, give details on their nationalities or say where they are being held. It said they were in good health and undergoing admission processes.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security didnt immediately respond to a request for comment but has previously said that President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem are using every tool available to get criminal illegal aliens out of American communities and out of our country.

Four men from Cuba, Laos, Vietnam and Yemen who were deported to Eswatini in mid-July have been held in the country's maximum-security Matsapha prison without charge for nearly three months, their lawyers have said. Nguyen represents two of those men.

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The U.S. said the men sent to Eswatini in July were convicted criminals who had deportation orders. A Jamaican man in that first group was repatriated to his home country last month.

After the arrival of the latest deportees, the Eswatini government said it remains committed to the humane treatment of all persons in its custody.

The four men have been allowed to make phone calls to their families and lawyers in the U.S. However, authorities haven't allowed an Eswatini-based lawyer to visit them. The lawyer won a court ruling on Friday granting him access but the government immediately appealed, blocking him from visiting them.

Civic groups in Eswatini have protested against the deportations and launched a separate court case against authorities over the detention of the four men. The groups say it is illegal to hold them in prison without charging them with an offense. The case has been repeatedly delayed, and a judge failed to appear for a scheduled hearing last month.

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U.S. authorities have referred questions over the men's treatment to officials in Eswatini, a small kingdom bordering South Africa where the king holds absolute power and has been accused of clamping down on pro-democracy movements. King Mswati III has ruled the nation of around 1.2 million people by decree since he became monarch in 1986 at the age of 18. Political parties are effectively banned.

Few details of the deportation deals struck between the U.S. and African countries have been released, but international rights group Human Rights Watch has said it has seen documents that show the U.S. will pay Eswatini $5.1 million as part of an agreement to take up to 160 deportees.

The U.S. has said it wants to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Eswatini.

Rights groups have criticized the deportation program for sending migrants to countries where they will likely be denied due process.

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The U.S. has also sent deportees to South Sudan, Rwanda and Ghana and has an agreement with Uganda, though no deportations there have been announced.

Six deportees are still detained in an unspecified facility in South Sudan, while Rwanda hasn't said where it is holding seven deportees. Eleven of the 14 deportees sent to Ghana are suing the government there for holding them in what they described as terrible conditions at a military camp on the outskirts of the capital, Accra.

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Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.

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AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

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Follow APs global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
I love the business of risk, Jonathan Crystal tells me. He didnt really have a choice. After a brief career as a consultant, he joined his familys insurance brokerage firm, Crystal & Company, rising through the ranks to become CFO in 2014 before helping broker a sale to Alliant in 2018.

But despite spending his career in insurance, Crystal was always frustrated with how slow it moved, joking that the only thing his grandfather would be surprised by now about the industry would be email. So he decided to try out a different kind of risk, setting out to start a venture firm just as AI began to upend the staid sector. His new operation, the New York-based Crystal Venture Partners, just closed its first $33 million fund, backed by an array of family offices and global insurance companies.

Crystals decision to start an insurance-focused VC operation came at an opportune time, as he started making his first investments out of the fund in the months after OpenAI released ChatGPT to the world. Having started at his familys company right around the dot-com bubble era, he felt like hed experienced the craze before. The gun goes off and everybody starts sprinting, Crystal says.

He argues that makes his decades-long experience as an operator all the more valuable, able to root out the vertical software ideas that actually stand a chance of transforming the business of underwriting. For one, Crystal says he throws out any decks that include the buzzword disrupt, so founders beware. It generally feels kind of naive when people start with that phrase, he says. Its a very capital-intensive, highly regulated industry, and so theres reasons, in some cases, why its conservative.

But aside from the methodical approach, Crystal says that AI is already having a deep impact on how startups think about insurance. He points to several of his firms first investments. One, Bright Harbor, creates software designed to help people impacted by natural disasters, and has already raised a $10 million seed round after Crystal Venture Partners initial investment. Another, Sixfold, uses generative AI to aid with insurance underwriting and raised a $15 million Series A after Crystal invested. His new fund has already announced six investments, with 15 total planned, though he says hes not actively raising his next fund. I didnt go into this to stop at a Fund One, he adds.

While insurance may seem like a narrow focus area, Crystal argues that it touches every sector, from healthcare to climate risk to cybersecurity. Still, for an industry that he says hasnt changed much since his grandfather entered it, insurance is entering a period of massive flux. Now its his job to figure out where its headedand to capitalize on the moment. Im inspired by what the future might hold, Crystal says. But Im experienced enough to be cynical and skeptical about how quickly thatll happen.
Poland and Lithuania pushed back against former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's comments on Oct. 3 that Warsaw and the Baltic states had undermined the European Union's policy toward Russia.

Merkel told the Hungarian media outlet Partizan that, in 2021, she aimed, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, to revive dialogue between the EU and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Her proposal, she said, aimed to establish a "new format" that would allow the EU to speak directly with Moscow after she concluded that the Kremlin "no longer took the Minsk agreements seriously."

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The proposal also came amid growing concern over a potential Russian invasion, as Moscow massed troops along Ukraine's borders  a precursor to its full-scale assault launched in February 2022.

The former chancellor mentioned that the proposal for a new EU-Russia summit  the first since 2014, when Moscow occupied and illegally annexed Crimea  was rejected at that time.

"Not everyone supported this, above all the Baltic states, but Poland was also against it," Merkel said, noting that these countries were concerend about a lack of common EU strategy on Russia.

"In any case, it did not happen, I left office, and then Putins aggression began," she said.

Some media interpreted the comments as Merkel laying partial blame on the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Poland and the Baltics, though the former chancellor did not explicitly say this.

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Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, during a press conference, dismissed Merkel's version of events, saying she had "forgotten" how her government reacted to criticism.

"It's as true as when she said no one from Central Europe protested against Nord Stream," Sikorski said.

"Look at the German government's reaction to what I said in 2007 about how we dislike agreements made behind our backs. The chancellor must have forgotten how her own government responded."

The Nord Stream pipelines connect Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea and were vital for Russian gas exports to Europe. Nord Stream 1 began operations in 2011, while Nord Stream 2 never operated.

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Remigijus Motuzas, chair of the Lithuanian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, also criticized Merkel's remarks, saying they reflected a long-standing policy of "appeasing" the Russian president.

"We do not in any way consider this to be Germany's position," he said. "Merkel represents a long tradition of appeasing Putin, thanks to which Russian tanks are now in Georgia and Ukraine.

"If this line continued, I fear they would end up on their way to Berlin and on our territory."

The former chancellor has maintained a cautious stance since leaving office, emphasizing diplomacy while defending her engagement policy with Moscow and supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.

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Critics argue that Merkel's leadership strategy increased Germany's reliance on Russian energy and reduced its military readiness.

President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized her attempted outreach to Putin in 2021, calling it "unfair."

Read also: Russias digital Iron Curtain descends as Kremlin chokes remaining internet freedoms

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Poland has imposed sanctions on another two companies with links to Russia.

Source: Polish news portal RMF24, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Polish National Revenue Administration (KAS) announced on 7 October that it has added two companies  SteelTrade and Omni GRP  and three related individuals, Andriej Karpowicz, Veronika Pental and Wadimir Leszczuk, to the national sanctions list.

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The individuals are shareholders or beneficial owners of the sanctioned entities.

"Their inclusion in the sanctions list is the result of the work done by the National Revenue Administration to look into ties between individuals or organisations and the Russian Federation or Belarus that could affect Poland's security," KAS said.

Omni GRP is linked to SteelTrade, formerly known as the EMK Group, which in turn is connected to other entities in the EMK Group operating in the metals industry in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

According to the Polish tax authorities, the companies exported high-grade steel suitable for high-pressure casting  a material frequently used in weapons production due to its durability and resistance to extreme conditions. KAS stressed that this steel is highly likely to have reached Russian defence plants.

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The investigators also uncovered the mechanism through which the products were routed to Russia via a network of affiliated companies, thereby strengthening its industrial potential.

Background:

On 12 September, the UK announced sanctions targeting Russia's oil revenues and war machine.

On 3 October, the Council of the EU extended sanctions against Russian individuals and entities responsible for Russia's hybrid destabilising actions abroad against the European Union.

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A Bloomington resident released from prison two months ago is in jail, charged with murder and gun-related charges related to the Sept. 26 shooting death of a transient man.

Stephen P. Dixon II, 26, whose address is the 500 block of South Basswood Drive, was arrested Oct. 6 on preliminary charges of murder, criminal recklessness and two counts of unlawfully carrying a handgun with a prior conviction.

Dixon was booked into the Monroe County Jail at 1 p.m. and is being held without bond. Formal charges had not been filed in court by the afternoon of Oct. 7.

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He is accused of firing the bullet that killed 29-year-old Shawn Allen Sullivan during a 9:40 p.m. altercation the last Friday in September. It happened at the corner of Howe and Morton streets just south of downtown Bloomington.

According to a Bloomington Police Department news release, the fatal incident escalated quickly: Sullivan reportedly threw a bicycle that struck a car driven by Dixon, who stopped, got out, shouted at the victim and fired one bullet from a handgun, police allege.

The coroner said Sullivan died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police seek shooting suspect Bloomington police ask for public's help to find perpetrator in deadly shooting

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Witnesses told police Sullivan was walking westbound on Howe Street with two women when a dark-colored passenger car sped up behind the them. BPD Capt. Ryan Pedigo's news release described what investigators say happened.

"Mr. Sullivan therefore threw a bicycle at the vehicle, which did indeed strike the vehicle. A man then exited the passenger car with a gun in his hand and began yelling at Mr. Sullivan. The suspect fired one round, striking Mr. Sullivan in his left side. The suspect then got back into the vehicle and sped off, last seen going northbound on Madison Street."

Detectives reviewed video footage from a security camera at a nearby gas station at Kirkwood Avenue and Rogers Street and saw a dark-colored Volkswagen Passat pull into the business at 9:24 p.m.

A man and woman went in and bought two items, the news release said, and left at 9:34 p.m. going south on Rogers Street.

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"The man in the footage matched the description of the shooter that was later provided by witnesses and the shooting occurred minutes after this vehicle left the gas station lot," the news release said.

A similar car was involved in a Sept. 22 shooting in the 1600 block of North Willis Drive, police said, where someone fired a bullet toward a residence before speeding away.

Security cameras recorded images of the car and its temporary license plate, allowing police to track it to 30-year-old Kaila Simms, who has the same address as Dixon.

The news release said that in the days after the shooting, "investigators began receiving tips from members of the public indicating that the shooter was Stephen Dixon."

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BPD officers located and started following the suspect's car the morning of Monday, Oct. 6. The vehicle went to an elementary school to drop off two children, then to the shooting location, where the driver parked in a nearby alley.

Police followed the car, with Dixon and Simms inside, from there to Lawrence County. When the Passat pulled into a gas station on Lincoln Avenue in Bedford, officers from BPD, Indiana State Police and the Lawrence County Sheriffs Office surrounded the vehicle "and both Stephen Dixon II and Kaila Simms were taken into custody without incident," the news release said.

Pedigo said Dixon was armed with a loaded 9mm Hi-Point handgun when he was arrested. Detectives interviewed Dixon and Simms and took them to jail.

State records indicate Dixon was released from an Indiana prison Aug. 4, 2025, after being sentenced to 7 years behind bars in 2019 for convictions in Monroe County for burglary and auto theft.

Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Police follow and arrest suspect in Sept. 26 Bloomington murder
GRENADA COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  A passenger from Poland died during a crash in Mississippi.

The crash occurred on Interstate 55 near the 214-mile marker in Grenada County around 9:30 a.m. on October 6, 2025.

Man sentenced for armed robbery outside Jackson auto parts store

According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP), a 2016 Kia Soul was traveling north on the interstate when it left the road and hit a tree.

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Troopers said the passenger, Barbara Domanska, 76, of Poland, was transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) with life-threatening injuries. She was later pronounced deceased.

The driver, Barbara Cudak, 79, was transported to Oxford Baptist Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by MHP.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Pop-up produce stands are returning to the Las Vegas valley, the Southern Nevada Health District announced Monday.

According to a release from the SNHD, the pop-up stands will return to the Bonneville Transit Center (BTC) starting Tuesday, Oct. 7, and will offer affordable, regionally grown fruits and vegetables.

The stands will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or while supplies last, at the BTC, located at 101 E. Bonneville Avenue, on the following days:

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Tuesday, Oct. 7

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Tuesday, Nov. 4

Tuesday, Nov. 18 (third Tuesday due to Veterans Day)

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Tuesday, Dec. 9



Shoppers will be able to use SNAP/EBT, cash, debit, or credit cards, the release stated.

The goal of the pop-up produce stands is to make healthy food more accessible and help reduce food insecurity in Southern Nevada, according to the release.

In 2023, Clark Countys food insecurity rate was 16%, affecting more than 360,000 people. More than one in five children, which amounts to around 111,000 children, in Clark County experienced food insecurity, the release stated.

In 2024, the pop-up produce stands helped distribute 2,471 pounds of fresh produce, amounting to more than $3,200 in sales, 26% of which were made using SNAP/EBT benefits.

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The produce stands are a partnership between SNHDs Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, and Prevail Marketplace.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV will visit Turkey and Lebanon in late November, his first foreign trip, the Vatican announced Tuesday.

Leo will visit Turkey Nov. 27-30, then go to Lebanon until Dec. 2, a Vatican press release said.

The visit to Turkey will "include a pilgrimage to Iznik on the occasion of the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea," said Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office said in a statement. He said the itinerary of the Apostolic Journey to Lebanon "will be announced in due course."

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Iznik is the modern name of Nicaea.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the pope in June and invited him to visit the country. Aoun is a Maronite Christian. The Maronite Church is the largest Christian denomination in Lebanon. It's an Eastern Catholic, Syriac church, with followers all over the world, but with the highest concentration in Lebanon.

"I thank God for those Christians, Eastern and Latin alike, who, above all in the Middle East, persevere and remain in their homelands, resisting the temptation to abandon them," Leo said at a pilgrimage to Rome of Eastern Catholics this year, The New York Times reported.

"Christians must be given the opportunity, and not just in words, to remain in their native lands with all the rights needed for a secure existence," he added.

Benedict XVI visited Lebanon in 2012. Pope Francis said he hoped to visit Lebanon but never did.
By Sam Tabahriti and Catarina Demony

LONDON (Reuters) -Opponents of Israel's actions in Gaza held protests on Tuesday in a number of cities on the second anniversary of the Hamas attacks that triggered the war, despite denunciations by politicians who said such marches risked glorifying violence.

Hamas gunmen killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in the attack on October 7, 2023. Israel responded by launching an offensive against the Palestinian militant group in Gaza that has killed more than 67,000 people, Gaza health officials say.

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Pro-Palestinian rallies were held on Tuesday in Sydney and in European cities including London, Paris, Geneva, Athens, Thessaloniki, Istanbul and Stockholm.

The protests reflect a shift in global sentiment, with sympathy that initially flowed to Israel after the October 7 attacks now increasingly directed towards Palestinians, leaving Israel more isolated on the world stage.

'TERRIBLE TIMING, SHOCKINGLY INSENSITIVE'

Organisers of pro-Palestinian protests say they are intended to spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocate for Palestinian rights.

But politicians in several countries said scheduling such protests on the anniversary of the Hamas attacks, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, could be seen as an endorsement of militant violence.

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"Terrible timing, shockingly insensitive," Chris Minns, the premier of the Australian state of New South Wales, told radio station 2GB of a planned protest in Sydney.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was "un-British" to hold the protests "on the anniversary of the atrocities of October 7".

Some people had used the Israeli government's actions in Gaza as a "despicable excuse to attack British Jews for something over which they have absolutely no responsibility," Starmer said.

Concern over antisemitism in Britain in particular has intensified since an attack at a synagogue last week in which two men were killed, and Jewish communities have stepped up security at places of worship.

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In London, several hundred protesters waved Palestinian flags and shouted: "Israel is a terrorist state" outside King's College London. They were expected to march to other universities.

A small group of people waving Israeli flags stood nearby.

Mark Etkind, a retiree in his early 60s from London, wore a sign around his neck saying he was the son of a Holocaust survivor and opposed what he called genocide in Gaza. He said a call by Starmer for students not to protest was "outrageous".

"I have always opposed genocide," he told Reuters. "Of course, I support students here who are actively opposing genocide."

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But Emily Schrader, a 34-year-old Israeli journalist who was visiting London, called it "utterly disgraceful".

"I think that there are much better ways to support Palestinians than engaging in an activity like this that is so hurtful, so deeply offensive, and that emboldens radicalism and terrorism, whether on campus or on the ground in Israel."

Vigils and some protests against antisemitism were also being held on Tuesday. In Germany mourners gathered at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, placing stones and photos of victims in a solemn vigil echoing Jewish remembrance traditions, while events were held across Israel.

PROTESTS PROMPTED BY HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA

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In the Netherlands, pro-Palestinian activists splashed red paint on Amsterdam's Royal Palace in protest against a decision by the city mayor to ban a pro-Palestinian rally while permitting a pro-Israeli event.

In Turkey, a protest was expected outside an energy company over its exports to Israel. In Sweden, demonstrators were expected to welcome back participants of a Gaza aid flotilla detained by Israel, including climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Authorities have banned a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the northern Italian city of Bologna, citing the risk of unrest, after days of protests and clashes with police across Italy.

"The demonstration will be absolutely prohibited," Enrico Ricci, the local prefect in Bologna, told reporters.

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The dire humanitarian situation for Palestinians in Gaza has prompted marches and protests attended by millions globally in the last two years.

Governments have had to find a balance between granting the right to protest and the need to protect Jewish communities who have felt targeted by the demonstrations and have reported a rise in antisemitic incidents since the October 7 attack.

(Writing by Sam Tabahriti; Additional reporting by Catarina Demony in London, Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amsterdam, Inti Landauro in Brussels and Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul, Editing by Kate Holton, Timothy Heritage, Peter Graff)
(WHTM)  Swatting has become an increasingly serious issue across the country, as well as in Pennsylvania, and a state lawmaker is taking action.

State Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester) introduced a bill that targets the rise of swatting across the Commonwealth. The bill seeks to implement stricter punishments for those who make false swatting calls.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

This bill will make clear that the elements of the crime, its a swatting bill, just like the federal legislation, said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. You cannot commit this kind of a hoax to try to intentionally create an emergency response from law enforcement, from emergency response, first responders, without being held accountable.

Swatting has become an increasingly significant problem nationwide. A total of 446 swatting incidents happened on U.S. school campuses alone during the 2022-23 school year.

Ive introduced two bills, the first of which would make it a felony in Pennsylvania to commit the crime of swatting, which is intentionally trying to seek a law enforcement response to something that is not true, a threat thats not true, Williams said. And then the second bill would provide for restitution, which is the fancy legal word for allowing the court to order a defendant to repay any of the costs that come from the law enforcement response.

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Lawmakers say these incidents pose a unique risk for both the victim of the swatting and the law enforcement officers responding to the calls.

We train as best we can, said Sollsteimer. Active shooter drills. We do it in Delaware County. We do a great training through our Chief of Police Association, but when its real life, it is very dangerous, and you dont know who might innocently be around the other corner.

The legislation is expected to be voted on next week.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Protestors unfurl banners within the Providence City Council Chamber on at the start of the Committee on Ordinance's meeting Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. Most of the more than 50 people who spoke at the meeting were against police cooperation with immigration officers. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

As the Trump administration increases pressure on states and cities to have police assist with federal immigration enforcement, officials in Rhode Islands capital are moving to impose new limits on how officers can cooperate.

Following a three-hour hearing Monday evening, the Providence City Councils Committee on Ordinance voted to advance a proposal introduced by Councilor Justin Roias in January to amend the citys Community-Police Relations Act. Three members voted for the proposal and two, Committee Chairman Pedro Espinal and Councilor Oscar Vargas, abstained.

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Over 50 residents and community advocates spoke before the committee, nearly all were against any relationship between the Providence Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

I do not want to feel like masked people could kidnap me or my neighbors off the street with support of the Providence Police and my tax dollars, Rebecca Dupras, a Providence estate planning attorney, told the committee. I want to feel that I can count on the police to protect me.

Angel Lopez of the citys Silver Lake neighborhood said he believes amending its policing rules will only make the city safer.

Positive relationships must work both ways, he said.

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Among the proposed changes:

Providence Police would be barred from complying with ICE requests to establish traffic perimeters for any federal agency attempting to detain undocumented immigrants

The city would not be allowed to deputize officers as immigration officials under the Department of Homeland Securitys 287(g) program.

The police would be prohibited from sharing personal data with federal immigration authorities, including state-issued IDs, licenses, names, addresses, dates of birth, fingerprints or biometric information.

Schools, places of worship, health facilities and courts would be designated safe spaces, meaning federal immigration authorities cant be granted access unless they have a judicial warrant or are acting in response to a specific act of terrorism, national security threat or when there is the threat of imminent danger of violence.

In an interview ahead of the meeting, Steven Brown, executive director for the Rhode Island ACLU, told the Rhode Current that he believes the proposed ordinance is important in ensuring future administrations dont go back on policy that isnt codified.

Enacted in 2017 under then-Mayor Jorge Elorza, the Providence Community-Police Relations Act prohibits officers from assisting with federal immigration enforcement regardless of the reason the person is being detained, unless there is a criminal warrant issued for a person in Providence police custody.

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But how strictly police adhere to internal policy came into question after officers were filmed at the scene of an ICE arrest on Alverson Avenue on July 13.

At the time, Police Col. Oscar Perez told media outlets that officers responded only because ICE agents crashed their car, not to assist in ICE activity. However, body camera footage showed that some officers tried to assist federal immigration officials by asking a landlord if she could hand over her keys so ICE didnt have to break down any doors in her home.

A review of the incident published by the Providence External Review Authority (PERA) in August found that police actions during the ICE raid constituted prohibited assistance in enforcing federal immigration policy.

The assistance was operationally significant the citys oversight panel wrote.

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PERAs review recommended that the police department establish clear operational guidelines on its response to ICE or other federal agency requests for assistance related to immigration enforcement activities.

Guidelines should include express instructions to department personnel that they are not to render any services that directly or indirectly assist federal agencies in conducting civil immigration enforcement, the review states.

Leah White of Providence holds up an anti-ICE sign she drew inside the Providence City Council chamber on Oct. 6, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley took some initial steps to codify those guidelines with an executive order issued on Sept. 22 reaffirming the citys police department will only enforce local laws.

Smiley said in a statement to Rhode Island Current Monday that many of the updates in the councils proposal were in-line with his order and that local protections must be assessed by officials.

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However, the mayor does have one major concern: A provision that allows community organizations to challenge potential violations in court.

In addition to opening up the city to legal liability, it creates a parallel process to our already existing external authority, PERA, who should have the responsibility to review these matters, he said.

But Brown of the ACLU said allowing court challenges will ensure Providence police remain accountable for following their own policy.

A lot of the people who might be most directly affected by violations are unlikely to pursue legal action because of their immigration status or the fear of taking such a public stand, he said.

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City Councilor Miguel Sanchez, a co-sponsor of the proposed ordinance, said the city needs to be held to higher standards in upholding its own laws.

In todays day and age, folks dont want to be held accountable, he said. As public servants, thats really disappointing to me.

State Rep. David Morales, a progressive Democrat running to unseat Smiley next year, was not present for the hearing but provided written testimony in support of amending the citys policing policy.

At a time when trust in our public institutions is fragile and fear among immigrant communities is growing, Providence must take bold, concrete steps to affirm that it stands with and for all of our neighbors, Morales wrote.

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GOP mayoral candidate Allen Waters was the only speaker Monday who was fully against the amending the ordinance.

I support the Providence police, he said near the end of the hearing. I support Immigration Customs Enforcement  we should not compete against them

He was promptly booed by the over two dozen remaining members of the public seated in the council chamber.

Roias proposed ordinance now heads to the full council for consideration, where it will require two passages.

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Professional services network Forvis Mazars has announced the appointment of ten new partners in its UK offices, investing in its workforce.

Among the newly appointed partners, four have begun their career at the firm.

The new partners bring expertise across a diverse range of services, including audit, tax, and financial planning.

Karishma Merchant, who will oversee Infrastructure and Energy sector, has more than 20 years of experience and joined Forvis in 2021.

Josh Thorneycroft returned in 2022 to lead Debt Advisory, aiming to expand the service through recruitment and cross-service collaboration. Thorneycroft initially joined the firm in 2013.

Paul Simmons, who will now lead the financial planning team, is tasked with focussing on the Private Client business in London.

Mark Saldua is stepping up as a partner to lead regulatory liaison, internal quality monitoring and the audit impairment centre of excellence.

Robbie White will head the Data Analytics Hub, delivering custom analytics and automation solutions.

Saldua and White joined in 2022 as Audit Quality director and Innovation and Digital Skills director, respectively.

Mandi Dosanjh, a new addition to the team, will concentrate on audit (POB) services.

In the Midlands, Richard Tidball, who joined the company in 2013, will lead corporate tax services, with a national focus on restructuring, insolvency, and the non-profit sector.

Tommy Cooke in Milton Keynes continues to lead large and listed audits, aiming to further grow the MK audit practice.

Simon Withington in Newcastle will spearhead Technology Assurance within the Consulting practice, focusing on the national Technology and Digital Consulting strategy.

Cooke and Withington joined the firm in 2009 and 2021, respectively.

Finally, in Scotland, Sean Cockburn will work on expanding the International Private Client business and growing the Scottish practice, with expertise in international private client matters and cross-border taxation.

Forvis Mazars UK CEO James Gilbey said: The pathway to partner is always open at Forvis Mazars. These appointments reflect our commitment to developing talent, attracting top professionals, and building high-performing teams whose expertise delivers an unparalleled client experience, underscoring our position as a firm of choice.

In July 2025, Forvis Mazars appointed Sofia Ihsan as the new AI consulting leader, responsible for AI consulting services across all markets.

"Forvis Mazars appoints new partners across UK offices " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russian forces had captured almost 5,000 square km (1,930 square miles) of land in Ukraine in 2025 and that Moscow retained complete strategic initiative on the battlefield.

Putin, addressing a meeting with Russian top military commanders, said Ukrainian forces were retreating in all sectors of the front. He said Kyiv was trying to strike deep into Russian territory, but it would not help it to change the situation in the more than 3 1/2-year-old war.

"At this time, the Russian armed forces fully hold the strategic initiative," Putin told the meeting in northwestern Russia, according to a Kremlin transcript.

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"This year, we have liberated nearly 5,000 square km of territory - 4,900 - and 212 localities."

Ukrainian forces, he said, "are retreating throughout the line of combat contact, despite attempts at fierce resistance."

Russia's Defence Ministry on Tuesday reported the capture of two more villages along the front, which Ukraine's top commander says now extends over 1,250 km (775 miles).

Ukrainian accounts of the situation on the front line say Kyiv's forces have made gains in the Donetsk region, particularly near the town of Dobropillia. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has also said Ukrainian forces have regained ground in the border Sumy region, where Russia has established a foothold.

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Russian Army General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of Russia's armed forces, told the meeting of top commanders that Russian forces were "advancing in practically all directions." Ukrainian forces, he said, were focused on slowing the Russian advance.

Gerasimov, overall commander of Russia's war effort, said Moscow's troops were moving on the key cities of Siversk and Kostyantynivka in the main theatre of the Donetsk region.

He said they were clearing Ukrainian forces from the city of Kupiansk, under Russian attack for months in Ukraine's northeast, and were moving forward in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions further south. They were also progressing in setting up buffer zones in Sumy and Kharkiv regions in the north.

In his remarks to the meeting, Putin said Russia's objectives remained the same as when he launched its "special military operation" in February 2022, saying it was aimed at "demilitarising and denazifying" its smaller neighbour.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Chris Reese and Rod Nickel)
One year after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the Western North Carolina region, a popular publication named Asheville 2025's the "nicest place in America."

Reader's Digest publishes ideas, stories and experiences "in health, home, family, food, finance and humor." Available online at RD.com, in print and on other digital platforms, the publication produces a yearly list of 2025's "nicest places in America."

Reader's Digest describes its "nicest places in America" list as "a national search for places defined by kindness, community spirit and respect." In 2025, Asheville nabbed the top spot on the list. Here's what the publication said about the town, plus the full list of winners and more.

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Helene by the numbers: A year after the storm, here's the data on Western NC's recovery

Is Asheville, North Carolina, a 'nice place'?

Asheville earned Reader's Digest's top honor for "extraordinary resilience and unwavering commitment to community," particularly in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene's devastation.

The town received a record number of nominations, "highlighting how its residents came together" following Helene. The publication praised the community's response following the storm, "from grassroots relief efforts to neighbors helping neighbors," noting that they "showcased a powerful culture of self-reliance and mutual aid that defines the city."

Reader's Digest also praised the town's vibrant arts and cultural scene, the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountain scenery, and last but not least, an atmosphere of openness and tolerance.

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"The Nicest Places initiative is about discovering and celebrating the kindness that binds our communities," said Eric Gillin, Chief Brand Officer at Reader's Digest, in a news release. "Asheville's story is a profound example of how human connection can triumph over adversity. We are honored to spotlight a community that not only faced an unprecedented disaster but emerged with a stronger, more compassionate spirit."

Nicest places in America 2025

The full list of Reader's Digest's nicest places of 2025 included:

Asheville, North Carolina

Semicolon Books, Chicago, Illinois

Monroe, Louisiana

Medina, Ohio

Peru Amateur Circus, Peru, Indiana

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: North Carolina city 'nicest places in America' says Reader's Digest
Barrington Democratic Rep. Jason Knight announces his 2026 bid for Rhode Island attorney general at The Guild brewery in Warren on Oct. 6, 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

A squealing microphone kicked off Barrington Democratic State Rep. Jason Knights entry into the race for Rhode Island Attorney General Monday night.

The piercing feedback startled Knights fellow Democratic Rep. June Speakman. That was scary, the Warren lawmaker said before launching into her list of all the reasons why Knight should be the states next Attorney General when the offices current holder, Peter Neronha, finishes his term in 2026.

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He is wicked smart, he is analytical, he is organized, said Speakman, who has served with Knight in the General Assembly for six years.

Dozens of supporters  including fellow East Bay lawmakers Rep. Susan Donovan and Sen. Walter Felag  attended Knights inaugural campaign event at The Guild, a brewery in Warren that is in Speakmans district, near the Barrington-Warren line. Knight represents parts of both of these East Bay towns. During his remarks to the crowd, the Providence-born Knight gestured several times at the bay visible outside and noted his love of the Ocean State.

They dont make prettier postcards, Knight said. Rhode Island is a special place. And it needs an attorney general who can stand up and protect it from criminals and bad actors, whether they are found on the street corner or in the boardroom or in the White House.  I am here tonight to say I am that guy in 2026.

Speakman told the crowd that Knight can often speak truth to power, and that she relies on the Navy veteran  who served eight years as a nuclear power operator  to shape her own political reasoning.

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I call him in the morning when we have a big bill to vote on at night, and I say, I know how Im going to vote. Heres why, Speakman recounted. And then he carefully and clearly explains to me why my position on the bill is wrong.

He cites sources. He sends me citations I read for the next three hours, and understand, of course, that he was correct, and he saved me from a bad vote.

Knight, who worked as a special assistant attorney under Attorney General Patrick Lynch from 2006 to 2010 before opening his own practice as a criminal defense attorney, cited his recent legislative wins as proof of his mettle. He was the lead sponsor on the states semiautomatic weapons ban which won General Assembly approval in June.

After July of 2026, you will not be able to buy an AR-15 in this state, Knight said.

Knight enters a Democratic primary that already includes Keith Hoffmann, who worked as the chief of policy and senior counsel under Neronha. Hoffmann left the AGs office in August and formally launched his campaign on Sept. 30  a bid reinforced by the support of Neronha.

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Neronha, who is term-limited, said recently he will not seek governorship or any other public office after his term ends in 2026.

Knight had $90,419.25 in his campaign account as of the most recent filing from the end of June. Hoffmanns campaign announced Monday that his account has raised $210,000 since he entered the race.

The contest to become AG has already lost one candidate. On Oct. 2, Rep. Robert Craven, a North Kingstown Democrat, exited the race only four days after announcing his campaign, when past allegations of domestic violence were brought to light. The aftermath rippled further out Monday, with Craven announcing he will not seek reelection as a state representative in 2026. Craven also relinquished his post as chair of the Committee on Judiciary, among the Houses most powerful lawmaking panels.

So far, as of Monday, no Republicans have formally announced their campaigns for Attorney General.

The primary is scheduled for September 2026, and the general election is slated for Nov. 3, 2026.
RJL Solutions has announced the opening of its Washington, D.C., office, marking a significant milestone for the firm.

This expansion provides businesses, communities and organizations across Indiana beyond direct, everyday access to the highest levels of decision-making in the nations capital, the company said in a news releae.

RJLs work will focus on defense, energy and infrastructure, economic development and higher education.

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The office will be led by Danielle Chrysler, chief government relations officer. Chrysler brings expertise and a record of impact across defense, state government and federal policy.

Chrysler has held leadership roles including executive director of the Indiana Office of Defense Development and Army Congressional Branch chief at the National Guard Bureau. She is a veteran of the Indiana National Guard with over 15 years of service

Our work in Washington will be deliberate and results-oriented, Chrysler said.  At a time when having a federal voice is more relevant than ever, that experience will guide our efforts to ensure RJLs clients are not only heard but positioned to influence the policies and funding decisions that matter most.

RJL Solutions, founded in Terre Haute, also has offices in Indianapolis and Evansville. It offers expertise in government relations, marketing and communications, economic development and association management . It is led by Rachel J. Leslie.
A Rochester man was sentenced to eight years in state prison after police identified him as one of several shooters that contributed to a dizzying spray of gunfire at a Maplewood Park barbecue in July 2024.

The mass shooting left two women dead and five others injured. Niger Johnson was not accused of striking any of the victims, but police said video evidence showed him shooting indiscriminately into the crowd. He was arrested and charged in February with first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Nine people shot a combined 50 bullets into a crowd of hundreds gathered for the barbecue on July 28, 2024. Rochester police have not released a motive for the shooting and have not made any other arrests. An investigation is still ongoing, though police have said the size of the shooting makes this case more challenging than most.

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Johnson was sentenced Monday to eight years in state prison, with five years of post-release supervision, the Monroe County District Attorney's Office confirmed.

More: 'I knew that justice would come.' Hope, grief after news of Maplewood Park shooting arrest

Maplewood Park mass shooting still unsolved

News of his arrest earlier this year provoked mixed feelings from the families of Phylicia Council and Tyasia Manning, the two women killed in the shooting.

For Alex Reese Council, Phylicia's father, it was the first step toward justice. Still, he wasn't completely satisfied and said investigators had more work to do.

A new photo of Niger Johnson, wanted in connection to the Maplewood Park shooting, released during a press conference at the Public Safety Building Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024.

"It's the first phone call I've ever got that was worth anything," he said in February. "I don't want the wrong person in jail for my daughter's killing. If he wasn't the one, his bullet didn't do it, I get it. Let's find the one who did. Because somebody did."

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The arrest only raised more questions for Manning's mother LaQuita Roundheart. In February, she said she was frustrated by the pace of the investigation and aching for more concrete answers. She hoped that Niger Johnson would reveal more about the incident that killed her daughter.

 Kayla Canne covers community safety for the Democrat and Chronicle with a focus on police accountability, government surveillance and how people are impacted by violence. Follow her on Instagram at @bykaylacanne. Get in touch at kcanne@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Niger Johnson sentenced in Maplewood Park mass shooting in Rochester NY
It has always been the people leaving the plantation or marching across the bridge or making a spectacle of white supremacy for the world to see who have compelled the government to move, said Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union.

President Donald Trumps deployment of the military in Chicago has resulted in clashes in court and on the streets as local leaders and activists fight to end what they say is an invasion of the majority Black and brown city.

On the heels of what Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker described as a military-style ICE raid of an apartment building in a majority-Black neighborhood in Chicago that resulted in women and children being zip-tied, the state and city of Chicago filed a federal lawsuit on Monday seeking to block Trumps deployment of hundreds of troops.

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Criticizing the White Houses immigration enforcement, Pritzker said the administration wants to create the war zone so they can send in even more troops.

You cannot use our military on our soil. This is breaking the law, and Republicans ought to speak up to this, because we all look likeimmigrants. Who looks like an immigrant? And why is this like, very curiously, only targeting the Black and brown communities? said U.S. Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, the son of civil rights icon Jesse Jackson Sr., who represents most of the south side of Chicago.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday defended the administrations law enforcement activities in Chicago, including the pending deployment of military troops.

I dont think any American would disagree that Chicago needs more law enforcement reinforcement, said Leavitt, who showed reporters in the briefing room a printed article about 30 people being shot this past weekend (one of those shootings included a female protester who was wounded by a U.S. Border and Customs Protection agent).

WASHINGTON, DC  OCTOBER 06: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (R) speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on October 06, 2025 in Washington, DC. Leavitt answered questions from reporters about a range of topics, including the ongoing government shutdown, during the briefing. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Five of them were killed in one weekend. This is completely unacceptable, and the President wants to make American cities safer, asserted Leavitt, who said Chicagoans and other city residents across the country should be concerned about the fact that people in their cities right now are being gunned down every single night.

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She added, The Presidentall hes trying to do is fix it.

On Monday, President Trump said he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act if federal courts continued to block his efforts to deploy the military to American cities like Chicago and Portland. The 1807 law allows the president to deploy the U.S. military or National Guard troops nationally to quell what the president considers to be an insurrection against the United States.

We do not want these people in our city. These people are not necessary in our city, Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, told theGrio.

The organizer and former history teacher said that Chicagoans need federal resources that the Trump administration has stripped away in the federal budgetlike Medicaid, SNAP, public education, and infrastructureto pay for a $3.8 trillion tax cut that economists say will largely benefit the countrys wealthiest Americans.

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Billionaires put Donald Trump into office. Billionaires are also his cabinet members. This is the richest cabinet in the history of our country. And then, the same billionaires gave themselves tax breaks at the expense of families, said Davis Gates.

This president wants to remake a country by the ultra-rich and for the ultra-rich, and he wants to use the military and his private militarized force to repress the rights of poor and working people. We prefer a government that is of by and for the people, said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who said Trump had declared war on Chicago.

History of militarization and American racism

The threat of military force in Chicago recalls a history of Americas racial tension when the National Guard was used to police Black Americans, like in Tulsa, Oklahoma, during the race massacre and destruction of Black Wall Street. But troops have also been used to protect Black Americans under certain presidencies.

In 1957, President Dwight E. Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard, placing it under the control of the U.S. Army and away from Gov. Orval Faubus, who tried to block the Little Rock Nine from integrating Central High School. In the early 1960s, President John F. Kennedy deployed the Mississippi and Alabama National Guards to integrate universities in opposition to segregationist governors.

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President Lyndon B. Johnson did the same in 1965, when he federalized Alabamas National Guard troops to protect civil rights activists, including Martin Luther King Jr., during the Selma to Montgomery march, also known as Bloody Sunday.

Reflecting on that history and how the National Guard is currently being used under President Trump, Ed Anderson, a Black veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force, told theGrio that Trumps politicization of the military on U.S. citizens scares the hell out of me.

Anderson, who is now a lead organizer for Common Defense, said military troops and the National Guard are not trained for or allowed to do policing actions. He lamented, Im just waiting for the first time whena kid gets run over by an MRAP vehicle on a street in Chicago or just like the ICE officer pulled the gun on folks there in Chicago.

I think that Trump and his allies are looking to create a false flag that would allow him to put the Insurrection Act in place and become the tyrant that he wants to be, said Anderson.

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA  JUNE 10: U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally with U.S. Army troops on June 10, 2025 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Trump is traveling to Fort Bragg Army base to observe a military demonstration and give remarks in honor of the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Davis Gates of the Chicago Teachers Union rejected the Trump administrations arguments about crime, telling theGrio, Its always been white supremacy, its always been white nationalism. Its always been that perspective that has led those erroneous and harmful depictions of Black people.

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Referring to the Trump administrations immigration enforcement, she continued, Now we dont have a muscle of identifying these encroachments, which is why its easy for them to pick up brown people in the way that theyve done, because theyve stopped and frisked Black people since the black codes.

The organizer said that in this moment of militarization in American cities, Black Americans must remember that it was the mass resistance of the enslaved that birthed the citizenship and freedom of all Americans. Now is the time for a similar resistance, she argued.

Im reminded of how W.E.B. Du Bois talks about the general strike that led to the toppling of the Confederacy, said Davis Gates. She continued, Enslaved Africans walked off of plantations and they were walking off of plantations in droves[Du Bois] called it a general strike and that strike then changed the course of [the Civil War].

You stop the means of production, you stop feeding the confederacy money and labor, then they topple. And then, in them being toppled, you have these enslaved Africans, not only saying that were leaving, but that this country owes them more, Davis Gates explained.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS  OCTOBER 7: CTU President Stacy Davis Gates speaks at a rally in support of the labor union strike at the UAW Local 551 hall on the South Side on October 7, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. UAW president Shawn Fain joined members in solidarity with the ongoing strike. (Photo by Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

From the resistance of enslaved Blacks came the Freedmans Bureau, which Davis Gates described as the precursor for agencies that were instrumental to advancing the civil rights of Black Americans, including the Departments of Education, Justice, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

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Along with that, the 13th, the 14th, and the 15th Amendments. Birthright citizenship, which is up in the Supreme Court right now. All of those things come from organizing, allyship, coalition, solidarity, and action, she proclaimed.

Whether or not the Trump administration is thwarted by the courts from deploying troops to Chicago, Davis Gates said, that isnt enough.

We have to beat it, and then we have to expandthe idea of a democracy in this country to include all of its people. Beating it means that were just waiting until the next election. Overcoming it means that those people and their ideas are no longer welcome, she said. Ideas of division, ideas of separation, ideas of demagoguery. Those things are detrimental to humanity, and we need to win the debate on that.

If people are waiting on the government, any form of government, to do its part, thats never been the case in America, Davis Gates told theGrio.

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She continued, It has always been the people leaving the plantation or marching across the bridge or making a spectacle of white supremacy for the world to see who have compelled the government to move. Because we know this history, how about we be smarter than our foreparents and provide a strategic plan that creates the opportunity for our collective liberation?

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(WHTM)  Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro criticized President Donald Trumps comments regarding Canada becoming the 51st state during a weekend visit to Quebec City.

Shapiro delivered remarks at the Great LakesSt. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP) Leadership Summit, which included governors of Great Lakes states and Canadian premiers discussing issues including trade and tourism.

During his remarks, Shapiro took a jab at the president, saying the relations between Canada and the United States are really strained right now amid Trumps 51st state comments and tariffs

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I thought his rhetoric on making Canada the 51st state  and I want you to hear me on this  I thought that was extremely disrespectful, said Shapiro. I know its impacted the psyche of the nation. I know its caused many to wonder if that is how all Americans view this relationship. That is not what I believe.

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Shapiro added that Canada has been a most reliable friend and that Canadians dont deserve to be treated this way. My fellow Governors and I respect Canadas sovereignty, its history, and its people.

The White House responded Monday to Shapiros comments, saying Shapiro is using his platform for a potential White House bid in the future.

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Instead of auditioning for a new job on foreign soil, Josh should spend his time and energy convincing his fellow Democrats to drop their demands for free health care for illegal immigrants and re-open our federal government, said White House Spokesman Kush Desai.

In April, Trump told Time magazine he was not joking over comments that the United States could add Canada as the 51st state.

I think Canada, what you said that, Well, that one, I might be trolling. But Im really not trolling, Trump added. Canada is an interesting case.

Shapiro says Pennsylvania imports more than $14 billion worth of goods from Canada, notably medicines and pharmaceutical products. The state also exports more than $14 billion in goods, including Hersheys chocolates and agricultural goods, to Canada.

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SIKESTON, Mo.  The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is mourning the death of one of its officers who was killed in the line of duty.

Officer Henry Franklin was shot and killed on the evening of Monday, Oct. 6, while attempting to serve a warrant at a residence in neighboring Mississippi County.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Franklin, who was a member of the Sikeston DPS Tactical Team, had responded to a mutual aid call from the Mississippi County Sheriffs Office to locate and arrest Nathan B. Peters, 36, in connection with a homicide that occurred earlier in the day.

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The highway patrol said Peters barricaded himself inside the home and shot Officer Franklin just after 7:35 p.m. and continued firing at officers outside.

The MSHP Troop C SWAT Team was requested to assist. At 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, law enforcement entered the home and found Peters dead in the residence from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.

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Franklin, 41, had worked in the Sikeston Department of Public Safety since June 2013 and had previously served in the Army National Guard. He also was the handler for K9 Odin.

Our department has suffered an unimaginable loss, Sikeston Department of Public Safety Director James McMillen said.

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Franklin was born and raised in Charleston, Missouri. Hes survived by his wife and their four children, along with his mother and sister.

Sikeston Mayor Greg Turnbow has ordered that flags in Sikeston fly at half-staff through the end of the day of the funeral.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
A delegation of members of the Slovak parliament's European Affairs Committee has visited Ukraine for the first time and met with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities.

Source: press service for the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament), as reported by European Pravda

Details: The delegation was led by Juraj Ferancak, Chair of the European Affairs Committee and a representative of the ruling coalition party Hlas.

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The MPs began their visit by joining their Ukrainian counterparts in honouring fallen soldiers at the Wall of Remembrance near St Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, after which they met with the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada and members of relevant committees.

The Slovak politicians expressed support for Ukraine's European integration course and interest in strengthening cooperation at the level of communities. They also confirmed Slovakia's readiness to assist Ukraine in the EU integration process by sharing its own experience.

The Slovak delegation, together with members of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU, also visited sites in Kyiv hit by Russian missiles and drones.

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"They were very impressed by what they saw in the ruins and the human stories they heard," said Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze, Chair of the Committee on Ukraine's Integration into the EU.

"We believe that those who came here for the first time will continue to find additional arguments for their societies that this is a common war and why we need to force Russia to make peace, rather than persuade it to engage in some kind of dialogue," she added.

Background:

In September, during a visit to the city of Uzhhorod in Zakarpattia Oblast (Transcarpathia) in Ukraine's west, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia supports Ukraine's accession to the EU and is ready to share its experience of joining the Union.

In January, a delegation from Slovakia's opposition party Progressive Slovakia also visited Ukraine.

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Ukraine will receive several Bozena demining vehicles and additional non-lethal equipment from Slovakia, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Oct. 6.

The announcement marks Slovakia's first military aid package to Kyiv since Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who maintains close ties with Moscow, returned to power in 2023.

The package includes engineering and construction equipment, transportation, demining systems, and medical evacuation vehicles.

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Bozena, a remotely controlled mine-clearing system, enables sappers to operate safely from a distance and access areas that would otherwise be too hazardous for personnel.

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak announced the aid at the DFNC3 defense forum in Kyiv, saying that he and Shmyhal had signed a memorandum on Slovakia's 14th support package.

Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the country for its renewed support, adding that both sides also discussed cooperation between Ukrainian and Slovak defense companies.

"(Slovakia) is working on a new, 15th support package," he said.

Between the start of Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, and Fico's return to office in October 2023, Slovakia supplied Ukraine with 13 military aid packages worth roughly $800 million.

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Fico's government canceled the planned 14th package valued at $45 million, which included 140 missiles for Kub air-defense systems, over 5,000 artillery shells, and 4 million small arms rounds.

While halting military aid from Slovak army stocks, Fico did not bar continued sales of materiel from Slovak defense companies.

Ending military assistance to Ukraine was one of Fico's key campaign promises. He has also questioned EU sanctions on Russia and pledged to block Ukraine's NATO membership.

Slovakia, along with Hungary under Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has faced growing criticism from EU partners for maintaining close ties with Moscow.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Fico in Uzhhorod on Sept. 5, calling the conversation "meaningful" and emphasizing that dialogue between the two countries would continue.

Read also: Russias digital Iron Curtain descends as Kremlin chokes remaining internet freedoms

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Gold futures (GC=F) soared to new all-time highs above $4,000 on Tuesday as investors piled into the precious metal amid a weakening dollar and growing expectations for more Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Futures for the yellow metal are up more than 50% year to date, marking their highest return in a calendar year since 1979.

Meanwhile, a new report from the World Gold Council released Tuesday showed that global gold-backed exchange-traded funds recorded their largest quarterly inflows on record during the three-month period ending in September.

Inflows into gold ETFs jumped 23% to $26 billion quarter over quarter, led by North American funds and followed by European and Asian investors.

"Ongoing trade, policy, and geopolitical risks continue to persist with no clear signs of abatement," the report said.

Trading activity in gold also exploded during the period, according to the report.

Average daily volumes surged 34% month over month, driven by record-setting prices that hit 13 new all-time highs in September.

Read more: How to invest in gold in 4 steps

Gold futures are up more than 50% year to date, marking their highest return in a calendar year since 1979. (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton//File Photo)  Reuters / Reuters

Wall Street has remained bullish on the precious metal, with Goldman Sachs analysts recently reiterating that gold is their "highest-conviction long recommendation."

On Monday, JPMorgan analysts noted pullbacks, "which typically come 2-3 months after the initial Fed cut, have been dips to buy into gold. "

Questions over the Federal Reserve's independence amid President Trump's push to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook have also strengthened some of the bullish case scenarios for the precious metal.

"From a gold perspective, if Fed independence fears are realized it could diminish confidence in treasuries and rapidly increase anxiety about debt debasement, with increased inflows into the metal having the potential to supercharge a rally and add even greater upside risk to our baseline forecasts," JPMorgan wrote analysts last month.

While the researchers forecast gold to hit $4,000 by early 2026, they also estimated that "even relatively meager rotations" away from the US Treasury market and into gold could have enough firepower to break prices above $5,000 per ounce within a two-quarter span.

StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market.

Ines Ferre is a senior business reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @ines_ferre.

Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  South Dakotas Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Director Dan Satterlee has been nominated by President Donald Trump to become the next South Dakota U.S. Marshal.

KELOLAND+ now streaming on KELOLAND.com

In a news release, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley recommended Satterlee for the position and was supported by Republican Sen. John Thune and Republican Sen. Mike Rounds.

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Gov. Rhoden announces correctional task force members

Dan is a strong law enforcement officer and he was my choice as DCI director when I became Attorney General in 2023, Jackley said in a news release. He has been an excellent leader for DCI and he will do the same as U.S. Marshal.

Rounds also shared his support for Satterlees nomination in a post on X.

(Satterlee) has spent his career dedicated to keeping South Dakota safe and I know that he will continue that dedication in this new role. I look forward to supporting Dan throughout his Senate confirmation process, Rounds said in his post.

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Director Satterlees nomination has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. If Satterlee is approved, the nomination will head to the full Senate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Roland Weeks Jr. was a leader among leaders, a man who cared deeply about the Mississippi Gulf Coast and helped shape the region through his 33-year stewardship as publisher of the regional newspaper, The Daily Herald and its successor, the Sun Herald.

Weeks passed away Saturday at age 89.

Weeks, who lived in Biloxi with wife Sharon Weeks, retired in 2001 as publisher, president and general manager of the Sun Herald. He remained active in the community, continued his adventures as a pilot and served for many years as a volunteer for the Salvation Army in Gulfport, showing up weekly to wash clothes for the homeless.

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He was just this unflinching friend to so many people, said Ricky Mathews of Biloxi, who spent many years working under Weeks and succeeded him in the publishers job before his own retirement. He loved people. I dont know that well ever meet anyone like him again.

Community leader is an understatement, said Henry Laird of Pass Christian, who worked closely with Weeks as longtime attorney for the Sun Herald. He unified the Coast.

He ran the newspaper much like he lived his life. He was independent. He just stood up for what was right.

Roland and Sharon Weeks of Biloxi are pictured in this file photo. Roland Weeks, longtime publisher of the Sun Herald, has passed away.

Newspaper publishing in a hurricane

Weeks graduated from high school in Charleston, South Carolina, then attended The Citadel, followed by the executive program at Stanford Business School. He received his bachelors degree in engineering from Clemson University before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a first lieutenant.

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Weeks worked briefly as an engineer in the private sector but found his calling in the newspaper business. He started out at Columbia Newspapers in Columbia, South Carolina, where he worked as a management trainee.

He came to Mississippi Coast in 1968  one year before Hurricane Camille  when the State Record Co., which owned the Columbia newspaper, bought The Daily Herald, then headquartered in Gulfport.

Weeks, his trusted editor Bob McHugh and several others rode out the Category 5 hurricane in The Daily Heralds building. When water rose in the first floor, they moved upstairs.

My car, as a matter of fact, was washing around in the water outside of several windows as we worked here, Weeks said in a 2019 Sun Herald video. Weeks and McHugh called Columbia and got an agreement that The Daily Herald would publish there.

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The Coast newspaper never missed a day of publication, a tradition that has continued through the years, including for the unprecendented Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when the newspaper won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, the industrys highest honor.

The morning after Camille, The Daily Herald building was covered in debris. Weeks and McHugh cleared the front door. Employees began showing up to see how they could help.

Weeks said one of the first sights was a large sail boat washed up from the Gulf. That told us what we could expect to find in other parts of the Gulf Coast, Weeks said.

Donald Sutter, Hancock Bank executive vice president, left, board of directors member Roland Weeks, center, and senior vice president Tom Milner celebrated the introduction of automated teller machines to the Coast in 1973 at their Mini-Bank location at Edgewater Mall in Biloxi.

Weeks strove for excellence

Weeks oversaw construction of a new building on the Gulfport-Biloxi line, where the newspaper operated from 1970-2021. The building was made of concrete with narrow rectangular windows along both sides and large plate-glass windows that could be boarded up only in front.

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Staff rode out subsequent storms, including Katrina, in that building.

As publisher, Weeks also set about modernizing the operation and transforming the newspaper from a community publication to a statewide force.

For the first time, he hired local columnists and photographers. He believed strongly in giving the news staff the editorial independence needed to gather and report the news.

We became who we are because of Roland, said Kat Bergeron, who worked full time for the Sun Herald for 32 years as a columnist and feature writer, and still writes her Gulf Coast Chronicles column for the newspaper. He had the wherewithal to hire editors who brought us into the 21st century before we were really in the 21st Century.

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Bergeron said she was given the freedom to get to know the Coast and its history for her column.

We took off and ran, she said.

Weeks also brought a morning newspaper to the Coast, as The Daily Herald was an afternoon publication. The Sun and The Daily Herald eventually merged into The Sun Herald.

High above the ground, Roland Weeks, left, and Keith Teeny attach one of the last stainless steel sheets onto the roof of the Mississippi Sound Welcome Center at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art campus on Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Weeks and Teeny, field superintendent for A. Zahner Co., were given the honor because of their long work and dedication to the project.

Publisher leaves strong legacy

Like any good leader, Weeks had the courage of his convictions, publishing news even when it was disagreeable to those in power.

He also had a long-range vision for the Coast, promoting consolidation of government services to increase efficiency and cut waste. He played a key role in consolidating five chambers into the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.

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Roland was a giant in both of his principal capacitiesnewspaper publisher, and community leader, said Stan Tiner of Gulfport, who was executive editor when Weeks retired. He was a visionary who recognized that the Coast would be more prosperous as a unified region, while giving great credit to each of the unique communities that were vital to his new home.

As a publisher, he created a legacy of fairness and public service journalism that served the Coast and South Mississippi with distinction throughout his decades of leadership.

Over the years, Weeks won many awards for his service to the community, including the John S. Knight Gold Medal, the top honor awarded an employee of the newspaper when it was owned by media company Knight Ridder, the Alvah Chapman Award for best-performing newspaper in Knight-Ridder, United Way of South Mississippi Philanthropist of the Year and the Gulf Coast Chambers Spirit of the Coast Award.

Weeks also was one of the major fundraisers and promoters of the Ohr-OKeefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, home to the works of renowned ceramist George Ohr and a replica of the home of Pleasant Reed, a former slave who built his familys original home in 1887.

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He had so many different causes over the years that he threw himself into, said Jeff OKeefe, son of deceased museum founder and former Biloxi Mayor Jerry OKeefe. We will be forever grateful for his work with the Ohr-OKeefe Museum of Art.

Weeks was humble about his accomplishments. As a publisher, he created a culture of customer service. He considered his employees internal customers. Even after he retired, Weeks frequently stopped by the newspaper office to visit, encourage employees and tell them what a good job they were doing.

His legacy? successor Ricky Mathews wrote in a Facebook tribute, Its in the bridges he built between people, the resilience he instilled in our institutions, and the way he turned challenges into opportunities.

Weeks stayed in touch with employees

His enthusiasm for the newspaper and news was contagious.

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I count myself very, very lucky to have worked for him, said Pam Firmin, a former Sun Herald staff writer. He made it fun. He made things exciting.

Firmin had taken a break from the newspaper when her husband, Pic Firmin, served as executive editor under Weeks. After his retirement, Pic Firmin suffered from cancer. Weeks regularly picked up Firmin to take him for coffee and visited Firmin daily in the last weeks of his life.

He was so quick to be understanding and caring and to see the big picture, Pam Firmin said. It was something that seemed to come natural to him.

He did help make the Gulf Coast what it is, she said, but he is so much more than that.

Two of the Sun Heralds most popular employees are pictured, both now deceased: longtime newsroom receptionist and senior assistant Ruby Grace and publisher Roland Weeks.

Flying was one of his passions

After retirement, Weeks faithfully volunteered at the Salvation Army in Gulfport, where for years he washed clothes for the homeless alongside Firmin, who said he was also an awesome laundry mechanic.

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Weeks also found more time in retirement for his favorite hobby, flying airplanes. He was known as somewhat of a daredevil, but real talent accompanied his rolls and aeronautical stunts.

Ive got so many stories, said Joe Pevey of Gulfport, who became a close friend of Weeks after they met at an airport. Pevey described himself at the time as a Cessna pilot with a Top Gun attitude. He bought a high-performance plane that he really didnt know how to fly. Weeks studied the book where Pevey had logged his experience and told the younger man, Joe, youre going to kill yourself with this plane.

Instead, Weeks taught Pevey to fly the plane. Roland quite literally saved my life, Pevey said. Pevey considers himself a technical aerobatics pilot who thinks through his moves ahead of time, while Weeks was a natural.

He wasnt a pilot, Pevey said. He was an aviator.

Roland Weeks, right, and Joe Pevey bought a plane together, a Pitts Special S2A. As a pilot, Weeks was well-known for his acrobatic stunts.

Weeks once corralled Mathews to deliver newspapers from the plane to customers who had chartered Weeks boat for fishing at Chandeleur Island. Weeks tested Mathews seatbelt strap before they started their mission in Weeks twin-engine plane. Mathews was positioned in a seat facing the back of the plane, where the door had been removed.

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They located the fishermen on skiffs deployed from the big boat and each time they approached a skiff, Weeks dipped sideways so Mathews could angle a newspaper toward them.

Mathews promised himself, If I ever make it back to the airport, Im never getting in an airplane with Roland again. And I didnt.

Weeks lived to see the internet change the newspaper business. His belief in a communitys need for strong journalism never wavered, a tradition he helped build on the Coast.

The building whose construction he had overseen came down in the spring, the Sun Herald having moved to quarters more suited to an online operation. He was moving slow, but Weeks showed up to see some of his former employees for one last photograph on the front steps of the building on DeBuys Road.

Youre wonderful people, he told the group. You just cant imagine the excitement that I feel and the love that I feel for all of you.
The federal courthouse in Sioux Falls. (John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight)

President Donald Trump has nominated the head of South Dakotas Division of Criminal Investigation to lead the U.S. Marshals Service in the state.

Dan Satterlee was recommended for the job by his boss, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, according to a Tuesday news release from Jackleys office. Satterlees nomination had the support of all three members of the states congressional delegation, the release says.

Dan Satterlee. (Courtesy of South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation)

Satterlee currently oversees the DCI, the states investigative policing agency. Its agents assist local law enforcement, particularly in smaller cities and counties that have major crimes like homicides. The DCI also oversees law enforcement training in South Dakota, and is headquartered in the same building as the training facility, the George S. Mickelson Criminal Investigation Center.

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Jackley installed Satterlee, a 30-year veteran of the agency, as its leader in 2023.

Satterlees nomination as U.S. marshal has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. If approved there, the nomination would go to the full Senate.

U.S. marshals are responsible for the oversight and movement of federal prisoners in South Dakota, as well as for security on federal properties.

The last confirmed U.S. marshal for the state was Dan Mosteller. The position has been listed as vacant since January 2024, according to archived web data.

Another law enforcement nomination for South Dakota is pending in the U.S. Senate. Ron Parsons nomination as U.S. attorney  the top federal prosecutor in the state  was among a batch of nominees that advanced on a procedural vote Monday and is expected to receive a final confirmation vote soon. Parsons would succeed Alison Ramsdell, who was appointed during the Biden administration.

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Lets put things simply: U.S. states are now having to defend themselves against the federal government.

In a remarkable Oct. 6 news conference, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and other elected officials made clear they will protect Chicagoans and the other residents of the state from President Donald Trumps federal forces, be they Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents or out-of-state National Guard troops.

Highlighting a military-style raid on a Chicago apartment building and the use of teargas and rubber bullets on peaceful protesters, Pritzker said of ICE agents and other federal law enforcement officers Trump dispatched to the city: They have struck fear in our communities, including, notably, fear in the hearts of U.S. citizens. Trump and the thuggery that his agents have brought has actively made us less safe.

Democrats like Pritzker are standing up to Trump's authoritarianism

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker reacts during a press conference on reports of federal deployments in Chicago on Sept. 2, 2025.

Illinois officials sued Trump on Oct. 6 to stop him from sending Texas National Guard troops into Chicago. A judge gave the government three days to respond.

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Another federal judge over the weekend granted Oregons request for a restraining order keeping National Guard troops from other states out of Portland.

Opinion: Wait, Portland gets troops? What about Asheville? We're liberal, too!

This is all several steps beyond insane, and thank goodness Democrats like Pritzker have the spine to stand up to the presidents weaselly authoritarianism. The administration is making laughable and easily disproven claims about Democratic cities being war-torn hellscapes, crafting a facade to justify militarization.

They think they can fool us all into thinking that the way to get out of this crisis that they created is to give them free rein, Pritzker said. That plan will only work if we let it. The state of Illinois is going to use every lever at our disposal to resist this power grab and get (Homeland Security Secretary Kristi) Noem's thugs the hell out of Chicago. I am not afraid. I am not afraid. And I won't back down.

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Good. Please dont back down, Governor. This is the way forward.

'History will remember where we stood in this moment'

U.S. Border Patrol agents and police keep watch as people protest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Illinois, on Oct. 3, 2025.

During the Illinois news conference, U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia said: The president of the United States has turned the power of government against its own people.

Garcia added: This lawsuit is not just about legal arguments. Its about accountability, its about whether or not well allow tyranny to take root on our soil. ... Chicago will not be intimidated. Illinois will not be silenced. History will remember where we stood in this moment.

Amen.

Opinion: A university censorship conference gets censored? This is Trump's America.

States are having to protect themselves from the federal government

A demonstrator is detained as people protest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Illinois, on Oct. 3, 2025.

One of the focal points around Chicago has been an ICE facility in the village of Broadview, just outside the city. Protesters have routinely gathered there peacefully, only to be met with draconian responses, ranging from chemical agents to rubber bullets and arrests.

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The states lawsuit notes: According to the sworn statement of the Broadview police chief who witnessed this conduct daily, the use of chemical agents by federal agents at the ICE facility in Broadview has often been arbitrary and indiscriminate. At times it is used when the crowd is as small as ten people. The deployment of chemical agents is dangerous to the health of both demonstrators and first responders on the scene. In addition, when ICE agents deploy chemical agents, it causes the crowd of protesters to disperse, sometimes running into the road, which is dangerous both for them and for motorists. Broadview police officers have had to attempt to position themselves in a way that directs the crowd to disperse in a safe manner. Over the course of my career in law enforcement, the way in which federal agents have indiscriminately used chemical agents in Broadview is unlike anything I have seen before. 

The village mayor issued an executive order Oct. 6 limiting protest hours at the facility, not to protect ICE agents but to protect residents health, safety, and welfare.

People protest outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Illinois, on Oct. 3, 2025.

According to the states lawsuit, the Broadview protests have been small, primarily peaceful, and unfortunately escalated by DHSs own conduct, seemingly for the goal of using them as a pretext for the Chicago troop deployment that was announced by Trump long ago.

Bingo.

Americans want lower food prices, not troops in their streets

This is all such a transparent ploy by Trump and his weirdly pro-authoritarian cronies. Crime in Chicago has been way down. ICE agents arent targeting the-worst-of-the-worst criminals  theyre sweeping up mothers and fathers and scarring children with violent behavior.

Debris and personal belongings sit on the floor of an empty apartment in a complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. Broken exterior windows of an apartment complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. Debris and personal items belonging to Venezuelan immigrants sit in the hallway of an apartment complex, where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. Debris and personal belongings sit on the floor of an empty apartment in a complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. Workers remove debris from units of an apartment complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. The exterior of an apartment complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. Laundry room of an apartment complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. A worker throws an item out of an apartment complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. The broken exterior windows of an apartment complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025. See aftermath from large-scale ICE raid in Chicago apartment building 1 of 9 Debris and personal belongings sit on the floor of an empty apartment in a complex where 37 people were detained during a large-scale ICE raid on Sept. 30, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered increased federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Chicago, Oct. 2, 2025.

This isnt what Americans want, and its certainly not what Americans care about. People want lower food prices, not troops in the streets.

How is anything Trump's doing actually making your life better?

Pritzker pointed out a mother and her children who were snatched up by ICE agents at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago: What danger did they represent? What is it that they presented that was so awful? And how did detaining them make anyone safer?

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It didnt. None of this is making anyone safer. Its doing real harm to children, to U.S. citizens and to Americas reputation on the world stage. Its fulfilling the perverse, cruel fantasies of a president who wants to rule, not lead.

Opinion: Anyone with courage has to acknowledge Trump isn't well. And he's getting worse.

If you want to see someone leading, look to Pritzker and the other Illinois officials putting themselves on the line to push back against Trumps domestic aggression.

History will remember where they stood.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on Bluesky at @rexhuppke.bsky.social and on Facebook at facebook.com/RexIsAJerk

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You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pritzker takes on Trump to end ICE brutality in Chicago | Opinion
BOSTON (WWLP)  A State House committee met today to discuss the status of involuntary commitment and when it is appropriate to implement it in Massachusetts.

Mike Minogue joins governor race

Involuntary treatment is a legal process that forces some with serious mental illness to be hospitalized or put under supervised outpatient treatment regardless of patient consent, and it is used in the Bay State for patients who present an immediate danger to themselves or others, are at risk of harm due to serious disability, or who are not able to make informed decisions for themselves.

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One expert says we need to ensure the Bay State offers appropriate mental health care treatment to ensure those who want care can receive it before the state forces individuals into inadequate care.

We cant mandate people to treatment services that dont exist, said Stanford University Psychiatry Professor Keith Humphreys.

Although experts generally agree that changes need to be made to the involuntary commitment process, several say the process remains necessary. In some cases, like severe addiction or when there is an immediate danger to others, involuntary treatment may be the only way to help people.

Were not just gathering people up here to throw them in a facility to make sure the streets look clean; this is about getting folks the help they need, said Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald, who represents Mass and Cass.

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The city councilor pointed to a Ludlow facility as an example of well-run and helpful mental health care.

Proposed Bay State bills to improve the commitment process include one to ensure timely inpatient mental health care, reduce the use of boarding in emergency departments, and divert patients to alternative mental health supports like behavioral urgent care centers.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.

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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 WWLP.
Critical posts by a second disgusted relative of Stephen Miller have emerged as the White Houses deputy chief of staff digs his heels in on sending more troops into American cities.

Among the condemning posts is one in which Millers uncle agreed with a Facebook friend who described the White House adviser as a depraved fiend.

Miller, 40, was the subject of more than a dozen other critical posts on Facebook and X made by Dr. David S. Glosser, a retired neuropsychologist in Pennsylvania who is the brother of Millers mother.

Dr. David S. Glosser, of Pennsylvania, is the brother of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Millers mother. He has made several posts that are critical of both Miller and President Donald Trump. / Facebook

The interregnum is over. No more acting as if everything will be OK. The country is in for a turbulent ride; if not a full-blown crash of democratic institutions, Glosser posted on Inauguration Day. This should come as no surprise. Trump has assembled his corps of oligarchs and ambitious sycophants... enabled by a lot of folks who are willing to sacrifice the great American enterprise of democracy in exchange for a 10% break on the price of gas. They and their children may find the bargain to have been a suckers bet. You never fully know how valuable something is until you lose it.

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A commenter wrote under the post, Its absolutely disgusting. And the cruelty and glee by which they are going about it all is just plain evil. Im sorry youre stuck being related to Stephen Miller because hes a depraved fiend.

Glosser responded, Agreed. Cruelty is and has always been the point.

Dr. Glosser has not let his relation to Stephen Miller stop him from criticizing his nephew online. / Facebook

Glosser, 75, has previously accused his nephew of having an obvious commitment to white nationalism and of using tactics akin to those used by the Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels.

There is a deep vein of hypocrisy running through the Trump administration, and my odious nephew, Stephen Miller, is the purest example of it, he posted to Facebook in 2017. A classic propaganda ploy explained by Joseph Goebbels was to accuse those who revealed Nazi crimes of the same sins. In this case, Millers sin is bigotry of the rankest kind by making White Supremacist ideology the foundation of Trumpist immigration and asylum policy.

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Fast forward eight years, and Glossers feelings on his nephewand the president, whom he refers to as King Orange and Mr. Orangedo not appear to have changed.

Stephen Miller has been a loyal adviser to Donald Trump for nearly a decade. / Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

We know how Mr. Orange feels about relinquishing power in accordance with the Constitution, Glosser posted to Facebook in April. We are led by knaves, sycophants and fools.

Neither Glosser nor the White House responded to the Daily Beasts request for comment.

Glosser characterized Miller as an immigration hypocrite in a 2018 essay published by Politico for his opposition to accepting refugees despite being the descendant of Eastern European Jews who fled violence in the 20th century. His posts resurfaced on Monday after another one of Millers relativeshis cousin, Alisa Kasmerhad a post that was critical of Miller go viral.

Kasmer announced in her post that she was severing ties to the top White House aide in July, just as ICE launched a controversial crackdown in her hometown of Los Angeles that included the targeting of day workers never accused of committing a crimean order that came from Miller himself.

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Kasmers post, in which she described her cousin as being the face of evil, made fresh rounds on social media over the weekend. She included photos of them growing up and posing together as adults.

Kasmer is related to Miller on his dads side. She recalled babysitting an awkward, funny, needy middle child who loved to chase attention in Santa Monica, California, who was always the sweetest with the littlest family members.

She is not as fond of her cousin these days.

I am living with the deep pain of watching someone I once loved become the face of evil, Kasmer wrote. I grieve what youve become, Stephen I will never knowingly let evil into my life, no matter whose blood it carriesincluding my own.

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She went on to recall that she and Miller were retold stories growing up about their ancestors surviving pogroms, ghettos, and the Holocaustsomething she said they promised never to let happen again.

We celebrated holidays each year with the reminder to stand up and say never again, she wrote. But what you are doing breaks that sacred promise. It breaks everything we were taught. How can you do to others what has been done to us? How can you wake up each day and repeat the cruelty that our people barely escaped from?
Students from Rutgers University are calling on the school to disband its Turning Point USA chapter.

This week, students launched a petition on Change.org urging the university administration to ban TPUSA from campus and protect the school community from hate speech.

The petition, started Sunday, Oct, 5, has already gathered 1,000 verified signatures in the span of two days.

"The Rutgers chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) has been continuously promoting hate speech and inciting violence against our community. This disturbing behavior has created a toxic environment that has already led to tragic consequences," the petition reads.

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Turning Point USA is an organization that promotes conservative politics in schools. It was founded by Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead during a speaking event at Utah Valley University earlier this year.

However, the American Association of University Professors argues "TPUSA have regularly engaged in racist, homophobic and transphobic speech while on campus."

The national professors' organization has also emphasized the need for school community members to be aware of the group's tactics, which they say include "targeting faculty with misleading listings on its Professor Watchlist, often leading to vicious online harassment."

Here what has happened at Rutgers University:

Why are Rutgers students trying to ban TPUSA

On Oct. 2, Rutgers' Turning Point USA launched a petition on Change.org to fire Professor Mark Bray, a modern Spain and world historian at the New Brunswick Campus.

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The petition states that TPUSA is "deeply concerned to learn that an outspoken, well-known antifa member, Dr. Mark Bray, is employed by the university."

Soon after the petition was posted, Bray reportedly sent an email to his students informing them that he would now be teaching online, as he is relocating to Europe after experiencing harassment and threats from individuals who dislike his point of view.

"Unfortunately my situation has gotten worse recently," he wrote in the email.

"I received another death threat and a separate threat that included my home address. The University and the authorities have been notified," he added.

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In response, students created a petition on the same platform calling for the removal of the TPUSA chapter from the university.

"The activities of the TPUSA chapter are contrary to the educational principles we aim to uphold. They spread messages that breed division and intolerance, and these actions speak louder than any supposed academic freedom they claim to exercise," the petition says.

"The safety and well-being of our students and faculty must be prioritized, particularly when the activities of certain groups endanger lives, spread fear among the community, and actively suppress the right for others to speak their minds freely or teach honestly," it added.

Mark Bray, History Professor, Rutgers University, has faced death threats relating to a book he wrote in 2017 on the Antifa movement.

Who is Mark Bray

Mark Bray is a historian. According to his Rutgers profile, his specialties include modern Spain and global history, and radicalism.

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He is the author of four books, including a national best seller from 2017 "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook."

The book also succeeded internationally and has been translated into seven languages.

Bray has also written about the Ocuppy Wall Street movement. He graduated from Wesleyan University in 2005, and earned his Ph.D. from Rutgers in 2016, according to his online biographies.

Juan Carlos Castillo is a New Jersey-based trending reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Find him on Twitter at _JCCastillo.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Why are Rutgers students trying to ban TPUSA?
Donald Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize if he convinces Chinese president Xi Jinping to abandon his military plans against Taiwan, the self-governed islands president said.

Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te warned the US president  who is seeking a Nobel Peace Prize and has nominated himself for it as he claims to have ended seven un-endable wars  that a China takeover of Taiwan would threaten the US too.

Mr Trump said he deserved the top peace prize already given to four of his White House predecessors.

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The Taiwanese president, who China brands as separatist, said he hoped that the democratic island will continue to enjoy the support of Mr Trump.

I noticed that US president Donald Trump once said publicly that [Chinese president] Xi Jinping actually called him and stated that he would not attack Taiwan during President Trumps term in office, Mr Lai told a conservative US radio show and podcast in an interview broadcast on Tuesday.

If he is able to convince Xi Jinping to permanently renounce the use of force against Taiwan, president Trump will surely win the Nobel Peace Prize, Mr Lai said.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory to be brought under its control by force if necessary and has repeatedly carried out military drills in the Taiwan Strait to intimidate its smaller neighbour. Mr Xi, in his New Year address this year, said that Chinas unification with Taiwan was inevitable and could not be blocked by outside forces, in a likely reference to Taiwans most important ally  the US.

A Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter (L) and a Boeing CH-47SD Chinook tandem-rotor helicopter perform a flyby past the Taipei 101 building as part of rehearsals ahead of Taiwan's National Day (AFP via Getty Images)

Despite the absence of formal ties, the US is Taiwans most important international backer and expected to come to its rescue with military aid in the event of an escalation from China. However, Mr Trump has not announced any new arms sales to the island after entering the White House earlier this year.

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The US president is likely to meet his Chinese counterpart later this month at a meeting of Asia-Pacific leaders in South Korea.

On being asked what advice would he give the US president if he were to meet him, Mr Lai said he would direct Mr Trumps attention to Chinas actions.

I would advise him to pay particular attention to the fact that Xi Jinping is not only conducting increasingly large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, but is also expanding military forces in the East China Sea and South China Sea, the Taiwanese president said.

He warned that China is ramping up its military activities against Taiwan, and the challenge of this extends beyond Taiwan.

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"The challenge extends beyond merely annexing Taiwan. Once Taiwan is annexed, China will gain greater strength to compete with the United States on the international stage, undermining the rules-based international order," he said.

"Ultimately, this will also impact US homeland interests. Therefore, I hope President Trump will continue to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, he said.

The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and has long stuck to a policy of "strategic ambiguity" not making clear whether it would respond militarily to a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Lai Ching-te, inspects the Han Kuang 41 exercise in Kaohsiung (Getty Images)

Mr Lai rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future.

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Taiwan, along with major Western allies, has worked to address Washington's concerns that it is not spending enough on its own defence. Mr Lai has set a target of defence spending to reach 5 per cent of gross domestic product by 2030.

Our defence spending, as defined by Nato, will reach 3.32 per cent of GDP next year. And this will increase to 5 per cent of GDP by 2030, he said in the radio interview.

Mr Lai said the island nation is absolutely determined to safeguard its national security.

Former US presidents Woodrow Wilson (1920), Jimmy Carter (2002), Barack Obama (2009), and US vice president Al Gore (2007), have so far received the coveted prize.
A mother in Texas is facing murder charges after she shot four of her children, resulting in the death of two of them.

Brazoria County Sheriff Bo Stallman announced on Sunday, October 5, that the 31-year-old mother, Oninda Romelus, was charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to ABC 13. She is being held on a $14 million bond, according to CBS News.

Her 13-year-old and 4-year-old were fatally shot inside a vehicle on Saturday, October 4, while her 8-year-old and 9-year-old children are in "stable condition" after they were flown by a medical helicopter to a hospital in Houston.

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Deputies immediately began providing lifesaving aid to the children until medical personnel arrived, Stallman explained, per People. The quick actions of responding deputies are believed to have saved at least one childs life.

D4vds Manager Breaks Silence Amid Celeste Rivas Hernandezs Death Investigation

Stallman said that the mother called 911 to alert authorities after the shooting and they recovered a weapon at the scene.

"It is impossible to make sense of a senseless tragedy like this, but we will do everything we can to seek justice for these children," Stallman told reporters.

The Brazoria County Sheriff's Office said there is evidence showing that the shooting took place in the car that Romelus was driving, per ABC 13. Meanwhile, CBS News reported that the shooting occurred in Angleton, which is located about 45 miles south of Houston. Romelus is a resident of Montgomery County.

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Local outlet Click 2 Houston reported that deputies were initially called to a gas station, where Romelus had stopped. However, police confirmed that the shooting did not take place at the gas station.

Additionally, authorities said they were not initially aware they were reporting to a shooting.

Starbucks Just Released Their 2025 Holiday Menu: Is There Anything Different?

"Investigators are collecting evidence and working to determine exactly what happened. All individuals believed to be involved have been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community, the sheriffs office said, per People.

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Also during the press conference, Stallman said that the tragedy has shaken our community, and we are all feeling the loss.

Im proud of the deputies whose quick response made a difference, and I want to thank the people of Brazoria County and surrounding areas for their prayers and support for these children and our first responders, he added.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to protect Google from a year-old order requiring a major makeover of its Android app store that's designed to unleash more competition against a system that a jury declared an illegal monopoly.

The rebuff delivered in a one-sentence decision by the Supreme Court means Google will soon have to start an overhaul of its Play Store for the apps running on the Android software that powers most smartphones that compete against Apple's iPhone in the U.S.

Among other changes, U.S. District Judge James Donato last October ordered Google to give its competitors access to its entire inventory of Android apps and also make those alternative options available to download from the Play Store.

In a filing last month, Google told the U.S. Supreme Court that Donato's order would expose the Play Store's more than 100 million U.S. users to enormous security and safety risks by enabling stores that stock malicious, deceptive, or pirated content to proliferate."

Google also said it faced an Oct. 22 deadline to begin complying with the judge's order if the Supreme Court didn't grant its request for a stay. The Mountain View, California, company was seeking the protection while pursuing a last-ditch attempt to overturn the December 2023 jury verdict that condemned the Play Store as an abusive monopoly.

In a statement, Google said it will continue its fight in the Supreme Court while submitting to what it believes is a problematic order. The changes ordered by the U.S. District Court will jeopardize users ability to safely download apps, Google warned.

Google had been insulated from the order while trying to overturn it and the monopoly verdict, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected that attempt in a decision issued two months ago.

In its filing with the Supreme Court, Google argued it was being unfairly turned into a supplier and distributor for would-be rivals.

Donato concluded the digital walls shielding the Play Store from competition needed to be torn down to counteract a pattern of abusive behavior. The conduct had enabled Google to to reap billions of dollars in annual profits, primarily from its exclusive control of a payment processing system that collected a 15-30% fee on in-app transactions.

Those commissions were the focal point of an antitrust lawsuit that video game maker Epic Games filed against Google in 2020, setting up a month-long trial in San Francisco federal court that culminated in the jury's monopoly verdict.

Epic, the maker of the Fortnite game, lost a similar antitrust case targeting Apple's iPhone app store. Even though U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rodgers concluded the iPhone app store wasn't an illegal monopoly, she ordered Apple to begin allowing links to alternative payment systems as part of a shake-up that resulted in the company being held in civil contempt of court earlier this year.
A European-made rocket tailored to destroying Shahed-series long-range one-way attack drones is being used in Ukraine. The 70-millimeter (2.75-inch) laser-guided rocket from Thales is broadly similar to the U.S.-made Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II), but has an FZ123 airburst warhead that disperses a cloud of thousands of steel pellets. It is intended for air and ground launch, part of an expanding inventory of weapons in the Ukrainian campaign against the Russian drone threat.

Thales is now stepping up production of its 70mm guided rockets with FZ123 warhead at its plant at Herstal in Belgium. The warhead is comprised of two pounds of high explosives, which detonates and radially spreads out the steel pellets, creating a lethal cloud with a diameter of around 80 feet. The photo below shows how the steel pellets are densely packed around the periphery of the inside of the rocket warhead casing, for maximum dispersion.

A photograph, taken on October 3, 2025, shows an unguided version of the Thales 70mm rocket with an FZ123 warhead, displayed during a visit to the Thales production site in Herstal. Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR / Belga / AFP VIRGINIE LEFOUR

According to Thales, the rocket can bring down Class II and Class III drones at a range of up to 10,000 feet. Broadly speaking, the NATO Class II classification covers medium-sized, tactical systems, including the Shahed, while Class III encompasses medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE)/high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones.

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The airburst warhead increases the lethality of the rocket, also allowing it to bring down multiple drones in one shot, if they are flying in a swarm or grouped close enough together.

The laser guidance system requires the target to be illuminated until the rocket gets close to it, at which point it detonates with a proximity fuze; this replaced the impact fuze used on earlier versions of the rocket. Laser guidance presents something of a challenge for the operator, especially when being used in poor weather, when Russian drone barrages are frequently encountered. If the laser beam is broken, the rocket continues to fly toward its last-known target for five seconds, then adopts a ballistic trajectory.

A Thales spokesperson told Business Insider that the rockets are already being deployed in Ukraine, launched from Mi-8 Hip helicopters adapted to carry NATO-standard launchers. Its unclear how the laser is provided to designate the target, but some kind of turret-mounted device is a likely solution. So-called buddy lasing, where one aircraft designates the target for another, could also be useful in this case, with one Mi-8 keeping the target steadily lazed while the other makes its attack run. This is typically how the APKWS II rocket is used for air-to-air applications, too.

The Thales rockets are also being fired from the ground, using the U.S.-supplied VAMPIRE counter-drone system. A batch of 14 of these systems, which are mounted on Humvees, has been delivered to the Ukrainian military. Normally, the effector used in the VAMPIRE system is the laser-guided APKWS II rocket, fired from a turreted four-round LAND-LGR4 70mm launcher. The VAMPIRE is also fitted with a sensor turret (mounted on an extendable mast to give it a better line-of-sight), and a fire control system. VAMPIRE has also been used to attack targets on the ground.

A Humvee-mounted VAMPIRE being loaded onto a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III cargo aircraft. U.S. Navy

Meanwhile, Thales is also working on its own ground-based launcher with five tubes for the 70mm rockets, which has reached the prototype stage, and is seen in the final photo in the tweet embedded below.

European manufacturer Thales has developed a compact mini-missile to help counter Shahed-type attack drones  FZ123 warhead for the 70 mm missile is filled with thousands of tiny steel pellets and nearly one-kilogram charge. New system is already being deployed in Ukraine.



The pic.twitter.com/I5fSOnFx0o  Special Kherson Cat   (@bayraktar_1love) October 7, 2025

Its unclear how many of the rockets have been supplied to Ukraine, but Thales says that Kyiv is asking for more.

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In terms of cost, which has long been a prominent discussion point when it comes to counter-drone systems, Thales says that the rocket is equivalent to kind of a low-cost missile.

For comparison, a current generation Block II subvariant of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile is just under $420,000, according to Pentagon budget documents. Meanwhile, the price tag for the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) is more than $1 million each. At present, a single APKWS II guidance and control section costs around $15,000, with another few thousand dollars required for the warhead and motor.

Rear shot of a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet with a live AIM-9L/M Sidewinder, a captive-carry (inert) AIM-120B AMRAAM, and a Terma self-protection pylon. Ukrainian Ministry of Defense screencap

The cost of the Thales rocket is likely much closer to the aforementioned APKWS II, a rocket guidance kit originally developed to engage targets on the ground, and now also being used by the U.S. military as a lower-cost, more numerous air-to-air weapon. The APKWS II costs between $15,000 and $20,000 for the guidance and control section, with another few thousand dollars required for the warhead and motor.

However, the Thales rocket will be costlier than the interceptor drones that Ukraine is also now increasingly using against Russian drones. They typically cost around $500 each, with only some of the most expensive models having a price tag of over $5,000.

So, we have anti armour FPV, anti personnel FPV, SEAD/DEAD FPV, and now C-UAS FPV. pic.twitter.com/Jako0TQYVh  C Os (@CalibreObscura) June 1, 2024

Potentially, Thales could churn out significant quantities of the rocket for Ukraine.

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The company has the production capacity to build 30,000 unguided versions of its 70mm rocket each year, with the possibility to double this by moving to two daily work shifts. Since not all of the rockets it builds are guided, and with plenty of them being produced to fulfill contracts signed with other countries, the number of rockets available to Ukraine would be proportionally fewer.

However, Thales has said it plans to build around 3,500 of the FZ123 guided rockets by the end of the year, with the aim of producing 10,000 annually by 2026.

Ukraines demand for cost-effective anti-drone weapons, especially to counter Russias waves of increasingly sophisticated Shahed and Geran series long-range one-way attack drones, is well known by now.

Production of these attack drones is set to expand drastically in the near term and, as we have discussed in the past, its very possible that 2026 could see Russia build over 50,000 of these drones annually.

A view inside a Russian factory producing Shahed/Geran attack drones. via X

There are signs that the Thales anti-drone rocket could also see more interest from NATO nations in Europe, countries that had previously generally neglected to invest in robust counter-drone strategies.

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The picture has now changed, following the incident last month in which Polish authorities said 19 Russian drones entered the countrys airspace, with some of them being shot down by Polish and Dutch combat aircraft. You can catch up to our reporting on the incident in our story here.

An F-35A Lightning ll with the Royal Netherlands Air Forces 313th Tiger Squadron, was spotted recently sporting its first ever drone kill mark likely from the interception of a Russian one-way attack drone in the defense of NATO Airspace over Poland on September 9. pic.twitter.com/sepAuS0YfM  OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 1, 2025

This incident has been followed by a spate of high-profile, but still-mysterious, drone incursions recorded in Denmark and Norway.

Alain Quevrin, country director for Thales Belgium, told Business Insider that all the European countries are showing interest in the rocket. They are really raising questions, Quevrin added.

The company has already expanded its workforce at Herstal in anticipation of new orders.

An annotated view of a Thales laser-guided rocket, in this case with the standard FZ277 warhead, rather than the counter-drone one. Thales

At the same time, the U.S. militarys experience using the APKWS II rocket in an air-to-air role, primarily to down Houthi drones, in the Middle East, has hardly gone unnoticed. The U.S. Air Force first announced it had demonstrated the ability to use APKWS II rockets as lower-cost, more numerous air-to-air weapons back in 2019, but this was just in testing.

A 96th Test Wing F-15E Strike Eagle tests Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) laser-guided rockets. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley Staff Sgt. Thomas Barley

Subsequently, a U.S. military official exclusively confirmed the use of APKWS II in the air-to-air role to TWZ, after the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen began launching drone, missile, and other attacks against foreign warships and commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea, as well as targets in Israel, in October 2023. Now, the APKWS II is also due to get an optional upgrade, adding an infrared seeker, which will provide something like a fire-and-forget capability, as you can read about here.

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Putting all this together means that Thales may well be bringing its laser-guided 70mm rocket with its dedicated anti-drone warhead onto the market at a very opportune time, as various armed forces look at how best to counter a taxing threat and one that is only set to proliferate.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WMBB)  Panama City Beachs leaning landmark is now just a memory.

The infamous tilted house on Gulf Drive has been reduced to a pile of debris.

The house was first damaged during Hurricane Michael and rebuilt. Then it was knocked off its foundation again by a tornado in January 2024.

It became a tourist attraction, but also an eyesore and a threat to the homes on either side of it.

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Lynn Haven Fire Department unveils new state-of-the-art fire engine

The neighbors sued, which led to a court battle that lasted more than a year.

This summer, the judge set a deadline for the owner to demolish it or pay a $1,000 a day fine. The demolition began about two weeks ago.

Crews are inspecting the two neighboring homes to see if they can be repaired. Well keep you updated on the future of those properties as well.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
President Donald Trump remains unpopular in Connecticut, a new poll from the University of New Hampshire Survey Center revealed.

38% of Connecticut residents approve of his handling of his job as president, while 61% disapprove. His net approval rating (-23) is up from August (-33). Despite the low support overall, nearly all Republicans in the state (96%) approve.

Of voters who disapprove of Trump, the most important reasons they cite are undermining democracy/Constitution (32%), poor conduct or corruption (12%) and fueling divisiveness or hatred (8%).

First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump disembark from Air Force One after landing at Naval Station Norfolk before they visit the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier on Oct. 5, 2025

Of those who approve, the most important reasons are handling of immigration (24%), handling of economy (16%) and leadership or decisiveness (12%).

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A majority of Connecticut residents dont approve of Trumps handling of the economy, his handling of foreign affairs or his actions toward the federal reserve.

61% of Connecticut residents also dont approve of Health and Humans Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Nutmeg State Poll, released Sept. 30, surveyed 811 Connecticut residents online from Sept. 17 to Sept. 23. The margin of error is +/- 3.4%.

More: Trump approval in MA still low, many worried about political violence, says new poll

Connecticut residents worried about political violence

Following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, 72% of Connecticut residents are worried that they or a family member will be victimized by politically motivated violence by a fellow American.

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Connecticut residents are less likely to be worried about this than those in Rhode Island or New Hampshire, the poll found.

A photo of Charlie Kirk and his family by the fountain outside of the Edmon Low Library at the Oklahoma State University campus getting reaction to the murder of Charlie Kirk, Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.

68% of Connecticut residents are also worried about being victimized by a mass shooting.

They are less worried about being the victim of a terrorist attack by foreign actors (55%) or a natural disaster (48%).

The poll found that progressives in Connecticut are most worried about politically motivated violence and mass shooting, which socialists are most concerned about a mass shooting. Socialists and progressives are more likely to be concerned about a natural disaster while liberals and libertarians are more likely to be concerned about a terrorist attack.

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The poll also found that a plurality (44%) of Connecticut residents would feel less safe if the National Guard was deployed to cities in Connecticut, as it has been to cities like Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Memphis, TN. A majority thought that those deployments were not justified, the least justified of which being Los Angeles.

Should Trump get the Nobel Peace Prize?

Several countries, including Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

But Connecticut would likely not nominate him for the honor, as 62% of residents said he does not deserve the prize.

However, 77% of Republicans in the state said they believe he does deserve a Nobel Peace Prize.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: CT poll: Trump approval rating, political violence fears after Kirk shooting
By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump has called off efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement with Venezuela and told his special envoy Richard Grenell to stop all outreach, a senior U.S. official said on Monday.

The news, which was first reported by the New York Times, follows a series of military strikes on vessels carrying drugs near Venezuela. Trump told Congress that the U.S. is engaged in "a non-international armed conflict" with drug cartels.

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Although Trump is reportedly considering strikes inside the South American country, the U.S. official told Reuters that the president has not yet determined whether to advance his military campaign to a second phase.

Trump delivered the message to Grenell during a meeting in the Oval Office last Thursday with senior military leaders, the senior official said.

Trump on Sunday told U.S. service members that U.S. strikes on vessels off the coast of Venezuela had halted the flow of drugs by sea and the U.S. would now "have to start looking about the land." No further details were released by the White House.

Tensions between Washington and Caracas have intensified since Trump returned to the White House in January with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro denying U.S. allegations that drugs were being produced in the country, and claiming that the U.S. is hoping to drive him from power.

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Trump has played down the possibility of a regime change in the South American country.

In August, Washington doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro's arrest to $50 million, accusing him of links to drug trafficking and criminal groups that Maduro denies.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Writing by Jasper Ward; Editing by Nia Williams and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Donald Trump spouted off again Monday about how big cities run by Democrats in blue states have big problems.

This time, the president claimed that violence in Chicago was probably worse than almost any city in the world.

Its like a war zone, and I listen to the governor and the mayor get up and say how they have it under control. They dont, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, focusing on gun violence in particular. Its probably worse than almost any city in the world. You can go to Afghanistan. You can go to a lot of different places, and they probably marvel at how much crime we have.

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Afghanistan ranks 9th on the Global Organized Crime Index. Among U.S. cities with the highest murder rate in 2024, Chicago isnt in the top 20, FBI data shows. Thirteen of the 20 cities with the most murders are in Republican-led states.

In any event, Trump then claimed that Gov. JB Pritzker cant handle the situation in his state and that hes incompetent. Pritzker filed a lawsuit Monday claiming the White Houses order to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard troops was illegal, dangerous and unconstitutional.

He should say, Wed love to have a safer place. Chicago is a great city, potentially. You, I told you the head of the Union Pacific Railroad said, Sir, save Chicago. Its going to be lost if you dont do it, Trump continued.

Pritzker addressed Trumps criticism of his city earlier Monday afternoon.

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Donald Trumps deranged depiction of Chicago as a hellhole, a war zone, and the worst and most dangerous city in the world was just complete B.S., the governor said. He clearly has decided to declare war on a great American city that has the lowest homicide rate in 60 years, in a state that has record employment and near-record tourism. And hes done it for some unspoken reason.

Trumps gripe came a day after his Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, groaned to Fox News about Immigration and Customs agents having trouble finding places to sit on their lunch break and restrooms to use. Noem herself had been denied entry into a government building on Saturday, when anti-ICE protesters made themselves known.

Noem told Fox & Friends of Chicago residents: They dont even let our ICE officers and our border patrol officers use restrooms and facilities... Those men and women were telling us that they have to figure out even where they can go sit down for five minutes to have lunch or to use the restroom throughout their shift or their break.

Hours before Trump compared Chicagos violent crime to Afghanistans, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was grilled about the presidents plans for National Guard troops in Chicago and Portland, Oregon. In the latter city, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trumps efforts, calling his justification simply untethered to the facts.

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With all due respect to that judge, I think that her opinion is untethered to reality and the law, Leavitt said.

The president is using his authority as commander in chief, US code 12404, which clearly says the president has the right to call up the national guard in cases where he deems it appropriate, she claimed.

The Trump administration is appealing the ruling.

When asked Monday about the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, the president said there has not been a reason to do soyet.

Trump claimed Gov. JB Pritzker cant handle the situation in his state and that hes incompetent. / Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images

We have an Insurrection Act for a reason, Trump told reporters. If I had to enact it, Id do that.

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If people were being killed and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure Id do that... We have to make sure our cities are safe.

Trump told generals last week that U.S. cities should be used as training grounds because the country faces an invasion from within.
TAIPEI (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump should get the Nobel Peace Prize should he be able to convince Chinese President Xi Jinping to abandon the use of force against Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te told a conservative U.S. radio show and podcast in an interview.

The United States is Chinese-claimed Taiwan's most important international backer, despite the absence of formal ties, but since President Donald Trump took office earlier this year he has not announced any new arms sales to the island.

Trump could meet Xi at a meeting of Asia-Pacific leaders in South Korea later this month.

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Lai, speaking this week on The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, which is carried on more than 400 talk radio stations, referred to comments Trump made in August in which he said Xi told him China would not invade Taiwan while he was U.S. president.

"We hope to continue receiving President Trump's support. Should President Trump persuade Xi Jinping to permanently abandon any military aggression against Taiwan, President Trump would undoubtedly be a Nobel Peace Prize laureate," Lai said.

Trump has said he deserves the accolade given to four of his White House predecessors. This year's prize will be announced in Norway on Friday.

Asked what he would tell the U.S. president if he were to meet him, Lai said he would advise Trump to pay attention to Xi's actions.

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"I would advise him to pay particular attention to the fact that Xi Jinping is not only conducting increasingly large-scale military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, but is also expanding military forces in the East China Sea and South China Sea," Lai said, according to a transcript of his remarks released by the presidential office on Tuesday.

China's increasing military activities further and further from its own shores are not only a challenge for Taiwan, Lai said.

"The challenge extends beyond merely annexing Taiwan. Once Taiwan is annexed, China will gain greater strength to compete with the United States on the international stage, undermining the rules-based international order," he said.

"Ultimately, this will also impact U.S. homeland interests. Therefore, I hope President Trump will continue to uphold peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific."

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China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Lai's remarks.

Given the lack of formal ties, Taiwanese presidents do not speak directly to or meet U.S. presidents.

Taiwan, along with major Western allies, has worked to address Washington's concerns that it is not spending enough on its own defence - Lai has set a target of defence spending to reach 5% of gross domestic product by 2030.

"I will tell them that Taiwan is absolutely determined to safeguard its national security," Lai told the show, when asked about how he would show the United States the island's resolve to defend itself.

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"When Taiwan protects itself, it is also committing to maintaining regional peace and stability," he added.

The United States, which is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, has long stuck to a policy of "strategic ambiguity," not making clear whether it would respond militarily to a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Lai rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying only the island's people can decide their future. China calls Lai a "separatist" and has repeatedly rebuffed his offers of talks.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Tom Hogue and Kate Mayberry)
President Trump is directing his administration to approve a controversial road that could enable copper and cobalt mining in Alaska, the White House announced Monday.

In a fact sheet, the White House said Trump would direct his administration to promptly issue authorizations necessary for the Ambler Road Project.

The road would provide mining access to an area with deposits of minerals including copper, cobalt, gallium and germanium.

The decision would reverse a Biden-era move to block the road in order to protect wildlife including the Western Arctic caribou herd.

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The Trump administration said it was determining that the 211-mile industrial road was in the public interest because of the need for domestic critical minerals.

It said it is directing the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the permits needed to construct the road.

The move is not a surprise. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order that called for a review of the Biden administrations decision to block the road.

The road had been approved during the first Trump administration before the Biden administration reversed course.

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The administration has also been broadly supportive of mining and securing minerals, particularly those that can be used in semiconductors and military applications.

Environmental activists recoiled at Trumps move.

The Ambler Road will lead to significant harm to fragile Alaskan landscapes and the local communities and wildlife that rely on them, Athan Manuel, director of Sierra Clubs Lands Protection Program, said in a written statement. This is no ordinary road  its an industrial corridor through intact forests and Alaskan landscapes long enough to connect Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
President Donald Trump said Monday that he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act if it was necessary, particularly if the courts or state and local officials delay his plans to deploy the National Guard.

"Id do it if it was necessary. So far it hasnt been necessary. But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when he was asked under what conditions he would consider the rarely used 19th century law.

"If I had to enact it, I'd do that. If people were being killed and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I'd do that. I mean, I want to make sure that people aren't killed. We have to make sure that our cities are safe," he added.

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The Insurrection Act of 1807 allows the president to mobilize the U.S. military to conduct civilian law enforcement activities under certain circumstances. It was last used during the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Trump was speaking about his efforts to federalize troops and crack down on crime in Democratic-run cities.

Trump doubled down on his comments during a Newsmax interview that aired Monday night when asked if he would invoke the law.

"If we dont have to use it, I wouldnt use it," Trump said before adding, "If you take a look at whats been going on in Portland, its been going on for a long time, and thats insurrection. I mean, thats pure insurrection."

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A federal judge in Oregon on Sunday blocked the Trump administration from deploying federalized National Guard members from California or other states to Portlands streets.

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, a Trump appointee, had also blocked the administration from deploying Oregon National Guard troops in Portland.

"Portland's been on fire for years, and not so much saving it," Trump told reporters Monday. "We have to save something else, because I think that's all insurrection. I really think that's really criminal insurrection."

Trump and his allies similarly referred to protesters opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles as insurrectionists, and Trump offered a similar answer in June when he was asked about any plans to invoke the Insurrection Act. Depends on whether or not theres an insurrection, he said at the time, without ruling out the possibility of using it in the future.

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A key Trump ally argued earlier Monday that such action is needed now.

In a text message to NBC News before Trumps Oval Office remarks, former White House strategist Steve Bannon said Trump needs to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 immediately and deploy active duty U.S. Army personnel and assets to Portland and Chicago  he needs to put Pritzker and Newsom in their place.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have opposed Trump's National Guard efforts in their states.

At a news conference earlier Monday, Pritzker suggested that Trump is trying to sow unrest so he can invoke the Insurrection Act.

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"The Trump administration is following a playbook: Cause chaos, create fear and confusion, make it seem like peaceful protesters are a mob by firing gas pellets and tear gas canisters at them," Pritzker said. "Why? To create the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act so that he can send military troops to our city."

Illinois sued Monday to block the Trump administration from deploying federalized National Guard troops to Chicago. A judge declined to immediately block the administration's move and instead scheduled a hearing for Thursday.

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement that Pritzker had failed to address violence in his state.

Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders like Pritzker have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets," Jackson said. "President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities.

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During his first term, despite nudging from allies, Trump ultimately did not invoke the Insurrection Act, which the White House said was a possibility in response to demonstrations stemming from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President Donald Trumps latest bid to deploy the military on U.S. soil over local opposition is triggering a new conflict with blue state governors that is playing out in the courts as Trump envisages a country where armed soldiers patrol U.S. streets.

Trump has already pushed traditional boundaries by using the National Guard domestically, envisioning a muscular role for the U.S. military in targeting illegal immigration and crime in American cities.

His attempt to deploy California National Guard members to Oregon and Texas Guardsmen to Illinois is a sprawling use of presidential power. Next steps in lawsuits filed by Democrat-led states will likely address significant questions of constitutional law, federalism and the separation of powers  setting up a potential collision between the courts and Trumps aggressive use of the National Guard.

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At a gathering of military brass last week, Trump called for using U.S. cities as a training ground for troops and warned of an invasion from within. To his critics, however, Trumps use of the National Guard amounts to a frightening use of force against Americans.

What will happen when the president loses in court? said Alex Reinert, a constitutional law expert at the Cardozo School of Law in New York City. Will he use it as an excuse to act in an even more authoritarian way?

An expanding role for the National Guard not seen before

Rifle-wielding troops on American streets are one of the starkest manifestations of Trumps attempt to expand presidential power, with troops already deployed to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Control over a states National Guard typically falls to the governor unless units are federalized  as they were in California over the governors objections. Otherwise, its up to the governor to decide to deploy Guard members or send them to other states to assist with natural disasters. In D.C., Trump commands the Guard himself.

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Local authorities, Trump says, have failed to safeguard communities, giving several Democrat-led cities as examples. Hes called Portland war ravaged and a war zone that is burning down and like living in hell.

However, the nearly 150-year-old Posse Comitatus Act limits the militarys role in enforcing domestic laws, reflecting Americas long-standing belief that law enforcement should remain in civilian hands.

Trump was asked Monday about another law, the Insurrection Act, and said he would be willing to invoke it if necessary. It allows the president to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to put down an insurrection or are defying federal law.

If I had to enact it  Id do that, Trump said. If people were being killed, and courts were holding us up, or governors or mayors were holding us up. He added: We have to make sure our cities are safe.

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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier that Trump wants to make Americas cities safer.

You guys are framing this like, The president wants to take over the American cities with the military, Leavitt told reporters Monday. The president wants to help these local leaders who have been completely ineffective in securing their own cities.

U.S. officials say the decisions to send federalized troops from Texas and California to other states are being made at the highest levels of the Trump administration, bypassing formal Pentagon policy processes that would normally be part of troop deployments.

While this dynamic is not unheard of, one official said, its typically used in situations like natural disasters where troops need to move out quickly before formal orders and authorizations. The officials all spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the internal situation.

A protester, draped in an altered American flag, watches as law enforcement officers try to disperse protesters near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. (Ethan Swope/AP)

One result is that governors like Californias Gavin Newsom and Illinois JB Pritzker, both Democrats, have become the first to announce troop deployments. Pentagon public affairs officials have struggled to confirm or deny the actions and troop numbers, facing pressure to avoid giving even basic details of military operations and to defer questions to the White House.

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The situation is far different from President John F. Kennedys move to federalize the Alabama National Guard in 1963 to integrate the University of Alabama in a standoff with Gov. George Wallace. That is because Trump is ostensibly seeking to use troops to protect federal property and personnel, not to enforce federal civil rights laws passed by Congress, according to William Banks, a Syracuse University law professor and an expert in constitutional law and national security.

The Guard members cannot enforce local laws, block traffic or do any of the things that police do, Banks said. So its more symbolic than helpful.

Legal challenges set up a clash over Trumps deployments

Leaders in Illinois, Oregon and California have sued, while top White House figures blasted a Trump-appointed judges decision to block the deployment in Portland.

Stephen Miller, a top Trump adviser, suggested its the courts that have ignored constitutional limits.

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A district court judge has no conceivable authority, whatsoever, to restrict the President and Commander-in-Chief from dispatching members of the US military to defend federal lives and property, Miller posted on X, likening the protests over Trumps immigration policy to domestic terrorism.

Judges are not likely to be swayed by the bluster, legal experts say. Instead, they will look at whether Trumps orders violate the Constitution and the federal laws governing how the Guard is used.

Trumps opponents have relied on the court system to slow down his agenda, with the Republican-controlled Congress largely not checking his expansion of power.

With litigation piling up, Trump officials have shown disdain for judges and decisions they oppose but so far have avoided the direct kind of confrontation that legal experts say could do real harm.

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Texas National Guard deploying to Chicago on Monday

The potential that they would defy an order from a federal court is very worrisome, Banks said. Thats our backstop. Thats what we have in the United States to keep our democracy on the rails.

Trumps attempt to deploy California National Guard members to Oregon is a clear violation of the law and a flagrant attempt to circumvent the judges weekend ruling, according to Elizabeth Goitein, an expert on presidential powers.

Goitein, senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at New York Universitys Brennan Center for Justice, said Americans should be concerned that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth see deployments in U.S. cities as practice for overseas conflicts.

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What the military is trained to do is to fight and destroy enemies of the United States. The president of the United States wants soldiers to practice this battle training in the streets of American cities, she wrote on a social media.

Associated Press writers Chris Megerian, Seung Min Kim and Nathan Ellgren contributed to this report.
Burlington, Massachusetts-based Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) owns, manufactures, and distributes beverages, as well as single-serve brewing systems. Valued at a market cap of $35.1 billion, the company offers its products under various well-known brands, including Dr Pepper, 7UP, Canada Dry, Snapple, Motts, and Bai. It is expected to announce its fiscal Q3 earnings for 2025 in the near term.

Before this event, analysts expect this beverage company to report a profit of $0.54 per share, up 5.9% from $0.51 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has met or beaten Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters. Its earnings of $0.49 per share in the previous quarter came in line with the consensus estimates.

More News from Barchart

For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect KDP to report a profit of $2.04 per share, up 6.3% from $1.92 per share in fiscal 2024. Its EPS is expected to further grow 6.4% year-over-year to $2.17 in fiscal 2026.

www.barchart.com

KDP has declined 29.5% over the past 52 weeks, considerably lagging behind both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 17.8% uptick and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLP) 3.9% drop over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

Shares of KDP tumbled 11.5% on Aug. 25 and another 6.9% in the following trading session after the company announced plans to acquire JDE Peets, a Dutch-listed coffee giant, for about 15.7 billion ($18.4 billion). The deal valued JDE Peets at a 33% premium to its market price. While KDPs management described the move as a strategically sound, long-term growth opportunity for stakeholders, investors reacted negatively to the steep premium, triggering a significant sell-off.

Wall Street analysts are moderately optimistic about KDPs stock, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 17 analysts covering the stock, nine recommend "Strong Buy," one indicates a "Moderate Buy," six suggest "Hold, and one advises a Strong Sell rating. The mean price target for KDP is $34.70, implying a 34.3% potential upside from the current 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
President Donald Trump took a major step toward invoking some of the most extreme emergency powers available to a sitting president and claimed an insurrection is underway in Portland, Oregon.

During an interview with Newsmax host Greg Kelly, Trump said he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act as a way to get around a judges order blocking the administration from deploying National Guard troops to Portland.

If you take a look at whats been going on in Portland, its been going on for a long time, and thats insurrection. I mean, thats pure insurrection, he said. And then youll have a governor get up and say, Theres absolutely nothing wrong. And you see these places are burning down.

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The only fires reported in Portland, Oregon, on Monday were smoke coming from the boiler room of a local high school and a mobile home engulfed in flames, according to Portland Fire & Rescues X account. No injuries were reported in either incident.

The president claimed an

When it comes to violent crime, homicides are down by 51 percent this year, with 25 killings to date, according to city police data. Just two people were killed in August, the most recent month for which data is available.

Trump has nevertheless claimed that Portland, Chicago, and other blue citieswhere peaceful protests have been held in opposition to federal immigration raidsare under siege, despite an objective lack of riots or other violent unrest.

He appears to be laying the groundwork to bypass the courts and invoke the Insurrection Act, a compilation of century-old statutes that allows the president to use the military to suppress an armed rebellion or other insurrection against the United States.

The number of protesters outside a federal immigration facility in Portland, Oregon, went up after President Trump ordered a National Guard deployment. / Spencer Platt / Getty Images

Without it, federal troops deployed to U.S. cities are only allowed to protect federal property and personnel, and are generally banned from law enforcement roles.

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The Insurrection Act was last used in 1992 to suppress the riots that broke out in Los Angeles following the acquittal of three white police officers who had severely beaten Rodney King, an unarmed Black man.

Those circumstances were far different, though. Dozens of people had been killed in the riots, and both the mayor of Los Angeles and the governor of California had asked then-President George H.W. Bush to mobilize the National Guard.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker accused the Trump administration of trying to provoke a crisis in order to justify invoking the Insurrection Act. / Kamil Krazaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

During the Newsmax interview, Trump blasted Democratic leaders for not welcoming the military into cities like Chicago, where he claimed crime is out of control, and argued that soldiers cleaned up Washington, D.C., taking it from a very unsafe city to one of the safest cities in the country.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker hit back, The Trump administration is following a playbook: Cause chaos, create fear and confusion, make it seem that peaceful protesters are a mob by firing gas pellets and tear gas canisters at them. Why? To create the pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act so that he can send military troops to our city.

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In the case of Portland, about 20 peaceful protesters had been gathering nightly throughout September outside the federal immigration facility, with few arrests made, the Associated Press reported.

Trump nevertheless announced on Truth Social in late September, At the request of Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, I am directing Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.

When the president gave the National Guard orders last weekend, the crowd swelled to about 400 people. Federal agents shot tear-gas canisters into the crowd, but again, things remained largely under control, according to the AP.

On the night that Trump warned of an insurrection, just 100 protesters and counter-protesters gathered outside the federal immigration building, The New York Times reported. After some taunting, the crowd split up and went home without incident.

Judge Karin Immergut warned in a ruling that the U.S. is not a country of martial law. / Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment.

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In back-to-back rulings over the weekend, Judge Karin Immergutwhom Trump himself appointed in 2019found that the administration had used false claims of violence against immigration officials to justify deploying hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas and California to Oregon.

This is a nation of Constitutional law, not martial law, she wrote in an order temporarily blocking the deployment.

After the ruling, a White House spokesperson told the Daily Beast that Trump had exercised his lawful authority to protect federal assets and personnel in Portland following violent riots and attacks on law enforcement.

We expect to be vindicated by a higher court, spokesperson Abigail Jackson said.

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The president revealed during a Sept. 28 interview with NBC that his team has been telling him that protesters were literally attacking and there are fires all over the place.

A special that aired on Fox News in early September also passed off violent footage of Portland from 2020 as if it were happening now, Press Watch reported.
Illinois officials went to court on Monday to stop US President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops to Chicago, as the clash between Democratic-led states and the Republican administration escalates during an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the nations third-largest city.

The legal challenge came just hours after a judge blocked Trumps Guard deployment in Portland, Oregon. A judge in Illinois refused to immediately block the US presidents order.

The lawsuit in Chicago also raised the stakes after a violent weekend: Authorities said a woman was shot by a federal agent when Border Patrol vehicles were boxed in and struck by other vehicles.

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The city's police superintendent rejected suggestions that his officers were on the government's side in volatile situations like that one.

The Trump administration has portrayed the cities as war-ravaged and lawless amid its crackdown on illegal immigration. Officials in Illinois and Oregon say military intervention is not needed and that federal involvement is only escalating the situation.

The lawsuit alleges that these advances in President Trumps long-declared War on Chicago and Illinois are unlawful and dangerous.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says a court hearing was scheduled for Thursday.

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Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and as pawns in his illegal effort to militarise our nations cities, said the citys Democrat leader.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump has hinted at his willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act if it was necessary  especially if the courts or state and local officials delayed or blocked his plans from deploying the troops.

"Id do it if it was necessary. So far it hasnt been necessary. But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason," said Trump at the Oval Office.

If I had to enact it, I'd do that. If people were being killed and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, I'd do that. I mean, I want to make sure that people aren't killed. We have to make sure that our cities are safe, he continued.

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The Insurrection Act is a law from 1807 which allows the incumbent president to mobilise US military to carry out civilian law enforcement duties under certain circumstances.

The law was last invoked in 1992 by former President George H. W. Bush to quell the deadly 1992 Los Angeles riots.

Trump says the law would be a last ditch effort to restore law and order in states and cities which he has previously described as hellholes, worse than Afghanistan.

The White House is expected to appeal the judges block of deployment in Portland, which remains in effect until at least 19 October.

Democrat lawmakers say they will continue to fight the Trump administration and protect US citizens from what they described as an impending threat of military occupation.
By Maria Cheng and Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday promised to treat Canada fairly in talks over punishing U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, but was less committed about a continental trade deal that also includes Mexico.

"I think they're going to walk away very happy," Trump said, referring to Canada, in Oval Office remarks ahead of a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss trade. "We're going to treat people fairly. We're going to especially treat Canada fairly."

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Trump, complaining that "we're the king of being screwed" by trading partners, said Washington would continue to target some Canadian exports.

Carney, making his second visit to the White House in five months, is under increasing pressure to address U.S. tariffs on steel, autos, and other goods that are hurting Canada's economy.

USMCA RENEGOTIATION OR BILATERAL DEALS

Carney initially responded to tariffs by pushing for a separate trade and security deal with the United States, but as talks ran into trouble, he switched his attention to a review of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico free trade deal scheduled for next year.

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"We can renegotiate it, and that would be good, or we could just do different deals," said Trump. "We might make deals that are better for the individual countries."

Asked for his preference, he replied: "I don't care. I want to make whatever the best deal is for this country, and also very much with Canada in mind."

In March, Carney took over as prime minister from Justin Trudeau, who had famously bad relations with Trump.

Carney and Trump have since underlined how well they get on.

"From the beginning, I liked him, and we've had a good relationship," Trump said.

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"We have natural conflict. We also have mutual love ... you know we have great love for each other," he added.

In response, Carney called Trump a transformative president. Trump interrupted Carney as he listed the president's accomplishments to add: "the merger of Canada and the United States," drawing laughter from reporters before adding, "I'm only kidding." Carney, also laughing, responded: "That wasn't where I was going."

Canada sends 75% of all exports to the United States and is particularly vulnerable to U.S. trade action. Trump said the two countries have agreed to work together on a missile defense shield dubbed Golden Dome.

"There are areas where we compete, and it's in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works. But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and that's what we're focused on," said Carney.

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A Canadian government official and several analysts played down the chances of an imminent trade deal with Trump and said the fact discussions are continuing should be considered a success for Carney.

The prime minister last visited the Oval Office in May, when he bluntly said Canada would never be for sale in response to Trump's repeated threat to purchase or annex Canada.

Since then, the prime minister has made numerous concessions to Canada's biggest trading partner, including dropping some counter-tariffs and scrapping a digital services tax aimed at U.S. tech companies.

CANADA STEEL, AUTO INDUSTRIES BEAR BRUNT

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While the majority of Canada's exports are entering the United States tariff-free under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico free trade agreement, tariffs have pummeled Canada's steel, aluminum, and auto sectors and a number of small businesses.

Doug Ford, premier of the Canadian industrial province of Ontario, reiterated calls for Carney to be prepared to be tougher with Trump.

"We seem to be weakening our case by continuously pulling off tariffs. I'd take a different approach - try to get a deal. If you can't, we got to hit him back hard and never stop hitting him back hard, because we can never take a back seat to anyone, especially President Trump," he told reporters.

Canada's main opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, has criticized Carney's approach to Trump, noting the prime minister's earlier pledge to "negotiate a win" by July 21. He said on Monday it did not look like Carney would accomplish much in the trip.

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The trade war is straining bilateral ties. Ford in March threatened to cut off electricity exports to New York state and has ordered provincial liquor stores to boycott U.S. alcohol.

Canadians are also shunning travel to the United States. Trump, though, seemed unconcerned when pressed about this.

"I think the people of Canada, they will love us again. Most of them still do," he said.

(Reporting by Maria Cheng; Additional reporting by Steve Holland and Katharine Jackson in Washington and David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Editing by Caroline Stauffer, Franklin Paul, Rod Nickel)
Former U.S. surgeons general are sounding the alarm on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a first-of-its-kind warning.

In an op-ed for The Washington Post, released Tuesday, the ex-health officials, appointed by Republican and Democratic presidents since George H.W. Bush, said they are compelled to speak with one voice against the actions of Kennedy, which they claim are endangering the health of the nation.

Never before have we issued a joint public warning like this, they wrote in the op-ed. But the profound, immediate and unprecedented threat that Kennedys policies and positions pose to the nations health cannot be ignored.

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The health experts  including Jerome Adams, who was nominated by President Donald Trump during his first term  argue that the nations public health system has been undermined, with misinformation winning over science and expertise.

Morale has plummeted in our health agencies, and talent is fleeing at a time when we face rising threats  from resurgent infectious diseases to worsening chronic illnesses," they wrote, adding: Repairing this damage requires a leader who respects scientific integrity and transparency, listens to experts and can restore trust to the federal health apparatus. Instead, Kennedy has become a driving force behind this crisis.

The former surgeons general pointed to Kennedys advancement of dangerous and discredited claims about vaccines, such as what they describe as his misrepresentation and promotion of the risks of mRNA technology and COVID shots. They also noted the United States has recorded its worst measles outbreak in more than 30 years  while Kennedy has been pictured alongside anti-vaccine doctors  and his firing and replacement of every member of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which offers recommendations on vaccines for children and adults.

Discrediting vaccines undermines one of the most important public health tools in American history, the group wrote.

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Their warning comes as Kennedy has significantly rocked the countrys health department since his appointment to the role, from changing vaccine guidance to cutting research funding. They are also joining a growing number of individuals in the health field who have publicly called out Kennedys policies, including some who have called for his resignation.

Meanwhile, according to Axios, allies of the Trump administration believe Kennedys Make America Healthy Again agenda, as well as his recent guidance based on limited evidence linking Tylenol to increased autism in children, will both be big factors in helping Republicans win over voters during the 2026 midterm elections.

Despite differences in perspectives, we have always been united in an unwavering commitment to science and evidence-based public health, the former officials wrote. It is that shared principle that led us to this moment.

Stories by Rachel Cohen

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
President Donald Trump has seemingly moved on from his once intense focus on obtaining Greenland for the United States, but the Danish Prime Minister said she believes it's only a matter of time before he once again comes calling for the island.

On Tuesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it's too early for anyone to "breathe a sigh of relief."

Right now it seems far away. There is perhaps a feeling that we can breathe a sigh of relief, she said during a session of the Danish parliament, according to Politico. It is my belief that we cannot.

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Trump has previously said he was determined to obtain Greenland and once told Congress that U.S. control of the island was essential for "national security and international security."

When reporters asked him in March if acquiring Greenland was important enough for him to consider military action, he said that "I never take military force off the table."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Denmark should not let its guard down just because it seems as though President Donald Trump has moved on from trying to acquire Greenland (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The response from Greenland  which is a self-ruling Danish territory  to its potential acquisition by the U.S. has been overwhelmingly negative, and the Danish government condemned the Trump administration's attempts to force the issue.

During her address to parliament on Tuesday, Frederiksen said that much of Greenland's population still lives in uncertainty over what the Trump administration will do to try to take control of the island and its vast supply of unmined rare earth minerals.

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Imagine what its like to live in one of the small settlements along the coast  when the worlds strongest superpower has talked about you as something that can be bought, as something that can be owned, as something that must be had, she said.

No matter what happens, we support Greenland in determining its own future. And we will not be threatened or intimidated into doing something that is clearly wrong.

Greenland's leadership is in talks with the U.K. to formalize a mineral partnership and its Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt told Politico it wanted to explore trade partnerships with other "like-minded countries" in an attempt to fortify it against American bullying.

Of course, we want to have cooperation with our critical minerals with our like-minded countries, and [the] EU is a good partner, we like them, she said in May.

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She also condemned the Trump administration for its aggressive push to take control of the island.

Were supposed to be friends. We are allies. Allies dont do such things, Motzfeldt said. The situation is new to us, and new to the rest of the world, because you dont do... that to your ally.

At the height of Trump's Greenland obsession, he tasked Vice President JD Vance with trying to make inroads in the Danish territory, but his efforts were largely unsuccessful.

Vice President JD Vance in Greenland during a March 2025 visit to Pituffik Space Base

"Our message to Denmark is very simple: You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland," Vance said in March. "You have underinvested in the people of Greenland, and you have underinvested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people. That has to change."

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Vance and his wife, Usha, took a trip to Greenland in March in an attempt to speak directly to Greenlanders, but no one wanted to meet with them.

The Vances were originally scheduled to attend the Avannaata Qimusseruaq, one of the world's largest dog-sledding races, and to meet with a travel company in Greenland, but both events were canceled. Instead, they visited an American Space Force base before heading back to the U.S.

Frederiksen condemned Vance's visit at the time.

I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it is pressure that we will resist, Frederiksen told Danish broadcasters DR and TV2 at the time.

You cannot make a private visit with official representatives from another country when the acting Greenlandic government has made it very clear that they do not want a visit at this time.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Even as a federal judge twice blocked President Trumps efforts to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to Portland, the White House is eyeing one of the most explosive tools in presidential power  the Insurrection Act.

During a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump said he would invoke the Insurrection Act if it was necessary.

So far, it hasnt been necessary. But we have an Insurrection Act for a reason, Trump said. If I had to enact it, Id do that. If people were being killed, and courts were holding us up or governors or mayors were holding us up, sure, Id do that.

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Nearby residents fed up with ICE agents violent tactics

He also said, Portland is on fire. Portland has been on fire for years. I think its all criminal insurrection.

Portland is not on fire. And as Gov. Tina Kotek made clear, Theres no insurrection in Portland. Theres no threat to national security.

What is the Insurrection Act?

The Insurrection Act of 1807 lets the President of the United States deploy federal troops  including National Guard units  under certain, specific conditions.

Those include a state governor or state legislature requesting help, when a state fails to protect constitutional rights or when federal laws are blocked by rebellion or unrest.

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The Insurrection Act states, in part: Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions  make it impracticable to enforce the laws  he may call into federal service such of the militia and armed forces as he considers necessary.

Read: The 30 times the Insurrection Act has been invoked in US history

President Dwight Eisenhower used it to enforce school desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. President George HW Bush last invoked it during the 1992 Los Angeles riots after the Rodney King verdict.

The situation in Portland is far different from President John F. Kennedys move to federalize the Alabama National Guard in 1963 to integrate the University of Alabama in a standoff with Gov. George Wallace. That is because Trump is ostensibly seeking to use troops to protect federal property and personnel, not to enforce federal civil rights laws passed by Congress, William Banks, a Syracuse University law professor and an expert in constitutional law and national security, told the Associated Press.

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The Guard members cannot enforce local laws, block traffic or do any of the things that police do, Banks said. So its more symbolic than helpful.

Armed federal agents on the roof of the ICE facility in Portland looking down at protesters on the sidewalk, October 5, 2025 (KOIN) An armed federal agent on the roof of the ICE facility in Portland looking down at protesters on the sidewalk, October 5, 2025 (KOIN) A protester was arrested by federal agents outside the ICE facility in Portland, October 5, 2025 (KOIN) A protester outside the Portland ICE facility spreads bubbles in the air, October 5, 2025 (KOIN) Federal agents deployed tear gas on protesters blocks away from the ICE facility in South Portland, October 4, 2025 (KOIN) A person in a ballcap with a camera stands next to armed federal agents on the roof of the ICE facility in Portland, October 5, 2025 (KOIN) Armed personnel on the roof of the ICE facility in Portland, above a sign in the window that says, Presidents are temporary. Wu-Tang is forever, October 5, 2025 (KOIN) Armed federal agents outside the ICE facility in Portland, 6 p.m., October 5, 2025 (KOIN) Armed federal agents confronted protesters at the ICE facility in South Portland, October 4, 2025 (KOIN) Armed federal agents confronted protesters at the ICE facility in South Portland, October 4, 2025 (KOIN) Large military helicopters flew in the skies above the ICE facility in South Portland, October 4, 2025 (KOIN) Uniformed federal agents confronted protesters outside the ICE facility in South Portland, October 4, 2025 (KOIN) About a dozen protesters were outside the ICE facility in South Portland around 11 p.m., September 30, 2025 (KOIN) One person (on the ground) was detained by armed personnel outside the ICE facility in South Portland, September 30, 2025 (KOIN) Armed personnel clear the streets near the ICE facility in South Portland, September 30, 2025 (KOIN) Peaceful protesters outside the ICE facility in Portland, September 25, 2025 (KOIN) These are protesters in front of the ICE facility in Portland, 6 p.m., October 5, 2025 (KOIN) A protester holds a sign outside the ICE facility in Portland, September 27, 2025 (KOIN)

Critics warn using the Insurrection Act blurs the line between military and police roles and raises serious civil liberties concerns.

While President Trump has so far relied on Title 10  a narrower law that could let him federalize National Guard troops  the legal pushback signals even fiercer resistance if he tries to invoke the full Insurrection Act.

Legal experts say the Insurrection Act requires clear proof of rebellion or lawlessness. Without it, using troops risks violating federal law. Courts could step in if the threat is not clearly demonstrated.

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I think if were looking broadly at this, said CBS News Legal Analyst Jessica Levinson, were talking about battles between the federal government and the states.

The January 6 attack

The storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, by a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump disrupted a joint session of Congress convened to certify the results of the presidential election of 2020, which Trump had lost to his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, the Encyclopedia Brittanica states.

Because its object was to prevent a legitimate president-elect from assuming office, the attack was widely regarded as an insurrection or attempted coup detat. The FBI and other law-enforcement agencies also considered it an act of domestic terrorism. For having given a speech in which he rallied supporters to storm the Capitol in a violent attack that threatened the certification of Bidens victory, Trump was impeached by the Democratic-led House of Representatives for incitement of insurrection (he was subsequently acquitted by the Senate).

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, rioters wave flags on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Two Seattle police officers who were in Washington, D.C., during the Jan. 6 insurrection were illegally trespassing on Capitol grounds while rioters stormed the building, but lied about their actions, a police watchdog said in a report released Thursday, July 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Insurrections loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. Lawsuits playing out in two states this week seeking to keep former President Donald Trump off the ballot rely on a constitutional clause barring those from office who have engaged in insurrection. One challenge has become clear during the hearings in Colorado and Minnesota: No one can agree on how to define an insurrection. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) This image from U.S. Capitol Police security video and contained in the governments sentencing memorandum for Tyler Bradley Dykes, marked in red by source, shows him in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. Dykes, a South Carolina resident and active Marine accused of flashing a Nazi salute during the insurrection, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for assaulting police officers who were guarding the building. Dykes grabbed a police riot shield from the hands of two police officers and used it to push his way through police lines at the Capitol.(Department of Justice via AP) FILE  Trump supporters participate in a rally in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021, that some blame for fueling the attack on the U.S. Capitol. On Thursday, Feb. 8, the nations highest court is scheduled to hear arguments in a case involving Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits those who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding office. The case arises from a decision in Colorado, where that states Supreme Court ruled that Trump violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and should be banned from ballot. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) Trump supporters participate in a rally in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021, that some blame for fueling the attack on the U.S. Capitol. On Thursday, Feb. 8, the nations highest court is scheduled to hear arguments in a case involving Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits those who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding office. The case arises from a decision in Colorado, where that states Supreme Court ruled that Trump violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and should be banned from ballot. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) FILE  President Donald Trump speaks during a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as President in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021. Court arguments have begun in the efforts to use an insurrection clause in the U.S. Constitution to bar former President Donald Trump from running for his old job again. Testimony on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, is focusing on whether the violent Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol was an insurrection as defined by the 14th Amendment and whether Trumps role in it meets the provisions threshold for being barred from public office. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Wife: Husband disappeared after fed arrest at Portland protest

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The Insurrection Act was not invoked during the January 6 riots. The National Guard was called to help after a call from the District of Columbia to the Army. It was then-President Trumps decision not to call in the National Guard nor to invoke the Insurrection Act.

When Trump returned to office he pardoned more than 1,500 people convicted or charged in connection with the US Capitol riot, including 14 members of the far-right groups Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Trump also ordered the Department of Justice to drop all pending cases against suspects in the January 6 riots.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The Trump administration is threatening to withhold funding from states that block military forces in U.S. cities, accusing Democratic leaders of aiding and abetting domestic terrorism.

As a legal battle erupts over Donald Trumps law and order agenda, the administration has warned that it will make Democrats pay unless the president gets his way to surge troops into Chicago and Oregon.

Trump is trying to surge troops into Portland, Oregon. / Getty Images

The move comes after the White House ordered 300 Illinois National Guard troops to be federalizedplus hundreds more from Texassupposedly to protect ICE officers and federal buildings after weeks of protests.

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However, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says he was never consulted, and his state, along with the city of Chicago, filed a lawsuit on Monday arguing that the presidents moves are illegal, dangerous and unconstitutional.

Trump has also suffered a setback in Oregon, where a Trump-appointed federal judge has temporarily blocked his bid to send troops into Portland after finding there was no violent insurgency to justify it.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies as ICE conducted raids in Chicago. / Chicago Tribune / TNS

But the administration hit back on Monday by ratcheting up its rhetoric against Democratic leaders and threatening to withhold money from blue states.

Speaking on Fox News, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin cited two cases that took place in recent days: the first involving a journalist who was jumped and subsequently arrested by the local police department there for simply defending himself; the second involving a female journalist who was attacked and punched in the eye by a mob.

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When do these leaders actually step in and get this chaos and violence out of control? she asked.

 BREAKING: DHS Assistant Sec. Tricia McLaughlin accuses Democrat officials of "aiding and abetting DOMESTIC TERRORISTS who are attacking law enforcement and the public" and mentions federal funding may be pulled. pic.twitter.com/XLObtED1RM  Luca Taner (@LucaTaner) October 6, 2025

President Trump has shown real leadership to surge resources here. We will continue to do that, but I think hes also going to be looking at funding. If these leaders are going to be aiding and abetting domestic terrorists, should we really be sending public funds there?

The Daily Beast has asked the White House what programs or initiatives could stand to lose money in Democrat cities. It deferred to DHS, which is yet to provide details.

But the use of the military in U.S. cities has nonetheless become a growing tool for the administration, which sent troops to Los Angeles earlier this year as protests raged over mass deportations, and then surged national guards to Washington DC in August under the guise of a crime crackdown.

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At a meeting of top generals last week, Trump also suggested that dangerous U.S. cities should be used as military training grounds.

Were under invasion from within, no different than a foreign enemy, but more difficult in many ways, because they dont wear uniforms, he said in an often chilling speech.

At least when theyre wearing a uniform, you can take them out.

Democrat governors, mayors and the courts have so far managed to slow Trumps plans.

In a particularly scathing ruling over the weekend, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut maintained the administration had used false claims of violence against immigration officials to justify the deployment.

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This came after Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to protect War ravaged Portland, and any of our ICE Facilities under siege from attack by Antifa, and other domestic terrorists.

However, Immergut, who Trump appointed in 2019, wrote that nothing in the record suggests anything of this sort was occurring every night outside the Portland ICE building.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents armed with less-lethal weapons gather outside an ICE processing center during a protest in Broadview, Illinois, on September 19, 2025. / AFP via Getty Images

The Illinois and Chicago lawsuit filed on Monday also pushed back, arguing that the American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly not simply because their city or state leadership has fallen out of a presidents favor.

Speaking after the lawsuit was filed, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Trump had claimed that his deportation program was to get rid of the worst of the worst illegal immigrants.

In reality, they are going after anyone who objects to families being ripped apart, and community members being disappeared. ICE lies, and people die, he said.
President Donald Trump came off unintelligibly Tuesday while comparing the Democratic Party to Somalia.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump appeared to brag that he didnt even know the names of the Democratic lawmakers hoping to speak with him about ending the government shutdown.

Im getting calls from Democrats wanting to meet. I never even heard their names before. And theyre claiming to be leadthe Democrats have no leader. They remind me of Somalia, Trump said.

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Appearing pleased with his weirdly racist analogy, Trump continued babbling.

And I met the president of Somalia, told him about the problem its got. I said, You got somebody from Somalia thats telling us how to run our country, from Somalia. I said, Would you like to take her back? He said, No, I dont want her! Trump ranted incoherently.

Trump: I'm getting calls from Democrats wanting to meet. I never even heard their names before. The Democrats have no leader. They remind me of Somalia. I met the president of Somalia. pic.twitter.com/aJWX0oY898  Acyn (@Acyn) October 7, 2025

Trump was referring to Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, who has previously been targeted with threats of deportation by racist Republicans. The president, who has a tendency to repeat himself, was rehashing a joke he made earlier this month at Omars expense when he claimed hed asked Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud if the Minnesota lawmaker could be taken back to her home country.



Trumps insistence that he doesnt know who the Democrats are, and that they have no leaders, tells you everything you need to know about how seriously Trump is taking efforts to end the government shutdown. His own spokesperson revealed Monday that she wasnt aware of any efforts the president had taken to speak with Democrats directly, but he is instead working through his own proxies in the House and Senate.

Trump previously met with very real Democratic leaders House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (whom Trump has repeatedly called a Palestinian, as another form of racist insult) ahead of the shutdown last week. But the president used the meeting as a meme photo op before proceeding to blame Democrats for the shutdown, as well as his administrations efforts to enact massive layoffs and illegally withhold back pay from furloughed workers.
By Humeyra Pamuk and Jonathan Spicer

WASHINGTON/ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkish officials proposed settling a U.S. legal case against state lender Halkbank for some $100 million during a meeting between President Donald Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the White House last month, two sources told Reuters.

Under the proposal that was discussed, which included additional conditions, the bank would not admit guilt in the case - a key priority for Ankara - the sources familiar with the conversations said.

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Halkbank is facing fraud, money laundering and conspiracy charges in the United States for allegedly helping Iran evade U.S. economic sanctions related to its nuclear program. The bank has pleaded not guilty.

Erdogan's office declined to comment on any settlement talks, when contacted by Reuters. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Halkbank, Turkey's fourth-largest lender by assets, did not immediately comment.

U.S.-TURKEY RELATIONS WARMING AFTER YEARS OF STRAIN

Any settlement could bolster Ankara's efforts to mend its relationship with Washington, which was undermined by Turkey's decision to purchase S-400 missile systems from Russia in 2019 during Trump's first term.

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The U.S. cancelled a planned sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey in response and ousted it from a joint production programme for the planes. It also imposed sanctions on Turkey's top defense procurement body. The case against Halkbank was brought later that year.

Bilateral relations between the two NATO allies are now warming due in part to the two leaders' friendly personal ties, though the state visit failed to secure Trump's prompt blessing to overcome U.S. sanctions and buy F-35s, as Turkey had hoped.

Reuters was unable to determine what specific conditions were discussed as part of last month's White House talks over a possible Halkbank settlement.

It was not clear how the U.S. side reacted to the Turkish proposal or whether discussions continued after the meeting, which took place between Trump, Erdogan and their top secretaries and ministers.

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ERDOGAN SOUGHT TO DISCUSS BANK WITH TRUMP

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Halkbank's latest appeal on Monday, upholding a lower court's ruling that the U.S. government's criminal case should proceed.

The decision sent Halkbank shares down 10% and, barring a settlement, clears the way for a possible trial, though the bank said efforts were under way to reach a solution.

"Initiatives to find a legal ground of conciliation within the framework of the understandings between the United States and Turkey are also ongoing in a positive direction," the bank said following the ruling.

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Erdogan, seated next to Trump after arriving at his first White House reception in six years, told reporters that they would discuss Halkbank among other matters. He has previously called the charges "unlawful" and "ugly".

Gonul Tol, director of the Washington-based Middle East Institute's Turkish program, had flagged the potential $100 million fine on X shortly after the White House meeting, calling it a possible "concrete step" in otherwise mixed talks.

The Supreme Court decision "does not mean an agreement cannot be reached between Ankara and Washington," she wrote on X on Monday. "The courts can grant the administration the right to decide on cases that concern foreign policy like this."

ALLEGATIONS BANK EVADED U.S. SANCTIONS ON IRAN

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Prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office have accused Halkbank of using money servicers and front companies in Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates to help Iran evade U.S. sanctions.

According to prosecutors, Halkbank secretly transferred $20 billion in restricted funds, converted oil revenues into gold and cash to benefit Iranian interests and documented fake food shipments to justify transfers of oil proceeds.

In its appeal to the Supreme Court, Halkbank had argued that, as a Turkish state-owned entity, it should be immune from legal actions in another country's courts.

Some analysts have speculated that any settlement could be higher than the $100 million that the sources said had been floated at the White House.

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Between 2009 and 2015, eight European banks  including HSBC, BNP Paribas, Standard Chartered, and Credit Suisse  were penalized over $14 billion for, among other offenses, violating various U.S. sanctions programs.

France's BNP Paribas alone agreed to pay almost $9 billion to resolve accusations that it violated U.S. sanctions against Sudan, Cuba and Iran. The bank had pleaded guilty.

(Reporting by Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Additional reporting by Luc Cohen and Steve Holland; Editing by Joe Bavier)
Ukraine and Lithuania have signed a memorandum to strengthen cooperation in the protection of critical infrastructure.

Source: State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The memorandum was signed by Oleksandr Potii, Head of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, and Vidmantas Kaladinskas, chief advisor to the Government Office of Lithuania.

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The agreement provides for exchange of experience in critical infrastructure protection planning, as well as joint seminars and training sessions to share best practices. Moreover, Lithuania will provide support in improving Ukrainian legislation on infrastructure protection, including implementation of modern international standards and EU Directive 2022/2557 of 14 December 2022.

Both sides stressed the importance of this cooperation amid wartime conditions and reaffirmed their mutual commitment under the signed memorandum.

Background: On 6 October, Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene visited Ukraine and announced a new initiative to support and rehabilitate Ukrainian children who had previously been abducted by Russia and were later brought back to Ukraine.

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Key Points

Centrus Energy's shares surged 53.7% in September, driven by U.S. government support for domestic nuclear fuel production.

The U.S. government plans to increase its strategic uranium reserve and reduce its reliance on Russian uranium imports.

10 stocks we like better than Centrus Energy 

Shares of Centrus Energy (NYSEMKT: LEU) increased 53.7% in September, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Centrus Energy, a leading U.S. supplier of nuclear fuel and enrichment services, benefited from news that the U.S. government is supporting policies aimed at boosting domestic production of nuclear materials. The company also announced it would expand its U.S.-based enrichment plant to support U.S. production and reduce reliance on foreign entities. Here's what investors need to know.

Image source: Getty Images.

Centrus Energy's leap comes amid growing support for U.S. nuclear production

On Sept. 15, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration announced that it would take steps to support domestic nuclear materials production and enrichment.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recommended that the U.S. increase its strategic uranium reserve to help buffer against Russian supplies. Russian supplies were banned in August 2024. This ban won't be fully phased in until 2028, when waivers allowing limited Russian deliveries expire. This creates a significant need to replace approximately 25% of enriched uranium currently imported from Russia.

The recommendation to boost the uranium reserve boosted confidence across the industry, driving several uranium and nuclear stocks higher during the month.

Increased support from the federal government is a positive development for Centrus, which plans a major expansion to boost production of Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU). Centrus currently has two commercial agreements to sell LEU, one of which is with TEXEX, a Russian entity.

In the long term, Centrus aims to produce LEU and HALEU at its Piketon, Ohio plant, utilizing its advanced centrifuge technology. It is the only Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensed producer of HALEU currently operating at scale for both commercial and national security applications.

The expansion of its Ohio plant hinges on Department of Energy funding, private investment, and long-term customer commitments. Centrus has raised over $1.2 billion and secured contingent purchase commitments of $2 billion from utilities. However, the full scale and timing of the expansion remain contingent on federal funding decisions from the Department of Energy.
Key developments on Oct. 7:

'Not in Poland's interest,' to hand over Ukrainian in Nord Stream 2 probe, Tusk says

Slovakia sends first nonlethal defense aid package to Ukraine since Fico took office

Partisans derail train carrying military cargo in Russia, military intelligence source says

Ukraine allocates $36 million to bolster energy grid of frontline regions amid Russian strikes, Zelensky says

Russian who joined Ukraine's military detained over suspected espionage

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Oct. 7 said those who built Nord Stream 2, not those accused of sabotaging it, "should be ashamed and remain silent," adding it is "not in Poland's interest" to hand over the suspect.

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Tusk's comments come amid renewed debate over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and Poland's handling of a German extradition request for a Ukrainian citizen accused of involvement in the 2022 explosion of the pipeline. The suspect, identified as Volodymyr Z., was detained in September in east-central Poland.

"This is not a new situation," Tusk said during a joint press conference in Warsaw with Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene. "From our point of view, the only people who should be ashamed and should remain silent on the issue of Nord Stream 2 are those who decided to build it."

Tusk added that he had presented Poland's position to former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Volodymyr Zelensky "many months ago."

"Our position has not changed. It is certainly not in Poland's interest to accuse or hand over this citizen to another country," Tusk said.

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Tusk added that the construction of the pipeline, linking Russia and Germany via the Baltic Sea, went "against the most vital interests of the whole of Europe."

"The decision will belong to the court," Tusk said, adding that the government will not interfere.

Slovakia sends first non-lethal defense aid package to Ukraine since Fico took office

Ukraine will receive several Bozena demining vehicles and additional non-lethal equipment from Slovakia, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Oct. 6.

The announcement marks Slovakia's first military aid package to Kyiv since Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who maintains close ties with Moscow, returned to power in 2023.

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The package includes engineering and construction equipment, transportation, demining systems, and medical evacuation vehicles.

Bozena, a remotely controlled mine-clearing system, enables sappers to operate safely from a distance and access areas that would otherwise be too hazardous for personnel.

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinak announced the aid at the DFNC3 defense forum in Kyiv, saying that he and Shmyhal had signed a memorandum on Slovakia's 14th support package.

Shmyhal expressed gratitude to the country for its renewed support, adding that both sides also discussed cooperation between Ukrainian and Slovak defense companies.

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"(Slovakia) is working on a new, 15th support package," he said.

Read also: Analysis: Ukraine support wavers  but Central Europe hasnt fallen to Russia

Partisans derail train carrying military cargo in Russia, military intelligence source says

A train carrying military cargo derailed in Russia's Leningrad Oblast following an explosion early on Oct. 7, a source in Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent.

The blast occurred on the StroganovoMshinskaya railway section, causing the locomotive and several wagons to derail, according to the source. The operation was reportedly carried out by local partisans, temporarily paralyzing train traffic between St. Petersburg and Pskov.

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Russian Railways said in a statement that traffic on the section was suspended due to "technical reasons," while cargo and passenger trains were being rerouted with several-hour delays.

Russian emergency services were working to clear the tracks, though access to photos and videos from the site remains restricted due to an internet blackout in the area, according to HUR.

"These special operations reduce Russia's logistical and military capabilities, as Russian Railways form the backbone of the army's logistics and are a major financial donor to the 'war budget,'" the HUR source said.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the information.

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Read also: Russias digital Iron Curtain descends as Kremlin chokes remaining internet freedoms

Ukraine allocates $36 million to bolster energy grid of frontline regions amid Russian strikes, Zelensky says

Ukraine's government has allocated an additional Hr 1.5 billion ($36 million) to bolster energy infrastructure in front-line regions as Russia intensifies its attacks on the country's power grid ahead of winter, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Oct. 7.

Zelensky announced the funding after a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, saying the money will go toward protecting critical energy facilities and creating a reserve of equipment for the rapid restoration of power supply.

"We have formed a reserve for the prompt restoration of energy supply, and we will continue to increase it," Zelensky said.

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The president stated that the government has also agreed to maintain a fixed price for household natural gas and imposed a moratorium on cutting off power in frontline communities.

"Despite all the challenges, we must support the communities that are now facing the most difficult conditions," Zelensky said.

Moscow launched a massive missile and drone attack on Oct. 3 against energy facilities across several regions, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Chernihiv and Donetsk oblasts, Zelensky said earlier. The attack, which targeted state-owned gas and oil company Naftogaz, was the largest against Ukraine's energy sector since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, according to company officials.

Read also: I want to find out what theyre doing with them  Trump mulls sending Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine

Russian who joined Ukraine's military detained over suspected espionage

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained a Russian national who spied for Moscow's intelligence while serving in Ukraine's military, the SBU said Oct. 7.

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The man, detained in the western city of Lviv, is suspected of helping Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) coordinate strikes on his unit's temporary base and nearby positions in Lviv Oblast.

According to the SBU, the detainee also transmitted geolocations of armored convoys, transit depots, and vehicle parks near Ukraine's border regions to his Russian handler through anonymous chat apps.

Lviv Oblast lies at Ukraine's border with Poland and is a key junction of Western military aid flowing into the country. The region was hit by a massive combined drone and missile attack overnight on Oct. 5.

The suspect, who joined the Ukrainian military "under the guise of a volunteer," was detained with the assistance of Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, the SBU noted.

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Ukrainain authorities reportedly detained the suspect while he was heading to an ATM to receive payments from Russia.

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

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The Specialised Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) and the European Public Prosecutor's Office in Luxembourg have signed a memorandum of cooperation, which provides for increased cooperation to prevent the misuse of EU funds allocated to Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing SAPO

Quote: "The document sets off a new era in cooperation between Ukrainian and European prosecutors. In particular, it provides for the establishment of a permanent communication channel for joint response to offences that may relate to EU funds allocated to support and rebuild Ukraine."

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Details: The document was signed following a meeting between SAPO Head Oleksandr Klymenko and European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi.

The Ukrainian prosecutor's office emphasised that cooperation between SAPO and the European Public Prosecutor's Office would provide an additional guarantee of the transparent use of international aid to Ukraine and prevent abuse in the areas of defence, humanitarian and reconstruction programmes.

Klymenko's visit to Luxembourg took place with the support of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is an institution established to protect the EU budget from fraud and corruption.

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Background:

In July, acting on a request from the European Public Prosecutor's Office, Polish authorities carried out the first detention in a fraud case involving the distribution of EU-funded food aid intended for the needy and refugees.

Greece faced a fine of almost 400 million from the EU in June for misusing agricultural funds.

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By Mariam Sunny, Julie Steenhuysen and Michael Erman

(Reuters) -A top U.S. health official on Monday called for the combined measles-mumps-rubella shot to be broken up, drawing a quick rebuke from vaccine maker Merck, which said there is no scientific evidence that shows any benefit to doing so.

The U.S. CDC earlier on Monday pulled broad support for COVID-19 shots, saying they should be administered through shared decision-making with a healthcare provider in accordance with recommendations from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s hand-picked vaccine advisory panel.

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The acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jim O'Neill, in an X post on Monday called on vaccine manufacturers to develop three separate vaccines to replace the combined MMR inoculation.

In a September 23 news conference at the White House, President Donald Trump delivered medical advice to pregnant women and parents of young children, repeatedly telling them common vaccines should not be taken together or so early in a child's life, and urging them not to use or administer Tylenol, against the advice of medical societies.

Kennedy, a long-time anti-vaccine crusader before taking on the nation's top health post, has linked vaccines to autism and sought to rewrite the country's immunization policies. He fired all members of the national vaccine advisory board of outside experts and replaced them with new members, many of whom shared his views. The committee is reviewing the childhood vaccine schedule.

The causes of autism are unclear. But no rigorous studies have found links between autism and vaccines or medications, or their components such as thimerosal or formaldehyde. Vaccination rates have declined as autism rates have climbed.

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MERCK, EXPERTS DEFEND MMR SHOT

Merck said there is no published scientific evidence that shows any benefit in separating the MMR shot.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website, there are currently no separate single virus shots for measles, mumps or rubella licensed for use in the United States. That means manufacturers could need to go through the FDA approval process before any become available.

"Use of the individual components of combination vaccines increases the number of injections for the individual and may result in delayed or missed immunizations," Merck said in a statement.

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Dr. Rana Alissa, president of the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the purpose of combining the three shots in the MMR vaccine is not only to save parents extra visits to the doctor's office.

"Studies have shown that when you give them together, the immune response is much better," she said. "This is how you get lifelong immunity."

GSK, which also makes an MMR shot, declined to comment. A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where O'Neill is deputy secretary, was not immediately available for comment.

The break-up of the MMR shot would "falsely imply that there is something unsafe about giving the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines at the same time," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

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"It would be another example of the federal government pandering to the anti-vaccine movement," Adalja added.

Earlier in the day, the CDC signed off on the advisers' recommendations against use of the combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine before the age of 4 years because of a slight risk of seizures related to high fevers. Instead, varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is recommended as a standalone shot.

Merck also makes the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella shot.

CDC CHANGES COVID VIEWS

The new CDC recommendation on the COVID vaccine calls for physician involvement but maintains access for the shot through health insurance.

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The immunization schedules will be updated on the CDC website by Tuesday, the agency said.

The recommendations come after upheaval at the CDC, including the ouster of its former Director Susan Monarez, who had resisted changes to vaccine policy advanced by Kennedy. Monarez said she was told to rubber-stamp the committee's recommendations without reviewing the scientific evidence.

The new advisory panel made its recommendations at a two-day meeting in September that highlighted deep divisions over the future of the U.S. immunization schedules under Kennedy.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, an influential U.S. medical group, has already broken from federal policy and pushed its own vaccine recommendations, suggesting all young children get vaccinated against COVID-19.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August cleared updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone over age 65, but limited its approval for younger people to those with health risks.

The three approved COVID shots are made by Pfizer with German partner BioNTech, Moderna, and Novavax with Sanofi.

(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru, Michael Erman in New York and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Editing by Caroline Humer and Bill Berkrot)
By John Kruzel and Andrew Chung

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday in a challenge on free speech grounds to a Colorado law banning psychotherapists from conducting "conversion therapy" that aims to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity.

The dispute pits Colorado's authority to forbid a healthcare practice it considers unsafe and ineffective against the rights of Christian licensed counselor Kaley Chiles, who challenged the law under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protections against government abridgment of free speech.

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Chiles appealed a lower court's decision rejecting her claim that the 2019 statute unlawfully censors her communications with clients in violation of the First Amendment. The state has said it is regulating professional conduct, not speech.

"Colorado forbids counselors like Kaley Chiles from helping minors pursue state-disfavored goals on issues of gender and sexuality. This law prophylactically bans voluntary conversations censoring widely held views on debated moral, religious and scientific questions," James Campbell, a lawyer for Chiles, told the justices during the arguments.

Lawyers for Chiles have pushed for Colorado's measure to be assessed under the most stringent form of judicial review, known as strict scrutiny.

Colorado insists that its law is subject only to a lesser type of legal review, Campbell said. "Yet that would allow states to silence all kinds of speech in the counseling room such as disfavored views on divorce or abortion," Campbell added.

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At issue in the case, Campbell said, is "voluntary speech between a licensed professional and a minor." If heightened scrutiny does not apply, Campbell told the justices, "states can transform counselors into mouthpieces for the government."

Many people have experienced life-changing benefits from the kind of counseling that Chiles wants to provide, Campbell said.

"The First Amendment doesn't permit Colorado's censorship," Campbell added.

Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis, the first openly gay man to be elected as a U.S. state governor and a critic of conversion therapy, signed the measure into law in 2019. Republican President Donald Trump's administration is backing Chiles in the dispute.

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Colorado has urged the justices to uphold its law, citing the state's interest in ensuring that minors receive safe and effective mental healthcare and arguing that states routinely regulate healthcare practices, including talk therapy, to guard against "substandard" care.

Shannon Stevenson, Colorado's solicitor general, told the justices, "People have been trying to do conversion therapy for a hundred years, with no record of success. There is no study, despite the fact that people tried to advance this practice, that has ever shown that it has any chance of being efficacious."

Medical groups such as the American Psychological Association in court papers cited studies showing that the practice has been associated with a range of harms including an increased likelihood of transgender minors running away from home or attempting suicide.

Liberal Justice Elena Kagan told Campbell that this was an unusual case because there have been six years of no enforcement of the law - three before and three after the legal challenge was brought, and that the state entity charged with administering the law has said it would not apply the restrictions to the kind of therapy that Chiles conducts.

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Kagan asked Campbell that, in light of that, how does Chiles have the legal standing to bright the lawsuit.

"They have not disavowed enforcement," Campbell said.

'IRREPARABLE HARM'

Hashim Mooppan, a Justice Department lawyer, also told the justices that the law must be subject to strict scrutiny.

Some of the justices asked Campbell and Mooppan about the possibility of the Supreme Court sending the case back to a lower court to apply that heightened level of legal scrutiny to the Colorado law.

Liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said applying strict scrutiny would not necessarily be fatal to the law.

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"So why wouldn't we give the lower courts a chance to evaluate whether there's sufficient evidence here for the state to actually go forward with this regulation," Jackson asked.

Campbell objected to that approach, saying that "there is irreparable harm going on right now." He said Chiles "is being silenced. The kids and the families who want this kind of help that she'll offer are being left without any support."

The case thrusts the Supreme Court back into the U.S. culture wars and gives its 6-3 conservative majority another opportunity to elevate the interests of a conservative Christian litigant at the expense of protections for LGBT people.

Colorado is among more than two dozen states and the District of Columbia that restrict or prohibit conversion therapy for patients younger than 18.

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Chiles has said she "believes that people flourish when they live consistently with God's design, including their biological sex." Colorado's true aim with this law, Chiles has argued, is "to silence and marginalize views it dislikes."

Colorado's law prohibits licensed mental healthcare providers from seeking to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity according to a predetermined outcome, with each violation punishable by a fine of up to $5,000. This includes attempts to reduce or eliminate same-sex attraction or change "behaviors or gender expressions."

The law does permit treatments that provide "assistance to a person undergoing gender transition," as well as therapies centered on "acceptance, support and understanding" for "identity exploration and development."

Chiles sued Colorado officials in 2022 in an attempt to block the statute.

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U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in 2022 ruled against Chiles, deciding that Colorado's ban was a permissible regulation of professional conduct, not speech. The judge also found that conversion therapy is "ineffective and harms minors who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or gender nonconforming."

The Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the judge's ruling, prompting Chiles to appeal to the Supreme Court, whose ruling is expected by the end of June.

(Reporting by John Kruzel; Additional reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
The U.S. Supreme Court declined on Oct. 6 to review an appeal by Sberbank over a lawsuit saying the Russian bank did business with Russian proxy forces responsible for the downing of a Malaysia Airlines airliner in Ukraine in 2014.

The move enables the family of Quinn Schansman, an 18-year-old American passenger killed in the MH17 crash, to sue the Russian bank under the U.S. anti-terrorism law.

The plane was shot down on July 17, 2014, over territory held by Russian proxy forces in Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast, killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board.

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A U.N. aviation agency and Kyiv said that Moscow was responsible, while Russia denied involvement.

Schansman's family has sought damages from Sberbank, arguing that the largest Russian bank has funneled money to Russian proxy forces in Donetsk Oblast.

After the Russian Finance Ministry acquired the majority share of Sberbank, the state-controlled lender argued that it is immune from the lawsuit under the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

A district court in New York ruled in February that foreign sovereign immunity grounds do not apply in a case involving the use of the U.S. banking system to channel funds to Russian proxy forces.

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Sberbank has since sought to overturn the New York court's ruling.

Ukraine has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, noting it sets an "exceptionally important legal precedent."

"Russian commercial entities can be held accountable in U.S. courts for damages caused by Russia and the terrorist organizations it controls," said top presidential aide Andriy Yermak.

"If the lawsuit is upheld, it will send a powerful signal to all entities that directly or indirectly fund Russian aggression: accountability can no longer be avoided."

The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded in May that Russia was responsible for the crash, while the district court in The Hague has convicted in absentia two Russian nationals and one Ukrainian national of downing the airliner.

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Read also: Ukraine hits largest oil terminal in Russian-occupied Crimea, sparks massive blaze, General Staff confirms

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CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday his government had warned Washington of a "false flag operation" by "extremist sectors of the local Venezuelan right" to plant explosives at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.

A false flag operation is when an act is carried out in such a way that a different party appears responsible.

The White House and State Department did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

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Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez originally reported the plot on Sunday in a message on his Telegram account, saying that the alleged plans had been reported to the United States through three different channels.

He added that a European embassy was also alerted about the plans but did not specify which one. Venezuela severed relations with the United States in 2019, and U.S. diplomatic personnel left the headquarters that year.

In a televised interview late on Monday, Maduro said two reliable sources, one domestic and one international, had informed the government of the possible attack and security forces were sent to reinforce the embassy.

Maduro added the government was looking to capture those involved in the plot and knew who had orchestrated it.

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"This was backed by a person who will be known soon and asked for by a person who will be known soon, but this is all ongoing," Maduro said, adding that the goal of the plot was to blame his government "and begin an escalation of conflict."

The United States has struck at least four vessels allegedly carrying drugs off the coast of Venezuela in recent weeks. President Donald Trump has also said the U.S. would look into attacking drug cartels "coming by land" in Venezuela.

On Monday, the New York Times reported that Trump told his special envoy Richard Grenell to stop all outreach to Venezuela and called off efforts to reach a diplomatic agreement.

(Report by Vivian Sequera in Caracas; Additional reporting by Gram Slattery in Washington DC and Alexander Villegas in Bogota; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
WATERBURY, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Changes made in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) mean that on October 1, just over 4,000 people either lost access to Vermonts food assistance program or are subject to new, stricter requirements. State officials said Tuesday that Vermont is encouraging people to call and find out what resources are still available.

The SNAP program is named 3SquaresVT in the Green Mountain State. Recipients must satisfy two sets of work requirements, the general work requirements and a second set for adults without dependents.

Changes were made to the second set this year, which mandates 80 hours of work or employment training each month, as well as a certain number of community service hours.

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St. Albans project brings seniors affordable, accessible housing

Adults between 55 and 64 years of age previously werent subject to those requirements, according to the USDA. Neither were veterans, homeless people, or people under 24 who had aged out of the foster care system. All of those people will now be required to work in order to receive nutrition assistance. So will people who are taking care of a teenager 14 years or older.

The other major change, say Vermont officials, is to the eligibility of non-citizens for benefits. According to DCF, the majority of households with non-citizen members kept their eligibility. But more than 100 households lost some or all of their 3SquaresVT benefits.

Some non-citizens remain eligible, which according to DCF includes:

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Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. who meet certain requirements

Cuban and Haitian refugees

Citizens of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands

Amerasian immigrants

Canadian-born Native Americans

Hmong and Highland Laotian tribal members

Anyone who is unsure of their eligibility or work requirements is encouraged to call the states Economic Services Division at 1-(800) 479-6151. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on Thursday when hours start at 9:00 a.m.

Helicopter makes emergency landing on Colchester Causeway

State officials say that staff can help explore options for anyone affected by the federal changes, and can connect people with resources to help meet any new requirements.

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More information is also available regarding SNAP on the 3SquaresVT website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
The U.S. Supreme Court is officially back in session this week, kicking off a new term that is already packed with major cases dealing with some of the most contentious and consequential issues of our time. As the Court's fall term gets underway, here are the three big cases that I will be tracking most closely.

1. Case v. Montana

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures." Most of the time, that means that law enforcement may not enter your home without a warrant.

But the federal courts have also carved out a big exception to the warrant requirement for home entry when an emergency is (or might be) afoot.

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That emergency exception to the Fourth Amendment is at the heart of this case, which asks the justices to decide the following question: "Whether law enforcement may enter a home without a search warrant based on less than probable cause that an emergency is occurring, or whether the emergency-aid exception requires probable cause." If the cops thinkor claim to thinkthat an emergency might be happening inside, is that enough to allow the cops to bust down the door and start searching?

Oral arguments in Case v. Montana are scheduled for October 15.

2. Learning Resources v. Trump

According to Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, the authority "to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises," as well as the authority "to regulate Commerce with Foreign nations," resides exclusively in the hands of Congress.

Yet President Donald Trump has unilaterally imposed tariffs on much of the world without receiving any kind of clear authorization from Congress. Is that legal?

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In this case, which has been consolidated with the related matter of Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, the Supreme Court will finally weigh in on whether Trump's tariffs violate the constitutional separation of powers. In a SCOTUS term that's full of potentially blockbuster cases, this one is easily among the biggest and most important.

Oral arguments in Learning Resources v. Trump are scheduled for November 5.

3. Trump v. Slaughter

In 1935, the Supreme Court ruled 90 against President Franklin Roosevelt, holding that he lacked the lawful power to fire a commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for purely political reasons. Yet earlier this year, Trump fired FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter for purely political reasons, arguing that he possessed the power to do so as the head of the executive branch.

This case asks whether Trump does in fact possess the executive power to fire the heads of "independent" federal agencies at will. The case also asks whether the Court's 1935 precedent against Roosevelt should be overturned.

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Here's a funny thing about this one: Despite the heated and far-reaching debate over presidential power that it involves, the outcome feels predetermined. That's because the Supreme Court has already allowed Trump's firing of Slaughter to go into effect while the case proceeds, which suggests (but does not guarantee) that Trump is going to win on the merits in a few months. What is less clear is whether the Court will rule in Trump's favor by voiding the past precedent, or will instead hand him the win in a way that narrows the precedent without overruling it outright. We'll see.

Oral arguments in Trump v. Slaughter have not been scheduled yet, but the docket does instruct the Supreme Court's clerk "to establish a briefing schedule that will allow the case to be argued in the December 2025 argument session." So I would expect this one to be argued sometime around mid-December.

Big Picture

Finally, looking at the big picture, here's something additional to ponder. In recent years, a single hot-button issue like abortion or affirmative action has emerged as the big defining story of a given SCOTUS term. This term, the big defining story is presidential power. This means that the big questions heading into the term are whether the Supreme Court will largely defer to Trump's executive assertions, or whether the Court will act as a check on at least some parts of Trump's agenda, such as by striking down his tariffs. To put that another way, will Trump in particular, and executive power in general, emerge stronger than ever as a result of the actions taken this term by a majority of the Supreme Court?

We'll get our first hints as to the answers to those questions in the next few months.

The post Warrantless Searches, Tariffs, and the Unitary Executive: 3 SCOTUS Cases To Watch This Fall appeared first on Reason.com.
By Helen Reid and Greta Rosen Fondahn

LONDON/STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -IKEA has acquired U.S. logistics technology firm Locus, the two companies said on Tuesday, a deal the Swedish furniture retailer said would make its deliveries to shoppers smoother and faster as it invests to expand online sales.

The takeover is in addition to a $2.2 billion push by Ingka Group, the biggest global IKEA franchisee, in the U.S. where it competes with Wayfair and Walmart and is also contending with higher tariffs on imports that are increasing its costs.

IKEA declined to disclose the value of the deal. Locus was valued at $300 million in its most recent funding round in 2021, according to reports at the time.

IKEA said acquiring Locus would simplify its logistics and reduce its delivery expenses by an estimated 100 million euros ($117.41 million) a year globally.

Locus uses artificial intelligence to group orders and predict routes that minimize the time delivery vehicles spend in traffic, a planning process that is currently done manually by IKEA workers, Parag Parekh, chief digital officer at Ingka Group told Reuters in an interview.

Locus will also enable IKEA to offer customers more delivery windows and options, and give live updates on where their package is, as well as delivering faster, Parekh added. It will likely pilot the technology in the U.S. and UK before using it globally.

"Speed is one aspect of it, but more importantly for us, it will be the flexibility, it will be the ability to track... and more importantly, through all of this, help drive a better customer experience," he said.

Locus' shareholders included Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC and private equity firms Alpha Wave, Tiger Global, and Qualcomm Ventures prior to the all-share acquisition by Ingka Investments, the retailer's investment arm.

Under the deal, Locus will operate independently and continue to work with clients beyond IKEA.

IKEA DOUBLES DOWN ON U.S. MARKET DESPITE TARIFFS

Known mostly for its bright blue big-box suburban stores showcasing sofas, beds and bookcases in a labyrinth layout, IKEA has shifted focus onto its online business over the past five years and invested in smaller city-centre stores as it targets younger and more urban shoppers.

Online sales accounted for 28% of total IKEA retail sales in its 2024 financial year, up from 11% in 2019.

The acquisition comes just a week after Ingka Investments bought a building in Manhattan for $213 million, pushing ahead with U.S. expansion despite President Donald Trump imposing higher tariffs on furniture imports.
North Koreas Kim Jong Un oversaw a large military parade displaying its new intercontinental ballistic missile in front of visiting international dignitaries, the state media said.

Kim Jong Uns show of force celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Workers Party of Korea comes at a time of growing strategic allegiance with China and Russia, and follows another massive military parade in Beijing last month, where Mr Kim, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met as a trio for the first time.

In the parade, nuclear-armed North Korea displayed its most advanced Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, described by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as the country's "strongest nuclear strategic weapon system".

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The Hwasong series of ICBMs has given North Korea the capacity to target anywhere on the US mainland, but questions remain over the sophistication of its guidance system to reach a target, and the ability of a warhead it carries to withstand atmospheric re-entry.

Photos and videos from North Korean and Russian state media showed thousands of spectators packing the brightly lit square.

KCNA said the columns of soldiers who marched during the parade included "the invincible overseas operations unit that fully demonstrated the spirit of the Korean people," suggesting they were troops Kim had sent to Russia to join the war effort against Ukraine.The Hwasong-20 is the latest addition to Kim's growing list of ICBMs

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, a delegation from Russia led by former President Dmitry Medvedev, as well as Vietnam's Communist Party chief To Lam were among the foreign dignitaries in Pyongyang for the anniversary.

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North Korea in recent years has flight-tested a variety of ICBMs, including missiles with built-in solid propellants that are easier to move and conceal and can be prepared for launch more quickly than the North's previous liquid-fuelled missiles.

The parade saw the debut of the massive Hwasong-20 mounted on an 11-axle launcher truck. The new missile's existence was first revealed in recent weeks as North Korea tested a new solid-fuel rocket engine that it said was intended for future ICBMs.

State media said the engine, built with carbon fibre, is more powerful than past models.Kim has called for the development of multi-warhead systems that would improve the chances of penetrating missile defences, and some experts say the Hwasong-20 could be designed for that purpose.

Other weapons on display included shorter range ballistic, cruise and supersonic missiles, which the North previously described as capable of delivering nuclear strikes against targets in rival South Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the opening ceremony of the Defence Development 2025 military exhibition in Pyongyang (AFP via Getty)

"The Hwasong-20 represents, for the moment, the apotheosis of North Korea's ambitions for long-range nuclear delivery capabilities. We should expect to see the system tested before the end of this year," said Ankit Panda of the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

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"The system is likely designed for the delivery of multiple warheads... Multiple warheads will increase stresses on existing US missile defence systems and augment what Kim sees as necessary to achieve meaningful deterrence effects against Washington.

There are signs of North Korea preparing for a military parade involving tens of thousands of people, which our military is closely monitoring, Colonel Lee Sung Jun, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said earlier in a regular press briefing.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff also said they had observed the movement of vehicles and certain military equipment, though they did not disclose further details.

North Koreas military parades are as much a global muscle-flex as they are a celebration for domestic consumption. This year, Pyongyang is also expected to showcase a series of hypersonic weapons designed to threaten US naval forces in the region, analysts cited by South Koreas Yonhap news agency said.

A test-firing of the new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile takes place at an undisclosed location in North Korea on 31 October 2024 (KCNA via KNS/AFP/Getty)

North Korean hawks and analysts widely expect Mr Kim to unveil the next-generation Hwasong-20, which would be powered by a new solid-fuel rocket.

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It was on 2 September this year that North Korea revealed the first information about the Hwasong-20. Days later, Mr Kim personally supervised a high-thrust solid-fuel rocket engine test, describing it as a significant change in the modernisation of North Koreas strategic nuclear forces.

According to state media, it was the ninth and final test in the missiles development cycle. Photographs released by North Korean outlets showed what appeared to be the warhead of the Hwasong-20. While the engine tests were reported to have been successful, the new missile has yet to be tested operationally.

North Koreas Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile passes through Pyongyang during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War (KCNA via KNS)

North Korea opened an arms exhibition in Pyongyang this weekend and Mr Kim issued a direct warning to the US, saying that North Korea will allocate special assets to key targets in direct response to the buildup of US forces in South Korea.

I believe our enemies should be concerned about the direction [in which] their security environment is evolving, Mr Kim said. North Korea will undoubtedly develop additional military measures to respond to the US military buildup, he added, without elaborating further.

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North Koreas Hwasong-11Ma and Hwasong-16B missiles  both shown at its latest defence expo  are also likely to be displayed at the parade.

Kim visits the Choe Hyon destroyer at an undisclosed location on 5 October (AP)

The Hwasong-11Ma is a variant of the Hwasong-11 short-range ballistic missile. It is designed to be launched from a 10-wheeled transporter-erector-launcher that can carry two missiles simultaneously.

It is unclear whether the Hwasong-11Ma is fully operational, tested, or still in its development phase. The demonstrations so far are from exhibitions.

The Hwasong-16B is a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile with a hypersonic glide warhead. North Korea conducted the third test-launch of the missile in January this year.

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Mr Kim last month attended the Victory Parade in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of Japans defeat at the end of WW2. Mr Kim arrived in Beijing with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and rubbed shoulders with Mr Xi, Putin and other world leaders.

From right, Kim, Chinese president Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin attend a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on 3 September (KCNA via KNS)

The visit was significant as the reclusive leader rarely travels abroad, and it was the first time he had attended a major multilateral event during his 14-year rule.

The parade comes as US president Donald Trump and new liberal South Korean president Lee Jae Myung have repeatedly expressed their hopes of restarting denuclearisation talks with North Korea. North Korea has shunned diplomacy with the US and South Korea since Mr Kims earlier round of talks with Mr Trump collapsed in 2019.

(With additional inputs from agencies)
U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt entered the 2026 Texas Senate race on Monday, turning an already fierce Republican primary between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton into a three-way contest that could reshape the states political landscape.

Hunt, a two-term congressman and former U.S. Army officer, announced his candidacy in a video that framed his campaign as a break from what he called a petty feud between Cornyn and Paxton. With my candidacy, this race will finally be about whats most important  Texas, Hunt said in a press release.

The Houston Republican, who has closely aligned himself with President Donald Trump, emphasized border security, energy independence, and public safety as the pillars of his campaign. My record speaks louder than words, he said. I was the first person in the nation to endorse President Trump, and I have remained steadfast in my commitment to the people of Texas.

The time is NOW. For Faith. For Family. For Freedom.

FOR TEXAS. Im Wesley Hunt, and Im running for Senate. pic.twitter.com/DHJPl0wnI8  Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) October 6, 2025

Hunts entry immediately drew sharp reactions from both major rivals. Cornyn adviser Matt Mackowiak called Hunt a legend in his own mind, adding that no one is happier this morning than the national Democrats, per The Texas Scorecard. Paxtons team, meanwhile, reportedly welcomed Hunt to the field, saying primaries are good for our party and our voters.

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Cornyn, 73, has served in the Senate since 2002 and has long been viewed as part of the GOP establishment, while Paxton has built a loyal conservative base amid multiple legal battles.

Hunts campaign pledged to keep the race focused on Texas families, the protection of American energy, the security of our border, and the safety of every community across our great state.

The move injects new uncertainty into what was already shaping up to be one of the most expensive and combative Senate primaries. RealClearPolitics average of recent polls shows Paxton narrowly ahead of Cornyn, 37.3 percent to 35 percent, with no data yet reflecting Hunts impact. Paxton has led in almost every major poll in the RCP catalog since May.

Some Republican strategists have privately expressed concern that Hunts bid could split support among challengers to Cornyn and potentially push the contest to a runoff after the March 3 primary. Internal Cornyn polling last month found Hunt taking 17 percent in a hypothetical three-way matchup, according to reporting from Politico.

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Hunt dismissed criticism that his run was driven by ambition rather than principle, saying in his launch video that he takes offense to establishment figures questioning his motives. I assure you, this is not a vanity project, he said.

The primary is set for March 3, 2026, with a potential runoff in May if no candidate secures a majority.
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The Lighthouse Reef is a whale-shaped atoll in the Caribbean Sea that has one of the world's biggest blue holes at it's heart. . | Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

QUICK FACTS

Where is it? Lighthouse Reef, Belize [17.312263000, -87.54462766]

What's in the photo? A whale-shaped island

Who took the photo? An unnamed astronaut on board the International Space Station

When was it taken? March 5, 2020

This amazing astronaut photo shows the bizarre whale-like shape of a Belizean tropical island. The coral-reef-covered structure is home to the Great Blue Hole, one of the deepest marine sinkholes on the planet, which appears to double as the whale's "blowhole" when viewed from space.

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The cetacean-shaped landmass, known as Lighthouse Reef, is located around 50 miles (80 kilometers) off Belize's eastern coast in the Caribbean Sea, and is around 26 miles (42 km) long from its "head" to its "tail." It has no permanent human population, but it's visited by more than 10,000 tourists, including many scuba divers, every year.

The island is an atoll, meaning it is mostly underwater and covered by shallow coral reefs, with only a few sandy patches, known as cays, poking above the ocean's surface. The atoll's turquoise waters are only between 6 and 20 feet (2 and 6 meters) deep, but near the island's center lies a dark circle that goes far, far deeper.

The Great Blue Hole is an underwater sinkhole with a near-circular opening that spans 1,043 feet (318 m). It has a maximum depth of 407 feet (124 m)  making it one of the deepest sinkholes on Earth  and it has only recently been properly explored.

Related: See all the best images of Earth from space

The Great Blue Hole flooded around 10,000 years ago when sea levels rose at the end of the last ice age. | Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

Lighthouse Reef is part of the wider Belize Barrier Reef, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to a range of marine life, including a variety of fish, such as wrasses, snappers and gobies, as well as larger animals, such as crocodiles and sea turtles.

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One of the island's most notable above-water spots, Half Moon Caye (located on the tip of the hump on the whale's back), is also home to a variety of birds that nest within its coconut trees, as well as endangered species of gecko and anole.

Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is believed to have initially formed as an above-water cave system, as evidenced by the stalagmites and stalactites found in submerged caves that branch off from the main sinkhole. However, it was flooded around 10,000 years ago as the end of the last ice age caused sea levels to rise.

The hole was made famous in the 1970s when the renowned ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau visited the island and started charting its depths from his famous ship, the Calypso. Cousteau later described the sinkhole as one of his "top five scuba diving sites" in the world.

In 2018, the explorer's grandson Fabien Cousteau and British billionaire Richard Branson led a submarine expedition to explore the Great Blue Hole and created the first 3D map of the structure. One of the standout findings from this expedition was the discovery of a layer of hydrogen sulfide, around 107 feet (33 m) thick, toward the bottom of the hole. This layer is anoxic, meaning it contains no dissolved oxygen, which makes it deadly for most marine animals that venture into it.

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The expedition team also discovered the bodies of two scuba divers who had previously gone missing while exploring the Great Blue Hole; their bodies had been perfectly preserved by the hydrogen sulfide layer, according to Newsweek . The expedition team decided to leave the bodies where they were, out of respect. At least one other diver is known to have gone missing in the sinkhole.




Seven people landed in jail after a brawl broke out among a group of at least 10 patrons at a North Side Whataburger.

The fight occurred about 3 a.m. Sunday at the Whataburger in the 14600 block of Blanco Road.

One person standing by caught it all on video and sent it to News 4 San Antonio. The station posted the footage on its YouTube channel.

The footage shows a fight break out between two people at first as the bulk of the crowd looks on. Then punches start getting thrown left and right in the chaotic brawl that lasts less than a minute.

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At the spot where the conflict began, people can be seen looking to trade fisticuffs as one man is taken to the ground by two others.

Off to the left, one man suddenly throws a punch at another, catching him off-guard and knocking him dizzy into a booth. Then, on the other side of the initial brawl, two women appear to take a third to the ground as they throw punches at her.

READ ALSO: In ambush killing of SAISD student Simon Cuevas III, a teen suspect surrenders to police

At the main spot where the conflict began, several men can be seen fighting with a man on the ground, hitting him repeatedly as he is dragged in the shuffle.

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"What do we do?" a voice behind the camera asks.

A woman then intervenes and yells: "What is wrong with ya'll!?" using foul language as she tells them she's going to call the police.

The person recording then decides to retreat outside as the confrontation continues.

After San Antonio police arrived, they learned that the fight broke out after two parties were arguing over a mix-up of orders, a preliminary report states.

Judging by the video, some people took quite a few punches while on the ground, but police said no major injuries were reported on the scene.

Seven people were arrested at the scene and charged with assault causing bodily injury. They were identified as Andres Garcia Cardenas, 21; Tyrone Tolliver, 21; Miguel Torres, 57; Meili Torres, 21; Andrew Lopez, 21; Deontae Tolliver, 23; and Veronica Valdez, 53.

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The four people injured in the brawl include a 20-year-old man and woman, as well as an 18-year-old man and woman, police said.

Police said the investigation remains active and that some details might be subject to change.

This article originally published at Whataburger brawl fueled by order mix-up ends with seven arrested in Texas, police say.
Getty

On the evening of Monday, September 22, the western plains of Namibias Etosha National Park stood thick and healthy in the fading light. The rainy season had been substantial this year, and as a result, vegetation had grown lush. But in Namibia, a land of salt pans and deserts, where arid-adapted elephants and rare black rhino roam, a turn of events like this can have adverse consequences. Namibia is naturally fire-prone, with dry savanna and strong winds, explains Julian Carter-Manning, the founder of Yellow Zebra safari operator. After a good rainy season, abundant grasses can create the perfect fuel.

That evening, a wildfire broke out, followed by another two days later. All told, the flames inside Etosha National Park raged until September 30, scorching some 2.1 million acres or just under 40% of the parks land mass.

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Thankfully, no human casualties have been reported, and because the flames burned in the less-habituated, western reaches of the park, which is as big as half the size of Switzerland, no lodges have been impacted. Its important to remember that while these fires were likely human-inducedinvestigations are ongoingwildfires are a natural part of a savanna ecosystem. Still, when and how these fires burn matter, and full vegetation regrowth will take years.

Wildfire can have a positive impact, and is indeed an essential disturbance process in savanna ecosystems, says Andrew Parker, a conservationist and the founder of Conserve Global. However, if fires are caused by reckless human behavior, then they can rapidly spread in an uncontrolled way and threaten infrastructure, wildlife, and even human lives.

Etosha is one of the most popular safari destinations in Southern Africa. According to Shaun Stanley, the founder of Stanley Safaris, there's no reason for travelers to cancel upcoming tripsand visitor fees and tourism revenue from safaris can help fund conservation efforts. Etosha is a huge wildlife reserve, and the fire has affected a portion of the park, so there are still areas to explore, he says. Dont cancel your trips if you have a safari booked to Namibia.

Heres everything visitors to the park need to know.

While the park is safe, communities have been affected

As of late last week, the wildfires within the national park have been doused. However, smaller, fully contained fires did spread beyond Etoshas borders into the Omusati region. This means some herding communities adjacent to Etosha have been impacted. There are no Indigenous tribes in Etosha National Parkand many farms worked together very hard to stop the fires from entering their areas, with good success," says Andries Liebenberg, a Namibian citizen based in Windhoek, the capital city, who works for Abercrombie & Kents Namibia division. "However, there are reports of some farms that have lost a lot of grazing land due to the fires.

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Dr. Laurie Marker, a celebrated big cat expert and the founder of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, which is based in Namibia, says the impact of the fires on local communities is especially tragic. While there's a low density of people in the area, fires put them in danger, along with their livestock, she says. And when the grazing lands for livestock burn, this affects peoples livelihoods.

One silver lining, Parker says, is that grassland in these areas is generally low due to grazing by livestock, meaning theres less fuel for the flames. The main road on the western border of the park also acted as a barrier, preventing the fire from jumping further.

If youre traveling to Namibia, be sure to talk to safari specialists and trusted advisors who have deep connections in the area, urges Embark Safaris Managing Partner Justin Huff. Community-minded operators will direct you to ways to explore the region while having a positive impact on the local economy. Liebenberg adds, assistance through donations to NGOs and conservation groups is always welcome in Namibia.

Black rhino Getty

There have been animal casualties, and recovery takes time. But in the long run, theres reason to be optimistic

While the extent of animal casualties are unclear, there is speculation of antelope and elephant deaths. We are all very concerned for the wildlife, says Marker. Unfortunately, animals will have suffered from burns and deaths, and treating wildlife is not really an option. The hope is that wildlife was able to move out as quickly as possible.

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Etoshas enormous size likely helped wildlife steer clear of the flames. Wildlife can be very clever about sensing danger, so they will tend to keep away from fire, says Stanley. In some cases, when theres a fence around a small reserve, it can prevent animals from escaping, but Etosha is large enough that the animals have space to escape.

Specific types of wildlife, such as small mammals and reptiles, have undoubtedly suffered. And when high winds whip up multiple flame walls, which likely happened in Etosha, even fast-moving animals can become trapped. Veterinarians have been dispatched to the park and officials are monitoring strategic points, such as watering holes and oft-used natural corridors, to keep an eye on wildlife, according to a recent statement released by Namibia president Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Marker has reported good news on one of the countrys most endangered species. Fortunately, Etosha is not a major habitat for cheetahs, so there have been no cheetah deaths reported, she says. In fact, there's a chance future visitors to the park might see more cheetahs than before. As soon as Etosha receives its next rains, the burnt areas will transform into palatable green grass and attract grazing herbivores, Conserve Globals Parker explains. So while the impact of the fire will, for a short period, look dramatic and negative, the longer term impact will be positive.

As new shoots grow out of the ground, grazers like oryx, tsessebe, and kudu will followand with them, big predators. Cheetahs follow the antelope, and so we could see a slight population increase, says Marker.

How will the wildfires affect travel?

Etosha National Park is open to travelers: game drives are running, and lodges, including guest favorites like Onguma Camp Kala, are operating as usual. Given that Etosha National Park is Namibias number one tourist destination and a vital national heritage, the government is committed to doing everything possible to protect it, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said in her statement last week.

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In western parts of the park, the main difference will be visualyou might see scorched terrain until the first rains arrive (usually within six weeks), says Carter. By the next season, much of the burned park will look alive again.

With that regrowth, expect new lodges to open, too. Next year is full of exciting openings for Namibia, from debut lodges from Vestige Collection to two new camps from Natural Selection, both slated to open May 2026.

Etosha is still accessible, and none of our camps have been affected, confirms Ally Karaerua, who has lived in Namibia for 53 years and is the managing director of Natural Selections properties there. When it comes to veld fires there are always two sides: the amount of devastation that it will bring, and the amount it will eventually help the area.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler

The Latest Stories from Conde Nast Traveler
Oct. 6 (UPI) -- Moms for America will hold a press conference Tuesday at the Phyllis Schlafly Center in Washington, D.C., to announce its new venture, Moms for Freedom World.

The official launch of Moms for Freedom World was on Sept. 26 in Skopje, Macedonia, a press release said. "The organization, founded to unite mothers worldwide, is dedicated to empowering and encouraging mothers, strengthening families and safeguarding their freedoms for future generations," the press release said.

Co-founders of the far-right organization are Kimberly Fletcher, Rachel Scott, and Ana Dukoska. Dukoska is from Macedonia.

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"Our mission is simple, elevate motherhood, encourage motherhood, and empower mothers," said Fletcher, president of Moms for America and co-founder of Moms for Freedom World. "Around the world, mothers are standing at the front lines of cultural and political battles. Moms for Freedom World gives them a platform, a voice, and the tools to defend their children, their homes, and their countries."

The Washington press conference will outline the organization's vision for international growth, highlight urgent issues facing families today, and announce new initiatives aimed at building a worldwide coalition of mothers committed to freedom, hope, and prosperity, the press release said.
A 20-year-old woman fatally shot by a man who court records say had been playing with a gun has been identified by Delaware State Police as Tamia Gordonof Magnolia.

Chase Washington, whom police described as an acquaintance of Gordon's, has been charged with manslaughter. According to a GoFundMe account, Gordon and 23-year-old Washington were roommates at an off-campus home near Magnolia.

Gordon, according to the online fundraiser, was a Delaware State University sophomore, majoring in business administration. DSU officials said Gordon was enrolled during the spring 2025 semester, but not during the current fall semester.

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More: 'He may have pulled trigger.' Court docs say man played with gun before shooting woman

What court documents say happened

Washington, Gordon and two others were at the house on Sept. 30, when court records say Washinton was carrying a 9 mm handgun, as he was prone to doing inside and outside the residence located in the 800 block of Millchop Lane near Magnolia.

On that day, according to court documents, the handgun was loaded with a round in the chamber when Washington and Gordon were in a bedroom.

Washington was playing with the gun, according to court documents, when he shot Gordon in the upper torso.

"Washington further advised at the time he was playing around with the firearm, he may have pulled the trigger," court documents claim. "Washington acknowledged at the time the weapon was fired, the barrel was aimed towards the direction of victim."

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Delaware State Police arrived at the home about 7:30 p.m. and found Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound.

She was in a bedroom, where a blue handgun was also found, court documents state.

Grodon was taken to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Police ID woman killed by man court docs say was playing with a gun
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Shannon Sullivan, whos served as the president and COO of Women & Infants Hospital for the past five years, will soon step down from the position.

Care New England announced Tuesday that Sullivan has been named the CEO of Connecticut Childrens health system in Hartford.

Its with very mixed emotions that we are sharing that Shannon has earned this remarkable opportunity to lead one of the nations premier childrens health systems, Care New England President and CEO Michael Wagner, MD, said in a statement. She will bring a wealth of experience and expertise in leadership that enables clinical, operational, and philanthropic excellence, always with a focus on the highest quality patient care.

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Sullivan has been with Care New England for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of roles. The hospital group highlighted some of her accomplishments, which include leading efforts to raise $35 million for the hospitals new labor and delivery center that opened earlier this year.

This has been more than a job for me, Sullivan said. Working with my colleagues and staff across Care New England has been my vocation, my privilege, and my greatest honor.

I have been blessed to work with some of the most talented, compassionate, and dedicated individuals and teams in this industry, and I am leaving here with immense pride and confidence that the next leader will enjoy the same energy and passionate commitment to caring for Rhode Islanders, she continued.

Women & Infants holds ribbon-cutting for new labor and delivery center

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Sullivan will remain in Providence through the end of the year to help with the transition process. In the coming weeks, Care New England will provide updates on interim leadership at the hospital and its national search for her successor.

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Digital money is set to transform India's payments landscape. | Credit: Pexels.

Key Takeaways

Indias central bank has sought to suppress crypto adoption and favors CBDCs over stablecoins.

In its latest pilot, the central bank is exploring tokenized deposits.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has argued that India should adapt to new forms of money.

Indias courts and financial regulators have traditionally sought to suppress crypto in the country, restricting exchange activity and warning retail investors to stay away from digital assets. But in recent comments, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman acknowledged that the government may have no choice but to adapt to stablecoins.

In another sign of the changing tide, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will join commercial banks in the country to pilot tokenized deposits, paving the way for new, blockchain-based payment rails.

Adapt to Stablecoins or Risk Exclusion, Sitharaman Warns

Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave on Friday, Oct. 3, Sitharaman said stablecoins are transforming the landscape of money and capital flows.

These shifts may force nations to make binary choices: adapt to new monetary architectures or risk exclusion, she cautioned.

Sitharamans comments contrast with the position held by Indias central bank.

For years, the RBI has sought to suppress crypto adoption in the country. Although a 2018 circular prohibiting banks from servicing crypto companies was eventually struck down by the Supreme Court, the RBI remains broadly opposed to digital assets.

In a document recently cited by Reuters, the central bank warned that stablecoins risked fragmenting Indias financial infrastructure and weakening its existing digital payment system.

The report advised the government against creating legislation to regulate cryptocurrencies, which it said would grant them legitimacy and may cause the sector to become systemic.

Government officials generally align with this view. While there is no ban [on crypto], we dont encourage it, Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated recently.

Stablecoins, CBDCs, and Tokenized Deposits

While the RBI takes a negative view of stablecoins, it doesnt oppose digital money more generally.

Indias Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the e-rupee, is already three years into a large-scale pilot spanning retail and wholesale transactions.

Meanwhile, the RBIs latest pilot, revealed by Chief General Manager Suvendu Pati on Tuesday, Oct. 7, will see commercial banks explore tokenized deposits.

Tokenized deposits exist in the middle ground between stablecoins and CBDCs. They are privately owned and operated, but rather than treasuries and other financial instruments, they are entirely backed by bank deposits.
Key Points

Alibaba stock has risen by more than 110% so far this year.

It trades at a low valuation despite the run-up in the stock price.

Investors still have good reason to be cautious.

10 stocks we like better than Alibaba Group 

Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA) has long disappointed investors since the launch of the stock in 2014. Amid political risks, high-profile U.S. investors were initially drawn by its cheap valuation and market leadership, but beginning in late 2020, Alibaba began to sell off, mostly due to the political risks.

However, the stock has risen more than 110% since the beginning of the year as decisions by the company and the Chinese government won the confidence of investors such as David Tepper, creator of the hedge fund Appaloosa Management, and ARK Invest's Cathie Wood. With the growing faith in Alibaba, should investors follow these high-profile investors or stay on the sidelines?

Image source: Alibaba.

The state of Alibaba

Investors have often billed Alibaba as the "Amazon of China." It is the leading online retailer in the People's Republic, though the company also invests in artificial intelligence (AI) and supports ventures outside of e-commerce such as Alibaba Cloud and fintech services through Alipay.

The majority of its revenue comes from the Alibaba China e-commerce group. Nonetheless, much of the recent interest in the stock comes from the company's AI efforts.

Over the next three years, it plans to invest around $53 billion in the cloud and AI. The company also works with Nvidia on robotics and self-driving cars in addition to releasing a large language model.

And conditions appear to have improved on the political front. Jack Ma, who lowered his profile after criticizing the Chinese government earlier in the decade, has smoothed out relations with President Xi Jinping. This has helped allow him to return to the company, a move that should reassure investors.

Investors could also feel emboldened by its extremely low earnings multiple. Although valuations have risen along with the stock price, Alibaba's 21 price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) compares favorably to Amazon (34 times earnings) and Southeast Asia-based Sea Limited (91).

Why investors might turn cautious

Still, investors need to remember that China is under the same leadership, meaning they have to keep a wary eye on its political situation. Even though they might feel more comfortable with the risks of owning Alibaba, they should also remember that a delisting of the American depositary receipt (ADR) was a serious threat in 2022. Unfortunately for Alibaba bulls, the Securities and Exchange Commission now faces renewed pressure from lawmakers to delist it, pointing to a continued lack of confidence.
United States President Donald Trump's administration is now offering $2,500 to unaccompanied migrant children, specifically teenagers, to self-deport from the country.

The offer is being made through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which provides migrant teenagers with the opportunity to leave the country voluntarily and receive monetary compensation. It comes as the Trump administration had previously offered financial incentives for self-deportation.

Trump Administration Offers $2,500 for Unaccompanied Children to Self-Deport

These include a $1,000 exit bonus and have been offered to undocumented adult immigrants in the U.S. Administration officials defended the decisions by saying that self-deportation incentives are more cost-effective, due to the high cost of immigration detention and deportation.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sent a notice to legal service providers on Friday, saying that the administration will "provide a one-time resettlement support stipend of $2,500 U.S. Dollars to unaccompanied alien children, 14 years of age and older, who have elected to voluntarily depart the United States as of the data of this notice and moving forward, according to CNN.

The latest offer is expected to be initially given to 17-year-old migrants and would also require approval from an immigration judge. The $2,500 payment would be given to the migrants upon their arrival in their home country.

A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said that the agency and the Office of Refugee and Resettlement at HHS are offering a "strictly voluntary option to return home to their families."

Eligibility for the Program

The ICE letter added that minors from Mexico will not be eligible for the program but noted that children who had already volunteered to leave the U.S. as of Friday will still be covered, Reuters reported.

The president of Kids in Need of Defense, Wendy Young, called the $2,500 offer a "cruel tactic" that undermined "laws that guarantee" a process to determine if a child is eligible for U.S. protection.

She added that unaccompanied youths who are seeking safety in the U.S. deserve protection instead of being coerced into agreeing to go back to their home country. Under federal law, migrant children who enter the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian are classified as unaccompanied and sent to federal government-run shelters.

The president of the New York Immigration Coalition, Murad Awawdeh, echoed concerns about the government's latest decision. He said that it only pressures youth to abandon their legal claims and go back to a life of fear and danger, as per Inquirer.
After months of speculation, U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated New York businessman Benjamin Landa as his candidate for the post of U.S. Ambassador to Budapest. The nomination was forwarded to the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on October 2, which will decide on final confirmation, The Washington Post reported.

The news was immediately confirmed by Bryan Leib, who himself was considered a possible contender for the top diplomatic position, which was held by David Pressman during Joe Bidens term in office.



I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Ben Landa on his nomination by President Donald J. Trump as the next U.S. Ambassador to Hungary, Bryan Leib congratulated Landa on X.



Hungary is a critical ally of the United States in Europe. Under President Trumps leadership, I have no doubt that the relationship between our two nations will continue to reach new heights, he wrote, emphasizing the strategic importance of the relationship.







Hungarian-American relations have recently been marked by repeated tensions under the Biden administration and then-Ambassador David Pressman. President Trumps nomination of a businessman is expected to be received positively in Budapest and seen as a sign of detente.



Benjamin Landa, born in New York, has built his career primarily in the healthcare sector. He is the co-founder and CEO of SentosaCare LLC, a company specializing in the operation of elderly care facilities. Landa is also active in the Jewish community and supports various religious institutions in the United States and Israel.



According to media reports, Landa has been courted for the ambassadorial post for some time and met with President Trump in the Oval Office of the White House at the end of September.



The ambassadorial post in Budapest has been vacant since January, when former ambassador David Pressman resigned at the start of Donald Trumps second term.



Since then, the U.S. Embassy in Budapest has been headed on an interim basis by senior diplomat Robert Palladino. After the nomination has been forwarded to the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Relations will now review Landas suitability and recommend him to the plenary for a vote. Only after confirmation by the entire Senate can Landa take up his post in Budapest.

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Video | The Reasons I Stay In Guangzhou

They came from afar, yet chose to call this cityGuangzhouhome.

Why did they stay?

Perhaps for the taste of authentic Cantonese cuisine,

or for the kindness of a stranger when they got lost.

It turns out, "Home is where the heart finds peace" is not just a verse

it's a bowl of soup, a warm greeting,

and a sense of belonging that quietly grows over time.





 |      


The Indian envoy further accused Islamabad of attempting to mislead the international community with exaggerated rhetoric, while itself violating the rights of women.
Last month billionaire investor Mark Cuban shared some valuable advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of sweat equity over the pursuit of investors.

At the Clover x Shark Tank Summit, Cuban underscored the significance of bootstrapping and customer acquisition as opposed to fundraising.

The only reason Im a billionaire is because I started off bootstrapping, Cuban shared with Inc.com. He advised entrepreneurs to concentrate on organic business growth, even if it takes longer, as it allows them to retain ownership.

Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion  they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends

Speaking with the outlet, Cuban cautioned entrepreneurs about the temptation of securing external investors, stating that it may not always be the best course for a company.

He urged entrepreneurs to avoid situations where they might have to accept potentially unfavorable funding offers that could lead to a significant loss of ownership.

The longer you can hold out before you raise money, the richer you are going to be, Cuban stated. He also suggested that when the time comes to raise funds, entrepreneurs should explore nontraditional avenues such as crowdfunding and grants.

See Also: An EA Co-Founder Shapes This VC Backed MarketplaceNow You Can Invest in Gaming's Next Big Platform

However, Cuban reminded entrepreneurs that securing funding is not without its responsibilities. Raising money is not an accomplishment, its an obligation. He emphasized the need to focus on cash flow over sales and the importance of keeping costs low.

Cubans advice comes at a time when many entrepreneurs are heavily reliant on external funding to kickstart their ventures.

His emphasis on bootstrapping and organic growth serves as a reminder that maintaining ownership can lead to greater wealth in the long run.

Furthermore, his warning about the obligations that come with raising funds highlights the importance of financial discipline and the need to prioritize cash flow over sales. This advice could potentially reshape the way entrepreneurs approach business growth and funding.

Read Next:

They Sold Their Last Real Estate Company for Nearly $1B  Now They're Building the Future of U.S. Industrial Growth

Are you rich? Heres what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.

Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market.
The proposed peace initiative, which has gained broad international support, outlines a multi-phase roadmap starting with a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained from Gaza since the war began.
Haryanas Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Y Puran Kumar was found dead at his residence in Sector 11, Chandigarh. According to officials, the senior officer allegedly died by suicide using his service revolver.
The Nutriment Company (TNC) has notched up its eighth pet-food acquisition of the year with a deal for Easy-Barf in France.

Sweden-based TNC said the transaction for the fresh pet-food business gives it a strong foothold in France. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Describing the deal as a "strategic move", Anders Kristiansen, CEO of TNC, said in a statement: France, with Europes third largest pet population, is a crucial market in our growth strategy. Easy-Barf immediately positions us as the leader in the French raw pet-food segment.

Easy-Barf was set up in 2015 by Ariane Byhet and David Boulle. Around 80% of its sales are conducted online.

TNC said it will expand the Easy-Barf range into fresh gently cooked products, while also "leveraging its B2B capabilities to bring Easy-Barf into the retail sector".

It added: "This step will further strengthen the rapidly growing natural premium pet-food market in France and make high-quality natural nutrition more accessible for pet owners across the country."

Easy-Barfs owners said: We are confident that The Nutriment Company is the perfect owner to take the business forward. We are excited to follow the continued growth of natural premium pet food in France.

Speaking to Just Food last month, CEO Kristiansen indicated that TNC had a couple of deals lined up for this year to build on the company's acquisition spree.

We are adding one new market in two or three weeks, and then well probably add an additional market before the end of the year, he said, noting an interest in eastern Europe.

Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, all of eastern Europe is of interest for us, so thats where you will see an announcement for an acquisition in one of those markets in a few weeks, the CEO added.

In July, TNC acquired UK-based cat-food supplier Purrform, adding a new dimension of species-specific expertise to its brand portfolio.

The company also purchased Graf Barf, a German private-label pet-food business, in June.

Graf Barfs acquisition came after TNC acquired BAF Petfood from the German company Fressnapf and snapped up Bulmer Pet Foods in the UK.

"The Nutriment Company adds to acquisition spree with Easy-Barf" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire a $2 billion stake in Polymarket, a fast-growing crypto-based prediction platform.

According to a Wall Street Journal report citing people familiar with the matter, the deal could be announced as soon as Tuesday, potentially valuing Polymarket between $8 billion and $10 billion.

Following the report, ICE shares rose over 4% in pre-market trading as investors welcomed the potential diversification of the exchange operators portfolio.

According to a joint statement, alongside the investment, ICE will become a global distributor of Polymarkets event-driven data, offering clients new tools for gauging sentiment around political, economic, and cultural events.

The partnership also includes plans to collaborate on tokenization initiatives, positioning ICE at the intersection of traditional finance and decentralized prediction markets.

Shayne Coplan has assembled a team at Polymarket to create a user-driven company relentlessly focused on product, usage, and distribution. There are opportunities across markets that ICE and Polymarket can uniquely serve, and we are excited about where this investment can take us, said Jeffrey C. Sprecher, ICE Chair and CEO.

Founded in Manhattan, New York, Polymarket enables users to trade on real-world outcomes spanning politics, economics, weather events, and global affairs. The platform has rapidly grown in influence amid rising demand for on-chain event forecasting tools, which combine market dynamics with crowd-sourced intelligence.

From Thiel to Trump Jr.: Strategic Moves Fuel Polymarkets $10B Valuation

Polymarkets potential $10 billion valuation would represent a tenfold increase from just a few months ago. In June 2025, Peter Thiels Founders Fund led a $200 million funding round, valuing the firm at $1 billion.

Since then, Polymarket has attracted major backers, including Donald Trump Jr., who joined its advisory board in August following his firm 1789 Capitals multimillion-dollar investment.

The expansion comes on the heels of regulatory clearance, following the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) closing investigations into the firm in July, paving the way for a full-scale U.S. reentry.

Polymarket has also announced a collaboration with Elon Musks X platform, integrating its markets with xAIs Grok chatbot for real-time predictive analytics.

In September, the company rolled out a 4% annualized yield feature on select long-term geopolitical and political markets, including wagers on the 2028 U.S. presidential election and leadership outcomes in countries such as Russia, China, and Israel.
On Sunday, OPEC+ agreed to raise oil output by 137,000 barrels per day (bpd) from November. The increase is equal to the one adopted in October, with markets seeing it as a cautious step amid persistent fears of an oversupplied market.

This relatively modest increase came after the group hit back at rumors of a potential 500,000 bpd increase. So far this year, the OPEC+ alliance has increased its output targets by more than 2.7 million bpd, representing approximately 2.5 % of global demand. The group clearly remains intent on reclaiming market share from non-OPEC producers while not pushing prices too low.

Leading up to the meeting, tensions between Russia and Saudi Arabia were widely reported. Russia reportedly favored sticking with a modest increase, citing sanctions-related constraints and a desire to avoid downward pressure on prices. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is said to have lobbied for a much more aggressive hike. In the end, the modest increase prevailed, reflecting a compromise aimed at stability.

OPEC itself justified the cautious posture by pointing to a steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals, notably citing relatively low oil inventories.

At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $65.45, up by nearly 1.5% on the day, while WTI had climbed to $61.78.

There is also a structural challenge underpinning these moves by OPEC+ as the group is eroding its spare capacity cushion with each increase. Over time, this thinning of slack capacity may reduce the cartels ability to respond flexibly to shocks.

The eight producers will reconvene on November 2 to reassess and potentially adjust further output plans. AP News+2Reuters+2 This meeting will be closely watched for signs of whether the group accelerates rollbacks or adjusts strategy in the face of evolving demand signals and inventory trends.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com

Read this article on OilPrice.com
Prices for U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude slumped last week on oversupply fears. - AFP/Getty Images

OPEC+ on Sunday agreed to increase crude production in November by another 137,000 barrels a day, despite rising concerns of a global glut.

The group of major oil-producing countries has been announcing monthly production increases since April, boosting output by a total of about 2.5 million barrels a day through September.

Most Read from MarketWatch

Read more: Why OPEC+ will likely hike next months oil-output quota  even as prices just posted their biggest weekly drop since June

Before the meeting, Russia and Saudi Arabia had opposing views, according to reports by Reuters and Bloomberg News. According to those reports, Russia had sought a modest output boost, while Saudi Arabia sought a much larger increase  up to quadrupling production. The Saudis apparently backed down, as the more modest hike agreed upon was the same as Octobers hike.

U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude for November delivery CLX25 CL.1 rose Friday, but ended the week down 7.4% for its worst week since June, amid expectations for a global surplus of crude over the next year or so. The global benchmark, December Brent BRNZ25 BRN00, declined slightly Friday but posted a weekly loss of 6.8%.

Forecasts from the International Energy Agency show that global oil supplies are poised to outpace global demand in 2025 and 2026.

OPEC+s production hikes have been a tool to both punish some countries that were overproducing oil and to bring down prices in an effort to regain market share from U.S. shale drillers.

OPEC+ cited steady global economic outlook and current healthy market fundamentals in again raising their output, according to Sundays statement.

Still, the moves by OPEC+ sound more like market theater than supply policy, Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, said in a note Sunday. Innes noted that while monthly production quotas have increased, actual production has lagged those numbers, as OPEC+ is still unwilling to flood the market and crater prices.

Traders still have to price the illusion, Innes said, and prices whip around in a tug-of-war between expectation and evidence.

OPEC+ will next meet Nov. 2.

Myra P. Saefong contributed to this report.

Most Read from MarketWatch
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras PBR has completed its first import of unconventional natural gas from Argentinas Vaca Muerta formation, a significant step toward enhancing Brazils energy supply. The inaugural shipment, carried out in partnership with Pluspetrol, involved 100,000 cubic meters of gas produced in Argentinas Neuquen Basin and transported via pipelines through Bolivia into Brazil.

The test operation marks the beginning of a new commercial and operational framework under which Petrobras can import up to 2 million cubic meters of natural gas per day on an interruptible basis.

Strengthening Regional Energy Integration

This initiative highlights South Americas growing regional gas interconnectivity. The gas journey  from Argentina to Bolivia and then to Brazil  showcases the potential of cross-border energy cooperation. Petrobras integration of its own Argentine production, through its subsidiary Petrobras Operaciones SA, into Brazils domestic market demonstrates a practical and scalable logistical model for future imports.

According to Petrobras Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, the achievement reflects the companys commitment to expanding natural gas availability and supporting the sustainable growth of Brazils energy market.

Aligning With Government Priorities

The move also aligns with Brazils goal of increasing domestic gas supply to bring down consumer prices. Over the past year, extensive negotiations involving Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil paved the way for this import pathway, setting the stage for deeper regional collaboration in energy. In August 2024, Petrobras had shown interest in increasing energy imports from Argentina and was actively looking for good shale gas deals to align with its goal to diversify and enhance its natural gas supplies.

Building on a Regional Trend

While Petrobras operation is its first, it follows a similar cross-border initiative earlier this year when TotalEnergies supplied gas from Vaca Muerta to Matrix Energia in Sao Paulo. The growing network of such trades underscores the momentum toward an integrated South American gas market.

For Petrobras, the successful pilot reinforces its strategy to diversify supply sources and strengthen Brazils energy resilience  while advancing the broader transition toward cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternatives.

PBRs Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., or Petrobras S.A., is the largest integrated energy firm in Brazil and one of the largest in Latin America. Currently, PBR has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Digital banking platform Plumery has introduced new features and integrations to the credit unions in the Canadian market.

The expansion comes after Central 1 Credit Unions plans to phase out its Forge digital banking platform, which has been a service provider for over 170 credit unions across Canada.

Plumery teamed up with Aequilibrium, which brings insights into the Canadian financial regulatory framework and user experience design.

The partnership is aimed at ensuring that the platform aligns with the banking habits and expectations of Canadian credit union members.

The platform offers a suite of banking features specific to Canadian users, such as bill payments, cheque deposits, and Interac e-Transfers.

It also supports Canadian financial products, including Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), mortgages, and student loans, as well as business banking tools such as bulk payments and payroll management.

To comply with Canadian standards, the platform includes bilingual English and French support, adheres to privacy and data residency requirements.

Plumery's platform is currently available, with the company already in talks with credit unions assessing their digital strategies beyond the Forge system.

Plumery CEO and founder Ben Goldin said: With Forge winding down, Canadian institutions have a rare opportunity to modernise on their own terms, rather than being tied to outdated systems. Our platform provides an immediate, future-ready option that puts control back in the hands of credit unions.

By working with Aequilibrium, we are combining global banking innovation with local expertise to deliver experiences that meet the unique needs of Canadian credit unions members.

In July this year, Plumery integrated Salt Edge's open banking gateway into its platform, offering users real-time access to account information and payment services across an international banking network.

"Plumery expands digital banking platform for Canadian credit unions " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Qualcomm (QCOM) announced on Monday that it is acquiring open-source hardware and software developer Arduino as it seeks to further grow its footprint in the edge computing space and push beyond its heavy reliance on the smartphone market.

The companies did not release pricing details of the acquisition.

Qualcomm previously acquired edge computing company Foundries.io in March 2024 and announced it was acquiring Edge Impulse in March 2025.

Edge computing includes computers that help power processing far away from data centers, ranging from point-of-sale systems in retail stores to small sensors that allow workers to remotely monitor offshore wind turbines to internet of things (IoT) devices such as smart TVs and cars. Applications generally require a balance between computing performance and power usage.

Italian company Arduino develops software and hardware that help power everything from hobbyist robots and rudimentary home automation projects to enterprise IoT platforms.

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon delivers a keynote speech at Computex in Taipei, Taiwan May 19, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang  REUTERS / Reuters

Arduino has built a vibrant global community of developers and creators, Nakul Duggal, Qualcomms group GM of automotive, industrial, and embedded IoT, said in a statement.

By combining their open-source ethos with Qualcomm Technologies portfolio of leading-edge products and technologies, were helping enable millions of developers to create intelligent solutions faster and more efficiently  including a path towards global commercialization by leveraging the scale of our ecosystem, he added.

Qualcomm has been working to diversify its offerings at a time when the smartphone market continues to stagnate.

Last month, the company debuted its second-generation Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chips for Windows laptops and smaller desktop platforms. Its also making a deeper push into the automotive space.

However, the companys smartphone business still makes up an outsized portion of its overall revenue.

In 2024, Qualcomm reported total revenue of $33.2 billion. Of that, $24.9 billion came from handset sales. Its IoT business accounted for $5.4 billion, while its automotive segment brought in $2.9 billion.

Apple (AAPL), which uses Qualcomms modem chips in its iPhone, is also increasingly moving away from the company, deploying its own custom modems in its iPhone Air and iPhone 16e.

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UN Women chief calls for recommitment to women, peace and security agenda

Xinhua) 11:09, October 07, 2025

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous speaks at a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, Oct. 6, 2025. Bahous on Monday called for renewed global commitment to the women, peace and security agenda on the eve of the 25th anniversary of a landmark resolution addressing the needs of women and girls in armed conflict. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous on Monday called for renewed global commitment to the women, peace and security agenda on the eve of the 25th anniversary of a landmark resolution addressing the needs of women and girls in armed conflict.

The record of the last 25 years since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1325 on the women, peace and security agenda is mixed: bold, admirable commitments have been followed too often by weak implementation and chronic under-investment, said Bahous at a Security Council meeting on women, peace and security.

Today, 676 million women and girls live within reach of deadly conflict, the highest since the 1990s. It is lamentable to see today's rising military spending and renewed pushback against gender equality and multilateralism, she said. "These threaten the very foundations of global peace and security."

This anniversary must be more than a commemoration. Women and girls who live in conflict deserve more than commemoration. It must instead be a moment to refocus, recommit, and ensure that the next 25 years deliver much more than the last, she said.

Bahous said that suffering and displacement will likely rise globally in the face of seemingly intractable conflicts and growing instability. It is a painful fact that the world must be prepared for the situation to become worse before it becomes better for women and girls.

"This will continue to be exacerbated by short-sighted funding cuts that already undermine education opportunities for Afghan girls; curtail life-saving medical attention for tens of thousands of survivors of rape and sexual violence in Sudan, Haiti and beyond; shutter health clinics across conflict zones; limit access to food for malnourished and starving mothers and their children in Gaza, Mali, Somalia and elsewhere, and fundamentally will erode the chance for peace," she warned.

There is no alternative but to change course and to invest significantly in women's organizations on the frontlines of conflict, she said. "When women lead, peace follows. We made a promise to them 25 years ago. It is past time to deliver."

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
The AHR agonist market is experiencing growth, driven by the rising awareness of AHR's involvement in immune regulation, skin barrier restoration, and microbiome interactions. The approval of VTAMA for treating both plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis has confirmed the therapeutic potential of AHR modulation, establishing it as a novel, non-steroidal treatment option in dermatology. Additionally, the launch of emerging therapies such as AT193, AQ312, DMVT-506, AT177, and others will further fuel the AHR agonist market.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's AHR Agonists 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 Ulcerative Colitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Plaque Psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and others. The selected indications are based on approved therapies and ongoing pipeline activity. The report also provides insights into the emerging AHR agonists, 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 AHR Agonists Market Report

The total market size of AHR agonists 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 Ulcerative Colitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Plaque Psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and others.

and others. Leading AHR agonist companies, such as Azora Therapeutics, Aqilion, Dermavent, and others, are developing novel AHR agonists that can be available in the AHR agonist market in the coming years.

and others, are developing novel AHR agonists that can be available in the AHR agonist market in the coming years. Some of the key AHR agonists in clinical trials include AT193, AQ312, DMVT-506, AT177, and others.

Discover which indication is expected to grab the major AHR agonists market share @ AHR Agonists Market Report

Key Factors Driving the AHR Agonists Market

Rising Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases and Chronic Conditions

The increasing incidence of autoimmune diseases and chronic conditions is a major catalyst for the AhR agonist market. Factors such as genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle choices, and improved diagnostic capabilities contribute to this rise. AhR agonists have shown potential in modulating immune responses and inflammation, offering therapeutic benefits for conditions like multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.

Advancements in Drug Discovery and Precision Medicine

Recent advancements in biotechnology and genomics have enhanced the understanding of AhR's role in various diseases, leading to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The growing demand for precision medicine, which tailors treatment to individual genetic profiles, has further accelerated the exploration of AhR modulation as a therapeutic approach.

Strategic Collaborations and Market Expansion

Strategic mergers and acquisitions are shaping the competitive landscape of the AhR agonist market. For instance, Organon & Co.'s acquisition of Dermavant Sciences Ltd. has strengthened its position in dermatology by integrating innovative AhR agonist-based therapies into its portfolio.

Rising AHR Agonists Clinical Trial Activity

The promising AHR agonists in clinical trials that can change the dynamics of the market in the coming years include AT193 (Azora Therapeutics), AQ312 (Aqilion), DMVT-506 (Dermavent), AT177 (Azora Therapeutics), and others.

AHR Agonists Market Analysis

AHR agonists are natural or synthetic compounds that bind to and activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), triggering a transcriptional response. Upon activation, AHR translocates to the nucleus and regulates the expression of genes involved in immunity, metabolism, and other biological processes.

Currently, the U.S. FDA has approved one AHR agonist for clinical use: Tapinarof, sold under the brand name VTAMA. VTAMA, developed by Dermavant Sciences, is a first-in-class, non-steroidal AHR agonist that restores immune balance and strengthens the skin barrier by activating the AHR pathway, providing a targeted, steroid-free approach to chronic skin inflammation.

In October 2024, Organon completed its acquisition of Dermavant, obtaining full rights to VTAMA (tapinarof) Cream, 1%, a novel dermatology therapy. VTAMA is approved as a 1% topical cream for adults with plaque psoriasis (since May 2022) and for adults and children aged 2 years and older with atopic dermatitis (since December 2024).

Several pharmaceutical companies are developing investigational AHR agonists for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Azora is working on AT193, a topical agent in clinical trials for atopic dermatitis and plaque psoriasis, and AT177, an oral AHR agonist in early-stage development. Aqilion is developing AQ312, an oral AHR-targeted therapy aimed at modulating immune responses in inflammatory bowel disease.

In March 2025, Organon presented results from the Phase III ADORING 3 open-label extension study of VTAMA cream, 1%, in patients aged 2 and older with atopic dermatitis at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting. The data showed that patients who achieved treatment success maintained mild disease activity over an average 80-day treatment-free period.

Despite Tapinarof's clinical success, unmet needs remain for AHR agonists beyond dermatology. There is increasing interest in leveraging AHR modulation for systemic inflammatory, autoimmune, and gastrointestinal disorders, highlighting future opportunities for oral and tissue-targeted AHR therapies to manage immune dysregulation with a favorable safety profile.

Learn more about the AHR agonists @ AHR Agonists Analysis

AHR Agonists Competitive Landscape

Some of the promising AHR agonists in clinical trials include AT193 (Azora Therapeutics), AQ312 (Aqilion), DMVT-506 (Dermavent), AT177 (Azora Therapeutics), and others.

Aqilion's AQ312 is an oral small-molecule drug candidate from Aqilion, designed to treat ulcerative colitis. It acts as a selective agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a nuclear receptor that plays a key role in immune regulation and mucosal repair. In October 2024, Aqilion shared new findings from its preclinical program for ulcerative colitis at the United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week in Vienna.

Meanwhile, Azora Therapeutics' AT-177 is an oral investigational therapy being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Developed by Azora Therapeutics, it contains a potent AhR agonist formulated to limit systemic exposure. While AhR agonists have demonstrated effectiveness in various inflammatory conditions, they have not yet been clinically tested for hidradenitis suppurativa.

Whereas, Azora Therapeutics' AT-193 is under investigation for patients with moderate-to-severe nail psoriasis. The study, titled "A Randomized, Double-Blind, Intrapatient, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Phase 1b Study Followed by an Open-Label Extension to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Topical AT-193 in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Nail Psoriasis", aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and early efficacy of the topical treatment.

The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the AHR agonists market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the AHR agonists market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth.

To know more about AHR agonists clinical trials, visit @ AHR Agonists Treatment

What are AHR Agonists?

The AHR is a crucial transcription factor that remains in the cytoplasm until a ligand activates it. Once activated, it moves into the nucleus, forms a dimer with ARNT, and binds to Xenobiotic Response Elements (XREs) in DNA to trigger the expression of specific target genes. Additionally, AHR interacts with other transcription factors, influencing wider gene networks.

This pathway is significant for regulating cytochrome P450 enzymes, such as CYP1A1 and CYP1A2, which are vital for processing environmental toxins and various drugs. AHR is highly expressed in barrier and immune cells, acting as an environmental sensor and playing a key role in modulating immune responses.

AHR Agonists Epidemiology Segmentation

The AHR agonists market report is a comprehensive and specialized analysis, offering in-depth epidemiological insights for the study period 20202034 across the leading markets. In 2024, the total diagnosed prevalent cases of ulcerative colitis across the 7MM were estimated at more than 3 million. On the other hand, the United States accounted for approximately 16 million prevalent cases of atopic dermatitis in 2024.

The AHR agonists target patient pool is segmented into:

Total Cases in Selected Indications for AHR Agonists

Total Eligible Patient Pool in Selected Indications for AHR Agonists

Total Treated Cases in Selected Indications for AHR Agonists

AHR Agonists Report Metrics Details Study Period 20202034 AHR Agonists 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 Ulcerative Colitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Plaque Psoriasis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and others Key AHR Agonists Companies Azora Therapeutics, Aqilion, Dermavent, Organon, and others Key AHR Agonists AT193, AQ312, DMVT-506, AT177, VTAMA, and others

Scope of the AHR Agonists Market Report

AHR Agonists Therapeutic Assessment: AHR Agonists' current marketed and emerging therapies

AHR Agonists' current marketed and emerging therapies AHR Agonists Market Dynamics: Conjoint Analysis of Emerging AHR Agonist Drugs

Conjoint Analysis of Emerging AHR Agonist Drugs Competitive Intelligence Analysis: SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies

SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies Unmet Needs, KOL's views, Analyst's views, AHR Agonists Market Access and Reimbursement

Discover more about AHR agonists in development @ AHR Agonists Clinical Trials

Table of Contents

1 AHR Agonists Market Key Insights 2 AHR Agonists Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary of AHR agonists 4 Key Events 5 AHR Agonists Market Forecast Methodology 6 AHR Agonists Market Overview at a Glance in the 7MM 6.1 AHR Agonists Market Share (%) Distribution by Indication in 2020 6.2 AHR Agonists Market Share (%) Distribution by Indication in 2034 7 AHR Agonists: Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Evolution of AHR agonists 7.3 Treatment 8 AHR Agonists Target Patient Pool 8.1 Key Findings 8.2 Assumptions and Rationale: 7MM 8.3 Epidemiology Scenario in the 7MM 8.3.1 Total Cases in Selected Indications for AHR agonists in the 7MM 8.3.2 Total Eligible Patient Pool in Selected Indications for AHR agonists in the 7MM 8.3.3 Total Treated Cases in Selected Indications for AHR agonists in the 7MM 8.4 United States 8.5 EU4 and the UK 8.6 Japan 9 Marketed AHR Agonists Therapies 9.1 Key Competitors 9.2 VTAMA (tapinarof): Organon 9.2.1 Product Description 9.2.2 Regulatory milestones 9.2.3 Other developmental activities 9.2.4 Clinical development 9.2.5 Safety and efficacy List of drugs to be continued in the final report... 10 Emerging AHR Agonists Therapies 10.1 Key Competitors 10.2 AQ312: Aqilion 10.2.1 Drug Description 10.2.2 Other Developmental Activity 10.2.3 Clinical Trial Information 10.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 10.2.5 Analyst's View 10.3 AT193: Azora Therapeutics List of drugs to be continued in the final report... 11 AHR Agonists Market: 7MM Analysis 11.1 Key Findings 11.2 AHR Agonists Market Outlook 11.3 Attribute Analysis 11.4 Key AHR Agonists Market Forecast Assumptions 11.5 Total Market Size of AHR agonists in the 7MM 11.6 The United States AHR Agonists Market Size 11.6.1 Total Market Size of AHR agonists in the United States 11.6.2 Market Size of AHR agonists by Therapies in the United States 11.7 EU4 and the UK AHR Agonists Market Size 11.8 Japan AHR Agonists Market Size 12 AHR Agonists Market Unmet Needs 13 AHR Agonists Market SWOT Analysis 14 KOL Views on AHR Agonists 15 AHR Agonists Market Access and Reimbursement 15.1 United States 15.2 EU4 and the UK 15.3 Japan 16 Bibliography 17 AHR Agonists Market Report Methodology

Related Reports

Ulcerative Colitis Market

Ulcerative Colitis Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast  2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key ulcerative colitis companies including Arena Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Abivax, Reistone Biopharma, InDex Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Landos Biopharma, NImmune, Merck, Mesoblast, among others.

Atopic Dermatitis Market

Atopic Dermatitis 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 atopic dermatitis companies, including Bausch Health Companies Inc., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Nestle SA, Pfizer Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Evelo Biosciences, AbbVie Inc., Allergan PLC, Cara Therapeutics, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Sanofi S.A., LEO Pharma, among others.

Plaque Psoriasis Market

Plaque Psoriasis 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 plaque psoriasis companies, including Dermavant Sciences GmbH, IQVIA Biotech, UCB Biopharma SRL, Parexel, Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd., Durect, Astellas, Biogen, Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shire, Zalicus, AbbVie, Santalis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Maruho Co. Ltd, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, among others.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Market

Hidradenitis Suppurativa 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 hidradenitis suppurativa companies, including Incyte Corporation, ACELYRIN, AbbVie, MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Priovant Therapeutics, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Kymera Therapeutics, UNION Therapeutics, among others.

About DelveInsight

DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports pharma companies by providing comprehensive end-to-end solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve.

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This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter.

As the newly-minted CFO of Silvaco, Chris Zegarelli is prioritizing transparent communication with the companys investors, making sure we message and set proper expectations, and then the business starts to deliver on what it has committed to delivering, he said.

Prior to to Zegarellis arrival at the the semiconductor design provider last month, the company missed analyst expectations for several quarters. Now the new finance chief, a Broadcom alum, is looking to shore up trust and regain lost ground. Improving sentiment, making the business more predictable and understandable is a key focus for me, Zegarelli told CFO Dive in an interview.

The Santa Clara, California-based company has faced significant financial headwinds this year. It reported a revenue drop for its second consecutive quarter in Q2; with revenue declining 19% year-over-year to $12 million, according to its Aug. 6 earnings report. However, the company also narrowed its GAAP net loss to $9.4 million for the quarter, compared to a net loss of $38.4 million in the prior year period.

Showing tangible progress

In his new role, one of Zegarellis main areas of focus is in building trust, both when it comes to investors as well as the companys board and other leaders, he said. While the business has seen some disappointing results in recent quarters, there's an opportunity to turn that around, he said.

That will take time, he acknowledged, noting changes partly will include reaching out to more analysts, being transparent, responding to questions, and then meeting more and more investors and telling the story and getting more awareness of what we're trying to do here, he said. Frankly, the most important thing you can do is show tangible progress in executing a plan. There's only so much words can do, so you have to deliver it and show it.

Zegarelli is the latest executive leadership change made by the company in recent months. In August Silvaco announced that board member Walden Rhines would take its CEO chair, replacing the departing Babak Taheri in the role, according to a press release at the time. The company also appointed three new vice presidents in August, it announced in August along with the earnings.

Zegarelli, who joined Silvaco Group from Infineon Technologies where he served as its senior vice president of finance for two years, brings a deep background in the semiconductor sector with him to Silvacos CFO chair. His experience includes working as a senior financial analyst at Intel Corporation, as a manager for Qualcomm and in a number of financial positions during a nine-year tenure at Broadcom, including as its senior director, FP&A, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Mukah Solar Powerplant (MSPSB) has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Syarikat Sesco Berhad that will see the development of a 100MW solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation facility in Sarawak, Malaysia.

MSPSB is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) co-owned by Solarvest Asset Management (Borneo) with a 60% equity share.

Solarvest Asset Management (Borneo) is an indirect completely owned subsidiary of Solarvest.

The remaining 40% in MSPSB is held by Press Metal Berhad, an indirect completely owned subsidiary of Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad.

As per the agreement, MSPSB will be responsible for designing, constructing, owning, operating, and maintaining the Mukah-based solar PV plant.

The commercial operation date of the solar plant is set for 30 November 2027, with an estimated investment of RM380m ($90.12m).

Solarvest executive director and group chief strategy officer Leon Liew Chee Ing said: The Mukah solar PV plant marks a significant step forward in Sarawaks renewable energy ('RE') journey, and Solarvest is proud to play a central role in delivering one of the states largest clean energy projects.

Once the plant becomes operational, it is expected to annually offset around 46,000 tonnes (t) of carbon dioxide emissions.

Ing further added: The Mukah solar PV plant is aligned with Sarawaks Energy Transition Strategy ('SET-P') and Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, both of which are designed to strengthen Sarawaks RE ecosystem and accelerate the shift toward a low-carbon future.

These frameworks target 10GW (gigawatt) of installed capacity by 2030, rising to 15GW by 2035, with renewables making up at least 60% of the energy mix. We see the Mukah solar PV plant as an energy generation project and a catalyst for Sarawak to emerge as a regional RE hub in line with Malaysias net-zero aspirations.

Solarvest expects this project to bolster its position in the Sarawak engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning market.

The project is anticipated to generate approximately 1,500 to 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for local residents throughout the construction and operational stages.

Additionally, Solarvest, in collaboration with the Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak and Huawei Technologies (Malaysia), has launched the Green Energy Lab in Sarawak.

This initiative seeks to provide more than 1,000 Sarawakians with practical skills in solar and green energy technologies.

"Solarvest and Press Metal special purpose vehicle to develop solar plant in Malaysia " was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
Sheena Jindal is from Boston.

She grew up there, attended MIT, and worked at the Boston Consulting Group for several years. She launched a startup, worked at a startup, and then became an investor at Bessemer and Comcast Ventures (CV).

Last year, her worlds collided when she decided to launch her own fund, Sugar Free Capital, a firm that focuses on investing in technical founders from MIT. She nabbed LPs, including the family offices of heavy-hitting tech executives from companies like Nvidia and Citadel, and on Monday announced the closing of Sugar Frees $32 million inaugural fund.

One premise of the fund is found in the name. While working at CV, she led dozens of deals but found herself dismayed at the sky-high valuations of the 2021 era. She kept referring to investment opportunities as being too sugary, in the sense that valuations were too high, she told TechCrunch.

From there, she started thinking about the innovation of the past few years and how it was focused on optimization. But we are really entering the age of intelligence, she said. She designed a thesis around the idea that capturing the age of intelligence would require two things: technical founders, predominantly those with a systems engineering mindset, which is what MIT brings, she added, and concentration.

The data have shown us historically that venture returns are concentrated among a select group of winners.

The focus on MIT also has another reason. Unlike Harvard and Stanford, there isnt a big class of MIT alumni who are early-stage investors, even though MIT founders often go on to start and work at lucrative companies. MIT folks go into finance, but they go into more quantitative roles, she said  more hedge fund and late-stage investing.

That white space gives Jindal, a rare solo woman GP, an outsized opportunity. She plans to invest in 15 early-stage companies (shes already backed four), writing checks that range from $1 million to $5 million. The firm focuses on AI native infrastructure and picks a new theme each quarter to focus on. For example, this quarter, she is looking for companies focused on physical AI, data center optimization, and AI agents.

Sugar Free has already backed a defense company, a gaming company, and a company in workflow automation. Jindal hopes to cut at least four to five checks a year. Much of the inbound is from her reaching out to founders or referrals, but shes open to cold outreach.

Overall, Jindal feels lucky about this fund. The fundraising environment was and is hard for many GPs, especially solo ones, and especially women. She said LPs liked that her firm provided good access to MIT talent and had a clear thesis.

We are in the transition period between this new world order of AI native technology and the infrastructure and business models of the past, Jindal said. I am excited to see how were able to harmoniously combine these two in terms of infrastructure, technology, and the human experience, and to me, thats really exciting.
In todays CEO Daily: Diane Brady talks to Upwork CEO Hayden Brown about AI.

The big story: Trump pressures Netanyahu to accept Gaza peace plan.

The markets: Broadly up.

Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune.

Good morning. Dayforce will today release its annual pulse survey of roughly 7,000 workers in six countries, showing that 71% of workers have not received AI training in the past yeareven though 63% of workers say developing such skills is important. The result is that 27% of the workers surveyed say theyre using AI on the job, vs 87% of executives and 57% of managers.

Another fascinating front in the war for AI talent is the freelance platforms. On one hand, companies like Upwork and Fiverr have suffered as generative AI has disrupted simple contract jobs like copyediting and translation. But I recently spoke with Upwork CEO Hayden Brown about how AI is enabling the platform to win more business from larger enterprise clients. She cites research showing 63% of executives feel they dont have adequate talent in-house, which may explain why searches for skills like prompt engineering rose more than 50% on Upwork in the last quarter. Some questions to think about:

What is AI talent? Brown says there are 250,000 AI experts on her platform, 80,000 of whom are in the U.S.  Companies are looking for creativity, problem solving, judgment, people who can move up a learning curve quickly as the technology changes, she says, so thats leading to this AI generalist profile that is becoming much more sought after in our ecosystem. As AI gets applied to different tasks, functional expertise is as coveted as technical expertise. And how do you know if those AI skills are real? Check the ratings.

What is the future of gig workers? The unemployment rate for Gen Z is more than double the national rate, which means freelance work may be a necessity as much as a choice. While the lack of benefits, risk of burnout and isolation are clear risks, Brown says the desire for flexibility is strong. Younger generations dont want to be tied to a single employer, says Brown, arguing that a portfolio approach allows multiple income streams and lets workers optimize around where the ROI is highest.

How do the best leaders think about AI? Leaders who hire contractors to replace more expensive full-time workers probably view AI as another cost-saving tool. Those who instead see a flexible talent pool as a strategic advantage in building a dynamic and flexible company will likely fare better. Brown, for one, argues that there will be plenty of work for humans, even as AI agents do more.
Walmart is incorporating ambient IoT (Internet of Things) sensors across its US supply chain under a collaboration with technology company Wiliot to track pallet deliveries.

The initiative will involve monitoring the location and condition of grocery pallets shipped each year to Walmart stores.

The sensors, based on Wiliots ambient IoT technology, will transmit real-time data to Walmarts AI systems.

This is expected to improve supply chain efficiency, inventory accuracy and cold chain compliance.

Financial details of the arrangement have not been revealed.

The sensors are already in place at 500 Walmart locations and will be expanded to 4,600 stores across the US in 2026.

The expansion will encompass all Walmart Supercentres, Neighbourhood Markets, and more than 40 distribution centres nationwide.

The companies described the initiative as the retail industrys first large-scale implementation of ambient IoT. The aim is to deploy 90 million sensors by the end of 2025.

According to Wiliot, its IoT Pixels will produce detailed supply chain data to enable automated alerts, reducing manual tasks and supporting faster operational decisions.

Wiliot CEO Tal Tamir stated: With Walmart, we are advancing supply chain performance at an unprecedented scale,

This nationwide deployment adds a new layer of digitisation to Walmarts supply chain, empowering associates with real-time insights and automation that drive greater efficiency, accuracy and responsiveness.

Walmart employs 2.1 million people globally, including 1.6 million in the US.

The Arkansas-headquartered retailer has grown its revenue by $150bn since 2020 without increasing its workforce, as reported by the Financial Times.

The collaboration aims to enhance visibility throughout Walmarts supply chain and providing real-time insight into the movement and condition of goods.

Walmart senior vice-president of transformation and innovation Greg Cathey stated: At Walmart, technology is in service of people  both our customers and our associates.

With Wiliots ambient IoT technology, coupled with our AI systems, we are not only optimising our supply chain to make faster, smarter inventory decisions, but we are also tackling one of the hardest problems in retail  knowing exactly what we own and where it is at any given moment.

In September 2025, Walmart opened a 725,000ft perishable distribution centre in Wellford, South Carolina.

Located in the Lyman area, the facility is engineered to handle and process fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat and frozen products for distribution to 180 stores.
Key Points

Bitcoin continues to benefit from more buy-in from politicians and financial institutions.

Bitcoin could easily reach the same market cap as gold.

If Bitcoin is adopted as a widely used medium of exchange, it has significantly more upside.

10 stocks we like better than Bitcoin 

Investors who have decades-long time horizons and are serious about growing their portfolios can't ignore Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) anymore. Its monumental rise to become a global financial asset is impressive.

The price of Bitcoin has rocketed 47,430% higher in the past decade (as of Sept. 29). This special performance would've turned a $1,000 starting investment into over $475,000 today. Despite the monster gain, there remains substantial upside for long-term investors looking to buy the world's most proven cryptocurrency.

Where will Bitcoin be in 10 years? The answer might surprise you.

Where we are today

Next January will mark 17 years since Bitcoin's first block was mined. The longer that the network keeps operating, the more confidence people will have in its staying power. And at this point in its lifecycle, Bitcoin can no longer be written off. Important power players on Wall Street and in Washington D.C. are showing their support, whether by their words or by their actions, for Bitcoin. That bodes well for its future.

Wall Street companies want to find ways to better serve their clients, with a key focus on generating profits. If clients want exposure to Bitcoin, these companies find a way to provide it.

The huge success of spot Bitcoin ETFs provides a clear example. These are some of the most successful ETF launches in history. Blackrock's iShares Bitcoin Trust, which is the most popular one, will generate an estimated $219 million in revenue from fees on an annualized basis, based on its current asset base of $87.7 billion. This is a lucrative product.

The political climate has become more accommodating as well. The current U.S. presidential administration is fully embracing Bitcoin. It has introduced favorable regulation and set up a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

These trends focus on what's happening in the U.S. But it wouldn't be a surprise to see other countries follow in the footsteps of the world's most powerful economy, unless they want to get left behind.

Bitcoin in 2035 and beyond

Bitcoin is clearly on an impressive trajectory. By 2035, don't be surprised if its price rises approximately 11-fold, as the current market cap of $2.3 trillion reaches parity with gold's total value today of $25.9 trillion. I believe this is a probable outcome. While this translates to a spectacular annualized return of 27%, it comes up well short of Bitcoin's past returns. I believe this is a reasonable outlook to have.
Vertiv collaboration: Oklo partnered with Vertiv to design integrated power and cooling systems tailored for hyperscale and colocation data centers.

Liberty Energy alliance: Oklo and Liberty Energy formed a strategic partnership to provide turnkey power solutions for data centers, industrial operations, and utilities -- fusing natural gas and nuclear power across energy supply chains.

Department of Energy (DOE) fuel supply chain: Oklo was selected to help build three advanced fuel-fabrication facilities, a critical step in advancing and bolstering the DOE's domestic nuclear fuel ambitions.

Oklo has gained significant attention for its small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Some of the company's most notable partnerships include:

Oklo's path to the public markets was anything but conventional. Rather than pursuing a traditional initial public offering (IPO), the company merged with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) cofounded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The deal was symbolic, as Altman's involvement instantly linked Oklo to the booming AI narrative.

One nuclear energy stock that has gone parabolic over the last year is Oklo (NYSE: OKLO). Let's explore how Oklo is positioning itself as a disruptor in the AI energy landscape and analyze how much an investment of just $1,000 in the stock a year ago would be worth today.

Among different sources of power, nuclear energy has gained particular attention, given its ability to thread a tough needle: providing consistent baseload power while maintaining a low-carbon footprint.

But with this progress comes a challenge that few anticipated: AI requires staggering amounts of electricity, placing unprecedented strain on existing power grids. As a result, many investors are beginning to view energy stocks as adjacent beneficiaries of the AI revolution.

Over the last few years, hyperscalers such as Microsoft , Alphabet , Amazon , Meta Platforms , and Oracle have invested hundreds of billions of dollars into building massive data centers to power artificial intelligence (AI) development. These facilities are the backbone of the AI revolution, enabling the training and deployment of increasingly complex models.

Oklo stock has become one of the hottest stocks at the intersection of AI and nuclear energy.

Story Continues

This growing network of federal projects and private sector alliances gives Oklo an enviable degree of credibility. More importantly, these deals underscore that Oklo is not simply building nuclear hardware -- it is actively embedding itself into the energy infrastructure of today's AI-driven industries.

Is Oklo stock still a buy?

If you had invested $1,000 in Oklo stock at the time of its SPAC merger on May 9, 2024, that stake would be worth roughly $6,200 today. Generating a sixfold return in just over a year is abnormally high by any standard. This raises a critical question: What's really driving Oklo's momentum?

OKLO data by YCharts

While these partnerships are impressive, investors should recognize that none of them have yet translated into tangible sales. In other words, Oklo remains a pre-revenue, cash-burning company in a capital-intensive industry that's historically been burdened with lengthy construction timelines and heavy regulatory scrutiny.

In truth, much of Oklo's rally is driven by narrative. The company is increasingly taking on characteristics of a meme stock, boosted by optimism from enthusiastic -- and likely out-of-touch -- retail investors.

At today's levels, investors would be buying into Oklo at a $16 billion valuation. For context, this implies a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of more than 1,100 based on 2027 revenue estimates. This far exceeds the peak of valuation multiples witnessed during the dot-com and COVID pandemic-era stock market bubbles.

All told, Oklo is an intriguing case study in how hype and megatrends can blur the lines between reality and hope -- fueling prolonged outsized gains in the process. But as an investment, it remains highly speculative. Until Oklo demonstrates meaningful revenue and operational progress, smart investors should monitor from the sidelines rather than buying in at these inflated levels.

Should you buy stock in Oklo right now?

Before you buy stock in Oklo, 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 Oklo 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 $621,976!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,150,085!*

Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 1,058%  a market-crushing outperformance compared to 191% for the S&P 500. Dont miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor.

See the 10 stocks 

*Stock Advisor returns as of September 29, 2025

Adam Spatacco has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Oracle. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

If You'd Invested $1,000 in Oklo Stock Last Year, Here's How Much Money You'd Have Today was originally published by The Motley Fool
My Retired Life/YouTube

Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below.

Retirement is no time for regrets. Your golden years should be spent reminiscing about a life well-lived  filled with hard work, meaningful relationships and hopefully enough savings for some much-deserved days on the beach.

Unfortunately, some Americans have more than a few regrets once they retire. A video on the My Retired Life YouTube channel explored these reflections, gathered from the hosts conversations with a sampling of folks in their 70s and 80s. Their responses are surprising, and maybe a little sad  but most importantly, they may inspire ways to avoid the same traps.

By considering their missteps now, retirees can take action to ensure they live their retirement years to the fullest, embracing experiences, enjoying their hard-earned money and nurturing their health.

Must Read

Regret 1: They wish they had retired earlier

Many retirees regret not retiring earlier, primarily because it would have allowed them to enjoy more of their retirement years in good health and with greater energy.

The 2024 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that while workers often plan to retire around age 65, many end up retiring earlier, with a median retirement age of 62.

One way to help solidify any early retirement plans is to make sure youre contributing consistently to one or more retirement accounts. While you may be contributing steadily, you may not realize that diversifying your investments with a gold IRA could help you protect your retirement fund from economic volatility.

Opting for a gold IRA gives you the opportunity to hedge against market volatility by allowing you to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds.

Priority Gold is an industry leader in precious metals, offering physical delivery of gold and silver. Plus, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating from Trust Link.

If youd like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, Priority Gold offers 100% free rollover, as well as free shipping, and free storage for up to five years. Qualifying purchases will also receive up to $10,000 in free silver.
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- B2BROKER , a global fintech solutions provider for financial institutions, today announced its partnership with Finery Markets , a leading provider of non-custodial ECN and SaaS trading solutions and the first crypto ECN to receive SOC 2 Type 1 & 2 certifications. The collaboration will enhance the institutional crypto OTC offering of B2TRADER , B2BROKER's multi-asset trading platform, by integrating Finery Markets' advanced liquidity and infrastructure technology.

B2BROKER

The partnership comes amid a rapidly expanding institutional OTC market. In 2024, global OTC trading volumes grew by 106% year-on-year, with stablecoin transactions surging 147%. This momentum continued into 2025, as ETFs and regulated access products spurred institutions to scale activity, underscoring why resilient ECN infrastructure and deep liquidity access are becoming indispensable for brokers and financial firms.

Through the collaboration, B2BROKER clients gain direct access to robust institutional spot liquidity from top-tier providers. By leveraging Finery Markets' ECN technology, clients can trade anonymously with efficient credit intermediation and streamlined post-trade settlement. The setup ensures high-quality execution, multiple trading methods, and maximum reliability for institutions navigating fast-evolving digital asset markets.

"We selected Finery Markets for its proven ability to power institutional-grade operations," commented Arthur Azizov, CEO and Founder of B2BROKER. "This partnership enhances our capacity to deliver deep OTC spot liquidity and efficient execution, ensuring clients operate in a high-performance, secure environment and expand faster with confidence."

The integration of Finery Markets' infrastructure into B2TRADER delivers a "plug-and-trade" solution for brokers and financial firms. It also strengthens B2TRADER's role as an institutional-grade multi-asset platform for brokers and exchanges. With a fully managed, tested, and pre-connected back-end, brokers can reduce time-to-market and offer crypto trading almost instantly. Clients benefit from liquidity across hundreds of crypto pairs, with the flexibility to add new instruments within 24 hours upon request. Finery Markets' technology is accessible both via GUI and API (FIX 4.4, REST, WebSocket), enabling seamless deployment for B2BROKER's global client base across institutional, retail, and hybrid business models.

"The partnership with B2BROKER is a testament to our mission: to provide the technology that empowers institutions to lead in the crypto space," said Konstantin Shulga, CEO and co-founder of Finery Markets. "By serving as the core trading infrastructure for OTC markets, we equip B2BROKER with the tools to innovate and expand their offering, creating a strong synergy that drives growth for both firms."

By joining forces, B2BROKER and Finery Markets are shaping the backbone of tomorrow's institutional crypto markets.

About B2BROKER

B2BROKER is a global fintech solutions provider for financial institutions. It delivers liquidity, trading technology, payment solutions, and brokerage infrastructure through a network of specialised entities. Founded in 2014, with key hubs in London, Limassol, Hong Kong, and Dubai, the company operates in 11 countries, serving brokers, exchanges, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms, and other financial institutions. Leveraging its extensive network and ecosystem-driven approach, B2BROKER provides scalable solutions that streamline operations, maximise efficiency, and drive growth.

About Finery Markets

Finery Markets is a leading ICT solutions provider for institutional digital asset trading, offering a non-custodial crypto ECN and trading SaaS. Since launching in 2019, the company has expanded its ecosystem to serve more than 150 clients in 41 countries, including payment providers, brokers, OTC desks, hedge funds, and custodians. In 2025, Finery Markets was named among the Top 300 Fintech Companies by CNBC and Statista.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2790356/B2BROKER.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2719656/B2BROKER_Logo.jpg

Contact:

B2BROKER

[email protected]

SOURCE B2BROKER
" " Spain and other countries on this list are by no means free from racism. David Soanes Photography / Getty Images

Racism isn't always loud. Sometimes it's in the job you don't get, the glance you receive at the store, or the place you're told you "shouldn't go." Figuring out the least racist countries is complex, but research, surveys, and policy data can point us in the right direction.

These rankings are based on factors like racial equality laws, the percentage of survey respondents experiencing discrimination based on ethnic origin or skin color, and how society handles hate speech, systemic racism, and government policies. They also account for cultural diversity, history, and how nations treat people of African descent or other ethnic backgrounds.

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While racism exists in every country, some nations have created more inclusive societies where race, skin color, religion, or ethnicity play less of a role in how a person is treated.
WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) will announce its third quarter 2025 earnings on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange. At 9 a.m. Mountain Time on that day (11 a.m. Eastern Time), Ball will hold its regular quarterly conference call on the company's results and performance.

Please use the following URL to join via webcast:

Ball Corporation Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

To participate in the live call Q&A session, North American callers should use the following number, 877-497-9071. International callers should use the following number, +1 201-689-8727.

For those unable to listen to the live call, a taped replay and transcript of the event will be available within 48 hours on Ball's website at www.ball.com/investors under "Financial Results."

About Ball Corporation

Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers. Ball Corporation employs 16,000 people worldwide and reported 2024 net sales of $11.80 billion, which excludes the divested aerospace business. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.

SOURCE Ball Corporation
Originally appointed in 2020 by the NSW Department of Customer Service, MessageXchange became the state's first Peppol eInvoicing solution provider. Since then, NSW has led the way in eInvoicing adoption, enabling government agencies to seamlessly receive Peppol eInvoices. With NSW Treasury now taking over the portfolio, the review reaffirmed MessageXchange as the preferred partner to support the states continued eInvoicing growth.

Peppol eInvoicing is a secure and standardised way for businesses to exchange invoices electronically, directly between software systems. It eliminates PDFs, emails or paper invoices, reducing manual handling, improving security and accuracy, and cutting processing costs. Most small and medium businesses can already send eInvoices, with the largest accounting software providers in Australia and New Zealand now offering eInvoicing capabilities as part of their products.

Governments across Australia and New Zealand are encouraging the use of eInvoicing, offering incentives for small businesses to adopt eInvoicing. Its estimated that widespread eInvoicing adoption could deliver over $28 billion in economic benefits to the Australian economy over the next 10 years[1].

John Delaney, managing director, MessageXchange, said, MessageXchange is proud to continue its partnership with the NSW Government, said. Together we're making invoicing faster, safer and more cost-effective for suppliers and agencies. This reappointment reflects the strength of our technology, our expertise, and the benefits already delivered to NSW.

MessageXchange has extensive experience delivering eInvoicing across government and enterprise. The company is also the selected eInvoicing Access Point provider for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), New Zealands Inland Revenue and other state governments.

With more than 20 years experience helping businesses and government automate data exchange, MessageXchange continues to support organisations across government, retail, supply chain, payments and superannuation with secure and scalable solutions.

About MessageXchange

MessageXchange is a leading cloud service provider of business-to-business (B2B) integration, including eInvoicing, electronic data interchange (EDI) and payments. Since 1996, MessageXchange has supported government agencies and major enterprises such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and New Zealands Inland Revenue (NZIR), Freedom Furniture, The Good Guys, Sunrice and many SMEs. With a focus on innovation and reliability, MessageXchange empowers all organisations to improve efficiency and achieve compliance and interoperability. For more information, visit messagexchange.com.

[1] ATO and Deloitte Access Economics: https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/e-invoicing
A new report has revealed that Australia can overtake the US to become the worlds second-largest producer of rare earth elements (REEs), after China. Used for renewable energy and technology components, REEs are expected to grow in demand beyond capacity as these sectors continue to boom. For example, renewable energy accounted for 92.5 per cent of new power capacity worldwide last year1, while the consumer electronics market is projected to reach $18 trillion by 2032.

The report, by global intelligence and analysis platform Earth Rarest, has analysed Australias rare earth mining landscape, including global production data and multiple Australian REE projects in the pipeline. The full report is available here: Australia Rare Earth Mining Boom: Breaking China's Monopoly.

As the REE world leader, China produces around 270,000 tonnes of REEs overall  70 per cent of global supply. The US contributes just 12 per cent (45,000 t) and Australia 3 per cent (13,000 t). China also controls 99.9 per cent of global production of heavy REEs, used to produce components for EV motors, wind turbines, energy-efficient lighting and LED screens.

Chinas dominance comes with significant risks. It has the control, technology and knowledge of most of the downstream processing, making it central and indispensable in the global rare earth supply chain. This gives it significant influence over REE pricing. China has also previously halted rare earth exports and, since April 2025, has introduced strict export controls on seven rare earth elements.

In comparison, Australia is rich in light rare earth elements  such as neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), cerium (Ce) and lanthanum (La)  which together account for around 85 per cent of global demand. These materials are needed for technologies such as electric vehicle motors, permanent magnets in wind turbines and cameras. But Australia lacks significant reserves of heavy rare earths like dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb).

However, several projects in Australia, backed by Federal Government support, are now under development to boost our capacity. For instance, Lynas Rare Earths in WA will produce 17,500 tonnes of total rare earth oxide (REO) output by the end of the year. Australias first domestic REE refinery, WAs Eneabba Refinery, will be in operation next year. In the Northern Territory, the integrated mine and processing plant Nolans Project, under construction, has already secured offtake deals with Hyundai, Kia and Siemens. Browns Range in Western Australia will focus on heavy REEs.

Earth Rarests report forecasts that these projects, if executed as planned, could enable Australia to supply 15-20 per cent of global ex-China NdPr demand and elevate it to the worlds second-largest REE supplier.

Russell Gous, spokesperson for Earth Rarest, says: Australia needs to double down on its investment in rare earth mining, processing and manufacturing. While the technology and skills beyond China arent fully developed, there is strong political motivation in Australia and other markets and trading blocs to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals.

With more 17 million electric cars were sold last year alone, pushing the global EV total past 58 million3, demand for rare earths is soaring. With projects already underway, Australia is making progress and will be well placed to lead the Western world in producing the materials necessary for clean energy, technology devices and defence.

The full report, including global production data and Australian project pipelines, is available here: Australia Rare Earth Mining Boom: Breaking China's Monopoly.



About Earth Rarest

Earth Rarest is a global intelligence and analysis platform focused on the rare earth elements (REE) sector and its role in shaping the future of technology, clean energy and geopolitics. The platform provides in-depth reports on mining projects, supply chains and market trends, with the goal of helping governments, investors and industry leaders navigate one of the worlds most strategically important resources. By combining data-driven research with accessible insights, Earth Rarest aims to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges in rare earth production worldwide. Visit www.earthrarest.com.
(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)



The JR Yamanote Line is arguably one of Tokyos most important train lines. On Nov. 1, the green line that circles the heart of the city turns 100.

Stopping at 30 stations including Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ueno and Shinagawa, the Yamanote transports an estimated 970,000 passengers daily.

You can hit virtually all of the capital citys main attractions via the Yamanote Line and it is a guiding post if you get lost as it operates clockwise and counterclockwise, stopping at each station within minutes of the last.

History of the Yamanote

Back in 1885, the Yamanote Line was originally constructed as a single line between Shinagawa and Akabane Stations in 1885. With repeated extensions and evolutions, the line finally became a 34.5-kilometer-long rail loop when an elevated railroad connected the Ueno-Tokyo section on Nov. 1, 1925.

Today, a line train on the rail loop, either clockwise (sotomawari) or counterclockwise (uchimawarai), completes the 34.5-kilometer-long course in one hour.

Centennial celebration

To mark the special occasion, rail company JR East is running Tsunagaru Yamanotesen Fes or Lets get connected with Yamanote Line Festival.

Through Nov. 3, two Yamanote trains will be wrapped to look like previous 103 (ran from 1963 to 88) and 205-series (ran from 1985 to 2005) Yamanote trains of the past.

The two wrapped trains have a 100th anniversary logo installed on the front and run along the loop less than 10 times a day, according to a JR East official. (Run times of these special trains vary by day and time).

A stamp rally at Tokyo, Ueno, Sugamo, Shinjuku, Harajuku and Takanawa Gateway is also ongoing throughout the period. Check out the JR East website for more information about the festival.

Why not hop on a Tokyo green train this autumn to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Tokyos signature rail line loop?

Learn more about the Yamanote Line and its 30 stations at Stripes Japan article https://japan.stripes.com/travel/getting-around-tokyo-on-the-yamanote-line.html

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)



(Illustration by Stripes Japan)



Stations on Yamanote Line

Tsunagaru Yamanote Line Fes through Nov.3 (Lets get connected with Yamanote Line Festival)

https://www.jreast.co.jp/tokyomovinground/exhibition/yamafes/
BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Wellness Brands, parent company of plusOne, today announced a groundbreaking new employee benefit in partnership with Midi Health, one of the nation's fastest-growing virtual care platforms for women in midlife.

Beginning this fall, all Beacon employees, regardless of insurance coverage, will be eligible for a significant annual stipend for perimenopause- and menopause-related care, including:

Virtual visits with clinicians specializing in midlife women's health

Personalized prescriptions and care plans, including HRT and GLP-1 options

options Referrals for advanced care related to menopause and perimenopause

Currently, 20% of the female workforce is experiencing peri/post-menopause. Additionally, research shows that 80% of women say symptoms impact their work, and 1 in 10 women ultimately leave the workforce entirely due to unmanaged symptoms.

"At Beacon, we believe supporting women's health goes beyond the products we createit extends to how we care for our own team," said Maria Warrington, CEO of Beacon Wellness Brands. "Through our partnership with Midi Health, we're proud to offer meaningful support that helps employees navigate one of life's most significant health transitions."

The announcement coincides with the launch of plusOne's new Wellness Care collection  a comprehensive lineup of clean, affordable solutions designed to meet women's most pressing menopause needsfrom sleep and energy support to intimacy and daily comfort. The range includes topical serums, transdermal patches, vaginal hydration gels, and calming sleep aids, all formulated with plant-based extracts, adaptogens, and body-safe ingredients. Together, these products create a holistic toolkit that empowers women to manage symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, low libido, and disrupted sleep with dignity and confidence.

Together, these initiatives underscore Beacon Wellness Brands' commitment to advancing women's health for both the consumer and their internal team.

SOURCE Beacon Wellness Brands
UPPSALA, Sweden, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beactica Therapeutics AB, the Swedish precision medicine company, today announced that it has conducted a first scientific advisory meeting with the Swedish Medical Products Agency regarding the drug candidate BEA-17. Specifically, the company's plans for the preclinical development aimed at enabling dosing of BEA-17 in humans were discussed. The Swedish Medical Products Agency expressed its support for Beactica's plans. Positive discussions were also held regarding the design and setup of a first clinical trial with BEA-17.

"It is an important milestone for BEA-17 and Beactica to have completed the first formal meeting with regulatory authorities. It was a successful meeting where we received support for our plans, and we now have a clear picture of what needs to be done in the continued work towards a planned clinical trial application." said Beactica's CEO, Dr Per Kallblad.

About BEA-17

BEA-17 is a first-in-class small molecule targeted degrader of lysine demethylase 1 (LSD1) and its co-factor CoREST. In syngeneic animal models of cancer, the compound has shown promising potentiation of immune-modulating treatments in several cancer forms, including anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitors in colon cancer (CT26) and standard of care (temozolomide and radiation) in glioblastoma (GL261). Pharmacokinetic studies of BEA-17 show good blood-brain-barrier penetration and oral availability. BEA-17 is investigational and not approved anywhere globally. Its efficacy and safety in humans have not been established. BEA-17 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM).

About Beactica Therapeutics

Beactica Therapeutics AB is a privately held precision medicine company with a pipeline of novel small molecule therapeutics aimed at treating diseases with significant unmet medical need. Beactica's approach is centered around the Eclipsor platform that enables the efficient development of allosteric modulators and targeted protein degraders. Beactica deliver value to patients and shareholders by advancing its programmes to clinical proof of concept. For more information, please visit www.beactica.com.

Beactica Therapeutics contact

Per Kallblad M.Sc. Ph.D.

CEO

[email protected]

Tel: +46 18 56 08 80

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/beactica-therapeutics-ab/r/beactica-conducts-first-advisory-meeting-with-the-swedish-medical-products-agency-regarding-the-deve,c4246219

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Our one and only daughter has gone off to college. My wife and I dropped her off the weekend before. As we made the four-hour drive from Houston to Baton Rouge along I-10, the road stretched ahead, both endless and fleeting, as if time itself were torn between holding on and letting go. Between bursts of laughter and quiet silences, we spoke of classes, friendships, boys, the discipline of focus, and, most importantly, the questions that shape a life, namely: the whys she must never forget. Every word, every pause, was filled with the kind of love parents hope will echo in a childs heart long after they are gone. We tried to hide the ache of knowing she was no longer entirely ours.

Though it is barely two weeks since she left, my wife is already unraveling. She worries about everything under the sun; what Nkechi eats, whether she is safe, if she is truly happy. She insists she should never take an Uber alone, only with friends, because the world can be unkind, and mothers, as if by instinct, always imagine the worst.

I like to think I am handling it a little better, but that is only half true. My worries are quieter, perhaps, but they linger all the same. And the irony is not lost on me: the fact that she has always been such a good kid, responsible, grounded, never giving us reason to lose sleep, has done little to ease the weight of our imagination running wild. The human mind, I have found, is endlessly creative in fabricating disasters where none exist.

As humans, it is striking how we conjure entire catastrophic scenarios out of uncertainty. An email from the boss with the subject line See me feels like a summons to doom. A delayed call from a spouse morphs into betrayal. A mild headache becomes the seed of a brain tumor in our imagination. And so, long before anything real has happened, we have already lived through the suffering.

Seneca, the stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome, captured this human folly almost two millennia ago when he observed: We suffer more often in imagination than in reality. Pain in reality is bounded, finite, and tangible. Fear in imagination is infinite, merciless, and without borders. Michel de Montaigne, centuries later, echoed the same truth: My life has been filled with terrible misfortunes, most of which never happened.

As an intensivist working with the very sick, I can testify that Senecas wisdom plays out daily at the bedside. It is not always the illness itself that consumes the sick, but the anticipation of it. I have seen patients scheduled for surgery tormented by the night before, unable to sleep, gripped by the fear that they may not make it through. Yet once the operation is done, and the tubes and machines are withdrawn, many discover that the suffering of anticipation was far worse than the ordeal itself.

Families, too, live through this cycle: they suffer the loss of loved ones many times in their imagination before the actual moment arrives. And when it does, when reality finally demands its share, they often find that it is bearable, even infused with moments of grace, solidarity, and unexpected courage.

One of my most important duties as a doctor, beyond prescribing medications and adjusting ventilators, is helping patients and families disentangle real suffering from imagined suffering. To remind them, sometimes gently and sometimes firmly, that they need not die a thousand deaths in their minds before reality arrives.

History offers further confirmation of this truth. During the major German bombing campaign against the United Kingdom in World War II, popularly known as the London Blitz, psychologists observed that the anticipation of bombings often created greater anxiety than the bombings themselves. Once the sirens stopped and the bombs fell, people adapted, found courage, and built community amid the rubble. Reality had boundaries; imagination had none.

And it is not just in war or illness. In everyday life, we experience the same dynamic. How many tasks have we procrastinated on because we imagined they would be unbearable, only to discover, once begun, that they were manageable, even easy? How many conversations have we avoided because we pictured them spiraling into conflict, only to find, in reality, that honesty brought relief?

Again and again, the dread proves worse than the deed.

The problem is even magnified in our digital age. Every headline predicting collapse, every social media feed amplifying disaster, every algorithm pushing sensational fear stories keeps us in cycles of imagined suffering. We doomscroll our way into panic, prisoners of what if, sacrificing the present to a future that may never arrive.

The tragedy is that imagined suffering is not harmless. Chronic anxiety triggers cascades of stress hormones, raising blood pressure, impairing sleep, weakening immunity. Our bodies pay interest on emotional debts we do not owe. We rehearse pain, and in doing so, we harm ourselves twice: once in anticipation, and once if it comes, in reality.

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None of this is to deny the legitimacy of suffering. Illness, loss, betrayal, and failure are all part of the human condition. But when they arrive, they arrive clothed in the particular, not in the boundless infinity of our imagination. Reality, no matter how brutal, often brings with it surprising gifts: resilience we never knew we had, compassion from others, and the discovery of meaning even in pain. I have seen patients facing terminal illness with dignity, families rallying around loved ones, communities rising from tragedy with solidarity and courage. In these moments, reality turned out far kinder than the imagination that preceded it. For reality, unlike fear, comes not only with pain but with the possibility of grace.

The question becomes, how do we resist the tyranny of imagination? We cannot silence it altogether, but we can refuse to be its prisoner. We can name our fears and write them down, often discovering their absurdity on paper. We can anchor ourselves in the present, paying attention to what is actually happening rather than what might happen. We can test our fears against evidence, asking: What do I truly know, and what am I assuming? We can recall the resilience we have shown in the past, trusting that we will rise again. And above all, we can refuse to suffer twice. When hardship comes, it will demand its share, let us not pay it in advance.

Senecas wisdom remains revolutionary because it cuts across centuries and cultures. We suffer more in imagination than in reality, and reality, for all its sharp edges, often proves kinder than we fear. My wife and I must learn this lesson as we watch our daughter begin her journey into the world and navigate life on her own terms. We must not live through our funeral before our death. Life is already difficult; it does not need the added weight of rehearsed tragedies. I just finished reading a memoir by Femi Otedola, one of Nigerias wealthiest men, and in it he shared a reflection that has stayed with me. Paraphrasing his words: There is a time to be born and a time to die, but in between, we must learn how to live. To truly live, requires us to resist the tyranny of imagination; the endless rehearsals of suffering that never comes, the fears that rob us of the moment we are standing in. It is the art of inhabiting the present without dying a thousand little deaths before the final one. For the secret of a life well lived is not in banishing fear altogether, but to suffer only what is real.

Osmund Agbo is a pulmonary physician.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The DJS Law Group announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of CarMax, Inc. ("CarMax" or "the Company") (NYSE: KMX) for violations of the securities laws.

INVESTIGATION DETAILS: The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. CarMax reported disappointing financial results for Q2 2025 on September 25, 2025. The Company reported a 6.3% drop in comparable store used unit sales, and a decline in net earnings for the quarter. CarMax shares fell roughly 20% in response to its disappointing results.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, contact us to participate.

WHY DJS LAW GROUP? DJS Law Group's primary focus is to enhance investor return through balanced counseling and aggressive advocacy. We specialize in securities class actions, corporate governance litigation, and domestic/international M&A appraisals. Our clients are some of the largest and most sophisticated hedge funds and alternative asset managers in the world. The litigation claims of our clients are extraordinarily valuable assets that demand respect, focus, and results.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.

CONTACT:

David J. Schwartz

DJS Law Group

274 White Plains Road, Suite 1

Eastchester, NY 10709

Phone: 914-206-9742

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE DJS Law Group LLP
Authentic Roman trattoria featuring contemporary-Neapolitan pizza and traditional Italian dishes to open in Carrollwood

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Piccolo Buco, from the team behind Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants, is excited to announce the opening of its third location in Tampa, Florida on October 20, 2025. This newest restaurant continues the Cooper's Hawk brand mission of bringing exceptional culinary and wine experiences directly to guests' backyards.

Charred Pepperoni Pizza Mezzi Rigatoni Alla Vodka

Located at 14904 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618, Piccolo Buco is an intimate dining destination that captures the essence of Rome. In partnership with Chef Luca Issa, owner of the original Piccolo Buco in Rome, the restaurant brings authentic Italian traditions to Tampa. Cooper's Hawk Founder Tim McEnery discovered Piccolo Buco while traveling in Rome and set out to bring their unique pizza experience to wine club members and guests.

"Tampa is a perfect fit for Piccolo Buco's authentic approach to pizza and Italian dining.," said Tim McEnery, CEO/Founder of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. "As we establish our presence in Florida for the first time, we're excited to become part of this vibrant community. This third location reinforces our vision of crafting exceptional dining experiences that bring people together around great food and genuine hospitality."

The Tampa location features 192 seats; 144 interior and 48 in an enclosed patio. Upon entry, guests are met with a grand tasting bar with custom mantelpiece and light-framed shelving showcasing vintage treasures. Here, wine tastings come alive with subtle nods to Rome, local culture, and the Piccolo Buco identity through bespoke artwork and wall features.The dining room buzzes with energy, offering a mix of seating and a clear connection to the kitchen, all beneath a suspended industrial ceiling adorned with woven string lights, evoking an al fresco feel. A striking mural of Roman statues adds an artistic flourish, paying homage to the restaurant's history.

For a more intimate escape, the main bar features warm woods, vintage floral walls, and a curated gallery of nostalgic pieces. Every detail comes together to create a space that transports guests to the charm of a small Roman pizzeria while honoring Luca Issa, the original Piccolo Buco in Italy, and the joy of sharing food and wine in a place that feels unmistakably special.

The menu showcases traditional Italian favorites alongside innovative interpretations, prepared with a mix of authentic and local ingredients. Signature items include Luca's "Red, Yellow or White" pizza that finishes with a crisp, yet cloud-like dough and tall crust. Starters include Mama Luca's Meatballs, Crispy Stuffed Squash Blossoms and Crispy Calamari. Modern Roman-style entrees include Cacio e Pepe, Truffle Fondue Cappellacci and Braised Short Ribs. In true Italian fashion - be sure to leave room for dessert; Mama Luca's Tiramisu, Amalfi Pound Cake and Chicago's own, Raffaello Gelato. An extensive wine selection features both Italian varietals and Cooper's Hawk's own award-winning wines.

The lunch menu features a collection of Sardinian sandwiches made with the brand's signature pizza dough. To round out the experience, Cooper's Hawk wine club members can also enjoy the perks of their membership at all Piccolo Buco locations.

To commemorate the official opening, a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 18th at 4:30PM with Lee R. Pierson Jr., President of the Carrollwood Area Business Association , Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants Founder/CEO, Tim McEnery and Piccolo Buco Rome's Chef/Owner, Luca Issa .

Location & Hours: Address: 14904 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618 Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 11AM - 9PM; Friday & Saturday, 11AM - 10PM (all day menu) Lunch Menu: Daily, 11AM - 3:30PM Happy Hour: Monday - Thursday, 2PM - 5:30PM

Phone: 656-233-9470

Reservations: Open Table

Website: https://piccolobuco.coopershawk.com/

Instagram @piccolobuco | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiccoloBucoByCH/

About Piccolo Buco by Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants: A collaboration between Cooper's Hawk Founder Tim McEnery and Chef Luca Issa of the original Piccolo Buco in Rome. The restaurant specializes in handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizza featuring Chef Luca's signature tall, crown-like crust. Each dish follows the Italian tradition of simplicity, quality, and craftsmanship, thoughtfully paired with wine. Cooper's Hawk's 800,000 Wine Club members enjoy exclusive benefits at both Piccolo Buco and Cooper's Hawk locations.

For more information, please contact Wink PR - [email protected] | 917 930 4080

SOURCE Piccolo Buco
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The murder of Colombian DJs Bayron Sanchez (known as DJ B-King) and Jorge Luis Herrera (DJ Regio Clown) has taken a dramatic turn following the emergence of two parallel and conflicting lines of investigation: one pointing to criminal groups linked to La Union Tepito, and another marked by serious allegations of torture and arbitrary detention by the State of Mexico Attorney Generals Office (FGJEM).

The dismembered and decapitated bodies of Sanchez and Herrera were found on September 17 in Cocotitlan, State of Mexico, next to a message written on a piece of cardboard, allegedly signed by a criminal group believed to have ties to Michoacanpossibly La Familia Michoacana, according to one hypothesis.

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Suspects and La Union Tepito Links

One of the key developments in the case, according to the investigation file, is the connection of the group known as Los Pesados de Los Reyes y Neza to the double homicide. This group is allegedly directly linked to La Union Tepito, a criminal organization known for controlling drug trafficking in several parts of Mexico City.

The information stems from the testimony of a Venezuelan national, Angie Miller, an actress and adult content creator who had a romantic relationship with Bayron Sanchez. Miller, one of the last people to see the DJs alive on September 16 after they left a gym in Polanco, testified before authorities during a hearing at Neza Bordo prison.

In addition, a judge from the Nezahualcoyotl Judicial District ordered the prosecution of three men and one woman as possible cooperators in the double murder. They are accused of providing a Mercedes Benz vehicle used to transport the victims from Plaza Milan in Polanco to Cocotitlan, located in the volcano region of the State of Mexico. However, the defense attorney for one of the suspects, Jaime N, has questioned the strength of the evidence, arguing that the witness never specifically mentioned the accused as the people who forced the DJs into the vehicle.

Possible Motive: Drugs and "Gota a Gota" Loans

The witnesss testimony also suggests that the case may be related to drug trafficking and financial disputes. On September 11, just days before their disappearance, the DJs attended a meeting at a Mexico City hotel with their manager, Juan Camilo Gallego, and other Colombians, including Diego Armando, identified as a leader of a gota a gota loan schemean illegal lending system commonly operated by Colombian criminal networks.

At that meeting, participants reportedly consumed tusi (also known as pink cocaine) and discussed the distribution of another drug called coco-chanel in Mexico, allegedly with the approval of La Union Tepito. Security experts note that tusi (2C-B) is widely sold in the capital by La Union Tepito and La Chokisa, another criminal group. One hypothesisstill unconfirmedsuggests that B-King may have been murdered for failing to pay extortion fees to distribute drugs.

Torture Allegations Against Authorities in the State of Mexico

Parallel to the investigation into the possible material perpetrators, four Colombian citizens have alleged they were victims of torture and arbitrary arrest by the FGJEM. The detainees, identified as Yuli Felicidad, Yonier Mantilla, Leandro Quintero, and Juan Fernando Cordoba, were arrested between September 24 and 29, just days after the bodies were discovered.

According to court records and statements from their families, the FGJEM illegally detained the suspects multiple times, subjected them to violent interrogations, beatings, and suffocation with plastic bags in an attempt to extract confessions linking them to the DJs murder.

Irregular Detention: The detainees were transferred between various facilities, and the National Detention Registry shows inconsistencies, with some of them reportedly arrested more than once during that period. Quintero, for instance, was allegedly suffocated and beaten while being questioned about the crime.

The Mercedes Benz: Felicidad and Mantilla were shown a photo of the gray Mercedes Benz used in the transportation of the victims and were pressured to identify it. Both denied any knowledge of the vehicle. The car was discovered on September 24 during a search of an abandoned house where Felicidad and Quintero were previously detained.

Unrelated Charges: Although the FGJEM initially questioned the detainees about the homicide, they were ultimately charged with extortion, a crime their families claim has no connection to the murder. Authorities reportedly opened at least four case files for homicide, drug trafficking, and bribery, before finally issuing arrest warrants for extortion.

Relatives of the detainees believe the real motive was to use them as scapegoats for the disappearance and murder of B-King and Regio Clown.

To date, the State of Mexico Attorney Generals Office has not identified the actual perpetrators of the crime. The FGJEM has refused to comment on the allegations of torture, although it insists it has ample evidence to support the charges of extortion against the four Colombians.
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22:58 Lawyer who tried to hurl shoe at CJI booked in Bengaluru The Bengaluru Police on Wednesday registered a zero FIR against the lawyer who allegedly attempted to hurl a shoe towards Chief Justice of India B R Gavai in his courtroom in the Supreme Court, officials said.A zero FIR can be registered anywhere, irrespective of where the alleged offence... Read more >

22:51 Colleges reopen in Leh after two weeks Colleges across Leh district opened on Wednesday, after remaining closed for two weeks following the September 24 violence, officials said.Ladakh Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a security review meeting and ordered lifting of other restrictions to restore complete normalcy in the Union... Read more >

22:05 Traffic also a challenge in London: Shivakumar Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said the traffic congestion is a global and national challenge, citing London and Delhi as examples.He asserted that the traffic issue in Bengaluru is receiving traction due to the vibrancy of the state's traditional and social... Read more >

21:58 Newly married techie hangs self in Gurugram house A 28-year-old software engineer allegedly hanged himself in his house in Bhondsi in Gurugram, police said on Wednesday.Subham Meena had a love marriage just six months ago with a Delhi-based woman and had been living with her near Mata Colony in the Nayagaon area. He left behind no note to... Read more >

21:23 Chaitanyananda allowed onion-less food in jail A Delhi court on Wednesday passed an interim order allowing a plea of self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati to have access to food without onion and garlic, spectacles and medicines.Earlier on October 3, judicial magistrate Animesh Kumar had sought a response from Delhi Police on... Read more >

20:57 Courier firm employee flees with 81 parcels, cash The Mumbai police have registered a case against an employee of a prominent courier firm after he fled with over 80 parcels meant to be delivered to customers along with some cash, an official said on Wednesday. The incident took place on September 29 and the case in this connection was... Read more >

20:29 2 soldiers go missing during combing op in Anantnag Security forces launched a massive search operation in the forests of Kokernag area in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag to locate two missing soldiers after losing contact with them during a combing exercise in the area to track down terrorists, officials said on Wednesday.The combing operation was... Read more >

19:51 Cough syrup deaths: Pharma co to face criminal action Tamil Nadu Government will take criminal action against a drug manufacturer, whose cough syrup has been banned in the wake of children's deaths in Madhya Pradesh, state minister Ma Subramanian said here on Wednesday.The government has issued its second notice against the drug manufacturer for the... Read more >

19:33 Rupee falls 3 paise to close at 88.80 against US dollar The rupee witnessed range-bound trade on Wednesday and settled for the day lower by three paise at 88.80 (provisional) against the US dollar, tracking a negative trend in domestic equities amid a rise in risk-off sentiments.Forex traders said the US dollar is holding its ground, yet beneath the... Read more >

19:07 Actor in Amitabh's 'Jhund' murdered in drunken brawl A scene from 'Jhund' Actor Priyanshu alias Babu Ravi Singh Chhetri, who became famous for his onscreen character 'Babu Chhetri' in Hindi film Jhund, was allegedly murdered by his friend following a drunken brawl in Nagpur, in the wee hours on Wednesday, the police said.The accused, identified as Dhruv Lal Bahadur... Read more >

18:35 Meghalaya CM to visit Manipur, meet displaced people Conrad Sangma. Pic: ANI Photo Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma is scheduled to arrive in Manipur on Thursday on a two-day visit. During the visit, he will meet functionaries of his NPP in Manipur and discuss the prevailing political situation in the state, party leaders said. He will also meet... Read more >

18:19 Youth held in Ukraine went for studies: Guj police Majoti Sahil Mohammed Hussein, a Gujarat resident who had travelled to Russia for further studies, enlisted in the Russian military to avoid a prison sentence in a drug-related case.The idea of joining the Russian army was not to fight the adversary but to surrender the moment he got a chance to... Read more >

18:00 TVK seeks police nod for Vijay to meet stampede victims' kin Pic: TVK/ANI Photo The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday petitioned the state police seeking permission for party president Vijay to visit Karur to meet the families of the 41 people who died in the stampede during his rally on September 27. Speaking to reporters after making the representation to... Read more >

17:27 Geetanjali Angmo visits Sonam Wangchuk in Jodhpur jail Geetanjali Angmo on Wednesday said she had visited her husband, Sonam Wangchuk, in Jodhpur jail, where he was lodged in the wake of the September 24 Leh violence. Angmo met the climate activist on Tuesday along with lawyer Ritam Khare, she said on X. She said Wangchuk's legal team has... Read more >

17:11 As husband lay asleep wife pours boiling oil on him... Representational image As Dinesh lay asleep in his Madangir house, his wife poured boiling oil and red chilli powder on him, sending him into screams that rent the dead calm of the night. On October 3, a 28-year-old pharmaceutical firm worker was brought to Safdarjung Hospital with severe burns and was admitted to... Read more >

16:53 'Chances of war with India are real' Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that chances of war with India are real and claimed that his country would achieve even bigger success in the case of any armed conflict in future. Asif made the remarks in an interview with Samaa TV on Tuesday, where the anchor asked him... Read more >

16:41 BJP, Cong unite over Sabarimala gold issue The BJP and its youth wing held protests at various places in Kerala over the alleged irregularities in the gold-plating of 'Dwarapalaka' idols at the Sabarimala temple. Meanwhile, the Congress continued its criticism and accusations against the Left government in the matter with Leader of... Read more >

16:22 Spilt petrol, lit beedi, tossed matchstick. Then... Representational image Six persons suffered burns when a man inadvertently threw a matchstick onto spilled petrol after lighting a beedi in Maharashtra's Nashik city on Wednesday, officials said. Some of the injured persons have been admitted to the District Civil Hospital, while the others are receiving care at a... Read more >

16:07 Modi inaugurates Rs 19,000-cr Navi Mumbai airport Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, built at a cost of around Rs 19,650 crore. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Governor Acharya... Read more >

15:44 23 cases against hairstylist Javed Habib, son for fraud Hairstylist Javed Habib and his son Anos Habib have been booked in 23 cases of fraud for allegedly swindling Rs 7 crore from the people through an investment scheme, police said on Wednesday. Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said the two ran a scheme under the banner of FLC... Read more >

15:41 Three share Chemistry Nobel for 'metal-organic frameworks' The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar M. Yaghi for the development of metal-organic frameworks.' Read more >

15:26 Admire shoe-hurling lawyer: Ex-B'lore top cop, BJP leader Bhaskar Rao Former Bengaluru Police Commissioner and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao has admired advocate Rakesh Kishore, who had attempted to hurl a shoe towards Chief Justice of India B R Gavai. As his post drew sharp reaction, Rao apologised. Even if it is legally & terribly wrong, I admire your courage,... Read more >

15:15 PayPal To Focus On Cross-Border Transactions While India remains a key market for US-based payments giant PayPal, the company has no plans to enter the domestic payments space. Instead, it will focus on cross-border transactions, aiming to connect India with the rest of the world.Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, Alex Chriss, CEO of... Read more >

15:12 Man's bulky backpack behind Mumbra accident that killed 5 A probe by the Central Railway has concluded that a commuter's protruding backpack led to the fall of eight travellers from two trains in Thane district in June, of whom five lost their lives, officials said on Wednesday. The probe team ruled out any technical fault, quarrelling among... Read more >

15:01 TN govt seals cough syrup factory near Chennai Representational image The Tamil Nadu government has sealed the factory of a drug manufacturer located in neighbouring Kancheepuram district after 20 children from Madhya Pradesh died after consuming a contaminated cough syrup. A Special Investigation Team formed by the Madhya Pradesh Police is also expected to inspect... Read more >

14:49 'Kantara: Chapter 1' mints Rs 427.5 cr worldwide in 6 days Actor-director Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 has taken the box office by storm, grossing Rs 427.5 crore worldwide within six days of release, the makers said in a statement. The movie is a prequel to Shetty's 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which became a cultural phenomenon for its rooted... Read more >

14:11 Zubeen death: Fresh summons for 10 Assamese NRIs The police will issue fresh summons to 10 people associated with Assam Association Singapore in connection with singer Zubeen Garg's death as they failed to appear before the investigating agency within the deadline, a senior officer said on Wednesday. Altogether 11 NRIs from the state were... Read more >

14:05 Raymond To Invest 1,000 Cr In Aerospace, Auto Units The Raymond Group will set up two global manufacturing units in Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh at a cumulative investment of around 1,000 crore, a move which will strengthen the company's foothold in aerospace and automotive sectors.The aerospace manufacturing unit will come up at... Read more >

14:03 UP Gets 34K Cr Military-Ware, Aerospace Investment The Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) attracted almost 34,000 crore worth of investment in a bid to boost indigenous aerospace and military-ware production under the Make in India scheme. The nodal agency UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has allocated... Read more >

13:59 'All is well in NDA, Nitish is CM face in Bihar polls' Senior BJP leader and Union minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday said, Nitish Kumar is NDA's CM face in the Bihar Assembly elections. The union minister ruled out any differences between NDA partners over seat-sharing arrangements for Bihar assembly polls and said talks are underway and the final... Read more >

13:55 Man beats nephew to death after finding him with wife A 28-year-old man allegedly beat his nephew to death after finding him with his wife in a compromising situation at the couple's home in Baburi village in Sultanpur, UP, police said on Wednesday. The incident happened Tuesday night after Ramesh Kori returned home from a feast and allegedly... Read more >

13:18 A PM, a disposable camera and Indo-UK investments British Prime Minister Keir Starmer interacted with business leaders here in the financial capital on Wednesday as he commences his first official visit to India. In a light-hearted moment, he was seen taking a selfie with a disposable camera during an interaction with business leaders at the... Read more >

13:06 Zubeen Garg's cop cousin arrested in singer's death case Zubeen and Sandipan Garg Zubeen Garg's cousin and Assam Police DSP Sandipan Garg was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the singer's death in Singapore last month, a senior officer said. The DSP was booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to... Read more >

13:04 Contempt action against shoe-hurling lawyer awaited An advocate has sought the consent of Attorney General R Venkataramani to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against lawyer Rakesh Kishore for attempting to throw a shoe at Chief Justice of India B R Gavai inside the courtroom on Monday.In a shocking security breach, Kishore (71) attempted... Read more >

13:01 How the army prevented casualties after major fire in J-K In a remarkable incident, the Indian Army and civil administration averted a potential tragedy from occurring with their quick and coordinated actions on Tuesday evening. Reportedly, a fire erupted in the Tulail area of the larger Gurez Valley, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora... Read more >

12:31 Best time to invest in India is...: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday highlighted India's growth in the technological sector, underlining its achievements in developing indigenous technology, emphasising the impact of initiatives like 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and Make in India. Addressing the India Mobile Congress (IMC)... Read more >

12:12 Vijay's TVK moves SC on order to set up SIT on Karur Tamil actor Vijay's political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court order constituting a SIT to probe the Karur stampede that killed 41 people. The apex court agreed to hear the plea on Friday. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai... Read more >

11:57 Centre's policy decisions on Bihar under poll code: EC The Election Commission on Wednesday said the provisions of model code of conduct are also applicable to the Central government as far as announcements and policy decisions on Bihar are concerned.The poll code came into force immediately after the Election Commission (EC) announced the schedule... Read more >

11:30 HC issues notice to SRK's Red Chillies, Netflix on web series The Delhi HC issues a notice to Shahrukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment and Netflix on former Narcotics Control Bureau officer Sameer Wankhede's suit alleging defamation in a web series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood. The HC has asked Red Chillies Entertainment and others to file a reply to the... Read more >

11:24 Electric 2-Wheeler Registrations Up 18% Despite the crisis surrounding rare-earth magnets affecting the production of many players and leading to a sharp fall in sales of market leader Ola Electric, India's electric two-wheeler registrations have shown an 18 per cent increase in the first six months of 2025-26 (FY26) over the same... Read more >

11:21 Rs 24K Cr Rail Projects Get Cabinet Green Light The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved four projects worth Rs 24,634 crore to decongest key trunk routes of the railway network. This would be done by adding track capacity across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.The projects include Wardha-Bhusawal (3rd and 4th line in... Read more >

11:19 4 workers dead, 6 injured as lift crashes at power plant in Chhattisgarh Representational image Four workers were killed and six others injured after a lift collapsed from a height at a power plant in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district, officials said on Wednesday. The incident took place on Tuesday night at RKM Powergen Pvt Ltd's plant in Dabhra area of Ucchpinda village in the district,... Read more >

11:14 Pak, Turkiye to receive advance US air-to-air missiles The US Department of War, in a press statement released towards the end of September, announced that Pakistan is among the list of countries that are set to receive American manufacturer Raytheon's Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles. In a press release dated September 30, the US... Read more >

11:01 Political violence has increased in WB because of TMC: BJP Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar meets BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh BJP leader Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday strongly condemned the attack on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, highlighting an increase in political violence in West Bengal under the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government. Ghosh alleged that the Trinamool... Read more >

10:46 ICICI Pru MF Hits Rs 10 Trn In Assets ICICI Pru MF is the second asset management company to cross Rs 10 trillion in assets under management (AUM) across its MF schemes.The country's second-largest fund house achieved this milestone during the September quarter. Its AUM grew the fastest among the top five, rising 7.5 per cent... Read more >

10:40 Sebi To Use New AI To Track Misleading Ads, Finfluencers The Securities and Exchange Board of India is developing an artificial intelligence-powered system to detect and review illegal or misleading advertisements and social media content.The tool, called Regulatory AI-Driven Advertisement Reviewer -- R(AI)DAR -- is aimed at bolstering the stock market... Read more >

10:34 Landslide on bus in HP kills 15, search on for 8 yr old Search Operations are still underway for an 8-year-old boy after a landslide struck a private bus in the Balughat area of the Jhandutta assembly segment in Bilaspur, killing 15 people, police said on Wednesday.SP Bilaspur Sandeep Dhawal informed that the rescue operation commenced today at 6:40... Read more >

10:19 GST Revamp: Firms Can Raise Grammage, Not Cut Prices Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies have the option to increase grammage in products instead of reducing price to pass on the benefits under the latest round of rationalisation in GST rates, despite a recent ruling by the Delhi high court on an old dispute, according to government... Read more >

10:10 Met 'Alia Bhatt', a real cutie pie: Priyanka Gandhi Priyanka Gandhi Vadra with the cow named Alia Bhatt Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shares this image on X, writing: Met a group of dairy farmers at a dairy farm run by the loveliest family (and even encountered a cow named Alia Bhatt!!, due apologies to Ms.Bhatt @aliaa08, but she was really a cutie pie!). Unfortunately dairy farmers are... Read more >

10:02 Disgusting photo-op: Injured BJP MLA on Mamata's hospital visit BJP MLA Sankar Ghosh BJP MLA Sankar Ghosh, who was injured alongside party MP Khagen Murmu in a mob attack in Jalpaiguri, accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of indulging in a cynical and disgusting photo-op during her brief visit to the hospital. In a video posted on Facebook from his hospital... Read more >

09:48 LG Sets Tone For Busy IPO Week The initial public offering (IPO) of LG Electronics India got off to a strong start on Tuesday, with its share sale fully subscribed on day one, while WeWork India's IPO sailed through on the final day of subscription.Meanwhile, Tata Capital's mega share sale was three-fourths covered, reflecting... Read more >

09:23 Trump loyalist confirmed as US Ambassador to India The United States Senate has confirmed Sergio Gor as the next Ambassador of the United States to India. Gor, 38, was among 107 nominees confirmed by the Senate in a single en bloc vote on Tuesday, with 51 senators voting in favour and 47 against. The confirmations came despite the current US... Read more >

08:58 California becomes 3rd US state to designates Diwali as state holiday In a historic development for the Indian diaspora, California has designated Diwali as an official state holiday, becoming the third state in the US to officially recognise the Indian festival of lights as a holiday.California Governor Gavin Newsom Tuesday announced that he has signed a bill by... Read more >

08:56 Navi Mumbai airport, metro line: Modi's Mumbai itinerary Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate phase one of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line-3 during his two-day Maharashtra visit beginning Wednesday.Modi will also launch Mumbai One, India's first integrated common mobility app for 11 public... Read more >

08:49 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in Mumbai The United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday, ahead of his meeting with PM Narendra Modi in India's financial capital. Starmer, who flew in from London along with a business delegation, was greeted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International... Read more >

08:30 Truck collision sparks massive blast on Jaipur highway A truck carrying LPG cylinders caught fire following a collision with a tanker on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Tuesday night, police said.The collision triggered multiple explosions as the gas cylinders began to burst. Some exploded cylinders were seen several meters away from the spot. Flames and... Read more >

00:47 Allahabad HC asks judicial officers not to record abusive language during trial The Allahabad high court has directed all judicial officers in Uttar Pradesh not to record any abusive words or filthy language spoken during the submission of evidence and statements during trial. The court cautioned trial courts across the state to be careful in future and take... Read more >

00:44 Encounter breaks out between terrorists and police in J-K An encounter broke out between terrorists and a police party in a remote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Tuesday evening, a senior police officer said. Inspector general of police, Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, said a joint search operation is underway following the encounter in the... Read more >
Palestinian militants have hijacked an Italian cruise liner, the Achille Lauro, in the Mediterranean and threatened to blow it up.

The gunmen are demanding the release of 50 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

There are said to be 420 passengers and crew on board the ship including six Britons.

Little is yet known about the hijackers but Egyptian and Italian authorities are said to be in communication with the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.

The Naples-based ship was commandeered this afternoon shortly after leaving the port of Alexandria in Egypt on its way to Port Said.

Most of the passengers disembarked in Alexandria to go on a sight-seeing tour and were planning to rejoin the cruise further up the Egyptian coast.

The Achille Lauros present position and intended destination is unknown, but the Italian Navy is sending ships and reconnaissance aircraft in an attempt to establish its location.

Italian Prime Minister Bettino Craxi is understood to be holding an emergency meeting to discuss options with his foreign and defence ministers.

Marine hijackings are uncommon. In 1961 the passenger liner Santa Maria was taken over by opponents of the Portuguese dictator Antonio Salazar, but it ended peacefully.

Notable sea hijacks have also occurred off Singapore, Greece and Cambodia in the 1970s.

Experts say a forced boarding of the Achille Lauro could result in heavy hostage casualties.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The hijackers were from the Palestinian Liberation Front, a splinter group of Yasser Arafats Palestinian Liberation Organisation.

They shot dead a disabled American tourist, 69 year-old Leon Klinghoffer and had his body thrown overboard with his wheelchair.

The crisis ended on 10 October. Egypt gave free passage to the hijackers in exchange for the rest of the hostages.

But US Navy jets intercepted a chartered Egypt Air 737 carrying the gunmen and forced it to land in Italy.

Four of them were tried in Italy and sentenced to long prison terms. Abu Abbas, the alleged mastermind escaped jail and stands convicted in absentia.

He was arrested by US special forces in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in April 2003 and died in custody in March 2004. A post mortem examination showed he died of heart disease.

The Achille Lauro caught fire and sank in 1994.

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Despite the tendency to designate everything that is technologically advanced as AI, there are still only a few cases of true AI (i.e., autonomous agents and not mere instruments), and there is still no Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).

The concept of AGI is not defined in the same way by everyone who has spoken publicly about it. David Silver, principal research scientist at DeepMind, explains that AGI refers to a type of AI that possesses human-like intelligence, with the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks  from solving complex problems to creative thinking and social interaction.

Unlike specialized AIs, which are limited to a single function (medicine, finance, engineering, or games), AGI aspires to mirror human adaptability and general problem-solving capability.

Elon Musk, meanwhile, defines it as an artificial intelligence smarter than the smartest human, which he predicts could emerge as soon as 2026 (though lets not forget that he has been promising next year unmanned robotaxis since 2016). Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has predicted that AI will match or surpass human performance on any test by 2029.

So when is AGI likely to appear? Just a few years ago, before the rapid progress in large language models, scientists predicted it would arrive around 2060. A 2023 AIMultiple survey of 2,778 AI researchers found that many now expect AGI to arrive around 2040. Some entrepreneurs are even more optimistic, forecasting it could happen as early as 2030.

According to Silver, while AGI is a long-term goal, achieving true human-level intelligence will likely require several incremental breakthroughs and will develop gradually over time. Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and Chief Scientist at OpenAI, predicts AGI could emerge within the next five to ten years, though he acknowledges the uncertainty about that timeline.

With a few exceptions (AIs unbeatable at chess or Go), todays specialized AIs still lack the versatility, adaptability, and depth of understanding found in human intelligence. AGI would represent a transformative leap in AI research  from narrowly focused capabilities to a more holistic and adaptable intelligence. Despite accelerating technological developments, the steps toward its creation may unfold more slowly than many theorize.

The shortening of time estimates seems optimistic and most likely stems partly from the need to sustain high investor expectations so that substantial funding continues to flow.

In any case, its impossible to ignore that many experts consider AGIs creation inevitable. Companies developing AGI will keep emphasizing the wonders it will enable  and that is probably true. However, it is imperative that civil society also debates the risks it poses  and that policymakers recognize the importance and urgency of preventing those risks through well-considered analysis and regulation.

linkedin.com/in/jorgecostaoliveira

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Expands Global Eye Health Initiatives Across Asia and Africa in 30th Anniversary Year

NORWICH, Vt., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cure Blindness Project, a global leader in eliminating avoidable blindness, will join the international eye health community in marking World Sight Day on October 9, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of vision.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Cure Blindness Project is expanding programs across Asia and Africa and collaborating with global partners to bring critical eye care to communities most in need.

Cure Blindness Project marks 30 years of restoring sight and stands with the global community in celebrating World Sight Day 2025. Across Asia and Africa, Cure Blindness Project helps patients regain their vision - and with it, their independence, dignity, and future.

Strengthening Eye Health in South Asia

Bhutan: With support from Cure Blindness Project and the World Health Organization, Bhutan's Ministry of Health is working towards the launch of a new five-year National Eye Health Strategy - an essential step toward building sustainable, coordinated eye care systems nationwide. This work aligns with Cure Blindness Project's long-standing commitment to Bhutan where it has served as the primary eye health NGO for 20+ years.

With support from Cure Blindness Project and the World Health Organization, Bhutan's Ministry of Health is working towards the launch of a new five-year National Eye Health Strategy - an essential step toward building sustainable, coordinated eye care systems nationwide. This work aligns with Cure Blindness Project's long-standing commitment to Bhutan where it has served as the primary eye health NGO for 20+ years. Nepal: Country-wide community and school-based eye screenings will be held at community eye centers, schools, and Cure Blindness Project-supported hospitals in underserved areas in the weeks leading up and following World Sight Day. These estimated tens of thousands of screenings will help diagnose vision challenges early and connect patients to appropriate care. Additionally, more than 100 PSAs on the importance of eye health will run on Nepal radio to raise awareness.

Country-wide community and school-based eye screenings will be held at community eye centers, schools, and Cure Blindness Project-supported hospitals in underserved areas in the weeks leading up and following World Sight Day. These estimated tens of thousands of screenings will help diagnose vision challenges early and connect patients to appropriate care. Additionally, more than 100 PSAs on the importance of eye health will run on Nepal radio to raise awareness. India: Cure Blindness Project's India country office recently released its Social Return on Investment report conducted by Deloitte, demonstrating profound economic and social benefits of investing in eye health - including improved quality of life, higher productivity, and stronger community well-being. Data shows $1 USD invested translates to $7.30 in social return. Additionally, Cure Blindness Project teams will conduct multiple school-based eye screenings in Uttar Pradesh, reaching 1,000 children with limited access to care, reinforcing the importance of preventive eye health, and demonstrating a scalable model for other communities.

Advancing Sight-Saving Solutions in Africa

Ethiopia: In the first half of 2025, Cure Blindness Project has directly supported more than half (55%) of the total 36,400 cataract surgeries performed in Ethiopia. Since January, with partners, Cure Blindness Project has restored sight through 20,648 surgeries. The country team with partners is on track to complete more sight-restoring surgeries this year than any other in the NGO's 30-year history.





In the first half of 2025, Cure Blindness Project has directly supported more than half (55%) of the total 36,400 cataract surgeries performed in Ethiopia. Since January, with partners, Cure Blindness Project has restored sight through 20,648 surgeries. The country team with partners is on track to complete more sight-restoring surgeries this year than any other in the NGO's 30-year history. Ghana: Cure Blindness Project recently organized a three-day training program for 25 ophthalmic nurses from five regions. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the capacity of primary care personnel - often the first point of contact for individuals with eye health concerns, especially in underserved rural communities.



In partnership with Peek Vision, Cure Blindness Project also launched a pilot program in Ghana aimed at equipping ophthalmic nurses with innovative tools to detect, manage, and refer eye conditions early. By combining hands-on training with cutting-edge technology, the program empowers nurses to provide timely and effective eye care, helping reduce preventable blindness and improve overall eye health outcomes across Ghana.

South Sudan: Cure Blindness Project, alongside The Carter Center, the Ophthalmological Association of South Sudan, the Ministry of Health, and Christian Blind Mission, has launched a comprehensive strategy to expand eye care access nationwide. A cornerstone of this strategy is a new Ophthalmic Clinical Officer (OCO) Training Program that equips mid-level health workers to perform cataract surgeries and manage common eye conditions. The one-year program includes hands-on surgical training, clinical mentorship, and instruction in patient management and post-operative care.

"Our 30th year is not just a celebration of what has been achieved, but a call to action for what lies ahead," said K-T Overbey, CEO, Cure Blindness Project. "World Sight Day is a reminder that vision is essential to learning, to working, to living fully - and yet millions remain without access to the care they need. We're committed to working with our partners to ensure that eye health becomes a priority for every community, everywhere."

To date, Cure Blindness Project and its partners have performed more than 1.84 million sight-restoring surgeries worldwide, trained over 25,200 eye care professionals, and delivered screenings and basic treatment to over 19.1 million people across 30 countries.

To learn more about the Cure Blindness Project and how you can help eliminate avoidable blindness, visitwww.cureblindness.org.

About Cure Blindness Project

Founded as Himalayan Cataract Project, Cure Blindness Project today celebrates 30 years of restoring sight. This singular mission expanded from its origins in Nepal to 30 countries with high-quality eye care, education, and world-class eye care infrastructure. Together with partners, Cure Blindness Project has provided over 1.84 million sight-restoring surgeries and provided screening and basic care to over 19.1 million people. Learn more at:www.cureblindness.org.

Media Contact

Phillip Sontag

[email protected]

917-446-4123

SOURCE Cure Blindness Project
The leaders of Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a major bilateral defense treaty yesterday that China believes targets it unfairly.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape described the agreement as a mutual defense treaty that will enable unprecedented integration of their defense forces and military personnel.

It is Australias only alliance-level security pact other than the ANZUS Treaty signed with the United States and New Zealand in 1951. It is the first such treaty for Papua New Guinea, Australias nearest neighbor and former colony.

The treaty would take effect after it was ratified by the Parliaments of both countries.

Albanese said it was a great honor for Australia to have its nearest neighbor become its newest ally.

This treaty contains a mutual defense obligation similar to Australias ANZUS Treaty commitments, where we declare that in the event of an armed attack on either of our countries, we would both act to meet the common danger, Albanese told reporters at a joint press conference with Marape at Australias Parliament House.

After Marape and Albanese signed a joined statement supporting the treatys core principles last month, the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea issued a statement saying such a bilateral pact should not be exclusive in nature, nor should it restrict or prevent a sovereign country from cooperating with a third party for any reason.

It should also refrain from targeting any third party or undermining its legitimate rights and interests, the embassy posted on social media.

Marape said yesterday the treaty did not erode Papua New Guineas dominant foreign policy: friends to all, enemy to none.

This is not a treaty that sets up enemies but consolidates friendships and China  weve been transparent  we have told them that Australia  has become our security partner of choice and they understand, Marape said. MDT/AP

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The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin has recently unveiled a detailed territorial spatial plan for public consultation, which includes a proposal to add four new border crossings and four corridors to enhance connectivity with Macau.

The draft plan is currently open for public comment until the end of this month, with the aim of establishing an integrated spatial layout for Hengqin and Macao that features a cross-axis belt and three major zones as well as a dual-core, multi-point structure.

Among the proposals, the draft plan emphasizes enhancing connectivity infrastructure within the cooperation zone by strengthening external transportation development, accelerating the construction of the GuangzhouZhuhai (Macau) high-speed rail, and reserving construction corridors. It aims to integrate with the rail transit networks of both Macao and Zhuhai, planning rail links to both cities.

The plan includes the addition of four new land-based corridors to Macau, enhancing existing connections such as the Lotus Bridge and the University of Macau underwater pedestrian tunnel. The planned corridors consist of Shizimen Avenue, Huitong Fifth Road, Lianao Road, and Jinjiang Avenue.

Additionally, the plan proposes four new first-line checkpoint facilities based on the existing Hengqin Port: a new smart checkpoint at the University of Macaus Hengqin campus; a checkpoint at the Financial Island Ferry Terminal connecting to Macaus Inner Harbor Terminal; a checkpoint at Lianao Road linking to Taipas Dom Pedro Roundabout; and a port at Jinjiang Avenue connecting to the Coloane shooting range area.

The draft also outlines planned rail transit corridors in Zhuhai, along with the establishment of seven bus hub stations, 12 terminal stations, three integrated vehicle depots, two passenger terminals, and a new yacht terminal. The passenger terminals will include the existing Hengqin Passenger Transport Terminal and the Financial Island-Macao Ferry Terminal.

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Macaus Light Rapid Transit (LRT) hit a new paid travel record just ahead of the expected surge in border crossings for the mainland Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays. In September 2025, daily ridership averaged 30,600  more than double the 13,500 daily passengers recorded in September 2024.

Month-on-month growth is steady as well, with Septembers ridership up 11% from Augusts 27,600 daily passengers.

Since opening on Dec. 10, 2019, Macaus LRT has progressively expanded both its reach and appeal.

Although the inauguration month still holds the record for daily ridership at 33,000 passengers  boosted by free rides  the lines extension into new neighborhoods has fueled sustained growth.

The expansion of routes beyond the original Taipa Line has notably increased usage. The late-2023 opening of the Barra extension led to a near doubling of daily passengers, from 6,500 in November to 13,900 in December.

Similarly, the opening of the Seac Pai Van Line and the Hengqin Line at the end of 2024 contributed to a 36.6% rise in ridership, from 16,900 to 23,100 passengers between November and December 2024.

Regarding further development, construction is underway for the East Line, connecting the Border Gate with Urban Zone A and E. This new line is planned to open by 2029.

Signaling ambitious plans for comprehensive city-wide coverage, Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam previously highlighted other potential projects for the LRT, including extensions of the East Line to Qingmao, and the development of new South and West lines.

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Orbis Macau will launch its 2025 Action for Sight campaign alongside the Starry Night Charity Music Performance on October 9 at the Planetarium of the Macao Science Center.

The event will run from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and aims to raise public awareness about the importance of eye health.

Action for Sight is held annually in conjunction with World Sight Day, highlighting global efforts to prevent avoidable visual impairment and blindness. Through the campaign, Orbis Macau encourages the public to care for their vision while supporting the organizations mission to provide quality eye care in low- and middle-income countries.

The launch ceremony will feature representatives from Orbis Macau and its 2025 ambassadors  Bank of China Macau Branch, CTM, and Sands China Ltd.  with support from several local organizations and media partners.

Following the ceremony, the Starry Night Charity Music Performance will combine astronomy, music, and visuals under the planetarium dome.

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Israeli and Hamas officials launched indirect talks yesterday at an Egyptian resort on a U.S.-drafted peace plan to end the ruinous war in Gaza on the eve of its second anniversary.

Many uncertainties remain about the plan presented by U.S. President Donald Trump last week, including the disarmament of the militant group  a key Israeli demand  and the future governance of Gaza.

Trump has indicated an agreement on Gaza could pave the way for a Middle East peace process that could reshape the region.

Despite Trump ordering Israel to stop the bombing, Israeli forces continued to pound Gaza with airstrikes, killing at least 19 people in the last 24 hours, the territorys Health Ministry said.

An Egyptian official said talks began yesterday at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the talks.

The Israelis are led by top negotiator Ron Dermer, while Khalil al-Hayyah leads the Hamas delegation.

Egypts state-owned Al-Qahera News television station reported that the talks began with a meeting between Arab mediators and the Hamas delegation.

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Police in Western Australia have seized guns and revoked or suspended firearms permits from dozens of owners linked to what investigators describe as sovereign citizen ideologies, or views that reject government authority.

Officials linked the crackdown on firearms users believed to hold such views to the fatal shooting in August of two police officers in Victoria state, in the countrys east. The suspect in those killings, 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, remains at large, weeks after he is said to have killed two officers visiting his rural property to serve a search warrant.

In the years before the shooting, Freeman appeared to have embraced so-called sovereign citizen views during court appearances. Members of such movements use debunked legal theories to reject government authority.

Gun owners had their permits canceled

Freeman is suspected of killing Detective Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart and wounding a third officer. Following the shooting, investigators in Western Australia used bolstered gun laws enacted in 2024 to identify weapons owners in their state who they said held similar views to Freemans.

The mission of this operation was simple and that was to validate and verify our intelligence on who may hold sovereign citizen ideologies here in Western Australia, the states Police Commissioner Col Blanch told reporters over the weekend. Social media posts and information from other gun owners was used to identify those targeted.

Officers visited 70 properties over five days in late September and early October, seizing 135 firearms and suspending or revoking 44 gun licenses, Blanch said. Investigators relied on a legal provision that allows only someone who meets the standard of a fit and proper person to hold a gun permit.

If you have made it very clear that you do not abide by the laws of Western Australia, set by the Parliament, then there is no way that you can be a fit and proper person, Blanch said.

Raids prompted by shooting of 6 officers

In explaining the raids, Blanch said that in the past three years, six police officers in four states have been shot dead by members of the public, which he said was unprecedented in Australia.

In 2022, two officers were shot and killed by Christian extremists at a rural property in Queensland state. The three shooters in that case  conspiracy theorists who reportedly hated the police  were shot and killed by officers after a six-hour siege in the region of Wieambilla.

A South Australia police officer was shot dead in 2023. Another was killed in Tasmania in June.

Shooting deaths in Australia are otherwise rare. A 1996 massacre in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur, where a lone gunman killed 35 people, prompted the government to drastically tighten gun laws and made it much more difficult for Australians to acquire firearms.

When Western Australias tighter gun laws were enacted last June, the states government boasted that they were the strongest in the country. The changes included limiting the number of guns someone can own to 10 for most people.

Search for the Victoria police killer goes on

Meanwhile, in rural Victoria, Australias largest ever tactical police operation continues the search for Freeman. Hundreds of officers have traversed rugged landscapes, squeezed into caves and checked mine shafts, with no confirmed sightings of the fugitive so far.

The Aug. 26 killings happened when 10 armed police officers tried to execute a search warrant at Freemans property in Porepunkah, a town of just over 1,000 people located 320 kilometers (200 miles) northeast of the city of Melbourne.

The suspect, Freeman, fled alone, on foot and heavily armed, into dense surrounding forest. He is experienced in wilderness survival skills, officials said.

Victorias Police Commissioner Mike Bush did not offer a reason for the search of Freemans property at the time, but he told reporters that attending officers included members of a unit that investigates sexual offenses and child abuse.

Australian news outlets widely reported that Freeman espoused sovereign citizen beliefs, citing a 2021 video taken in Wangaratta Magistrates Court and published online in which he can be seen attempting unsuccessfully to arrest a magistrate and police officers during a hearing.

In a 2024 finding from Victorias Supreme Court, where Freeman tried to challenge a lengthy suspension of his drivers license, a judge wrote the man had a history of unpleasant encounters with police officers whom he referred to in his submissions to the court as Nazis and terrorist thugs. CHARLOTTE GRAHAM-McLAY, WELLINGTON, MDT/AP

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The Pop Mart Macao Citywalk, a collaboration between the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Pop Mart, attracted more than 720,000 visitors from June 6 to September 21, according to the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

Over the 108 days the installation was open, visitors had the chance to take photos with the figures set against themed displays highlighting Macaus famous pastries, snacks, cafes, and Macanese specialties at key landmarks across the city, emphasizing the citys designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

When the project launched in June, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) expected it to attract trendy toy enthusiasts worldwide, especially young travelers. Now, MGTO data show the initiative, aimed at boosting local tourism and economic recovery, drew a total of 723,000 visitors across the four districts and the Pop Station.

Alongside the IP-themed installations, a consumption lucky draw was held in four stages, encouraging shoppers to participate using six e-wallet platforms such as MPay, Alipay, and True Money.

During this period, MGTO reported transactions totaling MOP3.64 billion, with 1.63 million users entering the draw and a total of 2.77 million participations recorded.

Online, the campaigns impact was amplified through over 450 posts and videos on platforms like WeChat, Xiaohongshu, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, generating more than 90 million impressions. Meanwhile, offline outreach included TV ads, bus signage, and billboards at the airports in Macau and Hong Kong.

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Rescuers were helping hundreds of hikers trapped by heavy snow at tourist campsites on a slope of Mount Everest in Tibet, Chinese state media said.

About 350 hikers had reached a meeting point in Tingri country and rescuers were in contact with another 200, state broadcaster CCTV said late Sunday. There was no immediate update on rescue efforts yesterday.

The hikers were trapped at an elevation of more than 4,900 meters (16,000 feet), according to an earlier report from Jimu News, a Chinese online site. Mount Everest is about 8,850 meters (29,000 feet) tall.

A hiker who rushed to descend before snow blocked the way told Jimu News that others still on the mountain told him the snow was 1 meter (3 feet) deep and had crushed tents.

Hundreds of rescuers headed up the mountain Sunday to clear paths so that trapped people could come down, the Jimu report said. A video shot by a villager showed a long line of people with horses and oxen moving up a winding path in the snow.

The snowstorm struck during a weeklong national holiday in China, when many travel at home and abroad.

In another mountainous region in western China, one hiker died of hypothermia and altitude sickness and 137 others were evacuated in the north part of Qinghai province, CCTV said yesterday.

The search in an area in Menyuan county with an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) was complicated by the terrain, unpredictable weather and continuous snowfall, a CCTV online report said.

Mount Everest, known as Mount Qomolangma in Chinese, straddles the border between China and Nepal.

Climbers attempt to scale the worlds tallest peak from base camps in both countries. The base camp for climbers is separate from the tourist camp where hikers were trapped by the snowfall.

A strong earthquake killed at least 126 people in the same area in January.

The Chinese side of Everest is in Tibet. MDT/AP

Rescuers in India search for missing after landslides kill 24 in Darjeeling region

Rescuers were scouring Indias northeastern tea-growing hill district of Darjeeling yesterday for those reported missing a day after landslides triggered by heavy downpours killed at least 24 people, officials said.

Teams of Indian army personnel and members of the disaster response force were searching for people who are feared trapped under debris, said Udayan Guha, West Bengal state development minister.

Downpours and road damage hampered efforts to reach several affected villages, officials said. Television news showed rescue workers using earth movers to clear the debris.

Landslides triggered by intense rains destroyed homes and infrastructure and left hundreds of tourists stranded in Darjeeling over the weekend. Rainfall also caused two iron bridges to collapse, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a post on X.

Indias weather department has forecast heavy rainfall in the region to last until today.

On Sunday, at least 44 people were killed in Nepal due to mudslides and flooding triggered by severe rainfall. The victims included at least 37 people in the eastern mountain district of Illam, where whole villages were swept away by landslides.

The weekends heavy rainfall arrived at the end of Nepals monsoon season, which usually begins in June and ends by mid-September. It also left parts of the capital, Kathmandu, flooded and caused the cancellation of all domestic flights on Saturday.

Cloudbursts, floods and landslides have caused significant loss of life and property in recent months across India. Flash floods swept away an entire village in the northern state of Uttarakhand in August.

Extreme rains this year have caused flooding and landslides across the South Asian region, which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives and Nepal.

Experts say human-caused climate change is intensifying South Asias monsoons, which traditionally run from June to September and again from October to December. The rains, once predictable, now arrive in erratic bursts that dump extreme amounts of water in short periods, followed by dry spells. MDT/AP

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The Ritz-Carlton, Macau is hosting a series of exclusive dining experiences this month, featuring acclaimed French chef Jerome Franck Tauvron of Lumieres, JeJe in Shanghai.

Returning after a well-received visit, Chef Jerome will present a bespoke five-course dinner on October 10 and a signature Sunday brunch on October 12 at The Ritz-Carlton Cafe.

The dinner, titled A Reflective Culinary Journey, explores five creative themes  Symmetry, Mirror, Reflection, Direction, and Movement  through dishes highlighting premium ingredients such as Alaskan king crab, lobster, and M8 tenderloin.

Chef Jeromes Sunday brunch will offer a lighter, playful menu featuring Amberjack Ceviche, Salmon Wellington, and a trio of French desserts. The event continues The Ritz-Carlton Cafes tradition of pairing culinary artistry with refined hospitality.

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A mainland Chinese woman in her 60s was arrested by the Public Security Police for allegedly keeping more than MOP145,000 she reportedly found during a visit to Macau eight months ago. In February, the victim left a backpack containing the cash and MOP120,000 in casino chips at a Cotai hotel restroom. Police identified the suspect and intercepted her last Wednesday (Oct. 1) at Hengqin Port, recovering approximately HKD110,000. The woman admitted finding the property and intended to hand it over during her current visit.

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Introducing Assure Broking Essentials, a new multi-tenant solution designed to deliver superior service for small and mid-size insurance brokers

Bringing together the expertise of ecosystem partners such as ServiceNow and AWS, DXC's new SaaS solution modernizes operations to drive growth

ASHBURN, Va., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, today announced the launch of Assure Broking Essentials, an AI-powered, multi-tenant SaaS solution designed to simplify operations, accelerate transformation, and deliver superior customer service for small and mid-sized insurance brokers.

DXC Technology Logo

In the rapidly evolving insurance industry, brokers face mounting pressure to digitize, meet rising customer expectations, comply with regulatory requirements, and prepare for the future. Assure Broking Essentials provides a ready-to-deploy, cost-efficient platform that replaces legacy processes with an AI-first operating model. With built-in security and compliance, the SaaS solution meets requirements of evolving regulatory frameworks, including ACORD GRLC standards, enabling fast onboarding and integration into existing operations while driving sustainable growth.

"As the insurance industry continues to evolve, brokers face challenges from legacy technology constraints, skills shortages, and outdated processes," said Ray August, President, Insurance Software and BPS, DXC Technology. "With Assure Broking Essentials we are equipping small and mid-sized brokers with a secure, scalable, and AI-powered platform that boosts productivity, streamlines compliance, and elevates customer service."

"As organizations shift from experimenting with AI to operationalizing it at scale, the value of trusted, scalable platform partnerships is more important than ever," said Alix Douglas, GVP, Partner Solutions, ServiceNow. "DXC Assure Broking Essentials, built on the ServiceNow AI Platform, helps deliver an exceptional client experience that seamlessly integrates customizable AI capabilities that are cost efficient and secure, accelerating enterprise transformation as whole. This partnership showcases what's possible when deep domain expertise meets a purpose-built platform for AI innovation at scale."

The solution leverages responsible AI, human-in-the-loop automation, and intelligent data extraction to improve efficiency, reduce complexity, and enable seamless workflows. By integrating DXC's proven insurance software with ServiceNow's workflow automation and AWS's secure cloud infrastructure, alongside Velonetic's industry expertise and mea platform's advanced document intelligence, DXC Assure Broking Essentials delivers enterprise-grade innovation without more costly IT investment.

This launch underscores DXC's commitment to modernizing the global insurance ecosystem and expands its portfolio of core broking solutions to support brokers of all sizes.

With over 40 years of industry expertise, DXC is the trusted partner of choice for brokers, processing over 50% of transactions through the London insurance market. As the leading provider of core insurance systems, DXC continues to innovatehelping brokers and (re)insurers reduce complexity and costs across more than one billion policies processed on DXC software. To learn more, visit our website.

About DXC Technology

DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) is a leading global provider of information technology services. We're a trusted operating partner to many of the world's most innovative organizations, building solutions that move industries and companies forward. Our engineering, consulting and technology experts help clients simplify, optimize and modernize their systems and processes, manage their most critical workloads, integrate AI-powered intelligence into their operations, and put security and trust at the forefront. Learn more on dxc.com.

ServiceNow, the ServiceNow logo, and other ServiceNow marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of ServiceNow, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

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Israels interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla has sparked an eruption of mass anger across the world and particularly in Europe. In Italy, this has led to not one but two political general strikes for Palestine. This represents the decisive entry onto the scene of the powerful Italian working class. In Spain too, millions were on the streets. Many hundreds of thousands took to the streets of hundreds of cities all over Europe.

Members of the Revolutionary Communist International have intervened everywhere in the protests and strikes that have been erupting. And as the reports below show, our ideas have received a big echo. Revolutionary youth everywhere are adhering to our ranks.

Up until this point, the main leaders of the Palestine solidarity movement have played an extremely moderating, even depressing role in the movement. Their tactics havent gone beyond, on the one hand, a succession of A to B marches, and on the other, individual consumer boycotts of Israel.

We have been the only ones who have, from the beginning, pointed out that the working class alone has the power to really aid the Palestinian people and to apply an effective blockade of Israel.

Since 7 October 2023, we have raised the need for a workers boycott of Israel, for mass direct action, and for workers in western countries to fight to bring down our governments, which are complicit in genocide.

These calls have mostly fallen on the deaf ears of the official leaders of the Palestine solidarity movement. They have generally dismissed them as unrealistic. The trade union leaders have acted in an even worse manner, ignoring the question of Palestine altogether in most cases, or limiting themselves to passing a few resolutions.

The events in Italy and in Europe more broadly are a definitive answer to the sceptics who scoffed at the idea of mass working-class action for Palestine. Unbearable pressure on the trade union bureaucracies finally forced the CGIL leadership in Italy to call a massive general strike.

From France to Italy and beyond, the slogan block everything is now being taken up by growing layers. The idea of workers action for Palestine and even of general strikes against complicit governments have gripped the minds of masses of workers and youth the world over.

Even in countries like Germany, Austria and the Netherlands  where there have been shrill smear campaigns raging against the Palestine movement and where the ruling class has a historically extreme pro-Israel stance  tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands are being drawn into action.

Just as we have said many, many times, there is a brewing rage against the whole system, and millions of people are connecting the dots: between the genocide in Palestine, rising militarism, and austerity, poverty and desperation at home.

Below, we present a few of the reports we have received that show how the communists are increasingly connecting with this mood.

Shut it down for Gaza!

Block everything!

For a workers boycott of Israel!

Italy

Between Thursday 2 October and Saturday 4 October, hundreds of demonstrations took place across Italy, involving hundreds of thousands of people, following news of Israels assault on the Global Sumud Flotilla. Alongside demonstrations, in some places there were blockades of railways and motorways.

At 9pm, the 24 hour railway workers' strike began, which, unlike on 22 September, saw the majority of railway workers get involved. On Friday, when the strike and demonstrations were called, there were at least a hundred demonstrations, all very well attended  certainly the most well attended in the last 50 years.

An estimated 2 million people took to the streets. Over 150,000 in Milan, 300,000 in Rome, another 150,000 in Naples and Bologna, and 100,000 in Florence and Turin. In large and small cities alike, the demonstrations were impressive. In many of them, large groups broke away from the official route to occupy motorways or stations.

There was a significant presence of young people, mostly students. The vast majority of schools nationwide took to the streets, as did many young workers. The ports of Genoa, Ravenna, Livorno, and Naples were blocked on several occasions, regardless of whether there were ships carrying goods or weapons for Israel. It is difficult to estimate how many workers took part in the strike, but it was certainly the highest turnout in recent years.

Notably, the CGIL and the grassroots unions jointly called for the general strike. This has not happened in at least 35 years. The unyielding pressure from the masses, who expressed a very strong push for unity, forced the CGIL bureaucracy to mobilise large sections of workers. The CGIL had been inundated with criticism from its members and delegates for not joining the strike on 22 September.

Partito Comunista Rivoluzionario (PCR) was present in 40 demonstrations, often outside schools and workplaces from early in the morning to promote the strike, sell our paper, Rivoluzione, and meet people interested in joining our party. In Rome and Milan, comrades of the PCR brought their colleagues, especially teachers, healthcare workers, and logistics workers, to our sections of the march.

On 3 October, comrades across the country organised extremely lively blocs in the marches. These were awash with banners, flags, megaphones, slogans, and songs. On this day, we estimate that we distributed around 1,300 copies of our newspaper and met at least 120 people interested in getting involved with the party.

The next day, the first national demonstration took place in Rome. This had a mass character, partly due to the support of the CGIL, but primarily due to the spontaneous push of thousands of people. It is estimated that over 500,000 people took part in the march.

Italy general strike against the genocide in Gaza - huge demos everywhere (Rome 300k, Milan 150k, Bologna and Florence 100k each, Naples 80k, etc) 2 million in total- roads, railways, harbours all blocked - the power of the working class pic.twitter.com/Zvs7KxHJ9a  Jorge Martin  (@marxistJorge) October 3, 2025

We mobilised over 200 party members and supporters for our bloc, which was vibrant with PCR and Palestinian flags  we sold another 150 copies of Rivoluzione, and raised over 200 for our fighting fund. Since 22 September, the PCR now has over 350 potential new members, with 40-50 of them likely to join in the short term, all met in these mobilisations.

The main slogan we used was Stop the genocide, overthrow Netanyahu and the Zionist state. We also used slogans against the government, against rearmament, and in defence of the welfare state, education, healthcare, and pensions.

This movement shows no sign of slowing down. With each mobilisation it grows and attracts thousands of new young people and workers. We are fully involved in this, participating in demonstrations and working in schools, universities, and workplaces.

The mood amongst broad layers of society is palpable. We sold over 8,000 copies of Issue 120 of Rivoluzione, and had to reprint it! There is also great enthusiasm in schools, where students want to organise, and in workplaces where comrades have never found it easier to discuss politics with coworkers.

Belgium

Since the departure of the Sumud Flotilla  on which were a few Belgians  there have been daily demonstrations in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in order to put pressure on the Minister to demand the protection of the Belgians on the Flotilla. Besides this there have been daily gatherings in the centre of Brussels of a few hundred to 1,000 participants.

In other cities there have been weekly gatherings in front of town halls or in public squares. All this comes after the 11th national red card demonstration on 7 September with 120,000 people present.

The governments symbolic (empty) recognition of a Palestinian state over the summer only served to increase the anger of the population, where more than 70 percent are in favor of hard sanctions against Israel, and to spur on the movement.

With union support, the luggage handlers of the Brussels National Airport resolved to boycott the flights of Israel Airlines. Their appeal finishes with those striking words: While the government weeps and moans, the workers act. Up to now this is an isolated initiative, as the unions generally limit their action to petitions and participation in demonstrations.

We are the only political organisation raising the demand for a workers boycott. This was the main slogan on our banner during the 7 September demo, which involved 30 party members. There, we sold over 600 in material.

When the Flotilla was intercepted, a number of protests were held all over the country in which we got involved, primarily in Brussels, Leuven, and Mons. In Brussels, 10 of us participated with RCO/OCR banners.

In the city of Leuven, a brand new branch of our organisation audaciously joined the march with their banners, and put up a table at the beginning and the end of the demo. Marching at the front, they sold ten copies of the paper and got the contact details of nine people who are interested in joining us.

In Mons, our comrades attended a rally in front of the railway station. One of our comrades spoke, explaining our revolutionary perspective to the 200 people present. This is mainly due to the authority we have built up at the university and our agitation for a student strike (supported by the students) that will take place on 23 October. We sold 20 copies of our paper (10 percent of the demo)!

Notably, a school student movement in solidarity with Palestine is beginning to take shape. On Thursday, one secondary school went on strike, and continued on Friday. It was followed by another school in Brussels. They are keen to spread it to other schools. We are in contact with some of the organisers of the strike.

Netherlands

5 October saw the biggest demo in the Netherlands since 2004.

More than 250,000 people marched through Amsterdam (a city with less than a million residents). As the city streets are not that wide, it took more than an hour before everybody could leave the Museum Square.

250,000 in today's Red Line for Palestine in Amsterdam, the largest ever. A worldwide outpouring of support. Italy shows the way: general strike, workers boycott, mass direct action. Down with the warmongers. Free Palestine. End the genocide. pic.twitter.com/Xhw8fYl37h  Jorge Martin  (@marxistJorge) October 5, 2025

This huge demo follows two others in The Hague, with respectively 100,000 and 150,000 demonstrators. It was named the Red Line demo, as a red line has been crossed. The organisers are very moderate: namely, Oxfam Novib, alongside other NGOs.

Its enormous size shows that something has changed in consciousness. This is significant, as the Netherlands are traditionally extremely pro-Israel in its politics, as the bourgeoisie cynically plays on feelings of guilt for the many Jews deported here by the Nazis.

Seven comrades with cardboards signs and flags joined the demo. Our slogans were focused on linking the movement to the class struggle, following the example of the Italian workers, calling on the main unions to organise strikes in the ports and transport sector, etc. The main union federation, FNV, supported the march, but made it clear that strikes for Gaza are not allowed and un-Dutch.

The mood among the demonstrators and among the comrades was great. It was uplifting to see that all the bourgeois propaganda that big marches in the Netherlands are a thing of the past has been proven false.

Spain

As detailed in an earlier article, from 2 to 5 October, it is estimated that over 2 million people took to the streets in the protests across Spain. The largest was on 4 October, where over 1.3 million were out at once. Over 60 members and supporters of Organizacion Comunista Revolucionaria took part in this movement.

We were present in Madrid, Barcelona, Vitoria, Malaga, Pamplona, San Sebastian, Palma de Mallorca, Irun and Hendaye (French Basque Country), Zaragoza, Valladolid, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The atmosphere was highly combative. There was a strong mood of fury against Israel and, significantly, against the EU, Trump, and the leaders of the Spanish right wing. Alongside these were demands aimed at the government of Pedro Sanchez to carry out what he had promised: an arms embargo against Israel, as well as cutting relations entirely. Whilst less prominent, there were also calls for a general strike amongst the crowds.

Student's strike across the Spanish state. Thousands come out to protest the Israeli genocide and to repudiate the assault on the Flotilla. Images from Bilbao @IAbertzaleak @GedarLangileKZ pic.twitter.com/HvSVff0kxL  Jorge Martin  (@marxistJorge) October 2, 2025

Our most prominent presence was in Barcelona on 4 October, where our slogans had gathered a crowd of around 20 sympathisers to form around our bloc. We received the attention of an activist of the CGT union, an organiser of the general strike in Catalonia on 15 October, who invited us to the assembly called to organise the strike.

Over the course of these Palestine mobilisations, we have come into contact with over 60 people interested in getting more involved with our organisation, over half of them in Barcelona. A further eight got in contact with us through reading our material online and, notably, through the Against the Stream podcast.

The reasons given in these applications to join us give a taste of the mood that exists amongst workers and young people:

"I feel responsible to act against genocide";

"To stop the genocide of Palestine"

"Because I am aware of the suffering of humanity and how more power relations are what give structure to this suffering".

We already have over 20 meetings planned with some of these prospective party members, and hope to recruit at least 10 to 15 of them in the very near future.

Protesters in Barcelona block access to the harbour in solidarity with the Palestinepic.twitter.com/Ecq9LtiSv6  Jorge Martin  (@marxistJorge) October 2, 2025

Whatever happens with the proposed Gaza peace deal, there will likely still be a lot of pressure from below to maintain the plans for 15 October to be a strike day, or day of struggle. We will continue to agitate to maintain 15 October as a day of struggle, and to extend these demands against militarism, war, and to class demands of housing, wages, and so on.

Ireland

The day after the flotilla was attacked by the IDF, thousands of people joined demonstrations in all the main cities across Ireland, we joined the demos in four different cities. In Dublin, a couple of hundred people blocked the port entrance for a few hours.

The main national demonstration took place on Saturday 4 October in Dublin and was the largest in a long time, if not ever since 7 October 2023. Attendance was estimated at more than 10,000, with some reports suggesting as many as 25,000.

Palestine supporters in Dublin went all out for Gaza today. pic.twitter.com/YPU7TNEXqe  PALESTINE ONLINE  (@OnlinePalEng) October 4, 2025

We mobilised 20 comrades for the Dublin demonstration, which was our largest presence in a demo yet! During the demonstration, a group of mostly students attempted to lead the demo toward another occupation of the port tunnel. However, they were isolated by the trade unions  which are opposing escalating the movement  and were forcibly stopped by police.

The mood at the protest was electric. The Palestine movement in Ireland has been very consistent for two years, but this one was different. Every time Italy was brought up, the answer from young people was of enthusiasm for what is happening there, and how we need to do the same. Discussions on workers power, workers boycotts, and demands to lock it all down were well received.

One left group with some electoral influence is organising a lunchtime walkout later in October. Given the current mood, this initiative has the potential to gain traction. We will continue to monitor the situation and intervene as it develops.

In all, we sold 60 copies of our paper, and have met 30 people who want to join our organisation. Our priority now is working to recruit them.

Canada

On 4 October, the main Palestinian groups in Canada held rallies to commemorate two years since the start of the genocide. We intervened in force, expecting that this could mark a revitalisation in the movement, which has been at an ebb for a number of months.

Our main argument was that the Canadian labour movement needs to take concrete steps to build up to a movement like we're seeing in Italy. We intervened with the following slogans:

Only the working class can end the genocide!

Workers boycott of Israel! Hot cargo edict now!

Fight like an Italian! Block everything!

No to Carneys military spending! No to Carneys austerity!

Down with the warmongers! Down with the war criminals!

Shut down the campuses for Palestine!

In Toronto, the main demonstration was relatively small for the city, at around 2,000-3,000. This is smaller than the demonstrations at their peak which numbered above the tens of thousands, but larger than recent demos which have often been below 1,000.

45 comrades went along, selling at least 80 copies of our paper, and getting the details of over 22 people who want to learn more about joining our party.

The majority of those at the demonstration had heard about the developments in the European labour movement, though many did not immediately understand their significance. For the most part, the local Palestine solidarity leadership has ignored the events in Italy.

The general strike was mentioned by rally organisers, but in a paltry way. It was presented as just another kind of pressure tactic to use on our government, but wasn't highlighted as a significant development. Our demand for hot cargo edicts to be taken up by the Canadian Labour Council were well supported by those we talked to.

In Montreal, thousands of people took to the streets. This was the largest Palestine demonstration in Quebec in months. Over 25 comrades and a dozen sympathisers formed our bloc. We sold over 40 copies of our recent paper, plus more literature.

Our demand to bring the European movement to Canada  with concrete demands on the student and labour movements  was very well received. The comrades could feel the palpable desire of young people and workers to escalate the movement, and take inspiration from the Italian working class.

In a clear contrast, the union leaders and activists spoke at the rally as if nothing new happened in the movement this past week. It was as if they just copy-pasted their speech from the one year anniversary last year.

Anecdotally, at one point during the speeches, the microphone cut off for technical reasons. In the silence, some comrades started to sing Bloquons tout!. To even our surprise, people followed us and sang with energy.

Austria

Earlier this autumn on 20 September, Austria had its biggest Palestine demonstration ever with over 20,000 on the streets. The RKP had a bloc of over 100 people, and we sold 228 copies of our paper. The mass mobilisations in the rest of Europe have served to reinforce this mood, particularly amongst young people.

The night that the Flotilla was intercepted, there were a number of spontaneous protests across the country. On the evening of 2 October, 5,000 gathered in Vienna, alongside a number of smaller protests in Graz and Linz.

In Vienna, the protest was extremely lively and youthful, with many school students and students; much more than on previous demonstrations for Gaza. It grew a lot during the march itself and was very open to radical slogans. We had a bloc of around 50 comrades, sold about 47 copies of our paper, and one of our members spoke on the platform, putting forward a revolutionary communist perspective.

On 27 September, in Vorarlberg, we organised a demonstration in support of the Flotilla, where about 250 people turned up. We arranged for a press conference with the local Palestine movement; two of our comrades spoke, one on behalf of the RKP, and one on behalf of one of the participants on the Flotilla. This was widely reported by the big media outlets.

In Innsbruch, in the region of Tirol, there was a Palestine demonstration on 3 October, in which 1,000 turned up. Our comrades put together a lively bloc and gave a speech on the platform, selling 28 papers and getting the contact details of five people.

The main, longer planned  and therefore likely larger  demonstrations will be next Saturday on 11 October, in Vienna, Graz, and Vorarlberg.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria there was a significant echo of the mood across Europe and the world. On 5 October, there was a Palestine demonstration in the capital, Sofia, of around 3,000 people. Four comrades and two sympathisers went along. Compared to the last Palestine protest in the summer, this one was five times the size. The crowd was relatively youthful, and more radicalised than before.

At the protest itself, we met somebody who was interested in joining us. We all went to get food together after the demo to discuss politics. After eating, we then went to the university campus to distribute literature, such as leaflets on Israel-Palestine, as well as what communists in Bulgaria should do.

We were received positively, with multiple people directly approaching us to hear what we had to say. In some instances, passers-by wanted to take our flyers and distribute them themselves, based on the slogan and design being so striking.

Denmark

Recently, there havent been any large demonstrations in Denmark, but this does not mean that the movement is dead. At the end of August, the largest demonstration to date took place, with over 50,000 participants.

On Thursday 2 October, an emergency demonstration was called because of the attack on the Flotilla. Around 400-500 people showed up, and about ten comrades of the RKP attended. The organisers had planned for it to be a depressing demonstration of mourning.

We brought signs with the following slogans: Shut down for Gaza! We need an intifada! and Italy shows the way! Direct mass action works!. They were very well received and several people approached us to ask if they could hold a sign. When it ended, spontaneous battle cries began, which we sang along to on our megaphone.

The crowd actually surrounded our comrade with the megaphone, who could see that he had to give a speech. He did so with great energy, speaking to the anger felt by the participants. Everybody in the crowd (apart from the organisers) responded to this enthusiastically. We sold five newspapers and four people gave us their contact details.

On Saturday 4 October, there was another demonstration. Despite the bad weather, a couple of thousand people showed up, including 35 comrades of the RKP. Paper sales were limited due to the massive amount of water pouring from the sky. Despite this, we used it as an opportunity to discuss the question of Palestine with protesters. Doing this, we met six people who wish to join the RKP.

Placards with the slogans Shut down for Gaza! We need an intifada and Italy shows the way! Direct mass action works! resonated well with the most advanced layer at the demonstrations. People approached the comrades to talk and take pictures. The same positive reception goes for the chants comrades made connecting the mass demonstrations and strikes in Italy with the solidarity movement in Denmark.

The mood in general appears to be progressing in a more radical direction, and the slogan There is only one solution. Intifada, revolution, which we initially brought into the movement, is now commonplace.

Finland

On Thursday 2 October, a demonstration was held on the steps of the Finnish Parliament House in protest of Israels violent suppression of the global Sumud Flotilla. The protest was called by the largest organisations in the Palestine movement in Finland less than a day earlier, which makes the attendance of about 2,000 people at the demo quite impressive, especially by Finnish standards.

The speeches on the platform, alongside the official chants, were moderate and liberal, as were the groups organising the protest. Chants like the government has to take responsibility were started many times by the speakers. One of the speakers even appealed to the humanity of Jussi Halla-Aho, a prominent right-populist politician and speaker of the parliament, who was defended by a row of police.

After the official section of the protest, the most radical elements pooled at the top end of the parliament stairs, up close to the police and Halla-Aho. The crowd began chants that were far more radical, such as down with the government!, Go fuck yourself, Genocidaire! and Nazi! among others.

The organisers were visibly frightened about the prospect of losing control of even the small group of radical protestors that were left at this point. The crowd was eventually broken up by the police, with the help of the organisers, who shouted for the crowd to get out.

Portugal

The protests over the Flotilla in Portugal may not have mobilised the numbers of Italy or Spain, but they nevertheless represent an important turning point. For two years, the country has witnessed countless Palestine demonstrations, some of them very large. However, under the firm control of the main reformist organisations, these turned into a routine parade. This changed last week.

Some 5,000 people gathered at the Israeli embassy in Lisbon on Thursday. The mood was electric. The leaders gave their usual pacifist speeches to an impatient crowd. When the rally ended, a large group (perhaps 1,500) comprising mostly very young people began to march to the city centre, blocking the citys main thoroughfares. The police did not intervene.

Impressively, the protesters marched through the pedestrian streets of Baixa, the old waterfront  a very touristy area. Large crowds of tourists, workers, and passersby began to cheer on the protest, sometimes joining in. Waiters came out of their restaurants to salute the demonstrators. A tailor even improvised a free Palestine banner. This raised the spirits of the protest, showing that even if the demonstration was relatively small, it enjoyed widespread support.

On Saturday, we saw similar scenes, but this time with roughly 7,000 marching through the central streets. The organisers wanted to end this march with the usual routine rally, but everyone understood this was only the beginning of the real protest. After the monotonous speeches, most of the crowd kept on marching and occupied Rossio station, the main train station in central Lisbon.

Everyone regarded the occupation as a major victory for the movement. The idea of blocking everything has clearly spread to Portugal.

We in the Revolutionary Communist Collective (CCR) were directly involved on both days. We were the largest and best-organised group on both occasions, and had the clearest slogans. We carried two large banners, Peace among peoples, war among classes and General strike, world intifada, as well as smaller placards saying, block everything.

A dozen comrades intervened on both occasions, but we were able to rally larger crowds around us, including sympathisers, forming large blocs. Our megaphone proved crucial, for it allowed us to have a finger on the pulse. We put forward slogans such as: General strike, lets block Portugal, Italy strikes, what about Portugal?, General strike, lets block capital, from Lisbon to Rafah world intifada, and also others. These slogans really connected with the crowd, especially towards the end of the protest, when the mood heated up.

Switzerland

On Thursday 2 October, between 12,000 and 15,000 people took part in spontaneous demonstrations across Switzerland in relation to the Flotilla, this is completely unprecedented in Switzerland. For the past couple of decades, such rallies usually only muster up a few hundred people.

A week earlier, on 27 September, demonstrations of 10,000 people each took place in Geneva and Zurich. These were the largest local demonstrations in support of Palestine in the last two years. A national demonstration will take place this coming Saturday, 11 October. We expect a large turnout and are planning a large national bloc.

Notably, many present at these demonstrations had never been at a protest before, saying, I couldn't take it anymore. Among them are many middle-aged and older workers. The movement is going beyond the youth.

The present leadership of the movement, largely pacifist and reformist, has done little to tap into the deep mood of anger in society. Our analyses and positions are therefore met with very open ears. It is also noteworthy that the anger and radicalisation is not limited to Palestine. Conversations usually continue on to topics such as living conditions, austerity measures, the character of the government, imperialism, and the crisis of the system as a whole.

So far, we have met 26 people who are seriously interested in joining us at these demonstrations. In addition, from the first two weeks of speaking to students at universities, we have gotten an additional 70 contact details. Already, 14 people have officially joined our party in the past couple of weeks.

Poland

For a long time, the Palestine movement in Poland has been held back by its petty-bourgeois leadership. These revolve around a few activist celebrities and an ever-shrinking circle of supporters.

Solidarity demonstrations for the Flotilla had been planned beforehand, and were launched as a nationwide day of action following its capture. We joined the protests in Poznan, Wroclaw, Krakow, Katowice, Rzeszow, and Torun. Attendance varied, with a handful of people in smaller cities and more than 800 in Wroclaw. We estimate to have sold around 30-40 copies of our paper, and met a few people who are interested in getting more involved.

Whereas the organisers  who tried to coax demonstrators to go home and email politicians, and who refused to mention the great events happening elsewhere in Europe  tried to block us from speaking, this did not stop our anti-capitalist slogans from being easily picked up by the crowds. Clearly, we are not the only ones who are tired of this rubbish.

We plan to regroup and launch an offensive, linking the question of the strikes with our work at the universities. There will be plenty more opportunities for us to connect our revolutionary ideas with this mood in the future. Especially since the reformists are trying to elbow their way into the movement while still supporting western imperialism with regard to Ukraine. This means supporting rearmament, a lot of which relies on Israeli technology and production chains. We will expose this hypocrisy.

There is not currently a mass mobilisation in Poland, but the potential is there and can blow up unexpectedly, especially as students go back to the cities.
Somali Government Forces on Saturday successfully repelled a six-hour siege by al-Shabab militants at the Godka Jilacow prison, located near the Presidents office in Mogadishu, killing all seven attackers.

Authorities confirmed on Sunday that no civilians, security personnel, or prisoners were killed or escaped during the attack, which the al-Qaeda-linked group claimed responsibility for. The assault came just hours after the federal government lifted long-standing roadblocks in the capital  a move aimed at easing traffic but one that had previously served as a security measure around critical state installations. Mogadishu had experienced relative calm in recent months as joint operations between government forces, local militias, and African Union troops drove militants from key strongholds in central and southern Somalia.

Emergency services were swiftly mobilised, with private ambulance owner Abdulkadir Adam reporting the transport of nearly 25 patients from the scene to hospitals. Abdulkadir Yousuf Abdullahi, director of a private hospital, said his facility received an unspecified number of patients and provided urgent care while working to identify victims and contact families. State media revealed that the attackers had used a vehicle disguised to resemble intelligence unit transport to infiltrate the area. The government hailed the swift response as evidence of its strengthened capacity to counter militant threats in the capital.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday, 6 October 2025, delivered its first conviction for crimes committed during the Darfur conflict, finding Ali Muhammad Ali AbdAl-Rahman  also known as Ali Kushayb  guilty on 27 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The three-judge panel ruled unanimously that AbdAl-Rahman played a leading role in atrocities committed between 2003 and 2004, including mass executions, rapes, and the brutal killing of two prisoners with an axe.

He showed no emotion as the verdict was read, and he now faces a maximum life sentence. His conviction marks a milestone for the courts efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for the Darfur atrocities.

AbdAl-Rahman surrendered in the Central African Republic in 2020 and pleaded not guilty during his trial, which began in April 2022. Judges rejected his defence, citing evidence  including his own recorded admissions  confirming his identity and role as a senior Janjaweed commander. During the proceedings, 56 witnesses gave harrowing accounts of mass violence, scorched-earth tactics, and the systematic use of rape as a weapon of war. Up to 300,000 people were killed, and 2.7 million displaced during the conflict under former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, who remains wanted by the ICC but has not been handed over.

The verdict comes at a critical moment, as fresh atrocities continue in Sudan amid ongoing clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the military, which erupted in 2023. Human rights defenders and international prosecutors have hailed the ruling as a long-awaited victory for Darfurs victims.

Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan emphasised that the conviction sends a resounding message to perpetrators that justice will prevail. Activists have renewed calls for other suspects, including al-Bashir, to be handed over to the ICC. The courts achievement stands out amid mounting scrutiny, including its high-profile warrants against Israeli leaders and internal investigations into its chief prosecutor.
Egypts Ministry of Interior announced on Monday, October 6, the release of 2,735 prisoners under a presidential pardon to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the October Victory.

The decision, issued in line with Presidential Decree No. 565 of 2025, was aimed at granting clemency to inmates who satisfied the legal requirements for early release. Specialised committees from the ministrys Community Protection Sector meticulously reviewed the files of prisoners across the countrys reform and rehabilitation centres to determine eligibility.

The ministry underscored that this mass pardon is part of a broader commitment to a modern rehabilitative penal policy, focused on offering care to inmates and supporting their reintegration into society. Over recent years, thousands of prisoners have benefited from presidential pardons in Egypt, often coinciding with national and religious celebrations, symbolising both mercy and the states evolving approach to criminal justice.
Madagascars President Andry Rajoelina on Monday, October 6, appointed Ruphin Fortunat Dimbisoa Zafisambo as the countrys new Prime minister, a week after the government was dissolved amid nationwide demonstrations.

Rajoelina said Zafisambo must be capable of restoring order and regaining the peoples trust, outlining his immediate priorities as improving living conditions and addressing the populations grievances. Zafisambo, who previously served as director of the military office at the Prime Ministers Office since 2021, steps into the role at a time of heightened political tension.

The dissolution of the government on 29 September followed days of protests in major cities, including Antananarivo, over persistent power cuts and water shortages. Some demonstrations escalated into looting, causing widespread economic damage. Acknowledging the publics frustration, Rajoelina pledged that the new administrations absolute priority will be to restore electricity and water supplies swiftly, while reaffirming his commitment to meeting the aspirations of the Malagasy people.
Egypts former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Khaled El-Enany, is set to become UNESCOs next Director-General after securing 55 out of 57 votes from the organisations Executive board on Monday, October 6.

His nomination will be presented to UNESCOs General Conference in Uzbekistan on 6 November for final ratificationa step that has never been overturned.

If confirmed, the 54-year-old Egyptologist will be the first Arab and only the second African to lead the agency, succeeding Frances Audrey Azoulay after her two terms in office. El-Enany emerged as the frontrunner after a two-year global campaign, defeating the Republic of Congos Firmin Edouard Matoko following the withdrawal of a Mexican candidate.

El-Enanys leadership begins at a delicate time for UNESCO, which faces political tensions and a looming financial shortfall. The United States has announced its withdrawal from the organisation by the end of 2026, citing claims of bias against Israela move that will strip UNESCO of eight per cent of its funding. Nicaragua has also pulled out in protest over a press freedom award. El-Enany has pledged to use diplomacy to restore U.S. engagement and steer the agency through these headwinds, taking office on 14 November if approved.
SEATTLE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric Era, the retail-focused leader in EV fast charging, is enjoying rapid growth by helping prominent convenience store retailers like Love's Travel Stops cut level-3 charger installation and operating costs, while unlocking new revenue opportunities to make EV charging an even more viable investment.

Electric Era helps C-stores and gas stations secure NEVI funding; adds Love's Travel Stops to list of customers. Post this Electric Era offers a number of ways to speed ROI from DC fast charging. The latest Loves Travel Stops EV charging station built by Electric Era is located in Buena Vista, Co. on U.S. Hwy. 24, which serves as a rural connector between Denver and Colorado Springs.

Electric Era's path to growth is fueled by their patented battery-backed DC chargers that reduce operating costs up to 70% and cutting installation times from years to months. They've also leveraged their 98%+ guaranteed per-port uptime and start-to-finish project support to help their customers win 83% of the grant applications they've applied for over the past two years  for a total of $41 million worth of incentives.

With federal NEVI funding restored, available state and federal funding programs can cover up to half of charger deployment costs, allowing some retailers to reach positive ROI in less than two years from charging alone. Beyond selling electrons, however, Electric Era's customer-branded chargers with retail program integration add an entirely new revenue stream by turning EV charging into store revenue drivers.

Love's Travel Stops Chooses Electric Era

Love's Travel Stops recently commissioned an Electric Era charging station for their newest location in Buena Vista, Co. along U.S. Highway 24, which serves as a rural connector between Denver and Colorado Springs.

The deployment marks the 38th EV charging location for Love's, which now has more than 150 EV chargers across 15 states while offering refueling customers a wide range of food and beverages, along with Love's in-store Mobile-to-Go Zone, which retails consumer electronics accessories.

"As part of our commitment to sustainability, we're proud to bring this location online as we continue to bring more clean energy solutions to communities across Colorado," said Ryan Erickson, vice president of Love's Alternative Energy. "This new location offers a seamless charging experience for travelers with weather protective canopies, and a variety of fresh food options and clean restrooms."

Love's secured grant funding from the Colorado Energy Office Direct Current Fast-Charging Plazas program, which leverages both federal NEVI and Colorado state funding to deploy public DC fast charging systems in strategic and underserved areas.

The four-stall, 200 kW chargers are wrapped in Love's signature yellow and red heart brand graphics, feature both CCS1 (Combined Charging System) and NACS (North American Charging Standard) cables.

While lower total cost of ownership (TCO) was Love's initial driver, the long-term upside was compelling. Electric Era's retailerfocused platform  with integrated brand experiences and loyalty program support  offers Love's the chance to not just break even faster, but to grow store traffic and non-fuel revenues.

"We work with a lot of customers who come to us with a variety of incentive options and business cases that strictly look at the cap-ex and op-ex in relation to the revenue from selling electrons, which is where we started at with Love's," said Electric Era Sr. Manager of Enterprise Sales, Brittany Kaplan.

"The best part of this engagement was helping Love's build a broader marketing and loyalty program that accelerates their revenue past break even, and sets them up to generate stronger returns for the long haul."

Electric Era Full-Service Revenue Growth Experts

Electric Era's founder, Quincy Lee, a former SpaceX engineer, has leveraged innovation and first principles engineering to break down the barriers holding back the rapid growth of public EV charging in America. He recognized deployment complexity as a barrier holding back rapid adoption of EV charging, so he created an in-house deployment team to "cut red tape" on behalf of their retail customers.

His team includes project managers and engineers, government/sustainability experts and site selection specialists to help public and private entities navigate the maze of permits, regulations  plus state and federal funding programs, where applicable  to help manage the various stakeholders and applicants optimize incentive opportunities.

With $5 billion in federal NEVI funding restored with a greater emphasis on time-to-deployment, reliability and a focus on traditional refueling locations, more convenience store and fuel retailers are expected to take another look at EV charging to grow revenues today and future proof their businesses against a changing marketplace.

"Despite being grant agnostic, we've had a lot of success helping our customers who wanted to go the incentive route. Now that NEVI is back, we expect more companies like Love's to take a second look at EV charging to grow their businesses," Kaplan said. "Fortunately for us, our solution and business model are aligned with the incentive program requirements for those looking to future proof their businesses."

About Electric Era

With a vision to accelerate the world into the electric era of zero-emissions transportation through rapid innovations and market disruption, Electric Era is the only full-service EV charging solutions provider focused on the rapid deployment of highly reliable Level-3 DCFC systems at retail locations to grow and extend their retail space. Electric Era's patented battery-backed charging architecture and bespoke, private-label charging solutions deliver industry-leading power and reliability in a package that dramatically reduces installation time and energy costs.

Learn more at electricera.tech

Follow us on X @ElectricEraTech

Follow us on LinkedIn LinkedIn/company/electric-era

SOURCE Electric Era
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Quinn Cochran-Zipp went to the emergency room three times with severe abdominal pain before doctors figured out she had early-stage cancer in the germ cells of her right ovary. After emergency surgery four years ago, the Greeley, Colorado, lab technician is cancer-free.

The two hospitals that treated Cochran-Zipp at the time determined that she qualified for 100% financial assistance, since her income as a college student was extremely low. Not having to worry about the roughly $100,000 in bills she racked up for her care was an enormous relief, she said.

Then she started receiving unexpected bills from doctors who worked at the hospitals but, because they weren't on staff there, didn't have to abide by the facilities' financial assistance policies.

Those bills, which came from specialists in emergency medicine, anesthesiology, and radiology who treated her, totaled more than $5,000. Although it was a fraction of the total cost of her care, to Cochran-Zipp it was an enormous amount. She went on payment plans and used scholarship and COVID stimulus money to help cover the bills.

Cochran-Zipp, now 25 and working at a community health center, is applying to medical schools and hopes to enroll next fall. Her experience as a patient has shaped how she thinks about becoming a doctor.

"I don't think that I could be a provider that, in good conscience, charges patients money in addition to the hospital fees," she said.

Hospital financial assistance programs are commonplace, and many patients rely on them. Most offer varying amounts of financial help to uninsured and lower-income people. Eligibility is typically based on a sliding income scale. Some hospitals apply other tests, such as residency.

But even if people qualify for assistance, they may not get discounts. That's because many physicians working at but not for a hospital aren't bound by its financial assistance policies. Hospitals themselves might limit the types of services eligible for discounted or "charity care," as it's sometimes called.

"It's a hole in the system," said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation, a nonprofit that helps patients with serious illnesses cover their medical bills. Case managers who work with patients report that they've seen these problems repeatedly, Donovan said.

In the coming years, more patients will encounter difficulties as demand for financial assistance grows. More than 14 million people are projected to lose health insurance over the next decade, primarily because of changes to the federal Medicaid program and state insurance marketplaces in recently passed tax and spending legislation championed by the Trump administration. Some of these people will likely qualify for discounted care.

Nonprofit hospitals do not pay taxes on the money they make, but to maintain that tax-exempt status, they are required to have policies to help patients pay for emergency and other medically necessary care. For-profit hospitals are not required to offer financial assistance to needy patients, but many do.

However, physicians and other providers who work in a hospital as independent contractors rather than as employees are often not subject to a hospital's financial assistance policy. According to an analysis by the Lown Institute, a health care think tank, physician services in the emergency, radiology, anesthesia, and pathology specialties are commonly excluded from hospital charity care.

For example, at Hartford HealthCare, a large nonprofit health system serving Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, services performed by physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants employed by HHC, including emergency department physicians at four of its hospitals, are covered by its financial assistance policy. But treatment by emergency physicians at three HHC hospitals is not covered by the financial assistance policy, since they are not employees. Care by doctors working in radiology, pathology, and anesthesia isn't covered by the financial assistance policy at any HHC facility.

Hartford HealthCare declined to comment on the record for this article.

Health system researchers have identified another potential barrier to patients' receiving help from hospital financial assistance policies. IRS rules require that nonprofit hospitals include emergency and medically necessary care in their charity care policies, but they give hospitals substantial leeway to define what "medically necessary" care means.

Historically, excluded care has been limited to services that insurance doesn't typically cover, like cosmetic surgery or experimental treatment. But in recent years, hospitals appear to be defining medically necessary care more narrowly, eliminating financial assistance for care that is needed but not urgently required.

Care that might fall into this category could be a kidney stone removal, a cancer biopsy, or a cardiac valve replacement, according to a study published this year in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Although the study of 209 nonprofit hospitals with more than 200 beds found only isolated examples of hospitalsabout 6% of themthat substantially excluded medically necessary care, researchers are concerned that it could be the leading edge of a larger trend, said Mark Hall, a professor of law and public health at Wake Forest University, who co-authored the study.

"There's not really much in the way of regulatory guidance in what should be in or out" of a financial assistance policy, said Christopher Goodman, a clinical assistant professor at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, who has published several studies examining hospital financial assistance policies.

The American Hospital Association declined to comment for this article. American Medical Association spokesperson Robert Mills said that the AMA doesn't have a position on whether all contracted physicians should be required to participate in hospital financial assistance policies.

For-profit hospitals have more latitude to fashion their financial assistance policies as they wish.

At HCA Healthcare, one of the country's largest for-profit health care systems, with nearly 200 hospitals in 20 states and the United Kingdom, discounted or free care is available only for "emergent or non-elective services."

"Facility charity policies and uninsured discounts are typically specific to emergency services" at HCA Healthcare, said Harlow Sumerford, an HCA Healthcare spokesperson. "Any third-party providers are independent and would have their own financial policies."

In recent years, several states have passed medical debt protection laws. A few apply to some doctors and other health care providers who practice at health care facilities and bill patients separately for their care.

Colorado's is the most expansive. Under its Hospital Discounted Care law that took effect in September 2022, covered hospitals have to screen all uninsured people and others who request it for eligibility for Medicaid and other health programs, and provide discounted care to people whose income is up to 250% of the federal poverty level (about $80,000 for a family of four). There are limits on how much qualifying patients can be billed each month and, after three years, their debt is retired.

Under the Colorado law, licensed health care professionals who work at a covered hospital can charge qualified patients no more than the rates set by the state.

"This rule has been a game changer for folks in Colorado," said Melissa Duncan, consumer assistance program manager at the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, which helps patients access health care and cover their bills.

Unfortunately, the law didn't pass in time to help Cochran-Zipp.

As hospitals grapple with the changes expected under the federal health care legislation passed this summer, discounted care programs may make a tempting target, say some health care financing experts. Facing higher rates of uncompensated care and trouble collecting payments from patients, facilities may reduce the financial assistance that they offer.

Hospitals may say "we are going to do all we can to protect our spending," said Ge Bai, a professor of accounting and health policy and management at Johns Hopkins University. "In that environment, charity care will be a burden."

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Miami plot of sex-stratified genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with female and male meta-analyses shown on the top and bottom, respectively. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63236-1

Important genetic differences in how females and males experience depression have been revealed for the first time in findings that could pave the way for more targeted intervention and treatments.

In the study, published in Nature Communications, scientists found that genetic factors contribute more to depression risk in females than in males. The team discovered about twice as many genetic "flags" for depression in the DNA of females as they did in that of males.

"We already know that females are twice as likely to suffer from depression in their lifetime than males," said Dr. Brittany Mitchell, Senior Researcher at QIMR Berghofer's Genetic Epidemiology Lab. "And we also know that depression looks very different from one person to another. Until now, there hasn't been much consistent research to explain why depression affects females and males differently, including the possible role of genetics."

The team identified about 7,000 changes in the DNA that could cause depression in both sexes, and about a further 6,000 DNA changes (a total of 13,000) that could cause depression in females only.

Researcher Dr. Jodi Thomas said the study also pinpointed how depression could show up differently for females and males.

Credit: QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute

The team found that the genetic factors linked to depression overlap more with those associated with metabolic traits in females.

"We found some genetic differences that may help explain why females with depression more often experience metabolic symptoms, such as weight changes or altered energy levels."

The global study is the largest of its kind to look at males and females in this way. Scientists analyzed DNA from hundreds of thousands of people with and without depression, including around 130,000 females and 65,000 males with depression. The changes in DNA the scientists have identified are genetic differences people are born with, not changes that happen because of life experiences.

Traditionally, most drug trials and therapies are tested on males, but Drs Mitchell and Thomas hope their work will also translate to a greater clinical understanding of female depression.

"Unpacking the shared and unique genetic factors in males and females gives us a clearer picture of what causes depressionand opens the door to more personalized treatments," Dr. Thomas said.

The findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific genetic influences in studying depression and other health conditions.

In the spirit of advancing scientific knowledge in this area, Drs. Thomas and Mitchell have also made their results publicly available, allowing other scientists to analyze them further.

More information: Jodi T. Thomas et al, Sex-stratified genome-wide association meta-analysis of major depressive disorder, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63236-1 Journal information: Nature Communications
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When the daytime air feels like an oven and night brings no relief, people in Karachi, Pakistan, say the heat "goes straight to the head." They mean more than dizziness or sweat.

It's the creeping panic of a body that cannot cool down: restless nights, frayed tempers, a household on edge. Here, a heat wave is not simply a matter of high temperatures. It's a public health emergency that seeps into every corner of life: physical health, sleep, mood and the invisible care work that keeps families and neighbors alive.

Our research in Pakistan and Kenya (Karachi, Lahore and Nairobi), shows how extreme heat affects local communities.

For families living on informal and unstable incomes and in fragile housing, such heat is not just uncomfortable; it can be deadly.

Heat waves occur when temperatures push daily highs past 40 C inland and above 35 C on the coast. In 2015, a single heat wave killed more than 1,200 people in Karachi during just one week in June. But the quieter psychological toll, which is rarely counted in official statistics, builds with every wave of extreme heat.

In our research, residents describe lying awake in stagnant air, waking drenched in sweat and starting the next day already exhausted. Sleeplessness makes emotions harder to manage, fueling conflict in homes stretched thin.

Many, especially women, speak of a sense of suffocation and dread; fearing their bodies won't cope or that a loved one will collapse. For people with asthma or anxiety, the symptoms are magnified, and mothers often feel an acute worry for children and elderly relatives.

This mental strain is no overreaction, it reflects harsh realities. Outdoor workers lose wages when extreme heat makes it unsafe to stay on the job. At the same time, food and water prices climb as supply chains falter and demand spikes, just as family incomes shrink. Hospitals and clinics can be difficult to reach because high temperatures often lead to power cuts, overloaded transport systems and an increase in heat-related illness, all of which slows emergency care.

Women often shoulder the heaviest burden because in many households, especially in low- and middle-income countries, domestic and caregiving duties still fall largely to them. Social norms often expect women, not men, to stay home with children, care for older relatives and organize water or food supplies.

When a heat wave strikes, those tasks become more physically demanding and more time-consuming: fanning overheated children through sleepless nights, checking constantly on elderly neighbors, and answering calls for help.

In low- and middle-income countries, women also face disproportionate health risks from climate change, particularly during extreme heat, precisely because these gendered roles and socio-cultural expectations expose them to greater stress.

The unpaid labor that holds households togethercaring, fetching water, preparing foodis carried mainly by women. As one Karachi resident explained, on the hottest days, she and her neighbors watch over pregnant women: "Women here may be poor, but they support each other, sharing water, looking after each other's children and cooking for each other. It's our way of surviving "

Such neighborly care surfaces again and again. Families pool money to buy safe drinking water when supplies run short. In some informal settlements, one of the most immediate ways people cope with rising heat is by increasing their reliance on water, often through hand pumps that serve as vital lifelines during prolonged heat waves. Neighbors check on older people during power cuts.

Women take turns cooking when kitchens become unbearable for elderly or pregnant relatives. These are not feel-good tales of "bouncing back," but acts of collective survival: immediate, exhausting and often invisible. They reveal how vulnerability is shaped by poor housing, patchy health care and weak governancefactors that leave people exposed when crises strike.

Extreme heat also compounds heat-related health risks and financial costs. In crowded settlements and displacement camps, food spoils quickly, appetites wane and clean water becomes harder to find and more expensive to acquire.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women struggle to maintain nutrition. International research shows that heat stress can deplete micronutrients, hinder growth and increase the risk of early labor and premature childbirths. When these pressures collide with poverty and displacement, the dangers of malnutrition and long-term harm can only grow.

Residents' requests are strikingly simple. They want electricity that stays on through the night, clean water that they can afford and clinics that remain open when symptoms worsen. These are not luxuries. They are the difference between anxiety and peace of mind, between starting the day rested or already exhausted.

Even small interventions help: a working fan, a shaded community space, advice on hydration and sleep. Women-led groups already organize water-sharing, neighbor check-ins and shaded play areas. Strengthening these networks, and centering polices on women's health could save lives and protect mental health during future heat waves.

Counting only hospital admissions or heat-stroke cases misses what people say matters most: a child kept hydrated, a safe place to sleep, the absence of panic on the hottest days and nights of the year. These everyday markers of dignity and survival are where real adaptation begins. As one resident put it: "We cannot stop the sun. But we can stop each other from being alone in the heat."

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Heart disease mortality is on the rise in California, accelerated by socioeconomic disparities that disproportionately impact marginalized communities, according to a study presented at ACC Quality Summit 2025, held October 1416 in Denver.

It's crucial to align prevention with equity and implement data-driven, community-focused interventions that address this heightened cardiovascular burden in low-income communities, the authors said.

"By using state and federal data, I wanted to identify which risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking remain inadequately addressed by existing interventions," said Ryan Nazari, the study's lead author and an independent researcher based in Modesto, California. "The purpose was not only to measure disparities but also to highlight gaps where current strategies fall short."

The researchers used data from the CDC WONDER database, the California Department of Public Health and peer-reviewed studies to analyze trends in cardiovascular disease burden across several California counties. The study focused on county-level mortality, income, and prevalence of comorbidities, like hypertension and diabetes, between 2018 and 2022.

The results found heart disease mortality increased from 141 deaths per 100,000 people in 2018 to 147.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 20202021. Low income, advanced age and male gender had a particularly strong impact on a region's mortality rate. High rates of hypertension, obesity and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of heart disease mortality.

The mortality rates varied significantly based on the average income of each county. For example, Marin County maintained an average income of $142,785 and had a mortality rate of 44 per 100,000 people, while Fresno County had an average income of $71,434 and had a 105.5 mortality rate. Similarly, Kern County maintained an average income of $67,660 and had an 89.2 mortality rate.

"Even though California overall has seen improvements in some cardiovascular health indicators, several counties continue to experience disproportionately high rates of disease and related risk factors," Nazari said.

"These differences highlight that statewide progress has not been consistent, and that interventions must be better tailored to the needs of communities with higher burdens of heart disease."

Heart disease prevention must address systemic barriers in low-income communities to mitigate these higher cardiovascular risks, the researchers said.

Nazari recommended implementing community-based interventions that prioritize expanding education on nutrition, exercise and preventive care and enhanced accessibility to screenings and treatment in underserved areas. Additionally, introducing policy measures that address social drivers of health, such as income inequality and food insecurity, could help alleviate the cardiovascular mortality burden in these high-risk communities.

"I expected to see variation between counties, but I was surprised at how strongly socioeconomic differences correlated with higher heart disease burden. The data showed that inequities are both persistent and widespread, which emphasizes the need for solutions that reach beyond standard medical care," Nazari said.

While this study focused on California, the authors believe that the findings could resonate more broadly across the United States.

"Many states face similar challenges of rising heart disease burden and uneven access to preventive resources. Because California is large and diverse in terms of socioeconomic conditions and population size, it can act as a useful case study for how health disparities appear elsewhere," Nazari said.
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Pegasus slowly trots out of an elevator, surrounded by doctors and nurses. He's ready to make his rounds and see the many sick children hospitalized at Holtz Children's Hospital, located on Jackson Memorial Hospital's Miami campus.

His owner, Alexandra Ramos, doesn't need to say much to introduce the miniature horse to his first patient. The boy's eyes light up the moment Pegasus walks into the room.

"He's never seen a horse in person before, so I'm glad to see him smile, honestly," Nigeria Harris said as she watched her 9-year-old son, Kumari, pet Pegasus. He was waiting to be discharged after an asthma attack on his first day of fourth grade led him to stay overnight at the children's hospital.

Holtz and other South Florida hospitals have long used therapy dogs to provide patients with emotional support, either by hiring handlers to bring in the furry companions or by having their own in-house therapy dogs to make more frequent rounds.

Now, hospitals have begun to explore the same philosophy, but with horses. In South Florida, Pegasus has already made rounds at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, HCA Mercy Hospital in Miami and Nicklaus Children's Hospital near South Miami.

"No one wants to be in a hospital. No one wants to be sick, and anything that could take their mind away from what they're doing here, I think it's a really positive thing," said Gino Santorio, president and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach.

Pegasus first visited Mount Sinai's hospital in 2024 for Valentine's Day as part of Mount Sinai's pet therapy program.

"You could tell that people's attention was immediately drawn to [Pegasus], and for the 10 to 15 minutes that the mini horse was there, that's all anybody was really thinking about," Santorio said. "Sometimes that 15 minutes of just mindfulness gives people a mental reset."

Pegasus, like his six adopted therapy dog siblings, is trained to give emotional support to kids and adult patients undergoing challenging treatments.

And Pegasus comes dressed to impress. For his first visit to Holtz Children's Hospital, he arrived in character as Woody the cowboy to match the hospital's "Toy Story" themelittle cowboy hat and slip-resistant mini boots included.

The horse's magic repeats itself in every roombright eyes, smiles, awe and shock. Some kids put stickers on his body.

It's not easy to plan a visit. Hospitals have to follow strict guidelines to ensure cleanliness and reduce risk of infections and illness for patients, staff and visitors. An employee that stayed close to Ramos and Pegasus during his recent Holtz visit, for example, closely monitored the interactions, making sure the kids cleaned their hands properly and, at times, changed gowns following their interactions with the horse.

Those are just some of the steps the hospital took to make sure Pegasus could visit all of its patients, including those in outpatient, oncology, the transplant institute and the pediatric ICU as part of Holtz's "Feel Good Friday" initiative, where staff find fun activities for patients, staff and families to do to give kids a mental break.

"The opportunity to pet, the opportunity to cuddle with a horse, is another level ... and gives them that opportunity to take a break if they're going through pain," said Kim Juanico, Holtz's nurse coordinator for the pediatric palliative care team. Her team focuses on finding ways to improve quality of life for kids with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

"It may not be the medication that helps them, but Pegasus can come in here and give a gentle hug to a kid and let them cuddle and pet, and their pain level goes down."

"It's a distraction technique," she added. "Days are long and hard here. We're constantly waiting for the next hour to come. This passes a little bit of that time."

Benefits of equine therapy

Horses are also being used to help reduce anxiety, promote calmness and develop better emotional regulation in children outside of the doctor's office, too.

At Equine Music Therapy Resources near West Kendall, horses and music are being used in therapy to help children with anxiety, depression, autism, and other behavioral and neurological disorders learn life skills and gain confidence while helping them navigate their emotions, according to Dayne Leon, the company's president and founder.

Leon said equine therapy works because of how intuitive, almost empath-like, horses are to people's emotions. Some research indicates horses can not only hear the heartbeat of those around them but can also synchronize the beat of their hearts with their riders, she said. Leon says that connection can often help promote calmness.

"Kids feel in control of that huge animal, but at the same time, it's building a bond between the animal and the person that is extremely magical," said Leon, tearing up as she talked about the changes she has seen in the children her organization helps.

"When you see a child that is isolated in their own world and they open up to a new one, they open up to the best version of themselves," she said.

It's similar to what therapy dogs do.

The furry companions "help bridge the gap that we, even as clinicians or specialists, can't get through to the child," said Talia Mor, a child life specialist at Holtz and the handler of Mahi, the children's hospital's facility dog. "You see them start to really talk to you and engage with you when they wouldn't have been as open to do that before."

For Ramos, who has worked for over a decade with therapy dogs, equine therapy is a new way to bring that comfort to patients and other children.

From therapy dogs to a therapy horse

Ramos, who grew up with horses and other farm animals in Colombia, worked years ago with Amigos Near, a Miami-based nonprofit foundation that helps underserved children across the world, including kids in orphanages across Haiti, Colombia, Spain and the Dominican Republic. Ramos said she was on the ground shortly after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, helping to deliver food and other essential items to families in need.

As part of her foundation work, Ramos would sometimes go to Nicklaus Children's, then known as Miami Children's. One day, she went with her dog Bruno. Someone at the hospital recommended she bring her pup back to interact with patients. Ramos recalls feeling confused by the ask, but nonetheless did so.

That moment changed Ramos' life. She now handles six therapy dogsAres, Thor, Odin, Apollo, Zeus and Brunoin addition to Pegasus. He will soon have another brother: Arion, another horse she's in the process of bringing into the fold. All are rescues named after characters from Greek mythology.

"I don't have children, but I believe there's a need to make many kids feel better who lack many things at home," Ramos said.

Pegasus, to her, is like a big dog. At the farm where he lives in Kendall's horse country, he's playful and even a bit mischievous, not always listening to Ramos, pulling on his reigns, impatient to be set loose to go run in his paddock. He loves to roll on his back, a technique horses use to scratch and groom themselves.

But at the hospital, Pegasus is poised. Calm. A steady presence for anyone who needs him.

"He transforms when he's with patients," said Ramos.

Not every dog or horse can be a therapy animal. Therapy dogs, and horses like Pegasus that are tapped to do equine therapy, have to undergo training to make sure they can interact safely with patients in strange and loud environments.

And, like other small business owners in Miami, Ramos is navigating rising costsshe spends thousands to feed and care for Pegasus aloneand confusing immigration law changes. She recently met with an immigration attorney to discuss the status of Pegasus' trainer, who is a core member of her team.

The trainer, who was born in Nicaragua, spent much of his life training horses for shows and competitions across Central America. He moved to the U.S. last year under the humanitarian parole program to work as a trainer at a ranch in southern Miami-Dade. That's where he met Ramos, who he says has changed his life.

But his status may be at risk now. It worries Ramos, who considers him not only a friend but also her right-hand man.

The trainer visits Pegasus daily and is like the horse's shadow during hospital visits, keeping a close eye to ensure the safety of Pegasus and those around him. He's so in tune with Pegasus, he can tell what the horse needs just by looking at himfood, rest, even a bathroom break, a beneficial skill for those days when Pegasus is trotting through a hospital.

For now, the trainer plans to move into the ranch that Ramos and her husband recently bought in Broward County to have Pegasus nearby. That's where Ramos also plans to kick off her one-on-one equine therapy sessions.

How stress impacts horses

Ramos' team also includes Esteban Suarez, who is Pegasus' personal masseuse.

Horses get stressed, just like humans do. Muscles get tensed and strained. Locked muscles can lead to injury if not treated properly.

Suarez's job is to give Pegasus structural integration therapythink of it like a deep tissue massage. He carefully goes over every inch of Pegasus' body, from his neck to his back and all the way to his hooves.

Stress affects everyone's body differently. Some people may feel that their stress piles up as tension in a certain area of their body, such as their neck, shoulders or feet. That's true for Pegasus, too. His stress seems to affect his shoulders and back the most, and it seems more noticeable after a long work day, according to Suarez.

Standing inside trailers in Miami's gridlocked traffic is a stressful experience for horses, according to Suarez, who runs an equine structural integration therapy and rehabilitation business called Equi-Trust. The sights, sounds and smells inside a bustling hospital can also be overwhelming, even for a trained horse.

Pegasus gets the massage about once a month, less often than competitive sport horses. Pegasus also has the work-life balance many people dream of. Ramos won't let him work more than once a week to ensure he gets proper rest.

During their recent visit to Holtz, Ramos stood right behind Pegasus, serving as a steady shield. Ramos said she does it to help direct Pegasus through the hospital, but also to give him peace of mind that nothing will surprise him from behind. She made sure he got a bathroom break and encouraged him to meet Mahi, Holtz's therapy dog.

The two ran into each other in the hallway and briefly touched noses, cementing the start of what will likely be a new friendship between horse and dog.

Inside a nearby room was 15-year-old Eric Ortiz, who was getting ready to leave after staying overnight for an ear infection. He didn't have a hospital horse sighting on his 2025 bingo card.

"I can win Two Truths and a Lie now," he said.

2025 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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An innovative study by University of Manchester researchers has shown that mothers' feelings of being overwhelmed and unhappiness, not fathers', are directly associated with their children's feelings of nervousness, worry and unhappiness.

The study, published in BMJ Open, definitively confirms the mother's role as central to the emotional well-being of the family unit.

Though other researchers have focused on isolated relationships between mother and child, this is the first study of the role that both partners may play in family mental health, both concurrently and over time.

The researchers produced a series of mapscalled networksdepicting the way symptoms of anxiety and depression in parents and their children up to the age of 16 connect with each other over time.

They based the analysis on data from 3,757 families between 2009 to 2022 from the UK Household Longitudinal Study.

Additional cross-sectional network maps of 8,795 families captured independent associations between family members' mental health.

While fathers' emotional state was linked to mothers' mental health in the cross-sectional analysis, they observed an absence of associations with their children.

However, they reported that fathers' emotional symptoms may influence children's well-being indirectly, by affecting maternal mental health.

The longitudinal maps also identified how a mother's feelings of being overwhelmed affected the child's emotional stateespecially worry, and that children's feeling of worry cycled back, further affecting her own emotional health.

The influence of maternal emotional health on their children waned as they got older, reflecting how adolescents transfer their primary attachment from their parents to others.

Lead author Dr. Yushi Bai from the University of Manchester said, "We do know that children's mental health is formed by, and within, their family through shared genes, nurturing behaviors of caregivers, and sibling dynamics.

"Our study identified mothers, not fathers, as central to the emotional well-being of the family unit.

"We suspect that this can be explained by traditional division of parenting roles, where societal expectations often position mothers as the primary caregivers and organizers within families.

"Mothers are typically more involved in child-rearing and spend considerably more time with their children than do fathers, which means they are more likely to influence children's lives and development.

"Greater exposure to maternal care might also lead children to copy their mother's coping mechanisms and behaviors."

Co-author Dr. Matthias Pierce from the University of Manchester said, "Emotional disorders in young people are not only increasingly prevalent, but also present at early ages, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention.

"Given the family's central role in shaping and sustaining mental health, interventions and policies should consider how the family mental health ecosystem operates.

"This study shows the potential value of interventions that aim to support mothers and reduce maternal anxiety, which may have the greatest impact on improving family dynamics and reduce the risk of poor mental health in children.

"We also suggest that the link between fathers' and mothers' mental health presents a further potential avenue for alleviating maternal stress."

More information: Yushi Bai et al, Quantifying cross-sectional and longitudinal associations in mental health symptoms within families: network models applied to UK cohort data, BMJ Open (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-104829 Journal information: BMJ Open
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Credit: Columbia University Press

Around the world, growing populations of older adults need social care. Aging is typically associated with steady physical and cognitive decline; the practice of narrative therapy, by contrast, focuses on the resilience of older adults by encouraging the construction of meaningful life stories.

Practitioners engage participants to revisit personal journeys to uncover life lessons, finding core beliefs and values to help cope with new challenges. Ultimately, narrative therapy helps older adults recover meaning in life by inviting them to recollect and commemorate their life experiences.

The book "Narrative Therapy With Older Adults," by Lauren Taylor, a senior lecturer at Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW); Ada Chan Yuk-Sim Mui, a professor of social work at CSSW; and Esther Oi-Wah Chow, a social work professor at Hong Kong Shue Yan University, is an in-depth guide to narrative therapy for students and practitioners in health care, social work, gerontology, and counseling.

By showing readers how to develop a culturally sensitive practice framework with older adults, this step-by-step manual presents a transformative narrative practice with older people in individual, family, group, and collective settings. Drawing on extensive clinical practice with older adults in Hong Kong and New York City, the authors explore narrative methods in divergent cultural contexts to advance a globally minded approach, and foreground alternative models of aging that celebrate lives worth living.

Taylor discusses the book with Columbia Newsincluding how the pandemic affected both her and the plans for this bookalong with what it's like to be a co-writer, and what she's working on and teaching now.

Why did you write this book?

I owe my participation in this project to my co-author, Ada Mui. Ada had met Esther Chow, our other co-author, at a conference in Hong Kong. Esther subsequently came to Columbia to work with Ada as a fellow, and brought with her a proposal for a book on narrative therapy in Hong Kong. The topic needed to be expanded for a wider audience, and Ada contacted me to see if I could help. Together, we conceived of the idea of narrative therapy in cultural contexts, East and West. Esther is primarily a researcher and I am a clinician, which created a nice balance in the material, with Ada as the bridge between us.

The pandemic impacted my experience, both in writing and in my clinical work. We received the book contract shortly before the pandemic began. On a personal note, I had written two chapters in the beginning of 2020, and then became severely ill with COVID in early March of 2020. I was unable to write for over a year, but finally sat down to write again in the summer of 2021. I wrote several pages, and thought to myself: "I can do this." I went back to check a reference in one of the chapters I had written before the pandemic, only to discover that I had just written exactly the same thing as I had written before. I had to throw it out and start all over again, but despite this setback, I persevered.

Professionally, my work changed dramatically during the pandemic with the introduction of telehealth. Suddenly, I was seeing clients on a screen instead of in person. Some were clients I had seen in person before the pandemic, but there were new clients I had never met. I also began doing phone sessions, and in these sessions, I never saw the people with whom I developed therapeutic relationships.

To my surprise, I found that phone sessions were just as effective as Zoom, for those who preferred them. Because of the profound impact of telehealth, I decided that it was important to add a chapter on this subject to the book. At present, working remotely has become routine. Although I also work in person, many of my older clients prefer telehealth, as it allows them to maintain consistency in treatment when they are not able to come in person. I have a number of older clients, including some in their nineties who, despite believing that they are not technologically savvy, have learned to use Zoom.

What exactly is narrative therapy, and why is it so crucial for older adults in need of care?

Narrative therapy is a respectful, client-centered form of psychotherapy that aims to separate the person from the problem, and help an individual rewrite negative life narratives to highlight strength and resilience, rather than failure and regret. Many older adults in need of care have become so intimately entangled with their problems that they lose sight of themselves as complete human beings whose narratives extend far beyond "the problem." This is not to say that we should not address these problems; rather, in helping people uncover and appreciate their larger narratives, we assist in bringing deeper meaning to their lives.

Narrative therapy is an interactive and collaborative process, in which therapist and client work together to create a narrative tapestry that connects past and present. Life narratives contain many subplots, interwoven with the narratives of others, and with the cultural themes of the larger society. For older clients who may not have had therapy in the past, or for whom therapy carries a certain stigma, this approach may be effective in easing them into the process.

Can you give an example from the book of someone who benefited from narrative therapy?

In the book, I write about the many ways in which narrative can be used in therapy. I will share perhaps the most challenging case I have encountered. It is the story of a man whose Parkinson's had robbed him of the ability to speak. He had been the general counsel for a major corporation, but now he was unable to communicate verbally, although his capacity to understand was still present. I have changed his name to protect confidentiality, so I will call him Allen.

As normal conversation with Allen was not possible, I had to think of creative ways to use narrative in our work together. Allen could not tell me his life story, but I could help him derive meaning from the life he had lived, and was still living. To that end, I asked Allen's wife if she had some family photos I could use. For the next few months, I engaged Allen by asking about the stories behind the photos.

Although Allen could not construct a complete sentence, he was able to relate enough through individual sounds and nods of his head to help me understand the stories behind the pictures. I asked him if he would like me to write down these stories, and he indicated he would. This became an important part of our time together. He relished the process, and especially enjoyed it when I read to him what I had written.

Towards the end of his life, Allen lost all ability to speak. Instead, I talked to him for the hour we spent together each week. He often sat in his wheelchair across from the west-facing windows of his dining room, and I noticed that he seemed fascinated by the setting of the sun, and by the reflection of the chandelier in the window over the dining room table. In my effort to keep him engaged in the therapy, I took pictures of the sky and the reflection as the sun began to set. With each phase of the sunset, I showed Allen the picture I had just taken. He was delighted, and indicated as best he could that I should take more photos.

Although very little conversation transpired in my narrative work with Allen, I felt a deep connection with him. When he died, I had the feeling that I had helped him construct a meaningful story, a "song without words."

What was the process for producing this book with Ada and Esther?

Esther and I have never met in person, though I certainly hope we will some day! We initially communicated through WhatsApp, email, and, eventually, Google Docs. At first, it was difficult to coordinate, trying to figure out who would write what, and how we would combine our work into a cohesive text. Ada was most helpful in dividing up the chapters; in the end, Esther's work as a researcher and mine as a clinician, with Ada as the link between us, came together in a complementary way. Our editors also helped facilitate the process.

What are you teaching this semester, and in the spring?

The courses I teach are not offered in the fall semester. I teach Social Work Practice with Women, and Resilient Aging in the spring semester, and Resilient Aging in summer school.

What are you working on now?

Over the years, I have collected many stories and quotes from my clients, as well as creative ideas from teaching. I have begun writing about my work, conceptualizing it as a kind of patchwork quilt, in which I plan to bring together the different pieces to create a narrative that I hope will be both thought-provoking and instructive.

In addition to my ongoing work in a geriatric mental health clinic, where I see clients both individually and in groups, and my work as an oral historian, I have begun to collaborate with an architectural preservationist whose work focuses on reparative narratives and historical sites. I'm looking forward to expanding my use of narrative into new areas, including the ways in which AI can assist older adults in telling and preserving their stories.
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Verasense is a wireless, single-use sensor that measures real-time load, balance, and surgical alignment of the knee during total knee replacement, providing surgeons with data to optimize implant positioning and soft tissue balance. Chapman worked on the device as a Ph.D. student at Dartmouth College and completed it at URI. Credit: URI

Joint replacement surgery has advanced dramatically thanks to new materials, techniques, and technology. Procedures are safer, less invasive, and require less recovery time. There have also been great advancements in technology used to remotely monitor how patients recover from joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty. However, these technologies have not yet been widely implemented.

At the University of Rhode Island, Ryan Chapman, assistant professor of kinesiology in the College of Health Sciences, is developing orthopedic technologies to improve patient outcomes. Chapman and colleague Professor Janie Astephen Wilson of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada examined the state of technology used for remote patient monitoring following joint replacement.

Their peer-reviewed article is published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research.

Advancements in technology

Sensors can now be embedded in implants during knee replacement surgery and can be used for gait and load sensing, activity monitoring, and implant micromotion detection. Chapman and his collaborators developed a device for implants which uses a gyroscope-based system to measure the alignment of the tibia coronal plane in knee replacements.

Emerging technologies for post-surgery monitoring include mobile applications, wearable sensors for mobility and temperature sensing, smart textiles, and sensor-enabled smart homes.

"Together, these technologies hold promise for more personalized, cost-effective strategies for comprehensive and patient-centered assessments that can inform tailored rehabilitation approaches, allow for near real-time assessment of patient outcomes, improve function, and promote earlier mobilization," wrote Chapman and Astephen.

Chapman has established himself as a leading expert in the development of wearable motion sensors for monitoring patient recovery after joint replacements, earning patents for his novel technology and publishing several articles on the use of these technologies in monitoring recovery after knee, hip, and shoulder replacements.

Chapman presented his lab's advancements in wearable motion sensing in joint replacement at the International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty annual meeting in September in Rome, Italy.

As procedures improve, tech follows

According to Chapman, there are several reasons why the field of orthopedics has been slow to adopt e-health technologies for remote patient monitoring compared to other medical fields.

Motionsense is a wearable sensor platform that continuously tracks patient movement and activity after orthopedic procedures, providing real-world data on recovery and function. MotionSense was created at URI and co-developed by Stryker, a medical technology company. Credit: University of Rhode Island

"The plastic used in joint replacements used to break down rapidly inside the patient," said Chapman.

"Until that problem was solved, it didn't make sense to spend lots of time, money, and energy on remotely monitoring patients. Moreover, when joint replacements failed, it was often multivariable. Developing a technology to remotely monitor a variety of variables was challenging."

Now that joint replacements last longer and patients can resume an active lifestyle sooner, people are opting to have procedures at an earlier age and are starting to embrace technology used for post-surgery remote monitoring.

"The average age of individuals receiving joint replacements is 65 to 75," said Chapman.

"This demographic was historically significantly less interested in using technology to track their progress after a surgery. Now, that age range is starting to come down and individuals receiving joint replacements are far more technologically literate and accepting. As a result, we are beginning to see increased use of these remote monitoring technologies."

Barriers to overcome

Despite advances in technology, Chapman and Astephen make the case that before remote arthroplasty monitoring technologies can be widely accessible and commonly used, several barriers need to be addressed.

Inconsistent protocols, the need for clinical validation, reliance on patient compliance with sensor use, privacy concerns, cost challenges, and limited long-term data are some of the issues that require further research and viable solutions.

"Each of those problems require subtly different, but also interrelated solutions," said Chapman.

"For example, sensor compliance means we need patients to follow protocols to use the technology appropriately. This may require incentivization, which could vary from one person to another. One patient might have internal motivation, a second may be driven by what their doctor says, and a third may be driven by playing a rehabilitation game."

Getting patients to embrace the technology often comes down to its functionality and design, which presents other challenges.

"Design choices for the sensors could change the cost, how we deploy it clinically, and if insurers are willing to pay for the technology," said Chapman.

"Cost and reimbursement challenges are highly dependent on the companies, insurers, and the government. Perhaps more important is the value of the technology in improving patient outcomes. If patients show significant improvement for equal or lower cost, the likelihood of adoption will increase."

Depending on the technology selected, costs can range from hundreds of dollars for a disposable wearable sensor up to tens of thousands of dollars for home-integrated sensing systems, making many of these technologies cost-prohibitive in the absence of insurance or other reimbursement strategies.

Chapman hopes his research team's efforts to develop these remote monitoring technologies will continue driving health care value by improving patient outcomes and improve access to high-quality health care around the world.

More information: Janie L. Astephen Wilson et al, Reimagining Outcomes: A Perspective Review of Advances in Remote Monitoring Technologies in PostArthroplasty Patient Care, Journal of Orthopaedic Research (2025). DOI: 10.1002/jor.70064
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Credit: Cnordic Nordic from Pexels

We all know that asthma impacts breathing. What may be less known is that the disease, which restricts our airways due to inflammatory responses, can be caused throughout our lifetime by a variety of things. It can be treated in several ways, too, depending on the type of inflammatory response generated.

From common environmental exposures, like pet dander, to those we may be less familiar with, like small particulates carried in wildfire smoke, asthma can be developed or worsened due to what we breathe. There are also genetic predispositions someone may inherit that make them more likely to develop the disease at some point in their life. For those with chronic disease, new prescription treatment options such as combination inhalers and injectable medications can help prevent recurrent flare-ups.

Tufts Now sat down with Jeremy Weinberger, an asthma expert, assistant clinical professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, and physician in the pulmonary and critical care division at Tufts Medical Center, to discuss what he thinks people should know about asthma.

How do genetics impact breathing problems like asthma?

There are certainly underlying genetic predispositions, but asthma is a complex disease. It's not like others where if you have one mutation of a gene, you're going to get the disease. There are varying traits and factors that influence diagnosis.

Then there's all the environmental things we're around, whether it's pollution, or whether someone is exposed to a bad respiratory viral illness that sets off an inflammatory cascade, all of which can lead to adult-onset asthma. There are many different life experiences that can contribute to airway inflammation and ultimately asthma.

How does the environment, specifically air quality, impact our breathing?

This topic has been in the news a lot recently, specifically with the Canadian wildfire smoke and small particulates that it carries. There is concern that as the global temperature goes up, there are going to be more fires, more smog, longer allergy seasons, and reduced outdoor activity which can all impact asthma. It's a huge public health issue, and from a socioeconomic standpoint, there's a disproportionate effect on people who have less means.

Those people may not have central air conditioners with high efficiency filters to help clean the air they breathe, or HEPA filters that are going to catch those small particulates. They're also more likely to have worse ventilation for indoor cooking and gas stoves. All these exposures are cumulative, and the more you're exposed to them in early life, the more likely you'll deal with a cascade of health effects later down the road.

With such a complicated array of potential causes, as a clinician, how do you begin to work with a new patient who may be suffering from asthma?

Starting with the symptom side, I'll ask a series of questions to understand the basic nature like:

When is the last time your breathing felt normal or normal for you?

Are you having cough, wheezing, shortness of breath?

What time of day do the symptoms present?

Is it worse at night?

Are there situations/exposures where symptoms are worse? For example, when you are around a family pet?

These are all broader questions, but then I get into the weeds about exposures by asking questions such as:

Where do you live?

Is it a single-family home, apartment building, or college dorm?

Do you have hardwood floors or carpet?

Do you have central air conditioning?

Do you use window air conditioning units?

Do you change your filters?

What type of bedding do you use? Is it down?

Do you wash your bedding on high heat to try to kill dust mites?

These are the standardized questions I ask in my initial intake visit for a new patient that I'm seeing with asthma, whether it's mild or severe.

By asking these questions, I'm trying to pick up what can be teased out just from their history. Often for patients who have moderate to severe asthma, I will also send off a battery of blood tests for allergies.

What can you tell about someone's asthma diagnosis from their allergy test results?

As part of their diagnosis, some patients with allergic asthma will see an allergist for skin testing, where the skin is pricked and then exposed to certain environmental allergens, like animal dander, tree pollen, and dust mites. In pulmonary diagnoses, we more commonly order a blood test looking for allergen-specific IgEs, or immunoglobulin Es, where the "E" stands for epsilon heavy chains, which are defining characteristics of these specific antibodies.

We pick up elevated IgE levels when we're exposed to specific things in the environment, like cockroach and mouse urine, and different molds. I'll combine those results with my intake questionnaire and other data to discuss my top recommendations in terms of treatment.

For instance, if someone's IgEs are elevated when they're exposed to dust mites, I would recommend they get dust mite-impervious covers for their mattress and pillows, and wash their sheets weekly in the highest-temperature cycle available on their washing machine to kill dust mites.

If someone has a pet that they love and can't part with, I'll recommend they keep the pet out of the bedroom, get rid of all the carpeting in the house, and install a HEPA filter in the home that can help with some of the dander.

What type of breathing tests will you do as part of your evaluation?

Almost all of the patients who make it to my clinic will have had spirometry, a non-invasive lung function test, done before their intake appointment. But it's one of the tricky things with asthma: you can't make the diagnosis based on spirometry alone. It really does come down to their history.

What concrete links are there between allergies and asthma?

The most common diagnosis in our clinic is Th2 asthma, which refers to the type of cells that are generated in response to different types of pathogens, or allergic responses. This is also the type of asthma that is typically associated with elevated IgEs and eosinophils. When those IgEs and eosinophils are in the blood, a downstream inflammatory cascade is generated that then leads to inflammation in the airways and asthma symptoms.

For underlying genetic reasons, the body makes these antibodies and creates more inflammation, especially in young children who have eczema, food allergies, and reactions to different exposures over time. When the whole body generates inflammation, not only are you going to get some asthma-type symptoms, but you're also more likely to be sensitized to other things.

That reaction is what's known as the allergic march, where once you've developed allergies, you'll have ongoing inflammatory responses, and there is a lot of research happening into how we can disrupt or interrupt this allergic march for young kids with multiple sensitivities.

There is another type of asthma called Th1 asthma which is oftentimes associated with patients who are obese and less responsive to our typical medications, but we know less about the condition in general.

How common is it for someone to be misdiagnosed with asthma and why?

Chronic cough is often over-diagnosed as asthma, but there are actually three things that most commonly cause a chronic cough. One is what we call upper airway cough syndrome, which is just the fancy way of saying post-nasal drip, another is acid reflux or GERD mediated, and the third is asthma.

The amount of time that I spend talking about people's gastrointestinal history and acid reflux can surprise patients. They'll wonder, "Why is this pulmonologist asking me about the latest time of day I consume caffeine?" and "Why does he want to know if I ever lay down right after having caffeinated beverages?" The answer is that at least 30% of people who make it to my clinic with a cough and a preliminary diagnosis of asthma end up having something else.

The most common something else is uncontrolled acid reflux, leading to some degree of subclinical aspiration of stomach content, which reaches the airways and can cause inflammation, cough, and can lead to a syndrome that looks a heck of a lot like asthma and can contribute to asthma worsening.

Stomach acid is caustic. The airways don't like to be exposed to caustic things, so by exposing your airway to stomach acid, you can generate an inflammatory cascade that is going to lead to bronchial constriction and inflammation in the airways, which is basically what asthma is.

What types of medications are available to treat asthma?

From a pharmacological standpoint, there are two main classes of inhaler therapies. One is going to be what we call bronchodilatorsbroncho meaning airway, and dilators meaning to relax or open. Those are going to work by opening the airways more because one of the hallmarks of asthma is the airways become constricted and smaller during an episode.

Then there's the anti-inflammatory inhaler, which is an inhaled steroid. We think of steroids as having an impact like a bazooka used on the immune system. When you take them by mouth, they can be amazing medicines, but they also have a ton of side effects. When you inhale them, very little of the steroid gets absorbed by the body, instead staying in the airways to decrease inflammation.

What would be a reason to prescribe one version or another?

It used to be that people with mild asthma would be on a medicine like albuterol, which is a short-acting bronchodilator or relaxer, but we are moving away from that treatment even in people who use only a rescue emergency inhaler. Instead, we're prescribing a combination inhaler that contains both a steroid and a bronchodilator in it. That's been a huge shift in asthma over the last couple of years.

If someone is on albuterol as their rescue inhaler, they should have a discussion with their primary care physician or pulmonologist about whether they should also be on an anti-inflammatory with that.

Are there any other types of medication someone with more severe asthma should be aware of?

Yes, there's another class called biologic medicine for people whose asthma is not controlled by their inhalers, who continue to exacerbate and either end up in the hospital or need oral steroids, which again have all those side effects. These medications have really changed the landscape of more severe asthma.

They act more systemically and target different things in the blood, as well as different immune cells and immune mediators that live in the airways and the lining of the airways, called the airway epithelium. All of them target slightly different parts of the inflammatory cascade.

Is there anything else people should know about asthma medications?

Increasing public awareness that just reaching for your albuterol inhaler is no longer a recommended approach is really helpful and sharing that information creates an opportunity for patients to advocate for themselves if they're on that regimenespecially if they're having trouble with their symptoms and with their asthma control. If that's the case, they should talk to their primary care doctor or see a pulmonologist about getting to more guideline-based therapy with both an anti-inflammatory and some airway relaxer-bronchodilator approach.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Even a short stay in hospital produces a large amount of waste. Just picture all the disposable items designed to be used once and thrown away: face masks, gloves, packaging, intravenous tubing, and even equipment such as stainless steel scissors.

This kind of single-use medical equipment was first introduced in high-income countries in the 1960s, thanks to advances in plastic manufacturing and a growing emphasis on infection prevention and control.

About 85% of the waste single-use products created is nonhazardous and can be recycled or disposed of without special processing. But a lot of the time it's not sorted correctly. This means it is often mixed with hazardous waste that has to be incinerated before it is sent to landfill, which increases greenhouse gas emissions.

Our new study tested replacing just one kind of itemsingle-use absorbent pads, known as "blueys"with a reusable version in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Blueys are pads made of layered tissue paper, with a plastic waterproof backing. They're placed under patients to protect bedding and absorb bodily fluids such as blood and urine during patient care and other procedures.

We wanted to know how much waste could be diverted from landfill by replacing these single-use products with reusable linenand importantly, whether it was safe and hygienic for patients. Here's what we found.

What our study looked at

Over two years, we examined data from 2,114 ICU patients at a Melbourne hospital46% of them (970 patients) before we introduced reusable linen, and 54% (1,114 patients) after.

For the first year (the "before" phase), single-use blueys were used. In the second year (the "after" phase), these were replaced with reusable pads, made from soft cotton with a breathable backing. These had a similar capacity to absorb liquids as the disposable version butinstead of being thrown awaythey were washed and reused.

The study compared how many kilograms of waste were generated by single-use blueys in the first year, compared to the reusable linen.

We also explored whether reusable linen increased patients' risk of pressure injuries, sometimes known as bed sores. These are wounds that develop when patients are immobile and spend a lot of time sitting or lying in one position, causing the skin to break down.

Patients in the ICU have a high risk of developing pressure injuries. These can delay recovery and prolong their stay in hospital.

To evaluate the change, we surveyed nurses who'd used the reusable pads. We also reviewed medical records to compare the prevalence of pressure injuries in the two groups, along with patient demographics such as age, sex and length of hospital stay.

What we found

There was no difference in pressure injuries between the two groups. This means reusable linen did not increase the risk of an ICU patient developing a pressure injury.

But it did save a lot of waste. In the year before introducing reusable pads, 21,554 disposable pads were used in this one hospital ward, generating almost half a metric ton of waste from this single-use item alone.

Shifting to reusable linen effectively eliminated this waste, saving about half a metric ton (496 kilograms) from going to landfill in one year alone.

Initially, some nurses expressed concerns about whether the reusable linen pads would affect patients' skin. However, once the reusable pads were introduced and used for a few weeks, staff were highly satisfied. Many noted they were more sustainable and helped reduce waste, and recommended continuing to use them.

While our study didn't look at infection risk specifically, 50 years of data from the United States and the United Kingdom have previously shown reusable linen does not increase the risk of infections when it is washed and sterilized properly.

For example, Australian laundry standards for infection control require reusable items to be washed at a certain temperature (above 65C for at least ten minutes, or 71C for at least three minutes) or treated with a chemical disinfectant when material is heat sensitive.

Why this research matters

Australia's health-care system produces up to 7% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions. Hospitals are the single biggest contributor.

Given this is largely from direct patient care, making day-to-day routines more sustainable can have a big impact.

There are other benefits, too. During the early parts of the COVID pandemic, when there were often equipment shortages in supply chains, our research confirmed that using reusable personal protective equipment (PPE) was safe and could help ensure products remained available. It was also more sustainable and less costly.

One potential drawback of reusable health-care equipment is how much water is consumed cleaning and sterilizing it. Our study didn't assess this directly.

But in further research, we plan to do a life cycle assessment that compares single-use blueys and reusable linen.

This is a widely recognized way to assess the environmental impact of products from "cradle to grave." The assessment considers the energy consumption, water use, greenhouse gas emissions and cost involved not only in the products' manufacture, but also in their use and disposal. This includes the impact of washing and sterilizing products versus sending items to landfill.

Health-care workers often face barriers to sustainable practice when caring for patients. But as frontline workers are managing the health consequences of climate change and environmental disasters, it's vital they understand their role in promoting environmentally responsible care. Access to equipment that is safe, for both their patients and the planet, is essential.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Chinese premier to attend 80th anniversary celebrations of Workers' Party of Korea, pay official goodwill visit to DPRK

Xinhua) 13:16, October 07, 2025

BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the WPK and pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK from Oct. 9 to 11, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, will lead a party and government delegation to the DPRK, said the spokesperson.

China and the DPRK are traditional friends and neighbors, and it is an unswerving strategic policy of the CPC and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations, said the spokesperson when asked about the backdrop and China's expectation of Li's upcoming visit.

Noting this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the WPK, the spokesperson said that China stands ready to work with the DPRK through this visit to follow the guidance of the important common understandings reached between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, enhance strategic communication, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and advance China-DPRK traditional friendship and cooperative ties.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC) today announced it will report results for its third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025, after the market closes on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. The Company will host an investor conference call at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, to discuss its results.

The conference call may be accessed by dialing 800-245-3047 and providing the conference ID EHCQ325. International callers should dial 203-518-9765 and provide the same conference ID. Please call approximately 10 minutes before the start of the call to ensure you are connected.

A live webcast of the conference call and an online replay of the conference call can be found on the Company's investor website at investor.encompasshealth.com.

About Encompass Health

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) is the largest owner and operator of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. With a national footprint that includes 170 hospitals in 39 states and Puerto Rico, the Company provides high-quality, compassionate rehabilitative care for patients recovering from a major injury or illness, using advanced technology and innovative treatments to maximize recovery. Encompass Health is named America's Most Awarded Leader in Inpatient Rehabilitation by Newsweek and Statista and is ranked among Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies and Forbes' Most Trusted Companies in America. For more information, visit encompasshealth.com, or follow us on our newsroom, X, Instagram and Facebook.

From Fortune.  2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Fortune is a registered trademark and Fortune World's Most Admired Companies is trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of, Encompass Health. From Forbes  2024 Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Media contact:

Polly Manuel | 205-970-5912

[email protected]

Investor Relations contact:

Mark Miller | 205-970-5860

[email protected]

SOURCE Encompass Health Corp.
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Credit: Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)

A research team co-led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and West China Hospital Sichuan University (WCHSU), working with partners in the UK, has demonstrated a nanotechnology strategy that reverses Alzheimer's disease in mice.

Unlike traditional nanomedicine, which relies on nanoparticles as carriers for therapeutic molecules, this approach employs nanoparticles that are bioactive in their own right: "supramolecular drugs." The work has been published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy.

Instead of targeting neurons directly, the therapy restores the proper function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the vascular gatekeeper that regulates the brain's environment. By repairing this critical interface, the researchers achieved a reversal of Alzheimer's pathology in animal models.

The brain is the most expensive organ of the body, consuming 20% of the energy in adults and up to 60% in children. This energy arrives through a vast blood supply, assured by a unique and dense vascular system where each neuron is nourished by one capillary.

The brain contains approximately one billion capillaries, highlighting the vital role of brain vasculature in maintaining health and combating disease. These findings highlight the crucial role of vascular health, especially in diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's, where a compromised vascular system is closely linked.

The BBB is a cellular and physiological barrier that separates the brain from the blood flow to protect it from external dangers such as pathogens or toxins.

The team demonstrated that targeting a specific mechanism enables undesirable "waste proteins" produced in the brain to pass through this barrier and be eliminated in the blood flow. In Alzheimer's disease, the main "waste" protein is amyloid- (A), whose accumulation impairs the normal functioning of the neurons.

Statements in English by Giuseppe Battaglia, ICREA Research Professor at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Principal Investigator of the Molecular Bionics Group and leader of the study. Credit: Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)

Researchers used mouse models that are genetically programmed to produce larger amounts of A protein and develop a significant cognitive decline mimicking Alzheimer's pathology. They administered only three doses of the supramolecular drugs and afterward regularly monitored the evolution of the disease.

"Only one hour after the injection, we observed a reduction of 5060% in A amount inside the brain," explains Junyang Chen, first co-author of the study, researcher at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and Ph.D. student at University College London (UCL).

The most striking data were the therapeutic effects. Researchers conducted various experiments to analyze the behavior of the animals and measure their memory decline over several months, covering all stages of the disease.

In one of the experiments, they treated a 12-month-old mouse (equivalent to a 60-year-old human) with the nanoparticles and analyzed its behavior after six months. The result was impressive: the animal, aged 18 months (comparable to a 90-year-old human), had recovered the behavior of a healthy mouse.

"The long-term effect comes from restoring the brain's vasculature. We think it works like a cascade: when toxic species such as amyloid-beta (A) accumulate, disease progresses. But once the vasculature is able to function again, it starts clearing A and other harmful molecules, allowing the whole system to recover its balance," said Giuseppe Battaglia, ICREA Research Professor at IBEC, Principal Investigator of the Molecular Bionics Group and leader of the study.

"What's remarkable is that our nanoparticles act as a drug and seem to activate a feedback mechanism that brings this clearance pathway back to normal levels."

Amyloid- clearance from the brain

In Alzheimer's disease, one of the key problems is that the brain's natural clearance system for toxic species like amyloid- stops working properly.

Normally, the protein LRP1 acts as a molecular gatekeeper: it recognizes A, binds to it through ligands, and ferries it across the blood-brain barrier into the bloodstream, where it can be removed. But this system is fragile. If LRP1 binds too much A too tightly, the transport clogs and the protein itself gets degraded inside the brain barrier cells, leaving fewer LRP1 "carriers" available.

On the other hand, if it binds too little, the signal is too weak to trigger transport. In both cases, the result is the same: A builds up inside the brain.

The supramolecular drugs developed in this work act like a switch that resets the system. By mimicking the ligands of LRP1, they can bind to A, cross the bloodbrain barrier, and initiate the process of removing toxic species from the brain. In doing so, they help restore the vasculature's natural role as a waste-clearing pathway and bring it back to proper function.

Credit: Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)

Nanoparticles to treat Alzheimer's

In this study, the researchers introduce nanoparticles that act as supramolecular drugs, therapeutic agents in their own right rather than carriers of medication.

Designed with a bottom-up molecular engineering approach, these nanoparticles combine precise size control with a defined number of surface ligands, creating a multivalent platform able to interact with cellular receptors in a highly specific way. By engaging receptor trafficking at the cell membrane, they open up a unique and novel way to modulate receptor function.

This precision not only enables the effective clearance of amyloid- from the brain but also restores balance to the vascular system that maintains healthy brain function.

This innovative therapeutic paradigm offers a promising pathway for developing effective clinical interventions, addressing vascular contributions to Alzheimer's disease, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

"Our study demonstrated remarkable efficacy in achieving rapid A clearance, restoring healthy function in the bloodbrain barrier and leading to a striking reversal of Alzheimer's pathology," concludes Lorena Ruiz Perez, researcher at the Molecular Bionics group from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and Serra Hunter Assistant Professor at the University of Barcelona (UB).

The study was a collaboration among the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalunya (IBEC), West China Hospital of Sichuan University, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, University College London, the Xiamen Key Laboratory of Psychoradiology and Neuromodulation, University of Barcelona, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA).

More information: Multivalent modulation of endothelial LRP1 induces fast neurovascular amyloid- clearance and cognitive function improvement in Alzheimer's disease models, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41392-025-02426-1
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new study based on the 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey has uncovered a concerning gap in how health professionals support young people dealing with mental health challenges and tobacco use.

The published research by UC Davis found that nearly half of middle and high school students reported experiencing some psychological distresssuch as feeling anxious or depressedin the past 15 days. These students were more likely to be asked about tobacco use during visits to doctors, nurses or other health professionals. However, they were not more likely to receive advice to avoid tobacco, despite being at higher risk of using it.

"This is a missed opportunity," said Shichen Zheng, lead author of the study. "Youth who are struggling emotionally are more likely to turn to tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, as a way to cope. Health professionals can play a key role in prevention and treatment, but they need to go beyond just askingthey need to offer guidance and assistance."

Zheng, is a recent doctoral graduate in epidemiology at UC Davis. The research was conducted by population health scientists with the Comprehensive Cancer Center. The findings were published in Pediatrics Open Science.

Screening happens, but advice falls short

The study analyzed responses from over 18,000 students nationwide. Results showed 49% said they were screened for tobacco use and 47% were told to avoid it. Youth reporting severe psychological distress12.5%had nearly double the percentage of past-month tobacco use compared to their peers without distress (18.4% vs. 7.7%) and had 42% higher odds of being screened. However, higher levels of distress were not associated with a greater likelihood of receiving advice, and these associations did not differ by tobacco use.

Experts say the findings highlight the need for stronger efforts in youth behavioral health to include tobacco prevention and treatment.

"We need to ensure that every young personespecially those facing mental health challengesgets both the screening and the support they need to stay tobacco-free," said senior author Melanie Dove, an associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences who studies youth tobacco-related behavior. She is also assistant director of the Tobacco Cessation Policy Research Center.

The researchers hope their findings will encourage quality improvement efforts across the country. "Health clinics and plans need to improve screening and advising about tobacco in national quality measures that now include youth ages 12 and up," said co-author Elisa Tong, an internist and director of the Tobacco Cessation Policy Research Center, and medical director of the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Stop Tobacco Program

More information: Shichen Zheng et al, Psychological Distress Levels and Youth Tobacco Screening and Advice by a Health Professional: National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2022, Pediatrics Open Science (2025). DOI: 10.1542/pedsos.2025-000627
At a time when Pakistans hybrid regime was celebrating its newfound goodwill with the US, violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) left at least 10 people dead and more than 100 injured. The unrest, driven by demands for free education, healthcare, and development, among others, had been building since May 2023 and erupted into violent clashes last week. India accuses Pakistan of illegally occupying parts of the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh and has repeatedly urged Islamabad to withdraw immediately. Pakistans own Human Rights Commission condemned the excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies during the October 1 unrest in PoK. After several rounds of failed talks, Islamabad finally signed an agreement with the protesters on October 4. At a press conference, planning minister Ahsan Iqbal said the conspiracy hatched by the ill-wishers of Pakistan had failed and that the government would fully implement the commitments made to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an umbrella group representing traders and civil society organisations that voice grassroots concerns in the region with a population of more than 4mn. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, stating that all conspiracies and rumours now stand buried and issues have been resolved amicably. Although neither of them provided details about the conspiracy, they seemed to have referenced an alleged Indian cipher that surfaced in Islamabad last month, triggering a political storm in PoK. The entire episode raises some key questions  why did Pakistan finally agree to meet 25 of the 38 demands raised by the local groups, especially after attributing the unrest to a foreign conspiracy? Does it mean that the issues highlighted were genuine and the conspiracy theory was nothing but an attempt to divert attention from the local discontent? Foreign conspiracy that wasnt After repeated rounds of negotiations between Islamabad and local authorities failed to break the deadlock, Pakistan attempted to deflect attention by linking the growing protests in PoK to India. Around mid-September, former PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan presented an alleged Indian cipher during an all-party conference of regional political leaders in Islamabad. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a JAAC core member and prominent trade leader, questioned the authenticity and handling of the alleged leak. It is shocking that when a dangerous cipher of this nature leaks, only three media houses break the story. This is nothing more than the latest episode of a drama produced by Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq [the current PM of PoK], he was quoted as saying by local media. He further suggested the document could be AI-generated, comparing it to fake videos and audios circulated in the past. According to The Diplomat, there were also plans to stage pro-establishment rallies under the slogan Pakistan Zindabad to redirect public anger and portray domestic dissent in PoK as part of a foreign conspiracy. Despite these efforts, Mir asserted that Islamabads tactics had backfired, saying the people of PoK have seen through this propaganda and rejected attempts to delegitimise the JAAC. According to DEFRAC, a New Delhi-based certified fact-checking media outlet, the alleged Indian cipher circulated on Pakistani social media is fake. Islamabad had reportedly fabricated a narrative claiming that a blueprint was created at the direction of an Indian intelligence officer and two others to conduct anti-Pakistan propaganda disguised as local grievances. Why are PoK locals angry? Despite its so-called semi-autonomous status, complete with a local prime minister and legislative assembly, PoK has remained politically marginalised and economically neglected by Islamabad  a reality that has sparked waves of public discontent over the years. The latest cycle of unrest can be traced back to May 2023, when residents first took to the streets over soaring electricity bills. Their frustration was soon compounded by reports of widespread flour smuggling and severe shortages in subsidised wheat  lifelines in a region already struggling with poverty and underdevelopment. By August, what began as scattered demonstrations had evolved into a coordinated movement. In September 2023, activists from across PoK converged in Muzaffarabad to formally establish the JAAC. The situation escalated in May 2024, when protesters launched a long march towards the regional capital. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces turned deadly, claiming the lives of at least five individuals, including a police officer. Although the Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government announced a package of economic concessions, including sweeping subsidies to slash electricity tariffs and make flour more affordable, it was just a reprieve from violence. By August, the JAAC announced a renewed campaign of civil resistance  this time, shifting the focus beyond inflation and utility prices to broader political grievances, which ultimately led to a 38-point charter of demands. The federal government, on October 4, agreed to fulfil 25 demands, including compensation for those killed in the recent violence, registration of terrorism cases in incidents resulting in fatalities and several developmental measures for PoK. India flags Pakistans oppressive approach New Delhi has strongly criticised Islamabad over the recent protests in PoK, holding Pakistan responsible for its oppressive approach and horrific human rights violations. We have seen reports on protests in several areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians. We believe that it is a natural consequence of Pakistans oppressive approach and its systemic plundering of resources from these territories, which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing. Following Operation Sindoor, PM Narendra Modi has made it clear that any future dialogue with Pakistan would be limited to the issues of terrorism and PoK. His comments came amid criticism from several Opposition parties, which accused the government of having missed the chance to capture PoK during the May 7-10 military conflict with Pakistan, when India had a tactical advantage.
ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax  (NYSE: EFX) will announce its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, in a release to be issued on Tuesday, October 21, at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Equifax will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on October 21, in which senior management will discuss financial and business results for the quarter. Related presentation materials will be published on investor.equifax.com on October 21 at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Conference Call:

US/Canada: 877-559-1190 / +1 201-389-0916

International: Click here for participant International Toll-Free access numbers

Please dial the appropriate number 5-10 minutes prior to the call to complete registration. Name and affiliation/company are required to join the call.

Webcast:

To view the webcast and slide presentation, please click the link and enter your information to be connected. The link becomes active 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available on investor.equifax.com beginning on October 22.

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC.

At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com .

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Molly Clegg for Equifax

[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.
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Eufaula Water Works & Sewer Board embraces AI-integrated workflows with OpenGov to save time and deliver a better community-focused experience

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eufaula Water Works & Sewer Board is proving that innovation isn't only for large entities, leading the way in local municipal innovation thanks to an expanding partnership with OpenGov, the AI and ERP software provider for local and state governments.

With 28 employees servicing nearly 15,000 residents in southeast Alabama, the utility board continues to transform into one consolidated system to deliver better quality service to customers.

After successfully adopting OpenGov's ERP across Financial Management , Procurement & Contract Management and Enterprise Asset Management , the utility board simultaneously executed a city-wide AMI meter changeout, marking two massive initiatives for a small staff. Early next year, they'll launch their Constituent Relationship Management application. With OpenGov's Public Service Platform, Eufaula Water Works plans to continue its digital transformation.

"We wanted to become a model utility for the region. That meant changing how we worked," said Eufaula Water Works General Manager Kevin Heartsill. "We're a small utility with a big mission. And now we've got the tools to match."

They chose OpenGov software to help educate their constituents on the importance of water and wastewater utilitiesinvesting in a one-stop-shop operation for digital service options, online payments, and clear communication.

Prior to implementation, Eufaula Water Works operations mirrored those of many small utilities across the country, including a disconnected system overly dependent on institutional knowledge. With a vision to maximize efficiency, resilience and service, Eufaula Water Works joins smaller municipalities setting a standard for big innovation.

"Eufaula Water Works is showing that governments of all sizes can take on major projects and succeed. By unifying financials, procurement and asset management in one platform, they've reduced daily stress for employees, improved service options for residents and built a utility that's prepared for the future," said Claudia Arriaga, SVP, Customer Success. "With OpenGov, even the smallest communities can modernize, improve services and build resilience for the future."

About OpenGov

OpenGov is the leader in AI and ERP solutions for local and state governments in the U.S. More than 2,000 cities, counties, state agencies, school districts, and special districts rely on the OpenGov Public Service Platform to operate efficiently, adapt to change, and strengthen the public trust. Category-leading products include enterprise asset management, procurement and contract management, accounting and budgeting, billing and revenue management, permitting and licensing, and transparency and open data. These solutions come together in the OpenGov ERP, allowing public sector organizations to focus on priorities and deliver maximum ROI with every dollar and decision in sync.

Learn about OpenGov's mission to power more effective and accountable government and the vision of high-performance government for every community at OpenGov.com .

SOURCE OpenGov, Inc.
Sonora, CA Mother Lode Republican Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil praised the governors signing of Assembly Bill 30, bipartisan legislation she co-authored to allow the sale of E15 fuel across California.

E15, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, has been used nationwide for more than a decade and is known for reducing emissions and fuel costs. Before the bills passage, California was the only state that did not permit E15 sales.

California is committed to bold environmental goals, but we cant ignore the financial strain that families face, Alvarado-Gil said in a statement. The legislation offers much-needed relief for the hard-working families of my district, most residing and working in rural communities with difficult commutes. Alvarado-Gil said the bill aims to balance environmental priorities with affordability, describing it as a bipartisan approach to lower fuel expenses while supporting cleaner energy.

Californians regularly endure the highest gas prices in the country, she said. While this legislation eases the burden, there is much more we can and must do.
Sonora, CA  The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors will discuss several items at its first meeting of October today.

An early item is whether to take a stance on Proposition 50.

At election offices across the state, voting began Monday for the Proposition 50 special election related to redistricting. The measure would reshape Californias Congressional districts in an effort to add five Democrat-held seats. Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic leaders say the move comes in response to states like Texas, which are looking at similar moves to increase Republican seats. The Board of Supervisors will vote on whether to take a position against Proposition 50. The item is at the request of Supervisor Steve Griefer. His proposed resolution would point out that the California Citizens Redistricting Commission was created to ensure fair and impartial elections and argues that Proposition 50 undermines the existing voter-approved framework.

Later in the meeting, there will also be a discussion and direction given on whether to reduce Environmental Health Consumer Protection Fees in the county.

There will also be a report given on the impacts of the federal government shutdown on Tuolumne County.

A 10:30 am post-wildfire presentation is planned featuring representation from the California Department of Insurance.

In addition, there will also be a vote to continue a local emergency declaration related to the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire impacts.

The board will also break into closed session to discuss the search for a new County Administrative Officer.

The regular session portion of the meeting starts at 9 am in the board meeting room at 2 South Green Street in Sonora.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against the City of El Cajon, accusing its police department of repeatedly violating state law by sharing automated license plate reader (ALPR) data with law enforcement agencies in more than two dozen states.

The lawsuit comes at a moment of heightened concern for immigrants and women seeking reproductive care. Once data leaves California, it can be accessed by agencies in states with different policies regarding those populations.

California passed a state law nearly a decade ago restricting how police agencies handle data collected by license plate readers. The camera systems automatically log the plate number, time, date, and location of passing vehicles. Detectives can later use that data to prove an individual was in a certain location at a certain time, a tool they say helps them solve crimes.

The law prohibits state and local agencies from sharing that data with federal or out-of-state authorities, mainly because once the information leaves California, the state loses oversight over how the information is used.

Thats why the California Legislature passed (the law)  to ensure information about Californians remains here in California, Bonta said Friday in announcing the lawsuit. Yet El Cajon has knowingly and repeatedly refused to comply with state law, jeopardizing the privacy and safety of individuals in its community.

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said hes confident the city will prevail in any litigation brought by the state about its ALPR practices. He described the states lawsuit as an overreach of power.

Were a sovereign city and were acting within the law, said Wells. The mayor said the city does share the data with other states because they also give us information about potential bad guys who have come to El Cajon. The crime doesnt stop at the border. We have people from other states all the time that weve arrested as a result of this (technology).

Privacy advocates and immigrant rights groups have long warned that when license plate data ends up in federal databases, it can be used against immigrant communities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol have both been found in recent years to access local license plate reader systems, using them to identify people for deportation, court records show.

That risk, Bonta argued, undermines trust between law enforcement and immigrant residents. As the Trump Administration continues to target Californias immigrant communities, it is important that state and local law enforcement are not seen as a tool in furthering the presidents mass deportation agenda, Bonta said.

Wells described those concerns as ludicrous. We dont share information with ICE  and we dont have cameras on Planned Parenthood. Were not doing that. It seems ridiculous that they would want to take away a legitimate law enforcement tool for a liberal fantasy.

According to court filings, El Cajon shared data with agencies in states including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Utah, Wisconsin, and Virginia  all places where reproductive rights and protections for immigrants differ sharply from California.

Bontas crackdown in El Cajon comes just as Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoedSenate Bill 274, a measure that would have gone further in regulating the technology. It would have tightened regulations on how agencies use the data, including requiring deletion within 60 days and mandating random audits. The governor sided with law enforcement groups who argued the law could hinder criminal investigations.

The case, filed in San Diego Superior Court, asks a judge to declare El Cajons data sharing practices unlawful and order the city to stop.

___

This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.

By WENDY FRY/CalMatters

CalMatters
PRAGUE (AP)  Dana Drabova, the popular head of the Czech nuclear watchdog for more than a quarter century during a period when the country has relied heavily on nuclear power, has died. She was 64.

Drabova, a nuclear physicist and well-known expert on nuclear energy, was head of the State Office for Nuclear Safety from 1999 until her death Monday. She died after battling a serious illness, the office said.

She had posted daily reports on X about the radiation situation in Ukraine since the Russian full-scale invasion in February 2022, with the last one posted just hours before her death.

The daily reports are taking a break, her account announced. The radiation situation in Ukraine remains normal.

Soon after she took the helm of the state office in 1999, the country faced strong criticism from the Austrian government and protests by anti-nuclear activists at home over a new nuclear power plant in Temelin near the Austrian border. Vienna said the plant might not be safe.

It was a baptism of fire for Drabova, who kept calm, argued factually and helped contribute to easing the controversy surrounding the plant.

Drabova served two terms on the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency and chaired the Western European Nuclear Regulators Association, or WENRA. She also was an advisor to the Japanese government since 2018.

A personality who did truly exceptional work for the security of our country has passed away, Czech President Petr Pavel said. I loved her for her courage, humanity, and sense of humor. I respected her expertise and admired her directness and charisma.

Also, outgoing Prime Minister Petr Fiala and the winner of last weeks parliamentary election, Andrej Babis, offered their condolences.

She had been awarded state decorations by two former presidents, Vaclav Klaus and Milos Zeman.

Last year, she received the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver star, for her contribution to boosting relations in the field of nuclear energy.
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (AP)  Pope Leo XIV said Tuesday his first foreign trip, to Turkey and Lebanon next month, would provide a historic opportunity to promote Christian unity while bringing a message of peace and hope to Lebanons long-suffering people and the broader Middle East.

Leo outlined the trip, announced by the Vatican Tuesday on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel, during an encounter with reporters as he left the papal country estate south of Rome.

Leo will travel first to Turkey from Nov. 27-30, then Lebanon from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. The trip to Turkey will include a pilgrimage to Iznik to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, Christianitys first ecumenical council.

The anniversary is an important moment in Catholic-Orthodox relations, since the 325 A.D. Nicea meeting predates the schisms that divided Christianitys East from West and is accepted by Catholic and Orthodox churches alike.

Leo told reporters as he left the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo on Tuesday that the anniversary offered a moment of authentic unity in the faith with Orthodox Christians, a historic moment not to look back but to look forward.

Francis had planned to mark it with his own trip to Turkey in May at the invitation of Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians. Francis died in April, and Leo said from the start of his pontificate that he intended to fulfill Francis plans.

Christian community in Lebanon

The trip will give the first American pope a chance to speak in broad terms about peace in the Middle East and the plight of Christians there.

Leo told reporters he was also fulfilling a wish of Francis to go to Lebanon to embrace its people and bring a message of hope and peace in the Middle East, and in a country that has suffered so much.

Francis had long hoped to visit Lebanon, but the countrys political and economic instability prevented a visit during his lifetime. The Mediterranean nation of around 6 million, including more than 1 million Syrian and Palestinian refugees, has the largest percentage of Christians in the Middle East and is the only Arab country with a Christian head of state.

However, the Vatican fears the countrys instability has been particularly dangerous for the continued presence of its Christian community, a bulwark for the church in the Mideast.

Lebanon is currently struggling to recover after years of economic crisis and a bruising war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that ended with a U.S. and France-brokered ceasefire in November. Formation of a new, reformist government ended a two-year political vacuum and brought hopes of recovery but the situation remains tense.

Israel has continued to occupy five strategic points on the Lebanese side of the border and carry out near-daily airstrikes that it says aim to stop Hezbollah from regrouping. Hezbollah is under increasing domestic and international pressure to give up its remaining arsenal but has refused to do so until Israel withdraws and halts its strikes. There are fears of civil conflict if Lebanese authorities attempt to forcibly disarm the group.

A sign of unity for all

Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai, leader of Lebanons Maronite Church, said Lebanon awaited the popes visit with great joy and renewed hope.

We hope that this apostolic visit to Lebanon will bring peace and stability and be a sign of unity for all Lebanese, Christians and Muslims alike, at this critical stage in our nations history, he said in a statement.

The last pope to visit Lebanon was Pope Benedict XVI in September 2012 on what was the last foreign trip of his papacy.

About one-third of Lebanons population is believed to be Christian, though there is no official number since there hasnt been an official census since 1932. The Maronites are the largest and most powerful sect and, by convention, Lebanons president is always a Maronite Christian.

Tightrope over Mideast issues

The popes trip was announced as Israel marked the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks and criticized the Vatican for what it considered to be problematic comments about the anniversary by the Vaticans top diplomat.

In an interview with Vatican Media, Cardinal Pietro Parolin had condemned the inhuman massacre of innocent people in Israel by Hamas and the rise of antisemitism. But he also said Israels razing of Gaza was itself a disproportionate massacre, and called on countries to stop supplying Israel weapons to wage the war.

In a statement Tuesday on X, the Israeli Embassy to the Holy See said Parolins interview, though surely well-intentioned, risks undermining efforts to both end the war in Gaza and counter rising antisemitism.

It criticized his problematic use of moral equivalence by referring to massacres on both sides.

Leo declined to enter into the dispute on Tuesday. He has consistently called for peace and dialogue in the Middle East, especially as Israels offensive rages on in Gaza, and repeated that on Tuesday. He condemned the Oct. 7 attacks as terrorism and said terrorist groups were unacceptable.

But he also cited the 67,000 Palestinians killed in Israels war in Gaza as evidence of how much hatred exists in the world.

It makes you think about how much violence and evil humans are capable of, he said. We must reduce hatred, we must return to the ability to dialogue, to seek peaceful solutions.

___

Winfield contributed from Rome.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

By TRISHA THOMAS and NICOLE WINFIELD

Associated Press
ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Protesters gathered in several countries Tuesday to condemn the war in Gaza as Israelis marked the second anniversary of the Hamas attack that sparked the fighting that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and spilled violence across the Middle East.

More than 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters marched to the U.S. Embassy in Indonesias capital of Jakarta to denounce Israels blockade of Gaza and the detention of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla that tried to break through last week.

Chanting Free free Palestine and waving flags, demonstrators called for the activists release and condemned two years of Israeli military action in Gaza.

Authorities in Indonesia  the worlds most populous Muslim majority nation and one that has no formal ties with Israel  deployed over 1,000 police to secure the embassy.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 people in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack during a major Jewish holiday. Most hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals.

Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed more than 67,000 people, destroyed vast areas of the strip, displaced around 90% of the population of some 2 million and caused a humanitarian crisis, with experts saying Gaza City is experiencing famine.

The conflict has sent ripples across the region, bringing Israel into combat with Lebanons Hezbollah group, Yemens Houthi rebels and militant groups in Iraq and Syria along with their patron, Iran, which suffered major losses in a 12-day war with Israel in June.

U.S. embassies across Europe warned Americans to stay vigilant on the anniversary of the attacks, citing potential threats and protests. The coordinated notices from embassies in Armenia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Spain and Turkey urged heightened awareness and personal security precautions.

In Japan, hundreds of protesters, including Palestinians, marched through downtown Tokyo demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and the hostages release. Similar protests were held in Osaka and other major cities.

Lena Grace Suda, a 30-year-old Tokyo resident who joined the rally, called for sanctions against Israel.

Recognizing the state of Palestine is not enough if youre still complicit in the genocide, she said. A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israels offensive in Gaza amounts to genocide  an accusation Israel vehemently denies.

A pro-Palestinian candlelight vigil was held in Taiwan.

Hundreds of students and staff from universities in London and elsewhere in the U.K. joined protests demanding an end to the war in Gaza, defying warnings from Britains prime minister that such demonstrations risk fueling antisemitism.

Keir Starmer had warned protesters that marching on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks were un-British and disrespectful.

Many of those rallying carried flags and placards bearing pro-Palestinian slogans.

If you think that me protesting for human rights of a group of people is offensive towards you, then that is your problem, said Muhlisa Husainova, 19.

Starmers intervention comes at a tense moment for Britain, days after a naturalized citizen of Syrian origin attacked the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. Two men were killed and three others were seriously injured.

After the assault, British authorities have stepped up security around synagogues and criticized the rise of antisemitism. The government is considering giving police new powers to restrict repeated protests deemed to have a negative cumulative impact on the community.

Meanwhile, in Buenos Aires, Argentinas libertarian President Javier Milei, a vocal supporter of Israel, paid tribute to the victims of Hamas Oct. 7 attack at a campaign event that felt more like a rock concert. Milei led a crowd of 15,000 in singing Hava Nagila, the Hebrew song traditionally played at Jewish celebrations.

Israel is the bastion of the West, and thats why terrorists and the left wing are together, Milei told the crowd. They know by destroying Israel, theyre destroying the world and Judeo-Christian culture.

In Turkey, where public support for Palestinians runs deep, dozens of people watched and took selfies as Istanbuls iconic Galata Tower was illuminated with the colors of the Palestinian flag to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Hundreds of demonstrators took part in a rally organized by various civil society groups, waving Palestinian flags and calling for an end to Israels actions in Gaza.

Turkish authorities, meanwhile, canceled a concert in Istanbul by British artist Robbie Williams that was scheduled for Tuesday evening, over security concerns.

___

Associated Press journalists Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Danica Kirka and Kwiyeon Ha in London, Ayaka McGill in Tokyo, Isabel DeBre in Buenos Aires and Mehmet Guzel in Istanbul contributed to this report.

By SUZAN FRASER

Associated Press
HOUSTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Flotek Industries, Inc. ("Flotek" or the "Company") (NYSE: FTK) today announced the Company's schedule for releasing its third quarter 2025 financial and operating results.

The Company plans to issue its third quarter 2025 financial and operating results press release after market close on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, and plans to host its earnings conference call on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Central (10:00 a.m. Eastern). The press release will be posted on the Company's website at https://ir.flotekind.com/press-releases.

Participants may access the call through Flotek's website at https://ir.flotekind.com/events, by telephone toll free at 1-800-836-8184 (international toll: 1-646-357-8785), or by using the following link to access the webcast: https://app.webinar.net/ywkgX2RX4W2 approximately five minutes prior to the start of the call. Following the conclusion of the conference call, a recording of the call will be available on the Company's website.

About Flotek Industries, Inc.

Flotek Industries, Inc. is a leading chemistry and data technology company focused on servicing the Energy industry. The Company's technologies leverage near real-time data to deliver innovative solutions to maximize customer returns. Flotek has an intellectual property portfolio of over 130 patents, 20+ years of field and laboratory data, and a global presence in more than 59 countries.

Flotek has established collaborative partnerships focused on sustainable and optimized chemistry and data solutions, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of energy on land, air, water and people.

Flotek is based in Houston, Texas and its common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FTK." For additional information, please visit www.flotekind.com.

SOURCE Flotek Industries, Inc.
Premier Li to visit North Korea

Premier Li Qiang will attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea during his visit to North Korea. File photo: Xinhua

Premier Li Qiang will visit North Korea this week, the Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.



The premier will attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea during his visit from Thursday to Saturday.



He will lead a party and government delegation to North Korea, according to Xinhua News Agency.



The Foreign Ministry called China and North Korea traditional friends and neighbours" and said it is an unswerving strategic policy of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government to maintain, consolidate and develop relations between Beijing and Pyongyang.



Russia, meanwhile, is sending a delegation led by United Russia party chairman and former president Dmitry Medvedev for the anniversary celebrations, North Korean state media KCNA reported earlier.



Leaders of Vietnam and Laos are also expected to attend.



South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported last week that the North appears to be preparing for a large-scale military parade to mark the party's anniversary.



Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin were among a group of leaders attending a Victory Day military parade in Beijing. (Agencies)
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit , shared his vision for the next phase of digital finance at the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA): The Scaling Summit in Singapore, a side event during TOKEN2049 Singapore, calling for a collective shift from speculation to real-world utility driven by real-world assets (RWA) and stablecoins. Zhou highlighted how tokenized assets and stablecoins have evolved from experimental concepts into critical components of the global financial system.

From Hype to Reality: Bybits CEO Outlines How RWA and Stablecoins Are Building the Future of Finance

The RWA market has expanded by more than 400% in three years  from $5 billion in 2022 to over $30 billion in 2025. Private credit and U.S. Treasuries lead this growth, commanding $14.7 billion and $7.3 billion respectively. Global institutions including BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and JPMorgan are paving the way, while McKinsey and Standard Chartered forecast tokenized assets could reach between $4 trillion and $30 trillion in the coming decade.

Meanwhile, stablecoins have become the backbone of on-chain transactions, with a market capitalization exceeding $300 billion as of September 2025. Cross-border payments grew by more than 1,000% in the first half of the year, as financial institutions adopted blockchain-based settlement solutions.

"Stablecoins and tokenized assets are no longer ideas for the future  they are the building blocks of a more efficient and transparent global financial system," Zhou said.

Zhou also noted the growing role of payment giants such as Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, and Stripe, which are now integrating stablecoin settlements into their global networks. "When companies that serve hundreds of millions of users embrace blockchain payments, we are seeing a fundamental shift in how money moves around the world," he added.

Bybit's Strategic Position in the New Financial Landscape

Bybit continues to build the bridge between traditional finance and blockchain. Zhou outlined several key initiatives that highlight Bybit's leadership in this transformation:

New B2B and Institutional Unit: Launch of a dedicated B2B unit for enterprise clients.

QCDT Partnership: First exchange to accept a DFSA-approved tokenized money market fund as collateral, in partnership with QNB Group, DMZ Finance, and Standard Chartered.

Stablecoin Growth: Strategic revenue-sharing partnership with Circle to expand USDC adoption and liquidity.

Growth: Strategic revenue-sharing partnership with Circle to expand USDC adoption and liquidity. RWA Innovation: Introduction of gold tokenization on TON blockchain and new treasury bill products under Bybit Earn.

"Bybit's mission is to connect traditional finance with the blockchain economy," Zhou said.

"The future belongs to those who see blockchain not as a replacement for traditional finance, but as a tool to strengthen it. When history looks back, it will show how this technology fulfilled its promise  creating a more inclusive, transparent, and resilient financial system for all."

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /#Token2049

About Bybit

Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

SOURCE Bybit
Agrivoltaics, as seen on this German orchard, will be discussed during this years Earth Science Week. (Photo provided)

SIUs 2025 Earth Science Week events focus on energy, earthquakes

by Kim Rendfeld

CARBONDALE, Ill.  This years observance of Earth Science Week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will focus on meeting energy needs in a sustainable way on campus, in the region and beyond, along with increasing awareness of rocks and minerals and earthquakes.

Started in 1998 by the American Geosciences Institute, Earth Science Week is aimed at promoting a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. This year, Earth Science Week is Oct. 12-18, with the theme Energy Resources for Our Future.

SIU activities feature free, public brown bag lunch talks from noon to 1 p.m. in Parkinson Building Room 101F.

Monday, Oct. 13: Why Do We Need Critical Minerals for Our Modern Life and Where Can We Find Them? by Liliana Lefticariu, professor in the School of Earth Systems and Sustainability. Critical minerals are used in technologies essential to modern life, from cell phones to electric cars and solar panels, she said. These minerals are considered critical because they possess unique properties, have limited substitutes and are in short supply. In this talk, we will discuss how we can make sure that we and future generations have adequate supplies of them.

Tuesday, Oct. 14: Agrivoltaics  An Opportunity to Re-energize Southern Illinois and SIU! by Ken Anderson, director of the Advanced Energy Institute. "Southern Illinois urgently needs to bring new, clean, electrical generation capacity online as quickly as possible, he said. Agrivoltaics, the practice of co-locating farming and solar energy collection, is a very promising approach that can support local farmers while also supplying our communities with the power they need to thrive."

Wednesday, Oct. 15: AI and Hope for Our Energy Future by Tobias Merriman, assistant director of the Center for Virtual Expression (CVEX).

Thursday, Oct. 16: On International ShakeOut Day, James A. Conder, director of SIUs School of Earth Systems and Sustainability, will speak about Southern Illinois Seismic Activity  Its Not My Fault!

Keeping with the earthquake theme that day, STEM Education Research Center staff and volunteers will host Central US Shakeout & Earthquake Exploration Activities in Pulliam Hall Room 108. Participants can learn about Southern Illinois earthquake history, potential for future earth-shaking experiences and see the earthquake safety, pre-engineering and plate tectonic model activities shared with more than 2,000 area elementary and middle school students during the last two years. The lab will be open from 9-11 a.m. and from 1:30-4 p.m. An earthquake drill will be held at 10:16 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 17: Current Plans for SIUs Energy Future by Justin Harrell, senior engineer, Facilities and Energy Management. Two years ago, Harrell joined an Advanced Energy Institute delegation to explore the potential for including agrivoltaics as part of SIUs energy future.

Also on Friday, SIUs geology program will host a Rock and Mineral Clinic from 2-5 p.m. in Parkinson Building Room 101F. Members of the public are invited to bring in any rock, mineral or geological sample for identification. They also can learn about basic examination techniques and SIUs geology program from Daniel Hummer, associate professor of geology, who will be on hand for the clinic, along with members of the SIU Geology Club.

One thing I notice every time I talk to the public is that everyone has a rock story, Hummer said. Rocks and minerals just seem to be universally admired, and I encourage people to appreciate them and learn where they come from and how they can be identified.
Sacramento-area children's swim school locations will be the region's first

TROY, Mich., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC has signed an agreement to build the brand's first Northern California locations in the Sacramento area, slated to open in Spring 2027.

Goldfish Swim School, which provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years at more than 200 locations nationwide, will be locally owned and operated by franchise group Blue Wawa Inc., led by husband-and-wife duo Vish and Dee Desai. The Desais have also owned and operated The Goddard School in Roseville, California, since 2023.

"When we first heard about Goldfish Swim School, we knew we'd found something special. Our experience in early childhood education, plus being the parents of three children under the age of 6 ourselves, showed us how powerful Goldfish's play-based philosophy is for child development," said Dee Desai. "We look forward to opening the first Goldfish in the Sacramento community to provide families with a swim school that has provided vital swim and safety skills to children across the country, with more than 11 million lessons taught annually."

Each location will feature a state-of-the-art, shiver-free 90-degree pool, a viewing area for parents and a tropical-themed facility designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both kids and parents alike.

With Goldfish Swim School's unique curriculum, centered on the company's proprietary philosophy,The Science of SwimPlay, and small class sizes, children will be able to develop essential swim skills, build confidence and have fun in the water. Each school will bring about 50 new jobs to the area.

"We're confident Vish and Dee's experience in early childhood education, their passion for water safety and their local knowledge will make them ideal school owners," said Chris McCuiston, CEO and co-founder of Goldfish Swim School. "Their dedication to creating meaningful community impact, combined with their understanding of how children learn through play, will lead the way as they educate families to be safer in and around the water throughout the Sacramento area."

Currently, three Goldfish Swim School locations are open and operating in California, inAliso Viejo,Santa Ana andLadera Ranch.Goldfish Swim School is currently seeking proven operators in California throughout Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles.

For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities/ or call 248-801-1850.

About Goldfish Swim School:

Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-basedGoldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment, using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to more than 200 schools in 40 states and Canada, with an additional 150-plus in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 75 overall in Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, has been recognized by Entrepreneur as the No. 1 swimming lessons franchise for nine consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times' Top 400 in 2025 and is rated as a Top Franchise and a Most Profitable Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2025.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rachel Tabacnic

[email protected]

817-329-3257

SOURCE Goldfish Swim School
India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has made its way to Qatar, with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal launching Bharat's own UPI at Lulu Hypermarket in Doha, allowing for seamless and cost-effective transactions between the two countries. This move is part of India's effort to expand its digital payment services globally and strengthen financial ties with other nations. Announcing the launch on X, Piyush Goyal said, "Proud to launch Bharat's own #UPI at Lulu Hypermarket in Doha, Qatar. This launch is a game-changer for digital connectivity and ease of payments, reflecting India's commitment to facilitating cross-border commerce and leveraging 'Digital India' initiatives." He added that the system is operational at Qatar National Bank's point-of-sale (POS) terminals, covering large parts of the Qatari market. According to him, this step will help Indian travellers and strengthen trade and tourism between India and Qatar. At the event held in Doha, Goyal addressed the gathering at Lulu Mall, calling the launch more than a technological milestone. "I'm very delighted at the opportunity to launch UPI and UPI transactions. It is not just a technology solution or a digital payment solution, but it has the potential to revolutionise trade between Qatar and India. It's the celebration of India's technology," he said. The minister highlighted that integrating UPI with Qatar's payment systems will deepen trust between the two countries. "It's an opportunity to expand our trust between Qatar and India because as we seamlessly integrate the payment systems of both countries, our people will be able to trade more, trade smarter at lower cost," Goyal remarked. NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) collaborated with Qatar National Bank (QNB) and Japanese payments gateway NETSTARS to roll out UPI services in Qatar. He further explained that the new system would enable the movement of money to be faster, almost in real-time. "The movement of money and capital will be faster, almost real-time, with a very low cost associated with it. It will become the symbol of trust across borders," he said. Goyal also reflected on India's journey with digital payments, noting that UPI has been a success story since its introduction nine years ago. "UPI was launched nine years ago and is a big success story in India. Eighty-five per cent of India's digital payments go through UPI, and nearly 50 per cent of global digital payments are now made by UPI, recording about 640 billion transactions on average every day," he said. Qatar becomes the eighth country to accept UPI, further expanding India's international financial footprint. (ANI)
Marking a major step toward localisation, the company has also announced plans to commence full-scale "Made in India" manufacturing starting in October 2025.

The company's approval paves the way for advanced mobile broadcasting technology to reach a wider audience through affordable feature phones.

In July, electronics manufacturer Khushtech Korea, in collaboration with India's Tejas Network, developed a direct-to-mobile (D2M) feature phone that allows consumers to access live TV channels, OTT videos, audio broadcasts, and text-based information without requiring an internet or WiFi connection.

The D2M phones will use India's terrestrial TV broadcast airwaves to provide an internet connection to consumers.

The Khushtech D2M Feature Phone features a Saankhya Labs SL-3000 D2M demodulator chip embedded in the device, intended for use in the 470-608 MHz broadcast bands.

The company plans to invest an additional USD 80 million over the next five years, bringing the total investment to USD 100 million.

Speaking to ANI in July, Shin had said that the company plans to build up the factory in Andhra Pradesh (AP) State to realise 'Made in India'.

Shin had also indicated that they have a dream to create a cluster of Korean high-tech SMEs in Andhra Pradesh.

The primary target market is rural populations and lower-income segments in villages, where feature phone usage is high and internet penetration is low.

These users are accustomed to broadcast media and prioritise affordability. There are 300 million feature phones in India, and KhushTech expects D2M feature phones to replace more than 50 per cent of the feature phone volume.

As part of their marketing plans, they are exploring online e-commerce platforms, in addition to a strong offline presence in Tier 2, Tier 3 cities, and rural areas through partnerships with retailers and distributors. On top of that, collaboration with telecom operators for bundled offers is also under consideration.

The D2M phones will also support UPI payments, enabling secure and convenient digital transactions similar to smartphones.

Khushtech Korea is the world's first D2M feature phone company in the world, jointly developed with SaankhyaLab/Tejas Network. (ANI)
India has taken another major step toward ensuring the safe and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the IndiaAI Mission's new set of projects aimed at strengthening deepfake detection, bias mitigation, and AI security testing. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) announced the selection of five pioneering projects under the "Safe & Trusted AI" pillar of the IndiaAI initiative, as per a press release by the Ministry. The announcement marks the conclusion of the second round of Expression of Interest (EoI), which was launched on December 10, 2024. The initiative received more than 400 proposals from across the country, including submissions from academic institutions, research bodies, start-ups, and civil society groups. A multi-stakeholder committee with technical experts evaluated these proposals, finally choosing five that promise to make AI safer and more transparent. Among the selected projects, IIT Jodhpur and IIT Madras will jointly develop 'Saakshya', a multi-agent, RAG-enhanced framework for deepfake detection and governance. This project focuses on tackling one of the most urgent threats in the digital space, AI-generated misinformation and manipulated media. IIT Mandi, in collaboration with the Directorate of Forensic Services, Himachal Pradesh, will lead 'AI Vishleshak', which aims to improve the detection of audio-visual deepfakes and forged signatures through explainable and robust AI models. IIT Kharagpur will work on a 'Real-Time Voice Deepfake Detection System', enhancing India's capacity to counter emerging voice-cloning technologies. Under the theme of bias mitigation, Digital Futures Lab and Karya will evaluate gender bias in agriculture language models, creating digital public goods for fair data benchmarking. Meanwhile, Globals ITES Pvt Ltd and IIIT Dharwad will jointly build Anvil, a penetration testing and evaluation tool designed to assess the safety of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI systems. The IndiaAI Mission implemented by IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under MeitY, continues to focus on democratizing AI access and ensuring its responsible use. It strives to democratize the benefits of AI across all strata of society, bolster India's leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI. (ANI)
The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, is on an official visit to Doha, Qatar, from 6-7 October 2025. During his visit, Goyal met the CEO of Qatar Development Bank (QDB), Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi. The minister highlighted that he is delighted to see Qatari businesses take an interest in the opportunities offered by the Indian economy. Taking to social media, Goyal said, "Glad to meet H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Hesham Al-Sowaidi, CEO of Qatar Development Bank (QDB). Delighted to see the interest of Qatari businesses and investors in the opportunities offered by the rapidly growing Indian economy. Invited QDB to enhance collaboration in our growth story and explore partnerships across startups, MSMEs, and various innovation-led sectors." The minister also co-chaired the meeting of the India-Qatar Joint Commission on Economic and Commercial Cooperation along with H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the State of Qatar. Goyal launched India's own UPI at Lulu Hypermarket in Doha on Monday, allowing for seamless and cost-effective transactions between the two countries. This move is part of India's effort to expand its digital payment services globally and strengthen financial ties with other nations. Announcing the launch on X, Piyush Goyal said, "Proud to launch Bharat's own UPI at Lulu Hypermarket in Doha, Qatar. This launch is a game-changer for digital connectivity and ease of payments, reflecting India's commitment to facilitating cross-border commerce and leveraging 'Digital India' initiatives." He added that the system is operational at Qatar National Bank's point-of-sale (POS) terminals, covering large parts of the Qatari market. According to him, this step will help Indian travellers and strengthen trade and tourism between India and Qatar. "It's an opportunity to expand our trust between Qatar and India because as we seamlessly integrate the payment systems of both countries, our people will be able to trade more, trade smarter at lower cost," Goyal remarked. (ANI)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HeartX, powered by HealthTech Arkansas and MedAxiom  along with dozens of leading cardiovascular programs around the country  has selected the seven startup healthcare companies that will participate in the 2025 accelerator program. HeartX is a cardiovascular-focused healthcare accelerator that facilitates guaranteed hospital pilot projects and clinical trials for accomplished, early-stage companies bringing new cardiovascular innovations to market.

The seven companies selected for the 2025 HeartX program are:

CardiaCare  Los Angeles, CA, USA

CardiaCare is pioneering the world's first non-invasive therapy for atrial fibrillation (AFib). Its wearable device delivers proprietary neuromodulation therapy along with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered advanced cardiac rhythm monitoring. This closed-loop therapy approach enables personalized AFib management at home. Early clinical evidence shows exciting promise for reducing both AFib recurrence and severe symptoms while also providing meaningful long-term cardiac monitoring insights.

CathVision  Copenhagen, Denmark

CathVision 's ECGenius system delivers high-fidelity, noise-cancelling cardiac signals to guide ablation decisions. Its PFAnalyzer module provides real-time tissue feedback during pulsed field ablation, while the FaST mapping algorithm identifies focal AFib drivers. Together, these tools empower clinicians to make data-driven, precise interventions in complex cardiac procedures.

Dopl Technologies  Bothell, WA, USA

Dopl Technologies democratizes access to diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures in underserved areas. Its Traverse telerobotic ultrasound system allows real-time, remote cardiac imaging, while the SonoFlex service connects healthcare facilities with on-demand sonographers. Dopl's integrated approach addresses workforce shortages and geographic barriers, improving access and outcomes.

Echopoint Medical  London, England

Echopoint Medical 's iKOr microcatheter system delivers FullPhysiology coronary measurements to support more accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with coronary disease. Seamlessly integrating into existing cath lab workflows, the system provides cardiologists with real-time, actionable insightsenabling more precise and personalized care at the point of treatment.

FibriCheck  New York City, NY, USA

FibriCheck is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared platform for remote AFib detection and monitoring. Using photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, its validated AI algorithm provides highly accurate heart rhythm assessments. Patients use only their smartphones for seamless, at-home monitoring, while clinicians access a secure provider portal with automated reports and actionable insights. The platform integrates into clinical workflows, supports reimbursement, and supports informed decision-making.

HEARTio  Pittsburgh, PA, USA

HEARTio is an AI-powered diagnostic platform that analyzes 12-lead ECGs to detect and assess coronary disease. Its seamless API integration delivers rapid, actionable insights directly into the clinical workflow, enabling improved risk stratification, reduced unnecessary testing, and optimized patient management for healthcare providers.

LiveMetric  Luxembourg, Luxembourg

LiveMetric offers an FDA- and CE-Cleared, calibration-free, cuff-free, wearable blood pressure and heart rate monitoring with intensive care unit-grade accuracy. Its LiveOne Band is aimed at providing continuous, non-invasive hemodynamic data to support decision-making across 20+ cardiovascular conditions. The platform empowers clinicians and hospitals with real-time insights, bringing hospital-quality monitoring to patients' everyday lives.

"This year's cohort of seven companies represents our largest cohort to date, which is a reflection of the expanding base of participating hospitals each year," said Jeff Stinson, Director of HealthTech Arkansas. "Our ability to grow HeartX both geographically and through expanded service offerings is exciting, and the partnership with MedAxiom continues to drive terrific value for our cohort companies."

"The 2025 HeartX cohort represents the next wave of healthcare trailblazers," said Joe Sasson, PhD, MedAxiom's chief commercial officer and executive vice president of Ventures. "By pairing bold cardiovascular innovations with the realities of clinical practice, we are not just accelerating technology; we are reimagining what's possible for patient care. We can't wait to launch this journey together during a special event at MedAxiom's CV Transforum conference."

Representatives from 31 cardiovascular programs across the country, plus representatives from HealthTech Arkansas and MedAxiom, interviewed applicants and selected companies with technologies that have the potential to advance cardiovascular innovation and care at their respective organizations. All seven companies will have full access to clinicians and administrators while executing their pilot projects and clinical studies in the HeartX program.

HealthTech Arkansas is in its eighth year of administering accelerator programs focused exclusively on provider engagement with early-stage companies, and is now in its fourth year of partnering with MedAxiom on HeartX.

More information about HeartX can be found at HeartXAccelerator.com .

About HealthTech Arkansas

HealthTech Arkansas helps to drive innovation for healthcare provider organizations and clinical engagement for startup companies. Its flagship accelerator, HeartX, recruits worldwide for the most accomplished cardiovascular-focused startups in the areas of digital health, medical devices, and diagnostics. Those companies accepted into the program are guaranteed facilitated hospital pilot projects and clinical trials with leading cardiology practices around the country, along with financial investment, mentoring, and exposure to the HeartX network. More information can be found at HealthTechArkansas.com .

About MedAxiom

MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology Company, is the cardiovascular community's premier source for organizational performance solutions. MedAxiom is transforming cardiovascular care by combining the knowledge and power of hundreds of cardiovascular organization members, thousands of administrators, clinicians and revenue cycle experts, and dozens of industry partners. Through the delivery of proprietary tools, smart data and proven strategies, MedAxiom helps cardiovascular organizations achieve the Quadruple Aim of better outcomes, lower costs, improved patient experience and improved clinician experience. Learn more at MedAxiom.com .

For more information, contact:

Jeff Stinson

501.766.0633

[email protected]

SOURCE HeartX
PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 7: An open suitcase at Mumbai International Airport, a missed connection in Doha, or a toothache in Prague can ruin any vacation. Spending limits are limited, and finding help becomes difficult. This is why Indian travellers carry something other than a passport: foreign travel insurance. While such a policy doesn't guarantee results, it provides a structure and a framework for dealing with unforeseen circumstances within established limits. This article covers the topic of overseas travel insurance, including its coverage and exclusions, and selects the best option. It also explains when one must obtain such insurance and the paperwork that expedites the claims process. What is Overseas Travel Insurance Overseas travel insurance is a policy intended for journeys outside India. The wording usually focuses on emergencies and travel disruptions. Every plan is different, so the details matter. You pay a premium before the trip, and if a covered event occurs, you follow the claim process by providing the necessary proofs. Why Indian Travellers Prefer a Safety Net Healthcare abroad can be expensive. Some countries require proof of medical coverage at the visa stage. Parents who send a child for studies want a helpline number that is answered. Senior citizens often look for preapproved hospitals and clear limits. None of this removes risk; it organises support. Common Coverages at a Glance Here are the common coverages: * Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation during the trip.* Medical evacuation and repatriation are provided upon the advice of the treating doctor.* Trip cancellation, interruption, or delay for listed reasons.* Loss, damage, or delay of checked baggage with support for essentials.* Loss of passport with assistance for replacement.* Personal liability for third-party injury or property damage, subject to limits.* Optional add-ons include adventure sports, study-related benefits, or gadget coverage. What is Usually Excluded Here you will explore what is usually excluded:* Undeclared pre-existing conditions.* Non-prescribed or experimental treatment.* Events linked to unlawful acts or reckless behaviour.* Incidents related to alcohol or substance misuse.* High-risk activities without the relevant add-on.* Travelling against medical advice. How to Pick a Plan That Fits Here you will explore how to pick one that fits for you: * Match the plan to the purpose, whether a family holiday, a business visit, a student term, or a cruise.* Read the sum insured, sub-limits, and deductibles to know the maximum payable and your share.* Check the assistance network and the process for cashless treatment.* Add only the extras you actually need. Too many riders raise costs without clear value.* For multi-country journeys, ensure all destinations and dates are on the schedule. When to Buy and How to Keep Proof Handy It is advisable to buy overseas travel insurance as soon as you book your tickets and accommodations. Buying early may activate pre-departure benefits, as stated in the policy. Keep soft copies in a cloud folder, note helpline numbers, and share them with a family member. If a visa officer requests evidence, you can show the schedule that lists the countries and travel dates. Real Situations From Indian Travellers Here are some real-world examples: * A photographer from Pune arrives in Paris, while the suitcase goes elsewhere. Essentials are purchased, invoices are kept, and a baggage delay claim is filed within the specified waiting period.* A student in Singapore develops a severe allergy. The campus clinic refers to a network hospital, and the assistance desk guides patients through the paperwork for cashless admission.* A family on a Southeast Asia tour faces a cancelled connection due to weather. A meal and one night in a hotel are required. Receipts are saved, and a delay claim is made within the time window. Cost Drivers You Should Expect Premium depends on age, destination, trip length, health declarations, chosen sum insured, and add-ons. Single-trip plans suit occasional travellers. If you frequently fly for work, an annual multi-trip plan can be a simpler option for managing your travel. Students should check the maximum duration allowed in one stretch. Simple Claim Hygiene That Saves Time Keep every bill, prescription, and boarding pass. Get airline letters for delays or baggage issues. File police reports where theft or loss is involved. Inform the assistance team promptly, follow the provided forms, and submit your response within the deadline stated in the wording. Clear documents typically expedite the assessment process. Quick Pre-Flight ChecklistHere is the quick checklist:* Names, dates, and passport numbers match the passport.* Dates cover door-to-door travel, including transit halts.* All group members understand deductibles and limits.* Pre-existing conditions are declared as required.* Emergency numbers are saved on your phone and shared with family. Final Thoughts Overseas trips are smoother once the tedious tasks have been completed. A meticulously designed overseas travel insurance plan doesn't remove uncertainty, but it outlines a way of assisting when something goes wrong. Think of benefits, pay attention to details, and buy overseas travel insurance trips only when you are assured that your policy meets the complexity of your travels, your finances, and your peace of mind. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
In a significant move to enhance rail infrastructure and boost connectivity, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four multitracking railway projects spanning across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh. According to a release by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), these projects aim to expand the Indian Railways network by approximately 894 kilometers and are expected to be completed by 2030-31. The approved projects include the construction of third and fourth lines on the Wardha-Bhusawal section (314 km) in Maharashtra, a fourth line on the Gondia-Dongargarh section (84 km) spanning Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, third and fourth lines on the Vadodara-Ratlam stretch (259 km) covering Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and a fourth line on the Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina section (237 km) in Madhya Pradesh. Together, these projects will serve 18 districts and provide improved rail connectivity to around 3,633 villages with a combined population of over 85.84 lakh, including two Aspirational Districts--Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. These multitracking projects are designed to significantly enhance line capacity, reduce congestion, and improve the operational efficiency and service reliability of Indian Railways. They are also aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of a self-reliant India, or Atmanirbhar Bharat, and are expected to spur economic development and employment opportunities in the regions served. Planned under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, the projects aim to enhance multi-modal connectivity and improve logistics efficiency through integrated planning and stakeholder consultation. The upgraded rail lines will also provide seamless transport for both passengers and freight, enabling better access to key cultural and tourist destinations such as Sanchi, the Satpura Tiger Reserve, Bhimbetka rock shelters, Hazara Falls, and the Nawegaon National Park. Crucially, these routes play a vital role in the transportation of essential commodities including coal, cement, containers, fly ash, food grains, and steel. The expanded capacity is expected to support an additional freight load of 78 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). As a green and energy-efficient mode of transport, the railways' capacity augmentation will also contribute to India's climate goals by helping reduce oil imports by an estimated 28 crore litres and cutting CO emissions by 139 crore kilograms--the equivalent of planting six crore trees. This infrastructure push reinforces the government's commitment to building a modern, efficient, and sustainable transportation network that not only boosts economic growth but also addresses long-term environmental and developmental goals. (ANI)
PNN Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], October 7: KRN Heat Exchanger and Refrigeration Limited (NSE - KRN | BSE - 544263), One of the prominent manufacturers and exporters of aluminium/copper fins, copper tube heat exchangers, water coils, and condenser and evaporator coils, today announced a significant step in its expansion journey. Its wholly owned subsidiary, KRN HVAC Products Private Limited, has signed a Business Transfer Agreement (BTA) with Sphere Refrigeration Systems Private Limited (SRSPL) to acquire its Bus Air-Conditioning division. Under this agreement, KRN HVAC will take over all operations, assets, and employees associated with SRSPL's Bus Air-Conditioning business. Upon completion, the division will be fully integrated into KRN HVAC's operations, expanding the company's product portfolio across the transport and mobility cooling segment and contributing to the company's growth in revenue, profitability, and market reach in the coming years. Strengthening the Growth Platform - This acquisition marks an important milestone in KRN's strategy to build a diversified HVAC business portfolio catering to industrial, commercial, and mobility applications. - The Bus Air-Conditioning segment represents a growing opportunity area, driven by increasing demand for passenger comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainable cooling technologies in India's rapidly modernizing transportation sector. - By integrating SRSPL's proven expertise in bus climate control systems with KRN's robust manufacturing capabilities and engineering know-how, the company aims to unlock strong synergies in design, production, and distribution. About the Promoters of Sphere Refrigeration Systems Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Sandeep Singh, Founder and Director of Sphere, brings more than 25 years of experience in Auto HVAC and refrigeration. With a diploma in Automobile Engineering and a post-graduate qualification in Business Administration, he has led sales and service operations across the Asia-Pacific region and previously held key roles at Ford India and Spheros Motherson. His leadership has been central to Sphere's growth, combining technical expertise with strong business vision and customer focus. Mr. Pramod Verma, Director and founding member of Sphere, holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and an Executive Master's in International Business. With over 30 years of experience in HVAC and refrigeration, he has worked with industry leaders such as Cryopump, Blue Star, Caryaire, and Spheros Motherson. His strength lies in blending technical depth with strategic business acumen, contributing to sustainable and globally competitive growth. Mr. Sukhdev Singh, is a seasoned technocrat with over 36 years of experience in the HVAC and refrigeration industry. A graduate in Automobile Engineering, he has held leadership roles across renowned organizations such as Sanden, Spheros, Zanotti, and Bergstrom. As one of the founding members of Sphere, he has been instrumental in driving design innovation, production excellence, and strategic business development in the bus and automotive air-conditioning space. Together, these three industry veterans have built Sphere Refrigeration into a respected name in the automotive HVAC segment, known for its technical excellence, quality standards, and innovation-driven culture. Comment on development Mr. Santosh Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director of KRN Heat Exchanger and Refrigeration Limited said, "This acquisition marks an important step in KRN's continued growth and diversification. The addition of Sphere's Bus Air-Conditioning business strengthens our presence in the automotive HVAC segment and supports our goal of becoming a complete solutions provider across industries. We warmly welcome the Sphere team, led by Mr. Sandeep Singh, Mr. Pramod Verma, and Mr. Sukhdev Singh, whose expertise and commitment to innovation align perfectly with our long-term vision. Together, we look forward to building greater value, scale, and technological leadership in the HVAC domain." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
PNN Indore (Madhya Pradesh) [India], October 7: Three determined women from small-town India are rewriting the future of the country's insurance sector. Naina Chouhan from Indore (Founder), Anushree Srivastava from Ujjain (Co-Founder), and Sheeba Naz from Damoh (COO) have launched India's first discount-based insurance startup, Shieldsure Insurance. Headquartered in Mumbai Thane, the startup is built on the vision of making insurance accessible, rewarding, and reliable for every Indian household. The initiative aligns strongly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Har Ghar Bima" (Insurance for Every Home) and a fully insured India by 2047. With IRDA's IMF license and DIPP's Startup India certification, Shieldsure Insurance is not just another digital platform -- it's a consumer-first innovation that combines affordability with empowerment. Empowering Women Through Insurance What makes Shieldsure stand out is its strong commitment to women empowerment. Over 90% of its workforce comprises women, and the founders aim to ensure that a majority of its field force is also female. "Our mission is not only to make insurance accessible but also to create financial independence for women across India," says Founder Naina Chouhan. Discounts, Claims, and Trust -- All in One Platform Shieldsure Insurance offers 5% to 25% discount coupons on every insurance policy purchased through its platform. These coupons are redeemable at over 350 online and offline brands, including Amazon, Paytm, Flipkart, Bata, KFC, and McDonald's. During claim settlements, the company provides complete assistance to policyholders. In a unique customer-first move, if any genuine health insurance claim is not successfully processed by the insurer, Shieldsure promises to reimburse 50% of the premium for the next five years. A Cause Beyond Commerce Beyond business, Shieldsure is driven by compassion. The startup has pledged to contribute 5% of its profits to the welfare of wives and children of martyred soldiers, reflecting its deep sense of social responsibility. Partnership with India's Leading Insurers Shieldsure has partnered with several of India's top insurance companies, including Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard, HDFC ERGO, Cholamandalam, SBI General, Central General, Niva Bupa, Axis Max, Manipal Cigna, Care Health, and Tata, among others. Mentorship and Vision Founder Naina Chouhan credits her mentor and uncle, K.P. Singh Chouhan, a seasoned startup advisor, for guiding her throughout the journey. "His mentorship turned our idea into a reality," she says. Setting a New Benchmark in Indian Insurance From small towns to the national stage, these three women have proven that vision and determination can redefine industries. Shieldsure Insurance isn't just selling policies -- it's building trust, inclusivity, and a new era of women-led entrepreneurship in India's financial sector. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
India's export economy is heading towards a critical point, as exporters warn that by December, the ongoing trade dispute with the United States could begin inflicting serious economic damage. In an exclusive telephonic interview with ANI, Ashok Gulati, an agriculture economist and Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), has raised concerns that unless the punitive tariffs imposed by the US are withdrawn soon, India may start losing access to one of its most valuable markets, with job losses in key sectors likely to follow. "Most exporters told us they front-loaded their consignments to manage the impact of tariffs. They can bear this situation only till December. If the dispute isn't resolved by then, layoffs will begin in the textile and apparel sector, gems and jewellery, as well as in shrimp exports," Gulati told ANI. These three sectors alone account for millions of jobs and contribute significantly to India's merchandise export earnings, with the US being a top destination, he said. Gulati emphasised that India must be pragmatic in its trade strategy. "While sovereignty is not tradable, India needs to be smart in trade negotiations, which always involve some give and take," he noted, adding that removing punitive tariffs should be an immediate priority if damage is to be avoided. A prolonged deadlock, he warned, will push companies to shift their focus to alternative markets or scale down operations entirely. He also pointed to structural issues on India's side that are limiting its leverage. Despite India being described as an open economy, it still maintains high trade-weighted average tariffs in agriculture, currently at 64 per cent. In contrast, the United States stands at 4 per cent, the European Union at 9 per cent, and China at 14 per cent. Gulati said this imbalance "Requires rationalisation and fast reduction" to help India integrate more effectively into global trade systems and boost its credibility as a negotiating partner. Gulati expressed hope that negotiations between the two countries could be steered toward a balanced resolution. "Trade benefits both sides if it is negotiated with mutual respect and understanding. Hope we can resolve our differences and come to a trade deal soon. There are always compromises on both sides in a trade negotiation. Give and take is the fundamental principle," he said. India and the US have been engaged in a tariff battle since early this year, following disagreements over agricultural market access, digital taxation policies, and standards certification. While both countries have expressed a desire to maintain strong bilateral ties, a breakthrough has remained elusive. With just a few months left before the year-end deadline exporters are warning about, India's policymakers face mounting pressure to act decisively. The cost of inaction could be steep, both in terms of lost export revenue and the livelihoods of millions who depend on these sectors. (ANI)
In another addition of accolades, superstar Mohanlal has received high praise from the Indian Army Chief, following his National Award win this year. After meeting with Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi in the national capital, Mohanlal, who is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army (TA), told ANI, "It is a great recognition and so much honour to receive commendation from the Army Chief. The Dadasaheb Phalke award is also one of the reasons. So, we had a good meeting and we also had a small lunch. It's a great gesture from the fraternity." Noting that he has been a part of the forces for the last 16 years, Mohanlal added, "We had some conversation on how to bring out more efficiency in the TA battalion and what we can do for the country." Mohanlal further shared that he also looks forward to working in more films focused on the Indian Army. Earlier, the Malayalam superstar was honoured by the Kerala government for his achievement at the 'Malayalam Vanolam Lalsalam' event in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, presented the actor with a citation written by poet Prabha Varma on behalf of the Kerala government at the 'Malayalam Vanolam Lalsalam' event. Taking to his X handle, Mohanlal shared pictures from the event, including the ones where the actor received the honour from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. https://x.com/Mohanlal/status/1974529010257535140 "Moments like these fill me with profound gratitude. My sincere thanks to the Government of Kerala for the honour and warmth shown during the felicitation held in celebration of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. I remain deeply grateful to the Hon'ble Chief Minister, the Ministers, and all esteemed dignitaries who graced the occasion," he wrote. Mohanlal was conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award by President Droupadi Murmu at the 71st National Awards ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on September 23. (ANI)
The Chief of Army Staff felicitated the Malayalam superstar and 'Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee', Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Mohanlal, for his outstanding contribution to society and his continued association with the Armed Forces on Tuesday. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), presented Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card in recognition of his spirit of service, philanthropy and unwavering respect for the uniform, according to a press note. Taking to their X handle, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information-Indian Army wrote, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS felicitated the distinguished actor and 'Dadasaheb Phalke Awardee', Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) Mohanlal, for his unwavering commitment and continued support to the nation-building initiatives and humanitarian assistance efforts of the Indian Army." After meeting with Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi in the national capital, Mohanlal told reporters, "It is a great recognition and so much honour to receive commendation from the Army Chief. The Dadasaheb Phalke award is also one of the reasons. So, we had a good meeting, and we also had a small lunch. It's a great gesture from the fraternity." Noting that he has been a part of the forces for the last 16 years, Mohanlal added, "We had some conversation on how to bring out more efficiency in the TA battalion and what we can do for the country." Conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in May 2009, Mohanlal has remained deeply connected with the Indian Army, embodying the values of service, discipline and national pride. His dedication was notably visible during his voluntary contribution to relief efforts during the Wayanad Natural Disaster in August 2024, according to a press note. Beyond cinema, Lt Col (Hony) Mohanlal has been a tireless advocate of social causes through the ViswaSanthi Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, skill development, environmental conservation and welfare initiatives across India, stated the press note. A recipient of the Padma Shri (2001), Padma Bhushan (2019), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2025), Mohanlal's illustrious artistic journey, spanning over four decades, comprises more than 400 films in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi and has inspired millions across India. (ANI)
Mella Chervu police have busted a CMRF funds scam and arrested eight accused, including two personal assistants of the former Huzur Nagar MLA, Saidi Reddy, in Suryapet district. The accused were collecting applications from victims at the MLA's camp office and not issuing checks to them. Instead, they were withdrawing money using the victims' names. The police have registered cases and sent the accused to judicial remand. According to a police official," We have arrested eight accused, including two personal assistants of former Huzur Nagar MLA Saidi Reddy, in connection with the CMRF scam. The accused were collecting CMRF applications from victims at the MLA's office, but not issuing checks. Instead, they were withdrawing money from the bank using their own names. A total of seven checks were involved, amounting to approximately 9,50,000. The main accused are Venkateshwarlu and Omkar, personal assistants to the former MLA Saidi Reddy. They were allegedly involved in this scam even before the Assembly elections. We have sent them to judicial remand." Earlier, Telangana Police conducted a raid on an allegedly illegal party at a farmhouse within the Moinabad police station limits in Hyderabad, where a total of 62 members were present, including 22 minors. When tested using a urine test kit, a total of two tested positive for drugs. Moinabad police station Inspector said, "Yesterday, our teams conducted raids, where 22 minors and 40 adults were found. Two adults tested positive for drugs using a urine test kit, and a case has been registered against both individuals and the Party organisers. "A case has been registered. Further investigation is underway. Earlier, the Rachakonda Narcotics Police Station and the Regional Narcotics Control Cell, Khammam Wing of Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE), Telangana, intercepted a DCM vehicle near Ramoji Film City, Pedda Amberpet, and apprehended three transporters from Rajasthan who were illegally transporting 401 kgs of Ganja from Visakhapatnam to Rajasthan. According to EAGLE, this contraband was concealed in a load of coconuts and was intended for delivery to a supplier in Rajasthan. The six accused have been identified as Chotu Narayana Lal Naik, Pushkar Raj Naik, Kishan Lal Nayak, Sridhar, Ashu and Parameshwar. The EAGLE stated that the three accused, Sridhar, Ashu, and Parameshwar, are currently at large. According to security officials in Telangana, Om Bishnoi from Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, has been involved in the transportation of Ganja in his town. He procured the contraband from Sridhar in Rajamundry and hired Chotu Narayana Lal Naik to transport shipments in his Hyundai Venue, paying him Rs 25,000 per trip. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a comprehensive review of development projects and law and order with police and administrative officials at the Circuit House auditorium on Monday. Emphasising prompt resolution of revenue disputes, the Chief Minister said, "Remove illegal encroachments from government lands immediately and ensure that land belonging to the poor remains free from encroachment." He further directed that essential services such as the issuance of residence, income, and caste certificates be made available through the Gram Panchayat Secretariat, as stated in the release. The Chief Minister stressed that all necessary public facilities should be provided at the Municipal Corporation's zonal offices to prevent any form of public inconvenience or harassment. He instructed officials to ensure the timely disposal of applications received through the IGRS and CM Helpline, as well as conducting random checks and on-site visits to verify progress. He also emphasised that no complaints should remain pending, as per the release. Highlighting the need for public welfare infrastructure, the Chief Minister instructed officials to construct as many Kalyan Mandapams as possible with the cooperation of public representatives, so that these venues can serve the daughters of poor and underprivileged families for weddings and other social events. He directed that the development in the outer wards and slum areas be expedited. He called for better roads, adequate sanitation, and improved drainage systems to enhance the overall quality of life for citizens. The Chief Minister also asked the Public Works Department to launch a special drive to ensure all roads are made pothole-free. Stressing the importance of security and public order, the Chief Minister instructed continuous monitoring of social media and strict action against those spreading rumours. He emphasised swift responses from the administration, police, and relevant departments to any incidents or complaints, while maintaining constant communication with the public. He directed heightened vigilance and security at border areas, strict monitoring of criminal activities and cow smuggling, and the installation of additional CCTV cameras for enhanced safety. The Chief Minister further directed the Divisional Commissioner and District Magistrate to conduct monthly reviews of the GST department. He instructed officials to maintain special vigilance during upcoming festivals, ensuring adequate police presence across the district. He emphasised that all ongoing development projects must be completed within the stipulated timeframe and with high standards of quality. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure comprehensive preparations for the upcoming Ganga Mahotsav and Dev Deepawali, emphasising that the celebrations should be truly memorable and exceptional. He instructed that all obstacles delaying the Freight Village Project be resolved immediately to expedite its progress. Stressing the importance of renewable energy, he called for the smooth implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the installation of as many solar panels as possible. Further, the Chief Minister directed officials to focus on the cleaning and rejuvenation of the Varuna and Assi rivers, as well as ensuring the cleanliness of ghats, streets, and roads, ahead of Diwali and Dev Deepawali. He instructed that the Dal Mandi road construction work be completed in mission mode. In view of the festive season, he ordered effective traffic management, deployment of Home Guards alongside the civil police, and foot patrolling in markets to maintain order and safety. The Chief Minister also directed the Municipal Corporation to ensure regular cleaning of roads, streets, sewers, urinals, and toilets across all wards, with dedicated caretakers assigned for maintenance. Divisional Commissioner S. Rajalingam presented a detailed briefing on the preparations for Dev Deepawali. Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal shared updates on the district's law and order situation, its rank in the state, and actions taken against cow smugglers and cybercrime. He also provided details on Operation Conviction and activities under Mission Shakti 5.0. ADG Zone Piyush Mordia elaborated on the progress of Mission Shakti 5.0, actions against cow smuggling and illegal liquor trade, advancements in e-evidence collection, Operation Trinetra, foot patrolling, and public hearings conducted across all nine districts of the zone. District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar briefed the Chief Minister on the district's development projects, noting that 128 projects worth approximately Rs 18,000 crore are currently underway. He informed that Ring Road Phase 2 is scheduled for completion by June 2026. The Chief Minister instructed that the construction work at the under-construction Pandeypur Medical College be expedited by increasing manpower. The meeting was attended by Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of State for Stamps (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal, Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Mishra 'Dayalu', District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, Mayor Ashok Tiwari, Legislative Council Member Hansraj Vishwakarma, Rai Dharmendra Singh, MLAs Neelkanth Tiwari, Awadhesh Singh, Sunil Patel, and Tribhuvan Ram, along with senior administrative and police officials. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) has approved the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill, 2025. According to the Uttarakhand CMO, the Madrasa Board in the state is set to be abolished as the state moves towards integrating minority educational institutions into the mainstream education system. Once the Bill comes into effect, all madrasas operating in the state will be required to obtain recognition from the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority and affiliate themselves with the Uttarakhand Board of School Education. With this move, Uttarakhand will become the first state in the country to dissolve its Madrasa Board and bring minority educational institutions into the mainstream education framework, the press release said. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described this decision as a historic step towards creating a uniform and modern education system in the state. He announced that from the academic session of July 2026, all minority schools will adopt the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Chief Minister emphasised that the government's goal is to ensure that "every child in the state -- regardless of their class or community -- progresses with equal education and equal opportunities." Sharing an X post, CM Dhami wrote, "Heartfelt thanks to the Honourable Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh ji (Retd.) for granting approval to the Minority Education Bill-2025! With the approval of the Honourable Governor, the path for this bill to become law has now been paved. Under this law, an authority will be established for the education system of minority communities, which will handle the task of granting recognition to minority educational institutions. Additionally, after the implementation of this bill, minority educational institutions such as madrasas will be required to obtain recognition from the Uttarakhand Education Board." "Undoubtedly, this law will prove helpful in making the education system in the state more transparent, accountable, and qualitative," the X post added. (ANI)
Committed to strengthening communities, Hormel Foods provides $10,000 to each of its production facilities in the U.S. to benefit hunger-relief organizations in their local communities

AUSTIN, Minn., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For 15 years, Hormel Foods has marked Hunger Action Month by empowering its production facilities to support local hunger-relief efforts. Each facility receives a $10,000 donation, and team members play a central role in selecting the local organizations that receive the fundsensuring the support goes directly to the communities where team members live and work.

In September, Hormel Foods provided monetary donations to 46 organizations across the U.S. through this program, reinforcing its belief that meaningful change begins at home.

"As a former plant manager, I've seen firsthand how deeply connected Hormel Foods team members are to their communities," said John Forsythe, vice president of operations, shelf-stable at Hormel Foods. "We do more than just work in these communities, we're part of them. When our team members help decide where their facility's donation goes, it's a powerful reminder that real change starts where we live, work and raise our families."

Production facilities are empowered to determine where and how their monetary donations are allocated. Many choose to support multiple organizations, as seen at Burke Corporation, a subsidiary of Hormel Foods located in Nevada, Iowa. There, the team divided their $10,000 donation between two local nonprofits: the Nevada Community Cupboard and Nevada Food at First. "We're proud to support local organizations like Nevada Food at First and the Nevada Community Cupboard, whose ongoing efforts are making a real difference in the fight against hunger," said Andrew Sieren, Burke Corporation plant manager. "Their dedication is helping to strengthen our community and improve the lives of those in need."

These facility-level donations are part of a broader, global effort by Hormel Foods to strengthen communities by expanding access to nutritious foods. As highlighted in the company's 2024 Global Impact Report, Hormel Foods has contributed more than $53 million in cash and product donations toward food security initiatives since 2020.

To reach contributions of this scale and maximize the impact of each dollar, Hormel Foods partners with leading nonprofit organizations such as Feeding America and Convoy of Hope. In 2025, the company proudly launched a new signature partnership with Share Our Strength, the organization behind No Kid Hungry, a national campaign focused on ending childhood hunger. Through this partnership, Hormel Foods is helping expand access to summer meal programs and championing breakfast as a vital school supply, ensuring children have the nourishment they need to thrive. The company looks forward to joining dozens of other organizations for Share Our Strength's 2026 summer campaign supporting access to summer meal programs.

From local food pantries to national campaigns, Hormel Foods remains committed to building stronger, more resilient communitieswherever its team members call home.

About Hormel Foods  Inspired People. Inspired Food.

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include PLANTERS, SKIPPY, SPAM, HORMEL NATURAL CHOICE, APPLEGATE, JUSTIN'S, WHOLLY, HORMEL BLACK LABEL, COLUMBUS, JENNIE-O and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement  Inspired People. Inspired Food.  to bring some of the world's most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Contact: Media Relations

Hormel Foods

[email protected]

SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
Banaras Hindu University will soon invite proposals from its members for establishing major research facilities. The move aims to further expand and strengthen the university's research ecosystem by establishing new facilities that will give BHU's research endeavours a competitive edge. This was announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi while addressing the Geology Day ceremony on Monday. Prof. Chaturvedi said that good science requires investment -- not only in terms of resources but also in quality students, faculty, infrastructure, and a culture that promotes high-quality research. The proposed call for establishing major research facilities aims to propel BHU's quest for research excellence. Vice-Chancellor announced that proposals worth above Rs 25 lakh will be considered under the upcoming initiative. He urged faculty members to think out of the box and come up with ideas that could be game changers. "Create a team that has both credibility and ambition. If you have an idea that has the potential to drive the university's growth in research and innovation, the university will take care of the funds," Prof. Chaturvedi said. The call will be open to a wide range of ideas, including science and innovation projects, interdisciplinary studies, setting up fabrication, analytical, or characterisation facilities, developing or installing advanced software systems or machines, and other initiatives that support high-quality research at the university. Vice-Chancellor complimented the Department of Geology for its glorious legacy as it enters the 103rd year of its establishment. He mentioned that Prof. KK Mathur, the founding head of the department, made unparalleled contributions in taking the department to great heights, especially during challenging times when the country was under colonial rule and resources and technology were not easily available. Prof. Mathur, he added, remains a role model who continues to inspire us to strive for excellence despite the challenges. On the occasion of Geology Day, Prof. M. Sarin, INSA Senior Scientist, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, delivered the Prof. K.K. Mathur Memorial Lecture on "Climate change drivers and impacts on marine ecosystems. Prof. Sarin explained the major anthropogenic and natural drivers of climate change. He highlighted how increasing CO emissions from anthropogenic sources such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial activity are intensifying the greenhouse effect and driving global warming. He underlined the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation strategies, urging young scientists to engage in impactful research addressing these critical challenges. Rector and Director of the Institute of Science, Prof. Sanjay Kumar, said that Geology is a vast field with much yet to be explored. He emphasised that interdisciplinary studies hold the key to unlocking the potential of this area of study. Prof. R. K. Srivastava, Dean of the Faculty of Science, highlighted the contributions of the Department of Geology through its pioneering research and discoveries. Earlier, Prof. Arun Deo Singh, Head, Department of Geology, presented a glimpse of the glorious journey of the department. He said that the department, which started teaching and research activities in 1923, today houses the richest geological museum in the country. It has expertise in every discipline of earth sciences, and holds the distinction of being the tallest department in the country. Prof. Prakash Singh welcomed all the dignitaries, and Prof. A. S. Naik delivered the formal vote of thanks. Prof. Bindhyanchal Pandey presented a brief introduction of the Chief Guest, Prof. M Sarin. The event formally began with the garlanding of the statue of Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, followed by the lighting of the lamp and the rendition of the Kulgeet. Hundreds of students, faculty members, and non-teaching staff were also present at the event. (ANI)
Hitting out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the attack on BJP leaders in the state, assembly LoP Suvendu Adhikari demanded her resignation, stating that she is nothing less than a "dictator in denial". Adhikari said that CM Banerjee's attempt to whitewash the 'goondaism' (hooliganism) is as pathetic as it is "predictable". "You are nothing but a 'Dictator in Denial'. Resign if you have any shame left. CM Mamata Banerjee, your attempt to whitewash your Party Workers' 'Goondaism' is as predictable as it is pathetic," Adhikari wrote on 'X' while replying to CM Mamata Banerjee. The BJP leader also agreed to PM Modi's recent remarks over the attack on party leaders in West Bengal, stating that such violence was not expected from TMC's "lowly thugs" at such a time of crisis. "While North Bengal drowned in floods, you were busy dancing and merry making with Filmstars. The BJP Leaders went to help victims, something your "Administration" has spectacularly failed at. Prime Minister is 100% Accurate. Such violence wasn't even expected from your lowly thugs in this time of crisis," he said. Earlier on Monday, BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh on Monday alleged that he along with Malda North MP Khagen Murmu were attacked in Nagrakata in North Bengal, while distributing relief materials for people affected by the flood and landslides in the State. The incident sparked a row between the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal as Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the state government over the incident. Meanwhile, CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that he was politicising the floods and landslides in North Bengal, calling it "unfortunate and deeply concerning." LoP in the Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of orchestrating violence by sending her supporters to allegedly attack BJP leaders and workers and obstruct relief work. Adhikari claimed that while BJP MPs and MLAs were targeted for visiting flood-affected areas in North Bengal and distributing relief. He alleged that MP Khagen Murmu sustained injuries and MLA Shankar Ghosh's vehicle was attacked. In a post on X, Adhikari wrote, "Mamata Banerjee is on full Panic Mode. She has realized it (quite late) that the People of West Bengal have despised her inhuman act of 'Dancing at Carnival with Celebrities' when North Bengal was reeling under floods and landslides, with many People losing their lives and thousands left shelterless. In contrast, BJP Bengal MLAs & MPs were on ground doing their bit to provide relief to the affected People." "So, she has now pressed the panic button and has now unleashed her goons belonging from the 'Special Community' and incited them to attack the BJP MPs and MLAs so that they can be refrained from engaging in relief work. MP Shri Khagen Murmu was brutally attacked and has been left with bloody injuries in Nagrakata today when he was accompanying BJP Bengal President Shri Samik Bhattacharya to the flood-affected areas. MLA Dr Shankar Ghosh's vehicle also came under attack in the presence of Police. Mamata Banerjee, you can't intimidate BJP," the post read. At least 18 people were reported to be killed in Darjeeling as in incessant rain that wreaked havoc in West Bengal's north on Saturday night and early Sunday, the district authorities confirmed on Monday. (ANI)
Supreme Court Bar Association President and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh highlighted the role of social media in "escalating things out of proportion", noting how the statement of Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, in the Javari temple case was "misrepresented", which led to the shoe-hurling attempt. Speaking with ANI, Vikas Singh said, "An Aspect that needs consideration is the role of social media these days in escalating things out of proportion. This original case was a sort of PIL where somebody wanted a Hindu deity which had broken down to be constructed. CJI rightly said that these are matters for the authorities to consider, because there are ASI issues if it is an archaeological structure and religious issues as well. So, accordingly, the petition was dismissed." "That statement was misrepresented by social media to give an impression as if the CJI had insulted the deity," he added. Vikas Singh said that the lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai, did so to gain publicity. "This lawyer, for the purpose of seeking publicity has done this exercise and I will beseech the media and social media not to give publicity to this lawyer because his whole purpose is to get publicity," he said. Senior Advocate Vikas Sing further added, "Even if the CJI feels that no action needs to be taken and he has shown a large heart, I think we as the Bar Association owe a duty to the institution and the Bar Council of India owes a duty to the profession. So, after deliberating on this issue in our executive committee will decide on taking action. And I am sure that Bar Council of India should take some action for such conduct because it is completely unbecoming of an advocate." The 71-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, attempted to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during working hours at the Supreme Court on Monday. He was immediately apprehended by the security personnel and escorted out. As per sources, the attacker, while being escorted out, said, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahega Hindustan." Following his failed attempt to attack the CJI, Kishore was handed over to Delhi Police. The police questioned him for three hours before releasing him. The attacker had reportedly been upset over CJI Gavai's remarks that came while dismissing a plea seeking restoration of a seven-foot-long beheaded structure of Lord Vishnu in the Javari temple in Khajuraho, MP. CJI Gavai had, during the hearing of the matter, remarked that the petitioner seeking directions to restore the idol should go and seek the remedy by praying to Lord Vishnu, as the Court declined to entertain the same. While refusing to hear the case, the top court opined that it is a dispute over a temple, which is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), suggesting that the ASI is a more competent authority to intervene in this regard. (ANI)
Kerala government constituted a committee to submit a report on the management of pediatric cough syrups following the death of at least 14 children after consumption of Coldrif syrup in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Tuesday. Kerala Health Department has also asked the Drugs Controller to issue a notice to pharmacies not to sell pediatric drugs to children without a doctor's prescription. Veena George said that the State Drugs Controller has imposed a ban on the particular cough syrup, and the Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL) does not supply the syrup to government hospitals. Speaking to ANI, Veena George said, "It's unfortunate that 16 children died by consuming this cough syrup Coldrif. The Government of India has issued an advisory on the consumption of cough syrup. In Kerala, the Drugs Controller has issued a notification banning the particular cough syrup Coldrif in all the pharmacies across the state." "We don't have this in our essential drugs list. This is not being supplied by the KMSCL, which is our corporation that supplies medicine to government hospitals. But, we are ensuring that the sale is not happening in private hospitals and pharmacies," the Kerala Minister added. She said that the committee on pediatric cough syrups will submit its report to the Kerala Government. "We have already done this in the case of antibiotics and have strict enforcement in the State. We have established a committee that will submit a report to the government. The committee is particularly focused on the management of pediatric cough, because irrelevant combinations should not be in the syrups. We have decided to issue a guideline regarding the management of pediatric cough, which is very essential," she said. Furthermore, she alleged that doctors were prescribing cough syrups to children under the age of 2 years, which is not advisable. Veena George said, "We do have a protocol on the consumption of cough syrup. It is not advisable to give cough syrups to children under 2 years old, but this case shows that doctors are prescribing cough syrups to children under 2 years old, which is unscientific and unacceptable. Kerala Health Department has asked the Drugs Controller to issue a notice to pharmacies not to give pediatric drugs to children without a prescription." Earlier on Monday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a high-level meeting at the CM residence in Bhopal and ordered the suspension of two drug inspectors, the Deputy Director of Food and Drug Administration, and the transfer of a drug controller, according to an official release. CM Yadav emphasised that strict action would be taken against all parties found guilty in the Chhindwara case. "The state government is vigilant and sensitive, and no negligence will be tolerated in matters concerning human life. Accordingly, Drug Inspector of Chhindwara Gaurav Sharma, Drug Inspector of Jabalpur Sharad Kumar Jain, and Deputy Director, Food & Drug Administration Shobhit Koshta have been suspended, while Drug Controller Dinesh Maurya has been transferred," said the Chief Minister as stated in the release. The CM also directed that, in addition to banning the sale of Coldrif syrup, the existing stock in shops should be seized. Apart from MP and Kerala, several states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Telangana, have issued advisories and banned the Coldrif cough syrup. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday condemned the attempt to throw an object at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, calling it an attack on the Constitution of India. Raut claimed the incident wasn't just about the CJI but a broader reflection of the current political climate, where those in power disregard the Constitution and their followers resort to such acts. "The shoe has not been thrown or attempted to be thrown at CJI BR Gavai, but rather it was an attempt to throw the shoe at the Constitution of India. The people in power are not ready to follow the Constitution of India and their followers are doing these kinds of things," Raut told ANI. The incident has sparked a heated debate about the growing intolerance and disrespect towards institutions in India. Many have expressed concern about the safety and security of judges and the potential implications for the country's democracy. Several politicians, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BSP chief Mayawati, and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, condemned the incident, calling it an attack on democracy and the judiciary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials also condemned the incident, emphasising the importance of respecting the judiciary. A lawyer on Monday entered Court Room 1 of the Supreme Court of India and attempted to throw an object at the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai with the alleged intent to attack him.The lawyer had entered the Court No. 1 and attempted to throw a shoe at the CJI-led bench. He was immediately apprehended by the security personnel and escorted out. Raut also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he tried to buy the votes of 75 lakh Bihar women by transferring Rs 10000 in their bank accounts. Raut said that PM Modi did the same in the name of 'Ladki Bahin Yojana' during the Maharashtra assembly elections, asserting that a Prime Minister belongs to the whole country rather than a particular party. "PM Modi tried to buy the votes of 75 lakh women in Bihar before the assembly elections by transferring Rs 10,000 into their bank accounts. They did the same in Maharashtra through the Ladki Bahin Yojana...He is the Prime Minister of the nation, not of a particular party," Raut told ANI. He also expressed confidence in Mahagathbandhan's victory in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, stressing that Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav have exposed the Election Commission of India and the BJP's approach to conducting fair elections. "The Election Commission of India announced the schedule of the Bihar elections yesterday. The elections will be very interesting. By conducting the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav have exposed the Election Commission of India and the BJP for their approach to conducting fair elections," he said. Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 243 Assembly seats will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes to be held on November 14. (ANI)
The Kerala Legislative Assembly once again witnessed noisy scenes on Tuesday as the opposition created a ruckus during the Question Hour over the Sabarimala gold plating controversy. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said the High Court's recent observation in the case was "shocking," noting that the court had found the Dwarapalaka idol was sold at an inflated price and that lakhs of devotees were deceived. "The Devaswom Board has cheated lakhs of devotees. The Devaswom Minister should resign, and the Board should be dismissed. The government must announce its stand on the issue today," Satheesan demanded. As the Speaker AN Shamseer moved on to the Question Hour, opposition MLAs staged a protest in front of his dais, raising banners that obstructed the Speaker's view. Law Minister P Rajeev responded that both the Devaswom Board and the Minister had welcomed any investigation. "The opposition's drama rejecting the High Court's decision is narrow-minded," he said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister MB Rajesh accused the opposition of losing faith in the higher judiciary. "They have faced continuous setbacks in court. Just yesterday, the Supreme Court told them not to bring their political games here. They fear the Assembly, they fear the people, and they fear discussion," he said adding that the member who faced the setback was not even present in the House. Amid the uproar, Speaker AN Shamseer urged the opposition not to cover his face with banners, saying they could have submitted an urgent motion notice instead. "The government is ready for a discussion. The court has already ordered an SIT investigation, what more can be done beyond that?" he said. With the protest continuing, the Question Hour was cancelled as Assembly proceedings remained disrupted. The Kerala assembly also witnessed continued protests and disruptions over the Sabarimala alleged gold theft case on Monday. The Opposition created an uproar over the issue, which led to AN Shamseer cancelling the Question Hour and adjourning the House temporarily. On Monday, the Kerala High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged theft of gold from Sabarimala temple, while also directing that the investigation be confidential and no information be leaked. The investigation will be led by former Superintendent of Police S Sasidharan, and overseen by Crime Branch chief Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H Venkatesh. The team will consist of three inspectors, including cyber experts. (ANI)
The Delhi Police West District team has solved a house theft case by arresting four accused persons and recovering 156 grams of gold worth approximately Rs 20 lakh and Rs 9.96 lakh in cash, officials said. According to the Delhi Police, on September 26, a PCR call regarding a house theft was received at Police Station Punjabi Bagh. The complainant reported that when his wife checked the almirah at home, several gold and diamond ornaments were found missing. Accordingly, a case vide FIR No. 581/25 was registered at PS Punjabi Bagh under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). During the investigation, the police team meticulously scanned footage from around 1,260 CCTV cameras over the course of a week. The movements of the accused were traced from a CNG pump on Ring Road, Punjabi Bagh, to the Jahangirpuri area. Based on technical surveillance and local intelligence, a raid was conducted, leading to the arrest of the main accused, Jai Prakash, the police said. Upon interrogation, Jai Prakash revealed the involvement of his accomplices Bigan Sah and Jairam Sah, who were subsequently apprehended. Based on Bigan's disclosure, Ganesh, a jeweller who had purchased the stolen gold, was also arrested. The investigation further revealed that Jai Prakash and Bigan Sah had booked tickets to Goa in advance to gamble at the "Big Daddy Casino." Their addiction to gambling and online gaming motivated them to commit the theft, intending to use the stolen money for gambling and luxury spending, as per the Delhi Police. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the Delhi Police Special Staff of the South-East District and the Gurugram Crime Branch neutralised dreaded and wanted criminal Bhim Mahabahadur Jora in an armed encounter at Aastha Kunj Park, East of Kailash, during the intervening night of October 6 and 7. According to DCP South-East Hemant Tiwari, acting on a secret tip-off about the movement of Jora, a joint team was constituted under the supervision of Inspector Rajender Singh Dagar, In-charge, Special Staff, South-East District, and Inspector Narender Sharma, In-charge, Crime Branch, Gurugram. The operation was launched around midnight to intercept the accused. Further investigation is underway to identify his associates and the network associated with his interstate criminal activities. (ANI)
Lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Monday, said that he does not regret his action. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Rakesh Kishore said that he was hurt by the CJI's remarks while dismissing a plea seeking restoration of the structure of Lord Vishnu in the Javari temple in Khajuraho. He said, "I was hurt. A PIL was filed in the Chief Justice's court on September 16. Justice Gavai made fun of it by saying 'Go pray to the idol to restore its head'. While we see that when there are cases against other religions like Raliways' land in Haldwani was occupied by a particular community. When an attempt was made to remove this, the Supreme Court put a stay on it three years ago. In Nupur Sharma's case, the court said, 'You have ruined the atmosphere'. When there are matters related to the Sanatan dharma, be it Jallikatu or the height of the Dahi Handi, Supreme Court's orders have hurt me." "If you do not want to provide relief, at least do not make fun of it. It was an injustice that the petition was dismissed. However, I am against violence, but you should think about why a common man who is not affiliated with any group took such a step. It is not that I was under the influence of a substance; it was my reaction to his action. I am not fearful and I have no regrets... I have not done anything, God made me do it," Kishore added. Further, he said that the Chief Justice of India should maintain the dignity of the Constitutional post, and criticised Justice Gavai for the SC's decision on the use of a bulldozer by the state governments. "CJI is sitting on a Constitution post and is called "My Lord", so he should understand the meaning of it and maintain the dignity. I ask the CJI and people opposing me if Yogi Ji's bulldozer action against people occupying the government's land in Bareilly was wrong?" Kishore said. The matter is that for a thousand years we have been slaves to small communities. We have been tolerant, but when our identity itself is under threat I want that no Sanatani should remain silent in their homes. They should do anything they can. I am not instigating, but I want people to heed to their own interests," he added. Condemning his suspension by the Bar Council, he said that the Council has flouted the law. He said, "Section 35 of the Advocates Act, under which I have been suspended, a disciplinary committee has to be constituted, which will send a notice, and I will reply. But the Bar Council has flouted the rules in my case. Now, I have to return the fee of my clients." "I had already decided, as I was not able to sleep after September 16. Some divine power woke me up and said, 'Nation is burning and you are sleeping?' I am surprised that the Chief Justice let me go. I was interrogated for 3-4 hours by the police," the lawyer added. Amid criticism for attempting to hurl a show at a Dalit judge, he said, "He is first a Sanatani, but he converted to Buddhism. Now, how is he a Dalit person? This is their politics." Advocate Rakesh Kishore says he is ready to go to jail but will not apologise for his actions. "I am not going to apologise,. God made me do this, if he wishes i go to jail, or I am hanged, it is his wish." he said Kishore's action has seen widespread condemnation with PM Modi saying there is no place for such attacks in society. "Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable. I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to values of justice and strengthening the spirit of our Constitution," PM Modi posted on Monday. (ANI)
Kerala Minister KN Balagopal on Tuesday questioned the opposition's approach over continued disruptions in the state assembly over the Sabarimala alleged gold theft case. Balagopal said that the government's "honest actions" cannot be hidden behind banners. He also alleged a collusion between Congress and the BJP over the issue, stating that the opposition's approach is a challenge to the court. "What the opposition is doing is not the right approach. They are covering the Speaker's face with a banner. The government's honest actions cannot be hidden with banners. The Congress and BJP are colluding. Currently, the opposition is taking a stance that challenges the court. Previously, it was a KSU leader in Thiruvananthapuram who took Eetumanurappan away. The opposition's approach is one that challenges the court," Balagopal said. The Kerala Minister also assured of a proper court investigation, noting the importance of the matter to be discussed in the assembly. "The High Court investigation will proceed properly. If you have the courage, the matter should be discussed in this House. Trying to shout down proceedings in the House is not the way of democracy," he said. This comes after Kerala Legislative Assembly once again witnessed noisy scenes on Tuesday as the opposition created a ruckus during the Question Hour over the Sabarimala gold plating controversy. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said the High Court's recent observation in the case was "shocking," noting that the court had found the Dwarapalaka idol was sold at an inflated price and that lakhs of devotees were deceived. "The Devaswom Board has cheated lakhs of devotees. The Devaswom Minister should resign, and the Board should be dismissed. The government must announce its stand on the issue today," Satheesan demanded. As the Speaker AN Shamseer moved on to the Question Hour, opposition MLAs staged a protest in front of his dais, raising banners that obstructed the Speaker's view. Law Minister P Rajeev responded that both the Devaswom Board and the Minister had welcomed any investigation. "The opposition's drama rejecting the High Court's decision is narrow-minded," he said. Earlier on Monday, the Kerala High Court ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged theft of gold from Sabarimala temple, while also directing that the investigation be confidential and no information be leaked. On October 5, the TDB vigilance recorded the statement of Unnikrishnan Potty, a former helper and the sponsor of gold-plating works at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. Unnikrishnan Potty was questioned for nearly three hours at the TDB Vigilance headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. After the session, he left the premises without responding clearly to the media's questions. When pressed, Potty remarked, "Don't I have freedom as an individual? Everything will be proven before the High Court. Don't I have the right to move freely? The truth will prevail." The inquiry stems from allegations that several gold-plated panels removed from the temple in 2019 and 2025 for restoration at workshops in Hyderabad and Chennai were mishandled, with discrepancies reported in their weight and gold content. The controversy reignited after the Kerala High Court ordered the immediate return of the gold-plated panels taken for repairs and criticised the TDB for violating procedural norms by not informing the court-appointed Sabarimala Special Commissioner. Both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have announced state-wide agitations from today and have been demanding a High Court-monitored Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities. (ANI)
Congress on Wednesday condemned the killing of a man by a mob in Raebareli, terming the incident as "a crime against the Dalit community." Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge shared the party's statement on X. The statement emphasised the increasing crime against the Dalits, minorities and the poor people in the country. "Our country has a Constitution that recognises every individual with a sense of equality. There is a law that grants equal status to the safety, rights, and expression of every citizen. What happened in Raebareli is a grave crime against the Constitution of this country. It is a crime against the Dalit community and a stain on this nation and society," Congress said in a statement. "The number of crimes against Dalits, minorities, and the poor in the country has increased beyond limits. This violence disproportionately affects those who are deprived, marginalised, and lack adequate representation or participation," the party added. https://x.com/kharge/status/1975408449627341168 The statement comes after a group of people allegedly killed a Dalit man, "mistaking him for a thief" in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli. Police have arrested five people and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused, according to the Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Sanjeev Kumar Sinha. The statement flagged other similar incidents of violence, saying that these incidents are a mirror reflecting the growing "insensitivity" of the government against marginalised communities. "Be it the crimes against women in Hathras and Unnao, the murder of Hariom in Raebareli, or earlier, the institutional murder of Rohith Vemula, the inhuman incident of a leader urinating on a tribal youth in Madhya Pradesh, the brutal beating of Dalits in Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, or the murders of Pehlu Khan in Haryana and Akhlaq in Uttar Pradesh--every incident is a mirror reflecting the growing insensitivity of our society, administration, and ruling powers," Since 2014, trends like mob lynching, bulldozer injustice, and mob rule have become the terrifying hallmarks of our times. Violence cannot be a hallmark of any civilised society, and what happened to Hariom is a profound question mark on our collective morality," Congress added. Congress said that such incidents have no place in Bhimrao Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi's India and expressed the party's commitment to empower the deprived and weaker sections of society. "The India of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's dreams and Mahatma Gandhi's 'Vaishnav Jan...' is an India of social justice, equality, and compassion, where there is no place for such crimes. Humanity is the only path forward. The Congress Party is committed to empowering the deprived and weaker sections of society. We call upon citizens to unite against this injustice. This fight must continue until the rights and dignity of every Indian's life are fully protected," Congress said. (ANI)
Maryland-based practices overseeing approximately $175 million join from Commonwealth, citing advisor autonomy and high-touch service

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG)  a privately held independent wealth management provider supporting more than 600 financial professionals across more than 400 locations nationwide  today announced the recruitment of Makino Financial and financial advisor Karen Brelsford.

Both join IFG from Commonwealth Financial Network and are based in Maryland in the Greater Baltimore metropolitan area. Together, they oversee approximately $175 million in client assets.

"At IFG, our mission is to empower accomplished advisors with the autonomy, high-touch service and collaborative community they need to grow their practices and serve clients on their own terms," said David Fischer, IFG Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer. "Frances, Bernard, Gloria and Karen exemplify the kind of client-focused, service-driven advisors who thrive at IFG. Their commitment to putting clients first aligns perfectly with our values, and we're thrilled to welcome them to the IFG family as they enter their next stage of growth."

Makino Financial is led by Frances Makino, a 36-year veteran of the financial services industry. She is joined by Bernard and Gloria Makino, her children and the firm's next generation of leadership, ensuring its legacy of personalized client service continues.

"For more than three decades, our focus has been on providing families with guidance that is personal, thoughtful and free from outside pressures," said Frances Makino, Founder and President of Makino Financial. "When it came time to evaluate our future, independence was non-negotiable. After months of careful consideration, we chose IFG because it shares our belief that clients deserve advice tailored to their individual needs, free from the influence of corporate interests or priorities under a large publicly held or private-equity-owned firm. IFG was the one partner that would allow us to continue delivering the personalized service and client experience that has defined our firm for 36 years."

Brelsford, CFP, EA, AIF, CRPS, with 22 years in the industry, brings a broad base of expertise to her clients. In addition to providing comprehensive wealth management and financial planning services, she owns JK Associates, a tax practice, enabling her to deliver integrated guidance across investment, retirement and tax strategies. She has a long history of collaborating with Makino Financial, with the two firms consistently supporting one another based on the needs of their clients.

"I've always believed that great advice starts with independence," Brelsford said. "The ability to serve clients based solely on their goals, not anyone else's, is sacrosanct. In IFG, I have found a partner that shares that belief. I take pride in joining a firm that truly respects advisor autonomy and lets me continue giving my clients the personalized attention and integrated planning they deserve."

These affiliations are part of a powerful growth wave at IFG. The firm is expanding its national footprint and investing heavily in leadership to support that momentum. Recent appointments include Chad Cristo as Head of Business Development, West Region; Bruce Levitus as Regional Business Development, East; Kelsey Hasterlik, CFP, as Regional Business Development, Mountain; and Steven Gensler as Senior Vice President of Advisor Growth and Development.

About Independent Financial Group

Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG) is a privately held independent wealth management provider based in San Diego, California. Founded in 2003, IFG supports more than 600 independent financial professionals in over 400 offices nationwide with a comprehensive suite of business solutions. IFG has been widely recognized as a leading independent broker-dealer. In 2025, Financial Advisor magazine listed IFG as the 15th largest national independent broker-dealer and #2 for privately held broker-dealers based on gross revenue. Financial Planning ranked IFG 1st for women as a percentage of producing representatives in 2025 and 7th for financial advisor payout in 2024. InvestmentNews ranked the firm in the top 10 for payout and account assets in 2024. IFG is an eight-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list of "Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the US," and the San Diego Business Journal ranked IFG #7 among the Largest Private Companies in San Diego in 2022 and 2023.

To learn more about IFG, visit ifgsd.com.

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A bench led by CJI BR Gavai has listed the matter for hearing on Friday, 10th October.

On Friday, Madras High Court's principal bench Justice P Velmurugan and Justice G Arul Murugan refused the hearing of the plea moved by Bharatiya Janata Party's Chennai West Mambalam councillor Uma Anandhan, saying that the petitioner should approach the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court as the cause of action falls under the jurisdiction of the Madurai bench.

The Bench also issued an interim injunction prohibiting political parties from holding public meetings or events on state and national highways in Tamil Nadu until Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are formulated.

However, the Madras High Court formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police (North) Asra Garg to probe the stampede.

The bench directed the Karur police to hand over all related documents to the SIT immediately.

Hearing a plea filed by a petitioner, P H Dinesh of Villivakkam, Justice Senthilkumar expressed condolences to the victims and said, "Watching the videos is painful." He noted that only two persons have been arrested so far and questioned the authorities on further action taken.

"You have permitted everything to happen. The police cannot turn a blind eye," the judge observed, stressing that law enforcement agencies must act proactively in such situations.

The SIT has commenced its probe into the Karur stampede.

The stampede occurred on September 27 during a public rally led by Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay. The event drew a massive crowd, and preliminary observations suggested lapses in crowd management. (ANI)
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday condemned the shoe-hurling attempt on Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai in the Supreme Court, calling it an "insult" to the office and the Constitution. Speaking with reporters, Parameshwara said that the action should have been taken against the lawyer who attempted to stage a show at the CJI. "Yesterday at the Supreme Court, a lawyer attacked the Chief Justice of India and threw a shoe. This is not a matter concerning one individual. It is an insult to that office, to that position, and to the Constitution. It also shows that the security there failed. The lawyer should have been arrested immediately and legal action should have been taken. I don't know why they let him go," Parameshwara said. Parameshwara urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take preventive measures after this incident. "When judges deliver any verdict, they do not decide in favour of anyone personally. They give judgments according to the law. I condemn the attack carried out for that reason. Moreover, the CJI is a person from the Dalit community. The whole country must condemn it. I am urging the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister that measures must be taken to prevent this from happening again," he said. The 71-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, attempted to throw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai during working hours at the Supreme Court on Monday. He was immediately apprehended by the security personnel and escorted out. As per sources, the attacker, while being escorted out, said, "Sanatan ka apman nahi sahega Hindustan." Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Rakesh Kishore said that he was hurt by the CJI's remarks while dismissing a plea seeking restoration of the structure of Lord Vishnu in the Javari temple in Khajuraho. He said, "I was hurt. A PIL was filed in the Chief Justice's court on September 16. Justice Gavai made fun of it by saying 'Go pray to the idol to restore its head'. While we see that when there are cases against other religions like Raliways' land in Haldwani was occupied by a particular community. When an attempt was made to remove this, the Supreme Court put a stay on it three years ago. In Nupur Sharma's case, the court said, 'You have ruined the atmosphere'. When there are matters related to the Sanatan dharma, be it Jallikatu or the height of the Dahi Handi, Supreme Court's orders have hurt me." "If you do not want to provide relief, at least do not make fun of it. It was an injustice that the petition was dismissed. However, I am against violence, but you should think about why a common man who is not affiliated with any group took such a step. It is not that I was under the influence of a substance; it was my reaction to his action. I am not fearful and I have no regrets... I have not done anything, God made me do it," Kishore added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the people of India as he enters the 25th year of serving as the head of the government. He reflected on this journey, which began on October 7, 2001 when he took the oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the first time. The then-Gujarat Governor Sunder Singh Bhandari administered the oath of office to Narendra Modi as the Chief Minister. Prime Minister said that it has been his constant endeavour to improve the lives of people and contribute to the progress of the nation. "On this day in 2001, I took oath as Gujarat's Chief Minister for the first time. Thanks to the continuous blessings of my fellow Indians, I am entering my 25th year of serving as the head of a Government. My gratitude to the people of India", PM Modi wrote on X. Reiterating his resolve to develop the nation, he added, "Through all these years, it has been my constant endeavour to improve the lives of our people and contribute to the progress of this great nation that has nurtured us all." During his 12-year tenure as Gujarat CM, he implemented several key initiatives, including the creation of a dedicated Climate Change Department to promote sustainable solutions. After the devastating earthquake in 2001, Narendra Modi focused on rebuilding Gujarat, introducing measures to manage floods and droughts, and launching evening courts to make justice more accessible. The Prime Minister said that he was entrusted with the responsibility of being Gujarat's Chief Minister in very testing circumstances. The state was suffering due to a massive earthquake that year and had also faced a super cyclone, successive droughts and political instability in the preceding years. He said these challenges strengthened the resolve to serve people and rebuild Gujarat with renewed vigour and hope, according to Prime Minister's Office press release. He remembered his mother's words when he took oath as Chief Minister, that he should always work for the poor and never take a bribe. He said he had assured people that whatever he does will be with the best intent and inspired by the vision to serve the very last person in the queue. Reflecting on his tenure in Gujarat, the Prime Minister said that at the time, people believed the state could never rise again. Farmers complained of lack of power and water, agriculture was in the doldrums and industrial growth was stagnant. He said that through collective effort, Gujarat transformed into a powerhouse of good governance. The state, once drought-prone, became a top performer in agriculture, trading expanded into manufacturing and industrial capacities, and social as well as physical infrastructure received a boost, added the release. The Prime Minister stated that in 2013, he was appointed as the Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, a time when the nation was experiencing a crisis of trust and governance. He said the people of India gave a thumping majority to his alliance and an absolute majority to his Party, ushering in an era of renewed confidence and purpose. In 2014, Modi became the 14th Prime Minister of India, leading the country with a vision for progress and development. He has since implemented several landmark initiatives, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Digital India, and Make in India. PM Modi is currently the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of India, having recently surpassed Indira Gandhi's record of serving as PM for around 11 years. In 2029, when the next general elections will be held, PM Modi is set to complete over 15 years as Prime Minister. The Prime Minister noted that over the past 11 years, India has undergone numerous transformations. Over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, and the country has emerged as a bright spot among major global economies. He said that people across India, especially Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti and hardworking Annadatas, have been empowered through path-breaking efforts and reforms, added the release. Under PM Modi's leadership, India has made significant strides in infrastructure development, digital transformation, and economic growth. His government has also launched initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi to improve the lives of citizens. He added that the popular sentiment today is to make India Aatmanirbhar across all sectors, reflected in the call of 'Garv Se Kaho, Yeh Swadeshi Hai.' Reiterating his gratitude to the people of India for their continued trust and affection, the Prime Minister said that serving the nation is the highest honour. Guided by the values of the Constitution, he reaffirmed his commitment to work even harder to realise the collective dream of a Viksit Bharat, the release added. Recently PM Modi also spearheaded Goods and Services Tax(GST) reforms, reducing taxes in a majority of goods and simplifying the tax structure by keeping only 3GST slabs, 5 per cent and 18 per cent; with a 40 per cent tax on luxury and sin goods. On defence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also allowed the armed forces "full operational freedom" to strike terror bases in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor on May 7. (ANI)
The All India Lawyers Union (AILU) in Delhi on Tuesday protested at the Supreme Court premises against the attempt to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, and demanded strict action against the accused. Advocate Sunil Kumar, who was among the protestors, called the incident an attack against the Constitution and the judicial system. Advocate Kumar told ANI, "It is highly condemnable and it is an attack on the Indian judiciary. An attack against the Chief Justice of India is an attack against the Constitution and the judicial system. The entire Indian society should condemn it. We are extending our support to the CJI and the Constitution and will be protesting against the atrocious act by that lawyer." He demanded an FIR and contempt proceedings against lawyer Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI Gavai. "An FIR should be registered against the so-called lawyer, and contempt of court should be initiated. This should not happen against any other judge in any court of this country," he said. As the CJI declined to take an action against Rakesh Kishore, Advocate Kumar said, "That is his humbleness. The fraternity of lawyers, as the protectors of the Constitution, demand action against the lawyer (accused)." Another member of AILU echoed the demand for strict action in the case. He said, "CJI should be appreciated for his humbleness, that he did not initiate a police action and even returned his shoe. Look how far the hatred has grown. There should be contempt of court against that person, he should be banned from the practice for life and fined. This should set a precedent. There can be a difference of opinion, but the nation will run by the rule of law." "We got to know that petitions have been filed in the court, and judges should also take suo motu cognisance. There should be strict action against him, and he should not be spared. This has never happened in the Supreme Court since the Independence. Such incidents have happened in other courts as the lawyers get angry. This looks like a symbol of caste hatred," the AILU member added. Earlier today, lawyer Rakesh Kishore said that he does not regret his action. Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Rakesh Kishore said that he was hurt by the CJI's remarks while dismissing a plea seeking restoration of the structure of Lord Vishnu in the Javari temple in Khajuraho. He said, "I was hurt. A PIL was filed in the Chief Justice's court on September 16. Justice Gavai made fun of it by saying 'Go pray to the idol to restore its head'. While we see that when there are cases against other religions like Raliways' land in Haldwani was occupied by a particular community. When an attempt was made to remove this, the Supreme Court put a stay on it three years ago. In Nupur Sharma's case, the court said, 'You have ruined the atmosphere'. When there are matters related to the Sanatan Dharma, be it Jallikatu or the height of the Dahi Handi, the Supreme Court's orders have hurt me." "If you do not want to provide relief, at least do not make fun of it. It was an injustice that the petition was dismissed. However, I am against violence, but you should think about why a common man who is not affiliated with any group took such a step. It is not that I was under the influence of a substance; it was my reaction to his action. I am not fearful and I have no regrets... I have not done anything, God made me do it," Kishore added. His actions have invited widespread criticism. Supreme Court Bar Association President and Senior Advocate Vikas Singh highlighted the role of social media in "escalating things out of proportion", noting how the statement of Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, in the Javari temple case was "misrepresented", which led to the shoe-hurling attempt. Speaking with ANI, Vikas Singh said that the lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, who attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai, did so to gain publicity. "This lawyer, for the purpose of seeking publicity, has done this exercise, and I will beseech the media and social media not to give publicity to this lawyer because his whole purpose is to get publicity," he said. (ANI)
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that it must be clarified whether the Veerashaiva-Lingayat religion and the Lingayat religion are the same or different religions. He stressed that this decision must be made by the community itself. "First, it must be clarified whether the Veerashaiva-Lingayat religion and the Lingayat religion are the same or different. This decision should be made by the community itself. Lingayats and Veerashaivas keep saying every day that they are different from each other. If this confusion is resolved first, everything else will fall into place," Parameshwara said. He defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remarks at the closing ceremony of the Basava cultural campaign. "The Chief Minister attended the Basava Culture Campaign event because he was invited. But the CM did not speak about any religious matters there. He did not talk about religion or religious issues," Karnataka Home Minister said. His statement comes after Siddaramaiah said, "Caste system is rooted in our society. To uproot this caste system, Basavanna launched a separate religion (Lingayat)." Last month, BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra had accused CM Siddaramaiah of attempting to divide Lingayats and Veerashaivas through the caste census, claiming it is designed to divide the Veerashaiva community further. He referred to Siddaramaiah's previous tenure as Chief Minister, during which efforts were made to declare Veerashaiva Lingayat as a separate religion--a move that failed and backfired. Vijayendra alleged that once again, under the pretence of conducting a socio-economic and educational survey, the government is attempting another divisive action against the Veerashaiva Lingayat community. Vijayendra emphasised the need to resolve internal conflicts within the community, unite it, and guide it in the right direction for the welfare of both the community and the state. He proposed discussions with senior leaders of the Veerashaiva Mahasabha, Panch Peethadishwars, and Swamijis of Virakta Mutts, aiming for collective action that transcends sub-group differences. Another BJP leader, Basavaraj Bommai, who was also present during the meeting, launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying that he has "no right" to conduct a survey or census. "Siddaramaiah has no right to conduct a survey or census. They are trying to divide all the communities, including the Backwards classes and the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community. This survey should be stopped. Siddaramaiah should stop this exercise to divide the communities...," Bommai told reporters. (ANI)
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday condemned the attack on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh in Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri district and assured that the culprits would be arrested within 24 hours. The incident occurred when the elected representatives were visiting flood-affected areas to provide relief and support to the victims. A group of miscreants allegedly attacked them, leaving the governor to describe the incident as "dastardly shocking and benumbing." "The attack on the elected representatives of the people, MP and MLA, is dastardly shocking and benumbing, something which never should have happened in a democracy. This cannot be allowed to continue in an enlightened state like Bengal. It's very shocking that all this happened in the presence of the Police", Governor Bose told reporters here. While criticising the police for "not doing their duty", he said that stern action will be taken against the culprits, and he will ensure that the guilty are apprehended within 24 hours. "Police are supposed to uphold the Constitution of India and the rule of law. But they are conniving and not doing their duty. This is a very sad state of affairs. Stern action will be taken against the culprit. I will see that in 24 hours, the culprits are apprehended. Otherwise serious action will be taken", he added. Earlier, BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh alleged that he, along with Malda North MP Khagen Murmu, was attacked in Nagrakata in North Bengal while distributing relief materials for people affected by the flood and landslides in the state. The incident sparked a row between the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal as Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the state government over the incident. Meanwhile, CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that he was politicising the floods and landslides in North Bengal, calling it "unfortunate and deeply concerning." Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation over the incident, stating that she is nothing less than a "dictator in denial". Adhikari said that CM Banerjee's attempt to whitewash the 'goondaism' (hooliganism) is as pathetic as it is "predictable". "You are nothing but a 'Dictator in Denial'. Resign if you have any shame left. CM Mamata Banerjee, your attempt to whitewash your Party Workers' 'Goondaism' is as predictable as it is pathetic," Adhikari wrote on 'X' while replying to CM Mamata Banerjee. At least 18 people were reported to be killed in Darjeeling as in incessant rain that wreaked havoc in West Bengal's north on Saturday night and early Sunday, the district authorities confirmed on Monday. (ANI)
Exuding confidence in the Mahagathbandhan's victory in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Tuesday said that the state will be freed from the "proxy rule" of the RSS on November 14. Speaking to ANI, Tagore highlighted the rampant corruption in Bihar and noted that its wealth is being wasted. He said that the people will vote for change, and following Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikar Yatra, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has become a national issue. "November 14th will be the day where the state of Bihar will be freed from the proxy rule of RSS...Bihar has the highest unemployment rate in the country...Corruption is at its peak...The wealth of Bihar has been wasted...The people of Bihar will vote for change. Rahul Gandhi took out a vote adhikar yatra, SIR has become a national issue...We are confident that the Mahagathbandhan will win the Bihar elections," Tagore said. Earlier on Monday, the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 243 Assembly seats will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes to be held on November 14. Apart from announcing the schedule for the Bihar assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar decided to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists throughout the country. Meanwhile, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday criticised the Election Commission (EC) for not having the "courage and integrity" to tell the country on how many foreigners were actually removed from the Bihar voter list, despite stressing on the need to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) for cleaning the voter list. "If the EC had told about the alleged non-citizens being removed from voter list, it would have been "even more exposed than it already is", the Congress leader said. "Much was made of the need of the SIR exercise to remove non-citizens from the electoral roll. The EC has not had the integrity or the courage to enlighten the country on how many such non-citizens in Bihar were removed from the electoral roll. If it had done so, it would have been even more exposed than it already is", Jairam added. In these elections, the NDA will be up against the INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, the Congress, the CPI (ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the CPI, the CPM, and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). This time, Bihar will also see the entry of a new player in the form of Prashant Kishor and his party Jan Suraaj. The total number of electors in the final list stands at 7.42 crore, while there were 7.89 crore electors as of June 24 this year. An Election Commission press release stated that 65 lakh voters were removed from the draft list, and the number of electors in the draft list as of August 1, 2025, stood at 7.24 crore. It stated that ineligible electors removed from the draft list stood at 3.66 lakh, while 21.53 lakh eligible electors were added to the draft list (Form 6), taking the total to 7.42 crore voters. Over 1.63 lakh electors have been added in 14 assembly constituencies in Patna, according to the district administration. In Madhubani district, 85,645 voters have been added after the draft publication. After disposing of the claims and objections received, there has been an increase of 56,423 voters in the seven constituencies of the Nalanda district. (ANI)
The Lok Sabha Secretariat on Tuesday wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) requesting them to get a 'factual note' from the West Bengal government regarding the recent alleged attack on Bharatiya Janata Party MP Khagen Murmu. Murmu was reportedly attacked by some local persons while he was visiting flood-affected areas in Jalpaiguri's Dooars region in West Bengal on October 6 to oversee relief and rescue operations, whereupon, the member sustained serious injuries to the head. Along with Murmu, West Bengal MLA Shankar Ghosh also alleged he was attacked while distributing relief materials. The LS Secretariat has requested the MHA to forward the note within three days after getting it from the state government. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who is also in flood-affected Darjeeling said that further action will be taken after the notice is replied to by the state government. "Lok Sabha Speaker has issued a notice (seeking report from State Government). A Lok Sabha MP has been attacked. Once a reply to the notice comes, further action will be taken", Rijiju told ANI. Earlier, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose condemned the attack on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh and assured that the culprits would be arrested within 24 hours. "The attack on the elected representatives of the people, MP and MLA, is dastardly shocking and benumbing, something which never should have happened in a democracy. This cannot be allowed to continue in an enlightened state like Bengal. It's very shocking that all this happened in the presence of the Police", Governor Bose told reporters here. While criticising the police for "not doing their duty", he said that stern action will be taken against the culprits, and he will ensure that the guilty are apprehended within 24 hours. The incident has sparked a row between the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal as Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the state government over the incident. Meanwhile, CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that he was politicising the floods and landslides in North Bengal, calling it "unfortunate and deeply concerning." Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation over the incident, stating that she is nothing less than a "dictator in denial". At least 18 people were reported to be killed in Darjeeling as in incessant rain that wreaked havoc in West Bengal's north on Saturday night and early Sunday, the district authorities confirmed on Monday. (ANI)
BRS Working President KT Rama Rao slammed the Revanth Reddy-led government in Telangana after the minimum bus fare was hiked by Rs 10. Taking a jibe at the Mahalaxmi Scheme, which provides free bus tickets to women, KT Rama Rao said that the Congress wants to garner votes in the present without considering the future. He said that ultimately, the household expenditure will increase with the move to raise bus fares. The BRS leader told ANI, "Wherever it is a Congress Government, there is a strange atmosphere there. They do not think of the future. They just want votes in the present. So, they launch new schemes. They call it free for women, but the men have to pay twice the charge; bus pass charges for children are also increased. So, ultimately, the cost to a household increases." He added that the party will continue to oppose the bus fare hike till the Telangana government rolls it back. "The Congress Government makes promises mindlessly for votes and then fails to fulfil them later. Bus ticket prices have been hiked by Rs 10 in Hyderabad. The party will take this matter seriously and continue to protest until the Government rolls this back," he said. Earlier today, BRS MLAs D. Sudheer Reddy, Kaleru Venkatesh, and Mutha Gopal demanded that the recently hiked RTC bus fares be rolled back immediately. To witness the impact of the fare hike first-hand, the MLAs boarded an RTC bus from Nampally Exhibition Grounds to the Telangana Legislative Assembly, travelling alongside regular passengers. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has increased the minimum city bus fare by Rs 10 with effect from October 6. Passengers travelling by City Ordinary, Metro Express, E-Ordinary, and E-Express services will pay an additional Rs 5 for the first three stages and Rs 10 from the fourth stage onwards. Telangana BJP State President Ramchander Rao also criticised the decision, saying that the fare hike is atrocious and unwanted and urged the government to withdraw it in favour of the common man. "This is a very atrocious decision on the common man...The bus fare hike is unwanted, and the government should withdraw it...Bharatiya Janata Party condemns this type of taxing on the common man, and this is an anti-people decision by the Congress government," Rao said. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party's Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan, along with other party leaders, held a meeting with Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Tuesday, likely discussing the seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. Union Minister Pradhan was accompanied by party's Bihar BJP incharge Vinod Tawde and state minister Mangal Pandey as they met with Union Minister Paswan at his residence in Delhi. Earlier on October 4 and 5, Union Minister Pradhan had gone to Patna to review the preparations of the party for the upcoming elections. The election committee held a meeting with all 18 members at the party's Patna office. The meeting focused on evaluating 60 "sitting seats" and discussed the performance of current MLAs and potential candidates. Emphasis was placed on prioritising women and youth. "The Election Committee met at the BJP office. All 18 members, including the election in-charge, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, held a three-hour review meeting. Today, we had a discussion on the sitting seats. We were able to discuss about 60 of them. The remaining sitting seats and the lost seats on which the BJP contested will be discussed again", said Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal. LJP (RV) is part of the National Democratic Alliance, with the BJP, Janata Dal (United) Hindustan Awami Morcha (HAM), Rashtriya Lok Shakti Party (RLSP). The legislative alliance in Bihar is led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Currently, LJP (RV) has no sitting MLA in the Bihar assembly. Earlier, Rajkumar Singh had won on the party's ticket in the 2020 elections, however, he switched over to Janata Dal (United) afterwards. Earlier in Patna, Janata Dal (United) MP and party's National Working President Sanjay Kumar Jha emphasised that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will contest the Bihar Assembly elections "unitedly". He said, "The NDA will contest the election unitedly. The biggest issue in these elections is where Bihar will be in the next 25 years after the formation of the Government." The NDA will be up against the INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, the Congress, the CPI (ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the CPI, the CPM, and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). This time, Bihar will also see the entry of a new player in the form of Prashant Kishor and his party Jan Suraaj. The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 243 Assembly seats will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes to be held on November 14. (ANI)
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The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission and NITI Aayog, will organise the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 on October 13, an initiative that provides school students with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovative ideas. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been announced as the brand ambassador of the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, who will motivate students from Classes 6 to 12 to participate and showcase their innovative ideas. "Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, is organising Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, a nationwide initiative providing school students with an opportunity to showcase creativity and innovative ideas. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Test Pilot, Indian Air Force & Astronaut with ISRO, and the Brand Ambassador of #ViksitBharatBuildathon2025, motivates students from Classes 6 to 12 to participate and showcase their innovative ideas," an 'X' post from Ministry of Education said. The nationwide initiative is an innovation movement which will engage over 5 crore students from more than 3 lakh secondary and senior secondary schools of India. Students, teachers, and schools nationwide are encouraged to participate wholeheartedly in this movement. It is not just a competition, but a platform to showcase creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills at a national and global level. To encourage and recognise student innovators, schools will submit their entries in the form of photos and videos. A national panel of experts will evaluate the entries, and the top student teams will be awarded prizes. Beyond recognition, these schools and students will receive long-term support through corporate adoption, mentorship, and resources to further strengthen their innovations. The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025 is a clarion call to students to dream big, innovate fearlessly, and contribute to India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. Every school and every student are invited to take part in this movement, showcase their talent, and make their mark as the innovators of tomorrow. (ANI)
Indian National Congress' Central Election Committee (CEC) it set to meet on October 8 (Wednesday) to decide on the candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The meeting, chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, will be held virtually with various CEC members and senior leaders of the party set to attend. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will be joining online too while on a visit to the South American countries. Other members of the CEC, including Sonia Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary,KC Venugopal, Amee Yajnik, Uttam Kumar Reddy, TS Singh Deo and others are set to attend. The Congress is in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other left parties including CPI, CPI (ML) in the state. The alliance is set to give a contest to the National Democratic Alliance, consisting of BJP, JD(U), LJP (RV) HAMS, and others. While the party has not announced any seat sharing arrangement with its alliance partners, they have recently concluded its Voter Adhikar Yatra, which covered various districts in the state, led by Rahul Gandhi and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav. Earlier, Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat said that Bihar is waiting to show the path of change to the entire country in the upcoming assembly polls. The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 243 Assembly seats will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes to be held on November 14. The total number of electors in the final list stands at 7.42 crore, while there were 7.89 crore electors as of June 24 this year. An Election Commission press release stated that 65 lakh voters were removed from the draft list, and the number of electors in the draft list as of August 1, 2025, stood at 7.24 crore. (ANI)
According to an official release, on Monday evening, while carrying out a search on the Tarn Taran border, vigilant BSF troops recovered one plastic bottle containing the slide assembly of a pistol near Naushera Dhalla village of Tarn Taran. The bottle was wrapped in yellow adhesive tape with a metal wire loop attached, indicating a drone drop.

On Tuesday morning, while tracking a suspected drone movement, the BSF troops successfully seized one packet containing 75 live rounds of 9 mm calibre from a farming field adjacent to village Rajoke in Tarn Taran.

The ammunition had stamps of the Pakistan Ordnance Factory, confirming the involvement of Pakistan-sponsored elements planning terror activities on Indian soil.

Reliable inputs and resolute efforts of BSF troops once again thwarted the nefarious activities by a Pakistani terror syndicate operating from across the border.

Earlier on October 3, in a joint operation, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Punjab Police successfully apprehended two criminals and recovered two pistols along with magazines from the backyard of a house in Gendhu Kilcha village, Ferozepur district.

The raid was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs from the BSF's intelligence wing.

The operation reflects the professional competence and unwavering commitment of the BSF and Punjab Police in securing the nation's borders and combating terrorist activities.

The swift and coordinated action underscores their dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region. Further investigations were underway to determine any additional connections to criminal or terrorist networks.

On October 1, the troops of BSF foiled smuggling bids in Amritsar and Tarn Taran and seized 3.165 kg of Ice drug during a search near Burj village, Amritsar.

In a post on X, BSF Punjab Frontier said, "In a major blow to cross-border narco-terror, alert #BSF troops foiled smuggling bids in Amritsar & Tarn Taran."

"Acting on intelligence, BSF launched a search near Burj village, Amritsar, & seized 3.165 kg of ICE drug. In Tarn Taran, based on BSF intelligence, the BSF troops with Punjab Police recovered a DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone carrying 580 g of heroin from a field near Dal village," the BSF post added. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that he is visiting Australia at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles to strengthen bilateral defence ties and mark five years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring efforts to enhance cooperation across key strategic and security areas. In a post on X, the Defence Minister wrote, "At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and the Defence Minister @RichardMarlesMP, I am visiting Australia to continue our dialogue and exchange views on areas of mutual interest. Also looking forward to calling on the other national leaders of Australia and exploring ideas for cooperation between both countries." https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1975497105335537952 He added, "This visit comes at a historic moment when India and Australia commemorate 5 years of the establishment of India India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Looking forward to further deepening our partnership." Rajnath Singh will undertake a two-day official visit to Australia on October 9-10 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Richard Marles, the Ministry of Defence stated in an official release. The visit coincides with a historic moment as India and Australia commemorate five years since the establishment of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). This will also mark the first-ever visit of a Defence Minister to Australia under this government since 2014. The key highlight of the Defence Minister's visit will be the bilateral discussions with his Australian counterpart. He will chair a business roundtable in Sydney, which will be attended by industry leaders from both sides. He will also call on other national leaders of Australia. The visit will provide an important opportunity for both sides to explore new & meaningful initiatives to further strengthen the bilateral relationship and the defence partnership. During the visit, three agreements are planned to be signed, which will further enhance cooperation in the areas of information sharing, the maritime domain, and joint activities. Defence engagements have expanded over time to include wide-ranging interactions between the services, military-to-military exchanges, high-level visits, capacity-building and training programmes, cooperation in the maritime domain, ship visits, and bilateral exercises. India and Australia elevated their bilateral relationship from a Strategic Partnership in 2009 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020. The two nations share a deep bond rooted in common values - pluralistic, Westminster-style democracies, Commonwealth traditions, growing economic engagement, and increasing high-level interactions, the statement added. Long-standing people-to-people connections and the presence of Indian students in Australian universities, as well as robust tourism and sporting ties, have further strengthened the enduring partnership between the two countries. Marles last visited India in June and met his counterpart, Rajnath Singh, and also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached immovable and movable properties worth Rs 2.85 crore in a cyber fraud case related to the defrauding of foreign nationals. ED's Chandigarh zonal office attached the properties on September 30 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in the case related to defrauding of foreign nationals by Vikramjeet Singh and others to the tune of Rs 11.50 crore. The federal agency attached two immovable properties worth Rs 1.26 crore, purchased from the proceeds of crime, in the names of Sarita Devi and Jasbir Singh, parents of the main accused, Vikramjeet Singh, along with fixed deposits and bank balances totalling Rs 1.58 crore.ED initiated an investigation based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Haryana Police against Vikramjeet Singh and others based on a complaint filed by a US citizen. "Investigation has revealed that Vikramjeet Singh and Anchal Mittal in connivance with others had set up a fraudulent Call Centre wherein they impersonated as employees of Bank of America," ED said in a statement. In this case, the agency said, they took illegal access of the computer of an US citizen and thereby committed fraud to the tune of Rs 11.54 crore. "The ill-gotten money has been utilised for the purchase of cryptocurrency, which has been sold later on, and the sale proceeds have been laundered through various bank accounts related to relatives and other entities. It is revealed that Proceeds of Crime (POC) have been generated in cash also which was further utilised in purchasing immovable properties." The ED investigation revealed that POC has been routed through multiple bank accounts and utilised by the main accused, Vikramjeet Singh, in purchasing immovable properties in the names of his close family members. "Vikramjeet has also extended loans to various individuals and made advance payments to various builders by using POC," said the ED. ED had earlier conducted search operations on July 29 this year at the residential premises of Vikramjeet Singh and his associates, and incriminating documents and digital devices have been seized, and balance maintained at various bank accounts of suspect persons, amounting to a total of Rs 43.58 lakh, were frozen. (ANI)
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced a relief package of Rs 31,628 crore for rain-hit farmers in the state. The government has also decided to provide cash relief of Rs 10,000 to affected farmers. CM Fadnavis noted that more than 68 lakh hectares of crops were damaged due to floods and heavy rainfall in the state. The relief package will cover the damage in 29 out of 36 districts of Maharashtra. Nearly more than one crore hectares were under farm produce. Out of which more than 68 lakh hectares of crops are damaged. Twenty-nine districts and 253 talukas, encompassing 2,059 revenue circles, are covered under the compensation package, the CM said. Addressing a press conference with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, the Chief Minister stated that the relief package will include a Rs 47,000 per hectare cash component, with an additional Rs 3 lakh per hectare to be provided through the MGNREGA. Farmers suffered losses amid heavy rainfall. There was a loss of cattle, houses and public infrastructure in rural areas. While some people also lost their lives, others were injured. CM Fadnavis announced support for rebuilding the houses destroyed and Rs 50,000 for shop owners who suffered losses. He said, "We will help rebuild houses damaged due to floods. The assistance will be provided under the PM Awas Yojana. Also, shop owners who suffered losses will be given an assistance of Rs 50,000, and cattle damage will be covered." According to the NDRF, only three animals were covered, but the state government has revoked this norm and will cover every dead animal of farmers, the CM added. While announcing the relief package, he said that no one can provide full compensation for the financial and mental problems faced by the farmers. "No one can provide a hundred per cent compensation for the financial and mental problems faced by the farmers. We want our farmers to again stand on their feet," he told reporters. Earlier, on October 5, Devendra Fadnavis had said that a decision would be made soon to support farmers affected by heavy rains. (FRP) for sugarcane "We had asked for aid to the farmer through FRP (Fair and Remunerative Price), but some sugar factory owners opposed us... Our farmers are in a disaster. Some people want to politicise this disaster... We will soon make a decision in the interest of farmers," CM said. (ANI)
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale expressed confidence on Tuesday that the National Democratic Alliance will win the upcoming Assembly election in Bihar. He claimed that the State has seen "a lot of development" under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, Bihar has developed a lot...During the rule of RJD, there was no development, the conditions of roads were not good, people from backward communities used to get no justice...The NDA government will be formed in Bihar under the leadership of PM Modi," Athawale told ANI. The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 243 Assembly seats will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes to be held on November 14. The total number of electors in the final list stands at 7.42 crore, while there were 7.89 crore electors as of June 24 this year. An Election Commission press release stated that 65 lakh voters were removed from the draft list, and the number of electors in the draft list as of August 1, 2025, stood at 7.24 crore. Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress's Central Election Committee (CEC) is set to meet on October 8 (Wednesday) to decide on the candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The meeting, chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, will be held virtually with various CEC members and senior leaders of the party set to attend. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will be joining online too while on a visit to the South American countries. Other members of the CEC, including Sonia Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary,KC Venugopal, Amee Yajnik, Uttam Kumar Reddy, TS Singh Deo and others are set to attend. The Congress is in alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other left parties, including CPI, CPI (ML), in the state. The alliance is set to give a contest to the National Democratic Alliance, consisting of BJP, JD(U), LJP (RV) HAMS, and others. While the party has not announced any seat sharing arrangement with its alliance partners, they have recently concluded its Voter Adhikar Yatra, which covered various districts in the state, led by Rahul Gandhi and RJD's Tejashwi Yadav. Earlier, Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat said that Bihar is waiting to show the path of change to the entire country in the upcoming assembly polls. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Khagen Murmu in the hospital on Tuesday, a day after he was allegedly attacked while distributing flood relief material in Nagrakata. Khagen Murmu was reportedly attacked by some local persons while he was visiting flood-affected areas in Jalpaiguri's Dooars region in West Bengal on October 6 to oversee relief and rescue operations, whereupon, he sustained serious injuries to the head. Along with Murmu, West Bengal MLA Shankar Ghosh also alleged he was attacked while distributing relief materials. CM Mamata Banerjee said, "There is nothing serious. I have seen the report. He is under observation because he has high diabetes. There is an injury behind his ears." Earlier, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Tuesday condemned the attack on BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh in Nagrakata, Jalpaiguri district and assured that the culprits would be arrested within 24 hours. "The attack on the elected representatives of the people, MP and MLA, is dastardly shocking and benumbing, something which never should have happened in a democracy. This cannot be allowed to continue in an enlightened state like Bengal. It's very shocking that all this happened in the presence of the Police", Governor Bose told reporters here. While criticising the police for "not doing their duty", he said that stern action will be taken against the culprits, and he will ensure that the guilty are apprehended within 24 hours. "Police are supposed to uphold the Constitution of India and the rule of law. But they are conniving and not doing their duty. This is a very sad state of affairs. Stern action will be taken against the culprit. I will see that in 24 hours, the culprits are apprehended. Otherwise, serious action will be taken", he added. Earlier, BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh alleged that he, along with Malda North MP Khagen Murmu, was attacked in Nagrakata in North Bengal while distributing relief materials for people affected by the flood and landslides in the state. The incident sparked a row between the BJP and the TMC in West Bengal as Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the state government over the incident. Meanwhile, CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that he was politicising the floods and landslides in North Bengal, calling it "unfortunate and deeply concerning." (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said that the state government is striving to establish a robust healthcare system through infrastructure development. He added that the state government has taken several initiatives in this direction, including establishment of PGI Satellite Centre in Una, providing advanced equipments at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla and expansion of Him Care Scheme. The government is also focusing on adopting digital health systems to improve primary healthcare services and strengthening the workforce. Chief Minister Sukhu stated that patients robotic surgery facility has been made available at Atal Super Specialty Institute, Chamiana, and Tanda Medical College. Robotic surgery will be gradually introduced at other medical colleges as well. The Chief Minister said the integration of digital health information systems from the sub-centre level to the state level aims to improve efficiency in healthcare services. The state government has increased the remuneration of essential technical staff, including radiographers and X-ray technicians. To address staff shortages in the health department, the government has approved the recruitment of 200 medical officers, 38 assistant professors in various super-specialty departments, and 400 staff nurses as job trainees. This will enhance the efficiency of medical colleges and hospitals across the state and ensure that people have easy access to specialized healthcare facilities. Earlier on October 3, Chief Minister Sukhu directed all the administrative secretaries to set clear targets and complete the pending tasks to extend benefits of development projects to the people. In a high level meeting with all the administrative secretaries here today, the chief minister said that the state government from the very first day had been working to ensure good governance and betterment of the people of the state. He said that the Chief Secretary would regularly review the progress of departmental projects. As the welfare of the state and its people was the top priority of the present state government, he asked all secretaries to work with dedication to implement plans and schemes on the ground to make Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state. He directed that the expansion of Kangra airport should be expedited alongwith other works related to tourism projects. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the social media platform 'X' and the BJP's Assam unit on a plea seeking the removal of an AI-generated, controversial video posted by it that portrays a "Muslim takeover" of the state if the party loses the assembly polls next year. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta heard the matter and issued notice in the case to 'X' and the Assam BJP unit. The application sought direction for 'X' to take down the video immediately to prevent further communal disharmony. Advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for the applicant, said, "A video has been posted as part of upcoming election... it shows that in case a certain political party does not come to power, a certain community will take over...it shows people with skullcaps and beards..." He urged the apex court to initiate appropriate penal action against those responsible for the content. An application filed through advocate Lzafeer Ahmad stated that a video circulated on 'X' on September 15 by the BJP Assam unit depicts visibly Muslim individuals taking over Assam landmarks, including tea estates, Guwahati airport, Rang Ghar, and government lands. "The ruling dispensation, BJP-Assam is bound by the Constitution of India and thereby is bound to uphold the secular values that form part of the basic structure of the Constitution. However, the video circulated by its official Twitter openly targets, vilifies and demonises Muslims. The broad message of the video is that the worst fate that a state can be met with is its takeover by Muslims, and on the strength of the assurance that if the BJP is voted into power the state would be saved from the same, support is being sought," application stated. It added that the video shows the "gross failure as well as the complete disregard of secular values" that the ruling dispensation of any state of our country is bound to uphold. "It is further submitted that a state government, elected and formed under the Constitution of India, is the guardian of all communities and is specifically prohibited by the Constitution from engaging in discrimination inter alia on the basis of religion, race, caste, gender, language. Thus, the burden of being fair, just and secular is far greater on an elected government. In this regard it is pertinent to note that even private citizens are prohibited under law from making communal speeches or spreading communal disharmony," the application further stated. It said that the video was shared on the official 'X' handle of the BJP-Assam unit on September 15, and as of September 18, it has been reposted 6100 times, liked 19,000 times, and viewed 4.6 million times. "Thus, the same is required to be taken down immediately to contain any further spread of communal disharmony, unrest and enmity," it said. The application was filed in a PIL seeking action against hate speeches or hate crimes across the country. (ANI)
Feature: Chinese artist brings color to rural childhoods

Xinhua) 14:08, October 07, 2025

CHANGSHA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- While education and art had carried Zhou Yan out of the muddy lanes and flood-prone fields of her childhood in central China's Hunan Province, she never truly left the countryside behind.

After graduating from the China Academy of Art, Zhou chose to return to her rural roots, determined to help other "left-behind children" like herself -- those growing up without the presence of their parents -- discover who they are and give a forgotten village a voice.

"The children have never really thought about their future, or about what they like or dislike," 35-year-old Zhou said in an interview at the Dayuan Center for Community Arts and Culture, the nonprofit she founded. "I hope art can help them find a way to express themselves and inject new vitality into rural life."

Zhou's own memories remain vivid -- the floods that once struck her village, and the silence that followed when many parents left to earn money in distant cities. At the age of eight, she had to care for herself and her younger brother after her mother left for Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

"I was lucky," Zhou said. "I stayed in school, and eventually I found my path in art."

Her husband, Liu Xiu, shared a similar childhood. He now works as a guqin maker, one of a few preserving the art of crafting the ancient Chinese zither.

When Zhou began researching rural childhoods during her art studies, she discovered a pattern of absence: parents were often absent, grandparents clung to the past, and schools struggled with limited resources.

In late 2015, Zhou followed Liu back to his hometown of Dayuan Village, Hunan Province. What she found shocked her: of 470 residents, over 300 were away working, leaving behind a village of mostly elderly people and children.

That moment defined her mission. She founded the Dayuan Center, blending art education with rural revitalization.

Every weekend, Zhou leads children into the hills to gather natural materials for crafts or to cook and share a warm meal together. She also invites university volunteers to spend winter and summer breaks in the village, teaching dance, music and creative writing.

"I do everything I can to connect the children with the outside world," Zhou said.

Many have since regained confidence and found direction. When Jiang Zi'ao joined the center at the age of nine, he was inspired by the volunteers' cooking and dreams of becoming a chef.

"Teacher Zhou and the other volunteers often make dishes I had never seen before, like pizza and different kinds of desserts," said Jiang, now 17. "That inspired me. I want to bring joy to others through cooking."

Another child, Liu Xuan, discovered the guqin through Zhou's husband and now wants to become an instrument maker himself.

"Before, I knew nothing about music," he said. "But music and the guqin have been like a lamp lighting up my life."

Zhou also encouraged students to participate in rural development and take on their social responsibilities.

She formed a research group to speak with residents and understand their daily needs and concerns. In the past, villagers had to walk along rugged mountain paths to fetch water from the hills. Zhou and the children raised funds and built a canal and a road.

Over the past decade, the Dayuan Center has served nearly 10,000 children from rural areas. Its success has led to replication in three neighboring villages, each adapting the concept to its own culture.

Zhou is among a growing number of young Chinese drawn to the countryside by new prospects in revitalized rural communities, as the back-to-the-countryside trend gathers momentum nationwide amid China's rural revitalization efforts.

Decades of reform and opening up have propelled the country to become the world's second-largest economy; yet, many rural areas have been left "hollowed out" as millions of migrant workers have pursued better pay and opportunities in cities.

However, the image of the "village" as stagnant and backward is now changing, as rural life becomes more comfortable and connected. Average disposable incomes of rural residents climbed to 23,119 yuan (about 3,254 U.S. dollars) last year, while the urban-rural income ratio narrowed to 2.34:1, down from 2.56:1 in 2020.

Encouraging university students to engage in rural development, Zhou often reminds them that the countryside is not a place to escape, but one to rebuild.

As she put it, "When children find joy and meaning in their lives, the village begins to bloom again."

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Loulou Lollipop, a B-Corp certified children's lifestyle brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of James Connell as its new Chief Executive Officer. Connell will assume leadership of the company's strategic, operational, and growth activities with a heightened focus on brand narratives in merchandising and marketing.

James Connell (middle), CEO of Loulou Lollipop, with co-founders Angel Kho (right) and Eleanor Lee.

"We are delighted to welcome James to this pivotal role," said Angel Kho and Eleanor Lee, co-founders of Loulou Lollipop. "His proven track record leading brands, combined with his deep understanding of consumer marketing, retail operations, and sustainable practices, with a people-first approach, positions him ideally to lead us into the next phase of growth."

James Connell first joined the leadership team at Loulou Lollipop in September 2024 as Chief Operating Officer & Chief Marketing Officer, where he played an instrumental role in elevating ecommerce, refining marketing, and renewing product design strategy.

Prior to joining Loulou Lollipop, Connell brought over 20 years of experience in global apparel, retail, e-commerce, and brand leadership. In his previous role as Chief eCommerce and Customer Experience Officer at Roots, he oversaw marketing, creative services, customer experience, and digital strategy, helping propel the brand into a global Canadian icon. He has been honoured as the 2017 Canadian Marketer of the Year and has received awards such as the Salesforce Trailblazer Award and the Excellence in Retailing Award for Technology. Additionally, he has provided advisory services to companies across North America and Asia.

"In assuming this role, I'm energized by the opportunity to further Loulou Lollipop's mission of delivering high-quality, eco-friendly, joy-inspiring products to families around the world," said Connell. "I look forward to working with Angel, Eleanor, and the incredible Loulou Lollipop team to deepen our impact, drive sustainable growth, and strengthen our global footprint."

This leadership transition comes at a moment of momentum for Loulou Lollipop as it continues to expand its retail partnerships and international reach. Under Connell's stewardship, the company plans to accelerate innovation, optimize operational excellence, and grow its community of customers and advocates.

About Loulou Lollipop

Founded in 2015, Loulou Lollipop crafts premium baby essentials that seamlessly blend safety, sustainability, and modern design. From mealtime to playtime, every product is crafted with high-quality materials and thoughtful details that parents can trust. Available in leading retailers across North America and in growing markets worldwide, Loulou Lollipop is dedicated to making everyday moments more beautiful and joyful for families everywhere.

For more information:

Sara Lavoie

[email protected]

516-578-0541

www.louloulollipop.com

SOURCE Loulou Lollipop
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday announced holidays for government schools in the State from October 8 to October 18, enabling teachers involved in the ongoing social and educational survey to complete their work. The survey was originally scheduled to end today. However, the Chief Minister said that in some districts, the survey work is still incomplete. "From September 22, we began a statewide survey to understand the social, educational, and economic conditions of the people. Today marks the final day of the survey as per the original schedule. However, in some districts, the survey work is still incomplete. In Koppal, 97% of the work is done," Siddaramaiah said in a press conference. The Chief Minister said that in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, only 63% of the work is complete. Across the state, the survey has not progressed as expected, he added. "A total of 1.2 lakh teachers and 60,000 other officials have participated in the survey. The Teachers' Association has submitted a request. Therefore, we have held discussions with representatives of the permanent backward classes," Siddaramaiah said. "To enable teachers to fully participate in the survey, the government has declared holidays for government schools for the next eight days. Teachers involved in II PUC (Second Year Pre-University) exam work will be exempt, while others can participate in the survey. In Bengaluru, to ensure better progress, we have instructed officials to complete the survey before Diwali. Overall, the government has extended the survey period by twelve days," he added. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre said that the purpose of the survey is to understand the socio-economic conditions of all communities, enabling the government to ensure social justice for all. "It is not a caste census, it is a socio-economic census to know the backwardness of the socio-economic conditions of all the communities of the state...Social justice will be done for all communities. There is no need for any community to panic, " Khandre told ANI. Karnataka's socio-economic and educational survey started on September 22 and is scheduled to conclude on October 7. The survey aims to enumerate around 7 crore people in the state, and get to know about their social and economic status in society. A team led by Madhusudan Naik, along with five members, went around the state to collect data, with the aim of covering 50 thousand houses daily. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the Dudhia bridge collapse site in Mirik on Tuesday in the wake of severe rain and landslides in Darjeeling. The Chief Minister said that the state government stands with the family members of the victims. CM Mamata Banerjee said, "Bodies of deceased from Nepal and Bhutan would be identified and handed to their government. We will look into the issue of damage to property and loss of homes. Community kitchens will operate in the affected areas. A special camp should be organised for people who have lost their important documents, such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and PAN cards. First the bridge has to be restored. When the water level recedes, we will do a survey. Agriculture department will provide crop insurance to farmers who have faced losses. My government stands by the affected persons." She further said that those who have passed away, a Special Homeguard's job to a kin in each such family would be given. "I would request the District Magistrate to collect the biodata of the kin of the deceased. I would urge people to remain calm. People should not be instigated. The waters entered from Bhutan," she added. At least 18 people were reported to be killed in Darjeeling as in incessant rain that wreaked havoc in West Bengal's north on Saturday night and early Sunday, the district authorities confirmed on Monday. The authorities noted that 11 people were killed in heavy rains in the tourist town of Mirik till October 5. In Jorebunglow, four people were killed, while in Sukhia Pokhari, two people were killed, and in Darjeeling Sadar, one person passed away in the heavy rain that battered the state. CM Mamata Banerjee visited the flood-affected Jalpaiguri in North West Bengal, on Monday. During her visit, she appealed to people not to lose courage, maintain restraint and caution. "My sincere appeal, many people have suffered severely in this disaster. We deeply feel their pain. In this difficult time, we must remember that unity and patience are our greatest strengths. I request everyone not to lose courage, maintain restraint and caution. The government and administration are fully standing by the people, and together we will overcome this disaster," the West Bengal CM said. "Please stay calm, do not listen to rumours, and cooperate with the people around you. No untoward incident is desirable at this time; we will stand by each other and face this crisis together," she further said. She further urged the administration and the police to take responsibility of people living in low-lying areas and move them to safe locations. Earlier, CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia and a Special Homeguard job for a kin of the flood victims. Sharing a X post, CM Mamata Banerjee said, "While death cannot be compensated, we shall give Rs 5 lakh to the families of each deceased, and a Special Homeguard's job to a kin in each such family as a special gesture." (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched the innovative initiative 'Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences' (VGRC), inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and following the success of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS). Industries Minister Balvantsinh Rajput announced that the first edition of VGRC will be inaugurated in Mehsana on October 9, 2025, according to an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO). Industries Minister provided details today at a press conference in Gandhinagar regarding the organisation of the VGRC. Present at the press conference were Principal Secretary of the Industries and Mines Department, Ms Mamta Verma, M.D. of iNDEXTb, K.C. Sampat, and Director of Information, K.L. Bachani. In the presence of the Industry Minister, Industries Commissioner P. Swaroop said the VGRC will showcase each region's industrial potential and investment readiness, further strengthening Gujarat's global image through the "Vocal for Local" approach. He added that, building on the success of the previous Vibrant Summit, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government has launched the VGRC to connect every district, taluka, and citizen of Gujarat with the Vibrant initiative. The conferences will be held across four zones -- in Mehsana for North Gujarat on October 9-10, 2025; in Rajkot for Kutch and Saurashtra on January 8-9, 2026; in Surat for South Gujarat on April 9-10, 2026; and in Vadodara for Central Gujarat on June 10-11, 2026, a CMO release said. The Commissioner mentioned that the Government of Gujarat has successfully organised ten VGGS and also held a program on the theme '20 Years of Vibrant Gujarat - Summit of Success'. To make the successful model of Vibrant Gujarat more effective, the state government is now organising VGRC across the state. These regional conferences will follow the benchmarks of the VGGS and serve as a vital platform to showcase the talent of industrial houses, promote local industrial growth, and highlight regional strengths. They will also play a key role in advancing the comprehensive vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and Viksit Gujarat@2047 for inclusive and sustainable development. Furthermore, he added that district-level programs will be organised in every district of the region, followed by the regional conference. One-day district-level programs will be held approximately one to two months before the regional conference. These will involve discussions with various stakeholders, identification of specific district challenges, documentation of best practices, and determination of requirements for the upcoming regional conference. District-level programs for the VGRC of North Gujarat have been completed in Aravalli, Banaskantha, Patan, and Sabarkantha. The Commissioner informed that the regional conferences will be held for two days, serving as an effective medium for investment facilitation, exchange of ideas, and networking based on district-level requirements. These conferences aim to bring various stakeholders, including industrialists, entrepreneurs, government organisations, foreign trade houses, trade and industry associations, startups, educational and research institutions, onto a single platform. In addition, each regional conference will feature an inaugural and closing session, sector-specific or district-specific seminars, a trade exhibition, regional awards, signing of MoUs, B2B and B2G meetings, a platform for buyer-seller meets, a vendor development program, excursion visits to leading tourist destinations and local industrial clusters, and cultural programs. He added that these regional conferences aim to drive Gujarat's growth by empowering regional economies, promoting excellence, and enabling strategic investments. The Chief Minister launched the VGRC initiative in Ahmedabad on August 28, 2025. Furthermore, an interaction meet was held in New Delhi with industrialists, Heads of Mission, diplomats, and senior officers of the Government of India. The cross-sectoral focus of the summit to be held in Mehsana under Vibrant Gujarat includes skill development, startups, MSME, tourism, and culture. During both days, the Udyami Mela, Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet, and B2B/B2G meetings will be organised. The exhibition will be held at the Exhibition Hall from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from October 9 to 13, 2025. It will be open for public participation from October 11 to 13, 2025. The exhibition, to be held over a total area of 18,000 sq m, will feature a 1,000 sq m pavilion for MSME, cottage, and rural sectors. Key highlights include a Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet, Partner Country Pavilion, B2G and B2B Zones, Startup Stalls, and a Udyami Mela. Other facilities include a Vendor Development Program, Regional Food Fest, Food Court, ODOP and GI Tag Display, Cultural Exhibition, Product Launches, Food Exhibition, and Daily Lucky Draw, Helpdesk, Control Room, and Pop-up Stage. Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) will see the participation of 38 international buyers from 40 countries, providing opportunities for each buyer across various sectors. Full-day tourist trips will be organised starting at 8:00 AM. This includes: Buddhist Monastery, Museums, Temples, and Cultural Exhibitions at Anant Anadi Vadnagar, Spiritual Journey in Ambaji (Ambaji Temple and Gabbar Hill), Gujarat's Heritage of Buddha (Taranga Caves and Archaeological Sites), From Light to Depth: Temple and Stepwell (Rani-ki-Vav, Patola Museum, Modhera Sun Temple), and Line of Duty: A Day at Nadabet (Attractions, Museums, and Retreat Parade at the India-Pakistan border). Half-day tours will commence at 9:00 AM, showcasing cultural and heritage experiences such as Rani Ki Vav and Patola Museum, Modhera Sun Temple, Light and Sound Show, Sidhpur, Solwalk (Rituals and Heritage Sites), and Echoes of the Earth (Balasinor Dinosaur Park and Museum). Industrial visits will include Modhera Sun Temple (Half Day), Gujarat's First Solar Park at Charanka, and 700 MW UMSPP at Raghanesda. Site visits to industrial units have been planned to provide practical knowledge about the industry to industrialists, startups, and students who wish to start their own businesses and are participating in the event. During these site visits, delegates will be informed about the production process, availability of raw materials, and sales opportunities at the respective industrial houses. Delegates participating in the Vibrant Summit are planned to visit significant industrial houses such as Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motors, Banas Dairy, Dudh Sagar Dairy, Sabar Dairy, and Fanidhar Food Park to gain practical industry knowledge. Notably, a total of 13,246 registrations have been received until October 6, including 11,732 individual participants (216 international) and 1,514 companies (35 international). Furthermore, countries like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Netherlands (Agricultural Seminar) have confirmed their participation, a release said. Organisations such as JETRO, Indo Canada Business Chamber (ICBC), USISPF, World Bank, and Trade Representation of the Russian Federation will also participate. Ambassadors and High Commissioners have also confirmed their participation in this summit, including His Excellency Mr. Kenichi Ono, Ambassador, Embassy of Japan in India (Partner Country); His Excellency Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in India (Partner Country); Mr. Patrick John Rata, High Commissioner, High Commission of New Zealand in India; Her Excellency Ms. Jacqueline Mukangira, High Commissioner, Republic of Rwanda; His Excellency Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj, High Commissioner, Cooperative Republic of Guyana; and His Excellency Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk, Ambassador, Embassy of Ukraine in India. The Kutch and Saurashtra Zone Summit will be held on January 8-9, 2026, at Saurashtra University, Rajkot. It will focus on sectors such as Ceramics, Engineering, Ports and Logistics, Fisheries, Petrochemicals, Agriculture and Food Processing, Minerals, and Offshore Wind. The South Gujarat Zone Summit will be held on April 9-10, 2026, at Surat International Exhibition and Convention Centre, SGCCI, Surat. It will focus on sectors such as Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Textile and Apparel, Gems and Jewellery, Agriculture and Food Processing. The Central Gujarat Zone Summit will be held on June 10-11, 2026, at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Nagargruh, Vadodara. It will focus on sectors such as Semiconductor and ESDM, IT&ITeS, Biotech/Biopharma, Aerospace and Defence, Fintech, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Textile and Apparel, Auto and Auto Components, and Education, a release said. (ANI)
Former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader V Muraleedharan asserted that the Sabarimala alleged gold theft case should be investigated by the central agency. He alleged that the court had entrusted an officer under the Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, to conduct an investigation, and the perpetrators were individuals closely associated with the Chief Minister. Addressing reporters, V Muraleedharan said, "The parts of that sanctum sanctorium of the Sabarimala Temple have been stolen by some people. The court has very clearly mentioned in its judgment yesterday, but unfortunately, the court has entrusted an officer under the Kerala Chief Minister to conduct an investigation. I am sceptical about the efficacy of such an investigation because the perpetrators are all individuals closely associated with the Chief Minister. Without an investigation by the central agency, the real culprits cannot be brought before the law." He further said that the INDIA bloc members, Congress and CPM, were ignoring the discussion on it in the Assembly. "Congress and CPM are enacting a drama in the Assembly. When the issue of Gaza arose, they came to a joint decision of conducting a discussion and passing a resolution, but in the case of Sabrimala, they are enacting a drama in the Assembly where no discussion can happen. I would like to ask the ruling state government, is it because of an issue concerning the temple and the Hindu community?," he added. The Travancore Devaswom Board has suspended B Murari Babu, Deputy Devaswom Commissioner, Haripad, in connection with an alleged false report related to the Sabarimala gold plating project. According to the Board, the incident dates back to June 17, 2019, when Murari Babu was serving as the Administrative Officer at Sabarimala. He reportedly submitted a report to the Sabarimala Executive Officer in which the gold-plated Dwarapalaka idols located on either side of the sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) were incorrectly recorded as copper sheets. The Board termed this a serious administrative lapse and has placed the officer under suspension pending a detailed inquiry. Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, alleged that the State government and the Devaswom Board are involved in the Sabarimala gold theft case. Speaking with the reporters, VD Satheesan questioned why the Devaswom Board has not initiated proceedings against Unnikrishnan Potty, a former helper and the sponsor of gold-plating works at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. "This is a shocking incident; the Devaswom Board knew about this in 2022 itself. But they were not ready to initiate a FIR or criminal proceedings against Unnikrishnan Potty. Why?... Why has the Devaswom Board not initiated criminal proceedings against Unnikrishnan Potty? So many officials, authorities, both in government and in the Devaswom Board, are involved in this theft," VD Satheesan said. "We demanded the resignation of the Devaswom Board Minister and the board authorities. We will continue our strike inside and outside the assembly," he added. VD Satheesan's statement comes after opposition created a ruckus during the Question Hour of Kerala Legislative Assembly over the Sabarimala gold plating controversy. Opposition Leader VD Satheesan said the High Court's recent observation in the case was "shocking," noting that the court had found the Dwarapalaka idol was sold at an inflated price and that lakhs of devotees were deceived. "The Devaswom Board has cheated lakhs of devotees. The Devaswom Minister should resign, and the Board should be dismissed. The government must announce its stand on the issue today," Satheesan demanded. (ANI)
The officers of Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai Customs Zone III, have apprehended three individuals employed by MIAL at CSMI Airport Mumbai, impersonating themselves as Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers, Customs AIU said in a press release. "Based on surveillance, the officers of Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai Customs Zone III, have apprehended three individuals employed by MIAL at CSMI Airport Mumbai, impersonating themselves as Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers. Preliminary investigations reveal that they stopped passengers in the departure area after Customs check in the Arrival Hall, and examined the baggages of the passengers and extorted valuables and money from them," a press note of the customs said. The customs release stated that a detailed investigation is being carried out to apprehend the persons involved in the network. "Their actions constitute a serious breach of trust and violate laws related to impersonation, harassment, and extortion, as they demanded or obtained valuables or benefits from passengers under the guise of customs official authority. A detailed investigation is being carried out to apprehend the persons involved in the network, and further necessary action will be taken in accordance with the law," the press note further stated. In a post on X, Mumbai Customs-III shared that the fraud was carried out in the name of customs officers. https://x.com/mumbaicus3/status/1975507098814259438 Mumbai Customs-III shared, "Customs AIU officers at CSMIA, Mumbai Customs Zone III apprehended 03 individuals working for MIAL, impersonating as Customs AIU officers. They had allegedly stopped passengers in the departure and arrival hall area, examined their baggage & demanded valuables from them unauthorisedly, amounting to extortion. Further Investigation is going on, and necessary action will be taken as per the law." (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a tragic bus accident caused by a landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district. In a post on X, President Murmu said, "The news of the deaths of several people in a bus accident caused by a landslide in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, is extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured." https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1975590564340105361 At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a private bus was hit by a landslide in the Balurghat area of Jhandhuta subdivision in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister Mukul Agnihotri informed that 15 people have lost their lives and 18 people have been resecued in the private bus accident in Bilaspur. "15 people have lost their lives in the private bus accident in Bilaspur. 18 people have been rescued, three of them have been sent to the hospital. It is said that around 25-30 people were on board the bus. I am going to the spot right now..." the Dy CM said. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bilaspur, Om Kant, said that rescue operations are being carried out. The incident occurred when the private bus, carrying passengers through the hilly stretch, was suddenly struck by falling debris following heavy rains in the region. Local administration, police, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed profound grief over the tragic accident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. "The state government stands firmly with the affected families in this hour of distress and will provide every possible assistance," he said. The Chief Minister also prayed for the peace of the departed souls and instructed the district administration to expedite relief and rescue operations. He directed officials to ensure that all the injured are immediately taken to hospitals for treatment and provided with full medical care. Sukhu, who is continuously monitoring the situation from Shimla, is in touch with the Bilaspur district administration. He has also asked authorities to provide timely updates on rescue efforts and relief measures. Officials said heavy machinery had been deployed at the site, and efforts were on to clear the debris amid difficult terrain and intermittent rainfall. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday approved the candidature of Ghasiram Majhi as the party's nominee for the upcoming bye-election to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the 71-Nuapada constituency, a release said. The announcement was made through an official press release issued by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). The bypoll in Nuapada was necessitated following the vacancy in the Assembly seat, and the Congress leadership has now formalised its choice of Majhi to contest on behalf of the party. Meanwhile, on Monday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that by-elections for eight assembly constituencies across seven states and Union Territories will take place on November 11. The counting of votes for the by-election is scheduled for November 14. These by-elections are being held to fill vacancies caused by various reasons such as resignations, deaths, or disqualifications. The by-elections will take place in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam and Nagrota districts, Rajasthan's Anta district, Jharkhand's Ghatshila district, Telangana's Jubilee Hills district, Punjab's Tarn Taran district, Mizoram's Dampa district, and Odisha's Nuapada district. The Election Commission has confirmed that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems will be used at all polling stations to ensure a smooth and transparent election process. Adequate numbers of EVMs and VVPATs have been arranged to facilitate the elections. Voters will be required to present their Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) as the primary identification document at polling booths. \According to the official statement from Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct shall come into force with immediate effect in the district(s) in which the whole or any part of the Assembly constituency going for election is included, subject to provision of the instruction vide Commission's letter No. 437/6/1NST/ECI/FUNCT/MCC/2024/(BYE ELECTIONS) dated 02nd January, 2024 (available on the Commission's website). Earlier in the day, the Election Commission also announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections. The 243 Assembly seats will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes to be held on November 14. The 243 Assembly seats in Bihar will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14. (ANI)
Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan chaired his maiden meeting with Floor Leaders of all political parties of the Rajya Sabha today. Welcoming the 29 Floor Leaders, including ministers, the Chairman thanked them for their overwhelming response and for their goodwill messages on his assumption of office. He remarked that it was heartening to see leaders from across the political spectrum gathered together at short notice. In his opening remarks, the Chairman emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Rajya Sabha functions with the dignity, discipline, and decorum it deserves. He underlined that dialogue, deliberation, debate, and discussion are the basic tenets of parliamentary democracy. Highlighting the opportunities available to Members to raise issues of public concern, Chairman referred to Zero Hour, Special Mentions, and Question Hour as vital instruments that allow Members to bring forth matters of urgent public importance. He reminded Members that the Constitution of India and the Rules Book of the Rajya Sabha serve as the guiding framework--the Laxman Rekha--for parliamentary discourse. The Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rights of all Members within this framework, while stressing the shared responsibility of all to maintain the sanctity of the House. He urged all Members to utilize every day, every hour, every minute, and every second of the House's time to strengthen the democratic process. Leader of the House and Union Health Minister JP Nadda initiated the exchange of views, which was followed by interventions from other leaders. Nadda laid thrust on following the high traditions of Parliamentary Procedure while running the House and extended all possible support at his command to ensure smooth conduct of proceedings. The Floor Leaders of political parties, while extending their full cooperation in running the House, requested Chairman to give adequate opportunity to the Opposition Parties to raise their voices in the House through various parliamentary devices such as Zero Hour, Question Hour, Private Members' Business (PMB), Short Duration Discussions (SDD) and Calling Attention Notices (CAN). It was suggested that efforts be made to allocate reasonable time to each party so that smaller parties are not left behind owing to their limited numerical strength - to which the Chairman gave an assurance that he would look into. A release said that the meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere with participation of all floor leaders. In his concluding observations, the Chairman described the upcoming Winter Session as an opportunity for collective effort and productive deliberation. He assured that all valuable suggestions made by Members would be given due consideration and thanked everyone for their participation. (ANI)
Exchange of fire took place between terrorists and the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Beeranthub area under Kandi Police Station in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night, said the police. Joint parties of the Police, Army and CRPF have rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area. More information is awaited. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maharashtra on October 8 and 9 to inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport and launch and dedicate various projects in Mumbai. According to an official release from the Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Modi will reach Navi Mumbai and at around 3 pm and will undertake a walkthrough of the newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport. Thereafter, at around 3.30 pm, he will inaugurate Navi Mumbai International Airport and also launch and dedicate various projects in Mumbai. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. On October 9, at around 10 am, the Prime Minister will host Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer in Mumbai. At around 1.40 pm, Prime Ministers of both countries will attend the CEO Forum at Jio World Center, Mumbai. Thereafter, at around 2.45 pm, both of them will attend the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest. They will also deliver keynote addresses at the Fest. In line with his vision of transforming India into a global aviation hub, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Phase 1 of Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) built at a cost of around Rs 19,650 crores. The Navi Mumbai International Airport is India's largest Greenfield airport project, developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). As the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, NMIA will work in tandem with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) to ease congestion and elevate Mumbai into the league of global multi-airport systems. The airport, designed to be among the most efficient in the world with 1160 Ha area, will eventually handle 90 million passengers annually (MPPA) and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo. Among its unique offerings is an Automated People Mover (APM), a transit system planned to connect all four passenger terminals for smooth inter-terminal transfers, as well as a landside APM linking the city-side infrastructure. In line with sustainable practices, the airport will feature dedicated storage for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), solar power generation of approximately 47 MW, and EV bus services for public connectivity across the city. NMIA will also be the first airport in the country to be connected by Water Taxi. Prime Minister will inaugurate Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3, stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade, constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 12,200 crore. With this, he will dedicate the entire Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) -- to the nation with a total cost of over Rs 37,270 crore, marking a major milestone in the city's urban transport transformation. As Mumbai's first and only fully underground metro line, this project is set to redefine commuting across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), offering a faster, more efficient, and modern transit solution for millions of residents. The Mumbai Metro Line 3, spanning 33.5 km from Cuffe Parade to Aarey JVLR with 27 stations, will cater to 13 lakh passengers daily. The final Phase 2B of the project will provide seamless connectivity to South Mumbai's heritage and cultural districts such as Fort, Kala Ghoda, and Marine Drive, along with direct access to key administrative and financial hubs including the Bombay High Court, Mantralaya, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), and Nariman Point. The Metro Line-3 has been designed to ensure efficient integration with other modes of transport, including railways, airports, other metro lines, and monorail services, thereby enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing congestion across the metropolitan region. Prime Minister will also launch "Mumbai One" - Integrated Common Mobility App for 11 Public transport Operators (PTO) across Metro, Monorail, Suburban railways and Bus PTOs. These include Mumbai Metro Line 2A and 7, Mumbai Metro Line 3, Mumbai Metro Line 1, Mumbai Monorail, Navi Mumbai Metro, Mumbai Suburban Railway, Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), Thane Municipal Transport, Mira Bhayander Municipal Transport, Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Transport and Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport. Mumbai One App offers commuters a range of benefits, including integrated mobile ticketing across multiple Public Transport Operators, elimination of queueing by promoting digital transactions, and seamless multimodal connectivity through a single dynamic ticket for trips involving multiple transport modes. It also provides real-time journey updates on delays, alternative routes, and estimated arrival times, along with map-based information on nearby stations, attractions, and points of interest, and an SOS feature to ensure commuter safety. Together, these features enhance convenience, efficiency, and security, transforming the public transportation experience across Mumbai. Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Short-Term Employability Program (STEP), a pioneering initiative by the Department of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in Maharashtra. The program will be rolled out across 400 Government ITIs and 150 Government Technical High Schools, marking a major step in aligning skill development with industry requirements to enhance employability. STEP will establish 2,500 new training batches, including 364 exclusive batches for women and 408 batches in emerging technology courses such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Electric Vehicles (EV), Solar, and Additive Manufacturing etc. At the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit India on October 8-9. This will be Prime Minister Starmer's first official visit to India. During the visit, the two Prime Ministers will take stock of progress in diverse aspects of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with 'Vision 2035', a focused and time-bound 10-year roadmap of programmes and initiatives in key pillars of trade and investment, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate and energy, health, education and people-to-people relations. Both leaders will engage with businesses and industry leaders on opportunities presented by the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as a central pillar of the future India-UK economic partnership. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. The leaders will also engage with industry experts, policymakers and innovators. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Starmer will also participate in the 6th edition of the Global Fintech Fest at Jio World Centre, Mumbai, and deliver keynote addresses on the occasion. Global Fintech Fest 2025 will bring together innovators, policymakers, central bankers, regulators, investors, academicians, and industry leaders from around the world. The conference's central theme, 'Empowering Finance for a Better World' - Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion, highlights the convergence of technology and human insight in shaping an ethical and sustainable financial future. This year's edition is expected to attract a footfall of over 100,000 participants from more than 75 countries, making it one of the world's largest fintech gatherings. The event will feature participation from around 7,500 companies, 800 speakers, 400 exhibitors, and 70 regulators representing both Indian and international jurisdictions. Among the participating international institutions are renowned regulators such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Deutsche Bundesbank of Germany, Banque de France, and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Their participation underscores GFF's growing stature as a global forum for financial policy dialogue and cooperation. (ANI)
Mars signs its first Renewable Acceleration contract in Europe, in partnership with GoldenPeaks Capital to cover direct operations in support of its 100% renewables commitment.

That contract has been sized to not only cover Mars direct operations but to also start extending renewable electricity supply to cover Mars full value chain.

GoldenPeaks Capital will develop over 100 solar projects in Poland, the Mars portion of which will help deliver more than 129MWac (approximately 58% of the larger project's total output) of new renewable energy  enough clean power to supply approximately 100,000 households annually and accelerate the country's transition from coal to a low-carbon future.

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars, Incorporated continues to advance its Renewable Acceleration strategy to cover its full value chain by teaming up with GoldenPeaks Capital, a leading European renewable energy developer, to launch over 100 new solar projects in Poland.

Gapowo solar plant in Poland. Photo courtesy of GoldenPeaks Capital

This new contract with GoldenPeaks Capital in Poland is creating what is believed to be the largest multi-buyer renewable energy deal in the Central and Eastern Europe region. It includes 100+ new solar projects, which will come online in 2027 and deliver more than 129MWac of clean energy to Mars and will generate approximately 222 GWh annually  enough to power approximately 100,000 households each year, and support Poland's transition from coal while advancing EU climate goals. Alongside the Mars contract covering direct operations and some scope 3 electricity needs, Mars partnered with Cargill who has signed its own deal with GoldenPeaks Capital which helped give scale to these new solar farms. Having a supplier like Cargill working directly on its electricity use complements the Mars Renewable Acceleration approach and creates a win-win for all.

"I'm delighted to see the momentum we are getting with our Renewable Acceleration program. Building on our recent work with Enel in North America, this next step in Europe clearly demonstrates our vision to make renewables the standard wherever Mars does business. It's unique and significant that one of our largest suppliers, Cargill, is joining us to accelerate the shift to clean energy for our shared supply chains, benefiting the communities we serve. Climate action must be global to be truly effective, and these partnerships show that scale is possible when we all work together," said Kevin Rabinovitch, Global VP Sustainability at Mars.

Adriano Agosti, Founder and Chairman of GoldenPeaks Capital said: "Mars, as a global company with the footprint of a small country, has transformed its global responsibility into an opportunity, driving the process of decarbonization across its full value chain. GoldenPeaks Capital is proud to be a partner and play a role to serve this global purpose."

The Mars Renewables Acceleration program is designed to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy  not just for Mars-owned sites, but across its entire value chain by bringing the totality of its energy usage into the renewables market. With the Enel partnership in North America announced earlier this month and now GoldenPeaks Capital partnership in Europe, Mars is building a truly global approach to decarbonizing its operations and full value chain.

Additional global agreements are in the pipeline for Mars. With each additional contract, the company expects the Renewable Acceleration program to contribute toward a 10% reduction of its total carbon footprint by 2030. The Renewable Acceleration program is part of Mars strategy to achieve Net Zero by 2050, which also includes tackling deforestation, supporting climate-smart agriculture, improving transportation and embedding sustainability across the business.

About Mars, Incorporated

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Reacting to the incident of uncommanded Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployment in Air India flight AI117, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner Amritsar to Birmingham flight, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that the DGCA is investigating the cause of the problem. Speaking to reporters Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said, "Whenever these kinds of incidents happen, we try to find out what the root cause of the problem is. Once we get to understand the root cause, then we are going to reach out to the stakeholders, the OEMs, and whoever is concerned. We are going to do a thorough study on it. The DGCA is finding out the cause of the problem." Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that no discrepancy has been observed and the aircraft is being released for service. DGCA said, "On October 4, 2025, Air India B787-8 aircraft VT-ANO operated flight AI-117 (Amritsar- Birmingham). During landing at 400ft RAT unlock message came and RAT got deployed. Pilot did not report of any related abnormality. Aircraft landed safely. Boeing recommended maintainance actions for uncommanded RAT deployment have been carried out and no discrepancy has been observed. Aircraft is being released for service. Boeing has issued FLEET TEAM DIGEST containing brief of previous such cases. The matter requires detailed investigation. An officer from DAS(NR) has been assigned this investigation." Earlier, Air India flight AI117, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed safely in Birmingham on Saturday after the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed during its final approach. The airline confirmed that all electrical and hydraulic systems were functioning normally. The flight took off from Amritsar on October 4. According to an Air India spokesperson, the flight landed safely at Birmingham, and no passengers or crew were injured. The aircraft has been grounded for further inspections. The aircraft has been grounded for further checks, and the return flight AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi has been cancelled. Air India is making alternative arrangements to accommodate passengers affected by the incident. "The operating crew of flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham on 04 October 2025 detected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) of the aircraft during its final approach. All electrical and hydraulic parameters were found normal, and the aircraft performed a safe landing at Birmingham. The aircraft has been grounded for further checks, and consequently, AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi has been cancelled, and alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate the guests," an Air India spokesperson said. The Ram Air Turbine is a small, fold-out windmill-like device that deploys in emergencies when the plane loses main electrical or hydraulic power. It generates emergency power to maintain control of key flight systems, including basic flight instruments and hydraulic pressure for control surfaces. (ANI)
An exchange of fire took place between terrorists and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday night in Beeranthub area under Kandi Police Station in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Following the encounter, joint teams from the Police, Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area.

According to officials, the security forces are conducting checks on vehicles passing through the Rajouri-Kotranka Budhal road.

Security personnel have been deployed at multiple points to ensure that no vehicle passes without proper checking by the security forces, they said.

Tight security arrangements are in place on all routes leading to Budhal, they added. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has expressed concerns over a massive fire that engulfed three vehicles on the Ajmer Expressway near Mauzamabad tehsil in Jaipur on Tuesday night. The driver and conductor of the vehicle carrying gas cylinders were rushed to the hospital. CM Sharma stated that the disaster management teams remain engaged in conducting rescue operations. He added that the administration has been instructed to ensure that proper treatment is provided for the injured. "The accident of a fire breaking out in a truck loaded with gas cylinders on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway in the Mauzamabad police station area of Jaipur Rural is extremely tragic. Fire brigade and disaster management teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations at the incident site," the Rajasthan CM posted on X. "Instructions have been given to the district administration to ensure proper treatment for the injured and to provide all possible assistance to those affected. I pray to God for the safety and well-being of all citizens affected by this heart-wrenching incident," he added. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa told ANI that the driver and conductor of the vehicle carrying gas cylinders were rushed to the hospital. He said the accident brought traffic on the highway to a halt. "A vehicle struck a tanker filled with gas cylinders from behind. The driver and conductor in the tanker have been sent to the hospital. Traffic has been stopped on both sides. Fire brigade vehicles are at the spot. We are continuously escorting the Chief Minister. No casualties have been reported yet," Bairwa said. BJP leader and former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje also expressed distress over the incident. "The news of the gas-filled tanker overturning on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway is extremely distressing and alarming. This accident that occurred near the Sawarda culvert on the Dudu bridge is heart-wrenching. May God keep everyone safe," Raje, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, posted on X. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night when a tanker carrying chemicals rammed into a truck loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders near Sawarda Puliya in Mauzamabad tehsil, triggering a massive fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway. The accident also caused traffic on the highway to come to a standstill. IG Rahul Prakash said that trucks and trailers were parked near a dhaba when the chemical-laden tanker collided with one of the trucks. The LPG cylinders in the truck burst, and the tanker also caught fire. "There are no reports of serious injuries, and no one is expected to have been critically hurt. A few drivers and helpers suffered minor injuries and have been taken to the hospital," he said. "We are taking measures to prevent parking on roadsides, and trucks will no longer be allowed to park here. Steps to prevent such accidents will be implemented in the future," he added. Following the incident, the Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa visited the site, where police, administration, and fire department teams continue to manage relief and rescue operations. (ANI)
Leaders of political parties in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday said that the meeting with the Chairman CP Radhakrishnan " very productive and very rewarding" and he assured that he will seriously consider all suggestions and will make every effort to ensure that the House proceedings proceed smoothly. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, who is Chairman of Rajya Sabha, on Tuesday chaired his maiden meeting with Floor Leaders of all political parties of the Rajya Sabha. In his opening remarks, the Chairman emphasized the importance of ensuring that the Rajya Sabha functions with the dignity, discipline, and decorum it deserves. He underlined that dialogue, deliberation, debate, and discussion are the basic tenets of parliamentary democracy. Highlighting the opportunities available to Members to raise issues of public concern, the Chairman referred to Zero Hour, Special Mentions, and Question Hour as vital instruments that allow Members to bring forth matters of urgent public importance. He reminded Members that the Constitution of India and the Rules Book of the Rajya Sabha serve as the guiding framework--the Laxman Rekha--for parliamentary discourse. The Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rights of all Members within this framework, while stressing the shared responsibility of all to maintain the sanctity of the House. He urged all Members to utilize every day, every hour, every minute, and every second of the House's time to strengthen the democratic process. Welcoming the 29 floor leaders including Ministers, the Chairman thanked them for their overwhelming response and for their goodwill messages on his assumption of office. He remarked that it was heartening to see leaders from across the political spectrum gathered together at short notice. BJD MP Sasmit Patra said told ANI that it was a very positive meeting. "We had numerous meaningful interactions. Personally, I was touched by his humility and leadership. I am sure under his leadership, the Rajya Sabha will go on to become a more unified force. On behalf of BJD, we have expressed our full trust in the running of the House," he said. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the Chairman has started a good tradition by holding a formal introductory meeting today, in which he listened to everyone and sought everyone's views. "It was decided that the House proceedings should proceed peacefully. The opposition insists that issues of public importance must be discussed. We must be given a chance to express our views. The Chairman has assured that he will seriously consider all suggestions and will make every effort to ensure that the House proceedings proceed smoothly." CPI-M MP John Brittas said the "meeting with the Chairman was very productive and also very rewarding". "He was open to suggestions and members representing different political parties put across their views and there was an agreement that the Parliament session should be productive and should make sure that the voice of the people are heard there and all the parliamentary devices should be used to have structured discussions on the floor of Rajya Sabha..." CPI MP P Sandosh said the meeting was a very good initiative by the Chairman and it was quite fruitful also. "It lasted for more than two hours, and we all had the opportunity to express our views. I hope a positive outcome will happen. It all depends on the political situation, how the ruling party is reacting to our issues." Tamil Maanila Congress MP GK Vasan said each and every member who spoke gave constructive suggestions on the functioning of the Rajya Sabha. "Most of the members felt that it was unfortunate that the last session of the Rajya Sabha was not productive. In fact, it was nearly a washout... All the suggestions given by members were well heard by the Chairman, and he gave confidence to all the members that there would be a new beginning in the next session." Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who is Leader of the House, initiated the exchange of views, which was followed by interventions from other leaders. The Leader of the House gave thrust on following the high traditions of parliamentary procedure while running the House and extended all possible support at his command to ensure smooth conduct of proceedings. The Floor Leaders of Political Parties, while extending their full cooperation in running the House requested the Chairman to give adequate opportunity to the Opposition Parties to raise their voices in the House through various Parliamentary devices such as Zero Hour, Question Hour, Private Members' Business (PMB), Short Duration Discussions (SDD), Calling Attention Notices (CAN). It was suggested that efforts be made to allocate reasonable time to each party so that smaller parties are not left behind owing to their limited numerical strength. The Chairman gave an assurance that he would look into it. A release said the meeting was held in a very cordial atmosphere with participation of all floor leaders. In his concluding observations, the Chairman described the upcoming Winter Session as an opportunity for collective effort and productive deliberation. He assured that all valuable suggestions made by members would be given due consideration. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, Ram Gopal Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Sagarika Ghosh (TMC), M Thambidurai (AIADMK) and Sanjay Singh (AAP) were among other leaders who attended the meeting. (ANI)
On the eve of the 93rd Air Force Day, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh said Operation Sindoor was a defining moment that demonstrated the Indian Air Force's (IAF) precision, strength, and unity of purpose in responding to Pakistan's "Napak" (cowardly) act -- the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking ahead of the Air Force Day celebrations, Air Chief Marshal Singh said Operation Sindoor showed how India's air power can deliver a firm and calibrated response to any threat against the nation. "During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force lived up to these words and once again brought glory to India's name in the pages of world history. Operation Sindoor also stands as a shining example of clear higher direction, indigenous capability, effective cohesion and jointmanship between all defence forces," he said. Referring to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which provoked the armed forces to launch the operation under the guidance of the Government of India, he said, "The heart-wrecking terrorist attack in Pahalgam shocked the entire nation and the world. Through Operation Sindoor, India gave a befitting and strong response to the enemy's cowardly (NaPak) act. When the adversary attempted to launch attacks on our civilian population and military installations, the Indian Air Force carried out precise and decisive strikes that forced the enemy to come to the table for peace talks." Explaining the spirit behind the IAF's motto, he said, "Our motto, Achuuk, Abhed, and Sateek, reflects the essence of our character. Achuuk or 'Infallible' reflects our resolve to never fail in the service of the nation. Abhed, or 'Impervious,' highlights our role as guardians of the sky, a shield that can never be breached. Sateek emphasises our accuracy in conducting operations." The Air Chief also underlined that beyond combat operations, the IAF has always stood by the people in times of need. "The Indian Air Force has always stood by the people rescuing lives during floods and disasters and evacuating citizens from conflict zones, as demonstrated during Operation Sindhu and Operation Brahma. The Indian Air Force has always been, and will continue to be, the first responder to the nation's call," he said. He expressed gratitude to the people, Air Force veterans and the families of those who made the supreme sacrifice. "One of the greatest strengths of the Indian Air Force has been the trust and support of the people of India. On this proud occasion, I express my deepest gratitude and respect to our esteemed air veterans, whom we can never forget. Your vision, sacrifice, and leadership have inspired us and guided us to this point. I also pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice who, while performing their duties in the Indian Air Force, laid down their lives and kept the Tricolour flying high," he said. "As we look ahead, the Indian Air Force will continue to defend our nation's skies by enhancing its capabilities, embracing innovation, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism," the CAS added. Before concluding his address, the Air Chief also reaffirmed the force's commitment to its guiding motto, "Nabhah Sparsham Deeptam" (Touch the Sky with Glory). "On this special occasion, all of us air warriors pledge that India's sovereignty and integrity will always remain our top priority, and we will stay committed to protecting our nation's airspace. Together, we will take our Air Force to greater heights and remain dedicated to our motto 'Nabhah Sparsham Deeptam'," he said. During his address, ACM Singh also recalled the IAF's journey from four Wapiti aircraft in 1932 to today's IAF, which is the world's "fourth largest air force". "Starting in 1932 with just four Wapiti aircraft, the Indian Air Force today stands as the world's fourth-largest air force, having played a crucial role in every war and crisis to safeguard our nation. In today's global environment, air power has emerged as a decisive instrument of national security, and the Indian Air Force stands ready to respond to every challenge with precision and determination," he said. The IAF will celebrate its 93rd Air Force Day on October 8, highlighting the achievements of Operation Sindoor. It will demonstrate the force's operational strength, growing technological capabilities, and humanitarian role that it has played over the years. Earlier, the Full Dress Rehearsal (FDR) for the parade took place on Monday at Hindon Air Force Station, but rain caused disruptions, postponing the static aircraft display for the main event. This year, the static display line-up also includes platforms that played a part in forcing Islamabad to retreat and seek a ceasefire after its Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) dialled his Indian counterpart. The display will feature fighter jets such as the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, and MiG-29, along with India's indigenous Netra AEW&C, the C-17 Globemaster III, the indigenous Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, the C-130J Hercules, Apache attack helicopters fitted with Longbow radar, and the Advanced Light Helicopter. An S-band Rohini radar will also be part of the display. The recently retired MiG-21 Bison will also be a part of the display as a tribute to its over six decades of service to the IAF. Interestingly, the bison too played an active role in deterring PAF's movement along the western air corridor during Operation Sindoor. "In the latest Operation Sindoor, it was deployed operationally," IAF Spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh told ANI last month. Certain highlights of the IAF's participation in international exercises, such as Desert Knight, Red Flag Alaska, Udara Shakti in Malaysia, and Bright Star in Egypt, were also highlighted as examples of growing global military cooperation and the emergence of the Indian Air Force as a leading air power in the world. The IAF also highlighted Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's historic mission as the first Indian pilot to board the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, marking the IAF's role in space exploration. The IAF's capabilities as "first responders" in humanitarian missions were also noted during the FDR, including flood relief and rescue operations from Uttarkashi to Punjab, as well as assistance following the earthquake in Myanmar. It was also recalled how the Air Force undertook several casualty evacuations, medical airlifts, and disaster response operations across the country and the globe. This year's parade will take place at Hindon Air Base, one of India's largest and most strategic airbases. The Air Force Day parades were previously held in Chennai in 2024 and Prayagraj in 2023. Although the Air Force Day parade will be held in Hindon, the flypast is likely to take place in Guwahati in mid-November. Meanwhile, on Friday, while addressing the annual press conference in New Delhi ahead of the Air Force's 93rd Day celebration, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal AP Singh detailed the IAF's achievements during Operation Sindoor, saying the force destroyed 12 to 13 of Pakistan's combat aircraft, including several F-16s and JF-17s, a C-130 strategic transport aircraft and two spy planes, both on the ground and in the air. "As far as Pakistan's losses are concerned...we have struck a large number of their airfields and we struck a large number of installations...Because of these strikes, radars at least four places, command and control centres at two places, runways of course damaged at two places, then three of their hangars in three different stations have been damaged...we have signs of one C-130 class of aircraft...and at least 4 to 5 fighter aircraft, most likely F-16, because that place happened to be F-16 with whatever was under maintenance at that time," the ACM said. The Air Chief said, "Along with that, one SAM system has been destroyed...We have clear evidence of one long-range strike, which I talked about more than 300 km, which happened to be either an AEW&C or a SIGINT aircraft, along with five high-tech fighters between the F-16 and JF-17 classes. This is what our system tells us." He also confirmed that the IAF's LRSAM S-400 conducted a long-range strike of over 300 kilometres, destroying one of Pakistan's AW&EC (airborne early warning aircraft)."Our long-range SAMs that we had procured recently and operationalised... We could look deep inside their territory. We could make sure that they were not able to operate even within their territory up to a certain distance. It will go down in history as the longest kill that we achieved, of more than 300 kilometres. And it seriously curtailed their activities," the Air Chief said. The CAS also lauded the S-400 Triumf 'Sudarshan Chakra' system as a "good weapon system", adding that India is also moving forward in developing its own LRSAM."We have our own system developing," he said. The Air Chief also took a jibe at Pakistan's unsubstantiated claims of shooting down IAF jets, saying, "If they think they shot down 15 of my jets, let them think about it. I hope they will cater for 15 fewer aircraft in my inventory when they come to fight again." Further, ACM Singh dismissed the claims as "Manohar Kahaniyan" (fanciful tales), saying Pakistan offered no evidence while India had shared clear proof of damage to its targets. The Air Chief said India entered the May conflict, following provocation by the "barbaric" Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the loss of lives of 26 innocent souls, with a clear goal and ended it quickly after achieving its objectives. "It stands as a lesson in history that this was one war started with a clear objective and terminated in quick time without prolonging it," the Air Chief added. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) said he had a 'great' phone call with Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Trump recounted his meeting with Silva at the United Nations General Assembly, saying that he was a good man. "Well, I had a great talk with the President of Brazil, who was a good man. I met him actually, at the United Nations, I was going up to make a speech, and I didn't have a teleprompter. I was walking up to my teleprompter. I said, you know, I don't have a teleprompter. But just before that, I met with President Luna, and I found him to be very good. I mean, we had a very good talk for about, you know, two minutes, and then I went up to make a speech, and I was surprised to see, how would you like that one? Doug, I've got every leader in the world sitting out there," he said. This was their first substantive conversation since the US imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Brazilian goods this summer and a sign that the White House may be looking to de-escalate tensions, Politico reported. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, described it as a "very good telephone call," that covered the economy and trade, among other subjects. "We will be having further discussions, and will get together in the not-too-distant future, both in Brazil and the United States," Trump said. "I enjoyed the call -- our Countries will do very well together!" The two spoke for 30 minutes via videoconference, discussed meeting in person and exchanged phone numbers, according to a readout from Lula's office. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, who addressed Brazilian media after the call, characterised it as "positive," as per Politico. The effort to mend fences comes after a friendly but brief conversation nearly two weeks ago backstage at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (ANI)
US White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Monday (local time) said that President Donald Trump will host Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and President of Finland, Alexander Stubb. Leavitt, during her press briefing, also congratulated Japan's PM-in-waiting, Sanae Takaichi on her win. "President Trump will be hosting the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney tomorrow for a working meeting here at the White House. On Thursday, the president will host his eighth cabinet meeting alongside his incredible team," Leavitt said. "Also on Thursday afternoon, President Trump will host the president of Finland, Alexander Stubb, for a working meeting here at the White House," she added. Leavitt conveyed Trump's wishes to Sanae on her win. "The president also wanted me to relay his congratulations to Japan for electing their next prime minister, a highly respected person who also happens to be the first female to hold the position for our great ally," she said. Meanwhile, Carney on May 6 bluntly told Trump in the Oval Office that Canada is "not for sale" after Trump repeated his assertion it should become the 51st state, ABC News reported. "As you know from real estate, there are some places that are not for sale. And Canada is not for sale, it will never be for sale," Carney told Trump. "But the opportunity is in the partnership and what we can build together. And we have done that in the past." Trump, though, still didn't let go of the idea. "Time will tell. It's only time. But I say never say never," Trump said in the tense exchange. "I've had many, many things that were not doable and they ended up being doable and only doable in a very friendly way," as per ABC News. Trump on Monday described Japan's likely first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, as a "highly respected person of great wisdom and strength." In his brief social media post, without naming her, Trump congratulated Takaichi and the "incredible people of Japan" after the country's ruling party elected her as its new leader on Saturday. (ANI)
Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs, MJ Akbar said that the visit of Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is a vital visit which shows that the world is reaching out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India. Akbar, while speaking to ANI, said that the visit destroys Pakistan's narrative for India that it has been isolated. "It's a very important visit because it shows that the world is reaching out to Prime Minister Modi and to India. Nobody expected that relations with the Taliban would reach a point where we would actually have an official visit from their foreign minister. It's a very significant development," he said. Akbar lauded the visit, saying that it showed Afghanistan's recognition of India as a major power. "It also destroys the narrative that has been created by Pakistan, right?--which is the narrative that India has been isolated. Where is the isolation? The reaching out of Afghanistan itself, right? Shows that Afghanistan recognises India as a major power. India is a power which can be a major factor in the stability and the future of Afghanistan," he said. Afghan Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to visit India from October 9, marking the first high-level delegation from Kabul to New Delhi since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Addressing a weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed on October 3 of the continued engagement with the interim government in Afghanistan, highlighting both diplomatic exchanges and humanitarian assistance following a recent earthquake in the region. The United Nations Security Council has approved a temporary exemption on international travel restrictions for Muttaqi, allowing him to stay in India for a week beginning October 9. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the Ministry of External Affairs will continue to share updates regarding the visit. "We have been having a conversation with the interim government in Afghanistan. You would have seen the telecon that had taken place some time back between the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi," he said. The conversation between the two ministers took place earlier this year in May. (ANI)
German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann said that Germany is trying to help Indian farming techniques be more efficient and sustainable. Ackermann, who also met Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh N Chandrababu Naidu, told ANI that collaboration in the field of agriculture has been great. "I think agriculture is an important area here. Germany is active here. Already together with the Government, we are trying to make farming more efficient and sustainable. So, there are programmes here to convince farmers to go to natural farming and get efficiency up. That's a big project we are doing together with the Indian government and as far as I know, this project has been very successful so far." Ackermann told ANI that apart from meeting Naidu, he even did a recce of German project in Kadapa district. "We met with the CM, that was basically the reason for my trip. Then we met with the Director of the Investment Agency here. We had a long discussion with him. We also met other people around. So, I will come back to Andhra very soon because I want to see Visakhapatnam also and Kadapa district, where some German project is going on. It's a state to discover." "I wanted to come to Andhra to meet the local Government because I feel this is a very important state. It's a powerhouse of India, and it's important to know what's going on in Andhra. I'm very impressed with what I've seen and what I've felt so far. I think it's an extremely exciting state, full of dynamics, ideas and great plans. We had a wonderful discussion with the CM. I think it was high time that I came. My visit is important and when I get back to Delhi to report on what I have seen and experienced in Andhra Pradesh," he added. https://x.com/AmbAckermann/status/1975200988761121061 In a post on X, Ackermann said, "Great discussion with AP CM Naidu today. Impressed by the state's ambitious plans on technology, sustainability, infrastructure and agriculture - and where Germany can play a role!" (ANI)
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, who is in Qatar to co-chair the India-Qatar Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce, highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a self-reliant and prosperous India. During his visit, Goyal addressed the Indian community at an event in Doha and appreciated their contribution in advancing the bilateral ties. He also urged them to explore new avenues to deepen collaboration and cement business and cultural ties between the two countries. "Addressed an Indian Community event in Doha, appreciating the invaluable contribution of our diaspora in advancing India-Qatar bilateral relations. Spoke about PM @NarendraModi ji's vision for a self-reliant and prosperous India, a cornerstone in the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Also, urged the community to explore new avenues for deeper collaboration and to further strengthen business and cultural ties between India and Qatar", he wrote on X. https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1975394632792940896 At the community event, he also suggested that Indians living in Qatar create an integrated database to facilitate connection. Goyal said that the effort must work to connect all Indians to at least one Indian association. "There's no integrated database of all the people who live in Qatar having roots back home in India. I'm suggesting this not out of any compulsion or desire to showcase the strength of the Indian community, but from the point of view that in good or bad times, it's always beneficial to be able to connect. While the embassy may not engage in such activities, to avoid any misunderstanding, we could consider launching an initiative since we have over a hundred associations working in different parts of Qatar. Let us make an effort to reach out to our brothers and sisters and ensure that every person who has come to Qatar to serve the nation, representing India, is a member of at least one association. We can easily create a simple online registration with basic information, no confidential information, no intrusion on privacy, no misuse of any data, but just the ability to connect," he said. Goyal, who is currently in Doha, also planted a sapling at the Indian Embassy in Doha as a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative and paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. Earlier, Goyal and his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, discussed the proposed India-Qatar FTA, focusing on finalising the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The two sides reviewed bilateral trade performance, addressed trade barriers, and explored avenues to enhance trade and investment flows. Bilateral trade between India and Qatar is significant, with trade estimated at over $14 billion in 2024-25, highlighting the potential for further growth and cooperation. (ANI)
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Minnesota hog farmer Trisha Zachman will join more than 200 farmers from over 30 states in Washington, D.C. on October 8th to oppose the highly contentious Save Our Bacon Act and Food Security and Farm Protection Act (formerly the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act (EATS) Act)  legislation that would put family farmers out of business and end responsible farming practices.

Zachman will speak at a 2 p.m. press conference at the National Press Club alongside farmers, meat producers, and meat retailers from across the country. The event will highlight the importance of Prop. 12 and Massachusetts's Question 3, voter-approved laws that set basic animal welfare standards and create fairer markets for responsible farmers.

The farmers and meat companies will meet with members of Congress to emphasize the significant risks the proposed legislation, which would repeal Prop. 12 and Question 3, poses to farmers, businesses, and consumers.

A gestation crate containing a realistic "pig" will also be on display to demonstrate the controversial practice  banned in red and blue states alike  that some in the pork industry are attempting to legalize again.

On October 9th, tractors and pick-up trucks will circle the Capitol area with large American flags and banners.

For thousands of family farmers, laws like Proposition 12 and Question 3 are a lifeline. If Congress wipes out these humane farming standards, it would devastate family farmers who have invested in crate-free systems while stripping states' ability to pass their own agricultural laws.

"Family farms like mine depend on humane, crate-free farming because it's what consumers want and what's right for the animals," said Trisha Zachman of Feathered Acres Learning Farm & Inn in Belgrade, MN. "Voters in states like Massachusetts and California made it clear they want transparency in how food is raised. Congress has no business overturning those decisions and taking away the markets that keep farms like mine alive."

Upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023, Proposition 12 sets minimum space requirements for pigs, hens, and calves, ensuring animals have room to stand, turn around, and extend their limbs. Already, an estimated 27 percent of U.S. pork producers have made or are working to make investments to access California's Proposition 12 market.

In addition to robust farmer adoption of Prop. 12 standards, numerous leading meat companies have announced support of the crate-free law, including Perdue Farms and its pork brands Niman Ranch and Coleman All Natural Meats, True Story Foods, and ButcherBox, the direct-to-consumer meat and seafood brand.

Public opinion strongly favors these reforms. Nearly seven in ten Americans oppose the use of gestation crates, with only 8 percent in support. The California and Massachusetts laws both passed overwhelmingly at the ballot box with 63 percent and 78 percent approval, respectively.

Interviews with Trisha Zachman and other participating farmers are available at the event or via Zoom at any time.

Media contact:

Holly Bice | [email protected]

SOURCE Responsible Meat Coalition
The Chinese Premier is leading a government delegation to North Korea during his October 9-11 visit, according to Xinhua.

A spokesperson of China's foreign ministry confirmed Li's visit on Tuesday and said tha China is willing to take the opportunity to strengthen communication and deepen partnerships with North Korea.

Earlier on September 4, Chinese President Xi Jinping had met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in Beijing.

Vietnam's top leader, To Lam, will also pay a State visit to North Korea at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to attend the celebrations.

To's three-day visit starting Thursday, would mark the first trip to North Korea by a Vietnamese leader in 18 years.

Laos' President Thongloun Sisoulith has also been invited for the event.

Meanwhile, TASS reported that the Chairman of United Russia Party, Dmitry Medvedev, will participate in the celebrations.

The Workers Party of Korea was established in 1945 and currently acts as the ruling party in North Korea under the leadership of Kim Jong Un. The anniversary of its founding is celebrated on October 10.

Yonhap reported that North Korea is expected to hold a large-scale military parade to celebrate the party anniversary. The South Korean military earlier said the North may stage a nighttime parade involving tens of thousands of personnel.

The news outlet reported that Pyongyang has staged a military parade on party anniversaries that end in zero or five.

Further, the report said that analysts have raised views that Pyongyang may showcase the next-generation Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile under development during the military parade or test-launch it around the anniversary. (ANI)
Pakistani security forces have continued a large-scale military operation in Zehri, a tehsil in the Khuzdar district of Balochistan, where reports suggest serious human rights violations, including detentions, house demolitions, and desecration of graves, four individuals, including a woman, have been taken into custody and transferred to an undisclosed location as part of the ongoing campaign, as reported by The Balochistan Post. According to The Balochistan Post, the forces carried out door-to-door searches, during which residents were subjected to physical assault. Among those detained is Safia Bibi, the sister of Sheikh Abdul Samad, whose family home was reportedly destroyed with explosives. Others detained include Zahid, son of Aziz, Asif Baloch, and Asadullah, son of Rasool Bakhsh Zarakzai, a shopkeeper from the area. Local sources said the Pakistani forces demolished multiple houses, leaving widespread destruction across Zehri. The security personnel have also been accused of desecrating the graves of slain Baloch "pro-independence" fighters, including that of BLA commander Zia ur Rehman, known as Diljan, who reportedly died by suicide during a 2018 clash in Zehri. Residents claim that soldiers smashed headstones and disturbed the burial sites. A heavy military presence now occupies the region, with troops deployed in Norgama and a strict curfew imposed. All routes leading in and out of the town have been sealed. The town's only hospital has allegedly been converted into a military post, forcing all other medical facilities to close. Due to the blockade, a woman named Fehmida, daughter of Wahid Bakhsh, reportedly delivered a stillborn baby after being unable to access medical care. Her condition is said to be critical. Internet and mobile networks have been suspended for almost two weeks, cutting Zehri off from communication with the outside world. The operation follows earlier airstrikes in September that killed seven civilians, further deepening fears of ongoing military repression in the region, as reported by The Balochistan Post. (ANI)
Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) deputy chief and Pahalgam attack mastermind Saifullah Kasuri has issued an open threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a video message circulating on social media. In the viral clip, Kasuri praises Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, referring to him as "Field Marshal" and stating, "I request our supreme leader Field Marshal Asim Munir to teach a lesson to PM Modi like we did on May 10, 2025." Adding another layer to Pakistan's ongoing anti-India rhetoric, the purported video, circulated widely across Pakistan-based social media channels, features Saifullah Kasuri asserting that he is acting "in the name of flood relief work," while vowing retaliation for floods that recently struck several regions of Pakistan. Kasuri, who operates under the close guidance of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed's top aides has accused India of "doing water terrorism" and claimed that New Delhi intentionally triggered the flooding in Pakistan through "uncontrolled water release." His purported remarks surfaced just days after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on September 26, raised the issue of the Indus Water Treaty, accusing India of defying its provisions and keeping the agreement in abeyance. The timing of Kasuri's statement, echoing the same "water" narrative, exposes how Pakistan's terror machinery and political leadership continue to push coordinated propaganda against India. However, the Pakistan PM did not mention Islamabad's effort to stop terrorism originating from its own borders, a key demand that India has put forward post-Pahalgam terror attack and its decision to put the treaty on abeyance over the issue of cross-border terrorism. "India's unilateral and illegal attempt to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance defies the provisions of the treaty itself as well as the norms of International law. Pakistan has made it abundantly clear that we will defend the inseparable right of our people on these waters. To us, any violation of the treaty represents an act of war," Shehbaz Sharif said during his address at the UN General Debate recently. Even as Sharif raised the water issue on global platforms, Pakistan's duplicity was evident when he chose to ignore the issue of terrorism and once again raked up the Kashmir narrative. Pakistan's PM also showed his true colours by not respecting the Indian borders as he raised the issue of Kashmir. "I wish to assure Kashmiri people that I stand with them, Pakistan stands with them, and one day soon India's tyranny in Kashmir will come to a halt," he said. India put the treaty on abeyance as one of the counter-measures against Pakistan's cross-border terrorism efforts after 26 civilians were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 of this year. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed between India and Pakistan in September 1960, brokered by the World Bank. It allocated control over the waters of the three eastern rivers Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej to India, and the three western rivers Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab to Pakistan. The agreement has remained in force despite wars and tensions between the two countries. However, it has often been criticised within India as being unfair to India's share of water rights. India has accused Pakistan of manipulating the treaty process to deflect from its support of terrorism, labelling the arbitration a "desperate attempt" to avoid accountability. India exercised its sovereign right under international law to place the treaty in abeyance, linking its reinstatement to Pakistan's verifiable cessation of cross-border terrorism support. (ANI)
During the week of September 2, a WUC delegation undertook a week-long advocacy tour in Germany, where it met with Turkish NGOs and community leaders. The meetings aimed to strengthen cooperation and develop joint initiatives to amplify Uyghur advocacy and expand solidarity networks within Europe.

In Italy, the WUC's Vice President, who also serves as President of the Uyghur Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (UZDM), participated in the 1st European Conference of Ventotene for Freedom and Democracy.

During her meeting with Italian Senator Giulio Terzi, she highlighted the plight of Uyghurs under Chinese repression and urged European lawmakers to take firmer action in defence of human rights.

Meanwhile, in Turkiye, WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun led his first official advocacy mission since assuming office. The visit included engagements with Uyghur leaders, academics, and youth groups.

The WUC delegation also met with U.S. diplomats and members of Turkiye's Zafer Partisi and Yeniden Refah Partisi, followed by participation in a cultural and educational event organised by the Uyghur Academy.

Later in the month, WUC representatives attended the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC60) in Geneva, holding bilateral meetings with diplomats from Taiwan and Liechtenstein to ensure the Uyghur issue remained on the UN agenda.

The delegation also met with the Catalan President to enhance international collaboration on human rights advocacy.

On August 30, the Japan Uyghur Association (JUA) and the Japan Uyghur Parliamentary Association organised a training session on the Uyghur issue in Gifu Prefecture.

The event was attended by nearly 100 participants, including lawmakers and city mayors. Several pledged concrete support, such as placing Uyghur genocide awareness materials in local school libraries.

The same day, JUA held a street demonstration and panel exhibition in Tajimi City, which was covered by Gifu Shimbun.

WUC also filed a civil complaint in France against Huawei, Hikvision, and Dahua, accusing them of complicity in crimes against humanity.

WUC Vice President Zumretay Arkin and Executive Committee Chair Rushan Abbas continued to draw global attention to Beijing's transnational repression through international media and advocacy platforms. (ANI)
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Khaleel during his official visit to the island nation today, the Ministry of Defence said in a post on X. "Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maldives Dr Abdulla Khaleel during his official visit to Maldives today," the Ministry of Defence wrote. According to the ministry, "Wide-ranging discussions were held on military cooperation, capacity building, defence equipment promotion and regional security in the IOR--reaffirming defence as a key pillar of India-Maldives partnership." https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1975488902715605502 The meeting reflected the continued commitment of both nations to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, strengthen regional stability, and deepen collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region. The talks also built on the outcomes of the High-Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting held on May 26, where India and the Maldives reviewed progress in implementing the India-Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. The continued engagement between the two nations underscored the shared priority to advance cooperation in defence, maritime security, and capacity building under the broader framework of the India-Maldives strategic partnership. "Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel led the Maldives delegation in the meeting. During the meeting, the discussions focused on implementation of the Joint Vision by intensifying political exchanges, defence and security cooperation, development partnership, trade, economy, health and people-to-people linkages," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a release. During his visit to India, Khaleel held a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest. The two nations decided that the 3rd HLCG meeting would be held in Male, Maldives, on mutually convenient dates. The MEA called the Maldives India's "key maritime neighbour" and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. In a press release, MEA stated, "The Maldives was India's key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, i.e., Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The visit strengthened the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two countries." Abdulla Khaleel arrived in New Delhi on May 25 this year for a three-day visit to India. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal extended a warm welcome to Khaleel. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to extend warm greetings on his 73rd birthday. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, according to an official statement. Prime Minister Modi had a telephone conversation with President Putin and conveyed best wishes for his good health and success in all his endeavours. The two leaders reviewed the progress in the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen India-Russia ties, the statement said. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed that he looks forward to welcoming President Putin to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December, the statement added. Earlier, on September 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin had also held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming the strong and time-tested nature of relations between Moscow and New Delhi. The Russian leader disclosed details of the exchange during a meeting with members of the Russian Government, according to the official website of the Kremlin. Putin underlined the stability of Russian-Indian relations, describing them as "based on a national consensus." He also commended India's achievements in governance and economic growth under Modi's leadership. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India was pursuing a completely independent, sovereign policy and, most importantly, was achieving very good results in the economic sphere. India was demonstrating the highest economic growth rates among the world's major economies," Putin said. As reported by TV BRICS, the call came shortly after Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Modi on the occasion of his 75th birthday. In his message, the Russian President emphasised the Indian leader's personal contribution to strengthening bilateral ties. "You [Narendra Modi] made a great personal contribution to strengthening the special privileged strategic partnership between our countries and developing mutually beneficial Russian-Indian cooperation in various areas," Putin noted. The Russian head of state also expressed confidence in the continuation of "constructive dialogue and joint work on topical issues on the regional and international agenda." As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Russia had been a longstanding and time-tested partner for India. The development of India-Russia relations had been a key pillar of India's foreign policy since the signing of the "Declaration on the India-Russia Strategic Partnership" in October 2000, during President Putin's visit to India. Subsequently, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the ongoing 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, further reflecting the continued momentum in India-Russia diplomatic engagement. The Russian Embassy in India confirmed the meeting on X, stating, "Russia Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and EAM Dr S Jaishankar held a meeting on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York." Later, Jaishankar also wrote, "Good conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #UNGA80. Useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East." (ANI)
Around 80 demonstrators gathered outside the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco to protest the 76th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) rise to power. Holding banners with slogans like "Take Down the CCP" and "The CCP does not equal China", the crowd voiced strong opposition to what they described as decades of oppression and authoritarianism under the regime, as reported by The Epoch Times. According to The Epoch Times, protesters emphasised that October 1, the day the People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, should not be seen as a day of celebration, but rather one of mourning. They accused the CCP of undermining human rights and suppressing freedoms both in China and abroad. Cong He, one of the rally's organisers, criticised the regime for failing to represent China's long-standing cultural heritage. He stated that under CCP rule, citizens have been stripped of their dignity, freedom, and right to vote. Junhong Zhou, a former lawyer from Shenzhen, pointed out that although the Chinese constitution claims to protect civil liberties, those rights are heavily restricted in practice. She called on international communities to stand with victims of political persecution. Jack Duong, founder of the Asian Alliance Against China Occupation and Repression, described the CCP's global economic influence as destructive. In his speech titled Death by China, he cited job losses and the Belt and Road Initiative as tools used by Beijing to expand authoritarian control. Ethnic repression was another major theme. Representatives of Tibetan and Hong Kong communities spoke about cultural erasure and the imprisonment of political dissidents. Lobsang Dorji of the Tibetan Youth Congress and Ken Chan of the Hong Kong Association of Northern California detailed the harsh treatment of minorities and pro-democracy activists, as cited by The Epoch Times. Zhenying Shi, a Hong Kong human rights advocate, warned of transnational repression, noting that even overseas activists face arrest warrants and surveillance. She highlighted recent warrants issued for members of the Hong Kong Parliament, a pro-democracy body formed in exile, as reported by The Epoch Times. (ANI)
Vehicular movements are back on track with business slowly returning to normal in the southern plains of Nepal as floodwaters continue to recede after days of mayhem caused by the heavy downpour last weekend. People in the southern floodplains of Nepal are now replacing damaged items as they return home. "The rainfall which continuously battered the nation for two days resulted in extensive damage and loss of property. Road connectivity in several areas has been severely damaged, houses were inundated, damaging items inside, but now the condition is slowly returning to normalcy with the water level receding," Brahmdev Yadav, a resident of Janakpur, told ANI. The late monsoon rains wreaked havoc across Nepal, mainly in Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces. The nationwide death toll caused by water-induced disasters stood at 61 till Tuesday evening. The Himalayan nation started witnessing heavy downpours from October 3, and data from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) shows that some parts of Nepal experienced intense rainfall. While the overall rainfall was slightly lower than last year, the destruction has still been severe because of "ultra-localised" heavy rains. The central-eastern Terai plains and eastern hills bore the brunt of the storm, with weather stations in Rautahat and Ilam recording more than 330 mm and 300 mm of rain, respectively, on Saturday and Sunday. Rainfall is normally considered extremely heavy if it exceeds 150 mm in 24 hours. Some districts received slightly more than 145 mm of rain on Sunday compared with roughly 240 mm in late September last year, when Kathmandu Valley experienced its heaviest deluge since 2002. Some parts of Kathmandu recorded as much as 322.2 mm of rain last year, when the floods killed more than 200 people. "All the settlements have been damaged. People struggled to save their children and arrange food for survival. No word can suffice the ordeal that people are facing now. People are struggling really hard. Life has been severely hampered, sections of roads have been swept away, bridges washed out, and houses collapsed. People don't have any idea about where to start and what to do next," Ram Kailash Thakur, another resident of Janakpur, told ANI. Nepal this year had braced for above-average monsoon rainfall, but the pattern has now changed. The Himalayan nation usually hosts the monsoon from June to the end of September, but it has been reactivated, resulting in downpours during the withdrawal period. As the Himalayan nation had prepared for above-average rainfall, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) predicted that around two million (1,997,731) people from 457,145 households could be affected by monsoon-related disasters. According to the projection, the districts of Lumbini province will be affected the most during the monsoon, with 523,656 people from 119,830 households expected to be impacted. This is followed by Bagmati with 327,376 people from 74,914 households, Gandaki with 287,107 people from 65,699 households, Koshi with 275,867 people from 63,127 households, Madhesh with 228,687 people from 52,331 households, Sudurpaschim with 227,730 people from 52,112 households, and Karnali province with 127,308 people from 29,132 households. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday discussed trade, border security, and ongoing negotiations between the two neighbouring nations. Addressing the reporters at the Oval Office, Trump characterised the current trade talks between the US and Canada as "complicated, more complicated than maybe any other agreement we have on trade." Outlining the reasons for the challenges, Trump said that the complexity of the relationship arises from both competition and closeness between the two countries. He explained that the dynamic stems from "natural conflict" as well as "mutual love." "I love Canada, and the people of Canada, and Mark feels the same way about here," Trump remarked. He pointed out that both nations have "competing business interests" made sharper by their geographic proximity, noting that this has sometimes placed the United States at a disadvantage. Despite these issues, Trump maintained that relations between Washington and Ottawa have improved significantly. "We believe the Canada-US relationship has come a long way," he said, adding that the "natural conflict" between the two was being addressed constructively. Responding to a question on whether his administration would consider concessions on US tariffs on Canadian metals, Trump said adjustments had already been made. "We want to make our own steel, we don't want to bring in steel for the most part," he said, while stressing that he wanted Canada to thrive economically as well. "We want Canada to do well. We're working on formulas, and we'll get there," Trump continued. The US President went on to note that while he hoped for Canada "to do great," there were limits in areas where both countries compete directly. "We're in competition," he said, adding there was "one very easy way to solve that problem." Discussing security issues, Trump commended Canada for tightening its borders, a point acknowledged by Carney, who said his government was also "tightening the border." Trump then addressed efforts by his administration to tackle illegal drug trafficking, especially through sea routes, saying those measures had benefited both countries. "The fact is we probably saved at least 100,000 lives, American lives, Canadian lives, by taking out all those boats," Trump said. "Now they don't come in that way," he added. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday (local time) discussed a range of issues, including the war in Gaza, peace efforts in the Middle East, and trade relations between their countries. The two leaders were speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, where Trump started by praising the Canadian leader, joking that he had made him "very popular" and noting that "from the very beginning", they had shared a good relationship. While acknowledging differences between the two countries, Trump said, "We have some natural conflict," but added optimistically, "We'll probably work that out." On the conflict in Gaza, Trump said that he and Carney would discuss the situation in the Middle East during their talks. "Our team is over there now," he said, adding that "literally every country in the world" had expressed support for his peace plan. The US President also said there was a "possibility" that peace could be achieved in the region. "There is a real chance we could do something," he remarked, adding that in the meantime, the US and Canada would "make some deals." On trade, Trump said both nations would discuss tariffs, but did not specify if existing tariffs on Canadian goods would be removed. Carney, in his remarks, thanked Trump for hosting him again and described him as "a transformative president." The Canadian leader praised Trump for securing "unprecedented commitments from NATO partners to defence spending" and for "disabling Iran as a force of terror." During the exchange, Trump made a humorous remark about a "merger of Canada and the United States," which drew laughter from those present. Carney smiled and replied, "That wasn't where I was going," moving the conversation along. Reiterating his government's support for Washington's diplomatic efforts, Carney said Canada stood behind Trump's peace initiative. "We'll do whatever we can to support that," he said. The discussion reflected the enduring cooperation and occasional competition that have long defined the close relationship between the United States and Canada. (ANI)
Spanning the U.S., these new Q3 partners represent 199,000 members with assets of more than $3.88 billion

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking significant strides toward its goal of helping more credit union members with homeownership, myCUmortgage announced new partnerships with eight credit unions in the third quarter of this year. myCUmortgage is a Credit Union Service Organization (CUSO) and wholly owned by Wright-Patt Credit Union.

The relentless pursuit of partner and member satisfaction it's in our DNA. No one understands, originates and services mortgages with the speed, technical excellence and obsessive care that myCUmortgage does.

myCUmortgage will provide these new credit union partners with a comprehensive suite of mortgage solutions while delivering five-star service to the credit unions and their members. Representing nearly 199,000 members and $3.88 billion in assets, the eight new partners include:

Cardinal Credit Union  Mentor, Ohio

Corporate America Family Credit Union  Elgin, Ill.

Dow Credit Union  Midland, Mich.

Halifax County Community Federal Credit Union  South Boston, Va.

Heritage Community Credit Union  Rancho Cordova, Calif.

Hill District Federal Credit Union  Pittsburgh, Pa.

Indiana Lakes Federal Credit Union  Warsaw, Ind.

Waterfront Credit Union  Seattle, Wash.

"No matter the time of year or market conditions, one thing remains constant  credit union members continue to buy homes," said Paul Sutor, President of myCUmortgage. "These eight new partner credit unions recognize this and selected myCUmortgage to assist them in their pursuit to help more members with homeownership. We're thrilled to welcome them to the myCUmortgage family as we empower them to become GREAT mortgage lenders!"

Along with its comprehensive suite of services, myCUmortgage provides its partners with expert guidance and peace of mind, all backed by over 24 years of leadership and experience in the credit union mortgage industry. Products and services offered through these agreements include conventional and government lending, loan origination services and member loan servicing.

About myCUmortgage

myCUmortgage, a wholly owned Credit Union Service Organization of Wright-Patt Credit Union in Beavercreek, Ohio, is obsessed with helping credit union partners become great mortgage lenders. Through exceptional leadership, comprehensive solutions, expert guidance and partner- and member-focused service, myCUmortgage delivers peace of mind to credit union partners and their members across the United States. To learn more about our mortgage obsession, visit www.myCUmortgage.com.

For more information, contact:

Bob Sadowski, APR

877.912.8009 x7276

[email protected]

SOURCE myCUmortgage
KYOTO, Oct 06 (News On Japan) - Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Kyoto for the first time in six years to attend an international forum that began on October 5th, where discussions focused on the role and implications of artificial intelligence in society.

During his address in English, the Emperor said, "AI technology is bringing innovation to every aspect of our society. At the same time, there are numerous issues, such as ethical challenges and privacy, that require careful consideration." He emphasized the importance of discussions on how AI-driven innovation is transforming fields such as medicine, education, and employment, while also raising new questions and responsibilities. After the event, the Imperial couple left the venue, remarking, "It was a good forum."

Source: BIZ
NAHA, Oct 07 (News On Japan) - The Naha District Courts Okinawa branch has ordered a group of former youths and their parents to pay more than 4 million yen in damages to Okinawa Prefecture over a riot that took place three years ago when a crowd surrounded the Okinawa Police Station and destroyed vehicles and other property.

The case stemmed from an incident in January 2022, when several youths surrounded the police station, throwing stones and empty bottles and damaging the building and police vehicles. The prefecture filed a lawsuit seeking a total of 4.04 million yen in compensation from the perpetrators and their guardians.

On October 3rd, the Naha District Court Okinawa branch fully accepted the prefectures claim, ordering 12 youths involved in the attack and 20 parents who had neglected their supervisory duties to pay the full amount.

The riot was triggered after a police officer carrying a baton made contact with a male high school student who was riding a motorcycle, resulting in the student losing sight in his right eye. The officer was later fined for his actions.

Source: OTV
A governmentruling party panel is preparing to expand the Nippon Individual Savings Account so that even those under 18 can regularly invest in mutual funds, with the goal of making it easier for households to allocate money for education and other expenses and thereby supporting a broader shift from savings to investment; the proposal will be written into the tax reform outline for fiscal 2026, with the revised scheme expected to begin as early as 2027, and Monex Research Institute analyst Naoko Shinoda joined the program to discuss how a child-focused NISA might be used and what it means for Japans ambition to become an asset-management nation.
GUNMA, Oct 08 (News On Japan) - A bear entered a supermarket in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture on Tuesday night, attacking two male customers before escaping to the south.

Surveillance footage showed a bear walking through the aisles inside the store, estimated to be an adult about 1.4 meters long. According to police and fire department reports, the incident occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. at the Fresay Numata Onda supermarket, when an emergency call was made saying a bear has entered the store and is pinning down a customer.

The bear attacked two men both inside and outside the store. One man in his seventies suffered injuries to his right arm and back and was taken to hospital, while both victims sustained only minor injuries.

A store employee said the injured customer seemed to be in shock and was in a panic.

Police say the bear fled toward the south, and patrols are continuing in the area as authorities remain on alert.

Source: TBS
KYOTO, Oct 08 (News On Japan) - The Kyoto Prefectural Board of Education has dismissed a 39-year-old junior high school teacher from Nagaokakyo City who was arrested on suspicion of secretly filming a female student in his classroom.

According to the board, the teacher, employed at a municipal junior high school in Nagaokakyo, was dismissed on October 7th after his arrest in September for allegedly placing a hidden camera disguised as a mobile battery inside the classroom to film a female student changing clothes.

The teacher issued a statement saying, "I deeply regret having committed an act that betrayed the trust placed in public education."

Source: KTV NEWS
KYOTO, Oct 08 (News On Japan) - During their visit to the Kansai region, the Japanese Emperor and Empress arrived in Kyoto aboard the Imperial Train, which operates on a special schedule reserved solely for the Imperial couple. During its operation, no other train is allowed to overtake or run alongside it, ensuring absolute safety and privacy.

Only a select group of highly skilled veteran drivers are permitted to operate the train, after undergoing extensive training to ensure smooth braking, precise timing, and a comfortable ride for Their Majesties.

After arriving in Kyoto, the Emperor and Empress visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo, touring the Japan Pavilion and the United Nations Pavilion. This marked their second visit to the Expo since its opening in April. The Imperial Trains exclusive operation and the disciplined professionalism behind it highlight Japans deep respect for its Imperial tradition and its dedication to precision railway management.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
TOKYO, Oct 08 (News On Japan) - Japan and Indonesia have signed an agreement aimed at facilitating trade by simplifying customs procedures. Under the deal, both countries will apply the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) system to companies that are officially recognized as trustworthy by customs authorities.

Japan has now concluded similar agreements with 15 countries. The arrangement is expected to streamline customs clearance and invigorate logistics and business exchanges between the two nations.

The Japanese government signed the agreement with Indonesia on October 8th, granting AEO certification to companies that have demonstrated reliable security and compliance systems. The certification allows such companies to undergo faster and more efficient import and export procedures.

Japan has already implemented this system with 14 other countries. The Ministry of Finance, which oversees customs, said the agreement will enable cargo inspections during import and export to proceed more quickly.

Indonesia and Japan are among each others key trading partners, and the government expects that the new framework will further strengthen bilateral economic ties while supporting smoother logistics and business operations between the two countries.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) is celebrating National Propane Day on October 7, 2025, by encouraging Texans to "Prepare with Propane." This statewide campaign underscores propane's vital role in keeping Texas homes, farms, and businesses powered, comfortable, and resilient during severe weather events and power grid disruptions.

"Texans know the power grid isn't always reliable," said Bill Van Hoy, Executive Director of the Propane Council of Texas. "Propane offers on-site energy independencewhether it's heating homes, powering water heaters, running backup generators, or fueling farm equipment."

Across the Lone Star State, propane powers everyday life: it heats homes, fuels restaurants, irrigates crops, and drives standby generators that protect families and businesses during blackouts. Because it's stored on-site, propane provides energy security that's independent of the electric gridoffering Texans peace of mind all year long.

But propane's advantages go beyond reliability. It's a low-emission, American-made energy source that supports cleaner transportation and equipment. Many Texas school districts already use propane-powered buses to safely transport students, while rural hospitals, cell towers, and emergency shelters depend on propane generators for backup power.

"Preparing with propane means being ready for anythingfrom hurricanes to heat waves," Van Hoy added. "It's an affordable, abundant energy source made right here in the U.S., and it keeps Texas moving."

National Propane Day is a reminder that propane is more than just a fuelit's a foundation for comfort, safety, and preparedness across Texas.

For more information, visit www.procot.org.

About the Propane Council of Texas

The Propane Council of Texas (ProCOT) is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting propane safety, education, and technology. For over two decades, ProCOT has worked to advance the use of clean, reliable propane energy across the state.

SOURCE Propane Council of Texas
Morocco has consolidated its position as a key player in the European watermelon market, becoming the third-largest supplier to the European Union during the 2024/2025 campaign.

Between August 2024 and July 2025, Morocco exported 158,860 tons of watermelons to EU member states, accounting for 9.6% of total EU imports, according to trade data from Euroestacom (Icex-Eurostat).

These exports generated 177.44 million in revenue, with an average price of 1.12 per kilogram, the highest among major suppliers.

Over the past decade, Moroccan watermelon exports to the EU have increased by 118%, contrasting with declining volumes from traditional leaders such as Spain (-18.2%), Italy (-6.1%), and Greece (-14.9%).

Spain remains the EUs top supplier, exporting 483,620 tons in 2024/2025 (29.2% of the total), followed by Italy with 184,940 tons (11.2%). Morocco ranks third, ahead of Germany (120,500 tons) and the Netherlands (118,430 tons), whose figures largely reflect re-export operations.

In total, the EU imported 1.65 million tons of watermelons during the 2024/2025 season, valued at 1.3 billion, with an average import price of 0.79/kg.

Moroccos competitive edge lies in both volume growth and price performance. The average price of Moroccan watermelons exceeded that of Spanish (0.84/kg) and Italian (0.64/kg) products by 33% and 75%, respectively. This trend reflects a strategic shift toward higher-quality production, supported by favorable climatic and logistical conditions, as well as weakening performance from Spain.

If current dynamics persist, Morocco is expected to maintain its position as the EUs third-largest supplier and could challenge Italy for second place in the coming years.
Senegal has reported 11 deaths from Rift Valley fever out of 78 confirmed cases since the disease was first detected on 21 September in the northern Saint-Louis region, the Health and Public Hygiene Ministry announced over last week-end. Authorities have called on the public to remain vigilant, adhere strictly to preventive measures, and support health workers and volunteers in efforts to contain the outbreak.

The Health minister, accompanied by the minister of Agriculture and livestock, travelled to Saint-Louis following a regional epidemic management meeting in Louga to assess the situation. Rift Valley fever, which spreads to humans through mosquito bites or contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected animals, presents symptoms such as fever, muscle pain and headaches. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.
In a historic first, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has convicted former Sudanese militia commander Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman  widely known as Ali Kushayb  of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the brutal Darfur conflict over two decades ago.

The verdict, delivered on Monday (6 Oct), marks the ICCs first conviction related to the Darfur atrocities. Abd-Al-Rahman was found guilty on 27 counts, including rape, murder, persecution, and mass executions carried out by the Janjaweed militia, which he led under the regime of then-President Omar al-Bashir. Presiding Judge Joanna Korner said Abd-Al-Rahman not only gave orders but personally participated in atrocities, including bludgeoning two prisoners to death with an axe and overseeing the execution of dozens of civilians. His forces were responsible for widespread terror, killing up to 300,000 people and displacing nearly three million during the 20032004 scorched-earth campaign.

The trial, which opened in April 2022, heard from 56 prosecution witnesses who recounted harrowing violence. Abd-Al-Rahman denied all charges, claiming mistaken identity, but judges rejected his defense, citing video evidence where he identified himself as Ali Kushayb. United Nations officials hailed the conviction as a long-overdue step toward justice. The verdict represents (an important acknowledgment of the enormous suffering endured by the victims of his heinous crimes, as well as a first measure of long overdue redress for them, and their loved ones, said OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango. Abd-Al-Rahmans sentencing is pending, with life imprisonment as the maximum penalty. Meanwhile, Darfur continues to suffer renewed violence amid Sudans ongoing civil war, raising urgent questions about justice, peace, and accountability.
The European Commissionhas welcomed the signing of the amended farming agreement between Morocco and the European Union (EU) as it reinforces the long-standing partnership between Rabat and Brussels.

The farming agreement concluded with Morocco aims to extend preferential tariff treatment to the Sahara region and has been provisionally applied as of 3 of October 2025, ensuring continuity and certainty for traders, the Commission said in a statement on Monday.

The European Commission noted in this regard that discussions on this matter will take place shortly within the Council of the EU and the European Parliament.

The agreement ensures that proofs of origin and labelling of products indicate the region of production (Dakhla and Laayoune), and further ensures that advantages will be granted to the concerned beneficiaries.

The Executive body of the European Union also welcomed a profound friendship and a solid and multi-faceted cooperation, built up over the years between Rabat and Brussels, noting that both parties look forward to taking this cooperation to the next level in the coming months, by concluding a Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Several European experts in international trade have welcomed the signing of the agreement as a major milestone in the construction of a solid multi-level strategic partnership between Rabat and Brussels and as a tool providing the stability and certainty needed by commercial operators to strengthen trade and investment between the two parties.

They also underscored that the agreement not only confirms Moroccos key role as a main economic partner of the EU in Africa and the Arab world, but also strengthens the ties between the two shores of the Mediterranean in a particularly strategic field, namely agriculture and sustainable development.

Besides, the agreement, which enshrines the maintaining of a tariff preference for products from the Kingdoms southern provinces destined to the European market, is an unparalleled recognition of the Moroccan territorys economic unity and contributes to the transparency and traceability of products thanks to clear labelling, the experts argued, adding that the amended deal is set to guarantee better protection for European consumers, while promoting economic development in the Kingdoms different regions.
Moroccos Ministry of Health and Social Protection said on Monday it has referred a report to the public prosecutor following the deaths of eight women at Hassan II Hospital in Agadir in mid-September, an incident that triggered public protests and renewed scrutiny of the countrys healthcare system.

The ministry said it has provisionally suspended staff implicated in the case, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. The decision follows internal inquiries, whose findings were forwarded to judicial authorities.

The deaths sparked demonstrations in Agadir and other cities, with protesters demanding accountability and improvements in public health services. Activists say the incident helped galvanize a broader youth-led movement, with Gen Z organizers increasingly focusing on systemic issues in health and education.

In its statement, the ministry emphasized its commitment to transparency and to upholding the rights of all parties involved. It reiterated its pledge to improve the quality of care in public hospitals as part of wider reforms to the national health system.

Authorities said they would continue to inform the public as the investigation progresses.
The Libyan Government team participating in the Rome Process met with its Italian counterpart on Monday, October 6, to discuss proposed projects aimed at tackling illegal immigration.

According to a statement from Libyas Foreign Ministry, the meeting forms part of the Government of National Unitys broader strategy to address irregular migration flows.

The two sides emphasised the importance of collaborative solutions and sustainable development as key tools to mitigate migration challenges.

Libya and Italy jointly chair the Migration and Security Working Group within the Rome Process  an initiative launched in 2024 during a Summit in Rome that brougt together countries across Africa, Europe, and Asia to coordinate migration policies.

The Rome Process focuses on developing initiatives in countries of origin and those affected by migration, aiming to tackle the root causes of irregular migration.
Moroccan and French armed forces have concluded Chergui 2025, a bilateral military exercise held in the Errachidia region, eastern Morocco. The operation aimed to enhance interoperability and reinforce defense cooperation between the two countries.

The exercise involved ground and air units from both sides. France deployed personnel and equipment from the 5th Combat Helicopter Regiment, the 1st Chasseur Regiment, the 1st Tirailleur Regiment, and the 4th Air Combat Brigade. Moroccan forces participated with M1A2 Abrams tanks and mechanized infantry units.

Training activities included logistical deployment, airlift simulations, fire support coordination, and urban combat scenarios. French helicopters such as Gazelle, Tigre, and NH90 models, supported troop movements and tactical operations.

Military officials from both countries described the exercise as successful, citing improved coordination and operational readiness. The drills were conducted under harsh desert conditions, testing personnel and equipment in a high-stress environment.

Chergui 2025 is part of ongoing Franco-Moroccan defense cooperation, with a focus on regional security and joint response capabilities.
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RAAPID Inc., a leader in AI-powered risk adjustment solutions, today announced it has achieved the prestigious Microsoft Healthcare AI Certified Software designation. This certification validates RAAPID's Neuro-Symbolic AI platform as meeting Microsoft's rigorous standards for clinical relevance, data privacy, and responsible AI in healthcare.

RAAPID Achieves Microsoft Healthcare AI Certification

The certification strengthens RAAPID's position as the trusted partner for health plans facing intensified CMS RADV audits and the transformation to value-based care. RAAPID's solutions, available through Azure Marketplace, deliver defensible accuracy with transparent, explainable AI that links every HCC to evidence-based clinical documentation.

"This Microsoft certification recognizes our commitment to delivering secure, trusted, and clinically impactful AI solutions for healthcare," said Chetan Parikh, CEO of RAAPID. "Our Neuro-Symbolic AI technology empowers payers and providers with intelligent automation tools that transform risk adjustment from chaos to control, achieving 60-80% productivity gains while ensuring complete data sovereignty within their Azure environment."

RAAPID's Novel Clinical AI Platform addresses critical industry challenges through three flagship solutions: the RADV Audit Solution, which transforms high-stakes audits into predictable processes; the Retrospective Risk Adjustment Solution, which creates a single source of truth for member risk; and the Prospective Risk Adjustment Solution, which enables proactive care gap closure at the point of care. All solutions are deployed within customers' Azure tenants, ensuring that PHI never leaves their infrastructure.

Healthcare organizations using RAAPID report 5x+ return on investment, with $2,000-$4,000 additional revenue captured per member and 98%+ coding accuracy. The Microsoft certification further validates RAAPID's enterprise-grade security, HITRUST certification, and seamless integration capabilities with Azure.

About RAAPID

RAAPID develops AI-powered risk adjustment solutions for healthcare payers, providers, and supporting organizations. The company's HITRUST-certified platform uses Neuro-Symbolic AI to identify chronic conditions, determine HCC codes, and provide explainable documentation for complete audit defense. Backed by M12 (Microsoft's venture fund), RAAPID serves organizations participating in Medicare Advantage, ACA, Medicare ACO, and Medicaid programs with both retrospective and prospective risk capture capabilities. Founded by healthcare technology veterans with over 20 years of experience, RAAPID is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

Learn more at www.raapidinc.com.

Contact

Mayur Vyas

Director - Marketing

(502) 699-3044

[email protected]

SOURCE RAAPID INC
Madagascars President Andry Rajoelina has appointed army General Ruphin Fortunat Zafisambo as prime minister, in a high-stakes move to quell mounting nationwide protests.

The unrest, now in its third week, was initially sparked by widespread water and electricity shortages but has since grown into a broader revolt against Rajoelinas rule. Announcing the appointment on Monday (6 Oct), Rajoelina said Zafisambo  formerly director of the military cabinet  was chosen because he was deemed capable of restoring order and the peoples trust.

His predecessor, civilian Prime Minister Christian Ntsay, and the entire cabinet were dismissed last week as protests intensified. The protest movement, dubbed Gen Z Mada, led largely by youth mobilized on social media, has rejected the appointment and demanded Rajoelinas resignation within 48 hours. As long as Rajoelina remains in power, we will continue the struggle, the group stated.

Clashes between demonstrators and security forces have turned deadly. The United Nations reports at least 22 fatalities and over 100 injuries, figures the government disputes. Protesters have been met with tear gas, curfews, and arrests in Antananarivo, Toliara, and Diego Suarez.

Critics see Zafisambos appointment as a militarization of governance and a bid to consolidate army support amid fears of a potential coup. Former President Marc Ravalomanana said the move wont make a difference because the appointed Prime Minister was basically part of the system. With Madagascar facing deep economic hardship  75% of its population lives in poverty  the crisis marks Rajoelinas greatest political challenge since returning to power in 2018.
IAFF Moves to Dismiss Lawsuit Against NFPA Over Firefighter Gear Standards

The International Association of Fire Fighters has moved to dismiss all remaining claims in its lawsuit against the National Fire Protection Association, ending a legal dispute over firefighter protective gear standards.

The International Association of Fire Fighters has asked a Boston court to dismiss all remaining claims against the National Fire Protection Association from a lawsuit filed in March 2023 over firefighter protective gear standards.

The motion, filed Oct. 6, seeks dismissal with prejudice, meaning IAFF cannot bring the same suit again. A portion of the lawsuit was dismissed in March 2024, and IAFF is now asking to end the case following a discovery process that, according to NFPA, confirmed the soundness of its standards development process.

NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley said the outcome affirms that the associations consensus-based process is the appropriate forum for developing firefighter gear standards. As NFPA stated from the very beginning, the IAFFs legal strategy was misguided and not supported by the facts, Pauley said. We are pleased that they have asked the court to dismiss all claims.

NFPA said the lawsuit had no impact on its standards development process, which relies on independent technical committees composed of expert volunteers from the fire service, government, industry, and consumer groups. The organization emphasized its neutral role in the process, stating that all proposed changes to standards are reviewed publicly and that no more than one-third of any technical committee can represent the same interest category.

The lawsuit originally alleged conspiracy and other claims related to standards development, but a judge dismissed the conspiracy claim in 2024, finding no factual basis for the allegations.

NFPAs firefighter turnout gear standards have evolved since 1975, with the latest versionNFPA 1970taking effect in September 2024. The standard includes updates on restricted substances, UV light resistance, and fluorine content testing.

The IAFF has long participated in NFPAs code development process. NFPA said it remains committed to collaborating with the fire service to protect firefighter health and safety, including addressing occupational cancer risks through research and education.
North Carolina Ranked #2 in Nation for Workplace Safety

North Carolina earned the No. 2 national ranking for workplace safety, reflecting statewide efforts to reduce risks, improve training, and strengthen safety culture.

North Carolina has been ranked second in the nation for workplace safety, according to a new WalletHub study. The ranking reflects the collective efforts of employers, employees, and safety professionals statewide to reduce risks and improve safety standards.

Under Labor Commissioner Luke Farley, the North Carolina Department of Labor has focused on strengthening workplace safety and supporting employers in creating safer environments.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our states workforce  from business owners to safety officers to employees who prioritize safety every day, Farley said. Were proud of this progress, and we know our work is not done. Our goal is not just to be one of the safest states to work  but the safest in the nation.

The WalletHub study evaluated all 50 states using metrics such as workplace injuries and illnesses, emergency preparedness, and occupational fatality rates. NCDOL plans to build on the ranking by continuing to provide training resources and partnering with businesses to promote a strong safety culture statewide.
Just five years ago, no one could predict the surge in electricity demand that the United States is currently experiencing because of the proliferation of data centers as AI takes center stage in the tech industry. Many, however, predicted that nuclear is due for a renaissanceand it is getting it, in both conventional form and, in the future, in small modular reactors.

A lot of studies have looked into the amount of energy that AI data centers consume, and while their calculations may vary, the overall conclusion does not: AI consumes enormous amounts of electricity to perform he tasks that people and companies use it for: query responses, data analysis, and so on. One study, from Cornell University, estimated the amount of energy generative AI consumes at 33 times that of task-specific software. Other studies have compared this energy to the amount of energy a whole country consumes. In short, AI needs a lot of electricityand it must be reliable.

Big Tech has made a big deal of its green goals and ambitions, its power purchase agreements with wind and solar power capacity operators, and its plans for reducing emissions. Yet Big Tech cannot deny the fact that data centers run on baseload electricity, not solar power, because they cannot allow downtime of more than a fraction of the timeand it is a small fraction. Enter nuclear as the perfect combination of baseload and low-emission footprint.

Related: EIA Raises U.S. Oil Output Forecast, Warns Oversupply Could Crush Prices

Earlier this year, Meta signed a power supply deal with Constellation Energy, the operator of a nuclear power plant in Illinois that was supposed to be retired in 2017. Microsoft is also in a deal with Constellation Energy, for none other than the Three Mile Island nuclear plant. All Big Tech majors have a nuclear deal or two for their data centers. Yet support for nuclear is growing outside the Big Tech industry as well.

CNBC reported this week that Holtec Corporation planned to build two small modular reactors in Michigan at the site of a conventionaland operatingnuclear power plant. The local business community appears to be thrilled about it as the new facility, to be completed in the early 2030s will create jobs and give the local economy a boost. As long as they get completed, that is.

Small modular reactors have been hyped as the next level in nuclear power evolution. Cheaper, faster to get built, and as safe as a conventional reactor, SMRs have become really popularin the media. Actual construction of a small modular reactor has stalled. One company, NuScale, began building a small nuclear reactor a while ago but had to stop when the cost swelled and investors scattered. Initially pegged at $58 per MW, the cost of the reactor rose to $89 per MW and construction stopped.

Yet NuScale made a comeback this year, after the Tennessee Valley Authority picked its small modular reactor design to build new generation capacity of as much as 6 GW across seven states. It was the largest small modular reactor deal in history, hailed as guarantee of SMR technologys viability.

It seems there is growing eagerness for more nuclear capacity across the business community and the household community as wellbecause electricity costs are on the rise. Here, the finger once again points to Big Tech and its data centers. Bloomberg last month reported that the proliferation of data centers had sent wholesale electricity prices soaring across states and end-consumers are shouldering the burden. Electricity now costs as much as 267% more for a single month than it did five years ago in areas located near significant data center activity, the publication reported. If nuclear can bring these costs downand it can, over the long termthen a nuclear renaissance is a no-brainer.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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A few years ago, clean hydrogen in Europe seemed stuck in ambition. Targets were bold, but execution was thin. Thats changing fast, thanks to a smart new mechanism that tackles one of hydrogens toughest challenges: bridging the cost gap between low-carbon hydrogen and fossil-derived alternatives.

Auctions that de?risk and prioritize

The European Hydrogen Bank operates via competitive auctions under the Innovation Fund. Producers bid on a fixed-premium subsidy per kilo of hydrogen for up to ten years. Only projects with credible offtake agreements and feasibly demonstrated paths to Final Investment Decision (FID) qualify. The effect: cheaply structured projects get funded, low-cost hydrogen thrives, and risk gets spread, while taxpayers get better value.

This pilot mechanism applied real pressure on project economics, and the first auction in April 2024 delivered 720?million to seven winners. Bids ranged around 0.40.5/kg, well below expectations, unlocking more hydrogen per euro than anticipated. That auction funded production volumes that could reach 6?GW electrolyser capacity, or around 0.7?Mt/year by 2030, almost doubling what was committed beforehand.

Second round confirms momentum, and competitive bids

The second auction in early 2025 showed the model is working. With a budget of 1.2?billion, it attracted 61 bids representing 6.3?GW of planned electrolyser capacity and over 7.3?Mt hydrogen production over ten years, four times what the budget could support. The winners, 15 projects across the EU, will receive nearly 992?million in support.

Most successful bids came from Spain (8 projects), Germany (2), the Netherlands (1), Finland (1) and Norways maritime corridor (3 projects). Bids in the general category clustered between 0.200.60/kg, while maritime-focused bids ranged 0.451.88/kg due to higher production or delivery complexity. If all proceed to FID, Europes committed green hydrogen capacity jumps from ~2.7?GW to ~5?GW, the clearest signal yet that rational scale is arriving.

Related: IEA Slashes U.S. Renewables Growth Forecast Due to Trump Policies

Why this matters: efficiency, price, impact

The Hydrogen Bank is not just offering subsidies; it is sorting the hydrogen supply chain by efficiency and credibility. Regions with the best renewable resource costs, like the Iberian Peninsula and Nordics, dominated winning bids. That ensures hydrogen comes online where it can be cheapest and most scalable.

Policymakers also introduced aftermarket rules in the second auction, such as limiting Chinese-sourced electrolyser stack content to 25% and requiring stricter timelines and bonds, ensuring projects are not only low-cost but also secure and resilient.

Case studies: real projects, real promise

For some context, lets have a look at some of the winners;

Industrial hydrogen hubs in Spain , geared to supply ammonia, methanol, or transport fuel customers. These projects requested premiums as low as 0.20/kg and tied directly to buyer-side demand in chemicals and heavy transport sectors.

, geared to supply ammonia, methanol, or transport fuel customers. These projects requested premiums as low as 0.20/kg and tied directly to buyer-side demand in chemicals and heavy transport sectors. Germany and Netherlands projects , larger in scale (hundreds of ktons over 10 years), situated near existing industrial clusters, benefiting from infrastructure and local offtakers, capturing scale economies.

, larger in scale (hundreds of ktons over 10 years), situated near existing industrial clusters, benefiting from infrastructure and local offtakers, capturing scale economies. Maritime hydrogen proposals in Norway, securing higher premiums but filling niche demand from ports and green shipping corridors. Their presence underscores diverse hydrogen use cases beyond static industrial uses.

One notable analogy: Germanys Skipavika green ammonia project (in collaboration with EnBW and FUELLA) took part in the pilot auction, securing hydrogen backing tied to ammonia exports, anchoring hydrogen imports alongside domestic production.

Building investor confidence, and the wider market

This auction model has drawn sharp attention from policymakers and industry alike. The oversubscription by a wide margin shows strong investor appetite. Importantly, the Banks mechanisms encourage co-financing from national funds via its Auction-as-a-Service feature, boosting support from member states like Spain, Austria and Lithuania with additional billions, still through the same competitive process.

Each project needs to reach FID within 2.5 years and start producing within five years; failure to do so risks losing the subsidy. That tight timeline ensures only mature, bankable projects make it to the finish line, cutting scope for speculative proposals.

Complementing import plans, not replacing them

While the Hydrogen Bank currently focuses on EU production, its design allows for future import auctions under the same framework, complementing domestic supply with diversified overseas renewable hydrogen. This dual pillar model balances internal scale?up with global sourcing, reinforcing energy security and competitive pricing.

By deploying subsidies via auctions, the Bank achieves four main objectives: closing the green premium gap, facilitating price discovery, de-risking projects, and leveraging private capital, all while protecting public funds through a merit-based system.

It also supports broader EU policy goals: meeting RED III mandates for renewable hydrogen supply in industry (e.g. 42.5% of industrial hydrogen by 2030), and embedding green hydrogen targets in the EUs REPowerEU plan and Net Zero Industry Act framework.

The bottom line: hydrogen market formation in action

The Hydrogen Bank has now turned hydrogen from a vague ambition into an actionable pipeline. Through its structured auctions and clear criteria, it focuses capital and confidence on the most efficient projects in Europe: those that require minimal public support, leverage renewable energy resources well, and serve real end?user demand in transport, chemicals, ammonia, or maritime use.

The second auction's 992?million to 15 projects, the fourfold oversubscription, and the increase to over 5?GW committed capacity, all signal healthy institutional demand and market appetite. Wins in diverse member states, including Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Norway, confirm that hydrogen is moving from fringe pilot status into industrial reality.

Yes, volumes remain modest versus the ambition of 20?Mt/year by 2030, but this is a realistic scale-up, not hype. And, crucially, every tonne backed by the Hydrogen Bank is more likely to materialize.

By Leon Stille for Oilprice.com

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U.S. President Donald Trumps core financial strategy for ending Russias war in Ukraine is to starve it of oil and gas revenue. The initial focus of this from Washingtons perspective in the immediate aftermath of the 24 February 2022 invasion was to stop Europe, especially its de facto leader Germany, from continuing to import the huge quantities of cheap gas and oil that had powered its economic expansion from the late 1990s. The U.S.s efforts at that point were broadly successful, and the pressure is now on Europe to reduce these imports to zero as soon as possible. To do so, Washington has offered Europe U.S. gas and oil as replacements, in addition to the ongoing deals with other countries that stepped in during 2022 with replacement gas and oil supplies for those lost from Russia. In recent days, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has made the same offer to India about substituting Russian energy supplies with American ones, only shortly after Washington doubled its tariffs on Indian goods to 50% on 27 August due to New Delhis continued importation of Moscows oil and gas. President Trump has also hinted at a faster rollout of the wide-ranging agreements made in February between his country and India as a further enticement to toe the line on Russia. So, will India stop buying Russian oil and gas, so putting enormous pressure on Moscow to sit down at the negotiating table over Ukraine?

Related: Saudi Arabias Spending Spree Meets Oil Price Reality

One element that works especially well with Europe in favour of Trumps strategy on Russia-Ukraine, but not so well with India, is that he can legitimately highlight the absurdity of the continent continuing to bankroll Russias war machine with ongoing oil and gas imports. This is a war machine that is highly likely to be turned on the rest of Europe itself, should Moscow be triumphant in Ukraine. However, Russia is not likely to turn its military on India anytime soon -- indeed, relations between Moscow and New Delhi have been good for decades. During the Soviet years, India was largely reliant on Russia for the mainstay of its weaponry, as well as for sizeable imports of cheap oil and gas. These two key elements for India were also included in the extraordinary series of deals signed between the two countries in December 2021 to the great shock of the then-President Joe Biden, as fully analysed in my latest book on the new global oil market order. One of those deals centred on heightened energy cooperation, including Rosneft supplying Indian Oil with almost 15 million barrels of crude to the end of 2022. The deal took on even more significance as it was just one part of 28 investment deals between Russia and India signed during the earlier visit of Putin himself to Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. These covered a broad range of subjects, including not just oil, gas, and petrochemicals, steel, and shipbuilding, but military matters too. Specifically, according to further official statements from one or both sides, Indian would produce at least 600,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles and, even more disturbing for the U.S., Indias Foreign Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said that a 2018 contract for the S-400 air defence missile systems was in the process of being implemented. At that point, Modi said: We have set a target of US$30 billion in trade and US$50 billion in investment [with Russia] by 2025. In a joint statement from Russia and India around the time, it was also agreed that both leaders: Reiterated their intention to strengthen defence cooperation, including in the joint development of production of military equipment.

Consequently, there is nothing new about Indias oil and gas imports from Russia, nor its close military cooperation with it either, although recent events may have galvanised Washington into action. In particular, according to Russian state news agency TASS, Indian troops took part in the 12 September-16 September Russian-led Zapad military manoeuvres, along with Belarus. These drills also included rehearsals for the use of tactical nuclear weapons for the first time. Also taking part in these manoeuvres were servicemen from several key units of the Iranian armed forces, a senior source from the European Unions security apparatus exclusively told OilPrice.com at the time. This in turn is part of the wide-ranging 20-year comprehensive strategic cooperation deal between Iran and Russia (actually entitled, The Treaty on the Basis of Mutual Relations and Principles of Cooperation between Iran and Russia) that was agreed in January 2024 and fully ratified in all respects around a year later. It replaced the previous 10-year deal signed in March 2001 (extended twice by five years) and was expanded not only in duration but also in scope and scale, particularly in the defence and energy sectors. In several respects, the new deal complements key elements of the all-encompassing Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, as first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order.

Although Russia poses no true threat to India, China is a different matter, and a key part of the U.S.s long-term strategy regarding New Delhi was to leverage these fears into establishing India as the regional economic and military counterbalance to Beijing. The catalysts for enhanced action by Washington in this regard came at the time of the 15 June 2020 clash between Chinese and Indian troops in the disputed territory of the Galwan Valley in the Himalayas. The U.S. believed this evidenced a new pushback strategy from India against Chinas policy of seeking to increase its economic and military alliances through its multi-generational power-grab project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The U.S. further believed that this pushback might also be echoed in Indias economic desire to finally make substantive progress on its Neighbourhood First policy as an alternative to Chinas BRI programme. However, for this to work, India would need access to secure energy sources over the long term, as it has few oil and gas sources of its own. Indeed, given the potential economic growth projections for India, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast that the Asian sub-continental power would constitute the biggest share of global energy demand growth at 25% in the coming two decades. In fact, the IEA predicted India would overtake the European Union as the worlds third-biggest energy consumer by 2030. It was at this point that the plan was hatched to link the plan to use India as a challenge to China as Asias major power to a parallel corollary objective to use the UAE (which would be used by the U.S. as a major oil provider to India) to promote further relationship normalisation deals (Abraham Accords) between Israel and key Arab states in the Middle East. This plan remains in effect, but the U.S. has now added its own oil and gas supplies into the mix, as the UAE, on its own, would be unable to meet all of Indias future oil and gas requirements without Russian supplies factored into the mix.

To counter the huge and wide-ranging cooperation agreements signed between India and Russia, the U.S. has augmented its oil and gas supply offer with the enactment of several key elements of its own broad India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership plan that was sketched out in February this year during meetings between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. One of these elements is to be formalised in a new initiative -- the U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century. On the defence side, the two sides agreed that Washington would expand its defence sales and co-production with India to strengthen interoperability and defence industrial cooperation. On commerce, the two sides set a new goal for bilateral trade to more than double the current figure, to US$500 billion by 2030. Making good on these, and the many moving parts of these broad agreements, is the U.S.s next challenge in keeping India on side.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Back in January, a massive fire ripped through Vistra Corps (NYSE:VST) giant battery storage facility in Moss Landing in Northern California, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of people after toxic fumes polluted the air. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, a key factor that has so far been identified is the failure of the fire suppression system, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly. The building that housed 300 megawatts of battery capacity was completed five years ago, around the time the U.S. utility scale lithium-ion battery storage sector was taking off, with battery safety standards having been updated multiple times since. And now the sector is having to deal with the fallout of the accident, with a growing number of leaders now strongly opposed to the construction of battery storage facilities in their localities.

Were not guinea pigs for anybody ... we are not going to experiment, were not going to take risk, said Michael McGinty, the mayor of Island Park, New York, after passing a moratorium in July for a battery storage system proposed near the village line. In August, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin visited New York and complained that the state was rushing approvals to meet delusional clean energy goals. New York has set an ambitious goal to add 6,000 megawatts of energy storage over the next five years, equivalent to half of its large-scale systems. Related: India Benefits as Russian Oil Floods Market



This is more than a fire, this a wake-up call for the industry. If were going to be moving ahead with sustainable energy, we need to have a safe battery system in place, said Glenn Church, Monterey County Supervisor.

Battery moratoriums refer to a temporary halt on the approval and construction of new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), often a local or state measure enacted to address public safety concerns related to fires and other hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries. These moratoriums gained traction starting in 2023 and 2024, driven by community opposition to proposed BESS projects near homes and schools, high-profile fires, and a perceived lack of comprehensive safety standards for the technology.

However, the experts have pointed out that BESS detractors could be overreacting, and the nascent industry is merely going through teething problems. This is a relatively immature technology that is maturing quickly, so I think that there are a lot of really thoughtful researchers and other stakeholders who are trying to improve the overall safety of these systems, Ofodike Ezekoye, a mechanical engineering professor and combustion expert at the University of Texas at Austin, said.

Fire risks and growing opposition are just some of the headwinds facing the U..S. battery storage sector. A recent analysis by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), coupled with cuts to other climate policies, could slash U.S. battery production by ~75% by 2030 to 250 GWh from the previously projected 1,050 gigawatt-hours, and EV sales by 40%. According to the report, the new policies could eliminate 130,000 potential jobs in the EV sector by 2030, with the majority in battery manufacturing. Following the passing of the IRA in 2022, companies have announced a total of 128 U.S. facilities for battery manufacturing, with more than half yet to begin construction. Red and purple states including Texas, Michigan, Nevada, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia, would be the most adversely impacted.

Interestingly, even Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia, home to Hyundais new $5.5B EV and battery manufacturing plant, threw his weight behind the bill, calling it fantastic. According to estimates by the experts, the project will create $4-5 billion in fresh investments in Bartow County as well as 3,500 new jobs. Over the past five years, EV-related projects in Georgia have created ~$17 billion in investments and more than 22,800 new jobs.

Meanwhile, the pivotal solar sector would face setbacks under OBBBA. According to a study by the Rhodium Group and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the solar sector has recorded more than $160B in large solar and battery storage projects since the IRA was passed three years ago, marking one of the sectors most productive periods in recent times. Solar and battery storage have been the fastest growing energy source in the U.S., with the pair expected to account for 81% of new power additions to the grid in the current year.

OBBBA favors solar manufacturing through provisions that incentivize domestic production and streamline the tax credit process, while also setting deadlines for construction and placement in service of solar projects. Specifically, it maintains and clarifies the tax credits for solar projects under Sections 48E and 45Y, while also phasing them out for wind and solar projects placed in service after December 31, 2027, unless construction began within 12 months of the Act's enactment.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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VERONA, Italy, Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vinitaly International Academy, the prestigious Italian wine education institute, held the 33rd edition of its immersive Italian Wine Ambassador certification course from 5-6 October 2025 at Navy Pier in Chicago, certifying 6 Ambassadors.

The VIA Italian Wine Ambassadors from the second Chicago edition of the course, held during Vinitaly.USA

The Course

Following the 32nd Verona edition held in April 2025 in Verona, on 5-6 October, 20 candidates coming from ten different US states attended the Italian Wine Ambassador certification course at Navy Pier in Chicago, held within the Vinitaly.USA exhibition. Expertly curated by VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW, the course involves one intense day of lectures and the tasting of 45 Italian wines in preparation for a challenging two and half hour exam scheduled on the second day of the course. Adolfo Rebughini, CEO of Veronafiere, welcomed the students during the first day and officiated the pinning ceremony as well.

Of all the students that successfully completed the exam, six of them were officially appointed Italian Wine Ambassadors, with one confirming the title.

The VIA Community

The Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) certification course is recognised as the gold standard of Italian wine education. The VIA community comprises over 1500 candidates, of whom 464 have now achieved the title of Italian Wine Ambassador and 22 of those are qualified as Italian Wine Experts. The VIA Community, composed of all students who have studied the program since its inception in 2017, welcomes wine professionals and wine enthusiasts from all over the world, forming a supportive and professional network that extends far beyond the limits of the classroom and includes lasting friendships, an open forum for sharing wine information, and career opportunities. Members continue to participate throughout the year in events such as field trips across Italy, gathering in Verona to judge at 5StarWines  the Book, attending OperaWine and wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum, and continually increasing their knowledge and expanding their network across the wine sector.

The Italian Wine Ambassadors

The certified Italian Wine Ambassadors are:

Tanya Zumach

Logan Chambers

Gregory Spalding

Stephanie Schlis

Luigi De Nuccio

Eduardo Andrade

Melissa Graeff IWA (confirming the title)

VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW says: "VIA Chicago 2025 brought together an exceptional cohort of students, including several MW students, students of the Court and other top wine professionals, whose level of insight and curiosity was inspiring. It's a testament to how widely the Vinitaly International Academy is now recognized as a definitive achievement in Italian wine education. Re-connecting with so many existing ambassadors at VIA Chicago who were proudly touting their professional achievements since passing the course was a wonderful bonus, and deeply gratifying."

A Special Acknowledgment

This year's Chicago edition was enriched by the involvement of Guido Berlucchi & C. SpA as an Educational Supporter. Romina Castelletti, Marketing Director at Berlucchi, presented a commemorative plaque and a magnum of Franciacorta Docg Riserva Extra Brut "Franco Ziliani" 2008, to Logan Chambers IWA, who earned recognition as the top-performing student in the course.

Upcoming VIA Italian Wine Ambassador Courses

The annual flagship course of Vinitaly International Academy will be held in Verona from 15-19 April 2026 in the days following Vinitaly International Wine and Spirits Exhibition and will involve the participation of 60 candidates. Satellite courses in other locations around the world will be announced later in the year through VIA social media and the VIA website.

About: Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) aims to be the gold standard of Italian wine education. It offers a complete educational path with standardized courses that will teach professionals and educators to master the diversity of Italian wine in a rigorous, organized manner. VIA's main objective is to foster a global network of highly qualified professionals such as Italian Wine Ambassadors and Italian Wine Experts: in turn, they will support and promote Italian wine throughout the world. VIA was founded by Stevie Kim, Managing Partner of Vinitaly. The new VIA ecosystem avails of the guidance of Italian trade associations Federdoc, Federvini, Vignaioli Indipendenti FIVI, and Unione Italiana Vini as members of the Institutional Advisory Board. Italian vine genetics scholar, Prof. Attilio Scienza, oversees VIA's scientific and educational direction as the Chief Scientist. VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW teaches the flagship Italian Wine Ambassador course. To date, there are 464 Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors of which 22 are also Italian Wine Experts.

SOURCE Vinitaly International Academy
Russian forces struck several sites across Ukraine, including a medical facility in the northeastern city of Sumy, after Kyiv carried out a massive drone attack on Russia's Belgorod region, knocking out power to thousands of homes.

Oleh Hryhorov, the head of the Sumy regional military administration, said on October 6 that 166 people, including 11 children, were in the medical facility at the time of the attack. According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, gave further details, saying the roof of a Perinatal Center caught fire as a result of the Russian strike.

"This was one of the most cynical and insidious attacks by the enemy in recent times, as the strike targeted a place where children are born and where staff are constantly present," Oleksiy Kliuyev, a local volunteer, said in a video message from the roof of the facility in Sumy.

"Fortunately, no one was injured, as the staff and new mothers were in the basement, not ignoring the air raid warning," he added.

The northeastern city of Kharkiv came under attack by Russian drones on the evening of October 6, local authorities reported.

Oleh Synyehubov, head of the regional military administration, said fires had broken out, and units of the State Emergency Service and emergency medical teams were responding.

Mayor Ihor Terekhov said about two dozen explosions were heard within 20 minutes of the drone attack on Kharkiv.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, in the village of Lapayivka in western Ukraine, classmates of a 15-year-old Ukrainian killed a day earlier along with three family members expressed disbelief.

Anastasia Hrytsiv was killed along with three family members when their home was struck during the October 5 attack, which authorities in Kyiv described as one of the worst on western Ukraine.

Energy Facilities Targeted

Russia's Defense Ministry said it had carried out the October 6 strikes on energy infrastructure and oil facilities in 145 different areas, but it did not acknowledge the attack on the Sumy medical facility.

Russia's attacks came after Ukraine launched some 251 drones at the Russian Belgorod region, knocking out power supplies from the Luch electricity substation. The disruption also affected water supplies in some areas due to the shutdown of pumping stations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said some recent attacks by Ukraine's military on Russian infrastructure have included domestically produced missiles and drones as the country ramps up local production of weapons.

"It's important to understand that in recent days Ukraine has been using exclusively Ukrainian products [and] not just drones," he told a briefing in Kyiv on October 6.

By next year the cost of production of drones and rockets alone is expected to reach $35 billion and that over 40 percent of the weapons currently used on the front lines are made in Ukraine or by Ukraine's partners with its coproduction, he said.

Zelenskyy noted that, contrary to some media reports, supplies of US-produced weapons have not been affected by the ongoing government shutdown in Washington.

Ukraines military also targeted a key explosives factory in western Russia and an oil terminal in Russian-occupied Crimea.

According to Ukraine's General Staff, multiple explosions were reported at the Y. M. Sverdlov explosives factory, while a large fire broke out at an oil depot in Feodosia, eastern Crimea.

Ukraine has also been watching weekend elections in the Czech Republic, where billionaire populist Andrej Babis's ANO party placed first.

Babis pledged during the campaign to curb Czech support for Kyiv, including its leadership of an ammunition drive to supply Ukraine with artillery rounds.

Babis is in talks with two smaller parties to form a majority government as Czech President Petr Pavel warned of the consequences of ending the military aid program, which Babis has criticized for being overpriced and opaque.

"If we were to reduce or even end this support, we would primarily harm ourselves, but ending this support would also have a negative impact on Ukraine, if many more lost their lives," Pavel said on October 6.

In the meantime, the EU is actively discussing how to use some 210 billion euros ($245 billion) of immobilized Russian assets to help Ukraine continue its war effort.

The EU froze the funds, which are held in Euroclear securities depository in Belgium, shortly after the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde told European lawmakers in Strasbourg on October 6 that any mechanism used to tap the Russian funds must "be done in accordance with international rules."

By REF/RL

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The global oil market is a battlefield, particularly in Asia where demand is growing most strongly, with countries like Guyana and Brazil increasing exports, and even Europe continuing to import Russian crude despite sanctions.

Saudi Arabia's strategy of unwinding production cuts has been seen as a gift to President Trump, aiming to keep fuel prices low and potentially impacting Russian energy revenues, but also causing worry in the US shale industry.

OPEC+ yesterday agreed to yet another monthly boost in production, this time for a modest 137,000 barrels daily. Oil prices inched up, yet they remain tightly range-bound, with Brent at just over $65 per barrel following the news. On the one hand, this is good news for consumer countriesincluding the U.S. On the other hand, its bad news for producer countriesincluding, again, the U.S.

The Wall Street Journal called Saudi Arabias strategy of leading the production cut unwinding a gift to President Trump. It would keep prices at the pump low, the publication said, and cushion the blow from tariffs. It would also hurt Russian energy export revenues, making Trumps job in mediating an end to the war in Ukraine easier, the argument went.

In some respects, the Saudi-led return to production growth in OPEC+ has indeed been positive for the U.S. with regard to retail fuel prices. The national average per AAA stood at $3.133 per gallon on Sunday. Thats down on the year, but, in all honesty, not much: a year ago, a gallon of fuel cost an average of $3.176. This is only a snapshot of gas prices in the United States, and it does not make much sense as an informative piece of data given state-based price differences stemming from taxation. California comes to mind as the place with the highest gas prices, regardless of OPEC+ policy.

At the same time, lower oil prices have caused worry in the shale patch. This may or may not have been among the goals of the Saudis and their OPEC+ partners when they made the decision to start unwinding those cuts agreed in 2022. Most media reports on the topic point to OPEC trying to win back market share from the U.S., Guyana, and Brazil.

However, there is more to this story than barrels from Brazil, the U.S., and Guyana, simply replacing barrels from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. For starters, take U.S. oil exports to China. Those plunged by almost 50% last yearbefore Trump started slapping tariffs left and right. The tariffs, of course, did not help. So U.S. oil had to be redirected to Europe.

Incidentally, Guyanese crude is also going to Europe, so Guyana and the U.S. are effectively as much of a pair of rivals as the U.S. and Saudiexcept Guyanas total production currently stands at less than 700,000 barrels daily. Thats hardly a real rival to either the U.S. or Saudi Arabia. Brazil, meanwhile, is indeed boosting its own crude oil exportsand a lot of these are going to China.

Related: Kyrgyzstan Faces Harsh Winter as Key Reservoir Hits Decade-Low Levels

This is the battlefield of oil exportersChina and wider Asia. This is where demand is growing most strongly and where it will continue growing strongly after growth peaks elsewhere, at least according to the majority of forecasters. For now, however, demand is still growing, even in Europehow else would one explain the fact that European countries continue importing Russian crude, despite sanctions and a recent push to end all energy imports from the country in a couple of months?

The Wall Street Journals article suggested that Saudi Arabia is trying to score points with President Trump. Saudi Arabias actions since the Biden administrations fiasco in maintaining a close relationship with Riyadh, however, suggest it has other priorities, such as funding all the Vision 2030 projects, amid stubbornly low prices that, per OPEC, do not reflect demand trends accurately.

Trump, meanwhile, has an oil industry to make happy after making it angry about tariffs and those very same low oil prices that are plaguing Saudi Arabias economic transformation plans. The U.S. presidents energy dominance agenda will not work if drillers are not drilling because prices are too low for them to make a profit. However, this was always going to be a problem, regardless of what OPEC+ was doing with its own production. Trumps twin goals of keeping prices at the pump low and oil drillers happy are mutually exclusive, after all.

While the business media looks for a Trump-related angle in OPEC+ production policies, the group keeps acting in confidence that rumors about oil demands demise are greatly exaggerated. That may be in part because some OPEC+ members have been slow in boosting their production by the numbers agreeda fact that has kept a floor under oil prices. It is also about market share, which got eroded from the production cuts that kept prices higher. What it is rather unlikely to be about is carrying out another countrys energy policies for it.

In truth, whats good for one major oil producer is good for all the others, namely, Goldilocks prices that keep demand healthy and do not overheat the market, risking a price slump and the resulting financial pain. This is why OPEC+ is not dumping, per one analyst, a massive amount of crude on the market. One might even argue that the flood days of OPEC policies are over.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is negotiating with the federal government and Prime Minister Mark Carney on the newly proposed oil pipeline from the oil-producing province to the West Coast.

Smith and Carney met in Ottawa on Monday as the Alberta Premier was arriving in the capital for meetings while the federal PM was departing for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington D.C.

Smith and Carney discussed energy opportunities and Carney said that Alberta and the federal government have a lot to talk about how they could cooperate to make Canada an energy superpower, which is one of the prime ministers key pledges. There are exciting opportunities to discuss further, Carney said, without giving details.

Last week, Alberta proposed a new oil pipeline to the British Columbia coast that could carry up to 1 million barrels daily of crude oil, to be exported to Asian markets.

Using the technical advice of major pipeline companies and with Indigenous participation, the province will begin engagement with Alberta and BC Indigenous communities, develop a proposal, and submit a formal application for a project of national significance to the Federal Major Projects Office, the province of Alberta said.

The federal government has recently launched the Major Projects Office, which will help accelerate the development of the strategic projects.

In early September, Carney announced the Offices first list of five major projects of national importance, and these included Phase 2 of the first Canadian LNG export project, LNG Canada, which started up only a few months ago.

Alberta is now aiming to submit the new pipeline project to the Major Projects Office. The province plans to engage in pre-front-end engineering and design work to determine the general path and size of the pipeline, quantify costs, initiate early Indigenous engagement and partnership, and make a clear case that this pipeline is in the national interest.

Albertas government will contribute US$10 million (C$14 million) to support early planning work, including cost estimates, engagement and development of a credible proposal for federal consideration.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Chevrons El Segundo refinery in California is producing fuels at reduced rates following last weeks massive fire, the supermajor said on Tuesday, adding it is working to restart units that were shut down after the incident.

Following an explosion of a yet-to-be-determined nature, a large fire broke out on Thursday night at Chevrons 280,000-bpd refinery in El Segundo in the Los Angeles area. The fire was later contained, the police in El Segundo said, adding there wasnt a call for residents to evacuate.

The refinery continues to operate and create transportation fuels, although at diminished rates, Chevron said on Tuesday, as carried by Reuters.

While we do not predict market activity, we do note that PADD V inventories are heavier than usual  meaning there is more oil product in storage tanks around the (U.S. West Coast) than usual, Chevron noted.

The El Segundo Refinery, which began operations in 1911, is one of the few that oil majors arent closing due to Californias assault on the oil and gas sector in recent years.

Between Phillips 66s LA facility to close by the end of 2025 and Valeros Benicia refinery, scheduled to close in 2026, the state is set to lose roughly 17% of its refining capacityand thats likely to drive the high gasoline prices even higher.

The U.S. national average price of gasoline dipped last week, but California should prepare for some pain ahead, due to the fire at El Segundo refinery, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said on Monday.

While OPEC again agreed over the weekend to boost oil production for November, the real story for motorists has been regional variation  especially in areas served by Californias supply system, De Haan wrote.

Though the damage from the fire appears limited, the West Coast is likely to see prices climb, while most other areas can expect relative stability or slight declines.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The EU plans to impose sanctions on three companies that have provided false flags to tankers of the Russian shadow fleet, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing documents it has reviewed.

The companies have provided false flags of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint-Maarten to at least eight tankers sanctioned by the EU, according to the documents.

The potential sanctions against the entities enabling the shadow fleet are part of the European Unions 19th sanctions package, which the EU member states are currently discussing.

Earlier this year, the Netherlands warned the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that companies were providing fraudulent certificates on behalf of Sint Maarten, Bloomberg notes.

The sanctions on the suppliers of false flags would come into effect when the EU adopts the whole sanction package, which needs unanimous approval from all 27 member states.

The European Commissions proposed sanctions package also accelerates the timeline for phasing out Russian LNG imports into the blocfrom the end of 2027 to January 1, 2027, one year earlier than planned.

The sanctions package also removes all remaining exemptions on Russian oil producers Rosneft and Gazprom Neft, and expands sanctions on Russias shadow fleet and its enablers, including on 118 new vessels.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said upon proposing the new sanctions package that Russia's war economy is sustained by revenues from fossil fuels. We want to cut these revenues.

It is time to turn off the tap. We are prepared for this. We have been saving energy, diversifying supplies and investing in low-carbon sources of energy like never before, von der Leyen added.

While the EU debates the sanctions package, some individual member states are tightening controls and inspections to intercept shadow fleet vessels.

Denmark on Monday said it is intensifying inspections on oil tankers passing through its waters, which are the gateway to and from the Baltic Sea, in a move to counter Russias shadow fleet movements.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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Kazakhstan will boost its crude oil exports to Germany next year after Kazakh national oil and gas company KazMunayGas extended a supply deal with Rosneft Deutschland, which has been under German trusteeship since 2022.

Kazakhstan is supplying crude to the Schwedt refinery, the fourth-largest refinery in Germany, which used to process Russian oil before Germany cut off supplies from Russia. The Schwedt refinery, where Rosneft Deutschland is a majority shareholder, supplies 90% of the fuel needs of Germanys capital city Berlin.

Kazakhstan delivered 1.5 million tons of its crude to the Schwedt refinery in the first nine months of 2025, KazMunayGas said on Tuesday, announcing the deal for increased supply in 2026.

At a meeting in Germany, KazMunayGas chairman Askhat Khassenov and Johannes Bremer, the CEO of Rosneft Deutschland, discussed the transportation of Kazakh oil and the prospects for expanding cooperation.

The parties agreed to raise monthly crude oil supply from Kazakhstan to 130,000 tons in 2026 from 100,000 tons now, KazMunayGas said.

Kazakhstans oil deliveries to Germany have come from Karachaganak Petroleum Operating BV since 2024, while Chevron-led Tengizchevroil LLP joined the supply deal in 2025, KazMunayGas says.

KazMunayGas is a shareholder with 20% in Tengizchevroil, which has boosted Kazakhstans oil production this year with the start-up of an expansion project at the largest oilfield in Kazakhstan that will boost crude oil output by 260,000 barrels per day (bpd).

First oil at the Future Growth Project (FGP) was achieved in January 2025, and has boosted Kazakhstans crude oil production since then, contributing to the massive overproduction of the OPEC+ alliance member.

At the moment, we cannot yet fit into those compensation schedules, but Kazakhstan is taking all possible efforts to comply with the OPEC+ agreement, and we remain committed to it, Russian news agency Interfax quoted Kazakhstans Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov as saying last week.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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A three-day national strike prompted by layoffs at the Dangote refinery has led to production losses of 600,000 barrels, the chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company has said.

I think it was unfortunate that the Dangote and PENGASSAN issue led to strike and whenever there is strike and critical staff manning critical facilities are not available and optimum production is almost impossible. In this particular case, we actually lost significant production of over 200,000 bpd that was deferred, Bayo Ojulari told media.

The main Nigerian oil union launched a nationwide strike last month after the Dangote refinery fired as many as 800 workers. The strike lasted for three days, threatening to reduce fuel supply in the country relying on the new processing facility and in several neighboring countries, which import fuels from Dangote.

The Nigerian oil workers union, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), said that the Dangote refinery, owned by Africas richest man Aliko Dangote, has fired the workers for unionizing. The Dangote management, for its part, said that the dismissals were part of staff restructuring and those dismissed engaged in acts of sabotage.

The strike came at a time when Nigerias oil industry is staging a recovery, with oil production on the rise and investments climbing. Production as of Septemberbefore the strikeaveraged between 1.7 million barrels daily and 1.83 million barrels daily, with active rigs rising from 31 at the start of the year to 50 by July, according to a report from the oil ministry.

According to NNPCs Ojulari, the September average was 1.68 million barrels, which was an increase from August. In natural gas, Nigeria produced 7 billion cubic feet daily last month, the top executive also told media, adding that by the end of the year, oil production should rebound to 1.8 million barrels daily.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Ukraine has discussed with G7 countries additional natural gas imports as it seeks to boost imports by 30% to offset the damage from Russian strikes on its gas infrastructure, Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said on Tuesday.

In recent weeks, Russian strikes have caused significant damage to the gas production capacity of Ukraine, the minister told reporters during a briefing in Kyiv, without providing details.

On Monday, Grynchuk wrote on Facebook that Ukraine continues to communicate with partners on strengthening its energy sector on the eve of winter.

Ukraine's immediate needs for equipment and resources for quick repairs after Russian attacks and possible additional support mechanisms were discussed today at the meeting of the Leaders of the G7+ group, the minister said.

In this year, the enemy has changed tactics, but not intentions. Russia is purposefully hitting the energy facilities of the frontline regions, in an attempt to plunge the territories into complete darkness and cold. Among the enemy's targets is Ukrainian gas infrastructure, Grynchuk wrote.

Ukraines state energy firm Naftogaz said this weekend that Russia launched another massive attack on Ukraines gas infrastructure. The targets were civilian facilities that supply Ukrainians with gas during the heating season.

Last week, Naftogaz said that Russian forces launched on October 3 the largest strike on Naftogaz Groups gas production facilities since the start of the full-scale invasion in early 2022.

It was yet another display of Russian malice, aimed solely at disrupting the heating season and depriving Ukrainians of the ability to heat their homes this winter, Naftogaz CEO Sergii Koretskyi said.

As a result of this attack, a significant portion of our facilities has been damaged. Some of the destruction is critical, Koretskyi added.

Amid colder temperatures and lower domestic gas supply, Ukraine is now looking to import more gas, including LNG, minister Grynchuk said today.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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BOISE, Idaho, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TELEO Capital Management, LLC ("TELEO"), has announced the acquisition of BluLogix LLC by its existing portfolio company, SOFTRAX.

The investment unites two innovative software providers, creating a single entity that significantly expands capabilities and delivers exceptional value to customers across both organizations. With combined revenue management and billing platforms, the new company is better positioned to offer a wider range of solutions that help businesses achieve greater success.

"This strategic partnership highlights the kind of value-creation opportunity we seek," said Matt Scholl, Operating Partner at TELEO Capital. "By bringing together the strengths of BluLogix and SOFTRAX, we are building a powerhouse in revenue management that offers more comprehensive solutions and accelerates innovation. Our investment will drive the development of advanced, integrated solutions that help customers manage their revenue lifecycles more effectively."

Youssef Yaghmour, the current CEO of BluLogix, will continue in an executive leadership role as Chief Technology and Strategy Officer within the newly merged organization. "We are excited to join forces with SOFTRAX and begin this new chapter with the support of TELEO," said Youssef. "Our shared vision and complementary technologies will deliver unmatched value to our customers. This isn't just about expandingit's about getting better at what we do."

Enhanced Capabilities Through Strategic Combination

The merger of BluLogix and SOFTRAX will deliver significant benefits to customers:

Broader Product Offerings: Customers will gain access to a comprehensive range of revenue recognition and billing solutions, tailored to meet specific industry and business requirements.

Customers will gain access to a comprehensive range of revenue recognition and billing solutions, tailored to meet specific industry and business requirements. Faster Product Innovation: Increased investment from TELEO will deliver advanced features, improved extensibility and scalability, operational efficiency, and greater flexibility for revenue and billing management.

Increased investment from TELEO will deliver advanced features, improved extensibility and scalability, operational efficiency, and greater flexibility for revenue and billing management. Smarter Services with AI: The organization is investing in advanced analytics, agentic automation, and adaptive intelligence that customizes to each workflowmaking solutions even more valuable for businesses.

The organization is investing in advanced analytics, agentic automation, and adaptive intelligence that customizes to each workflowmaking solutions even more valuable for businesses. Greater Growth Opportunities: Through both organic growth and strategic initiatives, the new solutions will expand to reach a larger customer base and offer improved capabilities in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Through both organic growth and strategic initiatives, the new solutions will expand to reach a larger customer base and offer improved capabilities in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Customized Industry Solutions: Purpose-built applications address industry-specific needs, ensuring each customer receives a solution tailored to their unique requirements.

Unwavering Commitment to Customer Success

The investment and merger demonstrate a continued commitment to prioritizing customers and supporting their success. BluLogix and SOFTRAX clients can expect the same, if not higher, level of quality service, support, and dedication from the combined team as integration moves forward, maintaining current points of contact and SLAs. The roadmap will focus on improving and expanding products, including unified data models, API-first extensibility, and better configurability for complex contracts and usage models. Customers will see ongoing efforts to develop new product innovations and services that grow with changing business needs, such as automating revenue policies, usage-based billing, and renewal management.

About BluLogix

BluLogix is a leading provider of intelligent subscription billing and revenue management software, transforming complex billing operations into streamlined, automated processes. Founded in 2013 and based in McLean, Virginia, BluLogix's data-driven platform enables businesses to grow recurring revenue models while ensuring compliance with financial regulations such as ASC 606 and IFRS 15. The company's flagship BluIQ platform supports over 100 companies across SaaS, IoT, and other subscription-based industries, offering real-time analytics and automation to maximize profits and encourage predictable revenue growth. Visit www.blulogix.com to learn more.

About SOFTRAX

SOFTRAX is a leading provider of revenue recognition and revenue lifecycle management solutions, helping businesses automate complex accounting processes and ensure compliance with ASC 606 and IFRS 15 standards. Trusted by companies across industries including SaaS, manufacturing, and technology, SOFTRAX streamlines subscription billing, contract management, and financial reporting through its comprehensive platform. The company empowers finance teams to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and accelerate month-end close processes while providing real-time visibility into revenue performance. For more information, visit www.softrax.com.

About TELEO Capital Management

TELEO Capital is a lower middle-market private equity firm that looks to invest in opportunities where its strategic insight, operational resources, and capital base empower management to perform and execute its business plans. TELEO has a successful track record of executing corporate carve-outs, recapitalizing broken balance sheets, acquiring founder-owned companies, and implementing buy-and-build strategies for its portfolio companies. TELEO targets opportunities in the technology & software, healthcare IT, business services, and industrial sectors. The firm is headquartered in Boise, ID, with an additional office in Los Angeles, CA.

For additional information, please contact Matt Oehlmann at [email protected] or visit our website at www.teleocapital.com.

SOURCE TELEO Capital Management, LLC


By Lars Larson

NW and national radio host,

The Northwest Nonsense

My only question is: how long will citizens in Oregon tolerate the extreme gaslighting practiced by Governor tent city Tina Kotek and wimpy mayor Wilson of Portland.

President Trump accurately describes the former rose city as a Hellhole.

Kotek, Wilson and part time police chief Bob Day deny the city has problems.

Chief Day, by the way, runs a DEI side business because the citys crime problems dont require his full attention.

Reality suggests otherwise: record numbers of homeless despite two-thirds of a billion a year spent on the problem.

Drug overdose deaths.

Portland has the second highest income tax rate of any city in America

As a result now suffers the sixth highest rate of unemployment in America.

Portland saw 9 homicides last month.

Thats an annual rate of more than 100 which puts Portland back in the sweepstakes for record murders.

The state and city wont settle for mere sanctuary status for illegal.

They let Antifa terrorists lay siege to the ICE headquarterstorturing people who live in the neighborhood.

One young lady journalist came to town, was attacked, but police didnt make arrests.

When conservative journalist Nick Sortor was attacked by Antifa at the anti-ICE riots, the police arrested Sortor.

I think you get the picture.

Thats the Rose City Rap. Join me at noon on KXL for 4 hours of Honestly provocative talk. Im Lars Larson
Honoring the spirit of President George H.W. Bush's enduring legacy of service, the event shines a light on people making a tangible impact in communities

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Points of Light, the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteering and service, hosted their annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington D.C. on October 6, 2025. Honorees were Lowe's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Marvin Ellison, Chairman of America's Promise Alliance and founding Director of the White House Office of National Service Gregg Petersmeyer, and Founder and CEO of Dynasty's United Youth Association Dynasty Taylor.

Our honorees serve as an example of the positive benefits volunteering brings to individuals and communities. As people across the nation face record levels of depression and loneliness, their stories show that volunteering can be a powerful  if often overlooked  solution to find connections with others and deeper within their communities.

"When we step up to serve, we strengthen the very fabric of our country," said Points of Light President & CEO Jennifer Sirangelo. "Trust grows. Connections deepen. Communities heal. Our civic spirit gets stronger. That's why Points of Light has set a bold goal: to double volunteering in the U.S. to 150 million people by 2035. This isn't just a numberit's how we renew the spirit that makes this country strong and rebuild the bonds of service, compassion, and shared responsibility."

The 2025 Honorees of The George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards demonstrate this commitment to putting volunteering and community at the center of their lives. The honorees are:

Marvin Ellison is Lowe's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. With over 35 years of retail leadership stewarding some of the largest Fortune 500 companies, Marvin's professional and civic leadership has earned him many accolades, including Barron's annual list of "Top CEOs" and inclusion on Fortune's "Most Inspirational CEOs" and "World's Greatest Leaders" list. Marvin and his wife, Sharyn, are committed to being of service within their faith and community, primarily through the support of religious and philanthropic organizations that promote higher education, self-empowerment and excellence for minority youth.

is Lowe's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. With over 35 years of retail leadership stewarding some of the largest Fortune 500 companies, Marvin's professional and civic leadership has earned him many accolades, including Barron's annual list of "Top CEOs" and inclusion on Fortune's "Most Inspirational CEOs" and "World's Greatest Leaders" list. Marvin and his wife, Sharyn, are committed to being of service within their faith and community, primarily through the support of religious and philanthropic organizations that promote higher education, self-empowerment and excellence for minority youth. Gregg Petersmeyer is a lifelong champion of civic engagement, a transformative leader and visionary civic architect, and Chairman of America's Promise Alliance. His integrity and belief in the good of others have shaped the modern service movement in America. Gregg is the founding Director of the White House Office of National Service where he launched the Daily Point of Light Awardthe first daily presidential honor for outstanding volunteers.

is a lifelong champion of civic engagement, a transformative leader and visionary civic architect, and Chairman of America's Promise Alliance. His integrity and belief in the good of others have shaped the modern service movement in America. Gregg is the founding Director of the White House Office of National Service where he launched the Daily Point of Light Awardthe first daily presidential honor for outstanding volunteers. Dynasty Taylor is the founder and CEO of Dynasty's United Youth Association (DUYA). An advocate, social worker and proud native of South Los Angeles, she founded the nonprofit DUYA at just 23 years old to empower underserved youth to rise from poverty by helping students become successful, self-sufficient and engaged members of society. Guided by a deep commitment to social justice, Dynasty pursued a Master's in Social Work to gain the tools necessary to empower underserved youth to rise from poverty to prosperitya mission that remains at the heart of DUYA's work today.

Highly acclaimed journalist Judy Woodruff hosted the evening which also brought together notable leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Points of Light regional affiliates Jennifer Williamson of Volunteer Fairfax and Lisa Fikes of the Leadership Center of Arlington were in attendance. Also spotted in the room were: Margaret Bush, Lauren Bush Lauren, former Rep. Joe Crowley, Rosie Rios and Nikki Clifton.

Points of Light Board Chair Neil Bush, joined by Bush family members, reminded the room about his father's enduring belief in the power of citizens to create extraordinary change. In his remarks, Neil Bush said, "Dad imagined a thousand points of light. To date, we've honored more than 8,000 with our Daily Point of Light Awardand many of them are here tonight. And we're just getting started. This celebration is also about what's next."

Select photos, to be credited to Getty Images, can be found [HERE].

Please contact [email protected] with media inquiries.

ABOUT POINTS OF LIGHT

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world's largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visitwww.pointsoflight.org.

SOURCE Points of Light
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Credit: TCA

Africa's Great Green Wall project began as an ambitious plan to build a 15-kilometer-wide band of trees across the north of Africa. The African Union launched the project in 2007 with plans for the trees to extend for 6,000 kilometers through 11 countries in the Sahel, restoring 100 million hectares of land from Senegal to Djibouti and Ethiopia. Its main aim was to prevent the Sahara Desert from advancing. But the Great Green Wall's also been billed as a solution to climate change, poverty, and even extremism.

Senegal has been one of the most active countries implementing the Great Green Wall initiative, despite being among the smallest. It has targeted 817,500 hectares of land for restoration. Environmental researchers Annah Lake Zhu and Amadou Ndiaye were part of a team who looked at satellite images of some of Senegal's section of the wall and found that only one out of 36 planted areas analyzed was more green than it would have been naturally. The project is not an actual wall of trees but rather a mosaic of rehabilitated land. But increased greenery should still be visible from satellite imagery. They also found that financial pledges were often left unmet, money for the wall didn't make it to ground level and new trees had low survival rates.

How much money was pledged and where has it gone?

So far, more than US$20 billion has been pledged, including large sums of money like the US$4 billion pledged at the Paris climate conference in 2015 and the US$14.3 billion committed by the 2021 One Planet Summit.

Pledges at global summits attract media headlines, but do not always materialize. Often only a small fraction of pledged funding reaches target countries, and an even smaller fraction makes it to the ground level.

For example, a 2020 assessment of the Great Green Wall's funding indicated that Great Green Wall countries reported receiving a total of only US$149 million between 2011 and 2019.

Of the 2021 pledge of US$14.3 billion, by March 2023 only US$2.5 billion had been disbursed.

This gap exists for several reasons, perhaps the biggest being simply bureaucracy. Each project in the Great Green Wall that receives funding from global financiers like the World Bank, Global Environmental Facility or African Development Bank must go through rigorous project preparation and approval phases. Funds are not transferred instantlysome countries have a designated agency to receive the funds, others don't. Much of the funding is sent to development projects that align with the Great Green Wall's goals, but aren't necessarily directly used for planting trees.

Even if pledged funds could instantly show up in recipient countries' accounts, governments often lack the capacity to absorb and distribute large sums at the local level. Budget allocation constraints within countries may also lead funds to be reassigned to other sectors, such as infrastructure, education and health.

On top of all this, many Great Green Wall countriesBurkina Faso, Mali, Nigerare now governed by regimes that are no longer western-friendly. Most long-term environment and development aid has been halted and rural implementation sites have been destabilized by insecurity.

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What should be visible on the ground by now?

After nearly two decades, even taking into account that not all the money pledged has materialized, results should be visible.

However, the Great Green Wall project doesn't use satellite photos to measure progress. Instead, it reports on the number of trees planted or area of land set aside for natural regeneration. This land is generally included toward the goal of 100 million hectares of restored land, even if the trees never grow.

The European and African-led Great Green Wall Observatory and the Great Green Wall Big Data Facilitator, run by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in partnership with participating African countries, are moving to satellite monitoring of plant growth across the region generally. But it will be a while before these platforms are able to systematically measure the impact of planting at the site level.

What does the Great Green Wall look like in Senegal today?

We visited Great Green Wall sites in Senegal and interviewed project personnel and community members where reforestation activities occurred. Our team also looked at satellite photos of 36 plots covering 18,090 hectares of the Great Green Wall's Senegal target area of about 817,500 hectares.

Our research found that the Great Green Wall generates jobs in new tree nurseries, planting, and work as guardians at reforestation sites. Harvesting of non-timber forest products (gum Arabic and desert dates) is another benefit of the Great Green Wall, which also provides social services like health care and constructing firebreaks.

These benefits are tangible: jobs in remote areas where there is very little work. But the jobs are often short-livedlimited mostly to the planting season or when a new reforestation plot is being established.

Ecologically, the impact is much less clear. Our satellite imagery analysis of 36 reforestation plots in Senegal showed that only two were much greener since the wall was first established. And only one of these was more green than it would have been naturally.

This may be because the new trees are not irrigated. Even though drought-resistant species are planted, many trees die off if the rainy season is mild. Trees are also trampled or eaten by cattle when fencing is not properly maintained.

By examining the specific areas where restoration work has been performed, and adjusting for expected greening from rainfall, our study found that, overall, the Great Green Wall has had hardly any ecological impact in Senegal.

What needs to happen next?

Too often we hear about the money a project needs to achieve its goalslike the UN's figure of US$33 billion needed for the Great Green Wall. This is a fiction. Huge projects like these need more than money. They need reliable ways to get the money to the grassroots level. This must be addressed.

Project assessments must also stop using activities alone (like number of trees planted) as measures of success. Rather, it is the outcomes of these activitiesincreased greening and reduced land degradationthat show success.

Powerful digital and remote monitoring tools are available to monitor the Great Green Wall. These didn't exist when the project started. Our recommendation is to use them: set targets for increased vegetation along the wall's pathway, monitor project impacts remotely, and reward success generously. This is the model for the future. It moves beyond symbolic pledges to focus on actual changes on the ground.

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Models of Care examples. "Mild" in A, B and C and "Moderate" in D and E. A) Fracture of the nasal bone. B) Depressions on the skull. C) Rib fracture. D) Humerus fracture. E) Ulna Fracture. Credit: Romano et al. 2025

In a study published in the International Journal of Paleopathology, Dr. Victoria Romano and her colleagues analyzed the bones of 189 hunter-gatherers who lived during the Late Holocene (~4000 to 250 BP) in Patagonia.

Their aim was to determine the social implications of traumatic injuries experienced in non-sedentary hunter-gatherers. To do this, 3,179 skeletal elements from 25 archaeological sites were analyzed.

They found that around 20% of individuals experienced some form of bone trauma from mild to severe. Interestingly, both males and females exhibited a similar number of injuries, while more adults experienced trauma compared to children.

The majority of these injuries were the result of accidents, although Dr. Romano highlights the difficulty in determining the cause of such injuries, saying, "It is difficult to determine whether the injuries were accidental or the result of interpersonal violence. We opted to consider that most injuries are likely attributable to accidents, as it is challenging to distinguish between fractures caused by falls or by conflict without additional evidence.

"Two injuries were potentially linked to violence, as they involved arrowheads embedded in the bone; however, it is also possible that these individuals were accidentally struck."

The injuries were categorized into three types: Mild Care, Moderate Care, and Intensive Care. Mild Care represented the majority of injuries and were typically characterized by injuries that required only moderate care without substantial changes to the group dynamic. These included cranial and nasal fractures, as well as clavicle and rib injuries, which would typically heal in a few weeks.

Moderate Care injuries affected around 18% of cases and included injuries that required between three and five months to heal. These could be arm and upper limb fractures and likely would have influenced group dynamics to some extent. Due to these types of injuries, some daily activities would have been inhibited, including tool production, butchering, climbing, and grinding plant materials.

And finally, Intensive Care made up ~13% of cases and included any injuries that could have needed care and attention for six months or even a lifetime.

One particularly traumatic injury found in the study was that of an individual with severe hip joint damage, where the ball of the thigh bone and the hip socket were misaligned and deformed.

This injury could have resulted from a fall in which something heavy struck the affected area, thus dislocating the hip joint. Alternatively, the injury may have been caused by a childhood illness, specifically Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, where the blood supply to the hip is disrupted, resulting in the deterioration of the bone and a gradual deformation of the joint.

The fact that the bone shows signs of complete healing indicates that they not only received care, but that they lived for years after the injury occurred.

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While individual case studies of care in early hunter-gatherer societies exist, this study is the first to analyze such cases on a population level specifically for non-sedentary hunter-gatherers.

The insights are particularly valuable for understanding how mobility constraints affected caregiving practices. When asked whether earlier periods in Patagonia also have evidence of caregiving, Dr. Romano had this to say, "Yes, there is some evidence suggesting that interpersonal care was practiced in earlier periods of Patagonia.

"For example, a case of a calcaneus injury from the Middle Holocene has been documented, which suggests that care was provided. However, there are no population-level studies in Argentina addressing care practices in earlier periods."

Future population-level studies may provide insight into how care dynamics change over time and if earlier populations exhibited similar responses to injury and caregiving.

Written for you by our author Sandee Oster, edited by Sadie Harley, 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: Victoria Romano et al, Bone trauma and interpersonal care among Late Holocene hunter-gatherers from Patagonia, Argentina, International Journal of Paleopathology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2025.08.003

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L-R: The newly discovered LME-1 phage as seen under a transmission electron microscope, and a high-resolution image showing the detailed structure of LME-1. Credit: Beth Nicholson, Justin Deme and Susan Lea

University of Toronto researchers have made the first discovery of a virus that infects Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease.

The findings, published in Science Advances, open the door for the use of bacterial virusesalso known as bacteriophages, or phages for shortto treat Legionella infections and uncover a surprising insight into how the bacteria evolved to cause disease.

In addition to isolating the new phage, named LME-1, the researchers also showed that it could infect Legionella pneumophila and inhibit the bacteria's growth in human macrophages, the immune cells where these bacteria typically reside.

LME-1 was identified by a team of researchers led by Alexander Ensminger, an associate professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics in U of T's Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and Beth Nicholson, a senior research associate in his lab.

"The Legionella field has been looking for phages for 50 years," says Ensminger. "We were doing all these things like looking in water samples, but all along there was one sitting in our freezer. We just had to figure out how to reveal itself as a phage."

The researchers became interested in finding Legionella phages when they discovered that many isolates of Legionella contained active CRISPR-Cas systems, which are bacterial immune systems that defend against viruses.

They found these CRISPR-Cas systems contained records of previous encounters with uncharacterized phages along with a mysterious genetic element called LME-1.

LME-1 had all the genetic hallmarks of being a phageit contained genes that resembled the structural components needed to build a phagebut previous attempts by Ensminger's team and other research groups could not induce LME-1 to produce any phages.

"All of the standard tools for either activating a phage or isolating a phage didn't work," says Ensminger. "The 'aha!' moment was figuring out how to activate this thing."

The breakthrough came when Nicholson tried using antibiotic resistance to coax the bacteria to start making what she hoped would be LME-1 phages, an idea inspired by data from Chitong Rao, a former Ph.D. student.

The plan worked.

The researchers could detect the production of phage proteins in the bacteria, and they started to see lightbulb-shaped virus particles under an electron microscope.

"At some points, I felt like we were searching for Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster because we just had these blurry images of a phage-like thing," says Ensminger, recounting their earlier efforts to find the phage before they figured out how to induce phage production.

Environmental determinants of L. pneumophila human infectivity. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx9722

Once they could make large quantities of phages, the researchers collaborated with Susan Lea and Justin Deme at the National Cancer Institute in the U.S. to obtain the first ever high-resolution images of the Legionella LME-1 phage, which showed it to have an icosahedral head decorated with surface proteins and a short tail.

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To better understand how Legionella resists LME-1 infection, Nicholson and then-undergraduate researcher Jose Sante looked for cells that were vulnerable to LME-1 in a strain that is normally resistant.

They found that in every case, susceptibility was caused by genetic mutations in the lag1 gene. Together with Ph.D. student Elizabeth Chaney, they went on to show that this gene prevents LME-1 attachment by modifying the bacterial cell surface.

Previous research showed lag1 also helps bacteria evade killing by the immune system. Further, 80% of all cases of Legionnaires' disease are caused by Legionella strains that contain the lag1 gene. Despite its role in disease, the evolutionary forces driving the lag1 adaptation have long been a mystery.

Ensminger believes that over the course of evolution, Legionella picked up the gene to protect itself against phages, with the accidental result of making the bacteria better at surviving and causing disease in humans.

"We have a previously unknown phage to 'thank' for Legionnaires' disease," he says.

Nicholson is now focused on creating a "defenseless" strain of the bacteria to hunt for other Legionella-infecting phages, some of which could be good candidates to use in phage therapy.

"Finding the first phage for Legionella opens the door to one day being able to use phage to control Legionella. It's still a ways down the road but at least it's a possibility now," she says.

"Our study is also a cautionary tale that, with phage therapy, we need to understand the relationship between phage and bacteria before we deploy it, because in some instances, resistance to the phage might make the bacteria more harmful to humans," says Ensminger.

More information: Beth Nicholson et al, The discovery of a Legionellaphage explains a key determinant of human disease, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adx9722 Journal information: Science Advances
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Gravitational scattering of ejecta cannot explain the observed period drop of Dimorphos. Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL

A new study has challenged a popular explanation for the unexpected 30-second shortening of Dimorphos's orbital period. The researchers found that the proposed mechanism would actually produce the opposite effect, given the gravitational dynamics of the small moon. The paper has been accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics and is currently available on the arXiv preprint server.

NASA's DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) was launched into space in 2022 and crashed into Dimorphos, a small moon of the near-Earth asteroid Didymos. The mission was one of planetary defense, where scientists wanted to test whether deliberately hurling a satellite into a small space rock could nudge it off course, away from the planet.

Scientists around the world rejoiced when the crash shortened the binary system's orbital period by about 33 minutes. However, in the weeks that followed, observations revealed an additional 30-second reductionan unexpected twist that left researchers puzzled about its cause.

The initial hypothesis for this unexpected shift focused on a process known as binary hardening. In this scenario, debris ejected by the crash interacts with Dimorphos's gravity and is eventually flung out of the system, causing the binary (Didymos-Dimorphos system) to lose angular momentum and end up with a tighter orbit.

The recent study by Harrison Agrusa and Camille Chatenet, from Universite Cote d'Azur, France, showed that gravitational scattering of ejecta did not explain Dimorphos's abnormal drop in orbital period. The researchers used the REBOUND N-body code to perform N-body simulations, a computational method that calculates the motion of multiple objects as they interact through each other's gravitational forces. In these simulations, 10,000 ejecta particles were modeled to study their collective dynamics after the DART impact.

Initial orbital elements of ejecta particles. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2509.20197

The results indicated that Dimorphos is too weak a scatterer (low escape speed, Safronov number ~0.14) to eject enough angular momentum from the system.

If the bound ejecta isn't being scattered, the most plausible outcome would be re-accretion, where the debris falls back into either component of the binary system. Since DART's impact on Dimorphos was nearly head-on, causing most of the ejected material to enter prograde orbits, where the debris is expected to move in the same direction as the mutual orbit of Dimorphos and Didymos.

It is known that when material in the prograde with the system re-accretes, it adds to the angular momentum of the binary system, which would result in a net increase of the orbital period instead of the observed decrease.

Fractional change in the binary's orbital period as a function of the ejecta velocity and Dimorphos's semimajor axis (a) normalized to Didymos's radius (Rdidy). Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2509.20197

All the calculations carried out during this study point toward the material being subsequently reaccumulated into the system. This suggests the presence of an additional mechanism that can counteract this effect and cause the observed net decrease in orbital period.

The researchers proposed that rotation-induced reshaping of Dimorphos is the most plausible alternative explanation for the ~30-second drop in orbital period, although they acknowledged that additional studies are needed to reach a definitive conclusion.

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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Georgia Tech researchers have developed a mathematical formula to predict the size of lakes that form on melting ice sheetsdiscovering their depth and span are linked to the topography of the ice sheet itself.

The team leveraged physics, model simulations, and satellite imagery to develop simple mathematical equations that can easily be integrated into existing climate models. It's a first-of-its-kind tool that is already improving climate models.

"Melt lakes play an important role in ice sheet stability, but previously, there were no constraints on what we would expect their maximum size to be in Antarctica," says study lead Danielle Grau, a Ph.D. student in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. "I was intrigued by the idea of quantifying how much of a role we could expect them to play in the future."

The paper, "Predicting mean depth and area fraction of Antarctic supraglacial melt lakes with physics-based parameterizations," is published in Nature Communications.

In addition to Grau, the research team includes School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Professor Alexander Robel, who is Grau's advisor, and Azeez Hussain (PHYS 2025).

Their predictions show that the majority of these lakes will be less than a meter deep and span up to 40% of the ice sheet surface area.

"Many models don't include any data about lakes on the surface of ice sheets, while others simulate these melt lakes growing until the ice collapses," Robel says.

"Our results show that the reality is somewhere in betweenand that the maximum size of these lakes can be predicted using these new equations. This gives us real, concrete numbers to use in climate models."

From summer project to satellite discovery

Grau first started working on the project as an undergraduate student when she applied for a Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates program hosted by the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

Inspired by terrestrial lake research, Grau and Robel investigated the "self-affinity" of the Antarctic ice sheeta property associated with surface roughness across various scales. For example, a landscape like Badlands National Park, with many rolling hills of a wide range of sizes, would have a different self-affinity than a flat prairie with three large volcanoes.

"A previous study had used this property to predict the size of terrestrial lakes and ponds, and we were curious if we could use a similar approach for supraglacial lakes in Antarctica," Grau says. "Establishing that the Antarctic ice sheet also has this property was the first step in pursuing this research in more depth."

The mathematics of melt

Grau continued the investigation as a Ph.D. student in Robel's lab. Together, they unraveled the physics of how meltwater moves across the ice surface, designing a 'glacier in a computer' that mimics meltwater accumulation and movement across various topographies.

"We designed an algorithm and integrated it into a model that the GT Ice & Climate Group has used in the past," Grau says.

"From that, we were able to see how lakes would form on different surfaces across thousands of scenarios. This was the foundation for the mathematical equations I developed, which can predict the lake depth and lake surface area based on the self-affinity property."

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To check their results, Grau enlisted the help of Hussainthen an undergraduate in the School of Physicsto examine satellite data from the Landsat satellite program (which captures detailed photography of Earth's surface from space) to measure existing supraglacial lakes and surface topography.

"It was exciting to see how our predictions lined up with what we were seeing in the satellite imagery," Robel explains. "This shows that our solution is a concrete avenue for climate models to realistically incorporate supraglacial lakes."

Grau is already working to incorporate the team's equations into an atmospheric model used by NASA in addition to an ice sheet model developed by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Dartmouth College.

"By turning complicated models and satellite data into simple predictive equations, we're giving climate models a new lens to see the future," she says.

"It's a small piece of the puzzle, but one that helps us understand how ice sheets respond to a warming world."

More information: Danielle Grau et al, Predicting mean depth and area fraction of Antarctic supraglacial melt lakes with physics-based parameterizations, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61798-8 Journal information: Nature Communications
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A graph from the paper "Perceptions about the use of Behavioral (Eco)Toxicology to protect human health and the environment." Credit: University of Portsmouth

An international study led by the University of Portsmouth has revealed reluctance from industry scientists to test chemicals for their effects on human and wildlife behavior, despite growing evidence linking environmental pollutants to neurological disorders and behavioral changes.

The researchers surveyed 166 scientists across 27 countries working in environmental toxicology and behavioral ecology. They found that while 97% of experts agree that contaminants can impact wildlife behavior and 84% believe they can affect human behavior, there remains a stark divide between sectors on how to address these risks.

Industry scientists were consistently more skeptical about the reliability and necessity of behavioral testing compared to their academic and government counterparts, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest in chemical safety assessment.

The findings, published in Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, revealed that 76% of academics and 68% of government scientists considered behavioral experiments reliable, compared to just 30% from industry.

When asked whether regulatory authorities should consider behavioral tests when assessing chemical safety, 80% of academics and 91% of government scientists agreed, but less than a third (30%) of industry respondents supported this approach.

The connection between chemical exposure and behavioral changes is far from new. The English language shows evidence of these links in historical phrases like "mad as a hatter"referring to hatmakers who suffered neurological damage from mercury poisoningand "crazy as a painter," describing the erratic behavior of artists exposed to lead-based paints.

Today's concerns center on whether modern pollution could be contributing to rising rates of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, autism, and even criminal behavior. Recent studies have linked air pollution to neurological disorders, including Parkinson's and Huntington's disease, while research continues to examine the role of environmental contaminants in neurodevelopmental conditions.

Professor Alex Ford from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences, who led the research, expressed concern about industry attitudes, saying, "What worries me is that industry appears apprehensive that testing chemicals for their behavioral effects will lead to increased costs and potentially uncover effects they'd rather not have to address. When we're talking about protecting human health and wildlife, surely using the most sensitive, and thereby most protective, data should take priority over profit margins."

While the study found that industry respondents were significantly more likely to question the reliability and relevance of behavioral testing, the pharmaceutical industry extensively uses behavioral tests in drug development and there are regulations governing behavioral impairment from substances like alcohol and cannabis.

Recent studies have shown a 34-fold increase in research papers on behavioral effects in environmental toxicology since 2000, yet there's still reluctance to incorporate these harm measurements into regulatory frameworks.

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"Our previous research shows that while European law doesn't prevent regulators from introducing behavioral tests for chemicals, there are very few official testing requirements in place," explained Marlene Agerstrand, co-author and researcher at Stockholm University.

"This means that most studies examining how chemicals affect behavior are carried out by university researchers rather than chemical companies, resulting in incomplete coverage of potentially harmful substances."

The new study builds on award-winning research from 2021, when Professor Ford and international colleagues won two best paper awards for their work on chemical behavioral studies.

The researchers want behavioral testing to become a standard part of chemical safety checks, with consistent testing methods and better cooperation between industry, government and academic scientists.

"The overwhelming majority of scientistsincluding those in industryagree that contaminants can affect behavior," said Professor Ford. "The question now is whether we have the collective will to act on that knowledge to better protect human health and the environment."

The study surveyed scientists from academia (47%), government agencies (21%), and industry/consultancy (27%), with the remainder working in environmental NGOs and research institutions.

It was a collaboration between researchers from the University of Portsmouth in England, Stockholm University, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the German Environment Agency (UBA), the Australian Environment Protection Agency, US EPA, Monash University in Australia, and Baylor University in the U.S.

More information: Alex T Ford et al, Perceptions about the use of Behavioral (Eco)Toxicology to protect human health and the environment, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (2025). DOI: 10.1093/inteam/vjaf123
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tide Rock, an unlevered buyout firm has more than $1 billion in acquisition capital and a proven playbook for helping transition founder-run businesses, while preserving and growing the legacies they've built.

With an average 24% annual organic growth rate since 2013, and more than $250 million in profit in 2025, Tide Rock continues to demonstrate its exceptional performance. With this capital, the firm is able to accelerate portfolio growth, invest in people and systems, and distribute yield to investors.

"Our model is unique," said Ryan Peddycord, CEO of Tide Rock. "We're not constrained by traditional private equity fund structures or financial engineering. Instead, we bring permanent capital, operational resources, and strategic support, allowing us to be long-term partners to business owners and unlock the next stage of growth."

Tide Rock distinguishes itself through its unlevered, permanent capital model. Without reliance on bank debt, it has been able to consistently provide a stable and flexible growth environment for profitable B2B companies in industries like manufacturing, business services, and value-added distribution/logistics.

According to PitchBook benchmarks, Tide Rock's returns would place it among the top 1% of private equity firms.

But Tide Rock is not private equity. Its holding company model offers significant advantages over traditional financial buyers. Built by operators, Tide Rock is focused on optimizing and growing businesses rather than relying on financial engineering, like many PE Funds do. With a permanent capital structure and no long-term debt, it provides stability and flexibility for its portfolio companies.

All of this provides value to sellers that goes beyond performance metrics.

"We believe we're the best acquirer for business owners and founders looking to protect their legacy, support their teams, and continue scaling their businesses with a trusted, experienced partner," said Peddycord.

About Tide Rock

Tide Rock is an unlevered buyout firm that acquires companies with strong free cash flow and grows them to scale while distributing high quarterly yield to its investors. With offices in San Diego and New York City, it owns a portfolio of economically resilient companies in the lower middle market, specifically in the manufacturing, value-add distribution, and B2B services industries. The company's unique model consistently drives high-yield returns without the risk profile typically associated with other investment vehicles. Learn more at tiderock.com.

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Every Rosh Hashanah, annual reports are released focused on birth rates, the average number of children per family, and other population growth data. However, there's another side to these statistics: experiences of involuntary childlessness, in which people who wish to be parents are unable to for medical, social, or institutional reasons.

A new study reveals that these experiences are far more widespread than commonly thought, especially among the LGBTQ+ community. The researchers note that an international comparison of this phenomenon is important, as countries vary widely in the degree of encouragement they offer for childbearing, the assistance they provide to prospective parents, and the barriers they place that can impede the path to parenthood. The current study compared responses from participants in the United States with those in Israel.

The study was led by Prof. Geva Shenkman-Lachberg of Reichman University and Dr. Doyle Tate of the University of North Florida. The researchers hypothesized that Americans would report higher rates of involuntary childlessness than Israelis, due to the far more limited government assistance in the US compared to the broad family-support policies in Israel. They also hypothesized that LGBTQ+ individuals would experience higher rates of involuntary childlessness than heterosexuals, given the history of discriminatory legislation and institutional and social challenges they face on the journey to parenthood.

The study surveyed 1,739 young adults without children1,026 from the US and 713 from Israel. The sample included both men and women and respondents of diverse sexual orientations: in Israel, 387 identified as heterosexual and 326 as LGBTQ+, while in the US 604 identified as heterosexual and 422 as LGBTQ+.

As the researchers predicted, the findings showed that rates of involuntary childlessness were higher among participants from the US than among those from Israel. Additionally, in line with their hypothesis, across the entire sample, LGBTQ+ respondents reported experiencing the phenomenon at a much higher rate than heterosexual respondents: 60% compared to 38%, respectively.

The study's most notable findings concerned the gap between groups in the respective countries: in the US, the disparity was moderate52% of LGBTQ+ respondents versus 44% of heterosexuals reported involuntary childlessnesswhereas in Israel the difference was much larger: 68% of LGBTQ+ respondents compared to only 32% of heterosexuals.

Prof. Geva Shenkman Lachberg of the Dina Recanati School of Medicine said, "The findings show that public policies that support parenthoodsuch as those in place in Israel, where there is widespread access to state-funded fertility treatmentscan reduce experiences of involuntary childlessness in the general population. At the same time, despite remarkable progress in surrogacy legislation, LGBTQ+ people in Israel continue to encounter institutional and social barriers that appear to increase their sense of involuntary childlessness compared to heterosexuals."

Published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, the study suggests that the adoption of broad pro-natalist policies and practices in the United States could help reduce rates of involuntary childlessness, while in Israel, the key challenge is to create equality in parenthood for all populations.

More information: Doyle P. Tate et al, Involuntary childlessness in the U.S. and Israel: Pronatalism, gender, and sexual identity, Journal of Marriage and Family (2024). DOI: 10.1111/jomf.13038 Journal information: Journal of Marriage and Family
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From left, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics Chair Olle Eriksson, Secretary General of the Swedish Academy of Sciences Hans Ellegren and Member of the Nobel Committee for Physics Goran Johansson announce John Clarke, Michel H Devoret and John M. Martinis, on screen behind, as the recipients the Nobel Prize in Physics, at the Nobel Assembly of the Karolinska Institutet, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Credit: Christine Olsson/TT News Agency via AP

Three scientists won the Nobel Prize in physics Tuesday for research on the strange behavior of subatomic particles called quantum tunneling that enabled the ultra-sensitive measurements achieved by MRI machines and laid the groundwork for better cellphones and faster computers.

The work by John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis, who work at American universities, took the seeming contradictions of the subatomic worldwhere light can be both a wave and a particle and parts of atoms can tunnel through seemingly impenetrable barriersand applied them in the more traditional physics of digital devices. The results of their findings are just starting to appear in advanced technology and could pave the way for the development of supercharged computing.

The prizewinning research in the mid-1980s took the subatomic "weirdness of quantum mechanics" and found how those tiny interactions can have real-world applications, said Jonathan Bagger, CEO of the American Physical Society. The experiments were a crucial building block in the fast-developing world of quantum mechanics.

Speaking from his cellphone, Clarke, who spearheaded the research team, said, "One of the underlying reasons that cellphones work is because of all this work."

When quantum mechanics first came to light in 1926, a prominent physicist sought to illustrate its many paradoxes with the example of a cat in a box that was both alive and dead at the same time. The three Nobel winners showed that science can put such principles to work, said Physics Today Editor-in-Chief Richard Fitzgerald, who was in a competing research group in the 1990s.

"They didn't take it that far, but they showed that it can be done," Fitzgerald said.

Photos of John Clarke, Michel H Devoret and John M. Martinis are pictured on a screen after they were announced as winners of the Nobel Prize in Physics, at the Nobel Assembly of the Karolinska Institutet, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Credit: Christine Olsson/TT News Agency via AP

The winning physicists took "the scale of something that we can't see, we can't touch, we can't feel" and brought it "up to the scale of something recognizable" and made it "something you can build upon," Fitzgerald said.

Clarke, 83, conducted his research at the University of California, Berkeley. Martinis, 67, worked at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Devoret, 72, is at Yale and also at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

How the winners reacted

Martinis' wife, Jean, told Associated Press reporters who called at his home hours after the announcement that he was still asleep and did not yet know. In the past, she said, they stayed up on the night of the physics award, but at some point they decided that sleep was more important.

When his wife woke him and told him about the journalists seeking an interview, the new Nobel laureate remembered that the prizes were being announced this week. He opened his computer, looked at the announcement and saw his picture along with the other winners.

"So I was kind of in shock," he said.

Clarke said it never occurred to him that he would win a Nobel Prize.

"I practically collapsed," Clarke told AP. "I was completely stunned. I mean, it's something that I had never, ever dreamed of in my entire life."

Why the work matters

Martiniswho was a senior Google scientist working toward quantum computing before co-founding his own company, Qolabsaid the big future goal is quantum computing, which would be a giant leap in speed and sophistication by relying on the power of the contradictory states in that subatomic world.

Member of the Nobel Committee for Physics Goran Johansson explains this year's Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to John Clarke, Michel H Devoret and John M. Martinis, at the Nobel Assembly of the Karolinska Institutet, in Stockholm, Sweden, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. Credit: Christine Olsson/TT News Agency via AP

That is still eight to 10 years away. But he said the team's experiments showed "a computer could be much, much more powerful."

Devoret is now chief scientist for Google's quantum computing efforts.

Quantum computers are "one very sort of obvious use," but the research could also help develop sensors that detect and measure faint phenomena, such as magnetic fields, and advance cryptography to encode information, said Mark Pearce, a professor of astrophysics and Nobel physics committee member.

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And through better understanding of precision chemistry, it could develop better materials for daily living and even give an added boost to artificial intelligence, Martinis said.

Before the work at Berkeley, scientists knew single electrons or pairs of tiny electrons could tunnel through an impenetrable barrier. What Clarke said his team learned was "if you design the circuity properly, you could actually have tunneling" of objects larger and more useful than just a couple of electrons.

That discovery "can be used to make very sophisticated things that would not otherwise be able to work out," Clarke said at a news conference, mentioning his iPhone and quantum computers.

He also criticized the Trump administration for its deep cuts to science funding, saying they would "cripple science."

"If this continues  it may take a decade to get back to where we were half a year ago," Clarke said.

John Martinis stands in his living room after winning the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on quantum tunneling on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Santa Barbara, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Martinis, Bagger and Fitzgerald said it's a bit of a stretch to say cellphones now use the breakthrough made by Clarke and colleagues. But ultra-sensitive measuring devices rely on the team's work, including MRI machines, which would be far less useful without their advances, Bagger said.

"Quantum mechanics is everywhere in everything we do, from the cellphone to the satellite communications that are connected to the cellphones, to the screens on which we watch our videos on our cellphones," Bagger said.

Nobel history and other 2025 prizes

Tuesday's award was the 119th time the prize has been given. Last year, artificial intelligence pioneers John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton won the physics prize for helping create the building blocks of machine learning.

On Monday, Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi won the Nobel Prize in medicine on Monday for discoveries about how the immune system knows to attack germs and not our bodies.

Nobel announcements continue with the chemistry prize on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced Friday followed by the Nobel Memorial Prize in economics on Monday.

The award ceremony will be held Dec. 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of Alfred Nobel, the wealthy Swedish industrialist and the inventor of dynamite who founded the prizes.

The prizes carry priceless prestige and a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.2 million).

Nobel committee announcement:

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 to

John Clarke, University of California, Berkeley, U.S.

Michel H. Devoret, Yale University, New Haven, CT and University of California, Santa Barbara, U.S.

John M. Martinis, University of California, Santa Barbara, U.S.

"for the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit"

Their experiments on a chip revealed quantum physics in action

A major question in physics is the maximum size of a system that can demonstrate quantum mechanical effects. This year's Nobel Prize laureates conducted experiments with an electrical circuit in which they demonstrated both quantum mechanical tunnelling and quantised energy levels in a system big enough to be held in the hand.

Quantum mechanics allows a particle to move straight through a barrier, using a process called tunnelling. As soon as large numbers of particles are involved, quantum mechanical effects usually become insignificant. The laureates' experiments demonstrated that quantum mechanical properties can be made concrete on a macroscopic scale.

In 1984 and 1985, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis conducted a series of experiments with an electronic circuit built of superconductors, components that can conduct a current with no electrical resistance. In the circuit, the superconducting components were separated by a thin layer of non-conductive material, a setup known as a Josephson junction. By refining and measuring all the various properties of their circuit, they were able to control and explore the phenomena that arose when they passed a current through it. Together, the charged particles moving through the superconductor comprised a system that behaved as if they were a single particle that filled the entire circuit.

This macroscopic particle-like system is initially in a state in which current flows without any voltage. The system is trapped in this state, as if behind a barrier that it cannot cross. In the experiment the system shows its quantum character by managing to escape the zero-voltage state through tunnelling. The system's changed state is detected through the appearance of a voltage.

The laureates could also demonstrate that the system behaves in the manner predicted by quantum mechanicsit is quantised, meaning that it only absorbs or emits specific amounts of energy.

"It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the way that century-old quantum mechanics continually offers new surprises. It is also enormously useful, as quantum mechanics is the foundation of all digital technology," says Olle Eriksson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics.

The transistors in computer microchips are one example of the established quantum technology that surrounds us. This year's Nobel Prize in Physics has provided opportunities for developing the next generation of quantum technology, including quantum cryptography, quantum computers, and quantum sensors.

Credit: Nobel committee

Quantum properties on a human scale

The Nobel Prize laureates in physics for 2025, John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis, used a series of experiments to demonstrate that the bizarre properties of the quantum world can be made concrete in a system big enough to be held in the hand. Their superconducting electrical system could tunnel from one state to another, as if it were passing straight through a wall. They also showed that the system absorbed and emitted energy in doses of specific sizes, just as predicted by quantum mechanics.

A series of groundbreaking experiments

Quantum mechanics describes properties that are significant on a scale that involves single particles. In quantum physics, these phenomena are called microscopic, even when they are much smaller than can be seen using an optical microscope. This contrasts with macroscopic phenomena, which consist of a large number of particles. For example, an everyday ball is built up of an astronomical amount of molecules and displays no quantum mechanical effects. We know that the ball will bounce back every time it is thrown at a wall. A single particle, however, will sometimes pass straight through an equivalent barrier in its microscopic world and appear on the other side. This quantum mechanical phenomenon is called tunnelling.

This year's Nobel Prize in Physics recognises experiments that demonstrated how quantum tunnelling can be observed on a macroscopic scale, involving many particles. In 1984 and 1985, John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis conducted a series of experiments at the University of California, Berkeley. They built an electrical circuit with two superconductors, components that can conduct a current without any electrical resistance. They separated these with a thin layer of material that did not conduct any current at all. In this experiment, they showed that they could control and investigate a phenomenon in which all the charged particles in the superconductor behave in unison, as if they are a single particle that fills the entire circuit.

This particle-like system is trapped in a state in which current flows without any voltagea state from which it does not have enough energy to escape. In the experiment, the system shows its quantum character by using tunnelling to escape the zero-voltage state, generating an electrical voltage. The laureates were also able to show that the system is quantised, which means it only absorbs or emits energy in specific amounts.

Tunnels and crossings

To help them, the laureates had concepts and experimental tools that had been developed over decades. Together with the theory of relativity, quantum physics is the foundation of what has come to be called modern physics, and researchers have spent the last century exploring what it entails.

Individual particles' ability to tunnel is well known. In 1928, the physicist George Gamow realised that tunnelling is the reason why some heavy atomic nuclei tend to decay in a particular manner. The interaction between the forces in the nucleus creates a barrier around it, holding in the particles it contains. However, despite this, a small piece of the atomic nucleus can sometimes split off, move outside the barrier and escapeleaving behind a nucleus that has been transformed into another element. Without tunnelling, this type of nuclear decay could not occur.

Tunnelling is a quantum mechanical process, which entails that chance plays a role. Some types of atomic nuclei have a tall, wide barrier, so it can take a long while for a piece of the nucleus to appear outside it, while other types decay more easily. If we only look at a single atom, we cannot predict when this will happen, but by watching the decay of a large number of nuclei of the same type, we can measure an expected time before tunnelling occurs. The most common way of describing this is through the concept of half-life, which is how long it takes for half the nuclei in a sample to decay.

Physicists were quick to wonder whether it would be possible to investigate a type of tunnelling that involves more than one particle at a time. One approach to new types of experiments originated in a phenomenon that arises when some materials get extremely cold.

In an ordinary conductive material, current flows because there are electrons that are free to move through the entire material. In some materials, the individual electrons that push their way through the conductor may become organised, forming a synchronised dance that flows without any resistance. The material has become a superconductor and the electrons are joined together as pairs. These are called Cooper pairs, after Leon Cooper who, along with John Bardeen and Robert Schrieffer, provided a detailed description of how superconductors work (Nobel Prize in Physics 1972).

Cooper pairs behave completely differently to ordinary electrons. Electrons have a great deal of integrity and like to stay at a distance from each othertwo electrons cannot be in the same place if they have the same properties. We can see this in an atom, for example, where the electrons divide themselves into different energy levels, called shells. However, when the electrons in a superconductor join up as pairs, they lose a bit of their individuality; while two separate electrons are always distinct, two Cooper pairs can be exactly the same. This means the Cooper pairs in a superconductor can be described as a single unit, one quantum mechanical system. In the language of quantum mechanics, they are then described as a single wave function. This wave function describes the probability of observing the system in a given state and with given properties.

If two superconductors are joined together with a thin insulating barrier between them, it creates a Josephson junction. This component is named after Brian Josephson, who performed quantum mechanical calculations for the junction. He discovered that interesting phenomena arise when the wave functions on each side of the junction are considered (Nobel Prize in Physics 1973). The Josephson junction rapidly found areas of application, including in precise measurements of fundamental physical constants and magnetic fields.

The construction also provided tools for exploring the fundamentals of quantum physics in a new way. One person who did so was Anthony Leggett (Nobel Prize in Physics 2003), whose theoretical work on macroscopic quantum tunnelling at a Josephson junction inspired new types of experiments.

The research group starts its work

These subjects were a perfect match for John Clarke's research interests. He was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, in the US, where he had moved after completing his doctoral degree at the University of Cambridge, UK, in 1968. At UC Berkeley he built up his research group and specialised in exploring a range of phenomena using superconductors and the Josephson junction.

By the mid-1980s, Michel Devoret had joined John Clarke's research group as a postdoc, after receiving his doctorate in Paris. This group also included the doctoral student John Martinis. Together, they took on the challenge of demonstrating macroscopic quantum tunnelling. Vast amounts of care and precision were necessary to screen the experimental setup from all the interference that could affect it. They succeeded in refining and measuring all the properties of their electrical circuit, allowing them to understand it in detail.

To measure the quantum phenomena, they fed a weak current into the Josephson junction and measured the voltage, which is related to the electrical resistance in the circuit. The voltage over the Josephson junction was initially zero, as expected. This is because the wave function for the system is enclosed in a state that does not allow a voltage to arise. Then they studied how long it took for the system to tunnel out of this state, causing a voltage. Because quantum mechanics entails an element of chance, they took numerous measurements and plotted their results as graphs, from which they could read the duration of the zero-voltage state. This is similar to how measurements of the half-lives of atomic nuclei are based on statistics of numerous instances of decay.

The tunnelling demonstrates how the experimental setup's Cooper pairs, in their synchronised dance, behave like a single giant particle. The researchers obtained further confirmation of this when they saw that the system had quantised energy levels. Quantum mechanics was named after the observation that the energy in microscopic processes is divided into separate packages, quanta. The laureates introduced microwaves of varying wavelengths into the zero-voltage state. Some of these were absorbed, and the system then moved to a higher energy level. This showed that the zero-voltage state had a shorter duration when the system contained more energywhich is exactly what quantum mechanics predicts. A microscopic particle shut behind a barrier functions in the same way.

Practical and theoretical benefit

This experiment has consequences for the understanding of quantum mechanics. Other types of quantum mechanical effects that are demonstrated on the macroscopic scale are composed of many tiny individual pieces and their separate quantum properties. The microscopic components are then combined to cause macroscopic phenomena such as lasers, superconductors and superfluid liquids. However, this experiment instead created a macroscopic effecta measurable voltagefrom a state that is in itself macroscopic, in the form of a common wave function for vast numbers of particles.

Theorists like Anthony Leggett have compared the laureates' macroscopic quantum system with Erwin Schrodinger's famous thought experiment featuring a cat in a box, where the cat would be both alive and dead if we did not look inside. (Erwin Schrodinger received the Nobel Prize in Physics 1933.) The intention of his thought experiment was to show the absurdity of this situation, because the special properties of quantum mechanics are often erased at a macroscopic scale. The quantum properties of an entire cat cannot be demonstrated in a laboratory experiment.

However, Legget has argued that the series of experiments conducted by John Clarke, Michel Devoret and John Martinis showed that there are phenomena that involve vast numbers of particles which together behave just as quantum mechanics predicts. The macroscopic system that consists of many Cooper pairs is still many orders of magnitude smaller than a kittenbut because the experiment measures the quantum mechanical properties that apply to the system as a whole, for a quantum physicist it is fairly similar to Schrodinger's imaginary cat.

This type of macroscopic quantum state offers new potential for experiments using the phenomena that govern the microscopic world of particles. It can be regarded as a form of artificial atom on a large scalean atom with cables and sockets that can be connected into new test set-ups or utilised in new quantum technology. For example, artificial atoms are used to simulate other quantum systems and aid in understanding them.

Another example is the quantum computer experiment subsequently performed by Martinis, in which he utilised exactly the energy quantisation that he and the other two laureates had demonstrated. He used a circuit with quantised states as information-bearing unitsa quantum bit. The lowest energy state and the first step upward functioned as zero and one, respectively. Superconducting circuits are one of the techniques being explored in attempts to construct a future quantum computer.

This year's laureates have thus contributed to both practical benefit in physics laboratories and to providing new information for the theoretical understanding of our physical world.

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National security officials are "overwhelmingly overconfident," which hinders their ability to accurately assess uncertainty, according to new research by a Dartmouth government professor. When they thought statements had a 90% chance of being true, the statements were only true about 60% of the time, according to the study.

The findings are published in the Texas National Security Review.

About 1,900 national security officials from more than 40 NATO allies and partners were surveyed on the uncertainty of current and future states of the world, and delivered a total of 60,000 assessments. The officials were enrolled at the U.S. National War College, the Canadian Forces College, the NATO Defense College, and the Norwegian Defense Intelligence School.

In the U.S., Canada, and Europe, once military officers achieve the rank of colonel, they must obtain a master's degree at a war college or other military institution as part of their professional military education. Participating institutions also contained a large fraction of civilian national security officials who work in foreign affairs ministries and intelligence agencies, among other areas. The study thus spanned both an unusually large, and representative, group of high-ranking national security officials.

The survey contained questions on international military, political, and economic affairs and asked respondents to estimate the chances that a statement was true such as, "In your opinion, what are the chances that NATO's members spend more money on defense than the rest of the world combined?"

Other questions involved making predictions such as, "In your opinion, what are the chances that Ukraine and Russia will officially declare a ceasefire by a certain date?"

The results showed that national security officials are overconfident about the current and future state of the worlda cognitive bias that was consistent across all respondents, civilian and military professionals, men and women, and U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. They share these biases with the general public.

"National security officials are like many of us, in the sense that we tend to think we know more than we really do. This means that national security officials, like members of the general public, are consistently overconfident," says study author Jeffrey Friedman, an associate professor of government and member of the Davidson Institute for Global Security at Dartmouth. He says that overconfidence among national security officials is similar to biases he has found when conducting similar surveys with undergraduates, masters students, and financial professionals.

"However, the study also showed that it is possible to mitigate that bias substantially with just two minutes of training," says Friedman. His research found that briefly showing national security officials data on patterns of overconfidence led study participants to make judgments that substantially reduced overconfidenceand promoted accuracy.

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The study also found that national security officials have a bias toward false positives a tendency to think false statements are true.

This was demonstrated by flipping the wording of survey questions. In a subset of surveys, half of the participants were asked: "Has ISIS killed more civilians over the last decade than Boko Haram?" while the other half were asked: "Has Boko Haram killed more civilians than ISIS?" The answers that national security officials gave to these two questions consistently added up to more than 100%.

Friedman says that this finding indicates that national security officials appear to have a "tendency toward confirming rather than refuting possibilities they are asked to consider," which could be especially problematic for national security officials given that there could potentially be multiple outcomes to consider in military scenarios, rather than just one.

The study did suggest one potential remedy for the overconfidencereminding national security officials of the perils of being too sure of their convictions.

Before a random subset of the national security officials were given the survey, they received information about other cohorts' overconfidence and biases. Through this two-minute training and informed approach, those participants were significantly better at assessing uncertainty.

Friedman says the four military institutions who took part in the study deserve a ton of credit for their participation. The work had a ripple effect: the first cohort was from the National War College, which was so pleased with the session that they invited Friedman back, and then other military institutions came on board following recommendations by past participants. "It was very rewarding to see how receptive the national security officials were to the insights and training, as the training was then built into the core curricula at the institutions," says Friedman.

"Any organization that cares about improving people's ability to assess uncertainty in a more accurate manner can implement this training," says Friedman. "The material is posted online and can be developed and integrated into curricula anywhere, whether it be by military officials, diplomats, intelligence officers, business leaders, or others."

"By harnessing decision science tools, we can make people's judgments better," says Friedman.

More information: The World Is More Uncertain Than You Think: Assessing and Combating Overconfidence Among 2,000 National Security Officials, Texas National Security Review (2025). DOI: 10.1353/tns.00010. tnsr.org/2025/09/the-world-is-  -security-officials/
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From immersive learning to personalized tutors, AI is everywhere in K-12 education. Here are three steps parents can take to stay informed and engaged.

At the beginning of each new school year in the United States, teachers often require students and their parents to sign disclosures indicating they understand the rules for each course. New for the 202526 academic year, students in many schools may also be agreeing to "responsible use of AI."

What that looks like in practice, though, varies. Hastily written AI policies emphasize integrity and compliance but leave the specifics to individual instructors. While some experts warn that AI harms critical reasoning skills, parents worry about a widening AI literacy gap between students and their teachers.

"Kids are racing ahead in their grasp of the technology, and schools are scrambling to catch up," says Stanford HAI faculty affiliate Victor R. Lee, who leads the Stanford Accelerator for Learning's AI+Education program. "It's important that parents advocate for their children and help shape these emerging policies."

Here he offers three steps for parents to get informed and involved: Learn what's happening in the classroom, connect with school administrators, and talk to your children about the dos and don'ts of using AI.

Step 1: Find out how teachers plan to use AI

AI appears in a wide range of educational contexts today, from personalized education and tutoring to immersive learning experiences and grading assistants. Before stepping in, parents should seek to understand how their children's teachers intend to use the technology. This information may be available on school or district websites, in teacher syllabi, from your student, or through a quick conversation or message to the teacher.

For example, education companies like Duolingo and Khan Academy have created AI-powered tutors to help students learn foreign languages, math, and writing concepts through conversational chat interfaces. AI-enhanced virtual experiences provide a hands-on way to learn about historical places and scientific concepts. And new AI tools from companies like Kahoot help students learn through personalized interactive games. Are any of these tools supported and encouraged at your school?

Aside from school-approved educational tools and programs, students are following their natural curiosity and turning to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and other large language models to assist with researching, drafting, and revising their written work. Some schools are responding in kind with AI detection software that's supposed to identify AI-generated text but has proved inconsistent in practice, sometimes accusing students of cheating when they have submitted original work. This leads to frustration for students and teachers alike.

To ease the friction, some educators are turning to AI resources from initiatives like CRAFT, an AI program co-designed by Stanford scholars and high-school teachers. Jointly supported by the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and Stanford HAI, CRAFT maintains a growing collection of free plug-in resources that help students understand and question AI for any subject they are studying.

Integrating generative AI tools into classroom lessons can be challenging for teachers, who may not have the training to feel confident in these new skills. Citing a February 2025 research article, "A cross-sectional look at teacher reactions, worries, and professional development needs related to generative AI in an urban school district," published in Education and Information Technologies, Lee explains, "Teachers are understandably worried about misinformation and academic integrity, and parents should realize there's no best practice for deploying AI in educational settings yet. But as schools provide professional learning opportunities, teachers will begin to see how AI can be integrated and aligned with educational standards."

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Step 2: Engage with school leaders

For parents who have concerns about how AI could shape their students' learning experiences this year, Lee suggests reaching out to school administrators. These five questions can help to start and guide the conversation:

Does the school have an AI policy in place for this academic year? If yes, ask where you can review it. If not, ask whether AI guidelines are in progress. What specific AI tools are approved or prohibited in classrooms this year? Do these vary depending on teacher, class, and assignment? How is the school supporting its teachers in learning about new AI education strategies and resources? What messages would the school want parents to help convey to their kids about AI? Does your child's district or school have an AI committee that you could join to share ideas and recommendations?

Step 3: Talk to your children about AI

It's early days yet for AI in the classroom and too soon to assess its developmental effects accurately. We don't know whether students will benefit from personalized resources or whether AI technology will harm their ability to reason. For his part, Lee is less worried about a dramatic loss of cognitive abilities due to AI use in school, but he does encourage parents to remind their students that learning is supposed to feel challenging.

A bigger concern for families, he says, is not to let AI replace normal human interactions that are critical for social development. "With mobile phones, video games, and social media, we're getting in the habit of being alone, and AI can further that," he cautions.

Ultimately, the best guidance parents can offer their students is through open conversations about when and how to use AI safely and responsibly. That means using AI to support learning and not to bypass assignments, being transparent and honest about one's use of AI, staying alert to bias, and protecting personal information when using AI tools.

"Children see their parents using this technology all the time, but they get in trouble at school for doing the same," Lee says. "If we model the behavior we want to see in our children and communicate expectations around ethics, we can be on the same team."
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The new physics Nobel laureates laid the groundwork for the development of superconducting quantum bits, such as those used in Google's Sycamore processor.

The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to three scientists on Tuesday for discovering that a bizarre barrier-defying phenomenon in the quantum realm could be observed on an electrical circuit in our classical world.

The discovery, which involved an effect called quantum tunneling, laid the foundations for technology now being used by Google and IBM aiming to build the quantum computers of the future.

Here is what you need to know about the Nobel-winning work by John Clarke of the UK, Frenchman Michel Devoret and American John Martinis.

What is the quantum world?

In the classical or "macroscopic" worldwhich includes everything you can see around youeverything behaves according to the trustworthy rules of traditional physics.

But when things get extremely small, to around the scale of an atom, these laws no longer apply. That is when quantum mechanics takes over.

Just one oddity of the quantum world is called superposition, in which a particle can exist in multiple locations at onceuntil it is observed, at least.

However scientists have struggled to directly observe quantum mechanics in this "microscopic" worldwhich somewhat confusingly cannot be seen through a microscope.

What is quantum tunneling?

Quantum tunneling is a strange effect that physicists first theorized almost a century ago.

Imagine a man trying to climb a mountain, Eleanor Crane, a quantum physicist at King's College London, told AFP.

In the classical world, if the climber is too tired he will not make it to the other side.

But if a particle is weak in the quantum world, there is still "a probability of finding it on the other side of the mountain," Crane said.

Because the particle is in superposition, it could have been on both sides of the mountain simultaneously. But if you then, for example, took a picture of the particle, it would then have to pick a side.

What did the Nobel-winners do?

In the mid-1980s, Clarke, Devoret and Martinis built a very smallbut not quantum-levelelectrical circuit.

They set it up with two superconductors, which are cooled to almost the lowest possible temperature so they have no electrical resistance.

They then separated the two superconductors with a thin layer of material.

This would break a normal electrical circuit, but thanks to quantum tunneling, some electrons could appear on the other side.

Why is that important?

French physicist Alain Aspect, a 2022 physics Nobel laureate, told AFP that an outstanding question in the field had been whether an object in our macroscopic world could "behave in a quantum way."

By illustrating quantum effects on this "somewhat large objectthough not large on our scale", the new Nobel laureates answered that question with a resounding yes, Aspect said.

Scientists could now observe this quantum effect using a normal microscope, offering a new view of this weird world.

What about quantum computing?

The discovery's biggest technological legacy may be that it laid the groundwork for the development of superconducting quantum bits.

While classical computers have bits that work in ones and zeros, quantum bits, or qubits, can exist in two states at once.

This gives them massive potential to spark a range of breakthroughthough they have yet to fully live up to the hype.

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Crane estimated that quantum computers could be powerful enough to "change the course of society" in the next five to 10 years.

The new Nobel laureates "set the foundation for a lot of technology that many companies are investing millions of dollars in right now to try to realize large-scale quantum computers that can actually solve certain types of problems much faster than our classical alternatives," physicist Gregory Quiroz at Johns Hopkins University told AFP.

However there are several other leading techniques in the race to build a quantum computer, including neutral atoms and ion traps.

The Nobel-winning work also contributed to "extremely sensitive methods of measuring electromagnetic fields and magnetic fields that rely on these kinds of circuits," Aspect added.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Journal of Chemical Education (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00430

The solvent dichloromethane, or DCM, is commonly used to strip paint and cut grease. It's also what generations of chemistry students have used to dissolve pain reliever tablets in a lab exercise designed to teach them how to isolate compounds in a mixture.

But when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned most uses of DCM last year, Dartmouth and potentially thousands of other schools that teach introductory organic chemistry were left scrambling. To continue using DCM, schools would need to closely monitor its use, effectively preventing them from using the solvent in student laboratories with large numbers of beginner chemists.

The solution devised by visiting scholar Steve Wright '81 and senior lecturer Cathy Welder has now drawn national attention: Their article detailing safer solvent substitutions was recently ranked among the most read in the Journal of Chemical Education.

"Everybody recognized right away that finding a substitute was the only real choice," says Wright, a teaching assistant for Introductory Organic Chemistry.

Wright returned to Dartmouth last summer after retiring from a long career as a chemist at Pfizer. He had offered to volunteer as a TA for introductory organic chemistry while setting up a lab with his long ago adviser, professor emeritus Gordon Gribble.

Wright was the obvious person to assign the DCM substitution task. At Pfizer, he had helped to scale promising drug compounds by eliminating or finding safer alternatives to toxic or hazardous ingredients. Working with the team behind the anti-COVID drug Paxlovid, he cut the number of atoms involved in the drug's action mechanism from 11 to two.

He also had a longstanding interest in chemistry education, publishing experiments easy enough to be done at home with common household ingredients like table salt and vitamin C. A decade ago, he established a green chemistry prize for senior chemistry majors at Dartmouth.

"I came of age in the 1970s, when energy was scarce, and everything cost more than it used to," he says. "I became adept at finding ways to cope and compensate. Ultimately, green chemistry comes down to getting more done with less. Less input, less energy, less waste, less cost, and less trouble."

'First penguin in the water'

Wright began using DCM in chemistry labs as a high school student, and continued to do so as a chemistry major and TA at Dartmouth. The properties that allow DCM to peel paint off walls also make it an effective solvent to dissolve compounds and monitor reactions. DCM is immiscible, meaning it doesn't dissolve in water, and it evaporates easily, simplifying the process of separating and extracting compounds. Unlike many other solvents, it won't catch on fire, making it an attractive choice in teaching labs.

DCM, however, is a known carcinogen that the EPA has been trying to phase out for years. Though safer alternatives have been around for a while, chemists have been reluctant to switch. "It's not trivial to change out solvents for reactions," says Welder. "You change one thing, and you often have to change something else."

"No one wants to take a chance with their work, their materials, their time," says Wright. "No one wants to be the first penguin in the water."

Last fall, Wright took the plunge at the request of Welder, whom he had assisted in the lab over the summer. He quickly zeroed in on ethyl acetate and MTBE as replacement candidates for the course's pain reliever and wintergreen oil labs. Over four days, he and Welder tested them in the student lab, on student equipment. They recently shared their findings in the Journal of Chemical Education.

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Dartmouth's organic chemistry students are asked in their first semester to use a mix of DCM and lye to isolate and identify the active ingredients in over-the-counter pain relief tabletsboth aspirin and an analgesic called phenacetin. The following term, they convert aspirin to wintergreen oil, monitoring the reaction by thin layer chromatography and isolating the wintergreen oil they synthesized by extraction with DCM.

As the aspirin turns to methyl salicylate, the molecule that gives wintergreen gum its woodsy scent, students are meant to take note of the intermediate compound, salicylic acid, which is found in birch and willow trees and has been used throughout the ages to relieve pain. Ingested directly, salicylic acid causes stomach aches; aspirin was invented to ease its delivery.

"In both labs, the choice of aspirin is primarily to engage students with a molecule they are already familiar with and have seen on store shelves," says Wright.

Their experiments confirmed that ethyl acetate worked well as a stand-in for DCM in the pain reliever lab. They also discovered that swapping a weaker base like baking soda for lye slowed down some unwanted side reactions enough to make the aspirin extraction step easier and more successful for students.

Their experiments confirmed that a close relative to ethyl acetate, MTBE, a compound added to gasoline to increase its oxygen content and improve mileage, worked best as a DCM replacement in the wintergreen lab.

The new solvents were introduced into the teaching lab this year, and the biggest adjustment for students was the time it takes to finish the lab. Ethyl acetate and MTBE take longer to evaporate because of their higher boiling points. "It takes students a little longer," says Welder. "They just have to wait their turn to evaporate the solvent on a rotary evaporator."

Alternative solvents and beyond

Elsewhere at Dartmouth, researchers are trying to minimize DCM use while following the EPA's new ventilation guidelines.

"What happens in student labs doesn't necessarily translate into research labs," says Dartmouth Professor of Chemistry Ivan Aprahamian. "Nonetheless, every chemistry department in the country will have to change the way they run their undergraduate organic labs, and this article will guide them through the process."

With the DCM paper behind him, Wright has turned to the project he's working on with Gribbleto try and synthesize anti-cancer compounds found in some types of sea sponge. Wright says he'll also continue to document DCM substitutions in other use cases.

"Lots of people talk about it, but no one has made the effort to show how to do it," he says. "Without the 'showing how,' people will continue to use dichloromethane."

More information: Stephen W. Wright et al, Elimination of Dichloromethane from the Introductory Organic Chemistry Teaching Laboratory, Journal of Chemical Education (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00430 Journal information: Journal of Chemical Education
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Two different species of Garthia geckosGarthia penaii (left) and Garthia gaudichaudiithat are almost identical but genetically diverged 20 million years ago. Credit: Damien Esquerre

Beneath the relentless sun of Chile's Atacama Desert, tiny geckos hide a remarkable secret. New genomic research, led by the University of Wollongong's (UOW) Kamryn Carter, has discovered that these resilient reptiles, known as Garthia geckos or Chilean marked geckos, comprise up to 11 distinct species, not the single species scientists previously thought.

The paper, "Hidden diversity in the driest desert on Earth: genomics unveils cryptic diversity in an ancient South American gecko lineage (Phyllodactylidae, Garthia)," is published in the journal Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.

Using the latest genomic tools, the team has rewritten the story of adaptation and biodiversity in one of the planet's harshest environments.

The researchers discovered that there are, at the very least, two speciesGarthia gaudiachaudii and Garthia penaithat look almost identical, but in fact genetically diverged 20 million years ago.

The Atacama is the driest place on Earth, with lifeforms that have adapted to its extreme aridity and temperature fluctuations. The finding underscores how cutting-edge scientific methods can help conserve biodiversity hotspots threatened by climate change and habitat loss.

"Historically, Garthia geckos were considered two species based on morphology, but a recent study looking at their coloration patterns suggested there was only one species, which means they appeared identical to the naked eye," said Ms. Carter, a Ph.D. candidate in UOW's Environmental Futures Research Group.

"Using modern genomic methods, we uncovered hidden diversity. We found large genetic differences between geographically distinct populations, suggesting cryptic species."

Surface similarities in fauna can be deceiving. Cryptic species look the same but are genetically distinct. By analyzing mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, Ms. Carter and fellow UOW biologist Dr. Damien Esquerre, alongside collaborators in Chile and the United States, assessed genetic differences and reconstructed evolutionary history across the geckos' entire range.

Researcher Kamryn Carter, the lead author on the paper, in the labs at UOW. Credit: Michael Gray

Their analysis revealed at least two and possibly as many as 11 different species. This hidden diversity means the Atacama's gecko fauna is far richer than previously thought.

"Traditional approaches often overlook cryptic species, underestimating biodiversity and limiting our ability to conserve these unique lifeforms. South America is home to a wealth of threatened species, yet many regions, including the Atacama, remain underexplored at the genomic level," Dr. Esquerre said.

"Our research brings modern genomic tools to one of Earth's least hospitable yet most fascinating places, opening a window into the evolutionary dynamics that give these geckos their resilience."

The discovery shows that even species that appear identical can harbor extensive genetic diversity, unraveling nature's best-kept secrets. Understanding species diversity and their response to past environmental shifts is central to their survival in a world undergoing rapid climate change and biodiversity loss.

More information: Kamryn Carter et al, Hidden diversity in the driest desert on Earth: genomics unveils cryptic diversity in an ancient South American gecko lineage (Phyllodactylidae, Garthia), Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108448 Journal information: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
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T. phoenicis cells growing in "clumps" in acetate minimal media, shown after growth was terminated (~5,000 min) and plates were removed from the Tecan SpectraFluor Plus instrument. Credit: Microbiology Spectrum (2025). DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01692-25

A rare microorganism found in an unexpected environment may be evading detection by "playing dead," according to microbiologists at the University of Houston.

Discovered in NASA spacecraft assembly clean rooms, this rare novel bacterium, called Tersicoccus phoenicis (T. phoenicis), could have major implications for planetary protection and clean room sterilization practices, said Madhan Tirumalai, lead author of the study published in Microbiology Spectrum.

Originally discovered more than a decade ago in two clean rooms in Florida and French Guiana, T. phoenicis surprised scientists, as these facilities are rigorously cleaned to prevent microbial contamination of spacecraft and, potentially, other planets.

Tirumalai, a research assistant professor in UH's Department of Biology and Biochemistry, collaborated with others from the departmentProfessor William Widger, graduate student Sahar Ali and Emeritus Professor George E. Foxto investigate how T. phoenicis survived in the harsh environment.

Their research revealed the bacterium could possibly evade detection by entering dormancy, a state of extremely low metabolic activity where it stops growing.

"These clean rooms are extreme habitats for microbial adaptation and evolution," Tirumalai said. "These findings highlight the resilience of spacecraft-associated microbes, and it has a huge planetary protection concern."

The path to discovery

T. phoenicis is a non-spore-forming strain member of actinobacteria. While little was previously known about this specific strain, other actinobacteriasuch as the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, namely Mycobacterium tuberculosisare known to enter dormancy when they run out of nutrition.

Dormancy is a key survival strategy for actinobacteria, allowing them to resist antibiotics and remain inactive until conditions improve.

The UH team knew a related actinobacteria, Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus), can be revived from dormancy by using a resuscitation-promoting factora common protein found in actinobacteria. Because M. luteus and T. phoenicis share genetic features, the researchers tested how T. phoenicis responded to the protein.

Widger's research group, which Ali is a part of, already had the necessary ingredients to carry out the test.

When they added the protein, T. phoenicis cells "woke up," confirming the bacterium can "play dead" to survive nutrient starvation and possibly resist the stringent conditions in spacecraft clean rooms, Widger said.

What's next?

Beyond spacecraft assembly facilities, dormant actinobacteria may be hiding in other sterile environments, such as hospitals, pharmaceutical labs and food processing facilities. As research into microbial survival in extreme environments advances, Tirumalai said he hopes it will lead to better detection methods and more effective sterilization strategies.

"I think other industries are missing the idea that these bacteria can evade detection in their clean rooms by going dormant," Widger said. "We don't know if they're going to be nasty bacteriathey may not bebut it would be nice to know if they're there or not."

UH researchers' findings could also contribute to further control of pathogenic bacteria like the one that causes tuberculosis. If scientists can prevent these bacteria from entering dormancy, they may become easier to eliminate with antibiotics or sterilization techniques.

"If we can find a way to prevent the bacteria from going latent, maybe the antibiotics could kill it before it goes into dormancy," Widger said.

More information: Madhan Tirumalai et al, Tersicoccus phoenicis (Actinobacteria), a spacecraft clean room isolate, exhibits dormancy, Microbiology Spectrum (2025). DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01692-25
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Dustmen and road sweepers have gone from hero to zero in the public's eyes since the end of the COVID pandemic, new research says.

During the lockdowns people clapped dustmen who, as a vital public sector service, continued to work even at risk to their health. But when the country returned to normal, the dustmen reported being treated as lazy and incompetent by the public, the study found.

Five UK researchers interviewed 42 council refuse collectors, road sweepers, litter pickers and graffiti removers in London and the south-east of England in 2020, in between the first and second lockdowns, and again in 2021, after the country had returned to normal.

The five are: Professor Natalia Slutskaya, University of Sussex; Professor Annilee Game, University of East Anglia; Dr. Rachel Morgan, Brunel University; Dr. Izabela Delabre, Birkbeck University of London; and Professor Tim Newton, University of Leicester.

In an article published in Sociology, they write, "Unlike many other occupations, those involved in waste management during the pandemic were classified as essential workers and expected to continue doing their jobs."

The workers told the researchers about "their sense of public duty in averting the health risks of waste piling up," which was particularly important given "an upsurge in workloads due to previously unseen forms of litter, such as face masks and plastic gloves, and greater waste from increased online shopping and DIY.

"The rise in the volume of litter led to the intensification of workers' schedules, extended routes, longer rounds and six-day working weeks. Yet, workers in our study continuously emphasized the importance of doing a good job, priding themselves on their physical stamina and on the contribution of their labor to the community.

"They confessed to the positive feelings evoked from being on the receiving end of acknowledgment and respect, even as they felt self-conscious and diffident about being labeled heroes. Grassroots social media fueled public displays of support for these and other lower-paid, lower-status workers, such as clapping for key workers, because they were seen as bearing the brunt of the pandemic in order to keep the country running."

One litter picker told the researchers, "I felt embarrassed when they were clapping, you're waving back like you're a superhero, you're a celebrity. I'm just a normal dustman, but it was good, the country showing their appreciation." A dustcart driver said, "We were respected out on the streets. People were giving us respect as a group."

But the researchers wrote that after the lockdowns had ended, "our respondents reported that their day-to-day exchanges with the public reverted to experiences of 'being treated like dirt again' or conceived as lazy and less competent.

"The pandemic did not result in a revisiting of the status order that relegates those in waste management jobs to the bottom of the status hierarchy, through such negative sociocultural attributes as being lazy, unintelligent, uneducated, or lacking the ambition, skills or abilities to perform any other tasks."

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One dustcart driver said, "In the pandemic they were clapping us, now they treat you like dirt again, you get abuse, you get threatened, we had silly little notes in the bins threatening us, calling us lazy bastards, we've heard it all."

Other comments made to workers by the public included: "We are paying your wages and you're sitting around smoking or something," or "Clearing rubbish is basic work, you should be grateful you have a job."

One litter picker told the researchers, "The concept of it all is that, because you work for the Council, you don't work hardthey see council workers as shirkers. Once a stigma is attached to a certain job, it's very, very difficult to clear that stigma."

One said, "I think that because the way that society is nowadays, if you've got a job with money, you're elite and people look up to that. They look at people like road cleaners and they think you've got nothingwe're not important to them."

The interviewees, all men who had worked for their council for between five and 40 years, also complained that their employment conditions were getting worse. One said, "Now employment is based on zero hours, part-time work, extremely low pay. People who say 'you're lucky to have a job'that is wrong."

One litter picker said, "Nothing has changed since the pandemic. When I pay for my rent, it's basically near enough all my wages, it's straightaway gone."

More information: Natalia Slutskaya et al, Status Fixity and Dirty Workers' Experiences of Recognition, Sociology (2025). DOI: 10.1177/00380385251365514 Journal information: Sociology
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Credit: Annual Review of Environment and Resources (2025). DOI: 10.1146/annurev-environ-111523-102318

Two authors from ETH Zurich and RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau have concluded that the rapid production and distribution of chemicals in the environment means that regulatory risk assessment can no longer keep pace with their ever-increasing numbers.

In their study of global chemical pollution, the researchers provide an overview of particularly problematic chemical groups, such as PFAS and pesticides, and advocate comprehensive changes to address the associated risks to humans and the environment more effectively. The study is published in the Annual Review of Environment and Resources.

Chemicals are used for a wide variety of purposes today, including pharmaceuticals, pesticides, intermediates in industrial production, chemicals in consumer products, and plastic additives. For their study, the scientists compiled knowledge on all these groups of substances and identified the main problem areas in terms of human health and the environment.

"Pesticides are characterized by very high toxicity. This makes it necessary to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the active ingredients and concentrations that actually remain in the environment. We now know that, for example, many pesticides are found in water bodies at concentrations that exceed the levels considered safe for ecosystems," explains environmental scientist Ralf Schulz from Landau.

PFAS are increasingly accumulating in the environment

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are generally less toxic. However, it is their extremely long half-lives that are problematicsome of these substances do not degrade in the environment even over decades. As a result, more and more PFAS are present and, over time, accumulate to such an extent that they reach alarming concentrations.

The introduction of PFAS in the 1950s was actually intended to replace another problematic group of chemicals. Today, we know that PFAS can cause a variety of health problems in humans. In many cases, their use could be eliminated entirely, or the desired effects of PFAS could be replaced by alternative, less problematic chemicals.

Complex challenges with global implications

"The biggest challenge we face is the increasing number of chemicals and the associated difficulty of adequately assessing their risks," says Schulz. The researchers therefore propose a transition aimed at reducing the number of chemicals produced and used in order to ensure regulatory control over their potential impact on humans and the environment.

Substances that are both persistent and toxic should be restricted as a matter of principle. However, exceptions would be made for a few applications, such as PFAS in certain medical devices, for which there is currently no adequate alternative. In addition, the necessary innovations in the chemical industry require political impetus to create the appropriate framework conditions.

Last but not least, it is essential to focus on and assess chemical pollution, similar to climate change, at a global level and through international organizations, as it is a global environmental change phenomenon.

More information: Martin Scheringer et al, The State of the World's Chemical Pollution, Annual Review of Environment and Resources (2025). DOI: 10.1146/annurev-environ-111523-102318
Australian-led study shows bacteria can survive space launch, re-entry

Xinhua) 15:25, October 07, 2025

MELBOURNE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- An Australian-led rocket test shows bacteria crucial for human health can survive the extreme forces of space launch and re-entry, offering hope for future Mars missions.

Space agencies are planning to send crews to Mars within decades but sustaining life on the red planet would be more difficult if important bacteria die during the flight.

Researchers sent spores of Bacillus subtilis, a microbe that supports immunity, gut health and circulation, to the edge of space aboard a rocket launched in Sweden, according to a statement released Monday by Australia's Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) which led the study.

The payload endured up to 13 g (g-force) acceleration, more than six minutes of microgravity, and re-entry forces of 30 g while spinning 220 times per second, the statement said.

When recovered, the spores showed no changes in their ability to grow and their structure stayed the same, indicating a key microbe for human health can survive the space journey, it said.

"This means we can design better life support systems for astronauts to keep them healthy during long missions," said Distinguished Professor Elena Ivanova of RMIT, co-author of the study published in the journal npj Microgravity.

Co-author, RMIT space science expert Associate Professor Gail Iles said, "This research enhances our understanding of how life can endure harsh conditions, providing valuable insights for future missions to Mars and beyond."

The study, conducted with space tech firm ResearchSat and drug delivery company Numedico Technologies, also has potential applications in biotechnology and combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
Hands-on STEM projects, technology and equipment to build stronger, enabled communities

HENDERSON, Nev., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equipping students and teachers with the right tools and resources goes a long way in preparing for the STEM jobs of today and tomorrow.

Toyota USA Foundation's Driving Possibilities initiative is granting up to $5.8 million over five years to Clark County School District. The funds will give students and teachers access to innovative tools and programs designed to embed STEM strategies into classrooms and support teachers through sustained learning.

Toyota Drives Student Success with $5.8 Million to Support Nevada Students, Teachers

"We believe all students deserve equal access to opportunities and a pathway to high-growth careers," said Ana Meade, vice president of sustainable development at Toyota. "Through Driving Possibilities, we aim to create access to quality STEM jobs by working with local schools, community partners and industry leaders to address barriers so that everyone can participate."

Driving Possibilities is Toyota's national approach to workforce readiness and community engagement. In Nevada, Toyota is collaborating with the Project Lead the Way and the Just One Project on a community-based approach to combining an expansion of STEM resources and helping to serve the needs of families in each school.

"The Clark County community warmly welcomed us over twenty years ago when we opened the Toyota Financial Savings Bank (TFSB) in Henderson, Nevada," said Tellis Bethel, TFSB CEO. "We are pleased to give back to this community that has done so much for us, and we are proud to contribute to the bright futures of area students."

Clark County School District will embed stackable STEM programming from elementary, middle and high school classrooms while customizing an intentional professional development program for educators. Additionally, schools will be equipped with a dedicated space for students and families to access essential needs such as food and supportive services to help build a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

Nevada is the tenth site to launch the Driving Possibilities initiative. To date, more than $78.3 million has been announced through multi-year grants with local and national nonprofits, education partners and the communities where Toyota team members live and work. The initiative is funded by Toyota USA Foundation with additional funds provided by Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and Toyota Financial Services (TFS).

In 2022, the Toyota USA Foundation's Driving Possibilities initiative was launched as a unique way to bring together educators, local and national nonprofits, industry and communities to create limitless possibilities for all. With more than 65 years of active community support across the U.S., efforts span the PreK-12 education continuum, with a foundation in the model developed in the West Dallas area. This is the largest and most comprehensive social innovation effort in Toyota's history.

About Toyota Financial Savings Bank

Toyota Financial Savings Bank ("Toyota Bank") provides banking products and services to eligible Toyota and Lexus Dealer employees, their eligible family members, and eligible Toyota and Lexus Team Members in the United States. Toyota Bank offers a curated suite of savings and loan products, coupled with a dedication to providing high touch service from your own dedicated Personal Banker. Toyota Bank, headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, is a member of the FDIC, and is an Equal Housing Lender.

Additional information may be found at www.toyotabank.com.

Media Contacts:

Cindy Lacy

[email protected]

Amanda Roark

[email protected]

SOURCE Toyota Motor North America
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A snow leopard from Ladakh, India. Credit: Koustubh Sharma

There are relatively few snow leopards in the world, and it has likely been that way for a long time, a new study indicates. This situation increases their risk of extinction in a changing environment.

The Stanford-led research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found very low genetic diversity among the elusive big cats, who have an estimated population of less than 8,000. They are also highly specialized to their habitat in the arid, mountainous regions of 12 Asian countries, including Russia, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Tibet.

"Snow leopards live in these really untouched areas, unlike other big cat species, which have suffered from human impact already," said first author Katie Solari, a research scientist in biology in Stanford's School of Humanities and Sciences. "They don't have many individuals. They don't have much genetic diversity. Snow leopards are just not well situated to deal with changes that are likely coming their way."

Genetic insights on rarely seen snow leopard

The findings also indicate that snow leopards developed low genetic diversity from having a small, stable population over a long period of time. In contrast, other big cat species, such as the cheetah and Florida panther, are believed to have experienced population crashes, what geneticists call a "bottleneck," that led to their low genetic diversity.

A snow leopard in southern Mongolia. Credit: Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation

Prior to this research, not much was known about snow leopard genetics. Only four had ever been fully sequenced. This study brings that number to 41, including 35 wild snow leopards and six from zoos around the world.

Achieving that number required years of work and an extensive collaboration with researchers and wildlife officials from 11 countries, all contributing snow leopard blood and tissue samples for analysis at Stanford.

Solari, working with Stanford biologist Dmitri Petrov and colleagues, found evidence that snow leopards not only had low genetic diversity, but also a significantly lower "homozygous load"meaning that when leopards inherited genes from each parent, there are fewer instances of them having duplicate copies of potentially harmful mutations.

This suggests that over time, snow leopards had a periodic purging of bad mutations in their population: If a negative trait surfaced, those individuals died before reproducing or their progeny were less successful. This purging, facilitated by historic inbreeding, allowed the snow leopard population to remain relatively healthy even at their small numbers.

A snow leopard drinking water in southern Mongolia. Credit: Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation

When other big cats, such as cheetahs, which once had very large populations, went through a bottleneck, they lost numbers and genetic diversity rapidly. Then, it was harder for them to thrive as more negative mutations were passed down among fewer individuals. Scientists believe cheetahs went through two population bottlenecks that led to their low genetic diversity today and many associated problems, including lower reproductive success and increased disease susceptibility.

Even though snow leopards have been resilient as a small population, that does not mean they will withstand future challenges.

"Because their habitat is so inhospitable, human population growth didn't really affect snow leopards very much, but climate change will," said Petrov, the Michelle and Kevin Douglas Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences. "Humans don't need to show up in their mountains to build or start agriculture. The climate changes, and it affects everyone and everything, even in such remote areas."

A snow leopard in Ladakh, India. Credit: Koustubh Sharma

Snow leopard in the south Gobi, Mongolia. Credit: Snow Leopard Trust and Snow Leopard Conservation Foundation

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Future challenges

While this study greatly expands genetic knowledge of snow leopards, more research is needed. The team is currently working on analyzing samples from more snow leopards to get a better sense of the population across its entire geographic range.

The researchers have also used this data to develop a genetic test, published in Molecular Ecology Resources, for feces that will allow scientists to learn a lot about wild snow leopards without the need to trap or sedate them. This technology was developed at the Program for Conservation Genomics, founded and led by Petrov. The program applies genetic methods typically used for humans and model research organisms in labs to wildlife to better understand and protect their populations.

This knowledge will inform conservation efforts for snow leopards, which are considered a keystone species in their region. They primarily prey on mountain ungulates, such as the blue sheep of Tibet and the Siberian ibex, as well as smaller mammals, including the pika. The loss of the leopards would indicate the decline of the whole ecosystem, Petrov said.

"If their habitat starts degrading, then snow leopards might go extinct fairly easily, simply because there's just not much ecological space for them and the total population is so small," he said.

More information: Exceedingly Low Genetic Diversity in Snow Leopards Due to Persistently Small Population Size, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2502584122 Katherine A. Solari et al, NextGeneration Snow Leopard Population Assessment Tool: MultiplexPCR SNP Panel for Individual Identification From Faeces, Molecular Ecology Resources (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.14074
Outdoor lighting franchise continues nationwide growth just in time for the festive season

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Oct. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wonderly Lights, the premium outdoor lighting provider, specializing in year-round and holiday lighting, today announced three new franchise owners joining its growing system. The brand is expanding into Orlando, Birmingham, and North DFW under the leadership of local business owners who bring diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for spreading joy through holiday and year-round lighting services.

The new franchise owners include:

Lee Howell , Wonderly Lights of Orlando

, Wonderly Lights of Orlando Keith and Connie Bridgham , Wonderly Lights of Birmingham

, Wonderly Lights of Birmingham Cam Danh/Chris Duran, Wonderly Lights of North DFW

"Welcoming Lee, Keith and Connie, and Cam and Chris to our Wonderly Lights family is an exciting milestone as we continue expanding into new communities across the country," said Brian Garrison, President of Wonderly Lights. "Each of these owners brings unique experience and entrepreneurial drive, and we're thrilled for the impact they will make in helping families and businesses create lasting memories by bringing style, ambiance and security to everyday moments."

Lee Howell, owner of Wonderly Lights of Orlando, brings a strong background in private equity, IT program management, and leadership in the startup world. Having lived around the globe before settling in Orlando, Howell is eager to build roots in his community through a business that spreads joy. "There is something special about bringing great outdoor lighting to someone's home and the feeling it gives them which is why we are excited to launch the business heading into the holiday season," Howell said. "Helping to spread warmth and cheer is what excites me most about Wonderly Lights."

Keith and Connie Bridgham, owner of Wonderly Lights of Birmingham. Keith previously ran a successful commercial general contracting firm for more than 20 years. He is looking forward to channeling his entrepreneurial spirit into a business that delivers happiness to his community. "Outdoor lighting is simply a fun business with mostly happy customers," Bridgham shared. "I'm excited to bring the Wonderly Lights experience to Birmingham families."

Cam Danh and Christopher Duran, will lead Wonderly Lights of North DFW. Cam's professional career has been in program and product management, but joining the Wonderly Lights family allows him to pursue his lifelong drive to build something of his own and benefit his community. "I believe it's much easier to sell and stand behind a product you believe in, are passionate about, and would personally useand Wonderly Lights checks all three of those boxes. Beyond holiday lighting, I'm equally excited about the landscape, decorative, and event lighting services, which offer year-round value and joy."

As part of Buzz Franchise Brands, Wonderly Lights continues to experience rapid nationwide growth. In 2025, the company expanded to become a year-round lighting service that professionally installs landscape, architectural, permanent, event, and holiday lighting for both residential and commercial properties. Franchise owners benefit from a franchise system that provides turnkey service support including design, installation, takedown, and storage of custom lighting and greenery, allowing customers to enjoy any season of the year without the hassle or safety risks of decorating themselves.

With the holiday season approaching, families and businesses in Orlando, Birmingham, and North DFW can now count on Wonderly Lights to transform their properties into festive, illuminated showpieces that bring joy to the entire community.

To learn more about Wonderly Lights and find a location near you, visit www.WonderlyLights.com.

About Wonderly Lights

Wonderly Lights is a premier year-round and holiday lighting company making every season brighter from start to finish. Wonderly Lights designs and professionally installs landscape, architectural, permanent, event, and holiday lighting for both residential and commercial properties. The company also removes and stores decor for the next seasonsaving customers valuable time and storage space. Owned by multi-brand franchising company Buzz Franchise Brands, Wonderly Lights currently operates across 14 states, with franchise opportunities available nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.wonderlylightsfranchise.com/.

Jennifer Williams

[email protected]

919.459.3592

SOURCE Wonderly Lights
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  The leaders of Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a major bilateral defense treaty Monday that China believes targets it unfairly.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape described the agreement as a mutual defense treaty that will enable unprecedented integration of their defense forces and military personnel.

It is Australias only alliance-level security pact other than the ANZUS Treaty signed with the United States and New Zealand in 1951. It is the first such treaty for Papua New Guinea, Australias nearest neighbor and former colony.

The treaty would take effect after it was ratified by the Parliaments of both countries.

Albanese said it was a great honor for Australia to have its nearest neighbor become its newest ally.

This treaty contains a mutual defense obligation similar to Australias ANZUS Treaty commitments, where we declare that in the event of an armed attack on either of our countries, we would both act to meet the common danger, Albanese told reporters at a joint press conference with Marape at Australias Parliament House.

Both our nations have also agreed not to undertake any activities or enter into any agreements that would compromise the implementation of this treaty, Albanese added.

After Marape and Albanese signed a joined statement supporting the treatys core principles last month, the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea issued a statement saying such a bilateral pact should not be exclusive in nature, nor should it restrict or prevent a sovereign country from cooperating with a third party for any reason.

It should also refrain from targeting any third party or undermining its legitimate rights and interests, the embassy posted on social media.

Marape said Monday the treaty did not erode Papua New Guineas dominant foreign policy: friends to all, enemy to none.

This is not a treaty that sets up enemies but consolidates friendships and China  weve been transparent  we have told them that Australia  has become our security partner of choice and they understand, Marape said.

Marape said the treaty consolidated Papua New Guineas security partnership with Australia with no intent of creating enemies elsewhere.

The United States and Australia have both increased military ties in recent years with Papua New Guinea, which is seen as a strategically important partner in countering Chinas growing influence in the Pacific.

The security relationship is a balancing act for Papua New Guinea, which also seeks closer economic cooperation with China.

Australia has stepped up efforts to bolster relations with island nations in the region since 2022, when Beijing struck a security deal with Solomon Islands that has raised the prospect of a Chinese naval base being established in the South Pacific.

Outside Australia and New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tonga are the only South Pacific island nations with militaries. Australia is negotiating a bilateral defense pact with Fiji.

Three Pacific island nations have changed their diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing since 2019 as Chinas influence in the region has grown. The U.S. and its allies are particularly concerned by Chinas growing sway in security through police training in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia on Sunday condemned a U.S. strike on a vessel allegedly carrying illegal drugs off the coast of Venezuela and cautioned about the dangers of potential U.S. escalation in the entire Caribbean region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, spoke to his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvan Gil, by telephone on Sunday, the Russian foreign ministry said.

"Sergei Lavrov said that Russia strongly condemns the new strike by the U.S. armed forces on October 3 on a ship in international waters near Venezuela," the ministry said.

"The ministers expressed serious concern about Washington's escalating actions in the Caribbean Sea that are fraught with far-reaching consequences for the region," it said.

Four people were killed in the October 3 strike on the vessel which Washington accused of transporting "substantial amounts of narcotics - headed to America to poison our people."

Moscow said that there was "no certainty that the United States will not in any way link its declared war against drug cartels with the situation in Haiti".

Russia also cautioned against attempts to broadly interpret a recent UN Security Council resolution to more than double the size of an 15-month-old underfunded and understaffed international security mission combating armed gangs in Haiti.

Russia, China and Pakistan abstained from the vote on the measure put forward by the United States and Panama. The remaining 13 council members voted in favour.

"The Russian side has confirmed its full support and solidarity with the leadership and people of Venezuela in the current context," the Russian ministry said.

(Reporting by Reuters, Editing by Louise Heavens/Guy Faulconbridge)
Bus burned and five arrests made during police clash with Playa del Carmen land invaders

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  The Secretary of Citizen Security (SSC) says five men were arrested Tuesday morning during a clash with police. The men were taken into custody after attacking SSC officers who arrived to stop illegal land clearing.

According to the SSC (Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana), the group of men were clearing the land illegally to promote invasions. Officers responding to the report of heavy machinery being used to fell trees on the extension of Benito Juarez Avenue were met with violence.

The group attacked the responding officers with rocks, sticks and machetes. A Molotov cocktail was used to set a SSC bus on fire, which police said, burned to the ground.

In an official statement Tuesday, Playa del Carmen authorities confirmed the men are a group of linked to illegal invasions and had been illegally clearing ejido common land in order to promote another invasion.

SSC To the people of Playa del Carmen: The Government of Playa del Carmen reports that this morning, in coordination with the Secretariat of Citizen Security, an operation was carried out to stop illegal deforestation on a property in the Playa del Carmen ejido (common land), where heavy machinery was carrying out unauthorized clearings and promoting land invasions.

During the intervention, a group of leaders linked to illegal invasions attacked police personnel with rocks, sticks, machetes, and even a Molotov cocktail, which caused a Municipal Police bus to burn to the ground.

Thanks to the professionalism of the officers, no injuries were reported, and five men were arrested, as well as the seizure of the machinery carrying out the illegal work.

The detainees and the machinery were handed over to the State Attorney Generals Office (FGE), and the Secretariat of Citizen Security will file the corresponding complaint for damage to public property.

The Municipal Government will not allow deforestation or illegal land occupation and will act with the full force of the law to defend Playa del Carmens environmental heritage and territorial order. We call on citizens not to be fooled by those who profit from the peoples needs by promoting illegal invasions, destroying green areas, and endangering everyones safety.
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Playa del Carmen working with Canadian company to reduce CFE dependency

Playa del Carmen, Q.R.  Playa del Carmen is working with a Canadian company to move toward energy self-sufficiency. The goal, according to the citys secretary of economic development, is to reduce the municipalitys dependence on CFE.

Anton Bojorquez, the Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Attraction for Playa del Carmen, says they are working with Canadian company Soluxium Technologies on a solar power project.

The company manufactures high-quality innovative energy products and is working with the municipality on generating solar farm energy but in a smaller space and with less environmental impact.

The proposal, Bojorquez said, is to install a first project in an area already cleared for the construction of the Maya Train. There are several now-unused material banks that were used for construction of the train.

Those areas, which are already cleared, could be revamped to house solar power panels and/or towers.

Anton Bojorquez

A traditional solar park requires hundreds of hectares of already devastated land, he said. To protect the environment, we want it to be installed in an already impacted area such as the material banks that were used for the Maya Train.

The company has the capacity to develop a highly beneficial project in a small space. An already impacted property is being sought for its installation. We are working in coordination with the state government to complete it, said Bojorquez.

With the support of the state government and Playa del Carmen Mayor Estefania Mercado, the goal is to move toward energy self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on supplies from Yucatan.

Currently, the state of Quintana Roo gets 97 percent of its energy from the state of Yucatan. The self-sufficiency could help put an end to power blackouts.

We depend on 97 percent of our energy from Yucatan and if theres a problem there, we are left without power here, he said.

Quintana Roo currently gets 97% of its power from the state of Yucatan. A problem there is a problem here.

Bojorquez said a trip to Soluxium Technologies in Quebec had been planned for September, but was postponed due to scheduling issues. He says they are still hoping to visit the Canadian company along with an investor before the end of the year.
State monitoring Quintana Roo rains with development of additional systems

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  The government of Quintana Roo says teams have been deployed to continue with cleaning efforts due to the rain. Governor Mara Lezama reported Tuesday that heavy rain is expected to continue for the entire region with the development of additional systems.

Authorities held a meeting Tuesday due to the development of additional systems.

During a state meeting Tuesday, authorities reported on two low-pressure systems responsible for keeping the Quintana Roo wet. In a Chetumal meeting with Coordinacion Estatal de Proteccion Civil, Lezama said we are strengthening prevention efforts to protect the people of Quintana Roo.

We are constantly monitoring the actions taken in response to the two low-pressure zones with cyclonic potential. These, along with the monsoon trough and atmospheric instability are maintaining a period of very heavy to intense rainfall in southeastern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula, including Quintana Roo. We are also monitoring Tropical Storm Jerry in the central Atlantic, she said.

According to Mexicos National Meteorological Service a low pressure zone with a probability of cyclonic development located south of the coasts of Chiapas and Oaxaca, a high cyclonic circulation off the coast of Veracruz, and a second low pressure zone with a probability of cyclonic development, will move over the Yucatan Peninsula.

Mahahuals main seaside street was left under water Monday from the heavy rain.

Atmospheric instability from the monsoon trough, which will extend very close to the coasts of the South Pacific of Mexico, will maintain a storm of very heavy to intense rains in the east, south and southeast of the national territory, including the Yucatan Peninsula.

Very heavy rains with occasional intense rains (75 to 150 mm) are expected for Baja California Sur (south), Sinaloa (center and south), Nayarit (north and center), Oaxaca (north and east), Chiapas, Puebla (east), Veracruz (coast and south), Tabasco, Campeche (east and southwest), Yucatan (south) and Quintana Roo (east, center and south), they said.

Governor Mara Lezama said Tuesday they are monitoring new developing systems.

Governor Lezama reported Tuesday afternoon that in the coming hours, showers with heavy rain are expected, accompanied by lightning and wind gusts of up to 50 km/h in storm areas. In coordination with all levels of government, we continue with preventive actions in all municipalities: cleaning canals and sewers, removing debris and maintaining storm drains, with an investment of nearly 65 million pesos in modernizing the drainage system to reduce risks from hydrometeorological phenomena.

We have deployed teams and activated response protocols. Emergency teams are ready to respond to any reports. The rains will continue, so we reiterate our call to the population to take extreme precautions, avoid flood-prone areas and stay informed through official channels.
How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous!

Dear How to Do It,

A few months ago, I went to the funeral of a close friend with two mutual friends, both men. The wake was very boozy, and we ended up at one friends apartment for another drink and then somehow had a threesome afterward.

Weve known each other for a long time and never even flirted before this. Id thought they were both straight, but there was touching and kissing in every combination that night, even if technically they only fucked me. We were all wasted and grieving, and it was a bad idea, but it was also very hot. The next day, they both checked in on me, asked me if I was OK or needed the morning-after pill, and then we all had walks of shame at 30 years old. I took it to mean that even though it was hot in the moment, it was a mutual drunk grief comfort soothing thing, and no one was interested in anything else.

But things have been very weird ever since. Theyre both suddenly in my life a lot more often than they used to be. They both text very often, invite me to stuff more often, and want to hang out more. It doesnt seem outright romantic or sexual, just intense? And while Im trying to put everything back into the friendship box, this experience showed me that Im attracted to both of them, and I love threesomes. But they now dont talk to each other, or go to things the other one is invited to. Its this big, weird, unspoken thing. I know the only way to figure this out is to talk about it, but I have no clue how. Or if I should, since I dont know what outcome Id be looking for. Do I need to let this go, or is it worth having some kind of messy conversation with them?

Aftermath

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Dear Aftermath,

As much as its lovely to imagine that you can let this go and have the whole set of relationships return to how they were before, thats extremely unlikely. If you want to stay friends with these men, as opposed to becoming people who see each other at social gatherings and perform a version of emotional intimacy, your best move is to discuss what happened before a new norm crystallizes.

Id start with each of them separately. Keep the focus on what they experienced and how they feel about that night. Leave the fact that the two of them no longer interact out of it, unless the person youre talking to broaches the subject. The exact tone, language, and setting will vary depending on the person and how you usually relate to them. Generally, though, youll want a comfortable amount of privacy and a low chance of interruption. Convey that the night of the funeral was pretty intense for you, in complicated ways, and that you want to know how theyre feeling about what happened. If one or both of them want to make any sort of decision during this initial talk, repeat what youve said hereyou dont know how you want to move forward.

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Be prepared for the possibility that both of them have no interest in romance or further sex, and are overcompensating by reaching out to you so much because theyre hoping to prevent you from feeling used or objectified.

If one or both is trying to develop a long-term relationship with you, question how much of this is related to the mourning youre all going through. Do the same in the event that both of the guys want to form a triangle. If those desires are largely grief-driven, you still might pursue the relationship, but itll be best to do so with your eyes open and everyone on the same page.

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Get sex 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 How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit

Dear How to Do It,

My wife and I have been married for 15 years. Ive always been obsessed with how sexy she looks, and for the past couple of years, Ive found myself fantasizing about watching her with another man. About a year ago, during foreplay in bed, I mentioned it to her as a sort of joke fantasy, and to my surprise, she also got really turned on by it.

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Now, almost every time we have sex, we fantasize about her flirting with a hot guy at a bar and them having sex in front of me. It always guarantees a huge orgasm for both of us. Im curious about taking it to the next stage, but also hesitant and nervous. My wife seems like maybe she would be open to it, too, although it is still just in the realm of fantasy. Otherwise, our marriage and family life are great. What do you advise our next steps be?

A Curious Couple

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Dear a Curious Couple,

Weve had a couple of letters recently from men who were in your position, took the leap, and now have regrets. Weve also heard from plenty of people over the years who have a lush and fulfilling life that involves consistent cuckolding, voyeurism, or one of many options on the swinging scale.

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Jesse Berings book Perv, describes the ways that arousal can repress disgust during sex, and articulates the phenomenon where that disgust comes flooding in directly after orgasm. When you and your wife have had your huge orgasms, imagine yourselves at the same post-coital point in the fantasy. Do your best to avoid actively eroticising it, and aim for more of a mental rehearsal. Build out the image, individually or together, and spend some time dwelling on the details that might be a turn-off. Make note of your feelings. When youre finished, look for emotions and responses that point to areas where you can set up mitigation strategies. And, of course, if either of you reacts negatively and wants to leave this fantasy in the realm of imagination, listen to that.

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When it comes to enacting the fantasy, go slowly and keep in mind that things might be harder to set up than youd like. Theres absolutely a chance that the first bar the two of you go to will contain the exact right guy, who will be completely up for this adventure. That chance is very small. Its much more likely that you and your wife will have to go to a few bars on a few different nights, and that shell flirt with several men before you find someone who finds both her and the whole situation appealing. There are a couple of upsides to taking the slow route, whether thats your choice or due to happenstance. The longer and more drawn out the process is, the more small opportunities the two of you have to eroticise and enjoythink, OK, so the guy turned out to be monogamous and married, but did you see the way he was looking at you before you went over to him? Additionally, the more chances you have to feel slightly in over your heads and correct the course.

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Do have some kind of agreed-upon signal to let each other know that you want to bail, and keep that signal clear and concise. Pay attention to each others body language throughout, as well. Use condoms, and keep the lights on bright enough that your wife would be able to spot any visual signs of ill health. Remember that your third is a persontreat them with the same amount of respect youd treat any other human. And enjoy.

Send Us Your Questions About the Workplace!

The columnists behind our advice column, Good Job, want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here!

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Dear How to Do It,

My boyfriend and I have been together for a year, and have lived together for the past few months. I feel like our sex life has decreased ever since we moved in together, which is not what I expected. Usually, he doesnt initiate unless over a week has gone by with no action. Ideally, for me, wed be doing it maybe like three times a week, so I feel like something is missing.

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I also recently found out hes been looking up other attractive womens social media profiles. I asked him to stop, and he agreed that he would, saying its a hard habit to break and he doesnt know why he was even still doing that since were in a monogamous relationship. I just cant shake the feeling that hes not as physically attracted to me as I am to him, which kills my confidence. I feel like I need to be with someone who pursues me regularly in that way, but at the same time, Im not ready to break up with him because our relationship is good in a lot of ways. Ive explained to him that I would like more sex and also that I dont like to be the initiator, but things havent changed. Where do I go from here?

Insecure and Deprived

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Dear Insecure and Deprived,

For you, monogamy extends to where a person points their gaze. Thats not uncommon, but its important to look for partners who share a similar vision for reasonable expectations. The way you describe the interaction leaves me unclear on whether your boyfriend is volunteering that looking at social media is out of bounds, or if youre adding that part. If hes wholeheartedly on the same page as you, thats wonderful. If not, consider whether the two of you can work out a compromise that satisfies you boththis is one of those Big Important Issues for sustainable relationships.

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Meanwhile, youre describing your confidence as predicated on the appreciation and desire of another person. This is, again, not uncommon, but its pretty precarious. Working on this could shift your need to be with someone who pursues you regularly into something less ego-affecting or an entirely different stance. Yes, for some people, taking a passive role in initiation is part of how their sexuality manifests, but your letter as a whole leads me to suspect that your desire to be pursued is more to do with basing your security on whether someone wants you. Even if you have some combination of responsive desire, submissive leanings, and this centering of worth on the desire of another, the latter is worth changing. No matter how aesthetically attractive you are, you will never be to everyones taste. Some people are not swayed by physical appearance whatsoever. Even with access to healthy living, high-tech skincare, and cosmetic procedures, aging eventually affects us all.

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Start building confidence and self-esteem that comes from the parts of you that will develop and grow stronger with time. Generate your sense of confidence from your own feelings about who you are and what you do in the world. Its sturdier, which is the most important part, but it also tends to be more attractive to others. Additionally, physical attraction is usually a response to a combination of visual and tactile appeal, along with scent, emotional involvement, and mannerisms. I hear that it feels like a simple situation where your dude is looking at other women, so he must not be into you, but the reality is often more complex.

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One thing thats conspicuously missing from your letter is any indication of what your boyfriends baseline desire for sexual interaction is. Is he generally happy with twice a month? Is he really busy with work, or deriving most of his intimacy and connection with you from non-sexual interactions? Get some information about that. Large gaps in desire for frequency of sex are manageable, but they usually take a lot of effort to navigate, and youll want to include that in your evaluation of whether to continue the relationship.

Jessica

More Advice From Slate

I worked as a bikini barista for two years and it made me feel repulsed by sex. At first, the money was good and in some ways, it felt empowering, like making lemonade out of lemons where the lemons are a society that disproportionately sexualizes women. I worked close to the highway near a truck stop and about one in 10 customers behaved inappropriately, but when you serve hundreds of customers a day, it adds up.
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,

I switched jobs last fall, looking to make more money. I hated the new job, and basically sabotaged myself to not pass my three month probation. My old (loved, but much lower paying, and had a great team) job decided to just cut my salary from the budget, so I could not return. They hired me back for a project gig, that went very well.

Now they have hired me as a contractor, but by my reading of the state and federal laws (IIAL) I am by no means an independent contractormy hours are capped, Im paid hourly, my expenses need to be approved, I have no opportunity to profit from this contract, etc. I am also working on projects mandated by the federal government to be done by a staff person (think ADA, etc.)

Worst of all, I am now treated like crapnot allowed at all staff meetings (because youre not staff); excluded from team meetings, slandered to the president (dont know who did that!); excluded from team gatherings, and basically feel like I am not part of the community at all, except by my direct supervisor. My formerly beloved big boss supervisor is retiring in two months, and his personality has changed drasticallyhes mean! To all of us!

Last complication, I was hired to help my direct supervisor because she has stage 4 cancer. Were all being hopeful, but

Do I blow this all up and ask the IRS for a determination about my status? Hold on until the new interim supervisor starts to job shadow and see how it goes? Tell our accrediting bodies of the malfeasance going on? Just keep sucking it up, so I can help my friend/direct supervisor until I find a full time job I will like!?

Contractor Drama (she/her)

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Dear Contractor Drama,

Oof. It sounds like youve managed to find yourself in a situation that is the worst possible of all worlds. If the job market were better, I would tell you to leave these losers in the rear view mirror and never look back, but I am very familiar with how tough it is right now to get a new job. So as much as I would love for you to be able to quit with nothing else lined up, I feel like thats not actually good advice at this point in time.

And yet, youre miserable! And being treated like crap. If you can stand it, I would see how it goes with the interim supervisoris there any chance you could be rehired as a salaried employee, or has that ship totally sailed? I would also start applying for new jobs immediately.

In terms of reporting, you have a couple of options. I would start with your state Labor Commissioner. In California, where I live, the state does not take kindly to employers who misclassify workers. You can file a wage claim with the Labor Commissioners Office and they will open an investigation into your workplace. You can also contact your local Wage and Hour Divisions (WHD) Division of Regulations, Legislation, and Interpretation, but they are federal employees and may currently be furloughed due to the government shutdown. But at the very least, hopefully an investigation into your companys labor practices will yield not only a settlement for you, but put them on notice that they cant do this again.

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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,

I am a data analyst in a large company all over the UK. The role allows us to work hybrid due to the coverage across the country. I am the only one who is required to attend the office on site due to the managers request. The decision is based on the discretion of each site manager. I have long covid and had had OT recommending I work remotely to limit my chronic fatigue. But my manager wont allow it stating the needs of the business requires me to be on site. This is obviously her perception and not the company since the other data analysts get to work remotely. I have approached HR but they are unable to agree with the manager more than one day a week at home. While this is helpful, I just wonder how the policy is so unfair considering my health while the other analysts dont have the same issue and still get to work from home. How should I approach this? What are your thoughts?

Tired (she/her)

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Dear Tired,

It sounds like you dont have a manageryou have a micromanager. The rules and norms around return to office continue to be confusing, inconsistent, and occasionally infuriating, and Im sorry youve gotten caught up in their dragnet. I also want to preface my advice by saying that, being based in the U.S., I dont have expertise in U.K. law. But it seems like it would be worth investigating if there are any laws or even guidelines around accommodations for disability, and whether your company is in violation of them for not accommodating your need to work from home due to long Covid. If theyre not breaking any laws, and it seems like HR isnt backing you up here, I think your only recourse is to ask your manager if there is any way she would be open to a trial period wherein you work from home, and offer to reevaluate after a certain amount of time, perhaps three months.

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Unfortunately, based on your letter, I suspect she will not be open to this arrangement. And because your company has left the decision up to each site manager, from my perspective I dont know that you have many options left, unless you can somehow invoke the law. It stinks, its unfair, and Im sorry its happening to you. I hope that your manager becomes a little more accommodating or youre able to find a new job soon.

Doree

More Work Advice From Slate

I am a 37-year-old woman who for the past 8.5 years has split my time professionally between jobs as an adjunct professor and substitute in the local (large!) public school system. Between the two, I have always been able to earn a good if certainly not spectacular salary that is right at the nations average, have excellent insurance, and get paid sick leave. I have no desire to try for full-time work in either positionthe university job because I dont want to pursue a Ph.D. when I am already $90,000 in debt from the masters for a tenure job I have scant interest in, and that has scant interest in existing at all in a few years time. I do not want to be a full-time public school teacher due to concerns of burnout. But no one will accept this!
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With a new Supreme Court term beginning this week, it is now perhaps time to reconsider one of the courts most impactful rulings of the past few years: Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.

When the Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions in 2023, the headlines all read the same: Affirmative action is over. Chief Justice John Roberts majority opinion made the conclusion sound final, even inevitable. And Justice Clarence Thomas concurrence drove the nail in the coffin, insisting that the Constitution is and always has been colorblind, tolerating no racial distinctions even if they are designed to remediate decades of racial subordination. But look closer at Thomas opinion, and something remarkable happens. In trying to shut the door on race-conscious affirmative action, he may have quietly left another affirmative action door wide open.

In Thomas concurrence, to explain why the Freedmens Bureau Acts of 1865 and 1866 do not authorize race-conscious affirmative action programs, Thomas recasts the acts as status-based laws rather than race-conscious ones. The bureau, in his telling, didnt help Black people because they were Black; it helped freedmen and refugees because of their legal status after the Civil War. Freedmen were overwhelmingly Black, but that didnt matter, he argued, because the law turned on status, not race. For an originalist like Thomas, this interpretation is critical because original meaning overwhelmingly informs contemporary understandings of the Constitution.

Why does this matter now? In equal protection law, racial classifications trigger the highest level of judicial scrutinystrict scrutinyand almost never survive. Race-neutral and status-based classifications, by contrast, are generally reviewed under the far more forgiving rational basis standard. Thats the difference between a law being almost certainly struck down and one being almost certainly upheld.

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If Thomas is right that freedmen was a status, not a racial category, in 1865, then today descendants of American slavery also designates a status, not a presumptively unconstitutional racial distinction. That means universities, governments, and private institutions could design programs specifically for those descendantsscholarships, admissions preferences, business contracting opportunitiesand defend them in court without facing strict scrutiny. On Thomas own reasoning, those policies would need only a plausible public purpose to survive. In other words, the very concurrence meant to dismantle affirmative action might also provide the constitutional blueprint to bring it back and to justify reparations programs under a different name.

This is not an academic parlor trick. Since SFFA, universities have been scrambling to find ways to preserve diversity without running afoul of the new rules. Many have turned to indirect proxies (socioeconomic status or geography) hoping they will produce the same or similar results as race-conscious admissions. But those proxies are blunt, inconsistent, and legally vulnerable if courts see them as thinly veiled racial classifications.

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A lineage-based approach, by contrast, would be transparent about its purpose and rooted in the very historical record Thomas invokes. The Freedmens Bureau was created to address the specific harms of slavery and its immediate aftermath. If those harms are still felt, as few serious historians and sociologists would deny they are, then policies aimed at the descendants of those harmed fit neatly within Thomas own status not, race framework.

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Indeed, California lawmakers recently proposed legislation that would permit California public universities to give preferential admissions status to persons who can prove that they are descendants of American slaves. And some universities, like Georgetown, for example, have enacted scholarships for the descendants of the enslaved.

This move flips the usual affirmative action script. The fight would no longer be over whether diversity is a compelling interest, or whether race is an acceptable proxy for disadvantage. Instead, the discussion would be about whether the status of being descended from enslaved people is relevant to addressing persistent inequities today. Under rational basis review, that is an easy case to make.

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Of course, this raises thorny questions. How would one define and prove descent? Does this policy leave behind recent Black immigrants whose families were never enslaved in the United States, but who face anti-Black racism? Could white Americans with documented enslaved ancestors qualify? These are not small challenges, but they are questions of policy design, not constitutional law. And they are questions worth answering if we want remedies that are both honest about history and resilient in court.

Critics will say this is just affirmative action by another name. (Cynics also might say that this Supreme Court has hardly been intellectually consistent when facing these ideologically divisive cases, so why expect them to start now.) But that misses the point and the law. If a classification is genuinely about lineage and not race, and if it can be justified on grounds other than racial balancing, then it is not subject to the same constitutional barriers. Thats not a loophole; its the logical consequence of the very principles Thomas purports to defend.

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There is an irony here that should not be lost. Thomas has spent decades arguing that the Constitution forbids the use of all racial classifications, even those uses meant to remedy racial injustice. Yet in anchoring that argument in a reimagined history of Reconstruction, he has handed policymakers a set of tools to enact programs he would likely oppose. Law is full of such unintended consequences. Sometimes they are the product of sloppy reasoning. Sometimes they result from overconfidencethe belief that a principle, once stated, will always work in your favor. And sometimes they are simply the byproduct of a legal system that evolves through argument, counterargument, and the slow accretion of doctrine.

In this case, the consequence could be profound. If embraced, a status not race approach could reopen space for policies that directly address the legacies of slavery without triggering the judicial hostility that doomed traditional affirmative action. It could give reparations programs a fighting chance in court. And it could shift the national conversation from euphemisms and proxies to the real question: What do we owe the descendants of those who built this country?

Thomas did not set out to create that opportunity. But in law, as in life, you dont always control where your logic leads. The question now is whether universities will take him up on it.
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The title of Ross Douthats podcast is characteristically absent of a value judgment. Its called Interesting Times, rather than Foreboding Times, Quixotic Times, or Bleak Timeswhich is an indication of where he stands. At the tumultuous end of the American Century, Douthat is prepared to hear everyone out.

Interesting Times is an interview show. On it, Douthat hosts a slew of rabble-rousers and firebrands from across the political spectrumthink Steve Bannon and Hasan Pikerand peppers them with questions about how theyve developed their ideology. Douthat finds plenty of disagreements with just about everyone who passes through the studio. He examines those fault lines and probes moments of tension, approaching the brink of an altercation without ever fully tipping over. But Douthat, of course, is a conservative. So that means that the spirit of debate on the podcasthe and J.D. Vance batting around how Catholic teachings interact with immigration policy, rather than examining the fascistic lurches of the Trump administrationis refracted through a much different light.

In that sense, the show is a natural extension of Douthats career as a writer and thinker. Since starting at the New York Times in 2009, he has made no secret of his reactionary leanings, which run counter to established Democratic doctrine. (Douthat is against abortion, gay marriage, and the theology of Pope Francis.) But nevertheless, hes managed to cultivate a bastion of Times readers that find his commentary compelling, or at least odd enough to be worth considering. This has ingratiated him with elite liberal circlesone of his oldest friends is Michael Barbaro, the host of The Dailybut Interesting Times is largely a showcase of the reverence Douthat commands within this newly empowered MAGA coalition. In other words, there are simply not many other Times columnists with the bona fides necessary to induce a shockingly candid Peter Thiel into admitting that he might be less committed to the survival of the human race than the rest of us are.

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Billionaire Peter Thiel hesitates to answer whether the human race should survive in the future pic.twitter.com/3O3HlXua6x  : Just-a-living: man. (@living_lad) July 9, 2025

Years ago, Douthat might have been accused of sanitizing the figures who appear on his podcast or of providing intellectual cover to the legitimately unhinged. He is likely still doing that, but in 2025, amid a MAGAdom that appears worryingly endemic, Interesting Times is one of the few podcasts establishing a communication line between us embattled liberals and the barbarians at the gates. I asked Douthat about how he found himself in a position to bridge that gap, how he gets politicians to say what they really mean, and why liberal readers have never seemed to despise him in the way they do his fellow conservatives at the New York Times. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Slate: How did you wind up hosting Interesting Times?

Ross Douthat: It was sort of a mutual conversation that [the Times and I] had starting after the 2024 election, when it seemed like the world was shifting in various ways and I might be in a good position to host some conversations about it. It wasnt a full-court You must do this pitch from my end, nor was it something that I was insisting that the Times do. It emerged more organically, and I had been very happy doing the group podcast, the Matter of Opinion show, that we were doing before. Both shows, I guess, were trying to do something a little bit different in a pretty polarized informational landscape.

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A lot of staunch liberals listen to your show. This feels like a sea change. After 2016, I think most Democrats had this idea that MAGA could be sufficiently defeated with a majoritarian tide, and therefore wasnt worth interacting with intellectually or otherwise. In 2025, however, those same liberals have developed this desire to, at the very least, ponder Trumpismto contemplate its appeal, its place in the world, where they themselves have gone so wrong, and so on. It seems to me that a lot of those liberals are leaning on you to walk them through this engagement. Do you feel the same way?

This is a place where interviewing has advantages over writing. As a writer, you are trying to reach and engage with people who disagree with you. What you present as a columnist is your own opinion. And even if youve been extremely reasonable and evenhanded, youre ending in a place of disagreement.

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Interviewing is a little different. Youre presenting someone elses worldview, not your own, even if its a worldview youre sympathetic to, as I am sympathetic to elements of populism. Your job as an interviewer is still to probe it and argue with it and both get the best expression of it but also sort of push it and test it in various ways. That may be just a more congenial way to encounter a set of ideas you disagree with than a newspaper column that tries to make a particular argument or point. It wouldnt be surprising to me if for some liberals or progressives, it is easier to encounter the ideas of Steve Bannon or Peter Thiel in a kind of conversational or argumentative framework than it would be for me to write a column saying, Heres what Steve Bannon gets right and wrong, or to read Steve Bannon himself.

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I think 2024 was a confirmation that something had fundamentally changed, not just in American politics but in the world. I wrote an essay that argued that now that the postCold War era is over, were in uncharted territory and things are up for grabs. And if theres a theme of the show, its that. There are a bunch of ideas being circulated in the political mainstreamincluding ideas that I disagree with or deplorethat youre not going to be able to use a consensus to police, at least for the foreseeable future. And if theres a way through this landscape that is democratic, small-l liberal, and nondisastrous, it probably involves figuring out why people are attracted to extreme ideas, arguing with them, and treating people that you really, really disagree with as if they were your friends who happen to hold very, very strange ideas. The idea is that they know that you will treat them fairly and give them room to express their ideas, but that they will be substantially challenged as well.

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Youve never seemed especially interested in picking fights as a thinker or a writer. That viral sense of ownage in the realm of online political contentcornering an opponent, establishing dominance over them, humiliating themisnt what you do. And I think thats helped the podcasts appeal.

Yeah, Im definitely not interested in owning. Im interested in arguing with people. In an ideal world, I feel like I would sometimes walk away from the show having persuaded my guests that they might be mistaken on some points. Thats obviously a pipe dream. But thats the idea of argument that I like, where youre actually convincing someone of something, or you are adapting your own ideas to someone elses. And I mean, obviously I have that style. Ive had a job at New York Times as a conservative for 16 years, so the style reflects the role that I play. What I do professionally wouldnt work if I was always aiming for maximum ownage.

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But also, I feel like I was very accustomed as a teenager and early twentysomething, before I had this career, to hanging around with friends and acquaintances and having long arguments with them just because thats what you did in 1997 or 2000. There was a young-person culture that existed then that seems to have atrophied under a lot of pressures but is itself useful in a moment when things are spinning further and further apart, at least when it comes to understanding. Maybe at the end of the day, someone comes away from my show and is like, Yeah, I listened to Ross Douthats show, and it turns out that conservatives are just as bad as I thought or The far left is just as dangerous as I always suspected that they are or Silicon Valley is in fact going to destroy our humanity. They may think that, but at the very least, they will hopefully have a better understanding of the thing that they fear or oppose.

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Theres another element at play here. When you have Donald Trumpaligned characters on the show, like J.D. Vance, Peter Thiel, or Chris Rufo, I always get the sense that they want you to like them. That puts you in rarefied territory, given that you have made your disgust with Trump fairly clear at a time when loyalty to the president remains one of the prime attributes of MAGAdom. Plenty of people who possess your flavor of conservatism have been completely frozen out of this circle. How have you managed to cultivate respect with these figures while retaining your skepticism for the MAGA project?

Well, number one, I knew the vice president before he was the vice president. So thats sort of a distinctive case where there may come a point when, as vice president or presidential candidate or something, he decides that I can be written off. But having a preexisting relationship with someone when youre in conversation with them is helpful. With Bannon and others, I dont know if I would say, Oh, people want my respect. I think its maybe more that people who are either further to my right or loyal to Trump in a way that I wouldnt say that I am nonetheless know that I am in fact a conservative and a deep skeptic and critic of where liberalism has ended upand that I have maintained that skepticism. In fact, its deepened in many ways. I think Im more skeptical of where liberalism is today, by far, than I was when Barack Obama was president and I was just starting out. So Ive maintained that through an era where I have thought that the man who is president now is a, lets say, deeply problematic figure.

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And thats a really hard balance to maintain, and theres certainly people on the right who just think that I should be really pro-Trump and I just need the respect of liberals. And then theres plenty of never-Trump ex-Republicans who think that balancing act is itself a betrayal of American democracy. Those are two running critiques of me. But for an interview show, being seen as someone who maintains a certain kind of balance is very helpful to making people want to engage with you. Bannon knows that Im never going to agree with him that Trump is the savior of the world, but he also knows that I understand why people support Trump and I understand pretty well where populism comes from and that I will give those arguments a fair shake. Thats true of the vice president as well, and true of other people on the right that Ive had on. I am not confused about why weve been in a populist moment. I have a pretty strong theory of it.

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Theres a recent episode you did with May Mailman, the lawyer who led the Trump administrations legal assault on Harvard and Columbia universities, that I think exemplifies this. In the first few minutes of the interview, Mailman delivers her usual shtick. She grouses about adult coloring books, safe spaces, and a million other exhausted cliches conservatives deploy in the college campus fight. But before long, the two of you manage to have a genuinely revelatory conversation about Mailmans own experience in education and how she came to hold the ideas that she has. Much of the MAGA schmaltzthe artificeis drained out of the room. How are you able to un-shtick someone like her?

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This is why politicians probably dont love long interviews, because this is not just a MAGA thing. All politicians like to have talking points to stick to. I was a cable news talking head briefly on CNN way back in the day. I know how that business works. But in some ways, its unsustainable. If someone agrees to an hour-and-a-half conversation, youre going to move beyond the talking points.

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I do think that as someone who sympathizes with, for instance, part of the conservative critique of higher education, there are often better arguments and more interesting arguments for some of the positions that Trump takes, or that MAGA takes, than the ones that are offered in talking points. And so Im interested in getting to those arguments, and sometimes it doesnt work. But one of my basic views that Ive expressed in my regular column about the Trump administration is that it took power with an actual majority. It won over a bunch of people who were not normal Trump voters, in part because there really was a good case for some kind of reaction against where progressivism had gone. But the basic impulse of Trump himself and some of the people around him is this kind of black-pilled rally the troops, lets gather our forces and defeat the liberal enemy perspective, which I think is just bad politics.

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Related From Slate The Reaction to the Ezra Klein/Ta-Nehisi Coates Conversation Highlights a Big Problem for Democrats Read More

To the extent that I am talking to people in the Trump administration or on the right who have a set of talking points and Im trying to move beyond them, I think of myself as doing something thats very helpful to conservatism in those conversations. I figure out what the arguments are that would convince not just a Fox News viewer but someone who reads the New York Times. Hopefully some of the people Im interviewing find that exercise valuable themselves.

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Ive been on the lefty side of Twitter long enough to see the commentariat grow absolutely furious with some of your colleagues. People hold a special distaste for Bret Stephens and David Brooks. Ezra Klein gets filleted on the regularsame with Maureen Dowd. But for whatever reason, despite your deep conservative background, I just dont think liberals get mad at you to nearly the same degree. Why do you think that is?

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I think in part during the peak of left-wing cancel culture, there was clearly a way in which progressives were interested more in canceling and bringing to heel people who were centrist liberals than they were people who were further to the right. So there was a sense that people were like, Oh, well, Ross, we know hes a Catholic reactionary, so hes sort of beyond our anger and our pressure. We just hope he sort of drifts off into the medieval past once we establish the progressive utopia.

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I think that pattern probably exists. This doesnt really distinguish me from David or Bret, but I think it distinguishes me from conservatives outside the New York Times. I think everyone understands that as a pro-life conservative columnist for the Times who is not enthusiastic about Trump, I dont represent any powerful faction in American life. Theres never been a Republican president since Ive been a Times columnist who I was super enthusiastic about. I think if there was, then many of my readers who disagree with me but respect me would become much angrier at me. Maybe that will happen someday, but for now, theres a sense that people have really strong reactions to pundits and columnists and essayists who represent some larger political force that they deeply fear. And even though Im connected to forces that people fear, I dont think I represent them to people in the way that some other figures do.

And someday that may change. But thats at least been my experience of the Trump era. Not coincidentally, some of the people who dislike me the most do regard me in that way, in the sense that because I was not for Trump but never joined the resistance, I represent an example of how elites failed to respond adequately to the Trump threat. There are writers for places like the Bulwark who have that view of me: When America descends into fascism, it will be because people like Ross Douthat were insufficiently alarmed.
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While the government is shut down, Republicans are debating another budget issue: whether a military appropriations bill should include coverage for in vitro fertilization for military personnel. At the moment, military members have coverage only for service-related infertility. Democrats battled to ensure that the House version of the bill, which passed last month, would expand access to cover all causes of infertility. With the IVF measure now under discussion in closed-door Senate meetings, the provisions Democratic sponsors are hoping that President Donald Trump and the GOP members of Congress wont scupper the proposalas House Speaker Mike Johnson did with a previous IVF proposaland take credit for a popular political win, one consistent with the presidents previous political promises. That hope seems mistaken. At the moment, the IVF proposal looks likely to die again. Its fate will put on display a new anti-IVF strategy that conservatives will use to wage war on the procedure across the country.

Republicans are mobilizing against the provision by arguing that IVF, a technology that accounted for nearly 3 percent of all births in the United States in 2023, not only harms rights-holding embryos but is also ineffective. They spotlight an alternative they call restorative reproductive medicine, a series of treatments, including fertility tracking, medication, and surgery, that they argue can treat the root causes of infertility. These treatments may sound familiar to anyone with a loved one who has faced infertility. Thats because theyre part of the standard individualized plan in fertility clinics. What makes RRM different is that it excludes IVF and other treatments that some conservative Christians deem unethical because of their potential impact on embryos.

For some people, the treatments associated with RRM might be helpful. After all, some infertility patients can achieve a healthy pregnancy without turning to IVF or other more advanced techniques. The problem, argue the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, is that RRM assumes that the same treatments will work for everyoneand that RRM will stigmatize IVF as unethical and ripe for regulation or prohibition (RRM is sometimes marketed quite literally as ethical IVF). ACOG, for example, argues that RRM can expose patients to needless, painful surgical interventions; limit their access to the full range of evidence-based fertility care interventions; and delay time to pregnancy, while potentially increasing overall costs. Whats more, RRM tends to focus on female-factor infertility, which accounts for only about a third of the issues facing those trying to conceive (about a third of cases involve male-factor infertility, and about a third involve both gamete donors or undetermined causes). Promoting RRM may reinforce the sense of shame or inadequacy experienced by women who are unable to conceive. And RRM wouldnt help same-sex couples or those who are single by choice, for whom IVF may be necessary to conceive a genetic child.

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RRM is as much a political lifeline for abortion opponents and Republicans as it is a medical treatment. Last year, when the Alabama Supreme Court issued a ruling declaring IVF embryos to be children for the purposes of the states wrongful death of a minor law, a nightmare began for the GOP. The Alabama decision was deeply unpopular: Polls showed that a staggering majority of Americans supported IVF, and politicians across the ideological spectrum, including Trump, rushed to declare their support. At the same time, the anti-abortion movement celebrated the ruling for recognizing the personhood of the unborn. Groups like the Heritage Foundation and Students for Life rolled out plans and talking points endorsing IVF restrictions. Republicans were torn between pleasing conservative Christians opposed to IVF and catering to the vast majority of voters who favored it.

To make matters more complicated, IVF access appealed to some of the increasingly influential pronatalists in the GOP coalition, who believed that making access more affordable could lead to the birth of more babies each year. Pronatalism has waxed and waned in influence. In the Reagan years, for example, the American Enterprise Institute promoted fears about a baby bust that could bankrupt Medicare and Social Security and dilute the influence of Western values across the world. Conservative Christians, like televangelist and former presidential candidate Pat Robertson, took pronatalist positions too.

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But until recently, pronatalists made limited progress in the political arena. Oscillations in the birth rate sometimes made anxieties about a baby bust seem overstated. Liberals and independents sometimes argued that a lower birth rate wouldnt be all bad, especially since that tended to follow higher rates of education for women. Some pronatalists recognized that immigration could make up for a birth dearth among Americans born in the United States.

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Now, finding an effective pronatalist solution seems even harder for Republicans. Calling for higher immigration to make up for lower birth rates is a nonstarter when the Trump administration has made record-setting deportations a key talking point. Policies or stipends to encourage people to have more children may run counter to the cost-cutting ambitions of small government conservatives; paid family leave or child care contradict conservative Christians arguments that more women should stay at home, at least when their children are young.

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RRM strategies seem tailor-made to create common ground between conservatives who identify as pronatalist. It appeals to both MAHA and the Christian Right by assigning responsibility for infertility to women, assuming that families should involve a married heterosexual couple, and suggesting that families have been denied information about their bodies and fertility by a greedy industry that sounds strikingly like what abortion opponents for years have called Big Abortion. The tagline some Republican members of Congress have used for RRM even echoes a long-standing anti-abortion talking point: Women deserve better.

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And RRM promises families struggling with infertility that they can avoid the cost and political firestorm now surrounding IVF. Abortion opponents worked for years to encourage Americans to question the morality of abortion. Now, by branding RRM an ethical alternative, the anti-abortion movement seems set to do the same with IVF.

There are real concerns with IVF in America, even for those who do not belong to the movement for embryonic personhood. IVF is often financially out of reach for many struggling with infertility. There are not always remedies for IVF families who deal with negligence or reproductive loss. There are ethical questions about the treatment of surrogates and gamete donors and the fate of embryos when couples break up. RRM-based strategies seem designed less to address these issues than to stigmatize IVF and open the door to legal restrictions on itor at least to defeat measures that make IVF more affordable.

IVF coverage is almost certainly going to be excised from the defense funding bill. But the reasons conservatives give for that are a preview of a war on IVF that is just beginning.
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In the two decades John Roberts has served as chief justice, the Supreme Court he presides over has repeatedly decimated the Voting Rights Act, striking a series of savage blows to the law long hailed as the crown jewel of the Civil Rights Movement. This term, in Louisiana v. Callais, the Voting Rights Act is in the crosshairs once again, as the courts conservative supermajority might strike down the acts last standing pillar.

Callais, which will be re-argued on Oct. 15, began as a narrow case about whether Louisiana had created a racial gerrymander when it drew a new congressional map to remedy a Voting Rights Act violation in the states 2022 congressional districts. But in June, the justices ordered the case reheard, and last month, asked the parties to address a much bigger question: whether intentionally drawing a Black-majority district to comply with the Voting Rights Act is itself unconstitutional under the 14th or 15th Amendment. That the court would even ask the question has left many worried that it may be about to gut Section 2 of the VRAa nationwide prohibition on laws that result in a denial of equal political opportunitybased on an ahistorical, colorblind reading of the Constitution.

The attack on the Voting Rights Act in Callais is deeply inconsistent with the Constitutions text and history. To understand why requires engaging with the Black struggle for voting rights that culminated with the passage and ratification of the 15th Amendment in 1870. As this history shows, race-consciousness is baked into the text and history of the 15th Amendment.

When the Roberts court examines the Constitutions text and history, it has privileged white male voices. But if it wants to be faithful to constitutional text and history in Callais, it will have to broaden the lens. Black Americans were the central movers in the campaign to make the United States a multiracial democracy. Through their activism, they made the fight over voting rights central to the promise of freedom. In a very real sense, they were Constitution-makers who helped bring the 15th Amendment to fruition.

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The participants in Colored Conventions, which met frequently during and immediately after the Civil War, struggled tirelessly for the right to vote, insisting that equal voting rights were fundamental to freedom. Americas most fundamental constitutional values, they urged, demanded a multiracial democracy. The National Convention of Colored Men that met in Syracuse, New York, in the fall of 1864 called the right to vote the keystone to the arch of human liberty and insisted that personal liberty and all other rights effectively become mere privileges, held at the option of others, where we are excepted from the general political liberty. The Virginia Convention of Colored People that met in Alexandria in the summer of 1865 demanded the ballot as the only true safeguard for our protection. To Black Americans, neither freedom nor equal citizenship could be a reality without the right to participate in our democracy on equal terms.

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White Northern Republicans initially resisted the demands for equal suffrage. That is why the 14th Amendment did not end race-based voting laws. The 14th Amendment imposed a penalty of reduced congressional representation on states that disenfranchised Black citizens, but it did not confer the right to vote on anyone. As the debates made clear, the 14th Amendment leaves the right to regulate the elective franchise still with the States, and does not meddle with that right.

In the wake of passage of the 14th Amendment, acting on the frustration that Black people had been granted what Frederick Douglass called an emasculated citizenship, Black Americans continued to push the nation for the right to vote. By 1869, white Republicans in Congress demanded an end to racial discrimination in voting, adopting wholesale arguments that the Colored Conventions had long been making.

The leading arguments in support of Black voting rights were race-conscious at their core. One of the leading arguments Black Americans made was that they needed the right to vote for their protection. They confronted a political system sharply divided along racial lines, and they viewed the right to vote as critical to their ability to protect themselves from racist laws and entrenched racial prejudice. In the former Confederacy, Black Americans freed from bondage had seen white-dominated state legislatures enact Black Codes that sought to reestablish enslavement without the name and strip Black Americans of the freedom they had fought to win. What hope of freedom was there unless Black Americans were accepted as full members of the body politic? White Republicans, in the late 1860s, at long last agreed that the right to vote was critical to protecting Black people in their freedom. During the debates over the 15th Amendment, the amendments framers insisted that suffrage is the only sure guarantee which the negro can have  in the enjoyment of his civil rights. Without it his freedom will be imperfect, if not in peril of total overthrow.

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In this way, race-consciousness is baked into the text and history of the 15th Amendment. Race mattered in politics, and that was why the right to vote was essential. The 15th Amendments core idea was that Black citizens had a right to fully participate in selecting their political leaders, not that race was irrelevant. In fact, both Black activists and congressional champions of Reconstruction understood that race still mattered, and that made it critical to give Congress broad powers to squelch efforts to suppress or cancel out Black votes.

Indeed, colorblindness arguments were often invoked to oppose the 15th Amendment and prevent congressional efforts to enforce it. To opponents of Reconstruction, efforts to guarantee equal voting rights to Black Americans were an unwarranted form of discrimination against white Americans, arguments that are eerily similar to those being made today in Callais.

For example, Tennessee opposed ratification of the 15th Amendment on the ground that it single[d] out the colored races as its especial wards and favorites. After ratification, when Congress moved to pass the first legislation enforcing the 15th Amendment in order to neutralize the deep-rooted prejudice of the white race there against the negro and secure his dearest privileges at the polls, opponents of Reconstruction attacked that legislation as a form of class legislation against the great white race to which we all belong. In their view, providing safeguards to ensure that Black citizens could exercise their right to vote discriminate[d] in favor of the black and against the white. These specious arguments fell flat and Congress exercised its 15th Amendment authority to stamp out efforts to prevent or intimidate Black citizens from voting.

Callais should be an open-and-shut case. The Constitutions text and history empower Congress to take race into account in order to secure the multiracial democracy our Constitution guarantees. The question now, more than 150 years after Black people fought to make America a multiracial democracy, is whether the Supreme Court still respects this fundamental aspect of our constitutional order.
The 2025 Youth Derby Awards Night, presented by the Bill Galvin Racing Alliance (BGRA), provided finalists an unforgettable experience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the world of harness racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The BGRA welcomed 20 finalists and their families for an action-packed day celebrating the young writers and artists. The top three finalists in each of the seven categories were invited to attend. Along with dinner and the awards presentations, guests enjoyed a true VIP experience at the Campbellville, Ont. oval, including paddock tours, a harnessing demonstration, rides in double-seated jog carts, and the Virtual Reality Harness Driving experience.

Driver Jody Jamieson joined the finalists at the VR Drive to Win station to share tips and encouragement, while trainer/driver Natasha Day met with finalists in the winners circle to talk with them as they prepared for their jog cart rides.

It was wonderful to meet the talented, creative minds behind the literary and art entrant finalists," said Karen Hauver, founding director of the BGRA. "They were an enthusiastic group, eager to take part in every experience  it truly made for a special afternoon and evening.

For the third consecutive year, the contests were held thanks to the generous sponsorship of owner/breeder Tom Rankin of St. Catharines, Ont. The awards were presented after dinner. Finalists aged 13 and over also received certificates for Equine Guelphs online Youth Horse Behavior and Safety courses, and all category winners were awarded a complimentary Junior Membership from Standardbred Canada. The evening culminated with the group making a blanket presentation to the winner of the fifth race, pacing gelding Figment driven by Scott Young.

Below is the list of winners in their respective categories. The winners entries will be posted on the BGRA website at bgracingalliance.ca

Youth Literary Derby

Short Story - Junior (Grades 3-5)

Larissa Thompson of Guelph for "Thunders First Race"

Short Story, Intermediate (Grades 6-8)

Hailey Jeffery of Rodney for "A Little Girls Hope"

Poem - Junior (Grades 3-5)

Olivia Schiedel of Ayton for "The Great Race"

Poem - Intermediate (Grades 6-8)

Sophia Zheng of Richmond Hill for "Heart of A Horse"

Youth Art Derby

Junior

Queenie Tan of Hamilton for "Dreams In Full Speed"

Intermediate

Alyssa Yu of Ancaster for "The Spirit of Bill Galvin"

Senior

Kailing Bao of Hamilton for Racing Freedom

The BGRA would like to extend their sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to a very successful event:

Owner/breeder Tom Rankin for sponsoring the prize money for the third consecutive year;

The Central Ontario Standardbred Association for sponsoring the dinner for the finalists and their guests, along with the Drive With Us program, and President Bill ODonnell for attending the dinner;

Equine Guelph for donating the Youth Horse Behavior and Safety Courses to finalists 13 years of age and over;

Standardbred Canada for providing complimentary Junior Memberships to the category winners and to Jade Regina for attending the dinner and awards;

Drive With Us - Reverend Hanover driven by Mario Dumas and groomed by Angie Corby;

Michael Whelan for providing the two horses: McLatte and Speed Writer;

Evan Stephenson for taking finalists on the double-seated jog cart with Speed Writer, assisted by groom Olivia Marion;

Justin Whelan for taking finalists on the double-seated jog cart with McLatte, assisted by groom Britney Booth;

Jim Whelan for providing a double-seated jog cart;

Parade Marshall Joanne Colville and her parade pony Jay;

Trainer Emma Christoforou and her horse The Painted Pony for the harnessing demonstration;

Woodbine Mohawk Park for all their contributions with providing the venue, and Heather Flaherty, General Manager of Woodbine Mohawk Park;

Natasha Day and Jody Jamieson for answering questions from the finalists and providing insight into being a harness driver;

Customer service representatives Mori White and Lori Jennex for the paddock tours;

BGRA volunteers Karen Hargrave, Nancy Milcz and Melisa Hamilton, and staff members Nancy Campbell and Robin MacKay.

(Bill Galvin Racing Alliance)
Volvo isn't the first manufacturer to try and convince consumers to use a touch-activated key card to access their vehicle, but it might be about to give it up, according to managing director of Volvo Australia Stephen Connor. A new report by Australian outlet Drive, suggests that the Swedish automaker may be turning a page on key-card entry after consumer complaints.

This discussion is particularly relevant for Volvo's current electric vehicle lineup, the pint-sized EX30 and the larger EX90, which both feature this key-card-style system. In order to access either electric Volvo, owners are instructed to brush their card near the door handle in a specific way, and then place the card inside the car's wireless charging pad to start it. None of these actions come natural to those accustomed to traditional keys or push-button starts.

Of course, there is another way that sets aside all this rigamarole, as Connor pointed out: just use the Volvo app on your phone to enter and start your vehicle.

James Lipman

"Our plan is to try to get people to use the phone as the key. That's what we're trying to push people to do. I can then unlock the car from anywhere. The card is a backup plan, Connor told Drive.

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But consumers complaints have pushed the automaker reconsider its approach to accessibility, and to hear Connor say it, a generational divide may be part of the concern. Originally, the EX30 was aimed at consumers age 24 to 50, but another member of Volvo Australia's team told Drive that most buyers have actually been in their fifties and up. Connor acknowledges that using a smartphone as the primary key may challenge older customers, too.

"It may not be for everybody," Connor said to Drive. "The way it's designed is that everything will come through the app, but we still have a generation who don't use apps and don't use phones. That's why we have the key card. So it's more for them than anything else."

Volvo

Other brands, such as Tesla, also use key-card technology, but the Volvo system has come under special fire after early EX90 owners reported regular issues with opening and starting their cars. One Canadian owner even made website dedicated to the accessibility issues he dealt with in his relatively new EX90. All of which makes us wonder... what, exactly, is so wrong with a regular old key fob?

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3 min read

Airtel Business has secured a multi-year contract from Indian Railway Security Operations Centre (IRSOC) to deliver comprehensive, industry-leading security services to safeguard the digital backbone of Indias railway network.

The countrys railway services are a vital national asset that operate over 13,000 trains daily, serve more than 20 million commuters and enable millions of digital transactions each day, while transporting over 1.5 billion tons of freight annually. Safeguarding this immense flow of critical data including sensitive customer identities, payment details, as well as key operational databases for ticketing, train tracking, freight and signalling is crucial in todays era of intensifying cyber threats.

With advanced and centralised security controls, Airtel Business will build multi-layer protection to secure the expansive database of the railways. Ensuring a resilient and compliant secure backend, Airtel Business will also safeguard the end-to-end digital operations of the countrys railway services, which include 160,000 employees distributed across 26 locations.

Tech News Of The Day

The technology stack will include market leader technologies along with cutting-edge Make in India cybersecurity products, and deliver a sovereign, fully compliant and AI-embedded security ecosystem tailored for critical infrastructure protection.

Sharat Sinha, CEO & Director  Airtel Business, said At Airtel Business, we understand that in todays times of escalating cyber risks, that threaten operational continuity, data integrity and passenger safety, advanced defense mechanisms play a critical role. We are honoured to be chosen by IRSOC as their trusted partner to fortify the security of Indias most complex and large-scale digital infrastructure with vast railway networks and databases. Our robust security layer will advance security efficiency in ticketing and data management, shield all railway digital operations from evolving cyber threats while delivering safe and seamless digital services to millions of daily railway commuters.

Dilip Kumar, EDIP  Railway Board, said Due to the increased reliance on digital information and communication technologies for operations, maintenance, production and procurement of assets, cyber security is of the utmost importance. The establishment of IRSOC will help in providing a centralised Security Operations Centre to continuously monitor IR assets, detect and respond to cyber security threats efficiently, gather threat intelligence and ensure proper collaboration with National Cyber Security Agencies. Further, streamlining the operation and maintenance of information technology-related assets will improve service delivery and safeguard the interests of passengers by providing uninterrupted services.

With Airtel Secure, Indian Railway will benefit from a centralised security architecture that delivers:

Unified compliance and visibility : Developed a comprehensive compliance dashboard that delivers centralised visibility and real-time monitoring across 26+ locations and all integrated security tools. Advanced endpoint protection : An AI-driven, Endpoint Detection and Response advanced cybersecurity solution ensuring that all endpoints are continuously monitored and secured. Robust patch & vulnerability management : A single window view and real-time monitoring of 190,000+ critical infrastructure assets/devices and inventories across 26 locations and sub-locations.



Next-gen monitoring: AI-driven SIEM, SOAR and UEBA systems that leverage machine learning and behavioural analytics to continuously monitor, predict and neutralise threats in real time  achieving an industry-leading mean-time-to-detect (MTTD) of less than 20 seconds.

Threat intelligence & dark web monitoring: Proactively monitor and detect risks before they impact business operations.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A bipartisan, bicameral contingent of 47 members of Congress has petitioned the EPA to finalize its proposal for the Renewable Fuel Standard program, which includes measures to discourage the use of foreign imports in the U.S. biofuel market.

The group, led by Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to advocate for the proposal, saying it "represents a commonsense approach that puts American farmers first, strengthens domestic biofuel markets, and delivers tangible economic benefits to rural communities."

In June, the EPA proposed changes to the RFS program to increase the Renewable Fuel Obligation (RVO), reduce the value of Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) for foreign-produced fuels and biofuel components and reallocate unmet regulatory costs from exempted small refineries to larger ones. An RVO is the minimum volume of renewable fuel required to be mixed into the U.S. fuel supply. RINs function as a sort of currency in the biofuels industry.

In September, the EPA added a supplemental rulemaking to its earlier proposal to clarify the small-refinery exemptions after a group of more than 40 Republican lawmakers expressed concern that the proposal could unduly burden the industry. Those lawmakers also warned against reducing the RIN values for foreign imports, saying it would hamper domestic producers who rely on global supply chains.

But the Grassley-led group argued that the RIN reduction measures would "provide essential support for the farm economy so farmers could sell more products domestically" in the face of global market uncertainty.

The letter, whose co-signers include the rest of the Iowa delegation along with members from agriculture-intensive states such as Minnesota, Kansas and Nebraska, also noted that the EPA's "own analysis" highlighted benefits of the RIN proposal, including job creation and economic growth for farming communities.

"This is exactly the outcome Congress intended when it created and expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard," the members wrote.

"The Import RIN reduction also aligns with Congressional intent under the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, which prioritizes domestic feedstocks," they said.

"Aligning EPA's policy with this standard helps level the playing field for domestic feedstock and biofuel producers with imported feedstocks, such as Brazilian tallow and so-called 'used cooking oil' from China, which would otherwise directly undercut U.S. energy, agriculture, and manufacturing."

In a press release announcing the plan in June, Zeldin said the plan aimed to discourage the use of foreign biofuel products while encouraging growth in domestic production.

"We are creating a new system that benefits American farmers while mitigating the impact on gas prices and ensuring the continued existence of liquid fuels," he said. "We can no longer afford to continue with the same system where Americans pay for foreign competitors."

At a public hearing last Wednesday to consider the proposal, the nation's largest biofuel trade group, Growth Energy, also urged the EPA to finalize its plans.

"The Renewable Fuel Standard continues to be one of our nation's most successful energy policies," CEO Emily Skor said at the virtual hearing.

"Once finalized, higher volumes under the RFS will truly unleash American energy dominance by unlocking investments, creating jobs and supporting growth in rural America."

She added that proper accounting of the small-refinery exemptions would help protect production and demand for farm commodities.

"Given the looming crisis in the ag economy, the agency's approach promises to serve as an economic lifeline to American farmers," she said.

The agency is accepting public comment on the plans until Oct. 31.

2025 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Summerset Group reported 420 sales for the quarter ending 30 September 2025, comprising 244 new sales and 176 resales.

Summerset CEO Scott Scoullar said the company is pleased to continue its first half sales momentum with another record quarter.

Weve worked hard throughout the business to bring new residents into our villages, its pleasing to achieve our highest ever sales quarter in this difficult market.

We have continued to sell new Care Occupation Rights Agreements (ORA) and convert our care rooms to ORA as we seek to improve our care profitability. In Q3 29% of sales were Care ORAs (38% of new sales and 16% of resales). New and current residents have warmly welcomed this offering as an alternative to paying daily premium charges.

Mr Scoullar said Summersets diverse portfolio continued to be a strength with over 52% of New Zealand sales coming from outside Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Summerset Boulcott (Lower Hutt), Summerset by the Dunes (Papamoa) and Summerset Palms (Te Awa) were the companys highest selling villages for the quarter.

The company remains on track to deliver FY25 forecast 650-730 homes by the end of the year, including the delivery of village centre buildings at Cambridge in the Waikato and Cranbourne North in Australia.

In Australia the company is proud to be commencing its fourth Victorian village, Oakleigh South, with a sod turning event to celebrate the occasion being held later this month, and the first villas at its Chirnside Park village will also be completed with first residents to be welcomed in Q2 2026 when the village will officially open.

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Not only is the casing of this computer mouse made from biodegradable material, but so is its circuit board. Credit: Empa

They are the "heart" of every electronic device, from laptops to electric toothbrushes: printed circuit boards, also known as PCBs. These rigid boards are covered with copper traces and soldered electronic components and are usually of a telltale green color. They are, however, not exactly environmentally friendly.

The substrate generally used for the traces and components is a laminate made of fiber-reinforced epoxy resin. This composite material is based on petroleum and cannot be recycled. Proper disposal is costly; for example, in a special pyrolysis furnace with exhaust air purificationa challenge, given the large quantities of discarded circuit boards that accumulate for disposal each year.

Researchers led by Thomas Geiger from Empa's Cellulose and Wood Materials laboratory are working on a "green," i.e., sustainable optionwhich is actually brown. As part of the EU research project HyPELignum, they developed a wood-based substrate for PCBs that can compete with conventional epoxy resinand is also completely biodegradable. The researchers have incorporated the boards made from this material into functioning computer mice. The study is published in Scientific Reports.

Dream team of fibrils and lignin

The source for the carrier material is a natural mixture of cellulose with a small amount of lignin. Strictly speaking, it is a waste product. "Our partners at the TNO research institute in the Netherlands have developed a process for extracting the raw materials lignin and hemicellulose from wood," explains Geiger. "What remains is brownish lignocellulose, for which there has been no use so far." Geiger, who has a long track record of research into electronics made from cellulose, saw the potential of the raw material.

In order for the flaky lignocellulose to become a high-tech product such as a PCB, it must first be ground by adding water to break down the relatively thick cellulose fibers into thinner fibrils. This creates a fine network of slender fibrils that are interconnected. In a next step, the water is squeezed out of the mixture under high pressure. The fibrils move closer together and dry to form a solid mass. The researchers call this process hornification. "The lignin contained in the material serves as an additional binding agent," says Geiger.

The resulting hornified board is almost as resistant as a conventional circuit board made of fiber-reinforced epoxyalmost. This is because the compostable board is still sensitive to water and high humidity. But water is needed because, "if no water can penetrate the carrier material at all, microorganisms such as fungi can no longer grow in itand it would thus not be biodegradable," explains Geiger.

A compostable computer mouse

Nevertheless, the researchers are confident that the resistance of lignocellulose-based biomaterials can be further improved with suitable processing methods. "For certain applications, however, we also need to rethink our relationship with electronics," says Geiger. "Many electronic devices are only in use for a few years before they become obsoleteso it doesn't make sense to manufacture them from materials that can last for hundreds of years."

In collaboration with their industrial partner PROFACTOR GmbH in Austria, the researchers have printed conductor tracks on their sustainable circuit boards and fitted them with components to produce functioning electronic devices, such as a computer mouse or an RFID card. At the end of its service life, such a device could be composted given the right conditions. Once the carrier material has decomposed, the metallic and electronic components can be removed from the compost and recycled.

Next, the researchers want to make their biomaterial for circuit boards more resistant without compromising its biodegradability. The project partners also plan to produce further demonstration devices with lignocellulose plates at the end of the HyPELignum project in 2026. Transfer to industry is also a must: "Together with Swiss and European companies, we want to develop further applications for the lignocellulose material," says Geiger.

More information: Yuliia Dudnyk et al, Printed circuit board substrates derived from lignocellulose nanofibrils for sustainable electronics applications, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-91653-1 Journal information: Scientific Reports
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Wind turbines operate as the sun rises at the Klettwitz Nord solar energy park near Klettwitz, Germany, Oct. 16, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File

Worldwide solar and wind power generation has outpaced electricity demand this year, and for the first time on record, renewable energies combined generated more power than coal, according to a new analysis.

Global solar generation grew by a record 31% in the first half of the year, while wind generation grew by 7.7%, according to the report by the energy think tank Ember, which was released after midnight Tuesday London time. Solar and wind generation combined grew by more than 400 terawatt hours, which was more than overall global demand increased in the same period, it found.

The findings suggest it is possible for the world to wean off polluting sources of powereven as demand for electricity skyrocketswith continued investment in renewables including solar, wind, hydropower, bioenergy and geothermal energies.

"That means that they can keep up the pace with growing appetite for electricity worldwide," said Magorzata Wiatros-Motyka, senior electricity analyst at Ember and lead author of the study.

At the same time, total fossil fuel generation dropped slightly, by less than 1%.

"The fall overall of fossil may be small, but it is significant," said Wiatros-Motyka. "This is a turning point when we see emissions plateauing."

Wind turbine components sit at New London State Pier, April 16, 2025, in New London, Conn. Credit: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File

The firm analyzes monthly data from 88 countries representing the vast majority of electricity demand around the world. Reasons that demand is increasing include economic growth, electric vehicles and data centers, rising populations in developing countries and the need for more cooling as temperatures rise.

Meeting that demand by burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas for electricity releases planet-warming gases including carbon dioxide and methane. This leads to more severe, costly and deadly extreme weather.

Analyzing major markets

Ember also dedicated part of its report to an analysis of China, India, the European Union and the U.S. Combined, they account for nearly two-thirds of electricity generation and carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector globally.

In the first six months of the year, China added more solar and wind than the rest of the world combined, and its fossil fuel generation fell by 2%, the report said.

A solar farm is visible in Hainan prefecture of western China's Qinghai province July 1, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File

India saw record solar and wind growth that outpaced the growth in demand. India's fossil fuel generation also dropped.

In both nations, emissions fell.

"It's often been said by analysts that renewable energy doesn't really lead to a reduction in fossil fuel use," said Michael Gerrard, founder and director of the Columbia University Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, who was not involved in the report. "This report highlights an encouraging step in the opposite direction."

But in the U.S., demand growth outpaced the growth of clean power generation. In the E.U., sluggish wind and hydropower generation contributed to higher coal and gas generation, the report said. In both markets, fossil fuel generation and emissions increased.

Challenges in the US

The U.S. clean energy market faces challenges as President Donald Trump's administration shifts federal policy away from renewables and toward boosting coal, oil and gas production. The administration has terminated Biden-era funding that supported clean energy projects, repealed policy underpinning climate-related regulation and halted wind energy developments.

Wind turbines operate in a rural area near Canudos, Bahia state, Brazil, March 9, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Andre Penner, File

A worker stacks solar cells in a ReNew manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Jaipur, India, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File

Meanwhile, the administration has lifted barriers to coal mining, granted two years of regulatory relief to coal-fired power plants and other polluting industries and dedicated millions of dollars to these coal plants.

In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly last month, Trump attacked renewable energy and questioned the validity of the concept of climate change.

Experts warn that Trump's efforts to block clean energy will have a long-term impact.

"The federal government is greatly increasing the growth of artificial intelligence, which is going to massively increase electricity demand, and they're also shutting down the cheapest new sources of electricity, wind and solar. That's going to lead to a gap in supply and demand," Gerrard said.

Renewables "still have an opportunity to make inroads in to displacing fossil fuels, even with some demand growth," said Amanda Smith, senior scientist at research organization Project Drawdown, who also wasn't involved in the report. But, Smith said, "I am very cautiously optimistic that renewables can continue to grow and continue to displace fossil fuels in the U.S. I am more optimistic on the world scale."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

When we post to a group chat or talk to an AI chatbot, we don't think about how these technologies came to be. We take it for granted we can instantly communicate. We only notice the importance and reach of these systems when they're not accessible.

Companies describe these systems with metaphors such as the "cloud" or "artificial intelligence," suggesting something intangible. But they are deeply material.

The stories told about these systems center on newness and progress. But these myths obscure the human and environmental cost of making them possible. AI and modern communication systems rely on huge data centers and submarine cables. These have large and growing environmental costs, from soaring energy use to powering data centers to water for cooling.

There's nothing new about this, as my research shows. The first world-spanning communication system was the telegraph, which made it possible to communicate between some continents in near-real time. But it came at a substantial cost to the environment and humans.

Submarine telegraph cables were wrapped in gutta-percha, the rubber-like latex extracted from tropical trees by colonial laborers. Forests were felled to grow plantations of these trees.

Is it possible to design communications systems without such costs? Perhaps. But as the AI investment bubble shows, environmental and human costs are often ignored in the race for the next big thing.

From the 'Victorian internet' to AI

Before the telegraph, long-distance communication was painfully slow. Sending messages by ship could take months.

In the 1850s, telegraph cables made it possible to rapidly communicate between countries and across oceans. By the late 1800s, the telegraph had become ubiquitous. Later dubbed the "Victorian internet," the telegraph was the predecessor of today's digital networks.

Building telegraph networks was a huge undertaking. The first transatlantic cable was completed in 1858, spanning more than 4,000km between North America and Europe.

Australia followed closely behind. European colonists created the first telegraph lines in the 1850s between Melbourne and Williamstown. By 1872, the Overland Telegraph Line between Adelaide and Darwin had been completed. From Darwin, the message could reach the world.

There are clear differences between the telegraph and today's AI systems. But there are also clear parallels.

In our time, fiber optic cables retrace many routes of the now obsolete submarine telegraph cables. Virtually all (99%) of the world's internet traffic travels through deep sea cables. These cables carry everything from Google searches to ChatGPT interactions, transmitting data close to the speed of light from your device to faraway data centers and back.

Historical accounts describe the telegraph variously as a divine gift, a human-made wonder, and a networked global intelligence, far from material reality. These descriptions are not far off the way AI is talked about today.

Grounded in extraction

In the 19th century, the telegraph was commonly thought of as an emblem of progress and technological innovation. But these systems had other stories embedded, such as the logic of colonialism.

One reason European powers set out to colonize the globe was to extract resources from colonies for their own use. The same extractive logic can be seen in the telegraph, a system whose self-evident technological progress won out over environmental and social costs.

If you look closely at a slice of telegraph cable in a museum or at historic sites where submarine telegraph cables made landfall, you'll see something interesting.

Wrapped around the wires is a mixture of tarred yarn and gutta percha. Cable companies used this naturally occurring latex to insulate telegraph wires from the harsh conditions on the sea floor. To meet soaring demand, colonial powers such as Britain and the Netherlands accelerated harvesting in their colonies across Southeast Asia. Rainforests were felled for plantations and Indigenous peoples forced to harvest the latex.

Australia's telegraph came at a real cost, as First Nations truth-telling projects and interdisciplinary researchers have shown.

The Overland Telegraph Line needed large amounts of water to power batteries and sustain human operators and their animals at repeater stations. The demand for water contributed to loss of life, forced dispossession and the pollution of waterways. The legacy of these effects is still experienced today.

Echoes of this colonial logic can be seen in today's AI systems. The focus today is on technological advancement, regardless of energy and environmental costs. Within five years, the International Energy Agency estimates the world's data centers could require more electricity than all of Japan.

AI is far more thirsty than the telegraph. Data centers produce a great deal of heat, and water has to be used to keep the servers cool. Researchers estimate that by 2027, AI usage will require between 4.2 and 6.6 billion cubic meters of waterabout the same volume used by Denmark annually.

With the rise of generative AI, both Microsoft and Google have significantly increased their water consumption.

Manufacturing the specialized processors needed to train AI models has resulted in dirty mining, deforestation and toxic waste.

As AI scholar Kate Crawford has argued, AI must be understood as a system that is: embodied and material, made from natural resources, fuel, human labor, infrastructures, logistics, histories and classifications. The same was true of the telegraph.

Planning for the future

Telegraph companies and the imperial networks behind them accepted environmental extraction and social exploitation as the price of technological progress.

Today's tech giants are following a similar approach, racing to release ever more powerful models while obscuring the far-reaching environmental consequences of their technologies.

As governments work to improve regulation and accountability, they must go further to enforce ethical standards, mandate transparent disclosure of energy and environmental impacts and support low-impact projects.

Without decisive action, AI risks becoming another chapter in the long history of technologies trading human and environmental well-being for technological "progress." The lesson from the telegraph is clear: we must refuse to accept exploitation as the cost of innovation.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
October 7, 2025: Wide Area Munition/WAM was an idea that began with an Army War College quip. The way to attrit Soviet armored vehicles invading West Germany was to create walking-talking mines to disrupt the Soviet offensive with mobility kills and occasional knockouts of Soviet tanks and APCs.

Here are three of NATOs alternative tactical/operational options for fighting the war in Central Europe.

Option 1: Fight a wild mechanized battle supported by NATO air and win on every avenue of approach from Austria to the Baltic, but definitely win in the Fulda Gap to Frankfurt corridor. A gamble? Yes.

Option 2: Have light infantry with anti-tank weapons positioned in depth to absorb the Soviet tank thrust. The idea was attributed to a Bundeswehr general named Loeserhence Americans labeling it The Loser. That said, Ukraine with advanced anti-vehicle weapons has run a modified version of the Loeser.

Option 3: Use allied armor and mech to canalize the Soviets; then, when a couple of tank divisions entered a fire zone, annihilate them using small tactical nuclear 155 mm artillery rounds producing a 0.1 kiloton explosion.

Option 3 risked possible escalation to theater and strategic nuclear weapons. Which is why the Bundeswehr toyed with Option 2.

The Wide Area Munition was a robot anti-tank light infantryman. A static, seismic- and audio-sentient robotand definitely a Textron project before its time. The end of the Cold War killed WAM as a U.S. weapons project. Who needs to spend money to stop a mechanized attack in Europethe Russian threat has evaporated!

As indicated, Ukraine has revived the concept of wide-area anti-vehicle munitions, especially one that can be integrated with other smart but comparatively inexpensive weapons and sensor systems. Textron claims the XM204 is the only system available of its kind providing autonomous terrain-shaping capabilities. The idea is the system forces the attacker to make difficult choices about entering the area seeded with XM204s. Heres how it works: the weapon sensor detects using audio, seismic, visual, or other sensors to identify the vehicle. The system fires the munition upward. The smart munition picks up the target, then aims for the engine or the crew compartment.

In concept, the presence of the XM204 forces the attacker to either stop and clear the mines, or choose an alternative route, or accept casualties and attempt to run the minefield. Textron says the XM204 is another step toward an advanced anti-vehicle precision munition system.

The primitive 1986 WAM was the first step.

Austin Bay
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Hamas request permanent cease-fire in Oakland, CA

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Democrats insist on carrying unwanted presidency to term

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Obama: "If you like your information you can keep your information"

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Disney to buy Epstein Island for new theme park

The Biology Underground is like the Weather Underground, except they are real biologists and they've had to go underground

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Trans-swimmer Lia Thomas's trophy is smaller than for male swimmers, and only 73% gold

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Facebook permanently bans Facebook from Facebook for violating Facebook community standards

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'Green energy' to be renamed 'blackout energy' for easier comprehension of climate complexities

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Texas: Biden administration sends emergency wind turbines to help fight the blackouts

BREAKING: Biden signs executive order canceling the number 45

ATTENTION: It is your duty to report anyone who says this is no longer a free country. Fact-checking commissars are monitoring all state-approved social media platforms for your convenience

OUT: If you don't vote, you can't complain!

IN: If you didn't vote Democrat, you can't complain!

Social media justice: followers removed from pro-Trump accounts will be added to Biden's Twitter account

Fact check: a democratic election is the one in which votes are counted until Democrats win

JUST IN: China bans Twitter for being too totalitarian

Pelosi introduces new House rule to replace 'gender' terms like mother, daughter, father, son with the word 'comrade'; the only acceptable pronoun will also be 'comrade'





Sources: Biden transition team demands access to White House basement to begin renovations

BREAKING: President Trump pardons America for its past

Prime Minister Modi: to avoid accusations of racism India will change its name to Cleveland

Biden creates Antifascist Librarian Justice Committee; the first book scheduled for burning is Fahrenheit 451

Media study: 148% of Americans believe voter fraud doesn't exist

2020 Election forecast: if Joe Biden emerges from the basement on Election Day and sees his shadow, expect four more years of Trump

BREAKING: President Trump pardons Corn Pop

Toobin, though on administrative leave, is still pulling for Biden

Chinese whistleblower: Biden-20 was genetically engineered in a Wuhan lab

Nancy Pelosi sponsors a bill to create the office of removal of the President

New college humanities major: Critical Trump Studies

Opinion: Joe Biden is just an idea

CNN: Biden took a solid second place in the debate, while Trump only came next to last

Having ordered that all Californians switch to electric cars by 2035, Gov. Gavin Newsom follows up by mandating them to have electricity by 2035

Election 2020: Joe Biden pledges to a peaceful post-election transfer of power to George Soros

Out: Flatten the curve. In: Flatten the country.

Breaking: the Democrat Party has finished transitioning from being the party of JFK to being the party of Lee Harvey Oswald

Paradigm shift in Chromatics: Study shows Indigo (#3F00FF) mixed with Jamaic (#C0FF01) yields Black (#000000)

Study: the trouble with wokeism is eventually you run out of victims

Stacey Abrams refuses to concede to Harris; declares herself Biden's VP

Election 2020: Spunky former presidential candidate wins VP slot by a head

Churches in many states to hold services in opened up pubs and bars

Election 2020: Xi Jinping still undecided on vice president for Joe Biden

Reports: Republicans pounce on 'Republicans pounce' reports

Minneapolis launches online looting app to combat Covid-19

DNC study finds lockdowns no longer necessary as the economy is now being destroyed more effectively by looters and rioters

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Russian lawmakers warned that the American Democrats are meddling to re-elect Putin

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Democrats now worried they might even lose the illegal alien vote

Soleimani's remains FedExed back to Iran and now no one knows what happened to the box

BREAKING: massive search underway in Iran after Soleimani's boxed FedEx'd remains stolen off front porch

Liz Warren harshly critical of Biden's suggestion to coal miners that they should learn to code, offers to have them trained as romance novelists instead

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Schiff calls his Amazon Alexa to testify: 'She knows absolutely everything'

Iran answers to new Reagan statue in Berlin by erecting Obama statue at Tehran airport where he delivered pallets of cash

California accepts award for most progressive environmental policies; further progressive developments to be announced as blackouts permit

BREAKING: Romney DNA test reveals he is 1/1024th Republican

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Climate science: there's no need for climate protests in China because China is already communist

Islamic clerics split on whether Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should be traveling around the world without an accompanying male relative

Dem candidates call for the Beatles' song 'Get Back' and the 'White Album' to be banned; surviving two white guys of the group must pay reparations

Bond's number is up: next 007 will be a black woman, played by Barack Obama

NYT: moon landing was one small step for Man, one giant leap for White Male Supremacy

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Trump politicizes the 4th of July, declares it henceforth to be called the 45th of July, or July the Trumpth

Barack Obama critical of Trump for failing to insert 'I, me, my' into his 4th of July speech: "very unpresidential!"

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International Women's Day observed, women only paid 73% of attention afforded to men

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West Virginia renames itself Eastern Kentucky to avoid further embarrassment from Virginia

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Harry Reid comes forth to say Judge Kavanaugh didn't pay any taxes in high school

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TMZ: Tooth Fairy accused of sexually assaulting millions of children, outs self as Transgendered Tooth Recovery Specialist

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This Thanksgiving ex-president Obama continues with his tradition of apologizing to turkeys everywhere for the injustice they suffered since America's founding

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Cambridge, MA, library to replace racist 'Cat in the Hat' with inclusive 'Che in a Beret'

Millions of men worldwide eagerly await broadcast of Hugh Hefner's funeral, solely for the articles

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Bernie Sanders introduces single-payer public transportation bill to end America's unequal, unfair, and expensive private transportation system

DNC embroiled in controversy after official Twitter account accidentally 'likes' pictures of US Constitution and Bill of Rights

Hurricane Irma hits Cuba, causes millions of dollars worth of improvements to property and infrastructure

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Ex-president Obama declares Irma "Hurricane of Peace," urges not to jump to conclusions and succumb to stormophobia

CNN: Trump reverses Obama's executive order banning hurricanes

ISIS claims responsibility for a total solar eclipse over the lands of American crusaders and nonbelievers

When asked if they could point to North Korea on a map many college students didn't know what a map was

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DNC to pick new election slogan out of four finalists: 'Give us more government or everyone dies,' 'Vote for Democrats or everyone dies,' 'Impeach Trump or everyone dies,' 'Stop the fearmongering or everyone dies'

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BOMBSHELL: Evidence proves Donald Trump conspired with his campaign to defeat Hillary Clinton

University ranked "very intolerant of free speech" fights the accusation by banning the study and all involved

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Trump signs executive order making California and New York national monuments; residents have two days to vacate

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Feminist historians uncover ghastly concentration camps where so-called "housewives" were forced to live inauthentic lives slaving away in kitchens

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Schoolchildren jailed for building only white snowmen

Obama's reckless attacks on Russia serve as recruitment tool to create more Russian hackers

Hillary: "I lost, so I'm going to follow our democratic traditions, poison the wells, and scorch the earth"

Children in Venezuela cook and eat their Christmas toys

Hillary: "I can hack Russia from my bathroom"

Hillary suggests to counter "fake news" with government newspaper called "Truth" ("Pravda" for Russian speakers)

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New York Times: Fidel Castro world's sexiest corpse

After years of trial and error, CIA finally succeeds with the "waiting it out" technique on Fidel Castro

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In Hillary's America, email server scrubs you

Obama transfers his Nobel Peace Prize to anti-Trump rioters

Democrats blame Hillary's criminal e-mail server for her loss, demand it face prison

Afraid of "dangerous" Trump presidency, protesters pre-emptively burn America down to the ground

Clinton Foundation in foreclosure as foreign donors demand refunds

Hillary Clinton blames YouTube video for unexpected and spontaneous voter uprising that prevented her inevitable move into the White House

Sudden rise in sea levels explained by disproportionately large tears shed by climate scientists in the aftermath of Trump's electoral victory

FBI director Comey delighted after receiving Nobel Prize for Speed Reading (650,000 emails in one week)

U.N. deploys troops to American college campuses in order to combat staggeringly low rape rates

Responding to Trump's surging poll numbers, Obama preemptively pardons himself for treason

Following hurricane Matthew's failure to devastate Florida, activists flock to the Sunshine State and destroy Trump signs manually

Tim Kaine takes credit for interrupting hurricane Matthew while debating weather in Florida

Study: Many non-voters still undecided on how they're not going to vote

The Evolution of Dissent: on November 8th the nation is to decide whether dissent will stop being racist and become sexist - or it will once again be patriotic as it was for 8 years under George W. Bush

Venezuela solves starvation problem by making it mandatory to buy food

Breaking: the Clinton Foundation set to investigate the FBI

Obama captures rare Pokemon while visiting Hiroshima

Movie news: 'The Big Friendly Giant Government' flops at box office; audiences say "It's creepy"

Barack Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Micah Johnson"

White House edits Orlando 911 transcript to say shooter pledged allegiance to NRA and Republican Party

President George Washington: 'Redcoats do not represent British Empire; King George promotes a distorted version of British colonialism'

Following Obama's 'Okie-Doke' speech, stock of Okie-Doke soars; NASDAQ: 'Obama best Okie-Doke salesman'

Weaponized baby formula threatens Planned Parenthood office; ACLU demands federal investigation of Gerber

Experts: melting Antarctic glacier could cause sale levels to rise up to 80% off select items by this weekend

Travel advisory: airlines now offering flights to front of TSA line

As Obama instructs his administration to get ready for presidential transition, Trump preemptively purchases 'T' keys for White House keyboards

John Kasich self-identifies as GOP primary winner, demands access to White House bathroom

Upcoming Trump/Kelly interview on FoxNews sponsored by 'Let's Make a Deal' and 'The Price is Right'

News from 2017: once the evacuation of Lena Dunham and 90% of other Hollywood celebrities to Canada is confirmed, Trump resigns from presidency: "My work here is done"

Non-presidential candidate Paul Ryan pledges not to run for president in new non-presidential non-ad campaign

Trump suggests creating 'Muslim database'; Obama symbolically protests by shredding White House guest logs beginning 2009

National Enquirer: John Kasich's real dad was the milkman, not mailman

National Enquirer: Bound delegates from Colorado, Wyoming found in Ted Cruzs basement

Iran breaks its pinky-swear promise not to support terrorism; US State Department vows rock-paper-scissors strategic response

Women across the country cheer as racist Democrat president on $20 bill is replaced by black pro-gun Republican

Federal Reserve solves budget crisis by writing itself a 20-trillion-dollar check

Widows, orphans claim responsibility for Brussels airport bombing

Che Guevara's son hopes Cuba's communism will rub off on US, proposes a long list of people the government should execute first

Susan Sarandon: "I don't vote with my vagina." Voters in line behind her still suspicious, use hand sanitizer

Campaign memo typo causes Hillary to court 'New Black Panties' vote

New Hampshire votes for socialist Sanders, changes state motto to "Live FOR Free or Die"

Martin O'Malley drops out of race after Iowa Caucus; nation shocked with revelation he has been running for president

Statisticians: one out of three Bernie Sanders supporters is just as dumb as the other two

Hillary campaign denies accusations of smoking-gun evidence in her emails, claims they contain only smoking-circumstantial-gun evidence

Obama stops short of firing US Congress upon realizing the difficulty of assembling another group of such tractable yes-men

In effort to contol wild passions for violent jihad, White House urges gun owners to keep their firearms covered in gun burkas

TV horror live: A Charlie Brown Christmas gets shot up on air by Mohammed cartoons

Democrats vow to burn the country down over Ted Cruz statement, 'The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats'

Russia's trend to sign bombs dropped on ISIS with "This is for Paris" found response in Obama administration's trend to sign American bombs with "Return to sender"

University researchers of cultural appropriation quit upon discovery that their research is appropriation from a culture that created universities

Archeologists discover remains of what Barack Obama has described as unprecedented, un-American, and not-who-we-are immigration screening process in Ellis Island

Mizzou protests lead to declaring entire state a "safe space," changing Missouri motto to "The don't show me state"

Green energy fact: if we put all green energy subsidies together in one-dollar bills and burn them, we could generate more electricity than has been produced by subsidized green energy

State officials improve chances of healthcare payouts by replacing ObamaCare with state lottery

NASA's new mission to search for racism, sexism, and economic inequality in deep space suffers from race, gender, and class power struggles over multibillion-dollar budget

College progress enforcement squads issue schematic humor charts so students know if a joke may be spontaneously laughed at or if regulations require other action

ISIS opens suicide hotline for US teens depressed by climate change and other progressive doomsday scenarios

Virginia county to close schools after teacher asks students to write 'death to America' in Arabic

'Wear hijab to school day' ends with spontaneous female circumcision and stoning of a classmate during lunch break

ISIS releases new, even more barbaric video in an effort to regain mantle from Planned Parenthood

Impressed by Fox News stellar rating during GOP debates, CNN to use same formula on Democrat candidates asking tough, pointed questions about Republicans

Shocking new book explores pros and cons of socialism, discovers they are same people

Pope outraged by Planned Parenthood's "unfettered capitalism," demands equal redistribution of baby parts to each according to his need

John Kerry accepts Iran's "Golden Taquiyya" award, requests jalapenos on the side

Citizens of Pluto protest US government's surveillance of their planetoid and its moons with New Horizons space drone

John Kerry proposes 3-day waiting period for all terrorist nations trying to acquire nuclear weapons

Chicago Police trying to identify flag that caused nine murders and 53 injuries in the city this past weekend

Cuba opens to affordable medical tourism for Americans who can't afford Obamacare deductibles

State-funded research proves existence of Quantum Aggression Particles (Heterons) in Large Hadron Collider

Student job opportunities: make big bucks this summer as Hillarys Ordinary-American; all expenses paid, travel, free acting lessons

Experts debate whether Iranian negotiators broke John Kerry's leg or he did it himself to get out of negotiations

Junior Varsity takes Ramadi, advances to quarterfinals

US media to GOP pool of candidates: 'Knowing what we know now, would you have had anything to do with the founding of the United States?'

NY Mayor to hold peace talks with rats, apologize for previous Mayor's cowboy diplomacy

China launches cube-shaped space object with a message to aliens: "The inhabitants of Earth will steal your intellectual property, copy it, manufacture it in sweatshops with slave labor, and sell it back to you at ridiculously low prices"

Progressive scientists: Truth is a variable deduced by subtracting 'what is' from 'what ought to be'

Experts agree: Hillary Clinton best candidate to lessen percentage of Americans in top 1%

America's attempts at peace talks with the White House continue to be met with lies, stalling tactics, and bad faith

Starbucks new policy to talk race with customers prompts new hashtag #DontHoldUpTheLine

Hillary: DELETE is the new RESET

Charlie Hebdo receives Islamophobe 2015 award; the cartoonists could not be reached for comment due to their inexplicable, illogical deaths

Russia sends 'reset' button back to Hillary: 'You need it now more than we do'

Barack Obama finds out from CNN that Hillary Clinton spent four years being his Secretary of State

President Obama honors Leonard Nimoy by taking selfie in front of Starship Enterprise

Police: If Obama had a convenience store, it would look like Obama Express Food Market

Study finds stunning lack of racial, gender, and economic diversity among middle-class white males

NASA: We're 80% sure about being 20% sure about being 17% sure about being 38% sure about 2014 being the hottest year on record

People holding '$15 an Hour Now' posters sue Democratic party demanding raise to $15 an hour for rendered professional protesting services

Cuba-US normalization: US tourists flock to see Cuba before it looks like the US and Cubans flock to see the US before it looks like Cuba

White House describes attacks on Sony Pictures as 'spontaneous hacking in response to offensive video mocking Juche and its prophet'

CIA responds to Democrat calls for transparency by releasing the director's cut of The Making Of Obama's Birth Certificate

Obama: 'If I had a city, it would look like Ferguson'

Biden: 'If I had a Ferguson (hic), it would look like a city'

Obama signs executive order renaming 'looters' to 'undocumented shoppers'

Ethicists agree: two wrongs do make a right so long as Bush did it first

The aftermath of the 'War on Women 2014' finds a new 'Lost Generation' of disillusioned Democrat politicians, unable to cope with life out of office

White House: Republican takeover of the Senate is a clear mandate from the American people for President Obama to rule by executive orders

Nurse Kaci Hickox angrily tells reporters that she won't change her clocks for daylight savings time

Democratic Party leaders in panic after recent poll shows most Democratic voters think 'midterm' is when to end pregnancy

Desperate Democratic candidates plead with Obama to stop backing them and instead support their GOP opponents

Ebola Czar issues five-year plan with mandatory quotas of Ebola infections per each state based on voting preferences

Study: crony capitalism is to the free market what the Westboro Baptist Church is to Christianity

Fun facts about world languages: the Left has more words for statism than the Eskimos have for snow

African countries to ban all flights from the United States because "Obama is incompetent, it scares us"

Nobel Peace Prize controversy: Hillary not nominated despite having done even less than Obama to deserve it

Obama: 'Ebola is the JV of viruses'

BREAKING: Secret Service foils Secret Service plot to protect Obama

Revised 1st Amendment: buy one speech, get the second free

Sharpton calls on white NFL players to beat their women in the interests of racial fairness

President Obama appoints his weekly approval poll as new national security adviser

Obama wags pen and phone at Putin; Europe offers support with powerful pens and phones from NATO members

White House pledges to embarrass ISIS back to the Stone Age with a barrage of fearsome Twitter messages and fatally ironic Instagram photos

Obama to fight ISIS with new federal Terrorist Regulatory Agency

Obama vows ISIS will never raise their flag over the eighteenth hole

Harry Reid: "Sometimes I say the wong thing"

Elian Gonzalez wishes he had come to the U.S. on a bus from Central America like all the other kids

Obama visits US-Mexican border, calls for a two-state solution

Obama draws "blue line" in Iraq after Putin took away his red crayon

"Hard Choices," a porno flick loosely based on Hillary Clinton's memoir and starring Hillary Hellfire as a drinking, whoring Secretary of State, wildly outsells the flabby, sagging original

Accusations of siding with the enemy leave Sgt. Bergdahl with only two options: pursue a doctorate at Berkley or become a Senator from Massachusetts

Jay Carney stuck in line behind Eric Shinseki to leave the White House; estimated wait time from 15 min to 6 weeks

100% of scientists agree that if man-made global warming were real, "the last people we'd want to help us is the Obama administration"

Jay Carney says he found out that Obama found out that he found out that Obama found out that he found out about the latest Obama administration scandal on the news

"Anarchy Now!" meeting turns into riot over points of order, bylaws, and whether or not 'kicking the #^@&*! ass' of the person trying to speak is or is not violence

Obama retaliates against Putin by prohibiting unionized federal employees from dating hot Russian girls online during work hours

Russian separatists in Ukraine riot over an offensive YouTube video showing the toppling of Lenin statues

"Free Speech Zones" confuse Obamaphone owners who roam streets in search of additional air minutes

Obamacare bolsters employment for professionals with skills to convert meth back into sudafed

Gloves finally off: Obama uses pen and phone to cancel Putin's Netflix account

Joe Biden to Russia: "We will bury you by turning more of Eastern Europe over to your control!"

In last-ditch effort to help Ukraine, Obama deploys Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to Crimea

Al Sharpton: "Not even Putin can withstand our signature chanting, 'racist, sexist, anti-gay, Russian army go away'!"

Mardi Gras in North Korea: "Throw me some food!"

Obama's foreign policy works: "War, invasion, and conquest are signs of weakness; we've got Putin right where we want him"

US offers military solution to Ukraine crisis: "We will only fight countries that have LGBT military"

Putin annexes Brighton Beach to protect ethnic Russians in Brooklyn, Obama appeals to UN and EU for help

The 1980s: "Mr. Obama, we're just calling to ask if you want our foreign policy back. The 1970s are right here with us, and they're wondering, too."

In a stunning act of defiance, Obama courageously unfriends Putin on Facebook

MSNBC: Obama secures alliance with Austro-Hungarian Empire against Russias aggression in Ukraine

Study: springbreak is to STDs what April 15th is to accountants

Efforts to achieve moisture justice for California thwarted by unfair redistribution of snow in America

North Korean voters unanimous: "We are the 100%"

Leader of authoritarian gulag-site, The People's Cube, unanimously 're-elected' with 100% voter turnout

Super Bowl: Obama blames Fox News for Broncos' loss

Feminist author slams gay marriage: "a man needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"

Beverly Hills campaign heats up between Henry Waxman and Marianne Williamson over the widening income gap between millionaires and billionaires in their district

Biden to lower $10,000-a-plate Dinner For The Homeless to $5,000 so more homeless can attend

Kim becomes world leader, feeds uncle to dogs; Obama eats dogs, becomes world leader, America cries uncle

North Korean leader executes own uncle for talking about Obamacare at family Christmas party

White House hires part-time schizophrenic Mandela sign interpreter to help sell Obamacare

Kim Jong Un executes own "crazy uncle" to keep him from ruining another family Christmas

OFA admits its advice for area activists to give Obamacare Talk at shooting ranges was a bad idea

President resolves Obamacare debacle with executive order declaring all Americans equally healthy

Obama to Iran: "If you like your nuclear program, you can keep your nuclear program"

Bovine community outraged by flatulence coming from Washington DC

Obama: "I'm not particularly ideological; I believe in a good pragmatic five-year plan"

Shocker: Obama had no knowledge he'd been reelected until he read about it in the local newspaper last week

Server problems at HealthCare.gov so bad, it now flashes 'Error 808' message

NSA marks National Best Friend Day with official announcement: "Government is your best friend; we know you like no one else, we're always there, we're always willing to listen"

Al Qaeda cancels attack on USA citing launch of Obamacare as devastating enough

The President's latest talking point on Obamacare: "I didn't build that"

Dizzy with success, Obama renames his wildly popular healthcare mandate to HillaryCare

Carney: huge ObamaCare deductibles won't look as bad come hyperinflation

Washington Redskins drop 'Washington' from their name as offensive to most Americans

Poll: 83% of Americans favor cowboy diplomacy over rodeo clown diplomacy

GOVERNMENT WARNING: If you were able to complete ObamaCare form online, it wasn't a legitimate gov't website; you should report online fraud and change all your passwords

Obama administration gets serious, threatens Syria with ObamaCare

Obama authorizes the use of Vice President Joe Biden's double-barrel shotgun to fire a couple of blasts at Syria

Sharpton: "British royals should have named baby 'Trayvon.' By choosing 'George' they sided with white Hispanic racist Zimmerman"

DNC launches 'Carlos Danger' action figure; proceeds to fund a charity helping survivors of the Republican War on Women

Nancy Pelosi extends abortion rights to the birds and the bees

Hubble discovers planetary drift to the left

Obama: 'If I had a daughter-in-law, she would look like Rachael Jeantel'

FISA court rubberstamps statement denying its portrayal as government's rubber stamp

Every time ObamaCare gets delayed, a Julia somewhere dies

GOP to Schumer: 'Force full implementation of ObamaCare before 2014 or Dems will never win another election'

Obama: 'If I had a son... no, wait, my daughter can now marry a woman!'

Janet Napolitano: TSA findings reveal that since none of the hijackers were babies, elderly, or Tea Partiers, 9/11 was not an act of terrorism

News Flash: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) can see Canada from South Dakota

Susan Rice: IRS actions against tea parties caused by anti-tax YouTube video that was insulting to their faith

Drudge Report reduces font to fit all White House scandals onto one page

Obama: the IRS is a constitutional right, just like the Second Amendment

White House: top Obama officials using secret email accounts a result of bad IT advice to avoid spam mail from Nigeria

Jay Carney to critics: 'Pinocchio never said anything inconsistent'

Obama: If I had a gay son, he'd look like Jason Collins

Gosnell's office in Benghazi raided by the IRS: mainstream media's worst cover-up challenge to date

IRS targeting pro-gay-marriage LGBT groups leads to gayest tax revolt in U.S. history

After Arlington Cemetery rejects offer to bury Boston bomber, Westboro Babtist Church steps up with premium front lawn plot

Boston: Obama Administration to reclassify marathon bombing as 'sportsplace violence'

Study: Success has many fathers but failure becomes a government program

US Media: Can Pope Francis possibly clear up Vatican bureaucracy and banking without blaming the previous administration?

Michelle Obama praises weekend rampage by Chicago teens as good way to burn calories and stay healthy

This Passover, Obama urges his subjects to paint lamb's blood above doors in order to avoid the Sequester



White House to American children: Sequester causes layoffs among hens that lay Easter eggs; union-wage Easter Bunnies to be replaced by Mexican Chupacabras

Time Mag names Hugo Chavez world's sexiest corpse

Boy, 8, pretends banana is gun, makes daring escape from school

Study: Free lunches overpriced, lack nutrition

Oscars 2013: Michelle Obama announces long-awaited merger of Hollywood and the State

Joe Salazar defends the right of women to be raped in gun-free environment: 'rapists and rapees should work together to prevent gun violence for the common good'

Dept. of Health and Human Services eliminates rape by reclassifying assailants as 'undocumented sex partners'

Kremlin puts out warning not to photoshop Putin riding meteor unless bare-chested

Deeming football too violent, Obama moves to introduce Super Drone Sundays instead

Japan offers to extend nuclear umbrella to cover U.S. should America suffer devastating attack on its own defense spending

Feminists organize one billion women to protest male oppression with one billion lap dances

Urban community protests Mayor Bloomberg's ban on extra-large pop singers owning assault weapons

Concerned with mounting death toll, Taliban offers to send peacekeeping advisers to Chicago

Karl Rove puts an end to Tea Party with new 'Republicans For Democrats' strategy aimed at losing elections

Answering public skepticism, President Obama authorizes unlimited drone attacks on all skeet targets throughout the country

Skeet Ulrich denies claims he had been shot by President but considers changing his name to 'Traps'

White House releases new exciting photos of Obama standing, sitting, looking thoughtful, and even breathing in and out

New York Times hacked by Chinese government, Paul Krugman's economic policies stolen

White House: when President shoots skeet, he donates the meat to food banks that feed the middle class

To prove he is serious, Obama eliminates armed guard protection for President, Vice-President, and their families; establishes Gun-Free Zones around them instead

State Dept to send 100,000 American college students to China as security for US debt obligations

Jay Carney: Al Qaeda is on the run, they're just running forward

President issues executive orders banning cliffs, ceilings, obstructions, statistics, and other notions that prevent us from moving forwards and upward

Fearing the worst, Obama Administration outlaws the fan to prevent it from being hit by certain objects

World ends; S&P soars

Riddle of universe solved; answer not understood

Meek inherit Earth, can't afford estate taxes

Greece abandons Euro; accountants find Greece has no Euros anyway

Wheel finally reinvented; axles to be gradually reinvented in 3rd quarter of 2013

Bigfoot found in Ohio, mysteriously not voting for Obama

As Santa's workshop files for bankruptcy, Fed offers bailout in exchange for control of 'naughty and nice' list

Freak flying pig accident causes bacon to fly off shelves

Obama: green economy likely to transform America into a leading third world country of the new millennium

Report: President Obama to visit the United States in the near future

Obama promises to create thousands more economically neutral jobs

Modernizing Islam: New York imam proposes to canonize Saul Alinsky as religion's latter day prophet

Imam Rauf's peaceful solution: 'Move Ground Zero a few blocks away from the mosque and no one gets hurt'

Study: Obama's threat to burn tax money in Washington 'recruitment bonanza' for Tea Parties

Study: no Social Security reform will be needed if gov't raises retirement age to at least 814 years

Obama attends church service, worships self

Obama proposes national 'Win The Future' lottery; proceeds of new WTF Powerball to finance more gov't spending

Historical revisionists: "Hey, you never know"

Vice President Biden: criticizing Egypt is un-pharaoh

Israelis to Egyptian rioters: "don't damage the pyramids, we will not rebuild"

Lake Superior renamed Lake Inferior in spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness

Al Gore: It's a shame that a family can be torn apart by something as simple as a pack of polar bears

Michael Moore: As long as there is anyone with money to shake down, this country is not broke

Obama's teleprompters unionize, demand collective bargaining rights

Obama calls new taxes 'spending reductions in tax code.' Elsewhere rapists tout 'consent reductions in sexual intercourse'

Obama's teleprompter unhappy with White House Twitter: "Too few words"

Obama's Regulation Reduction committee finds US Constitution to be expensive outdated framework inefficiently regulating federal gov't

Taking a page from the Reagan years, Obama announces new era of Perestroika and Glasnost

Responding to Oslo shootings, Obama declares Christianity "Religion of Peace," praises "moderate Christians," promises to send one into space

Republicans block Obama's $420 billion program to give American families free charms that ward off economic bad luck

White House to impose Chimney tax on Santa Claus

Obama decrees the economy is not soaring as much as previously decreeed

Conservative think tank introduces children to capitalism with pop-up picture book "The Road to Smurfdom"

Al Gore proposes to combat Global Warming by extracting silver linings from clouds in Earth's atmosphere

Obama refutes charges of him being unresponsive to people's suffering: "When you pray to God, do you always hear a response?"

Obama regrets the US government didn't provide his mother with free contraceptives when she was in college

Fluke to Congress: drill, baby, drill!

Planned Parenthood introduces Frequent Flucker reward card: 'Come again soon!'

Obama to tornado victims: 'We inherited this weather from the previous administration'

Obama congratulates Putin on Chicago-style election outcome

People's Cube gives itself Hero of Socialist Labor medal in recognition of continued expert advice provided to the Obama Administration helping to shape its foreign and domestic policies

Hamas: Israeli air defense unfair to 99% of our missiles, "only 1% allowed to reach Israel"

Democrat strategist: without government supervision, women would have never evolved into humans

Voters Without Borders oppose Texas new voter ID law

Enraged by accusation that they are doing Obama's bidding, media leaders demand instructions from White House on how to respond

Obama blames previous Olympics for failure to win at this Olympics

Official: China plans to land on Moon or at least on cheap knockoff thereof

Koran-Contra: Obama secretly arms Syrian rebels

Poll: Progressive slogan 'We should be more like Europe' most popular with members of American Nazi Party

Obama to Evangelicals: Jesus saves, I just spend

May Day: Anarchists plan, schedule, synchronize, and execute a coordinated campaign against all of the above

Midwestern farmers hooked on new erotic novel "50 Shades of Hay"

Study: 99% of Liberals give the rest a bad name

Obama meets with Jewish leaders, proposes deeper circumcisions for the rich

Historians: Before HOPE & CHANGE there was HEMP & CHOOM at ten bucks a bag

Cancer once again fails to cure Venezuela of its "President for Life"

Tragic spelling error causes Muslim protesters to burn local boob-tube factory

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu: due to energy conservation, the light at the end of the tunnel will be switched off

Obama Administration running food stamps across the border with Mexico in an operation code-named "Fat And Furious"

Pakistan explodes in protest over new Adobe Acrobat update; 17 local acrobats killed

White House: "Let them eat statistics"

Special Ops: if Benedict Arnold had a son, he would look like Barack Obama







AD GOES HERE
India's top pilots' union is calling for an urgent safety inspection of all Boeing787 Dreamliner aircraft in the country after a midair incident involving an Air India flight raised new concerns.

On Saturday, October 4, Air India flight AI117 from Amritsar to Birmingham, UK, experienced an unexpected deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)  a small emergency device that supplies power when a plane loses engines, hydraulics, or electricity.

The flight landed safely, and no injuries were reported.

What has raised alarms is that, according to Air India, "all electrical and hydraulic systems were normal" at the time of the incident  meaning the turbine deployed without any obvious need.

"This is a serious concern that warrants a detailed inquiry," said Captain Charanvir Singh Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots, a group representing around 6,000 pilots, AP News reported.

Randhawa added that in his five decades of flying, he had never seen the RAT system deploy without an actual emergency.

An "un-commanded" deployment of the 787 RAT on a Birmingham bound flight raises new questions for Boeing & the AI 171 crash. We speak to @flyingamit & Capt Jp Singh as Federation of Indian pilots demands an investigation of the entire 787 fleet. In full https://t.co/uyNAmTfUGp pic.twitter.com/W11wjHYN8D  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) October 6, 2025

June Crash Sparks New Safety Probe on Air India Dreamliners

In response, the pilots' union has formally requested that India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) inspect all Dreamliners operating in the country  a total of 34 aircraft, including those operated by Air India.

This latest event comes just months after a deadly crash in June involving another Air India Dreamliner, where the same RAT system deployed after the engines lost power.

According to TheIndependent, that flight, which was heading to London, crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, including 19 on the ground.

An early report on the June crash found the fuel control switches had been moved to "cutoff," shutting down both engines and triggering the RAT.

Saturday's flight, a 12-year-old Boeing 787-8, was held overnight in Birmingham for checks. It resumed service the next day on its return route to Delhi.

Air India, now owned by Tata Group, said the aircraft had no technical issues and that initial tests showed all systems were working normally.

As of now, India's Civil Aviation Ministry has not commented, and Boeing deferred all questions to Air India.

Originally published on vcpost.com
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ORANGEBURG, S.C.  On the evening of October 4, 2025, South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, experienced two separate shootings during its Homecoming weekend. The first incident occurred near Hugine Suites, a student residence hall, where 19-year-old Jaliyah Butler was fatally wounded. She was later pronounced dead at MUSC Health Orangeburg. The second shooting took place elsewhere on campus, leaving a male individual injured; he was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition. While no fatalities were reported, the events highlighted vulnerabilities in campus security and the challenges universities face in protecting students.

In response, the university immediately placed the campus on lockdown and canceled all scheduled Homecoming events for the following day. Enhanced security measures were implemented, including vehicle checks and ID verifications at campus entrances, to ensure the safety of students and staff. Counseling services were also made available for those affected by the incidents.

Students described feelings of fear and uncertainty, as well as a renewed awareness of the importance of community support. Campus counseling services reported a spike in requests for appointments, reflecting the emotional impact of the shootings. Student leaders organized impromptu vigils and peer support groups, emphasizing solidarity and resilience.

Experts note that such incidents underscore the need for robust campus safety protocols and proactive measures to address potential risks. This includes not only physical securitysuch as surveillance and rapid response systemsbut also programs to support mental health, de-escalate conflicts, and build a culture of care.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is leading investigations into both shootings. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information or tips that could assist in identifying suspects. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the motive behind the shootings remains under investigation. The incidents have sparked broader concerns about campus safety and the need for heightened security protocols at universities nationwide.

While law enforcement investigates the incidents, university leaders are also reviewing policies on access, emergency response, and student outreach. The goal, they say, is to strengthen safety infrastructure without creating an atmosphere of fear.

For many students, the events are a stark reminder of the delicate balance universities must maintain: offering a welcoming, open learning environment while protecting against real threats. As the campus community begins to process the events, there is a shared determination to foster resilience, enhance safety, and ensure that students can continue their education in a secure environment.
Fair settlement: Central Bank Governor Larry Howai, fourth left, is flanked by Banking, Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU) president Don Devenish, third left, and Central Bank BIGWU branch president Makesi Bostic following the signing of the collective agreement.
Former president of the Fyzabad Chamber of Commerce, Angie Jairam, has been appointed as the
SAFE AND SOUND: Abigail Joseph with her parents Christiana Hyde and Colin Joseph, and brothers Dominic Francois, 13, left, and Javier Francois, 15, at their Ward Lane home in Gonzales yesterday. Joseph fell into a flooded drain and was rescued in the vicinity of Besson Street Police Station on Sunday. Photo: MIchelle Loubon
Feature: With extra chicken and visitors, Singapore welcomes China's golden week

Xinhua) 15:27, October 07, 2025

SINGAPORE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- In the bustling kitchen of the Coconut Club, a restaurant famed for its rice cooked in coconut milk with crispy fried chicken, the pace quickens as China's "Golden Week" holiday brings a surge of visitors.

During this week, the restaurant needs to fry about 30 percent more chicken legs than usual, as chefs stacked trays of glistening drumsticks. Rice, dried anchovies, and coconut milk are also ordered in extra quantities for nasi lemak, the coconut rice dish beloved across Malaysia and Singapore.

The surge is predictable: during Chinese New Year, and the "Golden Week," which is the early-October holiday marking China's National Day, lines at the door grow longer, said managing partner Daniel Sia.

One of the Coconut Club's branches that draws tourists sits in the Kampong Glam neighborhood, where old shophouses release mingling aromas -- Cantonese dim sum, Indian roti, and Malay curries.

These streets have long been popular with travelers, and increasingly, with Chinese visitors. Since China and Singapore introduced mutual visa-free travel in February 2024, China has emerged as Singapore's largest source of tourists. In the first eight months of this year alone, Singapore recorded 2.3 million Chinese arrivals.

The rush is particularly visible during the "Golden Week," when hundreds of millions of Chinese travel abroad. In Singapore, from small eateries to luxury malls, businesses prepare in advance.

At Takashimaya, one of the major department stores on Singapore's main shopping street, Orchard Road, additional staff and security are deployed to assist customers and manage queues, while inventories of popular products are increased to meet the heightened demand, said Deputy General Manager Takafumi Kanke.

"The department store is noticeably more crowded across all areas, with longer queues at both checkouts and redemption booths. Transaction volumes are also higher compared to regular days," he said.

This year, tourists who follow Takashimaya Singapore's account on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese lifestyle and shopping app, can redeem a reusable bag.

For restaurateurs like Sia, social media has already transformed the business. Sia remembered that before he even knew the restaurant was on Chinese platforms, some Chinese guests came up to him saying they were "on fire" there. Now, many posts on Xiaohongshu describe it as one of the best places in Singapore to try nasi lemak. To keep up, the restaurant has made sure to have enough Chinese-speaking staff and translated menus on hand.

Others are adapting, too. The Fairprice Group, Singapore's largest retailer, recently provided basic Mandarin training for staff at its Cheers convenience stores. Grab, the dominant ride-hailing and delivery app, has made its Chinese interface more comprehensive, improving menu translations, airport maps, and ways to explore local dining and attractions.

"During the 'Golden Week,' Grab typically sees demand grow for ride-hailing services," a Grab spokesperson said. "We look forward to welcoming visitors from China, as travelers are crucial for local communities and businesses on our platform."

Payment systems are following suit. More than 500 Fairprice Group outlets, including supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and food courts, now accept Alipay, one of China's biggest mobile payment platforms. In late September, Cheers launched a new Alipay "mini-app." Fairprice Group CEO Vipul Chawla said the group is excited to kick off this partnership "to redefine retail for Chinese tourists."

On the streets, the influx is easy to spot. Crowds gather beneath the iconic Merlion's spray of water, in front of the rainbow-hued Old Hill Street Police Station, or under the tree tunnel at Fort Canning Park. But many are straying beyond the postcard sights. A couple trekked to a lighthouse on Singapore's western edge, with Malaysia's coastline visible across the water at sunset. Others wandered through the woodlands of Pasir Ris Park on the northeastern shore, gazing across the Pacific in rare quiet.

"We see spillover from icons to micro-itineraries," such as bookshops, Nyonya cooking classes, spice markets, street-art walks, and speakeasy suppers, said Subramania Bhatt, founder of China Trading Desk, a Singapore-based marketing and research firm specializing in Chinese consumers.

Travel writer Yap Seow Choong has noticed the same shift. Increasingly, independent Chinese travelers contact him for excursions to Singapore's southern islands, where at low tide they discover sea anemones, starfish, and clownfish.

"Some are surprised that in such a highly urbanized place, there are still wild, untouched experiences," he said.

Some visitors, in fact, are abandoning itineraries altogether. Lu Yujie, a traveler from China's eastern Zhejiang province, stumbled into an independent bookstore while wandering around Chinatown in Singapore. Drawn by a white signboard, she lingered for an hour on a sofa upstairs. She copied a passage from the book she was reading, posted it on the store's wall like other visitors, and shared the experience on social media.

"The space really invites you to sit down with a book," she said. "I just hope this bookstore will still be here the next time I come."

Back in China, those posts ripple outward. Travelers share their discoveries of quirky shops, secret bars, and niche brands on Xiaohongshu or Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. That content, Bhatt said, in turn feeds small-business demand and repeat travel.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liu Ning)
by David Winner

In an interview with Ezra Klein about LGBTQ rights, Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of congress, talks about a sense of a cultural victory that lulled us into a false sense of security and in many ways shut down needed conversations.

I dont know about that, but before the 2024 election and its tremendous blowback against rights of all but the narrowest sector of humans, tolerance for the LGBTQ community did seem to be at an all-time high.

A cultural time capsule, this writing relays some bizarre conversations about queer issues from long before, the 1990s.

Though Im a straight cis man, Ive been fortunate enough to land in queer-friendly worlds, and queerphobia has not been among my pantheon of character flaws. When I encountered milder forms of sexual harassment  persistently tongued in the ear by my friends drunken boyfriend on the J train platform just after college, fending off an aggressive Puerto Rican doctor at the gay male end of Jacob Riis beach a few years later  I was neither aroused nor disturbed nor disgusted. Just mildly annoyed.

My odd sartorial choices, my quirky mannerisms of speech often registered as gay when I was younger.

That misidentification started happening all the time after I began teaching at a community college in Journal Square in the 90s, a rough and seedy part of Jersey City. Female students tended to leave me alone, but some of the boys were out for blood, the gay blood that they assumed was mine. A dumb essay that I assigned, simply urging men to be more sensitive with no queer implications, was riotously mocked.

One semester when I taught a remedial English night class in a creepy falling-apart building on Bergen Avenue, I was targeted by a Dominican student just released from Rikers.

Inexplicable hilarity occurred in the classroom whenever he showed up. Eventually, I figured out that he had been performatively maneuvering himself in such a way as to always face forward, denying me any opportunity to gaze upon his ass.

Callow and inexperienced, my inability to control the class became evident to the buildings security guard, a man from Spain who wore absurdly short shorts as part of his uniform and informed me, apropos of nothing, that he enjoyed fucking men but that his resolute topness connoted total heterosexuality. He offered to help, but I demurred.

*

While I knew that several administrators at the college were gay men, no one appeared to be out, leaving LGBTQ students with no queer allies at school, or, in many cases, at home as they often came from conservative religious families.

Ineptly, I tried to do something to try to help queer students at the college as if I were some straight cis version of a white savior from a bad movie. I could hardly initiate an LGBTQ support group, but I started a Gay Straight Alliance, an organization not uncommon at colleges in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The four or five students who appeared at the first meeting were all women of color. (Im white.) Each women announced herself as bisexual or perhaps bicurious. Tentative, nervous, exposed, no one appreciated the first order of business. A club was not allowed to exist at the college without a president, vice president, recording secretary, and corresponding secretary. But my brave club members plugged up their courage and agree to serve as officers in the Gay Straight Alliance of a virulently homophobic community.

We met for a semester or two, at one point going on a field trip to a gayish bar in the West Village, until I handed over the reins to the coordinator of computer labs at the college, a black woman and an out lesbian.

But before she took over the club, I got myself involved in larger college event, which turned out to be painful and ridiculous.

I was approached by two older faculty members who wanted to sponsor an event somehow addressing homosexuality. L, a male former podiatrist who taught biology, and J, a woman who ran the psychology department, wished to create a program that would somehow scientifically investigate same sex attraction. My own interest, less lofty, was simply to promote tolerance in our generally intolerant community.

I wish to absolve myself of responsibility, but, in truth, I dont remember how responsible I was for the unfortunate idea that got generated for the event. Three people would be invited to speak, representing the three categories of homosexual, a gay man, a lesbian and a bisexual.

I had no desire to approach anyone in my own life to ask them to participate, but somehow J was able to locate the three speakers on the panel.

I have no memory of the gay man, but the lesbian was a Black woman in her forties who was confident and affirming.

As the plans for the event were coalescing, I was given the number of a bisexual and asked to call her, a white woman about my age, thirties, who lived an hour or so away in suburban New Jersey. We spoke for some time about her fears, misgivings. I did not press her to publicly discuss her sexuality with an assemblage of strangers, but, ultimately, she agreed.

*

For better or for worse, the event was fairly well-attended, fifty or sixty people. Most of the audience members came from the larger Jersey City community rather than students at the college.

I dont remember the order of the speakers, but lets say that the bisexual woman was last. She spoke of how confusing it was, at first, to feel attraction to both men and women, how she felt judged for it as if she were a coy, insincere person. But then realized that her sexuality was who she was, natural, human, incontrovertible. Twenty-five years ago, being bi was still tremendously stigmatized, and our speaker had shown tremendous bravery.

She had not spoken for long when three women in the audience raised their hands. I had been designated the MC of the panel, so I called on those who wished to speak.

This was still the AIDS era, and the three women had come to the panel to express a very particular point of view. They told stories about married men fucking other men on the side, getting AIDS, and passing it on to their wives.

This was their association with bisexuality, and it pissed them off. The audience, who had been largely quiet before, loudly supported them.

The woman who had spoken so courageously about her sexuality had been ambushed by a righteous anger that had nothing to do with her experience.

She did not respond to the women who spoke. What could she say, after all? Afterwards, I approached her to express admiration, gratitude, apology. I may have hugged her if hugging her had felt appropriate. Wherever she is now, in her early sixties like I am, she may carry some trauma from that event.

This writing is more of a tale than a statement though it does capture some of the evolving conversations surrounding queerness long before the present backlash. My only conclusion is to state the obvious. Life can be painful, confusing, full of contradictions.

I hope that after the queer-phobic haters are gone, and justice and tolerance rise once again for the LGBTQ community, that there will be no assemblies like the one I helped organize, that no poor souls will be chosen to publicly represent their queerness on awkwardly assembled panels.

***

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1. Background

As a federally owned enterprise, the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. On behalf of the German Government, GIZ provides advisory services to the Vietnamese Government in four priority areas: (1) Vocational training, (2) Environmental, (3) Energy, and (4) Sustainable Economic Development. For further information, please visit www.giz.de/viet-nam.

The project Promoting the transition of the energy sector in Viet Nam (TEV) funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), to foster the development of a long-term political energy transition strategy, including legal and regulatory fundamentals, as well as the transfer of technological knowledge to MOIT (political partner).

The TEV project will engage a local consulting firm or organization to conduct a comprehensive study assessing the role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and concessional foreign loans in accelerating Viet Nams energy transition. The study will propose practical solutions to enhance the mobilization and effective use of these financial sources, in the context of growing investment needs, domestic financing constraints, and shifting international support dynamics. It will include a detailed analysis of capital requirements through 2035 (with a long-term outlook to 2050 aligned with the revised PDP8), assess current policies and legal frameworks, and evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with FDI and concessional loans in developing power projectsparticularly in grid infrastructure and transitional generation capacity. The study recommends actionable measures to improve the investment climate and enhance access to green and blended finance instruments.

The GIZ Office Hanoi as the contracting party, on behalf of the TEV project, is conducting a local negotiated tender to look for qualified Local Consulting Firm (LCF) to implement the assignment.

Tentative duration: from 25.11.2025 until 31.03.2026

Place of assignment: in Vietnam

Estimate working days: up to 126 working days for an expert team of 3 members

2. Eligibility dossier

a. Commercial eligibility assessment:

 Commercial register entry

 In case of tenderer consortium: Declaration by tenderer consortium

 Average annual turnover for the last three financial years of at least: 50.000 EUR

 Average number of employees and managers for the past three calendar years of at least: 5 persons

b. Technical eligibility assessment is based on reference projects or contracts that were conducted by LCF with a minimum value of 10.000 EUR to satisfy the folowing:

 Having operated 03 years in energy sector in Vietnam

 Having experienced providing the consulting services for at least 1 project in Vietnam Energy Policy/Investment and/or Project Finance Consulting in last 5 years (Sept.2020  Sept.2025)

 Having experienced with at least 1 Development Cooperation project

c. Interested LCFs are requested to prepare the following documents in English:

 Letter of interest (with Directors or authorised persons signature and company stamp)

 Audited financial reports of the last 03 years. Important/key information in the audited financial reports or in annual tax reports must be translated into English if documents are in Vietnamese

 LCF profile incl. Business license (for firm) or Decision of establishment (for association); Tax code registration; organisational chart; consortium agreement and nomination of consortium leading firm (if at least 02 entities join the assignment)

 Copy of reference projects or other documents to prove that LCF can meet all technical eligibility requirements mentioned in this section.

3. Deadlines

a. Interested LCFs send letter of interest and request for tender documents to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 15.10.2025.

b. Interested LCFs send eligibility assessment related questions to Question-from-bidder-PoS-VN@giz.de before 20.10.2025.

c. LCFs send Eligibility dossiers to VN_PoS_Quotation@giz.de before 5 PM (Hanoi time) on 22.10.2025 with email subject: Tender 83500347-Eligibility dossier-Company name. Bids sent af-ter the submission deadline and bids sent to wrong email address will be disqualified.

4. Important notes

a. For data protection and information security reason: In case the total volume of your bids is below 10 MB, you can attach them directly in the email sent to us. In case the total volume of your bids is above 10 MB, the files must be sent via GIZ filetransfer system. We will provide guidance for using our filetransfer. Links stated in documents and files sent via other applications/systems are not accepted.

b. For the exchange rate at the corresponding time, please go to https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/procedures-guidelines-tenders/information-contractors-and-beneficiaries/exchange-rate-inforeuro_en

c. Only selected bidders will be invited to present technical and financial offers.

d. No remuneration will be granted for preparation of the submitted eligibility documents.

GIZ is obliged to ensure the confidentiality of all submitted documents by bidders.
HA NOI  The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) announced that it has cleaned up 154 million bank accounts and flagged nearly 300,000 customers for suspected fraud, blocking transactions worth a combined VN1.5 trillion (US$56.9 million).

According to Director of the SBVs Information Technology Department Le Hoang Chinh Quang, as of September 2025, the central bank proposed cutting and simplifying 124 out of 298 administrative procedures, representing 41.6 per cent of the total. This initiative has reduced processing time by hundreds of days and saved more than VN7.6 billion in costs.

The banks Anti-Money Laundering Department, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security, scrubbed 154 million accounts and 36 million customer files from the national database on money laundering and terrorist financing. The National Credit Information Centre (CIC) similarly cross-checked 57 million records, cleansing nearly 44.5 million customer files from its credit information database.

Quang said that 57 banks and 39 intermediary institutions integrated biometric authentication into mobile banking platforms. More than 128.9 million personal accounts and 1.3 million corporate accounts were verified biometrically, or 100 per cent of active digital banking users.

Over the past time, the central bank had identified some 600,000 accounts showing suspicious activity. Through collaboration with banks, authorities warned nearly 300,000 customers and blocked transactions totalling around VN1.5 trillion.

Deputy Director of the Anti-Money Laundering Department Nguyen Thi Minh Tho said that the department is implementing the Governments resolution on piloting crypto trading market, with four major missions of establishing anti-money laundering obligations for encrypted asset service providers; collecting, processing and transferring information about suspicious transactions; ensuring close coordination among the SBV, the Ministry of Finance, the State Securities Commission and the Ministry of Public Security; and fostering international cooperation to enhance anti-money laundering effectiveness.

The central bank is developing specific guidelines for financial institutions to provide related services while meeting legal requirements for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and financing of weapons of mass destruction proliferation, tailored to the characteristics of the encrypted asset market.  VNS
BERLIN  Daniel Muller, a representative of the German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV), has described Viet Nam and Germany  the European Unions largest economy  as ideal and complementary partners in trade and investment.

Assessing bilateral economic and investment relations, Muller, who is an OAV representative at the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA), noted that ties have expanded and deepened considerably in recent years. He said German businesses have recognised Viet Nams strong growth momentum and high economic targets, and are eager to engage in this upward trajectory.

Bilateral trade reached 18.8 billion EUR last year, making Viet Nam Germanys most important trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its sixth-largest partner in Asia. Notably, Viet Nams exports to Germany rose more sharply than German exports to Viet Nam, which Muller considered an early outcome of supply chain diversification.

Investment has also continued to rise, driven by the expansion of German firms in Asia to serve both Viet Nams dynamic domestic market and neighbouring growing markets. The expert stressed that the imminent ratification of the EU  Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) could provide fresh impetus by enhancing legal certainty for investors. Joint efforts by the two governments to strengthen political cooperation are also creating a more favourable environment for economic relations.

He highlighted Viet Nams efforts to improve its business and investment climate, noting that compared with many Asian markets, Viet Nam offers flexibility, reliability and political stability  the qualities highly valued by German enterprises.

However, challenges remain, including lengthy licensing procedures, a complex and at times opaque legal system, corruption, infrastructure limitations, shortages of skilled labourers, and the need to meet higher sustainability standards in supply chains.

Against the backdrop of global economic uncertainties, Muller underlined that both governments and businesses have a shared interest in intensifying bilateral cooperation to foster stability and predictability. He expressed his confidence that German investment in Viet Nam will continue to increase, and as Viet Nam advances up the economic value chain, opportunities will emerge for more high-tech cooperation and even reverse investment flows from Vietnamese companies to Germany.

According to the expert, Viet Nam presents strong opportunities for OAV members in sectors such as manufacturing (particularly automation), infrastructure and transport, renewable energy, supply operations, healthcare, human resource development, agriculture and food processing.

To further attract German and European investors, he recommended the Southeast Asian nation to continue to professionalise its macroeconomic framework, upgrade infrastructure and logistics networks beyond Ha Noi and HCM City, and develop a workforce capable of meeting higher value-added requirements.

Administrative reform is another priority, with the creation of a consistent, transparent regulatory environment and the comprehensive digitalisation of licensing processes seen as particularly pressing. He also suggested Viet Nam consider opening additional sectors, including strategic ones, to foreign investment.

Overall, Muller concluded, Viet Nam should gradually increase the domestic value-added share in its economy. This would both maximise domestic development potential and reduce exposure to increasingly unpredictable global trade amid rising geopolitical tensions. In this process, German enterprises can remain reliable and sustainable partners for Viet Nam.  VNS
TOKYO  The Executive Board for the 202528 tenure of the Viet Nam Business Association in Japan (VJBA) made its debut in Tokyo on October 6, marking a milestone for Vietnamese enterprises in Japan as they continue to grow and accompany businesses in the homeland in a new era of development.

Established in September 2013, the VJBA has steadily expanded in both scale and scope of activities. The association now has 41 members, fulfilling its mission and serving as a reliable support network for Vietnamese companies and entrepreneurs operating in Japan. It also plays a crucial role as a bridge connecting businesses from both countries.

Reviewing the associations performance during the 202325 tenure, Standing Vice President inh Anh Minh said the VJBA has expanded its network by admitting 12 new members. It has also enhanced trade promotion between Viet Nam and Japan, fostered bilateral cooperation, and supported the business community.

In addition, Minh noted, the VJBA has actively participated in community activities, raising over 2 million JPY (US$13,300) to assist Japanese and Vietnamese people affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, donating more than VN300 million to central Vietnamese localities hit by Typhoon Yagi, and sponsoring cultural community events in Japan.

Building on these achievements, the VJBA has outlined its orientations for the new tenure, including strengthening business connectivity between Viet Nam and Japan, promoting digital transformation and competitiveness among member enterprises, expanding strategic cooperation with both countries' authorities, and stepping up support for the Vietnamese community in Japan. The association also aims to increase its membership to 100 in 2026 through communication campaigns, networking, and practical assistance programmes.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu praised the VJBAs role, position, and accomplishments, expressing his hope that the association will continue to grow in both size and quality. He reaffirmed the embassys commitment to accompanying Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs in Japan and to creating the best possible conditions for their future development.

On behalf of the new nine-member Executive Board, VJBA President Tong Thi Kim Giao, Director of Motiti Group, pledged to advance the association and contribute to the development of the Vietnamese community in Japan, as well as to the relationship between the two countries.  VNS
HA NOI Vietnamese children in Japan and Austria are welcoming the Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 with lanterns, lion dances, and traditional mooncakes, bringing the warm spirit of reunion and national culture to expatriate communities.

The Vietnamese Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, on October 5 hosted the programme Mid-Autumn Reunion combined with the cultural exchange event Together learning and loving Vietnamese language. The activity gathered 35 students from the Vietnamese language school Cay Tre (Bamboo), along with teachers, experts, and international guests.

A vibrant lion dance opened the celebration, drawing crowds of visitors. The rhythmic drumbeats and joyful performances created a festive atmosphere reminiscent of Viet Nams cultural traditions.

o Lan Phuong, Director of the Vietnamese Pavilion said that the event is not only a celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also a chance to preserve Vietnamese language and culture while promoting them to the international community.

Professor Shimizu Masaaki of Osaka University remarked that learning Vietnamese abroad helps young people feel proud of their roots and strengthens Viet Nams cultural presence globally.

Also on October 5, the Vietnamese Association in Okinawa (AVO), Japan, organised its annual Mid-Autumn Festival for hundreds of Vietnamese children and their families. Despite living far from Viet Nam, the community prepared for the event with enthusiasm, making traditional toys and rehearsing cultural performances.

The Mid-Autumn celebrations help overseas Vietnamese children better understand Vietnamese traditions and enhance love for their homeland, said Nguyen Thi Huong, Chairwoman of AVO.

Despite being unable to attend in person, Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai sent a congratulatory letter praising the meaningful initiative and expressing hope that the community in Okinawa would continue fostering solidarity and serving as a bridge of friendship between Viet Nam and Japan.

Meanwhile, in Linz, Austria, the Vietnamese community celebrated the festival with a colourful event organised by the Huong Viet Association. The celebration featured lanterns, lion dances, and songs performed by children and families, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

Traditional mooncakes and Vietnamese dishes enriched the reunion night, allowing the younger generation to taste and cherish the flavours of their heritage.

Attending the event, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang highlighted the importance of nurturing traditional cultural values among overseas Vietnamese communities.

Preserving these values is also preserving the soul and identity of the Vietnamese people, he said, pledging continued support from the Vietnamese Embassy for community activities.

The ambassador and his spouse also presented Mid-Autumn gifts to the children, underlining their role as the future of the community abroad. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Hundreds of young people and children in India and Sri Lanka have participated in a series of fun and warm activities, spreading the spirit of solidarity and joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Vietnamese Embassies in India and Sri Lanka hosted the Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring colourful lanterns and folk games, which attracted hundreds of youths and children to the warm campus of the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi over the weekend.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai presented meaningful gifts to the children, wishing them good health, successful studies, and encouraging them to continue preserving and spreading the cultural beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival - a fine tradition of the Vietnamese people.

The Ambassador also took souvenir photos with the children, capturing the joyful and warm moments in the reunion atmosphere of the Vietnamese community in India.

A representative of the Viet Nam Airlines Office in India also sent gifts and best wishes for a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival to the children, contributing to making the festival warmer and more meaningful.

The cooperation of Vietnamese agencies and businesses in India has demonstrated the spirit of solidarity and sharing within the Vietnamese community while spreading the beauty of the nations traditional culture to international friends.

Coinciding with this time, about 2,500km from New Delhi, at Truc Lam Zen Monastery - the first Vietnamese pagoda located in Ambakote, Central Sri Lanka - the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka coordinated with Truc Lam Zen Monastery and the community to organise the programme 'Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2025' for more than 100 Sri Lankan and Vietnamese teenagers and children.

This is the first time the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka has organised the Mid-Autumn Festival, bringing a bustling atmosphere and unique cultural experiences to the children, while contributing to strengthening friendship and promoting people-to-people exchanges on the occasion of the two countries celebrating the 55th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (1970-2025).

At the ceremony, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam stated that the coincidence of Viet Nam's Mid-Autumn Festival with Sri Lanka's celebration of World Children's Day on October 1 further highlighted the similarities between the two countries in their love, care, and concern for the younger generation - the future owners of both nations.

The Ambassador emphasised the meaning of reunion, family, and connection of the Mid-Autumn Festival, expressing her belief that introducing this special cultural feature of the Vietnamese people will help the Sri Lankan people better understand Viet Nam and its people, especially the care for children.

Vice President of the National Assembly Rizvie Salih expressed his happiness at attending a festival imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity, affirming that the event is a vivid demonstration of the close relationship, trust, and increasingly developing co-operation between the two countries. VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Nguyen uc Hai hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Monday for Dr Kambiz Ghawami, President of the World University Service (WUS) of Germany and authorised representative of the State of Hessen, who is on a working visit to Viet Nam.

Hai commended Ghawamis contributions to strengthening and developing the friendship, cooperation, and strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Germany, particularly with the Hessen, across various fields.

He affirmed that Viet Nam attaches great importance to, and wishes to further advance, its strategic partnership with Germany and especially with Hessen.

The NA Vice Chairman highlighted that population is a key issue of interest to the Vietnamese NA, with new perspectives recognising it as a driver of growth and requiring policies to encourage a young workforce for the future.

Emphasising the increasingly substantive and effective cooperation between the two countries legislative bodies, Hai expressed his hope for continued collaboration in training, capacity building, and knowledge sharing through delegation exchanges, expert and scholar participation, and experience exchange in areas where Germany has strengths.

He also suggested promoting joint activities in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of Hessen.

Hai encouraged Ghawami to continue contributing to strengthening the relationship between Viet Nam and Germany, particularly with Hessen.

He underscored the importance of sharing experience in building an e-parliament, digital transformation, technology transfer, promoting the role of the Viet NamGermany University, and financial and budget management.

For his part, Ghawami expressed his interest in the draft Population Law, which is expected to be submitted to the Vietnamese NA at its 10th session.

He reaffirmed his commitment to contributing actively and responsibly to further deepening and enhancing the effectiveness of the Viet NamGermany strategic partnership.

Ghawami also expressed his confidence that cooperation between the legislatures of Viet Nam and Germany, including with the State of Hessen, will continue to grow stronger and more fruitful. VNA/VNS
NEW YORK  Viet Nam has been an active and consistent advocate for the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, and remains committed to ensuring that women are not only beneficiaries but also architects of sustainable peace, said Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations (UN).

He made the remarks while addressing the UN Security Councils open debate on women, peace and security held at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday (local time) to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 1325, known as the WPS agenda.

The Vietnamese diplomat stressed that women in Viet Nam have always played a vital role throughout the nations history  from the struggles for national independence to post-war reconstruction and development.

He noted that 25 years since the adoption of Resolution 1325, women and girls remain among the most vulnerable to the impacts of conflict, while their voices are still limited in peace processes.

Nguyen underscored that preventing and addressing the root causes of conflict is the most effective means of protection, emphasising the need to place women at the centre of peacekeeping, reconciliation, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. He also called for expanding womens access to employment opportunities, financial resources, digital technology, and social welfare, particularly for those affected by conflicts.

The debate, chaired by Russia as President of the UN Security Council for October 2025, drew participation from nearly 90 member states.

In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that 25 years since Resolution 1325 was adopted, global efforts to promote gender equality are facing severe challenges amid escalating conflicts worldwide, with 676 million women now living near conflict zones  the highest figure since the 1990s.

The Secretary-General urged nations to allocate at least 15 per cent of peace-related budgets to gender equality initiatives, increase the number of women in peacekeeping forces, and ensure womens participation in all stages of the peace process.

Many representatives of countries voiced concern over the rising levels of conflict-related violence and military spending globally, noting that the number of women and girls killed in conflicts has quadrupled over the past two years. They also appealed for better access to medical and psychological support for victims, as well as guaranteed funding for women-led organisations.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the search, collection, and repatriation of remains of Viet Namese volunteer soldiers and experts who laid down their lives during wartime in Cambodia.

The special task boards in charge of the work of Viet Nams An Giang Province and Cambodias Koh Kong Province held a signing ceremony on Monday at the Cambodian province for cooperation of the work for the 202526 dry season.

The event was co-chaired by Le Trung Ho, Vice Chairman of the An Giang Peoples Committee and head of the provincial special task board, and Hak Leng, Vice Governor of Koh Kong Province and head of its special task board. Leaders of departments and agencies from both provinces attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Ho said that under the agreement signed between the governments of Viet Nam and Cambodia on August 28, 2000, in Phnom Penh, An Giang Provinces two teams for the search and collection of martyrs remains have so far recovered 4,286 sets of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in six Cambodian provinces.

Specifically, in Koh Kong Province, Team K92 has found and repatriated 160 sets of remains, including two discovered in the 20242025 dry season. He attributed these results to the close coordination and wholehearted support from the authorities, armed forces, and people of Koh Kong Province in providing information, guiding search teams, and ensuring their safety.

Ho stressed that the renewed agreement reaffirmed the traditional solidarity and friendship between Viet Nam and Cambodia and demonstrated profound gratitude for the heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for peace, independence, and friendship between the two nations.

For his part, Hak Leng praised the fruitful cooperation between the two provincial special task boards, affirming that Koh Kong authorities will continue to offer active support and close coordination in surveying, searching, and sharing information to successfully complete the mission in the 20252026 dry season and future phases.

At the ceremony, the two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation implementing the work in the 20252026 dry season. On this occasion, the An Giang special task board handed over funding from the Vietnamese Government to support Koh Kongs coordination efforts and presented gifts to local authorities, armed forces, and people in recognition of their assistance to Team K92 and the An Giang Military Command in fulfilling their duties.  VNA/VNS
QUY NHON - More than 80 professors, scientists and research fellows from 14 countries across the world, along with 60 top-performing students in Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from three gifted high schools in the locality are gathering for the international conference 100 Years of Quantum Physics" held in Viet Nams beautiful Quy Nhon Beach in Gia Lai Province.

Jointly organised by Rencontres du Vietnam (Meeting Vietnam) and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) in collaboration with the International Organising Committee, the four-day event is of scientific significance, in celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), proclaimed by the United Nations on June 7, 2024, marking 100 years of the development of quantum science.

The conference serves as an opportunity for the scientific community to look back on a century of remarkable progress in quantum physics, the foundation of quantum technologies, which are expected to drive the next great scientific and technological revolution following artificial intelligence (AI).

At the same time, it is also an occasion to honour Prof. Serge Haroche, Nobel Prize in Physics 2012, for his outstanding and pioneering contributions to the field of quantum physics. Prof. Haroche is the 19th Nobel Laureate to visit Gia Lai Province and ICISE since the centre officially began its operation in 2013.

In addition to Prof. Haroche, the conference also features presentations by many of the worlds leading speakers, notably: Prof. Hans Bachor (Australian National University, Australia), Prof. John Doyle (Harvard University, USA), Prof. Alberto Bramati (Sorbonne University, France and National University of Singapore, Singapore), Prof. Michel Brune (College de France, France), Prof. Arno Rauschenbeutel (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany), Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar (Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Germany), Prof. Claude Weisbuch (Ecole Polytechnique, France), Dr. Michele Leduc (French National Center for Scientific Research  CNRS, France), along with many other distinguished scientists.

The conference features over 40 scientific presentations covering a wide range of topics, including: quantum optics, quantum communication and quantum computation; topics where condensed matter, atomic physics and chemical physics overlap; high precision experiments involving spectroscopy and metrology; cold atoms and simulation of materials; theory and methods in quantum mechanics; quantum high energy physics and cosmology; and quantum technologies and energy production.

In the lead-up to the conference, a specialised workshop was held for research fellows and young scientists on Tuesday, aimed at providing foundational knowledge and an overview of advanced topics in the field.

Leading French quantum physicist Professor Claude Weisbuch from Ecole Polytechnique (Paris) delivered a lecture on Foundations of Excitonic Polaritons on Tuesday at the pre-conference workshop celebrating 100 Years of Quantum Physics at ICISE. His talk referenced several publications by the late Professor and Academician Nguyen Van Hieu, a highly respected and accomplished Vietnamese scientist.

Professor Weisbuch holds over 40 technology patents, many of which are currently being applied in the production of advanced devices through his own tech startup.

Alongside this, the conference also seeks to strengthen connections between leading international scientists and the emerging generation of researchers from Viet Nam and around the world, laying the groundwork for new research directions and scientific collaborations.

During the conference, research fellows and young scientists will have the opportunity to present their research findings and receive direct expert feedback from top international scientists. In addition, roundtable discussions will be organised to foster open academic exchange, spread new ideas, shape shared research agendas, and promote collaborative projects between Vietnamese and international laboratories.

Over the past century, atomic physics and quantum mechanics have evolved side by side, complementing and propelling each other forward, sparking numerous revolutions in human understanding and technological applications. Experimental research into the interaction between light and atoms, especially since the advent of the laser more than 60 years ago, has placed this field at the heart of many Nobel Prizes and paved the way for the quantum technology era that humanity is now entering. VNS
HA NOI  The National Civil Defence Steering Committee on Tuesday is urging northern provinces and ministries to take immediate measures in response to heavy rainfall and flooding caused by the remnants of Storm Matmo.

Dispatch No 13/C-BC-BNNMT was sent to the Peoples Committees of Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Hung Yen and Ninh Binh, as well as the ministries of National Defence, Public Security, Agriculture and Environment, Construction and Industry and Trade.

National media agencies, including the Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Television, and the Voice of Vietnam, were also asked to strengthen communications on disaster prevention.

According to the national weather forecasting agency, due to the storms circulation, moderate to heavy rain and torrential downpours in some areas have been recorded across the northern region and the central province of Thanh Hoa since Monday night.

Rainfall totals reached as high as 437.6mm in Thai Nguyens Hoa Thuong Station and 250.4mm in Bac Ninhs Bo Ha Station.

Water levels in major rivers, including the Cau, Thuong, and Luc Nam, as well as in rivers in Cao Bang and Lang Son, are expected to continue rising between Tuesday and Friday.

Peak flooding on these rivers is forecast to surpass warning level 3, signalling the risk of exceptionally large floods. Meanwhile, water levels could exceed warning level 2 in the Thao and Lo rivers and above level 1 in the Hoang Long and Hong (Red) rivers.

The National Civil Defence Steering Committee requested local authorities and relevant ministries to strictly comply with the Prime Ministers Directive No 188/C-TTg issued on Monday on preparedness against floods, flash floods and landslides.

Cities and provinces were instructed to closely monitor rain and flood developments, promptly disseminate information to local authorities and residents, and urgently evacuate people from low-lying, riverside and landslide-prone areas.

They are also required to inspect river embankments and dykes, reinforce vulnerable points, and be ready with personnel, equipment and materials to protect key dyke sections.

The dispatch emphasised the 'four-on-the-spot' principle - manpower, materials, vehicles and logistics available locally - to ensure safety along the dyke system.

Localities were also directed to deploy forces to guard flooded and landslide-prone areas, restrict traffic in unsafe zones, and prevent fatalities caused by negligence.

In addition, local broadcasting stations were urged to intensify coverage of rainfall and flood developments, while rescue forces must remain on standby to respond to emergencies.

The committee also required continuous reporting to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to ensure coordinated disaster response efforts.

On the same day, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment asked the Peoples Committees of Ha Noi, Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, and Hai Phong to carry out urgent measures to protect dyke systems amid the threat of serious flooding on the Cau, Thuong and Luc Nam rivers.  VNA/VNS
HCM CITY  HCM City has donated VN7 billion (US$280,000) to Nghe An Province, which was hit by Typhoon Bualoi this month.

It has also called on all public employees and members of the armed forces to contribute at least one days salary to aid disaster-hit areas.

The VN7 billion donation will be used for rebuilding houses and restoring livelihoods for affected residents.

The militarys HCM City Command and the Fatherland Front Committee donated VN1 billion to assist officers and soldiers whose families were affected by the disaster.

The city Department of Health also donated family medicine kits to its Nghe An counterpart.

Kha Van Tam, deputy chairman of the Nghe An Fatherland Front Committee, expressed gratitude for the support and solidarity from HCM City, and promised the aid would be promptly distributed to affected households.

On October 6, the HCM City delegation visited Nghe An and delivered VN30 million and a medicine kit each to 10 families whose houses were severely damaged.

It also donated VN60 million for rebuilding a house that had collapsed.

According to reports, Typhoon Bualoi caused severe damage in Nghe An, leaving four people dead, 14 injured and nearly 63,000 houses damaged or destroyed, and the total losses are estimated at VN2.1 trillion.

By October 4, the HCM City Fatherland Front Committee had received more than VN42.4 billion from over 1,500 donors and allocated VN47 billion to support severely affected provinces, including Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Son La, ien Bien, Hung Yen and ong Thap. VNS
GIA LAI  Basic science and technological progress can only truly advance together through a harmonious combination of both, said French physicist Professor Serge Haroche, co-recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physics.

This is the way research works, basic science being the fertile ground on which applications spring off, most often in an unexpected way. What is true for the inventions of the past will remain true in the years to come, he told participants at the international conference 100 Years of Quantum Physics, which officially opened on Tuesday in Quy Nhon Nam Ward, Gia Lai Province.

More than 80 professors, scientists and research fellows from 14 countries, along with 60 top-performing local students in maths, physics, chemistry and biology, are gathering for the four-day event.

Jointly organised by Rencontres du Vietnam (Meeting Vietnam) and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), in collaboration with the International Organising Committee, the event holds major scientific significance as it celebrates the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). The occasion was proclaimed by the United Nations on June 7, 2024, marking 100 years of the development of quantum science.

The conference is also an occasion to honour Professor Haroche for his outstanding and pioneering contributions to the field of quantum physics. He is the 19th Nobel Laureate to visit Gia Lai Province and ICISE since the centre officially began operations in 2013.

Since then, ICISE founded by Vietnamese-French professors Tran Thanh Van and Le Kim Ngoc (Van's wife) has welcomed more than 16,500 scientists from over 60 countries and territories, including 19 Nobel Laureates and hundreds of the worlds leading researchers.

According to Professor Haroche, quantum physics has changed our lives by leading to the invention of many devices such as the computer, the laser, the GPS, the mobile phone and the MRI, to name only a few. Without knowledge of the laws of the microscopic world of atoms, molecules and photons, these inventions would have been impossible.

We must be aware of the fact that this knowledge was acquired through basic research, driven by the curiosity of scientists who just wanted to understand nature without any specific utilitarian goal in mind, said the physicist.

We have learned in our conversations with Viet Nams leaders in Ha Noi that the Vietnamese Government has the will to develop quantum technologies as part of a broader effort to strengthen the countrys economy. We wish Viet Nam great success in this project.

The professor noted that Viet Nam has the human resources, including young people eager to learn and curious about the world.

A good education at the elementary and high school level is of course a prerequisite to attract young minds towards science. Building up and sustaining over the years an efficient infrastructure of academic and private research will require strong and lasting financial support from the government and the private sector, he said.

We believe that a substantial part of the support given by the government should go to basic science because we never know which part of the knowledge it creates will lead to useful applications.

"The primary goal of ICISE is to create opportunities for international scientists to come to Viet Nam and share the latest scientific advancements with their local colleagues. In a relaxed and open atmosphere, we gather to spark new ideas and collaborations," said Professor Van.

Van expressed his delight that this year marks a significant milestone for Vietnamese science after the Party General Secretary To Lam initiated a revolutionary shift in thinking, placing science and technology at the core of national development, with the introduction of Resolution 57 in December 2024.

"We hope that this transformation will allow the younger generation to continue their research within Viet Nam, without needing to go abroad," said Prof. Van.

"It also opens the door for overseas Vietnamese talent to return and contribute to their homeland, and for the country to welcome leading global scientists to help train and advance scientific development, as envisioned by the General Secretary."

Viet Nams Resolution No 57-NQ/TW on the advancement of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation identifies quantum technology as one of the 11 top-priority technology groups, alongside artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other strategic fields.

This is clear evidence of Viet Nams strategic commitment to developing a science- and technology-based economy, embracing digital transformation and being ready to invest in comprehensive scientific development across all domains, including basic science, applied science and interdisciplinary research, said Deputy Chairman of the Provincial Peoples Committee Lam Hai Giang.

According to President of the Vietnam Physical Society Professor Nguyen Quang Liem, quantum science began as a radical departure from classical thought, taking shape in its proper form in the early 20th century, particularly with the birth of Quantum Theory 100 years ago, marked by groundbreaking contributions from Nobel Laureate physicists such as Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Louis de Broglie, Heisenberg, Born, Schrodinger, Dirac and many others.

Quantum science has profoundly challenged our intuition, redefined our understanding of nature and given rise to technologies that now power our world, from semiconductors to quantum computers, said Professor Liem.

This conference is a testament to the power of collaboration, showcasing the immense potential of quantum science to benefit global society. Through shared knowledge, open exchange and mutual respect, we build the future together.

In addition to Professor Haroche, the conference also features presentations by many of the worlds leading speakers, notably: Professor Hans Bachor (Australian National University, Australia), Professor John Doyle (Harvard University, USA), Professor Alberto Bramati (Sorbonne University, France and National University of Singapore, Singapore), Professor Michel Brune (College de France, France), Professor Arno Rauschenbeutel (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany), Professor Vahid Sandoghdar (Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Germany), Professor Claude Weisbuch (Ecole Polytechnique, France), Dr Michele Leduc (French National Center for Scientific Research  CNRS, France), along with many other distinguished scientists.

The conference features over 40 scientific presentations covering a wide range of topics, including quantum optics, quantum communication and quantum computation; topics where condensed matter, atomic physics and chemical physics overlap; high precision experiments involving spectroscopy and metrology; cold atoms and simulation of materials; theory and methods in quantum mechanics; quantum high energy physics and cosmology; and quantum technologies and energy production.  VNS
HA NOI  Air traffic management authorities at Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi have applied measures to regulate air traffic flow and reduce takeoff and landing capacity on Tuesday morning in response to torrential rain and strong gusts.

The Air Traffic Flow Management Centre under the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) limited air traffic flow, adjusted aircraft sequencing and landing frequency to ensure safe, orderly and efficient flight operations under adverse weather conditions caused by the circulation in the wake of now-weakened Typhoon Matmo (Storm No.11).

According to VATM, from Monday night until Tuesday morning, strong and prolonged thunderstorms reported at the airport reduced visibility to below 1km, with wind shear detected along the runway.

The complex weather developments directly impacted flight operations, forcing controllers to regulate air traffic flow and reduce airport acceptance capacity to 1013 flights per hour. Between 8am and 11am it has been reduced to only around five flights per hour to ensure absolute flight safety, a VATM manager said.

A total of 17 flights had to enter holding patterns due to weather conditions, while one flight was diverted to an alternate airport.

As conditions improved, all affected flights landed safely, and no aircraft now remain in holding.

VATM emphasised that air traffic management under adverse weather conditions was carried out in strict accordance with procedures, ensuring close coordination among air traffic flow management, air traffic control and aviation meteorology units. The corporation affirmed that flight operations at Noi Bai Airport remained absolutely safe, with minimal disruption to airline schedules.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Railways advised passengers to arrive at stations at least 3045 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding, amid widespread flooding on several routes in Ha Noi and nearby provinces that may increase travel time.

Passengers can follow the railway sectors official communication channels for updates on train schedules.

In cases where passenger trains are delayed by more than 120 minutes due to storms or flooding, the railway sector will provide free meals for passengers onboard.

For passengers holding tickets on suspended services, the railway sector will offer full refunds with no service charge, available within 30 days from the scheduled departure date shown on the ticket.

Due to the impact of Typhoon Matmo, international passenger trains MR1/MR2 between Ha Noi and Nanning, China, were suspended on Sunday and Monday. VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered resolute combat against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices to secure the European Commission's removal of the yellow card against Vietnamese seafood exports this year.

Presiding over the 16th session of the National Steering Committee on combating IUU fishing on Tuesday, with virtual participation from 21 coastal cities and provinces, the Government leader called on all-level Party Committees, authorities and functional forces to demonstrate the highest spirit of responsibility in serving the nation and people as well as overcome all challenges to fulfill their duties.

He urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to strengthen supervision, demanded tighter coordination among forces to prevent and end IUU fishing. Local authorities were also requested to care for people's livelihoods through public education campaigns and support for fishermen transitioning to alternative occupations. Where performance falls short, responsibility lies with the leaders, he stressed.

The PM demanded that ministries and sectors provide comprehensive self-assessments of tasks completed since the 15th session last week, evaluating whether there are meaningful changes and transformations.

Anyone violating IUU regulations must face strict legal penalties, he said, adding authorities must maintain rigorous control over fishermen and vessels through a campaign running until November 15, to definitively resolve this situation.

At the event, PM Chinh also offered condolences to victims of recent natural disasters. Typhoons Bualoi and Matmo, he said, have caused severe damage, leaving 67 people dead or missing, 165 injured, 363 houses collapsed or completely damaged, over 94,600ha of crops inundated, and total losses estimated at nearly VN17 trillion ( nearly US$645 million).

Emphasising the Party and States goal of protecting the national sovereignty and improving peoples livelihoods, PM Chinh ordered ministries, sectors, and localities to promptly address typhoon aftermath and stabilise locals lives and production.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered a decisive crackdown on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) to have the European Commission's yellow card against Vietnamese seafood exports lifted this year.

In his conclusion at the 16th session of the National Steering Committee on combating IUU fishing on Tuesday, with virtual participation from 21 coastal cities and provinces, the Government leader hailed relevant ministries and localities for their serious efforts in addressing IUU fishing.

As a result, the number of unlicensed vessels has declined, non-compliant fishing boats have decreased, vessels equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) have increased, and no new cases of disconnected boats, boundary violations, or foreign detentions have been reported.

However, he candidly noted that progress has remained slow compared to the requirements and directives of the PM.

The PM has requested leaders of the 21 provinces and cities to directly oversee the full installation of VMS on fishing vessels.

The Ministry of Public Security, in coordination with the Peoples Courts, relevant agencies, and local authorities, are ordered to promptly prosecute and adjudicate outstanding IUU violation cases in accordance with the law and the National Assemblys resolutions.

He underlined the need to step up the sharing and integration of data on population, fisheries management, vessel tracking, violations, and seafood traceability.

The navy, border guard, fishery surveillance, and coast guard forces are requested to coordinate patrols and inspections to prevent IUU fishing violations.

The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment are tasked with urgently finalising and submitting to the PM a revised decree amending Decree 38 on administrative sanctions in the fisheries sector, ensuring measures are strong and deterrent enough to prevent IUU fishing practices. The work must be completed before October 15.

PM Chinh demanded a concrete plan and roadmap to implement his directives, ensuring that by November 15, 2025, four outstanding issues in combating IUU fishing are fully addressed, including fleet management; monitoring, controlling, and supervising fishing vessel activities; seafood traceability; and law enforcement and settlement of violations.

The PM asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities to sketch out a detailed plan to implement the designated tasks and solutions.

The ministry was also tasked with monitoring and reporting implementation progress on a weekly basis, with updates submitted before 2pm every Tuesday and completion due by October 11.

It will also guide and urge ministries, sectors, and localities to report and compile results of the recommendations related to the yellow card warnings, and prepare a consolidated report to be submitted to the EC before October 15.

Additionally, the ministry will continue maintaining technical dialogues on combating IUU fishing and provide sufficient information to facilitate the ECs fifth inspection mission.

The Ministry of Public Security was requested to direct and guide the thorough handling of violations involving fishing vessels that lose VMS connections, cross maritime boundaries, or operate illegally in foreign waters, particularly in key localities such as Ca Mau, An Giang, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Gia Lai, Lam ong, and ong Thap. The task is due by October 15.

The ministry will also instruct local police to work with relevant authorities to clearly identify the ownership of fishing vessels whose registrations have been revoked due to being reported missing, exported, sold, or donated, with the process to be completed before November 15.

At the same time, an application for managing fishing vessels and fishermens port entry and exit on the VNeID platform will be put into operation to facilitate fishermens activities and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of vessel and crew management as well as the handling of administrative violations. The task must be done before October 15.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to direct the collection of information on fishing vessels and fishermen currently detained by foreign authorities, at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, to support the handling of violations. The task is to be completed before October 10.

PM Chinh also assigned specific tasks to the ministries of national defence, finance, and science and technology, and media agencies.

Meanwhile, coastal localities were asked to allocate resources and rigorously implement measures to combat IUU fishing in line with instructions from the Party Central Committees Secretariat, the Government, and the PM.

Local authorities need to take decisive actions to completely resolve the issue and submit reports to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment by October 14, the leader said.  VNA/VNS
By Le Huong

More and more Vietnamese fashion brands are making bold moves to enter the international market. Representing a new generation of young, ambitious designers, they are increasingly determined to reach global audiences.

At the recent New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2026, popular Vietnamese brand IVY moda celebrated its 20th anniversary with an impressive international debut. The collection showcased minimalist black, white and neutral tones, paired with modern cut-out silhouettes.

The inspiration stems from growing up in Ha Noi, Nguyen Le Thuc Vy, lead designer at IVY moda, told Viet Nam News & Law. When I was around 20, I had a strong passion for the city. I always dreamed that when I debuted internationally, I would create a collection about Ha Noi -- and about myself.

Vy focused on movement and emotion in her designs. Flowing silk and satin dresses conveyed a sense of energy and motion, while traditional elements such as the ao dai were subtly woven throughout the collection.

Her creations touched the hearts of those who saw them.

The fabric is beautiful, shimmery and glamorous, said South Korean designer Leesle Hwang, who attended the show. The style is luxurious, classic and incredibly elegant. It looked fantastic on the runway.

ao Minh Anh, another attendee, praised the meticulous craftsmanship.

From the way each outfit perfectly fit the models to the tone and colour palette -- mainly black, white and grey -- you could clearly see the designers dedication and attention to detail. This is a very well-executed and thoughtful collection, she said.

Known in Viet Nam for its elegant office wear and evening gowns, Ivy Moda currently operates over 70 stores nationwide.

Sustainable fashion

Another standout at New York Fashion Week was La Pham, a high-end brand focusing on sustainable fashion. The brand has previously appeared at fashion weeks in London, Paris and New York.

Another standout at New York Fashion Week was La Pham, a high-end brand with a focus on sustainable fashion. The brand has previously showcased its collections at fashion weeks in London, Paris and New York.

At the event, La Pham presented new designs made entirely from natural Vietnamese materials.

I always want to seek out materials from Viet Nam that come from nature. So far, weve sourced silk from both the North and South, green ramie fabric and hemp, said Pham Ngoc Anh, founder of La Pham.

Were also experimenting with new materials like pandan leaf fibre. In the future, we may use fibres from banana plants or coconut trees.

La Pham has drawn a lot of loyal customers.

"La Pham's designs are highly practical and wearable," said customer Nguyen Huong Giang, who has chosen La Pham creations for herself and her family members.

"The products use materials such as silk and velvet, blended with handloom fabrics that reflect the culture of the northern mountainous regions, making the items charming and familiar. Wearing La Phams products feels very comfortable."

Industry insiders are beginning to take notice of Viet Nams rising fashion scene.

Vietnamese fashion has great potential and many opportunities to go global, said Minh Anh. In recent years, local brands have started gaining international recognition, with some even being worn by celebrities. I believe this is a golden moment for Vietnamese fashion.

Among the leading names in Viet Nams fashion scene is Phan ang Hoang, renowned for his ability to merge fashion with art, architecture, painting, and music.

Hoang has showcased his work at numerous international events, including five consecutive seasons at Milan Fashion Week.

For each collection, I study and experiment with different materials, he said.

Some rely on practical fabrics, while others incorporate distinctive, artistic textiles. I believe the richness and diversity of materials elevate not only the colour palette but also the spirit of a collection. I am particularly drawn to sustainable, natural fabrics that both protect the environment and reflect global fashion trends.

Born into a family of artists -- his grandparents were members of the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association -- Hoang has been deeply influenced by visual art. Before venturing into fashion, he created realistic portrait paintings that were featured in international publications.

That was a key milestone that encouraged me to bring more art into my fashion work, he said. I hope people recognise that the DNA of Phan ang Hoang is always the fusion of fashion and art.

Hoang spent several years studying and working in Milan, a city now closely tied to his brands identity.

Milan is where I found my creative freedom and could truly be myself, he said. People there appreciate creativity and recognise the meaning behind my designs.

'A highly competitive industry'

Vietnamese designers acknowledge that the road to international success is not without obstacles.

Fashion is a highly competitive industry with countless creative minds, said Vy.

Talent is important, but sometimes luck plays a role too. What truly distinguishes a designer is their taste. Technical skill alone is not enough; a refined sense of taste is what brings cohesion and beauty to a collection.

Designer Ngoc Anh from La Pham noted that Vietnamese brands entered the global fashion scene later than others, including neighbouring countries.

We have to work harder, study the trends, understand the market and our audience, she said.

Hoang echoed the sentiment, pointing out that young designers face particular challenges.

Youth comes with creativity, passion and energy, but often lacks persistence, experience and refined skills, he said.

With each collection, I learn and improve. I believe we shouldnt fear making mistakes. Instead, we should embrace them as part of the journey to realising our dreams.

He also emphasised the importance of personal development. Young designers may lack life experience, financial support or industry connections. What matters most is how we grow while staying true to our values and within the standards of society.

Vietnamese fashion is no longer just a cultural curiosity on the international stage -- it is emerging as a serious contender.

At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, international beauty queens such as Miss Grand International 2022 Isabella Menin and Miss Earth Malaysia 2021 Nisha Thayananthan wore creations by Vietnamese designers Le Thanh Hoa and Nguyen Minh Tuan, turning heads on the red carpet.

Brands like FanCi Club, Bupbes, and La Lune have also gained recognition, with their designs appearing in performances and music videos by leading K-pop idol groups.

Vietnamese fashion is now not only appearing on runways but is also making inroads into global markets through exports.

According to Than uc Viet, general director of Garment Corporation 10 (May 10), the company has developed several product lines -- including May 10 Expert, May 10 Series, and May 10 Classic Suit -- to serve demanding markets like the EU and the US.

Other major Vietnamese fashion and textile companies, such as Viet Tien Garment Corporation, Nha Be Garment Corporation, and Hoa Tho Textiles and Garments have also expanded their presence abroad, earning the trust of international consumers.

Viet Nams fashion industry is evolving every day. Soon, we will see Vietnamese fashion emerge as a fully developed industry, capable of large-scale production. Many brands have already secured million-dollar international orders, Trang Le, president of the Southeast Asian Fashion Designers Association, said.

Viet Nams fashion boom is also reflected in its strong export figures.

Truong Van Cam, vice president of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, reported that in the first half of 2025, the countrys textile and garment exports reached US$21.8 billion, a 10.6 per cent year-on-year increase. Imports rose to $12.7 billion, up 9.3 per cent, resulting in a $9.1 billion trade surplus.

It is forecast that total export turnover for the entire year 2025 could reach US$4647 billion, he said.

Establishing a strong and distinct identity is essential for Vietnamese fashion brands aiming to expand globally. As they continue to embrace sustainability, cultural storytelling and innovation, Vietnamese designers are proving they have what it takes to thrive on the world stage. Step by step, Vietnamese fashion is moving closer to international customers. VNS
The event, running from October 5-6, was supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

In his remarks, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan said, Agroecology is not merely a method of cultivation. It's the way we listen to and respect nature. It is a long-term vision for Vietnam to fulfill global commitments on climate change, striving towards net-zero emissions by 2050 and to "sow the future" for coming generations.

According to a 2023 forecast by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), approximately 40 per cent of the Mekong Delta, the nation's food basket, could be inundated by a one-metre sea-level rise, threatening the livelihoods of more than 17 million people.

Photo: FAO

The interconnected challenges facing food systems  climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity  can only be resolved through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Agroecology offers a powerful approach, providing a holistic framework that integrates indigenous knowledge with modern science and ecological principles to create more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems. This conference served as a concrete step to fulfill Vietnam's international commitments, from the net-zero emissions target at COP26 to the Statement on Sustainable Agriculture at COP28, underscoring a resolve to achieve a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food system transformation.

A key highlight of the event was a multi-stakeholder dialogue, bringing together representatives from the government, international organisations, cooperatives, farmers, businesses, and associations.

By receiving diverse and in-depth feedback from all relevant parties, this platform is crucial for aligning vision and action, effectively translating theoretical commitments into practical implementation. The panel discussion will contribute to the accelerated formation of transparent and interconnected value chains, ensuring farmers are the central subjects of the transformation process.

This is instrumental in helping Vietnam's agriculture achieve sustainable development, adapt effectively to climate change, and enhance its value on the global stage.

The workshop coincided with two special milestones: FAO's 80th anniversary of global action for food security and WWF's 30th year of biodiversity conservation in Vietnam. The theme of World Food Day 2025, Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future, resonated deeply with the conference's objectives. Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government of Vietnam in fostering a sustainable future for both people and nature.

During the event, Vinod Ahuja, FAO representative in Vietnam, emphasised, This event marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to build sustainable and resilient food systems in Vietnam. The multi-stakeholder discussion, in particular, is a clear testament to our commitment to turning policy into tangible action. By fostering stronger public-private partnerships and mobilising resources, we can build on the country's progress and ensure its agricultural sector is equipped to address the impacts of climate change and secure a better future for its people.

Thibault Ledecq, chief conservation officer of WWF-Vietnam, stated, "WWF-Vietnam believes food production can transcend meeting human needs to become a powerful catalyst for conservation. By anchoring our efforts in sustainable land use planning and management, advancing agroecological and nature-based solutions, and forging strong partnerships among all supply chain actors, we can build sustainable markets and scale up green finance.

This creates a virtuous cycle where long-term prosperity goes hand in hand with ecosystem restoration, a clear pathway towards a future where people and nature thrive together," Ledecq aaded.

The event in Dong Thap served as a critical bridge between policy and practice, and between national capacity and the international community. By simultaneously advancing technical solutions, market mechanisms, and green finance, the conference is anticipated to produce a clear action plan, a portfolio of priority projects, and strengthened multilateral partnerships, helping to position Vietnam as a regional leader in agroecology and sustainable food system transformation.

Accelerating digitalisation and institutional reform for green agriculture Business leaders are calling for stronger government support to boost the competitiveness and global standing of Vietnams agricultural exports.

Hoa Phat Agriculture files for IPO Hoa Phat Agriculture Development JSC (HPA) submitted its application for an initial public offering (IPO) to the State Securities Commission on September 16.
Since starting operations in Vietnam just over four years ago, Shinhan Life has focused on developing a people-centred strategy. Bae highlights how the companys human resources (HR) policies have helped create an engaging workplace, retain talent, and support sustainable growth in the competitive life insurance sector.

Bae Seung Jun - general director of Shinhan Life Vietnam

The life insurance market in Vietnam is highly competitive, yet Shinhan Life Vietnam has quickly built a committed, high-performing workforce. What strategies have helped the company achieve this success?

We believe that sustainable growth must begin with the growth and pride of every employee. From day one, Shinhan Life Vietnam has pursued a people-centric strategy. I believe a companys growth goes hand in hand with the development of each employee.

A self-ownership work culture has been our core value from the very beginning, serving as a powerful driver of self-leadership and self-motivation. It has enabled our employees to fully realise their potential while contributing to collective success. Building on this foundation, we have focused on creating the best possible working environment, offering career development opportunities, fostering connection, and ensuring competitive welfare policies.

Shinhan Life Vietnam has built a distinct brand identity through the creativity and collaboration of its people

Thanks to the collaboration and creativity of our people, Shinhan Life has built a distinct brand identity in just over four years of operation and earned the trust of thousands of Vietnamese customers. We currently offer a diverse and flexible product portfolio, ranging from protection to savings and investment, to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

This people-driven strategy has also been translated into encouraging business results. In 2024, Shinhan Life Vietnam recorded total revenue surpassing $16 million, with net revenue from insurance business operation amounting to $10.2 million, reflecting a 19 per cent growth compared to the previous year.

Given the challenges the life insurance sector has faced and its gradual recovery this year, how has Shinhan Life Vietnam maintained employee engagement and morale?

As a leader, I strive to make Shinhan Life Vietnam a place where everyone feels proud and inspired to come to work every day. I also encourage employees to nurture their aspirations because when they grow, the company grows, and together we all share in the benefits of that growth.

Over the past four years, Shinhan Life Vietnam has consistently prioritised initiatives to build a friendly, dynamic workplace that fosters collaboration and growth. In addition to encouraging open and direct communication, the company regularly organises training activities and internal activities to strengthen connections across all levels and departments.

In particular, we actively promote our core value of Shinhan Pride, which forms the foundation for sustainable growth and greater employee satisfaction. We believe that a creative, balanced, and open workplace makes employees happier while enhancing productivity.

At the same time, we align our business with community responsibility and environmental, social, and governance principles. This instills pride in every individual, reinforcing the idea that the companys success is also their success.

Shinhan Life Vietnam was recently named Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2025 and Most Caring Company 2025 by HR Asia. What contributed to these recognitions?

Firstly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our employees  those who dedicate themselves every day to making Shinhan Life Vietnam better. Their commitment, creativity, and tireless efforts are the key factors that enabled us to scoop these awards for the second consecutive year.

We are proud to be recognised by HR Asia with the titles Best Companies to Work for in Asia 2025 and Most Caring Company 2025. This recognition from an internationally respected organisation reflects our relentless efforts to implement distinctive HR strategies and foster an engaging and ideal workplace for our employees.

Receiving these prestigious awards two years in a row is a great source of pride and also a clear affirmation of Shinhan Life Vietnams unwavering commitment to building a professional, inclusive, and people-centric working environment.

Shinhan Life Vietnam being honoured by HR Asia

With the life insurance market recovering in 2025, Shinhan Life Vietnam has set ambitious growth targets. What strategies are you pursuing to achieve them?

The life insurance market is entering a new stage of development with a positive growth trajectory. Seizing this opportunity, Shinhan Life Vietnam has set clear priorities from the outset of the year: enhancing the quality of our employees and financial consultants, improving customer experience, expanding insurance benefits, and continuously upgrading our product portfolio.

We have been introducing new, affordable, and comprehensive products tailored to customer needs. In March, we launched the regular premium universal life product Shinhan  An Thinh, followed in July by four riders offering extended protection, from healthcare coverage to financial safeguards against critical illness, accidental injury, or death. At the same time, we are investing strongly in digitalisation to elevate customer experience, such as upgrading the Customer Service Portal - insurance contract management application Shinhan Life Care+ and diversifying payment methods.

Alongside product innovation, we are expanding our distribution network to make life insurance more accessible. Our current channels include the financial consultant channel, bancassurance, and corporate agencies, while we are also developing online platforms to provide customers with the most convenient access possible.

Beyond business growth, Shinhan Life Vietnam remains committed to social responsibility. We actively participate in charitable activities and community initiatives to spread the human values of life insurance. These efforts not only drive comprehensive growth for Shinhan Life Vietnam but also contribute to the overall recovery and sustainable development of the life insurance industry in the years ahead.

Shinhan Life Vietnam concludes successful career programme for students South Korean-backed insurer Shinhan Life Vietnam, in collaboration with Journey Career Education Guidance and Development Co., Ltd., also known as SIF Career, has successfully completed an orientation programme for high school students after nearly three months of implementation.

Shinhan Life Vietnam fosters the spirit of personal development Personal development is widely regarded as fundamental in paving the way for career success. At Shinhan Life Vietnam, this value is actively nurtured and encouraged.
On October 3 in Hanoi, the Norwegian Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF) and the Royal Norwegian Embassy, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Cement Association (VNCA), held a workshop on non-recyclable waste in the cement industry. The event marked the official conclusion of the OPTOCE Project (Ocean Plastic Turned into an Opportunity in Circular Economy), funded by the Norwegian government.

Combating marine plastics and climate change is a top priority for Norway  both globally and in Vietnam, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken said in her opening remarks. Through OPTOCE, weve seen how science-based solutions like co-processing can transform plastic waste into a resource that benefits the climate, the economy, and communities. Norway remains committed to scaling this approach in Vietnam and across the region, especially in the context of our partnership under JETP.

More than six years ago, OPTOCE was launched as a regional initiative in five countries, including Vietnam, and later expanded to eight countries across Asia. Dr. Kare Helge Karstensen, Chief Scientist and Programme Manager of OPTOCE, said: Today, its success demonstrates that co-processing non-recyclable plastics in cement kilns is not only technically feasible and environmentally sound but also capable of delivering rapid, large-scale impact. The next step is to move beyond pilots and integrate this solution into national policy frameworks to drive systemic change.

Vietnams cement sector, among the largest in the world, has already piloted this approach. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luong uc Long, vice president of VNCA, said: Co-processing waste in cement kilns is a safe and the most effective solution. VNCA and cement factories in Vietnam have been actively implementing co-processing of wastes in the cement kilns. We would like to have the environmental enterprises on board in an effort to convert wastes into an alternative fuel. At the same time, we hope that the government will introduce specific policies and incentives that benefit both enterprises involved in the co-processing chain and the consulting organizations in supporting transfers of co-processing technology to enterprises. If we join forces and are determined, co-processing will be scaled up, turning wastes into black gold, turning cement factories into the ideal co-processing hub, and thus contributing to a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful Vietnam in the new era of the country's development.

The workshop featured several presentations and a panel discussion focusing on the legal framework, potential waste supplies, as well as the practices and challenges in implementing co-processing in Vietnam. Delegates highlighted opportunities, challenges, and solutions to integrate co-processing into the National Waste Management Strategy.

The OPTOCE project has already piloted the use of cement kilns in Vietnam. In December 2021, a pilot at INSEE cement plant in Hon Chong, Kien Giang province, was followed by a project with Lam Thach Green Cement Company (QNC) in the north, where low-value, non-recyclable rejects from the craft villages of Minh Khai (Hung Yen) and Trang Minh (Haiphong) were successfully co-processed.

Today, both INSEE and Lam Thach achieve a thermal substitution rate of 3540 per cent, showing that with supportive policies and partnerships, Vietnam can scale up co-processing to cut coal use and curb plastic leakage.
The new company aims to meet the internal material needs of Vingroup's ecosystem while contributing to the development of Vietnam's heavy industries.

VinMetal is launching with an initial investment of VND10 trillion (approximately $380 million), with plans to build a high-tech industrial steel production complex in the central province of Ha Tinh. Phase 1 will have a capacity of around five million tonnes per year.

The company will focus on producing steel products for civil construction, including hot-rolled steel, high-strength steel, and specialised alloy steels for electric vehicles and high-speed transportation infrastructure. Its flagship products will include high-quality sheet steel and stamped automotive body steel, as well as international-standard rails and structural steel for bridges, ports, and railways, targeting import substitution and future exports to regional markets.

VinMetal will initially prioritise supplying materials for Vingroup's core sectors, such as Vinhomes real estate and VinFast EVs. In addition, the company seeks to secure high-quality steel supply for major projects in industry, energy, and transportation currently under research and proposal, including the North-South high-speed railway, the Ho Chi Minh City-Can Gio line, and the Ha Noi-Quang Ninh route.

In the long term, VinMetal aspires to become a leader in green steel production in Vietnam, applying carbon-reducing technologies and reusing energy from renewable sources. This will not only advance the domestic metallurgy industry but also promote the growth of Vietnam's heavy industry as a whole.

Nguyen Viet Quang, vice chairman and CEO of Vingroup and concurrently CEO of VinMetal, stated, "VinMetal is not just a steel plant. It represents a strategic preparation for a modern, green, and sustainable infrastructure future for Vietnam. At Vingroup, we believe that proactively developing foundational industries will help our country enter a new growth era, where Vietnamese people master technology, materials, and the execution of national-scale projects."

The establishment of VinMetal marks another milestone in Vingroup's development strategy across its five business pillars: industrials and technology; real estate and services; infrastructure; green energy; and social enterprises.

Belonging to the industrials and technology pillar, VinMetal also serves as a foundational element directly supporting the infrastructure pillar, where Vingroup is expanding investments in high-speed railways, bridges, ports, and logistics. Domestic steel production will not only ensure material supplies for these large-scale projects but also strengthen Vietnam's heavy industry capabilities, enhance national competitiveness, and elevate Vietnam's global standing.

With this new step, Vingroup reaffirms its commitment to contributing to the nation, while advancing its industrial, energy, and infrastructure value chain towards sustainable and long-term prosperity for Vietnam.

Haiphong breaks ground on landmark industrial park and LNG power plant Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for two major projects in Haiphong on September 26.

Vingroup pledges $19 million for Typhoon Bualoi relief Vingroup has pledged VND500 billion ($18.96 million) to aid communities devastated by Typhoon Bualoi, marking a swift corporate response to the disaster. The support aims to help residents quickly recover and stabilise their lives.
In global trade, particularly in agriculture and food, VSS have become de facto entry requirements for participation in international supply chains. For Vietnam, one of the worlds major exporters of coffee, pepper, seafood, and tropical fruits, the question is no longer whether to adopt these standards, but how to do so effectively and sustainably.

VSS are defined as standards that set sustainability requirements across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. They often cover product quality, farming or production methods, labour conditions, and environmental management. Globally recognised labels such as GLOBALG.A.P., Fairtrade, USDA Organic, EU Organic, JAS Organic (Japan), and Rainforest Alliance all fall under the VSS umbrella.

According to the International Trade Centres Standards Map, there are now over 300 VSS worldwide, ranging from agriculture and forestry to textiles and aquaculture. Initially, they were conceived as voluntary guidelines developed by NGOs, industry consortia, or private initiatives. Over time, however, they have become entrenched in market expectations  especially in Europe and North America, where sustainability has become a consumer priority.

While VSS are not mandated by law in most cases, the reality is that supermarkets, multinational buyers, and major importers treat them as prerequisites, explained Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh, founder of KisStartup. Vietnamese enterprises that do not comply will find it almost impossible to secure contracts with premium markets. Voluntariness has, in practice, turned into compulsion.

The global and regional context

The roots of VSS trace back to the 1980s and 1990s, when movements such as Fairtrade emerged in Europe to guarantee both environmental and social accountability in consumer products. Since then, they have expanded to cover nearly every export sector. Today, European consumers expect green and ethical goods, and governments are increasingly embedding sustainability into public procurement, quality infrastructure, and technical regulations.

In Southeast Asia, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia institutionalised sustainability in their palm oil industries by introducing mandatory schemes (ISPO and MSPO) in the early 2010s. These examples show that VSS, while initially market-driven, can evolve into state-backed frameworks with legal force. Vietnam, heavily reliant on smallholder farming and fragmented supply chains, faces both urgency and difficulty in catching up.

Vietnamese exporters, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), still prioritise raw commodity exports with limited value addition. Many only pursue certifications when buyers explicitly demand them. However, the post-COVID-19 shift in consumer behaviour  towards green eating, green drinking, and sustainable living is accelerating pressure on exporters to adapt.

The challenge is not simply cost. Compliance requires systemic changes in farming practices, processing, waste management, and even corporate governance. Without these shifts, certifications risk becoming superficial, adding expense without delivering resilience or competitiveness.

Businesses should not approach VSS as mere paperwork to satisfy a buyer, Minh emphasised. The real task is to redesign their core models around sustainability, responsibility, and long-term competitiveness. Once this foundation is set, adapting to specific market standards becomes far easier and more strategic.

Technology as the enabler

Sustainability cannot be achieved without innovation. Biotechnological solutions, digital platforms, and advanced analytics are now indispensable for meeting VSS. For instance:

Soil regeneration : Enzymes and biochar can restore chemically degraded farmland in as little as one year  critical for organic certification.

: Enzymes and biochar can restore chemically degraded farmland in as little as one year  critical for organic certification. Traceability : Blockchain systems track entire value chains for coffee, pepper, and seafood, ensuring credibility for importers.

: Blockchain systems track entire value chains for coffee, pepper, and seafood, ensuring credibility for importers. Smart farming : IoT sensors monitor soil moisture, fertiliser use, and pesticide residues, reducing chemical footprints to meet food safety standards.

: IoT sensors monitor soil moisture, fertiliser use, and pesticide residues, reducing chemical footprints to meet food safety standards. Data and AI: Big data analytics help optimise crop cycles, while AI-enabled platforms generate compliance reports and predict export risks.

In Vietnam, success stories are emerging. Coffee cooperatives using blockchain traceability are securing premium contracts in Europe. In pepper production, IoT-enabled monitoring is helping farmers cut pesticide residues and meet GLOBALG.A.P. requirements. Aquaculture exporters deploying electronic traceability are reducing rejection rates in the EU.

Still, these remain isolated cases. For most SMEs, barriers of capital, technical expertise, and fragmented supply chains hinder widespread adoption. Current digital applications are often confined to marketing and sales, leaving the production core largely untouched.

Case in point: grapefruit farmers in Ben Tre

A cooperative in Ben Tre, Vinh Long Province producing green-skinned grapefruit for export illustrates the rigour of VSS. Though grown organically, the fruits must undergo meticulous post-harvest processing: wastewater treatment from cleaning operations, pest-free inspection, and strict hygiene protocols.

Just one non-compliant fruit can result in the rejection of an entire shipment, Minh recounted. This shows that VSS is not confined to one production stage  it spans soil preparation, cultivation, harvest, processing, packaging, and logistics. Without systemic application of science and technology, meeting such requirements is virtually impossible.

The GEVA initiative

Recognising these challenges, KisStartup launched the GEVA project (Green Export Incubation and Acceleration through VSS) within the SwissTrade programme, supported by the Swiss government via SECO and implemented by ITC and Vietrade.

GEVA seeks to bridge the gap between awareness and execution by:

Training SMEs on the fundamentals of VSS and sustainability.

Piloting business models that embed sustainability at their core.

Leveraging innovation and technology partnerships to reduce certification costs.

Connecting Vietnamese exporters with global buyers prioritising sustainable sourcing.

Through this initiative, KisStartup aims to shift the narrative from reactive compliance to proactive competitiveness.

Towards long-term competitiveness

VSS are more than a technical barrier  they are a strategic filter shaping who can participate in tomorrows global economy. By aligning with VSS, Vietnamese exporters not only gain access to premium markets but also build resilience, reputation, and trust.

Yet, the road ahead is not simple. For SMEs, the most effective strategy lies in collective action  whether through cooperatives, industry associations, or partnerships with technology providers and accelerators like GEVA. Policy support, including subsidies for certification, integration of VSS into national quality frameworks, and incentives for digital transformation, will also be critical.

Ultimately, as Minh concluded, The competitive edge of Vietnamese enterprises in global markets will not come from being the cheapest supplier, but from being the most responsible, innovative, and sustainable partner in the value chain.

Key takeaways and facts

Global Reach: More than 300 VSS exist worldwide, spanning agriculture, forestry, textiles, and aquaculture.

More than 300 VSS exist worldwide, spanning agriculture, forestry, textiles, and aquaculture. De Facto Requirement: In high-value markets, VSS compliance is now a non-negotiable condition for exporters.

In high-value markets, VSS compliance is now a non-negotiable condition for exporters. SME Reality: Vietnamese SMEs face cost and capability gaps in pursuing certifications.

Vietnamese SMEs face cost and capability gaps in pursuing certifications. Tech as Game-Changer: Biotech, blockchain, IoT, and AI can make VSS compliance more accessible and efficient.

Biotech, blockchain, IoT, and AI can make VSS compliance more accessible and efficient. GEVA Role: Provides incubation, acceleration, and international linkage to prepare Vietnamese exporters for green markets.

Provides incubation, acceleration, and international linkage to prepare Vietnamese exporters for green markets. Strategic Shift: Moving from compliance as burden to sustainability as competitive advantage is the key to long-term success.

ESG seen as key to Vietnams business credibility and capital attraction The future of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in Vietnam looks promising, though challenges remain, according to Nguyen Hoang Nam, ESG Leader and Partner of Assurance Services at PwC Vietnam in an interview with VIRs Hazy Tran.

GEAPP mobilises $1.7bn to power Southeast Asias clean energy shift Amid global headwinds threatening climate and development goals, new funding is being mobilised to accelerate Southeast Asias clean energy shift.
Butchers market has no butcher due to lack of storage for large fridges and freezers required for butchery

The absence of a butcher in the Butchers Market has been partly attributed to the lack of storage for large fridges and freezers required for butchery  despite Wrexham Council overseeing the multi-million pound refurb themselves.

The detail has emerged in a report to councillors ahead of Thursdays meeting, which reveals that the council has approached upwards of 30 butchers about trade within the market but with no takers.

The report notes that the specification and design of the refurbished market  managed directly by the council  did not include adequate storage capacity for the equipment typically required for butchery operations.

The report also includes a short presentation showing the before, during, and after refurb of the market, alongside data from officers on the performance of the Butchers and General Markets since they reopened last year.

The launch event for the markets, held in November 2024, came under UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund grant, with the live music and various face painting and circus performers.

According to footfall data the opening weekend  which coincided with the Victorian Christmas Market  drew almost 85,000 visits to the city centre and markets over the four-day period. This is an increase of around 34,000 over the four days compared to the week before.

Before the refurbishment, occupancy at the Butchers Market stood at 21% and 53% in the General Market. Prior to closure for refurbishment there were ninr businesses trading across the two markets.

The report also highlights the challenges on filling the two markets. This includes the specification of some of the units, which arent equipped for industrial catering or food preparation.

However this is defended by council officers in the report, who state that this wasnt the offer the markets were working towards due to the food court already existing within Ty Pawb.

New tenants are also facing large upfront costs due to the generic shell units available. The report states that this means that the responsibility to fit out the unit to any specific individual business needs falls with the new tenant.

One bugbear shared to Wrexham.com by prospective traders was around the perceived high outgoing initial costs with assets/legal fees at 400, as well as one months rent and one months rent deposit.

The perception appears to be a reality, but the council defend its position on that noting: This is Council Policy and is in line with the Council Cost Recovery process. This also is standard across both Public and Private sector.

One other anecdote Wrexham.com had been told  but does not make the report  is over one high quality butcher not taking the space in the market was around social media comments.

We are told a potential butcher conducted some light market research on one apparently positive community group and was shocked at the negative feedback.

Design and delivery problems are also acknowledged, including a lack of storage for traders within the buildings and several ongoing snagging issues with the building.

The report states that these are being identified and addressed and are typical of any new building or refurbishment.

Despite the challenges, the report says the overall feedback from traders and the public has been largely positive, with praise for the look and design of the buildings and accessibility.

There has also been praise for the new seating area in the Butchers Market, with the report stating: The seating area in the Butchers Market has been a particularly welcomed addition providing seating that encourages dwell time within the market and is fully accessible.

The feedback received from the general public has also been positive particularly around the restoration of the historical Butchers units and the glass fronted units in the General Market and the additional step free entrance now on the High Street.

However, the new cafe and restaurant space above the main entrance of the Butchers Market remains vacant, having been handed over in March. The council say that the space is being actively marketed.

Promotional work for the markets is ongoing and includes a pointer to a dedicated website and social media activity.

Although the links to the social media accounts still dont work on the website, in a previous article Wrexham.com had noted the inactivity of the Markets social media account (Ty Pawbs losses are shrinking councillors told amid wider council budget pressure context  Traders pointed out that the Wrexham Markets Facebook page has not been updated this month, the Instagram account is largely abandoned, and the website lacks activity) which then appeared to prompt a flurry of posts just before a previous meeting.

Although there is more activity, there are no engagement reports or data for the councillors to examine.

Money-cant-buy promotion is also detailed with the markets being featured on the Welcome To Wrexham documentary attributed to strategic word between Ty Pawb and the councils city centre team.

The overall year end 24/25 position is detailed as below to councillors:

One financial issue not covered in the report but likely to be debated ins the question of service charges, with detailed queries already circulated to all councillors on the committee. There remains ongoing uncertainty over the level and calculations on how sums were arrived at  appearing to be based off a 12 month view on a market that was not option for that period.

Councillors questions will not doubt give clarity on the situation that several traders appear puzzled by.

The Monday Market gets four paragraphs detailing how a group of councillors took it upon themselves to take what they thought was the best action to support it, to offer rent-free trading periods.

The measurement of success is given as Throughout the summer the incentive saw an increase in traders attending the Monday market from an average of seven stalls to 20 stalls per week.

However, after being extended twice, performance has dropped back to an average of seven stalls per week.

The report will be debated by members of the employment, business and investment scrutiny committee on Thursday, 9 October.
Record number of young people take advantage of 1 bus fare scheme in Wales

A record number of young people have taken advantage of the new 1 bus fare scheme by signing up for a free mytravelpass.

The Welsh Government initiative, which is currently open for 16-21 year olds, has seen a record number of young people apply for a MyTravel pass with Transport for Wales receiving more than 26,000 new applications  a 38% increase  since the launch of the scheme in July.

From next month (3 November) the pilot is being extended further to offer the same reduced fares to all 515-year-olds.

But unlike 1621-year-olds, this age group wont need to present a mytravelpass to the driver as proof of age.

The scheme offers unlimited affordable bus travel for young people to help them access education, training, employment, and leisure. It also supports the Welsh Governments efforts to encourage more people to use public transport, reduce carbon emissions and tackle poverty.

Single fares cost just 1 with 3 day tickets available too, allowing young people to access unlimited travel with any participating bus services.

Speaking at Rhyl bus station, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: I am delighted that the scheme is already proving to be popular with young people across Wales.

Cutting the cost of travel for young people is vitally important in our ambition to provide better transport for all and encourage more people to choose public transport.

We know the scheme is making a real difference for 1621-year-olds and with the pilot being extended to 515-year-olds next month even more young people will get the chance to benefit from cheaper fares.
Voters set to get power to sack misbehaving Senedd members

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Oct 7th, 2025

Voters would be given the power to remove Senedd members from office between elections under a new draft accountability bill published by the Welsh Government

Julie James, who is counsel general, the Welsh Governments chief legal adviser, announced publication of a draft member accountability bill in a written statement.

Voters would be given a say on whether to remove or retain a sitting politician through a recall poll and if a Senedd member was booted out, the seat would become vacant.

Under the draft bill, which was published on Monday (October 6) following similar reforms in Westminster and Scotland, a recall poll would be triggered in one of two ways:

Conviction: If a politician was convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment, including a suspended sentence.

Misconduct: If the Senedd voted by a majority to hold a poll after a standards committee recommendation as a result of serious misconduct.

Before the Senedd can trigger a recall for misconduct, the standards committee would need to publish recall guidance setting out more detail.

To be successful, a simple majority of those who vote in the recall poll must vote to remove the Senedd member and the draft bill does not include a minimum turnout requirement.

Own-initiative

The power to recall politicians does not have an automatic start date and the draft bill states the system would come into force on a future date specified by Welsh ministers separately.

The draft bill also seeks to strengthen the Senedds standards of conduct committee, which is made up of politicians, and the role of standards commissioner.

The standards committee would become a permanent, legal requirement for every Senedd and independent lay members could sit on the committee for the first time.

Douglas Bain, the standards commissioner who investigates politicians in Cardiff Bay would be given own-initiative powers to launch investigations rather than rely on complaints.

The draft bill also includes a duty on Welsh ministers to prohibit false statements during election campaigns in an effort to tackle deliberate deception by politicians.

In a statement announcing the bill, Ms James stressed that the draft bill is subject to change before its formal introduction in the Senedd in the autumn.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter
The latest Second 50 research from Aegon UK has shown the UK population remains strongly in favour of a gradual transition into retirement, rather than a hard stop where they stop work all together and enter full retirement.



Less than a quarter (24%) of workers expect to stop working all together. By contrast, a clear majority of workers expect to either change the way they work (43%), keep working as they currently do (15%), or move into a new role (9%).



Steven Cameron, Pensions Director at Aegon said: Todays retirees are approaching retirement very differently from previous generations. While historically, it was common to follow a 9 till 5 working life right up until a retirement age set by the employer, nowadays people have much more flexibility. But fears over Budget changes to pension rules could be discouraging a more flexible approach. One of the most striking trends in recent years has been the increased appeal of a transition into retirement. This can take different forms  such as gradually reducing working hours, which can create a better work life balance. Pension freedoms also mean individuals can make up the shortfall in earned income by initially taking a small income out of their pension pot.



Aegons latest Second 50 research shows this preference for a transition into retirement remains very strong. Less than a quarter (24%) want a hard stop retirement. But its hard to plan such a transition unless the rules and tax treatment of pensions are stable. This year, like last, were seeing some people making snap decisions over their lifetime pension savings for fears of possible changes to pensions tax rules in the Budget. Some are taking their tax-free cash lump sum earlier than they would otherwise have, often accompanied by starting to take a retirement income sooner, something they could later live to regret.



While not commonly known, many pensions allow individuals to take their tax-free cash in instalments over a number of years. This, alongside drawing out only as much income from your pension as you need at the time, might be the best approach, including reducing your tax bill. But planning this way isnt helped if future rules are uncertain.



Pension flexibilities and the ability to transition into retirement can mean more individuals continue in paid employment, perhaps in a reduced capacity, for longer. This can be good for the individual, both financially and for their wider wellbeing. The Government should also see this as a positive, as people remaining economically active for longer should boost UK economic growth. We urge this and any future Governments to prioritise creating a stable environment that provides people with the confidence to plan long term for their hard-earned retirement.


By Hannah English, Head of DC Corporate Consulting and Susan Waites, Partner, Hymans Robertson It also plays a significant role in pension contributions across the UK. At Hymans Robertson, our data shows that an overwhelming 95% of our clients have adopted salary sacrifice arrangements for pension contributions. This reflects the widespread popularity and acknowledged tax advantages. However, there's a growing focus on how the Chancellor may raise money at her next budget. The release of a government research paper in the early summer explored attitudes to salary sacrifice and tested employer reactions to three hypothetical scenarios, in which the benefit might be reduced. Concerns are now mounting as to potential government action. When we asked our clients who do offer salary sacrifice about possible changes, approximately 50% expressed concern about the impact on their arrangements. They indicated that they would need to re-evaluate their pension scheme design if the government were to target this provision. Concerns also extended beyond increased costs. Where employers currently share National Insurance (NI) savings with staff, there's apprehension that any reduction or removal of NI savings could diminish future retirement savings for employees. Many also view the ability to offer salary sacrifice as an appreciated and valued benefit; in some cases, staff have actively requested its implementation. A change here could risk impacting employee morale, particularly among those who value the scheme most. What should employers be considering?

For now, salary sacrifice continues to provide an efficient path for making pension contributions. While any changes would likely be accompanied by a reasonable lead-in period to allow for payroll and administrative adjustments, employers should start considering the possible implications now. In the absence of immediate changes, employers should consider: Do you and your internal stakeholders fully understand salary sacrifice and the potential benefits it offers?

If you already offer salary sacrifice, is it being used to its full potential across your organisation?

How are you currently using the employer NI savings generated through salary sacrifice? Are you sharing them with employees, re-investing, or using them elsewhere?

If you don't automatically enrol employees into salary sacrifice, could you do more to inform them of its advantages? As the landscape evolves, keeping an open line of communication with your teams (financial/ payroll etc) and staying informed about potential regulatory changes is crucial. If youd like to explore what potential changes to salary sacrifice could mean for your pension arrangements, get in touch with our team. We can help you understand the risks, weigh up your options, and keep your organisation ready for whats ahead. This article was first published by REBA. This blog is based upon our understanding of events as at the date of publication. It is a general summary of topical matters and should not be regarded as financial advice. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice on specific circumstances and objectives. Where this blog refers to legal matters please note that Hymans Robertson LLP is not qualified to provide legal opinion and therefore you may wish to obtain independent legal advice to consider any relevant law and/or regulation. Please read our Terms of Use - Hymans Robertson.
Ajit Pawar Calls CJI Gavai 'Pride of Maharashtra', Condemns Courtroom Shoe Attack 2

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar strongly condemned the incident in which a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, calling the CJI the pride of Maharashtra and terming the act an attack on democracy and the judiciary.

In a statement issued late Monday night, Pawar said the Supreme Court is the supreme temple of Indias judicial system and that any attack on the judiciary or judges amounts to an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy. There is no place for such incidents in our democracy. Preserving the dignity of the judiciary is every Indians moral responsibility. Strict action must be taken against those responsible, Pawar said.

Meanwhile, the opposition NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) staged a protest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Tuesday, condemning the attack and describing it as an assault on the Constitution. Led by MLA Rohit Pawar, party workers raised slogans praising Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution while demanding accountability from the government.

Rohit Pawar criticised the BJP, alleging its leaders reacted to the incident only after several hours. This is an extremely condemnable act. BJP leaders, who tweet instantly on trivial matters, spoke up only seven to eight hours later when public outrage began surfacing. What should this silence be construed as? he questioned.

The incident occurred on Monday when lawyer Rakesh Kishore, 71, allegedly attempted to throw a shoe at CJI Gavai during court proceedings in the Supreme Court. Quick action by security personnel foiled the attempt, and the Bar Council of India immediately suspended Kishores license.
Melvin Morris, center, was convicted of felony murder and first-degree assault in the 2020 home invasion that killed Devonta Reddick and wounded Sabrea Taylor. (Contributed)

A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for a Birmingham home invasion that killed a man and wounded his pregnant girlfriend.

Melvin Charles Morris, 46, was initially charged with capital murder during a burglary in the Feb. 6, 2020, shooting death of 27-year-old Devonta Reddick.

He was also charged with attempted murder in the wounding of Sabrea Baylor, who delivered the couples baby the day after the shooting.

A Jefferson County jury in July convicted Morris on the lesser charges of felony murder and first-degree assault in Baylors wounding.

Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace on Tuesday sentenced Morris to two life in prison sentences, to be served concurrently. Morris was sentenced under the states habitual offender laws because he had two prior felony convictions.

A second suspect  33-year-old Cameron Dejuan Blanding  is awaiting trial also on charges of capital murder and attempted murder. His trial is set for June 2026.

Blanding was one of two men arrested several months ago following an east Jefferson County chase.It wasnt clear why he was out on bond in the capital murder case, but his bond was revoked following his March arrest

Baylor spoke at Morriss sentencing, thanking the judge, the prosecutors and police for their work on the case.

Baylor told the court she was humiliated that her familys lives have been put on display because of what happened that morning, but said shes glad Morris was stopped.

I hate that this situation happened with me and my childs father, Baylor said, but Im glad that it was us that stopped this guy from what he was doing to us.

Mr. Morris laughed during the trial. He stared at me and showed no remorse, she said. He laughed at our family. He laughed in our faces.

Baylor asked the judge to give Morris the maximum sentence,

I lost the love of my life, she said. Ive had to raise my baby boy by myself and he will never get to meet his dad.

Birmingham police Sgt. Kenneth Ivory was the lead investigator.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Charissa Henrichs and Nick Taggart. Morris was represented by Jefferson County Public Defenders Office attorneys Paul McDaniel, Michelle Spiker and Gustavo Heudebert.

Blanding was one of two men arrested several months ago following an east Jefferson County chase. It wasnt clear why he was out on bond in the capital murder case, but his bond was revoked following his March arrest.

Reddick and Baylor were asleep in their home on Dogwood Lane off Five Mile Road when at least two men forced their way inside about 6:30 a.m. that Thursday.

Reddick was found unresponsive in the front yard and pronounced dead on the scene. Baylor, who was nine months pregnant, was wounded but both she and the baby survived.

U.S. Marshals took Morris into custody six months later in Nashville.

Testimony showed that Reddick, Baylor and their 3-year-old were asleep when two men kicked down the front door, tearing the door jamb from the door.

Reddick came out of the bedroom, followed by Baylor who had grabbed her weapon because of the loud bang they heard.

When they got into the living room, Baylor testified that she saw two men. Reddick went to fight the two males.

The suspects began firing their weapons and Baylor was struck in the leg. She returned fire.

Reddick yelled for her to go to the 3-year-old-child. She ran to the childs bedroom where he was sleeping and closed the door.

Baylor testified that she heard an older voice thundering down the hallway toward her yelling, where that bitch at?

The suspects kicked the bedroom door open and shot at Baylor, engaging in a gun battle with her. She was then shot several more times.

During the exchange of gunfire, Baylor shot Morris in the neck. The suspects then fled the home.

Reddick died in the front yard.

Baylor ran for help with her child to her grandparents house across the street.

After several weeks without any suspects, the investigation unfolded based on statements from Morris which were made during an interview in a Montgomery hospital to Birmingham detectives, Henrichs said.

Morris had fled to Montgomery in a vehicle which had been spotted by Baylors grandfather.

Cell phone records and telephone mapping by the CAST division of the FBI put Morris and his co-defendant in proximity to the crime scene, Henrichs said.

Reddick and Baylor had been together for more than a year and had just recently celebrated their sons impending birth with a baby shower.

Reddick grew up in the eastern area and attended Tarrant High School. After high school he went to work for a plastics fabrication company and also aspired to become a rapper. He left behind two other children, ages 8 and 2.

His death was a hard-hit for the family.

He was just a very sweet person, always laughing and making jokes,' his sister, Karlisha Reddick, said in an earlier interview.

He was always the person that kept the family together, that wanted everybody to be together. He was a really good man.
Jeremiah Morris, 17, and Shalanda Williams, 43, were killed in a Montgomery mass shooting that injured 12 others, (Contributed)

Five people remain in critical condition after a weekend mass shooting in downtown Montgomery that injured a total of 12 people and killed two others, including a high school student being remembered as one of the brightest lights at Rise Academy.

Killed were Jeremiah Morris, 17, and 43-year-old Shalanda Williams.

Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys on Tuesday said in addition to the five victims who suffered life-threatening wounds, the status of the other seven victims remains non-life-threatening.

No arrests have been made, but city leaders said they are 200 percent committed to ending the probe  described as large and complex  with multiple arrests and successful prosecutions anticipated.

Here is full coverage of the shooting

We have strong leads, we have developed persons of interests, Graboys said. I have no doubt we will bring the perpetrators to justice.

Its a methodical process, the chief said. We have to be careful, and we have to be right.

Every hour we are one hour closer to holding the perpetrators accountable, he said,

Mayor Steven Reed joined Graboys at the press conference.

Gov. Kay Ivey said Monday morning that she has asked the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to expand the patrol area for state troopers assigned to the capitol complex to include other parts of downtown Montgomery.

Let me be clear: All available state assets are being discussed, and ALL options remain on the table, Ivey said.

The mayor said Tuesday his staff has been in touch with the governors office.

We reached out today through some of our staff members, Reed said. I think well have a call in the next 24 to 48 hours.

A mass shooting in downtown Montgomery, Alabama, Saturday, October 4, 2025 left two people dead and a dozen others injured during a weekend of celebration in the city. Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys and Mayor Steven Reed addresses the public during a press conference, Sunday, October 5, 2025. (Montgomery Police Department) Montgomery Police Department

Reed was also asked about the call for President Trump to send the National Guard to Montgomery, as he has authorized in other U.S. cities.

I dont think that the majority of the community, Reed said. I know there are some loud voices that share that opinion, but I think there are many others who do not.

What we have been doing working with local, state and federal partners has helped drive down our crime by 23 percent year over year, Reed said.

Men and women from the National Guard is not necessary in Montgomery, the mayor said. I dont think its necessary in any American city.

A very chaotic scene

The gunfire erupted shortly after 11:30 p.m. Saturday near Bibb Street and Commerce Street.

Two juveniles are among those wounded. One has life-threatening injuries, police said, and the other suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Seven of the victims are under the age of 20 and the youngest victim is 16, said Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys in a Sunday press conference.

Graboys said police were called around 11:30 p.m. The officers, he said, could hear the shooting.

This started as the result of an individual, one of these 14 (injured or killed), who we believe was targeted, in which basically an exchange of gunfire erupted, he said.

When that exchange erupted, multiple people in the crowd pulled their own weapons and started discharging, Graboys said.

Now, as you can imagine, that can be a very chaotic situation, and every weapon has to be accounted for and every piece of evidence has to be processed.

The shooters, he said, did not care about the people around them when they did it.

The chief said automatic gunfire was used. Police recovered multiple shell casings and weapons from the scene.

The weapons all had magazine capacities, he said. Some had very high capacities.

At least two of the victims were among those armed, he said, but could not yet say how many of the wounded were innocent bystanders.

A mass shooting in downtown Montgomery on Saturday night, Oct. 4, 2025, left two people dead and a dozen others injured. (This is a screengrab from a WSFA report). WSFA

Teen known for kindness, laughter, and joy

Little information has been released about Williams, but Morris school made a heartfelt post about him on Facebook.

Jeremiah was not only a remarkable student but also a remarkable young man whose kindness, laughter, and joy touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, according to a Facebook post by McIntyre Comprehensive Academy.

Morris served as Mr. Star Academy 20242025, was a two-time Student of the Month recipient, and a Student of the Year nomineeaccomplishments that reflect his hard work, leadership, and love for his school community, school officials said. he post said.

His sister served as Miss McIntyre Comprehensive Academy 2023-2024.

But beyond the awards, Jeremiah will always be remembered for his warm smile, his gentle spirit, and the way he could light up any room just by being in it, according to the post.

May we find comfort in the love Jeremiah shared, the laughter he gave us, and the memories that will forever keep his light shining within Rise Academy.

Every victim deserves justice

The Montgomery Police Department has joined forces with multiple police agencies in the ongoing investigation, including the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, ALEA and the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office among other.

Graboys said detectives have been working ceaselessly.

Its methodical process. We have to be careful, and we have to be right, the chief said. Every hour we are one hour closer to holding the perpetrators accountable.

Graboys said he would not be releasing any specifics about the investigation or potential suspects until the probe is complete.

I do anticipate multiple persons of interest and who more than likely will be facing charges, he said. Every victim deserves justice. Every family affected deserves answers.

The chief said multiple leads have come in.

The information coming in as frequent as it is, its like a firehose worth of information, he said. All of that information has to be independently processed and basically fit into a very large puzzle.

Its a large and complex investigation because of the number of people involved, Graboys said. We are steadily and methodically putting everything together that will allow us to have a prosecution of the individuals that we are going to arrest.

He also had a message for the shooters: All of us are coming for you. We will not rest. We will not relent until we get you. We are coming. 

We will push for maximum accountability, he said, no longer how long this takes.

Gangs are a problem

Following the weekend mass shooting, the Alabama Sheriffs Association said Montgomery has a criminal gang problem.

Gangs often gather in small groups and venture out looking for confrontation with rival gangs, the association posted in a lengthy Facebook statement.

There exists a culture that emphasizes only addressing serious crimes, rather than enforcing the law comprehensively.

The time has come to address this pestilence head-on, the statement read.

I greatly appreciate the comments made by Governor Ivey and Attorney General Marshall. Its time to make Montgomery safe and turn the Capital City into one all Alabamians can be proud of. It is time for action, not denial.

Reed and Graboys addressed gangs in Montgomery, though the police chief would not say whether the mass shooting involved gang activity.

Ive been working in Montgomery since 1991. In the 90s every cop in the city knew there were gangs in Montgomery, Graboys said. Though at the time, people would not want to talk about.

Yes, there are gangs, he said. Nobodys denying it. And yes, theyre a problem.

Gangs are a problem period, the chief said. One of the things were getting out of this investigation is actually emerging tactics and strategies going forward to strike at those gangs.

But the gang problems, unfortunately, have been a national problem, he said, but what were learning over the last two days and what were going are going to have a very big impact,
As effects from the ongoing government shutdown continue to ripple nationwide, Alabama public health officials say it may soon be affecting mothers and children in the state.

The states Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, otherwise known as WIC, is at risk of running out of funds before November if the shutdown continues, according to State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris.

WIC is funded from year to year, but its a discretionary program, Harris explained.

So, it has to be funded by Congress each year. And if the shutdown is occurring and theres no mechanism to fund it, then the money stops.

Established in 1972, WIC provides free healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other services to support the health of pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age 5, according to the USDA website.

In 2024, over 111,000 Alabamians participated in the program, according to data from the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Harris said the state still has a little bit of carry forward money that was appropriated in the prior fiscal year but said that will not be enough to sustain the program for long.

We can go for probably a couple of weeks, maybe three weeks or somewhere in that range, he said.

We have some cost savings type mechanisms that we can resort to, if necessary, that might buy us a few more days beyond that. But at some point, the money is going to run out.

Unlike other federal programs such as Medicaid, Harris said there is no other mechanism for funding WIC.

The state is not really able to fund that, he said.

And so, well have to face some very difficult choices.

If the program does run out of money, Harris said his primary concern would be the wellbeing of Alabama mothers and children.

Low-income moms and their babies are actually seen by nutritionists in county health departments, and theyre given a particular infant formula, for example, or vouchers to buy certain types of healthy foods, he said.

And so, its not just a food giveaway program for low-income people. Its actually a nutrition program designed for each individual person. And so, we certainly worry first of all about the health of these people who arent going to have access to the foods that were trying to get for them.

He added that the loss of WIC would also have an economic impact on the states retailers.

Its a program thats well over $100 million a year in money thats paid directly to Alabama retailers, grocery stores, and other businesses that sell food that are part of the WIC program, he said.

So that spending obviously has to stop as well if the money runs out.

Harris said the department is figuring out how to navigate unfamiliar territory if the state does run out of WIC funding, as the last interruption in WIC services was roughly two decades ago.

We wouldnt have the ability to pay our team members who work here on that program, he said.

And then obviously if theres no money to provide food vouchers, then well have to notify the public that thats the case and I guess figure out what to do next. This has never happened before as far as I can remember.

Like a lot of the things we do in public health, many people dont really notice us or the work that we do until theres a problem, Harris continued.

We do a lot of work behind the scenes to keep people safe and keep people healthy, and people arent really aware of it until resources go away and were no longer able to run those programs.

On Monday, the Senate rejected both the Republican and Democratic short-term spending bills. The House does not have any votes scheduled for this week and is set to return Oct. 14.

Today marks nearly one week since the government shutdown, after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by the Oct. 1 deadline.

Roughly 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, with some potentially fired by Trumps administration, AP News reports.

Many offices will be shuttered, perhaps permanently, as Trump vows to do things that are irreversible, that are bad as retribution, according to the outlet.

The economic fallout is expected to ripple nationwide.

The last and longest government shutdown occurred over 35 days in 2018-2019 during Trumps first term over his demands for funds Congress refused to provide to build his promised U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Henry Stuarts odd-looking, 14-foot concrete dome has quietly welcomed travelers from Russia, France, Germany, Taiwan, and Australia this year, standing as an unlikely landmark tucked behind a commercial office complex off U.S. 98.

Soon, it may finally be heading to its true home surrounded completely by nature.

With just over $46,000 left to raise, supporters of the so-called hermit hut are closing in on their goal to relocate the nearly century-old structure to the Flying Creek Nature Preserve, a tranquil 108-acre park recently opened in Fairhope.

I am excited that we are getting closer to the Henry Stuart hut potentially being moved to (Flying Creek Nature Preserve), said Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan. I think it will be a great addition to the park and ensure that the hut will be preserved for future generations.

Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan speaks during the City of Fairhope's groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, for the future Flying Creek Nature Preserve in Fairhope, Ala. The approximately $2 million project includes nature trails, trailhead with informational kiosks, parking, restrooms, and the redevelopment of an existing house into a nature center. Future phases include kayak/canoe launches, biking trails and more. John Sharp

A $100,000 anonymous donation recently gave the relocation effort a major boost, bringing the total raised to $322,751. The project is expected to cost about $369,000.

The donor, referred to only as The Friend, cited Sullivans leadership as a motivating factor for the gift, according to a news release from the Tolstoy Park Fundraising Committee.

I am honored that someone would make that significant of a donation and mention my leadership but everything we want to do in Fairhope is a team effort and this is no exception, Sullivan said.

Fairhope effort

Built in the mid-1920s by Stuart himself, the hut is nestled about two feet into the ground. Though small, it carries a story larger than its size and one that Fairhope author Sonny Brewer helped share with the world through his 2005 novel, The Poet of Tolstoy Park.

Brewer, who co-chairs the Tolstoy Park Committee, has helped lead the private fundraising campaign to relocate the structure. He hopes the huts new home will become more than a historic marker. He envisions it as a stage for plays inspired by Stuarts life, perhaps one day echoing the success of Monroevilles annual To Kill a Mockingbird production that is based on Harper Lees famous 1960 novel.

Mr. Stuarts story is Fairhope-centric, Brewer said. I believe our own annual theater performance about him and the towns first half-century will play well to locals and visitors alike.

The huts relocation has already drawn support from across the community. In addition to the anonymous $100,000 donation, the Fairhope Single Tax Colony Corporation contributed $184,500 in matching funds, and individual donations totaling $38,251 have come in from several hundred supporters, ranging from $20 to $11,500.

Fairhope City Councilman Jack Burrell said no public funds have been pledged toward the move, but he expects the city will help once the final dollars are in place.

I think its where it belongs, Burrell said of Flying Creek. It will be visible, seen and appreciated.

Burrell said he is personally willing to back an additional fundraiser to close the gap, aiming to help raise the final $30,000 to $40,000.

Inspiring story

Stuart was in his late 60s when he arrived in Fairhope from Idaho in 1923, having been diagnosed with tuberculosis and given one year to live. Instead, he built the hut by hand  taking one year and 16 days to complete it  and went on to live there for nearly two decades. He finally left Fairhope at age 88 to spend his final years in Oregon.

Mr. Stuart arrived in 1923, choosing Fairhope over a myriad of other cities in America as the place where he would go to live out the last year his doctor in Idaho gave him before tuberculosis overcame him, Brewer said.

Instead, Stuart found life. While refusing help from curious locals, he built the dome in Montrose, an unincorporated community north of town, and crafted his hurricane-resistant shelter alone. The spot he chose was quiet and wooded, far from the roadside sprawl that eventually surrounded the area.

Though sometimes called a hermit, Stuart welcomed more than 1,300 visitors to his home, including renowned attorney Clarence Darrow, who stopped by six times.

Mr. Stuarts choice to come here speaks to what is special about our town, Brewer said.

Stuart had been drawn to Fairhope not only for its warm climate but also for its ideals. He admired the towns Single Tax Colony system, founded in 1894 to promote economic equity by taxing land but not improvements. He also respected the nearby Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education, which embraced progressive, holistic learning without standardized testing.

Mr. Stuart billed himself as a free-thinker and wanted to be in the company of others like himself, Brewer said. He would find them in Fairhope, and I know from his journals that he did.

Brewer discovered the hut in 1982 and later lived in it while restoring the structure  barefooted, just like Stuart. His vision is for the huts new home at Flying Creek to reflect that spirit of solitude, curiosity, and connection.

And with each dollar raised, the vision draws nearer.

We can keep Henry Stuarts story alive, and his round house saved for continuing generations to come see, Brewer said.
An investigation is ongoing after a student called 911 to report she was distressed and had a handgun in her backpack.

The St. Clair County Sheriffs Office responded to Springville High School to assist the Springville Police Department at approximately 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, said Sheriff Billy Murray.

The girl told dispatchers what she was wearing, where she was, what kind of gun she had and that she had self-harm thoughts.

Springville Police Chief Wayne Walton said officers were on the scene within two minutes. Students already at the school were moved into a gymnasium, and those arriving were not allowed in at that point.

Law enforcement made contact with the girl and secured the handgun.

The SRO put himself between the student and the other students at the school, Walton said. Thats what we do.

He gave clear commands to the other students and they done exactly what that officer told them to do, the chief said.

The students were safe and 100 percent protected, Walton said. We train for this every single month.

Walton said the entire ordeal took about 4 1/2 minutes, including the evacuation of the students. Thats unheard of, he said.

She was taken to Childrens of Alabama for evaluation.

No one was injured.

Out of an abundance of caution, the school system is working closely with local law enforcement to investigate, according to a statement released by St. Clair County school officials.

There is no threat to students or staff, and school operations will continue as normal.

Students returned to class or were allowed to checkout of school. He said because of the parents trust in police, only several parents immediately showed up at the schoo.

The Springville Police Department, the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office and Springville Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene.

I want everybody to pray for our community, pray for the student, Walton said. Im very proud of my guys. These SROs and officers did not hesitant, did not blink an eye. They went straight in.

We go straight to the threat, he said. No ifs, ands or buts.
The relationship clearly didnt end well between the former lawyer for Birminghams water utility and its new leaders.

Mark Parnell, the longtime lawyer for what was the Birmingham Water Works Board, was fired by new leaders of the agency with a new name Central Alabama Water.

Parnell then slapped back with a lawsuit in September demanding to paid out of his contract, which was worth millions.

Now theres a battle of insults between Parnells lawyer and the water boards newest senior attorney as the case awaits its day in court.

Parnells attorney is demanding a public retraction of what he calls defamatory statements made by board members and language in the resolution to fire the longtime board lawyer. Those statements were made to harm Parnell personally and professionally, his lawyer John Somerville said.

Somerville cited a board resolution to fire Parnell that stated that Parnell breached his fiduciary duty to the Board by allowing the Board to enter into such an agreement without any due diligence or advising the Board to obtain legal counsel on the agreement.

This statement is untrue and it has damaged Mr. Parnells Professional and Individual Reputations, Somerville said in his letter.

Somerville also referenced comments reported by AL.com when board member Jeffrey Brumlow criticized Parnells lucrative contract, which was approved by the previous board on the final day of its existence. The contract was approved before Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation that made the utility a regionally controlled entity and brought in a new board.

Weve got to have good counsel, and weve got to have counsel that everyone trusts, Brumlow told AL.com at the time.

Somerville also cited similar comments made the same day to Birmingham Watch, an independent news website, where he said of Parnells contact: It was a slap in the face to rate payers, to employees, to pensioners and to this new board, and I cant abide by it.

The statements have caused and continue to cause reputational and economic harm to Parnell, Somerville said.

Somervilles letter demanded a public retraction within five days. He threatened further litigation if the demand is not met.

Birmingham Water Works Board member Jeffrey Brumlow, in blue, confers with attorney Jim Porter during a meeting June 2, 2025. Joseph D. Bryant

Failure to make the required retraction within the statutory period will leave Mr. Parnell no alternative but to pursue all available remedies, including an action for defamation seeking actual and, where authorized, punitive damages and other appropriate relief, he wrote.

In response, Jim Porter, the current utilitys senior lawyer, hit back with a terse response that restated some of the earlier criticisms made when the board fired him.

Its regretful that Mark Parnell continues to parade himself and this lawsuit around to the media, Porter said in a statement to AL.com. He clearly wants to try his case in the court of public opinion because he knows it wont hold water in a court of law. If he thinks his publicity stunts will cause Central Alabama Water to run for cover and settle the lawsuit, he is wrong.

Porter said Parnells tactic will backfire and highlight details of his golden parachute contract.

Frankly, we are surprised he continues to bring attention to this issue since it reminds the public of the poor management and self-dealing that plagued the utility for decades while he served as its legal counsel, Porter said.

The five-year agreement made Parnell the utilitys deputy general manager and general counsel, a post that would pay him a base of $660,000 a year plus lucrative benefits.

The total value of the package exceeded $3 million. The outgoing board also attempted to shield Parnell from termination by stipulating that the newly appointed board pay him the full amount of the contract in the event of his firing.

Parnells contract also immediately vested him in the employee pension plan with credit for 18 years of service.

This is the type of behavior that caused customers and legislators to lose faith in the utilitys ability to act in the best interest of the people it serves. Thanks to the leadership of the Alabama Legislature, its a new day for Central Alabama Water, Porter said. The CAW looks forward to its day in court and will vigorously defend itself against these frivolous allegations.

Porters comments were quickly met with a second demand letter for a retraction.

Parnell was fired without even a phone call on the day that he took his wife, who was in the final stages of cancer, to the hospital, Somerville told AL.com. Mark had no opportunity to defend his name then, when the board and board members defamed his reputation by saying he had breached his ethical duties to the board.

Somerville said Porter continues the boards action to defame his client by accusing him of self-dealing.

While Porter and critics of Parnell highlight his high salary, Somerville noted the rising legal bills of the firms who were hired to replace him, including Porters.

But these new lawyers for the Board are like hogs feeding at the trough, Somerville said. In only four months, Porter and his cronies have already billed $640,615.48. At this rate they will bill $2 million for the year.

Board member Sheila Tyson has also criticized the rising legal fees at the utility, calling her colleagues less than honest for claiming to seek to cut costs but at the same time hiring teams of additional costly lawyers.

The utility Monday also approved a new logo and plan to rebrand the agency.
Leaders of Central Alabama Water, formerly the Birmingham Water Works Board, approved a new logo as part of a larger rebranding of the utility. Central Alabama Water

The renaming and rebranding of the former Birmingham Water Works Board took another step Monday with the selection of a new logo that will adorn everything from business cards and social media to office buildings and water towers throughout the Birmingham region.

Board members of Central Alabama Water Monday evening approved a new logo that will replace the old markings of Alabamas largest water utility formerly known as the Birmingham Water Works Board.

I really like it. It makes a strong statement to who we are, board member Phillip Wiedmeyer said Monday evening.

A complete rollout of the new brand is expected to take up to two years, with some items such as social media taking place immediately, said John Matson, the utilitys spokesman.

We are ready to flip the switch on that as soon as there is there is board approval, he said.

The markings represent another major step erasing vestiges of the former Birmingham Water Works after state lawmakers earlier this year seized control of the utility, yanked authority from the city of Birmingham and created a new board dominated by members from suburban areas and surrounding counties.

Birmingham now appoints only two members of the seven-member board.

The new logo features a water drop with the utilitys name to its right. The five segments of the water drop represent the five counties in Central Alabama Waters service area  Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount and Walker counties.

The color is clear blue which conveys calmness, clarity and stability. The clean, modern identity will be versatile across platforms, officials explained.

Alex Perez, a vice president with Direct Communications, a firm contracted by the utility, said the new logo came after more than 120 submissions were reviewed, then narrowed to four.

The basis for every logo design is research, he said.

However, not all board members embraced the new branding. Board member Sheila Tyson, a Jefferson County Commissioner who opposed state changes to the original water board, called the rebranding premature in light of an ongoing federal lawsuit from Mayor Randall Woodfin and the Birmingham City Council that challenges the reconfigured board.

You dont think that we should wait till after the court hearing. Because its a pending lawsuit. So, when we win then what are you going to do? Spend some more money to change it back?

Still, Wiedmeyer said approving the logo and beginning early rebranding was low hanging fruit that would not be as costly as the rest of the project.

The logo and its implementation plan was approved with Tyson voting no and Jarvis Patton, the other Birmingham board member abstaining.

Board chairman Tommy Hudson praised the new logo and said it symbolizes a fresh start.

It reflects our commitment to openness and transparency, Hudson said in a statement. This is one way we can publicly signify the changes that are taking place to make this organization stronger and better able to serve the community.
If Ruth Young-Loaeza has her way, the bed linen her Huntsville-based NEET Sheets company produces will become as much of a household word as Windex or Kleenex.

She took a step in that direction when she took home the $750,000 grand prize in the Meet the Drapers Halobama Pitch Competition in Tuscaloosa.

Im a former housekeeper, Young-Loaeza told AL.com. I never thought I would be doing what Im doing. I never thought I would win. I thought at least more people will know NEET Sheets. I thought Im here to promote NEET Sheets  and hopefully meet someone else who can help bring Neet Sheets to more eyes, ears and more pockets.

She did more than that, according to Jesse Draper, founding partner of Halogen Ventures, which put on the competition in partnership with Innovate Alabama.

She blew people away, Draper said.

The judges were so impressed, they tripled the prize money. Draper said judges are usually divided when scoring during the competition according to the industry they represent. They werent when it came to Young-Loaeza and NEET Sheets.

They were impressed with the research Young-Loaeza showed from Cal State that showed using her linens were more efficient than other products used by the hospitality and health care industries. She produced data showing that housekeepers were injured more changing beds than any other activity.

Ive made beds over 20,000 times, Young-Loaeza said. So, I know exactly how stressful it can be. We can reduce bedmaking time by 47%.

She said bed linens produced by her company can lower compensation claims in the hospitality and healthcare industries.

NEET Sheets is addressing a problem thats costing the hospitality industry over $1.5 billion annually, Young-Loaeza said. No one has ever looked into that. I started doing this because of my personal experience doing this work.

Draper believes NEET Sheets has the potential to model the success of Los Angeles-based FIGS, which produces hospital scrubs.

FIGS basically reinvented scrubs for hospitals and dental workers, Draper said. They made them antibacterial. They fit better. So now everyone wears Figs. The sheets industry hasnt changed in a million years. She has a chance to reinvent the entire category.

Young-Loaeza has 10 patents both in the U.S. and internationally. She intends to use part of the prize money for three more patents, which she said is not an easy process.

Young-Loaeza said part of the money will go toward better marketing material. She intends to attend hospitality and health care industry shows to promote her companys products.

She came to Alabama through the Sweet Home Alabama program, which provided her with housing and a spot in its gBETA Huntsville accelerator, powered by gener8tor, to help grow her business. What started as a temporary stay has now become her home.

I was going to go back to San Diego, but I realized what I really needed was here in Alabama, Young-Loaeza said. Im surrounded by an incredible ecosystem where everything  connections to industry, innovation and legal guidance  is within reach. Because of the advice and support Ive received here in Huntsville, Ive been able to move so much faster.

Young-Loaeza now can pitch live on television in Hollywood on Meet the Drapers in front of Draper and her father, Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, for a chance to win $1 million. A date has not been set, Draper said.

Young-Loaeza is also not the only winner from Huntsville. Doctours, SymbyAI, SetaTech, SkyfireAI and Checkmyspot won the Halogen Ventures and Draper Associates Pitch event at i2c on Sept. 22 in Huntsville with gener8tor and Biotechnical Institute. Draper said $250,000 in prize money was distributed at that event.

Young-Loaeza won the competition on Sept. 23 at The Edge Incubator and Accelerator at The University of Alabama where $1.6 million was invested in five companies.
Less than a year into the second administration of President Donald Trump, Republican candidates for state and national office in 2026 are already sounding a sense of urgency that the clock is running out.

That emerged as a recurrent theme among a group of nine candidates who spoke Monday at a meeting of the Mobile County Republican Executive Committee. The nine represented a wide range of offices: Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch; U.S. Rep. Barry Moore and Ala. Attorney General Steve Marshall, who are running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tommy Tuberville; Jerry Carl, whos running to regain a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives; Ala. Lt. Gov. candidate Nicole Wadsworth; former Alabama Supreme Court justice Jay Mitchell, whos running to follow Marshall as the states attorney general; Ala. Secretary of State hopeful Caroleene Dobson. Two candidates for the position of Alabama agricultural and industries commissioner also were represented, with Christina Woerner McInnis speaking on her own behalf and campaign manager Willie Gray speaking for Ala. Sen. Jack Williams.

Several candidates stressed that when the 2026 elections are settled, Trump will be halfway through his term.

The one thing that I have to do in the United States Senate is to be able to make sure that we get the agenda of Donald Trump across the finish line for his last two years, said Marshall. To be that vote and to be that leader that will make sure and stand tall with him to deliver the mandate that the American people gave to him through this most recent election.

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2026, speaks at a meeting of the Mobile County Republican Executive Committee on Oct. 6, 2025. Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

Moore spent the majority of his time on his record, stressing that he had shown himself to be a bedrock-solid supporter of Trump-backed bills and that could be counted on to keep it up. In 26, yall, when this election happens, were only going to have 24 months of Donald Trump left in the White House, he said.

Carl picked up the thread. As I think Barry mentioned earlier, were going to have two years left with Donald Trump, he said. You better find the most conservative Republican you can get and back in this race, and I think Im the person for that.

Most candidates for state office focused on matters closer to home. But Mitchell said hed been energized by the experience of attending Trumps inauguration.

I came away from that stir and I came home and I told Elizabeth, I said, you know, sweetie, for my whole life, I just turned 49, my whole life as a Christian, as a conservative, weve been on defense, he said. Weve been on defense against our government and these D.C. bureaucrats, against the culture, against the media, against a lot of the junk coming out of colleges and universities. And for the first time in my life, were not on defense. With President Trump winning reelection, the mandate that he is carrying from the American people, we are on offense. And our enemies, culturally, economically, and otherwise, they are fleeing.

And under President Trump, with his leadership, it is now an opportunity to go and get what I call generational conservative victories, Mitchell continued. Not just victories for the next four years or the next eight years, but Lord willing, victories that our kids and our grandkids and our great grandkids will be able to live into.

As examples of issues where such generational victories stood to be won, Mitchell mentioned boys and girls sports, an apparent reference to transgender athletes; the problem of left-wing violence and fighting against DEI mandates that undermine merit and common sense.
At least a couple of Alabama Republican candidates with their eyes on 2026 elections are enthusiastic about the idea of sending federal troops or the National Guard to police Alabama cities.

Monday night, the Mobile County Republican Executive Committee welcomed nine candidates to a meet-and-greet session followed by a meeting in which each was given a few minutes to address the crowd. Most didnt bring up the issue; among those who did not were U.S. Rep. Barry Moore and Ala. Attorney General Steve Marshall, who have their sights set on the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tommy Tuberville.

But Jerry Carl, whos running to regain the U.S. House of Representatives seat he lost to Moore in 2024, took the unusual step of asking the two of them to put in a word.

Can I make a break right here, quick? Carl said in the middle of his remarks. I would like to make a plea to Barry Moore and to Steve Marshall. Please tell the President we will take the National Guard to Montgomery.

If they want to send the troops to Montgomery or Birmingham, we will take them tonight, Carl continued, amid applause. So please send them. Let him know we need them. We need to clean our streets up where theyre safer.

Jay Mitchell, the former Alabama Supreme Court justice whos running for Ala. Attorney General, said the Republican-dominated state government would be justified if it were to flex on Democrat-led cities.

I think many of us are fortunate that we live in safe communities, but there are some real hotspots in Alabama and theyre getting hotter, said Mitchell. Birmingham, Montgomery, Prichard, Selma, Bessemer. I can keep going. Of course, a lot of the crime that happens in these areas inevitably spills over to safer communities. Look what just happened with the vet school doctor in Auburn being murdered by somebody, by a criminal who came down the road from Montgomery.

Auburn University professor emerita Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle was killed in early September while walking her dog in a public park. Harold Rashad Dabney II faces two counts of capital murder in the case, one for murder during a kidnapping and one for murder during a theft.

Police at first said Dabney was from Montgomery, but court records show an Auburn home address for him. Few details of the case against Dabney have been publicly released thus far. A preliminary hearing has been set for Oct. 15.

Weve got to have more engagement from state government in Montgomery and the A.G.s office to make sure that were partnering with great local law enforcement to take bad guys off the streets and keep them put away, Mitchell said. And I pledge to you, as your attorney, as your next attorney general, Im going to give it that level of focus and engagement to make sure that were doing that.  It may require state government flexing on some of these Democrat-led cities. We have some Democrat-led cities that are not getting the job done for their citizens. And its not just impacting their citizens, is impacting all of us because that crime spills over.

Thus far, neither the National Guard nor federal troops have been deployed to any Alabama cities. Following a shootout in downtown Montgomery, Gov. Kay Ivey has asked for state troopers to expand their patrol area beyond the capitol complex and has said all options remain on the table.
In a multibillion-dollar showdown regarding massive coal ash ponds north of Mobile, a lawyer for Alabama Power agreed that the utilitys plan to store coal ash next to the Mobile River is against the current law, but filing a new plan wont fix anything. That surprised one of three judges reviewing the case.

Mobile Baykeeper, a local environmental advocacy group, sued Alabama Power in 2022. It argues the power companys plan to leave 22 million cubic yards of coal ash in an unlined pond and cover it with a turf cap violates federal standards.

The environmental group has consistently maintained the coal ash threatens the health of the local waterways and the only solution is to remove all of the coal ash from the pond, a plan that state officials estimate would cost billions.

During oral arguments before a three-judge panel in Atlanta on Sept. 18, Ed Haden, an attorney for Alabama Power, seemed to agree with an assertion from the judges that the utilitys plan for coal ash at the Barry Electric Generating Plant in the town of Bucks violates federal regulations.

Haden told the court that the utility faces a host of obstacles if it files a new plan, and Mobile Baykeeper still wouldnt be able to get what they want.

Judge Britt Grant asked Haden: So what you are saying is Alabama Powers plan is unlawful, but requiring your client to file a lawful plan will not redress their injury because there are a lot of bureaucratic hurdles between filing that plan and actually getting something done?

Exactly right, replied Haden.

That is surprising to me as a contention, replied the judge.

Alabama Power, in court papers, said the state estimates that digging up and removing the coal ash would add $4 billion to closure costs and take between 20 and 25 years.

Theres no question that Alabama Power is breaking the law by leaving its massive, leaking coal ash lagoon sitting in water in the floodplain of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, where it is leaching out arsenic and other toxic pollutants, Nick Torrey, an attorney from the Southern Environmental Law Center, stated in an email to AL.com.

U.S. District Court Judge Kristi DuBose in the Southern District of Alabama initially dismissed Mobile Baykeepers lawsuit in 2024. But Mobile Baykeeper appealed to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta; arguments were held in September.

Alabama Power has argued in briefs that their plan is legal.

Here is the full exchange between Haden, Grant, and Judge Robin Rosenbaum:

Haden: May it please the court, Ed Haden for Alabama Power. Your Honor, this court can affirm for any reason, including redressibility and rightness. Here, theres a mismatch between the injury they allege, which is not stopping ongoing pollution, and the judicial relief they request, which is, file a plan.

If Judge DuBose ordered us to file a plan today, we go to [the Alabama Department of Environmental Management], which

Rosenbaum: Im sorry to interrupt, but isnt it more than file a plan? Isnt it file a plan that complies with the law?

Haden: Right. The plan has to be compliant. Okay, but before--

Rosenbaum : So its really an assumption that you would be then in compliance with the law when you currently are not?

Haden: No, your Honor. Theres a difference between filing a plan and implementing that plan. Specifically, ADEM Regulation 335-13-5-.025A says that if we want to modify our permit, we have to file an applicationthatd be the planwith ADEM. And the next sentence of that regulation says that before we can actually implement that, it says we have to get approval from the department, quote, prior to implementation of the proposed change. And so theyre two different things.

We can file a plan all day long, but the problem is, ADEM and EPA, we file it, that just starts us down the road of contingencies. Are we going to have another permit program at ADEM? Is EPA going to approve it? Is EPA going to have their own permit program? Is EPA going to have to say under the penalty provision that we have to close in place, we have to have more engineering controls, we have to excavate?

Grant: Youre saying, because at this stage, we assume that their factual allegations are true. So what you are saying is Alabama Powers plan is unlawful, but requiring your client to file a lawful plan will not redress their injury because there are a lot of bureaucratic hurdles between filing that plan and actually getting something done.

Haden: Exactly right.

Grant: That is surprising to me as a contention.

AL.com emailed this exchange and a list of questions to Alabama Power.

Alyson Tucker, media relations manager for Alabama Power, declined to comment, saying: Due to ongoing litigation related to Plant Barry coal ash, we are unable to comment at this time.

Federal laws prohibit coal ash sitting in water, Torrey said, and Alabama Power has admitted to the EPA that its coal ash is in water.

Torrey argued in front of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of Mobile Baykeeper, opposing Haden.

Mobile Baykeeper declined to comment for this story; Haden declined to comment as well.

In April, a study from University of Alabama scientists found that surface water and suspended sediments in the Mobile River adjacent to the coal ash pond were contaminated with levels of arsenic and cadmium that rivaled the levels in Tennessee after the 2008 Kingston coal ash spill, one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.

In 2023, the EPA issued a notice of potential violation to Alabama Power for its coal ash pond at Plant Barry, alleging that the utility potentially failed to meet the criteria for closing the coal ash pond. In addition, the EPA alleged the company did not establish an adequate groundwater monitoring system or an adequate emergency action plan.

Alabama Power settled with the EPA over the latter violations, but the issue of closing the coal ash pond remains outstanding.

Importantly, nowhere in the agreement does the EPA allege or determine that Alabama Powers (coal ash pond) compliance program has affected any source of drinking water, or otherwise endangered human life, animal or aquatic species, or the environment, Alabama Power said at the time of the settlement.

The utility said at the time that testing showed no impact to the Mobile River.

Haden argued to the court that Mobile Baykeepers complaints could be resolved through the ongoing negotiations with the EPA over the coal ash pond. Torrey told judges during oral arguments that nothing has happened and the two sides have not come to an agreement.

We are the only ones actually enforcing the law, Torrey told the judges. Were the ones who have filed the enforcement action, per the scheme that Congress set out.

ADEM approved the utilitys plan to cap the coal ash in place at Plant Barry in 2021.

The permit issued by ADEM in 2021 met the requirements under the [coal ash] program, said Lynn Battle, a spokesperson for the department. ADEM based its rules and regulations for our program, adopted in 2018, on EPA rules in effect at the time.

But the states coal ash regulation plan was rejected by the EPA. The federal agency said in 2024 that the states policy was significantly less protective of people and waterways than federal law requires.

The key issue? Alabamas policy would have permitted coal ash to remain in unlined ponds, like those at Plant Barry. The EPA said that is not allowed if the ash can come into contact with groundwater.

EPA did not issue its denial of the states [coal ash] program until 2024, years after the permit [for Plant Barry] was issued, Battle said. ADEM disagrees with EPAs denial of the states [coal ash] program and is currently evaluating all options necessary to have our state [coal ash] program approved by EPA.

Haden argued to the judges that all of this regulatory back-and-forth is exactly why Mobile Baykeeper cant get any relief and stop pollution from the coal ash pond. Theres a lot of steps between filing a coal ash plan and implementing that plan, he said.

An injunction to stop implementing your current plan. Well, that means we cant put the cover on it, Haden told the court. So its going to continue to rain. Coal ash sits there, continues to pollute. That doesnt stop pollution either.

The case remains pending before the 11th Circuit. If the judges rule in favor of Mobile Baykeeper, it will be sent back to the lower court for a rehearing.

Alabama Power has until 2031 to close the coal ash pond under their current permit. In the meantime, coal is still burned for energy at Plant Barry.
This is an opinion column.

As Montgomery continues to process this weekends gun violence tragedy and many offer their thoughts and prayers, as a state lawmaker, I want to contribute to the conversation of constructive ideas and share with my constituents how I plan to address the problem in collaboration with others.

I want to begin by sharing that I had the privilege of meeting one of the victims, 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris, while visiting his school last year. My prayers go out to all who knew and loved him, as well as those of the other victim, Shalanda Williams and all who are injured and impacted.

The problem of gun violence is multifaceted and deep-seated and demands a range of thoughtful approaches and solutions.

Each year that I have been in the legislature, I have successfully secured funding for a conflict resolution program that we started in Montgomery Public Schools. I will once again prioritize this program. I am grateful that we have piloted it in a few schools  primarily Percy Julian  to teach our students how to deescalate and mediate disagreements.

This will not stop all gun violence in Montgomery, but it can help reduce some of these heartbreaking situations, while improving educational outcomes for some of our most vulnerable children. Therefore, we must try to expand this to even more schools.

But more is required.

I will always stand up and speak out for what is right, while also continuing to find common ground between Democrats and Republicans alike to address this issue  just as I did last year to lead the effort to enact a machine gun conversion device ban. This new law has already resulted in hundreds of switches being confiscated throughout the state.

At the legislature  in collaboration with local government  we must invest more in our young people and neighborhoods, support violence disruption/intervention initiatives, enact reasonable gun safety measures and permit requirements, support adequate funding and staffing of law enforcement agencies, pass smart bail/bond laws that help reduce crime, expand access to mental health services, and more. These measures will empower residents with the discipline, hope and opportunities to choose non-violence, while enhancing public safety.

Moreover, the state should support  not impede  Montgomerys local efforts to make our streets safer. For example, local law enforcement staunchly supported a city ordinance requiring anyone carrying a firearm to show identification when asked by police. The state should support these kinds of efforts.

As I have said many times, it will take all of us  starting at home with individuals and parents to community nonprofits to businesses to law enforcement and government  all doing our part to guide our children, and all people, away from gun violence and create safer communities for all.

Together, let us all in Montgomery and Alabama continue to do the hard but necessary work to save lives.

Rep. Phillip Ensler of Montgomery represents House District 74 in the Alabama House of Representatives.
This is an opinion cartoon and column. Got JD Crowes newsletter, Crowe Jam? Sign up here for free.

In response to the Saturday night shootout in downtown Montgomery, Gov. Kay Ivey vows, ALL options remain on the table. Maybe she means it this time. Dont hold your breath.

When it comes to gun violence and crime in Alabama red state politics, all options on the table always means everything but guns.

All youll find left on the Alabama table are thoughts, prayers and fearmongering politics.

We can always count on Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is now running for governor, and Attorney General Steve Marshall, who is now running for U.S. Senate, to jump on the table and spew tough-sounding phony solutions.

Were up to our ears in firearms and up to our fears in gun violence.

To paraphrase a line from Alabama Political Reporter Josh Moon: Gun companies and politicians use fear to sell the weapons that are creating havoc on our downtown streets.

Here are a few excerpts from Moons opinion piece:

Ill never forget going to report on a murder that happened in a Montgomery housing project one day. A lady there, in an effort to demonstrate the prevalence of guns in her neighborhood, took some money from meI think it was $20and walked down the street. She returned a short time later with a guna .38-caliber revolverand handed it to me.

I handed it to a nearby cop and told him the story. He said, She probably got change back.

You want to know why there was a shooting in downtown Montgomery on Saturday night?

Its because for a few generations now, weve pretended that there would be no consequences for disregarding, shoving aside, forgetting about and ignoring a whole bunch of kids. We failed themthats right, WEin every way possible. Their parents failed them. Society failed them. The schools failed them. The safety net failed them. Elected officials failed them. Friends and neighbors failed them.

In place of algebra and chemistry, they learned violence and anger. They learned how to do whatever it took to make money, earn street respect and stay alive. And we made accessing the tools to live that sort of life incredibly easy to get.

Read all of Josh Moons column here.

JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group andAL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter@Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @jdcrowe@al.com.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before signing an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP

President Donald Trumps approval rating has matched the low water mark of his second term, according to a new poll.

Meanwhile, the White House is touting a competing poll that shows Trumps policies are popular.

Just 39% of U.S. adults approve of Trumps job performance, according to the new Economist/YouGov poll released Tuesday. Another 56% disapprove of how Trump is handling his job.

Trumps approval rating is 1 percentage point lower than last week, when that figure stood at 40%.

The 39% approval rating matches Trumps all-time low of his second term.

He last hit 39% approval in the Economist/YouGov poll in mid-September.

While Trump has hit the lowest popularity of his second term in that poll, another survey released Monday shows a majority of Americans agree with nearly all of Trumps top priorities.

The Harvard CAPS / Harris poll, a monthly collaboration between the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard (CAPS) and the Harris Poll and HarrisX, found most Americans support 18 of 20 Trump policies.

The White Houses rapid response account on X championed the poll on social media:

POLL: A majority of Americans support nearly every one of President Trump's policies. pic.twitter.com/S1ziEUWwyq  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 7, 2025

The presidents highest marks were lowering prescription drug prices (86%), deporting illegal immigrants who have committed crimes (78%) and eliminating waste in government expenditures (75%).

Adding work requirements to Medicaid programs (42%), tariffs (49%), and deploying the National Guard in cities (51%) were the least popular.

More than 70% of voters support the U.S. destroying boats bringing drugs from South America into the country, the poll found.

The survey also showed that a majority of respondents -- 52% -- said Trump is doing a better job as president than Joe Biden did.
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

President Donald Trump on Tuesday compared the Democratic Party to an African country.

The comments came as he said he asked a world leader to take Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, an immigrant from Somalia who is often the target of criticism from Republicans, back.

I just dont know if [Senate Minority Leader Chuck] Schumer has any power anymore, Trump told reporters Tuesday while meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. I dont know who to speak to.

Ill tell you what, Trump continued. Im getting calls from Democrats wanting to meet. I never even heard their names before and theyre claiming to be leaders.

Thats when Trump likened the party to Omars native country.

The Democrats have no leader. They remind me of Somalia, OK?

Trump then went on to attack Omar.

Referencing his dinner late last month with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Trump said he told Mohamud, You have somebody from Somalia whos telling us how to run our country, shes from Somalia.

Trump claimed he asked Mohamud to take her back.

He said, No, I dont want her, Trump said.
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) questions witnesses during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing in Washington, DC on September 17, 2025. (Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu via Getty Images

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville was revealed Monday to have been one of seven Republican senators whose phone records were analyzed by the FBI in 2023.

That came, according to the Associated Press, as part of an investigation into efforts by President Donald Trump to overturn the results of the 2020 election, according to information released Monday by GOP senators.

I would have always thought it would have been North Korea or China or Russia, not our own government and Joe Biden was tapping the phones through the FBI of senators in this country, Tuberville told Steve Bannon on his WarRoom podcast.

Thats a damn shame.

Tuberville told Fox Business that FBI deputy director Dan Bongino briefed the senators.

This is all about Donald Trump, Tuberville said. Im an ally of Donald Trump, I love this country, the Democratic Party, the Biden administration, tried to destroy this county.

The records enabled investigators to see basic information about the date and time of the calls but not the content of the communications, the senators said.

The data encompassed several days during the week of Jan. 6, 2021, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to halt the certification of the election results.

The disclosure adds new detail to the since-shuttered investigation by the FBI and former special counsel Jack Smith into the steps Trump and allies took in the run-up to the Capitol riot to undo his election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump was indicted in August 2023 on charges of conspiring to overturn the results, but the case was abandoned after Trumps win the following year in light of a Justice Department legal opinion that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.

That document was dated Sept. 27, 2023, and lists the following Republican lawmakers as people whose records were apparently scrutinized: Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Tuberville, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Rep. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania.

Tuberville said senators were told our phone numbers were breached but we do not know if any content was added in there.

I have nothing to hide, but Jack Smith he has a lot to hide. Hes trying to save his soul himself because he is deep into this and he was trying to find someway to get out of it once he started going after President Trump.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.